Tuesday, October 9, 2007

Day 33

When I awoke at the cabin, I hit a hot shower to wake up some more. I packed up camp, saddled up and rode towards Bryce Canyon. It was looking to be a wonderful day regarding roads and weather. I grabbed some cash at a ATM so I could pay as I entered the park. I had no idea if they accept cards there. So the nice Park Ranger at the toll booth informed me that it was a one way in and out Park. He also said that all the views would be on my left as I rode through the park. It was 17 miles in and the a turn around to come back. He suggested to ride to the end, then stop on the way back and view the attractions. Thanks buddy, but I didn't listen, when a stopping spot came up, I stopped. The park has a lot of great views, but after a while they were starting to look the same. But I did enjoy the visit and the sights. One good thing that happened was since I stopped at all the view spots on the way in.....I was free to haul ass out of the park. Everyone going in that direction was stopped looking and taking pictures. The road going out was empty, 17 miles of nice curvy roads, but I didn't overdo it to bad. As I left the Park it was time for lunch. I pulled into Subway and chowed down on a sub, I also used the time to look over the map and see the route towards home. I wasn't going to be able to visit Zion Park in the same day so I went passed it going home. I took Hwy 12 west to Hwy 89 south. From there I took Hwy 14 to I-15. The roads on the 12-89-14 are really nice to ride, again full of curves and great scenery. The wind was starting to pick up in the afternoon and it was blowing north right into my face. Highway 14 from Long Vally Junction to I-15 was a awesome ride, it really took me by surprise, I wished that I had video of the road. There was a fair amount of traffic on the road but it was moving fast. There were a group of Beemer GS riders that were working the bikes in the twisties fully loaded. They were fun to ride with 'till I passed them, for a big bike, they can move. It was a killer ride from the morning to where I entered onto I-5 south. I was rollin along on the 14 when I though I saw lava rock out of the corner of my eye. Damn if it wasn't, the whole hillside was covered in lava-flows. The road ran straight through it with Aspen trees with golden leaves and white bark. Man was that a weird and pretty area. The top of the hill took me to a overlook of Navajo Lake. What a great view that was. This whole area of southern Utah was fantastic, its definitely going to be on my "to return to" list. It was wild and remote, with the total lack of civilization. That makes for good riding. So when the road turned into I-15 at Cedar City, Utah, I just wanted to get home. I was close enough that I didn't care to stop or see any other attractions. I set the bike loose and headed through Vegas and made it home in the early evening. When I got to the 15, I just knew that my trip was over and that I wanted to be in my own bed that night. I figured that being that close to home, I can always come back on a weekend and see the things that I missed in the area. I was so glad to be home, it was an awesome ride, for the day except for the terrible wind coming from the south. On the return home drive from Vegas it was terrible and moved me all over the lane. The general total for the day was 575 miles ridden on the last day. Ahhhhh home sweet home. The bike slept wonderful in it's garage, I passed out once I touched my own bed. Heaven I tell ya.....

The pictures for the day....









































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