Mellow's Ride Report

[Whisperinsmith]

Guy,
I've been checking the weather for your route and it looks like you have today (Friday 5-23-2008) to get through a "front" in the Dakota's and midwest, then things should turn nice for you.
Ride safe and I hope you got some rain gear.

[bonnevillebilly]

Guy
I'm missing your report.
I hope you are putting on lots of miles in the sun shine.
I am anxiously waiting to hear about the latest adventures of your journey.

Keep on rolling
Bill

[Whisperinsmith]

I'm with you Bill. In this case, no news is NOT good news.

[bonnevillebilly]

Yes, I am hoping he is just making up for lost time and miles.

[mistermellow001]

Ride report for May 22 (I’ll likely post this late today, May 23. Not to worry, all the wireless hot spots in this area are down this morning, apparently due to outages in phone lines regionally. I don’t doubt that yesterday’s tornados in Colorado and Nebraska had far-reaching effects.)

The view from my cabin window this morning dispelled my hope that the sound of constant rain during the night was just a thousand squirrels dancing on my roof. This is not Seattle rain, but more like a tropical downpour without the tropical part. Sighing, I checked my gear, which had been in front of a small heater all night, and found that both pairs of gloves were still soaked. For the first time in these 5 days, I was dispirited and reluctant to step back on my Bonneville. Oh, and I had to piss.

KOA campgrounds are nice. If others are like this one, they have a laundry, showers, and a little store with just about everything you need. They also have primitive cabins (meaning no toilet). I have to admit that once during the night I uh, well, um, hung it over the rail, so to speak. Relief and the shame of ingratitude all in one package. But in the morning light, with every RV window glaring at me, I had no choice but to navigate a minefield of mud puddles and heavy rain, in a still-semi-wet jacket, to relive myself. Too much information.

Ahh, better now. I dropped my wet-again jacket in front of the heater and pondered what to do about my wet gear, with most of my attention directed at the gloves. I simply wasn’t willing to ride in 40-degree pounding rain wearing wet gloves. So, even against conventional wisdom, and the advice I would give to others, I marched back to the office and threw them both in the dryer. There I sat, pulling them out every 15 minutes or so to make sure they hadn’t shrunk too much. After the first one-hour cycle, and several trips next door to banter with the staff, I found that instead of drying, they were merely warm and squishy. Screw it, in went 4 more quarters and back to the cabin I went to sort through the mess that my luggage had become during yesterday’s hurried excavations to find this glove, or that fleece, or this water bottle (How can you lose a fleece jacket!??).

Gloves. The thing about lined gloves, that I’d never experienced (or had forgotten) until this trip, is that wet gloves will not accept the intrusion of cold wet hands without a fight. At every rest stop, gas station, coffee shop, or store I had to repeat the ritual battle before getting underway. And several times, much to my amusement, I found that once I had successfully pulled, pushed tugged and twisted them on, I had forgotten to do something minor, like say putting on my helmet or pulling the keys out of my sleeve pocket.

Three dryer cycles later, I finished packing, loaded my bike, pulled on my still-wet gloves, and headed out in the pouring rain. Here’s the conversation I had with myself after pulling out onto the main road toward I-90…

“I’m hungry”
“Then get something out of your tank bag and eat it.”
“But there’s nothing but a half-eaten wet bag of mixed hippy hiking food. I want something substantial, I want FOOD!”
“How long has it been since the KOA?”
“Five minutes”
“Oh for crying out loud there’s a coffee shop. Stop there and quit your belly aching!”

Off came the gloves, in went an omelet, and on went the gloves.

“Okay, we’re on our way. What time is it?”
“It’s 2:00”
“(sigh) Whatever…”

Here's my route for today - a pathetic 165 miles...





Northeastern Wyoming is beautiful. In spite of my earlier report that I was farther east than I ever had been before, I realized I had been here before, years ago. I didn’t dare pull out my camera in the sideways rain, so I simply enjoyed the scenery. The rain did let up a few times, so at least I got to snap a few. Here’s one of the landscape typical of this area…




And the road goes ever on, even if you don’t cover much of it…




Near the South Dakota border I ran into an absolute torrent of rain and wind. I pulled over for gas, and no sooner did I pull under the canopy, it stopped. Looking east, I caught a hopeful glimpse of clear skies ahead. I asked the clerk what he thought of that. “I wouldn’t count on it,” he said…



Since I started late, and hadn’t covered much ground, I set a goal for at least the Rapid City, South Dakota. It looked like I might reach my goal, as I was climbing the long, gently winding road and high elevation that signal the approach to the Badlands, Devil’s Tower, and Mount Rushmore. About 30 miles from the border, the gods themselves seemed determined to stop me. As I climbed higher the rain let up a bit, but in an instant, violent winds hit me from all directions. I hadn’t yet experienced winds like this. I had to pull over several times, and slow to as low as 35 mph (on a 75 mph highway). As I neared Sundance, Wyoming, very near the South Dakota border, I ascended closer to the spiraling storm clouds above me until I was finally in them. No more fun tacking into the wind; this was not amusing, and since I was now in the clouds (thick fog) I couldn’t see very far in front of me – maybe 2 seconds at 40 mph. But I could see one of the ubiquitous “Deer – Next 10 miles” that appear every 8 miles. It occurred to me at that moment that dread had been building within me for miles. I was minutes from the off-ramp to Sundance when I felt I had no choice but to pull over and collect my thoughts. I could pitch a tent somewhere, or I could very slowly inch my way to Sundance, and pull over to the shoulder to let the occasional truck go by. I decided to go slowly and stop at Sundance. Before I pulled back onto the road, I took this picture, looking off to my right…



P.S., It’s the morning of Friday, May 23rd. It’s actually beautiful outside. Blue sky peppered with white clouds, and a few dark and ominous ones. At the rate I’ve been going, my timeline for reaching Bennington by the 29th doesn’t seem as luxuriously long as it did when I started my trip. Six days is still enough time, but I’ve used up most of the morning sleeping in for needed rest, and filing this ride report (I prefer to do nothing else). I have to decide whether to seize the good weather and spend the day taking in the local sights, or press on. Being a tourist today will mean that I make it about 50 miles, and shorten my timeline to 5 days remaining. For the hardy biker, South Dakota to Vermont in 5 days would be a piece of cake, but I haven’t thus far proved that I can do the daily miles needed to get there on time, except in fair weather. What if this keeps up the entire rest of the way?

I haven’t made my decision, but whatever that decision is I’ll make it and not regret it. If I’m a tourist today, then I will just need to pick up the pace tomorrow. If I move through this beautiful area without stopping, then I will just return some other day (perhaps in a better season). I’ll know what to do when I get to Rapid City…

[JEnfield]

I don't care if you pull into bennington late just do it in one piece ride on my brother and enjoy what nice weather you can get. I wish I was there with you but I will live within your post till the day I may get to repet it.

Jimmy

[mistermellow001]

Ride Report for May 23.

Leaving Sundance, I stopped to lube my chain, and while I was doing that the weather went from scattered clouds to rain, and by the time I got back to I-90, add in heavy fog. The motel clerk confirmed that there is no predicting the weather in this area. It lightened up a bit after that, but the further east I travelled, the worse it became, until I was back in it. I was down to 40 mph with about a 2-second visibility. I went right through Sturgis and didn't even notice. Rapid city was anything but Rapid. I got nothing but the same, on and off, for the rest of the day. Finally, I stopped in Murdo, South Dakota, a slightly better 212 miles...




When I stopped for lunch, I met a guy who is traveling east on a Ducati. Two months and wherever he wants to go. He was a smart and funny guy, so we hung out and compared notes on what to take and what not to take on a long trip. This guy is traveling light, and made me feel like maybe I shouldn't have brought the kitchen sink. He had also been traveling with a tail wind. Lucky guy. We talked for about an hour, snapped each other's photos and exchanged emails. His name is Ian...






There was no point in stopping at the spots I had planned. It just wasn't meant to be, and it is what it is. I'll just have to come back in a better season. I did encounter a little nature, however - a gray wolf in the middle of my east-bound lane, and later a rabbit ran right in front of me. The wolf was absolutely beautiful, and when he looked at me I was as thrilled as I was disturbed with the close encounter. I slowed to a crawl because he didn't look like he knew where he was going next.

My last gas stop today was at a tiny little Sinclair station that had old fashioned pumps, and they actually let you pay after you pump instead of before. So old fashioned and refreshing. The owners are from the Philippines and were a hoot to chat with.

I have to pick up the pace a bit from now on. 1627 miles to go, which puts me at an average 217 miles/day. Tomorrow, no more juggling luggage, drying gear, and chatting with hotel clerks. I've toughened up a bit and at the end of the day I'm not nearly as sore and worn out as I have been during the last week. Heading west after Bennington, Whisper and I need to do 350/day at least. I'm hoping I'll be up to that soon. It's not that hard, but I just haven't been doing it. I'd like to be able to exceed my record distance before arriving in Bennington. I've never been a distance rider, not even when I was younger. It's never to late to change your ways...

[Whisperinsmith]

Guy,
You've certainly been put through the "wringer", so to speak. What a test of fortitude and you're holding your own! I did mention in one post that I didn't mind riding in the rain, but there's a limit and you've certainly passed that. Let's hope you see sun soon and can criuse on in, in comfort.

You've given us some wonderful stories from the road. See you soon.

[bonnevillebilly]

Guy
Excellent report,
I was getting a little concerned ,But I was thinking positive.

Keep on keeping on

Bill

[mistermellow001]

Ride Report for May 24.

Short and not very interesting report today. I picked up the pace to 295 miles (damn, I thought I'd broken 300 - maybe I did with all the off-ramp traveling). Here's my very straight route...




My objective now is to get to Bennington! So I'm committed to the slab from now on. Time and again today I thought that even though my tourist plans for the northern leg didn't work out, I'm experiencing this! I'm in the moment, dealing with whatever comes. I'm not bummed out about fighting a constant, ceaseless, never-ending, persistent, and relentless northwesterly wind, snow, fog, blinding rain, soaked gear, and something slapping me on the bottom of my right thigh, driving me crazy. For days I've been reaching and looking behind me while riding to try to figure out what the hell it is. I finally figured it out today - not from behind, but from the front - a tank-bag strap can sting like a bee. Note also the fuel stains on top of the transmission. I still have a small fuel leak that I don't have time to deal with...




How did I figure out my handling problem? Even though I've been riding at an angle, cocked to the wind, the bike felt especially unstable this morning. The wind was VERY strong, and my bike started handling and performing pretty poorly, so I pulled over to check it out. With all of my attention on keeping the bike pointed in the right direction, I rarely looked at anything but the road ahead. As soon as I stopped I looked down and realized how much a tank bag can affect aerodynamics. Talk about being blown away by traveling...



Also when I stopped, my idle wouldn't drop. I revved the engine several times while watching the throttle-return cable. I fiddled, poked and prodded, and well into my "diagnosis" I went to the left side of the bike, where the solution was immediately apparent - the choke was pulled all the way out. 69 miles with choked carburetors! I stopped at the first gas station I found. 23 mpg - I was probably very near hitting reserve at 69 miles.

A guy at a gas station along the way described South Dakota as a "treadmill for motorcycles." It was pretty monotonous at times, but it's new to me so I was digging it. The rolling green landscape wasn't what I expected at all. I don't have any pictures of the typical countryside, but I did stop at a break in the action - the Missouri River (I didn't take the time to mess with the exposure, so you can't see the river that well. You'll just have to trust me...




I talked with some interesting and genuine people today. That's really been the main attraction for me, and it's what stalls me for so long. At one gas stop/deli I bantered with two retired farmers, and they asked me to sit with them. I LOVE that! They seemed as interested in me as I was in them. After one of them left, I stayed and talked with the other for a good hour. Living history.

I'm thinking the weather will lighten up tomorrow. The forecast for tonight is for possible tornados and hail, although the tornado warning has been downgraded. And it looks like the front might be moving toward Fargo (Oobaby's territory). After that, all of this will peter out at last. That's my weather prediction and I'm sticking to it.

[bonnevillebilly]

Way to go Guy
You are a inspiration. You can plan on doing a lot more talking at the bash.
I am really looking forward to meeting you.

Bill

[ooobaby]

Guy:
You're doing great! When you look back on this trip you're going to be really glad you went for it and took it by the horns. They've been predicting severe storms here for the past three days and so far all we've gotten is occasional light sprinkles. Our saying is "if you don't like the weather around here just stick around a minute it will change". If one does't like riding in the wind then they won't like riding on the great plains. Personally the openness and big sky are very beautiful to me. Kind of makes you feel very small and very big at the same time. Looking forward to meeting you in Bennington. Desipte your trials I hope you're really enjoying the freedom. Try not to ride at dawn, dusk or at night as that's when the deer are moving the most. A friend of mine just hit one yesterday with his 18 wheeler. At 65mph it took out his grill and bent the front bumper back and took out the right front tire. Rats with antlers!
Be safe,
Jeff

[mistermellow001]

Ride Report for May 25

I owe everyone an apology for not returning the courtesy of a reply. I usually throw these ride reports together at night, when I'm pretty beat. I'm so looking forward to meeting everyone. I just wanted you to know I haven't overlooked your kind replies.

By the way, does anyone know if people have left for the trip? Whisper suggested that the "Vels," et. al may have set out on their ride. Let's wish everyone happy travels. [Edit: Robin reports in another post that they're underway!]

This morning, I was determined to leave earlier than usual. I was packing my bike by 8:00 a.m., and just about to leave when I noticed that a younger woman and her 3-year old boy who stayed the night before were leaving also. She brought her boy to see a car race (he likes cars and trains). We chatted a bit, and went to our respective vehicles, and when she was driving out she stopped and rolled down her window to say a final goodbye, but seemed reluctant to leave. I mentioned that if I had known she was going last night, I would have invited myself along (bold of me, I know). Her reply was, "That would have been nice, I'm a single mom."

The door was open for two people to pour their hearts out about relationships, what's important to us, and what it means to be a family. I was overwhelmed by this encounter, and for a brief moment I considered the possibility of leaving everything I know behind and redefining myself and my priorities. It was such an intimate and powerful experience. We talked for quite a while, and although reluctant to leave, I had to. Reflecting on that encounter occupied my thoughts as the miles stacked up, which for today was my all time best, 331 miles, 10 miles over my longest trip (I know, I'm a wuss). Here's the route...




Since I had to forgo much of what I planned to see, and even things I didn't, like the Corn Palace (thanks for that, TBA-Golfer!), this trip so far has turned out to be more about people, and living in a moment of their lives. The landscapes will be there for me to enjoy some other time, but I won't likely see these genuine people again.

I wish I had taken a picture of my new friend this morning, but I met others, like Hank the fisherman, along the Black River in Wisconsin...




After chatting briefly, I went for a short hike to move my tired bones...




There were some nice views of the river along the way...




Okay, I know I predicted fair weather ahead, and for a while it was. Calm and warm, and I sailed through the air with little effort. For the first time in days I didn't have to fight to keep the bike on track, maybe a good 200 miles of this, with periods of side winds here and there. At a rest stop, other travelers warned of possible tornados in southern Wisconsin. There was a darkening overcast, but it didn't appear to be much of anything. At my next rest stop, I walked in from warm and balmy weather, and walked out to solid rain, lightning, and loud rolling thunder. I love thunder.

On my way again. Approaching De Forest, Wisconsin, I moved closer to the source, and recognized those thick black plumes drooping from the thunder clouds - all seeds for a possible twister. I decided to call it quits for my own safety. I stopped for gas and a place to stay (I wasn't about to camp). These next two shots are from the gas station, first looking back from where I'd come, and the next to where I would have headed if I hadn't stopped. It may not seem it, but it was still daylight hours. Looking back (west)...




Looking east...




Here's a later shot from the hotel parking lot...




At the motel, travelers began to fill the lobby, and the place became an emergency shelter in no time. The clerk hunted me down and told me that my bike was rocking back and forth, and was afraid it would tip over. He offered up a corner of the building, in the landscaped area. I appreciated this very much...




After moving my bike, I couldn't resist taking my camera to the east side of the building to try to catch one of the spectacular lightning bursts. I didn't manage to capture the full effect, but I did get a partial. Even though taken with an unsteady hand, I'm posting this because it's bloody hard to capture lightning with a still camera. It's lightning, you'll just have to take my word for it...




The wind nearly carried me back to the lobby, which had filled with people taking shelter from what looked like a BIG storm. At some point i was standing outside under the drive-up canopy with others when the wind died down to an eerie calm, and the clouds above absolutely howled with violence. An alarm went off in the hotel, and everyone was directed to take shelter in an interior hallway...



It passed, and it's calm now. Tomorrow I'm going to push through a couple more states, and closer to Bennington...

[ooobaby]

Ah yes, life in tornado alley. Glad you're ok. I'm leaving Wednesday morning for Bennington. Stopping overnight in Chicago (500 miles) with my sister and her family and then head out again really early Thursday morning and go all the way to Bennington (830 miles) hopefully getting there by no later than 9:00PM. Never say die!

[TonUp]

Guy!

Glad you are ok! See you soon!



Tito


Ton Up!