Riggerdan 147 Posted September 6, 2011 Hi Being my first REAL trip report, I hope the pictures do better than my words.......... Earlier this summer I had my mind set on picking up a new KTM Adventure bike, I've rode several times with friends that ride them like there's no tomorrow, while being right next to them on my 530 I was able to see first hand the power and ability to go places most people wouldn't believe…I know I was blown away So as a very proud owner of a KTM 990R I upgraded what I thought was necessary to get me going – not to mention scraping what was left out of my piggy bank... Here are a few of the items – pipes and stabilizers etc. are all on the wish list Black Dog - Skid-plate, large rear rack, stand re-locater, hepco becker front protection bars...KTM plastic travel boxes, tankbag, Garmin GPS, North Face "base-camp duffel" ...........(great bag) With a bike that is now more equipped than I will ever be, it was just a matter of time to hit the highway / dirt.........(notice the order) This being the biggest bike I have ever owned and slightly humbled to say the least, I wanted a few miles under my belt before I was standing up and looking for single track So the plan was to head north, how far? not sure? Glacier National Park has always intrigued me, and its been a part of the country I've yet to see and always thought...........one day!! So I mentioned to a few people I was heading north on the bike, but somewhat hesitant to say Glacier… I didn't want to disappoint (myself) if I didn't make it, as far as I want was the easy answer? Got the time off from work and then there's the "wife"........ I think just seeing the preparation it was hard for her to have anything but support - at least that's how I took it? I was planning on camping the whole time so the list seemed endless, especially heading north... I didn't want to look like Sanford and Son rolling down the highway so I chiseled away and took only what I felt was ultimately necessary. Packed and unpacked my gear a few times prior, to see if I had missed anything and generated a consistent approach on gear placement / weight distribution so on.... I had put on a quick 1000 miles to get used to it before departing...along with giving the bike it's first service - So feeling pretty good and ready to roll Day 1 I hit the road at high noon leaving Jamul, San Diego heading north to Ventura for the night to visit and stay with my brother. Figured it would be a good start get past all the madness of LA and surrounding urban environments In hind sight, it was one of my hardest days - not a big traffic guy when it comes to riding a bike and with it being 100 degrees out - I had no choice but to white line it a little (about 50 miles of 405 / 101) it was really great...): Extremely concerned about the width of my new ride it was a bit nerve racking – and could not wait to get behind a big handle bared Harley with loud pipes... It was a good feeling rolling into Ventura with a small sense of accomplishment Not mention good to see family The next morning I decided to head up along the east side of the Sierra's from Ventura I took the 126 to the 14 / 395 Here's my first picture of the trip – not all that exciting but that IS the historical California aqueduct in the background Rolled into Lone Pine for a late breakfast and then headed up to the Whitney Portal for a little fresh air the temps were getting up there in town, unfortunately there was a brush fire that was stealing the vividness of the hills I was hoping for but here's a few shots - still beautiful From there I headed into Bishop where it was real hot in town so I stocked up on a few items and headed out on the 168 to gain some elevation and find a place to sleep for the night, most of the campgrounds were full but I found a nice little spot (with great neighbors) at the Lower Intake 2 I liked it so much I stayed for a few days. Little stream next to my campsite was kinda cool - extra second on the shutter came out pretty good Making myself at home... Soaking in some sun... scenic drive heading back towards Bishop Heres a shot with Lake Sabrina behind Few shots of South Lake Dinner for the night...Here's a comparison for you which one do you think is the "natural" Brown trout? Some cool flowers along the way Enjoying the fact I was on no real schedule, thought I would build a cairn and donate a little creativity With some r&r and a little fishing behind me, it was time to go for a hike.. Here's a few pictures hiking up along South Lake and heading toward Treasure Lakes It was a beautiful day for hiking and as you can see the weather was awesome and lucky for me not too many humans to be found? After making it to Treasure Lake faster then I thought and with plenty of water and snacks, I decided to go a little further and try to make it up to the higher lakes (where I have never been) Here are a few pictures from up there some rock scrambling turned into some snow scrambling - lots of fun After Bishop I did not make it much further than Mammoth Lakes (Lake George) to spend another night I figured at the rate I am going, I will never make it Glacier - but it was all good... after scoring the nicest campsite thought I would never leave More good fishing loving my site I am off heading north on the 395 with Mono Lake in the back ground Hardest part of the trip was waking up each day and wondering what direction I was going to head Figured I would stay clear of Yosemite and head over the Sonora Pass and take (the gold route) 49 north to 89 north through Lake Almanor up into Lassen Volcanic park Few buddies along the way Sonora Pass - On a beautiful day It was a great ride up to the pass… when I pulled up, I came across these guys, with not much room left on the pavement for the famous "Sonora Pass" photo, I rode in about 20' to park in the shade / dirt and out of the way - picture above The minute I turned my engine off one of the guys yelled out and asked if I would take a picture of the club in front of the sign…(as they were all posed in front of it already) obviously not a problem until I realized I parked my bike wrong and the kick stand was not going to happen, so with and extra minute or 2 (felt like 30 min) to get my bike to sit right, being heckled the whole time, was a great ice breaker, not to mention I was hot and sweating pretty good by now But all was well and ended up talking for quite some time – I still think it's amazing I even got anywhere after all the conversations at the gas stations, cafes and scenic areas.. Thats them heading south Beautiful quiet winding roads - didn't get much better.. Rolled into Tahoe Forest that night a little tired on a beautiful moon lit night, I rigged up the hammock and got a few hours of rest... The next morning I made it Lake Almanor (beautiful) went for a swim and relaxed for a few hours before heading up into Lassen Thats one of the volcanic peaks of Lassen in the background Never been here before so I was a little excited.....It was really great!! I think the sign says it all Back on 395 after taking 89N to 299 through Alturas As much as I love oregon and wanted to spend more time there, I was starting to feel like I was getting somewhere... After getting lost and doing about 80 miles in the forest (lots of un expected dead ends) I heading back out to the highway and feeling pretty good about the area I cracked the throttle a little and well... you know the rest, I was coming over a hill and right there in the middle of the road was this Mountain Lion - I don't know who was more surprised me or him needless to say in one very fast swoop he was gone but it was my best sighting to date and maybe for life Continuing on through Burns - lots of traffic that day... Got through Ontario and rolled into Boise the next morning for an oil change and a quick look at the bike .........(all was well) Sawtooth Forest - very cool place Found a little spot to enjoy a beautiful night one of my favorite pictures, moonlight and firelight and my baby heading up the 93N The guys at motoworld will like a few of these Forest road refreshment break WOW I can't believe I am in Montana here comes a little weather was nothing but nice colors no precipitation for me at least made it to Missoula just in time for the BIG FAIR that was really cool / FULL MOON Heading to Glacier 93 N to 35N up along the east side of Flathead Lake (biggest body of freshwater this side of the Miss.) I didn't know? Made it to Glacier..................................................... The first night coming into the park via Rt 2 / West Glacier I was amazed at how many people there were, so I pulled out the map and looked for the furthest camp site I could find Headed up the North Fork road towards Polebridge / Kintla & Boman Lakes It rained on me pretty good for the first time that night and then the temps dropped, I got to kintla around 10 pm and it was FULL.......... so here I was only a few miles from Canada and could not be anymore tired, so I found a path on the way back and called it home for a few hours It dropped down into the low 30's and was covered with frost and ice in the morning found this when I woke - long way from Jamul I thought... Home for the night......I felt like a piece of bait on the ground Packed up my stuff and headed back down south 15/20 miles to regroup What a great little town this is Great bakery / mercantile with a great bar "the northern lights" had some well needed breakfast and chatted it up with the locals for a few hours and then I was on my way I found paradise.... Bowman Lake - Glacier National Park Called it home for a week Got the fishing pole out and did pretty well Bowman Lake in the morning A daily visitor A place I never wanted to leave another buddy Great place to think about what to do next.... very friendly and VERY CLOSE Taking a ride through the park - Going To The Sun Road Lake McDonald Heading to Logan Pass / Continental Divide There was no doubt that Glacier Park was special and I felt VERY lucky to have made it there and able to enjoy it.. While camped out at Bowman it was about 75 miles to the pass so I called it the 1/2 way point for that day and returned back home Going to the sun road was very beautiful but with all the construction and tight turns (creating back ups) it took a while and took a little of the fun After a great ride through the park and a great meal in Polebridge, I took my 8 mile trek back to bowman lake for the night Took a walk down to the lake and caught these shots with the moon coming up - very cool butterfly on my flip flop Could not get enough of this place Took a ride up to the border (outside the park / west side) and found some great national forest sites and river access's Saw a few black bear along the way - but as fast as I thought I was, no time to pull out a camera and catch that kinda moment... I was wondering what the crossing time was here on a Sunday night? I think its crazy that down here we have a fence - up there we have a path? Using my foot as a scale figured it was not a big dog....? awesome dirt roads through the park - heading north up to Kintla Lake Kintla Lake - Glacier National Park I ended up talking to the ranger up at Kintla - Lyle he ws 92 years old and had seen a lot in his time this report is long enough but the stories he told were unbelievable.....great guy! Few more shots of the site after spending a week there, I had it pretty dialed and met a lot of great people The weather was great, really lucked out with this place Clouds in the morning This was one REALLY GOOD beer I had a friend who was out adventuring around Yellowstone with his wife, so he came up to Glacier in route to Washington to say hello and spend a night, we woke up the next morning had some breakfast in Polebridge and went along our ways - it was a great surprise Considering it was a 75 mile round trip to get cell reception ( perfect ) but the timing to get his call was great.... I really wanted to see a grizzly bear so decided to head through the park and head over to Many Glacier and try my luck there On the road A few shots from Many Glacier Road - Beautiful I was lucky enough to stop and see a baby Grizzly bear (not that small) on the side of the road I have some video I will get out there - about 100' away and one more time a guy flagged me down him and his wife were watching 3 grizzles playing around in a stream below about 500' away Left Glacier taking 89 South into Blackfeet Indian Reservation Heading south towards Yellowstone I got pounded by this monster - crazy these guys were pretty cool Pretty much got poured on all the way through Yellowstone - but made it through and out at one point the storm was right on top of me and the crack of the thunder it was so loud and crisp it sent chills - big big smile coming up on Jenny Lake / Tetons pretty nice out there one of my favorite ranges Great reflections in this pic you can see the handle of the big dipper Unfortunately the last picture as I started to lose my creativity with the constant downpours and 50 mile cross winds.....for the next 1000 miles Not mention the heat - as it was 112 when I fueled up in barstow - So all in all It rained a lot through Yellowstone and most of Utah so I started to get the itch and head southwest to Jamul - jumped on the 15 and never looked back Two big (hot & wet) travel days and I was home what I would consider a week early but scored some brownie points with that one so theres my long winded trip Hope you enjoyed it - I did - - - - - - - - - -safe adventures riggerdan http://gallery.me.co...ssidyrig/100089 You can follow this link to see the same pictures with a few additional - I think I have it set so you can download the picture as well Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Strega 0 Posted September 6, 2011 EXCELLENT report and PICS! WELL DONE!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TrophyHunter 15 Posted September 6, 2011 Incredible! Very envious. Thx for taking the time to do the write up. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Covered in Dust 163 Posted September 6, 2011 AWESOME............ CID Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
paulmbowers 236 Posted September 6, 2011 Nicely done- great images- BRA-VO! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wakemedic 0 Posted September 6, 2011 WOW !! AMAZING Write up and pics...... Thanks for taking the time to post that ! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
KLXBEN 0 Posted September 7, 2011 You had an awesome adventure. Made my day too see your beautiful pictures. Makes me want to get a real camera and 990. Thanx!!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bagstr 287 Posted September 7, 2011 Well Done. Big Bike hauls big camera,,,nice to have creative control. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mainblockhead 0 Posted September 7, 2011 Are you kidding me, that is the ultimate dual sport ride, if you do again let me know i'm in!! awsome pic's thanks!!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kris 0 Posted September 7, 2011 Excellent post and pics!!!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Beta450 0 Posted September 7, 2011 Great Job and thanks for the show. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Spyder 2 Posted September 7, 2011 I liked it so much I stayed for a few days. That right there is what it is all about! Best RR Ive read in a while. Well done. Colors came through great; you could feel the coolness of the clear blue water. Spyder Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kkug 146 Posted September 7, 2011 Dan -The Best --good for you ! Love your pictures and saved some for backgrounds. Looks like you took your time and smelled the roses and then some. How long were you gone -a month ? Great Job --Thanks for sharing. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Riggerdan 147 Posted September 7, 2011 Thanks for all the positive feed back... It really was a great trip, that was very spontaneous and an adventure that just seemed to open the gates to many possibilities... I carried 2 cameras with me - in my tank bag a canon point and shoot G10 along with a canon D50 with a 10:20 lens - not great for catching wildlife but awesome for the scenic landscapes I knew I would be driving bye As we all know there are +/- to traveling alone the big + for me was being able to stop every 1000' for another picture and nobody waiting on me.....? One big secret is, I mailed back a box of stuff I was never going to use out of Mammoth about 13lbs of cold weather gear - was hesitant but ultimately the right decision If anyone is interested in the inventory let me know I would be more then happy to send along a check list - that seemed to work perfect for THIS trip Thanks again and look forward to many many more camping trips, or even a ride around the neighborhood..... riggerdan Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PastaPilot 17 Posted September 8, 2011 Big thanks for sharing your adventure. Loved the photos and the entire route. Great report. Don't let Schwinn see these pictures from Montana and Wyoming. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SCHWINN 0 Posted September 8, 2011 Big thanks for sharing your adventure. Loved the photos and the entire route. Great report. Don't let Schwinn see these pictures from Montana and Wyoming. Unbelievable,Best write and pics I have seen in a long time. Yes my family and I have spent many weeks all around Montana, Wyoming Yosemite area. I even got a job transfer to Missoula but backed out last second. GREAT job. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
650ben 0 Posted September 8, 2011 First off, great report. I would love to see the list of items you took along, I believe others might also. Never to old to learn something new. Thanks 650Ben Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bikeslut 1 Posted October 18, 2013 moved by request of OP Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kato 53 Posted October 18, 2013 What an awesome post, this is what its all about. cant beleive i had missed it, thank you! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
KTMrad 512 Posted October 18, 2013 What an awesome post, this is what its all about. cant beleive i had missed it, thank you! That's why I added this multi day trip forum....because there are a lot of awesome multi day trip reports from many different places.....and now u can find them all in this new forum section. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Beezzz 6 Posted October 19, 2013 Great to read the post again. Thanks. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Desertrunner 0 Posted October 19, 2013 That was an awesome report. Thanks for bringing it back up for us to read. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Chris in Wildomar 0 Posted October 20, 2013 Great Write up and pics!! You are definitely a lucky man! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
FuzzyNugs 0 Posted October 20, 2013 That was such a great report. Amazing photos. I'll admit I didn't even notice the date until after I read it. The whole time I was wondering how you got such great weather so late in the year. Glad it got a few new reads and I like the idea of splitting up the ride reports by length. Those trout and IPA looked tasty! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ericp 0 Posted May 25, 2014 I have taken ALOT of solo trips for multiple days, but never one like this. Tell me, if you had to do it again, would you bring someone else with you? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
