Moto Ride Day 2
This day begins in McCammon, ID and is a scenic…albeit spirited…ride to Vernal, UT. 300 miles of fantastic rides, views and geologic history. There are two things that are exciting me about this ride. The first is being able to ride through the Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area which is known for its amazing beauty and great motorcycle roads. The second exciting thing is a ride south on Hwy 191 through the Ashley National Forest to Vernal UT. It’s a 300 mile ride so I’ll have lots of time for stops and a relaxed pace.
A note about The Harkness Hotel in McCammon, ID. I recommend it. The owners are a wonderful young couple returning to their roots and making a difference in this little town. The Harkness Hotel brings a new group of tourists to McCammon that enjoy a wonderfully luxurious respite…complete with complimentary cappuccino in the lobby. This historic building has been completely rebuilt into an artistic showcase. Each room is unique and surrounded with relics of local history and events. It is near the Lava Hot Springs, ID, which is the hot local destination spot.
I leave McCammon, ID toward the east on Hwy 30, and promptly see a sign for the “Old Oregon Trail Rd”. I turn in and follow the old wagon trail… and it makes me feel what it must have been like to travel the trail back then. The road continues to meander through the hillsides. Parts are still in the original locations. Of course the actual trail path changes and eventually became railroads and highways. Seeing so much involvement with the Oregon Trail here in Wyoming makes me happy as a guy that considers Oregon his home state!
Oh, time zones are a challenge here. Are you in Idaho, Wyoming, Utah….even Colorado? Who knows…and do they use Daylight Savings time like everyone else does? ???
I met a nice couple from Wisconsin on their Tri-Glide. I don’t know what time it was, but we were all having lunch in Diamondville, WY. They were on mile 2900+ …and counting for this ride. They are camping along the way too! You gotta respect all the planning, coordination, and responsibility of keeping track of everything. One day that’ll be me.
Ok, back to the ride.
Bear Lake on Hwy 30 is on the way to the Flaming Gorge. People tend to like this ride, but not me. Too many people and more built up than I like to see. But there’s a great motorcycle road at Garden City on the west side of Bear Lake. Hwy 89 goes up and into the twisties. I’ll have to try that road next time…
There were many bikers riding the shores of Bear Lake
I get the wave leaving Bear Lake
Back to Flaming Gorge, I ride down the canyon from the Northwest side. 191 is amazing and just keeps getting better as you ride. The roads are pretty good and there are places to pass slower cars, but going slow is the best way to see the views. Watch for the educational roadside signs. It’s a learn as you ride kind of experience! In June, there are plenty of OHV 4 wheelers, hikers, geography students, and lots of motorcycles. Lots of motorcycles. I see husband and wife teams, sport groups, Harley groups, solo riders, BMW adventurous types, and occasional Tri-Glides. There are a few sheriffs in the area, but there’s no need to rush anyway. The views are why you’re there and learning about the geography is a bonus.
Entering the Flaming Gorge Recreation Area from Highway UT 44 on the west side.
Flaming Gorge is named appropriately for these colorful canyons
What a view, stop and smell the roses
I am heading toward 191 south and before you know it, it’s here. Southbound, there’s not a lot on this road at first. The actual road conditions are not that great, but not that bad either. There are no potholes to worry about, but the bumpy surface can get annoying at times. I think that’s more because of my suspension than the road. The more south you go, the better it gets. This is one fun road to travel on a motorcycle and everyone seems to be driving fast! Keep and eye out for the steep switchbacks. You’ll want to be in front of trucks before you get to them. As soon as you complete the switchbacks, there are long sweepers through the hills and valleys that will put a huge smile on your face. This ride is definitely worth it.
Vernal is the dinosaur capital of the world. If you’re interested, this is a good time for being a tourist. This area is where more dinosaurs fossils are found there than anywhere in the world. It seems the geology is perfect. Lots of upwelling so you have very ancient rocks, but also with the path of the rivers and the ancient history of marshland, has created the perfect place to find dinosaur fossils.
The Utah Field House of Natural History State Park Museum
Thanks for following along!
MotoForever!
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