Bugnatr
Well-known member
Good stuff Josh and yes sharks out there just waiting for some new blood.
Ride West IL,WI,IA,SD,WY,ID,NV,CA,OR, and Back. No Rules, Just Ride
- Thread starter Cav47
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Cav47
Adventure Seeker
Okay, Back to the report.
After I left my brother in San Fran, I really had no plans. Just ride the coast and figure the rest out later.
As I rode from Foster City north into the city, I wanted to hit the famous Lombard St or Ave. Not sure exactly what it is called.
This is the approach up to Lombard. It really does not show how steep of an angle.
This is the Zig Zag portion
At the bottom, many tourists were taking pictures. Traffic was slow going and became worse as a large group of Asian tourists began snapping pictures. They just walked out into the street. I was needing to get going and they would not move as my light turned green. Light beeping of the FJR horn was not effective either. But a quick blip of the throttle up near to the redline parted them like the red sea.
Headed toward the Golden Gate with no traffic troubles.
Tht
Through some construction and the Tunnel
Easy route across the Bay.
Bodega Bay.
A strange thing happened here. A group of German family that were obvious tourists pulled up to the pull out here in the "Cruise America" Camper. They took the standard pictures and such. Speaking in German, then in broken English, they ask if they can take my picture with my phone if they can take a picture with my motorcycle. I agreed no problem. I stood back and was shocked when the older woman with the group tried to throw her leg over the FJR. WITH not ON is what I understood. All turned out okay, but in the conversation, I learned that none of them had a Drivers License. Seriously who gives them a 27 foot RV with no valid license??? Note to self and others..............Stay away from Campers.
At least they took this awesome picture of the author.
The real feature and focus of the ride shown here.
A little further north on Highway 1
Panorama shot
Another Shot just at the next pull out
Lots of cold air colliding with warmer air makes for a very foggy ride and pictures.
Sorry about the reflection in the wind screen. The roads here are special. Pavement is good and scenery is awesome.
a
Just around another corner
Some side road through some saplings
Near Legget I had to pay the tree fee.
This is the actual inside of the tree. You can see the scrapes from many mirror marks. Bad picture, but you get the point.
Perspective shot and scale of the tree.
looking straight up
Now you know why the tree has all the mirror scrape marks in it. Me and Alba almost don't fit.
I kept heading north and then into Oregon it was getting really dark fast. And I am a complete dumb dumb for what happens next. Teaser Alert.
But lunch is over and I have to teach these brats about how the US got the Panama Canal. See u tomorrow.
After I left my brother in San Fran, I really had no plans. Just ride the coast and figure the rest out later.
As I rode from Foster City north into the city, I wanted to hit the famous Lombard St or Ave. Not sure exactly what it is called.
This is the approach up to Lombard. It really does not show how steep of an angle.
This is the Zig Zag portion
At the bottom, many tourists were taking pictures. Traffic was slow going and became worse as a large group of Asian tourists began snapping pictures. They just walked out into the street. I was needing to get going and they would not move as my light turned green. Light beeping of the FJR horn was not effective either. But a quick blip of the throttle up near to the redline parted them like the red sea.
Headed toward the Golden Gate with no traffic troubles.
Through some construction and the Tunnel
Easy route across the Bay.
Bodega Bay.
A strange thing happened here. A group of German family that were obvious tourists pulled up to the pull out here in the "Cruise America" Camper. They took the standard pictures and such. Speaking in German, then in broken English, they ask if they can take my picture with my phone if they can take a picture with my motorcycle. I agreed no problem. I stood back and was shocked when the older woman with the group tried to throw her leg over the FJR. WITH not ON is what I understood. All turned out okay, but in the conversation, I learned that none of them had a Drivers License. Seriously who gives them a 27 foot RV with no valid license??? Note to self and others..............Stay away from Campers.
At least they took this awesome picture of the author.
The real feature and focus of the ride shown here.
A little further north on Highway 1
Panorama shot
Another Shot just at the next pull out
Lots of cold air colliding with warmer air makes for a very foggy ride and pictures.
Sorry about the reflection in the wind screen. The roads here are special. Pavement is good and scenery is awesome.
Just around another corner
Some side road through some saplings
Near Legget I had to pay the tree fee.
This is the actual inside of the tree. You can see the scrapes from many mirror marks. Bad picture, but you get the point.
Perspective shot and scale of the tree.
looking straight up
Now you know why the tree has all the mirror scrape marks in it. Me and Alba almost don't fit.
I kept heading north and then into Oregon it was getting really dark fast. And I am a complete dumb dumb for what happens next. Teaser Alert.
But lunch is over and I have to teach these brats about how the US got the Panama Canal. See u tomorrow.
Hudson
Well-known member
Nice pics and ride report. Love the story about surprising your brother.
Cav47
Adventure Seeker
I wrote about this once before, but it bears noting again because someone could avoid this mistake of mine.
My route, as I said before, was totally fluid. My thoughts were go north and west til whenever. Great plan is what I thought.
Mistake was trusting my GPS and forgetting about how fast the sun can go away.
Can't remember the name of where I ate lunch. It was a BBQ place right along the Coast. A State Trooper told me it was Biker friendly. Someone help me recall what was the name of it.
I headed North on the 101 from Leggett. I was getting a little later in the day, so I started looking for a place to hole up for the night. I looked around and found a campground in Whiskeytown, which is west of Redding California.
The GPS said Alderpoint Point Rd and it looked like a nice curvy road in the mountains. As I started up the mountain, all was well. The road had painted lines, signage, and was in good shape. The further I progressed on the road, the more the road deteriorated. Scenery was great and since I have never seen this area of the country, I spent lots of time looking around and enjoying myself. Going became slow and I started to look for fuel. As my GPS searched for a gas station, it was taking quite a while and then pointed back exactly the way I had come from. I had half of a tank left and took a chance I would find some later.
The road got worse and actually at one point there was a sign that said "Highway Maintenance ends" It was getting dark now and I was now very concerned. The road had gravel at times and became one lane around landslides. I saw no cars or people for long stretches. The sun disappeared instantly I headed back down the other sided of the mountain.
It was now DARK, and I am less than a quarter tank and the last bar started flashing. There is a MILLION deer and other animals along the road. My GPS found a gas station and I made a B-line for that place. I came around the corner and it was open and lights were on. I pulled up under the canopy and then realized there was no pumps. I looked around somewhat dazed and went inside. The girl who did not speak great English explained that the pumps were taken out a year ago.
She said there was a Trooper nearby on the edge of town. My light was blinking and had been for 40+ miles already. I asked the Trooper for directions to fuel and he started laughing. He asked me what GPS stood for and corrected me by saying it was "Gets People Stranded" around here. He pointed me on to a gas station about 18 miles away. I was unsure I would make it and told him such. He said he would give me about 15 min and would head the way he sent me to make sure. It was a very fearful ride but I made it eventually. 6 plus gallons went into the tank on the side stand. I was now very late and completely dark. Setting up camp was not really what I was interested in. I went by the local police station and asked for a cheap hotel recommendation that would be safe. At first the was a little put off by my request but figured out I was legit and he pointed me to the Motel 6 on the east side of town. I apologize for no pictures of the day, but the my attention was focused on safety for way too long.
I did not even eat that night, just hit the rack and was out in 10 min.
Over all mileage for the day was only 430miles, but so much of it was at slow speeds and very bumpy. I know I spent over 16 hours on the road because I left San Fran in the morning early and got into the hotel near 10pm.
My route, as I said before, was totally fluid. My thoughts were go north and west til whenever. Great plan is what I thought.
Mistake was trusting my GPS and forgetting about how fast the sun can go away.
Can't remember the name of where I ate lunch. It was a BBQ place right along the Coast. A State Trooper told me it was Biker friendly. Someone help me recall what was the name of it.
I headed North on the 101 from Leggett. I was getting a little later in the day, so I started looking for a place to hole up for the night. I looked around and found a campground in Whiskeytown, which is west of Redding California.
The GPS said Alderpoint Point Rd and it looked like a nice curvy road in the mountains. As I started up the mountain, all was well. The road had painted lines, signage, and was in good shape. The further I progressed on the road, the more the road deteriorated. Scenery was great and since I have never seen this area of the country, I spent lots of time looking around and enjoying myself. Going became slow and I started to look for fuel. As my GPS searched for a gas station, it was taking quite a while and then pointed back exactly the way I had come from. I had half of a tank left and took a chance I would find some later.
The road got worse and actually at one point there was a sign that said "Highway Maintenance ends" It was getting dark now and I was now very concerned. The road had gravel at times and became one lane around landslides. I saw no cars or people for long stretches. The sun disappeared instantly I headed back down the other sided of the mountain.
It was now DARK, and I am less than a quarter tank and the last bar started flashing. There is a MILLION deer and other animals along the road. My GPS found a gas station and I made a B-line for that place. I came around the corner and it was open and lights were on. I pulled up under the canopy and then realized there was no pumps. I looked around somewhat dazed and went inside. The girl who did not speak great English explained that the pumps were taken out a year ago.
She said there was a Trooper nearby on the edge of town. My light was blinking and had been for 40+ miles already. I asked the Trooper for directions to fuel and he started laughing. He asked me what GPS stood for and corrected me by saying it was "Gets People Stranded" around here. He pointed me on to a gas station about 18 miles away. I was unsure I would make it and told him such. He said he would give me about 15 min and would head the way he sent me to make sure. It was a very fearful ride but I made it eventually. 6 plus gallons went into the tank on the side stand. I was now very late and completely dark. Setting up camp was not really what I was interested in. I went by the local police station and asked for a cheap hotel recommendation that would be safe. At first the was a little put off by my request but figured out I was legit and he pointed me to the Motel 6 on the east side of town. I apologize for no pictures of the day, but the my attention was focused on safety for way too long.
I did not even eat that night, just hit the rack and was out in 10 min.
Over all mileage for the day was only 430miles, but so much of it was at slow speeds and very bumpy. I know I spent over 16 hours on the road because I left San Fran in the morning early and got into the hotel near 10pm.
wheatonFJR
...
Thanks to the good policeman to help you out of that jam.
Cav47
Adventure Seeker
Did I mention that I did not cell service until I pulled into Redding? Better get a SPOT device cause the wife was not happy about not knowing where I was the whole day.
Headed North East out of Redding on 299. Ran into some construction and learned about Pilot Cars. Sat for over 30 two times waiting for a car to drive/ lead us through a construction zone. It was starting to heat up on the day and I thought that Goose Lake would be a refuge from the heat. Goose Lake was neither a refuge, or a lake.
It was basically a salt marsh that showed the extreme drought of the area. Farther north would mean cooler temperatures and I headed that way immediately. I had heard that speed limits in Oregon were strictly enforced and I obeyed them the whole time.
395 took me took me into Oregon. All I have ever heard about Oregon was green and lush. Clearly another LIE as I headed that way toward Lake Albert.
It is a shade of green, but it is not lush for sure. The lake would make it all better..........NOT
Lake Albert???
The pavement was perfect here. Had I not been scared about speed limits, it would have been even better. The desolation and absence of services is both thrilling and un-nerving.
Our bikes are so awesome looking. Especially in this monochromatic landscape.
Playing with the Panorama feature.
This is along the Burns Highway. I may or may not been above the speed limit here.
I made a call to Don in Hailey and he offered me a place to stay for the night if I could get there that night. I knew I could but would have to get moving.
This little inconvenience put the damper on that plan.
This was as close as I could get to the fire.
I stopped in Boise for a while because a storm was blowing through the mountains. I could see it on my radar app for my phone. It was not looking good on radar. I called Don in Hailey and he said the storm as gone and I should be good to go. Not according to the radar. I waited another hour and finally headed toward Mountain Home where I could take the highway over the pass to Hailey. It sure looked clear with no rain, but the radar app was working fine. As I got closer, the storm on radar became very clear. It was a wildfire and the smoke was showing up on radar as a storm. I got ordered off the highway by a Trooper and told I could not go any further on the Interstate. So I got stuck in a hotel room for the night in Mountain Home. It was a good hotel and fairly cheap. By 7 pm that night, every hotel room was booked in town and all interstate traffic was stopped. The town looked like a parking lot with Semis and cars for miles.
Food was within walking distance to a wing restaurant. The fish tacos were great and all was good in the morning.
On to Cheyenne for the next day.
Headed North East out of Redding on 299. Ran into some construction and learned about Pilot Cars. Sat for over 30 two times waiting for a car to drive/ lead us through a construction zone. It was starting to heat up on the day and I thought that Goose Lake would be a refuge from the heat. Goose Lake was neither a refuge, or a lake.
It is a shade of green, but it is not lush for sure. The lake would make it all better..........NOT
Lake Albert???
The pavement was perfect here. Had I not been scared about speed limits, it would have been even better. The desolation and absence of services is both thrilling and un-nerving.
Our bikes are so awesome looking. Especially in this monochromatic landscape.
Playing with the Panorama feature.
This is along the Burns Highway. I may or may not been above the speed limit here.
I made a call to Don in Hailey and he offered me a place to stay for the night if I could get there that night. I knew I could but would have to get moving.
This little inconvenience put the damper on that plan.
This was as close as I could get to the fire.
I stopped in Boise for a while because a storm was blowing through the mountains. I could see it on my radar app for my phone. It was not looking good on radar. I called Don in Hailey and he said the storm as gone and I should be good to go. Not according to the radar. I waited another hour and finally headed toward Mountain Home where I could take the highway over the pass to Hailey. It sure looked clear with no rain, but the radar app was working fine. As I got closer, the storm on radar became very clear. It was a wildfire and the smoke was showing up on radar as a storm. I got ordered off the highway by a Trooper and told I could not go any further on the Interstate. So I got stuck in a hotel room for the night in Mountain Home. It was a good hotel and fairly cheap. By 7 pm that night, every hotel room was booked in town and all interstate traffic was stopped. The town looked like a parking lot with Semis and cars for miles.
Food was within walking distance to a wing restaurant. The fish tacos were great and all was good in the morning.
On to Cheyenne for the next day.
Cav47
Adventure Seeker
I took a few pictures before I headed to the Hotel. I really wanted to make it to Hailey, but thought better of traveling through a mountain pass at night again after yesterdays follies. This little toy was along the highway that I chickened out on.
This shot shows the road to Hailey. Between the smoke and the rain storm is right where I would have gone over the pass.
This shot shows the road to Hailey. Between the smoke and the rain storm is right where I would have gone over the pass.
TomInPA
Well-known member
Josh, you had lunch at Bones Roadhouse BBQ in Gualala, CA. Great place for lunch if you can beat your way past the cruiser crowd that also likes the place.
Alderpoint Road is a true adventure road you can pick up in 'Garberville and ride all the way to Hwy 36. There is NOTHING but curve, potholes and more curves. It may be one of the most remote, goat trail roads in CA, aside from the Lost Coast Rd. It has a reputation and has been written up a few times on ADVrider and Pashnit. I took it once the opposite direction, and it is a whole day ride to itself along with 36 out of Red Bluff.
I have no idea where you got gas, and I wasn't aware of any, even where it meets Hwy 36. My guess is you doubled back to Fortuna, but the only Motel 6 I know of is in Eureka or Red Bluff. You may have ridden Hwy 36 at night to Red Bluff? Scary trip for sure if you don't know the territory. Hwy 36 is the one you always see pictured with the curvy road sign and no services for 140 miles. Glad you made it!
Alderpoint Road is a true adventure road you can pick up in 'Garberville and ride all the way to Hwy 36. There is NOTHING but curve, potholes and more curves. It may be one of the most remote, goat trail roads in CA, aside from the Lost Coast Rd. It has a reputation and has been written up a few times on ADVrider and Pashnit. I took it once the opposite direction, and it is a whole day ride to itself along with 36 out of Red Bluff.
I have no idea where you got gas, and I wasn't aware of any, even where it meets Hwy 36. My guess is you doubled back to Fortuna, but the only Motel 6 I know of is in Eureka or Red Bluff. You may have ridden Hwy 36 at night to Red Bluff? Scary trip for sure if you don't know the territory. Hwy 36 is the one you always see pictured with the curvy road sign and no services for 140 miles. Glad you made it!
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Cav47
Adventure Seeker
The lunch place sounds right. There was a few cruisers, Harley's, and gold wing riders. It was a good meal and you could see the Ocean from there.
I think it was Weaverville or Zenia where I got gas.
As for the road conditions, I was truly scared. No cell coverage for help if needed. I have AT&T btw.
I don't have a problem stealth camping, but I have also seen the movie Deliverance too. People living out that far likely enjoy their privacy and wouldn't take kindly to finding someone squatting for the night. No fire means less conspicuous, no fire means no animal deterrent too.
Wildlife unknowns was also a factor to my fear. Black bears seemed to be my biggest concern. But mountain lions also factored into my thought process. Maybe I am just a sissy. Maybe time for me to get that gun permit in case I head out again soon.
I did survive and others have told me that the FJR did not belong on that road during this type of trip. Oh well, fear never killed anyone.
Too bad I missed Hwy 36. Always next time.
I think it was Weaverville or Zenia where I got gas.
As for the road conditions, I was truly scared. No cell coverage for help if needed. I have AT&T btw.
I don't have a problem stealth camping, but I have also seen the movie Deliverance too. People living out that far likely enjoy their privacy and wouldn't take kindly to finding someone squatting for the night. No fire means less conspicuous, no fire means no animal deterrent too.
Wildlife unknowns was also a factor to my fear. Black bears seemed to be my biggest concern. But mountain lions also factored into my thought process. Maybe I am just a sissy. Maybe time for me to get that gun permit in case I head out again soon.
I did survive and others have told me that the FJR did not belong on that road during this type of trip. Oh well, fear never killed anyone.
Too bad I missed Hwy 36. Always next time.
TomInPA
Well-known member
You were on 36 for a ways, but it sounds like you turned up Hwy 3 past Hayfork and went to 299. All really great roads! Try them in daylight next time.
Cav47
Adventure Seeker
I put the hammer down as I had already been gone for nearly 2 weeks. Many of you have always said that the FJR is so good at eating miles effortlessly. I had plenty of time to think about stuff while out on the road. The road, scenery, music, and helmet time can make the miles go by very quickly. I had decided that I would come out again to the west with the family. I deduced that not bringing my children out here was a dis-service to them as an American. We live in such a beautiful country and our small segment where we live is all my family(especially the children) have really seen.
We are a Coca Cola Family. Meaning we drink way too much soda and specifically Coke. Us Highway 30 in Wyoming is my wife's town obviously.
Green River WY has some tunnels. I spent way too much time on the interstate and regret it.
The pull of "heading toward the barn" was real for me even though I did not want the trip to end. Turn and burn was also in my mind. How could I balance this need to get home and keep the challenges running??? Well, there is this challenge some of you have heard of. Iron-Butt of 1000 miles in 24 Hours. I could accomplish another challenge and get home quick. BINGO, I was in for this. After some map searching and route planning, I figured up a sortie.
My friend Nick left Spearfish and tried to make it home in one day, He was really close but finally gave up around Davenport Iowa. We had talked about me making an attempt. Competition is always a motivator for me and seriously how hard could it be. I had the perfect bike, route planned, and was challenged!!!
Spent the night at AB campground in Cheyenne. It is a urban setting, but the people who run the place are awesome and the BBQ restaurant on site is great!! It was a whole 10 bucks to camp. Half Price because of the Sturgis Rally was getting going and they like cycles there.
At dinner in the BBQ place, I looked over at a family and the woman looked familiar. Long story short, I never forget a face and it turned out to be an Orthopedic surgeon that used to work on a few of my players when I lived in Springfield Illinois. She and her husband were a little "creeped out" that I knew them by name and knew she was a Dr. She eventually recognized me and we shared some memories. They were out on the road in their RV with their son touring the National Parks. I retired for the night because I had a 1026 mile ride for the morning.
Not sure why the difference in miles shown on the GPS
I woke up in the morning and it was freezing. Aug 2nd is still supposed to be warm, but it was not in Cheyenne. Cold around 6am so I rolled back over and slept til around 8.
Taking off. I got my gas receipt and took this photo. Got a signature to initiate the ride.
I headed East and let it fly.
My local Gas Station just after midnight.
I got the receipts for 4 of the gas stations, but one did not have an attendant or a printer. Did not really care, I was just looking to sleep in my bed.
I may put together the info for certification, but figure I could do another one anytime to make it official and get the plate frame.
Had a great time and ride. Thanks for sharing and reading.
We are a Coca Cola Family. Meaning we drink way too much soda and specifically Coke. Us Highway 30 in Wyoming is my wife's town obviously.
Green River WY has some tunnels. I spent way too much time on the interstate and regret it.
The pull of "heading toward the barn" was real for me even though I did not want the trip to end. Turn and burn was also in my mind. How could I balance this need to get home and keep the challenges running??? Well, there is this challenge some of you have heard of. Iron-Butt of 1000 miles in 24 Hours. I could accomplish another challenge and get home quick. BINGO, I was in for this. After some map searching and route planning, I figured up a sortie.
My friend Nick left Spearfish and tried to make it home in one day, He was really close but finally gave up around Davenport Iowa. We had talked about me making an attempt. Competition is always a motivator for me and seriously how hard could it be. I had the perfect bike, route planned, and was challenged!!!
Spent the night at AB campground in Cheyenne. It is a urban setting, but the people who run the place are awesome and the BBQ restaurant on site is great!! It was a whole 10 bucks to camp. Half Price because of the Sturgis Rally was getting going and they like cycles there.
At dinner in the BBQ place, I looked over at a family and the woman looked familiar. Long story short, I never forget a face and it turned out to be an Orthopedic surgeon that used to work on a few of my players when I lived in Springfield Illinois. She and her husband were a little "creeped out" that I knew them by name and knew she was a Dr. She eventually recognized me and we shared some memories. They were out on the road in their RV with their son touring the National Parks. I retired for the night because I had a 1026 mile ride for the morning.
Not sure why the difference in miles shown on the GPS
I woke up in the morning and it was freezing. Aug 2nd is still supposed to be warm, but it was not in Cheyenne. Cold around 6am so I rolled back over and slept til around 8.
Taking off. I got my gas receipt and took this photo. Got a signature to initiate the ride.
I headed East and let it fly.
My local Gas Station just after midnight.
I got the receipts for 4 of the gas stations, but one did not have an attendant or a printer. Did not really care, I was just looking to sleep in my bed.
I may put together the info for certification, but figure I could do another one anytime to make it official and get the plate frame.
Had a great time and ride. Thanks for sharing and reading.
wheatonFJR
...
Then what did you do next?
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Cav47
Adventure Seeker
G o see the kids?
O pened a drink?
T ook a shower?
L et out the dog?
A sked about the kids?
I nspected the mail?
D ozed off to sleep?
Just the normal stuff when anybody gets home after being gone a while.
hppants
Well-known member
Josh - you did wonderfully What a great trip. I imagine the solitude you experienced out west. Putting myself in your shoes, I would think that once I would settle down my apprehensiveness about being "out of touch", I would really enjoy letting my mind wander inside the helmet.
Riding my motorcycle out west for enough time to see what I want to see is now VERY close to the top of my Bucket List.
Oh - and your "welcome home routine" is also very familiar. Ride on, brother!
Riding my motorcycle out west for enough time to see what I want to see is now VERY close to the top of my Bucket List.
Oh - and your "welcome home routine" is also very familiar. Ride on, brother!
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Cav47
Adventure Seeker
Pants,
Thank you for the encouragement. It was a great trip that could have been even more. I long for the days when I can get back there and even take the family out West. It does seem pretty special to this Flatlander. The solitude was never a problem with me, it was more the issue that if something did happen, I was not used to the normal procedures for "self rescue" Around here, you just walk to the next house 400 yds away or wait for a car to come by in the next 5 min.
The fear never really bothered me during the ride. It was more as darkness was approaching and I was unsure where I was going to stay for the night. That is a by-product of not having a plan most likely. If I had specific mileage or points picked out that I was going to ride to each day, I would of been able to find a campsite or place to bed down for the night ahead of time.
The helmet time was great for me personally after not coaching this year. I had a good run of playoffs and winning the Coal Bucket--and that is the only thing that matters around here. But when you have done something football related for the last 25 years every summer, the adjustment was not easy. Both my wife and I knew I would need something to do to fill the time. She tolerated me being gone very well, especially considering there was our 4 kids there too.
Like many of you have had career changes, this is in essence a career change for us. I have 2 more years before I have my principal license. That means 2 more summers of serious riding when the opportunity presents itself.
Go out west if you can swing it in any way. I made it to 22 states this summer and was on both coasts. Nothing compared to the riding out west in terms of grandeur. The roads around Maggie Valley were special, and the trip to Wisconsin was 99% awesome. But there was no comparison to the scenery and spectacular views that the West had to offer. And I likely had the worst tour guide--being that I was the guide most of the time I just need more practice and friends to point me in the right direction. I wish I had a last picture that I wouldn't have posted to finish with a flourish, but I think I used all the best ones about riding. All the above pics and trip notes led me back to this.
No wonder why I hurried home.
Thank you for the encouragement. It was a great trip that could have been even more. I long for the days when I can get back there and even take the family out West. It does seem pretty special to this Flatlander. The solitude was never a problem with me, it was more the issue that if something did happen, I was not used to the normal procedures for "self rescue" Around here, you just walk to the next house 400 yds away or wait for a car to come by in the next 5 min.
The fear never really bothered me during the ride. It was more as darkness was approaching and I was unsure where I was going to stay for the night. That is a by-product of not having a plan most likely. If I had specific mileage or points picked out that I was going to ride to each day, I would of been able to find a campsite or place to bed down for the night ahead of time.
The helmet time was great for me personally after not coaching this year. I had a good run of playoffs and winning the Coal Bucket--and that is the only thing that matters around here. But when you have done something football related for the last 25 years every summer, the adjustment was not easy. Both my wife and I knew I would need something to do to fill the time. She tolerated me being gone very well, especially considering there was our 4 kids there too.
Like many of you have had career changes, this is in essence a career change for us. I have 2 more years before I have my principal license. That means 2 more summers of serious riding when the opportunity presents itself.
Go out west if you can swing it in any way. I made it to 22 states this summer and was on both coasts. Nothing compared to the riding out west in terms of grandeur. The roads around Maggie Valley were special, and the trip to Wisconsin was 99% awesome. But there was no comparison to the scenery and spectacular views that the West had to offer. And I likely had the worst tour guide--being that I was the guide most of the time I just need more practice and friends to point me in the right direction. I wish I had a last picture that I wouldn't have posted to finish with a flourish, but I think I used all the best ones about riding. All the above pics and trip notes led me back to this.
No wonder why I hurried home.
wheatonFJR
...
Cute family.
I see that your oldest is about big enough to kick your ass.
He will someday...get ready for it.
I see that your oldest is about big enough to kick your ass.
He will someday...get ready for it.
Top_Speed1
Panama Canal Crosser
You clever lil skool teach
Loved your report, and, you can now officially put in your tag line "tree hugger".
Thanks for taking us along Josh!
Great report Josh.
Thanks for taking us all along.
"It's always great to go on a trip..... but it's nice to get back home too.
Thanks for taking us all along.
"It's always great to go on a trip..... but it's nice to get back home too.
Cav47
Adventure Seeker
Cute family.I see that your oldest is about big enough to kick your ass.He will someday...get ready for it.
Thanks. As for the oldest boy whipping me, I know my days are numbered. That pic is a year old and he is now 6-0 215. But he is still 14 for 10 days. He still has boy strength.
I am confident that I would still win any physical battle. But soon will transition to a mental warfare tactic. That is my only chance very soon.
You sound like a man who has recently experienced this "transition". Care to share?? Maybe it will make my whooping less painful.
hppants
Well-known member
Josh - you have a beautiful family and like me, surely must be blessed beyond words. I am curious though - if it's not too personal, what is the meaning of the "3 fingers" expression on your oldest son's left hand?
I hope one day we can share some miles together on the bikes. I'd enjoy that greatly.
I hope one day we can share some miles together on the bikes. I'd enjoy that greatly.
