Happy Dance Time...

Wow, it’s hard to believe that I haven’t posted in over a month. I’ve wanted to post but each time I thought about sitting-down and putting pen-to-paper, my attention was diverted…and then I was off in a different direction. Between work and family visits there didn’t seem to be a whole lot of time left for writing or riding for that matter. Unfortunately, I think my mental health has suffered for it. I get a little anxious if I go without any saddle time for a while. Riding helps me clear my head and motivates me to work harder in other areas of my life. Riding calms my soul. 

Provided the weather isn’t too extreme on Friday, 11 October 2013, my soul should be doing a happy dance. I plan to start my Tour of Honor Bun Burner Extreme Iron Butt ride between 3:30 and 4:00 a.m. If all goes as planned, I should cover the 1500+ miles in under 36 hours. I’ve mapped out a route that will take me from my house to the farthest Tour of Honor site in the state, the National Border Patrol Museum in El Paso, TX. Here’s an overview of my planned stops:

A. Home
B. Camp Hulen Historical Marker, Palacios, TX
C. USS Cavalla SSK-244, Seawolf Park, Galveston, TX
D. Gas Stop, Centerville, TX
E. Historic Aviation Memorial Museum, Tyler, TX
F. US Veterans Museum of Granbury, Granbury, TX
G. Cedar Park County Veterans Memorial, Cedar Park, TX
H. Gas Stop, Brady TX
I. Rest/Sleep Stop, San Angelo, TX
J. Andrews County Veterans Memorial, Andrews, TX
K. Gas Stop, Pecos, TX
L. Gas Stop, Van Horn, TX
M. National Border Patrol Museum, El Paso, TX

Given my bike’s 4.5 gallon tank, I’ll be getting gas at each Tour of Honor stop as well as the gas stops listed. The nice thing about having a smaller tank is you have an opportunity to stretch your legs more often but the downside is the more stops you make the more difficult it becomes to maintain a good average speed. I’m hoping I can improve my average speed between stops and possibly reduce my stop times to give me a little more wiggle room to complete the ride in the allotted 36 hours. As it stands now, if I don’t increase my speed averages and decrease stop times I’ll only have about 15 minutes to spare before running out of time. Let me know what you think of my detailed ride plan:

While I’d really like to accomplish my goal and earn an additional Iron Butt certification, safety will be my primary concern. I won’t push myself if I get tired and I’ll ride within my limits. I’m a little nervous about the hazards wildlife poses at night but will lower the risk of having a wildlife encounter by maintaining a slower speed and maintaining good situational awareness. At the end of the day, I’m riding for my personal enjoyment, not to earn a certificate.

If you’d like to “follow” me on this adventure, I’ll be using BubblerGPS and SpotWalla for tracking. You can check on my progress here. The SpotWalla map should initialize between 3:30 and 4:00 a.m. on Friday morning. Unlike a SPOT tracker, my BubblerGPS app will only upload my location when I have a good cell phone signal so my “track” may appear a bit sporadic.

I’ll post a full ride report and pictures as soon as I can once I’m back. Until then, wish me luck and Godspeed. Gotta get ready for my Happy Dance…

Ready to Ride…Texas Tour of Honor 2013

It’s official; I received my Iron Butt Association Saddlesore 1000 certificate this past weekend from the certification ride I completed in May. I’m now a member of the Iron Butt Association (IBA), member number 56055. I know it’s just a certificate, but I’m proud of the accomplishment. Not everyone is bold enough (okay, maybe crazy enough) to attempt to ride a motorcycle 1000 miles in under 24 hours. I can say, it wasn’t overly difficult but I did have to pace myself…especially in the 106-degree heat in West Texas. I believe if you’re truly determined to stay in the saddle mile after mile, in fair shape, and don’t have any underlying medical issues; anyone can safely cover the distance in the allotted time. The thing is, most just don’t have the desire and/or determination.

Ever since completing the Saddlesore 1000 with Hoagy’s Heroes I’ve been thinking about what to do for my next Iron Butt challenge. I can happily report that I’ve figured it out. I’m going to attempt a Tour of Honor Extreme Bun Burner. Riding 1500 miles in 36 hours or less is a challenge in and of itself, but I’m going to add to the challenge by completing it while visiting the 7 designated 2013 Tour of Honor memorials and monuments in the State of Texas. During the ride, I’ll visit sites located as far East as Galveston and as far West as El Paso. It should be a wild ride.

The Tour of Honor is self-directed and runs from 1 April thru 31 October 2013 with memorials and monuments designated in all 50 States and Canada. This year, $10 of the $75 entrance fee will go to the Wounded Warrior project…the rest covers a Rally Flag, T-Shirt, and a commemorative pin and completion certificate (provided you visit 7 or more sites). I haven’t picked an exact date to start but have established my route and departure time. I’ll be starting at 4:30 a.m on a Friday and completing the ride on a Saturday afternoon. With a little luck, this schedule should allow me to visit sites with specific operating hours during regular business hours.

My ride plan includes all 7 designed sites in Texas. I’ll visit each of them, take a photo with my bike and rally flag, and be on my way. In order to cover the 1500+ miles in under 36 hours I won’t have a lot of time to stay in one place…but I do have a 6 hour rest period planned. Here’s my planned route: 

          1. Home 
          2. Camp Hulen Historical Marker, Palacios, TX 
          3. USS Cavalla SSK-244, Galveston, TX 
          4. Historic Aviation Memorial Museum, Tyler, TX 
          5. U.S. Veterans Museum, Granbury, TX 
          6. Cedar Park County Veterans Memorial, Cedar Park, TX 
          7. Six Hour Rest Stop, San Angelo, TX 
          8. Andrews County Veterans Memorial, Andrews, TX 
          9. National Border Patrol Museum, El Paso, TX

Of course, I’ll still have a big ride ahead of me (500+ miles) after I reach El Paso but I won’t be under any time pressure to get home so I’ll probably take a day or two to get back. Safety will be my primary concern, so I won’t break any traffic laws and will always pull over and rest when I’m too tired to ride. 

I’m getting excited just thinking about the trip. Watch for an update once I’ve selected a definitive date to start and then a complete ride report once I’ve completed the ride. Until then…Live Free and Ride Hard!

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For more info click on the links:

Iron Butt Association (IBA) 
Tour of Honor

Long Distance Virgin - Part 2

Continued from 12 August 2013 Post...

Friday, 12 October 2012

At 5:00 I woke-up to the sound of a torrential downpour.  It's amazing how loud rain can be in an otherwise silent cabin.  I thought for a moment that his wasn't the best way to start the day but quickly realized how blessed I was...I was originally going to camp in my tent.  I rolled over and went back to sleep hoping the rain would pass through before my planned 8:00 a.m departure time.

When I got up at 6:30 it was still raining pretty hard and every now and then lightening lit up the dark sky.  The thunder sometimes rattled the windows and I could feel the cabin shake around me.  It was peaceful listening to the rain on the cabin's metal roof.  As the clocked ticked past 7:00 and the rain continued, I decided that it wouldn't be the end of the world if I didn't leave at 8:00.  I ate a Snickers Almond candy bar and realized this was what people meant when they say, "It's not about the destination, it's about the journey."  I was definitely on a journey.

It was still raining at 10:30 and check-out was at 11:00 so I accepted the fact that I was going to ride in the rain.  By the time I loaded the bike and donned my rain suit it was 11:15. I cautiously headed for the ranger station as the roads in the campground were narrow and had standing water in several low lying areas. I dropped off my cabin key and made my way back to the Trace.  I rode in a steady rain for about an hour.  I was nervous at first but quickly gained confidence.  I was fortunate my first rain experience was on the Trace because there was very little traffic and the speed limit was only 50.

As I got over my fear of riding in the rain, I was able to enjoy the ride.  The sights along the way were beautiful and the fresh smell of the air after the rain was amazing.  I'm not sure I've ever felt quite as free and alive.  I stopped several times to take pictures...a gorgeous overlook, an interesting historical site, and several places along the side of the road.  I thought about stopping more but was mindful of my late start. I pressed ahead.

I had originally planned to be in Canton, Mississippi at the Ratliff Ferry campground by 5:00 but didn't get there until 7:00. I didn't want to set-up camp in the dark so I decided to go another 25 miles down the Trace to Jackson, Mississippi and look for a cheap hotel.   Riding the Trace after dark was nerve racking. With only two lanes, no shoulder, and heavy tree cover 15-25 feet from the edge of the road I was ever mindful of the collision hazard posed by wildlife.  I saw several deer, a fox, and what I think was a raccoon.  By the time I exited the Trace in Jackson at 7:35 I was ready to get off the bike.  I quickly found a "cheap" hotel and unloaded the bike.  Even with the morning rain, it had been an excellent day of riding.

Saturday, 13 October 2012

I left the hotel at 8:00 and headed for breakfast.  It was a glorious morning.  The sky was clear and the air was crisp…perfect riding weather.  As I ate my egg McMuffin and drank my orange juice I had mixed emotions.  I was happy for the opportunity to complete the Trace but somewhat saddened by the thought of my adventure coming to an end.  With only 103 miles before reaching Natchez, Mississippi my time on the Trace would soon be over and I would make my way back to the Interstate and my next overnight stop, Lake Charles, Louisiana. At least I’ll be riding I thought.

By 8:40 I was on the Trace making my way south to Natchez.  Everything about the ride was magnificent.  The morning sunlight filtered through the trees and the cool breeze made the leaves fall to the ground like snowflakes. I felt very much alive and connected with my surroundings…I felt close to God. It was spiritual.

I stopped several times to take pictures and to enjoy the beauty around me.  The entire Natchez Trace Parkway is steeped in history.  From beginning-to-end there are numerous pull-offs with signs and displays of historical significance.  The Chickasaw, Choctaw, and Natchez Indians thrived around the Trace and left behind built-up mounds where they erected temples.  The Trace served as an early trade and postal route and was used for troop movements during the civil war.   At one stop, I could feel the eerie presence of those who travelled before me as I walked along a short portion of the original trail known as the Sunken Trace.  At Mount Locust (one of the oldest structures still in existence in all of Mississippi), I could almost hear the voices of the travelers who stayed there during the early 1800s.

  

100 miles went by in a blink of an eye and I found myself at the southern terminus of the Natchez Trace Parkway. It was somewhat anti-climatic as there was no large structure or crowd of cheering people to commemorate my ride…just a sign on the northbound side saying “Entering Natchez Trace Parkway”.  I stopped briefly to take a picture of the sign and to turn on my GPS. I exited the Trace and focused my attention on the next leg of my trip.  I followed my GPS’s directions across the mighty Mississippi River into Louisiana.

I rode about 10 miles down LA131 before deciding I might be in trouble.  I had crossed into Louisiana so quickly I hadn’t stopped for gas in Natchez…and now I was literally in the middle of nowhere.  There were no signs of civilization to be seen.  I pressed ahead thinking that there would be a town just around the bend but there was nothing.  My concern over running out of gas distracted me from a great ride through the Three Rivers Wildlife Management Area.  Several bridges and a hydroelectric plant made for great photo opportunities but I didn’t stop, I was too focused on my trip odometer and watching the miles slowly pile up.  I had never ridden over 150 miles without stopping for gas and I was getting nervous.  When the trip odometer read 170, I said a prayer and relegated myself to the fact that I might end up stranded on the side of the road.  Then I saw it.

I pulled into Lucky13 after having ridden 172 miles since my last fill-up.  I was relieved.  I don’t know how many more miles I could have gone but was thankful I didn’t have to find out.  I gassed up and decided to eat some lunch at the restaurant inside.  The chicken fingers and side of red beans and rice were excellent.  I checked the weather forecast along my route before leaving.  The weather looked good all the way to San Antonio, Texas but only for the rest of the day.  Sunday’s forecast indicated there was a high probability of rain from Houston to San Antonio.  I began to think I might need to forego camping overnight at Sam Houston Jones State Park in Lake Charles and make my way home.

The state roads from Lucky13 to I-49 left a lot to be desired. I’m not sure there was a single mile of smooth asphalt in the 60 or so miles I rode to get to I-49.  By the time I reached the Interstate I felt like I’d been beaten.  Needless to say, the Interstate was a welcomed sight. It’s amazing how fast 75 mph seems after going 45-55.  The miles were flying by and before I knew it I had reached I-10 and was on my way to Lake Charles.

Somewhere along I-10 I decided I would definitely skip camping at Lake Charles and get as far down the road before nightfall as I could.  I figured that if it did rain in the morning, I’d be that much closer to home. I stopped in Westlake, Louisiana (west of Lake Charles) for gas and quickly got back on the Interstate.  The slow, leisurely pace I enjoyed while on the Trace was over. I was in mile eating mode and focused on covering as much distance as possible in the shortest amount of time.  I let out a little “Ye Haw” when I crossed the Texas state line and kept on the throttle.  Riding at Interstate speeds is tiring but a lot of fun.

I stopped at a McDonalds in Katy, Texas (west of Houston) just before sunset.  I was hungry and physically drained.  I ordered a Big Mac and a PowerAde.  They hit the spot and after a short rest I felt rejuvenated.  I had spotted several hotels when I pulled-in and was now ready to call it a day but decided to check the weather first.  The probability of rain in the morning all the way from Houston to San Antonio had increased.  I was faced with a choice; continue to San Antonio in the dark or wait until morning and most likely ride in the rain.

I chose to ride in the dark.  Although my visibility would be reduced and the hazards of wildlife encounters were higher, I wouldn’t have to deal with both reduced traction and visibility…not to mention being uncomfortably warm in my rain suit.   Keeping an attentive eye for both traffic and wildlife helped the 166 miles from Katy to San Antonio to go quickly. My mind did play a couple of visual tricks on me…most notably when I crossed Allen Creek.  At first, I thought the sign read “Alien” Creek and I began to wonder if there had been some type of alien encounter in the area.  Anything to pass the time, I suppose.

I pulled into my driveway at 10:30 after having spent 14 hours making a push for home.  I felt a huge sense of accomplishment.  I unloaded the bike and went to bed…with a big ass smile on my face! J

My first long distance motorcycle road trip was complete.

Epilogue

Over the course of 5 days I rode some 2,300 miles across 8 states.  I rode in hot weather, cold weather, in rain, and at night…and I believe I’m a better rider and person because of the experience. I learned that having a ride plan is good but that you shouldn’t stress over deviating from it.  More importantly, I gained a healthy appreciation of motorcycle travel and came to realize there is an enormous difference between riding by and riding through.

In a car, bus, train, or plane we ride by…separated from our surroundings by a cage of metal, glass, and plastic.  We are isolated from the environment.  We are just on-lookers, not active participants.  On a motorcycle, we ride through.  We are one with our surroundings able to truly experience the sights, sounds, and smells of everything around us.  We can feel the wind, the heat, the cold, the rain…we are active participants, vulnerable, unencumbered. Riding through means feeling more connected, more alive, and more free.

They say you always remember your first time.  I know that’s true. My first long distance ride was awesome and I’m already looking forward to the next one. Watch for me on the road…I’ll be riding through!

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For more information on the Natchez Trace Parkway, check out:  http://www.nps.gov/natr/index.htm

Long Distance Virgin - Part 1

It's been almost a year since I lost my virginity...my long distance riding virginity, that is.  In October of 2012 I embarked on a solo journey to visit my Dad and ride the Natchez Trace Parkway.  I wrote a trip report but never published it anywhere, until now.  Here's part 1 of my adventure...

Prologue

The idea of riding my Harley-Davidson Sportster cross country had always intrigued me, but having never ridden more than 275 miles in a day I was nervous about attempting it.  Fortunately, the sheer excitement and personal challenge of a possible long distance ride outweighed my nervousness. I knew one day I would be on the open road.

My Dad’s 70th birthday presented the perfect opportunity. I started crafting a detailed ride plan a month in advance.  My plan included turn-by-turn routing, the specific location of gas and rest stops as well as estimated departure and arrival times for each stop. What started out as a simple trip to celebrate my Dad’s birthday in Louisville, Kentucky turned into a full blown 8 state motorcycle adventure. 

Thursday, 5 October 2012

I left San Antonio, Texas at 5:30 in the morning and travelled to Little Rock, Arkansas where I stayed the night at Little Rock Air Force Base. As I approached Little Rock on I-30 it threatened rain but I managed to stay dry until I reached the base. It started sprinkling just as I was passing through the Base’s main gate. Fortunately, I didn't get too wet and was able to unload the bike before it really started to pour.  I rode almost 600 miles in just under 9 hours…making it my longest ride ever.  I had been apprehensive about the distance but felt really good at the end of the day so I knew I could make it to my Dad’s in Louisville without a problem.

Friday, 6 October 2012

I woke up to unseasonably cool weather...it was 41 degrees in Little Rock and the forecast called for no more than 55 degree temperatures all the way to Kentucky.  I was able to put on enough layers to stay warm so I headed northeast to avoid the interstate. I travelled several US Highways and Sate Roads through Arkansas, Missouri, and Tennessee. I picked-up the Interstate in far southwestern Kentucky and made it to my Dad's house in Louisville by 6:20 in the evening.   

Although it was overcast most of the day, it was a beautiful ride.  I chuckled to myself when I rode through Goobertown, Arkansas (just northeast of Jonesboro) wondering why anyone would name a city Goobertown. I raced a train only to be caught by it at a stoplight...I think it must have been the longest train I've ever seen because I was stopped for what seemed like an eternity.  I was amazed at the majesty of the Mississippi River and the bridge that crossed it as I entered Tennessee. And I was equally impressed by the changing colors of the leaves along the Western Kentucky Parkway. The 500 mile ride from Little Rock to Louisville went smoothly.

With an 1100 mile, two day, 5 state motorcycle ride under my belt I was no longer a long distance virgin.

Saturday-Wednesday, 7-10 October 2012

I spent 5 nights with my Dad and helped him build and set forms for a garage addition. We celebrated his birthday at a Mexican restaurant by drinking a couple margaritas and watching several performers sing old country music songs.  He was surprised when two women pulled him up front and sang happy birthday to him. We had fun! I would have liked to have spent more time with my Dad but my return trip was ahead of me and I was looking forward to being back on the bike. 


Thursday, 11 October 2012

I pulled-out of Dad's driveway at about 11:10 and rode to the Hebron Cemetery to visit my Mom.  She died almost 5 years ago after a long battle with lung cancer and COPD.  I was very close to my Mom and have always felt that she’s my guardian angel.  After telling her about my trip and saying goodbye I headed for the Natchez Trace Parkway.  The Trace is a 440 mile long National Parkway that runs from just south of Nashville, Tennessee to Natchez, Mississippi.  I wasn't sure what to expect when I got there but everything I’d read indicated it would be a very scenic ride with lots of historical significance.  The 180 mile ride from Louisville to Nashville went quickly. As I made my way down I-65, I made a quick stop at the Corvette Museum in Bowling Green, Kentucky for a photo opportunity and then in Franklin, Kentucky for gas.  Next stop the Natchez Trace Parkway.

After entering the Parkway at its northern terminus, I immediately knew I wasn't going to be disappointed. The first 15-20 miles were absolutely amazing!  Curve after gentle-sweeping-curve on the most tree lined patch of silky smooth asphalt I have ever ridden on.  I’m convinced the Trace was built for motorcycle travel. Mind you, not all riders will appreciate it because the top speed limit is only 50 mph (40 mph in some sections)...but I thought I was in heaven.


I rode about 70 miles on the Trace before reaching my destination for the night.  I arrived at the KOA campground near Hohenwald, Tennessee at about 5:00 just as it was starting to rain. After grabbing a burger at the campground's Trading Post I checked-in, rode to my cabin, and settled in for the night. It wasn't the Ritz-Carlton but it had electricity, a bed, and a bathroom.  What more could a guy ask for? Heat would have been nice...but I made do. I turned the 4 burners on the stove to “Med-Hi” for about two hours before turning out the lights. Needless to say it was warm and toasty under the covers with my sleeping bag opened up on top for extra warmth.  I slept well.

To be Continued...See 19 August 2013 Post...

Secrets of the Sisters…One Twisted Ride Report

Like sirens, the Three Sisters nestled in the Texas Hill Country hypnotically beckon riders from across the Nation to bask in their beauty and partake of their generous curves. But riders beware…these Sisters are Twisted.

 Known as Ranch-to-Market Roads (RM) 335, 336, and 337, the “Sisters” have been around for over 65 years. Born in 1945 as part of the post-war road expansion effort to aid Texas’ agricultural interests, the Sisters have aged well. So, what’s their allure? Why does MotorcycleRoads.com rank the Twisted Sisters as the #1 motorcycle route in the U.S.? I believe it’s because they offer a great technical riding challenge with some of the most spectacular scenery you’ll see anywhere…and together that’s one dangerous combination. I had the opportunity to experience the Sisters for the second time over the long Fourth of July weekend and I can say with a huge grin on my face, “They were better the second time around!”

 I left San Antonio at 6:30 in the morning on the 4th of July to cool temperatures and clear skies. The roads were surprisingly empty so I knew it was going to be a great day to ride. As I turned north onto State Highway 16, the Texas Hill Country began to unfold in front of me. The rolling hills and gently sweeping curves of SH 16 were fun and provided a nice warm-up for the two Sisters I planned to ride on my way to San Angelo. I stopped for gas in Bandera and then quickly made my way to Medina to pick-up the first Sister.

RM 337 starts in Medina and runs approximately 56 miles west to Camp Wood. She’s an easy ride at first with gentle curves and steady elevation gains through Vanderpool, but then she starts to get wild. Changes in elevation occur more frequently and the curves come one right after the other. The views are fantastic but you can’t look at them for fear of losing control and plunging to certain death. You can ride her hard and miss the beauty that surrounds you or slow down and really enjoy it. I chose to slow down. That’s one of the Sisters’ secrets, you can fly and die or you can ease back on the throttle and make a great ride last longer. As I approached Leakey, she began to act more like a lady almost sensing that our time together was over and that I was moving on. I turned north on US Hwy 83 and waved good-bye thinking I’d ride her remaining 20 miles another day.

I found the second Sister waiting just ½ mile north. As I made the left turn onto RM 336 I knew the next 26 miles were going to be fun. Unlike her sibling, she didn't waste any time getting twisty. Quickly gaining elevation as I snaked my way upward, I found myself riding along the top of a ridge line with spectacular views from either side. This Sister seemed a bit more forgiving than the first, almost as if she wanted me to go faster and then quickly slow down as I approached her next curve. Why someone would build such a technically challenging road with so much to look at escapes me but I‘m glad they did. I pulled over to take it all in. I took a deep breath and thought, “This is what freedom smells like.” I felt alive and in that moment I happened upon another of the Sisters’ secrets, you can ride through with wild abandon or you can dismount and savor the experience. I spent about an hour on this Sister experiencing all she had to offer. When I turned east onto State Highway 41 I felt satisfied knowing I had just ridden two of the best roads in Texas.


With two Sisters behind me, I turned my attention to eating-up the miles and making my way to San Angelo. From SH 41, I rode north on US Hwy 83 through Junction, Menard, and Eden. I always chuckle when riding through Eden because many Texans believe this is where it all began…and they have the garden to prove it. I decided to make a quick stop and check it out for myself. After a short stroll through the Garden of Eden, I’m a little skeptical of its origin as there were lots of flowers but not one apple tree. Go figure. I mounted the bike and headed west on US Hwy 87. The 40 miles between Eden and San Angelo went quickly and I pulled into my daughter’s driveway at 12:17 p.m. ready for more 4th of July fun.

I woke-up on the 7th of July thinking about the ride back to San Antonio. I decided to vary my route home and pick-up the last Sister as well as finish off the 20 or so miles I missed on RM 337. I was on the bike at 10:37 a.m. ready for a hot but fun day of riding. After gassing up at a Stripes station about six miles from my daughter’s house, I was on my way to rendezvous with the last of the three Sisters. Heading south on US Hwy 277, I twisted the throttle hard to make good time. The road seemed built for motorcycle travel with slight changes in elevation and a few gentle curves to make it interesting. I turned southeast onto State Highway 55 about 30 miles south of Sonora. The landscape made me appreciate the vastness of the state and the individuals who make a living from the land. It is beautiful but rugged country. I stopped in Rocksprings for gas before turning north on US Hwy 377 and then making my way east on SH 41. I was so close; I could hear the last Sister calling my name.

Four miles east of the US Hwy 377 and SH 41 intersection, there she was…RM 335. I turned south to meet her and almost immediately, the roller-coaster ride began. Up, down, curve after curve, the ride was amazing and the views of the Nueces River were spectacular. I stopped several times over the course of her 29 miles to gather my wits and admire the scenery. This Sister knows how to tease and please. Of the three, this Sister is the most fun…just when you think you’ve ridden her into submission, she throws you a curve…or drops a rock in the middle of your path. She keeps you on your toes and wanting more. I was sad when I saw the SH 55 sign because my time with her was almost over. As I merged onto SH 55 in Barksdale, I waved her good-bye and whispered, “One day, I’ll be back.”

3 miles south of Barksdale in Camp Wood I ran into RM 337 again. As I turned east, she greeted me like an old friend. She had some new twists and turns to show me along on the 20 mile stretch to Leakey and then surprised me with a new look at what should have been familiar curves on the ride to Medina. How different she looked and felt riding in the opposite direction. And then another of the Sisters’ secrets was revealed, you can ride the Sisters from the North, South, East, or West and until the cows come home but every time will be different and just as pleasurable as the first.

I pulled into my garage at 5:40 p.m. after riding some 7 hours and 300+ miles. I was hot and tired but happy and content. I had just spent a wonderful weekend with my family and ridden my Harley on some of the best roads in Texas…I was thankful to live in America, and grateful for the secrets the Sisters had shared.

Views From The Saddle

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Check out my route maps for the 4th and 7th of July in Where Did he Go?

Ride Report...Back In Time

(Continued from Twisted Sisters or Curvy Cousins…)

After having a wonderful Father’s Day meal at the Bonsai Japanese Restaurant in San Angelo and helping my three-year-old granddaughter learn how to use cheater chopsticks, I packed up the bike and helped my wife pack her car. With temps in the mid-to-upper 90’s I knew it would be a warm ride so I used a little secret I learned during my Iron Butt ride in May. I soaked the top half of my shirt in cold water and opened all the vents on my textile jacket to generate some nice evaporative cooling. We pulled out of my daughter’s driveway at 3:15 pm.

We made a quick gas stop about 20 minutes out at Alsup’s on US HWY 87. The sun was shining and the sky was dotted with clouds. It was an absolutely beautiful day to be riding a motorcycle. I didn’t waste much time before pulling the camera out of my jacket to take some photographs…views from the saddle if you will. I have to snap quite a few photos to ensure I get something usable because it’s difficult to frame a photograph while riding at 70 mph and holding a camera upside-down in your left hand (especially when you’re right-handed). I’m sure it looks crazy, but that’s what I have to do to capture the moment.

Riding through this part of Texas is like being in a time machine. In the late 1700’s and early 1800’s before the establishment of cities like San Angelo, Eden, Menard, and Mason, this area was well within the southeastern boundary of Comancheria…home of the Comanche Indians. The Comanche’s were known for their superior horsemanship skills and fierce warrior spirit. Given the landscape and the area’s history, you could almost feel their presence. If you looked really hard, you could see them sitting silently on their horses waiting to attack from the top of one of the many bluffs found throughout the area.

As we turned south on US HWY 83 in Eden, TX I thought to myself, “Damn this is fun!” You just don’t feel the same connection to your surroundings when you’re in a cage. I enjoyed cutting through the air on my “iron” horse and feeling that same sense of freedom that the Comanche warriors must have felt when they first rode into the area on horseback. This is what motorcycling and the open road are all about. But wait, the Comanche Indians never experienced traffic jams.

The speed limit on most of US HWY 83 is 70 mph so you can make your way from point A to point B much faster than riding a spirited Comanche pony. Unless of course you are stuck behind your great-grandfather out for a Sunday drive doing 48 mph. It’s frustrating being stuck in a traffic line on a hilly two-lane road in the middle of literally nowhere. I don’t know how long I waited before I could safely pass, but it seemed like an eternity. As I blew past gramps doing 90 mph, I gave him the international salute of friendship. Okay, I didn’t really give gramps the finger (I’m not that kind of biker) but I might have shot his tire if I’d had a bow and arrow J. I waited another million years for my wife to safely pass before resuming the speed limit. Cruising at 70+ mph is nice.

I waved bye to my wife as I made my way onto TX HWY 29 just south of Menard, TX. She stayed on US HWY 83 making a beeline for Interstate 10 and a “faster” route home. I guess she doesn’t appreciate small towns, history, or back roads as much as I do  J.

Alone and unafraid (well maybe a little afraid) I continued my adventure down TX HWY 29 expecting to see a band of Comanche warriors around every turn. I felt a little safer as I neared Fort Mason in Mason, TX. Established in the mid-1800s as a Calvary outpost on the edge of the frontier, Fort Mason helped protect area settlers from the Indians. It served its purpose well and the area flourished as settlers begin to feel comfortable moving farther and farther from the post. My ride from Menard to Mason went quickly with lots of scenery and nice smooth blacktop.

As I turned onto US HWY 87 in Mason, I saw it…Dairy Queen. I could hear it calling my name. I stopped and ordered a Heath Blizzard (my second favorite DQ treat). They say small towns are generally more laid back than their big city counterparts are. That’s definitely true at the Mason DQ. Based on my wait time, I

figure they had to milk a cow and make the ice cream from scratch. I will say though, the Blizzard was fantastic. Before getting back in the saddle for the next leg of the trip I re-soaked my shirt. I knew in the hot dry Texas air it wouldn’t stay wet long but it would sure make part of the ride a lot cooler…and it did.

US HWY 87 between Mason and Fredericksburg, TX is a nice stretch of road with a few gentle curves and some rolling hills. I made good time and was in Fredericksburg before I knew it. They must roll-up the sidewalks early on Sunday because the normally bustling main street was a ghost town at 6:30 pm. I stopped for gas just south of town on US HWY 290 before making my turn onto Ranch Road 1376 for the short ride to Luckenbach, TX. I was planning to stop in for a cold libation and take a few photographs but I suppose fate had something else in mind. It turns out Shooter Jennings was performing a concert and the place was packed. The road into Luckenbach was blocked and the gentleman watching the entrance told me there would be a $20 cover to enter. Since I didn’t intend to stay for the entire show and I didn’t want to be riding around after dark with hundreds of intoxicated country fans on the deer infested back roads of Texas…I decided to turn around and head for home.


Although I was disappointed, I made the best of it. Farm-to-Market 1888 and 1623 were outstanding roads. I was very impressed with the short stretch of FM 1623 as it followed the winding Blanco River into Blanco, TX. Absolutely beautiful. Once in Blanco, I headed south on US HWY 281 with the intention of heading straight home. Again, fate had other plans. Somewhere along the way, I decided to stop at the Shade Tree Saloon for something to eat. It wasn’t exactly crowded but I waited forever for a burger…guess they had to slaughter the cow. The only consolation was the burger was delicious and I watched part of the Spurs game on TV. After filling my belly, I was back on the bike and ready to get home as it was quickly getting dark.

I don’t mind riding at night but my route would take me through an area known for its abundant deer population. Fortunately, I didn’t see many deer and the ones I did see weren’t too close to the road. I pulled into my driveway at 8:50 pm just as the last bit of light evaporated into the night. It had been a great ride.

Till next time…Live Free and Ride Hard!

More Views From The Saddle...To San Antonio

You can check-out my route as well as see the photos I captured with BubblerGPS Pro by clicking here.

Twisted Sisters or Curvy Cousins…They’re Both Fun To Ride

I rode 450 miles this past weekend across the Texas Hill Country and into the Panhandle Plains.  I was traveling from San Antonio to San Angelo to spend Father’s Day weekend with my wife, daughter, and two grand-daughters.  My main goal was to make the trip as quickly as possible while soaking up the sights, sounds, and smells along the way.  A secondary goal was to test the photo function in BubblerGPS Pro. I’m happy to report I met both goals and had a wonderful Father’s Day in the process.

I left work a little early on Friday to try and beat some of the traffic out of San Antonio.  I got home, checked the weather forecast, loaded the bike, and checked the forecast again.  It had looked like rain all day and the weather radar showed what seemed to be a large front with rain moving slowly to the northwest.  I was a little concerned about running into a downpour but decided to make a run for it…I packed my rain gear just in case.

The skies started to spit rain just before I made it to Llano. I stopped for gas and wondered if I should put my rain gear on but decided against it.  It was “raining” enough to get my bike dirty but not enough for me to feel wet…moving through the warm Texas air at 70+ mph kept me dry.  I was enjoying the ride, just listening to tunes

and eating-up the miles.  Ranch Road 962 and State HWY 71 proved to be great motorcycle roads. Granted, they’re not the Twisted Sisters but they have some elevation changes and sweeping curves and you can definitely roll back on the throttle.  They were fun. I guess most roads in the Hill Country are related to the Sisters—curvy cousins maybe.

The one drawback to riding the back roads of Texas or maybe any back road is…bugs.  I don’t know how folks ride without a full-face helmet or at least a full-face shield.  Who knows how many bugs I would've eaten if not for my helmet? Just before I reached Texas Highway 87 I felt and heard a large “POP” on the right side of my head.  I thought to myself, “that didn't sound good” and at that exact moment I noticed the most terrible stench I think I’ve ever smelled.  I know why they call them “stink” bugs.  That awful smell (imagine 100 rotting corpses) lingered for several miles until it started to sprinkle again.  I’m not sure I know of a time I was more thankful for a little rain.

Having successfully ridden through the stink, I decided to reward myself with a stop at Dairy Queen in Brady, Texas.  I ordered and quickly ate a large ice cream cone.  DQ soft serve is one of my favorites and on a warm day it’s hard to beat. I rarely say “no” to a DQ cone…just ask my wife.   After finishing my ice cream and ensuring there were no lingering parts of “stinky” on my helmet, I mounted-up and made my final push for San Angelo. 

The last 80 or so miles were uneventful…just nice riding.  US HWY 87 from Brady to San Angelo is relatively flat and straight.  Lots of farm and ranch land.  I looked to the heavens as I rode and was impressed by the way the late afternoon sun was dancing through the clouds.  It was overcast and a bit gloomy but I could see bright rays of light shining through to the ground.  It was almost as if God were saying “you’re almost there…I’ll show you the way”.  It was peaceful.  As I turned off HWY 87 onto Loop 306 I stopped to capture a photo knowing full well it would never do justice to the splendor before me. I arrived at my daughter’s house just a little before 8:00 p.m. knowing I was truly a blessed man.

More to come on my return ride...

Views From The Saddle...Going To San Angelo, TX

You can check-out my route as well as see the photos I captured with BubblerGPS Pro by clicking here.

SPOT-like Tracking for the Budget Conscious Rider

Has your significant other ever voiced concern with your motorcycle adventures? Have they told you they're afraid when you're gone because they don't know what twisty, lonely, back road you might wipe-out on...and then no one would ever find you? I'm sure most riders have heard this or something similar before. I know I have. It's only natural that our family and friends are concerned for our safety. Riding a motorcycle is an inherently high-risk activity, right? So what can we do to ease those fears? We make technology our friend.

Many hard core long distance riders use a SPOT gps-satellite tracking device. The SPOT tracker sends a signal to a satellite at regular defined intervals which can then be viewed in near real time on a map via the SPOT Adventure web page or a third party service known as SpotWalla. The problem with SPOT is that the device itself costs around $120 and there is a $50 annual subscription fee if you want to track and share your progress. While this isn't an unreasonable amount, it's more than many riders may feel comfortable with based on the type of riding they do. At this point in time, I'm not willing to spend that amount of money...especially when there's another less costly option.

That's where BubblerGPS and SpotWalla come in. You can use the GPS on your cell phone with the

BubblerGPS app and SpotWalla to track and share your progress when riding. The process is similar to SPOT minus the satellite. BubblerGPS queries your cell phone's GPS and records a way point at a user
specified interval between 5 and 15 minutes (for the paid version of the app). This way point is then

transmitted to SpotWalla. If you're outside your cell coverage area, BubblerGPS stores the way points until you have coverage. So how much does this cost? Well, SpotWalla is free and you can get a free version of BubblerGPS as well. The free version has some limitations but you can purchase BubblerGPS Pro for $9.99.

$9.99 wasn't a budget buster for me so I purchased the Pro version. I intend to use BubblerGPS Pro and SpotWalla to provide family and friends insight into my location when I'm out riding. The "SpotWalla Tracking Map" link in the "Where's Curt Now" section will be enabled whenever I'm out on a planned ride. It will show my progress and location in near real time based on the 5 minute interval I've set on Bubbler GPS Pro. You can see a sample of my last adventure/ride by using the "Where Did He Go" link in the "Curt's Latest Ride" section.

So far, I've been pleased with my BubblerGPS Pro app purchase and I hope it will give my family greater peace of mind when I'm riding. To learn more about SPOT, BubblerGPS, and SpotWalla just click on their hyperlinks. Now, Let's Live Free and Ride Hard!

1000 Miles...18 Hours and 5 Mintues

On May 18th at 12:05 a.m. I completed my first Saddlesore 1000 riding in Hoagy's Heroes Lone Star Six Shooter.  Robert "Hoagy" Carmichael told me before I started that I'd either love it or hate it...and having completed it, I can say overall "I loved it!"

At the beginning of the ride I was a little intimidated because the other rider's bikes where better set-up for long distance riding.  There was an assortment of sport-touring bikes like the Yamaha FJR and larger Harley Ultras.  My Sportster seemed small and uncomfortable in comparison. I told myself, it's not the size of the bike that counts, it's the heart of the rider riding it...and I have a big heart. :-) In actuality, the Sportster isn't all that small with a 1200 cc engine and I have an aftermarket Corbin Dual Tour seat for added comfort.  I knew I could ride ride with the "big boys".

I can't say that I loved every minute of the ride because that would be a lie.  At around the 600 mile point in far West Texas with the temps running over 105 degrees, I really questioned why I had undertaken such an endeavor.  I can tell you, its hot wearing a full face (black) helmet, textile jacket, and leather chaps...even at 80 mph.  Given the temperature it was important to stay hydrated.   Fortunately, I packed quite a few bottles of Gatorade and had a water bladder in my tank bag that I could drink from while riding.  At one stop it was so hot, I soaked my shirt with water to get the Texas swamp cooler effect.  It's amazing how well evaporative cooling works. Try it sometime.

For the most part the ride was uneventful. Just mile after mile of pavement...but the scenery was fantastic.  Unfortunately, I didn't take many photos because I was so focused on making good time and I wasn't overly comfortable with trying to operate my camera with one hand.  I didn't even take the camera out until Big Spring.  I missed some get shots near Fort Stockton...there were places where I could just picture Indians sitting on their horses lined-up along the ridges.  I was overcome with  a sense of adventure, history, and freedom as I rode across Texas.

It would be easy to feel alone in the vast openness of West Texas, but I wasn't alone.  I met a 64 year old Marine Veteran named Herb the night before the ride and we rode together for over 800 miles.  Herb retired from the Marine Corps in 1996 after 30 years of service.  He saw combat in Vietnam,  Mogadishu (just before the Black Hawk down time frame), and Dessert Storm. I'm sure he had some amazing stories.  I  was sad when he decided to end his Iron Butt ride 120 miles from the finish due to some bladder/kidney issues but I know he must have been hurting pretty bad.  Herb flashed his lights and waved goodbye as he headed home to Aledo, Texas (about 15 minutes from Fort Worth).  I rode the last 120 miles alone.

I got my official ending gas receipt at 12:05 a.m and checked-in.  I was greeted by Hoagy and several other riders who had participated in longer rides (2000 miles in 36 hours).  I felt good and surprisingly wasn't too tired. Overall, it was a great experience and I'm confident one day, I'll do another Iron Butt Long Distance ride.  After reflecting for a day, I've come to the conclusion that Long Distance riding is a lot like the rest of life.  You may get tired, down, and feel like you can't go any further but then you dig deep, look for the silver lining and press ahead...one mile at at time until you are finished.  Live Free and Ride Hard!!

Clear skies and Open Road

West Texas

Herb Riding Point

Mile Eater

Herb and his FJR

Rock-n-Roll

Movin On

Does my Saddle look Sore to You?

The Litle Engine That Could

With Hoagy at the Finish

The Birth of a Long Distance Rider?

A lot of people think I'm crazy.  I just turned 50 and tomorrow morning at 7:00 a.m. I'm embarking on my first Iron Butt ride...a Saddlesore 1000.  I can't explain why I want to ride at least 1000 miles in under 24 hours, I just do.  Maybe it's the challenge or maybe I am crazy...I'll either love it or hate it but it will be an adventure.

Tomorrow's ride is being organized by Hoagy's Heroes, a non-profit group that sets up long distance rides to benefit charity. We'll start in Temple and make a 1000 mile loop around Texas via I-35, I-10, and I-20.  I don't know how many riders will be participating but it is somewhat comforting knowing there will be others riding the same route.  After planning my gas and rest stops along the route I'm hoping to complete the ride in about 20 hours. 

Hopefully the ride will go as planned; however, if it doesn't, safety is my main concern so I'll stop if I get too tired.  There isn't much room for error on a motorcycle...and falling asleep while riding at 70+ MPH would most likely be deadly...and I don't have a death wish.  Truth be told, I ride because it makes me feel alive and free.  There really isn't anything like it.

You can track my progress on the "Where's Curt?" map on the right. Provided of course, Goggle Latitude is working properly and there are enough cell-towers/wi-fi spots along the route to "see" me.  It'll be an interesting experiment nonetheless. I'll provide an update and some pictures once I finished the ride.  Wish me luck!