Happy Thanksgiving to all of you reading this post; and to Blue who, as an Aussie, doesn't celebrate this day I am thankful for your friendship and look forward to you joining us on this adventure.
My son and daughter in law are with us this weekend and have helped me find sources to fill out my camping gear needs.
Last night I got a call from our Army Rider and he is up north in Michigan stocking the larder with whitetails which will provide us with some jerky on the ride. Our Florida riders are continuing to get some "iron butt" time in while us northerners can only dream of next spring when the bikes come off the battery tenders and the familiar "Harley Sound" once again fills the air.
So to all of you; Happy Thanksgiving. I'm thankful to know all of you.
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Saturday, November 21, 2009
224 days to the Ride
We now have cooking utensils or gear compliments of my good friend, fellow Viet Nam and Submarine Veteran, Walt Specht aka "Sewer Pipe Snipe". Walt won this and when he saw what it was and learned that his wife forbid him to buy a Harley wanted it to make the ride with us. I can just see that first meal cooked out in wide open spaces. Fresh wildcat and bear meat stew with maybe a prairie dog tossed in for flavoring. Just the thing to make our resident New Yorker wonder just what in the hell he has signed on for. As you can see from the bag it is designed to fit into a Harley saddlebag. So now we have the ability to cook; so pack your "mess kits" boys we'll be eating a few meals on the road.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
228 days to the Ride
I'll start with the good news. I heard from McManus and he's back to full duty so I'm removing him from the "Binnacle List" and sending him back to the Engine Room with some Title B rags and a cup of B&B. Now you'll have some company back there Ralph. All other preparations for the ride are slowly coming together. Ralph continues to look into accomodations along the proposed route while I continue to make minor modifications to the route and the timing. Of course, none of this means anything until next July when we actually single up the lines and shove off.
I've been talking to the two Florida participants and they are getting in some good practice rides while we in the north can only dream about riding. I won't say I'm jealous but I will admit to a certain amount of envy. I miss the freedom of riding out to the country and enjoying the scenery of the many lakes that are in this area. But, our time will come and in the meantime I will continue to read as much as I can about riding safe in all kinds of conditions and assembling all the gear I want to take with us. Ralph mentioned in his post about camping gear so I'm going to ask each participant to list what they intend to bring along with them.
I will have my own two man tent; sleeping bag and mat and will find a mess kit. I'm not sure how much outdoor cooking we will do but I'm going to strive to be completely self contained.
That's all I can think of today. Probably won't post again until after Thanksgiving. My kids are coming for the free meal and I have a little "roto rooter" work to be done on my throat.
For those still riding; "Ride Safe"
I've been talking to the two Florida participants and they are getting in some good practice rides while we in the north can only dream about riding. I won't say I'm jealous but I will admit to a certain amount of envy. I miss the freedom of riding out to the country and enjoying the scenery of the many lakes that are in this area. But, our time will come and in the meantime I will continue to read as much as I can about riding safe in all kinds of conditions and assembling all the gear I want to take with us. Ralph mentioned in his post about camping gear so I'm going to ask each participant to list what they intend to bring along with them.
I will have my own two man tent; sleeping bag and mat and will find a mess kit. I'm not sure how much outdoor cooking we will do but I'm going to strive to be completely self contained.
That's all I can think of today. Probably won't post again until after Thanksgiving. My kids are coming for the free meal and I have a little "roto rooter" work to be done on my throat.
For those still riding; "Ride Safe"
Monday, November 16, 2009
229 days to the Ride
Are we strong enough to endure 21 days with Blue; is there room enough in Ralph's truck for the extra rations that will be needed? Will we be allowed to shoot a buffalo and make some jerky just to provide him with snacks? Good thing we have another 7.5 months to adjust our plans.
Just pinging on you Blue; we're happy to have you along for all or any part of the journey you can make. I wouldn't be surprised if your plans change another dozen or so times before we shove off next July. Will you be flying to Ralph's house and then driving up here with him or are you going to fly to Detroit and start here? Either way works.
Weather here is starting to turn cold and you can feel winter coming on. The maps and books are spread out around my office and I continue to fine tune the things I want to see and do as well as look at contingency plans to account for rain, mechanical problems and other distractions. McManus hasn't checked in for a while but I know his recovery is progressing nicely. Maybe it's about time to see what he's up to. These long winter months are going to drive me nuts but the anticipation of our trip makes it all worth while.
Let's ride.
Just pinging on you Blue; we're happy to have you along for all or any part of the journey you can make. I wouldn't be surprised if your plans change another dozen or so times before we shove off next July. Will you be flying to Ralph's house and then driving up here with him or are you going to fly to Detroit and start here? Either way works.
Weather here is starting to turn cold and you can feel winter coming on. The maps and books are spread out around my office and I continue to fine tune the things I want to see and do as well as look at contingency plans to account for rain, mechanical problems and other distractions. McManus hasn't checked in for a while but I know his recovery is progressing nicely. Maybe it's about time to see what he's up to. These long winter months are going to drive me nuts but the anticipation of our trip makes it all worth while.
Let's ride.
A few Days Later....
....and my plans have changed quite a bit. Looks like I will be doing the full trip after yet another relationship problem. Never mind, as we say down this way, "Such is Life". Regardless, I will be on the trip and look forward to seeing you then! Blue *_*
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Blue's Thought's ( after a couple of beers )
G'day Fred,
Looking at the route you have posted, it truly looks like an amazing adventure for sure. The overall picture I have in my head is the movie, 'Wild Hogs' I believe it was called. I hope that there are no misadventures of course, but, I am sure it will be one of those 'Lifetime Memories' for everyone involved. I haven't made any firm plans as yet, but I definitely wish to be involved. I would love to do the whole trip, but the intention is to be with Kathy for the 3 months leave I have. So it is looking like I will join you in Seattle and make the return leg with you to either Milwaukee or Chicago as Kathy lives in Belvidere, Illinois. Speaking with Kathy, she is interested in coming to Seattle as she has never been there. So we may do 3 or 4 days there before you guys arrive, spend some time with you and then Kathy fly home. Kathy has met Ralph, so I think she kind of knows what you guys maybe like..me being an Aussie DBF'er well, I manage to surprise her every now and then, sometimes I even shock her! lol
It's hard to say where I am looking forward to seeing as there is so much to see in the USA. I do know however that it's not so much 'what' I want to see, but 'who' I want to see.....YOU GUYS! Also, to meet the one and only Ron Martini in Sherridan, Wyoming, will be something special as he is the reason I know you guys in the first place! I will let you know as soon as I make definite plans, but I do know one thing, I will be there for at least half of what I believe will be an incredible journey! Roll on 2010! Blue *_*
Looking at the route you have posted, it truly looks like an amazing adventure for sure. The overall picture I have in my head is the movie, 'Wild Hogs' I believe it was called. I hope that there are no misadventures of course, but, I am sure it will be one of those 'Lifetime Memories' for everyone involved. I haven't made any firm plans as yet, but I definitely wish to be involved. I would love to do the whole trip, but the intention is to be with Kathy for the 3 months leave I have. So it is looking like I will join you in Seattle and make the return leg with you to either Milwaukee or Chicago as Kathy lives in Belvidere, Illinois. Speaking with Kathy, she is interested in coming to Seattle as she has never been there. So we may do 3 or 4 days there before you guys arrive, spend some time with you and then Kathy fly home. Kathy has met Ralph, so I think she kind of knows what you guys maybe like..me being an Aussie DBF'er well, I manage to surprise her every now and then, sometimes I even shock her! lol
It's hard to say where I am looking forward to seeing as there is so much to see in the USA. I do know however that it's not so much 'what' I want to see, but 'who' I want to see.....YOU GUYS! Also, to meet the one and only Ron Martini in Sherridan, Wyoming, will be something special as he is the reason I know you guys in the first place! I will let you know as soon as I make definite plans, but I do know one thing, I will be there for at least half of what I believe will be an incredible journey! Roll on 2010! Blue *_*
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
234 days to the Ride
I'm reaching the stage in my life where I'm measuring time in milestones rather than the clock or the calendar. Today is Veteran's Day 2009 and it was on this day that I departed Okinawa for Da Nang in 1966. Last night was the Marine Corps Birthday celebration (234 years of fighting our nation's battles) and I had the honor, once again, of piping in the cake. The Marines are very big on tradition so this is an event that is celebrated around the world by Marines wherever they may be. Both of these days have a personal significance for me and give me the opportunity to take time out from whatever I'm doing to reflect on my past and my hopes for the future. This ride is about the future but it is linked to the past since each of the participants are tied into my military experience; Submarines, Marines, Viet Nam Veterans. So, for today, I will not so much think about motorcycles and mountains but about the men and women I served with; especially those who paid the ultimate price for their service. Veteran's Day is about those of us who survived and carry on the legacy but, there is always a place in my heart and mind for those who have gone ahead and are waiting patiently for us to join them. They are content to let the wait be a long one.
Whatever you do today; keep a place in your heart for them.
Whatever you do today; keep a place in your heart for them.
Friday, November 6, 2009
239 days to the Ride
The skies are clear; the air is cold and there is frost on the ground. The ducks and geese are heading south and most of the beautiful fall foliage has found its way to the ground and is ready to be raked up and hauled off to wherever they take that stuff. Right now the "ride" seems more like a dream than a reality waiting to occur; but occur it will and each day as I try to write something relevant my mind wanders to that stretch of road in northern Montana where my ViewMaster memory of the Rocky Mountains will turn into a lifelong memory of actually seeing them come into view.
As this stage there is not much more planning to be done; the basic route has been determined and many of the local sights along the way have been identified. So now it's time to just dream about what it's going to be like as we sit around a table or campsite and share stories, jokes, trade barbs, and try to recapture that spirit of adventure we all knew when we were serving our country in whatever branch of the military we found ourself in. As we approach the Marine Corps Birthday and Veterans Day I find myself remembering my past and looking forward to the future and the adventure we have decided to undertake. The day of departure cannot come too soon for me; I hope all of you who are going along for the "ride" feel the same way.
Enjoy your day; keep planning for the ride and for those still able to ride this time of year "ride safe"
As this stage there is not much more planning to be done; the basic route has been determined and many of the local sights along the way have been identified. So now it's time to just dream about what it's going to be like as we sit around a table or campsite and share stories, jokes, trade barbs, and try to recapture that spirit of adventure we all knew when we were serving our country in whatever branch of the military we found ourself in. As we approach the Marine Corps Birthday and Veterans Day I find myself remembering my past and looking forward to the future and the adventure we have decided to undertake. The day of departure cannot come too soon for me; I hope all of you who are going along for the "ride" feel the same way.
Enjoy your day; keep planning for the ride and for those still able to ride this time of year "ride safe"
Sunday, November 1, 2009
244 days to the Ride
I spent yesterday going over the proposed route and made a few changes; we will need to ensure that everyone is comfortable with this by early next spring so Ralph can finish up making whatever reservations we will need. This will not be an easy ride but if it was it wouldn't be as much fun; we'll have to be flexible to accomodate weather and road conditions but there are going to be days when the rides are long and the weather conditions will test us. Like the SEAL's say; "yesterday was your easiest day".
Review; and comment if you please; bitching will be tolerated but ignored.
WEEK 1: (The first few days will be the hardest and longest)West Bloomfield, Mi to Marquette MI – Sunday (428 Miles mostly Interstate); stay in Marquette visit the Darter/Dace Submarine Memorial
Marquette, MI to Bagley, MN – Monday (426 Miles; follow Rt. 2); try to visit headwaters of Mississippi River
Bagley, MN to Williston, ND – Tuesday (420 Miles; follow Rt. 2); long ride and the night will be used for showers; laundry and rest
Williston, ND to Shelby, MT – Wednesday (405 Miles; follow Rt. 2); rest up here for riding in Glacier National Park the next day
Shelby, MT to Kalispell, MT – Thursday (158 Miles; Ride to the Sun in Glacier Park) THIS IS WHERE THE SIGHT SEEING BEGINSKalispell, MT to Coeur d’Alene, ID – Friday (218 Miles through mountains); spend some time touring the area; supposed to be beautiful. Don Gentry and SSMC Members may be linking up with us here for the ride into Renton.
Coeur d’Alene, ID to Renton, WA – Saturday (347 Miles through the mountains); hopefully accompanied by SSMC Members
2402 total estimated miles this legSaturday/Sunday/Monday in and around Renton area with SSMC and Don Gentry, try to fit in a ride to Aberdeen to meet up with Jack and Nancy MossWEEK 2:Renton to Washougal, WA – Tuesday; stay with Sue McLaughlin (171 Miles visit Mt Hood)Washougal, WA to Boise, ID – Wednesday (414 Miles mostly Interstate)Boise, MT to Yellowstone Park – Thursday (333 miles Interstate and red road; possibly meet up with Doc Reed in Pocatello)Ashton, ID to Cody, WY – Friday/Saturday (171 miles all red road; spend time in Yellowstone and Cody)1089 total estimated miles this leg (doesn’t include sightseeing but we should plan to see all we can in these areas)WEEK 3: (Start the home stretch)Cody, WY to Sheridan, WY – Sunday via Beartooth and Chief Joseph and Custer National Battleground at Crow Agency, MT (167 miles to Custer; 237 miles total to reach Sheridan meet up with Ron Martini)Sheridan WY to Rapid City SD – Monday (243 miles visit Mt Rushmore and Deadwood)Rapid City SD to Sioux Falls SD – Tuesday (349 miles all interstate)Sioux Falls, SD to La Crosse, WI – Wednesday (298 miles all interstate)La Crosse, WI to Milwaukee, WI – Thursday (211 miles all interstate visit Harley museum)Milwaukee, WI to Muskegon, MI – Friday via ferry (visit Silversides and spend night)Muskegon, MI to West Bloomfield, MI – Saturday (180 miles; the final ride home)1518 total estimated miles this legTotal estimated miles; not including side trips for sight seeing is 5009 miles; real total is estimated around 6,000 miles.LET THE RIDE BEGIN!
Review; and comment if you please; bitching will be tolerated but ignored.
WEEK 1: (The first few days will be the hardest and longest)West Bloomfield, Mi to Marquette MI – Sunday (428 Miles mostly Interstate); stay in Marquette visit the Darter/Dace Submarine Memorial
Marquette, MI to Bagley, MN – Monday (426 Miles; follow Rt. 2); try to visit headwaters of Mississippi River
Bagley, MN to Williston, ND – Tuesday (420 Miles; follow Rt. 2); long ride and the night will be used for showers; laundry and rest
Williston, ND to Shelby, MT – Wednesday (405 Miles; follow Rt. 2); rest up here for riding in Glacier National Park the next day
Shelby, MT to Kalispell, MT – Thursday (158 Miles; Ride to the Sun in Glacier Park) THIS IS WHERE THE SIGHT SEEING BEGINSKalispell, MT to Coeur d’Alene, ID – Friday (218 Miles through mountains); spend some time touring the area; supposed to be beautiful. Don Gentry and SSMC Members may be linking up with us here for the ride into Renton.
Coeur d’Alene, ID to Renton, WA – Saturday (347 Miles through the mountains); hopefully accompanied by SSMC Members
2402 total estimated miles this legSaturday/Sunday/Monday in and around Renton area with SSMC and Don Gentry, try to fit in a ride to Aberdeen to meet up with Jack and Nancy MossWEEK 2:Renton to Washougal, WA – Tuesday; stay with Sue McLaughlin (171 Miles visit Mt Hood)Washougal, WA to Boise, ID – Wednesday (414 Miles mostly Interstate)Boise, MT to Yellowstone Park – Thursday (333 miles Interstate and red road; possibly meet up with Doc Reed in Pocatello)Ashton, ID to Cody, WY – Friday/Saturday (171 miles all red road; spend time in Yellowstone and Cody)1089 total estimated miles this leg (doesn’t include sightseeing but we should plan to see all we can in these areas)WEEK 3: (Start the home stretch)Cody, WY to Sheridan, WY – Sunday via Beartooth and Chief Joseph and Custer National Battleground at Crow Agency, MT (167 miles to Custer; 237 miles total to reach Sheridan meet up with Ron Martini)Sheridan WY to Rapid City SD – Monday (243 miles visit Mt Rushmore and Deadwood)Rapid City SD to Sioux Falls SD – Tuesday (349 miles all interstate)Sioux Falls, SD to La Crosse, WI – Wednesday (298 miles all interstate)La Crosse, WI to Milwaukee, WI – Thursday (211 miles all interstate visit Harley museum)Milwaukee, WI to Muskegon, MI – Friday via ferry (visit Silversides and spend night)Muskegon, MI to West Bloomfield, MI – Saturday (180 miles; the final ride home)1518 total estimated miles this legTotal estimated miles; not including side trips for sight seeing is 5009 miles; real total is estimated around 6,000 miles.LET THE RIDE BEGIN!
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