Matt's Personal Blog

Death Valley Pictures Round 2

2011-11-16T08:44:00.001-08:00

Here is the second round of pics

Death Valley Pictures Round 1

2011-11-15T09:15:00.001-08:00

Here are a number of pictures from Death Valley. Ill be making a few posts with all the videos and Pictures.

Getting staged to roll out. About 7am on Thursday

At Eureka Dunes

So many stops for gas. The mountains finally looked like they do in alaska, snow-capped.

Nevada, Just before Vegas

Valet Parking in Vegas! we were allowed to park right behind the bell-hop desk. Avoiding the use of escalators.

Waking up in Vegas! The view from the room.

Finally Home! Look at all the bugs on my visor!

Back to work

2011-11-14T09:54:00.001-08:00

And were back!
Here's a quick break down of me rides! (map below)
Thursday - Sacramento, CA to Eureka Dunes, CA - 344 miles
Friday - to Las Vegas, NV - 306 miles
Saturday - to Stovepipe Wells, CA - 184 miles

Sundays ride (to Sacramento, CA - 545 miles) was probably the roughest because i just wanted to be home and back in my bed. Back to work as normal for me today. I am going through the photos I took tonight and will try to post tomorrow.

The trip was pretty epic and I loved all the scenery I saw. Its nice to know that California has some good views other then the flatland of the central valley where I live at.

View Larger Map

Death Valley 2011 Prep

2011-11-08T11:25:00.000-08:00

This is a multi-part series of a Death Valley trip I am going on between November 10 and 13. I plan to post pics and videos of our ride.

I spent this last weekend tearing my motorcycle apart to fix a ticking valve. I have noticed my bike is so needy when it comes to maintenance. It needs to have a valve adjustment every 3700 miles according to the shop manual. Its up and running now though. It sounds like a champ.

My Motorcycle

2011-11-08T11:11:00.000-08:00

At the beginning of the year, i decided it was time for me to follow my dream and get a motorcycle. I have wanted one for as long as i can remember. Last March I studied for the written exam for a California Drivers license endorsement. Upon passing, i signed for for a MSF basic rider course.
The course takes place over 3 days of both in class and on motorcycle instruction. they teach you everything from the laws, getting on the bike the first time, and avoiding road hazards. It was what i needed to feel comfortable on a motorcycle.
After passing the class, i started saving money where ever possible and after about 2 months i had saved enough to buy a used motorcycle in cash.

Its a 2001 Suzuki Bandit 600. It has never been crashed and had about 23k miles on it when i bought it. I am now up and over 31k miles.

I love riding it. all places are just more fun to go to now. I ride with a group of other riders, usually on Sundays. Here is a video I made while riding.

Just After Bottom Braces

2011-10-31T12:13:00.000-07:00

Just after I got the braces on, Ugh they hurt so much. I am unable to chew solid foods for about 5 days due to the tenderness.

Just Before Bottom Braces

2011-10-31T12:09:00.000-07:00

In the dentist parking lot about to get my bottom braces on.

Fall in Rocklin, CA

2011-10-26T10:38:00.001-07:00

I was walking to a small cafe in our business park where I work and thought the trees and leaves looked nice.