Geezer Ride(ing)

[silverD]

Well the nurse said my friends came by when I was having my nap and they said that there was really good riding “down south” so she drew a map on my hand and packed me up and sent me on my way…
http://www.logontothis.com/dond/sitestuff/sa3.jpg

But the map washed off in the rain…. Lots of rain

http://www.logontothis.com/dond/sitestuff/sa2.jpg

And the roads were funny, all twisted
http://www.logontothis.com/dond/sitestuff/sa5.jpg

and going round and round on themselves.


http://www.logontothis.com/dond/sitestuff/sa4.jpg

Some people said that this is where Helen keeps her mountain, but I think they were fooling me, I didn’t see any mountain, and mountains are big so I think if it was there I’d have seen it… silly buggers. That’s to bad cause I hear that she’s a real Saint..

http://www.logontothis.com/dond/sitestuff/sa1.jpg

And now I’m in some place called or*ee*gon……

Hmmm …. I hope she comes and finds me soon, it’s nearly time for my meds….
And I like my meds!

[Chumly]

Shine on you crazy silverD!

[BLADERUNNER 954]

such an inspiration, and such a manly bike.:bowdown

[mooove_over]

I wanna see that Helen thing too....im a junior geezer....i should qualify no?

i also like meds :D

[heisenberg9]

I hope you have GPS on your bike so we can find you!

[greenboy]

Don, you told the nurses you stepped out to get a litre of milk ... and now this ??? :confused

Hurry back, your best buddy Hal and his friends all miss ya badly!

[SkipTkt]

Or try some of this. Guranteed to make you not care... ;)

[mooove_over]

:p
Or try some of this. Guranteed to make you not care... ;)


some of us have that in us naturally

[Hu99]

Don! You silver-haired old SOB! Nice ride, man. We gotta get together again so I can watch you old ass going over the side of the road (reference to Neah Bay) Post up your next ride and I'm there!

[silverD]

Don! You silver-haired old SOB! Nice ride, man. We gotta get together again so I can watch you old ass going over the side of the road (reference to Neah Bay) Post up your next ride and I'm there!

Lloyd, dude, where the hell ya bin... what are ya riding ..
I've still got a sore arm from that little adventure!
sucks to get old..

[silverD]

In my geezerdom I seem to have lost the ability to ftp from here to there to link to pics but you’ll get the idea they are more or less in order…

Well my nurse must have seen my post as she emailed me and told me were I could get more meds … woot woot…

She also said I should go east then south to miss the rain, so I did, but the roads sure are straight here.

I went up a really big hill and I could almost touch the clouds.

They’ve got everything you could want to buy here, guns and booze, what more could you want.

For a while I thought I must have somehow gotten that young whippersnapper Greenboy’s compass as it looked like I was going north.

But eventually I found some nice twisty roads and meandering streams.

For tomorrow the nurse has told me about a “special place” so it’s off to Happy Camp and for me…

I tell ya there sure a lot of nice police mens here in or*ee*gon, and the speed limit is really low to...

did I mention that there is a real lot of police mens here...

none of them have wanted to talk to me though, but there sure are a lot of them..

[heisenberg9]

Don have you gone exploring up to the areas where the roads are blown out around Ranier and the blockages around Helens. Anything to report?

[silverD]

Or try some of this. Guranteed to make you not care... ;)

Do you take paypal?

[silverD]

Don have you gone exploring up to the areas where the roads are blown out around Ranier and the blockages around Helens. Anything to report?

Nada to report..

I'm familiar with the area east of Ranier that's washed out and ... it's washed out and you can't go south from 410 and Chinook pass, on 123. no need to explore,,,

Not sure about any blockages around St. Helens, the road to Windy Ridge was closed, but I figured it was just too early in the year, and I was too bloody wet to care ,,, LOL

[Thumper 8]

For a while I thought I must have somehow gotten that young whippersnapper Greenboy’s compass as it looked like I was going north.



Don, I have another compass if you need it - they are really reliable :angel

I thought Windy Ridge usually opened by June 1st each year - evidently not. It better be open by mid-August!

Have fun and ride safe.

[J_Scott]

Cool Don, Are you back in town already? We should get the boys together to actually move on some of these "planned" rides we have. lol

[silverD]

Cool Don, Are you back in town already?

Nope, I'm currently in Med*ferd, or*ee*gon, more adventures to come...

[J_Scott]

Awesome.. Keep us posted!

Are you sure you'll find your way back? I hear all dem roads can get mighty confusing to an old feller. :)

[silverD]

I thought Windy Ridge usually opened by June 1st each year - evidently not.

I think you're right, why it's closed now I don't know, maybe what Heisenberg was refering to...

[silverD]

Are you sure you'll find your way back? I hear all dem roads can get mighty confusing to an old feller. :)

I'm leaving a trail of bread crumbs.

[J_Scott]

I'm leaving a trail of bread crumbs.

I hope you didn't put butter on those bread crumbs... there's an awful lot of hungry people in Oregon! ;)

[dog44]

Another youth-deprived directionally-challenged couch-jockey wanders off without supervision.



Cool!
:cool

[Hu99]

Lloyd, dude, where the hell ya bin...
It's a long story with a happy ending.

what are ya riding ..
BMW K1200R.

sucks to get old..
I concur wholeheartedly.....or as the kids say: "Werd!"

[CrashTested]

Geezer Ride(ing), is this anything like 'dead man walking? :laughing Seriously though you've taken some great photos!

[TeeTee]

MY GAWD! WOULD YOU LOOK AT THE SIZE OF THE RATS THEY HAVE DOWN DERE! ! ! ! It's bigger than that whole buildin'! ! ! !

Medford, eh? You lookin' in on the Spruce Goose museum? It's on my list of must do's for this summer.

[greenboy]

Keeewwwlll!!! They sell both guns and liquor, what a great combo! :laughing

[greenboy]

Another youth-deprived directionally-challenged couch-jockey wanders off without supervision.

Cool!
:cool


UP YERS, DOGFACE!!!! :flip :2guns

P.S., give us another Tart du Jour, s'il vous plait.

[silverD]

Well after riding these roads, I'm totally spoiled and don't think I can ride in BC anymore....

Hwys, 96, 299, 3, 36 and an unnamed one that goes from O'Brien in OR to Happy Camp in CA... Absolutely fantastic!!!!!!

Far too much fun to stop and take pics, but I did take a few that I'll try and put up later, right now I'm totally exhausted and in need of food.....

If you've ever thought of going anywhere on your bike, this is the place to go!

Currently in Eureka for now.

See that picture in my avatar, that's on the way to Neah Bay, these are like that pic, but go for 100's of miles.......

Not a straight section that's more'n a few hundred feet for the most part...

[heisenberg9]

I think you're right, why it's closed now I don't know, maybe what Heisenberg was refering to...

About a month ago the Forest Service was saying 3 weeks into June it might be open. Being optimistic I was hoping Windy Ridge would be cleared of the wind blast effects and the washouts. I don't have the links handy but the photos of the roads up that way were pretty telling of the damage.

[heisenberg9]

UP YERS, DOGFACE!!!! :flip :2guns

P.S., give us another Tart du Jour, s'il vous plait.

Yeah c'mon Dog lets have it. How much you need in order to retire over there?! Inquiring minds want to know.

[scooter]

Ya old bastard Don

I have that Happy Camp on my list of must do.

Just came back from Eastern Oregon and the weather was shite at times down there too.

[silverD]

Ya old bastard Don

I have that Happy Camp on my list of must do.

Just came back from Eastern Oregon and the weather was shite at times down there too.

Yup, hwy 96 and Happy Camp, you must do, and do again...

[silverD]

On the road 'tween O’Brien and Happy Camp

http://www.logontothis.com/dond/sitestuff/mo1.jpg

See the road down there
http://www.logontothis.com/dond/sitestuff/mo3.jpg

Almost on top of the world
http://www.logontothis.com/dond/sitestuff/mo2.jpg
http://www.logontothis.com/dond/sitestuff/mo4.jpg

The rest of these are either 96, 299 or 36, I lost track..

See the nice twisty bits

http://www.logontothis.com/dond/sitestuff/mo55.jpg
http://www.logontothis.com/dond/sitestuff/mo6.jpg
http://www.logontothis.com/dond/sitestuff/mo7.jpg

Nice water and more twisty

http://www.logontothis.com/dond/sitestuff/mo8.jpg
http://www.logontothis.com/dond/sitestuff/mo9.jpg

See the rest of the road through the bushes

http://www.logontothis.com/dond/sitestuff/mo10.jpg

[silverD]

Only ten images alowed eh..



This one’ll get ya if you’re not paying attention

http://www.logontothis.com/dond/sitestuff/mo11.jpg

Now tomorrow I get to decide what to do again and what new to throw in…

[CrashTested]

Only ten images alowed eh..



This one’ll get ya if you’re not paying attention

http://www.logontothis.com/dond/sitestuff/mo11.jpg

Now tomorrow I get to decide what to do again and what new to throw in…

At least they give you fair warning with proper signage. I know more then a few corners in BC that should be reposted with signs similar. Looks like a blast!!!

[scooter]

There's so much good stuff to ride and see with a little effort and a week off.

I like taking in the geology of the area. Although, sometimes its covered up by a beautiful forest, lake or ocean you hope.

If I'm down that way I would like to take in the Oregon Caves. Just past O'Brien on 46.

Don there's a biker freindly camp site in O'Brien did you happen to see it.
Or maybe the v-strom would not fit in with Harley freeks. At least its a twin.

Maybe next year, I would like to do the back roads between the 101 and the I-5. Try to go north to south on east to west roads.


Good stuff Don ! :lolup

[mooove_over]

those roads look mighty tasty....drooooooool!

[silverD]

A few random shots from today….

Along Hwy 299 and the Trinity River

http://www.logontothis.com/dond/sitestuff/tu1.jpg
http://www.logontothis.com/dond/sitestuff/tu2.jpg
http://www.logontothis.com/dond/sitestuff/tu3.jpg

Wildlife and old homestead around Cecilville
http://www.logontothis.com/dond/sitestuff/tu4.jpg
http://www.logontothis.com/dond/sitestuff/tu5.jpg

High in the mountains again
http://www.logontothis.com/dond/sitestuff/tu6.jpg

Imagine my surprise seeing these around the corner… Much rather meet a nice small deer…
http://www.logontothis.com/dond/sitestuff/tu7.jpg

Along the Salmon River
http://www.logontothis.com/dond/sitestuff/tu8.jpg

This picture doesn’t show it too well, but the road went from a real nice smooth 55 mph to this goat trail in 10 feet, still along the Salmon River
http://www.logontothis.com/dond/sitestuff/tu9.jpg

Further along the goat trail, that went for about 30 miles along the Salmon River, I’m sure these post are meant to have a sign that says “Turn around while you still can fool!”
http://www.logontothis.com/dond/sitestuff/tu10.jpg

[silverD]

After new tires

http://www.bcsportbikes.com/forum/showthread.php?t=87968

today’s adventures took me to Mt. Lassen.

http://www.logontothis.com/dond/sitestuff/we4.jpg

The view from the top, 8,900 feet up.

http://www.logontothis.com/dond/sitestuff/we1.jpg

http://www.logontothis.com/dond/sitestuff/we2.jpg

http://www.logontothis.com/dond/sitestuff/we3.jpg

The Sulfur vents

http://www.logontothis.com/dond/sitestuff/we5.jpg

http://www.logontothis.com/dond/sitestuff/we6.jpg

And their story

http://www.logontothis.com/dond/sitestuff/we7.jpg

And these signs are everywhere down here…

http://www.logontothis.com/dond/sitestuff/we8.jpg

[mooove_over]

fantastic....

[greenboy]

Great pics Don, you're probably enjoying warm temperatures down there too I bet.

The sulphur vents, they look like huge steaming piles of ... :D

[silverD]

Great pics Don, you're probably enjoying warm temperatures down there too I bet.

The sulphur vents, they look like huge steaming piles of ... :D

Hot, do can say that again, it was 105F in Redding yesterday at 10 in the morning...

first pic shows the dryness of the interior valley...

If you look closely at the second pic, you can see about 6 corners.

And after basically 5 days, of at least 8 hrs per, of the third pic, I'm thrashed.... and heading up I-5 for home tomorrow!

[J_Scott]

when are you back Don? I'd love to pick your brain for my ride down south! ....



...


That is... if you REMEMBER anything, you old fart! ;)

[silverD]

when are you back Don? I'd love to pick your brain for my ride down south! ....



...


That is... if you REMEMBER anything, you old fart! ;)

Hardy Har har, you young whippersnapper.....

I'm aiming to get home tonight if I can find my way but I ran out of bread crumbs a while ago ... Hmmm...

And yeah, now that I know the lay of the land better I can be a fountain of info for those that are my friends and bring me presents..... :D

I'm actually surprised with myself, it's been at least 25 years (marriage and kids'll do that to you) since I've done any type of long distance touring and I'm not in any pain and except for the heat and starting to lose concentration on them twisty roads I'd be good for another week, and work calls...

But of the three main roads I've been on, each has it's distinctive character, hwy 96 is my fave. Imagine over 100 miles of the best parts of the Hope - Princeton, North Cascades, and Princeton to Spences Bridge all combined with no traffic!!

Anyway the sun's over the yardarm, time to boogy.

Oh and did I mention that I'm even more convinced than ever now that the VStrom is the ideal motorycycle!!

[greenboy]

So Don, this is basically a one week trip then? Let us know how many km's you logged when you get back into town. I'd like to know your route taken if that's OK.

My own recent trip, life-time event as it was, was mostly straights and long sweepers when actually on pavement.

To get sick of the twisties, and to actually want to ride the I-5 instead, has got to be true Riding Nirvana. The "Next 140 Miles" signpost says it all. I might try to sneak away for a week later this season, so I'd like to know if you don't mind sharing.

Also would be interested in knowing about accommodations along the way.

Get home safe, Geezer.

[silverD]

So Don, this is basically a one week trip then? Let us know how many km's you logged when you get back into town. I'd like to know your route taken if that's OK.

My own recent trip, life-time event as it was, was mostly straights and long sweepers when actually on pavement.

To get sick of the twisties, and to actually want to ride the I-5 instead, has got to be true Riding Nirvana. The "Next 140 Miles" signpost says it all. I might try to sneak away for a week later this season, so I'd like to know if you don't mind sharing.

Also would be interested in knowing about accommodations along the way.

Get home safe, Geezer.

Back now...

I didn't really have a route per sey, as I rode many roads 2 and 3 times.

My plan was to get to Nor Cal and ride 299, 96, 36, and 3, for 4 or 5 days.... Mission accomplished...

Although I did make a detour to Mt Lassen.

I also rode many of the unnumbered/unnamed backroads through places like O'Brien, Cecilville, Carrville, Forks of Salmon, Wildwood, Callahan and Manton.... Fabulous pass, 5400 ft. from Carrville to Callahan, just a gas if you like tight mountain pass roads. Not very wide, not very fast, but a ton of fun.

Next time I'd not bother about trying to make a nice route down there, as nothing compares, in my mind to that area. I'd just go down I-5 to Medford or somewhere in a day, then further south for 1/2 an hour and hang a right onto Hwy 96, and within 10 minutes you're in motorcycle nirvana....

So doing that you could do in a week easy, a day there, a day back, and 5 days back and forth on the good stuff. That's more or less what I did, but I took two days to get there with the ill fated attempt at Mt St. Helens in the monsoon.. about 4,500 kms in total

And I guess the funny thing about it, there is probably hundreds if not thousands of miles of other roads as well. These, I and others gleaned from Pashnit.com, have a look through there, it's astounding. EDIT: Seems Pashnit now charges for access, bummer.

We'll let J_Scott organize a meeting somewhere and you guys can pick what's left of my brain...

[dog44]

ride 299, 96, 36, and 3, for 4 or 5 days...................

[mark]

Nice Don, very nice. I can't wait to start my trip, going to South Dakota with a bunch of guys in 2 weeks time, my brother is coming over from the UK to do the trip with us.....its gonna be sweet.

[silverD]

Nice Don, very nice. I can't wait to start my trip, going to South Dakota with a bunch of guys in 2 weeks time, my brother is coming over from the UK to do the trip with us.....its gonna be sweet.

Wow Mark, should be nice, I hear The Dakota's got some great roads...

[RiceRocket]

We'll let J_Scott organize a meeting somewhere and you guys can pick what's left of my brain...

Don, glad you're back safe and thanks for sharing.

I say we get both Don and Steve together and share the extreme opposites (cold and straight) and (hot and twisty). I'd like to pick their brain also.

[mark]

Wow Mark, should be nice, I hear The Dakota's got some great roads...


Just hope my old arse can handle that much saddle time on the 10....:p

[greenboy]

I say we get both Don and Steve together and share the extreme opposites (cold and straight) and (hot and twisty). I'd like to pick their brain also.


Fark, you make my trip sound so un-sexy compared to SilverD's!!!:( Have to admit though not totally inaccurate.

[RiceRocket]

Fark, you make my trip sound so un-sexy compared to SilverD's!!!:( Have to admit though not totally inaccurate.

Sorry, I forgot smooth pavement vs. arctic tundra. :angel

Didn't mean it that way. I think they both have their merits and both I'd like to do eventually. Perhaps not in the near future with a young kid but hopefully before the Arctic melts.

[avsagain]

don this looks like a must do trip. how's mid july for you?

[silverD]

don this looks like a must do trip. how's mid july for you?

Err, you're not trying to confuse an old man are you?

Every picture I took is here, just a dump from my camera, some repeats.

http://www.logontothis.com/dond/norcal/

[scooter]

Well, my 3 week ride had fallen through.

Don, I'm going to go through 96 up to Happy Camp on to Meford. Then on to the west side of Crater Lake. Cut up through Steamboat to Oakridge and do the Cascades.

[Mutate Now!]

I can't believe I missed this thread first time round... I knew I still log onto this site for a good reason! Thanks for sharing, Don!