Milwaukee, WI to Macomb, IL: 2 states, 357 miles, 11 hours on the road, 7.5 in the saddle.
Today we said goodbye to Milwaukee and started our trek back home. Seven of us took a "planned" detour into Chicago to check out the city and have some lunch. Our route included a couple of toll booths. The first one took forever to get through. The weather was hot. I still had on my leather jacket and sweat was just pouring off me; my legs were just frying from the motor. After we finally got through that, the road we paid to ride on totally sucked. Geez!
Riding into Chicago was another awesome sight. You could see the big city from quite a distance and it was beautiful. After several minutes and many times around the block, we all got parked and had a wonderful lunch. The pizza was just as good as Paul said it was.
After lunch we headed for Macomb to meet up with Lori, Troy, and Kerrie. Lori's sister fixed up an absolutely awesome home-cooked meal for us. Her fresh potato salad and apple-crisp were just to die for. Thanks Leann!!
We did have a couple issues today. About 50 miles before Macomb, Robyn's bike started having issues with the shifter. We managed to get to Macomb but they will be hitting a nearby Harley store first thing tomorrow. Hopefully they will able to help them since tomorrow is a holiday and then catch up with the rest of us.
Our other issue occurred during dinner tonight. Laura and I took our boots off before entering the house. After dinner, Laura went out for a smoke and couldn’t find her boots. It appears Max (Lori’s sister’s dog) has a shoe fetish. The damage to our boots isn’t too bad and we all had a good laugh.
Gregg talked to Don tonight. Don left early this morning to shoot straight back to Portland via I90. Don’s bike broke down about 70 miles east of Sioux Falls, SD. The Harley dealer can’t get him in before Tuesday so he’s stuck there for the duration. Bummer but happy to hear he is safe.
We are all now back safely in our hotel rooms resting up for another ride tomorrow. My angels continue to watch over us.
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Day 10: High Fives and Ooh Rahs!
Milwaukee, WI: Day 3 of the local festivities
Today Milwaukee opened their arms and welcomed the thousands of Harley riders back into their city. It was awesome! After 3 hours of putting in our volunteer duties of directing bikes to line up for the parade, Don and I hopped on his bike and rode through downtown Milwaukee, holding our chapter flag proud and high. People were lined up all along the 4.5 mile route. They cheered, smiled, waved, and gave high fives. Totally cool. Again, signs welcoming us back home by the locals were seen all over. I did see a few guys with mardi-gras beads and signs about showing your jugs or something like that but seriously guys, this is HOG not Sturgis.
The rest of the day we pretty much relaxed, did some laundry at a nearby laundry mat, walked to the post office to send some items home, and relaxed some more. Our hotel has a nice roof top where we sat and watched the sunset, visited, and listened to the Bruce Springsteen concert just across the way.
Tomorrow we head out to Macomb, IL where we will meet more of Lori's family. We are hoping to stop in Chicago for lunch and have some real Chicago pizza.
We still don't have a definitive plan for our route home. We're trying to keep an eye on the weather and avoid as much of the nasty stuff as possible.
Today Milwaukee opened their arms and welcomed the thousands of Harley riders back into their city. It was awesome! After 3 hours of putting in our volunteer duties of directing bikes to line up for the parade, Don and I hopped on his bike and rode through downtown Milwaukee, holding our chapter flag proud and high. People were lined up all along the 4.5 mile route. They cheered, smiled, waved, and gave high fives. Totally cool. Again, signs welcoming us back home by the locals were seen all over. I did see a few guys with mardi-gras beads and signs about showing your jugs or something like that but seriously guys, this is HOG not Sturgis.The rest of the day we pretty much relaxed, did some laundry at a nearby laundry mat, walked to the post office to send some items home, and relaxed some more. Our hotel has a nice roof top where we sat and watched the sunset, visited, and listened to the Bruce Springsteen concert just across the way.
Tomorrow we head out to Macomb, IL where we will meet more of Lori's family. We are hoping to stop in Chicago for lunch and have some real Chicago pizza.
We still don't have a definitive plan for our route home. We're trying to keep an eye on the weather and avoid as much of the nasty stuff as possible.
Friday, August 29, 2008
Day 9: My Tired Feet
Milwaukee, WI: Day 2 of the local festivities
Today was a full day of walking. We started our day with a visit to Harley's new museum, another fantastically, amazing sight. Lots of cool things see, read and learn about. You could spend hours or maybe even days in order to see everything. Kerrie and Troy participated in a focus group study about hand control modifications. Kerrie's comment was, "I don't want to buy a BMW. I want a Harley." I don't think she was very pleased with the set-up they were testing.
We came back to the hotel and walked down to the waterfront to check out some of the 105th festivities. We also walked through the Discovery World, which was pretty cool. Milwaukee is a beautiful city, other than the not so pretty part of the city we found ourselves in earlier this evening when we pulled into a local gas station to fill up. When a couple of cops sitting in their car told Robyn and I that they were going to hang out until we left so that they could watch our backs, we quickly helped Laura write her mileage down and got out of there.
Tomorrow we have to be up before the buttcrack of dawn and head back over to Miller Park. Harley needed more volunteers for the big parade tomorrow (7500 bikes) so our group jumped to the call. We have to meet up at 5 am which means wake up at 4 am, ugh. I need to hit the sack.
Today was a full day of walking. We started our day with a visit to Harley's new museum, another fantastically, amazing sight. Lots of cool things see, read and learn about. You could spend hours or maybe even days in order to see everything. Kerrie and Troy participated in a focus group study about hand control modifications. Kerrie's comment was, "I don't want to buy a BMW. I want a Harley." I don't think she was very pleased with the set-up they were testing.
We came back to the hotel and walked down to the waterfront to check out some of the 105th festivities. We also walked through the Discovery World, which was pretty cool. Milwaukee is a beautiful city, other than the not so pretty part of the city we found ourselves in earlier this evening when we pulled into a local gas station to fill up. When a couple of cops sitting in their car told Robyn and I that they were going to hang out until we left so that they could watch our backs, we quickly helped Laura write her mileage down and got out of there.
Tomorrow we have to be up before the buttcrack of dawn and head back over to Miller Park. Harley needed more volunteers for the big parade tomorrow (7500 bikes) so our group jumped to the call. We have to meet up at 5 am which means wake up at 4 am, ugh. I need to hit the sack.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Day 8: Rubbing Elbows
Milwaukee, WI: Day 1 of the local festivities
As planned, we rode the bikes down to one of the local Harley stores this morning for oil changes. It's a bit sad, actually. We just got here and already preparing for the ride home....but so it goes.
After everyone's bikes were serviced -- a couple hours is all -- we headed over to Miller Park for the H.O.G. 25 festivities. The first thing we did when we got there was check out the Wall of Ink where all the photos of tattoos were displayed for judging. We found Paul's and each of us submitted our vote for entry number 158.
We then proceeded in to the stage area to find decent seats for the concerts. We watched The Billy Bob Thorton Band and Sugarland perform. Both were awesome shows. Lori was thoroughly enjoying herself and grooving to the music. A fun time was had by all.
By the time Sugarland finished I looked around and saw nothing but people everywhere, and I mean everywhere. Kid Rock was up next and people were still coming in. Thoughts of trying to get out of there after Kid Rock and then fighting all the bike traffic was just too over whelming for me (not to mention I don’t have the best night vision). Curtis, Kerrie, Troy and I decided to head outside of the stage area to get us closer to the bikes and further away from the crowd. Curtis’ cousin from New Orleans was outside the stage area and we wanted to hook up with him anyway. After several minutes of rubbing elbows, we eventually found Barry and visited for a while; we’ll hook up again tomorrow.
The number of people and bikes at Miller Park today was even more than Harley expected. Bikes were lined up along the freeway for hours rolling down into the parking lot. When we left, people were still coming in. Amazing, truly amazing!
Tomorrow we visit the new Harley museum and then catch the festivities closer to our hotel. I’m thinking my bike will stay parked for the day.
As planned, we rode the bikes down to one of the local Harley stores this morning for oil changes. It's a bit sad, actually. We just got here and already preparing for the ride home....but so it goes.
After everyone's bikes were serviced -- a couple hours is all -- we headed over to Miller Park for the H.O.G. 25 festivities. The first thing we did when we got there was check out the Wall of Ink where all the photos of tattoos were displayed for judging. We found Paul's and each of us submitted our vote for entry number 158.
We then proceeded in to the stage area to find decent seats for the concerts. We watched The Billy Bob Thorton Band and Sugarland perform. Both were awesome shows. Lori was thoroughly enjoying herself and grooving to the music. A fun time was had by all.
By the time Sugarland finished I looked around and saw nothing but people everywhere, and I mean everywhere. Kid Rock was up next and people were still coming in. Thoughts of trying to get out of there after Kid Rock and then fighting all the bike traffic was just too over whelming for me (not to mention I don’t have the best night vision). Curtis, Kerrie, Troy and I decided to head outside of the stage area to get us closer to the bikes and further away from the crowd. Curtis’ cousin from New Orleans was outside the stage area and we wanted to hook up with him anyway. After several minutes of rubbing elbows, we eventually found Barry and visited for a while; we’ll hook up again tomorrow.
The number of people and bikes at Miller Park today was even more than Harley expected. Bikes were lined up along the freeway for hours rolling down into the parking lot. When we left, people were still coming in. Amazing, truly amazing!
Tomorrow we visit the new Harley museum and then catch the festivities closer to our hotel. I’m thinking my bike will stay parked for the day.
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Day 7: Welcome Home
Spencer, IA to Milwaukee, WI: 3 states, 457 miles, 11 hours on the road, 10 in the saddle.
We made it! After 2600+ miles in the saddle, rain, wind, scary mountain passes, unplanned detours, and all the other great stuff, WE MADE IT! All safely too I must add (thank you angels). Only one small issue with one of the bikes today, which considering there were up to 13 of us at times, that's pretty good.
Today's ride was another adventure. Over 200 miles of rain. Yuck, yuck, yuck. Pretty much the whole time in Minnesota it rained. Thank goodness the roads are pretty straight. We were all absolutely soaked, but we pushed on as nothing was going to stop us from what we'd traveled over 2500 miles for.
The rain stopped just before we reached Milwaukee. For a moment we thought that was going to be the best thing that would happen today but we soon learned different. About 30 miles west of Milwaukee we started seeing folks standing at the over passes waving at all the bikes as they passed under. It was pretty cool. Some even had signs hanging down for all the bikers to read. And I was one of the bikers! How cool is that! I did it!
Paul happened to notice that the on and off ramps to the freeway were blocked by the local police and clued in that the parade was just a few minutes behind us. So, our group made a beeline for one of the off ramps and waited for the parade to come by. It was awesome! I couldn't even guess how many bikes went by but it had to be well over 500. Unbelievable! Paul then led the group into joining the parade. Things got a bit chaotic from there as people got separated, the heat was getting over whelming, and bikes and cars were weaving all about. But in the end we all made it to our hotels safely . Another great day of riding, regardless of the miserable rain.
Seven of us are at the same hotel and hooked up for dinner. Kerrie, Troy, and Tiffany rode over and joined us. We found a really cool Italian restaurant just around the corner of the hotel. The hostess asked us if we wanted to eat at the kitchen table and we took up the offer. It was such a blast. We actually ate at a table in the kitchen. Every time a server would walk out to deliver a plate, they'd announce the item and present it to us to look it over. Don pretty much wanted everything that went by. The chef even came over several times to chat with us. It really was a lot of fun.
Tomorrow will be a day of festivities and I'm looking forward to it. We do need to get our bikes in for oil changes and will do that first thing. One of the Harley stores is open 24hrs. Neat!
We made it! After 2600+ miles in the saddle, rain, wind, scary mountain passes, unplanned detours, and all the other great stuff, WE MADE IT! All safely too I must add (thank you angels). Only one small issue with one of the bikes today, which considering there were up to 13 of us at times, that's pretty good.
Today's ride was another adventure. Over 200 miles of rain. Yuck, yuck, yuck. Pretty much the whole time in Minnesota it rained. Thank goodness the roads are pretty straight. We were all absolutely soaked, but we pushed on as nothing was going to stop us from what we'd traveled over 2500 miles for.
The rain stopped just before we reached Milwaukee. For a moment we thought that was going to be the best thing that would happen today but we soon learned different. About 30 miles west of Milwaukee we started seeing folks standing at the over passes waving at all the bikes as they passed under. It was pretty cool. Some even had signs hanging down for all the bikers to read. And I was one of the bikers! How cool is that! I did it!
Paul happened to notice that the on and off ramps to the freeway were blocked by the local police and clued in that the parade was just a few minutes behind us. So, our group made a beeline for one of the off ramps and waited for the parade to come by. It was awesome! I couldn't even guess how many bikes went by but it had to be well over 500. Unbelievable! Paul then led the group into joining the parade. Things got a bit chaotic from there as people got separated, the heat was getting over whelming, and bikes and cars were weaving all about. But in the end we all made it to our hotels safely . Another great day of riding, regardless of the miserable rain.
Seven of us are at the same hotel and hooked up for dinner. Kerrie, Troy, and Tiffany rode over and joined us. We found a really cool Italian restaurant just around the corner of the hotel. The hostess asked us if we wanted to eat at the kitchen table and we took up the offer. It was such a blast. We actually ate at a table in the kitchen. Every time a server would walk out to deliver a plate, they'd announce the item and present it to us to look it over. Don pretty much wanted everything that went by. The chef even came over several times to chat with us. It really was a lot of fun.
Tomorrow will be a day of festivities and I'm looking forward to it. We do need to get our bikes in for oil changes and will do that first thing. One of the Harley stores is open 24hrs. Neat!
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Day 6: And I'll Huff, and I"ll Puff
Rapid City, SD to Spencer, IA: 3 states, 517 miles, 11 hours on the road, 9.5 in the saddle.
Today's big event was fighting the wind. Riding a motorcycle sideways at 75mph in order to stay on the road was another new adventure for me. The biggest part was passing the semi's. Wooo, what a ride! Not one I thoroughly enjoyed either. I was happy I had my mp3 player going to help keep my mind at ease.
Our group started the morning with a little excitement. Lori took off a few minutes ahead of us and about 40 minutes down the road we passed her on the side of the road. It appears her throttle was a bit too open and the local police had to give her a talkin' to. Luckily, she just received a warning.
Our "planned" detour for today was to visit Lori's home town of La Mars, IA, which, by the way, is the home of Blue Bunny ice cream and Bob's Drive In. Lori treated us all to lunch at Bob's so that we can enjoy the world's best hot dogs and a tavern (loose meat) sandwich. Yummy! We also had ice cream of course. Definitely worth the detour. Thanks Lori!!
We finally made it to Spencer about 6:30 CT safely (thank you angels) and exhausted. Tomorrow will be another long day as we make our final leg of this fabulous adventure, well, the first half anyway.
Next stop, Milwaukee!
Today's big event was fighting the wind. Riding a motorcycle sideways at 75mph in order to stay on the road was another new adventure for me. The biggest part was passing the semi's. Wooo, what a ride! Not one I thoroughly enjoyed either. I was happy I had my mp3 player going to help keep my mind at ease.
Our group started the morning with a little excitement. Lori took off a few minutes ahead of us and about 40 minutes down the road we passed her on the side of the road. It appears her throttle was a bit too open and the local police had to give her a talkin' to. Luckily, she just received a warning.
Our "planned" detour for today was to visit Lori's home town of La Mars, IA, which, by the way, is the home of Blue Bunny ice cream and Bob's Drive In. Lori treated us all to lunch at Bob's so that we can enjoy the world's best hot dogs and a tavern (loose meat) sandwich. Yummy! We also had ice cream of course. Definitely worth the detour. Thanks Lori!!
We finally made it to Spencer about 6:30 CT safely (thank you angels) and exhausted. Tomorrow will be another long day as we make our final leg of this fabulous adventure, well, the first half anyway.
Next stop, Milwaukee!
Monday, August 25, 2008
Day 5: A Day of Rest
Rapid City, SD: 1 state, 170 miles, 7 hours on the road, 0 in my saddle.
Today was a day of rest and seeing the local sights. I parked my bike and road two-up with Curtis today. I feel a bit guilty about not riding my bike (Laura rode hers) but it was nice to spend a day with Curtis and relax for a bit. I now feel rested and ready for a couple of long days ahead.
After a quick wash of the bikes we hit the road for the day’s excursions. Our first stop was Mt Rushmore. What a sight! It really is amazing to see the detail in the monument. After some wandering around there for a bit and meeting other Harley family members, some from New York and some from Alaska, Paul took us on a really awesome ride through the Pigtail bridges, the backside of Custer, a short stop at Crazy Horse and then to Deadwood. Paul knows all the cool places to see and ride.
While in Deadwood we visited Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane’s graves. It’s mostly touristy but interesting. People still go to their graves and leave offerings. We saw coins, bullets, empty booze bottles, and a stick with a message written on it to Bill. The town itself reminds me a lot of Virginia City. I think Curtis was a bit disappointed and was expecting to see more of a “Deadwood” the HBO series look. Darn Hollywood!!
Tomorrow’s a long day of riding, about 500 miles. Most of it is freeway and probably a lot of corn fields. I predict a gazillion dead grass hoppers on my bike before the end of the day. And those big ones can hurt at 75 mph!
Next stop Spencer, IA.
Today was a day of rest and seeing the local sights. I parked my bike and road two-up with Curtis today. I feel a bit guilty about not riding my bike (Laura rode hers) but it was nice to spend a day with Curtis and relax for a bit. I now feel rested and ready for a couple of long days ahead.
After a quick wash of the bikes we hit the road for the day’s excursions. Our first stop was Mt Rushmore. What a sight! It really is amazing to see the detail in the monument. After some wandering around there for a bit and meeting other Harley family members, some from New York and some from Alaska, Paul took us on a really awesome ride through the Pigtail bridges, the backside of Custer, a short stop at Crazy Horse and then to Deadwood. Paul knows all the cool places to see and ride.While in Deadwood we visited Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane’s graves. It’s mostly touristy but interesting. People still go to their graves and leave offerings. We saw coins, bullets, empty booze bottles, and a stick with a message written on it to Bill. The town itself reminds me a lot of Virginia City. I think Curtis was a bit disappointed and was expecting to see more of a “Deadwood” the HBO series look. Darn Hollywood!!
Tomorrow’s a long day of riding, about 500 miles. Most of it is freeway and probably a lot of corn fields. I predict a gazillion dead grass hoppers on my bike before the end of the day. And those big ones can hurt at 75 mph!
Next stop Spencer, IA.
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Day 4: Close Encounters
Cody, WY to Rapid City, SD: 2 states, 421 miles, 9.5 hours on the road, 8 in the saddle.
Left Cody bright and early and traveled through Wyoming. The roads were curvy with lots of rolling hills. More beautiful country to be seen from the saddle.
Instead of going directly to Rapid City, we took a slight detour (this one planned) so we could see Devil's Tower. Yes, it is just a big rock but it's a pretty impressive big rock. I looked for Richard Dryfus but he was nowhere to be found. Perhaps he hasn't returned from his encounter yet.
We stopped for lunch in Sturgis. The town is pretty quiet now that bike week has passed but it's neat to say that I've been there. As we were leaving Sturgis a heavy black cloud was in our path. I was hoping that too would be a close encounter but no such luck. About 15 miles before Rapid City the sky let loose on us. Another first for me....being pelted by rain at 75 mph and navigating through a construction zone with lightening nearby.
Alas, we all made it to the hotel safely (thank you angels) and met up with the others that had separated throughout the day. Even Jim is now with us and Patty and Dave from Salem are here as well. It's cool to meet up with friends from home so many miles away. Not to mention all the new friends you meet along the way. Kerrie even ran in to some HOG members from Asia while she was at the Harley store dropping her bike off for service. She wasn't able to communicate very well with them but the HOG logo is universal and they both understood that.
Gregg chatted with some Milwaukee chapter folks while we were at dinner and got the scoop on the final ride in to Milwaukee. Not sure if our schedule will allow but we're going to try and meet up with them in Madison on Wednesday.
Most of us did laundry tonight, giving us another 4-5 days of fresh clothes. Yeah!
Tomorrow is a free day and we'll check out some of the local sights: Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse, Deadwood, and the Harley store of course!
Left Cody bright and early and traveled through Wyoming. The roads were curvy with lots of rolling hills. More beautiful country to be seen from the saddle.
Instead of going directly to Rapid City, we took a slight detour (this one planned) so we could see Devil's Tower. Yes, it is just a big rock but it's a pretty impressive big rock. I looked for Richard Dryfus but he was nowhere to be found. Perhaps he hasn't returned from his encounter yet.We stopped for lunch in Sturgis. The town is pretty quiet now that bike week has passed but it's neat to say that I've been there. As we were leaving Sturgis a heavy black cloud was in our path. I was hoping that too would be a close encounter but no such luck. About 15 miles before Rapid City the sky let loose on us. Another first for me....being pelted by rain at 75 mph and navigating through a construction zone with lightening nearby.
Alas, we all made it to the hotel safely (thank you angels) and met up with the others that had separated throughout the day. Even Jim is now with us and Patty and Dave from Salem are here as well. It's cool to meet up with friends from home so many miles away. Not to mention all the new friends you meet along the way. Kerrie even ran in to some HOG members from Asia while she was at the Harley store dropping her bike off for service. She wasn't able to communicate very well with them but the HOG logo is universal and they both understood that.
Gregg chatted with some Milwaukee chapter folks while we were at dinner and got the scoop on the final ride in to Milwaukee. Not sure if our schedule will allow but we're going to try and meet up with them in Madison on Wednesday.
Most of us did laundry tonight, giving us another 4-5 days of fresh clothes. Yeah!
Tomorrow is a free day and we'll check out some of the local sights: Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse, Deadwood, and the Harley store of course!
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Day 3: Where the Buffalo Roam
Jackson, WY to Cody, WY: 1 state, 287 miles, 11 hours on the road, 6.5 in the saddle.
We started the day by riding through the Tetons. It was beautiful and only the beginning! We rode all around Yellowstone. Stopped to see geysers, Old Faithful blow, lots of bison (one even wandering down the road ahead of us), a bald eagle, and a bear. Fabulous! Seeing all these things from the seat of a motorcycle is such an undescribable view.
I made it over another pass and even 2 miles of gravel road (another first). Laura and I still tend to fall back from the rest of the group and our patient husbands stick with us (thanks guys, we appreciate it). Not only do I prefer to slow down a few extra MPH, it also allows me time to take in the beautiful scenery.
Another safe, beautiful day!
A new member joined our group yesterday; her name is Yewnice. She's really more of a mascot and has already brought the group many laughs and memories.
Tomorrow we're off to Rapid City.
We started the day by riding through the Tetons. It was beautiful and only the beginning! We rode all around Yellowstone. Stopped to see geysers, Old Faithful blow, lots of bison (one even wandering down the road ahead of us), a bald eagle, and a bear. Fabulous! Seeing all these things from the seat of a motorcycle is such an undescribable view.
I made it over another pass and even 2 miles of gravel road (another first). Laura and I still tend to fall back from the rest of the group and our patient husbands stick with us (thanks guys, we appreciate it). Not only do I prefer to slow down a few extra MPH, it also allows me time to take in the beautiful scenery.Another safe, beautiful day!
A new member joined our group yesterday; her name is Yewnice. She's really more of a mascot and has already brought the group many laughs and memories.
Tomorrow we're off to Rapid City.
Friday, August 22, 2008
Day 2: Detour
Mountain Home, ID to Jackson, WY: 2 states, 480 miles, 9.5 hours on the road, 8.5 in the saddle.
Another great day seeing the beautiful country in Idaho. We started out early again, about 6:30. Weather was cold (I wore my heated gear). Our group split into two groups and we stayed in the back so we could go a bit slower. About 60 miles into the trip we turned where the rest of the group had gone straight several minutes ahead of us. By the time we realized it, however, we were too far north to turn back. Gas was an issue -- Don was in our group :) -- and north was the decision.
The detour added a little over 200 miles but it was totally worth it. We saw more of God's beautiful country that quite possibly we would never have seen. Sometimes unplanned is the best planned.
Laura played leader for a while and did an awesome job. I made it down two mountain passes without losing my cookies. It was a great ride.
My angels guided us all safely once again and brought us back to the rest of the group in time to shower and meet them for dinner.
Tomorrow is Yellowstone and on to Cody.
Another great day seeing the beautiful country in Idaho. We started out early again, about 6:30. Weather was cold (I wore my heated gear). Our group split into two groups and we stayed in the back so we could go a bit slower. About 60 miles into the trip we turned where the rest of the group had gone straight several minutes ahead of us. By the time we realized it, however, we were too far north to turn back. Gas was an issue -- Don was in our group :) -- and north was the decision.
The detour added a little over 200 miles but it was totally worth it. We saw more of God's beautiful country that quite possibly we would never have seen. Sometimes unplanned is the best planned.
Laura played leader for a while and did an awesome job. I made it down two mountain passes without losing my cookies. It was a great ride.
My angels guided us all safely once again and brought us back to the rest of the group in time to shower and meet them for dinner.
Tomorrow is Yellowstone and on to Cody.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Day 1
Portland, OR to Mountain Home, ID: 2 states, 487 miles, 10 hours on the road, 9 in the saddle.
Wow! Seeing the country this way is indescribable. I recall as a kid how my mom loved to take Sunday drives after church to see God's beauty and today I understood why...and my trip has just begun. I can't wait to see what tomorrow will bring. We're off to Jackson, WY.
Today's departure was wet until we got over Mt Hood, yuck, but the rest of the ride was fabulous. Even stopped along the way to see some petroglyphs, thanks to Gregg for showing us this off-the-path secret.
All my angels were watching over me and my friends today, and I'm thankful for that. Life is really good.
Troy and a few of the other guys picked Kerrie up in Ontario and we all met up at the hotel. The group is near complete now. Just one more member joining up with us later. Ride safe Jim and see you soon.
Wow! Seeing the country this way is indescribable. I recall as a kid how my mom loved to take Sunday drives after church to see God's beauty and today I understood why...and my trip has just begun. I can't wait to see what tomorrow will bring. We're off to Jackson, WY.
Today's departure was wet until we got over Mt Hood, yuck, but the rest of the ride was fabulous. Even stopped along the way to see some petroglyphs, thanks to Gregg for showing us this off-the-path secret.All my angels were watching over me and my friends today, and I'm thankful for that. Life is really good.
Troy and a few of the other guys picked Kerrie up in Ontario and we all met up at the hotel. The group is near complete now. Just one more member joining up with us later. Ride safe Jim and see you soon.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Rain, Rain, Go Away
The past couple of days have been damp and dreary, giving more and more reason to get the heck out of Dodge. The weather man forecasts a clear departure for Thursday morning. I'll keep my fingers crossed but even if he's wrong...we're GONE.
The Mohawk group (down to just a select few) have sheared and shaped their precious locks. I can't wait to see the results.
It's going to be a great trip! No matter what Mother Nature sends our way, we will come back with new friendships, stronger friendships, and memories to last a lifetime.
The Mohawk group (down to just a select few) have sheared and shaped their precious locks. I can't wait to see the results.
It's going to be a great trip! No matter what Mother Nature sends our way, we will come back with new friendships, stronger friendships, and memories to last a lifetime.
Monday, August 18, 2008
It Has Begun
Yesterday was the official kick-off for Harley Davidson's Ride Home. One of the local Harley dealerships hosted a party with lots of food and fun entertainment.We're down to just a few days until 14 of us will be cruising our way to Milwaukee. One of our group members has already begun her ride. She has some business to tend to in Ontario, Oregon, where we'll meet up with her Thursday night. Hang in there, Kerrie. We won't forget you!
Our bikes are just about ready and I started packing up last night. I'm hoping for good weather but also hoping I'm prepared for whatever comes our way.
With 14 of us, the adventure is sure to be memorable.
Today's affirmation: "Nothing is impossible when you believe!"
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Head Trips and Mind Games
I'm such a goober! The past couple of days my mind has been spinning with nervous anticipation of the trip. All of a sudden I'm having negative thoughts and they're really pissing me off. I constantly have to remind myself how fun things are going to be and to not think so much. Of course, hearing people constantly tell me that I'm crazy and "riding 5000 miles on a motorcycle doesn't sound fun" to them sure doesn't help my situation.
Maybe I just need to get on my bike and take a short ride. Maybe I just need to take a chill-pill! Oh, to heck with those naysayers, I say!!! It's my vacation. I've been planning and looking forward to it for many months now and it's going to be awesome! Soon I will be relaxing and enjoying a wonderful vacation with fabulous friends.
Today's affirmation: "I am healthy, happy, and confident"
Maybe I just need to get on my bike and take a short ride. Maybe I just need to take a chill-pill! Oh, to heck with those naysayers, I say!!! It's my vacation. I've been planning and looking forward to it for many months now and it's going to be awesome! Soon I will be relaxing and enjoying a wonderful vacation with fabulous friends.
Today's affirmation: "I am healthy, happy, and confident"
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
A Clearer View
My husband bought me a new, detachable windshield a few weeks ago to replace the WindVest I currently used. I was having a bit of trouble with my field of vision. The edge seemed to be right in my line of sight.
We received a referral from Latus where we could have the windshield shaved for my height. So, yesterday, a girlfriend and I rode out to the gentleman's place. I was supposed to check before the ride to make sure he had a paved driveway but I didn't. And wouldn't you know, we get there and not only is it gravel but a very looong gravel driveway.
Paul, a real sweetheart, noticed our heavy anticipation with the situation and just as we were about halfway down the driveway he met up with us and offered to ride the bike the rest of the way. I took him up on the offer. My girlfriend carefully rode her bike a bit further to a cement section where she was able to turn around and park.
After Paul finished, he offered to ride both our bikes out to the end of the driveway. Of course we took him up on the offer. What a great guy!
Paul also gave us a tip on a ride so that we could spend a couple hours out and about. By the time my girlfriend and I had to part ways, we ended up with a good 100 miles in the saddle. It was great. I love riding with my girlfriends. We just understand each other. That preasure that we put on ourselves when we ride with the boys is gone. It's just ride your ride and don't feel ashamed if you slow to 25-30 for a 25mph curve.
We received a referral from Latus where we could have the windshield shaved for my height. So, yesterday, a girlfriend and I rode out to the gentleman's place. I was supposed to check before the ride to make sure he had a paved driveway but I didn't. And wouldn't you know, we get there and not only is it gravel but a very looong gravel driveway.
Paul, a real sweetheart, noticed our heavy anticipation with the situation and just as we were about halfway down the driveway he met up with us and offered to ride the bike the rest of the way. I took him up on the offer. My girlfriend carefully rode her bike a bit further to a cement section where she was able to turn around and park.
After Paul finished, he offered to ride both our bikes out to the end of the driveway. Of course we took him up on the offer. What a great guy!
Paul also gave us a tip on a ride so that we could spend a couple hours out and about. By the time my girlfriend and I had to part ways, we ended up with a good 100 miles in the saddle. It was great. I love riding with my girlfriends. We just understand each other. That preasure that we put on ourselves when we ride with the boys is gone. It's just ride your ride and don't feel ashamed if you slow to 25-30 for a 25mph curve.
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Don't Look Down
A dear friend of mine recently commented, "If you go looking for trouble, you're bound to find it" and yesterday I think I did just that. I started playing around with Google Maps, entering our scheduled destinations and checking out time and distances for each day. I then found myself using the street view feature in Google Maps. If you haven't checked that out yourself you should. A pic of my sister-in-law is even out there if you happen to type in their street address.
Anyway, crazy me, I just had to start looking at the street view for Yellowstone. It's the one big fear I have right now with the upcoming trip. Riding alongside a huge drop off is giving me the heebie-jeebies.
So, after a bit of searching I found the trouble I set out to find. You can bet my heart will sink to my stomach when we reach this portion of the road. Oh well, it's all good and this too shall pass. I just hope there aren't any oncoming cars when I reach that stretch or I might just be rubbing mirrors.
15 days now!
Anyway, crazy me, I just had to start looking at the street view for Yellowstone. It's the one big fear I have right now with the upcoming trip. Riding alongside a huge drop off is giving me the heebie-jeebies.
So, after a bit of searching I found the trouble I set out to find. You can bet my heart will sink to my stomach when we reach this portion of the road. Oh well, it's all good and this too shall pass. I just hope there aren't any oncoming cars when I reach that stretch or I might just be rubbing mirrors.15 days now!
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
No Room for Sally
It looks like sweet little Silicone Sally won't be able to make the trip to Milwaukee. Although most (if not all) of us would have enjoyed seeing her bright, smiling face perked on the back of one of the bikes, the trip would just be too risky for her fair skin. We'll miss her presence that brings exuberant laughter to any room she enters.
Just 16 days now!
Just 16 days now!
Friday, August 1, 2008
Mohawks to Milwaukee
You heard it right. The boys are getting so excited about the trip that they have decided to sport new hairstyles as their tribute to the trek. Who says mohawks are for the strange and lost souls? Certainly, not Mr. T.!Of course, some of us girls are wondering if a mohawk is even possible for those with little to no hair. Oh well, I'll bring the gel and dye. Should be interesting.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)