2-day Ride to Idaho's Lost River and Lemhi Ranges

[SpudRider]

I am sorry to say that the Fall weather has arrived in Idaho, with a vengeance. :( Anticipating Fall’s arrival, I took a 2-day excursion to Idaho’s Lost River and Lemhi Ranges, while the weather was still very nice. :)

Traveling north and west, I left more familiar territory. After a short ride, I decided to stretch my legs with a short visit to Atomic City. :)

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/qq146/spudrider/Challis%20to%20Howe%202009/ChallistoHoweLoopTrip064.jpg

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/qq146/spudrider/Challis%20to%20Howe%202009/ChallistoHoweLoopTrip065.jpg

As the name implies, Atomic City is very close to the Idaho National Laboratory, a restricted-access facility that conducts Nuclear Research and Homeland Security operations.

https://inlportal.inl.gov/portal/server.pt?open=512&objID=260&mode=2

I stopped the Zong short of the security gate for a quick photograph.

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/qq146/spudrider/Challis%20to%20Howe%202009/ChallistoHoweLoopTrip075.jpg

Riding farther west, I stopped for a quick photograph of INL facilities. Then I quickly returned to the highway, before security officers, and black helicopters arrived! 8O

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/qq146/spudrider/Challis%20to%20Howe%202009/ChallistoHoweLoopTrip084.jpg

After riding a short distance, I decided to visit the historic EBR-1 (Experimental Breeder Reactor 1) site, home of the world’s first atomic power plant. Tours are available during the summer months, but I arrived after the tourist season. ;)

http://www.atomictourist.com/ebr.htm

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/qq146/spudrider/Challis%20to%20Howe%202009/ChallistoHoweLoopTrip088.jpg

Heading toward the Lost River Range, I stopped in Arco to fill my fuel tank, and my stomach. :) Arco is the town nearest to Craters of the Moon National Monument.

http://www.nps.gov/crmo/index.htm

In some areas of this National Monument, the lava flows and volcanic craters are so desolate, NASA used this site to train astronauts for the Apollo program’s lunar landings. 8O

http://www.nps.gov/archive/crmo/astronauts.htm

However, I was headed for the Lost River Range, so I did not visit Craters of the Moon on this excursion. I filled my gas tank, then headed inside the convenience market for some food. Near the front door I noticed this Wildfire 250 dual sport motorcycle!

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/qq146/spudrider/Challis%20to%20Howe%202009/ChallistoHoweLoopTrip096.jpg

I met the storeowner, and I discovered that he sells the Wildfire motorcycles; therefore, I requested, and received, the opportunity to test ride the Wildfire 250. :D I rode the bike around the parking lot; however, I am sorry to say this motorcycle looks a lot better than it rides! :( The Wildfire 250 is very tall, and the seat and suspension are both rock hard! I thanked the proprietor for the test ride, then went inside for lunch, thankful that I had purchased my Zong. ;)

In the next installment I will continue my report as I ride north to Idaho’s tallest mountain.

Spud :)

[Jim]

Very cool... How much $ was the wildfire?

[SpudRider]

Very cool... How much $ was the wildfire?
Thank you, Jim. :)

The Wildfire 250 is water cooled, and a very sharp looking motorcycle! However, as soon as I mounted it, I knew I would never want to ride it any distance, let alone own it. :(

The store owner is a very pleasant gentleman, and I had ample opportunity to ride this motorcycle around his very large, unpaved parking lot. The suspension was so stiff, I did not ride for very long; when I returned the bike to its parking place, I forgot to ask the price. :?

Spud :)

[Jim]

No problem, I was just curious ;) You should have talked him into selling Zong's ;)

[SpudRider]

No problem, I was just curious ;) You should have talked him into selling Zong's ;)
I'm waiting for Phil to establish his West Coast dealership network for the Zongs. ;)

I almost forgot, I took another photograph of the Wildfire which better displays the bike's radiator.

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/qq146/spudrider/Challis%20to%20Howe%202009/ChallistoHoweLoopTrip097.jpg

I was pleasantly surprised to see this motorcycle on display in Arco, Idaho, and I was very fortunate to take it for a test ride. :) Even during a close, physical inspection, this is a very nice looking motorcycle; but looks can be deceiving. ;) As soon as I mounted it, I thought I was sitting on a piece of lumber! 8O Also, I was very surprised, and disappointed, by the stiff, unyielding suspension. :(

Spud :)

[FastDoc]

Thanks again Spud.

FastDoc is having a tough day and appreciated your pics.

We had anou 1/3 inch of rain on Saturday but it's been nice and semi warm since. Perfect today, but alas, I'll be in work and meetings until about 9PM...

I'm going to Crater Lake at the end on this month but taking the Wing. Maybe my buddy and I will tow our CB's on his motorhome and explore the area locally instead. :D

[SpudRider]

Riding northwest from Arco, I traveled up the Big Lost River Valley. Immediately as you leave Arco, the Big Lost Mountain Range comes into view on the east.

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/qq146/spudrider/Challis%20to%20Howe%202009/ChallistoHoweLoopTrip101.jpg

In some places the year’s harvest of hay had not yet been collected.

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/qq146/spudrider/Challis%20to%20Howe%202009/ChallistoHoweLoopTrip109.jpg

The farmland in the valley extends up to the base of the mountains on either side of the Big Lost River.

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/qq146/spudrider/Challis%20to%20Howe%202009/ChallistoHoweLoopTrip115.jpg

As you travel north toward Darlington and Mackay, the mountains become taller, and more rugged.

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/qq146/spudrider/Challis%20to%20Howe%202009/ChallistoHoweLoopTrip117.jpg

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/qq146/spudrider/Challis%20to%20Howe%202009/ChallistoHoweLoopTrip123.jpg

I stopped in Mackay to fill my fuel tank, then continued to ride northwest. North of Mackay, and about half the distance from Arco to Challis, you arrive at Borah Peak, the tallest mountain in Idaho.

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/qq146/spudrider/Challis%20to%20Howe%202009/ChallistoHoweLoopTrip143.jpg

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/qq146/spudrider/Challis%20to%20Howe%202009/ChallistoHoweLoopTrip142.jpg

Borah Peak rises 12,662 feet above sea level, and resides just east of a fault in the Earth’s crust. A major earthquake occurred here as recently as 1983.

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/qq146/spudrider/Challis%20to%20Howe%202009/ChallistoHoweLoopTrip141.jpg

At this point I turned north to ride the gravel road that leads from the Borah Peak trailhead to the valley of the Pahsimeroi River, west of the Lemhi Range. I was immediately rewarded with beautiful new perspectives of Borah Peak. :)

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/qq146/spudrider/Challis%20to%20Howe%202009/ChallistoHoweLoopTrip146.jpg

Traveling farther north, you can see that snow still clings to the shear northern cliff of the mountain.

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/qq146/spudrider/Challis%20to%20Howe%202009/ChallistoHoweLoopTrip151.jpg

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/qq146/spudrider/Challis%20to%20Howe%202009/ChallistoHoweLoopTrip153.jpg

Other mountains, though less tall, still provided beautiful views as I continued to ride northward. :)

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/qq146/spudrider/Challis%20to%20Howe%202009/ChallistoHoweLoopTrip155.jpg

I took one last picture of Borah Peak as I continued to ride north to the Lemhi Range. :)

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/qq146/spudrider/Challis%20to%20Howe%202009/ChallistoHoweLoopTrip156.jpg

Just past the road’s summit, I left the Big Lost Range behind.

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/qq146/spudrider/Challis%20to%20Howe%202009/ChallistoHoweLoopTrip158.jpg

As I entered the valley of the Pahsimeroi River, views of the Lemhi Range appeared in the east.

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/qq146/spudrider/Challis%20to%20Howe%202009/ChallistoHoweLoopTrip162.jpg

I traveled quickly as I rode along the excellent, but remote gravel road, that leads to May, Idaho, and the Salmon River beyond. :)

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/qq146/spudrider/Challis%20to%20Howe%202009/ChallistoHoweLoopTrip163.jpg

As late afternoon progressed into early evening, I took my last photographs of the Lemhi Range as I exited the valley. :)

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/qq146/spudrider/Challis%20to%20Howe%202009/ChallistoHoweLoopTrip165.jpg]

After reaching the beautiful Salmon River, I headed west to dine in Challis, and spend the evening.

In my next installment I will continue my report as I ride the remote roadways from Challis, south to Howe, Idaho. :)

Spud :)

[FastDoc]

Beautiful Spud.

Mental Note:

Never move East. :D

[SpudRider]

Beautiful Spud.

Mental Note:

Never move East. :D
Thank you, Doc. :)

Spud :)

[Weldangrind]

Thanks again for the photos Spud.

Is that a DOT rear tire? It looks really agressive.

[SpudRider]

Thanks again for the photos Spud.

Is that a DOT rear tire? It looks really agressive.
You are welcome, WG. :)

Yes, the K760 Kenda Trakmaster is a DOT approved dual sport tire. :) Based upon the recommendation of others, and my experience with a very similiar Dunlop D752 tire, I bought the Kenda K760 Trakmaster tire in size 100/100-18 for the YamaZong’s rear wheel. :) This tire fits the Yamaha XT225 swingarm with room to spare, and it does not rub the chain guard. :)

For the first hundred miles or so, this tire is a little skatey on the pavement. However, after scuffing it up a little, it rides very well on the street. :) The Kenda K760 tire has done a very good job for me on pavement, gravel roads, powered soil, mud, loose rocks, and hard rocky trails. :D This tire also wears very well. I like this tire very much, and I got it for a great price from Rocky Mountain ATV. :D

http://www.kendausa.com/motorcycle/dual_sport.html#trakmaster_k760

Incidentally, I also very much enjoy the Shinko 244 tire I have mounted on the YamaZong's front wheel. :) The Shinko 244 is available in 5 different sizes for an 18-inch wheel, ranging in size from 3.00-18, to 5.10-18. :)

http://www.shinkotireusa.com/product/product.php?id=24

I ordered my Shinko 244 tire, in size 3.00-18, from the local Honda dealership. I paid $27 for my tire, and it arrived 24 hours after I had ordered it! I have traveled about 3,000 miles on the Shinko 244, and it does a superb job on the Zong's front wheel. If anything, the Shinko 244 wears even better than the Kenda K760; it is a great tire, at a great price! :D

Spud :)

[SpudRider]

Riding the Salmon River upstream, from Challis westward to Stanley, is another beautiful ride. :)

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/qq146/spudrider/Challis%20to%20Howe%202009/ChallistoHoweLoopTrip169.jpg

However, after a good night’s sleep, and a hearty breakfast, I headed downstream, eastward along the Salmon River, to re-enter the Pahsimeroi River Valley. :) The mountains south of Challis are chocolate colored, much unlike the gray granite color of the mountains seen farther south in the Big Lost Range.

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/qq146/spudrider/Challis%20to%20Howe%202009/ChallistoHoweLoopTrip171.jpg

Traveling farther downstream the road rises, affording some beautiful elevated views of the Salmon River.

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/qq146/spudrider/Challis%20to%20Howe%202009/ChallistoHoweLoopTrip178.jpg

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/qq146/spudrider/Challis%20to%20Howe%202009/ChallistoHoweLoopTrip179.jpg

Further downstream I spied a beautiful farm nestled south of the river, which had a wonderful view to the east. :)

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/qq146/spudrider/Challis%20to%20Howe%202009/ChallistoHoweLoopTrip180.jpg

Arriving at the confluence of the Pahsimeroi and Salmon Rivers, I turned south. This time I took a route that closely paralleled the Lemhi Range, to the east.

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/qq146/spudrider/Challis%20to%20Howe%202009/ChallistoHoweLoopTrip190.jpg

While traveling south, enjoying my view of the mountains, I discovered a beautiful trail that left the highway and ascended into the Lemhi Range. I checked my GPS and saw that this trail ascended to approximately 8,000 feet above sea level, almost 4,000 feet above the valley floor. :D This is one of the reasons I love dual sport motorcycles; I decided to explore the trail. :D I rode up the trail about a hundred yards, and hid my J.C. Whitney travel trunk in the sagebrush. ;)

Reaching the top of the trail, I was rewarded with beautiful views of the mountains, and the valley to the south.

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/qq146/spudrider/Challis%20to%20Howe%202009/ChallistoHoweLoopTrip201.jpg

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/qq146/spudrider/Challis%20to%20Howe%202009/ChallistoHoweLoopTrip207.jpg

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/qq146/spudrider/Challis%20to%20Howe%202009/ChallistoHoweLoopTrip210.jpg

At this point, the trail descended to the south. Therefore, I backtracked down the trail to retrieve my travel trunk, and enjoy the views I had neglected while ascending. :)

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/qq146/spudrider/Challis%20to%20Howe%202009/ChallistoHoweLoopTrip222.jpg

On the way back down I stopped to explore an abandoned cabin I had passed near the summit; it was a mining cabin filled with core samples taken from the mountain.

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/qq146/spudrider/Challis%20to%20Howe%202009/ChallistoHoweLoopTrip226.jpg

The irrigated land in the valley below stood out in stark contrast to the native sagebrush.

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/qq146/spudrider/Challis%20to%20Howe%202009/ChallistoHoweLoopTrip237.jpg

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/qq146/spudrider/Challis%20to%20Howe%202009/ChallistoHoweLoopTrip244.jpg

The Lemhi mountains are quite steep, and rockslides occupy large areas of the slopes.

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/qq146/spudrider/Challis%20to%20Howe%202009/ChallistoHoweLoopTrip256.jpg

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/qq146/spudrider/Challis%20to%20Howe%202009/ChallistoHoweLoopTrip259.jpg

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/qq146/spudrider/Challis%20to%20Howe%202009/ChallistoHoweLoopTrip269.jpg

Because I had passed it earlier, I knew the farmhouse on the mountain below was actually elevated quite a bit above the valley; however, you would not likely recognize that fact from this elevation. ;)

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/qq146/spudrider/Challis%20to%20Howe%202009/ChallistoHoweLoopTrip275.jpg

I continued to descend into the valley, and retrieved my travel trunk at the bottom of the trail. :D

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/qq146/spudrider/Challis%20to%20Howe%202009/ChallistoHoweLoopTrip291.jpg

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/qq146/spudrider/Challis%20to%20Howe%202009/ChallistoHoweLoopTrip294.jpg

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/qq146/spudrider/Challis%20to%20Howe%202009/ChallistoHoweLoopTrip303.jpg

In my next installment I will continue my report as I ride the length of the Lemhi Range, and exit the valley near Howe, Idaho.

Spud :)

[SpudRider]

After descending the Lemhi Range, I continued to head southeast toward Patterson. Riding close to the mountains, I enjoyed the view of the farmlands leading up to the Lemhi Range. In the photograph below, the black dots are cows grazing in the fields. :)

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/qq146/spudrider/Challis%20to%20Howe%202009/ChallistoHoweLoopTrip308.jpg

Numerous trails crisscross this beautiful, wide valley; I took one of the trails, and rode a bit to the west. I was rewarded with a wonderful view of the distant Big Lost Range, and the headwaters of the Pahshimeroi River. :D

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/qq146/spudrider/Challis%20to%20Howe%202009/ChallistoHoweLoopTrip323.jpg

Looking back to the east and south, I crossed the headwaters of the Pashimeroi River, and headed back to the gravel road. :)

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/qq146/spudrider/Challis%20to%20Howe%202009/ChallistoHoweLoopTrip329.jpg

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/qq146/spudrider/Challis%20to%20Howe%202009/ChallistoHoweLoopTrip332.jpg

Riding southeast, I left the Pahshimeroi drainage basin, and entered the drainage basin of the Little Lost River. Once again, the small dots in the photograph below are happy cows, grazing in the beautiful valley. :D

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/qq146/spudrider/Challis%20to%20Howe%202009/ChallistoHoweLoopTrip334.jpg

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/qq146/spudrider/Challis%20to%20Howe%202009/ChallistoHoweLoopTrip336.jpg

The Lemhi Range continued to offer beautiful views to the east as I continued riding toward the Little Lost River.

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/qq146/spudrider/Challis%20to%20Howe%202009/ChallistoHoweLoopTrip338.jpg

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/qq146/spudrider/Challis%20to%20Howe%202009/ChallistoHoweLoopTrip340.jpg

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/qq146/spudrider/Challis%20to%20Howe%202009/ChallistoHoweLoopTrip343.jpg

As you get closer to Howe, the remote gravel road becomes paved. However, many fine trails lead eastward toward the Lemhi Range. :)

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/qq146/spudrider/Challis%20to%20Howe%202009/ChallistoHoweLoopTrip353.jpg

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/qq146/spudrider/Challis%20to%20Howe%202009/ChallistoHoweLoopTrip356.jpg

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/qq146/spudrider/Challis%20to%20Howe%202009/ChallistoHoweLoopTrip357-2.jpg

Getting closer to Howe, the valley widens, and more farmland begins to appear.

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/qq146/spudrider/Challis%20to%20Howe%202009/ChallistoHoweLoopTrip361.jpg

As I rode southeast, I paused to watch a farmer harvesting his crop. :)

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/qq146/spudrider/Challis%20to%20Howe%202009/ChallistoHoweLoopTrip364.jpg

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/qq146/spudrider/Challis%20to%20Howe%202009/ChallistoHoweLoopTrip367.jpg

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/qq146/spudrider/Challis%20to%20Howe%202009/ChallistoHoweLoopTrip369.jpg

I was not alone watching the harvest. ;) A hungry hawk, perched upon the irrigation equipment, was also watching the farmer, and me, as he waited for field mice to scurry away from the approaching harvester. ;)

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/qq146/spudrider/Challis%20to%20Howe%202009/ChallistoHoweLoopTrip370.jpg

I rode a little bit farther south to get another photograph of the field, without the irrigation equipment obscuring the view. This farmer has a rather nice view of the Lemhi Range; don’t you agree? :D

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/qq146/spudrider/Challis%20to%20Howe%202009/ChallistoHoweLoopTrip380.jpg

This day I had traveled over 120 miles down the length of the Lemhi Range. :) Arriving in Howe, I reached the first fuel pump available since I had left Challis, earlier in the morning. ;) Fortunately, the storeowner was still open for business; I gratefully filled my fuel tank. If the store had been closed, I would have made a 14-mile detour to Arco for fuel. ;)

My Zong has a 2 gallon fuel tank, so I had stowed an extra ¾ gallon of gas in my travel trunk before leaving Challis; I had used a good bit of that extra fuel. ;) I will certainly enjoy having my 3.5 gallon Clarke fuel tank, which I plan to install in the next week or so. :D

Standing at the fuel pump, I took my last photographs of the Lemhi Range ascending in the distance, above Mom’s Place, in beautiful downtown Howe. :)

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/qq146/spudrider/Challis%20to%20Howe%202009/ChallistoHoweLoopTrip383.jpg

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/qq146/spudrider/Challis%20to%20Howe%202009/ChallistoHoweLoopTrip382.jpg

Riding southeast into the broad Snake River Plain, I retraced my path back home. :D

Spud :)

[IPvFletch]

Wow, amazing! How did you plan this trip out? I would love to find some public roads like that here in Central Texas.. :)

*bump* :)

[culcune]

Looked like you had a good ride, Spud! Keep 'em coming; here I sit in 90+F temperatures, the desert, dunes, and Mexico in a few miles and bikeless!!

[FastDoc]

If there was EVER someone who got their money's worth on a little motorcycle, it was you, Spud.

Have you considered some sort of guard to protect your lower exposed fork legs?

[SpudRider]

If there was EVER someone who got their money's worth on a little motorcycle, it was you, Spud.

Have you considered some sort of guard to protect your lower exposed fork legs?
Thank you, Doc. :) I hope to enjoy many more miles riding my YamaZong. :D

I could install the stock Zong fork guards. So far, I have not felt the need to do so.

Spud :)

[FastDoc]

The only reason I suges it is to spare the chrome coating from chipping from rocks and then tearing up the fork seals. :?

[SpudRider]

The only reason I suges it is to spare the chrome coating from chipping from rocks and then tearing up the fork seals. :?
Thanks for the warning, Doc. :) So far, I have not had a problem with rocks chipping the front forks on my Zong. Perhaps this is because of my riding style, or the nature of the trails I ride in Idaho. However, I might also just be lucky. ;) Perhaps it is time for me to install my stock fork guards.

Spud :)

[SpudRider]

Wow, amazing! How did you plan this trip out? I would love to find some public roads like that here in Central Texas.. :)

*bump* :)
Thank you, Fletch. :) Any road that travels into Idaho’s mountains will offer beautiful views; therefore, this trip did not require a lot of planning. I just packed my J.C. Whitney travel trunk, and headed out for the ride. :)

However, I was very fortunate to discover the beautiful trail leading high into the Lemhi Range. Also, my Garmin Etrex Legend Hcx is a wonderful tool for finding, and exploring new trails. :)

Spud :)

[SpudRider]

Looked like you had a good ride, Spud! Keep 'em coming; here I sit in 90+F temperatures, the desert, dunes, and Mexico in a few miles and bikeless!!
Thank you, Culcune. :) I wish you good luck in finding the right motorcycle. :)

Spud :)

[Cal25]

What map sets do you use in the Garmin? I have Metro Guide or City Giude, not sure which it is. Thinking of adding Toppo maps to it but have not been convinced I need it.

[SpudRider]

What map sets do you use in the Garmin? I have Metro Guide or City Giude, not sure which it is. Thinking of adding Toppo maps to it but have not been convinced I need it.
I primarily use the Garmin Topo 2008 map set, Cal. :) This map set is a bit outdated. Some times a dual track road shows up as a hiking trail. Some times a trail leads through a mountain pass, but the Garmin Topo 2008 map set shows it terminating at a lower elevation. :?

However, the Topo 2008 map set is still an excellent resource. :) I enjoy always knowing exactly where I am, and the exact elevation. I especially appreciate the elevation contours that help me to judge the steepness of a trail, and the views the trail will afford. :)

I also have the Garmin MetroGuide map set. In the past I have unloaded the Topo 2008 map set, and loaded the MetroGuide map set when riding along the narrow Wasatch Front, north of Salt Lake City. I would switch map sets to help guide me through the “urban jungle.” ;) I figured the more recent version of the MetroGuide map set would help me avoid Interstate 15, and stay on the secondary roads while negotiating the crazy, heavy urban traffic. ;) However, I now basically keep the Topo 2008 map set loaded at all times. I think it does a pretty good job in the city, and a excellent job in the mountains. :D

Spud :)

[FastDoc]

That sounds like a great GPS. I did not know such mapping was available.

[SpudRider]

That sounds like a great GPS. I did not know such mapping was available.
Indeed, the Garmin handheld GPS receivers are excellent. :) I just checked, and it seems the Garmin Etrex Lengend Hcx unit I own is now a discontinued model. :( However, this GPS is still available for sale from a wide variety of vendors. :)

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000PDR27G

Spud :)

[Cal25]

GPS's are a great tool (and toy). I have learned not to expect everything to be as advertised though. A driveway across the road from my house appears as a continuation of the road. Many times I have had to back track when the road I was on ended at someones drive gate.
About 2 1/2 years ago my company moved into a new building. Every so often people will walk in with a confused look on their face asking if we are a post office. After this happened a few times I asked someone why they thought it was a post office. Their Garmin GPS says so. LOL

[SpudRider]

GPS's are a great tool (and toy). I have learned not to expect everything to be as advertised though...About 2 1/2 years ago my company moved into a new building. Every so often people will walk in with a confused look on their face asking if we are a post office. After this happened a few times I asked someone why they thought it was a post office. Their Garmin GPS says so. LOL
Yes, the map databases are certainly not perfect! :lol:
...Many times I have had to back track when the road I was on ended at someones drive gate...
Yes, I expect to backtrack every once in a while. Especially when riding in unfamiliar territory, I budget my riding time accordingly. ;) The GPS can tell you a road or trail is available; however, it does not tell you if the road is gated. ;) I had to backtrack in such a manner during my recent ride to Promintory Point, just north of the Great Salt Lake. ;)

http://chinariders.net/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=8754

Spud :)