Archives › August 2014
6
Got to hang out with Gearard, Selena, and Theresa for 2 day. We got to do fun stuff like watch Gearard and Selena buy a car. He was nice enough to let me and Joe ride in the back seat. Maybe next time i can drive it… We also got to eat some nice steaks and hang out with Theresa.
After hanging out for 2 days we finally headed home. We decided to head a different way home and headed south east down route 84 to route 80. Other then Snoqualmie Pass we didn’t really hit any crazy mountains like the way hear. This route seems to be a more gradual increase and decrease over the ranges. We did get to see mount Rainer in the distance.
So i learned something new the other day, Washington state has ideal conditions for growing grapes for wine. At least that’s what all the signs said when we drove through Washington’s wine country. I was tempted to stop and dry some samples, but we probably wouldn’t of gotten any riding down after. Later that day we drove through the north western part of Oregon. From what i saw its pretty nice. But need to see more to get a real opinion.
We went through the southern area of Idaho this time. Still didn’t see any potatoes (and yes mom, i did expect them to line the streets for me). We did drive through an area that smelt like potato chips; but there is a chance i was just hungry.
The next day we drove through the northern area of Utah. So far this is the only state that looks exactly like its post cards (and license plates). Also so some interesting cloud formations, lots of big ones with little ones surrounding them. Nearly every cloud in the state looked like it was painted on the sky. Sadly not photos, the roads were to windy to take out a camera.
Today we made it through the rest of Wyoming and about half way through Nebraska. South Wyoming looks different then the northern part. I like both but prefer the north. Nebraska looks exactly like i pictured it to look. We did stop at a gas station in a small town and I can’t believe how quite it was. We could here a car coming from blocks a way. The few people we spoke to were very nice though. If the commute wouldn’t suck so much I’d consider living there.
This weather is driving me nuts. I look like a raccoon with the odd sun burn of i have. 3 times now we’ve spent the first half of the day in 40 degree weather and the later half in scorching hot weather. My skin doesn’t know if it should be sun burned or frost bitten. Driving through so many weather systems in a single day keeps us having to stop for wardrobe changes. We’ve hit rain 3 times since last week but the first time we think its going to rain and actually put on the rain suits the sun comes.
Hopefully tomorrow we make it to Iowa.
Learning to ride
Playing in new Harley outfit
So many toys!
Parking in Seattle
hanging with grandpa
Theresa hanging with uncles
Eating ice cream is hard work
Theresa giving grandpa a goodbye hug
Who says baby motorcycles don’t have baby seats?
Gearad learning to ride
Gearad learning to ride
Gearad learning to ride
Theresa trying to be daddies girl
Theresa playing with truck
Snoqualmie pass. Stuck in traffic
Snoqualmie pass. Stuck in traffic
Snoqualmie pass. Stuck in traffic
Idaho gas break
Last break of the day, in Wyoming
Last break of the day, in Wyoming
Rain gear changing
Last break of the day, in Wyoming
Wyoming gas station
Wyoming gas station
Wyoming gas station
Wyoming gas sation
Sums up a big portion of the trip
racing to the east coast in Wyoming
racing to the east coast in Wyoming
They’re trying to follow the leader…
Showing us the proper way to take a wide unneeded turn into the parking spot
Typical small Nebraska town
Nebraska
Nebraska
Nebraska looks the way I imagined…
Trying to catch up, but try harder i’m taking a photo!
1
Well we finally made it to Seattle. Technically Bothell, but right next store. Over the Rockies and Cascades Range and into Seattle. We road over 680 miles today to go from Bozeman, Montana to Bothell, Washington. We passed through three different weather systems to go here. The day started out cold and wet in Montana and Idaho. Then as we go to the Columbia Plateau in Washington state it was hot and dry. Finally as we crossed the Cascades Range it was very suddenly cold.
We woke up early this morning with a goal of no more hotels. It seems like and easy task, Seattle was only a 11.5 hour ride away, according to google maps anyway. As we were starting we say clouds and fog creeping over the Rocky Mountains but we had already set our goal. So we put the bikes in gear and hopped for the best.
Th Rockies were a steep going up and even steeper going down. I wouldn’t mind the steepness if they didn’t insist on putting tight bends and curves in the middle. Going up and down in Montana was fun and we figured they would all be that easy. However going down the mountains in Idaho was crazy. Long, steep, curvy, and a giant drop off the side if we messed up. But it did smell nice. Not sure if I’ve ever scene that many pine trees in my life. Didn’t see any potatoes growing, so not sure what that’s about.
Driving through the Columbia Plateau reminded me of South Dakota. Just fields of grass as far as the eyes can see. Since there were no trees or mountains in the way, the wind just pounded us for a couple hours as we kept trying to push forward.
Crossing the Cascades was exciting and contained some breath taking scenery (see photos below). We crossed through the Snoqualmie Pass to get through the mountain range. Lots of ups and downs and twists and turns. The experience beats any roller coaster I’ve ever been on. Technically there are no upside down loops on this road, but we also didn’t have the luxury of being attached to rails.
After the Mountain range we got to deal with fun interstate merging and construction. But after going up, over, and around mountain range all day, this was nothing.
Now we get a few days rest before we go back the other way… or maybe its easier to just stay.
Morning clouds and fog rolling over the mountains
Morning clouds and fog rolling over the mountains
Morning clouds and fog rolling over the mountains
North west Montana
North west Montana
Trying to beat the wind
Rockies in the distance
Rain coming to ruin my morning
Rain coming to ruin my morning
Montana rest stop
Filling up in Montana
Filling up in Montana
Driving through Montana
Driving through Montana
Clouds in Montana
Crossing river after first Mountain
Going up the Cascades Range
Going up the Cascades Range
Going up the Cascades Range
Top of the Cascades Range
Going down
Driving down
Driving down
Selfie while crossing the Cascades
On the Snoqualmie Pass ,Crossing the Cascades
On the Snoqualmie Pass ,Crossing the Cascades
Sunset on the Snoqualmie Pass ,Crossing the Cascades
Sunset on the Snoqualmie Pass ,Crossing the Cascades
2
Riding through Wyoming and Montana. Didn’t make it as far as we wanted, we were aiming for Idaho but fell a little short. We hit rain around the Wyoming and Montana border but it passed pretty quick. As soaked as we were the heat and bright sun saw to it that we were dry within 15 minutes. We also road through the first mountain range. It was fun but also crazy going down the steep inclines that had curves.
We’ll see if we can make it the rest of the way tomorrow.
Montana mountains in a distance
Riding in Wyoming
Rest stop in Wyoming
Montana mountains in a distance
Rest stop in Wyoming
Riding in Wyoming
Montana
Rain clouds in Montana
Riding in Wyoming
Rain clouds in Montana
Rain clouds in Montana
Montana Rest Stop
Montana Rest Stop
Riding in Montana
Riding in Montana
Riding in Montana
Riding in Montana
Joe and Dad riding in Montana
Rest stop in Wyoming
Riding in Montana
The day started out pretty nice, plans to drive through the Black Hills National Forest and see Mount Rushmore. However a small issue with my throttle caused by bike to be in the Rapid City Harley shop all day. I was able to rent another bike and ride with the other two through the forest. However we had to then back track to Rapid City and get by bike. So we basically lost most of the day. Of the 400 miles we road yesterday, only 200 were towards our destination.
The Black Hills are very beautiful. I would definitely ride through them again if I’m ever in the area. Lots of great scenery and windy roads that made it worth renting a motorcycle for the day. Mount Rushmore was also very nice. But I preferred the scenic Black Hills.
Also got to see Deadwood. Unfortunately I couldn’t find some of the business from the tv show that i had my eyes on.
I rented a bigger bike then i usually ride, a soft-tail. It was a very different and much better ride. I’m probably going to have to upgrade my own bike sooner then i thought i would.
They eventually were able to fix my bike by replacing the whole intake regulator. Apparently they couldn’t figure out the exact part that was broken so the replaced the whole thing. Probably better this way.
We made it into Wyoming lat night. This is, so far, the most scenic state we’ve driven through. Lots of hills and mountains in the background and a very blue sky.
4
2
Spent the day driving through South Dakota. The sun shines bright here. I look like a lobster. But got through the whole state in one day. Tomorrow is Mount Rushmore and Black Hills. Then hopefully tomorrow we get past Wyoming and most of Montana.
I’m still shocked about some of the prices for Alcohol out here. Yesterday I was drinking $5 Jameson doubles. Today we had beer for under $3. I really could get use to this.
wasn’t the best coffee. But for 5 cents i’ll have it anytime
Draft for $2.75? Yes please
2
Today was mostly fast riding through the rest of Wisconsin, Minnesota, and a little bit of South Dakota. Spending the night in Sioux Falls. Didn’t see that much, just drove till we got as far west as possible. Did have a minor delay while I tried to assist with a certain site being down (i think its up now…). It was also so cold i bought a sweater. Never thought I’d be so cold in August I’d have to buy a sweater.
A few days ago my zipper on my jacket pocket broke. As with most clothing I own that breaks, i paid no attention and kept using it. I didn’t really see the big deal, that is till a few hours ago when my iPod flew out of the pocket at about 80 mph. I’m sure Apple does good work making them, but didn’t think it was worth stopping to find it. I’ve had “buy carrying case for iPod” on my to do list all week. I guess some stuff shouldn’t be put off.
So that means this trip I’ve lost: 1 iPod Nano, 1 travel size Harley tool kit. O yea, lost that yesterday. Haven’t found a replacement yet at any of the Harley shops we stopped at (all one of them) but hopefully tomorrow I find one. Otherwise one of you might need to same day FedEx me a screw driver if i have a problem.
Apparently the speed limit in South Dakota is 75 mph. In NJ its the speed limit is 65 mph and i usually drive about 80+ mph. So does this mean i can bump my speed up to 90+ mph?
During the last 50 miles, the wind seems to of died down. Through most of Wisconsin and Minnesota it was so bad that our gas millage went from about 50 mpg to about 35mpg. Joe had to put the reserve on twice before we found a gas station (He has a smaller gas tank).
Tomorrow we’re going to try and get to Rapid City. On the way we get to see the Bad Lands and hopefully some other cool stuff.
Minnesota gas station and rest stop
Minnesota gas station and rest stop
Open road in Minnesota farm area, about 30 miles east of South Dakota
Open road in Minnesota farm area, about 30 miles east of South Dakota
Open road in Minnesota farm area, about 30 miles east of South Dakota
Open road in Minnesota farm area, about 30 miles east of South Dakota
Nasty looking bug goes “splat” on windshield. Didn’t see it, but heard it smash
Started the day out good. Got to the Harley Museum and got to see a lot of cool bikes. Oldest one was from 1909. Of the 400 bikes they have, apparently all but 6 can still run. Also some other pretty cool stuff such as the racing exhibit and engine exhibit.
After lunch got back to the bikes to take off and discovered my battery was dead… mostly my fault. Despite being at a Harley owned museum, the only vehicles they can jump are cars. However the great guys at a local dealership came out to help us. Thanks again to the guys at House of Harley-Davidson, in Milwaukee.
We finally got on the road but about 2 hours in got caught in the tail of storm. We almost put on rain gear at a gas stop before but it looked like it had passed us already. We got pretty wet but it was over within 10 minutes.
With it getting late, more rain on the forecast, and some heavy wind gusting from all directions we decided to crash for the night (good crash, not bad). Tasty local beer made up for shitty afternoon.
Tomorrow we’ll get up early and make up for lost time, assuming the rain goes away.
2
We made up for yesterdays late start by pushing through 3 states. We started the day in Youngstown, Ohio and got to Kenosha, Wisconsin. About 10 minutes after we locked up the bikes and started unpacking the rain started. So finished at a perfect time.
With 370 miles yesterday and 460 miles today I think we’ve officially made it past every ones bets. Most of the day was uneventful, except when dad somehow passed me and Joe because he “didn’t see us”…. not sure how he missed us.
Joe and Dad had a nice 30 minute cigar break. Just wish i could join in with my own vices on breaks… but so far no rest stop has sold Jameson.
Indiana was nice and easy driving. However going through Chicago was a mistake. Almost went the longer way around and now i think i will on the way home. The driving was very nerve racking, don’t want to do that again anytime soon.
We’ve seen herds of bikers going the opposite direction. I think they’re all coming back from Sturgis. Every time they pass by and wave i feel like they want to ask why we missed the party. Going to see if i can work that trip in next year.
Tomorrows Harley Museum and Milwaukee sightseeing. So lets hope the rain stops by then!
first 120 miles of the day done
guarding the bikes so no ones steals them
first stop of the day.
looking good in my sunglasses
still looking good in my sun glasses
selfie. It was requested
anyone have a match?
smoke break; as required by law
i real pro could do this on the bike
He insists Gatorade and cigars go good together. I’ll take his word for it
2
Well everything started in typical Boland fashion: 3 hours late. Its not my fault, i was up at 7:30 am… talk to the other two.
We made it through PA and are spending the night in Ohio. Hopefully tomorrow everyone gets up on time and we can make up for lost time.
Good news is no ones lost (yet) but we are down two highway pegs… somehow both my Dad’s and my own left high peg decided to fall off with in minutes of each other. It could just be a coincidence, but my Dad is blaming Joe for sabotage.
joe driving away
all packed up and ready to go
double checking bags
on your mark, get set, go!
dan leaving
group photo!
bye all
dad always has to park “special”
joey getting ready to leave wawa
are we lost yet?
0
Almost ready to go. Got my traveling bags and my high way pegs all ready to go.
Highway pegs
Saddlebags and backseat bag
Saddlebags and backseat bag
Took a trip to Lake George with some friends to make sure we’re ready to go. Some people are a little worried…
But look how well we can park on very busy street.
Fee weeks later we mastered parking spaces
Parking like pros
Parking like pros
