Saturday, May 16, 2009

Test Drive


Today was my Test Drive. I put the 14" rims and new tires on the ATV and headed south to Highway 68 near Lehi, UT. After off-loading, I did a few preliminary checks to insure that all systems were a go, to include checking lug nuts.

This was a perfect spot to test drive, as the road speed limit is 45mph in the residential area. Traffic was lite, the skies were clear, wind was calm, and a wonderful 65 degrees. I started to head south on Highway 68 keeping me speed in check. The bike handled wonderfully, but I did notice some yaw on parts of the road that had been patched. Keeping a firm grip kept the bike in check and I soon felt comfortable even with the yaw.

Proceeded south and the speed limit changed to 55mph. While the speed limit for an ATV is 45mph in Utah, I moved to the posted limit to get a feel for the bike. Again, it performed flawlessly, and seemed to smooth out at higher speeds - the yaw disappeared. The ride was extremely quiet, and all I could hear was the hum of the engine and sound of the exhaust.

I continued south on Highway 68, and then headed east on Highway 6 to Santaquin, UT. I pulled into the local gas station for a fill up, and the conversations soon began. I was approached by five local gentlemen, with whom I spent nearly a half hour talking about my modifications, and planned trip to South Dakota. Each gave me their support; had a cup of coffee, and started towards home.

After loading the bike, I stopped at a gas station for a fill up. I wanted to determine what my gas mileage was, which I figured it had to be better than what I was getting with standard ATV tires. My average with standard tires was 24-25 mpg, but with highway tires it jumped to nearly 31 mpg.

My next test run will include the trailer.

That's it for today...will keep you posted.

Sunday, May 10, 2009

In the Beginning

18 July 2009 marks the beginning of a journey that will span 2700 plus miles. This journey is not your normal journey, it is rather an epic journey. Traveling from Salt Lake City, UT to Watertown, SD on a Can-Am ATV will take me through the 12,000' peaks of Utah, the flat Plateaus of Wyoming, and finally through the Black Hills of South Dakota. Continuing on, I will make my journey to Watertown for a few days rest, and enjoy the wedding of Dan and Julie in Colman, South Dakota.

I realize the trip is still two months away, but I find it necessary to get something posted. I am still in the logistical planning stages, and will continue to be for some time.

Switching out ATV rims/tires with new 205/75 R14 tires has been slow going, but a necessary evil. There will be a fair amount of hard surface travel and normal ATV tires won't last long. I am waiting for two more rims from Rocky Mountain ATV, and when I receive them I will mount them as well. I will post a few pictures when that task is completed.

Here is a cleaned up version of my license...scanned copy isn't very clean so I had to do some handy-work.

On the far right side you will see a list of Emotional Sponsors. I have sent several email contacts requesting support from additional / local businesses as well, and perhaps you will follow up with my request and send your stickers as well.

That's it for today, and will keep you posted on my planning.

For those who have sacrificed for it, freedom has a flavor the protected will never know. De Oppresso Liber!