With the Gold Wing’ s cruise control and DCT, it was a little too easy on the straightaways to let the mind wander back to the twisties earlier in the ride.
porcelain tubs – you can also check out about 15 pioneer cabins from the midto late-1800s that Mike has relocated to the property over the years from various locations in the Sevier Valley and is in the process of restoring. There are also three different stages with bands playing at various times throughout the year. Needless to say, my future to-do list was getting rather lengthy by this point in the trip.
North of Monroe, the road was mellow but the scenery was still great. I
enabled cruise control and enjoyed the ride – and the sound system. With the electric windscreen raised all the way, I felt like I was cheating a little bit. There was very little wind movement, and I had no problem hearing my music through speakers both in front of and behind me. I’ ve joked that the Gold Wing is like riding a big couch down the highway.
While the engine had no problem cranking up the speed in Tour mode, when I needed a little more immediate
response to get around slow-moving vehicles, I popped it into Sport mode in preparation to pass, and then I was Dark Helmet doing“ ludicrous speed.”
I rode through several small towns along this stretch of U. S. 89, but the most striking was Manti, which was clean and tidy, with a beautiful treelined Main Street. The almost immaculate feel of the town made sense when I reached the north end and spotted the Manti temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, one of 25
Left: Duck Creek Village is easy to miss but is popular with OHV enthusiasts. Below: U. S. 189 through Provo Canyon has several side spurs with great scenery.
36 / OCTOBER 2026 / RIDERMAGAZINE. COM