Two week tour

[Hogan's Hero]

My ears are still ringing from the road and I have to post my ride report. I have no pictures....don't ask what happened to my camera, but I have some stuff in my heart and head that I need to share.

I started 14 July and returned today....about 3500 miles of bliss. I left PA in 42 degree fog and ended in 92 degree sun. That seemed to be a theme as I saw very little rain and perfect riding weather for most of my trip.

The first leg was from NW PA to Tulsa where I spent two days at a high performance driving school in Haylett. What an awesome experience driving a road course in a Ford Spec racer. Wind from Columbus to St. Louis was brutal and it was hot. Two hard days to get there and I was surprised how alive I felt on arrival. I had forgotten how the big trucks push on arrival and shutter after they pass. It had been too long since I had ridden more than my daily commute.

The change in asphalt color was also something I had forgotten about. I have been across the country several times in a cage and this sensory experience was missed. On to Memphis....The ride through AR was spectacular. Beale St. on Saturday night was a blast and the Rendevous ribs were superb.

South to Pensicola through the Mississippi heartland was depressing and hot. Met a nice guy on a GS from Yazoo who had switched from Harley about 2 years ago and isn't looking back. Had ridden a ton of miles and I admired his day long seat as my butt hurt by this point. Waited out a storm at the bridge in Pensicola and by the time I got back on the road, it was dry. That doesn't happen here.

On to Daytona to visit my parents. I have now seen both oceans on I 10 on a bike and am still awestruck. The week in FL was brilliant and the food was better than Memphis. Caught some fish in the surf and it was great dinner faire. A lot of my parents friends have sons who have recently started to ride...much to their chagrin. My parents just smile. I have been riding all my life and they got me started. My father is proud that I am NOT on a Harley. We did go to Destination Daytona which was a spectacular place and they did try to get me to change brands.

Left yesterday morning. City traffic was as bad as anywhere, but made great time. Dodged rain off the coast and made it to VA. The fog in the mountains of Virginia was beautiful this morning, although it made tough riding. By late morning it had baked off and the rest of the day was blue skies and awesome vistas...sorry no pictures.

Saw 12 BMW's on the way....3 waved.
My R preformed flawlessly and I am more convinced than every that this is the do it all bike I was looking for.

The last time I spent more than a few miles on the road was 25 years ago on a 60/5 and the similarities were enormous. I know this is a rambling and less than spectacular report, but I had to share. What a blast.

[DJ Downunder]

Thanks HH...I think we need to send you back to do it all again..with a camera.. ...Glad all went well for you..

DJ

[Boxer]

I enjoyed your report Hogan, even without photos. I 'grew up', during high school years, in Pensacola. I know exactly what you meant by the rain-then-dry phenom. You can just about set your watch by the Florida panhandle summer afternoon shower routine.

Sounds like you had a great time. Thanks

[RBrider]

Good ride report. I could picture every scene that you described. Sounds like you had a great tour.

Now, about those pictures........

RB

[iowabeakster]

No pictures is fine too. At least you told us about your good time. Thanks, and keep the stories coming.

[GypsyRR]

I too could picture your ride, just from your words. I like the pictures I imagined in my mind along your ride. I lived in the panhandle of Florida for 3.5 years. We use to say "It's not hell, but it has the same zip code." Hot and Humid!!! That must have been a tough ride in late July!

Pictures of fishing in the surf would have been nice. I suspect that is where is your camera is.

[Hogan's Hero]

Thanks all. I almost didn't post because some of you have such a great talent for on-ride photography. I will stay mum about the nature of my camera and let you imagine. I will tell you that surf fishing is serious business for my father and there is little time for frivolity.

The ride across 10 was very nice. I was worried about the heat and storms before I went. I left at sunrise and missed the afternoon stuff. I also think the red clay in OK was the toughest heat wise to ride in.

DJ: I would love to ride this again and take pictures, but I have them in my mind and there are soooOOO many other roads to ride. I needed to take the slabs on this trip. Maybe next time I can try it on real roads.

[Biff's R]

Sometimes no pics is good. it let's everyone's mind draw their own images.