2008 XS 30th anniversary, Idaho Aug 15-20

[Geezer]

I'm planning to head out of Portland around noon and you're place is and easy 2 hours from here the way I ride.

Poprock, what time do you get off work that day?

I need to get some new front rubber before I go and do a couple other minor fixes before I can leave town on the XS but the 27th isn't going to be a problem for me. I'm planning to head north on the 28th and see a few friends in Astoria.

Then take the back roads from Astoria through Jewel and Mist toward home.

I really should not be taking 2 days away from business but my sanity needs a bike trip to stay on an even keel.

Geezer

[ratbyk]

Picture Retry

[Dennyz]

More Pictures

Ken (Ratbike)

Dave and Son

Jurgen

Andreas (taken at night in his shop)

Vyger (Sport Touring)

[jurgenkoppen]

Pictures of the motley crew

Hey hey hey,
I guess I now have a new handle:"a friendly Canadian" courtesy of Dave.
Yes, there can be such a creature....
Thanks to Ken, Dennis, Andreas and Dave /Davie for a rip roaring good time.
I was glad to finally meet some riders who match my riding style, which one might call "spirited".
While I am sure that I was going on my co-riders nerves with my constant tweaking of carbs ( I was getting worst gas milage because just before the trip I had drilled out some stuck in pilot screw tips, and now I was running rich with my 1/16"holes under the pilots) and my insolent requests for swimming hole stops.
However, overall I am sure we all had a blast (from the furnaces of .....well, some hot place)
Here are some of my pics, one showing all of us on the pass in the Cascades.
[IMG]top of pass[/IMG]



Below I am on my way home, making a smallish detour through Glacier National Park.

[Ken Talbot]

Sheila and I are home safe too

We rolled back in to Revelstoke this afternoon about 5:30 pm., finishing up our adventure with a spirited ride in from the ferry.

Tarzan - it sounds like we may have ridden right past you!

Sheila and I stopped for a pit stop at a gas station on 95 just north of Bonner's Ferry on Sunday. Mike Flynn was waiting there for the group, spotted us ride in, and came over and introduced himself. We mulled over waiting the for main group, but decided to press on early as our own small group. We headed south to the SR 200 junction. We slipped into Sandpoint, gassed up, came back out north on 95, then turned east on SR200 and headed for Thompson Falls. My gas receipt from the pump in Sandpoint reads 13:40:40!!!

When we left Thonpson Falls on Tuesday for a short hop over to Kalispell to stage for doing the Going to the Sun Highway on Wednesday.

Just short of Kalispell, we ran into the north west edge of an intense thunderstorm cell with fierce cross winds. We got in to Kalispell only a bit wet and hunkered down at the Chamber of Commerce information centre to check out accommodations. While were there, the heavy rain hit and passed by. Whew!

We checked in at the venerable old Grand Hotel
just a couple of blocks from the info center. Within an hour, the sun was out, the temperature climbed back up, and everything dried out. A couple of blocks from the hotel, we came across the
Hockaday Museum of Art , showcasing a special 75th Anniversay celebration exibit of the the Going to the Sun Road. As luck, and the weather, would have it, this is as close as we got to this fabled ride. A bit more walking, and we came across Moose's Saloon - a great little place to sample some of the local microbrewery product. Finally, for dinner, we stumbled across a place called Capers and had a truly remarkable meal.

With showers already falling the next morning, and a forecast calling for more, we headed norh to Cranbrook for another short, but damp day.

The forecasts this morning did not look great for either of our return options for getting home. Without actually tossing a coin, we selected the route that would take us west across #3, then north up the Slocan Valley and Arrow Lakes. Things looked promising in Creston, but started to degrade rapidly as we enteres the Kootenay Pass, also known as the Salmo-Creston. By the time we hit the summit, there was fresh snow along the ditches, my fingers were going numb from the cold inside my industrial-strength rubber gloves that had started to leak, water was streaming along and across the road, and Sheila's bike had started to intermittently drop one cylinder. Oh, and then we ran through a couple of sections of pea-sized hail. Oh, then Tsunami started intermittently dropping a cylinder or two.

We pressed on, and as expected, things dried out as we dropped down into Castlegar. We stopped there for gas and a new pair of industrial-strength rubber gloves, these ones with nice warm lining. From there, most of the ride was actually fairly pleasant. We hit a few more short sections of rain showers and had a bit if a delay where they were cleaning up a mud slide that had covered a hundred metres or so of the highway. On to Nakusp, more gas, north to the ferry, and the rest is history.

More to come when we sort through Sheila's photos...

[ratbyk]

Waterproofing Gear

Good report Ken. Now pictures? LOL

The best M/C waterproof gloves I have ever found are actually fisherman's gloves. Bought a set a looonnnng time ago while I was doing sports fishing charters and going out in all kinds of weather year round. They came to the top of the pile useless good stuff a couple of years ago. Looked at them and the light bulb in the head went off. Hay, these will work great on the bike. They do, waterproof with reasonable warmth and the rubber palm makes for a good grip. Should be available through any sports good store.



I also use a water proofing product that I buy at the local Home Hardware Store. Use it on M/C boots, my late season/winter riding gear, crotch of rain suits etc. It is actually a waterproofing for canvas tents etc. but water proofs just about anything. Smells kind of like musty basement when applied but the smell goes away within a day or two and the stuff really does water proof.

[Ken Talbot]

Thanks for the lead, Ken, I'll look around for some of those. The gloves I was using were these:



They almost lasted to the Salmo Creston summit. When we pulled in later on for a latte at New Denver, I discovered my Nelson Rigg Stormrider 2 piece rain suit had even seeped through in half a dozen places. I've got to say that's about the wettest day I've ever spent on 2 wheels.

Oh, and it took a few minutes today to figure out why my flashing brake lights quit flashing. Bulbs were both okay, but....


I wonder if it would dry out on its own?

[ratbyk]

Drill a couple of small holes in the plastic case of the flasher then set it out in the sun. It will dry out. Reseal the holes and all around the base with silicone caulking. Should be good to go.

[tarzan]

Yea you guys may have ridden rght past me.All I know is it was hot on the way back to Spokane that afternoon.I should have waited a little longer.Oh well.
It sounds like some of you guys hit some heavy rain.I know it rained here pretty hard too.
Also looks like you saw a lot of beautiful scenery.I will definitely have to ride up through part of Canada.Maybe next spring.
I have a demo derby I'm running in this weekend and have a daughter going back to college next week.I wont get much riding in the rest of this year.I did get to put about three thousand miles on my bike this year though.

[ratbyk]

Memorable Ride

Well every bit of equipment from the trip has now been dried out, cleaned up and put away until next time. The bike is again spotless and all polished up. So clean, I don't want to even take it out and ride it at the moment!!! Of course my body still reminds me that I over did it on Tuesday.
Tuesday you say??
Well on Monday evening I got myself and everything organised for the run home. Was planning on an early start to beat the heat of the day and run to about Osoyoos. Motel it and make the run out to the coast on Wednesday. Plans changed by the mile.
Pulled out of the motel in Thompson Falls Montana at 5.20am. Gave your room a toot toot as I rolled out of the parking lot.
Rode for about 5 minutes and thought to myself. I'm COLD!! For the first time in about 3 days I was under dressed. Stopped and put the liner in my jacket. Rode another 10 minutes and realized that my hands were now cold. Stopped again, traded the mesh gloves for leather, thermolite insulted gloves. By now the bike is fully warmed up. I'm warmed up so I let the 14 have it's head. I was rolling along at about 85mph mile after mile. I left Montana and had almost crossed Idaho when the low fuel light began flashing. Stopped in Priest River for fuel and breakfast about 8.00am.
Got those chores out of the way and headed west again. As I crossed into Washington State went onto Hwy 20 north for a bit. At breakfast while studying the map spied a shorter route, An unnumbered road from Usk to Cheweiah that came out onto Hwy 395. GREAT!! M/C road. I have it filed away in the memory bank to do again some day. The pass at the top was 5773'. The road surface is excellent and NO traffic. Just carve away to your hearts content.
Shortly after coming out on 395 north it started to spit. Stopped, put on rain gear. 20 minutes later it had stop showering and was getting hot out. Stopped again, pealed off the gear and got rolling fast again. Hit Hwy 20 and headed west. Started spitting again Oh well, rain gear time again for about 1/2 an hour. Peeled it off again.
As I was getting near Twisp just east of Winthrop I watched a great Thunder storm ahead. It was moving north east and not raining where I was. Pushed on. About a mile east of Twisp the road was soaked and staring to spit but thought I would just run on into Twisp and stop for lunch. Close to 12 and time for fuel for bike and myself. Came around a corner and there is a fresh mud slide across the road. Water and mud still flowing across the road. A lot a rocks the size of soft balls in there as well. (thought to myself (hell I'm not going back) Slowed to about 3-4 mph and went clunk-clunk-clunk through it. Standing on the pegs like a dirt bike with it slewing around under me. Didn't go down but more luck than good management. Now it has started to pour. Not stopping. Another 1/4 mile and another mud slide going on. Done it once, I can do it again which I did. Another 1/4 mile and the road makes a sharp down hill left into Twisp and yet another mud slide flowing all the way down the hill with just the odd bit of pavement showing here and there. Away I go again, clunk-clunk, get to the bottom of the hill and there are 3-4 cars and a couple of PU's sitting there watching me and trying to decide whether they are going to attempt it or not.
It is really pouring now and I'm getting soaked through the mesh gear. Pull into Twisp and dive into a gas station with an awning over the pumps. Fuel up and cast my eyes up and down the street. Spy a restaurant down the street. Ride down. park and go in for lunch. The heavy rain has subsided by the time I finish. Go out to bike and strip down a bit to a fresh T shirt and pull over. Put on rain gear and push on. Hwy 20 mid week is really lonely, hardly any traffic. Great ride through the Cascades, carving to my hearts delight!!
Look at watch and think to myself, I can make it HOME!! today.
Pushed on until I hit 1-5 and take my first Interstate of the day. Shoot the 60 miles or so up to the boarder running pretty steady 90mph. Cross through customs/immigration at about 6.20 and shoot for the ferry. Caught the 7pm back to the island.
Story not over yet!!
As the boat came into Swartz Bay it starts to rain, HARD!! It is now dark. I suit up in all my rain gear and off load along with 250-300 cars and trucks. The next 20 minutes or so was some of the most difficult/dangerous riding I have done in a long time. The spray coming off all of these wheels made visibility through a soaked/fogging visor almost impossible. A gazillion tail/brake lights added to the mental confusion. The fact that I had already been riding for about 14 hours and covered close to a 1000 kms didn't help either.
But, the horse and I could smell the barn. We were not stopping.
Finally rolled into the driveway in Sooke about 9.45.
2 double rums and a hot tub later and I was ready for bed.
Great memorable ride. (for me)
When are we going again!!! Pant Pant.

[Dennyz]

The only rain I ran into was just as I got on I-90 East of Coeur d'Alene Idaho (Kingston, Montana). It rained for about 5 miles.
I left Thompson Falls at around 6:00am (MT) and rolled into Oly around 1:30pm (PT). 455 miles
The road from Thompson Falls to Kingston (I-90) was a fantastic morning ride over Thompson Pass. I had a family of turkeys cross in front of me. But that was nothing to the moose that jumped up and ran along side. Once I hit I-90, it was down on the tank pack and hang on. I had a very strong head wind all the way across Washington. I am glad I had a wind screen.

[Ken Talbot]

Was that enough rain to give you a chance to see how that new windscreen worked?

[Dennyz]

Yep. I tucked up behind the wind screen and stayed warm and dry with my mesh gear and windbreaker.

[Brent]

missed rally, but good ride

Denny,
Thanks for heads up, posts & call regarding rally progress etc. Meri, your posts of info were likewise helpful.

I rode with Bohn Frazier from Kansas City to Nebraska. We met Bob Falter of Iowa who was returning from Fruitland, ID.

Did a Wonderful tour of Pioneer Village & museum. Really enjoyed it. Such a walk down menory lane! Many Antique bikes & cars. It is in Minden, Nebraska near Kearney (where there is a Yamaha dealer).

Two XS1100 & one 'other brand' bike made for an adjunct to rolling rally.

Ride along the pony express route & Oregon Trail was nice, weather good. Arkansas Hwy 7 is twisty, very scenic at Buffalo River in Ozark mountains. Best Blackberry cobler & views at Cliffhouse rest. south of Jasper. On return to GA I encountered Hurricane Fay, downgraded to tropical depression Fay.

Back last night, Sunday 8-24-08 about 10:00 pm eastern

Got in to Memphis at Deluxe Inn & Suites, ($41,80 including tax) on Hwy 78 near 240 & airport, Late. Heard rain in morning & slept in. Ate chiockolot desert bars for breakfast. Light rain for first 100 miles. Bike running poorly 75% power, 80 mph top speeed. Got some champion fuel system cleaner at Walmart in Mississippi, Seemed to help after a few miles.

Got directions from friendly policeman in Hamilton, AL
Saw Natural Bridge in Alabama. Torrential downpour. Stopped ate at Natural bridge Diner. Sunny. Toured OLD hotel in small town Nauvoo AL.

Torrential downpour, Stopped under bridge on Hwy 78 (2 cars there already).
Sun & light sprinkles through Birmingham. More fuel system cleaner in Annistown AL. Light rain for 10 miles

Bike running better. Heavy truck traffic.
Torrential downpour, fogging visor, glasses... just at dark. Immediately got off at Villa Rica, Ga. Cleaned glasses. Clothes dripping; kind of soaked, feet & legs under chaps still dry. Put on rain suit. Rain into Atlanta.

Hard rain before & through down town. Rain stopped north of Atlanta.
Lit cigar 10 miles from home. Drizzle & Light rain. Cigar extinguished.

When I gopt home, Cigar was so wet that I could not light it with a blow torch.

Yes, I got back OK. Ride was good, even if a little grueling.

[Bob Falter]

I made it back Friday but have been so busy with company and catch up work that I just unpacked this morning.
I had a great trip even though I missed the rally. The rally had bad weather and Brent had bad weather, but in eleven
days of riding I wore my rain gear for about 2.5 hours while riding with Paintman in the Black Hills.
That is not my normal luck.

Thanks to Paintman for showing me around the Black Hills. I really liked that area, Yellow Stone was good too but the
Powder River Pass between Buffalo, WY, and Yellow Stone was the best part of the ride for me.

The XS ran good the entire 4,303 miles but I do need to do something about the gas mileage (or tanks size) and
fix the gas petcock that I must have screwed up before I left.

Sorry I didn’t get to meet all the NW XS’ers but there is always next year.

Bob