Not my usual trip report, in part because there's not a lot to report! AEHOG summer party tomorrow at Circle R ranch, we'll likely drive. Breakfast ride Sunday morning we may go on. We have 4 or 5 more overnighters for the remainder of the year, including 2 long ones, Labor Day will be the Big Bend trip, and later in the fall will be the leaf ride to Arkansas.
So what to talk about, well in personal biking news, Darlene was searching for the women and Harleys issue in DMN that featured her interview and my picture, and her search returned at least a handful of references where the article appeared in other newspapers and industry web sites and blogs. So that was pretty cool!
http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/bus/stories/062407dnbuswomenbikers.2a69417.html
Other than that it was a rather newsworthy week if you're into celebrities behaving badly! Micheal Vick entered his not guilty plea in federal court related to his dogfighting charges. Lindsay Lohan fell off the wagon and ended up in jail on DUI and possible cocaine possession charges. And of course in the epitomy of white trash, Britney Spears had another public and well publicized meltdown at OK! magazine. Thank goodness for entertainers!
Friday, July 27, 2007
Monday, July 23, 2007
Black Widow
Very few miles this weekend as it was another busy one on the home front. It was Marc's 13th birthday this weekend so we had a little party on Saturday night. I think this is the first time we had young girls in the house. Scary stuff when there are also young boys going through life changes! All went well, the girls went home about 10PM and things settled down slightly. Marc got a new left-handed guitar for his birthday.
We had our chapter meeting on Saturday, that is all the riding I got in this weekend. Spent my HOG bucks on a smooth fuel door release and installed it on Sunday. No more searching for my key at fuel stops!
Sunday spent quite a bit of time outside trying to get the backyard in shape. Had to tear apart the lawnmower again and clean out the carb. I think the gas I have is a bit old and is probably gumming up the carb. Next it was on to the storage unit. Make some room in it to put the outdoor stuff in it until I build a shed. So off to the unit to get the Christmas decorations.
Well I opened the unit and about head height was a spider. It had built a web/nest in the chair and was a bit of a unique looking spider. I tried to get a good look at it but there's not a lot of light in the unit. So trying to throw it out into the hallway, I instead knocked it down into the boxes.... Oops. I was thinking it looked a lot like a black widow, although I don't believe that I have positively seen one before.
So carefully I picked up each box and lo and behold there was the spider, a bit stunned, I must have given it a bit of a knock.
I was able to put it out in the hall for a better look and sure enough, the little red hourglass. Yes it was a black widow. Note, key word on was....
We had our chapter meeting on Saturday, that is all the riding I got in this weekend. Spent my HOG bucks on a smooth fuel door release and installed it on Sunday. No more searching for my key at fuel stops!
Sunday spent quite a bit of time outside trying to get the backyard in shape. Had to tear apart the lawnmower again and clean out the carb. I think the gas I have is a bit old and is probably gumming up the carb. Next it was on to the storage unit. Make some room in it to put the outdoor stuff in it until I build a shed. So off to the unit to get the Christmas decorations.
Well I opened the unit and about head height was a spider. It had built a web/nest in the chair and was a bit of a unique looking spider. I tried to get a good look at it but there's not a lot of light in the unit. So trying to throw it out into the hallway, I instead knocked it down into the boxes.... Oops. I was thinking it looked a lot like a black widow, although I don't believe that I have positively seen one before.
So carefully I picked up each box and lo and behold there was the spider, a bit stunned, I must have given it a bit of a knock.
I was able to put it out in the hall for a better look and sure enough, the little red hourglass. Yes it was a black widow. Note, key word on was....
Monday, July 16, 2007
Renovations
We had great weather this past weekend, but too many projects on the go to go riding. The "kitchener" is nearing completion, its looking pretty good. The backyard is looking different as well as we prepare for the "big dig". We also hung a couple of ceiling fans and did some browsing.
Tonight is some riding skills practice, I think I'm going to try to do that if the weather holds.
Tonight is some riding skills practice, I think I'm going to try to do that if the weather holds.
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Weather Report
Well, it looks like the weather is breaking a bit. This past weekend we actaully had an opportunity to ride. We had a short run up to Cumberland Presbyterian Children's Home, which is our sponsor charity, then a short ride to Decatur for Lunch. We presented the home with school supplies. This Wednesday for our dinner ride its back to the home where we will present our check from the Pass The Pigs event and the kids will provide us with barbeque. Hopefully the rain will hold off. Its supposed to rain in the am I believe.
This Saturday is the Lunch ride to Hico. That was my first group ride last year.
We have had a lot of rainfall so far this year in North Texas. We were about .25 in short of a record for June (at DFW) although some communities had much more rainfall. Most of the area lakes are full or over-capacity, well all of them actually, and many have parks and access roads closed. The water will remain high for a while, especially if we keep getting rain.
Ryan went out to check out Texoma, the Dennison Dam, where for only the third time in its history its breached its spillway. Apparently it was a bit anticlimatic as its only breached by about .10 of an inch, but we had some pretty significant rainfall last night north of the lake so it may rise a bit.
Also on our ride on Saturday, we took 720 over Lewisville lake, it was in danger of being closed and in fact Saturday night, we had some rain and they did close the road due to water.
Sat night was Cowboy's 60th birthday. We went out for a while, it was in Justin so a bit of a hike, but a good time.
This Saturday is the Lunch ride to Hico. That was my first group ride last year.
We have had a lot of rainfall so far this year in North Texas. We were about .25 in short of a record for June (at DFW) although some communities had much more rainfall. Most of the area lakes are full or over-capacity, well all of them actually, and many have parks and access roads closed. The water will remain high for a while, especially if we keep getting rain.
Ryan went out to check out Texoma, the Dennison Dam, where for only the third time in its history its breached its spillway. Apparently it was a bit anticlimatic as its only breached by about .10 of an inch, but we had some pretty significant rainfall last night north of the lake so it may rise a bit.
Also on our ride on Saturday, we took 720 over Lewisville lake, it was in danger of being closed and in fact Saturday night, we had some rain and they did close the road due to water.
Sat night was Cowboy's 60th birthday. We went out for a while, it was in Justin so a bit of a hike, but a good time.
Thursday, July 05, 2007
Tuesday, July 03, 2007
BHR Day 1, June 23 – Decatur, TX to Raton, NM
We opened the Garage door at home at 5:30 to rain. Checking the radar, it was a small cell, but still, its wet. We put our rain gear on and headed out. It quickly ended with one other brief shower close to Denton, arrived at IHOP to meet up with everyone prior to 7 am.
On the road, ready for lunch at Western Sizzlin’ in Amarillo. Oops, its closed, who knew, fortunately there was a willing Texas Roadhouse right next door.
We continued our way through the Texas Panhandle and into New Mexico. We went by the Capulin Volcano on our way to Raton, NM. It was pretty cool to be in an area that had actual volcanic activity that you could tell by the terrain.
Arriving in Raton and low and behold, we were met with cold beer courtesy of Paul and Lisa, hooray beer!
Approximately 568 miles.
On the road, ready for lunch at Western Sizzlin’ in Amarillo. Oops, its closed, who knew, fortunately there was a willing Texas Roadhouse right next door.
We continued our way through the Texas Panhandle and into New Mexico. We went by the Capulin Volcano on our way to Raton, NM. It was pretty cool to be in an area that had actual volcanic activity that you could tell by the terrain.
Arriving in Raton and low and behold, we were met with cold beer courtesy of Paul and Lisa, hooray beer!
Approximately 568 miles.
BHR Day 2, June 24 – Raton, NM to Winter Park, CO
Sunday, actually a pretty good day. Trip up through Colorado. What beautiful country, trout fisherman everywhere and I mean everywhere. Glen saw a red fox early in am in parking lot, we passed one running alongside the road by some lake. Our original route plan is changed as we take a detour to Bishop Castle in Colorado. It’s a medival castle that has been contructed by a single man, with the only additional funding of donations.
We also did Berthoud pass, which was over 11,000 feet.
We see a few antelope as well, I thought I may have seen some elk but more than likely it was antelope. Lisa has a deer jump over her while riding.
We hit a snag, an accident in the tunnel on I-70. We don’t need to go that far, so we decide to take the “fast lane”. Twenty three bikes on the shoulder of the highway, slowly passing cars that are barely moving, to our exit, back on the road again and on to Winter Park, CO.
Supper was at probably the nicest restaurant of our trip. Good meal and lo and behold we had a mystery dinner santa who picked up the tab for the group, what a pleasant surprise
Approx 330 miles, that is a guess as our route changed for Bishop Castle detour (worth it!)
We also did Berthoud pass, which was over 11,000 feet.
We see a few antelope as well, I thought I may have seen some elk but more than likely it was antelope. Lisa has a deer jump over her while riding.
We hit a snag, an accident in the tunnel on I-70. We don’t need to go that far, so we decide to take the “fast lane”. Twenty three bikes on the shoulder of the highway, slowly passing cars that are barely moving, to our exit, back on the road again and on to Winter Park, CO.
Supper was at probably the nicest restaurant of our trip. Good meal and lo and behold we had a mystery dinner santa who picked up the tab for the group, what a pleasant surprise
Approx 330 miles, that is a guess as our route changed for Bishop Castle detour (worth it!)
BHR Day 3, June 25 – Winter Park, CO to Deadwood, SD
Long trip and long day. We did Rocky Mountain National Park in the morning, it took about 3 hours to travel the 60 or so miles. Darlene was suffering from altitude sickness, did not get much sleep at all the night before and was struggling on top of the mountain. On our way into the park I saw a cow moose and two calves and we saw a lot of elk on the top of the mountain. We hit 12,200 feet. It was quite cool on the mountain and there was snow still around. At a stop on top, we took a group picture. We saw a lot of other bikers, and several of them did not appear to be prepared for the change in temperature. No helmets, sleeveless shirts. They would have definitely been cold since it was likely 50F or less at the top. There was a vintage Ford group doing the mountain as well. Actually there was a lot of them and we passed several of them for several miles. Some of the cars seemed to be struggling a bit with the grade.
Back on flatland the temperatures warmed up quite a bit. We stop in Loveland at the Thunder Mountain Harley dealership, they are getting ready for the Thunder in the Rockies rally and its busy. Eat lunch in the conveniently placed Hooters restaurant. Boy will they have a busy week!
After lunch and in Wyoming, on I-25 the temperatures reached about 100F. Combined with the altitude sickness and high temps some of the riders struggled. Along the way (hwy 18?) we hit some road maintenance and a slight delay. Last stop before Deadwood some of our party desperately needed a break. Back on track and into South Dakota and major change of scenery. Trees, hills, and now after 6PM so it starts to cool off. A lot of deer on the side of the road, eyes wide open! Five bucks, antlers all in velvet. Five does, up and down the side hill, a couple of singles in the ditches. Finally got into Deadwood, cool town, and settled into the hotel about 7:30 PM. Darlene is exhausted, grabbed a sandwich and ate in the hotel room asleep by 9:30 at latest.
Approx 460 miles
Back on flatland the temperatures warmed up quite a bit. We stop in Loveland at the Thunder Mountain Harley dealership, they are getting ready for the Thunder in the Rockies rally and its busy. Eat lunch in the conveniently placed Hooters restaurant. Boy will they have a busy week!
After lunch and in Wyoming, on I-25 the temperatures reached about 100F. Combined with the altitude sickness and high temps some of the riders struggled. Along the way (hwy 18?) we hit some road maintenance and a slight delay. Last stop before Deadwood some of our party desperately needed a break. Back on track and into South Dakota and major change of scenery. Trees, hills, and now after 6PM so it starts to cool off. A lot of deer on the side of the road, eyes wide open! Five bucks, antlers all in velvet. Five does, up and down the side hill, a couple of singles in the ditches. Finally got into Deadwood, cool town, and settled into the hotel about 7:30 PM. Darlene is exhausted, grabbed a sandwich and ate in the hotel room asleep by 9:30 at latest.
Approx 460 miles
BHR Day 4, June 26 – Black Hills National Forest.
Our shortest ride of the trip, but by no means did it make the day (much) shorter. Yes we probably got back to the hotel by 5:00 pm.
Incredible roads today, definitely the most challenging I have ridden. In particular Iron Mountain Road, and Needles Highway. First destination was Mount Rushmore. Very impressive. On Iron Mountain road we went through several tunnels including some that opened to Mount Rushmore. Into Custer State Park where we ate lunch. Herds of wild buffalo, a couple of deer, some wild burros and even some mountain sheep. After lunch we did Needles Highway and stopped at one location for some pictures. We caught up to the smoke from the fires at the south end of the state park and it was getting fairly thick. More tight roads, tunnels and buses almost getting stuck in tunnels.
We stopped in Hill City to visit the HD store then on to the Crazy House monument. Actually I think Hill City was after the monument, no matter.
I don't know, the number 153 miles sticks in my head, was definately the shortest distance and the shortest day.
Incredible roads today, definitely the most challenging I have ridden. In particular Iron Mountain Road, and Needles Highway. First destination was Mount Rushmore. Very impressive. On Iron Mountain road we went through several tunnels including some that opened to Mount Rushmore. Into Custer State Park where we ate lunch. Herds of wild buffalo, a couple of deer, some wild burros and even some mountain sheep. After lunch we did Needles Highway and stopped at one location for some pictures. We caught up to the smoke from the fires at the south end of the state park and it was getting fairly thick. More tight roads, tunnels and buses almost getting stuck in tunnels.
We stopped in Hill City to visit the HD store then on to the Crazy House monument. Actually I think Hill City was after the monument, no matter.
I don't know, the number 153 miles sticks in my head, was definately the shortest distance and the shortest day.
BHR Day 5, June 27 – North Dakota Border
Another beautiful day. Today we went through Spearfish Canyon. Another great road. Hit a bit of traffic to slow us down as the turns were a bit easier to take than some of the other roads. Gorgeous road. On to Devils Tower. Another very impressive landmark. I can only imagine back in the day what these landmarks meant to travelers and the native American population. We ate at Belle Fourche, where they had had 4 inch hailstones the day we arrived in Deadwood. Some of the group departed on to Sturgis at this point and the North Dakota Dozen continued on to the North Dakota border. Quick stop for ABCs touring pic and a turnabout in ND. On to Sturgis, past the Broken Spoke saloon, Crazy Horse saloon, into the dealership for a quick trip and back to Deadwood for our last night. Time to back up everything again…
Approx 360 miles
Approx 360 miles
BHR Day 6, June 28 – Deadwood, SD to North Platte, NE
The beginning of the end. Seems weird that we are heading south to go North… Hit the road for a quick stop at Rapid City Harley Dealership, which is definitely gearing up for the Sturgis/Black Hills rally.
On to Wall to the Wall Drug store, decisions do we take a short break or keep riding. We decide to take a short break which of course extends slightly. Oops, ride into Darlene’s bike upon exiting the parking lot. Minor damage, broke a signal light cover.
Enter the Badlands National Park. We are behind schedule and don’t take any stops in the incredible terrain with alien landscape. Thankfully we have lots of passengers taking pictures.
We stop in Murdo for lunch. Take a quick tour of the town as the restaurant is marked differently than its name. Murdo is definitely a stopping point. Several restaurants, motels and other attractions that are mostly car related.
Unfortunately we enter back into Central time and lose another hour. Our destination of the North Platte Harley Dealer prior to closing is in jeopardy and in fact we get in well after closing. Oh yes, watch out for unmarked curbs. They snagged both myself and Carla’s kickstand springs.
Nebraska isn’t as bad as I expected, actually on Hwy 83 we traveled through a wildlife preserve (waterfowl) and the terrain was sandy and rolling.
Supper was a lousy Mexican restaurant. Very disappointing as we were all looking forward to it.
Approx 405 miles.
On to Wall to the Wall Drug store, decisions do we take a short break or keep riding. We decide to take a short break which of course extends slightly. Oops, ride into Darlene’s bike upon exiting the parking lot. Minor damage, broke a signal light cover.
Enter the Badlands National Park. We are behind schedule and don’t take any stops in the incredible terrain with alien landscape. Thankfully we have lots of passengers taking pictures.
We stop in Murdo for lunch. Take a quick tour of the town as the restaurant is marked differently than its name. Murdo is definitely a stopping point. Several restaurants, motels and other attractions that are mostly car related.
Unfortunately we enter back into Central time and lose another hour. Our destination of the North Platte Harley Dealer prior to closing is in jeopardy and in fact we get in well after closing. Oh yes, watch out for unmarked curbs. They snagged both myself and Carla’s kickstand springs.
Nebraska isn’t as bad as I expected, actually on Hwy 83 we traveled through a wildlife preserve (waterfowl) and the terrain was sandy and rolling.
Supper was a lousy Mexican restaurant. Very disappointing as we were all looking forward to it.
Approx 405 miles.
BHR Day 7, June 29 – North Platte, NE to Woodward, OK
Not a lot exciting, just a bunch of miles. A late start since we hit the North Platte Dealership when they opened at 8:30 am. Our trip took several changes to original plan, not the route but the stops. No gas needed in Norton, oops. We have a couple of close calls, low gas indicator and reserve, but everyone makes it to a gas stop. Mike Taylor struggles with stomach issues and paints new lines on the road. We stop at Dodge City HD. Kansas is flat and boring….
We arrive in Woodward in what appears to be Truck Stop hell with no restaurants in stumbling distance. The Pizza and Beer santa shows up and we all have a great final night together.
Approx 400 miles
We arrive in Woodward in what appears to be Truck Stop hell with no restaurants in stumbling distance. The Pizza and Beer santa shows up and we all have a great final night together.
Approx 400 miles
BHR Day 8, June 30 – Woodward, OK to home!
Wake up at 5:30 am to… Rain. Figures, we are back in our neck of the woods. Hit the road at 6:15 am, another long day and looking longer with the rain. We ride about 2 hours in light rain/mist before the skies ease up a bit and the road dries out. By the time we hit I-40, we decide to take the interstates. On to OKC, to I-35 and south. Crazy roads these interstates. 75MPH, high winds, traffic, ugly stuff, but gets you there quick. We stop at the Red River to get our TX and OK ABC points. Not the safest stops we have done. Lots of water in the Red River. More than I have ever seen. Its hot and we still have our raingear as the skies kept threatening, finally on 380 we stop to disrobe. Lots of water. Greenbelt park is closed, the parking lot is flooded and the water is almost to the highway. We get home about 2:30 and about 30 minutes later we have a thunderstorm, but we are inside and dry!
Approx 340 miles
Approx 340 miles
BHR Summary
Incredible trip. These notes don’t come close to describing it. Each day was long but we looked forward to each next day. We roomed with Kim and Glen Christopher and had a great time. Great friends, great roads and great times. Minimal bike issues. Darlene’s taillight, Carla and my kickstand springs, Lynn’s battery and stator. I think that was it, except for a couple of saddlebag issues. 3005 miles door to door. 526 pictures. Countless gallons of gas, bottles of water, skittles and sunflower seeds and Red Bulls.
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