8/20/07
Well, this is it. The last day of the two month tour. After camping under the trees, we had a dry tent waking up so that made it nice for packing. There was a restaurant almost directly across the street from the campground and they were open so we went in. They had a buffet that looked good but actually looked better than it tasted. The coffee was also weak so the start wasn't what we actually wanted.
We headed to Acadia. We were going to ride the 27 mile Park Loop Road and then I'd find the TomTom point somewhere near the ocean before we headed out. I enjoyed the Park Road to Cadillac Mtn but Ruth said that riding 35 mph in the woods is boring.
Climbing Cadillac Mtn was nice. At the top I remembered that one of the AMA Everywhere towns was Cadillac so I took a photo at the top of the mtn. I don't know if it will count, but its worth the creative effort.
When we came down from the mtn, we continued on the park loop road. I saw a whitetail hindquarters behind a tree and within a minute, a buck with velvety antlers ran across the road in front of me. Ruth thought I was going to be hit but I don't think it was that close. I didn't even apply brakes although I saw it in plenty of time. It was in a hurry so I just maintained my slow speed and watched it go.
I agreed that 35 mph was becoming tedious so I headed toward the Blackstone Campground which is where the TomTom point was. The exact spot was in the middle of the campground (remember, it was full) so I took a picture of the ranger station at the entrance instead.
We then headed out of the park and south on Rte 1. It tries to follow the coast but lots of times you are inland and can't even see water. When it gets close to water, the traffic increases and slows considerably. I thought this was tedious riding but Ruth didn't want to do interstates yet. We stayed on 1 to Wiscasset where we stopped for a late lobster and steamer lunch. I then headed onto the interstates and to home. We arrived home about 5:30 PM.
The long ride is officially over.
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
The End of the 4 Corners....
8/19/07
It was pretty cold when Ruth and I awoke. The neighbors were already tearing down their camp because they had two kids that were vomiting during the night so they were ready to head home.
We packed up the camp and headed back to the Tim Horton's for a bagel. As we were eating, a guy came riding up and he sought us out inside. He teaches classes that allow people to get their permit in ME so he wanted to talk bikes. When he found out I taught MSF classes, he was very chatty.
We talked about lots and then Iasked him about getting to Madawaska. He said it was about 2.5 hours there and that Rte 11 on the way back was nice. That was the plan for the day then.
The ride to Madawaska was uneventful. When we got there, I filled up at a Chevron that was on the SCMA list. The attendants knew about the 4 Corners ride and were full of questions. Ruth and I both filled up and then I rode over to the Post Office to get a photo and mail the gas receipt and totals.
After that, we decided to go to the new SCMA 4 Corners statue and get a photo there.
Now that the 4 Corners ride was over, we headed to Ft Nelson for a Subway sandwich and to get on Rte 11 to head back to Bangor and Acadia National Park.
About 1/2 way down the road we stopped at a rest stop. There were 5 other bikes there and we went up and chatted with them. They were all locals out riding and soon, four of them took off. We chatted with the remaining couple for awhile. They were riding a Goldwing and were pulling a camping trailer that Ruth and I looked at. They gave us advice on where to stay in Bar Harbor and we left a bit before them and headed south.
On the way south, we did see a white-tailed deer alongside the road.
Route 11 was definitely a more scenic way to go although it would be more challenging and dangerous at night.
We arrived at Acadia about 5 PM. I went to the vc immediately to get the stamp that would earn my National parks Gold and then we returned to the campground to set up camp.
After setting up, we crossed the street to have dinner. Ruth wanted lobster, but she couldn't be the one to condemn the lobster to death. I had to pick one out for us. I did that and she showed me the places to crack 'em open and eat 'em. It was pretty good!!
From there, we went to the convenience store to get marshmallows and graham crackers. I made a fire and we had s'mores for dessert. After it was dark, we laid down for a night's rest....
It was pretty cold when Ruth and I awoke. The neighbors were already tearing down their camp because they had two kids that were vomiting during the night so they were ready to head home.
We packed up the camp and headed back to the Tim Horton's for a bagel. As we were eating, a guy came riding up and he sought us out inside. He teaches classes that allow people to get their permit in ME so he wanted to talk bikes. When he found out I taught MSF classes, he was very chatty.
We talked about lots and then Iasked him about getting to Madawaska. He said it was about 2.5 hours there and that Rte 11 on the way back was nice. That was the plan for the day then.
The ride to Madawaska was uneventful. When we got there, I filled up at a Chevron that was on the SCMA list. The attendants knew about the 4 Corners ride and were full of questions. Ruth and I both filled up and then I rode over to the Post Office to get a photo and mail the gas receipt and totals.
After that, we decided to go to the new SCMA 4 Corners statue and get a photo there.
Now that the 4 Corners ride was over, we headed to Ft Nelson for a Subway sandwich and to get on Rte 11 to head back to Bangor and Acadia National Park.
About 1/2 way down the road we stopped at a rest stop. There were 5 other bikes there and we went up and chatted with them. They were all locals out riding and soon, four of them took off. We chatted with the remaining couple for awhile. They were riding a Goldwing and were pulling a camping trailer that Ruth and I looked at. They gave us advice on where to stay in Bar Harbor and we left a bit before them and headed south.
On the way south, we did see a white-tailed deer alongside the road.
Route 11 was definitely a more scenic way to go although it would be more challenging and dangerous at night.
We arrived at Acadia about 5 PM. I went to the vc immediately to get the stamp that would earn my National parks Gold and then we returned to the campground to set up camp.
After setting up, we crossed the street to have dinner. Ruth wanted lobster, but she couldn't be the one to condemn the lobster to death. I had to pick one out for us. I did that and she showed me the places to crack 'em open and eat 'em. It was pretty good!!
From there, we went to the convenience store to get marshmallows and graham crackers. I made a fire and we had s'mores for dessert. After it was dark, we laid down for a night's rest....
Back at it...
8/18/07
Ruth had to work last night so she wasn't ready to go right off but she was ready pretty quick. We were on the road by 8 AM. The first stop was a GPS point in Portsmouth, NH. The GPS pointed me to a woodlot next to the Community School so I took a photo of the school but as we left, there was a waterpark on the backside of the woods so I took a photo there also. The second GPS point was in York, ME and it was in their downtown area. There was an animal park that I think was closest so I took the photo of that.
We then headed north. The next four stops were Everywhere stops; Waterville, Wickson, Pittsfield and Bangor. Bangor also had a GPS point at some downtown buildings.
We made it to Bangor faster than I'd thought. I planned to stop here for the day but it was too early so Ruth voted to move on the Houlton (on the US/Canadian border). It was about 110 miles away but it was all interstate in remote areas. We made it there by 6 PM but Houlton was celebrating their 200th anniversary so EVERY hotel room in the town was occupied. Its a good thing we'd brought camping things and we took a nice campground on the edge of town. It was nice grass and fairly quiet. We set up camp, returned to town for a quick dinner, and then back to the campground for bed.
It was very cold during the night. I'd imagine it was in the mid 40s so both Ruth (in my warmer sleeping bag) and I were cold and had to put on jackets to stay warm.
We did 412 miles today, the longest Ruth every did....
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Photos uploaded
I've uploaded the remainder of the photos to my pbase account. If I get a chance tomorrow, I'll add some select ones to the blog. It may be until next week for that though because of the maintenance on the bike I've got to do.
http://www.pbase.com/drtryan/alaska__4_corners
http://www.pbase.com/drtryan/alaska__4_corners
18000+ miles and now this happens
I was working on getting pictures off my camera when I heard a "blam" and thought the neighbor was doing some construction. I went to see how my cat responded to the noise when I saw what it was. The center stand on the DL650 had sunken into the asphalt and the bike tipped over on the right side. It broke the right turn signal, hand guard, and brake lever. The only thing they have in stock is a brake lever. I'm going to try glue and duck tape for the turn signal and I'll take the hand guards off for now.
Dang it!!!
Temporarily Home
8/15/07
I awoke early so that I could get out of the city early. Its amazing to me how much traffic there is at 5:30 AM between Washington, DC and Baltimore, MD. Like last night in Washington, I decided to skip anymore scavenger hunt points in the area and headed toward Scranton, PA. I wanted to swing wide of NYC and just get home at some reasonable time.
I made it about 1/2 hour north of Baltimore when I stopped for breakfast. I was doing fine on time and traveling there. I then continued north of Harrisburg, PA and started running into LOTS of road construction. It seemed that I was riding 40 mph more than I was riding 65 mph so I decided to jump to I-80 and find a way to I-84. Rte 209 was the road that ran between these two interstates and it was an awesome road. The Delaware River Water Gap Recreation area is on this road so I got another NPS stamp and I saw a black bear on the road near the NY border.
There really wasn't much more to say; I rode interstates home and arrived about 4 PM. Its good to be home, even if its just temporarily. I've still got to get to Madawaska, ME by Monday. Ruth and I plan on leaving Saturday and getting there on Sunday. Here's to hoping it happens this way...
I awoke early so that I could get out of the city early. Its amazing to me how much traffic there is at 5:30 AM between Washington, DC and Baltimore, MD. Like last night in Washington, I decided to skip anymore scavenger hunt points in the area and headed toward Scranton, PA. I wanted to swing wide of NYC and just get home at some reasonable time.
I made it about 1/2 hour north of Baltimore when I stopped for breakfast. I was doing fine on time and traveling there. I then continued north of Harrisburg, PA and started running into LOTS of road construction. It seemed that I was riding 40 mph more than I was riding 65 mph so I decided to jump to I-80 and find a way to I-84. Rte 209 was the road that ran between these two interstates and it was an awesome road. The Delaware River Water Gap Recreation area is on this road so I got another NPS stamp and I saw a black bear on the road near the NY border.
There really wasn't much more to say; I rode interstates home and arrived about 4 PM. Its good to be home, even if its just temporarily. I've still got to get to Madawaska, ME by Monday. Ruth and I plan on leaving Saturday and getting there on Sunday. Here's to hoping it happens this way...
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Yin-Yang Day from SC to DC
8/14/07
I loaded the bike and was waiting for the office to open so I could
get a breakfast before leaving. The owner of the Super-8 was working
and as soon as he opened the dining room, he put on a movie from India
on the satellite TV. He and I chatted for awhile while the MTV-like
musical played. He really enjoyed the movie and was talking to me
like I was an old friend. I liked him.
I headed north. It was about 90 miles to the Santee State Park and
with no traffic, I made it quickly. In the park, I rode to the area
Ruth had described to me and the only thing there was a visitor center
and a dock. There was about 40 vultures all sitting either on the
railing on the dock or on a car that was at the dock. I don't know
why they chose that particular car because there were others there
also but it was funny to see them there.
I went into the visitor center and asked about notable structures.
They didn't know of any and when I checked the GPS, it appeared the
site was right there!
I now headed north toward Little Rock, SC. It was another 90 miles
toward South of the Border, a tourist trap on the SC/NC border. The
good news was that it was also easy to find so by now, I've gone
nearly 200 miles and already gotten a couple good sites.
My next stop was near Rocky Mount, NC (just over 100 miles). It was
called Nashville and again, it was fairly easy to find.
I know it doesn't sound like much, but this was a good start to a day.
It was about noon and I'd already been to three sites and gotten a
lot of miles in.
I had a lunch at a Subway and turned north toward Richmond, VA. There
were two things here to get; a NPS stamp and another GPS point. I
went to the National Park first. I had a bit of confusion though as
there was a 295 going through Petersburg and a 95 heading to Richmond.
I took the 95 and the first sign for a NP Battlefield was heading
back toward Petersburg. I then searched and found another in Richmond
so I went that direction. The GPS took me toward one but then I saw
another sign for a different battlefield and I foolishly ignored the
GPS and went toward the sign. It was apparently a NEW site that was
only open on weekends so I wasted a half hour finding it. I then just
followed the GPS to the Richmond NPS site that was a former
Confederate hospital. It was a very interesting site. It told me
about the state of surgery and medicine during the Civil War.
From there I headed toward the GPS point. It turned out to be another
NASCAR racetrack; the Richmond Speedway! I had a security guard take
my photo and I then headed the 100+ miles to Washington. This is
where the day turned very sour. I dislike cities and the traffic
associated with it. I'll make this brief and just say that of the 3
everywhere towns and 1 GPS point in the Washington/Baltimore area, I
didn't get any of them. I ended up staying at a hotel between
Washington and Baltimore.
Tomorrow, I should get to sleep in my own bed for the first time in 57 days....
I loaded the bike and was waiting for the office to open so I could
get a breakfast before leaving. The owner of the Super-8 was working
and as soon as he opened the dining room, he put on a movie from India
on the satellite TV. He and I chatted for awhile while the MTV-like
musical played. He really enjoyed the movie and was talking to me
like I was an old friend. I liked him.
I headed north. It was about 90 miles to the Santee State Park and
with no traffic, I made it quickly. In the park, I rode to the area
Ruth had described to me and the only thing there was a visitor center
and a dock. There was about 40 vultures all sitting either on the
railing on the dock or on a car that was at the dock. I don't know
why they chose that particular car because there were others there
also but it was funny to see them there.
I went into the visitor center and asked about notable structures.
They didn't know of any and when I checked the GPS, it appeared the
site was right there!
I now headed north toward Little Rock, SC. It was another 90 miles
toward South of the Border, a tourist trap on the SC/NC border. The
good news was that it was also easy to find so by now, I've gone
nearly 200 miles and already gotten a couple good sites.
My next stop was near Rocky Mount, NC (just over 100 miles). It was
called Nashville and again, it was fairly easy to find.
I know it doesn't sound like much, but this was a good start to a day.
It was about noon and I'd already been to three sites and gotten a
lot of miles in.
I had a lunch at a Subway and turned north toward Richmond, VA. There
were two things here to get; a NPS stamp and another GPS point. I
went to the National Park first. I had a bit of confusion though as
there was a 295 going through Petersburg and a 95 heading to Richmond.
I took the 95 and the first sign for a NP Battlefield was heading
back toward Petersburg. I then searched and found another in Richmond
so I went that direction. The GPS took me toward one but then I saw
another sign for a different battlefield and I foolishly ignored the
GPS and went toward the sign. It was apparently a NEW site that was
only open on weekends so I wasted a half hour finding it. I then just
followed the GPS to the Richmond NPS site that was a former
Confederate hospital. It was a very interesting site. It told me
about the state of surgery and medicine during the Civil War.
From there I headed toward the GPS point. It turned out to be another
NASCAR racetrack; the Richmond Speedway! I had a security guard take
my photo and I then headed the 100+ miles to Washington. This is
where the day turned very sour. I dislike cities and the traffic
associated with it. I'll make this brief and just say that of the 3
everywhere towns and 1 GPS point in the Washington/Baltimore area, I
didn't get any of them. I ended up staying at a hotel between
Washington and Baltimore.
Tomorrow, I should get to sleep in my own bed for the first time in 57 days....
--
============
Todd Ryan; Hudson, MA
Westborough HS Science Teacher
MSF RiderCoach
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
The Highways are Dangerous...
8/13/07
I got a reasonable start to the morning. My first stop was about an
hour away at Kennedy Space Center. The visitor center is relatively
easy to find and its cool to watch the sun coming up over the ocean.
The issue with some of the GPS points are that sometimes they choose a
specific site and sometimes they choose the middle of the attraction.
I couldn't get to the exact point on this so I took a photo of the KSC
Visitor sign and let it go at that.
I headed for Jacksonville but made a side trip to Canaveral National
Seashore. There was a ranger there that told me he took his grandkids
on a vacation when they reached 13 and he took them anywhere in the
world they wanted to go. I liked that idea.
I also found a KOA as I was traveling there.
Jacksonville was the next spot. The first two post offices I went to
didn't have any signs on them that said Jacksonville so I then aimed
for a fire station. It seems the data on my GPS is out of date as the
fire station wasn't there. But I did find a post office there that
did have a sign so I was set.
Savannah was the next stop. There are two spots to see in Savannah;
Parkersburg and the Bonaventure cemetery.
On my way to Savannah, I saw a sign for a National Seashore in St.
Mary's, GA. I rode to it and picked up an easy stamp for GA.
After I left the site, I found a library that would let me check
email. I could catch up with a few AP students that had emailed me
since I checked it the last time.
Returning to the interstate, I had the biggest scare of the trip.
There was road construction going on so there were two lanes to travel
through. The right lane had an oversized truck with two pickup
companion vehicles. The truck was traveling slow so I was third in
line to pass it on the left. All of a sudden, I heard a huge BOOM!!
And the cars started swerving. We all jumped on the brakes and nearly
came to a stop. It seems that one of the tires on the left side of
the truck blew and had thrown rubber everywhere. A car had a dent in
the passenger side door. I was glad that I wasn't the one next to the
truck!!
In Savannah, I chose to go to the wrong site first. I tried to find
Parkersburg. The GPS took me through lots of small streets and
finally onto a dead end street that showed me that Parkersburg doesn't
exist anymore. There were a couple of streets that were named
Parkersburg Ave, Drive, etc but those don't count.
The reason it was the wrong one to start with was because the
Bonaventure cemetery closed at 5 PM and I arrived there at 5:10.
There was a supervisor there but he said there was some type of charge
for being there after hours and that the place, as a historic site,
was monitored by cameras. I know he was sincere and he'd have let me
in if he could have. I took a photo of the entrance and am hoping
that might count.
I then rode to the first exit in South Carolina and ended the day.
I got a reasonable start to the morning. My first stop was about an
hour away at Kennedy Space Center. The visitor center is relatively
easy to find and its cool to watch the sun coming up over the ocean.
The issue with some of the GPS points are that sometimes they choose a
specific site and sometimes they choose the middle of the attraction.
I couldn't get to the exact point on this so I took a photo of the KSC
Visitor sign and let it go at that.
I headed for Jacksonville but made a side trip to Canaveral National
Seashore. There was a ranger there that told me he took his grandkids
on a vacation when they reached 13 and he took them anywhere in the
world they wanted to go. I liked that idea.
I also found a KOA as I was traveling there.
Jacksonville was the next spot. The first two post offices I went to
didn't have any signs on them that said Jacksonville so I then aimed
for a fire station. It seems the data on my GPS is out of date as the
fire station wasn't there. But I did find a post office there that
did have a sign so I was set.
Savannah was the next stop. There are two spots to see in Savannah;
Parkersburg and the Bonaventure cemetery.
On my way to Savannah, I saw a sign for a National Seashore in St.
Mary's, GA. I rode to it and picked up an easy stamp for GA.
After I left the site, I found a library that would let me check
email. I could catch up with a few AP students that had emailed me
since I checked it the last time.
Returning to the interstate, I had the biggest scare of the trip.
There was road construction going on so there were two lanes to travel
through. The right lane had an oversized truck with two pickup
companion vehicles. The truck was traveling slow so I was third in
line to pass it on the left. All of a sudden, I heard a huge BOOM!!
And the cars started swerving. We all jumped on the brakes and nearly
came to a stop. It seems that one of the tires on the left side of
the truck blew and had thrown rubber everywhere. A car had a dent in
the passenger side door. I was glad that I wasn't the one next to the
truck!!
In Savannah, I chose to go to the wrong site first. I tried to find
Parkersburg. The GPS took me through lots of small streets and
finally onto a dead end street that showed me that Parkersburg doesn't
exist anymore. There were a couple of streets that were named
Parkersburg Ave, Drive, etc but those don't count.
The reason it was the wrong one to start with was because the
Bonaventure cemetery closed at 5 PM and I arrived there at 5:10.
There was a supervisor there but he said there was some type of charge
for being there after hours and that the place, as a historic site,
was monitored by cameras. I know he was sincere and he'd have let me
in if he could have. I took a photo of the entrance and am hoping
that might count.
I then rode to the first exit in South Carolina and ended the day.
--
============
Todd Ryan; Hudson, MA
Westborough HS Science Teacher
MSF RiderCoach
Monday, August 13, 2007
Executing the plan
8/12/07
I was up at 4:30 and out the door by 5:30. I easily found the route
south and lucked into finding a couple of cars that wanted to ride
just above the speed limit early. Why that is lucky is that cars have
brighter headlights than motorcycles do so if I stay reasonably close
to them, I can scan the sides of the road far ahead using their
headlights. That allows me to see deer, etc early enough to react
comfortably.
Stars were visible and I considered briefly stopping long enough to
view them. There was, however, no where to pull over so that was
eliminated. Over the ocean were a couple of storms and I also saw
lightning dancing in the clouds. It was a great morning to be riding.
I was quite a ways by the time the sun rose. I watched the sunrise
over the ocean in my rearview mirrors. At times, it was like the
brightest headlight ever coming up behind me and I was glad it wasn't
always just due west riding.
I made it to Key West in 2 1/2 hours. I filled up my tank so I had
the gas receipt, I stopped at a Denny's for their phone number, and I
found the post office to drop off my envelope. I also drove to the
"Southernmost" marker and had someone take a photo of me and the bike
at it.
I noticed a Dunkin Donuts on my way in and I had to stop there for the
first time in two months. It was as good as I remember coffee being.
It was only then that I remembered the AMA Scavenger hunt and that the
southernmost monument was a spot. Yes, I already had the photo but it
didn't include the required flag so I rode back and got another photo
with the flag on my bike.
It was now 9:15 and I was on my way BACK from Key West. Of course,
traffic had picked up so it wasn't as smooth. I did stop at the two
KOAs in the keys to get photos and I returned to Florida City about
12:30. I then made a 10 mile ride to the Everglades National Park and
another 15 minute ride to the Key Biscayne National Park. I'd been to
the Everglades before but not to Biscayne so I spent some time there.
In addition, they were hosting a special event for a local
photographer as she was displaying some of her work. They had
sandwiches and drinks so I was able to have lunch AND get new NP
stamps.
Even more exciting to me was that I passed Homestead-Miami Speedway on
the way to Biscayne. For those that don't know, that is a Nascar
track and I enjoy Nascar racing.
After this I headed north to the Florida Turnpike. The afternoon was
spent riding into and out of severe thunderstorms. It was quite
interesting how the temperature drops as I'm about to ride into a
rainstorm and how it increases as I'm leaving it. I did have one time
where the clouds ahead looked so dark and there was lightning that I
took refuge under a bridge for about 10 minutes. Two guys on Suzuki
Hyabusas stopped and we chatted about their bikes and how they enjoyed
riding. They were nice guys although we did different types of
motorcycling.
I'll mention that although the 'stich is waterresistant, it isn't when
the vents are open to let air in. I got soaked to the skin in the
rainstorms because water could come in the open vents and the open
legs but it wasn't all bad. The evaporation cooled me off also.
I stopped in Melbourne for the day as I was tired about 5 PM. I'd
been riding for 12 hours and had turned my 3rd corner. Now, I'm
heading for home.
I was up at 4:30 and out the door by 5:30. I easily found the route
south and lucked into finding a couple of cars that wanted to ride
just above the speed limit early. Why that is lucky is that cars have
brighter headlights than motorcycles do so if I stay reasonably close
to them, I can scan the sides of the road far ahead using their
headlights. That allows me to see deer, etc early enough to react
comfortably.
Stars were visible and I considered briefly stopping long enough to
view them. There was, however, no where to pull over so that was
eliminated. Over the ocean were a couple of storms and I also saw
lightning dancing in the clouds. It was a great morning to be riding.
I was quite a ways by the time the sun rose. I watched the sunrise
over the ocean in my rearview mirrors. At times, it was like the
brightest headlight ever coming up behind me and I was glad it wasn't
always just due west riding.
I made it to Key West in 2 1/2 hours. I filled up my tank so I had
the gas receipt, I stopped at a Denny's for their phone number, and I
found the post office to drop off my envelope. I also drove to the
"Southernmost" marker and had someone take a photo of me and the bike
at it.
I noticed a Dunkin Donuts on my way in and I had to stop there for the
first time in two months. It was as good as I remember coffee being.
It was only then that I remembered the AMA Scavenger hunt and that the
southernmost monument was a spot. Yes, I already had the photo but it
didn't include the required flag so I rode back and got another photo
with the flag on my bike.
It was now 9:15 and I was on my way BACK from Key West. Of course,
traffic had picked up so it wasn't as smooth. I did stop at the two
KOAs in the keys to get photos and I returned to Florida City about
12:30. I then made a 10 mile ride to the Everglades National Park and
another 15 minute ride to the Key Biscayne National Park. I'd been to
the Everglades before but not to Biscayne so I spent some time there.
In addition, they were hosting a special event for a local
photographer as she was displaying some of her work. They had
sandwiches and drinks so I was able to have lunch AND get new NP
stamps.
Even more exciting to me was that I passed Homestead-Miami Speedway on
the way to Biscayne. For those that don't know, that is a Nascar
track and I enjoy Nascar racing.
After this I headed north to the Florida Turnpike. The afternoon was
spent riding into and out of severe thunderstorms. It was quite
interesting how the temperature drops as I'm about to ride into a
rainstorm and how it increases as I'm leaving it. I did have one time
where the clouds ahead looked so dark and there was lightning that I
took refuge under a bridge for about 10 minutes. Two guys on Suzuki
Hyabusas stopped and we chatted about their bikes and how they enjoyed
riding. They were nice guys although we did different types of
motorcycling.
I'll mention that although the 'stich is waterresistant, it isn't when
the vents are open to let air in. I got soaked to the skin in the
rainstorms because water could come in the open vents and the open
legs but it wasn't all bad. The evaporation cooled me off also.
I stopped in Melbourne for the day as I was tired about 5 PM. I'd
been riding for 12 hours and had turned my 3rd corner. Now, I'm
heading for home.
--
============
Todd Ryan; Hudson, MA
Westborough HS Science Teacher
MSF RiderCoach
Sunday, August 12, 2007
mileage update
At the turn in Key West, FL, I'm at 17037 miles on the trip.
--
============
Todd Ryan; Hudson, MA
Westborough HS Science Teacher
MSF RiderCoach
Saturday, August 11, 2007
Old Stompin' Grounds
8/11/07
Wow, the heat was already oppressive at 6 AM. I was looking forward
to going to the WaffleHouse for breakfast as I seldom get to one and I
like their food. I get 2 scrambled eggs with hashbrowns scattered
covered and smothered and raisin toast with apple butter. I know its
high cholesterol but I only splurge on occasion.
The ride today is ambitious; I plan on getting to Miami from an hour
west of Tallahassee (600+ miles). There were only a few scavenger
hunt items to look for an its mostly 70 mph interstate.
So, I got on I10 east. I spied a whitetailed deer along the roadside
as the sun was coming up. The deer here are MUCH smaller than those
I'd seen earlier on the trip (but I still don't want to run into one).
I also spied dead armadillos and raccoons. Hmmm, perhaps wildlife in
FL isn't as smart as other places.
I passed by a couple of KOAs because it was too early to stop and I
needed to build momentum for the day. The GPS started acting funny
before Tallahassee. It would lock and I couldn't get it to respond in
any fashion. Its almost like its responding to a touch on the screen
and that touch is continuous! I ended up just shutting it off for
about 20 minutes and then cleaned the screen with water at the next
gas stop. That made it work the remainder of the day.
I made the turn onto I-75 south at Tallahassee and put in two
scavenger hunt sites; Santa Fe and Cadillac, FL (both from Johnny
Cash's "I've Been Everywhere" song). I found where they were SUPPOSED
to be but there was no town in either spot. I took a photo of the
Santa Fe Baptist church and I'll see if it will count but I couln't
find anything for Cadillac, FL.
I passed some nice horse farms on this side excursion. It was just a
little north of Gainseville and I used to live just south of here so
I'm familiar with the area.
There really was little to see or stop for since I used to live here.
I rode south to Wildwood before stopping again for lunch. I tried
calling Ruth but she was busy with a customer at JCP so I spoke with
my Dad for a few moments.
The weather showed some clouds buildling and one of the things I
remember from living in FL is the every afternoon thunderstorms in hot
weather. I geared up and started south on the turnpike. Traffic was
acceptable and I got 45 miles before it started raining. It only
rained sporadically but when it did rain, it came down hard. The
'stich may be hot but it also protects me from those rain pellets!
I also spied another of my favorite birds while riding south on the
turnpike; a Scissor-tailed Kite. There are hawk-like birds with a
distinctive tail so they're obvious even at 60 mph.
The only other stop I wanted to make for the day was at OpaLocka near
Miami. This is another Everywhere town and I found it easily. I took
a photo at the post office and then made the 1/2 hour drive to Florida
City, the last town in FL before the keys. I'm set for a shot down
there in the morning!!
At a serice area on the turnpike I spoke with a FL state patrolman
about traffic out of Key West on a Sunday and he said that after 2 PM
its slow going. The manager at the Super 8 told me its 122 miles to
Key West from the motel so my plan is to be on the road at 5 AM so I
can get there in 3 hours and then start back after some quick looking
around. I've been to Key West with Ruth a few years ago so I won't do
much touristy stuff. I do want to get started north and heading back
home.....
Wow, the heat was already oppressive at 6 AM. I was looking forward
to going to the WaffleHouse for breakfast as I seldom get to one and I
like their food. I get 2 scrambled eggs with hashbrowns scattered
covered and smothered and raisin toast with apple butter. I know its
high cholesterol but I only splurge on occasion.
The ride today is ambitious; I plan on getting to Miami from an hour
west of Tallahassee (600+ miles). There were only a few scavenger
hunt items to look for an its mostly 70 mph interstate.
So, I got on I10 east. I spied a whitetailed deer along the roadside
as the sun was coming up. The deer here are MUCH smaller than those
I'd seen earlier on the trip (but I still don't want to run into one).
I also spied dead armadillos and raccoons. Hmmm, perhaps wildlife in
FL isn't as smart as other places.
I passed by a couple of KOAs because it was too early to stop and I
needed to build momentum for the day. The GPS started acting funny
before Tallahassee. It would lock and I couldn't get it to respond in
any fashion. Its almost like its responding to a touch on the screen
and that touch is continuous! I ended up just shutting it off for
about 20 minutes and then cleaned the screen with water at the next
gas stop. That made it work the remainder of the day.
I made the turn onto I-75 south at Tallahassee and put in two
scavenger hunt sites; Santa Fe and Cadillac, FL (both from Johnny
Cash's "I've Been Everywhere" song). I found where they were SUPPOSED
to be but there was no town in either spot. I took a photo of the
Santa Fe Baptist church and I'll see if it will count but I couln't
find anything for Cadillac, FL.
I passed some nice horse farms on this side excursion. It was just a
little north of Gainseville and I used to live just south of here so
I'm familiar with the area.
There really was little to see or stop for since I used to live here.
I rode south to Wildwood before stopping again for lunch. I tried
calling Ruth but she was busy with a customer at JCP so I spoke with
my Dad for a few moments.
The weather showed some clouds buildling and one of the things I
remember from living in FL is the every afternoon thunderstorms in hot
weather. I geared up and started south on the turnpike. Traffic was
acceptable and I got 45 miles before it started raining. It only
rained sporadically but when it did rain, it came down hard. The
'stich may be hot but it also protects me from those rain pellets!
I also spied another of my favorite birds while riding south on the
turnpike; a Scissor-tailed Kite. There are hawk-like birds with a
distinctive tail so they're obvious even at 60 mph.
The only other stop I wanted to make for the day was at OpaLocka near
Miami. This is another Everywhere town and I found it easily. I took
a photo at the post office and then made the 1/2 hour drive to Florida
City, the last town in FL before the keys. I'm set for a shot down
there in the morning!!
At a serice area on the turnpike I spoke with a FL state patrolman
about traffic out of Key West on a Sunday and he said that after 2 PM
its slow going. The manager at the Super 8 told me its 122 miles to
Key West from the motel so my plan is to be on the road at 5 AM so I
can get there in 3 hours and then start back after some quick looking
around. I've been to Key West with Ruth a few years ago so I won't do
much touristy stuff. I do want to get started north and heading back
home.....
--
============
Todd Ryan; Hudson, MA
Westborough HS Science Teacher
MSF RiderCoach
The Gulf Coast
8/10/07
I woke in LA and it was hot. I wanted to go to Boston, LA before
heading to the Jean LaFitte Historical Site.
I got into the backroads and then remembered what LA was like. It was
wet and flat. I saw lots of herons, egrets, and a few rails. It was
like most small town areas are but it was frustrating that, even
though Boston is on my GPS, there was only a few homes there and no
signs. I came up with a zero for this one.
I turned back towards the interstate and rode to the Jean LaFitte
site. Fortunately, it was easy to find and was showing a film on the
Atchafalaya Swamp which was interesting.
I now turned toward the east. Travel on the interstate was hot, humid
and busy. It was about 2 hours to get into MS, and then AL was
another hour. I did a quick stop at the USS Alabama for the AMA
Scavenger hunt and the lady at the entrance and I had a discussion
about how hot the 'stich was.
It was hot. I was about 20 miles from Pensacola and decided I'd try
riding without it. I strapped it onto my gear and rode off.
I've decided that I don't like being without it. Its not much cooler
because its so dang hot and it makes me feel more vulnerable.
In Pensacola I turned downb the scenic route toward the beaches. That
was where I'd find the Gulf Coast National Seashore. I had to hunt
around a little for it but I got it. I then continued south along the
beaches to get a scavenger hunt point and town. Unfortunately,
neither existed. I've about given up on finding these as I'm getting
tired of them and I just want to ride back to MA.
I did find a UPS Store and mailed my tent and electric gear back to
MA. It should be there on Wednesday. The bike is 28 pounds lighter
without it!!
I rode north to the interstate and found a motel 8 to stay in for the night.
I woke in LA and it was hot. I wanted to go to Boston, LA before
heading to the Jean LaFitte Historical Site.
I got into the backroads and then remembered what LA was like. It was
wet and flat. I saw lots of herons, egrets, and a few rails. It was
like most small town areas are but it was frustrating that, even
though Boston is on my GPS, there was only a few homes there and no
signs. I came up with a zero for this one.
I turned back towards the interstate and rode to the Jean LaFitte
site. Fortunately, it was easy to find and was showing a film on the
Atchafalaya Swamp which was interesting.
I now turned toward the east. Travel on the interstate was hot, humid
and busy. It was about 2 hours to get into MS, and then AL was
another hour. I did a quick stop at the USS Alabama for the AMA
Scavenger hunt and the lady at the entrance and I had a discussion
about how hot the 'stich was.
It was hot. I was about 20 miles from Pensacola and decided I'd try
riding without it. I strapped it onto my gear and rode off.
I've decided that I don't like being without it. Its not much cooler
because its so dang hot and it makes me feel more vulnerable.
In Pensacola I turned downb the scenic route toward the beaches. That
was where I'd find the Gulf Coast National Seashore. I had to hunt
around a little for it but I got it. I then continued south along the
beaches to get a scavenger hunt point and town. Unfortunately,
neither existed. I've about given up on finding these as I'm getting
tired of them and I just want to ride back to MA.
I did find a UPS Store and mailed my tent and electric gear back to
MA. It should be there on Wednesday. The bike is 28 pounds lighter
without it!!
I rode north to the interstate and found a motel 8 to stay in for the night.
--
============
Todd Ryan; Hudson, MA
Westborough HS Science Teacher
MSF RiderCoach
Friday, August 10, 2007
Heat Index
8/09/07
I awoke about 100 miles from San Antonio and I wanted to be the first
in the service line when a dealer opened at 9 AM so I was out at
o'dark thirty.
But as I said, my GPS didn't power up so I was riding without it.
This was creating some emotions about quitting the 4 Corners Ride. It
seemed that the bike wasn't going to work as I'd hoped and I would
have a hard time finding the other AMA and NPS points.
It's a little eerie riding in the dark also thinking about Larry
Grodsky last year. For those of you that don't know, he's a safety
guru that died last year in a motorcycle accident in TX when he struck
a deer.
I saw a billboard for a Honda dealer about 20 miles from San Antonio
and decided that they would at least know where I could go.
I pulled in the Autoplex dealer and spoke to Roland. The conversation
went like this;
"Hi, I'm traveling and I had something happen yesterday that I've not
heard about before. I'm hoping you can help.
I awoke about 100 miles from San Antonio and I wanted to be the first
in the service line when a dealer opened at 9 AM so I was out at
o'dark thirty.
But as I said, my GPS didn't power up so I was riding without it.
This was creating some emotions about quitting the 4 Corners Ride. It
seemed that the bike wasn't going to work as I'd hoped and I would
have a hard time finding the other AMA and NPS points.
It's a little eerie riding in the dark also thinking about Larry
Grodsky last year. For those of you that don't know, he's a safety
guru that died last year in a motorcycle accident in TX when he struck
a deer.
I saw a billboard for a Honda dealer about 20 miles from San Antonio
and decided that they would at least know where I could go.
I pulled in the Autoplex dealer and spoke to Roland. The conversation
went like this;
"Hi, I'm traveling and I had something happen yesterday that I've not
heard about before. I'm hoping you can help.
What happened?
My shift lever fell off.
What?
My shift lever fell off. I was pulling off the interstate and I
pulled in the clutch and stepped down but there was nothing there.
I've never heard of that..."
Roland came and looked at it and got a couple of tools and some
locktite and had me back on the road in 10 minutes!!! Thanks Roland!!
I also unplugged the GPS and cleaned it and plugged it back in while I
was there. It now worked! Life was going well again!!
I rode the three hours to Houston in about 100 degree temperatures.
In Houston, I got off the interstate to get a Houston map but the AAA
office was not there anymore. They were also doing lots of
construction so I'd had a couple of detours. In this heat and with
the 'stich on, I was too hot and decided to give up on AMA points in
cities. I headed for Louisiana.
I crossed into LA about 4:30 PM. I stopped at a welcome center and
chatted with a guy on a Honda cruiser. He was wearing a half helmet
and then just jeans and a tank top. He was obviously dehydrated and
tired. I guess that even with the heat, I'm protected against
dehydration with the 'stich on. I'm not terribly uncomfortable when
I'm moving so I'll keep wearing it.
I stopped just short of Lafayette. There is a NPS stamp in Lafayette
and there is a GPS point near there also so I'll get a lazy start and
get those before heading into Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida. Its
supposed to be hot today so we'll see how it goes!!!
--
============
Todd Ryan; Hudson, MA
Westborough HS Science Teacher
MSF RiderCoach
Thursday, August 9, 2007
mileage
As of last night, 15123 miles on the trip.
--
============
Todd Ryan; Hudson, MA
Westborough HS Science Teacher
MSF RiderCoach
Gremlins....
8/08/07
Hmm, I wonder if I've been dating the last few blog entries with "07"
rather than "08"?? I'll have to go look.
I was up early and packing the tent in the dark. I had ambitious
plans for the day and it required an early start. But as I left, I
heard a high-pitched whine and smelled something hot. Sincer I've
heard about Don Braziel having a whine that fortold a fuel pump issue,
I was hoping it wasn't the next problem on the bike. It seemed to run
ok though so I figured I'd nurse it along and see what happened.
I rode to El Paso and had breakfast at Denny's. I then headed
northeast to the Guadalupe Mtns National Park and Carlsbad Caverns
Park. I wanted the get the NM park and since a TX park was there,
that was just a bonus.
Riding from El Paso to the Guadalupe Mtns was interesting. It was
very very open with lots of scrub brush. I saw a few roadrunners
darting in the brush and I also saw a few hawks and vultures flying
about. It was about 90 miles to the Guadalupe Mtns and 130 to
Carlsbad. The speed limit was 75 but its challenging to make the
DL650 cruise control hold at that speed so I usually go about 68 or
so.
The Guadalupe Mtn stop was a "stamp and go" stop but I was hoping to
tour through Carlsbad. I'd been there quite a few years ago but the
waiting time for the tour was over 3.5 hours so that wasn't going to
happen.
I angled toward Pecos and Ft Stockton. That was another 100+ miles of
desert riding. This is where I intersected with I-10and I started the
trip to San Antonio.
No other hints of problems with the bike so I determined it was just
an overactive imagination on my part.
Along the interstate, the speed limit was 80. I could see something
off in the distance so I clicked off the cruise thinking it was an
animal. I then got close enough to see it was a motorcycle so I
thought I'd stop and see if I could assist, but then I noticed it was
moving. The rider was on the bike though. As I approached closer, I
could see it was still moving so I thought he was limping toward San
Antonio. As I pulled up, it was a grey-haired older guy with no shirt
on that was cruising along the side of the interstate on a scooter! I
waved and went on. The amazing thing was that he was wearing no
jacket or short and he had the darkest tan I've EVER seen!
Well, another AMA Everywhere town was coming up so I signaled to get
off the interstate and when I went to downshift, the shift lever was
missing. Yes, I said missing. It wasn't there!! It was dangling
alongside the bike. I got to the gas station and examined my plight.
The screw holding it had come out but it wasn't a normal screw. There
was no way to turn it and put it back! This must require a Suzuki
special tool. I asked inside if there was a motorcycle shop in town
and, being none, I improvised with my leatherman and some wire. It
held for me to make it to Junction, TX where I stayed in a KOA for the
night.
This morning I'm on my way to San Antonio to find a m/c shop to repair
that lever. Strange thing, now my GPS has decided to not power on.
Hmmm, seems the gremlins are striking at me.....
Hmm, I wonder if I've been dating the last few blog entries with "07"
rather than "08"?? I'll have to go look.
I was up early and packing the tent in the dark. I had ambitious
plans for the day and it required an early start. But as I left, I
heard a high-pitched whine and smelled something hot. Sincer I've
heard about Don Braziel having a whine that fortold a fuel pump issue,
I was hoping it wasn't the next problem on the bike. It seemed to run
ok though so I figured I'd nurse it along and see what happened.
I rode to El Paso and had breakfast at Denny's. I then headed
northeast to the Guadalupe Mtns National Park and Carlsbad Caverns
Park. I wanted the get the NM park and since a TX park was there,
that was just a bonus.
Riding from El Paso to the Guadalupe Mtns was interesting. It was
very very open with lots of scrub brush. I saw a few roadrunners
darting in the brush and I also saw a few hawks and vultures flying
about. It was about 90 miles to the Guadalupe Mtns and 130 to
Carlsbad. The speed limit was 75 but its challenging to make the
DL650 cruise control hold at that speed so I usually go about 68 or
so.
The Guadalupe Mtn stop was a "stamp and go" stop but I was hoping to
tour through Carlsbad. I'd been there quite a few years ago but the
waiting time for the tour was over 3.5 hours so that wasn't going to
happen.
I angled toward Pecos and Ft Stockton. That was another 100+ miles of
desert riding. This is where I intersected with I-10and I started the
trip to San Antonio.
No other hints of problems with the bike so I determined it was just
an overactive imagination on my part.
Along the interstate, the speed limit was 80. I could see something
off in the distance so I clicked off the cruise thinking it was an
animal. I then got close enough to see it was a motorcycle so I
thought I'd stop and see if I could assist, but then I noticed it was
moving. The rider was on the bike though. As I approached closer, I
could see it was still moving so I thought he was limping toward San
Antonio. As I pulled up, it was a grey-haired older guy with no shirt
on that was cruising along the side of the interstate on a scooter! I
waved and went on. The amazing thing was that he was wearing no
jacket or short and he had the darkest tan I've EVER seen!
Well, another AMA Everywhere town was coming up so I signaled to get
off the interstate and when I went to downshift, the shift lever was
missing. Yes, I said missing. It wasn't there!! It was dangling
alongside the bike. I got to the gas station and examined my plight.
The screw holding it had come out but it wasn't a normal screw. There
was no way to turn it and put it back! This must require a Suzuki
special tool. I asked inside if there was a motorcycle shop in town
and, being none, I improvised with my leatherman and some wire. It
held for me to make it to Junction, TX where I stayed in a KOA for the
night.
This morning I'm on my way to San Antonio to find a m/c shop to repair
that lever. Strange thing, now my GPS has decided to not power on.
Hmmm, seems the gremlins are striking at me.....
--
============
Todd Ryan; Hudson, MA
Westborough HS Science Teacher
MSF RiderCoach
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
Arizona and New Mexico
8/08/07
I woke early because Ruth had just received an SMS that I'd sent the
night before. She called because she thought I was awake.
I planned my route for the day and then heard Dale and Carol moving around.
I loaded the bike, met one of their teachers, Melissa, and then we
said our goodbyes.
I headed up to the Casa Grande Ruins to see it. I got the NPS stamp,
took some photos of cacti, watched a video about the archaeology, and
then headed to Catalina and Tucson. I needed Catalina for the AMA
Everywhere tour and Tucson for a GPS point. It was pretty riding
through the desert with the Choya in bloom. I saw some horned lizards
scoot across the road in front of my and I stopped and carried a
gopher tortoise to the other side of the road but other than that, it
was just hot, flat and straight.
In Tucson I had to scramble a bit to see if I could get close to the
Davis Monthson AFB. They have a huge amount of aircraft that I think
are either to be disposed or are used for parts. They are neatly
arranged but don't appear to be used. The GPS point appears to be in
the middle of them but that area is unaccessible so I took a photo
from outside looking toward it and hope it works.
I was then only 6 miles from Saguara NP and went there. Again, I saw
the video of the NP, got the stamp, chatted with a ranger and mailed a
postcard to Kira.
It was now just early afternoon and I'd not gone far. I twisted the
throttle up to the 75 mph speed limit and headed toward New Mexico.
Along the way, I had a couple of AMA Roads stops to get and stumbled
upon a couple of KOAs but otherwise, it was just traveling.
I could see storms south of me in Mexico. I didn't get wet at all
and, in fact, it was sunny and hot. I stopped at the New Mexico
welcome center for a coffee and then continued to Las Cruces. Here I
found a KOA that was cheaper than the others have been and stayed
there for the night. They were on the hill overlooking the city and
had an overlook to see it. That overlook was awesome when I awoke the
next morning...
I woke early because Ruth had just received an SMS that I'd sent the
night before. She called because she thought I was awake.
I planned my route for the day and then heard Dale and Carol moving around.
I loaded the bike, met one of their teachers, Melissa, and then we
said our goodbyes.
I headed up to the Casa Grande Ruins to see it. I got the NPS stamp,
took some photos of cacti, watched a video about the archaeology, and
then headed to Catalina and Tucson. I needed Catalina for the AMA
Everywhere tour and Tucson for a GPS point. It was pretty riding
through the desert with the Choya in bloom. I saw some horned lizards
scoot across the road in front of my and I stopped and carried a
gopher tortoise to the other side of the road but other than that, it
was just hot, flat and straight.
In Tucson I had to scramble a bit to see if I could get close to the
Davis Monthson AFB. They have a huge amount of aircraft that I think
are either to be disposed or are used for parts. They are neatly
arranged but don't appear to be used. The GPS point appears to be in
the middle of them but that area is unaccessible so I took a photo
from outside looking toward it and hope it works.
I was then only 6 miles from Saguara NP and went there. Again, I saw
the video of the NP, got the stamp, chatted with a ranger and mailed a
postcard to Kira.
It was now just early afternoon and I'd not gone far. I twisted the
throttle up to the 75 mph speed limit and headed toward New Mexico.
Along the way, I had a couple of AMA Roads stops to get and stumbled
upon a couple of KOAs but otherwise, it was just traveling.
I could see storms south of me in Mexico. I didn't get wet at all
and, in fact, it was sunny and hot. I stopped at the New Mexico
welcome center for a coffee and then continued to Las Cruces. Here I
found a KOA that was cheaper than the others have been and stayed
there for the night. They were on the hill overlooking the city and
had an overlook to see it. That overlook was awesome when I awoke the
next morning...
--
============
Todd Ryan; Hudson, MA
Westborough HS Science Teacher
MSF RiderCoach
Moving into the Southwest
8/06/07
It was very dry when I awoke in San Diego at the KOA. I went to a
local bagel shop called the Bagel Bar for breakfast and spent a little
time planning my day. It looked like my stepsister's house in AZ was
a possible destination so I called my dad and stepmother and got the
address and phone number.
I stopped at the Cabrillo National Monument on the south side of San
Diego before leaving town. It didn't open until 9 and I was there
about 8:30 but a park ranger let me go to the vc early. I walked
around reading exhibits and when they opened, I got my NPS stamp.
They had a video I was interested in and the ranger played it for me
at a time they don't usually play it. It was about the intertidal
zones here and I loved the way it described the biology of the tides
so I bought it.
I then turned east. I only had one AMA roads stop today in California
and it was easy to find.
The weather was clear and quite a bit hotter. I was riding with all
the vents in the 'stich open to keep comfortable on the interstate.
There was one point where road construction forced us off the
interstate and I was in slow traffic at a signal. That was pretty hot
then but otherwise the 'stich prevents much dehydration in the desert.
The scenery was also quite different. I was clearly in desert with
scrub brush and few trees.
You'll see what I mean when I can post
photos again.
I reached Yuma about 2 and called Carol. She said she was about 3
hours from Yuma and that we'd have dinner together and I could have a
room in their house.
The Saguaro's started showing up about an hour after entering AZ. I
like cacti and am looking forward to seeing the Saguaro National Park
tomorrow near Tucson.
I got to Dale and Carol's about 5:30. We chatted a bit at the house
and then went to dinner. On they way, they gave me a tour of the
area, showing how much water is in a usually dry river and a new
housing development created by Del Webb. Carol said she heard that
10,000 people move to AZ each week. This community had huge homes and
has one golf course finished with another in construction. I don't
know what they would do for a living here but they must work in
Phoenix somewhere to afford these $200,000 and up homes.
The Mexican dinner was excellent. Carol and Dale appeared to know
nearly everyone in the restaurant but that happens when you're a
pastor in a small community.
We then went to see the church after dinner and I met one of the
teacher's at his school. She and her husband are from Boston
originally. We then went back to their house and chatted awhile
before retiring.
It was very dry when I awoke in San Diego at the KOA. I went to a
local bagel shop called the Bagel Bar for breakfast and spent a little
time planning my day. It looked like my stepsister's house in AZ was
a possible destination so I called my dad and stepmother and got the
address and phone number.
I stopped at the Cabrillo National Monument on the south side of San
Diego before leaving town. It didn't open until 9 and I was there
about 8:30 but a park ranger let me go to the vc early. I walked
around reading exhibits and when they opened, I got my NPS stamp.
They had a video I was interested in and the ranger played it for me
at a time they don't usually play it. It was about the intertidal
zones here and I loved the way it described the biology of the tides
so I bought it.
I then turned east. I only had one AMA roads stop today in California
and it was easy to find.
The weather was clear and quite a bit hotter. I was riding with all
the vents in the 'stich open to keep comfortable on the interstate.
There was one point where road construction forced us off the
interstate and I was in slow traffic at a signal. That was pretty hot
then but otherwise the 'stich prevents much dehydration in the desert.
The scenery was also quite different. I was clearly in desert with
scrub brush and few trees.
You'll see what I mean when I can postphotos again.
I reached Yuma about 2 and called Carol. She said she was about 3
hours from Yuma and that we'd have dinner together and I could have a
room in their house.
The Saguaro's started showing up about an hour after entering AZ. I
like cacti and am looking forward to seeing the Saguaro National Park
tomorrow near Tucson.
I got to Dale and Carol's about 5:30. We chatted a bit at the house
and then went to dinner. On they way, they gave me a tour of the
area, showing how much water is in a usually dry river and a new
housing development created by Del Webb. Carol said she heard that
10,000 people move to AZ each week. This community had huge homes and
has one golf course finished with another in construction. I don't
know what they would do for a living here but they must work in
Phoenix somewhere to afford these $200,000 and up homes.
The Mexican dinner was excellent. Carol and Dale appeared to know
nearly everyone in the restaurant but that happens when you're a
pastor in a small community.
We then went to see the church after dinner and I met one of the
teacher's at his school. She and her husband are from Boston
originally. We then went back to their house and chatted awhile
before retiring.
--
============
Todd Ryan; Hudson, MA
Westborough HS Science Teacher
MSF RiderCoach
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
no, I didn't
I had ample opportunity to lane split while in CA. Riding through LA,
traffic slowed multiple times and other riders went by splitting
lanes.
Why didn't I when its legal?
1. I'm wider than most of them. With the bags on, I'm 41" wide and
that's a lot to show between two cars.
2. I don't trust the car drivers.
traffic slowed multiple times and other riders went by splitting
lanes.
Why didn't I when its legal?
1. I'm wider than most of them. With the bags on, I'm 41" wide and
that's a lot to show between two cars.
2. I don't trust the car drivers.
So there you have it. I didn't do it.
--
============
Todd Ryan; Hudson, MA
Westborough HS Science Teacher
MSF RiderCoach
Sunday, August 5, 2007
Turnin' the corner...
8/5/07
It was a heavy fog when I awoke. I walked to the Country Kitchen and
had breakfast. The waitress told me about a fire raging just south of
us. She said she could see it as she came from Bakersfield yesterday
so its a good thing I didn't go that way.
It was actually raining lightly part of the way toward Los Angeles. I
knew I could get most of the roughly 200 miles before I needed gas and
I decided that riding as close as possible would allow me to avoid a
gas stop in LA. I was dreading riding in LA as you hear horror
stories about the traffic.
I stopped in for gas and then called Ruth from there. She was driving
but I told her what I needed off my computer and when I'd call her
back.
I don't know if I said this before but I left without loading all the
GPS points into my GPS that I should have. That meant I first relied
upon Kira to load some maps on the computer and now I rely upon Ruth
to tell me locations I'm supposed to go to for the AMA tours.
At the very next exit was a sign for the Channel Islands National Park
visitor center. I turned and went there. I'd never heard of them but
I did get the stamp and the ranger (with a distinct French accent)
told me about the movie they had. I had her start it and learned
there are 5 Channel Islands and they are accessible by boat only. You
can camp there with reservations and there are 6 species of seals
(pinnipeds) there. Its sounded fascinating and I'd like to return and
actually go to the islands.
I called Ruth and she gave me the details on the two AMA points in LA;
the Hollywood sign and a cemetery in Hermosa. Because of my aversion
to city driving, I decided to only do the Hollywood sign. I couldn't
find the address on the GPS so I stopped at a CA Welcome Center and
they got the directions off Google for me.
On the way to the sign, I found the visitor center for the Santa
Monica Mtns in Thousand Oaks, CA. I stopped and got a stamp for both
the National Recreation area and for the Juan Baptista (sp?) trail.
I then headed to Hollywood. I got off of 101 fine but then my GPS
stopped telling me street names. I don't know why but that data isn't
in the GPS. I did have the Google directions and found my way as far
as they'd let me go before I came to a locked gate. I took the photo
from there and then headed for San Ysidro. I did stop at a rest area
and called Ruth just to say where I am. We also found a KOA in Chula
Vista that is about 10 miles from here.
Its really early to stop but
in celebration of turning the second corner, I'm going to do laundry.
;)
It was a heavy fog when I awoke. I walked to the Country Kitchen and
had breakfast. The waitress told me about a fire raging just south of
us. She said she could see it as she came from Bakersfield yesterday
so its a good thing I didn't go that way.
It was actually raining lightly part of the way toward Los Angeles. I
knew I could get most of the roughly 200 miles before I needed gas and
I decided that riding as close as possible would allow me to avoid a
gas stop in LA. I was dreading riding in LA as you hear horror
stories about the traffic.
I stopped in for gas and then called Ruth from there. She was driving
but I told her what I needed off my computer and when I'd call her
back.
I don't know if I said this before but I left without loading all the
GPS points into my GPS that I should have. That meant I first relied
upon Kira to load some maps on the computer and now I rely upon Ruth
to tell me locations I'm supposed to go to for the AMA tours.
At the very next exit was a sign for the Channel Islands National Park
visitor center. I turned and went there. I'd never heard of them but
I did get the stamp and the ranger (with a distinct French accent)
told me about the movie they had. I had her start it and learned
there are 5 Channel Islands and they are accessible by boat only. You
can camp there with reservations and there are 6 species of seals
(pinnipeds) there. Its sounded fascinating and I'd like to return and
actually go to the islands.
I called Ruth and she gave me the details on the two AMA points in LA;
the Hollywood sign and a cemetery in Hermosa. Because of my aversion
to city driving, I decided to only do the Hollywood sign. I couldn't
find the address on the GPS so I stopped at a CA Welcome Center and
they got the directions off Google for me.
On the way to the sign, I found the visitor center for the Santa
Monica Mtns in Thousand Oaks, CA. I stopped and got a stamp for both
the National Recreation area and for the Juan Baptista (sp?) trail.
I then headed to Hollywood. I got off of 101 fine but then my GPS
stopped telling me street names. I don't know why but that data isn't
in the GPS. I did have the Google directions and found my way as far
as they'd let me go before I came to a locked gate. I took the photo
from there and then headed for San Ysidro. I did stop at a rest area
and called Ruth just to say where I am. We also found a KOA in Chula
Vista that is about 10 miles from here.
Its really early to stop butin celebration of turning the second corner, I'm going to do laundry.
;)
--
============
Todd Ryan; Hudson, MA
Westborough HS Science Teacher
MSF RiderCoach
California's Pacific Coast Hwy
8/4/07
It was easy to get ready and get going this morning. There was a
Denny's nearby so I got a good breakfast and got on the road.
It was very foggy and cold. I didn't put on my electric jacket but it
would have been welcomed. I do have heated grips on the bike and I
turned those on full blast.
The fog made it difficult to see anything along the coastline. I
could see the road ok (but the road was so twisty that you can't see
very far anyway) and there was almost no other traffic. I cruised
along following the speed limit. There were plenty of 15 and 20 mph
switchbacks. A California Quail ran across the road in front of me.
The weather would then clear up within a matter of minutes. I'd ride
out of the fog and into bright blue skies. The coastline was rugged
and gorgeous. I know its getting redundant saying its beautiful but
it is. Everywhere I turned I saw another rocky outcropping with waves
beating it. There were cliffs and some long stretches of shoreline.
Periodically, the road moved more inland and I could see (and smell)
dairy cows. I got to thinking about a commercial I saw with cows
playing "Marco Polo" in the fog. It was exactly like in that
commercial (except the cows didn't talk to me).
The road then straightened out and traffic picked up as I neared San
Francisco. I saw a sign for the Golden Gate Bridge and headed that
direction. On the north side of the bridge is the GG National
Recreation Area where I could get a NPS stamp and at the vc, I
actually got three (or maybe it was four). From there, I returned to
a vantage point where I could barely see part of the bridge. This was
only because of the heavy fog. It literally poured off the mountains
into the bay.
I crossed the bridge and on the other side paid the $5 toll for
crossing. The operator told me where the official viewing site was
and I went there for a AMA TomTom site and a photo. The fog was too
heavy to see much but I did get something.
The next stop was another TomTom site in San Jose. The GPS took me
down Hwy 1 in town and eventually onto an interstate. I traveled the
40+ miles and went to the intersection of Olsen and Winchester. There
was a cinema there, shopping, and some other building. The other
building was the Winchester Mystery House, a CA State landmark. I'll
have to check it out on the 'net and see what it was about. The
parking lot was full so its a popular spot for some reason.
I should also mention that San Jose is MUCH hotter than San Francisco
was. I'd moved inland and the temperature must have risen by 20
degrees into the 90's.
I now pointed my bike toward Monterey for an AMA Everywhere city.
This is based upon Johnny Cash's "I've been everywhere" song.
Monterey has lots of streets and all angles and I tried to get a
picture at the post office but it didn't say Monterey. The Police
Dept and Fire Dept did but I couldn't park anywhere there but there
was a library across from the Fire Dept that I could get a photo at.
Now I pointed south toward Bakersfield. That was also in Johnny
Cash's song but as I neared the turnoff, I saw how far it would be to
get there so I continued south.
It was already time for me to stop but I wasn't finding any
campgrounds. There was a KOA in Bakersfield but that was too far
away. I thought I'd find one near the coast and followed 101 to where
it merged with 1 at San Luis Obispo. They had a fair of some type
going on so no rooms/campgrounds there. It was now dark and I was
still searching. In Pismo Beach, all the motels had no vacancy signs
so I ended up in Santa Maria at a local motel. I went to a nearby
restaurant where I saw the Giants playing and they told me Barry Bonds
tied Henry Aaron's record. I then went back to the motel for the
night.
It was easy to get ready and get going this morning. There was a
Denny's nearby so I got a good breakfast and got on the road.
It was very foggy and cold. I didn't put on my electric jacket but it
would have been welcomed. I do have heated grips on the bike and I
turned those on full blast.
The fog made it difficult to see anything along the coastline. I
could see the road ok (but the road was so twisty that you can't see
very far anyway) and there was almost no other traffic. I cruised
along following the speed limit. There were plenty of 15 and 20 mph
switchbacks. A California Quail ran across the road in front of me.
The weather would then clear up within a matter of minutes. I'd ride
out of the fog and into bright blue skies. The coastline was rugged
and gorgeous. I know its getting redundant saying its beautiful but
it is. Everywhere I turned I saw another rocky outcropping with waves
beating it. There were cliffs and some long stretches of shoreline.
Periodically, the road moved more inland and I could see (and smell)
dairy cows. I got to thinking about a commercial I saw with cows
playing "Marco Polo" in the fog. It was exactly like in that
commercial (except the cows didn't talk to me).
The road then straightened out and traffic picked up as I neared San
Francisco. I saw a sign for the Golden Gate Bridge and headed that
direction. On the north side of the bridge is the GG National
Recreation Area where I could get a NPS stamp and at the vc, I
actually got three (or maybe it was four). From there, I returned to
a vantage point where I could barely see part of the bridge. This was
only because of the heavy fog. It literally poured off the mountains
into the bay.
I crossed the bridge and on the other side paid the $5 toll for
crossing. The operator told me where the official viewing site was
and I went there for a AMA TomTom site and a photo. The fog was too
heavy to see much but I did get something.
The next stop was another TomTom site in San Jose. The GPS took me
down Hwy 1 in town and eventually onto an interstate. I traveled the
40+ miles and went to the intersection of Olsen and Winchester. There
was a cinema there, shopping, and some other building. The other
building was the Winchester Mystery House, a CA State landmark. I'll
have to check it out on the 'net and see what it was about. The
parking lot was full so its a popular spot for some reason.
I should also mention that San Jose is MUCH hotter than San Francisco
was. I'd moved inland and the temperature must have risen by 20
degrees into the 90's.
I now pointed my bike toward Monterey for an AMA Everywhere city.
This is based upon Johnny Cash's "I've been everywhere" song.
Monterey has lots of streets and all angles and I tried to get a
picture at the post office but it didn't say Monterey. The Police
Dept and Fire Dept did but I couldn't park anywhere there but there
was a library across from the Fire Dept that I could get a photo at.
Now I pointed south toward Bakersfield. That was also in Johnny
Cash's song but as I neared the turnoff, I saw how far it would be to
get there so I continued south.
It was already time for me to stop but I wasn't finding any
campgrounds. There was a KOA in Bakersfield but that was too far
away. I thought I'd find one near the coast and followed 101 to where
it merged with 1 at San Luis Obispo. They had a fair of some type
going on so no rooms/campgrounds there. It was now dark and I was
still searching. In Pismo Beach, all the motels had no vacancy signs
so I ended up in Santa Maria at a local motel. I went to a nearby
restaurant where I saw the Giants playing and they told me Barry Bonds
tied Henry Aaron's record. I then went back to the motel for the
night.
--
============
Todd Ryan; Hudson, MA
Westborough HS Science Teacher
MSF RiderCoach
Redwoods National Park
8/3/07
I got out the door about 7 and rode a little bit before I found a
bagel shop for breakfast. I was only about 1/2 hour from Redwoods and
was a little early so a sit down breakfast would be nice. I called
Ruth and she'd sent me an email about a problem we have with the Yukon
River Camp in AK. It seems that someone there stole our credit card
information and was using it to purchase online subscriptions. She'd
discovered three charges from them already. She'd called them and
gotten them cancelled but I had to call the companies to tell them I
didn't authorize the purchase and they'd then reverse the charges.
One company provided me with the email and the IP address of the thief
so Ruth is going to file a police report also.
I got to Crescent City about 9 AM when the visitor center opened. A
volunteer named Ruth suggested a drive to the Stout Grove but she was
worried about me on a bike with it because it was a gravel road 7
miles long!!! Little did she know!! I also got a NPS Passport stamp
there. I headed the short distance out of town to the road and
started out. It was AWESOME!
There was quite a bit of fog in the
woods but it was a dense rainforest. The weird part was size. The
trees were gargantuan! I stopped for photos but none of them can do
the trees justice because of how close you are to them.
I did do some
size ones with the motorcycle but the drive was fantastic.
The drive comes out north of the park near a visitor center. I
stopped there and saw an excellent video about the redwoods and the
park. I also took some photos of both a Coastal Redwood and a Sequoia
(which doesn't actually belong there) for my biology classes. I then
headed back to Crescent City along another Redwood Grove.
In Crescent City I stopped at a hardware store to get some cotter pins
for when I need to tighten my chain. Since I stripped the rear axle
bolt, they put the stock nut back on which requires a cotter pin. My
Dual Star nut did not need one.
It was now noon and I'd not gotten very far. I drove south continuing
into the park driving down Hwy 101 and through more redwoods.
There was another visitor center on the south side of the park which I
stopped at but it had the same NPS stamp as Crescent City also.
There were signs for elk everywhere and near the southern visitor
center I saw some stopped traffic. Sure enough, it was for a herd of
6 elk. I took some photos and moved along. In about two miles, there
was another herd lounging at an entrance to an RV park and it had
about 20 members.
I found a CA Welcome Center and stopped for a good state map but they
didn't have one (although they had the official state one they gave me
in Crescent City). They did tell me where a AAA office was so I could
get maps. It was only 7 miles away so I went there.
I also stopped at a library in Eureka to post pics but I've run into a
snag. Ruth took my other memory card back to MA and the one I'm using
was never formatted so I can't read it with a USB reader. THis is why
I've not posted any pictures lately. Sorry about that....
After that, I just headed south. About 6 PM I turned onto Rte 1 from
101. It starts off with a 22 mile twisty road to the coast that was
tricky. It well all directions with lots and lots of turns while
inside a forest so you can't get a good idea of how the road is going.
It was fun!
Then I reached the coast. It was a rugged coastline much like OR.
The light was wrong for most photos but I tried a few anyway but I
made it to Fort Bragg before I stopped. I'd seen LOTS and LOTS of NO
VACANCIES because of it being a Friday night so I tried a couple of
motels but none were reasonable. I was given a suggestion and tried
it and ended with a $90 room. That is a bit high for me but it got me
out early this morning...
Today, I should make San Francisco about noon...
I got out the door about 7 and rode a little bit before I found a
bagel shop for breakfast. I was only about 1/2 hour from Redwoods and
was a little early so a sit down breakfast would be nice. I called
Ruth and she'd sent me an email about a problem we have with the Yukon
River Camp in AK. It seems that someone there stole our credit card
information and was using it to purchase online subscriptions. She'd
discovered three charges from them already. She'd called them and
gotten them cancelled but I had to call the companies to tell them I
didn't authorize the purchase and they'd then reverse the charges.
One company provided me with the email and the IP address of the thief
so Ruth is going to file a police report also.
I got to Crescent City about 9 AM when the visitor center opened. A
volunteer named Ruth suggested a drive to the Stout Grove but she was
worried about me on a bike with it because it was a gravel road 7
miles long!!! Little did she know!! I also got a NPS Passport stamp
there. I headed the short distance out of town to the road and
started out. It was AWESOME!
There was quite a bit of fog in thewoods but it was a dense rainforest. The weird part was size. The
trees were gargantuan! I stopped for photos but none of them can do
the trees justice because of how close you are to them.
I did do somesize ones with the motorcycle but the drive was fantastic.
The drive comes out north of the park near a visitor center. I
stopped there and saw an excellent video about the redwoods and the
park. I also took some photos of both a Coastal Redwood and a Sequoia
(which doesn't actually belong there) for my biology classes. I then
headed back to Crescent City along another Redwood Grove.
In Crescent City I stopped at a hardware store to get some cotter pins
for when I need to tighten my chain. Since I stripped the rear axle
bolt, they put the stock nut back on which requires a cotter pin. My
Dual Star nut did not need one.
It was now noon and I'd not gotten very far. I drove south continuing
into the park driving down Hwy 101 and through more redwoods.
There was another visitor center on the south side of the park which I
stopped at but it had the same NPS stamp as Crescent City also.
There were signs for elk everywhere and near the southern visitor
center I saw some stopped traffic. Sure enough, it was for a herd of
6 elk. I took some photos and moved along. In about two miles, there
was another herd lounging at an entrance to an RV park and it had
about 20 members.
I found a CA Welcome Center and stopped for a good state map but they
didn't have one (although they had the official state one they gave me
in Crescent City). They did tell me where a AAA office was so I could
get maps. It was only 7 miles away so I went there.
I also stopped at a library in Eureka to post pics but I've run into a
snag. Ruth took my other memory card back to MA and the one I'm using
was never formatted so I can't read it with a USB reader. THis is why
I've not posted any pictures lately. Sorry about that....
After that, I just headed south. About 6 PM I turned onto Rte 1 from
101. It starts off with a 22 mile twisty road to the coast that was
tricky. It well all directions with lots and lots of turns while
inside a forest so you can't get a good idea of how the road is going.
It was fun!
Then I reached the coast. It was a rugged coastline much like OR.
The light was wrong for most photos but I tried a few anyway but I
made it to Fort Bragg before I stopped. I'd seen LOTS and LOTS of NO
VACANCIES because of it being a Friday night so I tried a couple of
motels but none were reasonable. I was given a suggestion and tried
it and ended with a $90 room. That is a bit high for me but it got me
out early this morning...
Today, I should make San Francisco about noon...
--
============
Todd Ryan; Hudson, MA
Westborough HS Science Teacher
MSF RiderCoach
Saturday, August 4, 2007
A Run down Oregon's Coast
8/02/07
I started the morning near Astorai, OR. This KOA wasn't as clean as
the other one in Kent, WA. The restrooms were flooded this morning
and there was paper all over the floor. The breakfast wasn't as good
either. But, I did get out about 7:30. My first stop was right
across the street.
Ruth told me that the AMA Tom Tom point was
somewhere in the park. I stopped at an open information desk and
asked what unique features were in the park. A junior ranger told me
the shipwreck and gave me directions to it. I went there and it was
the correct spot.
I then took a photo of Rte 101 sign for the AMA Roads tour.
I gassed up and headed to the Ft Clastop Historical Park. I went to
the sign where it said all visitors park and then asked a ranger which
way to go. I had about a 1.5 mile walk to get to the vc. I got the
NPS stamp and then headed down Rte 101.
The road was absolutely fantastic. The road was along the ocean where
I'd see the very rugged coastline and then the road would move inland
into forest. It wasn't clear but the fog made it even more beautiful.
I stopped to take photos regularly.
I also found a vendor selling cherries from a roadside stand and I
bought a bag. They were awesome and great to have for the day.
The only problem with the route was the traffic. For most of the
morning, the traffic was heavy and RV's made it slow. By 3 PM, I'd
only gone 200 miles. I'd gotten to the Seal Caves and I was going to
see them but I didn't realize there were a commercial vendor. I have
a problem with people exploiting natural habitats for their person
gain so I couldn't go in there.
I stopped for lunch about 4 and told Ruth how gorgeous it was. It
seemed that when I returned to the road, most of the cars had left. I
was able to ride the remainder of Oregon with relative ease.
I'm not in Gold Beach, OR. Its not quite into CA but is about an hour
away. I'll get there easily in the AM.
I started the morning near Astorai, OR. This KOA wasn't as clean as
the other one in Kent, WA. The restrooms were flooded this morning
and there was paper all over the floor. The breakfast wasn't as good
either. But, I did get out about 7:30. My first stop was right
across the street.
Ruth told me that the AMA Tom Tom point wassomewhere in the park. I stopped at an open information desk and
asked what unique features were in the park. A junior ranger told me
the shipwreck and gave me directions to it. I went there and it was
the correct spot.
I then took a photo of Rte 101 sign for the AMA Roads tour.
I gassed up and headed to the Ft Clastop Historical Park. I went to
the sign where it said all visitors park and then asked a ranger which
way to go. I had about a 1.5 mile walk to get to the vc. I got the
NPS stamp and then headed down Rte 101.
The road was absolutely fantastic. The road was along the ocean where
I'd see the very rugged coastline and then the road would move inland
into forest. It wasn't clear but the fog made it even more beautiful.
I stopped to take photos regularly.
I also found a vendor selling cherries from a roadside stand and I
bought a bag. They were awesome and great to have for the day.
The only problem with the route was the traffic. For most of the
morning, the traffic was heavy and RV's made it slow. By 3 PM, I'd
only gone 200 miles. I'd gotten to the Seal Caves and I was going to
see them but I didn't realize there were a commercial vendor. I have
a problem with people exploiting natural habitats for their person
gain so I couldn't go in there.
I stopped for lunch about 4 and told Ruth how gorgeous it was. It
seemed that when I returned to the road, most of the cars had left. I
was able to ride the remainder of Oregon with relative ease.
I'm not in Gold Beach, OR. Its not quite into CA but is about an hour
away. I'll get there easily in the AM.
--
============
Todd Ryan; Hudson, MA
Westborough HS Science Teacher
MSF RiderCoach
Thursday, August 2, 2007
Back in the running....
8/1/07
Well, they got me going about 4:30 PM. They were ready a little
earlier but then they said I should consider replacing the
sprocket/chain soon and I said I had spares so they put them on for
me.
I left Centralia and headed toward the Oregon coast. I thought about
going directly to the Washington coast but I knew that Rte 30 was a
better road and Stan said some of the roads in WA had been washed out
from last fall's flooding so I played it safe.
I got into Astoria about 7 and called Ruth to tell her I'm going
again. I found the KOA and set up camp for the night. I'm going to
have breakfast in the AM and get to Fort Clatsop and then head south
along the ocean. I wonder if I can get to California in 1 day? Time
will tell...
Well, they got me going about 4:30 PM. They were ready a little
earlier but then they said I should consider replacing the
sprocket/chain soon and I said I had spares so they put them on for
me.
I left Centralia and headed toward the Oregon coast. I thought about
going directly to the Washington coast but I knew that Rte 30 was a
better road and Stan said some of the roads in WA had been washed out
from last fall's flooding so I played it safe.
I got into Astoria about 7 and called Ruth to tell her I'm going
again. I found the KOA and set up camp for the night. I'm going to
have breakfast in the AM and get to Fort Clatsop and then head south
along the ocean. I wonder if I can get to California in 1 day? Time
will tell...
--
============
Todd Ryan; Hudson, MA
Westborough HS Science Teacher
MSF RiderCoach
The Rest of the Story...
8/1/07
Well, they got me going about 4:30 PM. They were ready a little
earlier but then they said I should consider replacing the
sprocket/chain soon and I said I had spares so they put them on for
me.
I left Centralia and headed toward the Oregon coast. I thought about
going directly to the Washington coast but I knew that Rte 30 was a
better road and Stan said some of the roads in WA had been washed out
from last fall's flooding so I played it safe.
I got into Astoria about 7 and called Ruth to tell her I'm going
again. I found the KOA and set up camp for the night. I'm going to
have breakfast in the AM and get to Fort Clatsop and then head south
along the ocean. I wonder if I can get to California in 1 day? Time
will tell...
Well, they got me going about 4:30 PM. They were ready a little
earlier but then they said I should consider replacing the
sprocket/chain soon and I said I had spares so they put them on for
me.
I left Centralia and headed toward the Oregon coast. I thought about
going directly to the Washington coast but I knew that Rte 30 was a
better road and Stan said some of the roads in WA had been washed out
from last fall's flooding so I played it safe.
I got into Astoria about 7 and called Ruth to tell her I'm going
again. I found the KOA and set up camp for the night. I'm going to
have breakfast in the AM and get to Fort Clatsop and then head south
along the ocean. I wonder if I can get to California in 1 day? Time
will tell...
--
============
Todd Ryan; Hudson, MA
Westborough HS Science Teacher
MSF RiderCoach
Wednesday, August 1, 2007
Well....
The m/c dealer in Longview is unable to help me. They don't have the part, they don't have the motorcycle to cannibalize the part (although they said they were unlikely to do that) but they've tried. They even said that with the time difference, they can't get me a part before Friday!!
I called back the shop from yesterday that is 50 miles north of there in Centralia. They're still happy to canibalize a bike on their showroom floor if I pay the expedited shipping to get their part. I just have to get the bike there....
Ok, now the plug for RV Roadhelp. They have stepped up and are going to issue ANOTHER tow call to get me to Centralia and to the dealer that can help. I don't know if they think that another tow is cheaper than two nights in a hotel but whatever.
I've already gotten to Centralia and the bike is currently being worked on. Its 2 PM now. My bolt gave out yesterday about 1:30 PM. With luck, I only lose about 1.5 days on my 4 corners ride. I think I can recover.....
I called back the shop from yesterday that is 50 miles north of there in Centralia. They're still happy to canibalize a bike on their showroom floor if I pay the expedited shipping to get their part. I just have to get the bike there....
Ok, now the plug for RV Roadhelp. They have stepped up and are going to issue ANOTHER tow call to get me to Centralia and to the dealer that can help. I don't know if they think that another tow is cheaper than two nights in a hotel but whatever.
I've already gotten to Centralia and the bike is currently being worked on. Its 2 PM now. My bolt gave out yesterday about 1:30 PM. With luck, I only lose about 1.5 days on my 4 corners ride. I think I can recover.....
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