Nancy Webb...Pat Bonetar

Nancy Webb...Pat Bonetar

World traveler, Hash House Harrier, and Harley enthusiast...not necessarily in that order. Read more🇺🇸Cincinnati popl.co/card/qD4Qce0c/1/txt

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The 2022 Motorcycle Adventure Nancy Webb...Pat Bonetar
Back in SoCal!
March 27, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 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)Read more
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The 2022 Motorcycle Adventure Nancy Webb...Pat Bonetar
2
Bubbling At The KOA
March 26, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 73 °F
Yep, the temperature dropped again last night. It was 37°F when I left Holbrook. Not long after I jumped on I-40, I saw a biker pulled over at one of those exits where there shouldn't be an exit. You know, no gas station, liquor store, or pawn shop. It turned out to be Bobby from yesterday, so I swung a U-turn, went down the on ramp, and said hi.

We teamed up again and went to breakfast in Winslow, Arizona, along Historic Route 66. You should recognize that name from Eagles "Take It Easy" hit song lyrics, "Well, I was standing on a corner in Winslow, Arizona, such a fine sight to see...." Cool little town.

Then we went to Meteor Crater Natural Landmark, which is worth the stop and entry fee (privately owned; not part of the National Park System). There's a very educational museum, a 4D stationary ride, a movie, and a guided tour along the rim, which is all included in the ticket. You can even leave your dog at the Pet Ramada so they don't have to fry in the car. Definitely a must-see if you're cruising I-40.

Bobby stayed with me until the gas stop in Flagstaff, but I was headed south to Sedona and Prescott while he was heading to Sacramento and was very short on gas money ($49 to his name 😱😢), so we said goodbye around 11:30.

I went on my way after peeling off all of my gear except my jacket and chaps. I even took the liners out of those because it got up to 82°F 🥰.

I made it through Sedona despite very heavy traffic and headed toward Montezuma Castle National Monument. Between the two, I hit my 10,000-mile mark for the trip 😁. Once I got to the park, a Ranger flagged me down to say the park was packed and there were only two motorcycle parking spots left. Turns out, today is the first day of Spring Break, which explains the traffic in Sedona. To see anything at this park, you have to walk a little, so I decided to leave it for the next trip and went on my way.

Seeing a sign "Next services 55 miles" and already at 75 miles on my tank, I stopped in Seligman for gas and food. At $5.90 a gallon for 91 octane, this is the highest price I've seen on the trip...and I'm not even in California yet 😳. The food at the Road Kill Cafe (it had to be done) was also expensive--Seligman is in the middle of nowhere on a desolate stretch of about 125 miles--but the elk burger was very tasty and the side salad would have done for a whole meal.

I've landed in Kingman for the night and am now relaxing in the KOA's jacuzzi until it closes at 20:00. Well, it's only 19:00 now so maybe not that long, but long enough 😉.

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

Day 41 mileage: 405.9 (total 10203.7)
HD Dealerships: 5 (total 162)
National Parks: 0 (total 25 in 14 states)
10 Rides for 2022: 1 (total 3 of 10)
MCGTTX Stops: 0 (total 7 of 50)Read more
Traveler love it, ....how cool!
3/27/22Reply
Nancy Webb...Pat BonetarIt was well worth the stop!
3/27/22Reply
TravelerI thought it was "i was standin on a corner in Naha Okinawa......."
3/30/22Reply
Nancy Webb...Pat Bonetar🤣🤣🤣
3/31/22Reply
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The 2022 Motorcycle Adventure Nancy Webb...Pat Bonetar
Santa Fe to Holbrook
March 25, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 75 °F
Santa Fe, NM, to Holbrook, AZ. Petroglyph National Monument (didn't see anything) and Petrified Forest National Park (AMAZING!).

I was on I-40 and came up on a biker who flagged me down. Bobby from Orange, TX, on his first major motorcycle trip. His speedometer wasn't working, so he tagged on with me for another 60 miles to my gas stop. He said it was the longest he's ever gone without stopping 🤣. After we got back on the highway, he didn't hang 🤷.

I'm just outside of Petrified Forest National Park at another KOA "kabin" 🤣. It was 80°F today, but will drop again tonight. You absolutely must see Petrified Forest NP!

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

Day 40 mileage: 346.3 (total 9797.8)
HD Dealerships: 1 (total 157)
National Parks: 2 (total 25 in 14 states)
10 Rides for 2022: 0 (total 2 of 10)
MCGTTX Stops: 0 (total 7 of 50)Read more
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The 2022 Motorcycle Adventure Nancy Webb...Pat Bonetar
Is It Spring Yet?
March 24, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 55 °F
I left Lubbock this morning with all of my clothes on; it was 25°F 🥶. I got to Amarillo and there was snow on the ground. Is it not Spring already?!

I hit one patch of ice where a truck or something had dumped water on the road. Luckily, I was going in a straight line and fairly slow, so the weird gliding feeling when both of your tires lose traction with the ground only lasted a couple of seconds. I hate that feeling.

I ticked off at least one of all of my goals today 😁. The highlight was meeting a German guy from Frankfurt on his two-month Route 66 trip. Wish we'd had time to chat.

Tonight I'm at another KOA cabin ("kabin" of course 🤣) to the east of Santa Fe. Just before getting here, I filled my tank at $5.20 per gallon 😳. The day warmed up nicely, but it's supposed to drop again tonight, so I'm glad I could get a cabin. Now for a movie and a good sleep.

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

Day 39 mileage: 555.3 (total 9451.5)
HD Dealerships: 1 (total 156)
National Parks: 2 (total 23 in 14 states)
10 Rides for 2022: 1 (total 2 of 10)
MCGTTX Stops: 1 (total 7 of 50)Read more
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The 2022 Motorcycle Adventure Nancy Webb...Pat Bonetar
Heading West
March 23, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 54 °F
Today I'm heading to California. I've begun the Motorcycle Grand Tour of Texas and stopped at six locations between Fort Worth, Abilene, and Lubbock. Along the back roads of Texas, I came across a llama grazing with some huge goats or perhaps sheep, and I stopped to briefly watch some horseback cowboys herding cattle. The winds were no less than 20 miles per hour all the way, so I'm pretty tired from the day and staying at a Kampground of America (KOA). Fortunately, I was able to get a cabin with heat because the temperature is supposed to drop below freezing tonight. I thought it was Spring 😭.

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

Day 38 mileage: 400.9 (total 8896.2)
HD Dealerships: 2 (total 155)
National Parks: 0 (total 21 in 14 states)
10 Rides for 2022: 0 (total 1 of 10)
MCGTTX Stops: 6 (total 6 of 50)Read more
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The 2022 Motorcycle Adventure Nancy Webb...Pat Bonetar
2 Services, 1 Tornado, and a Birthday
March 22, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 50 °F
The past few days have been eventful.

Sunday was laundry and adjusting my pack.

Monday began with service for the RV's rooftop air conditioning that broke in December. The technician was 4 hours late for the appointment because they sent him on another job before mine even though I had made my appointment over a month ago for the first job of the day. It's a long, ugly story that ends with an emphatic "Never Use Camping World!" Once the technician left--no, it's not fixed yet--I was able to head to my mom's house for my brother's birthday dinner. I rode through some torrential storms and got the bike in the garage about 30 minutes before the tornado sirens went off 😳. Nothing happened where we were, but there was some activity in the area.

See more here, particularly the video with the Chevy flipping then driving away 😳:
🎶 Like A Rock 🎶
https://www.ksat.com/news/2022/03/22/video-show…

On Tuesday, Willie got a new front tire and had his 90,000-mile service that included redoing the neck bearings. Don't ask how much it cost 😳. They also put on his new license plate! I spent the rest of the day catching up on snail mail and computer stuff. One of the packages that came was my Iron Butt Association Saddlesore 1000 certification. Yay!

After a nice meal with mom, I've called it a night because I'm up early in the morning.

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

Day 35-37 mileage: 176.7 (total 8495.3)
HD Dealerships: 0 (total 153)
National Parks: 0 (total 21 in 14 states)
10 Rides for 2022: 0 (total 1 of 10)
MCGTTX Stops: 0 (total 0 of 50)Read more
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The 2022 Motorcycle Adventure Nancy Webb...Pat Bonetar
Back To The Barn
March 19, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 70 °F
As I packed camp this morning, my neighbor Thomas brought Chester the cat over to say goodbye. Thomas also brought me a T-shirt, a metal cross on a necklace, and a plastic shiv 🤣. Just what every girl needs 🤣. He was a nice guy despite what the ladies last night had to say about him, and he lives in the park, so maybe I'll get to chat with him again some day.

The weather was chilly but beautiful all day, so I decided to go all the way back to the Barn and got here just a bit ago. Time to adjust my pack and get ready to head out again on Monday for the next HOG rally that starts in California 😁.

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

Day 34 mileage: 541.4 (total 8317.6)
HD Dealerships: 3 (total 153)
National Parks: 0 (total 21 in 14 states)
10 Rides for 2022: 0 (total 1 of 10)
MCGTTX Stops: 0 (total 0 of 50)

Leg 1: 34 days, 8317.6 miles, 11 statesRead more
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The 2022 Motorcycle Adventure Nancy Webb...Pat Bonetar
Another Storm
March 18, 2022 in the United States ⋅ 🌙 63 °F
I was in another storm this morning, but I got lucky. It was supposed to hit around 02:00, bringing high winds and possibly hail. At 04:00 the wind woke me up as it was trying to flip me out of my tent. Despite the lightning, it wasn't raining yet, so I jumped up and broke camp as quick as I could.

Just before 06:00, I pulled the bike into the center of the open-sided pavilion, and not five minutes later, wham-o! The first deluge hit the campground with a ferocious hunger, dropping tree limbs from their perches and blowing away anything not tied down. The video doesn't really do it justice.

Because the storm came in waves, I took advantage of a break just after 07:00 to hightail it four miles down the road to a cafe for breakfast. Five minutes after I got inside, another wham-o. I stayed until 09:30 to wait out the rest of the storm.

The roads were wet but the rain had stopped, so I got going. When I made it to Hammond HD, a guy out front asked if I was just in Abita Springs. Yep, at the cafe. He turned out to be the dealership manager Zack and had seen me as he was driving his cage to work 🤣.

The rest of the day was uneventful, even navigating the New Orleans French District without a GPS.

After setting up camp at Hideaway Ponds RV Resort in Gibson, LA, I met Thomas, a Marine and his cat Chester. We chatted for a good while, then I played bingo with some other campers. The ladies hung around and taught me crazy card game played with 10 decks using three hands.

This is a small campground, and the club house, indoor pool, and jacuzzi are out of commission because of a hurricane last year, but the folks are friendly once you get through the think Cajun accents 🤣.

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

Day 33 mileage: 248.7 (total 7776.2)
HD Dealerships: 4 (total 150)
National Parks: 0 (total 21 in 14 states)
10 Rides for 2022: 0 (total 1 of 10)
MCGTTX Stops: 0 (total 0 of 50)Read more
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The 2022 Motorcycle Adventure Nancy Webb...Pat Bonetar
Long But Good Day
March 17, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 61 °F
I didn't post yesterday because all I did was Adult: catch up on emails, make phone calls, pay bills, work routes, etc. All. Stinking. Day. Since I stayed two nights at Styx River, it was the perfect opportunity, and fortunately I got most of it done. More fortunately the campground had a restaurant, so I didn't have to leave for food 😁.

I didn't sleep well last night, so I began breaking down the camp site around 04:30. It was only about 40°F when I left at 06:00, but I was once again in my heated gear, so the cold wasn't a problem.

The moon was huge as it set on the western horizon. I got to Mobile, Alabama, just as it was dipping below the high rises. Beautiful.

At a little before 09:00, I stopped at the William M. Colmer Visitor Center in Davis Bayou for a Gulf Islands National Seashore stamp. The park is heavily wooded and right on the water, with picnic areas and paved walking trails. The visitor center was surprisingly interactive and quite interesting despite being targeted towards children. It's a nice stop if you're travelling I-10.

At 10:30, I met Will for coffee in Ocean Springs. He worked for me in Germany and is also now retired with a real estate business. It was great to catch up with him. And yes, I forgot to take a selfie again 🤦.

He had to get back to work, so I headed to the Biloxi Hard Rock Casino for a couple of pins before making it to Abita Springs RV Resort. It has a lovely lake and there is at least one walking trail that will apparently take you all the way to Slidell, wherever that is. The Canadian geese are nesting here, so I'm on the lookout for goose poop. Seriously, it's nasty stuff.

After setting up camp, I rode to Mandeville and had dinner on the deck overlooking the Lake Ponchartrain north shore at Pat's Rest Awhile. Chicken and corn chowder, hush puppies, white fish almondine with green beans, and biscotti cake with caramelized bananas 😋😋😋.

When I got back to the campground, a guy working here told me I could go under the pavilion if I needed to take shelter from tonight's storm. Wait. What? Turns out, there's a doozie of a blast coming in tonight. It should hit around 02:00. Wish me luck 😳🤞.

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

Day 32 mileage: 223.8 (total 7527.5) [no riding on Day 31]
HD Dealerships: 3 (total 146)
National Parks: 1 (total 21 in 14 states)
10 Rides for 2022: 0 (total 1 of 10)
MCGTTX Stops: 0 (total 0 of 50)Read more
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The 2022 Motorcycle Adventure Nancy Webb...Pat Bonetar
Camping Again
March 15, 2022 in the United States ⋅ 🌙 59 °F
After a lovely visit with Chris and Lauren, I rolled out of their driveway just before 08:00 in a light rain. The temperature was fine and not too hot in my personal ziplock bag, I mean, rain suit. But it didn't take long before I hit the nasty stuff again. Buckets and more buckets. I toughed it out until I got to my friend's home in Pensacola.

Melissa and I met in Okinawa in 2010 and took a train trip to Berlin in 2011 during my R&R from Iraq. She was in the Netherlands when I moved to Germany in 2013, so we saw each other there several times, including at her wedding and son's birth 🤗. Now we're back in the US and I try to see her every time I'm near the Florida panhandle. A three-continent friend 🤣!

I had planned to get to Melissa's at 09:00, but didn't make it until almost 10:30 because of the weather. Fortunately, she is another awesome friend who fed me lunch and let me hang out until 15:00 when the sun finally started to peek out. We had lots of laughs catching up, and she really laughed when I pet her Savannah cat because the cat tells people it doesn't want them to pet it by making their hands and arms bleed. People like Melissa's parents 🤣.

With all of my skin intact and the weather abating, I finally decided to leave. I took a chance and didn't put my rain gear back on, and it paid off. I had a pretty much dry 35 miles to get to my campground, Styx River RV Resort. Earlier this year I bought an RV membership and this is one of the properties. I figured I'd check it out for a couple of nights on my long way back to Texas.

This evening I met and spoke to Ralph. Well, he spoke to me. For about 3 hours while his wife played a game, something using 10 decks of cards. He talking about his 9 siblings whose names all begin with L except his, 2 kids, 1 wife, multiple jobs, getting old, getting sick, getting well.... You get the picture. Nice guy but wow, could he talk. I thought about making an excuse to escape, but then realized I wasn't doing anything or going anywhere, so talk away, Ralph 😁. The one-sided conversation finally ended when I was rescued by a phone call. Thanks 😘!

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

Day 30 mileage: 128.2 (total 7303.7)
HD Dealerships: 2 (total 143)
National Parks: 0 (total 20 in 13 states)
10 Rides for 2022: 0 (total 1 of 10)
MCGTTX Stops: 0 (total 0 of 50)Read more
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The 2022 Motorcycle Adventure Nancy Webb...Pat Bonetar
More Friends
March 14, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 57 °F
I absolutely LOVE that I am seeing so many of my friends on this leg of my trip! But first things first.

I rolled out of Micki's at 08:00 this morning in 38°F, but the roads were dry and the sun was shining. I squiggled to several dealerships, then arrived in Panama City Beach to see Molly. I forgot about going back to Central Time, so she was still at work when I got to town. So I went to the beach by Tussell-Fields Pier

I had a scoop of creamy, chocolatey, coconutty heaven from Kilwins Ice Cream and Fudge. Ohhh my, it was sooo good. I stood on the boardwalk/sidewalk overlooking the beach getting weird looks because I was still in my leathers, but I didn't care. The sun was warm and the ice cream was cold. It was a great 30 minutes.

Then I was off to see Molly. We met in Germany and I hadn't seen her since 2015. After a short chat and a couple of hugs, I left to see another friend, two actually; they're married.

I also met Chris and Lauren in Germany, and Chris and I were in Afghanistan together in 2017. I was surprised to be greeted by Brewster, Lauren's 14-year-old Australian Shepherd, whom I also knew in Germany. It is very possible he remembered me because she said he started acting like a pup while I was there. Aaww 🤗.

I was also so happy to finally meet their beautiful five-year-old daughter Annabelle and their foster daughter Tamaya. Despite both Chris and Lauren being active duty Air Force, they have opened their home and hearts for foster children. I don't know how they do it, but they do. I am very lucky to have these amazing people call me friend. And, yes, I forgot to take a selfie with them 🤦. Love you both so much!

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

Day 29 mileage: 434.3 (total 7175.5)
HD Dealerships: 5 (total 141)
National Parks: 0 (total 20 in 13 states)
10 Rides for 2022: 0 (total 1 of 10)
MCGTTX Stops: 0 (total 0 of 50)Read more
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The 2022 Motorcycle Adventure Nancy Webb...Pat Bonetar
Laptop, Toes, and Farkle
March 13, 2022 in the United States ⋅ 🌙 45 °F
Micki and I have been having fun the past two days. Saturday, we had breakfast from Zacadoos, picked me up a new laptop, had pedicures, and ate a delicious lunch at Friends. Then Mike took us to Chophouse for dinner. Fried green tomatoes, filet mignon, and garlic mashed potatoes. Yum!

Sunday was mostly setting up the new computer (me), playing Arc with her son and friends (Micki), and uncovering plants from Saturday night's 30°F low (Mike). Mike picked up Chinese food for dinner, then we played several rounds of the dice game Farckle. I don't know who won, but we had a blast. Love you both so much!!

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

Day 27 & 28 mileage: 0 (total 6741.2)
HD Dealerships: 0 (total 136)
National Parks: 0 (total 20 in 13 states)
10 Rides for 2022: 0 (total 1 of 10)
MCGTTX Stops: 0 (total 0 of 50)Read more
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The 2022 Motorcycle Adventure Nancy Webb...Pat Bonetar
Friends To The Rescue...Again!
March 11, 2022 in the United States ⋅ 🌧 66 °F
I waited to leave Ocala until around 09:00 hoping the worst of the storm had passed. It hadn't. 15 minutes later I was putting on my rain gear and riding in torrential rain, going 25 mph on I-75 and not much slower than the rest of the traffic...except the tractor-trailers who don't slow down for anything or anyone.

When I got to Gainesville HD at about 10:30, I went inside, took off my gear, ordered DoorDash for lunch, and sat down on the sofa with hot coffee until 14:30 🤣.

Even though it was still raining hard, I had 100 miles left to reach my best friend Micki's in Georgia, so I pulled out at 15:00 cringing from the thunder and lightning. If I had left much later than that, I would have been riding in the rain AND the dark. Not a good combination on a motorcycle.

I got to Naylor just after 17:00, still daylight, and surprisingly I wasn't too soaked through my rain gear. Again, my friends came to the rescue. Mike hung up my leathers and gear while Micki loaned me clothes so I could wash all of mine at once.

We spent a little while trying to figure out when Mike and I last saw each other (we couldn't), and Micki and I tried to catch up on the past year. Time really flies, but it's like I saw Micki just last week.

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

Day 26 mileage: 160 (total 6741.2)
HD Dealerships: 2 (total 136)
National Parks: 0 (total 20 in 13 states)
10 Rides for 2022: 0 (total 1 of 10)
MCGTTX Stops: 0 (total 0 of 50)Read more
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The 2022 Motorcycle Adventure Nancy Webb...Pat Bonetar
Friends To The Rescue
March 10, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 66 °F
After a restful sleep and lazy morning in Fort Myers, I finally hit the road around 08:00 headed north to see another friend, Sonya. I cruised through the dealerships in Port Charlotte, Sarasota, and St. Petersburg before I hit the weather. Ugh.

At 13:00, it began to rain. First it was "little bitty stingin' rain" that made me wish for my fingered gloves. Then it turned into "big ol' fat rain." By 14:00, it was "rain that flew in sideways." Plus, the temperature must have dropped more than 20°F because I was shivering by the time I arrived safely in Ocala around 16:00.

Sonya and Gary were amazing to me. Gary grabbed my soaked leathers and started hanging things even though everything was dripping all over their floor. Then he loaned me sweats and a shirt, and Sonya started washing my clothes. A hot shower and then it was finally time to catch up with Sonya and actually meet Gary for the first time 🤣.

Great conversation, great wine, a great Mexican restaurant, great lovings from the two dogs and two cats, and a great night's sleep. Thanks so much, you two!!

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

Day 25 mileage: 253.5 (total 6581.2)
HD Dealerships: 3 (total 134)
National Parks: 0 (total 20 in 13 states)
10 Rides for 2022: 0 (total 1 of 10)
MCGTTX Stops: 0 (total 0 of 50)Read more
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The 2022 Motorcycle Adventure Nancy Webb...Pat Bonetar
New Parameters & Old Friends
March 9, 2022 in the United States ⋅ 🌙 77 °F
Last night, as I was writing down directions because my GPS is shattered, I realized that I have rarely been accomplishing the very first goal I set for myself way back on Day 0 February 13th: Enjoy the ride!

First, I left my heated gloves on the back of the bike and took off. Another time I left my bungee cords dangling and lost most of them. Recently, I left my swing arm bag open but didn't lose anything because a passing car hollered at me. Then the GPS snafu yesterday. All of these are and were easily preventable, but I've pushed so hard to get my photo at the next dealership or hit a national park visitor center before it closed or check into a nonrefundable campground reservation that I've lost focus on what's important: Enjoy the ride!

So, today I'm making some changes. I'm NOT going as far south as Miami, not even for the HDs and Hard Rock. I'm NOT going through Alligator Alley to the national park campground I reserved for tonight (nonrefundable). And I AM going the speed limit the rest of the time I'm in Florida. Fingers crossed I don't get run over.

With these new parameters, I packed up camp (it didn't rain 😁) and headed south to Canaveral National Seashore. I had a long breakfast along the way, grabbed my stamp, and slowly continued south.

I am so fortunate to have made and kept so many terrific people over the years. Today, I had lunch in Port St. Lucie with Larry and Terri, whom I rode with when stationed the second time in Germany. He's retired Air Force now and turned his Flight Engineer experience and some schooling into a pilot's license. They temporarily live in a wonderful RV park that's sort of in the country but only 15 minutes from a state park beach. It was wonderful to see them again!

After a nice chat, I made my way to the dealership just a little further south in Stuart, then turned westward. I had a lovely ride down Martin Grade Scenic Highway before swooping over the top of Lake Okeechobee and passing through LaBelle.

Read more here: https://floridascenichighways.com/our-byways/so…

I managed to miss the rain until around 14:00 when I hit quite a downpour. It didn't last long though, and I dried out quickly in the heat of the day. Now I'm in a hotel in Fort Myers for the evening enjoying the hot shower and cold air conditioning. And I am very happy to say that today I enjoyed the ride!

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

Day 24 mileage: 376.6 (total 6327.7)
HD Dealerships: 2 (total 131)
National Parks: 1 (total 20 in 13 states)
10 Rides for 2022: 0 (total 1 of 10)
MCGTTX Stops: 0 (total 0 of 50)Read more
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The 2022 Motorcycle Adventure Nancy Webb...Pat Bonetar
Back to Daytona via Jacksonville 😜
March 8, 2022 in the United States ⋅ 🌧 73 °F
I tried to beat the traffic this morning by leaving my friend's at 07:00. I failed. It was terrible, and I'll leave it at that.

I hit some dealerships, then met another friend for a bite in Orlando. I met Kersten while living in Germany. She's German and married an American, then his work brought them and their adorable son Eli to the US.

After we ate, we went to the dealership where Eli got on the bike with me. He is going to be a heartbreaker.

On my way over, the GPS popped off my bike and the car behind me ran over it. I pulled over and got it out of the street, but the screen is shattered. It sort of works, but it gets confused about where it is and loses the satellite connection. So, now I'm using my backup GPS: pen and paper. Luckily they're both Rite In The Rain products because it poured down while I was headed back to Daytona.

I scooted up to Jacksonville to hit the main dealership. I just went the other day, but in addition to my dealership challenge photos, Daytona Bike Week also had a challenge to hit 8 different dealers. I only repeated 3, then went back to the Daytona International Speedway to claim my prize. I picked an LED light that is a flashlight, an area light, and a red strobe light with a magnetic base, a hanger, and the HOG logo on the side. So worth paying $5.499 a gallon for 93 octane 😳.

I hug out a little while with Bob and Chief, then said the final goodbye and rode back to the campground. It is supposed to rain tonight, so I've packed as much as I can so I can break down faster in the morning in case it's still raining. Wish me luck.

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

Day 23 mileage: 374.5 (total 5951.1)
HD Dealerships: 6 (total 129)
National Parks: 0 (total 19 in 12 states)
10 Rides for 2022: 0 (total 1 of 10)
MCGTTX Stops: 0 (total 0 of 50)Read more
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The 2022 Motorcycle Adventure Nancy Webb...Pat Bonetar
Over to Tampa
March 7, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 72 °F
I left the campground this morning around 07:00 in the soaking wet dew. I forgot how humid Florida is. Even the inside of the tent rain cover was wet!

I left most of my stuff in the tent and headed to Tampa. I hit dealerships and the Tampa Hard Rock Hotel and Casino on my way and made it to my friend's home around 17:00.

I don't remember Florida traffic being this insane. I was here last year, and I swear it wasn't this bad. Cars doing under or just at the speed limit in the left lane with never considering to move over. Passing in the far right lane at 15 to 30 miles per hour over the speed limit. Twice as many cars on the road as last year and that one left-lane blocker causes a backup for 5 miles. It's bad.

Anyway, it is wonderful to see Leann, whom I met while stationed in Okinawa, Japan. She is also retired Air Force. I try to catch up with her every time I come to Florida. This trip I also got to meet her parents who are visiting from Arizona or New Mexico. I wish I could stay longer, but I have to get back to the campground tomorrow.

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

Day 22 mileage: 406.3 (total 5576.6)
HD Dealerships: 8 (total 123)
National Parks: 0 (total 19 in 12 states)
10 Rides for 2022: 0 (total 1 of 10)
MCGTTX Stops: 0 (total 0 of 50)Read more
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The 2022 Motorcycle Adventure Nancy Webb...Pat Bonetar
2 Missions; 2 Accomplished
March 6, 2022 in the United States ⋅ 🌙 73 °F
Although I didn't put on many miles today, it was a nice day. I found a leather guy on Main Street who fixed the snaps on my vest and sewed a patch on to my chaps. Mission #1 accomplished.

At the New Smyrna HD, I got to see Pablo and Glen, whom I met at several rallies last year. Bob and Chief also swung by to meet Glen and some other HOG Chapter members since Chief is soon moving to this area. Mission #2 accomplished.

This morning I test rode four new Harleys: Lowrider, Sportster, Pan America, and Road Glide. Wow on all of them! The Road Glide CVO was really top heavy, but rode like a recliner on the road. The Sportster is completely redesigned and has the same engine as the Pan American. The engine is very smooth and on the Sportster it's crazy responsive and soooo fast. The Pan American is much heavier than the 500-pound Sporty, so still fast but just a tiny bit slower on the response. The Lowrider, with the 117 Milwaukee 8 engine, is a beast. Only the air breather is an issue because my shin is against it when I use the rear brake...and that's with mid controls. I would have to change the breather to use forward controls. I also saw the new Lowrider ST with removable hard saddlebags and frame-mounted faring. This may be my next bike 🤔.

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

Day 21 mileage: 81.3 (total 5170.3)
HD Dealerships: 1 (total 115)
National Parks: 0 (total 19 in 12 states)
10 Rides for 2022: 0 (total 1 of 10)
MCGTTX Stops: 0 (total 0 of 50)Read more
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The 2022 Motorcycle Adventure Nancy Webb...Pat Bonetar
Up Then Down to Daytona
March 5, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 73 °F
I was fortunate enough to stay in the same hotel as Bob and Chief, so we had breakfast together this morning. I said a fond farewell to them at about 08:45 and went back to my room to make a phone call at 09:00. I had an interview with the Rider Relations Officer for the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge. I was on the waiting list, but now it looks like I will be able to participate! Woohoo!!!

(Read more here: https://hokaheychallenge.com/index.htm)

I also called a long time friend Darryl this morning. We met in Iraq; he was the Chaplain. We stayed in touch, sort of, and when I found out he and his wife had moved to the Jacksonville area, I had hoped to see them while I was here. Unfortunately that didn't work out, but we had a very nice video chat.

I left the hotel around noon headed north from St. Augustine back to Jacksonville to hit the dealerships. I spotted a Whataburger along the way, so lunch was delicious 😋. I took the non-interstate way to Daytona, swinging by the Hard Rock Hotel for a couple of pins before making my way to my campground near Daytona International Speedway 🏁. This place isn't as well set up as my campground in Sturgis, but it's okay. Probably won't stay here again, although I did meet some nice folks this evening, including a guy that was at Bitburg Air Base, Germany, the same time I was in 1992-1994. Crazy small world.

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

Day 20 mileage: 185.6 (total 5089.0)
HD Dealerships: 3 (total 114)
National Parks: 0 (total 19 in 12 states)
10 Rides for 2022: 0 (total 1 of 10)
MCGTTX Stops: 0 (total 0 of 50)Read more
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The 2022 Motorcycle Adventure Nancy Webb...Pat Bonetar
Run To The Sun Day 3
March 4, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 72 °F
Today was the last day of the Run To The Sun Touring Rally, unfortunately. We had another wonderful day riding from Savannah, GA, to St. Augustine, FL, again hugging the coast. We made really good time, so I decided to take them across a little ferry from Fort George Island to Mayport, just to the northeast of Jacksonville. It was a motorcycle first for several of them, and despite having to wait 30 minutes for a 5-minute trip, I saw a lot of happy faces.

I am so very lucky to have met such great people during this rally and made friends out of familiar faces from previous rallies. These folks were absolutely terrific riding buddies and they made this rally very special for me. Thanks, y'all 🤗! Love you guys!

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

Day 19 mileage: 238.8 (total 4903.4)
HD Dealerships: 2 (total 111)
National Parks: 0 (total 19 in 12 states)
10 Rides for 2022: 1 (total 1 of 10)
MCGTTX Stops: 0 (total 0 of 50)Read more
TravelerStay warm (haha), Looks like a Great time, glad they enjoyed the Ferry ride - it's always a different experience
3/5/22Reply
Nancy Webb...Pat BonetarIt was short but fun!
3/5/22Reply
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The 2022 Motorcycle Adventure Nancy Webb...Pat Bonetar
RTTS Day 2 & Flat Tire (Again)
March 3, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 72 °F
Day 2 of the rally was another terrific day. All but two of yesterday's group made our way from Wilmington, NC, to Savannah, GA, sticking mostly to back roads. There were lots of bridges because we hugged the coast as closely as we could. The salty breeze was a delicious treat in the heat of the day.

The day was smooth sailing until about three miles outside of Savannah when I got another flat rear tire. I asked the group to go on without me, but they wouldn't, so Chief made a beeline to the Savannah HD while the rest of the pack escorted me. Running at 30 miles an hour with hazards on is not fun when traffic was going over 60. I was so afraid that the last rider would get smashed, but Dave didn't and we got there about 20 minutes before they closed. I figured it was another pinched tube, but I had run over a screw. Luckily HD had a tire for me and they even stayed late to fix it so I could continue on the rally. Awesome!

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

Day 18 mileage: 334.6 (total 4664.6)
HD Dealerships: 6 (total 109)
National Parks: 0 (total 19 in 12 states)
10 Rides for 2022: 0 (total 0 of 10)
MCGTTX Stops: 0 (total 0 of 50)Read more
TravelerAaarrrgh, haven't you met your quota for flats???? Just Thinin'
3/5/22Reply
Nancy Webb...Pat BonetarI know, right?
3/5/22Reply
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The 2022 Motorcycle Adventure Nancy Webb...Pat Bonetar
Run To The Sun Day 1
March 2, 2022 in the United States ⋅ 🌙 61 °F
Today was just about as perfect as a day can get. The weather was clear, sunny, and warm, the roads were in good condition with very little traffic most of the day, and, perhaps best of all, our group of 10 bikes and 12 people were in sync even though some of us had just met each other last night.

One of the great things about being part of HOG (Harley Owners Group) is the almost immediate camaraderie you have with other HOG members. Last night at dinner, the rally coordinator asked for a show of hands from anyone not riding with anyone else during the rally. There were a couple of folks sitting by our three-person group (me, Bob, and Chief), so I asked if they'd like to join us. By the end of the evening, we had a group of eight bikes and two more bikes showed up at the hotel this morning to roll with us! Awesome 🤣!

Our dirty dozen made a lot of stops at dealerships, the Wright Brothers National Memorial, and an old store called Gibbs Store LLC in Engelhard, NC. The sign outside says the store began in 1895, and it must be the only store in town because it has everything from antiques to shotguns to wrenches to snacks. Cool place.

We ended today at Carolina Coast H-D in Wilmington, NC, with another terrific dinner and some door prizes. Now, I'm in my hotel room getting ready to lead the group again tomorrow. This is soooo much fun!!

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

Day 17 mileage: 353.0 (total 4330.0)
HD Dealerships: 5 (total 103)
National Parks: 1 (total 19 in 12 states)
10 Rides for 2022: 0 (total 0 of 10)
MCGTTX Stops: 0 (total 0 of 50)Read more
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The 2022 Motorcycle Adventure Nancy Webb...Pat Bonetar
Relaxing Day
March 1, 2022 in the United States ⋅ 🌙 55 °F
I had a relaxing day today. I went to the Virginia Aquarium this morning, which was almost empty except for a few moms and kids. Much of it is under renovation, but it was decent and the staff was super friendly and very knowledgeable.

After that, I went back to Chesapeake Beach for lunch by the water at Bubba's Seafood Restaurant and Crabhouse. I had a delicious crab cake sandwich and shrimp cocktail while watching the cormorants and pelicans drying their wings in the warm sun and the small boats passing by on their way in or out.

This evening is the dinner that kicks off the HOG rally. It's wonderful to see quite a few familiar faces from last year's rallies. Tomorrow is going to be fun!

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

Day 16 mileage: 43.2 (total 3977.0)
HD Dealerships: 1 (total 98)
National Parks: 0 (total 18 in 11 states)
10 Rides for 2022: 0 (total 0 of 10)
MCGTTX Stops: 0 (total 0 of 50)Read more
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The 2022 Motorcycle Adventure Nancy Webb...Pat Bonetar
Finally a Beautiful Day (But Still Cold)
February 28, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 39 °F
Today was finally a beautiful day, but it was a short run (and still really cold) from the KOA to Virginia Beach for breakfast at a great little family-owned place called Scrambles. I hung out for a while enjoying the music, lots of Billy Joel and 90s Alternative, then I went to my hotel, where I was able to check in very early (noon-ish). I did laundry, then said hi to a riding buddy I met last year who is also in town for the HOG rally. Did I mention that's why I'm here?

Tomorrow is the beginning of the first Harley Owners Group (HOG) Touring Rally of 2022: Run to the Sun. We leave Virginia Beach on 2 March and ride down the Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina coastlines to arrive in FL on the 4th for my first Daytona Bike Week. Yay!

Anyway, I hung out with my buddy Bob and met his buddy Chief Bob (former Coast Guard) for a few minutes, then went to a wonderful seafood dinner on Chesapeake Beach at Chick's Oyster Bar with two friends I knew in Germany, Nick and Ola. They have a gorgeous little girl now, and it was so fun seeing them again. Unfortunately, we forgot to take a picture. Next time.

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

Day 15 mileage: 21.2 (total 3933.8)
HD Dealerships: 1 (total 97)
National Parks: 0 (total 18 in 11 states)
10 Rides for 2022: 0 (total 0 of 10)
MCGTTX Stops: 0 (total 0 of 50)Read more
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The 2022 Motorcycle Adventure Nancy Webb...Pat Bonetar
Still Yucky
February 27, 2022 in the United States ⋅ 🌧 41 °F
I arrived at Virginia Beach three days ago in the rain and cold...and it's still the same yucky weather. Thank goodness DoorDash delivers to the KOA 🤣!

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

Day 12-14 mileage: 0 (total 3912.6)
HD Dealerships: 0 (total 96)
National Parks: 0 (total 18 in 11 states)
10 Rides for 2022: 0 (total 0 of 10)
MCGTTX Stops: 0 (total 0 of 50)Read more
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The 2022 Motorcycle Adventure Nancy Webb...Pat Bonetar
Welcome to Virginia Beach!
February 24, 2022 in the United States ⋅ 🌧 41 °F
I hated saying goodbye to my friends this morning. It was so good to see them all.

I left their house at 07:30 hoping to beat the rain and possible sleet coming in from the west. Although it was almost 80°F yesterday, it was only 38°F this morning, so I gambled with the weather and chose to plug in my heated gear instead of putting on my rain gear.

I hightailed it down I-95 to Richmond, then swung east to stop briefly at Yorktown National Historical Park. Just before I got there, the rain began to drizzle. I rolled on, stopping at two dealerships before arriving at a third where I had arranged for my 85,000-mile service. The rain was harder, but still not too bad. I dropped off the bike and walked across the street for lunch at a sports bar restaurant. They let me hang out the entire time I was waiting for the bike, from noon until about 15:30. Pretty cool.

While I was there, the rain really came down, but luckily it let up some before I left. I was only about 15 miles from tonight's overnight location, so I still didn't use the rain gear. I didn't get soaked, just a little damp 🤣.

For the next few nights I'm staying in a KOA cabin that's quite cozy. They haven't opened their tent camping yet, but at only $40 a night for the cabin, which has both a heater and an air conditioner, I'm happy to be indoors.

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

Day 11 mileage: 222.9 (total 3912.6)
HD Dealerships: 2 (total 96)
National Parks: 1 (total 18 in 11 states)
10 Rides for 2022: 0 (total 0 of 10)
MCGTTX Stops: 0 (total 0 of 50)Read more
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