At lunch in Flagstaff decided to head to Phoenix knowing it would be 110 when I got to the valley but to close not to try. The rest continued west on I-40 bound for their own destinations.
Looking out at the road rushing under my wheels
Looking back at the years gone by like so many summer fields
In sixty-five I was seventeen and running up one-o-one
I don't know where I'm running now, I'm just running on
Running on - running on empty
Running on - running blind
Running on - running into the sun
But I'm running behind
Jackson Browne
Made it home in time to see the family, my sons birthday dinner, grandkids, including a six year old telling me all about her birthday party that I missed. Then of course the person I missed the most, part friend, part soulmate, part of me.
Honey you really tempt me
You know the way you look so kind
I'd love to stick around but I'm running behind
You know I don't even know what I'm hoping to find
Running into the sun but I'm running behind
Running on - running on empty
Running on - running blind
Running on - running into the sun
But I'm running behind
Monday, June 9, 2014
DAY 19 JUNE 7 BUT NOT YET
The trip is winding down, JB headed east this morning from Salida while the rest of us headed west over Monarch Pass towards Montrose Co. We knew that although we would briefly head north before long we would turn south towards home, but not yet.
A beautiful two lane road twisting back and forth through a slot canyon under partially cloudy skies with pleasant temps awaited. It may sound funny to someone unfamiliar with the sheer joy of riding but you can work hard all day, all week or for three weeks on the bike and feel better than when you started. Growing younger every day as we explore the country from two wheels with no hard and fast agenda.
Crimson flames tied through my ears
Throwin' high and mighty traps
Countless fire and flaming road
Using ideas as my maps
"We'll meet on edges, soon," said I
Proud 'neath heated brow.
Ah, but I was so much older then,
I'm younger than that now.
Bob Dylan
We had an incredible day missing only one element that is JB. I also learned that while some speed warning signs for corners are merely low estimate guesses, flashing lights and all caps MOTORCYCLES USE EXTREME CAUTION should be obeyed.
Stopped in Cortez for the night, trip is winding down.
A beautiful two lane road twisting back and forth through a slot canyon under partially cloudy skies with pleasant temps awaited. It may sound funny to someone unfamiliar with the sheer joy of riding but you can work hard all day, all week or for three weeks on the bike and feel better than when you started. Growing younger every day as we explore the country from two wheels with no hard and fast agenda.
Crimson flames tied through my ears
Throwin' high and mighty traps
Countless fire and flaming road
Using ideas as my maps
"We'll meet on edges, soon," said I
Proud 'neath heated brow.
Ah, but I was so much older then,
I'm younger than that now.
Bob Dylan
We had an incredible day missing only one element that is JB. I also learned that while some speed warning signs for corners are merely low estimate guesses, flashing lights and all caps MOTORCYCLES USE EXTREME CAUTION should be obeyed.
Stopped in Cortez for the night, trip is winding down.
Friday, June 6, 2014
DAY 18 JUNE 6 ANNIVERSARY OF D-DAY
One of the bucket list goals: Ride the highest paved road in North America.
Cross that one off the list!
The lady at the entrance said to watch out for a "few" potholes, I'm guessing they have a different definition of a few. Sign at the bottom said the temperature at the top was 37 not including the considerable windchill factor. I believe that by the time we reached the top it had warmed to at least 38, not including the windchill factor.
Left this morning and got on I-80 to Cheyenne where we turned south on I-25 towards Denver.Wyoming has beautiful wide open highways where you can see for miles in every direction, wide open plains with snow capped mountains in the distance.
After crossing into Colorado on I-25 you definitely notice the two different halves of the state. To the east is wide open plains and farm land, to the west the snow capped Rockies.We went around Denver to lunch in Idaho Springs before heading up Mt Evans.
Evans was a very narrow roadway with no guardrails and numerous hairpin turns and once above the treeline several hundred foot drops. Many of the turns were too narrow for a vehicle in both directions and all the cars we encountered where very polite and got out of our way. Will post some pictures of the top of the mountain.
Eventually headed south through the country side to Salida CO and called it a night.
Cross that one off the list!
The lady at the entrance said to watch out for a "few" potholes, I'm guessing they have a different definition of a few. Sign at the bottom said the temperature at the top was 37 not including the considerable windchill factor. I believe that by the time we reached the top it had warmed to at least 38, not including the windchill factor.
Left this morning and got on I-80 to Cheyenne where we turned south on I-25 towards Denver.Wyoming has beautiful wide open highways where you can see for miles in every direction, wide open plains with snow capped mountains in the distance.
After crossing into Colorado on I-25 you definitely notice the two different halves of the state. To the east is wide open plains and farm land, to the west the snow capped Rockies.We went around Denver to lunch in Idaho Springs before heading up Mt Evans.
Evans was a very narrow roadway with no guardrails and numerous hairpin turns and once above the treeline several hundred foot drops. Many of the turns were too narrow for a vehicle in both directions and all the cars we encountered where very polite and got out of our way. Will post some pictures of the top of the mountain.
Eventually headed south through the country side to Salida CO and called it a night.
Thursday, June 5, 2014
DAY 17 JUNE 5 ANIMALS, TWO LANES, AND THE LIBRARY
Didn't leave until about 11 so JB could get his tire replaced at the Casper Harley dealer. Headed out of town on Route 220 knowing that we wanted to head south and maybe east eventually. Stopped for lunch at Rawlins and a gentleman and his son walked up and asked where we were going. After receiving several "I don't know" responses I said south and possibly east towards Colorado.
Soon he was giving us a route to Laramie that avoided all but twenty miles of interstate and took us high into the mountains. Soon we were back in the pines with snow on both sides of the road, which had just recently opened from winter.
Several antelope, deer, horses and cows were along side the road, almost within touching distance. At one point a small doe jumped onto the road and off again right in front of JB who was in the lead. As I went by I noticed a relative of that deer also on the side of the road wisely waiting until we went by obviously thinking my sister is an idiot.
So when you drive
And the years go flying by
I hope you smile
If I ever cross your mind
It was a pleasure of my life
And I cherished every time
And my whole world
It begins and ends with you
On that Highway 20 ride....
Zac Brown
Today we didn't ride that far by gps or interstate but we once again rode beautiful roads across a beautiful state.
Finished the day with dinner at The Library a local brew and grill that was a nice end to another nice day.
Soon he was giving us a route to Laramie that avoided all but twenty miles of interstate and took us high into the mountains. Soon we were back in the pines with snow on both sides of the road, which had just recently opened from winter.
Several antelope, deer, horses and cows were along side the road, almost within touching distance. At one point a small doe jumped onto the road and off again right in front of JB who was in the lead. As I went by I noticed a relative of that deer also on the side of the road wisely waiting until we went by obviously thinking my sister is an idiot.
So when you drive
And the years go flying by
I hope you smile
If I ever cross your mind
It was a pleasure of my life
And I cherished every time
And my whole world
It begins and ends with you
On that Highway 20 ride....
Zac Brown
Today we didn't ride that far by gps or interstate but we once again rode beautiful roads across a beautiful state.
Finished the day with dinner at The Library a local brew and grill that was a nice end to another nice day.
DAY 16 ROADS, WEATHER, AND WRECKERS
Left Red Lodge this morning headed south to go over Bear Tooth Pass again, we did this last year also. Charles Kuralt called this the most scenic drive in America. I'm not sure he made it to all the places we have in the last eight years but it is certainly beautiful.
Shortly after the summit you enter Wyoming and that is where we found the weather waiting for us. Suited up in rain gear to face sleet, snow, and rain on a two lane narrow road often devoid of guardrails, what a rush.
Turned off on the Chief Joseph Highway a 46 mile route that follows the route the chief took attempting to escape to Canada.
Chief Joseph:
Perhaps you think the Creator sent you here to dispose of us as you see fit. If I thought you were sent by the Creator, I might be induced to think you had a right to dispose of me. Do not misunderstand me, but understand fully with reference to my affection for the land. I never said the land was mine to do with as I choose. The one who has a right to dispose of it is the one who has created it. I claim a right to live on my land and accord you the privilege to return to yours.
As we headed east for Casper JB had a flat and thanks to AAA the bike will be back on the road Thursday morning. We will be headed south towards Colorado under hopefully clear skies.
Shortly after the summit you enter Wyoming and that is where we found the weather waiting for us. Suited up in rain gear to face sleet, snow, and rain on a two lane narrow road often devoid of guardrails, what a rush.
Turned off on the Chief Joseph Highway a 46 mile route that follows the route the chief took attempting to escape to Canada.
Chief Joseph:
Perhaps you think the Creator sent you here to dispose of us as you see fit. If I thought you were sent by the Creator, I might be induced to think you had a right to dispose of me. Do not misunderstand me, but understand fully with reference to my affection for the land. I never said the land was mine to do with as I choose. The one who has a right to dispose of it is the one who has created it. I claim a right to live on my land and accord you the privilege to return to yours.
As we headed east for Casper JB had a flat and thanks to AAA the bike will be back on the road Thursday morning. We will be headed south towards Colorado under hopefully clear skies.
Tuesday, June 3, 2014
DAY 14-15 THE HEADWATERS AND RED LODGE
DAY 14 JUNE 2
He was born in the Bitteroot Valley in the early morning rain.
Wild geese over the water, heading north and home again.
Bringing a warm wind from the south, bringing the first taste of the spring.
His mother took him to her breast, and softly she did sing:
Oh Montana, give this child a home.
Give him the love of a good family and a woman of his own.
Give him a fire in his heart, give him a light in his eyes,
give him the wild wind for a brother and the wild Montana Skies.
Wild geese over the water, heading north and home again.
Bringing a warm wind from the south, bringing the first taste of the spring.
His mother took him to her breast, and softly she did sing:
Oh Montana, give this child a home.
Give him the love of a good family and a woman of his own.
Give him a fire in his heart, give him a light in his eyes,
give him the wild wind for a brother and the wild Montana Skies.
John Denver
Started the day with a quick trip to the Kalispell PD where our new friend Susie, I believe she runs the department, quickly had us back on the road with guns knives and other implements of destruction. Thank You Susie! Left the Bitteroot Mountains back south in the
Rockies. All day winding back and forth on beautiful two lane roads along lake
after lake. Everywhere we stopped today we met the type of independent people
that you expect in Montana. Friendly, outdoors type, pick-up driving, gun
toting, ranchers and farmers.
Stopped for the night in Bozeman along the
interstate, which we avoided all day, in an area of new hotels and restaurants,
dinner and a soak in the hottub and I was ready to call it a day.
There was something in the city that he said he couldn't breathe,
there was something in the country that he said he couldn't leave.
Now some say he was crazy, some are glad he's gone.
Some of us will miss him and try to carry on,
giving a voice to the forest, giving a voice to the dawn.
Giving a voice to the wilderness and the land that he lived on.
Oh Montana, give this child a home.
Give him the love of a good family and a woman of his own.
Give him a fire in his heart, give him a light in his eyes,
give him the wild wind for a brother and the wild Montana Skies.
there was something in the country that he said he couldn't leave.
Now some say he was crazy, some are glad he's gone.
Some of us will miss him and try to carry on,
giving a voice to the forest, giving a voice to the dawn.
Giving a voice to the wilderness and the land that he lived on.
Oh Montana, give this child a home.
Give him the love of a good family and a woman of his own.
Give him a fire in his heart, give him a light in his eyes,
give him the wild wind for a brother and the wild Montana Skies.
DAY 15 BACK IN RED LODGE AGAIN JUNE 3, 2014
Started the day with a slight back track to find
the source of the Missouri River near Three Forks MT. Two small rivers join
together to become the Missouri River. Stood near were Lewis and Clark camped
for several days along the bank of the Missouri. Lewis was sick and the trip
had to be delayed a few days while Clark tried to trade for fresh horses with
the Native Americans. The name Missouri is actually a miss pronunciation of an
Algonquin word for “canoe made of wood”. Spent some time on the interstate to
get to Red Lodge at a decent time and checked into the same hotel we were in
last year. Dodged storms all day long totally convinced we were going to get
soaked and never got wet!
Everyday has been full of wildlife sightings, today was antelope and deer. Some of the deer were sleeping by the road, didn't even stir when the Harleys drove by.
Spent some time cleaning the bikes grabbed a
sandwich and a beer, courtesy of Ken, and sat outside recapping the trip so
far.
Over bear tooth pass tomorrow scheduled to open
for the day by nine then Chief George Highway towards Cody?
Chuck
Sunday, June 1, 2014
DAY 12-13 MAY 31 JUNE 1
Left Kamloops on day 12 southbound towards the border. It was an absolutely beautiful day of mountains, farms, and lake after lake. Stopped for lunch found a friendly Honda dealer and had Ken's bike in new shoes before we finished lunch.
Today being Saturday and probably one of the first nice days of the spring the roads were full of bikes. I haven't seen this many on the road since the Discovery channel special on Sturgis. There were Harleys going north, Harleys going south, Harleys parked at bars, Harleys parked at Starbucks. An untold number of black cows had also given their all for these riders to look extra special riderish.
Arrived at the border and there were two open lines with no waiting, I pulled into the first line and was met by a very personable civil servant.
Customs: Where you coming from?
I wondered about this question as I thought the road only went from Canada to the USA?
Me: Canada
Customs: Did you buy anything?
Me: half a dozen t-shirts
Customs: Did they cost more than $10,000 US dollars
I wondered about what kind of t-shirts he wears but decided not to be flippant
Me: No
Customs: Where do you live?
Me: Phoenix, Arizona
Customs: To damn hot, where are you going?
Me: Home, eventually
Customs: Why, and do you have any vegetables?
Me: No
Customs: (after looking a passport) get out of here
I had a very hard time keeping my newly diagnosed disease under control. I wasn't aware I had this until JB recognized the symptoms since he suffers from the same disease. It usually abbreviated SAT but the offical name is Smart Ass Turrets were comments come out that should stay in. Very hard keeping it under control with this customs agent.
Stopped Saturday night in Spokane nice hotel overlooking the Spokane river, dinner and a beer outside on the waterfront at a restaurant called Ripples.
Sunday went north and got back on route 2 east over to Kalispell MT. Beautiful riding day, light traffic, great views. We have ridden portions of 2 from one coast to the other and it has never disappointed.
The Journey is the Destination
Chuck
Today being Saturday and probably one of the first nice days of the spring the roads were full of bikes. I haven't seen this many on the road since the Discovery channel special on Sturgis. There were Harleys going north, Harleys going south, Harleys parked at bars, Harleys parked at Starbucks. An untold number of black cows had also given their all for these riders to look extra special riderish.
Arrived at the border and there were two open lines with no waiting, I pulled into the first line and was met by a very personable civil servant.
Customs: Where you coming from?
I wondered about this question as I thought the road only went from Canada to the USA?
Me: Canada
Customs: Did you buy anything?
Me: half a dozen t-shirts
Customs: Did they cost more than $10,000 US dollars
I wondered about what kind of t-shirts he wears but decided not to be flippant
Me: No
Customs: Where do you live?
Me: Phoenix, Arizona
Customs: To damn hot, where are you going?
Me: Home, eventually
Customs: Why, and do you have any vegetables?
Me: No
Customs: (after looking a passport) get out of here
I had a very hard time keeping my newly diagnosed disease under control. I wasn't aware I had this until JB recognized the symptoms since he suffers from the same disease. It usually abbreviated SAT but the offical name is Smart Ass Turrets were comments come out that should stay in. Very hard keeping it under control with this customs agent.
Stopped Saturday night in Spokane nice hotel overlooking the Spokane river, dinner and a beer outside on the waterfront at a restaurant called Ripples.
Sunday went north and got back on route 2 east over to Kalispell MT. Beautiful riding day, light traffic, great views. We have ridden portions of 2 from one coast to the other and it has never disappointed.
The Journey is the Destination
Chuck
Friday, May 30, 2014
DAY 11 FRIDAY? KAMLOOPS?
Went downtown for breakfast and the obligatory t-shirt shopping. Sorry kids your space on the bike for t-shirts as been given to grandkids and you're out of luck.
Soon found ourselves heading south on route 5 which is one of the most beautiful roads I have ever seen anywhere. Two lane, turn after turn, sometimes along a river or railroad tracks. Every time we exited a valley I thought we were coming to the end of the mountains and we would turn a corner and be right back in the middle of towering snow covered peaks.
The higher elevations had fur trees that were a very deep green and so thick you couldn't see in 25 feet. As the elevation dropped we started to see pine trees and stands of aspens adding a lighter green to the mix. Soon we were back in farm country with beautiful horse property and green fields.
In for the night in Kamloops on the confluence of two rivers, largest city we have seen in several days.
Kamloops: "Kamloops" is the anglicised version of the Shuswap word "Tk'əmlúps", meaning 'meeting of the waters'. Shuswap is still spoken in the area by members of the Tk'emlúps Indian Band.
Soon found ourselves heading south on route 5 which is one of the most beautiful roads I have ever seen anywhere. Two lane, turn after turn, sometimes along a river or railroad tracks. Every time we exited a valley I thought we were coming to the end of the mountains and we would turn a corner and be right back in the middle of towering snow covered peaks.
The higher elevations had fur trees that were a very deep green and so thick you couldn't see in 25 feet. As the elevation dropped we started to see pine trees and stands of aspens adding a lighter green to the mix. Soon we were back in farm country with beautiful horse property and green fields.
In for the night in Kamloops on the confluence of two rivers, largest city we have seen in several days.
Kamloops: "Kamloops" is the anglicised version of the Shuswap word "Tk'əmlúps", meaning 'meeting of the waters'. Shuswap is still spoken in the area by members of the Tk'emlúps Indian Band.
Thursday, May 29, 2014
DAY 10 MAY 29TH ROCKIES, WEATHER, GLACIERS
Left late this morning had rained and snowed during the
night, still drizzling. Leaving Banff went north on route 1-A. Route 1 is a
four lane divided road and 1-A had been recommended by a local rider. Beautiful
two lane, occasionally one lane, road rising into the rockies of Banff National
Park. Eventually found ourselves paying a new fee to enter Jasper National Park
home to the highest peaks in Canada. Ken was leading so it fell to him to pay
for the group pass to get us in. The weather turned cold as we gained altitude
and eventually began to snow as while we were stopped at the glacier.
I don’t have words to describe the beauty of the area we
rode today. It is some of the most beautiful mountain ranges I have ever seen.
I posted some pictures but they don’t do it justice as they can’t convey the
shear vastness of the Canadian Rockies. Surrounded by snow covered peaks often
reaching up into the clouds it is breathtaking.
The elements we rode in also help to enhance the beauty. All
bundled up in jackets and rain gear with the face shield snapped on the helmet
you are really isolated. This gives you a feeling of being at one with the
mountains, no distractions, no existence outside of the immediate
surroundings.
In Jasper for the night, the only final thought is:” I will
be back”.
Wednesday, May 28, 2014
DAY 9 RUTTING ELK RED, BEARS, SHEEP, AND DEER
Beautiful scenic roads all day most of it in Banff National Park. Towering snow covered peaks, rivers, smooth asphalt, and lots of animals make for a great day. Stopped in Banff for lunch at a great little tavern/grill in a basement, following lunch came out to cold wind and rain.
Quickly decided that there was no need to ride any further so found a hotel with underground parking, two room suites, and a bar. In this same bar is where I was introduced to a local beer called Rutting Elk Red which contains twice the alcohol content of US beer. Excellent happy hour helped by a Polish waitress from Krakow who moved to Canada to ski.
We are here at the right time, lots of foreign tourists but the skiers have gone and the heavy summer visitors have not yet arrived.
A beautiful friendly country even if I still can't understand the speed limit (klicks) or the gas prices (liters). North to Lake Louise and Jasper tomorrow...maybe.
Quickly decided that there was no need to ride any further so found a hotel with underground parking, two room suites, and a bar. In this same bar is where I was introduced to a local beer called Rutting Elk Red which contains twice the alcohol content of US beer. Excellent happy hour helped by a Polish waitress from Krakow who moved to Canada to ski.
We are here at the right time, lots of foreign tourists but the skiers have gone and the heavy summer visitors have not yet arrived.
A beautiful friendly country even if I still can't understand the speed limit (klicks) or the gas prices (liters). North to Lake Louise and Jasper tomorrow...maybe.
Tuesday, May 27, 2014
DAY 8 ROLL ME AWAY 5-27-14
Left this morning westbound still on route 2 the Lewis and Clark Highway still in the high plains. It didn't take long for snow covered peaks to appear on the horizon reaching up towards white scattered clouds the same color as the snow.
We rolled across the high plains
Deep into the mountains
Felt so good to me
Finally feelin' free
Somewhere along a high road
The air began to turn cold
She said she missed her home
I headed on alone
Stood alone on a mountain top,
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
And as the sunset faded
I spoke to the faintest first starlight
And I said next time
Next time
We'll get it right
Deep into the mountains
Felt so good to me
Finally feelin' free
Somewhere along a high road
The air began to turn cold
She said she missed her home
I headed on alone
Stood alone on a mountain top,
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
And as the sunset faded
I spoke to the faintest first starlight
And I said next time
Next time
We'll get it right
Bob Seger
Route 2 is a beautiful road through the south end of Glacier National Park very rugged, high, snow covered, mountains along a river.
Lunch in Kalispell and Tim said he was heading south, we turned north into Canada one of our goals for this trip. Rode along the western edge of the Canadian Rockies until we stopped for the night in Cranbrook BC. Takes a while to get used to all the signs being metric, apparently a speed limit of 100 is just not that fast. TThe hotel has a nice tavern with every tv tuned to hockey, eh. North tomorrow not sure where haven't looked at a map yet.
Monday, May 26, 2014
DAY 7 THE PRAIRIE AND ROUTE 2
Except for the first four miles the entire day was spent on beautiful two lane roads riding the prairie lands of the northwest. As is my habit when we pull out in the morning I leave the radio off and just listen to the bike. Soon the bike and I are in sync with the beating of the v-twin and my head firing together.
This morning I just left the radio off and thought about the great road we were on. This path was first followed by Lewis and Clark then by the wagon trains heading west. The railroad came next following the same path followed by the automobile and now us.
At first I did not think it could be you,
But you're the only one who got off the train.
Yes, you must be my wife--Miss Annie Halsey.
I guess I am your husband,
Hello, I'm Harry Crane.
Mail Order Annie
Never mind your cryin'.
Your tears are sweet rain
In my empty life.
Mail Order Annie
Can't you see I'm tryin'
To tell you that I'm glad you're here--
You are the woman, who's come to be my wife.
You know you're not as pretty
As I dreamed you'd be.
But then I'm not no handsome Fancy Dan.
But out here looks are really not important--no, no.
It's what's inside a woman
When she up against the land.
Mail Order Annie,
Never mind your cryin'.
Your tears are sweet rain
In my empty life.
Mail Order Annie,
Can't you see I'm tryin'
To tell you that I'm glad you're here--
You are the woman, who's come to be my wife.
You know it's not no easy life you're enterin',
The winter wind comes whistlin'
Through the cracks there in the sod.
You know you'll never have
Too many neighbors--
There's you, babe
There's me and there's God.
You know I'm just a dirt man
From the North Dakota plains.
You're one girl from the city
Who's been thrown out on her own.
And I'm standin' here not sure of what to say to you
'Ceptin' Mail Order Annie,
Let's you and me go home.
HARRY CHAPIN
The homes now are wood or brick not sod but there is still miles between homes and many more miles between towns. Harry's song is somehow still appropriate, it is easy to imagine the early settlers coming out here to build a life and the women who outnumbered the men back east in the days following the civil war that followed. It takes very little imagination to put myself on horseback fighting the elements to scratch out a meager existence. Makes you appreciate the things we take for granted.
I'm truly in awe of the sheer vastness of the prairie mile after mile and state after state it just goes on and on. One of the locals today said he doesn't know how many more winters he has in him. Winds of fifty mile per hour at forty below zero make for a hard existence even with modern conveniences. We managed to ride all day under partially cloudy skies in t-shirts.
Met several veterans at various stops today and took the opportunity shake hands and thank them for their service on this Memorial Day.
This morning I just left the radio off and thought about the great road we were on. This path was first followed by Lewis and Clark then by the wagon trains heading west. The railroad came next following the same path followed by the automobile and now us.
At first I did not think it could be you,
But you're the only one who got off the train.
Yes, you must be my wife--Miss Annie Halsey.
I guess I am your husband,
Hello, I'm Harry Crane.
Mail Order Annie
Never mind your cryin'.
Your tears are sweet rain
In my empty life.
Mail Order Annie
Can't you see I'm tryin'
To tell you that I'm glad you're here--
You are the woman, who's come to be my wife.
You know you're not as pretty
As I dreamed you'd be.
But then I'm not no handsome Fancy Dan.
But out here looks are really not important--no, no.
It's what's inside a woman
When she up against the land.
Mail Order Annie,
Never mind your cryin'.
Your tears are sweet rain
In my empty life.
Mail Order Annie,
Can't you see I'm tryin'
To tell you that I'm glad you're here--
You are the woman, who's come to be my wife.
You know it's not no easy life you're enterin',
The winter wind comes whistlin'
Through the cracks there in the sod.
You know you'll never have
Too many neighbors--
There's you, babe
There's me and there's God.
You know I'm just a dirt man
From the North Dakota plains.
You're one girl from the city
Who's been thrown out on her own.
And I'm standin' here not sure of what to say to you
'Ceptin' Mail Order Annie,
Let's you and me go home.
HARRY CHAPIN
The homes now are wood or brick not sod but there is still miles between homes and many more miles between towns. Harry's song is somehow still appropriate, it is easy to imagine the early settlers coming out here to build a life and the women who outnumbered the men back east in the days following the civil war that followed. It takes very little imagination to put myself on horseback fighting the elements to scratch out a meager existence. Makes you appreciate the things we take for granted.
I'm truly in awe of the sheer vastness of the prairie mile after mile and state after state it just goes on and on. One of the locals today said he doesn't know how many more winters he has in him. Winds of fifty mile per hour at forty below zero make for a hard existence even with modern conveniences. We managed to ride all day under partially cloudy skies in t-shirts.
Met several veterans at various stops today and took the opportunity shake hands and thank them for their service on this Memorial Day.
Sunday, May 25, 2014
DAY 6 CRUDE, CRUD, AND MUD 5-25-14
Headed west for a while then turned north on 85 crossing the National Grasslands Park. This led to the North Dakota oil boom area. Glad we saw it don't need to ever go back. The area is permeated with the smell of crude oil, drilling rigs and pumps everywhere. The ranchers and farmers aren't doing either just making money leasing land to oil companies. Roadways are muddy and full of crude haulers and young oil field workers in big four wheel drive pick-ups. The unemployment rate is less than .3%.
Four dollars plus for a gallon of gas in sight of half a dozen functioning wells. However the twelve dollar burgers were pretty good. After our tour of the area headed for Route 2 the northern most US Highway. ROUTE 2 LINK
Once in Montana quickly changed scenery from oil to the Missouri River and rolling green farms turned south to find a hotel and ended up back at I-94 same road we started on this morning. We aren't that far down the road if we had gone in a straight line but almost 400 miles later we spent dinner talking about what we had seen.
Saturday, May 24, 2014
DAY 5 HIGHWAY 83
Left the hotel this morning headed north on Highway 83. Five hundred miles later stopped for the night in Bismark ND on highway 83.
There was actually a lot more to the day. We skirted bad weather watching several storms all around us, while crossing Nebraska, South Dakota and into North Dakota.Highway 83 follows the land up and down along the rolling hills of the prairie past grasslands, farms, cattle ranches and small towns. Stopped for lunch in a little dinner and I was listening to the owner talk to a table full of farmers about what kind of alfalfa they were planting this year. At one point we rode by real Nebraska cowboys on horseback rounding up cattle.
On a long and lonesome highway, east of Omaha
You can listen to the engine moanin' out it's one note song
You can think about the woman, or the girl you knew the night before
But your thoughts will soon be wandering, the way they always do
When you're riding sixteen hours and there's nothing there to do
And you don't feel much like riding, you just wish the trip was through
Bob Seger
The road just went on and on shirt sleeve weather with grasslands as far as the eye could see, the ride interrupted a few times by very short stints on the interstate. Other than the interstate you could count the bikes we saw with two fingers. I understand sometimes there is a need to hurry down the road to get to a destination but they are missing so much of what makes this country so incredible. A slower pace and our stops at small markets frequented by locals always leads to great conversation with both sides learning about the other.
My favorite way to ride when time allows is always the backstreets of the country.
There was actually a lot more to the day. We skirted bad weather watching several storms all around us, while crossing Nebraska, South Dakota and into North Dakota.Highway 83 follows the land up and down along the rolling hills of the prairie past grasslands, farms, cattle ranches and small towns. Stopped for lunch in a little dinner and I was listening to the owner talk to a table full of farmers about what kind of alfalfa they were planting this year. At one point we rode by real Nebraska cowboys on horseback rounding up cattle.
On a long and lonesome highway, east of Omaha
You can listen to the engine moanin' out it's one note song
You can think about the woman, or the girl you knew the night before
But your thoughts will soon be wandering, the way they always do
When you're riding sixteen hours and there's nothing there to do
And you don't feel much like riding, you just wish the trip was through
The road just went on and on shirt sleeve weather with grasslands as far as the eye could see, the ride interrupted a few times by very short stints on the interstate. Other than the interstate you could count the bikes we saw with two fingers. I understand sometimes there is a need to hurry down the road to get to a destination but they are missing so much of what makes this country so incredible. A slower pace and our stops at small markets frequented by locals always leads to great conversation with both sides learning about the other.
My favorite way to ride when time allows is always the backstreets of the country.
Friday, May 23, 2014
Day 4 May 23, 2014 TWO LANE ROADS, CLOUDS, AND MENTAL HEALTH
Sunset is an angel weeping
Holding out a bloody sword
No matter how I squint I cannot
Make out what it's pointing toward
Sometimes you feel like you've lived too long
The days drip slowly on the page
And you catch yourself
Pacing the cage
Jimmy Buffett
It's day four and I feel like we are actually on our way. No longer pacing the cage but growing younger by the day. Over 1000 miles into the ride and found ourselves in North Platte Nebraska for the night. Rain all around us but never on us, lots of two lane road very lightly traveled green rolling hills.
We were at about 6000 feet in the area they call the high plains a combination of rolling green hills agriculture and cattle. I know we are headed to Canada and appear to be heading east and north instead of straight north. Taking the long way to get anywhere is our favorite way to ride after all the The Journey Is The Destination.
Just put it in perspective if Little Red Riding Hood had taken the long way to grandma's house she would have missed the big bad wolf and her whole trip would have been better.
Holding out a bloody sword
No matter how I squint I cannot
Make out what it's pointing toward
Sometimes you feel like you've lived too long
The days drip slowly on the page
And you catch yourself
Pacing the cage
Jimmy Buffett
It's day four and I feel like we are actually on our way. No longer pacing the cage but growing younger by the day. Over 1000 miles into the ride and found ourselves in North Platte Nebraska for the night. Rain all around us but never on us, lots of two lane road very lightly traveled green rolling hills.
We were at about 6000 feet in the area they call the high plains a combination of rolling green hills agriculture and cattle. I know we are headed to Canada and appear to be heading east and north instead of straight north. Taking the long way to get anywhere is our favorite way to ride after all the The Journey Is The Destination.
Just put it in perspective if Little Red Riding Hood had taken the long way to grandma's house she would have missed the big bad wolf and her whole trip would have been better.
Thursday, May 22, 2014
DAY 3 MAY 22, 2014 THE CHIROPRACTOR IS OFF LIMITS
Stayed in Pueblo a second day to see if JB's back would get any better. I went to the chiropractor with JB and can never go back again. When the assistant came out and called JB's name he slowly got up started walking to the door, turned, and said are you coming in with me honey. I can never go back there again! Nice hotel if you have to spend a second night, Harley dealer and Tex-Mex restaurant in walking distance.
Riding tomorrow hopefully with JB heading north.
Riding tomorrow hopefully with JB heading north.
Wednesday, May 21, 2014
DAY 2 MAY 21, 2014 THE LONG WAY TO PUEBLO
Scattered clouds temps in the low 60's and a nearly empty highway started our day. Rode the I-25 to Santa Fe, after a break decided that while the I-25 went straight to Pueblo with good road and high speed limits. This would put us in to Pueblo early with time to relax and visit with JB.
Turned off the interstate and spent the rest of the day on gorgeous two lane roads through Taos and eventually to Pueblo.
Along the way followed the Rio Grande for several miles stopping for some pictures along the way.
Caught up with JB and he is plagued with a bad back and we are hoping some rest will allow him to ride.
The weather cooperated all day and never needed more than a long sleeve shirt to be comfortable. A good day.
Turned off the interstate and spent the rest of the day on gorgeous two lane roads through Taos and eventually to Pueblo.
Along the way followed the Rio Grande for several miles stopping for some pictures along the way.
Caught up with JB and he is plagued with a bad back and we are hoping some rest will allow him to ride.
The weather cooperated all day and never needed more than a long sleeve shirt to be comfortable. A good day.
Tuesday, May 20, 2014
DAY 1 MAY 20, 2014 THEY BLEW UP SOCORRO
Beautiful ride on US 60 across Arizona and into New Mexico. Looking around at the scrub cedar and oak it's hard to believe that we were above 7000 feet. Just after Pie Town NM we crossed the continental divide at 7800 feet. Once on the east side the scenery turned to pine trees and the road began to twist and turn with very little traffic. Soon we were back in high desert and driving through the Very Large Array. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Very_Large_Array
Finally arrived in Socorro tired from the day and looking forward to calling it quits with dinner and a trip to the Jacuzzi. This turned to why would all the motels in Socorro be full on a Tuesday night! Turns out SWAT teams from all over the country were staying in Socorro to blow things up in a anti-terrorist training.
Forty miles north on I-25 and we are at a nice Holiday Inn Express in Belen NM, and it is time to call it a night.
Finally arrived in Socorro tired from the day and looking forward to calling it quits with dinner and a trip to the Jacuzzi. This turned to why would all the motels in Socorro be full on a Tuesday night! Turns out SWAT teams from all over the country were staying in Socorro to blow things up in a anti-terrorist training.
Forty miles north on I-25 and we are at a nice Holiday Inn Express in Belen NM, and it is time to call it a night.
Monday, May 19, 2014
THE JOURNEY IS THE DESTINATION
May 19th 8:30 PM Prelude
The bike is packed, full of gas, all ready to go. Looks like
this year it will be Jan, Ken, CE, JB, Tim and me. I’m ready and it’s time to
throw a leg over, start that big v-twin and head down some two lane roads. This
the eighth three week or more motorcycle ride around this great
country and I hope to do many more.
After one of these rides I’m always questioned about the
places we have been and how much time we spent at different attractions. It can
be difficult to explain that the trip is about the ride itself not the place we
end up. Last year we took the long way to Acadia National Park on the coast of
Maine. Travelers who had been there before asked what we saw and chastised me
for missing certain key places in the park. We did loop through and walk to the
top of Cadillac Mountain enjoying the view from the top of Bar Harbor.
What they are missing is the reason we ride, it’s to ride
not just for transportation. The people
we met and places we rode along the way gave us an understanding of the country
you only get on two wheels. An airplane flight to Portland Maine and a week in
Acadia will not give you the insight and mental clarity that ten days riding
will. This brings us back around to the underlying theme of all our rides The Journey is the Destination.
Ride safe,
Chuck
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