A hell of a day ride in eastern Oregon

[keithu]

I had today (Monday, Memorial Day holiday in USA) free, so I decided to go get some ice cream. Long Creek General Store is known for their homemade ice cream, which I've enjoyed many times while deer hunting in the area. It's a long way to go just for ice cream, so I decided I'd also loop up to Maryhill, WA to see the Stonehenge Memorial. Despite living in the PNW for 25 years I've managed to miss this landmark.

The route took me up over Tombstone and Santiam Passes on US-20, Lower Bridge Road to Terrebonne, US-97 through Madras, then various incredible back roads through Antelope, Fossil, Spray, and Monument to Long Creek.

I arrived at Crooked River Gorge just in time to witness some poor suicidal fellow throw himself off the bridge. Luckily there was a bungee cord tangled around his waist and he was saved by sheer luck.

Oh well. Here's some more scenery.

When I finally arrived in Long Creek, imagine my dismay when the shopkeeper informed me, "Sorry, we're all out of homemade ice cream. There is some packaged ice cream in the cooler over there."

It's just not the same.

Well that blows.

On up to Maryhill I rode. I'm pleased to say that this Stonehenge is in far better condition than the rather dilapidated one they have in England.

This Stonehenge was built as a memorial to those who served in The War to End All Wars. Sadly, as we all know, it wasn't.

At this point I was getting rather tired, so I hopped on the freeway and took the quickest way home via the Columbia River Gorge.

As I pulled into the driveway the total trip meter rolled over to a rather ominous number. No matter, I had a devil of a good time.

 

 

[koth442]

Fantastic ride. Thank you for sharing. 

[bootsandboots]

Awesome ride! I was out there recently but unfortunately the FJ09 had to stay on the east coast.

My FJ09 came with soft Givi Bags that are starting to split at the seams so I’m looking at different options. How do you feel about those Junior Hepco & Becker cases after having them for a few years? I really like the look of them.

[keithu]

2 hours ago, bootsandboots said:

My FJ09 came with soft Givi Bags that are starting to split at the seams so I’m looking at different options. How do you feel about those Junior Hepco & Becker cases after having them for a few years? I really like the look of them.

Get something else.

The seal on the Junior bag is not a good design so it's only about 90% waterproof. Rain and water from washing the bike will seep through. The water then runs down under a fixed shelf where it can't be completely wiped out. In the winter I have to park the bike with the bags open to allow them dry out, otherwise mold grows inside. 

Also, the lids can be tricky to align if the bag is full, meaning if you're not careful only one of the two latches will actually engage. 

I liked the look of them too, they reminded me of the OEM cases I had on my BMW K100RS. The saddlebags were the only good thing about that bike. Unfortunately the Hepco-Becker Juniors are an inferior copy of the old BMW cases. If I had to buy new hard cases tomorrow I would shop Givi, Shad, or SW Motech. 

[betoney]

Fantastic ride.

Riding in Oregon NEVER gets old.  I ride there frequently and it always puts a smile on my face. 👍🏻

[Your_Boy_Yuriy]

Awesome, How many miles per fill up, with the auxiliary tank? 

[keithu]

4 minutes ago, betoney said:

Riding in Oregon NEVER gets old.  I ride there frequently and it always puts a smile on my face. 👍🏻

Unless you're stuck in post-holiday traffic heading into Portland on I-84 and thinking, "Gee, it sure would be nice if I could LANE SHARE right about now." 🤬

[keithu]

5 minutes ago, Your_Boy_Yuriy said:

Awesome, How many miles per fill up, with the auxiliary tank? 

Depending on fuel economy I can go 250-350 miles per tank. On this trip the longest stretch I went was Madras to Arlington via Long Creek, about 285 miles. Arlington to home was 225 miles and the fuel gauge on the dash still shows full.

[Salish900]

What a ride and report. You have a willingness to stop for photos more often than I seem to. You have good humor too. Good job of keeping the rubber side down! 

[bootsandboots]

1 hour ago, keithu said:

Get something else.

The seal on the Junior bag is not a good design so it's only about 90% waterproof. Rain and water from washing the bike will seep through. The water then runs down under a fixed shelf where it can't be completely wiped out. In the winter I have to park the bike with the bags open to allow them dry out, otherwise mold grows inside. 

Also, the lids can be tricky to align if the bag is full, meaning if you're not careful only one of the two latches will actually engage. 

I liked the look of them too, they reminded me of the OEM cases I had on my BMW K100RS. The saddlebags were the only good thing about that bike. Unfortunately the Hepco-Becker Juniors are an inferior copy of the old BMW cases. If I had to buy new hard cases tomorrow I would shop Givi, Shad, or SW Motech. 

That’s unfortunate to hear but I’m glad I asked! Thanks for all of the information.