The "Adventure" Begins...............

[twr1776]

The roads here are outstanding. Most of them have the "sparkly" blacktop similar to the Smoky Mountains which is bad for tire life but excellent for tire grip. Here is a map the South Dakota/Badlands tourism department puts out. I have found it in every business I have been to and it is an excellent map for finding your way through the area. There is a lot more here than I had thought. I did go through Sturgis for laughs on the way here and they are setting up for the 8-4 kickoff. Lots of chrome on the roads here before the rally.

http://www.blackhillsbadlands.com/home/planyourtrip/maps

Almost all of the roads are filled with curves and I am in Hot Springs so the first day I took the Wildlife road through Custer Park. There are about 4 herds of Buffalo roaming the area and before I even got to the park I saw a small herd off to my left maybe 40 feet from the road. There was an oncoming group of bikes and one of the "loud pipes save lives" guys blipped the throttle and startled the herd. Fortunately they went the other way. Still a stupid move IMHO. My next encounter was with an Illinois plate that was feeding a group of three mules in the middle of the road out the car window. I stopped approx 60 feet short and waited approx 5 minutes for them to pull off. The last mule then looked at me like I had food so I waited a couple of minutes more for him to get off the road. A few miles later I saw a big backup of cars and as I suspected there was a group of maybe 30 buffalo 4 of which were on the road surface. I was a few cars back and waited another few minutes for them to get off the road. For some reason people get out of their cars to stand and gawk. I was wishing I was in a car......needless to say I have not been on that road again. For some reason I get a bit "puckery" when I am within 20' of a 1500 - 2000 pound animal with horns. I continued on to Rushmore on Iron Mountain Road which is very twisty and goes through three one lane tunnels cut through the rock. One of the tunnels you can see the Presidents heads through. The roads here also have "pigtails" which are kind of like switchbacks but you go either under of over the road via a bridge. I think I am up to over 15 of them now. When I got here I asked the owner if he had an oil pan and if I could change oil. He said he did not have one but one of his workers did and it would be no problem. I was getting ready to lube the chain yesterday morning and a guy walking by asked if I could use a hand. Turns out he is the person the owner was referring to and he had a very nice homemade wheel stand. I brought the bike to his camper and got the chain done, changed oil, checked tire pressure, etc. He is also a rider and uncovered a BMW 1200 fully dressed boxer and he also had a BMW 1200 hot rod with traction control, rev limiter, and all the goodies that dynoed 174 hp at the rear wheel. Small world he is going to visit a friend in Valpo in a few weeks so we might have a few "beverages" together while he is in town. Since I got my servicing done I ended up going to Spearfish Canyon in the afternoon yesterday. Very nice road. Today I went on the "Needles" highway. Also very scenic but very small two lane, lots of cars, and with very bad sight lines. I did see one a-hole on a crotch rocket double yellow passing me and the car behind me and making a fool out of himself. Just another potential organ donor. Heading for my last park (Badlands) in the AM, for some reason I am starting to talk like a pirate and that means I have been here long enough.

[cowboyup3371]

Sure sounds like you have really enjoyed yourself. Do you still plan to slab it home? A quick look at Google maps makes it look like US 18 to US 20 changing over to US 275 and then US 30 might be a more fun ride. But I only see what's on the map too.

[twr1776]

I am not totally sure on the route home yet. I still need to check weather etc. and normally after a rally we usually "pay the price of admission" and slab home. If the weather/wind is favorable I hope to do two long days but......... I did mail back my tent and 38 lbs. of assorted other items yesterday I won't need for the ride home to lighten up and give myself more room on the seat.

I was at Badlands today and it was a very nice park. Pretty wild rock formations.

I was also able to post more pictures on the first post. Still having issues with Google + but there are over a hundred and once I get home I will have "tech" support (AKA Brian) available. I was able to include some "Redman" approved pics though.

[salty_monk]

Down to your last 1,000 miles... Looks like it's been a fun trip all the way through

[twr1776]

I got back last night, two days of 400 plus on the slab back. (I-90) It was good to sleep in my own bed again.

Total trip milage 12,793. Tires, chain and sprockets, myself pretty much shagged but happy. I should be able to get full pics up in the next few days. Today will consist of shopping since I tossed all the fresh food in the house before I left and probably a mid-afternoon nap.

Special props to Brian on spearheading the bike prep, I had zero issues with bike and to my boss for letting me take the time off from work.

[Redman]

Tim,

Thanks for update.
And for updates all along. Enjoyed the description and pictures.

More pics than what was posted !
Yah, lets see.

Dave

[Larry D]

Glad you're home and safe Tim. Almost 13,000 miles, WOW !!! Now THAT'S an adventure !!!!

[twr1776]

Redman More pics than what was posted ! Yah, lets see. Dave

Careful what you ask for Dave. Once I "find" them again I think there is between 2500 - 3000 total.

[twr1776]

Last of the pictures are on the first post.

As I now look back on the trip it was more than I expected. The West was very beautiful and the riding was excellent. The weather cooperated and I think there were only five days of rain for the 62 days I was on the road and no all day washouts. I primarily camped at the KOA's and all but one were very nice with clean bathrooms/showers and I would highly recommend them. They are more costly but family friendly and I met some nice people and did not have to worry about leaving my stuff there while I was checking out the parks. Some of the lower cost chain hotels I stayed at were well lets just say not so great but they served the purpose.

Total Stats for Trip

National Parks visited, Carlsbad, Grand Canyon, Redwood, Yosimite, Lassen Volcanic, Zion, Bryce Canyon, Arches, Canyonland, Capitol Reef, Rocky Mountain, Yellowstone, Glacier, Badlands
National Monuments visited, Colorado, Devils Tower, Little Bighorn Battlefield
State Parks - Jesse Smith Redwood, Custer
Mileage 12,793 average per day 220 miles
Biggest Mileage Day - Grand Canyon to Holbrook AZ 550 miles
Warmest Day - I went through the Mojave Desert twice and the day into Las Vegas from Coarsegold CA was pretty warm. I hit the door at the Stratosphere Hotel and "soaked" in the A/C for a couple of minutes before I even wanted to move again. It was one of those days when you can smell yourself and after 11 hours in the desert sun with full riding gear.................. that was also the best shower of the trip and I got at least 6 big plates of food at the dinner buffet there which was also outstanding. I also ran the Vegas strip 4 times on the bike.
Coldest/Rainiest Day - Yellowstone to Dubois MT. One of the few rainy days and I got cold rain for the last three hours. I was barely able to pull my gloves off to get gas when I finally made it into town.
Wierd Road/Wierd Human Sightings - Too many to list, it is called the "left coast" for a reason.
Total Un-fenced Animal Count Within 50' of the Bike - Wild Guess 100/200, my biggest concern was texting/distracted drivers and although I did see some once I saw an Elk Crossing sign in Arizona I was not as worried about distracted drivers. Something about a 1000 to 1500 pound animal in the road........
Best Trip Decision - Not going to the Great Basin National Park, the way there was on the "lonliest highway" through Nevada and gas stations/services approx 100 miles apart and very little traffic. I ended up re-routing to Reno/Yosimite/Las Vegas which was a lot better since I was riding alone.
Best Road Decision - CA-299 from Eureka eventually ending up in Reno. I did not know it at the time but it is listed in the Butler Maps as an outstanding motorcycle road and was very nice running next to a creek and along a canyon.
Worst Road Decision - Schnedly Road in Arizona, the main road was closed because of the Sedona fire and it was gravel with large rocks, ruts, and took me an hour and fifteen minutes to crawl the 12 miles all the time worried about getting a flat tire. I did carry tubes, compressor, etc. and could have changed a tire on the road if I really had to but was very glad I did not.
Most notable "new" to me experience, the helicopter ride at Grand Canyon. Pretty pricey but going over the edge and seeing the canyon opening up below you was something I can't describe with words. I asked the pilot if the job ever got old and he said no, he sees something new every day in the canyon. The evening sky after dark was also something I will also remenber, the stars were a LOT clearer than they are here and seemed to be right on top of you.

[Redman]

...............

Great description.

And, I notice that you have no comment about going back to work.

.

[Joe Nardy]

The poor KLR must have gotten very dirty during all those miles. How many bike washes?

[KEITH KRAUSE]

Just noticed this thread. I'm sure you know this but you've done something that will bring fond memories for as long as you live. What you've done is what life is all about.
The wonder of what's ahead and the great satisfaction of what you achieved each day..... Going to sleep each night thinking about what you've done and what you will do.
On a motorcycle you're so much more a part of everything. Some weather, the hazards involved, just serve to make it all that much more of an achievement. But you know these things.
I also plan a trip when I retire but it will be a tad shorter. Hopefully, LOTS of shorter trips. I was happy to read that you chose the KLR and that it handled the trip well because that's exactly what I plan to buy down the road. Just wondering, how old are you and if you planned this for a long time?
Once again, I'm happy for you and so glad you enjoyed yourself! Thanks for sharing!!

[twr1776]

Keith, when Joe, Greg, and I rented bikes in Reno and attended the Western Rally approx 4 years ago is when I realized I have not been out west at all and have been "dreaming" about this trip since then. I am 53, not married, with two college graduates that have not needed any additional financial help once they got "set up" with post college jobs. That was the last critical issue for me before deciding I had a "window of opportunity" for this trip. I have worked for a family owned company for the last 14 years and my boss was kind enough to offer a leave of absence even though we have been very busy the last number of years. It is a great place to work and last week was my first week back and there was a "bearded" photo of me with my sister by the copy machine for all to laugh at while I was gone.

As far as the trip planning I decided late last winter it had to be this year and came up with a very loose plan for the trip with National Parks as the main destinations and visiting Salty Monk (Dan) in LA, and my sister and daughter who are both in Colorado. I was not sure how I would hold up with the what I anticipated would be the 10 - 12 thousand mile plan. I did go a litte over. Brian and I went shopping in Indy early May and I got an inexpensive notebook computer, tent, sleeping bag, air mattress, and other items needed for the trip. Brian was also kind enough to spearhead the bike prep which included tires, sending the OEM shock rear shock out for a re-build and upgraded spring, removing the rear swingarm to re-grease all the bearings, inspecting, cleaning, and greasing all electrical connections, and installing new handguards. The notebook computer was what turned to be a "must" have item. I was able to book hotels and camping sites when I was on the road. With my lack of an "official" plan I had figured I would have to sleep in a parking lot one night but was able to make the trip without this happening.

The KLR although underpowered was IMHO an excellent choice for the trip. It sits higher in traffic, lots of leg room, big suspension travel, and a large gas tank. The Chicago/Indy group pretty much all have dual sports now and we call the KLR's stupid bikes because they just bring a stupid smile to your face when you are riding them. They are excellent on choppy main roads and backroads and by me that is most of the roads. I ran into a number of dual sporters on big trips and some of them were carrying gas in a plastic gas can to make some of the longer runs out West. I had enough to carry without adding flammable liquid to the list. I was able to go 200 miles easily between gas stops. My 06 has an extra tooth on the front sprocket to keep the highway revs a little lower and I ended up doing most of the highway runs at 65 - 70 mph and it was pretty comfortable even with the tent/sleeping bag behind me. Once I had the tent set up the full seat was available and it was excellent in the parks which had lots of twisty roads within them and most of the cars would let you "play through" within the parks. The KLR will run higher speeds all day with no problem but with the big winds, unfamilar roads, and extra large size road varmits that was the speed I was most comfortable with. It is a pig at approx 450 lbs loaded, has a tall seat height for us vertically challenged folks, and not good in sand because of the weight/lack of power but really shines on twisty roads, chopped up pavement, and gravel with the right tires. I put road tires on for the trip (Anakee 3 Michelins) and might get 14K out of them before going back to knobby tires which I usually run. (Heidenau K-60's) You will need to get an aftermarket seat for a KLR, the OEM seat is about as comfortable as a 2 x 4 and once I ditched mine for a Sargent Supercell Low I was able to ride all day.

[KEITH KRAUSE]

Thanks for the info about a seat, etc. Only thing I'm a little concerned about the KLR (or any bike in it's class) is the seat height. Don't like the idea of using my toes only at stops but I'm sure I can live with it. I have an '07 ZX14 that is too amazing for words on trips but it's only weak point is that it catches side wind BAD and gusts can scare the heck out of you. The KLR would be quite a change but it would be nice to own a bike that I don't feel the urge to keep polished all the time and "make over". I can't take the 14 off road either. The KLR just seems perfect for what I want to do. I'm not sure how the new models are with water cooling but I think it will be fine. I hope I have the stupid smile thing going on too.
Again, thanks for sharing your adventure with us. I know it will bring you a lifetime of great memories.

[salty_monk]

YOu should note that they are all water cooled. Also the 09+ models have slightly less suspension travel (beefier front forks) & sit slightly lower as standard. Tims is slightly lower than mine now though (I only have a low seat, no drop links).
They also have a little more wind protection. They tend to wander unless you go low front fender (sitting on the fork brace).

Mine will sit all day at 65 - 80 although it's a bit vibey up past that.

I have the Ricor suspension on mine. Makes a decent difference from stock.