Triumphrat

rsands · 08-08-2009, 09:47 PM

Gents & Gals..
Though my daily is a Bonne~ thought I'd share with my brothers in the wind this little trip a buddy and I took acorss the badlands of America on a pair of rented Harleys. Although common-place to some of you-this was an amazing adventure for us. Hope the readers abroad (I'm in New York) can enjoy this tale.
We flew to California and rented the bikes from EagleRider.
I've posted in no particular order...but we covered:
San Diego CA, San Bernadino Mountains, Lake Gregory, Desert Valley -then-Pahrump NV, (great Corvette race track),
Lake Mead, The Hoover Dam NV/AZ
Parker Dam, Old Route 66 thru AZ, Lake Havasu City, 29 Palms National Park, Joshua Tree National Park and finally back to Palm Springs CA

We were on the road 3+ weeks (spend a bunch o' time in Vegas)
and truly got to appreciate this great Country of our's. Some badass
twisties in those mountains along shear cliffs, some desert roads that go on forever and some of the most beautifull sunsets you could hope to see. Here's a few of the shots. Sorry I couldn't bring the Triumph along and she has yet to forgive me.

rsands · 08-08-2009, 09:49 PM

here's some more...

rsands · 08-08-2009, 09:52 PM

Last batch for your viewing pleasure...
+ my ugly mug up on a tanker on Old Route 66

This trip changed my life..and if you haven't seen this part of the U.S.
you have not seen our Country!

hypervista · 08-08-2009, 10:18 PM

Very *NICE* rsands! Thanks for sharing. I'm new to biking, in fact I take delivery of my first bike on Monday. Your trip report, and others here are such an inspiration. I can't wait to get out there and experience.

Your photos are really, really good. I was wondering if you guys got to travel a bit on Rt. 66, then I saw the last picture. Great! I was just reading the other day the websit of some outfit that does guided motorcycle tours of Rt. 66 (Chicago to L.A.). It sounds nice, but I think I'd much rather take a trip like that the way you did it, with some close friends.

Catenaccio · 08-09-2009, 12:28 AM

Excellent pics and report! Any problems with the HDs in the hot desert climes?

rsands · 08-09-2009, 12:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Catenaccio

Excellent pics and report! Any problems with the HDs in the hot desert climes?

The mornings were always cool.. by midday the heat was just pouring off the bikes (and us)..they held-up well. The gas consumption was an issue when running full-out across the desert floor for 40-50 minutes at a clip without seeing another soul nor sign of life. Keeping ourselves hydrated and knowing that we were frequently far the next town kept-us aware of both our needs and those of the bikes.

97TB · 08-09-2009, 10:34 AM

I'm jealous, Bob! Seriously, that is something I have got to do one of these days.

Two-Bike Don · 08-09-2009, 04:52 PM

Bob,

Absolutely beautiful. Truly wonderful experience. I would love to do something like that. Someday......

I know you've been all over the country on many different bikes. You should seriously consider penning your memoirs with photos...."A Motorcycling Life."

Best,
Don

digitalray · 08-09-2009, 07:58 PM

Nice photos. Looks like you had a great time. I was just wondering: how much did it cost to rent the bikes for 3 weeks? How much did you spend on petrol (or gas if you prefer!)?

This is something I have always fancied doing.

Cheers

HiDesert · 08-10-2009, 10:26 PM

Welcome to the bright side. The western U.S. is motorcycling paradise. Next time, bring the Bonnie! And let me know, so I can meet up with you somewhere!