When you drive a couple of thousand miles a week you are bound to see some knuckleheads behind the wheel. The ones that get my dander up the most - and are far and away the most dangerous - are the ones that race you into a construction zone and then jam on the brakes before they hit the car in front of them going 25 mph slower than they are. Then there are the ones that come flying around you to pass and then cut in front of you standing on the brakes to get off at the exit.
Consider please one of the most basic laws of physics - Things in motion tend to stay in motion. (Thank you Mr. Newton). That's why they put brakes on things - duh! So why do some idiots think that I can slow/stop my 30,000 lbs of steel traveling 60+ mph as fast as they can? (Answered my own question there didn't I? They are idiots)
What do you think the outcome of MY vehicle running over YOUR vehicle might be? Ya, I know. I'd be 'wrong' because I ran into you. But one thing I've learned riding a motorcycle; you can be right and still be dead!
And my truck is a 'lightweight' compared to most out there on the road. The big rigs can be up to 80,000# and even more with special permits. Did you happen to see the news last Friday where the tractor trailer plowed into stopped traffic on the Oklahoma Turnpike? Different situation there in that the truck driver was in the wrong but the result - 10 people dead - should be a lesson learned ANYTIME there's a big truck behind you.
Oh, and don't worry about the gun thing. They are only paint ball guns. Hmmm, on second thought that would probably be a violation of the DOT regs against having weapons in a commercial vehicle.
In case you were wondering, I'm back in IL tonight - up north near Bloomington. Did you know there is an "El Paso" in IL? I didn't. And it's COLD up here, comparatively speaking. Lows in the 60s the next few nights and highs barely in the 80s -- for the 4th of July!!! It's normally upper 90s with matching humidity. I'm not sure what's next. I'll figure that out tomorrow.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Monday, June 29, 2009
Illinois to Louisiana and back
Last Friday I managed to get a small load going down to Slidell, LA (the north shore of Lake Pontchartrain near MS border). I had a second piece to add on to it until I got there to load - 10 minutes before they closed. What was advertised as 12' and 1,000 lbs turned out to be 12' and 12,000 lbs! How often has THIS happened to me! I don't think this guy was stupid. he was just trying to get over. Guess that's about the same as stupid, isn't it?
It was a nice weekend in Belleville visiting friends and family. One of my best friends - who shall remain nameless to protect their privacy, but YOU know who you are - had a birthday party for another friend. Are you familiar with "Guitar Hero?" There are two guitars (bass and lead) and a drum pad that plug into an X-Box. The 'players' accompany the music. Just add alcohol! Insane! My cheeks still hurt from laughing so hard.
I left Sunday afternoon, still slightly numb, and delivered in Slidell this morning. I setup another load for in the morning going back into northern Illinois.
Next week is 4th of July and I've been invited to the lake with the fore-mentioned friends.. I can't wait.
Then the following Monday I have to head back to Pooler, GA where my dad is having an out-patient procedure on the 8th. After that we shall try and get back down to Paradise.
It was a nice weekend in Belleville visiting friends and family. One of my best friends - who shall remain nameless to protect their privacy, but YOU know who you are - had a birthday party for another friend. Are you familiar with "Guitar Hero?" There are two guitars (bass and lead) and a drum pad that plug into an X-Box. The 'players' accompany the music. Just add alcohol! Insane! My cheeks still hurt from laughing so hard.
I left Sunday afternoon, still slightly numb, and delivered in Slidell this morning. I setup another load for in the morning going back into northern Illinois.
Next week is 4th of July and I've been invited to the lake with the fore-mentioned friends.. I can't wait.
Then the following Monday I have to head back to Pooler, GA where my dad is having an out-patient procedure on the 8th. After that we shall try and get back down to Paradise.
Friday, June 26, 2009
Back in the Midwest
Hmmm, been a little slow here. Certainly not watching tv THIS week! So Father's Day with my parents was good. Then an early morning, 2-wheel ride back to Treasure Island on Monday. I found a little partial load going to KY to pick-up Tuesday. Turned out it wasn't ready until Wednesday morning by which time I had added on to it something going to Jefferson City, MO -- where I am today!
Now I sit here in the capitol of Missouri looking for something else. I would like very much to get something going to or thru Oklahoma City. There is a Harley Owners Group (HOG) rally there today and tomorrow. But it's not looking good. There was a load back in IL going to Dallas but I couldn't get it on before delivering what I already had. Yet another situation where I could use a bigger trailer. Now that I'm empty I could drive 200 miles east and then turn around and go back west to Dallas but it doesn't make that much ($$$) sense.
So, I sit here monitoring the load board waiting. If all else fails, I'll deadhead 120 miles back to Belleville, IL for the weekend. (That's where I spent 40 years of my life for those who don't know). But I'm going to hang here at least until noon. I'm midway between St. Louis and Kansas City so I figure I double my chances of finding something from here.
I'm hopeful that this being the end of the month there will be alot of freight shipping. Manufacturers want to beef there production numbers for the month. We'll see.
Now I sit here in the capitol of Missouri looking for something else. I would like very much to get something going to or thru Oklahoma City. There is a Harley Owners Group (HOG) rally there today and tomorrow. But it's not looking good. There was a load back in IL going to Dallas but I couldn't get it on before delivering what I already had. Yet another situation where I could use a bigger trailer. Now that I'm empty I could drive 200 miles east and then turn around and go back west to Dallas but it doesn't make that much ($$$) sense.
So, I sit here monitoring the load board waiting. If all else fails, I'll deadhead 120 miles back to Belleville, IL for the weekend. (That's where I spent 40 years of my life for those who don't know). But I'm going to hang here at least until noon. I'm midway between St. Louis and Kansas City so I figure I double my chances of finding something from here.
I'm hopeful that this being the end of the month there will be alot of freight shipping. Manufacturers want to beef there production numbers for the month. We'll see.
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Father's Day break
Saturday afternoon sitting in front of the TV half watching Tiger Woods, surfing the net, reading a book (thanks Nathan) and checking my eyelids for cracks (napping). A lazy day in Pooler, GA - just outside Savannah. I decided to visit my parents for Father's Day. My soon-to-be 88 y/o dad has been having some minor health issues.
I was hoping to get a load out of FL that would take me thru Pooler but nothing made sense. So I rode the 350 miles on my bike. It was upper 90s and lots of sun. My face was black - literally - from the road schmutz sticking to my SPF 50 sun block. My brother Gary and his youngest - Paula - drove in from IL. I think my 'Ps' are happy.
Ironically, Gary's middle child is in Treasure Island at my house visiting for 10 days. He just graduated HS and came to Paradise with a friend.
I suppose I owe some closure to the ROT Rally post last time. After all, I did say two parts. It has been a week since Austin and I have really nothing to add. The most memorable thing was the 'party' atmosphere and the heat (100 degrees each day). Oh, and the nakedness - most of which was only sexy thru 'beer goggles.' But it was fun.
This past week I was home in Treasure Island and, as I mentioned, had Carlos and a friend visiting. We have had a most excellent time. He has SOOOO grown-up the past couple of years. He will be going to school in Savannah for architecture. I have great expectations for this young man. Perhaps one day I will be able to write his biography for he has had a very special life.
*yawn* -- I think my eyelids need checking again.....
I was hoping to get a load out of FL that would take me thru Pooler but nothing made sense. So I rode the 350 miles on my bike. It was upper 90s and lots of sun. My face was black - literally - from the road schmutz sticking to my SPF 50 sun block. My brother Gary and his youngest - Paula - drove in from IL. I think my 'Ps' are happy.
Ironically, Gary's middle child is in Treasure Island at my house visiting for 10 days. He just graduated HS and came to Paradise with a friend.
I suppose I owe some closure to the ROT Rally post last time. After all, I did say two parts. It has been a week since Austin and I have really nothing to add. The most memorable thing was the 'party' atmosphere and the heat (100 degrees each day). Oh, and the nakedness - most of which was only sexy thru 'beer goggles.' But it was fun.
This past week I was home in Treasure Island and, as I mentioned, had Carlos and a friend visiting. We have had a most excellent time. He has SOOOO grown-up the past couple of years. He will be going to school in Savannah for architecture. I have great expectations for this young man. Perhaps one day I will be able to write his biography for he has had a very special life.
*yawn* -- I think my eyelids need checking again.....
Sunday, June 14, 2009
R.O.T. Rally Recap - part 1
EVERYTHING is bigger in Texas. Jello shot anybody?
I am near Baton Rouge, LA tonite en route to the Miami area. Austin is 400 miles behind me but the memories are hot and fresh! Two parts for the recap because, #1 I lost a few brain cells last night (and the night before) so sleep is high on my 'needs' list and there is really alot to tell.
So Friday midday I ran 100 miles south to San Antonio and loaded a steel grate going to FL. This is a very large grate - 6'W x 12'L x 10" thick - 8000#! Then it was back to the Holiday Inn, change of clothes and downtown Austin for the Republic Of Texas Rally. The official site was the Travis County Expo Center about 11 miles away from town. This a a large fairground that was turned into a campground with two stages set up for bands. Apparently it was a clothing optional' affair for the girls. The abundance of 'dance poles' and beads made for a most entertaining ride around the campgrounds. But that was Saturday night.
I was downtown Austin Friday night where Robbie Knievel jumped 200' of Budweiser trucks in front of the state capitol. At least that's what the news reports said. I chose NOT to pay the $20 for a first hand view. What impressed me the most was the HUGE number of streets that were blocked off for pedestrian traffic only. Congress avenue from 6th St to the State Capitol building (about 13th St.) - CLOSED! Then 6th St. for at least 3 or 4 blocks was also CLOSED. And the place was PACKED. Probably the BIGGEST street party I have ever been too.
Saturday -and Sunday - were HOT! It was actually hot all week but it was over 100 degrees and very humid both weekend days. Fortunately there was also a pretty good breeze but it felt like riding around inside an oven on the bike. The shade and the pool were the only salvation outside.
Saturday night I went to the fairgrounds. Having never been before, I can only describe it as an endless maze of campers of all shapes and sizes from $500,000 class A's to $20 pup tents. The cacophony of generators was blended by the roar of motorcycles doing burn-outs and music of every possible genre. There was also an abundance of flesh - much of it exposed; male and female. Some of it should NOT have been exposed. It never ceases to amaze me what people will do. Most of this was 'R-rated' but there was plenty of X-rated activity in the shadows too.
(too be continued)
I am near Baton Rouge, LA tonite en route to the Miami area. Austin is 400 miles behind me but the memories are hot and fresh! Two parts for the recap because, #1 I lost a few brain cells last night (and the night before) so sleep is high on my 'needs' list and there is really alot to tell.
So Friday midday I ran 100 miles south to San Antonio and loaded a steel grate going to FL. This is a very large grate - 6'W x 12'L x 10" thick - 8000#! Then it was back to the Holiday Inn, change of clothes and downtown Austin for the Republic Of Texas Rally. The official site was the Travis County Expo Center about 11 miles away from town. This a a large fairground that was turned into a campground with two stages set up for bands. Apparently it was a clothing optional' affair for the girls. The abundance of 'dance poles' and beads made for a most entertaining ride around the campgrounds. But that was Saturday night.
I was downtown Austin Friday night where Robbie Knievel jumped 200' of Budweiser trucks in front of the state capitol. At least that's what the news reports said. I chose NOT to pay the $20 for a first hand view. What impressed me the most was the HUGE number of streets that were blocked off for pedestrian traffic only. Congress avenue from 6th St to the State Capitol building (about 13th St.) - CLOSED! Then 6th St. for at least 3 or 4 blocks was also CLOSED. And the place was PACKED. Probably the BIGGEST street party I have ever been too.
Saturday -and Sunday - were HOT! It was actually hot all week but it was over 100 degrees and very humid both weekend days. Fortunately there was also a pretty good breeze but it felt like riding around inside an oven on the bike. The shade and the pool were the only salvation outside.
Saturday night I went to the fairgrounds. Having never been before, I can only describe it as an endless maze of campers of all shapes and sizes from $500,000 class A's to $20 pup tents. The cacophony of generators was blended by the roar of motorcycles doing burn-outs and music of every possible genre. There was also an abundance of flesh - much of it exposed; male and female. Some of it should NOT have been exposed. It never ceases to amaze me what people will do. Most of this was 'R-rated' but there was plenty of X-rated activity in the shadows too.
(too be continued)
Thursday, June 11, 2009
There really is a GOD
And yet again he has looked out over me and protected me from harm. Thank you!
I had ridden around Austin in the blistering heat. For those of you not 'in the know'. A Harley is an air cooled machine. It needs to go down the road with the wind blowing across the motor to dissipate the heat. Sitting or crawling thru traffic with the heat boiling off the asphalt as well as the motor is not my most favorite position.
The skies were looking dark to the north of me and 'home' was south-east so I decided a dinner break was in order. All along I'm watching the TVs with news flashes about the weather. I'm watching their radar (no sound) and none of the towns are familiar to me. But what do I know about these parts. Suddenly, there is a name on the radar that sounds familiar - Round Rock. The girl next to me clues me in -- I'm IN Round Rock!
Awe crap! I got to GO!
I actually got back to the hotel with 30 minutes to spare. But there were times when the wind knocked side-ways and the light show was unbelievable. The temperature would drop 15 degrees and you could feel the rain ready to let loose. I just knew it was rain with hail somewhere close. But not where I was at that point in time.
I just heard on TV here in my room that they indeed had pea-size hail in Austin and at least two reported tornadoes - one in Round Rock!
THANK YOU GOD!
Oh, and I go back to work tomorrow. Well for a few hours anyway. I got a load out of San Antonio - 100 miles south of here - going to the Miami area. So I will go down there probably late morning or early afternoon even. That way I'll be in the comfort of my truck during the heat of the day. Forecast 105 tomorrow!
Depending on how this room availability works out, I will try to get back here for Fri and Sat and then leave Sun for delivery next Tuesday. Working vacation. Perfect. Except my favorite (only) nephew will be staying in my place in FL (alone they thought) and I'll be in town.
More ROT news next time.
I had ridden around Austin in the blistering heat. For those of you not 'in the know'. A Harley is an air cooled machine. It needs to go down the road with the wind blowing across the motor to dissipate the heat. Sitting or crawling thru traffic with the heat boiling off the asphalt as well as the motor is not my most favorite position.
The skies were looking dark to the north of me and 'home' was south-east so I decided a dinner break was in order. All along I'm watching the TVs with news flashes about the weather. I'm watching their radar (no sound) and none of the towns are familiar to me. But what do I know about these parts. Suddenly, there is a name on the radar that sounds familiar - Round Rock. The girl next to me clues me in -- I'm IN Round Rock!
Awe crap! I got to GO!
I actually got back to the hotel with 30 minutes to spare. But there were times when the wind knocked side-ways and the light show was unbelievable. The temperature would drop 15 degrees and you could feel the rain ready to let loose. I just knew it was rain with hail somewhere close. But not where I was at that point in time.
I just heard on TV here in my room that they indeed had pea-size hail in Austin and at least two reported tornadoes - one in Round Rock!
THANK YOU GOD!
Oh, and I go back to work tomorrow. Well for a few hours anyway. I got a load out of San Antonio - 100 miles south of here - going to the Miami area. So I will go down there probably late morning or early afternoon even. That way I'll be in the comfort of my truck during the heat of the day. Forecast 105 tomorrow!
Depending on how this room availability works out, I will try to get back here for Fri and Sat and then leave Sun for delivery next Tuesday. Working vacation. Perfect. Except my favorite (only) nephew will be staying in my place in FL (alone they thought) and I'll be in town.
More ROT news next time.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
A "Working Vacation"
What else would you call it?
I was paid (quite nicely too, thank you Wayne) to bring a steal tank from Springfield, MO to Montgomery, TX (50 miles or so north of Houston). The Republic of Texas (ROT) Rally starts tomorrow in Austin, TX, about 70 miles west. I have my bike with me! Need I draw you a picture? Duhhhh!
So I'm checked into the Holiday Inn about 20 miles from town (thank you Beth for the 'hook-up). It's kinda late so it's pillow time. Tomorrow I'll get online and look for something to load Friday. That way I can leave Sunday and drive. Worse case scenario, I stick around here till Monday. Hmmmmmm, darn the luck!
I was paid (quite nicely too, thank you Wayne) to bring a steal tank from Springfield, MO to Montgomery, TX (50 miles or so north of Houston). The Republic of Texas (ROT) Rally starts tomorrow in Austin, TX, about 70 miles west. I have my bike with me! Need I draw you a picture? Duhhhh!
So I'm checked into the Holiday Inn about 20 miles from town (thank you Beth for the 'hook-up). It's kinda late so it's pillow time. Tomorrow I'll get online and look for something to load Friday. That way I can leave Sunday and drive. Worse case scenario, I stick around here till Monday. Hmmmmmm, darn the luck!
Monday, June 8, 2009
Back in the Midwest - for the moment
I'm in Sedalia, MO for the night. I deliver here in the morning and then reload about 110 miles south of here (Springfield, MO) going to TX (a bit north of Houston). Just in time for the Republic of Texas rally in Austin! Ain't dat sumthin?
But alas! It's been two weeks since I have posted. A rewind is in order.
I was extremely excited to be back in FL - paradise. But I worked my booty off while there. I had to go down to the beach every evening to remember I was in paradise.
I spent almost 4 (mostly12 hour) days working on the rental unit. Mostly painting but a bit of carpentry. But I am ecstatic with the result even if some other folks barely recognized (at least verbally) my efforts.
Then I spent another 2 and 1/2 days at Pam's new condo. I've done more painting in a week than I have done for several years! But that too turned out nicely.
After 10 days it was time to get back on the road. I thought I had two small items but ended up with just one. The other turned out to be 11'6" high! No permit loads for me, thank you. Actually, it needed to go on a low boy trailer and it would be okay. Just not me.
The load I did get went to Taylorville, IL for Monday (today). I left FL Wednesday and got into Belleville for my doctor]s appointment Friday afternoon. I went to a Cardinal vs Rockies game Friday night (the worst ass-whuppin I have ever seen the Cards get), got some PM things done on the truck Saturday and rode my bike in the Motorheads benefit ride Sunday. Most excellent weekend.
From Taylorville I went to Galesburg, IL and loaded 13 RR ties that are 16' long. They go here to Sedalia. The tomorrow I pick up a steel tank in Springfield, MO going to TX.
Anybody else going to Austin this weekend?
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