June 17 2025 Day Twelve

June 17, 2025 – Salt Lake City Utah – Day 12

 

Right now, I’m sitting in the hostel bar out on the rooftop having a drink and starting this story while I wait for Nicholas to come and pick me up for dinner tonight. I’ve started doing my packing for my last night on the road, at least for a week where I’ll feel a lot more comfortable and be able to relax and really feel like I’m on vacation. Sure, I’ve been riding around visiting all these states, national parks and other interesting destinations but there’s a bit of work packing, unpacking, figuring out where I’m going where I’m going to stay and what have I forgotten. I was thinking about that on my ride today to the Bonneville Speedway how once I get to Portland I’ll be back into society and something a bit more laid back. Don’t get me wrong, I love travelling this way but sometimes feel disconnected and away.

 

So, there are now 4 of us in the hostel room and although it is a 6-bed mixed room, my roommates are Dalton, Baltimore, Robert, Washington DC and the new guy that I finally got to meet is Garrett from the UK. He’s been in the states traveling for quite a while and is making his way to the East coast before he has to head home in August. I haven’t had a chance to visit with him as much as Dalton and Robert, but we’ll see, maybe later tonight. The sleeping wasn’t bad at all; I was comfortable and was out a few times and got to sleep in since I really didn’t have anything going on today. I did wonder about dealing with the bathroom door right across from my bed and getting it closed to take a piss cuz it’s a barndoor type that sticks and doesn’t glide that easy, but I went for it and no problems, I guess I worried about nothing. 

 

Today I decided to take a trip to the Bonneville speedway on the salt flats some 123 miles away and wanted to see what it is 19 years later. Well, nothing has changed and this time I didn’t take a trip too far out on the salt to find the mile markers, one I didn’t have as much time to get back and ready for dinner and the other, maybe a little nervous after having read things to watch out for on the salt, and I’d have to give the bike a bath when done. I did see a biker coming in from out where the races are and he did say there wasn’t anything going on out there and he had to use his compass to figure out his way back cuz no GPS out there and you can’t see the entrance which is just a small sign. I guess I’m not missing anything and years ago when I was here there were actually people out there doing races and time trials. Oh, the guy on the bike was from Belgium and I did meet a couple from Germany who were kind enough to take my picture, and I took a few for them. A really nice couple and they were telling me they just came from San Francisco and are traveling the west coast this year so have other places to still visit. They said they make a trip to the states every year and love visiting the states. They did tell me they got married in 1994 at Disney Land. 

 

Now I’m back at Slackwater’ to see how many sour beers I can have tonight, not as many as last night cuz it’s already 9:30 and this place closes at 10. I just got back from having a nice dinner with Nicholas who I use to work with and had me stay at his place a couple of years ago and he did tell me the reason no offer on a place to stay this year was because they had company from the Philippines visiting and they weren’t sure how late they would be staying. Well, the way it turned out would have worked cuz Nicholas’ wife left Monday and the couple staying when them left the same time. I guess it would’ve been a little overlap, but things are pretty nice at the hostel. 

 

Nicholas’ first choice for dinner tonight was a Mongolian grill, but they are closed until July that he took me to a Vegan place he likes. Yep, he’s vegetarian so no meat for me, but the tacos I had were pretty good, they had jack fruit which is apparently a substitute for meat. I had a great time visiting with him and hopefully on my next trip thru, maybe I’ll get to see Tamara and John who I use to work with at Well’s. I finally got a hold of Tamara thru LinkedIn and John gave me a number that he thought might work so I got an email from her that she wasn’t able to join us. I worked with her before Nicholas and John, and I remember her and our QA specialist from San Francisco in town for the winter carnival in downtown St Paul that we took them to. 

 

Not a whole lot to report today and I did get my packing started for my last leg of travel back to reality tomorrow until I get to do it all over again in a week to head home and pack for my east coast trip. Right now, my GoPro is giving me problems and doesn’t seem to want to charge and once it does start charging seems to turn on and off so not holding a charge. I was disappointed not having it work for my trip out to the salt flats, but I’m hoping to get something out of for tomorrows trip along the Hood River toward Portland. The GoPro is old enough and has had so many upgrades since that it just might be time to look into a new one and I probably need one of those 360 cameras to capture everything around me while on the bike. I’ll have to look into that sooner than later and I can imagine one problem is being able to store the content. Yep, digital photography and videos are great the problem is having enough and finding enough storage to store it all. I remember the service I signed up for 19 years ago worked great for sharing my photos while on the road and even though they offered lifetime storage, that changed soon after they realized how much storage I may need and wanted to start charging for it. Sure, I might be wasting some money now paying Apple for 2T storage at $10 a month, but I think I still have room to grow. 

 

So I’m a little behind with my posts and let’s see if I can get some done before heading back to the hostel to get a good night sleep before tomorrow’s big ride. The biggest of the trip at over 750 miles.

June 16 2025 Day Eleven

June 16, 2025 – Salt Lake City Utah – Day 11

 

Sitting in Slackwater’ just around the corner from the hostel and I’ve already surprised myself; I ate a whole Joe Pesci Italian sandwich with chips and normally I can’t eat that much myself anymore. It was a good sandwich, and I must’ve been hungry cuz it went down easy. Today was a short ride, about 3 ½ hours, but a fun one running through the mountains and valleys and there is still snow in some of them their mountains. Another hot day from start to finish and there for a while I saw signs for passes and the temp did drop to almost 80, that I was thinking I might have to make a stop to put on my leather jacket. Not the case cuz from a little chill, if you consider 80 a chill back into the 100’s I need to find some cool temps. 

 

I did get an ok start this morning and did get up before 9:00 to check out the free breakfast, but I sure didn’t miss anything. The lady who entered the lobby before me asked where the breakfast was and the lady at the front desk pointed out the hardboiled eggs and yogurt that was in the corner. Ok, I did grab myself and orange I found and a yogurt, but nothing that impressive. It is still a cool motel; the Apache and they do take full advantage of the western theme. My bike was straight out my room, since they had me in Room 1 right next to the lobby and it must’ve been my last-minute request for the lower level so I didn’t have to carry my heaving pack up a flight of stairs. I packed the bike in no time and once I get use to the routine, that’s all it is. Takes me probably less than 15 minutes to get everything situated that all I must do is take my shower for the day and pack my toiletry bag into the bike. 

 

The road from where I was coming to where I was going was only partial freeway, but a pretty good fast highway at that. Every once in a while, you get slowed down by traffic and see the sign that the next passing lane is anywhere from 1, 3 to 5 miles ahead that you can just taste it; the acceleration around the slow traffic in front of you. I was following an SUV which was hitting the passing lanes at 90, that I didn’t have any need to pass him and could tell if there was sharper turn, I might have to deal with, but on the bike, not a problem, just lean a little more and I can get around that corner without braking. Oh, and there was a white Audi following me that occasionally it was us 3 lined up until the next passing lane. 

 

I eventually lost the SUV somewhere around Provo where he turned off and was far enough in front of the Audi that I lost them too. It was back on the freeway, I-15 heading north to Salt Lake City and I got to use the HOV lane, it did say busses and motorcycles were Ok, so I got to cruise. I was surprised when I did pass where the Mormon temple was and I still had about 35 miles to the hostel, so I was definitely going to be downtown Salt Lake City today. 

 

Now to reflect, 19 years ago when into Salt Lake City, I came in from the West on I-80 after hitting the Bonneville salt flats and stayed in the area of the temple where I had to join a bar as a member to be able to drink. A couple of years ago, while thru Salt Lake City on my way out to Portland I was able to stay with my friend Nicholas who lives in the Cottonwood Heights area about 20 minutes South of downtown and at his place, I didn’t need a membership to drink. Today, right downtown and so far, no one has asked me to join the bar to be able to drink, but they do scan you id in every bar you walk into before you can drink, must be something like joining as a member. 

 

I made it to the hostel early with a little misdirection cuz my bike told me I had reached my destination on the left next to a building under construction and I never did look right so didn’t see where I wanted to be. With a U turn here and there to get around the construction I did end up in front of the hostel and ready to check-in, unpack and shower for the night. Well, I still have about 30 minutes before check-in that I just chilled, best I could and gave Shelley a call earlier than usual on this trip to make sure she’ll be in Portland when I get there. I did eventually get checked-in and just as I was unpacking the bike which I parked on the street in front of the hostel a parking spot opened for the bike to spend the night. That’s another story I’ll have to get to. 

 

Anyway, bike unpacked and into my room where I met two of my roommates for the night, Dalton and Robert, both from the east, but they didn’t know that cuz apparently they haven’t talked and after getting checked in and situated I had already had a full conversation with Dalton and why he’s out here from Baltimore to look for housing cuz him and his wife are moving out here, to Robert being here from Washington DC looking to take the summer off from medical school to find a job for the summer. Well, after talking to each separate I told them they needed to talk cuz Dalton’s wife is a physician moving here after her residence to be a doctor and Robert is considering whether he still wants to pursue the medical field or not. Ok, I made the connection for both of them so hopefully they’ll talk a little and get something figured out. 

 

Now to the story of parking the bike for the 2 nights that I’m here, I did ask the guys in the construction next to the hostel if I could park my bike in front of the Security SUV that has been sitting on the lot during construction, but they said I’d have to talk to security who are never around. Well, while I was out by my bike, the police dropped off someone for the hostel and I asked them if I could get a pass to park the bike on the sidewalk in front of the security SUV, but they suggested I talk to the construction security which isn’t around at all. Anyway, after talking with both the construction workers and the police, the hostel security guy was wondering what I was talking to the cops about, and I mentioned being able to park my bike next to the construction. Well, he assured me they patrol the area on a regular basis that my bike will be ok and he’ll make sure the night security checks in on it every once in a while. Good to go. 

 

Ok, made contact with Nicholas and we have plans for dinner tomorrow so hopefully I can make a quick trip to the Bonneville flats which are about an hour away and see what kind of top speed I can reach 19 years later. With that much more horsepower than what I have on my 2006 Street Glide to the 2019, there should be a big difference. Lets hope someone is there to tape it for me like I did back in 2006. 

 

This SlackWater’ has a menu with 12 pages of different beers that I’m good for the night and get to try a lot of sour beers while I’m here. Oh and I did forget to mention something I said to Shelley watching the kids and parents in and out of the sports shops around the hostel is there are a lot of blondes around, Yep, blonde and blue eyed Mormon

June 15 2025 Day Ten

June 15, 2025 – Moab Utah – Day 10

 

Tonight, I’m in one of the few bars open after 10 in Moab Utah. Not sure whether it has anything to do with the Mormons or not but let me look into that. They do serve alcohol so I should be good for the night, at least until bar time, which I’ll have to look into how late that might be. 

 

Damn, I just can’t get away from the heat and thought I was on my way part of the way, get it, but heat to some comfort back to the heat again and it’s getting old. One thing I did do yesterday which I may have forgotten to mention was looked into a timed entry to drive thru the Arches National Park. I had a difficult time signing up with the Recreation.gov app where I bought my pass cuz it just didn’t work doing it thru my phone. I actually had to do it on my computer to get it to work right. Got signed up as a member and looking into what was required of the Arches drive and it suggested a timed pass that I figured I should buy one, once again, a waste of my money and more on that later. 

 

So even though I woke up early today and thought I should probably get going, both because of the time zone change and my time drive thru Arches I got myself up and my decision for packing the bike was, wait, was, wait, ok, easiest was to get the cart haul my stuff to the bike, pack it and get back for a shower. I figured I had plenty of time and with about a 6-hour trip in front of me, leaving before 10 should get me there. Oops, that’s 10 Mountain time, not the Pacific time I’m in. Oh, and I did get a text from Pat this morning that him and Terry were back home in Cheshire CT even after a lot of plane issues. Glad they were home ok. 

 

For today’s ride I did map out a stop in St George cuz Cassie, the boy named Sue did invite me for bbq today and I had let him know the night before I might stop in. I did forget to mention where I was coming from and time but should’ve been on top of that myself. 

 

Ok, back to today’s ride. Yep, hotter than all hell packing the bike and I think I did do it right and a good thing I parked the bike int the parking ramp and not in the lot. That does remind me of a conversation that I had with a security guy this weekend when I was trying to figure out how I might want to pack my bike, and I kept mention parking ramp, and he kept saying garage and didn’t understand what I meant by parking ramp. To him whether it was multiple levels or not, it was a garage and to me, if it is multiple levels, it’s a ramp. 

 

Got my shower in and I should be making good time since it is before 10, but once again, Pacific time. The bike did its own thing again with directions with a drive around the Excalibur until it found the way point and now, I’m on my way. Yep, a few U-turns, but if that’s what it takes to apes her whatever. I was back on the fast track and still had to warm up to the speed, I guess warming up isn’t the right term for as hot as it is, but once I was comfortable at 80, then 85 a little further out of town, 90 came easy after that. 

 

My first stop was the bbq place in St George and a good stop for a gas stop cuz the bike was already thirsty. Not like she was in the mountains where I could get a lot of miles in, but in this heat, I think even worse than even home cuz I seem to be burning up a lot of fuel. It was a easy drive to the bbq joint and I did ask if Cassie was in, but not today. I sent him a text and told him I couldn’t stick around since I had a time entry for Arches but should’ve given him a better eta. He did say “I would have taken care of you brother.” Oh well, if I ever do make it back to St George there is someone, I can look up again.

 

St George was just as hot as Vegas, but the further I headed North it did start to cool off. Ok, today it was Nevada, with a helmet law thru Arizona back into Utah, just the reverse of a couple of days ago and I got away with a lot of riding that day in Nevada without a helmet. It wasn’t until I almost reached the Hoover dam before putting it on. One of the first things while getting as in St George was putting the helmet away for at least a few more days. 

 

Like I was saying the further North I was getting the cooler it was getting and at one point even wondered about putting the jacket on, but as soon as I hit I-70 heading East, nothing but heat and strong cross winds. Caught me by surprise a few times, but fortunately I was far enough away from traffic. Some wanting to try and go as fast as me, I’d be able to get around traffic quicker and more open road for me until the next group that wanted to speed. 

 

I did check my bike a few times on the temp on my right today and it was anywhere from over 110, close to Vegas, down to 86 North Utah back go 105 in Moab. I did find the entrance into Arches and although I was way past my timed entry, I did stop into the visitor’s center and asked, and the guy said from 7 – 4 is the only time you need a timed pass. Ok, I guess I spent $2 for nothing other than to still support the parks since DOGE may have had some kind of effect on them. I can drive the park and it’s about 18 miles in and back that I guess I better get gas, cuz I’m not sure I’d make that. 

 

Gassed up and it was a nice ride thru the park, and I captured it all on my GoPro. it didn’t seem to compare to anything I’ve ridden before, but not difficult at all. I did make passes a few times even though they only have a very short section of a passing zone, but when riding behind the gawkers, sometimes I need to hit it a little harder. It was a nice ride and although I didn’t stop for any pictures of you want to see the GoPro video, just let me know.

 

I made it to my hotel, I guess Motel, the Apache Motel and I really like this place. Just a quarter of a mile from main street and they do it right with a John Wayne theme and everything having to do with Westerns. Reminds me a lot of what our tour guide thru Monument Valley was telling us about how many movies were made in the area, John Wayne being the big one since he really helped the area. There was even the John Wayne cabin at Goulding’s lodge. Our guide did say he and his family were in a number of movies as extras since they lived in the area. Oh, and another fact, apparently there was a movie where the calvary was fighting the Indians and they had to use all Indians even for the calvary in the movie because they were the only ones who could ride the horses right. A fact I wish I would write then, but not you go get the rest of the story – per Paul Harvey.

 

I got a shower in after a long day of riding, needed more Gatorade and can’t get enough in this heat and made my way downtown to the Spitfire Smokehouse where I could use some bbq and a few drinks. Well, there is no more chicken, tips or ribs that about the only thing they still have is brisket, so I guess I’ll have to settle tonight. The bbq in st George looked much better, but nothing I can do about it now. Ok, that was my day and according to the bartenders the place to be tonight, even if it is Sunday is Woody’s Tavern cuz they’ll still be open. 

 

Once again, “and now you know the rest of the story” thank you Paul Harvey.

 

Ok, nothing to do with Mormons not allowing the bars to stay open, but they have problems to deal with. The bar is a great place to bring people together, but once the fights start to breakout, they have to decide whether it’s a good idea to stay open late when everyone is drunk and wanting to fight or close. How I remember those days so well while young how after drinking all night, you might have to fight. Another thing, pool is a big deal at the bars in Moab. A number of people walking around with their pool sticks and a number of tables in at least the 2 bars I’ve since visited. 

June 14 2025 Day Nine

June 14, 2025 – Las Vegas Nevada – Day 9

 

Still sitting in Dick’s Last Resort in the Excalibur on the strip in Las Vegas and I’m ending my stay in Vegas tomorrow when I head out. I have a $50 credit to use up at one of the bars in this Casino and this seems to be the spot to use it up. I could consider gamble and try blackjack, craps, roulette or straight up poker and since I wasn’t in the gambling mood, probably better that I don’t try one of the addicting games this town is known for. Sure, it might be a good thing I make money, but my fear is it’d maybe go the other way making this vacation more expensive. I maybe should’ve thought about that last night and at least tried some game and once up, if just closeout and take my winnings. Now it has me wondering if I should skip writing this and see how my gambling is. After been drinking, maybe not such a good idea. I was hoping for quarter machines since I do have a number of coins in my pocket, but that is wasted change around here. The machines only take bills; you don’t hear the winners like you use to when the machines were dealing out coins. 

 

I did get to sleep in today and I must’ve really needed it cuz it was pretty late when I finally dragged myself out of bed. I had noticed a Krispy Kreme in this casino that I thought that’d be a good start to my day, so I made my way there and purchased my daily Mt Dew. Boy, things are really expensive in Vegas and when these places get as big as they are, they just rape you. A bottle of Mt Dew, normally a couple of bucks at a gas station is $7 downtown Vegas. That also had me thinking how big Sturgis has become and how expensive things around there are now a days. Sometimes it probably has a different effect that it keeps a number of people away after a while because they realize how much more expensive it’ll be than what it once was. 

 

My first task today was going to be working on how I’m going to get my bike packed and ready for a ride tomorrow before taking a shower for the start to my day. I did ask security where I came in yesterday if I could park my bike again and pack it and go take a shower and back in about half an hour, but no luck, they did say take my shower first and then pack the bike. Well, like I told them, when it’s this hot you spend the time getting the bike packed and then cool off with a shower before hitting the road. One of the security guards when he found out which tower I was in, Yep, they have different towers for how you rank, he suggested driving up to the self-parking by my tower to pack the bike. The only problem with that is I can’t leave my bike parked there and would have to move it again to take a shower. Again, the same thing, take your shower then pack the bike. My other option after walking out to my bike, might be just getting a cart from bell service and hauling everything out to my bike in the garage and then coming back for my shower. Oh, what a dilemma, but you’ll eventually hear what I decided to do. A bike takes up little space that sometimes I wish places would be more accommodating, but I can say I’m usually lucky getting a break. One of the security guards did say he could tell I’m a pretty straight up guy and not an asshole, but unfortunately, they have rules.

 

Ok, I have to say my bartender Wesley was great. I told him about Webby and he said some people call him Webby and once he saw my last name, he realized why. He did talk about South Dakota because he has family, there, but not a place he’s been. He did mention how he traveled with his brother years ago trying to go to all of the Springfields and apparently covered 30+ some states. Good night to end my stay in Vegas and I had a great time both nights in Dick’s last resort. 

 

Today I just walked around, as much as I could inside just to see what is going on and maybe I should’ve considered doing some gambling before I started drinking, but like I had mentioned early, that could be either a good thing or a bad thing. Hell, it’s been so long since I have done any kind of gambling that in black jack I probably wouldn’t help the table and in craps, I’ve already experienced how that can go from a high winning and then blowing it and doubling your losses, that not this weekend. Las Vegas is under an extreme heat advisory and this is definitely not the time to be here. Sure you can try to walk as much inside as possible, but sometimes you have to get somewhere by going outside. 

 

I did make my way back to the Brewdog to have a sour that I had there last night, a raspberry which I like and tonight they had a second on tap, a sour apple. If I hadn’t mentioned it since this is my writing a day later, after have some fried pickles at Dick’s last resort I figured I should venture out and the Brewdog looked interested. I did almost get laid on my way there, even though I mentioned my GF might not like it, but the flowers around my neck were my Lei for the night.

 

To finish off the night since they were getting ready to close the bar, last call for Dicks, I had a good time visiting with Wesley some more and since I did forget to mention it, but my bartender at Dicks the night before was on the other side of the bar and he did invite me to venture to his side. How do I compete for the bartenders attention, especially the men. 

 

A well deserved day off the bike and for as hot as it is, there was no reason to get’er out. Let her rest for a day after getting her new oil and a filter. Man, almost nothing better to ride, than the real thing. 

 

 

 

June 13 2025 Day Eight

June 13, 2025 – Las Vegas Nevada – Day 8

 

I’m in Dick’s Last Resort in the Excalibur on the strip in Las Vegas and need to cool off from today’s ride. They have a lot of fun at this bar so I’m sure it’s going to be a good night. Right now, some lady here for her bachelor’s party is getting a lap dance from the fatter in your face DJ who’s doing a great job, both with the lap dance and keeping the music going. It’s one of those places where they like to harass the customers, so they have these big white cone hats they write on that the customer has to wear. I’m hoping to be except since I’m sitting at the bar, but you never know. 

 

After my fun last night at the One and Only, I still woke up at what I thought would be a good time since I don’t have far to get to Vegas, but thought what I’d do since my bike is half packed was to see about leaving my gear at the front desk of the hotel and going back to the Harley shop this morning to get an oil change. I figured I had plenty of time according to the room clock which read 8:36 that a quick breakfast and then getting by cloths packed would give me plenty of time to get to the shop at 10:00 when the open. Well, I made my way to the breakfast bar and unfortunately the guy was closing the doors and pointed to the sign which said breakfast was served from 6:30 to 9:30. A check of my phone and sure enough, it was 9:40 and I’ll have to go without. 

 

I guess I’m behind for a start today, but I have all day and am going to spend an extra night in Vegas that I can catch up on any sleep or comforts that I need. Took my shower for the start to the day, packed my stuff on the hotel cart and put it in the back room to recover later and made my way to the Harley shop. The same lady was working the service counter so my first attempt was to apologize for how I was the day before and ask if they could still fit me in for that oil and filter change and she was great to oblige. Now, it gave mt time to talk with others in the shop and map out what my trips coming up should be on my way to Salt Lake City and the guys at the Service desk were great help. I tried using the Harley map and to go thru Lake Mead and Hoover Dam, the directions kept showing me going thru Vegas and then out to the sites I wanted to see. With a little inginuity per the service advisor, he suggested I make my first stop at Overton and that worked cuz then the app mapped out going thru the Lake Mead National Park to the Hoover dam and then into Vegas. 

 

I did also ask where I should spend my Sunday since I’m heading toward Salt Lake City, my choices are Bryce Canyon or Arches National Park and they said the Arches for sure. Ok, I was able to map that out and I took advantage of the booking app I’ve been using on this trip to find a cheap stay in Moab for Sunday night. What a difference with all this technology because not only I can book rooms for cheap either the day I get to a town or in this case far enough in advance that I get a room cheaper than finding what’s left when I get into a town. I guess I’m set for some more of my trip toward Salt Lake that now I just have to wait for my bike, which is also getting a bath and a well deserved one at that. I’m sure many of the bugs covering the front still come from Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska and Colorado. 

 

Bike’s done and I’m going to be on my way, so I set my bike’s map to get me going on my trip and this app is a little sticked that even though I listed this Harley shop as my start, the bike wants to take me in a circle to reach my first way point. I drove around the lot a number of times and I could see the way point right in front of me, but it never did register that I reached it. It looked like it was in the building, and I did have the lady at the service desk help me out, but not luck. I should’ve gotten a picture and mentioned earlier, she was good looking probably something in her 20’s. Yea, I could have been nicer than I was then a grumpy old bastard. 

 

I made my way back to the hotel where I started and got the bike packed easily, but it is already hot around these parts. According to the bike it was already 103 and is just going to get hotter the further south I go toward Vegas and sure enough it did. I always knew heading south and it’ll get hotter, but I guess around these parts that’s not the only factor, it depends on whether you’re riding thru desert area or not. On the road and my first stop is Overton and the bikes directions indicated I had reached my first stop, and I did see a hardware store so decided to make a stop. My ear plugs with a wire had broken and from what I hear, hardware stores should have everything you need – Right Pat? Sure, enough they had ear plugs with a string so I’m good to go for the rest of my trip, as long as I don’t lose them or break them. 

 

The trip thru Lake Mead national park was nice, but hot and I did notice I might have to think about gas not knowing what was toward the dam. I did make a stop when I saw a Ranger and he told me I was probably within 25 miles of gas, that I don’t have any concern, but wanted to make sure. The funny thing about the stop and the thing I noticed on my way down from St George is I’ve been thru Utah, into Arizona, into Nevada, back into Arizona and then back into Nevada. Well, with that not only came a time change, but at my stop for gas toward the Hoover dam, some guy admiring my bike started talking to me about bikes and asked how I got away without wearing a helmet because Nevada is a helmet state. For me, I was from state to state that I didn’t know so asked Siri and sure enough Nevada is a helmet law state. There was a ranger parked at one of the gas pumps so we asked him, and he verified, and I told him the ranger I asked about gas didn’t mention anything and his reply was it must be a new guy. I did ask what he fine was, and he said $400, that a thank you to the guy talking bikes cuz he just saved me some cash. 

 

Too the Hoover dam and it is quite different than what I saw some 19 years ago. Just as hot, but with the new highway going over top and all the other roads around, it’s a bit of a pickle making sure I’m on the right road. I did eventually find parking in the parking ramp next to the visitor’s center after driving around a number of lots before asking someone where the visitor center parking was, but eventually made my way to the right spot and the entrance isn’t too biker friendly. A sharp turn in since these ramps have the wrap arounds and it’s a painted cement which isn’t too sticky. By the time I got to where to pay the guy was waving me to the right and I could see it was motorcycle parking that I don’t have to go any further and then can pay him. 

 

Spent my time taking pictures around the dam and now I figured I need to make my way to the Excalibur to get unpacked, cool off and see what Vegas has to offer me tonight. The bikes map wasn’t too helpful because at one point it was showing me going off path to where I was heading and hit said it was redirecting but couldn’t figure out the directions. Eventually the map was done that I had to pull off and use my apple map to get me to the Excalibur which was about 20 miles back from where I was at. I did eventually find my stop, but had no idea where to park, but eventually found the main entrance and thanks to security even though I came in the wrong way and wasn’t supposed to be there, she let me park my bike and get checked in and my bike unpacked before parking it for the night. 

 

I was able to get a cart from bell service to haul my stuff to the room and he mentioned how they had just fired all the staff, so they don’t have people providing that service anymore. Not exactly sure why that is cuz I’m sure it’s not a government job, but little help from bell service going forward. In my room and now all I must do is find the parking ramp to park my bike. After talking to a number of security people they pointed out what to look for on the other side of the building that I did eventually find it. My room key didn’t get me in like it was supposed to, but someone did open the gate for me, and I found my way in where someone said I’d see other bikes park and sure enough, I’m in the right spot. 

 

Ok, time to shower, get some food and see what Vegas has to offer tonight cuz tomorrow I get to sleep in. I did have beers at Dick’s Last Resort and although nothing on the menu for a bigger meal interested me, I did have the fried pickles which were just enough for the night. After closing my tab, I did decide to walk around the strip a bit and nothing like I remember years ago when you could actually walk the strip. Now, because of the traffic there are all these walkways of the road you have to take to get from one side of the strip to the other and when outdoors, it’s still hotter than all hell. They could’ve probably done a better job of how the strip was too be developed and left all of the traffic off the main drag where people want to walk. Now getting from casino to casino, is quite the chore, but who am I to judge. 

 

More on Vegas since I get a day of relaxation and no bike riding.

 

 

 

  

June 12 2025 Day Seven

June 12, 2025 – St George Utah – Day 7

 

Sitting in the One and Only bar in St George Utah and I don’t know why or how I got here and where to from here. It was one of those days that I had planned in my head that I’d be at least 2 nights in the National Parks that I was visiting that it was overplanning and I could see most of what I want to see in a day. Once I got thru Zion Park on the only roads, they allow vehicles to travel, I’m at the Zion Visitor Center trying to figure out what I’m going to do and all the campgrounds are full, but the ranger did tell me checking out some website to find roadside camping, that now what do I do. I gave Shelley a call and was trying to figure out whether I should head to Bryce Canyon even though I’d have to take th road I just rode into Zion on or another location and she suggested Beaver. Yep, around on the freeway to Bryce Canyon, but I’d be back tracking to Beaver and hotel prices weren’t cheap. Then she sends a suggestion that St George is where I should go on my way to Las Vegas and blow days that I need to there. Ok, I kind of have a plan, but checked out a number of maps on where I should go. 

 

Ok, to finish up last night after having a great dinner with Pat and Terry, I spent my time in the Saloon working on my stories until they kicked us out that I was heading to my hotel room when I realized it was a full moon night and I never did get a view of the Grand Canyon under a full moon. I made my way to my motel room and dropped off my laptop and headed back to the lodge for a view. It was spectacular and even though I tried getting a picture I don’t think it turned out too bad. I was watching what was going on on the South Rim and I could see the lights, but did notice a number of red lights pulsing that I asked someone and they said it’s the same lodge lights that the South sees of the North Rim.

 

So tonight, I met Russell and Cassie who happened to buy me a beer and right now I’m sitting next to Cassie, same spelling, but a boy named Sue. He said his mom had to change his name to Bobby, closer to his middle name Robert, but he was still fighting Cassie. Now I totally get what Johnny Cash was saying about a boy named Sue.

 

Sorry, but in the middle of writing and talking with the locals’ things get out of Wack a bit, but I can tell you, thank you Shelley for the suggesting for St Georges cuz I’ve met some great people and am having a great time. I might have a stop back here in a couple of days for Cassie’s ribs. 

 

Ok, back to how to today started. I figured I could push later than 9 to get up, but it was pretty close to that time that I did get myself out of bed. I had already packed my clothes the night before since it was a start of a new pair of jeans and shirt that I’ll be good to go with any camping coming up, yep, I expected a day early. It was no problem getting the bike packed and I got my shower in to start a new day with new jeans and a new shirt. After getting ready I headed to the lodge and all I had to do was drop off my keys, so they’d reimburse me the charge on my card in case I trashed the room. Me, doing something like that, no way.

I started out my day with the jacket, but it didn’t take long before it came off. Made a stop at the place on the way into the park to get my Mt Dew to start the day and once again I appreciated how cold their drinks were. 

 

Made great time on my ride and I did fortunately get a pic on my GoPro of entering the state of Utah, but I was so surprised on how much time I had lost with an early start from the North Rim. Yep, Arizona with no time change that now I guess I’m back into Mountain time that it sure seemed different to what I was expecting

 

Some more detail that I’ll work on later cuz the beers are getting to me. The other happenings was thru Zion with a great drive and my GoPro captured it all, to the Zion visitor center where a call to Shelley put me on the right track to here. At the visitor center I did ask about camping, but when the ranger suggested a website to visit I wasn’t interested in checking it out.

 

I did make a stop at a local state park on my way thru Springdale and thought it’d be a great place for a swim since the tempt was well over 100 degrees but for 30 bucks for non-Utah residence, I think I’ll swim somewhere else. Per the bookings app I found the cheap hotels off from exit 8 to checked them out. Still feeling early, I checked out the local Harley shop and there’s one 7 miles back, Zion HD that I might as well make a trip there and get some help. I checked the place out and was going to get an oil and filter change since I’m due, but at first, I wasn’t sure if they had time, but then when I scheduled one and the lady told me the tech might want me to remove my packing on the bike for a test ride I said just skip it. She said she was trying to work with me but felt pushback so I just skipped it and said I have to move on. 

Ok, now I have to say this guy Cassie, the boy named sue is quite the character. 

 

 

 

June 11 2025 Day 6

June 11, 2025 – North Rim Grand Canyon Lodge – Day 6

 

I just got done having dinner with Pat and Terry, and I have to thank them a ton since they bought my dinner. I’m sitting in the Saloon bar in the North Rim Lodge, but they just called last call and are closing that I’ll have to share this story later when I have time to write. 

 

Ok, I’m back and my day from Monument Valley to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon was a great ride. For me and now time to write about it I am more relaxed when on a trip like this when I am just cruising.  When the roads are good, with good directions telling me where to go and good music to listen to, there’s not much better. The roads have been great and many times I feel like I’m the only one on the road and when I do come up on someone no problems giving it a little more throttle and getting by quick. Yep, it is relaxing at least for me and I do have so much other going on in my head on what the day might bring, what I want to get done and just sitting back and taking in everything around me. That was one thing I had thought before leaving on this trip, like usual thinking about how the trip might go and what I should and shouldn’t consider doing on the trip, but my last thought was once I’m cruising, I’m going to be in my happy place and relaxed with no concerns.

 

I get it enough of that. I got an early start after camping for the night, so was up early and most of the RVers were already on their way and the only other camper in my section was already packing up that I got up and started packing myself. It went really well for my first night camping and everything packed on the bike that just time to take a shower and hit the road. It’s only about a 4-hour trip and I didn’t have any stops planned for the way that I should have no problems getting a full day of North Rim Grand Canyon riding. The directions were easy and although I started out the day without a jacket, I did have to put one on the closer to the Canyon I did get. 

 

I was making a few more stops than usual, not so much for gas, but for liquids for me. It does have me thinking I should have a cup holder on the bike, but it just doesn’t look right. At one of my stops where I turned on the road off the highway on to the North Rim, I did get gas and as I pulling away from the pump to stop and go into the convenient store for some liquid, I heard my name and it was Pat and Terry just getting ready to leave to the Visitors center to see what to do in the North Rim. It was great seeing them and did realize they were heading the same direction so great to run into them. At the stop for as hot as it was, I did get myself an Ice cream cone as well as a Gatorade and I like how cold their beverages were. 

 

45 miles to the North Lodge and my first priority will probably be securing some sort of sleeping situation before doing my riding around the North Rim. From this gas stop on my way is where it started getting chilly quick that I did have to make a stop to put on the leather jacket that I’m good to go. The ride was great and even though it was only 45 miles it did take a bit of time because of the curves and such and other slow drivers. Made my way to the entrance and got a picture and I’m good to go with my National Park Pass and Id, that no problems getting in and not having to pay for it on top of that. The entrance did say that the campground was full, but I figured I’d have to make a stop to see if there were any cancelations. When pulling into the campground which is only about a mile before the North Rim Lodge, I had a hard time finding the registration building that I did see a lot of open spots. Once I did find the camping check-in, the guy that the lady was helping was taking so much time figuring out where to hike that she more or less told me no spots yet but check back in case someone cancels.

 

For me, that meant heading to the North Rim Lodge to see what they had, and Pat did mention earlier that there we’re openings when he booked his room since their dates changed from when they were planning on staying. I did happen to pull into where no other vehicles are supposed to be other than buses, but as long as it takes me to the front door, I should be ok. I did talk to the ladies checking in guests on one of them, she said she was new, helped me out well. They did have cabins for over $300, but she did give me a number she suggested I call if I found at the campsite that there weren’t any cancelations, but I decided I might as well call that number now instead of more riding around. Well, calling the number was the right thing to do cuz the lady (should I say younger ladies working the facilities) did say she had a motel room for $160 for the night that now my debate was whether to book it for 2 nights or one. She did say if I booked 2 and decided to leave, I’d lose the cost that better to book one and book another if I stay that I’m sold on that. 

 

We did the reservation and shortly the young newbie was able to help me out with my checking and get me my room key even though it was about an hour before check-in. My room was available, and they had porter services that would take me to the parking area and help me carry my gear to my room. You can’t beat that and in no time, I have a comfortable room for the night and can do more riding around the canyon. 

 

Oh, I did make a reservation in the lodge for dinner after I booked my room and even though it was only for one, me, there was nothing available until 8:30, that I put my name down cuz I have some riding to do first. I was already taking a number of pictures of the canyon, but according to the map there was a Cape Royal Road which hugged that Canyon that I should take which is where I headed. The road had warnings of the curves and I thought it was a great ride, and I compared it to riding Needles highway in South Dakota, you know I have to make those kind of comparisons cuz I’ve ridden the Sturgis rally trails for some 29 years. 

 

Anyway, I loved riding the road and did have to make a view hits of the throttle to get around slow drivers but loved the ride. I made it to the end of the trail and as some people were coming out from it, I asked how far, and they said about a mile hike that I guess I can do that. I started heading down the trail and wouldn’t you know it, I ran into Pat and Terry again, that this time I made sure I got their number. I told them I had a reservation at the logde, but they still had to check in and weren’t sure what they were doing but would stay in contact. I made the way to the end of the loop and took a number of great pictures. There was one spot I stopped to get the Angels picture, a hole thru a rock that one guy on the trail said he could never find, and I did happen to see it and took a pic. The sights are unbelievable around the North Rim and not nearly the congestion that the South Rim deals with. Oh, and when I did show up to the lodge today, apparently their electricity and the generators had been down for days, that they finally got them going just yesterday, that a lot of people left early and upset. 

 

For me more sight-seeing and back to the cabin to eventually shower and get ready for the North Rim Lodge experience. Pat did send me a txt that they had checked in and were going to get pizza and checkout the Saloon. I got my shower in and was able to check-in with Shelley on how things were going and asked her on some help on how to plan some more of my trip coming up. 2 days at each of these stops isn’t a reality that I’m going to have to kill some time in Vegas, I guess not such a bad option.

 

I made my way down to the lodge and have a few hours to blow before dinner that I walked most of the trails around the lodge and took my share of pictures. I did text Pat that I was taking in the view and was going to be eating at 8;30 and that they were more than welcome to join me that he responded that they would be joining me. I update my reservation and while walking around, guess who I ran into sitting on one of the decks? Yep, Pat and Terry that I sat and chatted with them before our reservation was ready. 

 

We had a really good dinner and to my surprise, Pat picked up the bill and said I was retired and they’re still working that they don’ t mind at all. I’ve really enjoyed visiting with them and right now I have it in my calendar to visit them at their cabin when I’m out East in New Hampshire over the 4^th of July week. They are going to be at their cabin which happens to be about 20 minutes from where I’ll be in Lake Chocorua that I’d love to make a trip to visit them.

 

I have to say, a lot happened in one day and it was all good. Wait until tomorrow and depending on how late this bar is open, you just might get the story. 

 

June 10 2025 Day 5

June 10, 2025 – Monument Valley Utah – Day 5

 

I should’ve started this story while in the restaurant at the lodge, but it was already late and I just wanted to eat since I have to get back to my campsite a ½ mile up the road and there is no place that serves alcohol that I guess it’ll be an early night, and one of camping on top of that. I did have plans on spending more than one night in Monument Valley, but when I found out there was no alcohol around, I figured one night will be enough for me. 

 

The weather was perfect when I woke up in Durango and I only have over 3 hours in front of me that I have all day to make the trip and don’t have to rush myself. I did take my time getting ready since checkout was 11:00 and the room was fine for the night even with the problem of having to walk 40 minutes to get back to where I started the night. My first stop was the Durango Harley Davidson as a revisit from the last time I was in Durango, and I don’t think anything has changed, but it’s a great place for a stop and I spent some good time talking with the ladies and even made a purchase. I could use another bungee cord to attach my jacket to the bike because it’s getting warm not that I think I can probably ride without it for a while. 

 

That didn’t last long cuz about 5 miles up the road I was already getting chilly and had to realize I was still in the mountains so it’s not going to be that warm yet. I did pull over where I could and put the leather jacket back on and was on my way to Four Corners first before heading to Monument Valley. 

 

Four corners haven’t changed since the last time I was there, and the only problem was their parking lot isn’t built very well for bikes. My concern was getting situated so I could just ride out, but it didn’t turn out that way. My front time in a rut and more rocks than gravel in front of me that I might need help getting out of here. I made my way to the main experience and took my photos of all 4 states at once; do you know which ones? Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico and Utah. I did have to get a Navajo flat bread with honey on it, and it was wonderful. I took my good old time since I was thinking about what my Monument Valley situation might be, and was able to get my bike out, both without help and without dumping it. One thing I did thing about for the 4 corners area is how cool it would be if they had a nice little road around it so people like me could make a short loop around the complex and be able to say I did all 4 states in a matter of minutes on my motorcycle. I guess because it’s part of the Indian tribe with no national support, that ain’t going to ever happen.

 

I did get to Monument Valley and the Navajo Tribal Park and the View Lodge where I did check room prices and for $200, I think I might just stick to camping for the night. I did ask about taking the tour around the 17-mile loop that doesn’t allow motorcycles, and they directed me to the parking lot where there was a small building doing all of the tours. I made my way down and they said the last shuttles would leave around 5 which would be in about another half hour, and they are a 2 ½ hour trip that I asked if there was anything shorter that I could get since I still have to get a campsite to worry about. One of the old timers standing bye offered to take me on about and hour and a half trip that I said that, sounds like a deal. It was $95, but to do the loop in shorter time, I’m in. We were getting ready to leave when another couple decided to join us. Pat and his wife Terry decided on a shorter trip that they were going to ride along. 

 

I’m sure glad I did the loop cuz the guy driving had lived there all his life and was now the grandpa and elder of his clan. He did try to explain that clans and apparently, they go by the women in the tribe and not the men. He had some great stories to tell from his grandma about what his great grandmother had to deal with back in the 80s’. Apparently, it was the Calvary, but another tribe in the area that they didn’t get along with. His tribe as the Dante and not the Navajo which the area is named. Pat, Terry and I were also visiting so I found out they own a Hardware store in Connecticut and it was great visiting with them. 

 

Our guide did make a number of stops for us to get out and take pictures and now I know why they don’t allow motorcycles on the trails. They don’t even let 4 wheelers to the park and absolutely no drones. The road was horrible and is not for others to try and drive, depending on what kind of vehicle you have. There were some cars, but I don’t think I’d take any of my vehicles on the road, not even my Avalanche cuz I’d like it to last a bit longer. He pointed out all the rock formations to take pictures of and I probably have more than one of each. We did breakdown halfway thru the trip so had to wait for his wife to show up with backup and I thought this quick trip was going to turn out to be a lot longer than expected, but she was there in no time. He left his wife whit the broken-down truck and we had air conditioning for the rest of the trip.

 

Once done, our tour guide did tell me there was a better campground than the Views about 3 miles past the intersection that I came in on, that I headed that way. A lot of spots were full, especially the RV spots, but they had a couple of cheap ones close to the office that I went to scope it out and found one with good parking. I went back to the office and reserved my spot and for as late as it was getting decided to setup the tent and get the sleeping bag filled with air, that my next choice was dinner. I made my way to the Goulding’s lodge and had a local Navajo taco. When I saw how big the guy’s next to me was, I did ask if they had a smaller version cuz there was no way I was eating all of that and she was great to oblige. Just what I was looking for, a local food that I could eat. 

 

Back to the campsite and tonight was a full moon night that I sat on the deck of one of the lodges just to watch the moon come up over the monument overlooking the campsite. What a wonderful experience and I know the picture that I tried to take won’t do it justice. I guess it’ll be an early night and probably not a problem since it’ll be my first night camping that let’s see how it goes. 

 

Time to close shop that I’ll have to finish on that later. 

 

Now to finish the story since it’s a few days later, the camping wasn’t bad at all. Even without any alcohol in me I was falling to sleep and sleeping well and didn’t have to get up often to take a piss. This year I tried peeing in a bottle instead of getting out of the tent and it’s not that easy. First of all, I definitely need a bottle with an even bigger opening and second is just letting your brain get over that go ahead, just make sure you put it in the bottle where it belongs. I did happen to see a guy who did a YouTube video on it, but he had some plastic bag thing with a really large opening. My first night of camping behind me and if I have to do it again, I should be ok. 

June 9 2025 Day 4

June 9, 2025 – Durango CO – Day 4

 

Sitting in the Steamworks brewing company in downtown Durango and I sure wished I would’ve known about the free trolley in town before worrying about where I was going to stay for the night. I figured I needed to find a hotel within walking distance of a bar or restaurant that serves alcohol, but once I booked a room at the Quality Inn, real close to the Adobe Inn I stayed at 19 years ago, I went to the Durango brewery within walking distanced and they suggested I take a trolley downtown to where all the action is. It’s free and runs until 2 in the morning that I guess I can go anywhere I want and have a fun night at that. The guy next to me suggested I go to the Diamond Bells. The old times saloon with the bar girls, but they are young ones dressed like hooter girls, could me interesting. Am having a couple of sour beers and just had crispy wings that I’m now ready for the night other than getting this story written and carrying this damn laptop around with me. Yea, the problems of traveling and trying to blog the trip, maybe I should stick to what I did in 2023 and 2024 and write part of the story and get around to finishing it 2 years down the road, so you get the whole story.

 

This morning was perfect weather in Aspen for a bike ride and although a bit chilly, by the time I got going it had warmed up pretty nice. The day started out cool meeting three bikers from Switzerland that had rentals from Eagal rentals that I joined for breakfast where I got to fill them in on Riders Share and how you can find cheaper rentals that than the Harley’s version of a rental bike. They are heading to Phoenix on this trip, and I told them they should really consider the Million Dollar High way which I plan on riding today. 

 

I did get an early enough start this morning, 9:30 since checkout was 10, so am going to have plenty of time to make it do Durango which according to my bike map is about 5 hours away. I do have another stop to make on the way, so I still followed the bikes directions with a fly by where the bike figures is my leaving stop from downtown Aspen. It was an easy route even if it did take me downtown where I was last night, but no problems getting me on the highway toward the million-dollar highway. The ride was great, and I was happy to have my leather jacket on cuz it did get a bit chilly still riding thru passes in the mountains.

 

My first stop today was going to be the Orvis Hot Springs that I visited last time thru that I had no problems finding it. I did do like last time if you ever read the story and did it in my birthday suit once again. Maybe a bit expensive at $28 for a day’s spa with an extra $3 for a towel but felt worth it to me. Sure, there were more men than women that were doing the same in their birthday suits, but nice to see some of the women doing the same. There is no shame and you  have to be proud of what you have, I felt that way. 

 

I did a number of the different pools that they have, and they all had different temps. All were pretty comfortable soaking in and I do believe I did fall asleep in one of them. No problems walking around naked, the only place you had to wear a towel was in the building. Yep, there were even kids running around naked with their parents that noting to be ashamed of and pretty comfortable not worrying about packing wet cloths. 

 

After about an hour and a half in the pools I decided it might be time to take a shower and head to Durango so did so, but once outside I thought about checking the weather to see what radar is showing for the Durango area. My first notice though was that my GoPro was still on record and had been recording the parking lot for the last hour and a half that sorry, no naked pictures of anyone from the pools out there. Well, it looked like if I could postpone my trip for at least another hour I should be able to make Durango rain free, that I went back in to soak a bit more. This time there was a bit younger talent soaking in their birthday suits that catching a glimpse was a bit better than before. 

 

I did do at least another hour and now my third shower for the day and sure enough, according to radar I should be rain free to Durango. My only problem which I wished I would’ve thought about early was my GoPro had no juice to be able to record the ride. If I would’ve thought about it, I could’ve powered it up for my second soak, but didn’t think about it. I was bummed to say the least cuz this ride would have definitely been worth catching on the GoPro. The Millon dollar highway isn’t for the faint of heart when it comes to riding it on a bike cuz you have places you could easily go off the road and you wouldn’t stop until down in the valley. No guardrails and there are some pretty sharp round abouts to get both up and down the passes. In my comparisons of roads I’ve ridden, I think this one harder than the needles or Iron Mountain road in South Dakota and  nothing like the tail of the dragon near the smokey mountains. This road has more danger along the way than those. And to top it off, there as about a 5 mile stretch of construction where they were putting down oil and gravel to cover the road which trust me, is no fun to be riding on a motorcycle. I did have to pass someone going too slow cuz on a bike you have to keep up your speed thru the soft spots. 

 

To finish off today’s story so I can checkout downtown Durango. I did look for a cheap room thru my booking app and there was a hostel room right next to the adobe Inn which was the next cheapest, but after stopping in the adobe inn, the guy suggested if I wanted something within walking distance with an awning the comfort inn was the place to go that that’s what I did. Yep, under the awning parking which I like, but a bit pricier than both the hostel and Adobe Inn would’ve been. And that’s on top of finding out I have a free trolley to get me all around town that now, it’s time to party downtown and I’ll have to let you know what happens tomorrow.

 

Oh, and the rest of the trip until at least Salt Lake City will be a bit of journey since I’m going to try the camping side of this trip. We’ll see how that goes and might keep me offline for a while. 

 

So not too often that I do this, but tonight I’m in the El Rancho talking with Darren and I’ve been talking with him about my ridings and just work in general. Ok, another Darren, or Darins that I know from curling. Been a great conversation and we just gave Peggy a hard time about following her boyfriend to Denver. Ok, just found out they have been planning this for years so more on that story later. 

 

And to finish off the story since I’m just writing this a few days later. I did make the Diamond Bells bar after eating and the guy was right the women were dressed like Hooters girls from the cowboy days. It was a fun bar until everyone, me included started talking politics that they had to close the place and close us down because a couple of locals got into it that they may be feared weapons coming out. Oh well, that’s how I ended up in El Rancho talking with Darren for the night and the night didn’t end the way I had hoped. 

 

From what I understood there was a trolley that would run me from downtown back to my hotel and that it ran until 2 in the morning, but not on Monday’s they only run until midnight. Well, it was well after midnight when I went looking for a trolley and then did try Uber and Lyft with no luck and the bar tender gave me a number for a local guy, but when he told me $100 to take me 2 miles up the road, I decided to hoof it. According to my walking directions it’ll take me 40 minutes that I did try hitch hiking with no luck and did see the same police officer driving around 3 times, but I couldn’t get his attention. I would think he’d be stopping to make sure I was ok and maybe I’d get a ride, but no luck so it turned out to be a later night than I had hoped. 

 

And that is the rest of the story – per Paul Harvey! 

June 8 2025 Day 3

June 8, 2025 – Aspen CO – Day 3

 

I find myself at the Aspen Public House and am having another de Ju Vue moment. Middle of the afternoon and there doesn’t seem to be too many tourists here, but all the young crowd that works this town during the summer months. I have no idea if they do both winter and summer months, but Sunday afternoon must be there day out to the bars and maybe they get those perks the young workers in Banff and Vancouver last year seemed to be living. Probably more Banff now that I think about it cuz that’s where I did all of my partying with the local workers. Ok, I know I haven’t gotten around to posting my 2024 stories, but once out there you can check it out and may feel a little de Ju Vue.

 

I had myself a great time last night as what the young crowd seems to hover toward, dive bars. As I wrote yesterday, I figured I’d make a return trip since I saw it walking by so had to return to the scene of the crime. After my writing from yesterday I made my way back to the hostel to drop off my laptop since I didn’t want to carry it with me for the night and I’m glad I did because I got to meet the owner of the Mexican food truck that parked in front of me for the night. I asked if he could keep an eye on my bike and he was sure to oblige. He said they would be there until 3 in the morning, so I felt better about leaving my camping gear on the bike for the night. 

 

Down to the Garage bar and I really did have a great time at the bar. Downtown Denver was a lot of fun last night and it did seem more people in the dive bar than some of the other bars in the area except for the dance clubs close to the hostels. I did want to check them out, but for $20 entry and another young crowd, I’m probably past those dancing days. I did have a few tacos from the food truck watching over my bike and they were great for a late-night drunk snack.

 

Ok, so now how about today. There were only 3 of us in the 6-bed male hostel room and one of the guys did get up in the middle of the night to leave, so only me and another still in the room this morning, it was a really nice hostel and very comfortable that I would definitely stay there again. With only 156 miles and over 3 hours to ride today I took my time and got some well-deserved sleep before getting the bike packed for the day. It was an easy pack and now all I had to do was shower before I hit the road. I did have few admirers of the bike that if I would’ve waited before packing it, maybe I could’ve given them a ride. Yea, the foreign younger women at the hostel probably not use to seeing a biker traveling thru.

 

It was pretty chilly in Denver this morning, so I did decide to put on my chaps and my warmer riding cloths and even while riding out of Denver I had thought about pulling over a few times to put on my really warm riding gear, a hat, gloves and another jacket, but kept pressing on. I thought I might need the warmer cloths since I’m sure Independence Pass was going to be cold, and I did get confirmation from the guy at the front desk at the hostel that the pass was open on both sides. Well, it did turn out that I didn’t need the warner gear after all because the further west I started the get the sun was out and it turned out to be a nice warmer ride than it otherwise could’ve been. Some fun roads to ride through the mountains and I think I got some pretty good video with my GoPro of the riding and definitely of Independence pass, both on the way up and back down. Too bad I can’t share that with this blog. Traffic not bad at all since it was a Sunday that I was able to cruise pretty well. No 90 mile an hour riding with the curves and climbs as well as descents but was able to hit it hard which is always fun riding. 

 

My directions seemed to be working well for me even though it didn’t quite start out that way this morning, My directions thru the Harley app on my bike was loaded and even though I started out parked in front of the hostel the directions took me around the block before confirming that I had hit my started point after passing the hostel again. If that turned out to be the only deal with the directions, I think I can handle that and for the rest of the way the directions were right on. I made pretty good time to my turnoff from the freeway to head toward Independence Pass and there were plenty o signs letting me know the pass was open and only the larger vehicles are restricted. I did make a stop in Leadville when I saw a sign for an old saloon and captured some pictures and wanted to walk thru to take some pictures, but the hostess said I would have to come back after 5 or at least order a drink or food to enter. Never heard of something like that so no tour even though I guess I could’ve had myself a nonalcoholic drink. 

 

I did think about getting gas, but once again, as with many other trips on my bikes they seem to like the higher elevations that I seemed to have plenty of gas to get me to the pass and Aspen that I did skip the gas stop. It did have me thinking about it a few times on the way to the pass, but no almost running out of gas today like I almost did yesterday. The ride to the pass was great, a little chilly, but the roads were fun, and I didn’t have anyone in front of me that I could hit the corners hard, the only way to ride. The pass was pretty cool to visit again and once I got my pictures in front of the sign, I did spend some time walking the loop that even though there was still snow on the path, at least something that I should do since I have all the time in the world today. I had a bit of a battle with the walk, so I’ll blame it on the altitude cuz I did feel gassed after the walk. 

 

From there about a 20-mile ride to Aspen and once again no one in front of me that I could hit the corners hard. I did feel the pickup following me was pushing me a bit, but I know they didn’t have any interest in passing me because I’m cruising. It was short ride to Aspen and when I did stop for gas, my odometer for my trip since the last stop was already around 200 miles and I haven’t gotten that kind of mileage with this bike with the pumped-up engine that I’m running. The hostel was easy to find, and I was early for happy hour which started at 4:30 but decided to take a show to clean up and hit the bars early, that’s how I ended up here at the Aspen Public House. Oh, and once here and before I started to write today’s adventure I was talking to another guy traveling thru from San Diego who is flying back home and he had grown up in Chicago, lived in the cities for a while before ending up in California. Kind of like that Wad that I met in North Platte that has kind of lived a little everywhere. 

 

I do have to mention that the hostel in Aspen is nice, I have my own room, but it happened to be on the third floor with no elevators that carrying my heavy pack up the stairs was a bit of work. I am fortunate that my little room is right across from the men’s bathroom and it is a nice bathroom and was good for a shower once the water finally heated up. 

 

Ok, this place was only a 5 block walk from the hostel, and I did try their crab cake for a little something to eat that now I’ll have to decide what I want for dinner and make another trip to another bar or something to see a little more of Aspen. Oh, and I did spend a little more time repacking at the hostel since now I have dirty clothes to deal with and time to start on my next pair of jeans. The fortunate thing is I’ve been riding with a jacket every day, that my shirt didn’t get too dirty from the riding.

 

Tomorrow Durango and I’m hoping the rain stays away. I got lucky with the last few days for the kind of weather Colorado has been getting so let’s hope it lasts for me. Time to enjoy the Aspen bars. 

 

Amendment, now sitting in Steak House No. 316 with Nick from Australia and Aadil from NY having a bar steak. The No. 316 served at the bar, and it is a great steak. The guy before who told me about at least getting the steak sandwich was right and it was a great steak. So, Nick quite his job in Sydney Australia and is doing some travel in the states and Aadil joined him for part of the trip. They happen to be staying at the same hostel as me, the St Moritz Lodge so I have someone to help me with directions. They are kind of heading in the same direction as me so let’s see whether we meet up again or not. Am having a great time with these guys, the beers are good, and the bar steak was amazing.