I’ve been running around most of my life as an 18 year old. In most ways, I still am 18. 30 never bothered me, neither did 40. I gotta admit, I stopped and noticed 50. Fucking fifty. I paused at that one. Thats half a century — Half a century I wouldn’t trade for anything.
I work with mostly young guys, who like to joke about my age. When they bust out the daily sales results, I’m still at the top end of that list, and it sorta makes me giggle. I can still out-ride anyone on a long ride, and can more than likely fix your bike when you break down because you did something stupid. They value youth because its all they know, and I value experience because you fuck up less. We balance each other out.
I stopped chewing Copenhagen Saturday morning. that’s what I’m laying on the altar of 50. That’s all you’re getting from me. Its been 3 days, and its easier than I thought it would be. Maybe I’m just ready. I won’t do it again: I’m pretty determined to be done with it.
I gotta think next to my family and Riding, making BBQ is *maybe* my next favorite thing.
I’ve owned several smokers, and have put some time in trying to learn the art of low and slow cooking of meats. I don’t know why. something about it just appeals to me. I tend to lean toward Texas style BBQ, which lets the meat speak for itself, and the bbq sauce is on the table if you don’t like what the meat is saying. Less Rub and Injections, more quality time on steady, low heat. The lower and the slower the better.
BBQ is like golf: no matter how many times you think you have your swing down or have practiced at the range, some days you still end up swinging from the red tees with your pants around your ankles. You never actually win, its just an endless pursuit of perfection.
Making a pork butt today: Shooting for pulled pork. We’ll know in a few hours, but I think I got this one…
#10: Old Highway 91 from St George to Mesquite Nevada:
This was just outside my back door for 25 years, and I rode it a lot. I’m not sure I ever got sick of it. Before they put in the virgin River gorge and completed 1-15 at a million dollars a mile back in 1972, this was how you got to Vegas. Be sure to ride under the freeway at Littlefield to get the full effect.
Highway 91 — The Freeway, before Interstates were cool.
#9: Highway 191 from Duchesne to Moab:
Leaving Duchesne you’ll ride up to 9,000 feet and down into some pretty historic parts of the Mining towns of Utah. Some great bars, history and open roads. Keep going and you’ll end up in Moab and probably find something fun to do. Everybody loves Moab.
Duchesne to Moab: Mountain roads, History and the red rocks of Moab.
#8: Highway 18 from St George to Caliente Nevada
Another road I’ve ridden a lot, but it never got old. Hay fields and hills that end up in the Canyon Town of Caliente Nevada. Remember to ride through Modena. There’s a few cool old surprises there…
Highway 18 – Bluff Street in St George to Caliente Nevada
#7: Utah Highway 89
I rode highway 89 mostly because I hated riding the Interstate. Its a great road that’ll take a few hours longer than 1-15, but much more interesting. You’ll ride through national forests, High mountains and High Desert. The home of Butch Cassidy, The big Rock Candy mountain and a lot of other cool places.
Get off the interstate.
#6: Highway 189 through Provo Canyon:
I remember getting back from one the Easy Rider tours that went half way across the country and coming home from the Airport. After all those states and terrain, I still didn’t see anything as beautiful as Provo Canyon. There’s at least 10 or 11 waterfalls through there if you’re paying attention, including Bridal Veil Falls. Its a gorgeous ride, and Heber City Has some of the best people you’d ever want to meet.
Highway 189 from Provo to Heber.
#5: Highway 14 – Cedar Mountain through Duck Creek village.
A great 2 lane ride over Cedar mountain and through the pines. Missus Zip and I had our Honeymoon in Duck Creek Village. It’s a great ride. A nice side road at the top is over to Panguitch Lake, Or Even to the 10,000 foot top to Brian Head. Hard to beat 🙂
Over the top of Cedar Mountain is a gorgeous ride.
#4: Heber to Tabiona to Heber again:
You’ll go past Strawberry Reservoir and into Highway 35 and the mountains of Tabiona. Stop in Hannah and get a bite to eat, and kick a foot up on your freeway pegs and enjoy the scenery of really small town Utah. This is a great ride.
Heber to Tabiona to Heber Again. A great ride.
#3: Highway 9 through Zion National Park:
Zion is one of a kind, and a must see. It’s a twisty road through some of the most beautiful scenery you’ll find on the planet. Take 89 south through Kanab and Fredonia on the way home, over the edge of the Kaibab Plateau and through Colorado City.
#2: The Alpine Loop.
Head up Provo Canyon and turn off at Sundance Ski Resort. This road is kinda funky — its a narrow 2 lane (almost 1 lane) that takes you over the top of the mountain. You’ll have to be careful around the corners because there’s a lot of blind spots, but its drop dead beautiful and right in the middle of dense forest.
The Alpine Loop. Stop and hike Timpanogos Caves on the other side while you’re at it…
#1: Utah Highway 12.
My favorite road in Utah. You’ll go through Bryce Canyon, Tropic and Cannonville and Escalante. The Town of Boulder is beautiful (great fishing there) and over the Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument. You’ll end up in Torrey after a great ride with a lot of terrain changes. The road into boulder valley is awesome. The whole road is good. For fun, take the side road into Antimony.
Glen Campbell has always been good Road Music. Rhinestone Cowboy, Galveston, By the time I get to Phoenix…. It’ll hit the spot at certain times on a good road trip. I’ve always been a fan.
The man had serious talent. He had a solid career as a session guitarist; The righteous brothers, Merle Haggard, the Monkees, Roger Miller and the Beach Boys. Hell, the Beach Boys tried to hire him to Replace Brian Wilson on tour. He Decided to do his own thing instead, follow his gut and then turn out some of his own hits. He Had a few.
I guess he lived in Phoenix for a pretty long stretch — The radio stations on my daily commute have been full of stories about him. From Alice Cooper to Radio Hosts who worked with him here, and even to his neighbors who knew him. Turns out, he was as down to earth and friendly as he was represented. Basically, a helluva good human being.
RIP Glen Campbell. You sir, were gentle on all of our minds. Thanks for what you did.
Check this out. For you n00bs out there, listen up! 😉
It’s a motorcycle safety film produced by the late Cliff Vaughs in 1974— Cliff was one of the makers of the Easy Rider bikes and built the most famous bike in the world: Captain America. He got with Peter Fonda a few years after Easy Rider to make this film. Its a blast from the past. Plus its got my Childhood Hero Evel Knevel! I can’t believe it didn’t win an academy award 🙂
Cliff Vaughs shows up about 7:30 in the film RIP Cliff!
