Just Exploring

Section 4
More nice easy roads through the grasslands.


The 2nd harder section was difficult, lots of embedded rock and rock gardens to get thru. I didn’t take any picture until I got to the top a took a break. I just wanted to keep my momentum going. The GSA is ok through area like this you just have to keep moving as soon as you let up on the throttle and don’t commit then she gives up and wants to lay down.



The rest of section 4 and 5 into Grants. Had a good breakfast burrito in Reserve. The ATV section just before Grants was really fun. Found a nice campsite in Lobo Canyon.

The only Rain I had on the trip was for 5 minuets outside of Luna.













I had my 2 only problems with the GSA on section 4, I blew a fork seal in the 2nd harder section with all the rocks I had to pound thru. And my rear taillight fell out and shattered inside the plastic cover. The seal is not an issue on the GSA since it is a telelever and the shock is doing all the work. Got a new rear bulb from Autozone in. Grants.

Section 6 and part of Section 7

Section 6 was a blast, very engaging, good views reminds me of Southern Utah.

Ran into a group of riders from Arkansas, they were on 500’s and a couple of 690’s. I ended up having lunch with them in Cuba. Nice group of guys that had been friends that rode and raced together. We would cross paths a few time on the remainder of the trip.











Saw this bus and had to check it out. The double track going into the bus was really sandy and I hit a small tuft off grass and dropped then bike - then only time I dropped it on. the whole trip !! Wow was she heavy

Section 7 & 8

Beginning of the day was nice the road along the river into Abiquiu was beautiful and had some really cool campsite along the river.





The 3rd harder section was really difficult typical Southwest riding, ledges, rocks, tight turns. I had one big problem while riding this section. The wind was at my back about 5 to 10 mph just the same speed I was riding. After about 30 minutes the GSA was getting close to overheating, I stopped a few times to let her cool down and drink some water.






The rest of section 8 was easy cruising until the last climb up to the border with Colorado, there is a 180 turn onto a rocky climb that was difficult but fun. After that just getting to Antonio.











From here got gas and a Hotel in Monte Vista.



Rode home, took a route through Creede to Lake City then Gunnison, lunch in Crested Butte and Ohio pass.

I have to admit that I feel that the old GSA was the perfect bike for this trip a lot of the riding was coming across open plains or easy dirt roads. Two of the difficult sections had me pushing her close to her limit but we got through it.

The weather was perfect, on the southern section it was hot but as soon as I got up into the mountains it was fine.

I ran Shinko 804 / 805 they worked great ran them 28 psi front / 32 psi rear. They are at 2000 miles and could go another 1000 maybe 1500.

Thanks for following along.

Thanks for taking us along! Love me some New Mexico!!!

Didn’t a different kind of lunch loop. I was gong til ride this loop with a friend but unfortunately he couldn’t do it so I decided that I would anyway. I’ve always wanted to ride Guanella Pass and check out the closed Geneva Basin Ski area.

My route for the day



Looking back towards the mining town of Gilman, CO- this was open while I was in middle school down in Minturn, CO. It was a company town and while I was in high school is was starting to shut down. While I was working in Vail i drove up with a few friends and explored around, was really strange. Now it has a fence around the old townsite.



Camp Hale - this was the leaf viewing weekend the colors were amazing



Passed through Leadville, when I was growing up this was a shithole!! Now it seems to be hipsterville, which is good not too bad during the summer but winters are cold - like a lot of negative temp days, grey and windy.

Weston Pass, nice and easy several other 4x4 out enjoying the day and the colors.










Had lunch in Fairplay. Talked with a couple of other BMW riders. Had lunch at Mr. Burro Cafe, nice to sit outside and enjoy people watching and the nice cars rolling thru.



Didn’t take very may pictures on Guanella Pass traffic was backed up big time. Had to pull over and let the big girl cool down on the climb from the west end. People were parked on the sides of the road making it single lane in a few spots. On one section, I noticed that several cars had their mirrors busted off - not a little anger there!!

Looking back at what is left of Geneva Basin ski area.



And from the top of the pass.



Had coffee in Georgetown - in a very old but cool building. Then got on I-70 and rode home.
I was making good time getting through traffic having fun, looked back and a guy blew by me on a BMW M1000RR - I mean completely and utterly blew my doors off. I waved and was surprised he waved back, he was slicing and dicing thru traffic like nobody’s business!!

Was a nice day out, and from what I saw I wasn’t the only one!! I’ve been neglecting my 701 lately, Next weekend I have a ride planned.
Only a few more weekends riding the high country - winter is coming. But with this heatwave it might be awhile.

Get out and enjoy.

So yesterday I rode the loop that I did several weeks ago on my GSA. This time I took my 701 - way gooder!! One think I wanted to take a picture of was this creek crossing. If you look closely you’ll see all the cinder blocks starting from halfway on the other side to where my 701 is. With all the riding in Central Colorado I’ve done, I’ve never seen this. I understand why but wow that’s a lot of work.



Last time I rode this It was a nice hot day lots of SxS and Quads. This time I had the trail to myself. Was around 50 to 60 degrees out. Little chilly but having the trail to myself was worth it.


Looking across the Uncompahgre Plateau on the left side of the picture are the mountains around Telluride, and straight up from my bike in the gap between the trees are the La Sals. Winter is coming, probably one of the last rides I do in the High Country, next couple of weeks is 2nd and 3rd hunting season I stay out of the backcountry during those times. I’ll only ride major dirt roads.



Next week I plan on heading down to Moab and some of the trails I haven’t been on in a while. Steel Bender, Kane Creek, do a loop out by Monitor / Merrimac Buttes.

I did Monitor & Merrimac about 15 years ago on my XRL - looking at this picture I really modified a lot on that bike. The forks were the biggest issue total noodles - the bike never went where you pointed it - scary.

This picture is from the ride back. I think those are called Determination Towers.

Had a 3 day weekend, headed out to Moab and camped at Ken Lake. Every site that was reservable was booked, but got lucky and got the last first come open site. Got down to Moab early enough to go for a ride and decided to see how far I could get on Steal Bender. I hadn't done this trail for at least 25 years? - back when I was way into mountain biking and racing. I also read that the bypass for the wall had been washed out a couple of years ago.

Well I thought that I had taken several pictures, but only 3. I got about 5 miles it took 2 hours. One of the most difficult rides that I've done!! The 701 was good but it felt like a really large bike - got me thinking about looking for a used 250 to restore for this kinda of riding. Next year my son is off to college so I can do trips like this more often.







Saturday morning I wanted to get our to Monitor and Merrimac I did this via 7 mile rim trail. This was more my skill level. Technical and engaging but like death defying for an old man!!

















This is the sandstone plateau between Monitor & Merrimac



Monitor



Merrimac







From here I rode to Island in the Sky Rd followed that to Gemini Bridges Rd and down into Moab for Lunch. Then out to Kane Creek. I'll post that a little later.

I rode this about 15 years ago on my XRL - and completely don't remember any of it. Fun water crossings, sand, and riding down the creek. It was getting up to 80 in the canyon so being in the shade was nice.



That was a full day out, headed back to camp enjoyed a beer. Tomorrow was going to be an easy ride, Geyser Pass off of L Sal loop Rd.

Wanted to get in another ride before I headed home, so packed up the van got her ready while the sun was rising. Just gonna dump the pictures.

Really nice veiws.









That was a good weekend, was closing out the season, we have a winter storm bringing snow this week. So time to push the bike to the side of the garage for the winter. Start ordering parts that need repairing and changing oil + maintenance. And fuck tires!! Both bikes need a set.

Hope you enjoyed the pictures.

Got a new ride, it’s way underpowered but it lets me enjoy the view. What that saying its fun to ride a slow bike fast, than to ride a fast bike slow??!!

Riding up Rifle Falls Rd. Nice day out and yea it was fun.



Get out and enjoy!!

Came across an old photo from about 20 years ago, Down in Canyonlands NP, Beef Basin Road. As I was going in on Elephant Rd, I met the ranger that patrols the area as he was driving out. He mentioned that he does the loop once a day - well I didn’t buy a camping permit (didn’t know that you needed one at the time) I ended up camping out at the Confluence overlook parking lot. I need to get back in there, those canyons were so cool to ride along. That XRL got me into and out of some really cool areas.



Heading down to Tucson for Christmas - got my 701 ready, New tires, had to replace all the wheel bearings!! Looking forward to exploring the area.

Got a couple of rides in while I was in Tucson, First ride was up MT Lemmon, then down the backside on the Old Mt Lemmon Rd. Had lunch in Sam Manuel, then rode the North San Pedro River Rd, this linked up with Remington Rd. Nothing difficult just fun dirt roads.













Second Ride I got in, I rode up to Red Rock and followed the Sasco Road around the Silver Bell Mine. Then I did a loop through Saguaro National Park. A little more technical. I kept thinking as an explorer on horse or walking how you would negotiate getting around all the Cacti?? In some areas they were so closely packed together at to find a way thru was nearly impossible. I couldn’t imagine brushing up against one while riding or crashing into one!!








Before this trip I mounted a set of the Tusk D-sport tires, they were ok not as good as the MotoZ Tractionator Desert tire I had on before. I’ll be going back to the MotoZ, I really like the front tire it doesn’t wash out as often as the Tusk did.

Now some winter maintenance, 701 gets an oil change, valve check, and flush the brake fluid. The GSA also needs a brake fluid flush (2/3 hour job) and I need to get into the final drive and take a look at the splines on the driveshaft, been hearing some noises thinking that the splines need to be cleaned and lubed.

Well Skiing and Fat biking aren’t good right now so lets go take
the Big Girl out for a ride. Starting off in New Castle wasn’t too cold but by the end of the ride on Colorado River Rd it got chilly.

Had a nice day out riding one of my regular loops. Since our weather has been so nice lately I thought I would get out and do some riding.

Rode over Grand Mesa, and then linked up McClure pass, getting lunch in Paonia.

Looking out at Powderhorn Ski Area

Top of Grand Mesa looking South





Didn’t take any more pictures. A little chilly at times but a good ride.
I’m likening this weather, but we need snow. This winter started out well but has stalled.
I also noticed that the big girl needs new shoes, the Shinko 804/805 are squaring off and getting thin in the center.
I’m thinking of trying the Dunlop Trailmax Mission. I’m doing the WYBDR in the fall and using the big girl. Don’t want to have to mount another set of tires.

Get out and enjoy.

Took 4 days off to explore around Natural Bridges in Southern Utah. Had a different kind of riding experience, but I'll get to that later.

Got to the campsite Friday around noon, set up camp and went for a ride. Just connected a couple of roads together and made a loop out of it was about 100 miles.

Burch Canyon Rd > Deer Flat > Wooden Shoe > Horse Tanks > Hwy 95 back to camp.






Jacobs Chair - tomorrows ride





Haven't gotten on dirt all winter, was nice to get out and warm up on something easy.

Saturday morning wanted to ride Jacobs Chair Rd then connect to D1983 get back to camp maybe do a little hiking around Natural Bridges Park.



Cool old hotel, looking around it seems someone it trying to get it running again, Large array of solar panels and a dumpster. It's in a cool location, and with this area becoming more popular it could do well.



Start of the ride, and Jacobs Chair in the background.





Some old cars at the bottom of the first climb.






Looking at the road, it's amazing that these roads and the cars at the bottom are what is left over from the Uranium boom that happened in the 40's and 50's around this area. There is a cool display at the Temple Mtn. camping area that explains some of this.







And that's the last picture. About 2 miles from here (6/7 miles in) my bike died. Noticed that my USB / Volt meter was dead. I pulled my tools out and started troubleshooting thought I had a wire that was grounding took care of that checked all the fuses and put the bike back together. At this point I was
on the flats beyond Jacobs Chair and was pushing the bike to any hill to bump start it but with no luck. So after about 2 hours, I decided to hike out pulled all my stuff off the bike hid it in the rocks and started walking.

3 hours later I was at the road - I could feel the blisters - I was gonna pay for walking in my boots!!. Hitch hiked back to camp pounded a bunch of food and water, since it was late decided to head to Blanding in the morning.

Next morning got to Blanding - nothing is open in Blanding on a Sunday morning at 8am except for the Auto parts store!! Ok got a trickle charger (now my 4th) a cheap volt meter, some fuses and a backup battery jump start thingy.
Plugged it all in to start charging everything while I drove back to camp to pick up the trailer and head out to the Trailhead.

Strapped everything to my Mosko Moto pack, I did have my Keen Sandals, taped the shit out of my feet and wore some thicker socks. The first quarter mile sucked as my feet and blister areas got used to walking.

2 hours later back at the bike dropped the battery in and she fires right up!! Noticed that the volt meter is dropping while she is running. Rode out and halfway down the last hill she dies. So out comes the jump battery I connect it and let it sit for a few minutes the battery goes to 15.5 volts and she fires back up and we get back to my van.

Long story short the Stator failed. So I'm glad I had filled up my water and food that morning.

Planning on heading down there in the fall to finish the rides I had planned.

Wearing my work boots this past week has been enjoyable!! It's all an adventure, still better that sitting in front of the TV.

Anyhoo waiting for parts - planning the next ride.

Took the Big mGirl out for a loop today, on Friday I changed out my tires and installed a set of Dunlop Trailmax Mission. I took the back way up to Meeker, Co.
Pavement to Dirt with washboards and pea gravel. Tires tracked nicely, very predicable the road dergraded to almost a double track with ruts, had mud and some snow.
The mud was clay like and wrapped around the tire and jammed the front wheel. Not really bad - got a stick dug the crap out and got on with it. Rode back home on the Highway nice and easy no buzzing or noise.



Got gas - overfilled the tank and it came out the overflow / breather tube. Had the tires 42 psi rear / 40 psi front. Will be using these for the WYBDR this fall. And maybe the Black Hills BDR-X this summer. First ride and I’m liken this tire, took me a few miles to get used to a round profile after the Shinklo 804/805 squared off.

Snows melting!!, Thinking of doing the Rimrocker again in late May on my 701 should be fun.

Took the big gurl out for a loop yesterday. I had to pull my ABS out. It was failing and causing issues when in traffic. So I wanted to ride the bike and get used to the non-abs brakes. More in my head, but no big deal. They work just fine, so instead of using 1 finger I might have to use 2. And it's nice to be able to modulate braking again.

My route for the day, I usually do a loop to the South, today I went North thru Rangley and came down Douglas Pass. Really tame until the Pass, lots of hairpin turns and chopped up pavement - just what the Big GSA is good at!



Couple of pics from the top of Douglas Pass.






Had lunch in old downtown Grand Junction, CO then hopped on the I70 and rode home. Nice day out - dodged a few rain clouds. Always a joy to ride my GSA.

Took my 701 around the backside of Battlement Mesa, this is a large Mesa between De Beque, CO and Rifle, Co. Fun short dirt road that cuts off a corner of the pavement loop. Just a couple of pictures of some colorful hills.





Going to do an overnighter this weekend, and try to knock off the Rim rocker. This ride was to gauge the condition of the backcountry byways I'll use to get over to Montrose to start the ride.

Website for the Trail: https://rimrockertrail.org/

Wow, I just finished reading all your posts, got some warm nostalgia from a few shots. Glad this post is still there, I hope you are well and thriving, still riding. I live on the front range, Cañon City and too old to even consider this kind of stuff anymore, but I enjoyed your work. Thanks for sharing

@rrittner i haven't read the entire thread yet. But I like the canteen as a gas can. Are you still using it?

I'm not any more, I still have it. Would use it if needed, I that was for my F800 that I sold. At the time the only option to add extra gas to thast bike was an external gas tank from Camel ADV. I didn't really like that setup. I've kept it in case I need to carry extra fuel, but 701 has a Rade Garage tank on it so I'v got a 5 gallon capacity and my range is 200 miles. It's a good very cheap way to carry 2 liters of fuel.