Nancy Webb...Pat Bonetar

The 2022 Motorcycle Adventure Nancy Webb...Pat Bonetar
Another Good Day
19. mai 2022, Forente stater ⋅ 🌙 72 °F
I was really looking forward to today's ride, running some of the same routes I ran last year. And I wasn't disappointed!

I left Colorado Springs at 07:00 in 47°F wearing all of my heated gear. Is it not at least Spring here yet? As I was heading south on I-25, I suddenly smelled a Number 2 pencil being sharpened. It wasn't a paper mill or a pine logging operation. It was the shavings from a Number 2 pencil. Weird.

Even weirder, after I stopped at the Pueblo Harley dealership, I smelled burnt buttermilk biscuits . Not burnt toast, cornbread, or tortillas. Burnt buttermilk biscuits. Weird. Did I have a stroke?

Anyway, I pressed on down I-25 until 09:00 when I had to take off all of my heated gear. A couple of miles later, I hit the turn off for Highway 64 and Taos. This was the first time I had taken this route to Taos, and it was beautiful. The first 5 miles were covered in pronghorn antelope, one of which decided he'd like to share my lane for a few seconds. Then I hit Cimarron and squiggled through the canyon, where I crossed paths with a small herd of elk. Man, are they big! Although neither pronghorn nor the elk made me come to a complete stop, the prairie dog running in front of me did. I got all of their pictures 😁.

I finally popped out in Taos, had lunch at the best Mexican food place in Taos "Toribios", then crossed over the Rio Grande--the same river that makes the border of Texas and Mexico--before stopping at Earthship Biotexture (https://earthshipbiotecture.com/). I saw this community three times last year but never stopped. What an amazing concept in practice. The starter units (2 bed/2 bath) go for about $200,000, but some can reach almost half a million with up to 4 bedrooms and all the extra features. Imagine if standard architecture made use of some of these concepts, particularly water capture and recycling. Incredible capabilities.

I continued on US64 through Carson National Forest. Thankfully the road was open despite several large patches of snow at about 9,500 feet. This road has wonderful sweeping, broad, fast turns and is just a glorious place to ride. I was, however, wishing for my heated gear for about 25 miles until I dropped back down in elevation as I reached Chama. Then it was west to Farmington where Leann and I are staying tonight.

After settling into our room and feeding the dog, we walked across the street to a Mexican food restaurant where she relayed how she lost one of her Airmen to suicide just before she retired as a First Sergeant. We talked for quite some time then asked for the bill. Someone had already paid it and had already left.

First Stormchaser Jay saves me from the hail and now a stranger buys us dinner. Perhaps there is a little human left in humanity. We were both humbled, astounded, and, frankly, embarrassed because they had probably heard our tearful conversation. We left quietly, silently thanking our evening benefactor(s). It was another very good day.

So long [for now], and thanks for all the fish! ✌️

Day 69 mileage: 477.5 (total 18013.0)
HD Dealerships: 2 (total 185)
National Parks: 0 (total 33 in 18 states)
10 Rides for 2022: 0 (total 5 of 10)
MCGTTX Stops: 0 (total 23 of 50)Les mer
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The 2022 Motorcycle Adventure Nancy Webb...Pat Bonetar
I Couldn't Outrun Mother Nature
18. mai 2022, Forente stater ⋅ ⛅ 61 °F
And the day started out so nice, too.

At 07:00 I rolled out of the hotel wearing an extra long-sleeve shirt to stave off the 62°F and lower wind chill. A couple of hundred miles later, I pulled off I-70 to take that shirt off and found myself surrounded by little birds. They were nesting under the overpass. Hundreds of parents taking food to their chicks in the nest. Watching them was like seeing in super fast motion. They were everywhere.

I kept rolling towards my day's halfway destination outside of Lebanon, Kansas, but absolutely had to stop in Cawker City for the World's Largest Ball of Sisal Twine. How could I not stop? Then it was off to the middle of nowhere. Actually, I suppose it's the middle of everywhere since it's the Geographic Center of the Continental United States. It's also one of Harley's 10 Rides for 2022, which gives me 5 so far. Woohoo!

After a quick snack, I headed towards Colorado. Just after I passed under a cropduster plane and considered (😉) passing under a huge piece of farm equipment, I made it into Colorado, and the Centennial State greeted me with a monster of a storm. My weather app showed it moving due east straight down I-70, so I figured I could skirt it.

My weather app sucks. 40 miles south and 10 miles west, I found myself on a crappy two-lane road surrounded by cows and passing stormchasers parked on the sides of the road with their cameras on tripods. As I was looking in vain for any type of shelter, the rain began. As I'm slowing down, I'm thinking if a tornado drops out of the sky, I can run the bike down the embankment and dive into a drainage culvert. Before I could plan any further...or think about why I was stupid enough to get myself into this situation...did I say my weather app sucks?...the hail began.

Slower, slower, slower I went, all the way down to first gear and about 10 mph. Ouch, ouch, ouch. Still not a single dwelling or structure anywhere to be seen. Finally, I see two SUVs stopped right next to the road. I stop, leave Willie at the edge of the lane with his hazards on, and run to jump in the backseat of one of the trucks. The guy's name is Jay and he's a freelance storm chaser. The guy in the other car is Tony Laubach, who appeared in the TV show Storm Chasers (https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tony_Laubach).

I couldn't stay in the car for long though; Jay was working and Tony had already left. So I was on my own again just as the hail was ending. Man, even though it was a mix of pea size and small marble size--there are official names for sizes of hail (https://www.weather.gov/lwx/skywarn_hail)--it all really hurts going any speed at all. One piece smashed my finger so hard I lost feeling in it for a while, and I have a couple of welts on my arms that will stay with me for a while. At least I wear a fullface helmet.

But the hail passed, as did the rain. The road was less and less wet and, as I began to dry out, I was less and less cold (so thankful for my heated grips, again). I could even see sunlight where the clouds ended. The proverbial light at the end of the tunnel...that turned into a train. I came over a rise and almost cried. Another huge storm was dead ahead.

I kept going; there weren't any other roads and still nothing to hide under except cows. Fortunately, the storm passed south of the highway before I got there. I just had to deal with a horribly bumpy and now wet road. Behind a semi truck that had passed me on said road. But I did it.

After I left Jay's truck, it took me about two hours to go the final 70 miles to the hotel near the Colorado Springs airport. I counted out increments on the five as I reached them. Actually, I think I yelled them out loud with glee. "65 miles to go! Yippee! 60 miles to go! Yeehaw!" You get the picture 🤣.

Right now, while my clothes and leathers are hanging up to dry, I'm lying in my warm bed with the air conditioning on full blast enjoying my full belly from the Thai place next door and being thankful that the shower was extremely hot.

Actually, the day ended pretty well, too.

So long [for now], and thanks for all the fish! ✌️

Day 68 mileage: 639.3 (total 17535.5)
HD Dealerships: 1 (total 183)
National Parks: 0 (total 33 in 18 states)
10 Rides for 2022: 1 (total 5 of 10)
MCGTTX Stops: 0 (total 23 of 50)Les mer
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Reisendewhen your nomadic days subside, I volunteer to help you compile all these short stories into a proper book. I'd buy it!
19.05.2022Svar
Nancy Webb...Pat Bonetar🤣🤣
19.05.2022Svar
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The 2022 Motorcycle Adventure Nancy Webb...Pat Bonetar
Evel Knievel Museum!
17. mai 2022, Forente stater ⋅ ⛅ 82 °F
Knowing I had over 200 miles of I-70 to get under my tires before hitting my first stop, I rolled out of St. Louis at 07:00 this morning. Smooth going all the way through to Kansas City. I swung south to hit three dealerships, which turned into a ride ride through the countryside as I avoided the I-70 tollway. I still don't understand how states can make a federal interstate a toll road.

Anyway, I rolled into Topeka around 13:00. I stopped briefly at the State Capitol for a pic, then went to the Brown vs. Board of Education National Historical Park located in the Monroe School Building. Because they let me leave the bike right in front under the trees, I only grabbed my passport stamp and a couple of pamphlets.

Then I went to what I had been looking forward to...and it did not disappoint. The Evel Knievel Museum housed in Historic Harley-Davidson. Wow! So very well done with so many pieces of memorabilia and excellent chronological displays. Absolutely superb. There is even a 4D feature where you "jump" 13 or so police motorcycles in front of the Capitol. This is a must-see for everyone and anyone. I wish I could post more pictures for you. You'll just have to go there yourself.

Tearing myself away from the museum, I made my way to the nearest laundromat to wash pretty much all of my clothes before heading to the hotel to meet back up with Leann. I walked to a Red Robin restaurant and tried the Incredible Burger, which wasn't incredible, but it was good and stopped the rumbling in my tummy. Now, it's time for some shut-eye.

So long [for now], and thanks for all the fish! ✌️

Day 67 mileage: 343.7 (total 16896.2)
HD Dealerships: 4 (total 182)
National Parks: 1 (total 33 in 18 states)
10 Rides for 2022: 0 (total 4 of 10)
MCGTTX Stops: 0 (total 23 of 50)Les mer
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The 2022 Motorcycle Adventure Nancy Webb...Pat Bonetar
Nowhere In Particular
16. mai 2022, Forente stater ⋅ ☀️ 82 °F
Apparently Mondays are a bad day to see anything in Kansas. We had planned to head west from St. Louis and stop at the Brown vs. Board of Education National Historical Park and the Evel Knievel Museum, but both are closed today. So we're staying another night on the west side of St. Louis.

I couldn't sit still this morning, so I took off for three dealerships and made the day of it. I thought I would ride over Bagwell Dam again, but the road was closed. Even better, the detour led me to an overlook with information about the dam. Cool. On my way back to the hotel, I went through Jefferson City and swung by the Capitol for a quick pic. I was back to the hotel by 15:30 and am now having dinner next door at Texas Roadhouse. Great day considering I didn't go anywhere particular.

So long [for now], and thanks for all the fish! ✌️

Day 66 mileage: 432.2 (total 16552.5)
HD Dealerships: 4 (total 178)
National Parks: 0 (total 32 in 17 states)
10 Rides for 2022: 0 (total 4 of 10)
MCGTTX Stops: 0 (total 23 of 50)Les mer
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The 2022 Motorcycle Adventure Nancy Webb...Pat Bonetar
The Top of the Arch
15. mai 2022, Forente stater ⋅ ⛅ 73 °F
Our time in Memphis went quickly, but today we moved on. Leann was still sleeping when I left the hotel just after 07:00. My 5 mph over the limit pace is waaaaay too slow for her, and I don't want to go as fast as she does all day on the interstates, so we're making our individual ways to tonight's hotel in St. Louis, Missouri.

I hit six dealerships in Arkansas, Missouri, and Illinois, then met her at Gateway Arch National Park this afternoon. We've both been here before, but neither of us has taken the tram to the top, so up we went! When we were boarding the tram car, I felt like Mork from Ork getting into his egg 🤣. "Nanu nanu" 😎🌈🥚! Four minutes later, we were 630 feet off the ground. They only allow you to stay up there for 10 minutes, but that was plenty. Thankfully, the thunderclouds rolled out before we got up there. What a beautiful view!

I hit two more HDs on the way to the hotel. Now, we're at the hotel, which has great air conditioning. A good night's sleep is on its way 🥱😴.

So long [for now], and thanks for all the fish! ✌️

Day 65 mileage: 500.8 (total 16120.3)
HD Dealerships: 8 (total 174)
National Parks: 1 (total 32 in 17 states)
10 Rides for 2022: 0 (total 4 of 10)
MCGTTX Stops: 0 (total 23 of 50)Les mer
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The 2022 Motorcycle Adventure Nancy Webb...Pat Bonetar
Graceland Yeah-ah
15. mai 2022, Forente stater ⋅ ⛅ 66 °F
Today, Leann and I spent the morning at Graceland. I went once before in 1987-ish on a choir trip to Nashville. The house is the same, but there is a huge complex across the road that I don't remember at all. Also, Elvis's grandson is now interred on the grounds. If you haven't been, it's definitely worth going. His birthplace in Tupelo is not that far away, too. I took so many pictures, but these are a few I hope you'll enjoy.

So long [for now], and thanks for all the fish! ✌️

Day 64 mileage: 0 (total 15619.5)
HD Dealerships: 0 (total 166)
National Parks: 0 (total 31 in 16 states)
10 Rides for 2022: 0 (total 4 of 10)
MCGTTX Stops: 0 (total 23 of 50)Les mer
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The 2022 Motorcycle Adventure Nancy Webb...Pat Bonetar
Beale Street Blues
13. mai 2022, Forente stater ⋅ ☁️ 72 °F
Leann and I had a great day in downtown Memphis. We started at the National Civil Rights Museum housed in the Lorraine Motel where Dr. Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr., was assassinated in 1968. We also popped in the Blues Foundation Hall of Fame (https://blues.org/). Then we walked down to Beale Street, grabbed a couple of pins at the Hard Rock Cafe, and had lunch at B.B. King's Blues Club, where we listened to a wonderful blues group, The Jason Foree Band (http://jasonforee.com/). We quick timed it back to the car and narrowly escaped the hail storm.

After a couple of hours resting at the hotel, we Ubered back to Beale and had BBQ at The Pig on Beale (http://pigonbeale.com/). I ate here the last and first time I was on Beale Street, and it didn't disappoint either time 😋. We finished the evening at The Peabody hotel chatting with a pianist playing in the Corner Bar, Curtis "Big Papa" Jones, who helped record Bishop Bullwinkle's internet sensation song "Hell to the Naw Naw" (https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hell_to_the_Naw…). A quick Uber back to the hotel wrapped up another long but wonderful day.

So long [for now], and thanks for all the fish! ✌️

Day 63 mileage: 0 (total 15619.5)
HD Dealerships: 0 (total 166)
National Parks: 0 (total 31 in 16 states)
10 Rides for 2022: 0 (total 4 of 10)
MCGTTX Stops: 0 (total 23 of 50)Les mer
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The 2022 Motorcycle Adventure Nancy Webb...Pat Bonetar
Very Tiring Day, But We're In Memphis!
12. mai 2022, Forente stater ⋅ ⛅ 81 °F
All good things must come to an end. We had a great time in Gulfport, but today was time to roll. After a quick, light breakfast and lengthy check out process, I met Leann at her hotel at 08:30 and we hit the road at 09:00, me on the bike and her and the dog in her car.

We made our way north to Jackson, Mississippi, then we going through Vicksburg to take I-20 over the River, but there must have been a wreck because my traffic app said there was an 80-minute delay 😱. So, we turned north again and spent most of the day on back roads through the fertile farm fields of the Mississippi Delta, which was great but so very slow.

We stumbled upon and visited the Rohwer Japanese American Relocation Center (https://rohwer.astate.edu/). It was a lovely and honorable site. Then we went to what we thought was Arkansas Post National Memorial. Turns out, we were at the state park and museum, which was interesting, but doesn't count for my challenge.

By the time we got to Dumas, Arkansas, around 16:00, I was soaked with sweat and had to take a break. We had a little food at Subway while I enjoyed the air conditioning for about an hour. Leann convinced me to go another 150+ miles all the way to Memphis 🤦, and we split up to head in. I hit two dealerships on the way and got to the hotel at 21:25 🥱🥱🥱. It was a very long 13-hour ride in 90+°F heat and humidity 🥵. But we're settled into the hotel now, and I'm ready to drop.

So long [for now], and thanks for all the fish! ✌️

Day 62 mileage: 575.3 (total 15619.5)
HD Dealerships: 2 (total 166)
National Parks: 0 (total 31 in 16 states)
10 Rides for 2022: 0 (total 4 of 10)
MCGTTX Stops: 0 (total 23 of 50)Les mer
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The 2022 Motorcycle Adventure Nancy Webb...Pat Bonetar
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Mimosas...Cabana...Pool...Dinner For 3
11. mai 2022, Forente stater ⋅ 🌙 75 °F
Monday was zebras. Tuesday was dolphins. I thought Wednesday (today) might be daiquiris, but it turned out to be mimosas in the cabana by the pool 😁. What a great day Melissa and I had hanging out poolside. And to make the day even better, Leann made it to town for dinner. These gals are amazing women whom I am so fortunate to know. That they call me their friend is an absolute honor. Love you both dearly!

So long [for now], and thanks for all the fish! ✌️

Day 61 mileage: 0 (total 15044.2)
HD Dealerships: 0 (total 164)
National Parks: 0 (total 31 in 16 states)
10 Rides for 2022: 0 (total 4 of 10)
MCGTTX Stops: 0 (total 23 of 50)Les mer
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Reisende nice. love your hair
13.05.2022Svar
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The 2022 Motorcycle Adventure Nancy Webb...Pat Bonetar
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Galveston to Gulfport
10. mai 2022, Forente stater ⋅ ☀️ 79 °F
Another great day! I left the hotel at 06:00 to catch the free ferry from Galveston to Port Bolivar. I enjoyed watching the dolphins and birds trailing a fishing boat, then the clouds broke and the sun appeared gloriously. By 08:00, I was off the boat and at my first stop, the lighthouse. It was a beautiful morning.

Not long after turning inland from the water, I was at my second stop, a huge fire hydrant in downtown Beaumont, TX. From there, after a quick photo at Cowboy H-D, it was I-10/I-12/I-10 straight to Gulfport. Most of the interstate is under construction and it seems.thete are even more trucks on -10 than on -20. But I made it to the hotel around 13:45. Not bad when I was aiming for 14:00 👍.

While the valet driver that doesn't drive was helping me unload the bike in the parking lot--he was standing with a luggage cart while I handed him stuff--my friend Melissa arrived from Pensacola. Yay!

For the past three hours, we have checked in, made ourselves familiar with the casino, partook of the free daiquiri bar, played a couple of slots, walked on the beach, found the pool that's under renovation, ate a small plate at the unlimited buffet, and partook of the free daiquiri bar again. Now, were tired and taking a nap.

So long [for now], and thanks for all the fish! ✌️

Day 60 mileage: 422.0 (total 15044.2)
HD Dealerships: 1 (total 164)
National Parks: 0 (total 31 in 16 states)
10 Rides for 2022: 0 (total 4 of 10)
MCGTTX Stops: 2 (total 23 of 50)Les mer
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Reisende wowza
13.05.2022Svar
Reisende cool
13.05.2022Svar
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The 2022 Motorcycle Adventure Nancy Webb...Pat Bonetar
On The Road Again, Part 2
9. mai 2022, Forente stater ⋅ ⛅ 79 °F
I'm back!, and on the road again for the second part of this year's Harley trip. Willie and I had a big and long day. With 18 stops not including gas, it was dark by the time we reached the hotel in Galveston, but it was great being back on the bike.

With mostly cloudy skies, we left Emory, TX, at 08:30 in already warm weather. Later in the day, my app told me it was 92°F. I didn't look again 🥵, but I never took off the chaps or vest. The clouds burned away almost too fast, and it was sunshine most of the day.

I hadn't gone far when I had to make a u-turn...to look at the zebras! Wait, what? I know right?! Yes, zebras! They're near Overton, TX, at Bowles Creek Store. I love Texas 🇨🇱 (imagine the blue goes all the way down).
(Google Maps link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/arkBeC23Ec3S11NV7)

I also saw several herds of Longhorn, some with calves. The little ones are so dang cute. The rest of the day was stopping for photos at dealerships and the MCGTTX stops, and with 9 each, I knocked out a bunch. Yippee!

But it took a long time, plus I hit Houston at rush hour, so I didn't get to the hotel until just after 21:00. Luckily, there is a gas station next door with Gatorade (rehydrate), fruit (breakfast), and a can of Beanie Wienies (dinner but I didn't eat the wienies; I'm off red meat for a while...although I'm not sure I would call them red meat...or meat even 😉).

So long [for now], and thanks for all the fish! ✌️

Day 59* mileage: 653.1 (total 14622.2)
* This website says it's Day 85, but I'm not counting the 26 days of 13 April to 8 May since I wasn't on the bike full time. I only rode 184.7 miles 😱🤣.
HD Dealerships: 9 (total 163)
National Parks: 0 (total 31 in 16 states)
10 Rides for 2022: 0 (total 4 of 10)
MCGTTX Stops: 9 (total 21 of 50)Les mer
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The 2022 Motorcycle Adventure Nancy Webb...Pat Bonetar
It's Boring Being At Home
24. april 2022, Forente stater ⋅ ⛅ 82 °F
Hello, again! Before I get started, I have added pictures from my real camera to all of my posts since Spring Heat in AZ Day 1, Day 48, April 2, and it's worth a scroll down to see them, particularly those from Zion and Grand Canyon National Parks.

Since I last posted, I've only been on the bike a couple of times, mainly to get a service and to go back to The Barn where I have my tiny RV home. The service was a doozy: the normal 95,000-mile service and rear brake pads that I knew about, plus leaky rocker boxes and clutch cable that I didn't. They also installed my US Fleet Tracker thingy for the Hoka Hay, which is one more step closer to the event. 💲2500 at the end of the day. Ouch.

After a few days at mom's, I rode back to East Texas to get my RV air conditioning serviced for the third time. Have I ever said don't use the Camping World in Tyler--don't!.... I got really bored though, so I took my house to Lake Texoma for a couple of days and am now near Texarkana for another few. Wait for it.... I didn't bring the bike 😱😱.

I won't post again until I'm back on the bike, which should be May 9.

So long [for now], and thanks for all the fish! ✌️

[stats later]Les mer
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Winds, Dirt, Tumbleweeds & Traffic
12. april 2022, Forente stater ⋅ ⛅ 68 °F
What a mess today was. It started off great with some free coffee at the Alamogordo KOA, and I rolled out a little after 08:00. I spent the first part of the morning squiggling up into chilly Ruidoso, which made me remember my friend Lumpy. But once I got down to the flats, the wind was terrible. I was all over the road and riding well under the speed limit with my hazards on. For hours.

I made it through Roswell and the Harley dealership, then it started to get really bad. By the time I made it to the three MCGTTX Stops around the border of NM and TX, the wind was 35 mph with gusts of I don't know how much. I tried to dodge the tumbleweeds as best I could, but every time I stopped I was pulling twigs out of the bike.

The worst part was in the farmland south of Lubbock. The winds stripped the topsoil off the fields and swirled it all around. At times I could barely see. Riding on a slant during a dust storm while smashing tumbleweeds is not a fun day.

The winds finally subsided--well, not completely but at least I wasn't riding sideways anymore--after I passed Abilene, but 30 miles west of Fort Worth, I hit a massive traffic jam. There must have been a fatality because I-20 was closed for about five miles. That mess slowed me down another hour while the sun went down, so the last hour of my ride was in the dark.

After battling the elements and traffic for over 12 hours, I finally made it to my mom's house at 21:30 covered in red dirt 🤣. I'm tired but still on Pacific time, so a little goofing on my phone should put me to sleep soon, I hope.

So long [for now], and thanks for all the fish! ✌️

Day 58 mileage: 651.6 (total 13784.4)
HD Dealerships: 1 (total 146*) When I checked my HOG Dealership Challenge stats last night, I saw that 20 of my photos had been rejected, so this new 146 is the official count 😢.
National Parks: 0 (total 31 in 16 states* Updated: I forgot Lake Mead NRA, Nevada.)
10 Rides for 2022: 0 (total 4 of 10
MCGTTX Stops: 3 (total 10 of 50)Les mer
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Reisende wicked!!!!!
25.04.2022Svar
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The 2022 Motorcycle Adventure Nancy Webb...Pat Bonetar
White Sands National Monument
11. april 2022, Forente stater ⋅ ☀️ 79 °F
Today was a very short ride from Silver City to Alamogordo, where I had a nonrefundable reservation at the KOA. I took time to ride into White Sands NM. It's gorgeous, but I don't want to ride on sand again. That's worse than gravel 👎.

I got my "kabin" around 14:00 and spent the afternoon working on photos, downloading my GPS tracks, and watching movies. It was a great day.

So long [for now], and thanks for all the fish! ✌️

Day 57 mileage: 209.2 (total 13132.9)
HD Dealerships: 0 (total 165)
National Parks: 1 (total 30 in 15 states)
10 Rides for 2022: 0 (total 4 of 10
MCGTTX Stops: 0 (total 7 of 50)Les mer
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So Long, Arizona
10. april 2022, Forente stater ⋅ 🌙 57 °F
After an awesome night rockin' with Lynyrd Skynyrd, I slept in a bit until it got too hot to stay in the tent (around 07:00 🤣). I climbed out, sat in the shade, and goofed around on my phone until 11:00, when I went for food. There was a great band playing, Jaded Jukebox, with a tremendous female singer. Heart, Journey, Evanescence, Pat Benatar, Judas Priest, Ozzy, GNR.... I stayed to listen to them until 12:30 when I decided I was bored. So, I went back to my tent, broke camp, and left Scottsdale at 14:00.

I rode and rode and rode. No gas anywhere. I thought I found a store when my light came on, but it was closed. The GPS finally picked up on one 25 miles away, and my "remaining" indicator said I had 55 miles left. I started pulling in the clutch on the downhills and drifted into the gas station in Silver City with only a few miles left in the tank, if that many. I knew I had gone a long way, but 196.8 on one tank, one 3.5-gallon tank, is just crazy. I can't cut it that close again.

With a full tank under me, I'm stopped for the night at a hotel. I had a quick meal at McDonald's--the only food around but I'm thinking I should've just skipped it 🤢--then a hot bath to knock off some of the campground funk, and I am now looking forward to a comfortable rest tonight and lie in tomorrow.

So long [for now], and thanks for all the fish! ✌️

Day 56 mileage: 297.0 (total 12923.7)
HD Dealerships: 0 (total 165)
National Parks: 0 (total 29 in 15 states)
10 Rides for 2022: 0 (total 4 of 10
MCGTTX Stops: 0 (total 7 of 50)Les mer
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Reisende + vapors ...🤔
25.04.2022Svar
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The 2022 Motorcycle Adventure Nancy Webb...Pat Bonetar
Lynyrd F*ckyng Skynyrd 🤘 !!!
9. april 2022, Forente stater ⋅ 🌙 70 °F
This morning was a bit of a bummer. Sergio and I met up with Gary and Tom, and we squiggled down the mountain for breakfast. AZ-89 between Prescott and Congress is incredible!

Anyway, after a great meal, we pulled over at the Granite Mountain Hotshots Memorial Trailhead for a moment, and that's where I had to say goodbye. I had so much fun with these guys, but they're back to Cali and I'm back to Bike Week.

Just in time, too! The band tonight was Lynyrd Skynyrd!!!!! I didn't stay for the whole show because of the crush of people. I can't do large crowds any longer. But it was amazing hearing and seeing one of my favorite bands. I also got to hug a couple of friends, Chris and Tammy, before I ducked out. How I found them I'll never know, but cool.

It was a great week+ with some great new and old friends, great riding, and great music. I'll be back!

So long [for now], and thanks for all the fish! ✌️

Day 55 mileage: 157.9 (total 12626.7)
HD Dealerships: 0 (total 165)
National Parks: 0 (total 29 in 15 states)
10 Rides for 2022: 0 (total 4 of 10
MCGTTX Stops: 0 (total 7 of 50)Les mer
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The 2022 Motorcycle Adventure Nancy Webb...Pat Bonetar
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Jerome, Sedona & Prescott
8. april 2022, Forente stater ⋅ 🌙 57 °F
Donna played tour guide today and took us up the AZ-89A through Jerome, where we stopped for a short break. We saw the old theater and went to the world's largest kaleidescope store.

We continued on through the mountains and into Sedona, where we had a wonderful lunch. Then we squiggled up Oak Creek Canyon to the overlook before heading back down the canyon. This is the third time I've been in Sedona and the second time this year, but it's always a beautiful ride, even with traffic.

Donna was a fantastic tour guide and even drove us into Prescott for drinks at the Palace, dinner at Rosa's Pizzeria, and dancing at the Jersey Lilly Saloon. What a great day and evening with great friends! I'll really miss them!

So long [for now], and thanks for all the fish! ✌️

Day 54 mileage: 146.0 (total 12468.8)
HD Dealerships: 0 (total 165)
National Parks: 0 (total 29 in 15 states)
10 Rides for 2022: 0 (total 4 of 10)
MCGTTX Stops: 0 (total 7 of 50)Les mer
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Reisende wow
13.05.2022Svar
Reisende peace ✌️
13.05.2022Svar
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The 2022 Motorcycle Adventure Nancy Webb...Pat Bonetar
Bike Week Day 2 But Not At Bike Week
7. april 2022, Forente stater ⋅ 🌙 54 °F
My second day at Arizona Bike Week wasn't at Arizona Bike Week. Instead, I was invited to join some of the guys at Donna's home in Dewey near Prescott (pronounced PRESS-cut). We didn't leave Scottsdale until noon, then had lunch at Denny's.

We avoided I-17 and took US-60 through Wickenburg, then jogged right onto AZ-89 to squiggle up the mountains. What a great ride!!! I stayed right on Mark's tail lights the whole way, and we had to wait a bit for the rest to catch up 🤣. I shredded my rubber pegs on almost every turn. Woohoo!!

We got to Donna's a little after 17:00 and had a great evening hanging out together. I am really lucky to have met these terrific people!

So long [for now], and thanks for all the fish! ✌️

Day 53 mileage: 162.8 (total 12322.8)
HD Dealerships: 1 (total 165)
National Parks: 0 (total 29 in 15 states)
10 Rides for 2022: 0 (total 4 of 10)
MCGTTX Stops: 0 (total 7 of 50)Les mer
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The 2022 Motorcycle Adventure Nancy Webb...Pat Bonetar
Arizona Bike Week Day 1
6. april 2022, Forente stater ⋅ ☀️ 88 °F
Rode solo from Flagstaff to Scottsdale. Pitched my tent. Walked around Arizona Bike Week. Hung out with the guys.

So long [for now], and thanks for all the fish! ✌️

Day 52 mileage: 72.1 (total 12160.0)
HD Dealerships: 0 (total 164)
National Parks: 0 (total 29 in 15 states)
10 Rides for 2022: 0 (total 4 of 10)
MCGTTX Stops: 0 (total 7 of 50)Les mer
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The 2022 Motorcycle Adventure Nancy Webb...Pat Bonetar
Last Day of SHIA
5. april 2022, Forente stater ⋅ 🌙 84 °F
Today seven of our group left Flagstaff at 08:00 to ride down Lake Mary Road past Lake Mormon and through Happy Jack. The Coconino National Forest was a lovely evergreen swath through rolling hills still speckled with glistening patches of snow.

We squiggled our way to Payson, then headed east to Show Low, where we had a delicious lunch at Buffalo Bill's Tavern & Grill, then headed south on US-60.

More squiggling took us through Fort Apache Reservation until we stopped twice at lookout points on the Salt River. We got some great turns on the mountain roads, then grouped back up to roll into Apache Junction, a suburb of Phoenix, around 16:30.

Tonight's dinner was at Superstition HD, our final gathering for this rally. It was wonderful see so many old friends and meet several new friends. The group I wound up leading most of the rally was absolutely fantastic, and I hope I get to ride with them again some day soon. Thanks, guys!!!

So long [for now], and thanks for all the fish! ✌️

Day 51 mileage: 346.1 (total 12087.9)
HD Dealerships: 0 (total 164)
National Parks: 0 (total 29 in 15 states)
10 Rides for 2022: 0 (total 4 of 10)
MCGTTX Stops: 0 (total 7 of 50)Les mer
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The 2022 Motorcycle Adventure Nancy Webb...Pat Bonetar
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SHIA Day 3--Grand Canyon, Baby!!
4. april 2022, Forente stater ⋅ 🌙 50 °F
Scratch a huge one off of my travel checklist because today I finally saw the Grand Canyon!!!

We went from Kanab to the South Rim to Flagstaff. Amazing scenery the whole ride.

So long [for now], and thanks for all the fish! ✌️

Day 50 mileage: 333.1 (total 11741.8)
HD Dealerships: 0 (total 164)
National Parks: 1 (total 29 in 15 states)
10 Rides for 2022: 0 (total 4 of 10)
MCGTTX Stops: 0 (total 7 of 50)Les mer
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Reisende awesome
11.04.2022Svar
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The 2022 Motorcycle Adventure Nancy Webb...Pat Bonetar
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SHIA Day 2
3. april 2022, Forente stater ⋅ ⛅ 52 °F
From Lancaster, over Lake Mead, up I-15 to the Zion HD, through Zion National Park, to Kanab, UT. We cut out Bryce Canyon because it was raining. We had a great party at the hotel and a late dinner next door. Awesome day!

So long [for now], and thanks for all the fish! ✌️

Day 49 mileage: 238.7 (total 11408.7)
HD Dealerships: 1 (total 164)
National Parks: 1 (total 28 in 15 states)
10 Rides for 2022: 0 (total 4 of 10)
MCGTTX Stops: 0 (total 7 of 50)Les mer
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Reisende YAY
08.04.2022Svar
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The 2022 Motorcycle Adventure Nancy Webb...Pat Bonetar
Spring Heat in AZ Day 1
2. april 2022, Forente stater ⋅ ⛅ 73 °F
Today's rally route took us from Lancaster, CA, to Henderson, NV, and man oh man what a ride! 12 of us left at 09:00 headed directly to Death Valley National Park.

We paused at Stovepipe Wells at the western entrance for lunch and two of us topped off our ranks with a gallon of 87 octane gas 👎, but even that is better than running out in Death Valley.

When we stopped at the Harmony Borax Works, the almost 100°F heat began to get to some of the group. When we stopped a mile later at the Furnace Creek Visitor Center so I could get my national park passport stamp, several split off, so when we left Furnace Creek, there were only five bikes left.

We continued on, taking the long way to Pahrump. Although I went there twice last year, it is so beautiful that I don't think I will ever get tired of riding Badwater Canyon Road. Stunning.

We stopped to fill up in Shoshone at $7.20 a gallon, but at least that was for 91 octane. Then it was about a 90-mile cruise into Nevada, past the Las Vegas Strip skyline, and into Henderson for dinner at the dealership.

I was also here last year during a rally. I met and began riding with a dear friend Bob from New Jersey here (hugs, doll), and reconnected with my friend Lumpy, who had ridden out from Quantico and who passed away just last week. Thinking of you, my brother.

Because we got to the dealership exactly in time for dinner (17:30), I ate a plate of spaghetti and meatballs with salad, passed on my raffle tickets to my roommate Donna, then got back on the bike to do what I do. I hit the other two dealerships for my photos, stopped at Red Rock Canyon for the 10 Rides for 2022 photo, and finally got my picture with the Welcome to Las Vegas sign!

If this is Day 1, I can't wait for tomorrow!!

So long [for now], and thanks for all the fish! ✌️

Day 48 mileage: 432.4 (total 11170.0)
HD Dealerships: 3 (total 163)
National Parks: 1 (total 27 in 14 states)
10 Rides for 2022: 1 (total 4 of 10)
MCGTTX Stops: 0 (total 7 of 50)Les mer
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The 2022 Motorcycle Adventure Nancy Webb...Pat Bonetar
Spring Heat in Arizona Rally Dinner
1. april 2022, Forente stater ⋅ 🌙 61 °F
Today I hung out in the hot tub at the hotel, then had dinner at the Harley dealership next door to kick off the Spring Heat in Arizona HOG Touring Rally. I saw a dozen or so people I had met at rallies last year and have been invited to ride with with a group from Northern California, many of whom i already know. Yippee!

So long [for now], and thanks for all the fish! ✌️

Day 47 mileage: 0 (total 10737.6)
HD Dealerships: 0 (total 160)
National Parks: 0 (total 26 in 14 states)
10 Rides for 2022: 0 (total 3 of 10)
MCGTTX Stops: 0 (total 7 of 50)Les mer
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The 2022 Motorcycle Adventure Nancy Webb...Pat Bonetar
Rally Time!
31. mars 2022, Forente stater ⋅ 🌙 54 °F
After a great three days at Kris's, I left her place in Cerritos around 07:30 this morning. I set the GPS for "avoid interstates," so it took me over an hour to go the 30 miles to Santa Monica Beach. But I enjoy looking around LA and seeing the neighborhoods change.

I finally got to Patrick's Roadhouse where I had a delicious breakfast wrap. The staff was very friendly and the menu surprisingly large. It was quite overcast and with the breeze coming in from the water, I left my jacket on, but it was still so nice to sit in the salt air.

After breakfast, I squiggled my way north through San Fransisquito Canyon to Lancaster. Luckily, I was able to check into the hotel very early (just after noon), so for the rest of the day I just relaxed in the hot tub and watched Netflix on the sofa. It was a great start to the Spring Heat in Arizona HOG Touring Rally that begins tomorrow!

So long [for now], and thanks for all the fish! ✌️

Day 46 mileage: 110.3 (total 10737.6) [no riding days 43-45]
HD Dealerships: 0 (total 160)
National Parks: 0 (total 26 in 14 states)
10 Rides for 2022: 0 (total 3 of 10)
MCGTTX Stops: 0 (total 7 of 50)Les mer
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The 2022 Motorcycle Adventure Nancy Webb...Pat Bonetar
Back in SoCal!
27. mars 2022, Forente stater ⋅ ⛅ 57 °F
After a restful evening in Kingman, I continued to LA via I-40, stopping briefly at the Hole In The Wall Visitor Center at Mojave National Preserve. That was a gorgeous drive.

I got to my friend's house about 17:00, but she and another visitor weren't back from the Hash yet. Once they got back, we had dinner and drinks, then went through a magazine I found, National Geographic's "100 Places That Will Change Your Life." Between the three of us, we had been to about 80 of them 🤣.

What a great night. I'm so happy to see these beautiful people again!

So long [for now], and thanks for all the fish! ✌️

Day 42 mileage: 423.6 (total 10627.3)
HD Dealerships: 0 (total 160 *Reduced from 162; I must've miscounted.)
National Parks: 1 (total 26 in 14 states)
10 Rides for 2022: 0 (total 3 of 10)
MCGTTX Stops: 0 (total 7 of 50)Les mer
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