Scooter Trip Washington State to Las Vegas Again

[jim63]

This is our 3rd long distance scooter trip. Trip was to be done along the west coast on highways 101 and California highway 1 also known as the PCH (Pacific Coast Highway). Will break it down by days and the events we had good and bad. Some background, we both ride SYM RV250's hers a 2009, mine is a 2008. Hers before the trip was at 10k+ miles, mine near 30k miles. Both bikes got new set of tires, fresh engine and gear oils along with a once over checking plugs, belts etc. Both run as well as the day we got them.
Day one, July 31st, We leave our home in Sedro Woolley, WA with a destination of Ocean Shores, WA. Made reservations at the Quinault Beach Resort and Casino. We have been here several times a 200 mile ride from our home. I had to work the night prior, so was running on about 5 hours of sleep. We decided to just slab it versus backroads and a ferry boat ride. We'd get there sooner and not be at the mercy of the ferry system, plus rain was in the forcast. And it did rain several times, we both had rain gear and wrapped our bags so everything was dry. The interstate route got us there in alittle over 5 hours, including stops which was fine with us. Riding in the rain not what we like to do. Had a nice relaxing evening at the casino, and a good dinner at Emily's (in the resort). The plank Salmon is superb here, they have a good wine list also.

Day 2, I consider this the 1st day since the day prior was a speed run to the resort due to the weather. We are now on highway 101 headed south, the weather is partly sunny and looking better. We crossed the big bridge across the Columbia into Oregon. Our destination today is Lincoln City, OR. Got a room at the Ashley Suites, the Chinook Resort and Casino was booked solid, no rooms available. If you see a pattern forming here, my wife enjoys the casino and slot machines, and I will admit I do also alittle especially when I get beer to soften the blow of pumping money into the machines. The ride down the Oregon Coast to here was fun, we enjoy riding through the small towns, seeing the sights at a more leisurely, pace of 50-55mph. This is our 3rd time down this section of highway. The road has been repaired in some sections which was great, but other sections...wow...watch your speed some bone jarring holes and pavement separations.


My scooter with 2 laminar lips, my large windscreen was broken and the stock one to short for my liking.


Coming up on the bridge that crosses into Oregon from Washington


Crossing the bridge 4 miles across


End of the bridge, and the steep climb to the Oregon side.

To Be continued

[jim63]

Day 3, We continued south on highway 101. Todays destination was not set in stone with a reservation. My wife has had some medical problems which are still on-going so the pace was set by her as far as distance goes. We made to Gold Beach Oregon when she said it was time to stop, next town was Brookings another 20 miles or so, after that it was California. We stayed at a small motel right off 101, the Chinook. The room was nice and only $65, had wi-fi not to shabby. We stopped at the Seal Caves for a break, along with another Casino. Weather along the coast was chilly around 60 degrees with fog till around noon before it burned off.

Day 4- We continue down highway 101, quickly crossing into California. We made reservations at the Blue Lake Resort and Casino. This will be a short travel day, about 140 miles. This was to setup the next days ride to the start of highway 1. Even taking out time we got to the Blue Lake Resort at 11:30, way early. But they had a room available so we lucked out and we able to get our stuff inside right away. Was cold and foggy again. We also stopped at the Klamath river to see why everyone else was looking at. We saw a whale in the Klamath river, that was circling near the bridge. Was a pretty big whale, my first in the wild, let alone in a river. The story we found out was it was in the river with it's baby and they guess it got confused on how to get back to the ocean. But the people monitoring said at the time we saw it, it was doing ok and they we trying to figure out how to help it back to the ocean.

[jim63]

Day 5, We are riding from Blue Lake to Ft Bragg and the northern part of highway 1. This will be another short 150 mile day. Riding through the forests after leaving highway 101 for highway 1 was spectacular. The 30 miles or so to the coast was a twisty and turning marathon, you really cant ride more than 30-40mph safely in most parts. I have not rode the tail of the dragon, but this has to give one at least a taste of what it'd be like. We got passed, had to pull over so a CHP in a squad car could pass us and found out a few minutes later, a Harley rider was down on side of the road. Shooting from the hip, I'd guess he was going to fast for the turns, his bike was in the brush off the side of the road. We got past by a group of Beemer riders doing a good clip, around a blind curve. We both shook our heads, if a car or log truck was coming the other way they'd be dead more than likely, some people take things to teh extreme. When we got back on the coast, it was cold and alittle foggy. We stayed at the Ramada in Ft Bragg. The owner there was a nice guy, and gave us some good info on things to see and do in Ft Bragg, along with the choice restaurants. Ft Bragg is a good resting spot for setting up a run along the coast to San Francisco, all major services and gas not ridiculously high.

Day 6, Running south on highway 1, with a destination of San Francisco. The other day I did notice that my wifes bike seemed to be running louder than normal, but due to the twisty road let it pass and forgot about it. Today it was more noticeable, called her over the radio to pull so I could check it. Saw it almost immediatly a bolt was missing on the exhaust, one of the bolts that hold the muffler to the pipe that comes off the exhaust manifold,so she got an exhaust leak inbetween the exhaust mainfold and muffler. What really got my attention, was if she gunned it then backed off it would backfire abit. So now I am getting concerned alittle, dont want any valve damage or worse. I need to replace the missing bolt soon. The weather was cold and foggy, could barely make out the waters edge. The ride to see the coast wasnt working out so well. We both needed a break from the 30mph slog down the coast, came into a small town and and the convenience store was also a hardware store. Was thinking someone is looking over us. Was able to find a bolt/washer/locker washer combo that would plug the hole for good. Due to the fog we decided to cut back over to highway 101 once we got to Bodega Bay. The road was nice from Ft Bragg to Bodega Bay, but the fog and cold was tough. My wife looks through her windscreen, and had to wipe it continuously so she could see. Once we got away from the coast it warmed up and the fog disappeared. When we got near San Francisco and closer to the coast the fog was back and colder temps. Crossing the Golden Gate Bridge was chilly and foggy. Our hotel was near Lombard and Van Ness downtown San Francisco, spendy and charged for parking, nice. Got to love big cities. Bright point we were next door to one of the premier steak houses Bobo's. Steak was $40 ala-carte, but was one of the best I have ever had. If you got $100 to burn on dinner for 2, I would recommend this place.







To be continued

[shalomdawg]

howdy, i appreciate the running history and commentary on the trip. it's kinda like going along.

lotsa miles and smiles to ya

[jim63]

Day 7, After thinking about it and especially after seeing the weather report of more coastal fog forcast again. We decided to give up on the coast and move inland. We decided to slab it out of San Francisco to get to highway 99 and south towards Las Vegas. We went out across the Bay Bridge on 580 till we got to I-5, went east on highway 120 till we got to 99, where we headed south to our days destination of Tulare. The ride there was nice, weather was clear and warm. As we went further south it got hotter. What a change, went from 60's and foggy to clear, to 90's and sunny. Was about 200 miles today, about the limit my wife was able to stand, coupled with the heat. We stayed at the Best Western, which had a nice pool and a bar onsite. Gave us 2 for 1 drink coupons, since my wife is unable to drink due to her medications I was forced to drink the 2 for 1's myself. I toughed it out like the ex-sailor I am, and drank them. Highway 99 seems like it was in better shape than we remember it from last time 2 years ago. Lotsa new smooth pavement and blacktop, was a nice ride. Plus this route has basically unlimited places to get gas and stop for breaks, going through a multitude of towns and cities. Speeds were at 60mph most of the way with multi-lanes so speedy drivers were able to pass us if they desired, and we passed some as well.
Day 8, today our destination was Barstow from Tulare. I know Las Vegas was only another 155 miles but, I figured the heat of the Mojave Desert would wear on us, especially my wife. So decided to play it safe and not be sorry by pushing to much. If I was alone, sure I would have just gone for it, another 2-2 1/2 hours or so would be doable, after less than 200 miles to get to Barstow. But in hindsight I was so happy we stopped at Barstow. The Mojave was miserably hot, 100+ degrees with sun burning in on you. Had lunch in the town of Mojave, and at just before noon was showing 106 degrees. We both rode rest of way to Barstow in tee-shirts and helmets, no gloves or other gear, was just to hot. Also this was the start of a serious problem for me. After lunch I had a slight belt slippage on take-off but it stopped almost immediatly, and made it to Barstow without further incident.
Day 9- Before we left Barstow, noticed a drop of oil on the ground at the rear of my bike. Guessed the rear seal inside the drive cover with the belt maybe leaking again, had it replaced about a year ago. On take-off had belt slippage for a few seconds but then stopped. Figured was dripping on the belt causing a slight slipping condition. We hit I-15 and headed toward Las Vegas and off we went. Topped off in Baker with fuel, so now we had plenty to get to Las Vegas. We decided since we were making good time to stop in Primm and hit the casinos there for a break. Did ok at the slots broke about even. After we came out noticed a few drops of oil on ground under my bike, and now started to get concerned. We got going after a few anxious seconds of belt slipping and made it to Las Vegas. Got to Circus Circus at about 11:30, way early but they let us check in. Spent rest of day on the strip enjoying oursleves, gambling and drinking, just having a great time. But my bike was in the back of my mind.


Highway 99 north of Tulare


Last rest area in California, looking toward Nevada


In Nevada almost to Primm, and the 1st Nevada casinos


Rolling into Las Vegas

[jim63]

Day 10- was a full day in Las Vegas. Before hitting the casinos, I needed to figure out what was up with my bike. Hopped on the wifes and rode to a auto parts store, bought some gear oil and a servicing tool. Drained the rear end into a cup, refilled with new oil. Found I was down about 20cc's, 170cc to refill. So I have a small leak can live with that for now, dont have the tools with me to tear apart rear end anyway. The leak is not static, only leaks when bike is moving. Spent rest of day enjoying Las Vegas, gambling, drinking etc etc.

Day 11, today we leave Las Vegas and travel 200 miles north to Tonopah on highway 95. Was going to be another hot day, so we left at 7:30 am while it was a cool 80 degrees. Ride was nice cruising through the desert, stopped at Beatty for gas after about 100 miles. Noticed I had oil on my rear tire, so the leak was getting worse. Drained and refilled rear end, to find i was down 30cc's. Thinking ok 100 miles to Tonopah should be ok, bike was running fine. After a long traffic delay due to road construction north of Goldfield about 30 miles from Tonopah was thinking, man will be glad to get out of the heat was over 100 again. About 10 miles from Tonopah started hearing noises from the rear end, so called my wife on radio and pulled over. To my horror found my drain bolt for rear oil had fallen out. Was thinking ok now we are in real trouble, this is a critical show-stopper bolt. Riding on is not an option unless I want to destroy the rear end. So started thinking there has got to be another bolt on this bike that will fit it. After about 30mins, found the passenger handrail mounting bolts will work. My wife wasnt feeling well the heat was getting to her I quickly refilled it and we rode last 10 miles to Tonopah and made it to our hotel. Next was big decision time.







to be continued

[jim63]

Day 11 continued- After we both guzzle down a bottle of water and chill out at the pool. I go back to room and start making phone calls trying to find a bike shop in Tonopah. Was a dealer across the street from out hotel, but had gone out of business some time ago. In the middle of this, my Dad calls to see how things are going and where we are at. After explaining our current situation, his suggestion is to ride on and go for it. And why didnt I ride my motorcycle, didnt I just have it basically rebuilt mechanically anyway. I rolled my eyes and said yeah at this point that would have seemed like a better decision. He wished us well and made me promise to call tommarow. My decison was after all this, considering was 200 miles to Reno, 70 miles till next good sized town after this, my wifes health if a breakdown occurred, and do I push my luck further. I threw in the towel and rented a Uhaul truck for the bikes. Luckily they have a place here in Tonopah, only had the monster 26 footers, but got to do what you got to do. Made some call to Reno, got no positive responses from the bike shops I called. They were willing to try but couldnt say how long it would take to fix. We have some time to play with, but decided to just truck them back.

Day 12, with the bikes loaded into the monster, we headed to Reno. Made another Uhaul reservation there to get a smaller truck to swap out with this one. Made it to Reno by 1pm, and swapped out the trucks, now in a more manageable 14 footer. We spent the night in Reno, at some casino's and enjoyed the "Hot Summer Nights" car displays.

Day 13-14, We stopped in Oregon for the night, before refinishing up the ride home.

On the ride home in the truck, we discussed further long scooter rides. As much as we like them, they may not be the best option. My wife said she'd prefer ride 2-up with me driving, so she can concentrate on enjoying the ride more and seeing the sights without any stress. So we have been looking at touring bikes, and decided that a Goldwing would fit the bill nicely. Probably next month will pick one up, 2012's are out. She likes the rear seat and whole heartedly is good with it. Did briefly consider a large scooter like a Burgman 650 or a Silverwing, but thought this will be better for us in the long run. We will keep the scooters for local rides, she still wants to ride, just not long distances day after day. A 200 mile ride to the coast for a weekend stay would be ok for here. These things happen, can happen with any vehicle. We are not down with scooter travel, it is just our needs are changing. My scooter goes into the shop next tuesday to get fixed, should be good as new after.

[♣Luke♣]

jim isn't it that you have a son living in las vegas???

thanks for sharing pics and story...i always love reading your scooter escapades.

[jim63]

We have a son that lives in Pheonix. We were trying to get to Vegas for the weekend so we could visit with him. Original plan was to meet in Las Vegas for a day or two. We missed the weekend dates, and he has to work during the week so that fell through. We briefly considered going to Pheonix, but after the Mojave heat we took a pass on the Arizona desert. Considering what happened after we left Las Vegas, my scooter may not have made it to Pheonix, which could have really been a bad situation. In the 90's we went to Grand Canyon with kids towing a travel trailor in a non-A/C pickup truck in August, and that was absolutely brutal. I reminded my wife of that heat experience and she said yeah lets head north instead.

[♣Luke♣]

yeah, i remember when you did the trip to veygas---- img29.imageshack.us/img29/172/sonh.jpg