Moab - Utah

Every time I drive through this type of landscape I imagine what those guys on the moon felt - riding around on that moon rover, although at 80MPH I would have almost been put into orbit from some of the bumps I hit. The land is vast and desolate. The ground is hard and dusty. Rocks protrude from the ground like pillars - as if placed there by some great architect. At times the scenery was overwhelming and I had to just focus on the road. A sort of vertigo would set in and I wouldn't know if I were riding uphill or downhill. Needles to say it was a day of riding that I won't easily forget.
On the down side - on one of our stops for gas I didn't get my kick stand fully engaged and as I began to dismount - the bike leaned too far to the left. I instantly realised what I had done and began leaning hard back into the bike. Mike saw what was happening and came over to help me get the bike back up. It didn't go completely over, but I incurred some damage. So I'll need to stop at a Harley dealer for a few parts. Also think I pulled my left hamstring. Shit happens. Saw that on a bumper sticker - its true.

Sunday July 31, Into the Mountains

We got an early start, because today was going to be a relatively long ride:  400 miles in the mountains, about 8 hours in the saddle (not including stops for pictures, breaks, gas, food, etc).  But, it just didn't seem all that long.  Right out of Colorado Springs we found beautiful scenery, as we worked our way to Monarch Pass.  The special gift was that the scenery got better as we drove.  The morning weather (the first 6-7 hours) was very pleasant...we even work jackets.

The drive to Monarch was nostalgic for me.  When I was a senior at the AF Academy, I loved skiing Monarch:  fewer crowds, and an easy 4 hour drive.  I'd load up my skis on my '69 Datsun 1600, go pick up my girlfriend Ann Kennedy, and we'd make that drive many Sundays, leaving at 0400 and getting there when the lift lines opened.  Ahh, to have that stamina again!!  :)

Utah, Rt 128 to Moab, was incredible.  I've never been here, so I was awe struck by the landscape.

Curt led the ride today, and he did great, despite his broken left wing.  Jim still rides like there's no tomorrow, never seeming to get tired or complaining (although sometimes he forgets to latch down his saddle bag before departing rest stops...).  Kevin is looking more and more confident every day on his bike.  He's not reluctant at all any more to back his bike into spots, and you should see his progress on mountain twisties going 60mph.  Bob is as steady as ever, never a worry while riding (although sometimes at stops we're not so sure..)  :)

Here are some of today's pics:

Royal Gorge

Bob, Kevin, and Jim at Royal Gorge

The bridge at Royal Gorge

Bob, Jim, Curt, and Kevin

Bob, Jim, me, Kevin

Boys will be boyz

Bob says he'll buy a bottle of wine from Napa for the first person who can tell what's different about his bike

All of us just before getting into Moab

This picture can't capture the beauty of the 40+ miles on 128 as we entered Moab.

Finally at our stop at the Kokopelli Lodge

Saturday and Sunday Thoughts

Saturday -- Colorado Springs --

We had a great time in Colorado Springs visiting Mike's Alma Mater, Buffalo Burger Joint and his watering hole. The Air Force Academy was very impressive...we see Mike in a whole new light : ). The Buffalo Burgers were as good as Mike said.....unusual since he is prone to hyperbole after one or two Martini's.

I got to do a lot of slow moving maneuvers with my big bike in front of 300 Warrior Brotherhood at the Crowne Point Hotel.....no pressure. I didn't drop it fortunately. Thanks to Kent Terry for a great two night stay by the way.

Sunday -- Colorado Springs to Moab via the Monarch Pass and Rte 128 along the Colorado River into Moab

Fantastic ride today. It really drives home the immense scale of the western landscape. Everywhere you look is sheer beauty and I'm not talking Mike, Curt, Jim and Bob....the trip could never be that long. It got pretty cool climbing up to Monarch Pass, 11,312 ft. Glad I brought the heavier jacket.

My helmet lost a screw to the face shield so I had to jury rig a quick fix or get left behind....kind of like the old wagon trains...keep moving or get left alongside the trail.

Once in Utah we had to stop and take a 360 degree video. We were all alone in this massive landscape without another human in sight. The ride down rte 128 along the Colorado River was as spectaular as I remembered during my ride with Alison and the girls several years ago.

The Kokopelli Lodge in Moab our final destination for the day is a great little spot. Thanks Linda H for identifying this place.

Curt can't stop singing America the beautiful......getting annoying.

day 5- to Moab

Nothing against Ohio, Illinois, Indiana, and Kansas, but they don't have a lot of scenery. But today coming out of Colorado Springs we hit the jackpot. 6:00 AM departure with temps at 60. Perfect. Wound our way on the twisty roads climbing all the time; finally reaching the summit of Monarch Pass at 11,312 feet. The continental divide is here.
Stopped also at the Great Gorge to get some pictures although the touristy stuff was closed still - too early on a Sunday.

Stopped for a coffee at the summit cafe before heading back down. Elevation dropped quickly as temps rose finally getting back in the 90s.

Ended our day on rt 128 along th
e Colorado river with towering red rock formations on both sides. Cobalt made Moab and the Kokopelli Lodge. A wonderful quaint place with very friendly owners.

Rt 50 definitely rocked today. Today is why we took this trip. Felt like breaking into America the Beautiful the entire 11 hours on the road.

On to the Moab brewery to unwind.

Colorado Springs

Colorado is a beautiful state, and Colorado Springs is where much of that mountainous beauty began for us. Our Hotel was first class - thanks to Mike and Kent - although we were so far away from the lobby I had to drive there. But the place was so large that was understandable. Our main points of interest were;
1. The US Air Force Academy - Mike's alma mater. He gave us a tour and pointed out the important aspects - such as they (the Academy) were much higher that either West Point of Annapolis - what that means I don't know :-). Also got to see a great presentation of the Academy Cadets marching to the mess hall (Lunch Service). Their precision was commendable.


2. Next stop was Garden Of The Gods. This area of the lower Rockies is made up of a series of unusual rock formations, very beautiful.
3. Then we went to a restaurant Mike had been refereed to many years back called The Keg. I was told they were famous for their Buffalo Burgers - true.
4. Our final destination was a biker watering hole - then back to the hotel.
I had been dealing with some electrical issues. Cruse and CB were intermittent. So I was determined to fix the problem and tore into the wiring. No problems under the seat so I took off the fairing. Didn't see anything obvious so I just went through each plug - connecting and disconnecting all plugs. Turned on the ignition and voila! it worked. So now I have cruse working - wasn't too concerned about the CB but it's working now too.
So after all that I noticed the old gal was dirty - so I found a self service Car Wash and gave her a bath - she deserved it after hauling me and all my somewhat unnecessary stuff across the country - still looking for a good fishing hole.

Saturday July 30: A Downday in Colorado Springs

Easy day today.  Some of us did laundry in the morning, a leisurely coffee and reading the paper.  Departed on the bikes at 10:00.  We went to the Harley dealership (Pikes Peak Harley) helped the local economy by buying a few shirts.  Then, on to the Air Force Academy.  Unfortunately, we couldn't visit the main chapel, because there was a wedding going on, so we took a few pics of the Catholic chapel (the one downstairs).  From there, we drove through the Garden of the Gods, and on into Manitou Springs, where we stopped at The Keg and enjoyed the best bison burgers in the world.  Then, a quick stop at Southside Johnny's for a visit to the local biker hangout.  Nice place.

This experiment of how long we're going be able to get along is going well so far.  I'm sure it will be fine, as long as everyone does what I tell them to do.   :)

Here are some pics from today.

Pikes Peak Harley-Davidson

US Air Force Academy

Watching the Basic Cadets forming up for lunch

Noon meal formation.  I can't believe I used to do this stuff...

Catholic chapel

Garden of the Gods

Riding into Colorado, Day 3

Today's ride was easy compared to the previous two.  The first two days were probably the hardest we'll have on this ride...not only because of the relatively high number of miles we rode, but because of the unusually hot weather.  Today was about 5 hours in the saddle, so we took our time, stopping for a long lunch, to take pictures of interesting things, and lots of gas stops, where we really didn't need gas.  But the best part was that the temperatures were very mild.  What a welcome relief.

I've done these kind of long rides many times, so it's fun for me to watch Kevin discover things that you can't teach someone.  I really enjoyed his comments about his Airhawk seat cushion, for example.  He's doing quite well, considering he was a Scooter-ist before this.  He's even learning to enjoy the sound of the bikes, when we all start up after a gas stop, and accelerate back onto the highway.  Just think of the people miles away in the remote areas, who are enjoying that sound in the distance..

Here are a few pics from today.

Bob, Jim, and Curt about to enter Colorado

Me, entering Colorado

Curt

Kevin, fondling his coffee mug

Best lunch stop ever, in Granada, CO

Much to our delight, when we arrived at our hotel, there was a motorcycle club convention going on!  Woo hoo!!

Revisiting today's ride over a few beers, outside my room in Colorado Springs

So far, all is going very well.  I just wish Curt's arm would get better.  I can tell he's not real comfortable, but he's being a champ not complaining about it.  I think wine helps.

Musings of a Road Warrior Virgin

The transformation has begun. The Vespa commuter is slowly changing into a Harley Road Warrior. Evidence of this transformation....this morning I didn't floss....I haven't shaved in three days....I may even spit in the street tomorrow....it may get ugly before this is over. Send your suggestions for tattoos in before I get to Sturgis.

Key learning: The most important piece of equipment other than the Hog itself is the "Airhawk" cushion. Without this critical piece of equipment you will personally experience what the Kielbasa experiences when it's been on the grill too long. Sitting on a Harley without one of these gifts from the gods is like sitting on a fast moving fully fired Hibachi. It's like a Whoopi cushion without the Whoopi.....the Harley pipes provide the cool sound (from a males perspective) of flatulence. Gotta smile when you hear that sound : )

On day 1, Mike Verzola, was listening to a ball game on his radio and stood for the National Anthem being the patriotic guy he is. Unfortunately he was moving at 75 miles an hour and his AirHawk quickly vacated the premises. Without a wimper Mike has continued to lead the group without his trusted AirHawk. We now call him Iron Butt or Rosy Cheeks.

We covered wide open spaces today in Western Kansas and the high mesa of Eastern Colorado. Beautiful country and warm wonderful people. The ratio of cows to people is about 10,000 to 1. Watch out if those cows ever rise up......good eating though.

My riding experience today fluctuated between Steppenwolf's "Born to be Wild" and Aerosmiths "Living on the Edge"....(cehck the lyrics) ....great to be alive at the end of the day and enjoy a couple of beers with my fellow Hogs.....bad to the bone baby!

Dodge City to Colorado Springs

Short day today and not so hot. Wrapped arm with ace bandage which helped a lot. This section of Kansas is flat and loaded with feedlots. Lots of trucks trying to blow us off the road as well

We set out to see America and every mile gives us that view. The loaded bikes are a magnet that draw people to come over to see where we are from and where we are going. Great folks in middle America.

Beat the rain to the hotel in Colorado Sprinpgs. Great hotel and loaded with other bikers having a convention here. Tomorrow we will tour the Academy and other highlights of the city. A downday from serious riding and a chance to do some laundry.

All the bikes running well a great trip so far. having a cold beer to unwind and plan tomorrow.

Dodge stinks. No - really Dodge City stinks - smells like cow manure. Guess that's why its called a Cow Town. Anyway - Today was a bit of a struggle. Replaced my battery this spring and must have overtightened the negative lead bolt on the battery or/and the bolts were the wrong size. It stripped out and caused an intermittent circuit issue with the CB, Cruse and fuel pump. It finally gave up at a road construction site where the road went to one lane. As we were waiting for oncoming traffic to yield to us I shut down the engine. When it was time for us to go the bike wouldn't turn over - like a dead battery. The guys were very supportive - helped me solve the issue. We were stopped in front of a house and the owner came out and asked if he could help. It appeared that a couple of washers as spacers would do the trick, and he provided those - we got the bolt to thread in and it worked! So we made it to Dodge City after all. Still need to fix it properly - do that tomorrow.

Bob

We are now 1000 miles into the great adventure. We are still speaking to each other so you can conclude that things are going reasonable well. Mike said to say only nice things on the Harley blog so I'll have to send you a separate message on the real truth on how things are going. Really, all is going well. Stay tuned for more updates. ...... Jim

Day 2 In the Furnace

We left Washington, MO at 6:30, hoping to beat the heat.  But it warmed up by 9am.  So, the whole day was in heat, and I mean HEAT.  107 degrees around 1pm, and we were only about half way to our target destination:  Dodge City, KS.

The heat must have been getting to me, because I made a few mistakes while leading the group on the ride.  Only luck kept us from having something more serious happen.  We talked about it at lunch, and we all learned a lot about group riding.  By the afternoon, we were back to normal, refreshing ourselves on using hand signals, and a good backup plan should we come to an intersection where we're not sure what to do next.

At one of the stops, Kevin and I noticed that Curt had tears in his eyes.  We know how he's fighting through the pain from his broken arm.  Our first inclination was to give him a man-hug and tell him how proud we were how he was fighting his way through the pain.  But, then he told us he had sunblock in his eye.  So much for being supportive friends.  I can't believe I hugged him.   :)

Here are a few pics from today:
Jim, ready to ride after lunch:

Bob's bike had a problem with the battery, so we put the doctors to work.

Add caption

 Finally at the hotel in Dodge City...  Walking across the street for dinner and a few beers.

Dinner and beers in Dodge City

Curt and Kevin making their blog entries.

Day 2 -- The Heartland.

Some said this band of 5 Wild Hogs were lunatics to drive across the heartland during the mid summer with record breaking high temperatures no less, others said this group of manly men had qualities similar to those of the early settlers, courageous, adventuresome, ruggedly good looking....we'll let you readers decide who is right over the next three weeks.

Today we covered the western half of Missouri....winding country roads, rolling hills, lush forests and beautiful river landscapes and small towns. We then entered Kansas. While it isn't Hell....they do have the contract to produce the heat for hell. Holy crap is it hot....and windy. The only good thing is when you're attempting a high speed sweeping turn and you get hit with a super hot blast that lays you over, wetting yourself isn't a problem because you're dry within half a mile. The prairie is spectacular...wide open....rolling hills....few trees....goes on forever.

We got within 15 miles of our destination, Dodge City, and then just caught the edge of a thunderstorm.....got soaking wet but again...dried out within half a mile....gotta look for the silver lining.

Having a great time.....more to come.

Day two

Washington Mo to Dodge City Ks. Really hot- 105 degrees on my phone weather chart. 585 miles which gave my messed up arm a real workout. Almost couldn't shift the bike the last couple hours. Tomorrow should be a better day (shorter).
Learned some valuable safety items today with some close calls. Will do better now.
Heading to the Dodge City Harley dealer tomorrow to get a shirt before heading to Colorado Springs.
Nothing like a perfectly cooked filet and cold beer to end a long hot ride.

New bike ran well getting good mileage. 1100 songs loaded in GPS. Haven't had any repeats yet in two days. Will probably have to throw shirt away with all the soaked in sun blocker and dirt.

On to Colorado.

Day 1 Into the Furnace

We got off to an early start, leaving Cincy at 6:30am, with mild temperatures.  But, by 10:00, we started to enter the furnace:  high 90's.  Yuk...  We started the morning with Kevin arriving just before "kick stands up" time, to find out that he had forgotten his wallet.  Alison, bless her heart, brought it to him, so we said good bye to her, and hit the road.

It was an uneventful drive to Louisville, and we continued to find our way west through Indiana and then into Illinois.  A bit of traffic in St. Louis, but some great wine and new BFFs at the winery in the Washington area.

I was going to upload some pics, but this hotel doesn't seem to have the capability to do that.  Maybe tomorrow.

Long hot ride to Dodge City, Kansas tomorrow... 5:30am departure to avoid as much of the afternoon heat as we can.

Ready, Set, Go!

OK, now that I have gotten home from WORK relaxed a little, I was able to get the bike packed up. Went to Meijer and bought this cool organizer for the tour pak. I have a stock of energy bars, powder electrolytes for water, flairs, batteries, flashlights - spare oil filter and air filter, tools, tire plugs (remembered the last trip), air pump for tires and shocks, spark plugs and even a collapsible fishing rod - just in case I run out of money, the market crashes and I have to fish for food. Also got the bike waxed up so the bugs don't stick. Have the Zumo loaded and upgraded. Here are some before pics - hard to tell what the after pics will look like.

Check out this organization - It doesn't seem like me - all 5's

Tea Bag is stuffed - and it Glows!

Can I bring my dog - I'm going to miss her

Wow - Look at that chrome!

Packing

Well, it's getting close to crunch time.  The easy part about packing a bike for 3 weeks is throwing everything you want onto a bed.  The hard part is figuring out how to fit it all on the bike.  As someone once said, "Saddlebags can never hold all you want; but they always hold everything you need."

Travel Do

Went out and got the famous "Sturgis" Cut. Won't have to worry about combing my hair or having helmet head now for the trip.

Tunes for the Trip

Downloaded Fleetwood Mac Rumours to the GPS. Makes a total of 1033 songs for the trip. My goal is to make the trip with no repeats : ) If you see the brake light blinking it's me tapping to the music on the pedal.

Final Preperations

All I have left to do is give the bike one more good walk around - wax it real good so the bugs come off easy and fill it with gas. Just waiting on an update for the Zumo and I'll be all set with the navigation. Of course if the Zumo fails - I can always revert to this:

Might end up being a 2 pager though

Can't wait to get rolling!

Six Days From Today!!

Woo hoo!!!  Bikes are ready, Riders are 80% ready (Curt's arm is getting better every day).

Let's hope this heat wave breaks by next Wednesday.

Brain Trust Tuning Curt's bike for the trip

Smart tuning the bike's ECM for better performance and cooler running. I suspect the bucket of beer provided some of the cooling

The Good Old Days

Saw this interesting poster regarding travel on Rt. 50 back in the late 1800's . Our traveling style will be slightly different but some of the etiquette will still pertain, such as spitting, sleeping and jumping into the roadway. Shooting may not be advised either - you may scare the other motorist - screw the horses. As far a politics - I know at least one traveler that thinks like me - right Jim? So I guess at least we can talk about politics.

Of course traffic has always been a problem on Rt 50. We have construction issues that may delay us for hours. Back in the day they had real troubles. Consider 3 days to travel just 45 miles. Must be why there were so many roadside taverns.

Well, we have plenty of time, comfortable rides and I see nothing but good time ahead.

arm maintenance

7 days into fractured elbow. Still can't pull clutch without Sharp pain. 14 days until I guess I have to make a decision on direction.

My Bike Is Getting a Good Physical

I checked on my bike today.  Steve, the mechanic, called in sick today, so nothing was done on the bike.  But, I still visited her.  I think she liked having a visitor.  I could tell she was smiling, and feeling better already, having all her bad organs surgically removed.  I hope Steve gets well, so my bike can get well, too...

Major Maintenance on My Bike

I started hearing a tapping from my engine when it was cold, while on my long weekend ride over the 4th.  Concerned that bigger problems could result while on the Rt 50 trip, I took it to my new favorite mechanic.  We agreed that it needs new lifters, adjustable rods, and, while in there, new cam bearings.  This won't be cheap, but it will give me peace of mind while on the road in just a few weeks from now.  I would have tackled the job myself, had the trip not been looming just over the horizon...

Rt 50 - The Loneliest Road

From Road Trip USA quoting Blue Highway author William Least Heat-Moon: "for the unhurried, this little-known highway is the best national road across the middle of the United States." The route offers such a compelling cross-section of the nation that Time magazine devoted nearly an entire issue to telling the story of the road it called the "Backbone of America".

Of course there was also the version from Life Magazine- In July 1986, Life magazine published an article that gave US 50 in Nevada the name "The Loneliest Road in America". The article portrayed the highway, and rural Nevada, as a place devoid of civilization.

Beginning July 27 we will see who is correct : )

Curt