Today’s ride would start with a ride along Washington highway 20, otherwise known as the North Cascades Highway. It would end with a ferry ride and a nice easy roll down the west side of Puget Sound to my friend’s place on a nice little island. Continue reading Riding the North Cascades and Puget Sound
Category Archives: Road Tales
In a fast-paced world where most long journeys are viewed from 20,000+ feet in a jet airliner, we miss out on the detail afforded by the low viewing angle of a motorcycle saddle. In this category I have stored a collection of interesting experiences gleaned from years of motorcycle touring. Each tale may describe a multi-week trip, a single day, or one sublime instant. Some tales even have photographic evidence. While I post these tales largely for my own amusement, I have been told they have inspired some to try motorcycle touring. If so, then that seems like a useful purpose. May they help you realize that the universe still holds many thoughts to consider, humor to be enjoyed, and wonders to behold.
My Rear Tire is a Disaster Magnet
Almost everybody who rides motorcycles cross country will eventually have a flat tire on the road far from home. I had endured this challenge a mere two weeks ago and had no idea that I was due to deal with it again. Continue reading My Rear Tire is a Disaster Magnet
Let the Mountains Begin
After three days and 1700 miles (2736km), today I was finally going to reach the mountains. Having been out here once or twice before, I wasn’t just going to see any ol’ mountains, I was going to ride through Glacier National Park. Continue reading Let the Mountains Begin
Following the Hi-Line on US2
The number for today is “2”. Specifically, US highway number 2 or US2 for short. Crossing the Great Plains on this US highway yields vast horizons of farmland, broken up by the an occasional line of trees or a gulch-cut river valley. It is a route that leaves you plenty of time to contemplate not only the scenery but why people came here in the first place. Continue reading Following the Hi-Line on US2
Great Plains or Bust
After a lazy morning and indulgent brunch, I had a long afternoon and evening to get in the day’s requisite miles. Continue reading Great Plains or Bust
Going with Your Gut (literally)
It was the day that I was due to leave on this summer’s foray towards the west coast and I had yet to choose a route. I ended up letting my stomach decide for me. Continue reading Going with Your Gut (literally)
Adventures in Tire Plugging
In preparation for our recent trip down to North Carolina on the Nightowl, I install a new rear tire. Naturally, that same tire picked up a nail two days later, which led to some strategizing on how to get home. Continue reading Adventures in Tire Plugging
A Cold Escape
As mentioned in my previous post, Mother Nature was doing her very best to keep me and the Nightowl housebound in Michigan instead of riding down to Daytona Bike Week.
She failed. Continue reading A Cold Escape
Daytona 2016 Preview
The annual Daytona Bike Week has historically been held the first full week of March. This may be a nice time of the year for Floridians and those who live along the Gulf Coast, but in the northern states, it’s still winter. Continue reading Daytona 2016 Preview
Bike Buy Journey: Bringing the Nightowl Home
Since I ended up buying the Nightowl, my new 2015 BMW K1600GTL, from a dealer in another state, there were a few additional challenges when it came time to close the deal and bring the Bike home: Continue reading Bike Buy Journey: Bringing the Nightowl Home