Woke up to a dark and cloudy day, overcast but not raining, although it was promising to. We knew it was going to be a tough one. Fired up the bikes around 9am and headed east from Cofax, Iowa, (somewhere past Des Moines) and ran into a constant wall of rain. Just when you thought it couldn't rain any harder... it did...and it did again.
Spent about 2 hours in it and became soakeder and soakder. Ted's boots squished when we stopped for gas. The second time we stopped for gas we also stopped for lunch... at Benningtons on I74 southbound in Davenport. Gotta love a warm restaurant with cold beer. Now everyone was squishing.
Took off again in the pouring rain (even harder this time). Gradually the clouds lifted and the sodden bikers gradually started to dry out. We actually managed to get in 738 km and crossed 4 states. We went though Iowa, Illinois, Indiana and ended up in Michigan.
Finally threw in the towel at Sturgis, Michigan where we looked forward to roadhouse food at Walsh's (Dave and Ted had stopped there in '07 on their way out West). But Walsh's had burned down, along with the only other good restaurant in town.
Saved by the bell, found a $50 hotel with Applebees across the street! Gotta love a warm restaurant with cold beer. Now it's late and we're not looking forward to our last day on the road. Expect to be in NF, ON tomorrow afternoon. Last post coming
up!
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Friday, July 10, 2009
July 9th
Our day began early with a startling clap of thunder that shook the ground at 6am. As we settled back to sleep, a pounding on the roof and building caused us to jump from our beds to the window in time to see golf ball sized hail pelting the hotel and ground. Tried to get pics but it was too dark. Ted has two lovely `character` dents in his front fender and Dave has a dent in his trailer to go along with the scratch from the low flying duck that hit us last week. The damage was minor compared to the numerous front and back windows of vehicles that were smashed.
We hunkered in until the torrential rains passed, then suited up and hit the road. As we drove, the skies cleared and eventually we stripped down as the temps hit high 80`s.
Sadly - we are heading east toward home and the end of our 2009 adventure.
Stopped in Madison County to check out the bridges from the movie `Bridges of Madison County`. There are 6 covered bridges and we saw all of them. Was disappointing to discover each bridge was the same, only the location was different. But great to see them and read all the postings people have written on walls over the years.
On to Butt F?"/$* Iowa for the night, checking the weather and hoping to miss the severe storms passing thru tonight and tomorrow.
We hunkered in until the torrential rains passed, then suited up and hit the road. As we drove, the skies cleared and eventually we stripped down as the temps hit high 80`s.
Sadly - we are heading east toward home and the end of our 2009 adventure.
Stopped in Madison County to check out the bridges from the movie `Bridges of Madison County`. There are 6 covered bridges and we saw all of them. Was disappointing to discover each bridge was the same, only the location was different. But great to see them and read all the postings people have written on walls over the years.
On to Butt F?"/$* Iowa for the night, checking the weather and hoping to miss the severe storms passing thru tonight and tomorrow.
July 8th
Up and on the road heading to the infamous Highway 44 for a picture of everyone with a beer in the middle of the road. Had great fun setting up the tripod for all the pics - - - actually had to pause twice for a car!!!!
Stopped in the booming metropolis of Witten, SD - population 87. Found the `Blue Moon Saloon`. What a hoot. Was originally intended only as a pee break, but the place was so quaint, we ended up staying for a few beers, numerous tunes on the jukebox (thanks Ted) and a few games of electronic darts. None of us had played before so after some very serious instructions from the bartender, we finally caught on. Had an unexpected and delightful time.
Continued past farm after farm of gentle rolling hills full of crops and came upon a lake (Lake Francis), along the Missouri River. Stopped to stretch our legs and wet our toes in the warm lake water. We were surprised there was almost no development around this beautiful lake - only one house that we could see. What a perfect spot to build a home!!!
Rolled into Yankton, SD for the night and found the best buffet ever at a place called Jo Deans. The buffet was amazing with everything from seafood salad and crab legs, to sirloin steak, beef stroganoff, sirloin tips, (doncha love being in Black Angus beef country),ribs, prime rib, fresh turkey, all kinds of veggies, to homemade angel food cakes and fresh strawberries.
Needless to say - four Canucks waddled their fat asses back to the hotel and collapsed for the night. Only sound to be heard was groans of discomfort changing to sighs of relief as the pant buttons and zippers popped to allow the screaming tummys to escape. Ahhhhhh ..... and so ends yet another enjoyable day.
Stopped in the booming metropolis of Witten, SD - population 87. Found the `Blue Moon Saloon`. What a hoot. Was originally intended only as a pee break, but the place was so quaint, we ended up staying for a few beers, numerous tunes on the jukebox (thanks Ted) and a few games of electronic darts. None of us had played before so after some very serious instructions from the bartender, we finally caught on. Had an unexpected and delightful time.
Continued past farm after farm of gentle rolling hills full of crops and came upon a lake (Lake Francis), along the Missouri River. Stopped to stretch our legs and wet our toes in the warm lake water. We were surprised there was almost no development around this beautiful lake - only one house that we could see. What a perfect spot to build a home!!!
Rolled into Yankton, SD for the night and found the best buffet ever at a place called Jo Deans. The buffet was amazing with everything from seafood salad and crab legs, to sirloin steak, beef stroganoff, sirloin tips, (doncha love being in Black Angus beef country),ribs, prime rib, fresh turkey, all kinds of veggies, to homemade angel food cakes and fresh strawberries.
Needless to say - four Canucks waddled their fat asses back to the hotel and collapsed for the night. Only sound to be heard was groans of discomfort changing to sighs of relief as the pant buttons and zippers popped to allow the screaming tummys to escape. Ahhhhhh ..... and so ends yet another enjoyable day.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
July 7th.
Beautiful cloudless day with temps @ 0900 around 32 degrees...it's going be a hot one. Stopped @ Wall SD, a small unassuming little US town that happens to have the most amazing tourist experience. It's called "Wall Drug" that at one time was just a family run drug store that has grown since 1931 into a massive downtown old west shopping extravaganza. Even the guys were impressed and pretended to enjoy the shopping.
Continued to our destination to the Badlands of SD. It was so interesting to see this massive jagged "mountain" range that consists of multiple layers of coloured clay and soils.
They were once the bottom of a ocean bed, and now are this rich fossilized formation are called the Badlands.
The name is in reference to the fact that nothing really existis there, no animal or plant life.
Took our time drivng through with multiple picture stops, then stopped in Kadoka for the night.
Continued to our destination to the Badlands of SD. It was so interesting to see this massive jagged "mountain" range that consists of multiple layers of coloured clay and soils.
They were once the bottom of a ocean bed, and now are this rich fossilized formation are called the Badlands.
The name is in reference to the fact that nothing really existis there, no animal or plant life.
Took our time drivng through with multiple picture stops, then stopped in Kadoka for the night.
July 6th.
Heading north on the east side of Wyoming. Very different country side from the west side of the state...beautiful soft rolling hills, acres & acres of velvety grassland and hay fields. Not great for hayfever allergies.
While driving across the grasslands we got caught in the most torrential rain storm with hail again...this time we had no place to take cover so we just pressed on.....damn that stuff hurts.
Stopped in some nameless little town to hide from the rain that had just happened to be having happy hour...gotta love $1.75 beer.
Found us ending the day in Hot Springs SD. Found a steakhouse in an old hotel that had a rock in the middle of it. The rock was there when they dug the foundation (a hundred years ago) and proved too hard and big to remove so they left it. It currently rises up in the middle of the dining room. Ted tried again to order Elk, but they were out. But all in all, it was another great steak dinner.
While driving across the grasslands we got caught in the most torrential rain storm with hail again...this time we had no place to take cover so we just pressed on.....damn that stuff hurts.
Stopped in some nameless little town to hide from the rain that had just happened to be having happy hour...gotta love $1.75 beer.
Found us ending the day in Hot Springs SD. Found a steakhouse in an old hotel that had a rock in the middle of it. The rock was there when they dug the foundation (a hundred years ago) and proved too hard and big to remove so they left it. It currently rises up in the middle of the dining room. Ted tried again to order Elk, but they were out. But all in all, it was another great steak dinner.
Sunday, July 5, 2009
hey Bren.....do you know where Jose went?
Poor Ted...woke up Sat morning looking for his new bottle of Jose Cuervos.... finally found it - in the garbage can, empty. Oooops, however did that happen? Moral of the story: Don't go to bed before the girls silly.
July 4.09 in Jackson Hole, watched the town parade, did a bit of shopping, had a great lunch and then headed south to Rock Springs.
Typical mountain day...cloudless & sunny in the morning and then a bit of rain in the afternoon. Dodged some ominous thunder showers on our way south. Met a lovely couple in the hotel from Ohio who were also doing a bike tour. Borrowed some chairs and watched the July 4th fire works from the parking lot beside the hotel.
July 5th. Decided against making the trek to Flaming Gorge which would have been a full day trip south into Utah. Will save that for our next trip when we do Utah and Oregan.
Instead we made a valiant attempt to search for the wild mustangs on the Rock Springs Plains. All we saw was horse poop, prairie dogs and dust. Very disappointing. In hindsight we should have rented 4 wheelers and did our own off roading and probably had more luck. It's a 10,000 acre mountain range with 5,000 mustangs that know just where to hide from nosey tourists.
Continued our day east to Laramie to the Wyoming Territorial Prison which was on Dave's "wish list". What a fablous restoration of a prison that was operational in the late 1800's and housed Butch Cassidy for a few years.
We were fortunate to meet one of the museum's staff who turned out to be the (retired) sheriff of Laramie and a prison historian. We were given a personal guided tour of the broom factory that was operated by the inmates and explained the complexity of the art. None of us ever realized how much detail went into broom making...facinating!!!
Hey Ted...want some more spicy wings and cheesey chili fries...????
July 6th
Found us arriving late last night in Cheyenne, the capital of Wyoming. It was a major laundry night for all of us. Going to tour the down town area and then head north east for Rapid City...sadly we are starting our trek homeward. It's SAD DAY July 6th.
July 4.09 in Jackson Hole, watched the town parade, did a bit of shopping, had a great lunch and then headed south to Rock Springs.
Typical mountain day...cloudless & sunny in the morning and then a bit of rain in the afternoon. Dodged some ominous thunder showers on our way south. Met a lovely couple in the hotel from Ohio who were also doing a bike tour. Borrowed some chairs and watched the July 4th fire works from the parking lot beside the hotel.
July 5th. Decided against making the trek to Flaming Gorge which would have been a full day trip south into Utah. Will save that for our next trip when we do Utah and Oregan.
Instead we made a valiant attempt to search for the wild mustangs on the Rock Springs Plains. All we saw was horse poop, prairie dogs and dust. Very disappointing. In hindsight we should have rented 4 wheelers and did our own off roading and probably had more luck. It's a 10,000 acre mountain range with 5,000 mustangs that know just where to hide from nosey tourists.
Continued our day east to Laramie to the Wyoming Territorial Prison which was on Dave's "wish list". What a fablous restoration of a prison that was operational in the late 1800's and housed Butch Cassidy for a few years.
We were fortunate to meet one of the museum's staff who turned out to be the (retired) sheriff of Laramie and a prison historian. We were given a personal guided tour of the broom factory that was operated by the inmates and explained the complexity of the art. None of us ever realized how much detail went into broom making...facinating!!!
Hey Ted...want some more spicy wings and cheesey chili fries...????
July 6th
Found us arriving late last night in Cheyenne, the capital of Wyoming. It was a major laundry night for all of us. Going to tour the down town area and then head north east for Rapid City...sadly we are starting our trek homeward. It's SAD DAY July 6th.
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Wow - what a day. Went white water rafting on the Snake River. Carol didn't really want to go but ... ..she was a trooper and finally agreed on the condition we made sure she remained UPRIGHT AND IN THE BOAT AT ALL TIMES.
It was a first for all of us and left us wanting more. Our guide was "Captain Ron", an original "Snake River" rafter with 35 years experience. We were very reassured being in his boat and made it safely thru the Class 3 rapids drenched, but with no calamities. We were on a super high for hours.
Had a great dinner then headed to yet another rodeo. It was freakin' hilarious to see the MUTTON BUSTERS. Had never seen it before. Kids - ages 2 to 8 - riding sheep bareback (in preparation for the riding the "BIG BULL") We have never laughed so hard. One little guy stayed on so long we thought he was a manniken strapped on. OMG - it was hysterical.
Good time had by all .... ya all cum back now ... ya hear!! LOL
It was a first for all of us and left us wanting more. Our guide was "Captain Ron", an original "Snake River" rafter with 35 years experience. We were very reassured being in his boat and made it safely thru the Class 3 rapids drenched, but with no calamities. We were on a super high for hours.
Had a great dinner then headed to yet another rodeo. It was freakin' hilarious to see the MUTTON BUSTERS. Had never seen it before. Kids - ages 2 to 8 - riding sheep bareback (in preparation for the riding the "BIG BULL") We have never laughed so hard. One little guy stayed on so long we thought he was a manniken strapped on. OMG - it was hysterical.
Good time had by all .... ya all cum back now ... ya hear!! LOL
Good bye Yellowstone
July 2.09
Before geting out of Yellowstone we encountered every bikers nightmare...a thunderstorm with hail...nasty on the knuckles, eh guys!?!? Temperatures dropped from 22C to 8c in about 2 minutes and even though we were suited up, we stopped and ran for cover under the trees from the half inch pellets pounding us.
Headed south through the Grand Teton National Park which was to our amazement a completely new encounter of jagged, imposing mountains peaking at 13,000 ft. Got great pictures ... even backwards ... right Brenda??
World class fly fishing obviously attracts vacationers from all over the world as it has beautiful, shallow, winding streams loaded with trout. We saw remnants of the massive destruction of forest fires. Hundreds, maybe thousands of acres wiped out. So sad, yet already showing signs of life and new growth.
Arrived in Jackson Hole late afternoon. Similar town to Banff Springs ... population 8,500 and very touristy with upscale shopping and great resturants. Thurs night was quite an experience when we went to the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar. The seats at the bar are saddles and the walls are covered with "knobbled pine"....had a great evening of dinner and whupping the guys asses at pool (NOT!!!) :o)
Before geting out of Yellowstone we encountered every bikers nightmare...a thunderstorm with hail...nasty on the knuckles, eh guys!?!? Temperatures dropped from 22C to 8c in about 2 minutes and even though we were suited up, we stopped and ran for cover under the trees from the half inch pellets pounding us.
Headed south through the Grand Teton National Park which was to our amazement a completely new encounter of jagged, imposing mountains peaking at 13,000 ft. Got great pictures ... even backwards ... right Brenda??
World class fly fishing obviously attracts vacationers from all over the world as it has beautiful, shallow, winding streams loaded with trout. We saw remnants of the massive destruction of forest fires. Hundreds, maybe thousands of acres wiped out. So sad, yet already showing signs of life and new growth.
Arrived in Jackson Hole late afternoon. Similar town to Banff Springs ... population 8,500 and very touristy with upscale shopping and great resturants. Thurs night was quite an experience when we went to the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar. The seats at the bar are saddles and the walls are covered with "knobbled pine"....had a great evening of dinner and whupping the guys asses at pool (NOT!!!) :o)
Friday, July 3, 2009
July 1 and HAPPY BIRTHDAY ROSIE..!!!!
Wish you were here and we could celebrate together.
Left Cooke City and headed into Yellowstone, where we spent two days exploring and enjoying the scenery and wildlife. The park is over 2 million acres and we felt our chances of seeing a bear were very slim (which Bren found comforting). What you discover quickly in Yellowstone is when you see several cars stopped on the road - you know there is something worthwhile stopping to see. One such encounter was a black bear grazing about 70 feet off the road. As we joined the crowd of onlookers and forest ranger, we heard that it was a mother bear, who had sent her cub to his playpen for safety. He was sound asleep in a tree about 20 feet up. Was pretty amazing to be so close.
The wildlife in the park is abundant, especially the bison. There are herds everywhere, including on and along the roads. We also spotted a bull elk, a cow elk with newborn calf, prairie dogs, a white coyote, white pelicans, osprey, mules, deer, trumpeter swan, and bald eagles (one with a baby in the nest)
Entered Yellowstone at the north east entrance and headed to Mammoth Springs. Saw numerous mud pots, hot springs and small geysers, then headed down to see the grandaddy of them all - Old Faithful, our main destination and it was worth every mile. The whole area of springs, geysers, steam vents, mud pots is not only amazing, but frightening to realize the amount of activity happening just below our feet.
Headed to West Yellowstone, Montana to spend the night .
Left Cooke City and headed into Yellowstone, where we spent two days exploring and enjoying the scenery and wildlife. The park is over 2 million acres and we felt our chances of seeing a bear were very slim (which Bren found comforting). What you discover quickly in Yellowstone is when you see several cars stopped on the road - you know there is something worthwhile stopping to see. One such encounter was a black bear grazing about 70 feet off the road. As we joined the crowd of onlookers and forest ranger, we heard that it was a mother bear, who had sent her cub to his playpen for safety. He was sound asleep in a tree about 20 feet up. Was pretty amazing to be so close.
The wildlife in the park is abundant, especially the bison. There are herds everywhere, including on and along the roads. We also spotted a bull elk, a cow elk with newborn calf, prairie dogs, a white coyote, white pelicans, osprey, mules, deer, trumpeter swan, and bald eagles (one with a baby in the nest)
Entered Yellowstone at the north east entrance and headed to Mammoth Springs. Saw numerous mud pots, hot springs and small geysers, then headed down to see the grandaddy of them all - Old Faithful, our main destination and it was worth every mile. The whole area of springs, geysers, steam vents, mud pots is not only amazing, but frightening to realize the amount of activity happening just below our feet.
Headed to West Yellowstone, Montana to spend the night .
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Beartooth Pass here we come
Tues June 30.09
Leaving Cody behind us, we headed northwest on the Chief Joseph Scenic Hwy towards Beartooth pass. Another day of incredible views of vast valleys, lush meadows, rock crags, canyons, majestic snow capped mountains .....very humbling .
Its difficult to describe the overwhelming----sensations you experience on a bike trip like this. Every sense is alerted with the smells of the pine and evergreen forest, the subtle changes in temperature, the cool fresh breeze,the 360 degree view of the mountains. You become part of the experience...much better than looking through the side window of a minivan..LOL.
We reached the west summit of Beartooth Pass after noon and before the rain hit. On our way back we stopped at a crystal mountain lake for our 2009 signature picture.
Heading back down the mountain we encountered an amazing waterfall...screech....get the camera Bren.
Early end to the day in Cooke City, Montana as it is the last stop before Yellowstone Park tomorrow to see Yogi and Boo Boo bear. Fortunately for us it was happy hour at the Miner Saloon with beer for $1.00 and the best pizza we have ever had.
Leaving Cody behind us, we headed northwest on the Chief Joseph Scenic Hwy towards Beartooth pass. Another day of incredible views of vast valleys, lush meadows, rock crags, canyons, majestic snow capped mountains .....very humbling .
Its difficult to describe the overwhelming----sensations you experience on a bike trip like this. Every sense is alerted with the smells of the pine and evergreen forest, the subtle changes in temperature, the cool fresh breeze,the 360 degree view of the mountains. You become part of the experience...much better than looking through the side window of a minivan..LOL.
We reached the west summit of Beartooth Pass after noon and before the rain hit. On our way back we stopped at a crystal mountain lake for our 2009 signature picture.
Heading back down the mountain we encountered an amazing waterfall...screech....get the camera Bren.
Early end to the day in Cooke City, Montana as it is the last stop before Yellowstone Park tomorrow to see Yogi and Boo Boo bear. Fortunately for us it was happy hour at the Miner Saloon with beer for $1.00 and the best pizza we have ever had.
Monday's Blog
Another scenic drive west from Sheridan to Cody, up and over Big Horn Montain range -elevation 8450 with snow capped peaks. Stumbled across Shell Falls, a beautiful waterfall tumbling 120 ft down into Shell Creek, which wound its way alongside the road to the bottom of the canyon.
Travelling through the canyon was akin to what one would expect to see driving to the bottom of the Grand Canyon. Dramatic rock cuts winding through canyons to a mountain fed river. Heading towards Cody we happened onto the hamlet of Shell, population of 50!!!! Other than the post office and gas station, the local watering hole boasting beer and burgers was...closed cause it was Monday.
So what else is a hot thirsty biker with a trailer full of cold beer to do, but make themselves at home on the patio. Out came the peanuts...on came the tunes...and down went the beer! After enjoying the lovely sun filled afternoon, the owner came out, smiling and telling us to "tear it up"
Only in small town USA!
On into Cody we finaly found a place to stay and headed to Irma's saloon, the historical hotel built by Buffalo BILL Cody in 1903 during the height of his wild west show. Cody is still the host of these wild west shows nightly.
Off to the Cody Nites Rodeo with event riders coming from all over the Us. What a blast...the best part of the rodeo was watching the young kids compete. Unfortunately we are missing the annual PRCA rodeo Juky 1-5th. Maybe next time.
Back to the motel for outside patio party and foolishness.
Travelling through the canyon was akin to what one would expect to see driving to the bottom of the Grand Canyon. Dramatic rock cuts winding through canyons to a mountain fed river. Heading towards Cody we happened onto the hamlet of Shell, population of 50!!!! Other than the post office and gas station, the local watering hole boasting beer and burgers was...closed cause it was Monday.
So what else is a hot thirsty biker with a trailer full of cold beer to do, but make themselves at home on the patio. Out came the peanuts...on came the tunes...and down went the beer! After enjoying the lovely sun filled afternoon, the owner came out, smiling and telling us to "tear it up"
Only in small town USA!
On into Cody we finaly found a place to stay and headed to Irma's saloon, the historical hotel built by Buffalo BILL Cody in 1903 during the height of his wild west show. Cody is still the host of these wild west shows nightly.
Off to the Cody Nites Rodeo with event riders coming from all over the Us. What a blast...the best part of the rodeo was watching the young kids compete. Unfortunately we are missing the annual PRCA rodeo Juky 1-5th. Maybe next time.
Back to the motel for outside patio party and foolishness.
Monday, June 29, 2009
Sun June 28.09
What day is it anyway?? Oh ya, we're on vacation.
Headed west from Custer SD along a twisty road with lots of tight switchbacks, beautiful scenery on a warm cloudless day. Prefect bike day. I can see why they refer to this area...Montana and Wyoming as big sky country. Forgot to mention the overly friendly donkies that were in Custer State Park...they worked the vacationers like hookers on the street corner. Stopping every car, sticking their heads in the cars looking for treats.
Looking over the rough terrain you have visions/holograms of the pioneers, the hardships they endured, bumping along in their covered wagons with the red clay stuck to the wheels, like in a James Lumbers print.
We saw remnants of a massive devastating forest fire...miles and miles, acres upon acres of charred trees. So sad.
Interesting there is a yellow wild flower/weed in full blossom coverng the hills, that has been here since we arrived in Rapid City. It has the sweetest scent..like honeysuckle that has made Teds allergies not happy. One morning when the boys got up to give their babies their morning bath, the bikes were covered in a fine yellow dust.
We saw trains carrying car loads of coal, rolling hills dotted with black angus, small oil rigs bobbing up and down, lots of small deer. Beautiful rugged landscape.
Drove past Devils Tower, US's first national monument.
Dave brought it to our attention that is was 2pm and time to stop for our after noon beer. Found a neat old bar in Hulett Wy and sat out side swapping stories with the locals picking up travel tips.
Continued through more barren terrain to Sheridan Wy to find a great motel with a huge room and a rib dinner...again
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Todays ride was a trip down memory lane for the boys and they delighted in finally sharing the highlights from their "virginal" sixwestcoater trip. Leaving Deadwood our first stop of the day was to the notorous "Moon shine gultch" saloon. Unbelievable...like stepping back in time. The ontario health department would have a bird if they ever tried to do an inspection there. the ceinig is covered with hats. t-shirts and business cards from previous patrons. We had beers, and Dave finally got to go to the bathroom. When we were leaving, a bit of a crowd and kinda felt bad leaving.
Took off east toward Hill City, and got thoroughly dusted on the dirt roads. Stopped in Hill City and checked out a really good sculpture exhibition. See the horse?
Took off east toward Hill City, and got thoroughly dusted on the dirt roads. Stopped in Hill City and checked out a really good sculpture exhibition. See the horse?
From there it was Crazy Horse, then Mount Rushmore, then Needles Highway, then Custer State Park. As soon as we turned into the park there were a dozen bison beside the road.
Carol couldn't get the camera turned on in time, and Brenda was too busy shitting herself to get a picture. (These girls are fired.) But the tours were thoroughly enjoyed. The ladies said it was great to finally see what the boys had been raving about for the past two years.
Carol couldn't get the camera turned on in time, and Brenda was too busy shitting herself to get a picture. (These girls are fired.) But the tours were thoroughly enjoyed. The ladies said it was great to finally see what the boys had been raving about for the past two years.
Dinner was steak at the Dark Horse Saloon in Custer, SD. Probably one of the best steaks we've ever had. Now just sitting outside our rooms at the Rocket Motel getting pleasantly lubricated and looking forward to everything being new from this point on. Nighty-night!
Ladies first full day
Friday, June 26/09
Men out of bed at 6:00 to a cloudy sky, ladies out of bed at 8:00. Deceided to spend the morning walking and shopping in downtown Sturgis, t-shirts, leather etc. Back to One Eyed Jacks for a quick beer, then on to Deadwood. Sky was black and menacing, but we pushed on thinking we'd beat the rain. NOT. The further we went, the harder it came down. Got into Deadwood and a van pulled between us, engulfing Ted and Carol in a tsunami-like wave. They completely disappeared from sight, only to emerge looking like drowned rats. We quickly pulled into a covered gas station for damage control. Dave couldnt stop laughinng!!! Didn't appear too bad initially other than wet clothers and hair, but later, when everything dried, the bike and trailer was plastered with mud and road grime. Off to the car wash for Ted the next morning!
Deadwood was a pleasant surprise - vintage old west with saloons, original builidings and cobblestone streets. Most shops hosted gambling - slots and tables, yet they did not seem very busy until much later that evening. Numerous old west re-enactments take place along Main Street periodically throughout the day. Stayed at the historic Franklin Hotel builit in the early 1900's. Much of it remains original with lead glass windows, grand wood staircase and stamped tin ceilings. making it easy to visualize what it looked liked in early days. Great all you can eat buffet featuring prime ribs and crab legs for $15.00 then off to a burlesque show at the Lucky Nugget Saloon. Very entertaining. Good day even with the rain.
Men out of bed at 6:00 to a cloudy sky, ladies out of bed at 8:00. Deceided to spend the morning walking and shopping in downtown Sturgis, t-shirts, leather etc. Back to One Eyed Jacks for a quick beer, then on to Deadwood. Sky was black and menacing, but we pushed on thinking we'd beat the rain. NOT. The further we went, the harder it came down. Got into Deadwood and a van pulled between us, engulfing Ted and Carol in a tsunami-like wave. They completely disappeared from sight, only to emerge looking like drowned rats. We quickly pulled into a covered gas station for damage control. Dave couldnt stop laughinng!!! Didn't appear too bad initially other than wet clothers and hair, but later, when everything dried, the bike and trailer was plastered with mud and road grime. Off to the car wash for Ted the next morning!
Deadwood was a pleasant surprise - vintage old west with saloons, original builidings and cobblestone streets. Most shops hosted gambling - slots and tables, yet they did not seem very busy until much later that evening. Numerous old west re-enactments take place along Main Street periodically throughout the day. Stayed at the historic Franklin Hotel builit in the early 1900's. Much of it remains original with lead glass windows, grand wood staircase and stamped tin ceilings. making it easy to visualize what it looked liked in early days. Great all you can eat buffet featuring prime ribs and crab legs for $15.00 then off to a burlesque show at the Lucky Nugget Saloon. Very entertaining. Good day even with the rain.
Friday, June 26, 2009
They're heeeeere...
Thursday. Girls are coming today. Last night Dave and I took the opportunity to get tanked. Spent waaay too long at the bar, then GPS'd the closest Applebees.
Got up early this morning to get in the lineup at Black Hills HD for a set of new tires. To their credit, I was done and out in less than 1.5 hours after the service department opened, which was a bonus since we had half expected to be there all morning. We spent the rest of the day wandering around Rapid City. Solved a couple of technical storage problems with help from Walmart and Lowes. Trailer are working great Ivan. Don't know they are there... till you need a cold beer.
Had a hearty lunch at Perkins Family Restaurant (note the "Family"... means no beer), but free wireless internet (where Dave wrote yesterday's blog). Then downtown at the recommendation of the buggy-eyed guy at Best-Buy to have a few beers at the Olde Firehouse microbrewery. Across the street was a guns and ammo store and we couldn't resist a tour. The guys behind the counter were more than happy to share their stories of death and destruction by firearm with the requisite relationship between guns and law and order pointed out at every opportunity. (Now we know it's better to go for the head shot if the bad guy has a gun on someone, because apparantly if you don't take out the brain stem, the other guy's gun will go off.)
Went to the airport later in the afternoon to pick up the girls. They had flown 3 legs to get here and were pretty tired. Dave and I dressed up for the special occasion.
Drove straight to Sturgis and checked in. Dinner was ribs at One-Eyed Jack's. Could have shot a cannon through the place. If you haven't been there, it's a huge bar that basically lives all year for that one week in August. There are 30 bars in the place. During bike week, they have between 110 and 115 waitresses on the floor.
And that's about it. Girls passed out around 10, Dave and I did laundry. (I drank, Dave folded.) Thanks Dave :)
Got up early this morning to get in the lineup at Black Hills HD for a set of new tires. To their credit, I was done and out in less than 1.5 hours after the service department opened, which was a bonus since we had half expected to be there all morning. We spent the rest of the day wandering around Rapid City. Solved a couple of technical storage problems with help from Walmart and Lowes. Trailer are working great Ivan. Don't know they are there... till you need a cold beer.
Had a hearty lunch at Perkins Family Restaurant (note the "Family"... means no beer), but free wireless internet (where Dave wrote yesterday's blog). Then downtown at the recommendation of the buggy-eyed guy at Best-Buy to have a few beers at the Olde Firehouse microbrewery. Across the street was a guns and ammo store and we couldn't resist a tour. The guys behind the counter were more than happy to share their stories of death and destruction by firearm with the requisite relationship between guns and law and order pointed out at every opportunity. (Now we know it's better to go for the head shot if the bad guy has a gun on someone, because apparantly if you don't take out the brain stem, the other guy's gun will go off.)
Went to the airport later in the afternoon to pick up the girls. They had flown 3 legs to get here and were pretty tired. Dave and I dressed up for the special occasion.
Drove straight to Sturgis and checked in. Dinner was ribs at One-Eyed Jack's. Could have shot a cannon through the place. If you haven't been there, it's a huge bar that basically lives all year for that one week in August. There are 30 bars in the place. During bike week, they have between 110 and 115 waitresses on the floor.
And that's about it. Girls passed out around 10, Dave and I did laundry. (I drank, Dave folded.) Thanks Dave :)
Thursday, June 25, 2009
More Grass lands
On the road at 8:00 temp was a very comfortable 23, nice for a change. we thought that we would stay off the interstate and take the back roads to Rapid City.
What can I say about w-i-d-e open space, grass, grass and more grass, oh I almost forgot, we are in the beef area of the USA, I now know where all the black Angus steaks come from.
When we finally headed north towards South Dakota, the road was much better as you can see in the picture, the Black Hills on one side, the grass lands on the other, a great contrast, a great ride. Temp reached 33 and 427 kil later we drove into Rapid City around 1:00.
What can I say about w-i-d-e open space, grass, grass and more grass, oh I almost forgot, we are in the beef area of the USA, I now know where all the black Angus steaks come from.
When we finally headed north towards South Dakota, the road was much better as you can see in the picture, the Black Hills on one side, the grass lands on the other, a great contrast, a great ride. Temp reached 33 and 427 kil later we drove into Rapid City around 1:00.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
I don't have much to say about Kansas and Nebraska except I don't have much to say about Kansas and Nebraska.
Dodge City was ok, but not stellar. For a town of this size, we were surprised how tiny the "Wild West" part was. Just a single row of pretenda stores with a boardwalk. After the dinner and show, there wasn't really anything more to see.
So this morning, up and off we went. Still really hot... over 30c when we left at 9:00am, and it got hotter as the day went on. Drove straight north on the 183, stopped for gas, then north on 183, stopped for gas, then north on183, stopped for gas.... you get the picture.
The roads were all good, and the scenery, while repetitive was good too. Lots of rolling hills, then flatlands, then rolling hills, then flatlands. then rolling hills... you get the picture.
Pulled into Valentine, Nebraska around 6:00pm and headed straight into George's Mule Bar for a beer. There was only one other guy in there and he looked like he'd been welded to the bar stool. But the beer was cold and the bartender recommended the Cedar Canyon for steak. Tried the other bar in town after supper, the Skylite, but this time there wasn't anyone else in there. Played pool (Dave won, of course, a sign of a mis-spent youth), then headed back to the hotel to turn in.
One thing I forgot to mention the other day. It's very weird when you go in to the all-you-can-eat buffet, and the cute young cashier seems to feel she needs to tell you that it's only 8.99 for seniors. It's also very weird when you go in to the hotel, and the cute young desk clerk seems to feel she needs to ask you if you boys want one bed or two.
And that's all I have to say about that.
Dodge City was ok, but not stellar. For a town of this size, we were surprised how tiny the "Wild West" part was. Just a single row of pretenda stores with a boardwalk. After the dinner and show, there wasn't really anything more to see.
So this morning, up and off we went. Still really hot... over 30c when we left at 9:00am, and it got hotter as the day went on. Drove straight north on the 183, stopped for gas, then north on 183, stopped for gas, then north on183, stopped for gas.... you get the picture.
The roads were all good, and the scenery, while repetitive was good too. Lots of rolling hills, then flatlands, then rolling hills, then flatlands. then rolling hills... you get the picture.
Pulled into Valentine, Nebraska around 6:00pm and headed straight into George's Mule Bar for a beer. There was only one other guy in there and he looked like he'd been welded to the bar stool. But the beer was cold and the bartender recommended the Cedar Canyon for steak. Tried the other bar in town after supper, the Skylite, but this time there wasn't anyone else in there. Played pool (Dave won, of course, a sign of a mis-spent youth), then headed back to the hotel to turn in.
One thing I forgot to mention the other day. It's very weird when you go in to the all-you-can-eat buffet, and the cute young cashier seems to feel she needs to tell you that it's only 8.99 for seniors. It's also very weird when you go in to the hotel, and the cute young desk clerk seems to feel she needs to ask you if you boys want one bed or two.
And that's all I have to say about that.
Monday, June 22, 2009
Day three end of the interstate
Up at 6:40 and, on the rosd by 8:00, temp 30 degrees. Not a cloud in the sky.
We decided to leave the interstate, and travel on Hwy 50 which is two lanes of truck heaven, every truck that comes and goes from this state was on this road. By noon the temp had climbed to 37 and by 1;00 we had arrived in Dodge. 455 kil later the temp on the sign was 102F.
We cruised the main street in seach of the Long Branch Saloon, and could not find it, we were in a bad way and needed beer, I mean water,,, we asked a couple of local people, and they did not know where it was either. We did manage to find it, after a short time and, believe it or not we drank them dry, they closed the beer taps and locked them. Can you believe it.
We went to the old west town, after checking into our room and, had the chuck wagon meal which was delicious, then to the Long Branch, for a old west shoot out( for a minute I felt like I was at work), then inside the saloon for the show, complete with dancing girls, and it was really quite good, but they still did not have beer so we had a sasparilla, another first.
To end, and for tomorrow may I be the first to say "TED GET THE HELL OUT OF DODGE"
Haha it was worth the drive.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Day Two, Everybody Talks to Me Like I'm an Idiot :(
So I'm wondering if it's old age, or just the fact that I've been getting up at 5am for work for the past six months, but I appear to be unable to sleep in. Dave, on the other hand, appears unable to get to sleep before 2am. We've officially switched clocks.
On our last trip, I vowed to turn Dave into an alcoholic. I believe I succeeded. This morning he was beaming. He said "Those beers went down pretty good last night!". Ah-hah. How many did you have? "Two!". Great Dave, welcome to AA.
Side effect of me waking up early... we were on the road at 8am. A warm but overcast morning, no traffic heading into Indianapolis. Straight through no problem. Killed two tanks of gas, then stopped for lunch in some little town, just big enough to have an Applebee's (our standby), and were served by little Miss. Hickey-Chick, a bi-lateral hickied waitress who, in explaining the circumstances to customers at her tables, blamed it on her curling iron. Spaz.
Back on the road, feeling good, but it was friggin' hot. 37 degrees. Stopped every couple of hours for water and a break... At one rest area we met a couple from Pennsylvania.
They asked us "Where you headed?"
We replied - Dodge City, then Wyoming.
"So are we! Where in Wyoming?"
Yellowstone.
"Us too!"
We're going to South Dakota first, the black hills.
"Us too!, how long?"
Three weeks.
"Us too!"
After a while, I began to wonder if maybe they were just a couple of locals and weren't really going anywhere, just wanted to f**k with us. Hope so, they weren't someone we relished running into constantly for the next three weeks anyway :(
At the same rest stop, another skinny guy with tattoos came over and asked us if it was hot. Um... yeah? He asked where we were going and how long.. he said he was on a one week motorcycle vacation and had been on the road two days... from Pittsburgh so far (we were just outside Kansas City). Said he was headed to San Diego and back to Pittsburgh. Okay, think about that for a minute.
Anyway, it was a very very hot afternoon which we survived by drinking copious amounts of water, juice, and gatorade. No beer... we learned that lesson last time.
Pulled into Ottawa, Kansas (no kidding) at 7:00pm. Air conditioned room, pool (which we used... was the BEST), then walked down to the steakhouse buffet where it was all you can eat steak and ribs buffet for $10. Met several 750lb Americans. Probably the only place they can afford to eat.
Back in the room now, blogging, drinking beer, and ready to crash. Sorry, no pics today. We've been lazy with the camera, but really nothing to see. We've been on the road two long days and it still looks like Ontario.
800kms yesterday, 950 today, and 500 left to Dodge City. We'll be there by noon tomorrow (get it?). Probably expecting us.
Promise to take pics tomorrow. Stay tuned :)
On our last trip, I vowed to turn Dave into an alcoholic. I believe I succeeded. This morning he was beaming. He said "Those beers went down pretty good last night!". Ah-hah. How many did you have? "Two!". Great Dave, welcome to AA.
Side effect of me waking up early... we were on the road at 8am. A warm but overcast morning, no traffic heading into Indianapolis. Straight through no problem. Killed two tanks of gas, then stopped for lunch in some little town, just big enough to have an Applebee's (our standby), and were served by little Miss. Hickey-Chick, a bi-lateral hickied waitress who, in explaining the circumstances to customers at her tables, blamed it on her curling iron. Spaz.
Back on the road, feeling good, but it was friggin' hot. 37 degrees. Stopped every couple of hours for water and a break... At one rest area we met a couple from Pennsylvania.
They asked us "Where you headed?"
We replied - Dodge City, then Wyoming.
"So are we! Where in Wyoming?"
Yellowstone.
"Us too!"
We're going to South Dakota first, the black hills.
"Us too!, how long?"
Three weeks.
"Us too!"
After a while, I began to wonder if maybe they were just a couple of locals and weren't really going anywhere, just wanted to f**k with us. Hope so, they weren't someone we relished running into constantly for the next three weeks anyway :(
At the same rest stop, another skinny guy with tattoos came over and asked us if it was hot. Um... yeah? He asked where we were going and how long.. he said he was on a one week motorcycle vacation and had been on the road two days... from Pittsburgh so far (we were just outside Kansas City). Said he was headed to San Diego and back to Pittsburgh. Okay, think about that for a minute.
Anyway, it was a very very hot afternoon which we survived by drinking copious amounts of water, juice, and gatorade. No beer... we learned that lesson last time.
Pulled into Ottawa, Kansas (no kidding) at 7:00pm. Air conditioned room, pool (which we used... was the BEST), then walked down to the steakhouse buffet where it was all you can eat steak and ribs buffet for $10. Met several 750lb Americans. Probably the only place they can afford to eat.
Back in the room now, blogging, drinking beer, and ready to crash. Sorry, no pics today. We've been lazy with the camera, but really nothing to see. We've been on the road two long days and it still looks like Ontario.
800kms yesterday, 950 today, and 500 left to Dodge City. We'll be there by noon tomorrow (get it?). Probably expecting us.
Promise to take pics tomorrow. Stay tuned :)
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Wyoming
Well 2009 and on the road again. This year we are short 2 riders, but to remain famous (just kidding) we will keep the same name.
Rose and Aldo did not come this year not sure why, but truth be told they could not get their visa's stamped, to leave Welland.
June 20 2009, 10:00am Ted and I leave Niagara falls for Wyoming.
Ted had this idea that the storm was heading east, we were heading west and if we just leave we will get through it twice as fast, damm if he was not right.
For three reasons we are heading to Dodge City Kanas first
1st we are driving 2200 kil. so that we can have a beer (or two) in the famous Long Branch Saloon,
2nd I want to be able to say "Get the hell out of Dodge" and mean it,
3rd because the open road called us.
We just happen to leave in the middle of a tropical storm. For two hours we drove in rain that was so heavy we were going to trade the bikes in for jet skis. I have to say at this point don't hesitate to buy Frogg Toggs, they are great and we did not get the least bit wet.
When we reached the Ohio border the rain stopped the sun came out the the temp jumped to 30
850 kil, later we stopped in Greenfield Indiana for the night. The Wing the Harley and the two Bushtec's ran just perfect.
End day one.
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