Well, rain finally got me. I woke to more of what I stopped last night for. However, there was no waiting it out, so I put on the rain gear - one more time - and headed out for home.
It rained from Birmingham to Montgomery, then it let up and the clouds started to abate, which allowed me to remove the hot rain gear. (Don't worry, I had more opportunities to wear it).
Crossed over the Florida State line around lunchtime and just kept going. Boy, I seemed to have forgotten just how hot it gets in Florida in August. I started looking for rain clouds.
Just prior to Brooksville, I stopped to top off with gas and put the rain gear back on. There was a severe-looking storm crossing my path just ahead and I was taking no chances. However, lady luck was once more smiling on me. The storm moved away before I got there. Still, I got showered a bit for about sixty miles. No big deal.
Pulled in to the homestead around 6:40 PM with 5,251.8 showing on the trip odometer.
All-in-all it was an excellent trip, with no traffic incidents and no mechanical problems. You can't ask for more than that.
I promised my spouse that this was the last long trip I would be making. From here on out we will either ride together or...and I hate to say it...trailer it. Uggh.
Thanks dear readers for your attention and comments. Hope you enjoyed the vicarious ride.
See the Facebook page for more pictures as I can load them.
Stay safe and dry.
Wednesday, August 14, 2013
Tuesday, August 13, 2013
Day 12: Lunch with my mom
Made it through Missouri and Tennessee unscathed by threatening weather and headed down to Mississippi to have lunch with my mother and sister.
I have traveled over 4,000 miles on this trip without incident, but I nearly dropped the bike twice on the soft, red clay that makes up the road my mom lives on. The front end just wanted to wash out. It took all my concentration and control to keep it straight. Thankfully, Lori was not there today. With the extra weight I think I would have lost it.
Despite the close call, we had a very nice visit. But, the road called and I begged off after three hours.
After negotiating the clay road once more, I pointed the headlights toward Alabama. I had clear skies and open roads until I got into Birmingham. Once there, the rain, which up until now I have evaded, caught me during rush hour. Realizing that heavy traffic and slick roads are a deadly combination for motorcycles, I opted to pull off and get a room for the night. Wise choice!
So, here I am in Birmingham. I will need to get an early start in the morning if I am to get home at a reasonable hour. So, until tomorrow, which will be my final trip blog, good night and be safe.
I have traveled over 4,000 miles on this trip without incident, but I nearly dropped the bike twice on the soft, red clay that makes up the road my mom lives on. The front end just wanted to wash out. It took all my concentration and control to keep it straight. Thankfully, Lori was not there today. With the extra weight I think I would have lost it.
Despite the close call, we had a very nice visit. But, the road called and I begged off after three hours.
After negotiating the clay road once more, I pointed the headlights toward Alabama. I had clear skies and open roads until I got into Birmingham. Once there, the rain, which up until now I have evaded, caught me during rush hour. Realizing that heavy traffic and slick roads are a deadly combination for motorcycles, I opted to pull off and get a room for the night. Wise choice!
So, here I am in Birmingham. I will need to get an early start in the morning if I am to get home at a reasonable hour. So, until tomorrow, which will be my final trip blog, good night and be safe.
Monday, August 12, 2013
Day 11: Weather...what weather?
Woke to a new day and high expectations for a great ride. What I saw when I stepped outside was...FOG! Thick, dense, and pervasive. The rider staying next door said that there were severe thunderstorms moving across I-29, which I was traveling, and headed toward I-70, which I was intending to ride when I left KC. Not good!
He showed me a radar shot of the storms and it was just like he said...bad news for bikers. Well, I couldn't stay there waiting for the weather to pass, so I said a quick prayer, "God, please give me a safe passage to my destination."
With that done, I put my rain gear on (not that I did not have faith, it was foggy and wet), and started out for KC. When the fog finally cleared about fifty miles down the road, I could see the dark clouds looming in the distance. Undaunted, I pressed on.
It sprinkled on me before reaching KC, but that was all. The storm moved east and missed me (or, I missed it).
I left I-29 and turned onto I-70. Note: I-70 is a very busy commercial corridor. Lots of eighteen-wheelers.
Sill wearing my rain gear (not a faith issue... I swear), I started toward St. Louis. The storm was nowhere to be seen, I was pleased to note.
When I got close to St. Louis, the storm materialized in earnest. Dark clouds were ominous and directly in my path. Then, a little voice inside my head said, "you need gas, and you are hungry."
Indeed, that was the case. So, I pulled off and filled both tanks. In the interim, the storm moved off and I continued my journey unwashed by rain.
By now, I was growing tired and began looking for a dry haven.
Now, here I am safe and sound and thanking God for his protection. Was His hand in the weather moving out of my way? I don't know, but it doesn't matter. Whoever or whatever was involved, I am grateful.
Tomorrow I make my way to Mississippi to see my sister and mother. More after that.
He showed me a radar shot of the storms and it was just like he said...bad news for bikers. Well, I couldn't stay there waiting for the weather to pass, so I said a quick prayer, "God, please give me a safe passage to my destination."
With that done, I put my rain gear on (not that I did not have faith, it was foggy and wet), and started out for KC. When the fog finally cleared about fifty miles down the road, I could see the dark clouds looming in the distance. Undaunted, I pressed on.
It sprinkled on me before reaching KC, but that was all. The storm moved east and missed me (or, I missed it).
I left I-29 and turned onto I-70. Note: I-70 is a very busy commercial corridor. Lots of eighteen-wheelers.
Sill wearing my rain gear (not a faith issue... I swear), I started toward St. Louis. The storm was nowhere to be seen, I was pleased to note.
When I got close to St. Louis, the storm materialized in earnest. Dark clouds were ominous and directly in my path. Then, a little voice inside my head said, "you need gas, and you are hungry."
Indeed, that was the case. So, I pulled off and filled both tanks. In the interim, the storm moved off and I continued my journey unwashed by rain.
By now, I was growing tired and began looking for a dry haven.
Now, here I am safe and sound and thanking God for his protection. Was His hand in the weather moving out of my way? I don't know, but it doesn't matter. Whoever or whatever was involved, I am grateful.
Tomorrow I make my way to Mississippi to see my sister and mother. More after that.
Sunday, August 11, 2013
Day 10: The long road back
Woke early to take Lori to the airport in Rapid City. We had a quick snack while she waited for her flight. After saying goodbye, I began making my way back to Tampa.
The first leg of the trip was cold and overcast, but no rain...until I got to Iowa. I am holed up at the Super 8 in Onawa for the night while a thunderstorm passes over. Just as well; I was planning on stopping early anyway. I don't want to ride at night.
I need to check in with my brothers to make sure they are all right. Kevin and Sherry appear to be almost home, but no word on Mark and Chris.
More tomorrow.
The first leg of the trip was cold and overcast, but no rain...until I got to Iowa. I am holed up at the Super 8 in Onawa for the night while a thunderstorm passes over. Just as well; I was planning on stopping early anyway. I don't want to ride at night.
I need to check in with my brothers to make sure they are all right. Kevin and Sherry appear to be almost home, but no word on Mark and Chris.
More tomorrow.
Saturday, August 10, 2013
Day 9: Lori's Choice
Today we said goodby to my brothers and Chris, who decided to get an early start on their return trip. After breakfast, we watched as they motored away and then drove Lori's huge Suburban back to Mt. Rushmore for a longer visit. We were glad that we did, for the time was well spent.
After that, we went to a Christmas store where Lori perused over 10,000 ornaments before settling on two. I did say that this was her day, didn't I?
Then, we had lunch and went to Wall to visit Wall Drug and see the Badlands. Wall Drug was entertaining, but we were a bit disappointed by the badlands. I'm not paying $11.00 to look at barren wastelands.
We returned to the lodge and walked around the grounds. There are several abandoned mines here and we found two - one was still open, but as I had no flashlight...I opted to stay out.
We made our final drive into Custer for supper before returning to pack for the long trip home. I will escort Lori to the airport in the morning before pointing my headlight east for the three-day ride.
I will write more tomorrow from the road.
After that, we went to a Christmas store where Lori perused over 10,000 ornaments before settling on two. I did say that this was her day, didn't I?
Then, we had lunch and went to Wall to visit Wall Drug and see the Badlands. Wall Drug was entertaining, but we were a bit disappointed by the badlands. I'm not paying $11.00 to look at barren wastelands.
We returned to the lodge and walked around the grounds. There are several abandoned mines here and we found two - one was still open, but as I had no flashlight...I opted to stay out.
We made our final drive into Custer for supper before returning to pack for the long trip home. I will escort Lori to the airport in the morning before pointing my headlight east for the three-day ride.
I will write more tomorrow from the road.
Day 8: Devil's Tower and Spearfish Canyon
After a long night of rain, we woke to clear skies and cool temps. The six of us went into Custer for breakfast before mapping out our ride. Kevin and Sherry elected to stay behind and run errands, so the rest of us headed for Wyoming and Devil's Tower - via Spearfish, SD.
The ride through Spearfish Canyon was one of - if not the best - roads I have ever ridden. It had the most picturesque scenery and challenging curves of any so far this trip.
Once we left SD, we turned our attention toward the Tower and some wide open Wyoming scenery. We saw the granite monolith in the distance, but it seemed to take forever to get there. We stopped in Hulett for lunch, then continued on our way. Finally, we arrived and were amazed at the sheer size of the thing. No wonder aliens use it as a landing zone.
The trip back was a race against the rain, which by now had become a regular occurrence in the late afternoon. This time the rain won and we had to ride an hour in the cold. But we all arrived safe, sound, and dry (we wore our rain gear).
Tomorrow I am letting Lori choose. I promised her that she did not have to ride any more this trip.
More tomorrow.
The ride through Spearfish Canyon was one of - if not the best - roads I have ever ridden. It had the most picturesque scenery and challenging curves of any so far this trip.
Once we left SD, we turned our attention toward the Tower and some wide open Wyoming scenery. We saw the granite monolith in the distance, but it seemed to take forever to get there. We stopped in Hulett for lunch, then continued on our way. Finally, we arrived and were amazed at the sheer size of the thing. No wonder aliens use it as a landing zone.
The trip back was a race against the rain, which by now had become a regular occurrence in the late afternoon. This time the rain won and we had to ride an hour in the cold. But we all arrived safe, sound, and dry (we wore our rain gear).
Tomorrow I am letting Lori choose. I promised her that she did not have to ride any more this trip.
More tomorrow.
Thursday, August 8, 2013
Day 7: Deadwood & Sturgis
After being here for several days looking at the peripheral sights, we finally made it to Deadwood and Sturgis to see the main event. It was a great ride on the curving back roads from Custer to Deadwood. We walked up and down Main Street and enjoyed taking pictures of the historic locations.
Sturgis was a short ride from Deadwood. We came in onto Lazelle street and quickly found a parking spot - lucky! I can describe Sturgis with two words: no difference. Rally towns are all pretty much the same: lots of bikes, noise, high-priced merchandise, and hoardes of strange people.
Despite its similarity with everywhere else, we still enjoyed walking up and down Main Street, buying over-priced shirts, and watching all the strange people.
Later, we headed over to the Full Throttle Saloon to see what all the fuss is about. Besides being a big place, it reminded me of the Iron Horse Saloon in Ormond Beach, FL: Lots of strange people and overpriced merchandise.
Really, it was a great day despite the traffic. We all made it back safe and sound. Tomorrow, we are going to see Devil's Tower in Wyoming. I expect to have a good time.
More when we return.
Sturgis was a short ride from Deadwood. We came in onto Lazelle street and quickly found a parking spot - lucky! I can describe Sturgis with two words: no difference. Rally towns are all pretty much the same: lots of bikes, noise, high-priced merchandise, and hoardes of strange people.
Despite its similarity with everywhere else, we still enjoyed walking up and down Main Street, buying over-priced shirts, and watching all the strange people.
Later, we headed over to the Full Throttle Saloon to see what all the fuss is about. Besides being a big place, it reminded me of the Iron Horse Saloon in Ormond Beach, FL: Lots of strange people and overpriced merchandise.
Really, it was a great day despite the traffic. We all made it back safe and sound. Tomorrow, we are going to see Devil's Tower in Wyoming. I expect to have a good time.
More when we return.
Wednesday, August 7, 2013
Day 6: We play "biker tourist"
Woke up to threatening skies, but no rain. Had breakfast - pancakes, a la Kevin - and then we all headed out to see the sights. First stop was the Crazy Horse monument. Wow, what a huge project. Quite impressive.
Next we rode by Mt. Rushmore and viewed the presidents from several angles. See photos on Facebook. Finally, we rode through Custer State Park with the intention of seeing lots of buffalo. With the exception of the nice ride - many curving roads - we were disappointed with the no-show bison.
We finished the days ride in Hill City, where we did some shopping while we waited out the rain that finally decided to fall in earnest. During a respite in the precipitation, we made our way back to the lodge. Once more we are safe and sound.
But we may venture out later for ice cream.
Next we rode by Mt. Rushmore and viewed the presidents from several angles. See photos on Facebook. Finally, we rode through Custer State Park with the intention of seeing lots of buffalo. With the exception of the nice ride - many curving roads - we were disappointed with the no-show bison.
We finished the days ride in Hill City, where we did some shopping while we waited out the rain that finally decided to fall in earnest. During a respite in the precipitation, we made our way back to the lodge. Once more we are safe and sound.
But we may venture out later for ice cream.
Day 5: Lori makes her appearance
Got up early and made a grocery run for breakfast. Then, I rode out to find the airport, so I would not be late to pick up my spouse. After that, I rode around looking for the Rapid City H-D location. I wanted to get my HOG pin for the rally. Finally found the dealership and learned that they did not have any pins. So, I did some shopping and had my bike washed by some poor, underdressed waifs.
I returned to the lodge and had a few hours to spend with my brother, Kevin and his wife, Sherry. It was nice.
Lori was due in at 8:30, but texted me to say that weather had delayed her flight, as well as a possible mechanical problem. After much back and forth, she finally made it in at 10:45. Whew!
On another note; while on my way to meet her to escort her to the lodge, I got pulled over for speeding: 53 in a 45. I got off with just a warning. Double whew!!
As it was nearly midnight when we got in, I postponed posting this until today. So for all of you who's were expecting to read of my exploits...sorry. But, at least you get two posts today.
Later, friends
I returned to the lodge and had a few hours to spend with my brother, Kevin and his wife, Sherry. It was nice.
Lori was due in at 8:30, but texted me to say that weather had delayed her flight, as well as a possible mechanical problem. After much back and forth, she finally made it in at 10:45. Whew!
On another note; while on my way to meet her to escort her to the lodge, I got pulled over for speeding: 53 in a 45. I got off with just a warning. Double whew!!
As it was nearly midnight when we got in, I postponed posting this until today. So for all of you who's were expecting to read of my exploits...sorry. But, at least you get two posts today.
Later, friends
Monday, August 5, 2013
Day 4: Final push
We awoke to heavy cloud cover and fog, with rain threatening. But once again, we outran most of the inclement weather and enjoyed a long day of riding, straight across the state of SD. We had a couple of hiccups along the way: Kevin's bike developed a strange noise, which as yet has not been determined. Gas stations are at a premium along I-90, so word of warning...fill up often.
We stopped in Wall and visited Badlands H-D (got a tee-shirt). Stopped again in Rapid City and picked up some necessaries at the H-D dealer. Then we made the final push toward Custer and the lodge. We got side-tracked in Hill City: their Main Street was filled with bikes...imagine that.
We saw the aftermath of an accident that had at least two victims: bikers. Sobering! The remainder of the ride was uneventful and we arrived at the lodge around 5:30 pm.
What shall we do tomorrow?
Tune in and see.
We stopped in Wall and visited Badlands H-D (got a tee-shirt). Stopped again in Rapid City and picked up some necessaries at the H-D dealer. Then we made the final push toward Custer and the lodge. We got side-tracked in Hill City: their Main Street was filled with bikes...imagine that.
We saw the aftermath of an accident that had at least two victims: bikers. Sobering! The remainder of the ride was uneventful and we arrived at the lodge around 5:30 pm.
What shall we do tomorrow?
Tune in and see.
Sunday, August 4, 2013
Day 3: from KC to Sioux City
If I had to use one word to describe today, it would be: fortuitous. I had decided to end yesterday's ride on the north side of KCMO, so we would not have the city traffic to deal with first thing in the morning (not thinking that it was Saturday).
When I woke up this morning and checked the weather, imagine my surprise when I saw a major storm headed our way across Kansas. I was afraid that I would have to wake my brothers, but they were already packing their iron horses for the day. We were able to escape KC before the rain came and outran the storm until we were past Sioux City. Then, the little rain that we had to endure was minimal and short lived. Once past the rain, the sky cleared and we were presented with gorgeous SD scenery and miles of open road.
We chose to end the day in Sioux Falls and start fresh in the morning. We plan to go through the Badlands on the way. I want to see wild bison.
No incidents to mar our trip. Although, Kevin's wife, Sherry, lost her wedding ring today while riding. Seems it just slipped off. Bummer.
More tomorrow.
P.S. I am taking a passenger along tomorrow. Picture to follow.
When I woke up this morning and checked the weather, imagine my surprise when I saw a major storm headed our way across Kansas. I was afraid that I would have to wake my brothers, but they were already packing their iron horses for the day. We were able to escape KC before the rain came and outran the storm until we were past Sioux City. Then, the little rain that we had to endure was minimal and short lived. Once past the rain, the sky cleared and we were presented with gorgeous SD scenery and miles of open road.
We chose to end the day in Sioux Falls and start fresh in the morning. We plan to go through the Badlands on the way. I want to see wild bison.
No incidents to mar our trip. Although, Kevin's wife, Sherry, lost her wedding ring today while riding. Seems it just slipped off. Bummer.
More tomorrow.
P.S. I am taking a passenger along tomorrow. Picture to follow.
Saturday, August 3, 2013
Day 2 - A long one!
Today started with the normal 5:30 reveille, followed by breakfast with Heather - yum...sugar smacks and skim milk. Then it was back on the road. Destination: Sikeston, MO to meet up with my brothers and see my dad.
Yesterday, I could sum p the weather with one word: HOT! Today however, started cool, turned wet (boo, rain), and finished very nice. The problem was not so much the weather as the number of hours in the saddle. All told, I rode for 16.5 hours and covered four states.
Now, I am going to bed. No wake up call, please. More tomorrow.
Yesterday, I could sum p the weather with one word: HOT! Today however, started cool, turned wet (boo, rain), and finished very nice. The problem was not so much the weather as the number of hours in the saddle. All told, I rode for 16.5 hours and covered four states.
Now, I am going to bed. No wake up call, please. More tomorrow.
Friday, August 2, 2013
Sturgis:Day 1
The first leg was completed without incident. Traffic was a bit heavier than expected, but the weather cooperated, so it was a decent trade. I wanted to get a picture of my bike at each state line during the trip. I started with Georgia...no problem. However, when I got to Alabama, I was stymied by traffic and no place to pull off. I crossed over in Columbus on Hwy 280 (Liberty Ave). Just no room to stop.
Oh well, I got to visit with my daughter and grand kids for a while. We had fun in the pool with Abbie, the chocolate lab - that dog loves to swim.
Well, tomorrow is another day with farther to go. I meet up with my brothers in Sikeston, MO and see our dad before moving on to Kansas City.
More tomorrow night.
P.S. I found a stowaway in my luggage. More on that and what I did to it next time.
Oh well, I got to visit with my daughter and grand kids for a while. We had fun in the pool with Abbie, the chocolate lab - that dog loves to swim.
Well, tomorrow is another day with farther to go. I meet up with my brothers in Sikeston, MO and see our dad before moving on to Kansas City.
More tomorrow night.
P.S. I found a stowaway in my luggage. More on that and what I did to it next time.
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