The adventures of Mister Whiskers. Vernonia, Oregon to El Paso, Texas and back again.

[CeremonialDogfart_imp]

Start.



Finish.



Because it's 39 images, I'm just going to link to the Imgur album for the rest of the pics: http://imgur.com/a/T1xJ9

Had a great solo trip. Started out going down the Oregon coast down 101, then into the California redwoods and a long twisty ride down Hwy 1. After San Francisco I tried to avoid the big urban areas through Cali and I cut across Northern Arizona, hitting a lot of Rt 66 along the way. Made it to New Mexico and scooted around for a week visiting family all over Numex, then shot down across the Guadalupe Pass to El Paso to visit friends. After that I started home, up through New Mexico and across the corner of Colorado. Started hitting some rain in Colorado then it really started hammering me in Utah. (Didn't take a lot of pics of the last few legs of my journey in part because of the weather, in part because I have explored that area a lot in the past, and in part because after two weeks on the road I was beat and just wanted to book it home.) Came up through Moab and then across the mountains to Provo. After that it was a freeway shot up past Salt Lake and into Idaho, then a pretty straight run to Oregon. Missed the Oregon sign because it was on a bridge. Went across the beautiful rolling desert of Eastern Oregon and up to the Columbia River Gorge, which is an absolutely stunning view the whole way. After that I just followed the river past Portland and home.

My tush was wrecked and my back was sore, but it was a hell of a trip and I loved it. No traffic incidents other than a few annoying but harmless cagers. No mechanical problems either, other than needing to adjust the chain and change the oil in New Mexico, but I knew the oil would be due and was planning for it, and the chain had gone 4000 miles since it's last adjustment. No tickets either, though on a long flat stretch between flyspecks in NM I passed a cop going 95 in a 65. Didn't realize who he was until I was too close to slow down. I just waved and he waved back and we went on our merry ways. Whew.

Anyways, it was a great ride. I had a ton of fun, even if my butt is redder than a babboon's after 4300 miles. Love this bike.

[emptysea]

Sounds like an amazing trip. I am somewhat familiar with some of the areas you described, but never have ridden them on two wheels. Someday I may get out that way.....someday.

[redbirds_imp]

Great trip and a safe one, the best kind.

Like your traveling companion. Bet he-she is quiet and doen't eat much.

[HikerToo_imp]

nice trip!
You probably didn't know what to make of all that sunshine down there :-)
FYI, I had to shorten your subject line ( to less than 85)to get my reply to post without an error, others may need to do the same unless you can shorten the original subject

[Cormanus]

Good one CeremonialDF. Quite a ride. Glad you enjoyed it. It's good fun travelling on the CB.

May I commend the AirHawk cushion to you for heroic rides?

[GUNFTR_imp]

The next to last picture of Multnomah Falls shows you were travelling the freeway, or I-84, instead of taking the exit several miles back which would have put you on the Columbia River Gorge Scenic Highway. Next time you head out for a ride, take I-84 east, then exit at either Corbett or Bridal Veil, and sample this historic stretch of pavement that was the only way east and west unti the freeway was built. You won't be sorry!!! If you exit at Corbett (or better yet, Troutdale), you will eventually find your way to the Vista House which is a sight to behold.

I am amazed at the distance you travelled in such a short period of time, and solo too. Glad you made it home safe.

[Short Timer_imp]

Looks like Mr. Whiskers had a terrific time! nice pics!

[CeremonialDogfart_imp]

The next to last picture of Multnomah Falls shows you were travelling the freeway, or I-84, instead of taking the exit several miles back which would have put you on the Columbia River Gorge Scenic Highway. Next time you head out for a ride, take I-84 east, then exit at either Corbett or Bridal Veil, and sample this historic stretch of pavement that was the only way east and west unti the freeway was built. You won't be sorry!!! If you exit at Corbett (or better yet, Troutdale), you will eventually find your way to the Vista House which is a sight to behold.

I am amazed at the distance you travelled in such a short period of time, and solo too. Glad you made it home safe.

Oh, I've been that way before and it's worth it, but there were so few miles left to go and I was pushing to get home before nightfall. I love to travel, but home can make a very compelling destination after a while.