What R9T adventures do you have planned for 2023?

1691 Views 34 Replies 18 Participants Last post by The Bean, 1 mo ago

TimC

Discussion Starter · 2 mo ago (Edited)

This is a bit different topic for the R9T Adventures section, and one I meant to post a couple months ago. But with the riding season just beginning for many of us, I think it's still appropriate enough to start this thread here now.

At the end of 2022 I started a thread that asked what were your favorite R9T moments of the year. In this thread, I'm asking folks to share a few details about what adventures they have planned for their R9Ts for 2023.

I don't have any concrete plans yet for this year, but this is what I have in mind so far:

I'd love to finally to the trip to Maine I've been dreaming of for the last few years. I have a couple weeks in July and August that aren't booked up yet, so this is probably my best chance to do that week long trip.
I'd like to do another trip to western North Carolina to ride the sweet twisty roads there again (and some along the way). I wouldn't normally do trips there in back-to-back years, but I'm still kind of salty my trip there last May got cut short.
I need to renew my passport first, but with the US/Canada border open again it would be fun to do a quick trip around Lake Erie.

And go!!

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21 - 35 of 35 Posts

TimC

Discussion Starter · #21 · 2 mo ago

Gene said:
Tim, did you mean the Tail of the Dragon which is US-129? The Back of the Dragon is VA-16 between Marion and Tazewell, VA, and south of Lynchburg.

You could also go to the BMW Riders weekend in September which is in Canaan Valley, WVA. Lots of good roads and sights to see.

No, I did mean the Back of the Dragon. Did I get the region of those two roads wrong? Maybe I need to take geography class again. 😕

Just thinking about these roads makes me so excited for this riding season!!

Reactions: 1

jpaton

· #22 · 2 mo ago

Currently, I am in the Temecula, CA area, riding (mostly) southeast of there: Mt. Palomar area and the canyons from Palm Desert and Borrego Springs to hwy 79, and the Hemet pass to Mountain View. Hope to ride from Pine Cone to Banning if the snow has melted.It’s cold here this year, so riding is limited to the nicer days.
In mid-April we head to Malibu, CA for 2- weeks to ride the canyons above the Pacific. This is an area I ride annually and it is spectacular (during the weekdays. Too much traffic on the weekends).
Then onto San Jose and Mount Mitchell for a few days.
Then over towards the coast to Castonooga (Pescadero area, N. Of Santa Cruz), to ride the canyons East of the Pacific and West of San Jose. I have 2-weeks here and these roads are great!
August takes me to Red Lodge, MT. for 2-weeks to ride the Red Lodge pass and Chief Joseph. This is noted to be the best motorcycle road in North America, and I think it is. Check this road out on your maps; it is truly incredible.
From there to South Dakota and Custer State Park for 2-weeks of riding. This is the best part of SD, and great riding. I think we arrive a couple of weeks after Sturgis, so hopefully traffic will be ok.
Then onto Colorado: Pikes Peak, and other roads I have not ridden yet. I spent 2-3 weeks in CO. last year and just touched on the roads; which were excellent.
Then we head East: The Ozarks, Table Rock Lake, etc.
From here I have no plans for next winter. But, will probably try to get back up into the Carolinas and North into the Appalachian’s. I know there are plenty of members in this part of the world and the riding is amongst the best in the country. I spent 2- months in 2021 riding between Franklin, NC and NY in the Appalachian’s and look forward to doing it again.
Ahhh, N. America with an RNT and no schedule.

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Ric Vilbig

· #23 · 2 mo ago

Sounds great, @jpaton! I lived in the Santa Cruz area for nearly 30 years, lots of great riding in the coastal canyons there as well as the SC Mountains. I also love the ride north from Ojai, just make sure you have plenty of gas. I miss the riding there, though I love living in Oregon now.

Reactions: 1

GTMartin

· #24 · 2 mo ago

Booked already this year for starters

5th May for a week, the Isle of Man a couple of weeks before the TT. Obviously a few runs round the TT track at sensible speeds

. Lots of other interesting roads including one that goes round the coast.

First real run out on the R Niner T in touring mode. Kitted out with UG top box and panniers (thanks again Dominic).

27th May Bike Shed show in London described on their website as Europe's biggest and best independent annual motorcycle show. Celebrates the creativity of the new-wave and cafe-racer custom motorcycle culture, with over 300 curated custom motorcycles.

Bike Shed Moto Show

2nd June another week away in North/mid Wales. Mountain passes may not be as high as in Europe or the US, but still fun to be had.

The best roads in Wales

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BlitzSchnell

· #25 · 2 mo ago

Hey @Chopper_Bob
Now that is a photo journal in the making Bob. Do a YouTube self promotion and play to get a camera drone for the advertising … tell ‘em all about the forum, the motorcycles, the membership (BigNumbers / Potential Customers) .. and hint about a production value like “ItchyBoots” with lots of plugs for the drone or the use of it. Now days with built in collision avoidance firmware built-in you push a button and ride away and the drone will follow you. That route you plotted, how many days and miles ….. That’s going to be epic ….. have you seen any of it before ? I have in-laws living in Fyn Denmark and the land/mountains/sea is amazing and like nothing here StateSide. Take many many picts …
BeWell, BonVoyage, StayUpOn2Mate. Remember to modify your daily gym routine to include some jaw exercises … I get the distinct feeling you’re going to be spending an extended time Smiling from ear to ear under your helmet and you don’t want to cramp up at over 100 or so ………. 😉🏍

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BlitzSchnell

· #26 · 2 mo ago

jpaton said:
Currently, I am in the Temecula, CA area, riding (mostly) southeast of there: Mt. Palomar area and the canyons from Palm Desert and Borrego Springs to hwy 79, and the Hemet pass to Mountain View. Hope to ride from Pine Cone to Banning if the snow has melted.It’s cold here this year, so riding is limited to the nicer days.
In mid-April we head to Malibu, CA for 2- weeks to ride the canyons above the Pacific. This is an area I ride annually and it is spectacular (during the weekdays. Too much traffic on the weekends).
Then onto San Jose and Mount Mitchell for a few days.
Then over towards the coast to Castonooga (Pescadero area, N. Of Santa Cruz), to ride the canyons East of the Pacific and West of San Jose. I have 2-weeks here and these roads are great!
August takes me to Red Lodge, MT. for 2-weeks to ride the Red Lodge pass and Chief Joseph. This is noted to be the best motorcycle road in North America, and I think it is. Check this road out on your maps; it is truly incredible.
From there to South Dakota and Custer State Park for 2-weeks of riding. This is the best part of SD, and great riding. I think we arrive a couple of weeks after Sturgis, so hopefully traffic will be ok.
Then onto Colorado: Pikes Peak, and other roads I have not ridden yet. I spent 2-3 weeks in CO. last year and just touched on the roads; which were excellent.
Then we head East: The Ozarks, Table Rock Lake, etc.
From here I have no plans for next winter. But, will probably try to get back up into the Carolinas and North into the Appalachian’s. I know there are plenty of members in this part of the world and the riding is amongst the best in the country. I spent 2- months in 2021 riding between Franklin, NC and NY in the Appalachian’s and look forward to doing it again.
Ahhh, N. America with an RNT and no schedule.

@jpaton … 👍🏻SmokieMountains ………… Awesome ……… NC so so beautiful in season (on a bike in Winter👎🏻) take picts and post please … rock my world …… Enjoy Rider …………………….. Blitz

Chopper_Bob

· #27 · 2 mo ago

BlitzSchnell said:
Hey @Chopper_Bob
Now that is a photo journal in the making Bob. Do a YouTube self promotion and play to get a camera drone for the advertising … tell ‘em all about the forum, the motorcycles, the membership (BigNumbers / Potential Customers) .. and hint about a production value like “ItchyBoots” with lots of plugs for the drone or the use of it. Now days with built in collision avoidance firmware built-in you push a button and ride away and the drone will follow you. That route you plotted, how many days and miles ….. That’s going to be epic ….. have you seen any of it before ? I have in-laws living in Fyn Denmark and the land/mountains/sea is amazing and like nothing here StateSide. Take many many picts …
BeWell, BonVoyage, StayUpOn2Mate. Remember to modify your daily gym routine to include some jaw exercises … I get the distinct feeling you’re going to be spending an extended time Smiling from ear to ear under your helmet and you don’t want to cramp up at over 100 or so ………. 😉🏍

Is bought a gopro…. Trying to get my brother and his wife to join too! Not so much in to droning,… but will attempt to record stuff.

the year inturned fifty i did route 66, abt half the distance and time needed for this…

i have been to Norway and sweden but more in the south of both.

this will be so epic to do!

Reactions: 2

jpaton

· #28 · 2 mo ago

8

jpaton said:
Currently, I am in the Temecula, CA area, riding (mostly) southeast of there: Mt. Palomar area and the canyons from Palm Desert and Borrego Springs to hwy 79, and the Hemet pass to Mountain Center. Hope to ride from Pine Cone to Banning if the snow has melted.It’s cold here this year, so riding is limited to the nicer days.
In mid-April we head to Malibu, CA for 2- weeks to ride the canyons above the Pacific. This is an area I ride annually and it is spectacular (during the weekdays. Too much traffic on the weekends).
Then onto San Jose and Mount Mitchell for a few days.
Then over towards the coast to Castonooga (Pescadero area, N. Of Santa Cruz), to ride the canyons East of the Pacific and West of San Jose. I have 2-weeks here and these roads are great!
August takes me to Red Lodge, MT. for 2-weeks to ride the Red Lodge pass and Chief Joseph. This is noted to be the best motorcycle road in North America, and I think it is. Check this road out on your maps; it is truly incredible.
From there to South Dakota and Custer State Park for 2-weeks of riding. This is the best part of SD, and great riding. I think we arrive a couple of weeks after Sturgis, so hopefully traffic will be ok.
Then onto Colorado: Pikes Peak, and other roads I have not ridden yet. I spent 2-3 weeks in CO. last year and just touched on the roads; which were excellent.
Then we head East: The Ozarks, Table Rock Lake, etc.
From here I have no plans for next winter. But, will probably try to get back up into the Carolinas and North into the Appalachian’s. I know there are plenty of members in this part of the world and the riding is amongst the best in the country. I spent 2- months in 2021 riding between Franklin, NC and NY in the Appalachian’s and look forward to doing it again.
Ahhh, N. America with an RNT and no schedule.

Yesterday, I rode from Aguanga, CA (Temecula area) to Banning, CA and then back. It was about 150 miles RT through some of the best roads in this area (Indeed, all of N. America). Started at 2,200 feet elevation, going through snow at 6,300 feet, and then back to 2,200 feet. Below is the route via Google Maps.

Screen Shot 2023-03-25 at 9.15.51 AM.png

This route (Basically) starts from Hwy 79 and the Sage Road (R3) traveling N. towards Hemet, CA. This road is great! Lots of curves, good pavement, and little traffic. It has flooded a lot here lately, and you have to watch for bisecting roads (mostly driveways) that are made of soil. The native soil here is mostly sand and it has washed down with the rain and much of it is on the road: Beware!
The route through Hemet and Valle Vista is just city traffic, stop lights, and cars. But, 5-miles E of Valle Vista Hwy 74 gets really good! My original mapping showed this road was closed: but it is not. There was a flagman 3-miles outside of Valle Vista, which was good because I moved up to the front of the line and was the first up the canyon. This was the only time I have not been held up by traffic on this route, and it was glorious (re-create the map and zoom in to see the curves, etc.). This section of road goes from 1,800 feet elevation to 4,500 feet at Mountain Center; where you start to see some snow.

They sand the roads here and the snow is melting so there is a lot of water. In a few places I encountered packed snow and ice, but it was only for 10-20 feet. But, be careful if you take this route now.
Idlywild and Pine Cone (Towns) have a lot of snow, and are at 6,000-6,300 feet. It was cold, but, blue skies and sunshine.

The route NW from Pinecone, CA is down a canyon on Hwy 243 and it is spectacular! Beautiful curves and great pavement: and on a Friday, no traffic. I only had to pass 1-truck.
From Banning, reverse this route and re-do it the other direction.

So, would I do it again? Absolutely! Just be cautious and smart when you reach the higher elevations.
Snow and motorcycles are a slippery slope. Use your legs as outriggers, go slow, and no quick acceleration(s). (I have un-expectantly hit snow on 3 other occasions between Banff and Jasper, Alberta (In August) and it is not fun. The "Outrigger" trick works pretty well).
This is one of the only destinations in N. America (that I know of) where you can go from Desert to snow in less than 100 miles.

Cheers.

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DaveSnowPros

· #29 · 2 mo ago

I have a ride back to the UK from Switzerland, back roads only through France in about a month (assuming it isn't raining).

Then a plan for a 4 day trip in June to see the Ducati and Moto guzzi museums plus the stelvio Pass.

Midsummers day ride taking in the loop of grand St Bernard, petit St Bernard chamonix loop.

I also have a bunch of cols in Eastern Switzerland to finish plus some I missed last year. Also a trip to the Swiss confédération document museum which I promised myself for when I became Swiss.

Where I will find time for all this, I am not sure.

Reactions: 4

BlitzSchnell

· #30 · 2 mo ago

DaveSnowPros said:
I have a ride back to the UK from Switzerland, back roads only through France in about a month (assuming it isn't raining).

Then a plan for a 4 day trip in June to see the Ducati and Moto guzzi museums plus the stelvio Pass.

Midsummers day ride taking in the loop of grand St Bernard, petit St Bernard chamonix loop.

I also have a bunch of cols in Eastern Switzerland to finish plus some I missed last year. Also a trip to the Swiss confédération document museum which I promised myself for when I became Swiss.

Where I will find time for all this, I am not sure.

I have a pretty good handle on time Dave ..and I can tell you for certain .. you don’t make it, you take it ! Believe me I would know. I thought for sure I’d run out completely a few times now only to find myself pushing and pushing hard for just one more breath …. and then later on to remember that moment when I find myself back in the saddle again with a huge grin across my face wondering how the hell I got there one more time. It’s a one-trick pony Dave, don’t miss the opportunity to celebrate being alive let alone on some beautiful highway taking in the view on one amazing bike …… all those other things will be there waiting on you when you return ….. can’t wait for you to share the view with all us less fortunate Riders. BeWell, BeSafe, StayUpOn2 Rider ………. Blitz

Reactions: 4

austinw6793

· #31 · 2 mo ago

TimC said:
Just a quick tip here...

If you have the time, about 200 miles west of Lynchburg are two excellent roads: The Snake 421 and The Back of the Dragon. These roads aren't that far apart from each other and can easily be tackled in a single day. I've ridden both roads a couple times, and they are amazing.

Thanks for the tip!

I have always wanted to ride in the area and now that I have family living there I plan to visit very often to explore all the roads haha!

Reactions: 2

DaveSnowPros

· #32 · 2 mo ago

BlitzSchnell said:
I have a pretty good handle on time Dave ..and I can tell you for certain .. you don’t make it, you take it ! Believe me I would know. I thought for sure I’d run out completely a few times now only to find myself pushing and pushing hard for just one more breath …. and then later on to remember that moment when I find myself back in the saddle again with a huge grin across my face wondering how the hell I got there one more time. It’s a one-trick pony Dave, don’t miss the opportunity to celebrate being alive let alone on some beautiful highway taking in the view on one amazing bike …… all those other things will be there waiting on you when you return ….. can’t wait for you to share the view with all us less fortunate Riders. BeWell, BeSafe, StayUpOn2 Rider ………. Blitz

Couldn't agree with you more. I have a real sense of time passing faster as I get older, I need to make more time to ride.

I'm starting to realise I'm probably not going to get to do all the things I would like to do, achieve and go to.

It's a shame this réalisation doesn't come to you earlier in life when it would be useful.

Reactions: 4

BlitzSchnell

· #33 · 2 mo ago

DaveSnowPros said:
Couldn't agree with you more. I have a real sense of time passing faster as I get older, I need to make more time to ride.

I'm starting to realise I'm probably not going to get to do all the things I would like to do, achieve and go to.

It's a shame this réalisation doesn't come to you earlier in life when it would be useful.

As it’s said @DaveSnowPros .. “Youth is wasted on the young” … if your lucky, about the time you wake up to the realization you’ll be leaving the planet much sooner than you ever dreamed .. you shift your priorities and start to have some fun. Enjoy yourself … WithNoRegrets … make a bucket list … just remember time flys ! You owe it to yourself, you spent all the time and energy to get your self here, now reap a little reward for your efforts ………⏱………… Blitz ✌🏻😎❤

Reactions: 5

The Bean

· #34 · 1 mo ago (Edited by Moderator)

7

Gearing Up to start a new season...

All righty now...

After a couple of quick sunny day rides, I am now seriously ready for adventure. So the question is now, where, when, and what do you pack on? I will start by throwing out a couple of shots from my rides and what I packed on.

Sometimes it was baby trunk for the shorter hour-long rides...

Tire Wheel Plant Vehicle Fuel tank

Sometimes it was Big Daddy trunk for bringing home the cookies...

Wheel Tire Vehicle Automotive lighting Automotive tire

Then there is...just the essentials...

Tire Wheel Sky Vehicle Automotive tire

Or the kitchen sink approach...

Tire Wheel Vehicle Fuel tank White

For Bean and I the where has been up and down the CA coast, Moab UT, Vegas baby, Death Valley, Gold Country, and places we shouldn't have been but did.

Tire Wheel Motor vehicle Automotive tire Vehicle

This year, I'll keep you posted because I am still making plans but let's see wha-cha got loaded on your bucket list...

Kind regards,

Sleeve Gesture Finger Cartoon Font

and

Wheel Tire Vehicle Art Font

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The Bean

· #35 · 1 mo ago

8

He's off and running... A brilliant day out so off I go. I said I would keep you updated so I hope I'm not wearing you out with my silliness.
Bean and I shot out the door for a sunny start of the day at the crack of noon and decided to go coastal. One of my favorite places to put some salt air up your nose, (and get some gas), is Point Reyes. However, instead of going straight in, take a right and snuggle up along Tomales Bay. Not a completely unbearable option.

Tire Wheel Sky Fuel tank Plant

Tire Plant Wheel Sky Vehicle

Keep going a bit further and you come up on Dillons Beach. But before that, you have to stop and ride by some really terrible places on the roadside.

Terrible because you just want to linger much longer than you should.

Cloud Sky Tire Wheel Vehicle

Sky Cloud Wheel Tire Plant community

Sky Plant Natural landscape Bedrock Grass

Then after some twists and turns, and a couple of roadside eateries, you come up to Dillons Beach.

Cloud Sky Water Plant Fence

So there you have it, the short version of a 7-hour ride. I left out the part about eating Dim Sum and potstickers, maybe if I can pose Bean next to them I will next time.

Kind regards as always,

Arm Sleeve Cartoon Gesture Font

and

Tire Wheel Vehicle Automotive tire Motor vehicle

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