Bucket List check!

One of the things Sas has always wanted to do was to see the Grand Canyon. When we calculated out how late we would get into Phoenix even if we pushed hard, we decided not to pass up the chance to check this one off.

So, here she be.



We stopped before we got into the park to take a few pics. It was a little pull off. We tend to enjoy these areas more than the actual attractions.



This little guy crawled into the shirt Sas left on the rock. Good thing she remembered to shake it out.



Cactus bloom.



At the park.



The watchtower at the first stop offers a higher view.



Sas's fear of cliffs returns. Thems some big cliffs!



The watchtower also offers some historic, cultural flair.







Sinew wrapped hand rails.



Ohno trying to freak Sas out.



Blossoming tree.



Waiting for Ohno.



It got hot quickly leaving the park but a thunderstorm blew in and cooled us back down. Sas thinks that one of the nice things about riding two-up is that she can look around at everything. She loved watching the lightning strike the mountains.

Sas wanted to see Sedona, so we did a quick drive-by.



It was quite touristy and there was construction and red dust everywhere. It made Ohno a bit edgy.



There were some cool spots, nonetheless.



The storms were moving south with us. We'd get hot and then the rain would cool us down. This was a good thing because K7 had warned us that the heat would wear us down fast and didn't recommend pushing it. And it did the last 90 miles into Phoenix. As the heat set in so did the cacti.





The heat and incredible wind gusts from the storm that was chasing us made for a tired, testy Ohno. In New River, we pulled over for a quick counsel with K7 and Sas's sister, who lives in the area, for directions and to plan the bike pick up. Sas thought it an appropriate place for Ohno right about then.



The high winds and new roads made finding our way a challenge, even with gps. We were even hit by a flying construction barricade, the winds were so strong. Ohno did well keeping the bike up and we were unscathed. One of the side bags got a little scraped up, but thankfully that was all.



A quick dip in the pool made Ohno human again before heading another hour south to pick up the new big boy toy. That made him happy. Even if it was a highway drive home in the dark, Ohno was grinning, loving the power the KTM produces.

Our night was topped off by an awesome burger and refreshing drinks in the cool pool.



Here was the path for today.

A taste of 550

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Just south of Ouray on 550.

Winter must have been pretty hard on the roads here since they were not this bumpy last year.

They have paved a pretty fair section of the road down to Silverton. In the video you can see the fresh pavement. In spots it is pristine but you have to be careful since some of the road has uneven lanes. Plus the should drops four or five inches in spots.

Watch for the special surprise around the 6 minute mark.