BENDS AND THE BEEMER

 As an aviator or a diver "bends" are something you avoid like the plague, but as a motorcyclist
they are what you crave! No matter what your primary discipline is there is no finer sense of
achievement than negoiating a series of bends, right position, right gear, right speed and smooth
application of power.






 Fortunately for me, my other half enjoys motorcycling almost as much as I do. So at the annual
"bike week" we accept the BMW salesman's offer to sit on the lastest BMW K1200LT with the
hydraulic center stand. I'm impressed with the ergonomic layout and, madam is more than
impressed with the huge throne like rear seat and all the toys available to her.

 Madam enjoys her Harley rides with all the noise, vibration, etc, but like all motorcyclists who own
one of these machines you know that this is NOT built for long distance riding, in fact on reflection,
its difficult to know what exactly it was built for?   First 50 miles, Ok, 50-75, can we stop soon?..... 75
-150 my bum hurts, .....my legs have cramp etc, etc.

 Further discussion and we decide to plan a test ride at Victory Motorcycles, our local dealer.
The good news is they have a "test bike" and also offer a pretty good discount to MSF Instructors
(remember my earlier comments of "it pays to be a MSF Instructor") The quick technical blow through
and away we go for a 50 miler!

 First impressions, Heavy (850 lbs), beautifully engineered, stiff throttle, a bit like a fighter cockpit,
good ergonomic ride position, very quiet.... too quiet!   comfortable front and rear ...hooray!  good
slow speed handling in traffic, heavy yes, but nicely balanced even with a passenger. 

 More discussion..... decision...... BUY!

 Time for the extras, intercom (essential for harmony, and overall it WILL improve your own riding
as you talk your partner through your actions .... and the BENDS!) a sports exhaust system from
Remus for a bit more noise and an extra 10 bhp, adjustable floor boards for Brenda.





 While the machine is prepped, order the matching Arai Helmets (Cycle Gear, see good news for
MSF Instructors) some, BMW fleeces from e-bay, BMW rain gear (best I've ever had!) the BMW
internal luggage (neat and functional) and a couple of leather BMW jackets from the UK (she
thinks her's makes her look like a running back!)

 Delivery and a quick run to Bartlett Lake, it handles well and we don't annoy any of the
"eagle eyed" Sherrifs who line the route, easy pickings for them on one of the very few bendy
roads in the Phoenix area.

 August arrives and we have planned the Colorado trip around my birthday. Day 1 will be
Phoenix to Durango, about 440 miles and then Day 2 around the "Ouray Loop" via Silverton
to Telluride and a 2 nighter there at the Wyndham Hotel at the base of the ski slopes in
Mountain Village.

 On the Harley, when we did a night stop all the space was the roll bag and what you can get
in that purse. Now with the Beemer we have hairdryers, spare everything, wet weather gear,
cold weather jackets, full make up eporium, shoes...... need I go on?





 The weather forecast has summer storms all the way along our route from Flagstaff across the
Indian reservation and into Colorado, great!  Not to worry, we do have the rain gear although
riding motorcycles in the rain is usually only done on the trials bikes.

 Up to Flagstaff the ride is relavitely pleasant leaving the 100 + temps behind as we climb up to
7000 feet. Some evidence of earlier rain but the roads aren't wet so on we go. Midway across
the resevation and refuel in Kayenta and the "smoke break". Weather ahead looks pretty bleak
but we seem to be holding position on the storm and the roads are still dry.

 A bit later we turn north to Cortez and now we are right up with the black monster so time
for a bite and drink and let it move on. 2 hours later we are back in the saddle and chasing it
for the last 30 miles to the night stop at Durango. No sooner had we parked at the hotel and
checked in the rain started and was coming down in the proverbial buckets!





 It rained all night but by the time we came to leave just a few puddles and nearly dry roads
for the run through the mountains to Silverton following the railway. Out of Durango and up
the wide road leading the 20 miles to the ski resort of Purgatory where we have skied many
times in the past.Today its bright and sunny so just drink in the scenery and enjoy the music
coming through the headphones. Performance wise the engine is still a little tight so I'm not
pushing it and the handling is more akin to a crotch rocket than a touring bike. Despite all
the weight its very nimble and a pleasure to ride.

 A lovely lunch in Silverton at the "bar" where a couple of honkey-tonk pianists keep us
entertained as they play all the old tunes while dressed in their period costumes. Onward
and upward through some great bends, some with guardrails, and a lot without! Then
the downhill twisters to the tight switchbacks at the top of the touristy town of Ouray.





 Straight roads for a while until the left turn to take us back over the mountains to
Placerville and the uphill bends into Telluride (Placerville is where the man who buys all my
bikes and then drops off others to be refurbished.) Finally into Mountain Village and
the Wyndham Hotel. Glorious hotel, fabulous views from the bar, and as it's my birthday 
some complimentary goodies and an upgrade to a suite!. Not bad for $150 a night compared
to the $750 a night in the high season.




 Day 3 and I have planned a ride taking us down to Placerville and then a southern loop
before rejoining the main Cortez-Telluride road. After Placerville the road is OK but then
degenerates into some flat and boring terrain. Can't win em' all, and now we are in Dolores,
looking to refuel and get a drink. Fuel yes, bars No! Eventually get the information and find
the "Hollywood"...... our kind of bar!




 Fall in love with the place and subsequently buy a mountain getaway called "Cozy Comfort"
which is a RV park with a 1400 sq ft apartment so its perfect for summer riding vacations and
some winter skiing.




Cozy Comfort our RV Park in Dolores

 Day 4, and time to go home and despite being mid August its only 40 degrees so on with the
heavy jackets for the run down to Cortez and across the reservation to Farmington and on
to Payson and the Beeline Highway back to home.... got to have the Beemer on the Beeline.

 Nice and cool in the mountains but by the time we get to Payson its 100 + again. Taking on
plenty of liquid in Payson its back on the Beeline and the drive into the "Oven of Phoenix"
Dry heat .... my A***!!

TONY DOWN



Don't forget those October Articles.... worth a look.