2018 Colorado Rally, July 12-16

[Bonz]

Happy for you all!

[Bigfoot]

Add another FJR to the party. My buddy Russ is coming.

[Bonz]

Nice Harry! What model year for your buddy? I absolutely dig the 2018 “Matte Phantom Blue” color.

[Bigfoot]

Another 2008. Black. Very nice bike.

[Bonz]

With the Back to the Future automatic clutch? Or was that only in the color you had?

[Bigfoot]

In 2008 there were 2 color options. The black Fjr1300A has a clutch lever, the gray fjr1300AE doesn't.

[motoman]

My plans so far, I am going to ride out to Idaho with my nephew and visit family for a few days before heading to Colorado on my way back. Not sure at this point if I will be there Thursday or Friday. Heading back to Kansas City Monday morning. Anyone going through Salt Lake City heading to the rally, let me know, might be able to meet up and ride together.

South of Salt Lake on I-15, if you decide to jump off on 191 at Spanish Forks(careful, actually it's the exit AFTER Spanish Forks that heads south over Soldier Summit....Utah 6/191 to Green River and I-70), your MORE than welcome at my place for overnite! Salt Lake to my place(G. Junction) makes for a 4hr. ride. My place to Buenna Vista makes for a 3 1/2hr. ride. JAT if you decide on that route as Mike, Roo and likely Scott will be here overnite heading to rally also( Thursday nite IIRC). Man-cave parking for all bikes provided, and dinner compliments of wife Anita(XS11 den-mother). A heads-up cell number:970-640-7221.

[Bigfoot]

Thanks Brant. I will probably be meeting my buddy Russ and coming in from the north but i appreciate the invite. Will certainly let you know and take you up on it if my plans change.

[JeffH]

Countdown Continues
Only a couple months to go

I'm looking forward to the long ride and seeing all the Rally Revelers again. Who's singing Baritone this year??

Only one potential gremlin not within my control, but I'm still planning on arriving Thurs afternoon July 12th coming in from Raton NM. No Kansas or Iowa or Nebraska route for me this time. However, if the gremlin doesn't pop up I'm planning a short Bonus Ride (heck, i rode that far to be in Colo so might as well throw in an 800 mile bonus ride) after the Rally to Durango & Moab. Haven't ridden Million Dollar & 141 in two years so its time. Likely stop at Mesa Verde, Arches, Canyonlands along the way. Then try that back road I've never ridden from Blanding to Cortez across Canyon of the Ancients.

So that's the plan. I've got two months to get in shape for traveling 1,200 miles of oppressive humidity & super cell T's. After that the last 500 miles should be a breeze. It always seems like I get hit with line after line of super cell T's on the ride west. Then get hit with 107 degrees and 99% humidity on the way back home. Guess that's what makes it interesting. A mental game to stay safe but prevail to overcome the obstacles.

Jeff

[motoman]

Nice choice for riding Jeff. As I'm sure you know, the Blanding to Cortez route can be REAL ugly riding if rain showers prevail.

[Bonz]

Practicing the ride in your head and visualizing the gear and procedures as conditions change assures you’re ready to take the right action.

[JeffH]

Nice choice for riding Jeff. As I'm sure you know, the Blanding to Cortez route can be REAL ugly riding if rain showers prevail.

Yes. Narrow road, poor condition, no shelter, likely no help. A lousy place to be in a Rock em' Sock em' desert thunderstorm. Or on a ripping hot day without adequate food and water. If it's not early AM and perfect conditions I won't do it.

Practicing the ride in your head and visualizing the gear and procedures as conditions change assures you’re ready to take the right action.

Yep, put on all my riding gear today and tried to sit for 30 minutes in my 130 degree attic. Only made it 20 min before bailing out so got some more prep time before taking off across AL, MS, AR and southern OK to TX. Mind has to get with the humidity program by July 7th when I leave. Then just hope the tornado's take a break.

Jeff

[JeffH]

Went a little loco once riding across the Mojave Desert in like 112 temps. (Stuck with me I think because I'm still loco) It wasn't the 112, it was I didn't have water. duh ..... Also rode across Death Valley many times too without any drama. And the central valley where I lived 110+ was not uncommon. But riding in the south with the heat mixed with opressive humidity is so much worse. Takes it's toll on the rider at a much faster rate than dry desert heat.

Jeff

[3Phase]

Went a little loco once riding across the Mojave Desert in like 112 temps. (Stuck with me I think because I'm still loco) It wasn't the 112, it was I didn't have water. duh ..... Also rode across Death Valley many times too without any drama. And the central valley where I lived 110+ was not uncommon. But riding in the south with the heat mixed with opressive humidity is so much worse. Takes it's toll on the rider at a much faster rate than dry desert heat.

Jeff

Jeff, I bought a bicycle water bottle carrier at Wallyworld and put it on the handlebars to hold a cheap dollar-two-ninety-eight squeeze bottle. I fill it with ice and cold water when I fill the tank, it still gets warm but warm water tastes better than no water or making a pitstop to get water.

Drat, it says it's out of stock now.


https://www.walmart.com/ip/Bell-Sports-Clinch-600-Universal-Bicycle-Bottle-Cage-Black/43120870

Bell Sports Clinch 600 Universal Bicycle Bottle Cage, Black
$7.86



Bottle and carrier on the handlebars

[motoman]

Looks good in the pic. 3Phase........just needs the rider to consume it.