6. My bike is too heavy
Today was the first day I had fun riding on this trip. The main reason was that I got off the Interstate Freeways and also the scenery was much nicer.
I had a breakfast in the hotel and I was in no rush to leave early as I had only 370 km to cover. It was raining overnight but it was nice and dry in the morning with that fresh smell in the air. Merely 21˚C, it was a perfect temp for riding.
There are National Parks all around me but I’ve been here a few times before and I have 100s of pics from here. I am just enjoying the ride this time. But I stopped for an ice cream in Moab. I went to McD, I like their caramel sandae. As I am enjoying my ice cream, here comes in a guy with a Glock 17 tucked in into the back of his jeans. He must be afraid that somebody will try to steal his Big Mac 🙄
Anyway, continued on, an easy ride. I’ve even managed to avoid all those rain showers. Cool. As I was riding by one of the commercial trucker’s scale I had an idea. I pulled in, went inside and I asked the guys if they take my weight. The guys were good sports and said no problem, you can read your weight on the display outside and we will even print it out for you. So I did weigh in. Oh boy … My bike with all the gear, but without me, weighs 720 lbs (325kg). The bike itself weighs 590 lbs with full fuel. That leaves 130 lbs for my stuff. Mind you, I have also 2 spare tires as well. Nevertheless, we need to go on a serious diet. Both, bike and myself. We’ll do it together. I have way too much stuff with me. I might send some of it home or leave it in Guatemala. I haven’t decided yet. I was afraid that the guys at the scales would tell me that I have exceeded max allowable axel weight and I need to get rid of some of my cargo …
The rest of the short day was nice and I arrived in Cortez, CO by 1400. The hotel here is a dump. It is strange as it is the same chain as the last night which was pretty decent. Oh well, my bar is pretty low right now - no bed bugs and I am happy.
Off to Albuquerque tomorrow, little over 400 km. Basically a half day ride … But it is getting hot again so I’ll try to leave early to avoid being baked alive.
P.S. Internet is too slow so I’ll upload pics tomorrow