Gsxrgirrl does Banff, Alberta

NoGall · Sep 6, 2006

Once we hit I-80, we went as fast as possible to make our way to Genoa, NV., but not without a food stop in Winnemucca. We did manage to find the Gridle amongst the casinos for a quiet and enjoyable meal. Good food too.

I-80 was a blessing to "Let's get there and get out of this heat ASAP!" On average, we were maintaining about 75 to 80 mph. The miles were being taken down in record time. The strong wind was causing Gsxrgirrl some problems. We got off onto 95 again in Fernley... passed the raceway... Gas and water in Silver Springs... Off to our final stay, Genoa, NV.

Bikes at rest in Waley's Hot Springs:

NoGall · Sep 6, 2006

Day 10, 230 miles

We rode home via 88, some backroads (courtesy of Halfwing and Company), and 12. Traffic was a cluster fuck everywhere. Worst than expected, even for a holiday weekend. We left Genoa at 9:30, but didn't get home until 4:30pm.

No pics today either. My CF card took a dump the night before. Imagine the look on my face when seeing "No image" message on your camera upon relpay. I just about had a heartattack on the spot. All 9 days of pics gone. I was smart enough, however, not to take any new pictures in the event that the images could be rescured/retrieved.

I didn't let on what had happened to Gsxrgirrl -- didn't want her to ride distracted or upset going home. I generally don't get upset over losing images... but this time, it's different. We had our excellent adventure recorded on it, and some shots I really hated losing... such as the one where she was looking into the sunset by the side of the road.

Anyhow, to make a long story short... Wolf Camera in Pleasant Hill was able to retrieve all but 3 of the 160 images. Bravo! The lesson here is to take more than a few CF cards for longer trips. Once you have had a couple of days stored, take it out for safe keeping, and pop in a new one.

Now, these images mean that much more to me. I hope you have enjoyed them as well.

Map8 · Sep 6, 2006

Roooooaaaarr! The crowd goes wild!

Great write-up and photos. Thanks for posting all this. Really enjoyed your commentary.

Mickey_D100 · Sep 6, 2006

Good Lord what a trip! Kudos to you both. :thumbup Beautiful photos.

NoGall · Sep 6, 2006

Thanks, everyone!

Danny, yah, we have to do this again next year. Maybe the Southwest in the Spring, and then Revelstoke in September.

Steve, hope to see you at Berryessa soon.

Sane_Man · Sep 6, 2006

Loved the pictures!! :thumbup

Looks like it is possible to go on a 10-day ride without carrying a steamer trunk full of clothes and other un-needed junk.

Sportbiker · Sep 6, 2006

awesome writeup & pics. I can only dream of doing such a trip. thanks

Slowest_One · Sep 7, 2006

great photos and commentary Tom! :thumbup

cbrf3 · Sep 7, 2006

Wow, awesome pics!! I would love to go on a trip like that, seems like it would be so much fun, not sure if I could do it on my 600rr though..

stevet · Sep 7, 2006

Tom, how many bikes do you have now?

NoGall · Sep 7, 2006

stevet said:
Tom, how many bikes do you have now?

Just two :toothless

Ezekiel · Sep 7, 2006

Definitely looks like a great trip! Do you find it difficult to make yourself pull over to snap pictures while you're riding? Beautiful pics, looks like a great scenic route! I hope to try it myself sometime. Did you lube the chain on the GSXR every night? If so, how?

DMc · Sep 7, 2006

When I went in July I brought the Steamer trunk. I finally figured out what was useful though. I just hope I can remember for the next trip. That's one of those geriactric issues. :teeth
I'm glad you saved your pics. That woud have sucked big time. Good advice on the multi-card usage. If you have a iPod you can dump your pics onto it with a adaptor. I brought my laptop:wow

NoGall · Sep 7, 2006

Ezekiel said:
Definitely looks like a great trip! Do you find it difficult to make yourself pull over to snap pictures while you're riding? Beautiful pics, looks like a great scenic route! I hope to try it myself sometime. Did you lube the chain on the GSXR every night? If so, how?

You definitely have to make a commitment to stop and take photos. Sometimes, it's hard... because you have been looking at the same scenery for miles, and you kind of let slide what's special about it.

Chain... Yes, we lubed and cleaned the chain every night, or as soon as we get off the bikes for the day. We packed some rags, a mini-can of WD 4D, and a small can of chain lube.

This tool will make it easy for you to raise the rear tire (for free spin) -- it weighs only 6 oz. and packs to the size of a small tape recorder:

http://www.aerostich.com/catalog/US/Quick-Stand-p-16846.html

Best money I ever spent. No more rolling 20 or 30 feet in a parking lot. If you already have spools on your swingarms, it should work just fine. I have also seen some guy's homemade solution, using the same concept, via a PVC pipe.

Here is a better pic of how it works:

http://www.motorcycleradar.com/quick_stand.htm

Map8 · Sep 7, 2006

-snip-

This tool will make it easy for you to raise the rear tire (for free spin) -- it weighs only 6 oz. and packs to the size of a small tape recorder:

http://www.aerostich.com/catalog/US/Quick-Stand-p-16846.html

Best money I ever spent. No more rolling 20 or 30 feet in a parking lot. If you already have spools on your swingarms, it should work just fine. I have also seen some guy's homemade solution, using the same concept, via a PVC pipe.

Here is a better pic of how it works:

http://www.motorcycleradar.com/quick_stand.htm [/B]

I'm going to get one of these for traveling solo.

If you are riding with others, its easy to just lever the rear wheel off the ground using the sidestand (it won't hurt anything) and have another rider spin the wheel and spray the lube on the chain.

Kaju65 · Sep 7, 2006

Wow! What a fantastic road trip! Great pics too. You certainly got the wheels turning in my head to plan my own road trip.

NoGall · Sep 7, 2006

DMcTriumph said:
When I went in July I brought the Steamer trunk. I finally figured out what was useful though. I just hope I can remember for the next trip. That's one of those geriactric issues. :teeth

According to Honda, all I need is an Allen wrench for the ST :laughing That's the only tool that came in the OEM tool pouch.

DMcTriumph said:
I'm glad you saved your pics. That woud have sucked big time. Good advice on the multi-card usage. If you have a iPod you can dump your pics onto it with a adaptor. I brought my laptop:wow

Laptop would be great for email too...

Cali · Sep 7, 2006

Great pics, thanks for sharing

button · Sep 7, 2006

.
NoGall and I had a most brilliant trip.
.
Being back and seeing my mountains again was awesome..especially getting there on my 600...:laughing
.
actually my bike was rather comfortable..aside from getting a numb arse at times..

:laughing
.
thanks everyone for having a squint and enjoying the photos and commentary which took Tom quite a long time to compile!
.
cheers!

halfwing · Sep 7, 2006

Thanks for the link Tom! I enjoyed every word.

@ gsxrgirrl

Did you pick up an old Honda CB?
Were you on 26 this Monday, behind a bunch of sports?

Sorry, no Hwy 26 for a couple of weeks now. I did find time to do this though. CLICKY

Glad you're home safe and enjoyed your trouble-free trip!

Gsxrgirrl does Banff, Alberta

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