South Dakota to Iowa = grandkid time!!

We left SD for Iowa on Sunday June 19th- HAPPY FATHER's DAY!! It was sunny and no wind which made for a fast ride across I90 and then down I35 to Iowa. One of our best days over the last 30 and it was right in our backyard. Monday we spent resting and catching up with my brother and mom. Monday afternoon was spent getting furniture assembled for the local grain elevator/storage people.

Tuesday- mom and I went to visit with Madison!! She has grown so much in the last month and is now climbing stairs, making every desire known, and is just weeks away from walking. She is really fun to watch and is a real ham!! I can't wait to teach her a bunch of tricks!!

So nice to see JD and Justine!! New job for my girl and she is very happy to have made the change!! Later this week we will go to the Saturday market and art show!!

Sunday Ride

Jordan's first ride with Uncle Mike and his Dad. Bought his bike right before graduation and is learning how to ride. He is riding without a windshield which adds to the difficulty.

Today we rode to Pierre, SD where severe flooding is in process. We rode with KJ, Kenda and Jordan, had some lunch and took a bunch of pictures. There is not much to say except the town is in danger and it is not going to get any better soon.

KJ and Kenda

This was the best riding of our entire trip- sun and light wind topped off the gorgeous day.

Miller Time!!

Thursday Morning we arrive at Cousin John's. It was a cold wet ride into Rapid City, SD. Of course the minute we finished with breakfast- it started to really rain. Out came my raingear, helmet and double gloves.

Thank goodness John had his door open and we could make ourselves at home. A quick trip to a coffee shop and to a grocery store for the night's dinner supplies was in order. Mike's Chili was created and we all enjoyed a night of wine, chocolate, and family stories with Cousin Susan as well.

Friday Morning we took off and headed out East to Kennebec. We could see the rain fronts coming through the area. The clouds were heading south across I-90 and I thought for sure we would get rained on AGAIN!! Even with the clouds heading south and us riding east- there was little wind. It was a very quick (80mph) ride so I could get some work done before the Alaska crowd was in their offices. Once again- it was COLD!! Mike again made Chili to get us warmed up and last night we had a real treat!! Kenda made homemade pizza and dessert (something we have not had for months). We did not founder ourselves and just enjoyed her tasty talents.

Today- Saturday- we have enjoyed sun and a light breeze. I told Mike that we probably chased this weather all around the west and back here again. Next year we should stay in the midwest for a sunny vacation later in the summer. We will see what tomorrow brings.

Who's the boss anyway??

On Tuesday we left Green River and headed north to I-70. The weather gods were upon us- no wind and fairly warm with sun. Had a nice day's ride and no "situations" so the ride went fast and furious. The Colorado River is at an all time high...I-70 had the East Bound lanes closed as well as a couple of bridges. The entire trip was a sea of green...they have had a ton of rain. I guess my challenge was the tunnels (Eisenhower went forever) and I hate tunnels whether in a car or on a bike. Went through Denver without any traffic problems...the day was non- eventful.

Got to Cheyenne, Wyoming and decided to stay the night at the Holiday Inn. Left this morning for Hot Springs, SD. The day was cool with clouds mixed in the sun. An easy day on the bike and we could look around as there was little traffic. The land is so different- flat and green.

A trip like this can be interesting....given that we are both the oldest child, A-type personalities and high achievers...we each want to be the boss. On bikes- you can be the boss of your own wheels but you have to go where the "leader" goes. Trading off on being the leader/follower is a valuable lesson...it is not so easy to lead or to follow. You have to trust the person in front of you knows where they are going and they have to trust that you will not run into them, miss their cue or forget where they are at. Truly a process in building teamwork trust of a different sort.

Tomorrow is a visit with family then off to more family after the weekend.

Deer, Convection ovens and Dorothy

Left Kanab at about 7am. The ride was a cool 40 degrees so out came the headgear and coats again. Breakfast in East Zion and then up the road. We got to the turn off for Bryce Canyon and decided to fore go the 180 mile ride and head north through the Dixie Forest on Hwy 12. Very fun ride with lots of rock formations to see. Decided we had to have a reason to come back again....so Bryce Canyon will be in our future.

I have not addressed all the signs that indicate what you might find on or alongside the road:
elk, mule deer, mountain sheep, deer, donkeys, wild cows (indicated by a bucking bull), normal cows (indicated as a milk cow), horses, tractors and hikers. In addition you will see each of these signs about a 1/4 mile apart...so it is like a Burma Shave series of signs.

We have only had four incidences with animals....deer x 3 and cows x 1. Mike had a real close call today. We were going up a hill behind a bunch of RVs. I was way behind and saw a deer running as fast as it could go out of the woods. Mike saw it out of the corner of his eye and started to stop but the deer was headed his way so he gunned it instead. The deer did a reverse, did a tap dance in the middle of the road, started to fall and then streaked across the highway.
No harm done to anyone and I was witness to it all!!!

Seems everywhere we go people want to talk to us. Each stop at a pullout and people are drawn to the bikes and us. We have met some really interesting folks along the way and they all want to talk about bikes and riding. The heat came up during the day, the coats came off and we got sunburned. What a difference from a week ago!! Makes you feel like you are in a convection oven- wind, the bike wind and a temp of 95 degrees.

So the ride from the Junction of 12 & 24 to Green River made you believe in a "hell's version" of the Wizard of Oz. The wind was so bad that as we rode through the canyons and hills- it would whip around us and push the bikes off to one side or the other. It was unpredictable which made it difficult to anticipate what might happen as you came around a curve. When I say push the bikes to one side or the other...literally...there is no guard rail and in many areas- it is a narrow ridge that a road has been built on. One wrong move and you would be a dead one. So with the wild winds- it was a very scary ride. BUT WAIT...it gets even better...

Mike and I had just had a discussion at one of our coffee breaks...seems that the elements (wind, rain, snow, sun) have been our enemy on this trip rather than other drivers. So with that said....

Mike and I have been following this RV for miles on a two lane road. The RV is also having issues with the wind. We start to pass- Mike goes first and I follow. Just as Mike is beside the RV- the wind picked up so much that it sucked him closer and closer to the road's edge (aka ravine entry point). The bike is angled at a 45 degrees and his leg is hanging out like he is falling...finally he passes the RV. I follow through without any incident but it was very scary to see him almost not make it around the RV. At the next pullout- we stop and gather our wits....the wind continues to build up. AND IT GETS WORSE...

Now we are in an area of "sandy canyons and hillsides"- not only is the wind doing its thing with us- the sand is picking up and pelting us. At "po-dunk" Hanksville- we stop and get gas. The wind is howling, the sand is creating huge clouds around the wide spot in the road and the visibility is getting worse. We decide to stop for a coke and to see if the wind dies down- the locals say it has been like this for two days. The table is gritty with dust from the storm. Hwy 24 is our next leg so we ask the waitress about the road. She says it is the same as we have been riding- canyons, curves and hills. Out comes the headgear, long sleeves and gloves as we decide to head out. We will ride the 55 miles to Green River, then reevaluate the situation. So off we go- the sand is so thick- it is like a snowstorm. It is pelting us, the visibility is very poor (only 3 stripes on the middle line) and the wind keeps picking the sand up. The good news- the road was not curvy or mountainous or hilly or full of canyons- it was a straight north/south road with a couple of slow curves. The wind was from the south so it was at our back. The sand was still a problem but we could deal with that as long as the opposing traffic was watching for others. I was so glad that waitress had no idea what she was talking about.

Finally we make our turn to Green River- the road is East/West...once again we are getting thrown around. Mike makes the decision to stop for the day....it has been a long lucky day for us...no use pushing it any further. We get checked in and showers are in order...the sand has made its way into every crevice on our bodies. We get cleaned up and the wind is still howling....

Zion and the Grand Canyon

This morning we left the hotel and it was about 65 degrees. Perfect temperature for riding with a light jacket on. Zion National Park was unbelievable!! The views were surreal and traffic was light so we could take our time. Lots of pictures at pulloffs and even though we took pictures- they are never like seeing it in person. It is quite amazing what you find growing out of the rocks- greens, flowers and cactus.

The ride to the Grand Canyon was about 80 miles from Zion. The North Rim is beautiful but I prefer Zion as it is much more striking. The Grand Canyon is just so big....it is hard to really appreciate what you are seeing. The Grand Canyon lodge is a nice place to have lunch. The lodge's window views are really something. We walked the narrow path out to a platform that juts out into the canyon a bit. You can get a bird's eye view from here.

On the ride back, Mike saw this gas station that no only sold gas but also sold lotto, GUNS AMMO and Beer!! Yes even in Fredonia Arizona- you can shoot em up and drink after!

A fast ride back to Kanab, Utah got us into the Holiday Inn around 3:30pm. We found a car wash to take all the dirt off of the bikes. Had an early supper at a steak house and headed back to the hotel. It will be an early night...we are both tired. Tomorrow is Bryce Canyon!

Heading North

So the goal today was to get through the Hoover Dam and Zion National Park....we did not make Zion. For some reason- neither one of us got out of bed at 5am. We thought it might be cooler and less traffic through Las Vegas if we got going earlier. We finally left the Monte Carlo at about 7am but first we had to make a stop to get bolts. Mike discovered that the bolt holding his seat on was missing. He had adjusted his snap on bag bracket and did not locktite the bolt....it had vibrated out on our way to LV. Thank goodness he discovered it prior to leaving....that would have been very bad to lose your seat!!! A quick stop at Home depot and he was all set. At 7am- it was about 75 degrees...not bad but the day changed after that. Amazing that just two days ago we were complaining about being so cold....

We went to the Hoover Dam and also got to see the new "Pat Tillman" bridge that diverts all traffic. The dam is no longer used to cross the canyon. After Sept 11, I guess they decided they should really do something about that security issue. You can take your vehicle across the dam, park and walk down to viewing areas or you can take tours for $30.00/person. We elected to just park (charge $7/vehicle x 2 for us), walk the visitor's center (they charge you there too- $8/person). You can just walk the area after you park and skip the visitor center.

After the Hoover Dam we headed north on Hwy 15 and the temperature soared to 90-95 degrees. Back throught LV and tons of traffic....they drive crazy there. Both Mike and I were suffering from the heat....we are not used to such temps. The helmet and leathers made it even worse. About 3pm, Mike decided it was time for lunch and I suggested we stop for the day. He was tired and has a head cold (read grumpy). So the Holiday Inn it was for the night- we got the last room. Washington, Utah is a hot, red earthed place. No trees, no green- just sand and crazy hillside shapes.

Tomorrow we go through Zion and the Grand Canyon. Now that we are in Utah...no more required helmet. Sorry Mom....

Snow

Stored the rain gear and bought a snow shovel......Just kidding....we have now been rained or snowed on everyday since we left Rapid City.

On Thursday we left Carson City and it snowing. The temp was barely 30 degrees and needless to say- we froze (up to two knuckles) as we headed south to Las Vegas. Down hwy 50 past a variety of "bunny ranches" and then south down hwy 95. All good roads and no issues...just cold...Walker Lake was pretty but the land around all of this area is desolate- no trees, no grass- just sand and sagebrush.

Once we got to Beatty, Nevada on hwy 95- the temp started to rise. Folded up the extra sweater and headgear- we were in full sun now. Las Vegas showed itself in hot sun at 80 some degress and it was bright. Our eyes were not used to the bright sun and we were squinting even under our sunglasses. We hit the roads during the 5 o'clock rush hour traffic and we SURVIVED!! Wow- what a way to get into town....lots of cars, aggressive drivers and we did not know exactly where we were going. Only one wrong turn and we were at the Monte Carlo by 6pm. A quick shower and a seafood dinner were in order then we hit the streets to see what LV was all about. Tons of people on a Thursday night- you could hardly walk the sidewalks and it was still HOT. We did get to see the volcano erupt at the Mirage, the fountain show at the Bellagio and missed the Treasure Island boat show. We did see all shapes and sizes of people- some of which should look in the mirror prior to going out....

Today I worked for a couple of hours and then we walked outside again. Through a variety of hotels, hotel malls (the only way to cross the streets) and all the way down to the Trump Tower. There we found an odd museum that is appropriate to LV....Museum of Erotic Art...very interesting and fun. Back to the room to get cooled off and to take a nap.

We have both decided that we are not really into this LV whole thing...everyone is out to get whatever dollars are in your pocket through shows, gambling and just stuff. Tomorrow morning we will get an early start out of the city and back into the country. A tour of the Hoover Dam is on the agenda.

Speaking of people....earlier this week...we were getting gas just outside of Reno....and I see this "woman" trying to put gas in her car. She is dressed in a leopard print robe, croc shoes and has unruly hair....she is mad because she cannot get the gas pump to work. She stomps back and forth to the gas station and as she is stomping around- her butt and bosum are bouncing around like crazy....nothing was in control....and she needed it!! Mike is always saying something about women who have bouncing stuff- "two cats in a burlap bag". Anyway- I just could not help but laugh as I took a picture of her as she stood there bouncing in her Leopard print robe and croc shoes!!

Sailing away in Nevada

Let's see- Monday night we stayed a free night at the Redding, CA Holiday Inn...thanks to points.

Tuesday morning we headed for Carson City, Nevada but today we are taking straighter roads with a few curves. It is cold and by the time we leave at 830- it is RAINING AGAIN!! So out comes the rain gear, double up the gloves and head out.

Here I must digress.....so this is the way it goes when getting geared up....
Put on chaps, then jacket and zip it up, then helmet....wait...screwed up...take off helmet and put on scarf over ears, then put on helmet....darn it....take off helmet, take off scarf and put in ear plugs....put on scarf, put on helmet and strap it down....oh MAN....unzip jacket and put on leather face/neck collar and tuck under jacket neck, zip jacket....oh BALLS!!...unzip jacket and TUCK helmet strap into jacket (it is too long and flies around underway)....OK- whew....put on liners, slip hands into gloves and get on bike....SCREWED UP AGAIN....have to unlock the bike...take off gloves, unzip pocket and dig around for keys...SUCCESS!! unlock bike, take liners of out gloves (cannot put hands in them with the liners), put liners on hands, put gloves on hands....start BIKE...but wait....now I have to go to the bathroom....darn the coffee!! When using raingear- it gets even more convoluted...more layers, velcro and zippers. Now I am ready for a nap....and another cup of coffee.

We head for 80 miles to Susanville- easy riding curves and passing lanes. Over the top of the hills we go....it is getting colder and we are over 5000 feet elevation. Now lots of snow in the woods but the roads are clear and dry. Our fingers are only two knuckles frozen today so it is a good day for a ride!! HA!

Just when we start into Susanville- the winds pick up and the temp is at least 50. I have a phone meeting so we stop in a local diner and take up residence. I talk for an hour, warm up the knuckles and we have lunch. Then we leave- SAILING down the road with the wind coming from all directions at us. You can feel the bike slow down due to the wind and then the shift and the bike wants to go into the other lane or the ditch- depending on the gust's direction. We work hard at this ride and the wind blows harder. In the distance we can see a dry lake bed kick up sand and dirt. Luckily we do not have to drive through that area. I see a corridor of trees up ahead and think "great- the wind will not be there"- BOY was I wrong. The trees funneled the wind through the open area and it was worse than ever. The struggle for control was on and I was going to win on this one. Mike and I come up behind a series of RV's/ trailers....not a good place to be. Who knows what will fly off of those things in this wind? We have a passing lane and race past them at about 80 mph. The wind keeps on....finally we arrive Reno. Have a Starbucks break and regroup...then off to Carson City for the night. The wind continues and is still blowing like crazy out there. The locals are sick of the weather here too....it is cold and windy- 50 degrees and what seems like 50 mph. The wind chill continues...

A two day stay in Carson City is needed so we can rest up. Today (Wednesday) we have toured the State of Nevada museums, walked the Capitol grounds, lunched and rode the town a bit.

The wind still blows......but WAIT!!! We walk out of the hotel to go to supper at Red's Old 395 Restaurant...the wind has died down- the trees are standing upright.....and THEN we look to our right.....a huge storm is coming down the hillside into Carson City. Oh well....what the Hell...another day of rain BUT oh no!!! It was sleet combined with rain. We rode to the restaurant, watched the sun come out and came home in the cloudy with "some sun" skies.

Tomorrow- Las Vegas...heard it was warm there???