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The 2022 Motorcycle Adventure
  • Nancy Webb...Pat Bonetar

The 2022 Motorcycle Adventure

No whining! The purpose of this trip is to enjoy motorcycling the US while seeing old friends, making new old friends, and accomplishing a whole bunch of mostly crazy goals. Read more
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  • Trip start
    February 14, 2022
    Nancy Webb...Pat BonetarThe 2022 Motorcycle AdventureNancy Webb...Pat Bonetar
    Willie after his annual bathWillie after his annual bathWillie after his annual bathWillie after his annual bath

    2022 Begins Tomorrow

    February 13, 2022 in the United States ⋅ 🌙 50 °F

    To dare is to lose one’s footing momentarily. To not dare is to lose oneself. – Søren Kierkegaard

    Tomorrow, I dare.

    I have never enjoyed staying in one place very long, and when I first began riding motorcycles 21 years ago, I quickly understood this thrilling new passion would also be a wonderful way to travel. But between work and family, I could never get away for more than a couple of weeks and typically only a few days at a time.

    However, after I retired from the Air Force in 2018 and returned to the US in late 2019 after a 15-month international backpacking trip, I was free to get on the motorcycle and go where ever I wanted, whenever I wanted. For a few months, anyway, until the pandemic hit. But despite COVID, I still made it from Texas to Sturgis to New York and back to Texas over 47 days. Then in 2021, I jumped off the deep end and rode 56,000 miles in 47 states over 198 days. When I finished the trip--happy but exhausted--I immediately began wondering how I could ever top it. Tomorrow, I try.

    Tomorrow, I will purposely lose my footing for about 225 days while I motorcycle around the US.

    Here is what I have challenged myself to accomplish in 2022:
    - Enjoy the ride!
    - No whining.
    - No crashing.
    - Visit as many friends as I can and make new friends along the way.
    - Complete Harley's Georgia and South Carolina 50 Rides 1 Nation Challenge (#47 and #48 of the 50).
    - Complete Harley's 10 Rides for 2022.
    - Visit all 50 locations in the 2022 Motorcycle Grand Tour of Texas.
    - Visit at least 502 Harley dealerships.
    - Complete Iron Butt Association's National Parks Tour Master Traveler Award Silver.
    - Attend all of Harley's Touring Rallies.
    - Complete the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge in the allotted time (if I get in).
    - Get amazing tan lines from my gloves.

    I am a bundle of energy just thinking about tomorrow. Last year's ride taught me so much about myself and about my 2018 H-D Street Bob "Willie." I cannot wait to see what this year has in store for me!

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

    Starting mileage: 81,063
    HD Dealerships: 34 (total 34)
    50 Rides, 1 Nation: 0 (total 46 of 50)
    10 Rides for 2022: 0 (total 0 of 10)
    National Parks: 9 (total 9)
    MCGTTX Stops: 0 (total 0 of 50)    Read more

  • Nancy Webb...Pat BonetarThe 2022 Motorcycle AdventureNancy Webb...Pat Bonetar

    On The Road Again!

    February 14, 2022 in the United States ⋅ 🌙 41 °F

    2022 is off to a great start! Willie and I left East Texas this morning around 08:30 in 31°F cold. But with my heated gear, I was nice and toasty.

    In Bossier City, LA, I stopped for lunch with a friend from Okinawa and Afghanistan. Great to see him again and meet his wife.

    I visited Poverty Point World Heritage Site and National Monument, but didn't have time to do anything except get my stamp. I was hurrying to get to Vicksburg National Battlefield in time to get its stamp, but missed it by just a few minutes. Poop.

    The rest of the day was collecting dealerships in Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama.

    Tonight I'm camped at Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park between Tuscaloosa and Birmingham. It was a long day, but really awesome to be back on the road again with Willie.

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

    Day 1 mileage: 641.2 (total 641.2)
    HD Dealerships: 6 (total 40)
    National Parks: 1 (total 10)
    50 Rides, 1 Nation: 0 (total 46 of 50)
    10 Rides for 2022: 0 (total 0 of 10)
    MCGTTX Stops: 0 (total 0 of 50)    Read more

  • Nancy Webb...Pat BonetarThe 2022 Motorcycle AdventureNancy Webb...Pat Bonetar
    Horseshoe Bend National Military ParkHorseshoe Bend National Military ParkHorseshoe Bend National Military ParkHorseshoe Bend National Military ParkHorseshoe Bend National Military ParkTuskegee Airmen National Historic Site at Motion Field Municipal Airport (with plane taking off)"Entering Eastern Time Zone" at the border of Alabama and GeorgiaMe and Willie! Looks like I'm eating 🤣🤣. I'm taking the photo.

    I Need To Plan Better

    February 15, 2022 in the United States ⋅ 🌙 50 °F

    After pitching my tent in the dark last night, I finally laid down to get some rest. And although I kept on all of my riding gear except my helmet, I messed up and took off my boots. I have notoriously cold feet (not like that, like temperature), but last night my toes were so cold they hurt. So, since I had on all of my other heated gear, I put on my boots with heated insoles and plugged myself into the bike until I could feel my toes thawing. I hopped back in the tent--with boots on this time--but again my feet kept me from sleeping. I plugged myself in three times between 23:00 and 04:00, but when my feet woke me up at 05:30, I gave up, packed, did my stretching routine, and left by 07:00 in very cold weather.

    I would've liked to have seen Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park in the daytime. It looked very pretty on the way out, with many buildings and a large stream running through it. I will have to go back some day when it's warmer.

    Today's riding was just dealerships and parks. I visited Horseshoe Bend National Military Park, where Andrew Jackson made his name fighting the Red Stick Creek for their land. It was a scenic, short, and somber drive and worth a detour if you're passing near there.

    (See more here: https://www.nps.gov/hobe/index.htm)

    I also stopped at the Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site. I was really looking forward to this stop because I share a tiny bit of history with the Tuskegee Airmen. I was a Red Tail in Iraq with the 332d Air Expeditionary Wing, which traces its lineage back to the TA Red Tails. Although the bookstore was open, the museum is only open on Fridays and Saturdays. Poop. Again.

    (See more here: https://www.nps.gov/tuai/index.htm)

    Yesterday I missed the Vicksburg Battlefield stamp and today I missed the Tuskegee Airmen museum. I also missed stamps from Andersonville National Historic Site and Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park, both in Georgia, because I left them towards the end of my route today, and they would have been closed when I arrived.

    So, I obviously need to plan these park visits better from now on so I can get my stamps and also see at least a little of what they're about.

    This evening I'm at a Kampground of America outside of Macon, where I've pitched my tent, taken a shower, and scraped three inches along my bottom pipe heat shield on a chunk of concrete I didn't see...even though it had a huge grill sticking out of it 🤦.

    Now I'm hanging out in the laundry room because it's cold outside and it's cold in my tent. Actually, it's not that bad, around 55°F, but last night has had me chilled all day. Plus, the laundry room has a outlet for my phone. I plan on sleeping in all of my gear again, including my boots. I hope I don't have to plug into the bike tonight🤞.

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

    Day 2 mileage: 458.3 (total 1099.5)
    HD Dealerships: 6 (total 46)
    National Parks: 2 (total 12 in 6 states)
    50 Rides, 1 Nation: 0 (total 46 of 50)
    10 Rides for 2022: 0 (total 0 of 10)
    MCGTTX Stops: 0 (total 0 of 50)    Read more

  • Nancy Webb...Pat BonetarThe 2022 Motorcycle AdventureNancy Webb...Pat Bonetar
    Oh yeah, I stopped by the Hard Rock Cafe in downtown Atlanta, too.

    An Expensive Day (WTF?!)

    February 16, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 54 °F

    Well, day 3 has not turned out so great, although I am shiny side up so it wasn't too bad.

    It started around 02:30 when my body woke me up by shivering. I got out of the tent and plugged myself into the bike. Oh yeah, nice and toasty. 20 minutes later, I was back in the laundry room and an hour after that, I got some more sleep on the bench.

    I woke up shivering again (WTF?) at 05:20, so turned off my 05:30 alarm, broke down my gear, and rolled out just after 06:00 under a gorgeous full moon.

    Like yesterday, today's ride was just about hitting dealerships and collecting park stamps, all around the greater Atlanta area.

    I must have been on every interstate in Atlanta today at least once...except I-285E that was completely closed for a multiple car crash with at least one fatality (the privacy screens were set up on the road). Anyway, I made it to 3 HDs then went to the Martin Luther King Jr National Historic Park. Everything was closed because of COVID except his house, which is where I got my stamp. No tours were happening though, so off I went. Oh, when I left it was warming up, so I changed gloves. Remember that.

    I hit a couple more HDs then I stopped briefly at Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park. It was packed, so I just got my stamp and left.

    When I got to the next dealership, I saw I had missed a call and received a voicemail from the KOA campground I stayed at last night. Apparently, my tent--which is on my bike--was still in my tent space, and I hadn't checked out, so they charged me for a second night. WTF? I called, of course, and told them I left before anyone was awake and took all of my stuff. They didn't believe me, but they hadn't actually looked at my site either. WTF? I held the line while someone drove to my tent site to confirm I wasn't still there. "Yes, you are correct, Miss Webb. You're not still here. We'll refund you the charges." Remember that.

    I was already hungry and now I was mad, so I stopped for gas and food at Kroger. When I got off the bike, I realized what I had done. Or rather, not done, when I changed gloves earlier. I didn't secure my heated gloves. I left them laying on top of my gear and actually found one still wedged between my bags. I called the closest Cycle Gear and they incredibly had a pair in my size in the store. The girl held them for me and I reprogrammed my route to backtrack 25 miles and cut out two park stamps 😭. An hour and $130 later, I had a new pair of heated gloves. Ouch.

    On to the next HD...where I saw two emails from the KOA, one billing me the extra night and the other refunding me SOME of that extra night. WTF? Again I called. There was a new staff member on duty and she had no idea what was I was talking about. She just kept telling me what I paid for my one-night reservation. OMG she was so stupid. Anyway, when she said she wasn't going to argue with me, I hung up on her and called Corporate to lodge a complaint. Who knows if companies do this stuff to scam people. Am I the first or is this a trend? I always file a complaint. Anyway, Corporate told me the KOA had already refunded me the difference. Why didn't that stupid girl just say so. WTF?

    I'm back on the bike in beautiful weather and am finally reaching the best riding of the day...except it's 17:30, the sun is setting, I'm climbing altitude, and rush hour traffic is peaking. WTF? I was looking forward to Georgia's 50 Rides 1 Nation ride, but overall it was a bust for me. I did get the photo, which gets me the 47th coin, but it wasn't the fun ride it should've been squiggling through really tight turns on the side of a mountain 😉. At least I had my heated gloves.

    Because of the dark, my left hand cramping from so much shifting today, and being another 50 miles away in the cold, I forwent (have forgone?) my KOA reservation and and opted for a warm hotel room, in which I sit now.

    Between the gloves, the battle for my money back, and the hotel room, it's been an expensive day, so after a little catching up on the computer, downloading my photos and GPS tracks, and connecting with friends, I'm snuggling down under the covers...without my boots.

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

    Day 3 mileage: 454.2 (total 1553.7)
    HD Dealerships: 8 (total 54)
    National Parks: 2 (total 14 in 7 states)
    50 Rides, 1 Nation: 1 (total 47 of 50)
    10 Rides for 2022: 0 (total 0 of 10)
    MCGTTX Stops: 0 (total 0 of 50)    Read more

  • Nancy Webb...Pat BonetarThe 2022 Motorcycle AdventureNancy Webb...Pat Bonetar
    A very foggy morningThe furthest I've ever gone...and it said I still had 40 miles left!Ninety Six National Historic SiteNinety Six National Historic SiteNinety Six National Historic Site5 minutes later, at the Pilot Flying J down the street, the biker got smushed.

    Sometimes It's Just Best To Stop

    February 17, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 64 °F

    Last night's hotel stay was so nice that I didn't wake up until after 08:00! I didn't roll until 09:30, but this morning was ugly: really foggy with drizzling rain. So a later start wasn't too bad.

    It was slow going until around noon. I had taken mostly back roads to hit dealerships and South Carolina's 50 Rides 1 Nation photo location, a water tower painted like a giant peach. Cool.

    I only hit one park today, Ninety Six National Historic Site, an American Revolution site, but just snapped the couple of photos below, grabbed my stamp, and got back on the road trying to make up yesterday's lost 50 miles.

    (Read more here: https://www.nps.gov/nisi/index.htm)

    Not only did I not make up the 50 miles from yesterday, I also lost another 50 miles today because I've stopped outside Florence for three reasons. It's raining, it's dark, and I just watched a biker get run over by a huge duelie quad cab truck. He's hurt, but no blood gushing and he's walking and talking. I thought for sure the truck's rear tires ran over his legs. The bike (black Street Glide) was pretty much flat. So, I got a hotel room right next door to the gas station where it all happened.

    Sometimes it's just best to stop.

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

    P.S.: I've moved up on the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge wait list from #8 to #3!!

    Day 4 mileage: 479.7 (total 2033.4)
    HD Dealerships: 7 (total 61)
    National Parks: 1 (total 15 in 8 states)
    50 Rides, 1 Nation: 1 (total 48 of 50 MISSION COMPLETE!)
    10 Rides for 2022: 0 (total 0 of 10)
    MCGTTX Stops: 0 (total 0 of 50)    Read more

  • Nancy Webb...Pat BonetarThe 2022 Motorcycle AdventureNancy Webb...Pat Bonetar
    Wonderful friends for 12 years!
    Thursday (Day 4) at 05:00. Nope. Charlotte can wait.08:00. Here I come, Charlotte!Rode by Darlington Raceway. I ushered for a NASCAR race in 2005-ish as a volunteer from Charleston Air Force BCharlotte, NC

    Friends Are Irreplaceable

    February 19, 2022 in the United States ⋅ 🌙 32 °F

    The past two days have been a blur. I've simply been riding to collect HD dealership check ins.

    Yesterday First:

    Because of rain and cold, yesterday morning I found myself over 100 miles behind schedule. I set my alarm to check the weather at 0500, which looked terrible heading from Florence to Charlotte, NC. So, I went back to sleep for a couple of hours. By 08:00, the storm had passed, and by 09:00 I was pulling out of the hotel.

    It was a beautiful day riding through the North Carolina back roads. The highlight of the day was stoping at Raging Bull Harley-Davidson in Durham around 18:30 last night, where I chatted with a couple of guys about my travels and my bike Willie. One even offered crash space, but I had already booked a hotel near Tobacco Road Harley-Davidson in Raleigh and got there around 20:00.

    Randy, I wish I had taken you up on that offer. The hotel I wound up in was a disaster. Broken beer bottles in the outside hallways, furniture stacked against the walls, garbage overflowing, junker cars in the parking lot, 24-hour "club" next door.... But, the room was clean, the hot water was really hot, and the bed was comfortable, so overall not so bad. Until 06:00 when a couple of ladies were either coming or leaving and let the whole world know about it 🤣.

    Now Today:

    So, wide awake, I gathered up my gear and hit the road right at 07:00. At 28°F and with both at full blast, even my heated gloves and heated grips couldn't keep my fingers from going numb. But I was determined to get to northern Virginia tonight, so I pressed hard, cut out my national park visits, and hightailed it to my friends' home, where I am now enjoying seeing them again after more than three years. Love you, guys!

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

    Day 5 mileage: 460.6 (total 2494.0)
    Day 6 mileage: 587.9 (total 3081.9)
    HD Dealerships: 22 (total 83)
    National Parks: 0 (total 15 in 8 states)
    10 Rides for 2022: 0 (total 0 of 10)
    MCGTTX Stops: 0 (total 0 of 50)    Read more

  • Nancy Webb...Pat BonetarThe 2022 Motorcycle AdventureNancy Webb...Pat Bonetar

    Sunday Is A Hashing Day!

    February 20, 2022 in the United States ⋅ 🌙 34 °F

    Today was hashing with the Hillbilly Hash House Harriers in Warrenton, VA. The hares ran us through about 2 miles of very cold, very wet, and very slippery culverts, some long enough to have to use a flashlight 🧐 and others small enough to have to crawl through 🤢. I was soaked almost head to toe by the end of the 4-mile run/walk/crawl/scramble/stumble/slide. It was awesome! Best of all, I didn't have to wear my own shoes--thanks, B.R.!--and all the yucky came out in the wash 🤣.

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

    Day 7 mileage: 0 (total 3081.9) Well, you can add 4 miles for the hash if you want, but I'm not 😉.
    HD Dealerships: 0 (total 83)
    National Parks: 0 (total 15 in 8 states)
    10 Rides for 2022: 0 (total 0 of 10)
    MCGTTX Stops: 0 (total 0 of 50)

    P.S.: If Doctor Scott is reading this, my ankle held up, but will need extra TLC the next few days. Totally worth it 🤣!    Read more

  • Nancy Webb...Pat BonetarThe 2022 Motorcycle AdventureNancy Webb...Pat Bonetar
    An awesome family!
    Downtown Baltimore

    Get Well Soon, Lumpy!!

    February 21, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 50 °F

    I left my amazing friends' home this morning at 07:00 and made my way to another incredible friend's home only 23 miles away, but of course, I made the trip almost 400 miles 🤣.

    Since today was a holiday (Presidents' Day), I figured if I was going to hit the greater D.C. area dealerships, today would be my best chance to avoid traffic. Despite the holiday, traffic was still heavy. When I cut through the corner of West Virginia between Winchester, VA, and Frederick, MD, I grabbed a passport stamp at Harper's Ferry National Historical Park, but I didn't stop because there so many people there and I was already behind schedule.

    I headed all the way east to Baltimore and got caught in downtown traffic. The roads are horrible! I thought for sure I was going to get another pinched tube flat, but luckily I didn't.

    Heading back south, I went all the way to Annapolis just to find the dealership there had permanently closed in December. Argh! By that time, I was really behind schedule, so I cut off the remaining dealerships and beelined to my friends' home.

    The friends I'm staying with tonight are the family of a biker I met at a rally last year. Unfortunately, Lumpy is in the hospital with several health issues, the least of which is COVID. But his wife Tammy and kids Connor, Hope, and Maximo (awesome name, right?) welcomed me into their home anyway. They are such a loving and resilient family. I am very fortunate to call them friends.

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

    Day 8 mileage: 399.9 (total 3481.8)
    HD Dealerships: 6 (total 89)
    National Parks: 1 (total 16 in 9 states)
    10 Rides for 2022: 0 (total 0 of 10)
    MCGTTX Stops: 0 (total 0 of 50)    Read more

  • Nancy Webb...Pat BonetarThe 2022 Motorcycle AdventureNancy Webb...Pat Bonetar
    Air Force Memorial (next to Arlington Cemetery)
    Lincoln MemorialCapitolWashington MonumentFort Washington ParkFort Washington ParkFort Washington ParkFort Washington Park

    More Okinawa Friends

    February 22, 2022 in the United States ⋅ 🌬 64 °F

    I woke up at 05:30 this morning so I could see all the kids off to school at their various times. Once they were all off, I said my goodbyes to Tammy and passed my love to Lumpy, then hit the road to pick up those dealerships I missed yesterday as I made my way to yet another friend's home just 36 miles away.

    I made way to a couple of dealerships, then I went to the Air Force Memorial and drove over the Arlington Memorial Bridge that pops you out at the Mall by the Lincoln Memorial. What was I thinking? I was thinking I could get a passport stamp at Ford's Theater. Turned out that I couldn't even get to the theater because of construction AND all the National Park Service Visitor Centers (stamp locations) are closed for COVID. So my drive around the mall was all for naught except for a couple of quick photos in between dodging terrible drivers.

    I finally made it out of the city and stayed in Maryland to get the last dealership. I realized that I would be passing Near Fort Washington, so I stopped at the Fort Washington Park Visitor Center to take some photos and get my stamp. The Center is in the Fort Commander's building, which is painted bright yellow and overlooks the Potomac River. The fort was built to defend the river approach to D.C.

    (Read more here: https://www.nps.gov/fowa/index.htm)

    I'm staying with another family tonight and tomorrow night. I met Jeremiah and Mercedes while we were all stationed in Okinawa; he was Army and she Marine Corps. I last saw them and their two girls Lexi and Scout (another awesome name!) in 2016. Of course then the girls were just little things. Now they're 5th and 9th graders! It's so wonderful to see them all again!

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

    Day 9 mileage: 207.9 (total 3689.7)
    HD Dealerships: 5 (total 94)
    National Parks: 1 (total 17 in 10 states)
    10 Rides for 2022: 0 (total 0 of 10)
    MCGTTX Stops: 0 (total 0 of 50)    Read more

  • Nancy Webb...Pat BonetarThe 2022 Motorcycle AdventureNancy Webb...Pat Bonetar
    Me and Jeremiah

    Adulting Day

    February 23, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 46 °F

    Today, the girls are at school, Mercedes is at work, and Jeremiah is at work in his home office, so I'm catching up on e-mail, working on my future routes, and trying to find a dealership that can take the bike for Willie's 85,000-mile service. I can't believe he has that miles on him 🤣!

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

    Day 10 mileage: 0 (total 3689.7)
    HD Dealerships: 0 (total 94)
    National Parks: 0 (total 17 in 10 states)
    10 Rides for 2022: 0 (total 0 of 10)
    MCGTTX Stops: 0 (total 0 of 50)    Read more

  • Nancy Webb...Pat BonetarThe 2022 Motorcycle AdventureNancy Webb...Pat Bonetar
    Yorktown National Historical ParkColonial ParkwayOld house in or on the edge of the parkGoing into the Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnels on I-64Naval Air Station Norfolk dry dock, I believeVertical-lift bridge somewhere around Norfolk

    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

  • Nancy Webb...Pat BonetarThe 2022 Motorcycle AdventureNancy 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

  • Nancy Webb...Pat BonetarThe 2022 Motorcycle AdventureNancy Webb...Pat Bonetar
    The view from the deck of Chick's
    The view from the deck of Chick'sI believe this is the most fuel I've ever put in the bike. It's only a 3.5-gallon tank 🤣.

    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

  • Nancy Webb...Pat BonetarThe 2022 Motorcycle AdventureNancy Webb...Pat Bonetar
    TomistomaMale RedheadLion fishPurple-striped jellyLoggerhead

    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

  • Nancy Webb...Pat BonetarThe 2022 Motorcycle AdventureNancy Webb...Pat Bonetar
    Wright Brothers National MemorialChief, me, and BobChiefBob

    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

  • Nancy Webb...Pat BonetarThe 2022 Motorcycle AdventureNancy 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

  • Nancy Webb...Pat BonetarThe 2022 Motorcycle AdventureNancy Webb...Pat Bonetar
    On the ferry!
    10 Rides for 2022Gates to St AugustineOur last stop

    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

  • Nancy Webb...Pat BonetarThe 2022 Motorcycle AdventureNancy 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

  • Nancy Webb...Pat BonetarThe 2022 Motorcycle AdventureNancy Webb...Pat Bonetar
    The campground does a Burning Man rip off called Burning Bike.
    Working on my tan lines 😎Pablo (left), me, and GlenMain Street Daytona BeachDaytona BeachDaytona Beach

    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

  • Nancy Webb...Pat BonetarThe 2022 Motorcycle AdventureNancy 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

  • Nancy Webb...Pat BonetarThe 2022 Motorcycle AdventureNancy Webb...Pat Bonetar
    Campground mini-bike turned trike 🤣🤣Even higher than California 😳

    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

  • Nancy Webb...Pat BonetarThe 2022 Motorcycle AdventureNancy Webb...Pat Bonetar
    Larry & Terri
    Canaveral National SeashoreMartin Grade Scenic HighwayMartin Grade Scenic HighwayIn Fort Myers

    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

  • Nancy Webb...Pat BonetarThe 2022 Motorcycle AdventureNancy Webb...Pat Bonetar
    Sonya!

    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

  • Nancy Webb...Pat BonetarThe 2022 Motorcycle AdventureNancy Webb...Pat Bonetar
    Micki, her Golden Doodle Tinsley, and Mike's cat Boots
    10:30 😭I rode through to avoid riding in the darkI made it to Gainsville HD...and left the bike parked right there.

    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

  • Nancy Webb...Pat BonetarThe 2022 Motorcycle AdventureNancy 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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