Thursday, May 04, 2006

Fair weather rider

My husband rides his motorcycle all year long, and the only thing that keeps him off the road is snow & ice and the occasional rain storm. I, on the other hand, prefer to accompany him only on days when the temperature is above 60º F. I’m what you call a “fair weather rider.”

Lately, I’ve been on several rides….trying to toughen, my you know what up, and build my stamina up for the long rides. Jimmy takes me on daily rides, 100 – 200 miles….sometimes heading down to Tennessee for lunch or supper and then back home again….and sometimes just 300 miles of beautiful country roads. Of, course….I have to stop and rest about every 50 to 60 miles or so….and get off and stretch my legs.

The reason I have to get in shape to ride is because when we head out this summer, we will be traveling about 10,000 miles, give or take a 1,000. We’ll head out one morning, look at the sky, and head in the direction where there are no rain clouds. Everyday on our trip we follow the sunshine….not the map….And we’ll eventually end up somewhere out West.

We zigzag quite a bit, as we stop to take in the sights, and we also ask the locals about interesting things to see in their area….They are always very helpful and eager to direct us to little known beautiful spots and to the best places to eat & sleep for the night. We stay on country roads and avoid interstates, during our trips. Sometimes there are no motels for miles, so we must resort to looking for the closest big city or interstate highway, as there are always motels near one.

It’s a wonderful experience to travel cross-country with the wind blowing in your face, the rain beating down on your brow, the aroma of sweet smelling flowers in the air….the occasional hailstorm…..And lets not forget how cold you get at 10,000 feet or above, where you see mountain glaciers and have to stop to put on everything you have to keep you warm….Then as you come back down to sea level, you have to start shedding those hot clothes that you put on earlier….because, you are now in the desert, where the temperature is 110º+…..

By the end of the trip I am no longer a, “fair weather rider.” At least not until the cold winter winds start howling and the temperature drops below 60º again.

The picture above was taken in July along Beartooth Highway in Montana.

17 comments:

bornfool said...

Sounds like a great time. I'm going to do that one of these days. If you happen by my way I would love to meet you.

Ava said...

Wow, that sounds like so much fun. If you find yourself near St. Louis, MO or Jefferson City, MO or Hannibal, MO ... I'm just a couple of hours from each and one 20 minutes from Hannibal!!!!

Sounds like so much fun ... as long as you're following the sunshine that is. Rain hurts when you're on a motorcycle!

Ava

Susie said...

What a great way to see the country!
You must have learned the art of traveling light (something I should also learn) :-)
Will you be blogging as you travel?

Melodee said...

What a terrific adventure!

squire said...

i owned a Goldwing for 11 years and put 78,000 miles on her. Some of the best times of my life.

Hunter said...

Yep, you'd set off on one of your rides and fall right off the end of Maui. ;)

In my youth one of my friends owned bikes and did custom painting. We'd ride everywhere. Cold weather was not my favorite either.

I hoe you have a wonderful time.

Darilyn

Jellyhead said...

You two are amazing - who would ever guess you were great-grandparents! Your attitudes are so young and fresh.

Hope it's a wonderful motorbiking summer!

Peter said...

Now that has really made me feel envious, what a great adventure, I travel heaps but only in the comfort of my car.

The Four Bears in the Woods said...

Ahh, I remember those times. We loved it going out west with you guys!

I guess you could say I am a fair weather rider too. *VBS*

Can you believe it? We haven't ridden any this year! With Brian's ailments he hasn't felt like. I hope he gets better soon and feels like riding.

This post brought back lots of good memories.

Mama Bear.

Ciardra said...

Sounds like lots of fun. I wish I could ride a motorcycle. (Dad expressly forbids it, the big hypocrite.) But really, I would love doing that sort of thing, going where the sun takes me.

TUFFENUF said...

I have owned two motorcycles in my life, and I miss riding, but you can't have everything - and I am busy camping now! About the "Camelback" I got it at Sports Authority, and come to think of it, it would be GREAT for long motorcycle rides when it is hot.

Finn said...

wow..what an adventure that sounds like..*VBS* I certainly could envy you the scenery, but definitely NOT the rump stress..*VBG*

It must be a thrilling thing to do tho, as so many outdoor adventures are. Great plan to follow the sun..LOL

manababies said...

What an amazing adventure! I love how spontaneous it all sounds. I can't wait to see photos too!

Gary said...

Wow. What an adventure. Just follow the sun.

Merle said...

Hello Sandy ~~ What great plans you have
I do hope you have a wonderful trip and take lots of photos to show us later.
Thanks for your comments on my blog.
Take care Sandy. Cheers, Merle.

Susan Tidwell said...

Ah, the sun on your back, the wind in your hair, troubles in your rear view mirror...

Sounds like a great plan! Have fun!

Alipurr said...

what an amazing way of life. sounds wonderful...i hope to see you on your way back east...