My decision to leave Bryce Canyon and head out to Torrey turned out to be a great one. I didn’t have accommodation booked but I had a look online and it looked like there were rooms available so I hit the road around 3pm and arrived in Torrey at around 6pm. This was partially due to the stops I made along the way.
I know I have mentioned before how much the scenery changes while driving but it never ceases to amaze me each day. It’s almost like getting a Christmas present ever couple of hours!
Many of the drives that I chose to take between the national parks are scenic byways. The first hour from Bryce Canyon on Highway 12 was nothing massively exciting. I had just started to think I’m not sure why it’s called a scenic drive when this viewpoint arrived. From here on everything changed!
Highway 12 from this point on (I sadly don’t know exactly where I was) until it meets with Highway 24 is gorgeous! Again, the landscape changes constantly along the way, which always keeps you on your toes and waiting for the next surprise. Between the above photo and the next photo you will hopefully see what I mean (there are more photos on my Facebook page if you’re interested).
I tried the Broken Spur Inn when I arrived in Torrey but as it turned out they were out of rooms. However in the 5 minutes I was there I met Mark and Jenny (a couple from Denver). They were also both on BMW motorcycles. Jenny had recently upgraded to the 1200 GS from the 800 GS (like Trinity) and she agreed that the front suspension is a bit floaty in the 800. They invited me to join them in the morning to do the Burr Trail and so was the start of things to come, but first I had to find a place to stay.
I drove down the high street in Torrey and came across a little shop advertising cabins for $40 so I thought I’d check it out. The little shop had such a good vibe about it. I don’t know how else to describe it but I knew this was where I needed to be. I ended up booking into the cabin for two nights. Although, as I was in the Deluxe Cabin (it was the only one left) I had to pay $55 a night. I was as happy as Larry!
At 07:30 I met Mark and Jenny at the Broken Inn. They’d met another couple on a KTM 1250, Naran and Janice, who were also joining us for the morning ride.
The Burr Trail is fantastic and runs from Highway 12 just south of Boulder into the southern part of the Capitol Reef National Park. I have included some photos of the Burr Trail for your enjoyment.
I was telling Naran about my front shock setup on my bike that I don’t like and he advised that I visit a company called Race Tech who are based in Corona (just outside of LA). Apparently they can do a custom overall of your shock for about $250. Result! I think I may well have to pay these guys a visit as I understand the front suspension on Trinity cannot be adjusted otherwise. It’s the only thing in the bike I don’t like so it’s worth getting that issue resolved.
After doing the Burr Trail, Naran and Janice headed off South and I went back to Torrey with Mark and Jenny. I actually ended up spending the rest of the day with them, excluding a short stop back to ‘my cabin’ to pick up my bikini and check my emails.
Below are some photos from our ride through Canyonlands and of the three of us.
We had such a great day! I can’t wait to see them again when I get to Denver. Thanks also for dinner guys! See you soon.
Mel & Trinity 