Nothing like a Weekend of Self Torture

First it was the time change last week reeking havoc with my after work rides by bringing on the darkness much too early. Then old man winter is slowing regaining his grip on us and I am sure its not long before he starts to squeeze the life out of us for the next four months. If all that doesn't spell "SIDS" (season induced depression syndrome) or in my extreme cases "CGOARS" (can't get out and ride syndrome) then try figuring out why a guy with these issues would come home with this DVD this week.




After watching the first four hours, salivating, yearning to take off on an adventure I pass out dreaming of riding in exotic lands. In the morning when I awake the only plus is that it is Saturday and I get to head down to the shop, that's the motorcycle shop. Its quiet around the shop so after watching an adventure video of some riders adventures to Alaska I spend the rest of the day washing a couple of bikes and rearranging the showroom floor. The day ended kind of like what would happen if you sent a recovering drunk to an open bar... really, it's not like I was being pushed over the edge or anything...but now look what sits in my garage.




Sunday morning I woke with even stronger desires for my adventures. Instead of restless twitching in bed trying to suppress them I got up and departed the house on my own little adventure at 8 A.M.. Once the garage door opened and I rolled down the street in 32 degree weather and snow squalls I figured I wouldn't get any takers for a ride today so I put the Bob & Tom show on and just jammed out about 100 miles before calling the gang to see if they were going to breakfast somewhere. Sure enough they were going to their normal spot so I turned the bike around back north and made my way to meet them. After a big fulfilling meal and some cheerful camaraderie I suited up and headed off into horizon looking for more adventures. I could of rode all day but figured since it was all ready pushing into early afternoon I should get home and spend some time with Betina before another work week starts.


Once home I put that damn DVD back in and now I am a mess again... anyone want to borrow it for a while so I can't torture myself to death.

Fall Adventure Ride

He’s back! Joerg, my crazy all-season adventurer partner, just returned from a trip to Russia and was in dire need for an adventure ride…and who can relate to the great need to ride…me of course. The weather here in Grand Rapids has been unbelievable with highs in the 70’s all week long, but do to the daylight savings our days have been ending around 5:50 P.M.. That was not going to stop us, Joerg left work a little early and was at my place right at 4:30, here is a shot of him speeding into the parking lot.

We greeted each other, but that’s were the conversation ended. I cut his questions short and told him we can catch up later…let’s ride! South was the choice for this adventure and a lunch break perusing of mapquest turned up some interesting looking roads that had names that ended in “Trl”. After dodging some slow vehicles we made it onto so typical dirt roads that would bring us to this new area. Along the way we saw more of those darn deer just hanging out all over the place. Oh, here we go this dirtroad here should lead to my newly discovered trails. I spy the entrance, and the sign says trail open! Yippe!!! Of we go traveling up, down, and all around thru the woods. It was a little tricky navigating because it was getting dark and the ground was covered with leaves. After about two miles I had gotten my off-road legs back and we where cruising right along. We stopped atop this one hill and took some pictures and then carried on.

I got caught up in the moment and was just having a grand ole’ time when I came to the top of a hill, stopped and looked behind me and…. “Oh shit…where did that Joerg go!” I sat and waited… a minute or so past, so I shut my bike off thinking I would here him coming… nothing… then I see a headlight making its way toward me… but then it disappears… then its on… what is he doing.

Well it took a few minutes but then he rolled up next to me. I said everything allright… He laughs, and says “Yeah!, everything but my mirror” and taps it and it flies off into the dirt. He immediately tells me for the 100th time, “I hate F$#^ing Sand!!!” We laugh and pack his mirror up and decide we should try and get to pavement soon since it is pitch dark by now. Eventually we end up on pavement heading back toward Joergs abode but decide the traffic on the main road sucks so we head back to the dirt roads and just putt along at 40 with our highbeams on taking in mother nature. It was a perfect night!

Once back to Joerg’s place we sat in the driveway consuming frosty beverages talking about past trips and future trips… and this great weather!

Look what I found!!!

Slashing up a Grand Time!

Ghost and Goblins are out and about… and two of them showed up at our door tonight. We welcomed them into our dungeon of selfishness to celebrate the Halloween season.
The night started with handfuls of pistachios and olives before progressing to ghoulish soup for all. After filling our guts with tasty morsels, we took hold of our dedicated gourds and slashed away until they resembled some sort of evil life that might spook the local child folk come Friday night. The alcohol flowed and the knives slashed as we carved our way to delight. When all was said and done, we had four carved faces and four goofy folks just enjoying a school night in Michigan.

Buddy's Big Day!

Ok, for those that do not know, my mom has horses and races them at the local track here. A little over a year ago little Buddy was born. Below is a picture of Buddy and his mom a few days after he was born.

About a week or so he came to the track from the farm he was born and raised on so that he could start the journey of being a race horse. Today was Buddy's big day, he was going to be hooked to the cart and taking out on the race track for his very first time. It was neat to watch Hank the trainer prepare the little guy and talk to him. Once all ready to go Hank walked him around then stopped so my mom could quick snap the cart onto him. I was told that sometimes this is quite the experience because most horses will go nuts bucking, kicking and jolting away, but little Buddy just stands there and then when Hank gets in the cart he just walks to the track.

Once on the track Hank encourages him to go a little faster and the little bugger just trots right around the track like he has done it a hundred times before, a true natural! After his two laps he is brought back to his digs where he is rewarded and then bathed...

Some photos of him in action.

Rewind...Play...

Okay, now that I have a keyboard and can type fast instead of plugging away on the cell phone I will rewind and give a little update on my trip down here to Pompano Beach.

Specs/Facts

Friday: Grand Rapids to Auburn IN.

Saturday: Auburn IN. to Chatanooga TN. (actually Trenton GA.)

Sunday: Chatanooga TN. to Wildwood FL.

Monday: Wildwood FL. to Pompano Beach FL.

Total of 1585 miles

Temps from 32 degrees up to 81 degrees, mostly sunny with clear skies, one little shower approaching Pompano Beach.

Funny moment of Sunday was trying to get a site at the KOA in Wildwood. Mind you it was 70 degrees outside, I ask for a tent site, the gentleman looked at me like I was nuts and responded, "aren't you cold?" Hell no! He then states that the temps are going to drop tonight and it will be very cold. Hey, mister... I am from Michigan, it ain't gonna be cold tonite... my first night tenting was 36 degrees. He just shrugged and said if you insist, good luck!

What a perfect night, I quickly set up my camp, road acrooss the street to pick up two 24 oz. frosty beverages then returned to cook my soup for the night. I could of sat out there all night. My site was under a nice tree with loads of spanish moss hanging down, slightly blowing in the summer breeze. I got a great nights sleep and got up early and hit the road for the fast 275 mile blast to moms. I arrived right at 11 am in time to unload the bike, hop in her car and make it to the track to see something special (next post). After our track visit we went to this nice restuarant for something to eat and drink before retiring back to her house for a mid-day nap.

Later that night was spent catching up and tinkering around the house.

That brings us to this morning, we are going to head to some Japenese Garden to check out exotic plants and critters... I will post that later.

Mission complete

Wow! I am here, i mean there! Sorry for the lack of post yesterday, kind of busy riding. This is a pic of my sat. Nite digs. A little warmer, but not much. Headin out with mom now, will get my hands on her computer later with more details.

Wow! What a day. Mostly rode secondary roads, flying phil sugested rt 127 from just outside of cinci to chattanooga. It was twisty, hilly and fast. The foliage and views were amazing. Got to camp late, then headed to sticky fingers for some well deserve ribs & beer. Good nite!

Trains cars oh my!

Up and enjoying a cup of joe. Night went well with temps and gear, but with a huge train depot next door and busy highway near the sleeping was light. On the positive side, it's 615 am and i am ready 2 roll! Later

Back in the saddle again!

Well here i am, on another adventure! This time i am heading solo to florida to visit my mom. Tonite, the first nite i am camping in auburn indiana. Below or above you can see camp with supper cooking. Thats my new adventure tent :thanxs dad!: on its maiden trip. Tonite will be a test of man & gear, going to drop to 36 degrees. Look for more tomorrow.

Back in the saddle again!

Well here i am, on another adventure! This time i am heading solo to florida to visit my mom. Tonite, the first nite i am camping in auburn indiana. Below or above you can see camp with supper cooking. Thats my new adventure tent :thanxs dad!: on its maiden trip. Tonite will be a test of man & gear, going to drop to 36 degrees. Look for more tomorrow.