BigJohnSD and Festar Ride Again

[bigjohnsd]

Thursday June 6, 2024 - Eureka, CA to Ukiah, CA via the "Lost Coast".

We left Eureka late for us at 1000. A brief spurt down US-101 put us into the old Redwood Lumber Victorian village of Fortuna, CA.

Of course it wouldn't be the " Flat White" tour without stopping for a coffee, so we did!

It wasn't the best coffee if the trip and they charged extra to make it right by adding more espresso. Sad situation.

But we had entertainment while we sipped

Initially he was afraid of us in our gear but soon succumbed to ear scratches and we were best buddies by stops end.

Fortuna really is a Victorian jem!

Main Street

Fortunately is also the Northern terminus of the famed "Matolle Road" the entrance to the "Lost Coast". Matolle Road is a goat path for most of the Northern section.

But soon opens to some beautiful vistas

Continued - too many pix

 

[bigjohnsd]

June 6th - Continued

It was in the low 50s on the coast, but just a few miles inland at Honeydew it was 92f when we stopped for a cold drink.

From Honeydew we made our way back towards US-101 through Ettersburg a few small redwood groves.

And then turned onto the famous CA-1 "Highway One" at Leggett.

Between 101 and the coast is a beautiful stretch of road that requires all ones attention, thus no pictures.

Between reaching the Coast and Fort Bragg there were multiple one lane construction sites, 5 in all, if I remember correctly. We got lucky at a few and sailed through but stopped at most.

Tough view while we waited!

In Fort Bragg we needed coffee.

CA-20 runs from Fort Bragg to Willits on 101. It is 37 miles of twisty paradise if you're not stuck behind slow traffic. These two kept up a good pace for 25 miles before finally letting us pass by pulling into a turnout. There are no "passing zones" slow traffic is supposed to pull over after 5 vehicles are following.

A short jaunt down 101 from Willits to Ukiah brought us to our home for the evening and a rendezvous with another riding group "Dangerous Curves".

We all walked across the street to a very warm inside Applebee's for supper.

Alas, at 72 I think I'm the " Senior Member"

Stay tuned, tomorrow we head back North to Shelter Cove for a night at/on the beach.

 

[bigjohnsd]

@ Shelter Cove
Crappy Internet. More tomorrow.

 

[bigjohnsd]

June 7th - Ukiah to Shelter Cove, CA - ~ 250 miles - all day.
Brian, John Wilson, Jim Fontana and I left Ukiah at 0800. We rode a pre planned route to Shelter Cove hopping back and forth over the coastal ranges of California. It was cool along the ocean, hot as he'll as soon as we crested the first inland ridge as we moved back and forth.

Quite the Vista

Narrow two lane tracks, lots of tight curves and elevation change.

A cool respite amongst the Redwoods

Coffee stop in Mendocino

Flat White (well made) and an Almond Croissant.

L to R Jim Fontana, Yours Truly, John Wilson, Brian Maddy.

Ocean cool

More Redwoods Cool

Camp at Shelter Cove

Pterodactyl and the "Spousal Unit" (Kevin & Annie) are traveling in high style!

Kevin & Annie Enjoying the view and a little refreshment at the brewery behind the campground.

Brian and John hamming it up

Food Porn - Fresh Local Rock Fish (outstanding), Coleslaw (good), and Beer Macaroni & Cheese (meh).

Ask Festar to explain!

 

[bigjohnsd]

June 8th. - Shelter Cove to Shasta, CA ~300 miles all day

Early visitors

Heavy dew delayed our departure until after 0900, no o e wants to pack wet gear up.

Our breakfast views were spectacular!

Of course -Flat Whites!

We supported the local Willow Creek 8th grade graduating class raising $ for their graduation trip to San Francisco.
$10 for a wash, hot dog, chips, and a drink.

Another "goat trail" The Salmon River Road!

The Salmon River near Forks of Salmon

Stopped for Ice Cream at Callahan CA

And then back to Shasta for the evening

11 May - 8 June

~9,000 miles and counting.

New tires for me tomorrow, 17,000 plus on this set of Dunlop Trailmax Mission tires!

Stay Tuned!

 

[bigjohnsd]

June 9, 2024 - MT Shasta, CA to Yuba City, CA. 175 miles
We hit the road early, 0700, to beat the Valley Heat.
Flat Whites at Starbucks in MT Shasta and at Gridley, CA. Arrived at JREW's at 1130.

JREW leading us down I-5

Lake Shasta, almost empty the last time I rode through, was full!

The Central Valley of California is truly the food basket of the United States, rice, fruit, small grain, nuts, tomatoes, etc are all grown here, plant it and water it, watch it grow.

When not irrigated one can imagine what the valley looked like before the 1849 Gold Rush and subsequent immigration.

Oleander bushes divide a lot of California highways - they stop cars as well if not better than guard rails or cables. They are in full blossom.

As we approached Biggs and East Biggs the "Smallest Mountain Range in the World" the "Sutter Buttes" comes in to view.

We had two major missions today - new tires on BigJohnSD's steed and an exploration of electrical gremlins in Festar's pony.

The tire change was easy thanks to JREW's (John Wilson) new Rabaconda Tire Machine. This thing was fantastic!

Easy off - Easy on!

Bead broken

One handed, no sweat removal

One handed installation too. As with so many things in life you never can use too much lube.



These tires have 17,576 miles on them, probably could go another 1,000 miles but I chose not to chance it. YMMV!

About 2/32" tread remaining

3-4/32" remaining but starting to wear funny.

New tires - always feel so good!

The electrical gremlins search on Brian's bike did not go so well. After initial elation after finding and replacing a fuse that was only making intermittent internal contact, On the ride to our motel the troubles returned. Symptoms are the Electronic Dash intermittently flickers and dies, ABS failure lights come kn, dash goes black, brake lights are constantly flickering on without pedal or lever activation, but the bike starts and runs fine. Google reveals this may be a common problem in BMW F700 GS motorcycles, and could possibly be related to the Ring Antenna which detects the key chip failing. Others warn that these symptoms are a precursor to total failure of the instrument cluster and bike failure to run. We are considering options.

Tomorrow - we will break in John's new tires with a run up the Feather River Canyon, Bucks Lake Rd, Quincy-Laporte Rd and end up in Nevada City with good friends Doug & Gayle whom Brian and I first met ten years and over 100,000 miles ago.
Forums of all kinds are wonderful things!

Stay tuned!

 

[bigjohnsd]

June 10, 2024 - Yuba City CA to Grass Valley CA and a change of Motorcycles.

We started our morning at Bridge Coffee for another round of "Flat White"

As previously reported the BMW F700 was having increasingly intermittent serious electrical/electronic faults. One of the FJRRiders Forum members offered his 2013 FJR to Brian to finish our trip. Brian greatfully accepted the offer. We spent most of our day performing maintenance on the "new" bike and after a test ride to lunch and back spent several more hours diagnosing and repairing an intermittent headlight fault. The left headlight would flicker on and off. We thought it was a wire but it turned out to be a loose LED Headlight bulb base. Once we had a new bulb the issue disappeared. We also fit a new phone mount, changed the oil, and installed a different wind screen. All this took most of the afternoon snd necessitated at least three trips for parts and pieces. We left Yuba City at 5:00 pm at the height of rush hour in 98 degree heat.

Lunch was Street Tacos along the Sacramento River near Colusa CA on our test ride.

On our way back to JREW's we once again passed by the Sutter Buttes, the world's smallest mountain range.

All finished and ready to go. Brian thanking John for his generosity.

After a hot 37 mile ride old friends and a great diner awaited us.

Tomorrow a day of the bikes and off our feet.

Lunch along the shores of Lake Tahoe with our hosts Doug and Gayle is the plan.

Stay tuned!

 

[bigjohnsd]

June 12, 2024 Grass Valley CA to Alturas, CA the long way 338 wonderful miles! Thanks for the route suggestions Doug Plumley!

CA-49 IYKYK!

Gold Lake Road

Sierra Buttes - not the smallest mountain range in the world!

The 1100 am Flat White in Quincy CA, coffee was great, tri-tip sandwich we split sucked. Bread was really dry.

Lake Almanor - off US-89

Vista from the West side of Eagle Lake mmmmmm!

very little traffic today

Brian in the zone! Eagle Lake Road

Heading North towards Juniper Junction

MT Shasta from the East this time

Lots of Lava in this neck of the woods.

Alturas, CA tonight, Baker City OR tomorrow, Helps Canyon early on Friday then on Saturday we will head to Stanley ID, Challis, IDand points East.

Stay tuned!

 

[bigjohnsd]

13 June 2024 - Alturas CA to Baker City OR - 476 miles with a detour due to a "Garmin unrecognized gravel road" Modoc County CR-9

Once again the Valentine V1G2 saved us from disaster at least twice. Once in CA on 395 and once in OR on 395. It surely owes me nothing now.

Doesn't he look good astride an FJR?

On CA 299 headed to Cedarville CA and then back to 395 via Modoc CR-9 which Garmin and my map showed as paved. We verified it is not. Thus we got to see Fort Burwell and to ride over Cedar Pass twice !

On our way back to Cedarville post CR-9 discovery.

Breakfast in Cedarville - was not food porn worthy - JSNS

Old Cedarville store

Along US 395 you pass Alkali Lake North of Lakeview OR

Very smooth this morning
US 395 runs along the shore and the 65 mph speed limit with 45 mph signed corners is great fun!

Still some snow here and there on our way up 395 to John Day OR. Very little traffic! Lots of BMWs headed to the National BMW MOA Rally in Redmond OR, just 150 miles to the West.

OR 245 from Unity to Baker City OR is a sweet ride! IYKYK!

The right handed corners in the twisty bits of the Second half of 245 were somewhat challenging as someone in a vehicle ahead if us, likely dragging a trailer, had clipped every apex and drug gravel onto the pavement in just about every right hand curve. I almost went down in one corner when I didn't see and avoid some of the gravel.

We are at the Oregon Trail Motel in Baker City, site of last years "Why Not Rally" and worth a return visit.

Highest temp today was 91f around John Day OR. Forecast looks cooler tomorrow and on into the weekend. No rain in sight !

Early tomorrow morning we will head down into Hells Canyon and then into Idaho. Not certain where we will end up Friday night.
Home Sunday night as SWMBO advises the AC has quit and the repair guy is scheduled for Monday. I have keeps to do for the Black Hills Rendezvous anyhow.

Stay tuned!

 

[bigjohnsd]

14 June - Baker City OR to Challis ID - 406 miles

We left Baker City at 0700 and headed East towards Hells Canyon, it was a cool and beautiful morning with fabulous vistas

First stop - Flat White and Brekky!

After Breakfast we continued East toward the Canyon - more vistas -

Eventually we made it to the bottom and ride along Oxbow Lake

We stopped in at "Oh Honey", Cambridge ID for a F L A T W H I T E !
One of the best of the trip so far!

The FJR had required the jump box to start in Baker City, it needed it again in Cambridge.

So much fun!

A long break midday in the Boise area searching and ultimately finding and installing a new battery into the FJR.

After Boise we headed North East up ID-21 to Lowman then up 75 to Stanley before continuing on to Challis along the Salmon River. Not much traffic once clear of Idaho City on 21. A great ride, Brian's new "Favorite Road " man be Stanley to Challis, at least this evening.

Along the Paiute River.

IYKYK -and if you don't you should!

The Sawtooth Mountains are always spectacular!

Death by windscreen

The view from the motel

Tomorrow takes us North through Salmon ID then over to Wisdom MT, onto I-15, then I-90, to Laurel MT before we head South to Red Lodge MT.

 

[bigjohnsd]

15 June 2024 Challis ID to Red Lodge MT. 431 miles - 8.5 hours -

~11,000 miles since May 11, 2024.

We left Challis ID at 0800. Temps were in the low 50's as we headed North to Salmon ID on US 93 along the rapidly flowing Salmon River

We stopped for a Flat White in Salmon ID,

The gentleman in the blue cap bought our coffee.

The coffee was good, but would have been much better in a paper or China cup. Styrofoam is just - !

We then continued up US-93 But clouds were building to our West and South West so we stopped to close vents and change gloves before turning East on MT-43 through Wisdom MT.
We ran through a few showers between 93 and Wisdom, just enough to soften the bugs on the windscreen.

We turned North on MT-569 to MT-1 near Anaconda, and then East on I-90 to Columbus MT

We stopped in Three Forks MT for a bio-break and a Flat White.

And Festar finally caught me out - He has been trying for weeks, LOL

The Cherry Cheese Danish was excellent!

When we left Three Forks there was a big thunder cell moving across I-90 in our path so we sat for 15 minutes to let it clear. Then rode I-90 to Columbus MT and took MT-78 to Red Lodge.

Dinner was a reprise of our 2014 Red Lodge visit, Pizza and Beers at the Red Lodge Pizza Company.

Tomorrow morning we will get an early start, Beartooth, Chief Joseph, breakfast in Cody, Ten Sleep, Cloud Peak Skyway (US-16) Buffalo WY then slab it to Spearfish on I-90. A bit over 400 miles and eight hours riding time. Should be home for supper.

 

[bigjohnsd]

16 June 2024 - Red Lodge MT to Spearfish SD via Cody WY, Ten Sleep WY - Spotted Horse WY - 476 miles - 9 hours

We rolled out of Red Lodge at 0700, it was 41f, and we soon saw the mid-30s as we ascended US 212 into the Bear Lodge.
The wind was howling, so much so that removing my hand from the handgrip to take pictures while riding was not prudent.
I tried to stop and take a picture up top and the wind just about blew the bike and me over.

I saw 28f just before we reached the top of the pass, there was very little snow along the road.

Once in Wyoming and on the West side, I was able to grab a few pictures.

The run down the Chief Joseph Parkway over Dead Indian Pass warmed considerably.

We were glad to stop in Cody for our first Flat White of the day - I highly recommend "The Station" - great coffee and good food too.

After coffee and gas, we continued to Ten Sleep and then over the Cloud Peak Skyway - US 16 - to Buffalo, where the Flat White called to us again, this time with a Chocolate Croissant accompaniment.

According to my GPS tracking function, we have ridden over 11,500 miles since May 11th.

We are home until Sunday - performing maintenance, and preparing for the upcoming Black Hills Rendezvous - where approximately 50 motorcyclists from all over the country will gather in Spearfish for riding and fellowship from 20-22 June.
Our part is to prepare for the Saturday night Steak Dinner - https://attacktheroad.com/atrstore/product/2024-black-hills-non-rally/

On Sunday, June 23rd, Brian and I will depart for a few days in British Columbia before returning on June 30th for Brian to fly back to Australia on July 2nd.

This report will resume on June 23rd. - Stay Tuned - I appreciate the likes and the comments.

 

[bigjohnsd]

Festar, JREW and I left Spearfish at 0800. Flat Whites in Buffalo WY.
Tired after a hot day. Cloud Peak Skyway (US 16), Shell Canyon (US 14) Burgess Junction US 14A, Chief Joseph Parkway (WY 296), Beartooth Pass in a gale. 558.5 miles in 10 hours 15 minutes - 0800 - 1815.

Saw 105f a few times. Detoured over Chief Joseph and Beartooth to get out of the heat.

Cool here in Red Lodge now.

Heading to Pterodactyl’saka AKBeemer's in Helena tomorrow.

Stay tuned.

 

[bigjohnsd]

Sunday 23 June - Festar, JREW and I left Spearfish at 0800. Flat Whites in Buffalo WY.

We were all tired after a hot day.
Cloud Peak Skyway (US 16), Shell Canyon (US 14) Burgess Junction US 14A, Chief Joseph Parkway (WY 296), Beartooth Pass in a gale. 558.5 miles in 10 hours 15 minutes - 0800 - 1815.

Saw 105f a few times. Detoured over Chief Joseph and Beartooth to get out of the heat. Cool here in Red Lodge now. FYB and Gary here as well. Whiskey with Intech (FYB) and VABikebreaker(Gary) while we shot the chit until 2230.

Monday - 24 June up early and Headed to Pterodactyl’s "Outpost" at 0700. Beautiful ride up MT 78 to Columbus, I-90 West 60 miles to US 89, US 12 to Townsend MT then up the East side of Canyon Ferry Reservoir to the Canyon Ferry Dam before cutting west to Helena.

Sunday and Mondays tracks

Arrived at noon. Did 22K service on my GSA,

I then helped finish another 12K service on VABikebreaker's R1250RS. Checked valves and replaced the air filter.

We took Kevin and Annie to supper at the Mediterranean Grill in Helena (no phone/no pix)

We part ways with the others tomorrow as Festar and I are heading back to Eureka MT for a respite, then on to Lake Country BC for a day of riding with another old friend.

Stay tuned.

 

[bigjohnsd]

Tuesday 25 June - Huddy's Outpost to Eureka MT - 260 miles, 5 hours

We left the Out post about 1000 in company with John Wilson (JREW)

Two absolutely great riding partners!

We headed North over Fletcher PASS then West on MT 200 where Festar and I turned North on MT 83 and JREW continued West to US 12 and the Lolo Pass.

MT 83 runs along the edge of some pretty lakes

We crossed the Flathead River.

And then headed North West to Eureka MT in the extreme NW corner of MT.

Staying with our friends Bobbi & Mike who son after we arrived had us on the waters of Lake Koocanusa.

After boating we hit a local joint for burgers and beer.

Tomorrow we cross into Canada and head for Lake Country BC for another visit and a promised ride in Thursday.

Stay tuned.

 

[bigjohnsd]

Wednesday - June 26, Eureka MT to Lake Country BC
413 miles - two Flat Whites - 8 hours 30 minutes

We left Eureka MT at 0800, stopped for gas and then crossed the border into Canada.

As always the mountains in Canada are exceptionally beautiful.

First stop was for a Flat White in Jaffray BC.
Good coffee, good Blueberry Muffin, good Ham and cheese Bun and a good Sausage Roll - bad pictures.

From Jaffray we followed Canada 3 West before turning North on Canada 33 to Kelowna BC.

Just before our turn north we stopped for another Flat White, this time with Butter Tarts. Festar thought the Butter Tarts were too sweet, but still are better than biscuits and gravy

I thought both the coffee and the tart was damn fine.

All day we ran in threatening skies and encountered a few sprinkles from time to time, never enough to really call rain. Temps were generally in the low to mid 60s f.

We arrived at our friends house in Lake Country BC about 1630.

We soon were enjoying a beer and the view!

Tomorrow a relaxing 300 mile jaunt around the Okanagon area.

Stay tuned!

"The road is the ride, and, The ride is the road!"

 

[Omega Man]

Such a well documented great ride!
OM

 

[bigjohnsd]

27 June - Lake Country BC - 289 miles of local beauty.

Festar, Dave (FastJoyRide) and I met five other riders for Breakie and a ride.

WEAX necessitated riding to the West so we did. Lots of local roads and secret good places were covered.

Despite Dave's best efforts and extensive local knowledge we couldn't escape all the WEAX, thankfully it was in the form of showers and not torrential downpours.

Festar had to settle for Timmy's closest approximation for his "Flat White". The string remains unbroken.

A great bunch of guys to ride with.

Early tomorrow morning we will leave Lake Country and take the scenic route to Helena. Looks like 10-11 hours and ~600 miles.

Stay tuned - Friday may be a three Flat White day!

 

[akbeemer]

When you arrive at The Outpost, then perhaps Fester can provide lessons on the creation of the perfect Flat White on Annie's fancy espresso machine.

 

[bigjohnsd]

28 June - Lake Country BC (0700) to the Outpost, Helena MT (1900) 11 actual Elapsed Time hours (12 - 1 due to the time change) - 603 miles - One Flat White, but some great coffee along the way!

When we left Dave and Sylvia's it was 52f and cloudy but looked promising to the South!

We turned left on to BC 33 and soon we were loving it!

We crossed the border at Midway BC/Ferry WA - first in line for the 0900 opening!

We initiated the coffee search immediately after crossing the border - Scotts Coffee was closest and only a mile out of the way.

A Family owned 40 year old business - free coffee to drink (samples) $8 a half pound, roasted while you wait! Heavenly!

Their "Flash Roaster"

The son, Steve, younger guy in the photo, is the Chief Engineer for Motion Pro - the motorcycle tool maker!

We continued South on 395 towards Spokane and stopped for our Flat White and a sandwich near Lake something or other..

The flat white was good, the sandwich not so much.

At Spokane we jumped onto I-90 and put the hammer down making up 45 minutes of our predicted arrival time at the Outpost.

I-90 between Coure d'Alene ID and Missoula MT is actually not too bad, great as interstates go. We stopped once at Regis for fuel and Ice Cream before getting off and taking US 12 to Helena and the Outpost.

Annie had dinner ready upon our arrival.

Tomorrow Helena to Spearfish - the end of the Journey!