On the road again...

Just picked Walker and his bike up in Fillmore and we're headed west. GPS says twelve and a half hours and we'll be home.

Posted Wed, Aug 5, 2009 at 9:42:00 by David Zimmerman

Going solo, for a bit...

Dear dear Dave and Dave,=20 I think this is what my Don would refer to as an experience (defined by him as "what you get when you don't get what you want".) But I have to tell you, as a mother, I sat down and cried! You guys are great and I know that within that "adventure" there is some pretty incredible country, some good people, amazing riding, fun planning and organizing, good time spent together and hopefully another trip in the future with the knowledge you've gained. Much love to you both and can't wait to see you safely home, Mom Z. =20

Posted Wed, Aug 5, 2009 at 9:03:00 by "Suzanne Zimmerman"

Going solo, for a bit...

After Zim's clutch gave out, we were both hoping that some pavement and maybe cooling off a bit might help it recover and we'd meet at the next stop. I took the SPOT and the water and continued on dirt to Green River, which was only a few dirt hours away. That section of the TAT wasn't the most scenic, but it definitely felt more isolated riding by myself. When Zim wasn't at the meeting spot in Green River, I called (hard to believe we both had cell service) him to find out it was more serious. Having already seen enough BMW dealerships on the trip, I forged ahead the next moring with the plan to sync up again in Eureka NV. The path from Green River to Salina went through Black Dragon Wash, which is one of the more challenging parts of the Trail. Plenty of sand and boulders to navigate, but some truly spectacular scenery (antelope & rattlesnake), followed by some wide open, fast roads. The next day was to be Salina to either Baker, UT or Eureka NV depending on my pace. It was going to be a big day either way, so I was keeping a fairly decent pace. The Trail went through Fishlake National Forest on the Paiute Trail, which is well known ATV track. It's a winding track, with many burms and whoop-de-whoops (little jumps) that made for some really fun, and challenging riding. Well past the half-way point of the Paiute Trail, I was going off a little jump, and my rear wheel fully seized up on me upon landing. Simultaneously, my clutch got a bit spongy. I slid a good 50 or 60 feet before coming to a stop. I thought it was probably either the master cylinder or the clutch's slave cylinder that had somehow failed, but both seemed pretty unlikely, and being that it happened so suddenly I was confused. I couldn't get the rear wheel to budge, even in neutral, so made the decision to pack up my water, gps, SPOT, and make the 10 mile hike to Kobash, the closest town to get help/advice. It was about noon under the Utah sun, and I was in motorcycle boots. After about 6 miles, I came across a couple US Park Rangers that could give me a ride to Fillmore, UT, which had an ATV/Motorcycle shop that could be of some help. To make a long story a bit shorter, we managed to find a guy with an old Chevy Blazer and a trailer to somehow make his way up the trail to my bike. Once there, we realized the rubber chainguard had somehow come loose or split, and got sucked between the chain and sprocket, completely seizing the chain, rear wheel and transmission. How's that for irony? The chainguard. We had to cut the chain to free the rear wheel to get the bike off the mountain. So now I sit in a Best Western in Fillmore, UT waiting for Zim to come through with a uhaul to bring our bikes and ourselves back to SF, just in time for Richard and Alix's wedding :) Not necessarily the adventure we were expecting, but expectation and adventure aren't necessarily found on the same page.

Posted Wed, Aug 5, 2009 at 7:55:00 by Dave Walker

Adventure

My mom taught us that an "experience" is what you get when you don't get what you want. Well "adventure" is probably the act of dealing with an "experience." In other words, the BMW broke down again 10 miles outside = of Moab on Sunday. This time, we had just left Ann at a caf=E9 in town to = catch her airport shuttle and set off on Gemini Bridges Road near Arches = National Park. The riding was fast and smooth and I was getting into a great = rhythm when the track led to the right 200 feet up a steep, sandy slope. I hesitated and sunk into the sand 25 ft up, challenging Dave to make it farther over the headset. He made a run and got 75 ft up. We both then = set about rocking and revving our heavy machines up the slope with Dave = finally making it to the top and walking down to help me. By the time I finally = made it up some more firm ground to the side of the hill, I had to let my = clutch all the way out to get any power at all. At the top, it was clear my = clutch was fried and was slipping in all gears.=20 We considered the options and with only 40 miles to go to Green River, decided Dave should go ahead on the dirt with the SPOT and my extra = water while I took a perpendicular out to the pavement where I could get = online and check the forums for a fix for my bike (dealer was closed on Sun and Mon). We would meet at the Motel 6 in Green River that night. Well, I = didn=92t make it Green River and ended up having to call BMW roadside assistance = to pick me and the lame bike up. As it turned out, with the closest dealer = in Grand Junction closed the tow company would have to store the bike in = Moab where coincidentally, Ann had been offered a free hotel room when her = flight was cancelled just around the time my problems started. By 8pm, I was at = the Moab Valley Inn and we were getting ready for a dinner at the Moab = Brewing Company across the street.=20 The next day (Monday), Ann flew out and I hitched a ride with the bike = to Grand Junction where they called the BMW tech in on his day off to = determine that I needed to have a new clutch plate sent by overnight mail. I = settled in at a Motel 6 with AC for the night. In the morning, there was good = news and bad. The clutch plate had arrived but the tech (now on the clock) = had determined that I also needed new clutch springs which wouldn't arrive = until Weds morning at the earliest. By the afternoon, I learned that BMW was sending 5 of the 6 springs needed and they were looking for the = remaining one. Around this time, I got a call from Dave... (take it from here, = Walker)

Posted Tue, Aug 4, 2009 at 6:26:00 by "David Zimmerman"

canyonlands

Canyonlands pics are awesome. Glad Walker didn't fall in. Joe

Posted Mon, Aug 3, 2009 at 3:38:00 by Joseph Kenny

The load gets a little lighter.

Yesterday we woke up at 5:45am and set off to ride the White Rim Trail. We expected to be back by about 2pm but with the extreme heat we took quite a few long shade brakes and didn't end up getting back until about 7 or 8pm. The scenery was amazing and the guys did an awsome job getting us through some tough parts of the trail. This afternoon I'm on my way home to SF and could't be more excited about the more temperate weather. Did I mention it's HOT here? I had a really great time and look forward to hearing how the the ride home was for Walker and Dave. I think I heard something about Reno...

Posted Sun, Aug 2, 2009 at 1:11:00 by Ann Benedick

Telluride to Moab

Hi Loves, It maybe doesn't take much but I'm impressed! That must be absolutely gorgeous country. I look forward to the photos. I do feel a little sorry for Ann, thought. But maybe she felt safer on her feet! Ride on with enthusiasm, awe and safety. Love to all, Mom Z. -----Original Message----- From: trackdaveanddave-owner@homespunrowdy.com [mailto:trackdaveanddave-owner@homespunrowdy.com] On Behalf Of David Zimmerman Sent: Friday, July 31, 2009 1:03 PM To: trackdaveanddave@homespunrowdy.com Subject: [Track Dave and Dave] Telluride to Moab Message: After our luxurious night in Telluride, the trail headed into the San =20 Juan National Forest for some tough riding through wet meadows. Things =20 go quicky from laughing hysterically as you plow through mud puddles =20 to wondering what happened when the rear tire's clogged with gunk and =20 you're fishtailing all over the place. After a short rain, we left the =20 forest onto fast but gravelly backroads into Utah, fearing we'd seen =20 the last of the tight mountain roads. In Dove Creek, the sign said =20 only 50 miles to Moab so we decided to go for it. Of course, the TAT =20 is not know for following the most direct route and we followed our =20 GPS's high into the Manti-LaSal Forest on some of the steepest and =20 loosest trails we'd seen yet. This was the first time I had Ann get =20 off and walk streches of trail that were barely rideable with just me =20 on the loaded bike. We climbed up through Geyser Pass and started =20 looking for campsites. When a view of the entire Canyonlands National =20 Park opened up before us, we knew we'd found one. Today we rolled though UT moonscapes into Moab and found a campground =20 in town. We'll hang in the shade for a bit then ride the bikes =20 (unloaded) up the Colorado River to find a swimming hole. Tomorrow =20 we'll get up early to tackle the 103 mile White Rim Trail and return =20 for another night in Moab before Ann flies out on Sun. Campground has wireless so we'll get more pics up tonight. We'll also =20 update our Ride Report at http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3D487054 Dave

Posted Sat, Aug 1, 2009 at 2:48:00 by "Suzanne Zimmerman"

Telluride to Moab

After our luxurious night in Telluride, the trail headed into the San Juan National Forest for some tough riding through wet meadows. Things go quicky from laughing hysterically as you plow through mud puddles to wondering what happened when the rear tire's clogged with gunk and you're fishtailing all over the place. After a short rain, we left the forest onto fast but gravelly backroads into Utah, fearing we'd seen the last of the tight mountain roads. In Dove Creek, the sign said only 50 miles to Moab so we decided to go for it. Of course, the TAT is not know for following the most direct route and we followed our GPS's high into the Manti-LaSal Forest on some of the steepest and loosest trails we'd seen yet. This was the first time I had Ann get off and walk streches of trail that were barely rideable with just me on the loaded bike. We climbed up through Geyser Pass and started looking for campsites. When a view of the entire Canyonlands National Park opened up before us, we knew we'd found one. Today we rolled though UT moonscapes into Moab and found a campground in town. We'll hang in the shade for a bit then ride the bikes (unloaded) up the Colorado River to find a swimming hole. Tomorrow we'll get up early to tackle the 103 mile White Rim Trail and return for another night in Moab before Ann flies out on Sun. Campground has wireless so we'll get more pics up tonight. We'll also update our Ride Report at http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=487054 Dave

Posted Fri, Jul 31, 2009 at 5:52:00 by David Zimmerman

Dave's bike

The BMW hasn't stalled since the fuel pump was replaced in Denver, but we haven't experienced the heat of NV and UT yet. It's been fairly cool in CO with the altitude and afternoon showers. Moab should be a good test, but I think we're all pretty confident the problem's been fixed. Sent from my iPhone

Posted Thu, Jul 30, 2009 at 5:46:00 by Dave Walker

Many passes today...

Thanks for the update, Dave. It sounds like things are working out well for all. Can I safely assume no more problems with David's bike? Travel safely! Love to all, Mom Z. -----Original Message----- From: trackdaveanddave-owner@homespunrowdy.com [mailto:trackdaveanddave-owner@homespunrowdy.com] On Behalf Of Dave Walker Sent: Wednesday, July 29, 2009 3:51 PM To: trackdaveanddave@homespunrowdy.com Subject: [Track Dave and Dave] Many passes today... Message: We hit Cinnamon, California, Hurricaine, Corkscrew, and Ophir passes =20 today... The most scenic and challenging day yet. Ann & Zim are =20 riding like old pros and have received more that a few double-takes =20 from quad-runner and jeep drivers on the more technical spots. I'll =20 sometimes charge ahead, but am generally following to take video and =20 to make sure their topcase doesn't pop open and leave their belongings =20 strewn across the San Juan Mountains. After a few nights of camping we're treating ourselves to a suite in =20 Telluride tonight. Sent from my iPhone

Posted Wed, Jul 29, 2009 at 9:28:00 by "Suzanne Zimmerman"

Many passes today...

We hit Cinnamon, California, Hurricaine, Corkscrew, and Ophir passes today... The most scenic and challenging day yet. Ann & Zim are riding like old pros and have received more that a few double-takes from quad-runner and jeep drivers on the more technical spots. I'll sometimes charge ahead, but am generally following to take video and to make sure their topcase doesn't pop open and leave their belongings strewn across the San Juan Mountains. After a few nights of camping we're treating ourselves to a suite in Telluride tonight. Sent from my iPhone

Posted Wed, Jul 29, 2009 at 3:51:00 by Dave Walker

Cinnamon Pass to Ophir and ??

Mornin' all. We're all packed up and fueling up on all-you-can-eat breakfast. Well Dave and are having bagels and Ann's having the all- you-can-eat... Yesterday afternoon, we did the Engineer Pass leg of the Alpine Loop up to 12,800 ft (check out the new pics). Today, we'll do Cinnamon Pass leg up and over to the ghost town of Animas Forks and the American Basin. All pretty high up there and supposed to be amazing. From there we'll head towards Ophir Pass then decide whether to stop over in Telluride or keep moving towards Moab. Thanks for following along!

Posted Wed, Jul 29, 2009 at 7:22:00 by David Zimmerman

Excellent Vacation

Hi All, What a great trip! An Excellent Adventure! So nice to view it all from = my comfy arm chair with the fan creating a gentle summer breeze. The = pictures are great (and I agree with Suzanne...I am waiting to see a = picture of Ann on the bike, helmet and all please!). The scenery is = breathtaking. =20 Have fun, as I know you are. Be Safe. Mama Claudia

Posted Tue, Jul 28, 2009 at 4:13:00 by "Claudia Wilson"

Buena Vista to Lake City

We woke up early this morning and started my first full day on dirt. We rode through what felt like incredibly remote areas with amazing scenery and only saw a few other people along the way. And yes, my butt does hurt, but I'm ready for more. We finished our planned route early today so this afternoon we'll go explore Alpine Loop which includes a bit more challenging pass called Engineer's Pass. We found a campsite with wi-fi for tonight so we'll be uploading more pictures later tonight.

Posted Tue, Jul 28, 2009 at 1:20:00 by Ann Benedick

The vacation within a vacation...

P.S. I want to see a picture of Ann on the back! -----Original Message----- From: trackdaveanddave-owner@homespunrowdy.com [mailto:trackdaveanddave-owner@homespunrowdy.com] On Behalf Of Dave Walker Sent: Monday, July 27, 2009 8:32 AM To: trackdaveanddave@homespunrowdy.com Subject: [Track Dave and Dave] The vacation within a vacation... Message: ...is over. Rockygrass wrapped up lastnight and we all packed up this =20 morning. 49 Special won the band contest so we'll definitely be back =20 next year. We said our good byes to Adam, Alisa, Jim and Laura and =20 are about to head out towards Salida, CO to start the TAT Sent from my iPhone

Posted Mon, Jul 27, 2009 at 9:36:00 by "Suzanne Zimmerman"

The vacation within a vacation...

Hey, Ya' All, Thanks so much for staying in touch and what great news about 49 Special. I'm really excited about the next chapter in your adventure. It should be incredibly beautiful and exciting (but not too much, I hope). Ride safely and may the Motorcycle Gods be with you! Love' Mom -----Original Message----- From: trackdaveanddave-owner@homespunrowdy.com [mailto:trackdaveanddave-owner@homespunrowdy.com] On Behalf Of Dave Walker Sent: Monday, July 27, 2009 8:32 AM To: trackdaveanddave@homespunrowdy.com Subject: [Track Dave and Dave] The vacation within a vacation... Message: ...is over. Rockygrass wrapped up lastnight and we all packed up this =20 morning. 49 Special won the band contest so we'll definitely be back =20 next year. We said our good byes to Adam, Alisa, Jim and Laura and =20 are about to head out towards Salida, CO to start the TAT Sent from my iPhone

Posted Mon, Jul 27, 2009 at 9:35:00 by "Suzanne Zimmerman"

The vacation within a vacation...

...is over. Rockygrass wrapped up lastnight and we all packed up this morning. 49 Special won the band contest so we'll definitely be back next year. We said our good byes to Adam, Alisa, Jim and Laura and are about to head out towards Salida, CO to start the TAT Sent from my iPhone

Posted Mon, Jul 27, 2009 at 8:32:00 by Dave Walker

43 PBC check - in here

Hi Dave, Thanks for the opportunity to track your (Ann's) progress. Spot is a great new product! I don't know if you plan to go but if you do .. check out the Rocky Mt. National Park. Check out the Stanley Resort http://www.stanleyhotel.com/ John

Posted Sat, Jul 25, 2009 at 5:48:00 by "John Benedick"

Officially in festival mode

Picked up Ann in Denver this morn and stopped by the dealership to tap my foot and look impatient. Matt the master tech seemed driven to solve the puzzle and after I took it out for some figure 8's in the empty lot next door to warm it up, noticed an inconsistent reading from a fuel pressure gauge he'd installed for testing. We left him to work on it and made for RockyGrass. Within half an hour of arriving, we were standing in the river with a beer in hand. The festival had finally started. And and hour later, BMW called to say that new fuel pump electronics had resolved the pressure issue, Matt felt the bike was running much better and new tires were installed. We'll optimistically pick the bike up tomorrow after 49 Special nails the first round of the band competition.

Posted Fri, Jul 24, 2009 at 3:44:00 by David Zimmerman

Arrived at Rockygrass

We made it into Lyons yesterday evening after a long day at the BMW dealership. Zim was able to reproduce the problem for the techs, so hopefully they've fixed it. I'm getting new tires put on the KTM and meeting an old friend for breakfast while Zim's picking up Ann at the airport now. Sent from my iPhone

Posted Fri, Jul 24, 2009 at 9:26:00 by Dave Walker

From SLC to Denver

Well, the Salt Lake stop was productive but not conclusive. They did a diagnostic on the computer that showed the bike's engine temp at -95 degrees. Now that might explain why the cooling fan isn't coming on, huh? New comp can be overnighted to Denver so we got the Highway 40 Blues the rest of the way across UT and halfway across CO. Tonight's a warm bed at a friend's house in Basalt and tomorrow's another dawn drive to BMW of Denver. Thanks for the bed, Podie! While waiting in SLC we uploaded a buncha new pics at the Flying J truck stop and posted the first day's ride report at http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=487054 . Check it out if you want more details. BTW sorry about the excessive okay SPOT msgs today. It was in a weird mode. Won't need to send those while we have cell coverage.

Posted Wed, Jul 22, 2009 at 11:39:00 by David Zimmerman

Brief detour

At the BMW service shop in salt lake city. Hoping we can get Zim's bike feeling a little better this morning. Sent from my iPhone

Posted Wed, Jul 22, 2009 at 8:12:00 by Dave Walker

OK Message Sent from SPOT Tracker

SPOT Check OK. ESN:0-7366035 Latitude:39.5035 Longitude:-111.874 Nearest Location:not known Distance:not known Time:07/22/2009 13:09:55 (GMT)

Posted Wed, Jul 22, 2009 at 6:10:00 by noreply@findmespot.com

OK Message Sent from SPOT Tracker

SPOT Check OK. ESN:0-7366035 Latitude:38.9581 Longitude:-111.8594 Nearest Location:not known Distance:not known Time:07/22/2009 12:28:15 (GMT)

Posted Wed, Jul 22, 2009 at 5:28:00 by noreply@findmespot.com

Dropped the SPOT

Yesterday afternoon, just outside Lund, NV, on the way to Sawmill Canyon, the SPOT decided velcro couldn't hold it down. It wasn't until we were setting up camp an hour and a half down the trail that we realized it. Luckily the KTM-cam was rolling and we were able to get a good idea where it dropped. Doubled back this morning. Good times. Wild horses, mule deer, and a couple of people have been seen along the way.

Posted Tue, Jul 21, 2009 at 6:14:00 by Dave Walker

Yes, it's true...

The BMW's advanced, German-engineered rider fatigue detection engine cuttoff interface has been requiring us to take breaks during the afternoon heat, but we've been covering the miles before 11 and after 6 and getting some good naps under juniper bushes in between. We're finally in UT and heading North on pavement (sigh) to make our way to Lyons. Got an appt with BMW of Denver on Fri AM to see if they can figure out what the dealer in SF couldn't. Riding's been great and hard. Scenery desolate and amazing. More pics coming soon.

Posted Tue, Jul 21, 2009 at 6:01:00 by David Zimmerman

OK Message Sent from SPOT Tracker

SPOT Check OK. ESN:0-7366035 Latitude:38.859 Longitude:-115.0078 Nearest Location:not known Distance:not known Time:07/21/2009 16:30:57 (GMT)

Posted Tue, Jul 21, 2009 at 9:31:00 by noreply@findmespot.com

on schedule?

Badgers are viscious. They leave huge holes in the road that you don't see until it's too late. Mostly on time. Put us down for about 70% for the wedding at this point (under promise - over deliver's my motto). On Jul 20, 2009, at 10:03 AM, "Alix Vitacco" wrote: > Sure hope you're on schedule so that you can make it back in time > for our wedding. Get movin'!! And I'd like a close up of the next > badger you see. Apparently, they're really friendly. :)

Posted Tue, Jul 21, 2009 at 12:00:00 by David Zimmerman

ok

It's really ok that I'm sitting at home right now and not running around the wilderness on my way to a festival. Really -- Joe

Posted Mon, Jul 20, 2009 at 8:21:00 by Joseph Kenny

OK Message Sent from SPOT Tracker

SPOT Check OK. ESN:0-7366035 Latitude:39.3086 Longitude:-115.5068 Nearest Location:not known Distance:not known Time:07/20/2009 21:03:38 (GMT)

Posted Mon, Jul 20, 2009 at 2:03:00 by noreply@findmespot.com

msg

Can't wait to see you guys in Thornton! I heard a rumor that Jim's band is playing somewhere Wed or Thurs. Is this true? I could make it one of those nights.... *cindi

Posted Mon, Jul 20, 2009 at 11:52:00 by cynthia jackson

OK Message Sent from SPOT Tracker

SPOT Check OK. ESN:0-7366035 Latitude:39.5128 Longitude:-115.9614 Nearest Location:not known Distance:not known Time:07/20/2009 16:09:23 (GMT)

Posted Mon, Jul 20, 2009 at 9:09:00 by noreply@findmespot.com

on schedule?

Sure hope you're on schedule so that you can make it back in time for our wedding. Get movin'!! And I'd like a close up of the next badger you see. Apparently, they're really friendly. :)

Posted Mon, Jul 20, 2009 at 9:03:00 by Alix Vitacco

OK Message Sent from SPOT Tracker

SPOT Check OK. ESN:0-7366035 Latitude:39.5124 Longitude:-115.9607 Nearest Location:not known Distance:not known Time:07/20/2009 05:39:09 (GMT)

Posted Sun, Jul 19, 2009 at 10:39:00 by noreply@findmespot.com

BMW acting up...

Zim's bike is still stalling unexpectedly in the heat. So far so good with the KTM. Trying to track down a BMW mc dealer on our way. Sent from my iPhone

Posted Sun, Jul 19, 2009 at 5:31:00 by Dave Walker

Finally on the road

At first gas stop, then heading around the lake to Hwy 50 and the Pony Express. Hopefully we'll connect with the TAT near Eureka, NV. It's hot and getting hotter...

Posted Sun, Jul 19, 2009 at 11:00:00 by David Zimmerman

BMW acting up...

BOO HISS to BMW. But thanks for the update. Mom Z.

Posted Sun, Jul 19, 2009 at 12:00:00 by "Suzanne Zimmerman"

Why aren't we in Colorado yet!

Posted Sat, Jul 18, 2009 at 9:07:00 by Ann Benedick

Made it to Tahoe

Some selective lane splitting (despite my wide load) plus a few stops at gas stations to use the windshield squeegees to clean the bugs off my helmet and I made it to Tahoe in about 3 1/2 hours. Even at 8:30 pm it was still 97 degrees in Davis.

Posted Fri, Jul 17, 2009 at 10:12:00 by "David Zimmerman"

On the road

Heading for Tahoe. Could I actually be leaving for three weeks on the bike right now?

Posted Thu, Jul 16, 2009 at 7:15:00 by David Zimmerman

Less than 10 days til we leave!

Everything's coming together. GPS's configured. Bikes dialed in. Gonna be here before we know it.

Posted Thu, Jul 9, 2009 at 3:27:00 by "David Zimmerman"