2011-06-17 NERDS - Warning , Lots of Pix may crash your browser..

Up at 7, breakfast buffett. The NERDS crew has 6 or so really good looking routes available complete with GPX files downloadable! The Garmin is getting updated as  I type this. 

Bust is in trouble with Mrs. Bust for not calling, LOL. Bust is Busted! 

I've been falling way behind in my RR's and pix.. but then again why play on computer when the roads are waiting? I am going to download the pix from camera just for back up though..

I'm tending towards running the covered bridge ride. I've not seen many if any covered bridges in my life...

I've lost track of the days, so with this post am changing the titles to reflect the date and day's activities. I know that if I don't I'll get hoplessly lost.

Today I chose the Covered Bridges route, and Andy and Soozie, and some old fart named Barry (BikerGeek and Bustanut) joined in.

I'll post commentary in a bit, for now want to get fotos in place - my Mac is running out of hard drive space.. arrrghs.

FjrRob's lid... Really?

The first covered bridge, just outside of Stowe, VT. OK, it doesn't count..

The buildings in this area are unique to me..

Roads..

This guy was going up Smuggler's Pass? I wonder what part of no RV's, no Trucks, no double tracked skateboards he couldn't comprehend?

Water, VT has water and resultant green.

Our first covered bridge!

1904 - when this was stamped?

BikerGeek and Sooze.

Me!

Tres stooges?

Cool construction, the old wood is hand hewn.. Some pieces have been replaced due to destruction by passing trucks/cars/rvs/..

BikerGeek feeling light in the loafers...

Amazing greenery.

Next bridge.

Andy and Sooze.

Where we are..

Hey, that's me!

Bustanut frying his nuts on a Gen1 waiting for construction..

Cool old churches and huge steeples.

Small town, USA.

Excellent burger here - thick, juicy, cooked just right. A real dive and pleasure! I noticed the nice young man was kind even to a homeless guy who stopped in, got a free water then left. He was treated with dignity and respect. I liked that.

Got curves? Sure different than I80...

How many bridges are there? (about 11)

Check out the the old square nail.. not round like today, and made by hand.

and the wooden dowel pin..

Artsy-fartsy pix of a pink plant with stickers..

I'm in love with the houses, barns, and structures. Many are looking neglected and I wondered if that's the worse they have looked since built - due to the economy and all.

A TwoWheelNut salute!

Dirt roads in VT are packed and easy to travel on, even with a FJR.

and more dirt
and even more dirt!

A long time ago..

Killer front yard, yes?

MsDcarver, hope you don't mind, but I bought this place for our summer home. Hope it meets your approval!

dcarver in action.

Damnit, I missed Bustanut! That old fart can move pretty quick when he needs too!

x

KrZy8 has been running GREAT! Thanks Kaitsdad!

The final pix - We had a good ride. 158 miles and about 8 hours.. Chasing on dirt, twisty two lane, and really obscure places. Thanks to the NERD crew for providing gps gpx files for us to follow - really cool.

What to ride today?

Easy to answer - the 6 notches ride with Yamafitter (Bill) and Bungie (Steve).. more later..

It's now later!

Oh my, Bustanut left his key in the door and some FJR peeps took advantage of ol' Bust and the situation. I didn't find out till the next morning, but they did tell me about his BEER ABUSE problem! I mean, like, like, really? Unfinished beer and passed out? Lightweight!

Ready to leave in the AM for the big ride..
Not sure who these peeps are?

This is Ann Marie. She rides with her own bike and went boom on the dirt road heading up to FjrEd's house..

Sporting colors..

Don't mess with Ann Marie, she'll lay a whuppin on yah!

MEM, Mary Ellen.

What the hell are these tanks used for? Grain? Water?

Love the old barns.. Andrew would have freaked out in this country.

Steve, Bungie. This guy always has a smile on his face.. Great guy, really good to meet and ride with you Mr. B!

Read the sign.. indeed!

Yamafitter, Bill, took some pix of me up this road.. hope the turn out.. I'm eager to see them!

Finally, on the sides of the tires again.. so many iterstates.. my pr3's  have NEVER looked so square..

Who are you?

and you?

On  one of the 'gaps', another bunch of crew arrived..

Yamafitter, ready to charge..

We was here..

You just don't see stuff like this in CA..

Bungie and I stopped at this place.. a cool turn-out.. where peeps party and jump off rocks and shit..

This gal was being challenged to jump in by her boyfriend.. she was nervous, hesitant.

So I turned the camera away to not scare her anymore..

..and caught her  BF in flight..

This is as close as she got.. we did not wait anymore.. We had our eyeful of candy and the road was calling..

Who are you?

..and you?

...and you? I am so bad at names and faces.. it drives me krazy..

Stunning scenery.

and structures..

Check out the propane tank - must be an Eastern thing.. nothing like that out west.. And the chimney reminds me of Amnety Ville horrors.. or something else dark and wierd.

The dirt roads in Vermont are hard packed, and easy to ride.. not like Kalie..

Bungie sighting ahead!

Ol Bungie, Mr. GPS, took the lead and blasted right past the waterfalls, LOL.

This place was really cool, and I was hot, sweaty and RH is a real issue out here on the right coast.. I recall a pix of Ari Rankum, at NAFO CO? with full gear on and in a lake.. I sure wanted too...

This level of green is every freaking where... not just once in a while, but all around. I was hoping all these green things weren't going to cause welts.. If its in 3, let it be..

Across the street from my artsy-fartys pix, the boyz were ready to ride.

I would kill to move this house to my property in Creston..

See the guy mowing the lawn? That's ALL they do in VT - mow lawns. No work, no fun, just mow. And I didn't see ONE phooker with a beer while mowing.. They are guryly men in VT..

I finally figured out the steeple thing.. It's a phallic symbol to aspire to heaven? Forgive me Lord, but that was just funny!
Actually, I realized that's probably the true meaning... a gateway, elevator to heaven should you subscribe to the belief..

How cool is this? Beyond my Kalli dreams., that's how cool.

In VT, a town is every 15-20 miles or so.. each with a community church, hall, and so on.

The 6-gap ride had many dirt roads.. FjrEd said that many roads are not paved because it's cheaper to simply grade the road occasionally than repair asphalt due to the frost heaves and what not. Many of the roads I was on were severely damaged..

VT also has many recreational lakes and areas for peeps to enjoy life.

Stud Bungie..

Irreverent Bungie!

Llamas are like big sheep,eh, Bust?

This pix is almost Creston worthy.. a trailer with add on.. Love it!

Post Office pix for my bud RenoJohn.. With economic problems, I wonder how much longer outposts like this will be around?

Ho-hum..

Cumulus clouds.. we don't have these in Creston, Kali.

I'm getting tired of typing now..

Well, maybe not.. I'm so in love with these old barns and what not.. but the snow factor will keep me away forever..

Lunchtime, FINALLY~ This killer dude just likes to ride and ride and ride.. Really Bill, it's OK to stop and sniff the posies!
ps - Great guy and really nice to meet and ride with you! Come out to the Hondarosa and let's ride!

Steve, Bungie, cracking up on his own joke!

Food Porn!

Check out this cool old hotel/biz..

Sights and scenes not found in my hood and WELL worth travelling 3k miles to see.

Everywhere.. and I still don't know what they are used for..

Brick buildings.. not in Kali - guess these peeps never heard of Equakes?

I saw the Twn label and actually started to cry. I so miss my bud Tim, Twowheelnut.

Metal roofs are the ordinary, not exception in this country of snow..

Stunning.

Check out the trim on this old house. House in disrepair, but still hanging in there..

Segway lawnmower boy was hauling ass, at least 15 mph while mowing.. Looked funner than shit. Waved at him to let me try it but he ignored me.

Ran into these guys on the last leg.. the guy  behind the red bike could not believe I rode all the way from Kaili..

State capitol in Pierdmont? No...

Old signage in this area is everywhere. The Picker's crew would have a ball..

Old cemeteries everywhere..

Freaking cool. I never knew I had a barn fetish..

Yamafitter, heading back to the barn for a Miller...

Bungie, too.

These pix taking for Ray, he's a Mason and great guy (Miz dCarver's pops)

At Smugglers Notch with Bungie!

My fav pix..

Lean 'er on in, Mr. Bungie!

Gotta get some of these stickers..

Almost back at the hotel..

WTFO?

FjrEd..

NsRider, Kevin, red.. guy on left?

??? Charlie Hoss?

Got to love a good joke..

BustaNut, while he stil had his doorag on.. He left it behind, now I have it.. LOL.

Yamafitter, Bill. Great guy and wonderful lead rider..

Got to get this guys handle/name.. He came dressed as true NERD.. slide rule, knee high brown socks.. Great sense of humor!

Various party shots..

BikerGeek99's Suzy and Andy. Thanks for the card at the laundromat!

???? Kevin on the right? He gave me a small CA and AM flag for my helmet.. really cool.

Karl, Airboss. He rode with WheatonFJR to Kalli this summer!

Gail of Jon and Gail, is the dark haired gal on the right side of the pix. Jon made TWN sign.. Now then, what was his handle?

Check out this fjr peep on a beer run!

Sooze!

At the banquet..

Did you take my beer?

FjrRob on the right, Bungie sitting down..

Master of ceremonies.. FredW. Great guy, so good to meet a long time forum peep and THANK YOU for all your efforts..

Did I shave this morning?

???

???

Twowheelnut's sign was made by BlueJag, John and Gail?. Nice peeps, really. So very good to meet them. Hopefully they can make a run to the West someday and stay at the Hondarosa.

Were really nice - Gina, the daughter, and Monique the mom, best of friends and really nice folks. Gina allowed me into the dinner carrying my Coors Light (got a glass for me) then called me 'Beer Thief' all night long. Fun times, good people are everywhere in this world. Monique had just lost her mom 2 days ago and was fully understanding about Dad and my desire to see him asap.

Dad's birthday is today!

..and it looks like I'll be rain riding today. Weather across Chi town and what not.. Oh well, it's been nice and dry so far..

Off in about 10 mintues...

Put about 60 miles on, needed breakfast found a great little general store/eatery. The food is fantastic! Food porn pix to follow...

From an email I sent to my buds - 

The ride to Stowe was uneventful, lots of cool stuff to see along the way.. I even liked riding through NE and Iowa.. the corn fields and windmills were awesome. Had several great rides in Vermont including a wooden bridge run that I found fascinating.. square nails and wooden dowels holding them together.

Left early this AM from Stowe heading to Pop's place in Salem Or.. didn't get as far as hoped today, only 560 miles, with lots of rain, some at 30 mph drown a frog kind of rain. Hal, the KrZy8 is running simply fantastic - Thanks again. The boyz at Stowe were amazed I 'jumped on a bike that had just recently been tweaked front to back' then rode 3.3k miles.. :)

Rode through Vermont, New York, Pennsylvania, and am holed up in Mentor, Ohio. I wish I had more time, I'd love to see the Rock n' Roll moooseum.. I guess that will be another day, when I'm retired.

My back continues to bother me, I'm taking this trip as a wake-up call to get back into shape so the back is better supported. Now then, where's my taco's and beer?

Thanks again for watching the Spot and having my back!

Don

2011-08-21 Stowe VT to Mentor Ohio

Note - clicky pix for full size rendering..

I had planned to leave Stowe at 0400, get the proverbial early start but simply did not have the will power. So it was 0630 instead.

I LOVED this poster and wanted it bad.. Should have swiped it, really. My camera is finally dying a horrible death.. the colors are off and the flash is kaput.

Ionbeam, Alan, up at the crack o' dawn!

Many NERDS have gone home..

Lonely roads on an early Sunday morning. I guess most peeps are in bed snuggling with their SO's and hoping to get lucky?

I turned around to take this pix - I noticed many of the houses have the 45 degree window.. What's it for? Is that a staircase that needs cooling?

Old bridges are everywhere..

Rivers, too.

and old barns, of course!

The road from Stowe was awesome... lot's of nice twisties and the surface was good too. I was hungry, and found the perfect place to end Vermont-ness.. A general store, it was open early on a Sunday, only me and 4 locals. The wood floors, the nice peeps, it was really and truly a perfect ending to being in Vermont.

Check out the spiral staircase going down to the wine cellar.

Cool old store.

Another shot of the staircase.

Outside shot.

A private covered bridge! How cool is that?

Fort Anne, New York.

Hillbilly Redneck RV park. Really, that's the name.

Finally, good surfaced roads to ride on.

At a rest stop in NY.

A bit of history..

Sarasota (Springs?), NY.. This looked like a nice little town to come back and  explore..

Check out this clock..

and mid-evil period looking building.

x

Boys and the price of toys.. check out the 'boat'.. 

Pix taken to remember the price of fuel..

Lot's of rest stops.. me back is wailing at me..

ATGATT - NOT.

It rained. Alot. For awhile. Then it cleared. Then it rained again.. The Frog Togg worked well. At one point the traffic was down to 30..

Pennsylvania! Another state off the map!

A Canadian couple on the way to Deals Gap. Check out where the parked.. (look at sign). An American worker came out and started chewing on their ass. While the worker was still jawing I loudly said, 'Welcome to America, now go home!'. The couple guffawed so loud the ass hole worker left. These two are good peeps.

At the sam rest stop, I think that's Lake Erie in the pix. It's a lake, at least.

KrZy8 has been wonderful! Thanks Hal!

Every state has better rest stops than CA.. CA sucks.

Welcome to another state!

Seen a bunch of this.. there but by the grace of God go i...

At the hotel, Mentor, Ohio.. This old couple.. check out the 1950's original suitcase.. I held the door open for them..

That's all I got.. It's late, and I failed miserably on my 800 mile day.

Outside, it's freaking pouring rain again, and KrZy8 is uncovered. Later dudes and dudeete's..

LOL, woke up late again. Actually, I simply have no will power - but never the less had a GREAT ride today..

The BW in Mentor, Ohio. They are trying too hard to be an 'up scale' BW IMHO, but to each their own. I will say the staff was very courteous. Matt, Melody, and Susan were the best.
BTW, see the old peeps in the lower left?

Here they are again. I saw so much of my Dad and Mom, when they were younger, in various Midwest couples. The shirt, glasses, they were so courteous to each other, truly working as a team. It touched me.

Starting mileage.

Named for my MzDcarver!

I need to really think and recall where this was..

For some reason, Chicago has always freaked me. Anyplace that Oprah loves can't be good, jes' saying..

Football? Hockey? WTFO? What's an Amherst Comet?

I think that many old barns are dying in our country, and for some primal reason I don't like it.

It's almost as if America is dying the same economic, moral, death as these un-cared for barns.

Another poh-poh pix..

This doggie and I had WOOF-WOOF contest for over 12 miles! He won - and his owner was laughing the entire time.

I think I was born in the wrong era.. I love this stuff.

Taken at a toll booth. I had to pee soo bad.. At another toll, they had a bathroom. Not this one, and the guy was pretty pissed off at me. Screw him. Really. Or should I say piss on him? At least the flag was flying.

Indiana, where the wind comes sweeping down the plains!
Oh, wait, that's Oklahoma..
NEVER MIND!

Home of the Indy 500, so the state can't be all bad!

Just so you know..

You've heard of Pokamon, well this is Pokagon!

We don't have clouds like this where I live..

Triple trailers are cool to pass.. just go phast..

Another bunch of HD's being trailered to Sturgis?

What else is Elkhart known for?

LOL, is this a Freudian thing?

I wonder what these towers are used for? Tornado and weather mapping?

Commercial overpasses - don't see them out west..

Need a truck? Some assembly required.

Unmarked Poh-Poh snags more revenue..

Finally, approaching Chicago.. very industrial.

Loads of coal heading to the steel mills.

The electric commuter trains were fast, ugly, and gritty. Most of the riders looked scary..

Chicago, the city of ugly. Reminds me of LA in a different form of ugly.

Mayor who? Where you from, Rahm? (sorry)

Bridge of the mighty MO.

I remember this just like yesterday. Wait, it WAS yesterday!

More industry. At least Chicago produces products, goods. We need more of this in the USA if we are to compete on a global scale.

I missed the majority of the brick chimney.. just don't see that out west in Equake country..

Approaching Chicago.

Home of the Cubs!

I can't imagine living in any major city, and especially this one.

Nice helmet.

The train roars by, the cars are stuck.

Gritty, mean, Chicago.

Major airport, electric transport, cars, trucks, trains, Chicago has it all.

Including a bazillion freaking toll booths! What up with that? How are they legal? It cost a small fortune to exit that city...

The view ahead.

The view behind.
I"m a motobike sandwich.

Cherry valley.. hmmm.

Corn.. More corn.

This is west of Chicago.. it doesn't take long and we're back in farmland.

When you get really bored, take pix of your sefl..

I wonder who lives there? What are their life circles?

We are fortunate to have such fertile land and water.
Now then, where is all this freaking corn going?

Major interstate construction is a common theme on this trip..

Small town USA.

Truly the heartland of America.

Approaching Galena, Illinois. The roads were paved well, and I was riding in the 'mountainous' region.. Rolling hills, really. Still, it was great fun to get on the edges of the tires again..

I don't recall the name of this small town. The date on the building is 1898.. I should check Spotwalla..

TaaDaa!

Andrew would have liked this barn..

Historic Galena, Illinois. Pretty damn cool.

The oldest and longest running hotel in Illinois, the Belvedere.

x

Woke up when the room exploded in brightest flash possible.. yep, Lightening and thunder, the closest I've ever been to a strike. Holy crap, out here in Illinois the lightening actually sizzles for awhile, not just a fast strike. Very impressive.

....and of course, it's raining. Like really hard. and Frog Toggs suck. I was wet within 10 minutes.. Crotch, thighs, calfs, and finally socks. Frogg Toggs suck and I'll NEVER recommend them to anyone who plans to stay dry in the rain.

But I'm through it now, got some awesome pix, I think, and I'm heading to Sioux City, SD, assuming I can my ass outta this MickeyD's in Evansville!

Update -

Yes, it was raining this AM, Galena, IL. 

The BW room was pretty darn cool - they had 'theme' rooms kind of like they have at Madonna's in San Luis Obispo, CA.

About 10 minutes into the ride, I'm looking at this front moving East. At least I'm moving West so hopefully I can punch through it  quickly..

Ruh-Roh...

It might get wet..

Yeah, it was a ride. At one point, a lightening bolt struck, less than, really, 50 feet away, 10 o'clock. The resultant thunder was mind-blowingly loud. For about 10 seconds, I had little vision, and I can still feel the tingle in all my body.
I thought - "You have been riding bikes for 40+ years - use your experience and get through this". Truthfully, it was a wonderful experience, raw, and real.

That's the cloud, to the left, and to the ground..

..and here is where I holed up to dry out..

The wet zone.. BTW, Frogg Toggs suck. I was wet in 10 minutes, crotch, thighs, calfs, then down into the boots. Worthless POS, they are only good for starting a campfire, IMHO.

Yeah, fuck Frogg Toggs!

How they transport big rigs..

Another small town..

All that corn, where does it all go?

Big Johnnie Deere stuff.. I paid 850 for 2 JD 870 rear tires.. Wonder what these pups cost?

Freaking big compared to me..

You can call me Floyd,

Not sure what this plant this, but the smell in the area was sweet. Making ethanol, perhaps?

There's a Clear Lake in Kali too...

Not again!

This Harley couple were running strong - 90+ mph!

Finally, another state to cross off the list!
For some reason, I kept saying "Minn-eeeeeee-sooooo-taaaaaa"

The roads are getting straight again..

50 miles of no buildings.. then this? Why here? and why allowed to deteriorate to crap?
 

Sorry for focus.. camera is dying.. but a town named 'Blue Earth? Really.

A windmill erection for my bud Greg.. he works for a crane company..

Old meets new..

I like Beavers!

Woot-Woot! South Dakota!

Arrgh, bad pix of the Corn Maze!

Resting place for tonight - Chamberlain, SD. Found a Super8 with a room and view of the Mighty MO. This is the 3rd? crossing of the the MO, IIRC.

Say good-night Don-Boy, it's past your bedtime..

What a long and wonderful motobike ride this has been!  Truly, if I could ride 365/year I would. I LOVE meeting new peeps, being on the road, and the motobike is the gateway to great conversation. I like to listen to peoples life experiences, to feel and be awed by weather, and to challenge the inner being with new concepts, ideas, and challenges.

Crickets were EVERYWHERE in Chamberlain! Bathtub..

Hotel front door.

The crickets crunch as you step on them..

Warm and humid, at 0700 - but who cares?
This motobike is running better than EVER - I think long miles with high rpm and a few doses of SeaFoam is the key..

It's a good trip when you 5k plus and you ain't done yet!

I know understand the lore and magic of the mighty MO..

A secret - I've left behind the lush and green New England area.. The west is 'browning' with every mile..

Except for the yellow the of course? Mustard maybe?

Nopees, as my good bud Ken Mauer used to say, these are SunFlowers? Really? YES! As far as the eye can see too.

All pointed to the rising sun - so I selected 'In the House of the Rising Sun' for the tunes..

Little house on the praire. Literally.

Wall Drug. For over 500 miles they have signs..

South Dakota is, kind of, well, touristic..

My bud, my shadow.

This fire truck was running an honest 90 mph. Not sure where they were going, but they were getting there fast!

Bronson. Heading out that long lonesome highway, going to live life my way...

The 1088 town.. or something like that.. I passed on by.

The entrance to BadLands National Park. See the Harley? 7k in 4 weeks. Not all HD riders are trailer-sniffing-poser queens. Name of Tom.  Good guy. And the HD sounded just perfect - powerful, yet subdued. Tom gets it - He is a Rider.

I'm in the Baaad Lands!

OK, truth time here. The BadLands are kind of like a small Death Valley, that's all. Honestly, I've seen worse territory behind the Hondarosa..

I like this pix..

When I retire, I'm coming back and recreating here..

Too many pix, I know.. But this RR is for when I get old and CRS anymore..

Kind of looks like Red Rock Canyon in Kali or the Red Rocks near Vegas..

As a white man, I feel I need to read up the truth behind Wounded Knee, to know the truth..

The FJR is such a rocking good motobike.. This 150k+ motobike ran another 600 miles today some well over a buck30 for extended time.. And she rails in the corners too. I have a story about this a bit later..

Finally, Wall, SD.. My stomach wasn't right all day today, feeling grumpy.. I stopped at a Subway and took time to rehydrate and eat.

After lunch, went to see the famous Wall Drug Store.. Across the street is this..

TaaDAA, the Wall Drug Store..

Sturgis special boots on sale.. Fairlaner?

Evil pyscho LSD induced pix of ??

About now I realize what the entire Wall Drug thing truly is.. a TOURIST TRAP.

Shameless exploitation of Doggies..

Across the street.

Time to get out of Wall.

This pix for my Kool-Aid drinking bud Jack..

Passed this dude in 2nd gear - Really.

Approaching Mt. Rushmore.

Perhaps my favorite pix of the entire trip..

Can you name the Presidents?

The amphitheatre below..

Who ARE these guys, and why are they so important? I want to PhotoShop a pix of Tim in here, just because..

The guy who 'defaced' the mountain.. I crack me up..

Now, I'm feeling some pressure to put some miles down. I bought a can of SeaFoam and put 1/2 into the main tank, the other 1/2 into the Aux tank. Then hit the road..

Approaching Sturgis.. so many signs catering to the HD Poser crowd..

At this point, blindly following the GPS - a mistake as it turns out later..

What the headlights see.

Snow fences in Wyoming.

This cross spooked me - really. In the middle of no-where, tilting, who? Why? Pretty cool.

Yaaaawn.. At least it is FAST..

Need an oil change?

Nice guy - waved, smiled, *tried* to keep up..

I can't imagine a major Interstate being closed.. but these signs are at EVERY on-ramp..

Can't afford a 35k camper? Build your own like this guy..

Approaching the end of today's ride. I have a gut feeling I need to check a real paper map get the big pix of where I am and need to be. Damn good thing too.. I need to head west now, not North. Otherwise, this CBA doode would be invading Ignacio and WarChild, and I sure don't want to embarrass them, LOL.

The resting place for tonight...

--Some fun pix taken with the GoPro - out of order, but who cares?

By mistake this pix taken.. but I like it because it shows my very arthritic and ugly left hand. I fear that someday it will become so bad I may not be able to ride. For now though, as long and often as I can, I will be on a motobike, seeing new places, meeting new people. I love to ride, it's my core.

That is all for tonight - once again making this RR is cutting into sleep and the next day's ride. So be it, I'll pay the price.

Just cleared Yellowstone - it was utterly unbelievable! A huge bull bison walked within 3 feet of my while on the back. Yellowstone rangers had blocked traffic has literally a hundred or so bison crossed the stream and then the road. Actually, it was little scary - he was H U G E and I had nowhere to go!

Ride Report - click pix for full size

Leaving Sheridan Wy in the early morning cool.

14W is a great road.. you'll see.

Bigger than Creston, Kali!

Wyoming/Montana as I envision it..

Road surface color reminds me of Utah, Georgia.

Self portrait in mirror.

About 1/3rd of the way up..

KrZy8, ready to rock n' roll and twist n' shout!

Geology at it's best, roadwork on right.

Got pine trees?

Clean, crisp air.

Where we are..

Fast roads too - 80+

Tornados at 10,000 feet? Yes.

Lots of dirt in Wyoming available to ride, unlike Kali.. Wishing I had Wabs right about now..

Shell Falls, on 14W.

Check out the elevated cat walk - pretty nice.

Elephant rock.

Life is everywhere, even on the side a sheer granite wall.

Preparing to leave, this guy from Az arrives on an 06. Not a forum member, but really nice guy!

Soon after, yet ANOTHER FJR? The Harley peeps start getting worried.. To the right is a Connie pilot.

These guys are both from Georgia, Connie pilot on left, FJR pilot on right. They got to ahh draawling so baaad it was purty mech hardz tooz undesans em..

The intrepid one, the handsome one, err, the handicapped one? Yes, it's true, the handicapped one.. I like to ride MotoBikes..

The road awaits me..

Shell, finally, a town smaller than Creston, Kali!

Looks ominous ahead, time for rain gear. Got fully suited, then only got sprinkled on. I sweated wet though, so the end effect was the same,, wet.

The VISTA CRUISER as seen on "That 70's show"!

Cody, Wy.

Where Dolly goes to party!

R  O D E O is big here.

Closer to Yellowstone entrance.

Wild Bill dam behind to the left..

Love the rock formations..

A rednecks Watt's tower?

Geesh, how many critters had to die here?

Made it! Yellowstone via 14, East side entrance.

Yellowstone lake.

See the clouds behind? Yeah, it rained again.. this time no rain gear and I got wet. again, LOL.

Steam Springs or some name like that..

Bison.. Lots of bison seen on this ride. I wanted some up close pix this time.. just wait till a bit later.. for now, the first two seen.

Stunning..

Bison sighting #2.

Ruh-Roh Rollie, in trouble with the Poh-Poh. 
(He did not like the way I backed into the spot.. Really? )

Meathead, the doggie!

Mudhole. Fixes aches and pains, cures acne. You go ahead, I'll be righ in...

I need smell-a-pix. It stunk..

On the 'Grand Loop' trail. 

Bison sighting #3.. NO, this is not the closeup pix yet.

Bison stink-eye.

When the traffic stops.. the Bison are near.

See what I mean?

Time for a dirt bath!

Ahhhh, that's better! Check out his cute little mouth.. You should go over there and scratch his bellie..

A bit out of order.. the young 'un saw the big bull take a bath and he to prepares to get down n' dirty..

This is the up close and personal. Ahead of the yellow bus is a parked ranger. He stopped traffic so about 75 bison could cross the road. This bull, a loner, saw me and headed DIRECTLY freaking at me, snorting. I'd not heard any other bison snorting, so I starting to get freaked. "Man killed on motorcycle by mad bison".. I could see the headlines now. He lowered his head and walked FAST heading right at me. I had no where to go. He's blocking the left. To the right, a steep non-ridable 'cliff'. Stuck. 

He approached, then stopped, less than 1.5 feet away from me. I was too scared to snap a pix. After about 10 seconds, he turned his head then angled off. Braver now, I snapped this foto. I'm such a chicken shit. 

Keep them doggies rolling, Rolling rolling, rolling!

Bison are big..

Incredible clouds.

and grasslands.

Steam holes..

I want to learn how to fish. 

Exiting the park. Hello, Montana!

This guy was annoying.. Loud speaker blaring.. drumming up tourist business for the nightly rodeo just outside of town.

Rexburg, Rigby, Twin Falls here I come. I need to make tracks now..

Fire..

For my bud, Jeffro.. 

Not a fire this time, but harvest time.. Wheat maybe? Not sure, but literally hundreds of machines swathing and depositing to ground and air.

Near twilight.

Windmills at sunset.

Geese - don't seem 'em in Creston.

Nice..

Final miles for the day. 

The last 20 miles were tough, in the dark, construction, no paint. One headlight is fooked up - the bulb is out of place and it shines at a 45 degree uphill right.. Will fix when I get home. Arrived at hotel about 10 pm MST. I sitll have a long way to go, about 580, to make Salem. Sent FJRay an PM, but now think he doesn't live in Bend.. 
 

Wow. Day 15, if my count is correct. I started out using Day 1, Day2.. then by Day 7 or so was seriously cornfused.. hey, after all the cornfields in IA and NE.. you would be CORNfused too. 

I arrived into Twin Falls, Idaho, late. About 10pm. And the last 15 miles were killer hard. Dark, one headlight useless and pissing off on-coming traffic, no paint for the lane, no escape routes.
Serious road construction, bad pavement, lots of shit in the road.

While still OK and riding smart, it was not a great way to end the day. 

And, of course, a late arrival means a late start for a true Candy Butt Association member.. so after the free conti breakie, and a dip in the jacuzzi (ahhh, that felt GREAT for the back, which is still killing me but I've decided not to whine about it, much..) 

It was well after 10 am before leaving..

Snake River.. (I always think of EK when I see the Snake.. you know EK, right? Evil Kneviel? LOL

Let me blunt. After riding through Iowa and Nebraska, and what peeps told me would be the most boring and banal part of my life..  
I have to disagree and say this stretch of is and was the worst part of the entire trip..

Sure, factors add and multiply to only peak at the worst moments. 
Lack of sleep for the last 5 days or so - well past midnight, up at 4, 5 the latest.. 
Then why is it I'm not turning wheels by 6? 
"Cause I'm a CBA clown, you idjit"!

Anyway, we're going.. 
I'm and really looking forward to the destination, Ray's house. 

I've met Ray only a couple of times, if that - but he offered an invite to the house and I agreed - so finally, a night NOT in a freaking hotel. 
(ps - I have to learn to camp)

Brown, and boring..

Too much gear on, have to reduce.. It WAS hot..

Some parts of Idaho I like. Boise is not one of them, sorry.

I work at a U too.. Wonder what the politics, budget and what not are for the  U here?

For my bud Donnie..

..and a prof at my U, Dr. Caldwell. 

Finally. Freaking finally. Oregon. 6k? into the ride, and I have Oregon. For some strange reason, OR feels like the end of the ride, and I'm sad. Actually cried a bit, realizing this life journey was in conclusion. 
Told myself I still have 7 days or so - then why, WHY am I having this moment of sadness?

Then the flash - because, in my heart, I think this will be the last time I see Dad alive - and then the tears really flowed. Stopped here to recompose. 

When I was a kid, my Uncle Dutch and Aunt Ruth would bring my cousins Patty and Bob to our 1 acre 'ranch' in Reseda, CA. Uncle Dutch had a truck just like this, with a camper shell. I saw this restored truck (actually, Uncle Dutch had the superior GMC) and the mind went surfing..

On Oregon 20, West bound, on the 'Central Oregon Highway', Vale. 

Confession time... My hand, my fingers.. so tough to move them now.. I forced, FORCED my finger into this compression just to see if I could. It still hurts, 1 day later. Life happens. I have few complaints, this is one.

Finally, some green.

In Vale, Oregon..

You will find a hotel.. 

and the BATES megalopolis!

I would pay money to have this sign and will contact the owner...

How freaking cool is this? 
Perhaps the highlight of the trip - 

The BATES motel!

It was hot.. really hot. 
I stopped to wet my cool vest..
...which had been stored for over 2 weeks, damp, inside a plastic bag...

When removed, it stunk, bad, and was actually slimey. Gooey, slippery, infested.
So I did what any CBA rider would do, walked into the freaking river and  drenched it, put it on, and felt like slimely snail snought fo the next 50 miles.. LOL

The path to the water.

Funny who certain moments define a trip. I had worked hard to safely pass a bunch of cars/trucks/RV's.. then blew all credit by stopping to cool down. An older couple towing a small boat made better time than me.. But a CBA peep cares not about time..

Pole creek, the name of that water way..

Even the geezer in the old Chevy was making more consistent time than me.. But I had dunked my smelly fish vest in the cool waters of the creek, got my boot full of water when I stepped too deep.. LOL, love it. Goo and Slime on body parts...

I LOVE this pix - why? 
The hands. 
The analog watch. 
Uncle Dutch used to slow down to 40, then accelerate to 70, all the while smoking a pipe and declaring " I just love to hear that motor sing!"

Really? Snow, whatcha been smoking Oregonians?

For my buddy Dave..

Crappy pix of Burns, Oregon. Stopped for a DQ ice cream cone, called Ray. 
He had good news - "You're last fun road is over, you now have 2 hours of road with 2 curves".. Maybe not an exact quote but pretty close..

Looking for a rabito to follow..

No rabbits today.. So I started a new game.. 
Accelerate like crazy when the rear vehicle was known and prior to the rolling crest of the next hill.
Slow for the crest (55 mph is max in Oregon, the POS state) the repeat the sequence...
In other words, blast to 100, slow to 55, repeat.

You get the idea.

I quit taking pix and rode into Bend, then LaPine to Ray's place..

...to be continued..

That I was on the East coast, looking at covered bridges and cool old barns and green everywhere. 

This is the longest trip I've ever had.. and I'm LOVING it.. 
Actually, all I want to do is ride more, more than ever, and have the time to take the two-lane roads and meet, explore, the back road Creston's of the country.

I'm not tired of this experience at all - actually, it's only fueled the desire..

NOTE - Click on pix for big high res..

Ray and Patty and have a lovely home and made me feel welcome from the first hello. Lots of critters, too! Doggies, kats, goats, chickens... It's all good! 

I arrived in the afternoon, Ray had customers so I hung back while he made sure his peeps were happy then I cleaned up and we went to LaPine for dinner at a favorite local joint that's only open for dinner 2 nights a week, breakfast and lunch daily. The food is prepard daily, and was darn good.

The next morning, we put KrZy8 up on the lift for a splash of oil and to fix the loose right hand side headlight bulb. Oh, yeah, Ray has it tough.. check out the fugly customer eyepeeping the new-to-her 78 Yammie XS650 purchased for 300 smackers... 

I need a lift.. really. So much better than crawling on the ground..

This man is a true motohead. Cars, bikes, gears, no fear. I like Ray. That's the XS650 behind him..
Thanks again, Ray, for the hospitality, and you are welcome at the Hondarosa anytime..

Check out his drag.. two rear ends.. I wonder what they are from?

Leaving Sisters, OR, heading out on the Mackenzie hiway, eh?

My pix are getting fuzzier and fuzzier.. New camera needed asap..

Finally, a clean and in-focus shot..

The lava flow remains are everywhere, and go on for miles and miles..

It was on this road that my brother Darrell and I took our last ride. The guy was total goofball. His helmet was too large, so he placed a freaking dish rag on the top of his head before donning the helmet. He was big, heavy. And did not take care of himself. He died relatively young of heart disease and diabetes.

On the brighter side of life, KrZy8, even with 6,500 miles on the PR2 tires, is still cranking the canyons..

Lava.. 

 ..and roads

One of the better roads I've ever ridden.. 

At the summit is the Dee Wright observatory. One man's passion. Started in 1933, Dee died in 1934.

Sisters in the background, KrZy8 chomping at the bit in the foreground.

The idea is simple. Build a round building out of lava rock, make windows to view mountains, craters, and what not..

Time to get back on the twisty road.. What a great road, truly.

My favorite road pix of this trip, so far..

Lake Detroit.

Last shot before arriving in Salem, actually Keizer, OR.

Finding a hotel was tough - all booked due to the State fair. Ended up in a Travel Lodge on State street. Surprisingly enough, it was clean, well lit, and in a good part of town! 

The next couple of days will be spent with Pops.

I've spent the last couple of days visiting with Pops and Mom. This time around, it's been easier to stay in the 'old folks home' - the smell, sights, and sounds have, for reasons unknown, been easier on me.

I took each spare moment and downsized the pix for this blog, hoping it will assist in reducing the load time - I've had several peeps mention that this site freezes their browsers and that ain't good.

It looks like I'll be heading home Thursday, and I'm considering a Saddle Sore 1K as a fitting climax.

Family issues have consumed much more time than originally considered - and in hindsight, I would have done my 'chores' early on then have the rest of the road trip to fully enjoy. 

You might say the last 2 days have been a bit different, perhaps even sobering. Then again, the discussions with Pops have been forthright and honest.

Sigh.

Disconsolate, yeah, that's the word.

Realizing my big trip is about over.

That Dad's life is about over.

Knowing that soon I'll have to step up, man up, and do the thing.

Fortunately, tomorrow is a brand new day.

I will say I now understand how Ara and Spirit, (theoasisofmysoul.com) can stay on the road for extended times.. 

I too wish I could as I love this life.

KrZy8 pre-flighted and ready to rock at 0830 tomorrow morning. Most of the gear is packed, hopefully I'll meet FarWestFastEddie tomorrow night then run 36 on Friday!

Kind of tough saying goodbyes to Pops and Mom... almost on the road, an hour late..

The Renaissance hotel in Keizer OR is nice and the peeps are cool. Check out where KrZy8 is parked.. 

For 72 bucks per night, this place is a good deal. Be sure to mention you have folks in Avamere for the best rate..

Motorbike refueling only!

Just a bit out of Salem on 22W, and back into farm land.

..and Indian casinos too. Looks just like outside of Fresno/Clovis CA area..  

Typical small beach town.

All day on the coast was a bit foggy,.. kind of a haze, just damp enough to blur the sunglasses and shield.

The 'I was there shot'

The rider ahead is on a Honda 500 - remember them? The twin with a V motor sideways, water cooled?

Lots of bridges today..

and small harbors / marinas.

Different types of bridges too - concrete, steel, trellis.. I wonder how it's decided what type of bridge to build when they all essentially do the same thing? 

Must have been low tide - check out the sandbar in the middle. 

One of many East - West roads that are fantastic rides. If I had more time, I would have made several east-west loops..

The 'I was here pix'..

A high res camera is in my future.,, this wold have looked nice sharply in focus.. That's a working lighthouse on the left..

Seal Caves. I've been there before so did not stop.. It's really smelly down there..

Dunes, beach, water.. nice.

The long arm of the law can reach you off-road too.

Dog friendly! 

Yet another bridge, LOL, BikerGeek99 Andy has church pix, I have bridges..

Check out the rotating bridge so ships can pass..

Even I'm getting tired of bridge pix now..

Give it a break, will yah dcarver?

Entering North Bend..

Told yah so!

Coos Bay has a small train mooseum.. Taken for my bud, Engineer Roy.

Check out the small engine on the right.. Maybe for pushing cars around in the yard?

Fresh asphalt, courtesy of Obama.

The weight on the top is raise he bridge up so ships can pass underneath.

I love our flag and country..

One of my favorite spots when in the camper..

The bridge to Gold Beach, OR, south on 101.

Jerry's famous boat ride..

Been some time since I've seen this state..

How much for that dog in the window?

For a second, thought I was back in Morro Bay,,

Trees O Mystery..

Freaking wild life again. .Bison in Yellowstone, Elk here.

That meal was delicious!  

Big rack..

Last shot..

Holed up in Eureka in a BW, met FarWestFastEddie, a great guy! Thanks for dropping in to see me Ed!

Well, this is it.. last day on the road. It's been a GREAT 3 weeks but now I find myself thinking of work issues, and shit that needs be done around the Hondarosa.   For today, though, I get to ride hiway 36 :yeah: then drone down 5 - boo. 136 rocked. 5 was phucking phast. I'm done for now.. pix 2morrow!

Starting mileage.. I wonder if I'll crack 8,000 on this trip?

Eureka has high prices on everthing.. Gas, the most expensive on the trip. Hotel, Best Western, was 120.. gasp.

<GASP> - and this for a fairly frugal motobike!

Humbodlt Bay power plant, owned by Pacific Gas and Electric company. I've not worked there, yet.

Unit 3 is g-o-n-e..

Woot-Woot Timster, I'm going to ride your road today!

For Andrew too, I ride.

Tough times are all over. 

I was going so fast the time-space continuum got confused..

Slowing down a bit brought it back into better focus..

There, all is fixed. 

Woo Hoo!

Note found on the Mad River Burger Bar trailer. 

Alaska Rider far from home...

At 11 AM, fairly quiet. 

Scary. I've heard of 'The Gathering of the Clan' but never 'Clan Dyken'!

Life viewed from behind the visor..

Stunning to ride, even with aux tank full and on worn tires. The PR2's did GREAT, btw.

Somehow, I ended up out of road and missed 'The Sign'. Oh well, guess I'll have to go back and ride it again, soonest. 
Red Bluff and the ride home was freaking HOT.

Dust devils playing havoc on dry fields.

I5 is good for making tracks.. 

Nearing home, I took a new route.. Jayne Ave to 33 to 41. This is the prison at dusk. I'm lucky to not be there, as I reflected upon earlier life.

Bad pix, but look close - 8,000 miles!

Somehow it was only fitting to return home at dusk. By the time I reached the Hondarosa, it was dark and I had the Solteks blazing..

Ending numbers.

8,049.3 miles! I should have riddent down the dirt road for .35 miles to make it an even 8050 miles?

My SpotWalla tracks..