Vice Presidents ... September, 2010

Redmond Rally - Maps or GPS?

A long plane ride to Portland, a short night in the Super 8 with an early rise to pick up our bikes at Portland Motorcycle Group. The owner, Jim Paul, met us at 8:30 a.m. and we were on the road at 9:30. My goal was to head due west until we hit the ocean.

We were to take Route 29 to Route 6 but Bill’s GPS had us go through the city and then Roy’s GPS put us on Route 8 so we were already off the mark. Bill’s GPS got us back on Route 6, the way my map intended us to go. Route 6, out of the city, took us through Tillamook State Forest, a beautiful, twisty road following a river with many elevation changes. At the end of Route 6 we hit 101, the Mother Road, and headed south as I planned.

Of the lower 48 states, Oregon was the only state I had not placed a foot in by automobile, motorcycle or walking. So I was psyched to say the least and I had been waiting for this trip. Route 101 follows the shore with incredible scenery and towns along the way … Pacific City, Lincoln City, Newport, and Yachats. Oregon State parks are everywhere claiming the best view and best property. The road cuts inland through Cummins Creek Wilderness, which is a series of rolling hills for about 30 miles. No GPS could show this … but my map did! Also at this time, my reserve light had come on and I had a feeling I was in trouble.

As we rode through the Wilderness and got on the ocean road, my bike sputtered and stopped dead … 202 miles and I was out of gas. I knew there would be a price to pay for this error. First day, first tank full and I ran out! The three amigos all had GPS’s that listed gas stations but I was leading and never pulled over. Now the ribbing began. The photos tell it all.

I knew the faux paux award would be mine. Craig Cleasby had a pint of Coleman white fuel in his storage bin, which he willingly donated. Bill also had a pint but he was hanging on to it for later rides. Their GPS showed a gas station 5 miles down the road, which I made it to coasting into the station with no fuel. My bike took 5.18 gallons of gas. My tank was dry.

We were back on Route 101 South headed toward southern Oregon and decided to call it a night at the town of Gold Beach. This was to be our only night on the Pacific Ocean. We selected the Gold Beach Resort (the best place in town to stay at). Out of my league but I was out voted and Craig talked the price down to $100/night. It definitely was worth it!

The four of us walked up to the recommended seafood restaurant, Spinner’s, right on the ocean and had dinner and beverages. Early to bed, early to rise and headed south towards California. No GPS needed. Just my map.
                           Continued....