June 18 - Friday

Completed another 451 miles of the Alaska Highway and made it to the Yukon!

I am at Whitehorse, YT tonight. Stopped at Coal River this morning and had coffee and a delicious homemade cinnamon bun!

Caught up with a guy from Montreal at a construction zone. His name was Gil and he was on a BMW heading up the Dempster Highway to Inuvik and then up the Dalton to Prudhoe! He had a Zumo GPS and a SPOT GPS messenger like mine. We met up again at a gas stop and then at the Sign Post Forest in Watson Lake. The sign post forest was very interesting.

At least thousands of signs there, This was started by a US soldier back in 1943 when the Alaska Highway was being built. Had to stop for buffalo in the road for about 15 minutes. The Yukon is beautiful. Very vast and great views of the mountains. Met up with a guy from Utah with his motorcycle dog at a gas station. He was heading to Fairbanks. The dog was something with the goggles and helmet!!

Went by Yukon Harley Davidson ad got an oil change (I have ridden over 4,700 miles since I left on June 7). They took me right in at 5:30 and had it done in 20 minutes. They were closing at 6pm! I had to buy a Yukon Harley T shirt! Met a guy riding to Anchorage here at the motel from Buckhannon, WV. That is near my hometown! Did my landry this evening too. Sunset is 11:30pm and sunrise is at 4:30am!! Will be in Alaska tomorrow!!!

June 17 - Thursday

Well, I made it up 456 miles of the Alaska Highway today. What a ride!! Saw 4 black bears, 4 wolves, several deer and a bunch of sheep.

 Did 187 miles between gas stations too. Glad I had my spare tanks. Didn't use them yet, but made me a lot more comfortable! Experienced the gravel patches and frost upheavals on the road. Had about a 45 minute wait on road construction coming thru the Rockies. The nice flaglady let me move to the front of the line. The dust was really bad! I had an "ice road trucker" behind me and he stayed up with me for the most part (I left him on a long up hill later!!)

 I am at The Northern Rockies Lodge tonight on Muncho Lake.

It is a beautiful place.Sunset is around 10:30 pm tonight and sunrise is around 4am in the morning. That is really cool. Hope to get at least 500 miles on up the Highway tomorrow. Will be in the Yukon!

June 16 - Wednesday

Travelled 533 miles today from Lloydminster, Alberta to Dawson Creek, British Columbia. I have now done 3,655 miles since last Monday.

I MADE IT to the zero milepost of the Alaskan Highway.

Had nice weather today. A little cool this morning and around 70 later. Clear to scattered clouds. NO RAIN!! Edmonton is a large city. Passed through around 10 am with no traffic problems. Stopped several times to get gas (I am now in the area where I stop and get gas every time I see a gas station!!) I did pull in and leave a couple since they only sold regular too.

Talked to a trucker from Whitecourt, Alberta at a truck stop for about 30 minutes since he was picking up his new first Harley tomorrow (a 2010 Ultra Limited in red/black).

He was really excited and wanted to talked about all the things I have added to mine. I have already gone by and taken all the customary pictures here of the Alaska Highway signs.

A couple from Nebraska pulled in after me that are on their way to Alaska too. Will be interesting if I see them again over the next 1,400 miles of the journey. Since the sun comes up around 3:30 am tomorrow here I am going to try and get an early start to get about 500 miles done.

June 15 - Tuesday

Did 578 miles today. I am in Lloydminster, Alberta tonight. Joe and I "parted" this morning with him starting his journey back to Richmond and me to Alaska.

I crossed the border at a little crossing on US 85 coming out of the US. The crossing didn't even open until 9 am. There was no one else there the entire time I was there at the crossing. The advantage to one of this little crossings is that yopu do not have to wait in line, the disadvantage is the border officials are bored so they like to run you thru the complete process! Two border guards were totally dedicated to me and the complete searching of my entire bike. All the bags off and looked in! (They even took my rainsuit apart and looked in all the pockets and then asked me to put it back together!) Anyway, I eventually passed and they let me in the country of Canada.

 I think the real driver was when they first asked me where I was headed and I told them Alaska, so they thought I was at least nuts, so they had better check me real close!! I stopped at the Bank of Montreal in the town of Weyburn and got some Canadian dollars to spend! The weather was great in the morning. Started a few sprinkles around Regina, so I put the rainsuit on. Didnt need it as the weather was great all the way, stayed in the 70's too. I am half way to Dawson Creek and the start of the Alaskan Highway. Should make it there tomorrow.

June 14 - Monday

Only did 114 miles today. Had a great breakfast at the Cowboy Cafe in Medora, ND.

Toured the Theodore Roosevelt National Park - North Unit. Did some hiking too. Joe and I had dinner at the Outlaw Bar & Grill in Watford City, ND.

Joe is heading for Richmond in the morning and I am heading on toward Alaska. North Dakota folks are really nice!

June 13 - Sunday

Started the morning in Hill City, SD at 45 degrees and still a little rain. The forecast was to be in the upper 40's, so we said good bye to Charlie & Janet at the Lantern Inn and we hit the road.

Had a great breakfast at the Golden Spike restaurant in Hill City. Rode to Sturgis, visited the Harley shop, the Full Throttle Saloon and One Eyed Jack's.

Of all things, there was a Cushman bike rally going on in Sturgis! Should have got a picture of that! Kinda funny! The place really looked different from the first week in August!! We headed to North Dakota with hopes of warmer and dryer air and WE FOUND IT!!

The sun came out and the temps were in the 70's. Made it to Medora, ND and checked into the Badlands Motel.

We rode the 36 mile loop road through Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Not crowded at all and a really beautiful National Park.

Beautiful landscapes and more buffalo. Had dinner at a local restaurant called Boots Bar & Grill. Even though Joe didn't wear his boots, they let him in anyway since I had my boots on!!

We had a great dinner of a double elk burger with french fried sweet potatoes. Had a very good North Dakota brewed beer too. We were good and did NOT have dessert tonight. Medora is a really nice little western town.

There is not a single "chain" anything that we could find. That is very unique!

June 12 - Saturday

Joe got to Hill City around 10:30am today.

After introducing him to Charlie and Janet at the Inn we headed out to Needles Highway, Custer State Park, Iron Mountain Highway, Mt Rushmore and Keystone.

We only did 97 miles but it was all high quality!! Saw lots of buffalo, burros, pronghorn antelope and paririe dogs. The buffalo had lots of little calves with them. They were cute but make us very cautious with the momma buffalo cows!!

 Had no problems, so that was good. We went to dinner at the Alpine Inn and had a great filet mignon dinner. The best part was the dessert of rhubarb crisp made by Barbara the maid from the Lantern Inn. It was delicious! (Keith, you may not believe it, but it was better than the rhubarb pie!!!).

We are heading north tomorrow to North Dakota in hopes of warmer dryer weather. It is raining again tonight and to be in the upper 30's here in Hill City by morning!!

June 11 - Friday

Another great day. This was a R&R day for me. Started off the morning with coffee and muffins with the inn owners, Charlie & Janet. They bought this inn back in 1978 and this is their 32nd year. Now that is an example of real small business sustainability!! After breakfast I washed my bike. Only rode 56 miles today! Went down to Custer for a great piece of rhubarb pie & ice cream for lunch at the Purple Pie Place. Don't laugh, it is THE PLACE in the Black Hills for rhubarb pie (right Keith & Rae?).

Also rode over to Keystone and by Mt Rushmore. Mt Rushmore is such an inspirational place. All Americans should go there and visit at least once! Really amazing.

A real dedicated sculptor, an engineering feat and a national treasure!!!! Rest of the day was spent talking to Charlie & Janet, walking downtown Hill City and sorting/repacking all my "stuff" on my motorcycle. Joe should get here around 9 pm this evening. His flight from Richmond was weather delayed and he missed his connecting flight to Denver, so he is late. He called me at 2:15pm in Denver and was leaving on his bike then. We are now planning to spend Sat night here in Hill City (tour the Black Hills tomorrow) and then head up to North Dakota on Sunday. It is actually warmer north (actually warmer in Alaska right now!!)

June 10 - Thursday

Started the morning in Sioux Falls, SD with lots of rain, lightning & a temp of 58 degrees. Decided to take my time leaving! Went to breakfast at the same restaurant as dinner the night before. Found out that restaurant had been there for 31 years and owned the entire time by the same couple. Another guy walked in at the same time I did. We ended up sitting together and having breakfast. He was from San Diego and had just sold and retired from a limo business he had in Las Vegas (He had driven Michael Douglas around every time he came to Vegas). He was on his way to a family reunion in north east South Dakota. Had an excellent breakfast and nice to have some company.

The rain slacked up enough to leave around 10:30. It stopped completely a few miles out of Sioux Falls and the sun came out later and warmed up to the upper 80s. Crossed the Missouri River for the fourth time on this trip. (Keith, stopped at Cactus Flats and got gas).

Between Wall and Rapid City all the pretty clouds came together and made a giant rain filled black one. Started raining pretty hard about 30 miles from Rapid City, so the rain suit came back on! The air temp dropped back into the 50s too! Made it safely to The Lantern Inn after 379 miles today.

The rain stopped right after I arrived. Just cloudy and cool this evening. Talked to some South Dakota bikers staying here too. (The SD state HOG rally is here this weekend so there are plenty of bikers, although nothing compared to Sturgis week!!!). Walked downtown to The Alpine for the filet mignon special and yes, Keith and Rae, I had the bread pudding too.

It is still made by Barbara Johnson who is the Lantern Inn motel maid along with cleaning the Rapid City convention center every night. She is some lady to be 62 years old!! Another great day. Looking forward to seeing Joe tomorrow and beginning our adventure on Saturday.

June 9 - Wednesday

Started the morning on Central time in Mt Vernon, Illinois. There was lightning and thunder at 5 am. Went to the motel breakfast at 5:30 am. Had a nice breakfast of sausage gravy and hot biscuits!! The only other people at breakfast at that time was a couple from Dallas, TX.

 As usual the discussion starts with "Where are you heading on the motorcycle?" He had served in the Army in Alaska before it was a state. I told him I was from Richmond, VA and he replied that he was born and raised in West Virginia and was heading back there for a family reunion. He was Bob Cutlip and was born just a few miles from me in Webster County (Diana, WV). (BTW, he was older than me by about 15 years!!) The Cutlip reunion is being held this weekend at Holly River State Park. A real coincidence! I really like these kinds of "encounters" on the road. Interesting folks and coincidences! After breakfast the weather looked good west and north so I headed out. Did 709 miles today and make it to Sioux Falls, SD. Beautiful weather all the way. Hit 92 degrees in Iowa and South Dakota. Great riding weather. No traffic problems today and just "sailed" through St. Louis and Kansas City!! Crossed the Missouri River three times today. I know I will cross it again tomorrow.That is a long winding river! Had a great South Dakota country dinner tonight at a little local restaurant beside the motel. (My waiter's name was Chase!).

That's about it for tonight. On to the Black Hills tomorrow!!

June 8 - Tuesday

Left Spencer, WV around 7:20am after a very hearty, homemade breakfast! A great start to the day. It was 50 degrees and foggy! Took Rt 2 along the Ohio River from Point Pleasant. The fog had lifted and temps were in upper 60s. That was a beautiful ride with the Ohio River in sight about the entire ride. Arrived in Huntington and visited with an ole college buddy that I had not seen in 36 years!!

Went by Charlie's HD  in Huntington. A very nice Harley shop. Bought a botttle of octane boost as I am sure I will need on my way to Alaska. Headed on west on I64 through Kentucky, Indiana and Illinois for 489 miles total. Had a traffic jam coming into Louisville (a "double wide" was too wide for a single lane road construction barrier and got stuck blocking all the west bound lanes! I had to take a detour through the Kentucky countryside north of Louisville. It was a nice break from the interstate and saw some beautiful Kentucky countryside. It was 90 degrees in southern Indiana. Had to take the jacket off and go in a tee shirt. Started to rain about 30 miles from my destination of Mt Vernon, IL, so had to put the rain suit on under a bridge on the interstate. Got to the motel and picked up a Fat Tire beer and life was good for another day!!

Alaska - June 7 - Monday

Great trip from Powhatan, VA to Spencer, WV today. Did 371 miles today.  First time I visited Babcock State Park in WV. Beautiful old mill there.

The mountain laurel was in full bloom which was a sight to behold.  Also rode the old New River bridge road to the bottom of the gorge.

That was fun and challenging with several VERY tight switchbacks. Arrived at the bottom just in time for the coal train coming.

Glad I saw the signals in time and stopped. The "new" gorge bridge is a real sight from the bottom.

An amazing engineering feat. Thought of Dane when I saw several canoes on the New River. Stopped by the New River Gorge Harley shop, BUT it was closed on Mondays! Had a great dinner with my brother and sister-in-law and an even better homemade dessert!!

April 22, Thu – OBX Bike Week

Had a great breakfast at Grits & Grill to start the day off. Keith and Rae arrived with their truck & TRAILER before 11am. I could tell they were ready to be there. Their friends, Harry & Julie came by to ride with us. Harry & Julie retired a couple of years ago in Richmond and moved to the OBX. We decided to head north on our bikes to the Currituck Beach Lighthouse. Great trip to Corolla and Keith, Rae and I climbed the lighthouse for some great views and pics. We stopped for coffee/refreshments on the way back. The rest of the "biker gang", Steve, Mark & Beth arrived in the afternoon. We took off as a group for a tour of Roanoke Island and back to the house. Had a few golfers stop by and have a few drinks with us on the deck as they were finishing a round. They were from Northern VA and SC. He headed to Bob's Grill for dinner. Very good meal with a great group of folks. Oh yeah, our waiter's name was Billy!!

April 21, Wed – OBX Bike Week

I rode by myself in the rain. Left Powhatan around 1pm. Never rained hard, just pretty steady. Hit some road construction on RT 35 south of Petersburg and a lot of truck traffic on US 13 in NC, especially LOG TRUCKS. I had planned to stop at Whitley's BBQ in Murfreesboro for a sandwich but they were closed on Wed!! Did stop at the Franklin Depot and Tourist Center. Folks were very nice there and got my Motorcycle Tour of VA stamp. Heavy traffic for some odd reason coming out of Elizabeth City too. Stopped at Outer Banks HD shop at Point Harbor and got my Harley Tour stamp. Got there about 5:45pm and they were getting ready to close. Headed on down to the beach house we had rented for the week and got it "opened up". Very nice house, very tastefully decorated. Took off to find some BBQ for dinner. Founds a place near the house called Souey's BBQ. When I pulled into the parking lot they were closed. Saw a worked coming thru the front door and asked him if they were really closed and that I really wanted a BBQ sandwich, He said they were closed but come on in and he would fix me a sandwich and some french fries. Very nice folks there and some great BBQ! (Eastern Carolina style!!) That pretty much made the day. Got my rainsuit drying out and went to bed.

April 15 - Southside VA and Northern NC

WOW! Great trip today to
Southside VA and NC. Got my stamp for the Motorcyle Tour of Virginia
from Ed's Honda in South Boston, Martinsville/Henry County Tourism in
Martinsville, Quizno's in Farmville and the Virginia International Raceway in Alton. Got my HD ticket for Thunder Road HD in
Danville, VA too! They had a practice run going on for the NC
sports car association on the track at VIR. I got a few pics. That was fun to
watch. That is a cool place that I did not know existed. I believe it
was over 1,200 acres!! Also
visited Cruiserworks in Rougemont, NC and bought a pair of boots. Really
nice people. Spent about 2 hours trying on and talking to the owner at her house. Really
interesting story and they seem to have GREAT boot. Did 400 miles on the motorcycle today on some very nice roads and beautiful weather. Was a little cool in the morning (38 degrees) but saw 84 in NC in the afternoon.

April 10 - Blue Ridge Bike Fest

Johnny, Pam, Mark, Steve, Joe and I made it to the Blue Ridge Bike Fest today in Roanoke, VA. Started off as a very cold morning, 33 degrees in Powhatan! So it was heated gear, heavy gloves, chaps and head/neck warmers! Left the parking lot of McDonalds in Amelia around 8:30 am and arrived
back at 8:00 pm. Not a cloud in the sky all day. In the afternoon it was a very pleasant 74 degrees and all the heavy clothes were shed. We stopped at Lynchburg HD, Roanoke HD and Christiansburg HD to get our tourbook stamps and trip tickets. The Bike Fest at the Roanoke Civic Center was OK. Not many bikes in the bike show but they had some very nice unique ones. The vendors were the normal bike show vendors. We had lunch at the show. Johnny & Pam got to meet with their daughter at the Christiansburg HD shop too for a few minutes. Did run into a "traffic jam" on US 460 coming into Lynchburg on the way back. Took a very pleasant detour though some beautiful countryside even crossing a single lane wooden bridge. Ended up on US 221 then US 501 and back on the other side of the jam on US 460. Overall a beautiful day of riding with a great group of folks!!

2006 Cross Country Trip Slide Show

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2006 Cross Country Trip Slide Show