“2010 Forever West” Featuring The Best Of The West On Big Trailies

[DockingPilot]

This, as you will soon see, was to be the best route we have ever ridden period. And we’ve ridden a few. The power of the pen, or keyboard in this case, is severely deficient in its ability to describe where we rode and what we saw from our big trailes. The route is the creation of my good friend Tony Huegel an expert in backcountry routes in the west who lives in Idaho Falls. Early in the planning stage for 2010 I was thinking the CDR. Tony however was dumfounded how the CDR was routed right past some of the best scenery the west has to offer. Probably because it was intended for bicyclists who, well, they have to peddle and really can’t afford to say, ride up and around the Gravelly Range in Montana for instance.

We’ll ride portions of the northern CDR in Montana, Idaho and Wyoming, the Oregon Trail in Wyoming where original wagon ruts are still visible today, cross the divide like the emigrants did at South Pass


and we'll ride the Pony Express route across Utah


and then onto the Trans Continental RR grade all the way to Promontory where east met west and the golden spike was driven in 1869.


And much more. 14 Days and 2,800 miles ,98% offroad, of spectacular western history and scenery. So take a seat partner, pour yourself a glass of whiskey and we’ll take you along for the ride of a lifetime.

[larryboy]

I'm in!!

[Buddy_Holly]

Right behind you Larry! In IN iN

[DockingPilot]

The bikes again will be trucked out west by Federal.


My good friend and 2 time ECEA Grand Champion and 2 time USA ISDE rider, Bruce "Redcorn" Kenny is stoked.


On this epic adventure this year was Bruce of course, my long time riding partner John Pitts KLR650, Mike "P-Diddy" Piazza BMW GSA, Dennis Demarco, the only convict not from NJ riding a Husky TE610 and Duane Kerzic on his 950 Adventure.

Ready for prime time, or least I hoped so.



Redcorn says goodbye for now to his SUPER ENDURO (i did that for you Bruce). The bike being fitted with the 8 gal tank out of necessity on the trip as fuel range will be stretched to the max.


2 weeks later we fly into Idaho Falls to meet Tony and get our bikes.


The first thing that greets you coming off the plane is this:


Tony is there waiting for us. Its been too long my friend.


Now, where the "F" is my bike ?


Bill Cycles in Idaho Falls is a 1st class operation. They accepted and took good care of our bikes until we arrived. Not many shops like this one fellas.


After getting out hotel rooms and bikes we all went out to the Snake Bite for dinner. You think John is amped up ? Even his hair is glowing !


The food was excellent. When in Idaho falls, you must eat here. Mike, back, right, hoping here that his GSA final drive is as good as the one on the new SUPER TENERE


In the morning we shove off and head north for the Continental Divide. We have 13 days of riding and 2,800 ground miles to cover. It should be easy.


As usual. we ride with no daily mileage quotas. Where ever we are at the end of the day is where we be. If its in a town, we'll motel it, if it's in the middle of nowhere, we camp. We wil just let the adventure unfold as it comes.

[straker]

I'm in.... going to be another epic!

[Hotmamaandme]

Ok Im in

[byways]

Yes!

[lulo]

this was long overdue....a terrific adventure by all verbal acounts.

[byways]

Rumors were true. But no more rumors. Now it's on to reality ...

[spanker]

Ok, ok, i'm in!

[BKMLWR]

thanks for taking the time to do another great report.

[DockingPilot]

As usual, everyone must have a GPS loaded with the route, also, tubes, irons and a good ability to fend for yourself if needed as we ride untethered. Of course we are there for each other, but there is no need to stop at every turn or eat each others dust. We would spread out and give ourselves the opportunity to feel "alone" when we want to.
So here we go. Day 1. Up onto the Continental Divide riding north towards Montana.

Headed toward Bannack Pass in Montana, Nearby is one of the best-preserved ghost towns in America




On the Divide


Redcorn soaking it up




One of scores of abandoned homesteads scattered throughout our route. This one is on Medicine Lodge Road


A still-intact stagecoach stop on the old Bannack Road between Corrine, UT and Bannack, MT, circa 1862




Here's the first example of what the CDR misses. The CDR route breaks off just ahead of this going northerly.
Deadmans Creek






Dennis


Tony. The KLR needed to be washed anyway


We take a break and dry off. We also see our 1st Elk. A mere 100 yards off from here.


More later...........

[advNZer?]

very different to our lil country.The gsa looks twice as big as the husky!

[EvilClown]

This is making me think 'bad' thoughts...

[Wildman]

Good, good!