COUNTDOWN: ONLY 2 DAYS UNTIL . . .

[Marty Hill]

New tires today. It's time. Oil and filter the day before I leave. 2 short trips prior/NE Fla. tech day and Blue Ridge Rondezvous. It isn't all bad being old and retired.

 

Cali after Torrey.

[EffBee]

Cali after Torrey.

 

I'll warn the Guv. Maria sez Hi.

[lopaca]

Great Topic - except it made me realize that I have to wait that long for my virgin venture into Torrey - I know - it's a little glass half empty but man I am chomping at the bit.

[EffBee]

Great Topic - except it made me realize that I have to wait that long for my virgin venture into Torrey - I know - it's a little glass half empty but man I am chomping at the bit.

 

Bob, I'll be leaving Brown's at 2PM on Wed. 5/14, overnighting in Mesquite, NV. And leaving at 0500 from there on Thursday morning, arriving in Torrey about lunch time. You're welcome to join us. Channel 2.2 on your FRS radio.

 

Call me and let me know. So far there are about 5 of us. We'll probably end up with about 8 and break up into 2-3 smaller groups.

[Mark Menard (Vita Rara)]

Warning this is a delurking event.... it's been ages.

 

I just hit the dashboard on my Mac and I see it's 46 and sunny in Torrey, and the widget says it's going to be sunny all week! It made me think of this thread. I knew if I looked it would be here. (Thanks Fernando for starting it.)

 

Sylva and I wish we could make it to this Torrey, but with new baby and business kicking up big time it's just not going to happen. We're sure going to miss you guys. We're already planning logistics for the fall though!

 

We'll be keeping tabs on the anticipation and excitement and then looking for great ride tales to take us back to Torrey.

[lopaca]

Great Topic - except it made me realize that I have to wait that long for my virgin venture into Torrey - I know - it's a little glass half empty but man I am chomping at the bit.

 

Bob, I'll be leaving Brown's at 2PM on Wed. 5/14, overnighting in Mesquite, NV. And leaving at 0500 from there on Thursday morning, arriving in Torrey about lunch time. You're welcome to join us. Channel 2.2 on your FRS radio.

 

Call me and let me know. So far there are about 5 of us. We'll probably end up with about 8 and break up into 2-3 smaller groups.

 

Thanks Fernando. I am going with a buddy and right now at least we are also leaving on Thursday a.m., but we are going to take 2 full days to get there via Prescott, Sedona, Flagstaff, etc..

 

Can I let you know when we get closer to the date and see exactly how we finalize our plans? I do look forward to riding with you soon.

[EffBee]

Bob, I'll be leaving Brown's at 2PM on Wed. 5/14, overnighting in Mesquite, NV. And leaving at 0500 from there on Thursday morning, arriving in Torrey about lunch time. You're welcome to join us. Channel 2.2 on your FRS radio.

 

Call me and let me know. So far there are about 5 of us. We'll probably end up with about 8 and break up into 2-3 smaller groups.

 

Thanks Fernando. I am going with a buddy and right now at least we are also leaving on Thursday a.m., but we are going to take 2 full days to get there via Prescott, Sedona, Flagstaff, etc..

 

Can I let you know when we get closer to the date and see exactly how we finalize our plans? I do look forward to riding with you soon.

 

Sure. Just remember that having just Saturday to ride the roads around Torrey will only let you cover about 1/3 of the major ones. Of course you could always plea-bargain something early in the week and cut yourself free a day early. Then you'll have two days in Torrey, which would just barely do it justice.

 

However you do it, have a great ride and we'll see you with us, or just see you up there.

[Bob Palin]

Then you'll have two days in Torrey, which would just barely do it justice.

Hmm, I've been here for almost 4 years now and I can still see places from my window that I need to visit! I realise that you mean 'justice' in the paved road riding sense but one day FB you need to come visit the back country with me in the truck.

 

This morning I took the trash out at sunrise, it was 27F, the air was absolutely still, I could hear the river running at the bottom of the valley, fantastic. (the river is about 1/3 mile from my house for those that haven't been here)

 

p.s. they are predicting a great flower season this year because it's been wet, spring Torrey is a perfect time for the early bloomers.

[eddd]

...This morning I took the trash out at sunrise, it was 27F, the air was absolutely still, I could hear the river running at the bottom of the valley, fantastic. (the river is about 1/3 mile from my house for those that haven't been here)

 

p.s. they are predicting a great flower season this year because it's been wet, spring Torrey is a perfect time for the early bloomers.

 

Thanks for putting such nice image in my mind's eye, Bob.

 

Looking forward to the Spring Torrey, but right now I have to go pack for Big Bend!

[lopaca]

Just remember that having just Saturday to ride the roads around Torrey will only let you cover about 1/3 of the major ones.

 

Good point Fernando. We are giving ourselves all of Saturday and Sunday for Torrey. Doesn't sound like enough but we will just have to go back next year and the year after that...

 

Any suggestions for "must do routes" for our first visit?

[marcopolo]

I have myself booked into the Capitol Reef Motel for four nights (Wed thru Sat), but given I have 2,500 miles to ride to get there, I think I'll advance my arrival by a day and get there on Tuesday. That should give me a reasonable amount of time to "explore" the local area, including trying dinner at Cafe Diablo. Anyone else getting there that early?

[Marty Hill]

I always arrive on wed. See you then.

[EffBee]

Then you'll have two days in Torrey, which would just barely do it justice.

Hmm, I've been here for almost 4 years now and I can still see places from my window that I need to visit! I realise that you mean 'justice' in the paved road riding sense but one day FB you need to come visit the back country with me in the truck.

 

This morning I took the trash out at sunrise, it was 27F, the air was absolutely still, I could hear the river running at the bottom of the valley, fantastic. (the river is about 1/3 mile from my house for those that haven't been here)

 

p.s. they are predicting a great flower season this year because it's been wet, spring Torrey is a perfect time for the early bloomers.

 

Absolutely, Bob. I understand completely. I've been going for nearly 8 years and I have yet to "appreciate" all of the paved roads, let alone visit any one of the dozens and dozens of off-road cathedrals you photograph so beautifully.

[Calvin (no socks)]

Mark, I may be there Monday afternoon...same as last year, and I also have a long trek....well that is the plan....

 

I plan on hiking/riding to some of those out of the way places that Killer always shows us....

[EffBee]

Tires again. Early reports from our customers say that the new Dunlop RoadSmart tires are performing well. We don't know yet about the mileage, but the grip is excellent. And, of course, the price is good, particularly in the face of very large increases from Michelin and Metzeler.

 

So, it looks like I'm going to be skinning the FJR with some Dunlops for the trip to Torrey.

 

Also, I need to get out for a quick ride some Sunday. The Breakfast thing to Julian seems to be a favorite of mine (and many others), so stay tuned.

 

Wow, time is flying. I started this with nearly 12 weeks to go before Torrey. That time span has now shortened by nearly 1/3. It's coming up a lot quicker than I thought it would.

[Limecreek]

I guess I need to firm up my route plan from Texas to Torrey.  Last year my day one trek was from Austin, TX to Flagstaff, AZ.  This year I'd like to go to Moab on day one, sleep in on Friday, then go have breakfast at my favorite restaurant, make the run to Dead Horse Point and then to Torrey via 191, 95, and then 24.  Then again, I've never ridden through Monument Valley, so the Flagstaff day one trek may be back on the table. Decisions, decisions....life is tough, eh?

 

[eddd]

Big Bend provided a good shakedown for Torrey. It was my first use of my new tankbag, and that proved to be a good addition. I've got my new throttle, clutch, and fast idle cables ready to install next time the tupperware comes off. A fresh ME 880 is sitting in the garage, but won't go on until I get back from the First Aid TechDaze in north Texas. Time seems to be going fast now, but I bet it really slows down when we get a little closer.

[stubble!]

Time seems to go by a little faster each day I get older!

 

 

 

 

 

... So I'm trying to avoid that.

 

 

Just made reservations at the Capitol Reef Inn. Wootage!

[Kitsap]

With 8 weeks to go I'm out

 

With family obligations and my knee not coming around it would be a strain for me to make it. I will miss seeing everyone at the Chuckwagon and hearing the bull fly around.

 

There still is the UN thank heavens.

[EffBee]

Time to get serious. This weekend she gets new oil and final drive fluid, plus a fresh air filter.

 

I've got to adjust the shock length (I'd lengthened it to tighten up the steering and made it too quick for comfort).

 

I've got a new V-Stream windshield that I want to try.

 

It's also time to make my reservation for the Virgin River Casino and Hotel in Mesquite for that first night.

 

Man, this is coming up in a hurry!

[johnny2wheels]

Look like I will be able to make this one after all!

 

Looking forward to the trip and seeing some more of Utah!

 

I've only been able to ride with the folks from this board once, last Thanksgiving.(Julian for breakfast, I was the fat guy on the 1100gs) But everyone made me feel very welcome, and I really enjoyed riding with you. Looking forward to more!!

 

Okay, now I gotta go start making a packing list! WOOHOO!

[EffBee]

Way to go, Johnny. It'll be good to have you join us. One warning. You will get addicted to going, both for the roads and for the people.

 

I've sent you a PM with my itinerary if you want to join up, since you're on the way.

 

This weekend I got the shock adjusted (shortened it, see previous post) and did all the fluids. I've got enough tire left to get to/from Utah along with some fun while I'm there. But I'm going to CO after Torrey and I'm afraid I'll be out of rubber on the return to L.A. So I'm gonna go scuff up what I've got and get some new skins mounted before this trip.

[eddd]

Five Weeks? Wish it was less.

 

Anyway...preparations are in full swing.

 

Over the weekend I added a pair of PIAA 004-XT driving lights. Great addition when coupled with switching off my PIAA under-cooler foglights (used primarily to make me more conspicuous). With limited time to get there and back, I'll need to do some traveling in the wee hours, so I needed to upgrade my lighting even beyond the HID. This is a great combination.

 

Yesterday I mounted a new rear tire and this weekend I will install new throttle, fast idle, and clutch cables, as well as adjust the valves and sync the throttles.

[bendbill]

For the first time in years, my planets are in harmonic convergence, and I can attend my first-EVER Torrey!

 

How great to put faces with names. I'll look for the Torrey-bound on Nevada's loneliest highway 50 on Thurs and Fri.

 

Here's hoping those squishy hordes of "mormon crickets" are not clogging the road between Austin and Eureka this May.

[Deadboy]

I just got a room at the Trading Post (they had a cancellation). It has 2 beds if someone needs a place to sleep/wants to split it. I have reserved it for Friday and Saturday night....plan on making the run to Torrey from here on Friday, but who knows I may end up leaving late Thursday and looking for a place along the way....

 

Also, the Days Inn now has a room available (mine) if anyone is looking....

[Marty Hill]

Hey Nick,

 

See you there.

[EffBee]

Tried the new V-Stream shield on the FJR. OK, but I like my Cee Bailey better. Got another 250 miles in (breakfast in Julian again), and the old Azaro's are starting to look worse. One more run next weekend and they'll be almost toast. At least they'll be bad enough that I won't feel like I'm tossing good rubber.

 

Lessee. How does the math work out? In order to NOT throw away about $100 worth of good rubber on my current tires, I've consumed about $120 in gas, $20 in brake pads, $20 in oil, $80 in breakfasts, and who knows how much more regular wear and tear. Yup, sounds like a smart motorcyclist decision to me.

 

Anyway, I'm starting to pay attention to the Torrey weather, just to see how this Spring is shaping up. Looks like it's gonna be cool (but you never know for sure). Now, if the weather through Vegas and Mesquite cooperates, the Stich ought to handle the whole trip.

 

It's also time to start dieting. Gotta knock 5 lbs off before the trip so that I can put them back on eating breakfast pastries and the CW, lunch at Brinks (or whatever it's now called), and dinner wherever it's going to be for three nights. Plus I'll be on the road for three more days after Torrey. Uh oh. Better make it 7 lbs.

 

Down to just three weeks. I don't know about you, but I can really feel the excitement starting to build. All those great roads, gorgeous vistas, long miles and new faces. Lots of people coming to their first Torrey. Man, it's gonna be GREAT! But then, when hasn't it been.

[johnny2wheels]

EffBee;

 

How was the airflow with the V-stream? I'm thinking about a new screen on my FJR and I'm stuck between the V-stream and the CalSci right now. I just got my saddle redone and need to break it in some if I can before leaving for Torrey.(It's a little firm right now) If not I guess it will be broken in for the ride home.

 

Concerning dieting; I think I read on the internet somewhere that when on a motorcycle trip your body does not absorb fat or excess calories!

 

Dang! now I'm not going to sleep tonight; thinking about going!

[hopz]

I was looking for input in the Rim Rock Inn and Restaurant. I was too late for Chuck Wagon and Capital Reek only has rooms on Friday...

 

Anyone with knowledge or experience please let me hear. Not shopping for Marriott or Hilton, just hoping it was not a flea bag.

 

Thanks

[Bob Palin]

The Rim Rock is fine, it's about 3 miles east of the CW and has a great view of the red rocks of Capitol Reef.

[Paul Mihalka]

I staid twice at Boulder View and it was OK.

[grizzly660fan]

I have slept a night at Rim Rock, its about the same as Chuckwagon and Days Inn that are two others I have stayed at in Torrey. the sunrise is really good there!

[johnlt]

Hey Bob, what are the highs and lows (temps) that we should expect for that time of year?

[Marty Hill]

Bob,

 

Don't forget to mention the light snow in the parking lot last may.

[Bob Palin]

Hey Bob, what are the highs and lows (temps) that we should expect for that time of year?

There is no way to tell, mid May is very unpredictable, could be 25F for a low or 55F - it's been both this week. Could be 45F for a high or 80F. We've had some snow and some heat in past years, sometimes both! Welcome to the mountains...

[gottago]

I was looking for input in the Rim Rock Inn and Restaurant. I was too late for Chuck Wagon and Capital Reek only has rooms on Friday...

 

Anyone with knowledge or experience please let me hear. Not shopping for Marriott or Hilton, just hoping it was not a flea bag.

 

Thanks

Uh oh! I don't suppose Capitol Reek was a typo. This is our first time at the Reek and now I'm thinking I need to make room in my luggage for a can of Lysol.

n

[Whip]

#20 Chuck Wagon....Wednesday to Monday.....could be sooner.

 

 

 

I'll take care of the t-shirt.......

 

Is this Torrey #15?????

 

 

Whip

[Bob Palin]

Not 15 - XV

[azkaisr]

Not 15 - XV

 

If it wasn't for the Superbowl, Whip would have had to have called the Lawman for help here. Et tu Bobicus?

[marcopolo]

I love Roman numerals (just don't post any test questions). Guess that's to be expected after taking Latin for five years in High School. I knew it would come in handy one day.

[JerryMather]

OK .. With only three weeks to lift off ... I'm now just starting to get excited about seeing all you knuckleheads again.

 

I guess I should start preping the bike with a complete oil change. Since I only rode the thing up there and had to have it trucked back to the dealer, where it stayed for another 3 plus months, I think I can actually use the same set of tires that I put on it back in Sept. without much of a problem.

 

FYI - Don't park your bike under a tree if there's predicted high winds over night when your up there!

[azkaisr]

I believe we will have better parking conditions this year at the Chuckwagon.

 

Tom

[EffBee]

All done. New tires, installed. Suspension adjustments, made. List of items to be packed, completed. Patron, ready. Reservations in Mesquite, booked. Credit cards, empty and hungry.

 

Bike does need to be washed, though. Ugh. Sunday, before dinner at Mom's.

 

Now that time has flown in order to get us from the original 12-week countdown to just one week away, the clock has stopped. It's gonna be agonizing. But it will happen.

[Marty Hill]

Finished packing the bike last night. Out the door at 0600 friday heading west. Going to play in colorado for a day or two then see some of the area around moab. Wednesday afetnoon I'll be inspecting the parking area at the CW.

[eddd]

I'm as ready as I'm going to be, but won't be on my way for 7 days and 6 hours.

 

I do have one trip planned in the interim, this Friday.

 

Ride Tale to come.

[lawnchairboy]

might bump into you in CO somewhere Marty, planning on being there Tues/Wed myself, in to torrey Wed or Thurs

 

chris

[Marty Hill]

Hey Chris,

 

Tuesday...walsenburg to gunnison via back roads then up thru mesa and on to moab.

[marcopolo]

I'm out the door 0600 Friday as well. All I have to do is a bit of laundry and pack. Oh yeah, I'm getting a haircut at noon today -- got to look good for the sheriff. It's five days/2,500 miles to Torrey and I'll be there Tuesday. Day 1 is Cleveland; Day 2 is St. Louis; Day 3 is Hays, KS; Day 4 is Denver; and Day 5 is Torrey.

[Bob Palin]

I left yesterday, I'll be in Torrey next Monday (it's true!)

[Dennis Andress]

We're leaving Wednesday after work and arriving in Torrey Thursday. Can't wait...