Thursday, September 18, 2008
Photos
Silly me! I uploaded all my photos to Shutterfly and forgot to post a link to the albums over here in my blog. You can check out all the photos from my HOG 25 road trip here: http://hog25roadtrip.shutterfly.com/
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
The Old Hum-Drum
Sadly, it's been over a week now since we pulled the bikes into the garage. Life quickly went back to the same 'ol routine...work and all the other stuff that comes with it. Our bikes still sit in the same spot...dirt, bugs and all. Only the luggage that carried our few changes of clothes and other personal items have been removed. Sad, so sad.
Our bikes are in desperate need of a wash and another service from the dealer. And they really want us to hop on and take 'em for a ride. The rain will be here soon. We need to put the hum-drum life stuff aside and enjoy them while we can.
Our bikes are in desperate need of a wash and another service from the dealer. And they really want us to hop on and take 'em for a ride. The rain will be here soon. We need to put the hum-drum life stuff aside and enjoy them while we can.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Meet My Angel / My Co-Pilot
As Curtis and I were packing up our bikes in preparation for our big trek across the states, I picked up my little "race for a cure" beanie bear -- sporting goggles and pink feather boa -- and commented to Curtis how cool it would be if she could make the travel with me. He then picked her up, grabbed a zip-tie, and attached her to the risers of my handlebars. She stayed there the whole trip and brought me home safely. Every time I'd get through one of those scary moments of wind, drop-offs, rain and whatever else was thrown my way, I'd tap her head a few times and thank her for helping me through it again.Several of us have companions like my Lois Ellen. Lori has a little Harley bear that rides with her just about everywhere she goes; Kerrie has Spanky, a monkey with leather pants, strapped behind her T-bag that gives you an occasional wave; and Laura has a cute little Canadian moose that tried to jump ship just a few days before we made it back home, but Gregg rescued him from the roadside and brought him safely back to Laura, only now he is sporting a new hat style.
Bears, monkeys, angels, faith, luck, or whatever you believe, we all came home safe!
Friday, September 5, 2008
Day 16: We Made it!!
Boise, ID to Portland, OR: 2 states, 410 miles, 8 hours on the road, 7 in the saddle.
We did it! I made it all the way to Milwaukee and back home, over 5300 miles, safe and sound. A fabulous experience that I will never forget.
Today's ride didn't start until late morning after we stopped by to visit the wife of a long-time co-worker of Curtis'. Her husband, whom Curtis worked with for many years, passed away while we were on the road. It was a short but very nice visit and I'm happy we were able to stop by. I think she really appreciated it.
I had to conquer another mountain pass today but I was ready. I'd driven over this pass in a car and was scared then but I knew my angels would help me through the scary parts and they did. When the drop-off stared me in the face, I worked through it; when the big, red diesel truck that was quickly getting closer in my rear view mirror and I knew if I didn't get a move on or I'd be squashed like a bug, I worked through it.
After the pass, we started down the last 200 miles toward home with the Columbia River at my side. I became relaxed and started to reflect on the last 16 days. It was great for about 25 miles and then that darn Columbia gorge wind kicked in. I had another "being blown off the road" experience but worked through it. And just when I thought that was behind me the joys of riding a motorcycle threw another new experience my way.
Curtis rolled over what looked like a kitchen bag. The object then flew back my way and I got an up-close view of it as it wrapped around my engine guard. Sure enough...a white, tall kitchen bag with the red ties and all.
As it flapped around the guard, I wasn't sure if I should pull over to remove it or if the wind would eventually work it off. I tried kicking it a few times but no luck. The wind did eventually work it off the guard but only to have it wrap on my boot. I thought I'd shake it off but, whoa, that was not good. The bag became a parachute and pulled my leg back. I managed to put my foot back on my peg (along with the attached flapping bag) and thought out my next move...pull over! I slowed down and turned on my turn signal but when I looked at the side of the road there really wasn't any place to safely pull over. I looked back down at the bag and contemplated on what to do. After a few seconds and what seemed like an hour, I somehow was able to reach down and pull the darn thing off. As soon as I removed it I looked over to the left lane and saw a biker that had pulled in behind Curtis and I some miles back. He gave me a signal as if asking if all was okay and I gave him my thumbs up. I then twisted the throttle to catch back up to Curtis and the biker pulled back behind me. For a moment, a thought came over me that that biker was miraculously put there to watch my back and I was thankful for that.
A few more miles down the road Curtis and I pulled off for refueling and the biker behind me continued on. As I stopped at the gas pump and told Curtis what just happened he surprisingly missed the whole thing. I told him about the biker and Curtis commented that he could have been a Hells Angel. My thought was, Hells Angel or Heavens Angel that biker gave me comfort and I was happy for that.
The rest of the way home was uneventful. I was able to enjoy the beautiful river on one side and mountains on the other. I'm now home, enjoying a glass of wine, and looking forward to sleeping in my own bed.
Thank you everyone that has followed me in my adventure and prayed for our safe return. I will post more again tomorrow but for now I'm off to relax.
We did it! I made it all the way to Milwaukee and back home, over 5300 miles, safe and sound. A fabulous experience that I will never forget.
Today's ride didn't start until late morning after we stopped by to visit the wife of a long-time co-worker of Curtis'. Her husband, whom Curtis worked with for many years, passed away while we were on the road. It was a short but very nice visit and I'm happy we were able to stop by. I think she really appreciated it.
I had to conquer another mountain pass today but I was ready. I'd driven over this pass in a car and was scared then but I knew my angels would help me through the scary parts and they did. When the drop-off stared me in the face, I worked through it; when the big, red diesel truck that was quickly getting closer in my rear view mirror and I knew if I didn't get a move on or I'd be squashed like a bug, I worked through it.
After the pass, we started down the last 200 miles toward home with the Columbia River at my side. I became relaxed and started to reflect on the last 16 days. It was great for about 25 miles and then that darn Columbia gorge wind kicked in. I had another "being blown off the road" experience but worked through it. And just when I thought that was behind me the joys of riding a motorcycle threw another new experience my way.
Curtis rolled over what looked like a kitchen bag. The object then flew back my way and I got an up-close view of it as it wrapped around my engine guard. Sure enough...a white, tall kitchen bag with the red ties and all.
As it flapped around the guard, I wasn't sure if I should pull over to remove it or if the wind would eventually work it off. I tried kicking it a few times but no luck. The wind did eventually work it off the guard but only to have it wrap on my boot. I thought I'd shake it off but, whoa, that was not good. The bag became a parachute and pulled my leg back. I managed to put my foot back on my peg (along with the attached flapping bag) and thought out my next move...pull over! I slowed down and turned on my turn signal but when I looked at the side of the road there really wasn't any place to safely pull over. I looked back down at the bag and contemplated on what to do. After a few seconds and what seemed like an hour, I somehow was able to reach down and pull the darn thing off. As soon as I removed it I looked over to the left lane and saw a biker that had pulled in behind Curtis and I some miles back. He gave me a signal as if asking if all was okay and I gave him my thumbs up. I then twisted the throttle to catch back up to Curtis and the biker pulled back behind me. For a moment, a thought came over me that that biker was miraculously put there to watch my back and I was thankful for that.
A few more miles down the road Curtis and I pulled off for refueling and the biker behind me continued on. As I stopped at the gas pump and told Curtis what just happened he surprisingly missed the whole thing. I told him about the biker and Curtis commented that he could have been a Hells Angel. My thought was, Hells Angel or Heavens Angel that biker gave me comfort and I was happy for that.
The rest of the way home was uneventful. I was able to enjoy the beautiful river on one side and mountains on the other. I'm now home, enjoying a glass of wine, and looking forward to sleeping in my own bed.
Thank you everyone that has followed me in my adventure and prayed for our safe return. I will post more again tomorrow but for now I'm off to relax.
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Day 15: Within Reach
Rawlins, WY to Boise, ID: 3 states, 600 miles, 11 hours on the road, 9.5 in the saddle.
First off, looking back at my blog I noticed I repeated day 11's title, so I corrected my error and my days are back on track.
Today was pretty much a repeat of yesterday, only a much colder morning and not quite as much wind. We all started out together and then Curtis and I split from the other eight at about Evanston, WY. We took 84 on in to Boise while the others headed to Winnemucca.
Our ride was good until we got to the Snake River Canyon. The wind really picked up and was pushing my smaller bike (and me) all over. As I crossed the first bridge over the river the crazy thought of being blown over into the canyon crept into my mind. I then recalled Erika's words of advice to just think, "It's okay, it's going to be okay, I'll make it through this." And after many times of repeating that I was through the bad stuff and only a short distance from the hotel. Thank the lord and my wonderful angels.....and Erika too!
The others all made it to their hotel in Winnemucca; however, just as they were on the off ramp, Paul's shift linkage went out again. Darn it!
Curtis and I will stop by his office here in Boise tomorrow morning and then visit some friends before heading out of town. I'm hoping to be home before dark. Yes, home.....home sweet home!
First off, looking back at my blog I noticed I repeated day 11's title, so I corrected my error and my days are back on track.
Today was pretty much a repeat of yesterday, only a much colder morning and not quite as much wind. We all started out together and then Curtis and I split from the other eight at about Evanston, WY. We took 84 on in to Boise while the others headed to Winnemucca.
Our ride was good until we got to the Snake River Canyon. The wind really picked up and was pushing my smaller bike (and me) all over. As I crossed the first bridge over the river the crazy thought of being blown over into the canyon crept into my mind. I then recalled Erika's words of advice to just think, "It's okay, it's going to be okay, I'll make it through this." And after many times of repeating that I was through the bad stuff and only a short distance from the hotel. Thank the lord and my wonderful angels.....and Erika too!
The others all made it to their hotel in Winnemucca; however, just as they were on the off ramp, Paul's shift linkage went out again. Darn it!
Curtis and I will stop by his office here in Boise tomorrow morning and then visit some friends before heading out of town. I'm hoping to be home before dark. Yes, home.....home sweet home!
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Day 14: Angels On Our Side
Lincoln, NE to Rawlins, WY: 2 states, 600 miles, 11 hours on the road, 9.5 in the saddle.
Today was a very looooong day. We rode, and rode, and rode, and rode. Stopping only for gas, hit the head, and a short bite to eat. After 600 miles of fighting the cold this morning and the awful wind this afternoon, three of us girls (the less seasoned) were done. The group found a nearby hotel and called it a day.
My angels watched over Laura today. She had a bit of a scary moment but with her quick reaction and the hug of a angel she worked through it and I am proud of her for that.
We didn't make it to Casper as originally planned. Everyone is anxious to get home so we decided to take a more direct route straight down I80. Not near as pretty and the wind and semis suck.
Besides doing a lot of thinking on my bike, sometimes things get a bit boring so I've been singing some of the little ditties my siblings and I sang as a kid while traveling in the car across country. I can only seem to recall about 5 or 6 though and some are quite short. Sometimes I get tired of hearing the same song over and over but until I can think of new ones, I'm stuck with what I have so far.
Tomorrow Curtis and I will split from the group and head to Boise to visit some friends there. The rest of the group will continue down 80 into Winnemucca. Sadly, things are definitely winding down now.
Don flew home yesterday (the news on his bike is not good) and hit the road this morning in his truck to pick his bike up in Sioux Fall, SD. He called earlier this evening and was already in Billings, MT. Have a safe trip Don and see you back home shortly.
Today was a very looooong day. We rode, and rode, and rode, and rode. Stopping only for gas, hit the head, and a short bite to eat. After 600 miles of fighting the cold this morning and the awful wind this afternoon, three of us girls (the less seasoned) were done. The group found a nearby hotel and called it a day.
My angels watched over Laura today. She had a bit of a scary moment but with her quick reaction and the hug of a angel she worked through it and I am proud of her for that.
We didn't make it to Casper as originally planned. Everyone is anxious to get home so we decided to take a more direct route straight down I80. Not near as pretty and the wind and semis suck.
Besides doing a lot of thinking on my bike, sometimes things get a bit boring so I've been singing some of the little ditties my siblings and I sang as a kid while traveling in the car across country. I can only seem to recall about 5 or 6 though and some are quite short. Sometimes I get tired of hearing the same song over and over but until I can think of new ones, I'm stuck with what I have so far.
Tomorrow Curtis and I will split from the group and head to Boise to visit some friends there. The rest of the group will continue down 80 into Winnemucca. Sadly, things are definitely winding down now.
Don flew home yesterday (the news on his bike is not good) and hit the road this morning in his truck to pick his bike up in Sioux Fall, SD. He called earlier this evening and was already in Billings, MT. Have a safe trip Don and see you back home shortly.
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Day 13: Back Together
Clinton, MO to Lincoln, NE: 3 states, 300 miles, 9.5 hours on the road, 5.5 in the saddle.
Grandma Chris met us at our hotel this morning with some great breakfast fixens perfect for hungry bikers ready to hit the road. She is such a wonderful person and a great cook too.
Our fist stop was the Harley factory in Kansas City. We took the tour and watched Dynas, Sportsters and VRods being built. It was pretty cool.
Our weather was a bit crazy today. It was hot and muggy in MO but by the time we got to Iowa the temp dropped 20 degrees. Then, a few more miles up the road in Nebreska it rained on us. It wasn't too much but I was sure cold when we finally arrived at the hotel.
We kept in close contact with Paul and made plans to meet up in Lincoln. Robyn's bike is back to normal and our group is back together.
Traveling across country on a motorcycle gives you a lot of time to think about things and really enjoy all the beauty we have around us. Such as wildlife, spectacular landscapes, big city views and small towns in the middle of nowhere. It really is amazing and somewhat indescribable. Even racing against the elements -- and not always winning -- is part of the experience. They say “it’s not the destination but the journey” and I agree. My journey has taken me more than just the miles put in my saddle and given me so memories of a lifetime.
It looks like tomorrow is going to be a long day in the saddle. The last I heard we were heading to Casper, WY (over 600 miles).
Grandma Chris met us at our hotel this morning with some great breakfast fixens perfect for hungry bikers ready to hit the road. She is such a wonderful person and a great cook too.
Our fist stop was the Harley factory in Kansas City. We took the tour and watched Dynas, Sportsters and VRods being built. It was pretty cool.
Our weather was a bit crazy today. It was hot and muggy in MO but by the time we got to Iowa the temp dropped 20 degrees. Then, a few more miles up the road in Nebreska it rained on us. It wasn't too much but I was sure cold when we finally arrived at the hotel.
We kept in close contact with Paul and made plans to meet up in Lincoln. Robyn's bike is back to normal and our group is back together.
Traveling across country on a motorcycle gives you a lot of time to think about things and really enjoy all the beauty we have around us. Such as wildlife, spectacular landscapes, big city views and small towns in the middle of nowhere. It really is amazing and somewhat indescribable. Even racing against the elements -- and not always winning -- is part of the experience. They say “it’s not the destination but the journey” and I agree. My journey has taken me more than just the miles put in my saddle and given me so memories of a lifetime.
It looks like tomorrow is going to be a long day in the saddle. The last I heard we were heading to Casper, WY (over 600 miles).
Monday, September 1, 2008
Day 12: Good Old Home Cookin'
Macomb, IL to Clinton, MO: 2 states, 313 miles, 6 hours on the road, 5 in the saddle.
We crossed back over the Mississippi River today and into Missouri. The weather was good but a bit hot. Traffic wasn't too bad as we tried to stay off the main highways. The travel takes a bit longer on the smaller roads and some of the roads are pretty crappy but it's nice to ride through the small towns and check out other parts of this wonderful country we live in.
When we arrived in Clinton, we went straight to Gregg's mom’s house. She had a fabulous spread of food for all of us to enjoy: ham, chicken, all kinds of salads and casseroles, bread, cakes, fudge, and ice cream. It was absolutely wonderful and delicious. Two of Gregg's aunts and an uncle were there for us to meet and chat with too. What a great family! Thanks Aunt Margaret, Aunt Mac, Uncle Melburne, and Grandma Chris. Your welcome and generous hospitality to these seven hot, tired, stinky and hungry bikers is much appreciated.
Our ride today was the shortest ride day I've had since we hit the road 11 days ago. It was nice to get to our destination early afternoon to relax, visit and do some laundry.
I can't believe we've been on the road for 11 days! While I have thoroughly enjoyed myself, the hotel beds are getting old. I'm ready to be home and in my own bed. Won't be long now. We're shooting for Saturday and unless weather gets in our way, Saturday shouldn't be a problem.
Paul and Robyn weren’t able to get service in Galesburg as hoped but arranged to get service first thing tomorrow in Davenport. Hopefully, the repair will be quick and we can meet back up with them in Omaha or thereabouts. It was sad to see them leave our group this morning but we are looking forward to joining up with them soon.
Don is still waiting patiently in Sioux Falls to get his bike serviced and Lori is down in Springfield visiting her folks. She’ll catch up with us in Kansas City tomorrow.
Our final destination for tomorrow is unsure but will be somewhere around Omaha.
We crossed back over the Mississippi River today and into Missouri. The weather was good but a bit hot. Traffic wasn't too bad as we tried to stay off the main highways. The travel takes a bit longer on the smaller roads and some of the roads are pretty crappy but it's nice to ride through the small towns and check out other parts of this wonderful country we live in.
When we arrived in Clinton, we went straight to Gregg's mom’s house. She had a fabulous spread of food for all of us to enjoy: ham, chicken, all kinds of salads and casseroles, bread, cakes, fudge, and ice cream. It was absolutely wonderful and delicious. Two of Gregg's aunts and an uncle were there for us to meet and chat with too. What a great family! Thanks Aunt Margaret, Aunt Mac, Uncle Melburne, and Grandma Chris. Your welcome and generous hospitality to these seven hot, tired, stinky and hungry bikers is much appreciated.
Our ride today was the shortest ride day I've had since we hit the road 11 days ago. It was nice to get to our destination early afternoon to relax, visit and do some laundry.
I can't believe we've been on the road for 11 days! While I have thoroughly enjoyed myself, the hotel beds are getting old. I'm ready to be home and in my own bed. Won't be long now. We're shooting for Saturday and unless weather gets in our way, Saturday shouldn't be a problem.
Paul and Robyn weren’t able to get service in Galesburg as hoped but arranged to get service first thing tomorrow in Davenport. Hopefully, the repair will be quick and we can meet back up with them in Omaha or thereabouts. It was sad to see them leave our group this morning but we are looking forward to joining up with them soon.
Don is still waiting patiently in Sioux Falls to get his bike serviced and Lori is down in Springfield visiting her folks. She’ll catch up with us in Kansas City tomorrow.
Our final destination for tomorrow is unsure but will be somewhere around Omaha.
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