[Son of Thunder]

I finally did it. Spent Monday on my '03 1800ABS IB Wing! I rode from Vegas up 95 to Beatty where I topped off the tank. Took a side trip to Scotty's Castle, then went back to 95, up to hwy. 266, then I took it across up to Lida Pass, where the temperature was down in the low 30's.

Stayed on that road, until it joined CA hwy 166, then went up and over the next pass, to an altitude of over 8,000 ft. Had to stop and take a few pictures there, because I had a great view of the snow covered mountains on the west side of the valley, with the sun descending behind them. This pass also had the greatest twisties, mile after mile, and I had an absolute blast.

Stopped in Big Pine for a burger and a cup of coffee, and called the wife to let her know I was okay. Then turned around, refueled, and hit the road for home. The return trip was darker and colder, but my new First Gear riding suit kept me warm. The CD changer kept me entertained, since I had it loaded with 80 minute CD-R's. Tried to engage a trucker or two in some chit-chat on the way, but without success.

Perhaps I was a bit foolhardy taking a trip like this on my own, but I don't have any friends in town who ride who are as crazy or spontaneous as I am. The bike performed wonderfully. I was impressed with its passing ability - I usually didn't even bother downshifting. Also, with its cornering - again and again. And what a great ride!

That's how I spent MLK day, putting 578 miles on my Wing!

John in Vegas

 

[Bulldog]

John,

Sounds like you had the first of many to come, great rides. Only thing that gives a better ride than an 1800 is an F-16.

Bulldog

 

[gonzowing]

Now that is making good use of a day off! :s27:

 

[Deadeye-USMV]

Jealous

Son of Thunder,
I'm jealous. Its 22 degrees and lots of ice on the roads and especially my driveway. The Black Pearl has been moored for the last week and a half.

You are about half way to doing the Iron Butt 1000. It really is a great way to spend your day, 500 or 1000 miles.8)

 

[Jim Mathis]

Excellent ride John. Sounds like a blast. If you ever get up toward Tonopah, stop in at the Ramada casino and tell my sister-in-law, Carolin hello. It's raining and windy here today, so I guess my Wing stay's covered up. It's getting into a habit of raining on my days off. I don't mind riding in the rain if I'm out and get caught in it, but to take off in it, especially when it's cold...no thanks.
Glad you had such a great day on your Wing.

 

[Bulldog]

Jim,

I am not going to say anything, about how glad that I am, that AZ is having bad weather. That would be rude of me and in bad taste.

No Sireeee, I ain't gonna say it.....LOL

Bullldog

 

[Son of Thunder]

Sorry, guys! No gloating intended. Yes, weather here in Southern Nevada pretty much allows for year-round road trips (as long as you can handle the summer heat and the desert winds), but my schedule does not. So I decided to take advantage of this rare opportunity.

Some of my co-workers expressed amazement that I would put so many miles on a bike in one day (including a Harley rider). Guess they've just never been on a Wing!

Oh, and I'll try to remember to stop in at the Tonopah Ramada next time I'm through there!

John in Vegas

 

[loren]

please,no more stories about rideing for a while.

there is so much ice here, getting it to the street , would involve me needing to carry it.

loren

 

[BigD]

These Western Guys

All the west coast guys telling us about their rides. Ill bet John told us about the mountain pass temps in Nevada just to make us feel good. Well John, thats OK just rub it in. I spent 20 years in California and I don't blame you at all. Ride safe and enjoy. :biker:

Dick

 

[Tony in AZ]

Day off on MLK ?

I work for the wrong folks

 

[Paul H]

John and Jim,

I have a question for you both.

I'm planning on riding down to your general neck of the woods to do a lap around the Grand Canyon this July. It will probably be the second week of July while I'm down there. My question is .... How hot is it going to be? Is the elevation high enough around the rim that it will still be comfortable or am I looking at a sun-baked vacation trip? Scheduling at work leaves me the second week of July and later or the first week of June and earlier.

Thanks for any thoughts on the weather.

Paul H.

 

[Son of Thunder]

I have been to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon (on my burgundy 81 GL1100 Interstate), but it was 16 years ago, and we made the trip in the October. I'd imagine that the ride would be much more comfortable in June, especially if you want to do any hiking down to the canyon floor.

Sorry I can't be more helpful!

John in Vegas

 

[Son of Thunder]

Day off on MLK ?

I work for the wrong folks

Oh, no you don't! Having MLK day off does not begin to compensate me for what I have to put up with around here!!

John

 

[Wingmedic]

I have you beat! 590 miles last Friday from Pineville, NC to Malabar, FL in 8 hrs. and 50 minutes!

I flew into Charlotte and Alan from Rick Hendricks Performance Honda picked me up at the airport, then breakfast before going to the store.
He found an '04 Candy Red and after checking all the fluids and washing it, I headed home. Nice people to deal with!

 

[GaryG]

Great ride Son of Thunder

Bull Dog....not all of AZ is having weather :lol: , just a little cool when I was out a bit a go....59 degrees

Paul H....July temps in Phoenix range 105-120, so up at the rim the temps will be 100+. Take (drink) lots of water, sun screen and rest breaks and enjoy the incredible views!!

 

[Jim Mathis]

Jim,

I am not going to say anything, about how glad that I am, that AZ is having bad weather. That would be rude of me and in bad taste.

No Sireeee, I ain't gonna say it.....LOL

Bullldog

Bulldog, I'm glad to see that you can restrain yourself. :lol: You show amazing self control.

Spring's a comin buddy 8)

 

[Jim Mathis]

PaulH. It's like Gary said. Expect Temps to be 100+ up there. Also keep in mind that our monsoon season starts in July, so be prepared for afternoon thunder storms to pop up. I don't think they get as much rain up there as we do down here, but they do get the storms, especially around the mountains if you get into any of those. Take plenty of drinking water along, as well as sun screen for any exposed skin.

Have a great trip and stay safe.

 

[Son of Thunder]

I have you beat! 590 miles last Friday from Pineville, NC to Malabar, FL in 8 hrs. and 50 minutes!

I flew into Charlotte and Alan from Rick Hendricks Performance Honda picked me up at the airport, then breakfast before going to the store.
He found an '04 Candy Red and after checking all the fluids and washing it, I headed home. Nice people to deal with!

Congrats on your new bike! And what a great way to break it in!

And yes, you beat me, but I wasn't going for distance or speed. I chose the route I took precisely because of all the twisties in the road, and the beauty of the scenery. I have done more than 600 miles in one day, back in '88, when we rode from Vegas to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon and back.

Anyway, any ride is a good ride!

John in Vegas

 

[Paul H]

Jim, John and Gary,

Thanks for the replies and tips. I think I may be changing the plans a little and going the first two weeks of June instead. I can ride in 100 degree heat up here in late July and early August, don't need to go all the way down there to be miserable. I have seen the T-storms you're talking about. Where we camp every year in the Bitterroot Mts. we have storms come sailing over the mountains and blow down trees, crash lightning and thunder all around us, and then race on up the valley leaving us in sunshine and calm. Strange to see that much weather all in 5 minutes.

Thanks again,
Paul H.

 

[GaryG]

Paul, June is preferable....July and August is when I head to the coast for a cool down 8) . Let me know if your going to be in the Phoenix area for coffee or just admiring our rides :lol:

:yw1: