As I was looking back over some images from 2004 I came across this photo of my BMW 1150RT Sport Touring motorcycle. I purchased it after being laid off and broke it in with a wonderful 3 week, 4200 mile trip. There were many trips to follow this one as I found motorcycle touring to be a great experience to see this country of ours. I bought this bike after talking to an older gentleman at a campground in eastern Oregon. I had already been looking at a BMW motorcycle and after noticing his bike I walked over and started a conversation. His tent was pitched, riding gear was laid out to take on the fresh air. He was eating baby carrots, slicing up a tomato and drinking a glass of wine. He told me he was heading to Seattle on his way back from New York. His stop in Seattle included picking up his girlfriend and riding up to Vancouver then taking a ferry ride to an island for the weekend. He was 72 years old. I wanted to be just like him. His sales pitch and life style sold me, so the following year I met up with him in Idaho at a BMW MOA rally and got to meet his girlfriend while on my silver RT.
This campsite was in the Gros Ventre Campground just outside of Jackson, Wyoming. I have used this campground as a base for several camping/photography trips. In face I may go back and post of few images from those trips. Sadly I needed to sell the bike in 2008 and move on to other things in my life. Inside I still dream of riding one of them on a twisty mountain road. Heck I’d like to have it on any road. Maybe someday.
8 Comments
Earl
Monte, certainly a beautiful bike. During younger days I use to race dirt bikes, worked as a mechanic at a Kawasaki dealer and enjoyed motorcycle touring. Don’t know if I’ll ever own a bike again but I know it must have been hard to part with the BMW.
Thanks for sharing.
Monte Stevens
Yes, this was a bike I first thought was ugly but I slowly grew admire it. It was well built and dependable. I got good gas milage. the only drawback was the air conditioning didn’t work well when stopped at a red light. Have a great Sunday!
Alan M. Collopy
Monte,
I beautiful motoring machine. I am sure you had much fun and adventures on this awesome BMW. They certainly know how to make cars, and their bikes are some of the very best.
So, are you ready to maybe purchase another one? Thought about it? You know, the annual bike week in Laconia, NH is only 1.5hrs. from me.
Very nice! Alan
Monte Stevens
Money will not allow it at the present time but I will always have it in the back of my mind until it can happen.
QPB (Mary Ann)
What a lovely thought–a motorcycle and an adventure across the country. I would love to do something like this!
Monte Stevens
You now, I can see you guys doing something like this. I must admit it is not an easy task. Maneuvering a big bike around and sleeping on the ground are not that comfortable. But with all the hiking and camping you guys do it may fit right in.
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