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Day 22, Sunday, May 21, 2017

My alarm was set to sound at 6:30 AM, but I didn’t need it.  I woke up at 6:20 AM and C.E. was just getting out of bed.  We got dressed and packed.  We didn’t have far to go to get to our Motors.  They were right outside our door.  We went outside to pack our Motors and I saw Ken and Jake already working on their Motors.  Ken was his jolly old self.  He was moving slowly, but he felt better than last night.  We walked across the drive into the breakfast area and had…you guessed it, breakfast!  We finished and checked out.  We wanted to leave early so that we wouldn’t be riding in the extreme heat.  We all made sure that we had all of our stuff packed in our Motors and we left at 7:51 AM.  It was 54 degrees.

C.E. led us onto US 260 out of Show Low.  We continued on and in no time we were passing Bison Ranch in Overgaard.  We rode in and out of Heber and on.  We were riding in an area that I really like to ride a Motorcycle.  The scenery is beautiful.  Just as we were about 5 miles from Forest Lakes, Jan pointed to the left.  There were about a dozen deer (doe and fawn) grazing on the green grass along US 260.  It was much too fast to get my camera and take pictures.  It was about 61 degrees.  We rode for 91 miles and at 9:17 AM pulled into the Giant gas station in Payson.  We all gassed up except for Jan.  After we gassed up, we parked in front of the store.  We shed our jackets because it was 77 degrees AND very comfortable.  We all said our “Goodbyes” to Jan and he rode off.  Jan was going a different way than we were.  We left at 9:44 AM.

Chuck took the lead, as is the Group’s tradition.  Chuck always starts off the ride and ends the ride, getting us into Phoenix. I followed Chuck, then Ken, Jake and C.E.  We rode through Payson and then turned onto US 87, headed to Fountain Hills.  We weren’t more than 5 minutes out of Payson riding about 78 MPH on the twisties, when we lost Jake.  I didn’t see him in the rear view mirror.  We continued this speed, passing vehicles and riding the twisties, going up and down the hills.  We were having a good time.  When we got to the Saguaro Lake turn off, about 40 miles away, Chuck told me that he counted only four Motors and asked me where Jake was.  I told him that I didn’t know.  We continued on and when we stopped for the red traffic light in front of Fort McDowell Casino, we could see Jake’s headlights in our rear view mirror.  After we left the traffic light, soon after Jake caught up and joined the Group behind C.E.  We continued on and turned onto Shea Blvd. at Fountain Hills.  We stopped at the first traffic light and I told Chuck that it was 91 degrees.  Chuck responded with, “It’s hot!”  I told Chuck that it feels like home.  We arrived to the entrance ramp to the 101 and headed north.  Jake continued westbound on Shea Blvd. and rode home.  We rode north on the 101 and then west.  I waved at the Guys as I exited at the Cave Creek Rd. exit.  When I stopped at the red light, I texted my Family that I was at Cave Creek Rd.  When I rode up to my drive way, it was 91 degrees and 11:10 AM.  I had ridden 91 miles.  I was a very good feeling to see my garage door open and my Family on the driveway waiting to greet me.  I parked and gave/received hugs and kisses.  IT IS GOOD TO BE HOME!

Today we rode for 182 miles.  It was the end of our ride…for this year.  We rode a total of 6,501 miles on this 22 day trip.  I also had a milestone on my Motor by going over 100,000 miles on the odometer.  The last 2,000 miles have been travelled on a “Mexican Slick” rear tire.  I figured that I didn’t see the “air” in the tire so it was still safe.  The tire WILL be changed tomorrow…I promise.  Also, by the way, I did ride my Motor into my garage and “Tucked it in for the Night.”

Next year, we have been talking about riding to Alaska.  The Alaska destination will definitely be a longer ride and may take about a week longer.  Please follow our adventures.  So, until then…       

HEADED HOME!

Day 21, Saturday, May 20, 2017

My alarm sounded at 6:30 AM.  I got up and started getting dressed.  In the dark, I heard, “Good Morning Albert.”  I was a little startled, but knew it was Ken.  I had hoped it was Ken…it was Ken.  He got up and started getting dressed and we both packed up our bags.  Our Motors were right outside the side door and we were able to see them from our window.  We packed our bags and Ken went in to have breakfast.  Ken had cleaned his Motor last night.  I chose to do it in the morning, so that is what I did.  When I was done, I joined the guys for breakfast.  We were done with breakfast and one by one, we returned to our rooms to take care of our morning business.  I know!  Too much information.  Well, that is what we did!  We finished getting our stuff from our rooms and we were all ready to leave.  It was a clear day at 61 degrees.  We left at 9:07 AM.

I led the Group onto I-25 southbound.  Jan followed me, then Ken, C.E., Chuck and Jake.  We headed south to Socorro.  That was our plan so that C.E. could top off his gas tank.  We rode for 44 miles and at 9:42 AM we stopped at an Exxon gas station in Socorro.  We left at 9:48 AM.

We continued on US 60 through Socorro and saw many familiar places that we have visited in the past.  We rode through and soon were passing the Very Large Array, “VLA.”  We continued on this good road.  We rode for 66 miles and we stopped at 10:51 AM for a pit stop in Datil, NM.  This was a two pump gas station with a mini mart and a restaurant.  We parked our Motors and went into the mini mart to use the facilities.  Ken was waiting because someone was using the men’s room.  The Lady at the counter told us that we could use the restroom in the restaurant.  I walked into the restaurant and when I went into the second doorway, I saw many Police Patches pinned to the wall and the doorway.  I looked at them and noticed that many of them were from all over the U.S.  I did notice that there was none from Phoenix PD.  I went to the restroom and when I came out, I asked the waitress about the patches.  She told me that many people have given the patches to the restaurant and some mail patches to the restaurant and they are displayed.  I told the waitress that they were missing one Patch.  She asked me, “Which Patch?”  I gave her a Phoenix Police Patch and told her, “This One.”  She thanked me and told me that it would be pinned to the wall as soon as possible.  I told her that we were all retired Phoenix PD Officers.  We left at 11:12 AM.

We continued south.  We turned onto SR 12.  Chuck and Jan had talked about going on this road before, however, they never did.  We went on the road and it was a very good road.  There was a sign that read, “Caution, Congested Area Ahead.”  REALLY?  For 50 miles we only came across 4 cars!  At mile post 61 at 11:24 AM, we saw two Elk cows to the right of us jumping a fence.  Now, I have never seen Elk in the wild and was certain that Elk was a myth.  I finally saw them.  A few miles down the road we saw three antelope on the left and then further, we saw a single antelope on the right.  Jake later told me that even further, he saw three Elk cows on the right, grazing.  This road was awesome! We were coming close to a small town and there were many “Street Snakes.”  They were very slippery and we could feel the effects on the Motors when we ran over them.  A few gave me that “Pucker Factor!”  We rode for 70 miles and then stopped at 12:19 PM in Reserve, NM. for gas.  We all gassed up.  There were only two pumps so it took a while.  When we were done, there was Jo Jo’s Restaurant next door.  There were several Motorcycles parked so we figured that it might be a good place to eat.  We parked our Motors in front of the restaurant and went inside to eat.  The food was good and when we were done, Jan and I went walking.  There was a statute with a marking which gave the story of Elfego Baca 1865 – 1945.  It was a very interesting story.  We took pictures of the display and the marking giving the story of Elfego Baca.  I remembered that Disney made a series on Elfego Baca.  Anyway, we returned to the Motors and left at 1:35 PM.

After we left Reserve, NM., we soon came to US 180 and took that north.  There were no more “Street Snakes” to worry about.  The road had many twisties and hills.  C.E. was leading the Group with Ken following.  Jake was next, then Jan, Chuck and Me.  It was a beautiful road and the weather was cooperating.  At 2:05 PM we crossed over the border and into Arizona!  We gained an hour and it was now 1:05 PM.  We continued on the road and after riding for 64 miles, we stopped at 1:40 PM in Eagar, AZ.  We stopped for a pit stop and drinks.  As the Guys were inside drinking and talking, Jan and I were outside and met a young, Springerville Police Officer.  We spoke with him a bit and before he left, I gave him a Phoenix PD Patch.  He thanked me and he was off.  We were ready and we all left at 2:09 PM.

We continued on from Eagar on US 260.  We came upon two Police Vehicles with lights on at the side of the road.  One Sheriff’s Deputy Truck was behind a DPS cruiser.  We were all wondering how fast the DPS cruiser had to have been going before the Sheriff’s Deputy pulled him over.  Who knows?  We passed by Sunrise Ski Resort and saw some snow on a couple of runs on the slope.  We rode through McNary, Pinetop/Lakeside and after riding 58 miles, we stopped at the Best Western in Show Low at 3:18 PM.  We parked in front and I went in.  Jan followed.  We spoke with the Desk Clerk to “Make the Deal.”  We got a good deal!  We checked in and were lucky enough to get three rooms next to each other and right across from the front desk.  We unloaded our bags and put them in our rooms, cleaned our Motors and tucked them in for the night.  Dinner is going to be either next door or across the street.  We’re not sure yet.  Jake and Ken played “Frogger” by crossing the street and walking to Safeway to buy some traditional, celebratory beer.  Jake and Ken bought different kinds of beers to try and please everyone.  It was nice outside and there were tables and chairs outside in front of the Lobby.  I took my computer to the table and started my Blog.  I wasn’t finished when Ken was trying to put his Motor on its center stand.  He injured his right knee, hearing a “Pop.”  He limped to his room and the guys tended to him.  They got plastic bags filled with ice and a wet towel.  Ken lay on his bed and elevated his leg while the guys put the wet towel and ice on his knee.  Jake went across the street to K-Mart and bought a knee brace for Ken.  I put my computer back in my room and we all went to dinner at the Native New Yorker, a couple doors down from the Hotel.  Ken stayed in his room.  We returned to the Hotel after dinner and checked on Ken.  He seemed to feel better and was still on his bed.  We all hope he does better by morning.

Today we rode for 302 miles.  They were good miles and we had a good time on the road, except for the Street Snakes.  We saw some “wildlife” and rode on twisties.  We were dry!  So far we have ridden approximately 6,319 miles.  Tomorrow will be bittersweet.  Our ride ends when we ride home.  When I get home, I will write my last Blog for this ride.  So, until tomorrow…    

LONG DAY!

Day 20, Friday, May 19, 2017

My alarm sounded at 6:30 AM, as usual.  I got up right away and started getting dressed.  Ken finally woke up as I was packing.  I finished packing and Ken was getting dressed.  I took my bags out to my Motor and packed them away.  I also game my Motor a little cleaning.  Ken had made it out to his Motor.  I went in to have breakfast.  Jan and Jake were already there eating.  The others slowly came in.  We all ate and milled around until it was time to leave.  Ken came in a little disappointed and told us that it was raining.  I looked outside and saw that it was only sprinkling.  I assured him that we would be alright.  We all went out to our Motors and rode around to the front of the Hotel. Chuck came out of the Hotel with rain pants on.  He told us that just want to make sure that his pants wouldn’t get wet. We left at 8:54 AM.

Jan was leading and I was following and next was Ken, C.E., Chuck and Jake.  Jan got us onto US 54 and headed south.  It was overcast and 54 degrees.  We were still dodging the rain.  We rode for a short time and at 9:25 AM we crossed over into Texas.  When we crossed over into Texas, the same road we were on went from a 65 MPH road to a 75 MPH road.  It was a good road.  We rode for 78 miles and at 10:03 AM we stopped in Delhart, TX. For a pit stop and C.E. topped his tank.  We went in and took care of business and a couple of the guys drank coffee.  I’ll give you one guess…it wasn’t me!  We left at 10:36 AM.

The last time we were in Delhart, TX., we came in from the south.  There were so many potholes, we dubbed Delhart the “Pothole Capital of the Nation.”  Today, we came in from the north.  There was construction, however we didn’t have to avoid any potholes.  Jan led us east out of town.  We rode on US 54 and soon turned onto US 385.  This was a very good road.  We looked around us and saw some very dark clouds, but not in the direction that we were going.  We rode for 68 miles and at 11:34 AM we stopped in Vega, TX. at an Allstop gas station.  It was 59 degrees.   Jan thought that someone would need a pit stop by this time.  WE ALL DID!  As we were about to leave, there were two guys parked in front of the store.  They had Harleys, one was a chopper.  They told us that there was construction further down the road.  We left at 11:44 AM.

We continued south on US 385.  We were still looking at the clouds and we looked good.  It was 63 degrees.  We rode for 30 miles and stopped at 12:11 PM for lunch at a Subway in Hereford, TX.  This Subway was very busy.  As we were going in, Jan told Chuck that he needed to take off the rain pants or he was not allowed to sit with us.  Most of the patrons were buying food to go.  We were finally served and sat to eat.  Chuck took his rain pants off and later secured them in his Motor.  Now, he looked like he was part of our Group.  We left and rode a couple of blocks to gas up at a Love’s Truck Stop.  We all gassed up and then left at 1:03 PM.

It was Ken’s turn to lead.  C.E. followed and then Chuck, Jake, Me and Jan.  As we were riding on US 60, we crossed over into New Mexico at 1:47 PM.  Since we crossed over into New Mexico, we gained an hour.  It was actually 12:47 PM.  As we were riding on US 60 the temperature started to get warmer.  We rode for 86 miles and at 1:24 PM we stopped in Melrose, NM. And it was 71 degrees.  We took off our heavy gloves, inner jackets and neck warmers.  We went into the mini-mart and used the facilities.  We left at 1:45 PM.

Ken continued to lead us.  We rode west on US 60.  The road was nice and we rode through a few small towns.  We usually ride for, maybe one hour or an hour and a half and take a break.  We could have stopped in Vaughn, NM and that would have been 91 miles.  Nope! We continued on.  One and a half hours of riding is generally my MAX at riding.  My leg and hip start to get pain, from a prior injury.  We rode for 145 miles and at 3:54 PM we stopped at a roadside rest area named, Laguna Del Perro.  This was 2 hours and 9 minutes between breaks.  This is 6 miles from the next town of Willard.  It was painful for me to get off of the Motor.  I walked around a lot to try to work out the stiffness and pain.  It took a while, and a lot of walking.  It was feeling a little better so I returned to my Motor and got ready to leave.  We left at 4:06 PM.

We rode a little further and after riding 23 miles, we stopped at 4:32 PM at a 7-11 for gas in Mountainair, NM.  After I gassed up, I parked my Motor and went for a little walk.  I was still experiencing stiffness and pain.  There were only two pumps so it took a little longer for all of us to gas up.  We left at 4:46 PM.

It was my turn to lead.  We continued on US 60 westbound.  Jan was next, then Ken, C.E., Chuck and Jake.  We rode for about 21 miles and we turned onto SR 47 north.  This was a new road and it was very smooth and very little traveled.  We continued and then entered the City of Belen, NM.  This is the City that we were headed for.  We knew that there was a Holiday Inn Express there and we were going to check it out to see if they had vacancies.  We rode for 54 miles and at 6:01 PM, we arrived at the Hotel.  Chuck entered to “Make the Deal.”  Chuck came out and gave the “thumbs up.”  We went in to check in and get our rooms.  We took our bags to our rooms and then went back outside to secure our Motors and tuck them in for the night.  We had the option, for dinner, to ride a few miles to go downtown to a restaurant that served alcohol, or walk across the street to a 24 hour Diner.  We opted to walk across the street.  We walked to Penny’s Diner.  There wasn’t a table big enough to seat six so we all sat at the counter.  This was a first!  It was fun to watch the cook work his magic and talk with him.  We ordered and watched him make our dinner.  He was very professional AND the food was good.  Chuck asked the waitress about the desserts.  She described the “Mud Pie.”  Chuck ordered a light dinner and ordered the pie.  We finished dinner and Chuck ordered the pie.  IT WAS HUGE!!! Since we all had cookies at the Hotel before dinner, we opted NOT to help Chuck eat his HUGE dessert…except Ken.  Chuck and Ken ATE THE WHOLE THING!  We all left as they were eating the pie.  We returned to the Hotel.  It was too bad that there was no Hot Tub here at the Hotel.  After the 2+ hour painful ride, I sure needed it.

 

Today we rode 484 miles.  We are getting close to home.  We wanted to get as close to home as possible.  The change in Time Zone helped.  We gained an hour.  Tomorrow we will enter Arizona.  Chuck was looking over the map to try and figure a route to take to get us close to home.  We still have well over 400 miles to travel to get home.  He is hoping to get closer so that we can finish the ride on Sunday morning.  We shall see… 

So far on this trip, we have ridden approximately 6,017 miles.  I know that I need a rear tire for my Motor.  I told Chuck at the beginning of the ride that we would probably have to stop and get me a new tire.  I have been very fortunate that my tire has held up.  I pray that it gets me home safely.                 

100,000 MILES!

Day 19, Thursday, May 18, 2017

My alarm sounded at 6:30 AM.  I got up and Chuck soon got us.  We got dressed and packed.  We were anxious to get moving.  We took our bags out to our Motors and packed them.  I saw that Jan and Ken were already at their Motors.  We went to breakfast and soon, the whole Group was having breakfast.  We kept hearing and seeing on the TV that the rain was coming.  We were all done and our Motors were ready.  We left at 8:42 AM.

Chuck led the Group south onto US 83.  We were going to go straight south to beat the storms that were coming our way.  Chuck led and I followed, then Jan, C.E., Ken and Jake.  It was a cold 48 degrees and overcast sky. We rode south and also experienced the cross winds coming from the East.  It didn’t let up.  We rode for 69 miles and at 9:40 AM we stopped in McCook, NE. at a McDonalds for a pit stop.  Why McDonalds you ask?  McDonalds had coffee and hot chocolate, seats, was indoors and was heated.  That’s why.  We relaxed and thawed for a short time.  We left at 10:17 AM.

We continued on US 83.  It had warmed to 50 degrees.  Now, not only was the cross winds hitting us, but so were the semis going the opposite direction.  The wind turbulence was wreaking havoc with the Motors every time they passed.  We crossed the Border into Kansas at 10:40 AM.  We continued on US 83 and after 30 miles stopped at 10:44 AM in Oberlin, KS. for gas at a Phillips 66 gas station.  We all gassed up, took a pit stop and had some snacks.  We left at 10:56 AM.

Jake was up to lead.  Ken followed, then Jan, C.E., Me and Chuck.  We still fought the cross winds and the wind turbulence from the semis.  I got to the point that whenever a semi came our way, all of the Motors next to the center line moved to the right.  It seemed to work.  It wasn’t quite as bad.  It was still 50 degrees and after riding for 12 miles, we stopped in Scott City, KS. at 12:36 PM at Subway for lunch. The locals there were telling us about the possibility of Tornadoes hitting their City later in the day.   Jake, Chuck and Jan were looking at their phones in Subway and looking at the weather App.  Jake told us that the temperature in Liberal, KS. was supposed to top off at 77 degrees.  Chuck said that we needed to stop before we got to Liberal and strip out of our warm jackets and big gloves.  We didn’t want to look strange to the locals.  We left at 1:15 PM.

We were back on the road again.  As we rode further south, the temperature started to get warmer.  We arrived in Sublette, KS. after riding 74 miles and at 2:23 PM.  As soon as we stopped, we got off our Motors and started stripping down to our shirts, pants and boots.  We secured our jackets, big gloves and anything we were using to keep warm.  We went in and made a pit stop and bought drinks.  NO!  Not that kind of drinks…water and coffee!  Jeez!  We were ready to leave and did so at 2:56 PM.

We continued south and I kept an eye on my Odometer.  It was getting close to the 100,000 mark.  We rode into the city of Liberal, KS. after riding 35 miles and arrived at 3:28 PM at a Sinclair gas station.  We all gassed up and my Odometer was closer.  We left at 3:36 PM.

Jan took the lead.  I told him that I was very near to the 100,000 mile mark.  I followed, then C.E., Ken, Chuck and Jake.  We went onto US 54 in a SW direction.  We crossed the Border into Oklahoma at 3:46 PM.  As we rode through the tiny town of Tyrone, OK., I looked at my Odometer.  At 3:55 PM, on US 54, just west of Tyrone, OK. My Odometer turned 100,000 miles.  I know, I know…big deal, so what?  I’m excited because it is my Motor and I put those miles on it.  We rode just a little further and in Guymon, OK. After riding 42 miles and at 4:19 PM we rode up to a Best Western Plus.  Jan and I went in to see if they had rooms and they didn’t have enough for us.  They gave us directions to the Holiday Inn Express.  We rode a few blocks and stopped at the Holiday Inn Express.  Jan and I went in and “made the deal.”  We all checked in.  The room assignments for tonight and tomorrow are:  Ken and Me, Jan and Jake, Chuck and C.E.  We took our bags to our rooms, came down to the breakfast area where we had coffee and cookies. We were watching the Weather Channel and we watched where there was a large storm, with possible Tornadoes, just east of Liberal, KS.  We asked about a place for dinner and it was recommended that we ride about .7 miles away to a place called, “Pub on the Bricks.”  We went and had dinner.  It was OK.  We returned to the Hotel and tucked the Motors in for the night.  It was funny trying to put the covers on the Motors because the wind had kicked up again.  It was like looking at the Keystone Kops.  We all had a laugh and enough was enough.  Time for the Hot Tub!

Today we rode for 362 miles.  We started out at 48 degrees and overcast and finished with 82 degrees and partly cloudy.  It was nice to ride to dinner without jackets and all bundled up.  I reached a milestone on my Motor by hitting 100,000 miles on the Odometer.  I believe that my Motor is ALMOST broken in.  Tomorrow we hope to not get wet.  We are going to continue to head south and ride to northern New Mexico.  Of course, this is today and not tomorrow.  Things can change.  We will see…       

RAIN!

Day 18, Wednesday, May 17, 2017

My alarm sounded at 6:30 AM and I got up right away.  I was getting dressed when Chuck woke up and looked out the window.  It is raining!  I slowed my speed of dressing after Chuck said that.  I did get dressed and packed.  Normally I take my bags out to my Motor, however, this morning; I left my gabs on my bed.  I told Chuck that I was going to breakfast.  After I got to the breakfast room and served myself, the others came in and ate.  We took our time to eat and looked outside from time to time to check on the rain.  It was a constant rain.  It wasn’t a sprinkle, but a good rain.  It rained all morning.  We talked about riding in the rain and heading away from the rain.  The rain cloud was large and it looked as if it was not moving.  The weather report on our phones was checked from time to time to see the progress of the storm.  It seemed as if the rain cloud was not moving.  We had decided to get a late check out.  Chuck kept checking with us to see if we were good with staying, yet another day.  We all said that we were.  Chuck, at one point, said that he was going to go and change into his swim suit and get in the Hot Tub.  He didn’t.  He checked the weather on his phone and checked the maps.  It was obvious that he was antsy to leave.  We were set up in the breakfast room with the TV on and watching movies.  There were three soft chairs that three of us were sitting.  We were there until the breakfast foods were put away.  We had late snacks.  Chuck finally decided that we were leaving.  Sure it was raining, but we were going to ride in the rain at one point or another.  The Motors were a distance from the lobby and under covers.  We all had to get our rain gear from our Motors.  Jake went first and got his.  I went, got mine as did the others.  Jan moved his Motor to the front door, under the awning.  I did the same thing.  The others followed suit.  We went inside and put on our rain gear and grabbed our bags from our rooms and secured them in our Motors.  We were all dressed and ready to go.  Chuck looked at the map and asked C.E. if he had enough gas to get to Valentine, NE., which was about 60 miles away.  C.E. said that he did and that we would stop in Valentine and we would all gas up. Chuck told C.E. to go west on US 18 to the town of Mission and turn south on US 83 to Valentine.  We left at 12:18 PM.

C.E. led us west on US 18 with Chuck following, then Jake, Ken, Jan and Me.  It was raining and the temperature was 54 degrees.  As we rode, I checked the temperature after 15 minutes of riding and it had dropped to 50 degrees.  With all of the rain falling, there was a puddle forming on my seat.  The water was COLD!  The water on the seat was affecting a certain part of my anatomy.  It was becoming uncomfortable.  I had a great idea of turning my “Seat Heater” on.  The seat heater warmed the seat AND the puddle of water on the seat.  That certain part of my anatomy was no longer uncomfortable and the ride wasn’t so bad.  I FELT BETTER! 

We continued riding and then rode into the town of Mission, SD.  We had ridden for 46 miles and it was 1:05 PM.  C.E. was still in the lead and started to slow down.  We were confused because we all new that Chuck told C.E. to go to Valentine, NE. for our break for gas.  C.E. slowed and turned into a Subway.  The rest of us continued west and about 200 yards west we all pulled into a gas station on the left side of the road.  C.E. followed and pulled next to a gas pump.  We were all confused…again.  C.E. began filling his tank with gas as we all were stopped, waiting in the rain.  Chuck pulled up next to C.E. and the spoke.  We don’t know what was said.  I figured that I was going to take the opportunity and go in and use the facilities.  When I came out, we were all ready to leave.  We left at 1:16 PM.

C.E. continued to lead the Group. We went west on US 18 for a few blocks and turned left onto US 83.  The road was good.  We had no problem riding on the wet street. We crossed over into Nebraska at 1:40 PM.  We continued on for 33 miles and at 1:52 PM we stopped in Valentine, NE. at a Casey’s General Store and gas station.  We all gassed up and went in for a pit stop.  When we were all done, Chuck asked if we were hungry.  We rode around the corner to a Subway.  When Chuck entered the Subway, there were two women and the Clerk…or “Sandwich Artist,” inside.  Chuck asked the Sandwich Artist if he owned a mop.  The Artist answered that he did.  Chuck told him that that is good that he had a mop because he is going to need it when we left.  We all came in dripping water.  We took off our helmets, rain jackets and gloves.  We used a couple of tables to set them on.  We ordered our meals and ate.  When we were done, we got dressed and went out to our Motors.  We left at 2:39 PM.

Chuck took the lead.  I followed, next was Jan, Ken, Jake and C.E.  Chuck led us back on US 83.  Again, the road was good, but wet.  It wasn’t bad riding on the road except when we got behind a truck that we needed to pass.  The trucks kicked up a lot of water and mist and it was difficult to see around the truck to pass it and to see if any other vehicle was coming in the opposite direction.  What made it more difficult is that some vehicles were not driving with their headlights on.  We managed to pass the trucks safely and continued.  We rode for 66 miles and at 3:38 PM, we stopped in Thedford, NE. at a truck stop for a pit stop.  When we stopped, it had stopped raining about 5 to 10 miles prior to stopping.  We had a nice break, even though we were going to stop soon.  We were ready to leave and did so at 4:05 PM.

We continued on US 83 and it was nice to not ride in the rain.  We rode for another 71 miles and at 5:10 PM we saw a Fairfield Inn.  We were going to stop at the Holiday Inn Express, however, the Fairfield Inn came up first and we stopped.  Jan and I went in to “Make the Deal.”  We did and the others came in and checked in.  We were told that there were two restaurants within walking distance of the Hotel.  We parked our Motors, grabbed our bags, put the covers on and tucked our Motors in for the night.  We took our bags into our rooms and met in the breakfast area for coffee AND cookies.  I think that we are spoiled!  We walked to the Canteen Bar and Grille, which was attached to the Quality Inn next door.  The Restaurant gave Hotel guests a 10% discount.  We had dinner, drinks, good conversation and laughs.  We finished dinner and returned to the Hotel.  When we returned, the two, young Desk Clerks told us that there were two cookies left.  I have never seen Chuck and Ken move so fast and get the two remaining cookies!  It was now Hot Tub time.  The others went into the Hot Tub and I went into the breakfast area to do my Blog and pictures.

Today we rode 216 miles, most of them in the rain and cold.  We had to get out of Winner, SD; otherwise we would be staying there another night.  That large rain cloud wasn’t moving and we had places to go.  We have traveled 5,171 miles thus far and my Odometer reading is at 99,664.  It’s possible that my Motor will hit 100,000 miles tomorrow.  We are still trying to beat the weather so we will monitor the rain tonight and tomorrow morning.  We may ride south into Kansas or west into Colorado.  We shall see…   

GOODBYE J.B.!

Day 17, Tuesday, May 16, 2017

My alarm sounded at 6:30 AM and I had 7 hours of sleep.  The beds here at the Holiday Inn Express were wonderful.  Jan was my roomy.  I got up, quietly, and got dressed.  I also packed and Jan finally got up.  I told him that I was going to the Motor to pack my bags and that I would see him at breakfast.  I went outside to the Motors and saw that every Motor was uncovered, except for Jan’s.  There were water spots on the Motors also.  Apparently, it rained last night and also had 67 MPH winds at the Hotel.  I learned later that the winds in town reached 88 MPH.  My cover was on the pavement next to my Motor.  As I packed and cleaned my Motor, a gentleman walked out and spoke with me.  He asked me if my cover was on the pavement next to my Motor.  I told him that it was.  He told me that he had come out earlier and saw that my cover was about 200 yards away.  He picked it up and guessed that it was mine.  I couldn’t believe this!  This is the first time that it has ever happened to us.  I guess from now on, we will be securing our covers to our Motors.  The rest of the guys came out and took care of their Motors and packed their bags.  I looked to the sky to the SW and it was very dark, however it was moving east and wouldn’t come to us.  I went in for breakfast.  The others came in and ate breakfast.  When I finished, I went back out to my Motor and repaired the headlight.  NO, no, no!  I already fixed the left headlight.  It was the right headlight that burned out, thanks to all of the bumpy roads.  We all finished our breakfast and finished packing and rode down the street to a CEMEX gas station and gassed up.  We left at 9:08 AM.

Chuck had earlier given me the directions that we needed to go.  It was my turn to lead.  Jan followed, then Ken, C.E., Jake, Chuck and J.B.  We rode out of the City and got on SR 60.  It was cool and cloudy.  The temperature was 71 degrees.  We all had our jackets on.  Not much later, at 9:22 AM, we crossed over into Iowa.  The road was good and I was enjoying the ride.  I’m sure that the others were also.  We rode on SR 60 until it ended and it turned into US 77.  We arrived in Sioux City, Iowa.  We rode and got off at SR 20 Business.  We rode for 105 miles and at 10:42 AM we stopped at a Casey’s General Store and Gas Station.  We went in and made a pit stop and took a little break.  We were catching up with J.B., since he was going to leave us and head to Kansas City, MO. to visit his Son and Daughter in Law.  C.E. took the opportunity to top off his gas tank.  We all said our “goodbyes” to J.B.  One of the employees of the Casey’s agreed to take our pictures. We instructed J.B. to call or text when he arrived safely to Kansas City.  We all got on our Motors and left at 11:23 AM.

I led the Group back onto Business SR 20 until we arrived to the entrance to I-29.  We stopped at the light to go north, and J.B. got in the left turn lane to turn to go south.  As the light turn green, J.B. gave us a celebratory Harley wave, he revved the engine a couple of times.  He turned and we went straight.  Now we were 6.  We got onto I-29 and headed north.  At 11:34 AM we crossed over into South Dakota.  With South Dakota came the 80 MPH speed limit.  We rode for another 27 miles and exited onto SR 50 and went west.  We stopped at the first business, which was a truck stop with a Subway.  I was lunch time!  We rode for 35 miles and at 11:58 AM we stopped in Burbank.  NO!  Not Burbank, CA., but Burbank, South Dakota.  It was a very busy truck stop and it was in the process of being renovated.  We had lunch, and when I finished, I went looking around.  I found some refrigerator magnets of all of the States.  There were also magnets of the Canadian States.  When we were in Ontario, I looked for them and couldn’t find one.  It would have been a nice souvenir.  I bought one!  I couldn’t believe that I would find one in South Dakota.  I showed Chuck and he got one as well.  We were all done so we left at 12:37 PM.

We continued on SR 50 west.  It was a nice road and posted at 65 MPH.  I set my cruise control to 72 MPH and we were off.  We rode for 64 miles and at 1:46 PM we stopped at a gas station in Tyndall, SD.  I was getting low on gas and I knew that others were also.  The 80 MPH sucks up gas. We all took off our jackets and secured them.   We took the necessary pit stop and we were ready to go.  We left at 2:09 PM.

It was now C.E.’s turn to lead.  Chuck followed C.E., then Jake, Jan, Ken and Me.  The road was still great to ride.  The weather fluctuated from 72 to 87 degrees. We rode on SR 50 until we had to make a left turn.  SR 50 ended and we were now on SR 44.  We rode through a few small towns.  We came upon Lake Francis Case.  There was a bridge and the Lake was beautiful.  The area was a brilliant green.  There were rolling hills and twisties.  What a road!  The weather was cooperating.  We continued on and after riding 131 miles, we stopped at 4:24 PM at the Holiday Inn Express in Winner, SD.  I went in to “make the deal” and Jan followed.  We spoke with the two Desk Clerks.  One of them gave us a price for the rooms and we schmoozed her.  We got her very confused.  We had to remind her more than once as to what she had just said.  We ended up with a good price.  We all checked in.  Room assignments for tonight are:  Chuck and Me, Jan and Ken, Jake and C.E.  We took our bags to our rooms and parked the Motors together.  The Motors were cleaned and nicely tucked in for the night.  The Desk Clerk suggested the Holiday House & Sports Bar two doors down.  Since our Motors were tucked in, we walked over, had dinner and returned to the Hotel.  Hot Tub time!  As the others went into the Hot Tub, I opted to work on the Blog and do a load of laundry to make sure that I had enough clean clothes to last until the end of our ride.

Today we rode 335 miles, escaped being rained on and also said “Goodbye” to J.B.  By the way, we heard that J.B. arrived safely in Kansas City at his Son’s home.  He will stay with his Son for a day or so and continue on to his home and lovely Wife, Susie.  J.B. will let us know when he arrives home.  Also, so far, we have ridden a total of 4,955 miles on this trip. Right now, my odometer is reading 99,448 miles.  I wonder where we will be when it hits 100,000 miles.  At this writing, Chuck has not looked at the map to figure out where we will end up tomorrow.  Who knows?  Maybe we will be out of South Dakota and into Colorado or Utah.  We shall see…       

RAIN DELAY!

Day 16, Monday, May 15, 2017

Remember when I posted yesterday about having to make a couple of U-turns after passing the town of Peterson, MN?  I forgot to post as to why.  When we were at our last break, I asked Ken as to why he had stopped and made a U-turn.  He told me that he thought that he saw a sign that read the population of Preston, MN.  he wanted to show Chuck.  Well, it wasn’t a sign for Preston, so he made another U-turn and we continued.  Well, I had finished my Blog and pictures early and had 7 hours of sleep.  I finally went to sleep about 11:30 PM while Jan and I watched the movie about Jesse Owens.  My alarm was set for 6:30 AM.  I woke up at 6:15 AM and turned my alarm off.  I got up at 6:30 AM and got dressed.  Jan woke up as I was getting dressed.  We packed our bags and I took my bags out to my Motor.  Our room was at the end of the hall, next to the exit.  Our Motors were parked right outside.  I loaded my Motor and cleaned it.  Jan came out as did Jake and they loaded their Motors.  I went in for breakfast.  While I was outside, I noticed that the clouds to our west were dark.  I went in and ate breakfast and the others came in also.  We finished and we talked about the rain coming our way.  It was decided that we would wait it out.  We were going to head north for a distance, but the rain was coming fast, so I was told, and we were going to get caught.  We don’t mind the rain; it’s the hail that was also coming that we didn’t want to ride in.  I asked the Lady at the Desk if it would be alright if we all parked our Motors under the awning because of the rain.  She said that it was alright.  We all moved our Motors under the awning and covered them.  We went back inside to wait. 

We had waited for a couple of hours and I couldn’t just sit any longer.  I had to move.  My leg was hurting.  I told Ken and Jan that I was going to walk to the Target store about ¾ miles away.  I walked to the Target and bought a few items and walked back.  Soon after I got back, the first big clap of thunder sounded at about 11:27 AM.  The rain soon followed.  The rain came and went and we started to get ready to leave.  We uncovered our Motors and at 1:01 PM we left.

Ken led us to…lunch.  We rode for 2 miles and at 1:07 PM we arrived at the local Subway.  We had lunch.  C.E. had spoken to Chuck about a returning “knock” sound in his Motor.  While at the Subway, I got the address of the suggested Honda repair shop by the Gold Wing Road Riders Association.  Chuck asked me to put it on my navigation and lead the Group.  I did and we left at 1:42 PM.

I lead the Group onto US 14 to North Mankato to the Honda Dealer.  After riding for 7 miles, we stopped at 1:53 PM.  C.E. rode straight into the Service Center.  We all just parked and waited.  Ken asked me if I had done a “walk around” of my Motor with the ignition on to check on all of my lights.  I told him that I didn’t and when I walked in front of my Motor, I noticed that the right headlight was not working.  I told him that I would fix it later. As we waited, Chuck, J.B. and Jake rode to the nearest Harley to buy a t-shirt.  The returned and we waited some more.  C.E. finally rode out on this Motor and told us that the problem was the same as before…loose connections.  Everything was tight again and we left at 3:09 PM.

Ken led us on US 60.  I followed then C.E., Jake, Chuck, Jan and J.B.  We rode for 40 miles and at 3:45 PM we stopped in St. James, MN. at a Casey’s General Store and gas station.  C.E. needed to top off his gas tank.  The guys drank their coffee and we took a needed pit stop.  We left at 4:11 PM.

We continued on US 60.  We continued for 67 miles and at 5:09 PM we stopped in Worthington, MN. at a Holiday Inn Express.  Jan and I went in to “make the deal.”  We got a good price so we all decided to stay.  As the guys were checking in and unloading their bags, I rode to a nearby O’Reilly’s and bought a couple of headlight bulbs.  I will fix it in the morning.  When I returned to the Hotel, the Motors were parked and most of them had covers.  Jake was working on his cover and I asked him if we were going to walk to dinner.  He pointed at the Ground Round Restaurant next door and said that we were going there for dinner.  I covered my Motor and tucked it in for the night.  I took my bags to the room and soon we walked to the Ground Round for dinner.

When we arrived at the Ground Round Restaurant and were seated, Chuck started speaking to three men at a nearby booth.  They had asked where we were coming from and that they were “wanna be” bikers, their words not ours.  They were impressed as to the way we rode in, parked and covered our Motors.  The guys ordered drinks (beer) and water.  When the waitress came to get our food orders, she told us that our drinks were already paid for…by the “wanna be” biker.  The reason he calls himself a “wanna be” bikers is because he has a 2007 Motorcycle with only 11,000 miles. I have a 2007 Motorcycle and it has 99,000 miles on it. They are limited on riding time because of the weather and his busy time at work coincides with the riding time.  We soon left and returned to the Hotel for Hot Tub time!

Today we rode for only 112 miles.  We did wait out the rain and hail.  We found out that when we arrived at the Hotel, we had just missed a rain shower.  I believe that tomorrow we will be headed south into Iowa, headed for Kansas City, MO.  I’m not sure as plans seem to change at a moment’s notice.  We shall see…