3 day Sojourn

Monday 27th December the weather is overcast so we put on our wet weather gear just in case we have a drop of rain we are to meet other riders at the Waratah Retirement Village at Bargo, where our ride leader lives.

Arriving at 7-30am  Bruce is waiting, after a few minutes Pauline and Neil arrive, our ride leader John turns up and his friend Margaret and her fluffy white bitch come to bid us farewell.

Just on 8am Big Bill arrives,and the heavens opened up. A heavy down pour does not dampen our enthusiasm for a ride.

Setting off at 8.05 we travel down the back roads .
Having morning tea at Marulan and riding south towards Goulburn  to Crookwell ,meeting a herd of cows that just would not get off the road until the farmer came with his ute to hurry them along then to  Rugby, Boorowa we pick up Ed (John's Twin Brother) and have lunch in a little corner cafe as there is no parking in front of the bakery.

The weather has improved and we remove our wet weather gear as the temp has risen to 19deg.

After lunch we ride through Harden, Murrumburrah Coolac to Tumut then the loggers road around Batlow which was a great road with no traffic with  sweeping bends.
 Afternoon tea was at Rosewood on the edge of the Pine forest, big milk shakes with triple ice cream was the order of the afternoon., leaving Rosewood the back roads through Jiingelic and over the Victorian border to Walwa or destination for the evening after 597 klm we were all ready for a cool ale.
.Dinner was served at 6pm and Trout, Steaks ,Chicken were all ordered, after our hardy meal we walked the 800metres (and back) to the see the swollen  Murray River.

A good nights sleep, toast and cereal for breakfast  we are ready for the days ride .Clutch out at 8am to ride through the snowy mountains. Tintaldra, Towong to Kahancoban morning tea , Vic and I shared a bacon and egg roll whilst others had a whole breakfast, then the ride through the Kosciuszko National Park

passing Thredbo and onto Jindabyne for lunch. The weather has really warmed up and the temperature is now 27deg .Along the highway we head for Berridale  then to Adaminaby for afternoon tea Ed took us on a detour to see the sights of the old AdamiabyTownship then onto the Snowy Mountain Highway and catching up with the fellow riders who were waiting by the side of the road thinking we were lost,as we are heading  to Talbingo we are caught up with a some holiday traffic caravans ,4x4 with boats, and cam pa vans, for the the road it quite twisty heading  down the mountains our nights destination is in Talbingo our accommodation is  in 3cabins 8 people 4 single guys and two couples  3 guys shared one cabin

 Pauline and Neil the other we shared our cabin with John it was a  beaut day of riding and clocking up 490klm .

Vic went to the Pub and brought back some cool ale, and we sat on the verandahs,and reminiscing of our days rides, Pauline was testing out her new camera and snapping at any thing that moved.

Dinner we went to the Steak house and had some cool drinks and after dinner went for a long walk along the bush tracks .

No breakfast facilities so we shared what food we had  and clutch out at 8am we head to Tumut for a real breakfast but we stopped of to see the dam wall at Blowering Power Station and the  Blowering Reserve the water levels are quite high due to all the rain in the area.Then onto Tumut for breakfast, after leaving Tumut we head for Brungle along a narrow twisty road and we come across a herd of cows we manoeuvre pass these and head for Coolac where we say goodbye to Ed, and ride back through Haden and then to Boorowa for Lunch (at the bakery) across to Rugby then onto Goulburn and the Highway to Maurlan to say our good byes then the Highway home

We rode just on 1500 klm and the temp ranged from 11 deg to 31 it was a good three day event

Christmas Day 2010

Most of our extended family turned up for our first cold luncheon, doing away with the hot turkey and the trimmings. The day's temperature started off quite comfortable so we had our nibbles on the back patio; cheese ,biscuits, dips, chips,and drinks. When all guests had arrived  we had the gift giving  which was another change of tradition. All children under 16 were still to receive presents but the older members of the family had pot luck gifts where everybody got a number and had to pick from the parcels and if you did not like what you picked you could swap it. It was all good fun a different way of giving .

Lunch was spread out on the kitchen bar and our guests helped them selves to chicken (brought by Brenda ,Daron and Rob Brenda's Dad) poached fish and prawns brought by Tyson and Elise, pork, turkey, ham, potato salad brought by Roe, Shaun and family,Waldorf salad brought by Elise and Tyson, Cesar salad, coleslaw, pasta salad, Tahnee brought some wonderful choc biscuits Dianne made all the savory plates and it was a  feast fit for a king.
 Some ate their lunch on the cool patio, whilst others sat inside with the air conditioning, the sweets were then laid out, old fashion trifle soaked in lots of sherry with ice cream and custard was a real winner, then the hot plum pudding with custard.

Baby Peter entertained us with his Wiggle dances and is just so cute, his new Ducati motorcycle was just a tad too high for his little legs. Alex had her super camera and was snapping all day and catching the mood.

Rest day

Rest day in Paradise

Kristy, Alan, Vic and me, with Maxie the dog meandered  through a forest until we reached the Snake river which was towered over by the Teton Mountains with the peaks still having snow on them. It is very hard to describe how beautiful this place is. This little walk was only 4kms but it was so nice to give the bum a rest.

We rode in the car to Jackson so Alan could get new tyres for his Mustang, then he took us to where he had booked us in for some excitement. We were going white water rafting down the Snake River, the same section that President Clinton took when he was here on holiday. We travelled by bus for about 16 klm to where our dinghies were waiting,  where  we were given instructions about our life vests, and if we fall over board how to float on our back. Vic got an oar and I sat in the middle up front (yellow hat). The rest on the inflatable were all from one family. Well what good fun we had, one guy fell over board on a huge rapid and the water was freezing . We got soaking wet but it was a hoot, this took 3 hours, Alan and Kristy picked us up then back home to change then back into town, just in time to see a shoot out in the main square, played by some actors promoting the show Annie get your Gun and Wyatt Earp playing in the local playhouse, this was fantastic - then off to the Million Dollar Bar where we sat on saddles stools and drank local beers, Snake Ale Pale Ale, Million Dollar Cowboy beer. We then moved on to the Silver Dollar bar which has thousands of silver dollars under glass on the bar, then on to Worts Hotel, and then the dinner at the  Gun Barrel  Steak and Game House.. another great day

USA Tour Day 26

Day 26 Kanab to Las Vegas 10^th August 2010

214 miles 344Klm  .

Today is our last day on this excellent tour Back to Vegas

Clutch out at 7am and we head for Zion Canyon National Park, it is quite crisp so we put on our jumpers and head out, back track a few miles and refuel, and head to the Park but the road is closed as the Ranger has not yet arrived for work, we wait for 20minutes and proceed thru this beautiful  canyon, the view is spectacular with cliff and canyon landscape and wilderness full of the  unexpected including the world’s largest arch, Kolob Arch, the longest and darkest tunnel, at this point  we find out that the BMW has blown a head light. As we ride down the valley on the new roadwork’s, again the water truck has proceeded before us as Vic has to manoeuvre through the little gravel and water puddles. I take photos again like a woman possessed as the views are just beautiful.

There is red rocks and more bloody rocks, rocks right, rocks left, and more rocks. It is all awe inspiring and just magnificent.

We ride through Zion, crossed the border to Arizona through the Virgin River Canyon, cross the border to Nevada passing the junction of the Valley of Fire where I hopped in the truck on the first day, (because of heat exhaustion being left in the desert for a while) and head for Las Vegas through the desert  and arrived to a Red Rock welcome home by lovely Kristy.

Kristy took me shopping at Costco, much better than WalMart... Just  mind blowing, I was gobsmacked with all the goodies..(no wonder there are so many overweight )I bought a new pair of LARGE tracksuit pants and I am sure they will fit me now...

Total  tour 6670Miles =  10750 klm. Am sure Vic and I have the hardest bums in the USA But it was all worth it.

Hoping that you all have enjoyed Alan’s Excellent American Tour.

As we are having a short ride around Red Rock tomorrow and leaving for Sydney after a Pale Riders Party, this will be our last bulletin.

Until next time

Lyn & Vic

USA tour Day 25

Day 25 Monday 9th August 2010

Torrey to Kanab via Grand Canyon - 640klm - 360 miles. (By Vic)

Alan promised a great day with a lot to see and do.

Had a thunderstorm during the night and woke to a clear crisp morning. We left Torrey about 7.30 am with all our warm gear on as we were to climb up through mountains again for most of the morning before dropping down to 6000ft for the Grand Canyon.

The road was wet from the storm but again great sweepers with a smooth road surface, we came across cattle (Angus) crossing the road and a few deer in the field but the antelope weren’t out roaming.

We went down the other side of this range through a few valleys and then started to climb through a section of the Escalante Park (means the Grand Staircase), wow what a road, at the top it runs and twists along a ridge with either side of the road falling steeply away and without guard rails of any sort. It was hard to look at the fantastic view and maintain concentration on the road.

Dropped altitude again and turned from the highway into Bryce Canyon National Park, we are running out of superlatives. The mountains have eroded into thousand of stalagmite like columns in varying hues of pink through to white, Lyn thought they looked like the terracotta warriors in China. There were individual monoliths caused when the softer layers below a hard cap rock is weathered away. See attached photo.

Coming out of the park we rode through a Prairie Dog jam and then an Antelope jam – bloody tourists.

For the animal lovers the Utah Prairie Dog is the rarest of its kind in the United States, almost as rare as the Jackalope.

Alan had planned to stop at a restaurant specialising in game steaks but it didn’t open until 4.00 pm so we went on to a place that specialises in fruit pies.

We passed through Kanab and rode on about 75 mile further to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon; we entered the Grand Canyon Park and meandered along at the speed limit of 45 mph on a road that could be ridden at twice this speed. But as all National Parks over here are policed by Park Rangers that carry handguns we don’t think it wise to speed.

What can be said of the Grand Canyon that we haven’t read or heard before; it is truly spectacular and much vaster in the flesh than we imagined. We walked out along a narrow path to an overlook that was on a point. Even though there were vertical drops on either side of the path, there were only the occasional 18 inch rock walls, and a 4 ft high fence only for the viewing section.

After looking around the visitors section and an ice cream we returned to Kanab for a shower and dinner. Went out to a restaurant that was a surprise, the meal was as good as you would find anywhere.

Kanab is known as the Hollywood of Utah as there have been many movies made in the area

USA Tour Day 24

Day 24 Sunday 8^th August 2010

From Glenwood Springs to Torrey Utah 292 Miles 470klm

Leaving Glenwood Springs at 9am and the skies looked very grey and we are sure that rain is imminent, Alan puts his lid up on the car, and we are off. Just a few miles out of town the rains came. It rained for a few miles as we rode down the road leaving Colorado and the rain behind.

The vastness s of the deserts, and the rock formations are something else, we ride into Utah and again the countryside changes...Alan is leading us into the Capitol Reef National Park, nothing could have prepared us for the dramatic rock structures which are just magnificent,( I think I took over 200 photos )as the road twisted and turned and the scenery changed colours from dark black ,to black, white to red, slivers of rock to big boulders, hanging rocks, with the river trickling thru, just unbelievable, it really is a sight, I don’t think the photos will do it justice.

We arrived at Torrey a little oasis in the rock formations and tried to book into the motel, but our rooms were not ready so we had lunch in a little cafe up the road, and then the heavens opened up with a lot of thunder and lightning, just as we finished lunch the blue skies were back and we headed back to the motel. We are having dinner in a little cafe across the road.

Being Sunday in Utah most stores are closed

Can it get any better than this??????

USA Tour Day 23

Day 23 Saturday 7^th August 2010

Steamboat Springs to Glenwood Springs 296 miles 560klms

Wow what a day, started out with another brilliant road. Vic and Alan were cruising around corners and having a good time when a passing law enforcer switched on his pretty lights and u-turned to catch and pull both of them over – it turns out we were in a 50 mph zone and were well over this.

After some smooth talking by Alan both of them ended up with a caution and told if they were caught breaking any further road laws in Colorado they would be heavily fined. Rest of the day was good for videoing. We will be in Utah tomorrow and the caution will not count there..Bummer fast again

Alan had planned to take a pass to do a loop through Aspen, the excellent road turned to gravel and some people who were there with quads warned Alan the Mustang would have difficulties getting through. So we backtracked through a town called Basalt and took the main road to Aspen – turned out Aspen is just as busy in summer as it is in winter and it was chock a block full of tourists, we were unable to find a parking spot so decided to ride on to Leadville. Only the rich and famous hang out here so we were outa there.

We went over Independence Pass to a height of 12,300 feet and stopped for a photo shoot,the road was just beautiful, then to Leadville where there was a street festival Back to Boom Days on and had a late lunch of pork ribs.Then we headed back to Glenwood Springs and it started to rain we were ok had out wet weather gear on  but the Red mustang had its top down  Again, We did not get to wet

Going out for nibbles and a soothing beer. Back again had Mexican and it was good tucker

Life doesn’t get any better than this.. till tomorrow 

USA tour Day 22

Day 22 Friday 6^th August 2010

Jackson to Steamboat Springs Colorado 630 km.

After breakfast with Jan, Russ, Kristy and Alan we said our goodbyes to Jan and Russ as they were heading to Sturgis and Canada and we are heading to Colorado. Kristy will be going back to LV to be there when we arrive. Alan led us out of Jackson at 8.00 am, it was a little cool so we stopped and put on more clothes. We rode through Hulbut where more road works were holding up traffic, the worst thing was a water truck had just watered the dirt road to keep the dust down. We saw many, many bikes heading for Sturgis also the highway patrol was on the prowl on both sides of a sleepy outback town. Our GPS was to take us on a route that was on the border of Colorado and Wyoming we travel along a beaut tarred road and then it gave directions to turn left, but that was a gravel road, ummm. After a discussion about how long the gravel went on, I opted out of being on the bike and jumped in the car with Alan, my theory was it gave Vic more flexibility to ride the dirt. We crossed the border many times, the road was in a desert and it went on and on for at least 50klm some places the gravel was very thick in places with several sharp corners, I could see Vic in the distance through dust from the car.

Arriving at small little town we stopped and had KFC and rode on to Steamboat Springs, it is beautiful town with a lot of holiday makers here, and a popular destination for skiers in the winter, there is a wine festival on this week. 

After a short relax Alan suggested that we go to a real American West Rodeo that was on in town... Yeah... we set off in the car as it was just too far to walk. What a great night we had, saw cowboys bull wrestling, roping steers, bull and wild horse riding, there were kids catching a calf to take a yellow ribbon off, then about 60 under five year old kids chasing a lamb to catch to take a ribbon from around its belly, had a hot dog and watched the show it was great entertainment.

Then walked the streets and had a beer and a snack in a bar and then off to bed, another great day.

USA tour Day 21

Day 21 Walkabout no ride

Alan took us into Jackson where we did a walkabout the town, bought souvenirs and walked on the wooden footpath (sidewalk) did a lot of window shopping. Tried on more cowboy hats and had more laughs. Stopped off at Bubbas for lunch and had a small size back ribs which was enough. Got back to the family home gave Vic a number 4 haircut (he looks so handsome )and waited for Jan & Russ Hacon (from Western Australia)to arrive, they were riding a rented Harley from Prairie City which was quite a ride to Jackson just on 800km.They arrived at 6-30pm so we had Moose Drool beer and wine on the patio.

Kristy served a very scrumptious BBQ, with the biggest and best steaks we had ever tasted the steaks were at least 2 inches thick cooked to perfection as you can see in the picture.

After a tour of the “Church”(Alan’s retreat) we finished of a great day with huckleberry ice cream and climbed into bed about midnight, very satisfied with the day.

USA Tour Day 20

Day 20 Wednesday 4^th August 2010

RedLodge to Jackson  222 miles 360km

Continental breakfast at the Comfort Inn and on the road at 7am .The weather after the big storm last night is cool and crisp just great for riding. We again ascend the best road in America the Bear Tooth Pass but this time it is in the fog, very tricky and very foggy, can just make out the white line on the side of the road. At least leaving that early there was no obstacles on the road like ”HDs” we climb higher and it is quite cold and Vic turns on his handle bar warmers, can’t see the scenery but I know we are going to about 10,000 feet up. We reach the summit and it is clear skies, and the fog hangs over the valley and it is very picturesque, as we descend we gather a little speed and we do the sweepers with great enjoyment right then left. Vic is in his element.

We ride through the North East entrance of Yellowstone Park, the tourist are everywhere, RVs, Buses, Pickups, it is really busy we get held up by traffic at a Buffalo jam, and one bull was giving Alan in the red Mustang the eye and was snorting and bellowing, Alan was getting ready to try and get away fast...but with all the traffic around I don’t know where he could have gone. They charge without any warning and I look to the left (we are stationary), and see another bull giving us the eye and was ready to move on us..(Must be mating season), thank goodness the traffic moved on. It was a marvellous sight to see these huge wild animals up close and personal, as we progress down the road we are stopped by a Moose jam, Alan asks the Ranger where is the moose she replied “It was here earlier but has moved on”, but the tourists still stop and rubberneck. As we travel further through the park we see waterfalls and watching the Yellow Stone river ripple across the rocks, just beautiful.

Many motorcyclists are travelling to Sturgis and like to include Jackson and Yellowstone Park on their itinerary, there are all sorts of bikes but most are Harleys many with trailers. Majority of riders have safety bandanas on or nothing at all on their heads, their ears must be freezing, all wave and seem to be very friendly.

We stop to refuel and head to Jackson arriving about 1pm. 

Having a little wine and nibbles on the back patio we feel the earth move, and many things in the house rattle, and lamps swaying. Alan checks on the internet and finds that there was an earth quake 4.8 on the Richter scale, The epicentre was only 6 miles away, in the area where the Ural lost its muffler last week.

Had a lovely meal that Kristy had prepared went to bed about 10pm

 The day was just full of wonderful experiences.

Thursday is a no ride day and we will just do a walkabout in Jackson.

USA Tour Day 19

Day 19 Tuesday 3^rd August  2010

Cody to Red Lodge114 miles 183Klms

I thought it could not get any better....well I was wrong, this was a top day.

We started the day with breakfast served in the old dining room at Irma’s Hotel a lovely old hotel originally owned and run by Buffalo Bill and family. We had a typical western breaky with biscuits and gravy ,scrambled eggs, buffalo sausage, Irma’s baked potatoes, tomato salsa, all good tucker. (Irma was Buffalo Bill’s daughter). We then did a walk of Cody main street and tried on some cowboy hats and had a great laugh, did a lot of browsing the shops until it was time to move on to the Buffalo Bill Museum.

The museum is incredible, divided into several sections it illustrates by paintings and artefacts both Indian and old time western culture. It has an arms section that has some 2700 guns, some dating back centuries. It centres on the life of Buffalo Bill and his family but gives an accurate viewpoint of the times. Well worth visiting and spending hours in, which we did.

We then rode what must be the best motorcycle road in all America, Bear Tooth Pass. Probably one of the best roads Vic has ridden and we have to ride most of it again tomorrow. For those that ride if you can imagine a road with an almost perfect riding surface and corners that have a constant radius and a road that goes on and on and having Harleys to pass, you know we are in motorcycling heaven.

When we first started the upward ride we could see a storm brewing in the mountains and with deadly accuracy the road wound straight for it. Rode into it and always climbing we eventually went above the snowline to 10,947 feet, the views at the top were stupendous.

We arrived in Red Lodge in Montana and staying at the Comfort Inn. Walked about half a mile to the first bar and had a beer, then the next bar for a beer, then a wine bar for dinner. An excellent meal and another kilogram to lose when we get home.

Leaving the restaurant we had only walked about 200 metres and stopped to look at a Pan Head Harley under a marquee when the rain bucketed down. We were getting sprayed under the marquee so seeing the roller shutter door to the HD workshop was open and there was a lounge chair we went inside, consider this is 9.00 in the night and the workshop had several Harleys inside plus all the equipment. Waited there for about 30 minutes when a young guy came down from a living area and realising our plight volunteered to drive us back to our motel – Montana hospitality at its best.

Looking forward to tomorrows ride back to Jackson.

Found out more about the rarest of animals, the Jackalope, it can only be hunted in the first full moon of a leap year.

USA Tour Day 18

Day 18 Deadwood to Cody August 2 2010

359 Miles 578 Km

A continental breakfast on the terrace overlooking the river and after a shower of rain the night before, the air is crisp and clean. We meet Alan at the car where he dons his new safety hat and puts +50 sun cream on and we move out at 7-25am.

We have highway riding today leaving the Black Hills of Dakota we head back through Wyoming. The roads are just great and the scenery is again different to what we have seen. There are oil pumps near the road.

I see a herd of deer in a paddock and the rolling hills are just beautiful.

We pass towns which have familiar names like Gillette, Buffalo and Wild Mustang, and even Crazy Woman Creek, then turn off the highway and up a wonderful pass with 30 mph continuous corners, only to be held up by three riders on their bikes which were obviously too big and heavy for them to handle also with road works being in progress and thick wet gravel had just been laid, it was quite comical watching these guys trying to manoeuvrer these big bikes laden with camping equipment. 

We stop at Bear lodge and have lunch, and Alan tells us about an animal which is called a Jackalope (like a jackrabbit with antlers) which is indigenous to Wyoming. At first we don’t know whether he is pulling our leg ....but a cowboy at the lodge showed us one that had been stuffed. Most unusual animal.

We were shown a picture of the Medicine Wheel Historic landmark which is a sacred site nearby, it was a three mile hike to see it so we so we settled for the picture. This dates back to 1200-1700AD and a very sacred site to the Indians.

Moving on from lunch the road twists and turns and we reach 9452 feet above sea level on a pass over the Bighorn Mountains, the scenery coming down on the other side is just breathtaking and the colours in the distance with pastel shades of yellow, orange and greys really beautiful. Vic is really enjoying himself as the sweepers are just magic. We stop at the bottom to admire the Big Horn Lake and have a break.

The road again straightens out and we arrive in Cody.. Alan and I did a little shopping at WALMART (quickly so not to have our photo taken).. yeah.. we head out to the Buffalo Bill Dam which is a few miles out of town and in the Yellowstone Valley. Further on we pass a hunting lodge that Buffalo Bill used.

Alan drove us to a restaurant called Cassie’s where we had an excellent meal of Rib Steak, Vic reckons it is the best he has ever had. Started talking to a man on the next table who heard we were Australian and said he recently rode from Airlie Beach to Perth on dirt roads, including the  Simpson Desert which took him sixteen days to cross and where he broke 5 ribs. He also did the central deserts and the Gun Barrel Highway, one of his mates was air lifted out. We wondered why?

USA Tour Day 17

Day 17 1st August 2010

Deadwood Tour day 162 miles  261klm

A sleep in day, clutch out at 9.00 am and head out on a clear sunny morning towards Mt Rushmore and ride through Keystone as we were coming back there for lunch at ‘Ruby’s’ one of Alan’s favourite restaurant.

We arrive at Mt Rushmore and walk to the viewing platform of the four presidents which proves to be much more than any photos can do justice. The sculptor Gutzon Borglum and 400 workers started working on the faces in 1927 and completed what we see today in 1941. It is a magnificent sculpture. (Saw a Marmot here).

From there we go to the memorial sculpture of Crazy Horse, a great Indian Chieftain. The sculptors, Ruth and Korczak Ziolkowski, started in 1947 at the suggestion of local Sioux chiefs. Whilst it still has a long way to go, even now whilst only the head has been finished, it is amazing. The visitors centre is  a large complex which has numerous halls dedicated to the Indian history and arts, and stalls of local crafts. Whilst we spent a better part of an hour there, we could have spent much more as there was so much to absorb.

Headed back to Keystone and lunch through the Custer State Park hoping to see some bison but only seen where they had been on the road. The roads were great as usual and in places we passed through several one lane tunnels with spectacular views of Mount Rushmore framed in the tunnel exit. There were also sections of the road that were a 15 mph spiral, an interesting way of quickly coming down a hill.

After we all had an Elk burger we left in a thunderstorm which cooled things down and sent most of the HD riders scurrying for shelter. Travelled about 60 miles to Sturgis where we had a visit and beer at a tavern, did a bit of shopping and sightseeing then went to the Knuckle Saloon and decided to have dinner here as it was a fascinating place with memorabilia, the meal was excellent.

Travelling back to Deadwood a deer sprang out and went across in front of Alan, luckily the second one decided to stop.

Another m a visit and beer at a tavern

Another Magical day.

USA Tour Day 16

Day 16. Saturday 31^st July.

Billings to Deadwood, South Dakota 363 miles (584 km)

An early start at 7.15 am to beat the heat. And the bloody RVs Tourists

What an exciting and moving day today, it is a must to be kept on the tour schedule.

We rode approximately 50 miles to the Little Big Horn National Park which is now a National Cemetery where the graves of soldiers that fought the combined Plains Indians in what is known as General Custer’s Last Stand. There are also soldiers and immediate family of those who fought in other wars (such as the Spanish American War, Korean War and World War 1) buried there. It is hallowed ground to Americans and an important part of their history.

The area consists of low hills and the Last Stand was on the highest hill that overlooks the Little Big Horn River on the 25^th July 1876, there are markers placed on the hill where every soldier was killed and originally buried.  The remains were later recovered and placed in a mass grave at the top of the hill which now has a memorial cenotaph over the grave with the names of everyone killed that day.

There is also an area set aside on the hill to recognise the Indian Tribes that were involved in this battle. 

It was very interesting for us, and obviously very moving for the many Americans visiting the site.

From here we rode through the High Plains again and passed through several Indian reservations on the way to see the Devil’s Tower. This was the major location and theme throughout the movie called Close Encounter of the Third Kind. It is a sacred site of the Indians and legend has it the markings on the side of the Tower are made by a bear (large- very large) trying to get to the Indian maidens on the top. (Photo attached).  Had a great (large) Cherry ice cream here.

From here we rode from Montana into Wyoming and the Black Hills of Dakota.  We are now at Deadwood, South Dakota. This is close to Sturgis and there are an enormous number of Harley Davidson motorbikes around going to the annual event which starts soon. Needless to say a BMW motorcycle stands out like a sore thumb, especially one with the riders in full riding gear which is rare. All the HD riders are wearing safety bandannas, T-shirts, jeans or safety shorts, thongs (feet) or sometimes boots. Also Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane are buried

Going into the town centre tonight on the complimentary trolley which runs every 20 minutes from the motel, last one is returns 2.30 am tomorrow morning. 

USA Tour Day 15

Day 15

July 30^th 2010

Kalispell to Billings (464 Miles, 750 Km)

Clutch out at 7.04am to miss the tourists, even then there were already some on the road. We wound are way into the Glacier Park on the Going-to the-Sun Road past beautiful Lake MacDonald  with the temperature at about 10 degrees centigrade. The road was brand new hot mix with a 40 mph limit which was very frustrating as the Park Rangers over here are armed and have the power to arrest.

 When we asked Alan yesterday on what to expect on today’s ride, he found it hard to put into words. We can now understand why, the park is astoundingly beautiful. As we climbed up to the pass there were road works and several one lane traffic sections where the roads are being upgraded, which whilst it slowed us down, allowed time to absorb the wonders of the area. We have attached a couple of photos which endeavour to show this.

Once over the top of the pass we didn’t stop but decided to go on and find somewhere to eat. Good decision as most of the traffic turned off and allowed us to enjoy about 30 mile of sweeping corners which took us to a roadhouse at St Mary where we had an enormous brunch at about 10.30 am.Did I mention Vic had a pancake (see the picture....Diet soon)

Soon after this the road straightened out as we came onto the High Plains, we both thought of the TV programme of ‘Little House on the Prairie’ as we passed houses off in the distance.

The roads became straight and the speeds rose, we were cruising at 80 mph for hours on end. We passed several Indian reservations and villages of the Blackfeet and Kiowa tribes which are indigenous to the area.

The temperature climbed to about 95 Fahrenheit when we stopped at a roadhouse which was also a Western shop catering for cowboys and gals, never seen so many cowboy boots.

We arrived in Billing at 5.00pm which was pretty good allowing us time to have a shower and dress for dinner – people eat early here. Because Vic had mentioned he hadn’t seen a T-Bone steak on any menu Alan took us to a Texan Steakhouse. Made Vic order an 18oz steak, this was after starters which were a meal in themselves.Remember the Sonora dinner well it was something like that food food  food well and truly stuffed.

A bit of trivia is that Billings is the Hill Climb capital of the World (?).

We are seeing more and more motorcycles and Harley Davidsons heading for Sturgis, the Harley riders are normally in uniform of no helmets, T-shirts and vest, some with safety bandannas on and required abrasion resistant tattoos.

Tomorrow Deadwood.           

Belgrade to Kalispel

Day 14 Belgrade to Kalispell 308 miles 496km. In Montana.

After a sleep in and toast and honey for breakfast we leave Belgrade at 7-15am and ride mostly highways all day, even these are interesting with a continuous moving panorama and with freshly mown wheat fields and the smelling of new mown hay and the numerous cattle ranches.

It is fast riding day and we keep on the speed limit of 75 mph (120 km).  The mountains in the distance are clear as we are riding west and the sun is on our backs. When we are refuelling Alan points out a guy that has been taking Meth.... he looked dreadful, aging well before his time without any hope....  it is a problem with teenagers and young adults in America. There are large billboards on the highway telling of its dangers.

Stopping at a small town called Deer Lodge we visited a car museum with cars dating from the early 1900s up until about the 1970s, all in fantastic condition. Alan got misty eyed over several of them which reminded him of his misspent youth. The museum was attached to the local penitentiary (no longer used) which also made Alan misty eyed for some reason.

Now heading North we leave the interstate highway and turn towards St Ignatius and Flathead Lake, cherry farms are everywhere along the road and stalls selling cherries are in abundance.  The temptation is too great so we stop and get a pound, they are just delicious, large and juicy picked straight from the tree. We then ride around Flathead Lake (named after the Flathead Indian tribe) and stop at an Italian fish restaurant and Vic and I have fish chowder in a bread bowl...it’s the best yet.

We turn into our motel in Kalispell at 3pm time to have a little shut eye and a shower before we hit the town at 4-30 pm. We all load into Alan’s car and we do a tour of the town, parking in the main street I noticed a hair dresser so I duck in and have a haircut, now there are no more remarks about my helmet head, it is all good!! Did some shopping in a proper western shop where Alan bought a couple of cowboy hats, Vic and I splurged out on some hunting socks (??).

Leaving the shop we turned a corner and came on a small festival with an orchestra and street stalls, the locals were having a great time.

We walked across the 4 line highway from the motel to an excellent restaurant and have a local Moose Drool beer and a wonderful dinner.

We are sitting on the verandah having a whiskey and looking at the mountains that are pink in the setting sun and contemplating on tomorrows ride into Glacier Park which straddles the Canadian American border, the Canadian side is known as the Waterton Lakes National Park. We will be within a short distance of the border.As we sit on the verandah  we watch a flock of ducks fly by over the Rocky Mountain..Drinking  whiskey .............. life is good..

Day 13

Wednesday 28 July

Jackson Hole to Belgrade 297Miles 478 klm

Saying goodbye to Kristy at 6-40am we are on the road the sky is clear and the day is crisp. We ride into Moose and fill the bike and head thru the Grand Teton National Park and keep a look out for early morning animals that may be roaming around.

We have the very early start to beat the crowds in Yellowstone National Park. The Park is some 2.2 million acres that has many natural geysers and a multitude of animal species. Our first tourist stop is to see “Old Faithful” the famous Geyser. We pull up in the parking lot and wander over to the Yellowstone Visitors Centre which is the largest log structure in the world and admire the wonderful wood work, and find that Old Faithfull does not blow until 10-20am so we make our way to the souvenir shop and have a coffee.

We fluked finding the best seats on a verandah that overlooked the park and the geyser. Alan tells us that this structure was threatened in the 1988 forest fires which nearly wiped out the whole of Yellowstone Park.

Old Faithfull blows on time  and it only takes a short time before we are again on the road. We travel a short distance and we are held up by road works for at least 20 minutes which puts us behind time as we have so much to see so little time.

Our next stop is the Upper Water fall and it is just magnificent sight with a huge volume of water that tumbles of huge boulders through a narrow chasm. Next we go to the Lower Falls which is even more magnificent. Then to the place which gives the park its name Yellowstone Canyon at that takes your breath away it is very beautiful, the crowds are getting bigger and it became hard to find parking spaces, so we head off to the limestone cliffs and then stop at an overlook and have our chicken lunch that Kristy lovingly packed for us, and afterwards head out of the park, again we get caught up with the road works.

Now we head for Montana the weather has warmed up considerably and we have unzipped our jackets to let the air in as we ride through valleys and follow a river.

We see a storm is brewing in the mountains and with a cool change came the rain, it was a wonderful relief from the heat, arrived at our Super 8 motel at 6pm and went to a truckies restaurant for dinner.

I am sure it can’t get better than this.

USA Rest day

Tuesday 27^th July 2010

Chill out day in Jackson... on the bikes to do the tour of Jackson Hole.

Alan is having withdrawals by not being on a bike, so he brings out his Ural (Russian motorcycle) with Kristy in the side car - it reminded me of the film The Great Escape as they ride down the road.

We head for the mountains on a road that goes through an Elk refuge centre where there are anything up to 10,000 Elks in the winter season, we ride up a twisty gravel road and the scenery again is just beautiful, clear skies and a postcard view. We stop at a monument for 9 people that were killed when an Air Force 1 Transport Support aircraft hit the top of the mountain on the 17^th August 1996, Alan having just been involved with the security for President Bill Clinton was called upon to organise the search and rescue operation. From there we ride to Kelly a quaint little town on the outskirts of Jackson where Alan & Kristy’s daughter Alex went to school. We then head out to Gros Ventre where the largest earth slide recorded occurred in 1925. where half of the mountain slid into the river and caused a dam. We then proceed further into the valley where we come across a muffler in the middle of the road........oh no, not again...Alan & Kristy do a u-turn to come back to retrieve it. Bugger me the bolt had sheared through, so the two popular machanics try to fix it on the side of the road. They had to find another bolt, fortunately Vic found one on the BMW back rest which fitted. Alan also burnt his arm trying to fit the bloody thing on. Now all things are nice and tight we are off again. The red hills and snow capped peaks are again too hard to describe sufficiently in words.

We set off to a village called Moose where we had lunch in a chuck wagon and some huckleberry ice cream - just to die for.

On this trip we saw a coyote, chislers, bison and a moose with two calves, not to mention the deer that comes into the backyard of the house at dinner time each night.

Went a bike shop where Vic bought some cool (blue and white) gloves then dropped Kristy off in town to bring the Mustang home ready for tomorrows ride. I jumped into the sidecar of the Ural and set off up more twisties to a resort above town... It was a blast and of course Vic had a great time without me on the back.....Now dinner is ready more red wine - yes life is very, very good. Vic is just finishing some beaut apple pie and Ice cream 

Off to Yellowstone tomorrow .

Day 8 Jackpot to Jackson  (324 miles) 521 klms  Sunday 25 July
Leaving Jackpot at 6-45am having a energy bar to start the day, we are off across the Idaho desert we are riding through Idaho, and watching for anything that can go wrong..So far so good. The cool morning makes it pleasant to ride as we ride through the little settlements where the Sheriffs   is waiting for any speedsters as we enter any town. We stop at a little place as Vic is getting cool and he puts on a jumper, as the Sherriff goes slowly by just checking that all is well. As we ride through the Idaho country side the scenery changes from vast desert to green hills quite a change to what we have seen over the past few days. The roads are just as good as what we have been travelling on  We ride through the Craters of the Moon National Park, which resembles the craters of the moon, it looks like somebody has ploughed the field and left it , It is very different to what we have ever seen, the rocks are hard and black and the park goes on forever, also there is bicycle rally and many bikes are making riding interesting.
We pass the sign INL which our guide(Alan) tells us is the Atomic nuclear research city in the desert..
We see the sign for Idaho falls and many RVs are taking this road which makes it easier for us overtake the slower drivers. We are now in spud country (Idaho Potatoes) the farms go onto the horizon and spuds are everywhere .They store the spuds in  quonset huts (sheds with grass growing over the roof)The Scenery is just beautiful green ,green ,green, We ride over the Tetons mountains into the Valley.The weather  is just ideal for riding, the bum is sore but ok.
We arrive at Alan’s’ and Kristy’s Home in the National Park it is very beautiful,Kirsty has lunch waiting for us, and Alan takes us for a tour of their Ranch were Black Bears come to the front door. It feels as if you are in the wilderness as we have already seen a deer, and a chipmunk.Kirtsy is now cooking a baked dinner after two bottles of red.. life is good.

USA Tour Day 7

Day 7 from Lake Tahoe to Jackson

This is our longest day on the bike 764klms (475 miles)

Our days ride starts at 6-25 am. We bought some energy bars yesterday so that was our starter for the day

We ride past Lake Tahoe which glistens in the morning sun and head up over the mountains and ride thru Carson City which is the capital of Nevada, it still has old world charm from the 1800 with some of the old buildings still standing. We then went back in time to Virginia City what a magnificent town, all the older buildings are still standing and I really thought that “Calamity Jane” would ride her horse by; we really are in the cowboy towns which we see on the TV. We only stopped a short while but it was wonderful. The road after Virginia City to Reno was just magical, smooth hot mix bitumen with continuous sweepers that descended down the mountain and because we left early we beat all the RVs and tourists.

We had a different taste sensation at a McDonalds at Winnemucca; all things are not as we know it - but it served us until our destination. As we set out through the great desert of Nevada the four lane highway are well maintained and straight for miles and miles, I even got excited when there was a curve and it is noticeable how polite the drivers around us are. The mountains still have a little snow on the peaks, the scenery of the rock formations is very spectacular as we got further into the desert the heat of the day is getting warmer, and we stop for some water and refreshments at a town called Wells.

Taking a left turn off the highway onto a secondary road we head for Jackpot a small settlement near the Idaho border.  We are booked into the Casino called Cactus Pete’s and Alan tells us that the people from Idaho come to Cactus Pete’s to gamble as it is forbidden in Idaho -  also something about rednecks and potatoes??

We arrive at 3.30pm but we have lost an hour as it now Central time. Had a smorgasbord dinner of crab, oysters, fish salad etc, etc (in the desert - yeah I know), and a couple bottles of Californian chardonnay at $7.00 a bottle which was excellent.

Tomorrow we spend a couple of hours in Idaho and then cross into Wyoming to spend time with Kristy on her birthday.

We can understand how people come back time and time again – it is a diverse and beautiful country. Or maybe it’s our guide

USA Tour days 4-5-6

Day 4-5-6- 

Not had the time or no access to the internet so you have three days combined.

Day 4 Cambria to San Francisco.

Temperature 16c.

We left Bill and Mike at the motel to meet up with us later at 11.30 am at Hearst Castle. The Castle is very opulent and must have cost tens of millions of dollars even back in the 1920s when it was built. Very interesting though to see how the other half lived back then.

Leaving the castle on time with Bill leading us North up the coast on Highway California 1, great road and scenery. We met up with friend Barry Porter at a cafe overlooking the ocean. Barry had ridden down from Santa Cruz on an early model 850 Moto Guzzi to meet up. After a nice lunch we continued on up Highway 1 to Barry's house at Santa Cruz which is on a headland overlooking the ocean. The house is magnificent!

After a coffee we took off with Barry leading to take us back onto the highway, unfortunately his bike stopped (later found out it was a vapour lock in the tank), we had to leave him and Bill took over to lead another fantastic section of coast, and then back over the mountains past Alice’s Restaurant famous motorbike rendezvous, and then to the highway to SF where we said our goodbyes.

Temperature dropped dramatically again because of the Californian mist and we then rode to our hotel, the ride into SF was not for the fainthearted.

We had dinner at Fishermen’s Wharf and it was just fantastic, crabs and scallops and seafood bisque, the pretty lights of the wharf were great, got a taxi back and were in bed by 11pm  another great day

Day 5

San Francisco to Sonora

We have planned to be up early as we were booked on a tour to Alcatraz at 11-30am and were going to try to have it changed earlier due to  the long ride ahead (420klm). Vic and I had breakfast in a diner, after brekkie the boys fetched the bike and car from a parking station and away we went. Vic had fun trying to keep out of the cable car tracks and stopping at all the traffic lights and the steep hills. We arrived at the water front and wharf 33 where the Alcatraz ferries leave from to see if we could change the times... to no avail still at 11-30. So we walked the streets until the time to depart.

On the ferry to Alcatraz the sun is trying to come through the sea mist it is a little cooler than we expect. We dock at the Alcatraz and do a tour and it was very interesting - how cruel this place was.

We leave San Francisco about 2pm, back on the bike and the little” Red Rocket” leads us out of town and over the  Golden Gate Bridge and along the California Highway 1 then do a little side trip more twisties. Absolutey breath taking roads and scenery, we then travel through the Napa Valley with grape vines covering huge areas of the valley which is very green and beautiful. We pass a wind farm that has about 60-70 wind generators, leaving this valley we ride through the central Californian Delta .

The temp is now rising and we strip off our warm clothing, and head for our hotel in Sonora. The hotel and town is real western American - I was just waiting for” Wild Bill Hickok” to come riding thru

Had dinner in a BBQ Diner just a short walk up the road. Oh did we have a lot of food (Pic included.)We were full to the brim and had to leave a lot. It was sweet potato chips, onion rings, salad, steak, beans, mushrooms, coleslaw and French fries.Got to bed about 10-30pm it was just another wonderful day

Day 6

Sonora to South Lake Tahoe 583klm-362 miles

Leaving Sonora at 7am after breakfast, we head out to Yosemite National Park - The scenery was just out of this world, huge boulders, huge mountains ,spectacular waterfalls ( makes Ayres rock looks like a pebble). There was some road works on the main road and we were held up for some time as it was a one way road and gravel, we were hoping no black bears would attack as 27 bears were killed by cars last year..They never mention how may motorcyclists were eaten.

Leaving the park we head for South Lake Tahoe, it is quite warm and the” Red Rocket” had his top down. We stop for water and refreshments after a fantastic ride down a valley with the road being hot mix and the vista is superb. Climbing up again over the mountains and it starts to sprinkle with rain, we zipped up our coats and kept on going, then with the rain comes the hail and Alan in the “RED ROCKET” keeps going in the rain,  (I think he thinks he is on a motor cycle) and only stops after the car fills with water and he puts the top up.

Arriving in Lake Tahoe the rain stops and the sun comes out again the place is sparkling; we even got to see a Variviggen which Alan identified for us. We walked up the road for dinner in a quaint little eatery, early night tonight as we have a big ride tomorrow. We head back to Nevada to a place called Jackpot.

Just a wonderful day, tired but satisfied, I think I have double calluses on my bum thank goodness for my Air Hawk.

USA Tour Day 3

Day 3

Here we are in Cambria on the Coast of the Pacific Ocean just beautiful

Our ride today is 430klm destination Cambria

Had a great start from Lindsay with the breakfast of a waffle and syrup and butter and of course coffee, we rode through the Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, what a beautiful area, the roads were just magnificent, just like riding in the Alps of Italy so may twist and turns I felt that I was in a washing machine being tossed around.

The wild life had the right of way, at all time so we were on the lookout for Black bears, rattlesnakes and deer. The giant Sequoia tree is the world’s largest tree, also there is a General Sherman tree is estimated to be 2200 years old, After leaving this magnificent park we head for a little town and had KFC for lunch, it is still quite warm.

As we headed for the coast we feel the temperature dropping quickly, so have to zip up our coat vents.

Arrive at our beaut motel overlooking the ocean, and whilst we were having a nip of whiskey with Alan our friends Bill and Mike we met on our Moroccan tour knock on our door. Had a great evening, at a restaurant just up the road. Just a magical day

USA Tour day2-3

 7/19/10  Day 2-3

Wow what a great night we had at the Party. we walked down Fremont Street, all dressed up and I think people thought we were part of the entertainment the light show was just fantastic. At the party everybody dressed up in the 70s gear.

It was quite a spectacular event about 200 people we left about 11 pm as we had an early start on our first ride

We started about 7-30am as we were going to Hoover dam before all the crowds started.

We did the dam and they have now a overpass as they are wanting to stop people driving over the dam. we were very fortunate that we could still ride across, the over pass will be opened in a few months.

The weather is very hot, we then set on our ride thru a National park in the desert, the colours of the mountains was just so beautiful and the little water in the dams  just glistened in the sunlight, the roads were just great we were just riding along and Alan's Harley decided to stop  and it would not go no matter what he tried it is now 120 no shade in the desert. So Alan set off on the BMW to find some help, he was gone for nearly 3 hours so Vic and I tried to find some shade we did have water and the trusty jelly beans and a muesli bars,

 There was some road works working (on a Sunday) and the truckles gave us some more water and some Gatorade, we made some make shift lean-tos with a few branches etc (the tribe thing come in here) but the sun was moving over head so we had to keep moving No cell phone service Alan Arrives back about 12-30 saying that a tow truck will be with us in about 2 hours, bugger we are still stuck in the bloody sun, but he brought back a tarp and some ocky straps , So we strap them across the bikes so we could have some shade, I just kept looking for the buzzards to attack.

At about 2pm the truck arrives and Alan loads it on to the truck and we still have about 170klms to get back to Las Vegas, by this time i have heat exhaustion and we ride thru the Valley of Fire Gee it was bloody hot. We follow the truck to a point it is just so bloody hot I can't take it so I am in the truck just wanta die.

We get to the Harley shop(the biggest in the world in Red Rock) they do a test on Alan's Bike and they said it was fuel fuse, but that is not all, there is a big clunk so now Alan is leaving his bike in the shop and he now is going to do the tour in his Mustang

All worked out well so now we are back home in the air cons tomorrow we are  thru DEATH VALLEY..I thought we were all ready there

--

Usa Tour day 1

On the road day 1 19/7/2010

Today we had an early start as we wanted to beat the heat through Death Valley; our destination today is Lindsay in California about 630kms.

Left Las Vegas about 6-30 am, Alan is in his red Mustang very impressive and we are on the BMW. The weather is quite cool at about 25c so our journey begins.

We rode through some beautiful countryside where the rock formations change colour with the light.

The surrounding mountains are very rugged and the road is in very good condition, with some very straight sections. As we ride further into the valley the heat has started to burn and it is only 9am. We can understand why it is called Death Valley there are no trees or greenery only scattered stumpy cacti.

We stopped at the Death Valley information centre where we purchased a US$80.00 annual pass for all the parks and a couple of T- shirts to prove we were there, it started to get warmer at about 40c with the forecast of 51c at at midday - we are outa there.

Stopped at a small roadhouse to have a bite to eat - a sandwich similar to a subway.

We arrive at Lindsay after a beaut ride over the mountains lots and lots of twisters Vic just loved it after all the straight bits..

We dived into the pool and now ready to have a nanny nap and then out to find a bar to replenish the body fluids - thought it would have been cooler over this side of the Mountains but it is almost as hot.

Tomorrow we head for Cambria to meet up with the boys from Morocco.

The pictures are from Death Valley

U.S.A Tour 2010 July August

Arrived in Hawaii after 91/2 hours on a Boeing 767 it must have come from the beginning of flight, no TVs or entertainment, no socks or eye patches. We were on the emergency exit and were told if one happens we had to put the door on the seats not to throw it out. If you wanted to watch a DVD the cost to hire a mini DVD player was $15. With two movies, also you could buy gourmet food $10 for a cheese burger. or just have the common meal.I slept most of the way Vic read his book.Went thru customs took our finger prints also our photos then we had to find our way to the inter Island flight to Las Vega

Found our way to the terminal with lots of confusion Boarded about 2pm the flight took 51/2 hours, the same procedure with the movies and food on this flight, the plane seemed to be a newer one

Alan and Kristy met us at Las Vegas, and it was very hot outside at midnight the temp was 27 or 109F we went and had dinner at a restaurant on the way home to their place. Little cheese burgers and chicken wings and a huge margarita we got back to their home about 1am.We have our own bedroom with a fantastic bed, Up early 17^th and we look out on some huge mountains and a golf course, the home is very beautiful, and comfortable..Lots of travel souvenirs.

Leaving Portugal /Arriving home/3/5/2010

Waiting for a pick up from Nuno to take us to the airport,We are sure our bags
are full of the Sahara desert as they have grown in size, maybe it is the new wardrobe :-) We have both grown in size
as the food and drink has been just great.. now back to the diet ;_( More when we arrive in Switzerland -- if we ever do

Have arrived in Hong Kong after waiting in Switzerland for 7 hours for a connecting flight then a 12 hour flight by Swiss air to Hong Kong (you get what you pay for) now we only have a 8hour flight to Sydney then a 2 hour trip home will arrive in our bed about 12 noon Tuesday. We had to run to catch this flight and get transferred to gate thirty six just made it in time as  the Swiss plane had not turned their clock back, we are both in a lather of sweat.. but we are going home.. Hong Kong Airport is huge..and running with ones bags is not fun

Oh I forgot to mention the Pope was in Lisbon on Saturday huge crowds and lots of noise a great spectacle.

We are home again after 2 great adventures , arrived back in Sydney at 6am had to wait for the shuttle home which arrived at 8am  2 hours to drive home as there was an accident, did two loads of washing then hit the bed... Wow now it is Wednesday must have slept all Tuesday
It was a great holiday despite all the little hiccups, accidents, night riding, loosing baggage,loosing people,but the best part was meeting new Tour leaders and great new friends, it was a pleasure to ride with
-Our next adventure will be off to the good old USA in July -

Portugal Spain Morocco April 2010

Hi All

Well our great adventure is over, had a wonderful time ate too much drank too much. Have met some wonderful people and the trip was most enjoyable. Just loved Morocco and the people.

We are now in the Park Atlantic  Lisbon stranded until we get a flight home, as we are on Swiss air and they got to Zurich and the airport is closed, so it is just a waiting game. our  flight is not until Tuesday so we will have to check again tomorrow.

Vic has now caught a cold, and all our medication is in the big bag, which will be flown home by DHL when all the airports are open again.

Will keep you posted when we return.

We bought some new clothes to get us thru the week, and it is great how many times you can twist your undies around.

All for now

The End of a second Ayres adventure

Wow we are now back in Lisbon after a fantastic ride,and to top off all our excitement our bags were here to welcome us all intact and secure, Claus and his contacts with the other Moto group and DHL did a very good job. We even changed the Ayres Adventures procedure check list, and no bags were lost on the second tour.
On the last night before we headed into Lisbon we stayed in a wonderful Palace in a little remote village, very private and very beautiful, you will just have to wait for the photos when we get home.
The last day´s riding was through the mountains and very twisty, being on the back felt like I was a agitator in a washing machine being tossed about, and just waiting for the rinse , Rufus (Dr)had improved his riding and the Lawyer turned out to be a judge, he was getting better, Claus took the last days ride as his back had improved, and Nuno had urgent paper work for Denny and Alice to attend to, as Denny still had the papers for the bike in Morocco and he would not be able to leave the country(the bike is back in Portugal) - a little bit of a muddle.
We went to the same Cafe De Fado and it was very good we said our good byes to the family of Drs and Judges , Mike the Canadian is out playing Polo some where and we will join him to night for our farewell cuddles - he is a top bloke.

This has been a great tour but the Morroco one had more interest and more culture - still it was a great adventure all the same.

In seville Spain1

Hi all,

In Seville Spain, after a hectic two days of riding. One couple rode off the mountain and pillion Alice sustained multiple breaks and in Military Hospital. Rider OK but bike written off.

Our bags still in Morocco doing a second tour with another bike tour company that stayed at the same hotel, Manuel of Faulty Towers took the bags to the wrong truck - we are dressing in borrowed clothes and living out of a plastic bag. Hope to get the bags back before leaving on Tuesday which brings up another problem with all the airports in Northern Europe being closed due to the volcanic ash from the Iceland eruption. No photos as our computer being in our bags along with the camera and mobile phone chargers, house keys, etc. Lucky I took copies of our travel documents on a memory stick.

Leaving Portugal

Leaving Portugal
Wow we are now back in Lisbon after a fantastic ride, and to top off all our excitement our bags were here to welcome us all intact and secure, Claus and his contacts with the other Moto group and DHL did a very good job. We even changed the Ayres Adventures procedure check list, and no bags were lost on the second tour.
On the last night before we headed into Lisbon we stayed in a wonderful Palace in a little remote village, very private and very beautiful, you will just have to wait for the photos when we get home.
The last day´s riding was through the mountains and very twisty, being on the back felt like I was a agitator in a washing machine being tossed about, and just waiting for the rinse , Rufus (Dr)had improved his riding and the Lawyer turned out to be a judge, he was getting better, Claus took the last days ride as his back had improved, and Nuno had urgent paper work for Denny and Alice to attend to, as Denny still had the papers for the bike in Morocco and he would not be able to leave the country(the bike is back in Portugal) - a little bit of a muddle.
We went to the same Cafe De Fado and it was very good we said our good buys to the family of Drs and Judges, Mike the Canadian is out playing Polo somewhere and we will join him to night for our farewell cuddles - he is a top bloke.

This has been a great tour but the Morocco one had more interest and more culture - still it was a great adventure all the same.

We are leaving tomorrow and should be home Tuesday (all going well).

Good News bags

Good news  our bags are now in Lisbon at DHLs distribution Centre and will be delivered to the Hotel today, and we can have them when we arrive tomorrow... Yippee it has been 14 days since they went missing. These jeans should be able to walk by them selves now.

Also great news from Marrakesh that Alice (She was injured in the accident) can fly home on the 1st May she is on a stretcher and they have reserved 7 seats for her and Denny a Doctor and a Nurse to get them all back to Alaska she is still in pain but at least she be at home, Clauss friend has kept us all updated with her progress..

Clause ´s back has improved and he is again working out and walking and he is looking forward to going home to Germany on the 1st May`.

Looks like a little drizzle today , it will be a little tricky on the cobblestones to start for the ones that are inexperienced as most of the city roads are  cobble.Very bumpy in places..

All for now till the next stop. will partake in a little port nectar for you all.