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First Cross Country Trip
Seattle, Washington and Vancouver, BC
2000
Day 1
July 28, 2000
Dear Friends and Family,
I got my bike out of the shop at midnight last night. I am now on Highway 14 halfway across Minnesota. The weather has been overcast but the view is great. The whole area along the Mississippi Valley is breath taking. My butt is a bit sore. I am not used to sitting for such a long time. I have traveled about 450 miles. I am tired but excited about the trip. I hope it doesn't rain tonight. I am going to look at the weather on the internet after this note. Hope all is well with you all.
I plan to be somewhere in the Dakotas tomorrow.
I will write more later. The library is closing soon.
Mike
July 28, 2000
Dear Friends and Family,
I got my bike out of the shop at midnight last night. I am now on Highway 14 halfway across Minnesota. The weather has been overcast but the view is great. The whole area along the Mississippi Valley is breath taking. My butt is a bit sore. I am not used to sitting for such a long time. I have traveled about 450 miles. I am tired but excited about the trip. I hope it doesn't rain tonight. I am going to look at the weather on the internet after this note. Hope all is well with you all.
I plan to be somewhere in the Dakotas tomorrow.
I will write more later. The library is closing soon.
Mike
Day 2
July 29, 2000
Dear friends and family,
Well day two of the trip and “all is well.” The morning was overcast and cold, but warmed up when I reached South Dakota. So far the bike is running great.
I am amazed at how many shades of green there are as I pass through the countryside. I am glad to be off the interstate and on the back roads. I am not sure how far I will travel today. I hope to be close to the other side of the state.
I was particularly surprised this morning when a saw a mile stretch of huge windmills used for electrical power. There must have been at least a hundred of them. They are absolutely amazing. It is noon and I have ridden 200 miles. I hope to get at least another 200 before the day is over.
Most of the scenery is farmland and somewhat flat. I decided not to go to the Black Hills because the Motorcycle Mecca, Sturgis, is going to be full of activity since it starts next week.
I am in a little town that is setting up for a parade down Main Street. It reminds me of the 4th of July parade in Brookfield. I watched the fire department, the high school band, and dozens of organization with floats get lined up for the parade. People were lining the streets and I could feel an excitement in the air. Small towns have lots in common even when that small town is a suburb of Chicago.
Well that’s all for now. Hope all of you are well.
Mike
July 29, 2000
Dear friends and family,
Well day two of the trip and “all is well.” The morning was overcast and cold, but warmed up when I reached South Dakota. So far the bike is running great.
I am amazed at how many shades of green there are as I pass through the countryside. I am glad to be off the interstate and on the back roads. I am not sure how far I will travel today. I hope to be close to the other side of the state.
I was particularly surprised this morning when a saw a mile stretch of huge windmills used for electrical power. There must have been at least a hundred of them. They are absolutely amazing. It is noon and I have ridden 200 miles. I hope to get at least another 200 before the day is over.
Most of the scenery is farmland and somewhat flat. I decided not to go to the Black Hills because the Motorcycle Mecca, Sturgis, is going to be full of activity since it starts next week.
I am in a little town that is setting up for a parade down Main Street. It reminds me of the 4th of July parade in Brookfield. I watched the fire department, the high school band, and dozens of organization with floats get lined up for the parade. People were lining the streets and I could feel an excitement in the air. Small towns have lots in common even when that small town is a suburb of Chicago.
Well that’s all for now. Hope all of you are well.
Mike
Day 4
July 31, 2000
Dear Friends and Family,
As you know I tried to write to you earlier today and somehow the letter was lost. I was in a public library and had to stand to type the thing. I will retype it, but send it to you in parts just in case I screw it up again.
I am now in Great Falls, Montana about 107 miles from the place I wrote to you last. I went to the library, but they were booked. I am sitting in Matt's Cyberspace. For $4.00 an hour, I can play games, get on the net and other things I am afraid to ask about. Great Falls is pretty big city for Montana standards.
Since I couldn't write to you on Sunday, I decided to get a notebook and keep a journal. The following is what I wrote. Again I am going to send it in pieces.
It's Sunday afternoon and I can't find a library so I bought paper and pen. I just crossed into Montana. I am sitting in Baker City Park. It is quite warm, but the wind blowing off the lake is cooling me off. I have traveled 1150 miles so far.
Saturday when I last wrote to you I realized after I left the library that most of the things I wanted to tell you I had forgotten. As soon as I sat down in front of the computer, I was told that I had a half hour to write to you. I looked at the screen, hand poised over the keyboard, and a dopey look on my face because my mind went blank. It was the pressure. I just choked. I had spent hours creating humorous antidotes and vivid descriptions of the scenery using wondrous similes and metaphors. Since I went blank, you will have to just take my word for it.
I am sending this and will continue with Friday night’s adventure.
Mike
July 31, 2000
Dear Friends and Family,
As you know I tried to write to you earlier today and somehow the letter was lost. I was in a public library and had to stand to type the thing. I will retype it, but send it to you in parts just in case I screw it up again.
I am now in Great Falls, Montana about 107 miles from the place I wrote to you last. I went to the library, but they were booked. I am sitting in Matt's Cyberspace. For $4.00 an hour, I can play games, get on the net and other things I am afraid to ask about. Great Falls is pretty big city for Montana standards.
Since I couldn't write to you on Sunday, I decided to get a notebook and keep a journal. The following is what I wrote. Again I am going to send it in pieces.
It's Sunday afternoon and I can't find a library so I bought paper and pen. I just crossed into Montana. I am sitting in Baker City Park. It is quite warm, but the wind blowing off the lake is cooling me off. I have traveled 1150 miles so far.
Saturday when I last wrote to you I realized after I left the library that most of the things I wanted to tell you I had forgotten. As soon as I sat down in front of the computer, I was told that I had a half hour to write to you. I looked at the screen, hand poised over the keyboard, and a dopey look on my face because my mind went blank. It was the pressure. I just choked. I had spent hours creating humorous antidotes and vivid descriptions of the scenery using wondrous similes and metaphors. Since I went blank, you will have to just take my word for it.
I am sending this and will continue with Friday night’s adventure.
Mike
Part two
Friday Night
Dear Friends and Family,
I hope you read day 4 first or this will make no sense.
After writing to you, I went to look for a campsite. The state campground was full and so was the private one. I searched for 40 miles until by luck I found one. It was about a mile outside of a small town. I no longer remember its name.
It was a small facility with mostly permanent trailers. Many of the people had those tacky outside lights covering the outside of their trailer. Some even had Christmas lights. I guess there is no accounting for taste.
When I pulled into the place, all of the occupants seem to turn and stare. It was cold and I did have on some leather but there was no reason for the women and children to scurry off. When I found the camp registration building, I was elated at the thought of finding a place to sleep for the night. My joy evaporated as I met the campground hostess. The woman who ran the place was definitely not smiling. I politely asked if she had a campsite available. She nod, gave me a paper with directions to the primitive camping site. She didn't ask my name, only took my money. The camp site was about a quarter mile away from the main area. The camping area was a mowed grass field and quite lovely. I was the only one there.
It was when I took off my helmet, gloves, and jacket that I realized something was wrong. I was covered with mosquitoes. I felt like the guy in the commercial who puts his hand in the box of mosquitoes and they swarm all over it, except in this case it wasn’t just my hand but my whole body.
I put my tent up while slapping the snot out of myself trying to keep the little buggers off me. When I went for a shower, I entered the regular camp. No mosquitoes. I didn't go back to the tent until bedtime.
By the time I broke camp the next day, I was sure I had donated at least a pint of blood. I still wonder if the camp ground people sent some sucker back there once a week to be sacrificed so those little pests keep out of the main camp.
Next: part four Saturday.
Mike
Friday Night
Dear Friends and Family,
I hope you read day 4 first or this will make no sense.
After writing to you, I went to look for a campsite. The state campground was full and so was the private one. I searched for 40 miles until by luck I found one. It was about a mile outside of a small town. I no longer remember its name.
It was a small facility with mostly permanent trailers. Many of the people had those tacky outside lights covering the outside of their trailer. Some even had Christmas lights. I guess there is no accounting for taste.
When I pulled into the place, all of the occupants seem to turn and stare. It was cold and I did have on some leather but there was no reason for the women and children to scurry off. When I found the camp registration building, I was elated at the thought of finding a place to sleep for the night. My joy evaporated as I met the campground hostess. The woman who ran the place was definitely not smiling. I politely asked if she had a campsite available. She nod, gave me a paper with directions to the primitive camping site. She didn't ask my name, only took my money. The camp site was about a quarter mile away from the main area. The camping area was a mowed grass field and quite lovely. I was the only one there.
It was when I took off my helmet, gloves, and jacket that I realized something was wrong. I was covered with mosquitoes. I felt like the guy in the commercial who puts his hand in the box of mosquitoes and they swarm all over it, except in this case it wasn’t just my hand but my whole body.
I put my tent up while slapping the snot out of myself trying to keep the little buggers off me. When I went for a shower, I entered the regular camp. No mosquitoes. I didn't go back to the tent until bedtime.
By the time I broke camp the next day, I was sure I had donated at least a pint of blood. I still wonder if the camp ground people sent some sucker back there once a week to be sacrificed so those little pests keep out of the main camp.
Next: part four Saturday.
Mike
Part 4
Saturday
Dear Friend and Family, A continuation of the saga.
Saturday night I once again had a problem finding a place to stay. I stopped a half a dozen times at bars and gas stations over a 50-mile period until I found Bob's Resort and Steak House. I pulled into a gas station that served as the camp registration office. I was shocked to find out that the camping was free, but if I wanted a shower, it would cost me $3.00. Try beating that price, Dad. While riding in South Dakota, I gradually began to notice something was missing- - -trees.
When I got to my camp site, there was a group of bikers huddled next to the shower building. That was the only shade in the entire place. By the way it was in the mid 90's. I went to Bob’s Steak House for dinner. It sits on a bluff overlooking the Missouri River. One entire wall was a window. What a view! The food was good, but the sunset over the Missouri River was even better.
Sunday
I am in Miles City, Montana in a KOA campground outside of the city. So much for the money I saved last night, this place was really expensive. It has been really hot today. There is nothing like sitting on a motor when it is close to 105 degrees. Both the bike and I are tired. The KOA at least has a pool so I am much cooler. There are very few people in tents. In fact it looks more like a RV dealership.
I had a wonderful day. I am continually struck by the vastness of the area. We all live on top of each other in the city with little nature. We have our forest preserves, but it is limited in comparison to the open spaces I am experiencing. I never get bored looking at the landscape. The colors are so varied. Also the land formations continually change. This morning’s formations were the greens and gold of the farmland with its pyramids of rolled hay. It is harvest seasons for wheat so the place is combine heaven. I passed fields with 2 or 3 combines working at once. On the road I passed caravans of combines on semi-trucks followed my several motor homes moving from one area to another. At breakfast there was a group of 10 and 12 men, women and children who worked the harvest. It was all pretty amazing.
Later in the morning, the terrain became hillier but still farmland. By noon the rolling hills gave way to more rocky hills and stone formations. About 100 miles before entering Montana, the land suddenly reversed itself and instead of hills, it was lots of valleys. It was spectacular.
The colors have changed from the earlier shades of green and gold to grays, browns and tans. It is certainly the dried look.
I have a lot more thoughts and great descriptions after about 24 hours sitting in the saddle, but I will not bore you anymore. I promise the rest of these journal entries will be shorter. I have little to do while I ride but think about what I want to tell you since I have driven myself crazy singing the only 5 songs I know. In reality, I only know the chorus and a few words of a couple of verses.
Well as you know it is Monday. I have now caught you up on all of my travels. I am 150 miles from Glacier National Park. I am looking forward to the rest of the day.
I hope all is well with all of you.
Mike
Saturday
Dear Friend and Family, A continuation of the saga.
Saturday night I once again had a problem finding a place to stay. I stopped a half a dozen times at bars and gas stations over a 50-mile period until I found Bob's Resort and Steak House. I pulled into a gas station that served as the camp registration office. I was shocked to find out that the camping was free, but if I wanted a shower, it would cost me $3.00. Try beating that price, Dad. While riding in South Dakota, I gradually began to notice something was missing- - -trees.
When I got to my camp site, there was a group of bikers huddled next to the shower building. That was the only shade in the entire place. By the way it was in the mid 90's. I went to Bob’s Steak House for dinner. It sits on a bluff overlooking the Missouri River. One entire wall was a window. What a view! The food was good, but the sunset over the Missouri River was even better.
Sunday
I am in Miles City, Montana in a KOA campground outside of the city. So much for the money I saved last night, this place was really expensive. It has been really hot today. There is nothing like sitting on a motor when it is close to 105 degrees. Both the bike and I are tired. The KOA at least has a pool so I am much cooler. There are very few people in tents. In fact it looks more like a RV dealership.
I had a wonderful day. I am continually struck by the vastness of the area. We all live on top of each other in the city with little nature. We have our forest preserves, but it is limited in comparison to the open spaces I am experiencing. I never get bored looking at the landscape. The colors are so varied. Also the land formations continually change. This morning’s formations were the greens and gold of the farmland with its pyramids of rolled hay. It is harvest seasons for wheat so the place is combine heaven. I passed fields with 2 or 3 combines working at once. On the road I passed caravans of combines on semi-trucks followed my several motor homes moving from one area to another. At breakfast there was a group of 10 and 12 men, women and children who worked the harvest. It was all pretty amazing.
Later in the morning, the terrain became hillier but still farmland. By noon the rolling hills gave way to more rocky hills and stone formations. About 100 miles before entering Montana, the land suddenly reversed itself and instead of hills, it was lots of valleys. It was spectacular.
The colors have changed from the earlier shades of green and gold to grays, browns and tans. It is certainly the dried look.
I have a lot more thoughts and great descriptions after about 24 hours sitting in the saddle, but I will not bore you anymore. I promise the rest of these journal entries will be shorter. I have little to do while I ride but think about what I want to tell you since I have driven myself crazy singing the only 5 songs I know. In reality, I only know the chorus and a few words of a couple of verses.
Well as you know it is Monday. I have now caught you up on all of my travels. I am 150 miles from Glacier National Park. I am looking forward to the rest of the day.
I hope all is well with all of you.
Mike
Day 5
August 1, 2000
Dear friends and family,
I have been writing on paper so here are the entries from today’s journal.
I stayed at the KOA but didn't get up until 8 am. I was really beat. Last night I met some bikers from Idaho on their way to Sturgis. I swear that every biker is headed to Sturgis. I am grateful that I am headed in the opposite direction since I am on my way to Glacier. I think the entire west will be void of bikers. The people I met last night told me about a route that I should take. It is supposed to be really beautiful and the roads are in good condition. I am going to take it easy. I have 2 1/2 days to make it to Seattle. I have cover 1650 so far. It has been a real adventure.
Noon
I made it to Glacier National Park. Wow! I won't even try to describe the beauty of these mountains. All I can say is that the trip thus far has been worth it just for this moment. The mountains out east are beautiful but nothing compared to these. I wish I had time to camp and hike; maybe next time. Yes Mom, I may do this again. It is quite warm and looking at the snow in the mountain crevices and the deep blue water of the lake that flows through the valley is amazing. The lake has white caps and the cross winds make riding a little crazy at times but the view is fantastic. Well I need to keep moving.
An hour later
I am coming down after crossing the tops of the mountains. I stopped to see the glacier. Again Wow!! Driving along the road with the water cascading along the side of the road from the melting snow is "awesome." My poet son must cringe at my descriptions. I have spoken to several people suggesting routes to take through Washington. Everyone I have met still asks me if I am headed to Sturgis. Time for lunch; stopped at a Subway before entering the park.
I am in Libby Montana. I am about 50 miles from Idaho. It is 5pm and I am thinking about finding a place to stay for the night. I may stay near here. It is a nice town and the library people have been very friendly and helpful.
Hope all of you are well.
Mike
August 1, 2000
Dear friends and family,
I have been writing on paper so here are the entries from today’s journal.
I stayed at the KOA but didn't get up until 8 am. I was really beat. Last night I met some bikers from Idaho on their way to Sturgis. I swear that every biker is headed to Sturgis. I am grateful that I am headed in the opposite direction since I am on my way to Glacier. I think the entire west will be void of bikers. The people I met last night told me about a route that I should take. It is supposed to be really beautiful and the roads are in good condition. I am going to take it easy. I have 2 1/2 days to make it to Seattle. I have cover 1650 so far. It has been a real adventure.
Noon
I made it to Glacier National Park. Wow! I won't even try to describe the beauty of these mountains. All I can say is that the trip thus far has been worth it just for this moment. The mountains out east are beautiful but nothing compared to these. I wish I had time to camp and hike; maybe next time. Yes Mom, I may do this again. It is quite warm and looking at the snow in the mountain crevices and the deep blue water of the lake that flows through the valley is amazing. The lake has white caps and the cross winds make riding a little crazy at times but the view is fantastic. Well I need to keep moving.
An hour later
I am coming down after crossing the tops of the mountains. I stopped to see the glacier. Again Wow!! Driving along the road with the water cascading along the side of the road from the melting snow is "awesome." My poet son must cringe at my descriptions. I have spoken to several people suggesting routes to take through Washington. Everyone I have met still asks me if I am headed to Sturgis. Time for lunch; stopped at a Subway before entering the park.
I am in Libby Montana. I am about 50 miles from Idaho. It is 5pm and I am thinking about finding a place to stay for the night. I may stay near here. It is a nice town and the library people have been very friendly and helpful.
Hope all of you are well.
Mike
Day 6
August 6, 2000
Today is my son Jim’s birthday. I just arrived in Seabrook, Washington. It is near Seattle. I arrived in the middle of the afternoon at Sandy’s house. She is Francie’s college roommate and the reason for the trip. Francie had made plans to see her and I said that I should meet her there. It sounds like I was being really nice going to see her friend, but it was really more of an excuse to ride across the country. When I left home, I told Francie that I would see her in 6 ½ day. I had just picked a time. I had no idea how long it would take me to get there. It sure looked like I knew what I was doing when I arrive 6 ½ days later.
We visited for several days and then my friend Fred Keating, his wife Rosy and their daughter Katie came down from Vancouver, BC to take Francie to their house while I followed on the bike. The morning was a bit brisk so I was dressed in leather. I forget sometimes that people looking at me don’t see a mild mannered high school teacher since I am dress in chaps, leather coat, and a bandanna. When I was introduced to Katie who was about 10 or 11, she stood and stared with wide eyes. I am sure she was having trouble believing this was her father’s old college friend.
After the introductions, we started for Vancouver. I was feeling pretty relaxed following Fred’s van. I reflected on my first bike trip to the west coast. I was very proud of myself for making the ride. In fact I was cocky about the whole thing. I was soon to discover that overconfidence can be a deadly problem. I am writing this segment in 2010. If my mother knew this happened, she would worry more than she normally does when I am on a bike trip.
There was a lot of traffic leaving Seattle and Fred was moving from lane to lane. I was leaning back in the saddle and taking it easy. After all I had ridden 2,600 miles in 6 ½ days, but most of it has been on the back roads. I had not been in traffic since Chicago. I didn’t recognize my own arrogance as I was driving. I just thought I was cool.
As I followed Fred, he swung his car out of the lane because the traffic was coming to a halt. I didn’t realize how quickly the traffic was stopping. The car ahead of me suddenly stopped and I hit both the front and the back brakes but knew I could not stop in time. I hit the bumper of the car in front of me. I could feel myself leave the seat and I expected to land on the car. In a flash of an instant, I was back in my seat and the car in front of me was accelerating quickly. It was like a dream, but reality was the black tire mark on the white bumper on the car in front of me. I was alive. God had given me a second change.
I flagged down the car that I hit and Fred pulled over also. They had seen the whole thing. I turned off the bike and ran to the driver’s side of the car that I had hit and asked if the occupants were OK. The man looked at me like I was nuts. “Are you OK? Is your bike OK?” was all he said. We went back to the bike to survey the damage. Other than a big black stripe made by my tire, the car was fine and so was I. I offered to pay for the damage, but he said it would be easy to rub off. It turns out that he was a biker and when he looked up, he realized I couldn’t stop. The traffic moved suddenly and he hit the gas lessening the impact when I hit his car. Basically he saved my life.
After the man left, Fred asked me again if I was OK. I answered yes, but I knew it wasn’t true. I followed him, but at a much greater distance the rest of the way to Vancouver.
During the ride, I chided myself for my stupidity. My confidence was shaken. This had the potential to be the worst accident I had been involved in. I mentally checked my emotions the way a person would check a body for a broken bone. Am I OK? Can I still ride? Even though I was still shaking, I had to push on. I decided that physically I was OK. I will deal with everything else later.
We spent the next few days seeing the Vancouver. We chartered a 30’ sailboat for an afternoon and saw the magic of the area from the water. Seeing mountains along the shore was as foreign to Francie and me as seeing lakes in the desert. Fred and Rosie showed us the sights and we were in awe. Fred told me about a car show that was sponsored once a week at a local restaurant. Katie wanted a ride on the bike, and now we had a destination. She put on my helmet making her look like Darth Vader and off we rode to the show.
Time slipped away as always and it was time for Francie to return home. I used Fred’s van to take her to the airport in Seattle. I left a couple of days later.
August 6, 2000
Today is my son Jim’s birthday. I just arrived in Seabrook, Washington. It is near Seattle. I arrived in the middle of the afternoon at Sandy’s house. She is Francie’s college roommate and the reason for the trip. Francie had made plans to see her and I said that I should meet her there. It sounds like I was being really nice going to see her friend, but it was really more of an excuse to ride across the country. When I left home, I told Francie that I would see her in 6 ½ day. I had just picked a time. I had no idea how long it would take me to get there. It sure looked like I knew what I was doing when I arrive 6 ½ days later.
We visited for several days and then my friend Fred Keating, his wife Rosy and their daughter Katie came down from Vancouver, BC to take Francie to their house while I followed on the bike. The morning was a bit brisk so I was dressed in leather. I forget sometimes that people looking at me don’t see a mild mannered high school teacher since I am dress in chaps, leather coat, and a bandanna. When I was introduced to Katie who was about 10 or 11, she stood and stared with wide eyes. I am sure she was having trouble believing this was her father’s old college friend.
After the introductions, we started for Vancouver. I was feeling pretty relaxed following Fred’s van. I reflected on my first bike trip to the west coast. I was very proud of myself for making the ride. In fact I was cocky about the whole thing. I was soon to discover that overconfidence can be a deadly problem. I am writing this segment in 2010. If my mother knew this happened, she would worry more than she normally does when I am on a bike trip.
There was a lot of traffic leaving Seattle and Fred was moving from lane to lane. I was leaning back in the saddle and taking it easy. After all I had ridden 2,600 miles in 6 ½ days, but most of it has been on the back roads. I had not been in traffic since Chicago. I didn’t recognize my own arrogance as I was driving. I just thought I was cool.
As I followed Fred, he swung his car out of the lane because the traffic was coming to a halt. I didn’t realize how quickly the traffic was stopping. The car ahead of me suddenly stopped and I hit both the front and the back brakes but knew I could not stop in time. I hit the bumper of the car in front of me. I could feel myself leave the seat and I expected to land on the car. In a flash of an instant, I was back in my seat and the car in front of me was accelerating quickly. It was like a dream, but reality was the black tire mark on the white bumper on the car in front of me. I was alive. God had given me a second change.
I flagged down the car that I hit and Fred pulled over also. They had seen the whole thing. I turned off the bike and ran to the driver’s side of the car that I had hit and asked if the occupants were OK. The man looked at me like I was nuts. “Are you OK? Is your bike OK?” was all he said. We went back to the bike to survey the damage. Other than a big black stripe made by my tire, the car was fine and so was I. I offered to pay for the damage, but he said it would be easy to rub off. It turns out that he was a biker and when he looked up, he realized I couldn’t stop. The traffic moved suddenly and he hit the gas lessening the impact when I hit his car. Basically he saved my life.
After the man left, Fred asked me again if I was OK. I answered yes, but I knew it wasn’t true. I followed him, but at a much greater distance the rest of the way to Vancouver.
During the ride, I chided myself for my stupidity. My confidence was shaken. This had the potential to be the worst accident I had been involved in. I mentally checked my emotions the way a person would check a body for a broken bone. Am I OK? Can I still ride? Even though I was still shaking, I had to push on. I decided that physically I was OK. I will deal with everything else later.
We spent the next few days seeing the Vancouver. We chartered a 30’ sailboat for an afternoon and saw the magic of the area from the water. Seeing mountains along the shore was as foreign to Francie and me as seeing lakes in the desert. Fred and Rosie showed us the sights and we were in awe. Fred told me about a car show that was sponsored once a week at a local restaurant. Katie wanted a ride on the bike, and now we had a destination. She put on my helmet making her look like Darth Vader and off we rode to the show.
Time slipped away as always and it was time for Francie to return home. I used Fred’s van to take her to the airport in Seattle. I left a couple of days later.
August 14
Dear Friends and Family,
I stopped into the cyber cafe in Fernie, BC because I was afraid if I waited I wouldn't find a place to write to you.
This morning’s note:
How are all of you? I am on my way home. Yesterday I left Fred and Rosie's house and traveled through the mountains to Grand Fork, BC.
This part of the trip’s scenery has been breathtaking. The first part of the morning, I followed the Frazier River. Progress was slow as I crossed the mountains.
I rode mile after mile of switchbacks while going up, down and over the mountains. It is like a roller coaster for hours at a time. The view, when I get a chance to catch a glimpse is unbelievable. The bike and I have become one being. Of all of the mountains I have ridden, today has been the most fun. I have been grinning from ear to ear for hours. I am glad no one can see me. They would think I am ready for the rubber room.
This afternoon before I got to the Rockies, I saw several wild fires in the distance. It was like going into Gary, Indiana on a cloudy day. I could see smoke billowing out over the mountain. There were lots of people pulled over and looking at them. Further down the road I saw several smaller fires just a short distance off the road. It seems like such a shame. Just imagine mile after mile of beautiful dense forest going up in smoke. I know that it is a real problem out here. This is the first time that I have been so close to the fires.
As I said earlier, I felt like the bike and I are one as we glide through the mountains. As the day grew older, my confidence returned. The accident on the highway will never be forgotten. It will remain a constant reminder of what can happen when I become over confident.
As I drove I continually saw signs cautioning drivers to watch for elk. I thought deer were bad! As I was coming out of the mountains and into Cranbrook, Alberta, there stood the Rockies Mountains. They made the mountains I had just crossed look like hills. They stood tall, steep, jagged and majestic. Their bald tops were frightful looking. I stopped for a moment and just stared at them.
After several hours, I crossed over the first set of mountains. Nestled into the valley is a beautiful little town. It is a ski resort. It seems so strange looking at a mountain and ski lift that is devoid of snow. There wasn’t a lot of activity. I wonder what it is like here in the winter.
I am caught up on the journal and need to get moving. I have crossed the time zone so I want to get a few more miles before I stop for the night.
I hope all of you are in good health. I hope to be home in 6 or 7 days.
Mike
Dear Friends and Family,
I stopped into the cyber cafe in Fernie, BC because I was afraid if I waited I wouldn't find a place to write to you.
This morning’s note:
How are all of you? I am on my way home. Yesterday I left Fred and Rosie's house and traveled through the mountains to Grand Fork, BC.
This part of the trip’s scenery has been breathtaking. The first part of the morning, I followed the Frazier River. Progress was slow as I crossed the mountains.
I rode mile after mile of switchbacks while going up, down and over the mountains. It is like a roller coaster for hours at a time. The view, when I get a chance to catch a glimpse is unbelievable. The bike and I have become one being. Of all of the mountains I have ridden, today has been the most fun. I have been grinning from ear to ear for hours. I am glad no one can see me. They would think I am ready for the rubber room.
This afternoon before I got to the Rockies, I saw several wild fires in the distance. It was like going into Gary, Indiana on a cloudy day. I could see smoke billowing out over the mountain. There were lots of people pulled over and looking at them. Further down the road I saw several smaller fires just a short distance off the road. It seems like such a shame. Just imagine mile after mile of beautiful dense forest going up in smoke. I know that it is a real problem out here. This is the first time that I have been so close to the fires.
As I said earlier, I felt like the bike and I are one as we glide through the mountains. As the day grew older, my confidence returned. The accident on the highway will never be forgotten. It will remain a constant reminder of what can happen when I become over confident.
As I drove I continually saw signs cautioning drivers to watch for elk. I thought deer were bad! As I was coming out of the mountains and into Cranbrook, Alberta, there stood the Rockies Mountains. They made the mountains I had just crossed look like hills. They stood tall, steep, jagged and majestic. Their bald tops were frightful looking. I stopped for a moment and just stared at them.
After several hours, I crossed over the first set of mountains. Nestled into the valley is a beautiful little town. It is a ski resort. It seems so strange looking at a mountain and ski lift that is devoid of snow. There wasn’t a lot of activity. I wonder what it is like here in the winter.
I am caught up on the journal and need to get moving. I have crossed the time zone so I want to get a few more miles before I stop for the night.
I hope all of you are in good health. I hope to be home in 6 or 7 days.
Mike
The following section was not in the journal that I sent home to friends and family. I wrote this part years later after I read the whole journal. Because my family read the journal, I didn’t want them to worry about me. The following were the thoughts which occupied my mind all day:
I certainly was excited to start the journey home, but I knew I had a lot of left over feelings from the accident to deal with. The road in the morning was level and straight. I had a chance to reflect on the accident. I knew why I hit the car. It had everything to do with me. I knew that if I was going to continue to be a rider, I had to forgive myself for the mistake and make rules to never allow it to happen again. I made those rules as I rode, and they became my guiding light for the rest of my trips.
One: always monitor my thoughts. When I begin to feel confident, I made myself relive the sensation of my butt leaving my seat.
Two: I would always try to ride alone and absolutely never ride in a group. If I rode with someone, I would tell them I would meet them at a location or I kept at least ¼ of a mile between us. I normally choose to follow another rider because I could then control the distance.
Three: remain humble. When talking to other bikers listen to them, don’t talk about myself. When meeting others let them talk and learn about them. When I talk about the ride, talk about the road, the scenery and the beauty. Talking about me sounds like bragging and bragging leads to becomimg over confident and over confidence can lead to death.
Four: Never forget that I was given a second chance. Don’t do something stupid.
I became a much better rider because of the incident and it remained with me for the rest of the bike rides. I can’t say that I didn’t still make some stupid decisions, but I was aware of it and yelled at myself for my recklessness which caused me to again renew my commitment to being a safe rider not a cocky one.
When I began my assent into the Rockies, my heart pounded as I started to take the curves on the switchbacks. I had lost confidence in my ability to handle the bike and no longer trusted my own judgment. After several hours, I relaxed and was taking the curves just as I had before. My confidence was back; I trusted my judgment again; but I also knew that the accident would ride with me forever and because of it I would be a better and safer rider.
I certainly was excited to start the journey home, but I knew I had a lot of left over feelings from the accident to deal with. The road in the morning was level and straight. I had a chance to reflect on the accident. I knew why I hit the car. It had everything to do with me. I knew that if I was going to continue to be a rider, I had to forgive myself for the mistake and make rules to never allow it to happen again. I made those rules as I rode, and they became my guiding light for the rest of my trips.
One: always monitor my thoughts. When I begin to feel confident, I made myself relive the sensation of my butt leaving my seat.
Two: I would always try to ride alone and absolutely never ride in a group. If I rode with someone, I would tell them I would meet them at a location or I kept at least ¼ of a mile between us. I normally choose to follow another rider because I could then control the distance.
Three: remain humble. When talking to other bikers listen to them, don’t talk about myself. When meeting others let them talk and learn about them. When I talk about the ride, talk about the road, the scenery and the beauty. Talking about me sounds like bragging and bragging leads to becomimg over confident and over confidence can lead to death.
Four: Never forget that I was given a second chance. Don’t do something stupid.
I became a much better rider because of the incident and it remained with me for the rest of the bike rides. I can’t say that I didn’t still make some stupid decisions, but I was aware of it and yelled at myself for my recklessness which caused me to again renew my commitment to being a safe rider not a cocky one.
When I began my assent into the Rockies, my heart pounded as I started to take the curves on the switchbacks. I had lost confidence in my ability to handle the bike and no longer trusted my own judgment. After several hours, I relaxed and was taking the curves just as I had before. My confidence was back; I trusted my judgment again; but I also knew that the accident would ride with me forever and because of it I would be a better and safer rider.
August 15
Day 3 coming home
Dear friends and family,
Today was again a wonderful day. The highlight of the day was hiking in Dinosaur Provincial Park. It is the Canadian Badlands. I had such a great time. It also felt so good to stretch my legs. I have been to the US Badlands, but only drove through it. In the park there were several hiking trails, and I took them all.
I could see what the rain does to forms the hills. I found myself wondering what it would be like to be out here when it was raining. Little did I know that I was about to find out. The sky suddenly just opened up and began raining. The light shower suddenly became a down pour. I will not complain since it is the first rain I have had the entire trip.
Not sure where I am going tomorrow. I think I will leave Alberta. I am still above Montana.
Hope all is well with all of you.
Mike
Day 3 coming home
Dear friends and family,
Today was again a wonderful day. The highlight of the day was hiking in Dinosaur Provincial Park. It is the Canadian Badlands. I had such a great time. It also felt so good to stretch my legs. I have been to the US Badlands, but only drove through it. In the park there were several hiking trails, and I took them all.
I could see what the rain does to forms the hills. I found myself wondering what it would be like to be out here when it was raining. Little did I know that I was about to find out. The sky suddenly just opened up and began raining. The light shower suddenly became a down pour. I will not complain since it is the first rain I have had the entire trip.
Not sure where I am going tomorrow. I think I will leave Alberta. I am still above Montana.
Hope all is well with all of you.
Mike
August 17
Day 5 coming home
Dear Friends and Family,
Good morning. It is Thursday. No Internet yesterday; I got into town late. Yesterday was the kind of day that makes all of the rest of the days look good. The morning was great. I went to Cypress Provincial Park. The park had lush greenery surrounded by bald hills. I drove about 10 miles into the park to an overlook that allowed me to see for miles. At the bottom was a large reservoir.
I was planning to leave the park and head south to Highway 13 and then east again. After driving for 60 miles and not finding the road that was supposed to take me east, I decided to check the map. There in front of me was the border crossing. I knew I had gone too far. I turned around and headed for the only road I had seen, which was 20 miles back. It turned out to be the road I wanted. I had been looking for a paved road but this one was gravel. I checked the map and it indicated that the road was paved. After about 200 yards, I saw a sign declaring the area was open range. I rode at 30 miles an hour for about 15 miles. It was a real struggle to keep the bike upright. The gravel was pulling me in all directions. The road was lined with grazing cattle. A few cows were just standing on the road. The cows and I would stare at each other as I came near them and then they would mosey across the road. It was like telling a student to get to class and they give you a touch of nonverbal attitude. I was getting cow attitude.
About 5 miles into the trip, one large bull with huge horns stood in the middle of the road giving me a menacing look. It was as if he was daring me to bother him. I am not sure if he thought the bike was a threat. I know the guy on the bike wasn't looking to tangle with this huge animal. I gave him that teacher gaze with the squinted eyes. We stared at each other as I rode closer and closer. He stood his ground. I confidently stared him in the eye. Inside my mind was screaming, “What am I going to do if he doesn’t move. What if I pissed him off and he charges me.” I wasn’t going to show fear. I came closer and he continued to hold his ground. Finally when I was about 20 feet from him, he turned and sauntered off the road. I sighed a deep breath of relief and relaxed back into the seat.
I was thrilled to get to the paved road until I had ridden for a mile or two. It was no better than the gravel road. Also I was running out of gas.
Finally after fretting for what seemed like hours, I coasted into town only to see the first gas station boarded up and a sign saying no gas. I had been on reserve tank for a long time. I had visions of this metropolitan pin prick becoming my new home. To say I was in a bit of a panic would be putting it mildly. The entire town was only a few blocks long. The two stores that I saw were boarded up. As I rounded a corner I saw the only open store in town. It had two ancient gas pumps. I am saved from being stranded in the middle of nowhere.
I complained about the size and multitude of potholes on the road to the woman who ran the place. She smiled and told me I had traveled the best part of the road. She suggested I go back up to Highway 1 and go across the province. Well I didn’t follow her advice but I wish I had. She was right; I drove a 100 miles dodging potholes and hitting loose gravel.
I pulled into Swift Current about 6 pm.
Day 5 coming home
Dear Friends and Family,
Good morning. It is Thursday. No Internet yesterday; I got into town late. Yesterday was the kind of day that makes all of the rest of the days look good. The morning was great. I went to Cypress Provincial Park. The park had lush greenery surrounded by bald hills. I drove about 10 miles into the park to an overlook that allowed me to see for miles. At the bottom was a large reservoir.
I was planning to leave the park and head south to Highway 13 and then east again. After driving for 60 miles and not finding the road that was supposed to take me east, I decided to check the map. There in front of me was the border crossing. I knew I had gone too far. I turned around and headed for the only road I had seen, which was 20 miles back. It turned out to be the road I wanted. I had been looking for a paved road but this one was gravel. I checked the map and it indicated that the road was paved. After about 200 yards, I saw a sign declaring the area was open range. I rode at 30 miles an hour for about 15 miles. It was a real struggle to keep the bike upright. The gravel was pulling me in all directions. The road was lined with grazing cattle. A few cows were just standing on the road. The cows and I would stare at each other as I came near them and then they would mosey across the road. It was like telling a student to get to class and they give you a touch of nonverbal attitude. I was getting cow attitude.
About 5 miles into the trip, one large bull with huge horns stood in the middle of the road giving me a menacing look. It was as if he was daring me to bother him. I am not sure if he thought the bike was a threat. I know the guy on the bike wasn't looking to tangle with this huge animal. I gave him that teacher gaze with the squinted eyes. We stared at each other as I rode closer and closer. He stood his ground. I confidently stared him in the eye. Inside my mind was screaming, “What am I going to do if he doesn’t move. What if I pissed him off and he charges me.” I wasn’t going to show fear. I came closer and he continued to hold his ground. Finally when I was about 20 feet from him, he turned and sauntered off the road. I sighed a deep breath of relief and relaxed back into the seat.
I was thrilled to get to the paved road until I had ridden for a mile or two. It was no better than the gravel road. Also I was running out of gas.
Finally after fretting for what seemed like hours, I coasted into town only to see the first gas station boarded up and a sign saying no gas. I had been on reserve tank for a long time. I had visions of this metropolitan pin prick becoming my new home. To say I was in a bit of a panic would be putting it mildly. The entire town was only a few blocks long. The two stores that I saw were boarded up. As I rounded a corner I saw the only open store in town. It had two ancient gas pumps. I am saved from being stranded in the middle of nowhere.
I complained about the size and multitude of potholes on the road to the woman who ran the place. She smiled and told me I had traveled the best part of the road. She suggested I go back up to Highway 1 and go across the province. Well I didn’t follow her advice but I wish I had. She was right; I drove a 100 miles dodging potholes and hitting loose gravel.
I pulled into Swift Current about 6 pm.
August 17
Dear Friends and Family,
I am writing to you from Moose Jaw. I have covered a 100 miles so far. It is really cold out. I am planning to add another layer of clothes. I hope to find someplace to write to you tonight, but Regina is the last town of size and I am only an hour or so away. I am told I have 20 more hours to go before I even turn south.
I must admit that it is beautiful here. There are lots of rolling hills and large bluffs. The scenery changes from lush farms land to bare hills.
I better get going.
Mike
August 17 Later in the day
Dear Friends and Family,
Thought I would write a quick note. I am in Virden, Manitoba and back in the central time zone. No more having to keep subtracting the time from my watch.
It continued to be a cold day. The dark cloud over me (literally) followed me across the province. Only in the last hour or two has the sun broken through. It feels so good to be warm again. I am sitting here with my chaps on. I am so cold; I am shaking. I created quite a sensation in the library. Usually I try to minimize the biker look when I enter the library, but today I just couldn’t take off the leather. Finally I warmed up.
My big excitement for the night will be doing laundry. Well I still need to find a place for the night. I plan to motel it again. It is cold around here. I am told that it is supposed to warm up later in the week.
Take Care,
Mike
Dear Friends and Family,
I am writing to you from Moose Jaw. I have covered a 100 miles so far. It is really cold out. I am planning to add another layer of clothes. I hope to find someplace to write to you tonight, but Regina is the last town of size and I am only an hour or so away. I am told I have 20 more hours to go before I even turn south.
I must admit that it is beautiful here. There are lots of rolling hills and large bluffs. The scenery changes from lush farms land to bare hills.
I better get going.
Mike
August 17 Later in the day
Dear Friends and Family,
Thought I would write a quick note. I am in Virden, Manitoba and back in the central time zone. No more having to keep subtracting the time from my watch.
It continued to be a cold day. The dark cloud over me (literally) followed me across the province. Only in the last hour or two has the sun broken through. It feels so good to be warm again. I am sitting here with my chaps on. I am so cold; I am shaking. I created quite a sensation in the library. Usually I try to minimize the biker look when I enter the library, but today I just couldn’t take off the leather. Finally I warmed up.
My big excitement for the night will be doing laundry. Well I still need to find a place for the night. I plan to motel it again. It is cold around here. I am told that it is supposed to warm up later in the week.
Take Care,
Mike
August 18
Day 6 coming home
Well friends and family I will be on my way south tomorrow. Today was really cold. It was 4 Celsius; I have no idea what that means but I know that I had all of my clothes on. I didn't start to strip off the first layer until 1 in the afternoon.
I rode straight across Manitoba and am now in Kenora, Ontario. The day was uneventful and the terrain has greatly changed. Now it is like Minnesota which is were I will be Saturday. I plan to cross at International Falls. It looks like a beautiful drive to the border.
My bike looks like a bug-killing machine. It is a real mess.
Hope all is well with all of you.
I hope to be able to write to you sometime tomorrow.
Mike
August 21
Day 9 final letter
Dear friends and family,
The last time I wrote to you was from Kenora, Ontario. I am home now; arrived at 1:30 PM. I rode 5,600 mile in all. Let me tell you about the last two days.
After writing to you, I met a guy from New Brunswick in a bar. He was originally from Ireland. He had spent 30 years in the army, and told story after story. Each one was funnier than the other. He was a riot. He took me to the Legion in town because the beer was cheaper. It was an interesting night.
I left in the morning for the border. It was a beautiful ride. It seems that there is water everywhere, with little granite islands. It was such a big change from the plains. It was also hilly. Now that I have been spoiled by the real mountains, the hills of the flatlands just aren't as much fun. I rode 120 miles before I left Canada. I felt really sad. I had enjoyed Canada a great deal. I met lots of warm and friendly people and saw spectacular scenery. Each section of the country contained its own special beauty.
The U.S. customs agent didn't seem too pleased to see me. He really hassled me. I don't know what the problem was, but his behavior bordered on just plain rude. Where do they find these people? Canada didn't have a problem letting me in. Now my own country didn’t want to let me come back.
I entered International Falls and head south. There were all of these crazy drivers trying to pass each other on the two lane roads and there must have been 50 of us in a row. Guess who most of the crazy drivers were. You guessed it, people from Chicago. I could tell by the license plate holder. Now I really missed Canada. Rude customs agents and homicidal drivers; welcome back to the USA! They are out to get me. I think I have been out in the country area too long.
I drove through Duluth. I came into town from a huge hill and could look over the entire area. The city looked really interesting. I wish I had more time. I was tired and it was very cold and windy. I crossed into Wisconsin and stayed the night in Ashland. My motel was across from Lake Superior.
Sunday morning I started to head for home. By now I was really looking forward to being home. It was the horse back to the barn syndrome. I stayed on the two lane roads and when I got a chance to jump on the interstate, I thought of all of those crazy Chicago drivers trying to get home Sunday night. I stayed on the back roads and spent one more night. This time I stayed in Beaver Dam. Never did see a damn beaver. I enjoyed the day. It was light traffic and gave me a chance to think about the trip.
I was gone 25 days and in that time I only had my rain gear on for less than an hour. I was able to see a small thin ribbon of two countries. It was amazing to see what nature and man has created. I watched the land change daily, sometimes hourly. I just felt luck to be able to take this ride and share my experience with all of you.
Thank you for your support. It made the time more meaningful as I would see things along the way and try to decide how I was going to share them with you.
Well I am home safely and I have a wealth of memories that will carry me through the winter while I decide where to ride next.
Sorry Mom, I know you were hoping this ride would cure me.
My love to all of you.
Mike
Day 9 final letter
Dear friends and family,
The last time I wrote to you was from Kenora, Ontario. I am home now; arrived at 1:30 PM. I rode 5,600 mile in all. Let me tell you about the last two days.
After writing to you, I met a guy from New Brunswick in a bar. He was originally from Ireland. He had spent 30 years in the army, and told story after story. Each one was funnier than the other. He was a riot. He took me to the Legion in town because the beer was cheaper. It was an interesting night.
I left in the morning for the border. It was a beautiful ride. It seems that there is water everywhere, with little granite islands. It was such a big change from the plains. It was also hilly. Now that I have been spoiled by the real mountains, the hills of the flatlands just aren't as much fun. I rode 120 miles before I left Canada. I felt really sad. I had enjoyed Canada a great deal. I met lots of warm and friendly people and saw spectacular scenery. Each section of the country contained its own special beauty.
The U.S. customs agent didn't seem too pleased to see me. He really hassled me. I don't know what the problem was, but his behavior bordered on just plain rude. Where do they find these people? Canada didn't have a problem letting me in. Now my own country didn’t want to let me come back.
I entered International Falls and head south. There were all of these crazy drivers trying to pass each other on the two lane roads and there must have been 50 of us in a row. Guess who most of the crazy drivers were. You guessed it, people from Chicago. I could tell by the license plate holder. Now I really missed Canada. Rude customs agents and homicidal drivers; welcome back to the USA! They are out to get me. I think I have been out in the country area too long.
I drove through Duluth. I came into town from a huge hill and could look over the entire area. The city looked really interesting. I wish I had more time. I was tired and it was very cold and windy. I crossed into Wisconsin and stayed the night in Ashland. My motel was across from Lake Superior.
Sunday morning I started to head for home. By now I was really looking forward to being home. It was the horse back to the barn syndrome. I stayed on the two lane roads and when I got a chance to jump on the interstate, I thought of all of those crazy Chicago drivers trying to get home Sunday night. I stayed on the back roads and spent one more night. This time I stayed in Beaver Dam. Never did see a damn beaver. I enjoyed the day. It was light traffic and gave me a chance to think about the trip.
I was gone 25 days and in that time I only had my rain gear on for less than an hour. I was able to see a small thin ribbon of two countries. It was amazing to see what nature and man has created. I watched the land change daily, sometimes hourly. I just felt luck to be able to take this ride and share my experience with all of you.
Thank you for your support. It made the time more meaningful as I would see things along the way and try to decide how I was going to share them with you.
Well I am home safely and I have a wealth of memories that will carry me through the winter while I decide where to ride next.
Sorry Mom, I know you were hoping this ride would cure me.
My love to all of you.
Mike