Elko, Nevada - Rumble in the Rubies 2010

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 We decided to visit Elko since we've never been there. The ride down was interesting, to say the least. The roads were a combination of straight two-lane roads and narrow twisting highway with 25mph limits. We saw three bike crashes on the way down (with two Life Flights), which put a damper on the joy of being on the road, especially since one crash involved a friend (who is still recovering in the hospital).

The rally - Rumble in the Rubies - was well attended (we were told about 12,000 people attended). The hotel accommodations left a lot to be desired, and the table games at the Stockman and the Red Lion both need to hire some friendly dealers.

Aside from being on the road, the highlight of the trip was a drive to Lamoille Canyon. Snow was still on the ground at the highest elevations, and the scenery was worth the trip.

592 miles round trip, but don't know if we will go again.

Jackpot, NV Ride

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I left around 1:30 and arrived at 5:00 PM, just in time to Check into Cactus Petes and hit the blackjack table. The craps table was more favorable, especially the next morning. The hotel room was very comfortable and the staff was very friendly.

A very easy ride, but some traffic congestion in Twin Falls due to road construction. The ride down as around 102 degrees, but even warmer (106 degrees) on the ride back home.

John Day Ride

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Lots of great scenery along the way and a nice restaurant in John Day itself. Riding along towards Sumpter there were lots of deer along the roadway.

Run-A-Mucca 2009

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Myth: Hwy 95 between Marsing and Winnemucca is an ugly expanse of real estate. Reality: To us the ride to this year's Run-A-Mucca was another wonderful ride with some fantastic scenery. We had a great time in Winnemucca, but don't know if we will return next year. We were disappointed at the lack of gaming tables, and the event could have been a little bit better organized. But we had a great time with our friends from Reno and meeting some new people. Hells Angels even had a vendor spot!

Warm Lake Run

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What a great place to visit! Today, the weather was perfect. There was still plenty of snow on the sides of the road after leaving Cascade, but the roads were in great condition. As you can see from the image, the lake was absolutely beautiful. We took a picnic and dined with several of our Boise Valley Rider friends. Warm Lake Road was very twisty, newly paved, and a delight to ride. But beware the local police - since the economy is down, the police seem to be stopping and citing more traffic offenders, so watch your speed!

Pack a lunch, gas up the bike, and experience one of Idaho's scenic wonders.

Round trip - approximately 205 miles.

Take a Ride in the Desert

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If you want to take in some fantastic desert scenery, then try this ride. Go to Marsing and pick up Hwy 78 to Grand View. The view of the Owyhee Front is terrific, plus there is some very nice scenery along the way.


Be sure to stop at the Y Bar & Cafe for a bite to eat - the food and the service are both very good.

Total round trip miles is approximately 140.

2008 Ride in Central Oregon

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This ride was my first of any length. I was very impressed with the quality of the roads in Oregon and the scenery. I had no idea that the geography was as varied and that the towns we visited had such enduring qualities.

We spent the first night at a state-run camp ground in Mt. Vernon. We had dinner and breakfast at the Silver Spur. The food and the service was excellent. We then traveled to the John Day Fossil Bed Monument, which was a highlight of the trip.

We then visited towns like Fossil, Antelope, and Shaniko. The latter has a quaint hotel that I had read about in Rider Magazine, but was up for sale by the time we arrived. Finding gas along this route was difficult, so I learned never to pass up a station.

We spend the night in Condon. There are two hotels - the Hotel Condon and the Condon Motel. The latter is far less expensive than the former, but the food and service in the former is worth the money.
We arose the next morning, drove to Arlington, and then picked up I-84 back home.

Quite an adventure - coyotes, wonderful scenery, great roads - lots of twisties - and great company with my traveling companion John.

Curse the Weather Forecast!

The weather forecast for the last day of February called for temperatures in the 50s. Never made it, even without winds of up to 25 mph. But the day was not a waste as a small band of real die hard riders made it to El Gallo Giro in Kuna for lunch. I had heard nothing but good things about this place, and I was not disappointed. The food and the service was great! And we got to know some of our friends from Boise Valley Riders a little bit better.

First Ride of 2009

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A few of the intrepid members of the Boise Valley Riders took off on my first long ride of the new year(2/22/2009). The temperature was supposed to be in the mid-50s, but it never got that warm. By the time we reached Marsing, the wind had increased and made the ride a bit less enjoyable.

We had lunch at the Double Diamond Bar, which provides an interesting insight into the culture of rural Western Idaho. We encountered a family just finishing their meal, who told us that they also enjoyed riding, but were going shooting that day.

We stopped at our usual watering hole in Marsing, Caba's. It was getting a little late in the day, so we headed home after spending most of the day riding around a great part of the Treasure Valley and socializing with a few of our friends.

Another Great Ride

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Starting in Meridian, and up Hwy 55 to Banks, then stop at Crouch for R & R. The Dirty Shame has great barbecue. Highway 21 between Lowman and Idaho City is full of twists and turns with spectacular scenery. Idaho City is a great place to stop for gas and a cold beverage. We drove back to Trudy's in Idaho City on Sunday for breakfast. Round trip is about 160 miles (we took a little detour as part of the 2008 Ride for the Red).

What Can You Say About Sturgis?

I just completed my first trip to Sturgis for Bike Week 2008. Photos don't do justice because you can't hear and feel the bikes and the crowds. Crowded. The YouTube video conveys a bit more information, including some history about the Black Hills Rally. You see nearly everything - bikes, bikers, and vendors. The campgrounds are home to lots of entertainment. And don't forget the rides around the Black Hills including the Badlands and Mt. Rushmore. Bring plenty of money, patience, and your camera.

Sturgis Route

After 2,062 miles and over 34 hours on the bike, I finally made it to and from Sturgis, SD for Bike Week 2008.


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