Ride to the Grand Canyon

Four friends left for a week of riding. We had two Hondas, a BMW and a Harley. One of the hondas had breakfast with us the first morning but had to return home until he met up with us on Wednesday in Las Vegas. We traveled over 3500 miles and on the last day three of us completed our Iron Butt of over 1000 miles in one day. (you can click on pictures to make them larger)








We left on Sunday morning and headed down I-5 for breakfast and then headed for the Oregon coast. The weather was cool so dressing warm was the apparel for the day.










We also traveled though the Redwoods. Then went on to Redding CA where we spent our first night.






On Monday we headed towards Reno, NV by way of Mt. Lassen.










After Mt. Lassen we had some extra time so we took a great ride on route 49 which went through Sierra CA a great ride with great curves and awesome scenery. On our way through here we hit one of many “road repairs” stops.







When you goal is to ride, how do you get good pictures of the things you are seeing? Well, what I came up with was a lanyard around my neck with the camera attached. And it worked!! So from now I was able take more pictures on the road as we left Reno and what great timing. The views from Highway 395 are great.






Here is a view of the Honda Goldwing cockpit moving at 50 mph, this camera thing is working.






A side trip up to Tahoe.



And the ride back down to Highway 395










Back on the Highway headed for Yosemite.









As you can see my back seat is empty. Marsha is back east visiting her family. But I am sure she would love this ride.






As I ride I keep checking to make sure David is doing OK behind me.






My view of David following me.






More scenes from the road.







We stopped at the entrance to Yosemite and decided to ride up towards the gate and get back on the road.



Views of the road up to Yosemite.








Packing up the next morning as we head towards Death Valley and Los Vegas.













Yup, David is still there and Jim is still leading.









Near the Entrance to Death Valley. As we stood looking down this canyon towards the valley, we heard some jets and saw two F-18s chasing each other up through the canyon. A few minutes later an F-18 came up the canyon and went vertical. It was amazing.

To see image of F-18 go to the wed page below.
http://www.1000pictures.com/aircraft/F-18/061105-n-8591h-330_1024x768.jpg









Choosing the next route to Las Vegas.







In-n-out Burgers in Las Vegas. Yum, Yum. Garry met us in Las Vegas so now we have a foursome.







Cleaning up out bikes before you head for the Grand Canyon.







Stopping for Gas, we found this station had all a man really needs.







Heading towards the Grand Canyon.





As we entered the north entrance of the Grand Canyon we realized we were near 9,000 feet above sea level.






As I walked to the edge of the Canyon to look it is very obvious why it is the Grand Canyon.










After a good nights sleep we headed north towards Bryce Canyon. On the way there we went through Red Canyon.










Then we drove through Bryce Canyon








We said good by to Jim as three of us were planning on going to Salt Lake City and doing our Iron Butt of 1000 miles in one day.







The road towards Salt Lake City was a good ride.










The next morning we left at 5am drove 1028 miles to Salem, OR and completed our Iron Butt.



Columbia River






Highway 197 from The Dalles



We had a great week and a lot of good riding.