DAY 8
We got up to the alarm at 6:30 AM. Chuck got out first and headed to our Motors and when I arrived, he had already cleaned the windshields and the fairings. What a guy! We walked over to the breakfast area and had a cup of coffee. We met some very nice people who travel from Canada and tour different parts of the United States. They were touring Arizona this time. We finished our coffee and went to our Motors. We left at 7:45 AM and headed for the Retiree's Breakfast at the Golden Corral in Prescott.
Chuck was leading and after a very long ride, 8 miles, :) we arrived at the Golden Corral. This was a first! Of all of the times that we have gone to the Retiree's Breakfast, this is the first time that we were on time! We arrived at 7:57 AM, it starts at 8:00 AM. We went in and had breakfast. While we were there, some old friends and some very old friends arrived. We had time to talk with them and talk about our journeys. Jan and Lee arrived and sat with us. It was good to see them again. Jan was telling us that he was reading the blog and was sorry that he didn't go with us. After the breakfast, we said goodbye to the remaining friends. We left at 9:45 AM, headed back to Phoenix.
Chuck led to Mayer, AZ. where we stopped at 10:11 AM after 25 miles of riding. Remember, we had breakfast and several cups of coffee. I commend us for lasting for 25 miles! We made a pit stop and, for the last time, gassed up our Motors. We left at 10:30 AM.
We took off our jackets and packed them away. I was in the lead and we headed southbound. We got into Phoenix and I'm am glad that we put our jackets away. It was 90 degrees when we got to Deer Valley Road. We continued and just before getting to Dunlap Ave., Chuck said his goodbyes to me on the CB. He got off at Dunlap and headed westbound for home. I continued southbound and got off at Jefferson and then east to 12 Street to the Phoenix Fire Department Headquarters where Laura was working a "Wills for Heroes" for the 100 Club. I arrived at 11:39 AM after riding for 77 miles. Laura came out and greeted me...:) and looked over the new Motor. She gave me her approval and I was happy! I left at 11:55 AM and headed for home. I rode for 23 miles and at 12:23 PM, I arrived home where my daughter, Jennifer, and her boyfriend, Charlie, were waiting outside for me. It was good to be home!
On this trip where Chuck and I took J.B. home to Kansas City, MO. and then following up to Litchfield, IL. to get my new Motor and then back home, we travel a total of 3,561 miles. It sure makes it pleasant to ride when you are traveling with good friends!
Next year, THE PACIFIC COAST HIGHWAY! Please tune in...
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Friday, May 9, 2008
May 9, 2008
DAY 7
I got up late today. It was 6:30 AM when my alarm sounded. I got up, got dressed quietly, so that Rip Van Winkle wouldn't wake up, and went out to the Motors to get them ready for the ride. After cleaning the Motors, I returned to the room and Rip was up and moving. Chuck was ready soon and we went down to the lobby for breakfast. After a quick breakfast and scanning the paper, we returned to the room and got the rest of our stuff. We left at 8:12 AM.
I was in the lead this morning. For those who are concerned about my new Motor, it is running great! Chuck told me that when J.B. checked the battery yesterday, one of the terminals was NOT tight, therefore not holding a good charge. It is fine now. The temperature was in the mid to upper 40's. After we were on the road, it warmed up to 54 degrees. We rode for 117 miles and at 8:34 AM we stopped in Tucumcari, NM. When we crossed into New Mexico, we gained 1 hour. It was after breakfast, after coffee, it was cold...guess what? It was time for a pit stop. We took care of business and, again, reloaded our bladders with coffee. We gassed up the Motors and we were off again at 9:02 AM.
Chuck was now in the lead. We rode for 61 miles before we took another pit stop and short break at 9:49 AM in Santa Rosa, NM. We left at 10:12 AM.
We continued for another 85 miles and stopped, yes, for another pit stop and gas at 11:16 AM in Moriarty, NM. Aren't the names of these cities sounding familiar? I know that we stopped in these cities before! We left at 11:32 AM.
I was in the lead now. Chuck had suggested that we stop later at a Wendy's because he felt like eating a salad. With every little town that we passed, I looked for signs of a Wendy's. After riding for 115 miles, we stopped at 1:04 PM in Grants, NM. at a...Subway. We still couldn't find a Wendy's and we were hungry. Chuck made the mistake of going to the restroom before ordering. I got in line and a lady came behind me. She was in front of Chuck and she ordered three sandwiches and took forever to place the order and order all of the fixins for it. By the time Chuck got his meal and sat with me, I was almost finished with mine. We left at 1:43 PM.
We continued for another 39 miles and stopped at 2:15 PM in Continental Divide, NM. We went into the shop because I needed to get something and we decided to gas up here. We gassed up and left at 2:27 PM.
Chuck was now leading again. We entered Arizona and gained another hour. We rode for 122 miles and stopped in Holbrook, AZ for a pit stop. Since we entered New Mexico and Arizona, we were battling the winds. Some of the gusts were very strong! We were riding on the left side of the lane and with some of the gusts, we were pushed to the right side. That was nasty! After the pit stop, we gassed up and continued.
It was my turn to lead...as if you didn't guess! We rode for 93 miles and at 4:34 PM, we arrived at the Best Western in Flagstaff, AZ. Time to park the Motors and get our room. No such luck! N.A.U. is having their graduation this weekend and the Best Western, as well as most of the other motels in town were all booked. We rode down the street and checked on a Day's Inn. They had rooms available, however, only suites, and they wanted an arm and a leg. We didn't want to BUY the room, just rent it for the night. We left at 4:44 PM.
We decided to ride south to Cottonwood, AZ. where there was a Best Western. We rode 14 miles and stopped at 5:05 PM in south Flagstaff, AZ. to gas up. The wind was reeking havoc with our gas mileage. We left at 5:45 PM.
Southbound we rode with Chuck leading. We rode for 38 miles and stopped at 5:38 PM at a roadside rest area in McGuireville, AZ. Chuck needed a pit stop. When he was done, we talked about not going to Cottonwood and, instead, going to Prescott Valley, AZ. We were off.At 5:21 PM after riding for 41 miles, we were in Prescott Valley heading westbound and Chuck was staring at a Denny's on the south side of the street. I called Chuck on the CB and told him about the Day's Inn, on the same side and across the street from Denny's. Chuck turned into the Day's Inn and told me that he had not seen the Day's Inn. He was concentrating too much on the Denny's. I'm glad I'm with him. Somebody has to take care of him! We checked into the Day's Inn, unloaded our Motors and tucked them in for the night. We went into the room, changed into our swim suits and went into the hot tub. That was nice. We then returned to the room, changed and went across the street to Denny's for dinner and then back to the room.
These were two long days of riding. Yesterday we rode for 651 miles and today we rode for 725 miles. Tomorrow is the retiree's breakfast at the Golden Corral in Prescott. We are so close. We will get up late, ride for 10 minutes and we will be there for breakfast. Of course, we will have horsey dervies at the Day's Inn at their continental breakfast. After the retiree's breakfast at the Golden Corral, we will head for home. More later...
I got up late today. It was 6:30 AM when my alarm sounded. I got up, got dressed quietly, so that Rip Van Winkle wouldn't wake up, and went out to the Motors to get them ready for the ride. After cleaning the Motors, I returned to the room and Rip was up and moving. Chuck was ready soon and we went down to the lobby for breakfast. After a quick breakfast and scanning the paper, we returned to the room and got the rest of our stuff. We left at 8:12 AM.
I was in the lead this morning. For those who are concerned about my new Motor, it is running great! Chuck told me that when J.B. checked the battery yesterday, one of the terminals was NOT tight, therefore not holding a good charge. It is fine now. The temperature was in the mid to upper 40's. After we were on the road, it warmed up to 54 degrees. We rode for 117 miles and at 8:34 AM we stopped in Tucumcari, NM. When we crossed into New Mexico, we gained 1 hour. It was after breakfast, after coffee, it was cold...guess what? It was time for a pit stop. We took care of business and, again, reloaded our bladders with coffee. We gassed up the Motors and we were off again at 9:02 AM.
Chuck was now in the lead. We rode for 61 miles before we took another pit stop and short break at 9:49 AM in Santa Rosa, NM. We left at 10:12 AM.
We continued for another 85 miles and stopped, yes, for another pit stop and gas at 11:16 AM in Moriarty, NM. Aren't the names of these cities sounding familiar? I know that we stopped in these cities before! We left at 11:32 AM.
I was in the lead now. Chuck had suggested that we stop later at a Wendy's because he felt like eating a salad. With every little town that we passed, I looked for signs of a Wendy's. After riding for 115 miles, we stopped at 1:04 PM in Grants, NM. at a...Subway. We still couldn't find a Wendy's and we were hungry. Chuck made the mistake of going to the restroom before ordering. I got in line and a lady came behind me. She was in front of Chuck and she ordered three sandwiches and took forever to place the order and order all of the fixins for it. By the time Chuck got his meal and sat with me, I was almost finished with mine. We left at 1:43 PM.
We continued for another 39 miles and stopped at 2:15 PM in Continental Divide, NM. We went into the shop because I needed to get something and we decided to gas up here. We gassed up and left at 2:27 PM.
Chuck was now leading again. We entered Arizona and gained another hour. We rode for 122 miles and stopped in Holbrook, AZ for a pit stop. Since we entered New Mexico and Arizona, we were battling the winds. Some of the gusts were very strong! We were riding on the left side of the lane and with some of the gusts, we were pushed to the right side. That was nasty! After the pit stop, we gassed up and continued.
It was my turn to lead...as if you didn't guess! We rode for 93 miles and at 4:34 PM, we arrived at the Best Western in Flagstaff, AZ. Time to park the Motors and get our room. No such luck! N.A.U. is having their graduation this weekend and the Best Western, as well as most of the other motels in town were all booked. We rode down the street and checked on a Day's Inn. They had rooms available, however, only suites, and they wanted an arm and a leg. We didn't want to BUY the room, just rent it for the night. We left at 4:44 PM.
We decided to ride south to Cottonwood, AZ. where there was a Best Western. We rode 14 miles and stopped at 5:05 PM in south Flagstaff, AZ. to gas up. The wind was reeking havoc with our gas mileage. We left at 5:45 PM.
Southbound we rode with Chuck leading. We rode for 38 miles and stopped at 5:38 PM at a roadside rest area in McGuireville, AZ. Chuck needed a pit stop. When he was done, we talked about not going to Cottonwood and, instead, going to Prescott Valley, AZ. We were off.At 5:21 PM after riding for 41 miles, we were in Prescott Valley heading westbound and Chuck was staring at a Denny's on the south side of the street. I called Chuck on the CB and told him about the Day's Inn, on the same side and across the street from Denny's. Chuck turned into the Day's Inn and told me that he had not seen the Day's Inn. He was concentrating too much on the Denny's. I'm glad I'm with him. Somebody has to take care of him! We checked into the Day's Inn, unloaded our Motors and tucked them in for the night. We went into the room, changed into our swim suits and went into the hot tub. That was nice. We then returned to the room, changed and went across the street to Denny's for dinner and then back to the room.
These were two long days of riding. Yesterday we rode for 651 miles and today we rode for 725 miles. Tomorrow is the retiree's breakfast at the Golden Corral in Prescott. We are so close. We will get up late, ride for 10 minutes and we will be there for breakfast. Of course, we will have horsey dervies at the Day's Inn at their continental breakfast. After the retiree's breakfast at the Golden Corral, we will head for home. More later...
Thursday, May 8, 2008
May 8, 2008
DAY 6
We had a good nights sleep and had a light breakfast. We sat around until the morning rush was about over when we packed up our Motors and prepared to leave. We said our goodbyes to Susie and Aaron. We left at 9:08 AM with J.B. leading us out of the city. We rode about 1 mile and stopped for gas at a QT. After gassing up, we made a pit stop. We all got ready to leave but I wasn't going anywhere. There was a problem with my Motor and its battery. We jump started it with J.B.'s Motor. J.B. knew of a Honda Dealership close by and we went there so that they could check the problem. When we arrived at 9:45 AM, 5 miles away, they took my Motor right away. We waited inside, looking at the Motorcycles, ATVs, Rhinos and stuff. They checked the battery and the tests showed that it was OK. We were ready to go. We left at 10:46 AM.
J.B. led us to the entrance of I-35. As he left us, we waved to him. He motioned to Chuck to call him and Chuck blew him a kiss. There was a man in a vehicle that saw Chucks action and he almost ran off the road in front of J.B.
I was leading and 95 miles later, we stopped at 12:09 PM in Beto Jct., KS. for lunch. We stopped at Subway. We didn't take very long there. We ordered, ate and left by 12:30 PM.
We entered the Turnpike of I-35 and stopped after 61 miles in Cassody, KS. at 1:30 PM. It was time for a pit stop, coffee to reload our bladders and to gas up. We left at 1:56 PM.
It was a cloudy day and very nice to be riding the Motors. Chuck was leading now and we rode for 111 miles and stopped at a road side rest area in Blackwell, OK. at 3:23 PM. It was time for a pit stop. Remember I told you that at the last stop we reloaded our bladders? We left at3:32 PM.
Chuck continued to lead and stopped after another 40 miles in Perry, OK. at 4:04 PM for gas. We didn't stay long as we left at 4:12 PM.
I was leading this time and we rode for 146 miles. We stopped in Clinton, OK. at 6:10 PM. We needed a pit stop an while we were there, we gassed up our Motors. We left at 6:38 PM.
Chuck took over the lead. We crossed the Texas boarder at 7:30 PM and stopped after 140 miles in Groom, TX. at 8:24 PM. It was still daylight and we made a pit stop. We spoke with the clerk in the store who told us that it had rained hard all day yesterday in Groom. She told us that the rain was covering the entire panhandle of Texas. The rain went through the panhandle and circled around and hit it again. We were so glad to hear that, knowing that we had decided to stay at J.B.'s house because of the rain that hit Gladstone. This rain in the Texas panhandle would have been miserable riding! We gassed up and left at 8:37 PM.
I was my turn to lead. It was starting to get dark and I told Chuck that when it got dark, to ride even with me and our headlights could light up the entire roadway so that we could watch for "critters" crossing our path. We didn't have much more to travel to get to Amarillo, TX. after a short time, Chuck rode up next to me and we lit up the roadway. It wasn't that dark yet and we could see the shoulders of the roadway very well. By the time it got dark, we were close to Amarillo and there were plenty of street lights, businesses, street sign and stuff like that that lit up the roadway. Chuck back away an we continued westbound. We arrived in Amarillo, TX. and the Best Western at 9:18 PM. We checked in, unloaded our Motors and walked behind the motel to a restaurant. We we walked inside of the restaurant, we were told that the kitchen was closed and they couldn't serve us. We went back to our motel room, got our jackets and helmets and rode about 3 miles to an I.H.O.P. We had dinner and then returned to the motel to secure for the night. We tucked our Motors in for the night and went to our room.
Even though we started late, we still managed to ride 651 miles. This is going to be better for us for tomorrow. We will be riding less miles. We plan to get to Flagstaff tomorrow. We will be able to wake up later and leave later and still get to Flagstaff early enough to make it an early night. More tomorrow...
We had a good nights sleep and had a light breakfast. We sat around until the morning rush was about over when we packed up our Motors and prepared to leave. We said our goodbyes to Susie and Aaron. We left at 9:08 AM with J.B. leading us out of the city. We rode about 1 mile and stopped for gas at a QT. After gassing up, we made a pit stop. We all got ready to leave but I wasn't going anywhere. There was a problem with my Motor and its battery. We jump started it with J.B.'s Motor. J.B. knew of a Honda Dealership close by and we went there so that they could check the problem. When we arrived at 9:45 AM, 5 miles away, they took my Motor right away. We waited inside, looking at the Motorcycles, ATVs, Rhinos and stuff. They checked the battery and the tests showed that it was OK. We were ready to go. We left at 10:46 AM.
J.B. led us to the entrance of I-35. As he left us, we waved to him. He motioned to Chuck to call him and Chuck blew him a kiss. There was a man in a vehicle that saw Chucks action and he almost ran off the road in front of J.B.
I was leading and 95 miles later, we stopped at 12:09 PM in Beto Jct., KS. for lunch. We stopped at Subway. We didn't take very long there. We ordered, ate and left by 12:30 PM.
We entered the Turnpike of I-35 and stopped after 61 miles in Cassody, KS. at 1:30 PM. It was time for a pit stop, coffee to reload our bladders and to gas up. We left at 1:56 PM.
It was a cloudy day and very nice to be riding the Motors. Chuck was leading now and we rode for 111 miles and stopped at a road side rest area in Blackwell, OK. at 3:23 PM. It was time for a pit stop. Remember I told you that at the last stop we reloaded our bladders? We left at3:32 PM.
Chuck continued to lead and stopped after another 40 miles in Perry, OK. at 4:04 PM for gas. We didn't stay long as we left at 4:12 PM.
I was leading this time and we rode for 146 miles. We stopped in Clinton, OK. at 6:10 PM. We needed a pit stop an while we were there, we gassed up our Motors. We left at 6:38 PM.
Chuck took over the lead. We crossed the Texas boarder at 7:30 PM and stopped after 140 miles in Groom, TX. at 8:24 PM. It was still daylight and we made a pit stop. We spoke with the clerk in the store who told us that it had rained hard all day yesterday in Groom. She told us that the rain was covering the entire panhandle of Texas. The rain went through the panhandle and circled around and hit it again. We were so glad to hear that, knowing that we had decided to stay at J.B.'s house because of the rain that hit Gladstone. This rain in the Texas panhandle would have been miserable riding! We gassed up and left at 8:37 PM.
I was my turn to lead. It was starting to get dark and I told Chuck that when it got dark, to ride even with me and our headlights could light up the entire roadway so that we could watch for "critters" crossing our path. We didn't have much more to travel to get to Amarillo, TX. after a short time, Chuck rode up next to me and we lit up the roadway. It wasn't that dark yet and we could see the shoulders of the roadway very well. By the time it got dark, we were close to Amarillo and there were plenty of street lights, businesses, street sign and stuff like that that lit up the roadway. Chuck back away an we continued westbound. We arrived in Amarillo, TX. and the Best Western at 9:18 PM. We checked in, unloaded our Motors and walked behind the motel to a restaurant. We we walked inside of the restaurant, we were told that the kitchen was closed and they couldn't serve us. We went back to our motel room, got our jackets and helmets and rode about 3 miles to an I.H.O.P. We had dinner and then returned to the motel to secure for the night. We tucked our Motors in for the night and went to our room.
Even though we started late, we still managed to ride 651 miles. This is going to be better for us for tomorrow. We will be riding less miles. We plan to get to Flagstaff tomorrow. We will be able to wake up later and leave later and still get to Flagstaff early enough to make it an early night. More tomorrow...
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
May 7, 2008
DAY 5
Like I told you yesterday, the weatherman stated that it was supposed to rain today until 7 PM. When we woke up about 6:30 AM, it had rained. After a while, Chuck and J.B. rode their Harley's to the Harley Dealership to check on Chuck's Motor. For some reason, the cruise control was not working. Something not working on a Harley, I can't believe it! About an hour and a half later, they returned. The problem was fixed and the cruise control was working again. It was overcast and we opted not to leave today. We all got in the car and went out for lunch at a restaurant named, "Mama's Restaurant." It was good food and it was in downtown Kansas City, MO. After lunch, J.B. and Susie took us on a tour of Kansas City. We saw a nice part, a ghetto part and a "rich" part. It was interesting. We were taken to the area that was patterned after Seville, Spain. It was an area about two blocks on and 2 to 3 blocks wide. There were plenty of shops. Chuck and I knew that Krys and Laura would love this place. While we were driving, it sprinkled on us. We soon returned home.
After we were back at J.B.'s home, we decided to take a walk to the nearby park and lake. J.B. took both of his dogs. While we were by the lake, it started to sprinkle again. We decided to get back to the house. As we were walking back, it started to rain harder. We were almost at a run. We returned to the house and Susie was waiting at the back door with a towel. I was about to get the towel from her when she bent over and started to dry off Clancy! (one of the dogs). I walked in and grabbed a Scot towel. I'm glad we didn't ride in that!
The rest of the day was spent in the house and working on our Motors, you know...wiping them down, playing with this, playing with that, adjusting this and adjusting that. J.B. worked on his Motor and taking the "touring" stuff off of it. Chuck sat on the Honda and played with the Navigation System. Krys, he looked good on the Gold Wing! I got a picture of it.
Later, Susie and Aaron cooked dinner for us. It was very good...and healthy. We had salmon, green beans and baked sweet potato. Yum!
Tomorrow, we will leave and head back to Phoenix. We hope to get to Amarillo, TX. by tomorrow evening and Flagstaff, AZ. by Friday evening. On Saturday, we hope to leave early and get to the Prescott breakfast by 8AM. That is our plan. We'll see...
Like I told you yesterday, the weatherman stated that it was supposed to rain today until 7 PM. When we woke up about 6:30 AM, it had rained. After a while, Chuck and J.B. rode their Harley's to the Harley Dealership to check on Chuck's Motor. For some reason, the cruise control was not working. Something not working on a Harley, I can't believe it! About an hour and a half later, they returned. The problem was fixed and the cruise control was working again. It was overcast and we opted not to leave today. We all got in the car and went out for lunch at a restaurant named, "Mama's Restaurant." It was good food and it was in downtown Kansas City, MO. After lunch, J.B. and Susie took us on a tour of Kansas City. We saw a nice part, a ghetto part and a "rich" part. It was interesting. We were taken to the area that was patterned after Seville, Spain. It was an area about two blocks on and 2 to 3 blocks wide. There were plenty of shops. Chuck and I knew that Krys and Laura would love this place. While we were driving, it sprinkled on us. We soon returned home.
After we were back at J.B.'s home, we decided to take a walk to the nearby park and lake. J.B. took both of his dogs. While we were by the lake, it started to sprinkle again. We decided to get back to the house. As we were walking back, it started to rain harder. We were almost at a run. We returned to the house and Susie was waiting at the back door with a towel. I was about to get the towel from her when she bent over and started to dry off Clancy! (one of the dogs). I walked in and grabbed a Scot towel. I'm glad we didn't ride in that!
The rest of the day was spent in the house and working on our Motors, you know...wiping them down, playing with this, playing with that, adjusting this and adjusting that. J.B. worked on his Motor and taking the "touring" stuff off of it. Chuck sat on the Honda and played with the Navigation System. Krys, he looked good on the Gold Wing! I got a picture of it.
Later, Susie and Aaron cooked dinner for us. It was very good...and healthy. We had salmon, green beans and baked sweet potato. Yum!
Tomorrow, we will leave and head back to Phoenix. We hope to get to Amarillo, TX. by tomorrow evening and Flagstaff, AZ. by Friday evening. On Saturday, we hope to leave early and get to the Prescott breakfast by 8AM. That is our plan. We'll see...
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
May 6, 2008
DAY 4
We got up this morning later than normal. We didn't have to get up very early because we had all day to get back to J.B.'s home. I got up at 6:30 AM and Chuck got up soon after. We got dressed and packed our bags. J.B. had called and told Chuck that he and Susie were going to the restaurant for breakfast. We joined them and had a full, hot breakfast. We stayed a while and had a few cups of coffee also. We checked out of the motel, returned to our rooms and grabbed our stuff. We packed up our Motors and left at 9:20 AM. I still couldn't believe what I was riding!
Chuck was still leading. We rode on the rural, two-laned roads. They were lined with farmland, green landscaping and, at time, beautiful homes. We stopped after riding 13 miles in the town of Carlinville, IL. at 9:35 AM. We gassed up and left at 9:45 AM.
J.B. took over the lead. We continued riding on the two-laned, country road and stopped 36 miles later in Jerseyville, IL. at 10:42 AM. We initially stopped to check the map and then Chuck started the group off. He went into the mini-mart to use the facilities. I followed Chuck and then J.B. We left at 10:42 AM.
J.B. led us through some winding roads and then along the Mississippi River. We followed that road for a while. We went through a cute little town named, "Grafton, IL." We noticed that the River had risen and some of the properties were partially submerged. We saw the tops of some street lights sticking out of the water. We stopped after 46 miles in Alton, IL. at 11:39 AM for a pit stop. When we stopped, J.B. looked across the street and there was a Subway. It was tempting, but it was too early for lunch. We left at 11:50 AM.
We crossed the Mississippi River over the Clark Bridge. It was a kind of bridge that I have never seen before. I guess I can't say that anymore! We continued and stopped 64 miles later in Warrenton, MO. at 12:48 PM for lunch. We stopped at an Applebee's. Since we were not in any hurry, we took our time and had a good and restful lunch. We left at 1:56 PM.
I continued for another 24 miles and stopped at 2:16 PM in Danville, MO. to gas up. We left at 2:41 PM.
It was my turn to lead and we rode for another 69 miles and stopped at 3:54 PM in Boonville, MO. It was time for a break, pit stop and to reload our bladders with coffee. We did all of that and J.B. suggested to "top off" our gas tanks so that we (the Harley's) didn't have to stop and gas up again. I joined in with a "sympathy" top off. Since we just "topped off," I continued to lead. We didn't have much farther to ride to get to J.B.'s home. When we got to about 15 miles to J.B.'s home, he took over the lead. There were just too many freeway switched to make. Neither Chuck nor I knew how to get to his house. We did pass the Kansas city Royals/Kansas City Chiefs Stadium. I took a couple of pictures as we rode by. We arrived at J.B.'s home after riding 116 miles and at 6:07 PM. It was good to get off of the Motors and especially off of the freeways at rush hour.
We unloaded our Motors and tucked them in the garage for the night. We rode for a total of 368 miles today. Since we missed our Mexican Dinner for Cinco de Mayo, we went to Manny's Mexican Food Restaurant for dinner. It was good. We returned to J.B.'s house and watched TV. While watching the news and weather, the weatherman reported that a big thunderstorm would hit us tomorrow. Well, tomorrow was the day that Chuck and I were supposed to head back to Phoenix. I'm not sure that we are leaving tomorrow. We will just have to wait. Laura...Krys...we want to ride safely. Until tomorrow...
We got up this morning later than normal. We didn't have to get up very early because we had all day to get back to J.B.'s home. I got up at 6:30 AM and Chuck got up soon after. We got dressed and packed our bags. J.B. had called and told Chuck that he and Susie were going to the restaurant for breakfast. We joined them and had a full, hot breakfast. We stayed a while and had a few cups of coffee also. We checked out of the motel, returned to our rooms and grabbed our stuff. We packed up our Motors and left at 9:20 AM. I still couldn't believe what I was riding!
Chuck was still leading. We rode on the rural, two-laned roads. They were lined with farmland, green landscaping and, at time, beautiful homes. We stopped after riding 13 miles in the town of Carlinville, IL. at 9:35 AM. We gassed up and left at 9:45 AM.
J.B. took over the lead. We continued riding on the two-laned, country road and stopped 36 miles later in Jerseyville, IL. at 10:42 AM. We initially stopped to check the map and then Chuck started the group off. He went into the mini-mart to use the facilities. I followed Chuck and then J.B. We left at 10:42 AM.
J.B. led us through some winding roads and then along the Mississippi River. We followed that road for a while. We went through a cute little town named, "Grafton, IL." We noticed that the River had risen and some of the properties were partially submerged. We saw the tops of some street lights sticking out of the water. We stopped after 46 miles in Alton, IL. at 11:39 AM for a pit stop. When we stopped, J.B. looked across the street and there was a Subway. It was tempting, but it was too early for lunch. We left at 11:50 AM.
We crossed the Mississippi River over the Clark Bridge. It was a kind of bridge that I have never seen before. I guess I can't say that anymore! We continued and stopped 64 miles later in Warrenton, MO. at 12:48 PM for lunch. We stopped at an Applebee's. Since we were not in any hurry, we took our time and had a good and restful lunch. We left at 1:56 PM.
I continued for another 24 miles and stopped at 2:16 PM in Danville, MO. to gas up. We left at 2:41 PM.
It was my turn to lead and we rode for another 69 miles and stopped at 3:54 PM in Boonville, MO. It was time for a break, pit stop and to reload our bladders with coffee. We did all of that and J.B. suggested to "top off" our gas tanks so that we (the Harley's) didn't have to stop and gas up again. I joined in with a "sympathy" top off. Since we just "topped off," I continued to lead. We didn't have much farther to ride to get to J.B.'s home. When we got to about 15 miles to J.B.'s home, he took over the lead. There were just too many freeway switched to make. Neither Chuck nor I knew how to get to his house. We did pass the Kansas city Royals/Kansas City Chiefs Stadium. I took a couple of pictures as we rode by. We arrived at J.B.'s home after riding 116 miles and at 6:07 PM. It was good to get off of the Motors and especially off of the freeways at rush hour.
We unloaded our Motors and tucked them in the garage for the night. We rode for a total of 368 miles today. Since we missed our Mexican Dinner for Cinco de Mayo, we went to Manny's Mexican Food Restaurant for dinner. It was good. We returned to J.B.'s house and watched TV. While watching the news and weather, the weatherman reported that a big thunderstorm would hit us tomorrow. Well, tomorrow was the day that Chuck and I were supposed to head back to Phoenix. I'm not sure that we are leaving tomorrow. We will just have to wait. Laura...Krys...we want to ride safely. Until tomorrow...
Monday, May 5, 2008
Cinco de Mayo (May 5, 2008)
DAY 3
We got up later than normal today because we got in so late last night. After we got in, we had to shower and later talk about the day's ride. Chuck and J.B. rode to the nearest Harley Davidson Dealer and had their Motor's oil changed. Since they were gone, I caught up on the blog from the day before. They soon came back and opted to skip the wash that was offered. We needed to leave. We have places to go and things to do. We packed up and left the house. J.B. was leading with Susie riding with him. J.B. took us to a short tour of the area hardest hit by the recent tornado. There were 7 houses hit that were bulldozed and a total of 20 housed scheduled to be bulldozed. We didn't get to see much of the devastation, but we did see some. We left Gladstone, MO. at 10:50 AM.
We headed eastbound and stopped 34 miles later in Blue Springs, MO. at 11:20 AM to gas up our Motors. We left at 11:29 AM and I was up next to lead. As we rode eastbound, there was point where I looked to the south and saw (and pointed at) a Stealth Bomber flying slowly, it appeared. I looked to the north and saw a billboard advertising the Missouri National Guard. There must have been a Base close by. The Stealth looked as if it was just hanging in the sky.
We continued eastbound and rode 82 miles to Boonville, MO. when we stopped at 12:34 PM for lunch and a break. We stopped at a Love's Truck Stop and there was a Hardee's Restaurant. We had a good lunch and then left at 1:19 PM.
After lunch, it started to get warm. We still had our jackets on and we were getting very tired and sleepy. J.B. told me later that Susie fell asleep riding behind him. Chuck and I both feel like we slept while riding. We stopped after 74 miles in New Florence, MO. at 2:16 PM. While we were having a much needed coffee break and waking up, a semi-marked police car with two uniformed cops stopped and asked J.B. as to who was having more fun: the Honda rider or the Harley riders. The cops were very friendly and J.B. gave him a PPD patch. J.B., Chuck and I were standing by the driver's door talking with the driver and Chuck walked away to his Motor to get a business card. As he was away, J.B. and I had fun with Chuck at Chuck's expense. The driver stated, "You guys sound like f**king cops!" The driver introduced himself as the Sheriff of the local county. He told us that if we needed anything to just call him. He gave J.B. his card. We make friends everywhere! We gassed up and left at 2:43 PM.
It was Chuck's turn to lead. After we gave him the directions on which interstates to take, we continued. We had rested, drank coffee, took off our jackets and woke up. The weather was overcast and it was very nice to ride. Chuck led up for another 123 miles and we stopped at 4:27 PM in Litchfield, IL., which was our destination. Why do you ask? Two weeks ago, today, when we were on our Route 66 ride, we stopped in Litchfield, IL. at the Niehaus Cycle Sales so that an old change can be done on my Motor. While we were there, we looked at all of the Motors in the showroom. I saw a new Motor, which was a dark metallic red (black cherry), that I really liked. The guys were trying to convince me to trade my Motor for the new one. This was very heavy peer pressure! The salesman told me that he would give me a great price for my Motor and offer the new one at a great price. What he told me was true. I didn't trade my Motor in that day. When we returned home, I spoke with Laura, my wife, and she told me to "go for it." I returned with J.B. and Chuck with intentions of making the trade and getting my new Motor. Today was the day! While J.B., Susie and Chuck rode to a nearby Denny's, I remained and filled out the paperwork, made the deal and loaded the new Motor with my stuff from my old Motor. I rode and met the others at Denny's. I HAVE A NEW TOY! What a great ride. Jan, you're next. When do we go and get your Honda ST1300? We left at 6:50 PM.
Chuck led us northbound about 8 miles and we stopped at 6:58 PM in Colinville, IL. where we checked in to a Best Western. This Best Western looked small from the street, however, when we entered and checked in, it was huge and nice! This was, indeed, an oasis in a desert. You would not know that this place existed by just driving by. We parked our Motors, unloaded them and tucked them in for the night. I kept my Motor cover and it fit perfectly! We enjoyed dinner on the property. Dinner was very good and was not expensive. Chuck and I later got in the hot tub and then a short trip to the bar. We had to celebrate CINCO DE MAYO! We returned to our room and secured for the night.
Today we rode for a total of 324 miles and I got a new toy!
Tomorrow, we plan to get up later and take our time back to J.B.'s home. We are not in any hurry. Who knows, we may see some of the Route 66 sights that we missed two weeks ago. We'll see...
We got up later than normal today because we got in so late last night. After we got in, we had to shower and later talk about the day's ride. Chuck and J.B. rode to the nearest Harley Davidson Dealer and had their Motor's oil changed. Since they were gone, I caught up on the blog from the day before. They soon came back and opted to skip the wash that was offered. We needed to leave. We have places to go and things to do. We packed up and left the house. J.B. was leading with Susie riding with him. J.B. took us to a short tour of the area hardest hit by the recent tornado. There were 7 houses hit that were bulldozed and a total of 20 housed scheduled to be bulldozed. We didn't get to see much of the devastation, but we did see some. We left Gladstone, MO. at 10:50 AM.
We headed eastbound and stopped 34 miles later in Blue Springs, MO. at 11:20 AM to gas up our Motors. We left at 11:29 AM and I was up next to lead. As we rode eastbound, there was point where I looked to the south and saw (and pointed at) a Stealth Bomber flying slowly, it appeared. I looked to the north and saw a billboard advertising the Missouri National Guard. There must have been a Base close by. The Stealth looked as if it was just hanging in the sky.
We continued eastbound and rode 82 miles to Boonville, MO. when we stopped at 12:34 PM for lunch and a break. We stopped at a Love's Truck Stop and there was a Hardee's Restaurant. We had a good lunch and then left at 1:19 PM.
After lunch, it started to get warm. We still had our jackets on and we were getting very tired and sleepy. J.B. told me later that Susie fell asleep riding behind him. Chuck and I both feel like we slept while riding. We stopped after 74 miles in New Florence, MO. at 2:16 PM. While we were having a much needed coffee break and waking up, a semi-marked police car with two uniformed cops stopped and asked J.B. as to who was having more fun: the Honda rider or the Harley riders. The cops were very friendly and J.B. gave him a PPD patch. J.B., Chuck and I were standing by the driver's door talking with the driver and Chuck walked away to his Motor to get a business card. As he was away, J.B. and I had fun with Chuck at Chuck's expense. The driver stated, "You guys sound like f**king cops!" The driver introduced himself as the Sheriff of the local county. He told us that if we needed anything to just call him. He gave J.B. his card. We make friends everywhere! We gassed up and left at 2:43 PM.
It was Chuck's turn to lead. After we gave him the directions on which interstates to take, we continued. We had rested, drank coffee, took off our jackets and woke up. The weather was overcast and it was very nice to ride. Chuck led up for another 123 miles and we stopped at 4:27 PM in Litchfield, IL., which was our destination. Why do you ask? Two weeks ago, today, when we were on our Route 66 ride, we stopped in Litchfield, IL. at the Niehaus Cycle Sales so that an old change can be done on my Motor. While we were there, we looked at all of the Motors in the showroom. I saw a new Motor, which was a dark metallic red (black cherry), that I really liked. The guys were trying to convince me to trade my Motor for the new one. This was very heavy peer pressure! The salesman told me that he would give me a great price for my Motor and offer the new one at a great price. What he told me was true. I didn't trade my Motor in that day. When we returned home, I spoke with Laura, my wife, and she told me to "go for it." I returned with J.B. and Chuck with intentions of making the trade and getting my new Motor. Today was the day! While J.B., Susie and Chuck rode to a nearby Denny's, I remained and filled out the paperwork, made the deal and loaded the new Motor with my stuff from my old Motor. I rode and met the others at Denny's. I HAVE A NEW TOY! What a great ride. Jan, you're next. When do we go and get your Honda ST1300? We left at 6:50 PM.
Chuck led us northbound about 8 miles and we stopped at 6:58 PM in Colinville, IL. where we checked in to a Best Western. This Best Western looked small from the street, however, when we entered and checked in, it was huge and nice! This was, indeed, an oasis in a desert. You would not know that this place existed by just driving by. We parked our Motors, unloaded them and tucked them in for the night. I kept my Motor cover and it fit perfectly! We enjoyed dinner on the property. Dinner was very good and was not expensive. Chuck and I later got in the hot tub and then a short trip to the bar. We had to celebrate CINCO DE MAYO! We returned to our room and secured for the night.
Today we rode for a total of 324 miles and I got a new toy!
Tomorrow, we plan to get up later and take our time back to J.B.'s home. We are not in any hurry. Who knows, we may see some of the Route 66 sights that we missed two weeks ago. We'll see...
May 4, 2008
DAY 2
Genna, because you asked for it, this is for you!
I woke up to my cell phone alarm at 6 AM. I immediately got up and put the TV on the weather channel. I went to the bathroom, took care of business and then washed up including a shave...my head. I put my clothes on and packed up my bags. By 6:20 AM I was ready to go. I went outside to my Motor, removed the cover and said, "good morning," including a hug. :) I had a wet cloth and cleaned the windshield of all of the bug juice and wiped down the Motor. While I was at it, I cleaned the windshields of J.B. and Chuck's Motors. It was cold. According to the weather channel, it was about 41 degrees. At 6:30 AM, J.B. popped out of the "queen room" to see me working on the Motors. After the "queens" were dressed, we walked over to the lobby for breakfast. I don't remember exactly what time it was but I had oatmeal, coffee (1 cup) and two hard boiled eggs. J.B. called them "fart pills." Chuck brought has laptop with him and after breakfast, J.B. checked his e-mail. After he was done, J.B. returned to his room to "take the Browns to the Super Bowl." (make caca) Chuck checked his e-mail and I checked out of my room. After we were done, we returned and packed our Motors for the ride. Genna, is that enough details for you? We left at 7:47 AM and I was still leading. By the way, HAPPY 30th BIRTHDAY GENNA!
We rode for 61 miles and stopped in Tucumcari, NM for a pit stop (too much coffee) and to get some gas. Hey Jan, I filled with 2.5 gallons! J.B. and Chuck restocked their bladders with more coffee. We left at 9:00 AM with Chuck in the lead.
We continued eastbound at at about 9:30 AM, we crossed into Texas, losing an hour to Central Standard Time. It was 10:30 AM. We rode for 106 miles and stopped in Amarillo, TX for, you guessed it, a pit stop. We left at 11:30 AM.
We left and rode another 47 miles and stopped in Groom, TX. at 12:13 PM. We needed gas and Jan, I filled with 2.5 gallons again! Groom,TX. is the home of the world largest cross. I was huge!
J.B.'s turn to lead. We rode for 73 miles and at 1:13 PM, we stopped in Erick, OK. Chuck had mentioned earlier that we need to stop for lunch and have something different other that Subway. We went through Shamrock, TX. and could have stopped at a couple of places, but J.B. knew that Chuck wouldn't be satisfied. We stopped at Subway in Erick, OK. We left at 1:54 PM.
We continued on the road and it was getting warm. We rode for 77 miles and at 2:54 PM, we stopped in Weathersford, OK. We were all tired and sleepy. It seem as if we rode the last 20 miles in our sleep. We stopped and all of us had some coffee! We needed to wake up. We had some snacks also. We got ready to leave and gassed up our Motors. Jan, I fill up with 2.5 gallons again! We left at 3:27 PM.
It was my turn to lead. We set a new record for our group for distance travelled at one time. We rode for 154 miles and at 5:26 PM we stopped in Tonkawa, OK. for a pit stop and gas. Jan, can you guess how much gas I filled with? Just prior to stopping in Tonkawa, we rode past a herd of Buffalo. We left at 6:07 PM.
It was now Chuck's turn to lead. We entered a toll road and rode for 131 miles. We stopped at 7:42 PM in Casseday, KS. for a pit stop and since we were averaging 85 mph, we needed to stop and take a break to kill some time. If we got to the end of the toll road by a certain time, (the toll road tickets were time stamped), we could be charged more. When we got to the end in Emporia, KS. we paid the minimum charge. We rode for 32 miles and stopped in Emporia, KS. at 8:27 PM. It was still daylight. We stopped at an Applebee's for dinner. We finished dinner and rode across the street to gas up before leaving again. We left at 9:27 PM.
It was J.B.'s turn to lead. It was dark and cold. As we rode northbound on I-35, we were all nervous about the wildlife that may cross our path. After 47 miles of leading, J.B. stopped at a road side rest area in ST. John, KS. at 10:08 PM. J.B. stated that he needed to stop because he felt far too tense because of keeping an eye out for deer. While at the rest stop, we made a pit stop. We continued northbound. J.B. was leading and I was behind. I rode up next to J.B. so we were riding side by side in the left lane. We both had our high beam headlights on and then Chuck came up along side of us in the left lane. He also had on his high beams. We had the entire roadway lit up, including the shoulders of the road. This worked great for us until a car came up from behind in the right lane. Chuck dropped back behind us. We continued and we got to about 20 miles from Kansas City, KS. when we reached street lights, businesses and more lights. I backed off and J.B. led us the rest of the way. We reached Gladstone, MO. after 74 miles of riding at 11:19 PM, J.B.'s house. The garage door was open and we rode right in. Susie was waiting. The power had been restored today about 5:15 PM. We unloaded the Motors and tucked them in for the night. Tomorrow, Chuck and J.B. are going to a nearby Harley Dealership to get their oil changed on the Motors. After they return, we are going to Litchfield, IL. and Susie will accompany us.
We set another record for our group today. We rode for a total of 792 miles. Not bad! We travelled 1,360 miles in 2 days. We need a rest!
Genna, because you asked for it, this is for you!
I woke up to my cell phone alarm at 6 AM. I immediately got up and put the TV on the weather channel. I went to the bathroom, took care of business and then washed up including a shave...my head. I put my clothes on and packed up my bags. By 6:20 AM I was ready to go. I went outside to my Motor, removed the cover and said, "good morning," including a hug. :) I had a wet cloth and cleaned the windshield of all of the bug juice and wiped down the Motor. While I was at it, I cleaned the windshields of J.B. and Chuck's Motors. It was cold. According to the weather channel, it was about 41 degrees. At 6:30 AM, J.B. popped out of the "queen room" to see me working on the Motors. After the "queens" were dressed, we walked over to the lobby for breakfast. I don't remember exactly what time it was but I had oatmeal, coffee (1 cup) and two hard boiled eggs. J.B. called them "fart pills." Chuck brought has laptop with him and after breakfast, J.B. checked his e-mail. After he was done, J.B. returned to his room to "take the Browns to the Super Bowl." (make caca) Chuck checked his e-mail and I checked out of my room. After we were done, we returned and packed our Motors for the ride. Genna, is that enough details for you? We left at 7:47 AM and I was still leading. By the way, HAPPY 30th BIRTHDAY GENNA!
We rode for 61 miles and stopped in Tucumcari, NM for a pit stop (too much coffee) and to get some gas. Hey Jan, I filled with 2.5 gallons! J.B. and Chuck restocked their bladders with more coffee. We left at 9:00 AM with Chuck in the lead.
We continued eastbound at at about 9:30 AM, we crossed into Texas, losing an hour to Central Standard Time. It was 10:30 AM. We rode for 106 miles and stopped in Amarillo, TX for, you guessed it, a pit stop. We left at 11:30 AM.
We left and rode another 47 miles and stopped in Groom, TX. at 12:13 PM. We needed gas and Jan, I filled with 2.5 gallons again! Groom,TX. is the home of the world largest cross. I was huge!
J.B.'s turn to lead. We rode for 73 miles and at 1:13 PM, we stopped in Erick, OK. Chuck had mentioned earlier that we need to stop for lunch and have something different other that Subway. We went through Shamrock, TX. and could have stopped at a couple of places, but J.B. knew that Chuck wouldn't be satisfied. We stopped at Subway in Erick, OK. We left at 1:54 PM.
We continued on the road and it was getting warm. We rode for 77 miles and at 2:54 PM, we stopped in Weathersford, OK. We were all tired and sleepy. It seem as if we rode the last 20 miles in our sleep. We stopped and all of us had some coffee! We needed to wake up. We had some snacks also. We got ready to leave and gassed up our Motors. Jan, I fill up with 2.5 gallons again! We left at 3:27 PM.
It was my turn to lead. We set a new record for our group for distance travelled at one time. We rode for 154 miles and at 5:26 PM we stopped in Tonkawa, OK. for a pit stop and gas. Jan, can you guess how much gas I filled with? Just prior to stopping in Tonkawa, we rode past a herd of Buffalo. We left at 6:07 PM.
It was now Chuck's turn to lead. We entered a toll road and rode for 131 miles. We stopped at 7:42 PM in Casseday, KS. for a pit stop and since we were averaging 85 mph, we needed to stop and take a break to kill some time. If we got to the end of the toll road by a certain time, (the toll road tickets were time stamped), we could be charged more. When we got to the end in Emporia, KS. we paid the minimum charge. We rode for 32 miles and stopped in Emporia, KS. at 8:27 PM. It was still daylight. We stopped at an Applebee's for dinner. We finished dinner and rode across the street to gas up before leaving again. We left at 9:27 PM.
It was J.B.'s turn to lead. It was dark and cold. As we rode northbound on I-35, we were all nervous about the wildlife that may cross our path. After 47 miles of leading, J.B. stopped at a road side rest area in ST. John, KS. at 10:08 PM. J.B. stated that he needed to stop because he felt far too tense because of keeping an eye out for deer. While at the rest stop, we made a pit stop. We continued northbound. J.B. was leading and I was behind. I rode up next to J.B. so we were riding side by side in the left lane. We both had our high beam headlights on and then Chuck came up along side of us in the left lane. He also had on his high beams. We had the entire roadway lit up, including the shoulders of the road. This worked great for us until a car came up from behind in the right lane. Chuck dropped back behind us. We continued and we got to about 20 miles from Kansas City, KS. when we reached street lights, businesses and more lights. I backed off and J.B. led us the rest of the way. We reached Gladstone, MO. after 74 miles of riding at 11:19 PM, J.B.'s house. The garage door was open and we rode right in. Susie was waiting. The power had been restored today about 5:15 PM. We unloaded the Motors and tucked them in for the night. Tomorrow, Chuck and J.B. are going to a nearby Harley Dealership to get their oil changed on the Motors. After they return, we are going to Litchfield, IL. and Susie will accompany us.
We set another record for our group today. We rode for a total of 792 miles. Not bad! We travelled 1,360 miles in 2 days. We need a rest!
Saturday, May 3, 2008
May 3, 2008
DAY 1
Here we go again! When last I wrote, we had finished our Route 66 ride and J.B. was still with us. He stayed a few days in Phoenix to visit some friends before returning to Susie and Gladstone, MO. So that J.B. would not return home by himself, Chuck accompanied J.B. So that Chuck would not return to Phoenix by himself, I went along. Somebody has to take care of Chuck! We met at Cracker Barrel at I-17 and Deer Valley at 7 AM for breakfast. Barney Dierks and Bruce Stallman met us there and had breakfast with us. J.B., Chuck and I plan to get to Gladstone, MO. in a hurry and hopefully get there in two days. I start this blog with my odometer reading of 45833. We left at 8:27 AM and I was in the lead. When we were at Sunset Point, traffic started to slow because of a grass fire just north. There were two guys trying to put the fire out. One guy was stomping the fire while the other was emptying his "Evian" bottled water on the fire. At least they were trying. Prior to getting to Munds Park, we had to slow down again because of traffic. We came up to a van that was burnt. Police and Fire were present taking care of the situation.
After riding for 46 miles, we stopped in Cordes Junction, AZ. at 9:08 AM. We all DRANK TOO MUCH COFFEE at breakfast! This was a welcomed pit stop. Since there are only three of us, we didn't take long to "take care of business." We continued on at 9:15 AM.
We rode for another 81 miles and at 10:32 AM, we stopped in Flagstaff, AZ. for ANOTHER pit stop. WE DRANK TOO MUCH COFFEE at breakfast! Wouldn't you know it, J.B. and Chuck had another cup of coffee. I didn't dare. I know that if I did, we would be stopping 10 minutes later. We decided to gas up and hopefully get through Arizona with this fill up.
Chuck was up next to lead. We continued eastbound on I-40. We rode for another 69 miles and stopped in Holbrook, AZ. at 12:04 PM for another pit stop. I warned them not to drink that cup of coffee, but NOOOOOO, they didn't listen. We didn't stop for very long and left at 12:17 PM.
Chuck continued to lead us. We continued eastbound and crossing into New Mexico, losing an hour. We rode for 90 miles and stopped in Gallup, NM. at 2:28 PM where we stopped for lunch at Subway. We took our time and enjoyed the stop. We broke another record! We rode for a total of 179 miles on one fill up. When the group was together, we had ridden for 177 miles on one fill up. We left at 3:21 PM with J.B. in the lead.
J.B. took us eastbound on I-40 and at about milepost 78, we came up to another problem. There was a long line of traffic tying up both lanes of travel. We were stop and go for about 3 miles. We finally passed the problem. There was an 18 wheeler that had rolled over in the median, spilling its load. It was clear sailing after that. We were able to speed up for about 10 miles when we had to stop for traffic again! We had to go slow because of construction. We finally got through that and after 56 miles, we stopped in Moriarty, NM. at 7:18 PM for a pit stop and gas. We broke another record for miles between fill ups. We traveled 181 miles. It was still daylight, so we decided to continue on and hopefully get to Tucumcari, NM.
It was my turn again to lead. As we rode eastbound, the sun was setting and it was getting colder. As we headed eastbound, I saw a group of deer grazing by the side of the road to our right. We were in the curb lane. I pointed at the deer to Chuck and J.B. and quickly moved to the left lane. As we rode, I saw another group of deer grazing by the side of the road on the right side. We didn't feel very comfortable riding in the dark with deer in the area. We were riding and looking for deer in the area. We kept looking side to side. It was not a comfortable feeling! Not only were we looking for deer and other critters, but it was getting colder. Chuck said that he thought that a bat flew and struck him on the right leg. I thought, "better a bat than a moose!" (cow). I then remembered that I had forgotten my "cold weather" gloves at home. We were all wearing our thin gloves at the time. We rode up to Santa Rosa, NM and arrived at 8:32 PM after riding 81 miles. I pulled into a Best Western and both, Chuck and J.B., were happy that I did. It was time! We didn't make it to Tucumcari, but it's OK. We'll be there tomorrow. We checked in, unloaded our Motors and rode about 1 mile away to a Denny's for dinner. We went into the Denny's and they had a decorated Christmas tree inside. The waitress called it a "Holiday tree." It was decorated for Mother's Day. We returned to the Best Western where I had a room with a King bed and Chuck and J.B. had a room with 2 "queens." HMMMMM? We parked our Motors and tucked them in for the night. Tomorrow we will get to Gladstone, MO. and see Susie. A tornado hit Gladstone a couple nights ago and Susie is still without electricity. Susie and the pups are OK. Susie is left doing crosswords by candlelight. Hopefully the electricity will be turned on soon. More tomorrow...
Here we go again! When last I wrote, we had finished our Route 66 ride and J.B. was still with us. He stayed a few days in Phoenix to visit some friends before returning to Susie and Gladstone, MO. So that J.B. would not return home by himself, Chuck accompanied J.B. So that Chuck would not return to Phoenix by himself, I went along. Somebody has to take care of Chuck! We met at Cracker Barrel at I-17 and Deer Valley at 7 AM for breakfast. Barney Dierks and Bruce Stallman met us there and had breakfast with us. J.B., Chuck and I plan to get to Gladstone, MO. in a hurry and hopefully get there in two days. I start this blog with my odometer reading of 45833. We left at 8:27 AM and I was in the lead. When we were at Sunset Point, traffic started to slow because of a grass fire just north. There were two guys trying to put the fire out. One guy was stomping the fire while the other was emptying his "Evian" bottled water on the fire. At least they were trying. Prior to getting to Munds Park, we had to slow down again because of traffic. We came up to a van that was burnt. Police and Fire were present taking care of the situation.
After riding for 46 miles, we stopped in Cordes Junction, AZ. at 9:08 AM. We all DRANK TOO MUCH COFFEE at breakfast! This was a welcomed pit stop. Since there are only three of us, we didn't take long to "take care of business." We continued on at 9:15 AM.
We rode for another 81 miles and at 10:32 AM, we stopped in Flagstaff, AZ. for ANOTHER pit stop. WE DRANK TOO MUCH COFFEE at breakfast! Wouldn't you know it, J.B. and Chuck had another cup of coffee. I didn't dare. I know that if I did, we would be stopping 10 minutes later. We decided to gas up and hopefully get through Arizona with this fill up.
Chuck was up next to lead. We continued eastbound on I-40. We rode for another 69 miles and stopped in Holbrook, AZ. at 12:04 PM for another pit stop. I warned them not to drink that cup of coffee, but NOOOOOO, they didn't listen. We didn't stop for very long and left at 12:17 PM.
Chuck continued to lead us. We continued eastbound and crossing into New Mexico, losing an hour. We rode for 90 miles and stopped in Gallup, NM. at 2:28 PM where we stopped for lunch at Subway. We took our time and enjoyed the stop. We broke another record! We rode for a total of 179 miles on one fill up. When the group was together, we had ridden for 177 miles on one fill up. We left at 3:21 PM with J.B. in the lead.
J.B. took us eastbound on I-40 and at about milepost 78, we came up to another problem. There was a long line of traffic tying up both lanes of travel. We were stop and go for about 3 miles. We finally passed the problem. There was an 18 wheeler that had rolled over in the median, spilling its load. It was clear sailing after that. We were able to speed up for about 10 miles when we had to stop for traffic again! We had to go slow because of construction. We finally got through that and after 56 miles, we stopped in Moriarty, NM. at 7:18 PM for a pit stop and gas. We broke another record for miles between fill ups. We traveled 181 miles. It was still daylight, so we decided to continue on and hopefully get to Tucumcari, NM.
It was my turn again to lead. As we rode eastbound, the sun was setting and it was getting colder. As we headed eastbound, I saw a group of deer grazing by the side of the road to our right. We were in the curb lane. I pointed at the deer to Chuck and J.B. and quickly moved to the left lane. As we rode, I saw another group of deer grazing by the side of the road on the right side. We didn't feel very comfortable riding in the dark with deer in the area. We were riding and looking for deer in the area. We kept looking side to side. It was not a comfortable feeling! Not only were we looking for deer and other critters, but it was getting colder. Chuck said that he thought that a bat flew and struck him on the right leg. I thought, "better a bat than a moose!" (cow). I then remembered that I had forgotten my "cold weather" gloves at home. We were all wearing our thin gloves at the time. We rode up to Santa Rosa, NM and arrived at 8:32 PM after riding 81 miles. I pulled into a Best Western and both, Chuck and J.B., were happy that I did. It was time! We didn't make it to Tucumcari, but it's OK. We'll be there tomorrow. We checked in, unloaded our Motors and rode about 1 mile away to a Denny's for dinner. We went into the Denny's and they had a decorated Christmas tree inside. The waitress called it a "Holiday tree." It was decorated for Mother's Day. We returned to the Best Western where I had a room with a King bed and Chuck and J.B. had a room with 2 "queens." HMMMMM? We parked our Motors and tucked them in for the night. Tomorrow we will get to Gladstone, MO. and see Susie. A tornado hit Gladstone a couple nights ago and Susie is still without electricity. Susie and the pups are OK. Susie is left doing crosswords by candlelight. Hopefully the electricity will be turned on soon. More tomorrow...
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