Scorecard—Esker:3, TTRU:4, ADVers:1
We were able to score a camping spot near the community center in Churchhill falls, so flush toilets and running water within distance. Water was the mantra for the early morning, as it rained starting at 0200. However, a fellow ADVer hooked us lonely souls up with a shower--Oh thank you so much DAN!
Today was a leisurely day ride to Esker…a mere 250 miles of dirt track, which would still somehow end at 1800. All that previously voted Dorito would get the first hit wins the bet. I decided to rub Dorito’s belly (e.g clean the chain) before our ride. And then out of nowhere, she flat out bites me. No kidding, I think after our cheeky ride yesterday she wanted to be my steed. Nope. She still has her thoughts as she mashes my thumb between the chain and sprocket.
War wound now missing the last 1/8 of hide from the thumb:
Now all those that read horror fiction would know this bad omen is much like the vultures awaiting road kill, or perhaps the use of dark colors or scary music. But alas, our ride plans can’t be derailed. Really, after we clip off the now excess flesh, there is nothing to stitch, and no we are NOT using the quick clot unless I start convulsing. Then we are off.
The first of many reconstruction efforts for the day..
We do have some B.E.A.U.T.I.F.U.L scenery. The road meanders through series of lakes over causeways. Wide open expanses, and nary a care in the world.
For those that love a cherry camp spot, after you ride over the dam look right. Right on the water overlooking the Locke. At this dam, we pass our only vehicle for the day.
[img] http://blaster11.smugmug.com/Other/S...f9/0/M/a-M.jpg [/img]
He does reiterate the road will shortly narrow. When he means narrow, he wasn’t kidding. It’s only about 1.5 wide-assed BMW widths. And shortly we become the bush trimming service.
Notice the foliage/camouflage in the boot tip..
Apparently winter has not been kind to the road to Esker. There is surprisingly lack of trash on the road, so imagine our surprise after chucking down the road for miles and to see this:
Upon deeper inspection, we see this:
Most normal folks would call it a ride and retreat, but none the less, Blaster finds his track within 30 seconds and literally jumps his big ass BMW out. I guess he’s competing for the hard core tag game or something. Next was me and with less enthusiasm but also no drama. OMG_WTF decides he’d like Blaster to ride through (and Team Turtle Recovery Unit (TTRU) lends a service)
We continue on a bit, then hit this road hazard. This one also rides well for all. OMG_WTF looking good:
Then the final hazard. Hindsight, I was probably closer than I should have been and after Blaster chopped the throttle to navigate the first of two 15 ft water hazards, I realized I was done for. Honestly, I got through the first water and then I was still too close. Blaster took the correct route through and unknown pond (outside track), while I ventured to the center track. I hit a vehicle rut, and there was no recovery. I honestly felt like this video:
http://animalvideos.yahoo.com/?vid=25818739
And the result is: Dorito Down (TTRU #2)
Turns out there are two substantial ruts, but they are literally rock hard. I should have known better and just held the rut line. But at least we know the place to avoid on the return voyage. I will give thumbs up the BMW pannier. Despite snorkeling, they did not leak! No worries, right side her and we are off.
Esker is actually still manned by a French couple. After a quick photo op, we are off.
Thankfully, we didn’t need to deploy this apparatus in the adventures of TTRU today. It is about the correct size for the big-assed BMW though..
Now one might figure that since we have already rode the trail, homeward bound would be uneventful. Nope, OMG-WTF wants to spice life up. He won’t be outdone, and decides to find the same crappy rut that I did, but heck nothing to do but goose the throttle as you as snorkeling down to ensure you catapulting through your own windshield.
I shouldn’t laugh, at least his opposable thumb still functions as designed (where mine is now vetrapped straight!) TTRU #3
This piece looks like I should put it with their friends..
The windshield:
And the mirror..
And the center stand bash plate..
And the pannier..
The next hazard OMG_WTF gains confidence, but decides to have a huge finale at the final obstacle. Sort of feel off the rut line, and then you know [insert scary music here] gooses the throttle for a fantastic finale! The bike lands 180 degrees from original direction of travel. I have to give it to him, he’s more ambidextrous than I. I consistently drop the bike to one side, and he shows no “sidedness” in colliding with earth. At least the panniers now have matching scuffs.
TTRU#4
So for all that were keeping count, blaster was the only rider still not down. Four TTRU events, and three rider falls..That’s all for now folks. More photos tomorrow, if we get a connection.
We were able to score a camping spot near the community center in Churchhill falls, so flush toilets and running water within distance. Water was the mantra for the early morning, as it rained starting at 0200. However, a fellow ADVer hooked us lonely souls up with a shower--Oh thank you so much DAN!
Today was a leisurely day ride to Esker…a mere 250 miles of dirt track, which would still somehow end at 1800. All that previously voted Dorito would get the first hit wins the bet. I decided to rub Dorito’s belly (e.g clean the chain) before our ride. And then out of nowhere, she flat out bites me. No kidding, I think after our cheeky ride yesterday she wanted to be my steed. Nope. She still has her thoughts as she mashes my thumb between the chain and sprocket.
War wound now missing the last 1/8 of hide from the thumb:
Now all those that read horror fiction would know this bad omen is much like the vultures awaiting road kill, or perhaps the use of dark colors or scary music. But alas, our ride plans can’t be derailed. Really, after we clip off the now excess flesh, there is nothing to stitch, and no we are NOT using the quick clot unless I start convulsing. Then we are off.
The first of many reconstruction efforts for the day..
We do have some B.E.A.U.T.I.F.U.L scenery. The road meanders through series of lakes over causeways. Wide open expanses, and nary a care in the world.
For those that love a cherry camp spot, after you ride over the dam look right. Right on the water overlooking the Locke. At this dam, we pass our only vehicle for the day.
[img] http://blaster11.smugmug.com/Other/S...f9/0/M/a-M.jpg [/img]
He does reiterate the road will shortly narrow. When he means narrow, he wasn’t kidding. It’s only about 1.5 wide-assed BMW widths. And shortly we become the bush trimming service.
Notice the foliage/camouflage in the boot tip..
Apparently winter has not been kind to the road to Esker. There is surprisingly lack of trash on the road, so imagine our surprise after chucking down the road for miles and to see this:
Upon deeper inspection, we see this:
Most normal folks would call it a ride and retreat, but none the less, Blaster finds his track within 30 seconds and literally jumps his big ass BMW out. I guess he’s competing for the hard core tag game or something. Next was me and with less enthusiasm but also no drama. OMG_WTF decides he’d like Blaster to ride through (and Team Turtle Recovery Unit (TTRU) lends a service)
We continue on a bit, then hit this road hazard. This one also rides well for all. OMG_WTF looking good:
Then the final hazard. Hindsight, I was probably closer than I should have been and after Blaster chopped the throttle to navigate the first of two 15 ft water hazards, I realized I was done for. Honestly, I got through the first water and then I was still too close. Blaster took the correct route through and unknown pond (outside track), while I ventured to the center track. I hit a vehicle rut, and there was no recovery. I honestly felt like this video:
http://animalvideos.yahoo.com/?vid=25818739
And the result is: Dorito Down (TTRU #2)
Turns out there are two substantial ruts, but they are literally rock hard. I should have known better and just held the rut line. But at least we know the place to avoid on the return voyage. I will give thumbs up the BMW pannier. Despite snorkeling, they did not leak! No worries, right side her and we are off.
Esker is actually still manned by a French couple. After a quick photo op, we are off.
Thankfully, we didn’t need to deploy this apparatus in the adventures of TTRU today. It is about the correct size for the big-assed BMW though..
Now one might figure that since we have already rode the trail, homeward bound would be uneventful. Nope, OMG-WTF wants to spice life up. He won’t be outdone, and decides to find the same crappy rut that I did, but heck nothing to do but goose the throttle as you as snorkeling down to ensure you catapulting through your own windshield.
I shouldn’t laugh, at least his opposable thumb still functions as designed (where mine is now vetrapped straight!) TTRU #3
This piece looks like I should put it with their friends..
The windshield:
And the mirror..
And the center stand bash plate..
And the pannier..
The next hazard OMG_WTF gains confidence, but decides to have a huge finale at the final obstacle. Sort of feel off the rut line, and then you know [insert scary music here] gooses the throttle for a fantastic finale! The bike lands 180 degrees from original direction of travel. I have to give it to him, he’s more ambidextrous than I. I consistently drop the bike to one side, and he shows no “sidedness” in colliding with earth. At least the panniers now have matching scuffs.
TTRU#4
So for all that were keeping count, blaster was the only rider still not down. Four TTRU events, and three rider falls..That’s all for now folks. More photos tomorrow, if we get a connection.