Part IV - Kickin' It And Rippin' It.


April 29/15

We decided to take yesterday off and have a rest day which was a good call as we both woke up feeling tired and achy from the long ride the day before. When I went downstairs to extend our stay for another night the gal at the front desk obliged and cut our rate by another 15%. Sweet!

Returning to our room I had great intentions of going to the 'Museum of Clean', however; the call of the bed was too great and we ended up sleeping 'til the early afternoon. Now refreshed we take a run up to the local Suzuki dealer to look for a tank bag but unfortunately they only had the strap and magnet type and I really wanted the new clip-on style. Not to worry we had a nice chat with Matt at Pocatello Powersports who really wanted to help us. Friendly guy! Next we scoot over to the Harley-Davidson shop to look for an in-line switch for my heated vest. No stock but once again we meet a really friendly gal, Elissa, who also went out of her way to help us. She and Lori got along great, talking about Native culture and rituals while I kicked some tires in the showroom. One more errand to Walmart for some odds and ends and we're feeling hungry. Luckily for us the Texas Roadhouse was right next door so we pile in for ribs 'n' chicken for me and a sirloin for her Ladyship. Great dinner, friendly service....two thumbs up.

We rocket back to the hotel and it's chill time.


April 30/15

I wake up raring to go, brekkie, check out, load up and roll out. After topping up the fuel tanks we're on the slab, no choice for the first part of today's run, and roaring south doing 80+ mph heading for Salt Lake City about two and a half hours away. The slab is fast and clear and we cross the state line about an hour or so later. We want to skirt Salt Lake City, avoid the inevitable traffic and get out of there as fast as we can. I plotted a route on the GPS starting with I-15 to I-215 to I-80 West and then veer south on Hwy 36. We clear the city in record time and stop on I-80 just before the Hwy 36 exit for a boo at Great Salt Lake which always smells to me. Maybe just my imagination. Back on the bikes and two minutes later we pull into the Chevron for some gas and a coffee. I take the opportunity to check the bikes over, lube the chain and check the air in the cooling tires. The half hour was a good investment as I can stretch my legs, drink my coffee and depart feeling refreshed.

Now the fun begins! Hwy 36 starts off going through the two small communities Stansbury Park and Tooele. Not too much going on here, just the usual run of strip malls and gas stations. We`re soon clear of civilization and the road opens up before us. The posted speed is 65 but you can get away with the low 70`s. The riding is very enjoyable with the temperature in the low 20`s and lots of bluesky and sunshine; the winning combination. The landscape started with rolling ranchland then turns to scrub desert, a lonely orchard, back to more ranches, grazing cattle and back to scrub for the last few miles to the junction of Hwy 6 where we swing south-west with our sights on the town of  Delta where we stop for the night.

 

Lori ridning along Utah Hwy 36 South

 

 

Utah Hwy 6 West

 

 

Rippin`along on the `Strom.

 

We`re stopping early as this is the starting point for tomorrow`s leg which we`ll need all day for. An early finish sets us up for an early start so this was a strategic move by your two intrepid riders.

Checking the web we find rave reviews for the Mexican restaurant across the street so no persuasion is needed. Very tasty chicken chimichanga and an interesting beef dish for Lori which I don`t have the name of.

 

 

Excuse my shaky hands...I was hungry.

 

 

 

Lori ordered the server`s personal favorite. She always does that.

We walk back to the hotel and there`s time for some blogging and a Clint Eastwood movie on the tube. Tomorrow is going to be a BIG day so it`s buenos noches mi amigos.

Distance for the day

303 miles
488 kms

Steve
Delta, Utah