On Wednesday, I left Stewartville, Minnesota at 10 AM for a 265 mile trip to Mount Morris, Illinois. Weather was overcast and cool but great for riding. I arrived at Grei LaVar's home and no one was there. Luckily, the back door was open, so I ventured in and found the cool adult beverage dispenser (refrigerator). Took my boots and MC pants off and sat out side in the sun until Geri, Cindy Yokum and Pat Farrell arrived. After hello's, it was time to eat. A nice lasanga dinner with salad and wine was greatly appreciated.
Cindy and Pat were leaving for Sryacuse, NY at 10 AM the next day. I spent the rest of the day with Geri. I got the exclusive tour of Cindy's old stomping grounds.
Friday morning, I loaded up the "Mule" for a 305 mile jaunt to Ballwin, Missouri to visit Gilbert Banks, Valley's uncle. The weather was overcast to start but about 30 miles down the road it started pouring rain. I stopped and put on my rain gear and trekked on. I stopped at a small gas staion to get out of the rain and asked the locals about the best route to get to Hwy 78. They sent me on a road that had just been scrapped for refinishing. I dropped the MC into 3rd gear and puttered along for 10 miles before I got to Hwy 78 south. This road had just been resurfaced and was great to ride on. At about 150 miles it stopped raining and after I dried out I ended up taking the liner out of my MC jacket due to +80F temps.
Just let me give you some advice here, The St. Louis and surrounding area is 2.5 million peolpe and you don't want to be in their rush hour traffic. It was hot and I rode miles in 1st and 2nd gear because everyone else was going somewhere also. I finally found Gilbert's home using "Judy Garmin's" advice. More cold adult beverages were in the agenda and since supply was low we ventured to a super booze store to re-supply and pick up some tasty pizza. Watched some Cardinals baseball abd Missouri football and I crashed at 10:30 PM, central time. If you come to St Louis, you have to do the Budweiser tour. A little walking and free beer at the end. Now eating pizza , and getting ready to watch some football while enjoying adult beverage.
Upon arrival here, I inspected my tires and decided they would last until Northern, Virginia. The internet is great!! Found a dealer, 30 miles from my sisters house in Nokesville, Va. By ordering today I received a 20% discount and 1/2 off mounting. Probably leave here on Tuesday to Allons, Tennesse. home of Valley's older brother Rick Barrett. From there up to northern, Virginia.
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Stewartville, Minnesota
As I got up in the morning at the Select Inn in Breckenridge, Minnesota, I glanced out the window and GADS!!, it was raining. Luckily I had put the cover over the mc before retiring for the night. After a hardy brealfast of coffee, waffles and orange juice, I absconded the dining area with some extra packets of oatmeal and a few bagels for the road. Got loaded up and headed out. 30 minutes later I had to stop and water the weeds on the side of the road and put on extra rain gear. i had put on lightweight under armor thermal underwear but I needed more protection from wind, rain and cold.
I travelled south, down Minn Hwy 9 until it intersected with Minn Hwy 71, near Wilmar, Minnesota. Continued travelling south till it intersected with Minn Hwy 30 East. This road eventually delivered me to the Beaches front door. Most of my travelling has been on two lane roads to avoid the interstate loonies.
I had departed Breckenridge at 0930 AM and arrived in Stewartville at 5:30 PM. Distance covered today was 360 miles. I unpacked my gear and waited for George Beach to arrive. He had been out and about and Darlene was at work. George decided I was hungry and stated, "Let's go get something to eat". We arrived at the American legion and had some burgers and onion rings and a few cold adult beverages. Only $1.50 for a frosty mug of suds. We drove back to the homestead and watched some baseball, (George is a big Twins fan) and Monday night football. My eyes were drooping so I hit the sack.
Tuesday, George and i explored the use of synthetic oils for a motorcycle. Ended up going to the local Kawasaki shop and buying KAWI oil for motorcycles. Chris and I had performd and oil change in McMinnville using Valvalene 10-40. I think the really hot weather coming across windy, Montana and North Dakota caused the oil to break down quickly. This I will watch as the trip continues.
Tomorrow, on the road to Cindy's moms home in Mt Morris, Illinois.
I travelled south, down Minn Hwy 9 until it intersected with Minn Hwy 71, near Wilmar, Minnesota. Continued travelling south till it intersected with Minn Hwy 30 East. This road eventually delivered me to the Beaches front door. Most of my travelling has been on two lane roads to avoid the interstate loonies.
I had departed Breckenridge at 0930 AM and arrived in Stewartville at 5:30 PM. Distance covered today was 360 miles. I unpacked my gear and waited for George Beach to arrive. He had been out and about and Darlene was at work. George decided I was hungry and stated, "Let's go get something to eat". We arrived at the American legion and had some burgers and onion rings and a few cold adult beverages. Only $1.50 for a frosty mug of suds. We drove back to the homestead and watched some baseball, (George is a big Twins fan) and Monday night football. My eyes were drooping so I hit the sack.
Tuesday, George and i explored the use of synthetic oils for a motorcycle. Ended up going to the local Kawasaki shop and buying KAWI oil for motorcycles. Chris and I had performd and oil change in McMinnville using Valvalene 10-40. I think the really hot weather coming across windy, Montana and North Dakota caused the oil to break down quickly. This I will watch as the trip continues.
Tomorrow, on the road to Cindy's moms home in Mt Morris, Illinois.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
North Dakota wind!!
After leaving Sidney, Montana, I headed into North Dakota. Someone should have warned me about the wind. The wind attacked me from the south east and at times as Hwy 200 meanders in smacked me head on. The first day I gimped into Turtle Lake, ND after only 220 miles. Small town but had a city park that allowed free camping. I found a protected area behind a row of hedges and set up camp. Top Ramien, pop tart and strong tea for dinner. Went to bed early in order to get an early start in the AM. Left about 9 AM and headed back into the wind. I do have to say that eastern ND has more trees and vegetation on the sides of the road that dimished the gale at times. If you have ever been in a sailboat then you can guess that I spent hours leaning the bike over to the right to compensate for wind velocity.
I was only going to travel about 260 miles and stay in a KOA campground in Moorehead, Minn. I had entered all the data into my Garmin 370 NUVI GPS. I ended up getting a tour of downtown Moorehead and Minnesota State University. After numerous stops and circling around, I finally figured out that the KOA no longer exists as there in a brand new high$$ housing project that has been built there. I did try to circle around and see if the KOA was on the other side but no luck. I stopped and pondered what to do. Had some Gatorade and headed south on I-94 and turned off on Minn Hwy 9 south. I rode ubtil I turned into Breckenridge, Minn. First thing I saw was a motel with free high speed internet and there is a family resturant next door.
Tomorrow back on the road to Stewartville, Minn via Hwy 9 to Wilmar and turn south down Hwy 71 and turn east towards Stewartville on Hwy 30 which runs right by the Beaches home. Probably a 300 mile jaunt but I'm getting used to longer hours.
Butt is still sore but always better after a good nights rest.
I was only going to travel about 260 miles and stay in a KOA campground in Moorehead, Minn. I had entered all the data into my Garmin 370 NUVI GPS. I ended up getting a tour of downtown Moorehead and Minnesota State University. After numerous stops and circling around, I finally figured out that the KOA no longer exists as there in a brand new high$$ housing project that has been built there. I did try to circle around and see if the KOA was on the other side but no luck. I stopped and pondered what to do. Had some Gatorade and headed south on I-94 and turned off on Minn Hwy 9 south. I rode ubtil I turned into Breckenridge, Minn. First thing I saw was a motel with free high speed internet and there is a family resturant next door.
Tomorrow back on the road to Stewartville, Minn via Hwy 9 to Wilmar and turn south down Hwy 71 and turn east towards Stewartville on Hwy 30 which runs right by the Beaches home. Probably a 300 mile jaunt but I'm getting used to longer hours.
Butt is still sore but always better after a good nights rest.
Friday, September 18, 2009
Eastern Montana
The pics are: The Mule at the Bob Marshall wilderness sign, Bob Marshall sign, Hwy 200 going east,Malstrom AFB campground, Malstrom campground at sunset and Hwy 200.
I left Missoula at 1130 AM as It was only a 166 mile trip to Malstrom AFB in Great Falls, MT. Nice road but got really hot and windy as I rode in to Great Falls. MC was running hot!! The temp at the campground was +96 in the shade. Camp host said it reaced triple digit temps that day. Malsrom is a small AFB that oversees Missle bunkers. As the sun went down, the wind direction changed and it was howling. now a good Alaskan never goes anywhere without bug dope. Guess waht I did not pack. Small, nasty bugs attacked me and I had to retreat to the tent. Even in the morning the bugs were nasty. At nightfall, nasty clouds and lightening was striking towards the south east. I expected bad weather next AM but was suprised with clear skies and cooler temps. I got on the road at 0930 AM. HWY 200 is long!!!!!!. Speed limit is 70 mph but no one drives that slow. I was doing 65 mph and got passed by a school bus. I did an "Iron Butt" of 380 miles to make up for the previous day. I arrived in Sidney, MT at 6:30 PM and rented a room at a motel that has AC and wireless internet. Tomorrow, I will try some different packing and head into North Dakota.
Stay tuned for more exciting news from the rod.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Missoula, Montana
Pics of Clearwater river in Idaho, Mountains and port near Lewiston, Idaho, KOA campground, friends at breakfast and the mule at rest.
Left the last resort KOA at 9 AM on Hwy 12 going north towards Missoula, Montana. After a 19 mile ride from the campground, I intersected with US 12. I pulled of to make a last inspection and to my surprise as I was turning off I encountered some very loose gravel while decelerating. BAM/SLAM, the mule did not like the loose gravel at low speed and tumbled to it's side. I was launched off the mc onto my right shoulder and I guess I hit the dirt with my helmet as it has a nice set of scratches on the visor. After a few prolonged ****** words, I assessed my situation. Lucky for me, I was able to wave down a local who helped me lift the bike. After numerous thank you's, I got bike back on the road. Long stretches of rolling brown hills and I rode into Lewiston, Id. The temp at 0930 AM was +86F. I got some gas and continued on. The scenery finally changed to more trees as I climbed through the mountain pass. Finally some fun driving lots of S curves. Stopped at a lodge at the summit of Lolo pass for gas and headed downhill towards Lolo/Missoula. Stopped at a gas station in Lolo, MT at 6 pm CENTRAL TIME AND THE TEMP WAS +94. Met a BMW rider from Billings at the gas station that was riding a 1200 GS. He thinks it's the best bike for riding in this area. Fired up the GPS and found the local KOA campgound, rented a space with power. The folks camping next to me had spent the summer in Kenai as camp hosts and hooked me up with a glass of wine and some smoked red salmon. The wine was good and now I'm sipping some "Jack" and coke, and trying to stay awake as I have been waking way to early and need to get used to the time difference form Alaska. Plan on visiting Big Sky Motorsports to see if I can get a replacement face shield.
This adventure is all about change and meeting new people and sharing new experiences. I believe that this blog reflects my new experiences. Fred Kennedy told me to make sure that I write all this down so that some day my grandkids can explore my adventure. I have been copying and pasting everything on the blog to a document that I will review and edit and a later time.
Tomorrow, Hwy 200, east towards Minnesota and Northern, VA.
Irene!! Please have some great wine available!!
My spelling will get better as I get used to this new netbook.
Sincerely, your brother, the "mule" driver!!
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
15 Sept, Pomeroy, WA
Currently, I'm staying at the Blue Mountain KOA in Pomeroy, WA. Free WIFI. I left McMinnville, OR on 14 Sept at 10 AM and traveled down 99W and hooked into 22E that took me into Salem, OR. Went right by the hospital that Valley is going to work at. Traveled east through Redmond, Prineville, and Sisters, OR and ended up camping in a state campground in Mount Vernon, OR. Cost, $4.00. Left the campground at 9 AM and traveled north on 395N through Walla Walla, WA. This part of the country is dry with lots of open spaces. I was looking for a place to camp in Dayton but continued on 12N and saw a sign for a KOA that was 19 miles down a small road to Pomeroy, WA. Nice place. Quiet and out of the way. Total milage today was only 231 miles but my neck and right shoulder are not too sore yet. The first day they hurt but I think it has to do with getting used to riding. The throttle rocker and front pegs are really a plus as I can stretch out. The first leg from McMinnville was about 290 miles. The first leg was through the mountains with lots of twisty, winding roads. I backed off the throttle, as I promised Valley that I would ride safe. Plan on getting a nice long shower tonight and in the morning get on the road to Missoula, MT. The "Mule" has been holding up well. Traveling at 60 mph with stops every hour. The temp in Walla Walla was +86F but the nights have been cool. I plan to take a walk and do my back rx stretching before leaving. I will post pics in the next post if I have WIFI access again.
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Sunday in McMinnville
It's Sunday in MvMinnville. The pics are from a fair at a local school. Chris did the first test drive with the new racks and bags. Since this a mc blog I had to include a pic of thr local mc police. The well dressed lady was a performer for a local performance group called the fighting instruments of karma. Chris and the girls got to ride in a hot air ballon. We re-configured the straps for the saddle bags and did minor adjustments to make the mule road ready. I'm departing east towards mitchell or John Day Oregon at 10 AM tomorrow morning.
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Saturday, 12 Sept 2009
Chris is working, Kate is running a 10K, so I'm babysitting for a while. Supposed to be +91F in McMinnville today.
Here's what has been happening:
I noticed that the mule was running hot. When I got to McMinnville I inspected the radiator and noticed that all the front fins had been bent back so no air was going through the radiator. I stripped the mc down and had to manipulate each fin space with a small knife. Since the radiator was off, I removed the overflow tank and all hoses for inspection. They all looked to be in good condition. Reinstalled all parts and went for a ride. Now running cool.
I will be installing the front tank guard racks later today. The sprockets and chain still look to be in good condition. Chris suggested mailing new ones ahead to the Beach's and Croushorns just in case they wear out. Saves me from carrying extra weight.
Yesterday morning, I went out to the garage after my walk. To my surprise, there were a number of shredded bags of top ramien noodles all over the floor. Upon further inspection, all my energy bars I bought at Costco and a small bag of pilot bread were also missing. Yes!! I had left Cooper and Bailey in the garage. Cooper had a tight belly so I suspect he was the ring leader.
Kate, the girls and I will go to the fair in town as they are offering "free hot dogs and ice cream".
I will post pics of revamped mc before I leave here on Monday.
Here's what has been happening:
I noticed that the mule was running hot. When I got to McMinnville I inspected the radiator and noticed that all the front fins had been bent back so no air was going through the radiator. I stripped the mc down and had to manipulate each fin space with a small knife. Since the radiator was off, I removed the overflow tank and all hoses for inspection. They all looked to be in good condition. Reinstalled all parts and went for a ride. Now running cool.
I will be installing the front tank guard racks later today. The sprockets and chain still look to be in good condition. Chris suggested mailing new ones ahead to the Beach's and Croushorns just in case they wear out. Saves me from carrying extra weight.
Yesterday morning, I went out to the garage after my walk. To my surprise, there were a number of shredded bags of top ramien noodles all over the floor. Upon further inspection, all my energy bars I bought at Costco and a small bag of pilot bread were also missing. Yes!! I had left Cooper and Bailey in the garage. Cooper had a tight belly so I suspect he was the ring leader.
Kate, the girls and I will go to the fair in town as they are offering "free hot dogs and ice cream".
I will post pics of revamped mc before I leave here on Monday.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Little motorcycle vs I-5
My trepidations about riding on I-5 from Seattle to McMinnville had good foundation. I left at 10 AM from the Seattle Jenkins to miss AM rush hour traffic. The "Mule" was again loaded heavily. I zoomed on to I-5 and was immediately met by a head wind and buffeting. It makes me nervous to have big rigs and large SUV's zipping by on both sides. Speed limit was 60mph. I was st 65mph. Everyone else was at 70mph or above. After getting by SeaTac the traffic was lighter but As I approached Tacoma and other large commnities, congestion and buffeting also increased.
I arrived in McMinnville at 3:30 PM. I had stopped in Kalama, WA for fuel and food and hooked up Judy Garmin to assist me in finding the Oregon Jenkins abode. I tried positioning the GPS mount for best view but the plastic rain cover produced a glare that made it impossible to use the unit. I will try to fabricate a clear plastic cover and test it along the trip as I will really rely on thr GPS as I get closer to the eastern states.
Yes, my old brain actually remembered how to get to the Oregon Jenkins hacienda. Chris was waitng for me with an ice cold adult beverage/s. After successfully rehydrating, I reconnected with grandkids Kendal and Lauren. It sure is nice to be around them. We SKYPE'd Valley last night and she is lonely but has been has been occupying her time by searching for housing options as she waits for an offer from the Salem, Or and Richland, WA hospitals.
My goal for the day is to strip down the bike, power wash it and get it ready to install new racks and then start tightening up all nuts and bolts.
Chris will be doing some sewing on the side bags. The webbing in the buckles slipped out and I used a bungee cord to hold them on the MC. Most single cylinder motorcycles vibrate and things work loose.
Well, it looks like it is going to be a nice day in McMinnville. Temp to rise to +80F and clear skies. It's time to sign off so I can get my walk and strecting done.
I arrived in McMinnville at 3:30 PM. I had stopped in Kalama, WA for fuel and food and hooked up Judy Garmin to assist me in finding the Oregon Jenkins abode. I tried positioning the GPS mount for best view but the plastic rain cover produced a glare that made it impossible to use the unit. I will try to fabricate a clear plastic cover and test it along the trip as I will really rely on thr GPS as I get closer to the eastern states.
Yes, my old brain actually remembered how to get to the Oregon Jenkins hacienda. Chris was waitng for me with an ice cold adult beverage/s. After successfully rehydrating, I reconnected with grandkids Kendal and Lauren. It sure is nice to be around them. We SKYPE'd Valley last night and she is lonely but has been has been occupying her time by searching for housing options as she waits for an offer from the Salem, Or and Richland, WA hospitals.
My goal for the day is to strip down the bike, power wash it and get it ready to install new racks and then start tightening up all nuts and bolts.
Chris will be doing some sewing on the side bags. The webbing in the buckles slipped out and I used a bungee cord to hold them on the MC. Most single cylinder motorcycles vibrate and things work loose.
Well, it looks like it is going to be a nice day in McMinnville. Temp to rise to +80F and clear skies. It's time to sign off so I can get my walk and strecting done.
Monday, September 7, 2009
Seattle
.:.
I made it to Seattle and will include some pics this time. Having a good visit with Pat, Courtney and young Talon. Got to see UDUB play LSU. Good game but the dawgs lost.
Leaving for McMinnville, OR on Wednesday, after Pat's birthday celebration. I hope for sunshine as it has been raining on and off is Seattle.
Enjoy the pics. UDUB football, new friends from Naples, FLA, wet bear in Haines, camping on the boat and a loaded motorcycle in British Columbia ( I ran into a 30 mph headwind and rain for 150 miles after this piv ).
I made it to Seattle and will include some pics this time. Having a good visit with Pat, Courtney and young Talon. Got to see UDUB play LSU. Good game but the dawgs lost.
Leaving for McMinnville, OR on Wednesday, after Pat's birthday celebration. I hope for sunshine as it has been raining on and off is Seattle.
Enjoy the pics. UDUB football, new friends from Naples, FLA, wet bear in Haines, camping on the boat and a loaded motorcycle in British Columbia ( I ran into a 30 mph headwind and rain for 150 miles after this piv ).
Friday, September 4, 2009
Bellingham
I made it to Bellingham, WA. Ferry trip was great but long! Met a lot of interesting people who were on motorcycle adventures in Alaska and Canada. Weather for the ferry ride was excellent, no rain!! If you have not traveled on the ferry, you need to take the time and book a trip. I saw lots of whales and orcas. I pitched a tent on the back deck and enjoyed lots of peace and quiet. Great place to stay if you snore.
Fred Kennedy met me at the dock with a motorcycle trailer. So, we loaded up the bike and went to breakfast in downtown Bellingham. I'm now at Fren and Barbs home. It looks out over the inland waterway. Great view. Tomorrow, Fred and I will travel to see the Seattle Jenkins and attend a UDUB football game against LSU. Pat will get me to Best Buy so I can purchase a netbook computer to use on the rest of the trip. I will add pics of the trip from Fairbanks to Bellingham on the next update.
Thanks for following my journey!!
Fred Kennedy met me at the dock with a motorcycle trailer. So, we loaded up the bike and went to breakfast in downtown Bellingham. I'm now at Fren and Barbs home. It looks out over the inland waterway. Great view. Tomorrow, Fred and I will travel to see the Seattle Jenkins and attend a UDUB football game against LSU. Pat will get me to Best Buy so I can purchase a netbook computer to use on the rest of the trip. I will add pics of the trip from Fairbanks to Bellingham on the next update.
Thanks for following my journey!!
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