Death Valley/Sierra Werewolf

September 28, 2012
Independence, CA

After loading Sophia early in the AM I headed down to the local café/Lounge for breakfast.  There were only 6 folks in there, and two of them were the waitress and cook.  Everyone kinda gave me the once-look-over as I picked a booth at the window giving me an unobstructed view of Sophia and all my gear, With the CA and NV maps laid out on the table top, I began tracing the route for today’s run from Caliente to Mammoth Lakes.

The waitress came over and welcomed me to their restaurant with a smile, greeting, and menu.  Without looking at the menu I ordered my favorite breakfast.  I asked for coffee, water, 2 eggs over medium, ham and hash browns with sourdough toast.  I was hungry from only eating a chicken sandwich for dinner last night.  The waitress was a real sweetheart….the water and coffee appeared within 60 seconds

My original plan was to depart Caliente for Tonopah via US-93 then head west on NV-375 to Warm Springs where I connect onto US-6 towards Tonopah.  From Tonopah I’ll continue on US-6 to Mammoth Lakes where I will visit the Devil’s Postpile for another stamp on my CA Parks Adventure Passport.  This will be Nat’l Park #7 for me with the goal to visit all 24 NPs in CA to meet the SCMA’s requirements.  Then, after spending the night at Mammoth, I would head south on US-395 to Manzanar NHS (location of the infamous Japanese Internment) then further south and east into Death Valley NP.  If time permitted I would then retrace my route to Mammoth and spend another night there or camp the night in Death Valley and head for San Jose the next day via Tioga Pass through Yosemite.  It seemed like a good plan, but I was not completely sold on it.  Curiosity of an alternate route was nagging me in the back of my pea brain.

Snoopy Rides UT-12

September 27, 2012
Caliente NV

Wow!  Did I ever have a good sleep!  Guess I’ll keep this Boulder View Inn motel on my list of favorites.  I actually slept in and got up when I felt rested.  Breakfast was good….they hard hardboiled eggs that I combined with my peanut butter toast and jelly with lotsa coffee….then I went back to the room and started loading Sophia for todays’ ride.

While loading Sophia my motel neighbor came over to compliment the bike.  Craig and Cathy Carlson saw me last night riding with Snoopy.  Actually, they noticed Snoopy first and decided to chat with me later. I didn’t write down where their home state but I think it is Minnesota or Michigan.  They’re serious hikers and are vacationing the west’s National Parks.  Check out this pic Craig sent me from Antelope Canyon outside of Page AZ.

 A short ride thru town and then a quick stop at Slackers Hamburger Joint so Snoopy could get his picture there…he claims it was a very good hamburger!  

Utah Hillside Colors

September 26, 2012
Torrey UT

Woke up to clear skies and a moderately warm temperature.  It looked like it was going to be a nice day for riding from Baker to Torrey.  I was up around 8 am and started loading the bike.  This morning I planned on having a breakfast and then heading out to the Visitor’s Center to find out what the Great Basin is all about.

After finishing the loading and checking the room for any forgotten item, I rode around to the front of the Café.  Terry was sitting there having breakfast and enjoying his usual glum self.  But despite this personality he responded to my greeting and, letting me know the restaurant is closed, he willingly went and got me a breakfast of cold cereal with banana and a cup of coffee.  Pretty good start to the day!

 

While sitting there eating breakfast a town neighbor came up and Terry and he began talking about fluoride in the water….seems fluoride is a poison and putting it in the water and toothpaste is affecting American children’s brains… at least according to Terry’s neighbor.  Prior to departing, I got the neighbor to take a photo of Terry and I…..doesn’t he look happy with my hand on his shoulder??

Nevada Surprise!

September 25, 2012
Baker, NV

Woke up well rested but hungry.  Drank a ton of water while loading Sophia but really needed some protein in addition to the nice continental provided at the American Best Motel.  My decision for a full breakfast was reinforced by an early morning conversation with some other bikers out of the Phoenix area that attended the Reno Street Vibrations Rally.  Unfortunately I have forgotten the names of the 4 riders on 1 bike and 1 trike but one of them advised me to go to the Nugget for the best breakfast in town.  Seems his sister owns the restaurant and ensurs bikers get a good breakfast….so that is what I did since it was only 2 blocks away and on my way outa town.  Parking was not a problem at this hour so I left Sophia at the front entrance and sauntered inside, past all the slots, and into the restaurant.  I was hungry.

The restaurant was very nice, clean, staffed well with waitresses and empty.  Ahh, my kinda timing!  As I walked in I caught the eye of the cook behind the grill and gave her a smile.

I selected a swivel at the counter and asked first for water….just can’t seem to get enough of the clear liquid….any other time I’d rather it be amber from Maker’s Mark.  The waitress took my order for 2eggs over medium, hash browns and ham with coffee.  A brief chat with her determined that the cook is the biker’s sister!  Sure am glad I smiled at the cook!  Then, since drinking water all morning, I went to the men’s room.  When I returned Snoopy was not in the swivel next to mine where I had left him!  Upon my query the waitress said she last saw him heading out towards the slots! 

Sure enough, that’s where I found him!  I can’t believe this mutt…and he had a ton of quarters in his paws from his winnings!

 

Apology for Extremely Late Postings

November 14, 2012
Lake Forest (El Toro) CA

My postings are over a month behind schedule and I apologize for the delay in getting my posts written and then posted to the blog.

Currently I am working on assembling the albums that I need to submit to the Southern California Motorcycle Association to validate the various rides and visits for which I will receive recognition of having accomplished the rides/visits.  These albums will contain the photos and receipts to substantiate my visits to Parks and Missions in Ca, the 15 Best USA rides, the USA Four Corners ride and the Three Flags Classic.

So, my excuse?  I’m not good at this and it is taking some effort to really sit down and get it all organized.

Three days ago I finally completed assembling the album for the California Missions Adventure.  This album contains the Missions Passport and photo’s taken at each of the 21 missions that I visited beginning with Mission Santa Cruz, the first mission that I visited on October 1^st.  And that story has yet to be written and posted to the Blog.

Today I will complete the California Parks Adventure album.  The remaining album for the 15 Best Roads in America Challenge will be the most challenging as I must sift through a pile of gas receipts to validate my riding the 15.  But I have optimism that the albums will be completed by the 17^th, delivered to the Chairman of the various events, and then I will resume my blog writing and posting.

The next stories to be posted are the riding of US-50 from Carson City to Ely NV and then riding UT-12 from Torrey to Bryce Canyon.  After those two stories the postings of the parks and missions will begin. 

Assembling the albums brings many memories to mind of my visits to the Missions and the wonderful folks that I met and that volunteered to be photographed with Snoopy.  I really look forward to not only posting those stories and pics but also to sending you copies of your respective photos that I have had printed.

C ya mañana,
Gonzo
Twitter: @GonzoCrossUSA
Email: GonzoCrossUSA@gmail.com
Cell: 949-433-0761

Veteran’s Day USA

November 11, 2012
USMC Camp Pendleton, CA

Extending my sincerest appreciation to all our Veterans of the past, present and future. 
 

To our Veterans of the past, your service and sacrifice shaped USA’s leadership in the world and ensured the democratic and economic freedoms we have today. 

To our Veterans of today, your service continues to keep America safe in so many ways, but especially from the terrorism confronting our nation.  Your service and sacrifice demonstrates to the world that America’s leadership has a depth unparalleled by any other country.  We hope for your daily safety and soon return home. 

And to our Veterans of the future, you are our young children of today.  We hope that the challenges being addressed today will allow you to serve in our military only to maintain a strength of readiness to deter foreign groups from ever violently affecting our country. 

C ya mañana,
Gonzo
Twitter: @GonzoCrossUSA
Email: GonzoCrossUSA@gmail.com
Cell: 949-433-0761

Happy 237th Birthday MARINES !!!

November 10, 2012
Lake Forest (Formerly El Toro) CA

Today is the Marine Corps' 237th Birthday. 

 

Memories of attending many a Marine Corps Ball abound.  The most notable would be those attended in Hawaii when I was stationed at MCAS Kaneohe.

Riding out to the old MCAS El Toro brought more fond memories.  I won’t be at the ball this year but I can still reminisce and wish many joys to all those Marines celebrating at their respective locations.

But most especially I wish a Happy Birthday to those Marines in foreign lands that are standing watch and having a very limited celebration.  Most sincerely, I wish those Marines a safe reurn home.

Happy Birthday and Semper Fi Marines,

C ya mañana,
Gonzo
Twitter: @GonzoCrossUSA
Email: GonzoCrossUSA@gmail.com
Cell: 949-433-0761

The Snoopy Conversation

September 24, 2012
Fallon, NV

After loading Sophia I had a quick Carl’s breakfast of coffee and egg burrito….ah, con salsa y mas café!  Then out on the road riding back on 299 thru Shasta to the Whiskeytown Visitor Center.  They were open and I got my SCMA Parks Passport stamped and invited volunteer Ranger Joanne and volunteer Polly to join Sophia and Snoopy for a photo.

Crossroads – Decision Made

September 24, 2012
Whiskeytown NRS, CA

Those of you who have been following my blogs or were with me in Nelson BC, know of my decision at the end of The Three Flags Classic, to just ride back to the west coast, head south, complete the California Parks Adventure for the SCMA’s Triple Crown, and call it a year.  No more "The 15 Best Roads in America Challenge"....felt that next year I would ride at my leisure and really enjoy the last three rides.

This was my frame of mind while sitting in Nelson BC sipping on a beer

CA-299 Salmon Runnin’

September 23, 2012
Redding CA

It was a good rest and a simple continental breakfast with some good coffee.  Snoopy even got to flirt with the owner’s little 2 year old daughter this morning but she was too shy to pose for pictures.

Back out on the road I was soon turning onto CA-299 that would take me over the coastal mountain range and into Whiskey Town…the next National Park that I needed to visit in NorCal.  The road was a gentle climber into the mountains, some nice curves, and then a few steep climbs but nothing extreme.  Or at least I don’t remember anything extreme.  There were some 180’s but they were gentle curves as the highway climbed into Willow Creek. 

I took a stop in Willow Creek for some breakfast at the Bigfoot Bar and Restaurant.  As I entered the town I noticed Gonzalez Mexican Restaurant but didn’t stop there as I really wanted a plate of eggs and ham.  Across from the restaurant I got these photos of the mural painted across the whole building.  Later, on google, I found that Willow Creek is considered the Gateway to Bigfoot Country and they have erected a Bigfoot statue in the town center…too bad I didn’t know it at the time as it would have been a nice photo for Sophia and Snoopy.

Don’t Trust Bicyclists or Hikers!

September 22, 2012
Eureka CA

Rough day today.  First an email reporting electrical problems in the house…will need an electrician…ka-ching is coming, I know it.  Then another rough call from daughter….details not necessary.  While loading bike and installing Garmin via bungy cords thru speaker brackets on the fairing the right side speaker cover ripped out.  The plastic around all four screws broke from the frame….but fixed it with super glue and installed Garmin bungys via handlebars. 

Went and had the motel breakfast….hard boiled eggs and a seeded bread with butter and strawberry jelly all washed down with a good tasting coffee.  Ahhh, got me ready for the day.  Met Bodie, a young man from Beaverton who was riding (I think) a Kawasaki.  He loves to ride and see the landscape….wish him the best of rides!  And it was a bummer that I overlooked taking a photo of him on his bike to post herein.

After breakfast I rode over to the Visitor’s Center that was located a few blocks away.  It was here that I discovered there is no separate National Park per se, but that the whole area consisting of each State Park comprises the National Park.  At least I think that is the arrangement.

Ahh, A Good CaliMex Dinner !

September 21, 2012
Crescent City CA

Today was a good day to depart OR and mi familia.  First, because I need to get back on the road again (Sophia was complaining and Snoopy was whining), second, I’ve been here waaayyyy too long (My bro and Sis in law were considering adopting me J), and third, today was the first day of rain since I arrived in OR….so Fall has now officially arrived in OR according to the Gonzo Book of Seasons!  And I’m outa here!  Heading for Northern CA and finding country roads, scenic roads, yadayada.

 

My visit with family in Tigard has been a good one.  The resting and sleeping that began in Tacoma and continued here has renewed my spirits somewhat. and I've gained unneeded weight from Tere's cooking! I played a little golf, got sophia her 40K service, hosted a party with mi familia and friends to celebrate the year's riding.

Here's a pic of me at The Reserve and of the next door neighbor, little Cooper with his mom. Lil Cooper loved to push all the buttons and make the horn honk :).

 

WA-20 &The Cascades NP

September 5, 2012
Tacoma WA
(Cascade Pics)

Bob, Marty and I departed Nelson around 9am after a light breakfast at a restaurant associated with Best Western….located more in the west of Nelson away from the Prestige Hotel.  It was a good breakfast, exactly what I needed to continue on the planed route that Bob and Marty have in mind.

We will take Canadian Hwy 3 towards Castlegear then head south to the border and pick up WA-21 to WA-20 into Omak.  The plan is to continue on WA-20 through the Cascade National Park towards Concrete so Bob can get credit for riding this road for the 15 Best Challenge.  I’m heading to Tacoma to visit my friend for a few days then head south to Tigard (Portland) and visit my brother and Sister in law for a few more days.  All I want to do is veg somewhere off the saddle!

It was a very nice ride through Canada on the 3 to the border…lots of climbs, descents and good curves in the road.  Upon reaching the border we only had a brief wait.  Bob was first and he got through after a cursory inspection of one of his bags.  Then Marty…same thing.  Then me.  The Border agent was very polite but took about 10 minutes on each of us.  In my case, asking why the CA Drivers license and the OR plates…easily explained.  Then she decided to inspect the left

I Am 50% Canadian

September 4, 2012
Nelson, BC  Canada

Typically, I consider myself of Mexican descent because my father was an Hispanic from Tejas.  As a child I lived in a number of those small towns in southern Texas…Weslaco, Mission, Falfurrias, Alice and of course, probably a few outlying non-city country farm locales.  Perhaps this is why I love the country so much.

BUT, what about the other side of me….my mother’s side? She was Canadian…..from the Hamilton area.  I haven’t been in touch with anyone on that side of the family for years….other than my cousins, children of my mother’s brother and sister.  And they are all New Yorkers basically.

I am not sure.  But I believe my mother was a combination of English

Day 4: Adrenalin Rush

September 3, 2012
Nelson, B.C.  Canada

Only 200 miles to go from Trout Creek MT, cross the border, ride around Lake Kootenai, ride the ferry across, and roll into Nelson….the finish line!

Needless to say, I took my time.  Had a leisurely breakfast in the small family café across the street and sipped extra coffee while reviewing the maps for sites I wanted to check out for future fishing.

(Pics of Canada near end)

Day 3: Cold, Long, and Too Dark

September 2, 2012
Trout Creek WY

Got up around 5am, loaded the bike and was on the road by 6:30am.  In the Little America parking lot it was chilly, but not excessive.  Regardless, I put on the layers, leathers, raingear/windbreakers, heavy gloves and face mask.

But it was to no avail.

The intended route was to depart Little America west on I-80 for a few miles and exit at US-30 north to WY240 to connect onto US189 towards Jackson Hole.  I am so glad that I was dressed for the worst….because the cold started to show up with a chilling effect upon my left wrist.  Riding over a few hills I could see far into the distance what seemed to be very low clouds or fog.  Later I was to find both (what’s the difference??).

Day 2: Three Flags Classic

September 1, 2012
Little America WY

I got the early start I needed, 0745 back on the road.  Before leaving the motel I met Stan from Canada, then Marlene also from Canada then I met probably the oldest riding couple in the group.  I forget their names but he must’ve been 76 and she in her early 70’s.  Each was riding a new Gold Wing.  She is so petite that she steadied the bike on her toes!  OK, I’m not sure about that….but that’s what it seemed like.

The planned route took us North on the US24 then northwest on CO62 which was full of climbs, twisties, descents with more twisties…scary for me a little but I’m getting better at handling these drop off cliffs. 

62 took me through Aspen!  Always wondered where that was and what it looked like.  I’m so glad I never spent $$ just to go there….totally plastic for the in crowd.  But who am I??  I can barely stay up on a pair of skis.

Day 1: Three Flags Classic

August 31, 2012
Buena Vista CO

Quite a day….met some wonderful SCMA folks who are 3FC participants and/or volunteers administering to the organization of the event.  After dinner I had a hard time settling down to sleep and was up until almost midnight.  Not to worry however, at 3AM practically every motorcycle in the lot was firing up and riders were heading west on the 10 to connect to the Patriot’s Highway, US54 and head north to Colorado. 

I didn’t, I rolled over and went back to sleep for another 2 hours.

After waking up the 2^nd  time I immediately went and turned in my start

Arizona US-191

August 30, 2012

El Paso TX

Wow!!  What a surprise this turned out to be.  Once again the map is not accurate in detail.  The map really cant portray what the road reaaaalllly does!  I describe this road as the Tail of the Dragon repeated over and over on the Beartooth Highway!!

Yes, I was scared crapless again….yes, I’ll have to get a good Mexican dinner con frijoles y jalapenos to mitigate the constipating impact this ride will have upon my tender, youthful sensibilities L.

Riding out of Springerville was pretty much a level, perhaps somewhat minor incline of a ride, to where the excitement began.  Bob took some photos in town showing the differences in our bikes/packing and also one of his teddy bear sitting on a local monument.  I also asked him to take one of a trailer with the name Paddock on it….I have a Boeing friend who has that name.

Laundry & Writing

August 28/29, 2012
Springerville AZ

T’was a slow day…purposely so.  Got up when I woke up, felt good enough to stay up.  Strolled over to the motel office for some dark liquid and then hunkered down to play catch up on the blog writing.  Seems I am not as disciplined as I would like to think I am.  The long hours of riding each day doesn’t leave me much time left to write.

The blogs are significantly behind…so much so that I think I’ll start writing beginning with the ride from Lewiston to Burley and complete the stories forward to now.  Then when I have time I’ll fill in the stories prior to Burley back to Sturgis. 

The only news to put in for today….besides doing laundry, writing

Million Dollar Highway US-550

August 28, 2012
Springerville AZ

Yesterday was quite a ride!  It was the day to ride the US-550 known as the Million Dollar Highway. My rest was excellent…the Affordable Inn is a very nice motel with a good hot breakfast to start the day.  The room was very clean and well appointed….been a while since I stated in an upscale place like this one.

While loading the bike I met Ernie and Laura Desotell from WI.  They had been touring the west lately and were on their way home (I subsequently received an email from Ernie letting me know that they arrived safely).  I believe Ernie recently had surgery and they were very happy he recovered well and were able to get out on the road.

Sophia was loaded up and I headed north on the 550 which was right outside the motel’s parking lot.  It wasn’t long before I encountered my first twisty leading up to a view point with a big sign declaring ‘Switzerland of America’.  There were two busloads of tourists and a trio of ladies abandoned their husbands to get a photo with me….but no time to chat with them and learn of their originations and life’s stories as the buses were loading for departure.

Riding a Night Time Road

August 27, 2012
Montrose CO

Woke up early and found that the power came on some time during the night so my cell phone and computer got charged.  After loading the bike I tanked up at the Shell station and then began the long hard ride to Montrose CO to be positioned for the US 550 USA Best 15 Ride Challenge tomorrow.

The ride only got slowed down once on the early leg where the I-84 splits from the I-86 and angles southeast towards the UT border.  This is a long stretch of road without any service for about 50-60 miles.  About 35 miles into that stretch I noticed a rider on the side of the road, looked like he was on a Triumph.  I pulled in behind him and found that he was out of gas.  I told him I could help as I had a spare tank of gas and he gratefully accepted…but I sensed some hesitation.  I repositioned Sophia in front of his bike, dismounted, and while keeping an eye on him, began unstrapping the net stretched over my bags.  He came over to tell me that he had started with a full tank but that he had left the choke or fuel control or something wide open and that resulted in a high consumption rate of fuel.  Didn’t make sense to me at the time and I noted it for future research.  Then he told me that he had a tow truck on its way from Snowville bringing him gas and felt he should wait for it and not ‘stiff’ the driver.  I agreed with him, re-strapped the netting and took off contemplating chokes, rich vs lean settings, fuel flow, yadayada, with no clear understanding of what could take place with an open choke.  Oh well, definitely will check into it later.

I-84 finally joined the I-15 around Tremonton and I began the long ride through the urban world.  Traffic density began increasing a few miles north of Brigham and got heavier heading into Ogden, Salt Lake City and Provo.  The ride was rough…sections of road under construction with sections that should be under construction, traffic that should be flowing at 55mph but goes at the 70+ pace of the city rush, unpredictable drivers who suddenly make lane changes without using blinkers, drivers who drift out of their lanes, and many more dangers to the motorcyclist.  I am unsettled riding in urban and suburban areas now…much time has been spent in the country roads and hills were the air is clearer.

A Dark Motel

August 26, 2012
Burley ID

Woke up early having had a good rest….800 mg of Ibuprofen helps in that regard.  Since it was early, and since the motel manager offered rags and hose to wash Sophia, I decided to do that first thing, and also give it a spray wax,  Tire pressures were down about 4 psi which is not too bad.  But the air suspension was low almost 12 psi. so I pumped it back up to 45psi which is where I think it rides best given the load I’m carrying.

I had the opportunity of meeting Tim Trellstad from MN.  He and his German Shepard Sheba are traveling via motorcycle.  Check out Sheba’s riding quarters atop the trailer.  If you look closely you can see here head protruding over the top.

Also met Al Waldon from Arkansas...i think somewhere around Branson.  He and his sweetheart are doing some traveling and he told me about some great scenic rides that I need to visit in Arkansas.  He also gave me the name of a great lodge to stay at called the Pond Mountain Lodge.  If I remember correctly the owner, Judy Jones, is a PhD and converted a farm house into a beautiful lodge offering individual cabins and various activities to engage in while staying there.

A quick load up and then some breakfast and I was down the road at 10:20am, a little late but beneficial as we’ll see later.

Lolo Pass/Friend From Past

August 25, 2012
Lewiston ID

The morning was cold, I could feel it into my bones as I walked outside at 8am with a cup of the motel’s continental breakfast coffee in my hand.  The sun was up in the clear sky but the earth wasn’t warming the air currents yet. Sipping the coffee I concluded it tasted good so went back into the breakfast lounge to have some more along with a warm waffle.  Perhaps engage in conversation with other travelers if there are any lively ones bent on such a morning activity.

There weren’t.  Sometimes I gain some info about the highway ahead

Road to the Sun, Glacier NP

August 24, 2012
Missoula MT
(Mucho photographs)

Saw JB and Yoda in the morning and we agreed to meet for breakfast at the local café about a block up the road.  It is a nice place and they serve a good breakfast and coffee.  While eating we got to know each other a little more.  JB, in his 60’s, is a Vietnam Army veteran and was in the Chu Lai territory.  Yoda is in his late 70’s and I don’t remember his military service.  They both commented on the previous evening…seems that numbnuts went to them and nicely asked them to reposition their bikes.  They laughed when I told them about my encounter…..they assumed he had been drinking.  Bottom line? He moved his car from one side of the gravel entry driveway to the other side by his room window…big deal.

JB and Yoda left for Browning and I finished a cup of java then sauntered out to the bike.  Once out of town I opened the throttle to 70-75 because of speed limit and also because of the cold wind.  And it was certainly blowing.  It had to have been around 25 with gusts to 35!  Cold blasts coming from the northwest, tearing across the low hills and prairie of MT.  Many a bike was coming the opposite direction and they were leaned into the wind about 20 degrees….gave me an indication of what I looked like to them.  I passed two windsocks….one next to two helicopters of an unknown make, possibly European.  The windsocks were straight out which means the winds were 28 mph or more…probably more because the gusts had no impact on the sock.  And did I mention it was cold??  I stopped at a small town…possibly Bynum, and switched to my leather jacket and donned the glove liners.  It helped, but by the time I reached Browning I was frozen.

Choteau Door Thumper

August 23, 2012
Choteau MT

Despite getting to bed late last night and eating a very late burger I still slept well and awoke at a decent hour to partake in the EconoLodge continental breakfast.

While loading Sophia I met a husband and wife that were suited up to continue their ride on their BMW’s (at least I think they were BMW’s…I gotta learn what these bikes look like!).  They were Hal and Jeannette Bishop…and of course, I failed to note where they were from, arrrggghhh!

And then a few minutes later a Canadian couple stopped by to admire (secretly laugh) the rack Sophia has J.  They were Kevin Cooper and Katherine Sabine from Alberta Canada. 

Heading out of Billings on I-90 the road presented some strong headwinds…sure made the ride interesting.  I pushed the speed to 85 mph for the leg to exit 256 to catch the MT-69.  Yes it would have been a little shorter probably if I had taken the exit for US-287….but that seemed so lacking in variation J. 

Chief Joseph/Beartooth Highways

August 22, 2012
Billings MT
(Containing many pics of Beartooth/Chief Joseph)

 

I am writing this well after the ride.  Seems that my notes were not properly saved when I wrote them the night or two after this ride.  So there are a few observations that I had written about that I do not recollect, but hopefully the main ones will be recorded.

The ride out of Buffalo was along the US-16, a scenic highway, through Ten Sleep and into Worland.  Before reaching Ten Sleep there is this really nice ride through the Bighorn National Forest.  It’s a good climbing ride through the mountains and before I knew it I was at the Powder Pass at 9666 feet.  While trying to set up the camera for a self photo, battling the cold wind, I noticed a gentleman coming down of the hill and asked him to take the photo of me.  I believe his name was Hal and he was from traveling from a nearby state wanting to view the Bighorn.

Blog Catch Up Time

September 16, 2012
Tigard OR

OK, I am way behind in my blogs. 

Actually I had been recording them on my notebook computer and when I was going to post them I saw that I had omitted about 6 days worth of blogs between Ellsworth AFB and US-191 in AZ.

So, please bear with the delays while I hunker down, here in OR, and try to get caught up on the writing and then get them all posted.

Meanwhile, I'm visiting with extended family and relaxing....getting my energy level restored from it being depleted during the Three Flags Classic run of 2000 miles in 4 days from El Paso TX to Nelson BC, Canada.

C ya mañana,

Gonzo

Twitter: @GonzoCrossUSA

Email: GonzoCrossUSA@gmail.com

Cell: 949-433-0761

Riding the Black Hills

August 20-21, 2012
Ellsworth AFB, SD
Buffalo WY

Got lucky this morning and landed a reservation at the Ellsworth AF base Pine Tree Inn.  Wow, is this ever a nice place.  They assigned me a suite with a king size bed in a bedroom separated from the living room…cool digs for an old traveler such as I.  The place is very new and very well appointed.

On the trip here, a very uneventful trip, I noticed the effects of the drought on the Iowa and Nebraska cornfields.  Not much yield there.  The weather was perfect for a long haul…and I covered an easy 560 miles, arriving in Ellsworth around 6:30pm.  During the ride I was deciding that a 2 day stay in the Black Hills would be nice.  However, when I got up this morning I decided to keep moving forward and hit the road…..inertia must not be given an opportunity!

So I checked out and headed for Custer City, the beginning point for the SCMA’s Iron Mountain ride.  Custer is a nice quaint town, was there last year at the Best Western for 3 nites during the Rally.  After getting a gas receipt and a sandwich it was off to complete the ride. 

I’m a Holly Spears fan !

August 19, 2012
Percival, Iowa

 

It was a long days ride to get here.  But I feel good that I covered 570 miles.  Along the way I noticed a van pulling a trailer with the cursive name on it “Holly Spears” with a portrait of a lovely young lady.  But I couldn’t tell what she was all about.  Well, as I was entering the motel in Percival there was the rig parked in front of the Wendy’s next to the motel, and 3 young men with 2 young ladies were walking towards the rig.  They stopped to let me go by but I stopped aside the rig, cut the engine and asked “What and Who is Holly Spears”?

Here’s a pic of the group.  Holly is the young lady sitting on Sophia, she is the lead singer and lyrcist.  Behind her, left to right is Alex (Base), Jeremy (Drummer), Evan (Lead), and Shannon (Key supporter and organizer). They are on their way from Nashville to Fargo for a gig. I haven’t had a chance to listen to Holly’s CD’s she gave me but I did get to hear a you tube song….she has a beautiful voice and gorgeous smile.  These young musicians are chasing their dream and I hope they make it.

Garmin Busted ???

August 18, 2012
Paducah KY

While making the trip to my buddy Neal’s place in Brentwood I made a stop for gas along the I-40 and met an energetic young businessman named Mark Mendoza saw Sophia and asked where I was heading.  We shared some stories of Harleys and one thing led to another and I found out he is a graduate of ASU in Tempe and runs the franchise Sports Clips in addition to restaurants, etc.  His dad is in Albuquerque and owns/operates Padilla’s, a long standing restaurant in the city.  Mark’s enthusiasm is infectious and motivating….he rekindled my interest in looking for a business to start up when I return to CA.

The ride was uneventful, other than observing 2 very bad accidents in the eastbound lanes with traffic backed up around 5-7 miles.

The visit with Neal was great.  Unfortunately my arrival was too late to see his wife Liz before she flew out until returning Saturday.  And of course, I was departing on Friday morning.  However, there was some bad weather, horrific lightning storms that hit the area hard.  Neal’s patio table had the umbrella torn out and the glass top shattered. 

Riding the Cherohalla Parkway

August 15, 2012
Brentwood (Nashville) TN
 

Last night I realized that tomorrow I will have to return to Deal’s Gap to acquire my ‘Tail of the Dragon’ T-Shirt and decals.  So my plan will be to load up, have breakfast at McD’s then ride to Deal’s Gap.

While loading Sophia in the morning I made new friends with the motel support staff and folks from MS from the room a few doors down.  I believe their names were Mike and Patty Campbell…but I’m not sure.  Once again I can’t find where I had written their names…if I had. They were in a Miata riding the Dragon for fun and then will head back to Diamond Head MS where I had stayed with my buddy Neal while doing the Four Corners on my way to Key West.  They also recently bought some propertyThe ride there went quickly, about 25-30 minutes, and I’m glad that I went there.  I bumped into Doc, who I had met back when I met Dennis at The Dragon Inn yesterday, and got a pic taken with him and his wife.

The Dragon is Slayed !!

August 14, 2012
Robinsville NC

Woke up around 3, then 5, then 6, and finally stayed up at 8:20.  The Sleepless in Seattle routine wasn’t my fault…it was the trucks on the Highway doing all their downshifting….very, very noisy.  And my room was actually above the highway but only some 30 feet away!

After leisurely loading the bike up I crossed over to the other side….of the highway that is, and had breakfast at a small shop named WE (Waffles and Eggs).  Am so glad that I went there for my breakfast cuz they had raw jalapenos which they graciously grilled for me and put it on the side.

Outside the skies were seriously overcast but The Weather Channel app on my Droid didn’t show any thunderstorm activity for Claypool Hill area.  BUT….scrolling the map around showed Knoxville getting plummeted, as well as the Maryville area, but all moving ENE on the map.  It seemed that by the time I reached Knoxville the thunderstorms would have passed thru already.  Buoyed by that optimism I mounted my iron steed and headed out onto the 19 towards Knoxville.  And I was indeed very fortunate.  The closest I came to rain was a thunderstorm on the left of the highway and one on the right about 10 miles apart…and the US19 split between them!  Once on the south side of Knoxville the skies cleared and the sun began warming the gorgeous TN countryside.

Shortly thereafter I connected to the 129 and headed for Maryville and then towards Tallassee.  But first was a planned stop at The Dragon Inn at the junction of TN72 and US129.  I had to meet Dennis and see his hotel and BBQ business that he started last year.  He and his wife are very courageous to embark on this adventure !   His place is all natural wood and gives a country feeling to the stay.  His BBQ is open on all sides giving a nice feel to being in the woods and a full view to the road watching bikers going to and coming from the Dragon.  If you are planning to ride the Dragon from Tallassee south to the Deals Gap you should plan to spend the night at The Dragon Inn or stop for refreshments. (865) 253-3566.

Back of the Dragon

August 13, 2012
Claypool Hill, VA

My night’s rest was a good one and in the morning I took my dirty clothes to the laundrymat  and then went to TheBlueDogArt Café for breakfast.  While there I met Fred Pasternak a local retiree, and Butch Hogan whose wife Sue owns the restaurant.  Annie was the waitress and lunch cook took my order for eggs, coffee and bacon.  Butch engaged me in conversation while also admiring Sophia and the carriage rack that I have on the back for all my gear.  He noticed my USMC(Ret) gearbox plate and told me his stepson is an active duty Marine with a coupla or more tours into Afghanistan under his belt.  After breakfast I returned to the hotel, packed up my gear, headed to the laundramat and got my clothes, then stopped at the café once again to get a pic with Butch and I….but this time Sue was there so we got all of us in the pic.

Blue Ridge Parkway (BRP)

August 12, 2012
Buena Vista

Riding out of Lusby was like learning to ride a bike all over again.  My anxieties about saddlebags being buckled, bungy cords coming off, yada yada started all over again.  So before getting on the US4 and riding over the tall Patuxent River bridge, I pulled into a KFC parking lot and did a complete inspection, again.

While doing that, Al Scroggs, a young man and his wife stopped by in their car and Semper Fi’d me.  He served in the Marine Corps and told me about his father or uncle (I forget the exact relationship) Frank Walton who was an enlisted pilot in the USMC.  I hope to hear from him so we can stay in touch and I can confirm the names.

With Sophia totally pre-flighted I headed over the bridge into VA towards Fredricksburg.  East of the burg I took US20 south towards Orange and skirted east around Charlottesville to get onto I-64 towards Afton/Waynesboro where I would connect to the Blue Ridge Parkway (BRP).  After tanking up with fuel I headed to the  BRP starting point and found a closed up motel/gas station/restaurant area where a fella by the name of Ron was selling caramel popcorn that he prepared on site out of the back of his Van.  Ron was making a killing and sold the last of his big bags at about $10 a bag (I think).  We got some photos taken of us.  Then it was off to the entry of the BRP…no sooner did I turn onto it then there was the big welcome sign.

Psychological Inertia

August 12, 2012
Lusby, MD

My MD stay became extended way beyond schedule.  Being here with my brother and his business partner is like a second home.  I have my own bedroom, home cooked meals when we’re not eating out, a social life with friends of Joe’s and Peggy’s, calm surroundings (rural), and chiggers that love to feast on me.

There was much to do while visiting here.  We needed to visit our other brother Jim who lives in North Carolina near Camp Lejeune….that took two days for a 4 hour visit.  Ant it was good to see that he is doing well despite his serious burn injuries.

Dinners were held with Ed and Mary.  They are an absolute pleasure to share time with while eating one of Peggy’s delicious meals.  Ed is a retired Army Colonel and former Raytheon executive.  This trip I’m on has been successful so far due to advice he provided.  Mary and Ed rode motorcycles and actually did a road trip to Milwaukee to visit the Harley Plant…it was quite an experience for them as Mary became known as the Harley Lady who rode her Hugger from MD.

NY to MD

July 27, 2012
Lusby MD

Had an absolutely wonderful visit with my sister; it’s good to see that she is doing ok.  But it was time to get on the road.  Sophia has been sitting out back, under the bike cover, while it rained for a couple of days.  Today is supposed to be nice and clear all the way into Lusby….so we’re loading up and heading out.

Sis fixed a little breakfast for me while I was loading and then we ate and chatted for a while until it was 10am and I fired Sophia up and rolled out the driveway. 

The ride was a nice one, about 475 miles from Niagara Falls to Lusby MD.  We rode east out of Buffalo towards Rochester then south to PA through Williamsport, Harrisburg, and York, and into MD via Baltimore and the outskirts of Annapolis.  There were a number of spots along the way that I recognized from last year’s ride. 

The topography is most interesting along this southeastern route (I-390,

i-86 and US-15) leading into Corning NY.  The country hills here in central part of NY display patches of woods, fields, and farms dotted with occasional farm buildings.  Connecting highways display signs to a couple of the finger lakes…Keuka and Seneca Lakes until skirting Corning and heading directly south into towards PA.  Nearing the PA border, entering the edges of the Appalachian mountain range, the hills become dramatically taller looking down upon deeper valleys that may have an occasional stream.  Passing an exit along the way I recognized the building near the on-ramp as the off-on ramps that I used to don the new raingear purchased at Buffalo Harley Davidson.  Last year it was very cold so this gear helped in stopping the wind penetration and also in retaining some body warmth.  Two other sites from last year became recognizable as I skirted through Williamsport via the I-180….it was the Genetti Hotel where I stayed and Horsepower H-D where I picked up a unique Tshirt displaying a half stallion with Harley wheels and a flaming mane.

Somewhere out of Williamsport I had a choice of riding the Susquehana Trail (PA147) or continue on the US15.  The 15 was chosen since I did the other one last year and I wand then I cut over it to get onto the US11.  anted to save time on this trip.  The river followed alongside the US15 road all the way into Harrisburg and soon I spied the four multi-arching bridges so characteristic of this State Capitol.  Traffic was a little congested as I passed through the town but it only slowed me a little.  What is more impacting is the numerous construction slowdowns on all the roads, but that is a good thing as the roads need fixing. 

There wasn’t much scenery to report upon as I passed through York.  Seems the highway goes through all the manufacturing sections of the town.  Last year I spent two days and a night here so that I could catch the York Harley Davidson plant tour….well worth the wait!

From York it was then the long ride south to Baltimore on I83.  Entering MD the topography once again changes to kiddie roller coaster hills.  Everywhere are trees…everywhere!  Not like the desert J.  I skirted around Baltimore on the 695 and briefly rode the I97 to connect to US 3 which became US 301 south…well on my way to US 4 taking me further south to Lusby.

I enjoyed the end of this ride for a number of reasons…..the beauty of MD is unique to itself.  Riding curving roads with gentle dips and climbs that were almost canopied by the trees is always thrilling.  Recognizing many of the landmarks telling me I was getting closer to “home” knowing my sore but was finally going to get a rest. 

But most of all, knowing that once again I get to see family and good friends!

C ya mañana,

Gonzo
Twitter: @GonzoCrossUSA
Email: GonzoCrossUSA@gmail.com
Cell: 949-433-0761