4200 mile ride added more photos

[Johncolleary]

Just got back from a ride on my Stelvio. covered 4200 miles in 12 days from Long Beach Ca. to Denver Co. then to Billings Mont. for the BMW rally then from there out to the Wa. coast and then back down to Ca. bike was almost flawless except for one of the Aux lights shaking itself to pieces but thanks to the tip on individual fuses it was no problem.  here are a few photos.

Sand Point Idaho

Dead Indian Pass

Shoshoni Wyoming

Colorado Border

[PJPR01]

More pics!  Great route!

[rocker59]

 

[oldbike54]

 Thanks , but more pics damnit  4200 miles , what a great trip 

  Dusty

[Chuck in Indiana]

Thanks , but more pics damnit  4200 miles , what a great trip 

  Dusty

 :1: Dang! I love riding in the west..

[O]

Great pics! Love the one of the chipmunk taking in the view at Dead Indian Pass.  Wish I had the time to take off to ride the west.  Looks like you took some great routes.

[Johncolleary]

Heres a few more I don't have many as I was too busy riding

Ca redwoods

lunch stop port Towsend

Securing bikes for ferry ride

Riding partner in Rocky Mt. Nat. Park

Sunrise in Utah

[Guzzistajohn]

What a trip! You lucky dog!

[ohiorider]

Beautiful ride!  I love the solitude where you rode, the absence of traffic, and the great mountainous roads.  I'd still like to squeeze in an 'out West' ride this year, but I'm fast running out of time.  How did that lovely Stelvio do?  Saw your comment about the running light, but that's a minor issue (easy for me to say in front of a keyboard.)  If the Stelvio was slightly lighter, and a touch lower, I'd probably do one.  As is, if I can find a shop that can eliminate the slight vibes my R100GS generates, I'd take her on her one last ride out West.  Might do it anyway.

Anyway, congrats on a great ride!

This may be inappropriate question, but 'how was the BMW National?'

Bob

[Scud]

FANTASTIC. I almost rode out to Denver from San Diego recently on business, but ended up flying and renting a BMW R1200GS near the airport. Wished I could have rented a Stelvio. Friend and I also went through the Rocky Mountain National Park - your pic is on Trail Ridge Road, right? Outside the park, we found a couple dirt road passes, which were really pleasant, but not at all technical. LOVE the elevation in CO.

[Johncolleary]

ohiorider: the bike was great I had a lot of issues with it when it was new including a complete new wire harness so I was a little worried about issues but the light was the only thing.  I really like the stelvio it does every thing I want.  I am only 5-10 but I had the seat reworked for me by Bill Mayer Saddles so I could reach the ground. can be a little sketchy moving it around in parking lots but haven't dropped it yet.  BMW national was great in fact I miscalculated my rear tire life and had to have one installed at the rally. I originally had one waiting in Portland but I wasn't going to make it.

Scud: I think you are right on trail ridge road, we stopped at the rest stop saw a lot of elk right on the road wish I could have gotten photos of them some nice bulls.  Ill be back to Denver as my son just moved there las summer so now I have a destination.

[Chuck in Indiana]

Ill be back to Denver as my son just moved there las summer so now I have a destination.

Dorcia's Kid's first job right out of college was in Boulder. I thought, "Alrighty, now.. I can do every pass in Colorado.. many times." 
After one trip out there with the Duck in the van, he moved.   

[Scud]

Duck in the van

Shoulda gone with the chicken on the turn signal. I was just itching for my Scura out there........ (except on the dirt roads).

[Chuck in Indiana]

Shoulda gone with the chicken on the turn signal. I was just itching for my Scura out there........ (except on the dirt roads).

Hey! Chicken on the turnsignal is working fine as a talisman.  The Scura would kick ass out there, including the dirt roads.. this "adventure touring" thing is overrated, IMHO. 

[Scud]

The Scura would kick ass out there, including the dirt roads.. this "adventure touring" thing is overrated, IMHO. 

I could have easily ridden the Scura on the dirt roads we took in CO (Guanella Pass for example). However, I do get a kick out of hammering a big adventure bike in technical terrain where the Scura would not have a chance (had a 950 Adventure for a while). There's lots of moderate to difficult dirt out in CO (and CA too).

So - I think the "adventure touring" thing is awesome. But, sadly, most owners of the "fully-farkled" adventure bikes have never actually tried it. I'd love to try a Stelvio in some spots like this, which can be found all over the Western US. (this one near Mammoth Lakes Sierra Nevada range)



The adventure bike gives you the freedom to run off deep into the woods or desert... but your friends only take pictures when you bury it up to axle...