Saturday morning, July 24, found Ricardo Art and me enjoying the hospitality of Russ Smiley and his family. A great and tasty brunch on Lake Hartwell, life was good. By 10:30 AM, I departed, headed to see my son and grandchildren near Birmingham, Al. Art and Ricardo would depart in the early afternoon.
My ride to Birmingham was uneventful, hot with a few messy shpwers. By 5:00 PM, I was safely housed in the local motel. A quick call and my son's mother volunteered to fix dinner for all of us. My ability to score a free meal is intact.
Sunday with my two grandchildren and by nightfall, I was on the Vulcan headed south towards Texas. Speaking of the Vulcan 900 Classic LT, it has been an excellent mount. Running strong and steady, I am very pleased. I ended up riding a couple of hundred miles before stopping for the night. A Hampton Inn in Laurel, MS was my abode for Sunsay evening.
And Art and Ricardo? I certainly expected that they were near Savannah, but no! Monday, I learned that the 1978 GL1000 had once again let us down. When departing Lake Hartwell, the clutch totally failed and a local shop, upon examing the bike, advised Art that only an installation of a new clutch would get him back on the road. What to do? Art and Ricardo were stranded, staying in a local motel. I offered to ride swiftly back to Texas and to trailer one of the BMWs back to Georgia for Art to ride.
But Art had a Costa Rican friend in Lake City, Fl, who was coming in a pickuo to save Art, Ricardo and the vintage wing. Plus, he knew of another mechanic who could do the needed repairs. Three or four days later, at a cost of $900, the GL 1000 had a new clutch and Art and Ricardo were back on the road, riding the Gulf and bayou counrty back to Texas.
And Chuck? Terrible gulf storm rains made his ride a challenge. Monday night, I gave up early and checked into a LaQuinta east of Houston because it was raing so hard I could barely see. Tuesday morning, the storm was still with me. A scary ride through Houston in pouring rain, and I slowly made my way toward Riveria, TX. Finally, I ran out of the rain and smack into the hot Texas sun! I was back on the Bay by 5:30 PM, totally safe without a scratch on me or the Vulcan. 11,600 miles! Through the USA, Mexico and four provinces of Canada and an a few states (TX, NM, CO, UT, NV, CA, OR, WA, MT, SD, MN, WI, MI, NY, VT, MA, NY, NJ, PA, WV, VA, MD, SC, Ga, AL, MS and LA). And Art and Ricardo even rode Florida.
Finally, by Saturday, Art and Ricardo were back on the road, exploring the Gulf areas. Late Tuesday afternoon, August 2, found them riding up to my house on Baffin Bay. A happy reunion and a couple of good meals later found Art chomping at the bit to get back to Costa Rica. On Saturday, August 7, Art was on a Frontier flight flying home.
And Ricardo? I think he was concerned with my well being and health. He remained with me. And what a great time we have had! We are both gaining weight and among other things, had a great trip to Mexico Monday to help the local Mexican economy. Tomorrow, I am taking the Latin Cowboy (in Cowboy Boots, Stetson Hat and a Large Silver Belt Buckle) to San Antonio where Ricardo will catch a flight to New York to visit his daughter, Marcela, for the weekend and by Wednesday evening, he will be back in Costa Rica.
I will miss Ricardo! We are friends. I am already planning to visit him in Costa Rica in a few months. And Art? He and I are already planning our next adventure ride for sometime in February.
And my tent? I gave it to my two grandsons, Brandon and Justin. You can bet that I will never spend another night sleeping on the ground. I will leave that for the real adventure riders, Art and Ricardo!
The Final Two Weeks
on August 11, 2010
Eagle Nest Camp, Brevard, NC
on July 25, 2010
By 10:00 AM Friday, Art's bike tire was repaired and he was on the road headed to Lake Hartwell, GA. And Ricardo and I were in Brevard, NC revisiting Rivardo's youth. Forty two years ago, at the age of 15, Ricardo spent the summer at Eagle Nest Camp, in the Pisgah National Forest, near Brevard. That summer, at Eagle Nest Camp, was an important time in Ricardo's life, so we are going to revisit it.
Arriving early Friday, the camp leaders were excited to welcome Ricardo and really threw out the "red carpert" for us. Noni Waite-Kucera, Executive Director, and Paige Lester-Niles, Camp Director, dropped everything to take Ricardo on a tour of the Camp. It had greatly changed over the past 42 years but in many ways was still the same. I was terribly impressed and hope some day that I can treat my grandchildren to a few weeks at this camp. Horseback riding, fishing, canoeing, music, hikeing camping, great food--what is not to like?
Just before lunch, we bid our farwell and were off through the Pisgah Forest to the Nantahala River Gorge. A beautiful day's ride, but finally we headed south to reunite with our friend, Art Smiley at his family's beautiful home on Lake Hartwell.
Arriving at dusk, we were greeted by a relaxed and smiling art Smiley. Attired in shorts and sandals, he was at peace with the world. Within an hour his son and daughter in law arrived and we enjoyed a great night. I immediately loved Art's family, such a nice and interesting couple. A peaceful and good nights sleep! Saturday morning, I will be off to Bessemer, Al to visit my son and two grandsons, Brandon and Justin. And then, I will swiftly ride back to Texas to attend to personal responsibilities.
And Art and Ricardo? The will be off to Savanna, Ga and later to Florida and New Orleans! Their adventure continues. And now we have ridden over 10,000 miles, through USA, Mexico and four provinces of Canada and an unknown number of states (TX, NM, CO, UT, NV, CA, OR, WA, MT, SD, MN, WI, MI, NY, VT, MA, NY, NJ, PA, WV, VA, MD, SC, Ga and AL).
Brevard, NC
on July 22, 2010
Ricardo and I departed Allentown Wednesday morning with Ricardo leading us quickly through Pennsylvania, and a small portion of Maryland and West Virginia. Arriving in Stephens City, VA at noon, there sat Art on the Honda GL1000 waiting on us.
Taking the lead, Art led us through Front Royal, the Gateway to the Skyline Drive, and right on up into the national park. A beautiful ride through some of the best riding (35 MPH) in the eastern United States. Stopping periodically for photo ops, we remained on the Skyline Drive for a couple of hours before dropping off and riding the scenic Hwy 11 south. Riding at a conservative pace, Art took us through some of the most beautiful areas of Northern Virginia.
Finally reaching Staunton at about 6:00 PM, we decided to stop for the night. Staunton is the home of the Statler Brothers (Elvira) and Woodrow Wilson (President and leading proponent of the League of Nations). And we spent the evening in a nice inn, plus we slept late, not awaking until 6:30 AM.
On the road Thursday morning, Ricardo elected to keep heading south on Hwy 11. Mid morning, we stopped for an hour at Natural Bridge Park, then off to Roanoke, further south to Christianburg, the birthplace of my two much younger sisters, Yvonne and Deborah. And then, without even a drumroll, past Ferrum, the birtplace of Chuck Weaver.
Finally reaching Hwy 121, Art "peeled off" as planned. He is headed to Lake Hartwell in South Carolina to visit family. Ricardo and I had decided to continue our ride through the Natahala River Gorge before reuniting with Art in a couple of days. Tonight we are in Brevard, stopping to visit a camp where Ricardo spent the summer some forty years ago (sweet memories). And tomorrow, we are off to the Gorge, to visit the swift river that provides exquisite white water rafting (more photographs).
This afternoon, I received a message from Art. Only thirty minutes after leaving Ricardo and me, he sustained a flat tire (center rear) and could not get it repaired today. He is holed up in a motel in Mt. Airy, NC, until the Suzuki dealer opens tomorrow. Hopefully they will have Art back on the road by mid morning Friday.
Departing New England
on July 20, 2010
Ricardo and I departed Adams, MA today headed toward Cumberland, MD where we will reunite with Art to continue our adventure. But first, we had to do some more sight seeing over the beautiful New England area. Ricardo's son, Ricky had recently flown in from Costa Rica and he joined us for a spirited ride to Shelburne Falls, MA, MA and a look at the unique Bridge of Flowers.
Ricky is so much like his father that it is amazing. Of course Ricardo and I were both thrillled to have him join us. By 1:00 PM, we were back in Adams, with a sad Ricardo saying goodbye to his daughter, Prescilla and his grand daughters, Jessica and Emily.
Finally, at 2:00 PM, we were off. Our plan was to reach Allentown, PA by nightfall. Well, we made it but not without some hard riding. Two hundred sixty miles of busy traffic, through Massachuetts, New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Did I mention heavy traffic, especially semi trucks?
Tomorrow morning we will depart early hoping to reach Cumberland by 1:00 PM and meeting up with Art. I can'y wait to hear him insist that we camp out tomorrow night! But tonight, Ricardo and I are in a Comfort Inn and we just treated ourselves to a scrumptious dinner, complete with Apple Crisp for me and Baked Boston Creme Pie for Ricardo!
And the Honda ST1100 and the Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic LT? They are running great! we are averaging 43 miles per gallon on each of these two dependable bikes.
Ricky is so much like his father that it is amazing. Of course Ricardo and I were both thrillled to have him join us. By 1:00 PM, we were back in Adams, with a sad Ricardo saying goodbye to his daughter, Prescilla and his grand daughters, Jessica and Emily.
Finally, at 2:00 PM, we were off. Our plan was to reach Allentown, PA by nightfall. Well, we made it but not without some hard riding. Two hundred sixty miles of busy traffic, through Massachuetts, New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Did I mention heavy traffic, especially semi trucks?
Tomorrow morning we will depart early hoping to reach Cumberland by 1:00 PM and meeting up with Art. I can'y wait to hear him insist that we camp out tomorrow night! But tonight, Ricardo and I are in a Comfort Inn and we just treated ourselves to a scrumptious dinner, complete with Apple Crisp for me and Baked Boston Creme Pie for Ricardo!
And the Honda ST1100 and the Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic LT? They are running great! we are averaging 43 miles per gallon on each of these two dependable bikes.
New England, A Place Of Beauty And Grace
on July 19, 2010
New England is beautiful! And the residents are so friendly! I could spend the entire summer here (as long as I did not have to sleep in a tent). Today, I spent the morning around Glens Falls, Ny and the afternoon near Watertown, MA. At any minute, I expected to see Lee Phillips come over the hill in a 1946 Mercury convertible (only those over 60 years of age will have a clue as to this comment). Hint, the original movie "Payton Place", the second highest grossing movie of 1959.
Around noon, I pulled into an antique shop and met the owner, perhaps curator, Dan Rhoades. A delightful New Englander in his late fifties, Dan personified the New England personality. Friendly, with a bitingly dry humor, Dan "jerked my chain" with his wit. Coming home from Viet Nam in the 70's Dan decided to spend his life in the region he loved, doing what he loved. Restoring, selling and collecting antiques. In faded jeans, smoking a cheap and smelly cigat (driving a 1951 Chevy pickup), Dan was a great ambassador for this fine area of the U.S.
Later, I met Ricardo's family and went with them to Windsor Lake for an afternoon dip. Then, I visited Williams College, the most beautiful campus imaginable. I ended up spending two hours on the campus. Perhaps I can get Jacob to post some of the photographs I took of the campus buildings.
Ricardo had new tires mounted on the Honda ST1100 today. Plus a much needed oil change. Now he is good for another 4000 miles.
Half way into our "North American Tour", we have traved 8800 miles, Visited the USA, Mexico and four provinces of Canada and an unknown number of states (TX, NM, CO, UT, NV, CA, OR, WA, MT, SD, MN, WI, MI, NY, VT, MA.......and a few more).
Photographs are Posted
on July 18, 2010
Jacob Peek has posted several folders of pictures that I have taken during this ride. To access them, go to "Pictures", and then open the topic (under pictures) entitled "North American Tour-Summer of 2010".
Magnificent Adirindacks
on July 18, 2010
Departing Sturgeon Falls this morning, our goal was to travel to a point just north of the Canadian/U.S. border. "Twisting hard on the throttle", we surprised ourselves by reaching the border mid afternoon. A beautiful, massive steel bridge, crossing the St. Lawrence Waterway, brought us to the U.S. Customs at Ogdensburg, New York. Clearing Customs quickly (the U.S. Customs are a model in efficiency and politeness), we were back in the U.S.A.
After a quick stop for fuel, Art left Ricardo and me to travel to Cumberland, MD to visit friends and family. Ricardo and I charted a course to run diagonally through the the Adirondacks. About an hour into the "mountains", Ricardo also decided to head directly towards his family's home in Massachuetts. Suddenly, for the first time on this trip I was alone, in a mountain forest with no idea as to where I was going. Life get's no better than this! Remember the adventure rider's creed, "Never lost, always an adventure". Two hours through winding forests, low mountains, raging cold rivers and deep slate blue lakes brought me to the resort town of Lake George. Shops, restaurants and motels all teeming with life. It was in stark contrast to the stark sereniry of the forest.
Finally reaching the village of Queensbury, I have stopped for the night. As I type this, I am in a laundromat doing some laundry. I expect to meet Ricardo's family tomorrow afternoon, so clean jeans are in order. Art, Ricardo and I have rather indefinite plans to meet towards the end of the week, to continue our adventure. But what do I do in the meantime? I had hoped to visit friends in the Philadelphia, Anapolis and Baltimore areas during this trip, but my Costa Rican friends adventure plans simply do not include riding in the Philadelphia or Annapolis areas.
In a day or so. I will finalize my plan for the nest chapter of this adventure. When I do, I will let you know.
After a quick stop for fuel, Art left Ricardo and me to travel to Cumberland, MD to visit friends and family. Ricardo and I charted a course to run diagonally through the the Adirondacks. About an hour into the "mountains", Ricardo also decided to head directly towards his family's home in Massachuetts. Suddenly, for the first time on this trip I was alone, in a mountain forest with no idea as to where I was going. Life get's no better than this! Remember the adventure rider's creed, "Never lost, always an adventure". Two hours through winding forests, low mountains, raging cold rivers and deep slate blue lakes brought me to the resort town of Lake George. Shops, restaurants and motels all teeming with life. It was in stark contrast to the stark sereniry of the forest.
Finally reaching the village of Queensbury, I have stopped for the night. As I type this, I am in a laundromat doing some laundry. I expect to meet Ricardo's family tomorrow afternoon, so clean jeans are in order. Art, Ricardo and I have rather indefinite plans to meet towards the end of the week, to continue our adventure. But what do I do in the meantime? I had hoped to visit friends in the Philadelphia, Anapolis and Baltimore areas during this trip, but my Costa Rican friends adventure plans simply do not include riding in the Philadelphia or Annapolis areas.
In a day or so. I will finalize my plan for the nest chapter of this adventure. When I do, I will let you know.
Across Wisconsin and Michigan to Sturgeon Falls, Canada
on July 17, 2010
Art, Ricardo and I entered Canada this morning at 8:30 AM. We crossed over the massive bridge rhat connects Sault Sainte Marie, Michigan and Saulte Sainte Marie, Ontario (Canada). Canada is a truly neat and prosperous seeming country, but no more prosperous and neat than Minnesota, Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. We have had a delightful three days of riding. Good roads, great and friendly people and absolutely decadent, but tasty, meals. Ricardo is leading me astray. And Art? He seems to make his meals off of bean dip, crackers and apricots.
Friday night was spent in a small, but adequate "tourist court" just south of the border and tonight we are in a small and adequate (think cheap) motel here in the Srurgeon Falls. Today is Saturday, so we decided to stop early. Art took a two hour nap while Ricardo and I scouted the town for the best place to indulge our passion for "junk food". Our conclusion was to dine at RIV Chips and Burgers, where Ricardo had a Classic Burger Combo (Think 12 ounces of meat) with a pound of hand cut fries. Being more moderate in appetite, I had the Pogo (think corn dog) and helped myself to some of Ricardo's fries. Oh! And for desert, I had A "Beaver Bites". If you have to ask what that is, I feal sorry for you.
Tomorrow morning will find us on the road early headed for Montreal and hopefully to the border by evening. Ricardo is anxious to reach Massachusetts where he will visit Emily and Jessica, his two favorite grand daughters.
And Beaver Bites. That is a healthy desert cinsisting if 6-8 fried donut holes (dipped in chocolate), sitting in the bottom of a bowl that is then filled with ice cream and all then topped with hot caramel. I told you Ricardo is a bad influence.
Friday night was spent in a small, but adequate "tourist court" just south of the border and tonight we are in a small and adequate (think cheap) motel here in the Srurgeon Falls. Today is Saturday, so we decided to stop early. Art took a two hour nap while Ricardo and I scouted the town for the best place to indulge our passion for "junk food". Our conclusion was to dine at RIV Chips and Burgers, where Ricardo had a Classic Burger Combo (Think 12 ounces of meat) with a pound of hand cut fries. Being more moderate in appetite, I had the Pogo (think corn dog) and helped myself to some of Ricardo's fries. Oh! And for desert, I had A "Beaver Bites". If you have to ask what that is, I feal sorry for you.
Tomorrow morning will find us on the road early headed for Montreal and hopefully to the border by evening. Ricardo is anxious to reach Massachusetts where he will visit Emily and Jessica, his two favorite grand daughters.
And Beaver Bites. That is a healthy desert cinsisting if 6-8 fried donut holes (dipped in chocolate), sitting in the bottom of a bowl that is then filled with ice cream and all then topped with hot caramel. I told you Ricardo is a bad influence.
St. Croix Lodge and Casino in Turtle Lake, WI
on July 15, 2010
It is Thursday night and Art, Ricardo and I are spending the night at the St. Croix Lodge about thirty miles into Wisconsin. No cold, wet ground for me tonight but I suspect Art will insist on camping out tomorrow night.
Wednesday morning we departed the Mt. Rushmore KOA early, heading east to Minnesota. But about 110 miles into the ride we stopped at the Badlands National Park. I knew little of this park, but it was beautiful. Tremendous hills of deep erosion looking almost like ancient castle and towers, Some of sans and others of stone, running for miles and miles.
Wednesday, we rode 456 miles, finally stopping at Pipe Stone, Minnesota for the night. Yes, another night sleeping on the ground. Well, not really sleeping but laying there cold and miserable. However, Ricardo and I discovered a world class restaurant in Pipe Stone, Langes, a place that should not be missed. And their famous dish? Sour Cream and Raisin pie! Ricardo was happy.
Today, our plan was to reach Wisconsin and we accomplished that. However we only rode 320 miles since we spent part of the day looking for tires for Ricardo's ST1100. Not having any success, Ricardo call ahead to a Honda shop in Massachusetts alerting them to have tires there for his arrival. Now, we have to figure out how Ricardo can cover 1600 miles on slick tires.
And tomorrow, out goal is to reach Sault St. Marie, MI, the border crossing where we plan to reenter Canada Saturday.
Wednesday morning we departed the Mt. Rushmore KOA early, heading east to Minnesota. But about 110 miles into the ride we stopped at the Badlands National Park. I knew little of this park, but it was beautiful. Tremendous hills of deep erosion looking almost like ancient castle and towers, Some of sans and others of stone, running for miles and miles.
Wednesday, we rode 456 miles, finally stopping at Pipe Stone, Minnesota for the night. Yes, another night sleeping on the ground. Well, not really sleeping but laying there cold and miserable. However, Ricardo and I discovered a world class restaurant in Pipe Stone, Langes, a place that should not be missed. And their famous dish? Sour Cream and Raisin pie! Ricardo was happy.
Today, our plan was to reach Wisconsin and we accomplished that. However we only rode 320 miles since we spent part of the day looking for tires for Ricardo's ST1100. Not having any success, Ricardo call ahead to a Honda shop in Massachusetts alerting them to have tires there for his arrival. Now, we have to figure out how Ricardo can cover 1600 miles on slick tires.
And tomorrow, out goal is to reach Sault St. Marie, MI, the border crossing where we plan to reenter Canada Saturday.
Sturgis and Mount Rushmore
on July 13, 2010
We rode only 180 miles today, but we accomplished much. Leaving Broadus early, we rode the 130 miles to Sturgis in the cool chill of a high desert. Not cold, but chilly. Sturgis is a must do rally for Harley riders. Of course I do not ride a Harley and the rally does not even begin for three weeks, so our visit to Sturgis was predictable--fifty tee shirt shops, 27 saloons (most of which were not even open) and five tattoo parlors. I still have failed in my efforts to get Ricardo to have a nice tattoo engraved on his chest. However both Art and Ricardo spent some dollars on tee shirts.
Shortly after lunch we headed to Rapid City to visit a Honda dealer. Ricardo needed rear brake pads on the ST1100, Art needed a rear tire on the 1978 GL1000 and both Art and I had the oil changed in our bikes. Ricardo rides so slowly, he may never need another oil change.
Then by mid afternoon, i led the three of us to Mount Rushmore and a visit to the magnificent rock (mountain) sculptures of Presidents Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln and Teddy Roosevelt. This wonder was carved by by sculptor Gutzon Borglum, a well known American artist, and a team of of some 400 local workers.
Beginning work in 1927 Borglum worked some six and one-half years (intermittently) on this masterpiece. After Gutzon's death in 1941, his son, Lincoln, spent another seven months completing his father's dream.
Night was approaching as we departed the Park, so Art led us to a campground where we will sped the night. My tent is already up and I am anticipating another blissful night sleeping on the ground.
Shortly after lunch we headed to Rapid City to visit a Honda dealer. Ricardo needed rear brake pads on the ST1100, Art needed a rear tire on the 1978 GL1000 and both Art and I had the oil changed in our bikes. Ricardo rides so slowly, he may never need another oil change.
Then by mid afternoon, i led the three of us to Mount Rushmore and a visit to the magnificent rock (mountain) sculptures of Presidents Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln and Teddy Roosevelt. This wonder was carved by by sculptor Gutzon Borglum, a well known American artist, and a team of of some 400 local workers.
Beginning work in 1927 Borglum worked some six and one-half years (intermittently) on this masterpiece. After Gutzon's death in 1941, his son, Lincoln, spent another seven months completing his father's dream.
Night was approaching as we departed the Park, so Art led us to a campground where we will sped the night. My tent is already up and I am anticipating another blissful night sleeping on the ground.