Go | New | Find | Notify | Tools | Reply |
Member |
I wanted to do something to celebrate/commiserate my 70th birthday on July 22nd. Friends and family asked about throwing a party but I decided that I wanted to take a 10-14 day motorcycle ride alone. No tourist places just to enjoy riding 2-lane roads across the north of central US and back. Take the tent but also the credit card to motel it some. I left on Thursday the 20th at 4:30am returning this week at 11:30 pm Monday and enjoyed (almost) every minute of it. The "almost" were 3 times; heavy traffic in NW Michigan around Traverse City, ND and eastern MT when it reached 107, and traffic when I rode near Yellowstone. While I was right near Yellowstone and Glacier I avoided the parks. I'd been through them before and I knew they'd be packed with tourists and motor homes in July. This is roughly the route I took, counterclockwise. Interstate across IL, IN, and Ohio on the last day in the afternoon/evening after riding across southern Iowa on Rt 2 to make it home. The bike I chose to take was the Goldwing and it was a good choice. Here on the second evening at a campground in the U.P. It was a nice ride and traveling alone I could do whatever I wanted; get on the road by 6, stop at practically every "point of interest" sign along the highway, and eat when and wherever I chose. Anyway I'm now over being depressed about turning 70 and instead feel grateful to have made it this long. Just a few random pics from the road. Looking south from RT 2 U.P. over Lake Michigan Eastern Montana, the left gauge shows 105 ambient temp, it later hit 107, the hottest day of the ride. Population of this County Seat is like 20! Straight roads, there's nothing like this in WV. Idaho Where the Salmon River starts A campground in Nebraska, enjoying a bourbon on the rocks in my plastic wine glass. Replacing worn rear tire in Gering Nebraska. East on Iowa 2 at sunrise barely staying ahead of a storm. Anyway it was a wonderful ride I just thought I'd share a bit of it. No car is as much fun to drive, as any motorcycle is to ride. | ||
|
semi-reformed sailor |
Happy belated birthday. Those are some nice pics. "Violence, naked force, has settled more issues in history than has any other factor.” Robert A. Heinlein “You may beat me, but you will never win.” sigmonkey-2020 “A single round of buckshot to the torso almost always results in an immediate change of behavior.” Chris Baker | |||
|
in the end karma always catches up |
Nice, the one picture looks like the canyon leading to a campground at Hells Lake in MT. " The people shall have a right to bear arms, for the defense of themselves and the State" Art 1 Sec 32 Indiana State Constitution YAT-YAS | |||
|
Oriental Redneck |
Thanks for sharing your adventure with great pics. Wishing you many more similarly great birthdays. Q | |||
|
Member |
Thanks Mike. Not sure but could be Valpo? I didn't notice or camp at Hell's Lake though. No car is as much fun to drive, as any motorcycle is to ride. | |||
|
Member |
Many thanks, 12131! No car is as much fun to drive, as any motorcycle is to ride. | |||
|
Member |
I can't think of a better way to celebrate anything. Your pics, travel, sights, and bike are awsome. That was one very special trip. Incredible. Lover of the US Constitution Wile E. Coyote School of DIY Disaster | |||
|
Just because you can, doesn't mean you should |
Great pictures and a late happy birthday. Looks like you were born one day after me, all those years ago. Feels strange to think we're actually seventy. Sounds old, like talking about someone else. ___________________________ Avoid buying ChiCom/CCP products whenever possible. | |||
|
SIGforum's Indian Off the Reservation |
Sounds like a wonderful time, thanks for sharing the pictures. And, belated Happy Birthday! Mike You can run, but you cannot hide. If you won't stand behind our troops, feel free to stand in front of them. | |||
|
always with a hat or sunscreen |
Indeed it looks like you had a great time. Your brief travelog brought back memories of my rides through the northeast and into Canada back in my early-mid 20's on my Norton Commando. Certifiable member of the gun toting, septuagenarian, bucket list workin', crazed retiree, bald is beautiful club! USN (RET), COTEP #192 | |||
|
אַרְיֵה |
Looks like a wonderful trip. Great way to mark your 70th. הרחפת שלי מלאה בצלופחים | |||
|
Member |
Thanks everyone!
So I'm actually younger than someone? No car is as much fun to drive, as any motorcycle is to ride. | |||
|
Member |
It was V-Tail. No car is as much fun to drive, as any motorcycle is to ride. | |||
|
Member |
Congratulations on your birthday.70 is a big one, you are a few weeks older than me. I have heard a lot about how to celebrate a "milestone" birthday. I bought a new gun. But I think the ride was a better idea. | |||
|
Baroque Bloke |
GREAT post with good story and photos. The last one, riding into the sunset, was magical. Thanks for sharing with us! Did you take any of your big iron pans along? Serious about crackers | |||
|
186,000 miles per second. It's the law. |
That is damn cool. Congratulations. | |||
|
Down the Rabbit Hole |
Happy 70th, ridewv. I know you're enjoying that Gold Wing and the gorgeous scenery. Ok… I’m officially jealous. Diligentia, Vis, Celeritas "People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf." -- George Orwell | |||
|
Eschew Obfuscation |
Good on you. What a terrific adventure. Color me green with envy. Thanks for sharing and Happy Birthday! _____________________________________________________________________ “One of the common failings among honorable people is a failure to appreciate how thoroughly dishonorable some other people can be, and how dangerous it is to trust them.” – Thomas Sowell | |||
|
Member |
ty777777uhb
LOL no I didn't pack either of my 16" pans! No car is as much fun to drive, as any motorcycle is to ride. | |||
|
Member |
Thank you all for the happy birthday wishes, they're really appreciated! No car is as much fun to drive, as any motorcycle is to ride. | |||
|
Powered by Social Strata | Page 1 2 |
Please Wait. Your request is being processed... |