I am very proud of the Bonnie and the fact that she’s a “plain Jane†makes it even better. I have big plans for her :ya2:
We all got into riding for one reason or another; mine was to travel. I’ve been lucky enough to do so. The first map shows some of the places two wheels have taken me. When I started doing long rides someone said to me it was an addiction and I’d never be the same. He was right! I know the Bonneville will take me to some unknown destination in the future and I’m sure it will be memorable!
Here is a write up I sent out to a few folks who ride bikes after I got back from my last trip this past April. Enjoy the read!!!
RR
Route of My Journeys:
The way out:
The fun began in Del Rio a small town along the Mexican Border. One hundred (+ or -) miles east of the town there is a very big border patrol presence. They are like flees on a carcass. Every north bound road has a check point and the hunt is on for migrants. In Del Rio I walked across into Mexico. What I thought would be a cake walk turned out to be a bag of mixed emotions. I was walking past people that seemed absolutely miserable. As they passed me their eyes were fixed downward and my gestures of saying hello in Spanish went ignored. The realization that I was in no man's land and out of the reach from legal help made matters worse. Once I got on the Mexican side I was met by a bunch of jovial border agents.
Big Bend:
My Journey was almost shattered from the get go. A friend suggested I take the River Road into Big Bend, which I did. When I finally reached the Basin in Big Bend I thought what's the Big Deal? It is beautiful place but the ride in took my breath away. The route I took to the park, 170 will test your mettle. It makes Deals Gap feel like a "Go Kart" rink. I don't want to give away too many details, but trust me if there ever was a riders dream road this is it. The views are incredible. To the right is the Rio Grande and Mexico to the left the US and some beautiful terrain. Take your eyes off the road you'll find yourself in real trouble. Add to this the fact that it's an open range area and you get the picture. I was so over whelmed I took the same route back to Alpine, this time very, very slowly sucking in every detail of the place. West of Del Rio the next oasis is a loooong way and there is a ton of DESERT to reach Alpine. There are some small communities along the way and there is NO GAS! The landscape is beautiful. It's not like New Mexico or Arizona but very Texas I could imagine a stage coach traversing the landscape. Alpine is the largest town west of Del Rio and was my home base. Depending on the road it's at least 100 miles into Big Bend National Park. I stayed at the Holland hotel which in its hay day was THE place for elite in the area. Now it's a fully restored 1920's era hotel, it was a great place to stay and cheap (50.00 a night).
As for Big Bend it is what I expected and more. I wish I had traveled there when I was in my twenties when I did a lot of back country backpacking. The roads to and from the park are a big part of the experience. The mountains look different as the day light changes so on the way to and from the park you see different colors. Everywhere you turn is a wow moment. I did three LONG routes; each was beautiful in its own right.
The heat on the desert floor was a confirmed 110 degrees and my gear was flawless, it kept the heat OUT. I rode a few times with my visor opened a crack and the dry air literally burned my nose. I guess the Arabs know a thing or two about dressing for desert conditions.
During my last visit to the park I was oblivious to the weather. I kept on feeling cool breezes but was too busy looking around. When I finally paid attention I saw some clouds and heard some rumbling. The storm was all around me and I was deep in a canyon about 50 miles from the nearest main road. I caught up to the storm on the way back to Alpine. Lightning, hail and rain all around me yet I was very calm and never felt threatened. I could see the lightning hit the ground and could smell the fires set by them. I could also smell the moist desert. It was very unusual since I've never smelled anything like it. It was a sweet smell like flowers. A storm like the one would’ve sent me into a complete panic in FL, but this was special, I’d been waiting for this ride almost all my life.
On the way home I stayed in Hunt, Texas. I felt like I was in Northern Virginia. As nice as the area was I was ready to come home. I took a few twisties and knew immediately that I would be in trouble with my FZ1 on those curves, riding above my abilities and getting hurt. Coming out of the desert into a lush countryside with lots of water just did not feel right.
The trip Home was non eventful and I almost ran out of gas about 10 miles from my house. I could not make that up even if I wanted too.
Here are some pictures of the trip…Enjoy :y18:
http://www.bmwxplor.com/galleries/show/2895
:y18:
