Road Trip 2013 - Fourteen

We woke up 441 miles from home with a forecast of hellishly hot temperatures that we had to travel through. The plan was to stop around Ukiah midday, spend the night, and get up early the next day before it got hot. Well, we were like horses headed back to the barn and went all the way home.

We left Gold Beach at 6:30 am, trying to beat the heat that we knew we would encounter. As soon as we left the coast the temperature began to rise. We stopped in Garberville and I grabbed my shirt, buff, and cooling vest to wet down. Dave wisely told me to get in the air conditioned car. I am so glad I followed his direction. It wasn't that hot in Garberville (90 ish), but when we stopped in Ukiah it was 111 degrees. Dave, who is a lizard and loves the heat, looked red and wilting. After we filled up we headed to McDonald's on the next block to get a cold drink, cool down, and wet everything down. Well, their AC wasn't working!!!!!!! We did get ice water, wet down our shirts, cooling vests, and hair. We even filled the neckerchief with ice cubes. This was the hottest part of the day. Do I need to remind you that there is no AC on the bike?

It was fun watching the temperature drop over 30 degrees as we rode over the bridge and went through Berkeley. It did warm up as we entered P-Town, but not even close to the heat in Ukiah.

We love taking road trips whether by car or motorcycle. We live in a diverse country that you don't experience when you fly. Especially if you are only hanging along either of the coasts. The road trip was fun and it is always nice to be home.

The stats? 4,218 miles, 9 states, and a butt load of fun!

Road Trip 2013 - Day Thirteen, Continued

We rolled in to Gold Beach, Oregon around 4 pm. We originally thought we would get to Brookings, located 30 miles down the road. This is July 4th week and Dave was getting a little anxious about finding a room. We had researched our options the night before and wanted to get a look at them in person. At the southern end of town we stopped to have a committee meeting. We were right outside of the Ireland Rustic Cottages which are rated number one on TripAdvisor. One look and we knew Donna wouldn't pick this one. The rest of us went for it. They look like log cabins, very funky. As we're standing in the office the phones are ringing and people are coming in after us and standing in line. We took three rooms. Donna balked and then jumped in. We think this may be our favorite hotel on this trip.

We all met on the balcony (it was still too windy to take advantage of the large decks and picnic tables) for cocktails and dinner. Remember our abandoned plans for a picnic lunch? We modified the plan and it became a picnic dinner. We had a spectacular view. There was a family of deer romping through the brush. Dave and I weren't moved since we have them at home and consider them antlered rats, but the others enjoyed watching the baby. There were four whales just beyond the lighthouse that spouted, breeched, and hung around for at least 30 minutes.

After dinner some of us headed over to the hot tubs. There were three and we had one all to ourselves.

Dave had a horrible night. His sinuses were draining and he just couldn't stay asleep. He ended up moving to one of the big recliners (yep, our room had two huge comfy recliners) where he was able to get enough sleep so he could function the next day. We loved this place and would return.

Road Trip 2013 - Day Thirteen

The temperature was nice and chilly when we left Lincoln City and stayed cool, gray, and foggy all the way to Gold Beach. We made a stop in Coos Bay. They have a friendly Visitor's Center (located right in the middle of the road where it splits) and yet another Quilt shop. The guys checked out the wine store (it was closed) and headed down to the river for a view......and to stay out of the quilt store. I did make a purchase here and you most likely will be seeing my pillow case creation in an upcoming post. We've decided that quilting is still popular in areas with horrid winter weather. People quilt while they're home bound.

We filled up at a Fred Meyer. This is a chain of stores, groceries mostly. This one was HUGE. We had to go inside because they didn't have restrooms at the gas pumps. Another funny thing about Oregon, they have people pump the gas, you can't pump your own. For motorcycles, they come out and enter some code and then you pump your own. Anyway, back to Fred Meyer. This is a super store. They have everything. It reminds me of an indoor market because they have alcoves for electronics, or other things, on the outskirts of the main store. Again, this place is HUGE. About as large of the super WalMarts in the Midwest. After our comfort stop, we head to the delicatessen and bought stuff for a picnic lunch.

Our next stop was Bandon. I had heard this was a really cute town, although Diane says it is boring. We loved it. We had lunch (it was way too windy for our planned picnic) and then while the guys paid the bills (we have had seriously good luck with splitting checks on this ride. They even ask us if we want to split the bill before we ask them. Why is it such a big deal in CA? Oh, and they don't automatically add the tip like they do in CA) we walked across the street.

There was yet another wonderful Quilt & Fabric shop where we all found lovely things to buy. The fabric on this road trip has been spectacular. They carry so many more lines than we have back home. Many I've seen (and purchased) off the Internet. It is so wonderful to be able to see, touch, and feel them in person.

Right next store to the Quilt & Fabric shop was the brand new Face Rock Creamery. They make cheese and have plenty of fun stuff to eat. They have a tasting bar of some of their cheese and curds. I tried curds for the first time. I'm no Miss Muffet, I won't be purchasing curds, unless they are greatly enhanced when combined with whey.

Road Trip 2013 - Day Twelve

The temperature is rising, so much for the perfect weather we had for days. The wise decision is to head to the coast so we leave Walla Walla, WA to head to the Oregon Coast today. We're not too sure how far we'll get, and we still have plenty of vacation time.

We rode along the Columbia River, which sounds scenic and it is not. At least for most of ride it is not all that scenic. See?

We did get to the beautiful Oregon Falls area, took the Historic Route 30, did a little walking up the Multnomah Falls, stopped for the Vista House at Crown Point to see the panoramic view of the Columbia Gorge.

We rode in to Lincoln City, OR and stopped for the night. Funny, we ended up at the same hotel we stopped at years ago on our first long trip.

Instead of the Road House we ate at last time, we opted to go upscale. The food hasn't been gourmet on this trip. We ate at Kyllo's Restaurant which is a great location, very good view, and above average food. They're not as cool, hip, and happening as they think they are, still better than what we've experienced. Donna & Bret, who do not eat fish, were good sports and found things that they liked.

Road Trip 2013 - Day Eleven

We planned to go from Kalispell, MT to Moscow, ID. The mileage seemed low but we might find an interesting stop that would take up some time.

We needed fuel and a comfort stop and found a delightful stop. It had all sorts of interesting "crap" and food. Huckleberry is the big thing in these parts. We bought a slice of huckleberry pie to share for dessert. I almost bought Christmas PJs but they just weren't quite cute and functional enough.

We arrived in Moscow, ID (pronounced Mos-coo) and still had too much time and energy (the others did, not me, it was getting upwards to 100 and I was melting) so "we" took out the iPhone, GPS, and old school paper map. After much discussion it was decided we could easily make it to Walla Walla, WA and Bret downloaded the route via his laptop to his GPS.

I used the sink to soak my shirt and buff to cool off. Then I walked across the street to buy Idaho postcards. We continue to purchase and mail a postcard in each state for our grandsons. The chain was broken in Idaho. The postcards were purchased but not mailed in Idaho. The post office was around the block and it was just too darn hot to search for it. We did mail them but it wasn't until Walla Walla. I was just so sad that the chain had been broken that I was giving up the postcard mailing. Later I got over my silliness and sent more postcards. I did miss out on WA, but we weren't there long and never saw anything interesting during our ride. Perhaps because it was so hot and a bit tense.

Remember a few days back when I told you I was going to take more responsibility and help Dave with directions? Well, about that. Today was a debacle.  It could be the heat. It could be iPhone maps. It could be my eye sight. In any case, it wasn't pretty. We did get to Walla Walla.

Road Trip 2013 - Day Ten, Continued

After the ride through Glacier, we stopped for the evening in Kalispell, MT on the edge of the Flathead (which is a really HUGE lake. The largest natural fresh water lake west of the Mississippi). Our hotel was on the outskirts of town, just down the street from the Harley dealer.  This all worked out really well.

We pulled in, registered, and began to unload. That's when we discovered we had lost a few screws from the saddlebag. A quick trip to the dealer and we were all patched up. Good thing because we want the top of the bag to fit snuggly, not fly open while riding, and be able to lock it up.

None of us wanted to ride to dinner and all we had nearby was a gas station Mini Mart. What to do? We had pizza delivered and sat out on the balcony having dinner, enjoying wine, and chatting with our new best friends (other riders who had stopped here for the evening).

We had our plan for the next night, the laundry was finished, and off to bed we went.

Road Trip 2013 - Day Ten

When I tell you that AIS is before 8, please remember that we are now an hour ahead. So it means that I have my butt on the back of a motorcycle before 7 in my body's time zone. And I shouldn't need to remind you how much I dislike getting up early. Being married to Dave means early mornings. I knew this when I married him, so here we go.  Off we go to ride The Road To The Sun. 

Just before we enter the road, we stop in Browning to put on more layers (which we ended up not needing since it wasn't as cold as we expected. Once again, we continue the blessing of perfect weather).  Browning is one of the many Indian/Native American Reservations in these parts. It is creepy, yucky, and poverty ridden. We even were approached by a young man that was high on something. Just breaks your heart when you see that.

This is one of the top motorcycle roads to ride and it is great! The road goes through Glacier National Park in Northern Montana. The road just opened last week and still has a bit of snow around the edges. This ride exceeded all my expectations. Just spectacular.

Big lake, snow covered mountains, water falls, long horned sheep, walking through snow, red cedar trees. So much beauty.

And yes, we did sing tunes from The Sound of Music while riding through the park.

Road Trip 2013 - Day Nine

AIS was 8, so a slower start today, the miles are low. You never can tell how long it will be though. We might find a stop that looks interesting, or road construction slows us down. Lots of road construction this time of year in these parts. With the severe winter weather, they need to get it all done in the summer. It really slows travel and the gravel & dirt roads are no fun.

Today we left Billings and stopped for the night in Great Falls, MT. The weather is still good, but it was hot. Especially sitting on the road waiting for the pilot car, and then stopping at every light while riding through Great Falls. I cannot imagine traveling across the country in a covered wagon.

Lodging in this area is limited. We're planning on traveling through Glacier National Park and riding the Road to the Sun. That road is only open a few months a year, when they can get in to clear the snow. Accommodations are limited and we missed out on three rooms two weeks ago because we dawdled. Now we got as close as we could on the East side, Great Falls. We have booked rooms as close to the Park on the West side, in Kalispell.

While driving through town, we passed the Harley dealer where we discovered it's the Montana Bike Rally while we're here. They had the Bison cheerleaders (Great Falls High School) washing bikes. Not sure how I'm feeling about that. My daughter's cheerleading squad washed cars to raise funds. This is for a Motorcycle Rally. It just seemed creepy and exploitative.

We checked in to the hotel and that's when we saw the poster. The Rumble is scheduled for tonight. What's that? An annual Fight Force (MMA style event......street fighting). Well, that's a first for us. Interesting demographic.

Unloaded the bike, got in the room, laid down to test the bed....woke up an hour later. Dave told me if  I wanted to go to the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center I need to get up, I rolled over & slept another hour! I didn't even think I was tired. I was planning on doing laundry....good thing we still have clean clothes! I must be finally relaxing....or perhaps it is the heat.

For cocktail hour (I keep calling it that but there are no cocktails, only wine & water) we ended up poolside. It's a lovely  New Orleans style with wrought iron and plenty of trees and plants. Really lovely.

We ate dinner at the hotel and it was amazingly tasty. Our entrees were duck (yes, in Montana and it was fabulous), roasted chicken, chicken hunter, florentine salad with chicken. For dessert, I ordered the featured chocolate caramel pie for all to share. It was the least I could do since I've been tasting theirs all week! Great service and tasty, LOVE!

Tomorrow I should be able to find spectacular postcards for the boys!

Road Trip 2013 - Day Eight

Today we leave Keystone and say good-by to Annette. We're down to two bikes and our chase car and yet another day of fine weather. It did get a tad warm, but no rain, thunder, lightening, or high wind so we're calling it wonderful. Nothing that taking your shirt and wetting it in the sink can't fix, or if you're Bret, dunking your head in the sink.

It was a long day of riding. We went through three states.....South Dakota, Wyoming, and Montana. We saw plenty of antelope grazing in the fields along the highway (and yes, I hummed "Home, Home   On the range, where the deer and the antelope play" each time). We missed a turn and ended up in road construction on a gravel road. Our lunch was at the bowling alley in Broadus, MT, population 455.

Our big stop was at the Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument, location of Custer's Last Stand. I thought they did a very good job of explaining the battle, historical significance of the event, and honoring of both sides. Why, oh why does man continue to inflict harm on one another? And the government hasn't changed much either.

We arrived safely to our hotel in Billings, MT and we love it. The ladies that checked us in were fabulous, one is a CA transplant. Our room minimum is going to take a beating and may need to be adjusted. There was a little communication trouble and I realize I need to take more responsibility and help Dave. I was so enjoying being the fluff on the back of the bike.

Two of us went to Fiberworks, a quilt and fabric store. I was in heaven. The woman that owns this store is an artist. I saw fabrics and designs that I have never seen before. I will be purchasing from their website. The woman that helped us is yet another CA transplant. Very interesting discussion on why she moved here (husband's family) and what changes in lifestyle she has experienced. She was explaining how the weather isn't that bad, I'm not convinced. Then she explained the town is close to 100k population but including the surrounding communities it is 400k. Then she told us that if you need medical treatment for "big stuff" (explained as cancer treatment and most complicated surgeries) you had to go to Minnesota or Washington. If Dave tells you I moved here, look for my body.

Here's one of the MANY fabulous quilts. Just a little different than what you usually see.

Quick cocktail time and then my favorite road trip dining establishment, CRACKER BARREL! Great waitress, good food, low price of $17!

Road Trip 2013 - Day Seven

Today began with singing Happy Birthday to Peter who turned.......we won't say because it's a big scary number. Then we were off for a ride to Deadwood. We've been through here before and thought it was a really cute stop. We got there before everything opened up, paid $4!!!! To park. Not terribly impressed. The riding was beautiful and we are blessed with yet another day of perfect weather.

We walked in to the Midnight Star, a casino (which are seriously all over the place), to use the bathroom. Awesome old style building. A employee stopped us, we thought "oh no, she's going to say something about the bathroom is for customers only". We are so wrong. She told us about the place and to go upstairs and look around. People in this part of the country are super friendly. She told us the place is owned by Kevin Costner. He made the movie "Dances With Wolves" around here. We were wondering why there were photos of Kevin. Now we know.

We continued on to Sturgis, the place where they hold the big, raucous motorcycle rally. We took photos that I wish I could include but I still can't figure how to get the iPad and blog to behave.
We said good-by to Tim & Deb, they were headed back to Indiana.

We rode through Spearfish and along a beautiful byway road. It's such a wide open scenic country. The beauty and diversity is amazing. They do not appear to be ethnically or culturally diverse, mostly white people that are really wide. We aren't in CA, that's for sure.

Some went to Devil's Tower (we've seen it, once was enough), and Iron Mountain Road (which we rode a couple of days earlier). We went back to the hotel and went swimming.

Some of us had lunch at Culver's, a fast food place with frozen custard. I think this would be a hit in CA. I LOVE frozen custard, which is big in the Midwest.

Another fine cocktail hour (sharing bison stories) and then a very tasty birthday dinner at Gideon's, this is a new, higher end place in Keystone. We are so spoiled living in the SF Bay Area, an abundance of fine dining, not so in these parts.

Road Trip 2013 - Day Six

Today we rode through the Badlands, way out in no where, and tried it find out how far we could go on a tank of gas. Fortunately we stumbled upon a gas station before we found out. Old rule is once again a new rule, ALWAYS FILL UP BEFORE YOU HIT THE ROAD. Seriously, services are few and far between in these parts.

We visited the Minute Man Missile Center and were reminded that we all lived in fear of a foreign terror strike. Gee, there really is nothing new under the sun.

We stopped at Wall, S.D. For lunch. A funky tourist stop that has been a popular stop along the highway since 1931. Very cute story about how it started during the Depression. Cars drove on by until they came up with the hook of giving out free ice water. They still give free cups of ice water. But now they own the entire block with a cafe, string of shops, and a huge dinosaur.

The wind kicked up on our way back. Dave and Bret's hands were going numb from fighting the wind. Gee, please tell me how this is fun. We stopped in Rapid City at the Harley dealer. Huge place. All the people were so friendly. They fixed my communication device. The clip cracked and no longer secured the boom to the helmet. My boom was hanging loose. So annoying. But now it's fully attached, and they charged nothing. So great!

We returned to the hotel, showered, had cocktail hour and then next door for what might possibly be the most horrible dining experience ever.  Less than mediocre food, messed up orders, one didn't get food until the other eight were done, and then they shorted the change. We complained to the owner, but we're pretty sure he was drunk. Then we checked Yelp. Ugh, should have looked before we ate there.

Tomorrow is another day.

Road Trip 2013 - Day Five

The rest of the gang returned to Mt. Rushmore and we went for a ride. We stopped in Hill City where we walked along the street in this really cute town. Mostly stores filled with what Dave calls crap. We did find one store with good crap. I found two absolutely adorable board books that our grandsons must own. We ended up at the post office and mailed them off. There isn't a ton of room on the bike and this gives them a package to open. Really, who doesn't love getting a package in the mail? The clerk was incredibly nice, helpful, and witty.

We road on the Needle Highway and Iron Mountain Road. The Iron Mountain is a big deal, especially for bikers. It has twisties, awesome views, amazing tunnels (one that frames Mt. Rushmore), pigtail bridges, and herds of buffalo.

We found ourselves stopped on the road surrounded by a herd of buffalo. I may have been scared stiff, trying not to move, and praying that they keep on walking. There were so many of them, within six feet of us, and we're sitting on a bike. I could go on, but without the photos, did it really happen?

We came back to our hotel and went for a swim. Then another cocktail hour and dinner at Ruby House. It's a funky restaurant on the main drag where the decor and uniforms are all frontier saloon style. Great service and good food. Yet another walk around town, looking at crap, and then back to the hotel for bedtime.

Road Trip 2013 - Day Four

Eight a.m. AIS. This means Ass In Seat. Fueled up and ready to drive. Two bikes and two cars. This should be interesting. We have a groove with our riding partners and now we're changing it up. I am happy to say that it is working out fine and we're all having fun..at least I think we're all having fun.

Another day of fine riding weather all the way to Keystone, South Dakota. Well, after the really cold morning. By our lunch stop, we were peeling off layers.

We checked in to our hotel where we're staying for the next four nights. Pretty sweet, we can actually unpack. Walked around town and returned to the hotel. We carved out an area in the lobby and hosted our own happy hour. Then off for dinner. Ugh! I am done with Mexican food. I eat too many chips. I think the food here is not going to be great. I'm lowering my expectations.

We were able to take in the evening program at Mt. Rushmore. Awesome!

Road Trip 2013 - Day Three

And we're off to Laramie, Wyoming to meet up with our chase car. Now this is the first time we've travelled with a chase car. We're pretty sure that a chase car means following behind, hence the term chase. Our car left two and a half days before us!!! Not to worry, we did meet up with them. Good thing since they are carrying the wine!  We also met up with another car that will be with us for a few days.

Yet another great day of riding weather. There was lightening in the distance when we were checking in, but we only experienced a slight sprinkle. We did hit gusting 35 mph winds, and I do mean gusting.  Our room made the $100 cut! And our lunch was under $10, oh, did I forget to mention that's another of our road trip games? We like to "eat fresh" at Subway while we're on the road. Not every lunch, but really, you can't have a healthier fast food.

We met up for dinner at Linda's. We sat outside in her beautiful garden and chatted. I totally ate too much of the fresh cherries and cheese and just couldn't even eat the dinner. At my age you would think I had more discipline so I wouldn't spoil my dinner. We still had a great time. We took a tour of the neighbor's home, very nice. We learned much of the local flavor.

And Peter is getting a puppy! He was thinking of getting a dog in about five years, when they stopped traveling as much. But he fell in love with Linda's dog while visiting and when Lindà mentioned there was a litter on the way, he jumped in! He put in an order for a female. Next thing, we were planning a puppy shower for the adoption! We thought it might be the wine talking, but in the sober sunlight of the next day he was still going with it.

Road Trip 2013 - Day Two

We took this trip three years ago and meandered on our way to South Dakota. We arrived to discover the fabulous riding with only one day to ride. That's why we're headed back. We're riding straight there, along Interstate 80, so we'll have days to ride in South Dakota. Then we'll meander back.

Big blessing that the weather was only in the 70's today. If you think it's boring driving through the Nevada desert and the Utah salt flats, it is worse on a bike. And when it's hot, it is horrible!

We made it to Salt Lake City, Utah. We found a room near the airport. Here's where things get silly. We check TripAdvisor and/or AAA to see how the places rank, amenities, location, and price. When you walk in, the price is usually higher. We show them the Internet price and they match it. That's not what happened this time. We found ourselves in the lobby trying to book the room online, as the power on our phones was running out. Annoying! We did get it booked, then walked over to the desk and checked in. The systems are updated immediately, so at least we didn't need to wait. What is wrong with this crazy travel industry? Oh, the good news? Below our $100 limit, Score!

We walked around the corner to Robert's for dinner. Really good food, excellent service, and we were all  happy with the 10% discount from the hotel until we saw there was a 50% Groupon deal! Bummer! Now we need to figure out the Groupon thing.

In the a.m. We rode downtown to see Temple Square (white shirt and black tie, is this a Mormon uniform?) and the state capital building. I also ran in to a hotel to buy and mail postcards to the boys. We send a card from each state we visit. We're in Utah a short time, so this was a crunch.

Road Trip 2013 - Day One

If it's June, it must be time to fire up the Harley and hit the road. We left town in the early afternoon, hoping to miss commute traffic.

Let me just mention that the Sacramento  area is crazy busy. We made good time, there are just so many vehicles on the roads. How did we ever commute for years? We're pretty sure we would never do that again!

We arrived safely in Sparks, NV where we scored a room for $53 at The Nugget, and got a sweet parking spot to tuck the bike in for the  evening. Part of our road trip fun is finding cheap rates on a room. We like to average below $100 and get real excited if we get below $50. A huge plus is a covered parking spot (a soggy seat in the a.m. is not fun) up close to the front door (makes us feel the bike is safe and we have a shorter walk to lug all our stuff off the bike).

After riding all day, the last thing we want to do is get back on the bike to go to dinner. We usually shower (The water pressure was Old School here. We have used low flow for so long, we forgot what it was like.  We laughed and said it was like The Seinfeld episode where Kramer bought shower heads on the black market!)  and throw on street clothes and flip flops to walk to dinner. Since The Nugget is along the highway and a bit isolated, we ate there at the cafe. We ordered their "famous" awful-awful burger, which is awful-awful good. I had mine with thick fries. UGH......I was stuffed!

I'm posting this on the iPad and have not figured out how to get the photos inserted. Stay tuned and check back later to see if I've succeeded.

Getting Ready to Ride

We're not putting many miles on the bike lately, what with travel, recovery from travel, grandsons, weather, and various other interests...the bike sits in the garage. So what is a rider to do? Go to the International Motorcycle Show!

Five of us piled in to a car and drove in the pouring rain to the San Mateo Fairgrounds. Four of us needed new helmets and there are always deals to be had at the Show. Then we always wander around to see what's new, what we might "need", and then fondle the bikes.

I was hoping to get up close and personal with a Vespa. This did not happen because they were not at the show! In years past they've been on full display.  This year was smaller, the exhibitors were in only two buildings.

We found the Company we were planning on purchasing our helmets from, JM Corp. I won't bore you with all the details on why we were planning on purchasing from them. The one big thing is the communications are built in to the helmet, no boom near your mouth. The display included one sample of each style and then the owner handed you a blue piece of paper with a code to use during Thanksgiving week to order on line. Then he sent you across the aisle to the Arai helmet dealer to try on the actual helmet. So off we went to Arai.

We LOVED the helmets. We were looking for full face, but Bret & Donna were looking for modular. They quickly figured out they were going to stick with Shoei so off they went to that dealer's display. The Arai rep was a hoot. He was REALLY into measuring heads and suggesting a specific style of helmet. And he was right on. We found exactly what we are going to order from JM. We were finished and so we went to find Bret & Donna. Here's what they were doing.....

They went for the Shoei Neotec but they didn't have their size with the color they wanted so they're either driving to San Jose or ordering it online. So funny that they weren't set-up to take orders. A purchase required another step by the customer. Don't you think that good sales would want to close right there? Why make your customer do all the work?

While we were waiting and watching them fiddle with the helmets, I was intrigued and started to try them on too. Then I made a call to get a modular too!  Totally unexpected. I've been planning on the full face for a year, waiting for JM to have another sale. I dragged Dave in to this too. Oh, and their sales person that helped to fit your helmet, well he wasn't as odd as the Arai guy, but he was definitely in to his job. Once you have the helmet on, completely strapped, he has you hold your head firm as he yanks and twists the helmet to make sure it's snug. All the while you're aware of the fact he's doing his best to simulate your head twisting and dragging as you go skidding across the road. Fun?

He's a good sport too, posing for a photo.

Dave and I purchased the modular helmets, we don't wear an odd size and weren't purchasing an odd color, so they did have those in stock. Now we're off to play in other areas.

I bought coconut socks for friends...they are magic socks. I'm not exactly sure how they do it, but my feet are never too hot, or too cold, and just feel comfy while I'm wearing them....every day...for weeks on a trip...they don't smell either....really.

We finished up and went for lunch....where the Around Me app sent us to a residential area in error...we got a tour before we ended up for lunch.

Oh, and the next morning I asked Dave if he was sorry he didn't get the full face from JM, and...well...he may end up with two new helmets. He's worth it.

Hot Air Balloons in the Dark

On Saturday and Sunday the events begin at 5 am at the Reno Hot Air Balloon Races.  Again, EVERYONE knows that I don't do early am.....and most definitely NOT before the sun rises....much less two hours before sunrise.  I made an exception for this one, good choice.  I read raves about the Glow Patrol and Dawn Patrol, all happening in the dark.  The Glow Patrol, meh, the Dawn Patrol is AMAZING.

We leave the hotel at 4 am...well 4 something...I'm really not sure because I was not fully, or maybe even partially, awake.  Right away we can tell this is not going to be as laid back as Friday.  The lobby is humming, there are lines for the free shuttle, strollers are packed with dazed little ones (I'm not going to take my little dudes to this for a few years.  I think I would be asking for it.  I was cranky so I'm pretty sure they'd be cranky).  We hit the street, in total darkness, to walk up that hill again.  One member, who I shall not name but they know who they are, checked the shuttle...but then boldly made the walk.  There's traffic, college students joined us on the walk as we went by the University of Nevada, Reno housing, buses, and lines of cars.  Here's what it looked like.......

Isn't this a wonderful photo?  Taken by DAVE!!!!!

We get to the park, buses are unloading, we can't see in front of us (although I did have my trusty little purse flashlight that my SIL gave me and BSF taught be to carry at all times) and I ask "I wonder how many people fall at this event since you can't see a thing and there are curbs?"....just then, one of us goes down!  Not to worry, all is well.....it does make me a bit nervous with our medical team goes down though.

I was able to learn some new tricks with the camera....although there's some weird water spotting marks  (you can see them on the last photo with the moon) that I'm not sure about.  Dave took some iPhone photos, not so great.  Bret took SPECTACULAR photos on his little point and shoot.

We can HIGHLY recommend this event.  Make room on your schedule to attend this next year.

Hot Air Balloons

I've thought it would be wonderfully exciting to see the Hot Air Balloons in Albuquerque, New Mexico. I just don't see New Mexico in October happening for us anytime soon.  I've been bummed about that.  Then I saw an article that mentioned the Hot Air Balloon Races in Reno, NV.  That is totally doable for us. Combine this with the motorcycle, throw in a few friends, and now we're talking fun!  I love when a plan comes together.

Off we go around 12:07 (we were late for AIS, babysitting duties with the little dudes).....

We rode up to Reno on one of my most favorite roads, Highway 108, the Sonora Pass.  If you have never driven on this road, you simply must make arrangements to do this.....soon....sometime when the pass is open beginning June through October, or thereabouts.

We met up with the third couple who drove, see, we're a large tent, allowing non-riders to hang with us.  Having a chase car is actually indulgent, I love it.

This is the 31st year of the Hot Air Balloon Races in Reno and they have it down.  The event is held on  Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.  We went on Friday for the Mass Ascension.  Friday was laid back, not too many people, we were able to walk up close to the balloons and talk to the people. 

The Mass Ascension started at 6:45 am....and everyone knows how I feel about the early am....NOT a fan.  The walk from the hotel was around 1 1/2 miles, uphill, so we left around 6 am, to make sure we didn't miss a thing.  The hotel had free shuttles, but we laugh at shuttles.  We were walking. Uphill.  Now this whole thing was my idea so I'm feeling a bit responsible and hoping the gang enjoys the event.  I know this isn't as large as New Mexico, but it sounded pretty big.  As we walk up, we're not seeing any balloons.  This is what we see.....

I'm thinking....uh oh.........

I needn't have worried though.  This is the first day and they're getting things going...not always on time....no worries.  Our friends were having fun too.

There were plenty of balloons to keep us all happy.  The announcer had the best sound system and we learned about the balloons, how they work, how they fly, etc.  We especially enjoyed the Star Wars theme.

The balloon teams are very large...because there is plenty to do to get the thing in the air and then packed away when finished.  The team spreads out a huge tarp, lays the balloon out on the tarp, fills the balloon with cool air using a fan, then several people hold the opening of the balloon while they fire it up and heat the air. Someone is standing in the basket while all this takes place.  Someone else is holding on a line to straighten the balloon as it fills up. When it's ready to lift, they tilt the basket up and they lift off.   When finished the whole crew gets to stuff everything back in to a bag. This is a very simplistic explanation, but I wanted you to understand some of the photos to follow. 

They begin the event every morning with a fly over and singing the National Anthem.  One balloon goes up carrying the flag.  Very nicely done.

I'll tell you about the EARLY morning later.....

Another Reason to LOVE Living in California

Where else can you leave your home in the East Bay, ride through twisty roads among the trees (including Redwoods!), and end up at the ocean?  Passing through so many different climates we also pack clothes for temperatures from 55 to 95!

And can you tell me which of these is not like the others?

Here we are with a few of our riding friends

Good ride with good friends, even a dessert stop at Alice's Restaurant.  We were home in plenty of time to spend some time on our patio.  Oh yeah, that's why we pay the big bucks to live in California.