Our annual get away

[canamjhb]

In mid July, my wife and I along with another couple will embark on our annual adventure. This will be the first time for me on the Spyder. Previously I have been riding Goldwings for the last 25+ years. We are leaving Mesa, AZ and heading to California, on up the coast, thru wine country and on to the Redwoods. Then we continue on to Oregon along the coast and turn inland at about mid state. Then we head north into Montana, look around a little and do some loop-te-doos on down into Colorado, Utah, and back to Arizona. Total time out is about 18 days and about 3500 miles.

The other couple ride a 2015 RTL and pull a freedom trailer. That was my incentive to look at Spyder. Ended up buying a used 2014 RTL with matching RT 622 trailer. We retired my wifes Goldwing and she is now riding my old bike. She is looking forward to taking lots of stuff along with the new trailer.

Last year we did a little over 5,500 miles with no trailer and felt like we over-packed for the trip. I guess stuff gets to go along with the ability to bring it.....

[bayoumanPIBE]

I'll get some time like that one day...love my weekends now. Ya'll are going to have a blast! Enjoy every minute of it...life moves fast.

[SpyderAnn01]

Sounds like a great trip once you get out of the furnace and into the cool coastal weather. You'll love the trailer but you'll likely be happier if you minimize what you take with you. Nothing worse than having to lug too much stuff into a hotel room every day and wind up never wearing it. Have fun and post lots of pictures.

[Chupaca]

looks like a whole new experince this time around. if you gather as you travel and have no need to dress to impress carry a light load of old and disposable so you can return with the new and usable....

[canamjhb]

looks like a whole new experince this time around. if you gather as you travel and have no need to dress to impress carry a light load of old and disposable so you can return with the new and usable....

That's a good idea. A few years ago wife and I did a couple week trip around Utah and Colorado. We had all bags LOADED and more bags strapped to back seats and trunk racks. WAY over packed. We spent a couple days in Moab, UT and mailed a box of cloths (dirty) and extra bags back home. Had the neighbors get the box off our porch and store it until we got home. The lighter load made a more comfortable ride. We learn as we go. Now with the trailer, I have to think up new reasons not to buy all those mementos and trinkets...

[canamjhb]

We had a great trip. Took two days of early morning riding to get out of the furnace. California wine country and the Redwoods were a little warm but tolerable. Once out on the coast, it became cool, foggy, and windy. Absolutely best part of the ride was from the Oregon coast east to Missoula, MT. Gentle twisties mostly along rivers almost the entire way. South through Yellowstone was a disappointment. We have been there before but this time it was so crowded we didn't stop except for refreshments and road construction. Didn't see even a chipmunk. Only cars and people. Further south we went through Bryce Canyon and Zion National Parks. Beautiful. Then back south to Arizona and home. Total was 21 days and 4,600 miles. As usual, we over packed. But the trailer made that tolerable. Ready to go again...

[UtahPete]

We had a great trip. Took two days of early morning riding to get out of the furnace. California wine country and the Redwoods were a little warm but tolerable. Once out on the coast, it became cool, foggy, and windy. Absolutely best part of the ride was from the Oregon coast east to Missoula, MT. Gentle twisties mostly along rivers almost the entire way. South through Yellowstone was a disappointment. We have been there before but this time it was so crowded we didn't stop except for refreshments and road construction. Didn't see even a chipmunk. Only cars and people. Further south we went through Bryce Canyon and Zion National Parks. Beautiful. Then back south to Arizona and home. Total was 21 days and 4,600 miles. As usual, we over packed. But the trailer made that tolerable. Ready to go again...

That sounds like an amazing route you took. I've been to all the places you mentioned but never made a loop out of it. Thanks for the inspiration (all but the Arizona in summer part!)

[pegasus1300]

We had a great trip. Took two days of early morning riding to get out of the furnace. California wine country and the Redwoods were a little warm but tolerable. Once out on the coast, it became cool, foggy, and windy. Absolutely best part of the ride was from the Oregon coast east to Missoula, MT. Gentle twisties mostly along rivers almost the entire way. South through Yellowstone was a disappointment. We have been there before but this time it was so crowded we didn't stop except for refreshments and road construction. Didn't see even a chipmunk. Only cars and people. Further south we went through Bryce Canyon and Zion National Parks. Beautiful. Then back south to Arizona and home. Total was 21 days and 4,600 miles. As usual, we over packed. But the trailer made that tolerable. Ready to go again...

If you're ready to go again come up to Red Rock Spyder Rally in St. George the end of September.

This post needs pictures

[ARtraveler]

Sounds like you folks had a great. Also one of my favorite places to visit.


RE: Gear list. Now that you have returned, you have an idea of what you did not need for the next trip. Just leave it at home next time.

[BigGuy66]

... a whole lot of fun. Seeing all those wonderful sights sure makes a ride enjoyable. Glad that you had a (mostly) memorable ride!
Jim