We’ve arrived at Bryce Canyon, no more mechanical problems, no one out of gas. The last 60 miles or so of today’s ride was spectacular. For me, it was the best riding of the trip so far. Rt 20 was a short blast of about 20 miles of great sweepers, then the last 60 miles over Rt 143 was just beyond words. Steep inclines, altitudes breaking 10,500ft, just amazing. Going up the incline the were no signs of human habitation until we got close to the top and all of sudden there were condos and around one of the corners was the base of ski lift. Of course! We’re in Utah – there’s ski resorts everywhere. So the rest of roads were well engineered for carloads of skiers on icy road which makes them perfect for summer motorcycle riding. On the way down the hill the Escalante Grand Staircase mountain ranges off to the east were lit like fire with the setting sun. Who knew colors like that existed in nature! We got in about 8:45pm, have had dinner and are planning an early departure for Torrey, Rt 12 and the Hogsback then a very long ride to Durango, CO. Being stuck in SLC for a day and half has taken its toll on our original plans. Hopefully Steve’s part will arrive earlier rather than later and we will reconnect with him tomorrow. The hotel rooms don’t have internet and my phone doesn’t have coverage so this is being posted from a pay kiosk in the lobby. Pictures will have to wait until next stop.
That’s it for now. Thanks for all the great comments I’ve heard about this growing record of our ride. Hopefully it will be one we talk about for many months – until next year’s ride 
‘nite.
Sounds like a great place to check out.
Hope you made time to take a few pics- I know I tend to just keep going, I have to really make myself stop and take pictures when I’m out riding. Otherwise I’ll tend to go until I need fuel. I thought I broke myself of that habit, but I find I still tend to do it.
Yeah, stuff comes up on trips like this, but with some flexibility you can still have a great time like you guys are.
Stuck inside the shop all day today, wish I could have been out riding.
mark
Great blog, Marty…..
I know you guys were going to head for the Million Dollar Hwy in Colorado..if that is still closed due to snow.
Hwy 141 north out of Naturita, CO is spectacular.
scott
Just started reading today!! I am Greg Martin’s sister-in-law, Carol, reading from Howell, Michigan. Greg ran out of gas? You have got to be kidding, he is the most organized person I know!!! Nancy doesn’t even come close!!! Razz him for me!!! It sounds like you are having a great time, enjoy!
Carol Elliott
Looks like I am staying a third night in Salt Lake. The Honda dealer called back and said Honda does not have a stator for a 2002 or newer VFR in the USA, one month back order. Oh sh*t how am I getting my bike home let alone continue on my vacation.
I have been checking out the options, Uhaul wants a silly $900 for a 10′ truck to Puyallup, WA. Honda of Salt Lake said they would not even take a 2002 VFR with 44,000 miles in as a trade in on a 2007 VFR. I wrote my tale of woe on the VFRDiscussion.com forum and I was pointed to Rick’s Motorsports Electronics for an after market stator, hey it can’t be worse than the Honda one that went out on me. It should get in tomorrow and the dealer will install. Others from VFRDiscussion offered me used ones. If all goes well I should catch up to the group tomorrow night.
bikeless in Salt Lake,
Steve
Good luck Steve,
Hope it works out for you.
From what I rememeber, the aftermarket stators for the VFRs work great.
Mark