Journeys of a Lifetime: Western Edition
"And ... They're Off"
July 31, 2008
by sweeper
The Fed Ex truck has been to our house every day for the past week! After gathering everything we thought we would need for traveling on the new bike, it was finally time to hit the road. I find packing for a bike trip very liberating. There's nothing like having to fit everything for a week long trip into about a 12 X 12 space to give me a new appreciation for the needs vs. wants concept!
Having endured extreme heat and humidity for the past several weeks in Arkansas, we were looking forward to cooler, drier air as we traveled west. A last minute review of the forecast revealed that the extreme heat would travel with us. Temperatures in Nebraska and even in South Dakota were revised to be near the 100 degree mark. We got an early start, and ran into light rain before reaching Missouri. Thankfully, it was overcast most of the day. We had a great day, enjoyed really nice weather, and covered 580 miles comfortably.
The BMW has secured its place as my first choice in biking! I have ridden only one 500 mile day on the Road King, and it was uncomfortable to say the least. Although I've never had a bad day on a motorcycle trip, the Road King was not designed for a comfort-loving forty-something woman passenger! 580 miles on the BMW seemed almost restful! We comfortably enjoyed the XM radio and the 6+ hours of classic rock that our son downloaded on the iPod. (Thanks, Goal Keeper, for the incredible gift.) I even got my CNN fix, which was definitely more enjoyable for me than the rumble of thunder from the HD! I am lovin' this new bike.
We arrived in the Lincoln area and stayed with friends there. Thanks, Ivan and Sue, for your hospitality. We always enjoy time spent with you.
Favorite aroma of the day: A lumber mill near West Plains, MO
Favorite memory of the day: Spending time with Ivan, Sue, Brent, & Jackie
Most amazing sight today: A 65+ year old couple from Daytona, FL riding to Sturgis on a very old (and uncomfortable) HD along with their Yorkie, who was decked out in a bandana. Wow! Can you imagine traveling that distance on a bike with a dog?
Tags: travel, motorcycle trip, adventure
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