Start: Cheyenne, WY 6:24am
End: Salina, UT 6:36pm
Miles: 590
Altitude: 10,000+
Summary:
Wow, what a day. I decided last night to forego Salt Lake City due to a big winter storm system moving in to the area. Instead I planned to drop back south to Denver then cut West through the Rockies in the hopes of beating the weather. Mother Nature had other ideas. In exchange for the breathtaking scenery, the weather challenged both man and machine. First rain and storms in the mountain passes of Summit County which left me covered in mud, to the 50 mph wind I would battle across the high plains of western CO that would try for 3 hours to peel me off the road, and finally to the bone chilling cold of the Utah mountain ranges where I found myself descending from a 10,000 foot summit 50 miles away from an exit in a whiteout snowstorm. I learned the true definition of courage today and felt the triumph of overcoming challenge. The ride was beautiful and I had some amazing experiences on the bike. I figured the only way to end a day like this is with some good ‘ole Mormon fried chicken and mashed potatoes. Tomorrow…Vegas. I go to sleep tonight grateful to have arrived safely and glad to be alive. Tell me you can have that type of experience in a car…
Start: Pueblo, CO 8:23 am
End: Cheyenne, WY 6:39pm
Miles: 293
Skateparks: 3
Summary:
Another good day. I’m exhausted as I write this. Today was a triple threat: 3 skateparks back to back. First, Denver (which by the way is an amazing skatepark). Next up, Boulder skatepark (super fun, highly recommend it). And finally, Fort Collins skatepark (not the best and I was pretty tired at that point but I managed to flow around). Other highlights of the day include the Denver 16th street mall and an awesome sandwiche shop in Fort Collins. Cheyenne seems small. I feel like I’m in No Country for Old Men. Now if I could only find my cowboy boots and hat. Tomorrow I need to get on the road EARLY. Looks like a big snow storm is on it’s way. The race is on!
Start: Albequerque, NM 10:30am
End: Pueblo,CO 8:37pm
Miles: 393
Low temp: 40 degrees
Altitude: 7,500+
Summary:
Started off the day skating in Albequerque at an awesome skatepark all by myself. Fought strong winds to Santa Fe. Hung out there and got some great breakfast then rewired the bike. Headed out into the Rockies. So beautiful words can’t describe. Me and the bike really hit our stride today. Another great day! Tonight laundry, tomorrow Denver skatepark.
Start: Scottsdale, AZ 9:00am
End: Albequerque, NM 10:09pm
Miles: 493
Max Altitude: 7,000 ft
Summary:
Up out of the desert and into the mountains. Crisp, cool, fresh mountain air. Tamarack pines. Lumber county, bear territory. Smooth blacktop snaking through the hills and trees. Perfect weather at Flagstaff. Skated the park; met some locals; had a good session. Left the forests of Flagstaff out onto the wide open prairie. Roads that go forever. Each minute feels like two. Truckers; petrified forests; knife shops; Americana; ghosts of Indians and buffalo. Navajo Nation. The sun sets over New Mexico. I ride at night through the cold night air of the high desert under a brilliant blanket of stars. Albequerque at night. Motel 6. Another great day of riding! Tomorrow…the Rockies.
Started: San Diego, CA 8:00am
End: Scottsdale, AZ 3:09pm
Miles driven: 390
High/Low temps: 107,66
Summary:
Started off the day driving through cool, clear air up through the mountains east of San Diego. The weather turned hot though once the sun came up and I dropped down into the desert plains. Wide open spaces, cactus, hawks soaring above, trains that stretch for a mile, fast food truck stops. The bike handled the heat beautifully. Ended the day with an evening skate session at one of Scottdale’s local skateparks. The park was fun: a good pool and fun street course. A quick Wal-Mart dinner now it’s off to bed. Tomorrow I hope to go north up in elevation and out of the heat. Destination: Albequerque.
The first major trip on the Aspencade is in full effect! This will really test the bike and the rider. It’s going to be a long ride but will be worth it! I should be going through some beautiful country during a good time of the year.
- Departing September 26, 2009
- 2,609 miles
- 6 states
- 7 days
- 39 total hours (predicted)
- 1 man
- 1 Honda Goldwing Aspencade 1200
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