July 15, 2010
I rented a car and drove to Denali National Park where I stamped my National Park Passport booklet indicating my National Park visits of Acadia & Denali National Parks. The weather was not cooperative, with low clouds and light to heavy rains Mt. McKinley was not visible at all. A return trip is definitely in the planning stages just to see this place with less clouds and more sun.
There is a short drive into the interior of the park using your personal vehicle and the parks shuttle buses or tour buses are only allowed to travel the ninety miles into the parks interior. Lots of wild animals are visible including grizzly bears, & moose.
I spotted an adult male moose in heavy brush and it was a sight to behold. His antlers were at least 5-6 feet across and stood as tall as a horse. He is an incredibly impressive animal to see in person.
The visitor center provided great displays of the park and its animals along with a short film about the park and lots of seminars on mountaineering, backpacking, hiking, and a special dog sled presentation displaying the ranger’s mode of transportation during the winter.
Well it is time to pack and return to the lower forty-eight and most importantly the return to the ATV road between the US & Canadian border and Haines Junction YT. The Wanderer has had a couple of days rest and we are ready to head back for the family reunion in Chi-Town baby.
Friday, July 16, 2010
A day of rest
July 14 2010
Finally a day off, as I typed this I counted 17 days of continuous motorcycle riding averaging as little as 300 miles to six hundred miles a day. On the return trip back to the US or as the locals say, the lower forty-eight, I will modify my plans. Instead of taking the Ferry from Haines Alaska to Prince Rupert British Columbia, I will travel the Stewart-Cassiar Hwy #37 in BC towards Prince George British Columbia.
This route has been suggested as an impressive scenic route, especially a side trip to Stewart Alaska where the road meanders between two steep mountains along a river.
It is going to be a slow roll back to the US no sense in hurrying, I want this to last.
Finally a day off, as I typed this I counted 17 days of continuous motorcycle riding averaging as little as 300 miles to six hundred miles a day. On the return trip back to the US or as the locals say, the lower forty-eight, I will modify my plans. Instead of taking the Ferry from Haines Alaska to Prince Rupert British Columbia, I will travel the Stewart-Cassiar Hwy #37 in BC towards Prince George British Columbia.
This route has been suggested as an impressive scenic route, especially a side trip to Stewart Alaska where the road meanders between two steep mountains along a river.
It is going to be a slow roll back to the US no sense in hurrying, I want this to last.
Fairbanks Alaska
July 13, 2010
I started out towards Fairbanks Alaska, from Tok and the ride along the two lane road was a mix of heavy pine trees and section of open grass tundra. No wild animals were seen, which was kind of weird.
I stopped at Delta Junction which is the end of the Alaskan Highway at total of 1422 miles from the starting point in Dawson Creek. Just for the record, it was just over 1550 miles to Fairbanks Alaska.
I arrived at the University of Alaska in Fairbanks where motorcyclist traveling during the summer gets dorm rooms for $36.00, yeah baby! One of the guys I met in Dawson Creek gave me the head up on that little known secret. Apparently one of the administrators is an adventure rider and he suggested the idea to the college and they agreed. Their campus in Anchorage allows the same.
Being in the dorm room brought back many memories of college days at Northeast Missouri State University. I reminisced backed to those college days as I stored my gear away and washed some laundry.
I started out towards Fairbanks Alaska, from Tok and the ride along the two lane road was a mix of heavy pine trees and section of open grass tundra. No wild animals were seen, which was kind of weird.
I stopped at Delta Junction which is the end of the Alaskan Highway at total of 1422 miles from the starting point in Dawson Creek. Just for the record, it was just over 1550 miles to Fairbanks Alaska.
I arrived at the University of Alaska in Fairbanks where motorcyclist traveling during the summer gets dorm rooms for $36.00, yeah baby! One of the guys I met in Dawson Creek gave me the head up on that little known secret. Apparently one of the administrators is an adventure rider and he suggested the idea to the college and they agreed. Their campus in Anchorage allows the same.
Being in the dorm room brought back many memories of college days at Northeast Missouri State University. I reminisced backed to those college days as I stored my gear away and washed some laundry.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Destination "ALASKA"
Monday July 12, 2010
I began the ride with heavy overcast low clouds, light rain, and temperatures hovering around 45 degrees, yeah a little raw. This portion of the Alaskan Hwy from Haines Junction to Tok Alaska is well known as challenging to say the least. After getting gas I began along the road with the three bikes riding behind me. It wasn’t long before my glasses fogged up and a short stop needed to make corrected gear changes.
None of the beautiful mountains were visible because of the low cloud layer. Fifty miles into the ride the road began to show signs of what people were talking about. The locals call it frost heaves, I believe the correct term should be ATV trails.
There were sections of the roadway with sink holes as you drove into them, offset different levels in the left and right tracks. Most of the problems areas were broken into sections that gave you an opportunity to recover and prepare for the next section.
There were gravel sections some packed and depending on the construction taking place some were muddy and slick.
As the day wore on the clouds broke up and the sun began to shine the temperature increased to 75 degrees. I took several conquering photos at the welcome to Alaska sign, along with the group from Utah.
The road conditions began to get better several miles after the border check point into Alaska. The fifty miles of road towards Tok Alaska was the best part of the day.
I was initially planning to continue on toward Fairbanks when I was convinced to by the group from Utah to hang with them for dinner. I found a camping cabin next to their hotel and the place was extraordinary. I ate a dinner at the hotel next to the cabins and took in a great Buffalo Burger.
The cabin was self contained with all modern upgrades that a fine hotel. The evening ended with a fire pit where all of the travelers sat around we enjoyed each other’s travel stories and activities.
I met and spoke with guy named Aiden from eastern Canada north of Nova Scotia who works with and knows the drivers from the “Ice Road Trucker” show. He works for the company that extracts natural gas from the Ice fields north of Yellow Knife.
The cabin owners brought me out a beer and took my photo to post on her face book page she has for the hotel.
I smoked a La Gloria #5 cigar for the “Brothers of the smoke” at the Old Virginia Tobacco Shop back in VA for my accomplishment of arriving in Alaska.
Great day of riding except for the first part, however that ride was a bit like life, nothing in life is gain without a little hard work, adventure and excitement. These sections of the Alaska hwy provide all of the memories that I will treasure for the rest of my life.
This has been a true adventure that was shared be people who seek the same type of excitement of viewing nature at it best and enjoying what the open road adventures.
Well in the morning it is on to Fairbanks Alaska. It is 11:00 pm and the sun is still up in the sky, man this is so weird.
I began the ride with heavy overcast low clouds, light rain, and temperatures hovering around 45 degrees, yeah a little raw. This portion of the Alaskan Hwy from Haines Junction to Tok Alaska is well known as challenging to say the least. After getting gas I began along the road with the three bikes riding behind me. It wasn’t long before my glasses fogged up and a short stop needed to make corrected gear changes.
None of the beautiful mountains were visible because of the low cloud layer. Fifty miles into the ride the road began to show signs of what people were talking about. The locals call it frost heaves, I believe the correct term should be ATV trails.
There were sections of the roadway with sink holes as you drove into them, offset different levels in the left and right tracks. Most of the problems areas were broken into sections that gave you an opportunity to recover and prepare for the next section.
There were gravel sections some packed and depending on the construction taking place some were muddy and slick.
As the day wore on the clouds broke up and the sun began to shine the temperature increased to 75 degrees. I took several conquering photos at the welcome to Alaska sign, along with the group from Utah.
The road conditions began to get better several miles after the border check point into Alaska. The fifty miles of road towards Tok Alaska was the best part of the day.
I was initially planning to continue on toward Fairbanks when I was convinced to by the group from Utah to hang with them for dinner. I found a camping cabin next to their hotel and the place was extraordinary. I ate a dinner at the hotel next to the cabins and took in a great Buffalo Burger.
The cabin was self contained with all modern upgrades that a fine hotel. The evening ended with a fire pit where all of the travelers sat around we enjoyed each other’s travel stories and activities.
I met and spoke with guy named Aiden from eastern Canada north of Nova Scotia who works with and knows the drivers from the “Ice Road Trucker” show. He works for the company that extracts natural gas from the Ice fields north of Yellow Knife.
The cabin owners brought me out a beer and took my photo to post on her face book page she has for the hotel.
I smoked a La Gloria #5 cigar for the “Brothers of the smoke” at the Old Virginia Tobacco Shop back in VA for my accomplishment of arriving in Alaska.
Great day of riding except for the first part, however that ride was a bit like life, nothing in life is gain without a little hard work, adventure and excitement. These sections of the Alaska hwy provide all of the memories that I will treasure for the rest of my life.
This has been a true adventure that was shared be people who seek the same type of excitement of viewing nature at it best and enjoying what the open road adventures.
Well in the morning it is on to Fairbanks Alaska. It is 11:00 pm and the sun is still up in the sky, man this is so weird.
Motorcycles Motorcycles everywhere!
Sunday July 11, 2010
I began the day with the intentions of traveling as far west as White Horse along the Alaskan Hwy. It was definitely possible as I drove away from the small town of Watson Lake. I rode just a short while when I rode upon motorcyclist traveling in the same direction. The weather was nice and sunny and with the typical beautiful scenery.
The day was filled with encountering all of the bikers and recreational vehicle people I have met and spoke with for the past four or five days. A large group of bikers gathered together for lunch at a stop along the way when we encountered a guy who had his med sized dog “Sandy” riding on the back seat of his BMW.
Sandy was held in by a harness and looked very happy and was friendly towards all of us who walked up and took photos. After arriving in White Horse, I decided to ride on to Haines Junctions where I met up with the group from Utah. During this portion of the ride I encountered two groups of horses just standing in the rode. Kind of wierd.
I met up with the group from Utah and we ate dinner and enjoyed a great evening of talking about the day of riding and the upcoming ride towards Tok Alaska.
Haines Junction sits just below a mountain range that was spectacular to view. I spent the night or should I say dusk to dawn in Haines Junction looking at these mountains.
I began the day with the intentions of traveling as far west as White Horse along the Alaskan Hwy. It was definitely possible as I drove away from the small town of Watson Lake. I rode just a short while when I rode upon motorcyclist traveling in the same direction. The weather was nice and sunny and with the typical beautiful scenery.
The day was filled with encountering all of the bikers and recreational vehicle people I have met and spoke with for the past four or five days. A large group of bikers gathered together for lunch at a stop along the way when we encountered a guy who had his med sized dog “Sandy” riding on the back seat of his BMW.
Sandy was held in by a harness and looked very happy and was friendly towards all of us who walked up and took photos. After arriving in White Horse, I decided to ride on to Haines Junctions where I met up with the group from Utah. During this portion of the ride I encountered two groups of horses just standing in the rode. Kind of wierd.
I met up with the group from Utah and we ate dinner and enjoyed a great evening of talking about the day of riding and the upcoming ride towards Tok Alaska.
Haines Junction sits just below a mountain range that was spectacular to view. I spent the night or should I say dusk to dawn in Haines Junction looking at these mountains.
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Gravel Roads Ugh!!!
Saturday July 11, 2010
I began the day with breakfast and gas at the Fas-N-Go and took off along the Alaskan Hwy. With bright sunshine on my back and clear blue skies through my windshield I was thirty miles or 15 Kilometers Canadian when the road turned into a mix of gravel and one way lane traffic for several miles.
Some portions of the roads had several inches of gravel and other portions had hard packed gravel enough to drive fairly comfortable. To keep the dust down the used water which made for a muddy adventure and a ugly bike. Either way it made for some slow maneuvering along the road.
While waiting for the pilot truck to return at one section I made friends with the road the flag girl named Brittany who is a college freshman working in the Canadian heat and dealing with the bugs. She had enough bug spray on her that I could smell the off and cutters ten feet away. The driver behind me was a gentleman from China who visited his daughter in New York and drove across the US toward Alaska where he will fly out to back to China. We all took photos.
I took some photos of the ride of beautiful vistas, including a bear, and a couple of Elk alongside the road. I met up with a couple of guys who I road with the day before where we ate lunch and talk with two truck drivers from Canada.
While there, a slender black gentleman rolled up on his bicycles which at first startled me since I thought I was the only black guy in these parts. He was on his way to Key West from Fairbanks Alaska. His journey will take six months. He said he is riding for Christ. A very inspirational man, since he has a long way to travel.
I spent the night in Watson Lake in the Yukon Territory of Canada at the Air Force Lodge. This place reminds me of the German Guest Houses, very quaint with individual rooms. Mine had no televising and the bathrooms and showers were separated for men and women.
One group of bikers showed up to get rooms however the women decided they didn’t like sharing toilet and shower facilities with other women.
The place soon filled with mixed group of older couples and one in particular a gentleman who at the age of 72 has an 18-month old son named Jordan. Yes 72, and his wife is thirty years his junior. One brave man!
We all sat around the dinner table and chatted for about two hours with other staying the night. Great times had by all.
It is 11:06 pm and the sun is just below the horizon. I will attempt a photo of this while in Fairbanks. It is really weird seeing the sun never setting and just sitting just below the horizon.
I began the day with breakfast and gas at the Fas-N-Go and took off along the Alaskan Hwy. With bright sunshine on my back and clear blue skies through my windshield I was thirty miles or 15 Kilometers Canadian when the road turned into a mix of gravel and one way lane traffic for several miles.
Some portions of the roads had several inches of gravel and other portions had hard packed gravel enough to drive fairly comfortable. To keep the dust down the used water which made for a muddy adventure and a ugly bike. Either way it made for some slow maneuvering along the road.
While waiting for the pilot truck to return at one section I made friends with the road the flag girl named Brittany who is a college freshman working in the Canadian heat and dealing with the bugs. She had enough bug spray on her that I could smell the off and cutters ten feet away. The driver behind me was a gentleman from China who visited his daughter in New York and drove across the US toward Alaska where he will fly out to back to China. We all took photos.
I took some photos of the ride of beautiful vistas, including a bear, and a couple of Elk alongside the road. I met up with a couple of guys who I road with the day before where we ate lunch and talk with two truck drivers from Canada.
While there, a slender black gentleman rolled up on his bicycles which at first startled me since I thought I was the only black guy in these parts. He was on his way to Key West from Fairbanks Alaska. His journey will take six months. He said he is riding for Christ. A very inspirational man, since he has a long way to travel.
I spent the night in Watson Lake in the Yukon Territory of Canada at the Air Force Lodge. This place reminds me of the German Guest Houses, very quaint with individual rooms. Mine had no televising and the bathrooms and showers were separated for men and women.
One group of bikers showed up to get rooms however the women decided they didn’t like sharing toilet and shower facilities with other women.
The place soon filled with mixed group of older couples and one in particular a gentleman who at the age of 72 has an 18-month old son named Jordan. Yes 72, and his wife is thirty years his junior. One brave man!
We all sat around the dinner table and chatted for about two hours with other staying the night. Great times had by all.
It is 11:06 pm and the sun is just below the horizon. I will attempt a photo of this while in Fairbanks. It is really weird seeing the sun never setting and just sitting just below the horizon.
Friday, July 09, 2010
The Alaskan Highway
Friday July 9, 2010
I began early with breakfast in Hinton at a restaurant called Smittys. I took Canadian route #40 towards Grand Prairie and on to Dawson Creek at the beginning of the Alaskan Highway.
The ride from Hinton was filled with truck traffic taking machinery to areas where workers harvest trees, mine for coal and natural gas. I saw lots of natural gas collections sites along the way including a large building used developed raw tress into the wood used in buildings.
I took photos at the zero mile marker identifying the beginning of the Alaskan Highway along with three other motorcyclists all touring the four corners of the North American Continent. Two of the guys were on Harleys out of Seattle Washington and the third guy began his ride from Orlando FL.
They gave me lots of information on my upcoming travels along the Alaskan Highway concerning the road construction and the dirt and gravel portions between Dawson Creek and Fort Nelson.
While at the marker taking photos, I was approached by one of the travelers I met in Montana at the rest stop. Small world! LOL!
I pulled into the Comfort Inn in town for the night.
I began early with breakfast in Hinton at a restaurant called Smittys. I took Canadian route #40 towards Grand Prairie and on to Dawson Creek at the beginning of the Alaskan Highway.
The ride from Hinton was filled with truck traffic taking machinery to areas where workers harvest trees, mine for coal and natural gas. I saw lots of natural gas collections sites along the way including a large building used developed raw tress into the wood used in buildings.
I took photos at the zero mile marker identifying the beginning of the Alaskan Highway along with three other motorcyclists all touring the four corners of the North American Continent. Two of the guys were on Harleys out of Seattle Washington and the third guy began his ride from Orlando FL.
They gave me lots of information on my upcoming travels along the Alaskan Highway concerning the road construction and the dirt and gravel portions between Dawson Creek and Fort Nelson.
While at the marker taking photos, I was approached by one of the travelers I met in Montana at the rest stop. Small world! LOL!
I pulled into the Comfort Inn in town for the night.
Great little town Banff in Albeta Canada
Tuesday July 6, 2010
After leaving the hotel I meandered my way over to Canadian Hwy 22 for about fifty miles along beautiful green grass lands with hundreds of pasturing horses and cattle.
I rode past a couple in their RV I met the day before at the rest stop in Montana. As I approached the town of Banff, this road open up to the Canadian Rockies and the town of Banff and some incredible sights of the Canadian Rockies. I took some great photos that are posted on my Face Book page.
I was approached by an older gentleman from Botswana Africa who wanted me to take a photo of him on the Wanderer. I would normally not even considered allowing such, however he was with his family of four and I believe he was overwhelm with seeing a black man on a bike such as mine. I could feel his excitement and allowed him his few minutes of fame. He smiled from ear to ear, however I was shock as he placed my helmet on his head as I took his photo.
After the photo, he ran back to his car to show his wife and kids the photo I took of him. As they drove away he reminded me of a child who just sat on his first horse.
I continued on into Banff and discovered a bustling upscale town geared to tourism for people who love the outdoors. It is also a great ski area during the winter. The town literally is surrounded by the mountains. It is an incredible sight as you drive along the main street and every direction you look up, you see beautiful mountains peaks.
I was actually planning to pass through this town, but stayed the night at Bumpers Motel next to the Bumpers Restaurant, with a great salad bar.
After leaving the hotel I meandered my way over to Canadian Hwy 22 for about fifty miles along beautiful green grass lands with hundreds of pasturing horses and cattle.
I rode past a couple in their RV I met the day before at the rest stop in Montana. As I approached the town of Banff, this road open up to the Canadian Rockies and the town of Banff and some incredible sights of the Canadian Rockies. I took some great photos that are posted on my Face Book page.
I was approached by an older gentleman from Botswana Africa who wanted me to take a photo of him on the Wanderer. I would normally not even considered allowing such, however he was with his family of four and I believe he was overwhelm with seeing a black man on a bike such as mine. I could feel his excitement and allowed him his few minutes of fame. He smiled from ear to ear, however I was shock as he placed my helmet on his head as I took his photo.
After the photo, he ran back to his car to show his wife and kids the photo I took of him. As they drove away he reminded me of a child who just sat on his first horse.
I continued on into Banff and discovered a bustling upscale town geared to tourism for people who love the outdoors. It is also a great ski area during the winter. The town literally is surrounded by the mountains. It is an incredible sight as you drive along the main street and every direction you look up, you see beautiful mountains peaks.
I was actually planning to pass through this town, but stayed the night at Bumpers Motel next to the Bumpers Restaurant, with a great salad bar.
Thursday, July 08, 2010
Meeting travel friends
Monday July 5, 2010
I began the day riding north along route 89 towards Billings MT where I viewed some spectacular scenery of a valley in between several mountain ranges. I encountered two cattle moves. One group used ATV’s to get their cattle to another pasture for grazing and about thirty miles later I came upon a second group using horses. I yelled to one of the men on the horse telling him he appeared to be a true cowboy after seeing the earlier group on ATV’s.
He smiled and said they would use ATV’s also, but they have a longer distance to move their cattle and the ATV’s moves the heard to fast and they didn’t want to wear them out.
I passed through billings continuing north on I-15 towards Canada. While at a rest stop I met several people all of whom are headed to Alaska. I look forward to seeing them over the next couple of weeks.
I met a couple at the first rest stop in Canada and it turn out they are moving from Anchorage Alaska to Kansas and they provided great information on the Alaska roads, the sights to expect and some key spots to check out.
They also provided me with a book (Very Large) named, The Mile Post, Alaska travel planner. It is literally a great publication of North American travel into Alaska.
I continued on to the town of Lethbridge in Alberta Canada for the night. I rode into a violent mostly wind storm with rains in excess of twenty miles an hour for the last twenty six miles to the hotel. Of course it stopped after I arrived at the hotel. One hell of a hard ride.
I began the day riding north along route 89 towards Billings MT where I viewed some spectacular scenery of a valley in between several mountain ranges. I encountered two cattle moves. One group used ATV’s to get their cattle to another pasture for grazing and about thirty miles later I came upon a second group using horses. I yelled to one of the men on the horse telling him he appeared to be a true cowboy after seeing the earlier group on ATV’s.
He smiled and said they would use ATV’s also, but they have a longer distance to move their cattle and the ATV’s moves the heard to fast and they didn’t want to wear them out.
I passed through billings continuing north on I-15 towards Canada. While at a rest stop I met several people all of whom are headed to Alaska. I look forward to seeing them over the next couple of weeks.
I met a couple at the first rest stop in Canada and it turn out they are moving from Anchorage Alaska to Kansas and they provided great information on the Alaska roads, the sights to expect and some key spots to check out.
They also provided me with a book (Very Large) named, The Mile Post, Alaska travel planner. It is literally a great publication of North American travel into Alaska.
I continued on to the town of Lethbridge in Alberta Canada for the night. I rode into a violent mostly wind storm with rains in excess of twenty miles an hour for the last twenty six miles to the hotel. Of course it stopped after I arrived at the hotel. One hell of a hard ride.
4th of July small town style
Sunday July 4, 2010
I began the day back on I-90 towards Montana. I stopped at the state line and took a photo of the Wanderer with the welcome to Montana sign in the back ground. I didn’t push too hard I just took in the sights of Montana. I stopped in the town of Livingston where the town celebrated the 4th of July with a arts & crafts festival, rodeo and of course a fireworks celebration.
The town is an hour’s drive from Yellowstone National Park and families use area hotels as a staging area to visit the park. I spent the night in Livingston MT for the night preparing for an early wake up to take route #89 north towards Billings MT and on to Canada.
I began the day back on I-90 towards Montana. I stopped at the state line and took a photo of the Wanderer with the welcome to Montana sign in the back ground. I didn’t push too hard I just took in the sights of Montana. I stopped in the town of Livingston where the town celebrated the 4th of July with a arts & crafts festival, rodeo and of course a fireworks celebration.
The town is an hour’s drive from Yellowstone National Park and families use area hotels as a staging area to visit the park. I spent the night in Livingston MT for the night preparing for an early wake up to take route #89 north towards Billings MT and on to Canada.
Inspiring Riders
Saturday July 3, 2010
I had the good fortune to meet several people who would inspire any motorcycle enthusiasts. The first was a young man on a Honda “Rebel” 250cc motorcycle who began his cross country journey from Nevada en-route to the east coast. For those who are not knowledgeable of what type of motorcycle I’m speaking about, consider it a small lightly powered beginner motorcycle just above a moped.
As I left the hotel westward, along I-90, I began fighting the winds from the previous day, although not as bad but it was noticeable. As I approached Rapid City, I stopped in at the Bad Lands Conoco gas station where I met to ladies in their 70’s en-route to the Motor Maids yearly rally in Cody WY.
One was on a Gold Wing Trike from VA near the Shenandoah area and the other on a 650 Suzuki Bergman Scooter ridden all the way from NC. Yeah that’s right a scooter, (the old gal has guts)
The left side trailer tire developed a break in the tread causing a vibration near Spearfish SD. I stopped in at the local Wal-Mart where shop worker Garret replaced both old tires. I had over ten thousand miles on the tires. I finished the day traveling along I-90 dodging rain drops getting to Sheridan WY after dark.
I had the good fortune to meet several people who would inspire any motorcycle enthusiasts. The first was a young man on a Honda “Rebel” 250cc motorcycle who began his cross country journey from Nevada en-route to the east coast. For those who are not knowledgeable of what type of motorcycle I’m speaking about, consider it a small lightly powered beginner motorcycle just above a moped.
As I left the hotel westward, along I-90, I began fighting the winds from the previous day, although not as bad but it was noticeable. As I approached Rapid City, I stopped in at the Bad Lands Conoco gas station where I met to ladies in their 70’s en-route to the Motor Maids yearly rally in Cody WY.
One was on a Gold Wing Trike from VA near the Shenandoah area and the other on a 650 Suzuki Bergman Scooter ridden all the way from NC. Yeah that’s right a scooter, (the old gal has guts)
The left side trailer tire developed a break in the tread causing a vibration near Spearfish SD. I stopped in at the local Wal-Mart where shop worker Garret replaced both old tires. I had over ten thousand miles on the tires. I finished the day traveling along I-90 dodging rain drops getting to Sheridan WY after dark.
Friday, July 02, 2010
Mother Natures a blowing (Fiercely)
Friday July 2, 2010
The day started out as the perfect motorcycle riding adventure with cool temperatures, low humidity and great roads. I began westbound on I-80 towards north bound I-29. Everything was great until the overpass from I-29 onto west bound I-90 west of Sioux Falls SD.
I quickly discovered I should have considered the weather front coming out of the Gulf of Mexico because the nose of the Wanderer attempted to travel west however the winds sent me from the left track to the right track. The winds were so fierce I had to hold on for dear life.
I traveled six miles to Hartford SD were I was able to recover and change my destination from Kennebec SD two hundred miles to the KOA campgrounds in Mitchell SD thirty miles away.
I traveled along the two lane side road route #30, hoping the farming homes, and terrain would block the wind. It was a little better, but it was some of the hardest riding I had since a hail storm along I-70 in 2007 west of Denver.
As I continued through Mother Nature’s power fans, I came upon a guy on a BMW trying to maintain his balance as I was and we stopped at an intersection where we spotted two Gold Wings at a gas station.
We pulled in and talked about the winds and the two guys on the wings were in their 70’s and they spoke of the winds as some of the worst they have ever experienced. They were headed east towards some parts of SD. The Guy on the BMW was a local just out completing some errands.
I continued my adventure in the wind and made the camp grounds. It may have been in the 90’s but the winds made it quite comfortable. I opted for a room because of the wind and the discounts I got for the room. Always looking for the deals baby!
I have an early morning rise heading towards Sheridan WY some 500 miles away, hopefully as I push towards western South Dakota near the Bad Lands and Rapid City SD the winds should die down because of the hills, hopefully.
The day started out as the perfect motorcycle riding adventure with cool temperatures, low humidity and great roads. I began westbound on I-80 towards north bound I-29. Everything was great until the overpass from I-29 onto west bound I-90 west of Sioux Falls SD.
I quickly discovered I should have considered the weather front coming out of the Gulf of Mexico because the nose of the Wanderer attempted to travel west however the winds sent me from the left track to the right track. The winds were so fierce I had to hold on for dear life.
I traveled six miles to Hartford SD were I was able to recover and change my destination from Kennebec SD two hundred miles to the KOA campgrounds in Mitchell SD thirty miles away.
I traveled along the two lane side road route #30, hoping the farming homes, and terrain would block the wind. It was a little better, but it was some of the hardest riding I had since a hail storm along I-70 in 2007 west of Denver.
As I continued through Mother Nature’s power fans, I came upon a guy on a BMW trying to maintain his balance as I was and we stopped at an intersection where we spotted two Gold Wings at a gas station.
We pulled in and talked about the winds and the two guys on the wings were in their 70’s and they spoke of the winds as some of the worst they have ever experienced. They were headed east towards some parts of SD. The Guy on the BMW was a local just out completing some errands.
I continued my adventure in the wind and made the camp grounds. It may have been in the 90’s but the winds made it quite comfortable. I opted for a room because of the wind and the discounts I got for the room. Always looking for the deals baby!
I have an early morning rise heading towards Sheridan WY some 500 miles away, hopefully as I push towards western South Dakota near the Bad Lands and Rapid City SD the winds should die down because of the hills, hopefully.
Thursday, July 01, 2010
Getting started or not?
Monday June 28, 2010
I left my sister’s home around 10:30am on Monday June 28, from St. Louis County I traveled west along I-70 when I came upon several Honda Gold Wings en-route to the Wing Ding rally set for Des Moines Iowa.
I briefly thought of attending the rally but the excitement of traveling to Alaska overwhelmed me at times until I talked myself into going to the World Largest Truck stop in Walcott Iowa, and since I was following several Gold Wings traveling in the same direction, what the heck?
The truck stop is a sight to see with three levels of stores, fast food restaurants, showers, laundry facility, Movie Theater, and parking for several hundred trucks and cars.
The excitement of seeing so many Gold Wings heading towards Des Moines, I began conjuring up the idea of getting some tires, and looking at the some of the products for at least a day. Yeah right!
Three days later here I sit typing out the blog on a Thursday preparing for the motorcycle light show.
I will leave out of here on Friday for sure. I have a great KOA cabin, with a swing on the front deck and a breeze blowing, it just don’t get any better than this other than being on a beach.
I left my sister’s home around 10:30am on Monday June 28, from St. Louis County I traveled west along I-70 when I came upon several Honda Gold Wings en-route to the Wing Ding rally set for Des Moines Iowa.
I briefly thought of attending the rally but the excitement of traveling to Alaska overwhelmed me at times until I talked myself into going to the World Largest Truck stop in Walcott Iowa, and since I was following several Gold Wings traveling in the same direction, what the heck?
The truck stop is a sight to see with three levels of stores, fast food restaurants, showers, laundry facility, Movie Theater, and parking for several hundred trucks and cars.
The excitement of seeing so many Gold Wings heading towards Des Moines, I began conjuring up the idea of getting some tires, and looking at the some of the products for at least a day. Yeah right!
Three days later here I sit typing out the blog on a Thursday preparing for the motorcycle light show.
I will leave out of here on Friday for sure. I have a great KOA cabin, with a swing on the front deck and a breeze blowing, it just don’t get any better than this other than being on a beach.
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Hard riding practice (850 Plus miles)
Thursday June 24, 2010
I got an early start beginning at 4:30am crossing into PA and then into OH along I-90. I moved on into Columbus OH along I-70, towards Indiana. At around 3:00pm the clouds parted to ashier blue skies and the humidity levels dropped which made for great riding weather. The ride was just simply incredible.
I made it to my class reunion social around 9:30pm and had a wonderful welcome and fellowshipped with great friends. It was a long day of hard riding, 850 plus miles, great training for the trip into the Yukon at the end of next week. Now it is time to party with Sumner High’s Class of 1980.
I got an early start beginning at 4:30am crossing into PA and then into OH along I-90. I moved on into Columbus OH along I-70, towards Indiana. At around 3:00pm the clouds parted to ashier blue skies and the humidity levels dropped which made for great riding weather. The ride was just simply incredible.
I made it to my class reunion social around 9:30pm and had a wonderful welcome and fellowshipped with great friends. It was a long day of hard riding, 850 plus miles, great training for the trip into the Yukon at the end of next week. Now it is time to party with Sumner High’s Class of 1980.
Canada to New York (Thunder Storm)
Wed June 23, 2010
I left Montreal Canada around 9:00am hoping to get in at least six hundred miles of riding well into the night. I traveled south towards the US and crossing into the US at the thousand Island border crossing in upstate New York onto I-81.
I crossed several bridges that were impressive and the views were spectacular. I had no hassles at the border crossing and I-81 was smooth for while. I stopped at the Verizon store in Olean NY to replace a battery on the cellular after dinner.
As I mounted the Wander, I could see an approaching storm front with the ominous storm clouds and possible rains so I suited up but not much fell.
I pushed it hard past the storm front and after about an hour of riding I tried to waiting it out at a Tom Horton’s in Elmira NY. When I got back on the road I fortunately monitored a local radio station to hear a thunderstorm warning around midnight. I ducked into a nice hotel to view the thunderstorm from my hotel window.
I left Montreal Canada around 9:00am hoping to get in at least six hundred miles of riding well into the night. I traveled south towards the US and crossing into the US at the thousand Island border crossing in upstate New York onto I-81.
I crossed several bridges that were impressive and the views were spectacular. I had no hassles at the border crossing and I-81 was smooth for while. I stopped at the Verizon store in Olean NY to replace a battery on the cellular after dinner.
As I mounted the Wander, I could see an approaching storm front with the ominous storm clouds and possible rains so I suited up but not much fell.
I pushed it hard past the storm front and after about an hour of riding I tried to waiting it out at a Tom Horton’s in Elmira NY. When I got back on the road I fortunately monitored a local radio station to hear a thunderstorm warning around midnight. I ducked into a nice hotel to view the thunderstorm from my hotel window.
Into Canada
Tuesday June 22, 2010
I began the day traveling west along route #1towards the Canadian border with the sun at my back. I stopped in at Harrys Motorsports in Presque Isle ME and replaced a fuse that was keeping the XM from working. They were very helpful, no service charge, just the purchase of fuses and I tipped the guy for helping me.
I crossed into Canada from Van Buren Maine into St. Leonard, in New Brunswick Canada where I traveled west along, route #2, then onto state road 85 and south into Quebec along #20.
Beautiful scenery and the topography changed from rural west bound and north of Quebec to suburban near the cities. Everyone speaks French so I did my best at every opportunity.
I settled in at a Comfort Inn in Montreal Canada preparing for a couple of 600 hundred mile plus days of hard riding on Wed and Thursday to begin a long weekend of fellowship with the Sumner High School Class of 1980. ( Doggs Getting Ready to Roll)
I began the day traveling west along route #1towards the Canadian border with the sun at my back. I stopped in at Harrys Motorsports in Presque Isle ME and replaced a fuse that was keeping the XM from working. They were very helpful, no service charge, just the purchase of fuses and I tipped the guy for helping me.
I crossed into Canada from Van Buren Maine into St. Leonard, in New Brunswick Canada where I traveled west along, route #2, then onto state road 85 and south into Quebec along #20.
Beautiful scenery and the topography changed from rural west bound and north of Quebec to suburban near the cities. Everyone speaks French so I did my best at every opportunity.
I settled in at a Comfort Inn in Montreal Canada preparing for a couple of 600 hundred mile plus days of hard riding on Wed and Thursday to begin a long weekend of fellowship with the Sumner High School Class of 1980. ( Doggs Getting Ready to Roll)
Monday, June 28, 2010
Maine coastal ride, Acadia National Park & the Canadian Boarder
Monday June 21, 2010
This day’s ride began with sunshine coastal views of rugged rock formations. I stopped and photographed the harbor in Lincolnville ME and continued along towards Acadia National Park touring the parks loop of scenic vistas of the Atlantic Ocean and Bar Harbor.
The loop leads to Cadillac Mountain at 1,532 feet, is the highest point along the North Atlantic seaboard and is the first place to view sunrise in the US from October through March and is largely composed of pink granite.
Locals described I-95 north of Bangor ME as “the sticks”, and potato farmer area. Their statements were correct, because about twenty miles north of Bangor ME, not only did I-95 lanes narrow but the median strip widened with trees, shrubs and the distance between exits increased. It is weird not seeing traffic traveling in the opposite direction for periods of time.
Spent the night a couple of miles south the Canadian border at the Ivey hotel. The area is definitely geared to truckers. Not much to see or look at only signs describing the Canadian boarder ahead.
This day’s ride began with sunshine coastal views of rugged rock formations. I stopped and photographed the harbor in Lincolnville ME and continued along towards Acadia National Park touring the parks loop of scenic vistas of the Atlantic Ocean and Bar Harbor.
The loop leads to Cadillac Mountain at 1,532 feet, is the highest point along the North Atlantic seaboard and is the first place to view sunrise in the US from October through March and is largely composed of pink granite.
Locals described I-95 north of Bangor ME as “the sticks”, and potato farmer area. Their statements were correct, because about twenty miles north of Bangor ME, not only did I-95 lanes narrow but the median strip widened with trees, shrubs and the distance between exits increased. It is weird not seeing traffic traveling in the opposite direction for periods of time.
Spent the night a couple of miles south the Canadian border at the Ivey hotel. The area is definitely geared to truckers. Not much to see or look at only signs describing the Canadian boarder ahead.
Happy Fathers Day
Sunday June 20, 2010,
I left the Rutland VT area and traveled towards New Hampshire along route 302 that took me through some incredible country side. I stopped at the Conway NH rest stop and spoke with a retired cop named “Rex”.
He gave me great directions and the location of one of the better eating location in the town, named Delany’s Hole in the Wall.
His advice of staying off the truly obscure back roads in Maine was not headed.
I meandered my way along two lane roads towards the coast which for thirty miles was some of the worst roads I have traveled along since touring. The back roads were actually paved however cracks in the pavement showed grass growing out of them, which indicated they are not even travelled by the locals. Hence I should have taken Rex’s advice, duh!
After crossing into Maine on route 302, I dodged rain for several hours and once I traveled east of I-95, I made it to route 1 traveling through small town after another the road was much improved and the vistas of the coast were incredible.
I stopped for the night in Rockland ME, home of the Maine Lobster Festival held yearly during the first week of August. I spent the night at a coastal Motel named “The Claddagh” with views of the ocean. The Irish theme was present and the room had more floral and pink than I cared for.
The owner suggested the “Offshore” restaurant for dinner where I was subjected to an excellent lobster dinner. Burp! Excuse me. Not enough recognition has been given to the person or persons who invented the idea of boiling a lobster. Credit should also be given to the person who discovered dipping hot lobster meat into butter. It was dam good.
The night air was breezy and comfortable however the locals believe the humidity was too high, yeah right, if they could only experience humidity in DC or St. Louis metro areas. Hmmm, I guess I don’t know either. Man is it nice outside. LOL!
I left the Rutland VT area and traveled towards New Hampshire along route 302 that took me through some incredible country side. I stopped at the Conway NH rest stop and spoke with a retired cop named “Rex”.
He gave me great directions and the location of one of the better eating location in the town, named Delany’s Hole in the Wall.
His advice of staying off the truly obscure back roads in Maine was not headed.
I meandered my way along two lane roads towards the coast which for thirty miles was some of the worst roads I have traveled along since touring. The back roads were actually paved however cracks in the pavement showed grass growing out of them, which indicated they are not even travelled by the locals. Hence I should have taken Rex’s advice, duh!
After crossing into Maine on route 302, I dodged rain for several hours and once I traveled east of I-95, I made it to route 1 traveling through small town after another the road was much improved and the vistas of the coast were incredible.
I stopped for the night in Rockland ME, home of the Maine Lobster Festival held yearly during the first week of August. I spent the night at a coastal Motel named “The Claddagh” with views of the ocean. The Irish theme was present and the room had more floral and pink than I cared for.
The owner suggested the “Offshore” restaurant for dinner where I was subjected to an excellent lobster dinner. Burp! Excuse me. Not enough recognition has been given to the person or persons who invented the idea of boiling a lobster. Credit should also be given to the person who discovered dipping hot lobster meat into butter. It was dam good.
The night air was breezy and comfortable however the locals believe the humidity was too high, yeah right, if they could only experience humidity in DC or St. Louis metro areas. Hmmm, I guess I don’t know either. Man is it nice outside. LOL!
Saturday, June 19, 2010
First Days of the tour
Friday June 18, 2010
At 10:21 am the vacation I have dreamed and planned about so many years prior to retirement began. With 41131 miles on the Wanderer's (bikes name) odometer, I started out from the Northern VA area traveling north along route 15 into MD.
I enjoyed great riding through the Maryland and Pennsylvania country side along a two lane roadway, the only down side was the XM died which meant the I-pod was pressed into service.
I see a Honda dealership stop in the next couple of days for a quick repair.
I finished the day at a really nice KOA campground in Jonestown PA. New owners were really great, especially their kids who marveled at the bike and trailer. A little rustic cabin with a beautiful starry night and cool temperatures. Great Sleeping weather.
Saturday June 19, 2010
The day began early with a stop for breakfast and fuel all in one stop. The day produced beautiful ashier blue skies, great music and nothing stopping me now.
Many family and friends have asked if I ride alone, well I wasn’t two hours into riding when I stopped at the Worchester New York rest stop when five Gold Wings pulled in from a chapter in Altoona PA headed to Nova Scotia Canada. I road with them for most of the afternoon towards Albany NY where we parted.
I continued into Rutland VT stopping at a Comfort Inn and met a group of six bikers. There were three Harleys, A Victory touring bike, a Can Am and a Maroon Gold Wing Trike with a Hannigan side-car outfitted with a DVD player for the wife.
They were from the Suburbs of Detroit headed towards Bar Harbor Maine. We sat around in front of the Hotel for three hours talking, and just enjoying the fellowship of a really good people who ride motorcycles.
I will possibly leave with them in the morning if not hopefully I will see them along I-95 after getting into Maine.
At 10:21 am the vacation I have dreamed and planned about so many years prior to retirement began. With 41131 miles on the Wanderer's (bikes name) odometer, I started out from the Northern VA area traveling north along route 15 into MD.
I enjoyed great riding through the Maryland and Pennsylvania country side along a two lane roadway, the only down side was the XM died which meant the I-pod was pressed into service.
I see a Honda dealership stop in the next couple of days for a quick repair.
I finished the day at a really nice KOA campground in Jonestown PA. New owners were really great, especially their kids who marveled at the bike and trailer. A little rustic cabin with a beautiful starry night and cool temperatures. Great Sleeping weather.
Saturday June 19, 2010
The day began early with a stop for breakfast and fuel all in one stop. The day produced beautiful ashier blue skies, great music and nothing stopping me now.
Many family and friends have asked if I ride alone, well I wasn’t two hours into riding when I stopped at the Worchester New York rest stop when five Gold Wings pulled in from a chapter in Altoona PA headed to Nova Scotia Canada. I road with them for most of the afternoon towards Albany NY where we parted.
I continued into Rutland VT stopping at a Comfort Inn and met a group of six bikers. There were three Harleys, A Victory touring bike, a Can Am and a Maroon Gold Wing Trike with a Hannigan side-car outfitted with a DVD player for the wife.
They were from the Suburbs of Detroit headed towards Bar Harbor Maine. We sat around in front of the Hotel for three hours talking, and just enjoying the fellowship of a really good people who ride motorcycles.
I will possibly leave with them in the morning if not hopefully I will see them along I-95 after getting into Maine.
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