Sept 19, Sioux Falls, SD
Sept 19, Sioux Falls, SD
Sept 19, Sioux Falls, SD
Great picture from the bridge.
Sept 19, Sioux Falls, SD
Sept 19, Sioux Falls, SD
Sept 19, Sioux Falls, SD
Beautiful blue sky and breezy day. This is a view of the Overlook Cafe.
Sept 19, Sioux Falls, SD
Sept 18 - Just arrived in SD. Sioux Falls is nice.
Sept 18 - a scenic view
Sept 18 - The photos are of the hotel...it is soooooo nice.
Decatur, NE route 75 and Wazinga sabe Omaha Tribe scenic overlook
Five Star Hotel on Sept 17!
Five Star Hotel on Sept 17!
September 28, 2008
Miles – 3705
Perris, CA
I am now in California!
It was an amazing ride and I am sad that it was the last long ride.
I had a great room last night and it was a shame to spend only one night there but I had to get on the road to beat the heat. I had hoped to ride with the group that I came in with yesterday but they were getting a later start and I was not taking any chances with hot, dessert days. It was a great ride and it seems that Spike and I have found our stride. Getting up to 80-90 mph isn’t a problem (only to pass traffic). Riding along side the semis is no longer traumatic. The road was familiar now and Spike and I had bonded.
So it seems that after 3200 miles, flooding in the Midwest, rain, wind blowing me sideways, cold, extreme heat, fear, jubilation, sadness, courage and extreme happiness, I have made it coast to coast on Spike the Bike.
I arrived in Perris, CA (Riverside County) around 1:00PM to hugs and congratulations from my cousins. I call were they live the compound and there are a fair amount of dirt trails…Spike was begging to try them out. I on the other hand was begging to stop. After showing the family my bike and talking about the trip, I gave Spike a much needed scrub down and did the same for myself.
It was wonderful to sit and relax…however, the adventure is not over. There are still a few side trips that I need/want to make. I want to make a visit to my hometown Altadena, CA and tool around on Altadena Drive from end to end. Spike would love the Pasadena Freeway. I have to get up the coast in some fashion or another. Last, I would like to take Spike off-road. I hope to accomplish all in no particular order before I ship Spike and I back to Manhattan.
So the adventure has not ended…there is still more to come.
September 28, 2008
Miles – 2515
Las Vegas, NV
So I made it to Sin City!
The day started out with an early breakfast and the normal preparations. As usual, I had a nice conversation with a couple on their way back to New Jersey. I love how people are always surprised that I am on this adventure alone.
So after putzing around for a while, I got on the road. The first part of the ride was normal. The speed limit was 75 and I held my speed around 72. The heat was fine and I was enjoying the ride.
Around Mesquite the heat got more intense. I started looking at the temp gauge on the bike and it read 107…108…109…110. I stopped at a McDonalds to wet my shirt and take a break. As I dismounted, I saw two bikes like mine, another BMW model and a Shadow. Hmmmm… that was the first BMW group I had come across on the trip. As I was walking back to my bike, I struck up a conversation and decided to follow them to Vegas.
Thank the lucky stars for this group of British BMW riders. I don’t think I would have made it if I didn’t have them to follow. There is a different energy in the group ride and that was what was needed. Once we were in Vegas, I asked them where they were staying…the Bellagio was their answer. They coaxed me into coming over with them and see what the rate was. Getting there was the coolest thing and riding my bike down the strip in Las Vegas was a fantasy that I didn’t even realize I had. Pulling up to the Bellagio on the bike was great and the room rate was favorable.
Once checked in, I got to meet up with my friend Karen. We have known each other since high school and I got to meet her children. Even though I missed the dancing competition, it was great to catch up. I got to meet Abby and Wes…I would love to have met the rest of the brood.
The room was great and sleep was not a problem.
California….here I come!
September 26, 2008
Miles – 3280
Richfield, UT
Well, I have a few mile-stones to celebrate today. I am in another state…Hello Utah! Another amazing ride, I wanted to head to Arches National Park but I thought it better to keep going. It was surprising at how scenic the drove was. If you ever have the chance to take the ride and (here is the kicker) enjoy it…you must.
Another mile-stone, I have over three thousand miles on the bike. Combined with the 750 miles I had on the V-Strom, I now have almost 4000 miles under my belt. I am very happy about this achievement.
I took tons of pictures and had a hard time picking out photos for the blog. The colors of the rocks were just wonderful. Sometimes I just couldn’t believe. We really live in a wonderful country.
The other mile-stone to mention is this is the first time this trip that I had a large mileage goal and made it in a reasonable amount of time. The only thing slowing me down now is hydration.
Stopped in Richfield, UT and had dinner at the local hot spot. I have to say that I have had steaks all over the US and in quite a few countries. The R & R Steakhouse served one of the best steaks I have ever had and reasonable. If you are ever passing through and crave a steak, it is worth the stop.
My goal for tomorrow is Las Vegas. From what I hear, there isn’t much in the way of scenery on the route, so I can really go for the miles.
Vegas…Baby…VEGAS!!!
September 25, 2008
Miles – 2945
Grand Junction, CO
If there was a ride of diversity, this one was it. I started the day 30 miles east of Vail in Silverthorne and 38 degree weather. It was cold! The mountains were beautiful and I was very happy to have made the decision to head south. I had breakfast in Vail and kept on moving.
The surprise of the trip was Glenwood Canyon. What a place! The rest stops were amazing. I had to keep moving but I really wanted to explore. The speed limit through the canyon was about 50mph and I loved the pace.
From 38 degree weather to 92 degrees in about an hour and a half. It was hot. I found that I had to stop more often to hydrate…no cup holders on the bike. On each stop, I took off another layer. On my last stop, I wet my t-shirt to create a cooling system. Got the tip online and it works!
So today, I am off to Arches National Park. It is really exciting and I am looking forward to seeing this natural wonder.
Off to the Arches!!!September 24, 2008
Miles – 2807
Silverthorne, CO
Change in plans. There was a small change in plans. Alright….a significant change in plans. It was my hope to stay on Interstate 80 going west and be in Salt Lake City, UT by this afternoon. I would get to see my friend Karen and meet her family. Most of all, I wanted to see her daughter perform in a Scottish Highland Dancing competition. Well, you know what they say…the best laid plans.
The wind in Wyoming was really too much for me. The forecast was for increasing winds the further west I traveled through the state. After checking the forecast all over, I decided to head south to Denver, CO on Highway 85 and then pick up Interstate 70 going west. The mountains would block the wind and it would be a more picturesque ride. So that is what I did.
The goal was to start out early before the wind picked up and be on I-70 and going through the mountains in the middle of the day. I made it to Denver in no time. I got a handy tip off the internet…earplugs. For whatever reason, the