Home! Early start after a quick cup of coffee put us home just after 8 before the valley had really started to heat up. Parked the bike, unloaded most of it and called it a day. Seemed like way to early in the day to stop riding but since home was the days destination I guess I was done.
A few minutes of reflection, later in the day on this the tenth annual guys trip. Realized, without looking up exact numbers, that we have been on the road about 250 days and covered 75,000+ miles. Along the way we have visited the continental US and two Canadian provinces. We have ridden tens of thousandths of miles of great roads, hundreds of beautiful sights, hundreds of interesting people. All condensed to 215 posts, several hundred pictures, and thousands of memories and stories.
There have also been numerous short trips and the fall ride with the wives to New Mexico, Utah, California, Wyoming, Montana, Nevada, and Colorado.
Many more to come.
Sunday, June 5, 2016
Friday, June 3, 2016
DAY 21 END OF THE ROAD (ALMOST)
Good early start and headed down the road California has done a great job with upgrades to I-40. Started the day all interstate but smooth and nice temps. Then we got to AZ and things went down hill in a hurry, the temps started to climb and the road turned to a series of potholes and construction zones.
Stopped in Seligman for lunch at Westside Lilo's and a short section of Route 66. Found out that the Days Inn was full in Chino Valley but found a welcoming mom and pop place that very much suits our needs. A quick run to Safeway by Jake for adult beverages and a few hours of r and r before dinner.
Tomorrow we will get up early and head the last 95 miles or so to home. We could have easily done that today but kept coming up with excuses to spend one more day like, to hot, to much traffic, need gas, have to us the bathroom, I have one change of clothes left, you get the idea. I promise wives, kids, grandkids, we will make it tomorrow.
Of course once home there are the weeks of stories and reminiscing followed by the dreaming and planning for next years ride.
Stopped in Seligman for lunch at Westside Lilo's and a short section of Route 66. Found out that the Days Inn was full in Chino Valley but found a welcoming mom and pop place that very much suits our needs. A quick run to Safeway by Jake for adult beverages and a few hours of r and r before dinner.
Tomorrow we will get up early and head the last 95 miles or so to home. We could have easily done that today but kept coming up with excuses to spend one more day like, to hot, to much traffic, need gas, have to us the bathroom, I have one change of clothes left, you get the idea. I promise wives, kids, grandkids, we will make it tomorrow.
Of course once home there are the weeks of stories and reminiscing followed by the dreaming and planning for next years ride.
I'm just hangin' on while this old world keeps spinnin'
And it's good to know it's out of my control
If there's one thing that I've learned from all this livin'
Is that it wouldn't change a thing if I let go
And it's good to know it's out of my control
If there's one thing that I've learned from all this livin'
Is that it wouldn't change a thing if I let go
No, you never see it comin', always wind up wonderin' where it went
Only time will tell if it was time well spent
It's another revelation, celebrating what I should have done
With these souvenirs of my trip around the sun
Only time will tell if it was time well spent
It's another revelation, celebrating what I should have done
With these souvenirs of my trip around the sun
I'm just hangin' on while this old world keeps spinnin'
And it's good to know it's out of my control
If there's one thing that I've learned from all this livin'
Is that it wouldn't change a thing if I let go
And it's good to know it's out of my control
If there's one thing that I've learned from all this livin'
Is that it wouldn't change a thing if I let go
Heard that Jimmy Buffet song today and still a favorite, have quoted it before but it still brings a smile. I'm not sure why but on the bike heading down the road with the radio blaring and the throttle cranked you can just feel the years peal away, getting younger by the minute. Just got to try and hold on to that feeling bucking reality as much as possible.
Thursday, June 2, 2016
DAY 19 AND 20 JUNE 1st and 2nd
DAY 19
Left this morning under clear skies and great temperatures. Headed down some great two lane along lakes and rivers before starting to lose altitude and gain temperature.
Turned south on CA 49 which follows some of the route taken by the miners during the gold rush. We rode by Sutter's Mill scene of the original gold strike, now a tourist attraction, packed with people on a weekday?
Changed route to get Bruce a tire in the capital of the state of Nevada and made the decision to spend the night.
DAY 20
Great morning for a ride with temps in the mid 50's and clear skies, beautiful riding weather. Headed south on 395 (our main route for the day) with the snow covered Sierra's on our right down into the Carson Valley an area it's hard to believe is in Nevada.
Continued south past the towns of Lee Vining, Big Pine, Lone pine and several lakes. The passes over the mountains that were closed when we passed here on May 15th are now all open to traffic, As yoda would say "the urge to turn west is strong in this one, yes" but time forces us to press south and east.
Last 75 miles or so bordered on miserable with to many trucks , to many potholes, and to many digits on the thermometer.
Going to stretch trip with one extra night in Chino Valley tomorrow before an early morning trip down the hill and home.
Left this morning under clear skies and great temperatures. Headed down some great two lane along lakes and rivers before starting to lose altitude and gain temperature.
Turned south on CA 49 which follows some of the route taken by the miners during the gold rush. We rode by Sutter's Mill scene of the original gold strike, now a tourist attraction, packed with people on a weekday?
Changed route to get Bruce a tire in the capital of the state of Nevada and made the decision to spend the night.
DAY 20
Great morning for a ride with temps in the mid 50's and clear skies, beautiful riding weather. Headed south on 395 (our main route for the day) with the snow covered Sierra's on our right down into the Carson Valley an area it's hard to believe is in Nevada.
Continued south past the towns of Lee Vining, Big Pine, Lone pine and several lakes. The passes over the mountains that were closed when we passed here on May 15th are now all open to traffic, As yoda would say "the urge to turn west is strong in this one, yes" but time forces us to press south and east.
Last 75 miles or so bordered on miserable with to many trucks , to many potholes, and to many digits on the thermometer.
Going to stretch trip with one extra night in Chino Valley tomorrow before an early morning trip down the hill and home.
Wednesday, June 1, 2016
DAY 18 MAY 31ST I COULD DO THIS OVER AND OVER
South on the 101 from the hotel cool weather beautiful scenery and a fast smooth road. Took a side loop off the 101 into the thick redwoods then back to the 101. Quick stop at Redwood Harley in Eureka and back on the road. At Leggitt we stopped for a break and gas before heading down one of the best roads in California, which has several, Highway 1.
At the store next to the two pump station I pulled into a spot with a downhill grade. This is not a good idea on a bike with no reverse and something I try hard to avoid but this time made the mistake of not backing in. An old drunk sitting out front said "I used to ride bikes the got them reverse gears on that thing now?" I told him no they still didn't have reverse and he looked at me and said "ya-all kinda stupid aren't ya" I couldn't disagree but when I left I cut between parking blocks onto the porch around the ice machine and up the hill. Stupid don't ride that good.
Then it was on to Highway 1 twists and turns cool temps, mile after mile of great pavement, lightly traveled. You dodge and dip into the redwood forests then back out to appear on a bluff a hundred feet above the ocean. Then it's back into the trees with a steep downhill grade suddenly back in the sunlight ten feet above the water. The forests so thick with moss covered redwoods and ferns five feet high on the ground blocking out most of the sun. The bluffs lined with cypress tree limbs permanently bent away from the steady offshore wind.
He wore black denim trousers and motorcycle boots
And a black leather jacket with an eagle on the back
He had a hopped-up 'cicle that took off like a gun
That fool was the terror of Highway 101
Well, he never washed his face and he never combed his hair
He had axle grease imbedded underneath his fingernails
On the muscle of his arm was a red tattoo
A picture of a heart saying "Mother, I love you"
He had a pretty girlfriend by the name of Mary Lou
But he treated her just like he treated all the rest
And everybody pitied her and everybody knew
He loved that doggone motorcycle best
He wore black denim trousers and motorcycle boots
And a black leather jacket with an eagle on the back
He had a hopped-up 'cicle that took off like a gun
That fool was the terror of Highway 101
At the store next to the two pump station I pulled into a spot with a downhill grade. This is not a good idea on a bike with no reverse and something I try hard to avoid but this time made the mistake of not backing in. An old drunk sitting out front said "I used to ride bikes the got them reverse gears on that thing now?" I told him no they still didn't have reverse and he looked at me and said "ya-all kinda stupid aren't ya" I couldn't disagree but when I left I cut between parking blocks onto the porch around the ice machine and up the hill. Stupid don't ride that good.
Then it was on to Highway 1 twists and turns cool temps, mile after mile of great pavement, lightly traveled. You dodge and dip into the redwood forests then back out to appear on a bluff a hundred feet above the ocean. Then it's back into the trees with a steep downhill grade suddenly back in the sunlight ten feet above the water. The forests so thick with moss covered redwoods and ferns five feet high on the ground blocking out most of the sun. The bluffs lined with cypress tree limbs permanently bent away from the steady offshore wind.
He wore black denim trousers and motorcycle boots
And a black leather jacket with an eagle on the back
He had a hopped-up 'cicle that took off like a gun
That fool was the terror of Highway 101
Well, he never washed his face and he never combed his hair
He had axle grease imbedded underneath his fingernails
On the muscle of his arm was a red tattoo
A picture of a heart saying "Mother, I love you"
He had a pretty girlfriend by the name of Mary Lou
But he treated her just like he treated all the rest
And everybody pitied her and everybody knew
He loved that doggone motorcycle best
He wore black denim trousers and motorcycle boots
And a black leather jacket with an eagle on the back
He had a hopped-up 'cicle that took off like a gun
image: http://static.urx.io/units/web/urx-unit-loader.gif
That fool was the terror of Highway 101
Vaughn Monroe
Headed inland from Fort Bragg on highway 20, just another great road, rivers, forests, farms. Good friends, a good bike great roads and weather, can't get better.
Tuesday, May 31, 2016
DAY 17 BACK TO THE COAST
Headed back to the coast after breakfast on a great two lane roads through tall trees and farms. Then down the coast on the 101 ALL DAY, life is good.
Today's route (click here) .
Today's route (click here) .
Monday, May 30, 2016
DAY 16 LAUNDRY, SHADOWS,AND MY PEOPLE
I left the hotel first to go check out a laundromat just a mile down the road. The desk clerk said it was "ok" but that the clientele was a little suspect. When I got there I found a good sized room half closed off with used plywood and a bevy of fairly new stainless steel front loaders along with two of the clerks suspect clientele. A quick call to the guys and I decided to get started. As I was loading the washer I muttered that I couldn't find my soap. I don't know if it's the long hair, the fact that I haven't shaved recently, or the Harley, probably all three, but this started a conversation with the two occupants of the laundromat. The first guy gave me his Tide to put in the washer and said he would leave me a bounce sheet if he was done before me. The second "suspect clientele" started telling me about his cocaine arrest and how he wanted jail but got probation and now he can't even smoke "legal" dope.
Oh well, laundry done and on down the road, stayed on the 101 until Newport then turned inland on Route 20 to I-5 where we found great lodging at the Phoenix Inn. The 101 is as beautiful as I remembered with busy traffic in the small towns and fast running between towns.
Late this afternoon we saw some dark objects on the pavement, some stationary and some moving, after much discussion and consulting with a local found out these are shadows. They are not usually seen in this part of the country and are apparently a cause for celebration.
Back to the 101 tomorrow.
(Click for todays map)
Oh well, laundry done and on down the road, stayed on the 101 until Newport then turned inland on Route 20 to I-5 where we found great lodging at the Phoenix Inn. The 101 is as beautiful as I remembered with busy traffic in the small towns and fast running between towns.
Late this afternoon we saw some dark objects on the pavement, some stationary and some moving, after much discussion and consulting with a local found out these are shadows. They are not usually seen in this part of the country and are apparently a cause for celebration.
Back to the 101 tomorrow.
(Click for todays map)
Sunday, May 29, 2016
DAY 14-15
DAY 14 Another Ferry Ride
Headed south of Anacortes and found the Port Townsend ferry. We had started in a light rain but it was done by the time we reached the ferry terminal. After an hour wait we boarded for the 40 minute trip across the sound.
Back on land road the inner route of the 101 through the Olympic National Forest, the 108, back on the 101 then turning inland to Longview were we found hotel rooms thanks to a double elimination tournament not a round robin ( losers had left).
DAY 15 MAY 28 2016
Left the hotel and after a short ride up I-5 got off at Castle Rock and headed to the Mt Saint Helens visitor center, after a brief stay continued up the mountain to the St Helen's Interpretive Center a much more interesting stop. You could see areas of devastation and recovery. It was amazing how well the forest was recovering with help from man with replanting. It was 36 years ago this month that the mountain blew. Thanks to advance warning, the mountain grew 9 feet a day before eruption, only 57 lives were lost and it could easily have been much worse.
There was also a sign for elk viewing with regular elk on the right and handicapped elk on the left but we saw neither.
Headed south of Anacortes and found the Port Townsend ferry. We had started in a light rain but it was done by the time we reached the ferry terminal. After an hour wait we boarded for the 40 minute trip across the sound.
Back on land road the inner route of the 101 through the Olympic National Forest, the 108, back on the 101 then turning inland to Longview were we found hotel rooms thanks to a double elimination tournament not a round robin ( losers had left).
DAY 15 MAY 28 2016
Left the hotel and after a short ride up I-5 got off at Castle Rock and headed to the Mt Saint Helens visitor center, after a brief stay continued up the mountain to the St Helen's Interpretive Center a much more interesting stop. You could see areas of devastation and recovery. It was amazing how well the forest was recovering with help from man with replanting. It was 36 years ago this month that the mountain blew. Thanks to advance warning, the mountain grew 9 feet a day before eruption, only 57 lives were lost and it could easily have been much worse.
There was also a sign for elk viewing with regular elk on the right and handicapped elk on the left but we saw neither.
Heading down the mountain stopped for lunch at a small cafe "19 Mile House" and I had a delicious elk burger couldn't tell if it had been handicapped or not.
Heading west to look for a hotel found us all the way to the coast and scrambling to find a room. We got very lucky and found a newly remodeled Quality Inn with a single open floor (out of three floors) and a vacancy. Next door was the Big Foot restaurant with friendly staff, cold beer, and good fresh fish.
Saturday, May 28, 2016
DAY 13
We started the day off with making quick reservations for the ferry and a leisurely breakfast before the short ride to the terminal. Once on the ferry with the bikes parked we were free to head upstairs and explore the ship.
The trip was about 3 1/2 hours with one stop in Friday harbor on San Juan island where we offloaded a handful of cars and gained several. San Juan island has a full time population of about 6000 but can double that with visitors in the summer.
The trip could have been longer and I would have been fine with it, I know it wasn't a luxury liner but standing on the bow with a hot cup of coffee watching the world go by was a great way to spend the day. Didn't hurt that I knew as soon as we landed, and cleared customs, we would be back on the bike.
As the son of a son of a sailor,
I went out on the sea for adventure,
Expanding their view of the captain and crew
Like a man just released from indenture.
As a dreamer of dreams and a travelin' man,
I have chalked up many a mile.
Read dozens of books about heroes and crooks,
And I've learned much from both of their styles.
Haul the sheet in as we ride on the wind that our
Forefathers harnessed before us.
Hear the bells ring as the tide rigging sings.
It's a son of a gun of a chorus.
Where it all ends I can't fathom, my friends.
If I knew, I might toss out my anchor.
So I'll cruise along always searchin' for songs,
Not a lawyer, a thief or a banker.
Jimmy Buffet
I think that works for the boat and the bike, at least it does for me. Leaving the ferry, clearing customs, finding the road, watching the rain, decided to call it a night early. Headed east about twenty miles and ended with a bite to eat and a trip to the Jacuzzi.
The trip was about 3 1/2 hours with one stop in Friday harbor on San Juan island where we offloaded a handful of cars and gained several. San Juan island has a full time population of about 6000 but can double that with visitors in the summer.
The trip could have been longer and I would have been fine with it, I know it wasn't a luxury liner but standing on the bow with a hot cup of coffee watching the world go by was a great way to spend the day. Didn't hurt that I knew as soon as we landed, and cleared customs, we would be back on the bike.
As the son of a son of a sailor,
I went out on the sea for adventure,
Expanding their view of the captain and crew
Like a man just released from indenture.
As a dreamer of dreams and a travelin' man,
I have chalked up many a mile.
Read dozens of books about heroes and crooks,
And I've learned much from both of their styles.
Haul the sheet in as we ride on the wind that our
Forefathers harnessed before us.
Hear the bells ring as the tide rigging sings.
It's a son of a gun of a chorus.
Where it all ends I can't fathom, my friends.
If I knew, I might toss out my anchor.
So I'll cruise along always searchin' for songs,
Not a lawyer, a thief or a banker.
Jimmy Buffet
I think that works for the boat and the bike, at least it does for me. Leaving the ferry, clearing customs, finding the road, watching the rain, decided to call it a night early. Headed east about twenty miles and ended with a bite to eat and a trip to the Jacuzzi.
Thursday, May 26, 2016
DAY 11 LEAVING WHISTLER; DAY 12 EXPLORING A SMALL PART OF THE ISLAND
Woke up day 11 in Whistler and tried to get a little earlier start since there was no breakfast at the lodge. Headed out and immediately found drops of water forming on the windshield. It wasn't raining we had just driven into the clouds. Had a quick breakfast at a Tim Horton's which is a cross between a low budget Starbucks smashed into a nice burger king.
Headed on down the road and found the ferry landing, managed to buy tickets ride immediately on board sailing ten minutes later. Made our way up to the theater like area with nice seats looking out the front picture windows at the passage going by. It was like watching a documentary on the inside passage with the volume off on a panoramic screen.
Once off made our way up island along the eastern coast to Campbell River, self proclaimed salmon fishing capital of Canada. Sitting at the pub next door about 9 PM, still light out, watched to of the seasons first cruise ships negotiating the inside passage. Noticed that across the street on the walkway was a sign indicating the 50th parallel, no wonder it was still light.
DAY 12
Click for map of today's ride
That just about sums it up, great roads, great weather, a little pucker factor, and unbelievable scenery.
Headed on down the road and found the ferry landing, managed to buy tickets ride immediately on board sailing ten minutes later. Made our way up to the theater like area with nice seats looking out the front picture windows at the passage going by. It was like watching a documentary on the inside passage with the volume off on a panoramic screen.
Once off made our way up island along the eastern coast to Campbell River, self proclaimed salmon fishing capital of Canada. Sitting at the pub next door about 9 PM, still light out, watched to of the seasons first cruise ships negotiating the inside passage. Noticed that across the street on the walkway was a sign indicating the 50th parallel, no wonder it was still light.
DAY 12
Click for map of today's ride
That just about sums it up, great roads, great weather, a little pucker factor, and unbelievable scenery.
Monday, May 23, 2016
DAY 10 WHISTLER!!!
Breakfast this morning we were told that there are two ways from Salmon Arm to Whistler. One is mostly highway with lower elevations and faster. The other is into the mountains winding roads, slower speeds, iffy weather, closed most of the year but open now. Do you really need to ask which way we went?
The road didn't really turn interesting until after lunch and we headed south from Lillooet on 99. Suddenly the road became real interesting with deep canyons, snow covered peaks and roaring rivers along the road. Many of the corners had warning signs advising a top speed of 20 KPH which is about 12 MPH but MOST could be taken much faster. The favorite sign was "No Stopping-Avalanche Area" and the usual WATCH FOR, name your animal, we saw signs for deer, elk, wild horses, cows, and bears. The road also had numerous one lane wooden bridges and a few gravel areas were the road had washed out in the winter, what a great ride.
Ended the day in a lodge in downtown Whistler walked around the touristy (sic) area and watched the dirt bikers coming down the ski runs. Ate dinner at probably the only low life little pub in all of this tourist trap area, waitress had plenty of tattoos and a great attitude, good fun too.
Started the day as usual with the radio off listening to the bike making sure everything was right with the world. Finally turned on the radio to hear a live version of Springsteen belting out Rosalita,
Dynamite's in the belfry, baby, playin' with the bats
Little Gun's downtown in front of Woolworth's, tryin' out his attitude on all the cats
Papa's on the corner, waitin' for the bus
Mama, she's home in the window, waitin' up for us
She'll be there in that chair when they wrestle her upstairs, 'cause you know we ain't gonna come
Ah, I ain't here on business, baby, I'm only here for fun
And Rosie, you're the one
not thirty seconds after he started came to a large yellow sign with flashing yellow lights that said ROCKS and I had to just nod my head and say yes, yes it does.
The road didn't really turn interesting until after lunch and we headed south from Lillooet on 99. Suddenly the road became real interesting with deep canyons, snow covered peaks and roaring rivers along the road. Many of the corners had warning signs advising a top speed of 20 KPH which is about 12 MPH but MOST could be taken much faster. The favorite sign was "No Stopping-Avalanche Area" and the usual WATCH FOR, name your animal, we saw signs for deer, elk, wild horses, cows, and bears. The road also had numerous one lane wooden bridges and a few gravel areas were the road had washed out in the winter, what a great ride.
Ended the day in a lodge in downtown Whistler walked around the touristy (sic) area and watched the dirt bikers coming down the ski runs. Ate dinner at probably the only low life little pub in all of this tourist trap area, waitress had plenty of tattoos and a great attitude, good fun too.
Started the day as usual with the radio off listening to the bike making sure everything was right with the world. Finally turned on the radio to hear a live version of Springsteen belting out Rosalita,
Dynamite's in the belfry, baby, playin' with the bats
Little Gun's downtown in front of Woolworth's, tryin' out his attitude on all the cats
Papa's on the corner, waitin' for the bus
Mama, she's home in the window, waitin' up for us
She'll be there in that chair when they wrestle her upstairs, 'cause you know we ain't gonna come
Ah, I ain't here on business, baby, I'm only here for fun
And Rosie, you're the one
not thirty seconds after he started came to a large yellow sign with flashing yellow lights that said ROCKS and I had to just nod my head and say yes, yes it does.
DAY 8 AND 9 CANADA! WHICH WAY ARE YOU GOING?
DAY 8
Following a post breakfast laundry marathon hit the road and headed north. Finally crossed into Canada at the part time crossing of Cascade, on the 395 and headed west on route 3. Stopping for a cup of coffee shortly after crossing the border Jake gave the clerk a US twenty for two cups and received $21.75 Canadian in change. He thought this was due to the exchange rate but I told him I think they had to pay us to drink it.
Route 3 across BC is a favorite motorcycle route and this was obvious by the dozens of bikes we passed in small and large groups. It was another incredible ride over to Princeton then north to Merritt for the night. In Merritt we had our first Canadian/Chinese food served by a Filipino girl, not bad! Still avoiding heading to Whistler to stay away from the holiday crowds (prices) and to ride more of the incredible roads that wander through BC.
DAY 9
After a discussion with some fishermen at the hotel breakfast decided that one more day away from Whistler would be a great idea. Since Whistler was due west we headed north and east after a brief look at the map, unfortunately the paper atlas didn't list the temperature in the mountain passes and it did border on cold! From Merritt took 97c to Kelowna where we made a stop at the Harley Dealer, same dealer as two years ago heading south out of Jasper.
Ken noticed on the map that north of us there was a town called Salmon Arm and he had never seen a salmon with arms and would like too. I immediately gave this a thumbs up as I still remember the grief from bypassing the alien museum in Roswell NM during the great bad decision of 2008.
In for night in Salmon Arm, dinner at The Hideaway Bar and Grill next door were I scored a free t-shirt for asking them to change the tv to hockey from bass fishing. The owner gave us free deserts and sat down joining us for a beer.
Another good day, Whistler tomorrow?
Following a post breakfast laundry marathon hit the road and headed north. Finally crossed into Canada at the part time crossing of Cascade, on the 395 and headed west on route 3. Stopping for a cup of coffee shortly after crossing the border Jake gave the clerk a US twenty for two cups and received $21.75 Canadian in change. He thought this was due to the exchange rate but I told him I think they had to pay us to drink it.
Route 3 across BC is a favorite motorcycle route and this was obvious by the dozens of bikes we passed in small and large groups. It was another incredible ride over to Princeton then north to Merritt for the night. In Merritt we had our first Canadian/Chinese food served by a Filipino girl, not bad! Still avoiding heading to Whistler to stay away from the holiday crowds (prices) and to ride more of the incredible roads that wander through BC.
DAY 9
After a discussion with some fishermen at the hotel breakfast decided that one more day away from Whistler would be a great idea. Since Whistler was due west we headed north and east after a brief look at the map, unfortunately the paper atlas didn't list the temperature in the mountain passes and it did border on cold! From Merritt took 97c to Kelowna where we made a stop at the Harley Dealer, same dealer as two years ago heading south out of Jasper.
Ken noticed on the map that north of us there was a town called Salmon Arm and he had never seen a salmon with arms and would like too. I immediately gave this a thumbs up as I still remember the grief from bypassing the alien museum in Roswell NM during the great bad decision of 2008.
In for night in Salmon Arm, dinner at The Hideaway Bar and Grill next door were I scored a free t-shirt for asking them to change the tv to hockey from bass fishing. The owner gave us free deserts and sat down joining us for a beer.
Another good day, Whistler tomorrow?
Saturday, May 21, 2016
DAY 7 NOT IN CANADA YET!
ROUTE FRIDAY
I-82 out of Yakima, 97 N from Ellensburg, 2 to Davenport, 25
along Columbia to Kettle Falls, south 395 to Colville.
Dinner last night talk turned to how grateful we are to be
retired, how thankful that we made it to this point and are still enjoying
ourselves. We were all thinking of Officer Glasser and the recent tragic events
back in Phoenix. An unrequested but unanimous moment of silent reflection
followed. This made me think of the Zac Brown song reference returning
soldiers.
What can you see from
your window?
I can't see anything from mine
Flags on the side of the highway
And scripture on grocery store signs
Maybe eighteen was too early
Maybe thirty or forty is too
Did you get your chance to make peace with the man
Before he sent down his angels for you?
I can't see anything from mine
Flags on the side of the highway
And scripture on grocery store signs
Maybe eighteen was too early
Maybe thirty or forty is too
Did you get your chance to make peace with the man
Before he sent down his angels for you?
This morning we headed out down another beautiful two lane
road beside a river with white water rafting, fisherman, and a few guys in row
boats just another beautiful morning. After lunch the road turned straight and
fast with spring wheat crops for miles on both sides of the road. Canada
tomorrow then working west toward Whistler BC.
Friday, May 20, 2016
DAY 6 RAIN, SNOW, SUN
….climbing
rapidly on wet roads soon entered the clouds themselves the dense foliage and
road covered in wisps of fog when suddenly the light rain turned to snow.
Before long the snow was turning to ice obscuring the bikes windshields with
the geometric shapes of ice crystals.
What a great
ride!
The original route was going to take us on a
much steeper road over a higher pass but it’s still closed from the winter
storms. The Cascades are still some of the most heavily forested beautiful
mountains I have ridden.
Coming down
the eastern slope is a completely different experience with the trees giving
way to wide open vistas and thankfully today drier roads. Eventually made it to
The Dalles a great little city on the Columbia River. There is a bridge over
the river with a great view of the dam and the large locks to move ships around
the dam.
Ended the
day in Yakima WA, Canada tomorrow?
Route 126 east to Redmond, 97 north to 197, 197 to The Dalles, 14 east to 97 north.
Wednesday, May 18, 2016
DAY 4 AND 5 EASY FIXES, CRATERS, UNPLANNED JOURNEYS
DAY 4
Road on some great roads with thick forests of evergreens,
pines, and redwoods for mile after mile. Stopped for a pic of Mt Shasta and
discovered a problem with Bruce’s bike. A check on the phone revealed a Harley
dealer in Medford Oregon. They fixed the bike in Phoenix while I grabbed a cup
of coffee in Medford. The dealership is split down the middle by the city line
between Phoenix and Medford. The majority of the day was small lakes, two lane
lightly traveled roads, under incredible blue skies.
I've been climbing my way through the sky
Searching for answers that I'll never find
Losing my breath as I fall
Learning to fly, letting go of it all
Learning to fly, letting go of it all
I'm gonna live like tomorrow never comes
There's no end in sight, tonight we black out the sun
Better hold on tight, before you know it's gone
And live like tomorrow never comes
I've been trying to open my eyes
Take it all in as the world passes by
Getting lost in the twists and the turns
Finding these questions inside me still burn
Finding these questions inside me still burn
I'm gonna live like tomorrow never comes
There's no end in sight, tonight we black out the sun
Better hold on tight, before you know it's gone
And live like tomorrow never comes
Searching for answers that I'll never find
Losing my breath as I fall
Learning to fly, letting go of it all
Learning to fly, letting go of it all
I'm gonna live like tomorrow never comes
There's no end in sight, tonight we black out the sun
Better hold on tight, before you know it's gone
And live like tomorrow never comes
I've been trying to open my eyes
Take it all in as the world passes by
Getting lost in the twists and the turns
Finding these questions inside me still burn
Finding these questions inside me still burn
I'm gonna live like tomorrow never comes
There's no end in sight, tonight we black out the sun
Better hold on tight, before you know it's gone
And live like tomorrow never comes
ZAC BROWN
That just about sums it
up for the way I feel today, good song Zac.
DAY 5
Started the day with a
70 mile ride to Crater Lake, climbing to the lake the are turned crisp but
never too cold. Love being able to ride with a jacket whille the bike turns
cool air and precious resources into pure power. We had to ride out the way we
came in as the north lake entrance/exit is still closed for snow. Made an
unscheduled turn and found ourselves on Oregon 138 from north of the lake
towards Roseburg. We had no plans of riding this road today so decided to give
it 150 miles or so to see what it was like.
 |
| MT SHASTA |
Monday, May 16, 2016
Day 2 and 3 Pahrump-Minden-Susanville
DAY 2
Pahrump to Minden NV via California and Death Valley. Day 2 settling into the bike and starting to forget about politics, age, aches and pains. Two lane roads on American steel with the tunes blasting will do that for me.
Riding across Death Valley with temps hitting 90 you are impressed with the sheer beauty of such desolation. Then quickly climbing into cool crisp air riding the eastern border of the Sierra's for mile after mile. Stopping for the night in Minden realized we were only a dozen or so miles and a high mountain pass from Lake Tahoe sounds like a good start for day three. Heading north out of Big Pine we had thought about crossing the mountains, heading west on the north end of Yosemite only to find all those passes still closed by winter snow.
At dinner the talk turned to prior rides since other than Jake all have been on at least eight with me. Yes Bruce I realize you have been on nine and have by way of seniority appointed yourself assistant Road Captain.
Now I think I'm going down to the well tonight
and I'm going to drink till I get my fill
And I hope when I get old I don't sit around thinking about it
but I probably will
Yeah, just sitting back trying to recapture
a little of the glory of, well time slips away
and leaves you with nothing mister but
boring stories of glory days
Bruce Sprinsteen
The stories may be boring, not to us, but at least we are still making new stories to carry us into those times of going down to the well.
Day 3
Didn't go to far today but great scenery. Took 207 over the pass into South Lake Tahoe, what a great start to the day. The western edge of Tahoe with great weather is unbeatable even with stop and go traffic. Stayed on 89 to the 49 then the 49 to the northern terminus and onto 395 for the remainder of the day. Tahoe was busy with workers but in between visitors. The skiers are gone and the buoys are still devoid of boats but us casual tourists still keep the place hopping.
Pahrump to Minden NV via California and Death Valley. Day 2 settling into the bike and starting to forget about politics, age, aches and pains. Two lane roads on American steel with the tunes blasting will do that for me.
Riding across Death Valley with temps hitting 90 you are impressed with the sheer beauty of such desolation. Then quickly climbing into cool crisp air riding the eastern border of the Sierra's for mile after mile. Stopping for the night in Minden realized we were only a dozen or so miles and a high mountain pass from Lake Tahoe sounds like a good start for day three. Heading north out of Big Pine we had thought about crossing the mountains, heading west on the north end of Yosemite only to find all those passes still closed by winter snow.
At dinner the talk turned to prior rides since other than Jake all have been on at least eight with me. Yes Bruce I realize you have been on nine and have by way of seniority appointed yourself assistant Road Captain.
Now I think I'm going down to the well tonight
and I'm going to drink till I get my fill
And I hope when I get old I don't sit around thinking about it
but I probably will
Yeah, just sitting back trying to recapture
a little of the glory of, well time slips away
and leaves you with nothing mister but
boring stories of glory days
Bruce Sprinsteen
The stories may be boring, not to us, but at least we are still making new stories to carry us into those times of going down to the well.
Day 3
Didn't go to far today but great scenery. Took 207 over the pass into South Lake Tahoe, what a great start to the day. The western edge of Tahoe with great weather is unbeatable even with stop and go traffic. Stayed on 89 to the 49 then the 49 to the northern terminus and onto 395 for the remainder of the day. Tahoe was busy with workers but in between visitors. The skiers are gone and the buoys are still devoid of boats but us casual tourists still keep the place hopping.
Saturday, May 14, 2016
DAY 1 Phoenix to Pahrump
Well it's finally started day one of the tenth long spring ride. As usual a little apprehensive until we actually get on the road then just a few miles later it all starts to feel right.
Checked this morning to make sure we all remembered passports since we are headed up the country.
Riding north on I-17 for the 1,000,000 time to Prescott for breakfast and everything looked a little different today. When you know it will be three weeks and thousands of miles before you get back everything is suddenly better looking and fresh.
CANNED HEAT
Heading north into Cali tomorrow via Death Valley then turning north towards our northern goal of western Canada.
Checked this morning to make sure we all remembered passports since we are headed up the country.
Riding north on I-17 for the 1,000,000 time to Prescott for breakfast and everything looked a little different today. When you know it will be three weeks and thousands of miles before you get back everything is suddenly better looking and fresh.
I'm going up the country
Babe, don't you wanna go?
Babe, don't you wanna go?
I'm going to some place
Where I've never been before
Babe, don't you wanna go?
Babe, don't you wanna go?
I'm going to some place
Where I've never been before
I'm going, I'm going
Where the water tastes like wine
I'm going
I'm going up the country
Where the water tastes like wine
We can jump in the water
Stay drunk all the time
Where the water tastes like wine
I'm going
I'm going up the country
Where the water tastes like wine
We can jump in the water
Stay drunk all the time
I'm gonna leave this city
Got to get away
I'm gonna leave this city
Got to get away
All this fussing and fighting
Man, you know I sure can't stay
Got to get away
I'm gonna leave this city
Got to get away
All this fussing and fighting
Man, you know I sure can't stay
CANNED HEAT
Heading north into Cali tomorrow via Death Valley then turning north towards our northern goal of western Canada.
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