September 2016 Motorcycle Ride
Friday, September 9 - Heppner to Baker City - 217 miles
The folks running the Northwestern Motel in Heppner said that for a great
breakfast all I needed to do was walk across the street so that is what I
did. There is a small shop selling coffee, assorted light fare, and an
interesting collection of things that I supposed would be used to decorate
a house (not used by most guys mind you). This was my view of the building
when walking out of the motel. When traveling by motorcycle always nice to
find your bike still parked outside in the morning!
The combination coffee shop and gallery seems to be a meeting place for
locals. I think everyone else in there knew each other. There were three
young children sitting at a table having breakfast when I went it. Evidently
they were children of someone working there. There was a small group at the
main table having something to eat and from the conversation and interaction
with the people running the place they also had some close relationship with
the owners. One gentleman came in after a bit and picked up a coffee cup and
then went behind the counter to pour himself some coffee so evidently
another local. Once I had some coffee and breakfast I packed up and was on
my way.
You might note from the map at the top of the page that Heppner is not at
the far eastern end of the day's ride. I had some notes in my tank bag
indicating that I head south on 206 which was correct. What I didn't note
was the really quick turn off heading east on Willow Creek Road.
I continued south on 206 for 20 minutes or so. I had programmed my GPS with
Ukiah as my next destination so was watching the GPS screen continually
telling me to make a U turn as I headed south. I was confident that soon the
GPS would decide on the correct route as I neared my turn and I would see
some new instructions. I finally decided to stop and consult a map. I had
been seeing signs for Condon but my state of Oregon map was far too high
level to show that small town. I was riding on some great roads under a
beautiful clear sky so it was hard to do much but enjoy the ride.
Beautiful roads, how could anyone on a motorcycle resist that. But the GPS
was still insisting that I turn around after 30 miles or more traveled so
reluctantly I did turn back. Least you think that all the roads were
straight here is a picture of some curves on my return ride toward Heppner.
I enjoyed the beautiful roads in reverse this time and watched the signs for
Heppner show decreasing mileage. Before long I found myself only a mile or
so from Heppner and looking at the turn to the east on Willow Creek Road.
Whoops, time to get on with my journey to Baker City now. The country in
this direction offered more trees.
The road also gained elevation and warned me that this was best done as a
summer journey by motorcycle. For a winter trip I would want to switch to
snowmobile.
Finding some wild animals in the middle of the road made me remember not to
take any blind corners at excessive speed.
Fortunately I was able to ride safely by and no chase was given so I
continued to enjoy the beautiful roads.
The country side changed as I neared the intersection with highway 395
and the town of Ukiah.
And finally after crossing highway 395 I entered the small town of Ukiah
and found a spot for lunch. This was obviously a popular spot for
motorcycle riders. What I did not know at the time is that some of those
motorcycle riders were going to end up at Baker City and be part of the
group I was meeting.
Now my journey east continued for 45 miles on highway 244 to Interstate
84 and then 50 miles of 70+ MPH "super slab" into Baker City.
Much of the road east of Ukiah was fairly fresh chip seal but in good
condition and fairly clean so not a problem riding on it.
I arrived at the Oregon Trail motel in Baker City to spot a couple other
bikes in the parking lot. I checked into my room and spotted a doe
snoozing outside my back window.
More motorcycle riders began to appear about 15 minutes after my arrival
and I began to meet some of the riders that I knew only from their
postings on a motorcycle forum.
Back to September ride report.