HOME!
Another year over and it was a great ride. We had a few little glitches but nothing that couldn't be taken care of with a tow truck, credit card, or a plane ride home to plan for next year. Compared to the real problems people face in there own lives everyday ours were nothing and had little effect on our trip except for Greg!
The trip explored some great parts of this country, great roads, great scenery, great people, and wildlife. We saw bald eagles, buffalo, herds of antelope, elk, deer, moose, and motorcycle riders of the same species as us.
Two days ago we were 670 miles from home according to Mister Garmin, we managed to turn that into a two day 900 plus mile ride on some great roads.
Time to plan for next year.
Chuck
Sunday, June 17, 2012
Saturday, June 16, 2012
DAY 20 TO UTAH
Out this morning with shirt sleeve weather heading down the self proclaimed “loneliest highway” route 50 across Nevada. Once in Utah we cut off on roads that should be called loneliest highways over to our stop for the night. The Utah roads today remind me of many of our choices in highways on these trips. We do the tourist roads, the motorcycle roads, national parks, and our favorite the “green dots” from the Rand McNally atlas, but oh the other roads. The ones that aren’t on anyone’s “best of” list or in any motorcycle magazine or listed on a web site. The roads we find by accident where we drive most of the day without seeing another bike and meet interesting people at every stop.
Met a couple riding a BMW today that were in there 70’s riding by themselves. At a fuel stop the gentleman seemed to be having bike problems and I asked what was wrong. He said I think my pacemaker screwed up the ignition. They provide inspiration to the rest of us to keep riding.
After Tim left today I was thinking about tomorrow being father’s day another day when we don’t have to do anything we don’t want to, like many of the other days in the year. I’m thinking back to about ten or twelve distinct times this trip where we have passed young fathers with their kids along the side of the road. A couple that come readily to mind are a father pushing a small child in a swing stopped pushing to stare as we drove by, another Dad stopped pushing a stroller along a creek to give us a thumbs up as we rumbled through. I could tell by the body language that they all longed to be on a bike going somewhere. If I could have stopped to talk to them I would tell them don’t wish or waste this precious time. You get one chance to be a Dad, make full use of it, enjoy and inspire your children, and spend every moment with them you can. Your time to do what we are doing will be along all too soon and if you are lucky your children will turn out to be your inspiration. I’m looking forward to being home and seeing my inspirations.
Happy Father’s Day
Chuck
Met a couple riding a BMW today that were in there 70’s riding by themselves. At a fuel stop the gentleman seemed to be having bike problems and I asked what was wrong. He said I think my pacemaker screwed up the ignition. They provide inspiration to the rest of us to keep riding.
After Tim left today I was thinking about tomorrow being father’s day another day when we don’t have to do anything we don’t want to, like many of the other days in the year. I’m thinking back to about ten or twelve distinct times this trip where we have passed young fathers with their kids along the side of the road. A couple that come readily to mind are a father pushing a small child in a swing stopped pushing to stare as we drove by, another Dad stopped pushing a stroller along a creek to give us a thumbs up as we rumbled through. I could tell by the body language that they all longed to be on a bike going somewhere. If I could have stopped to talk to them I would tell them don’t wish or waste this precious time. You get one chance to be a Dad, make full use of it, enjoy and inspire your children, and spend every moment with them you can. Your time to do what we are doing will be along all too soon and if you are lucky your children will turn out to be your inspiration. I’m looking forward to being home and seeing my inspirations.
Happy Father’s Day
Chuck
Friday, June 15, 2012
DAY 19 ROUTE 299
A winding road through a forest occasionally along the banks of a river then climbing high above on the canyon walls before diving down to the river again with very little traffic. If this sounds familiar it should, we have found so many roads like this although each is completely unique I’m unable to offer a unique written description. The day started on one of those roads with me in the lead heading east on 299 from Arcata and I quickly learned why it’s rated as a top motorcycle road.
At our first break I started hearing the complaints about we didn’t get to look at the scenery and I had to remind them it was rated as a great motorcycle road not a scenery road, although it certainly had both. The lead changed during the day and we finished with about 30 miles of I-80 before calling it a night.
It's best to go home by another way
Home by another way
We got this far to a lucky star
But tomorrow is another day
We can make it another way
Safe home as they used to say
Keep a weather eye to the chart on high
And go home another way
James Taylor
After the great start the day turned just a little sad knowing we are slowly headed in the direction of home. I can’t wait to see my grandkids, kids, wife, dog, and 58 Impala (don’t ask the order I want to see them in) but I always regret the trip coming to an end. The reality is we are winding down, the scenery will leave, the roads will straighten and our love ones will welcome us.
Chuck
At our first break I started hearing the complaints about we didn’t get to look at the scenery and I had to remind them it was rated as a great motorcycle road not a scenery road, although it certainly had both. The lead changed during the day and we finished with about 30 miles of I-80 before calling it a night.
It's best to go home by another way
Home by another way
We got this far to a lucky star
But tomorrow is another day
We can make it another way
Safe home as they used to say
Keep a weather eye to the chart on high
And go home another way
James Taylor
After the great start the day turned just a little sad knowing we are slowly headed in the direction of home. I can’t wait to see my grandkids, kids, wife, dog, and 58 Impala (don’t ask the order I want to see them in) but I always regret the trip coming to an end. The reality is we are winding down, the scenery will leave, the roads will straighten and our love ones will welcome us.
Chuck
Thursday, June 14, 2012
DAY 18 RIDING THE 101
A somewhat typical morning for me, didn't sleep all that well and really didn't want to get out of bed but the sun was up and so was I. Loaded the bike and headed over to breakfast where the tv was on a 24 hour news station. The last thing I want to listen to on a motorcycle vacation was politics, destruction, wildfires, and mayhem. Finally everyone was ready to go and we turned out of the motel and south on the 101.
Quickly found ourselves out of town and diving away from the coast into a thick stand of coastal redwoods. The coastal redwoods aren't as wide as the inland variety but grow incredibly tall, very majestic. I've run out of superlatives to describe these curving mountain roads surrounded by incredible beauty but I will let you know suddenly all was right with the world, instant mood change.
The road continued like that all day, into the mountains climbing back and forth to suddenly break out on a high cliff overlooking the ocean. Then back into the forests diving down through switchbacks to come out at beach level for mile after mile. The smells ranging from damp wet forest smell to salt spray coming from a stiff ocean breeze with the two sometimes mingling together. All this broken up by the occasional small beach towns that dot the 101.
In for the night we attempted negotiations with the motel clerk who wouldn't go down without a fight. When Tim mentioned that we just wanted to rent the rooms not actually purchase them she replied "you're on the coast in June honey so pay up". This clerk definitely had our number and the banter went on for some time before a rate was agreed upon.
Looks like a great ride inland tomorrow that we haven't been on route 299?
Chuck
Quickly found ourselves out of town and diving away from the coast into a thick stand of coastal redwoods. The coastal redwoods aren't as wide as the inland variety but grow incredibly tall, very majestic. I've run out of superlatives to describe these curving mountain roads surrounded by incredible beauty but I will let you know suddenly all was right with the world, instant mood change.
The road continued like that all day, into the mountains climbing back and forth to suddenly break out on a high cliff overlooking the ocean. Then back into the forests diving down through switchbacks to come out at beach level for mile after mile. The smells ranging from damp wet forest smell to salt spray coming from a stiff ocean breeze with the two sometimes mingling together. All this broken up by the occasional small beach towns that dot the 101.
In for the night we attempted negotiations with the motel clerk who wouldn't go down without a fight. When Tim mentioned that we just wanted to rent the rooms not actually purchase them she replied "you're on the coast in June honey so pay up". This clerk definitely had our number and the banter went on for some time before a rate was agreed upon.
Looks like a great ride inland tomorrow that we haven't been on route 299?
Chuck
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
DAY 14-17 THE GOOD AND THE BAD
I’ve been gone for a while but I have excuses!
Day 14 was a great day over the northern Cascade Range with challenging roads of incredible beauty. I was enjoying the ride right up to the point I saw people unloading skis from their cars. Drove to Anacortes and received a great welcome from Greg, Connie, and several neighbors including Max the cute little guy next door. Greg led us on a tour around the area then to the hotel he had arranged for us. Greg was back soon to drive us back to his house for dinner which was an excellent spread with plentiful beverages. Now we have arrived at the excuse lets blame it on the Gibbon’s hospitality or….the lack of internet in my room.
Day 15
Beautiful ride to the ferry then all to short crossing followed by a ride to the dead end at Neah Bay. Once on down the road to a motel I was doing a replay of the stomach bug that had afflicted Tim and Bruce so….no computer use.
Day 16
Woke up not feeling all that great with a light rain falling. I knew that if I could just get on the bike and ride for a while in the fresh air I would feel better, riding always makes things better. Bike wouldn’t start and eventually she was towed the 125 miles to a dealer that moved me to the front of the line fixed the bike and had me on the road by closing time. Excuse for the day: we could go with still suffering from the stomach bug or 125 miles with a chain smoking ex drug runner from Jersey n a beat up old tow truck. By the end of the day either excuse would be accurate.
Day 17
Felt much better today and looked forward to a good day on the bike and wasn’t disappointed. There was a little incident between a Harley and a gold wing today but the only thing bruised was egos. Rode over the Astoria Bridge which crosses the mouth of the Columbia River and is the Oregon border. Heading south on the 101 the weather continued to improve from cool cloudy day to bright sunny day with beautiful ocean views. Stopped to see a friend of JB’s along the way and had a great visit before heading south finally stopping for the night in Florence Or.
Day 14 was a great day over the northern Cascade Range with challenging roads of incredible beauty. I was enjoying the ride right up to the point I saw people unloading skis from their cars. Drove to Anacortes and received a great welcome from Greg, Connie, and several neighbors including Max the cute little guy next door. Greg led us on a tour around the area then to the hotel he had arranged for us. Greg was back soon to drive us back to his house for dinner which was an excellent spread with plentiful beverages. Now we have arrived at the excuse lets blame it on the Gibbon’s hospitality or….the lack of internet in my room.
Day 15
Beautiful ride to the ferry then all to short crossing followed by a ride to the dead end at Neah Bay. Once on down the road to a motel I was doing a replay of the stomach bug that had afflicted Tim and Bruce so….no computer use.
Day 16
Woke up not feeling all that great with a light rain falling. I knew that if I could just get on the bike and ride for a while in the fresh air I would feel better, riding always makes things better. Bike wouldn’t start and eventually she was towed the 125 miles to a dealer that moved me to the front of the line fixed the bike and had me on the road by closing time. Excuse for the day: we could go with still suffering from the stomach bug or 125 miles with a chain smoking ex drug runner from Jersey n a beat up old tow truck. By the end of the day either excuse would be accurate.
Day 17
Felt much better today and looked forward to a good day on the bike and wasn’t disappointed. There was a little incident between a Harley and a gold wing today but the only thing bruised was egos. Rode over the Astoria Bridge which crosses the mouth of the Columbia River and is the Oregon border. Heading south on the 101 the weather continued to improve from cool cloudy day to bright sunny day with beautiful ocean views. Stopped to see a friend of JB’s along the way and had a great visit before heading south finally stopping for the night in Florence Or.
Saturday, June 9, 2012
DAY 13 KALISPELL TO OKANOGAN WA
Rode over 400 miles today with a good portion of it in a light rain. Mountain roads in the rain is how you tell the riders from the posers. Left on Route 2 after deciding to switch to route 20 once we were in Idaho, this is the long way to where we wanted to be . It did take us through several mountain ranges and up over a few passes to get to where ever we are. The mountain passes had elevations in the 5500 foot level but were still cold with temps in the 30's and snow falling on one pass. In Arizona that would be high desert but above the 49th parallel 5000 feet means pine trees and cold.
I remembered US Route 2 from last year, it is the same highway we rode across the upper peninsula of Michigan, brought back some good memories to reconnect with that northern route. Finished the day with warmer temperatures and no rain ending in Okanogan WA were we had a little trouble finding a place to stay due to vacationing Canadians. For much of the day we were within 30 or 40 miles of the border lots of signs advising of border crossing points.
Tired today, riding mountain roads can be challenging but add the weather and on two occasions deer crossing in front of us and it will flat wear you out. Mentioned at dinner how much I enjoyed the challenges the day brought and almost got thrown out of the restaurant by the others!
Good night,
Chuck
I remembered US Route 2 from last year, it is the same highway we rode across the upper peninsula of Michigan, brought back some good memories to reconnect with that northern route. Finished the day with warmer temperatures and no rain ending in Okanogan WA were we had a little trouble finding a place to stay due to vacationing Canadians. For much of the day we were within 30 or 40 miles of the border lots of signs advising of border crossing points.
Tired today, riding mountain roads can be challenging but add the weather and on two occasions deer crossing in front of us and it will flat wear you out. Mentioned at dinner how much I enjoyed the challenges the day brought and almost got thrown out of the restaurant by the others!
Good night,
Chuck
Friday, June 8, 2012
DAY 12 MISSOULA TO KALISPELL
Left late this morning and 100 miles later found ourselves in Kalispell MT looking for a place to stay. Once checked in headed to Glacier National Park, one of the places I wanted to see on this ride. Took the group photo at the entrance, bought the refrigerator magnet and headed up the Road To The Sun. Only the first 16 miles are open then you have to turn around. June may mean summer in Phoenix but apparently in Glacier June means late winter, road closed due to avalanche.
The portion of the road we did ride was beautiful. Wet from a prior storm and as the road warmed a fog like mist was rising from the pavement with a raging river to the left and a thick forest with fern covered ground to the right. Add to that the sweet sound of several rumbling v-twin engines, well you get the idea a great afternoon until.....the rain. At least we were on our way out and it wasn't long before we rode out of it.
Finished with a great dinner than back to the motel where we found 25 other bikes in the parking lot, the most we have seen in a couple of days of riding outside of the Harley dealer.
I'm growing older but not up
My metabolic rate is pleasantly stuck
So let the winds of change blow over my head
I'd rather die while I'm living then live while I'm dead
Jimmy Buffett
This morning while still at the hotel Jan, Bruce, and I kept running into kids aged 6 to 12 that said hi and asked us how we were doing. We had met all of these kids the night before when we went to the pool after dinner and found two large water slides. Soon the three of us were sliding and then right back up the stairs to go again. Daring each other to try different methods of riding, while Jan encouraged the kids to disregard the green start light and just go. This all occurred under the watchful eyes of parents and grandparents some shaking their heads, some giving an approving nod, some maybe a little jealous of our attitude. Yea, growing older but not up.
Chuck
The portion of the road we did ride was beautiful. Wet from a prior storm and as the road warmed a fog like mist was rising from the pavement with a raging river to the left and a thick forest with fern covered ground to the right. Add to that the sweet sound of several rumbling v-twin engines, well you get the idea a great afternoon until.....the rain. At least we were on our way out and it wasn't long before we rode out of it.
Finished with a great dinner than back to the motel where we found 25 other bikes in the parking lot, the most we have seen in a couple of days of riding outside of the Harley dealer.
I'm growing older but not up
My metabolic rate is pleasantly stuck
So let the winds of change blow over my head
I'd rather die while I'm living then live while I'm dead
Jimmy Buffett
This morning while still at the hotel Jan, Bruce, and I kept running into kids aged 6 to 12 that said hi and asked us how we were doing. We had met all of these kids the night before when we went to the pool after dinner and found two large water slides. Soon the three of us were sliding and then right back up the stairs to go again. Daring each other to try different methods of riding, while Jan encouraged the kids to disregard the green start light and just go. This all occurred under the watchful eyes of parents and grandparents some shaking their heads, some giving an approving nod, some maybe a little jealous of our attitude. Yea, growing older but not up.
Chuck
Thursday, June 7, 2012
DAY 11 KETCHUM TO MISSOULA MT
Wow what a day! Left Ketchum this morning headed up 75 into the Sawtooth Mountains under incredible bright blue skies with temeratures in the 30's, which isn't bad if you're dressed for it and the sun is on your back. Twenty minutes out of Ketchum rode into a valley with tree covered hills on both sides and very high "sawtooth" snow covered mountains behind the trees. Soon we started climbing toward another mountain pass with the road winding back and forth along the edge of the mountain until finally ending up in another valley on the far side of the sawtooth range.
Soon dropped out of the mountains and the temperature warmed, and we wondered back and forth following a river bank, there were herds of antelope on both sides of the road. At one time about 10 antelope ran across the road about 100 yards in front of us. After lunch found ourselves on the Salmon River Senic Road almost all the way to Missoula where we are stoped for the night.
Take our time in the morning since Bruce and I both have our bikes across the street at the local Harley dealer for tires, should be ready to go about 9:30 or so.
Soon dropped out of the mountains and the temperature warmed, and we wondered back and forth following a river bank, there were herds of antelope on both sides of the road. At one time about 10 antelope ran across the road about 100 yards in front of us. After lunch found ourselves on the Salmon River Senic Road almost all the way to Missoula where we are stoped for the night.
Take our time in the morning since Bruce and I both have our bikes across the street at the local Harley dealer for tires, should be ready to go about 9:30 or so.
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
DAY 10 GET AWAY FROM YELLOWSTONE
We knew last night that with the snow we would get a late start this morning so no hurry to pack and head out. The longer we waited the harder the snow was falling with no real sign of letting up. So....time to suit up and ride! With Tim's BMW flashing an ice warning on the display and snow starting to accumulate on the ground we changed routes and headed south to lower elevations and hopefully warmer temperatures.
After an hour or so of riding we broke out in clear skies, stopped for a cup of coffee and congratulated ourselves on our riding skills. Decided to head west for a while then north along some beautiful roads to Ketchum Idaho, a town none of us had ever heard of in the Sun Valley ski area. Along the way passed Craters Of The Moon national park. very eerie looking area of past volcanic activity.
We have always prided ourselves on being flexible in our plans and today was a perfect example. We all wanted to ride the Beartooth Highway, a top rated motorcycle ride, but it was in the wrong direction and we can save it for another ride.
Celebrated another interesting day with a walk to a pizza parlor for pizza and a beer, looking forward to tomorrow.
After an hour or so of riding we broke out in clear skies, stopped for a cup of coffee and congratulated ourselves on our riding skills. Decided to head west for a while then north along some beautiful roads to Ketchum Idaho, a town none of us had ever heard of in the Sun Valley ski area. Along the way passed Craters Of The Moon national park. very eerie looking area of past volcanic activity.
We have always prided ourselves on being flexible in our plans and today was a perfect example. We all wanted to ride the Beartooth Highway, a top rated motorcycle ride, but it was in the wrong direction and we can save it for another ride.
Celebrated another interesting day with a walk to a pizza parlor for pizza and a beer, looking forward to tomorrow.
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
DAY 9 SHERIDAN TO YELLOWSTONE
Sitting at the computer in a West Yellowstone motel watching a light snow fall outside trying to figure out the best way to describe the day. It was another pretty incredible day of great riding with cooperative weather right up until the end.
This morning the map showed that route 14 would take us from Sheridan over to Yellowstone along a scenic route. The map also showed that alternate route 14 would take us to the same place in a longer fashion while traversing snow covered passes above the tree line, I guess you know which way we went. After lunch entered Yellowstone Park and decided to ride the southern loop over towards West Yellowstone Montana.
Yellowstone National Park was the first national park established in 1872 and covers 3,468 square miles! It is impossible to explore all aspects of the park in a lifetime much less a couple days. We did see hot springs, old faithful (from a distance) bison, deer, and foreign tourists. Will head back tomorrow weather permitting, 80's here earlier today now snow?
Chuck
This morning the map showed that route 14 would take us from Sheridan over to Yellowstone along a scenic route. The map also showed that alternate route 14 would take us to the same place in a longer fashion while traversing snow covered passes above the tree line, I guess you know which way we went. After lunch entered Yellowstone Park and decided to ride the southern loop over towards West Yellowstone Montana.
Yellowstone National Park was the first national park established in 1872 and covers 3,468 square miles! It is impossible to explore all aspects of the park in a lifetime much less a couple days. We did see hot springs, old faithful (from a distance) bison, deer, and foreign tourists. Will head back tomorrow weather permitting, 80's here earlier today now snow?
Chuck
Monday, June 4, 2012
DAY 8 DEADWOOD SD TO SHERIDAN WY
Left Deadwood this morning with a drive around the city then over to Lead to find the road to Spearfish Canyon. This isn't my first trip down Spearfish and it is reminiscent of so many other roads we have travelled over the years. I think I can force myself to take another twisty road in the pines along a river if I have to.
North from Spearfish to the geographic center of the United States, then over to Devils Tower National Park. It is as imposing in person as it appeared in the movie, however, no sign of a space craft other than a jigsaw puzzle on display in the office of the KOA campground. Pictures of Devils Tower don't show how it looms over everything it surrounds. Offered to make the guys a model of Devils Tower out of mashed potatoes at dinner to save time but they declined. That last sentence won't make any sense if you haven't seen Close Encounters Of The Third Kind.
Headed to Gillette which bills itself as the energy capitol of Wyoming for a gas stop. Coal mining is the top industry in the area with open pit style mines along the road and two mile long trains hauling coal out of the area. Stayed on state route 14 across more range land full of cattle, sheep, antelope, and deer before calling it a night in Sheridan. Prepared for dinner with a few cold ones and a recap of the trip so far, good times it was agreed.
The sheer vastness of this part of Wyoming is incredible. We travelled over 100 miles, passed one car, saw maybe 10 vehicles going the other way and went through two towns with less than fifteen residents.
Gorgeous day number eight is at a close, Yellowstone tomorrow?
North from Spearfish to the geographic center of the United States, then over to Devils Tower National Park. It is as imposing in person as it appeared in the movie, however, no sign of a space craft other than a jigsaw puzzle on display in the office of the KOA campground. Pictures of Devils Tower don't show how it looms over everything it surrounds. Offered to make the guys a model of Devils Tower out of mashed potatoes at dinner to save time but they declined. That last sentence won't make any sense if you haven't seen Close Encounters Of The Third Kind.
Headed to Gillette which bills itself as the energy capitol of Wyoming for a gas stop. Coal mining is the top industry in the area with open pit style mines along the road and two mile long trains hauling coal out of the area. Stayed on state route 14 across more range land full of cattle, sheep, antelope, and deer before calling it a night in Sheridan. Prepared for dinner with a few cold ones and a recap of the trip so far, good times it was agreed.
The sheer vastness of this part of Wyoming is incredible. We travelled over 100 miles, passed one car, saw maybe 10 vehicles going the other way and went through two towns with less than fifteen residents.
Gorgeous day number eight is at a close, Yellowstone tomorrow?
Sunday, June 3, 2012
DAY 7 RUSHMORE AND CUSTER STATE PARK
Maybe a Sunday in early June isn’t the best time to ride around the Black Hills of South Dakota but it certainly isn’t a bad time. Did the Mt Rushmore thing early and it was off to great two lane roads winding around the prettiest parts of SD. There was a little traffic but most people were polite and would let us by whenever they could. Beautiful sunny skies, shirt sleeve weather, lots of scenery and wildlife a great day.
Herds of buffalo, lots of antelope, a few deer, and the most commonly viewed animal of the day? The large herds of fellow bikers enjoying a great South Dakota Sunday. All too soon it was over and we called it a day with a cold one on the porch of a Deadwood motel.
I could ride these narrow twisty roads every day and be happy; the pictures don’t do it justice but give you a small idea of the landscape. Heard form Greg that he was home safe and will hear about the damage to his bike this coming week.
Heading slowly west tomorrow, maybe Devils Tower?
Herds of buffalo, lots of antelope, a few deer, and the most commonly viewed animal of the day? The large herds of fellow bikers enjoying a great South Dakota Sunday. All too soon it was over and we called it a day with a cold one on the porch of a Deadwood motel.
I could ride these narrow twisty roads every day and be happy; the pictures don’t do it justice but give you a small idea of the landscape. Heard form Greg that he was home safe and will hear about the damage to his bike this coming week.
Heading slowly west tomorrow, maybe Devils Tower?
Saturday, June 2, 2012
DAY 6
Hard saying goodbye to Greg this morning, wish he was continuing with us but it was not to be this year. Nice ride today across the grassy plains of eastern Wyoming and into the Black Hills of South Dakota. We crossed Grasslands National Park which is exactly what it sounds like. This is definitely the "range" of Home On The Range fame, deer and antelope all along the way. Also, cows and sheep all sharing the endless grasslands in every direction.
Saw lots of oil wells in Wyoming and several drilling rigs as the high prices have caused a mini boom in this area, also passed a large refinery. So please explain why when we stopped to get gas we had to go to three stations to find fuel that wasn't 85% corn! Everywhere we tried was E-85 what is the deal with these states.
Finished the day in the middle of the Black Hills, expecting a great ride tomorrow around the area. Standing on the balcony watching a light rain pass by knowing that we were in for the night.
Chuck
Friday, June 1, 2012
DAY 5 JB'S BIRTHDAY
It's late and I'm tired so this will be short. Much of the day spent on I-25 either riding or standing on the side of the road, read Ken's Daily Monitor if you haven't already.
I will tell you about the start of the day instead. Headed down route 34 which is another of those spectacular Colorado roads. As soon as we left Estes we were in a deep ravine with thick pine tree covered slops rising on either side of us. The road twists and turns following a river back and forth for mile after mile, the morning sun causing the trees to cast shadows like dark stripes across the road. The river was busy with fisherman and a few early morning kayaks getting ready for the day. Then suddenly we were in a rocky canyon with cliffs on both sides of the river and us before suddenly rounding a corner and finding ourselves at a traffic light in Loveland Colorado.
But the Colorado rocky mountain high
I've seen it rainin' fire in the sky
The shadow from the starlight is softer than a lullabye
Rocky mountain high
He climbed cathedral mountains, he saw silver clouds below
He saw everything as far as you can see
And they say that he got crazy once and he tried to touch the sun
And he lost a friend but kept his memory
John Denver
I can't believe how quickly you can go from the feeling of: it's just us in the universe, to the big city, truly amazing.
Glad to be in for the night, glad the motel has a bar on premises, glad the waitress at dinner was tolerant with a good sense of humor.
Good Night
I will tell you about the start of the day instead. Headed down route 34 which is another of those spectacular Colorado roads. As soon as we left Estes we were in a deep ravine with thick pine tree covered slops rising on either side of us. The road twists and turns following a river back and forth for mile after mile, the morning sun causing the trees to cast shadows like dark stripes across the road. The river was busy with fisherman and a few early morning kayaks getting ready for the day. Then suddenly we were in a rocky canyon with cliffs on both sides of the river and us before suddenly rounding a corner and finding ourselves at a traffic light in Loveland Colorado.
But the Colorado rocky mountain high
I've seen it rainin' fire in the sky
The shadow from the starlight is softer than a lullabye
Rocky mountain high
He climbed cathedral mountains, he saw silver clouds below
He saw everything as far as you can see
And they say that he got crazy once and he tried to touch the sun
And he lost a friend but kept his memory
John Denver
I can't believe how quickly you can go from the feeling of: it's just us in the universe, to the big city, truly amazing.
Glad to be in for the night, glad the motel has a bar on premises, glad the waitress at dinner was tolerant with a good sense of humor.
Good Night
Thursday, May 31, 2012
DAY 4 ROCKY MONTAIN PARK
Starin' out at the great divide
I could go east, I could go west,
It was all up to me to decide
Just then I saw a young hawk flyin'
And my soul began to rise
And pretty soon
My heart was singin'
Roll, roll me away,
I'm gonna roll me away tonight
Gotta keep rollin, gotta keep ridin',
Keep searchin' till I find what's right
Bob Seger
Left Dillon under clear cool skies, a quick ride up I-70 through the tunnel under Loveland then headed north over another pass adding to the dozen or so we have already driven.
Eventually it was on to Rocky Mountain National Park and another day of incredible riding. Didn't get many miles today but had quality over quantity this state just keeps impressing with new things to see. Once in the park the road starts to climb rapidly back and forth up steep mountain grades with speeds from 30 to 10. After a few minutes you can look down and see the tiny dots of cars coming up behind far below. Looking back has to be in quick glances as the road is narrow with sharp turns and few guard rails, just what we are looking for.
Shortly after entering the park we saw the first of several moose sightings, also lots of elk were in attendance for the tourists pleasure today. This causes many of said tourists to stop their vehicles in the middle of the road and jump out to take pictures. Sometimes the animals themselves caused the traffic delays. Two elk were crossing the road and the first elk, obviously a male, waited for traffic to stop and made a quick direct crossing. The second elk, possibly a female, started across then stopped went back started again eventually stopping in the road before finally crossing at a leisurely pace.
Stopped at the top of the park, the Alpine Lodge for a break and to admire the scenery. Lunch tastes great when you are eating above the tree line at almost 12,000 feet with a view for miles around. Restrooms, and drinking fountains were out of order since all the water pipes and supply was still frozen.
Into Estes Park Co stopped for the night nice motel, gorgeous views, walked to dinner. Finally leaving Colorado tomorrow.
Chuck
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
DAY 3 PIKE'S PEAK
What’s the best thing to do with eight AARP members most of whom take meds for one ailment or another. If you guessed put them on motorcycles and drive a narrow two lane road with no guardrails to an altitude over 14,000 feet and then make them try to walk around you got it right.
Left Pueblo north to 24 then over to entrance to Pike’s Peak. Stopped at the ranger station to pay our entrance fee and the sign said temperature at the top was 32 with wind chill 19! Decided to put on jackets, ride up and down couldn’t have been better. The views from the top are amazing the road is incredible, and here is the best part, it was my turn to lead up and down.
Followed that up with a great ride on more Colorado two lane even managed to work in a few additional mountain passes. The 10,000 footers just don’t seem as high after Pike’s Peak, this is one incredibly beautiful state. In for the night in Dillon Colorado in a Best Western with ski lockers for each room and a beautiful view of Dillon Resovoir.
Pike's Peak was named for Zebulon Pike and inspired Katharine Bates to write America The Beautiful, the road to the top is 38 miles round trip.
Left Pueblo north to 24 then over to entrance to Pike’s Peak. Stopped at the ranger station to pay our entrance fee and the sign said temperature at the top was 32 with wind chill 19! Decided to put on jackets, ride up and down couldn’t have been better. The views from the top are amazing the road is incredible, and here is the best part, it was my turn to lead up and down.
Followed that up with a great ride on more Colorado two lane even managed to work in a few additional mountain passes. The 10,000 footers just don’t seem as high after Pike’s Peak, this is one incredibly beautiful state. In for the night in Dillon Colorado in a Best Western with ski lockers for each room and a beautiful view of Dillon Resovoir.
Pike's Peak was named for Zebulon Pike and inspired Katharine Bates to write America The Beautiful, the road to the top is 38 miles round trip.
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
DAY 2 DURANGO TO PUEBLO
If you looked at a map of Colorado you would notice several ways to get from Durango to Pueblo Colorado. That was our goal for the day, drive to Pueblo and meet JB the last member of this years ride and a charter member of our group.
Well, after letting Jan look at the map and talking it over we had found a route that would take us all day, wear out the sides of the tires, and take us over four different mountain passes above 10,000 feet. There was no other reasonable choice but the long way around and a full day of hard riding. So it was over Wolf Creek then north on 149 towards Gunnison over a couple of passes all narrow two lane stopped for a great lunch in Lake City Co.
Once we had started up into the high mountains of 149 we came across a section with three signs spaced a few hundred yards apart.
ROAD DAMAGE
NARROW ROAD
MOTORCYCLES USE EXTREME CAUTION
doesn't get any better!
After the 149 it was onto 50 over Monarch pass and into Salida then east along the Arkansas river for mile after mile, absolutely gorgeous, not the first time on 50 but could do it every day.
Finally made it to Pueblo found JB at the agreed upon motel gave him a big hug, got a kiss from Susie and followed up with dinner at a nearby restaurant. Clear skies, temps ranging from 50 to 75, great twisty roads, bikes running good, mark it down as a great day.
Chuck
Well, after letting Jan look at the map and talking it over we had found a route that would take us all day, wear out the sides of the tires, and take us over four different mountain passes above 10,000 feet. There was no other reasonable choice but the long way around and a full day of hard riding. So it was over Wolf Creek then north on 149 towards Gunnison over a couple of passes all narrow two lane stopped for a great lunch in Lake City Co.
Once we had started up into the high mountains of 149 we came across a section with three signs spaced a few hundred yards apart.
ROAD DAMAGE
NARROW ROAD
MOTORCYCLES USE EXTREME CAUTION
doesn't get any better!
After the 149 it was onto 50 over Monarch pass and into Salida then east along the Arkansas river for mile after mile, absolutely gorgeous, not the first time on 50 but could do it every day.
Finally made it to Pueblo found JB at the agreed upon motel gave him a big hug, got a kiss from Susie and followed up with dinner at a nearby restaurant. Clear skies, temps ranging from 50 to 75, great twisty roads, bikes running good, mark it down as a great day.
Chuck
Monday, May 28, 2012
DAY 1 PHOENIX-DURANGO
Started with breakfast at Denny's, kind of a tradition, joined by family and friends. Headed out to the bikes shortly after eight and on down the road. Didn't really feel like the start of another trip,felt more like a weekend run to Flagstaff or Prescott. Picked up Jan in Camp Verde and headed north slowly starting to realize this was it, the start of another adventure.
I was soon off the interstate headed up 89 with sunny skies, 70 degrees, great music on the satellite radio, big v-twin rumbling and followed by friends. At that point thoughts of three weeks of doing this very thing start dancing in my head.
Now I been out in the desert, just doin' my time
Searchin' through the dust, lookin' for a sign
If there's a light up ahead well brother I don't know
But I got this fever burnin' in my soul
So let's take the good times as they go
And I'll meet you further on up the road
Springsteen
Driving across 160 around Kayenta skirting the south side of Monument Valley I'm amazed at the red rock formations that look like ocean waves that were frozen in time. They undulate back and forth imitating a storm at sea with spires reaching to the sky in the distance, so beautiful and varied, impossible to take it all in. This part of Arizona is so different and desolate but with its own incredible beauty.
We are stopped for the night in Durango, about 450 miles today, a good ride. This year we have two new people riding with us, Tim and Greg giving us seven tonight. Tomorrow we will meet up with JB probably around Pueblo.
I was soon off the interstate headed up 89 with sunny skies, 70 degrees, great music on the satellite radio, big v-twin rumbling and followed by friends. At that point thoughts of three weeks of doing this very thing start dancing in my head.
Now I been out in the desert, just doin' my time
Searchin' through the dust, lookin' for a sign
If there's a light up ahead well brother I don't know
But I got this fever burnin' in my soul
So let's take the good times as they go
And I'll meet you further on up the road
Springsteen
Driving across 160 around Kayenta skirting the south side of Monument Valley I'm amazed at the red rock formations that look like ocean waves that were frozen in time. They undulate back and forth imitating a storm at sea with spires reaching to the sky in the distance, so beautiful and varied, impossible to take it all in. This part of Arizona is so different and desolate but with its own incredible beauty.
We are stopped for the night in Durango, about 450 miles today, a good ride. This year we have two new people riding with us, Tim and Greg giving us seven tonight. Tomorrow we will meet up with JB probably around Pueblo.
Sunday, May 27, 2012
Ready To Go
Just finished packing after spending a wonderful day with family. Sitting here in front of the computer knowing I should go to bed since we leave in eight hours with the "did I forget anything" thoughts running through my head.
Then on pops the screen saver which is set to google photos and I spend the next half hour watching pictures of trips past and thinking about the trip to come. Time to get some sleep and begin another adventure around America.
Chuck
Then on pops the screen saver which is set to google photos and I spend the next half hour watching pictures of trips past and thinking about the trip to come. Time to get some sleep and begin another adventure around America.
Chuck
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