Time to hit the road again…

This time we’re going to Cabo San Lucas – by motorcycle of course.  When Bad Bob and I were on our way to Nova Scotia we discussed the need to return to Mexico.  The most logical place would be Cabo.  That way we get to see Baja California, go fishing, and take on a little Cabo Wabo.

We are in the planning stages, but committed.  Guess you call this the prep-stage.  Target departure date will be October 2nd or October 9th.  I’ll let you know.  We have a route review meeting next week, and should iron out the dates then.

If you want to check out the Alaska trip it is at North To Alaska

I’ll add the link to Cabo next week.

Later, Bud…

July 15, 2013 – … and in Summary.

I’m home, unpacked and rested. Bob is home, don’t know if he took time to recover or got right back to work.

The map now shows the changes to my route in blue. It was easy to adjust the route when most of the plans were just bouncing around in my head.

I’ve repaired the oil leak (I hope) and the speedo. Put two helicoils in the head so the valve cover bolts will stay tight. The speedometer had a bent part that I straighten. Might go for a test run later today.

I added up all my receipts, and to my surprize, I came in within a dollar of my daily target. Pretty good planning and execution if I do say so myself.

Was gone 20 days total, camped 5 days, stayed with friends 2 days, and motel/hotel the remaining days. Ate some awesome seafood, but noticed that the quality of the Mexican restaurants diminished as I went north and east.

Logged a total of 6,556 miles, visited or passed through 22 states, and 3 Canadian provinces. Above is a revised map of my route (changes are in blue). Averaged between 48 and 55 miles per gallon, and used way too much oil. Hopefully, the oil leak is a thing of the past.

Here’s some interesting bits about the bolg; maxium number of view in one day was 92 on June 28th, total number of views during the course of the trip was 1288. To all of you that have followed our adventure, and showed your support and encouragement, I say, “THANK YOU! Let’s do it again sometime.”

Got the new stickers on the bike. Now it’s time to start planning my next ride.

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July 11, 2013 – Made it Home !!!

Got home about 2:00 PM. The ol’ KLR stuck together that last 217 miles. I had oil covering my right pant leg and boot, but that will all wash out. She performed well. Just might keep her.

I am very tired and ready for bed at 8:30, so I’ll add another post in the next couple of days to close this adventure out. Thanks for hanging in there with me. This has been a real fun ride.

Later, Bud…

July 9 & 10, 2013 – No Pictures

I’m just making miles trying to get home. Talked to Bob and he made it home safe and sound. Sound – he sounded real tired when we talked. Apparently, he rode over 600 mile, from Paducah, KY to Houston in one day. When it’s time to go home, it’s time to go home. I feel that same way. I just don’t have the energy. I’m only good for about 10 hours in the saddle.

Yesterday (7/9) I rode from Carlock (Kamp Komfort) to Springfield, MO. It was raining when I left, but quit about an hour later. The rest of the day was non-eventful.

This morning; however, I was awaken to the sound of a full-fledged mid-west thunderstorm – thunder, lightening, and heavy rain. Rolled over, and went back to sleep till 7:30 and it was still raining. Loaded the bike and suited up and it rained for all of ten minutes after I got on the road. Took the rain gear off in Joplin, and turned south.

It interest me that things can go along so well, and then someone has to mention something and bang – it happens. When I talked to Bob last night he asked how my chain/sprockets were holding out? Fine. Then he ask how’s the valve cover gasket doing? Fine.

So, today I had clocked about 250 mile and I hear a slapping sound from the chain. Checked it, and it was to loose. Tightened it (took about 30 minutes) and I’m on my way. About an hour down the road, I stopped for a bottle of water. Got off the bike and glanced back to see the entire right side of the engine covered in oil. One of the bolts holding the valve cover had striped out and was allowing oil to leave at the rate of about a quart every 200 miles.

So, my game plan s to keep putting oil in it and fix it when I get home. That’s the way we traveled on a Harley 40 years ago. I’ve only got 230 miles to do tomorrow. Should make, it we’ll see.

Thanks for checking in, Bud…

July 8, 2013 – You Meet The Nicest People on a …

…Motorcycle.

Started my day doing something totally out of character for me. I had YOGART for breakfast. It was the only thing the Super 8 offered with their free breakfast that had any protein. It wasn’t bad, but I cannot imagine John Wayne (when he was alive) eating anything like it. Maybe he should have?

Took off from Medina, Ohio. Rode for about 1 1/2 hours and stopped at a McDonalds in Columbus for a break and a fruit smoothie. While setting there a guy approached me and ask if that was my bike outside? Yes sir. You got it pretty well loaded up. Yes sir. Where you been? Nova Scotia this trip. Mind if I set down and visit with you? Please do. We talked for about 45 minutes. Great Guy !

Well, that’s his picture. His name is Roy, from Tulsa, OK. He’s 81 years old, and he rode from Tulsa to New London, Connecticut to visit his grandson. Now he’s heading home. He rides a Yamaha 1100, cause it’s low and light, and being old it’s easier for him to handle. He’s only been riding for 65 years, he don’t know how many more he will be able too. Be safe and enjoy your ride, Roy. It was a pleasure meeting you.

I rode on to Carlock, Illinois to visit my friend Cliff at his Kamp Komfort Kampground. Really nice to meet new friends and visit with old one.

Tomorrow I’m heading for the Ozarks.

Later, Bud…

July 7, 2013 – I Saw Niagara Falls !!!

I know the title says Niagara Falls and the first picture is of a New York Diner. I really like NY Diners. They are all the same. They all look alike and pretty much have the same menus, and the food taste the same and costs about the same at all of them. I had breakfast at Dick and Bert’s Diner in Rome, New York this morning. Two eggs, toast, hashbrowns, and coffee – $4.99. What a deal.

After breakfast I took off for the Falls. Got there about 11 AM. Must have been 100,000 people there, and I believe I might have been one of 50 that was not of foreign descent.

I didn’t ride the boat, ’cause Bob did and he told me all about it. So, if you want to know what it’s like to ride the tour boat call Bob. I also, did not see it from the Canadian side, ’cause the American side was rewarding enough for me. It’s pretty spectacular.

After I saw the Falls, I took off for Ohio. Made it all the way to Akron.

My KLR is really starting to test me with its lack of dependability. Yesterday it was the battery and today the speedometer quick working. It had just rolled over 58,000 miles and I was right at 5,000 miles into this trip. Now I will have to really start watching my gas because I used to odometer to determine when It was time to start looking for a gas station.

That’s how I spent my day. Back at ya tomorrow, Bud…

July 6, 2013 – Just out for a ride.

Today started with two disappointments:
1) I have a long time friend, Russ McCall, that lives in Cherry Valley, New York. I called to tell him I was in the area and would like to stop for a visit. Found out from his daughter that he is in North Carolina visiting his son and will not be back till the middle of next week. So, I don’t get to see my friend. He and I were stationed at Grand Forks, AFB North Dakota from 1966 till 1969.
2) Loaded the bike up and was ready to hit the road, and it would not start. The battery (which was 3 or 4 years old) was to weak to turn the engine over. So, I rolled it down the motel driveway, bumped started it, and found a battery at an auto parts store about a mile down the road.

Vermont is a beautiful state with a bunch of people that have crazy political views. I think we should send them Rick Perry to get them straightened out. If you ever have the opportunity to visit Vermont, do it.

Since all I did today was add miles, I’ll tell ya what ol’ Not-So-Bad is doing. Yesterday he had a tour of the Jim Beam Distillery in Kentucky, and today he went to boat races in Tennessee. That guy can find a good time. I was going to post a picture he sent to my iPhone but I’m having some technical difficulties trying to get it on my Netbook. It was a really cool looking drag boat. He didn’t send me any pictures from Jim Beam, but he did take advantage of the free samples.

Tomorrow I’m off to the Falls. Maybe I’ll got some picture there.

July 5, 2013 – Back in The USA !

Today I rode 530 mile. I didn’t plan to ride that far when I left Canada. I only planned to ride maybe as far as New Hampshire; however, when I got to Gorham, NH, they were having bicycle races and the largest 4th of July celebration ever planned for that town. As it turns out ALL the hotels and motel and campgrounds for the next 100 miles were FULL. So, I am in St. Johnsbury, Vermont. Very tired – a very long day.

Now if you were to look at my proposed route you would see that I missed it a bunch. While in Shediac, drinking beer with the Canadians, I talked my self out of going to Quebec and Montreal. Just big cities with bad drivers (so I was told).

While in route, it was getting around the cocktail-hour, when I passed a place that reminded me of home. Had to stop. It was a biker bar, known for their BBQ pork sandwiches and cold beer. The name was a bit different, but appropriate.

Tomorrow I’m heading west into New York to see what I can find to do.

Later, Bud…

July 4, 2013 – I Got Friends in Far Away Places..

Made it to Shediac, New Brunswick, Canada today. Am staying the night with a guy I met through ADVrider.com, Dwight and his wife Angele (pronounced Ann-gel). They are absolutely without question some of the nicest people and greatest host and hostess I have ever met.

Dwight rode his KLR, Trusty (best name ever for a KLR), from New Brunswick to Argentina last winter. I followed his ride on the Adventure Rider forum. When I got close to making this trip he and I exchanged emails of things to see and places to go in the Maritimes. Really helped when making my final itinerary.

This evening he invited some of his riding friends over; Tom, Steve, and Louan (Steve’s wife). All great folks. Angele made her “world famous Lobster Rolls”, and we drank plenty of Canadian beer. Talked motorcycles, motorcycle travel, and developed lasting friendships. The picture above is Dwight, Angele, and myself in front of their garage. Inside the garage is Dwight’s brand new KTM 990 Adventure – WoW !!!

Hitting the highway tomorrow for the US boarder.

More to come, Bud…

4th of July, 2013 – Happy Birthday America !!!

No pictures other than Ol’ Glory. I’m just making miles today heading back to New Brunswick. Plan to spend the evening in Shediac, then start working my way west tomorrow.

Got a text from Bad Bob this morning. It said, “It’s raining, the hotels are all booked, and I’m heading south.” Be safe Bob, see ya in a fee days closer to home.

So, I hope everyone has a safe and fun filled 4th.

Happy Birthday America !
Love ya, Bud…