Got in to Atlanta at 1am Thursday morning.
So I got from Buffalo, WY to Atlanta in 2 days. Thats 1800 miles in 2 days.
I was going nearly insane at the end. My rear tire was bald, there were cops everywhere and my right eye was drooping from exhaustion. I was as hungry as hell but would not let myself stop for anything other than just gas.
Got up and everything seemed fine. Carried on south through Iowa towards Kansas City then all hell let loose with the weather - high winds and mad rain.
So what did I do?
Rushed to IHOP of course and had a stack of pancakes.
I felt alot better coming out even though it was still raining and decided to carry on as long as I could. This was tough and the side winds were pushing me all over the place. I could see RV's and trailers almost getting pushed onto two wheels and off the road. It was nasty.
However my stubborn streak kept me going for the rest of the day. Stopped in St Louis for a Starbucks and went to order some coffee from some young lady there. She asked me what I wanted and I told her 'something strong enough to get me to Atlanta'. So she made me a coffee with seven shots of expresso and didn't charge me a penny! Cool people!
One of the major goals to hit was Nashville and I got there late afternoon.
Then it was onto Chatanooga.
By that time I had all kinds of worries as my rear tire was almost completely bald and it was late night. My clear visor had melted slightly when I put cleaning chemicals on it so I could hardly see. I was also getting a bit mental, worrying that I would get 99% of the way home then crash. I would fill up, get on the highway following the correct signs and STILL would think I am going the wrong way. I guess I had a long day and I was mentally shot.
Anyway I got back home and went to bed as soon as I could!
Thursday, September 4, 2008
September 2nd
So I got some serious miles done! I was sick of being in a hotel room and ready to put down some serious miles. I couldn't wait to get out on the road.
Started off in Buffalo WY and the weather was on my side, although a bit cold in Wyoming, especially at altitude. I froze for my first tank load. When I came into the gas station I filled up and added more layers of clothing (and inner gloves), which made me toasty warm and much happier.
Unfortunately I then got into a speeding rampage and got pulled over for 93mph in a 65. Luckily I talked them out of it but they gave me an 'official warning' blue ticket.
Once the sun got up it warmed up and I got stuck into getting through Nebraska. Got through Omaha then into Iowa in the evening (went on for a while then got a hotel for the night - there were too many deer near the road and I was getting nervous).
Anyway here is a video I took late in the evening:
Started off in Buffalo WY and the weather was on my side, although a bit cold in Wyoming, especially at altitude. I froze for my first tank load. When I came into the gas station I filled up and added more layers of clothing (and inner gloves), which made me toasty warm and much happier.
Unfortunately I then got into a speeding rampage and got pulled over for 93mph in a 65. Luckily I talked them out of it but they gave me an 'official warning' blue ticket.
Once the sun got up it warmed up and I got stuck into getting through Nebraska. Got through Omaha then into Iowa in the evening (went on for a while then got a hotel for the night - there were too many deer near the road and I was getting nervous).
Anyway here is a video I took late in the evening:
Monday, September 1, 2008
September 1
Hi
I started off home today out of Yellowstone going east to Cody. The plan was then to turn south and get to Casper. Well I missed by 100 miles, ending up in Buffalo, WY.
The reason is the cold. It was cold from the moment I got on the bike today until the moment I got off. Rainy, windy and some snow. It was tough. Yellowstone was cold and there were snow flurries going out of the East gate - not a good sign. Anyway I continued onto Cody, going as fast as I can.
One good thing was that I saw several moose today.
Everything was wet and cold until I got to the Big Horn mountains. Then it started snowing on the way up, at the top and on the way down. That made for some difficult riding as I could barely see infront of me.
Anyway I got down to Dayton then carried on east as long as I could bear it, reaching Buffalo, WY.
That leaves me 1700 miles left.
However the weather forecast is good for tomorrow so I am planning on making up time!
I started off home today out of Yellowstone going east to Cody. The plan was then to turn south and get to Casper. Well I missed by 100 miles, ending up in Buffalo, WY.
The reason is the cold. It was cold from the moment I got on the bike today until the moment I got off. Rainy, windy and some snow. It was tough. Yellowstone was cold and there were snow flurries going out of the East gate - not a good sign. Anyway I continued onto Cody, going as fast as I can.
One good thing was that I saw several moose today.
Everything was wet and cold until I got to the Big Horn mountains. Then it started snowing on the way up, at the top and on the way down. That made for some difficult riding as I could barely see infront of me.
Anyway I got down to Dayton then carried on east as long as I could bear it, reaching Buffalo, WY.
That leaves me 1700 miles left.
However the weather forecast is good for tomorrow so I am planning on making up time!
Sunday, August 31, 2008
31st August
Well today was spoilt by the weather - cold and wet. I set the alarm clock so I could get up early but it was raining outside.
So I hung out watching crappy movies (Mrs Doubtfire anyone?) til the weather cleared out.
Went to the park after lunch and immediately made my way up north to Lamar Valley. Watched the beasts out in the open for a while - saw some pronghorn antelope and lots of bison. No wolves. Unfortunately it started to rain so I had to make my way down South.
So I went south to just north of Canyon Junction and walked up the hills there for a while. I felt like I was in the middle of nowhere and I got very close to a really big female elk. That was pretty cool.
After I got to the bike it started to get cold so I made my way home, stopping for bison and elk on the way back.
So overall I had a good time at Yellowstone but a car would have been warmer! If I had a car I could have gone out in the early morning and stayed out late at night to watch what really goes on in the park. It is too cold here to ride the bike very early or late.
Tomorrow I will be leaving Yellowstone out of the east gate then east to Cody. Then I will go South to Casper. This will get me on Interstate 25, which will take me south east. I will go as far and as fast as I can and see where I end up!
So I hung out watching crappy movies (Mrs Doubtfire anyone?) til the weather cleared out.
Went to the park after lunch and immediately made my way up north to Lamar Valley. Watched the beasts out in the open for a while - saw some pronghorn antelope and lots of bison. No wolves. Unfortunately it started to rain so I had to make my way down South.
So I went south to just north of Canyon Junction and walked up the hills there for a while. I felt like I was in the middle of nowhere and I got very close to a really big female elk. That was pretty cool.
After I got to the bike it started to get cold so I made my way home, stopping for bison and elk on the way back.
So overall I had a good time at Yellowstone but a car would have been warmer! If I had a car I could have gone out in the early morning and stayed out late at night to watch what really goes on in the park. It is too cold here to ride the bike very early or late.
Tomorrow I will be leaving Yellowstone out of the east gate then east to Cody. Then I will go South to Casper. This will get me on Interstate 25, which will take me south east. I will go as far and as fast as I can and see where I end up!
Saturday, August 30, 2008
August 30th
Got up pretty late today then went running - it sucked at this altitude.
Went to have breakfast. Entered the park around mid-day then rode up to Mammoth and started riding east. Stopped at some of the hot springs on the way to take pictures.
Went east from Mammoth and started running up some of the trails as I went. Got real close to a bunch of deer on one trail. Then on another trail got pretty close to a big buck with a nice rack.
Left one of the trails and someone told me that there were 3 buck moose just down the road. Went and saw them then carried onto Tower / Roosevelt Lodge for a coffee break!
Went east to Lamar Valley and hiked up about 3 or 4 miles. Thought I saw a wolf briefly run through a canyon into some trees. Saw a few birds of prey but no bears.
As the sun was going down I started going home. Saw lots of elk and a coyote on the way home.
Anyway I am going to try to get up early tomorrow morning and see what I can see!
Went to have breakfast. Entered the park around mid-day then rode up to Mammoth and started riding east. Stopped at some of the hot springs on the way to take pictures.
Went east from Mammoth and started running up some of the trails as I went. Got real close to a bunch of deer on one trail. Then on another trail got pretty close to a big buck with a nice rack.
Left one of the trails and someone told me that there were 3 buck moose just down the road. Went and saw them then carried onto Tower / Roosevelt Lodge for a coffee break!
Went east to Lamar Valley and hiked up about 3 or 4 miles. Thought I saw a wolf briefly run through a canyon into some trees. Saw a few birds of prey but no bears.
As the sun was going down I started going home. Saw lots of elk and a coyote on the way home.
Anyway I am going to try to get up early tomorrow morning and see what I can see!
Friday, August 29, 2008
29th Footage
Shame about my crappy $129 camcorder with no zoom! :)
In this video there is a mother grizzly with 2 cubs. She gets scared off by some asshole honking their horn non-stop for 5 minutes!
In my next movie I am going to do Blair Witch Project 2 - The Curse of the Camera Shake. ;)
In this video there is a mother grizzly with 2 cubs. She gets scared off by some asshole honking their horn non-stop for 5 minutes!
In my next movie I am going to do Blair Witch Project 2 - The Curse of the Camera Shake. ;)
August 28th & 29th
Glad you're back Alex. You had me worried!
This is what I have been up to:
On the 28th I said goodbye to Jill in Portland at the hotel. Shame she had to go but I think she had a good time. She was taking the airport shuttle and I was riding the bike east. I decided that I would rather go east than south back to California. I planned on going towards Boise, ID and see what happened. In the morning I rode down I84 next to the Colombia river and then made my way into Idaho. Some road crime but only got forced onto the hard shoulder once! :) Well I got well past Boise and ended up continuing towards Yellowstone, camping by the side of the road about 100 miles south of Idaho Falls. It was a warm night that got cold in the early morning - I was freezing. Had an interesting conversation with Bubba the hunter at the camp site.
On the 29th I rode up to Idaho falls then made the additional 150 miles to West Yellowstone Park. I found a hotel there for $79 a night and booked in for 3 days. After those 3 days I will ride non-stop all the way home if I can (I will need to change my rear tire somewhere though).
So I got into West Yellowstone about 2pm and got my hotel room sorted out. Left for the park, buying a week bike pass for $20. Didn't wear much gear as I was planning on leaving the park before sunset. Within 5 minutes I saw a young teenager bison crossing a river (probably drunk). I rode to the center of the park (Canyon Village) and had a coffee. Saw 3 guys with a broken ktm motorcycle, offered to help, was told to piss off. Went for a walk and saw quite a few elk. Then decided to make my way round the inner loop of the park clockwise. This was much longer than I thought and I ended up getting very cold as there seems to be a big temperature difference between daytime (60s) and night-time (20s-30s!). However I did see bunches of elk, bison, volcanic smoking scenery and three grizzly bears (mama and babies), which were near the road but then scared off by some asshole tooting their horn in their car for 5 fricken minutes! So I am very cold & tired but pleased.
Tomorrow I am planning on riding up to Mammoth Hot Springs then east to Tower-Roosevelt then onto Lamar Valley. I was going to go early morning but having frozen to death tonight I doubt that will happen. I will be a wimp and explore in the daytime - not as many animals but much warmer! To me the Northern areas of the park are where the interesting stuff is. Seen enough drive-through bison observation in the center south of the park already. I particularly want to see big-horned sheep, which I have not seen yet. As a note last week someone reported a MOUNTAIN LION chasing a WEASEL across one of the main roads in the park. I didn't even know those two species were in Yellowstone. Source: http://www.maxwaugh.com/yellowstone/map.php - recent sightings.
This is what I have been up to:
On the 28th I said goodbye to Jill in Portland at the hotel. Shame she had to go but I think she had a good time. She was taking the airport shuttle and I was riding the bike east. I decided that I would rather go east than south back to California. I planned on going towards Boise, ID and see what happened. In the morning I rode down I84 next to the Colombia river and then made my way into Idaho. Some road crime but only got forced onto the hard shoulder once! :) Well I got well past Boise and ended up continuing towards Yellowstone, camping by the side of the road about 100 miles south of Idaho Falls. It was a warm night that got cold in the early morning - I was freezing. Had an interesting conversation with Bubba the hunter at the camp site.
On the 29th I rode up to Idaho falls then made the additional 150 miles to West Yellowstone Park. I found a hotel there for $79 a night and booked in for 3 days. After those 3 days I will ride non-stop all the way home if I can (I will need to change my rear tire somewhere though).
So I got into West Yellowstone about 2pm and got my hotel room sorted out. Left for the park, buying a week bike pass for $20. Didn't wear much gear as I was planning on leaving the park before sunset. Within 5 minutes I saw a young teenager bison crossing a river (probably drunk). I rode to the center of the park (Canyon Village) and had a coffee. Saw 3 guys with a broken ktm motorcycle, offered to help, was told to piss off. Went for a walk and saw quite a few elk. Then decided to make my way round the inner loop of the park clockwise. This was much longer than I thought and I ended up getting very cold as there seems to be a big temperature difference between daytime (60s) and night-time (20s-30s!). However I did see bunches of elk, bison, volcanic smoking scenery and three grizzly bears (mama and babies), which were near the road but then scared off by some asshole tooting their horn in their car for 5 fricken minutes! So I am very cold & tired but pleased.
Tomorrow I am planning on riding up to Mammoth Hot Springs then east to Tower-Roosevelt then onto Lamar Valley. I was going to go early morning but having frozen to death tonight I doubt that will happen. I will be a wimp and explore in the daytime - not as many animals but much warmer! To me the Northern areas of the park are where the interesting stuff is. Seen enough drive-through bison observation in the center south of the park already. I particularly want to see big-horned sheep, which I have not seen yet. As a note last week someone reported a MOUNTAIN LION chasing a WEASEL across one of the main roads in the park. I didn't even know those two species were in Yellowstone. Source: http://www.maxwaugh.com/yellowstone/map.php - recent sightings.
I made it back Wednesday night
Mark,
How is everything? We are finally back :) That was one painful trip. KTM World had to overnight me parts.... THANKS!!!! I made lots of new friends in MOTEL 6 in Amarillo, TX.
See you when you get back
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Day 12
The day did not have a good start - it was 32 degrees that night and we got pretty cold. We got up as quickly as possible as we had to hurry to be ready for the 11am boat tour. This required a 45 minute drive around the rim and a hike down to the boat dock. Also we had to have everything packed up by then also.
The boat tour was spectacular - being in a lake of volcanoes within a volcano. This was the second deepest lake in the USA but the clearest and the bluest.
Once we were done with the boat tour we got on the bike and headed towards Eugene, stopping at a nice brand new hotel for the night - beats a tent any day of the week!
The boat tour was spectacular - being in a lake of volcanoes within a volcano. This was the second deepest lake in the USA but the clearest and the bluest.
Once we were done with the boat tour we got on the bike and headed towards Eugene, stopping at a nice brand new hotel for the night - beats a tent any day of the week!
Day 11
We had pancakes for breakfast and quickly got to Crater Lake. What is Crater Lake?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crater_Lake
As we climbed up towards Crater Lake we noticed that it got colder and colder with the altitude, eventually ending up like Harry and Llloyd on the bike. There was still snow on the ground. Shit! And worse we tried to get a hotel room but we couldn't!
So we had to make the decision - do we camp there or go down again to another town for a hotel? The scenery was so fantastic that we decided to camp. We knew it was going to be cold so we hiked around for a while and gathered as much wood as possible. I took my claw hammer off my motorcycle and used it to tear wood off fallen tree limbs. Some lady took offense to this and I basically told her to piss off and carried on. Fallen logs are fair game as far as I am concerned. We ended up with a huge pile which we brought back to our camp site, which was quite remote.
Anyway it quickly got cold and dark but we had a good fire and a lot of wine.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crater_Lake
As we climbed up towards Crater Lake we noticed that it got colder and colder with the altitude, eventually ending up like Harry and Llloyd on the bike. There was still snow on the ground. Shit! And worse we tried to get a hotel room but we couldn't!
So we had to make the decision - do we camp there or go down again to another town for a hotel? The scenery was so fantastic that we decided to camp. We knew it was going to be cold so we hiked around for a while and gathered as much wood as possible. I took my claw hammer off my motorcycle and used it to tear wood off fallen tree limbs. Some lady took offense to this and I basically told her to piss off and carried on. Fallen logs are fair game as far as I am concerned. We ended up with a huge pile which we brought back to our camp site, which was quite remote.
Anyway it quickly got cold and dark but we had a good fire and a lot of wine.
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Day 10
Woke up in the woods and proceeded North to Eureka along 101 again. Got to Eureka and had some breakfast / lunch. We talked about options and decided to go to Crater Lake, which is slightly inland.
So we rode along 101, stopping to see the wonderful California coast then headed inland towards Crater Lake. We did not make Crater Lake because we didn't want to ride at dusk (fear of hitting deer). We checked ourselves in to a hotel about 50 miles from our destination.
So we rode along 101, stopping to see the wonderful California coast then headed inland towards Crater Lake. We did not make Crater Lake because we didn't want to ride at dusk (fear of hitting deer). We checked ourselves in to a hotel about 50 miles from our destination.
Day 9
We left the hotel in Santa Rosa and headed North on Highway 101 (The Redwood Highway). We went through Hop Town, where they make the beer hops and eventually decided to stop and camp overnight at the Avenue of the Giants, a huge forest of giant redwood trees. This area looked like a prehistoric forest and we walked a couple of hours then set up fondue, wine and the tent.
We awoke in the middle of the night to some strange noises - owls and 'ringtail cats',which are a form of lemur (noisy bastards!). Jill got scared and wouldn't leave the tent. :)
We awoke in the middle of the night to some strange noises - owls and 'ringtail cats',which are a form of lemur (noisy bastards!). Jill got scared and wouldn't leave the tent. :)
Day 8
Just spoke with Alex - hopefully he will get some rest and be ok tomorrow. Crossing my fingers for him.
Anyway after Alex left me on day 8 I went to the local Starbucks and updated the blog. Then I came and got Jill from the airport. We went North and over the Golden Gate bridge and into Saucelito. I saw a sign for a laundrette and figured we could get my clothes washed while having dinner. This works but we had some anxiety - the guy who worked in the laundrette was acting really strangely and wanted us to come to his house for dinner. All of his clothes were stained in alcohol. So we avoided going to his place and getting murdered and got out of there as quickly as we could. Also, while we were getting our clothes washed several gang members were sniffing about the bike outside. We got away in a hurry and stayed the night up the road in Santa Rosa.
Anyway after Alex left me on day 8 I went to the local Starbucks and updated the blog. Then I came and got Jill from the airport. We went North and over the Golden Gate bridge and into Saucelito. I saw a sign for a laundrette and figured we could get my clothes washed while having dinner. This works but we had some anxiety - the guy who worked in the laundrette was acting really strangely and wanted us to come to his house for dinner. All of his clothes were stained in alcohol. So we avoided going to his place and getting murdered and got out of there as quickly as we could. Also, while we were getting our clothes washed several gang members were sniffing about the bike outside. We got away in a hurry and stayed the night up the road in Santa Rosa.
Day 9 - Alex rides back
Well, 100 miles from San Fran my clutch did it first slip..... I milked it for 1000 miles, but in Amarillo TX it is toast. Time to rig something up thanks to WERA help
Friday, August 22, 2008
Day 6
Day 6 was great.
Took 151? west to Morrow Bay then pacific coastal highway north towards San Francisco. There were some great mountain roads on the way, allowing Alex and I to have a good time.
Once we got to the Pacific Coast Highway I was content to cruise and enjoy the view but the crazy Russian had other ideas - overtaking people wherever and whenever he could. We ended up having a pretty good burnup.
Stopped at Monterey for some serious food.
Got into San Francisco very tired. It was hard to navigate as it was very foggy and wet. I could barely see my gps, let alone read it at speed.
We were going to meet Maria that night but decided against it, taking a hotel room for two days and sightseeing the next day.
Took 151? west to Morrow Bay then pacific coastal highway north towards San Francisco. There were some great mountain roads on the way, allowing Alex and I to have a good time.
Once we got to the Pacific Coast Highway I was content to cruise and enjoy the view but the crazy Russian had other ideas - overtaking people wherever and whenever he could. We ended up having a pretty good burnup.
Stopped at Monterey for some serious food.
Got into San Francisco very tired. It was hard to navigate as it was very foggy and wet. I could barely see my gps, let alone read it at speed.
We were going to meet Maria that night but decided against it, taking a hotel room for two days and sightseeing the next day.
Day 5
Went to Sedona for a quick visit then onto Cottonwood to get a motorcycle chain for Alex's bike. He needed a new chain pretty bad. Waited around for it to get fixed then headed West towards California.
Traversed the Mojave Desert at a pretty good speed in the afternoon and into the evening. My bike worried me because the red oil light came on. Checked the oil and it was very low. So we got to the next exit and topped it up. Also ended up helping some guy try to fix his car!
Went for a caffeine break then got onto CA 151? to go west into the night. However at this point the wind was really bad, throwing our bikes all over the place. Not good on an unlit road with lorries coming the other way.
So we got a hotel room, wheeled the bikes in and got some sleep.
Traversed the Mojave Desert at a pretty good speed in the afternoon and into the evening. My bike worried me because the red oil light came on. Checked the oil and it was very low. So we got to the next exit and topped it up. Also ended up helping some guy try to fix his car!
Went for a caffeine break then got onto CA 151? to go west into the night. However at this point the wind was really bad, throwing our bikes all over the place. Not good on an unlit road with lorries coming the other way.
So we got a hotel room, wheeled the bikes in and got some sleep.
Day 4
Day 4 was a toughie.
We had a lot of fun but also a lot of storms and wind in the open prairies.
We got through New Mexico pretty quick, doing some high speed runs while avoiding getting stopped. Some wind but not really too bad.
Got into Arizona and did some great roads, both fast and slow.
Later on it got really wet and nasty and we arrived at the campsite as it was starting to really rain hard.
Tough day!
We had a lot of fun but also a lot of storms and wind in the open prairies.
We got through New Mexico pretty quick, doing some high speed runs while avoiding getting stopped. Some wind but not really too bad.
Got into Arizona and did some great roads, both fast and slow.
Later on it got really wet and nasty and we arrived at the campsite as it was starting to really rain hard.
Tough day!
Day 3
Tatania took us for breakfast and a spot of shopping.
We headed west from San Antonio towards West Texas. As the hours passed the scenery got better and better. You could see oil pumps and giant electrical windmills. We had a bit of rain (and wind) but it was not terrible at this point.
Our aim was to get to Las Cruces New Mexico and we almost got there, falling short by 40 miles or so (El Paso). Still in Texas but near the western border.
We headed west from San Antonio towards West Texas. As the hours passed the scenery got better and better. You could see oil pumps and giant electrical windmills. We had a bit of rain (and wind) but it was not terrible at this point.
Our aim was to get to Las Cruces New Mexico and we almost got there, falling short by 40 miles or so (El Paso). Still in Texas but near the western border.
Day 2
Day two was tough because we encountered a lot of rain going west from New Orleans. We also came across a huge traffic jam coming into Texas, which we got around by going through muddy verges etc on the bikes! The elevated sections near Baton Rouge were pretty cool and we were still enthusiastic despite the rain.
We rode to Tatania's place and got some great russian food, vodka and pop videos. Had a good time.
We rode to Tatania's place and got some great russian food, vodka and pop videos. Had a good time.
Friday
Well Alex left this morning back to Atl - he looked a bit worried to me - just as I would be. He has 2500 miles to do in 3 days in order to get back to work.
I am in a Starbucks in San Fran waiting for Jill to come into town so we can ride up to Portland.
Everything has gone well so far, despite some pretty bad weather on the way out. Here are a few things we learnt:
The wind and rain was tough in the trip. The rain started in Mississipi and that continued on an off, less so the further west we got. Out in Arizona and California the prairie wind got to be a bit of a problem - we would be going high speed while leaning right over into the wind just to go straight.
The ocean winds were chilly in CA. We could tell how far we were from the coast just by the air temperature, which would vary quite a bit on the Pacific Coast Highway.
Last night was crazy. Alex, Maria and I walked around downtown San Fran and obviously the Russians did what came naturally - getting massively drunk of course. Maria is actually crazier than Alex. We ended up staggering round downtown drinking out of paper bags til about 11pm then took a tram back.
I am in a Starbucks in San Fran waiting for Jill to come into town so we can ride up to Portland.
Everything has gone well so far, despite some pretty bad weather on the way out. Here are a few things we learnt:
- Cops leave you alone if you stick to 20mph (indicated) over the speed limit most of the time. No issues with cops whatsoever.
- Pack luggage as low as possible on the bike. I had some stability issues with my bike until I changed around the luggage so the heavy gear was low down on the bike. Before my bike would weave a bit when overtaking lorries at high speed (ie over 13* mph). Once I rearranged things the weave stopped and I started getting much better gas mileage. Bike also handled much better in the corners and was less affected by winds!
- My bike does about 200 miles on the tank when the luggage is packed correctly when doing about 80-90mph. Alex's VFR is about the same, maybe a bit better. My worst tank mileage was 130 miles (because of some very naughty speeding in New Mexico).
- Next trip I will get a throttle lock as holding the throttle open for hours at a time makes your wrists sore.
The wind and rain was tough in the trip. The rain started in Mississipi and that continued on an off, less so the further west we got. Out in Arizona and California the prairie wind got to be a bit of a problem - we would be going high speed while leaning right over into the wind just to go straight.
The ocean winds were chilly in CA. We could tell how far we were from the coast just by the air temperature, which would vary quite a bit on the Pacific Coast Highway.
Last night was crazy. Alex, Maria and I walked around downtown San Fran and obviously the Russians did what came naturally - getting massively drunk of course. Maria is actually crazier than Alex. We ended up staggering round downtown drinking out of paper bags til about 11pm then took a tram back.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Daily Diary Videos
Sitting on a sidewalk in San Fran uploading videos via staples wireless! We came in last night - rode up from Morrow Bay along Highway 1. Long day and we were tired. Got a hotel for a couple of days. We are doing some sightseeing and hanging out with Alex's school friend Maria. Going drinking with her tonight. We met Maria for some food this morning and accidentally go on the Bay bridge. Ended up having to turn around later and pay the toll ($4) to get back. After lunch headed back to the hotel and guess what - ended up on that damn bridge again. :) Alex is leaving to go home tomorrow and Jill is flying in tomorrow afternoon.
Anyway here is day 2 video. Tried to upload day 1 video but it is too big.
Mark
Anyway here is day 2 video. Tried to upload day 1 video but it is too big.
Mark
San Fran
Yeah, we made it...... internet is to spotty to upload pics..... We have hundreds of bad ass pics and videos.... stand by
Thursday, August 14, 2008
My Rout
Plan is simple; Atlanta to New Orleans, to San Antonio, to Juarez, to Sedona, to San Fran..... then back to ATL the shortest rout possible.... Google link below:
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&saddr=Atlanta,+GA&daddr=New+Orleans,+LA+to:San+Antonio,+TX+to:Las+Cruces,+Dona+Ana,+New+Mexico,+United+States+to:Sedona,+AZ+to:35.527756,-121.085815+to:CA-1+%4037.107640,+-122.292590+to:Cabrillo+Hwy+N+%4037.505210,+-122.481210+to:San+Francisco,+CA+to:I-40+E+%4036.158860,+-86.821910+to:Atlanta,+GA&hl=en&geocode=7102179962302062009,36.693400,-121.807020%3B15611501687433241076,37.107640,-122.292590%3B4133396462566823982,37.505210,-122.481210%3B4769523834892642294,36.158860,-86.821910&mra=dme&mrcr=4,5&mrsp=5&sz=9&via=6,7,9&sll=36.421282,-121.635132&sspn=1.871891,4.086914&ie=UTF8&ll=35.182788,-115.169678&spn=7.602255,16.347656&z=7
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&saddr=Atlanta,+GA&daddr=New+Orleans,+LA+to:San+Antonio,+TX+to:Las+Cruces,+Dona+Ana,+New+Mexico,+United+States+to:Sedona,+AZ+to:35.527756,-121.085815+to:CA-1+%4037.107640,+-122.292590+to:Cabrillo+Hwy+N+%4037.505210,+-122.481210+to:San+Francisco,+CA+to:I-40+E+%4036.158860,+-86.821910+to:Atlanta,+GA&hl=en&geocode=7102179962302062009,36.693400,-121.807020%3B15611501687433241076,37.107640,-122.292590%3B4133396462566823982,37.505210,-122.481210%3B4769523834892642294,36.158860,-86.821910&mra=dme&mrcr=4,5&mrsp=5&sz=9&via=6,7,9&sll=36.421282,-121.635132&sspn=1.871891,4.086914&ie=UTF8&ll=35.182788,-115.169678&spn=7.602255,16.347656&z=7
One day left
First of all lets say thanks to Paul and Kathy @ KTM World (www.ktmworld.com) for getting me a new riding suit, gloves and saddle bags, and 2 milk jugs of motor oil :)... Didnt get home untill 2am, but it was great hanging out at Highland Park (http://www.highlandparkresort.com/). Awesome place and great people.
Secondly thanks to my co-workers at ThinkMonster (Thinkmonster.com) for picking up the extra work while I am gone... But hey, I havent had a proper vacation in a while... BTW: Fuck you Johhny!!!! :)
One day left.... once I get home, I have to pack, change oil and get ready...
Secondly thanks to my co-workers at ThinkMonster (Thinkmonster.com) for picking up the extra work while I am gone... But hey, I havent had a proper vacation in a while... BTW: Fuck you Johhny!!!! :)
One day left.... once I get home, I have to pack, change oil and get ready...
Almost Time..
I am in a nervous state at the moment as we are leaving tomorrow.
I have to get a website finished for a customer and pack tonight - so its gonna be a late night.
Last day at my regular job for a while.
Made a big decision last night. Not going to Yellowstone any more. Once I drop Jill off I will head back down to California via central Oregon (stopping by Crater Lake which is supposed to be amazing). Then I will make my way to Yosemite National Park I will go to Death Valley (hopefully not to die). After Death Valley I go to Las Vegas then from there to the Hoover Dam, Grand Canyon, Southern Utah riding roads. After then I go east and do Northern New Mexico which is supposed to be great!
Anyway lets not get too serious - lets post some pictures of Alex up instead, courtesy of Johnny.
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