America's Best Idea!

Happy 98th Anniversary National Park Service!

Today, August 25, 2014 is the 98th Anniversary of the National Park Service.  Randy and I have been riding together since 1999 and in 15 short years, we've been lucky to visit many of our National Parks, especially those in the western states. We have an annual parks pass that gets both our bikes in for a mere $80. If you're 62 years young, a Senior Pass is only $10! I'm excited to have that discount to look forward too!

My very first visit to Yellowstone was on the back of Randy's bike and we created amazing memories that weekend. 

 I was, and still am in awe of Yellowstone's grandeur. Yellowstone is our first National Park, established in 1872, followed by Yosemite and Sequoia.

The gang in 2013 near Mammoth, Yellowstone

I rode my own bike through Yellowstone, in 2011 and in 2013 and although I've been there several times, both in summer and winter, I am never bored. It is always remarkable to see Old Faithful, majestic waterfalls, the hot sulfur pools, and of course, elk, buffalo and the occasional bear!    

Randy & I in 2011 at one of Yellowstone's Hot Springs

In 2002, on our winter ride in Yellowstone - note the Buffalo!

Utah is home to five parks, Arches, Bryce Canyon, Zion, Capitol Reef and Canyonlands. We've ridden in all of them and a visit to Utah should be on everyone's bucket list!  

Wilson Arch near Arches National Park

Deadhorse Point, near Canyonlands National Park

Just a couple of weeks ago, I rode to Jackson Hole, stayed at Teton Village and was in eyesight of Grand Teton National Park. The Tetons are spectacular in every season!

The impressive Tetons, image by Dan Ballard 

Google, "top 10 motorcycle rides" and you'll find Glacier National Park and the Going to the Sun Road in Montana listed at about #5.  This road is on every motorcyclists bucket list.   Twice, I've been a passenger on that road and it is grand! Years ago, we even stayed in the Historic Lodge at Glacier which was memorable. Someday I want to stay at the lodge at Lake Mary which is incredible. I would love to ride my own on the Going to Sun Road, but with my fear of heights, I'm not sure I'll do this road!  

Glacier - image by Catpatches and note the worker by the arrow! 

Going to the Sun Road by Becky Lomas 

Rocky Mountain National Park - Gorgeous!

My first big solo Harley ride, in 2007, was through Rocky Mountain National Park. I was new rider, and I rode in the rain, thunder, lightening, sleet and snow on the highest continuously paved road in America.  This park is home to thousands of elk, and you can spot huge herds and see alpine lakes from the many vistas. 

I was terrified but I did it! This Park, was a huge confidence builder for me. Contrast that to my recent experience in Death Valley April 2014. We rode below sea level, in 97 degree heat, a dust storm, freezing cold and as an experienced rider, it was a thrilling ride. It's just not one I will repeat again. (see my blog post on Death Valley) Both experiences showcase the diversity in our National Parks.

My first solo ride took me to
Rocky Mountain National Park - 2007 

2011 with the Sparrows & Ireland's
at the top of Rocky Mountain National Park

Rocky Mountain National Park 2013

2014 - with the boys, Richard, Ed & Randy at Death Valley

Just a little History: National Park Service & Foundation
Established in 1916, the National Park Service was created to care for all of the national parks throughout the country. Each park represents an important part of our collective identity. Some parks commemorate notable people and achievements, others conserve magnificent landscapes and natural wonders, and all provide a place to have fun and learn.

The extraordinary mission of the National Park Service extends even further than the parks, however. The work of NPS reaches into communities across the country where they work with partners to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities that revitalize neighborhoods and enhance the quality of life.


There is much National Park information on these 2 sites:

• National Park Foundation is at www.nationalparks.org
• National Park Service can be found at www.nps.gov

I also recommend watching Ken Burn's "America's Best Idea".  It's a fascinating look at the history of our National Parks.  It's several DVD's and it's great for a rainy weekend marathon. I've watched it a couple of times and always learn something new.

Everybody need beauty as well as bread,

a place to play in where Nature may heal and cheer and 

give strength to body and soul alike.... John Muir 

100th Anniversary Bucket List
Riding the National Parks are part of every motorcyclist's history or on their bucket list. The NPS will be celebrating the 100th anniversary starting in 2015 through 2016 with the official anniversary on August 25, 2016. In honor of the Anniversary, we're planning a ride (or rides) to as many National Parks as possible; hoping to ride through the parks we haven't visited and revisit all the parks that are in or close to Utah.

As Americans we should be grateful for our National Parks. In this day when our cities are growing rapidly and our population is booming, it's good to remember that open space is good for our soul. The Nationals Parks are a tribute to the beauty that America offers.

The National parks are part of my history, not just on a motorcycle but family trips to Yosemite, my honeymoon in Alaska, and visiting Arches with my sister and mom. In 2006 I visited Denali with my sister, Jenn while she was a resident of Alaska and felt the joy of seeing Mt. McKinley or Denali without cloud cover; a rare experience! I've never visited a National Park without leaving feeling inspired, grateful and more peaceful.

Our Honeymoon - Glacier Bay National Park - 2003

What National Parks are on your bucket list? 

 How will you celebrate the 100th Anniversary of our National Parks? 

On the 98th Anniversary of  the National Park Service, it's not too early to start planning your journey through America's Best Idea!

Welcome Home Ride

Stephanie, Ed, Me & Patty in Jackson

Last weekend I rode to Jackson Hole, Wyoming with friends Ed, Stephanie and Patty. Originally, I was going to ride by myself and meet the boys, Randy, Kevin and Richard who were coming back from Sturgis. However, I was thrilled to have the company! Stephanie passengers with Ed and Patty (Richard's wife) was our amazing pace car!

This was a quick trip! We left early Saturday morning and headed toward Evanston, then north to Jackson around 300 easy miles. Luckily, we had great riding weather, comfortable, cool and sunny. 

Lots of antlers in Wyoming!

I was glad for cooler weather because I like riding in full leathers. Like most riders, I hate being too cold or too hot - it just makes for an uncomfortable ride. Every rider has stories of miserable weather rides and loves to tell them! Just ask a biker....what's the worst weather you've ever ridden in?   Then sit back and listen to the tall tale!  

We cruised through Wyoming and had lunch at Agave Mexican Restaurant in Afton and discovered that we're all in love with Mexican food. Together, we devoured chips and salsa like there's no tomorrow! It was a fun stop!

Stephanie looks great on her saddle!

We originally expected to meet up with the boys in Jackson late Saturday afternoon. Unfortunately, near Billings, MT Richard had a flat tire, causing the boys to arrive in later than planned. Since Stephanie hadn't been to Jackson and with time to kill, we headed to the town square. Our first stop was the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar for a quick beer and of course a photo on their famous saddle bar stools. Stephanie was a good sport and hopped right on! 

Yum!

 We also enjoyed a brown ale, named Bitch Creek. Kind of fun and very tasty!  I'd like to point out that the name of this beer doesn't describe me or my mood.  The beer is named after a creek on the border of Idaho and Wyoming. The name is said to be a corruption of the French word "biche" which means "doe". The creek was originally named "Anse de Biche" meaning "waterway of the doe"  somehow it evolved into Bitch Creek.  I wonder why?  Was there a mountain man mad at his girlfriend or wife?  mmm...I'm sure there's a good story there!

For the next couple of hours, we walked around, shopped and hung out until the Town Square Shoot Out. It's the oldest continually operating shoot-out in the Country! We loved it especially because the Shoot-Out pays tribute to powerful Wyoming women.  We learned that Wyoming was the first State to give women the vote, had the first female juror, bailiff, and elected the first female governor! Very motivating to hear about these great women! Who knew that this silly show would give us a fun history lesson.

Afterwards, the ride to Teton Village was spectacular! The Grand Tetons were ahead of us and seeing them was amazing. They are a gorgeous, rugged mountain range and every time I see them it takes my breath away. Years ago, Randy even climbed to the top of them which is incredible! I didn't take pictures but found this one online - I had to share!

From Grand Teton's National Park Website 

Yes, I stayed in the Hostel

We stayed at the Teton Village Hostel right at the base of the mountain. Rustic, plain, simple and an excellent value only costing us about $32 a person. Jackson is one of the most expensive places to get a hotel room - averaging about $300+ a night. For us bikers, the Hostel is perfect. We've stayed there several times and it's great. This time we had one private room, with 5 twin beds and Patty and I stayed in a shared room with two other women. Another new experience and adventure! I'm so grateful that Patty took the upper bunk!  I would have never been able to climb up it - she's a good friend and a trooper.
People from all over the world stay at the Hostel. There was a group of Italians there and Randy immediately gravitated to them to practice his Italian. (although rusty, he is fluent in Italian). In our shared girl room, one of our roommates was from Australia and it was fun to meet her. She was in Jackson on vacation and on her way to a conference in California. The other roomie, was up at the crack of dawn and we never saw her! A little odd, but that's what you get staying in a Hostel.

Imagine, 5 people fit in this room

Saturday night was a blast! It was great to see the boys and we toasted their arrival with a few beers and then dinner at the Mangy Moose - the local bar at the Village. We had a great time laughing and hearing a few of this year's adventures.  There was a lot of laughter at the table and we closed the place down.  Since the bikes were parked it was time to party and we're really good at celebrating!  

Taken after dinner and we look very happy!

So glad to  have him home safe & sound!

Sunday morning was wonderful! A crisp and sunny morning with hot air balloons and parachuters in the air by the resort. We headed  to Victor, Idaho for breakfast, a quick chilly ride over the mountain - fabulous!

The sky was filled with these jumpers!

In Victor, we were turned away at a restaurant named Scratch and almost didn't get served at another, named The Station, because they couldn't handle the crowd. We were all cranky and hungry but we decided to wait it out. Good thing, because breakfast at The Station was yummy! If you're ever in Victor, Idaho, don't even bother with Scratch, just go directly to The Station. Both Kevin and I wrote reviews on Yelp about our experiences at both places.  Check it out for the crazy details: www.yelp.com/biz/scratch-victor & www.yelp.com/biz/the-station-victor-2

The rest of day took us through Swan Valley, Palisades Reservoir and then Hwy 30, the north side of Bear Lake, to Woodruff and Hwy 39 to Snowbasin Ski Resort near Ogden. Wonderful mountain roads and simply an excellent ride. Great weather as well, first cool and then very warm. We made a quick stop at Snowbasin and headed home. Sunday's in the summer, Snowbasin hosts Blues, Brews and BBQ and we arrived too late for the concert but still it was great stop. 

This summer, I've only ridden a few times and this weekend, I put over 600 miles on my bike.  It felt great to be on a long ride again and always a good time to enjoy beautiful Utah, Idaho and Wyoming.  We have excellent  riding where we live.  Although I wanted to try a long ride on my own, I am so happy that Ed, Stephanie and Patty joined me.  It made for a fun weekend and we created great memories. 

Hanging out on July 4th!

What was best about this ride was the time spent with our friends. Randy and I have always been lucky to have a circle of friends to hang out with and since our coast-to-coast journey, we've realized how truly blessed with are to have friends everywhere.  

I especially have come to appreciate the women in my life and the support and friendship we have.  I've have also enjoyed getting together more often with Stephanie and Patty. They've become my walking buddies, riding friends and are great girls! This was our first bike trip together and I hope we have many more! 

Sturgis!

Richard & Randy Sturgis or Bust 2014

We've been home almost 2 months and it's been over a month since my last post! After writing about our trip, I guess I needed a break and time to figure out a new routine. 

Even after a cross country ride, Randy hit the road with his buddies, Richard & Kevin and headed to Sturgis. the  biggest bike rally ever! As much as I love riding, I decided to stay home this time. Next year, Sturgis' 75th Anniversary - I will be there!

The boys (Kevin, Richard and Randy) rode home this past weekend and had an amazing time in spite of the rainy weather.  In Sturgis, you have to be prepared for anything - heat, cold, wind, rain and even hail!   It was Richard's first visit and all he could say was "it was interesting".  

Interesting? What does that mean?  I thought I'd share a little of the Sturgis Rally with you, starting with photos from my first visit.  Keep in mind, I'm writing from my own perspective.  Just like riding, everyone has their own opinion about Sturgis.  

For 11 months of the year, Sturgis is a sleepy little town in South Dakota near Rapid City.  However for one week in August it becomes the STURGIS MOTORCYCLE RALLY with over 500,000 people attending each year!

Sturgis 2001 - early biker chick days! 

My first visit to Sturgis was in 2001.  I've attended the Rally a total of 7 times and twice have ridden my own bike.

Randy has attended at least 20 times and now goes every year without fail.  I don't think he's missed the Rally since 2003 and that's only because we got married that year!  In 2009 he left my sisters wedding in the middle of the reception to head to Sturgis! For the record, that's one time I was really ticked off at Randy for the timing of his Sturgis departure.

In 2010, he arrived home from Sturgis, just in time for us to jump on a plane to Austria for our friend's wedding.  At least he made it home in time to pack.  Motorcycling is in his blood and the Rally is part of his fuel and his persona.  Even his license plate on his truck is "LIVE2RDE".

From my perspective, Sturgis is like spring break for grownups. Most adults attending put away the trappings of their conventional lives and let their inner biker out!  Inhibitions are shed and it becomes one big party and not always in a good way.  I'm not going to write much about that, you can google "Sturgis Bike Rally" and find out all the crazy, sordid details!  There's even been a couple of reality shows that show the experience pretty well.

Perfectly describes how people
feel about trailers @ Sturgis

I have a love/hate relationship with Sturgis.  I get tired of the Rally because I don't like the camping, the inexperience riders, the idiots and spring break mentality.

I also don't like all the cars and trailers that are now there.  Its amazing how many people don't even ride their bikes to the Rally, they bring them on trailers or in motorhomes.  There are thousands of them.  I'm not critical of those who have trailers, we have one. There are many reasons to trailer your bike. Many people come from thousands of miles away, have limited vacation time or have health reasons that might limit their ability.  But it's not unusual to see trailers from very close areas like, Nebraska, South Dakota or Montana licenses plates.  At a rally all about motorcycles and riding, it seems silly not to "ride in".  Even when we trailer-ed our bikes to Daytona Bike Week, we parked it in Atlanta and rode the 450 miles to Daytona. Rallies are about riding, not trailering!

I do love the excitement of seeing and hearing Main Street roar with bikes and now as a rider, it's wild to ride down Main Street!  The camaraderie that comes with being around thousands of bikers is thrilling.  The party atmosphere can be a blast and the concerts are incredible. Even with the "spring break mentality" most people don't push it to the edge - they are just having a great time, living it up and enjoying their vacation.  When I look past the craziness, most everyone is just like us. 

A great view of Sturgis Main Street

People and bike watching is phenomenal!  Everywhere you turn is something or someone interesting to look at that either makes you laugh out loud or say "what the hell was that?".   The cool thing about Harley's is that you can customize your bike and you'll rarely find identical bikes.  The customization that occurs to bikes will blow your mind.  Motorcycles are works of art - gorgeous, unusual, incredible and just like exquisite works of art...they are thought provoking as well.  

The rear wheel is incredible!  

Me & Randy, Sturgis 2013

The Rally itself is motorcycle shopping mecca!  Anything you need for your bike or riding is at Sturgis.  There are literally thousands of booths in a 75  mile radius selling bikes, tires, seats, horns, electronics, accessories, trinkets, tshirts, jewelry, boots, patches, pin-striping, painting and virtually anything made of chrome and leather. You can also get your bike washed by pretty girls in bikinis. For the first time ever, I saw men excited about "shopping".

If you're so inclined you'll also find fortune tellers, tattoo artists, body piercing and you can even have your body airbrushed. (please note, that I haven't done any of those things at Sturgis!) 

'

Every brand of motorcycle is represented and you can test ride most of them. That's how I found my 2012 CVO Softail Convertible...at the Rally.  Walked by it...fell in love, test rode it and six months later it was mine.  At the end of my test ride, I rode by Randy and friends and yelled "I love this bike".  In 2006, I rode my very first Harley, a Softail Deluxe at the Harley Demo Rides.  My ride was exhilarating and the very next year I was the proud owner of a brand new 2007 Softail Deluxe! 

2011 - My CVO  looking gorgeous! 

I love this bike!

Rocky Mt. Nat'l Park - with my brand new 2007 Deluxe!

2013 - Randy test riding the new Indian

2013 -Meeting the great Willie G!

The best part about any Rally including Sturgis (aside from the amazing riding) is fun people you meet.  It doesn't matter what you do for a living; what matters is that you ride.  Conversations are always about where you rode from or what you ride and what is your most favorite rides.  In 2013, on the Mayor's Ride I met the Mayor of Sturgis and the Governor of South Dakota!  We also met Willie G. Davidson, the co-founder's grandson, Chief HD Designer and now HD Ambassador.  Randy and I have met him twice and it's always a thrill!

Staying at the Rally is challenging at best. Most people camp because the hotels, motels and cabins and house are expensive!  Way overpriced.  I've camped at once at Glencoe and 5 times at the Buffalo Chip and I'll never do that again.  Horrible experience that would take an entire post to explain so I'm not!  This year, even the boys said they won't go back to the Chip, so it must be bad!

We're smiling because we're leaving the Chip!

Camping at Buffalo Chip with Kevin & Becky

In 2013 we discovered Shade Valley Campground and that was fabulous indoor camping experience!  Clean cabins, showers and bathrooms.  Our cabin even had air conditioning, a microwave and a coffee pot.  Although Randy called our cabin a "tough shed"   Becky and I almost felt like we were at the Ritz or at least a Motel 6.  At Sturgis, it's the little things that matter, quiet night, a comfortable bed, clean shower and morning coffee; all make for a very happy harley gurls! 

2013- home sweet home...our tough shed

Example of Sturgis Stupidity

Even at Shade Valley, people can be stupid. This flyer was hanging in the women's shower house.  I shouldn't be shocked that grown adults need to be told to keep their motorcycles out of the human showers.  

2013 - Mt. Rushmore in the background

Although Sturgis Rally is somewhat the same year to year which can be boring, the experience of riding through amazing country is incredible.   We've enjoyed and experienced Devils Tower, Mt. Rushmore, the Badlands, Spearfish Canyon, Custer State Park, Crazy Horse, Keystone and Deadwood. 

One year, we rode to the  Badlands and Wall Drug on the hottest day ever and that trip was by far, the hottest I've ever been.  Arriving at the Badlands Visitor Center, I ran to the restroom, stripped off my shirt, soaked it in water and wore it wet.  The need to cool off was overwhelming. 

The ride to and from Sturgis is worth it as well.  We've visited Teton Village, the Grand Tetons, Jackson Hole, Cody, Yellowstone, Red Lodge, Bear Tooth Highway,  Chief Joseph Highway, the Big Horn Mountains,  Rocky Mountain National Park and Steamboat Springs.  Truly spectacular!

2014 - Devil's Tower 

2011 - I made it to Big Horn - look how high!

2014 - Randy, Richard & Kevin  - Devils Tower

2013 - A construction stop on Bear Tooth Pass

The gang... 2103 Yellowstone

Most attendees are men and even in our group it's usually just me with the boys.  I've been lucky to attend twice with Becky which was great and we had tons of fun together.

2013 - me, Randy, Becky & Kevin...Good Times!

Every year I see more and more women either riding their own or passenger also know as "hubby huggers".    It's exciting to see more women riding!  

Looking good in my new shirt - love it!

This year, Randy surprised me with a shirt from the Steel Horse Sisterhood, a women's riding network dedicated to empowering women who ride. Randy met the founder, Joan Krenning and knew that I should connect with her.  Randy had no idea that I already knew about Steel Horse Sisterhood or that I'm planning on attending the SHS Summit next year.  I was thrilled with my shirt and even more so because I'm already facebook friends with Joan and follow the group on facebook.  Good Karma through Facebook.  

Next year, I hope to participate in the Motor Maids and Sturgis Belles rides and meet up with other women riders that I've met through facebook.  

So Randy and his buddies have another year of Sturgis under their belts.  Now that I'm riding better and have more confidence in my abilities, I'm looking forward to next year's Rally.  It's the 75th Anniversary and it is sure to be packed!   Maybe I'll be a little more adventurous and have some body painting done?  mmm... those of you that know me well, know that will NEVER happen!    That's one journey that this HappyHarleyGurl won't take!