BENDS AND THE BEEMER PART 2


 Despite having had several Hardley Ablesons we had never been to one of their rallies, maybe
on account of not wishing to dress  up like something out of "Pirates of the Carribean" in order
to ride one. A BMW however, well, that just might be different and I haven't seen too many people
riding them in "doo-rags" and fingerless gloves.

 The planned event is Beehive Beemers "Red Rock Rally" in Panguitch Utah. It clashes with a
classic trial at Steamboat Springs Co but the decision is Utah. The BMW is such a big beast I 
have to ring Victory BMW and ask what is the best way to strap the monster down in the trailer
without damaging anything. 




A late start and the driver's NOT HAPPY !


 Trying to get away from the business mid-week proves problematic and the 1000 start slips back 
as the phone rings incessantly. Finally we are ready to go and the Safari RV slips out of her 
berth at 5 p.m. some 7 hours behind schedule. With the original plan now in tatters we plan to 
drive to Page and stop there for the night and then do the last 200 miles to Panguitch the
following day.


 We make the Wahweap resort area just the other side of the dam at Lake Powell but at
11 at night finding the RV slot we have been given is difficult. When we do find it there is no 
way the 60 foot long rig is going to fit so elect to drive back to the parking lot and overnight
it there. Up bright and early and away for a daylight drive through Utah. This "IS" the road less
travelled and by comparison to the dreadful roads of northern Arizona this is delightful and all
the squeaks, rattles and crashes normally associated with RV'ing are gone. The previous night
drive had seen some horrendous bumps, potholes and other attempts to rival the Wright Bros.
Waking up by the lake the view is fantastic as we open all the drapes and make ready for
departure.




The Wahweap Marina Resort 

 The drive goes well and the traffic light in Kanab is in our favor as we turn northbound for the
last 100 miles to the venue. Very scenic and well worth the drive, green, flowers, meadows
and lots of wildlife.  Plenty of BMW wildlife as bike after bike passes us complete with their 
yardsale on the back. Well I guess those alloy paniers are functional but they don't compliment
the bike in my opinion and it seems it's the "Beemer thing" to bring a tent and everything else
strapped to your machine. Maybe your idea of fun but I'll accept the "I towed mine with the 
5 Star Hotel" and take all the flak later on.


 Do the arrival thing, get the rules of the game  and now we are here we might as well go for a
quick ride round the local area. First up, get the bike out and when the tailgate is lowered there
is the BMW on it's side in the trailer! Thanks to everyone at Victory for their lashing down 
instructions, clearly I need a better system to deal with Arizona roads....... seems the back
wheel has been hopping and skipping and finally got to the critical point when the bars could 
turn. Now comes the fun of lifting 850 lbs upright in the confines of the Haulmark trailer. Well,
just like being back on the farm, so get under it with your back and then using less than 
"bionic" strength stand up and the Beemer will come with you, or at least, that's the theory.
Outside and amazingly with all the bumper car buffers all over the machine there is absolutely
zero damage.





No damage........ getting happier!


 Kitted up and refueled, a run to Bryce Canyon to see all the "Hoodoos". Park rangers all over
and a great bendy road along the canyon edge spoilt by a ridiculously slow speed limit. 
Impressive to see what nature can do and some great photo opportunities if thats your bag.
Seen it, done it, got a badge for it, time to get back to the venue and see whats happening.




The Road to Bryce....... getting Much Happier !




Hoo-di Dooodi


 Yo ho! they are setting up the bar, well it is Utah so real beer has to have a special license.
Not a great fan of "micro breweries" but here I'm in the wrong and this stuff is pretty good!
Several more of these and its time to reteat to the Safari as it is blowing a gale and we are 
well pleased we are not in a tent as some don't look as though they will last the night.




Base Camp at Everest !


 Saturday morning and as the drapes come back time to drink in the scene with the first coffee,
over on the grassy knoll there must be about 100 pup tents and it looks like the base camp of 
Everest. BMWs everywhere with lots of looking and chatting, well each to their own, so after 
walking Doof time for a substantial breakfast and then the Poker Run.

 Join in the fun and off around Panguitch Lake waving at law enforcement who are lurking
around every corner making sure you aren't "riding it like you stole it". Collect the first couple
of cards and then we are off up the mountain towards the Brain Head Ski Resort, and although 
it's mid June with the wind it's getting bloody cold. Stop for the big jackets and on up the hill
with birds and wildlife that were unknown to me. Trouble finding the check point at the top 
so some milling around until someone steps out of a car and gives us a card. Up here there 
are still 3 feet of snow beside the road and with the chill factor this is not a nice place to be.




Bloody cold up on Brain Head

 Down the hill and try to work out the deviant organisers mind for the next clue at the base 
of the ski lift. Take all the info we can find and head off down the hill and all the super bends
until we arrive in Parowan where we need "proof" that we have been there. Thank God for
cell phones!




 Out of Parowan and now it is warming up so a bit of fast riding up the freeway before turning
right and back into the mountains for some nice fast sweepers. Back onto "89" and then a
gentle run back into town following the river with the optical illusions. You are going downhill
and the river is on your left and the water is coming towards you?

 A less than brilliant hand but a fun ride nonetheless. The afternoon gives us the chance for 
another free ride but as we discover the best riding is actually further afield. However a good
thrash through the farmland and lots of villages, all with the duty police car parked on the village
limits, which of course slows you down until you pass the vehicle with the "manequin" behind the
wheel.




Saturday afternoon in the middle of nowhere


 The Saturday night party, more of that "real beer" and then a few drinks in the Safari with new
friends and promises of coming back for more of the same next year.


Sunday morning and depart with much blowing of the horn, and as we make our way home,
with Beemers flashing past wih cheery salutations you get to thinking that in 600 miles of riding
and driving you have only seen one set of traffic lights!



TONY DOWN, Brenda, Beemer and all