I am having a really hard time keeping track of what day it is; or what happened when.  I jot down notes, but have pieces of paper everywhere. The pace of this ride is much more demanding than I when I went across last year by myself.  Can't say I like one better than the other right now, as with most things, advantages and disadvantages to both.
Yesterday, we rode from Ouray, down rt. 550 - One of the Million Dollar Highways - there is another one but don't remember where it is and can't take the time to google right now. 550 is a Butler Maps G1, 2, and 3 ride.  In that order, as you go south from Ouray.  "It follows old stagecoach routes and pack trails with stretches of road that dance around mines, crystal creeks and ore-scarred peaks." It is exposed with no guard rails.  We rode early in the morning, there was a light rain as we started - the air, the smells, the scenery was magnificiant. It lived up to it's reputation.  I was so happy when we got to Molas pass, 10,910 just south of Silverton.  Last year that was were I got a flat tire that I couldn't fix and had to be towed back to Durango.  From there, I decided to go to Mesa Verde NP, instead of going back up.
Anyway, once Lisa and I made it to Durango, we stopped - out of rain gear and into mesh, filled our beer cooler with local brewery crafts, and bought a sandwich to eat later.  We were headed to Four Corners Monument.  I had been there last year, but Lisa had to see it.  And the groups were meeting there for lunch. It's def. something to see, but it's basically a tourist destination with little shade, we ate under the shade of a closed restroom building.  It was closed last year as well, the only difference was that this year there was caution tape wrapped around it.  After lunch, we headed out -- our destination -- Lake Powell NRA, 179 miles away.  It was going to be a long, hot, straight, ride through very desolate country along rt.'s 160 and 89.  It is peaceful, but not friendly country.  I can't believe I rode through here by myself last year.  At a fuel stop, we saw the storm, but didn't care about our rain gear -- we were hot! It was quite a storm, but we just kept going - hard as hell to see, but there was no safe place to pull off.  Safer to slow down and plow through.  Eventually, we found a sort of an overpass with red gravel to pull over, by this time it was just light rain and I was cold.  The temp. Went from 95 to 60.  
We pulled into Lake Powell around 6pm, we had gained another hour, Thank God. Our room looked out over the Marina, really beautiful.  See photo header.

Yesterday, we went to Seven Falls with the group for a historical photo.  It is part of the Broadmoor Hotel in Colorado Springs and it is absolutely gorgeous.  They opened it just for "Sisters Ride".  Alisa and Robert took there sponsored BMW and Indian over a tiny bridge and our group photo was right in front of the falls.  Pretty cool.  Our shuttle driver was Cuby Valdez - he used to be a Hot Shot and a smoke jumper.  He reminded Lisa of Rainman.
Lisa and I left Colorado Springs around 9 am and headed toward Salida, where there was a wildfire in the San Isabel National Forest.  The Hayden Pass fire.  We expected to see smoke as we went through on 50, and we did - in the mountains, but we didn't have to ride through any.  The town had signs on the roads, in fuel stops, in a cafe we stopped in -- all thanking and praying for the fire fighters and their families.  Nice to see, a real sense of community.  We stopped at a subway in Gunnison and I got a text from friend, Betty Ebrect. - There was a motorcycle accident in the canyon and 50 was closed into Montrose.  Lisa and I looked at each other, praying it wasn't one of ours.  I checked map, and with Betty's help , we made an alternate plan.  Just as we were about to leave, Betty got word that it was open, which was good, not only for us, but it meant most likely the rider was alive.  We stopped in at Black Canyon of the Gunnison NP and then stopped in to see JE and Betty in Montrose on our way to Ouray.  
Twin Peaks in Ouray was awesome, the little Switzerland,  3 HOT SPRINGS all different temps.  Had a blast playing chicken in the 100 degree pool.  

The day before was a rest day.  We did laundry in our "corn maze" of a hotel.  Lisa's description.  The ubered into Manitou Springs for lunch.  My first Uber!  Went to a Mexican restaurant " The Loop". Killer Margaritas.  Met an Irish Catholic family - brother and fiancé, sister, her son and his girlfriend.  We all hit it off  -- just so many similarities in our lives -- birthdays, suicides, mental health  -- we took a group photo -- see FB for album of these days.  Shawn ( Brother) paid for our meal without our knowing.  We graciously accepted.
The margaritas had def. done their job, so we ubered through Garden of the Gods, with the AC blasting and windows open - Lisa had to sit on the door to take pics, of course.

"The most effective defenses of wildness seem to be rooted squarely in the needs and interests of civilized people."  Roderick Nash, 1982

We left McCook , NE around 9:30 --- Hung out with one of the groups.  One of the Van Burens was on a sponsored Indian and it wouldn't start --- after a lot of different attempts, it was decided that it had to be towed to Denver to an Indian dealership.  The problem ended up being a simple computer communication issue with the key fob.  This particular bike was a pre-production model, the issue was fixed in the production models.  It just so happens that there is a BMW F700GS demo along with us on this trip, so he was able to ride that.  All good, his bike was fixed and returned to him in Colorado Springs.  Dare I say it ----- BMW's ROCK.  
Absolutely beautiful ride out of McCook, NE and into Kansas.  Cool 70's, overcast dark blue sky.  27.8 miles outside of McCook, we entered Kansas and the landscape immediately changed from greens and browns to hues of yellow, gold, and gray.  Noticed that pines, not sure which kind, surrounded most of the farm's homes and out buildings.  I am assuming for wind protection.  As I was riding, I couldn't stop thinking about the BLT I had last night.  It was the best I've ever had -- thick bacon, leaf lettuce, good tomato -- have no idea where it came from --- on fresh sourdough.  Taste of Texas BBQ -- if ever in McCook, NE --- don't miss it.
Today's ride became hard because it was so straight --- The Great Plains Highway -- straight with ups and downs.  We slowly gained elevation as we traveled West. We stopped at a VFW in Burlington, KS to use their bathrooms.  There was a Cobra Helicopter monument outside which of course, drew us in.  Passed through a wind turbine corridor and into Colorado.  I LOVE Colorado.  Great experiences every time I visit, even when something goes wrong.  
Colorado Springs welcomed us in true mountain style ---- afternoon hail, thunder and lightening.  We were able to get our raingear on in time but Lisa had bruises from where the hail hit her.  It was not fun negotiating through rush hour traffic in pouring rain --- just so damn hard to see.  We use rain-X and anti-fog stuff ---- still hard to see.
Our hotel is HUGE ---We're in the South wing --- Our bikes are close, but it's a half mile walk to the lobby --- I kid you not.
Yesterday we rode up Pike's Peak.  The summit is 14,114 ft.  One of Colorado's Fourteeners, it is in the Front Range, along with Mt. Evans, which is 14,265 ft. And Mt. Bierstadt - 14,065.  In 2000,  Jay, Tommy, and I, along with Troop 735 climbed Mt. Bierstadt.  Then we took the Sawtooth, a class 3 scramble - which means that we had to use our hands in places to climb and navigate rocks -- over to Mt. Evans.  One of my fondest memories with both of my sons.  
Yesterday, I learned there is a difference between hiking up to 14,000 and riding up to that altitude.  Even though we stopped at 10,000 for about 15 mins. And then at 12,000 for about an hour - it snowed up top and they closed the road for snow and ice.  We were fully hydrated, clear pee - but still felt very lightheaded and a little dizzy at the summit.  Admittedly, when we were here in 2000, we did a much better job of acclimating.  Camped at The Air Force Academy, then climbed to 13,000 and came right down the day before we went to 14,000.  
Anyway, we made it!!!  The coolest thing was that The sisters ride creator/organizer was being interviewed/filmed  about her thoughts on the ride thus far.  The film crew who are really great and work for Indian, asked Lisa if she would sit on a rock with Alissa with the magnificiant view in the background and talk about her experiences as a woman veteran.  One of the charities this ride supports is Final Salute, a group that helps support women vets with housing and re-entry.  
Lisa spoke beautifully, honestly - she was real --she told stories that she has shared with very few of us,  I was in tears --- everyone that was grouped around watching was crying. I was so proud of her.  
After we descended, we headed to Pike's Peak Motorsports.  Stormy had an app. For an oil change and chain cleaning and adjustment.  While we waited, we sat outside and ate lunch.  Another rider/staff member joined us.  Apparently, we missed the traditional donut at the top of Pike's Peak.  Seems they are made from a recipe that only works at 14,000 ft or above.  They have been sold on the Mtn. In one form or another for 125 years according to Rocky Mtn. Food report.  Luckily, neither one of us likes donuts.

Today was amazing!  
A storm blew through overnight and the tail end was over us until about 8am.  Lisa and I decided to hang out.  I needed to catch up on my blog, we were tired of rushing, and did not want to deal with rush hour traffic on our way out of town.  We left around 9:15.  Of course, we went the wrong way out of the hotel again.  Don't ask, I don't know.  Anyway, we got right back on US 30 - the Lincoln Highway.  I was wearing my mesh jacket that Todd sent to the hotel and felt really good as it was supposed to be a scorcher today.  Once on the road, I was cold.  I knew I couldn't pull over right away to get my fleece, I could hear her in my head "tough it out, buttercup."   I lasted about 40 miles and then I didn't care - there was a little town called Tama, and we pulled off into a gravel parking lot.   On the way in, I noticed a sign about a historical marker for the Lincoln Highway -- we immediately turned around and pulled in.  It changed our day.  We found the Lincoln Bridge.  In 1913, when the coast to coast highway was proclaimed, it was actually a series of mismatched roads.  One of the hundreds of towns it went through was Tama.  In 1915 the town built a concrete bridge over mud creek with the words Lincoln Highway cut out of it's guard rails.  The Lincoln Highway was rerouted 11 years later, and then with the Interstate System in the 1950's, the bridge became obsolete.  But here it was.  And the town had signs marking the original road through town.  The sisters had ridden over this actual bridge and through town.  YES! We started following the original Lincoln Highway.  It was very well marked.  Once we got back on 30, we noticed that the signs for Lincoln Highway started pointing down dirt and gravel roads that crossed Railroad tracks and ran almost parallel to 30.  At our next fuel stop, we talked about it, had both noticed the same thing.  Why not?  It would be no problem for me, I was on Stormy, a GS, she lived for those roads.  But Betty? An electraglide classic, a cruiser? If anyone could turn a cruiser into an off road machine, it is 9R.  We pulled off at the next sign that pointed across the tracks - I looked over at 9R, questioning --- "Hell Yeah!."  We were off.  We were pumped, even went through a little mud.  They would only last a few miles and then we'd have to get back on 30.  We did that a couple of times and had a blast - we could feel the sisters. We were the sisters.  Finally, because of our late start, we needed to focus on making time, it was late.

I just love where the county roads meet 30.  They are dirt, forming a huge T-square, and I love watching as trucks speed down them raising dust to the wind.  This stretch of 30 is beautiful, Iowa is beautiful, all different textures and shades of green, with some browns on the side of the roads.

Passed the De Soto Wildlife Refuge before we crossed the Missouri River and into Nebraska, just like the sisters in 1916 and Lewis and Clark on their expedition in 1804-1806.  Treeless prairie, ideal for grazing cattle.  Also seeing corn and soybeans in addition to pastures, alfalfa and wheat.   We were riding on 15 and 19 - sun was low - fun gentle curves on rolling hills - Lisa was in front, in shadow.  An overwhelming sense of Pirsig's "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance " came over me.  All Good.

Spent the night in Omaha.  Up early the next day, just wanted to book to the next stop in McCook, NE, catch up and take a nap. The universe had other plans.  I get up at 5:30 every morning to work on my blog. Around 6, I go get a cup of coffee. This morning I was in the elevator and the ride's photographer, Christina got in.  Our ride yesterday came up and she asked if 9R and I would have time this morning to do a shoot.  She'd find a local place.  I said I'd ask Lisa and text her. There will be a book from this ride and we do want to be included so.......yes.  We didn't leave until 9:15, but the place we followed Christina and her assistant daughter, Ella, to was nothing short of heaven.  We were all brought to tears. It was a mile down a dirt and gravel road just off of I -80.  The Holy Family Shrine, gateway to Heaven.  "It is situated on a 23 - acre site overlooking the Platte River Valley.  Native bluestem prairie grasses have Been re-established.  Native perennials highlight the entry and the passage leading to the chapel displaying colors symbolic of a pilgrimage with the Holy Spirit.  The paths are natural limestone.  The Visitor Center is carved out of the side off hill to evoke Christ's tomb.  Light from the center reveals a suspended sculpture. This sculpture represents the shroud of Christ as it fell to the tomb during the resurrection.  From the sculpture, water appears.  Symbolic of the Holy Spirit, the mystery of the source is perceived to be invisible.  As the pool fills with water and we with the Holy Spirit, the outpouring leads us to the Church -  and the body of Christ. Exiting the Visitor Center, we see the chapel entry facade, which is made of Western Red Cedar and glass.  The upper web members of the trusses interlace like waving wheat in a field, thus reminding us of Jesus who is 'the Bread of Life'.  Inside the chapel, water continues to cut through the floor, but splits to each side of the aisle, increasing in volume and velocity.  Limestone 'bridges' the water allowing those to enter each pew, recalling our baptism.  The water culminates and flows into a pool beneath the alter, symbolically joining our spirituality with the Eucharist.  Three members make up each support column, symbolic of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit - who support our lives.  Glass windows between the columns serve as the chapel walls.  The simplistic and modest design is purposeful to suggest how we may live to obtain the beauty and harmony of God's will."  The 4 of us spent an hour on our own, exploring in silence and peace, all 4 of us came back with a calmness, with gratitude, with a full heart.  I prayed in the chapel and lit a candle for Tommy.  We joined back up outside and started our shoot, it was getting late and storms were threatening.  Had a great time, I channeled my mother, a TV reporter in Baltimore for many, many years -- hmmm I'm embarrassed to say I don't know exactly how many - will have to ask.  I have always shied away from the media, grew up with it, but this trip is all about media attention -- every town --- so Mom, you are with me on this one -- helping me to get through.  We spent 2.5 hrs shooting, thus getting a very late start.  Lisa was cussing the photographer as we rode in 93.2 degree heat at 5 pm.  When she went up to Christina later and damned her, Christina laughed and said you'll get over it when you see the photographs.  I had said the same thing.  As we rode on rt 6 through Nebraska, concrete corn silos all as one giant building greeted us in almost every town.  Interesting note, In Iowa, we had trouble finding fuel with only 10% ethanol.  Here we have no trouble finding fuel with no ethanol at all.  

​Today............ Colorado Springs here we come!!!!

I am beginning to realize the historical importance of this ride.  Yesterday, the town of Marion, Iowa had an ice cream social for us in the park.  As we rode into town, there were people on the street waving flags, they'd reserved parking for us around the square, had home made ice cream for us.  It was so cool.  Everyone in the park wanted to talk to someone on the ride.  One woman we talked with was a Vietnam vet, she asked me not to repeat her story, and so with respect and admiration for her, I will not share that.  Suffice it to say, I will never forget it or her face.  A gentleman came up to me after that and starting asking me questions about the ride, he and his wife are riders.  He was shy, almost hesitant to ask too many questions.  Turns out he owns a craft beer and wine bistro on the square - he pointed to the green awnings - everyone who knows me knows how I reacted to that.  About 45 minutes later, 9R and I, along with about 4 others headed over to buy something to take back to the hotel for the night.  He was still in the park, so I went back to find him, he was so glad.  We all had a great time, see FB photos.  Side note here -- it is very frustrating to upload photos to this site, so I am just going to post 1 at the top and the rest to FB.  
Every evening after we've unloaded our gear, changed out of our gear, and opened a beer, I go down to tend to stormy's chain, check her fluids, lock her up, thank her and say goodnight.  Last night a man in an International Harvester, with greasy shirt and jeans was walking around looking at all the bikes.  I introduced myself.  He is a diesel mechanic, was driving home from work and saw all the bikes.  He loves any kind of engine, so he thought he'd just take a look.  We traded stories for an hr. Or more.  9R came looking for me, that led to more conversations. Then a guy on a Harley Sportster pulls up -- shorts, Birkenstocks, Hawaiian shirt,  looks like he was freshly showered.  He knew about the ride and was disappointed because he missed us at the park. He looked and talked like an earth child.  He was Vietnam Vet. The 4 of us talked for another half an hr. Then 9R and I begged off --- still lots to do, already 8:30 pm.  We all hugged goodbye, then 9R and I raced for the shower -- we smelled like diesel fuel.

Yesterdays ride was a really good one after the first 88.6 miles of I-88.  From there we went back to rt. 30 and the Lincoln Highway, this part of the Lincoln Highway was pretty.  The day before we were on rt 30 most of the day -- it was boring and lots of lights -- 9R and I made a competition of the lights -- who could get through without having to put a foot down.  We both rocked it. We stopped in Fulton to see an authentic Dutch windmill right on the Mississippi.  The stories of windmills are fascinating ones.  I loved this stop.  From Fulton we crossed the Mississsipi on a two lane bridge and headed W on rt. 136, the Grant Wood Byway - Grant Wood was an American painter from Anamosa, Iowa.  He is best known for his "American Gothic"  which is in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.   The byway named for him is fun.  It runs through beautiful Iowa cornfields, with scattered farms, all neat and tended.  The corn right now is "as high as an elephant's eye and it looks like it's going clear up to the sky."  Gently rolling curves abound and just a scattered truck here and there.  It was heaven.  Best riding of the trip to date, says 9R.  I have to agree.  

That led us to US 61 and The National Museum of Motorcycles.  Another huge welcome and lunch --- Ceasar salad, grilled chicken, pulled pork, fresh fruit!  Lisa and I had a blast in this museum ---- This used to be in Sturges, but the town wasn't very cooperative and it was going to be closed.   The  owner of J&P Cycles, John took on the museum's $70,000 debt and moved it here to his home town.  He has since sold his cycle business and is not in great health, but he was there to welcome us to lunch.  He loves everything related to motorcycles and this museum reflects that.  It is well laid out, the exhibits are fun and interesting, even if you don't know anything.  It is filled with love of life and the adventures that brings.

Misc. thoughts
neither one of us have seen so many dead skunks on the road
Why have hotels stopped putting fans in bathrooms? The only thing I can come up with is they are trying to make it harder to smoke in rooms???

We are now in Ohio. The beginning of the Lincoln Highway, the route the Van Buren sisters used for their trip across the country.  As the first national memorial to President Lincoln, and the first automobile road across America it ushered in a time of travel.  The prosperity it brought to the villages and towns inspired more long distance roads.  

Lisa and I decided to bypass the museum tour, instead just booking it to Pickington, OH, via I-70W.  There was a reception for the group, after hours, at the AMA Hall of Fame Museum.  We wanted to get to the hotel and unload before going.  Lisa has been to the museum before, I have not.  We were both excited.  On one of our fuel stops, I know I've mentioned how much I love talking to people at fuel stops before.  Anyway, we are with our bike and a truck driver starts walking towards us.  I'm thinking he's going to head straight to Lisa and her Harley.  NOT --- straight to me and my BMW.  It was his dream bike, not just a BMW but a dual sport.  We probably talked for 30 minutes.  His name is Scott Jones, he's from Fresno, CA on his way to Bethlehem, PA.  Not married, hates kids, never wanted any, although he does have a niece, who is changing his mind about that.  Lesson learned hopefully about stereotyping people.  It is fun traveling - a BMW GS and a Harley Davidson Electraglide Classic together.

The AMA Museum was amazing. 9R was like a kid in a candy shop, it was fun to watch.  What caught me by surprise was how emotional I was going through the motocross exhibit. Lisa was pointing - look there is - he was Jody's favorite.  And then there were names that I recognized from when Tommy was racing.  I teared up.  The Hall of Fame is simple yet powerful.  Not many women, but that is changing -- The Van Buren Sisters were inducted into it in 2002.  And it was announced publicly for the first time while we were there that Gloria Tramontin, still an active member of the Motor Maids at 91, has been inducted into the Hall of Fame.  There was also an exhibit on the motorcyclists rights arm of the AMA, which was really interesting.  Woke me up to how much I take for granted. Particularly inspired by off highway advocate Mona Ehnes.  "The non-riding public has such a misconception of what our sport is.  They think it's freestyle jumping competitions on television.  They don't know it's mom, dad, and kids on quiet trail bikes in the woods."  Yep, that's how I remember it.  And that's how Lisa and I first met as kids-- BCTRA.  Baltimore County Trail Riders Association.  Very proud of my AMA membership.

Day 7
Beautiful morning.  Motohio European Motor Sports hosted a breakfast for the sisters group and then led us on a ride through the Ohio countryside -  cornfields, Queen Anne's lace, blue corn flowers, horse shows.  Mid 70's, sunny with some puffy white clouds ( I forget what they are called), no humidity.  Doesn't get much better.  We were in 3 groups of about 25 people, with 3 ride leaders each, so that we were able to all get though lights and intersections. 
We arrived 70 miles later to the Mid-Ohio Raceway and AMA's Vintage Days, where we were ushered in to stage for our Victory Lap on the racecourse.  I had butterfly's in my stomach --- we were packed in, I kept looking at the ground just to make sure I was going to end up with a slight downslope,  otherwise, I wouldn't be able to put my kickstand down.  All good.  Gear off, group pics, chatting, looking, watching, etc. 20 mins. Later we were on the track --- 2 laps.  It was thrilling for me --- Tears -- couldn't help thinking how much fun it would be if Tommy and Jody were here with us.

After our laps, we were led over to the Wall of Death where we parked.  9R and I wandered around --- again 9R -- kid - pointing and talking --look, look, look --- knowing exactly what she was looking at.  We went to the pits, we watched some trials, people action, and some racing.  Still such a beautiful day.  Around 2, we decided to head to our next hotel before it got hot.  She was on lead, I noticed that I needed fuel and went up beside her and pointed at my fuel tank, well actually I pointed at my battery because my fuel tank is in back.  She nodded.  Then we went right past the exit for fuel to the next exit to go to a Harley Store --- WTF. She wanted to get a throttle lock - her wrist was killing her.  I got that.  I told her I was on reserve and had 15 miles left.  I was going to have to go back an exit and get it --- I tried to stay calm, but she could here it in my voice.  I was actually about to start crying because of all the emotions and memories of the past 2 days.  Anyway, she got her throttle lock, we got fuel at the next exit ( she had asked inside) and all was good.  Hotel, unload, beer, laundry............ Which leads to laundromat conversations, which I have found to be consistently interesting.

9R and I are in Greensburg, PA.  Today was a long one, mostly due to our own navigational issues, but there were also some GPS issues. We left at 7:50 am and parked at 7:15pm.  305.3 miles, sad but true.  We started the day by going the wrong way out of the hotel --- on us -- we followed someone else  without knowing what our plan was.  That is something I rarely do --- I have been frustrated because we have only been using GPS and turn by turn instructions.  I need the big picture -- paper maps --- very hard to find around here and for some unknown reason, this AAA member did not think to get them ahead of time.  I have in my map case tons of different maps for states south of us, and once we cross the Mississippi we are covered.  I did not have NY, PA or OHIO.  I do now.  We finally got fed up after 2.5 hrs and went to Walmart.  Maps in hand.  After that, we were able to match turn by turn with the big picture, highlight and bingo.  Another issue on us was that we didn't understand the punctuation in the turn by turns.  I was reading something as "into" when it means "at".    We are taking turns leading and have pretty much given up keeping track of missed turns.  We are both still making them, but feeling like we "Got This".  The nice thing is that we are both navigating now.  So we have each other's backs.

Once we got out of NY -- things were good.  We finally felt like we were headed WEST.  The twilight zone is real and I could hear Rod Sterlings voice in my head.  We left on July 3rd and went to Todd's cabin in NY for the night, then to MA. For the kick-off event, then back to Sayre -- which is actually in PA but barely.  We stopped for fuel at the exact gas station in Nichol's that we did 2 days before, my GPS had a blue line, I had already been here.  Just tried to type the theme song for the twilight zone out and failed......... Tired.

So much to say but exhausted -- will have to wax philosophically about the differences between solo riding and group riding another time.

Quick notes on yesterday's ride.  Beautiful morning ride on "Jacob's Ladder" U.S. 20.  It runs through the foothills of the Berkshires in western MA.  I wanted to stop and get a picture and pulled off - there was a bit of a hill, so thinking of 9R on her big hog, now officially named "Betty the Beast", I keep on going down and pulled off on level ground.  I thought she would follow me --- not.  Betty went over........ Guess who is to blame...... Lol.  Luckily the scout rider for the group ( we are self guided) came by and helped us get her up.  She is a big girl.  
We took a short detour outside of Schenectady to go visit Lisa's Aunt Fran and Uncle Dody.  She hasn't seen them in 25 yrs.  It was so great!  Fun back roads, felt like going home.  Seriously.  Welcoming,natural and easy.  Good stuff!!  It was touching to see the long hugs as we said goodbye.

Good Night........  And quick question --- who brings a back scratcher on a cross country trip?  9R ---- YES.

 I completely forgot about the highlight of our day ---- we met Punxsutawney Phil.  See photo at top.

In about 2 hrs., I will head down my driveway and make my way North.  Will meet up with 9R in Camp Hill where we'll head to Todd's cabin in Tioga Center, NY.  Todd, Remus, and Sophie left yesterday morning to open up, make sure generator worked, etc.  I had a nice, quiet day.  Re-packed, cleaned hot tub, last minute laundry, and then tended to stormy.

Went over her panniers, they are now ziptied to the frame as well as locked on, that's a whole other story.  Rain x ed windshield, my helmet face cover, my mirrors, pre-tripped (TCLOCS), adjusted tire pressure and then began strapping gear down.  That action has become automatic.  My muscle memory just took over and I found it meditative.  Making sure everything was just so --- with two half hitches at he end, even though I have cam straps, just because that's how I do it.  Took me a lot of miles to learn exactly how I want her to feel when packed.  That being said, I was on my 2nd margarita while doing this, so I will need to re-check her this morning.

We are lighter this trip.  No camping gear, not even my backpacking stove and coffee, hoping I won't regret that decision.  But I have added some weight in the form of tools.  See header photo.  The cycle pump I had with me last year and I used it - love it.  Last year, I had to be towed down the Mtn to Durango when I had a flat.  I did not know how to take off a tire and repair an inner tube. This year I have watched lots of videos, repaired one tube, purchased a new wrench so I can take off my front or rear tire, and added a bead breaker kit to my arsenal of stuff.   I am not fully confident about being able to do it now, however, I think I could  and I have what I need should I need to do it.  Plus I have 9R --- She instills confidence!   

 Today begins my summer vacation.  The next 15 days will be full of weeding, mowing, dr.'s app.'s, work required in-service trainings, organizing of lists, weighing of gear,packing, etc.  On July 3rd, Lisa Niner and I leave for our ride across the country to San Francisco.  www.sistersmotorcycleride.com   I've been reflecting on how we became involved with this ride.  There are an amazing number of instances where I just have to say WOW!  Tom's Mom's ride was originally supposed to take place this summer and lisa was going to ride with me. At some point last year, I think in early spring, I had an overwhelming feeling, a knowing really that I had to go imm. and that I had to go by myself.  That knowing was a gift from my angels as it was indeed exactly what needed to happen.  Now, all of a sudden, here we are about to do the ride that we were going to do.  There are, of course, some differences.  But check this out -- originally I had planned to arrive in Calabasas on Tommy's birthday.  That did not happen when I went last year.  This year we arrive in San Francisco July 23rd ---- Tommy's birthday.
 I do not think I would have been able to ride across the country by myself this year.  I am tired, emotionally and physically. Tommy's death hit me hard this year.  I have been going non stop since my step father was diagnosed with Leukemia in November.  He died in January and we had his service and burial here on the farm in May.  It has been hard on Mom and as a result hard on me.  It is a tough balancing act -- the transition from independence to needing and asking for help.  Mom and I are finding our way.  As I thought about my trip - I will be gone for a total of 6 weeks -- I've dealt with the guilt of leaving, the apparent selfishness.  However, I have realized that I must do these trips, adventures if you will.  Simply, they give me a reason to get out of bed in the morning.  The planning for them is what gets me out of bed and keeps me going.  When I am on them, I am renewed, I recharge.  I am grateful for my life and all its gifts, including the pain. I am grateful for a husband and a family that understands and supports the person that I am.  I am grateful for my place, even if I'm not always sure what that place is.
So God willing --- Going to have an awesome summer vacation -- stay tuned!