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View Full Version : Cornerworking at the MotoGP and the road trip home



elevation
07-31-2007, 08:55 AM
My trip started out with a evening flight to San Francisco. The flight was late and the traffic was crazy trying to get in and out of San Francisco. My bike was in Antioch, ca at a friends place. It was sitting there froma previous TD trip two months ago. The battery was dead and it would not hold a charge.
My buddy gave me a ride to the bike shop where I was able to get a new battery. Back at his home, we were able to get the bike going and I was on my way. On my way to the MotoGP! By the evening I registered for cornerworking at the MotoGP and had my tent set up. The three days were filled with early morning meetings, working turn 10 of the race track, exploring everywhere I could possibly go on the race track, and meeting some very interesting people. With my cornerworking gear and pass I could go ANYWHERE. I will let the pictures do the talking for this. If I can do this next year I will be 100% in, it was amazing!!!

On my second part of my trip I worked my way north with Adam and met up with the JV ride heading back home. I spent the first day navigating up the california interstates. At Windsor we stopped for lunch and I split off to ride on my own. I was sure glad to take this detour. I was treated with the most twisty and techincal roads I have ever been on. I have a link to the route I took through google maps. Zoom in on the road between Fort Bragg, ca and Leggit, ca. Why they would even build a road here is beyond me but I am glad they did!!! Ear to ear smiles the whole 30 miles and I was EXHAUSTED after it.

http://maps.google.ca/maps?f=d&hl=en&geocode=&saddr=Watsonville,+CA,+USA&daddr=windsor,+ca+to:+fort+bragg,+ca+to:+fortuna,+ ca&sll=39.783213,-123.167725&sspn=2.127517,4.44397&ie=UTF8&ll=38.814031,-122.991943&spn=4.31407,8.887939&z=7&om=1

The next day I recruited Trish to explore highways 36 and 299. This was by far the best day of riding I have ever done. The day started out on technical and twisty roads (20mph average). It then turned into faster, mountain roads. Near the end of highway 36 it was stomach churning and suspension ride. On of the curves ended with a small, steep hill that made my rear tire want to let go. We stopped for a quick break in Cottonwood, ca for gas and food. Then it was through Redding, ca and back onto the 299. This highways started out with perfectly cambered, twisty, mountain roads. At the top of the this road we were greeted by a unresponsive member of the California Highway Patrol (CHP). Things might have been difference if we were in a car! We carried on in the 45 degree heat and decided enough was enough! We found a small creek to cool off in. The rest of the 299 was just as enjoyable as the 36 (maybe a bit more enjoyable). Feeling quite fatigued from these highways we had a long haul up the 101. We stopped several times at the breathtaking views of the Oregon Coast and a sunset. By 1000pm (and 800kms) we arrived at our destination physically, mentally, and emotionally exhausted. What a great day!

http://maps.google.ca/maps?f=d&hl=en&geocode=&saddr=Fortuna,+CA,+USA&daddr=Bowman+Rd%2FCR-A5+%4040.330150,+-122.408040+to:redding,+ca+to:Trinidad,+ca+to:bando n,+or&sll=41.288126,-123.612671&sspn=1.040144,2.221985&ie=UTF8&ll=41.656497,-123.310547&spn=4.136825,8.887939&z=7&om=1

The third part of my trip was spent with my girlfriend. We put the bike in the back of her truck and explored the Oregon Coast. It was her first time seeing the coast and I made sure she saw all the great areas. We went for Dune Buggy ride through the sand dunes piloted by Bob. Bob compared the angle of the sand dunes to a Nascar track and you could tell sand flowed through his veins! Further north we stopped at the Sea Lion Caves, Pacific City (two hour hike through breathtaking coastal scenery), tilamook cheese factory, and Cannon Beach. The last part of the trip we visited Mt. St. Helens for some more roads built for motorcycling!!! Before we hit the border for home we stopped for some outlet mall shopping. The high canadian dollar sure makes things cheaper!

Mt St Helens Riding Map
http://maps.google.ca/maps?f=d&hl=en&geocode=&saddr=NF-51,+Stevenson,+WA+98648,+USA&daddr=NF-99+%4046.250170,+-122.135970+to:+randle,+wa&sll=46.403776,-122.01004&sspn=0.477279,1.110992&ie=UTF8&z=9&om=1

After all of this I am tired and relaxed all at the same time. Next year I am 100% in! Who's with me?

http://www.bcsportbikes.com/photopost/data/500/12568DSC00646.JPG

elevation
07-31-2007, 08:56 AM
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07-31-2007, 08:57 AM
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07-31-2007, 08:59 AM
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Tengu
07-31-2007, 09:00 AM
Awesome photo's Lee, keep em coming as i'm sure you have thousands....

elevation
07-31-2007, 09:00 AM
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07-31-2007, 09:04 AM
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07-31-2007, 09:05 AM
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07-31-2007, 09:13 AM
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07-31-2007, 09:15 AM
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07-31-2007, 09:20 AM
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spinnin
07-31-2007, 09:24 AM
Wow sounds like an epic trip.

scooter
07-31-2007, 09:44 AM
Lee

Good to see other people camp. There's some beautiful areas to swim in the rivers.

I may make it a three week trip next year. Do the route you took on another trip through Idaho, Montana, Wyomming, Utah, Arizona, Cali. Leave 2 weeks before the GP.

Any good roads to suggest. I'm talking the ones not normally travelled.

scoot

spinnin
07-31-2007, 09:58 AM
Is that big rock formation Cannon Beach in OR?

J_Scott
07-31-2007, 10:01 AM
I'm with you on the Hunter-Leggit road. Why the fuck it's there,I don't know...

But my God... was it fun. I'm glad you had a good ride out there Lee, too bad we didn't meet up. I had a local rider show me the roads and we hit some really fun roads.

KDawg
07-31-2007, 10:01 AM
you know, with that whole row of repsols... i'm sure they wouldn't notice if one went missing mysteriously...

tazmania
07-31-2007, 10:31 AM
This was one of my favourite moments of the whole weekend :D

elevation
07-31-2007, 10:59 AM
Haha! I completely forgot about the photoguy! MEATBALL FLAG FOR YOU.

Scott, I heard you were roaming around California. I am with you on the california roads anonymous... It is just downright unfair how many great roads they have. A huge bonus is the "don't care attitude" of the CHP. There were a few times where I deserved the ticket but they just didn't care.

spinnin, if you are talking about the single large monolith rock pic. That is the haystack from Cannon Beach. Way to many tourists there. Pacific City is much better. that is where the panaramic picture took came from.

Scooter, I think I will keep the motogp trip about the same amount of time. I like to camp there so bringing all the camping gear on the bike is cumbersome. I planning to do another big trip in May next year. I am sure 2008 will be another big year for riding for me.

Tattoodles
07-31-2007, 02:36 PM
Great photos, Lee. Good riding with you through the furnace they call the 101 from San Fran to Aldergrove (CAL). My all time hottest riding day @ 45 degrees.

KaiBosh
07-31-2007, 06:03 PM
Geez. Too awesome dude.

BlueFever1000
07-31-2007, 06:40 PM
Lee, our ride on Highway 36 and 299 was incredible. It was a long day but well worth the time in the saddle, we ate lunch, met some BC Repsol brothers, lied in the creek and watched the most romantic sunset, lol. To make our end of day more exciting was the addition of darkness, fuel lights and trying to find a well hidden Best Western Seaside, lol. Best ride of the season thus far.

I'll ride with you anytime!!!:rockon

heisenberg9
07-31-2007, 07:50 PM
Looks like you guys had an absolute blast!

Tinman
08-01-2007, 09:07 AM
You finally finished the ride you started in May, welcome home.
I'll look forward to seeing the rest of your pictures. Next year I'll join you for the GP trip.