SoCaler's Red Lodge Return Poll

RichLockyer · 06-29-2008

Okay... coming down to the wire with just over a week left before we leave.

Want to get some opinions for the trip home... we've got a couple of options.

1 - Come home the way we go, omitting the detour through Zion. "Just get me the heck home!". This will be the quickest, shortest route... just over 1200 miles.

2 - Similar "just get home" mode, but taking the northern route through Carson City and coming home down Hwy 395, passing through the Eastern Sierras.... It's about 250 miles longer than "just get me home", but it'll provide some different scenery. I'd like to say the northern route will give us a break from the heat, but I can't guarantee that.
What I can guarantee is that once we get into California on the 395, I am VERY familiar with the road and gas and hydration breaks will be readily available.
This would be about 1450 miles.

3 - "Let's see Yellowstone and the Tetons, then get me the heck home!"
Leave first light Monday morning, head back over Beartooth Pass, and ride the northern and western loop roads of Yellowstone. Admission to the park is $25 per bike, and we won't have a lot of time. We'll probably be able to see Mammoth Hot Springs and maybe some of the geyser basins close to the road, but unless we want to make for a couple of LONG riding days heading home, we won't have time for any long stops to really see anything.
I spent a week with my parents in Yellowstone when I was a kid and I don't think we saw everything.

Offsetting not seeing much in Yellowstone, we will be passing on the east side of the Grand Tetons. BEAUTIFUL mountains!
Not much over the first route at 1200 miles, but a lot of time will be eaten up going through the parks.

4 - This will be the longest route... Go through Yellowstone as above, and south of the parks, divert west and take the northern route home through Nevada and the 395 down California.

I'm making it a public poll so we can all see who's answering... Please... I only want votes from Mark, Art, Sergio, Bill & Brenda, & Jesus.

900classic · 06-29-2008

Rich,
Are you guys going to be taking I15 through utah? I don't believe I'll be able to ride all the way to red lodge with you all but I wouldn't mind riding hundred miles or so and then coming back.

RichLockyer · 06-29-2008

We'll be taking the 15 into St George, then diverting out through Hurricane to Mt Carmel... spending the first night somewhere between there and Tropic, depending on how far we feel like riding.

Thursday morning, we'll continue up Hwy 12 to Boulder and head up Burr Trail to the gate that overlooks Capitol Reef... u-turn there, top off the tanks back in Boulder, then continue north on Hwy 12 to Hwy 24, head back west through Loa to 89, then north on 89/24 to rejoin the 15 around Nephi.

From there, we'll continue north, planning to stop for the night somewhere between Logan and Pocatello.

El Mexicano · 06-30-2008

I said I would come back to work on Thursday 17 but if things get interesting I can call in and say "f--k it, I will not make it home in time. I will see you guys at work on _______________ "(<-- insert date here) Once we see how the road and heat are treating us, then we see where we go from there. I am open minded though. We will see...

RichLockyer · 06-30-2008

Pretty much the same here. I'd have to call my office and check my schedule, but being out of town for 8 days and on vacation for 2 weeks, I really doubt they are going to schedule me for field work on Thursday... though my time card is due at 11am Thursday, so I at least would need to find a secure internet connection before then.

But I really doubt we'll roll into Thursday... Even taking the long route and Yellowstone.... even if we spend an entire day in Yellowstone (and when we leave the park we could look at the time and then decide whether to go west or south), it would still be a couple of long days, but certainly workable at just over 600/day.

wmlkaw · 06-30-2008

I post 2 votes for #3 (Tetons/Yellowstone and slab), and alternatively #1. Unfortunately, Brenda has to be back at work on Friday 18th. No leeway on her part.

900classic · 06-30-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by RichLockyer

We'll be taking the 15 into St George, then diverting out through Hurricane to Mt Carmel... spending the first night somewhere between there and Tropic, depending on how far we feel like riding.

Thursday morning, we'll continue up Hwy 12 to Boulder and head up Burr Trail to the gate that overlooks Capitol Reef... u-turn there, top off the tanks back in Boulder, then continue north on Hwy 12 to Hwy 24, head back west through Loa to 89, then north on 89/24 to rejoin the 15 around Nephi.

From there, we'll continue north, planning to stop for the night somewhere between Logan and Pocatello.

That looks like it will be an awesome ride! I'm going to see what strings I can pull and try to come up with you all. I have some friends that live in logan and so I might meet everyone there.

I'll let you know as it gets closer.

RichLockyer · 06-30-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by wmlkaw

I post 2 votes for #3 (Tetons/Yellowstone and slab), and alternatively #1. Unfortunately, Brenda has to be back at work on Friday 18th. No leeway on her part.

You got it... I'll cast Brenda's vote.

Kinda like being President of my homeowner's association, I only get a vote to break a tie, so I'll place Brenda's for her and then break the tie if Mark and Jesus pair up on something different.

No matter what, barring a major problem on the road, we'll be back very late Wednesday or early Thursday.

I was playing around with a non-Yellowstone northern route, but hitting some side roads between Carson City and Mammoth and came up with a little over 1500 miles.... would be spending our last night in South Tahoe... but that would be a day of 620 miles, just over 400 the 2nd, and around 500 for the burn home.

El Mexicano · 06-30-2008

I saw Dave voted. Does that mean he's coming after all?

RichLockyer · 06-30-2008

Nahh... I suspect that's why he voted on the one that doesn't matter.
I didn't want to force anyone to make a choice if they reall didn't care.

El Mexicano · 06-30-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by RichLockyer

Nahh... I suspect that's why he voted on the one that doesn't matter.
I didn't want to force anyone to make a choice if they reall didn't care.

Don't phrase it so negatively. I chose that not because I don't care but because all I want to do is ride. As someone said "Tell me the direction, not where we're going"

RichLockyer · 06-30-2008

That's exactly what i meant.
Different people have different limits on endurance, time, and budget.
If 250 miles more or $25 for park admission is going to make the difference between being able to afford the trip or not, then it matters.
For others, we'll go wherever the leader goes and trust him to show us a good ride.

El Mexicano · 06-30-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by RichLockyer

That's exactly what i meant.
Different people have different limits on endurance, time, and budget.
If 250 miles more or $25 for park admission is going to make the difference between being able to afford the trip or not, then it matters.
For others, we'll go wherever the leader goes and trust him to show us a good ride.

True. Well, I finally replaced the tire today. I got compliments on my bike from the service tech, although I think he meant it in a negative way. HA! He said my pipes are too loud, which at least to me is a compliment. I called meancycles and asked about my hyper charger. The guy who answered said:

Dude "I will ship the hyper charger today, but the mounting bracket is back ordered and will ship out later"
Me "Then what is the benefit? I will still not be able to install the charger. Just wait until you have everything together and ship everything out. Can you upgrade my shipping to overnight shipping? I really need these things before next week"
Dude "NOOOOOOOOOOO (in a rude tone) unless you pay for it"
Me (Getting mad) "No f--king sh!t I will pay for it. You think I am asking for charity?"
Dude "I will call you before the parts ship out"

900classic · 07-05-2008

Rich,
What day is the SoCal group coming back? Do you think I'll be able to make it to Provo, Ut by 6pm on monday?

RichLockyer · 07-05-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by 900classic

Rich,
What day is the SoCal group coming back? Do you think I'll be able to make it to Provo, Ut by 6pm on monday?

Probably not. With the trip through Yellowstone and the Tetons, I don't think we'll even make Logan.
We're leaving first light Monday morning.

jesus granados · 07-05-2008

Rich, Sergio, Art, Bill and Brenda. it is with inmense regret that i tell you this. I just got the grim news that my wife's employer is closing the doors next week, another casualty of this economy, and faced with that reality, it is in our best interest to conserve financial resources, my wife is an accountant, so i suspect she will find a job soon. SO I AM CANCELLING MY TRIP TO RED LODGE, YOU GUYS RIDE SAFE, AND IF YOU NEED ANY HELP WHILE ABROAD, SHOULD ONE OF YOUR BIKES BREAK DOWN ETC, I HAVE A PICK UP TRUCK, THE LEAST I CAN DO FOR YOU IS TO BE ON A STAND BY TO OFFER BACK UP. MY HOME NUMBER 909 392 3556
MY CELL NUMBER 909 518 4377 I APOLOGIZE, IT MAKES ME FEEL HORRIBLE INSIDE, BUT I HAVE NO CHOICE.

El Mexicano · 07-05-2008

Well, this sucks!

**Kawi** · 07-05-2008

You know guys and gals with the cancellations that are happening we still have a great group coming. I also want to just make sure that everyone knows the benefits of staying at the Alpine Lodge. The Alpine Lodge is where everything takes place, you will be greeted by Trish and Larry owners of the Alpine Lodge and our staff as well when you arrive on Friday, we have chauffeur driver Kawasaki Mules that will be taking folks to the Steak House Friday night, The Alpine is where the beer wagon will be located from (Friday through Sunday). Larry prepares a hot outdoor cooked breakfast every morning included in your room price and Saturday the Alpine is where everything starts and finishes from. Now the really cool thing is the Alpine is where myself, Lauri and our staff hang out in order to get to meet and spend as much time as possible with all you folks. Larry has a bike wash always available and not only are they the proprietors but they love to visit and participate as much as we do. So if you need to I know there are still rooms available at the Alpine and we would love to have you there with all the rest of the riders and I think it would save you all some money. Just a suggestion, hope it helps and I am really looking forward to meeting as many as can come. Thanks

Kawi

**Spok** · 07-05-2008

^^^

I can vouche for the hospitality shown by the friendly staff of the alpine. I love Larry and Trish and the gang

View Poll Results: How do you want to get home from RedLodge?
Just get me the heck home!	1	14.29%
Let's see something different.	0	0%
Yellowstone sounds good, but I'm good with slabbing it from there	4	57.14%
Lets see as much as we can!	0	0%
I don't care, I'm following the red and black Vulcan.	2	28.57%
Voters: 7. You may not vote on this poll

06-29-2008	#1 (permalink)
RichLockyer Patriot Guardian Extreme Forum Supporter Join Date: May 2006 Location: Chino, CA Posts: 20,391	SoCaler's Red Lodge Return Poll Okay... coming down to the wire with just over a week left before we leave. Want to get some opinions for the trip home... we've got a couple of options. 1 - Come home the way we go, omitting the detour through Zion. "Just get me the heck home!". This will be the quickest, shortest route... just over 1200 miles. 2 - Similar "just get home" mode, but taking the northern route through Carson City and coming home down Hwy 395, passing through the Eastern Sierras.... It's about 250 miles longer than "just get me home", but it'll provide some different scenery. I'd like to say the northern route will give us a break from the heat, but I can't guarantee that. What I can guarantee is that once we get into California on the 395, I am VERY familiar with the road and gas and hydration breaks will be readily available. This would be about 1450 miles. 3 - "Let's see Yellowstone and the Tetons, then get me the heck home!" Leave first light Monday morning, head back over Beartooth Pass, and ride the northern and western loop roads of Yellowstone. Admission to the park is $25 per bike, and we won't have a lot of time. We'll probably be able to see Mammoth Hot Springs and maybe some of the geyser basins close to the road, but unless we want to make for a couple of LONG riding days heading home, we won't have time for any long stops to really see anything. I spent a week with my parents in Yellowstone when I was a kid and I don't think we saw everything. Offsetting not seeing much in Yellowstone, we will be passing on the east side of the Grand Tetons. BEAUTIFUL mountains! Not much over the first route at 1200 miles, but a lot of time will be eaten up going through the parks. 4 - This will be the longest route... Go through Yellowstone as above, and south of the parks, divert west and take the northern route home through Nevada and the 395 down California. I'm making it a public poll so we can all see who's answering... Please... I only want votes from Mark, Art, Sergio, Bill & Brenda, & Jesus. __________________ - Rich 2006 1600 Classic Member CORVA, BRC Patriot Guard Rider

06-29-2008	#2 (permalink)
900classic Riding daily BTK Expert Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Orem, Utah Posts: 3,214	Rich, Are you guys going to be taking I15 through utah? I don't believe I'll be able to ride all the way to red lodge with you all but I wouldn't mind riding hundred miles or so and then coming back. __________________ Jared VN 900classic VROC #26705 http://photobucket.com/900classic

06-29-2008	#3 (permalink)
RichLockyer Patriot Guardian Extreme Forum Supporter Join Date: May 2006 Location: Chino, CA Posts: 20,391	We'll be taking the 15 into St George, then diverting out through Hurricane to Mt Carmel... spending the first night somewhere between there and Tropic, depending on how far we feel like riding. Thursday morning, we'll continue up Hwy 12 to Boulder and head up Burr Trail to the gate that overlooks Capitol Reef... u-turn there, top off the tanks back in Boulder, then continue north on Hwy 12 to Hwy 24, head back west through Loa to 89, then north on 89/24 to rejoin the 15 around Nephi. From there, we'll continue north, planning to stop for the night somewhere between Logan and Pocatello. __________________ - Rich 2006 1600 Classic Member CORVA, BRC Patriot Guard Rider

06-30-2008	#4 (permalink)
El Mexicano Your future ex-boyfriend Forum Supporter Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 676	I said I would come back to work on Thursday 17 but if things get interesting I can call in and say "f--k it, I will not make it home in time. I will see you guys at work on _______________ "(<-- insert date here) Once we see how the road and heat are treating us, then we see where we go from there. I am open minded though. We will see... __________________ - Sergio '07 VN900 Classic LT VROC #26960 Proud SoCal Wild Snail

06-30-2008	#5 (permalink)
RichLockyer Patriot Guardian Extreme Forum Supporter Join Date: May 2006 Location: Chino, CA Posts: 20,391	Pretty much the same here. I'd have to call my office and check my schedule, but being out of town for 8 days and on vacation for 2 weeks, I really doubt they are going to schedule me for field work on Thursday... though my time card is due at 11am Thursday, so I at least would need to find a secure internet connection before then. But I really doubt we'll roll into Thursday... Even taking the long route and Yellowstone.... even if we spend an entire day in Yellowstone (and when we leave the park we could look at the time and then decide whether to go west or south), it would still be a couple of long days, but certainly workable at just over 600/day. __________________ - Rich 2006 1600 Classic Member CORVA, BRC Patriot Guard Rider

06-30-2008	#6 (permalink)
wmlkaw Not there yet BTK Intermediate Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: HB, CA Posts: 237	I post 2 votes for #3 (Tetons/Yellowstone and slab), and alternatively #1. Unfortunately, Brenda has to be back at work on Friday 18th. No leeway on her part. __________________ Bill L 2007 V900 2006 V2K

06-30-2008	#9 (permalink)
El Mexicano Your future ex-boyfriend Forum Supporter Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 676	I saw Dave voted. Does that mean he's coming after all? __________________ - Sergio '07 VN900 Classic LT VROC #26960 Proud SoCal Wild Snail

06-30-2008	#10 (permalink)
RichLockyer Patriot Guardian Extreme Forum Supporter Join Date: May 2006 Location: Chino, CA Posts: 20,391	Nahh... I suspect that's why he voted on the one that doesn't matter. I didn't want to force anyone to make a choice if they reall didn't care. __________________ - Rich 2006 1600 Classic Member CORVA, BRC Patriot Guard Rider

06-30-2008	#12 (permalink)
RichLockyer Patriot Guardian Extreme Forum Supporter Join Date: May 2006 Location: Chino, CA Posts: 20,391	That's exactly what i meant. Different people have different limits on endurance, time, and budget. If 250 miles more or $25 for park admission is going to make the difference between being able to afford the trip or not, then it matters. For others, we'll go wherever the leader goes and trust him to show us a good ride. __________________ - Rich 2006 1600 Classic Member CORVA, BRC Patriot Guard Rider

07-05-2008	#14 (permalink)
900classic Riding daily BTK Expert Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Orem, Utah Posts: 3,214	Rich, What day is the SoCal group coming back? Do you think I'll be able to make it to Provo, Ut by 6pm on monday? __________________ Jared VN 900classic VROC #26705 http://photobucket.com/900classic

07-05-2008	#16 (permalink)
jesus granados Uncle Bob's Love Child BTK Intermediate Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: la verne,ca. Posts: 251	Rich, Sergio, Art, Bill and Brenda. it is with inmense regret that i tell you this. I just got the grim news that my wife's employer is closing the doors next week, another casualty of this economy, and faced with that reality, it is in our best interest to conserve financial resources, my wife is an accountant, so i suspect she will find a job soon. SO I AM CANCELLING MY TRIP TO RED LODGE, YOU GUYS RIDE SAFE, AND IF YOU NEED ANY HELP WHILE ABROAD, SHOULD ONE OF YOUR BIKES BREAK DOWN ETC, I HAVE A PICK UP TRUCK, THE LEAST I CAN DO FOR YOU IS TO BE ON A STAND BY TO OFFER BACK UP. MY HOME NUMBER 909 392 3556 MY CELL NUMBER 909 518 4377 I APOLOGIZE, IT MAKES ME FEEL HORRIBLE INSIDE, BUT I HAVE NO CHOICE.

07-05-2008	#17 (permalink)
El Mexicano Your future ex-boyfriend Forum Supporter Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 676	Well, this sucks! __________________ - Sergio '07 VN900 Classic LT VROC #26960 Proud SoCal Wild Snail

07-05-2008	#18 (permalink)
Kawi Proud Owner Of This Forum Forum Supporter Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Red Lodge, Mt Posts: 2,209	You know guys and gals with the cancellations that are happening we still have a great group coming. I also want to just make sure that everyone knows the benefits of staying at the Alpine Lodge. The Alpine Lodge is where everything takes place, you will be greeted by Trish and Larry owners of the Alpine Lodge and our staff as well when you arrive on Friday, we have chauffeur driver Kawasaki Mules that will be taking folks to the Steak House Friday night, The Alpine is where the beer wagon will be located from (Friday through Sunday). Larry prepares a hot outdoor cooked breakfast every morning included in your room price and Saturday the Alpine is where everything starts and finishes from. Now the really cool thing is the Alpine is where myself, Lauri and our staff hang out in order to get to meet and spend as much time as possible with all you folks. Larry has a bike wash always available and not only are they the proprietors but they love to visit and participate as much as we do. So if you need to I know there are still rooms available at the Alpine and we would love to have you there with all the rest of the riders and I think it would save you all some money. Just a suggestion, hope it helps and I am really looking forward to meeting as many as can come. Thanks Kawi __________________ In memory of our friend Deron Harden (1400 Pilot), God speed! Last edited by Kawi : 07-05-2008 at 02:59 PM.

07-05-2008	#19 (permalink)
Spok RIP Deron - 1400Pilot Extreme Forum Supporter Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Mount Vernon, Washington Posts: 34,603	^^^ I can vouche for the hospitality shown by the friendly staff of the alpine. I love Larry and Trish and the gang __________________ In Memory of Deron Harden - 1400 Pilot. You are missed.