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

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

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

Best Hamburger I ever ate!

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

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



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

Greatest Motel in AZ with friendliest staff:

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

. . . so there you got it!

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

Great to hear from all of you . . .

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

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

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

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

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

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

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



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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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




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





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




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

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

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

85 degrees
no miles

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

79 degrees

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

84 degrees/dry
no miles
at the Hotel

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

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

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

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




____________________________

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



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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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




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


***

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

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



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

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

______________

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Middletown, OH

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Lake Mistake

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

My Mall has a roof

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

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

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

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

www.biker-glasses.com


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


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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Biker Bar and Grill: "Who Cares"

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Why?

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

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

Why?

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

Why?

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

. . . . that is Why !!

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

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