Left Cedar City east on Utah 14 towards Cedar Breaks and Zion the road quickly led into Cedar Canyon and thick stands of pine with temps in the 50's. We climbed to the top of the canyon to break out in large stands of Aspens with the pink and beige cliffs so typical for southern Utah jut beginning to catch the morning sun. I couldn't have asked for a better start to our last day on the road.
Headed south on 89A in good old Arizona to Jacob Lake then across the reservation before Flagstaff and lunch. Looking up at the imposing plateaus surrounded by high cliffs with incredible colors it is easy to understand why they are thought to be the residence of gods.
Eventually made our way to the heat of the valley and home, another ride over physically but my wife says it will be weeks before I'm home mentally. The fact that we have now done seven of these incredible rides around the US is really living a dream. We all have dreams that as we get older we know we will never realize but we hang onto them anyway, I'm so fortunate to be able to realize this dream with such good friends.
A songwriter that I admire named John Stewart that passed away several years ago wrote about his dreams as his life was winding down and I find his words fitting for myself and so many friends, some still here some no longer with us.
As
if I had all the time in the world,
And I had all the world in my time,
There are dreams that I'm keeping inside,
Like verses that never would rhyme.
I still dream I'll make movies in Spain,
Photograph dancers in flight.
Watching the clock running down,
And I live in available light.
And I still dream I will walk on the moon,
If the moon isn't holding me down,
Racing the future through fields
With the moonlight igniting the ground.
All the young girls are light years away,
And they seem to be browsing through time.
And you know that not one can compare
With the heart of this true love of mine.
In the waters of all of my tears,
The reflections of beautiful times.
In my dreams I am holding the wings
Of angels I'm hoping to find.
And I still dream I will walk on the moon,
If the moon isn't holding me down,
Racing the future through fields
With moonlight igniting the ground.
And friends, who were here, now they're gone,
Why does it happen so soon?
And, as they are closing their eyes,
Do they dream they will walk on the moon?
J. Stewart
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
DAY 23-24 JUNE 24-25, 2013
Several things contributed to the lack of a post yesterday not the least of which included 22 oz chilled mugs. So I will try to recap both days today.
Monday morning left the motel a little earlier than usual with everyone anticipating the ride from Red Lodge to Yellowstone over Bear Tooth Pass. The altitude at Red Lodge is about 5800 feet and we soon started climbing towards the pass almost 11,000 feet which was built as a route to transport coal from Red Lodge south.
The road was empty at 8:30 on a Monday morning and we started in thick forest climbing back and forth on switch backs until we broke out above the tree line. The road is two lane with minimal guard rails, hair pin turns that almost double back on themselves. Stopped for the required pictures at a view point and stopped briefly at the top ski area. The rope tow was running and several skiers were putting on their gear, we didn't stay long with the strong wind and cold temps.
Heading down the south side was just as interesting, snow on the mountains views of numerous lakes, some still covered in ice. The question comes up of is this the best motorcycle road or are there better roads to ride. We have ridden most of the roads on anybody's top 20 list and they are all different. I can't say which is the best they all could be number one on any given day it depends on how I'm feeling that day, the weather, traffic, and so many other factors. I'll ride all of them a few more times and maybe give you a better answer.
Soon found ourselves in Yellowstone National Park along with the entire population of the state. Still beautiful with lots of wildlife and beautiful scenery. Rode through the area devastated by the fire, a decade or more ago, the recovery is well on the way showing the resilience of nature.
Pulling into Mammoth Hot Springs for a sandwich passed at least six signs to avoid the elk, we hadn't seen any elk. There right by the store were half a dozen elk just laying in the shade not ten feet from the road. Other animals of the day included bear, herds of buffalo, antelope, and deer. Stopped at Old Faithful and for the second year in a row timing did not allow me even a glimpse of the geyser.
Ended the night in Idaho Falls with a trip to the hot tub followed by dinner and the aforementioned 22 oz ice cold mugs.
DAY 24
South on I-15. That's it.
Actually it started out with 50's blue skies with a few light puffy clouds and an empty interstate. Snow topped mountains to the east with smaller hills and farms to the west. The farms here all depend on ground water and the sprinkler systems were running on almost every farm. Continued south passing through Salt Lake City finally stopping for the night still on I-15 in Cedar City UT.
Got a wife and kids in Baltimore Jack
Went out for a ride
And I never went back.
Like a river that don't know
Where it's flowin
I took a wrong turn
And I just kept going.
Springsteen
Day 24 it kind of feels like it's time to go back.
Monday morning left the motel a little earlier than usual with everyone anticipating the ride from Red Lodge to Yellowstone over Bear Tooth Pass. The altitude at Red Lodge is about 5800 feet and we soon started climbing towards the pass almost 11,000 feet which was built as a route to transport coal from Red Lodge south.
The road was empty at 8:30 on a Monday morning and we started in thick forest climbing back and forth on switch backs until we broke out above the tree line. The road is two lane with minimal guard rails, hair pin turns that almost double back on themselves. Stopped for the required pictures at a view point and stopped briefly at the top ski area. The rope tow was running and several skiers were putting on their gear, we didn't stay long with the strong wind and cold temps.
Heading down the south side was just as interesting, snow on the mountains views of numerous lakes, some still covered in ice. The question comes up of is this the best motorcycle road or are there better roads to ride. We have ridden most of the roads on anybody's top 20 list and they are all different. I can't say which is the best they all could be number one on any given day it depends on how I'm feeling that day, the weather, traffic, and so many other factors. I'll ride all of them a few more times and maybe give you a better answer.
Soon found ourselves in Yellowstone National Park along with the entire population of the state. Still beautiful with lots of wildlife and beautiful scenery. Rode through the area devastated by the fire, a decade or more ago, the recovery is well on the way showing the resilience of nature.
Pulling into Mammoth Hot Springs for a sandwich passed at least six signs to avoid the elk, we hadn't seen any elk. There right by the store were half a dozen elk just laying in the shade not ten feet from the road. Other animals of the day included bear, herds of buffalo, antelope, and deer. Stopped at Old Faithful and for the second year in a row timing did not allow me even a glimpse of the geyser.
Ended the night in Idaho Falls with a trip to the hot tub followed by dinner and the aforementioned 22 oz ice cold mugs.
DAY 24
South on I-15. That's it.
Actually it started out with 50's blue skies with a few light puffy clouds and an empty interstate. Snow topped mountains to the east with smaller hills and farms to the west. The farms here all depend on ground water and the sprinkler systems were running on almost every farm. Continued south passing through Salt Lake City finally stopping for the night still on I-15 in Cedar City UT.
Got a wife and kids in Baltimore Jack
Went out for a ride
And I never went back.
Like a river that don't know
Where it's flowin
I took a wrong turn
And I just kept going.
Springsteen
Day 24 it kind of feels like it's time to go back.
Sunday, June 23, 2013
DAY 22 JUNE 23, 2013
Woke up this morning to clear bright blue skies and temps in the 50's. Levis, t-shirt, leather jacket, dark sun glasses definitely the order of the day, besides it is a very good look.
Headed north and soon found ourselves in Belle Fourche SD the geographic center of the fifty states. (click for info) Turned west on Route 212 under the beautiful blue sky with no traffic and herds of antelope on the sides of the road. The grass is brilliant green from the spring rains, we covered mile after mile of rolling hills and a corner of Wyoming before entering Montana. The closer we got to Billings the more the scenery changed with the hills becoming higher and pine trees appearing along the road. Turned south from Billings and found ourselves staring at snow covered peaks covered in pine trees.
Sixty miles later we are still north of the mountains in Red Lodge MT after a beautiful day of easy riding through incredible countryside. Since we stopped early went to the old downtown area, found a shop roasting their own coffee and sat watching people.
A couple of riders were standing outside the shop talking about the 800 mile trip they are on. I had to smile because I think we are near 7500 miles and 23 or 24 states, didn't say anything to them, not trying to brag, just....wow.
Tomorrow over Beartooth Pass and into Yellowstone Park with a forecast of great weather. The American Motor Association rates Beartooth as the number one ride in the US, they rate Blue Ridge Parkway, and Tail of The Dragon two and three. Three of the top fifteen in one trip!
Headed north and soon found ourselves in Belle Fourche SD the geographic center of the fifty states. (click for info) Turned west on Route 212 under the beautiful blue sky with no traffic and herds of antelope on the sides of the road. The grass is brilliant green from the spring rains, we covered mile after mile of rolling hills and a corner of Wyoming before entering Montana. The closer we got to Billings the more the scenery changed with the hills becoming higher and pine trees appearing along the road. Turned south from Billings and found ourselves staring at snow covered peaks covered in pine trees.
Sixty miles later we are still north of the mountains in Red Lodge MT after a beautiful day of easy riding through incredible countryside. Since we stopped early went to the old downtown area, found a shop roasting their own coffee and sat watching people.
A couple of riders were standing outside the shop talking about the 800 mile trip they are on. I had to smile because I think we are near 7500 miles and 23 or 24 states, didn't say anything to them, not trying to brag, just....wow.
Tomorrow over Beartooth Pass and into Yellowstone Park with a forecast of great weather. The American Motor Association rates Beartooth as the number one ride in the US, they rate Blue Ridge Parkway, and Tail of The Dragon two and three. Three of the top fifteen in one trip!
Saturday, June 22, 2013
DAY 21 JUNE 22, 2013
Day 21! I thought we were supposed to be headed for home on day 21, instead I'm in a motel in Spearfish SD.
Woke up this morning and was still slightly euphoric from our brush with the weather yesterday, what a ride. Headed out on I-90 west across the grasslands of South Dakota, partially cloudy skies casting shadows on the green grass with a lightly travelled smooth highway cruise set on 80 mph and the bike gulping cool clean air.. The twisty roads are fun but the sheer vastness of this part of the country has it's own attraction and beauty. At times today I could look in any direction and not see anything but rolling grasslands, just beautiful.
At the first break CE advised that the problem with his bike was getting worse so we headed for Rapid City for repairs. Found a Honda dealer to repair the bike and after repairs headed down the road. Didn't really get to far before stopping at Spearfish just minutes before a hail storm with golf ball size hail and 60 mph winds, luck definitely on our side, again.
Just another beautiful day similar too but different from so many of the others touring this gorgeous country. Some roads we have seen before some new all worthy of our travel.
Going down that long lonesome highway
Bound for the mountains and the plains
Sure ain't nothing here gonna tie me
And I got some friends I'd like to see
One of these days I'm gonna settle down
But till I do I won't be hanging round
Going down that long lonesome highway
Gonna live life my way
"Then Came Bronson" Theme
This wanderlust was fueled by the TV shows I grew up with so thanks Bronson and a special thanks to Gardner .McKay
Woke up this morning and was still slightly euphoric from our brush with the weather yesterday, what a ride. Headed out on I-90 west across the grasslands of South Dakota, partially cloudy skies casting shadows on the green grass with a lightly travelled smooth highway cruise set on 80 mph and the bike gulping cool clean air.. The twisty roads are fun but the sheer vastness of this part of the country has it's own attraction and beauty. At times today I could look in any direction and not see anything but rolling grasslands, just beautiful.
At the first break CE advised that the problem with his bike was getting worse so we headed for Rapid City for repairs. Found a Honda dealer to repair the bike and after repairs headed down the road. Didn't really get to far before stopping at Spearfish just minutes before a hail storm with golf ball size hail and 60 mph winds, luck definitely on our side, again.
Just another beautiful day similar too but different from so many of the others touring this gorgeous country. Some roads we have seen before some new all worthy of our travel.
Going down that long lonesome highway
Bound for the mountains and the plains
Sure ain't nothing here gonna tie me
And I got some friends I'd like to see
One of these days I'm gonna settle down
But till I do I won't be hanging round
Going down that long lonesome highway
Gonna live life my way
"Then Came Bronson" Theme
This wanderlust was fueled by the TV shows I grew up with so thanks Bronson and a special thanks to Gardner .McKay
Friday, June 21, 2013
DAY 20 JUNE 21, 2013
This Best Western is within walking distance of the Mayo Clinic and runs shuttles back and forth, Went down to breakfast this morning and found a solemn crowd, lots of elderly people sitting and eating quietly some helped by younger relatives some by themselves. Mood soon change for the better with the entrance of a high school swim team, this best western is set up for long termguests with full kitchens.
Headed south to get back on I-90 west and just prior to the interstate saw a road sign for Preston thirty miles. If we had time would have driven there, I spent the first four and a half years of my life in Preston and still have a few memories. Don't remember the address of the old house and don't have anyone left to ask but plan on visiting it someday when I get back this way.
West on 90 again through rolling farm land and beautiful farms with corn growing on both sides of the road for mile after mile. All under very cloudy threatening skies but no rain just lots of wind all across Minnesota.
Entered South Dakota and stopped at a rest area/information center for a quick break and other travelers were warning us about storms ahead. Went inside and the weather alerts were warning of golf ball size hail, 60 mph winds, strong possibility of tornados. About this time the power went out due to a tornado north of us, the news said it was starting to clear to the west so we jumped on the bikes and headed west. The winds got worse the sky turned black with jagged edged storms swirling around and the temperature dropped twenty degrees.
Headed south to get back on I-90 west and just prior to the interstate saw a road sign for Preston thirty miles. If we had time would have driven there, I spent the first four and a half years of my life in Preston and still have a few memories. Don't remember the address of the old house and don't have anyone left to ask but plan on visiting it someday when I get back this way.
West on 90 again through rolling farm land and beautiful farms with corn growing on both sides of the road for mile after mile. All under very cloudy threatening skies but no rain just lots of wind all across Minnesota.
Entered South Dakota and stopped at a rest area/information center for a quick break and other travelers were warning us about storms ahead. Went inside and the weather alerts were warning of golf ball size hail, 60 mph winds, strong possibility of tornados. About this time the power went out due to a tornado north of us, the news said it was starting to clear to the west so we jumped on the bikes and headed west. The winds got worse the sky turned black with jagged edged storms swirling around and the temperature dropped twenty degrees.
Stopped for the night on this westward quest in Chamberlain SD along side the Missouri River across the bridge from Lewis and Clark's campsite on their westward quest.
Thursday, June 20, 2013
DAY 19 JUNE 20, 2013
Today is easy, went north out off La Porte IN to I-94 then west into Chicago.
South Chicago industrial
Then continued on I-94 through Chicago and out the north side towards Wisconsin.
Skyline of downtown was amazing
I-94 to Milwaukee
Views of the lake, six flags, and the ads for the Harley Museum'
I-94/90 west to Madison
Beautiful farm country rolling hills, wide interstate grassy median
I-90 across Wisconsin
I-90 to Rochester Minnesota
In the for the night nice hotel ate on the patio
South Chicago industrial
Then continued on I-94 through Chicago and out the north side towards Wisconsin.
Skyline of downtown was amazing
I-94 to Milwaukee
Views of the lake, six flags, and the ads for the Harley Museum'
I-94/90 west to Madison
Beautiful farm country rolling hills, wide interstate grassy median
I-90 across Wisconsin
I-90 to Rochester Minnesota
In the for the night nice hotel ate on the patio
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
DAY 18 JUNE 19, 2013
Left late this morning after a new battery in Jan's bike and some banking. Headed west on I-90 and that's where we spent the day. Starting out along Lake Eire then into Cleveland where the designers decided to put a ninety degree 35 mph turn in the middle of the city on an ugly four lane interstate.
Once outside the city I-90 runs through rolling hills and farm land. Two weeks ago in Missouri the corn was already waist high, this far north it is still less than knee high. After lunch at a turnpike rest stop, not a trip highlight, we said our goodbyes and a few miles later JB turned towards home om I-75.
As we continued west I was listening to a Springsteen concert replay on XM when he played the song Bobby Jean. Bruce wrote this song for his long time friend Steve Van Zandt and listening to the lyrics after my brother from a different mother left for home alone made it very appropriate.
Now we went walking in the rain talking about the pain from the world we hid
Now there aint nobody nowhere nohow gonna ever understand me the way you did
Maybe you'll be out there on that road somewhere
In some bus or train traveling along
In some motel room there'll be a radio playing
And you'll hear me sing this song
Well if you do you'll know Im thinking of you and all the miles in between
And Im just calling one last time not to change your mind
But just to say I miss you baby, good luck goodbye, bobby jean
Springsteen
JB checked in stopped for the night as are we in La Porte Indiana, not a planned stop but nice motel on a lake with cold beer in the restaurant next door.
Tomorrow around Chicago then north and west, the ride continues.
Once outside the city I-90 runs through rolling hills and farm land. Two weeks ago in Missouri the corn was already waist high, this far north it is still less than knee high. After lunch at a turnpike rest stop, not a trip highlight, we said our goodbyes and a few miles later JB turned towards home om I-75.
As we continued west I was listening to a Springsteen concert replay on XM when he played the song Bobby Jean. Bruce wrote this song for his long time friend Steve Van Zandt and listening to the lyrics after my brother from a different mother left for home alone made it very appropriate.
Now we went walking in the rain talking about the pain from the world we hid
Now there aint nobody nowhere nohow gonna ever understand me the way you did
Maybe you'll be out there on that road somewhere
In some bus or train traveling along
In some motel room there'll be a radio playing
And you'll hear me sing this song
Well if you do you'll know Im thinking of you and all the miles in between
And Im just calling one last time not to change your mind
But just to say I miss you baby, good luck goodbye, bobby jean
Springsteen
JB checked in stopped for the night as are we in La Porte Indiana, not a planned stop but nice motel on a lake with cold beer in the restaurant next door.
Tomorrow around Chicago then north and west, the ride continues.
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