Day 7

April 16 th.

Finish mileage  120,633
Start mileage    120,563
Total miles for the day 70 miles
Total miles for ride so far 2692

Today is the ride into the GWRRA Home Office.

Was up early to get myself ready to ride there. Did a load of laundry, made breakfast for my host and I. Dressed in sneakers (this felt really great after the past days riding in my clod hoppers with steal toes), long sleeve white Gold Wing shirt to protect the arms from the sun, the bright yellow sleeveless shirt for great visibility. The ride to the Home Office was up the 101 by  pass. Motorcycles are allowed in the HOV lanes so my ride for 22 miles was unencumbered  by traffic.

Arrived at the very last minute. But still  in time for the sign in and other things. Seems this event is an all day thing but I just couldn't manage to be there all  day. Refreshments were available to all. Some shopping for a 40 to  Phoenix T-shirt and then a group picture. Time to hit the road again. 

Did  some Walmart shopping on the way back to Wes's house. Then to making lunch for us both. Sauteed two chicken breast halves, some seasonings allowing them to  finish cooking. Add to this tortillas, lettuce, cucumber, cheese, green chilly sauce or some Asian Sesame dressing (sort of Asian/Mexican food).

After lunch off to bed for a nap. Later up and blogging, trying to catch up from being too busy for two days to blog is tough when you head is still spinning from all the riding done in the past several days. But no fear, here is the blog post for today. Just supper tonight, BBQ ribs and bed again.

TTFN  

Day 6

April 15 th

Finish mileage  120,563
Start mileage    120,026
Total miles for the day 537 miles
Total miles for ride so far 2622
Start time today 7:30 am 
Finish time today 7:00 pm 

Last day to ride into Phoenix from Moriarty New Mexico. A very long day after a very long day yesterday.

Once again it is dry,  thank you for small favors like this.We road on I 40 from Moriarty to Gallup New Mexico. Then took route 77 and then route 60 into Phoenix and I 10.

When we turned off I 40 at Gallup to ride on a nice two lane road. Well all except for a  short piece trying to taking a short cut to Pie Town that turned into a dirt road. The scenery was beautiful if you like dry, grassy, sometimes flat and sometimes rolling terrain. Most of us were saying how gorgeous it was riding this back road to Phoenix. We even, way out here ran into a road crew and had to stop for the flagman while a truck came to our aid to lead us through the road work. Shortly after it was discovered that a wheel on one of our trailers was wobbling when rolling slowly. After  stopping to test the lugs on the trailer wheels we found that the lugs were 1/4 to 1/2 of a turn loose. The driver was most appreciative that the wobble was noticed. Turns out he had taken the wheels off so he could repack the bearings this winter and thought the lugs were tight. This could have been very bad if the wheel came off.

The group found a road sign stating Pie Town was 29 miles away. Only 9 miles of those were out of our way. We all turned towards Pie Town. This place has a history that can be read here.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pie_Town,_New_Mexico

There are only two places open this early in the season. Stopping at the second business proved that only pie was to be had there. Most of the riders were interested in food not dessert. We drove back to a place we past on the way into town.

It was a very nice place with room for about 30 people. A half pound cheeseburger with real fresh french fires was delicious. After lunch it was back in the saddle and on to the Salt River Canyon.d

Our leader advised once we got into the Salt River Canyon to just meander along and take all the pictures we would like. The road only goes one way and he would wait for all of us.  So here are a few pictures of the Canyon.

 Charlie from Lewisberry area back home in PA.

Prior to entering the Canyon there were road signs warning of an accident on the road through the canyon. Here is a shot of us waiting for the flagman to let us through. There was a refuge semi hauling several containers and a car must have come around a curve to fast hitting the trailer and the car or the trailer burst into flames. It was a mess and they will be cleaning up for some time.

Eventually out of the Canyon and on toward Phoenix. We stopped in Globe, Az to fill up to make the final run into the valley of the  Sun. Finally on I 10 the group continuing on went to the hotel up I 17 and I continued on to Avondale and Wes's house for some well needed  rest. Unfortunately I remembered needing to wash the bike before settling in for the night. So Wes and I washed  my very filthy black Goldwing. It looked  real good after  we were done.

We went out to the Angry Crab for supper. Steamed craw dads and shrimp in Cajun sauce with several potatoes and sausages. Really great meal.

Home to bed and a good nights sleep.

TTFN

Day 5

April 14 th

Finish mileage  120,026
Start mileage    119,483
Total miles for the day 543 miles
Total miles for ride so far 2085
Start time today 7:30 am 
Finish time today 4:00 pm 

Started the day in El Reno, OK.

It was a dry day, yeah! But a little chilly in the morning. Dressed warmly on the bike as usual for early morning starts. Had checked the weather before leaving this morning to discover it would be a dry day today. Running from El Reno to Amarillo, Tx would be a nice ride. There were plenty of wind mills all over the place. Texas rates number one in the amount of windmills in US. Rick Perry is real proud of that fact. i just hope they are cost effective and not a boondoggle like the Ethanol mistake. Neither of these methods of making or extending our energy supply would make any money on their own. But with government subsides the company's can make a profit. Without subsides they would never have seen the light of day.Now I will get off my soap box.

After getting through Amarillo, TX a stop at the famous Cadillac Ranch was required. 

 Wikipedia states this was an art project. I guess?
Some of the riders and their rigs in this group.

Moving on to Tucumcari while riding next to the old Route 66 the group had to stop to see some of the old buildings still there from the glory days of Route 66. Unfortunately the town looks just like you would think, a town that time had past by. Buildings were looking old and  dirty, not newly painted or wonderfully maintained but a town that last century was very exciting and noisy. Today it is a little sleepy and old  looking. There is a nice memorial to the old Route 66, see some shots below.

 We all pulled in to have our pictures taken but suddenly discovered that the numbers were reversed. Pictures should be taken from the other side of the monument.

 Now we get a picture from the correct side so the numbers read correctly. Notice the wind mill in the background.

On we ride to Moriarty New Mexico and tonight's diner put on by the local chapter of GWRRA. It was a Mexican themed diner with enchiladas as the main course. The food was very tasty. For us all to get to diner everyone was instructed to meet at the last rest stop prior to Moriarty to line up for a ride into town with a police escort. We were told that a TV station would cover the event and the Mayor would proclaim the day as Goldwing day in Moriarty New Mexico. The police showed up but the rest did not. We all rode into town to the local school. All  bikes were lined up in a bunch for a  group photo. It looked pretty impressive.

 I tried to find a shot taken by the local chapter people who were on a very tall ladder in the back of a pickup truck. I am sure the view there would have been impressive. You would see that in the six or seven years this ride has been run, it has grown to from four or five riders to over  125 bikes at this event.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-8Er4FFEQ8I
After the ceremonies were over it was time to go back to the hotel. We had all previously checked in but did not have time to move our duds into the room. We all meandered back while stopping for  gas so we could ride the next day. Mean time silly me, the Circle K clerk said to get beer one would  have to go up two blocks to a package store. They would only be open for another 30 minutes. Upon hearing that I proceeded to drive the two blocks. The business was on the right but the parking lot was not lite and the lot was gravel. I rode in and proceeded to run into a hugh pot hole that was big enough for my Goldwing to drive into but not come back out without stalling. Needless to say I was tossed around a good bit but still in the saddle. The bike of  course went down on the left side. I just shook my head and  said that this must be an omen that I ought not get any alcohol tonight. I got off the bike and proceeded to lift it back upright just as the You Tube video's show. Follow this link for video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-8Er4FFEQ8I

 I was surprised that it was not very difficult at all. Hoping on the bike it started right up. Then driving up out of the hole the trailer followed along into  and out of the hole. Back on the road and back to the hotel. WOW!!!! 

After all this excitement a good nights rest was looked forward to. Sometimes us old farts need to  take it easy. Sometimes we just don't know when to quit. I saw the light this night.

TTFN

Day 4

April 13th

Finish mileage   119,483
Start mileage    119,123
Total miles for the day 360 miles
Total miles for ride so far 1542
Start time today 6:30 am 
Finish time today 4:12 pm 

Meeting up with my new group at 6:30 am to leave early so the leader can arrive at Russellvile Honda first due to needing warranty repairs on his new trick. He bought it in Arkansas last year even though he lives in Tampa FL. Must have gotten a great deal. 

Did you know that Motorcycle businesses are not normally open on Mondays. They opened just for us with sales and service available. Our leader did not get in right a way so he advised two of us  to go ahead and join another group, he would be up to 3 hours waiting on his repairs. 

Joined up with Tom White and Charlie Bleyer from our local area in PA. The ride to Shawnee OK would be 200 miles. Just as soon as we left Russellvile it started to rain. It continued to to  rain for six hours. Sometimes pouring and then some times slower. Then the wind hit us an blew the bikes sideways. Most of us, no, all of us were soaked to the bone. We all commented that our water proofed items were completely soaked  through and through. 

One of our riders had some problems with water in his gas so he and Tom road together at a slower pace and  the majority of us rode on as a group. There were some issues with people not riding as safely as they ought to. The rain, wind and visibility issues was a factor to consider but our riding line did  present safety issues. 

Stopped for gas about 100 miles into ride to Shawnee. All visited the restroom after filling up the bikes. Bikes are a lot like horses, you have to take care of them first. Most changed clothes if they were able. I changed jackets and put on my rain slicker. Back on the bikes and 100 miles to Shawnee, OK. More rain, but this time I am warmer due to the clothing changes. Arrived at Shawnee Honda.

This was a nice place with a hugh inventory of Honda's. They had hot pizza and hot coffee. The lady's from the local GWRRA chapter were  declared angels. They informed us that the dealer purchased the pizzas since they did not want to cook hamburgers and hot dogs in the rain. Good for them. 

As we all ate we saw more and more groups arrive at the dealership. Finally Tom White and the rider with issues arrived, Jeff the leader from my first group also arrived. Charlie and I were going to lead the remaining group to the hotel but once Tom arrived we all wanted to wait for him to lead us the rest of  the way. Yeah! Tom.

At the hotel everyone wanted to check in quickly and take a good hot shower. Once accomplished it was off to the local VFW who host a diner for the 40 to Phoenix ride every year. It was only four miles away and we arrived quickly.

The food was great! Chicken fried steak with mashed potatoes gravy and other veggies. Salad with corn bread and of course dessert. All the mentioned food was extremely tasty and hot. After eating there were some ceremonies and a  ride meeting. Back to the hotel and arrangements were made for tomorrow mornings meet time. 

BTW, the horses had to be feed so they could sleep well and be ready for a long ride tomorrow. Also found some beer and free ice at the convenience store. Beer is good food.

Tomorrow off to New Mexico and some very neat views of Route 66 along the way.

TTFN 

Day 3

April 12th

Finish mileage 119,123
Start mileage    118,738
Total miles for the day 385 miles
Total miles for ride so far 1182
Start time today 9:00 am 
Finish time today 2:30 pm

Up this morning at 5:00 am to hit the Fitness Center before riding today. After two days on the bike just sitting there and a lousy experience yesterday in Kingsport Fitness Center I needed to have some work for my diabetic legs and feet to do. Thank heavens for a Garmin GPS. Entered the address in and hit the road at 6:00 am. About 15 miles later the Anytime Fitness Center looked real good. No one was there so I used my FOB to open the members door. Nice looking place with Schwinn equipment. Found a recumbent bike with a fan and hand levers to move as  you pedal. Man what a work out. After 20 minutes I was  sweating,  my heart rate must have been in the 128 BPM area or higher. Figuring out the digital read out just didn't fit into my forte. Several regular strength exercises felt real good.  

BTW, these two cartoons were on the bulletin board at the fitness center

Back to the hotel and a filling breakfast. Brought in my own fruit since most economy hotels do not provide fruit. Hit the room and took another  shower. Packed my duds and loaded  the bike. 

Back on the road again. Had gas from yesterday so the distance was ready to be accomplished. Nice morning, warmer than yesterday. Still wore jacket with wind block shell and the quilted  lining. Road for an hour and stopped for coffee and a pit stop. Time to take off the shell and clothes. Back on the road for another while until my rear could  sit no more and the bike said it was thirsty. Coffee hit the spot and was very refreshing. Back on the road  after gas fill up. 

Ran through Nashville with out much difficulty. Did I mention I love my Garmin GPS? Much to my suprise I discovered the little red E stating I  was  running out of gas was showing. Managed  to fine a station and filled up. The gas tank took 5.7 gallons, the tank holds 6.6 gallons. I could have gone further but just call me chicken. 

Back on the road reaching Conway Arkansas, the stop for the night.

Pulled into the hotel to a cheering crowd. It  was around 2:30 pm but already there were some 30 or so Goldwings there. Pulled into a parking spot that would be used over night, now way was the bike being moved until morning. For some reason I must have looked  hungry, the local GWRRA chapter had two hugh smokers working. 

Well, turning down hot and delicious food was not going to happen. First one through the line  was breaking the ice for the other riders. While eating  Charlie and Tom, two friends from our home chapter arrived. They too got food as soon as they could. It was really hot, around 82 and we were all out in the sun. I might have gotten some sun tan.

After a while someone was telling us there was a meeting for all riders. Turns out there was a group photo op, 50/50 drawing. Found out who the  ride lead is for my group that organizes here in Arkansas. We will be meeting at 6:30 am tomorrow morning to ride together to our first stop.

Time now for blogging and then shower and  the wonderful bed that is sitting behind me calling my name.

Well you know what I will be doing soon,

TTFN

Day 2

April 11th

Finish mileage 118,738
Start mileage    118,401
Total miles for the day 337 miles
Total miles for ride so far 797
Start time today 8:30 am Easter time
Finish time today 3:00 pm Central time

Well.....Best made plans soon go asunder. Sure was that way for me today.

I thought get up early and go to nearest Anytime Fitness Center. Found one on Google Search only 5.9 miles away. Added address to GPS and off I went. Nice ride in the dark at 6:00 am. A little cool but not to worry. Arrived where Garmin says to not see anything like the fitness center. Ok turn around and see if you missed it, but still the Garmin says it is here. I stopped and looked up. On the hill there was a little strip center and low and behold the Anytime Fitness Center. I rode up the hill and parked. I was only one of two vehicles there. It was of course early on a Saturday morning. Anytime Fitness Centers have two doors. One with a FOB reader for customers and another for walk ins to join up or have questions answered. I had some trouble finding the door with the FOB reader. Not that it was hidden but, you know it is a guy thing. Guys can't find something unless it is orange or smells like a beer. I did find it and  entered. The center was bigger than the one in Dillsburg and looked  nice at first glance. But upon closer examination the place had equipment with leather that had holes showing and padding poking out. I could not get the cycle machines to work, so after just pedaling with minimal resistance I gave up. I did work up a sweet but at only 96 BPM heart rate didn't think I was doing much good. I wondered over to the weight resistance machines. I tried some abdominal crunches and other machines I am unfamiliar with. But alas I decided it was time to go back to the hotel and prepare for the days ride. I was very disappointed with the place.

Stopped at Walmart on way back and picked up needed supplies, continued to hotel. Went to lobby for breakfast and brought my own fruit, the manager said this place doesn't provide fruit but for the price of a clean an comfortable room I can accept that. Finished up breakfast, packed my things into the  trailer and proceeded to ride.  Only this time I dressed for warmer weather and might I say drier weather.

Back on I40 again heading towards Knoxville and then Nashville and Dickson, TN where I have reservations for a room.

It was most uneventful today. Loved it being safe, dry and enjoying the Saturday with sunshine and greenery everywhere. Tennessee is very beautiful. Rode along and discovered there was this very large upward winding road here, it is the Cumberland Plateau sitting between Knoxville and Nashville. It goes way up and you drive for a ways and then it comes down. Both up and down were fun due to winding roads and lots of semi's to pass as if  they are standing still. Wheeeee!!!!

Back down from the plateau again on flat or rolling land the drive can cause one to feel sleepy and want to shut your eyes for just a second. I have learned that just before that happens you find an exit with coffee so you can rest and rejuvenate. While rolling along having one of these experiences and see immediately a sign for Weigles convenience stores that says Fresh coffee. Wow! must have been providential. It was  inspiring. Exiting, went straight to the store. Walked in  and tried to get a cup of coffee. They had these huge coffee urns that make like two gallons of  coffee at a clip, like eight of them all in  a row. Not one of the "Regular" had any coffee in them, they were all empty. There was of course "Decaf" if you don't want to stay awake very much longer and some other silly flavor. I did take a  silly flavor and walked to the register to pay. The clerk asked  if this was a refill or and initial purchase. Stating with some sarcasm that this was a new cup with only the one king of coffee available in it. Further all the other urns were empty. She said she was busy and didn't get a chance to make more. That may be true but her co-worker was outside smoking instead of helping. Go figure if you especially state on a billboard that you have fresh coffee,  wouldn't you make it a priority to have that said coffee available always. Working at Circle K in Arizona  coffee was the most important thing on sale. I drank my cup of silly stuff and wolfed down a fresh hot dog.

Later on needing gas and thinking it should be lunch time no matter the time zone. Stopping at a truck stop for gas and grub, the filled up and moving the bike  to a part of the parking lot that was far from being in the way. Made the normal two sandwiches of cheese and Lebanon baloney and washed  it  down with water. It was a tasty lunch and time to hit the road again.

Riding through Nashville was interesting. There were huge roadways and an HOV lane that said
"Motorcycle permitted". I immediately got in the far left lane and motored towards Nashville. Traffic did  slow down for  a short distance, being after lunch. Still no events worth mentioning, except maybe passing a sitting police car along the side of the road. I slowed down some since I wasn't over the limit much.

Running low on gas about 199 miles from Memphis, the first station rectified the situation. Went inside to use the facilities and saw they had and Arby's attached. I felt like  I needed some food,  diabetics to that  sometimes. Order two Gyros, can't get just one according to the  clerk. They were on sale, 2 for $6.00. They were wonderful, fresh and hot. Gyros really hit the spot for me. Now all happy and feed as well as  gassed up I proceeded to ride the next 25 miles to Diskson, TN to the hotel with reservations.

Super 8 hotel seemed newish, clean and bright. The desk clerk gave  me a room on the second floor and it happened to be right beside the elevator. I  was impressed with the inside of the place.

Unpacked and was very relieved to get out of my riding boots and hot clothes. Moved gear into hotel and changed for dinner.

Checking out  on Google Maps the local area and found a Ruby Tuesdays close by. Google said it was  305 feet from the hotel. It was right next door. This tired old rider just had to drag his self across the  lot to be feed. I had the salad bar because of the amount of junk food I ate today. Salad bar was good.

Outside of the Ruby Tuesday restaurant there was an older Lincoln in the lot. This car required pictures.

Back to the hotel, a little blogging, a little beer,  a little cool air from the  air conditioner and all is right with the world.

Tomorrow's weather looks nice and dry as well as  warm for the entire ride of 300 + miles. I will arrive at Conway, AR and hook up with the 40 to Phoenix riders.

TTFN

Day 1

April 10th.

Finish mileage 118,401
Starting mileage 117940
Total miles for day 460
Start time 7:30 am
Finish time 4:15 pm

Up at 5:00 am to start the day. Misty outside and still dark, cold and not great, but a lot better than I had originally expected.

Started the day in the usual way with coffee and newspaper. Then a shower and dressing. Followed with packing remaining items used this morning and required to go along.

Breakfast was my usual banquet of egg omelette and toast. Don't forget the pickles. Love stinky pickles. Tried to do my dishes but the wife said she would not allow me to do them since I had so much to do today. Bless her heart!

Bike packed, trailer packed, bike drifted down the drive to wait on trailer. Attached both and tested lights and turn signals. All working good. Ready to go with my rain pants and long johns on for the duration of today's ride.

Left Dillsburg at 7:30 am on a wet misting cool morning but still looking forward to a great days ride. Up 74 to I 81 and turning south heading for Kingsport, TN. for the nightly stop over.

Fortunately the ride thru PA was uneventful except for mist  and rain. Leaving PA and entering Maryland it started to clear up. Still overcast but rain stopped, wet roads stopped and dryer roads were now the norm.

Today was a windy day with headwinds all the way. That meant the miles per gallon were not as good as they might have been for pulling a loaded trailer. After stopping for gas three times today the overall mileage was in the 32 mph range. Not near as good as I have logged on prior trips with a loaded trailer.

Entered West Virginia then Virginia to discover continued dry roads for a while. Then the clouds started to turn very dark. As I rode on I closed my Air Wings that guide fresh, cool air onto the rider or if needed blocks cold air from the same rider. Now I wanted some protection from the rain that I felt sure was about to start. I zipped up my coat and hunkered down in the seat behind my very high windshield. It started to rain,  then it poured, then it turned  to blinding rain and I had to pull over under a bridge. As a place of refuge this was drier but my goodness was it noisy and I was showered with tons of road water every time a semi went past. While there I thought about making lemonade from crushed fruits and decided to make lunch while waiting for the rain to stop. I got out my trusty cheese, Lebanon baloney with mayonnaise and mustard and made two nice sandwiches. Also a container of yogurt. While preparing the meal I had to keep all  ingredients inside the cooler because the semi's I mentioned would blow the sandwich fix-ins around and blow them away. As I started to eat I remembered the last time Jeff and I stopped along a highway the state police made us move on since there was no stopping on the inter-state. I hurried up to finish and got back on the bike since the rain had stopped and before any state police stopped for me.

A few miles down the road the rain stopped and it was a very uneventful ride after that.

I did stop for coffee and walked out to the bike to enjoy my coffee when I noticed this guy coming right up to me and started talking about his bike. It was a 2005 Road King Hardley and he triked it. He had never done a long ride on this big bike yet. He is still working and will have time a little later when he retires. His wife however has back issues and is always in pain but she now wants to ride with him. He thought taking her on a 100 mile trip would find out if she can put up with the considerable bouncing around on  the trike. I added I thought that was a good idea and hoped  he would have success with this ride.

As I got closer and closer to Kingsport my fuel gauge kept getting closer to the big red "E" at the bottom. I kept riding to see how far I could get, remember the lower gas mileage for today. I am carrying an extra can of gas just in case, as I do on long trips, but finally decided with just eight miles to go that  was close enough and  stopped at a very convenient Shell gas station. All full of  gasoline and ready to hit the motel.

Followed the Garmin instructions and pulled right up to the Colonial Inn.

Wow was I glad to get off the bike. Checked in and drove around to my room.

As the parking spaces were ones to pull into  head first I thought I might go around and try again. You see I have never been very good at backing my bike with the trailer so I thought I would back into the  space so I could  just pull out in the morning. Good  thinking on my part. I wish I would have thought to have someone film this effort.  After  about 5 or 8 tries I did pretty well. One small issue was that I placed the rig in the spot for the next room not mine. I thought, to heck with that and said it was staying there.

Unloading the bike and getting out of my very hot clothes was wonderful. I tucked in the bike for the night with a tarp over  the cloth seats proceeded to dress for dinner.

The place next door was Mexican and  the Inn Keeper told me it was rated the best Mexican in town. I tried it and ordered the shrimp tacos. I had never tried them before. They were excellent, the Mexican beer was delicious and cold.

I walked two blocks to Ingles, grocery and pharmacy, for some take out cans of cold beer. Miller High Life when cold is great and cheap too!

Walked back to motel and got comfortable. What a first day and Wow looking for more tomorrow. I will have to research the ride to the other side of  Tennessee where I am staying tomorrow evening. Hope it isn't raining again.

TTFN