Sept 30th I went to my niece's wedding in Ely Minnesota. I didn't get to ride as much as I had planed because of rain. On my second ride I did take the KX to the Iron Range Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation Area. My K5 did not pass the sound check. The lady Ranger did give me a sound pass sticker and let me ride. She said since I'm not here every day and not many people were riding that day I could go ahead and ride. That was cool because I drove 1200 miles to ride the bike at the Iron Range. It has a diverse terrain, something for every one. 4x4 trucks, quads, and bikes are allowed in the park. They had bike only trails that I liked. It would have been better if it wasn't so wet. They also have a bike only hill climb area. The hill looked so steep and tall I didn't want to try it without friends in tow. I thought I would work my way to the top on the road that runs through the park. I did find my way to the top, once there and looking down the hill I said NO WAY. It looked like even with the brakes locked up you would still get going about 60mph down that hill. I had a good time but it would have been more fun with friends or other people to ride with. I kind of felt like I was at home because the water in the mud puddles was red like the red clay in Okla. But it's rust that makes the water red. The riding area in an old iron strip mine.
On my first day of riding I took the KLR650 dual sport. I ended up at Big Aspen Trail. It's a very nice trail system that I later learned is only for quads. It was getting dark so I found my way out of the trail system and then got lost on the backwoods roads. As I came around a bend in the road I saw some light ahead and it was a bar. One of the patrons new my brother in law and my sister and drew a map for me to get back. I was dressed warm but not for the cold night temps that were getting colder by the minute. The deer are a big problem for motorcycles, they are everywhere so I only went about 45/50 mph till I got to the house. Sis was getting worried because I said I would be back before dark. It was 5 hours after dark when I got to the house. She had a hot meal, warm fire, and a shot of whiskey for me when I showed up. Thanks Sis.
Check out the sites and pictures,
Danger
http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/ohv/iron_range/index.html
