If it's Thursday, I must Be in Boise

This is the last scheduled stop on my west coast trip and I must admit, I'm ready to get back home. I left Sacramento, CA Monday morning and have logged almost 2200 miles in three days before landing here in Boise last night.

My load from Sacramento delivered in Salt Lake City Monday evening. It went to an individual so he was flexible - and anxious - to get his pick-up truck. I was looking for a way to get to Boise from there but at the same time wasn't in a big hurry. My uncle's work schedule would have me home-alone if I got there early in the week, not that that would be so bad.

I lucked out (again) and found a round-trip deal going from SLC 450 miles up to north central Wyoming, not far from Yellowstone National Park, where I traded SUVs with two Ford dealers and then back. Even better, I was able to load the Ford Expedition going north that evening which really gave me a head-start on the trip. By the time I laid my head down to sleep Monday, I had driven more than 800 miles - a long day.

This trip was the kind I really like. Of the 450 miles each way, 300 of them were OFF the interstate and it was along a route I had not traveled before. If you really want to see America - GET OFF THE INTERSTATE!

About 100 miles into WY, I turned north off I-80 onto a two-lane road that went over the south pass of the Wind River mountain range - where some peaks are more than 13,000' high - and up the Big Horn valley between the Absoroka Range (where Yellowstone is) and the Big Horn Mountains.

I LOVE the mountains!. Perhaps it is because I grew up in southern Illinois where the closest thing we have to a mountain top is the bluff looking over the Mississippi River. (It's about 100' high) The mountains are a testament to Mother Natures power and majesty. It doesn't matter if I'm in my truck or on my motorcycle, I just can't get enough.

The summit of the south pass is still more than 8,000 feet above sea level. As you come down on the east side you drop thru the Red Canyon into the valley. I climbed a nearby hillside to get this picture and was having trouble breathing by the time I got back to the truck. But the vista was overwhelming.



Further north I went thru the Wind River canyon, another awesome display of beauty. As is typical, the road was flanked on one side by a swiftly flowing river and monster rock formations on the other. The obligatory railroad track was on the other bank of the river and, judging from the construction of the trestles and bridges, has been there a long time. But not nearly as long as these rock formations. Some of the historical markers along the way dated these hills at 300+ MILLION years old. On one occasion the roadway was tunneled thru the rock since it rose virtually straight up from the river.



As I continued north thru the valley, I couldn't help but wonder how quickly did this snow-capped mountain range 20 miles to my left take to form. Was it the blink of an eye or over millions of years?

I got to my delivery in the early afternoon and exchanged SUVs with them and headed back down the same route. I had seen many things going up that I wanted to stop and spend time at on my return. The only negative thing was the 20-30 mph wind that had been my friend all morning was now in my face. There goes my fuel mileage. But what a day Tuesday was.

I had seen rain forecast for SLC on Wednesday and sure enough, I woke up to ominous, purple clouds and a howling wind - and I still ahd 230 miles to go; thru more mountains! If it is warmer in Florida than in North Dakota because you are closer to the sun, why is it colder on the mountain top than it is in the valley?

Shortly after I got back on I-80, heading west now about 80 miles from the UT/WY border it began to snow. And I'm talking a blizzard. I was very concerned that they may shut down the interstate and I'd get stuck somewhere waiting for the weather to pass. There are many places where they have signs with flashing lights and barricades in place for just such an event. But luck was on my side again and we made it thru with nothing more than wet slushy roads in places; and a very 'schmutzig' motorcycle.



I completed the Ford SUV exchange in SLC just after lunch and the temps had risen enough for the snow and ice to melt away. Good Karma continued to smile on me as I found a little Honda Civic lease return going to Boise. Must be all that clean living!

I could have made it to Boise by the dealers 8:00 closing but my third day of hard driving was catching up. Besides, I still had the big wind in my face so in the interest of fuel mileage I took it slow and easy. I also took a nap and got into Boise about 9:00 last night.

I'm looking at some things going back to IA and IL for next week. Hopefully I can set something up today to load Friday and then head out Sunday or something.

Finally, here is a link to more pictures from my WY trip, enjoy THESE.

My Last Night in California

The bike is loaded and I am doing laundry. Sherita is cooking dinner. I picked up a load today going to Salt Lake City. My next leg of this west coast trip will eventually get to Boise where I will visit my uncle.

My weekend here in Roseville - just outside Sacramento - was excellent. Finally, I got some typical California weather - 80s, sunny and no humidity; perfect for motorcycling.

Yesterday we rode into the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains - about 2500' above sea level from the 165' in Roseville. The little town we ate lunch in happen to be having a huge antique car show with several hundred cars - and lots of people.



We found some twisty roads and eventually ended up where the north fork and south fork of the American River meet. There was a helicopter and several rescue personnel looking for a swimmer who, unsuccessfully, tried to cross the rapidly flowing water.



Once back home, we changed clothes, loaded molly - her almost 14 y/o yellow lab - into her cart and walked three blocks to a Mexican restaurant where a pitcher of Margarita's made everything OKAY. They allowed Molly on the sidewalk next to the patio where we ate.

This morning I ran 40 miles up hwy 50 and loaded a pick-up truck and then came back to the house. It was a lazy afternoon, first at the local RV dealer looking at campers and then back home doing laundry and loading the bike. There are lots more pictures HERE but remember - right-click and open in a new window or you will leave this page.

Tomorrow morning I'm back on the road again. I will try to find something to get me to Boise from Salt Lake City. One option may be to go to Portland, OR which will take me thru Boise. A bonus to this plan is that I have yet another cousin up there. We'll see.

Whirlwind thru California

It's Friday morning and I find myself waking up , yet again, in a humongous bed in a palatial home. This time I am in my aunt and uncles home in Carmal Valley, about 100 miles south of San Francisco. My uncle - like my father - retired from the military. Their wives - my mother and her sister - spent time in Japan as a result and were both greatly impressed by their art and furniture. I'm not sure who's house I'm in! Actually, I think my aunt wins. This place is HUGE!

They must like me here because it was steak and potatoes and a sald for dinner last night. Actually for my second night in a row! Wednesday I went to my neice and her family's home for dinner in Woodland Hills - a suburb on the north side of Los Angeles. Here again I spent the night in a beautiful home with my own quarters upstairs.

My neice's place is built for entertaining. The main floor is big and open with hardwood floors thru-out. Out back is a very nice pool with patios on both sides and a tiki bar. If only more typical California weather had been in play it could have been PARRRRRRTY! But this week has been rainy and in the 50s until today!

Tuesday I actually arrived in the LA area, delivered my restored 1959 Merc Wagon first thing and went up to Granada Hillas (also North LA) to stay with "Kissing Cuzzin" Sam. She's the one immigrating to Israel - next week! As promised before, I will have more detail on that issue after I see her mom this weekend.

I have bounced around all week and it has been fantastic. I will leave a little later this morning and deliver the load I now have just north of San Francisco and then try to find something headed toward Boise, ID. But I will stop first for the weekend near Sacramento and visit Sam's mother.

Right now it's upstairs, assuming I can follow the trail of breadcrumbs I left, and visit some more before heading out.

Days 3 and 4 - AZ

I left Phoenix this morning with a restored 1959 Mercury station wagon bound for France and now sit outside my delivery point near Los Angeles. My stay in AZ was outstanding. Adrienne - you're the best!

Saturday, as planned, turned out to be a BIG party. The Hideaway - a biker bar in Cave Creek - is off the hook. An absolute 'MUST SEE" if you get to Phoenix. I also went to Paul Yaffe's Block Party. He is a custom bike builder specializing in 'Bagger' creations. I got out to West World, were the rally was headquartered,a little before dark. All the vendors and bike manufacturers were there. George Thorogood and the Destroyers was the headliner. I was about 10th row center - awesome show!

Somehow I ended up in the wrong lane when leaving and wound up heading south when I should have been going north. I made the best of it and went to the Billet Bar in Scottsdale and asked directions. Not sure when I made it home but I discovered Adrienne's Pomeranian really does have a bark; a loud, incessant one when disturbed unexpectedly. Oops!

Sunday turned out to be a day of recovery. Just as well actually. It was 98 degrees outside! I did get the bike loaded and laundry done.

It was about a 7 or 8 hour ride across I-10 into LA. I can't say that mountains are something I associate with California but there was a phenomenal site as I came thru Palm Springs. The interstate runs thru a valley between the San Bernandino Mtns to the north and San Jacinto mtns to the south. San Jacinto peak is about 10,200 feet while I-10 winds less than 2 miles away at about 300' elevation. The snow capped top and the way it shoots virtually straight up from the valley floor is breathtaking.

The mountains to the north are also quite high - San Gorgonio is 11,500' - and it creates a wind tunnel effect thru the valley. There are hundreds of windmills all over the place generating electricity.



This next week is a whirlwind tour thru south-central CA as I visit lots of family. First up is Cuzzin Sam who is immigrating to Israel later this month. I will have more on that later. Wednesday nite is a niece and her family and then Thur is an aunt and uncle up near San Francisco. Then it's over to Sacramento for the weekend and another cuzzin. I will be loading another car Thursday morning going to San Francisco and deliver it Friday.

But now, it's nappy time.

Day TWO - AZ

Friday started out easy enough. We packed stuff for the kayak trip. I got 'trial fitted' to make sure I was familiar with stuff. This WAS my first kayak adventure.



Adrienne and I grabbed lunch and then met Scott at the 'Take Out' point. We drove back up river and unloaded our stuff. There are several pictures here but I suggest you 'right click' and then 'open a new window' to view or you will leave this page: CLICK HERE!

I totally enjoyed the ride. You are wedged into the kayak with your knees tight to the sides giving you a lot of control in moving it around by snapping your hips. I felt very much like a cork floating on top of the water and many times my paddle strokes were amplified to the point of over-correcting. There is alot more skill to this than one might think. When things get a little crazy - like thru the white water - you paddle harder. It was intense.

There was one part that I really wasn't crazy about - carrying the boat. My kayak was larger - and heavier - than theirs. It made it more stable for this rookie. But it was also a tuff carry. You 'hang' it sideways from one shoulder and it really cuts into your flesh. Then add in the slippery rocks we negotiated as we went 100 yards back upstream to re-do a section of rapids makes for a lot of work. My physical conditioning and age had NOTHING to do with it.

I expected the ride to be longer, especially considering the time and effort to get on the water. I think Adrienne was being a bit conservative with her noobie. She probably feared the wrath of Aunt Jeri (my mother) in case something bad happened.

By the time we got out and schlepped back to Scott's car I was pretty winded. Thankfully I don't ever have to carry my motorcycle! Today my shoulders and back are feeling the work-out from paddling.

In a couple of hours I will be heading to Buddy Stubbs HD for their Bike Week Bash. Then later this afternoon it's over to The Hideaway, a local biker bar that is renown for it's ambiance. Tonight I plan to go to the Rally HQ and see George Thorogood. Today is party time (it IS Saturday).

Tomorrow I have another ride planned, this time going north and east into the mountains. Should be another 250-300 mile day.

Day ONE in AZ -- WOW!

Riding my motorcycle is like therapy for me; there's is nothing more calming and pleasurable. Doing this in the mountains is probably the epitomy of this therapy -- the "Dr. Phil Moment" if you will. That's what I did yesterday.



I have uploaded about 30 pictures to my photo album: CLICK HERE (WARNING: clicking this will re-direct you away from this blog. Maybe better to 'right-click' and open a new window).

I left Belleville Sunday and went to Dallas where I met Brandunn for dinner. I drove 650 miles and was on time. He drove 5 miles and was 30 minutes late! Wassup with that? LOL But it was good to see him again and catch-up.

Monday I deliverd the steel tubing I had on and then reloaded two pieces going west and away I went. Tuesday I made my first stop on the TX/NM border and delivered a brand new Ford pick-up. Ironically, my route took me on a diagonal thru NM and back down into the far west tip of TX (El Paso) before crossing back into NM on I-10. My first NM scale decided they wanted to do a DOT inspection. The fact I had a sticker showing I had just been inspected - with zero defects - less than 2 monthes ago was unimportant. I now have a new sticker.

I dipped into TX, thru El Paso and then back up into NM thru another scale. I had to buy a $11 trip permit and continued on across. The next NM scale - my FOURTH in the state - decided they wanted to do ANOTHER inspection. When I showed them my pretty, new, yellow sticker I had just got that morning they changed their mind, thank you very much.

Wednesday I made a small side trip to pick up another vehicle and then continued on to Phoenix where I made both deliveries before lunch. My cousin was still out of town but had left a key for me so I was able to 'check-in.'

Yesterday was my first venture out on two wheels - more than 250 miles! I rode east on a heavily traveled two-lane road to Canyon Lake. It was beautiful. There has been alot of rain here also so things were quite green, and yellow and purple and red. The desert flowers were doing well. But there was so much traffic, and the road quite twisty that I had to pull over and actually stop many times to be able to 'see' the vista. I wished that there weren't so many people.

Be careful what you wish for! Shortly after passing Canyon Lake the asphalt road turned to dirt. I could have turned around but it was only 22 miles to the dam and asphalt again. What the heck. I had not washed my bike yet from my trip so off I went. 99% of the other 'tourists' opted to turn around. It took me almost three hours to cover that stretch! The road was fairly decent, considering. But many stretches were wash-boarded so bad that 8 mph was the best I could do. Then there where the soft spots where the front tire would decided to take a different track inspite of my desires. My top speed was rarely more than 18 mph.

Amazingly, I caught up with another group of bikes at one of my many stops, There were five people on 3 bikes from England. I had to laugh - not in their face of course - at their choice of clothing. They were dressed for 30 degree weather with head-to-toe rainsuits and full face helmets. It was 90 degrees out! They had to be dying when they stopped because there wasn't a cloud in the sky.

By the time I got back onto asphalt at the dam on Lake Roosevelt, it was after 3 and I was whupped. I had ridden about 130 miles and my butt hurt. My sunscreen was a magnet for all the dust and perspiration. I was ready for a shower and a shot. But first I had to go about 20 miles north and then make a left turn and 72 miles back west to Phoenix. I hooked up with an SUV that wanted to get there as bad as I did and we flew.

Today is a kayak day. My cousin is very out-doorsy, you know, hiking, kayaking, mountain biking, yada-yada-yada. More fun in the sun for me. More tales to tell tomorrow.

First leg of the Left Coast Trip is in Place

I have been watching the load boards the last two days and finally hooked something up this afternoon. I will load tomorrow about 80 miles north of here and then bring it back here for the weekend. Saturday afternoon we test the new motorcycle ramp and load up my scoot. Sunday we head to Dallas to deliver this load and then pick up a small tow motor near there going to Phoenix. I will still have half a trailer left when I leave Dallas so I will look to add on, probably a vehicle.

I'M excited! AZ Bike Week starts tomorrow and runs for 10 days. I will get into Phoenix Wednesday. My cousin is planning on taking me on my first kayak trip while I'm in town. This is going to be great!

From there I go to LA and see some more family, including one who is immigrating to Israel the end of April.

I am ready to go!

Only Tuesday and Already Getting Antsy

I delivered my reels of plastic pipe yesterday morning. I was sitting in their lot at 6:30 as everyone rolled in to work. I was unloaded and on my way out before 7:30.

I have been talking about adding a tool box on the trailer to put all my straps, chains, binders, bungees, corner protectors, blah, blah, blah into. I have a work box in the back of my truck but it is so full of (essential) crap that it is difficult to find things and it is always a mess. I organize it one day and three days later it looks like a bomb went off inside.

I finally pulled the trigger. The box is ordered and will be in Wednesday. I have decided to mount it behind the trailer axles. This will mean the weight will be carried on the trailer rather than the truck. This is important because I have a higher legal capacity on the trailer. Those Weigh Stations you see along the interstate check weight on each set of axles as well as the total gross weight. There are limits for both. It's possible to be overweight on an axle but not be over total gross. It's still a ticket either way!

I am getting anxious about starting my trip. I have been looking at loads and there were more than 30 this morning going in all directions. I finally hooked up with my Phoenix Cuz and we will get together next Wednesday. I'm thinkin I'll find a load for Friday and work my way to the southwest.

My motorcycle ramp has been modified. This trailer sits higher than my old one so some adjustments were in order. I have not tried it out yet but it 'looks' like it will work. I'll worry about that later because the weather here has been near perfect for riding.

I must admit, Springtime around here is my favorite. The color is quite splendid with the Daisy's in bloom and the Tulips close behind. The cherry trees are full of blossoms as are the cottonwoods. The grass is 'greening' up and the dead, brown trees are showing hints of life as they begin to bud. The cool mornings warm up quickly with the sun. It suppose to be in the low 80s again today. Perfect!

I believe some '2-wheeled' therapy is in order!

West is Next

Last night as I was coming back into Belleville, I was 'replaying' my last few weeks in my head. The first week of March I ended a two week vaca in FL. After working my way back to the STL area, my first trip out was south down to Houston, TX and then back. The next week out I went north up to Minot, SD and then back.

This past week I went east up to New Hampshire and then back last night. I will be heading out west sometime mid-week. I have been thru 23 states in the last month and will add at least 5 more (depending on how I come back from CA) in the next two weeks. Traveling the USA -- I love it!

I believe that this was my first time to NH and Vermont - ever. I did not get thru there at their most scenic time. Spring has not sprung up there yet, everything was still pretty dead. I was in-between seasons - the ski resorts were closed and the summer hiking and trail-type stuff had not begun. Most of the snow has melted and the streams and rivers are swollen with the run-off.

My trip turned out quite well. I was able to get a car coming back to Dayton, OH that loaded about 30 miles from my NH delivery. Then it was an 80 mile dead-head to Columbus and reload reels of plastic pipe going near STL. The only glitch was my 9 am scheduled delivery in NH. No one showed up until almost 11:30! Patience is not one of my virtues. Sitting around waiting for a jerk who really doesn't give a rats-ass about anybody else didn't sit well with me. But what are you gonna do? The broker tried to smooth it and added a few bucks to the trip.

Oh, there was one event that started as a disaster and ended as a blessing (how could I forget that?) As I was cruising along I-90 coming into Syracuse, NY my truck started spitting and sputtering. I knew the symptoms. I have had this issue before. Jan 25th in Springfield, MO to be specific! I pulled into a service plaza (I-90 is a toll road thru NY) and looked under my truck. Sure enough, significant fuel leakage. I have broken a fuel line -- AGAIN!

There are six stainless steel lines running from the fuel pump on the motor. Each one leads to an injector. Two months ago I replaced #3 (see Jan 23 blog archive on your left).

I got on the Internet and found a Cummins dealer. Incredibly he was less than a mile off the next exit which was only 2 miles up the road! (hint hint - this is only the first of a truly amazing sequence of good things). It was almost 3:30 but the guy I spoke with said get my truck there and they'd at least look at it but probably not get on it until in the morning since they close at 5.

I nursed the truck into their lot, making a mess all the way. The service manager came right out and confirmed it looked like a fuel line. The mechanic started on it immediately and said he may get it done this afternoon if they have the part. The bad news, it was the #3 line! The good news, there is a 6 month warranty!

Less than 2 hours later I'm rolling out of the parking lot with a "No Charge" ticket in my possession! You talk about a range of emotions. Holy Cow! I went from one extreme to the other in about 30 minutes. I asked the mechanic why the line failed so quickly. It appeared to be a faulty installation, he said.

The line has several clamps that secure it from vibration. There are plastic insulators under the clamp that fit around the line. One of the insulators had cracked, most likely from being over-tightened. This allowed the line to vibrate and crack.

The next day I turned this into a wonderful "April Fools" prank. I had shared my breakdown with several friends and family. The next day - April 1 - I text several of them; "leak not repaired as thought. Fire under the hood damaged much of wiring. Not sure what's next." I almost felt guilty with the frantic phone calls I got back. Almost.

I'm not sure exactly when I will start my trip west. I deliver this load at 7 am Monday and then will come back here for a day or two. Probably head out Wednesday or so. I'm trying to confirm when my cuz will be home in Phoenix, since that is my first visit. Bike Week starts Friday Apr 9th!