Getting estimates

May 2nd

It was easy getting an estimate out in Oklahoma City for the bike. Now here at home getting an estimate on the trailer was difficult. Not many people will do fiberglass painting and mechanical repairs like replacing the axle. Should have something on Monday.

The bling (chrome) on the bike was priced out at Velocity Cycles. Tim O. did a great job with all the after-market parts on the bike and safety gear.

Will be emailing my Nationwide claims adjuster Monday with my pictures, estimates and such. They have been wonderful during this trying time between bikes.

Will be looking for something around 2008 with ABS, needless to say it has to be a Gold Wing.

TTFN.

Day 14 & 15

April 23 & 24 th.

Total in car mileage   About 1419 miles
Start mileage    n/a
Total miles for the over night drive 1419 miles
Total miles for ride so far 5625
Started at 1:00 pm Thursday and finished around 4:00 pm on Friday

So the morning after;
-Stiff and soar everywhere
-Had trouble sleeping due to bruises all over
-Head going a mile a minute trying to decide next steps to take

After all the above,woke and got up just before the alarm at 5:00 am.Getting an early start since there was  so much to do. Arose, dressed and went out to Denny's for breakfast. You can't start a day without food to power you through the days tasks. Back to hotel. Started out by calling Enterprise about renting a car for the trip home. My friends called and said they would be in Oklahoma City around noon and would drag the trailer home and I could ride on one of their bikes. The trailer business was really helpful and appreciated their efforts immensely. The ride home on a motorcycle was not something to look forward too with all my aches and bruises. 

Al from Arrow Wrecking had a driver deliver me to this hotel yesterday. This man and his company in Oklahoma City are all wonderful people and know how to pay it forward. God bless them. 

Called Enterprise and after three attempts got a call back. The lady was just back from a pick up. Arrangements were made to rent a car one way for the trip home. She came by to pick me up. I checked out and finalized the rental agreement. 

 Nice car and great sound system made the ride more enjoyable.

Drove to the hotel to load up my gear and check out. Drove to the wrecking parking lot. Took all the stuff left in the bike and trailer. Filled the trunk and back seat with stuff. Tom and Charlie arrived while doing the loading. Tom looked at the trailer and mentioned that the trailer had a Torx axle and he would be able to drive it home for me. The wheels were bent in some on both sides but being new tires and a new spare we thought he would make it home OK. After loading up the car and putting the trailer on Tom's bike, he and Charlie left to finish their ride. The care was loaded, good byes and thank you's were dispersed at the wrecking yard and off to Pennsylvania and home!

Fortunately the drive home was uneventful.Driving 1:00 pm until about 2:30 am and had to stop for some sleep. At a rest stop somewhere between here and there sleep was not coming to easily just then. I only slept for a short while and was off again. About 4:30 am a stop at another rest area was required. This time dosing right off and sleeping for an hour felt refreshing. Then off again on the highway. About 7:30 another stop was required. Sleeping for another hour was accomplished. Then on to driving again. 

Eventually getting home around 4:00 pm the wife was surprised to see me so soon. Home never looked so good! Unpacked the car. Ate some delicious food. Showered and went to bed to sleep for a restful night in my own bed. 

The next day returned the car to Enterprise. Stated looking on Craig's List for Goldwings. Sent email to local chapter director requesting he put the word out I am looking for a replacement ride. 

Starting to get back to normal. A good night's sleep and I should be good to go. I hope!

TTFN

Day 13

April 22 nd.

Finish mileage   About 360 miles
Start mileage    121787
Total miles for the day 360 miles
Total miles for ride so far 4206
Started at 8:30 am and crashed at about 3:45 pm

The day started off great but after several hours it went sour.

I ran until Oklahoma City. There I ran into traffic and had to slow down real fast. It seems the bike slide sideways since the breaks locked up. I dropped the bike so I would  not hit anyone. When I was next aware of my presence i was in the ambulance headed to the ER.

My brand new rain gear was torn to shreds, my helmet had scratches front, back and on the side.

I was banged up some, road rash on left wrist, my chest felt like it took a hit on the left side. I got x-rays of hand and chest and a CAT scan on my head. I was OK and they released me with a nice 800 mg IBU pill. Both the nurse and the doctor said I would be soar in the morning. The police officer brought back my drivers licensee and said he had spent a lot of time at the crash site. He said the bike oil pan was leaking. That gave me a clue as to I was not driving it  back home. The hospital arranged for a taxi to take me to the wrecking company that had my bike and trailer. I saw the bike and was surprised how bad it looked.

The trailer doesn't look too bad. The cooler is and issue but the tires are bent in a V shape but will roll.

 Front end smashed, Left side smashed and plastic torn away, dash all broken up and shredded. There were several scratches on the left side saddle bag and the left side of the trailer. The police officer said that when I went down the bike kept going for a while before stopping. That would account for  all the wreckage. The officer said he was not going to site me since it was a one vehicle accident and no one got hurt. I thanked him profusely.

Called the wife and brother to  keep them advised. Texted a friend and he will be here  tomorrow to see if he can take home the trailer and me on his bike or the other bike. 

I am planning on getting some sleep just to see how I feel in the morning.

TTFN

Day 12

April 21 rst.

Finish mileage   121787
Start mileage    121,218
Total miles for the day 569 miles
Total miles for ride so far 3846
Started at 6:30 am and finished at 6:15 pm

Awoke at KOA in Williams Az to discover it was very cool this morning. Actually, the temps last night caused the sleeping bag to be opened and entered into for warmth.The sleeping bag was very comfortable. Used several of my clothing bags (Walmart bags) as pillows to make for a better nights sleep. However upon rising and preparing for a walk to take a shower the old back issue seemed to raise its ugly head. While showering the thought of not going to southern New Mexico and back up would allow me to get home a little sooner and just in case the back issue continued or got worse home was my new destination.

Took I 40 the entire day.

Stoppinging Flagstaff for breakfast, Albuquerque for lunch and Tucumcari for supper. 

The ride today was rather long but being  by myself it was much less stressful than riding in a group of 8 or more. The miles went by quickly and with a stop every 60 or 70 miles for a butt break or gas (also a butt break) the day was enjoyable. There isn't much more enjoyable than crusing down the road at 81 miles an hour for extended lengths of time. Being outside in the open dry air (meaning not raining) is exhilerating.

Upon arriving in Tucumcari, NM (the home of the Route 66 monument) I found the KOA without any issues. It is large but not well filled as to it being very early for tourists just yet. I was impressed with the place as it seems to be one of the larger and better KOA's that I have visited. Next door to my kabin are two Goldwing Trikes. There are two couples from Louisianna who are doing the Route 66 ride to the Grand Canyon. They are taking their time and doing only 200 miles or so a day. They are having a great time. Their in-laws are following them in their RV. Sounds like lots of fun.

Well enough for now. I didn't take any pictures today but will endeavor to take a few of the camp site that I am at now. 

TTFN

Day 11

April 20th.

Finish mileage   121,218
Start mileage    120,945
Total miles for the day 273 miles
Total miles for ride so far 3277
Special alert! the internet speed is so slow here at the KOA that i will have to wait until tomorrow night with a better connect to up load pictures. Check back in a day or so.


Got up early this morning to the sounds of Dessert Quail running all over the place. They are so cute. There were also rabbits running around but they didn't make any noise. I tried to copy the rabbits since it was only 5:00 am local time and all were still asleep. Being a Monday there were not many at the Clothing Optional Resort since many still have to work. All the retired people stay during the week. 

Took a walk over to the bath house. It was a little cool with the draft I was getting. Upon returning I took care of meds and testing. Blood sugar a little above my running average. I will be endevoring to do better today with my food intake and keep my eye on what foods to eat. Took down tent and repacked the trailer. Left with very little noise and no one even knew I was gone.

Last evening sitting with some of the tenters I was advised that going back one exit would be a good idea to replace my non-functioning Coleman stove. I took the advise, the next exit back was only a few miles.  First things first called for fillling up at Circle K (I used to work for them right before we left Phoenix), then some  breakfast at Dennys, Walmart was next for a replacement stove and some food and ice.

Out in the lot at Walmart I pulled out the old stove and sat if between two trash recepticles. The new stove went in to the trailer in the same spot. All the food found a home either in the  trailer or the cooler. More ice was also purchased. Something you have to keep after because it only lasts so long.

Now back on the road again. Keeping the gas tank full on the Gold Wing is a good idea when you don't know about availability along your route. I stopped at another Circle K in Flagstaff. Purchased some needed coffee and had lunch out on the parking lot. Then off towards Williams, AZ and  the KOA campgrounds which were reserved for me. I checked in rather early but there were not many people around then. Got to the cabin to discover only one outlet in the cabin too far away from the table surface I will use for computer work tonight. Left a request for an extension cord. While waiting for the cord I layed down on the bed and fell asleep for 30 to 45 minutes. I felt energized, sort of. 

 Scene across the road from campground.

Great bath house. It was cold in morning but the water was hot and the shower felt exillerating. 

Left trailer at campsite and rode the 50 miles to the Grand Canyon. Man was  I dissapointed. That darm canyon is  really deep. My Vertigo kept me from getting close to the edge. At the look out you have too look straight down to see the bottom. I had never given that a thought. Well,I man upped and held onto the railing and took several pictures. They are neat and I would  have loved to tour all around the canyon but who am I kidding. Now way in hell I was going to suffer from more vertigo just for pictures. Taking the tour bus back to the visitors center seemed like the thing for a defeated person to do. 

Back on the bike and away to the campgounds. After 50 miles of problem free driving the campgrounds looked  a little fuller. Parking and setting up camp was not to difficult since I have had some practise. The new stove worked well and supper was prepared and wolfed down in no time. 

The KOA has wifi but it took some effort to get signed on and  then speed is very slow. The lady at the desk said that way out here you have to accept what you get. Maybe so, maybe not. Anyway I am on the internet and blogging tonight.

I hope to find routes and places to stay over in  New Mexico and also an Anytime Fitness Center on my way.

TTFN

Day 10

April 19th.

Finish mileage   120,945 
Start mileage    120,893
Total miles for the day 52 miles
Total miles for ride so far 3004

Well today is the first day of my return trip to Dillsburg, Pa. I am a little excited about the return trip but also a little sorry that I will be heading back and not on ward. Also a little sorry to be leaving Wes behind, he is a wonderrful person and  someone everybody would enjoy.

Up at 5:00 am to start the coffee. While waiting for it to finish I finished yesterdays blog post. 

Back up stairs to do daily routine of getting ready for the day. Called the wife, took shower, packed my toiletries for leaving. Emptied my trash in the bathroom. Packed all the rest of my stuff, how does it grow so?
Downstairs to cook breakfast for Wes and  I, omelettes with onions, beef sausages and  the remains of the first loaf of bread that was cooked here from the No Kneed variety.

Packed up trailer, hitched trailer to Gold Wing and warmed up the engine. Gave Wes a big hug and thanked him for is hospitality. He will be looking into flying back east to visit us in the future. My daughter, son and wife and me are excited to have him come.

Hit the Fry's supermarket for supplies. I even have one of their VIP cards. Seems I was there more than once.
On the road to Shangri La just 35 miles or so up 101 loop and I 17 to New River.

Found the place thanks to my wonderful Garman GPS. Pulled  in to the resort, obtained a camp site. Seems if you have a  coupon for your first visit the day is free. The site rental was $10 since I have no hookups. 
Found a site and pulled my rig over to it. First thing I did was get naked. Second thing was find the rest room.
This task turned out to be of some difficulty. Maps and I just don't get along, I should have tried my Garman GPS but alas there is no house number on  the bathhouse. After asking for help from a regular I found the restrooms much to my great relief.  Then setup tent without issue. 

Next order was scouting around. To swim or use jacuzzi everyone must be naked and must take a shower. I  proceeded to do just that. It is a little strange when you walk into a shower with a man and a woman both showering. I just walked up to the middle shower and proceeded to come clean. Jacuzzi sounded great. It was hot and comfortable. I chatted with my shower mates in the jacuzzi. Nice people and very interesting conversation. Back to the tent and tried to take a nap. I layed down very comfortably on my cot but soon discovered is was really hot. The temp was supposed to be around 90. I did fall asleep but soon woke up to a sweet drenched cot and bed clothing. I remember there was a pavialian down by the pool. I moved to the lounge chairs. Lowering the back and streching out using a sneaker for a pillow I soon fell asleep for about an hour. Rolling over to try for another hours was good but not as successful, only about a half and hour sleep. I was very pleased because the primary reason for this stop, other than the nakedness was to get a nap and relax before hitting the road in  earnest. It worked. This evening the bugs are biting so I put on a shirt, not good, and found my bug spray for my lower half. Seems to be working some. Legs itch like crazy already.

BTW, When I tried to make lunch my stove would not work. Seems the pump to place the liquid fuel under pressure would not work. I ate cold stuff for lunch and supper. Will be stopping in Flagstaf for new stove are resupplying food stuffs for trip up to Williams and KOA where I have reserved a cabin for tomorrow night. 

Well that is about all for now. Will see how well I do on the cot in the tent tonight. Hoping that I am able to sleep well and relax somemore. I hope  to be able to take a few pictures of the Grand Canyon tomorrow. Never been there before.

TTFN

Day 9

April 18 th.

Finish mileage   120,893
Start mileage    120,633
Total miles for the day 260 miles
Total miles for ride so far 2952

Up this morning to make breakfast but someone took forever to get up so I could start cooking breakfast. But do not fear breakfast was made and some of the new bread  baked yesterday was toasted. It was goooooood!

So off to Sedona we went. first stopping for gas then onto Loop 101. A great highway going north so far and then turning East, finally running South through the East side of town back to the US 10 highway. Once on Loop 101 motorcycles are permitted to run on the HOV lanes. No traffic on HOV lanes. Still have to run at the regulated speed but still no traffic to fight. Getting off Loop at I 17 and heading North towards Flagstaff. About 116 mile ride. It was warm and windy due to that warmth. The ride was fun and no issues at all. Someone ran into a swarm of bugs but I just didn't notice. Wes was covered with bug splatters. My Goldwing on  the other hand prevented me from noticing the bugs due to my windshield. Wes is on  a sport bike with no shield to  speak off.

A few pictures of Sedona

 As you can easily see the views are spectacular. What interesting terrain.

We left Sedona to come home the same route. While leaving, the traffic coming into Sedona was backed up for a mile or more of bumper to bumper traffic. The town has put in round a bouts and dismantled their red lights, they have only two lanes of traffic so as not to look overly commercialized. The two lane road and round a bouts keep the amount of cars that can get into town down to a minimum.

On the way back we stopped at the Scenic Outlook area.

Now back in Phoenix for a final night before hitting the road. Laundry to do and blogging to catch up on. Then off to bed at an early hour. Still lagging some from all the travel. 

Plans for trip home start with a stop at Shangra La Nudist Resort just outside of town. Then on to the Grand Canyon, Petrified Forrest, Painted Dessert, in New Mexico (Spaceport, Alamogordo, Roswell), Pawhuska OK,
Fort Knox and maybe find  a bourbon distillery for a tour. Then who knows.

TTFN