Curbsyde Productions

We awoke in the Seven Wives Inn. Not a normal type of place for us to stay at, on road trips we camp or go to the typical motor inn. This bed and breakfast was recommended by some friends from California and we had to see what all the fuss was about. They didn’t disappoint. The breakfast was superb and a perfect end to the restful night we had.

Once on the road, it was a short trip before we started seeing the red cliff faces of Zion National Park. None of us had been to Zion prior to this trip, so this was a very large treat. From winding roads and towering rock faces, to long unlit tunnels – there’s no question why Zion has become as popular as it has. We were pretty lucky, though, it was busy but wasn’t overly crowded, which I’m sure Zion can get quite easily.

Our sight seeing in Zion finished up and we had to make a decision; B-line it up the highway and make up some time, or go out of the way and eastwards toward Bryce Canyon National Park. We decided to check out Bryce Canyon After all, when will we all be here as a group again?

We were wondering if we’d made the right decision, and then we saw the overlook to Bryce Canyon. Rock spires as far as the eye could see in varying shades of orange, white, and red welcome us to the region. Every direction our eyes wandered produced a new stunning display for us to capture on every digital device we had. 

Leaving Bryce Canyon behind, we followed the Highway 12 loop, winding along Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. Some fellow motorcyclists told us to continue along Hwy 12, it was a much longer loop, and in the beginning we were regretting the decision until we were met with the Escalante river – with her eye stinging red rock walls contrasting with lush green river trees. After crossing through Boulder, we climb up to a ridge sloping on both sides as we glance back to the west to look over the park. Climbing again, this time to around 9600 feet where we’re greeted with Aspen forests. As we descended we glimpse at the astounding views to the east of Capitol Reef National Park.

We finally end up in the Torrey/Teasdale area and check into a cabin before we scarfed down some awesome tasting burgers.

Tomorrow we will arrive at Salt Lake city.

Stay tuned for additional updates as we make our way to Miller Motorsports Park for Cycle World’s ‘Road Trip!’

A gust of wind turned the chimes around in the back yard, and we arose to strong winds blowing debris into the swimming pool. Andre’s cousin’s wife was up to make us coffee and tea while Andre and his cousin went to pick up some typical German baked goods. When they returned we didn’t play the polite guests, but sunk our teeth into fresh pretzel rolls with egg, sausage and other delightful toppings. Andre’s favorite were a wafer topped with marsh mellow and covered in chocolate. Nothing but health food in this German household

After we packed up and loaded our bikes, we set off towards Lake Mead along the tourist trail to see the Hoover Dam. Just a brief stint on the highway, we turned off onto a winding road, perfect black top to drive down to the Dam. 

After paying a steep $7.00 parking charge, we trudged along the edge of the dam with the hundreds of other tourists to see one of the wonders of the modern world. Despite the heat and the crowds, the Dam was amazing. Peeking over the edge, with the sight of the bridge over head and the river far below, the graceful lines of the Dam, sloping down to the river. 

We really liked the retro details of the bridge, the graceful bronze statues, the details on the walkway and supporting buildings. Would so much care and detail be used today?

After we drove over, we continued on the scenic Lake Mead road and through the park. Today the temperatures rose past 104 degrees Fahrenheit, this made us stop more, to hydrate and sooth our fried minds. Hot weather does funny things to you, and today we really felt the effects. Heading to the lookout we briefly stopped to check out the view then headed back to the main drag before heading east toward Utah.

The winds picked up, and as we crossed the aired desert we leaned the bikes over into the breeze as we passed B-trains – transporting their loads along the route.

The sun began to set as we rode into Virgin canyon and were treated with a fiery rock light show as we finished up in Saint George for the night.  We’ve arrived in Utah!

Stay tuned for additional updates as we make our way to Miller Motorsports Park for Cycle World’s ‘Road Trip!’

Our first day started very late.  We had to finish work and that meant leaving town at the end of the day. First stop for the team was Chaparral Motorsports to make sure we had all the items in place for our trip. From getting fresh tires to the odd pannier screw, they had it and took care of us.

By the time we were ready to go it was 5pm and a sweltering 102 degrees in San Bernardino. We geared up and got on the road headed towards Las Vegas, edging our way onto the Freeway, commuters busying their way home, in their air conditioned cars. To us, we could feel the heat surrounding us and engulfing us, there was no escape.

After a few GPS bungles with construction redirections, we finally made it onto Highway 215, a straight shoot up the side of the mountains surrounding the Los Angeles area. Our speeds increased, traffic rushing onward. Towards Barstow the traffic thinned a bit, the temperature rising to 106 – sucking any moisture out of our skin. We breathed in hot thin air, we’re now a couple thousand feet above sea level. The wind was blowing, first from the northwest, bringing sand across the freeway, then as night began to fall from the southeast.

We stopped for a quick bite, filling our tanks with much needed fuel. While refueling, a con-artist gives Flora the sob story she feeds to tourists to give her money for stolen items. We must be getting close to Las Vegas

Back on the road the traffic moves at a good clip, with trucks lined up like school children along the trucking lane. I can see their tail lights for miles up and down the valley, like a string of Christmas lights. The darkness engulfs us, the sky and the road surface completely black, our motorcycle lights dull in blowing sand. We pass each rig like a small victory only to be replaced with another.

We descend into our final valley and cat eyes light up the road in anticipation for the light show of Las Vegas. We see the glow behind the ridge, planes circling in their holding patterns overhead, military aircraft playing off to the north. We round the bend and are assaulted by a barrage of light. It makes riding difficult – our attentions being tested – and we were failing.

Andre leads us through the city towards his cousin’s house. We pass by what seems like endless mini-malls and car dealerships in above 100 degree temperatures to finally find our way to the oasis in the desert.

Stay tuned for additional updates as we make our way to Miller Motorsports Park for Cycle World’s ‘Road Trip!’

 

Seattle – Oregon

A few weeks ago we got a call from our friends at Butler Motorcycle Maps. They asked if we’d be interested in documenting a road trip from Southern California to Miller Motorsports Park in Tooele, Utah for Memorial Day Weekend. Hmmmm, ride motorcycles, take pictures and video and then finish it off with an awesome weekend of super bike racing. Ok we’re in

Hoping to kill a couple of birds with one stone, we arranged to have some industry type meetings in So-Cal before riding to Miller Motorsports Park for the sixth round of the Superbike World Championship.

Interstate-5 isn’t our favorite, so we elected to take the more coastal roads starting in Eugene, Oregon and heading south.

We departed Seattle and rode south on I-5. We turned west when we reached Eugene and headed for the ever impressive Highway 101.

It was rather cold even though we had some sun. When Flora went to turn on her grip heaters, nothing happened  We managed a hundred miles before stopping for a bite to eat, then trucked along a few hundred more. Beautiful scenery along Highway 38. A few stops due to road resurfacing.

Finally stopped for dinner and found a place to crash for the night. Got a chance to figure out Flora’s grips. Had to remove the rear tail bag to get under the seat to check fuses. And of course, two were blown ;( Joe dashed off to nearest store to purchase new ones – $3.30 for 3 fuses. Paying a premium.   Tomorrow we’ll ride through the Redwood Forrest and maybe a glance at some dunes.

Stay tuned for additional updates as we make our way south for Cycle World’s ‘Road Trip!’ to Miller Motorsports Park.