TIme's flying by, get ready...

Dick and I have been tuning up the bikes and doing some test packing.  Don't want to take anything that won't get used as space is at a premium.  Do I really need a spare set of underwear:)  Both bikes have fresh oil, new tires, new GPS mounted, you name it.  GPS, the old timers on Route 66 would laugh.  Well, you should use the tools you have at the time of your life.  After all the old timers weren't trying to navigate through San Diego either.

Twenty nine days to lift off for me, thirty for Dick.  We're both eager and so are the little companions, Little Joe and Wild Willy.  Who are the outriders?  Little Joe joined me about 2006 in a little Colorado mountain town.  Found him hanging around a gas station with a crowd just like him.  He decided to sign on for a Michigan trip..  He's a crazy monkey, lives a little on the wild side, but is a faithful traveling companion.

Wild Willie, well we think he has a sordid past.  I think he's kind of a dog, but I'll have to check in with Dick on where he surfaced..

Meanwhile, don't rush summer.  It's already going by too fast.  Things going  on include building a violin, logging and clearing a meadow on the back forty, finalizing a new lounging firepit in the front yard, camping trip this weekend, about a tenth annual with long time friends to Yale Lake, Nancy's siblings coming for a reunion in a few weeks.  And then it's off to great adventure via motorcycle.  Stay tuned.

The garage looks like a 50's service station right now, and the bike is in kit form.  Amazing how much work a few simple tasks can be when it comes to automotive.  The bike is getting new front and rear brake pads, oil changes for the engine, transmission and gear case, and a new front tire.  It helps to take off a bunch of things like seat and saddle bags to get access.  It's coming together.  And we're raring to ride.

Little Joe, my pet monkey, likes turning a wrench too.  He likes grease under his fingernails.  He's been in great spirits since he learned about the ride this fall.  Still have to get him a decent seat belt.

This trip has been brewing for two years.  Summer 2006 on a Harley ride to Michigan was an incredible journey.  And there's been a nagging need to do something like it again.  This time, heading south.  Time to return to my parent's final resting place in Safford, Arizona.  Two years ago, to encourage young brother Dick who was struggling with heart troubles, I made this offer.   When you get well, we'll meet in Arizona.

Both of us have lived for that day ever since.  And it's real.  Dick has a great bike and great health again.  Me and Little Joe are raring to go.  Launch date for me is August 31, for Dick a few days later.  We'll meet in Safford on September 5.  Already have a motel reservation.

And very exciting opportunity for is a classmate visits.  Mary in La Jolla will be in town.  We're planning a nice dinner out, and a chance for me to see La Jolla and maybe the California beach front.She's such a dynamic, high energy lady.  Can't wait to see you again, Mary.  Last time was Houghton, 2006!

The bike is getting a little tuneup, oil change, GPS mount, and a new front tire.  With only 25,000 miles on it, it's still a new bike.  Little Joe has been grumpy for a year sitting in the corner by my computer, glaring at me, muttering something about "Live to ride, ride to live.".  I mentioned that we were headed for the desert and he lit up all smiles.  Seems he grew up in the Southwest, migrated to the mountains of Colorado where I ran into him, and has also had a hankering to see the great monuments and canyons of the American Southwest again.

On the planning list after we rendezvous in Safford is Grand Canyon, Canyonlands, Mesa Verda, the Rocky Mountains, and a dozen places in between.

Let's roll - - -