Glad to hear everyone made it home okay! Sounds like all of us had some kind of extra "adventures". As Ray and Tom know, my bike was running like shit when we got into Tahoe - my next bike will have FI and a bigger tank for sure! Not only that, but my chain continued to stretch to it's limit. It finally decided to commit suicide about five miles after we left Yosemite. It jumped, ruining the sprockets and cracking the case. So we, I, was stuck in the middle of nowhere. Vern rode to the next town, 45 miles away, and tried to find anyplace open that had anything we could fix it with while I sat on the side of the road with my knife and a flashlight. He came back empty-handed. We ended up pushing my bike back up the hill about 1/4 mile to a gas station that was closed, but behind it was a little hostel that put us up for the night. I'm glad they had a room available, but damn, $80 for a bed in a room that was smaller than most bathrooms. And there was a "public" bathroom and shower area.

The next morning Vern ran down to town again and got some JB Weld. He got the case all buttoned up and we sat at the hostel watching TV for about 5 1/2 hrs until it was cured enough to limp to Angel's Camp. We shopped a couple of Yamaha shops to see if anyone had a chain and sprockets, but no one had anything. Stayed at Angel's Camp that night and spent over an hour on the phone the next morning looking for a chain. Finally found one in Stockton. Walked out of there with new chain, new sprocket all put on for $160. Really cool guys at that shop, wish I could remember the name to pass on...

Anyways, we ended up doing Hwy 36, that was a BLAST! The first part was my favorite with all the roller coaster hills and sweepers, I squealed like a girl! Oh wait, I am a girl!

My sister and brother-in-law rode down to meet us in Seaside, OR. We ate dinner and did some window-shopping on Saturday.

The rest of the trip went on without incident except that we got dumped on the last two days coming home. I had about and inch of water in my boots when I got home.

I had a great time meeting all of you, hopefully more people will show up next year. If anyone ever makes it up to our corner of the U.S. give us a buzz.


Here's some pics:

Jeepers, what a trial to get home! Glad you finally made it. Great pictures...I spent a couple of weeks in Bridgeport, the scenery is incredible. Sounds like the ride was a blast as well.

Wow what an adventure!

I hate to say it but I have been there before too...

It was great to meet you and Vern. Glad everything worked out for you guys and I look forward to seeing you 2 neXXt year.

Good to see you rideing again Vern. Nice pics.

great pics / bummer story glad it all worked out though and that you both made it home safe.

Originally Posted by WILLSXX

Wow what an adventure!

I hate to say it but I have been there before too...

It was great to meet you and Vern. Glad everything worked out for you guys and I look forward to seeing you 2 neXXt year.

(it saves some typing)

I squeel like a girl every time I ride Hwy 36.

Nice, was the knife to protect you from the Bears? Interesting pics.

Originally Posted by CanadianBird

Nice, was the knife to protect you from the Bears? Interesting pics.

Nope, I trust the bears more than some of the people that were driving by. I'm in leathers, all by myself, clearly broken down (fairings off next to the bike), in the middle of a huge forest...all it takes is one crazy person.

Originally Posted by Kuulei

Nope, I trust the bears more than some of the people that were driving by. I'm in leathers, all by myself, clearly broken down (fairings off next to the bike), in the middle of a huge forest...all it takes is one crazy person.

Why do I have the scene from Live Free or Die Hard where the chic is kicking McClanes butt...a total Trinity from Matrix vs Agent Smith