Cross America with Monica!

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, they seem to help with the buffeting and fatigue. The only thing that stopped me was hunger. The other great thing about the earplugs is I don’t have that annoying ringing after I stop. Don’t worry, I can still hear, quite well in fact…it just softens things.

As I got west of Denver and started the climb up the mountain the temperature change was noticeable. The heated vest is an invaluable piece of equipment and the heated grips really come in handy. It wasn’t cold enough to put on another layer but I noticed other bikers bundled up.

Did I mention the scenery? It is the beginning of fall and the colors are wonderful. I-70 winds around and is never boring in this part of the country. There are a large number of tractor trailers. I can say that I am getting used to them. Interesting story, the decent west of the Eisenhower Tunnel is a surprise. It is a 7% grade and not for the faint of heart. I pop out of the tunnel and the comment “Oh s***!” comes to mind. The cars are flying, I am flying and the trucks are flying. About a ¼ of the way down, I could smell something burning. I wondered if it was me…it couldn’t be. I was using my gears to slow down and I was in 6th gear. Up ahead I see smoke. A truck had lost his breaks or something and had to come to a stop on the side of the road. Black smoke everywhere…time for me to get out of here. Vrrrrrroooooooommmmmm!

About 2:30 I was done. I pulled into Silverthorne, CO, close to the outlet stores and found a decent hotel. I am making tracks now. Up next…Grand Junction, CO.

September 23, 2008
Miles - ???? Still in Wyoming

Well, it was an interesting day. Starting out…the wind was pretty intense. So I decided to gut it out. Let’s just say that it was slow going. After about 20 minutes, I put on the rain gear to combat the wind and cold. The angle was a severe cross wind. This was the time to put my head down and keep on going.

I arrived in Cheyenne and stopped for lunch. I then made to executive decision to stop here and evaluate the situation. It is time to figure out how to ride in the wind. I see other riders out there and they seem to handle it well and at top speeds.

Got a hotel room and unpacked my gear. In the picture is all the gear that I carry. That’s it for almost two weeks.

Sorry folks…not much to report today. I am doing wind training.

September 22, 2008
Miles – 2484
Lusk, WY

At 8:45AM, I looked up George Washington’s nose. Not really, but it sounds funny. Got an early start and headed up the mountain from just outside Rapid City, SD. I was about 30 miles from the landmark and after a hot breakfast I got on the road. The ride up entered the Black Hills and it was stunning. I stopped once, took some pictures and then continued up the mountain. The ride was great with lots of twisties (bike term)!

I arrived at the park, dismounted my bike and headed in. It really is amazing. I am going to give the park its due. This really is a tremendous feat. Walk around…took it all in, looked at the exhibits and left. Rode down the mountain and made a wrong turn…ended up in Custer Parkland Trail. After about an hour of twists, turns, switch backs, one lane tunnels and one lane highways…it was time to turn around and get on the regular road. Kudos to the bike (named Spike the Bike (this might be subject to change)). Spike ate up everything the mountain had to give. BMW sure knows how to make a bike. I am learning to trust this bike more and more everyday.

I eventually made my way to Highway 40 and had a great ride out to the Black Hills. I then hopped on 79 heading south and put some miles behind me. I got onto Highway 18 and really started moving. At 1:28PM I returned to the state of Wyoming for the first time in almost 20 years. The state is as I remember it. It has an almost barren beauty that is vast. The vast landscape has a way a making me feel a sense of solitude that is comforting. There were times on the highway were I didn’t see another vehicle for miles.

The weather report called for some heavy storms later in the day and around 3:15 I was looking for a place to put in. Lusk, WY had a best western and I was on the look out. I found it checked in and headed to the café to get a bite to eat. When I walked in, I noticed a group of six people decked out in Harley garb. Looked like a cross country trip to me. As I ate, I listened…they were French. I got to talking and they got bikes in LA and were riding to NY. They looked like they were having fun.

So as I write this post, I am waiting for my laundry to dry and looking out the window. The wind has picked up dramatically and I hope it dies down by tomorrow morning. It is also very cool…typical Wyoming weather. The plan is to keep heading south and get to Laramie, WY. Ride around the town, ride around the campus and then pick up I-80. I hope to arrive in Salt Lake City on Wednesday.

To Laramie and beyond!

September 21, 2008
Miles – Who knows…still in South Dakota
Rapid City, SD

The only thing that can be said is “I GET IT!!!!” I have heard bikers talk about the Badlands for a very long time. Purposely, I did very little research so that I would have low/no expectations. Well, now I understand. I really understand.

Woke up about 5:30AM and grabbed some breakfast. Had a great conversation with two retired couples from Georgia. One woman was mad at her husband and asked if she could jump on the back of my bike. We had a good laugh. Then I packed up, checked the weather (50% chance of rain…surprise), checked out and got on the road. It wasn’t 15 minutes before the rain started and the wind picked up. I made to the next town to put on the rain gear. Pulled into the gas station and it was closed for the season. There was no one around…no one. I started feeling really weird. I put on my rain gear and hopped on my bike. Images of “B” horror movies were playing in my head and that was not a good thing.

I didn’t get back on the interstate, there was an older highway that ran parallel to I-90 and I stayed on that. About 30 minutes later I got to the 1880’s rest stop. It is a western town with original buildings that have been transported to this location. I was just going to wait out the rain and wind….well this seemed like a good distraction. I got in and took the self guided tour. One thing about the old west, the people were really small. Looking at the pictures, I just wanted everyone to take a bath.

Anyway, the rain stopped and I way able to stay on the highway not the interstate to the Badlands entrance. I saw all kinds of bikers and as I got closer and closer, I became more and more excited. I paid the $10.00 entrance fee that is good for 7 days and entered the Badlands. My first reaction was overwhelming. It looks like the moon and I can’t imagine how people traversed this without paved roads. So here it is, you have this amazing landscape and these winding roads. In essence, that equals biker Valhalla. The ride was amazing and I had to stop myself from stopping to take pictures. There were lots of twists and turns. My bike was made for this kind of riding.

When I got to the end, I wanted to turn around and do it all over again. Alas, time…I am behind schedule as it is and I have to keep on going. I got on the highway (don’t remember the number and headed to Wall, SD for lunch.

From Wall, it was time to get on the black top and head for Mt. Rushmore. I-90 was a straight shot. The rain had stopped but there was a stiff crosswind. Let’s just say the faster you travel with a cross wind, the more affect it has on your trajectory. Simply, I was being tossed around like a rag doll and it required all my concentration to stay on the road for the 50 miles to Rapid City.

Once I got to the turn off for Mt Rushmore, I stopped at the first hotel I saw and checked in. No more fighting the wind. I was tired and done. The Badlands were amazing and I have to say again…”I GET IT!”

September 20, 2008
Miles 2146

So, I was sad to say goodbye to Sioux Falls. A really wonderful town with friendly people…besides, we all know how I felt about the hotel. I had an early start and got a good breakfast at the hotel. Then packed all the gear and headed out.

As I got started the western sky was looking pretty dark. After about 30 miles, I pulled over and put on the rain gear. I was surprised at how warm I was in the rain gear without the heated vest. BMW makes great gear.

30 miles later I pulled into Mitchell, SD. The Corn Palace was on my agenda. I was getting more and more excited the closer I got. Well, I got there and the outside is great and the inside was……a gym/sports arena where they were having a polka contest. Time to GOOOOO!!!!

I got out of there as soon as possible, took some pictures and high tailed it to the Native American Pre-historic village. Very informative and very well done. It was worth the five dollars. I found myself getting lost in the exhibits and talking with the director. This wasn’t a show with people running around in traditional clothes, this was a site that has been preserved and continues to be an archeological dig. Very nice.

It was time to put some miles on the black top. I hopped on I-90, gunned the throttle and headed town the highway. The scenery in this part of the country is beautiful. There are cows, bison and horses grazing. Rolling hills and blue skies with this sense of calm. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t want to live here…it is just a truly amazing place.

When the hunger pangs started, Al’s Oasis caught my eye. The buffalo steak sounded interesting. Welllll, it was a ground buffalo steak. Nice but give me a cut of steak. I wanted the filet mig-buffalo. It was satisfying and I had a really great lemon meringue pie with coffee that was five cents. Yes, I said five cents.

Back to the black top and get some miles under the belt. I am getting more and more confident on the interstate and I was surprised at how the time flew. It has taken me more than a week to position my bag so that it can double as a back rest, position the crap buster on the throttle so that it helps and condition my body so that I can ride for longer periods of time. I promised that when 3PM rolled around, I would look for a place to put in. Today, I had to force myself to put in.

Now I am in Murdo, SD. A very small town. I am at a very basic motel with free internet. The manager helped me with my route for tomorrow. It is very exciting because I will hit the Badlands and Mt. Rushmore. She has given me a little local knowledge and I appreciate it.

So until tomorrow….to the Badlands and beyond!!!

September 19, 2008
Sioux Falls, SD
Miles 1913

So today was an unexpected blip…winds are high and I am staying put for the day. They are forecast to die down tomorrow. Well, that gives me a chance to see the sights and get some laundry done.

Small side note…I have figured out how to use the self timer on the camera. It only took me about 10 months. So hopefully the pictures will be more interesting. Alright, I am off to check out Sioux Falls.

Well, I have to say that there is more to this town than meets the eye. The downtown area looks like something back in time. The buildings aren’t very tall however the buildings are constructed of the local stone that is part of the Falls (pictures). The downtown isn’t very big but very well laid out.

I then went over the Falls Park and it was beautiful. There were lots of historic markers and green spaces. I must be a jaded New Yorker…it is so strange to see wide open green spaces. I was all set to use the camera and guess what…I couldn’t get it to work. Thank goodness for the iPhone. Many of the locals have the accent (you know the movie Fargo?) and are very friendly. The motorcycles of choice seem to be Harleys and Goldwings. However, lots of bikes.

So that was my relaxing day.

Tomorrow…on to the Corn Palace and beyond!.

September 18, 2008
Sioux Falls, SD
Miles 1914

I have to admit that I started this ride with a fair amount of trepidation. Yesterday I entered Omaha very tired and looking for a hotel. It is when I am tired that I make mistakes. As I stated in my previous post, I was not sure and I wanted to remember that lesson going forward.

The day started with a trip to the continental breakfast at the Quality Inn. After a tour of the buffet, I decided that some of the road kill I have seen on the side of the road looked more appetizing. Grabbed some juice and decided to get on the road and see what came up. Another day at McDonalds was in order. My goal today was to make good choices.

The route kept me on Interstate 29going north for about 30 miles and then I turned off to pick up Highway 75 north for about 90 miles. It is more comfortable to be on the highway because the speed limit is 55-60 and takes me through small towns. It can now be said that I have visited Blair, Tekamah, Decatur, the Omaha Indian Reservation and the Winnebago Indian Reservation. Well…I actually passed through most of them with a stop here and there.

The most surprising thing is the beauty of the land. I came to the plain states with a pre-conceived notion that the Midwest and Plain states would offer little in the way of landscape. This is not the case. There are rolling hills. Fields as far as the eye can see. The reservations were very untouched and the views were amazing. I only took a few pictures and what I did take did not do the scenery justice. It would have been wonderful to spend more time there.

After I left the reservation I headed towards I-29 and it was time to get on the black top and do 75 mph…not my favorite. I arrived in Sioux City about 12:00 and grabbed some lunch. Then back on the black top and head to Sioux Falls.

Congratulations to me! I just made my first entry into South Dakota today. It is another beautiful state. I stopped at a gas station for a break and to the left and right were a motel and diner that were stuck in the 1950’s. Got a drink and put in the last 35 miles to the city and it is a city. Currently, I am a Spring Hill Suites by Marriott and for the same price as the dump I stayed in last night (sorry Quality Inn) I am in one the nicest rooms I have ever stayed in. We all know I have traveled and that is saying a lot.

Thank you Sioux Falls!

September 17, 2008
On the Road – Omaha, NE
Miles 1750

Another beautiful day! The temperature reached the mid to high 80’s and I must admit that the last hour of my ride was not sharp. Lesson learned…when it is time to stop, it is time to stop.

As I get closer to the biker haven (Badlands, SD), I am seeing more and more bikers….of every variety. I see the guys that love speed and are on the modified cruiser and sport bikes. The gold wingers, they can actually drink coffee as they ride. The cruisers who just love to ride. Riders with helmets…without helmets. With jackets, some in shorts, some in flip flops. You get the picture.

I rode from Ottumwa, IA to Omaha, NE. After riding around for about an hour and getting room quotes upwards of $250.00 (am I in the Midwest or Manhattan), I found a room just outside of the city. It is clean and looks safe.

The attached picture is of the five star hotel and my bike in front of the hotel.

I am about two days from the Badlands and Mt Rushmore. The goal tomorrow is to get to Sioux Falls, SD and spend the night. Then get up and head for the Badlands.

So the really exciting part is I had never been to Nebraska before…I can check that off the list.

Iowa is a very large state with lots of corn fields.

I am working on the best way to get bugs off my helmet visor.

Sunday – September 14, 2008
Miles 1023

So the day began with a bit of sun and a mild temperature. Maybe the rain would miss me and I would have a nice ride to Bloomington, IL about 4 hours away. For about an hour, I traveled on Route 24 through central Indiana and it was a wonderful ride. I decided to stop and get a cup of coffee as it looked like I was heading into some dark skies.

Saturday – September 13, 2008
Miles 875

8:00AM departure…. Surprise! The forecast is for rain, rain and more rain. During the gear check and pack up, the rain was coming down in sheets. I was very apprehensive about leaving but I had to make it to Ft Wayne in time to have the cycle serviced. To miss the appointment would mean spending more time in Indiana and I was ready to get going.
It was a slow ride but I made it in about 2.5 hours. It turned in to a wonderful ride. Yes, there was rain but there were points along the way where the road was quiet and the corn fields were colorful. Route 224 took me through small towns and I cannot underestimate the friendliness of people in the Midwest.

I arrived in Ft Wayne about 11:00 and got the bike to Woodsen Motor sports. The bike would take a few hours. I bought a new helmet, t-shirt, throttle holder and rain suit. Then headed to a hotel a block and a half away and decided to find some lunch. The hotel directed me to Don Hall’s. I had to hoof it and I didn’t mind. Half a black from the restaurant, I could smell the bread. Hmmmmmm. I had the prime rib lunch with a salad and baked potato and the grand total was $10.00.

Walking back to the hotel I called the service guys and found out that my bike was ready. The cost of the service was less than in NYC but I made up for it with all the stuff I bought.

So now it is wait and see. Keeping an eye on the weather and determine the course of action for the ride tomorrow. Forecast is for rain…surprise. The heading is for Bloomington, IL to see my cousin. Then the adventure really begins. Getting to places I have never been…that is an adventure.

Friday - September 12
Miles 850

The start was early and wet. Rain was forecast for the whole day and for one the weather man was right. After looking at the weather channel for the tenth time, I checked out of the hotel and got on the road at 7:30AM. There is always some sort of problem solving at the beginning of a ride. It could be directions, a loose strap, etc. Today it was the fog...not on the road...on my helmet visor. This was double trouble because I was wearing glasses. Not only was the visor fogging, my glasses were an issue. So I pulled over and popped in the contacts. Then I got some de-fog for the visor. Problem solved.

The ride was wet and slow all day long. There was a bit of everything rain, construction, loose gravel. The motorcycle is great and made for this kind of riding. I stopped at a great diner in western PA and had a great breakfast. It was wonderful to get out of the rain and warm up. Going forward, I will always ride with the heated vest on and then delayer.

It is surprising how encouraging people are about the fact of seeing a woman on a motorcycle. The women are the most encouraging. Grandmas are telling me that they love seeing women on motorcycles. I just tell them that we got tired of riding on the back. They usually laugh...then they ask me if my husband is on the back...I usually say he fell off and I left him on the road.

So there it is folks. If you are not a fan of the mass email please let me know and I will take you off the list. It is my goal to post every couple of days...there may even be a picture or two.

Thursday - September 11, 2008
Miles 302

I headed out of the city about 7:30 and then stopped to figure out why the warning light on the tire pressure kept coming on. At breakfast I got the manual out and deducted that because my bike had more weight than normal the front tire was a little low. A little air and I was off. Gotta love the German engineering.

I stopped about an hour outside of Pittsburgh. I didn't make great time but I am getting into a routine of stopping every two hours. Rain is forecast for tomorrow and I am still 300 miles from BMW dealer in Indiana.

It looks to be an early start.

________________

How did the trip come about?
What was the preparation?
.Are you afraid of being alone?

Can you believe that the summer is over? For me, I am hoping that it will last a little longer...or at least the warm climate. Today I departed on a cross country road trip from Manhattan to Seattle down the west coast and make my way across the southern United States.

Yes, I am doing it by myself and yes...I am excited/scared. However, this is something that I have always wanted to do and there is no time like the present. In July I traded in my trusty V-Storm 650 for a BMW 1200 GS.

So many people that I have spoken with have asked me to keep them updated. Hence the web page!