Irv Seaver BMW Destinations: Route 66

Showing posts with label Route 66. Show all posts

Wednesday, June 24, 2015

International Friendships - A Welcome Benefit of Motorcycling.

International Friendships - A Welcome Benefit of Motorcycling

Story and Photos by Jim Foreman

Judith Regn and Dennis O'Dell

One of the most pleasant surprises that a motorcyclist may expect from their passion is the vast number of amazing friends they gain… and not simply on Facebook.

Interestingly enough, Facebook happened to be the start of a grand friendship that blossomed into camaraderie, mutual interests and even an unbelievable European riding trip.

Several years back Laura Ruddy posted something clever on the BMW MOA (Motorcycle Owners Association) Facebook page. Through a series of replies, back and forth, a ‘Facebook’ friend request was made and quickly accepted.

Rather than be content as just Facebook friends, a thought-provoking dialogue ensued and a lasting friendship as formed.

Laura Ruddy looking back

That friendship with Laura blossomed while she was here, stateside, and matured during a three-week motorcycle trip in Bavaria and the surrounding countries.

The Eurotrip was capped with a four-day run through the Czech Republic that included Dennis O’Dell and Judith Regn. Dennis and Judith are a delightful married couple that met later in their lives. Judith is German while Dennis is an American. Both thrive in Nuremberg. A unique characteristic is that Judith rides her own motorbike. Yes, Dennis considers himself one of the most fortunate and grateful men on Earth.

During that incredible adventure which brought us through some amazing back roads and countryside, Dennis expressed that he and Judith were to come to the US to ride for two months, leisurely, across the country.

This revelation prompted the question to see if they were planning to ride much in SoCal. Judith expressed they plan to ride Route 66. Universally, Germans specifically and Europeans generally believe Route 66 is a great road that must be included in any trip to the United States. While there are fun and interesting portions in Arizona and New Mexico, most of Route 66 has been swallowed up by various interstates.

This was of little concern to Dennis and Judith as they were coming to enjoy the US and share several months of memorable riding.

Initially, Dennis and Judith’s plans for SoCal were to run from Ventura, CA to Barstow, CA, avoiding the Interstates 101, 10 and 15 as much as possible.

Upon hearing this, it was immediately suggested that Angeles Crest Highway (CA-2) is a world-renowned mountain pass that will offer an unforgettable riding experience. Dennis and Judith agreed that it would be nice and that it would also help keep them off of the interstates.

Several weeks after this enjoyable conversation, Dennis and Judith arrived in San Francisco and purchased two pre-owned Motorbikes to match the ones they rode back home. Dennis was running a beautiful BMW R 1200 GS Adventure and Judith picked up an identical Street Triple R (with ABS). The intention is to sell the bikes at the conclusion of their trip. This way the cost of the bikes would be negligible and quite possibly profitable. Short of borrowing a friend’s bike, while traveling abroad, this is the best way to ride in a specific country or region for more than two weeks. If visiting for less than two weeks, it’s probably better to simply rent a motorbike abroad.

Dennis and Judith arrive at the ACH Shell Station

As Dennis and Judith traveled south on Pacific Coast Highway (CA-1), arrangements were made to meet at the Shell Station where the 210 Freeway and Angeles Crest Highway meet. The Shell Station is a popular meeting point for motorcyclists as one can obviously fuel up and hang out for their friends to arrive. The station is very grateful to motorcyclists and even puts out chairs for those awaiting their friends.

Just as the tank was topped off on my BMW K 1200 RS, Dennis and Judith both arrived to warm smiles, hugs and handshakes. A brief description of what to expect was also conveyed to the riding pair.

Angeles Crest Highway Is made up of mostly medium sweepers. Some are a little tighter, but there are no 180º switchbacks. Rock and pinecone debris may be on the road, beyond the tunnels. Given it was a midweek day, we largely had the whole road to ourselves. This is both a delight and an impossibility during the weekends.

Starting in the lead, it was easy to notice right away that Dennis was really enjoying this road. At our first turnout Judith was asked how she liked it. Her beaming smile was very contagious. She exclaimed that she loves this road and was really grateful that this was arranged.


Newcomb's Ranch

Diving left and right into beautifully cambered and surfaced sweepers, we made our way to Newcomb’s Ranch for lunch. While there, we each enjoyed talking to Bologna HOG members who rented bikes and were coming down Angeles Crest Highway into Los Angeles.

After lunch we hopped back onto the motorbikes and made our way to Wrightwood. Stopping for a coffee, we met a couple who just pulled in from Crestline. Given that is was still early in the afternoon and that we’d have plenty of daylight, I suggested to Dennis and Judith that we could cut and run north to Barstow, CA from there or we could continue to Crestline, Lake Arrowhead and Big Bear Lake. From there we could take a backroad to Barstow and call it a great day.

Dennis and Judith on Rim of the World Highway

The only concern was Judith. In Europe, the distances between places is much shorter than what we’re accustomed to, in the western US. This proposed route would become one of Judith’s longest days in the saddle. She was very supportive and was ready to tackle some more interesting riding so we continued our trek. Crossing Interstate 15, the terrain changes. The road now brought more variety to the day’s journey. Coming the back way through Crestline was very exciting.

Completing a lively run was a crescendo that consisted of meeting up with ‘Rim of the World’ Highway on a transition that seems to float in the sky. At our next break, Judith was simply giddy. She was smiling and bouncing like a schoolgirl who had just been given her first real kiss. The joy was palpable and we were all very happy to be enjoying this experience.


Lake Arrowhead Village

Quick stops at Lake Arrowhead Village for photos and then Big Bear Lake prompted me to ask both Dennis and Judy if they expected today to be like this. Both exclaimed that this was among their best day ever, riding. They went on to predict that it was probably going to be the highlight of their trip.
As the sun was beginning its descent into the horizon, we pulled into Barstow, CA. Originally, the intent was only a day ride for me. The lateness of the day and the desire for some cold draft beer, by the three of us, was enough for me to get my own room and stay the night.

Upon checking in, another guest here on a construction job offered advice on nearby dining. A brief walk down the street put us at Los Domingos Restaurant. Upon being seated, three ice cold Modelo Negros were placed in front of each of us and we began reflecting on the incredible day.

Dennis O’Dell and Judith Regn continue their journey, as of this writing. Many more destinations have been visited including Grand Canyon National Park and Monument Valley.

Dennis even had to order a couple parts from Irv Seaver BMW to meet him along his journey.

Their friendship along with that of Laura Ruddy and countless more friends is cherished and all because of a motorcycle.

Dennis has a very clever blog detailing many of his journeys including this one. Enjoy it here .

When you have an opportunity, invite a friend from out of town to ride with you. It will be a memorable and welcome experience.

Judith, Dennis, Steffi and Weiland enjoying some beer after a great day riding

Christian, Weiland and Dennis in Germany

Beginning the ride up Angeles Crest Highway

Nearing Barstow as the sun begins to set.

Judith on Route 66 Photo by Dennis O'Dell

Sunset over Monument Valley Photo by Dennis O'Dell

Dennis and Judith at the Route 66 midway point Photo by Dennis O'Dell

Judith at the Hotel el Rancho. Photo by Dennis O'Dell

Tuesday, June 17, 2014

Route 66, Monument Valley and Four Corners.

I think it's time for a little overnight trip.

DETAILS OF THE TRIP

Destination: Grand Circle of a beautiful part of the US Southwest starting and ending in Flagstaff, AZ

Round-trip Mileage: 668 Miles

Motorcycle Ridden: 2004 BMW R 1150 RT-P (Former Torrance CHP cruiser)

Best time to go: Fall, Spring

Number of statelines crossed: 4 (AZ, UT, CO, NM)

Fun Factor: 10+

Passenger Fun Factor: 10+ (Estimated)

Natural Beauty Factor: 1-10 (10 is best) 11

Cost of a National Park Annual Pass: $80.00

Number of times one believes they are on Mars: 3

Map Link: Google Maps.

Flagstaff, Arizona

Flagstaff is the definite start and stopping point for a run through the southwest. The route taken could have been easily modified to include Grand Canyon, Vermillion Cliffs, Horseshoe Bend near Page, AZ, Antelope Canyon, Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument and much more. All of these sites are well worth the trip and should be visited. For this trip, one overnight hotel stay was all there was time for. The goal was to visit Monument Valley, Four Corners Monument and Canyon De Chelly.

Monument Valley

The first major destination was Monument Valley. To get here from Flagstaff, take Hwy 89 north to the 160 East toward Tuba City. From the 160, Get gas and head north on the 163 at Kayenta toward Monument Valley. Hwy 160, between Tuba City and Kayenta, will have you wondering if you were transported to the surface of Mars. The terrain matches the images returned from the rovers on the red planet's surface. Monument Valley straddles the Arizona and Utah Border. Unlike Sedona, in Monument Valley, the formations are spread apart. It gives an eerie and awe-inspiring perspective to the beauty and how on earth these formations originated.

Monument Valley has been used in numerous movies and television shows. Most recently it was used in "Breaking Bad" and "Disney's The Lone Ranger."

Monument Valley was also featured in 1968's "Easy Rider," "2001: A Space Odyssey" and "Back to the Future III." Legendary director John Ford used Monument Valley as a backdrop for countless films including some John Wayne classics, "Stagecoach," "The Searchers" and "She Wore a Yellow Ribbon". John Ford also directed Henry Fonda as Wyatt Earp in "My Darling Clementine." "Forrest Gump" and "National Lampoon's Vacation" also had memorable scenes shot here.

In addition to the numerous movies set here, Monument Valley is a source of profound beauty and inspiration. Let yourself connect with nature and let it speak to you while you are here.

As you continue north on Hwy 163, turn around and you'll see the iconic stretch of road used in so many pictures and movies leading up to Monument Valley.

Mexican Hat

Mexican Hat is a small town along the San Juan River. Nearby is the namesake's formation which certainly looks like an upside-down sombrero. It's worth taking the hard-packed dirt road that leads to the formation for a close-up view. It's only two minutes out of your way and very easy. Mexican Hat is also one of the few nearby towns one can find lodging.

Moki Dugway

From Mexican Hat, continue on the 163 Westbound until you reach the 261. From here, you will reach the Moki Dugway. Two interesting and worthwhile trips off of the 261 are Goosenecks State Park and the Valley of the Gods Road. Valley of the Gods Road is a dirt road. As you approach the sheer cliff face, it's easy to wonder in amazement how you would get to the top. Moki Dugway is mostly hard-packed dirt and gravel. Any motorbike can easily navigate it in dry weather. Just mind the shoulder in the straightaways, as it is often soft sand. Each switchback offers spectacular views. Don't put your camera away. You'll be often stopping to take magnificent pictures.

Natural Bridges National Monument

Natural Bridges National Monument is really close to the end of Hwy 261. At the T- Intersection, at the end of the road, head left or west on Hwy 95 and the indicated turn off will be about half a mile away. If you're into camping, this is a great place to make reservations for campsites. This park consists of three natural bridges, some Native American ruins and a Pygmy Forest. All of this is connected by a nine-mile loop of paved road with easy access parking and turnouts. Each of the bridges has well laid out hiking trails leading up to the bases. The longest ones are about a half hour each way with about 200m elevation changes. A telephoto lens will come in very handy at this site.

Town of Bluff

Bluff is a historic town that offers good lodging, great food and very attractive locations and scenery. Bluff originated as a Mormon settlement and played a key role in the expansion of the west in addition to developing relationships between less-than-friendly Native Americans. Fort Bluff is a great place to visit and spend a few moments. The interpreters are quite knowledgeable and friendly. If a meal is in order, you have a couple of options. Many of the towns and counties in Utah are dry. This means they don't serve or sell alcohol. Nearby Blanding is one such town. If you're done riding for the day, and you don't mind a glass of excellent locally-brewed cold beer or wine, head to the Cottonwood Steakhouse. The food is delicious and they feature both indoor and outdoor seating. Near the east end of town is also the Twin Rocks Cafe. Lodging ranges from $55 to $190 a night. Recapture Lodge is a 'best bet' offering comfort, price, location and amenities. Reservations are highly recommended in Bluff.

Four Corners Monument

From Bluff, head east (right) on Mission Road (Hwy 162) to get to Four Corners Monument. At the Colorado Border, the 162 becomes Hwy 41. Continue on until you reach Hwy 160 and head west or Right. Admission is $5.00 per person. Cash only. If you don't have cash, you will need to go five miles to the town of Teec Nos Pos for an ATM. Light food, restrooms and Native American artwork and jewelry are available. Here you will find the surveyed marker point indicating where Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona and Utah all meet. This is the only place in the US where four states meet at one point. This one is well worth a visit and is quite reasonable in cost.

Canyon De Chelly

From Four Corners, head south on Hwy 160 until you reach Teec Nos Pos and make a right. Continue west on Hwy 160 until you reach Hwy 191 South. North comes first, but you want to head south. The road south will tease you with beautiful formations such as Point Rock and quiet and easy elevation changes. Occasional wheelie bumps keep a rider from getting too complacent. In the town of Chinle, look for the sign indicating Canyon De Chelly. There is fuel, lodging and some very good restaurants. The Visitors Center at Canyon De Chelly closes at 5pm, but one can follow the road to the north and south rim of the canyon without stopping at the Visitors Center. If it's open, please do stop by. There are many interesting displays and helpful rangers to offer advice and recommendations. Campsites are also available. Canyon De Chelly is spectacular! It's not particularly deep, but the natural beauty, formations and colors will take your breath away. This spot really deserves at least half to a full day to truly feel one has experienced it. Hiking trails are abundant and each offers a unique perspective. When you're ready to continue, ride back and southbound on Hwy 191 until you reach Interstate 40. Then go West.

Route 66 and the Wigwam Motel Holbrook, AZ

Nearly everyone knows the line from the song "Route 66"... "Get your kicks on Route 66!" Back in the day, Route 66 was a major east-west corridor in the US. Many small towns were built around catering to travelers with kitschy cafes, attractions and gift shops. Alas, with Interstate 40's construction, much of the original Route 66 towns were bypassed. Since Interstate 40 actually utilized some of Route 66, some of the towns retain their charm and glory while others have been left to rot and crumble. In Arizona, in particular, Route 66 is alive and well. From east to west towns of Holbrook, Winslow, Winona, Flagstaff, Williams, Seligman, Peach Springs, Hackberry, Kingman and Oatman retain much of their charm. Other towns such as Twin Arrows, Two Guns and others are right off the interstate and can be explored, in ruin. Two Guns, in particular, has a rich and historical past that can be easily explored and is well worth a stop. One can easily explore the Apache Death Caves. Just bring a flashlight.

Route 66 was featured in many movies including "Easy Rider," "Thelma and Louise" and "Little Miss Sunshine." The 'Mother Road' was also lovingly depicted in the Pixar film, "Cars." In the film, the fictional town of Radiator Springs borrows faithfully and re-imagines many Route 66 landmarks. One such landmark is the 'Cozy Cone Motel' which is an inspired reproduction of the Wigwam Motel in Holbrook, Arizona. Yes, you can stay in a Wigwam for around $65 a night.

Since the release of "Cars", The Wigwam has acquired many of the original cars used to create the characters in the movie. A red Chevy tow-truck which became 'Mater, along with many other classic cars, are on display. This is a textbook example of reality inspiring art which inspired reality.

Flagstaff, AZ

Interstate 40 is a 75MPH highway that will quickly get you where you want to go. Be mindful that DPS Arizona Highway Patrol does aggressively monitor and issues citations for speeding so keep it below 84, if you want to avoid paying the Arizona Luxury Tax.

Flagstaff is a great town with a rich historic district and lots of dining, drinking and lodging options. 'Flag', as it's called by locals, is an ideal base to explore this rich and majestic region of the southwest. While in Flagstaff, be sure to enjoy a meal at Granny's Closet. Look for the statue of a lumberjack and a tractor. The pair also makes a cameo appearance in the film "Easy Rider."

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