Spring Ride to Enterprise Anyone?

It's almost time to ride!   The snow is nearly all gone and the sweepers are out.  The weather is almost warm enough for a good long ride.  And there is definitely one in the works.   A few of us are planning to ride the Rattlesnake Grade at the end of May.   To be totally fair, I haven't gone yet.  (well, at least not the whole road).  I'm kind of exited to go.  From piecing all the different reviews of this road together I have, what I think to be, a reasonable preview of the ride.

    The road from Asotin Washington to Enterprise Oregon is a pure slice of motorcycle heaven.  Right off the bat it has several excellent sweeping curves, including 3 that will swing you around nearly 180 degrees.  For a while after that, you have smooth sailing until you reach Field Springs state park.  That is the point where the road really starts to twist in all sorts of directions.  Depending on your speed, it can either be ten miles of the most scenic, or the most adrenaline filled travel that you have ever experienced.  The scenery is breathtaking for sure.  You are essentially riding through a rather large canyon system carved into the earth by prehistoric glaciers and raging rivers that has amazing views in all directions.  But here is where the adrenaline comes in.  If you should choose to push the speed a bit, the mix of the fast curves and the possibility of losing control and crashing in to the wall (or going off the edge and getting to see the canyon floor in the fastest means possible), will absolutely give you the biggest rush of your life.   By the time you cross the Grande Ronde river, at the halfway mark, you are ready for a break and possibly need a place to change your skivvies or maybe to get a bite to eat. Boggan's Oasis is a perfect place to stop.  Boggan's is a comfort food mecca! I doubt that you could leave that place hungry.  The location is also quite nice.  If you keep your eyes out, you may see some goats as well as other wildlife.  

At this point,  if you should choose to keep going,  you get much more of the same type of beautiful twisty roads.   From Boggan's  its quite the smooth and simple ride... until you get to the Oregon border.   At that point, the road turns back on itself, twice!  This is a good time to let you know, that from this point on, until you reach the end of the canyon it is a good idea to watch out for rock slides and other debris in the road.   It isn't unheard of to have a boulder just appear out of nowhere.   That being said, this stretch of road is well worth slowing down on anyway.  The views are amazing and there are a lot of little animals and birds that may just come in to view.   

By the time you pass Paradise Ridge Ln, the bulk of the twisties are done.  Don't fret however, because you will pass through the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest.  While it pales in comparison to what you just experienced,  the forest is still quite pretty.   So you've arrived at Enterprise, OR.  This may be a good place to stop, have dinner, get a motel and get some rest.  Or, if you are camping, there are several places to look at.   You may even want to go South, on to Wallowa Lake and pitch your tent at one of the prettiest lakes in the Northwest.  It's all up to you.    Just make sure you have some rest before turning around and doing it all again, but in reverse.  

Street Sweeper- A Haiku

Oh street sweeper, white

Do your job well my dear friend,

I don't want to die

Dream Vs. Reality

So I have always held out that my dream motorcycle is a Harley-Davidson Street Glide Special.   I like the looks,  the low rumble that you get when riding a big Harley and I like the comfort.   My wife tends to say I should get a more chips style (Road King, or Heritage), but that bat wing just tickles my fancy.   Harley Davidson has improved the Street Glide greatly with the 2017 model year, but Harley has also been the reason I don't have one.   Harley Davidson figures that the Street Glide is worth more than a new car.  A base Toyota Corolla is just over $18,000 and yet a base Street Glide (Not even the special) is $20,999.   I know Harley-Davidson Co. has been having some problems with their stocks lately, I wonder if it's because the generation that idolized Harley as an American legend is quickly dying off?  The joke around my pals is that the HD stands for "Hundred Dollar".   The premise being that each and every bolt on the bike costs a hundred dollars.   The sad truth is, it is very expensive to maintain any motorcycle these days, and paying an extra premium because of a name, really isn't worth the increase in cost.

So, for now, I'll stick with my $700 Kawasaki in a Crate special.  Parts are quite a bit cheaper when they come from overseas, and several of the "Jap-Bikes" have reputations for being tough, durable and long lasting.  I guess it's time to wake up from the dream and ride what I got.   After all, my Lil blue Concours rides like a champ and is plenty comfortable.  And when it comes time for a new one, well, they're only $17000.  Still $1000 cheaper than a Corolla.

Pacific Northwest Biker Blues

The air is crisp and clouds cover everything as far as the eye can see.  The nostalgia of winter has already faded.   So much snow everywhere, and the only thing I can do is wait for the warmer weather to return.

I am hopeful that as of this posting, we have had several days where the temp is above freezing.  There is still more than a foot of snow in most areas, and the roads are sketchy, however, there are sure signs of melting going on.     This makes me happy and has me itching to go for a ride.   If it wasn't for the moto vloggers on Youtube, I'd be going completely bonkers waiting for spring.
I've even planned a few outings for this year.   The bigger ones, Glacier National park and Wallowa Lake (Joseph, OR.) will be a bit later when it warms up.   I would like to go to Palouse falls in the spring and see the huge glut of water that will be roaring down the river.  I'd also like to ride to Coulee Dam, and maybe Ainsworth Hotsprings in BC.

Wherever I choose to ride this year, I know it will be a blast!  I also purchased an Action camera, so maybe I'll get to share the rides with you. 

Here's to a super riding season!

Variety is the Spice of Life!

  Harleys, Hondas, dual sports or sportbikes, what's your flavor?   With so many different motorcycles, it is hard to choose.   Some like the laid back, stretched out cruisers like a Harley Davidson, or one of the metrics like the Kawasaki Vulcan or Honda Shadow, others like Sportbikes like the Kawasaki Ninja or the Suzuki Hayabusa.   With the sheer variety of motorcycles on the street today, there is something for everyone.  Every style, shape and color is out there.   For the most part, anything you choose to ride is good.   No one can really say anything if you like your bike, and it fits you.  Well, they can, but they shouldn't.    Just like one should never discriminate because of the color of someone's skin,  so to should the choice of motorcycle be.   It amazes me how you get die hard brand fans.  Some Harley guys have a hard time even acknowledging that other bikes exist, and some of the sportbike persuasion really hate the cruiser guys.  Why?  It makes no sense at all.  We're all out there on 2 wheels (except the Trike guys,  they have 3).   We are all taking a greater risk in pursuing our love of motorcycling.   If you don't like the specific motorcycle, then fine, it's ok.   No one will force you to adore a bike you don't like.  The problem is when you start to hate the riders of the motorcycles that you don't like.   These guys and gals are our brothers and sisters in the great big, human family.   They have found the bike they like, and are probably as pleased as punch to tell you about it.  We should be glad that they found what they like, and be willing to give the wave when they pass.

 The nice part is, that if we can get this habit down,  then maybe, just maybe we can start to break down some other discrimination type barriers....  Maybe....

Swept Away with Trucks

When I was a little boy big trucks fascinated me. Not only the big 18-wheelers, but plows, construction equipment and even the occasional road striping truck.   Now that I'm grown up, and I have seen thousands of different trucks,  the only one that really gets me giddy is a street sweeper.   Why a street sweeper you may ask?    Its because these trucks help keep us Motorcyclists alive.   They get rid of all the sand and gravel that can throw us off our bikes and give us some serious road rash, or worse.   They also get the garbage that some people insist on throwing out their windows.  (Because having a trash bag in the car is way too difficult).   Seeing these trucks on the road makes me happy.   So next time you see a sweeper, don't just throw your hands up and whine because they are slow.  Reflect on how the hard work of these individuals helps save lives.  Oh, and they keep the city looking pretty nice too.

I Can Drive 55

Motorcycles like mine are more than capable of doing 100 miles per hour plus.  That being said, why would I want to?   I hear guys all the time talking about how they did 100mph along the highway, or how they "really opened her up" while dodging traffic.   This solidifies my opinion that people have become stupid.  See this sign on the left?   It is what we call a Speed Sign.  It shows you what the Speed Limit is for the road you are on.  If your bike is doing any speed faster than the posted sign, then you are breaking the law.    The very law you signed a document saying you will obey.  (Yes, check with your licensing bureau, I'm sure they have a copy of the affidavit you signed.
Now, I like the Adrenalin rush just as much as the next guy, but a ticket, or worse, an accident is not worth the extra thrills I get for rolling on the throttle.   For instance,  there were 2 cases of motorcyclists riding in severe excess of the speed limit in Spokane this evening.   Both bikes were going faster than 100mph on I90 (posted speed limit 60).  One of these individuals plowed in to the back of another car.   I'm certain that at this very moment, if his brain is still working, he is feeling regret over the decision to push the limit of the law.   What possesses a person to do this?  Why do these idiots insist on being disobedient to the authorities that set the law?   The numbers on the signs are the maximum safe limit.  If you go faster, you are no longer being safe.   If you are no longer being safe, your risk increases exponentially.   If your risk increases and you don't take steps to conform to safety standards, you run the risk of a Ticket, Jail, an Accident or a Mortuary.   It's dangerous enough riding a bike, no need to make it worse.      I hope they catch the 2nd guy before he hurts himself, or others.   I really do.

Spokane River Flow...

Yes, I will let the cat out of the bag.  I am from Spokane.   Lately I have noticed that riding a motorcycle has become a blood sport.  Spokane drivers have forgotten how to flow.   The caged ones are so secure in their own big boxes that they have forgotten that they are not the only ones on the road.  They chatter on their Cellphones and barely hold the wheel while doing so.  Traffic should be like a river, flowing ever forward.   You don't see Salmon with cellphones, nor do you see Sunfish applying makeup.   You never hear of a Ten Trout Pileup on the Columbia.    Be like fish people!  Pay attention to the flow.  It will get you where you want to go.  You will be happier, less stressed an you won't kill a motorcyclist by your tunnel visioned stupidity. Take this car (or whats left of a car).  The driver of this vehicle turned in to traffic.  Because of the need to talk on a cell phone, the driver didn't pay attention to the Honda that was rapidly approaching them.   Now, I don't know if you have seen many wrecks, or have a basic understanding of the physical limitations of the human body, but I am certain that you understand that neither the driver or the motorcyclist survived this accident.  This is an actual thing.  This is a true accident, it really happened.  A cell phone was verified to be a factor in this accident.   In almost every Country, State, County, City, Suburb, It is illegal to operate a vehicle while distracted.  The fines for driving distracted vary, but the pain from murdering someone because you couldn't wait to tell your friend that you got invited to prom.... well, that is a higher price than any fine.

Boredom and the Big Blue Bike

The issue, as I see it is that I don't have enough time.   I work 40 hours a week at a desk,  I come home do my family stuff, and 3 days a week (or more depending) I spend some time at worshiping God and all that involves.  Finding time for long rides is nearly impossible.  I have consigned myself to quick outs, (nothing more than a few hours).  This leaves me feeling unfulfilled as a rider.  (I'm pretty darn fulfilled as far as family/faith goes).
I have explored more of my town since I got my motorcycle than the entire 40 years previous.   That being said, I'm in a rut.   I need more quick outs.   If anyone has a good ride (couple hours worth) near Spokane, WA, by all means let me know.  You can map it on motowhere.com or OpenRoadJourney.com.  Be sure to tag me (Redarm1), or send it to me via email.     If you are so inclined,  tell me when you would be available to show me the road,  Ill buy the coffee.

Both I and the Big Blue Bird will Thank you.

Where am I?

I have started using  .  It seems to be a pretty simple interface.  You can draw out your routes and share them with the world.   I've already put a few routes in, a couple short runs and a good day ride.  If you would like to take a look  click HERE.

Happy Riding!

Comment below with your favorite route!

Be Careful Out There!

One of the most disturbing things I do in the course of the day is process Hospital Trauma reports.   Looking over the vast array of boo-boos and owies people are subject to, it is becoming ever clearer that people have stopped being cautious. 

YOLO (You Only Live Once) has been the war cry for all sorts of thrill seekers and has become the excuse for a lot of horrific accidental injuries.   I offer another view.  The fact that you only live once should be the reason for proper caution, not frivolous acts of stupidity.   For a Motorcyclist, this is even more important.   A motorcycle rider needs to have proper respect for the machine, and the roads that it travels on.  

 Here are the points that people have seemed to forget.

1. Always wear a good strong helmet and appropriate gear.  Unless you want your Jaw mangled and/or removed, I suggest a full face helmet.

2. Bottles and Throttles DO NOT MIX.   If you are drinking alcohol, do NOT ride a motorcycle until it is out of your system  (1 hour per drink minimum).

3. Do not ride if you are physically or mentally stressed.   You need your full faculties to ride, don't risk your life by having your focus impeded by stress or pain.

4. If your machine is not running properly or feels wrong, then its time for wrench work, not riding. Fix your machine before a doctor needs to fix you!

5. Ride Defensively, not Aggressively.   Your life is in danger, not the cagers (People in the cage of a Car).   Ride like you want to live a long time.

There are many other factors to riding safely, but these are by far the most important.  While it is true that you only live once, don't shorten your life by making that fact an excuse for stupidity!