Riding Around the West on a Sportster: Chapter 9

Based off of many pre-trip KZbin comments suggesting I travel through Morenci Arizona, I decided to plan my route accordingly. The ride certainly didn’t disappoint! Once I got to Clifton, the red rock and rich history surrounding the area took my breath away. I couldn’t wait to see what was around the next bend!
To those of you who suggested Morenci to me- thank you! I would have never heard of the route if it wasn’t for you.
If you like, you can follow me on instagram at feels_like_rain.
Thanks for watching!

[@marymautner651]

Best motorcycle videos. Good scenery, good music and sparse commentary. Everything ya need, nothing ya don’t.

[@lauradanielle1991]

Much appreciated, thank you!! 😊

[@coyotemauve1275]

Thank you Laura, I will check, A very good coffee in the 10 first minutes of the day, when getting out of the sleeping bag is the best way to start the journey of the day !

[@lauradanielle1991]

Totally agree!

[@WillysPerformanceCycleCtr]

Laura, this was a great ride despite the cool weather! Hope you get back to the Grand Canyon soon. You’ll be amazed at the beautiful views! Take care and ride safe!

[@lauradanielle1991]

Thank you! I hope so too. There’s so much to see and do in the west. 😄

[@salorjim1000]

Another great video Laura. I think I have watched about 75% of all your videos and I have to say I am not just impressed with the videos but I am impressed with YOU! Driving and working on tractors and other machinery, running that chain saw and all the other work you have shown us and in the weather conditions you live and work in is very impressive. And of course your great motorcycle travels. Fun fact one of my sailboats was made on Prince Edward Island! Keep the videos coming!

[@lauradanielle1991]

Wow, thank you so much, you put a smile on my face! I really appreciate your kind words. Also, that’s AWESOME about your sailboat! 🇨🇦

[@quietbean3820]

Watching you ride your 883 around the country there, makes me want to take mine out and do the same! Gathering up nerve is all! God bless you Laura!

[@lauradanielle1991]

Go for it! Perhaps I’ll see you on the road! 🤗

[@WhiteLineRambler]

another great video! Cant wait for chapter 10.

[@lauradanielle1991]

Thank you for tuning in. 🤗

[@tmw1955]

Hi Laura another great video Thank you really enjoyed the scenery & your drone footage sorry that you were so cold the temps were quite cold though as another comment said you are the real deal young woman very impressed Keep the videos coming always enjoyable Take care always Be safe out there Ridin in the Wind 😎😎

[@lauradanielle1991]

Thank you!! 😊

[@charmontravel]

One hit video after another! Great rides and angles. Thx.

[@lauradanielle1991]

Glad you liked it! Thank you. 😊

[@Sigma-Chahta]

I found your channel a couple of weeks ago and subbed. I love the vids especially the moto-camp trips. Keep em coming your awesome. 👍👍👍

[@lauradanielle1991]

Thanks for saying, I really appreciate it! 😄

[@Eds_PanAm]

those canyon provide one heck of a view! and your music choice goes perfectly with your surroundings!!

[@lauradanielle1991]

Thank you!!

[@darrellkinkade9205]

Beautiful! Being from Tucson I've ridden the loop thru The White Mtns of N Az thru Alpine into Silver City & back a number of times & w/ frozen hands. In fact, just rode thru there in April. As well as the Grand Canyon 2 weeks ago. If U ever do make it back to the Canyon, U may want to enter from Cameron, AZ. Amazing ride w/ far fewer tourists... And oh, heated hand grips?? This 70 yr old "don't need no stinking heated hand grips" :-)

[@JGKohlenberg]

All right Laura this video even looked Cold at times 🥶 Nice scenery!

[@lauradanielle1991]

Yes it was! Thanks for the comment 😃

[@user-gu1kx4qk8b]

This must have been a tuff ride for a little girl from Ontairo. I think You are more resilient than I am! But what a tour. Thank You for having us with You to places most of us can only Dream of.

[@lauradanielle1991]

Thank you so much for your kind comment! I really appreciate it. 😌

[@smilingbiter]

Your one tough cookie which I'm not surprised. I see all the things you do in your job. Those are pretty cold riding days. All the best to you. 👌😍

[@lauradanielle1991]

Thank you so much, I really appreciate that. All the best to you too!

[@hrmacdonald4471]

Man, the weather is some cold there...I thought it would be warmer. Kind of cool to see the mountain goat road sign, i'm more use to seeing deer & moose signage. Noticed a lot of tar snakes on those highways...be mindful of them. Nice video!

[@lauradanielle1991]

Thank you! Truthfully, I thought it would be slightly warmer too. 😅

[@brucemorrison3563]

That road from Morenci to Alpine used to be HWY 666 also known as the Devils Hwy.Curve after curve.Gotta love it.One of the best roads i Az.Sometimes i wish i still lived in that state.Im sure you enjoyed it even though it was so cold.See you on the next episode. Peace.

[@lauradanielle1991]

It was simply incredible! 🤠

[@4mytoytube]

Loved the latest video. If you haven't already, which route will you be coming up the coast? Can't wait for the next :-)

[@jake6618]

Keep your spirits up Laura and have a safe ride.

[@lauradanielle1991]

Thank you, I’ll do my best! 😊

[@GarryShirreffs-cs2gb]

So good I watched it twice thanks for a great vid 😊

[@lauradanielle1991]

Glad you enjoyed it! 🤠

[@garryshirreffs9645]

Brilliant way to start the weekend great vid thanks :)

[@lauradanielle1991]

Thank you for saying! Enjoy your weekend. 😁

[@ericgardner3020]

Well Kid the Grand canyon has always been there and will welcome you when you finally make it for a visit😊 Open pit mine reminds me of Butte ,MT Great video!!

[@lauradanielle1991]

Thank you! Not getting to the Grand Canyon on this trip just means I’ll have to get to it on the next one. ☺️

[@backroadmax2344]

Great video! That coffee looked amazing. Great way to start what definitely looks like a cold day. BTW - happen to stop in Cameron, AZ on this trip?

[@rawkrides]

@WhiteLineRambler Sent me. So glad he did. You're incredible. I'm a new motovlogger, and you are beyond inspiring. Stay safe out there.

[@lauradanielle1991]

Welcome aboard! That’s awesome to hear. Thank you for tuning in. ☺️

[@TacitusR]

Laura, That was fun, another delightful episode! I have ridden those same roads, even stopped at the same gas station in Alpine, AZ last year. The scenery along your route is marvelous. NM and AZ are made for motorcycling. Can't wait to get out that way again soon. Your video has made the urge even stronger. 679 kilometers in near freezing temps is not for sissies, you girl are the real deal.

[@lauradanielle1991]

Thank you so much for your kind words! And you’re totally right- New Mexico, Arizona… there’s so much good riding in those states. I can’t wait to get back.

[@Jroam04]

Love these videos!

[@lauradanielle1991]

I’m glad! Thanks for tuning in. ☺️

[@MichaelH416]

Great video. Great music. Keep it up.

[@lauradanielle1991]

Thanks a lot! I appreciate it. :)

[@ephraimjessop7702]

Pretty cool! I rode from silver city to Alpine Arizona yesterday. Such a great rude and a lot warmer then when you did it.

[@lauradanielle1991]

Right on!! 👍

[@quotemenot7520]

How disappointing Laura, snow and two wheels is a lethal mix and wise decision on your part. The weird part is we see bright sunny mornings/days in New Mexico and Arizona and all I think is hot, hot, hot yet your hands are freezing and I feel for you. The worst part of motorcycling for me was cold hands so now I make sure I have heated handle grips and handlebar muffs in cold and wet weather. Can I buy you a nice pair of warm leather gloves, I can't bear to see you suffer with cold hands. Scenery just keeps getting better and more beautiful and what a front and back drop you have, nice to take your time and appreciate the views and scenery. Off to Nevada (Death valley) or Oregon next or both. Enjoy warmer rides and more views and thank you for the video.

[@billleong]

Hey, I got the same brand of mini espresso maker but I also got the Barrista Kit which allows me to make double shot Americano. Glad to see you got the kickstand fixed. Based on your weather timeline, I was in Valrico, Florida at the 'Forgotten Angels Campout. Nice to know that you were traveling around the same time as me.

[@lauradanielle1991]

It’s a good little espresso maker, eh? I’ll have to look into that additional kit, thanks for letting me know about it! I hope you had a great (and warmer) trip. 😄

[@billleong]

It was warmer in the lower elevations but as soon as I started going into the higher areas, it did get much cooler.

[@MALTSEV-hf9sz]

❤

[@lauradanielle1991]

💛

[@louisianawildman]

Hey Laura!! Video is as expected AMAZING! Landscape I have never seen like before . Glad you got the spring back on the sporty , Please invest in more gloves gauntlet gloves to be exact I bring at least 4 pairs of gloves on trips with me they are light. Thanks again for sharing your vacation with all of us ! As always be safe

[@lauradanielle1991]

Glad you enjoyed it! You’re right… it’s time for me to invest in better/warmer gloves. 😅. I’ll add them to the list.

[@chezfeliz]

loving this series! got the same bike, I'm out in CA. def making me want to do some of these big rides

[@lauradanielle1991]

Right on! Sporty’s united! 😊

[@erich.4305]

a beautiful cup of coffee, a great way to start the day and a motorcycle travel video. Peace from Connecticut.

[@lauradanielle1991]

It sure was beautiful! ☕️

[@richardmourdock2719]

HOT DOG!! The episode I've been waiting for. Hope you enjoyed Arizona 191. it is a wild ride through the copper mine, up past Hannagan's Meadow. While the video didn't show you stop there, I sincerely hope you did. A great lunch or breakfast stop. Even if it is cold, sitting in the sun on their porch with their friendly dogs (the size of water buffalo) makes it a memorable experience. You are a real trooper to tolerate the cold. The morning we left Hannagan's meadow, there was snow and ice on the road. How we made it down and back into NM, I'll never know but it is a ride we talk about often. Love your posts Laura. Hope you find a way to incorporate some more of your music too!

[@lauradanielle1991]

First, I read your comment several days ago and it brought a smile to my face! Second, I’ve since used the term, “hot dog!” about 6 times. I got a kick out of it and have now added it to my vocabulary, haha! I did stop in Hannagan’s meadow briefly but I didn’t get any lunch- now I’m regretting it! I could have used a warm up on their porch accompanied by dogs. That sounds amazing! One positive thing about not stopping for lunch on this trip is that I have a good excuse to travel along the route again… and stop for lunch. 😄

[@richardmourdock2719]

@@lauradanielle1991 We have something in common then... a desire to again ride road 191 through Hannagan's Meadow. Again, I always enjoy your posts!

[@dklang]

Alright Laura, keep on riding

[@lauradanielle1991]

Thank you, will do! 😁

[@BobbyMiller3]

Good old engine hand warmers 😂

[@lauradanielle1991]

😅😅😅

[@JCruzSilent2.3]

Absolutely love your videos Laura. What drone are you using for those aerial shots? 👍

[@lauradanielle1991]

Thank you! I use the DJI mini SE.

[@coyotemauve1275]

Hi Laura! Still watching you, Would you please tell me what is your coffee machine, looks great ! While travelling I use instant coffee, and to be honest, it’s just … well, you know ! Take care of your hands, seemed to be wounded, as cold, Hope you the best and take care !

[@lauradanielle1991]

I totally understand- I finally but the bullet and got something portable. It’s the wacaco Nanospresso with the adapter that fits nespresso coffee pods. It’s great, but it was a bit pricy.

[@coyotemauve1275]

@@lauradanielle1991 Thank you Laura, I will check, A very good coffee in the 10 first minutes of the day, when getting out of the sleeping bag is the best way to start the journey of the day !

[@antonioaugustovaladares4356]

how I wish I could be there to put that spring in place for you There is a simple technique to do but difficult to explain

[@lauradanielle1991]

That’s so kind of you- thank you! Maybe I’ll run into on the road the next time it pops off. 😜

[@CanadianCombine-Buck]

There's days you wish yeah bought the hand warmers..

[@lauradanielle1991]

Yes sir-y! 😅

[@Motodoggo_]

True mechanics complaining while they do the work 😂

[@lauradanielle1991]

😅😅😅

[@KMaC-wt9lr]

but at least it's a dry cold.. 😊

[@lauradanielle1991]

You got that right! 😋

[@arthur4818]

Hi Laura, I was just wondering how bad it is to tour on a Sportster, I'm getting older, and i have a spinal injury from the military. My big touring bike is getting too heavy for my legs, but I still want to ride. I'm thinking of downsizing

[@lauradanielle1991]

That’s a good question. It’s the only bike I’ve ridden so I can’t compare comfort. I don’t find it too bad, but for long distance, I find my back and hip tend to get sore after about 4 hours in (that’s why I added the engine guard- so I can stretch out my leg). But I also have stock suspension on my bike, and swapping it for something better would make a huge difference. My father has both an electraglide and a 1979 roadster xls. He prefers riding on his sportster. He’s mentioned that the discomfort he experiences on his sportster is mostly in his neck after a few hours of riding. I hope that helps!

[@frankhammer7408]

I recently moved to Arizona,l just pick a road and go.

[@lauradanielle1991]

It must be amazing surrounded by so many good riding roads!

[@ipdjbt]

Your poor hands :( At least you got your side stand fixed!

[@lauradanielle1991]

What doesn’t kill ya makes you stronger, I suppose! 😜

[@benderbender1233]

🖖😘

[@lauradanielle1991]

🤗

[@benderbender1233]

@@lauradanielle1991 💗

[@donpet8258]

Whats your typical speed when traveling ? With our 5speed sporsters At 70 it’s near 4000 rpm. Seams like im Ringing it out

[@lauradanielle1991]

It ranges but on the highway it’s usually 120km/h (75 miles).

[@donpet8258]

@@lauradanielle1991 cool.. i made it to seattle area for month or so. Ride islands then work my way to blackhills South Dakota If your this way, buy ya a lunch if our paths cross