Mellow's Ride Report

[Hedge]

Outstanding Guy - thx for keeping us all in the loop and letting us experience your ride with you . . . at least virtually!
See you there - Hedge

[hidesert]

Guy, I am impressed, inspired, and well satiated. The latter is the only part you can't take credit for. Mmmm, porter.

Before I sat down a while ago, I hadn't read anything but day one. I vote for "Dances with Storms." You are the man. Lots of people would have given up under some of the conditions you've pushed through. You've gotten some great photos, too! I like the trees in the mist, the photo at the bottom of page one, the old Triumph next to yours, and many more. Great stuff. Wish I could be there in person to meet everyone and celebrate your accomplishment.

I can't help the former, but I'm looking forward to the latter when you and Whisperin come through NM on your way home. Give me some notice if you can; I want to meet up with you guys and ride with you as long as possible!

Keep the rubber down my friend,

hidesert

Oh, I meant to tell you that if I could have made it fit, your "I'm hungry" conversation would now be my Trat,.net signature line. Classic stuff, because we've all had that conversation or a slight variant thereof!

[mistermellow001]

Ride Report, May 28

Arrived safely in Bennington, Vermont at 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, May 28th. I'm glad I didn't try to do it all yesterday, as it would have added another 324 miles. Here's what that looks like on my last route map west...




I don't have much to report about the ride itself, except that the weather was great, the landscape was getting all "New-Englandy" and my excitement built the closer I got to Vermont.

I have to admit that at times I've felt a little embarrassed to post these ride reports. Ted Simon rode a 500 Triumph around the world, so there doesn't seem to be anything special about sitting on a motorcycle across 3000 miles of regularly spaced gas stations and convenience stores. Where's the hardship? Except the weather and the back pain, none really.

I tend to diminish my accomplishments, so before and during my trip I kept up a kind of "no big deal" thing. But yesterday afternoon, as I crossed the Vermont state line, a sense of personal accomplishment welled up in me, until I was fighting back tears and hooping like a drunk cowboy when I saw this sign...




And what a great feeling to have Paul (LoVel), Randy (rndtaylor) and Robin (Bonniegirl) waiting for me on Main Street when I stepped off my bike! They could have at least waited until I freshened up my makeup before they snapped my picture. ...




I can't begin to describe what wonderful people they are, and how much I feel like I arrived at the doorstep of an old friend's. Later, Steve (Speedblaster) and his wife, Donna, joined us for a couple of rounds at the Red Rascal, conveniently located 4 doors from the fort. The "fort" (Robin's apartment), is as large as legend describes it. Be careful if you go to the bathroom in the middle of the night, as you may have a hard time finding your way back. I stayed in the North Wing.

Today I have some business to take care of, including checking in at a local Bed & Breakfast. It's a beautiful cloudless day today, but there may be a storm on its way. After what I've been through in the last couple of weeks, that won't dampen my spirits a bit.

Note: I may only do one more ride report, as the next few days will be jammed with more fun than there is time to experience it. I'll try to shoot as many pics as I can and post the juicy ones.

After John (Whisperinsmith) and I leave for our Bennington to Los Angeles adventure, I may double-post to the ride reports section on Triumphrat.net. It seems fitting as we begin a new leg, as it was there that I met everyone, and where this trip was conceived. More later...

[Hedge]

Nice - you have done a fantastic job with your report! We look forward to joining you all tomorrow afternoon between 2-3pm!
Hedge & the Ugly Ass Monkey Gang!

[mark]

Awesome, Guy! I can well imagine how great it must have felt to see that Bennington sign!

Please do keep the ride reports coming as you head back west after the Bash.

--mark

[Whisperinsmith]

Guy,
I'm humbled once again. What a wonderful description of your emotional state as you entered Bennington. Isn't it something, Bennington has come to symbolize so much for us and I don't think it will let us down.

By the way, your packing and your bike will get quite a kick out of my over-stuffed Tiger. Your rear hard bag now looks so practical to me! My Tiger will be full of bungie cords and Tour-a-tech tie downs to the point of comedy. Hey, alls well that ends well.

See you soon and thanks again for wonderful posts.
John

PS I can't believe it's finally here. Tomorrow I take the first step to head west to see my daughter!

PPS Guy, that picture of you arriving on Main street is priceless! Perfect pose.

[hidesert]

CONGRATULATIONS! I'm so happy for you, I'll say it backwards! SNOITALUTARGNOC!

Don't belittle what you've done. Going thousands of miles from home on a naked bike is a big deal, especially for the first time.

[marde]

Now,and even yet to be, all the more so!

[TBS98]

Congratulations on the first leg of your ride Guy. I appreciate your taking the time to share your trip with all of us. It's been 32 years since I've made a similar ride: San Francisco to Miami then back to LA and parts north. You did a great job. I know it's near impossible to describe the depths of your feelings when you make a trip like that alone and have so many unbelievable experiences: mental, physical, and spiritual. I envy you brother. Look forward to meeting you and wish you a great return trip in advance. Larry or tbs 98

[TBS98]

I meant to say you did a great job with your post and pics. (love that bass pale ale, maybe I've had enough for tonight considering haven't packed yet!) See you tomorrow I hope. Larry

[mistermellow001]

I posted a new series of ride reports over on Rat.net. Hope you can still follow along. It looks like things are quieting down over here, but the Bash lives! I'll continue to stay in touch, here and on Rat.net. Each and every one of you are on my A-list...

http://www.triumphrat.net/ride-trip-rep ... ost1052246

[Hedge]

Guy - thx for checking in. Just a heads up . . . about a 100+ have jumped ship from the RAT and are now over at http://www.newbonnevilleriders.com
If you have any problems registering just email Bud@NewBonnevilleRiders.com and tell him that Hedge said to let you in through the side door!

[mistermellow001]

Thanks, Hedge. And that tour tank is yours if you're still interested. I'll be back home in July, so ring me up if you want it.

[Hedge]

You do know that the tank would then make a full circle friendship tour from Bucky in CT to you in Seattle and back to me in CT . . . never leaving the circle of friendship!

[Bucky]

Tour tank update - I found the brass T fitting for it the other day in the cellar

It's 50 / 50 I'll be able to find it again one of these days

My cellar / man cave looks like an F5 mighta blowed through and "tidied" things up

One of these rainy Sundays...