There's a lot of Color Between Phoenix & Aspen

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Not really very far...​

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Rider: Dave
Bike: 2002 Aprilia RST1000 Futura
Distance: 1817 Miles of Asphalt
Time: Four Days
Dates: October 4-7, 2012
Locations: AZ, UT, CO
Colors: Billions​

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It was still dark out, when I start up the engine.
The bike has been reliable so far. I'm hoping she continues to be...



...and this tire lasts another couple thousand miles.
I'll have to keep an eye on it.




I was ripping up I-17 at first light.




At sunrise I stopped to switch to a tinted visor.









I'm in no particular hurry. Today is planned to be the shortest day, and I already know where I'll be sleeping.




I've got plenty of time, so I take the scenic detour through the Sunset Crater & Wupatki National Monuments.





















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Nice start, certainly looking forward to the rest!

The forest is transforming now in the DC area as well, and autumn is such a great season to ride.


EDIT: And also, if your bike was in this picture it could very well be front page material.



Cheers,

Thanks poolman and Cannonshot!

It would've been difficult to get the bike up on that mesa. I didn't even try.

I've ridden through here many times before.




I don't bother stopping at the large ruins this time. They are impressive, though.




I scope out a few of the smaller ruins this time.





















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I've ridden the long 2 lane highways that cross the Navajo Nation many times before, but...









I still enjoy the spectacular scenery.




I take another detour up towards Page, AZ.




I've never seen the Horseshoe Bend before.




There were tons of tourists in the small parking lot off the highway. RVs, Buses, Grown men wearing capri pants...:huh




I take the hike out there lugging the entire tank bag the whole way.





I think the round balls in the layers of sandstone are indictative of volcano activity.









Boats...




and Turkey Vultures zip around below.




The mid-day hazy light was not optimal for photos...





But I try anyway. I need to return here for a sunset someday.







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I take a 2 lane I've never set wheels on before. I pass the power plant near Page and
I see the narrow crack in the ground known as Antelope Canyon. I didn't even slow down though.​

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Agathla Peak, near Kayenta, AZ​

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Heading to...​

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Monument Valley​

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I pay my $5 entry fee into the Tribal Park and stop the bike near the view of the Mittens.​

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I decide to hang out here a couple hours to watch the sunset.
I shoot a quick panorama, then go into the lodge to get some snacks.​

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A map of the Navajo and Hopi Lands. I thought the increase in size from the 1868 borders was interesting.​

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I stroll through the store looking at pricey trinkets...​

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I selected a cold soda and ice cream bar. There were no prices listed, so I was prepared to be robbed at the cashier.
No problem. I got in line behind 2 ladies at the cash register. The clerk was ignoring us. One of the ladies had to
repeatedly speak up before the clerk finally came over, reluctantly. She seemed rude as she took their money.
As they turned to leave I stepped forward and placed my items on the counter. The "clerk" turned her back and walked away. WTF? I left the ice cream on the counter to melt.


At least the view was priceless...​

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I watch​

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the colorful​

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sunset​

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and fading light​

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at Monument Valley.​

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A Magestic Experience​

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I jump back on the bike and ride the short distance up to The Goosenecks of the San Juan State Park.
The stars were just making their appearance as I stopped the bike in a familiar free camping spot.​

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I have to admit that I started reading this thread without paying attention as to who the author/rider was. It didn't take very long for me to figure out it was you simply by the quality and types of your photographs. Initially you were talking about going to Page and I did not see that detour on the first map. Glad to see you corrected it on the second one... not that it matters! You also mentioned that you left the ice cream bar on the counter to melt... but you made no mention as to what happened to the cold soda!!! Great trip so far. I look forward to the rest.

Hi DirtKlod. I left the cold Orange Crush with the melting ice cream bar. I had a lukewarm soda and water on the bike.

I was up before sunrise shooting pictures of the hole in the ground next to my bed.

Sunrise!

I love camping for free. I set up my bed next to the bike here on the floor of the ramada. I'm glad I didn't set up the tent.
It got extremely windy with big gusts. I thought the ramada I was under was going to be ripped down.
With the noise from the tin roof and the sand blowing in my face all night, I didn't sleep very well.





I made scrambled eggs and grits for breakfast.




Time to load the bike...




And hit the road.

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Leaving




Southern




Utah




Behind




For the loooong straight roads of Southwest Colorado









HWY 160 Construction Delays




Fall in COLORado!






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Wow. Truly beautiful.

Thanks for joining in, Gooner!

I turn north on the US 550 at Durango. Now I'm finally getting into my bike's element.
I had planned to take a longer ride searching out the twisties with the Futura this summer,
but we took the KTM to Alaska instead. This short trip will have to make up for it.
I still enjoy tight mountain asphalt curves on a high performance machine.

I found an explosion of aspen color in the San Juan Mountains.






























What a beautiful day for a ride!




Silverton, CO




I stayed on the 550 and didn't even stop in town.





I'd rather enjoy Red Mountain Pass.


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Fine work Dave keep it coming...