Upon arriving in the San Diego Airport(we left Spokane @ 5:00AM) around 9:30AM we spotted a motorhome with a for sale sign traveling by the passenger arrival deck. Kim flagged him down and asked if he really wan
ted to sell it because we needed transportation and accommodation for our exploration trip. He said he was interested, so we proceeded to his law office parking lot where we inspected the beast and closed the deal using all
of our credit cards to share out the cost.
We checked out a few systems, checked the oil, loaded Garmina(affectionately named Bioch,you know you can't travel without a woman to give you guidance) and then loaded our stuff and headed out of San Diego bound for Las Vegas. Knowing that Vegas is the location for Interbike, we figured there must be some good riding in the area.
The motor-home was an awesome freeway rider and it whisked us toward Vegas at an unbelievable rate, considering her size. Bioch was right on with her directions and we arrived in Las Vegas in style to 110°F. Good thing the rolling home has air conditioning.
Where to park the beast, ahh there is a parking lot with big vehicles in it, that should do. No sooner had we parked than a security guard approached on a mountain bike (we have som
ething in common) and told us we could stay as long as we were going to the Tropicana. Oh yeah, that is wh
ere we are headed. So off we went into one of the oldest places in Vegas and you could sure tell because the place just stunk, guess that was why there was parking available. We got lost inside and took a bit of time finding a route out. Finally out into the heat we headed for the MGM, and a bite to eat. Place is huge but no single track. We could ride stairs, I wonder if our Rock Cut stair skills would work on an escalator. Note to self, need to come back and try.
Well it was getting to be sleep time, can't stay in this lot, better head out and find a camp spot. Kim had researched a spot called the Valley of Fire, sounded hot. Bioch knew exactly how to get there, but it was 20 miles, so by the time we arrived it was dark and there was no fire, just a couple of cold Buds and sleep, wow it was hot.
Next morning, after juice and bagels with peanut butter and jam we headed for Salt Lake City. Bioch knew the way again. Hate to say it but women have a way with giving men directions. Passed through St. George looking for single track. They say the riding is good there. Looked a lot like a desert but maybe the locals know better. Can't stop because we only have 4 days and 2000 miles to cover. Besides, greener pastures await closer to Moab and Salt Lake City.
As we approached Salt Lake I asked Kim if we shouldn't try Park City, maybe we can find a camp spot there and check out the mountain biking in and around the resort. Told Bioch what we wanted to do and she took us there. At 7000ft above sea level we arrived at a man made reservoir and a wonderful camp ground that even had wireless internet so that we could email the masses and let them know where we were. Checked into the camp and immediately headed to the mountain to see what it was all about.
Winter had just left the ski resort but they were already into their summer activities, including a zip line, mountain slides and the infamous mountain slider. Kim decided that we had to try this slider, besides it would give us an up close and personal look at the mountain terrain and might reveal some single track. The ride was really out there. We pulled some big Gs as we corkscrewed our way down the mountain. This has to be experienced by the Holy Wow Gang.
Hadn't seen any mountain bikes yet, so we decided to ask one of the employees, what was up. He said that the biking had not started yet because there was still 4 ft of snow on the upper trails but he assured us that the riding was good. We wanted a map and he referred us to a local bike shop, so off we went in search of a map to single track.
Walked into bike shop and it was like walking into a Santa Cruz factory. All the latest bikes including the carbon fibre versions. Staff was very friendly. Gave us a trail map of the area for a voluntary donation. Set up a Santa Cruz tall boy for me to try. It felt like I was riding my GT with some suspension. Don't think I will be buying anytime soon. Turns out the Santa Cruz Demo team was scheduled to be there on Sunday. Too bad we had to leave, maybe next time. Note to self, must come back to Park City, bring bike and stay a while.
Back to motor-home to cook dinner. Had to buy some kitchen stuff so that we could eat and cook (motor-home did not have any). Great dinner, good sleep. Life is good.
Got up early, usual breakfast of bagels and peanut butter. Made our own coffee this time. We are improving the quality of the motor-home amenities every day. Feeling like the trip has already been a success and being familiar with the rest of the trip having driven it onour last two trips to Moab, we decided to put in a marathon day and head to Spokane. Twelve hours later and two attempts at confusing Garmina more affectionately know as Bioch we arrived at our camping destination, a reat stop 30 miles toward Seattle. We had upped the ante and purchased some pots and pans so spaghetti and sausages and apple pie were on the menu. Great food even though it was 11PM. Perfect sleep, those rest stops are first class and free too.
Breakfast was deluxe, with pots and pans we were able to make sausgaes(maple flavour this time), eggs and toast. Mumm, along with the usual juice and coffee, we were sufficiently suffonsified.
Headed back to Spokane airport with Bioch guiding us all the way. Picked up Kim's car and after jumping the battery headed out to Costco. Now, we had become quite attached to the women that had accompanied us on the trip, but she was just a loaner from our friend Don Bowie, so when we found out that we could each have our own female companion for a meer $140, the deal had to be done. These gals are pretty low maintenance, all you have to do is keep them with a 12 V supply of DC.
The boarder people were very accommodating, even with our rolling home and we were home in time for dinner in the motor-home of course.
Mission accomplished. Note to self: Go back to Park City and bring your bike.
No comments:
Post a Comment