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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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  • Nancy Webb...Pat BonetarThe 2022 Motorcycle AdventureNancy Webb...Pat Bonetar
    A beautiful buttercup!

    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

  • Nancy Webb...Pat BonetarThe 2022 Motorcycle AdventureNancy Webb...Pat Bonetar
    Melissa!!
    11:35 😭12:25 getting better but still 😭

    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

  • Nancy Webb...Pat BonetarThe 2022 Motorcycle AdventureNancy Webb...Pat Bonetar
    William M. Colmer Visitor Center in Davis Bayou, Gulf Islands National SeashoreWilliam M. Colmer Visitor Center in Davis Bayou, Gulf Islands National SeashoreAbita Springs RV ResortAbita Springs RV ResortAbita Springs RV ResortAbita Springs RV ResortLake Pontchartrain north shoreLake Pontchartrain north shoreThe coming stormIt's building 😳

    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

  • Nancy Webb...Pat BonetarThe 2022 Motorcycle AdventureNancy Webb...Pat Bonetar
    😳😳😳
    Zack, the Hammond HD managerChesterBourbon Street!

    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

  • Nancy Webb...Pat BonetarThe 2022 Motorcycle AdventureNancy 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 states    Read more

  • Nancy Webb...Pat BonetarThe 2022 Motorcycle AdventureNancy Webb...Pat Bonetar
    The view from my bathroom 🤣🤣
    The coyotes were close! You may need to put your speaker by your ear.RV service technician replacing the rooftop a/cMy brother Matt and mom LindaLove My Harley!!!Finally got my Saddlesore 1000 certification!

    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

  • Nancy Webb...Pat BonetarThe 2022 Motorcycle AdventureNancy Webb...Pat Bonetar
    At the Abilene HDAt the Abilene HDAt the Abilene HD...then the high winds really kicked up the dustAt the Lubbock HDAt the Lubbock HDAt the Lubbock HDFort Worth, TexasAnson, TexasReal cowboys

    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

  • Nancy Webb...Pat BonetarThe 2022 Motorcycle AdventureNancy Webb...Pat Bonetar
    10 Rides for 2022
    Alibates Flint Quarries National MonumentAlibates Flint Quarries National MonumentMuseum at Russell's Truck & Travel Center in Glenrio, NMMuseum at Russell's Truck & Travel Center in Glenrio, NMMuseum at Russell's Truck & Travel Center in Glenrio, NMMuseum at Russell's Truck & Travel Center in Glenrio, NMMuseum at Russell's Truck & Travel Center in Glenrio, NMGas prices in the town of Eldorado at Santa Fe, NM

    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

  • Nancy Webb...Pat BonetarThe 2022 Motorcycle AdventureNancy Webb...Pat Bonetar
    Painted Desert inside Petrified Forest NP
    Petroglyphs at "Newspaper Rock"PetroglyphsBlue Mesa100-foot petrified tree100-foot petrified treeCommuter train in AlbuquerqueSanta Fe railroad

    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

  • Nancy Webb...Pat BonetarThe 2022 Motorcycle AdventureNancy Webb...Pat Bonetar
    2🎶Standing on a corner in Winslow, Arizona 🎶That's the meteor Crater (1 mile wide) 😱The crater's insidesTraining capsuleJust west of FlagstaffFlagstaff 😳The drive to Sedona is beautiful ❤️The drive north of Prescott

    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

  • Nancy Webb...Pat BonetarThe 2022 Motorcycle AdventureNancy Webb...Pat Bonetar
    Kris (left), Marjorie, and me
    Ludlow, CA 😳A formation of four flew over me! So cool!

    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

  • Nancy Webb...Pat BonetarThe 2022 Motorcycle AdventureNancy Webb...Pat Bonetar
    Breakfast at Patrick's Roadhouse near Santa Monica Beach and on the Pacific Coast HighwayMe & Kris at dinner on 30 MarchSanta Monica BeachSan Fransisquito Canyon RoadSan Fransisquito Canyon Road

    Rally Time!

    March 31, 2022 in the United States ⋅ 🌙 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)    Read more

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

    Spring Heat in Arizona Rally Dinner

    April 1, 2022 in the United States ⋅ 🌙 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)    Read more

  • Nancy Webb...Pat BonetarThe 2022 Motorcycle AdventureNancy Webb...Pat Bonetar
    On our way!It's not your screen; it's not in focus, but still a cool pic.The Sheriff 😱 was helping a woman with a fat tire10 Rides for 2022

    Spring Heat in AZ Day 1

    April 2, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 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)    Read more

  • Nancy Webb...Pat BonetarThe 2022 Motorcycle AdventureNancy Webb...Pat Bonetar
    Me & Sergio
    1Buffalo!Mule deer, I believe. Crossed the road just I looked away from the buffalo

    SHIA Day 2

    April 3, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 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)    Read more

  • Nancy Webb...Pat BonetarThe 2022 Motorcycle AdventureNancy Webb...Pat Bonetar
    The Grand Staircase1Three of us swung into historic Flagstaff on the way from the dealership to the hotel. Pretty cool.

    SHIA Day 3--Grand Canyon, Baby!!

    April 4, 2022 in the United States ⋅ 🌙 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)    Read more

  • Nancy Webb...Pat BonetarThe 2022 Motorcycle AdventureNancy Webb...Pat Bonetar
    Our posse at Becker Butte Lookout on the Salt River
    Lake MormonLake MormonLake MormonBuffalo Bill's Tavern & GrillBuffalo Bill's Tavern & GrillCoconino National ForestBecker Butte Lookout on the Salt RiverBecker Butte Lookout on the Salt RiverThe Salt River provides a border between the White Mountain Apache and San Carlos Apache landsRest Stop and pedestrian bridge over the Salt River

    Last Day of SHIA

    April 5, 2022 in the United States ⋅ 🌙 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)    Read more

  • Nancy Webb...Pat BonetarThe 2022 Motorcycle AdventureNancy Webb...Pat Bonetar
    Gary (left), Sergio, Lonnie, Tom, Jim, and me in the middle 🤣

    Arizona Bike Week Day 1

    April 6, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 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)    Read more

  • Nancy Webb...Pat BonetarThe 2022 Motorcycle AdventureNancy Webb...Pat Bonetar
    I have seen a lot of modified VRODs, but this is ridiculous.Ain't life grand!

    Bike Week Day 2 But Not At Bike Week

    April 7, 2022 in the United States ⋅ 🌙 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)    Read more

  • Nancy Webb...Pat BonetarThe 2022 Motorcycle AdventureNancy Webb...Pat Bonetar
    Gary (left), Donna, Tom, me, Sergio, and Lonnie
    What I found while waiting to buy a parking ticketThe parking meter was difficultZoom in and you'll see that the image is a picture of our group!1The view from Jerome, AZThe view from our lunch stop in Sedona1Overlooking the Oak Creek Canyon roadInside the Palace

    Jerome, Sedona & Prescott

    April 8, 2022 in the United States ⋅ 🌙 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)    Read more

  • Nancy Webb...Pat BonetarThe 2022 Motorcycle AdventureNancy Webb...Pat Bonetar
    Opening act. They were great!

    Lynyrd F*ckyng Skynyrd 🤘 !!!

    April 9, 2022 in the United States ⋅ 🌙 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)    Read more

  • Nancy Webb...Pat BonetarThe 2022 Motorcycle AdventureNancy Webb...Pat Bonetar
    1196.8 miles on 1 tank! 😳😳😳It's only a 3.5-gallon tank 😳

    So Long, Arizona

    April 10, 2022 in the United States ⋅ 🌙 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)    Read more

  • Nancy Webb...Pat BonetarThe 2022 Motorcycle AdventureNancy Webb...Pat Bonetar
    Holloman Air Force BaseHolloman Air Force BaseHolloman Air Force BaseHolloman Air Force BaseHolloman Air Force Base7.75 mph?

    White Sands National Monument

    April 11, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 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)    Read more

  • Nancy Webb...Pat BonetarThe 2022 Motorcycle AdventureNancy Webb...Pat Bonetar
    MCGTTX Stop
    MCGTTX StopMCGTTX StopThis is what HOG gives you if you complete all 10 Rides for the year! Wow!It's starting to get real!Welcome back to Texas. Did you think it was windy in New Mexico? Ha ha haAt the start of the traffic jam1

    Winds, Dirt, Tumbleweeds & Traffic

    April 12, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 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)    Read more

  • Nancy Webb...Pat BonetarThe 2022 Motorcycle AdventureNancy Webb...Pat Bonetar
    Dinner at Lake Texoma

    It's Boring Being At Home

    April 24, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 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]    Read more

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