In Memory: txcwdancer-Oregon Trail Rally via Idaho

[vroc13091]

Originally Posted by Dan Lund

I'm looking forward to the details on the sheriff conversation.

I don't know how you stay awake. I fall asleep even on the bike after about 900 miles.

Dan,


I'll post details on the deputy sheriff encounter on my blog tomorrow night. In short I came up on a white pickup that was doing about 5 above the limit. I was about 25 above the limit. When I got out in the oncoming lane to see the side I saw the decals but at that speed there was no way to uncommit.

I pulled in front and rode at about 5 above the limit and waited for him to light me up. He never did. About 15 miles down the road I pulled in for fuel and he did the same but parked away from the pump.

We had a conversation later at my initiation. I'll detail the conversation in my blog report. Bottom line he didn't cite me but said I was really moving along. Lets say he was on a mission and I wasn't it. Stay Tuned.

On getting sleepy.
I had to pull over twice to stay awake and safe. This was unusual for me but I didn't get much sleep two nights prior to departure (about 4 hours each night) so I was not well rested.

Story details to be available later on my blog.

[vroc13091]

I did Nevada Yesterday. One more state to color in on my states visited by motorcycle map.

Made a round robin ride of 473 miles in eight hours. I love these 70-75 speed limits out west.

Route was Pocatello ID to Stone Lake UT (nice little cafe there), Wells NV, Twin Falls Idaho and back to Pocatello. Took all back roads to Stone Lake. Reminded me of West Texas with open range. Rounded one curve and there was Mama cow and her calf just standing in the road. Beeped the horn and they moved on.

US 30 from Stone Lake to I-80 is one 100+ mile long stretch of two lane lonely road through the desert. Because of elevation it was a modest 82 degrees.. Met a lot of Beemers going the opposite direction.

It was a nice 9 to 5 day ride.

[ringadingh]

Good to here you made the Iron Butt 1500 Chuck! Youll have to show us your certificate when you get it.

[pirate]

Chuck, you are the mileage master! I am so jealous of the places you are going and the miles you are racking up. Thanks for keeping us posted, and ride on!

[vroc13091]

Short update:

Left Pocatello Id at 9:30 AM. Monday. 700 miles later arrived Richland Washington 8:15 PM.

Tuesday AM Off to Coos Bay Oregon for the VROC Oregon Oregon Trail International Rally.

Hopefully I'll have time to upload some pics then.

[vroc13091]

OK, I'm in Coos Bay. Checked into the Plainview Motel around 7 PM Local time. About 30 miles out came through Reedsport, home of Sherm's Cycle Products www.shermscycleproducts.com, and the temp got down to 56 degrees. Almost stopped and put on leathers. Owner Guy Mobley and chief mechanic holds seven Bonneville Salt Flat Land Speed Records many on a Kawasaki Vulcan 2000.

I didn't have time to stop but will probably ride over on Friday or Saturday. It's been a couple years since I have visited him.

First went and had some seafood at the High Tide Cafe. Delicious home style Clam Chowder. Bay scallops in a cream saffron sauce. mmm mmm good.

Stopped by the rally headquarters, Capt John's, and met a few early arrival. Saw Watchman & Liz and Rick. Watchman's the one that led rides at the KawaNoW Central Rally. Also saw Sherm, Scotty, Tom Miller and a few others.

I'm going to retire early tonight and work on my blog tomorrow.

[vroc13091]

Proof that I'm in the area.



Had lunch at the Fisherman's Grotto in Chalreston. Oysters & Grilled Veggies. Check out the size of those oysters. Only five but they were filling

Ok...no more posting delicious seafood...it's not fair!

[vroc13091]

Going back in time. Some shots on US 30 going from Stone Lake UT to Wells NV.

Road goes on forever:




and comes from far away



How to cover 100 miles across the desert in under an hour on US 30.

[vroc13091]

Just to confirm I did make Nevada

[beezer]

You make Chuck Norris look like an amateur ;)

[vroc13091]

I have uploaded all my pics as of Saturday.
Most recent pictures are at top. I also completed my narrative of the ride from Round Rock to Pocatello.

Oregon Trail Blog
http://2008-july-vroc13091.blogspot.com

I'm outta here towards Texas in the morning. Will probably overnight in Henderson NV.

It was a great rally.

[lw]

Looks like a lot of fun was had by many.

Interesting "summer" attire with the long sleeves, sweatshirts and leathers. Makes me long for December-February so I can wear mine.

Be careful on your trip home.

[ells]

Great trip log txcwdancer, really appreciate the tales and photos here. I'm sure that it helps that you're riding the Blue and Silver!

[vroc13091]

Coos Bay home to Texas:

Day one complete.

Got on the Road about 9 AM. Took Hwy 42 over to I-5. Then once in California I took CA-89 towards Reno. Turned into several state highways until I got on US 385.

Morning low was 48. 50 at departure. Man, it's July, I'm on the coast and I had to put on leathers. As soon as I got inland and at the first fuel stop they came off because it was up to 80 by then.

Had supper in Reno. Ran into some light rain east of Reno, again by Lake Walter, and in Hawthorne. Light enough at 75 I didn't have to don rain gear. Saw a nice rainbow too. Rain kept the temp in the low 80s. When I came close to the Death Valley turnoff it was around 11 PM and dark so I missed all the high temps rolling through the desert.

US 95 to Vegas is a long lonesome road. South of Lake Walter they patrol with aircraft. Didn't see any so I was able to roll on pretty good.

Got in to Henderson, which is about 20 miles south of Las Vegas, after 16 hours and 940 miles later.

I expect to get out of here around eight in the morning. I estimate it'll be about 26 hours to do the 1200+ miles to Round Rock Texas.

I tired....sleep now.