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.

Happy belated birthday.

Those are some nice pics.

Nice, the one picture looks like the canyon leading to a campground at Hells Lake in MT.

Thanks for sharing your adventure with great pics. Wishing you many more similarly great birthdays.

Thanks Mike.
Not sure but could be Valpo? I didn't notice or camp at Hell's Lake though.

Many thanks, 12131!

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.

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.

Sounds like a wonderful time, thanks for sharing the pictures.

And, belated Happy Birthday!

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.

Looks like a wonderful trip. Great way to mark your 70th.

Thanks everyone!

quote:

Originally posted by 220-9er:
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.

So I'm actually younger than someone?

It was V-Tail.

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.

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?

That is damn cool. Congratulations.

Happy 70th, ridewv.

I know you're enjoying that Gold Wing and the gorgeous scenery. Ok… I’m officially jealous.

Good on you. What a terrific adventure. Color me green with envy.

Thanks for sharing and Happy Birthday!

ty777777uhb

quote:

Originally posted by Pipe Smoker:
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?

LOL no I didn't pack either of my 16" pans!

Thank you all for the happy birthday wishes, they're really appreciated!