First class to a new adventure!

First post in a long time!  Lots of changes in our lives over the past year (more about that later).  I'm happy  to be back blogging about our crazy bike adventures. Today, we're flying back to Virginia to pick up our bikes and ride back to Salt Lake City. Are we excited? You bet!   We've been upgraded to first class and it's our last trip to Virginia.  Look at our smiles - pure joy!  The best part of today is that we're on our way to another cross country journey similar to what we did in 2014... this time east to west!  Can't wait to see more of this beautiful country we call America! 

Petrified Forest !

Incredible National Park! Wonderful surprise! 

Tucumcari Tonight!

On the way to Tucumcari, New Mexico you'll see many billboards announcing "Tucumcari Tonight!" After a long day of riding, I'm completely ready to wind up our day.  We rode in on fumes...typical of our rides, gassed up and headed to the Blue Swalllow Motel. (More about the Blue Swallow later) 

Tucumcari is still hanging in there a wonderful respite for a tired traveler. The main drag is the original Route 66 again, gives you the feel of what it might have been like in the day.  Lots of motels call to you with promises of modern conveniences like refrigerated air,direct dial telephones and comfy beds.  Refrigerated air... A throwback to what was know as air conditioning!  There's even a motel boasting that Clint Eastwood stayed there.  

Tucumcari also is home to several murals - we found this one on the side of the local grocery store, Lowes, and snapped a few shots. We tried to take a timed picture of all of us and with only 10 seconds to run across the street, Randy didn't quite make it!  All in all this will be a favorite photo - all of us together riding Historic Route 66! 

Cadillac Ranch!

On Monday, June 6 we rode from Taos, New Mexico  to Cadillac Ranch about 350 miles winding through amazing countryside finding ourselves in the outskirts of Amarillo, Texas. Jumping off the back roads onto HWY 40 - we jetted a couple of miles east and off a frontage rode ...there it was!  I was excited to see this remarkable work of crazy art!  Yes, art... 10 Cadillacs, ranging from 1949-1963, all with the iconic tail fins, buried nose first into a huge farmers field. Originally installed in 1974 by the collective Ant Farm.  You can find more information about the installation, founders and why they moved the art by Googling "Cadillac Ranch" or look on Wikipedia.

We rode quite a distance out of our way to make this visit and I thought it was worth it!  It was exciting to see all those caddy's and they're all full of graffiti!  Bummed that we forgot to bring our own spray paint. 

At first glance, Stephanie was a little disappointed, thinking ""this is it?"  but after walking the 100 yards to the Cadillacs, getting up close and watching the people interact with the cars, turned the site into "art".  

Each car was graffiti spray painted, with their own unique style and personality.  Years of paint upon paint was layered, peeling and bubbled adding to the aged look and style of the Cadillacs.  Designs are difficult to describe - each car has it's own life and story upon story.  With all that paint, the cars were colorful especially against the brown dirt of the field. We agreed that it would look even better if the caddies were surrounded by a full vivid green cornfield. 

Would I go again?  Well, maybe not 150 miles out of my way...but if I was driving by...yes, I would stop for more pictures.  Should you go?  YES!  Cadillac Ranch is owned by a private trust and the oringal creator has passed away - there's no guarantee that it will be there in the future.  See it while you can and bring your own spray paint!  

Carl's Cafe & the Gang!

Background to foreground...

Randy & Cathleen, Ed and Stephanie, Kevin, Richard, Blake and Cecil.   We're all on Harley's except for a couple BMW's... And we graciously allowed them to ride with us.  I would have cropped them out but I figured it was good karma to include all of our friends! 

Route 66... Happy Harley Gurl is Back!

After a hiatus on my blog... It's time to return to share our journeys.  It's been a wild couple of years and we've had a few fun trips - I just failed to write about them. Great memories...just in my head!  

It's always exciting planning a road trip but this one is especially thrilling because in 2014 we decided that "someday" we'd do Route 66 and this year we are!  Woohoo!  

We left on Friday, June 3 and started our day at Carl's Cafe, which is our favorite local diner owned by our good friend Lisa Parker.  We try to start all our big trips with a hearty breakfast and lots of coffee!  Lisa is an incredible cook and her diner is the best in Salt Lake City!   We had a great send off with lots of friends - once I get the photo from Chris Butte - I'll post our group photo.    

Our Route 66 journey will take us through Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, Texas and Arizona.  Our first stop of the night will be Ouray, Colorado.  This trip includes, me and Randy, Ed and Stephanie, Kevin is riding single (we're missing Becky) and Richard.  We also spent a couple of days with Blake and Cecil who rode with us to Pagosa Springs. 

That's all for now... Breakfast and the Mother Road is calling me!  

Wind Therapy

Always a good day when riding. It's been extremely warm in Utah, high 60's during the winter! Normally I'd be skiing or sledding but today I'm off for some wind therapy. Riding is the best way to just let go and not think about anything but riding my bike. All my troubles and stress just melts away. After a few miles my head clears and I relax. It's like meditating but better! Just the anticipation of riding is calming ...look at my smile! Keep your shiny up!


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Location:Salt Lake City, Utah

Happy Harley Gurl Celebrates Another Year!

It's been a week since my birthday and what a great week it was! Not only did I celebrate my birthday, I share my birthday with my husband Randy. What are the odds of that? He jokes often that he'll never forget my birthday and I joke right back that I'll never forget his!

happy birthday to us!

We started the day out with free breakfast at Denny's with our parents. This is a tradition for us; after all how can you pass up a free Grand Slam on your birthday. Plus, the servers are always surprised when they check our ID generates lots of laughter.

We rode to Denny's and although a short ride, absolutely perfect September day! Fall is my favorite time of year as I enjoy the leaves turning, cooler weather mixed with the occasional hot day. Utah is always gorgeous but the fall with the golden yellows, vivid oranges and radiant reds is truly amazing!

The GURL & YLD1 

It's great every year to reflect on life and find gratitude. I think that every time we reflect on the positive things maybe the negative won't seem as big. This next year of my life, that is what I'm going to try to do! A birthday resolution! Be grateful and ride more!

I'm grateful that I had the opportunity share free breakfast at Denny's with Randy, my mom and my in-laws! Thank you Denny's!

Peggy, Randy, Me, Claire & Linda

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!