When we went to bed Saturday night it was raining like crazy. Lightning everywhere. I just knew we would start for home soaking wet. To my surprise the rain had moved a couple miles to the north when daylight arrived. We packed out bikes, said our goodbye's and hit the road.
Let me start the story of our ride home by explaining our physical condition. We were exhausted and sore. Many hours had already been spent in the saddle and our last night sleeping in the cabin was hot and humid. This made for a rough night sleep. Either way we needed to make it back to San Antonio on Monday. Time to tough up and ride.
We headed south on 54 as quickly as we could to stay ahead of the storm. It worked. The skies were clearing to the south. 54 lead into 5 which took us to Lebanon. In Lebanon we picked up the interstate and headed to Springfield. Breakfast in Springfield gave us a few minutes break from the saddle.
Back on the highway...headed to Oklahoma. We make it to Joplin in no time. From Joplin it's a short ride to Oklahoma and our turn off at Big Cabin.
Small problem...at Big Cabin I was riding in the left lane next to an 18 wheeler and didn't see the exit. John was behind the truck and was able to exit but Ken and I did not. At first we thought John was having bike problems and got off the highway. Then we looked over and saw the huge Indian at Big Cabin. The problem at this point is that the next exit is Tulsa. No way we are going to Tulsa. We turned our bikes onto the grass and backtracked to the exit. Presto...we are back on track.
A quick stop at Big Cabin and we were heading south on 69. 69 was a pretty uneventful ride. It turns into 75 at somepoint which is the yellow brick road into Dallas.
We managed to skirt another rainstorm in Central Oklahoma. Our luck is holding. Blasting south we make it to Durant just in time for Dinner. Durant is not far from Richardson, TX (where we are staying the night).
We pull into Aaron's place at 9pm. Tired, sweaty, and ready for some sleep. We knew that traffic through Dallas on a Monday morning would be a nightmare. This means a 5 am start to beat Traffic.
We get much needed sleep and hit the road at O'way too early. Let me tell you...traffic in Dallas at 5:30 am is horrible. I can only imagine what it's like at 7am. Put Dallas on the list of places I never want to live.
We roll south after stopping to put some warm riding gear on. Somewhere around Waxahachie we stop for breakfast. It's warming up a bit so we ditch the warm gear and prepare for a haul into Austin.
Screeeeech! That's the sound of all traffic just as we get into Temple. A tanker truck and a couple of cars were in an accident and the tanker apparenlty burned. North and south bound I-35 were shut down. Time to find an alternate route.
Oh yeah, just prior to this my bike decided to shut down while we are cruising at 75 mph in the hammer lane. The ignition fuse had smoked. I couldn't find anything that would have done it and assumed that maybe the wiring going into the handle bars had a short. I moved the wiring around, replaced the fuse and we were on the road.
We reroute through downtown Belton and connect back onto 35. My bike shut down again. And again I couldn't find anything. New fuse and were heading south. We make it to the 130 toll road where Ken breaks off and heads for home.
John and I are ready to get home and cruise on through Austin. Just when we think we are on the last stretch my bike shuts down again. This time a new fuse doesn't help. I pulled the seat, tank and side covers looking for a chaffed wire. No such luck. By now I am exhausted and my mouth is starting to bother me where I had the teeth extracted. I call UNCLE!
My Mom and my sister Karen come to the rescue. They arrive with a trailer and we load both bikes (John is too tired to ride back). I think that was a good call on John's part.
The truck ride home was uneventful with the exception of periods of unconsciousness. So tired I can't think straight. Thank you Mom and Karen for saving us.
Once home it was a hot shower followed by a soak in the tub.
I am tired, sore, exhausted, hungry, tired and sore but grateful for the fun time I have had with my brothers out on the road.
I want to thank my lovey wife for supporting me on my "Wild Hog" adventure. Also want to thank all of the supporting cast.
Justin, Bobbi and Family, Stephen and Elaine, Aaron, Allen (for the Ducati), and most of all Ken and John for putting up with me through 2000+ miles on the open road.
What an adventure:)
Monday, September 20, 2010
Saturday, September 18, 2010
What a day...or days
The last 2 days have been a blast.
We started our day yesterday with breakfast at Panera. Very good! Then we went to Justin's dental practice for some work on my messed up teeth. He pulled 2 teeth and filled another. What a mess! My teeth that is...not his practice:)
A little ibuprofen and we were off on another bike adventure. The riding crew consisted of my older brothers Stephen, Ken, John and my nephew Justin. Stephen was on a borrowed Kawasaki Meanstreak. Ken on his V-Rod, John on his V-Star, Justin on his Harley and me on my V-Star. We took off into the countryside.
Amazing is the only way to describe the ride. The roads here were built for motorcycle riding. Lot's of hills that peak at near zero G's when you top them at 70mph leading into blind sweepers. Turn after turn of great riding.
We went through Amish country and passed several horse and buggies on the road. It was interesting to watch a young man about 16 yrs old hot rodding a horse and buggy just like a 16 yr old boy would hot rod a car (albeit a little slower).
We rode out to a Mennonite restaurant for lunch. The food was awesome to say the least. Everyone ordered burgers except me. I didn't think I would be able to eat a burger with the holes in my mouth where teeth once lived. I ordered a hot beef sandwich. I wish I had taken a picture of it. It was out of this world. At the bottom of the plate was a slice of freshly made bread. It was covered with a thick layer of the most tender and flavorful roast beef ever. The whole thing was topped with a monster helping of freshly made mashed potatoes and gravy. I will put this place on the I have to eat here again list.
After lunch we hit the road again. The rally was happening down at the lake so we went to check it out. To call it a rally is a bit much:) No venders and a couple of builders. That was it. But that's OK. The riding was awesome, food amazing and the views of the lake well worth the hours in the saddle. We hung around the lake to watch the bikes ride through for awhile and then headed for the casa. I was beat tired and happy to get some rest. We made plans for the next days ride and crashed for the night.
Morning came quickly. We hopped on our bikes and headed to Larry's Yamaha/Honda to get helmets for Justin's kids. Headed back to Justin's and loaded the kids on our bikes. Brandon road the first leg with me. Brandon is 6 yrs old and loves bikes. We met up with one of Justin's friends that was to be our guide for the day. And what a guide. He took us 60 miles through the most scenic riding you can imagine. Our destination was Herman, MO (not sure if spelled correctly). We stopped for lunch at a German restaurant. I had German brats over sourkrout with a side of German potato salad and applesauce. Yummy!
After lunch we headed back to Jefferson City. On the way back Austin rode with me. He is also 6 yrs old. In Jeff as the locals call it we stopped at an ice cream shop. I had a taste of ice cream (OK...maybe a little more than a taste). After some great peppermint ice cream it was time to return Stephens borrowed bike back to it's stable.
Just so happens that the stable has all kinds of fast toys. Hyabusas, GSXR 1000, the Meanstreak, others and a Ducati 999 Testastretta. The Ducati was absolutely beautiful. Before you know it I had traded my bike for his Ducati for a couple of hours. It is Ducati red and prepped for racing. WATCH OUT MISSOURI!!
Quick jaunt (and I mean quick) to Justin's then headed back out for a little fun on the "Duck". Let's just say it is fast and handles extremely well. How cool is a guy that lets you run on his Ducati having only known him for a day. VERY!
Now the day is ending with a great BBQ at Justin's, a tour of his property on a Kawasaki Mule and packing our bags for the ride back to San Antonio tomorrow. I will miss this place but I miss my family.
Thank you everyone here in Missouri for the hospitality. For my first long distance bike ride it has been amazing.
I will update our return trip when we arrive in good old San Antonio.
We started our day yesterday with breakfast at Panera. Very good! Then we went to Justin's dental practice for some work on my messed up teeth. He pulled 2 teeth and filled another. What a mess! My teeth that is...not his practice:)
A little ibuprofen and we were off on another bike adventure. The riding crew consisted of my older brothers Stephen, Ken, John and my nephew Justin. Stephen was on a borrowed Kawasaki Meanstreak. Ken on his V-Rod, John on his V-Star, Justin on his Harley and me on my V-Star. We took off into the countryside.
Amazing is the only way to describe the ride. The roads here were built for motorcycle riding. Lot's of hills that peak at near zero G's when you top them at 70mph leading into blind sweepers. Turn after turn of great riding.
We went through Amish country and passed several horse and buggies on the road. It was interesting to watch a young man about 16 yrs old hot rodding a horse and buggy just like a 16 yr old boy would hot rod a car (albeit a little slower).
We rode out to a Mennonite restaurant for lunch. The food was awesome to say the least. Everyone ordered burgers except me. I didn't think I would be able to eat a burger with the holes in my mouth where teeth once lived. I ordered a hot beef sandwich. I wish I had taken a picture of it. It was out of this world. At the bottom of the plate was a slice of freshly made bread. It was covered with a thick layer of the most tender and flavorful roast beef ever. The whole thing was topped with a monster helping of freshly made mashed potatoes and gravy. I will put this place on the I have to eat here again list.
After lunch we hit the road again. The rally was happening down at the lake so we went to check it out. To call it a rally is a bit much:) No venders and a couple of builders. That was it. But that's OK. The riding was awesome, food amazing and the views of the lake well worth the hours in the saddle. We hung around the lake to watch the bikes ride through for awhile and then headed for the casa. I was beat tired and happy to get some rest. We made plans for the next days ride and crashed for the night.
Morning came quickly. We hopped on our bikes and headed to Larry's Yamaha/Honda to get helmets for Justin's kids. Headed back to Justin's and loaded the kids on our bikes. Brandon road the first leg with me. Brandon is 6 yrs old and loves bikes. We met up with one of Justin's friends that was to be our guide for the day. And what a guide. He took us 60 miles through the most scenic riding you can imagine. Our destination was Herman, MO (not sure if spelled correctly). We stopped for lunch at a German restaurant. I had German brats over sourkrout with a side of German potato salad and applesauce. Yummy!
After lunch we headed back to Jefferson City. On the way back Austin rode with me. He is also 6 yrs old. In Jeff as the locals call it we stopped at an ice cream shop. I had a taste of ice cream (OK...maybe a little more than a taste). After some great peppermint ice cream it was time to return Stephens borrowed bike back to it's stable.
Just so happens that the stable has all kinds of fast toys. Hyabusas, GSXR 1000, the Meanstreak, others and a Ducati 999 Testastretta. The Ducati was absolutely beautiful. Before you know it I had traded my bike for his Ducati for a couple of hours. It is Ducati red and prepped for racing. WATCH OUT MISSOURI!!
Quick jaunt (and I mean quick) to Justin's then headed back out for a little fun on the "Duck". Let's just say it is fast and handles extremely well. How cool is a guy that lets you run on his Ducati having only known him for a day. VERY!
Now the day is ending with a great BBQ at Justin's, a tour of his property on a Kawasaki Mule and packing our bags for the ride back to San Antonio tomorrow. I will miss this place but I miss my family.
Thank you everyone here in Missouri for the hospitality. For my first long distance bike ride it has been amazing.
I will update our return trip when we arrive in good old San Antonio.
Friday, September 17, 2010
Whew!
What a ride! 7:15 am to 9:00 pm in the saddle. OK...we stopped a few times(alot) for fuel and a couple of times to eat. Either way that is by a long shot the most time I have ever spent on the saddle of a motorcycle.
Breakfast was at IHOP about an hour north of Richardson, TX. Then we were back in the saddle to eat up some miles.
My body went through a couple of phases during the ride. In the morning I was doing great. Cruising along for several hours no issues at all. Then I started to feel what the wind does at 70mph. It pushes against your knees relentlessly. This means you are constantly having to pull your knees into the tank. Lets just say my groin muscles are a little sore. The second thing that happened is the seat turned from comfy saddle gel into granite. Ever try riding cross country on a slab of granite? :) This pretty much describes my body condition through Texas and Oklahoma. Next was Missouri.
Missouri brought another dimension into the game. COLD!. We stopped for dinner in Springfield. It was starting to cool down so we figured it was time to add some layers. First was a sweatshirt for me and leather jackets for Ken and John. Time to hit the road. This lasted for about 5 minutes. Pulled over again to add cold weather gloves and face covers.
It was a little cold but bearable for awhile. We blasted on to Lebanon where we turned north. This was a little 2 lane road with lots of creeks = COLD. Oh yeah...did I mention that it is now completely dark and we are running on 2 lane twisty turny roads in the middle of Missouri that we have never seen before? And did I mention that it was COLD. This is where by body went through another change. Previously I was sore from the wind and that granite seat. These pains quickly went away when my body went numb. At this point we had about 2-1/2 hours ride left before our destination. The muscles no longer hurt, the backside didn't hurt but I couldn't feel most of my body.
We headed north on 5 and connected to 54. This was the final road into Jefferson City. Thankfully it was a 4 lane divided hwy. Normally I would prefer to stay on the 2 lane country roads. But at night in an area that I don't know I was looking for lots of road space (I hear the deer are big in Missouri). In our numb condition we rode into Jefferson City. Made our last fuel stop for the ride in and waited for Justin to meet us and guide us to his place.
Justin lives on a farm outside Jefferson City that would have been a challenge to find. He arrived on his Screamin Eagle Harley cloaked in black leather. Another 10 minute ride and we were at his place.
And what a place! 42 or so acres with 4 acre pond. We are staying in a log cabin that dates back to the 1800's. So cool!
First thing this morning we are heading out to find grub. I am starving! Then off to Justin's dental office to fix a tooth I broke the other day. After that we are picking up a Bike for my older brother Stephen to ride while
we are here.
It looks like it is going to be a beautiful day!
Breakfast was at IHOP about an hour north of Richardson, TX. Then we were back in the saddle to eat up some miles.
My body went through a couple of phases during the ride. In the morning I was doing great. Cruising along for several hours no issues at all. Then I started to feel what the wind does at 70mph. It pushes against your knees relentlessly. This means you are constantly having to pull your knees into the tank. Lets just say my groin muscles are a little sore. The second thing that happened is the seat turned from comfy saddle gel into granite. Ever try riding cross country on a slab of granite? :) This pretty much describes my body condition through Texas and Oklahoma. Next was Missouri.
Missouri brought another dimension into the game. COLD!. We stopped for dinner in Springfield. It was starting to cool down so we figured it was time to add some layers. First was a sweatshirt for me and leather jackets for Ken and John. Time to hit the road. This lasted for about 5 minutes. Pulled over again to add cold weather gloves and face covers.
It was a little cold but bearable for awhile. We blasted on to Lebanon where we turned north. This was a little 2 lane road with lots of creeks = COLD. Oh yeah...did I mention that it is now completely dark and we are running on 2 lane twisty turny roads in the middle of Missouri that we have never seen before? And did I mention that it was COLD. This is where by body went through another change. Previously I was sore from the wind and that granite seat. These pains quickly went away when my body went numb. At this point we had about 2-1/2 hours ride left before our destination. The muscles no longer hurt, the backside didn't hurt but I couldn't feel most of my body.
We headed north on 5 and connected to 54. This was the final road into Jefferson City. Thankfully it was a 4 lane divided hwy. Normally I would prefer to stay on the 2 lane country roads. But at night in an area that I don't know I was looking for lots of road space (I hear the deer are big in Missouri). In our numb condition we rode into Jefferson City. Made our last fuel stop for the ride in and waited for Justin to meet us and guide us to his place.
Justin lives on a farm outside Jefferson City that would have been a challenge to find. He arrived on his Screamin Eagle Harley cloaked in black leather. Another 10 minute ride and we were at his place.
And what a place! 42 or so acres with 4 acre pond. We are staying in a log cabin that dates back to the 1800's. So cool!
First thing this morning we are heading out to find grub. I am starving! Then off to Justin's dental office to fix a tooth I broke the other day. After that we are picking up a Bike for my older brother Stephen to ride while
we are here.
It looks like it is going to be a beautiful day!
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Rollin...Rollin...Rollin
The day has arrived. We left San Antonio at around 12:30 headed north. Made a couple stops in Austin to pick up necessary items(John wanted a tank bag and a new handgun...yes they are necessary).
After the required shopping we met Ken at his house. Once packed Ken joined us on the ride north.
Pretty uneventful ride to Dallas. We stopped for a burger in Temple and made fuel stops every 100 miles or so.
We covered 351 miles from my house to Aarons house just north of Dallas. Tomorrow we have 500 miles to cover.
It's late and we have alot of ground to cover so I am off to bed.
After the required shopping we met Ken at his house. Once packed Ken joined us on the ride north.
Pretty uneventful ride to Dallas. We stopped for a burger in Temple and made fuel stops every 100 miles or so.
We covered 351 miles from my house to Aarons house just north of Dallas. Tomorrow we have 500 miles to cover.
Monday, September 13, 2010
Another Monday...
Started out a bit rough. What can you expect for a Monday.
I knew eventually the day would have to get better. It did. At lunch time I went to Cycle Gear looking for a tank bag. They had exactly what I was looking for. It fits perfectly on my gas tank without covering up the guages. This is going to be great for storing all my electronic gadgets and what nots. Anybody looking for motorcycle related accessories I recommend Cycle Gear. They have excellent customer service.
I knew eventually the day would have to get better. It did. At lunch time I went to Cycle Gear looking for a tank bag. They had exactly what I was looking for. It fits perfectly on my gas tank without covering up the guages. This is going to be great for storing all my electronic gadgets and what nots. Anybody looking for motorcycle related accessories I recommend Cycle Gear. They have excellent customer service.
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Getting Closer...
It's Sunday night. Only 2 days before we roll. WooHoo!!!
The hours are getting short. Time to lock in what goes for the ride. I took everything out of my bags to confirm what I have and whether I need it. A couple of items have been thrown back into my dresser.
I am down to the 2 dry bags and my sleeping bag. Trying to follow the KISS method. You know...keep it simple stupid!
Went to Emily's house to get a couple of decals made for my bike. They say "Darkside". I put one on the left side of my front fender and one on the back of the rear fender. Now your asking "why Darkside?". Well...darkside refers to motorcycles that have a car tire on them. I am running a Michelin car tire on the back of my bike. I have had it for 2 years and love it.
Picked up a rotor lock yesterday while I was out shopping with my lovely wife and installed it today. This will help me keep my bike mine:)
Oh yeah...stopped at Academy to get a pair of rain gear pants. Somehow I have misplaced the pair that I originally had. How much do you want to bet that they will pop up as soon as I get back. Always the case!
Somehow it's late again. I need my beauty sleep so...G night!
The hours are getting short. Time to lock in what goes for the ride. I took everything out of my bags to confirm what I have and whether I need it. A couple of items have been thrown back into my dresser.
I am down to the 2 dry bags and my sleeping bag. Trying to follow the KISS method. You know...keep it simple stupid!
Went to Emily's house to get a couple of decals made for my bike. They say "Darkside". I put one on the left side of my front fender and one on the back of the rear fender. Now your asking "why Darkside?". Well...darkside refers to motorcycles that have a car tire on them. I am running a Michelin car tire on the back of my bike. I have had it for 2 years and love it.
Picked up a rotor lock yesterday while I was out shopping with my lovely wife and installed it today. This will help me keep my bike mine:)
Oh yeah...stopped at Academy to get a pair of rain gear pants. Somehow I have misplaced the pair that I originally had. How much do you want to bet that they will pop up as soon as I get back. Always the case!
Somehow it's late again. I need my beauty sleep so...G night!
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Ready to Roll...
Today was a good day.
Up and at em early this morning. Started with a little house cleaning. Then off to work on my bike.
Installed the 12 volt power port just under and in front of my seat. This is going to be nice. I can run the air compressor if needed and have a place to plug in the GPS or charge my phone. I like it:)
Up and at em early this morning. Started with a little house cleaning. Then off to work on my bike.
Installed the 12 volt power port just under and in front of my seat. This is going to be nice. I can run the air compressor if needed and have a place to plug in the GPS or charge my phone. I like it:)
e Ken called this morning to talk about the ride. We discussed the possibility of carrying extra fuel for his V-Rod. We decided it wasn't a good idea and will stop as often as necessary to top off our fuel tanks. We also talked about how he was carrying his gear. I told him about the waterproof backpacks that I am using. He asked me to pick one up for him. Add Costco to the places we need to go today so I can pick one up.
Stopped and picked up a few sundry items at Wal Mart. One stop at Academy to pick up rain gear and I will have everything I need. I'm sure I am over doing it but since this is my first long ride I want to be prepared. Once I have this ride under my belt I will have a better idea on how to prepare for the next one.
The next ride I hope my wife can go with.. I will build a small trailer that we can put our gear in and hit the road.
I am beginning to understand the addiction to long distance motorcycle rides. Now lets see if my body can handle the addiction. :)
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