Harley Davidson Travel Blog . . . and thoughts along the journey

Local H.O.G Chapter

2006-02-20T16:40:00.002-05:00

In the past I was always hesitant to join the local H.O.G ® Club Whitewater Valley Richmond, IN Chapter #1297, because their events usually took place over the weekend as a two day event or the events took place on a Sunday . . . and it was just hard to fit it in.

Dianne Spillers, who is an employee of the local Harley Davidson store, and an officer of the local HOG chapter informed me, that this year there will be a lot of 'one day' activities. So, . . . she bent my arm and I became a member.

April 1st I will bless the bikes and we will be ready to go!

Sparks Trike Conversions

2006-02-07T22:20:00.000-05:00

After a 'brief' time off from riding, I think it is time to get the winter-tired body ready for the pick-up of my bike from storage. (Uuuuh - I can't wait . . . but I think I still have to wait until the end of March).

As almost every Saturday, I visit one of my favorite shops: The local Harley Davidson Dealer in Richmond, IN at 2240 Chester Blvd, Richmond, 47374 - (765) 962-0596. The staff is always friendly and helpful and it is a true pleasure to chat and to feel welcome.

A few weekends ago I had asked them if they knew of anyone who would be able to sew a patch on my leather jacket, and they referred me to Mrs. Sparks. So, I brought my jacket and patch there and about a week later I picked the jacket up. Mrs. Sparks did a great job! Then Mrs. Sparks told me about her business and explained to me that she and her husband are doing Motorcycle conversions.

The kit allows you to convert your motorcycle into a trike. And the best thing is, that you can take the kit off and on in about 5 minutes. the kit is manufactured by Voyager (check out the site) and to me it seems to be a great idea (even though I will wait a few more years . . . since I have not reached the age where I need 2 more wheels)

Anyway, if you should be interested I would recommend that you contact "Sparks Trike Conversions" at TrykeBarbie@aol.com. I promise you they are super-nice folks and you'll be happy you did.

Back home in Ohio

2005-10-17T20:17:00.000-05:00

Well, I finally made it home after 4,415 miles on the road. I got home yesterday after staying one night in Casey, IL. I was unable to put anything on the Blog, since Casey, IL did not provide a local access number for my internet provider.

So . . . here I am back home. But I will for always remember the people I met and the places I saw. I met the people who escaped hurricane Katrina, I met the Japanese who rode his bicycle from Las Vegas, NV to the Grand Canyon, I met the people who sat in the local cafe, I met the couple who met each other in the street . . . and the list goes on forever.

I learned that we all want the same thing: . . . we want peace, talk about our town, city or State, and come home to our families.

Life is not as sterile as it is proclaimed to us by our changing "cyberworld". The difference of opinions is not as drastic as the talks shows seem to tell us and our country provides a tapestry of cultures that blooms in every corner. Although some of us need the help of others, we are a generous people, we are helpful and we are kind.

Life is more then checking the current mortgage rates, health and the future. Life is about living . . . life is to be lived with others. Life is to be shown and to show off. Life is to be thankful for its' core . . . to our God. Life is not to feel sorry, but to be able to change the sails and go to waters where the wind is stronger and where those winds will carry you to the shores where you can set your anchor.

Take a trip see and feel for yourself. . .

Boonville - Missourie

2005-10-14T20:43:00.000-05:00

Well, I made it to Boonville, MO today. (small town) The weather was perfect . . . around 86 degrees. I could finally shed my leather jacket and just drive in a leather vest. Most of the day I drove through Kansas on St. Rt. 54 and on a toll-road I-435 until I hit I-70 in Kansas City, KS. I stopped at a rest stop on the toll-road and I met a truck driver who is a HD driver. He puts on an average of 25,000 miles per year (That A Boy . . . !! ) He told me about some of his rides and then he told me that the toll-road at some point belonged to a single family. I have to check that out later . . . if you have any info, let me know in the comment section. Kansas is a very pretty state and the landscape changes about every 100 miles or so. (and, if you did not guess it, Kansas takes a while to cross . . . :-0

Anyway, I wanted to share two stories with you THAT fall into the “Odd Category”:

1. The day I was in Bellemont, NM, and I stopped at the Harley dealer to have an oil change done, a group of bikers drove into the HD dealership parking lot. All of them had beautiful bikes and they were driving at a group. As they got off their bikes, I started a conversation and I noticed that all of them had some physical handicap. One was limping, another had his leg wrapped, etc. As they were getting ready to enter the store I glanced at the back of their jackets, which usually holds an emblem of a HOG chapter or any other membership. And I could not believe what I read: “Crippled Bastards”

2. As Mary and I were in Las Vegas, NV and we were waiting at a bus station, we overheard a couple beside us mentioning that they were going to get married in one of the “Las Vegas Marriage Chapels” (All of that belongs into the category of “must see” . . . very odd). Anyway, they had made reservation for the chapel service, but did not get a license from the courthouse. The problem was that it was Sunday and the courthouse was closed! The following day was Columbus Day and on that day as well the local courthouse was closed. We started a conversation and Mary and I calmed them down. We noticed that the woman was not an American and had very little to say about the wedding. (That was NOT because she couldn’t speak any English). I finally told them that I am an ordained minister and if push comes to shove I could marry them. It was at that point that the woman gave me and Mary a very (how do I want to call this. . . .) misgiving look aa if she was saying: “Don’t you understand I do not want to get married” Needless to say I did not say anymore and luckily the bus came.

. . . and that is it for today!

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Thought of the day:
Don't judge others . . . talk to people and they will tell you what they think of themselves!
_________

Total Miles: 3,915 miles
Miles today: 330 miles
Temperature: 86 degrees
Gas: $24.86

Wichita - Kansas

2005-10-13T18:41:00.000-05:00

As I wrote yesterday, I went this morning to visit the XIT Ranch museum in Dalhart, NM and it was great. (one fact: The barbed wire which once stretched for 6000 miles around the ranch was $1,755.00 . . at that time) If you are interested check out the link to the museum.

At about 10 A.M. I left on State Route 54 East, where I will eventually hit I-70. I don't know if I will drive I-70 home later on . . . or select another route.

State Route 54 takes you from I-40 all the way to I-70 and is a beautiful Road. As I was traveling on I-40 the previous two days, I constantly saw signs for Route 66, but when I checked the maps . . . there is NO Rt. 66 . . . very weird!

I am about 15 miles before Wichita, KS. Today was the first day where I actually saw trees and front lawns that were mowed and corn/wheat fields . . . the only difference between here and home is that open country. I drove again for miles and miles without any traffic and villages. It also appears the farther East I go the cheaper the gas is. The price dropped from an average of $3.20 to about $2.46 for super unleaded (91 octane)

Along State Route 54 run the tracks of the Union Pacific Railroad and while you drive for miles and miles the tracks become your friends:-) I can't imagine how much labor it must have taken to build these tracks, which often go over terrain that is not inviting to build tracks.

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Thought of the Day:
Focus on an objective and you can overcome difficult terrain
_________

Total Miles: 3585 miles
Miles today: 319 miles
Gas: $ 25.67
Temperature: 75 degrees

Dalhart - Texas

2005-10-12T20:32:00.000-05:00

Once again the day started out to be a cold day. But it was a beautiful day to be alive. I hit Albuquerque, NM driving I-40 about an hour into my day and the city is a beautiful city with her architecture and her location in the valley surrounded by stunning mountains. As I was driving through the city a gravel dump truck was driving in front of me and a gravel piece flew into my face. I have a cut in my face, but the bleeding did not last too long. It was more the shock when the piece hit me, then the wound itself. Not too worry, everything is fine! (and I found the gravel piece on my seat . . . nice memory)

As I was stopping for a cup of coffee close to Tucumcari, NM (the weather was now warmer), I met a very nice couple on a bike (Yamaha . . . OK!) Both joined me for a cup of coffee and told me their story of riding. Bernie Evans (the guy- around 43 years old; from Chillicothe, OH) told me that he had to have a pace maker in March. He mentioned that it changed his life forever and he left with his bike to go “West” and to do some ‘soul searching’. As he made one of his stops in Durango, CO, he literally met Rebecca Loeb on the street as he was taking a walk and they stayed together ever since. Rebecca is from Monterey, CA and was visiting her uncle and seeking a position as a cardiac technician in Durango, CO. Anyway, they both decided to drive to his home in Ohio and then . . . go from there. We talked about God, destinies and life until we split. She also told me that her Dad is a writer, who wrote the book: “Anthem”

I decided to take State Route 54 North toward Dalhart, TX. I made it to Dalhart, TX and I will stay here one night. On my way here I saw cattle feed ots that are bigger then our county. And as I was eating my dinner I met “Boog Wallace”, who used to own the restaurant for 35 years and he gave me the ‘run down’ on this part of the country: There are three cattle feedlots, and the biggest of them hold 185,000 cattle. Yes, that is 185,000 cattle!!! Close by is the small town of Etter,TX where IBP slaughters up to 3,000 cattle an hour. And as if that is not enough, within a hundred-mile radius there are over 1 Million heads of cattle. I knew Texas was big in everything . . . but nothing can top this. But as if that is not enough, he told me what the area is really known for . . . and that is the largest ranch in the USA. This area was part of the XIT-Ranch. In 1880 the ranch was 3 Million acres large and all fenced in. Imagine 6000 miles of fencing.

Well, I will take the time to visit the local XIT-Ranch museum tomorrow morning and then I will be on my way again. I am not sure what route I will take . . . but I will check on that after I log off tonight.

By the way . . . NO Nextel connection here in Dalhart, TX

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Thought of the day:
Go soul-searching and the answer will come to you
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Total miles: 3,266 miles
Miles today: 354 miles
Temperature: 32 degrees to 70 degrees
Gas: $ 24.58

Grants - New Mexico

2005-10-11T17:45:00.000-05:00

When I got up today I was surprised by 28 degrees cold weather. My HD was covered with ice and the top of the San Francisco Peaks (at Flagstaff, AZ) had snow on them. I changed into warm clothes and full leather. As the day progressed the day got “warmer” to about 65 degrees or so and it was a very enjoyable ride. The landscape changed on I-40 to ‘mountain country’ and the cooler weather gave the landscape a different dimension. Everything seemed to be more in focus, sharper and visible with more clarity. The ride was great.

For lunch I stopped at a Jerry’s in Holbrook, AZ and as I parked my bike, another HD rider parked his. We exchanged a few words outside and then we went inside and sat together and had lunch. Bob (the guys name . . . he looked rugged) mentioned that he was not sure where he was going, he just knew that he would go East. (OK, I thought here I am with some flunked out guy . . . ) He told me that he was from Santa Paula, CA and he just retired. Come to find out, Robert Gonzales retired as the Chief of Police from the Santa Paula Police department. We had quite an extensive conversation and we literally struck up a friendship. He told me that one of the things he was going to do on his trip was seeking the lineage of his Dad in some town in NM , since he knew very little about him. At the end of our lunch Bob gave me a patch and a pin from his police department and we went our way . . . but not without telling him that if he ever comes to Ohio to stop by my house.

My hope was to reach Albuquerque, NM today, but I was too tired to make it (because of the cool weather) So I stopped in Grants, NM. When you enter Grants, NM you see a giant lava field and it looks very destructive. The lava supposedly came from Mount Taylor, a big mountain behind Grants, NM.

As I made my hotel reservation in the lobby of the hotel, I asked the receptionist, what Grants, NM is famous for and the answer was plain and simple: “NOTHING” But then an assistant (her name was Sophia, a young Navaho Indian) spoke up in a quite, but authoritative voice: “That is not true! My grandmother told me a story when I was little, and she told me that the Taylor brothers came here a long time ago and killed a large giant who lived in the mountains. He was so huge that when he fell the blood streamed from the mountain and what you believe is a lava field is the hardened blood of the giant. Believe me it is true!”

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Thought of Today:
Reality finds truth in what we know
______________

Total miles: 2912 miles
Miles today: 276 miles
Gas: $23.56
28 degrees to 65 degrees

Return Trip has begun

2005-10-10T20:09:00.003-05:00

Well, I did not write anything yesterday, because we had a very busy day. I visited several attractions in Las Vegas, NV and it would take weeks to see them all. The city is really unreal in all it has to offer and it is very hard to describe. It seems as if Las Vegas is the city were everyone can forget reality . . . One of the places I visited yesterday was the Liberace Museum. Not everyone may remember the ‘very odd’ piano player, who dressed in fancy costumes and had a taste for the unusual. (. . . excessive . . . I call it . . . Rolls Royce with mirror pieces on them, costumes made out of feathers and the list goes on). Most of his career he played at the Hilton Hotel in Las Vegas and he earned in 1951 as much as $1,500 per week. - which was at that time the highest paid performance in Las Vegas)

Anyway, Liberace died in 1987 of HIV in Palm Springs, FL. as a very faithful Catholic Christian. He had asked to sell all of his belongings, except the pieces that are in this museum. All proceeds from the sale and the museum went/go to a foundation with the objective to award scholarships for arts and music students around the country.

The museum is located way off the main strip in Las Vegas, Nevada and Liberaci had asked in his last will NOT to locate the museum on the Ls Vegas Strip. Now, the admission is $12.50 for adults and the exhibit is separated by two buildings located in a strip mall. (Very odd!!) Is it worth going? Not really, and my assessment is that the museum will die a slow death because of the location of the museum and because the younger generation has no clue who Liberaci was.

I also went to the original Las Vegas (Freemont) where everything got started . . . and to tell you the truth, most of that place is a run down part of Las Vegas. This part of the city looks like Havana/Cuba under Batista . . . And where malls took over the shopping habit in any other town in America, here the Las Vegas Strip took over the gambling and revenue from the downtown.
Is it worth going? I think so, just to see the history of the town. (I read up a lot of the history of Las Vegas and it truly comes alive if you visit) And by the way . . . food is very cheap in any of the casinos there.

When I left Las Vegas today (I decided to take St. Rd. 93 and then I-40) it started out as a warm day, but then changed soon into a fairly cold day in the mountains. I had originally planned to go I-70 through the Rocky Mountains, but . . . I heard that snow fell in Denver so I decided to go the Southern Route.

On my way though the mountains I met a German (Mr and Mrs Klaus Kueffer) couple that visited the USA and Klaus is a BMW rider. Last year he went to Turkey from Germany and he invited me to come over to Germany, because he had a motorcycle trip planned to go to Russia next year. . . something to think about!

I am right now in Bellemont, AZ . . . had an oil change done at the local HD dealer and I am doing some laundry, since I could do only limit laundry in Vegas (EXPENSIVE!!)

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Thought of the Day:
When you leave one place to go to the next . . . don’t look back . . . just keep the memories
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Total miles: 2,646 miles
Miles today: 306 miles
85 degrees to 58 degrees
Gas: $18.79

Cirque du Soleil

2005-10-08T15:04:00.001-05:00

Yesterday I sat in the sold out 2,000 seat auditorium of the Hotel Bellagio . . . I do not think that we have ever seen a more spectatular artistic show in our lives.

“Travel far enough my friend, and you’ll discover something of great beauty: your self.”

This is the opening statement in the souvenir program for “O”, a spectacular performance by artists from over 20 different countries, combining strength, agility, daring, whimsy, humor, drama, tragedy, and surprise.

“O” takes place within the audience, in the balconies, from the rafters, from all areas of the stage, and in the sometimes-there swimming pool that appears within portions or all of the surface of the stage. The action includes fantastic acrobatic stunts that some of us might recall from an early visit to the circus, along with synchronized water acrobatics, representing the journey of a primary character. With front-row seats, we experienced the entire show intimately, including mist escaping from the “stage” in some scenes. What story does “O” tell? The Director describes “O” as, “An homage to Theater, to every story ever born on its stage; … of life, love, and death.” It does seem to depict the journey of life, and what we experience along the way.

My recommendation is, see “O”, by Cirque du Soleil!
Rating: Five stars!

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Thought of the day:
“Travel far enough my friend, and you’ll discover something of great beauty: your self.”
____________

If you take a 5000 mile trip - Things you must have

2005-10-06T15:21:00.001-05:00

On Monday I will begin my journey back home. I will let you know of my route on Sunday.

For those who visit the Blog and would like to know what to take along on a 5,000 mile round trip, here is a list of things that have done well for me. Tomorrow I will share with you some tips of the journey that will make it easy for you to live economically

Things to take along on a 5,000 mile trip:

1. helmet
2. 4 T-shirts (3 long sleeve for driving)
3. leather jacket
4. leather chaps
5. 3 pair of jeans
6. 4 pair of underwear
7. 4 pair of socks
8. leather gloves
9. bandanna
10. ear plugs
11. ear cover for cold weather
12. leather driving boots
13. sunglasses & goggles
14. tennis shoes
15. sandals
16. digital camera and batteries/charger
17. first aid kit
18. soap, toothpaste, etc.
19. palm pilot for addresses and notes
20. cell phone (make sure of your service area and the charges across country)
21. pen and small notebook
22. some tools: screwdriver, adjustable wrench, pliers, pocket knife, small scissors, plastic tie strips, air pressure gauge
23. large plastic water bottle
24. laptop/charger
25. aspirin
26. billfold attached with chain to your pants: (AAA card, HOG card, VISA/ATM card, Medical Insurance Card, Motorcycle Insurance Card, registration, drivers license, no more then $100.00 cash)
27. map and planned route layout
28. change and detergent for laundry
29. Road King Classic :-)

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Thought of the day:
Good planning will give you peace & comfort
_____________

Impressions of Las Vegas - Nevada (take two)

2005-10-05T18:23:00.000-05:00

As you probably guessed, the weather is still great . . . and I am meeting lots of people. Today I talked to a couple from China, Mr. & Mrs Li Tianhua, who now live in Japan. Believe it or not, but they did not speak any English and of course I was not able to talk to them Chinese or Japan. But we were able to talk for quite some time with hand motions and ‘sounds’ that are understandable in any language. I 'told' them about my trip to China in 1998 and they 'told' me about their first impressions of the USA.

I thought I let you know some highlights of my trip from Eaton to Las Vegas:

1. Best road to travel on a Harley Davidson: State Rd. 60 from Socorro, NM to Springerfield, AZ & St. Rd. 98 in NV
2. Best interstate to travel on (if you have to) : I-40 from Flagstaff, AZ to Kingman, AZ
3. Friendliest people I met: Memphis, TN
4. Best hamburgers to eat: At “Manny’s” in San Antonio, NM
5. Most expensive gas: $3.56 for super unleaded . . . somewhere in NM
6. Best Hotel with nicest staff: Ride Inn in Springerfield, AZ
7. Sharpest car to watch on the road: Dodge Magnum
8. Things I miss the most: Family, Friends & my pillow to sleep on
9. City with the most potential to show off history and be a showplace: Hot Springs, AK
10. Best motorcycle to drive: Road King Classic – Harley Davidson
11. Most unique restaurant: Harley Davidson Bar and Grill in Bellemont, AK
12. Worse coverage of cell phone service: Nextel
13. Most unexpected & unique site: The Great Array on St. Rd. 60 in NM
14. The greatest Museum: Museum of Arts in Roswell, NM (Forget the UFO museum)
15. Most unique restaurant: The Cattle Barn in Roswell, NM
16. Cheapest city to live in: Roswell, NM
17. Highest speed I traveled (and people still passed): 90 mph – Highway 38 from Gladiola, NM to Caprock, NM
18. Most unique Café: Harley Davidson Café in Las Vegas, NV
19. State with most ranchers on the road: Texas
20. Biggest ranch people told me about: Walker Ranch – five counties large!

. . . . and there you got it.

One more thing: I left this morning around 9:30 A.M. to go to the Las Vegas Strip and saw a guy at the slot machine . . . .when I cam back at 5:00 P.M. the guy was still sitting there . . . OK!

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Thought of the day:
When you think you saw it all, there will be more!
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Impressions of Las Vegas - Nevada

2005-10-04T18:30:00.000-05:00

This is vacation weather! Still blue sky and around 88 degrees . . .. Today I walked the other side of the Las Vegas Strip toward the new hotel “Wynn”. All the architecture here is absolutely breath taking. I do not think that they saved on anything. Each building that I start to admire is being taken over by more glorious features then the previous one.

On Thursday ‘My Mary’ will be flying out here and we will be visiting the ‘O’ show in the Bellagio, Cirque du Soleil. Everyone in Vegas is talking about this show. We bought tickets for the 8th, and I will let you know about the show later.

The best part of this visit is the watching of the masses of people. Some wear fashion they would not wear in their home town; some eat their self-made sandwiches while playing the slots . . . and you can’t imagine the great conversations I had with people from all around the world. Everyone here is in great mood: . . . no matter if it is the older lady (who had one whiskey too many) that just lost $4,000.00 on the roulette table (her comment: “I am just here to have fun!” . . . or the guy who just won $3,000.00 on the blackjack table (his comment: “I had better days . . ., but its OK’).

The reality is, that this city is built upon offering entertainment for the whole family. I believe the days of pure ‘gambling entertainment’ are gone forever. The streets are filled with families and the hotels offer childcare everywhere. The food is reasonable inexpensive. I only eat two meals (breakfast and one meal later in the afternoon), because the portions are very large and I truly cannot eat any more . . . even when I walk around all day.

The entertainment value reaches from a museum exhibit of the Kremlin, to a wax museum . . . to Magic Shows or big star shows of today’s entertainment world . . . or to tours of the Grand Canyon, Hoover Dam, etc. Truly something for everyone!

I have spoken to some people here, who suggested NOT to go via Colorado back home, because of the possible snowfall in some of the mountain passes. So, I will once again reconsider my route. . . and I will let you know later. If you have any suggestion leave me a comment.

My thoughts are with all of you!

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Thought of the Day:
Seek the good in all things and your mind will find goodness
__________

From Las Vegas, Nevada

2005-10-03T18:20:00.000-05:00

This morning I ate breakfast at the hotel I am staying (The Orleans) and I took a shuttle to the Las Vegas Strip where all big hotels and casinos are. When you look around you see the mountains in the distance and you do notice that you are in the desert. The air is dry, the sky does not have single cloud and the temperature is around 88 degrees.

No matter where you go when you leave your hotel room, you are surrounded by either the sound of slot machines with there distinct pinging noise, music or the releasing of coins into the slot box. Even when you stop at a gas station you will not be able to escape gambling as you will find video poker in there.

When I left the hotel early in the morning I was astounded to see that there were a multitude of people still sitting at the gaming tables and slot machines to gamble. Some looked like they had been there all night (which they probably had. . . ) I don’t believe that there is any other city in the world where people seek more fun and/or entertainment then in Las Vegas.

Mind you, I have not seen the ‘big winner’ yet, but it is a great entertainment to watch the paradox people live in, who believe that they will be a winner . . . fully (maybe) knowing that they have a very slim chance. In all other life situations the very same people probably would shy away from chances and risk . . . but here they seek by thrill and risk the hope of a great ending. Many of the gamblers here are from South America or Japan.

On the strip I visited the Harley Cafe . . a must see!! It has much memorabilia and great Harley Davidson motorcycles in the café. The Las Vegas Strip is filled with great architecture like Caesar’s Palace or the Bellagio with a spectacular lake in front of the Hotel. Inside are shops filled with items that have a price tag that surpasses at least my budged . . . but I did by a couple T-shirts at the Harley Café.

____________________
Thought of the Day:
Hope is found in dreams we can give to others
____________________

Las Vegas - Nevada

2005-10-02T15:21:00.000-05:00

Well, I finally arrived at my destination 2,240 miles later. Last night I was woken up by a terrible smell of fire and I thought the hotel was on fire. I got up and found out at the front desk that there was a controlled burning going on . . . I thought I get a second heart attack.I left early this morning and it was a chilling 38 degrees. I dressed warm. As soon as I left Bellemont, AZ the terrain became very rugged with lots of mountain. There was hardly any grass visible, only rocks and more rocks. It is hard to describe, but the sky here seems so much different then the one I am used to. I believe that the landscape here has not seen any rain for a long time, as most of the rivers and creeks are empty. By the way I like the names of the creeks: "Coyote Wash" or "Rattlesnake Wash", etc.

The landscape here reminds me very much of "The Valley of the Shadow of Death" in Israel. Highway 40 is pretty much the only route to Las Vegas and the whole road seems to be a big sight seeing tour . . . just beautiful. Along the tour today I encountered a tremendous amount of cross-winds, especially in the mountains. At times I really had to slow down, because you get pushed to the other side of the road . . . by the strong winds.

I stopped at a very isolated gas station in the middle of nowhere, and I met a 25-year-old Japanese "Tom Shimojo" with his bicycle there. He had come to Las Vegas from Tokyo and bought a bike in Las Vegas to visit the Grand Canyon . . . He is sleeping outside and he told me that he has a great time . . . OK !! Fear, I guess is not in his vocabulary!

When I arrived in Kingsman, AZ (Just before I took 93 to Las Vegas, NV) I noticed that this is one of the busiest town I have ever seen in my life: filled with an incredible amount of traffic, people, signs, etc. As soon as I passed Kingsman and I entered the desert to Las Vegas the temperature skyrocketed to 98 degrees and it was time for me to slip out to the leather. When you drive in the leather you do not feel that it is that hot outside, but you noticed how your head slowly gets warmer and warmer and you think you have fever!

At around 1 P.M. I had the chance to visit Hoover Dam . . . which is a great site. It reminds us how we as human kind can follow our dreams and fulfill them with hard work and determination.
The monumental dam is very hard to describe, because it is so very large.

In the parking lot an older couple started to talk to me and they told me that they had adopted a cat in the shelter of Phoenix and she had a Harley Davison collar around her neck. Every time she hear a Harley she is running toward the sound of the Harley . . . . that’s' what a great bike does for you . . . :-)

___________
Thought of the day:
Great things can be accomplished by dreaming a dream and believing in it
___________

Total miles 2,340 miles
Miles today 197 miles
38 degrees to 98 degrees
Gas 15.69

Bellemont -Arizona

2005-10-01T18:54:00.000-05:00

Today I left Springerville, AZ and ended my day in Bellemont, AZ. (About 10 miles past Flagstaff, AZ). As soon as I left Springerville, AZ a new world opened. The ride was filled with mountains in the distance and very open country with green bushes and red ground and a ‘dead’ grass cover. I stopped during my ride and noticed that the cover with grass is very thin, and the ground underneath is filled with rocks. The air in the morning was so clear that I must have been able to see for tens of miles in the distance.

The view all day was spectacular, because of the endless openness of the area. The mountains that you see appear close, but in reality you drive and drive and it seems as if you do not get any closer.
I took St. Rt. 60 to Show Low, AZ and from there I took St. Rt. 77 to Holbrook, AZ. From there I took an Interstate for the first time on my journey (Speed limit 75 . . . and I let you guess how fast everyone really drove). I drove I-40 to Bellmont, AZ.

When you drive in this part of the country you know that the road is endless when you cannot see its end in the distance and all county roads are dirt roads. Interestingly enough I sometimes noticed pick-up trucks with livestock trailers that suddenly turned on their turn signal to turn into a path in the desert. I have no clue how they knew where to turn. Most ranches are miles away from the ‘main road’. Traffic out here is very sparse.

I enjoy ATV riding and so far I believe there is no better State in the Union where one could ride for miles and miles.

Around Noon I reached my 2,000 mile mark. In the distance I noticed a beautiful mountain that was filled with indescribable colors. The colors ranged from bright read to lush green to an unusual gray. As I later found out these were the ‘San Francisco Peaks’. These mountains are sacred to the Navaho Indians.

My day was cool and I again had to wear leather as I slowly climbed to 7,500 feet elevation. Around this area are numerous Indian reservations that advertise cheap cigarettes and . . . or course gambling. Somehow I think the world is upside down. And . . my Nextel connection is back.

By the end of my day today, after I settled into my hotel I visited the local Harley store in Bellemont. The store is located on a little side road fairly close to I-40. But the most interesting part about this dealer is that he also owns a bar and restaurant on the property. In there you fix your own hot-dog, chop or steak on a grill. (I guess if you don’t like the way it turned out, there is none to blame but you.) I met some guys from Phoenix, who drove up here to have a good time. We talked for about two hours and we had a great time. One was a band director in Phoenix and the other was a truck driver (brothers) Both moved here from NY-City several years ago.

Tomorrow will be the day (God willing) for me to arrive in Las Vegas and I will let you know tomorrow. Until then . . . you all have a great weekend and as always let me hear from you.

_____________
Thought of the day:
Thank God every day for your friends and promise to make new ones
_____________

Total miles 2143 miles
Miles today: 203 miles
67 degrees to 90 degrees
Gas: 12.35

Springerville - AZ

2005-09-30T15:55:00.000-05:00

Today it started out to be a fairly cool day. It was around 50 degrees and I had to wear my leather jacket as I began my journey out of Roswell, NM. My route took me on State Rt. 70 South and then on State Rt. 60 West. As I mentioned yesterday, this was the most desolate rides I had on my journey . . . but it was also one of the best.

Most of the ride was through mountains and some flat lands. In the first part of the journey I encountered a huge missile test base, and then I saw a huge array of radio telescopes that were stretched over miles and miles. Here they try to find the end of the universe . . . must be the right place to do that . . .

Best Hamburger I ever ate!

I had a great burger in San Antonio, NM at 'Manny' which was a very small grill. Here I talked to the locals and they told me about the land prices: $4,000 for tillable acres (that would be an area where there is water) and $2000 for desert land. Seems weird to me to spend $2000 for desert land . . . but what do I know.

Right beside the road I took, was a cattle trail approximately 125 miles long with water for cattle and sheep every ten miles. The trail was about 7 miles wide and the local ranchers brought their live stock to the market. Interestingly enough, the trail was closed down in 1971 . . . not too long ago, since most cattle are now hauled via semi.

I still have no cell connection . . . but then I got all of your prayers . . . :-)

Greatest Motel in AZ with friendliest staff:

I am staying in Springerville, AZ (at the Rhode Inn) where John Wayne used to have a ranch. The locals told me that he often stopped here at the hotel (which also has a bar!! ) . . . Well, he had a few (too many) and then stayed here . . . not because he was tired, but he wore the bar out . . . :-)

I feel as if I am early since AZ is three hours ahead of Ohio . . .

Tomorrow I will leave for Nevada, but I think I will stay one more day in Arizona, probably the Northern part. I will plan my route tonight and will let you all know. Let me hear from you . . .

_______________
Thought of the day:
Why don't they make cat food that smells like mice?
_______________

Total miles: 1940 miles
Miles today: 334 miles
65 degrees
Gas: $23.64

Today in Roswell, NM . . . and plan for tomorrow

2005-09-29T14:14:00.000-05:00

The guy on the left introduced himself to me and told me that he stopped at the hotel every Thursday with his wife. He is a truckdriver and he proudly showed off his tatoo.

When I got up today, the weather was actually cool (56 degrees). I had breakfast at the hotel and then did some 'housekeeping'. I did laundry and cleaned my Harley, otherwise I will never get the bugs off.

I then went to the Roswell Museum and Art Center , which is well worth a visit. They had very nice exhibits. Two of the exhibits interest me the most and I learned something that I did not know before:

(1) in the native American and Western Americana section they talked about that American Indians were pedestrians until the Spaniards came to this country and brought the horse . . .

(2) In the Goddard Gallery, they talked about that Robert Goddard (never heard of him before) was the first one in the USA who experimented in 1915 !! with rockets. His dream was to send a rocket to Mars one day . . . . I find this so unusual, since I always believed that it was Werner van Braun (the German) who laid the groundfloor with his V2 for all future missions.

I then went to the UFO museum and I did not encounter any aliens. But on the other hand, people here take the event of 1947 very serious, On my way out of the museum I ran into one of the founders of the museum. He was a local funeral director, who was called by the local airforce (after the event in 1947) and they asked him how children like bodies could be preserved in caskets and transported. He stated that the alien bodies were brought to Wright Patterson Airforce base.

. . . so there you got it!

Anyway, tomorrow I will try to make it to Arizona. I will take State Routes 70, 380 and 60. These are the most desolate roads out here and I will watch my gas carefully, especially since I have no cell.

Great to hear from all of you . . .

____________
Thought of the day:
Assumptions will only allow us to see puzzle pieces of the whole.
____________

Roswell - New Mexico

2005-09-28T14:35:00.001-05:00

I made it to Roswell, NM and the first thing I noticed is that I do not have any NEXTEL service. I checked their coverage area and they do have service in Honolulu :-) My only concern is that if I get stranded that I will not be able to call anyone.

Anyway, the ride was great! I continued to take State Rt. 82, which later becomes State Route 380. Shortly after I left Lubbock, TX the landscpe changed dramatically. The area was sparsely vegetated, lots of red sand/dirt and it seemed as if God had forgotten to form the "earth" here. The only reminder that others were here before me were the hundreds of oil wells that I could see on both sides of the road. The towns I passed (if there are any) are small and are usually centered around the drilling industry or live stock yards.

Interestingly New Mexico has the highest per-capita drowning rate of any state in the U.S (Ithought you might like that!!!)

About half-way donw the road to Roswell, I took the time to stop and turn the bike off. And then it became clear to me: The air was filled with vibrating sounds of insects, the sand and rock sparkled at me in vibrant colors and a bird was circling around me to greet me . . . and yes, I saw yellow flowers that were waving their crowns in the dry wind. I saw bushes that had the courage to hold up the sand y wind and I noticed grass that was not not willing to give up its' potential.
God had not forgotten this part of the world . . . He just gave the world an image that would be different. I stayed for a while in the desolate area (and hoped my bike would start back up since it was sooo hot). As I left the bird circled in front of me while I was driving as if to say : "So, what do you think now?" "Fine just fine", I thought to my self and drove off.

I will stay tomorrow in Roswell as well and visit some sites (UFO museum, etc) and then I will leave on Fridayon State Rt 380, hitting State Rt 60 . . . I will look closer on the map tonight and then finalize the route.
I then hope to be in Las Vegas, NV by Sunday.

_________________
Thought of the day:
Before me make any judgement of things or circumstances,
may we take time and look at the details.
________________

Total miles: 1,606 miles
Mile today 199 miles
98 degrees
Gas : $ 14.06

Lubbock - Texas

2005-09-27T18:34:00.000-05:00

I drove about 221 miles today and I made it to Lubbock, TX (no, I have not heard of it either before). It was a wonderful ride. I thought I saw open country yesterday, but today there was hardly any living soul between the small towns I passed. I took State Rt. 82 and this road is as State Rt. 70 a great road to bike on. The only thing is that you do not want to get stranded here, because it may take a while for someone to pick you up . . . and I have not checked my Nextel service here :-) If you see a vehicle it is usually a semi that hauls cattle or a pick-up truck that hauls live stock. The speed limit is 70 mph on the St. Rt and I usually drive 65 mph . . . and then suddenly you see a semi passing me at God knows what speed . . . :-)

When you drive you see horses grazing, cowboys fixing fences (boy would I like to own a barbed wire shop here) and cattle that believe this belongs to them alone.
The weather is making up for all the trouble it gave . . . about 86 degrees and no humidity at all.

My plans are to leave tomorrow to Roswell, New Mexico and check if I can find some aliens. I will probably stay in Roswell another day to rest and will then leave. I think that I will be in Nevada by Sunday or so, but I will let all of you know.

______________
Thought of the day:
Loneliness is to not to be shared but to be conquered.
______________

Stats:
Total miles: 1,417 miles
Miles today: 221
85 degrees
Gas $15.02

Witchita Falls - Texas

2005-09-26T20:20:00.000-05:00

It was an incredible day today. I was leaving my hotel in Hot Springs, Arkansas at about 9:00 A.M. (which would be 8:00 A.M. local time OH) and I began my drive on State Route 70. 70 is a great road to travel . . . and just as I left Hot Springs, I felt as if God opened His hands and presented the day and journey I would travel today.

I cannot tell you how I felt moved by the beauty of Oklahoma and the wide, open land. I have driven through Oklahoma before, but to experience it on a Harley is so much different. It feels like I belong . . . there is great peace: I can smell the cattle who are grazing the pastures and laying in water holes. I encounter the blue sky that is so much bluer here then I have ever seen and I pass through small towns, where on occasions children wave at me, and people smile when I pass by their porches.

Today made up for the rainy days I experienced. . . I wish I could stay!

I believe I will have to wear a bandana around my neck tomorrow since all of my neck is burnt. I protected my face with sunscreen . . . but it still is very red. There are other parts of my body which start to hurt after 300 miles, but I don’t think there is any medicine for it :-)

My best friends today are (1) State Route 70, (2) Gatorade (it is sooo hot) and gas stations. Even when you see a gas station in the distance there is no guarantee that it is still open.. The further I travel West the more pick up trucks I encounter . . . (Diesel of course)

Anyway, originally I wanted to go to Vernon, TX, however I made a turn to Wichita Falls, TX where I am staying at a Hotel.

It was a great day! I am so thankful that I have been able to make this tour. I will plan my route tonight and I love to hear from you . . . so leave your comments. And thank you so much for all of your prayers.

__________________
Thought of the day:
If we do not have purpose bigger then ourselves,
then we become the purpose
__________________

Stats:
Total miles : 1196 miles
Miles today: 394 miles
95 degrees
Gas: $19.48

Sunshine . . . and I start to smile

2005-09-25T16:41:00.000-05:00

This morning it has stopped to rain and the parking lot of the motel is almost empty. Those who evacuated have began their journey home (Even though the governor and mayors have asked NOT to return) Later in the day it rained little but then . . . finally, this afternoon sunshine has arrived.

I visited the local Central Baptist Church this morning and many people greeted me . . . everyone thought I was an evacuee. (I wore a T-Shirt and Jeans) The message of Pastor Dr. David Smith was inspirational and he talked about how we, as Christians, may rejoice in all life situations (ref. Rom 15:13)

I then visited the downtown area again (this time without the rain). There are numerous bathhouses, because Hot Springs is known for their springs. Some of the springs emerge to the surface at 143 degrees others at 66 degrees. I visited one of the bathhouses, which is now a visitor's center. The visitor's center left the original state of the bath house intact and it is very educational.(pictures are added to this Blog after I return back home) The city of Hot Springs is located in a very nice setting, however the up-keep of the downtown area is very poor.

In the center of the downtown sits the ‘Arlington Hotel'. I stepped inside and walked through the huge hotel that was build around 1906. Even though I did not go into any of the hotel rooms, the hotel lacks the proper care it deserves. Unfortunately, this hotel as the surrounding beautiful buildings are simply neglected. Once you step inside this gigantic, historic hotel you feel the ambiance and glory of past times. Truly worth a stop! And if you look closely in the cigar smoke filled lobby, you may see the wealthy of the past . . .hear the voices of past visitors . . . sharing their bath house experiences and cutting new business deals .

And before I forget: . . . you will of course find a sign along the downtown road . . . "Home of Bill Clinton"

I will try to get an early start tomorrow morning. I decided to take State Route 70 South - West. I could have taken I-40 and crossed Oklahoma much quicker, but I do not like to travel Interstate Highways as it takes a lot of concentration . . . and one sees very little of the true country. I hope to hit Vernon, Oklahoma by tomorrow and I will then take State Route 287 the next day.

___________________
Thought of the day:
After days of rain, there will always be days of sunshine
___________________

85 degrees
no miles

When will it end?

2005-09-24T20:07:00.000-05:00

It has started to rain very heavy here and the motel owner has allowed me to place the bike in secure spot. (I was ready to take it in my room). I borrowed an umbrella from a Texan musician (who was playing on the top balcony of the motel) and I started to walk toward downtown (around 5 blocks or so) . . . While I was walking I observed that the rain was getting harder and harder and that all kinds of people were placing sandbags in front of their houses. (Now you have to envision the picture: Here is a crazy German walking in the streets of Hot Springs . . . people are worried . . . I was not sure what they were worried about, since the city is kind of a rolling city. They explained to me (as the rain came down harder and harder) that they lowered the lake and that they expect a flood, since the sewage system is not able to keep up with the rain that was about to come. (I guess they found out in 1990 as there was a flood) I asked if I could help, but they said that they were fine.

So . . . there I was . . in the middle of hard, pouring rain. . . with umbrella that acted as if the umbrella and I was about to lift off :-). As I looked behind me, I noticed a German Restaurant. I stepped in (I was the only customer for quite some time) and ate a (Yes, you guessed it - a German Meal) Zigeuner Schnitzel. The place is called "Hot Spring Brau Haus" on Central Street. I have o tell you, it was just like home. Great food and very nice people.

On my way home (it was now raining even harder) people informed me that there had been two tornado touch downs close to Hot Springs.

OK . . . at least I had a good meal :-)

The mood among the evacuees is great and they seem to make this motel their second home. Kids make new friends as their parents do. Dogs finally know their territory and they seem to believe they belong here. People gather and reminisce about their home (what it will look like, when the electric will be back on, etc.) The question is how long ill the rain last here?

I will visit a Baptist church tomorrow morning which is located right beside the motel.

And finally: I truly, truly enjoy your comments. . . keep them coming. I will not be able to answer them, but be assured that I read them as those who visit this Blog.

My prayers are with all of you . . . 'talk to you tomorrow.

The Hurricane and the rest of the story

2005-09-24T12:06:00.000-05:00

Well, I decided to stay here in Hot Springs, since the risk of me leaving and getting stuck in rain (real bad weather) is too high. Even if I would have left, there is no guarantee that I will find a hotel room in Fort Smith or even further North West. Many Texans have evacuated that far North . . . and I heard this morning that Fort Smith ran out of gas (rumors again?) By the way, there was plenty of gas here in Hot Springs this morning, even though everybody filled up last night and told me that we will have no gas in the morning. (that was a circus to see a bunch of drunk people drive to the local gas stations :-)

I used the time to visit the local Harley Store that had a drive-inn from the local HOG Club. They invited me to join them in a hot dog and we chatted . . . of course about bikes and great rides.
I then went to do my laundry and I met a Texan who was quite upset at the whole situation and at the people. I hear terrible rumors from people that I cannot believe: A number of people told me that they had found several murdered people in the dome of New Orleans (after hurricane Katrina subsided) . . . and there are other stories that I do not want to write about.

Here at the hotel I hear the stories of how millions of people evacuated, especially from the greater Houston, TX area. Most of the people are stressed out, worried and all of them make plans to start back home and start life anew.

It is very interesting to observe the distinct cultural differences between people from Louisiana and from Texas who are here.

The heavy rain (possible 10 inches) is to set in this afternoon and the rain is to last about 2 days. So I guess I will stay here and then hit it again.

_______________________
Thought of the day:
Patience teaches us to seek options, and to explore new paths that we did not see before.
_______________________

79 degrees

What to do - I am stuck

2005-09-23T23:10:00.000-05:00

I was talkin' to the half drunk guests (all ran from the hurricane) here at the hotel and they mentioned that all the hotel rooms are booked as far s Tulsa, Oklahoma. I am really stuck . . . just a few minutes ago the message got out that the gas stations are running out of gas. How is this possible . . . Almost everyone left here to get gas. (THIS IS CRAZY !!! )

I have gas for about 140 miles and I will try to leave tomorrow going up to Fort Smith. (North-West from here)

So to wrap it up:
1. I can't stay, because my room is booked for tomorrow. (I could pay the guest off :-)

2. There will be no gas available tomorrow (I think that can't be true)

3. Even if I could stay here, it is suppose to rain until Wednesday.

Sooooo . . . . again I will leave and if run out of options I will try to stop at a church and see if I can sleep somewhere. Seems reasonable to me . . .

Any other ideas? Let me know! (Don't tell me to buy a car . . . or to buy a Motel) :-))

I say: "Good Night" . . . and say a prayer . . . things could always be worse.

84 degrees/dry
no miles
at the Hotel

Hot Springs - Arkansas

2005-09-23T18:24:00.000-05:00

When I made the decision this morning to go through Arkansas, I had hoped to hit Oklahoma in the evening. But as it is often in life, we don't always get what we want.
I traveled on St. Rt. 70 - West which is a beautiful route to ride on a bike. Very little traffic, great impressions of neighborhoods, nature and life as such.

The closer I got to Hot Springs, Arkansas the more I noticed pick-up trucks packed with belongings coming toward me on the opposite lane . . . these were the people who had left the coast and were seeking hotel rooms. (Hurricane Rita)
As I arrived in Hot Springs, Arkansas it became clear . . . NO hotel rooms anywhere. I finally made a last effort and checked out a not too aesthetic hotel . . . the lobby was . . . well, you get the idea. However, the receptionist was exceptional friendly and . . . they had a room left for $ 59.00. YEAH! YEAH! And wouldn't you know the room is great! I will be checking the hurricane later and then make the determination if I should stay another night (because of the coming rain, etc.) or if I should hit it and move on.

Anyway: Earlier this morning I stopped at a gas station for breakfast and the local farmers asked (they called me the "lone wolfe" . . . I was called the same yesterday as I had lunch). The farmers told me about the land prices (between $1,500 to $2,000 / acre) and they told me that the Mississippi river is currently very low for transporting the grain, since they did not have much rain. As the devastation of the hurricane continues, the locals mentioned that they have no place to deliver the grain since they normally ship it to New Orleans. They now have to wait and pay storage at the local Farm Bureau silos.
The single discussion in every restaurant I have stopped is about the devastation in the South. I am learning in those conversations, that the poverty in the devastated area(s) is not an economic impact, but a lifestyle choice. I want to be careful here and NOT to proclaim the same as truth, but as an opinion of those who know the area. I would be very interested in your opinion and knowledge of the area.

Never has the issue of poverty in the USA touched me more then on this trip. I am riding through areas of our country that seem separated from most of us. I see neglect and I see hopelessness. I DO NOT want to sound like a social activist, but what appears to me is that there is another layer of people living among us that we (at least I don't) do not believe exist in such numbers. It seems that their social values are upside down and their pride is displayed in the rims of their cars . . . their neighborhoods are filled with pawnshops, cash advance signs that are larger then the local church sign, grocery stores that have prison bars in their windows, gas stations that are used to deal in drugs, outfits they wear that look like gangster rap clothing, girls that sing the lyrics of those who defile their gender, . . . how much do you want me to go on? Couches are in ditches, grass in front of homes that is growing higher then in my pasture, neighborhoods that seem as if Pearl Harbor has it's memorial there.
What have we done?. Where have we missed the mark?. Or do I have to accept the world as it is? Do I sound like my Mom when she looked at us? Do I need to lighten up . . .?

____________________________

Thought of the day:
Life is not only in what I see, but also in what I do not want to see or can't see.
____________________________

Stats:
Weather: Very hot 94 degrees and humid
Gas : $ 7.87
Miles: 160 miles

Changing Route

2005-09-23T08:11:00.000-05:00

Because of the coming of the hurricane, I changed route and I will cross to Little Rock, AK. . . . I will write later tonight. . . got to leave.

Memphis, TN - . . . I feel like the 'King'

2005-09-22T18:44:00.000-05:00

Today I met up with my best friend Bob and his wife in Mayfield, KY. They were visiting their daughter and son-in-law in Murray, KY. . . not too far from Mayfield. I had forgotten some important item and Bob was so kind to bring down to Mayfield. We met at the "Dinner Bell" in State Rt. 45. A small restaurant filled with ‘locals. Interestingly enough the gravy (which we call biscuit and gravy) had no meat. (OK . . . ?!?!?)

As I woke up this morning, I felt that my arms and face were burnt from the ride yesterday. I decided to wear long sleeves today. I left from Mayfield, KY from Rt. 45 to Rt. 51, heading for Memphis, TN, the temperature climbed to 95 degrees. I did not feel the temperature so much while I was riding, but when I stopped for gas the heat was unbearable along with the humidity.

Rt 51 is an incredible road to drive. There is hardly any traffic and one can see the beauty of this part of the country. I have never seen so many churches along a road then on this one and it seems as each one wants to compete in size with a Lowe's store :-) Some of the corn fields have been harvested, the cotton fields are still standing in full bloom and the air smells fresh.

The deeper I drive into the South the more I become aware of the poverty in some areas. Small towns that seem to be abandoned or there are towns which seem sharply divided between ‘well to do parts' and poor areas. Make no mistake I am well aware that we have the same where I (we all) live, however it truly seems as if the differences in some areas are much harsher. As I was driving into Memphis on Rt. 51 I passed into an area that was similar to Gary, IN. (a very poor example of how we allow to pass out dignity)

My greatest concern right now is where the hurricane will be at within the next few days. I had planned to drive to Baton Rouge, LA (a 7 hour drive) but I will determine when and if I leave tonight, since it is unclear where the hurricane is heading to.

I am at the Holiday Inn in downtown Memphis, TN and I will go to the "Blues Capital" of the South (the downtown of Memphis) . . . eat something and relax. I am sure I'll have a story to share after I return.

By the way: Did you know that Memphis has an Egyptian connection? There is a giant pyramid in Memphis . . . Memphis got its name from ancient Egypt. As a modern symbol of that heritage, this 32-storey stainless-steel pyramid rises from the banks of the Mississippi River. Completed in 1991 at a total cost of USD65 million, the Pyramid serves as a sports and concert arena, with 22,500 seats. It also serves the University of Memphis, housing the Tigers' basketball games and university graduations.

***

I got back from downtown . . . it was tremendous. The downtown stage had a Gospel Festival and the songs were a great blessing. ("Kevin Davidson & The Voices") Music is like the powerhouse of the human soul . . . it can go very deep and touches us in areas that are not explainable.
____________________________

Thought of the day:
Your destiny is given to you by the choices of others. Therefore . . . be careful what choices you make (it will touch not only you)
____________________________

Stats:
Weather: Very hot 96 degrees and humid
Gas : $10.95
Miles: 220 miles

Paducah, KY

2005-09-21T21:05:00.000-05:00

I started at about 9:30 A.M. OH time and left to stop at the Harley store in Richmond since I believed the gas cable was loose. However, the service guy said that it would be fine.
After 63 miles I stopped in Indy at the "Riley House Restaurant" on 1020 West Main Street. They served a great breakfast . . . eggs, toast and fried corned beef. Until Evansville, IN I stayed on Route 40. The road is really a very historic route and one can see the glory of this road by old forgotten gas stations, old motels that fall apart and gorcery stores that are not bigger then most living rooms. I-70 took that glory away and economics changed for neighborhoods.

______________

Thought of the day:
Nothing lasts forever! Nothing is permanent! Therefore rejoice in the very moment!
______________

After breakfast I drove straight to Paducah. From Evansville I drove on 41 and I then took the scenic bypass I-24 to Paducah.

Stats:
Weather: Sunny, around 90 degrees
Miles: 422 miles
Gas: $29.00

I stopped at the Westown Inn at , 3901 Hinkleville Rd. in Paducah, KY. The room is clean and fairly inexpensive. $39.00. Here I met some bikers from San Diego who are on their way to New York. (Yamaha & BMW)

Park Chili Breakfast- Cincinnati - OH

2005-09-17T19:30:00.000-05:00

- Park Chili Breakfast - on Hamilton Avenue in Cincinnati, OH

If you are looking for an original . . . here it is: This 'historic' restaurant must have been there for a hundred years and the people working in it must have been working there for generations.

Be careful how you spend your money: For $5.00 I received a huge (did I mention huge?) slice of ham, 2 eggs (over easy), a bowl of potatoes, and two slices of wheat toast (with jam of cource). Even though I know my fats, here it does not make a difference, since you are going to indulge it.

While we were there it seemed the whole neighborhood stopped by (many knew each other) read the local paper and yawned at the world that went by.

Here is our rating of the restaurant: (maximum rating in each category ●●●●●)
Food quality and value: ●●●● (money vs. food)
Location: ●●
Service: ●●●●●
Atmosphere: ●●●●
Our Rating: ●●●● not bad at all

The area is actually an interesting area to visit. Many local artists live here and as we were there the neighborhood celebrated the arts with an arts festival. If you are in the area . . . stop and visit "Park Chili Breakfast". . . visit the neighborhood and then get a tattoo. :-)

Middletown, Ohio . . . what were you thinking?

2005-09-10T18:58:00.001-05:00

Middletown, OH

I arrived in Middletown, OH late in the afternoon, around 4 P.M. and we were looking as usual for a nice restaurant for Mary and me to discover; . . . and then of course to share our experience with you.

But I must tell you, I drove around in Middletown for over an hour . . . not finding a restaurant, but to listen to stories of Middletown residents you will NOT believe.

The Sorg Mansion
First of all I drove by a beautiful mansion (see picture). The mansion is the former residence of the Sorg family. The mansion was built in 1887 by Paul J. Sorg, a multimillionaire who had made his fortune in the tobacco industry and other business ventures. Built in the Romanesque style, the thirty-five room house cost $1 million to erect.

As I drove slower I noticed that many of the windows had window air conditioning units and that there were numerous people in the (which must have been once a beautiful back yard) parking lot . . . just hanging out. We later found out that supposedly the owner, who bought the mansion for the amount of the back taxes (supposedly $25,000) converted this historic building into an apartment building for lower income families.

Middletown what were you thinking? Why in the world would you allow for this to happen? Do you not carry any responsibility?

As I drove further down/up the road on Main Street, we noticed numerous once beautiful mansions . . most of them dilapidated and darkened in their glory.

This city does NOT care about her history or to preserve her glorious memories . . . it has abandoned her glory and acts irresponsible to visitors and the future.

Lake Mistake

It gets better: In our conversation with residents I found out that Middletown wanted to build a lake by damming and dredging the river, etc. , only to find out that there were EPA problems connected with the project and that such a project would require permits that would not be granted (as we may not just dam up a river and build a lake . . . Duh)

My Mall has a roof

As the Mall age in 1975 came to Middletown the answer of the local downtown business community was to place downtown (at least four blocks) under a giant roof (for 13 Million Dollars) and allow no traffic into downtown . . . and then the economic fathers of the city assessed a hefty fee for such project for all commercial businesses. . .

Guess what? This project was abandoned (the roof was taken down . . . yes, it rains upon the pavement again) and interestingly enough there is hardly any business in downtown left.

As you can see, Middletown has lost all sense of reality in her vision for future and her memories of the past. The city's website calls this town :"The Best in the Midwest!" (I will say no more . . . but I think they developed the slogan during their ambition to host the Olympics here)

We will be back to visit an Italian restaurant that was recommended to us by friends later that evening and /or to visit the Manchester Inn . . . when we recuperate from our visit.

Biker Glasses - the ones I love

2005-09-08T13:33:00.000-05:00

www.biker-glasses.com

If you have ever sought the right glasses for you, I would like to recommend a company where I just purchased my glasses for my upcoming trip. I can't tell you how many glasses/goggles I have purchased before, only to find out they do not fit correctly, they are uncomfortable for long trips, etc.
By the way goggles will not do it for me (unless it is perfect weather) because if I wear a helmet and it starts to rain, the goggles usually fog up and I have to stop the bike, take the helmet off and then the goggles. . . you get the idea and you have been there.

First of all I cannot believe the price for these glasses. No matter what frame of lenses you order, each glasses are only $15.00.

The best part of these glasses is the inside of the design. A soft rubber material protects the skin/face from the frame and outside weather condition.

Well, I am convinced (so far), but you'll be the judge. I will give you a full report after I wear them for the whole trip.

Ainsley's Cafe - Liberty, IN

2005-09-03T13:36:00.001-05:00

Ainsley's Cafe
As I entered the restaurant I was greeted by a very nice hostess that I thought I knew from somewhere. I thought and thought: "Where do I know her from?" (I am sure that never happened to you) Then suddenly it came to me:. . . She was the hostess of "The Olde Richmond Inn." The same owners who owned that restaurant, also owned this restaurant.

You will find this very nice restaurant west of State Rt.101 in Indiana. As you drive on St. Rt. 101 either toward Brookville, IN or Liberty, IN will have to turn onto "Fairfield Ramp" (Old 101) and drive toward Brookville Lake.

What awaits you is a beutiful resort and: "Ainsley's Cafe". Open Wednesday thru Sunday from April 1st thru October 31st.Open 7 days a week from Memorial Day thru Labor Day.

When you go, make sure you sit and eat outside as the view of the lake/marina is tremendous. The food is not cheap ( the spinach salad pictured above is almost $10.00), but you'll forget about the price when you sit on on the balcony in the sun, watch the clouds in the sky and think about . . nothing.

As I was sitting there in our relaxing moods, I noticed unfortunately a couple of guys behind me who were quite drunk. They found it necessary to indulge in profane language and adult conversations and I was amazed that the waitress continued to serve them alcoholic beverages. As the conversations between them continued, at least 8 people left this area of the restaurant . . . and I finally did as well.

I suggest that a restaurant that wants to maintain such a privileged atmosphere has to draw the line in the sand.

Here is our rating of the restaurant: (maximum rating in each category ●●●●●)
Food quality and value: ●●●● (money vs. food)
Location: ●●●●
Service: ●●●●
Atmosphere: ●●●●
Our Rating: ●●●●

"Who Cares?" - Brookville, Indiana

2005-09-02T16:13:00.001-05:00

Biker Bar and Grill: "Who Cares"

As I had left Ainsley's at Brookville Lake in Indiana, I convinced Mary to ride into Brookville, IN. Brookville, IN awaits you with beautiful historic homes and a clean, crisp look.

By the way, if you like to ride the country side, you'll find great routes to ride in that area.

At 709 Main Street you will find a typical Biker Bar & Grill known as "Who Cares" The place was created by Tom Trammel (in the pic) in 1998. Tom is employed by Ford Motor Company. His wife told him to slow down . . . so he recently decided to sell "his baby" to Kim Hollenbach (sp) in July 2005. Kim had been a waitress there for a little over a year and decided to purchase the place.

I cant judge the food, since I had already aten by the time I arrived in the afternoon, but the place seems to be a great place for those who love live bands (Saturdays) and enjoy a place where one can be who one wants to be. The place holds about 156 people, and is open 7 days a week. (Noon to 3 A.M. weekdays and Noon to Midnight on Sunday)

Robin, our waitress, was friendly and she shared with me that she had 5 children age 20, 17, 5, 7 and nine months. She was smiling as she told me about her kids. A smile filled with pride as she asked: "Can I bring you another Coke?"

If Tom is in the bar, talk to him. He has great stories and he loves to ride his HD and Indian. But what is more important is that he knows the area as he has led many bikers on great tours in this area. Talk to him about it. . .

If you are in the area, stop in and say "Hello"

Why?

2005-09-01T21:24:00.000-05:00

I was telling Pastor Ron Dafler (a friend of mine) that I would leave for a very long motorcycle trip and that others would be able to follow me via this Blog as I will faithfully inform everyone of my motorcycle trip. His question was: "Why . . . Why are you doing this?"

My long time friend Dr. Parliament from Richmond, IN had the explanation for the desire of such a trip : "You see, when we reach a certain age, 'nature' believes that we have done our duty (duties) and we will then slowly deteriorate . . . become less useful!" (he also mentioned that other species die in the wilderness once they done it all) Therefore we try to explore new things.- Did he introduce the term term Midlife Crisis?

Well, that in all honesty is not why I make this trip. (At least I don't think) The life journey I travelled for the past 8 years have changed my life for a number of reasons: One of my sons left for college and I had a heart attack a few months ago.

As one (my son) finds a new beginning in life so does the other (me) find a second life. My heart attack was(is) the beginning of a new life for me! The reason I know it is a new life, is because I sometimes with deep sadness seek explanations of my past. I am reminded deep in my soul by the thoughts I carry and by the unforgiveness I harbor toward some moments of my past.

On my journey I will neglect the fog that lays his shadows over the mountain of hope. I have decided to climb this mountain and I will conquer the mountaintop as others have before me. I will not be stopped by the temptations of treasures along the way, neither will I be stopped by the rugged terrain or voices that carry the sound of echos from the past.

Why?

Because I can! I want to smell the air of other circles; hear the words where nobody knows my name. I want to smile at people who deserve MY smile. I want lay down my head and not worry about yesterday, now or tomorrow. I want to ride along the trees that seen worse times then now and I want to ride along houses that wished I would live in them.

I want to dream sensational dreams. Dreams of majestic colors that only those who are free can imagine. I want to paint silhouettes where only we, the strong, know the depth of their meaning. I want to dream dreams where I fly like the bird that is getting ready to migrate and is collecting strength for the journey

Why?

Because I want to wake up, knowing that I am alive and well and not forgotten. I want to know that I belong . . . not to that or to this, but that I am claimed by a life worth living. I want to know that I can walk in deserts without missing torrential rain.
I want to find out that I can hear voices that I forgot to listen to. I want to remember the time I was held by my Mother and I want to feel the security of knowing that this life is eternal.

Why?

I want to sing the hymns that I can't forget, Listen to stories that do not belong to me and dance to music that makes my heart mellow.

. . . . that is Why !!

------------------------------------------------

I like to hear from you. Tell me and others your thoughts and follow me on my trip (start on the 21st). Check in daily and feel free to respond. I will think about all of you.

Do you want Mom to feed you?

2005-08-27T19:30:00.001-05:00

New Hope Methodist Church in New Hope, OH
One of our last visits before my large trip to Nevada was the Church Supper of the "New Hope Methodist Church in New Hope, OH.

Where is that?

Well, it is on St. Rt. 35 between Richmond, IN and Eaton, OH . . . you can't miss it.

My friends Gale and Carol Weisenbarger, whom I got to know through their very interesting website about Coconut Oil, asked me to visit their home church after they had visited this Blog.

"I'll pay for your dinner . . . just come", Gale told me on Friday morning during one of my visits to his office. As I arrived Gale introduced me to pastor Jay Madigan who told me more about this event: The Super Supper is held every 4th Saturday at our church from 4 to 6 P.M. . . . and has been a tradition in our community for years. Everyone is welcome and can donate whatever one feels like . . ."

I had a great time! Great food (Pasta, salad, desert) and great fellowship. As I sat their with Gale and Carol, Gale wandered off into his favorite subjects "Health" and "Coconut Oil". This time he told me that Lipitor (the pill that lowers your Cholesterol) could be risky for my health. . . (I swallowed hard, because I have been taken Lipitor for over three month, since my heart attack) Gale told me that Lipitor eliminates Coenzyme Q10 . . . "Bad news" I thought to myself as I dove my fork into the pickled red beets. I had never been a friend of pills. I still believe that the Pharmaceutical companies do not want us healthier . . . they just want to fulfill their obligations to their stockholder (no I am not some liberal!)

"This whole thing about Cholesterol is just crazy!", Gale said in in his usual grin. "I stick with butter & Coconut Oil, and that is final". "Sounds good to me", I thought and I got up to get me another cheese cake. I was not in the mood to relive my experiences of touching death and be reminded of the moments I experienced during my hospital stay. But my conversations with Gale gave me again food for thought to rethink my life and how I will approach life. (I will write about it later)

For now:

If you are hungry you have to visit this Super Supper. If you are lucky you'll get to know Gale and Carole, and if not you'll get excellent food . . . food from heaven (or at least it tastes like your Mom's food)

Las Vegas, NV to Eaton, OH - Return Route

2005-08-15T23:26:00.000-05:00

Day 1
+ From Las Vegas, NV on I 15 to exit 16 toward St. Rt. 9
to Kanab to Page to Kaibito/ AZ to St. Rt. 160

Total Est. Distance: 315.41 miles

Day 2
+ Follow St. Rt. 160 to Cortez, CO to Durango, CO to Pagosa Springs, CO to Del Norte, CO

Total Est. Distance: 341.29 miles

Day 3
+ Del Norte, CO to Walsenburg, CO via 160
+ Walsenburg, CO to La Junta, CO via St. Rt. 10
+ La Junta, CO to Lamar, CO via 50
+ Lamar, CO to Garden City, KS via 50

Total Est. Distance: 333.82 miles

Day 4
+ Garden City to Dodge City, KS to Pratt, KS via 400
+ Wichita, KS to Eldorado, KS via 54
+ Eldorado, KS to Fort Scott, KS 54

Total Est. Distance: 358.02 miles

Day 5
+ Fort Scott/KS to Nevada, MO via 54
+ Nevada/MO to Jefferson City, MO via 54
+ Jefferson City, MO to St. Louis, MO via 50

Total Est. Distance: 336.32 miles

Day 6
+ St. Louis, MO cross IL to Vincennes, IN via 50
+ Vincennes to Terra Haute, IN via 41
+ Terra Haute, IN to Indianapolis, IN via 40
+ Indianapolis, IN to Eaton, OH via 40

Total Est. Distance: 329.32 miles

Eaton, OH to Las Vegas, NV Route

2005-08-15T18:27:00.000-05:00

I believe I have the route to Las Vegas established:

Day 1:
+ Eaton, OH to Richmond, IN via /227 to 27 to 40
+ Richmond, IN to Indianapolis, IN via 40
+ Indianapolis, IN to Terra Haute, IN SOUTH on 40
+ Terra Haute, IN to Evansville, IN SOUTH on 41/150

Total Est. Distance: 267.48 miles

Day 2:
+ Evansville,IN to Paducah, KY via 60
+ Paducah, KY to Cairo, IL via 60
+ Cairo, IL to Memphis, TN via 51

Total Est. Distance: 324.15 miles

Day 3:
+ Memphis,TN to Baton Rouge,LA, via 61 & 10

Total Est. Distance: 382.33 miles

Day 4:
+ Baton Rouge, LA to De Quincy, LA via 190
+ De Quincy, LA to Beaumont, TX via 12
+ Beaumont, TX to Houston*1, TX via 90

Total Est. Distance: 269.61 miles

Day 5:
+ Houston,TX to Hallettsville, TX via 90
+ Hallettsville, TX to Cuero, TX via 77?
+ Cuero,TX to Nixon, TX via 87
+ Nixon,TX on 97 toward Sabinai,TX via 90 + Sabinai, TX to Comstock, TX via 90

Total Est. Distance: 379.81 miles

Day 6:
+ Comstock,TX to Alpine, TX via 90
+ Alpine, TX to Van Horn, TX via 90

Total Est. Distance: 273.15 miles

Day 7:
+ At Van Horn,TX take 54 NORTH . . . . then 180/62 to El Paso, TX
+ El Paso, TX to Lordsburg, NM via -I- 10
+ Lordsburg, NM to Duncan, AZ via 70

Total Est. Distance: 317.86 miles

Day 8:
+ Duncan, AZ via 70 Miami AZ via 70
+ Miami, AZ to Phoenix, AZ to Wickenburg, AZ via 60

Total Est. Distance: 264.5 miles

Day 9:
+ Wickenburg to Las Vegas, NV via 93
Total Est. Distance: 233.5 miles

The above route is created with almost no interstate traveling. As I am planning the trip, I am thankful for suggestions you may leave me.

Oregon Historic District - Dayton , OH

2005-08-13T18:47:00.001-05:00

I have been in Dayton, OH many, many times and I am always awaiting the "breakthrough" for the city. But it has yet to come. The downtown is a dead zone and, culturally, Dayton does not have very much to offer. Please prove me wrong and email me TODAY or leave your comments on this BLOG. and I will revise my feelings for the city.

However, there are exceptions to the rule, like the Oregon District in Dayton, OH or the all too well known annual Hamvention

The Oregon Emporium
As it was about 11:30 A.M. or so when we arrived at the Oregon District WE did NOT visit the Blue Moon Restaurant as friends recommended. Instead we went to a small restaurant on the corner the "Oregon Emporium".

I had the/a Tuna sandwich. . . . OK, not so unusual, but then you did not read about the Coke yet they are serving Boylan Sugar Cane Cola (Boylan Bottling Company), which I never had before and I must say the sugar cane in the drink is a hit. The bottle states that they have been selling the product since 1891 . . . I guess I "overlooked" this -fine- product all of my life.

Other notable qualities of this : sidewalk seating available; high speed internet connection available inside the cafe; interesting "people-watching".

And while you are there, stroll around. You will find the friendliest people in that neighborhood. They are willing to chat with you, tell you the history of the neighborhood and invite you to listen to their life story . . . and give you advice where to eat and what to visit.

Here is our rating of the restaurant: (maximum rating in each category ●●●●●)
Food quality and value: ●●●● (money vs. food)
Location: ●●●●
Service: ●●●●
Atmosphere: ●●●●
Our Rating: ●●●●

If you are really serious, like the guys to the left who bought an entire Methodist Church . . . you also may buy property here in this great neighborhood ranging from $195,000 to where would you like to live?

Trip from Eaton, OH to Las Vegas,NV

2005-08-05T21:41:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone:
For the last three months I have been planning a trip from Eaton -OH (close to Dayton-OH) to Las Vegas Nevada. I am NOT interested in gambling at all, I just very excited about riding in the desert of Nevada.

I am also very excited to make my thoughts, observations, ratings of hotels, restaurants etc. available to everyone on this long trip. I will be leaving with my 2004 HD Road King Classic around Sept. 21 - 2005 and will return 4 weeks later. I would love to take the straight route to NV . . . Ohio - Kansas - NV and back I would like to go the Southern route via TX - etc.

I will write on this Blog daily from my trip . . . so stay tuned!

Here is were I would like to ask for your help if you have taken a long trip like this before:

1. Could you give me a list that with items that you value as essential for a 4 week trip?

2. Any general hints and tips?

2. Is it too late (possible snow) to cross the Colorado mountains in Sept/Oct?

3. If you own a Restaurant - Hotel or any other worthy landmark along the way . . . invite me and I will try to see you . . . If there is a great story to write about.

I am looking forward hearing from you . . . and thanks for your help.

Centerville Inn in Centerville,IN or Blair House

2005-07-30T15:31:00.000-05:00

When you come to Centerville Indiana "the capital of Antique shopping" . . . started by Verlon Webb with his Antique Mall (Which he sold some time ago) you may want to visit

The Centerville Inn / Blair House

You will find the restaurant as drive on St. Rt. 40 going East. In the middle of the town, at the traffic light, you have to turn South and you will see the restaurant on your left.

Its' a small place with lots of potential and is currently for sale for about $125,000. So if you are interested buy the fixtures, real estate and all. The restaurant was and is always great for a piece of pie and a good cup of coffee during a Sunday afternoon ride.

I hadn't been there for quite some time and as I arrived I met up with my buddy Bud King. Bud used to own a great restaurant in Richmond, IN ; "Taste of the Town", on Main Street. He finally had to give it up, because the big Steakhouses moved into town, etc.. But his lunch and dinner will always be remembered by all those who once gathered at Taste of the Town. -

As Bud and I chatted, Bud told me that he had to give up HD riding. Not too long ago he was greeting other riders on the opposite side of the road . . . until he hit the rear of a car in front of him that had stopped. OUCH ;-(

Bud checked his head after he flew over the windshield of his Road King and his head was "GOOD" as he told the story. The problem was that he was not able to get up. He had broken his hips. And so, after his lucky wreck he gave it up. Bud is OK now and he thanks God for anopther chance at life.

His girlfriend actually owns this restaurant and Bud just keeps it running for her, because she has another job. The food is good (Reuben Sandwich and stuff . . . ), but I like it because it offers a great road stop and I always envision that someone will come along with a vision for excellent food and will decorate the place as a landmark. . . because this place deserves it!

Here is our rating of the restaurant: (maximum rating in each category ●●●●●)
Food quality and value: ●●● (money vs. food)
Location: ●●●●●
Service: ●●●
Atmosphere: ● (It needs some decorating help inside)
Our Rating: ●●1/4 Sorry . . . thats' the best we could do.

Dining at the Florentine Hotel in Germantown Ohio

2005-07-29T19:19:00.000-05:00

The Florentine Hotel is no longer a hotel. However, it has been a known restaurant for quite a long time. The brick section of the "Florentine Hotel" was built sometime in 1816 and housed the original Inn. The Florentine is considered the second oldest inn in Ohio, the first being the Golden Lamb in Lebanon.

We had driven by this great, impressive historic landmark for a long time and we finally found the time to visit the restaurant. Upon entering the restaurant you will notice that there seem to be two worlds: On the left side is a bar and smoking is allowed . . . vs. the right side which offers no smoking. As our very nice and polite waitress introduced herself, we couldn't help to hear "J." (another waitress) complaining that the guests who she had been waiting on and just left . . . did not leave enough of a tip. "I worked so hard for these people" . . . and she went stomping by our table. As we received our dinner (full slab of ribs) we can say that the dinner was plenty and mighty good.

We engaged our waitress in a conversation and she told us all about the history of the hotel, she even showed us the upstairs.

In talking to others in the restaurant it became clear that the "Golden Years" of this historic restaurant are gone, for whatever reason! Maybe it is because of the dress code of the waiters (blue jeans/shorts), maybe of the unprofessional remarks (which may not be the first one).

The new owner just bought the "place" about a year ago. We say:" Lots' of potential, great village, great food . . . but watch your style and know who you are.

Food quality and value: ●●●
Location: ●●●●●
Service: ●●●
Atmosphere: ●●●●
Our Rating: ●●●3/4

The inn was first owned by Philip Gunckle, the founder of Germantown. In 1832 it was sold to William Schaeffer. William Leighty bought the inn in 1862 and owned "The Flo" during the Civil War. It was known as the Leighty House.
Many famous Americans stayed in the hotel. Two are Henry Clay and Clement Vallandingham, a notorious Southern sympathizer. Both are said to have addressed enthusiastic crowds from the iron balcony on the front of the building. This ornate balcony of acorns and oak leaves woven together was fabricated at the ironworks in the Old Oregon District of Dayton, Ohio. By the early 1970s, "The Flo" was in bad shape and facing demolition. Two local couples rescued the old building and restored the interior and exterior. Then the Dale Zink Family managed the restaurant.

The Costume Queen of Jamestown, OH

2005-07-20T12:30:00.001-05:00

Costume King
As I was driving home, I drove through Jamestown, OH. A small town you would not even recognize . . . or stop. I had lunch at the local restaurant and needless to say I was noticed by many as a stranger.

As I left the restaurant I noticed a store on the opposite side of Washington Street that offered costume rentals (the building was not in the best of shape). As I entered the store I was greeted by Cathy King, who (with pride) gave me a tour of her store. The amazing part were not the many, many masks, but the many, many costumes . . . and you may have never guessed it: they were all handmade by Cathy.

I felt as if I was in another world. A world of 'wanna be' and 'look at me'.

If you ever need a costume, call Cathy at 937.875.2442 or 937.675.3070

Marietta, OH I am in love with you . . .

2005-07-19T11:55:00.001-05:00

The Levee House
As I arrived in Marietta, I stopped at the beautiful structure of the Levee House. The building was erected ca. 1826 and has served as a saloon, hotel, etc. and now serves after its renovation in 1983 as a Cafe.
I ordered some pie and the pie was horrible. It must have been frozen and then served to me. But forget the pie . . . As I sat there I observed the owner Harley Noland who treated his employees like dirt. He corrected them in a way which became embarrassing to those who observed the scenario. I find it humorous that according to a site the Levee House is in the top ten list of restaurants in Ohio. (Was the judge was drunk?? )

Although this is a beautiful building I still get cold chills when I think of our visit here (by the way Mr. Owner. . . when you have time take care of the weeds outside of the building, instead of yelling at your employees)

On the other hand I have acknowledge that Harvey is a great advocate of promoting the history of Marietta, OH . . . in fact Harvey is probably a guy with noble cause . . . except his tact and temperament.

The owner of the Cafe is also the owner of the local Trolley Tours. The tour is actually very interesting ($7.50 +tax for adults) and the city presents herself in her best colors. It was our "luck" that the owner of the Cafe was our tour guide. Although very knowledgeable, the whole presentation was very arrogant . . . In other words, "Don't ask me any questions" and . . . "I am the local homeboy history hero and only I and my opnion(s) are important!"

I suggest to avoid the Cafe, but more important yet . . . avoid the owner!

Here is our rating of the restaurant: (maximum rating in each category ●●●●●)
Food quality and value: ● (money vs. food)
Location: ●●●●
Service: ●●
Atmosphere: ●●●●
Our Rating: ●●3/4

The Lafayette
(A Grand Riverboat Era Hotel)

I stayed at the Lafayette Hotel which offered great service and all the employees made you feel welcome. What a relief to having arrived at a place where you were welcome after our experience at the Levee House.
The room was nice and and as always I met great people in the lobby.

Here is our rating of the hotel: (maximum rating in each category ●●●●●)
Room and value: ●●●● (money verses value)
Location: ●●●●
Service: ●●●●●
Atmosphere: ●●●●
Our Rating: ●●●● 1/4

Schafer Leather Store (140 Front Street)

As I stepped out of the Hotel and took a stroll down Main Street, I was invited by the many stores Marietta has to offer. You will find that once you enter any store, smiling, content and happy employees will greet you. Most of them will tell you the story of past floods and stories of old. I don't;t have the time to mention all the stores but the is one store that is truly unique: Schafer Leather Store" (No they do not have a website). This store has a wonderful selection of leather products at very reasonable prices. I purchased a leather riding jacket for around $145.00. Many of us know that the price equals the quality of the leather, but I have been around the block and I will tell you that this quality is tremendous . . . this store is a MUST VISIT!

The Marietta Brewing Company (167 Front Street)

I stopped at The Marietta Brewing Company for dinner. The menu offers everything from a New York Steak to a Beer Battered Fish Sandwich. The service is extremely nice and the atmosphere is contemporary. I had the fortune that the owner was going around to each table, so I had the opportunity to chat with him a little while.

The rebirth of local brewing became reality when the first beer was tapped here in 1997

How the choices of others influence our Life

As I was arriving in the lobby of the hotel I noticed an old friend: Gene from the Barnes and Carson Circus. (You can read all about him, when you read about the Lowe Hotel.

Anyway, as I was sitting in the beautiful lobby I noticed two women. As I found out later it was a mother and daughter who were visiting Marietta. I started talking and our conversations must have lasted for over two hours. The older lady told me a very interesting story. She told me that as she was young she had a fiance. The fiance was called to war to Korea. As he was in the war, she got to know another young man and . . . they got married. She never met her past fiance again.
After years and years, she received a call from a lady who told her on the phone that her ex-fiance had died . . . and she asked the lady why she would call her. The lady's answer was that she had been his wife and she wanted to tell her that he had always carried a picture of her in his billfold . . .

She also told her that he had become an alcoholic. As she was telling the story it again became clear to me how much the choice(s) of other people influence our lives . . . rather then our own choices. Our life is truly guided by the goodness of others or by the corrupt nature of others.

As she finished her story, she asked me:"Do you believe that he became an alcoholic because of me? (that she had married someone else) I did not answer the question, but I noticed how much she withheld her feeling from any further conversation and I could tell that she was ready not to talk about this episode of her life anymore.

They both said "Good Night" and left to go to their rooms.

I spent two days in Marietta and I enjoyed every minute of it There are lots of historic buildings to see, lots of stories to hear, much great food to eat and most of all great people to meet.

Thank you Marietta!

Parkersburg - Listen up . . . !

2005-07-18T17:14:00.001-05:00

Parkersburg, WV
We took St. Rt... 2 (which is a very scenic ride) to Parkersburg . . . It was a very hot day. I must tell you that I had a great cherry pie along the way; and wouldn't you know it I forgot the name of the restaurant . It was a very small, simple diner with a very kind waitress who did a wonderful job taking care of me. (Hey,. . . if you remember me . . . send me an email)

I encourage you to look up the website of Parkersburg. I cannot believe that a city like Parkersburg allows for design & content like that. An entire page of calculative measurements like: What is the Prime # of . . . (I am sure web surfer really want to visit Parkersburg now)
Mr. Mayor: "Please give your web surfers some meat and potatoes and sell your city to future visitors" . . . All I can say : "Pretty sad" Let me know when you have your site changed Mr. Mayor . . .

The BlennerHassett Hotel
As I arrived in Parkersburg I asked for a historic place to stay and I was guided with enthusiastic directions to the BlennerHassett Hotel.

I must tell you I have not seen yet a more elegant renovated Hotel then this beauty. The rates were reasonable (about $100.00) a night, depending what elegance level you choose. Everything, but everything about the Hotel is superb and extravagant. Every employee makes an extra effort to get to know you and to make you feel welcome.

This Hotel offers every amenity from luxurious dining, to fitness, to computer accessibility, etc.

Thank You everybody from the BennerHassett . . . you are fantastic!

However, the whole visit comes with one disappointing story: It was about 8:30 P.M. as I felt hungry. Although I knew that the BennerHassett offered a great menu at their restaurant, I felt more like a sandwich and a Coke. I asked the receptionist where she would suggest going and she gave me a map of downtown.
As I was following the map, I might as well have received a map of the local funeral parlor, because this (which?) downtown is DEAD. On some roads there are not even ANY stores. Some streets look like the entrance to h"hell". Needless to say I was not able to find a place at 8:30 P.M. in downtown that would sell /serve a sandwich.

Parkersburg, you have the historic facades, the style, the access roads, etc. . . . for crying out loud get some businesses to downtown. Believe it or not the Hotel is about the only retail business in the who downtown.

After I searched for a place to eat I finally gave up and made ourselves comfortable at the restaurant of the hotel. Be assured that the food comes close to 'manna' and the waiter serves you as if you are the King of the Night. (Well, he better, because dining is not cheap . . . and far more expensive then my sandwich I wanted so badly)

Here is our rating of the Hotel: (maximum rating in each category ●●●●●)

Food quality and value: ●●●●●
Location: ●
Service: ●●●●●
Atmosphere: ●●●●●
Our Rating: ●●●●

The Lowe Hotel in Point Pleasant

2005-07-18T10:30:00.001-05:00

Just before I arrived in Point Pleasant, it started to rain heavy and so I took a break at the local McDonald's in Point Pleasant. I could not have asked for nicer personal. As they saw me all wet, they asked if I would stay overnight and they referred me to a local Hotel:

The Historic Lowe Hotel
They told me that this hotel had been bought several years ago and that it is 'sort' of a historic landmark for downtown.

Never did I think that I would discover the wonderful past of the Hotel and meet such nice people.

Upon arriving of at the Hotel I was greeted by the owner "Ruth Finley" and her daughter. The charge for the room was about $50.00 and the room was more then comfortable.

Before you visit this landmark Hotel you have to know that each room is decorated personally by Ruth and the idea was to maintain the style of the Hotel just as it once was. Beware, this is NOT some multi Million Dollar renovation . . . this Hotel is the outcome of a way of living since 1990. The Finely family lives and breathes "hotel" night and day. If you stand outside and you look at the facade of the hotel you firmly believe that the Hotel was just built . . . (it was actually built in 1901) . Can you imagine that this hotel has been in continued operation since 1901?
. . . Stories to tell and stories forgotten . . .

The lobby of these old hotels is what makes them so great. Every time I am in one of these lobbies I imagine the people who once sat here, exchanged business cards, made "big deals", experienced romances nobody should know about, etc. If you stay into a modern hotel, you will not sit in the lobby and start conversations . . . but when you come here you will.

Melinda's Restaurant
Because the newly build restaurant of the Hotel was closed (Sunday) I decided to visit Melinda's restaurant downtown. I was in the mood for some really fatty foods anyway . . . (don't tell my cardiologist). Let me assure you they had a plan and a meal for us. It was great and plenty.

Back to the Hotel
Mary and I met Gene Hembrew in the lobby after I returned from the local diner Melinda's. Gene was about 54 years old and he sat in one of the old, large leather couches. I sat down and I started a conversation that would last until late in the evening. Gene had been a very successful businessman and his dream had always to run away with the circus. Late in his life as personal circumstances changed, as a friend had a heart attack, Gene thought:"Now or Never.' So he applied at Carson & Barnes, the largest tent Circus in the US. And the Circus hired him. Gene now sells the Circus to communities like Point Pleasant. If you ever need the circus to come to your town, call Gene on his cell phone 580.743.2104.

If you are really interested what went through my head that evening please click here and find out

The next morning Ruth gave me one more tour of her beautiful hotel:

This glorious ballroom awaits the cigar smoke that shall rise from the parlors below. It awaits the dancing mood of its time and the food of indulgence. "Come, Come . . . I am ready for all of you" it seems to say and I can detect the aged smile of his shiny floor.

The Hotel may not be for everyone, but it was for me and Mary. It was a treat to be here, with real people and in a real Hotel.

Fourth and Main Street - Point Pleasant, WV 25550 -
304.675.2260

Here is our rating of the Hotel: (maximum rating in each category ●●●●●)
Food quality and value: N/A (restaurant was closed on Sunday)
Location: ●
Service: ●●●●●
Atmosphere: ●●●●●
Our Rating: ●●● 3/4

Day 3 on my way to Point Pleasant

2005-07-17T12:02:00.001-05:00

As we were on our way to Point Pleasant, I stopped for lunch at a Shoney's in Huntington, WV. No, No, No I am not going to rate the restaurant, but I did want to share an interesting story to think about:
On the other side of our table sat three people: A middle age couple and and older women. As they sat very close to me I overheard the elderly lady ask over and over again:" Do I get any change back when I pay?" The lady obviously had Dementia or Alzheimer . . . but the one thing remained in constant in her life: "Will someone take advantage of me . . . ?"

Hello Maysville, KY . . . Here I come

2005-07-16T10:55:00.002-05:00

As I left Bracken County with her beautiful small town of Augusta, I said "Good Bye" to the Ferry that crosses the Ohio River 26 times a day . . . I said "Good Bye" to the wonderful people I had met and I promised that I would be back.

click on map to enlarge

As I drove along Rt.. 8 I decided to stop in Maysville, KY. Maysville welcomes you with her charming old buildings and partially renovated downtown.

While I was driving I noticed a recently renovated Restaurant. As I entered the Home Front Cafe and ordered our bean soup and hotdog I was greeted by Lanette Parnell and I noticed the many Civil War items in the restaurant.

I was eating, looking around at the many civil war artifacts, as the owner Ernie entered the room and immediately welcomed meto his place with his booming, theatrical voice. Ernie started out with the usual small talk like: Where are you going? . . . where are you from? . . What brought you here? But after a few minutes he told me "his story" How he had found the building, his love for history and especially his love for the history of the civil war. Ernie told me about the history of the South. His stories seemed like philosophical dissertation and as I listened to Ernie.

Ernie talked about truth and realities. . . How people felt in the days before the Civil War and how the two worlds started to separate. He told me about Eli Whitney who invented the cottenpicker. The South was delighted about the invention and it meant everything to the South, but the North could care less about the invention. However Eli also had invented the interchangeable part for the assembly line. With this form of manufacturing one could interchange any part with another for a specific model of production good. (gun as an example). As the North was mostly occupied with manufacturing this process changed the life and the economics of its time.

Labor was still needed in the South but the North wanted to buy cheap cotton, so the North went to the legislature of the country and asked them to abolish slavery (which was the cheap labor of the South). The North was less interested in the freedom of black slaves as in the economics o their State.
How would cotton become cheaper if slavery would be abolished you may ask. Very simply: As slavery would be abolished, production cost would be high, the English would have no interest in purchasing cotton from the South and land purchase of the South would become cheap for Northerners. (Ask Ernie what a copperhead is. . . ) Truly this is the story of Truth and Reality.

But Ernie also talked about time. How time heals all wounds, How generations have come together again. Time heals fear and anger . . . for all of us.

Ernie you are a great guy and I wish you and your family well! Thank you for all you stories, your thoughts and your hospitality.

If you go to Maysville you MUST stop at the Homefront Cafe (don't expect a quick stop is Ernie is around), and say "Hello" to Ernie from me.

Lets' go . . . . Along the Ohio River

2005-07-15T14:01:00.002-05:00

On 07/15/2005 I left to drive along the Ohio river on Rt.8 . i left early afternoon and went down to Cincinnati on Rt 127. 127 will lead you directly into Cincinnati and is a smorgasboard of old architecture of stores and old home settings. You will find out that Rt. 8 is a little hard to find once you cross the river to KY, but once you found your "East direction" you will cherish the wonderful ride. The road will lead you through beautiful wooded area along the Ohio river and to my surprise you will find hardly any traveler on the road.

When you arrive at Augusta, KY, you must stop at the Parkview Inn on 103 West Second Street.

a note about the website of the Parkview Inn:
The website does not really represent the beauty of this Inn. Although it has tons of information, the graphic design and coding need to be revised to keep up with the standards of the internet and need to represent the Inn.
I know so, because I design sites for small and large clients. . . . Just in case you would be interested in have your site developed or re-designed contact me: Manfred Schreyer

The Parkview Inn
The Inn is owned by the Mohrfields, who also own the General Store in town and the local Pub. The reception by the folks (I guess you call them Innkeeper) was outstanding and I was well taken care off in our room. The Inn offers a variety of different rooms which are incredibly tastefully decorated.
The town of Augusta is located in the flood plains of the Ohio River. This small romantic town reminds you a little about Williamsburg, since many building are standing 'tall" as in their days.
While I was there the "General's house" at the end of a shore road was for sale by a local realtor. Though I was tempted to give this (a little dilapidated) property a visit, I noticed that prospective buyers (or already new owners) negotiated in the drive of the historic building. I must warn you . . . when you stroll along the river and walk by the often meticulous kept houses, yards and gardens you will be swept away into another era . . . .

Here is our rating of the B&B: (maximum rating in each category ●●●●●)
Food quality and value: I did not eat at the B&B
Location: ●●●●●
Service: ●●●●●
Atmosphere: ●●●●●
Our Rating: ●●●●●

Hello everyone:

2005-07-14T17:24:00.001-05:00

So, finally I did it. I wanted to create a Travel Blog for Motor Cycle Riders who enjoy traveling "the road not often traveled" and I would like to share some of my moments about the people I met and the places I visited. Let me hear from you and I can't wait to hear your story.