nklr-return from klr adventure

[Adam Stahnke]

I keep it short and simple.  This was one of the best vacations I have ever taken.    Sunsets, a sunrise, a moonrise, hot springs, campgrounds, vineyards, rivers, lakes, the Pacific, an historic hotel, joshua trees, redwoods, deer, black bears, European tourists, and Harley riders that don't wave.  Here is a quick run down: [u]Bike:[/u]  A7, stock engine/exhaust, Uni-filter. [u]The plan:[/u]  Ride up 101 and 1.  I got to Arcata, layed out the maps and made the choice to cross the Shasta-Trinity area and hit Hwy 395. [u]Total miles ridden[/u]: About 2K. [u]Number of days on road[/u]: 6 [u]Shortest day:[/u]  185 miles (Bridgeport to Lone Pine with side trips off road in Mono Lake Area, June Lakes, Mammoth, and Alabama Hills) [u]Longest day:[/u] 425 miles, 10 hours on bike due to construction and wildfires.  (Arcata to Bridgeport) [u]KLRs spotted: [/u]1 Y2K outside of Garberville. [u]KLR problems:[/u] None mechanical.  I did loose a plastic black insert in one of the radiator shrouds, and my bike computer mount fell apart while off road, hence the unknown total mileage.  I also discovered that large displacement water cooled bikes don't like upper 30's F at 7,000' elevation. [u]Little things that made a big difference:[/u]  Alleve.  Platypus(fill it anywhere).  16 tooth front sprocket.  A camp towel.  Aerostitch sells the "Evapodana."  I bought a camp towel and used it he same way.  Soak it and wrap it around your neck it hot weather. [u]Tire report:[/u]  Gripster AM24s.  32 PSI the entire way.  Excellent performance, low noise.  Good on fireroads with loaded bike.  I hit some sandy areas around Mammoth and the Alabama Hills.  Not fun on a loaded bike!  I bailed out of those area quickly.  I never aired down or unloaded the bike, but I am sure the tires would be adequate.

An outstanding trip.

-Adam (still smiling)