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USA 2010
  • Elvin Brooking
  • Elvin Brooking

USA 2010

Amazing eight weeks riding through 10 States, 4 National Parks, covering 14,000 miles on our Harley Davidson 2003 100th Anniversary Road King Classic.
Indeed the "Trip of a Lifetime' for my 50th Birthday a special present from my darling wife! Read more
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  • Trip start
    July 19, 2010
    Elvin BrookingUSA 2010Traveler
    Air NZ Flight from Auckland to LA with "Spider"
    Resting up at our accommodation in El SegundoSanta Monica Pier, famous landmark in LABubba Gump Shrimp made famous from the movie Forrest Gump Mean feed of shrimp had hereA must have souvenir photo opportunityDarryl, Rock, Rosco (R.I.P) PaulieOut of our group of 42 people we merged into this smaller group for riding togetherChilly and ArnoldDarryl Stevens and I, we ended up being roommates with him & Mel on occasionsStunning....just absolutely STUNNING!Damn, ur handsome......Our other 'roomie' Mel StevensDarryl and MelOne of California Highways finest at Bartells Harley Davidson dealershipAbout to tuck into a bucket of Bubba Gump shrimpEating, one of our favourite pastimes

    USA 2010

    Jul 19–23, 2010 in New Zealand ⋅ 🌧 12 °C

    Arrive in Los Angeles with the rest of the crew and our trip leader Ken O'Leary
    Accommodation Hacienda Motel in El Segundo not far from LA Airport
    Picking up the bikes from where they were shipped here 3 months ago via Mainfreight from New ZealandRead more

  • Elvin BrookingUSA 2010Traveler
    Six lanes of traffic heading out of LA towards Pacific Coast Highway
    Our journey towards San Francisco beginsPacific Coast Highway was very busy with lots of stopping for road worksBrotherhood of Old Bikers, an American Club that we had joined and were going to meet on our wayMaarama begging me to let her ride pillion....Early morning fog coming out of LA thru the hills of MalibuColony of sealions to stop and admire, but whew, what a stink LOLFurther up the beach were these WalrusesSwim time!Driving on the right hand side of the road proved a challenge for someDarrly got many digs in the ribs from Mel for being on the wrong side of the road LOLAfternoon pit stop and a great photo opportunity Shell Beach100th Anniversary Road King Classic bored out to 95 cubic inchesTurned into a beautiful day after starting out in 15 DegreesThis chipmunk was attracted to Maarama and wouldn't let her leaveKnew Maa was a soft touch so got it's mate in on the lunch on offerTaking the piss..... ;) ;)

    Pacific Coast Highway - CALIFORNIA

    July 23, 2010 in New Zealand ⋅ ☁️ 12 °C

    Departing Los Angeles we head out on the legendary Pacific Coast Highway, to San Francisco via our stop for the night in Morro Bay

    Pacific Coast Highway (State Route 1) is an incredible ride, taking in the beachfronts of Southern California, Big Sur, and Redwood ForestRead more

  • Elvin BrookingUSA 2010Traveler
    Riding among these giant Redwood trees was an awesome experience
    We would meet up with the California Chapter of BOOB's in EurekaSelfie on the RunPutting out a bush fire.....thank goodness for a large fire hose ;) ;)Some of these trees over 100yrs old, were unfortunately burnt down in a forest fire in later yearsGreat back roads with outstanding scenic viewsThis group were a right laugh with a large bowl of 'heads' sitting on the table at lunchThe guy on the far right 'Easy' and I would become very good friends up until his death in 2022The majority of this group were ex military, from Navy Seals, Marines and AirforceThe President, standing in the middle, lived here among the RedwoodsThere was an outdoor shower among the Redwoods, some that they showed us had bear claw marks on themMy very good friend Easy (R.I.P.) A Brother from another MotherThese good boys and gals, showed us really great western hospitalityBack on the road Big Sur bound, and hopefully catch up to the crewand catch them we did, eating as usual....LOLBig day of riding in 25 degree heat....OusshhThe guy's really loved this bar, as a handle was about NZ$3Had to drag them out as we still had a few miles to go, to reach our final destination"Spidey" found himself a good perch spot in the sun

    BOOB's - CALIFORNIA

    July 24, 2010 in New Zealand ⋅ ☁️ 11 °C

    As we venture on to our next three nights stay in San Francisco, we travel thru Big Sur and The Redwood Forest
    Here Maarama and I have arranged to meet up with the California group of Brotherhood of Old BikersRead more

  • Elvin BrookingUSA 2010Traveler
    Riding into San Fran
    Our home for the next 3 nightsThe Castro DistrictThe Castro District known for its tolerance towards the Gay CommunityAlcatraz Island and once a Federal PrisonWell known tourist attraction areaMy cousin Olivia and her family drove across from Sacramento to meet usMeeting up with my cousin Olivia and her beautiful whanauA memorable dayGolden Gate BridgeLooking very serious Mr BrookingA chilly start this morning as we pay a visit to the Golden Gate BridgeSome of the crew

    San Francisco - CALIFORNIA

    Jul 24–28, 2010 in New Zealand ⋅ ☀️ 13 °C

    The Gay Capital of California - San Francisco was everything and more
    An amazing City with Golden Gate Bridge, Bay Bridge, Fisherman's Wharf & Alcatraz

  • Elvin BrookingUSA 2010Traveler
    Alcatraz Island, a former maxi security prison holding the likes of Al Capone
    Alcatraz closed as a prison in 1966 and has been a tourist attraction sinceOnly three prisoners are known to have escaped but thort to have perished in the waters of the BayHad a really eerie feeling hereThree tiers of cells in this block that could accommodate 280 prisoners in this landingKnown to be hard bastards, these Prison Guards all came from Military backgroundsThe entire prison complex was built with prison labourWe decided to take the cable car back from Fisherman's WharfThese streets appeared in many a movie during car chasesAmazing views out towards San Francisco BayAn Old Fire HouseThis lady wasn't very impressed with my 'selfie' anticsThe Conductor had to hang on the outside when the car was fullNow, that's an Armoured Vehicle for transporting bags of $$$$$Gave Maarama my Gold Card and let her loose in here Pity it was empty ;)

    Alcatraz - CALIFORNIA

    July 25, 2010 in New Zealand ⋅ ☁️ 9 °C

    Visit to Alcatraz Island and Cable car ride over the San Francisco hills
    Ferry takes you from Fisherman's Wharf across The Bay to this imposing island
    Originally a Fort, a Military Prison, and then a Maximum Security Federal Penitentiary, once housing the likes of Al Capone
    Decommissioned in 1966 it has become a Tourist attraction    Read more

  • Elvin BrookingUSA 2010Traveler
    "Spidey" enjoying the journey immensely
    An active stratovolcano, located in Skamania County, Washington StateEven though we are at elevation, the weather here is still in the high 20's"Spidey" enjoying the view"Spidey" checking out our National flag and the Silver Fern flagUnfortunately I accidently deleted the Paul Bunyan and Baby, his Blue Ox statuesPhoto opportunity outside this extraordinary home we just happened to passRoscoe, along with Paulie, they were our two riding leaders and would become great mates R.I.P.Roscoe and I, with Paulie just to the leftPaul Lindsay, The Man, The Myth, The Legend!Trevor and ???Strike the pose Maarama, Strike the Pose ;) ;)We took the opportunity to sit at the diner counter and have blueberry pancakes

    Bend & Astoria - WASHINGTON

    Jul 28–30, 2010 in New Zealand ⋅ 🌧 13 °C

    Departing San Francisco, we head towards Washington State
    Along the way we visit Mount St Helens, an active Volcano as we make our way to our next nights accommodation in both Bend and Astoria in Washington StateRead more

  • Elvin BrookingUSA 2010Traveler
    Crossed the Border into Canada for the night and back out again the next day
    Accommodation in Fernie, right on the waterBig park like accommodation siteMaa at the pool side with "Spidey:We crossed back across the Canada/USA border into a spectacular glacier mountain rangeMaking our way thru Waterton Lakes National ParkAs we climbed higher towards Glacier National Park the weather was 23 degrees with snow all aroundThe flat top peak ahead is at 14000ft and we were wearing tshirts, it was sooo hotRoscoeWhat an amazing adventureAbsolutely stunningWay, way, way down below, is our stop point for the night, WhitefishMaa showing off her 'guns'Couple of bear cubs were scavenging for food above the roadWe got to see bears up close and personalMaa doing her stretchesWe were ever so lucky to have joined up with Paulie and Roscoe who led us brilliantlyTime for a dip was definitely on the cards

    Fernie Canada - Glacier National Park

    July 30, 2010 in New Zealand ⋅ 🌫 8 °C

    Glacier National Park borders Waterton Lakes National Park in Canada, the two parks are known as Waterton-Glacier International Peace Parks

    Both Parks were designated by the United Nations as Biosphere Reserves in 1976, and in 1995 as World Heritage SitesRead more

  • Elvin BrookingUSA 2010Traveler
    Western States of America are so picturesque and vast
    Mimi stop....watch out for the snakes in that long grass....LOLThe weather was amazing all eight weeks Lowest temp was 15 Highest was 52 and average was 26-28"Spidey" found a girlfriendI had to fight these two off, they wouldn't believe I was happily married ;)Ohhh, what big teeth you haveand soon, she was riding her own Harley......Funny story, the road ran into that lake you can see behind me, there was a ferry to take us acrossThis was the ferry which was free as it is paid for from taxes on petrol in the regionThis was the bar that the owners wouldn't let us leaveTurned into one of the more memorable nightsThe guy third from the left and the lady, far right, were the OwnersThere were some sore heads this morningThese monument statues of horses, were in memory of the First Nation Indians from hereThis trip was truly a most memorable experience that we both treasure"Spidey" was keen to hit the road

    Republic- WASHINGTON

    July 31, 2010 in New Zealand ⋅ ☀️ 10 °C

    Republic, an old western town that still had horse hitching rails and wooden sidewalks
    The bar that we eventually ended up in to play pool, were so taken by our accents and hilarity, that they didn't want us to leave when lock up time came around.
    So, they locked the front door, cashed up the register and all drinks after that were on the house, we had a ball with the Owners!
    I think the last lot staggered out around 4am the next morning!    Read more

  • Elvin BrookingUSA 2010Traveler
    Despite the snow capped mountain ranges, the weather was still hovering around the mid 20's
    Crater LakeCrater Lake sitting atop Granite Peak, Beartooth MountainsAbsaroka-Beartooth range with over 950 lakes and hundreds of miles of tracksAs we descend heading for Red LodgeDefinitely getting darker, very dark!

    Bear Tooth Pass/Red Lodge - Montana

    Aug 1–2, 2010 in New Zealand ⋅ 🌧 13 °C

    Beartooth Highway - Yellowstone Park Highway to the Sky, dubbed the most beautiful roadway in America
    Climbing to an astounding 10,947ft above sea level, as it winds itself from the northeastern entrance of Yellowstone National Park to Red Lodge, our accommodation tonightRead more

  • Elvin BrookingUSA 2010Traveler
    The Rat Pack
    Our budget accommodation....... ;)Then we learned it slept five.....LOLAfter bagging me for riding without a helmet, these two then decided to try it for themselvesOne of many Harley Davidson dealerships we visitedWe realised it wasn't going to fit in the saddle bagsState CapitalMy she is GORGEOUSOur 'group' with the Tour Organiser, Ken O'Leary and support vehicle driver TerryCool mountain range vistaWho's that cool looking dudeLike straight out of a western cowboy movieWOW

    Boise - IDAHO

    Aug 3–5, 2010 in New Zealand ⋅ ☁️ 10 °C

    Boise - Capital of Idaho and the most populous city in the State
    On the Boise River in southwestern Idaho, it is 41 miles east of the Oregon border, and 110 miles north of the Nevada border

  • Elvin BrookingUSA 2010Traveler
    Getting my tan on and decided to try no helmet for a day
    Hot Mama Biker ChickThe wind blowing thru my hair........ ;)Ultimate freedom of the road, but only the once!Maa loved the accommodation here, with the sound of the river flowing pastDecided you wanted something slightly slower to ride onBlack bear slowly making his way thru the pasture filling himself up on new pasture shootsIncredible landscapes around every bendKept imagining seeing Indians on horse back on those plateau plains

    Salmon - IDAHO

    Aug 5–6, 2010 in New Zealand ⋅ ☁️ 10 °C

    City in Lemhi County and our accommodation for the night

    Salmon is a scenic mountain town located on the outskirts of Idaho's Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness, with rustic origins in mining, lumbering and family ranching.

    A great spot for fly fishing for salmon after which the town is named.    Read more

  • Elvin BrookingUSA 2010Traveler
    WTF.....LOL
    Shed antlers turned into these amazing monumentsBronze statues of mule deer abound around this townRide em cowgirlPucker upIndian ceremonial headdressOn the main street a stuffed mule deer, standing 5 feet at the shoulderFamous 'Million Dollar' bar

    Jackson Hole - WYOMING

    Aug 6–8, 2010 in New Zealand ⋅ ☁️ 13 °C

    Jackson is a town in Wyoming's Jackson Hole valley, home to 3 ski areas.
    The town features arches made of shed antlers from the nearby National Elk Refuge.
    North are the peaks of Grand Teton National Park as well as vast Yellowstone National ParkRead more

  • Elvin BrookingUSA 2010Traveler
    The monument to Indian tribes in this historical event had only been included the year prior
    There were monuments to fallen US Cavalry soldiers and their horses but none for fallen IndiansPart of the recently new monument for First Nations Indians involved in the Battle7th US Cavalry soldiers buried where they fellHeadstone of Lieutenant Colonel George Armstrong CusterEven 7th Cavalry horses had headstones placed to remember their servicePart of the new monuments placed here to remember the sacrifice of First Nation Indian warriorsHeading into Sturgis the famous Devils Tower comes into sightDevils Tower

    Custers Last Stand - MONTANA

    August 8, 2010 in New Zealand ⋅ 🌧 12 °C

    Battle of the Little Big Horn known to the Lakota and other Plains Indians as the Battle of the Greasy Plains, and commonly referred to as Custer's Last Stand
    Armed engagement between the combined forces of the Lakota Sioux, Northern Cheyenne, and Arapaho tribes and the 7th Cavalry Regiment of the United States Army, which took place on 25-26 June 1876, along the Little Bighorn River in the Crow Indian Reservation in southeastern Montana TerriorityRead more

  • Elvin BrookingUSA 2010Traveler
    An incredible journey to here and now our home for 4 nights
    Events occuring in little towns over 100 miles from SturgisMotorcycles of all makes and sizes, but Harley Davidson models are in the majoritySome sights will be witnessed hereOne of the most popular events here in Sturgis, watching bikes ride past while having a cold beerSouth Dakota has a no helmet law, but we had 7 riders/pillions killed during our 4 nights hereThe World Famous "Full Throttle Saloon"Full Throttle BarBe good to only have short day rides for the next few daysHoochie coochie hot potato mommaDamnnnn, dat sure is fine......Whoop Whoop Gotta luv those hot pants and chapsPack of white wolves enticed by the throbbing sound of 95 cubesConsidered taking a dip but looks a bit crowdedawwww,big cuddly teddy.....

    Sturgis - SOUTH DAKOTA

    Aug 8–12, 2010 in New Zealand ⋅ 🌧 11 °C

    Sturgis Motorcycle Rally - Largest motorcycle rally in the World with 750,000 bikes recorded for the 2010 - 70th Anniversary event, held annually in the surrounding Black Hills region in South Dakota, over 10 days and nights.

    Began in 1938 by a group of Indian Motorcycle riders and was originally held for stunts and races.    Read more

  • Elvin BrookingUSA 2010Traveler
    Living Da Dream
    The 56 flags flyint at Mt Rushmore represent 50 States, 1 District 3 Territories & 2 CommonwealthsMount Rushmore in Custer State ParkI had always dreamed of one day standing hereDoes this top make my bum look big in this picNeedles HighwayThe town of DeadwoodEveryone was riding cautiously on these roadsFinally found Noah's ArkFamous Black HillsThis guy asked to take a photo of me ;) LOLThese girls would wash your bike for US$20.00Roads around Sturgis were like this every day....PACKED

    Mount Rushmore - SOUTH DAKOTA

    August 9, 2010 in New Zealand ⋅ 🌧 11 °C

    Visits to the most famous Ex Presidents monument Mount Rushmore, featuring the faces of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln.
    Ride thru Needles Highway with the 'signature' granite rises, out of the surrounding landscape of the Black Hills, within Custer State Park.

    Concerts at Buffalo Chip featuring Bob Dylan, Kid Rock, Creed, Motley Crue, Ozzy Osborne, Guns N' Roses.

    This incredible venue 'Buffalo Chip' founded by Rod Woodruff, built specifically for the 10 day Concert Series, with concert stages, bars, tattoo parlours and bike display stands.    Read more

  • Elvin BrookingUSA 2010Traveler
    Probably the coolest pic of them all"Spidey" venturing towards the Canyon edge"Spidey" realised he was scared of heights

    Grand Canyon - ARIZONA

    Aug 16–18, 2010 in New Zealand ⋅ ☁️ 12 °C

    The Grand Canyon is one of the Seven Wonders of the World, and is considered as one of the finest examples of arid-land erosion in the world.

    Incised by the Colorado River, the canyon is immense, averaging 4,000 feet deep for its entire 277 miles.
    It is 6000 feet deep at its deepest point and 18 miles wide at its widest.    Read more

  • Elvin BrookingUSA 2010Traveler
    Today we would experience our very first rain shower that lasted about 10mins of torrential rain
    That was the torrential rain shower in the background that chased us most of the morningThe laidback riding style of Darryl and MelIn the absolute middle of nowhere, a very welcome CAFETERIAThose rain showers will eventually catch us and absolutely soak us dripping wetBut, within 30 minutes we were bone dry, as 30+ degree sun dried us outWhat great memories of riding thru countryside with vistas such as thisThese are riding memories never to be forgotten

    Four Corners Monument - NEW MEXICO

    August 16, 2010 in New Zealand ⋅ ☁️ 14 °C

    The Four Corners Monument marks the quadripoint in the Southwestern United States where the States of Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico and Utah meet.
    It is the only point in the US shared by four states.

  • Elvin BrookingUSA 2010Traveler
    Riding Route 66 is a mission now, due to main freeways built over and around the original Route 66 r
    The bridge above was built so that traffic on the Dam could ceaseWe were very lucky as this would be the last year that traffic could cross due to safety concernsHoover Dam holds back Lake Mead and provides water for the inhabitants of Las VegasHelicopter journey over Grand Canyon

    Route 66/Hoover Dam - NEVADA

    August 18, 2010 in New Zealand ⋅ 🌧 12 °C

    US Route 66 or US Highway 66 was one of the original highways in the US
    Route 66 became famous because of the active promotion of the US 66 Highway Association as the shortest, best and most scenic route from Chicago, thru St Louis to Los Angeles.

    Hoover Dam is a concrete arc-gravity dam which impounds Lake Mead in the Black Canyon of the Colorado River, on the border between the US States of Nevada and Arizona.    Read more

  • Elvin BrookingUSA 2010Traveler

    Las Vegas - NEVADA

    Aug 18–22, 2010 in New Zealand ⋅ 🌧 12 °C

    Las Vegas, often known as Sin City or simply Vegas, is the most populous city in the US State of Nevada, situated in the greater Mojave Desert.

    A major resort and gambling city, shopping, fine dining, entertainment and nightlife, centered on downtown Las Vegas, known as the Strip.

    Some of the most famous landmark and iconic resort Hotel/Casino's -
    The Venetian, Bellaigio Hotel, Caesars Palace, MGM Grand, Luxor Hotel, The Mirage, The Plaza and the original casino venue Fremont Street.    Read more

  • Elvin BrookingUSA 2010Traveler
    As we head out of Las Vegas thru Death Valley
    Sand sculptures on Santa Barbara BeachSand sculpture of US Army MarineSanta Barbara - Riding here was a mission of 12hrs riding

    Final Days of Motorcycle Tour

    Aug 22–25, 2010 in New Zealand ⋅ ☁️ 12 °C

    Pics of departing Las Vegas to Yosemite National Park via Death Valley
    Here we experienced the hottest day of our Tour at 50 degrees
    Yosemite Park in California's Sierra Nevada Mountains, it's famed giant, ancient sequoia trees and for Tunnel View, the iconic vista of towering Bridalveil Fall and the granite cliffs of El Capitan and Half Dome, for which thrill seeking climbers, scale it's massive cliff faces without safety ropes.Read more

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