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
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