San Diego

Today was one of those days that reminds you that you are "on the road." Out by 8:00 a.m., but not at the hotel in San Diego until 8:30 p.m. Cool in the morning, but very warm in the afternoon. 12 miles of 5 mph traffic in the heat due to an accident. But, the highlight of the day was visiting the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library. It was an honor to be there and visit his grave site. A truly great man, who did much more than people remember. This country could certainly use that kind of insite and political astuteness today.

Tomorrow, we are off to Tucson, Arizona. We are really looking forward to talking to people who know, and who are suffering every day, because of the administration's refusal to deal with the illegals in this country. The dems are more concerned about future votes than the fact that illegals are destroying the economies of California and Arizona.

Along the beach in Santa Barbara.

First "Corner", San Diego

First Corner "Dance" (We'll use the term lightly!)

Blastoff

We were met by a nice group before leaving Danville at 8:30 this morning. It's not easy for our wives to say goodbye to us for such a long time. But we promised to be careful and send back photos and our stories of the road.

We had breakfast at the infamous Buena Vista, the birthplace of the Irish Coffee, and then our trip began through Fisherman's Wharf, the Presidio, and south along the Great Highway through Moss Landing, Santa Cruz, Monterey, Carmel, Big Sur, and ultimately San Luis Obispo. A great day, although cool and very windy. Tomorrow...San Diego.

San Francisco, CA

Countdown Ends at 7:30 a.m. Tomorrow!

The boyz will be meeting tomorrow at 7:30 a.m. at Starbucks in Danville, California.  We will be meeting to say goodbye to those unfortunates who can't make the trip, and to give farewell kisses to our loved ones, and then mount the silver eagles to begin our trip south along the Pacific Ocean.  Tomorrow's ride will take us to San Francisco for a brief stop at the Buena Vista, then on to Santa Cruz, Carmel, Big Sur, and eventually San Luis Obispo.  We are promised good weather for the first several days, and some of the most spectacular scenary in the world

"Every day is a great day to ride...some are just better than others!"

Ready to Go!

Only 9 days left, and da boyz will be blasting off to all points south...and east, and north, and west...  Three years of planning come down to a single date of departure, and we can see that date when we bring up the 10-day weather forecast  (which, incidently, is supposed to be excellant along the Pacific coast).   Ralph, Bud and Bob have had their bikes serviced, and their respective GPS devices have been tested and found in good working order.  The iPods have been loaded with a boatload of songs (not to mention the podcasts for our favorite conservative talk radio).    We said we were leaving the watches behind.  We never said we weren't going to take every other piece of high tech electronic equipment known to man. 

Our goal remains the same, and that is to meet and speak with as many Americans as we can along this 12,000 mile route. Check in with us every now and then.  You can read about our trip on this blog, and you can leave your comments.  Or you can watch the YouTube films we plan to take along the way.  Or, you can read about this great adventure in Dawn to Dusk...Our 12,000 Mile Conversation with America. We hope you enjoy the ride!

Thirty Days and Counting

I had the pleasure of having lunch with Rick Lindstrom a couple days ago.  He and co-author Cory Emberson have written a book entitled "Pursuing Liberty," which will be out in a couple weeks.   In writing the book, the authors met with immigrants who had escaped oppression by moving to America.  They share their thoughts about what they see happening in America today, and where they think America is heading.  Excellant reading.

As we make our final preparations for our trip, we realize that we are still blessed by having the freedom to travel anywhere in the United States without fear of tyranny or oppression from the government.  But there are those who apologize for what America stands for, and who believe that America needs to stand down so that others can stand up.  There is no guarantee that forces from within will not take these liberies from us in the future.  John Adams said, "Liberty once lost, is lost forever."  Every American should ask themselves just how precious is the American way of life,  and if not them, who is willing to stand up and protect us from those who wish to take these liberties from us?  We suspect we will find many people along our route who love America, and who are willing to stand up for the liberties which make America the greatest nation on earth.  We look forward to meeting them during our 12,000 mile conversation with America.

Thief River Falls

Day: 43
Destination: International Falls, then Thief River Falls, MN
Route: Highway 11 to the International border; then Highway 11 to Route 71 south; then Highway 1
Miles Ridden: 406     Total Miles: 9,875

Points of Interest:

• Highway 11 in Canada
• Red Lake Indian Reservation

It's amazing the difference one day can make. Yesterday was very cold. This morning was very nice. Warm, clear, blue skies, almost not a hint of clouds. We loaded up and headed for the Canadian border at International Falls. It was about a five hour ride, with very little available gas on the way. A two lane road which meandered through the low mountains, and virtually no traffic at all. We saw a deer on the shoulder, and another black bear, this time a full grown bear observed a couple hundred yards from the roadway, and we saw some of the most beautiful wild flowers imaginable.

When we arrived at International Falls, we decided to continue on to either Red Lake or Thief River Falls, MN. We have been invited to a Fourth of July BBQ in Montana, and had to make up a half day. When we got to Red Lake, however, we learned it was a large lake on an Indian reservation. A fair number of people, but more trashed homes and trailers and abandoned cars on blocks than people. We decided against Red Lake, and moved on to Thief River Falls. The last 60 miles was on a two lane road without traffic. We experienced very heavy wind, with cross winds pushing 50 mph (enough to move our bikes). Thief River Falls turned out to be a nice little town, with very nice people who received us well.

7 Weeks and Counting

Hard to believe that 7 weeks from now our great adventure will begin.  The bikes will be serviced, waxed, and the tires properly inflated to save the world's oil supply.  Everything will be packed and strapped, and the bikes will be warmed up and gassed up.  After a loving kiss and the traditional "be careful" from our wives, we will begin our 12,000 mile trip by riding south along the glorious Pacific coastline.  You may not own a motorcycle, but that doesn't mean you can't ride with us.   By reading our blog, you just may feel that same sense of freedom and liberty that we feel with the wind in our faces, and the smell of the Pacific blowing across Highway 1.  Stop by and visit.  We'll be looking for you!