SoCal Road Trip and Iron Butt Nomination

Discussion in '8th Generation 2014-Present' started by Vulcanator, Aug 21, 2019.

  1. Vulcanator

    Vulcanator New Member

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    Guys,

    Just got back from my road trip to Southern California. I rode the Oregon coast, and the whole length of Highway 1 in California over three days-the ride did not disappoint. Once in Socal, I met up with some of my old motorcycle courier buddies to do some local rides. On Saturday I rode the Santa Monica Mountains to the Rock Store. Sunday I rode the Angeles Crest Highway to Newcomb's Ranch and onto Wrightwood for breakfast at the Grizzly Cafe. The SoCal roads brought back memories of my time when they were my local roads.

    I had planned a two day ride back up to Portland, but with the threat of lousy weather, plus the fact the VFR was munching miles at a prodigious rate I ended up completing the ride in less than a day. I ran US-101 from LA to San Rafael, then I-5 up to Portland. I knocked out around 1063 miles in 17hours, 55 minutes! My backside is certainly feeling it today. Attached are some pictures, as always the scenery pics don't paint true majesty of the coast. As for the VFR-it was a flawless performance.



    IMG_0147.jpg IMG_0163.jpg IMG_0166.jpg IMG_0169.jpg IMG_0178.jpg IMG_0184.jpg IMG_0220.jpg
     
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  2. Allyance

    Allyance Insider

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    Thanks for the photos, been to the Rock Store and Newcomb's Ranch many times back in the 80’s.
     
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  3. 34468 Randy

    34468 Randy Secret Insider

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    Scenery understood. I have ridden down there a few times now. One of which is an official Iron Butt Ride with two others from here, but who are inactive here now. One time down there, in 2014 I think, the year of the IB ride, we stopped at the Rock Store which was not open at the time. Was closed for renos. We spent about half an hour with the people there though, trying to center that "Rock Store" sign over head. Tried to find a photo of that but I guess I did not download it from my camera, and I just lost most of my photos from the memory card in the camera.

    I took a 2014 out for a test ride a few weeks back. Was bound and determined to buy that bike on that date. Had my cash in hand. But I rode that thing for about and hour and that was all I could do with the ergonomics the way they were. I can't tell you how disappointed I was. The 8th gen is such a sweet bike. Far more zip than my 06 too.
     
  4. Mad Doctor

    Mad Doctor New Member

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    Nice pictures. I especially love the contrast between the white back and I'm planning an Ironbutt myself as soon as the weather is cooler. My proposed route is starting in Utah, and riding down I 80 to Sacramento, I 5 to California, and I 15 back to Utah.

    Recently did 800 from Utah to Las Vegas in about 16 hrs (spent about 3 hrs wit a friend in Vegas before heading back) so I'm feeling confident enough to take it on.
     
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  5. VFR4Lee

    VFR4Lee Member

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    The Rock Store, Newcombs Ranch. Popular destinations.
    What about the Rock Inn at Lake Hughes?!
    I tend to go that way more, less traffic.

    Nice pics of the coast. :)
     
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  6. Vulcanator

    Vulcanator New Member

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    My friend suggested that place. I'll have to hit that up the next time I'm down there.
     
  7. Allyance

    Allyance Insider

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    I felt the same way when I got mine. Got the Knight design lower pegs and the MotoPumps risers ASAP and it made all the difference in the world.
     
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  8. 34468 Randy

    34468 Randy Secret Insider

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    I would have to test ride/sit a bike so equipped before I buy one. Too much money, even used, to end up with a bike I can not enjoy to the extent I enjoy my present ride. I have had a few lower back surgeries which are hellish at times for me as it is. And also with my advanced years of service on this old body, my neck is showing its wear and tear too. So I have decided to spend some money on bringing the old bitch up to better standards than I have let it deteriorate to, and fix the damage I caused to it in Baja last October for now.
     
  9. Viffer J

    Viffer J New Member

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    Congrats man, that's impressive! Thanks for sharing the pics, great ride indeed.
     
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