From VT100 to Family

July 21, 2012

Niagara Falls NY

Woke up in The Colonial House well rested and looking forward to breakfast.  I was seated at a table with a father-son rider duo…Jared was the son’s name…and his Dad’s name is Jimmy.

We had a lively conversation and chatted about the many different highways we have ridden.  They were also telling me of the Mohawk Trail, highway 2 through MA, that it is a must ride for me someday.  It was a real pleasure to have breakfast with them and I hope we’ll be in touch and meet up down the road somewhere.  and btw, breakfast was soooo good.  It almost beat out the gourmet dinner last night!  Egg omelet stuffed with cheese (egg was crepe style), pound cake bread, toast, cranberry juice and lots of coffee again.  I'm gonna ask Kim and Jeff if they'll adopt me :).

From Ho Hum To Colonial Gourmet

July 20, 2012

Weston VT100

Wow, What a day!  So many interesting adventures, disappointments, frustrations, joys, surprises and culinary delights!

Last night as I rolled down Williston RD off the I-89 just east of downtown Burnligton, I found numerous motels but one caught my attention.  The Ho Hum Motel!  With a name like that I suspected it was really a nice place.  And indeed it was!  Bill and Tori (owners) are riders and warmly welcomed me to their Ho Hum place J.

Dreamscape OC in Bath NH

July 19, 2012

Burlington VT

With a warm send off from George and Polly Welch of Mountain View Campgrounds I was back on US-2 heading for New Hampshire and Vermont, two states I’ve never seen before. Just before entering New Hampshire I got this shot of the mountains. I should note by the way, that throughout all of NE there were signs of Moose Crossings, Deer Crossings, and Snowmobile Crossings….not sure which is the most dangerous but I was told numerous times that moose are really dumbJ.

(there are a lot more pics to be seen in this post)

Gorgeous Summer Maine

July 18, 2012

Dixfield ME

Loaded Sophia and rode north to Frenchville where I had spotted a family restaurant when I was venturing around the local area on my day of arrival.  My treat for successful USA Four Corners completion was eggs over medium, potatoes with onions, thick slice of ham, and multigrain toast with unlimited coffee.  ‘Twas soooo good. 

While eating I reviewed my route for the day to reach Hermon west of Bangor and get my oil changed at Central Harley.  And then I attacked the blog updating effort with a vengeance.  From there I then went to Tim Horton’s and ordered a coffee and some donut holes and was able to post about half the stories with pics before my 10am departure time arrived. 

On US1 I headed north then south then west to its termination in Fort Kent.  This was the beginning of a nice ride with easy speeds around 55, gentle turns, dips and climbs. Beautiful vistas of the St. Johns Valley area and Canadian hills as well as Maine’s country side and a nice road surface.

At Ft. Kent I turned south on ME-11 and was treated to some great spectacles!  Just before Portage I crested a mountain summit and gasped at the panorama of Maine that was laid out before me.  Absolutely beautiful.  And regrettably, I didn’t stop to take a pic.  Also passed by Eagle Lake which is very picturesque sitting inbetween the mountains. At one spot there was a family splashing about having fun on inner tubes.  I honked the horn and waved and they all waved back.                                                                    

Highway 11 seemed to take forever and I finally saw a sign to make a left turn for the 95.  This didn’t seem right to me as the map displayed the road going all the way south and then intercepting the 95.  So I continued straight and again, it seemed to take forevvverrr.   and I began getting a little concerned as I entered a small town and saw no evidence of I-95. A roadside ice cream shoppe showed up and I spied two middle aged ladies sitting at a picnic table under a tree near the road enjoying their cones. I slowed down, steered over onto the shoulder, cut the engine and gave them a cheery “good afternoon”. They responded to my ’95’ query with instructions to continue straight ahead for a little less than ‘forever’ and I will see the connection on the left.  About 6-8 miles later the road split and an arrow directed the 11 as heading to the right.  I almost took it when I spied a ‘95’ sign a bit into the left turn of the road…then I saw the I-95 about 200 yards away.  A gas station was also on there so I tanked up both Sophia and myself and then rumbled into the up ramp and headed south to Bangor about 80 miles away.

I reached Bangor and turned off onto US-2 heading for the Central H-D and arrived about 4pm.  Unfortunately, since I was supposed to be there at 2pm, they gave my slot away to another customer and they were unable to squeeze me in.  Bummer, but there were other Harley dealers in Vermont so I will give them I try. 

Back on the road I continued west on 2 and had an absolutely delightful ride!  Gentle hills and curving roads weaved thru the New England country side and small towns,,,,this was the America I wanted to see.   

I reached Dixfield around 7:30 and easily found the The Mountain View Campground. The owners, George and Polly Welch, are real sweethearts.  Their campgrounds are immaculate and with excellent facilities…restrooms, showers and pool….all for only $22.  There were only a few RVers in the grounds and the tenting area was completely empty.  So I picked a nice spot with a picnic table near some pine trees and also near the restrooms and shower and began setting up camp.  Here’s a pick of the mountains that can be viewed from my tent….it reminds me of something…

Finished The USA Four Corners Tour !!!

July 16/17, 2012

Madawaska ME

Rolled out of Bangor ME around 9:30am on the 16^th and leisurely rode north on the I-95.  No traffic per se, just the occasional car/truck/18 wheeler heading north.  Most appear to be going on camping trips (or returning) and a few Canadian license plates heading home.

The weather was perfect!  Overcast, chance of rain, low 70s.  I should expect to see my first rain up around Carribou or so.  The ride should take about 4 hours so I kept the speed around 70-75 while on the interstate. 

One Day Away

July 15, 2012

Bangor ME

The ride out of Danbury was on the I-84 which will take me through Waterbury and Hartford into MA to connect with the I-90 to I495 to circumvent Boston.  North of Boston 495 connects back to 95 and it will be a straight shot up to Bangor where a reserved room is waiting for me at the Econolodge where I stayed last year for 2 nights while horrendous storms clashed all around the Northeast for two days. 

As I rode out I had the warm feeling of being only one day away from completing the four corners event in 18 days if I arrive tomorrow the 16^th (Departure from Blaine WA was on June 29^th.

That warm fuzzy feeling was soon replaced with defensive frustration

Cuttin’ Around Congestion

July 14, 2012

Danbury CT

Had a light continental breakfast at the motel and met Dean Brant of PA and his wife.  We chatted about bikes and traveling.  Out in the parking lot as I was heading to get on the bike and head out, Todd Bowden (may have last name wrong) from Elmira NY stopped to chat.  He used to do subcontract work for Defense companies and is now a corrections officer.

Departed Fredericksburg with in and out sunlight.  The weather was forecast to be in the mid 70s so I didn’t put any jackets on and enjoyed the open air conditioning that only bike riding gives ya J.

The original plan was to ride to the beltway, go around DC and head

Cobras and Runnin' The Squall

July 13, 2012

Fredericksburg VA

Rode out of Yemassee for the last time in my life, I hope, I hope, I hope.

Still on the I-95 heading north.  Long sleeve T-shirt with short sheet t on top of it.  Weather is nice and warm…great for riding.

Somewhere around the NC border I spotted ominous black clouds ahead.  Looked like the storm is going to cut across my path….unless I can beat it.  So I upped the speed to 85 and ran around the very edges of the storm catching only a few sprinkles.  A few miles later I could see the downpour in my mirrors!

But that was just one fun part of the trip.  Nearing Fayetteville I  took a break at a McD’s, had just finished my sandwich and was working on my blog when I spied this big hulk of a man coming towards me.  He asked if that was my bike outside…he didn’t look 'pissed off' so I acknowledged it was and we got to chatting.  He introduced himself as Buck Simmons from Chapel Hill and told me he and his wife Patti ride a Goldwing.  We were swapping stories when I said I had stopped in MS to visit an old flying buddy of mine.  He asked what did I fly, “46’s” I responded, “I flew Cobra’s” he said extending his hand for a shake and a “Semper Fi”. 

What a small world.  He and Patti were on their way to a “PoppaSmoke” reunion. We swapped stories some more and I found out that he was shot down twice in Vietnam.  And here I always thought that Cobra’s could duck ground fire better than 46’s J.

This is the fun part of this trip….meeting such fine Americans throughout the states. We exchanged email addresses and Buck and Patti gave me a standing invitation to visit in Chapel Hill for a bite to eat, a shower and a night’s rest in their guest room.

Later, outa Fayetteville, I hit some strong rain and pulled in under a bridge.  There was another biker there, Marshall Hardin from Columbia on his way to Wilson to visit family.  We chatted while waiting for the rain to subside and then made another run for it.  We didn’t get far.

About 5 miles later we were back in the bad rain.  I noticed Marshall pulling into a bridge that I passed under but I kept going….only to the next bridge.  The rain was too dense and was affecting my visibility.  So I dismounted and took a seat on the ramp under the bridge when I saw a biker coming up the shoulder….it was Marshall….coming to keep me company.  While sitting there I commented that it seems we’re behind the rain storm as it flows up the highway.  With that, I remembered that a fellow at a truck stop in Lake Charles helped me put a weather app onto my smartphone.  So I fired the Droid up and went to TWC app to see the radar map.  Sure enough, we were following a squall line.  So I suggested we just mount up and run through it….he was game so off we went.

The rain got heavy on us as we hit the line…but within 3 minutes or so we popped out on the other side of the line and were in clear daylight.  Wow, what a feeling to be able to warm up and dry out!

But then we hit stop and go traffic in interstate for about 10 miles.  Construction narrowed the road down to one lane!  What felt like hours later we finally got through it and rode formation up to the Wilson exit where I tanked up and he continued on his way.  I really enjoyed the brief ride we did there….hope all goes well for him.

At the station there was another bike there….a young lady named Charlotte riding a Bouley (Suzuki Boulevard) heading up to Petersburg VA for a dental appointment.  She whirlwinded outa the store, wolfed down a sandwich, chugged a drink down, and took off in a blurrrrrr. 

Finally arrived Fredricksburg…only 2 hours away from my brother’s house, but in the opposite direction that I will be heading tomorrow.  After unloading everything into my motel room I walked over to Denny’s and treated myself to a chicken and steak pan skillet dinner.  Ahhh, life is good when the tummy is full.

Hope Buck and Patti made it to PoppaSmoke, Marshall made it to Wilson, and Charlotte got to her dental appointment on time.

C ya mañana,

Gonzo

Twitter: @GonzoCrossUSA

Email: GonzoCrossUSA@gmail.com

Cell: 949-433-0761

2nd Time Around

July 12, 2012

Yemassee SC

Departed Vero Beach at a decent time and continued riding up the I-95 heading for SC…I hope to reach Yemassee if possible.

The ride was basically uneventful though I didn’t think I would find Yemassee as there were no signs announcing it.  I was getting tired, and it was getting close to calling it a day when I spotted a sign for an Econolodge.  So I pulled off the interstate and checked it out.  It appeared run down somewhat but I got a good deal for a room rate so I booked it.  Before leaving the lobby I asked the clerk what town was I in so I could calculate mileage, etc.  He replied, “Yemassee”.  Wow! I couldn’t believe it!  The small town was located about 4 miles away so I decided to head there and visit the train station.

After unloading the gear into the room I headed in to town.  Had to ride down a very, very country road….kinda cool.  Finally arrived at the edge of a small town, with the other edge visible.  Sure enough, there was the train station.

50 years ago, on December 19^th, 1962, I was on a train that pulled into this station…tho’ I think it has since been rebuilt since it is a very attractive brick building. I and about 20 other young men were warmly greeted by Marine DI’s and transported by bus to a 10 week, government paid vacation at Parris Island J,

KWazy Key West

July 11, 2012

Vero Beach FL

Actually rolled into Key West on the 10^th, Tuesday night at around 11:30pm. Went into the wrong site…at appears that NAS Key West has one command but 4 locations throughout the Key.

I finally found the site that had the Gateway Inn for military and go my room at a very good deal - $55 while rooms are around $200 out in town (or so the clerk said).

The ride out of Homestead area, or mainland FL, was in the dark…Which was a good thing. My bridge phobia wasn’t activated too much since I couldn’t see anything in the darkness except the road illuminated by my new LED headlamps. But the phobia was there because I could tell when I was on a bridge…just couldn’t see height or water J.

Got my laundry done as I was soaking wet from heat and humidity. The next day I left the hotel at 11:00am and clothes were already damp from the humidity and affects of the heat

Some folks think that Key West is a romantic place??? I guess one could say it is quaint with old world charm. But it is small and crowded and aged. Also, it is a tourist destination. The place was crawling with tourists when I ventured out to get lost. I really didn’t consider it as a place I would want to go to from SoCal for a vacation. But I liked the locals….they treated me warmly.

Almost Deadly Thunderstorm

July 10, 2012

Key West

OMG!  I will never travel through Ft. Myers again…or anywhere on FL’s west coast.

I was caught in two horrendous thunderstorms.  The first one was pretty bad and I was able to make it to an exit and take cover in a gas stations.

The second one almost did me in.  What started as a medium rain instantly changed to a lightning, thundering zero visibility downpour with horrendous gusting cross winds.

Pensacola Memories

July 9, 2012

Madison FL

It was only a few miles later that I was passing through the town where I earned my Naval Aviator wings….and where my daughter was born in the Naval Hospital.  Lots of memories emerged…so I stopped and called my daughter.

The ride to Madison was pretty straight forward….no rain.

Bridge across LA

July 8, 2012

Diamondhead MS

Oh my gosh! What a rainstorm day and experience!

As I pulled out of the motel in Beaumont the rain started with a light sprinkle.  I already had the raingear on cuz the clouds forecasted rain.  About 20 miles from the LA border it was raining a little harder.  I-10 is pretty much on a bridge across that whole state!  Just so much swamp.  Obviously I exaggerate, but here’s why.

Javalina Harley

July 7, 2012

Beaumont TX

It was a nice ride out of Kerrville to Boerne and Javalina Harley.  Javalina was having a BBQ and a bikini wash and there were a lot of riders visiting checking out the new bikes and bikinis.

The service staff at Javalina are fantastic.  Not only did they change my oil in record time but they also adjusted the LED Headlamps a bit lower and cleaned the air filter.  During my stay I purchased one of their TShirts and met James, the GM.  James is a very warm, dynamic guy very proud of his store and the fact that he has so many riders coming in to visit.  Later as I was loading Sophia with all the gear (had to take it off for the service work) I met James father Jimmy.  It was a real pleasure chattin with him and hearing stories of the local military folks.

Back on the road the ride was pretty much uneventful.  Rode through San Antonio then Houston then trekked out to Beaumont where a motel room is waiting.

Tomorrow I’ll be heading to Diamondhead MS and meeting up with my old flying buddy Neal.  Am looking forward to that….and getting some laundry done J.

C ya mañana,

Gonzo

Twitter: @GonzoCrossUSA

Email: GonzoCrossUSA@gmail.com

Cell: 949-433-0761

Twisted Sisters

July 6, 2012

Kerrville TX

I like that title….if it doesn’t grab ya what will?

Let me explain what this is all about.  In addition to the USA Four Corners ride I am also attempting the 15 Best USA Rides.  These rides are super scenic and are spread across the USA.  VT, VA, TN, SD, MT, ID, WY, UT, NV, WA, CA, AZ, CO and TX.  If I ride all of them this year I will receive a recognition from the SCMA.  The Three Sisters are located in TX and are TX335, 336, and 337.  They are located about 25 miles from the I-10 so I am going to take a day from the Four Corners and ride the Sisters.

These three roads are a challenge, not for the inexperienced or the foolhardy.  As the photos will show later, signs warn of what has happened to others in the past.  They actually are not that bad.  Yes, very twisty, ascending, descending, narrow and ripe for an accident if you are a foolish rider.  Proper speed must be adhered to otherwise loss of control will occur.

Before leaving Ft Stockton I called a KOA campsite and made a camping reservation for the night.  I was full of confidence that I could reach Junction, run the Three Sisters and make it into Kerrville at dusk to camp for the night.  I was in for a late surprise!

El Paso Heat

July 5, 2012

Fort Stockton TX

Got out of Las Cruces around 1030 and headed up the 25 for a short ways where it terminated into the I-10 heading east to El Paso.  The heat is building up….no overcast to protect me like yesterday from Yuma to LC.

Prior to leaving I gave a check of the oil level and was 3/4 quart low….just the amount left in a previously opened quart being carried in the saddlebag.  After pouring it all in I decided that a short stop at the ELP Harley to replenish my oil supply would be a good idea.  Yeah, well, that was a time waster.

The Troll

July 4, 2012

Las Cruces

As I headed out of Yuma, around 10am or so, I saw that it had rained during the night.  I was expecting a lot of heat but again, I got a little lucky with having a solid overcast….hence it was a cool ride without a lot of desert heat beating upon my sore back.

Other than horrendous cross winds the ride was uneventful until reaching Tucson.  I was wearing chaps and the rain jacket cuz it was sprinkling on and off along the way.  Entering the outskirts of Tucson I could see a dark cloud ahead and figured it would be a passable run through it.  Boy, was I ever wrong!

The thunderstorm hit me hard.  Visibility really decreased so I put the flashers on and hoped to get an off ramp soon….and I did, within .2 miles one showed up.  I slowly worked my way off to the stop sign and saw a gas station about 50 yards away….headed for it and just made it in when the downpour got even worse.  I parked Sophia under the overhang ad took the helmet off.  I was soaked wherever the chaps didn’t cover me.  Yes, my butt was experiencing the wet clothes feeling J. 

As I took my helmet off I noticed another bike on the other side of the pumps and looking towards the building saw this fella standing on the side of the building next to a yucca plant, under the eaves, smoking a cigarette.  I think I found the owner of the other bike.

Grapevine Gas Thieves

July 2, 2012

Lake Forest CA

Yuma AZ

Left Kettleman’s early with the sun shining….how nice.  Headed south and immediately hit the construction one lane delays….except there were none at this hour on a Monday morning.  Rode all the way to the Grapevine and missed the exit where the In-N-Out is located.  But took the next one and found a Denny’s there….so I treated myself to a good breakfast.

When I went to fill up (I wanted a full tank to go over the big hill….just in case) at the Shell station I was shocked to see they were charging $4.80 a gallon.  That is pure thievery!

The ride over the hill went fine.  But getting through Burbank was hell.  The roads are really rough and traffic is crazy.  Downtown LA was flowing good but again, crazy drivers all in a hurry.  I should write a note about the franticness of Americans when on the road.  Anyhow, I was unable to merge to the left for the I-5 continuation and was forced to go onto the I-10W.  So I took the first exit and ended up in no man’s land.  Left turns weren’t allowed so I just went into a recycling place and backed the bike out onto the road and headed to where I thot there might be a ramp.  Oops, no luck….but found a road going parallel under the freeway and got lucky…a ramp directly to the I-5!  As I headed towards OC I noticed the other side of the freeway heading into LA was bumper to bumper at a slow crawl.  And it is only 2pm.

Finally in OC I stopped first at the Harley store to buy a pair of goggles that can fit over eyewear for my night riding.  Also tried to get a mount for the Garmin that I bought….but no luck.

Back home it was good to see the kids and grand kids.  They welcomed me warmly and treated me to a Thai dinner and a glass of Modelo…nice!

I tagged up with Jerry, my neighbor down the street and we decided to put clamps on the flag poles near the point where the one had cracked.  We used standard hose clamps with a tightening screw and it looked like it was going to do the job. 

I began sorting my gear and eliminating items that I didn’t use or need.  This lightened my load a lot.  Also began attacking mail and paying bills, yadayada. 

The next morning was more of the same with business at the bank, clearing stuff out of the back yard, doing all the little construction cleanup things that the kids can’t do so Jerry and I took care of it.

It was 4:00 pm when I finally departed for San Ysidro, San Diego.  The ride south was actually cold and very congested with traffic.  When I arrived at the town I obtained all the needed stuff, phone number of Coco’s, gas receipt and went to the PO for a photo and mailing the form letter of evidence to the SCMA.   

While there another rider, Andre Gareau from Ottawa Canada, arrived from Key West heading for Blaine.  So we took pics of each other and exchanged stories.  He warned me of going over the pass on the I-8 that it was very cold.  So I wore my rain jacket since it is a great windbreaker and I was fine. 

It was a long ride to Yuma to the hotel where I had a reservation but I made it finally around midnight and got a good rest. 

Hope tomorrow is a little better.

C ya mañana,

Gonzo

Twitter: @GonzoCrossUSA

Email: GonzoCrossUSA@gmail.com

Cell: 949-433-0761