Grand Canyon - the tan rider

Didn't get a chance to tell much about the Grand Canyon, AZ back on the day I posted the pics. So wanted to add a bit, as it's truly a "must see" at least once in person place.

It's so huge, even though you can see down it for miles, it continues on past your view. The side tributaries are the largest canyons I've seen; the thing is ginormous.

I managed to walk down a trail below the main viewing areas, out on a ridge about 300 feet down from the rim. It was a huge rocky ridge, and I sat there and had lunch, just taking in the great view. So many layers of color...from the top "ground level" of tan, to the lower straitions of browns and reds.

Pictures really can't put the size in perspective; and the ride is worth it anyway, so recommend you visit this one.


The "tan" rider ---

The roads around the Grand Canyon are slow and twisty, with lots of turnouts for picture taking. Posted speed limit is like 35 mph with little traffic that day.

After stopping for more pictures, I ended up pulling back on the road behind a big Harley Davidson cruising through solo.The rider was in a well-used Aerostitch riding suit, and had matching tan saddle bags. He was one-handing the bike through the slow roads, keeping it well under the speed limit. I didn't mind, as I was twisting for more views of the canyon at each break in the trees. So we just putted through slowly, in front of the park ranger parked on the side.

But eventually we came to a part of the park where it gets hilly, and the roads become twisty. On this bit, we were the only ones on the road. As we approach the first turn, where the yellow sign says 25 mph, I'm expecting to downshift and slow down like I normally would.

But as the "tan"rider was about to enter the turn in front of me and I expect to see brake lights, instead I hear his loud pipes become three times as loud as he rolls on the throttle. He didn't downshift; I could tell by the sound he just rolled on the torque. As he began to pull away from me around the corner, it felt like he'd ridden that road many times before and knew it well. How else would he know it's not a decreasing radius and that he could haul that fast around it.

So it had been too many miles on the long slabs, and I decided to see if my loaded-down Japanese twin could keep pace through the twisty bits with the big American twin. Or if little ol Mike could apply what he's learned, and lean it in as far as the "tan" rider.

I too didn't downshift, as the Vstrom has healthy torque down low, being a twin too. I roll on the throttle continually through the turn, and lean the bike over hard. But the first couple, I couldn't keep up. This guy was easily doubling the recommended speed, if not more, through these turns on a big HD. Eventually I started following his line, and rolling on as he led, and started keeping up.

I had no intention of racing or passing. I knew enough to understand when I'm being schooled. We were smoothly leaning over more and more, sinking down on the rear wheel and feeling G-forces equal to some roller coasters I've been on. I'd never experienced my tires grip quite like that. The roads were smooth, well maintained, and this guy knew what he was doing. In just those few minutes of observing and following, my own skills in fast deep sweepers increased to a degree I could feel. And it was hands-on reinforcement of the smooth riding techniques I'd been reading about.

The tan rider turned the other direction at the main road, and we never said a word nor a gesture to each other. But I'm indebted to him for what I learned, and used those same techniques throughout the remainder of the journey. (especially in the tight canyons of Zion)