The Road Home - Part 5

Leaving LaPorte, Indiana at 5:30 a.m. was a treat!!  Well it certainly got us on the road early enough way before the sun rose.  We stopped for breakfast just before I headed out on my own.  It was a pleasure riding with such a great guy on my trip across the states.  Four days and three time zones - almost from coast to coast!  What a whirl wind tour that was but it was great having company along the way.

I took Interstate 69 from 80 up to Hwy 12 and across to Interstate 94 to 96 and across Detroit into Canada.  Well to my surprise and amusement when I arrived at the end of the tunnel (yes I said tunnel) I totally shocked the custom agent.  She said to me "how did you get here?"  I said, "I rode my motorcycle here", thinking is this a trick question?  She said, "But how did you get in the tunnel?"  I said, "I just drove."  She was very shocked and asked again, "but how did they let you come through the tunnel as motorcycles are not allowed through the tunnel".  Of course, I started laughing thinking to myself, oh no what have I done? - am I in shit now or what?  She asked how I was able to pay to go through the tunnel. and I just indicated to her that I used my credit card as there was no one at the gate.  She was still very shocked and told me that she had been working there for 10 years and I was the first motorcycle that has ever gone through the tunnel!!  The poor lady - she had me in stitches!  Nervous giggle or completely funny - I wasn't sure which.  I just didn't want anyone unpacking all my bike and then having to put it all back together - it is hard packing a bike when I brought way too much stuff in the first place - and of course all the stuff I bought too!  Too funny - I guess I really confused her and she let me go without further ado!

I headed out of Windsor and of course had to stop in London at Rocky's just to check things out while I was going past.  I didn't see anything there but I gased up and grabbed some lunch and headed back out on the road.  I arrived in Oshawa around 4:00 and gased up again and checked out Mackay's Harley Davidson where there was a hat that I couldn't resist and a couple of things for my niece and nephew!  I had a great chat with the sales lady who definitely wants in on the next trip I go on (Sandra) and she hopes to have a bike next year. 

Leaving Oshawa was the first sign of rain all day - damn and I thought I almost made it without getting wet.  I arrived at Cindy's (my sister) at around 5:45 pm to a warm welcome from Cindy, Kole and Kira.  Kevin is away on training and will hopefully return Friday night.  I don't think Cindy realized all the stories she was in for - as I have lots to tell everyone about.  It is so hard to just keep it to one story as there are so many memories that I can't wait to share with everyone.

Well I have over 10,000 km on my bike since I left and still about 240 km to home!  I will head out in the morning and then I have an appointment at Pete's for servicing just in case the weather turns bad in the next while and I don't get out and about on the bike again for awhile.

The Road Home - Part 4

This morning I was up early again and actually beat Miles down to breakfast!  I was shocked - it must be this riding the motorcycle thing - because as you know I would not be up early at all normally!  The weather was not so cool this morning; however it seemed to stay cool all day.  There was no t-shirt riding today for me. 

We left Grand Island, Nebraska this morning and arrived in LaPorte, Indiana tonight.  So we travelled through the whole state of Iowa and Illinois today with another time change!  We are one hour away from home time!  Actually the time changes just down the road about 40 miles from here.  It will be nice to get back to regular time but it is affecting me as I am losing time coming home.  I look forward to Saturday morning when I can finally sleep in!  Do you think I will be able to??

The ride was fast and boring today!  It is nothing like following Route 66 and stopping at every little town along the way!  I miss going a little slower and stopping to see all the sites.  It was truly an amazing trip!  This 75 to 80 mph is going to be hard to slow down from though as well once I get into Ontario.  The 60 mph just is not going to cut it!  I hope I don't get any speeding tickets on the way through Ontario.  Interesting there has been speed traps all over the states.  It seems I see State Troopers all over the place - but they don't see me!!  Thank goodness.  I have no idea how fast I am really going as I am just following along and hope that Miles is doing the speed limit and not leading me astray.  He is obviously doing a great job of leading the way and I really appreciate it. 

The Road Home - Part 3

Leaving Glenwood Springs, Colorado was a check to the reality of fall weather setting in!  WOW was it cold this morning - very close to freezing!  Thankfully I had my cold weather bike wear handy so I could put it on to keep most of the chill away.  The Rocky Mountains were beautiful this morning.  The ride was fun - up and down hills, around corners and through tunnels.  We stopped near Vail, Colorado to get a hot drink and take a break for a few minutes to allow our bodies to unthaw! 

This afternoon as we finally reached Denver, Colorado it had warmed up considerably.  It was time to take all the extra layers off and we were back into t-shirt weather!  Yes - I am sure not very long though as we get closer north and closer to reality! 

We didn't end up travelling near as far as we had hoped but still did over 500 miles today.  Tomorrow we hope to arrive in the Chicago area which will mean it will be another 500 or so mile day!  Then we shall part ways on Thursday as I head into Canada and Miles continues east to New York state.  It certainly makes the ride more pleasurable with company at all the stops. 

Both yesterday and today we ran into some of the HOG members that travelled with us on Route 66.  Yesterday it was the butterfly lady and her husband (she has butterfly stickers on the back of her bike).  He was not feeling that well and was asleep under a tree!  Hopefully she was able to get him up and back on the bike as they had at least a couple hours of riding before civilization and a hotel!  Today we came across Peter (from my survivor day) at a gas station along route.  He had a crazy road story about how his bike was damaged by going down a terrible dirt road.  It sounds horrific and it looked even worse.  His bike was pulled in the dirt road and went over causing some of his fluids to leak all over the bike and back onto his trailer that he pulls behind.  What a mess he is going to have when he is ready to clean it all up! 

Talk about a small world - at another gas station a car with some young people pulled up with New York license plates and Miles asked where they were from - well it turns out one was from his home town and the others were from a neighbouring town!  Totally crazy how you can travel across the country and come across people you know.  I am still amazed at how often that happens.

Total mileage to date - over 8,000 km (not sure exactly forgot to check before heading to bed)!!

The Road Home - Part 1 and 2

First off I need to apologize for not posting last night!  I arrived in Las Vegas along with my Miles who was kind enough to allow me to tag along behind him.  Miles was lucky he had a complimentary room at Ceasers Palace!  And me across the road at the Imperial Palace (let us just say I was just a little bit jealous of his accommodations!).  Oh well it is a bed and a shower - which these days is all I need - oh yes and my bike of course! 

We decided to go to the show "Legends" and it was very good.  The entertainers impersonated Elton John, Donna Summer, Faith Hill, Tim McGraw, Michael Jackson and Elvis Presley.  It was definitely entertaining and filled our early evening perfectly.  When arriving back at my hotel room - I was absolutely exhausted and went to sleep right away - well not perfectly but did not have the energy to blog.

We departed this morning at 6:00 a.m. - wow that meant I was up at five!  I know some of you just won't believe it and don't ever count on it happening unless it is to go riding!  We travelled almost 600 miles today and arrived in Glenwood Springs, Colorado.  Travelling through four states (Nevada, Arizona, Utah and finally into Colorado) and one time zone is exhausting!  And yes today my butt is sore (might be from all the walking around yesterday though as well as the riding today). 

There was a forest fire along the way that has been  burning since July!  The smoke we could see from miles away.  Once we passed the fire the glow from the sky was very weird - it gave off a reddish orange glow!  We travelled through areas called Death Valley.  Obviously there is a story behind this name "Death Valley" - I am sure that years ago you were luck to survive this area!  Desolate, desert is all I can say!  We saw a lot of rock and desert for miles.  The rock was different colors in different areas, red, white, brown, and grey!  Very interesting.  The formations were incredible.  Riding through the mountains was certainly fun - going up and down the hills, around the corners and through the mountains at times.  Just what every rider loves to do.

Any way I will sign out as we are heading out early again tomorrow as we are both anxious to get home as soon as possible.

Santa Monica Pier - END OF ROUTE 66

Leaving at 6:30 in the morning was a wise choice as taking Route 66 down to the Santa Monica Pier and the end of Route 66 took us two and a half hours!  Between traffic and traffic lights at that early in the morning I can only imagine how long it would have taken had we left later. 

As we drove through all the little towns along the way it was really interesting to see the differences between them even though they are only a couple of blocks apart.  We drove through Rialto, Fontana, Rancho Cucamonga, Upland, Claremont, La Verne, San Dimas, Glendora, Azusa, Irwindale, Duarte, Monrovia, Arcadia and Pasadena.  Arriving on Sunset Boulevard was too cool.  It is very busy with lots to see on both sides of the street – between advertising, gift shops, restaurants and banks it was a little overwhelming.  The best part of Sunset Boulevard was driving around the corners in the residential area.  The homes are unbelievable even though most of them were behind gates – but what we could see they were beautiful.  We passed the legendary Beverley Hills Hotel – too cool.  

As we came over the final crest of the hill and around the corner it was very nice to see finally the ocean and the sand.  The highway travelled along the ocean front and to the Santa Monica Pier where the final end of Route 66 completes our two week long motorcycling tour!  A number of Harley Owner Group riders were there as well and everyone was busy getting a picture of the sign that symbolizes the end of the Route.  Well I passed my camera off to get a picture of me and of course the one of the pictures I wanted did not turn out!  Unbelievable!  As well the other picture of me that I wanted was me standing in the ocean and of course that one didn’t turn out either.  When you want a picture to turn out and you only have one chance at it make sure that the picture actually took before you head off and find out later.  Oh well – I know I was there and hopefully the photographer got a picture of me at the end of the Route. 

Tomorrow I am starting my journey home! 

Mileage to Date:  6159.2 km.  WOW

Kingman, AZ to Ontario, CA

This morning I decided it was time to change riding partners.  I got up to meet the crew for 7:00 am!  Yes it is true - I had breakfast and packed the bike and was on the road meeting them at 7:00 am.  There is not too many things I would do that early in the morning but obviously biking is one of them! 

We headed out on Route 66 and it wasn't long before we were heading up the mountains!  Wow - scary and fun all at the same time!  The corners were more than 180 degrees as the wrapped back around going up and going down.  At times I was thinking that I should not have eaten breakfast!  There were no guard rails - nothing just follow the yellow painted road and stay on the road!  When you are heading up the mountain and all you see on one side is rock and straight ahead you see nothing but the yellow line curving to the left it is so scary it isn't even funny anymore.  WOW.  We stopped near the top and took pictures and I am sure my legs and arms were shaking from fear and relief to know that I had reached the top.  Now to get down!  The same thing going down but harder as the hair pin turns seem to be tighter and you have to make sure that you are hitting the brakes but not toot much so that with a fully loaded bike you have enough speed to get around the corners. 

We arrived in Oatman to a wonderful little town that oozes cowboy and westerns.  The main street obviously at night has been over run by burrows that have made the mark all over main street.  There was a lady sweeping the street when we arrived - it turns out that she is also the EMT, a volunteer fireman, and a part time sales clerk.  And she just loves it!  Oatman is full of life - the gift shops, restaurants and bars obviously are kept in business not only by the locals on the mountains but the tourists as well.  Each day the transform the town into the wild west where a gun shoot takes place at noon.  As we were there too early we missed all that excitement but hopefully someone on the trip was able to catch the entertainment.

Leaving Oatman we travelled further down the road where the road was still very curvy but not as many cliffs that scared me so much.  Into the desert we headed - unbelievable the heat - the dryness - the forever riding without ever reaching those mountains (hills).  And just when you think you are there you go up the mountain and down to another part of the desert.  It was so hot and dry I couldn't believe it.  Thankfully I had picked up a thermos that is attached to my handle bars this week and had it all installed and full of water for the trip as without water you would be extremely parched. 

The road signs were always pointing out that the road could be flooded!  From what - there was no water - but obviously when it rains there is no where to go and it must just lye in these so called dips on the road!  If you were to have any type of flooding and the dips I am sure would be filled up very quickly and cause bikes and cars to be swamped!  There are numerous signs as well - notifying motorists if the road was open or closed!  Interesting isn't it - what would the locals do - how would they get out or in??  I kept thinking about the people back in the 30's and 40's and wondering what was in their thoughts as they crossed what appeared to be an endless desert with mountains that you never seem to catch up to.  As the heat headed to 100 degrees I was really glad to get off the bike and have some lunch and gas the bike back up as we still had a long ride in the desert ahead of us.  We were also kept entertained with the trains as the followed us along our route by pumping our arms in the air - the sign to blow their horn - we always had big smiles on our faces when they obliged and it felt like we were all little kids again with the excitement!

Most of the California that we saw was certainly desolate and unoccupied.  If you saw any kind of civilization out in the middle of the desert - it certainly made you think - why would someone live there?  But you know I bet they would ask us the same thing - why would you live in a place that has winter and snow?  I would rather have the four seasons than just hot and hotter!

Finally after a very long day we arrived in Victorville where there was another Route 66 museum - the directors were very happy to see us and were quite taken aback when they found out I was from Canada.  Well of course I had to place a pin on the map where I was from - show them my bike and get a picture taken with these very lovely ladies that were so thrilled that I was doing this ride on my own and wish they could have done something like that at my age!  

We left Victorville with confidence knowing we were not too far away!  Well lost again on the old Route 66 and we came into Ontario California a little later than expected but all safe and sound and enough time to head over to the dealer party for supper.  Fried chicken, potato salad, buns, cookies and drinks was very much appreciated by all.  Staff were all friendly and there was a jazz bank playing up in the corner of the dealer.  

Once back at the hotel it was shower time and then head down to the bar and talk to all the rest of the bikers to see how their day went.  Wonderful and scary all at the same time were all the common comments of the group.  We commensurate over a drink about all the funny things we saw and people we have met along the way - it was great!  Tomorrow I am sure will be much of the same.  

We are heading down to the Pier to have breakfast at 6:30 am.  Crazy what you do for fellow bikers!  Then pictures at the Pier with the Motoring the Mother Road Camaro and then back to the hotel to clean and reorganize the bike for the trip home.  I do plan on stopping in to see my cousins wife, Paula to pass on my condolences.  Sean Hill, would be my fathers first cousin and I was so looking forward to visiting with him once I arrived here in California.  Sean unfortunately passed away a week and a half ago and therefore we will never make that ride around the area checking out all the highlights.  However due to this unfortunate circumstance I will now be able to head home a day or two early and I will have some company along the ride home.  A fellow biker Myles who lives in New York state is heading out on Sunday morning so I am going to ride most of the way home with him.  A safety net that will be much appreciated - not only by me but by my family as well!

I am looking forward to dipping my toes into the Pacific Ocean tomorrow morning! And my journey to California will be complete - then the long ride home - without so much fan fare but with the peddle to the metal to get back to see all who I love and miss!! 

Flagstaff to Kingman Arizona

This morning it was cool leaving Flagstaff.  I decided to have a day on the road by myself (well if you can call it that when there are 300 to 500 bikes coming and going) but I did travel solo today and stopped where I wanted and for how long I wanted.  It was wonderful.  First stop was at the Grand Canyon Harley Davidson dealer where I purchased a neck warmer!  Yes it was that cold.

As I travelled down the road though you could tell it was going to be a beautiful day!  By the time I reached Williams it was already warming up.  Williams is such a nice little town that it has two main streets (two one way streets) that is a must drive.  For anyone that missed driving the east bound route they truly missed a gem!  I was able to ask a fellow rider to take a picture of me on the main street and as usual they are more than willing to lend a hand.

Leaving Williams I headed back out on 40 for about 20 miles until there was another area of Route 66 that was passable.  Entering Seligman you are transformed back to the 50’s.  Every little gas station and gift shop is decked out with memorabilia from actors of the 50’s and 60’s; James Dean, Marilyn Monroe, and Elvis Presley.  The place attracting the most attention was the ice cream shop as the weather had definitely warmed up causing everyone to take layers off down to t-shirts.  The little hallway that is full of business cards, pictures, pins, patches and post cards was just a taste of what the proprietor was like – very eccentric.  He was truly priceless coming up with the craziest sayings and jokes – his door even had knobs on both the left and right side of the door with one saying push and the other pull.  I am sure he kept everyone smiling with all his antics.

Route 66 was spectacular today – the view was amazing and the people are all friendly.  I travelled through Peach Springs, Truxton, Valentine to Hackberry.  In a very small gift shop – which looks to have been a gas station at one point has a never ending photo opportunity of old cars and old signs.  I walked around and took a number of pictures while talking to all the other bikers who were just as amazed as me.

Back on 66 I arrived in Kingman with a smile on my face (surprise).  The hotel has a bike wash thankfully as my bike was a mess from the rain yesterday and the red sand that had washed onto the road from the rain that eventually ended up on not just my bike but every bike that travelled the road today!

The Mother Road Harley Davidson dealer had supper for all of us which was much appreciated.  Chicken, rice, beans and coleslaw was served with a smile.   It is hard to believe that we will be on the last two days of our journey tomorrow.  We arrive in Ontario, California tomorrow and we have arranged to have the “Motoring the Mother Road Camaro” go to the Santa Monica Pier on Saturday morning for a photo opportunity.  How sweet is that – the photographers for our trip have been driving this car along our route and taking lots of photographs that we will be able to see Saturday night at our “Survivor Party”.  Then I am on my own back home!  Not sure which way I will go – or where I will stop but it will all depend on where the nice weather is. 

Albuquerque, NM to Flagstaff, AZ

Leaving Albuquerque, New Mexico we got ready for the rain!  It started raining about ½ hour outside of Albuquerque with a light mist and it continued until we passed Holbrook, Arizona. 

We stopped at the border of Arizona to take a quick picture of the Yellowhorse Trading Post but it was still raining so we didn’t even go inside or take a look around.  We stayed on Interstate 40 all day  because as we were heading west we were also climbing up and it was getting colder!  I just wanted to get to Flagstaff and into a warm dry room.  As much as I thought I didn’t like the heat – I don’t like riding in the wet and cold.

After we stopped for lunch in Holbrook, Jerry decided to take a side trip at the Joseph City turn off.  I pulled up beside him to ask him what he thought was down there but I didn’t hear his reply as he headed up the off ramp.  I continued on 40 as I was not interested in going off and on the highway trying to figure out the sometimes confusing Route 66 in the weather.  As I arrived at the hotel in Flagstaff, Bob had just arrived too.  He let me know that there was nothing down the road and they headed on 40 as well. 

Tonight Bob and I headed over to Red Lobster for supper and then back to the hotel to relax.  The wind and the rain really take a toll on you when you are on a bike and it was nice just to lay low tonight.

Tomorrow we head to Kingman, AZ for the last night on the Route and then finally into California on Friday!  I just checked the weather and tomorrow in Kingman it will be 86 degrees – yeah!

Albuquerque, New Mexico and area

Today we had a breakfast meeting with Michael and Suzanne Wallis where they shared some stories and area attractions for the last part of our trip on Route 66.  Michael reminisced about the time that he travelled on Route 66 with the film makers of “Cars” showing them all the highlights and introducing them to all the characters that live on the Route.

After our breakfast meeting we headed up to Santa Fe on Hwy 14.  All I can say is WOW what a view.  I was so amazed with the view that I forgot to stop and take pictures – I am not sure a photograph would do this view justice.  The hills, flat lands, cliffs and landscape were truly amazing. 

We stopped in Madrid which is the site that “Wild Hogs” was filmed at the diner “Maggie’s”.  Maggie’s is not a diner but actually it is a gift shop.  It does still resemble the movie set to some degree – the front, the window and the booth were the guys sat and had a beer.  We then headed off to Santa Fe which is a metropolis in the middle of nowhere!  It is very expensive area – very tourist oriented – but absolutely beautiful.  The craft people were set up in the square and on the sidewalks selling their wares – beautiful pieces of jewellery and art.  On the way back to the hotel we headed back down Interstate 25 which was beautiful – but just a little faster ride going down.  I could get used to this 75 mph speed limit!

The “Thunderbird Harley-Davidson” dealer hosted a party for the entire HOG group providing food and drinks for all.  Of course – it was Mexican food – which is not my favourite but it was still good and much appreciated.

Arriving back at the hotel I lucked out and was able to throw my clothes in the washer (one and only) right away!  The dryer however, was a different story – after 99 minutes of drying the clothes were still not dry and the wait was getting longer.  One of the guys (Michael) asked the front desk if we could use the hotel laundry facilities where they do the towels and sheets.  We got lucky!!  I tell you even after 99 minutes my clothes still took another 15 minutes in a high end dryer that takes a full load of towels 15 minutes.  Crazy!  Oh and by the way – we (Sean, Michael and I) took all the towels out of the dryers and helped the laundry room staff fold towels so we could get at the dryers quicker!  Too funny!

Everyone is so friendly and pitches in when needed. 

Yesterday I travelled 500 km!  Again I didn`t take the mileage tonight!  I was getting tired of running up and down with laundry and packing!  I probably put on 200 km today at least but will check in the morning and get the overall total as well.  This bike has two trip odometers which are really nice – one I can set for the day and one I have set for the overall trip!

Tomorrow we head to Flagstaff, Arizona and it is calling for rain all day!  So I finally get to use my rain gear!  I hope it is not too hot as raingear and hot weather don`t really mix.

Amarillo, Texas to Albuquerque, New Mexico

Today we have a long ride 315 miles.  Leaving Amarillo, Texas we travelled first to the “Cadillac Ranch”.  What a site just off of Interstate 40.  It is in a field about 500 feet from the road.  It seems almost impossible to see it from the road; however all the bikes parked on the side of the road led us to our destination.  Some people brought spray paint so we could make our mark!  Indeed I put my initials on one Cadillac – I am not sure how long it will last until someone else comes along and puts something else over top but for at least 5 minutes my mark was made in the history of the “Cadillac Ranch”. 

Next stop was in Landergin which hosts the “Mid-Point Café and Gift Shop” which is the mid-point geographically of Route 66.  Of course picture opportunity for everyone which included a bus tour from Europe of which the people were very excited to talk to Harley owners about their motorcycles!  Taking pictures and asking questions.  It was fun – celebrities’!!

Heading towards New Mexico we travelled down a nice portion of Route 66 for a very short time and then we headed back onto Interstate 40 which follows alongside of Route 66 which is a dirt road and not very friendly to Harley’s!

Arriving in New Mexico under road construction we were able to pull over into a construction marked area to take a picture of the border!  In New Mexico Route 66 is mostly unpaved but again we were able to travel the Interstate 40 West so we can arrive at our destinations.  Each time we thought Route 66 started up again off of a turn off we were disappointed to find out it just went through the downtown and back out to Interstate 40.

Well Bob and I lost Jerry as we got turned around one too many times and Jerry wanted to go down another dead end road and I just decided that it was time to head back to 40.  At one point Jerry led us down the on ramp to 40 east instead of 40 west and as another group of two bikers were following us we all ended up doing a U-turn on the on ramp!  Not very productive however thankfully there was no traffic coming behind us.  One poor guy his buddy took off on him and I was stopped on the side of the road in order to tell Jerry that we should head back to Hwy 40 west and not try another way to get to Route 66 when his bike tipped right over.  I quickly put the kickstand down!!  And ran back to help him.  That would be the time that I thought okay enough of this!  I headed to 40 west and looked for Jerry who had gone down another road so I headed out on my own.  Not too long did I see Bob riding up behind me as he had decided that my route was for the best at the time as well.

The traffic is a little heavier on 40 than on Route 66 with all the trucks.  There were signs for wind gusts and they obviously have those signs for a reason.  The wind was moving from south to north and we were pushing through heading west.  A lot of this area was just like the movies very desolate and dusty looking.  It is hard to figure out where all the farmers live as there was livestock here and there but you couldn’t see any homes for miles.  

Santa Rosa was our stop for lunch and then we headed onward to Albuquerque, New Mexico.  We had great luck when we stopped and asked for directions to the hotel – a very kind lady drove ahead of us and took us right to our hotel.  People are so friendly.  Jerry was pulling in at the same time as we were and said all was good as he realized that we couldn’t turn around again.  He had hooked up with other -riders and was glad that we all arrived safely.  – A biker did have an accident on Hwy 25 on the way to the hotel and I heard he was okay but his bike had to be towed away.  I am not sure of all the details but as long as he is fine that is all that matters.  

We are staying two nights in Albuquerque which is nice – however we still get up early tomorrow for a breakfast and another speech from Michael and Suzanne Wallis.  Another dealer party tomorrow night but we have the day to do as we please so I think some are going to take a ride up to Santa Fe.  I heard tonight that it was one of the nicest rides up a mountain.   The weather was great today until about 7:00 where we had a thunder and lightning storm.  Everyone had already checked into the hotel so hopefully tomorrow the weather will be clear again! 

Mileage today is on the bike again.  I just have to get my act together I tell you.  When you don’t have someone helping you up with all the luggage I am easily distracted from my task of getting the mileage and by the time I sit down and do my blog I am sitting here in my pj’s and I don’t want to get dressed again just to get the mileage.  But I will tomorrow for sure as I am curious how far we rode today!

Oklahoma City, OK to Amarillo, TX

Today is Scooney Survivor Competition on our way to Amarillo, Texas.  Six guys and one Canadian woman all looking to become the first Scooney Survivor for HOG!  Leaving Oklahoma City we headed west to Fort Reno at El Reno for our first competition.  Rules were we had to start with one hand on the stone wall and run to our bikes, get our two-piece raingear – put it on and run back!  Well Peter won the first immunity challenge in less than a minute I am sure – his rain gear was not done up but he had it on!  Next came the first vote – Dana (guy) was voted off first – the poor guy didn’t even see it coming.  He had a passenger and it just didn’t seem fair that perhaps she might be able to help him out along the way!

We then headed through Bridgeport, Hydro (where we crossed the “Pony Bridge” to cross over the “South Canadian River”.  Next we headed to Lucille’s where we had our second immunity challenge.  The time we required a “challenge coin” and had to put it between our butt cheeks and walk over to a helmet and drop the coin in it.  Well I didn’t have a challenge coin so I quickly borrowed one from a friendly Harley guy in the audience watching us!  Well I didn’t make that challenge either.  Drew won the challenge after two rounds – second round was to drop the coin closest to a brick.  Bill was voted out in this round of voting.

Heading towards Weatherford and off to Clinton where we stopped at the “Oklahoma Route 66 Museum” where they were ready for us with free water, coffee, pop, wagon wheels and rice crispy squares.  Very nice – and of course we had to sign the guest book!!  No challenge here so we were able to quickly go through the gift shop and get back on the road. 

We then travelled through Foss and Canute on our way past Elk City to the “National Route 66 Museum” where our next competition was held where we had to guess the number of orange smarties in a zip lock bag of all coloured smarties.  Again Peter won this competition even though he was colour blind!  The answer was 125 and he guessed 100, I was next with a guess of 66.  This time around Sweeper was voted off!

We then headed to Sayre and got lost on our way to Erick.  I am so glad we found our way back to Erick as the best entertainment on Route 66 lives in Erick.  At the Sands Hill Curiosity Shop you will find Harley and Annabelle who sign the Route 66 theme song to everyone who will listen and pass around a bottle of whiskey so you can take a swig out of it.  The real names for these two characters are Roger Miller who sang “King of the Road” and Sheb Wooley, who was famous for “Purple People Eater”.   They are truly worth the stop!  Tips only – nothing for sale – lots of water and treats in the back room – be careful of the washrooms but without out a doubt the best place to stop! 

Leaving Erick we headed to Texola which is a total ghost town now – run down businesses – no one in the town at all!  Next was the Texas border where it was a great opportunity for the final four to take a photo opportunity.  This competition was a key toss into Scooney’s helmet and the closest toss won.  Jack won this immunity challenge and Peter was voted out!  Down to the final three!!

Leaving the border we headed through Shamrock, Lela and stopped in McLean.  The “Devil’s Rope/Old route 66 Museum” (barbed wire) was the place for the challenge to get down to the final two.  We had to balance on one leg on a beam for as long as we could.  Well I thought we were going to be there all day long – wrong – when you have been sitting on a bike and you try to stand on one leg – let me tell you – my leg shook like crazy and it wasn’t long before I was out!  Jack one back to back immunity challenges and poor Drew was voted out.  He didn’t even see it coming!  Jack and I met a week ago and planned if we were in the same Survivor Challenge that we would do “final two”!  Drew only met Jack the night before and he believed he had the final two locked up until Jack announced our alliance.  I tell you Drew is still upset! 

As we left McLean we head to get gas and a little something to drink.  We had not had any lunch at this point and we were very hungry.  We stopped at Alanreed and filled up with gas and had a little snack – of course after we signed the guest book!  I led after leaving Alanreed which a number of guys are not used to following a lady on a bike!  We headed to Groom where we came to the “Giant Cross”  I got us turned around once as it was very deceiving when you think you are right at the cross and you still have to drive further.  We were told while leaving Alanreed that we should count signs.  Scooney didn’t tell us what kind of signs we were to count so I just tried to count as we drove along anything that I thought they might ask.  Well at Conway we were asked how many speed signs and how many Interstate 40 signs we saw.  I believe the total in all was 16 speed signs (I had 18) and there were 24 Interstate 40 signs (I had 17).  I won the first out of the best two out of three challenges for the final Scooney Survivor competition. 

I led again on the way to the “Bug Farm” which is a spoof on the “Cadillac Farm” as there is Volkswagens buried in the ground just like the Cadillac farm has Cadillac’s buried.  At this site we had challenge number two of three and the pressure was on as if Jack won then we would go to a tie breaker.  The competition was to pick a balloon and blow it up until it burst!  I got off to a great start as a mother only knows from blowing up balloons at children’s birthday parties you need to stretch it out first.  So while Scooney was talking I was stretching it out!  I got ahead right away but it wasn’t long before Jack starting catching up as I was really trying to blow while giggling!  It doesn’t work very well when you do that.  Thank goodness they were doing play by play as to who was getting ahead or if Jack was catching up so let us just say – I blew the competition away!  Yes I made Canada proud and ladies as well.  The first ever Scooney Survivor goes to none other than Charlene Jackson, only lady in the competition and the only Canadian!!  Too fun!

We then let Scooney lead us from there to the dealer party in Amarillo so we wouldn’t waste any more time trying to figure out the maps as he had a GPS.  Upon arrival everyone was very excited to see that I had won and we decided to go to the “Big Texan” for a steak!  I felt grimy but oh well – we are on the road and it was well worth it.  The steak was awesome and company was great. 

Again I forgot to get the mileage but I will get it tomorrow before heading out as I am very curious as to how many km’s we put on today!

Tomorrow we are off to Albuquerque, New Mexico for a two night stay!  Thank God – these 7:30 a.m. on the road is getting crazy.  Big day tomorrow though about 350 miles.  I am loving every minute of it and can’t seem to wipe the smile off my face!



Oklahoma City - STATE FAIR!

Today was a down day.  I had my bike serviced at Harley-Davidson World (I mean where else would I go!) for the 8,000 km service.  Dropped it off at 9:15 am and didn't get it back until almost 2:00 pm.  Thankfully I had not really looked around the store last night and was able to do some browsing and tried some Harley things on while I waited.  Complimentary refreshments was much appreciated and of course the company of other Harley owners - both from our group and the dealer Chapter kept me very much occupied and the time went by fast.

This evening we went to "Earl's" for ribs and then headed to the Oklahoma State Fair.  HOG arranged for secure parking at Forest Lumber Company which was great with a security guard watching over the bikes made us all feel very safe leaving our bikes behind.  I didn't go to the Marshall Tucker Concert as I just walked around the fair and took it all in.  Went on two rides!  The gondola ride that went above the fair and I was able to have a great view from the air.  And then of course finally a roller coaster ride to finish the fair off. 

Tomorrow I am on a "Survivor Ride" with a group of eight riders and "Scoony" one of the executives of HOG.  I am sure we are in for an interesting time.  Apparently one of us gets voted off at every stop!  How long will I last - will I have any alliances along the way?

I need to repack my bike to accommodate some of my new purchases.

Today I didn't record the mileage before I came up to my room but I will be surprised if I even put on 50 km.

Tulsa to Oklahoma City, OK

This morning we were treated with a pancake breakfast at Myers-Duren Harley Davidson.  Again unbelievable!  20% off at the store and my size for rain gear was a perfect match I thought! 

Everyone headed downtown to our photo opportunity! The place of our photo was at the Cyrus Avery Route 66 Memorial Bridge where most historians say that this is the spot that east meets west in America.  When they announced to stake out your spot I made sure I was up front so I could find myself later on.  To our surprise they also did a group photo of the ladies that drove their Harley’s too.  I think the smile didn’t come off my face for the rest of the day!  That was too cool and a very special touch to all the ladies that drove their own Harley on Route 66.

From Tulsa we headed down Route 66 past Sapulpa, Kellyville, and on to Bristow where there was another giant penguin (we didn’t stop) at the Chrysler Dealer.  We totally missed the “shoe tree” but apparently it was split in half and is going to be removed.  From Bristow  we headed to Stroud where the “Rock Cafe” was located prior to it burning down in 2008. 

Then off to Chandler where the Route 66 Interpretive Centre offers half hour tours for $3.00.  Also in Chandler is the famous author/artist “Jerry McClanahan has the “McJerry’s Route 66 Gallery” where Jerry signed our “EZ Route 55 Guide” only after, of course, we signed his guest book!  Jerry is seen in this picture with some Barbie dolls!  Some of the ladies are taking these Barbie’s everywhere we go and taking pictures of them doing different things – different for sure but it seems to be the thing to do – but don’t worry you won’t see me doing that!

Leaving Chandler we travelled through Wellston, Luther and then to Arcadia where we stopped at the “1898 Round Barn”.  Again we had to sign the book!  I did buy some Route 66 earrings. 

Leaving Arcadia we found  the next giant – “Pop Bottle” at Pops.  We had a coupon for a free pop from a selection of only 500 different kinds of pop.  The store itself was very impressive – pop bottles lined up on glass shelving against glass walls.  It was nice to get out of the heat and have some refreshment as it was 94 degrees out!  How am I going to survive Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and California in that kind of heat!

After Pops we headed into Oklahoma City where we stopped at the Tourist Information Booth to find out the best time to go downtown is after six o’clock so we miss the traffic.  So we headed to the motel to get refreshed and headed to the Harley Dealership for supper.  They pulled out all the stops again for us, special parking, pictures taken as we entered the parking lot on our bikes, a band, choice of pizza, sub, wraps or sausage with chips and water or pop for supper.  While we were in the store checking out all the items a bell was rung – this means someone just bought a bike – well it happened twice while we were there!  Cool – two more new Harley owners!  Their lives will never be the same!

After supper we headed downtown to check out the Oklahoma City National Memorial which honours the 168 victims of the “Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building” bombing of 1995.  How can one human do something like that to so many innocent people??  The memorial is very tastefully done.  However, being there really makes you realize how horrific this must have been for all the people not only killed or injured in the blast but all the other people who worked downtown at the time.  To know something like that could happen in the middle of downtown is shocking.

Tomorrow is Oklahoma State Fair and that should be fun – perhaps just a little bigger than the Cobden Fair!  We all have tickets to the Marshall Tucker Band.  Should be fun!  Breakfast at 7:30 am though downtown Oklahoma City – I am not sure about that one – we shall see in the morning!

Mileage to Date:  Yesterday and today 597.5 km and 3,244.6 km overall.

Springfield, MO through Kansas to Catoosa, OK

Leaving Springfield, MO which we didn’t get to see much of due to the downpour the night before.  Everyone who could park under the overhang at the hotel to protect our bikes in the event of hail.  This morning the bikes were all fine – just a little wet but the hotel provided towels for drying our bikes which was much appreciated.

Back onto Route 66 we headed towards Halltown where a great antique store full of items and a gentleman with a huge smile as he saw all the Harley’s pulling in.  These store owners are very funny – they absolutely do not push their wares but boy oh boy do they want you to sign their guest book!  And usually they have a hot pot of coffee on, a snack and bottled water for all bikers going through.  It is great – all for a donation (only if you want).  Talk about great customer service as they probably make more money from the donations than they do from the trinkets that they sell.

Another stop well worth it is the old Gas Station "Sinclair" where again the owner was amazing - just letting everyone come and go - take pictures - get behind the counter and run the phone!  Donuts, water and coffee were all ready to go as he was expecting us!  Stop by and have a visit he loves the company and was able to accommodate all of us.  It is so nice travelling with a great big group - we all just offer to take pictures of each other along the way so we can have some great memories to look back on.

Not too far down the road from Halltown is Paris Springs where a gas station was named after the builders’ wife, “Spencer”.  While there we came across three motor homes that were rented by some great people from Denmark.  They certainly enjoyed seeing all of the Harley’s pulling in and driving past.  Their cameras were clicking away!

Back on the road we headed through Carthage, Carterville, Webb City, and finally through Joplin before we entered Kansas on an old road that headed into “Galena”.  This little town was full of life this afternoon as everyone stopped to get a picture of the famous “Mater” character in front of the restaurant “4 Women on The Route”.  One of the owners was busy entertaining everyone by telling them the story of how “Mater” came to be in front of her restaurant and gift shop.   Originally sold to a farmer until it was pointed out in a newspaper article that the character “Mater” was based on this particular tow truck.  Well it wasn’t long before “Mater” was bought back and placed strategically in front of this particular “gas station/restaurant/gift shop” as it was also featured in the movie as well.  The owner was very friendly – nicknamed “mouth” and I can’t imagine why!  Again – “don’t forget to sign the guest book”.  Hamburgers were awesome! And yes that is me - driving "Mater".

The last little town before leaving Kansas was Baxter Springs where in 1876 Jesse James robbed their bank.  Entering Oklahoma we travelled through Quapaw and into Commerce which was the “hometown of Mickey Mantle”.  There we stopped for a picture opportunity of the statue in front of the ball diamond that was named after Mickey’s dad – “Mutt Mantle Field”.    We stopped for an ice cream at the “Dairy King” and at $0.95 for a soft cone it is well worth the stop.  And yet again the owner almost forgot to let us pay for the cones as he wanted to make sure we saw pictures of the before and after of his humble abode and yes, “sign the guest book”!

Next onto Miami – pronounced “My-am-uh”.  A "Vintage Motorcycle Museum" is in Miami and a great exhibit all for free - donations accepted.  Then through Afton down a half gravel - half cement road for 3 miles (old Route 66 preserved!!) and then through Narcissa where we passed a buffalo ranch.  Then to Vinita where “Dead Man’s Corner” which is a 90 degree corner with no stop sign or any real signage to let you know that the corner is that sharp.  All was well with all the bikes as they all made it around “Dead Man’s Corner” alive!  We then drove onward through White Oak, Chelsea and Foyil where there is a “Totem Pole Park” where all the totem poles are made of concrete.  This is the site of the “World’s LARGEST Totem Pole (90 feet)”.  I am not convinced that this is true as I know there are some very large totem poles in British Columbia but if the sign says it is – then it must be – right?

Driving into Catoosa you will find on the right hand side a ``blue whale`` where of course it is so tacky it is absolutely great.  So picture opportunity of course was had by all.  Finally we arrived at our destination for the evening at the `Hard Rock Hotel and Casino`` where again we were given the royal treatment.  Our parking area was reserved for us on the 4^th floor of the parking garage which was barricaded off so all bikes could be parked together and security guards were stationed in the parking garage to allow us to have a worry free night! 

Tomorrow well again the royal treatment as a street downtown will be blocked off to allow just our Harley`s in for a photo opportunity on a major downtown street.  However, we have to be in and out in a short period of time – so it should be interesting!

Again I forgot to mark the mileage down before heading to my room – which is absolutely amazing!  But I will mark it in the morning and update it later tomorrow.