Following Route 66

Quick update....
The 6 of us left Tulsa this morning, joined by Jack at the petrol station following exit 211. We had a great ride, with at least 5 u-turns compliments of the GPS and Jack trying to find us coffee at around 11am - and then getting onto and following the original Route 66. We all arrived in Amarillo mid afternoon, had an absolutely fabulous tea and have now returned to our rooms. As it is after 11pm I will add to this tomorrow night and add pictures then.

continuing .... it was great that Jack knew about the orginal Route 66, which meant we all rode down it, along cracked cement roads and thru avenues of trees. Really lovely. We saw a number of delapitated and destroyed homes & buildings, it would be interesting to know the history & stories behind them.

We then visited a quaint little town called Sayer, got petrol and filled the bellies. This was where we did most of the u-turns - the guys are getting very good at doing them.

Once done we were back on the main highway towards Amarillo, Texas. We arrived in Amarillo mid afternoon, and decided to head out to have tea at The Big Texan Steak Ranch. This included a free limo ride to and from the place, and their offer of a free 72oz steak with all the trimmings IF eaten in 1 hr. No way in the world!

Winners - Longest Distance travelled

Today, Sunday, was the last day of Wing Ding 31 at Tulsa, & a lovely day. While the others were off doing their thing, Ken & I went for a quick walk. Close to our hotel we had noticed a Lutheran Church, service at 10am. Ken & I decided to go, and it was lovely, a beautiful church with a multitude of stained glass windows & lights. We left just before the end of the service, but it was a lovely interlude.

Once at the Wing Ding we caught up with Bob & Kerry, & Paul (from USA), and finally Clint & Charleen. Once we said goodbye to Paul we all went across to the Pavillion for the closing ceremony. A number of awards were presented - and Ken & I won the award (plaque) for the Longest Distance travelled by an International Couple - 9,735 miles ... Yipee. Once back in Australia we will add the names of all 6 of us, including Clint & Charleen and Bob & Kerry (all from QLD).

Finished the day by all watching the Moto GP (held here in California), then heading off for tea. Oh my goodness - the meals, still trying to learn to say no. Not working! Early start tomorrow for Amarillo, Texas.

With our plaque for International Long Distance Couple - 9,735 milesOh , the memories

A few more cute trailers (this one says State Trooper)trikes & bikes ... very Patriotic (below)

Hello Mickey & Minney

Very different (above) - & with "auxillary wheels" (below)with beautiful airbrush painting

Clint & Charleen heading back to the hotel - no helmets (quite legal), Bob & Kerry following

Wingin it at the Wing Ding

This morning we woke to dark skies and rain being forcast. By the time we had finished breakfast, Clint & Charleen left quickly - it was pouring. So much so that a couple here for the Wing Ding cancelled their booking for the remaining days and were heading off home to Texas. We were warned that the black road surface out here was very slippery, so it was decided that we would leave the bikes here and take a taxi to the Showgrounds. Bit of a pity as both Ken & Bob had spent some considerable time this morning washing and readying the bikes. Oh well, we weren't the only ones who left bikes here. There were about 8-10 of us waiting in the lobby for taxi's

We spent the day walking the pavillion, buying items, checking out items - all the things one does at an Expo. We ended up buying our CB & antena, will collect it from WingStuff in LA when we get back.

Riders & their bikes started getting ready for the Grand Parade 3-5pm, the Grand Parade itself commenced at 5pm. Waiting for everyone to be marshelled we watched 3 Tulsa Police on their bikes do figure 8's & u-turns on a dime in an empty car-park. The way they were doing their movements we figure they must be precision riders. Fantastic to watch. They then led the bikes on the Parade.

It was great to see Clint & Charleen representing us & Australia. The 4 of us (Bob & Kerry, Ken & me) had made a decision to watch the parade rather than be part of it, as we wanted to see as many bikes, trikes, outfits (or lack of) as possible. In a number of states including here in Oklahoma, it is not compulsory to wear helmets or safety bike gear, so it is an eye-opener to see what or not is being worn.

Tomorrow we will again attend the Wing Ding, hoping the weather will be a little kinder.

Heavy rain this morning

Air brushed painting on the lid of a trailer - beautiful

Bikes are marshalling - ready for the Grand Parade

Clint & Charleen on their way

There are many trikes, bikes and trailers - some of the trailers are really cute.

The shape of things to come - bike with a steering wheel ?? (sounds like a car)

Dodge City to Tulsa - 300 plus miles

Everyone was ready to go before 7am today - so we headed off. We travelled through farming areas, roads not quite as good as condition as we have been experiencing. Trip was easy, but it was very very windy which meant we took a bit of buffeting, but that's part riding. Went through 3 toll points - first one we got the ticket, paid at the end of the section, 2nd and 3rd toll points paid set amts and headed off. Easy as.

Everywhere we went there were vans, tents etc selling Fireworks - getting ready for tomorrow 4th July celebrations. (There were quite a few fireworks last night somewhere near our motel, didn't effect us at all).

Arrived at Tulsa round 2.30pm, went to the motel and then on to the showgrounds where the Wing Ding is being held. Fascinating to see all the different types of Gold Wings, the colors, the decorations etc, not to mention the gear inside. Will be going back tomorrow and check out some more of what's available.

Fountain to Dodge City - across the praries

Everyone was ready to go by 7 this morning, so it was a good early start. Clint put some air in his tyres, and in Kansas you have to pay for it .75c for 4 mins. Not in all states luckily.

The ride today was through the country / rural parts of Colorado to Kansas. Long, straight double road highways for most of the way. The country is very dry, and very dusty. Some of the paddocks are being burnt off causing lots of smoke, which we had to ride thru. Corn appears to be the main crop, saw lots of different silo's. We also saw some wheat crops.

There were a number of cattle feed lots, acre upon acre of yards filled with 100's & 100's of cattle. Also saw a few lama's and quite a few horses. Very few sheep sighted.

Arrived at Dodge City and checked in while Clint & Charleen went on into town to get a new back tyre. Much happier now that has been changed.

We've all just come back from the most delicious tea at a Thai Restuarant - boy was it good!
Off to Tulsa tomorrow for a 3 day stay and the Wing Ding. Have seen lots of Gold Wings, the bikes, trikes with trailers, and one with a sidecar as well. Guess we'll be seeing lots lots more tomorrow.
Just outside Fountain, healthy corn crop
Countryside scenes

Buildings are made from pressed wood & timber frames, later covered
One of the cattle feed lots
Entry to Dodge City

Reaching dizzy heights

It was Carbondale to Fountain today (220 miles) via the very elite ski resort of Aspen. Once in Aspen we stopped for our morning coffee and a look at the very high market shops and homes. After all this is where the rich famous play.

We continued to climb the Rockies & reached an elevation of 12095feet. We watched a couple climbing one of the higher peaks - didn't wait to see them come down.

The road decended quite steeply, like the last few days sometimes quite scary seeing them winding way way down and around, or up and around the top of the mountain.

Had a deer run across the road just in front of Clint & Charleen, then stood in the trees & checked us out. We also saw a little beaver crossing the road, we stopped and took some photo's, seeing all the beaver dams they've made is quite remarkable.

On our way again, through completely new countryside, rolling plains, cattle and long roads. Had lunch at a cute little place called HOB Cafe & Bar, filled with all sorts of memorabilia. Fascinating.

First photo is of a shop at Aspen, rest at the highest point, final one at one of the towns we came through.

Colorado River to the Skyways

Tuesday 30th June

My turn to lead the ride today. Last night with Clint I checked out the ride and changed it somewhat. Instead of going straight up the highway I found a route that means we started off following the Colorado River.

First tho' we headed out from Moab - and my first u-turn, which according to Clint means I am now a certified member of the AWRA. Just to be sure I arranged a couple more throughout the day.

4 miles from Moab we turned into Arches National Park. It's a spectacular group of arches and formations including the famous Balanced Rock. We spent a great deal of time seeing a totally different type of formation. Once done we headed off up the canyon following the Colorado River. We then took an undulating back road (we could regularly see the highway) before getting onto it.

We got to the Colorado / Utah border, took our photo's and headed off again. Leaving Grand Junction we then turned into Colorado National Monument - an incredible road of fantastic views, climbing the mountain, following the very edge (and we were on the outside most of the time with nothing between us and a very long way down).

Just to make life a little more interesting, we pulled into a viewing area where there was a Sherriff talking to someone. We decided not to stop there, but apparently he took a good look at our bike and ran for his vehicle. Within a couple of hundred feet we heard the siren, saw his flashing lights, and pulled in. He had noticed that our bike had no No plate, due to it not being received in time by Eagle Rider in LA. We had to unload the top panier to get out the paperwork proving it was a rental bike and insured, and believe it or not he let me shake his hand, even tho' he had his gun and taser on. The guys of course have photo's of it all. Clint mentioned later that he was surprised he had left himself so vunerable.

Then it was on to Carbondale, totally different country - green with pines, meadows, lakes and rivers running by the side of the road.

Made it just after 7pm, long day, had a quick swim while Christine did the washing. Bob & Kerry, & the 2 of us went to a diner for tea (Clint & Charleen stayed in). Sat at the bar on stools - exactly as in the movies. Even had a big picture of Betty Boo in the enterance.

A great ride.

Bikes in front of Balanced Rock

Some of the Arches

Delicate Arch in the background - this is used on the Utah number plate

At the border (with Clint & Charleen's Wing)

Independence Monument

Bridges - on the way to Carbondale