AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL

Hey Folks,

Playing a little catch up again here. Some days are longggggggggggg ride days and others are just sightseeing days. On the long days, it's shower and to bed.

We left Pulson, MT which is just at the south end of Flathead Lake early on Tuesday morning. Somehow Steve was able to talk the lady at the front desk of the hotel into doing our laundry in the hotel washers and dryers. Not only did she wash and dry it...she folded it!

As we left Pulson we took the east side of Flathead Lake which I think is the best ride up. It is lined with cherry orchards all the way up the lake.

When we started it was a little overcast on our end of the lake but, as you looked north you could see just a glimmer of sunshine. Almost like waking up and realizing you had forgot to pull the shade all the way down and the sunshine was just peeking into your room.

Clouds gave way to sunshine in about 30 mins. On our right was the Mission Mountains. Just gorgeous. The sun was already up and what few clouds were still left you could play the little game of "what do you see" with the shadows on the sides of the mountains. The mountains were like a painter's canvas and the clouds were constantly changing his mural as we rode up.

That thought gave way to the calmness of the lake. We had beat the traffic out of Pulson heading toward Glacier Park. Off to our left was the lake. Calm, clear and overwhelming in size.

It gave you the feeling of sitting on a back porch, a deck, looking over the lake or the mountains, an ocean chair with your favorite book, the morning paper, a hot cup of coffee...not talking, not listening.....just enjoying. It just so happened my cup of coffee was almost 900 lbs of HD. It was so relaxing. It reminds you of how lucky we are to live in America!



(REMEMBER TO CLICK ON PICTURES TO ENLARGE THEM)

We motored on up to Glacier Park and the Going-To-The-Sun Road. All I can say.....if you are planning to go this year....find something else to do. Five miles into the park we hit road construction. For those who have never traveled out west...road construction is best described as...new construction! They completely take up all of the road. What is left is MUD & ROCK! And if there were not enough mud already...the water truck will make sure there is before you ride over it!

Average speed for over half of the road was probably 10-15 MPH. OH....I forgot...IN THE FRIGGING RAIN! All the pull offs were full of road repair equipment. So, during the rain...you just sat there in it and let the mud go by. It was quite relaxing! NOT!

We finally got to the top. (22 miles in only about two hours). The rain subsided for about 10 minutes. Then it let go again. Full rain gear for the back side ride.

We cut out of the park and went on the outside around Hwy 89 and Hwy 2. It was an awesome ride. Awesome until we met "MAN IN A VAN!"

I will vote for any politician who will ban...minivans from National Parks and roads! We are on a perfectly curved and cambered road. Mr. California MiniVan Driver decides he is going to impress us with his Richard Petty driving skills going down the mountain. I am pretty sure his wife finally slapped some sense into him and he pulled off and let us pass.

Made it back to Missoula. Our plan was to go to Lolo, MT and spend the night. But, since I DIDN'T make reservations....all the rooms were gone. We stayed in Missoula which was PERFECT. Stayed at a La Quinta using some of my points. The check-in girl named Emily was great. If I owned a business I would love to have a 100 Emily's working for me. For those that know the La Quinta in Detroit...this is why I save my points for my bike trips. The one in Detroit and the one in Missoula is day and night. If you are every in the area stay there!

Wednesday:

Got up and headed toward Idaho. Rode out on Hwy 12. Steve and I both agreed...probably the most spectacular motorcycle road we have been on. The speed limit was 70 but, you didn't want to do that. It parallels a river all the way into Idaho.



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On every turn I keep saying..."this is this my favorite." Then another turn and I would go..."no this is now my favorite." Just imagine you were in a lottery. The lottery was the contestants of Ms America. And you could only pick one. As soon as Ms Alabama walks out you go "her." Then Ms Alaska and you go.."no her." Well that is the way it was. I finally made a choice. Of course I picked the one with the biggest.......................................................ripples! Get your mind out of the gutter! That is where the biggest trout feed!


We did make a stop at the Lochsa Lodge on Hwy 12. What a great place. We were told they had the best "blackberry" cobbler. And YES they did! It was excellent. That is where I met the new Viking Motorcycle Club! I think I will make them the rivals of the Cheese Head MC in Appleton! One married couple and a friend from MN traveling. Great folks. We stopped and had an "Ice House" moment on Hwy 12.



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We took a detour on Hwy 11. I am trying to find one word to describe it.....PERFECT! The first 7 miles was like a jigsaw puzzle. Straight up a mountain.



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I will rename this road...."FIREMAN BILL'S BIGGEST FEAR!"

I will tell you what...I am pissed off! I am sick and tired of Clark this, Clark that, Clark this. The town of Clark, Clark River and now frigging Clark Ranch:




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Well, I guess my moaning and complaning about Clark this and Clark that finally paid off. Those potato heads in Idaho finally came through for me. What a great bunch of people. I couldn't believe what they did for me:



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We made a stop at the Elk Horn bar in Weippe, ID! I missed that class on tack as well. It was the same semester as the one on "fatherly advice." I walked in and the whole bar just turned and stared at me. (OK, the whole bar consisted of 4 patrons and the bartender....work with me on the story) I just said the first thing that came to my mind..."I rode all the way from NC for a free beer. Who's buying it?" I got the deer in the headlight look for everyone. Finally, a guy at the end of the bar said..."I guess I will." The bartender turned her head and gave him the "what the hell are you thinking" look. He shrugged his shoulders and said..."the man rode all the way from NC we should at least buy him a beer." And he did. Steve and I both. Yes, we did reciprocate.

And as Paul Harvey use to say...."and here is the rest of the story"

Linda and Lori (twin sisters) were half the crowd. I am thinking they are third cousins removed from Peggy at the WigWam bar in NY. Some of you reading this will know what I mean! Every other word was "OH MY GOD, WHAT A MAN." Of course that was in between the smoking and drinking. Of course...my good buddy Steve just left me out to hang! He didn't have my back at all.

We got ready to leave and my ex good friend Steve suggest that the "twins" get in a picture with me. Off those frigging bar stools they came. And I was cornered, half nelsoned, caged like a wild animal, trapped, snared, collared, hooked, overtaken, nabbed, hog tied, knotted, fenced, faster than any two women I have ever seen move. I did my best to be nice. Then they both wanted to kiss me. Steve was eating it up. I said thanks and out the door I went. Almost as fast as the "twins" got off those bar stools.

More to the story....The guy who bought us the beer suggested a place about 10 miles down the road for a burger. Timber Rail. Excellent burger. As we sat and talked Steve, still gloating at his ability to put me in a pickle brought up the "twins" to the bartender. She quickly added her comments. They just showed up from no where. Clean a whole hotel for $5 an hour. I made the comment..."that is cheap." The bartender quickly gave me more detail. "One vacuums, while the other holds the cord! And then there is Terry. He dates BOTH of the twins and......well, you get the picture.

The best part of the whole story......Steve's camera had a dead battery almost. The flash didn't work and it was out of focus. Otherwise I would be more than happy to post the picture! Really.

Miss Millie:

The bartender at the first bar was called Miss Millie. Of course we had to find out why. An older guy at the end of the bar gave her the name he said. The Long Branch in Gun Smoke had Miss Kitty, Porter Wagner had Miss Dolly...so the Elk Horn had Miss Millie! It all seemed reasonable to me!



Thursday:

We got into Lewiston, ID around 7 PM Pacific time. Nothing fancy but, we were able to wash the bike. Filthy does not even come close to explaining how dirty.

It was 106 degrees in parts of ID yesterday. Every part we were in it seemed!

Got up and headed out for WA state. Ran into a very interesting guy at the gas station. Had a "trike" with a Pinto engine. Had over 500,000 miles on it. Warned us of the Washington State HP of giving tickets for non DOT helmets. Could not understand why he got one. Then he pulled out the 1960's football helmet. I will go out on the limb on that one.

Started up Hwy 12 out of town. I can't describe how gorgeous of a ride it was:




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The back roads of WA to get to Winthrop, WA were the best. It was the quickest 400 miles I have ever ridden. Just make sure you go out to dinner before 9PM. The town closes up then!

I will say this. It's a little disconserting when you turn on the road and the WARNING sign has numbers on hooks so they can change it daily on how many deer have been killed so far this year on the "next 25 miles of road." BTW...116 so far this year! I was glad to reach the Gardner Mt Inn!

Bumper Sticker of the day: (actually it's a bar sign from the Elk Horn bar)




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I just want to add one more note and I am going to bed...Steve and I both say every day just how lucky and blessed we are to be on this trip. And every day as I am riding...I am glad I have friends and brothers like Iceman and Strangeman still serving on Active Duty in the military keeping this country great as it is and FREE! We salute you Men! Please don't ever think it's not appreciated or taken for granted! Be safe!

AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL:


O beautiful for spacious skies,
For amber waves of grain,
For purple mountain majesties
Above the fruited plain!
America! America!
God shed his grace on thee
And crown thy good with brotherhood
From sea to shining sea!

O beautiful for pilgrim feet
Whose stern impassioned stress
A thoroughfare of freedom beat
Across the wilderness!
America! America!
God mend thine every flaw,
Confirm thy soul in self-control,
Thy liberty in law!

O beautiful for HEROES proved
In liberating strife.
Who more than self their country loved
And mercy more than life!
America! America!
May God thy gold refine
Till all success be nobleness
And every gain divine!


Rick (MDD)

SAD NEWS TO REPORT...

Some of you may have seen or heard about his already. Bruce Rossmeyer, owner of Daytona HD was killed today in WY while passing an RV. Ride safe my friends!

http://www.wftv.com/news/20229734/detail.html

Cut & Paste.

THANKS TOMMY!

Well, I feel like I should apologize....I got six emails wanting to know if we were still alive and kicking since I had not posted a blog entry. Thanks for checking!

I will play catch up here. We left Huron, SD on Sunday morning. Destination was Red Lodge, MT. That was NOT going to happen. Putz, you can call me "Evil Anal" if you want....next big trip I am having reservations! (That goes for you too Brenda!)

Started calling Red Lodge around 1130 in the morning. No rooms any where to be found. Even in the outlying towns. Finally found rooms in Billings at the hotel we (airline) stay at on layovers. Motley Crue and Godspell/Godspin some other band were staying there. I could have cared less. Now had it been King George Strait...different story!

Found out the reasons there were no rooms in Red Lodge was due to the "Mountain Man Rendezvous" weekend. Marva..if you start getting calls with area code 406.....what are friends for! Besides, we need a free place to stay next time in Red Lodge! Be nice to them when they call!

We did stop in Broadus, MT for the "worlds greatest milkshake." It was OK.

The big highlight of the day was Little Big Horn National Park. Words just can't do it justice. I have been lucky enough to visit Gettysburg several times. Little Big Horn was just as moving. You see grave markers though out the whole battle area. They just buried the men where they fell. We were standing up on the top of the hill where the final battle was fought. You can see all the grave markers of the soldiers scattered down the hill. (261 total) Even Gen Custer's. His headstone is black compared to the others which are white.



Steve and I were trying to find a word to describe our feelings as we were standing there. I used the word "moving." Steve used "spiritual." Today while getting oil changes in Bozeman a Native American who fought in Vietnam came up to talk to me. Very articulate, educated man. We were talking about Little Big Horn. He used the right word to describe it...."Sacred!" It's a MUST SEE if you are in the area. My words will never do it justice!

We lost a few brain cells in Billings later that night. I am not really sure but, I think it is safe to say our waitress with all the tattoos (she was sleeving out with tattoos) and big holes in her ears was not very receptive of my "fatherly" advice. I am pretty sure when she started rolling her eyes....I should have picked up on that and stopped, oh well. Unfortunately, I missed that class and continued to give it.


Monday...

Got up and left Billings heading for Beartooth Hwy. Stopped in Red Lodge for breakfast. Found a place that actually served grits! Filled up and headed out.

Charles Kuralt called Beartooth Hwy the most gorgeous road in America. I really can't argue with him. But.....I don't think he did it in the rain! It kind of distorts your view of it when it's raining and road repairs are going on. Throw in dinosaur sized misquotes as well when you have to stop and wait for the road repairs. The flagmen/women were wearing misquotes head nets if that gives you a better picture. I finally got off my bike and got my repellent out. Regardless....well worth it.

Got into Yellowstone a little later than planned. Our original plan was to make Bozeman yesterday so we could get oil changes early this morning. We are at about 4,500 miles into the ride so far.

Thanks to the buffalo that didn't happen. We were backed up in traffic for over an hour so all the people driving a minivan could take a picture of an over size cow! Then, two miles down the road...same thing! What do people do with 300 pictures of buffalo? Christmas cards? Who the hell knows. =-)

It was Steve's first time on Beartooth and in Yellowstone. After we finally got by the Buffalo Fan Club it was pretty smooth sailing....kind of, not really!

Kind of if you like torrential down pours and HAIL! We were actually hailed on twice. I have never had ice build up on my windshield so fast. It was a bit larger than peas. Yes it hurts! It makes a very loud "pinging" noise off of your helmet. That is when Steve had been replaced by Willy Wonka!



The back side of Yellowstone we got a little break for about 30 mins just as we pulled into Old Faithful. It was perfect timing. Old Faithful goes off about every 90 minutes. We were only there 3 mins and it went off. Very cool if you have never seen that.



As a kid, we didn't have a clothes dryer like some of you as well I am guessing. I can still remember the smell of when my Mom would put fresh sheets on the bed from the clothes line...that is what the smell reminded me of yesterday after the last rain and we were able to take our rain gear off and ride the remainder of Yellowstone. The culmination of the fresh rain, the drop in temp, (97 to 57 in one day) the trees all combined to give that "fresh clothes line" smell when your head will hit the pillow at night.

It was late so I decided to call a place I have stayed at three times now. The Hebagan Mountain Inn. This is where I first "encountered" the Cheese Head Motorcycle Club! And yes, they still remember us!

My brother sometimes accuses me of being a little "squeaky." The rate started at $165 a night. When it was all done and said...we got the rooms for $100. Yes, the squeaky oils does get the oil sometimes! And yes Cheese Heads....the bar is doing fine. When I asked for ice, I was told..."you have been here enough, the ice machine is in the kitchen if you want more." And yes, I did get up and go get it. The other sister was cooking and said when I walked into the kitchen...."are you coming back to help?" I got the hell out fast! I love a place that the owner gets up to tell you bye in the morning...(or check to make sure you are not stealing towels..not sure yet which)

It's also hard to describe what Flathead Lake looks like until you crest the hill on Hwy 93 and see it for the first time. It is an amazing body of water. Largest lake east of the Mississippi.

So far this trip....antelope, mule deer, moose, eagles, and a mountain lion. (OK, he was dead..but, I still saw him)

Tomorrow we ride the Going-To-The-Sun road in Glacier Park and then head to Idaho and Hwy 12. Following the same river Lewis and Clark did.





THANKS TOMMY:

When the trip was first hatched in my little incubation pit I call a mind, I sent out an "open" invitation. Two people (actually three but, as soon as I said I still don't share a room it was down to two) was serious about going. Tommy from Columbia, SC who went to Undergraduate School and Law School at University of South Carolina (big red chicken for a mascot) wanted to go. He stated...I want to see Little Big Horn. When I first met Tommy and his lovely wife Peggy on the way to Sturgis four years ago in a bar (I see a trend with all my friends) we became instant friends. Even back then he talked about going to "Little Big Horn."

I did the research, planned the route to include what "Little Tommy" wanted to do. Then I sent out "release forms" for both married guys to have their wives sign them. Well, let's just say only Steve is on the trip.....kind of! Tommy, we both thank you from the bottom of our hearts for routing us that way....and buddy, you were there in spirit! =-)






Quote of the day comes from General Custer's sword. Here is the picture of it:




I have also added a couple of videos I posted on YouTube. Just copy and paste this link in your tool bar. If you ever wondered how big a 3,000 pound buffalo looks three feet in front of your Harley....you can see!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xjKbq1jV3GE

In the honor of a true American icon, Walter Cronkite:

"And that's the way it is!"

Rick (MDD)

FREE BEER!!

Had to take a day off. Was trying to figure out how to download my videos into my computer. I almost called my wiz kid neighbor for help! Finally got it up and going. Now I just need to learn how to edit them.

I am sure you are just dying to see a five minute video of Spearfish Canyon or Needles Hwy! Got up Thursday and went for a nice ride over to Devils Tower. Gorgeous day for riding. It is my forth time and every time is just amazes me how incredible and amazing it is, in person. It still makes the hair stand up on my arms as I round the corner on Hwy 24 and see it. It is almost like an enormous rocket ship just emerging from the ground waiting for count down. Truly an amazing natural wonder. It was the very first National Monument.



I will never understand why people always want to go to Europe and places when we have so much to offer right here in America. Just spectacular sights.

Left Devils Tower and took Steve on the "round about" back to Deadwood, SD. A little on the warm side, 97, yesterday. So, when it's 97 and you pass a place called "Polly's Pub" in the greatest little town in America according to the city limit sign...it was calling: "Rick, Steve, Rick, Steve." Being true southern gentlemen...we turned our bikes around and headed back to Polly's! Ice cold beer. The bottles had frost on them! Great little stop.

Popped on over to Deadwood, SD. Had dinner and a beer or two there and headed back to Sturgis. We got in a good 225 mile ride.

Got up early again this morning and rode out to cover Spearfish Canyon, Mt Rushmore, Iron Mountain Rd, and Needles Hwy. First stop was the same breakfast place I have been going to since my brother Randy, and friend Fringy first came out here. It has since been sold but, still the same friendliness as before. Our new favorite waitress is Michelle. She gave us the low down on "Howdy's" dinner. Amazing, the gas station is also called "Howdy's." This Howdy fella gets around. Regardless, she is cute as a button and perfect teeth. If you find yourself in Whitewood, SD...stop in. Be forewarned....she does not like to ride long distance. When we talked about how far we had riddeN...her response...UGHHHHHHH! Filled up and headed out.



First road was Spearfish Canyon. A small, narrow road deep in wooded canyon walls. A couple of nice waterfalls as well. Sunny and very comfortable ride.

Went up to Mt Rushmore. I am pretty sure the girl running the "parking concession" booth will not be sending me a Christmas card. What a crock of poop! Steve and I both bought the "Annual Pass" that was suppose to cover every National Park back in MI. $80. We figured by the time we got back, it would be worth it. WRONG! Concession Booth Princess informed me my pass was no good since Mt Rushmore was a "monument" and not a "park." So, we had to pay for "parking." I told her what I thought of that idea. Then she asked me what state I was from. I asked if she was going to send me a Christmas card. She failed to see/understand my humor. I asked her why she needed to know. ( I am sure the long line behind me had nothing to do while I made a new friend in SD) She said they tracked where visitors were from and wanted to know where my bike was registered. I obliged her..."the moon!" Again, she failed to see my humor. I then offered to tell her for $10. That is when she informed me if "I wanted to proceed, I had better tell her where the bike was from." My next answer was NC and drove off! Under my breath I was saying, "to the moon Alice, to the moon!"

Later as I thought about it....Devils Tower is also a "monument" and I didn't get charged there to park. Maybe that is part of the "change." It was kind of cool. One of the original "drillers" was in the gift shop signing books. I asked when they planned to start on President Reagan's addition. He was not amused either. So, I left Mt Rushmore!

Started on Iron Mountain Hwy. Very nice at first. Then, it quickly turned into another one of those "romantic" days again! Steve, me and a herd of wild burros. It was "special." Especially when the morons from MN started feeding the burros from their minivan. I had my video camera ready. I was thinking $10,000 first prize when the burro went into the van. Unfortunately it never happened.

Left Iron Mountain and went directly to Needles Hwy. From what little I could see the first ten miles was excellent. We did manage to talk the guys who drive the jeeps on "bison tours" to allow us to park in their garage during the lighting. Great guys. Again, I am just not sure how Obama got elected. These guys were all on the same page as us. (Candace...come over from the dark side)!

The rain let up a little and according to Weatherman Steve...it was "done." It was, until about 1/4 mile down the road and the buckets really let go! Sat under a tree with a couple from NE. Nice folks. Even though the girl would not put her jacket on and she was riding in shorts, flip flops and chaps. Her reasoning was.....she didn't want her jacket to get wet! Ummmm, I think that is why I bought a rain jacket. I know I am going out on a limb on that one. But, God smiled down on us! The last five miles of Needles Hwy the sun came out. It is the best part of the ride. So, not all was lost.

Tomorrow we ride out for Red Lodge, MT via the Little Big Horn Battlefield that my friend Tommy wanted included in the ride plan. Oh, that's right....Tommy couldn't come. His wife Peggy would not sign his permission slip. No problem Tommy....I will dazzle Steve with all my research I put into the stop! =-) I just realized now why your alma mater uses a Chicken for the mascot! =-)

FREE BEER: On the way to Devils Tower we stopped in Hullet, WY. I wanted a Red Bull. Walked in and was told we had to go to the bar to get it. Walked around the corner and there was Helga from Germany, tending bar in Hullet, WY. I got my Red Bull and she looked at me like, "is that it you puss?" So, I ordered a local beer. (it was after noon in NC...10 here) Then Steve ordered. He wanted a PBR. As soon as he ordered, I saw a sign for Schlitz $1! He asked if she had Schlitz for a $1. She said "no, I will give it to you if you will really drink it!" No one drinks Schlitz in WY! (and pays for it!)

Bumper Sticker of the day: I WILL KEEP MY FREEDOM, MY MONEY, MY GUNS....YOU CAN KEEP YOUR CHANGE!

Have a great weekend, Rick (MDD)

Heeeeeeeeeeeeeeeees BACK!

Well, well, well.....finally made it to Sturgis today. Sleep in a little this morning, got up, loaded the bikes, and headed out from Huron, SD to Sturgis.

I will say this for anyone riding to Sturgis (trailering Tommy does not count). Get off of Interstate 90 and either take Hwy 14/34 or Hwy 212! What a pleasure to ride. No 18 wheelers, no traffic (at one point we rode 37 miles without seeing a car in either direction), no buildings and most important....NO WALL DRUG STORE signs!

The speed limit on the signs is 65. We probably averaged 75+. At one point there had to be about a 1500-2000' vertical drop on the road to the bottom. Almost a mile long. It would not do for my nephew Donald to live there! But, I think that is the pot calling the kettle black...I finally got the White Knight above 100 today. My personal best, 111! (sorry Mark...on one shoulder was the devil waving two checkered flags saying do it! On the other shoulder was the NCHP saying don't! Oh well, it was SD so I did!)



Grasshoppers! Grasshoppers! Grasshoppers! Millions! And no, I am not exaggerating. There were so many grasshoppers today I thought someone had dropped dirt on the road. We stopped at a store for a pop and a local rancher said they were so bad they were eating the paint off houses south of where we were at! I had to wash my jeans just to get the grasshopper guts off! It was the strangest thing I have ever seen. Those little SOB's hurt when they hit you in the head and legs.



We will be in Sturgis for three days. Steve has never been here. Will probably average about 300 miles a day while here.

Story of the trip so far:

Got to the hotel and checked in. Took off to get the thousands (yes, thousands of grasshoppers off the bike) at the car wash. Got back, showered and took off for Sturgis the main part. First stop was the Full Throttle Saloon.

We were sitting at the bar bs'ing with the bartender and a fellow walks up with dreadlocks. Very unpretentious type fellow. Huge southern accent. Great guy to talk with. Come to find out, he is the owner of Full Throttle Saloon. He is from Jackson, TN. Told us the whole story about how he came to own the bar.

It is incredible. Long story short, he started selling pagers and cell phones out of his dad's tile shop when he was 16. Was the first person to ever "give" cell phones away with a contract. Verizon bought him out about ten years ago for $48 million! He is living the dream. What a down to Earth, good person.

The bartender was the same. He is an aircraft mechanic the other eleven months of the year. NASCAR fan. Go figure! Both were good people.

This bar is incredible. The owner just bought a bridge and had it moved to the bar for seating. You have to see it, to believe it.



OK, it's bed time for Bonzo!

Bumper Sticker of the day:

OBAMANOMICS: TRICKLE UP POVERTY!

Rick (MDD)

Dear PETA....

Another day on the steel horse is behind us. Seven days and almost 3,000 miles so far.

Left Grand Rapids, MN yesterday morning. It was another one of those "romantic" days I talked about earlier...Pouring rain and 54 degrees. I am telling you, that Al Gore fellas is really on to something with that "global warming" theory of his!

For those of us who ride, please explain something to me: Why is it we love to ride beside a flowing river/creek/ocean and just love the calming utopia it puts us in? We all have had that urge just to park the bike on a hot day and just jump into the body of water we are riding along side of. Yet, the cold, pouring rain, running up my sleeve and settling in my arm pits, fogging my face shield, filling my boot, just does not give me that same "utopia." In fact, I am sick of it already! =-)

Regardless, it only lasted three hours. It was a bitter sweet morning. We did some fantastic riding yet, we had to bid farewell to Jud & Brenda. They rode back to the East and we headed West. What a great time was had. Like Steve said and I can only echo his sentiments, "what good people!"

I did have a blow out yesterday. Nope, not my tire, my boot! The zipper came out of my boot. I am thinking that did not help my "utopia" I was experiencing in the pouring rain. As we were riding through Brainerd, MN I decided to stop and ask if there was a local cobbler. That was a great idea had I not laid my leather jacket on my exhaust and melted the zipper!

I was lucky, I found a business in downtown Brainerd that was tops! It was kind of like the story of the guy going into the hardware store for a water hose and coming out with a new riding mower. Before it was all over....I had a new zipper in my boot, a new zipper in my jacket, new laces, and even resoled my boots! All for only $95. It was a heck of a deal. If you are ever in Brainerd, MN and need repairs...go to Harting Shoe Repair! On top of that.....He is a true Patriot! Thinks just like the majority of us do! It restored my faith in some of the people of MN!



Finally after three and a half hours of "leather" work we were on our way again. We were hoping to make Sturgis by night fall. Just a little more than 700 miles. My blow out negated that idea. Plus, we ran into a mega thunderstorm. You have heard of "storm chaser" well, we were storm avoider's! And that is why we didn't make Sturgis. GPS's are great (most of the time.) Let's just say, we got an excellent scenic tour of the state of MN. I found some roads that I had never seen even living there for eleven years! But, it was gorgeous riding. So, we really can't complain.

Finally rolled into the state of South Dakota around 430 PM Central time. It was decided we would take back roads to Sturgis vs the interstate. Great decision except.....very few hotels! We were ready to call it a night around 8 PM when we discovered...we were not as ready as we thought. The only hotel in the small town of Redland, SD was full. So, south to Huron, SD we went. Another 45 miles. Only to discover all five hotels here was full too! Brenda....this "not having reservations" was not working for me last night. Finally we got rooms (smoking, conference rooms with Murphy beds). And you know what...I was damn grateful at 1030 PM at night to have them!

I will say this...last night as we crested one of the many loping hills in SD we caught the sun going down. It was a gorgeous evening. We rolled over the hill and there was the beautiful valley in SD being lit by the setting sun. Visibility had to be 100 miles plus! No smog, no cars, no light poles, (no hotels)! It reminded me of a great song by George Strait. The song is Cowboys Like Us. The chorus goes like this:

Cowboys like us sure do have fun
Racin’ the wind, chasin’ the sun
Take the long way around back to square one
Today we’re just outlaws out on the run
There’ll be no regrets, no worries and such
For cowboys like us

We talk about livin’, babies, and women
All that we’ve lost and all we’ve been givin’
We sing about true love, lie about things we ain’t done
Drink one more cold one, come mornin’ get up
And we roll!

I will tell you this. These people in SD are hospitable as can be. They even named one of their cities after Steve. They offered us the key to the city. Unfortunately, there were no buildings in the city!



More sad news to report:

Dear PETA,

It is with a heavy heart I have to write and inform you I hit a bird yesterday with my bike and it's life was taken. I felt terrible. As soon as I quit sobbing I called the help line at, 1-800-IEATMEAT! The counselor made me feel so much better. He asked a very simple question: Do you think the bird felt any pain? I recounted what happening leading up to the incident. I was doing approximately 80 MPH, the bird was flying left to right when he contacted my right fork on the bike. Using my past law enforcement investigative skills. It was my conclusion from all the feathers stuck to my bike...I answered no, he/she did not feel any pain. The counselor said I should feel no remorse.

With that in mind, I shall have a big, juicy filet to celebrate tonight. Just wanted to let you know!

Rick (Bird Killer)

PS...since I barely missed a squirrel, a racoon, and a pheasant earlier...I look at it this way: I have at least been 75% good!



OK, time to load up and head for the Black Hills of SD!

Bumper sticker of the day:

"Talk is cheap, Unless you are congress!"

Rick (MDD)

FLEXIBILITY!

Hello,

Finally got underway this morning around 915 AM. We rode west toward Duluth, MN. Our plan was to grab a biscuit at a Hardee's, get gas and keep riding. The key word of all that being "plan."

After about 25 miles I realized I was about out of gas and no gas station in sight. Much less a Hardee's. I will tell you this much, it's hard to enjoy the scenery when you figure out you are about to become the first participant in the "Long Push for Harley Davidson Motorcycles" at the next Olympics. Everyone's low gas light was on. Luckily we came to a town in the nick of time. For those that own a HD, you can appreciate this.....Jud put in 5.1 gallons. For those that don't own a Harley....we all have 5.0 gallon gas tanks! =-)

After tempting fate once so early, we turned around and went back to a little dinner and had a sit down breakfast. These Northerner's...they order hash browns with onions and cheese on top of perfectly good hash browns. And they DON'T have grits! I am sure Obama had something to do with that too!

After filling both tanks we finally got underway. Got to Duluth and made a short stop in a WWII museum. (Richard I. Bong World War II Heritage Center) :

Major Richard I. Bong
Top American Ace of World War Two
Shot down 40 Japanese Planes in the Pacific
Richard Ira Bong, who would become America's "Ace of Aces," was born on September 24, 1920, the son of a Swedish immigrant. He grew up on a farm near the small town of Poplar, Wisconsin.

In a famous story, Bong was high-hatting all over San Francisco Bay, flying under the bridges, buzzing Market Street, and blowing wash off clothes lines. One harried housewife complained. General Kenney called Bong on the carpet and told him,

"Monday morning you check this address out in Oakland and if the woman has any washing to be hung out on the line, you do it for her. Then you hang around being useful - mowing the lawn or something - and when the clothes are dry, take them off the line and bring them into the house. And don't drop any of them on the ground or you will have to wash them all over again. I want this woman to think we are good for something else besides annoying people. Now get out of here before I get mad and change my mind. That's all!"


Did the small tour and was back on the bikes. Turned north out of Duluth on Hwy 61. We took the "scenic" Hwy 61. Some of the lake front house on Lake Superior were unfathomable. You talk about "old money."

I might also add that as soon as we rode into the Lake Superior area the temperature dropped by 15 degrees due to the cold waters of Lake Superior. It was quite chilly. We followed the Lake all the way up to Silver Bay. Making two stops.

The first was Gooseberry Falls. I tried taking several pictures of the falls. Unfortunately I had a little girl in a pink shirt that keep getting in the way of my picture taking.




Our second stop was at the Split Rock Lighthouse on Hwy 61.



Having completed our Lake Superior tour we turned west onto Hwy 4. What a heck of a nice road. For my friends that live in MN...all you tax money is going "up north" for this highway. It was gorgeous and just a kick in the pants to ride. Wide sweeping turns, long stretches for miles. It was a true "two wheel therapy" road. I found myself just smiling and actually laughing on the inside, just as a child who discovers just how much fun a tree swing can be for the first time. You even catch yourself painting the Aspen trees gold and imagining the vibrant colors of a painted fall ride.

I don't have a lot in my head..but, I can safely say after that road...the hard drive was cleared and ready to be reformatted. Over 50 miles and not one other car! I am convinced if you ever need to "dump" a body. Along Hwy 4 is the perfect spot. Not one house, one car, not a billboard of any kind.

When all three of us pulled up to the stop sign at the end of the road we all said the same thing..."was that great or what?"

Started working our way closer to Bemidji, MN. As the whole saying goes in the Air Force:

The key to tactical air superiority is flexibility! Well, today we had to be flexible. We pulled up short at Grand Rapids, MN.

Motorcycle vs Severe Thunderstorm.....Thunderstorm wins 9 out of 10 times!

Tomorrow is a sad day. Brenda and Jud turn back east and head home to Appleton, WI. I told Steve I have run out of friends to ride with us. I ask where his was! Steve and I will head for the Sturgis, SD area tomorrow. I am guessing just over 700 miles. We will make it as far as we can. Our plan is to stay there for three days or so and just ride every where there is to ride. It is a week before the rally so there will be a ton of people yet, not so many you can't enjoy it.

Tomorrow's ride route:



I am going to leave you with the BUMPER STICKER OF THE DAY:

"MY KID IS AN HONOR STUDENT AT THE STATE CORRECTIONAL FACILITY"

Until our paths cross again,

Rick (MDD)

AEY!

Good Morning to all! What a gorgeous day for riding yesterday! The weather felt like a crisp fall day. We had to wear jackets all day. The temps stayed right around low 60's to low 70's all day. Sunny and no humidity. It was a Rockwell Riding Day!

We were kickstands up around 915 from Appleton, WI yesterday. Said our goodbyes to Brenda's sister Rhonda and their daughter Logan.



BRENDA & JUD

The ride was all back roads up to Ashland, WI on Lake Superior. One road was like a small roller coaster we all rode as kids. Very small ups and downs of like 5-10 feet swells with gentle curves thrown in. Almost somewhat hypnotizing time of a ride. Giant pine trees towered the sides of the roads with no buildings. If a rider didn't enjoy that kind of riding....they need to get rid of their bike for sure!

We passed town such as Zoar, Butternut, Black Creek (7 bars in a quarter mile...if you are an alcoholic you may want to check this place out) and Park Falls (Ruffed Grouse Capital of the World).

I would like to send out a thank you note to the WI Highway Patrolman who gave us a "free pass." When you look down at your speedometer and it is dead on 70 MPH in a 55 as you are passing a vehicle. Then you look up to see a WIHP vehicle head on...you pull back in, slight hand wave and check your six to see when you should pull over and wait...all you see are tail lights go over the ridge not to return! We thank you!

A long lunch stop to watch the last four holes of the British Open and see Tom Watson make history...didn't happen but, it was an excellent break in the day.

Back on the bikes and the last leg to Ashland. What a jewel of a little motel. AMERICAN owned and funny. The girl who checked us in could hold her own! I asked what time breakfast was...she never looked up and said, "you tell me, you are cooking." =-) Only $44 and overlooks Lake Superior. If you ever find yourself in Ashland, WI....The Crest Motel is a steal!



OUR FERRY CREW


Got checked in and then off to Bayfield to catch the ferry over to Madeline Island in the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Area. What a hoot we had. Live music and a great time. Finally got back to the motel around 1130 PM. Long day but, worth every minute of it.



BEFORE




DURING





AFTER


OK, KU in 45 minutes. It's over toward Duluth, MN and the shore of Lake Superior...our plan is to end in Bemidji, MN tonight. So, I am practicing my "you bettcha's and Aye's," today so I don't sound like a local!



OK, everyone is waiting on me....

Rick (MDD)

PARTING IS SUCH SAD SORROW!

Good Morning....OK, rest day is behind us. Bikes are clean, underwear is clean..hell, even my ears are clean!

What a great rest day! Got to see my friends Jud, Brenda, Kennie, and Jeff. Met Logan, Jud & Brenda's daughter. Also Brenda's sister...Sandra. What a great cook! Yesterday she cooked breakfast for us. Some kind of quiche and homemade dutch pancakes. Awesome!

Last night Jud cooked a great steak. Kennie made a seafood fettucini. Then Jud fired up the outside fire place.

We are heading out in about an hour. Going to northern WI right on the MN border and on Lake Supeior.




We do have some sad news to report....Dan and Orville had to leave yesterday and head back to IL. We had a great time with both. First time meeting Orville. What a great guy. Outstanding rider. I hope we can all ride again together again soon!

Until later....

Rick (MDD)

FISH FRY FRIDAY!

Hello from Cheese Head Country! Made it to Appleton, WI last night...

Let me set the ambiance for you:

A steady, hard rain, pinging off the tin roof. A roaring fire in a very remote cabin in the mountains of NC. A couple of bottles of a great blend wine. A king size bed, with at least 1,000 count sheets. A gorgeous woman spooned up with you!

OK, that is how my yesterday went........except:

There was no roaring fire place. But, I did have to use my heated vest due to the temp only being high 40's when we started yesterday morning. Oh, and there was no great bottle of wine. I did have a beer with pizza though. No king size bed either, just my motorcycle seat. Oh, and no gorgeous woman either. I did see a cute girl at the HD dealership though. I don't think her husband was in the mood to share. But, I did have the steady HARD rain! And it was pinging.....off my helmet and face shield! So, almost the same setting.

Yep, yesterday was not the best of riding days. We started by going south vs north. Steve had to take his bike in. It got to where it would not shift. It was the rear shifting fork that goes into transmission. Almost a $400 repair. We finally got underway toward WI around 2 PM.

The good news while sitting there I did figure out how to get the new video camera working. OK, fine...I did have to call the manufacturer to get some help! Big deal..if the directions say plug a particular plug into a hole....I think they should have a picture of which hole to plug it into! Regardless it's now up and working. Look for videos to start showing up.

The dealership was in Gaylord, MI. From there to my friends in Appleton was 335 miles. We left at 1 PM Central time and was here by 630 PM! Made some excellent time. IN THE RAIN!

Got to Appleton and meet up with the Cheese Head MC! More pizza and beer. What a great time was head. Today is a "rest day, laundry day, wash bike day." Tomorrow we are heading to Bayfield, WI.

There are no pictures today. I am pretty sure my camera is not water proof!


Fish Fry Friday! If you are every in the Upper Peninsula (UP) of Michigan there is one thing for sure....Friday's are Fish Fry day! Every restaurant sign we passed...FISH FRY FRIDAY! With that said....I am taking the Saturday off. Look for a post on Sunday night.

Later Taters!

Rick (MDD)

We Came, We Enjoyed, We Conquered!

Day four is now just a memory. But, a heck of a great one! We started in Frankfort, MI this morning. Chilly, (had to put the leather jacket on) and sunny. Started off with a great breakfast. There was a "priceless" moment at breakfast when I ask if they had grits. The young waitress's eyes got as big as could be and said..."I don't think so but I can ask." Then turned beet red. It was a Kodak moment.

Got under way around 930 PM. Finally some great roads. Left out on Hwy 22 North. Great little road and curvy. There is a country song called Moments.

We were riding along on Hwy 22. The road has a lot of over hang trees and the sun was not coming through. It was chilly and you could smell camp fires from the night before or being re-kindled for breakfast. As anyone knows who rides a motorcycle...the simple smell of a fire on a crisp morning or fall afternoon has a warming effect on your soul. This morning was no different. Riding along side of Lake MI the water was as clear as bath water. A very aqua blue in our particular area. As we tooled along under the cover of huge trees I was listening to the song Moments. One particular line is in the chorus is:

"I've had my moments, days in the sun"

Just about that time the sun popped out and felt so good. I guess it was a personal moment as they say. It worked for me!



We rode north on Hwy 22 until we reached Sleeping Bear National Dunes Lakeshore Park. Phenomenal area!





I made a phone call to my friend Steve, an attorney who works up in Northern Michigan during the summer to see if he could meet us for drinks on the way by. He suggested a great little town, Charlevoix. Had some oysters, shrimp and a beer. Great visit. Everyone enjoyed the meeting.

LOL, I walked outside and go figure....I got a frigging parking ticket. Four motorcycles in one space...and I am the only one who gets a frigging ticket! Hell, Steve had the gay pride sticker...he should have gotten it! For what it was worth Steve (attorney guy) got one too. (Thanks Steve/MI for taking care of that for me!)

While in the Air Force I was lucky enough to land an airplane at both the North and South Pole. So, when when I passed this sign....I had to laugh!





While passing through Charlevoix we did get to see the "largest cherry pie." What was so funny as we were riding along we passed a bakery. They had a sign for fresh cherry pies. You could smell them baking!





Dan's bike had a small problem today. There was a wreck and we were waiting in traffic for about 30 minutes or so. His bike just lost total electrical power. I called my resident/on call expert. (my brother Randy) Dan has the same bike as my brother and me. They did a recall on the main CB and replaced it. The problem is the bike would just inadvertently shut down. Just like what happened today. It eventually resets itself.

This was the point where we jumped on Hwy 119 in MI. It was like our own personal scenic byway. Small road, rolling, sweepers, a few sharp turns, million dollar views (and houses). We rode for almost 25 miles on this road and had it completely to ourselves. There was a point on the road where the trees were so thick...it was like darkness. The only light getting through was like a full moon night and the rays of the bright moon occasionally break though...in this case it was the sun's rays that would break through on occasion. It was a road very much like in Germany's Black Forest...very dense, dark, yet tranquil as you could ever imagine.

We all agreed it was the end to a perfect day. It was an excellent way to decompress right before we called it a night.

We had our sights set on a recommendation from MI/Steve for dinner but, could not find local lodging. So, we rode on to Mackinaw City. We were only about two miles from calling it a night and the rain started toward us. Just like yesterday, you could smell it coming. We pulled over and suited up to continue. Only had to ride a couple of miles but, just enough to get the bikes nice and dirty. That is how the day ended.

Steve/NC is having some shifter problems so our day will start in the HD shop here in Mackinaw first thing. We all know it would not be a HD trip without a stop at the HD service department!

All in all...another day in paradise as they say. I can still smell the camp fires, feel the sun on my face, wind in my hair, the smell of fresh cherry pies baking and the coming of rain.

To my friend Iceman in Iraq who is following us along on our journey and more important.....It is Marines like him who give us the Freedom to enjoy such a great country .....Brother...you were there all day...every time I looked in the mirror!

Until tomorrow...

Rick (MDD...Happy Trails Again!)

Day 2 is History....315 miles!

WOW....time flies when you are having fun! Today was no exception. We got an early start...we went KU at 830 sharp in Ft Wayne. About 45 minutes into the ride we could "smell" rain coming. Pulled off and made ourselves at home at a little service station. That was an excellent decision. Fifteen minutes later the buckets unloaded! All together we sat under the canopy almost an hour and a half. We did learn of a sad story while waiting it out.

Went inside to buy a cup of coffee and saw a little donation plaque. When we asked about it...some local ass hole (sorry Fireman Bill) and I am being kind in my description, had captured a black bear. He pulled all his claws and teeth out while the bear was drugged. Then he used the bear as a training ad for his dogs to learn how to hunt bears. Someone found out about it and the bear was rescued. They had a fund to help pay to keep the bear up. What an ass hole! I suggest coat him in honey and put him in the wilds of AK. Right after we pull his finger nails and teeth out! Needless to say we made a donation.

Weather cleared up and off we went. Made some good time. Met up with a fellow pilot from Rockford, IL (Dan) and a friend of his. (Orville) We rode the Blue Star Hwy along the coast of Lake MI. All I can say...if someone asks you to ride to MI to ride the Blue Star Hwy...tell them you are having a root canal! Just not worth it. All chopped up and about three stop lights for every one vehicle!

Continued on and did Hwy 22 in MI. Gorgeous road. Made up for the Blue Star Hwy. Eventually ended in Frankfort, MI. Great little town. Right on a cove. Here is a picture from our rooms.



More pictures...I have some sad and disturbing information. I realized Steve is a big Michael Jackson fan (instead of just wearing one glove..he is going with the one gater look) along with gay rights supporter.(I have him convinced the OBX sticker on his tour pack is a gay pride colors sticker..he blamed his wife and is looking for a sticker to cover it up) He is trying to throw his wife Lisa under the bus for the sticker on his bike!



Due to the bad internet connection I can't seem to upload pics tonight. I will upload them tommorrow.

Leg one of tomorrow's journey takes us around the Big Bear Sand Dunes National Park and across the bridge.

Lisa, here is a great picture of your husband. We have not left him behind! (yet)




For now...good night John Boy!

Rick (MDD)

YEE HAW!!! DAY ONE....600 MILES!

Hey Folks,

Day one went off with only a couple of small hiccups. (I forgot my shaving kit & Steve forgot his chaps & jacket) We both are having them shipped to WI. I was about 20 minutes late out of the gate from home. Not a biggie. The first 180 miles was all solo. Steve was up at his farm in VA. We had planned to meet just north of Hwy 77/64. That worked out fine. He only had to wait about 20 mins due to my late departure.

The late departure had nothing to do with my brother Randy, my good friend AWOL (Whiskey Delta), Joe (girlie beer), his friend Tony, Hired Gun and my neighbor Walt (EPA Agent) all stopping by to watch me wax and pack my bike. I just want to know what the hell happend to the case of Yuengling I was taking to WI? Did one of you drink it?

It was the PERFECT day for riding. The temps never got above 80. In fact, it was a little cool most of the day. When Steve left his farm in VA it was 45 degrees this morning.

The first 180 miles riding along was actually pretty nice. It gave me a chance to settle in, thank God for just being so lucky to do such a trip.

If you are a biker, there is nothing that compares to a day like today. The smell of fresh cut hay, the sweet nectar of honeysuckles as you pass, the sensation of a creek as you ride by in conjunction with the moisture it holds to give you that natural air conditioning on a hot day. Later in the evening as folks are staring to grill, you ask yourself...burgers, chicken, or steak? Every now and then you get the wisp of dryer sheets.

Our original plan was to layover in Columbus, OH tonight. Our pace put us in Columbus a lot earlier than expected. We were there at approximately 230 PM. Steve suggested we continue to ride with the weather being so perfect and plenty of day light ahead. I agreed. Unfortunately I had to cancel dinner with a friend of mine in Columbus due to the change of plans.

We actually made it all the way to Ft Wayne today. 600 miles! Tomorrow we head up the eastern coast of Lake Michigan. Again, that plan has changed as well. Our original plan was to spend the night in Muskegon as to wait on my friend Terry from Milwaukee. Unfortunately he had a bad bout with kidney stones this week. He will not be joining us. With that said...we will press north until Happy Hour rolls around again. My friend Steve who is an attorney and lives north of Muskegon has been gracious enough to allow us to spend the night at his house. I need to see how far north we make it. I want to enjoy the ride without feeling like I "have to" make it to point B.

Only one picture today. We stopped right before we crossed the OH river.



Until tomorrow....

Rick (MDD)

PICTURE/MAP SIZE

OK, I just realized that if you double click on any picture or map in the blog that I have added it gets bigger so you can actually see it. Most of you probably knew that. Then again...most of you are smarter than me!

Rick

KICK STANDS UP IN 4 DAYS!!

Well, I think I have somewhat of a handle on this blog thing for now. I ride out Tuesday morning solo. Plan to meet Steve in VA past the intersection of 77/64.

We should make Columbus that evening. As I said before, I will be adding stories (some true, some made up, some I wish would happen, some I shouldn't) pictures and yes VIDEO! NO Tristan, I am not a gizmo nerd or whatever it is you called me. (and that comes from a guy who has 20 computers hooked up in one room!)

I just got a camera that mounts to my bike. I can activate it with a remote control at anytime I want. So, if we are riding along and it's a gorgeous ride, I just flip the remote and filming starts! (Chesse Heads....would that not have been great last year at the Wig Wam Bar....OK, maybe not)

I told Steve there would be times I would mount it to his bike. In the past I have gone along it seems like to just document another person's vacation. I told him I would actually like to get some film of me riding this time!

As with any of my trips. If you are in my course and would like to join for a day, a week or more. Just drop a line or give me a call and we will meet up. I have a buddy from Rockford, IL joining on day two and a buddy from Milwaukee joining on day 3. He is taking the ferry over from Milwaukee to Muskegon, MI.

The bike is almost ready. Got the new wheels, tires and thanks to my brother Randy new grips! He is the best! Right before I left on this trip I finished changing all the fluids. She is ready to roll except for a little soap and water when I get home on Monday.

DAY ONE..MOORESVILLE TO COLUMBUS, OH..421 MILES

Just playing a little with this blog thing. I will be adding pictures daily and videos as well. I will also post the next days route if I can figure out how to do that.


If you don' want to receive these little updates just let me know. I won't bother you with the blog updates as we go along.

Almost time to roll!

Well folks...it's almost that time of year. On July 14th I start my next "two wheel therapy" adventure. My good friend Steve Clark and I are heading out for a coast to coast trip. Approximately 12,000 miles by the time we get back. This year I am going to try a blog and see how it works. I will update it daily as we roll along with stories and pictures. We go kickstands up on July 14th. Our first few days will take us up to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. AKA..the UP! I will add pictures daily and short stories of our adventures along the way. We plan to see old friends, meet new friends and enjoy this beautiful Country of ours on two wheels!