Travelin Ron

Home Again, Home Again Jiggedey Jig!

2011-08-15T09:58:00.000-07:00

Always nice to get home after a trip. We expected to be gone two months, but seen all we wanted in 32 days. Good thing we came back early, our lawn service by the golf course didn't work, what a mess. This is our final map, only a couple of times I forgot to turn SPOT on. Time to clean up the vehicles and start planning another Trip!

Heading East

2011-08-13T19:01:00.000-07:00

We left Ennis, Montana and headed back through Yellowstone to allow us to drive the Bear Tooth Pass scenic Highway. Lamar Valley had most of the 3,500 Buffalo grazing there as we passed through.

We tested Betty's recovery from Mountain (Altitude) Sickness via the transit over 10,947 foot Bear Tooth Pass and she passed. We spent the night in Powell, Wyoming before heading to Cody.

Cody has the impressive Buffalo Bill Heritage Museum which was well worth the time to visit. Camping again in a KOA campground, we had dinner in the Irma Hotel, built by Cody and named after his daughter.

A visit to Cody was not complete without a visit to the Cody Rodeo. Most of the professional cowboys were at a big rodeo in Oklahoma I believe, but the kids events were great, and the hundreds of kids chasing three calves with ribbons on their tails was worth the price of admission.

We headed east on highway 14 through Big Horn Canyon, which my friend Ernie said was spectacular, and rightfully so. Beautiful red canyons, switchbacks and waterfalls made this one of the prettiest parts of our 7,000 mile journey.

We spent the night camped at the base of the Devils Tower. We hiked the trail around the base while half a dozen crazies rappelled down the face.

My friend Ernie warned of the scarcity of Hotel rooms available in the west and in reality rooms were available, but in some places the rates were outrageous. $250 for a Super 8 room in Kali spell. The reason for the shortage was partially from the flooding in of the Missouri River, and mostly because of the heavy snow fall and late spring, shortened the visitors season.

We found the cabin above in Keystone as we wanted to stay out of Sturgis. This was ideal, the front of the cabin looked through a hole in the trees at Washington on Mt Rushmore.

We met up with two hashers in Stugris, Rick from Rhode Island, a friend of many years and Chris an Orange County California Hasher, our mother Hash.

We rode the Iron Mountain Road (SD 16A) which is my favorite piece of highway to ride anywhere. 17 miles, 314 curves, 14 switchbacks, three pig tails, three tunnels, four presidents (Mt Rushmore view) and two splits. This road was so neat, Betty had me ride it twice, the second time in the rain. We had moved from our chalet to a hotel in Keystone that had a separate room with a large Jacuzzi which warmed us up after the ride in the rain.

We rode up to Sturgis and made the rounds, bought tees and patches and headed back to Keystone after a long day.

We met our friends in Deadwood for breakfast (and Rick had his bike washed) then headed for the Badlands and the 1800 mile trek home!

The trip was every thing we had hoped and well worth the time and expense.

Continuing on!

2011-08-13T17:43:00.000-07:00

Ennis Montana Hospital

Our last morning in Yellowstone found Betty unable to function and sick to her stomach. I carried her to the truck, packed up and headed south to Jackson Hole via the Grand Tetons. Pretty drive with Betty sleeping the entire way. I stopped in Jackson and she tried to eat some soft ice cream, but could not keep it down. We headed to Driggs, Idaho where she rested for two more days in a hotel. We then headed North to Ennis Montana where I had planned a float trip on the Yellowstone river for our anniversary. She was still barley able to function so I took her to the hospital. I spent two days in a nice cabin, Betty spent two days in the hospital undergoing numerous tests. Apparently she had acute altitude sickness, which filled her lungs with fluid, preventing her from taking in enough oxygen. We left the hospital with an oxygen machine, five oxygen bottles and drugs to clear the fluid.

Grand Tetons, Jackson Hole, Driggs, ID, Ennis Mt

2011-08-03T08:58:00.000-07:00

Left Yellowstone with a bride that was ill. Will likely head for home when Betty is better.

Yellowstone

2011-08-01T07:31:00.000-07:00

Betty and I had a nice drive up the great plains to Yellowstone. We camped at Bridge Bay in a tent site after signing the mandatory Grizzly bear area warning. Our camp site was at 7800 feet, which meant hard breathing and cold nights! Betty limited her picture taking as the camera can not do justice to the scenery. This shot was the Yellowstone River just off Yellowstone Lake at the 5:30 am start of a tour to teach us outdoors photography.

Our tour was delayed a bit and we skipped most of the wild flower shots because we came across this Grizzly and watched her for more than an hour. We followed her slowly in our 1938 tour bus and watched her eat grasses, dig up roots and meander along. As we watched, 100 yards down the side of the road in the direction she was traveling, came a doe with two fawns. they were distracted by us and got pretty close before they spotted each other. After a short chase, the bear gave up as the doe and fawns high tailed it.

A mangy coyote in the road.

This is my favorite shot of Old Faithful, sitting on the second story patio of the Old Faithful Lodge, sipping a Moose Drool Pale Ale!

We spent several hours getting stone and dirt removed from Betty's hand and knee and x-rays from a fall after a late night Rangers program. The fall was bad enough, but it was stopped by hitting her head and shoulder on the concrete wall of the rest room. This and the long hikes probably brought on the Mountain (altitude) Sickness.

Another natural bridge! I actually climbed up into the waterfalls, but mosquito's attacking my camera person made her miss it.

Lot's of waterfalls.

This guy came within about three feet of us on our motorcycle, Betty was not thrilled!

She was also more than a little excited with the 1200 foot drop from our motorcycle with rocks as the guard rail.

Wet North Dakota and The Montana High Plains and Great Falls

2011-07-22T16:19:00.000-07:00

Our Plans changed slightly in North Dakota Due to the flooding and wet ground. We drifted south to Jamestown, ND then headed on back roads to Grand Falls Montana. The picture below is Betty standing on the biggest Buffalo jump, where Indians drove buffalo before the days of horses. This ledge dropped off several hundred feet and was over a mile long.

Below is Betty standing near the Great Falls that slowed down Lewis and Clark in their exploration.

This was our fancy campground in Great Falls. We have just finished six days in a tent.

The road to Great Falls

This is the Missouri River

Still Wandering

2011-07-19T17:50:00.000-07:00

Spent a couple of days in Hobart Indiana mooching from my brother in-law Al and his wife Janice.Visited with our nieces Jenni (who was so excited to see me she broke her ankle in a couple of places!) Michelle and their daughters Katie and Megan. We then headed to Minneapolis for a visit with our neice Lisa. A nice dinner, a death march down town in the incredible heat and humidity, then a tour of the Walker exhibit. Betty and I hopped on the Harley and rode 40 or 50 miles to find the dealer closed for the weekend.

Monday am we headed north through the kazillion lakes up to US route 2 and on to devils Lake. Big suprise, the flooding is still going on causing a detour south on 25 miles of mud where there was a highway to Jamestown, ND aka Buffalo city. This am we broke out the bike for some touring, then loaded up and headed for Bismarck to set up our tent, We toured the river Missiouri River area and found more flooding. On to Miles City Mt tomorrow.

Wandering west

2011-07-17T06:31:00.000-07:00

Betty and I have putted along on back roads from Hampstead, NC to Boone NC for a short visit and to spend the night. Next day we continued on US 421 retracing my trip with my buddies to Shady Valley and the infamous "Snake". The snake is one of my favorite ride I have made, even in my truck! We continued on secondary roads through Tennessee and Kentucky with a stop and a hike up to the Natural bridge. We spent a night in Frankfort, Kentucky, then on to mooch off our great brother and sister in laws Jan and Al in Hobart Indiana. We broke out the bike for a nice afternoon ride and visited with our nieces Jeni, Michelle, Megan and Kati.

Heading out on US 30 W we tried to bypass the horrible traffic and construction around Chicago with only partial success. We had a nice dinner in Minneapolis with our niece Lisa who has just opened her own Law firm. Today we will hike in the am then ride the bike this afternoon.

Heading Back to Montana and Wyoming

2011-07-11T05:14:00.000-07:00

Last years trip though Montana and Wyoming did not allow time to explore. Loaded up and headed back in the morning.

On the road again!

2010-12-26T16:08:00.000-08:00

Heading for the Caribbean probably Wednesday the 26th of December.

New Blog has been set up at caribbeancruzin.blogspot.com

Lots of time at sea between posts and internet access!

Final Map

2010-08-09T08:28:00.001-07:00

This is the final map of my 15,821 mile trip to Alaska and back.

Close Encounters with a Canteloupe

2010-08-08T15:56:00.000-07:00

Sunrise

Yep sunrise found me on the road again! Starting an 5 AM, I headed east on a Bunburner/Saddlesore 1,000 mile/1,500 rides. The first one in 24 hours, the second in 36 hours.

I left Presho, South Dakota and swung south into Iowa and Nebraska. Large thunder storm cells moved from the west to east, cleaning a lot of the bugs my bike and rain gear had accumulated. At least it was cool. I headed down to Kansas City, then on to Saint Lewis. Crossing the Mississippi, I rode across Illinois and Indiana.

This was looking over my shoulder in Indiana as it set. The ride through Kentucky to Frankfort was great until I stopped to look for a room. I covered about 40 miles then gave up and slept for an hour and a half or so at my bike. Hitting the road again, I started hitting increasingly heavier fog. Driving on I saw an orange light ahead. It kept getting bigger and coming over one hill, I broke through the fog and found that the weird light was actually the moon coming up. It hung just above the mountains and looked unreal, like someone had hung a canteloupe in the sky.

I dropped back down in the fog and rode until I couldn't see the road. After another nap in a rest area, I headed into Charleston, West Virgina and stopped for breakfast. Following that, a sprint over the mountains and down to the beach and Home! This ride was 1,793.5 miles in 31 and a half hours. My total mileage was 15,894 for the 48 days. A disappointment at the end was my good buddy Dave was following me on spot and headed up to meet me with a cold beer. Spot can be delayed up to 20 minutes so he missed me. I went and collected this morning. Great trip, I'm planning another trip to Sturgis and the area around it for next year.

This Blog is now complete.

Ron

Sturgis and Mt Rushmore

2010-08-07T17:18:00.001-07:00

I finally left Wyoming and headed to South Dakota. More than 350 vendors were set up in Sturgis and the early arriving bikers were everywhere. Workers were preparing for the 800,000 plus riders expected. One bar has 400 waitresses working at a time. They make $800-$1200 each for a four hour shift. I asked the Organizers what were the dates of the event? They responded it actually starts the first of August with the official kick-off the first full weekend.

Betty and I are considering visiting next year. This rally has not only incredible entertainment, huge bars to enjoy a few while people watching, but numerous incomparable rides, guided fishing trips, Yellowstone, the Bad Lands Mt Rushmore and the Devil Tower to visit. The is by far the best biker rally to attend.
While walking down the street viewing activities, I ran into my friends from Wilminton. We walked for a while then had a token beer before we split up.

Wyoming High Country

2010-08-04T16:03:00.000-07:00

Rode solo again up through canyons and over the Big Horn National Forrest.

I met these two in the middle of no where and wondered what they were doing. It then became apparent, a cowboy on a horse was about half a mile on the other side of the herd. The sheep are on open range.

It was cold at 9500 foot, colder when I had to go down through the clouds.

The Devil, with a devil's brew at the Devils Tower National Monument! I'm camping here tonight.

Looked like the Indians were blowing a smoke signal.

Montana and Wyoming day 2

2010-08-03T21:27:00.000-07:00

Lousey internet, best I could do.

Lunch stop

The dots are many bison

Four rode today

My next ride

Been there and wondered where it was?

Bear tooth pass 10,947 feet

Randys repaired trailer

Montana and Wyoming

2010-08-02T21:12:00.000-07:00

Met up with three Wilmington friends to ride. Randy was pulling a trailer and needed to get it repaired after a woman ran over top of it!

Ed, retired Navy Chief Corpsman/ Seal, and Big Ernie, The last enlisted marine Pilot (C130), retired Sargent Major rode through Montana, across Yellowstone and to Cody with me. Nice day.

These are white pelicans, that summer in Montana and winter in the Florida Keys, they are found no where else.

This is Big Earn, recreated the Badger episode, those that know the story understand why we rode 28 miles of dirt to get there, those that care, let me know and I'll tell the sad tale.

We rode by a huge herd of Buffalo, that were the smaller of the Ted Turner herds.

Mountain States

2010-08-01T17:56:00.000-07:00

What do you call someone from Idaho? They are Idahoans. I didn't know that until today.

I always thought that West Virginia was the mountain state, but realized Montana is Spanish for mountain. It figures, there are a lot of them. My scenery from our ride through the Yukon, Alaska and British Columbia have spoiled me with incredible views or I'd be impressed with Idaho and Montana. I stopped in Bozeman after a speed run across Rockies on Interstate 90. Three of my Wilmington friends are here so we will ride somewhere tomorrow, then I will hit Yellowstone before heading to Sturgis

Headed East

2010-07-31T21:19:00.000-07:00

Ron and I headed out in drizzle and the low 50's this morning. We found his best friend's house and were met by his great family. Following breakfast, Ron and I split ways after 23 days and more than 8,000 miles together! Because of my deployments in the Navy and work in aerospace, we never had so much time together. My son is someone I'm very proud of.

I Headed east up the Columbia River Valley following my trusty GPS, missing Ron's presence in my mirror immediately. Almost felt like when he left for college again. He still has over 2,000 miles to get home to Austin, solo. I passed the 12,000 mile point for this trip.

I made it about 450 miles for the day and chickened out from the storm I was running from and grabbed a room in Spokane. Tomorrow evening, I link up with my buddies Ernie and Grady from home to ride the Yellowstone area for a few days.

Seattle area

2010-07-30T20:35:00.000-07:00

Spent hours today going nowhere due to traffic. Went into downtown, then rode the ferry to Orchard Park, then rode along Puget sound, Bremerton, Tacoma, then crawled south towards Portland, Visit Kip tomorrow, then on to Yellowstone.

Sky to Sea (Updated)

2010-07-30T08:20:00.000-07:00

Rode another stunning highway yesterday. Our ride started out with our bikes covered in ash and the temperature in the 60's in heavy smoke from four forest fires. Critters were confused as well, had a deer the size of a horse with a big rack meet me in the road. My brakes slowed me down and caused him to change directions.

We headed west on the BC Route 99, The Sea to Sky Highway. Incredible curvy road with glacier rivers, snow capped mountains, mountain lakes, deserts and huge valleys that we wound through about 190 miles with just a few first nation villages (kinda like American Indians) which are economically in better shape than our Indian villages. We noticed Canada has different prices for the native Americans, nine cents a liter ($.45/gallon) cheaper for fuel.
The last 40 miles of the ride to Vancouver picked up speed and traffic on a road that is mostly bridges along the side of the mountain, looking at Victoria, Ocean going ships, fishermen and private boats. We hit Vancouver and exited without a map in 4 PM traffic which wasn't fun. We headed to the border and made the first exit to a campground on Puget Sound. (I'll Add pictures later).
We are looking at plans for the next couple of days, I was thinking of an Iron butt ride to get home to my honey for our 43 anniversary Monday, but probably will stick to the plan and head for Yellowstone. Betty told to ensure I had plenty of food in my tent in Yellowstone, what's that about?

Sign means Hang on and brake hard!

Bears

2010-07-29T08:55:00.000-07:00

Actually got a video of a couple of Bears. Yesterday morning we saw a head poke out of the grass in front of us, followed by a big bear who looked both ways, then crossed behind us. I'm heading out to load up and head towards Vancover.

British Columbia

2010-07-29T06:37:00.000-07:00

Did you know BC is longer than a drive from the Mexican Border in San Diego to the Canadian Border in Seattle! All on two lane roads with construction and massive log trucks. We went through four forest fires yesterday, one close to the road, some bigger ones to hit today. We plan on a tour of Vancover, slipping through Seattle off traffic hours, then down to Ron's best friend from high school's house for a short visit.

next we head for Yellowstone where our great neighbors from the 80's are as well.

The video below is from the Alaska highway on a good section of the gravel road. The second video is a couple of bears we stopped for. they are closer than they look. Sorry for the camera work, trying to keep the bike going.

Going south and West

2010-07-27T22:04:00.000-07:00

Spent yesterday morning in White Horse, Capital of the Yukon Territory. Visited a large paddle wheel Steamer that provided access to the Yukon, delivered supplies and shipped out gold during the gold rush. We headed down the Alaska Highway after lunch and turned off on to a great secondary road, the Cassairs Highway. Dirt, gravel and a beautiful ride yesterday and today with the roads improving as we got further south. We went up a huge lake, 78 miles long, totally undeveloped. We passed through a lot of small native villages, obviously very poor folks. Had some near misses with Big Horned Sheep and black bears today. Primitive camped on a gorgeous lake last night and looking at a dirty glacier tonight.

Headin' North to get South

2010-07-25T22:22:00.000-07:00

We hit the road this morning headed north to Tok, then south to the Yukon Territory. We took the Tok cutoff, which is a road that will challenge your suspension. If you have ever ridden a motorcross track, where you fight it for control every moment, you know what the 120 miles is like from the Alaska border to Destruction Lake. Glad that part is over, again!

Today was our first day in the sun all day, even if it started in the 40's. Great day with over 500 miles, nearly half of it challenging surfaces. The Yukon must be financially challenged, Plywood Royal Mounted Police cars.

Pretty calm day, one moose wander infront of Ron causing a breaking event, and later we avoided a herd of horses in the road. We had hoped to hit the top of the world highway from Chicken and Eagle Alaska, but is was wiped out for a second time this month. Tomorrow, south to Watson Lake then off to the Cassairs Highway towards Washington State (in about four days).

New Plans

2010-07-24T22:07:00.001-07:00

After riding the Catamaran Ferry powered by four jet engines (over 45 MPH) from Whittier to Valdez, we rode (in the cold rain) up Copper Canyon to Glenallen. Lots of water/waterfalls but the only critter I saw was a big Wolf. We saw Icebergs in Prince William Sound and what we believe was a Baluga Whale.

Because I was wet, we grabbed a hotel. A fellow in the lobby said he rode the Taylor Highway from Tok to Chicken AK and Dawson City, Yukon Territory. Our goal was to ride there so we will give it a shot, even though it apparently had another washout yesterday. Then we are taking the Alcan highway to the Cassairs Highway which runs down to Washington State.

White stuff in July!

Ride to the left (West) most side of Alaska

2010-07-24T21:24:00.001-07:00

Ron and I left our luggage at my brother in laws home and headed the few miles up Turnagain Arm to the Kenai Peninsula Thursday22 July. My brother in law Bill said it was about a three hour ride to Homer, so off we rode in the cold and rain. Maybe in his trooper vehicle he can make it in that time, not us. It was a nice ride along glacier streams and the Kenai and Russian Rivers. We did not see combat fishing, i.e. where you are elbow to elbow, but it was pretty busy. Rode through Homer to the split and looked out at the first of the Aleutian Islands. Nice ride, long day.

Gone Fishin'

2010-07-24T21:00:00.000-07:00

Ron and I flew out to the Yelta River, about 75 miles north West from Anchorage. Great ride with bush pilots and a great day fishing.

Update from Anchorage 23 July

2010-07-24T20:47:00.000-07:00

Got my bike back from the Harley shop, turned out it had a weak spring on the drive sprocket. It would normally be covered under warranty if the parts are available. The dealer added a spacer to increase the spring tension, works great. These pictures were from our ride to Girdwood from Anchorage around Turnagain Arm.

Anchorage Alaska

2010-07-21T13:25:00.000-07:00

Sitting at McDonald's awaiting the word on the noise from my primary cover, looks like the inner primary bearing is bad. Second one this week the service manager says. Hopefully it is a warranty item.

We had a beautiful ride to Anchorage and to my brother in laws home in Girdwood, at the end of Turn-again Sound, just above the Kenai Peninsula. Really cold ride with three hours of rain, coldest morning riding yet. Beautiful ride down through the snow capped mountains, and Glaciers. Will add pictures when I get the bike back and get back to my camera and internet. We plan on doing the Kenai Peninsula tomorrow, fishing Friday (seaplane ride to a remote salmon place) and heading out this weekend. Part of the Top of the World Highway opened but it looks like 20 miles or so are still missing. The mud here is slick, so 100 miles of dirt/gravel would be a challenge in this weather.

Our plan is to wander over to the Alaska Highway then take the western entrance from Dawson Creek to Washington, Portland, then head to Yellowstone then over to Sturgis for a day or so of bike week. We will see what the mechanics have to say.

Denali National Park

2010-07-19T17:46:00.000-07:00

We took the eight hour Denali bus tour this morning and had a great time. Didn't see the woman from Chicago but we did meet two cute chicks from New York. How about the rack on her? We had an incredible day viewing the critters, five grizzly bears, a big moose cow, three wolves and too many caribou, Eagles and Dall sheep to count. Betty said the picture screw up the text so I'm trying the smaller pictures that enlarge when clicked on. Great day, only a few sprinkles, but dropping to the 30's tonight. Probably another rainy ride to Anchorage tomorrow.

I didn't see any roses to smell, but the fire weed was blooming, a very short event I'm told.

How about that video!

The Ronz update

2010-07-18T22:19:00.000-07:00

Saw a couple more moose tonight on the way to supper and added character to old Betsy, my trusty Iron Horse. Ron dumped his gas can, spewing gas at me so I pulled over to the very loose gravel shoulder and my foot could not support 900 pounds of bike and 200 pounds of me, down the slope we went. Character for a rider is what the Mt Mckinley Harley dealer called it. Some ride, some polish em. Wish I didn't have to keep picking this one up! All is well.

Bad Ass Ronz

2010-07-18T16:53:00.000-07:00

Had some comments about the Ron's being a lousey name for us, as bikers we needed names to reflect our unsavory characters. I thought about it, and I'm on a two wheeled camper and ron is on a scooter, how bad assed can you be? Then in my email it mentions the "Harley Men" of North Carolina are making a trip to Tennessee to visit our brother Dutch, and I was left of the invitation! Go figure, not a manly name and left of the men's invitation list.

Nice liesurely ride today, north of Fairbanks to check out the pipeline and the country side and then south to Denali where we are camped. Check out the retired pigs and the retired pipeline road train. Couldn't get real close to the road train as they have had record rain this month, yesterday the new record was five time more than ever measured. The funny looking tower holding the pipeline up are refrigeration posts. If not refrigerated, the posts woud warm the permafrost and sink, an un good thing. The pipeline was designed by a Purdue Grad which made Ron jr, a Purdue Engineer and his bride a Purdue Grad happy.

We met a resident that was convinced the rainy weather in Alaska was because the Federal Government was "shifting the jet stream" because of the golf disaster. I also saw this political sign by a governors candidate about Canadians and our natural gas. I just see them and photograh them.

We made it to Denali national Park and found the computer system was down so we had to go to the Riley Creek Campground where there were alot of people trying to make reservations for tours of the park and campgrounds. After I got on a list and waited about 45 minutes I picked up tickets for the 8 hour tour tomorrow (sounds like Gilligans Island). We did pick up a campsite 6 miles south of the park along a river. Kind of neat, to protect our selves from bear we are suppose to put anything you can eat plus deordorants and tooth paste in a hard side vehicle. Don't have one of those available so I'll hang my shaving kit from a tree!

Chillin out in Fairbanks

2010-07-18T06:53:00.000-07:00

Spent the day drying off as everytime we went out it rained on us. Fairbanks is a small town with two military bases and the Universary of Alaska so it has an interesting feel. Ron changed his oil and we went to a quarter car wash (try a $7 car wash) to get the debris from the Alaska highway off. I checked out my bike, did laundry and picked up Tee shirts from the farthest north Harley dealer which is down a half mile pot hole filled dirt road. This dealership sells BMW, Honda's Victory's in addition to Harleys and snowmobiles which is very rare.

We met two guys at the dealership that had camped next to us in White Horse. They were mad at each other as the leader rode too fast over the 300 miles of bad roads. They also decided to take the ferry to Seattle as they would not ride that stretch again. If you zero in on our spot track, sometimes the tracks are close, meaning we were going slow other times we were flying! My Spot batteries finally died 0n the 16th after lasting 25 days!

Looks like Dawson City is out, 40 miles of the Top of the world Highway were washed away due to flooding. We are replanning out trip to spend more time in Anchorage area where one of my brother in Law and sistter in law live. I hope to get together with Doc, a friend from NC staying on the Kenai Pennisula. We have reservation for a guided fishing trip using a sea plane from Lake Hood to a river somewhere. Should be a fun day.

Today we are headed to an educational site on the pipeline then down to Denali to camp for a two days in the rain. Looks like rain (which had hail yesterday several times) for our entire trip through Alaska..

This picture shows Mt Mckinley, tallest peak in North America from the North. We will head nead there to visit Denali National Park where I can use my senior's pass, the only thing of value when you hit 62.

Some lessons learned on this trip, don't live anywhere that your car looks like the one pictured. If the parking spots have an electrical outlet, you won't be comfortable.

Second lesson, when traveling this way carry Octane booster if you use premium fuel. Many gas stations have 85.5 to 87 Octane only and probably 25-30% of the stations were abandoned. So you take what you can get. The Harley dealer in Red Deer, Alberta told me don't worry about it, use premium when you can, the dealer in White Horse, Yukon Territory said use the booster every time as you can't trust what you are getting. Most travelers carry extra gas.

Notice the trees on both sides of the road in the picture? Much of the 300 miles from the Yukon border to Fairbanks was through forest that were dense and green. there were a lot of scenic road side pull-offs but you were looking at the trees, wonder what's with that?

Last tip watch your mountings of luggage. Many bumps my luggage flew 3-6 inches in the air (me even higher) and one piece rubbed through the paint to the bare metal. You to pick up some black fingernail polish to touch it up.

Made it to the end of the Trail!

2010-07-16T22:13:00.000-07:00

Yep, we are in Fairbanks, what a day! Started out getting up at four instead of five am that I thought it was. I hit the showers and then went to the closed office and was using the Internet an an outlet when it got so cold I moved to the laundry room to update the blog. Ron Jr came in and quite a few people, all talking to us. One fellow said it was only 400 miles to Fairbanks so I made reservations for a hotel. After puttering around, the campground manager mentioned it was over 600 miles over half on bad roads. I told my son we needed to get moving as we had a long day

We finally were packed up an under way at 8:45. Not far down the road the misery from bitter cold was compounded steady rain! We stopped in Haines Junction for fuel and ran across Tom, Chad and the girl from Chicago. Check out their blog and see we met them on day 8. I'm worried about Chad and Tom, their girl is friendly with anyone when they are not around!

We continued over roads that kept you on your toes! Permafrost reshapes the highway into dips, channels holes two foot deep! many of these holes were full of water and looked level. Initially I used speed and flew across the huge holes I couldn't avoid but had some un-intended fun controlling the violent ride when the channels changed my path.We slowed down a bit, then followed a pickup that obviously knew the road.

A woman told us the trick for the hazards that were flagged. If only flagged on one side, move to the opposite lane. If flagged on both sides, slow down and hand on. It worked well for us for the 300 miles of unimaginable roads. 610 miles today, over 8,000 for the trip.

We are staying in Fairbanks for a couple of days, hoping to run up to the Artic circle tomorrow. Rain is forecasted for the rest of the week

Changing Plans

2010-07-15T19:04:00.000-07:00

Scratch the Top of the World Highway from our itinerary, a flood wiped it out. As it is dirt, it may be back together after our swing through Alaska. Hard ride today, started out really cold, with a stop in the sign forest where everyone brings a sign or makes one. Quite and impressive place. We are known as the Ron's to the dozen or so bikers traveling with us. Don't know who the potters are but they beat us here.

After the sign forest,we had a pretty hard bunch of rain. We caught up with friends from Seattle and flew to a lunch at Teslin, Yukon and the first gas stop, 165 miles down the highway. After talking with a number of new friends including a German guy headed from Chile to Prudome Bay and my girl friend from Chicago, we made a speed run to the Capital of the Yukon Territory, White Horse.

Looked around and found the hotels were booked so we grabbed a camp site south of town to re-plan our trip. Not a lot of options, loop through Alaska from the south or a clockwise loop through Fairbanks. We will see as next week is forecast to rain every day!

Looks like the Girl from Chicago link is broke (Chad and Tom's trip to Alaska). They probably hocked it yesterday for a few more beers or ice, but I'm sure they are having a good time.

Travelin Ron of the Yukon (Watson Lake)

2010-07-14T19:40:00.001-07:00

Had a heck of a day riding beautiful area through the Northern end of the Rockies. Met the biker chick pictured, check out her blog in the links. Weather was great and except for the dust from the unpaved areas it was a great ride. Only fell once, actually just kind of leaned over so far my son had to help me get the bike up. We were waved up front of a dozen or so cars at a construction area and I stopped on an uneven area in the dirt and gravel. I lugged the bike and stalled and could not hold 1300+ pounds with one leg.

We saw lots of critters including Caribou, Bison, Big Horned Sheep and two big old black bears. I stopped about 20-30 foot from him as he ate berries and grass. Me and spot took a dip in hot springs that was great if you were following the track. Tomorrow we head off the Alaska Highway and go north to Dawson City, Yukon Territory where we are thinking of spending a couple of days before tackling the Top of the World Highway, a 100 mile single lane dirt road to Tok alaska. It starts with a barge ride across a river. Only about 325 miles today.

Fort Nelson, British Columbia Top of the Rockies

2010-07-13T04:47:00.001-07:00

Made it to out last Goal, Fort Nelson, BC. Started out bundled up for the rain and 40 degree temps, and did OK, riding through the storm kinda like the 70's doper song. Late this afternoon it cleared and was beautiful riding through the valleys and huge birch Forrest's.

We refuel frequently as the stops are about 40 miles apart. the last five gas stations were closed/out of business and I limped nearly 60 miles when my computer said I could go 40. It took $34.95 to fill my motorcycle! (Fuel is a over $6 a gallon) . The views today were limited by the rain and huge trees except for a few valleys we dropped into.

Our plan is so head up to Dawson City Yukon Territory and take the 80 mile single lane dirt road to Tok, Alaska. It will be interesting as my bike is 904 lbs, I'n 195, my leathers and clothing 25, my luggage probably 150. It feels much heavier than that when I'm off road! I stopped for a photo opportunity coming into British Columbia and really struggled to get back on the road.

Our plan is to wander up the highway and spend a day somewhere fishing and doing laundry and maintenance.

Slow Start

2010-07-13T04:47:00.000-07:00

Sitting in our old motel waiting for the temp to get to the upper 40's and the rain to let up a little. Sun rise at 5:30 and sunsets at 10:30 so it may be a late day! Check out Ron jsrs updated Blog.

The Rain on the Plains (of Alberta)

2010-07-12T20:59:00.000-07:00

Interesting day, started near 60 degrees, dropped all day to the upper 30's lower 40's. Really windy, thank heavens I'm a sailor as I was close hauled all day. Big front with heavy rain, big winds, tornado's and hail. We were lucky and split the bad weather ending up with light rain, wind and cold. There is suppose to me snow tonight, but we are clear of it.

No photo's today, bundled up tight and the bikes rain covers on. Should hit mile 0 of the Alaska Highway tomorrow as we made about 420 miles. Yes if you watched spot we did a circle when I stopped and asked for directions and was led the wrong way. My new GPS does not handle Canada nor Alaska and keeps locking up, so back in the bag.

I did not mention a couple of things. first, easiest border crossing I have had including when I worked there. Second is there are alot more pickups in wyoming than automobiles. Second, most had guns and all had dogs. from the picture below you can assume big trucks, 2 or more dogs, little trucks, only one required.

Ahead of our Plan but getting behind

2010-07-11T20:58:00.000-07:00

Please note photo's added to yesterdays post and anyone can now post comments without logging on to Google.

Another great ride today of 568 miles, three miles short of 6,000 since I left North Carolina.

Left camp this morning and stopped 20 miles down the road for breakfast and to add layers. Headed up through the Canyon mountains (note snow on top in picture) and Lewis and Clark National Forrest on a beautiful drive climbing as we went. Another stop added fuel and another layer before we went over the crest at 7,493 ft before winding down through a great river gorge.

Saw many deer, a domestic Buffalo herd and four Eagles, including one huge Eagle that swept down after a bird right in front of me. Birds weren't finished as one crashed into Ron Jr's bike just after we crossed the border. A small white haired animal crossed just in front of me and just behind me my son said, never saw them although I saw some small deer along side the road.

Crossed the border and continued along the plains with the Canadian Rockies to our west. We actually covered about 150 miles further than our plan which had us hitting the Alaska-Canadian Highway (AL CAN Highway) in Dawson Creek tomorrow. We stopped just north of Calgary because we were pooped and a really ugly weather front was coming down on us. Like last night, a busy place with the Calgary Stampede just kicking off. Very lucky to get a room (last one) for an inflated Stampede price. What will put us behind is a front that is moving this way with a High temperature forecast tomorrow of 41 and rain!

We are considering heading out to Banff and taking secondary roads through the Rockies. Spot will let you know where we end up.

Hot and Cool

2010-07-10T19:30:00.000-07:00

Started this morning in leathers, in the 50's as we ran along side the Rockies. Got pretty wet near Buffalo, Wyo after miles with verdigris and dark clouds. Hit Montana and temps went up near 100 and sunny. Stopped for the night after about 520 miles at Reeds Point, Mt, which is no where. Turns out there are about 1,000 people on the river here, a couple of them sober. Have a scenic ride tomorrow through national forests and ski areas. If the border crossing is OK, should be between Calgary and Lethbridge, Alberta tomorrow.

Made it to Wyoming

2010-07-09T18:25:00.000-07:00

Made some changes to the Blog, comments can be left without logging in and added a link showing part two.

Short day, 474 miles, which was enough. Beautiful ride through the end of Texas (970 miles from Baytown), Oklahoma, Colorado and in to Wyoming. I Stopped at a Walmart and bought an inexpensive GPS so I could find things like gas and campgrounds. Suction Cup to windshield works great, and my subway sandwich bag water proofed it which was needed at Fort Collins Colorado. Great day with only the one shower. Stopped at a Campground for the night in Cheyenne, Wyoming.

Headed North

2010-07-08T19:16:00.000-07:00

Left the Houston area Wednesday and had to take the long way around due to accidents and a cement truck that flipped and dumped a load on the interstate. I had an Oil Cooler, new brakes, a mud flap to keep down the rocks up north and the fluids changed. The cooler works well, the brakes were definitely needed and the Red Line Transmission fluid has quieted the noisey transmission, especially 5th gear. KT's Cycle is a great place for service and to gain knowledge.

Thursday I had a long lunch with David Hobbick, a friend I had not seen since 1966 and dinner with my son, daughter in law and grand daughters, the oldest having her 16th Birthday.

This morning, we left about 7:40 and rode 11 1/2 hours through Texas hill Country and up into the high plains. Texas has had a bunch of rain and incredibly green, including light to heavy rain much of the 622 miles we covered today. One thing about Texas, miss a turn in the rain, and you can go along ways before you can regain your intended track. We added about 80 miles to our planned route today. A stop a a Walmart for a GPS should help. Good day today, cool weather and I stayed dry unlike my son who stripped rain gear this morning due to the heat. On to Colorado and hopefully camping in Wyoming tomorrow.

Maintenance Side Trip

2010-07-05T17:09:00.000-07:00

I left Austin this morning and went down town for to take a photo of a mural I saw in a magazine of Don Patron Tequila. Rode through all the alleys in Austin and finally found the wall but the ad was painted over. So I headed to fifth ave to the Mean Eyed Cat Bar for a photo. The Mean Eyed Cat building is a neat old building and a memorial to Johnny Cash.

Austin is a great city for out door activities with running and water sports in the down town area. The city has a young feel about it with the University all the activities, with great restaurant's as well as great bars for Sunday rides. My son and daughter in law made an unplanned stop during a vacation and moved there a few months later.

After getting a photo, I headed to Baytown Texas, about 30 Miles east of Houston. I'm staying with Ken Turner and his family, who own KT's cycle while getting my bike ready for the next 10,000 mile leg of my trip. For a trip like this, it was worth a 500 mile side trip to let people I trust check out my bike. KT is awesome and has a great bunch of friends. I'm headed back to Austin tomorrow or Wednesday for my granddaughter Sara's 16Th birthday and a visit with one of my childhood neighbors.

Texas style 4th of July fun

2010-07-04T05:43:00.000-07:00

Went to a neighborhood block party last night. Only in Texas would your neighbor have a Full sized Medieval Trebuchet! Interesting evening inspite of many rain showers. The owner provided information about the history and physics of the giant catapult. Fun evening.

Looking back - Lessons learned

2010-07-02T09:17:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to my bride, 43 bdays together, even if I'm not there!

My old friend Async asked about lessons learned on part one of my journey. I think there are a few, most importantly, the 10 day ride that starts in Louisiana and hits 49 states is never going to be a trip for me! I now can understand what monkey butt power is for, although after the first day, I'm pretty comfortable in the saddle 8-10 hours.

The first day was all interstate and I ended up with 38 miles per gallon, Route 66 was small towns and 55 and I averaged 48 mpg and was much less worn out at the end of the day.

No GPS and poor maps are fine, it's the trip not the destination. My son and I will continue not using the most direct route to Alaska but a little more direct than my route here. I turned my 1520 mile trip into 3426 miles.

I'm off to lunch with my grand daughters now and to shop for a new helmet. My bike week cheap bungie net stretched and left my full helmet for the road crew to pick up in Ohio. Got to replace it as Canadian temps are in the low 60's for highs.

Headed to Baytown, about five hours away Monday evening to have new brakes, an oil cooler and the bike serviced at KT's Cycle. He is the most knowledgeable Harley guy you will ever meet and the brother of my friend Don or Flash as he is known in Texas. Still playing with my load, trying to figure the best way to load so each day I have to take minimal stuff off.

Last thought, I used the new Lithium batteries in spot. After eight days the voltage level is higher than new Alkaline batteries with spot transmitting every 10 minutes. Maybe they are worth the $2.30 each AAA costs.

Part one of my trip is over

2010-06-30T13:13:00.000-07:00

I'm in Austin Texas and have added a link that cover the past 10 days and the first part of my trip. Please note that I'm using a netbook with tiny screen and keyboard. When I use the spell checker it is actually adding errors, and I can spell poorly enough without help!

Traveling alot of Miles and not much Distance!

2010-06-29T18:56:00.000-07:00

Route 66 was fun through Illinois as it is mostly intact allowing you to stay off the interstate. I met two Aussies touring route 66 who were in the Simpson Desert last year and saw my group crossing Australia. Checked out my abs brakes (which allow you to maneuver during hard braking!) when I glanced over at a tourist place that was closed and the woman in front of me decided to stop in the road.

Missouri and Oklahoma route 66 is mostly gone with side trips from the interstate thru a few sections and museums and tourist stops. At the state line for Oklahoma, route 44 turns in to a toll road, so I headed for secondary roads. My trusty Harley Owners Group Atlas is small, very hard to read with my old eyes and this trip is without a GPS. The atlas has very few secondary roads, so I headed east looking for a road south. Found one, took it to the end and went west, looking for another south road. Worked fine yesterday zigging east and west then south until I found a tourist info center with maps. Camped at a primitive site (no cell coverage, no Internet, no showers) along the Illinois river last night bathing in the river, then zigged and zagged on scenic roads today including the best four hours of riding I have ever had. Route 259 is two lanes, 65 mph with turn after turn wrapping up over the Ozarts and thru three river valleys. Had on and off sprinkles all afternoon which kept it cool until mother nature suddenly opened (Hurricane Alex outer bands) up made the ride difficult due to lousy visibility and the grease Texas uses to pave with. Had a lot of abs braking action and had several stops as visibility was zero due to heavy rain and the fog from my wet clothing. Stopped in Palestine Texas, going to head on over to Austin for 8 days tomorrow.

Gettin my Kicks on route 66

2010-06-27T18:35:00.000-07:00

Rain, wind, dark Sky, hot! Stopped at my brother and sister in laws in Indiana and attended a graduation party for my niece's daughter (Great niece?) She sure is a great niece with nice family and friends.

My oldest and first favorite niece has a boy friend that is a Miller Beer distributor, how cool is that! Had a great visit, great party and great food. This morning a weather alert hit the radio, 60 knot winds and heavy rain. I hid under a bank auto teller window, then got dumped on. Found out you need to be careful with the rain suit as it works as a funnel if not sealed completely.

Passed a cemetery on rte 66 and the wind was blowing all the plastic and real flowers across the road. Would make a heck of a headline wrecked bike due to flying flowers. Watched another biker fall over in gravel. Quite a bit of damage I think due to the help he received picking it up.

Tonight the sky turned yellow, dark clouds dropped low and I got wet again. Went to dinner and the power went out trapping me there for a while.

Penn and Ohio

2010-06-24T20:13:00.000-07:00

Camped in the Allegheny National Forrest last night, hours of Lightning, heavy rain and wind! No leaks in my tent which is good to know before I get way up north. Hit the road this morning and rain started for several hours, with showers afterward. beautiful ride with a big detour north of Pittsburgh then I missed a detour on route 30 and made a big loop. Tomorrow on to Indiana to visit family.

On the Road Again!

2010-06-22T07:06:00.000-07:00

If you followed spot, you saw a long day, even if it wasn't the 900 miles I planned yesterday. 825 miles and it took 14 hours 15 minutes passing through six states. Construction, a nasty motorcycle accident slowed traffic Lessons learned, don't stop at a subway near lunch and be prepared to go along ways for gas in Pennsylvania.

Looking to head west when there is a hole in the front coming this way and a much more leisurely pace. Bike is light in the front end and gas mileage isn't as good as normal.

Spot

2010-06-19T06:45:00.000-07:00

This is Spot, my Satellite tracker. From the link below, you can see my position for the last 7 days. Today I rode over to my buddy Dave's for a few minutes so the tracks are at our houses and between. Monday they will be me heading to New York. I will add a link for this spot adventure that will show the track and pictures at the track locations.

Packing My Bike

2010-06-17T04:24:00.000-07:00

Still trying to figure out this blog stuff. I think the tank bag makes me look fat!

I put together a packing list for two reasons. First to make sure I have everything and can leave excess behind, second my memory is so crappy I can remember where stuff is.

I have at least two weeks clothing and will use Walmart instead of laundries every couple of weeks! I have a few sets of microfiber skivvies that you wash in the shower, wring, wrap in your towel and step on it. They dry in an hour or so. Betty wanted me to get the ones made from soy, she said if I was stranded I wouldn't starve. I didn't go that way.

My load!

Right Bag
Spare debit card/Passport
Gortex Rain Gaiters
Gortex Gloves w/liners
Hat with bug net
Microfiber Sweater
Jacket Liner
Face mask /Neck wrap
Microfiber Watch cap
Soft fairings
Long sleeved shirt
2 pr heavy socks
Aussie books
Emergency blanket
Heat vest

Rack /Duffle bag
Tent/Camp Chair
Cot/Self inflating Mattress
Sleeping bag
Stove/Mess gear
Emergency food
Emergency blanket
Deep woods Off
Matches/lighter/Coffee
2 Levis (DB Bottom)
1 Convertibles (DB Bottom)
Long johns (DB bottom
)shorts /collared shirt(DB Bottom)
2 long sleeved shirts (DB Bottom)
Wickaway shirts long (DB Bottom)
Alcan Hgway Mileposts (DB Bottom)

Left bag Tools
Spare Plugs/VOM
First aid kit/Hiking boots
Owners manual/Service manual
Oil Filter+Qt Synthetic oil
Sockets/ratchet/crescent wrench
Vice grips, needle nose
Nylon ties, bailing wire
Duct tape (around oil)
Harley tools/elect tape
Belt gauge/ Compressor
Air pump (manual no-loss)
Tire Plug kit/Harley Gloss
Batteries/elect adapters

Tank Bag
Small Binoculars
Medicine/Eye drops
Spare Glasses / glasses cleaners
Snacks
Harley Atlas
Route 66 book
Unscented field towels
Led headlamp
Led Flash light
Head Led lamp
Wind/sun goggles
Pen/pencils
Spare key
Netbook
Ear plugs
Tan lotion stick
Tire gauge
Knife/Lighter
Three dew rags
Camera
Soft bag
Line/ Clothes pins
14 skivvies/socks/T shirts
5 pr socks
Round Bag
Sweats
Soap/shampoo
Microfiber towel
Tooth brush/paste
Razor/cream
Shower shoes
Elect razor

Other
8x10 Tarp(Cargo net)
Rain Gear (Cargo net}
Modular helmet
Riding helmet
Gallon gas can(tied to rack bottom)
MP3 dash board
Spot –satellite tracker (Handle bars)

Preparations for my 2010 Trip to NY, Chicago, Oky City, Austin Tx, Yukon Territoty, Alaska, the NW, Sturgis and where ever!

2010-06-15T05:35:00.000-07:00

The great thing about being retired is instead of dreaming about things, you can just do them! When Wild Hogs came out, an old friend and I, and our wives went to see it. Bill and I discussed picking up a couple of Harley's and bumming around as we both had them years ago. Within a year, He was gone due to cancer and my wife agreed to my whining about getting a Harley. That spring I rode 20,000 miles to Daytona, Laconia, NH, and to Milwaukee for Harleys 105th celebration.

For years I was an avid Hash House Harrier, a running-beer drinking group. With a Harley, as with the Hash, you meet all kinds of folks and when you put on your T-shirts you are just brothers (and sisters) from different mothers! No attitudes, no baggage, just friends.

Following a trip to Daytona Beach where my brothers Dave and Roger and I rode for 5 hours in temps below 20F, Dave had a party at his house. During the party, my brother Jimmy asked me to ride to Tenn. and swing down to Deals Gap to slay the Dragon. My bride of more the 40 years said no problem. A bit later, my brother Don asked if I was interested in a trip to Houston and Betty wasn't quite as quick to approve, but did none the less. As we were leaving, my brother Roger asked if I was interested in a trip to Australia and a 3400 mile dirt bike ride across the outback from Airlie Beach on the east coast, to Perth on the west coast. Betty said she thought I was crazy, but it was up to me!

From the pictures, you can see, I went to Tenn., and then to Australia, hit Laconia the day after I returned, then a week later headed to Houston. From Houston I rode up to visit the Austin Burgers (my son Ron and daughter in law Marlene) who were headed to Colorado. I rode to Roswell, NM with them and split for Scottsdale AZ to visit my youngest son. He is an airline pilot and was called for a trip and left the next day. I called a friend in San Diego and headed there. Headed back to meet Don in Houston, and then back home. Great ride and a great year until the fall when my brother un- expectantly passed away. Life is short.

This spring, a great trip in the cold to Florida with my nephew Steve, cold Daytona and cold Key West! Upon returning, a friend invited me to ride with him to Alaska. After a month of planning, his wife convinced him to cancel our trip. I mentioned my trip to my son Ron, and now we are headed out for Alaska, the Yukon Territory and where ever the road takes us. I'll link his blog and my satellite tracked when I figure out how to add links.