A big HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my oldest daughter who has once again graciously allowed me to miss her birthday for a motorcycle trip.
Quick run this morning to Lincoln Nebraska to get CE's bike looked at. I was advised that the town was not named after Lincoln Hayes from the old Mod Squad 60's TV show. Problems with CE's bike turned out to be more serious than originally thought and the decision, with his blessing, was made to leave him for a day or two.
Earlier in the trip we had entertained the idea of a motorcycle museum in Anamosa Iowa so we headed east with the idea of meeting back up after the bike is repaired.
To much time on I-80 with wind made for a mileage short, wear and tear long afternoon. Now bedded down east of Des Monies with bellies full of barbeque and kinks worked out in the hot tub.
Almost forgot, don't be worried about us and the weather, blue skies and sunshine all day.
Thursday, May 4, 2017
Wednesday, May 3, 2017
DAY 4 SUN, CLOUDS, RAIN
Today started out with a great breakfast at a small bar and restaurant in Hill City. We then headed west on Kansas 24 through some gorgeous country of rolling hills, some planted with spring crops some not. Partially cloudy skies and cool temps had us all dressed in nice warm gear, face shields down. This gives you a feeling of being in a high speed cocoon and with the radio off leaves you alone with your thoughts. This always leads to some interesting conversations with myself. An old friend, Dale, left a comment yesterday quoting one of my favorite authors. On The Road by Jack Kerouac was a favorite book in college, wore out a copy by rereading it several times. This brought to mind other authors that shaped my early ideals besides Kerouac, there was Ginsberg, Dylan, Vonnegut, Hunter Thompson plus so many others,and of course for the girls readings from Rod McKuen coupled with appropriate music.
Back to today, 24 into Manhattan for lunch, backtrack to 77 in rain gear then north to Beatrice Nebraska in for the night.
Rain never got heavy, rain gear felt good blocking a little of the wind. Watching the weather decide on route tomorrow.
Back to today, 24 into Manhattan for lunch, backtrack to 77 in rain gear then north to Beatrice Nebraska in for the night.
Rain never got heavy, rain gear felt good blocking a little of the wind. Watching the weather decide on route tomorrow.
Tuesday, May 2, 2017
DAY 3 May 2nd We Broke It
Started the day with a 90 mile ride up to Dodge City to get CE's bike looked at and it was a good thing we did. The bike was developing a serious brake problem that could not be left unattended. The dealership a combination Honda, Harley dealer was very helpful and got us back on the road same day. Over the years each one of us has at one time or another had to get a repair of some sort. We have been very lucky to find great people at almost every dealership and these unexpected stops lend themselves very well to our no reservations, no destination style of riding.
Left Dodge City north on Kansas 283 stopping in a small Mom and Pop Motel in Hill City Kansas. When we pulled into town we pulled over to figure out the direction to the motel and were greeted by a group of young boys on bicycles that wanted to know all about us. This evolved into being followed to the gas station and motel by three kids on bikes. Thanks to JB filling them in I was soon being pointed at and could hear them say that one is Chuck, JB said he's there leader. I'm pretty sure the tone in their voice was one of disbelief.
Left Dodge City north on Kansas 283 stopping in a small Mom and Pop Motel in Hill City Kansas. When we pulled into town we pulled over to figure out the direction to the motel and were greeted by a group of young boys on bicycles that wanted to know all about us. This evolved into being followed to the gas station and motel by three kids on bikes. Thanks to JB filling them in I was soon being pointed at and could hear them say that one is Chuck, JB said he's there leader. I'm pretty sure the tone in their voice was one of disbelief.
DAY 2 May 1st Running On
Today is a pretty easy one to comment on. Left Socorro on US 60, turned north on US 54 to Liberal Kansas.. Ok that about sums it up from a map stand point, but it was so much more. Second day out, routine starting to jell with everyone getting acquainted again and the requisite sharp humor that is only tolerated between friends.
You also have the irony of me leading a gaggle of conservative retired bikers into a town called Liberal! Add to all that, mostly, good road with clear bright blue skies. We did pass five miles of downed power lines with snow on the side of the road a few feet deep and temps in the mid 60's, a great day to be on a bike. Managed to ride a little over 400 again putting us just overe 800 for first couple days.
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
Met JB in Liberal and our group was complete. Desk clerk recommended a good local restaurant (fish tacos in southern Kansas?)and our day was complete.
You also have the irony of me leading a gaggle of conservative retired bikers into a town called Liberal! Add to all that, mostly, good road with clear bright blue skies. We did pass five miles of downed power lines with snow on the side of the road a few feet deep and temps in the mid 60's, a great day to be on a bike. Managed to ride a little over 400 again putting us just overe 800 for first couple days.
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
Met JB in Liberal and our group was complete. Desk clerk recommended a good local restaurant (fish tacos in southern Kansas?)and our day was complete.
Sunday, April 30, 2017
DAY 1 OR AS WILLIE WOULD SAY "On The Road Again"
Headed out this morning with the usual day 1 jitters, radio off listening for strange noise, mind racing what did I forget, how is everyone else doing? Soon settled into the saddle with the anticipation of aimless wandering for three weeks.
Still didn't feel like I was on my way until shortly after we crossed into New Mexico on US 60. Two lanes, the best type of road, endless vistas, including some snow on the peaks. Radio on cycling between Springsteen, Buffet, and Church with Al leading us on down the road. Looked up at the sky it was an incredible blue with wispy clouds like cotton balls stretched so thin you can see through them. The temperature was suitable to long sleeves and leather jacket with a nice tail wind.
Ended up in Socorro NM for the night, we've been here before, with dinner at a familiar place and an early night.
Glad to be here glad to be wandering again.
Still didn't feel like I was on my way until shortly after we crossed into New Mexico on US 60. Two lanes, the best type of road, endless vistas, including some snow on the peaks. Radio on cycling between Springsteen, Buffet, and Church with Al leading us on down the road. Looked up at the sky it was an incredible blue with wispy clouds like cotton balls stretched so thin you can see through them. The temperature was suitable to long sleeves and leather jacket with a nice tail wind.
Ended up in Socorro NM for the night, we've been here before, with dinner at a familiar place and an early night.
Glad to be here glad to be wandering again.
Sunday, June 5, 2016
DAY 22 SATURDAY JUNE 4TH
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.
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.
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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
