moab. ups and downs

[mrob1515@aol.com]

When I was on my way to Moab this year, I asked myself why am I going to this dual sport rally? What do I expect to get from this 2500 mile round trip adventure?. I came up with four objectives: 1). To make new friends, 2). Improve my riding skills, 3) to enjoy the scenery and 4). Seek adventure. Overall, the Moab experience exceeded my expectations and now that I am back and have had a chance to reflect on my adventure, here is my evaluation of Moab: UP to my MOTOTOTE. This is a really neat gadget. It fits into the Class three hitch receiver of my pick up enabling me to use my canopy. My KLR, when attached to the MOTOTOTE, rides parallel to the rear bumper. It takes 10 minutes to load, and 5 minutes to unload. I camped in the back of my truck, safe and secure under my canopy. UP to Gino and Fred for a well organized Rally. Nice job, you guys. DOWN to The BLM for banning organized rides. UP to Fred Hink for thumbing his nose at the BLM and leading a great ride over the Mt LaSal loop. Down to the yo-yos on the Hondas and Suzukis who were criticizing my KLR stating the KLR means "Kant Leave the Road"! Well, duh. UP to the very nice gentleman on the Honda who helped me pick up my KLR after falling and get it going again (you were the dude who got hit in the thigh by flying gravel). Up to Craig from Hesperia, California for volunteering to be my riding partner and giving me invaluable advice for improving my riding skills. Craig is an executive for General Motors who has a true passion for dual sport riding. This guy was amazing. Not only is he an expert rider, but he also used to lead tours in to Copper Canyon, and recently did a dual sport ride through South Africa. He now sells do it yourself tour packages for Copper Canyon using a GPS. UP to Canyonlands Campground for their great hospitality and convenient facilities. An oasis in the middle of town. Up to Fat City Catering for providing great food at Old City Park on Thursday and Friday night. DOWN to the dude with the mustache who crowded in front of me while I was waiting in line for dinner on Friday night, and then had the audacity to give frontsies to his wife. UP to John Lyle for inspiring me to go long distance riding. UP to Mariola, who was like a breath of fresh air in a hot and dusty environment dominated by smelly, dirty, sweaty men. She turned a lot of heads with that sassy hair cut, great looks, European accent and her cute butt flattered by her off road racing pants. She rode all the way from Chicago on her KLR and is planning a trip around the world on it. I'm impressed!. Down to the people who were going to put on a riding clinic and then didn't show up. I was disappointed. I went to Moab to improve my riding skills. And finally, UP to the tall good looking red head from San Jose who was flirting with ever good looking man who was there. She sure got my wheels spinning! And she didn't even ride a bike! While in Moab, I visited Newspaper rock, Edge of the Cedars State Park, Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, Dead Horse Point State Park, and rode the Mt Lasal Loop and the Shafer Trail. While driving to and from Moab, I visited Nine Mile Canyon near Price Utah, as well as Natural Bridges National Monument, Capitol Reef National Park, Glen Canyon and Great Basin National Park in Nevada. I was able to make new friends, Improve my riding skills, See some fantastic scenery, and had a marvelous adventure. I'll be back next year. Mike Roberts Vancouver, USA KLR 650 A14 88 Honda GT Hawk NT 650 89 Honda GB 500 74 Ducati 750 GT 70 Norton Commando (Kenny Dreer special) 57 Triumph TR6/B 55 BSA Gold Star