Brrrrrrrr

The weather has begun to change and the opportunities to ride are now diminishing but you take what chances allow.

On Saturday, we had scheduled a ride to go through Logan Canyon to Bear Lake and return over Monte Cristo. It's been warm lately but the leaves have been changing. We thought this would be a great ride on a nice day but as the day drew closer the temperatures began to go lower. The forecast called for partly cloudy and 56*.

We left SLC about 9:00 am and were linking up with additional riders in Ogden. The Ogden group had met for breakfast and ended up about 30 minutes behind. As soon as they arrived and gassed up, we were off.

Normally I would take I-15 up to Brigham City and turn off to Logan, but this mornings ride would take us up US-89 through Willard and Perry. It brought back some memories of being up with my Grandpa Harris, on his farm in Pleasant View, picking apples, plums or peaches and them taking them to one of the many fruit stands along the highway to sell.

Turning up Sardine Canyon we made our way to Logan and took a stop to stretch and talk. The canyon turned out to be cooler than I expected but the sun was peaking through.

Next we rode through Logan Canyon. What a beautiful ride!! The leaves hadn't turned as much as I had hoped but the canyon is always beautiful and the view as you crest the hill to drop down into Bear Lake is breathtaking. We stopped at a small burger joint in Garden City for lunch to top off the riders tanks as well as topping off the bike tanks.

As we rode around the south end of the lake and made our way to Woodruff, the entryway to Monte Cristo, the temps remained cool and the sky clouded over a bit more. As we started over the mountain, the clouds closed in and turned a bit dark. I suspected that we would see some snow on the top but was surprised at how much there was, not deep but not patchy either. At the summit of 9100 feet the temperature had dropped to a finger chilling 28* and then warmed a little as we came down the other side. By Huntsville we were all the way up to 40*. The view was great as we rode through the canyon.

We made our way home over Trappers Loop to Morgan and down US-89/Legacy Highway.

The ride was worth every minute, cold but worth it. Next year I do think I'll try to pick a warmer day (or get heated gloves)

I only got a few pictures of the group.

My Not So 15 Minutes of Fame

With the motorcycle, we participate in two groups. Both have some of the greatest people you could ever want to meet and each has it's unique and special personality.

The Ventureriders.org is based on the Yamaha Venture that I ride and the website (and it's members) have a wealth of knowledge, humor and genuine concern for there fellow riders and families. This is the group that Jan & I recently got to spend time with in Cody, WY and the surrounding rides.

The Temple Riders Association is also a group we participate in and because of the large number of members that are in the Wasatch Front area, we have a lot of interaction with these people. The members here are also fantastic to be around and enjoy the beauty that has been created for us in this world and care deeply for the other members of the group. Last Sunday, during the LDS General Conference, KSL television showed an ~8 min documentary on the group. It was great to watch. Jan and I were in Cody during most of the filming but did get to join the group to do the "Putting on the Whole Armor of God" fireside. But alas, the part we were there to be filmed, now sits on the cutting room floor. I'll upload the video when it's available but for now, click on the word "documentary" above.

Dave

Ventureriders - Cody Roundup

Over the past year, we have been helping to organize a mini rally for the Venturerider.org members in the western part of the US and Canada. This past week we had the opportunity to participate. We all met in Cody, Wy for fun riding in Yellowstone National Park, Chief Joseph Highway, Beartooth Highway and other rides around the local area. We had a great b-b-q at the local Yamaha dealer with buffalo burgers etc.


We crossed the Continental Divide a couple of times.

The Ventureriders group at the east entrance to Yellowstone. At the overlook on Beartooth Pass

Just outside the town was the Buffalo Bill Reservoir with three tunnels you ride through. Both Jan and I enjoyed the ride and went through them with the video recorder going.If you want to see the rest of the photos, go here!

Ride For The Fallen - 8/29/09 Logan, Ut

What a beautiful day for a scenic ride starting in the Cache Valley of Utah. The ride is hosted by the family of Lance Corporal Michael Allred, who sacrificed his life in the Iraqi conflict.

The ride had 350 bikes pre-registered and there were a significant number of riders that registered that morning.

Checking in started at 8:30 with a continental breakfast available. By 9:30 the parking lot of Elk Ridge Park was filled and bikes were spilling out into the streets. At 9:30 there was a special memorial service and flag ceremony to honor those who had been killed during the current conflicts in Iraq and Afganistan that were from Utah. I was surprised at the size of the list of fallen soldiers but, although I know none of them personally, I do hold a deep respect for the dedication and ultimate sacrifice they have made and for their families who have lost so much.

The morning ride was great! The air was crisp but very comfortable as we left the park, traveled through Logan Canyon to Garden City (Bear Lake). The magnificent view of the Bear Lake area is impressive every time I crest the mountain and drop down into the valley. From Garden City were turned north along the west side of the lake to St. Charles, ID were we were able to take a break after the first 54 miles. They organizers had Creamies available for the participants (what’s a ride without some sort of ice cream). I tried in futility to get a picture with all of the bikes, it took three to cover the mass of bikes.

After the break, we rode north to Ovid, ID and from there, cut west up Emigration Canyon, through some beautiful countryside to Preston. It was spectacular to see the large group of bikes moving as one. Once in Preston (104 miles total), another break was taken at Fackrell Park, giving everyone a chance to stretch and chat.

The final 30 miles of the ride back to Elk Ridge Park was the most memorable to me. All along the route, as we would pass through the various small towns, there were people or whole families that would stand out on the street, wave American Flags, hold their hands over their hearts as we passed. Many of these, were older gentlemen donning hats from their time of service. This act intensified as we came back into the residential area of Hyde Park and rode past the cemetery and childhood home of LCorp Allred. Both had been adorned with flags and the neighbors were there to express their love. As I sit here writing this, I can’t help but recall the emotions of that sight.

A good from from the TRA rode in this event. Pictured below are Tom Spalding, Rex & Sandy Hansen, Paul & Cynthia DeGrey, David & Jan Harris and Cordell Wiser.

Parade Fun - Elders Perry & Cook

July 24 - 25, 2009 - Pioneer Days Parade - Cokeville, Wyoming


Good Friends - We were asked to participate in the parade as part of the Temple Riders Association. We had a great time socializing on Friday night at the city park.

Good Food - Saturday Morning, before the parade, Jan and I prepared three different dutch oven breakfast dishes (Mountain Man Breakfast, Christmas Eggs and Potatoes, Bacon & Eggs) We also cooked up some pancakes to make sure all had plenty to eat. I think I'm still full !!

After the parade ended, we headed for the Cokeville chapel and Elder L. Tom Perry was the presiding authority. He invited Elder Quentin Cook to be the speaker at a special devotional. It's always a great opportunity to listen to one of the living apostles.

We are already planning for the trip for next year! Pictures

The past two weekends have allowed for some riding between all of the storms that Utah has had, but that doesn't mean we haven't had some wet riding. This past Friday/Saturday was spent at Cherry Hills with my family.

We rode up to the camp with nice sunshine and no wind. We got everything set up and could see rain coming from the west. We covered the bikes and went to fix dinner, hoping it would blow over and maybe sprinkle a little bit (as was the forcast).

We got the grill going and pretty soon the rain was falling by the bucket fulls. Some of the family huddled in their trailer or tents (some let in the rain), but a few of us were protected by the canopy Rob had set up until it passed, after about 45 minutes.

After the rain storm it cleared up nicely. We had dinner, talked and laughed etc. until about 11:00 and hit the sack (we were lucky and we stayed dry inside the tent). The next morning we had a great breakfast of french toast, bacon, hash browns and juice.

After drying out things and packing them away again, we played some cards, talked and tried to get caught up on each others lives.

The other ride we were able to go on was to the Manti Pageant with members of the TRA. We rode down on Friday the 19th and after dropping our gear at the cabin, we went on to the dinner and pageant. Eight of the ten rode down together with the other two meeting up with us in Manti.

Because of Sister Little's knees, our group was invited up to the front area that was reserved for those with handicaps (those of us able bodied would have moved to accomodate if needed). The pageant was nice as usual, Elder Perry offered the invocation and after we rode back to the cabin in a wonderful 65* weather (at midnight).

By morning though, the clouds had rolled in and sprinkled on us as we rode back to the Manti Temple. After the session, a few of us rode into Moroni to purchase turkey from the Norbest outlet store, then into Mt. Pleasant for lunch at Wheelers before the ride home. The ride from Nephi to home was by far the wettest as it rained hard off and on all the way. There was never enough water on the road that it was scary.

Rat Fink Reunion - June 6, 2009

Saturday we rode to Manti for the 8th annual Rat Fink Reunion and Parade. Jan and I have ridden in the parade for the last 4 years and enjoy the tricked out and vintage cars. This car even had his own Rat Fink as a rider.

This car has two flames on the front and a flame thrower out the back.

Our two oldest grandsons got to ride with us in the parade and their job was to throw candy to the kids on the sides, watching the parade.

And, of course, each needed their own t-shirt!! Thanks Grandma.

May 15 - 16 Ronnie Millsap

On Friday night, Jan and I had tickets to see Ronnie Millsap at the Concert Hall in Wendover, NV. This was a great opportunity to go an a "longer" ride together without being overly long.

I got away early on Friday and by 3:00 we were on the road and heading west through the desert. By 5:00 pm we were checking in to the motel, we grabbed a snack and went to find out the hours on the buffet for the evening.

The concert didn't start until 8:00, so we just enjoyed the sun and walked about.

Ronnie did a fun concert and although I'm not a country music fan, I did know quite a few of the songs and Jan knew most all of them. We had a good time! The concert hall is a great place to enjoy a concert.

After the concert we enjoyed a great dinner at the buffet with prime rib and all kinds of seafood.

Saturday morning was a little cooler than it was riding out but still a fun ride back. We were back home by noon and then started the chores for the day.

Maybe we should have ridden more?

Eureka - Porters Place May 9th

Dave and Sharlene Paul lead the ride for us. We met at the Cracker Barrel in Springville and then took and back roads out and along the south end of Utah Lake to Eureka. After a break in Eureka and riding tour we headed south towards Jerico (Little Sahara) area and then cut over to Nephi. In Nephi we enjoyed another break and ice cream. The final leg took us up the west side of Mona Lake and Utah Lake and into Lehi for a late lunch at Porter's Place.

On our way to Eureka, we stopped to meet another rider in Elberta. Missed the other rider but while we waited, this young lady was having pictures taken for her upcoming wedding. Mark Brower loaned her his bike for some of the photos and she was pleased to use of the unexpected prop.
Finally, Porter's Place! We had a great time and enjoyed good food and conversation while we ate. We gave our fearless leaders a good natured ribbing for the scenic drive to the restaurant thanks to road construction and a confused sense of direction.
The weather turned out well and it was a fun, great day for a ride. Jan went a helped with the Charlie and the Chocolate Factory play, that the only thing that could have made the day better.

Ummmm, Scones!

The weather has started to turn to Spring and we are having five days of nice sunshine. Saturday was one of those days. Jan has been working hard on costumes for a play (Charlie and the Chocolate Factory) and was ready for some stress relief. Like they say, you never see a motorcycle at a psychiatrist's office.

This was going to be our first opportunity to take a ride further than in the city, so, we chose to ride down the west side of Utah Lake to Santaquin and back. While in Santaquin, we stopped at a local restaurant called the Family Tree and had dinner, which all come with their famous scones. The scones are the length of a loaf of french bread and delicious.

As long as the weather cooperates - our next planned ride is out to Wendover to see Ronnie Millsap in concert.

Grandkids!!

The weather shows signs of spring every once in while and with it comes the chance to take some shorter rides at least.

One of the things that I've looked forward to is when our older grandkids would be old enough to start taking on rides. Mom and Dad have decided that the two oldest (both boys) are now big enough for some short rides... so, Sunday I took each of them for a ride around the block. Long enough that they could say they went on a ride but short enough to not tire them out or have them get scared. Both had a good time and we'll see if they liked it enough to want to go again in the future.

Mom was able to get this short video clip of the younger of the two:



Someday they'll be big enough to spend the day with Grandpa on a day ride.

My (Her) Not So Little Pony

After looking at bikes for 8 months and with the warm weather threatening to come, it was time to replace Jan's bike. We looked at Kawasaki Vulcans, Yamaha V-Stars, Suzuki Boulevards, Honda Shadows. We looked for both new and used but Jan never found the bike she liked until....

On January 28th, we took our son to the Missionary Training Center to start his LDS mission. After we had said our good-bye's, Jan wasn't in the mood to just go home so I suggested that we stop in at the Lindon Harley Davidson dealership. The dealership was built using much of it materials from the old Geneva Steel plant that was demolished across the street from their new facility. It is ready pretty neat looking to see all of the old wood, trusses and sheet metal and how it was incorporated in to the new building. While we were there we also looked at a number of the bikes and soon she came to the Sportster. Lance, whom we were chatting with as we looked, suggested that she sit on one (not what you normally want to do in a skirt). That was it! She loved the weight, height and especially and narrow profile of the engine and fuel tank.

So, last Saturday, we went back to Timpanogos Harley and purchased a gently used 2008 Harley Sportster Custom. Can you see the smile in the pics?








The bike is 1200 cc, V-Twin, fuel injected, belt driven. It also has a custom paint color that changes depending on the light, windscreen and sissy bar (on order). We plan on adding a JMCB-2300 CB radio so that we can communicate on trips. She says that she doubts she be on the back of my bike much any more.

When we left the dealership, we got on the freeway to go home, Jan on the bike and me in the car. After we got on the on ramp, I looked up to see tail lights at the top of the ramp and me at the bottom. I don't think she'll have any problems keeping up.