......before you read, read day 7 post
Steve's ass update........all reported well (Debbie's full-face shield in the lowered position full-time)
Sadly, the last day on the bikes. Rolled out close to 7am along I61, The Blues highway. Same route of travel as the day before, except we wanted pics of the Crossroads with the bikes. Oh, i forgot to mention...the day before while traveling back on I61 from the Crossroads, we saw a very interesting BB cue stand...it was a full size school bus, painted and turned into a rollin BB cue stand! Way cool.....sorry, no pics but just picture the Partridge Family in a blacked-out bus slingin BB cue! Crazy, man, Crazy......
Man Down! Incredible weather, 75 when we started, no rain, not very humid, just a perfect day to ride!! As we traveled back to Clarksdale, MS south along I61, it was so picture perfect, you could see forever along the green farmlands and trees. As we got off the main highway and rolled into the intersection where the Crossroads' memorial is located, it is shaped like a triangle. So.............I figured I would lead us into the middle of the triangle for a great picture with the memorial (I61/I49) in the background. All was going so well until I went to stop. Now keep in mind, the baggers weigh 900 lbs, unloaded, and I was rolling with Gloria, the full tour packed, and the bags at probably (me included) close to 1400 lbs!! (I know, I know, G needs to diet!) As i put my left foot down, it started to slide out along the loose gravel........and down she went, the bike, G, and me. I held on as long as I could, but I had to let her down. Steve, Debbie, G, and I righted our ship, no damage (I hope Eagle Rider isn't reading this blog). As we were lifting, all I could think about was the news stories when one of those 950 lbs. obese people have to be hosted by a crane and the walls cut out to get them onto the flatbed to be taken to the doctor....(weird). We took some great pics (but none of me and the bike down and out!) One strained groin and bicep later, we were back on the road toward N'awlins!
Again, great weather as we took the I49 for 260 miles south into the deeeeeeeeep south. We road through some magnificent farm lands and small little towns. As usual, we were waiving at everyone sitting on their porch, but for some reason, the deeper into Mississippi we road, the less people waived back. Our first stop was in Yazoo City, a town devastated by a tornado where an entire hill side was gone. Homes, buildings, signs, forest, everything "mowed" away. Steve described it as if it had be been removed by "God's finger."
Yazoo City is also where Steve could barely get off the bike due to what he described as a back problem, "something popped." He said it happened when we hit some railroad tracks about 40 miles back (personally, I think it was Mr. Wallet getting his revenge!) Debbie, hearing "something popped," got a big grin, but I had to explain to her that it was his back.....Gloria gave Steve some stretching exercises, and after some pills, a little h2o, and a miraculous recovery, we were back on the road!
Next stop, Jackson Harley. Ugly store, rude, uninviting employees, it looked more like a warehouse than a retail Harley. Steve has been trading dip dots (little metal Harley dipstick stickers) at every dealer along the way. At each one, they would either trade one for one, or if they were out, they would just give him one as a fellow Harley employee. Not this place, as the cashier told him, "I don't collect those things, sorry." So Steve just paid the $2.99. This was not a warm and fuzzy dealer, like LA!
We went down the street to eat at Hudgee's, referred by the cashier. That should have been a clue....OMFG! I can not do justice to how interesting (for lack of a better adjective) this place was. Full of locals, none of whom talked to each other, none of whom said hello or "how ya'all doin," and none of whom looked happy. It was like a scene out of Twilight Zone! We ate fast and before we left purgatory, I took a picture of "Hell's Bathroom" with it's sink that a had a rubber elbow and was falling off the wall with a hole behind it, and the toilet with no top lid........and also of "Hell's Kitchen" where the greasy food we consumed was prepared. Gloria got heartburn and we'all got the hell out of there!
Rolling towards N'awlins, we hit five minutes of rain. Got into Louisiana and onto a bridge that, no joke, must have been 30 miles long over what I think is either the Mississippi or Lake Pontchartrain (Feels like rain). Water, water, and more water. No wonder this place flooded! As soon as we hit that bridge, I swear the the humidity felt like a wall. But it was absolutely beautiful, as we rolled down Canal Street, and 2550 miles later, arrived at our destination.............New Orleans, N'awling, or the Big Easy!
At night, went to Bourbon street in the French Quarter and ate at Oceana. We stood in line drinking our Hurricane's (the girls had 151 Bacardi, but i didn't tell them). I had turtle soup and alligator sausage, and waaaayyyyy too many double Maker's and beers! Strolled down Bourbon Street (I got beads :) ) and back to the hotel. After a night cap we hit the sack. Great town.
This will be our last blog, as the ride has ended, although the vacation has not. Thanks for being dorks along with us. We have had a very memorable adventure and one that we suggest ya'all should duplicate (let me know, I'm in!). I'm planning the next ride from Miami to Maine, then through Canada down through the Dakota's and back (stop kicking me Gloria, and no, I'm not crazy!) Below are some totals:
Total Harley dealers (so far): Ten (10), with six to go
Total States (so far): Nine (9), with two to go
Total Miles, on bike: 2550
Total Injuries: Four (Steve: back and ass; Robert groin; Gloria, big ass mosquito bite on her cleavage)
Total Crashes: one half (Robert's dropped bike)
Total Divorces: None (so far)
Total Dollars Spent: Let's just say, the kids inheritance is dwindling rapidly.......
Now get out and Ride!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ciao..............
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Day 7-Hunka Hunka Memphis
......before you read, read day 6 post
The home of the Blues. What a town! Rented a car from a guy who had his '09 Street Glide there. Great looking bike, but he explained to us that he was having problems with the local Harley dealer who could fix his air gauge. So, taking a page from LA Harley, they just put in two fuel gauges! (funny stuff, check out the pics)
We went over to Graceland, but first we at at Marlow's, a Diner, Drive-In's and Dives location (cooking channel). Wasn't planned, just the first place we could find to eat. Turned out to be a crazy decorated Elvis themed (go figure) BB cue. I though Cozy Corner (also a DDD restaurant) was better, but everyone else seemed to like Marlow's. Mr. Marlowe was a very nice host, in his jean shorts and knee high socks, funny, and would not stop talking as he explained everything from the Elvis phenomenon, local economic downturn, and race relations (all this from one question of "why did you decide to open here!")
THE KING IS DEAD! We visited Graceland, the "Lisa Marie" (Elvis's airplane) and all the Graceland shops including Graceland Harley! Graceland was funny, true americana southern wealth........only circa 1977. From the green shag carpet (on the walls and ceiling as well!) to the cheesy Formica and wood grain walls, they even had the original Zenith small 20" TVs playing Johnny Carson and showing news clips from '77! We visited his grave site right their on the grounds as well. I think everyone should go at least once, Steve was thinking "This is a day I have lost forever."
We then drove 75 miles to the home of the Blues, Clarksdale, Mississippi at the "Crossroads" where the I61 and I49 meet. Legend has it that this was the place where the great blues guitarist, Johnnie Johnson, sold his sole to the devil to become the greatest blues guitarist of all time! It is a small, partially abandoned city, that appears to generate all of its tax base from the blues and alcohol. We visited the Blues museum and the Original Ground Zero Blues Bar. Again, everyone should visit it.....it has a certain feel, hard to describe, almost like you can feel the "spirits" of past blues greats sitting on their porch, jammin and singing......
That night we went to dinner at the Blues City Cafe....Debbie ate Catfish, I took a bite (not bad, taste like chicken), and Steve ordered what turned out to be the largest double shot of Makers Mark in history...it had to be at least four shots (check out pic)......we walked around with about 3,000 other people on Beale Street. Each and every person going into the street (closed off like Fremont Vegas) was carded (except Steve...it's the hair bro!), and I found out that Memphis PD doesn't like when you take pictures of them jacking some dude up against a patrol car (the po po made me delete the pic....I feel violated!) We all went to a blues CD store and purchased some rare CD's you can't find anywhere else. I ran into a drunk Zombie at the store (no shit, it was Zombie day in Memphis!) who turned to me, uninvited, and said, "Memphis-where you can come and be treated like a King, and buried like a hamster in ur backyard!" This was his drunk joke in reference to Elvis being buried at Graceland. Not funny Mr. Zombie man, not funny......
Elvis has left the building.....and he's on his way to the Big Easy tomorrow, New Orleans!!
Thank you, thank you very much..........
The home of the Blues. What a town! Rented a car from a guy who had his '09 Street Glide there. Great looking bike, but he explained to us that he was having problems with the local Harley dealer who could fix his air gauge. So, taking a page from LA Harley, they just put in two fuel gauges! (funny stuff, check out the pics)
We went over to Graceland, but first we at at Marlow's, a Diner, Drive-In's and Dives location (cooking channel). Wasn't planned, just the first place we could find to eat. Turned out to be a crazy decorated Elvis themed (go figure) BB cue. I though Cozy Corner (also a DDD restaurant) was better, but everyone else seemed to like Marlow's. Mr. Marlowe was a very nice host, in his jean shorts and knee high socks, funny, and would not stop talking as he explained everything from the Elvis phenomenon, local economic downturn, and race relations (all this from one question of "why did you decide to open here!")
THE KING IS DEAD! We visited Graceland, the "Lisa Marie" (Elvis's airplane) and all the Graceland shops including Graceland Harley! Graceland was funny, true americana southern wealth........only circa 1977. From the green shag carpet (on the walls and ceiling as well!) to the cheesy Formica and wood grain walls, they even had the original Zenith small 20" TVs playing Johnny Carson and showing news clips from '77! We visited his grave site right their on the grounds as well. I think everyone should go at least once, Steve was thinking "This is a day I have lost forever."
We then drove 75 miles to the home of the Blues, Clarksdale, Mississippi at the "Crossroads" where the I61 and I49 meet. Legend has it that this was the place where the great blues guitarist, Johnnie Johnson, sold his sole to the devil to become the greatest blues guitarist of all time! It is a small, partially abandoned city, that appears to generate all of its tax base from the blues and alcohol. We visited the Blues museum and the Original Ground Zero Blues Bar. Again, everyone should visit it.....it has a certain feel, hard to describe, almost like you can feel the "spirits" of past blues greats sitting on their porch, jammin and singing......
That night we went to dinner at the Blues City Cafe....Debbie ate Catfish, I took a bite (not bad, taste like chicken), and Steve ordered what turned out to be the largest double shot of Makers Mark in history...it had to be at least four shots (check out pic)......we walked around with about 3,000 other people on Beale Street. Each and every person going into the street (closed off like Fremont Vegas) was carded (except Steve...it's the hair bro!), and I found out that Memphis PD doesn't like when you take pictures of them jacking some dude up against a patrol car (the po po made me delete the pic....I feel violated!) We all went to a blues CD store and purchased some rare CD's you can't find anywhere else. I ran into a drunk Zombie at the store (no shit, it was Zombie day in Memphis!) who turned to me, uninvited, and said, "Memphis-where you can come and be treated like a King, and buried like a hamster in ur backyard!" This was his drunk joke in reference to Elvis being buried at Graceland. Not funny Mr. Zombie man, not funny......
Elvis has left the building.....and he's on his way to the Big Easy tomorrow, New Orleans!!
Thank you, thank you very much..........
Day 6-Conway, AR to Memphis, TN
Steve's ass update: Feeling better, sort of.....read on
Got up feeling like champs! Slept in, then rode across the street to Toad Suck Harley (true name-there's a whole story to it). Kool shirts/logos, we all purchased way too much stuff and had to ship (again). Steve went to pay and realized that he had a new ass problem....NO WALLET! Frantically, he rolled back to hotel(nope) then back to TGIG.....FOUND!(get a chain for it, biker boy). He figured when he sat down to eat it fell out of his pocket. If you ask me, the wallet attempted an escape by shimming out of his pocket and onto the booth seat.....only to be found by the nice black gay waiter (Steve tipped him $40 pesos) Even the wallet, like Debbie, wants to get as far away from that booty as possible! Good lawd!
We rolled on through Arkansas, absolutely beautiful. Rolling green hills, rivers, more dead armadillos. Don't know what's the deal, but we never saw any alive?? Anyway, it was a short ride only 238 miles. For those of you who have never been to the south, or are planning to go (let me know i want to roll again!), the people are SUPER nice. So friendly, they go out of their way to make sure you are taken care of. Everyone from the Harley dealers to the little road side gas stations, it always "yes ma'am" and "yes sir."
Got into Memphis late afternoon, we all sat down at the bar for our $24 glasses of double bourbons (not a typo, $24 bucks!) with Cortney the bartender, another great dude. Steve's ass issues continued, as the wallet attempted suicide, this time jumping from a third story bar stool and onto the cold hard tile floor below. Once again, a nice southerner found it and returned it to Steve. Unfortunately, for Mr. Wallet, he survived.
Of course, we wanted BB cue, and he recommended "The Cozy Corner." As we rolled over in the taxi, I was having one of those "dejavu" moments, but I had never been here before. It suddenly hit me........we were rollin straight through what looked like a COPS episode, couches on the porch, abandoned homes and businesses, homies in wife beaters carrying 40's, the whole tamale! But when we got to the restaurant, what a great place!!! Our order was taken by a 13 year old young man who had the charisma and personality of a 30 year old restaurant owner! He had a sense of humor too....as I was suckin on one of my stogies, he walked over and, with his Tennessee accent, said, "You can suck it, but you can't smoke it." We all laughed and ate our great southern BB cue. Our southern belle Debbie, still feeling at home (like a redneck) approved of the food. Man if I lived here I'd be fat! (Gloria says fatter)
That night we went to the famous Beale street, famous for the Blues, and had a blast. We listened to the blues at Morgan Freeman's (actor) Ground Zero Blues club (not the original,that's tomorrow), BB Kings, and the Blues Cafe. Speaking of tamales, I had no idea that southerners love tamales.....see, everyone's a Mexican at heart (Steve's still in denial) :) I made the mistake of eating some tamales and chili at about midnight, and had my own ass problems in the morning! What a great town.........!
After six days, we are still friends, both couples are still married (although both girls have threatened to fly home more than once), chrome side's still up, and having a blast!!!!!!!!!!!!
Got up feeling like champs! Slept in, then rode across the street to Toad Suck Harley (true name-there's a whole story to it). Kool shirts/logos, we all purchased way too much stuff and had to ship (again). Steve went to pay and realized that he had a new ass problem....NO WALLET! Frantically, he rolled back to hotel(nope) then back to TGIG.....FOUND!(get a chain for it, biker boy). He figured when he sat down to eat it fell out of his pocket. If you ask me, the wallet attempted an escape by shimming out of his pocket and onto the booth seat.....only to be found by the nice black gay waiter (Steve tipped him $40 pesos) Even the wallet, like Debbie, wants to get as far away from that booty as possible! Good lawd!
We rolled on through Arkansas, absolutely beautiful. Rolling green hills, rivers, more dead armadillos. Don't know what's the deal, but we never saw any alive?? Anyway, it was a short ride only 238 miles. For those of you who have never been to the south, or are planning to go (let me know i want to roll again!), the people are SUPER nice. So friendly, they go out of their way to make sure you are taken care of. Everyone from the Harley dealers to the little road side gas stations, it always "yes ma'am" and "yes sir."
Got into Memphis late afternoon, we all sat down at the bar for our $24 glasses of double bourbons (not a typo, $24 bucks!) with Cortney the bartender, another great dude. Steve's ass issues continued, as the wallet attempted suicide, this time jumping from a third story bar stool and onto the cold hard tile floor below. Once again, a nice southerner found it and returned it to Steve. Unfortunately, for Mr. Wallet, he survived.
Of course, we wanted BB cue, and he recommended "The Cozy Corner." As we rolled over in the taxi, I was having one of those "dejavu" moments, but I had never been here before. It suddenly hit me........we were rollin straight through what looked like a COPS episode, couches on the porch, abandoned homes and businesses, homies in wife beaters carrying 40's, the whole tamale! But when we got to the restaurant, what a great place!!! Our order was taken by a 13 year old young man who had the charisma and personality of a 30 year old restaurant owner! He had a sense of humor too....as I was suckin on one of my stogies, he walked over and, with his Tennessee accent, said, "You can suck it, but you can't smoke it." We all laughed and ate our great southern BB cue. Our southern belle Debbie, still feeling at home (like a redneck) approved of the food. Man if I lived here I'd be fat! (Gloria says fatter)
That night we went to the famous Beale street, famous for the Blues, and had a blast. We listened to the blues at Morgan Freeman's (actor) Ground Zero Blues club (not the original,that's tomorrow), BB Kings, and the Blues Cafe. Speaking of tamales, I had no idea that southerners love tamales.....see, everyone's a Mexican at heart (Steve's still in denial) :) I made the mistake of eating some tamales and chili at about midnight, and had my own ass problems in the morning! What a great town.........!
After six days, we are still friends, both couples are still married (although both girls have threatened to fly home more than once), chrome side's still up, and having a blast!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Day 5-Weathorford, OK to Conway, AR
Hello Y'all!!!
First, an Easy Rider Richard update: Rich left the wild ride and, like a lone ranger (cowboy hat and all) headed south.....last spotted by the Pueblo Band of Indians headed thru southern Arizona. Apparently, he stopped at a town called Strawberry, AZ (why, who knows) and found out soon enough that the BUGS under his pillow were representative of the $9.99 he paid for the room! Just a thought big fella, when you get to Dana Point, spend a little on a Motel 6 at least!(cowboy
Steve's Ass update: Doing well, the poopy face is gone, and residual soreness only. Debbie reports just as much odor arising from the general area, she was glad it wasn't her (can't tell at 80 mph!)
OH LORD (yes him again), why is the air so thick?. We walked outside and into a wall of what southerners call humidity....i call it bulls%!#! How can they live in this stuff. We packed the bikes and I walked back into the hotel air conditioning and sat down with sweat dripping down the back of my neck and back. Looked over to the left and on the coffee table there sat a Gideons Bible. Prayed for the humidity to go away, walked back outside, and.......still humid! Steve developed fromunda (think about it) rather quickly (hence, the odor Debbie detected 100 miles down the road :)
Rode over to the Oklahoma National Memorial (1995 Oklahoma City Bombing)....really moving. Having been to the memorials in DC (Vietnam/Korea) and NY (911) this was just as incredible and inspiring. We were all very moved and in awe. On one side the wall has 9:01, representing the last minute of American innocence (bombing at 9:02), and the other wall has 9:03, representing the first minute of healing and the beginning of a new not so innocent America....... (it was sweat, not tears Steve!)
Rollin on, visited two HD dealers in OKC area. At one, I bought a sticker of Harley Jesus (he had on shades), Gloria thought it to be sacriligious. Steve was still worried about the torrential down pour the good lord was going to inflict on us as we headed through the Bible belt into Arkansas. The person who shall remain nameless did not provide directions and we correctly headed east. Along the way, we saw great scenery of green rolling hills, farms, lakes and rivers. Really incredible after having gone through the brown, barren panhandle of Texas the day before for what seemed like a thousand miles (can we give Texas back to Mexico? Just a thought..) We also saw many armadillos on the side of the road (dead).
At one of the gas stops, we ran into a retired military man who was very nice, even offered his cell number in case of emergency (now, that would never happen in Cali!) He proceeded to give us directions to the Harley dealer Fort Smith, Arkansas. Along the way, we hit the downpour Steve had been predicting, sort of...but it only lasted about ten or so miles and wasn't very hard. We got off under an over pass and put our booties on. We rolled on, rain gear in the side bags, getting soaked with water and grime...Steve's favorite shirt turned yellow (hmmm) but it passed north of us.
Back to the military guy. Now, I could have swore he said "yaaall can see the sign and the dealer is right off to the side of the I 40,exit zero." But as we soon found out 20 miles out of our way, the "I40" was really the "540" (not five, "fi")...... (Yes, I need to work on my southern drawl). We rolled into Fort Smith, AR Harley about 4pm and we still had 130 miles to Conway! We ended up eating lunch at a Border Town BBCue. Great BBcue, just what I think we were all hoping for, except for the hanging noose depicted on the menu's!!!!!!!!!!!
No joke! And before we saw the noose, our token Latina Gloria, ordering a beer, with her cuban accent ordered a "Negra" (short for negra modelo "black model"). Now, "negra" in the south has a whole different connotation as yaaalll know. The female bartender kind of turned her head to the side and looked puzzled.....I can only imagine what she thought Gloria was ordering! (of course, the odd look and turned head could have been from the pain in one of her three teeth....) Anyway, I quickly clarified she wanted a "Modelo beer" and we sat down for linner (didn't have lunch). We all told Gloria no more Spanish...hell, with the Arizona laws, you never know). Let's just say, aside from the cut off t-shirts, rebel flag tattoos, and obvious lack of dental insurance, all that was missing was the theme from Deliverance! Debbie, having southern roots (Tennessee), felt comfortable enough to ask the owner about the noose depicted on the menu's. The fired policeman (not one of my clients) owner informed us that it was actually because of a famous "hanging judge" from Fort Smith who sentenced the most people to be hanged. As my girls would say, "cool story bro."
As we sat, looked up the weather, serious storm advisory on the I40 and Conway, just where we were headed. Our fearless leader Tafoya and his Tonto Debbie said "roll on" so we rolled on 130 miles east into just a little rain and safely into Conway. Wet, tired, and thirsty, we checked into the hotel and Debbie and Gloria quickly asked for the nearest bar. They were told "this is a dry county ma'am." What the hell is a dry county? No rain? No, I found out it means NO LIQUOR SOLD! Debbie found out there was one place, Chili's, that sold liquor in the entire county, and only a block away. Off we walked (no Steve we will not get a taxi) and soon found out Chili's meant "TGI Fridays." After several well deserved cocktails, Steve concocted a plan to order two more doubles and a glass of water to go, we then would dump the water and pour in the whiskey! (that Steve is a delinquent). The waiter (whom Gloria and Debbie thought was so cute) caught on to our plan and we were denied :( After a cuban cigar we hit the sack (no bugs).......
422 miles, three Harley dealers today. Off to see Elvis tomorrow......Ciao for now. Stay tuned!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
First, an Easy Rider Richard update: Rich left the wild ride and, like a lone ranger (cowboy hat and all) headed south.....last spotted by the Pueblo Band of Indians headed thru southern Arizona. Apparently, he stopped at a town called Strawberry, AZ (why, who knows) and found out soon enough that the BUGS under his pillow were representative of the $9.99 he paid for the room! Just a thought big fella, when you get to Dana Point, spend a little on a Motel 6 at least!(cowboy
Steve's Ass update: Doing well, the poopy face is gone, and residual soreness only. Debbie reports just as much odor arising from the general area, she was glad it wasn't her (can't tell at 80 mph!)
OH LORD (yes him again), why is the air so thick?. We walked outside and into a wall of what southerners call humidity....i call it bulls%!#! How can they live in this stuff. We packed the bikes and I walked back into the hotel air conditioning and sat down with sweat dripping down the back of my neck and back. Looked over to the left and on the coffee table there sat a Gideons Bible. Prayed for the humidity to go away, walked back outside, and.......still humid! Steve developed fromunda (think about it) rather quickly (hence, the odor Debbie detected 100 miles down the road :)
Rode over to the Oklahoma National Memorial (1995 Oklahoma City Bombing)....really moving. Having been to the memorials in DC (Vietnam/Korea) and NY (911) this was just as incredible and inspiring. We were all very moved and in awe. On one side the wall has 9:01, representing the last minute of American innocence (bombing at 9:02), and the other wall has 9:03, representing the first minute of healing and the beginning of a new not so innocent America....... (it was sweat, not tears Steve!)
Rollin on, visited two HD dealers in OKC area. At one, I bought a sticker of Harley Jesus (he had on shades), Gloria thought it to be sacriligious. Steve was still worried about the torrential down pour the good lord was going to inflict on us as we headed through the Bible belt into Arkansas. The person who shall remain nameless did not provide directions and we correctly headed east. Along the way, we saw great scenery of green rolling hills, farms, lakes and rivers. Really incredible after having gone through the brown, barren panhandle of Texas the day before for what seemed like a thousand miles (can we give Texas back to Mexico? Just a thought..) We also saw many armadillos on the side of the road (dead).
At one of the gas stops, we ran into a retired military man who was very nice, even offered his cell number in case of emergency (now, that would never happen in Cali!) He proceeded to give us directions to the Harley dealer Fort Smith, Arkansas. Along the way, we hit the downpour Steve had been predicting, sort of...but it only lasted about ten or so miles and wasn't very hard. We got off under an over pass and put our booties on. We rolled on, rain gear in the side bags, getting soaked with water and grime...Steve's favorite shirt turned yellow (hmmm) but it passed north of us.
Back to the military guy. Now, I could have swore he said "yaaall can see the sign and the dealer is right off to the side of the I 40,exit zero." But as we soon found out 20 miles out of our way, the "I40" was really the "540" (not five, "fi")...... (Yes, I need to work on my southern drawl). We rolled into Fort Smith, AR Harley about 4pm and we still had 130 miles to Conway! We ended up eating lunch at a Border Town BBCue. Great BBcue, just what I think we were all hoping for, except for the hanging noose depicted on the menu's!!!!!!!!!!!
No joke! And before we saw the noose, our token Latina Gloria, ordering a beer, with her cuban accent ordered a "Negra" (short for negra modelo "black model"). Now, "negra" in the south has a whole different connotation as yaaalll know. The female bartender kind of turned her head to the side and looked puzzled.....I can only imagine what she thought Gloria was ordering! (of course, the odd look and turned head could have been from the pain in one of her three teeth....) Anyway, I quickly clarified she wanted a "Modelo beer" and we sat down for linner (didn't have lunch). We all told Gloria no more Spanish...hell, with the Arizona laws, you never know). Let's just say, aside from the cut off t-shirts, rebel flag tattoos, and obvious lack of dental insurance, all that was missing was the theme from Deliverance! Debbie, having southern roots (Tennessee), felt comfortable enough to ask the owner about the noose depicted on the menu's. The fired policeman (not one of my clients) owner informed us that it was actually because of a famous "hanging judge" from Fort Smith who sentenced the most people to be hanged. As my girls would say, "cool story bro."
As we sat, looked up the weather, serious storm advisory on the I40 and Conway, just where we were headed. Our fearless leader Tafoya and his Tonto Debbie said "roll on" so we rolled on 130 miles east into just a little rain and safely into Conway. Wet, tired, and thirsty, we checked into the hotel and Debbie and Gloria quickly asked for the nearest bar. They were told "this is a dry county ma'am." What the hell is a dry county? No rain? No, I found out it means NO LIQUOR SOLD! Debbie found out there was one place, Chili's, that sold liquor in the entire county, and only a block away. Off we walked (no Steve we will not get a taxi) and soon found out Chili's meant "TGI Fridays." After several well deserved cocktails, Steve concocted a plan to order two more doubles and a glass of water to go, we then would dump the water and pour in the whiskey! (that Steve is a delinquent). The waiter (whom Gloria and Debbie thought was so cute) caught on to our plan and we were denied :( After a cuban cigar we hit the sack (no bugs).......
422 miles, three Harley dealers today. Off to see Elvis tomorrow......Ciao for now. Stay tuned!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Day 4 - A Great Finish to a Not So Good Start
Started our day at 0630 with grand plans of riding from Santa Fe to Oklahoma City but instead of being led by the Lord (see Jesus reference from last blogs), we were led by a person in our party who shall remain nameless, who led us twice in the wrong direction. So, after an unplanned additional 60+ miles of travel, to an already planned 550 mile day, and with the unknown but predicted golf sized hail and thunder storms in our path, we decided to end our day in Weatherford,Oklahoma after 520 miles.
Yes, we zigged, when we should have zagged and ended up in an unknown location in the middle of nowhere with little hope of getting any information from the 5 people that lived in the town. Miraculously we came across somebody that told us how to get on the correct rode and recommended a "delicious" place for breakfast. (so we thought!) "It's only 4 blocks down the road, it's called Smiley Faces Restaurant." When we arrived, all that was left of Smiley Faces was a dilapidated building with had painted smiley faces and a verse from the bible from the book of Matthew that read, "With God all things are possible" (Except Eating!!!!) All we could do was laugh and take pictures!!
The predicted weather conditions of hail, thunder and rain were a common theme throughout the day especially for Steve who was sure that we were going to be crushed by life size hail and torrential rains. Of course Robert who refuses to be delayed, turned a blind eye to the weather man.......... "Everything will be okay, Let's just get ahead of it..." SIGH! (Debbie and Gloria). Luckily the weather Gods had mercy on us this time. More bad weather predicted for tomorrow as we head to Memphis!
Have you ever seen a Jackolope?? Are Jackolopes even real? Well, we saw one on the road today - We think.... A cross between a rabbit and something else. Possibly a mythical creature. Maybe lives with the Unicorn? Who knows, may have mated with a unicorn
Only in Texas!! A truck with a personalized plate that reads "Beer 30" no confederate flag flying but possibly had a gun rack on the back window of his pick-up truck.
Forget the Jackolope, have you ever seen a Hillbilly?? Nothing speaks better than the picture that is attached........... Got his picture as he was entering a gas station convenience store to tell the attendant to make a promisary note for the gas that he had just put in his truck "cuz" he had "no money and he was good for it"
Kick Stands up at 0730 tomorrow morning. Off to Memphis, TN for Blues and Graceland - home of the King. Stay tuned..........
P.S. Steve's butt felt better today.
Yes, we zigged, when we should have zagged and ended up in an unknown location in the middle of nowhere with little hope of getting any information from the 5 people that lived in the town. Miraculously we came across somebody that told us how to get on the correct rode and recommended a "delicious" place for breakfast. (so we thought!) "It's only 4 blocks down the road, it's called Smiley Faces Restaurant." When we arrived, all that was left of Smiley Faces was a dilapidated building with had painted smiley faces and a verse from the bible from the book of Matthew that read, "With God all things are possible" (Except Eating!!!!) All we could do was laugh and take pictures!!
The predicted weather conditions of hail, thunder and rain were a common theme throughout the day especially for Steve who was sure that we were going to be crushed by life size hail and torrential rains. Of course Robert who refuses to be delayed, turned a blind eye to the weather man.......... "Everything will be okay, Let's just get ahead of it..." SIGH! (Debbie and Gloria). Luckily the weather Gods had mercy on us this time. More bad weather predicted for tomorrow as we head to Memphis!
Have you ever seen a Jackolope?? Are Jackolopes even real? Well, we saw one on the road today - We think.... A cross between a rabbit and something else. Possibly a mythical creature. Maybe lives with the Unicorn? Who knows, may have mated with a unicorn
Only in Texas!! A truck with a personalized plate that reads "Beer 30" no confederate flag flying but possibly had a gun rack on the back window of his pick-up truck.
Forget the Jackolope, have you ever seen a Hillbilly?? Nothing speaks better than the picture that is attached........... Got his picture as he was entering a gas station convenience store to tell the attendant to make a promisary note for the gas that he had just put in his truck "cuz" he had "no money and he was good for it"
Kick Stands up at 0730 tomorrow morning. Off to Memphis, TN for Blues and Graceland - home of the King. Stay tuned..........
P.S. Steve's butt felt better today.
Monday, May 24, 2010
Day Tres-Rest Day in New Mexico
A well deserved rest day for our butts. Speaking of butts, half of our day (exaggerating a tad bit) was spent looking around for a butt pad for Steve!
Day started off by sleeping in til 8am. Walked around Santa Fe, visited the famous Loretto Chapel Staircase (featured on Unsolved Mysteries, google it), Debbie and Gloria shopped. Ate lunch at the Sleeping Dog Tavern and Steve and Robert had Doggy Style Pale Ale :) Great food, relaxing and even better beer. Easy Rider (ER) Rich bought a cowboy hat (to match his cowboy boots) and Robert even found a drinking establishment named the Matador Bar!! The bartender had the personality of a nat and think she was related to Jesus from St. Claire! (read the last blog). They card everyone - even Easy Rider Rich! The law is that you must be in possession of a valid ID (not expired)regardless of your age.
Rented a car and drove to Albuquerque for the Albuquerque Isotopes AAA game at night(Dodgers AAA team). Great game, came home, packed, and went to bed. Kickstands up @ 0600 for our 550 mile tour through Texas to Oklahoma City. Forecast says scattered thunderstorms about noon. We will take rain over wind any day! More to come from Oklahoma City!!
Thanks to all of you that have left comments. We have all enjoyed reading them. Keep them coming..............
Day started off by sleeping in til 8am. Walked around Santa Fe, visited the famous Loretto Chapel Staircase (featured on Unsolved Mysteries, google it), Debbie and Gloria shopped. Ate lunch at the Sleeping Dog Tavern and Steve and Robert had Doggy Style Pale Ale :) Great food, relaxing and even better beer. Easy Rider (ER) Rich bought a cowboy hat (to match his cowboy boots) and Robert even found a drinking establishment named the Matador Bar!! The bartender had the personality of a nat and think she was related to Jesus from St. Claire! (read the last blog). They card everyone - even Easy Rider Rich! The law is that you must be in possession of a valid ID (not expired)regardless of your age.
Rented a car and drove to Albuquerque for the Albuquerque Isotopes AAA game at night(Dodgers AAA team). Great game, came home, packed, and went to bed. Kickstands up @ 0600 for our 550 mile tour through Texas to Oklahoma City. Forecast says scattered thunderstorms about noon. We will take rain over wind any day! More to come from Oklahoma City!!
Thanks to all of you that have left comments. We have all enjoyed reading them. Keep them coming..............
Day Two-Flagstaff, AZ to Abuquerque/Santa Fe, NM
Our second day of travel can be best described in one word....WINDY! I'm not talking a little gust here and there, we experienced constant winds and gust of up to 60 mph for 400 miles! We knew it would be windy, as I-40 was closed the day before from Flagstaff to Winslow, AZ, but that morning it had opened up and we were told by locals that after Winslow it got better. Well, that was a bunch of crap....
OMFG when we road into New Mexico it was so bad the bike Gloria and I are on would be thrown (literally) from one side of the lane to the other (due to our higher profile bag). Steve/Debbie's bike would get the death wobble every time they would pass a big rig. I wanted a beer at the Chevron station about 130 miles from Albuquerque, but Gloria said no! ("all i wanted was a Pepsi [for you Suicidal fans])....Nonetheless, it was a blast (personally speaking). Richard, on the other hand, looked smooth with his hair flowing in the wind (no helmet laws), almost like he was filming the modern day version of Easyrider!! The guys have white nuckles and Debbie and Gloria are on prozac!
At the NM border, we ran into a father son twosome who were traveling from the east coast to California. I spoke to the father, who had a Torrance PD patch on his biker vest. He, about 65, explained that when he was a young hoodlum (his words), he and a friend broke into a police car and took the cops jacket and shotgun! They also told us that two days prior in Arkansas, it was so windy that when they set up camp at the campground (real bikers), they had to bungy their bikes to a tree and sleep on the floor of the bathroom! (real stinky bikers). Nice guys and part of what we wanted to experience on this trip........Americana!!!
In Albuquerque we stopped at the first place we saw, a wine bar (surprise!) St. Clair's Winery. As our luck would have it, we were served by JESUS! I thought the guy had an attitude, as he didn't want to place Gloria's order for a case of Mouvedre (told us it was easier online), he forgot Steve's crab cakes and the bleu cheese on his burger, and was an overall ass (Gloria will edit that out). Obviously, this Jesus was NOT our savior.
Drove 60 miles to Santa Fe where we are staying at the very quaint Old Santa Fe Inn (thanks to Debbie). Had a few drinks and we all his the sack. Oh, btw, Steve's bike is experiencing front end problems and may need service in Amarillo, stay tuned................
OMFG when we road into New Mexico it was so bad the bike Gloria and I are on would be thrown (literally) from one side of the lane to the other (due to our higher profile bag). Steve/Debbie's bike would get the death wobble every time they would pass a big rig. I wanted a beer at the Chevron station about 130 miles from Albuquerque, but Gloria said no! ("all i wanted was a Pepsi [for you Suicidal fans])....Nonetheless, it was a blast (personally speaking). Richard, on the other hand, looked smooth with his hair flowing in the wind (no helmet laws), almost like he was filming the modern day version of Easyrider!! The guys have white nuckles and Debbie and Gloria are on prozac!
At the NM border, we ran into a father son twosome who were traveling from the east coast to California. I spoke to the father, who had a Torrance PD patch on his biker vest. He, about 65, explained that when he was a young hoodlum (his words), he and a friend broke into a police car and took the cops jacket and shotgun! They also told us that two days prior in Arkansas, it was so windy that when they set up camp at the campground (real bikers), they had to bungy their bikes to a tree and sleep on the floor of the bathroom! (real stinky bikers). Nice guys and part of what we wanted to experience on this trip........Americana!!!
In Albuquerque we stopped at the first place we saw, a wine bar (surprise!) St. Clair's Winery. As our luck would have it, we were served by JESUS! I thought the guy had an attitude, as he didn't want to place Gloria's order for a case of Mouvedre (told us it was easier online), he forgot Steve's crab cakes and the bleu cheese on his burger, and was an overall ass (Gloria will edit that out). Obviously, this Jesus was NOT our savior.
Drove 60 miles to Santa Fe where we are staying at the very quaint Old Santa Fe Inn (thanks to Debbie). Had a few drinks and we all his the sack. Oh, btw, Steve's bike is experiencing front end problems and may need service in Amarillo, stay tuned................
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Day 1 LA to Flagstaff
"Kick stands up at 0600!" Well not exactly, we left at 0636. Temperature was FREEZING for about 100 miles. Left Mohave Valley, AZ with an additional rider Richard Dixon around 12:30. Winds were about 55 mph- not fun. We were riding sideways for awhile and semi's everywhere - let's not talk about it. After Kingman still had wind but scenery was beautiful as we rode to an elevation of 8000 ft. From sage brush to pine trees!!!!!! After a few drinks had an amazing dinner at the Tinder Box which was recommended by Steve and Maggie Lewis. If you go order the Blackberry Mojito's they are amazing "even gloria approved" Kick stands up at 0600 for ar a 460 mile ride to Santa Fe, New Mexico tomorrow morning.
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