Canadian and Northeastern States Trip

I'm planning my next cross-country trip for 2010, which will allow me to check off the remaining states, with the exception of Alaska (Planning this one for 2011), that I have traveled in. I'll be touring up through North Dakota, across Minnesota, up into Canada, then east, dropping down into Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Connecticut.

I'll be visiting a lot of historical places along the way, including the birthplace of Joseph Smith and Upper State New York again, to visit the Palmyra area. For my return route, I'll follow along the upper border of the United States, through the tip of Michigan, across Wisconsin, and then a beeline home.

I'm considering May or June for this trip, wanting to avoid cold temperatures, and of course snow. The trip should be a total of about 7,000 to 8,000 miles over three weeks.

Still Riding in Winter

Friday, my son-in-law Jared Ogden and I, rode our motorcycles to the shores of the Great Salt Lake. The temperatures were in the mid 30's, but we dressed warm. I have heated clothing that plugs right into the battery of my bike. My gloves, jacket and pants liners and socks are all interconnected and lined with heating coils. It is the price one must pay to continue his passion during the cold winter months. Since purchasing my current bike in 2004, I can say that I have ridden my motorcycle every single month of the year. I'm good in the cold, as long as the pavement is not snow-packed or icy.

Upon reaching the shores of the Great Salt Lake, it was evident that the level of the lake has dropped significantly. Many years ago, when Utah had experienced several wet years, with high runoffs, our then current governor of the State, Norm Bangerter, had these huge water pumps installed west of the Lake to pump the lake and reduce the threatening water levels. Had the lake continued it rise, there would have been extensive damage to surrounding homes and businesses. Now the pumps sit dormant, a reminder of our once high-water flood problem. The project itself cost the taxpayer 60 million dollars and was used for two years.

As with any ride, it was good to climb upon the iron horse, allowing the wind to encircle the bike and the rider--freedom at its finest.

Finally made it home safe from my California Motorcycle Trip. The ride down was uneventful. Left Salt Lake at 6:00 AM on Wednesday, and rolled into Anaheim around 5:00 PM. Had a great time with Penny, Teresa, and Jennica. The trip back was uneventful until I was 10 miles south of Beaver, Utah. I ran right into a snow storm with blizzard conditions. The roads started icing up. Luckily there was an off ramp right there. I parked my bike walked back to the road and hitched a ride into Beaver to get a tow truck to haul me back into Beaver for the night. The next morning I started out again, only to come upon more icy roads. A prayer was answered and a nice guy with a trailer picked me and the bike up and drove us about 50 miles past the ice. I can ride in just about anything, except icy roads.

November Trip to California

My wife, Penny, and two of our daughters, Jennica (Still living at home, and unmarried) and Teresa (Married with a cute little boy), have planned a trip down to Anaheim (Disneyland) from Nov 11th to the 14th. They asked if I wanted to come along, and I said no, that I didn't want to intrude on their girl's trip. But then they said, "Well, why don't you ride your motorcycle down and meet us." Now, that got my attention.

I am planning on riding down to Anaheim on Wednesday, Nov 11th, and coming back on Saturday, Nov 14th. I'll leave around 5:30 AM Wednesday morning and drive straight through, figuring I should arrive around 6:00 to 7:00 PM that night, about 700 miles. I'll do the same coming back on Saturday.

The temperatures should be in the low 30's Wednesday morning, but should warm up into the 70's once I hit St. George and Las Vegas.

I'm not concerned with the cold, since I have heated gloves, socks, pants and jacket. I should stay toasty warm. The weather appears to be clear for the ride...but you never know, so I'll prepare for rain, and possibly snow.

Northwest Trip - Aug 2009 Video

Salt Lake To Florida - 2009

In March 2009, I journeyed from Salt Lake City to Daytona Beach, Florida. Given the time of year, I actually had pretty good weather. It was cold until I got down into Texas. I did travel through a few rain storms, but nothing too bad. You can visit my blog of the trip here: Southern States Trip 2009

Salt Lake To New York - 2008

May of 2008 I journeyed from Salt Lake City to New York, down through Philadelphia and Washington D.C., then back to Salt Lake. I met a lot of great people and learn much about our American heritage. You can visit my trip blog here: New York Bike Trip 2008

Snake River (Jackson Hole) Trip - May 2009

We met early Friday morning, May 29th, and started our journey heading east on I-80 towards Evanston, Wyoming.

In Evanston, Wyoming, we headed north on Hwy 89/16 through several small towns until we connected with Hwy 89 into Jackson Hole, Wyoming.

Our Camp

Early the next morning we boarded our small six man (person) rafts for a rip-roaring ride down the Snake River. The river was the highest it had been in a decade, which made for some close encounters with death.

On our way back home.

Iron Butt Ride - May 2009

Ironbutt.com, an association that promotes safe, long rides for the toughest riders in America, honors riders who complete a "SaddleSore 1,000 mile ride. To qualify, a rider must ride his motorcycle 1,000 miles in less than 24 hours.

On May 4, 2009 Mike Jarvis (Orem), Jared Gant (Orem) and myself, Brad Stone (Salt Lake City), set out at 4:00 AM that morning to accomplish this challenge. Our pre-determined route took us from Orem and Salt Lake City, to Wendover, Nevada via Interstate I-80. Then we followed Hwy 93 south, through Ely, NV, and Hwy 6 southwest to Tonopah. From Tonopah, on Hwy 95 southwest, passing on the northeast border of Death Valley, on into Las Vegas. From Las Vegas it was a straight shot home on north I-15. 1,083 miles in a little over 20 hours, arriving home just before 1:00 AM the next day.

Jared Gant of Orem, Utah, on his Kawasaki 1600 Nomad

Mike Jarvis of Orem, Utah on his Kawasaki Vulcan 2000

And me, Brad Stone, of Salt Lake City, Utah on his Honda VTX 1300

Our trip was completed at 12:30 that night

Lake Powell - September 2009

September 18th, Mike Jarvis, my riding buddy and partner in a houseboat, decided to ride down to Lake Powell, from Salt Lake City, to do some electrical work on our houseboat. The ride was very enjoyable, traveling through some beautiful vistas and red landscapes. We spent the night and returned the next day.

Our ride down and back was a little over 600 miles.

This picture was taken from the Hite area overlook.

This is the bridge that crosses over the Colorado River, which empties into Lake Powell.

Picture taken on the bridge crossing over the Colorado River.

Mike Jarvis and myself at the Hite overlook to Lake Powell.

Introduction of this New Blog

Over the years, as I have traveled this great nation, I have developed an endearing love for its people, countryside and history. My hope is to share with you, my blog visitor, my adventures and feelings as I explore and discover what makes this nation great, hoping to restore to your mind that we truly live in the greatest nation in the world.

Therefore, the purpose of this particular blog will be to centralize all my cross country motorcycle trips and blogs into one location. This blog will be the assembly of all my trips, past, present and future. I may still maintain a separate blog for each trip, but you'll have access to all my trips here.

I would encourage your comments, and look forward to sharing with you my motorcycle life.

Enjoy,

Brad Stone