Saturday, June 7, 2008
Today was generally a travel day, Carson City, NV to Bend, OR, 450 miles over eleven hours. We departed Carson City at 0830 hours and went all the way to Reno (Phew!) about 40 miles away, where we stopped at Reno Harley-Davidson for some minor maintenance, a drive best adjustment on John's Electra Glide. The dealership was having a Spring open house with a few vendors, but nothing to brag about.
The weather was great today, clear, light winds, and temperatures in the low sixties, perfect for a cross-country motorcycle odyssey. Only jeans and jackets required.
We stopped in Alturas for lunch and after checking out all of the old converted A&W root beer stands, we opted for a quick Subway sandwich, in violation of the our pact, "Let's not eat at any fast-food chain eating establishments." Out of Alturas we took a little 100 mile jaunt north to Klamath Falls, Oregon via the Modoc National Forest where the spring wild flowers were still blooming. We also caught a peek of Mt. Shasta's snow capped peak above the low western hills, beautiful.
Crossing the border between California and Oregon was anti-climatic; a demarcation proudly displayed by the State of Oregon on a small hand-painted 2 x 3 foot wooden sign welcoming you to the beautiful State of Oregon. You go Oregon-be proud!
Our plans to take in Crater Lake National Park got side tracked in favor of getting to Bend, Oregon before dark. Another pact, "Let's not ride in the dark if we don't have to." Unfortunately, our pit stop in Reno threw our schedule off just enough to preclude our visit to Crater Lake, bummer, maybe on another trip.
We pulled into Bend at 1900 hours and opted for a Best Western hotel based solely on the fact that they advertised a hot tub, of which we immediately took advantage of--nice. We had a late dinner at the local Outback Steakhouse, it was most excellent, so were the cocktails, all of them.
Long-distance riding gives one time to philosophize some, so I drew a nexus today between long-distance motorcyclce riding and an ass whipping; they both feel so good when you stop. Tomorrow we're off to Washington State, showers are forecast. I Can't wait.
More later, and many thanks to the many friends who wished us well on our journey. We'll forward seeing you and sharing more stories and pictures when we return.
Today was generally a travel day, Carson City, NV to Bend, OR, 450 miles over eleven hours. We departed Carson City at 0830 hours and went all the way to Reno (Phew!) about 40 miles away, where we stopped at Reno Harley-Davidson for some minor maintenance, a drive best adjustment on John's Electra Glide. The dealership was having a Spring open house with a few vendors, but nothing to brag about.
The weather was great today, clear, light winds, and temperatures in the low sixties, perfect for a cross-country motorcycle odyssey. Only jeans and jackets required.
We stopped in Alturas for lunch and after checking out all of the old converted A&W root beer stands, we opted for a quick Subway sandwich, in violation of the our pact, "Let's not eat at any fast-food chain eating establishments." Out of Alturas we took a little 100 mile jaunt north to Klamath Falls, Oregon via the Modoc National Forest where the spring wild flowers were still blooming. We also caught a peek of Mt. Shasta's snow capped peak above the low western hills, beautiful.
Crossing the border between California and Oregon was anti-climatic; a demarcation proudly displayed by the State of Oregon on a small hand-painted 2 x 3 foot wooden sign welcoming you to the beautiful State of Oregon. You go Oregon-be proud!
Our plans to take in Crater Lake National Park got side tracked in favor of getting to Bend, Oregon before dark. Another pact, "Let's not ride in the dark if we don't have to." Unfortunately, our pit stop in Reno threw our schedule off just enough to preclude our visit to Crater Lake, bummer, maybe on another trip.
We pulled into Bend at 1900 hours and opted for a Best Western hotel based solely on the fact that they advertised a hot tub, of which we immediately took advantage of--nice. We had a late dinner at the local Outback Steakhouse, it was most excellent, so were the cocktails, all of them.
Long-distance riding gives one time to philosophize some, so I drew a nexus today between long-distance motorcyclce riding and an ass whipping; they both feel so good when you stop. Tomorrow we're off to Washington State, showers are forecast. I Can't wait.
More later, and many thanks to the many friends who wished us well on our journey. We'll forward seeing you and sharing more stories and pictures when we return.
3 comments:
Day 2 sounded great. There were many Earthquakes reported in Reno, but I guess that it was just a coincidence. Four additional motorcycles entering the area would not have caused that. Maybe it was nature's way of wishing you well on your journey. Take care, looking forward to the journal(living vicariously through you).....Jim
Sound like a wonderful trip (if it only had room service)
Stay safe and keep the blog up. I love it.
Doreen
Love the updates, Hope the journey continues to be safe (I still think your nutz). Just imagine when the going gets rough, there is an eskimo with a blender at the finish line!
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