BMWRTGIRL, BoxerGrrlie, and BradfordBenn on the way to the Rally 2004

[BradfordBenn]

Pictures and stuff for this post are available at http://www.bradfordbenn.com/beemer/trips/July.htm Sorry, but this 19.2 dialup is keeping me from doing the full stuff here.

[BradfordBenn]

A pretty uneventful day and ride. Pretty much the big excitement was having to purchase a new pair of rain gloves. I swear the dogs ate the other one. I spent an hour looking for the right glove, I have the left glove. So it was a run to South Bend BMW to pickup a new set of gloves. Then it was off to Milwaukee. So before I left home, I called INDOT to figure out which was the best way to get to Milwaukee. They said to take I-90, as I-80 was under construction. Then again I-90 was under construction. So it took me one hour to go 15 miles.

Then it was a quick run to Hooligan’s for dinner and then off to Thoroughbred Cycles to pick up BoxerGrrlie’s Scoot. Then a quick planning session, the original plan was to go to Moose Jaw, but after we looked at the map, we decided to change plans a little. Instead it would be off to Bismarck North Dakota the next morning at butt crack of dawn.

[BradfordBenn]

So butt crack of dawn came way too early. After a quick check of tire pressures, we decided to make a stop to get more air. Well that seems simple enough, but it did not quite go like that, it took four stops to find a working air compressor. Then we were off to Cracker Barrel for breakfast in Wisconsin Dells. Yup, that is BoxerGrrlie’s weakness, Cracker Barrel breakfasts. So after breakfast it was on the road again. Headed toward Bismarck. It would seem like a straight forward short ride of 800 miles, but it ended up taking most of the day.

The first stop was about thirty miles down the road when I decided that I should check the load, as I had a whole lot of stuff strapped to the bike and it seemed to be shifting. So the three of us worked on the pile of stuff. Yup, two women and one man, the man brings the most stuff. Such is life, I already know what I will not bring next time… experience will help me pare it down.

We stopped at about 4PM CDT for dinner and gas. That took a little more time than we expected but it was good to get off the bikes for a while. We then had the debate of rain gear or no rain gear. I did not put on the formal rain gear, but instead went with the water resistance. We all agreed it looked like it would be intermittent but nope it was solid. So when we stopped for gas, I put on the rain gear. Guess what, it stopped raining.

So once we arrived at the hotel, it was pretty uneventful. Some housekeeping chores before a quick sauna and then the hot tub. I have figured out how the women are able to pack less then me…

They clean stuff every night

[BradfordBenn]

BoxerGrrlie decided that we should be on the road by 8AM and well it did not work quite right. Another tire check, and time to add air. So across to gas up and get air. This gas station was perhaps the best air compressor I have seen in a while. First it was free, second it was really effective. I accidentally filled a tired to 60PSI in ten seconds. Then as I was about ready to mount up, I realized that I had forgotten to connect the wires for the AutoCom, so then it was unload and quickly fish the wires out. Yup, breaking stereotypes, the guy was the slowpoke. Then we were off.

We took Interstate 94 for a while and the gas stations started to get few and far between. Not so good as BoxerGrrlie’s scoot is only good for 200 miles tops. So we took a turn off for “Gas” and well it let to nowhere, turned around and back onto the Interstate. Right before the next exit, reserve kicked in and luckily there was a gas station in site. At that stop we decided that we wanted to get off the interstate and hit some back roads. As much as we like the speed limit being 75MPH, seeing stuff other than the interstate would be nice So it was off the interstate on onto Route 200 to Route 13 to Route 2.

Seemed like a good plan, and it was fun. The posted speed limit was 70, so it was just as fun, but now there were some turns and better scenery. Then came the first interesting moment of the trip. We were riding in proper stagger formation, BoxerGrrlie, myself, and then BMWRTGIRL when all of the sudden BoxerGrrlie slams on her brakes and puts on her turn signal. It happened so quick that I was right up on her as she was trying to get over. Nothing bad happened, but it was an interesting moment. Apparently nature was calling, and well call waiting was not going to work. This spot was the best spot she had seen for a while. So As BMWRTGIRL and I turn around and head back up, we figure out what is going on. Just goes to prove once again, stereotypes are made to be broken.

We continue on through various small towns, each taking the turns leading. Apparently the coffee at the hotel did not get everyone's brain started as it took two people to get the camera to function.

BoxerGrrlie then found the secret weapon to compensate for the wussy coffee in the morning…

Then it is Havre, Montana for dinner. We found this nice little place called the Four B’s which is a small chain, but did not have a chain feel. The people were all very friendly there. We were given a large booth so we could put all of our stuff down. It was also situated so that we could keep an eye on the bikes. Yup, it was a nice time as the staff took great care of us. Between splitting up the desert three ways to making sure that we had everything to just talking with us and being sociable. It is true, some times the best part of the ride is not the ride but the people.

We continued on westward on Route 2 to Shelby, Montana and the lovely Comfort Inn and Casino. Actually not a bad place and the beer in the bar is affordable. The best part though was that they had luggage carts so that we could actually get all of the gear in.

Unfortunately we had to leave the bikes in the parking lot.

[Cliffy777]

Looks like fun. You kids keep the rubber parts down.

[kbasa]

Find a UPS store and ship all that extra crap home, Brad. You'll be glad you did.

See you later this week. We're leaving tomorrow. :wave

[BradfordBenn]

The plan for the day was to simply take a nice relaxing ride through Glacier National Park and ride Going to the Sun Highway. So we headed out of Shelby after a nice breakfast at Patty’s Place. In Browning, MT we hit the Indians Day Parade so we pulled into a gas station. Just as we were dismounting, two other BMW riders show up. Okay, that is no big surprise. But Bill and Rich, the riders, know BoxerGrrlie. What are the odds? Is BoxerGrrlie that famous or is the world that small?

So we waited out the parade and then joined Rich and Bill for their ride. Luckily Rich had a few tricks up his sleeve and took us to the West Entry to the park. This saved us lots of traffic and had some good rides on the way. Then it was a stop at the West Glacier Restaurant for some really good pie. After some gift shopping it was off for more riding.

We took the Going to the Sun Highway through the park and stopped a few times for pictures and just to enjoy the view. Traffic kept it from being a real fun ride. However that was not the biggest problem, BMWRTRider told us about halfway up to the peak that she did not like heights. The curb on the right hand side was non existent and the drop was pretty darn steep. She was a trooper and made it through the ride. The key was she simply looked at the yellow line and the back of Rich’s bike.

We stopped at Logan’s Pass for a view and some pictures. Then we continued back down the highway. It was fairly uneventful the rest of the way.

Rich and Bill headed North at St. Mary’s Entrance to the park and we headed back to Shelby. Our goal was to beat the rain back to the hotel. Then a gourmet dinner of Subway and Budweiser in the hotel.

Tomorrow we head off to the Great White North to meet some other Lunatics.

[BradfordBenn]

:p

[BradfordBenn]

:D

[BradfordBenn]

:jawdrop
http://www.bradfordbenn.com/beemer/trips/July_files/mountain.jpg

[kbasa]

Your one thousandth post is a doozy, Brad. Nice job! We're leaving tomorrow! :bliss :bliss

:burnout

[Cliffy777]

pictures from the Gang of Three. You know Gale really would not have been happy riding out there with you because he likes to ride in the rain. Alot of rain. Just ask him.

[Colt03]

Keep the posts coming !

I am stuck on the east coast :(

Wishing I could be on the road.

Craig

[Rich]

I'm doing the Glacier route too, so the photo has me smiling! I can't wait to see it again! I'm glad you three are enjoying the trip, keep the rubber side down, and see you all at the rally.

[lorazepam]

Thanks for thinking of me guys. Sure wish I could be there. Sounds like a great trip, and I hope all goes well.

So what was with the clutch BG? Was it the pressure plate or throwout bearing? That was my thoughts at the time.

Ride safe and keep the pictures coming.

[BradfordBenn]

Originally posted by lorazepam
So what was with the clutch BG? Was it the pressure plate or throwout bearing? That was my thoughts at the time.


BG here.....on Brad's computer - I fried the plate, the throwout bearing and needed a total tranny rebuild. Let's just say that it was an expensive camping trip :( Thanks for asking l-pam.

On a happier note, the advice and route suggestions on this forum really helped in planning this trip out west. Thanks to everyone who posted on the Rally Forum.

boxergrrlie
1975 R90/6

[BradfordBenn]

Originally posted by Cliffy777
pictures from the Gang of Three.

I am debating between the Gang if Four minus One or "Three's Company".:p

[monkeybutt]

Hey guys, looks like you are having a great time. Wish we could be there with you. The pictures are great. We will get with Gale soon so he won't have to be a one gang rider.:wave

[ian408]

Looks like you're having a great time!

See you at the end of the week :)

Ian

[Fang]

Great pics, guys. Hey, BoxerGrrlie rocks! But can she cook?
Never mind......:D :brow :D

[knary]

:thumb

see y'all in a few days.

[Fang]

Great pics, guys. Hey, BoxerGrrlie rocks! But can she cook?
Never mind......:D :brow :D

[BradfordBenn]

Yup, we are here after a stop at the Lunatic Fringe... More stuff to be posted soon.

[username]

Originally posted by BradfordBenn
I am debating between the Gang if Four minus One or "Three's Company".:p

the killer B's?

[BradfordBenn]

http://www.bradfordbenn.com/beemer/trips/JulyD05.htm

So after exploring Glacier it was time to resuyme our journey to the Great White North and the 17th Annual Rocky Bow Lunatic Fringe Rally in High River, Alberta. The wind was amazingly viscious that day. Literally it was blowing so hard that I was wearing my heated vest, my fleece, and thick gloves because of the wind chill, it was about 90 degrees Farenheit ambient temperature. It was amazingly tiring and trying all at the same time.

Gaining entry into Canada was relatively easy. Getting BMWRTGIRL's bike to start was the interesting part. For some reason after she turned it off at the checkpoint, it would not restart. It appears to be a battery problem. So we let it sit for a while, still no good. Then Boxer Grrlie and I pushed it as BMWRTGIRL popped the clutch. All was good again. So we continued North and in the wind.

As we approached Lethridge there was a detour on Route 2, so we had to take a few gravel roads. Some times though these chances to get off the slab is really worth it. Although I was not real happy about the gravel.

Then it was back on the road,or so we thought. BoxerGrrlie's bike decided it wanted to lose power. A lucky guess happened as we started to look for the fuse box. I noticed that some of the connections to the batteries were not great, and the first one I tried happened to be the one that caused the problem. So then we were on the road again.

Once we got to the rally, there was lots of fun to be had. Ranging for looking at cool bikes...

And of course just hanging out and making new friends.

The weird thing for me was that it was still daylight at about 10:30PM local time.

[BradfordBenn]

http://www.bradfordbenn.com/beemer/trips/JulyD06.htm

Decided that I did not feel up to riding in the morning, so just kind of took it easy. Then after lunch it was time to head out and see some sights as well as get John's bike repaired. This time it was BoxerGrrlie who decided to soak up some sun and stay at camp.

So we headed out to Calgary in search of the BMW shop, to meet Lance and get John's muffler strap figured out, and to find some cigars for the evening. I was thoroughly disappointed by the BMW shop. It was pretty much every other brand you could think of, and everything was off road. However we were succesful in finding a few cigars.

Fixing John's strap was amazingly simple for me, I simply stood around and took pictures. So without further adieu I give you the birth of Canadian Chopper starring Lance and John. (Did I mention that Lance's shop at home has more tools than my shop at the office?)

Then it was back to the rally for closing supper and another fine night of fun.

[BradfordBenn]

http://www.bradfordbenn.com/beemer/trips/JulyD07.htm

We had given ourselves two days to get from High River to Spokane. So since it was BMWRTRider's birthday we figured let's take the scenic route and have some fun. So BoxerGrrlie looked at the map and put together a spectacular ride from High River to Cranbrook by way of the sights.

There were curves and hills and mountains and animals.... I am still trying to figure out how to put it into words, suffice it to say these pictures should help a little. Along Route 40 the riding was the best ever. We did not have a lot of traffic, the roads were in good condition, there were turns and hills. We just rode and rode and rode. I recommend it

[BradfordBenn]

http://www.bradfordbenn.com/beemer/trips/JulyD08.htm

Not really a whole lot of stuff going on with the ride. It was nice and had curves and hills, but I think Route 40 has made everything else look pale by comparision.

However the real fun started once we arrived.

First it was off to get some supplies. While I was getting some fine adult beverages and ice, the ladies set up quite a nice little compound for the next couple of days. The biggest coup being the shade tent.

Me, I think the picket fences are the key to the whole thing.

Then it was the meeting of the minds, as Kbasa, Rob Nye, MrsKBasa, and BoxerGrrlie decided to get together and have a fun evening.

[BradfordBenn]

This one really needs the pictures which are at: http://www.bradfordbenn.com/beemer/trips/JulyD09.htm

Not a whole lot of riding. Set up the Cyber Cafe in the morning, hung around and talked bikes, a little run to the hotel to post stuff, and then came the fun of the Forum Frenzy (The New New Thing). The turn out was gregarious to put it mildly. KBasa showed up with some fine Kentucky Bourbon for people to share, although I think KBasa and I managed to get most of it.

Pictures of:
BoxerGrrlie and Irene
Gambrinus
Ian408 (left) and KBasa
Knary

[kbasa]

Originally posted by BradfordBenn
This one really needs the pictures which are at: http://www.bradfordbenn.com/beemer/trips/JulyD09.htm

Not a whole lot of riding. Set up the Cyber Cafe in the morning, hung around and talked bikes, a little run to the hotel to post stuff, and then came the fun of the Forum Frenzy (The New New Thing). The turn out was gregarious to put it mildly. KBasa showed up with some fine Kentucky Bourbon for people to share, although I think KBasa and I managed to get most of it.

Pictures of:
BoxerGrrlie and Irene
Gambrinus
Ian408 (left) and KBasa
Knary

Brad, get your behind to the rally and why aren't you in the rally seminar?

dave

[Cliffy777]

Great job with the pics Brad. Thanks - it helps us non-participants feel part of the big picture(s).
I am sure you will be trailering your bikes home. Right?
(Lorazepam has a sticker on his bike I like: "If you see this bike on a trailer call 911".)

[basketcase]

First, that is a great series of pictures. Thanks for posting them.

Next, you commented that you seem to have a lot of stuff.

Maybe you are a closet Gold Winger? :yow

So check this out. The people at Bushtec (http://www.bushtec.com/) make a hitch for your RT, and sell a great line of trailers. They also have the wiring thing figured out to a "T."

I still have a homegrown trailer I built from a kit back when I owned a Wing. Eventually, I might put a hitch on the K. If and when I do that, I'll take up dragging a load again in favor of all the stappin' and gruntin' I presently endure.

Since this is the national, there is a chance that Bushtec might be there as a vendor. If not, they are located in East Tennessee, and can schedule ride in service on a hitch mount.

Anyway, looking at that luggage cart, it's a thought!

:brow

Geez. If he's over packed already, I can't believe I'm telling him this. But, if he bought himself a rolling pack-sack, he could be a gentleman and lug the ladies stuff, too ...

[BradfordBenn]

Originally posted by KBasa
Brad, get your behind to the rally and why aren't you in the rally seminar?

dave

Cause you and Ritalin Boy told me not to show up :p :eek

Plus I had to keep the fans informed with the adventures of the Gang of Four Minus One.:bliss

[BradfordBenn]

Originally posted by Cliffy777
Great job with the pics Brad. Thanks - it helps us non-participants feel part of the big picture(s).
I am sure you will be trailering your bikes home. Right?
(Lorazepam has a sticker on his bike I like: "If you see this bike on a trailer call 911".)

What is a trailer?

[BradfordBenn]

Originally posted by RickM
First, that is a great series of pictures.

Next, you commented that you seem to have a lot of stuff.

Maybe you are a closet Gold Winger? :yow

So check this out. The people at Bushtec (http://www.bushtec.com/) make a hitch for your RT, and sell a great line of trailers.

Geez. If he's over packed already, I can't believe I'm telling him this. But, if he bought himself a rolling pack-sack, he could be a gentleman and lug the ladies stuff, too ...

Thanks for the props on the pictures.

I have gotten the packing down now. I just brought too much stuff. So now to pare it down.....

However in terms of the stuff, even the ladies are admitting that even though I brought a lot of stuff, we have used it all.

Also the Ladies probably wouldn't let me take their stuff. They are independent, and it gives them something to laugh at me about. But now I know what a trailer is:p

[basketcase]

I have a picture of my homegrown trailer someplace. The only way it could be uglier is to be bigger, but it works.

Probably, you will see some rigs at the rally. Personally, I like the Bushtec Turbo +2.

Rick (sitting inside while it rains outside) in AL

[BradfordBenn]

Originally posted by RickM
Rick (sitting inside while it rains outside) in AL

I'll ride a couple of miles for you today. Just put the razor away....:p

[cgarr]

Kudos Benn. To your list of talents it seems there is no end....:clap :clap :clap

The effort and time it takes to do a ride report are not insignificant, and here you are doing it from the road, doing it well, and making it look easy.....:thumb For this I salute you.....:beer

Thanks for the great commentary, and the pictures it takes me there in some small way. Keep em' coming, have a great rally, and drink an ice cold beverage for me.......... :drink

[BradfordBenn]

Pictures are at: http://www.bradfordbenn.com/beemer/trips/JulyD10.htm

The day started out with a web team meeting hosted at the Yankee Beemer compound. Chef Rob did a great job of cooking up some breakfast. The key is having the proper seasonings.

After that it was a fairly tame morning of sleeping and posting these things. Then came the evening shift of the Forum Folks in the Beer Garden. The turn out was a little quiet at times, but man did we move some water.

Knary was on the wrong side of the table.

Don't let iRene near any glass, ever. Really.

Everyone else shows up in t-shirts, KBasa in the prep outfit. But he did work.

Manic Mechanic (Left) and Reverend Willie showed up as well.

[jgr451]

I think the wavy lines in the photos have more to do with the photographic sway.induced by bourbon.

Thanks for posting the trip pics!

I didn't get out of Canada to Spokane as my friends from Michigan came too late to make the trip to Spokane a pleasant ride;so we just hung around my little corner of ocean bound paradise,eating prawns and such.

Safe journeying!!

I guess if it can't be Las Vegas or Winnipeg Manitoba Canada,Lima Ohio it is.

[BradfordBenn]

http://www.bradfordbenn.com/beemer/trips/JulyD11.htm

I have been sleeping like poop the past couple of nights. Not really sure why, so when I woke up with a "hangover" feeling having only had two beers and 1 vodka over the course of 8 hours the night before, I figured something is up. So I took my butt to the hotel and slept. I slept longer than I wanted, but I feel much better now.

So then it was back to packup camp and then go to the closing ceremonies. Luckily CycleGadgets.com (http://www.cyclegadgets.com/) is helping me out by taking my camping gear to their shop and I will pick it up from them there. Makes the pack a lot easier.

So then it was closing ceremonies. Funny, I don't remember opening ceremonies. The ceremonies started off with Native American Dancers, First Nation for those of you from the Great White North. That was pretty cool. Then the flags started coming out carried on horseback, first there were the flags of the 50 states...

http://www.bradfordbenn.com/beemer/trips/July_files/stateflag.jpg

This part was pretty cool. The picture does not do it justice, but each state had its own horse and their flag was carried in, around the ring a few times and then galloped off in pairs. Next were flags for the people from other countries. Then flags for the armed services. I thought it was very appropriatte to have the following in the group:

http://www.bradfordbenn.com/beemer/trips/July_files/miaflag.jpg

Then came Old Glory and the National Anthem

http://www.bradfordbenn.com/beemer/trips/July_files/usflag.jpg

After that, out came a portable stage and the presentations. I do not remember all of the awards, but I figure that they will be posted in ON or the web.

To give you an idea of what the site looked like, these pictures are only a portion of the campgrounds.

http://www.bradfordbenn.com/beemer/trips/July_files/tents1.jpg

http://www.bradfordbenn.com/beemer/trips/July_files/tents2.jpg

Only 369 days until Lima, Ohio and Beemerville USA!:clap

[IronBunny]

Brad,


Great job with the ride reports and photos. Wish I could have been there, but I am now just starting to walk unassisted. Next week I should be able to ride.

While you and your buds were having fun, I had a good lunch.

The girls said to say "hello".

[jdiaz]

Robert, is it true that you have a 40GB hard drive with nothing but pictures of you posing with Hooters girls? :)

[IronBunny]

Jon,


I have 80 gig hard drives on both the laptop and desktop computers. When the Hooters girls start to pile up, I save some to CDs and continue forward.

Unlike Mount Rushmore, which has the same four guys all the time, each return visit to Hooters yields fresh, new Hooters girls who must be met, measured and photographed. It is a never-ending task... a calling, if you will. It's my life's work.

Thanks for the note. Let's do lunch. Surf's up!

[basketcase]

How did we get from Brad's rally route report, to Robert posing with Hooter's girls?

Sometimes this place skeers me ... :brow

[YB in IN]

Originally posted by RickM
How did we get from Brad's rally route report, to Robert posing with Hooter's girls?

Sometimes this place skeers me ... :brow

I don't know how, but I like it. :D Hi Brad et all :wave

[IronBunny]

Howdy Kids!


I was just letting Brad know that all was well out here in the real world and that I was healing sufficiently to be able to ride my BMWs by the end of this week.

Brad, Tracy and Rebecca have dined together at past rallies, such as Thai food at the Blitz To Branson. I want to inspire Brad to try different cuisines while on the road. Jennifer and I will be holding a table for him at Hooters for lunch.

Hurry home, Brad.

[basketcase]

Robert wrote:

I was healing sufficiently to be able to ride my BMWs by the end of this week.

Whazzup?

Whatever the case, I am glad to hear you are on the mend.

Hmm. I wonder if this means RW has abandoned the Thursday night BBQ gathering on Highway 31 in Hoover ...

[BradfordBenn]

Jennifer and I are already planning dinner at the local Hooters in The Bunny's honor.

Anyway.... we resume the thread already in progress

[BradfordBenn]

http://www.bradfordbenn.com/beemer/trips/JulyD12.htm

The morning got off to a slightly later start than expected, but hey we are on vacation. BoxerGrrlie decided that instead of going the direct route home we go by way of Lolo Pass. For those of you who are not familiar with it, it is the location of the following

A beacon for motorcyclists everywhere. Unfortunately we did come across a motorcycle down, luckily it was a low speed drop by someone not in our group and no injury. There were us three, plus two Harley riders, plus the down Suzuki rider working the incident. Nothing injured other than pride.

About midway through the ride, we ran into some of the Sled Dog riders on their way to Ouray, another rally. Yup they were having a rolling rally on the way to a rally. It was damn frigging hot also. I do mean damn hot. Why is my motorcycle gear black?

So we spent the night in Missoula.

[BradfordBenn]

http://www.bradfordbenn.com/beemer/trips/JulyD13.htm

After riding the pass, we all slept in a little later than expected. The day was not off to the best of starts. I guess two weeks on the road with anyone is difficult, so we all hugged and made up. Then BoxerGrrlie called another audible, why not make it a short day so that Day 13 can be a SaddleSore 1000 from Miles City, Montana to Milwaukee, WI. A quick check on the laptop and it came out to be 1,032 miles according to Maps and Streets, so we figured it would be a good idea.

The last item of the day was BoxerGrrlie's scooter finally letting the smoke out of it's weird wiring. So I taught her how to make a simple splice/termination using wire nuts. Yup, I am sure that there will be lots of comments about how to connect two wires. However for connecting two stranded wires that will be in constant motion, my experience is that a twist with properly sized wire nuts is the best solution.

Then it was planning and back tracking. It resulted in a scheduled leave at 3:00AM MDT to be in Milwaukee at about 9:30PM CDT. So at 8:00PM MDT it was bed time. Also we would be maximizing daylight riding. Something that we did not know until later, we left before the rain.

[BradfordBenn]

http://www.bradfordbenn.com/beemer/trips/JulyD14.htm

Man is 2:15AM MDT early. So we loaded up the bikes, and got the night clerk to be our witness. Then it was about time to head out. One last thing to do was to zero out the GPS to ensure that what we think is 1,000 miles really is 1,000 miles. As usual all three of our odometers showed different distances and I trust the GPS and Streets and Trips as a better guide.

So off we went, headed east. A quick stop for lunch and gas along the way. 1,044 miles 16 hours 36 minutes later at 8:41PM EST we arrived at BoxerGrrlie's parents.

A quick Mexican dinner and then sleep. We were all tired.

[BradfordBenn]

http://www.bradfordbenn.com/beemer/trips/JulyD15.htm

We all slept late, so at about 9AM CDT I realized what time it was and if I wanted to be home by 2PM EST I needed to get on the road by 10AM. The night before when I said I wanted to get on the road early like 10AM, everyone kind of laughed and said that was not early.

It rained on and off as I was loading the bike. Once it stopped raining it become 91° Fahrenheit with 99% humidity. I could not even move without sweating. So BoxerGrrlie and I decided to let BMWRTRider sleep and off I went. Keeping with my tradition of drink delivery problems, once I got out of Milwaukee the bite valve of the Platypus decided to dislodge in my mouth. Through the fun of having the drink tube drop into my lap and my crotch getting wet, I realized that I just created a siphon. So I picked up the tube and back in the mouth it went. Other than wet pants and a few moments detour, nothing big. I just hoped it would not get sticky and yucky since it had some sports drink mixed in. Luckily five minutes later a three minute downpour happened. Cleaned it off and made it a little more bearable in terms of ambient temperature and humidity.

The rest of the ride was fairly uneventful. I was able to beat the rain for most of the day, with just a few minutes of rain here and there. I realize that this rain is the same rain we had beaten out of Miles City, MT. I had one last stop before I went home. I decided to surprise Jennifer by visiting her at work. She was very surprised and happy.

[BradfordBenn]

http://www.bradfordbenn.com/beemer/trips/JulyEpi.htm

So during the ride home it hit me what I had just accomplished. I had ridden approximately 5,160 miles in 15 days, an average of about 345 miles a day. I also realized that this was the last leg of the journey. It was quite a different trip than I expected. Not just in terms of where I went, but also in what happened. I was expecting there to be an epiphany of some sort, but I have not found it yet. I just was looking forward to a shower and not having to go anywhere tomorrow.

My original plan was to slab it out to San Francisco on Interstate 80. Visit family and friends there before heading north to the National MOA rally in Spokane,WA. This was going to be a solo ride. Then came the invite from friends to go to Lunatic Fringe in Canada on the way to the Rally. So a change in plans. I packed what I thought I needed and off we went.

I was over packed, but not as badly as it looked at first blush. Other than three pairs of jeans and three long sleeve tee shirts, I used everything I packed. I also learned that putting compression bags inside of a big waterproof boat bag is not as good of an idea as it might seem. There was lots of empty space around the bags that I could have used better. So I started doing that with loose stuff and my pack got "smaller". Also for how stylized the system cases are, they such for storing stuff in. It was a pain to get stuff in there. I found that straps work better than bungee's.

Check back, I'll let you know if there is an epiphany. Now comes the questions:

Do I regret doing this trip?
No

Would I do it again?
No. I don't want to go where I have been before.

Would I ride with BoxerGrrlie and BMWRTRider again?
Yup, in a heartbest. We ride well together. I also think it is pretty funny to see the look on everyone's face when I show up with the two Lovely Ladies and then people find out neither of them is my wife.

What would you change?
I would pack differently. I would also have better more formal ride plans.

There it is, the epiphany. "Someone has to be in charge and set the plan" It became difficult when everyone had their own expectations and plans. We were all very nice and polite so we never really wanted to make too much of a big deal. However someone needs to define the plans for the day, it should be a different person each day. The plan can even be, follow me but I don't have a plan

[Cliffy777]

Thanks for taking the time to post your journey. Congrats to all of you on a SS in the midst of the trip.
A pat on the helmet to the three of you for not killing one another.

[lorazepam]

I would think 2 weeks with Brad would be enough to make you want to kill yourself, not him :D

[BradfordBenn]

Originally posted by lorazepam
I would think 2 weeks with Brad would be enough to make you want to kill yourself, not him :D

Can you feel the love? This is the whole reason I keep hanging out here.:p

[username]

Originally posted by BradfordBenn

There it is, the epiphany. "Someone has to be in charge and set the plan" It became difficult when everyone had their own expectations and plans. We were all very nice and polite so we never really wanted to make too much of a big deal. However someone needs to define the plans for the day, it should be a different person each day. The plan can even be, follow me but I don't have a plan

i learned this on a short two day ride. on the ride there, i had detailed maps for the other two folks, planned stops, and it was all laid out to the letter. we didnt worry about time, but we had the whole space thing nailed down. the whole thing was smooth as a gravy sandwich and everyone was very happy. on the way home i thought i would do us a favor by being zen and 'meandering' but as you stated, that's hard. so we were indecisive and we'd get to intersections, dork around with the GPS, look at a map, and in general, sit there for 2-3 minutes. after doing this 5-6 times, tempers rose and the sentiment was expressed that we should just f-ing ride. my epiphany was that being zen doesnt mean not planning, it means doing the right thing at the right time and keeping your mind right.

there is a little law of motorcycling in there somewhere where the happiness factor of a ride is the square of the ratio of planning to the number of riders. it's parabolic - with one rider you need a little planning, maybe a destination, and that's it. too much and you feel like youre at work or something. with a group, the reverse is true - you need an actual leader and there is a balance. i guess it's like everything else in life. :D

great thread brad, it's cool seeing the alpha and omega of a rally journey.

[monkeybutt]

Thanks for letting us share in your journey, reading it made me feel like I was there! Glad everyone got home safe, I bet now you guys really know the true meaning of monkeybutt!!!!!!!
:brow

[BradfordBenn]

Not everyone got monkey butt. I ain't telling who though:p

[CustomSarge]

Glad you all rolled in safe, us old flatu's took a leisurely pace:
Sun, Priest Falls, ID (50 mi!), nothing like nodding off at 60 mph to say motel, NOW
Mon, Bozeman, MT, mem'd a great grocery/deli
Tue, Glendive, MT
Wed, Moorhead MN
Thu, Minneapolis & work for next 5 days, b4 rtn to SW Mi.
The only good parts of the return were seeing the next state billboards; HOT, tedious & boring!
Worth it? ABSOLUTELY!
Hats off to the 1K day, I doubt I could pull that. L8R <<<)))

[The_Veg]

WOW! I just got done reading this entire thread, and I am near tears with heartbreak that I couldn't have been there to once again complete the Gang Of Four. That pic saying HI to me from the mountains was beyond precious and will probably be my next Windoze wallpaper- thanks to all three of you for thinking of me! Your trip sounds like the kind of ride I fantasise about and beyond- I hope you'll all be there when I can make such a ride real.
Cant wait to hear more of your stories!

I'll close with a picture of BoxerGrrlie that was posted on Boxerworks.com by a friend there who, based on a one-sentence description of her I gave in case anybody should be able to say hi for me, picked her quickly out of 6000. The picture was taken by a guy named Keith from Seattle, known at Boxwerworks as Beemermax:

[username]

veg - what was the sentence?

[The_Veg]

"If any of you who are going to the MOA National happen to see a six-foot, slender-built woman on a black '75 R90/6 with a windscreen and WI tag, say hi for me!" Or something to that effect. :)