After a big farewell to the Howell’s (thanks again guys, it was awesome) it was time to get this bike sorted. I’d been pretty keen to use Big Twin Motorcycles due to their sponsorship of the IDBDR and had sent an email detailing my power issues to Terry on Monday asking if he could look at this, as well as fit my tyres. I’d had a response from him that morning saying no problems and to bring it in at 9.00 am. Continue reading “A KTM with fuel issues ….. never”
Well where to start! So much catching up was in order and it all started in the driveway. When we eventually made it inside, my sorry state was quite embarrassing. Paris asked if I wanted a shower and I suggested that would be in ‘everyone’s’ best interests if I did. I hadn’t washed anything properly (other than in a creek or a hotel hand basin) for over 9 days, so when Paris also asked if I would like to put a load of washing on, the offer was quickly accepted. Everything went in once again, including a second load with all the bike gear. Continue reading “Cats n dogs”
The BDR highlights sure were right about suggesting you’ll enjoy some fun and hospitality with the locals at the Outdoor Inn at Jarbidge. I received a lot of cheery good mornings from the locals walking their dogs and getting on with their business as I parked outside the Inn the next morning. What wonderful people. Continue reading “Boise bound”
I woke up when alarm went off at 6.00 am. As you do, I reset it for 6.30 ‘pm’ and woke again at exactly 8.00. I must have needed that. The motel was fine but, as I’ve said, was a bit grubby for the first time. It had a big comfy bed which was spotless, but it smelt a bit funny. I’ve been in worse! A quick breaky of strawberry jam on bread, a Cliff Bar (oatmeal, raisin and walnuts) a cup of Joe and I was off. Continue reading “Done and dusted (or should I say, dusty)”
I didn’t have a long way to go for my 16th day on the road. I’d heard a lot about Jarbidge, the start (or in my case the end) of the IDBDR and I wanted to spend my last night there. It was only about 300 miles away, but I also wanted to see Trinity Lakes and the springs, 100 miles to it’s north. Also, not knowing what the fires were actually doing, it made sense not to expect to get too much riding in that day. Little was I to know, there were other things that would influence what I was going to achieve. Continue reading “An off … who, me?”
I was ready to go by 7.00 am but knew the Burgdorf shop wouldn’t be open to get some breakfast, pay and checkout for a while. Opening was 10.00 am, but Dannan said he’d be poking about early and would sort things out. There was a bit of rain on the roof last night, never a nice sound if you’re on a motorbike and I slept pretty poorly for the first time. I’d have been much more comfortable on my Exped in the tent than the soft and squishy mattress in Broken Wing. Broken Back it should have been called! Continue reading “A double U Turn – such a Dirty Shame”
I’m glad I’ve had the Leatt armour on. While it’s been hot, heavy and restrictive at times, it’s given me a heap of confidence. It does stink though as it has a skintight synthetic material that holds it all to you, not doing a lot for breathability or allowing sweat to evaporate. Chest, ribs and kidneys are all protected – I’ve busted ribs twice before and it’s a long and painful recovery. Ewwwwww I can hear a lot of you saying! Continue reading “Things to do in New York City (and hot springs along the way)”
I have other very famous (or infamous) stretch of road in front of me – the Magruder Corridor. Once again, it’s an ancient route through the mountains used by Indians, settlers, cattlemen, miners, highwaymen, gamblers, women of ill-repute, opportunists and thieves. Motorcyclists fit in with that lot beautifully! Continue reading “The Magruder Corridor”
I enjoyed a nice couple of hours to finish Lolo off. A mix of rocky trails very high up and quite exposed, I was on top of the world. This had been a truely memorable couple of days. Continue reading “Heading for Montana”
The Blue Hut, or Blue Heaven as it’s also called, really was a nice change and the people coming through who used it showed their appreciation and looked after it well. There was plenty of split firewood, it was warm, dry and the bottom bunk was very comfortable. It had an outside loo, a babbling brook and was a real little oasis. Continue reading “The Lolo Motorway”
Adventure USA 