Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. We had the road to ourselves.
Last summer, for our 25th wedding anniversary, Sarah and I rode bicycles through Nova Scotia. It was a guided Backroads tour. We enjoyed that journey so much we thought hitting the road with our own bikes would be a worthwhile next adventure.
So, we recently packed his-and-hers Specialized e-bikes on Sarah’s SUV, and headed for southern California, where we lived for 17 years before moving to Colorado. Along the way, we rode in St. George, Utah; in La Quinta, California; and in three of Utah’s national parks — about 200 miles in all.
While this blog (All Vroom, All the Time) was established as a way to share my Harley adventures — what I call “vrooming” — it turns out all two-wheel travel has a vroom element to it.
For those of you who think I may have fallen off the planet due to lack of posting since August 2023, below is a short recap of our recent travels. If you’re not into bicycles, and are jonesing for Harley content, I’ll be leaving on my annual Harley trip in July. Hang in there.
In the meantime, let the pedaling begin.
St. George, Utah: Veyo Loop
The 44-mile Veyo Loop, beginning and ending in St. George, offers scenic views galore.
The loop climbs about 1,800 vertical feet. This was pretty sporty for our first ride of the season!
La Quinta, California
Our journey continued south to La Quinta, where we stayed with the Wisener family. We got to celebrate Vicki’s birthday with her. That’s Brittany, our unofficially adopted daughter, in the foreground.
Then, we hung with Cindy Vennes, who was our riding partner and host in southern La Quinta.
Henderson, Nevada
Leaving southern California and heading north toward home, we stayed with the Bowman family in Henderson, Nevada. You may remember Dave as my Harley riding buddy. He and Gail, both camera-shy, have a lovely pool. It turned out to be a good napping spot.
Zion National Park, Utah
It’s only a three-hour drive from Henderson to Zion National Park, our next riding stop. We rode to the Temple of Sinawava. The name honors the Paiute’s Coyote god.
This part of Zion is home to the famous Narrows hike along the Virgin River. Leaving our water shoes at home, we chose to ride instead.
The next day, we rode Kolob Terrace Road, an unforgettable 50-mile out-and-back with 4,800 feet of vertical climb. OK, well … we didn’t do the whole thing, but still, if you’re a serious rider, this is the most challenging on-road adventure in the park.
On the Kolob Terrace Road, you’re in Zion National Park, but don’t have to pay an entrance fee. The road barely has any traffic. C’mon people. Do it.
Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah
After an overnight in Panguitch, Utah, we rode through Bryce Canyon National Park. The hoodoos are otherworldly.
It was cold and windy, but picture perfect.
Sarah was shivering at the Natural Bridge overlook, so we snapped a few pics, and rode back to the car.
Arches National Park, Utah
I’ve been to Arches National Park before, four times. Always on a Harley. This time, I provided my own power — at least most of it (the bike’s pedal assist was helpful).
We had nice weather. Just the right temperature for a spring day ride.
If you haven’t been to Arches, you don’t know what you’re missing.
There’s a whole lot of Estrada Sandstone, carved over millions of years.
That formation behind us is Balanced Rock, rising 128 feet into the desert sky. Along with Delicate Arch, seen on Utah’s license plates, Balanced Rock is one of the most iconic features in the park.
Moab, Utah: Jeep Arch Trail
Yours truly, in search of the Jeep Arch.
Look Ma, no bikes! One day we left the bikes behind and went for a hike in the Moab wilderness. There are a million spectacular places to go in this area. We chose the Jeep Arch Trail. It’s a four-mile, four-hour, 1,000-foot vertical rise adventure whose payoff is the view of the Jeep Arch, which you can see behind us. Looks kinda like a jeep. Use your imagination.
Our Moab hosts and Carbondale neighbors, John and Julie Lund, led the way. Yep, that’s a Jeep behind them.
***
After 17 days on the road, we arrived home in Carbondale, ready for our next adventure. Suggestions, anyone?
yes I’d been missing your stories! Glad to see you’re on the road again!! Great photos great story, and glad to see the Harley is coming out of the garage soon. I’m thinking or riding my bike to Joshua Tree in October.
WOW, you two! What an impressive trip PEDALING (even with a little assist!). Great pics, and BONUS that we got to run into you at your old PGA West “stomping grounds”! Will hope our paths cross again, and in the meantime will look forward to hearing about “Harley adventures” later this summer! Miss you! Marde and Ole
Well I guess I am too old to follow instructions and only sent Hi on my first try. What a great trip and there is nothing like traveling by by bicycle. You hit some great routes and Utah just can’t be beat. I went with friends a number of years to ride Moab and did Slick Rock, the Flume Trail and many others. Glad to see you are healthy and having fun. Paula and I are doing great and love living in France just as you love your place. We are still having fun and enjoying life. Keep on sending your great posts and look forward to your next adventure in July.
Looks like you two got a lot of pedaling time in together and in the Utah National parks to boot. Very jealous! I’ve been looking at e-bikes myself, as that is about the only thing with two wheels that I think I can get Jackie on now. Hugs to both of you and be safe out there.
Riding With Gary 
Lots of fun, thanks for sharing your adventures! Carl
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Gre
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Good to hear from you. Looks like a fun trip. Girls got together when you were here but I missed you.
Russ
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We’re jealous!! Welcome home. Steve
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Thanks Gary! Fun pics. Sarah looked rested and relaxed this morning.
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yes I’d been missing your stories! Glad to see you’re on the road again!! Great photos great story, and glad to see the Harley is coming out of the garage soon. I’m thinking or riding my bike to Joshua Tree in October.
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Wh
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WOW, you two! What an impressive trip PEDALING (even with a little assist!). Great pics, and BONUS that we got to run into you at your old PGA West “stomping grounds”! Will hope our paths cross again, and in the meantime will look forward to hearing about “Harley adventures” later this summer! Miss you! Marde and Ole
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Hi
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Well I guess I am too old to follow instructions and only sent Hi on my first try. What a great trip and there is nothing like traveling by by bicycle. You hit some great routes and Utah just can’t be beat. I went with friends a number of years to ride Moab and did Slick Rock, the Flume Trail and many others. Glad to see you are healthy and having fun. Paula and I are doing great and love living in France just as you love your place. We are still having fun and enjoying life. Keep on sending your great posts and look forward to your next adventure in July.
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I loved reading every word of this varoom what fun! You guys are keeping in shape.
Enjoy!
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I have a Specialized e-bike just like the both of yours and next time you go on an e-bike trip I’m going along.
jwc
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Looks like you two got a lot of pedaling time in together and in the Utah National parks to boot. Very jealous! I’ve been looking at e-bikes myself, as that is about the only thing with two wheels that I think I can get Jackie on now. Hugs to both of you and be safe out there.
Scott
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Wh
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