This is my final log into this blog. I've been meaning to come back and finish off with a great story that would recap the whole adventre. I haven't done that yet and there is something that just doesn't allow me to say all and so I won't.
Remember that ol' sitcom "Alice"? Flo, Mel and the Diner? Remember Joline? I'm laughing because those are the characters we ran into on this trip - this adventure to Graceland. I must say the trip to Graceland, and after - all the way to Tulsa - was fantastic. The best. Small town America is really awesome - I'm serious - get off the interstate and travel along the passage ways to another land. Each town, each person, is a gift and and I cherish the conversations with all of them. My only regret is that I didn't have my camera out or batteries charged for so many opportunities.
For those of you who are finally getting around to reading this adventure for the first time - start from the bottom. Click on June (link to your right) and scroll down to the beginning - then the whole trip will make more sense - otherwise it's like the Star Wars triology all over again - making the beginning last, etc.
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Maps Vs. GPS
As we traveled along many two lane roads, catching breathtaking views, small towns, farms, rocks, praries - I thought to myself about the early travelers who mapped out these great United States of ours. We have a lot to be thankful for to these early pioneers. Can you imagine, traveling along the ravines and moutains, tredging your way to a new life at a pace of about 6 miles an hour? Plenty of time to refer to a map and locate the next stop. Of course, they were the early campers and no need to make reservations at a far away hotel during summer travels. Oh the relief they must have felt...just kidding.
We had fun planning our trip - creating this map and changing it a half dozen times again. The map - similar to this one - that I used on the trip had new marks on it as we detoured and made new plans. I left that map in Farmington (the second time we were there). I wonder who finds that, if they will try to figure out where we went and where we are headed!
I have a new appreciation for my bike - off road on a Harley - even with less than 2.5/32 of tread left. I don't have a great appreciation for the GPS - since the first time I trusted it 100 percent - it took me on a dirt road.
Well, "IT" (GPS) was lost. They should have a
little picture of the robot from "Lost in Space" waving it's arms - "Danger Will Robinson" - when it really doesn't know the way. It was just guessing the road was beyond the Navajo family's house - "Warning Will Robinson!". Something to let the user know it's just guessing. In the end, I relied on my instincts - heck that's what got me (and everone else) across the country! Carol, well, she still loves her GPS. It does come in handy, mileage, time, ETA...I may get one one day.
We had fun planning our trip - creating this map and changing it a half dozen times again. The map - similar to this one - that I used on the trip had new marks on it as we detoured and made new plans. I left that map in Farmington (the second time we were there). I wonder who finds that, if they will try to figure out where we went and where we are headed! Now, for some reason, the gals often put me in a leadership position (lead the ride, set the pace) - although I very STRONGLY let them know before the trip that's not what I wanted. Hey, my name is "Wrong Way" for goodness sakes. But here they are - motioning their heads for me to lead them to the next town or gas stop. The trouble is - they have no idea how hard it is to watch where you are going, the signs, the mirrors (to make sure everyone is there) and your speed - and then try to look for a "picture" moment along the side of the road to pull off. I'm too busy "leading" to be able to look for those rare and beautiful moments. Later - that comes back to bite me in Enid - oh well. It is so much easier to follow 'n' track and say - "wow we should have stopped there!" No one ever thanks the leader - just complains that they leave too early, don't stop where the group wants, goes too fast...they don't seem to realize I'm not having fun when I'm leading - it's a chore.
Now, I only give you that info - so that you understand my tendency to go the wrong way...paying attention...it's not easy! So here I am, leading the way across country with my trusty map, each turn memorized at the previous gas stop. Just need to read the signs now...track mileage...watch them truckers...count the bikes behind me...
On the flip side, three of the gals in the group have GPS - pretty cool really - it tells you the next turn before you get to it - but of course - you have to look at one more thing while you are leading. So I never got into it - sticking to old school - my map. Everytime I made a u-turn or went the wrong way the GPS'ers would ride up along side of me and say, "you should have turned back there..." Great. Why are they not leading? (Well, let me say that Anita did volunteer now and then). That being said, everyone in my group, in our club for that matter, knows how to make great u-turns, thanks to following me for the last 6 years.
But you know, making a wrong turn here or there gave us some great views - like the Tennessee River in Calvert, the River between Forth Smith and Van Buren (and the bridges that went along with it), the back side of a small town - all worth seeing. It's not really a big deal to pull into a liquer store, gas station to ask for directions - you get to meet the folks that run the town, fish from the river banks, and just sit in a rockin chair 'cause that's all they need to do right now. Yet, while the GPS'ers are entering the info into their units - I just unfold, read, and fold up my map and am ready to go while they are still feverishly entering the next town.
So, back in Farmington where I left my map in the hotel, we left Kaye behind, certain her husband was coming to her rescue. Since I had left the map, Carol gives me some directions via her GPS and I try to follow them. But I don't have the visual in my head from looking at the map. Dang. Turns out - about 100 miles later - this is the route I wanted to take and now have the visual...we're good all the way to San Diego.
But before we get out of Shiprock, NM (Navajo country), before I have my bearings, Carol tells me a few directions and of course, I go the wrong way by about one block. She pulls up next to me and tells me the next street, about 20 feet ahead of us, will take us back to the highway. I was going to make another u-turn, but what the heck, I make a choice...trust the GPS. So a right turn we make and head back in the right direction - toward the highway. Cool.
As we travel along, the pavement suddenly ends. Alright, no problem...I've been on roads like this before...the road less traveled. GPS says the highway is just up ahead. So we cruise along, passing a few driveways here and there, over a hill, over another hill, down the hills - until we come to a Y intersection. "My GPS says it is just over the hill," yells Carol...okaaay...so to the left we go - over the hill.
We come to the top of the hill and the road ends at a fence that says, "KEEP OUT" - "BEWARE of DOGS" - all five of them. I think the one on the leash must have been the meanest...I quickly do a u-turn and tell Carol to turn around. She let's me know that the GPS says it is just beyond this house...I say no, I don't care. The dogs say no. The residents come out and stare at us. Carol, ever persistant, asks if the road continues - they just merely shake their head....no.
She does a U-turn (about a 5 pointer) and we head back down the road. As we go back, I notice the backside of the elementary school we passed 4 times the day before. That's where the highway is. We once again approach the "Y" intersection - I know the locals are not going to travel in and out one road - there has to be another that leads to the highway. So to the left I go (which would have been "right' the first time). Another intersection - to the right again. I see the school. 
The road at this point has deep tracks and it's hard to the keep the HARLEY going - but what a trooper she is - she's a Deluxe afterall. The final little dip where I bottom out and we hit the highway!
The road at this point has deep tracks and it's hard to the keep the HARLEY going - but what a trooper she is - she's a Deluxe afterall. The final little dip where I bottom out and we hit the highway!I have a new appreciation for my bike - off road on a Harley - even with less than 2.5/32 of tread left. I don't have a great appreciation for the GPS - since the first time I trusted it 100 percent - it took me on a dirt road.
Well, "IT" (GPS) was lost. They should have a
little picture of the robot from "Lost in Space" waving it's arms - "Danger Will Robinson" - when it really doesn't know the way. It was just guessing the road was beyond the Navajo family's house - "Warning Will Robinson!". Something to let the user know it's just guessing. In the end, I relied on my instincts - heck that's what got me (and everone else) across the country! Carol, well, she still loves her GPS. It does come in handy, mileage, time, ETA...I may get one one day.
Saturday, July 5, 2008
New Day
By now Kaye, Carol and myself have already made it home (Anita too). On Thur Carol and I made sure George was on his way, gave Kaye some last minute attention and then hit the road. Here's a picture of Kaye and Carol before we walked up the platform (and ahem, back down). Kaye is so cool - what a trooper! Not one tear after breaking an ankle in three places!
Even though Carol and I were now a day behind...we didn't have to hustle or burn rubber to make up the difference. I would say we had a pretty easy going ride from Farmington to Laughlin. At one point - we got off at route 66 
outside of Flagstaff and talked with a couple of bikers. On the way out to Laughlin - it was pretty dang hot - upon arriving in Laughlin - it was PRETTY DANG HOT - I was wearing fingerless gloves and when we rolled into the heat - my fingertips felt like they were in an oven baking. We rolled to a stop and the brake and clutch levers burned my fingers tips -much the same way it would by touching the burner on the stove (which is still warm, but not scorching). And yes, I did gamble. Laughlin was F.U.N.! fun - that's all I'm going to say!
Next morning we headed out to San Diego - we were talking with Anita and we were going to wait for her and have breakfast, etc - but with SEVERE heat warnings (which we did advise the other group) we opted for safety first - and headed out early am to beat the heat. I'm sure glad we did. We stopped often to stretch our legs
and before we knew it - we were home by 1:30pm. The great thing was that every 100 miles you could feel the temp go down a couple of degrees!
Hmm...all in all...getting out of and into California is a bear! No matter which way you go - you have to exit / enter via a desert. Note to self.
I have lots of visuals in my head, thoughts, and observations to write about. I'll do a little summary later today. Crossing the United States (southwestern states anyway) has provided me with insight into our country, our people, how we prosper and how we just survive. It also has provided me with insight into those I traveled with. This was not only a grand adventure - it was a lifetime experience I will never forget. Hopefully I'll be able to paint that verbal picture for you. Next time you travel - get off the freeway and visit America.
outside of Flagstaff and talked with a couple of bikers. On the way out to Laughlin - it was pretty dang hot - upon arriving in Laughlin - it was PRETTY DANG HOT - I was wearing fingerless gloves and when we rolled into the heat - my fingertips felt like they were in an oven baking. We rolled to a stop and the brake and clutch levers burned my fingers tips -much the same way it would by touching the burner on the stove (which is still warm, but not scorching). And yes, I did gamble. Laughlin was F.U.N.! fun - that's all I'm going to say!Next morning we headed out to San Diego - we were talking with Anita and we were going to wait for her and have breakfast, etc - but with SEVERE heat warnings (which we did advise the other group) we opted for safety first - and headed out early am to beat the heat. I'm sure glad we did. We stopped often to stretch our legs
and before we knew it - we were home by 1:30pm. The great thing was that every 100 miles you could feel the temp go down a couple of degrees!Hmm...all in all...getting out of and into California is a bear! No matter which way you go - you have to exit / enter via a desert. Note to self.
I have lots of visuals in my head, thoughts, and observations to write about. I'll do a little summary later today. Crossing the United States (southwestern states anyway) has provided me with insight into our country, our people, how we prosper and how we just survive. It also has provided me with insight into those I traveled with. This was not only a grand adventure - it was a lifetime experience I will never forget. Hopefully I'll be able to paint that verbal picture for you. Next time you travel - get off the freeway and visit America.
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Farmington, NM - yep again
After getting up when we were done sleeping - we took a cruise over to 4 Corners, USA.
Too cool - we got Utah as another state on our trip! First one up to get their picture taken was me. Next was Kaye. After getting my pic shot - I ran back to the end of the line to hold the place for Carol while she snapped Kaye's pic. This is when we started our trip back to Farmington, except we didn't know we were coming back here till it happened.
As Kaye exited the platform her right foot slipped on some water in the State of Arizona - in fact on the letter A. It wouldn't have been so bad if her left foot wasn't already stepping down. That's when I heard her yelp. I watched her go down in slo mo and then ran to her side. She didn't want to get up and told me right away - it's broken. Her ankle lay a little askew and a huge bulge was sticking out (a bone I later found out). She said she heard two cracks on each side. Well, most would say, "ah, come on - it's not broken, maybe just a sprain" - only I know Kaye has twice broken this same ankle before - I believed her.
No cell phone coverage, nothing out there except the corners and some gift booths. As she is laying there, Kaye tells us, "I want three pins!". We couldn't find a wheelchair and so we got one of the ladies who works there and she made a call from the trailer office to call an ambulance. About an hour later - it arrives - remember - we are in no where land about 40 minutes from Shiprock, NM.
They come, brace her up, load her into the a-bus and away they go. Carol and I leave the car where the woman can watch it and we take the bikes to the hospital. Northern Navajo Nation Medical Center. This is important to know, as you'll see.
We get to the hospital about an hour later and find that she is about to go to x-ray - so Carol jumps on the back of my bike and to go retrieve the car. Another couple of hours. It's a good ride and each time I made it - the shorter it seemed. Kinda like going to Julian the first time seems forever and now we just trek up there for an afternoon lunch no worries.
Upon returning - Kaye informs me they found three breaks (including the one to her leg bone) and a dislocation. Well, they located it and put on a temp cast. She needs surgery within a couple of days to repair the breaks (they are really bad, I saw the bone when she was on the ground, and I saw the x-ray). Oh, but the trouble is, this is a Navajo hospital and they cannot admit Kaye to the hospital or do the surgery because she is not a native american. Really? So we then begin a flurry of phone calls and sorting out logistical issues before they kick her out. They were talking about taking her down to Alberquerque(?) - but since she has to wait for the swelling to go down - she opted to go home. Again a flurry of phone calls to figure that out. All we knew was she had to leave the hospital, she was discharged. The docs and nurses were super - it's just the way it was on the reservation.
We end up coming back to Farmington to put Kaye up in a hotel to await her husband's arrival. Carol drove and I rode my bike. By the time we made the 30 mile trek here - I was exhausted - too much heat, running around and no water. Carol got out of the car at the hotel and looked at me and said, "two rooms?" and I quickly agreed! We still had to do the 60 mile round trip to get Carol's bike back from the hospital and by then we would really be tired.
So here we are back in Farmington, NM, 189 miles later. Kaye's husband should be in Farmington in the wee hours of the morning - he better not wake me up! No really. Carol and I will be heading out early in the AM. All in all, the most important thing is that Kaye is okay (for the most part), and that she will be okay. Carol and I made sure of that!
Too cool - we got Utah as another state on our trip! First one up to get their picture taken was me. Next was Kaye. After getting my pic shot - I ran back to the end of the line to hold the place for Carol while she snapped Kaye's pic. This is when we started our trip back to Farmington, except we didn't know we were coming back here till it happened.
As Kaye exited the platform her right foot slipped on some water in the State of Arizona - in fact on the letter A. It wouldn't have been so bad if her left foot wasn't already stepping down. That's when I heard her yelp. I watched her go down in slo mo and then ran to her side. She didn't want to get up and told me right away - it's broken. Her ankle lay a little askew and a huge bulge was sticking out (a bone I later found out). She said she heard two cracks on each side. Well, most would say, "ah, come on - it's not broken, maybe just a sprain" - only I know Kaye has twice broken this same ankle before - I believed her.
No cell phone coverage, nothing out there except the corners and some gift booths. As she is laying there, Kaye tells us, "I want three pins!". We couldn't find a wheelchair and so we got one of the ladies who works there and she made a call from the trailer office to call an ambulance. About an hour later - it arrives - remember - we are in no where land about 40 minutes from Shiprock, NM.
They come, brace her up, load her into the a-bus and away they go. Carol and I leave the car where the woman can watch it and we take the bikes to the hospital. Northern Navajo Nation Medical Center. This is important to know, as you'll see.
We get to the hospital about an hour later and find that she is about to go to x-ray - so Carol jumps on the back of my bike and to go retrieve the car. Another couple of hours. It's a good ride and each time I made it - the shorter it seemed. Kinda like going to Julian the first time seems forever and now we just trek up there for an afternoon lunch no worries.
Upon returning - Kaye informs me they found three breaks (including the one to her leg bone) and a dislocation. Well, they located it and put on a temp cast. She needs surgery within a couple of days to repair the breaks (they are really bad, I saw the bone when she was on the ground, and I saw the x-ray). Oh, but the trouble is, this is a Navajo hospital and they cannot admit Kaye to the hospital or do the surgery because she is not a native american. Really? So we then begin a flurry of phone calls and sorting out logistical issues before they kick her out. They were talking about taking her down to Alberquerque(?) - but since she has to wait for the swelling to go down - she opted to go home. Again a flurry of phone calls to figure that out. All we knew was she had to leave the hospital, she was discharged. The docs and nurses were super - it's just the way it was on the reservation.
We end up coming back to Farmington to put Kaye up in a hotel to await her husband's arrival. Carol drove and I rode my bike. By the time we made the 30 mile trek here - I was exhausted - too much heat, running around and no water. Carol got out of the car at the hotel and looked at me and said, "two rooms?" and I quickly agreed! We still had to do the 60 mile round trip to get Carol's bike back from the hospital and by then we would really be tired.
So here we are back in Farmington, NM, 189 miles later. Kaye's husband should be in Farmington in the wee hours of the morning - he better not wake me up! No really. Carol and I will be heading out early in the AM. All in all, the most important thing is that Kaye is okay (for the most part), and that she will be okay. Carol and I made sure of that!
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Farmington - New Mexico
Wow, we had the most perfect ride through New
Mexico today via the 64. We stopped along the way and checked out the scenery - talked with folks and took lots of pics. I'll have to get the pics up tomorrow. If you ever want to see some beautiful country side - check out highway 64 through New Mexico. Via a small spontaneous side trip - we went to the top of a local volcano and checked out the crater -impressive. The view of the prairie was fabulous!
We stoped for a leisurly lunch in Taos - a ski resort with LOTS of shopping. Kaye and Carol loved the stores, while I mostly sat in the square kicking back people watching. When it was time to go I realized that everyone has a turn - what do I mean? It was funny, I spent a lot of time supporting those who's bikes broke down during the first half of the trip and when I went to start my bike today in Taos - it wouldn't start! Battery. But how?
So this local tells me about a bike shop a block or so away. So down to the bike shop we go. The mechanic doesn't have any cables to lend out and cannot leave the shop. So I head back to the bike to check the connections - all were finger tight. I unpack my bike, put the stuff in the car and find a back exit from the town square. I push my bike down the road and pass two men sitting on the bench - as I pass them they are watching me so I make a loud, "vroom vroom" noise...they wondered if I was stealing the bike. I think to myself - now if I were stealing a bike wouldn't I be moving a bit faster instead of stopping every 10 feet to catch my breath? Really.
I get to the down hill part and coast to the end of the street while pushing with my feet - turn right and coast to the shop. Pull in back and it occurs to me that possibley the electronic key fob battery has gone dead. So I get the spare from Kaye's car and tell the mechanic. Hey it starts right up! Done. Thank Mat and I'm on my way again. Go to the parking lot, turn it off, pack up and go to start it...no dice - not working. Dang.
Push it back to the rear of the shop and fill out a work order. Within 5 minutes he has the bike running - ah - turns out the nuts on the cables were finger tight but not tight enough and were causing a loose connection...only $23 to learn that lesson - not bad.
I have some pics of the volcano, town, shopping, some view points and the mechanic - post them tomorrow. We finished our gourgeous ride through 64 - spotting an young elk frozen on the side of the road - I didn't even think it was real. I saw some thunder clouds to the North of us over Colorado and some to the South - but we were blessed with fair weather. Tonight we are staying in Farmington and tomorrow we are headed to Colorado! Right on, another state under our belt - just missing Kansas -but there will be other times to venture off to lands unknown (to me anyway) and I'll get it then.
We stoped for a leisurly lunch in Taos - a ski resort with LOTS of shopping. Kaye and Carol loved the stores, while I mostly sat in the square kicking back people watching. When it was time to go I realized that everyone has a turn - what do I mean? It was funny, I spent a lot of time supporting those who's bikes broke down during the first half of the trip and when I went to start my bike today in Taos - it wouldn't start! Battery. But how?
So this local tells me about a bike shop a block or so away. So down to the bike shop we go. The mechanic doesn't have any cables to lend out and cannot leave the shop. So I head back to the bike to check the connections - all were finger tight. I unpack my bike, put the stuff in the car and find a back exit from the town square. I push my bike down the road and pass two men sitting on the bench - as I pass them they are watching me so I make a loud, "vroom vroom" noise...they wondered if I was stealing the bike. I think to myself - now if I were stealing a bike wouldn't I be moving a bit faster instead of stopping every 10 feet to catch my breath? Really.
I get to the down hill part and coast to the end of the street while pushing with my feet - turn right and coast to the shop. Pull in back and it occurs to me that possibley the electronic key fob battery has gone dead. So I get the spare from Kaye's car and tell the mechanic. Hey it starts right up! Done. Thank Mat and I'm on my way again. Go to the parking lot, turn it off, pack up and go to start it...no dice - not working. Dang.
Push it back to the rear of the shop and fill out a work order. Within 5 minutes he has the bike running - ah - turns out the nuts on the cables were finger tight but not tight enough and were causing a loose connection...only $23 to learn that lesson - not bad.I have some pics of the volcano, town, shopping, some view points and the mechanic - post them tomorrow. We finished our gourgeous ride through 64 - spotting an young elk frozen on the side of the road - I didn't even think it was real. I saw some thunder clouds to the North of us over Colorado and some to the South - but we were blessed with fair weather. Tonight we are staying in Farmington and tomorrow we are headed to Colorado! Right on, another state under our belt - just missing Kansas -but there will be other times to venture off to lands unknown (to me anyway) and I'll get it then.
Monday, June 30, 2008
Clayton, NM
Hey - here's the pics I promised...for now. Yay, I'm in Clayton NM with Carol and Kaye. Split from the girlz to another adventure. Anyhoo I was talking about Graceland.THE best place I've ever been to. Thanks to the GtG for going with me. I was so excited when we arrived. This was the day I was going to see where Elvis lived, worked and entertained. His home. It's sort of hard to imagine that this was a mansion back in the day. We did not see the upstairs (off limits), shucks darn - the main rooms were rather smaller than I expected but rather interesting! Wow, every room had a differnt theme, motif. I too would put shag carpeting on the walls if Jan would let me! LOL! How I loved it. I'm not going to explain the rooms - suffice it to say that each one was spectacular! If you've been, you know what I mean and if you haven't - not going to spoil it. I do want to go again though. Museum after museum...everywhere a hidden delight...a bit of history. Here's some more photos:
After Graceland, we went to Presley Place - MIFA - an organization that helps homeless families get back on their feet by providing townhomes (rent), classes and a huge incentive to get their lives in order within a year timeframe. It's a tremendous success - and planted right in the heart of the poorest community in Memphis.We arrived via police escort to thunderous applause from the residents and the children! Here's a photo from their wall of dreams - an awesome tribute to a boy named Jay. Above the "boy" you'll notice tiles - they cover the two walls lining the entrance - all created by the children!
We allowed the children to sit on our bikes and some of the women let them start them up...okay - just think - excited kids, lack of throttle conciousness = LOUD! But, they loved it! Here's some more photos
:
And our picture below with "LottaNerve"...a righteous woman!
Tulsa...
Here we are in Tulsa, OK. We couldn't make it to OK City last night. It took us 6 hours to do less than 2oo miles - so we pressed on to Tulsa and met up with the WITW Tulsa chapter ladies. They are so awesome. We sat, laughed and drank a couple beers - they are a great bunch. After leading us to our hotel, they took us the CASINO! Oh, but it's an Indian casino and no craps table. So I played it conservative (believe it or not) and played the penny machines. Colleen and Lynette had family / friend commitments in OK City and they pressed on after meeting the women from Tulsa. We are all going to hook up in Enid, OK for breakfast and then move on.
I'm really considering going home from there.
I never get much time to myself to really tell you about Memphis (Graceland and Presley Place), so you'll have to hold on to the next time I log in. It's tough to get alone time with 9 women...ah, next time I won't sit in the coffee room - I'll hide out! LOL! It's all good. There are really, lots to talk about, things I've seen, people I've talked with...
I'm really considering going home from there.
I never get much time to myself to really tell you about Memphis (Graceland and Presley Place), so you'll have to hold on to the next time I log in. It's tough to get alone time with 9 women...ah, next time I won't sit in the coffee room - I'll hide out! LOL! It's all good. There are really, lots to talk about, things I've seen, people I've talked with...
Sunday, June 29, 2008
It's All A Blur..
I really don't know what number day this is so let me just recap.
Glad to hear that a few of you are following along on my trip - including my family!
Yesterday was another early morning trip as Colleen and I got up once again to make it to a dealer just above Rolla, MO to get her clutch fixed. Yesterday we had to have parts picked up by the gals in different cities so that the dealer in whatever town that was (oh, Sullivan) could fix it.
I did take advantage of the time though and took my bike to a car wash... :) oh yeah, now it feels right.
I'm sitting in Rolla (not pronounced Roll-a), MO. It's a cute little town, but all the people that live here because of the college or military say that there is nothing to do here....that's nice. We met up with Lilia's high school friend and his wife (who is from Coronado, CA - big change here). They were so hospitable - bbq pork, chicken, modified version of lasagna with eggplant, rice, chips with humus, grape leave rolls (y'all know I didn't have that) and tons of other food! Wow. Becky and Colleen were playing Guitar hero and some of their other guests were sitting on our motorcycles outside. We were pretty big here in RollaMo.
Okay - backtracking to our arrival in Memphis - went to Beal Street where at the bikers hangout on Wed nights. Kaye hooked us up with the swanky hotel and dinner at BB Kings with reserved parking in front. We arrived, and the street had about 100 bikes, went into the restaurant and listened to some awesome blues music. We ordered everything we could possibly think of for appetizers and when the food came we were done! This is when I let everyone know that Pat bought us dinner - she had secretly given me some dough to cover a night out. It really came in handy - so we all called her up and passed the phone around thanking her.
When we came out of the restuarant - over 400 bikes - more still coming in! Wow. We ended up talking to TONS of people - especially the women riders. We came across one lady - her name is "lotta nerve" (there's a story behind that). She said she was going to show up the next night at Presley place to ride with us for the children. She already knew we were coming! Awesome.
I can't really tell you what happened after that on Beal Street - it's top secret - but you can imagine...
Darn, I'll have to post tonight from OK City - I only have 10 minutes till take off and they are waiting outside (it's a miracle!).
Today we are headed to OK City - stopping at a few rustic route 66 stops and in Tulsa to meet up with the WITW Tulsa chapter for lunch. Today is a long day and will be sort of fun. Oh, oh, they just sent three women to check on me...got's to go...I'll be on tonight though.
Glad to hear that a few of you are following along on my trip - including my family!
Yesterday was another early morning trip as Colleen and I got up once again to make it to a dealer just above Rolla, MO to get her clutch fixed. Yesterday we had to have parts picked up by the gals in different cities so that the dealer in whatever town that was (oh, Sullivan) could fix it.
I did take advantage of the time though and took my bike to a car wash... :) oh yeah, now it feels right.
I'm sitting in Rolla (not pronounced Roll-a), MO. It's a cute little town, but all the people that live here because of the college or military say that there is nothing to do here....that's nice. We met up with Lilia's high school friend and his wife (who is from Coronado, CA - big change here). They were so hospitable - bbq pork, chicken, modified version of lasagna with eggplant, rice, chips with humus, grape leave rolls (y'all know I didn't have that) and tons of other food! Wow. Becky and Colleen were playing Guitar hero and some of their other guests were sitting on our motorcycles outside. We were pretty big here in RollaMo.
Okay - backtracking to our arrival in Memphis - went to Beal Street where at the bikers hangout on Wed nights. Kaye hooked us up with the swanky hotel and dinner at BB Kings with reserved parking in front. We arrived, and the street had about 100 bikes, went into the restaurant and listened to some awesome blues music. We ordered everything we could possibly think of for appetizers and when the food came we were done! This is when I let everyone know that Pat bought us dinner - she had secretly given me some dough to cover a night out. It really came in handy - so we all called her up and passed the phone around thanking her.
When we came out of the restuarant - over 400 bikes - more still coming in! Wow. We ended up talking to TONS of people - especially the women riders. We came across one lady - her name is "lotta nerve" (there's a story behind that). She said she was going to show up the next night at Presley place to ride with us for the children. She already knew we were coming! Awesome.
I can't really tell you what happened after that on Beal Street - it's top secret - but you can imagine...
Darn, I'll have to post tonight from OK City - I only have 10 minutes till take off and they are waiting outside (it's a miracle!).
Today we are headed to OK City - stopping at a few rustic route 66 stops and in Tulsa to meet up with the WITW Tulsa chapter for lunch. Today is a long day and will be sort of fun. Oh, oh, they just sent three women to check on me...got's to go...I'll be on tonight though.
Friday, June 27, 2008
Quick update...
Okay today is day 7 - Friday - just got packed at 6am to roll. Colleen and I are taking off ahead of the pack to get her bike to dealer in Calvert (Paducah, KY) to have it looked at. Two other gals are having bike trouble and will be staying here in Memphis to have them finished up - hopefully by 12pm. So all the sleepy heads are going with them!
Day 5 - Rolling into Memphis:
Wow, I had such a great feeling rolling into Memphis in the late afternoon - I started to hyperventilate on the I-40! We're here! We're here! This was a great day.
We stayed in one of the most swankiest places in Memphis - the Crown Plaza. Very nice. Yet, I couldn't hook up to the wireless internet and had to wait it out till now to get on here. Oh well, can't have it all. hehehe. Oh, Colleen is ready - I got to get going. Look forward to getting into town early and blogging some more.
O
Day 5 - Rolling into Memphis:
Wow, I had such a great feeling rolling into Memphis in the late afternoon - I started to hyperventilate on the I-40! We're here! We're here! This was a great day.
We stayed in one of the most swankiest places in Memphis - the Crown Plaza. Very nice. Yet, I couldn't hook up to the wireless internet and had to wait it out till now to get on here. Oh well, can't have it all. hehehe. Oh, Colleen is ready - I got to get going. Look forward to getting into town early and blogging some more.
O
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Day 4 & 5
Just a quick check in:
Yeah, we are in Van Buren, Arkansas. That means today we will travel a relatively short distance to Memphis. We had a pretty good ride from Shamrock Texas - considering we stopped in Clinton to have Lilia's bike looked at - leaking oil. We spent two hours there hanging out so that we stayed together. Not bad - that's what we do.
Hey, Roswell Alien museum - met these three dudes from Arkansas - they had never seen a women's motorcycle group before. As were talking, they said they don't see women riding in Arkansas all that much - well, never. We laughed and said we'll change that as we parade through the states. One of the gentlmen, opened his eyes wide and rather serious look and with his southern drawl told us, "That's right, git them girls saddled up!" That's my new motto - Git them girls saddled up!
What's funny is that two older men standing behind me were looking out the window watching the girls saddle up. One said, "Some motorcycle group is here". The other said, "Some of those are ladies!" I turned around and said, "There ALL ladies". I explained what we are doing and they are just amazed that women...modern women...could travel this way...all by our lonesome. LOL!
Yesterday I saw some of the most beautiful countryside in the Eastern part of Oklahoma and into Arkansas. Wow, this good ol USA. We are very lucky to live in the most beautiful, diverse country. A new song was stuck in my head - don't know if the words are right...
"Proud to be an American, where at least I know I'm free...and I wont forget the men who died and gave that right to me...and I'll gladly STAND UP next to you...and defend her still today...Cause there ain't no doubt I love this land...God Bless the USA."
We are about to take off, I heard that the mosquitos between here and Memphis are so large they'll knock us off our bikes...another adventure as we battle the Mosqs.
On to Memphis!
Yeah, we are in Van Buren, Arkansas. That means today we will travel a relatively short distance to Memphis. We had a pretty good ride from Shamrock Texas - considering we stopped in Clinton to have Lilia's bike looked at - leaking oil. We spent two hours there hanging out so that we stayed together. Not bad - that's what we do.
Hey, Roswell Alien museum - met these three dudes from Arkansas - they had never seen a women's motorcycle group before. As were talking, they said they don't see women riding in Arkansas all that much - well, never. We laughed and said we'll change that as we parade through the states. One of the gentlmen, opened his eyes wide and rather serious look and with his southern drawl told us, "That's right, git them girls saddled up!" That's my new motto - Git them girls saddled up!
What's funny is that two older men standing behind me were looking out the window watching the girls saddle up. One said, "Some motorcycle group is here". The other said, "Some of those are ladies!" I turned around and said, "There ALL ladies". I explained what we are doing and they are just amazed that women...modern women...could travel this way...all by our lonesome. LOL!
Yesterday I saw some of the most beautiful countryside in the Eastern part of Oklahoma and into Arkansas. Wow, this good ol USA. We are very lucky to live in the most beautiful, diverse country. A new song was stuck in my head - don't know if the words are right...
"Proud to be an American, where at least I know I'm free...and I wont forget the men who died and gave that right to me...and I'll gladly STAND UP next to you...and defend her still today...Cause there ain't no doubt I love this land...God Bless the USA."
We are about to take off, I heard that the mosquitos between here and Memphis are so large they'll knock us off our bikes...another adventure as we battle the Mosqs.
On to Memphis!
Monday, June 23, 2008
Day 1, 2 and 3
I can't believe it's 12:30am on day 3 and I'm just getting to blog. It's been an eventful three days. One thing I have learned over these last few days that riding with women three full days in a row, that you normally only see once or twice a month - well, suffice it to say that we are learning new things about each other and new ways of interacting. Everyone has a different way of processing information, different ideas of which way to go, and understanding how to work it out. Yet, we are having the times of our lives!
Okay - Day 1- San Diego to Globe, AZ - 450 miles
Extreme heat. Longest day of the year (summer solstice?) and the hottest heat wave. By the time we got to Dateland - one of our riders was experiencing heat exhaustion and some of us were feeling the onset of heat exhaustion. We poured water over our shirts, heads and pants every chance we got. I poured water over my shirt, put on my leather jacket with vents and it kept me cool for about 40-45 minutes. I drank so much water I never did get dehydrated.
While in Dateland, we met the most amazing couple. As we were eating lunch a woman came up to us and commented that she was so excited to see us on our bikes and wanted to let us know how much she missed riding her motorcycle. Now she's probably in her 50's to 60's. Betsy, that's her name. She told us how she was in a motorcycle accident in November of last year and she lost a third of her brain - the doctors said she would never walk again, and would loose some of her cognitive skills. Well, I'm telling you - she's as sharp as a nail and walking and talking! Amazing story. Her eyes shined as she told us how she wishes she could be with us.
Her husband, Carrol, came up next her to her and explained that she now rides with him on the back of his bike. A real, kind, meek and friendly couple. We told them what we were up to and Carrol began to tell of his own adventure hanging out with Elvis as a young musician! Wow, the stories were ultra cool. As we began to leave the restaurant - he pulls out his check book and offers to write a check for $100 on the spot for the Presley Place. We asked if he was sure and he asked us to look outside and check out the Corvette he was driving and then asked who to make the check out to. Very humble, kind people. They are still out there! The owner of the restaurant went out her way to soak our "cool vests", and brought us additional cool bandanna things to wear around our necks. Very humble, kind people.
About 15 miles shy of Gila Bend (we didn't make it far...) we pulled over again to cool off. I picked a spot under the McDonald's trees and everyone followed (they always follow me...hehe). In the shade it was a mere 120 degrees. After a few moments the chase car came up and informed us that the gal (I'm not using names to protect our moms and daughters) was not feeling well and pulled over under a bridge. The gals layed her down on the ground, cooled her off and after awhile, put her in the car and brought her to us, picked up someone else to retrieve her bike. We sat in McDonald's for over 1.5 hours - cooling off and laughing, making stuff up and getting better.
We eventually made our way to Casa Grande and met up with the Women in the Wind (WITW) Desert Diamonds Chapter in Arizona. The first thing one of them says to us is, "We don't wear helmets, so don't give us a hard time!" - I love them women. I took off my helmet and never put it on again. They cooled us down and then escorted us up to Globe - where at 8:30pm it cooled down to 70 degrees. Yeah! They were so good to us and even carried our bags upstairs to our rooms. After which they joined us for dinner (at 9:30pm) and we were in bed by 11:30pm. LONG HOT day to say the least.
Day 2 - Globe, AZ to Roswell, NM. 450 miles
Started the day at 85 degrees - 7am. Great. Joined the fabulous AZ chapter for breakfast, pictures too (which I hope to post tomorrow) and got started on our journey. We headed out toward the Apache mountains via the 77 to the 60 highway to stop in Sholow. Should have been a quick stop but with 12 women we were there 45 minutes. Every stop is a major undertaking as we look for items, use the restroom, chit chat, wonder what everyone else is doing and put fuel. Oh well, I better get used to it.
Okay, back to Globe for a moment. Out of Globe (late start by 45 minutes) I had the most incredible feeling as I was leading this group. When stopped, sure it was hot, but as we were moving toward the pine trees the cool wind lapping against my face and I just thought how awesome is this day? The best to be sure. I thought of silly songs, like "Mr. Bluebird on my shoulder..." I began to think of all the times I planned a trip to Graceland and never made it happen. The last was a motor home trip with a friend of mine and decided not to go because the fuel cost would be too much! Ha. Anyway, at this moment, about to pass us in the opposite direction are several motorhomes - I waved at all three as they passed by - because they were going somewhere - no worries about fuel cost - just doin it. They waved back...cool.
Once we left Sholow it was on to Springerville - the only gas before Magdalena which is 135ish miles in between. The smaller bikes can only go 100-120 miles on a tank. The girls however carry spare fuel bottles and they just pull over and pop some in and then head out again. While in Springerville, we stopped at McDonald's and had a chat with a few biker dudes. Learned what the cops were up to and what areas they didn't pay attention to. On the way to Magdalena, one of our ladies needed a break because she was tires - only trouble was I was leading the "fast group" and we didn't know right away. Well, the good thing is that we have a system - when someone in the second group or in the back has a problem and pulls over - someone rides up to the front to let us know. So they were in the shade taking a break and we were on the side of the road getting hot. We decided to take off and meet them at the next stop and sent word back to them (no cell phone reception). Our little crew took off and fueled up in Magdalena. We were booking - so much so that I saw the sign for the Great Divide and didn't get a picture. Oh well, I know I was there.
When we arrived in Magdalena we called back to the chase car and found out that they were on their way - and they wanted us to keep going if we like. So we did - were were booking again! Just before Lincoln I saw three deer - two crossed in front of me and the third turned away. Wow- they are huge!
Somewhere (over the rainbow...) we passed railroad tracks - they still sound the horn when you make put your arm up and "pull down" as if your pulling the horn yourself! Ahh...
We kept looking ahead at the thunderstorm a brewing. I thought we could beat it - and so we
continued on through Lincoln and the Hondo. Through every turn we came closer and closer. The winds picked up so much it was very difficult to keep the bike upright. As we passed Hondo the roadway turned into a divided highway - the sky in front was black and there was no turning back. It began to rain - no it began to HAIL. It really hurts when you don't have a helmet on! No place to pull over - beside if we did, the wind was so strong it would have knocked the bikes over. I pressed on - the crew was behind me. Lightning on three sides of us - rain coming down so hard I could hardly see - but I could see enough. About 15 miles South of Roswell I see an exit for "outside tables". Usually there are trees covering them, but this time it was a "shelter". Sort of. 
I pulled into the first one and tried to park under it. I did park under it - after I ran into the bench. How I kept the bike up, in the rain, the wind and the huge puddle I really don't know. NO damage to the bike, just the engine guard. Since the engine guard was tweeked - the floor board (that's where my feet go) was turned up and the rubber insert came out. We couldn't get it to budge.
We slapped on what leathers we had (and my helmet) and was preparing to leave when we saw one of the ladies behind us pass us by. K. Lee - she was not stopping. She is an amazing woman with a life story, world traveler, master of yoga and all around centered creature. She is battling stage 4 cancer, on a break from Chemo and on the road with us to Roswell. Roswell is as far as she is going and then headed back to San Diego on her own. I have full faith in this woman to get there. This is her ride, her adventure with us...I still carry the blue ribbon she gave us when she was not well enough to ride, so that she would go with us everywhere we went (at that time it was an Iron Butt 1000 mile ride in 24 hours). Go back to http://www.girlzofgraceland.org/ and look for her blog. So on she pressed into the night and rain and out of our sight. She made it.
Yet, we couldn't figure out where Carol was. As we looked back, we say a light flashing on and off and could barely make out a shadow. Carol's bike stalled and she was 200 yards behind us in the rain on the side of the road. The gals ran back and pushed her bike under our shelter. I called the second group and warned them of the storm - lost the connection. We got her bike started and on we pressed.
The most unbelievable 15 miles I have ever gone. The wind and rain were so hard, the lightening so bright I could not see (and I'm still leading) anything at all. A few miles outside of town I had to take my glasses off and the rain was stinging my eyes - but I could see. Well, sort of, I had to hold my left hand over my eyes to shield the rain while I battled the wind and kept the throttle going with my right. When we pulled into Roswell, Renee and I were the only ones together. Nancy was behind us a little but we became separated by the lights.
Eventually we made it to the hotel - a few wrongs turns and I asked for directions. When we got there, the film maker was tracking everyone as we all became seperated. Got the hotel keys and threw my stuff in the room and closed the door. My roomate was in the second group. When they arrived an hour later - they did not get one drop of rain on them! Unbelievable. But that's the way it goes out here - blow through, and blow out.
That was a late, scary night for us. But we made it safe and sound.
Day 3 - Roswell, NM to Shamrock Texas.
I'll actually blog this tomorrow as it is now 1:25am and I'm beat. Today was fun. The way it should be! Saw the Alien museum - this stuff really happened. We finished off with a big night - (more on that later).
(9:18am Shamrock - dang due to our late night shenanigins(?) - these ladies are not packed, awake, fueld up - food or gas - and I'm outta here in 30 minutes. Oh, also due to our shenanigans - Carol took off at 4am this morning on her own to get to the next hotel in Van Buren. She figured if she couldn't sleep she would use her time to her advantage. She a very smart cookie and I have full confidence we'll see her there - relaxed! Gotta go. I have 20 minutes till take off).
Okay - Day 1- San Diego to Globe, AZ - 450 miles
Extreme heat. Longest day of the year (summer solstice?) and the hottest heat wave. By the time we got to Dateland - one of our riders was experiencing heat exhaustion and some of us were feeling the onset of heat exhaustion. We poured water over our shirts, heads and pants every chance we got. I poured water over my shirt, put on my leather jacket with vents and it kept me cool for about 40-45 minutes. I drank so much water I never did get dehydrated.
While in Dateland, we met the most amazing couple. As we were eating lunch a woman came up to us and commented that she was so excited to see us on our bikes and wanted to let us know how much she missed riding her motorcycle. Now she's probably in her 50's to 60's. Betsy, that's her name. She told us how she was in a motorcycle accident in November of last year and she lost a third of her brain - the doctors said she would never walk again, and would loose some of her cognitive skills. Well, I'm telling you - she's as sharp as a nail and walking and talking! Amazing story. Her eyes shined as she told us how she wishes she could be with us.
Her husband, Carrol, came up next her to her and explained that she now rides with him on the back of his bike. A real, kind, meek and friendly couple. We told them what we were up to and Carrol began to tell of his own adventure hanging out with Elvis as a young musician! Wow, the stories were ultra cool. As we began to leave the restaurant - he pulls out his check book and offers to write a check for $100 on the spot for the Presley Place. We asked if he was sure and he asked us to look outside and check out the Corvette he was driving and then asked who to make the check out to. Very humble, kind people. They are still out there! The owner of the restaurant went out her way to soak our "cool vests", and brought us additional cool bandanna things to wear around our necks. Very humble, kind people.
About 15 miles shy of Gila Bend (we didn't make it far...) we pulled over again to cool off. I picked a spot under the McDonald's trees and everyone followed (they always follow me...hehe). In the shade it was a mere 120 degrees. After a few moments the chase car came up and informed us that the gal (I'm not using names to protect our moms and daughters) was not feeling well and pulled over under a bridge. The gals layed her down on the ground, cooled her off and after awhile, put her in the car and brought her to us, picked up someone else to retrieve her bike. We sat in McDonald's for over 1.5 hours - cooling off and laughing, making stuff up and getting better.
We eventually made our way to Casa Grande and met up with the Women in the Wind (WITW) Desert Diamonds Chapter in Arizona. The first thing one of them says to us is, "We don't wear helmets, so don't give us a hard time!" - I love them women. I took off my helmet and never put it on again. They cooled us down and then escorted us up to Globe - where at 8:30pm it cooled down to 70 degrees. Yeah! They were so good to us and even carried our bags upstairs to our rooms. After which they joined us for dinner (at 9:30pm) and we were in bed by 11:30pm. LONG HOT day to say the least.
Day 2 - Globe, AZ to Roswell, NM. 450 miles
Started the day at 85 degrees - 7am. Great. Joined the fabulous AZ chapter for breakfast, pictures too (which I hope to post tomorrow) and got started on our journey. We headed out toward the Apache mountains via the 77 to the 60 highway to stop in Sholow. Should have been a quick stop but with 12 women we were there 45 minutes. Every stop is a major undertaking as we look for items, use the restroom, chit chat, wonder what everyone else is doing and put fuel. Oh well, I better get used to it.Okay, back to Globe for a moment. Out of Globe (late start by 45 minutes) I had the most incredible feeling as I was leading this group. When stopped, sure it was hot, but as we were moving toward the pine trees the cool wind lapping against my face and I just thought how awesome is this day? The best to be sure. I thought of silly songs, like "Mr. Bluebird on my shoulder..." I began to think of all the times I planned a trip to Graceland and never made it happen. The last was a motor home trip with a friend of mine and decided not to go because the fuel cost would be too much! Ha. Anyway, at this moment, about to pass us in the opposite direction are several motorhomes - I waved at all three as they passed by - because they were going somewhere - no worries about fuel cost - just doin it. They waved back...cool.
Once we left Sholow it was on to Springerville - the only gas before Magdalena which is 135ish miles in between. The smaller bikes can only go 100-120 miles on a tank. The girls however carry spare fuel bottles and they just pull over and pop some in and then head out again. While in Springerville, we stopped at McDonald's and had a chat with a few biker dudes. Learned what the cops were up to and what areas they didn't pay attention to. On the way to Magdalena, one of our ladies needed a break because she was tires - only trouble was I was leading the "fast group" and we didn't know right away. Well, the good thing is that we have a system - when someone in the second group or in the back has a problem and pulls over - someone rides up to the front to let us know. So they were in the shade taking a break and we were on the side of the road getting hot. We decided to take off and meet them at the next stop and sent word back to them (no cell phone reception). Our little crew took off and fueled up in Magdalena. We were booking - so much so that I saw the sign for the Great Divide and didn't get a picture. Oh well, I know I was there.
When we arrived in Magdalena we called back to the chase car and found out that they were on their way - and they wanted us to keep going if we like. So we did - were were booking again! Just before Lincoln I saw three deer - two crossed in front of me and the third turned away. Wow- they are huge!
Somewhere (over the rainbow...) we passed railroad tracks - they still sound the horn when you make put your arm up and "pull down" as if your pulling the horn yourself! Ahh...
We kept looking ahead at the thunderstorm a brewing. I thought we could beat it - and so we
continued on through Lincoln and the Hondo. Through every turn we came closer and closer. The winds picked up so much it was very difficult to keep the bike upright. As we passed Hondo the roadway turned into a divided highway - the sky in front was black and there was no turning back. It began to rain - no it began to HAIL. It really hurts when you don't have a helmet on! No place to pull over - beside if we did, the wind was so strong it would have knocked the bikes over. I pressed on - the crew was behind me. Lightning on three sides of us - rain coming down so hard I could hardly see - but I could see enough. About 15 miles South of Roswell I see an exit for "outside tables". Usually there are trees covering them, but this time it was a "shelter". Sort of. 
I pulled into the first one and tried to park under it. I did park under it - after I ran into the bench. How I kept the bike up, in the rain, the wind and the huge puddle I really don't know. NO damage to the bike, just the engine guard. Since the engine guard was tweeked - the floor board (that's where my feet go) was turned up and the rubber insert came out. We couldn't get it to budge.We slapped on what leathers we had (and my helmet) and was preparing to leave when we saw one of the ladies behind us pass us by. K. Lee - she was not stopping. She is an amazing woman with a life story, world traveler, master of yoga and all around centered creature. She is battling stage 4 cancer, on a break from Chemo and on the road with us to Roswell. Roswell is as far as she is going and then headed back to San Diego on her own. I have full faith in this woman to get there. This is her ride, her adventure with us...I still carry the blue ribbon she gave us when she was not well enough to ride, so that she would go with us everywhere we went (at that time it was an Iron Butt 1000 mile ride in 24 hours). Go back to http://www.girlzofgraceland.org/ and look for her blog. So on she pressed into the night and rain and out of our sight. She made it.
Yet, we couldn't figure out where Carol was. As we looked back, we say a light flashing on and off and could barely make out a shadow. Carol's bike stalled and she was 200 yards behind us in the rain on the side of the road. The gals ran back and pushed her bike under our shelter. I called the second group and warned them of the storm - lost the connection. We got her bike started and on we pressed.The most unbelievable 15 miles I have ever gone. The wind and rain were so hard, the lightening so bright I could not see (and I'm still leading) anything at all. A few miles outside of town I had to take my glasses off and the rain was stinging my eyes - but I could see. Well, sort of, I had to hold my left hand over my eyes to shield the rain while I battled the wind and kept the throttle going with my right. When we pulled into Roswell, Renee and I were the only ones together. Nancy was behind us a little but we became separated by the lights.
Eventually we made it to the hotel - a few wrongs turns and I asked for directions. When we got there, the film maker was tracking everyone as we all became seperated. Got the hotel keys and threw my stuff in the room and closed the door. My roomate was in the second group. When they arrived an hour later - they did not get one drop of rain on them! Unbelievable. But that's the way it goes out here - blow through, and blow out.
That was a late, scary night for us. But we made it safe and sound.
Day 3 - Roswell, NM to Shamrock Texas.
I'll actually blog this tomorrow as it is now 1:25am and I'm beat. Today was fun. The way it should be! Saw the Alien museum - this stuff really happened. We finished off with a big night - (more on that later).
(9:18am Shamrock - dang due to our late night shenanigins(?) - these ladies are not packed, awake, fueld up - food or gas - and I'm outta here in 30 minutes. Oh, also due to our shenanigans - Carol took off at 4am this morning on her own to get to the next hotel in Van Buren. She figured if she couldn't sleep she would use her time to her advantage. She a very smart cookie and I have full confidence we'll see her there - relaxed! Gotta go. I have 20 minutes till take off).
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
3 Days and Counting
Allright, we are three days away from take off. Lots of the ladies have done LOTS of work to/on their bike to get things ready. Me? I've done a few things. New detachable sissy bar...and that's it. That was enough.
You know, when you buy a new Harley - there is a term you become rightly familiar with - Harley Poor. Everything is so expensive and of course you just have to have it and sometimes you need it - like new handle bars. I did that with my first Harley - this one - not so much. I'm not going through that again. I have been spending lots of mula on trip items though - you know trial size this and that, new shirts, socks, other stuff. I can't bring too much though - on a motorcycle trip there is no room for "might need this item" which then travels around with you, never use and takes up valuable space for the thing you did need, which you forgot anyway.
I put together my bags - I'm essentially all packed and ready to go. I'm only bringing three pairs of pants, 1 pair of shorts, three t-shirts, swim wear, and a sweatshirt, (Law Tigers of course - they are the best as they were the first to jump on board and help us out as a sponsor). That's 5 days for each pair of pants/shirts. I'll let you know later if this is enough clothes for a 15 day road trip!
I checked with two mechanics and since I just serviced my bike not too long ago I'll not be getting another service until we return. As for my tires - I have 5/32 tread on the back and 9/32 on the front. More than enough to get to Graceland and so I'll check the rear tire then and get it replaced in Memphis if needed. I was going to spend $400 on new tires - but why? The front is perfectly good and the rear is suitable for over 3000 miles and I'll get it changed at 2000, that $200 I'll save will be better spent at the casino at the craps table...I mean at the...ya, that's what I meant - at the casino! That's the last day of the trip - two days in Laughlin!
All in all, I'm ready! Let's rock and roll.
You know, when you buy a new Harley - there is a term you become rightly familiar with - Harley Poor. Everything is so expensive and of course you just have to have it and sometimes you need it - like new handle bars. I did that with my first Harley - this one - not so much. I'm not going through that again. I have been spending lots of mula on trip items though - you know trial size this and that, new shirts, socks, other stuff. I can't bring too much though - on a motorcycle trip there is no room for "might need this item" which then travels around with you, never use and takes up valuable space for the thing you did need, which you forgot anyway.
I put together my bags - I'm essentially all packed and ready to go. I'm only bringing three pairs of pants, 1 pair of shorts, three t-shirts, swim wear, and a sweatshirt, (Law Tigers of course - they are the best as they were the first to jump on board and help us out as a sponsor). That's 5 days for each pair of pants/shirts. I'll let you know later if this is enough clothes for a 15 day road trip!
I checked with two mechanics and since I just serviced my bike not too long ago I'll not be getting another service until we return. As for my tires - I have 5/32 tread on the back and 9/32 on the front. More than enough to get to Graceland and so I'll check the rear tire then and get it replaced in Memphis if needed. I was going to spend $400 on new tires - but why? The front is perfectly good and the rear is suitable for over 3000 miles and I'll get it changed at 2000, that $200 I'll save will be better spent at the casino at the craps table...I mean at the...ya, that's what I meant - at the casino! That's the last day of the trip - two days in Laughlin!
All in all, I'm ready! Let's rock and roll.
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Intro
Today, I am just a little over 5 days away from taking off on the grandest adventure of a lifetime. Not too often do we get to do something we that long ago dreamed. You know what I'm talking about. When we were kids, young adults, we dreamed about what we wanted to be, what we wanted to have, where we wanted to go. For some of us, life happened and we slowly forgot about those idle ideas and dreams or put them on the back burner as we pursued more reasonable, family oriented goals. This must be what mid-life is for - to re-awaken those ideas, dreams and spirits!
As I said, I'm about to take off on one of the most exciting adventures of my my life - a 15 day motorcycle trip across the United States with my WITW Sol Sisters by my side. Destination: Graceland. Why? Because we can. Is there not a better reason?
It's already been said among my crew, but I'll say it again, it's not all about the destination. Sure, I'll be weak in the knees when we view Graceland, it is one of my life long dreams to journey there after all, but I know without a doubt, I'll be smiling ear to ear that same evening as we visit Presley Place. I think everyday I'll wake up with some energy and a passion for meeting the day's challenges - like not taking a wrong turn. Well, as for that last comment - we all know it's inevitable for me to make a u-turn along the way - I am "Wrong Way" Jett after all. Considering my life is centered around transportation - that's pretty funny.
Here's the deal. We are taking our vacations and putting a charitable spin on it. Presley Place is about helping families get back on their feet and once a month they have a birthday bash for the kids. This month, it will be the WITW Sol Sisters creating a birthday to remember! We have been busy raising money to buy the gifts for these kids (all 70 of them), shopping and spending some of our own money to complete the task. However, it's a great feeling. These kids are part of a community which is ranked the 14th poorest community in the United States! We'll be sure to spread some WITW Sol Sisters-Girlz of Graceland happiness when we visit.
Okay, there more: In addition to just going on a trip, spreading some cheer, a documentary film crew will be following us - to be submitted to Sundance Festival for '09. Wow, that is way cool. Another dream of mine - to be in movie...this time I won't be an extra...(anyone ever see 'Torque'? I didn't think so). Here's our schedule:
When I talk about my "sisters" - I mean my sisters. Women in the Wind - Sol Sisters are my life connection. There is nothing in this world more important to a woman than her family and her sisters - those women she can share important life events, life challenges, and life disappointments with. In this case I'll be sharing a multitude of experiences with my sisters on the road! It will be interesting to say the least. I must say though, I am honored to spend this journey to Graceland with some phenomenal, spirited, gifted and caring women - these are the ladies that entertained the idea to mix our vacation with charity and the created the avenues to get us there! Well done my sistahs!
Of course, I'll be missing Jan more than anything else. Missing her is the hardest part of this trip. M.U.R.L. - that's all I got to say.
As I said, I'm about to take off on one of the most exciting adventures of my my life - a 15 day motorcycle trip across the United States with my WITW Sol Sisters by my side. Destination: Graceland. Why? Because we can. Is there not a better reason?
It's already been said among my crew, but I'll say it again, it's not all about the destination. Sure, I'll be weak in the knees when we view Graceland, it is one of my life long dreams to journey there after all, but I know without a doubt, I'll be smiling ear to ear that same evening as we visit Presley Place. I think everyday I'll wake up with some energy and a passion for meeting the day's challenges - like not taking a wrong turn. Well, as for that last comment - we all know it's inevitable for me to make a u-turn along the way - I am "Wrong Way" Jett after all. Considering my life is centered around transportation - that's pretty funny.
Here's the deal. We are taking our vacations and putting a charitable spin on it. Presley Place is about helping families get back on their feet and once a month they have a birthday bash for the kids. This month, it will be the WITW Sol Sisters creating a birthday to remember! We have been busy raising money to buy the gifts for these kids (all 70 of them), shopping and spending some of our own money to complete the task. However, it's a great feeling. These kids are part of a community which is ranked the 14th poorest community in the United States! We'll be sure to spread some WITW Sol Sisters-Girlz of Graceland happiness when we visit.
Okay, there more: In addition to just going on a trip, spreading some cheer, a documentary film crew will be following us - to be submitted to Sundance Festival for '09. Wow, that is way cool. Another dream of mine - to be in movie...this time I won't be an extra...(anyone ever see 'Torque'? I didn't think so). Here's our schedule:
When I talk about my "sisters" - I mean my sisters. Women in the Wind - Sol Sisters are my life connection. There is nothing in this world more important to a woman than her family and her sisters - those women she can share important life events, life challenges, and life disappointments with. In this case I'll be sharing a multitude of experiences with my sisters on the road! It will be interesting to say the least. I must say though, I am honored to spend this journey to Graceland with some phenomenal, spirited, gifted and caring women - these are the ladies that entertained the idea to mix our vacation with charity and the created the avenues to get us there! Well done my sistahs!Of course, I'll be missing Jan more than anything else. Missing her is the hardest part of this trip. M.U.R.L. - that's all I got to say.
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