Day 5 - Lee Vining to Hollister (via Yosemite National Park)

The Tioga Lodge was quaint and rustic. So rustic, when my roomy Drew took a shower last night, the shower head shot off and hit him in the chest. I decided to forego the resulting pressure wash treatment, since I'm out of clean clothes anyway. Phil and I decided to tour the park together since we seem to have a similar riding style and mindset for taking photos. The climb up to Tioga Pass at the entrance was close to 10,000 feet. Once in the park, we were greeted almost immediately to the vistas of granite faces with scattered alpine forests. Our first stop was Lembert Dome. It reminds me of Sugar Loaf Mountain, near Kyburz. We hiked up a ways towards Dog Lake to get a better view of the rock face. Curiously no dogs are allowed. It was a picture perfect day, despite the spectre of wildfires we were told of last night. There was not a cloud in the sky, and temperatures were pleasantly cool. A short stop on peaceful Tenaya Lake was teeming with swimmers and kayakers on the cold lake. Our next stop was Olmsted Point. It was a short hike to an outcropping of rock to view Half Dome. With my binoculars, I could see what looked like ants crawing up the rounded side of the peak, but it was a string of hikers climbing up a guide wire. The wind was whipping around the point where we were, and I can only image how windy it must be on top. It seemed like more than 100 hikers were visible. In the parking lot, we met another family riding motorcycles. Having a NC tag, and riding a scooter always makes for a great conversation starter. Once the Cable family, from Hollister found out we were on a charity ride, they immediately ponied up a cash donation. Thanks for your help. Mrs. Cable suggested we check out the Sequoias at Tuolumne Grove just before we turned onto Big Oak Road to leave the park. It wasn't exactly the 10 minute hike she said it was, but it was nice just the same. The pictures do not tell how huge these trees really are. Some as old a 3600 years, have somehow managed to survive fires, wind, winter, and man. Phil and I lollygagged plenty long and barely made it to Hollister in time for dinner at Johnny's Bar and Grill, compliments of Herb at CM Hoists. I got the Hawaiian Burger and it was pretty tasty. This is where it all started in 1947 with the Hollister motorcycle riots, dramatized by Hollywood with Marlon Brando in The Wild One. Laundry night! Slideshow,,,

Day 4 - Susanville to Lee Vining, CA

We backtracked on Hwy 44 till we met up with Hwy 89 south heading to Lake Tahoe. A few construction zones broke up the trip, not in the good way. Finally I get to see lake Tahoe in all its glory. I've been here two other times in the last three years. The first time it was raining and snowing, the second time it was wildfires. I stopped for a few pictures at Inspiration Point on the west side of the Lake.

We stopped for lunch at Brother's Bar and Grill, seemingly a biker bar. They managed to get out food out pretty fast for having 30 or so people descend at once. Someone picked up the tab, I think it was Jonathan and Sheryl. Thanks guys for lunch. Just before we left, Todd the cook was out back enjoying a smoke, and asked about our ride. He donated right there on the spot, telling me his Mom rides with about 100 or so bikes out of Sacramento to benefit breast cancer research. Thanks Todd.



The ride up Monitor Pass on Hwy 89 was a little more than 8300 feet. Once we reached the top, snow covered mountains spanned every direction my eye could see. Once the valley spread out coming into Bridgeport, the lush green fields on either side of the highway as far as the eye could see. Thousands and thousands head of cattle were lazily grazing.



We stopped at a vista point overlooking Lake Mono. The guard rail had become a favorite spot for bumper stickers. I added one for The Incriminators, my scooter club, yeah I'm not riding an old scooter…. We settled into the Tioga Lodge at Mono Lake, A quint resort just outside of Lee Vining. Rob, Suzanne, Phil and myself wandered down a primitive boat ramp with a decrepit boat house, to the lake as the sun set behind us. The seagulls eating the bugs were only disturbed for a little while. An orange full moon arose across lake Mono while we enjoyed BBQ compliments of Frank and Pat Stewart. Thanks for dinner.

I think I'm getting a cold. Drat. Here's some slides:

Day 3- Eureka to Susanville, CA

We left Eureka this morning at a chilly 51F degrees. I did bring a rain suit, and it came in handy. We headed east on Hwy 299. More twisting roads as we climbed through Trinity National Forest. A good deal of ride, the Trinity River was on our right side. Deep in the valleys, with no sight of the horizon, the optical illusion of traveling downhill and watching the river flow uphill is unsettling.





By the time we made Redding for lunch, it was 104F. We headed towards Lassen Volcanic National Park in the distance, still covered with snow. Once we arrived, we were told of 7.5 miles of construction with hard pack dirt and gravel. I took a pass with 12" tires and decided to hike around the lake at the entrance instead. Several others took a pass and went straight to the hotel. Phil and I took in the vistas of the long quiet volcano, woodpeckers, chipmunks, deer, ducks and geese. The water was clear and cool.

Phil and I took the last 60 miles to Susanville on Hwy 44 with the low sunset at our backs. Our longs shadows cast in front of us most of the way while the warm colors of the fading sun turned the fields and marshes on the plateaus around us a vibrant golden color.

Slideshow today:

Day 2- Lakeport to Eureka, CA

I noticed the bottom of the bathroom door looked a bit chewed up when I awoke. I didn't remember it like that last night. And sure enough it wasn't. Some mouse chewed a hole in my back pack and dined my granola bars and butterscotch. I was gonna say how nice it was to end up in a suite, but now I'm not.









We left town north on Highway 20 towards Fort Bragg. This day above all was more technical riding in twists and turns than any I have ridden anywhere. We skirted along redwood forests and took old Highway 101, now called Avenue of the Giants. The road was dappled with light and shadow from the massive giant trees, making the already twisting turns more challenging. The 30 miles or so of awe inspiring height and girth of the trees is humbling. I wish we could have stopped, you'll just have to take my word. We did stop at a tourist trap like drive through tree for a photo shoot. Greg got a shot of each.

We managed to go from 60F some degrees this morning to something past 100F once we got near the coastline. We finally settled at the Bay View Inn in Eureka. Not exactly a great view of the bay, but a nice place nonetheless. We decided the Applebee's across the street (within walking distance) was better than driving a mess of two wheeled vehicles several miles down the road to a local pub/watering hole. The mango margarita were tasty too, glad I could walk er… stumble back to the hotel. Someone picked up the tab for dinner, all thirty or so of us. I think it was Bill. Thanks Bill.

Today's short slideshow:

Day 1- San Francisco to Lakeport, CA

We had a great send off compliments of IATSE Local 16 at Presidio Park, at base of the Golden Gate Bridge. Unlike yesterday when I crossed the bridge coming into town, a heavy fog covered the top of the bridge. Alcatraz island was barely visible in the mist. I picked up a National Park pass, and a refrigerator magnet, with a foggy picture of a bridge and a quote by Mark Twain: "The coldest winter I ever spent was a summer in San Francisco." He wasn't kidding. The BBQ chicken, beef brisket and ribs were tasty. Thanks Local 16.




I wandered over to the civil war era Fort Point. The cold wind was whipping in and around. I can't imagine what it must have been like to be stationed there, freezing day in and day out. The fort was saved from destruction during the building of the Golden gate bridge to preserve the artistry of the masons who built the structure.

We crossed the bridge heading north towards wine country. Vineyard after vineyard winding through Napa Valley towards Sonoma County. I can't fathom how the brown and withered hillsides can produce the grapes for such a huge industry. If there was irrigation, I couldn't see it from the road. Highway 29, north of Napa takes on small intestine appearance, and tested everyone's twisty skills. I re-discovered my side stand, and I figure by the end of the week it will have ground down to a shiny nub of steel.

We wound up in Lakeport, on the shores of Clearlake, although it looked pretty green to me. Loren found a great little lakeside restaurant for dinner. The Park Place Restaurant set us up on a small balcony overlooking the lake. I hoovered handmade mushroom ravioli in a pesto sauce, while a full moon arose over the lake. Nice end to great day.

A slide show from today:

Well, I'm off on another adventure, and the third time for this charity ride that started this whole crazy idea of riding a Vespa motorscooter across the country and back.

This year our ride will take us through parts of the northern California Redwood forest and Yosemite Park. The whole point of this trek is to raise money for a couple of worthwhile charities that have a direct impact on our industry: Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS: the nation's leading industry based HIV/AIDS fund-raising and grant-making organization; and Behind the Scenes: providing financial support to entertainment technology industry professionals in crisis. There's lots more info here about the ride with links to the charities as well. The past rides have been exhilarating, exciting, and exhausting all in one. If you have an inordinate amount of time on your hands, you can read about these past journeys here. Look to the right, click on 2008 scroll to the bottom. The earliest posts start at the end.

Last month, Behind the Scenes awarded three grants. One went to a lighting designer/programmer who was hit by a car when on a bicycle ride, the second went to a stage manager / production manager who was in a car accident, and the third went to a person working at a theatrical dealer who is having major shoulder surgery. In all these cases, the individual has been out of work for several months and was facing the prospect of losing their home to foreclosure or being evicted from their rental. The grants allowed them to keep them in their home, cover utilities, food, and their health insurance premiums so they wouldn't lose their medical coverage.

This ride starts the end of this month. It's not a pledge per mile thing, nor does it cover of any of the ride expenses. Your donation goes directly to the charity, not to the riders. Here's a nifty form to send with your check if you prefer: Click Here for a PDF to print out and mail in with your tax deductible donation.

If you prefer the online route: you can make an online donation, fully tax deductible, with your credit card directly to either organization here: http://www.lrlr.org/donate.html Follow the links at the bottom of the page. Please be sure you check my name as the rider you are supporting.

Day 9 - 388 Miles

I decided to sleep in, but woke up anyway because I failed to close the drapes last night. I had thought about just punching up the "go home" button on the GPS, and specifying "avoid interstates". I google mapped a bit, but the thought ran through my head of last year leaving Lake Tahoe finally starting my ~3100 mile return journey towards home thinking: Oh hell, now I have to drive home.

My better senses took over and I decided to take the most direct route towards I-85 and head home. I'm not sure I actually did take the most direct route, but I got there within a hour anyway. I don't particularly care to drive on the interstates, mostly due to inattentive drivers grossly exceeding the speed limits, not to mention, my scooter has been hitting the rev limiter on this trip around 78mph. I can't always get away from the idiots.

The trip was mostly uneventful sans the 10 mile back up in the opposite lane near Gaffney, SC. Looked like a tractor-trailer drove off the road, slid along the embankment for several thousand feet before ending up on the side on the right shoulder. Gawkers in my lane made for a 3/4 mile back-up. It also made a great excuse to jump off the interstate for a photo-op with the giant peach water tower. There's a big green leaf on the other side making it look far less like butt cheeks from the opposite direction.

I finally got home after a hot long drive around 7:45pm. The temperature and humidity were higher that it's been all week. I did mange to miss the "Friday afternoon get out of town" traffic in Charlotte, and missed altogether the RTP traffic near home. Guy and Lola were very happy to see me. However, I never can tell if it's me or the fact that I feed them nearly every time I walk in the front door. It was nice to sleep in my own bed, and I do think the felines miss sleeping with me in bed too, even if it doesn't involve kibbles.

Day 8 - 261 Miles

Our day started off by saying goodbye to Loren and Kate, they had a deadline to get their rental bike back to Richmond. The Brits too; David, Brenda, Lucy and Henry left as well, only the day after finally getting the second chase van replaced with one that actually started. We set off to Deals Gap to ride a particularly twisted section of US 129: 318 curves in 11 miles. Not long after we took off, we stopped and turned around to find Michael stopped with some clutch problem. We left him in the care of Rob and Scott in the other chase van, and headed towards Deals Gap.

We stopped at the Deals Gap Motorcycle Resort after a few turns in for a souvenir stop and for the amusement of the Tree of Shame. This clearly is the destination for all two wheeled vehicles, and the tree is for all those bits and pieces of bikes that split up upon impact with a tree or ditch.

The actual 11 miles of twists and turns is not much different than some of the twisties we've experienced, but just bunched closer together. The speed limit is 30 mph, and one TN State Trooper had a couple of crotch rockets on the side of the road in handcuffs. I felt no need to set any speed records, and surprisingly spent most of the time with no cars or bikes in sight.

The highlight of the day for me was the baby bear on the side of the road on the Dragon's Tail. At first, it looked like a fake bear with his paw lifted, ready to cross the road. My brain quickly connected there were no tacky lawn ornaments on this highway. I slowed down, he broke his steely pose, turned back and ran back in the woods.

We wound up driving back through Marysville to get Jonathan and Sheryl with the sidecar to the Harley dealership. Last night he had a fouled plug and was driving on one cylinder. I gave him a wire brush for the plug and thought the matter was fixed. It wasn't and off we went. This dealership is truly a destination upon itself. Out back there was an outdoor stage with a covered patio, a BBQ shack serving fresh pulled pork sandwiches from the huge hot smoker next to the stage. It was a welcomed respite, even if the bad news about Jonathan's ignition not being manufactured anymore was the source of his problems. No worries however, he rented a bike, several folks shifted two-up and we continued our journey.

We rode towards the Cherohala Skyway, through the Cherokee National Forest towards our final destination of the day: Dahlonega, GA where the Eastern Gold Rush began. I have to say the Cherohala Skyway was one of the most enjoyable rides this entire week. Just the right mix of trees and mountains and curves and streams and vistas.

We got the hotel late, Rob and Scott has scoped out a dinner spot willing to stay open late for us. The Crimson Moon Cafe served up a delectable shrimp and grits, and I saw several other tasty dishes go by. The huge slice of carrot cake Dennis ordered didn't look too shabby either. An acoustic duo was finishing up their last set. We broke out in guffaws when they broke into the the Lumberjack song from Monty Python. The other diners still left at the other tables I guess had never heard the song. More kazoos cheered up the remaining diners and wait staff.

Today's short slide show:

Day 7 - 222 Miles

We shot down I-75 towards Gatlinburg and took a detour through Cades Cove. Its a massive glen atop the mountains. A loop road winds through the park that once was a community. Several old churches and cabins dot the edge of the one way loop through the lush dell atop the Smoky Mountains. The loop road was rough in places, and my cooling fan came on for way too long waiting for the traffic jams. Although the signs clearly request one not to stop on the road for photos, but to use the numerous pulloffs, that didn't seem to faze the several van loads of kids that stopped at nearly every turn. I can't imagine how crowded this must be on a weekend. It did give me ample time to consider what living atop this mountain in the lush green valley would have been like to the early settlers. Several deer sightings as well as a bear crossing the road were the lead causes of the traffic jams.

We did catch a glimpse back on Hwy 321 of three elk munching in a small field by the road on our way to Gatlinburg. We had a late lunch a the first place we found: Smokey's Sports Pub and Grub. They were nice to accomodate the mess of us so late in the day. Some anonymous benefactor picked up the tab for lunch. My bet it was Jonathan. Thanks for the grub, it was tasty after that loop through the cove.

It was so late in the day, we decided to skip the hike a Clingman's Dome and head to Mingus Mill off Hwy 441. We got there just after they closed up for the day, but the outside and the machinery leading to the still working mill was fascinating. I followed the sluice upstream aways, and crossed the stream into the lush forrest. The mist hanging in the air was thick and cool.

Our last leg took us on Hwy 74 to Bryson City for the night. We found Mickey's Pub downtown. It was a gathering place for locals that also welcomed outsiders like ourselves. The bar was covered with brassieres stapled to the wooden structure. After several adult carbonated beverages, Alice, Shelly, and Kacey decided to leave their mark on the bar like so many before them. The bartender had the staple gun ready to go behind the bar, and up all four of them went, standing on the bar. The locals seemed to get a kick as well from the shenanigans.

Todays slide show.

Day 6 - 245 miles

Most of us managed to get to Melaine's in downtown Boone for breakfast. The Eggs Benedict were delicious, and it seems everyone else had a tasty breakfast as well. Our first stop was the Mast General Store in Valle Crusis. I can spend hours in a Lowes or Home Depot, I could spend a week in this old timey blast from the past. The smells and sights are inviting as the candy counter next to the homemade jams and jellies. The clothing and crafts section, as well as the hardware selection really make one feel like they have stepped back in time.

We left Valle Crusis headed towards Roan Mountain State Park in Tennessee. More winding roads lead us higher and higher where the clouds hanging over the mountain tops clung in the valleys. We missed the turn off and drove to the other side of the mountain before turning back and heading up again. Funny enough the parking area at the top was named Cloudview somethingorother. We were totally socked in by clouds swirling around us. Didn't seem to bother the several families grilling out in the parking lot. More kazoos for the kids. Needless to say, we skipped the hike in the park.

We shot on over to Johnson City, TN for lunch before departing for Cumberland Gap. Unfortunately, the skies did not cooperate and the light rain we encountered leaving town turned worse and worse as we got wetter and wetter. After stopping for a particularly heavy downpour with lightning all around us, we decided to head straight to our hotel in Corbin, KY.

After drying off a bit, a Mexican Dinner at El Ranchero was a welcome respite. Even more so since Bill picked up the tab. I expecting a discount, but this was over the top. Thanks Bill.

We were due for freshly baked pie for desert at Moe and Christina's house ( how do they manage to cook and plan these rides is beyond me ) before heading to Cumberland Falls to witness a moonbow: a rainbow in the mist from the light of the moon. Unfortunately, we 'll only get to enjoy pictures, as the clouds did not cooperate. However the pie was to die for. Rhubarb, Cherry, Apple, and Lemonade pie was a treat as well. Thanks Christine.

A short slide show. Laundry time...

Day 5 - 154 miles

Today was not the best day for the Brits. I needed a bit of air for my rear tire, and used my compressor. Michael needed some air too, and he used the compressor, but plugged it in the chase van Brenda and David have rented so not to drain my battery. Unfortunately , the van's battery was nearly flat for some unknown reason. We left the van behind to get fixed up by the rental co.

We all got a bit lost getting got of town, but eventually headed out US 421 south. The signs warned truckers to find an alternate route for the next 22 miles, and for good reason. This has been the most twists and turns so far. I've driven this road many years ago, and several other twisty roads, but this is the first time I've seen roads on my GPS unit looking more like intestines than a curvy road. Its so curvy, there's not warning signs at every curve. So you know when you see a warning sign for 20 mph curve ahead, they really mean it.

We got to Boone, and Moe had managed to eek out a discounted lunch for us. Thanks Moe. We didn't stop for long however, we fueled up and continued on the Blue Ridge Parkway south. Our first stop was Beacon Heights Overlook. A short trail lead to an outcropping stone platform with incredible vistas of the mountains. Our stop there became long winded due to a patrolman deciding to stop Brenda (of David and Brenda from the UK) driving the last chase car. Our quaint customs regarding the proper procedure for a police stop were somewhat lost in translation, and those things customary in England didn't go over too well. Apparently we needed a 'permit' to drive the parkway. She finally talked the patrolman into meeting with Greg at Beacon Heights where it mostly went from bad to worse. We got the full Barney Fife story later in the evening.

We wound our way to Linville Falls, and took a short hike up to the several viewing areas of the falls. It was steep in a few places, but a good workout after eating way too much for lunch. The trail through the lush forest did little to muffle the sound of water crashing down the falls. I was expecting to see some wildlife towards the end of the trail, but only saw delicate flowers peeping through the low lying foliage.

We wound way back towards Boone where Greg and Alice managed to host a delicious Mexican feast for the more than 30 of us at their home in Boone. I'm not sure how they managed to pull that off being on the road for the last four days, but it was a treat. Thanks, it was awesome.

Slideshow:

Day 4 - 167 Miles

The day started out dreary with rain, and reports of flash flooding in the direction we planned to travel were dismal. We decided to sandbag for a few hours until most of the rain had passed. Time for a less than spectacular breakfast at IHOP, but nonetheless better than the continental breakfast at the hotel. Rather than a scenic journey towards Abingdon, VA, we took the direct route on I-81. We still passed through several showers, but the worst part was behind us. Joseph seemed to have solved his starter shorting out problems, and made the journey with us.

Our destination was the Barter Theatre, one of the oldest continually operating LORT D theatres in the country. Lunch was provided in the Barter Theatre Cafe compliments of CM Hoist Manufacturing. Several folks got tickets to see The Wizard of Oz, and the rest of us got the grand tour of the scenic, property, and costume shops, as well as several smaller venues, and rehearsal halls. One of our riders, Michael, was a carpenter at the Barter in the late 70's. I could see the joyful look in his eye, reminiscing about old times.

Dinner tonight was an old fashioned pig picking with Moe's Mom and Dad in Bristol, VA. For those not in the know, a 'pig picking' is a whole or half pig roasted slowly over open coals for 10-14 hours. The meat just falls off the bones, and usually before it's all said and done, a crowd gathers around the carcass and picks off tender, juicy bits, or crunches on the crispy skin.

The back yard drops off down to a glen where the feast was laid out. The bucolic landscape spread to adjoining field with cows and horses munching on grass. The property is bordered with thorny blackberry bushes dripping with plump berries. Moe's Dad spent the last two days picking blackberries for a scrumptious cobbler. It was still warm, and the ice cream slowly melted into the buttery crust. An awesome end to our day.

Today's short slide show:

Day 3 - 352 Miles

Today was an early start, although kickstands at 7:00am turned into more like 7:20am, sort of like scooter time. We left Richmond heading west on I-64. Joseph has been blowing fuses on his starter, and the local Harley shop will get him in to take a look. Dennis and Frank will stay behind and meet up at the hotel tonight.

A thick mist hangs in the air, and visibility becomes more difficult when we head north on US 522. The slower speeds make it harder to clear my face shield. The sun barely cuts through the mist, leaving a spooky feel to the rolling fields and farms along the gently twisting two lane.

After a few stops to take on and release fuel, we finally get to the start of Skyline Drive, a twisty curvy highway along the ridge of the Shenandoah Mountains. The winding road has a speed limit of 35 mph, and in some places its obvious why. The sunlight peeking through the tree covered road makes a mosaic on the road making it difficult to distinguish the bumps and cracks from the shadows.

We've split in two groups. I'm taking the detour to Luray Caverns, the other group will continue on the 100 or so miles of Skyline drive towards Fisherville, our lunch destination. These caverns are huge. I've toured caverns in NC, TN and Bermuda, and this by far is the largest. Also makes for huge crowds, and I sort of miss the tour guide, now that they use self-guided headsets. I tried my hand at photos without the use of flash, or a tripod, shaky, but OK. The highlight I think is the The Great Stalacpipe Organ. A custom console that actuates rubber mallets, via solenoids on stalagmites to produce a complete range of tones like a pipe organ.

We were treated to lunch by the Fisherville Methodist Church. BBQ and homemade potato and macaroni salad were a welcome treat after a long morning. The highlight by far was the homemade ice cream. Thanks to Larry "Pastor Disaster" and the rest of the church for lunch.

We continued along the Blue Ridge Parkway towards Roanoke. The ride gave us ample opportunity to take in the vistas from the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Surprisingly there was little traffic. I expected much worse for a weekend. The cooler temperatures at the higher elevations made for an enjoyable afternoon.

Dinner was compliments of Moe and Christine's Uncle Charles and Aunt Anna. They have retired to Roanoke and built a gorgeous and inviting home. It was a great end to a long day driving.

Some slides for today:

Day 2 - 98 Miles

Our morning started early with the blessing of the bikes. A local Powhatan Chief Ken sent us on our way to leave this world a better place than we found it. Sounds good to me. We didn't leave till Bill blessed the bikes as well with Holy Water from his mother Ida.

Our first stop was a trip to Historic Jamestown. A canopy of trees lined the narrow winding road towards the East. We got a few breaks waiting in construction zones and a few group photo ops.

Once in Historic Jamestown, we split to take in the Museum and Exhibits at our own pace. The Museum had a special exhibit of Bermuda and the influence it had on the early settlements of the Americas. Interesting for me, several artifacts I have enjoyed in my journeys to Bermuda were on loan here.

Several replica ships were moored on the river and were open to tour. I can't imagine living in the cramped quarters of these ships as they sailed across the Atlantic. I also can't imagine working at the museum as a re-enactor. These actors were decked out in heavy clothing, and the temperatures were in the 90's with high humidity.

Several of us were historied out, and decided to take the ferry across to Surrey and try to find the Virginia Diner we were told about rather than continue on to Williamsburg and Yorktown. Supposedly it has a delectable selection of pies. Our small group got split up when the TSA, or whoever thinks we're wanting to blow up the ferry, decided to stop half of us for a "random" search. It was Chris's turn to strip his bike for one agent while the other examined the underside of his bike with a mirror. The rest of us waved good-bye to the other half of the group as the ferry pulled away from the dock.

We managed to make the best of it. Greg handed out kazoos to kids in several cars on the next ferry. Kazoos became the calling card for the Long Reach Long Riders several years ago, and it makes for a lot of happy kids, if not happy parents, for a while anyway. The kazoos are a perfect ice breaker for a bunch of motorcycle riders trying to raise money and awareness for the charities we are supporting. Two small boys came back to Greg with a small donation themselves. Thanks kids, it really does go for a great cause.

Needless to say we never found the Diner after we caught up with the rest of the group that made the first ferry. We managed to dodge several rain showers on the way back to Richmond.

Last night Darren suggested we might enjoy a local biker hangout called the Sportsman Lounge. Pool tables, darts, shuffle board, horseshoes, and locals. Good food, good beer and good times. More kazoos for the local patrons.

A double rainbow greeted me as I left the bar. Tomorrow we're off towards Skyline Drive and the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Today's slide show is a bit longer:

Day 1- 195 miles

I actually got out of town within 15 minutes of my goal. It's rare for me. My journey to Richmond, VA takes me up US1 on familiar roads. I've made more than a few trips here in the last year to help my friend from Columbia, Lynn, to re-build her Lambretta. She's been working with Darren Lopez, restorer extraordinaire, and I've learnt a lot myself. I stick to US1 rather than the interstate, and this ride is relaxing and enjoyable. Once into Virginia, the road becomes speckled with sunlight along the gentle hills and curves towards Richmond.

The Lambretta bug bit me a while back, and I learn something every time I visit. I planned to stop in to see Darren on the way. His yard and shop are scattered with Lambrettas and Vespas in all shape and forms, waiting to be restored. Once there, Darren's lovely companion Charlotte, treated me to the fresh spoils of their garden on warm pita with hummus. Fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers, marinated in vinegar base with fresh herbs. I really didn't want to leave, but I had a riders meeting at 5pm.


Many old faces and many more new faces this year with the Long Reach Long Riders. We have almost 30 riders on 20 bikes or so. Some have come as far away as England, Canada, and California. Many of us are from the East Coast. Mostly Harleys, with a few Hondas, the rare Suzuki, and me on the lone Vespa.

We leave after the briefing to a splendid dinner hosted by the Chickahominy Indian Tribe at the Tribal Center. The tribe located near the James River helped the early settlers survive the the first few winters. We get a rich history lesson along with a feast of deer meat, both braised and barbecued, fresh fish, potatoes, and succotash.

A few raindrops on the way back to the hotel was not so bad, although I didn't bring my rain gear. We enjoyed another impromptu rider meeting along with some fresh spoils of someone else's corn crop in the liquid form. I'm looking forward to tomorrows trip to historic Jamestown and Williamsburg.

A short slide show from today.

I'm Off on Another Journey

Day minus one-

Well, I'm doing it again, but not all the way across the country this time. The Long Reach Long Riders Charity Ride this year will be on the East Coast, snaking along Skyline Drive and the Blue Ridge Parkway. I'm no less prepared for this journey than I was for the last. It's easier for me to pack and prepare, since I made the first of these journeys last year. I tend to start packing in my head a few weeks out, so the real act of getting my act together is not so stressful.

I did however discover in my prepping my scooter for this journey, I have sheared off on of my exhaust manifold studs. I'm keeping my fingers crossed it won't cause me problems, but I have taken the precaution of a wire tie to loosely divert my rear brake line away from the hot exhaust gasses leaking from the exhaust header. I figure I've been riding around like this for along time, so I'm not too worried.

A drive to Greensboro tonight to take my Mom to dinner to celebrate her 80th birthday is a welcome diversion to the 'last night before a long journey' doubts. I really don't have the time stress about what I have forgotten or not. I've just gotta go...

I Survived Highway 50

From I Survived Highway 50

Well, I actually got in the mail today my certificate, suitable for framing, and pin from the Nevada Tourism Commission that says "I Survived Highway 50.

The pin is sort of lame. Doesn't even say I survived.

From I Survived Highway 50

Island Vespa

So, it's not a Vespa, but it's my ride on the island.

Bermuda, ahhh my treasured island to bemoan. You see, every time I arrive, the weather is gruesome, and work is a burdensome chore, but the folks I work for, Barry and James are a treat to work with. This time is no different. I try my best keep my rain gear with me at all times, but I usually fail miserably.

It was sad in a twisted sort of way to find a Piaggio badge from some Vespa crushed and defaced at the end of the driveway at Barry's house.

One of the things I do take the time to do is find a rock on the water to enjoy, while eating my lunch. It really helps to get away from the job site during lunch and enjoy the scenery. I can look, but I can't touch....I've nearly gotten to the point of not telling people where I'm going when I have to come over here and work. I get the idea most people think I'm laying on the beach. Just ask anyone whom I've brought over to work here. It ain't no vacation, trust me. If it's not miserably hot and humid, it's raining, or a hurricane is on the way.

Here's how it usually goes. I get a crap load of gear shipped over here. I'm lucky if it gets unloaded off the boat and cleared through customs in a timely fashion, and undamaged. Then, say one of my manufacturers forgets to send the bolts for the clips, I have to drive to the other side of the island to a hardware store only to find they have the bolts, but not the nuts. OK, so I drive to the opposite side of the island, to another hardware jobber, they have the nuts, but they're metric. I swear, this is the way it goes. Yea, its a vacation....I get to work on my stunning lineless full body suntan in the depths of most any dark theatre.

In all the fifteen years I've been working on this island, I never took the time to check out the local Vespa shop. I tried to score some swag, but I failed miserably. With so many scooters here, I believe it is considered merely a utilitarian purchase. Very different than the scooter shops back in the states. Nothing, no tee-shirts, no key chains, nada, zip, zilch. There is a pile of rusting hulks of LX125 frames looking pitiful to me.

A little slide show of my latest journey:

Laundry Day

Well... really, wash the scooter day.


I've never washed my scooter, really. I'm one of those 'if it ain't broke, don't fix it' kind of people. I wash my car once a year whether it needs it or not.

I have to admit however, after more than 8800 miles on the road, and not enough rain showers to wash the bugs off it was looking pretty bad. Really bad. Several people along the way asked if they could help me wash, like the windscreen, or something. I figured since I didn't actually look through it, why did it matter?

Today's slide show is for all you kind folks who really wanted to wash my scooter. You know who you are.

One Day after -

Sleeping in my own bed was nice, but it just didn't seem right without a couple of felines stomping over me all night. They're still at their Grandparents house, and will be for a few more days. I've got to jump right back into work.

Almost 8800 miles. Wow! I'm so glad I took this trip, and I'd leave tomorrow again if I could. I have had the splendid opportunity to meet and enjoy some of the finest people one could ever meet. I think I have forged some new friendships that just wouldn't have happened if not for this extraordinary journey.

All the guys and gals on the lrlr.org charity ride, I'm proud to have had the opportunity to share some incredible vistas of this country I've only seen from 32,000 feet in the air, and conjure up some cash for two outstanding charities. All you Royal Bastards on the west coast, thank you for opening your hearts and homes and making me a part of you. I'm more than just Easy, I'm humbled and honored. To all my Cushman friends, thank you for welcoming me to your world. It's been a trip, really. And to anyone reading this now, thank you. Writing this has not been easy for me, but I think it's worth it. I appreciate all your comments.

Many of you have kindly asked me about my concerns for my personal safety and what precautions I had taken. Well...really...none. I mean I do carry an 18" breaker bar and a swell Gerber hatchet, but those items would be nowhere at hand if I really needed to clock someone. I think a lot of one's personal safety is in one's head. Look confident and you'll be confident. I helps for sure that I wear the full get up of protective gear with a full face helmet and dark face shield. My riding style probably gives me away to experienced riders, but for the most part, I think I look mostly androgynous. Actually on several occasions in Utah and Kansas, a carload of youth would speed by, yelling 'faggot' out their windows, and display their limp wrists. I usually responded with my tightly cupped hand pageant wave.

Several people have asked what would I do different next time. Hmmm. Let's see...

#1- I won't bury my flashlight deep in the pet carrier. I'll start of with it in the glove box.

#2- Unless I'm doing a specific camping trip, I'll ditch the tent and sleeping bag. Just too bulky, and for me, I rather enjoyed finding and staying at the no-tell-motels found on the outskirts of small towns. I like having internet.

#3- Sunblock everyday. I didn't realize until the third or fourth day that I could get a sunburn on my face under my full-face helmet with a sun visor. Same thing with windburn around my neck despite the high collar of my hi-viz jacket.

#4- I should have researched my locales more in advance. Even with my leisurely 250 mile a day pace, I burned up a good portion of the day deciding what I would like to seek out. Some days I just drove until something caught my eye.

#5- I'll call my credit card company every three days to make sure they don't cut my card off for 'my own fraud protection' No, wait...I did that already. What useless pricks at American Express. Seems like only the last of nine separate calls that eventually was routed to 'Account Services Dept.' was able to cut through the BS and stop the declines. Why 'Customer Service Dept.' or 'Fraud Dept.' couldn't do the same thing is a mystery to me.

The things I would do the same again:

#1- Have a spare set of keys accessible at all times. It really came in handy when I left my keys on Lucky's kitchen counter in Sacramento, and we had trailered the scooters the few hours to Tahoe. Would have been very awkward to go back for keys.

#2- Take spare tools, wheel, rollers, belt, and such. It ate up most of my space in the pet carrier, but I was confident I could handle most any roadside maintenance issue. With the exception of the keys, I'm of the mindset: if I have it, I won't need it, and conversely if I need it, I won't have it. So, I tend to overpack.

#3- Take spare oil. I think the days of WOT burned oil. I had to add oil three times, about 2/3 cup each time.

#4- Take spare fuel. I bought two small fuel bottles from the local outdoor camping store. Clamped one under the rear luggage rack and another in the pet carrier. Needless to mention, I did run out of fuel near McLean, TX, where the fuel stations are not at every exit.

#5- Take and drink plenty of water, always. De-hydration is an issue in all kinds of weather.

#6- Take lots of gloves, once a pair gets wet, even the waterproof ones, they transmit the cold badly to my fingers. It was nice to have a dry pair of gloves to switch to. Same thing for mesh gloves, once they're wet, they're a drag.

#7- Take a good first aid kit, and forget the band-aids. Take loads of gauze and other blood sucking material. Road-rash is not pretty and band-aids would be worthless for some deep blood gushing gash in my flesh.


Thats all for now. It's good to be home.

Cheers.