Day 5 - Ely, NV to Orem, UT
Our longest day & we’re impressed at not being wiped out by the heat, distance and media events. Typically we dread interstate roads, but today’s ride went surprisingly well. 160 miles of interstate, 120 miles of barren desert highway, an interview with the Fox Channel in Salt Lake City, a telephone interview with a radio news service, after which we finally showered before enjoying a well-deserved dinner. (MUCH more and pics after the jump.)
We traveled at a steady 65 to 70 MPH, yet even when passed by 18 wheelers - and yes, there were times we did the passing - the bikes held steady. We’re not sure how 500cc’s can take you to 90 MPH, but it does! We even found the mini-windshield more effective than anticipated.
Bob and I agreed that the MP3 500 can easily handle long hauls. In addition, after 5 days, our calculations showed we’ve been averaging close to 60 MPG. At that rate we’ll have spent less than $300 on gas by the time we reach Times Square.
I must correct a claim about Highway 50 being "The Loneliest Road In America". It’s the second loneliest. That claim must go to Highway’s 93 and 93A. About 120 miles of untouched, unfenced, unfarmed land with only two lanes of blacktop changing it from the route of the early settlers and the 1913 Lincoln Highway drivers. You can’t help but think of the courage, self-reliance and adventurousness of those people. I kept thinking that this was the very landscape they saw; the vast open expanse, the distant mountains, the unending scrub. On these roads one can experience something of their world…and marvel at their hardships and determination.
Between the riding and the technology — photo cameras, video cameras, computers, cables, power cords, card readers, air sticks — there’s lots going on all the time. Bob loves the computer stuff, which is helpful since, at best, I’m at a stand-off. I’m far better friends with the cameras. Together, Bob & I seem to keeping the blog masters happy. Between the hyper-intense New York guy & the calmer, kinder guy from Fremont, CA we make a pretty good team. At this point in the tour our biggest difference is in our prostates. My four pit stops to his one! He’ll have to adjust. (Piaggio Blog Ground Control NY would take the latter challenge - ED)
Now that we have fully bonded with the MP3’s, we can start calling them by name. Mine quietly whispered "Marchello" to me, and I overheard Bob talking to his saying, "OK, Sophia". (Don’t worry, Jeanne, he still loves you).
So tomorrow Marchello & Sophia will have their well deserved servicing, we’ll do more media events, and in the afternoon the four of us will head for the Lincoln Highway Association Annual Conference in Evanston, Wyoming.
Buddy & Bob out.
Looks like a nice trip. Still wish I were there.
Guys, those pics are awesome and the commentary is grand!
I just got an Mp3 500 for my birthday and despite the rude general manager when I questioned the $10,800 OTD, and when I called 1 hour after purchase because I had a problem, I am optimistic about the future.
Wow! this just keeps getting better for the readers. I can only imagine how great it is for the do-ers. I have spent nearly ten years tying to find a name for my motorcycle. Perhaps these three wheel things just have more personality…Take care and I really look forward to hearing how these bikes deal with the rockies!
What a great trip by a great couple of guys!!! I hope we fixed the Tomtom’s
Hey Buddy — the Cedar Mountain Wild Horses, they just might be the cousins of the Corolla dunes ones … Sharon
I want one.
Greetings from Rosinante, the two-wheeled horse of Don Quixote, the man of Schotten, to Sophia. Jeanne would not mind.
Thanks for keeping us informed. Sounds like a fantastic adventure. Don’t envy you in that hot weather and leather jackets. Missed you at the meeting today. Appreciate the plug about Lions and eye glass program.
Men after my own heart! You’ve named your bikes–or they let you know what their names are. Great names, too. There are people who name their bikes and those who don’t. Those who don’t think the rest of us are demented/infantile, but perhaps they just don’t understand how much one can come to love what is, after all, a machine. So glad to hear you’ve bonded to your rides. My Burgman, Ingrid, says “Way to go!”
Karryll: Marchello and Sophia would love get together with Ingrid someday. Buddy and Bob
I’m really glad I found this site. The idea of long rides and no age limits appeals to me. Since it appears I might have at least another couple of decades to ride I just need to figure out how to get away from work for a month or so to go on a little trip.
Looking forward to more posts and pictures from your trip.
Good luck!
Steve Williams
Scooter in the Sticks