It’s been 13 days since I shared my arrival in Utah with you. The truth is, I made a grave mistake.
If you didn’t read my last blog, please go back and do so to catch up! Because after that last picture, comes this one – the best espresso I have ever had from The Honeysuckle Coffee Co. in Sandy, Utah. Cody and I didn’t have much time to spend, as we wanted to make headway towards Arches National Park and explore that day. However, I made it a point to tell the barista that I was genuinely impressed! Quite frankly, an impressive espresso is hard to find.
13.2 miles into Arches National Park, Cody and I decided to hike out to the iconic and wondrous Delicate Arch, the most famous arch of them all. The hike was 1.5 miles there and back, so we totaled 3.45 miles with a 630-foot gain. This hike was hard for me at some points when hiking on the mountain's surface. I’ll talk about it a little bit later, but I haven’t worked out with intention in over 2 months, and during that hike, I could tell. My cardiovascular system was giving out before anything else. I could tell my lungs were working overtime. I will say, as Cody is a regular hiker, he was great to be with! Making sure I stayed hydrated and asking if I wanted to stop or rest in the shade of a pinyon, a type of pine, and Utah juniper.
Of all the trail/hiking options in Arches National Park, this is the one my uncle suggested was a must! He said, “You’ll be walking on a ledge, then turn a corner and your breath will be taken away.” He was totally right! And I don’t know if it was because it was 3:00 PM, or the fact that it was a Tuesday, or both, however, there weren’t as many people as I imagine there are at times. Cody and I were able to enjoy the landscape without much interruption and even get some stellar pictures of and with the arch! Overall, one of our best experiences so far on this trip and in our top two favorite National Parks that we’ve visited. I’ll tell you about our second favorite park later on.
From Arches National Park, we headed southeast to Cortez, CO, to stay in a tipi for the night! This, so far, has been our most unique sleeping arrangement since leaving Vermont. Cody thought that it was kitschy and cute.
In the morning, we took it slow as it was cooler, and I need, or rather prefer, nothing cooler than 45 degrees to start riding in. I got up before him to take a shower and build a fire, which I am very impressed with. Unknowingly to me, Cody didn’t think a fire would happen because it was taking me a hot minute with limited materials - no kindling or newspaper or fire starters - however, look! It turned out great! We both sat in blankets and watched the sunrise over Mesa Verde National Park mountains. Afterward, we made ourselves some coffee in the communal kitchen and planned our route for the day.
Pictures above and below are from Bright Star Campground in Cortez, CO.
Riding on 95 towards Glen Canyon, Cody and I were mesmerized by the ever-changing landscapes of mountains and valleys.
Weather went from a bluebird sky and a comfortable 85 degrees and began to plummet with every mile we made towards Capitol Reef National Park. The high was 67 degrees, and the low was 29 degrees for that area. At one point, the crosswinds, with some rain, made Cody and I decide it was not a day to explore a park and to push on. Despite the sun, the rain began to pour out of the sky! I put on my hazards and waved Cody back to me, as he had my luggage and gear in his back seat. After putting on my rain gear, we pushed on. Weather through that area was strange! Rain, winds, even branches from trees being blown across the road. People were pulling over. Cody and I just wanted to get out of there. Soon after, on our way to Bryce Canyon - another National Park on our list to visit - the sun was starting to set, though bright, no longer warm, and I could feel a chill come over me. In the shadow of a mountain, Cody pulled into a pull-off and put his hazards on, so I knew to pull over as well. He rolled down his window and said, “Friend, are you okay?” I thought for a moment and said, “You know, I’m pretty chilly.” I said that rather baffled with the experience we had just had hours ago in Glen Canyon. He said, “It’s dropped to 38 degrees! Do you want to put on your leathers?” My face must have looked so surprised because it was then I realized why my fingers felt like they were freezing! If you don’t know math, here it is. If it’s 38 degrees outside and you’re riding at 75 mph, it now feels like 24 degrees out, and dropping as time went on. So now I’m wearing my clothes, rain gear, which I put on my heated vest and leather jacket under and put my chaps on top of my jeans and rain pants to block the wind. I also put on my balaclava face mask under my helmet. I hate being bundled up, and honestly, I could barely move, but I was warm-ish. Basically, I didn’t think about it, and “Let’s just get there,” was the only thing on my mind.
Twice, Cody pulled off the road and told me to get in the car to heat up. This is totally embarrassing, but it is what it is. He gave me water and peanut butter, even held my cold hands in his - true friendship right there - and then I’d say we had to get going because it would only get colder.
Through a few more mountain passes and a few free-range cow sightings later, and a gorgeous sunset, we arrived at our motel at the dusk of the evening. Filling our bellies and taking hot showers was the only thing on our minds. I was already not feeling well, and after today, it was clear that the bout of acute bronchitis that I had back in August has reared its nasty head again. Rest was imperative.
If you haven’t figured it out by now, the grave mistake I mentioned at the start – neither Cody nor I investigated the weather from Cortez, CO, through to those National Parks. Now, to be honest, my uncle told us to keep going south, to the Grand Canyon, however, with a National Parks Pass, we now wanted to visit as many as we could and let that excitement rule our decision-making. We shouldn’t have. Granted, traveling in a car and on a motorcycle is night and day. Even so, Cody didn’t want to hike in the cool, wet conditions we experienced. Weather should always be on the top of your priority list when traveling, especially when traveling on two wheels and your body is out in the elements. Read that last sentence again.
While I did know this, it didn’t quite hit me how important it should be, that weather should be a top priority when traveling on a motorcycle for several crucial reasons:
Safety: Motorcycles offer minimal protection against the elements. Adverse weather conditions like rain, snow, or fog can reduce visibility and traction, increasing the risk of accidents. Slick roads and reduced visibility due to rain can be especially hazardous.
Handling: Different weather conditions affect how a motorcycle handles. Wet roads can be slippery, and wind gusts can destabilize a motorcycle. Understanding how your motorcycle behaves in different weather conditions is vital for safe riding.
Comfort: Riding for extended periods in extreme heat, cold, or rain can be physically and mentally exhausting. Uncomfortable weather can lead to fatigue, impairing your focus and reaction time. Proper gear for specific weather conditions, like waterproof clothing or ventilated jackets, can significantly improve comfort.
Visibility: Weather conditions influence your visibility as well as how well other drivers on the road can see you. Rain can obscure your vision through your helmet visor, and fog can make you almost invisible to other motorists. Being seen by others is critical for motorcycle safety.
Planning: Weather can impact your travel plans. Severe weather conditions might force you to delay or reroute your journey. Checking weather forecasts along your route helps you anticipate and plan for adverse conditions, ensuring a smoother and safer trip.
Maintenance: Weather elements like rain and salt from the roads can accelerate wear and tear on your motorcycle. Regular maintenance is essential, and being aware of how weather affects your bike can help you keep it in optimal condition.
In summary, considering weather conditions when traveling on a motorcycle is not just about comfort; it's a matter of safety and practicality. Being prepared for different weather scenarios and adjusting your riding style accordingly can significantly enhance your safety and overall riding experience.
Now, waking up the next morning, it was 31 degrees, with wind gusts that made it feel like 21 degrees, and that was at 9:00 AM. We didn’t leave until 11:00 AM, still chilly, however, we had a destination in mind where things would warm up quite a bit! A low-key place, maybe you've heard of it! It's quiet, rarely visited. To Las Vegas, we go!
Until next time, stay true to yourself, stay authentic, and keep chasing those dreams with all your heart. The road is waiting, my friends! 🏍️💨🌟
Fuel My Journey with a Cup of Coffee or a Tank of Gas! ☕️⛽️
Hey friend!
Embarking on this journey has been a whirlwind of excitement and challenges. Your support means the world to me. If you’ve enjoyed following my adventures, consider making a small gesture that fuels not just my bike, but my spirit too.
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Thank you from the bottom of my heart for being a part of this incredible journey. Your support keeps the adventure alive!
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