A Ride Around the U.S. From Halifax, N.S.

[tourunigo]

Before my mind gets too stale, I want to post some commentary and pictures regarding our trip last June and July which took us through 27 States and five Provinces. Our blog ( www.bobandmaryontheroad.blogspot.com ) covers much of the following material but is generously sprinkled with personal materials regarding friends and relations. These pictures and commentary remain dedicated to what may be of interest on this Forum. Hopefully a BMWMOA News article will be forthcoming as well.
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The plan was to journey clockwise from Nova Scotia with visits in locations such as Maine , New York, Penn , New Orleans, Texas, Oklahoma, Cal., Vancouver Island, Calgary, Montana and then eastward home. In 2001 we did a very similar trip counterclockwise on an overloaded 1973 75/5.

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The success of that trip made this journey look like a ‘cake walk’. Previously the technology was quite basic at best. We didn’t care, or listen to the many nay-sayers, because we had just met and, as you know, all things seem possible in that sort of glow. However, that is a whole other story.

This time we had a 1992 K1100LT with all the new-to-us technology that we could assemble plus our Uni-Go trailer. The route plan looked like this:

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EAST COAST

After packing two days ahead, we left on our wedding anniversary (May 28th)

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An example of economizing on space…

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Taking the long way around we arrived at Customs in Calais, Maine. They must have logged in a previous encounter with me when they, again, warned me about bringing in Cuban cigars. But hey, if they were good enough for JFK then they’re good enough for me! I didn’t say it of course.

We stayed at a gorgeous B&B in Calais: The Greystone. We recommend this place not only because of the accommodations and excellent bike parking but because of the very thoughtful hospitality and care provided to their guests.

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Mary starts the first of many unpacking rituals.

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This is just part of the exquisite breakfast lavished upon us the next day.

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Stopped a couple of days in Portland, Maine to visit family. Me and mom (she used to ride an Indian motorcycle and do a bit of flying with my father back in 1946) ... she still loves to see a bike.

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After visiting family in Portland, we headed over to Ballston Spa, New York to visit our Salty Fog comrade Paulbach for the night. As well, Paul got a ‘proto type’ Salty Fog 2007’ shirt.

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An added bonus to this visit was presence of Statdawg who offered to take us on a tour from Paul’s and down to his home in Lehman, Penn. Before heading to Penn, we stopped at The White House in Ballston Spa for breakfast.

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Statdawg guided us through the most scenic of roads on this day. Note the price of gas.

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We were invited for the night and had the honor of sharing in a family gathering on the occasion of Statdawg’s mother’s birthday. This was a visit which remained a highlight of our trip.

After this very warm visit, we were back on the road with Statdawg as our guide. A periodically spirited sprint through the woodlands of Penn. helped give us a memorable sense of this State.

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... and an interesting looking little hotel/party house in Clifford, Penn.

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Our destination was the wooden sternwheel paddle ferryboat in Millersburg which crosses the Susquehanna River. The deepest point is only four feet so even Bob, the original Chicken of the Sea, was ok because he could walk not swim!
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[tourunigo]

So how does the ferry operator know that someone is wanting to cross? Because this door is swung out and seen from the other side
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Ferry docking to pick us up
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And we’re off…
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Statdawg steadies his GS
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View from the front as we head toward Liverpool and routes 15 and 11: the next leg of our journey where we leave all the pampering hospitality behind
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Maryland was to be our only camping of the whole trip. Although we had no rain to ride through in all of our six weeks, this one night of camping was full of unrelenting rain which stopped by very early morning. In a lame attempt to update our blog…
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Mary with last night’s remaining pizza now morphed into breakfast
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As we quickly rode down through Alabama with our radar focused on New Orleans, humidity and heat built.
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Mississippi Visitor Center
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We ride into the New Orleans area on schedule for our two booked nights on Bourbon Street....

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....and find ourselves in a unique parking situation

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Next: New Orleans and our southern route to the coast.

[glenfiddich]

Lovely!

For some reason the photo of you gassing up with the highway behind you fired in me a yearning to get back on the bike and go! Alas, there is three feet of snow on the ground outside and the temp is stuck at minus 16F. This is one of those times I envy the folks down South...

I rode my Tiger 1050 up to your neighborhood last summer. My fondest memory was sitting on the cliff at Meat Cove, sipping Merlot, and watching the whales below. That was also the trip that convinced me to give the GS a try. Best move I ever made!

Pete

[lightning]

Thanks for sharing!

What a pleasant way to start off a day here in freezing, snowbound Ohio. :thumb

[tourunigo]

New Orleans. This is our third time here but so much has changed because of Katrina. Again we are faced with having such a short time here that we gravitate toward the party that is Bourbon St and ride past the many reminders of devastation. We will hear many stories not only here in ‘Nawlins’ but also as we move west to Houston and Dallas. Stories of displaced peoples trying to repair lives torn apart. We remain travellers who are only able to ride on a veneer fabric that we cannot even scratch beyond.

So, on with the show!

Again, approaching New Orleans on Route 59 out of Mississippi we cross the seemingly endless waters of Lake Pontchartrain on 11. If we had used a bit more foresight we would have crossed on the Pontchartrain Causeway from up in the Mandeville area. Next time.

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Shadows of Katrina

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Note the tents under the overpass
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Approaching the French Quarter, life seems unchanged

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Parking options for a motorcycle appear to be somewhat limited. Good thing we have a secure place to park during our stay!

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Finally we find our Guest House located almost in the middle of ‘Party Central’ on Bourbon Street. We look forward to parking the bike for a couple of days and wandering about.

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Parking? First the good news: “park your bike safely in our garden courtyard”…. Now the bad news: “we only have a pedestrian doorway”.

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There is always a way! And now for something different even for Bourbon Street.
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…and down the hall

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… to park in the best ‘garage’ this bike will ever see! Just out side the entrance to our room to the right.

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“So now”, she says, “let’s go dancin’”

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(2B con’t)

[AKBeemer]

Thank you. More please!

[tommcgee]

Very nice, Bob!

[tourunigo]

Thanks for sharing!

What a pleasant way to start off a day here in freezing, snowbound Ohio. :thumb

Although not snowbound it is quite cold here. Thought the weather perfect for me to stay indoors and compose this little tale. Glad you have been enjoying the presentation! -Bob

[tourunigo]

After a Friday night of dancing we reenter the perfect garden and look forward to a bit of a walkabout after breakfast ‘on the patio’. This courtyard used to be accessible for carriages entering from a side street but through time the building was subdivided into numerous courtyards and thus our parking challenges resulted. We stayed in what is called the Slave Quarters and the hallway through which the bike proceeded was the actual Main House years ago.

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Spending our Saturday walking provided us with numerous photo opportunities and these are a couple of typical shots

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And, as the day of sightseeing and buying began to wind down, along comes this fella with a reminder that we might want to think of other things on a Saturday night in the Quarter.

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So we made our way back to the Bon Maison for a little ‘rev up’ to the pending evening. As I sit with a fine cigar and a brew, the history of this place seems to hover in the air. My musings about other lives and other times within these walls was limited only by my imagination….. or number of brew.

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Enough of that, time for one more lunge at Bourbon Street. This time to catch up with one our favorite music artists, Waylon Thibodeau, at the Tropical Isle

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Our final night was going to be one to remember and Mary made true on that promise!
It all started off with a bit of show…

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…and then Mary got into the act

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Being an exceptional Acadian two-stepper, the challenge continued

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And ended with a little hug

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Time to move on. We leave having wanted to stay much longer but Houston awaits.

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(2B con’t: Texas )

[tourunigo]

Onward To Texas

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After visiting friends in Houston we headed out for Austin. With our heads full of Austin City Limits and music just oozing from old brick buildings, we arrive in Austin. Monday night in Austin was somewhat disappointing. When one arrives for a brief time you have to take what you get. As luck would have it, one particular bar made our night…

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While I am not really a tattoo enthusiast, this one caught my attention

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And as further good fortune would have it, Mr Pinetop Perkins (a well known Mississippi blues legend) was playing that night. Made my night in Austin.

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At this point in our trip we had an ABS issue emerge whereby the ABS system lights continued to blink. More good fortune greeted us in Austin because it is the home of Lone Star BMW. We were met by the most courteous of staff and the bike attended to by a very dedicated technician. They did not charge us. We were so impressed with this Dealer and thank them very much.

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Moving up to Dallas we were met by The Veg. Being that he was essential in the production of our Salty Fog graphic because he is the rider and his friend the photographer, The Veg is presented with a proto type Salty Fog Rally shirt.

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We depart Texas for a short bit and move on up to Oklahoma.

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Our first stop is the Gene Autry museum in Gene Autry, Oklahoma.

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Here we meet The Old Man of the Mountain himself Mr Paul Balanger, an international yodel champion. Paul treated us to a fine meal of ribs and gave us a little tour of the museum.

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Gene Autry’s bicycle

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Mary with The Duke….. I wanted her to pose a little different but she wouldn’t…

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Pushing on we found Fried Pies!! Paulbach eat yer heart out pal!

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And now watch this….. it was so easy to do! A bit blurry but I was so eager to dig in.

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Next Stop: Oklahoma City

[tourunigo]

Thank you. More please!

Thank you for reading. A very cold Sunday here so indoors I'll stay. Will try and cover the remainder of the trip today. Some very nice pictures through BC and across Montana (especially the Little Big Horn Reenactment) -Bob

[bobs98]

Very nice, Bob and Mary!

Looking forward to reading and seeing more!

[tourunigo]

Nothing special about our path out of Fort Worth 35W up to 35 with our little departure to Gene Autry , back up 35 for that pie and then on to Oklahoma City.

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This was to be a much more solemn moment in our travels. Some day it’s back to Oklahoma without rushing through but for now we have made a visit to the Oklahoma City National Memorial a special destination in our travels.

I want to show what pictures we have but encourage all to visit their site at http://www.oklahomacitynationalmemorial.org/ and visit if you can.

I quote from their website:

“The Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum was created to honor those who were killed, those who survived and those changed forever by the 1995 bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City. The Memorial and Museum are dedicated to educating visitors about the impact of violence, informing about events surrounding the bombing, and inspiring hope and healing through lessons learned by those affected.”

And with a Welcome that says:

“We come here to remember those who were killed, those who survived and those changed forever. May all who leave here know the impact of violence. May this memorial offer comfort, strength, peace, hope and serenity”

This fence stood originally to isolate the devastation and clean up. During this time families and general citizens came and began to leave personal items, messages, symbols, prayers and numerous other items in memory of those who died and otherwise affected by the horror of that day. When the work inside was complete it was decided to leave the fence in place. If I remember correctly, toys, such as stuffed animals, were (are) removed and donated to children in need. (a bit blurry because I enlarged it so that you could see the items on the fence)

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A reflecting pool that is only inches deep but seems to have no bottom.

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Chairs to represent the children and adults who died. Arranged according to where they were located in the building by floor.

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The horror began at 9:01 am

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The explosions stopped at 9:03 am

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The Survivor Tree was all that remained…

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Blocks with handprints created and donated by local school children to the Museum

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(Next: Route 66 and Cadillac Ranch)

[rinty]

I'm enjoying your trip Bob, and look forward to seeing the rest. The Bourbon Street part brought back memories.

I note you even packed your s**t kickers so you'd fit right in in Calgary. :)

[tourunigo]

Out of Oklahoma City on 40 our next stop was the Route 66 Museum in Clinton and then on to Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo. By now, as you might imagine, the rear tire is beginning to square off a bit from all this slab. Some day, when I don’t have an ongoing ‘time crunch’, we will change the pace and not make each trip so kaleidoscopic!

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I can’t be the only one who had something like this …..

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And I only wish to have had one of these….

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In the end, a great little movie about the building of 66

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( Onward!….. to Cadillac Ranch)

[tourunigo]

We’ve seen the pictures and danced to the song but to actually arrive at the artistically famous and ultimately quirky Cadillac Ranch on Route 66, on the west of Amarillo, was a real thrill. As most of you know, these ten (’49-’63) Cadillacs are buried nose down with their ass ends in the wind. Stanley Marsh III has provided 35 years of entertainment with his off-beat iconic display.

A pictorial essay:

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Getting hotter and now we have no particular agenda although we must be on Vancouver Island by June 19th for my son Jesse’s wedding ( that’s all on the blog of course). We first intended to go to Las Vegas and then up through Death Valley but now the temps took a decisive lunge forward and 100 F was becoming normal. The more moderate temps of the coast lured us and Santa Barbara became the new target.

[tourunigo]

And we’re off again after a night in Amarillo. This run was hot but quick. Gas ‘n’ Go. The following pictures are some examples of the terrain as we move along. Not much excitement here because of our need to cover distance in a timely manner. Someday though……

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Another little departure onto route 66 for a rest from the riveting and unbridled adventure of route 40

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...and then back on 'er again...

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Our indoor hotel parking in Santa Barbara. Price? Don’t ask!

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[Beemer01]

You haven't commented on the K bike - how did it handle the miles, temps, luggage and trailer?

[tourunigo]

Before leaving Santa Barbara we visited Mission Santa Barbara. A local information website http://www.santabarbara.com/points_of_interest/mission/default.asp states that:
“The official literature calls Mission Santa Barbara "Queen of the Missions for its graceful beauty." Founded on December 4th, 1786, it was the tenth of 21 Franciscan missions in California. It still functions as a church today.”

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Getting a bit lost on our way out, we meandered through some backroads. Trailer started to feel a ‘off’ so we stopped to investigate. Sloppy bearing. Bearing housing was letting the bearing slip around. Decided to reassemble and investigate later because the bearing was not fried…. just wiggling around a little.

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Now on to San Francisco… taking the Coastal Highway to San Francisco was something that we looked forward to doing again since our trip in 2001. Again blessed with sunshine and temps that were somewhat lower than what we experienced after Amarillo, we drifted through the small towns along #1 with no way of knowing about the fierce weather condition awaiting us just before we reach Monterey.



(2B con’t

[terham]

Thanks for the report. It's great to see summer riding and riding along with you on a winter's day.

[tourunigo]

Thanks for the report. It's great to see summer riding and riding along with you on a winter's day.

Thanks. Hopefully a suitable beverage is at hand as you seek shelter from the wintery season! Now, back to the report. -Bob

[tourunigo]

What a great day for a ride on this coast!

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Ah, tonight in Monterey. I can faintly hear The Animals singing in the background all about that music festival in Monterey so many years ago.

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The wind is picking up but the sun still shines. Seems to be a bit more of a chill in the air….

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Love this road!

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hmmmmm…….looks like a fog up ahead. Hell, it’s only fog.

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This doesn’t look pretty….. the wind becomes increasingly turbulent

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With both the sea and the mountains acting in concert, the epicenter of despair arrived right in our path. A winding road with no place to pull off as the buffeting almost promised to end this ride. It was like landing a small aircraft with severe side winds. "Hang on.... we're going through!"

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd244/tourunigo/1995-2000/00160012.jpg


This little show of force presented just about the worst wind riding condition that I had the opportunity to spar with. Coming out the other side of this was a huge relief and Monterey became our security blanket for the night.

Onward to San Francisco. With the trailer wheel becoming more of a concern, we decided to hurry on to Enumclaw, Washington where we could get some serious help with the wheel at Dauntless Motors. Since we stayed previously in San Francisco, we decided to bypass this opportunity.

You know you are in San Francisco when…..

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd244/tourunigo/1995-2000/October20081591.jpg

And, of course…

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd244/tourunigo/1995-2000/October20081601.jpg

Next stop: Weed, California Yes we loved the name so we scoot up #5 for 300 more miles to Weed.

(2B con’t)

[tourunigo]

As we close in on Weed, California, Mt Shasta comes into view.

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd244/tourunigo/1995-2000/October20081637-1.jpg

Near Weed is also this little hill called Black Butte- an extinct volcano.

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd244/tourunigo/1995-2000/October20081644-1.jpg

After a great evening and rest we make ready for the ride to Dauntless Motors.
With Mt Shasta as a backdrop, we prepare to leave the little town of Weed. It was here that I looked more closely at the trailer wheel. Could not tighten so I soaked it with motor oil and decided that I could do this at each gas stop so that we could hopefully make Dauntless Motors without mishap.

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A motel shot.....

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Now it was going to be straight to Enumclaw, Washington just east of Tacoma.

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After searching around Enumclaw and asking a few folks, we finally found Dauntless. Jay Geise is the owner and chief fabricator of dual sport sidecars, specially engineered high tech sidecars and motorcycle trailers. We intended to visit because he had just developed a new one wheel dual sport trailer and we wanted to see it. The wheel problem that our Uni-Go was experiencing could also be expertly repaired here. (They were previously a Dealer for Uni-Go).

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Wheel hub pretty beat up (even with the blur)

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Jay took us over to review the new dual sport trailer. His enthusiasm is contagious and this shows during his demonstration of their new product which he designed.

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Other projects include this ice cream motorcycle

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http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd244/tourunigo/1995-2000/October20081982-1.jpg

As the tour came to a close our trailer was ready. Better than new they say. So, off we went to Port Angeles for the night. The next morning we will board the ferry to Vancouver Island to attend my son’s wedding in Port Alberni.
(2B Con’t)

[tourunigo]

You haven't commented on the K bike - how did it handle the miles, temps, luggage and trailer?

Aside from the little issue with the ABS lights and the trailer wheel, all has been perfect thus far as reported. Although the bike and trailer were fine for the entire trip, some challenges emerged upon crossing the border in Niagara Falls. More about that later.

In terms of handling the miles this bike/trailer combo seems perfect. No speed/performance limitations and fuel consumption was consistant and as expected. Whether in fast moving (or slow moving) city traffic or sprinting along at 95 mph, the bike was an excellent traveller - especially two up. We would certainly agree that going slow at 108 F was not particularly pleasant but heat from the K was just something you had to live with. I must point out though, we always wore pants made of significant leather/armor and we noticed that this actually kept the heat away better than textile material.

The trailer: Always the stellar performer! Even that bearing issue remained only a nagging 'back thought' until we were able to repair it at Dauntless Motors. One interesting point, as we experience those nasty winds on route 1 just prior to Monterey, it seemed as though the trailer became a steadying force in the midst of the gusts.

Luggage: We always take far too much and this trip was no exception. Packed a box (aka very large box) in Tuscaloosa, Alabama and sent it home. No more camping ideas, no more extra jackets, etc. Now the bike felt really good. As you would expect, we always spread the weight over tank bag, side cases, trunk and trailer with the big weight (ie tools) kept in the bottom of the trailer. (always leave some modest tools in a place that's easy to get to. Don't ask me how I know!)

[tourunigo]

Lovely!

For some reason the photo of you gassing up with the highway behind you fired in me a yearning to get back on the bike and go! Alas, there is three feet of snow on the ground outside and the temp is stuck at minus 16F. This is one of those times I envy the folks down South...

I rode my Tiger 1050 up to your neighborhood last summer. My fondest memory was sitting on the cliff at Meat Cove, sipping Merlot, and watching the whales below. That was also the trip that convinced me to give the GS a try. Best move I ever made!

Pete

Well Pete, come on up again but try to include the Salt Fog Rally the last week of August :dance - Bob

[tourunigo]

Early the next morning we were off for Vancouver Island on the Port Angeles to Victoria ferry the MV Coho. Back on Canadian soil in 95 minutes. This border crossing was to be the second of six border crossing adventures.

Waiting to board…

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A tad blurry but it’s the only onboard that I have

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Passing one of many float planes as we arrive in Victoria Harbour

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“Welcome home” he said as we passed through Customs. So off we went on our trek to Port Alberni. Some excellent old architecture in this beautiful city but we were already running late so we made our exit.

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Great message on the back of this bus!

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Some scenes on the way

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http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd244/tourunigo/northern%20route/October20082046.jpg
(Next: A wedding (a couple of pics only… I promise) and a trip through the mountains of British Columbia as we make our way to Calgary.

[franze]

Great ride, great report. Thanks:thumb

[free2ride]

This is a great thread.....keep it coming. What an excellent trip.

[tourunigo]

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd244/tourunigo/northern%20route/victoriatoportalberni.jpg

Ok, I lie. More than two pictures but please indulge me. Oldest son, first wedding and a first Grandchild. It’s my son’s wedding and it’s the reason that our schedule was somewhat tight. The wedding was being held at an old steam driven saw mill now evolved into a museum and events center. Outdoor wedding and we brought the sunshine.

I love old tractors and the sawmill had a couple

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We had great accommodations

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A bit of the rehearsal: my son Jesse and bride Danielle

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Some pre wedding drinks while in transit

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and the driver …… ho ho

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The Real Thing!

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Mary and granddaughter Ms Ella Win. Clearly two mischief makers.


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The last shot belongs to Ms Ella in her Famous Red Raincoat.

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Time to go so off for a mountain tour and a mountain climb in Banff. Now the camera starts strutin’ a bit.

[tourunigo]

After a few family oriented activities we’re on our way. While every stop is unique and the people hospitable, we both get excited as the road opens out in front of us and we again are rolling toward yet another adventure. This time it’s the mountains. We have not come this way before on two (….. three??) wheels.

The ferry out of Nanaimo reaches the mainland in about two hours.

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd244/tourunigo/northern%20route/Copy2ofOctober20082112.jpg

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Docking in Vancouver

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And the adventure begins!

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Welcome to Revelstoke, British Columbia

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A little warm for my Afghan hat but a photo op is a photo op

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As we swept up out of Revelstoke, we slowed for a line of long horn sheep that were making their way up the hill and, finally, over the top of the guard rail to stand in the road. Fortunately we arrived just before the leap and stopped for a couple of shots.

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As we move east on route 1 toward Glacier National Park we encounter various forms of rockfall protection. Wire nets are one way.

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd244/tourunigo/northern%20route/October20083197.jpg

But the most historic and elaborate method are these tunnel shelters

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd244/tourunigo/northern%20route/CopyofCopyofOctober20082169.jpg

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Onward, into the mountains…..!

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd244/tourunigo/northern%20route/October20082188.jpg

(2B con’t)

[RTRandy]

Bob,

Enjoying the heck out of your report. Keep it coming. Couldn't resist showing a photo I had snapped while passing that same weird hotel you show in Revelstoke. It's not a building you can easily forget so seeing your photo had me digging for that same place we had both passed.

[rinty]

It's not a building you can easily forget...RTRandy

Here it is, Randy: Three Valley Chateau, so you can book for next time:

http://www.3valley.com/home/index.php

...these tunnel shelter...UnigoBob

I helped build those snowsheds when I was a younger feller, Bob. Hope you liked them, because under certain light conditions, you can get vertigo in them.

The amphibian you photographed in the harbour is a Martin Mars. There's only two of these left:

http://www.martinmars.com/aircraft.htm

[tourunigo]

RTRandy and Rinty.... thanks very much for the contributions. I'm going a bit quick with this (slow process) and not providing as much detail as I would like..... such as links to more indepth info. Thanks again and glad you are enjoying this little ride. - Bob

[rinty]

I'm going a bit quick...TourUnigo.

Not to worry. Your play by play is great; if we throw in a bit of colour, we'll try to not high jack the excellent report. :)

[onno65]

Hello.
i have been interested in a Unigo trailer so when I saw one driving by I snaped a few pics.
I had no idea of the length of your travels. I tried to say hello but the stop light was too brief. Nice to see you had a great trip and you are welcome in the Okanagan anytime!


Onno in Winfield
'98 K12RS

[onno65]

Here is an other pic.
Cheers

Onno in Winfield
'98 K12RS

[tourunigo]

Here is an other pic.
Cheers

Onno in Winfield
'98 K12RS

Outstanding!!! Really outstanding! Thanks so much. - Bob and May

[onno65]

Hi

If you are interested in high res versions of the pics that I have just let me know.

Onno in Winfield
'98 K12RS

[tourunigo]

Heading up into Glacier National Park the scenes are humbling. I think that Mary was now plugging in her heated liner and I stuck a couple of more layers on because who really needs a vest when you have an early K?

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd244/tourunigo/northern%20route/October20082190.jpg

Roger’s Pass is a destination in itself. You want to take a picture of everything but they never really capture the experience. I do want to make the point that riding two up with someone (aka Mary) who is very astute when it comes to snapping shots is a huge bonus. Probably more than half of the pictures presented were taken at highway speed. When traveling so quickly documenting is difficult. I have been fortunate to have such a travel partner. Anyway, onward through the hills.

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd244/tourunigo/northern%20route/October20082196-1.jpg

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd244/tourunigo/northern%20route/October20082197-1.jpg

In memory of Walter Moberley who spearheaded the passage of the Canadian railway system through Eagle Pass. But a dominant Major A.B. Rogers shifted Walter’s duties over to Yellowhead Pass for the location of the transcontinental. Moberley was, as history demonstrates, not very embracing of Mr Rogers. Walter always maintained that Eagle Pass was best.

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd244/tourunigo/northern%20route/October20082199-1.jpg

So here ya go Walt.......:thumb .

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd244/tourunigo/northern%20route/October20083194.jpg

Into Alberta and a visit with friends

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Some critters along the way

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The beauty is everywhere!

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd244/tourunigo/northern%20route/October20083125.jpg

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd244/tourunigo/northern%20route/October20083122.jpg

Of course Lake Louise. We could not get a picture that would capture this beauty as we saw it. The batteries of our Nikon digital were dead, the 35mm was not functioning so we were left with a back up to the back up.... a disposable.

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd244/tourunigo/northern%20route/October20083201.jpg

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Into Banff and joining with our Calgary friends

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http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd244/tourunigo/northern%20route/October20083024.jpg

Now for some real high level adventure! Leaving the bike and trading for a Gondala. 2B con’t

[tommcgee]

Stunning pictures, Bob. I don't see any resolution to the problem of going there except going there. I've got a sister in Idaho. That'll help with the logistics.

[tourunigo]

Hey Tom.... Idaho.... In '98 I followed the trail carved out by Pirsig in Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance. Fightin' off some personal demons that always seemed to ridin' sumpin faster than me. That was the year of the Missoula rally. Anyway, sorta goofed on the ride through Idaho (I think it might have had to do with lookin' at the freakin' razor wire on the little bridges across a rapid river that led to buildings with Christian crosses on them. ) Movin' on, I took a westerly rather than southerly route which took me to the little logging town of Orifino. Gased up and looked over at a little attached diner that said All Ya Can Eat Lumberjack Breakfast. So I did. A funny little place with dangling plastic spiders, hydraulic tables and clocks all over the place. Quirky. All for under five dollars. Damn! that was a lot of food!. Idaho? Sure, I'd go back and I would encourage you to take the run...... but be sure to get yerself back in time for the Salty Fog :dance -Bob

[tourunigo]

Hi

If you are interested in high res versions of the pics that I have just let me know.

Onno in Winfield
'98 K12RS

I'd love to get those. Will PM an address for you. Again, thanks for this most wonderful surprise! -Bob

[tourunigo]

Onward, to a ride up the mountain. With good friends from Calgary we decided to take the Banff Gondola up the side of Sulpher Mountain. This eight minute trek take you 7,486 feet above sea level….to this point, it was about the same in mileage that we have come thus far. As you go up you watch Cascade Mountain in the background get much more distant and Bow Valley expands enormously. What a view…… uh, Mary, you can open your eyes now. (note: pictures with date taken by friend Bernie)

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd244/tourunigo/northern%20route/HPIM0533.jpg

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At the top

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd244/tourunigo/northern%20route/June26calgarydownload071.jpg

And now the walk up to the Cosmic Ray Station

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd244/tourunigo/northern%20route/June26calgarydownload072.jpg

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd244/tourunigo/northern%20route/HPIM0513.jpg

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd244/tourunigo/northern%20route/HPIM0490.jpg

Taking on a GS attitude??

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd244/tourunigo/northern%20route/HPIM0489.jpg

Keep walking.....

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd244/tourunigo/northern%20route/HPIM0493.jpg

At the station

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd244/tourunigo/northern%20route/HPIM0500.jpg

At the very top outside the station door with our friend Bernie from Calgary

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd244/tourunigo/northern%20route/HPIM0501.jpg

Looking down from the station on Sanson's Peak at the Gondola landing with restaurants and gift shop

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd244/tourunigo/northern%20route/HPIM0498.jpg

About 2,500 miles home it says - as the crow flies me thinks.

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd244/tourunigo/northern%20route/HPIM0515.jpg

Now back down and over to Calgary for a little visit (2B con't)

[rinty]

Bob:

Now I know why you packed those cowboy boots: so the Banffites would think you were a local.:)

I'm embarassed to admit that I've never been up Sulphur Mountain, even though I've been a Calgarian since the age of three. But your photos have inspired me to get up there this summer. Probably combine it with lunch at the Banff Springs.

[tourunigo]

Bob:

Now I know why you packed those cowboy boots: so the Banffites would think you were a local.:)

I'm embarassed to admit that I've never been up Sulphur Mountain, even though I've been a Calgarian since the age of three. But your photos have inspired me to get up there this summer. Probably combine it with lunch at the Banff Springs.

:rofl .... those are my 'Dead Man Boots'. I was in a used clothing store and saw a pair of somewhat sad looking Link Fence climbers. I loved them!... but of course they'll never fit me. Slippers! They fit like they were custom made for me. Great dancin' boots too. Why Dead Man? Well, a few years ago I was in yet another second hand/new to me store and found a couple of suits.... you know, those pin stripe traditional things. Perfect fit. Same custom tailor. :scratch Concluded that someone in the exact proportions to me died and this is just part of the estate. Still have them but don't wear them. Maybe I'll just wait until "my moment" and they'll get passed on to some other second hand.....? Anyway, maybe these boots? So, I love my Dead Man's Boots. - Bob the Closet Cowboy

Oh yeah.... do that Gondola. Or walk the trail.

[rinty]

So next time you'll have to take Mary dancing at the Stampede, instead of scaring her on the gondola.:)

[tourunigo]

So next time you'll have to take Mary dancing at the Stampede, instead of scaring her on the gondola.:)

ho ho! ( we both laughed over that one!) our friends in Calgary have been wanting us there for the Stampede for the last two years. They even had tickets for us if we came. Almost made it in 2008. But you're right, she's the dancin' queen and we'll make it yet!

Ride Note: next... border crossing at Sweet Grass and onward to the Little Big Horn reenactment. You don't want to miss this chapter! -Bob

[tourunigo]

Calgary has no touring pictures. We visited with our friends Bernie, Betty, Vanessa and Moses the dog. However, I do think that the following picture shows a rider-in-waiting. She rides with Bernie whenever she can and is determined to have her own bike some day.

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd244/tourunigo/northern%20route/October20083249.jpg

Time to leave all this pampering behind and it’s south to Montana

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd244/tourunigo/northern%20route/October20083258.jpg

…and crossing at Sweet Grass (after buying some excellent top end Jack). Border crossing number three.

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd244/tourunigo/northern%20route/October20083255.jpg

We moved quickly because we wanted to make it to the Battle of Little Big Horn reenactment in Hardin, Montana. Thus far (2,500 miles) from Vancouver the route looks like this:

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd244/tourunigo/forum%20trip%20report%20pics/vancouvertocrowagencymap.jpg

So we rolled into Hardin right on time

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A bit early so we wandered into town

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd244/tourunigo/forum%20trip%20report%20pics/81d6b0ee.jpg

…. And wanting to do my part I gave a few twists on the K throttle as we passed several more impressive real noise makers gassing up……. Dang!…. noone noticed. So we ventured on. A bit of local discussion informed us that two reenactments were going on at the same time. Hmmmm…… sounds odd. Well, it seems that a bit of an internal community based uprising was being played out for yet another year. Turns out that the second reenactment was taking place on the actual site of the original battle and that place was a few more miles east over on the other side of Crow Agency. That’s what we want! The Real Deal. So off we shot. $15 each and we were in the Deal. Nothing fancy but it was all business and the smell of dust, grass and, well, horses, filled the air.

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd244/tourunigo/forum%20trip%20report%20pics/43bf44e1.jpg

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[tourunigo]

These Paratroopers parachuted into the enactment site. Just returning from Iraq. The patch that they show is a patch given to them by the local native band ( I really apologize for a lack of info here because it was very moving in display and meaning). Suffice to say, each member receiving this patch returned from Iraq safely and were celebrated during this reenactment.

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd244/tourunigo/forum%20trip%20report%20pics/085515e8.jpg

Some Vets rode in

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd244/tourunigo/forum%20trip%20report%20pics/a52b577b.jpg

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Hosemanship skills were extraordinary and fully displayed in this demonstration

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd244/tourunigo/forum%20trip%20report%20pics/52d7e8fa.jpg

And the battle begins as it did in 1876 when Cheyenne, Lakota, Arapahoe, Sioux and others converged at Medicine Tail Coulee

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Post battle celebration....

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Cleaning up after the battle reenactment...

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After witnessing this small piece of an original battle we set our sights on being the ‘early arrival’ at the BMWMOA Gillette rally site and then moving on to Sitting Bull’s memorial in Mobridge, South Dakota. (2B con’t)

[tourunigo]

Moving along out of Montana and into Wyoming. We were through this way back in 2001 but moving east to west. Two things we want to do first off is first go to the place in Crazy Woman Creek, just east of Buffalo, and find the ranch where we found gas after rolling in on fumes. We had bypassed Gillette under the cover of menacing black clouds. Should have gotten gas. With an empty tank, reserve one gone and reserve two promising only fumes momentarily, we saw a sign at a ranch that offered gas at $5 a gallon. So that’s what we did and then made our way to a great chicken buffet in Buffalo. Now we are west to east and bearing down on Crazy Woman Creek and then on to Gillette to see the rally site.

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd244/tourunigo/northern%20route/October20083784.jpg

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And now that ranch in Crazy Woman Creek 2001

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And 2008…. same place

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd244/tourunigo/northern%20route/October20083809.jpg

With plenty of fuel this time, we head off to Gillette

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd244/tourunigo/northern%20route/October20083803.jpg

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd244/tourunigo/northern%20route/October20083826.jpg

So this is Gillette……..

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd244/tourunigo/northern%20route/October20083829.jpg

Ok, we’re here…… a month early. There was an RV convention going on but they brought their own shade with them! Anyway, we made our stop as intended.

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd244/tourunigo/northern%20route/October20083832.jpg

(next a partridge named Al and a gift for Sitting Bull)

[tourunigo]

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd244/tourunigo/gillettetolarrysrivermap.jpg

[tourunigo]

About half way between Mud Butte and Eagle Butte, on the Cheyenne River Indian Agency in South Dakota, on route 212, is a place called Faith. An unlikely looking place for us to be seeking a motel but we found quite a nice one. They had a little dinosaur exhibit across the street - right next to a little burger joint, gopher hunters from Iowa I think and one moody partridge. So onward into South Dakota.

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd244/tourunigo/northern%20route/October20083848.jpg

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd244/tourunigo/northern%20route/October20083851.jpg

At the motel, as we pack in the morning, I see this partridge walk by on the sill of the motel just a couple of feet away. I take a picture and as I get closer he got a bit cranky and made some interesting sounds. As he strutted away, jumped down off the sill and proceeded to hustle across the parking lot, a maintenance guy looks at me and says “His name’s Al. Walks around town like he owns it. National bird of Pakistan he is.” Ok, I’ll bite, “Why do you call him Al?” “Short for Al-Qaeda”, he says with a grin.

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd244/tourunigo/northern%20route/October20083864.jpg

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One more small stop before leaving Faith: a look at this museum. Not open so we just communed with the exhibit outside.

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd244/tourunigo/northern%20route/October20083878.jpg

Sue must be inside so we got close to this nuts and bolts fella

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd244/tourunigo/northern%20route/October20083875.jpg

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Now back on the road to Mobridge, South Dakota and Sitting Bull

(2B con’t)

[dancogan]

Very neat! I love Al, especially how he got his name. :clap :clap :clap

[tourunigo]

Very neat! I love Al, especially how he got his name. :clap :clap :clap

Ya that was a unique experience. It's a Chuktar or Red Legged Partridge. They told me that Al actually walks around this little village and even the dogs don't bother him. He comes over to the motel every day for some snacks and to sit in the sun on the sill. - Bob

[rinty]

That bird part was great, Bob. We don't get the opportunity to get up close to wild animals that often.

[tourunigo]

Onward to Mobridge, South Dakota to visit the grave of Sitting Bull. Some historians dispute that the body moved there in 1953 is really Sitting Bull but that does not really diminish the importance of this monument. Sitting Bull was a Lakota Sioux Holy Man and pivotal in the strategy which brought about the demise of the 7th Calvary on June 25, 1876 (a previously mentioned). This is my second time here to make the same delivery. Again I was bringing tobacco, various herbs and a note to be placed on his monument. This gift came from the Mi’Kmaq Native Friendship Centre here in Halifax on behalf of all Mi’Kmaq in the Province of Nova Scotia.

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd244/tourunigo/northern%20route/June30July1sheridantoBenson160.jpg

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http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd244/tourunigo/northern%20route/June30July1sheridantoBenson168.jpg

You’ll have to zoom in with some other suitable program I think in order to read this chronology of Sitting Bull’s life.

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd244/tourunigo/northern%20route/June30July1sheridantoBenson170-2.jpg

With blackflies swarming like mobile transfusion units, I was lucky to have Mary stay still long enough for this shot.

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd244/tourunigo/northern%20route/June30July1sheridantoBenson177.jpg

(Off again to take the bumpy #12 east…..)

[tourunigo]

That bird part was great, Bob. We don't get the opportunity to get up close to wild animals that often.

Getting close to the long horn sheep in Revelstoke and the 'deer' (whatever) in Banff seemed quite close (and they are quite skitty also) but Al was just a poser ..... with a bit of attitude. Glad to have been able to get a real close up of him. - Bob

[tourunigo]

About a 130 miles east of Mobridge is this little community of Andover, South Dakota. Nothing would have possessed us to stop there except that I was feeling quite tired and needed a power nap in some shady spot. It looked like this community had some shady trees scattered between the aging grain storage sheds – at least that’s what they seemed to me. Not a busy place and the occasional pick-up truck left the expected trail of dust from the dirt road as they rolled about doing their business. This community had a proud history at one time. It was a major stop for many travelers throughout the first half of the twentieth century. The Waldorf Andover Hotel is the remaining icon of that time. Barely able to continue standing on it’s once capable foundation, the Waldorf is now slipping away. No matter how hard the local citizens tried to restore this once elegant hotel, it now speeds ahead of all efforts to save it and continues toward it’s inevitable demise.

We stop and I rest while Mary moves about finding photo opportunities.

Built in 1903 under the guidance of a Mr. Fred S. Pew, it stood in elegant service to travellers along Route 12. It continued to survive in that capacity until the early 1960s (I believe) when the community was bypassed by Routes 94 and 90.

Map of the run from Mobidge to Andover on 12. Not the most challenging road I know but it does take you through many small and often interesting communities. Finding the Waldorf purely by accident was a very fortunate twist in the road for us.

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd244/tourunigo/2005-/modridgetoAndover.jpg

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd244/tourunigo/2005-/June30July1sheridantoBenson197.jpg

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd244/tourunigo/2005-/June30July1sheridantoBenson184.jpg

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd244/tourunigo/2005-/June30July1sheridantoBenson196.jpg

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd244/tourunigo/2005-/June30July1sheridantoBenson193.jpg

While mere speculation, I just may be the last person to sleep at the Waldorf Andover Hotel

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd244/tourunigo/2005-/June30July1sheridantoBenson189.jpg

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd244/tourunigo/2005-/June30July1sheridantoBenson186.jpg

As we look through the windows it seems that periodically this hotel was used lately for some community activity like meetings etc. Hard to say. Many broken windows on the upper level which now allow easy access for the Waldorf's current feathered guests. It's mid afternoon now so now onward to eventually find a more suitable hotel for the night.

(con’t)

[tourunigo]

The route of this post…..

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd244/tourunigo/Andover%20to%20Conn/BensontoManitowoc.jpg

A nap in Andover, S.D. and a bumpy ride to Benson, Minn for the night. In ’98 I had an enjoyable ride west on #12 during my Pirsig phase but now the road, with those insane bumps. stretching like long pool cues from side to side every ten to twelve feet. threatened to beat the crap out of the bike and our nerves. Infrastructure decay again.

I don’t think that anyone can enter Minneapolis-St Paul during rush hour with any sense of calm. That GPS did it’s job flawlessly as we indulged ourselves in this real life video game. Seeking route #8 we bedded down in Ladysmith, Wisconsin. This was a special departure to visit my Uncle and Aunt up in Minoqua. My father’s brother. A short but full visit. Then, on to Manitowoc for the ferry to Michigan. Thought about going over the top and down across Manitoulin and across Georgian Bay/Lake Huron by ferry to Toberory in Ontario but decided in favor of the Manitowoc route.

So we opt for the SS Badger.

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd244/tourunigo/Andover%20to%20Conn/October20084313.jpg

A bit of a wait but that’s fine. So we wait until midnight.

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd244/tourunigo/Andover%20to%20Conn/October20084316.jpg

…. And wait…..

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd244/tourunigo/Andover%20to%20Conn/October20084324.jpg

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Michigan Welcome Center and some unique steel plate art

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd244/tourunigo/Andover%20to%20Conn/October20084344.jpg

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd244/tourunigo/Andover%20to%20Conn/October20084347-1.jpg

So we shoot across Michigan a bit faster than intended unfortunately and land in Port Huron on July 4th. Sitting on an upper balcony with my traditional drink and cigar while Mary slid back another beer, we watch fireworks. Now these were not ordinary, government sanctioned fireworks, these fireworks were going off in the gas station across the street. Damn… this is going to be cool …. and loud.

Tomorrow morning we cross back into Canada (border crossing #4) and into Ontario.

[tourunigo]

Crossing over into Ontario at this juncture has a higher purpose. My father is buried in Guelph, Ontario and this leg of the journey is to visit the grave, clean it up a bit, have a wee dram and a salute to the youngest commissioned officer (18) in the British Commonwealth. He was 23 and I was seven months when we parted ways. He died a test pilot at Malton Airport, April 30, 1949. This is that guy in 1947. He and my mother (see earlier picture…. Page one I think) would ride ‘the line’, laughing, with all of the excitement of youth.

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd244/tourunigo/Andover%20to%20Conn/scan0001.jpg

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd244/tourunigo/Andover%20to%20Conn/October20083903.jpg

So, after sharing some Jack, we headed off to cross into N.Y. at The Falls. It was at this point that the ‘wear and tear’ started to show on the K.

The Falls…… a photo op no matter how you shoot.

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd244/tourunigo/Andover%20to%20Conn/October20083927.jpg

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Now the trouble started. After tanking up at the Duty Free we lined up at the N.Y. border. Stopped. Started. Stopped. Started. Stopped and sss…ttt….. dead. So now I push the K and trailer, inch by inch, to the border. Up to the gate “shall we call you a tow truck sir?” F### no, I think to myself, as they wave us through and I proudly strut into the parking lot. Got a jump and we were off….. into Buffalo. Revs high as the GPS continued to lie and thrust us deeper into places I think we ought not be. Shut the GPS off and regressed to old familiar ways and got out of there.

Now across N.Y. to Connecticut to visit a dear friend and fellow rider.

[swbell]

Now the trouble started. After tanking up at the Duty Free we lined up at the N.Y. border. Stopped. Started. Stopped. Started. Stopped and sss…ttt….. dead. .

Please share with me what the problem ended up being. I've got a '91K LT and I know that I'll encounter issues. Each issue I learn about can save me later. Was it just a weak battery issue b/c you had to start, stop, start and stop w/o the battery getting a good charge? I've been enjoy the read. thanks.

[tourunigo]

Please share with me what the problem ended up being. I've got a '91K LT and I know that I'll encounter issues. Each issue I learn about can save me later. Was it just a weak battery issue b/c you had to start, stop, start and stop w/o the battery getting a good charge? I've been enjoy the read. thanks.

Battery pure and simple. Under most conditions it functioned fine but after riding slowly around Niagara Falls with no place to shut down and park coupled with that painfully slow line at the border, it finally crapped out. I also think that the ABS lights kept flashing due to the low voltage. It didn't help that I forgot to shut off some running lights a couple of times and the battery just barely started the bike then. All of this was really my fault of course. Once I got the bike going with a jump on the NY side it took a while to get back enough juice so that it would start ok. If I could just make it home then I would get a new battery sometime before the next riding season.

BTW, don't worry about that K. Wonderfully reliable bike when you take care of some routine maintenance stuff as so many others have pointed out on this forum. Also, how are your steering head bearings? Beat the crap out of mine on the trip so I had to learn to do the whole job myself. And I did.... without any dealer assistance. Glad that you have enjoyed my little presentation here. - Bob

[patiodadio]

Great story Bob. Kim and I may try the Bon Maison in New Orleans this spring.
Tim

[swbell]

how are your steering head bearings?

Here is a pic of mine from last summer when a friend help get some general "clean up" done.
15998

I couldn't believe the difference of how easy it was to handle. I've only had this LT since March '07 and love it. If you read my blog you can see i've had some issues since getting it, but all and all it is a great ride and I got it for a great price, my first beemer!

[tourunigo]

By now we are starting to look forward to getting home. One last look back at the Canadian side of Niagara

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd244/tourunigo/Andover%20to%20Conn/October20083937.jpg

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd244/tourunigo/Andover%20to%20Conn/October20083942.jpg

Sticking to I-90 we are aiming for Enfield, Connecticut

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http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd244/tourunigo/Andover%20to%20Conn/October20083966.jpg

After miles of unpleasant riding we arrive at Enfield and meet up with our good friend Paul. We met Paul years ago at a local Nova Scotia rally (maybe you’ve heard of the Bluenose Motorcycle Rally?). It was Mary’s first bike rally. Paul and his friend Harley (from Maine), have remained our good friends since that rally in 2000.

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd244/tourunigo/Andover%20to%20Conn/October20083975.jpg

A little project that Paul has been working on…

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd244/tourunigo/Andover%20to%20Conn/October20084024.jpg

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd244/tourunigo/Andover%20to%20Conn/October20084023.jpg

And another….

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd244/tourunigo/Andover%20to%20Conn/October20084029.jpg

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd244/tourunigo/Andover%20to%20Conn/October20084030.jpg

And yet another…

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd244/tourunigo/Andover%20to%20Conn/October20084025.jpg

Time to pack up for last few days of our journey. The battery is a bit low…. the ABS lights are now covered with electrical tape….. the rear tire is looking quite square and worn…. and, the steering head bearing is notched quite noticeably. Not yet on a ‘wing and a prayer’ but it’s clearly time to administer some TLC. Just a few more days.

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd244/tourunigo/Andover%20to%20Conn/October20084014.jpg

Next it’s off to Portland to again visit family and then north on 95 to visit our friend Harley in Brooks, Maine.

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd244/tourunigo/Andover%20to%20Conn/October20084034.jpg

(con’t: North To Border Crossing Number Six and Home)

[tourunigo]

Great story Bob. Kim and I may try the Bon Maison in New Orleans this spring.
Tim

Tim, we highly recommend this spot. If you do stay please tell Chuck (Manager) that we always speak highly of the Bon Maison. It won't get you a discount but he will likely remember us. We stayed in the 'Slave Quarter' on the courtyard level and enjoyed that very much. - Bob

[tommcgee]

…. the ABS lights are now covered with electrical tape…..

Hey, that's my trick! It works just as well as turning up the music so you don't hear the rattles! :D :D :D

[tourunigo]

Hey, that's my trick! It works just as well as turning up the music so you don't hear the rattles! :D :D :D

ho ho..... like being pregnant.... it's still there in the morning! Ya, I still have to deal with that issue.... the lights I mean. I can only be in denial so long! Hopefully a new battery and a reset will be the answer. No dealer here so I'm on my on with this. If not then I'll make my way down to your part of the world to get it rectified.
- Bob

[tourunigo]

Connecticut…. After a great visit…….we’re outta here. Visits with family in Portland, Maine again and then onward north. One more stop before leaving the United States: Brooks, Maine. Our good friend Hoppie (aka Harley) is just turning 80. For his 80th he took his HD out for a run just over 100mph. The following is a brief outline of that visit.

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd244/tourunigo/conn%20to%20lr/October20084117.jpg

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So we told Harley that we were coming along route 3 and then turning in to Brooks. As we prepared to turn toward Brooks the roar of a Harley was suddenly beside us…. It was Harley. Harley is his birth name. When you know the whole story it’s easy to see why. Hoppie (aka Harley) has ridden HD all his life and we have been fortunate enough to know this guy. A few pics:

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd244/tourunigo/conn%20to%20lr/October20084123.jpg

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd244/tourunigo/conn%20to%20lr/October20084124.jpg

Hoppie knows these road and rides accordingly.

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd244/tourunigo/conn%20to%20lr/October20084126.jpg

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd244/tourunigo/conn%20to%20lr/October20084128.jpg

A truck slows him down a bit…

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd244/tourunigo/conn%20to%20lr/October20084132.jpg

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd244/tourunigo/conn%20to%20lr/October20084135.jpg

Time for a cigar, beer and catching up

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd244/tourunigo/conn%20to%20lr/October20084136.jpg

Hoppie makes these utensils and, knowing that we like to cook, provided us with some as a gift. He’s looking for some Bird’s Eye Maple now. (anyone have some??)

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd244/tourunigo/conn%20to%20lr/October20084140.jpg

Never shy around the ladies

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd244/tourunigo/conn%20to%20lr/October20084143.jpg

Hoppie’s ride

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd244/tourunigo/conn%20to%20lr/October20084150.jpg

con’t ….. across the border and onward to Larry’s River, Nova Scotia

[rinty]

Bob:

That guy should be on the PR circuit with Willie G. :D

He looks to be a whole lot of fun to hang around with.

[tourunigo]

Bob:

That guy should be on the PR circuit with Willie G. :D

He looks to be a whole lot of fun to hang around with.

Agree. Saw a young guy come up to him once and shake his hand saying he's "the biker's biker". He's a good friend and good natured. Only time I ever saw him 'cranky' was when I doned a Dreadlock wig and tried to dance with him at a bike gig. But...uh.... that's a whole other story:brow.

On another note, I'm just about ready to put the final touches on this little pictorial essay. Maybe go back and add some finer points.... maybe write more text in a less hasty way. Have some steering head bearing pics to pass along for an earlier inquiry. -Bob

[tourunigo]

Back on the road again and heading for the border in Calais, Maine. One last overnight at an aging but very friendly motel with a quaint little lounge.

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd244/tourunigo/conn%20to%20lr/October20084172.jpg

And down to that lounge for drink to celebrate our final few very successful miles in the United States.

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd244/tourunigo/conn%20to%20lr/October20084158.jpg

The road from the Calais/St Stevens border crossing is almost void of any charm. Only interesting part was when we stopped for a coffee etc and the horn started blowing when I turned a hard right in the parking lot. That’s odd. Next stop things got more interesting. Noise, smoke and the smell of rubber burning. Ok, don’t turn hard to the right then. I’ll figure it out later. Now I have no horn. (Future Investigation: while changing the steering head bearing I found the horn problem. Some dummy had unknowingly attached his GPS unit around the wires leading from the light switch and, over the duration of the trip, kept tightening the thing :nono . So that’s why the GPS kept slipping. Anyway, finally the wires connected with the handlebar and on a hard right twist the horn blew and things got warm. Fried wire.)

So, here we are rolling back into Nova Scotia

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd244/tourunigo/conn%20to%20lr/October20084190.jpg

Waiting for a bit of road work

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd244/tourunigo/conn%20to%20lr/October20084193.jpg

Only a few more minutes and we stop at our journey’s end

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd244/tourunigo/conn%20to%20lr/October20083627.jpg

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd244/tourunigo/conn%20to%20lr/October20083628.jpg

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd244/tourunigo/conn%20to%20lr/October20083629.jpg

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd244/tourunigo/conn%20to%20lr/October20083631.jpg

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd244/tourunigo/conn%20to%20lr/October20083632.jpg

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd244/tourunigo/conn%20to%20lr/October20083636.jpg

Well…… that’s it. We then had to set about the work of sorting out over 2000 pictures and reorienting ourselves to life off the road. Hopefully all of this report can be reworked for a BMW News article! –Bob and Mary Weber (BMW)

[tommcgee]

WOOHOO! FOG AND ALL!

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd244/tourunigo/conn%20to%20lr/October20083632.jpg

The house looks great, Bob. Here's one Paul took on 8/25/07:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3420/3242509026_3116180a67_o.jpg

[dancogan]

Thanks for taking us along. What a great trip, and big smiles when you got home. Reading and seeing your pics helped a bunch with PMS and looking out on snow for so long. Thanks again! :clap :clap :clap

[tourunigo]

WOOHOO! FOG AND ALL!

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd244/tourunigo/conn%20to%20lr/October20083632.jpg

The house looks great, Bob. Here's one Paul took on 8/25/07:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3420/3242509026_3116180a67_o.jpg

Thanks for the comparison shot Tom. This Larry's River Homestead, aka Salty Fog Rally Base Camp, has gone through a lot of changes! Funny how I didn't see the fog rolling in on the picture of Mary with the bike.

Speaking of the rally, information will soon be available. I am currently working on the coordinates of various locations on the route of the Rollin' part of the rally. Also putting together some alternate arrival routes. As rallies go, we hope that the structure will be unique enough to generate interest and participation. Looking into having a Blessing of the Bikes ceremony with a local priest. We'll see. More on all of this later.

[tourunigo]

Thanks for taking us along. What a great trip, and big smiles when you got home. Reading and seeing your pics helped a bunch with PMS and looking out on snow for so long. Thanks again! :clap :clap :clap

Glad to help with the wintertime blues. Now for the attempt to put this trip together in an article for the News. Condensing can be a bit tricky but I'll give 'er a go before I dive too far into the Salty Fog Rally prep work. Again, I'm pleased that you found solace in the report. Groundhog was not very comforting though eh?:cry - Bob

[tourunigo]

Here is a pic of mine from last summer when a friend help get some general "clean up" done.
15998

I couldn't believe the difference of how easy it was to handle. I've only had this LT since March '07 and love it. If you read my blog you can see i've had some issues since getting it, but all and all it is a great ride and I got it for a great price, my first beemer!

So here we go! Into my shop for the Big Tear Down (for me). Burnt wires, flat tire, ABS lights, battery and, the crown itself: The Steering Head Bearings. Now I'm somewhat handy around mechanical objects so my optimism spun me right into 'The Project'.

My shop is quite accommodating. 16X24 story and a half. Big sliding barn door and a wood stove. I am fortunate.

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd244/tourunigo/teardown%20pics/November16download159.jpg

In a while Mary comes out, drink in hand and rabbits clutching her upper body, to see how my analysis is going. Time for a cigar and showtime.

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd244/tourunigo/teardown%20pics/bikefixDec26016.jpg

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd244/tourunigo/teardown%20pics/bikefixDec26022.jpg

Proudly I show what I have done so far. "ya see, I gotta get the steering head bearings out first.... you see right here in the manual.... see this right here.... well, if I heat this part and find just the right driver then....... blah blah" "whatever" she says.


http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd244/tourunigo/teardown%20pics/bikefixDec26003.jpg



http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd244/tourunigo/teardown%20pics/November16download162.jpg

- Bob

[rinty]

Your spaghetti bike.:D

Is your shop part of the house, or detached? I don't see it in the pictures.

You'll have to save the small block Ford for installation in a Cobra kit car.

[tourunigo]

Your spaghetti bike.:D

Is your shop part of the house, or detached? I don't see it in the pictures.

You'll have to save the small block Ford for installation in a Cobra kit car.

The shop is detached as you can see in this snowy example. Nice place to be when the woodstove is crackling, bit of music playing, a dram of Scotch and a fine cigar. uh... nice place to work on bikes also.

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd244/tourunigo/feb2008066.jpg

To me the bike seems like a bowl of spaghetti but going slow and methodically has been working for me. Unlike that /5 ..... which, in my 'old school' mind, seems to make much more sense to me. Oh well, life's for learning new things!

Ya, Cobra kit. mucho pesos. Not likely in my cards. sigh. -Bob

[toddlamp]

Fantastic! That is nearly the exact route I plan to take in 18 months, minus the Nova Scotia part and likely in the opposite direction.

I would definitely appreciate any words of advise for my journey.

:clap

[tourunigo]

Fantastic! That is nearly the exact route I plan to take in 18 months, minus the Nova Scotia part and likely in the opposite direction.

I would definitely appreciate any words of advise for my journey.

:clap

As you plan your trip please keep in touch. The first time we did this particular run (give or take) was in 2001 on a 1973 75/5. 11,500 miles on that one and it was counter clockwise (like you intend). This trip, as you read, ran clockwise - the first time that I have ever gone in that direction. In 1998 I did a solo 11,000 circuit on that /5 in a somewhat counterclockwise circuit through the middle of the U.S. Please feel free to PM us and we will share what we can. You will never forget your experience! -Bob

[moose738]

Hello Tourunigo...Wonderful looking place, Nova Scotia. My wife and I are pondering taking a vacation to N.S. this year. We are considering either July to take advantage of the summer warmth, or September to take advantage of what we assume would be less crowds.

I was hoping you could give us a feeling for what the crowds are like in July. Are they something to consider avoiding, or are we making a mountain out of a mole hill?:scratch

Thanx for any insights you can provide us...

Best Regards, John

[tourunigo]

Hello Tourunigo...Wonderful looking place, Nova Scotia. My wife and I are pondering taking a vacation to N.S. this year. We are considering either July to take advantage of the summer warmth, or September to take advantage of what we assume would be less crowds.

I was hoping you could give us a feeling for what the crowds are like in July. Are they something to consider avoiding, or are we making a mountain out of a mole hill?:scratch

Thanx for any insights you can provide us...

Best Regards, John

Wonderful looking indeed. We actively encourage folks to visit Nova Scotia. So much to see and so much history in five distinct cultures. Drop me a PM regarding what you somewhat have in mind and I'll go from there.

As you can see from the trip report, there are so many wonderful places to be dicovered no matter what direction you go! It was good to get back home and tell our tales from the road (they think we're a bit crazy up here for taking on projects and trips) -Bob

[tourunigo]

... and Mary and I are coming up to our wedding anniversary on the 28th. Last year that was the date that we began our six week tour of just over 11,000 miles. A present to ourselves. I was thinking that so many others are preparing for, or wishing for, journeys both epic and modest. With this in mind, I decided to bump up our little trek which brought us yet another wonderful adventure and a bit of reconnecting with family and friends. - Bob