Mike's Touring Journal

A Tuscan Adventure!

2011-10-25T16:53:00.002-05:00

Click to Enlarge

Our latest adventure took us to the beautiful hills of Tuscany in northern Italy. We were part of a small tour (16) which included Florence and the Tuscan hill towns of Cortona, Radda in Chianti, and Siena. We enjoyed some of the most amazing food and wine, along with the beautiful countryside, the wonderful Italian people and the very best traveling companions.

I have made three slide shows from the pictures we took while in Italy. We would love to share them with anyone interested. These slide shows are best viewed in full screen with your sound turned on.

Florence, Italy (about 30 mins)

Tuscan Hill Towns - 1 (about 15 mins)

Tuscan Hill Towns - 2 (about 15 mins)

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Click to Enlarge

Norfork, Charlottesville, Va. & North Carolina

From Paducah, we headed east to Morehead, KY, where we left the Interstate and drove the scenic Appalachian backroads of Eastern KY and West Virginia. We crossed the Blue Ridge Mountains and continued on to Norfork, VA, where we enjoyed the The Fourth of July Holiday with some good friends from Florida.

This trip included Martinsville, Norfork, Richmond, Charlottesville,VA, and Charlotte, NC. Along the way, side trips were made to various historical sites, as well as Mt Mitchell and Grandfather Mountain in The Blue Ridge Mountains and a two-lane Kentucky back road adventure home.

This slide show is best viewed on full screen with the sound on.

Norfork, Charlottesville, Va. & North Carolina

Why Do I Travel?

2011-06-22T20:04:00.001-05:00

Excerpts from a poem written by NYC sculptor, Sana† Musama.

It is on the road that my inner voice speaks the loudest and my heart beats the strongest.

It is on the road that I take extra pride in my wooly hair, full features and lineage.

It is on the road that I develop extra senses and the hairs on my arms stand up and say "Sana, don't go there", and I listen.

Its when I safety pin my money to my underclothes and count it a million times before I go to sleep,

It is on the road that I am a poet, an ambassador, a dancer, medicine woman, an angel and even a genius.

Its on the road that I am fearless and unstoppable and if necessary ball up my fist and fight back.

It is on the road that I talk to my deceased parents and they speak back

Its on the road that I reprimand myself, and set new goals, refuel stop and begin again.

It is on the road that I experience what freedom truly is.

It is my travel that has transformed me making me a citizen of the world. When my humanness, compassion and affection are raised to a new level and I share unconditionally.

2011-06-15T19:14:00.003-05:00

‎"There's a race of men that don't fit in,

A race that can't sit still;

So they break the hearts of kith and kin,

And they roam the world at will.

They range the field and rove the flood,

...And they climb the mountain's crest;

Their's is the curse of the gypsy blood,

And they don't know how to rest."

~ Robert W. Service ~

Enough Said about bin Laden

2011-05-02T10:40:00.002-05:00

I've never killed a man, but I've read many an obituary with a great deal of satisfaction.
~Clarence Darrow~

2011-03-08T20:57:00.006-06:00

~Rest in Peace Sweet Pea~

Winter must be cold for those with no warm memories. ~An Affair to Remember~ (1957) ~

This is what Jim Bowie's mother said when she was told of her son's death at the Alamo.

"Jim's dead? ... I'll wager they found no wounds in his back."~

Riding Poem

2010-12-16T13:46:00.025-06:00

Although I consider myself more of a solo, long distance rider, I do occasionally ride with small groups. Many of my riding buddies also enjoy group rides. I am sure, regardless of riding style, we can all relate to this, each in our own way.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I Rode With My Buddies Today
by Kari Prager

I rode with my buddies today.
We rode in a line of headlights and tailpipes,
not going anywhere special, not even going fast,
just meandering like a herd of elk
to move through the forest at our own pace.
Our sound precedes us, not loud
but unmistakable, the power of
this most romantic way of moving.

The pleasure is in the going, the mobility,
the little acts of control that contrive
to keep us centered on the road.
The crackle of dead leaves,
the burnt bitterness of autumn,
the smell of the moon still shining in the blue of the sky,
magical in the motion of the moment.

I feel my friends flowing around the bends, the line of bikes without
conscious order, in symmetrical array, till we signal the end,
stopping and turning back into individuals, the magic
fading as the motors are stilled, the jackets come off, and we breathe
in the mundane and profane air of the stationary world.

~ Reprinted from The LD List ~

What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us. ~Anonymous~

If you want to make enemies, try to change something. ~Woodrow Wilson~

FDR's Christmas Parade - Potluck Chili Luncheon

2010-12-04T19:08:00.027-06:00

(Click Pictures to Enlarge)

Each year Paducah holds it's Christmas Parade on the first Saturday of December. In conjunction with the Parade, FDR Powersports and The Riders of the Long Table hold an annual Potluck Chili Luncheon.

Who wouldn't like to find a brand new motorcycle under their Christmas Tree?

Mark Holmes (FDR Co-Owner)

Sam Williams and Kevin Moran (FDR Co-Owner)

Brittany Nichols & Kristin Holmes

Sweet Pea Stewart

Jan & Charlie Bell

Debbie Essner & Haskell Sheeks

Bob Evans

Brothers Sweet Pea and Ted Stewart solving the worlds problems with Mark Holmes.

Nancy and Charles (Sweet Pea) Stewart

Mike Blevins

Danny McCarty & Charlie Stuart

Lined up on the back pew like crows on a fence.

Fritz Poat, Sam Williams, Terry Denton, Don Massey and Jim Lamphere

Phil Givins & Ken Thompson

Ada Garland & Wayne Duncan

Eddie McCarty & Jan Holland

Terry Denton

There was no shortage of delicious chili and fattening desserts!

Out back, Randy Holmes and Sweet Pea Stewart were in charge of cooking the hot-dogs.

Jim Lamphere and Fritz Poat check out the latest hot items on the sale board.

David Morgan and Kevin Moran man the Parts Desk.

Lucas Keeling - FDR Mechanic

Dustin Medley - FDR Mechanic

Kevin Moran & Mark Holmes

Wayne Duncan

Nobody was bashful when it came time to dish out the chili.

Don Massey, Sam Williams and Jim Lamphere

Mike Klein caught in the middle of a bite!

It got very quiet when the food hit the table.

Don Massey, Jim Lamphere and Mike Klein

I might as well throw in some beautiful Eye-Candy.

Kawasaki C-14 Concours

The all new Honda VFR

I think it can safely be said everyone had a good time and if you left hungry it was your own fault.

Be who you are and say what you feel... because those that matter... don't mind...and those that mind...don't matter!

~Dr. Seuss~

Nothing in this world can take the place of persistance. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful people with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan "press on" has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race.

~Calvin Coolidge~

Founders Feast - Paris, Texas

2010-10-18T16:23:00.077-05:00

(Click Pictures to Enlarge)

Yes, Paris, Texas does indeed have it's own Eiffel Tower, although considerably smaller and sporting a multi-gallon red cowboy hat.

The Best Western Inn of Paris, Texas was the host motel for this event.

The Ride Around Texas (RAT) and The Texas In-State 1,000 began from this motel earlier in the week. Many MTF'ers arrived throughout the week, participating in organized flower-sniffin rides, demonstrations, or simply exploring the area.

Old friendships were renewed and new friends made during the many parking lot bull sessions.

Buck Lemme of Dances with Turtles Fame.

Art Garvin gave a very informative parking lot Tire Plugging Demonstration using two different kinds of plugs.

Anyone willing was encouraged to try their hand at plugging the tire.

Jack Sholemire and Tim Yow

Jack's custom axillary fuel cell was a thing of beauty!

BMW R1200 RT's were plentiful!

Don Braziel (Braz)

Joe Freeland and Mike Blevins

An old riding buddy and his wife drove up from near Dallas to take me out for some "REAL" Texas Brisket. I had to agree, it sure was good!

Jim Ragon's bike trailer was of special interest to me. Extremely well built and the back end folds up allowing the trailer to be stored upright, standing on it's tail, when not in use. It is more than capable of carrying a full size touring bike.

The banquet was held Saturday night. I counted somewhere in the neighborhood of a hundred people in attendance. Announcements included new Board Members, next year's rides and events, and the location for next years Founders Feast. Certificates were also given to the RAT and Texas In-State riders. Mike Kneebone (President of The Iron Butt Association) joined us for the dinner and participated in the awards ceremony.

After the BBQ Brisket Dinner, drawings were held for numerous door prizes.

I can't say enough about the quality of the event. No detail was overlooked. The rides, the food, the parking lot camaraderie was great!

If you don't think every day is a good one, just try missing one. ~Cavett Robert~

The doors of wisdom are never shut. ~Ben Franklin~

The Winding Mountain Road to Founders Feast

2010-10-18T05:41:00.279-05:00

(Click Pictures to Enlarge)

This years annual Motorcycle Touring Forum's - Founders Feast Meeting was held in Paris, Texas. I decided it was a great opportunity to take a few days to explore the mountain back roads of Arkansas on my way down.

Bright blue skies and crisp cool air foretold the coming Fall Season. This years drought has impacted the coming fall colors.

Lake Norwood - A great place for a picnic or a quick break!

Bull Shoals Dam on the White River

The White River

Scenic 7 Byway - The Arkansas Grand Canyon

(between Harrison and Russellville)

The Cliff House Inn - Hwy 7 - Arkansas Grand Canyon

After a beautiful day of exploring north-central Arkansas, I spent the night in Russelville. The next morning, after a brief stop at Mount Nebo, I continued south on The Scenic 7 Byway through The picturesque Quachita Mountains.

Parked atop Blakely Dam - Quachita Lake
This earthen dam formed Quachita Lake and is open to ride over.

Quachita Lake

The view down-stream from atop Blakely Dam.

After doubling back through the Quachita Mountains, I turned west toward Mena, Arkansas and the scenic Talimena Trail.

I rode The Talimena Trail west from Mena, Arkansas into southeastern Oklahoma.

From Mena, the Talimena Scenic Drive / Ark. 88 Scenic Byway travels northwest and quickly enters the Ouachita National Forest, climbing Rich Mountain, Arkansas's second highest peak at 2,681 feet, and passing through Queen Wilhelmina State Park on its way to the Oklahoma border 18 miles to the west. The drive then continues into Oklahoma on Rich and Winding Stair mountains. The route offers mountain vistas unsurpassed in mid-America of forested peaks and valleys, lakes and streams. The drive is especially picturesque when the surrounding mountains are clad in spring and autumn foliage and when it sits above clouds and fog in the lower valleys. (Arkansas Scenic Drives)

Queen Wilhelmina State Park

Winding Stair National Recreation Area

After riding The Talimena Trail, I made a quick stop at Sardis Lake and then continued south to Antlers, OK on the way to Paris.

Unfortunately, as I was leaving Antler, I hit something in the road, seriously denting the front rim of my Wing. I returned to the spot but was unable to find either an object or a pot-hole in the road. I am guessing whatever I hit was knocked off the road. I cautiously continued on to Paris while watching to see if the tire lost air or if I felt a serious vibration. Neither happened.

The next day I took my Wing to the local Honda dealer in Paris for their opinion. They did not have a replacement wheel in stock and told me it would take a week to order one. They agreed with my riding buddies that the tire would be safe to ride home, provided I took it easy and stayed off the two lanes mountain roads I had come down on. Sadly, this would impact my plans to return home exploring other Arkansas mountain roads.

Taking their advice, I parked the Wing at the motel in Paris and did not ride the bike again until it was time to return home. I had no problems at all on the return trip and will now figure out the best way to correct the problem.

"The point of living is not to delay death; it is to celebrate life." ~Martin Eden ~

I don't want a bike that "CAN" be fixed ... I want a bike that doesn't have to be fixed.

~Unknown~

Motorcycle Touring Forum's Annual Founders Feast, Paris, Texas - Oct 11th to Oct 16th 2010

2010-10-11T19:01:00.092-05:00

The Motorcycle Touring Forum (MTF) is an online community of motorcycle enthusiasts interested in all facets of riding. These include Long Distance Touring, Off Road, Sport Touring, Cruisers, Trikes and Hacks.

Throughout the year members get together for MTF sponsored rides including Iron Butt rides, Off Road Adventures and Flower Sniffin Tours.

Other social events include Ride to Eats (RTE's). Simply put, anyone can call a RTE, at any location, by simply posting where they will be eating and inviting whoever wants to make the ride. Most of the time the fare will center around bar-b-q, fried chicken, catfish and burgers. MTF'ers have been known to ride hundreds, even thousands of miles to eat, kick a few tires for an hour or so, and then turn around and ride back home. Many of the MTF Ride to Eats benefit worthy charities.

The highlight each year is the Founders Feast. This five day event (more or less) is held in a different location each year, anywhere in the country, and celebrates the members and their accomplishments. It is open to any member who wants to attend. This year the MTF will sponsor two rides during the event. The Ride Around Texas (RAT) and The Texas In-State Ironbutt Saddle Sore 1,000. There will also be daily organized flower sniffin rides. The event finale will be a Bar-B-Q Banquet on Saturday night.

I will be leaving Paducah Wednesday morning, with the goal of riding the back-roads of Arkansas on my way to Paris, Texas. I will be using my SPOT Satellite Tracking Device on this trip. If interested, starting Wednesday morning, simply click the SPOT logo on the right side of this page. Remember to set the map controls to "ALL"."

Advil is one of the Major Food Groups for this crowd"

~Lisa Landry~

I have plenty of empathy. I'm just picky who I share it with.

~Unknown~

"No one is interested in something you didn't do"

~Adventure Rider~

Spot/SpotWalla Ride to Eat

2010-09-29T20:28:00.034-05:00

11:00 am - Saturday, September 25, 2010

Split Tree BBQ - Bowling Green, KY

Debbie Wells is training to be a Paralegal. As part of this training she is required to give various public speaking presentations. Debbie has assisted Jason Jonas in the development of The SpotWalla Secure Personal Location Manager. This gave her the necessary expertise to give a public SpotWalla Presentation and what better venue than a Bar-B-Q Ride to Eat?

For those not aware, SPOT is a personal satellite tracking system used by motorcycle riders (and others) to keep their family informed of their location on long trips and to summon help if needed.

Jason Jonas and Jerry Waggner join the "Tire Kicking Session."

Saturday proved to be a beautiful day for a Ride to Eat. The extremely high temps Kentucky had experienced all summer finally broke with an approaching cold front. The temperatures Saturday began in the mid 50's and by 11:00 am had reached the low 70's. Perfect weather by any measure for a short three hundred mile round trip to Bowling Green.

I left Paducah around 6:30 am, headed east, just in time to watch a beautiful sunrise, filtered through a light fog, clinging high in the surrounding trees. The light fog never posed any danger. In hindsight, I can't believe I did not stop for pictures of that gorgeous sunrise.

After a stop for coffee at Beaver Dam, I continued on to Bowling Green.

Anyone who knows me knows I am "ALWAYS" early anywhere I go. This RTE was no exception. After assuring myself that I knew where The Split Tree BBQ was, I decided to explore many of the beautiful surrounding side roads. As it turned out, I was glad I had the extra time to explore.

Alan Leduc and his new BMW 650 GS

About 10:30 am I fueled up and continued on to the restaurant where I found riders already arriving. One of the best parts of any RTE (Ride to Eat) is the "tire kicking sessions" that always take place prior to and after the actual meal.

Debbie Wells calming her nerves prior to the presentation. John Saurer from Louisville (center) and Art Johnson (Left) from Topeka, KS, checking out John's one of a kind ride.

Greg Blewett (Franklin, KY) arrived on his new to him BMW GSPD.

Clay Curtis (Fleeter) and Debbie Wells

Claye SPOTTED her way in from near Fredricksburg, VA to be there.

One of the specialties of The Split Tree is a pork BBQ sandwich smothered in slaw. A unique presentation to say the least.

Jerry Waggner (Morganfield, KY) and Jason Jonas.

The Presentation and Ride to Eat was well documented.

Pat and Greg Blewett

Debbie completed two presentations with a small break in-between. The first explained the differences between the first generation SPOT Personal Tracker and the newly released SPOT (Gen 2).

Her second presentation detailed the new and rapidly evolving SpotWalla Secure Personal Location Manager. This service is essentially a secure web based map used to view individual (or group) SPOT locations.

Lucas (her son) and Jason were her able assistants..... well...........

most of the time.... :^)

I talked to everyone after the presentation and we had universal agreement, Debbie did a great job with both presentations. She covered all aspects of both trackers and the personal tracking page. Afterward, both she and Jason answered any lingering questions. I found the presentations very informative and well worth the time.

Afterward we continued the tire kicking session outside for a bit before heading out in different directions. I took my time savoring the beautiful weather and exploring a few more back roads on my way back to Paducah.

Find life experiences and swallow them whole. Travel. Meet many people. Go down some dead ends and explore dark alleys. Try everything. Exhaust yourself in the glorious pursuit of life. ~Lawrence K. Fish~

Civilized men are more discourteous than savages because they know they can be impolite without having their skulls split, as a general thing. ~Robert E. Howard~

Iron Butt 5K Rally Finish

2010-08-23T10:10:00.088-05:00

The Iron Butt 5K Rally was dedicated to the memory of Eddie James (Click) and the charities now in his name. Eddie was a long time, active member of Team Strange (Click) and the Iron Butt Association (Click) and a much loved Rally Master. Eddie lost his life (Click) in a bike/car accident in Atlanta in December, 2009. Had Eddie lived, he would have been the Rally Master for the inaugural Iron Butt 5K Rally.

This rally began in Denver, Colorado at the conclusion of the Iron Butt National Meeting. The rally took place over two legs and the average rider had to ride in excess of 5 thousand miles in 5 days to be competitive.

Kevin Pugh and I made the decision to be in Spartanburg, SC to watch the finish of The Iron Butt 5K Rally. Naturally we could not pass up an opportunity to play in the Smokies on the way to Spartanburg.

Click Photos to Enlarge.

Heintooga Ridge Road - Balsam Mountain Road ~Click~

The Blue Ridge Parkway

Mike Blevins

Kevin Pugh

After riding some awesome Smokey Mountain twisties, we arrived late Friday afternoon.

Rally Central for the finish was The Marriott Hotel in downtown Spartanburg, SC.

Saturday morning we were in front of the hotel early, only to find a few bikes had already checked into the riders area.

It was not long before other riders quickly followed.

Dale "Warchild" Wilson (Click), Iron Butt Rally Chief Technical Inspector, checking in an arriving rider.

One rally bonus required the above logo to be painted on the bike by noted pin stripe artist Steve Kafkal (Click) enroute. Many color variations could be seen on the arriving bikes. I was told this logo could be easily removed later if the rider preferred.

The Rally was a great place to see interesting license plates and specialized decals.

More importantly, if you enjoy examining competitive motorcycles up close, this rally finish was the place to be. Every conceivable auxiliary fuel tank, light configuration, and latest farkle could be seen.

These motorcycles belong to some of the top long distance riders in the country. It did not take long to come away with a deep appreciation for the long hours of careful planning and meticulous work that went into the setup of these bikes.

As the 10:00 am time deadline drew closer, the parking lot filled quickly and the atmosphere took on a more intense feel.

The rider of this 400cc Yamaha Majesty Scooter lost the windshield when he grabbed it as the bike accidentally tipped over. Can you imagine finishing a five thousand mile, five day rally on an open scooter without a windshield? He certainly deserves major credit for his grit and determination!

It seems like there is always one bike showing tire cord at the finish of these long rallies. This rear tire was on a Harley Sportster.

It should also be noted that this was a very hard rally on the animals. At last count, one each, deer, elk, bear, cow, rabbit and mouse were hit during this rally.

The Rally Finishers

Saturday night the banquet was held and the riders finishing positions announced. Congratulations to all, especially to the top finishers. The finishing order and bike details can be found here. (Click) For individual rider information, click on the name.

As always, Lisa Landry (Click) and all the Iron Butt Staff did an amazing job coordinating this rally. Every detail was first class!

There are no shortcuts to anywhere worth going. ~Beverly Sills~

“Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness.” ~Mark Twain~

In Memory of Two Good Friends

2010-07-20T17:05:00.066-05:00

Bill Hulen

We all lost a good friend yesterday, after a long and courageous battle with his failing health.

Bill Hulen (Click) was a Founding Member of the FDR "Riders of the Long Table" and a life-time member of the Gold Wing Road Riders Association (GWRRA). Riding his "Yellar" Wing, Bill loved to "bring up the rear" of the daily rides out of FDR Honda in Paducah.

Bill rode with me on one of my County Courthouse Tours and commented regularly on this blog. Bill and I met almost every morning, riding down Broadway to check out the Ohio River, before joining the rest of the guys at FDR for a cup of coffee and a bull session.

Bill was a class act and a genuine " good guy."

He will truly be missed.

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Bill Coplen

It is almost surreal that we lost a second good friend barely one day later, due to a tragic accident.

Bill Coplen lost his life (Click) Tuesday morning (8:30am) when a car pulled into his path.

Bill was a well respected member of the Long Table and regularly rode local daily rides. Bill had recently outfitted a new Wing and loved long distance motorcycle trips with his wife. Bill usually sat to my right each morning at FDR. I came to appreciate his life experiences as a Ballard County Deputy Sheriff, his reasoned intelligence and his subtle sense of humor. Bill was a caring person, always ready to help anyone in need.

Bill Coplen will also be greatly missed.

The World is my Country
All Mankind are my Brethren
And to do good is my religion.
~Thomas Paine~

Dances With Turtles V - RTE

2010-06-08T14:12:00.088-05:00

Dances with Turtles V, the "Ned" Siddens Memorial Ride To Eat was held Saturday June 5, 2010 at Giant City State Park Lodge, approximately 12 miles south of Carbondale, Illinois.

There is simply no way I can identify each of the riders in the following pictures, much less attempt to spell their names correctly, so I will simply say it was a great group of people.

Several riders met at the rest stop in Metropolis, IL. and rode as a group to the park.

Arriving at Giant City State Park, we found a lively "tire kicking" session already in progress.

Both sides of the large parking lot were lined with bikes.

New friendships were made, and old acquaintances renewed.

One unnamed person (Tim Yow) arrived with his lovely wife in a very sharp, "cage". I am told there is a good story involving the alarm on this car.

Once we were all assembled in the parking lot, we moved inside as a group to begin the family style fried chicken lunch in a private dining room.

Like many of us, it was quiet apparent Sal married "well over his station in life."

Long time Motorcycle Touring Forum members were well represented.

During the lunch, a slide show ran continuously about the life and times of Ned Siddens.

Buck Lemme gave some fitting comments about his long time friend and co-sponsor Ned Siddens and his life-long love for riding. He also related an interesting story about Ned and about how the Dances With Turtles Ride to Eat earned its name.

Several awards were also presented.

I very much enjoyed meeting old friends and making new ones. I was able to put a lot of new faces with familiar forum names. A big thanks to Buck and his hard working crew for making Dances With Turtles the class act it always is.

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Buck Lemme's Dances With Turtles V Summary;

"Sixty nine of the finest people on the planet attended DWT V, the
"Ned" Siddens Memorial RTE, at the Giant City Lodge.

Following a family style lunch of fried chicken, turtle pie and fresh fruit
bowl, awards were presented in the below categories.

Longest distance. Doug Graves, Camas, Wa. 2468 miles.

Shortest distance. Steve Maxwell, Marion, Il. 30 miles.

Oldest motorcycle. Andy Simons, South Carolina. 1982 Goldwing.

Motorcycle with most miles. Roger Riley, Missouri. 178,553 miles. (Goldwing)

Fun Award. Bill Yarian, Indiana. Presented with blue "water wings" for riding thru flooding rains of Biblical proportions returning from Ezell's Fish Camp RTE.

At DWT II, "Ned" presented dollar coinage randomly to some in attendance. Today, his son-in-law (SIL), Chris Sloss was presented with four golden Presidential Dollar coins to commemorate the memorial RTE.

Special Award. Presented to Jason Jonas, SpotWalla Master, for his continuing support and dedication to the motorcycling community."

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May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view. May your mountains rise into and above the clouds. ~Edward Abbey~

Until hounds and helicopters get involved, you're not really lost. ~Adventure Rider~

**************************************************************************

Iron Butt Bun Burner 1500

2010-05-21T14:32:00.207-05:00

(Click Map)

Iron Butt Bun Burner 1500 (Spot Map)

Starting Date: Saturday 05/22/2010
Starting Time: 4:31 am (CDT)
Starting Location: Paducah, KY
Ending Date: Sunday 05/23/2010
Ending Location: Paducah, KY
Ending Time: 11:14 am (CDT)
Total Elapsed Time - 31 Hours 23 Minutes
Total Mileage - 1576 (Garmin/MapSource)
Motel Stop - 6 hrs 35 mins (8:58 pm to 3:33 am)
Total Stops - 10 (not counting beginning and ending)

Typically, I first rode the more extreme Iron Butt Bun Burner Gold (24 hr), back in November 09. Even so, I wanted to complete the 36 hour Bun Burner and felt this was an ideal time to get it done. This Iron Butt ride is somewhat unique because time is not really a factor. Thirty-six hours is more than enough time to enjoy the ride, include a reasonable rest stop, and remain well within the Iron Butt time guidelines.

I left Paducah, KY at 4:31 am (CDT), just before daybreak, again following my normal pattern of starting early. I rode east to Beaver Dam where I made my first fuel stop. From there it was on through Elizabethtown, Lexington, and Winchester, KY for the second stop.

To this point the weather could not have been better with temps in the low 60's and a promise to be warmer later in the day. However, as I entered West Virginia at Huntington, dark clouds began to accumulate to the south along my intended route. By the time I reached Charleston a light sprinkle had developed and was gradually intensifying .

South of Bluefield, WV, following I-77 (The West Virginia Turnpike) I entered the first of two, mile long tunnels. The East River Mountain Tunnel and the The Big Walker Tunnel . The East River tunnel enters on the West Virginia side and exits on the opposite side of the mountain in Virginia. The Big Walker Tunnel is entirely in Virginia and equally as long.

I crossed I-81 near Wytheville, VA, continuing south on I-77, over The Smokey Mountains at Fancy Gap, VA. The always unpredictable Blue Ridge weather turned into a frog-choking downpour and did not let up until I reached the lower elevations on the east side of the Smokies.

As I neared Charlotte, NC the traffic increased dramatically due to the Inaugural NASCAR Hall of Fame Induction Ceremonies and Race Week. I soon departed Charlotte on I-77, headed south to Colombia, SC and on southwest to Augusta, Ga. via I-20.

While planning this ride, I entertained the idea of combining this IBA Ride with one of the many Motorcycle Touring Forum - Ride to Eats (RTE) in this area. Unfortunately, I could not do so without starting the ride in the middle of the night. After carefully considering my route, I concluded this idea added unnecessary risk and was not advisable.

Arriving in Augusta, I made a quick fuel stop, along with a call home to let my family know I was well. My original plan was to evaluate how I felt at this point and then decide whether to continue or find a motel. I felt fine so it was on to Atlanta.

I expected the traffic to increase as I neared Atlanta but was nonetheless surprised at the amount of evening traffic headed into the city. As I passed the center of town traffic lightened considerably. Once completely clear of Atlanta to the southwest, and having ridden nearly 1,100 miles, I decided Newnan, Ga would be a good place to stop and get some rest. (8:58 pm CDT)

When riding alone, it does not take much to satisfy my motel needs (Think Clean). With this minimal requirement in mind, I quickly spotted a "Motel 6 With The Light On". In short order I had a down and out room, covered my Wing, and was settled in.

A short six and a half hours later (3:33 am, CDT), at the insistent, low-pitched demand of my Screaming Meanie, I gassed up and continued southwest, following I-85 to Montgomery, AL. I purposely left at "O'Dark Thirty" to avoid the heat wave predicted for Sunday afternoon. In what seemed like no time at all, I had ridden 150 miles, arriving in pre-dawn Montgomery, AL for a gas stop, a quick "Butler Cup" of coffee and a turn north on I-65.

I encountered low lying areas of moderate fog and very little traffic in the early Alabama dawn. The fog soon dissipated, leaving a perfect morning to enjoy a beautiful sunrise. Interstate 65 through early morning Birmingham was eerily deserted as I rode north.

After a quick gas stop near Decatur, AL, it was on through the Sunday morning quiet of Nashville, officially ending the ride back in Paducah, KY at 11:14 am (CDT).

I have been pleasantly surprised at how much I have come to enjoy planning and executing a challenging Iron Butt Ride.

"When it's time to die, let's not discover we never lived" ~Henry David Thoreau~

"Absorb what is useful, Discard what is useless, Add what is uniquely your own" ~Bruce Lee~

The 6th Annual Moonshine Lunch Run - 2010

2010-04-09T05:14:00.092-05:00

(Click Pictures to Enlarge)

I had long been told by my Motorcycle Touring Forum buddies that I would never be a true Long Distance Motorcycle rider until and unless I had attended a Moonshine. With that sage advice in mind, I left Paducah early Friday morning for the short 200 mile ride to Casey, IL and my first Moonshine Lunch Run.

Unlike many of the past years, the weather this year could not have been better! I am told proper credit for the stellar weather goes to this years Weather Chairman, Tim Yow.

Fortunately, I took Terry Hammond's advice and followed friends to the Moonshine Store, ignoring my lying Miss Garmin!

Bikes poured in while we were eating our burgers.

Yep, the burgers were delicious, just ask Ray (jumper5392). We were there early before the line formed. I learned quickly you can kiss your diet goodbye at any Moonshine event!

John (Sarkri), keeping an eye on the somewhat scarce Diet Dew.

Diet Dew, Cheeseburgers and Chocolate Rice Krispies

"Moonshine's Breakfast of Champions!"

Hundreds of different bikes could be seen at Moonshine.

A great place to put new faces with old names.

From adventure to full touring ... they'll all be at Moonshine!

Tail Dragger Fuel Cells, Power Windshields and Aux Lighting. Obviously I was very interested in any Wing set up for LD Riding and there were plenty of them.

Tim Yow led 250 Moonshiners to Fridays BBQ Lunch at The Stovepipe Grill and Smokehouse

The Stovepipe Restaurant is located at The Lincoln Springs Resort, the home of The Worlds Tallest and Ugliest Lincoln Statue.

Four hundred people showed up for Friday Nights Awards Dinner, held at Richards Farm Restaurant in Casey. Riders converged on Moonshine from as far away as California!

Hundreds of bikes arrived early, filling the parking lot and lining both sides of the road.

Moonshine benefits several deserving local charities in a big way. Terry Hammonds and his many helpers have done a wonderful job pulling it all together each year. The event is truly a credit to everyone involved.

Moonshine is also a lot of fun! It's a great place to meet old friends and make new ones. Also, if you love to kick tires and ogle LD bikes you'll love Moonshine!

The only fault with Moonshine I found was there were so many people attending I wanted to talk to but never got a chance. Many I didn't even know were there until afterward. That is all the excuse one needs to attend next year.

Moonshine Update:

The Official Count!

1,908 Moonburgers ate at Moonshine Saturday!
Beat the old record by 789!

1,100 Motorcycles

250,000 miles 1 way

500,000 miles round trip!

39 States and Canada!

Farthest riders are 2,132 miles 1 way!

.

With all due respect... "Because I said so" wasn't a valid response when I was 5, and is even less valid as I approach 65. ~Michael Jordan~ (LD List)

"All great truths begin as blasphemies." ~George Benard Shaw~

Iron Butt Kentucky (In-State) Saddle Sore 1K

2010-03-16T17:14:00.195-05:00

SPOT Tracking Map.

Iron Butt Kentucky (In-State) Saddle Sore 1k Route (Click Map)

Starting Date: Friday 03/19/2010
Starting Time: 4:01 am (CDT)
Starting Location: Paducah, KY
Ending Date: Friday 03/19/2010
Ending Location: Paducah, KY
Ending Time: 8:58 pm (CDT)
Total Elapsed Time - 16 Hours 59 Minutes
Total Mileage - 1031 (Garmin/MapSource)
Total Stops - 15 (not counting begining and ending)

The winter in Western Kentucky seemed unusually long and hard this year. I normally ride all winter, but this year was the exception. If it wasn't extremely cold or slick, it was salt covered roads. I have ridden some locally but Friday was the first pretty day I could set aside for an Iron Butt ride.

The goal of this ride was not to simply accumulate Interstate miles, but rather, to circumnavigate the state of Kentucky, while coming through or near as many of the states major cities as possible.

Friday was a beautiful day to ride. I left Paducah early (4:01 am, CDT), knowing it would take at least 16 to 17 hours to complete the ride, barring any unexpected delays. I rode to Mayfield, Murray, crossing The Land Between the Lakes, and on to Cadiz and Hopkinsville before sunrise.

Sunrise seemed to take forever due to the recent switch back to Daylight Savings Time. I would be rewarded later in the day when the sunset took its time arriving. Riding at dawn/dusk or at night is always a concern due to Kentucky’s heavy deer population.

The temperature held steady at 36 degrees well after sunrise. However, reasonably cold temperatures are not really a problem once a rider discovers the wonders of heated clothing.

To properly document a turn on an Iron Butt ride requires a time/date-stamped receipt. Due to the many twists and turns on this ride, many times I would simply stop and quickly buy something instead of fueling.

The southern, eastward leg of my route, basically followed Hwy 80 East to The Louie B Nunn Cumberland Parkway and The Daniel Boone Parkway. Much of this portion of the ride was on two lane roads and/or 55 mph speed limits. Other cities on the southern portion of the ride included Russellville, Bowling Green, Glasgow, Somerset, London, Hazard, and Paintsville. Around noon, I arrived at Catlettsburg (near Ashland), the eastern most point on my route, where I took a very short, ten minute break.

From Catlettsburg I turned west on I-64, riding through Moorhead, Mt Sterling, Winchester, and Lexington. Interstate 75 led me north from Lexington to Florence, where I again turned west on I-71, arriving in Louisville just in time for the 5 pm rush hour traffic.

As I passed the traffic jammed on-ramps leading to Louisville's Gene Snyder Freeway (265) and The Henry Watterson Expressway (264), I made the decision to follow I-71 downtown to I-65 South. (My timing could have been a tad better.) I finally concluded there was no easy way around Louisville's stop and go traffic zoo. Eventually I cleared the gridlock, taking I-65 southwest to Elizabethtown. The Western KY Parkway took me west to Beaver Dam, where I turned north on The William Natcher Parkway to Owensboro.

The only real incident happened soon after leaving Owensboro, westbound, on The Audubon Parkway. A large Red Tailed Hawk flew up from the center median grass, low, directly into my path. At Interstate speeds, all I could do was duck my head, hang on, and ride though an explosion of hawk feathers. A quick glance in my mirror revealed the hawk, tumbling down the parkway behind me. After it was over, I was grateful the hawk hit the front of the bike and not me. Arriving in Henderson at dusk, I found no damage to my Wing. Unfortunately, I cannot say the same for the unlucky hawk.

From Henderson I turned south on The Pennyrile Parkway, riding through Sebree, Madisonville and Mortons Gap. Turning west again on The Western KY Parkway, I rode through Dawson Springs and Princeton. After a thirty-five mile, westbound ride on I-24, I officially finished the ride at 8:58 pm, CDT in Paducah.

I normally evaluate any ride after it is over with the goal of identifying mistakes or planning errors. After a few days to reflect, I view the hawk incident as something I had no control over, although the outcome was about as good as it could be. However, I do have regrets for the ill-fated hawk.

More planning needs to be devoted to arrival times when passing through major cities at peak traffic periods. Although time was not a critical factor in this ride, an hour adjustment at the start, either way, would have easily eliminated the Louisville rush hour slow down.

Overall, it was a very enjoyable ride. All that remains is completing and submitting the Iron Butt paper work. I am already looking forward to the next ride.

Living and dying is not the big issue. The big issue is what you're going to do with your time while you are here. ~Bill T. Jones~

For my part, I travel not to go anywhere, but to go. I travel for travel's sake. The great affair is to move. ~Robert Louis Stevenson~

Iron Butt - Bun Burner Gold (1500 Miles in 24 hrs)

2009-11-18T15:44:00.243-06:00

Starting Date: Sunday 11/01/09
Starting Time: 6:06 am (CT)
Starting Location: Paducah, KY
Ending Date: Monday 11/02/09
Ending Location: Paducah, KY
Ending Time: 4:01 am (CT)
Total Elapsed Time - 21 Hours 55 Minutes
Total Mileage - 1558 (Garmin/MapSource)
Total Stops - 11

Click here to view the Spot Map

Iron Butt - Bun Burner Gold Route (Click Map)
(ride 1,500 documented miles in 24 hrs or less)

After completing an Iron Butt Saddle Sore 2000 ride in late August, I came away with a much better understanding of my riding/endurance capabilities. Back-to-back 1,000 plus mile days left me reasonably sure I could have ridden much farther each day. With that in mind, I began planning the next step, the Iron Butt Bun Burner Gold. I promised myself I would closely evaluate the BBG throughout the ride for fatigue. If, at anytime, I felt rest was needed, I was fully prepared to stretch the ride to 36 hours (Bun Burner1500).

Sunday, November 1st, 2009 proved to be a perfect day. The temps started out cool (mid 40’s) but warmed quickly under a bright, clear sky. I left Paducah, KY at 6:06 am CT, headed north to Marion, IL via 1-24 and I-57. After a quick turn around gas stop (7:53 am CT), I turned south on I-57, crossing the Mississippi River at Cairo, IL and continuing on to the next turn at Matthews, MO on I-55. (8:59 am CT)

The temps had warmed enough to switch to a lighter jacket and gloves. I gassed up to mark the corner and then turned south on I-55, skirting around West Memphis, AR and Memphis, TN. Two planned gas stops and a few hundred miles later, I made the next turn east on I-12, complete with a gas stop, near Hammond, LA. (02:56 pm CT). By then the temps were in the low 70’s (f) with little wind. It was a beautiful day for a ride!

Interstate 12 quickly turned into I-10 and I crossed the LA/MS state line, passing near Biloxi, MS and on to Mobile, AL. I turned north on I-65 at Mobile and marked the turn with another gas stop (4:49 pm CT). Daylight was fading fast, along with the warmer temps. I changed back to my heavier First Gear Kilimanjaro Jacket and Gloves before continuing north to Montgomery and on to Birmingham, AL. (6:56 pm CT)

Following the by-pass around the east side of Birmingham, I eventually turned northeast on I-59, passing near Gadsden and Fort Payne, AL and continuing on to I-24 at Chattanooga, TN. After losing an hour to the Eastern Time Zone, and yet another corner gas stop (11:47 pm ET), I continued north on I-75 to the junction of I-40 where, after marking the corner with a gas receipt (01:01 am ET), I turned west, toward Nashville, TN. Not far west on I-40 I returned to the Central Time Zone and regained the hour lost.

By now it was late and my concerns for forest rats (deer) were foremost in my mind. I could not decide if the bright, full, harvest moon and clear skies were, overall, a plus or a minus. I could see much better with the additional moon light, but I also thought the deer might be on the move as well. After all, this late night ride was in the middle of the deer rut (mating season), through prime deer country, in the mountains of northeast AL and eastern TN. Luckily, I never saw the first deer.

I stopped again on the north side of Nashville, at a seemingly deserted gas station, to mark the I-24 corner (2:09 am CT). I continued northwest about 45 miles to the rest stop at the KY/TN state line, where I made a quick pull-over (5 min) to evaluate how tired I was, and to find a stick of gum. I have found chewing gun helps me stay alert. The rest stop was chocked full of people sleeping in their cars with their motors running. In tough economic times many find motels an all too expensive luxury.

Throughout the night the temps had averaged in the mid to high 30's (f) but now dropped to a chilly 32 (f) degrees, insuring a brisk ride at Interstate speeds. Fortunately, I was wearing a warm electric jacket liner and was tucked in behind a fully faired Gold Wing.

About eighty-five miles later, I arrived back in Paducah, KY at the gas station where I started. After collecting an ending gas receipt (4:01 am CT) and completing the ending witness form, I rode the last four miles home, somewhat tired but, strangely, wired and wide awake.

I made a total of eleven stops on this ride, not counting the starting and ending receipts. Without the use of an auxilary fuel system, my gas stops came at the required corner marks or between 180 and 200 miles. All but one was a planned gas stop, saved as "Waypoints" in my GPS. None of the stops were longer than eight minutes, with most in the six to seven and a half minute ranges. I encountered two gas stations with pay-at-the-pump receipt problems. I was fortunate neither caused a delay. Overall, I was very pleased with the quality of my receipts.

Borrowing a good idea from LD Riders Steve Short and Greg Rice, I used Aerostitch Pannier Bags, which enabled me to eat (sparingly) entirely on my Wing while riding. I normally avoid caffine a few days before and during long rides, limiting my liquid intake to nothing but water. I have yet to find a suitable hydration system I find practical. Until I do, I continue to use a Butler Cup and bottled water during LD rides.

After a few days of reflection, I would make one major change to this ride. Considering the inherent danger of riding at night during the deer rut, it would have been more prudent to reverse the route. Riding the dangerous mountain, deer infested portions during the daylight hours and deferring the flat, open ground of Mississippi and Arkansas for the night riding. I will certainly incorporate this lesson into any future Iron Butt ride I plan.

Although the ride was tough, I thoroughly enjoyed it. For me, the real fatigue showed up after the ride, over the next couple of days, as the adrenalin rush wore off.

Once again, I gained valuable insight into my long distance endurance capabilities. I eagerly look forward to the KY In-State SS1000 and the Ironbutt 50cc, planned for the spring of 2010.

"Get Busy Living or Get Busy Dying"- Andy Dufresne, "The Shawshank Redemption"

It reminds me to value life and to embrace it whenever I can. Embracing life does not mean being stupid or reckless, but it does mean experiencing it as fully as we can. ~Bruno Valeri~ (L D List)

Maine/Canada Leaf Peeping - Fall 09

2009-09-30T21:53:00.007-05:00

Our friends in Maine have invited us to come up for the Fall Foliage Peak. We will be leaving Friday morning, again in the Camry. Unlike usual, I will blog this trip, with pictures, on our return at Old Enough to Retire, Young Enough to Enjoy It!

We will use the Spot Tracker throughout the trip. If interested Click Here or click the Spot Logo on the right sidebar.

Right is still right even if nobody's doing it. And wrong is still wrong even if everybody is doing it..... ~Unknown~

Iron Butt Saddle Sore 2K (2,000 Miles in 48 hrs)

2009-08-31T10:49:00.129-05:00

Day One

Starting Date: Saturday 8/29/09

Starting Time: 7:35 AM (CDT)

Starting Location: Charleston, MO

Ending Location: Santa Rosa, NM
Ending Time: 9:29 PM Mountain Daylight Time (10:29 CDT)
Day One Riding Time - 14 Hours 54 Minutes
Day One Mileage - 1069

Rest Break - The Days Inn, Santa Rosa, NM (7hrs 24 mins)

Day Two

Starting Date: Sunday 8/30/09
Starting Time: 4:53 AM Mountain Daylight Time (5:53 am CDT)
Starting Location: Santa Rosa, NM
Ending Location: Charleston, MO

Ending Time: 9:21 PM (CDT)

Day Two Riding Time: 15 hours 28 Mins
Day Two Mileage - 1069

Two Day Recap:
Total 2 Day Riding Time: 30 hrs 18 mins.

Combined Riding and Rest Time: 37 hrs 42 mins

Total 2 Day Mileage: 2138

Mileage Calculation Methods:
Honda Gold Wing Odometer-2138
Garmin-Model 2730-2055

(Online) Google Maps-2060

(Online) MapQuest-2062

(Online) Bing Maps-2106

Click here to view the Spot Map

Iron Butt SaddleSore 2K (Click Map)

(ride documented 2,000 miles in 48 hours or less)

This ride was a straight forward one thousand miles out and back.

My route took me south from Charleston, MO via 1-57 to I-55 and on to West Memphis, where I turned west on I-40, through Little Rock and Ft Smith, Arkansas. I continued across Oklahoma, through Oklahoma City and across the Texas Panhandle to Amarillo. The first leg ended 95 miles west of the Texas-New Mexico border at Santa Rosa, New Mexico.

I was blessed with beautiful weather for most of the ride with two exceptions. I ran into moderate rain Saturday night near Santa Rosa, NM and again, about daylight, Sunday morning returning. Other than that, blue skies with mid 70's to low 80's temps.

The visual highlight of the ride came at daybreak Sunday morning as I re-crossed the New Mexico/Texas border (near Shamrock, NM) on the return (east) leg. The sun slowly rose behind high, thin, rain-streaked clouds. It was siimply beautiful over the arid Texas Panhandle.

After a smooth, uneventful return, I arrived home from Charleston, MO around 10:30 pm (CDT), tired but very satisfied with the ride. It should also be noted, my Wing purred like a contented kitten the entire trip.

"Life is either a daring adventure or nothing." ~Helen Keller~

My life goes in only one direction ..... forward! ~HBO's Madmen~

Tennessee Courthouse Tour

2009-08-24T20:16:00.007-05:00

It is only a matter of time before I continue my Courthouse Tour, this time in the beautiful state of Tennessee.

Tennessee has 95 counties which I have divided into four trips. Leg 1 & 2 should be overnight trips (2 days) while Leg 3 & 4 will be two nights (3 days). I will probably do these four trips sometime during the fall of 09 and spring of 10.

As yet, I have no date in mind for any of the rides.

If you get up in the morning expecting to have a bad day, you'll rarely disappoint yourself. ~Wayne Dyer~

The bad news is time flies. The good news is you're the pilot.
~Michael Altshuler~

Old Enough to Retire, Young Enough to Enjoy It!

2009-06-25T18:19:00.004-05:00

Carolyn and I will leave on our Northwest vacation July 7th.

As promised, we will blog as much as possible along the way. If you are interested you can join us with the link below.

Comments are always much appreciated and always welcome!

Old Enough to Retire, Young Enough to Enjoy It!

"Grief can take care of itself, but to get the full value of joy you must have somebody to divide it with" ~Mark Twain~

KY County Courthouse Tour (10)

2009-05-20T19:14:00.157-05:00

120 Counties Visited
122 Courthouses

As late as last Friday the weather forecast remained doubtful for the later portions of the upcoming week. Bright sunshine and moderate temps were universally predicted for Sunday through Tuesday. With this forecast in mind, I invited both Bill Hulen and Kevin Pugh to accompany me on my next and final KY Courthouse Tour. Sadly, Bill was unable to ride due to previous appointments.

After a quick gas up, Kevin and I left Paducah Sunday morning at 7 am, east-bound to Shepardsville, KY. and the Bullitt Co courthouse.

(102) Bullitt Co.
Shepardsville, KY

We rode into downtown Louisville on two lane, tree canopied streets, past Churchill Downs and Cardinal Stadium. This is a magnificent mature neighborhood full of beautiful, well maintained, hundred-year old homes.

(103) Jefferson Co.
Louisville, KY

The largest Kentucky county by population is Louisville/Jefferson County , which has a population of 693,604.

The Jefferson County courthouse is enormous! For a size comparison, notice my Wing parked in the lower right side of the photo. This building is simply too large to include in one photo at close range.

(104) Oldham Co.
LaGrange, KY

From Louisville we rode north-east on 1-71 to LaGrange, KY. After visiting Oldham Co's courthouse we were treated to some great two-lane twisty roads.

(105) Henry Co.
New Castle, KY

(106) Trimble Co.
Bedford, KY

(107) Carroll Co.
Carrollton, KY

(108) Gallatin Co.
Warsaw, KY

In 2000 the Gallatin county population was 7,870 in a land area of 98.81 square miles, an average of 79.6 people per square mile. It is the smallest county in the state.

(109) Owen Co.
Owenton, KY

(110) Grant Co.
Williamstown, KY

(111) Kenton Co.
Independence, KY

This is the first of two courthouses located in Kenton County.

Kenton and Campbell counties are side by side in the Covington-Newport area. Each county has an inner city courthouse to the north and another courthouse in the southern part of the county. I assume this accomodation allows people to complete their courthouse business without coming into the city.

After leaving Independence we made the decision to find a motel and dinner in Florence, KY.

The next morning we turned north and rode through beautiful, green hills and curvy roads to the small hamlet of Rabbit Hash, KY, on the banks of the Ohio River. I found this area to be quiet and peaceful, in addition to being quiet scenic.

Rabbit Hash is the home of the oldest, continually operated general store in Kentucky. It is also recognized by the National Historic Register for the part it played before and during the Civil War, ferrying runaway slaves north to freedom across the Ohio River.

An original log cabin at the site of the Civil War ferry landing in Rabbit Hash, KY.

(112) Boone Co.
Burlington, KY

Six miles downstream from Cincinnati we crossed the Ohio River on the Anderson Ferry into Ohio.

We stopped just across the Ohio River to check Kevin's static filled CB ground wire connection.

We soon discovered Kevin's battery was dead. Kevin found a replacement and eventually, we started his bike, and were able to resume our ride.

(113) Kenton Co.
Covington, KY

This was the second courthouse for Kenton Co.

While stopped in downtown Covington, we quickly learned Kevin's bike remained unable to hold a charge, despite the new battery. Kevin decided to head for home while the bike still seemed capable of making the trip. I followed him west on I-71 until he was well within one gas tank's range of Paducah. Kevin made it back to Paducah without further problems.

After Kevin departed I returned to the Covington / Newport area and resumed my courthouse tour solo.

(114) Campbell Co.
Newport, KY

(115) Campbell Co.
Alexandria, KY

This is the second courthouse for Campbell Co.

After leaving Alexandria I called it a day and returned to Covington to find a motel room for the second night.

Old Augusta Ferry (The Jenny Linn)
Augusta, Ky

Tuesday morning I left Covington shortly after daylight and followed the Kentucky side of the old river road south-east in a moderate to heavy fog. Eventually I arrived in the picturesque river town of Augusta, KY. Unfortunately the ferry was closed due to the fog.

Augusta is a beautiful little river town with peaceful, tree-lined streets filled with restored buildings and quaint shops.

I rode south to Walcott, KY to visit The White Covered Bridge. This covered bridge is privately maintained and in immaculate condition. It is located in a small park near the main road in Walcott, KY. By now it must be apparent I also have an interest in ferrys and covered bridges.

(116) Bracken Co.
Brooksville, KY

(117) Pendleton Co.
Falmouth, KY

(118) Robertson Co.
Mt. Olivet, KY

Robertson County is located in north-eastern Kentucky in the middle of the Licking River and Bluegrass regions of the state. It is the smallest county in population, and the second smallest in area with one hundred square miles of land.

Johnson Creek Covered Bridge (Four miles southwest of Mt. Olivet, KY)

(119) Mason Co.
Maysville, KY

I have had the pleasure of riding my bikes in Ohio many times in the past but I have never been able to find a safe place to take a picture of the state sign. While in Maysville, I decided to cross the Ohio River again and check out the sign at Aberdeen. Fortunately, this time a volunteer group was painting a mural on the concrete abutment below the sign and had the highway cordoned off. I was finally able to add Ohio to my state sign collection.

(120) Fleming Co.
Flemingsburg, KY

The Goddard White Covered Bridge
Goddard, KY

(121) Nicholas Co.
Carlisle, KY

(122) Harrison Co.
Cynthiana, KY

The Valley View Ferry across the Kentucky River

This paddle wheel ferry, opened in 1780, is the oldest continuing business in Kentucky. It is located on Tates Creek Road, 12 miles south of Lexington. It is now publicly funded, free to use, and is easily the best maintained ferry I have ridden in KY.

High Bridge

My last stop was a trip to High Bridge KY. The majestic High Bridge railroad structure, considered an engineering marvel of its time and featured by the Smithsonian Institute, is an honored landmark that spans the Kentucky River at the breathtaking Gorge and Palisades. When built in 1877 it was the highest railroad trestle in the world.

I departed High Bridge Park around 3:15 pm, stopping in Bardstown for a quick sandwich and a tank of gas. I arrived home around 7:15 pm after riding 1278 miles for the three day ride.

I regretted Kevin's battery problems knocked him out of half of this trip, but, in the end, anyone who travels knows you always have the ever-present mechanical and electrical glitches to deal with. Kevin and I have had many great trips in the past and I look foward to many more in the future.

This trip completed my tour of Kentucky's Courthouses. The courthouse theme was simply a means to explore my home state of Kentucky. It accomplished that goal and many more. I highly reccomend it to anyone suffering from a bad case of "Wanderlust".

My wife, Carolyn, will be retiring next Wednesday and my travel focus for the forseeable future will shift primarily to automobile trips. I will also still be making shorter trips on my Wing. Look for a web link to our new blog to be posted here in the near future.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

And finally, two signs I saw on this trip that put a smile on my face. The first was actually a bumper sticker I saw twice.

"Wag More - Bark Less!" (Sage Words to Live By!)

The second was seen near Lexington, KY in the center of some very expensive horse country.

"The Double Stink Pig Farm"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"You could be the one who takes the long way home, roll down the window, turn off your phone, see your life as a gift from the great unknown and your task is to receive it" (Mary Chapin Carpenter - "The Long Way Home")
"Just when the caterpillar thought the world was over it became a butterfly". ~Unknown~

KY County Courthouse Tour (9)

2009-03-19T18:41:00.142-05:00

101 Blue Counties Visited of 120 Total

Red - The Next Trip (Click Map)

Monday, March 16th, 2009

I finally saw a three day window in the early spring weather. Riding with me on this tour was Bill Hulen, a good friend and one of the original members of the "Riders of the Long Table" at FDR Honda.

We left Paducah at 6:30 am, stopping in Princeton for a quick Hardee's breakfast before continuing east on the Western Kentucky Parkway.

(Click to Enlarge)

Just west of Beaver Dam, we turned south to investigate The Rochester Ferry on the Green River. We didn't wait long before a small, elderly woman in camouflaged coveralls and a ball cap, powered up the old, rusting ferry, and made the crossing to pick us up. We paid our "2 buck" ferry fee and were soon ferried across the river. As ferrys go, this has to be one of the smallest.

Bill Hulen, riding The Rochester Ferry across The Green River.

Our next planned stop was the Reed's Ferry, about 7 miles east. The road soon turned to a loose gravel, forcing us to take the prudent approach and skip this ferry. Nine hundred pound Gold Wings are not well-suited for gravel riding. I plan to revisit this ferry, approaching from the east.

We continued east to The Valley View Ferry, south of Lexington, which crosses the Kentucky River. Unfortunately, our ferry woes continued when we found this ferry remained closed for the winter months. With luck, I will revisit this ferry on my next courthouse tour.

After a quick detour north to Lexington to by-pass the Kentucky River, we soon arrived in Richmond, picking up our first courthouse picture. Throughout the afternoon, we delt with light rain and slick mountain roads with no guard rails, requiring a fairly conservative ride.

(78) Madison Co
Richmond, KY

(79) Estill Co.
Irvine, KY

(80) Jackson Co
McKee, KY

(81) Owsley Co
Booneville, KY

From Booneville we turned south, where we spent the night in Manchester, KY. Did I mention motels in this part of the state are in extremely short supply?

(82) Lee Co
Beatyville, KY

We awoke to a fairly dense fog and a late daybreak. The ride to Beatyville was a beautiful ride, despite the early morning fog. The hazy pictures are due to lingering moisture in the air.

(83) Breathitt Co
Jackson, KY

This part of the state has some of the most scenic, winding mountain roads a biker could ever ask for. The beautiful mountain scenery more than made up for the minor fog problems.

(84) Wolf Co
Campton, KY

(85) Powell Co
Stanton, KY

While Bill and I were stopped at this courthouse, we were nearly trampled by a swarm of police cars as they responded to an emergency call. Unfortunately we were parked directly behind their cars as they roared away.

Powell County was the home of the legendary race horse trainer Woody Stevens.

(86) Menifee Co
Frenchburg, KY

(87) Morgan Co
West Liberty, KY

(88) Elliott Co
Sandy Hook, KY

(89) Carter Co
Grayson, KY
(90) Rowan Co
Morehead, KY

We spent the second night in Morehead, KY.
(91) Boyd Co
Catlettsburg, KY

(92) Greenup Co
Greenup, KY

(93) Lewis Co
Vanceburg, KY

(94) Bath Co
Owingsville, KY

(95) Montgomery Co
Mt Sterling, KY

(96) Clark Co
Winchester, KY

I would like to thank the mayor of Winchester who personally greeted us in front of this courthouse, and included some interesting history about the courthouse and the city of Winchester.

(97) Bourbon Co
Paris, KY

I departed from my normal habit of including a bike in the picture simply because I could not find an angle that would include the bike and do justice to this magnificent structure. In my opinion, this is one of the best courthouses in our state.

We met a former Circuit Court Judge in front of this courthouse who gave us a brief but very interesting history of this building and how it was rebuilt twice after severe storm damage.

(98) Scott County
Georgetown, KY

(99) Franklin Co
Frankfort, KY

The KY State Capitol Building
Frankfort, KY

(100) Shelby Co
Shelbyville, KY

(101) Spencer Co
Taylorsville, KY

We left Taylorsville and rode southwest to Bardstown where we had a quick lunch before heading home. We arrived back in Paducah Wednesday afternoon at 3:30 pm. The 3 day, round trip total was 1210 miles.

I have 19 counties left on my Courthouse Tour. You can safely bet it won't be long before each will receive a visit.

I would like to thank Bill Hullen again for a very enjoyable ride. Bill is a very interesting traveling companion, a great Wing rider, and a lot of fun to have on a trip.

Far better is it to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs, even if chequered by failure, than to take rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy much nor suffer much, because they live in the grey twilight that knows not victory or defeat. ~Unknown~

I have never been lost in my life; I will however, admit to being confused for several weeks. ~Daniel Boone ~

KY County Courthouse Tour (8)

2008-10-21T18:45:00.058-05:00

77 Blue Counties Visited of 120 Total
White & Red - Future Trips (Click Map)

Monday, October 20, 2008

Kentucky Courthouse Tour (SPOT)
Software Copyright © Jason Jonas

I have learned daylight comes late in the eastern time zone. Finally, at 7:40 am, I departed Mt. Vernon for Stanford. The temp was 30 degrees amid an otherwise bright and clear sky.

(70) Lincoln County
Stanford, KY

(71) Garrard County
Lancaster, KY

I am sure it is obvious by now that I have a strong interest in the colorful history of each of these counties. I have posted many of the historical signs I have found along the way.

(72) Boyle County
Danville, KY

(73) Mercer County
Harrodsburg, KY
(74) Jessamine County
Nicholasville, KY

(75) Fayette County
Lexington, KY

(76) Woodford County
Versailles, KY

(77) Anderson County
Lawrenceburg, KY

After stopping in Elizabethtown, KY for the worst pork bar-b-que sandwich I have had in a long time, I arrived home Monday afternoon around 3:00 pm, tired but very pleased with my 3-day ride. I am already looking forward to the next courthouse tour.

I love the open road and all that it suggests.
~ADVrider~

It is easy to be brave from a distance.
~Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee~

KY County Courthouse Tour (7)

2008-10-21T16:37:00.072-05:00

Sunday, October 19, 2008

Kentucky Courthouse Tour (SPOT)

I left Harlan, KY around 7:40 am in a moderate fog with the temperture at 30 degrees. A light frost covered everything. Heated clothing saved a cold but otherwise beautiful fall day.

I slowly climbed up a mountain just outside of Harlan, breaking through the fog halfway up. Soon I topped the summit where I found a breathtaking view of the surrounding fog filled valley. Along the way I visited Kingdom Come State Park and Pine Mountain State Park. Both beautiful by any measure!

People are constantly asking me why I ride long distances and I always tell them it is the journey. It's not about any single destination. It's the unique and beautiful sights you see along the way. The two pictures above illustrate my point perfectly!

I decended the mountain to find Whitesburg, KY hidden below the thick blanket of fog.

(57) Letcher County
Whitesburg, KY

The rest of my day was spent riding through the scenic Applachian Mountains visiting twelve southeastern KY counties, each beautiful in it's own way.

(58) Pike County
Pikesville, KY

Pike County is the eastern most county and borders Virginia.

(59) Floyd County
Prestonburg, KY

(60) Magoffin County
Salyersville, KY

(61) Johnson County
Paintsville, KY

(62) Lawrence County
Louisa, KY

(63) Martin County
Inez, KY

Martin County borders West Virginia. Again, many of these counties are building fancy new "Justice Centers." Anytime I have a choice, I much prefer to take a picture of the "old courthouse".

(64) Knott County
Hindman, KY

(65) Perry County
Hazard, KY

(66) Leslie County
Hyden, KY

(67) Clay County
Manchester, KY

I ran into issues with the sun at almost every turn. It was always directly over the courthouses making it extremely hard to take a decent photo. This explains some of the odd positions the pictures were taken from.

(68) Laurel County
London, KY

(69) Rockcastle County
Mt. Vernon, KY

I ended a great fall riding day in Mt. Vernon, KY with a not-so fancy dinner at the local Arbys and an inexpensive room at the Econo Lodge.

"Whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority, it's time to pause and reflect." ~Mark Twain~

Life is short, Break the rules, Forgive quickly, Kiss slowly, Love truly, Laugh uncontrollably, And never regret anything that made you smile. ~Author Unknown~

KY County Courthouse Tour (6)

2008-10-21T14:11:00.032-05:00

Saturday, October 18, 2008

Kentucky Courthouse Tour (SPOT)

The goal was to ride the southern green route on my KY State Map.

I left Paducah in the pre-dawn darkness around 6:15 am. After spotting several deer near the roadside of I-24 I made a prudent stop in Princeton to await daylight and grab a quick breakfast at the local Hardy's.

(50) Casey County
Liberty, KY

Late in the morning, and two hundred sixty five miles later, I arrived at my first court house.

(51) Pulaski County
Somerset, KY

(52) McCreary County
Whitley City, KY

(53) Whitley County
Williamsburg, KY

(54) Knox County
Barbourville, KY

(55) Bell County
Pineville, KY

(56) Harlan County
Harlan, KY

The rest of the afternoon was spent riding along the southeastern tier of Kentucky counties collecting pictures of the next six courthouses. I ended the day at the only hotel in Harlan, Ky, the Holiday Inn Express.

Listen to the Past
It leads to the future.

Consider the Future
It becomes the Present

Live the Present
To acheive a Happy Past

REF Jr. 1996
Every man dies.... Not every man lives
~William Ross Wallace~

KY County Courthouse Tour (5)

2008-10-06T16:18:00.028-05:00

October 6th. 2008

Blue = Counties Visited (49 of 120)
Red-White-Green = Future Trips

KY Courthouse Tour - SPOT Satellite Tracking Page

(45) Butler County
Morgantown, KY

(46) Hart County
Munfordville, KY
(47) Webster County
Dixon, KY

(48) Henderson County
Henderson, KY

(49) Union County
Morganfield, KY

"A government big enough to give you everything you want, is big enough to take away everything you have." ~Thomas Jefferson~
"There are two sides to every story - and then there's the truth".

KY County Courthouse Tour (4)

2008-09-24T16:59:00.070-05:00

Monday, Sept. 22, 2008
Blue = Counties Visited (41 of 120)
Red-White-Green = Future Trips

KY Courthouse Tour - SPOT Satellite Tracking Page

Many of Kentucky's counties are building new "Justice Centers". Normally I will take a photo of the first courthouse I come to unless I find one more interesting than the other. I have found these historic courthouses are very much part of my exploration of Kentucky and it's history, in addition to using them to document my progress across the state.

(31) Marion County
Lebanon, KY

This is a photo of the Marion County Executive Bldg, taken Monday morning at dawn . The brand new courthouse is currently under construction next door.

(32) Springfield, KY

Washington County

(33) Nelson County
Bardstown, KY

The old Nelson County Courthouse on the Bardstown square is a very interesting building by any measure!

(34) LaRue County
Hodgenville, KY

(35) Hardin County
Elizabethtown, KY

(36) Grayson County
Leitchfield, KY

(37) Breckinridge County

Hardinsburg, KY

(38) Meade County
Brandenburg, KY

(39) Hancock County
Hawesville, KY

(40) Davies County
Ownesboro, KY

(41) Ohio County
Hartford, KY

(42) Muhlenberg County
Greenville, KY

(43) McLean County
Calhoun, KY

(44) Hopkins County
Madisonville, KY

Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life? ~Mary Oliver~
"Ride the ride, not the bike" ~Finding Religion in Gifford Pinchot ~ADVrider~

KY County Courthouse Tour (3)

2008-09-24T15:42:00.044-05:00

Sunday, Sept. 21, 2008

KY Courthouse Tour - SPOT Satellite Tracking Page

(14) Christian County
Hopkinsville, KY(15) Todd County
Elkton, KY(16) Logan County
Russellville, KY(17) Simpson County

Franklin, KY(18) Allen County

Scottsville, KY(19) Warren County

Bowling Green, KY(20) Edmonson County
Brownsville, KY(21) Barren County

Glasgow, KY(22) Monroe County
Tompkinsville, KY(23) Cumberland County

Burkesville, KY(24) Clinton County
Albany, KY(25) Wayne County
Monticello, KY(26) Russell County

Jamestown, KY (27) Adair County
Colombia, KY

From my perspective, the newer "Justice Centers" lack the historic charm and uniqueness that you will find in many of the older courthouses. Adair and Barren County are two prime examples.

(28) Metcalfe County

Edmonton, KY(29) Green County
Greensburg, KY

(30) Taylor County
Campbellsville, KY

"Henceforth I whimper no more, postpone no more, need nothing...strong and content I travel the open road."
~Walt Whitman~

KY County Courthouse Tour (2)

2008-08-11T14:48:00.019-05:00

(8) Marshall County

Benton, KY

(9) Trigg County

Cadiz, KY

Trigg County will soon have a new County Courthouse.

(10) Caldwell County

Princeton, KY

(11) Lyon County

Eddyville, KY

(12) Crittenden County

Marion, KY

(13) Livingston County

Smithland, KY

"Life can be lost one day at a time or life can be gained one day at a time -- it's your choice." ~Oliver Leveritt~

Ky County Courthouse Tour (1)

2008-08-08T18:09:00.077-05:00

After completing The Four Corners Tour and taking a much needed month long rest, I am once again itching to ride. I have used some of the hottest dog days of summer to plan rides for the balance of this year and 2009. Obviously any plan is subject to change.

My tenative motorcycle rides for 2009 include exploring the two largest rivers in the eastern US. The Great River Road (Mississippi River) starting at Lake Itasca, MN and finishing in Venice, LA, and The Ohio River Scenic Byway beginning in Cairo, IL and ending in western PA. These two rides will not be Ironbutt rides and will not have a timetable. I guess both could be described as exploratory or flower-sniffen rides.

I am also seriously considering exploring Canada’s Gaspe Peninsula, Prince Edward Island, The Cabot Trail and Newfoundland, either by car this fall, or as a bike trip sometime in mid-09.

As for the rest of 08;

A more detailed exploration of Kentucky has long been one of my retirement travel goals. I have decided to ride to all 120 county seats and courthouses within the Commonwealth. What better way to see a cross section of Kentucky?

I plan to accomplish this using a series of one day rides combined with a couple of three or four day trips to the eastern portion of the state. Remaining true to my past rides, I will take a photo of my bike in front of each county courthouse. There is no timeline for this project, therefore, I have no idea how long it will take me to complete this goal.

With my plan in mind, I started my Kentucky Courthouse ride today, 08/08/2008.

I thought it would be fitting to start here at home.

(1) McCracken County
Paducah, KY

(2) Ballard County
Wickliffe, KY

(3) Carlisle County
Bardwell, KY
This courthouse suffered a fire in December, 2007 and is in the process of rebuilding.

(4) Hickman County

Clinton, KY

(5) Fulton County

Hickman, KY
You will go a long way to find a more interesting building than the Fulton Co. Court House.

(6) Calloway County

Murray, KY

(7) Graves County

Mayfield, KY

Know the difference between speedboats and sailboats?
It's about the destination with speedboats.
With sailboats its all about the journey...."

It's Official!

2008-07-20T13:09:00.021-05:00

I received the Four Corners Tour Certification today and my ride is now listed on the 2008 Four Corners Finishers Page. (Click 2008 Finishers - Completion Date: June 17, 08)

Madawaska, Maine is the only USA Corner that presents it's own certificate.

I also received the Ironbutt NPT Master Traveler (Gold) certificate while I was riding the Four Corners Tour.

"Reality is merely an illusion, albeit a very persistent one."
~Albert Einstein~

4CT Tour - Thursday, June 26th. 08

2008-06-26T09:59:00.098-05:00

Streets & Trips Map

SPOT Satellite Tracking Map of Tour

"The elephant has been eaten!"

I made it home safely this morning around 7:30 am.

It's "GREAT" to be home!

Now for a few stats:

Mileage Chart

I rode 11,897 miles total. For the entire ride I averaged 541 miles per day.

The "official" Four Corners Tour from Key West, FL to San Ysidro, CA to Blaine, WA, to Madawaska, ME totaled 9,045 miles. I rode the tour in 15 1/2 days with an overall average of 565.3 miles per day.

As listed above, 7 days were over 600+ mile days. Ten days were +500 miles, 3 were + 400 and 2 were +200.

The 3-400 mile days were two-lane side trips. (Big Sur / San Francisco - along the California coast, The Colombia River Gorge in Washington, Beartooth Pass , Chief Joseph Highway and Big Horn National Park in Montanna/Wyoming

Other higher mileage two-lane side trips included The Northern Cascades Historic Highway in Washington and a two-lane ride from Fargo, ND to Ottawa, Ontario. I also had the opportunity to ride through Boston, MA, Providence, RI, New York City, NY and Baltimore, MD on the ride home.

The 2-200 plus mile days were the short trip from Valdosta, GA to Orlando, FL (Day Plus One), and from Lexington, KY to Paducah, KY (Day Twenty One), the last day.

I enjoyed two rest days in Maine after completing the tour. With the Wing parked and no mileage, I excluded both days from the mileage totals and averages.

I count myself extremely fortunate not to have had an accident or even a close call during the Tour.

Gas Price - Temp Chart

The highest gas prices I found in the US was $4.67 in Pacifica, CA. (a suburb of San Francisco, CA)

The lowest gas price in the US was $3.66 in Tuson, AZ

The highest gas prices encountered in Canada was 1.41 per liter in Montreal, Quebec and Riviere Du Loup, Ontario.

I did not keep miles per gallon info.

The high temp of 100F came, as expected, in the panhandle of FL and The Imperial Valley, CA.

The low temp of 36F was found 11,000 ft up at the top of Beartooth Pass, Wyoming between the snowbanks.

My SPOT map has now been disabled. Thanks again to the many who followed my adventure and posted comments. All were much appreciated.

This was truly a ride that I will never forget!

"If you're not living on the edge, you're taking up too much space."~Anonymous~

4CT Tour - Wednesday, June 25th. 08

2008-06-25T15:04:00.018-05:00

Tour Day:
Day/Date: Wednesday, June 25th, 2008
Time Started: 5:08 AM EDST
Time Ended: 3:20 PM EDST
Starting Location: Wilmington, Delaware
Ending Location: Lexington, KY
Total Miles Today: 652
Cumulative Miles: 11,525
Low Temp: 61F - Wilmington, Delaware
High Temp: 91F - Lexington, KY
Highest Gas Price: $4.09 Morgantown, West Virginia
Lowest Gas Price: $3.95 Fredrick, MD
States: Maryland, West Virginia (34)

Today was all about mileage so there were no pictures. I promised myself last night I would take it easier today, maybe sleep in and ride less. After all, in this heat, I did not plan to ride the entire 912 miles in one day. I woke up at 3:30 am, laid there a while, and finally decided to hit the road, promise or no promise.

I quickly jumped back on I-95 south and in no time I was led into the heart of Baltimore. After circling The Chesapeake Bay shores, I passed under The Fort McHenry Tunnel , near Camden Yards baseball stadium. I-95 eventually joined I-270 -70 and I was finally moving west.

A note about EZ Pass. After receiving advice from my northeast friends, I made sure I had an EZ Pass with me for this trip. I must say, it is worth the trouble to get one. The New Jersey Turnpike has "Express Lanes" that allow you to go through the toll booths at 55mph. Talk about a time saver! The EZ Pass worked like a charm from Maine to Maryland on the many toll roads and bridges of the northeast.

After stopping for breakfast in Fredrick, Maryland, I continued to follow I-70 west, eventually joining I-68, The National Freeway.

At Morgantown, West Virginia I joined I-79 for the quick run to Charleston, WV where I joined I-64. In no time at all I crossed the border into good ole KY and rode to Lexington before I finally called it a day.

Tomorrow I will ride the 261 miles home, arriving sometime late morning.

To view my entire trip map page "Click Here"

To view the 24 hour SPOT map "Click Here"

"Only bikers understand why dogs like to stick their heads out of car windows."

4CT Tour - Tuesday, June 24th. 08

2008-06-24T16:04:00.019-05:00

Tour Day:
Day/Date: Tuesday, June 24th, 2008
Time Started: 4:23 AM EDST
Time Ended: 3:30 PM EDST
Starting Location: Peru, Maine
Ending Location: Wilmington, Delaware
Total Miles Today: 573
Cumulative Miles: 10,883
Low Temp: 56F - Auburn, Maine
High Temp: 81F - New York City, NY
Highest Gas Price: $4.41 New Haven, Connecticut
Lowest Gas Price: $4.05 Peru, Maine
States: New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Delaware (32)

After saying goodbye to my friends in Maine, I began the last leg of my trip home. I left Peru, Maine at 4:23 am with the goal of timing my arrival in New York City at a non-peak rush hour. I also wanted to ride in the four states I have not had my motorcycles in.

The first and second states came quickly.

I was following I-95 south and found the traffic heavy, as expected. As I neared New York City the traffic only got worse. Just before I crossed the George Washington Bridge, around 1 pm, traffic had come to a stop and crawl standstill. I was not in any hurry so I just moved over to the far left lane and rode it out. As soon as I crossed the double decker bridge traffic picked up and I entered The New Jersey Turnpike. I did encounter a few thundershowers on the Turnpike but nothing serious.

The ride was uneventful and yet interesting. Without a doubt some of the heaviest traffic I have ridden in. I did notice motorcycles were few and far between.

I was not able to get a picture of the state signs for New Jersey or Delaware. I did not see a New Jersey sign as I came off the George Washington Bridge nor did I see one on the Delaware Memorial Bridge. It would not have mattered as both locations simply had too much traffic to stop for any reason.

Tonight I am in Wilmington, Delaware. Tomorrow I turn west and, if all goes as planned, I should make it home sometime late Thursday afternoon.

To view my entire trip map page "Click Here"

To view the 24 hour SPOT map "Click Here"

"The biggest risk in life is not living it."

4CT Tour - Sunday & Monday, June 22nd & 23rd- 08

2008-06-24T15:34:00.018-05:00

Two planned days of rest.

Several years ago, my wife and I met a couple of real characters while riding The Blue Ridge Parkway. Glen Tompkins (left) and Neil Sorenson (middle) have since visited us for a tour of Nashville and also hosted Carolyn and I while we were on a stamp hunting trip to Acadia National Park in Bar Harbor, Maine. Both are great guys! You simply could not ask to meet two better people or have two better friends.

While resting a couple of days we decided to do a short tour of southeastern Maine. No tour would be complete without a trip to LL Bean in Freeport, Maine.

Who knew Maine has a desert?

Finding beautiful lakes is never hard in Maine.

We also drove by the Capitol building in Augusta, Maine.

Glen recentely had a close encounter of the worst kind with a cow moose. When it was all said and done his pickup suffered $5,000 in damage but no one was hurt. Well .... Not Quiet. Glen has had to endure a bit of public teasing as well. No doubt he has given as good as he is getting.

To view my entire trip map page "Click Here"

To view the 24 hour SPOT map "Click Here"

"So many roads, so little time!"

4CT Tour - Day Sixteen - Saturday, June 21st. 08

2008-06-21T17:53:00.041-05:00

Tour Day: Sixteen
Day/Date: Saturday, June 21st, 2008
Time Started: 6:30 AM EDST
Time Ended: 5:00 PM EDST
Starting Location: Saint Nicholas, Quebec
Ending Location: Peru, Maine
Total Miles Today: 580
Cumulative Miles: 10,310
Low Temp: 54F - Saint Nicholas, Quebec
High Temp: 77F - Peru, Maine
Highest Gas Price: $1.41.9 Liter - Riviere Du Loup, Quebec
Lowest Gas Price: $4.19 Houlton, Maine
States: New Brunswick, Maine (25)

Today I left Saint Nicholas and skirted around Quebec City following Canada's Hwy 20. A little over 200 miles later, after crossing into New Brunswick, I arrived at Edmundston. From there it is a quick border crossing into Madawaska, Maine.

It did not take long to find the Citgo to get my required gas receipt. From there I rode to the brand new Four Corners Park, where I found a welcoming committee made up of volunteers who were putting the final touches on the soon to be dedicated new park. I was greeted warmly and awarded a certificate for making it to Madawaska. After taking pictures I rode back to the post office and mailed the last qualifying letter.

With that act, I officially finished the Four Corners Tour.

The Four Corners Monument - Madawaska, ME

After leaving Madawaska, I crossed back into Canada at Edmundston and rode Hwy 20 south, parallel to the Canadian / US border. I had been dodging rain storms all day but that luck came to an end when I ran into two of the worst frog-choking thunderstorms I have ever seen.

After drying out I re-entered the US at Houlton, Maine and picked up I-95. From there it was a quick trip down to Peru to visit friends.

I plan to rest a couple of days in Peru, Maine before I begin the trip home. On the final leg I intend to ride through Rhode Island, Connecticut, New Jersey and Delaware, the last four continental states that my motorcycle riding has not taken me.

I will post more pictures as soon as I have better Internet connections.

To view my entire trip map page "Click Here"

To view the 24 hour SPOT map "Click Here"

"Growing old is inevitable. Growing up is optional."

4CT Tour - Day Fifteen - Friday, June 20th. 08

2008-06-20T16:16:00.027-05:00

Tour Day: Fifteen
Day/Date: Friday, June 20th, 2008
Time Started: 5:08 AM EDST
Time Ended: 5:05 PM EDST
Starting Location: Sudbury, Ontario
Ending Location: Saint Nicholas, Quebec
Total Miles Today: 601 (50% Two Lane)
Cumulative Miles: 9730
Low Temp: 42F - Sudbury, Ontario
High Temp: 77F - Montreal, Quebec
Highest Gas Price: $1.41.9 Liter - Montreal, Quebec
Lowest Gas Price: $1.39.9 Liter - Riguad, Ontario
States: Quebec (23)

I awoke this morning to a light fog and a steady drizzle. I took my time packing the bike and left slightly before daylight. Patience and care were the watchwords as I rode through the water logged hills and waited for the rain to stop, the fog to lift, and the sun to slowly come up. Eventually all three happened.

I was determined to increase my mileage today despite the rain. The miserable two-lane road I had been riding since Sault Ste Marie finally gave way to better four-lane roads as I neared Ottawa. I must say I have been less than impressed with Canada's highways anywhere other than near it's larger cities. I found the same to be true last year on the Alaska trip.

I stopped for gas and a quick breakfast at Tim Horton's. This is a restaurant we do not have in Western KY. It quickly became my favorite quick place to stop in Canada. Good food, fast service, takes Mastercard and every restaurant I have seen has looked to be brand new. It is hard to beat that combination.

Ottawa is a beautiful city and was a pleasure to ride through. The traffic was light and the roads in good shape.

My Canadian/Maine friends, as well as my on line forum buddies, all warned me about the Montreal traffic situation. As I neared the city I could see Miss Garmin had routed me right through the center of town. It was around 1:00 pm, early afternoon, or what would seem to be a non-rush hour period. WRONG!

I have had the pleasure of riding through some of the largest cities in the US, many on this trip. None of them compare to the total traffic quagmire that I found in downtown Montreal. It was 5 mph at best, when we were not stopped completely. Total gridlock as far as the eye could see. I have no idea how Montreal could begin to correct the mega traffic problems they have. I shudder to think what those roads would have been like in rush hour.

I continued on, determined to reach the 600 mile mark today, despite the off and on rain showers. As I neared Quebec I could see a huge black cloud looming over the city. It did not take long to run straight into a downpour which included lightning. That was it! I quickly exited just short of Quebec in a small suburb called Saint Nicholas.

I have found it interesting to be in a non-English speaking province/city. Many times today I was the only person that was not speaking French. However, I found the people quiet friendly and very helpful. I did not encounter a clerk that did not speak English and all were more than willing to help me order.

Tomorrow I complete the Four Corners Tour in Madawaska, Maine. I should arrive around noon and I plan to get a motel room and spend the night. All is well, the Wing's purring like a contented kitten and my clothes are all drying on the hangers. :^)

I apologize for the lack of pictures today. Off and on rain and a lot of riding kept me from taking any.

To view my entire trip map page "Click Here"

To view the 24 hour SPOT map "Click Here"

"I am learning that it is remarkably easy to do things, and much more frightening to contemplate them." ~Ted Simon~

4CT Tour - Day Fourteen - Thursday, June 19th. 08

2008-06-19T15:22:00.036-05:00

Tour Day: Fourteen
Day/Date: Thursday, June 19th, 2008
Time Started: 6:30 AM EDST
Time Ended: 4:00 PM EDST
Starting Location: Marquette, Michigan
Ending Location: Sudbury, Ontario
Total Miles Today: 401 (95% Two Lane)
Cumulative Miles: 9129
Low Temp: 42F - Montreal, Quebec
High Temp: 56F - Sudbury, Ontario
Highest Gas Price: $1.41.9 Liter - Sudbury, Ontario
Lowest Gas Price: $4.19 Seney, Michigan
States: Ontario (22)

True to my promise, I gave myself a small break and left at 6:30 am Eastern. The temperature was chilly and a light mist was in the air as I left the motel.

The road follows the coast of Lake Superior. The clouds in the background foretold what was to come.

I stopped at a roadside park to hook up my electric vest.

Shortly after sunrise on Lake Superior.

The rain and light fog started just east of Marquette and continued for the rest of the ride across the Upper Peninsula. Mike J was right when he said the road across the UP was straight and boring. I will add today it was chilly and wet as well!

After a quick fill-up at Sault Ste Marie, USA, I crossed the bridge into Sault Ste Marie, Ontario, Canada without any problems.

After passing through customs I turned east on Canada's Hwy 17 following the coast of Lake Huron.

Hwy 17 is a two lane road that is being upgraded to four. Construction delays seem to be around ever turn. I rode one section of freshly milled, wet blacktop for nearly 20 miles. On top of that, the rain steadily increased, turning into a black thunderstorm near Sudbury, Ontario.

I had ridden 411 miles in the rain, mostly on two lanes. I finally called it quits to find a warm, dry motel room.

All is well with the Wing and myself. I look forward to a rain free tomorrow. I am 759 miles from Madawaska, ME.

PS; I finally loaded yesterdays pictures.

To view my entire trip map page "Click Here"

To view the 24 hour SPOT map "Click Here"

"Those people who tell you not to take chances are all missing what life's about" ~James Hetfield~

4CT Tour - Day Thirteen - Wednesday, June 18th. 08

2008-06-18T17:56:00.028-05:00

Tour Day: Thirteen
Day/Date: Wednesday, June 18th, 2008
Time Started: 5:00 AM CDST
Time Ended: 5:55 PM EDST
Starting Location: Fargo, ND
Ending Location: Marquette, MI
Total Miles Today: 556 (95% Two Lane)
Cumulative Miles: 8728
Low Temp: 48F - Fargo, NC
High Temp: 77F - Duluth, MN
Highest Gas Price: $4.19 - Ironwood, MI
Lowest Gas Price: $4.06 - Superior, WS
States: MN, WS, MI (21)

After studying my maps last night, I made the "executive" decision to leave the interstates and ride two lane state roads.

Following Hwy 10 out of Fargo, and later Hwy 210, I crossed through Detroit Lakes and Brainard, before arriving in Duluth, MN.

No self-respecting motorcycle rider could ever ride through Duluth without paying a visit to The Duluth Trading Company, Riders Warehouse. Better known as the makers of the Stitch! (Aerostitch) No, I did not order a custom fit "stitch" but I did buy the T shirt. :^)

I had always heard their store was nothing but an old warehouse. It's true.

I soon crossed over into Superior, Wisconsin, following Hwy 2, skirting around the shores of Lake Superior, across the narrowest part of the state. It was not long before I had entered Michigan at Ironwood.

Lake Superior

I had been warned by Bill H that the Upper Peninsula of Michigan could get a bit sparse for services. Bill did not exaggerate! The UP is great if you like riding between the trees and not much else.

Tonight I am in Marquette, Michigan. I am about 165 miles from the Canadian crossing and about two days out from Maine. All continues to go well. Note, I lost another hour today as I entered the Eastern time zone. I think I will be kinder to myself tomorrow and get a slightly later start.

To view my entire trip map page "Click Here"

To view the 24 hour SPOT map "Click Here"

Life is for the living. Never waste a minute of it on regret. ~Patrick Boyle~

4CT Tour - Day Twelve - Tuesday, June 17th. 08

2008-06-17T17:25:00.022-05:00

Tour Day: Twelve
Day/Date: Tuesday, June 17th, 2008
Time Started: 5:00 AM MDST
Time Ended: 3:55 PM CDST
Starting Location: Gillette, WY
Ending Location: Fargo, ND
Total Miles Today: 641 (30% Two Lane)
Cumulative Miles: 8172
Low Temp: 46F - Gillette, WY
High Temp: 79F - Fargo, ND
Highest Gas Price: $3.99 Spearfish, SD
Lowest Gas Price: $3.99 Bismark, ND
States: SD, ND (18)

Today started, as all other days have, bright and early.

I would not mind waking up to find one of these working for me in my backyard!

Sunrise comes quick in a land with few trees.

About a hundred miles after I started I crossed into South Dakota. I stopped for a breakfast at Spearfish, South Dakota.

At Spearfish I left I-90 and took Hwy 85 north across the endless sea of grass.

Grass as far as the eye can see in any direction!

Somewhere on Hwy 85, in the middle of no where, I crossed into North Dakota.

All day I watched Prong Horn antelopes and deer, seemingly curious about my passing. This Pronghorn buck seemes to be pretty good size.

Today was mostly about mileage. I stopped tonight in Fargo, ND. It should be noted I lost an hour when I crossed back into the Central Daylight Time Zone.

All in all, a very good day.

Tomorrow I cross Minnesota and Wisconsin.

To view my entire trip map page "Click Here"

To view the 24 hour SPOT map "Click Here"

~The biggest risk in life is not living it. ~

4CT Tour - Day Eleven - Monday, June 16th. 08

2008-06-16T16:39:00.036-05:00

Tour Day: Eleven
Day/Date: Monday, June 16th, 2008
Time Started: 5:00 AM MDST
Time Ended: 3:35 PM MDST
Starting Location: Big Timber, MT
Ending Location: Gillette, WY
Total Miles Today: 504 (60% Two Lane)
Cumulative Miles: 7531
Low Temp: 36F - Beartooth Pass, WY
High Temp: 76F - Gillette, WY
Highest Gas Price: $4.19
Top of the World Store, Bear Tooth Pass, WY
Lowest Gas Price: $3.99 Gillette, WY
States: WY (16)

It did not take long to ride through Colombia, MT and on to Red Lodge, where I stopped for breakfast at a small cafe. While talking to the locals, I was informed the Beartooth Pass had been closed all weekend due to snow and, as far as they knew, was still closed. I had ridden too far to give up with no more certainty than that. As I left the cafe I met a sheriffs deputy and asked him to confirm or deny the closing. After several radio calls, I knew no more than I did when I started. With that bit of dubious info in hand, I decided to ride until I found something I could not ride over.

Ascending Beartooth from the Montana side is a steep climb indeed! I saw hardly no one else on the road and no other motorcycles on the ascent.

I registered 10,809 ft to the top. I think the official version is 10,847 or something like that.

It was not hard to convince me this road was closed to snow over the weekend. I found drifts on the side of the road as high as 12 ft.

The temperature dropped throughout the climb, finally stabilizing at 36F. Naturally I had my electrics going strong!

I found some sections a bit unnerving. The sun had melted snow and the runoff had refrozen in the shadows. This was my first experience riding over water laced with ice. Fortunately there were only 20 to 30 ft sections like that. Once up there, you really had little choice.

The view was unbelievable!

At one point, coming down the other side of Beartooth, I had the daylights scared out of me when a "HUGE" elk jumped up on the road beside me and began to run right beside the Wing. We exchanged wild eyed stares and I let off the throttle as quickly as I could. He cut across the road directly in front of the Wing and disappeared over the edge.

I stopped to top off my tank and take a break at The Top of the World Store, just after cresting the Beartooth.

Before long I found Chief Josephs Scenic Highway and began yet another climb.

Beautiful views were everywhere you looked!

Notice the winding road climbing up the side of the mountain.

Silhouettes of indians at the top of Chief Josephs Highway.

There simply are no words to describe the views I saw today. It is an awesome ride, whether you are in a car or riding a bike. Not to be missed!

After decending Chief Josephs Hwy, I eventually rode Hwy 14 across Big Horn National Park. Entering the park from the north involves another steep climb of over 9,000 ft. Once again the temperture dropped down to the low forties and I was forced to rethink my clothing. The views in this park are beautiful as well.

After decending out of the park I eventually found my way back to I-90 and rode the interstate to Gillette, WY, where I am spending the night. The mileage today was not tremendous but the mountains I rode were worth the investment. I am tired but very happy with my day.

Tomorrow I ride the interstates with a goal of higher mileage.

To view my entire trip map page "Click Here"

To view the 24 hour SPOT map "Click Here"

Have a dream, live it. Set a goal, achieve it. ~Unknown~

4CT Tour - Day Ten - Sunday, June 15th. 08

2008-06-15T16:32:00.023-05:00

Tour Day: Ten
Day/Date: Sunday, June 15th, 2008
Time Started: 5:00 AM PDST
Time Ended: 3:35 PM MDST
Starting Location: Spokane, WA
Ending Location: Big Timber, Montana
Total Miles Today: 518 (5% Two Lane)
Cumulative Miles: 7027
Low Temp: 46F - Coeur d' Alene , ID
High Temp: 76F - Big Timber, MT
Highest Gas Price: $4.17 Three Forks, MT
Lowest Gas Price: $3.99 Big Timber, MT
States: ID, MT (15)

My good timing continues today as I rode through Spokane, WA on a Sunday morning at 5:15 am. Not a soul out!

Soon after leaving Spokane I crossed into Idaho.

The sun was directly in my eyes as it rose in the east, a problem I have not had to contend with until today. I decided to stop for breakfast in Coeur d' Alene, ID and let it rise just a bit.

Soon after, I found Lake Coeur d' Alene and did a short ride around one side of it.

There are not a lot of pictures because today was a interstate mileage day. I rode through Idaho's Bitterroot Range and on to the beautiful mountains of Montana.

Tonight I am in Big Timber, MT near my turn off tomorrow to ride The Beartooth Pass and Chief Josephs Highway. I made the decision to stop a bit early today, rather than tackle the next two lane mountain roads after riding over 500 miles the same day.

It should be noted I lost an hour today as I rode east.

All continues to go well.

To view my entire trip map page "Click Here"

To view the 24 hour SPOT map "Click Here"

Travel and a change of place imports new vigor to the mind. ~Unknown~

4CT Tour - Day Nine - Saturday, June 14th. 08

2008-06-14T19:30:00.041-05:00

Tour Day: Nine
Day/Date: Saturday, June 14th, 2008
Time Started: 5:00 AM PDST
Time Ended: 4:35 PM PCDST
Starting Location: Lacey, WA
Ending Location: Spokane, WA
Total Miles Today: 568 (70% Two Lane)
Cumulative Miles: 6509
Low Temp: 41F - Tumwater, WA
High Temp: 73F - Spokane, WA
Highest Gas Price: $4.29 Sedro Wooley, WA
Lowest Gas Price: $3.99 Spokane, WA
States: WA (13)

Just before I left this morning I checked the weather radar and found light rain along the coast of Washington and temps in the low 40's. That was enough to confirm my decision to forgo the Olympic Peninsula and, instead, head for the third corner. I dispensed with the mesh jacket and gloves and went with the textile Killi and warmer gloves.

After a short 130 mile ride I arrived at Blaine,Washington and collected the needed photo's and information to confirm the corner.

It is hard to read but this is the photo in front of the Blaine, WA Post Office.

From there it was on to the fourth and last corner, a "loooonnnnggg way off"! I retraced my route south down I-5 for a short 20 miles before I exited at Sedro Wooley and turned eastward. My route today took me over The Northern Cascades Historic Highway.

If you ever have the opportunity to ride this road, trust me when I tell you, it's "A Must Do"! A big thanks to Mike J for suggesting this side trip.

The well paved road has gentle curves that climb slowly to an altitude of about 5,500 ft or about half as high as the mountains that will surround you.

Throughout the ride you are almost always in sight of a river or a high mountain lake. This is Lake Diablo.

Scenic pull offs make it easy to stop and take in the stunning views.

It has not been long since this road was closed to traffic. Abundant snow still lines the sides of the road.

After coming down from the mountains I crossed a high plains (2500 ft) that appeared to be rich cropland. Apple trees were planted by the thousands. Summer wheat dominated the skyline all the way to Spokane.

Is it just me or can I see the faint outline of the curvature of the earth? While riding that road I thought I could see it.

I rode by two dams today. The first was Chief Josephs Dam.

The second was The Grand Coulee Dam. Both were in the middle of nowhere!

Tonight I am in Spokane, Washington. Tomorrow I cross into Idaho and Montanna. I look forward to my side trip up Chief Josephs Pass.

A couple of housekeeping notes:

This trip has been made bearable in the long hot, dry sections by the use of a 32oz Butler Cup. I was convinced it was butt ugly when I first saw it, but after crossing the desert, it's now my "best friend"! Sipping cold water when you need it the most saves the day!

My other "best friend" has become my LD Riding Shorts. Why? Because they work! I have had no pain in the posterior end after repeated long, hot riding days. If you have ridden a lot in hot, sweaty weather, you will know what I mean.

There! Now I feel better having shared those two tid-bits! LOL

To view my entire trip map page "Click Here"

To view the 24 hour SPOT map "Click Here"

“It is only in adventure that some people succeed in knowing themselves - in finding themselves.” ~Andre Gide~

4CT Tour - Day Eight - Friday, June 13th. 08

2008-06-13T18:19:00.024-05:00

Tour Day: Eight
Day/Date: Friday, June 13th, 2008
Time Started: 5:00 AM PDST
Time Ended: 3:00 PM PCDST
Starting Location: Ashland, Oregon
Ending Location: Lacey, WA
Total Miles Today: 561 (20% Two Lane)
Cumulative Miles: 5941
Low Temp: 42F - Grant's Pass, OR
High Temp: 73F - Lacey, WA
Highest Gas Price: $4.39 Ashland, OR
Lowest Gas Price: $4.29 Hood River, OR
States: WA (13)

I left Ashland, OR slightly before daylight, headed north on I-5 with Portland in my sights. I rode through the beautiful wooded mountains of southern and central Oregon. The air was filled with the smell of spruce and pine, while every other truck was forestry related. Oregon is truly a beautiful place to live!

After riding through Eugene and Salem I arrived in Portland. A sprawling metropolis with a scenic downtown. Just north of the downtown area, I turned east with the goal of riding The Historic Columbia River Gorge Highway.

It was not long before I found the highway and began a winding two lane ride along the southern cliffs of the Gorge.

Several times along the way I was treated to panoramic, scenic pull offs with breathtaking views.

Along the way, waterfalls cascade from the cliffs on their way to the Columbia River.

I rode east along the Oregon side of the river to The Hood River Bridge, where I crossed over north to the Washington side.

Once on the Washington side of the river I could look back south, at the majestic MT Hood.

Jaw dropping views were everywhere!

Near Wind River, WA I was lucky enough to sit on a cliff and watch several para-boarders (is that what they are called?) doing their thing. I was amazed at their nerve in such high winds and rough water.

I rode 60 miles on each side of the river, ending the ride back on I-5, where I continued on my way to the third corner of the Tour. Tonight I am in Lacey, WA about 40 or so miles from Tacoma. Tomorrow I will collect the third corner and begin my return trip eastward.

All is going well and the bike continues to perform flawlessly. (Knock on wood!)

Once again, I would like to thank the many people who have e-mailed support and posted comments here on my blog. I really do appreciate all them!

To view my entire trip map page "Click Here"

To view the 24 hour SPOT map "Click Here"

Let me tell you the secret that has led me to my goal: my strength lies solely in my tenacity. ~Louis Pasteur ~

4CT Tour - Day Seven - Thursday, June 12th. 08

2008-06-12T17:50:00.025-05:00

Tour Day: Seven
Day/Date: Thursday, June 12th, 2008
Time Started: 5:00 AM PDST
Time Ended: 3:15 PM PCDST
Starting Location: Monteray, CA
Ending Location: Ashland, Oregon
Total Miles Today: 517 (25% Two Lane)
Cumulative Miles: 5380
Low Temp: 41F - Pescadero Beach, CA
High Temp: 85F - Redding, CA
Highest Gas Price: $4.67 Pacifica, CA
Lowest Gas Price: $4.61 Redding, CA
States: OR (12)

In case it has not become apparent, I really like to ride early in the day. Perferably early enough to see the sun rise. I left Monteray at 5:00 am and watched the sun come up over the hills and begin to shine on the Pacific. A beautiful sight by any measure.

The temperture as I left Monteray was 46F but quickly dropped to 41F by the time I reached Pescadero Beach. Yep, you guessed it! I stopped and donned my trusty Gerbings liner, complete with a little power. "Problem Solved!"

Following the Cabrillo Highway, it did not take long to discover Pidgeon Point Lighthouse gleaming in the early dawn.

You guys will have to bear with me while I show my feminine side. Only in California do you see this kind of flowers at every turn! Just Beautiful!

Once again, either by tremendous planning, (yeah right! LOL) or shear dumb luck, (most likely) I hit it just right with the San Francisco traffic. I came in following the coast on the Cabrillo Hwy and easily entered The Presidio section of San Francisco. In no time at all I was crossing the Golden Gate Bridge and heading away from the in-coming morning traffic.

There is nothing I can add to the Golden Gate photo's. They speak for themselves!

About 85 miles south of Redding, CA I got a call over my bluetooth from yet another Motorcycle Touring Member. I am ashamed to say I do not even know his real name. His MTF handle is FXDB. He was not going to be able to meet me but he did have a suggestion for lunch, just up I-5 at The Old Town Eatery in Cottonwood, CA. Never one to pass up a good meal, I took his advice and pulled in. The people there were great and the food delicious! What more can you ask? Thanks for the suggestion FXDB!

It seemed like I spent the last half of the morning and half the afternoon driving around the magnificent Mt Shasta.

It is almost impossible to take a bad picture of this mountain!

I called it a day once I crossed the Oregon border and found a motel in Ashland. Tomorrow I look forward to riding a side trip to The Colombia River Gorge!

For Bill H. - The Wing continues to perform flawlessly! I never cease to be amazed at their performance level.

To view my entire trip map page "Click Here"

To view the 24 hour SPOT map "Click Here"

"It is not length of life, but depth of life." ~Ralph Waldo Emerson~

4CT Tour - Day Six - Wednesday, June 11th. 08

2008-06-11T20:32:00.031-05:00

Tour Day: Six
Day/Date: Wednesday, June 11th, 2008
Time Started: 5:00 AM PDST
Time Ended: 5:15 PM PCDST
Starting Location: San Bernadino, CA
Ending Location: Monteray, CA
Total Miles Today: 484 (85% Two Lane)
Cumulative Miles: 4863
Low Temp: 52F - High Desert, CA
High Temp: 85F - Paso Robles, CA
Highest Gas Price: $4.56 Cambria, CA
Lowest Gas Price: $4.49 Mojave, CA
States: CA (11)

First, let me say: TODAY WAS A "GREAT" RIDING DAY!

I left San Bernadino with another early start and rode over the mountains to the Mojave Desert. I was not aware this desert is at such high elevation. (4,200 ft.) The temp dropped dramatically and forced me to find a liner for my mesh jacket. The high desert was also a chore to ride in 40 mph gusts of wind.

One Hundred Sixty Nine miles later I met Ron Willey in Bakersfield, CA. Ron is a great guy and yet another example of the fine people who make up the Motorcyce Touring Forum.

Ron took me on the guided tour of Bakersfield which included Buck Owen's Place, The Buck Owen Blvd and The Merle Haggard DR. We had breakfast together and shot the bull a bit before I took off for the coast.

I took Ron's advice and followed Hwy 58 over to the coast. Trust me when I tell you Hwy 58 has some great twisties in it. I can not remember the last time I drug the right front section of my belly pan, and my right boot toe .... twice! Parts of that road are a blast!

My first view of the Pacific from Hwy 46 looks out over Morro Bay.

I joined Hwy 1 just south of The Hearst Castle at San Simeon.

Some of the many breathtaking views riding Big Sur.

Big Sur never disappoints! Today was no exception, but it was not an easy ride. The road has experienced many rock slides and is really rough in several sections. The south end was bathed in a beautiful blue sky and moderate temps. As I got to the higher elevations I encoutered a fog bank that was moving closer to shore. At one point I was afraid it might cover the entire roadway. As I neared the northern end, the fog pullled back and was replaced by some of the toughest wind gusts I have ever encountered.

The next few pictures are for my wife. On our first trip to California we stopped at the Rocky Point Restaurant on our way south to LA. This restaurant holds special memories for both of us.

The view from Rocky Point.

After leaving Rocky Point I continued to Monteray, where I found a motel for the night. Tomorrow I complete my ride up the coast, riding over The Golden Gate Bridge and returning to I-5 for the trip north.

To view my entire trip map page "Click Here"

To view the 24 hour SPOT map "Click Here"

"Change is upsetting. Repetition is tedious. Three cheers for variation!" ~Mason Cooley~