It was only supposed to be a Test Ride

April 28, 2010
Fort Collins, CO

It was supposed to be a test ride.

That's right. Tim had never ridden a motorcycle with a fairing so he had Ray the salesman make an appointment last weekend to test drive one at Thunder Mountain Harley-Davidson today. So, Tim took a police model Ultra Classic out for a quick spin, then came back to pick me up for a short ride. It was a pleasant ride, lots of extras, pretty comfy. I didn't think much more about it other than it was fun and now Tim's curiosity was satisfied. We might think about getting one later on down the road.

Next thing I know, we're having Thunder Mountain run the numbers on a 2010 Ultra Classic!

Now, you know how it works - right? He works and makes the money to pay the bills but I am the one who actually pays the bills and I handle the budget and the finances. So, while the H-D finance guys are running the numbers, we are agreeing we'll do what we always do when we buy something big. I swear I got a nod of agreement from Tim although I remember a dull glaze in his eyes. Anyway, I communicate to the vultures what the numbers should be, he backs me up on it. I say to the vultures, we better sleep on it, he backs me up on it. Oh wait! He did not back me up on it!

Next thing I know, we're sitting in the sales manager's office with a pile of papers in front of us!

Tim, the Traitor is sitting there with this shit-eating grin on his face - no other way to describe it folks - and the finance manager is saying blah-blah-blah-blah-blah that's coming across like a dull roar in my ear, all the while I am trying to process that we will not be riding home on the Heritage... ever again.

Next thing I know, Tim is banging the gong and we are having our photo taken with a new Harley.

Next thing I know after that, we're riding off on the new Harley with the stereo blaring Bon-Jovi... on a steel horse I ride - wanted dead or alive. I kid you not.





We put 107 honeymoon miles on the New Ride which shall henceforth be known as The Ride and the Heritage will be forever known now as the Old Ride. Stay tuned... we're gonna have some fun this Summer.

Here are a few more pics...

Say Bye!

April 28, 2010
Fort Collins, CO

The last ride for us on the The Ride was to Thunder Mountain... Man! Was it hard to say bye... this 2008 Softtail Heritage was our first motorcycle, first Harley, first new vehicle -- responsible for all the miles and smiles posted here. We started in July 2008 and over 21,000 miles later - we are here to say we enjoyed every minute, every mile. See those mountains in the background? We covered almost every inch of the high country and well beyond the borders of Colorado on this ride.

We are moving on, but we will never forget how it all began...

Tina gets a Dam Ride

April 27, 2010
Fort Collins, CO

Tina is a good friend, a long-time friend and one of the few individuals for whom I will give up my seat on The Ride. Especially on such a gorgeous day!

The day had a chilly start but the sun came out and warmed the temps to just about perfect for a lunch ride. We suited Tina up anyway as even warm temps up this way are a might chilly to Texas-Folk. We managed to get my leathers to stay on her as they were too big. Tina has never ridden in chaps - I think she liked them. And my doo-rag made my helmet fit better. Tina has never worn a doo-rag either. Add a pair of full-fingered gloves and her own leather jacket and she was good to go.

Tim took Tina for a dam ride and down to Vern's where we had a great lunch. Then, they took our customary ride home over Bingham Hill Road. I followed along in the Tahoe and shot some pics so Tina can remember her ride.

We enjoyed your visit Tina. I know you enjoyed that ride, girl.

PGR Mission - Donley

April 26, 2010
Fort Collins, CO

Wichita Falls, Texas -- Dad (Ted), Mom (Inez) and other Patriot Guard Riders joined ranks to honor the fallen veteran soldier killed in a senseless shooting rampage in Wichita Falls, TX last week.

Private First Class Tim Donley (Army) -- The Patriot Guard Riders posted flags all around the both the funeral home and the service at graveside for the soldier who had served four years in the army on both active and reserve duty. The Patriot Guard stood the flag line. The Liberty Bell tolled.

They are not dead who live in hearts they leave behind.
In those whom they have blessed, they live a life again.
by Hugh Robert Orr, They Walk Softly

Our hearts and our thoughts are with this young man's family.

Here are a few pics of those who attended the mission.

---

The Mission:
Patriot's Name: PFC Timothy Donley
Military Branch: United States Army
Ride Captain: Mike "WelderMike"
Ride Captain #2: Ray "Tex"
Ride Captain #3: Ted "Frosty"
Mission: To honor Timothy Donley, former US Army Private First Class who was killed attempting to keep a person that had allegedly moments earlier shot four other persons from entering the club where Mr. Donley was working.
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Source: News Channel 6 Now, Timothy Donley Laid to Rest
Times Record News, Victims identified in Tuesday's shooting rampage in Wichita Falls
Times Record News Obituary

Burger ride...

April 24, 2010
Fort Collins, CO

We spent the first part of the day wondering if the clouds would finally go away. We've had rain for several days. No, we're not complaining, just a few miles south of here a few places got as much as 18 inches of snow yesterday. Yikes! The skies finally cleared just after noon, so while I was finishing up a few errands before company arrives tomorrow, Tim washed The Ride.

With the a little daylight remaining - and The Ride sitting there all shiny and eager to get out of the garage, we said let's ride for a burger and gas (the kind of gas that makes the Harley go... ahem!). Cheese burgers, shakes, fries and onion rings and a short ride have put the perfect finish on our day.
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Wichita Falls, TX -- Dad and friends Tex and Laura got a few more miles in. They rode to Muenster, Texas to take in the Germanfest. The Germanfest has been going on there for a good many years. They ate sausage and sauerkraut. YUM! Says a jealous Tim. Dad reports there were about 100 bikes already there when they arrived about 11:30 am, and more coming in all the time. It's a fun time, lots to do, good food, good beer and plenty of entertainment.

Soggy Friday - sigh!

April 23, 2010
Fort Collins, CO

Dreary Earth Day...

April 22, 2010
Fort Collins, CO

I think we could have used a better forecast for Earth Day - what's with the rain and wind, thunder and lightning? Sigh!

If you're riding out there today... put another mile or two in for us...

And if you're not riding... maybe the irreverent George Carlin can lift your spirits...

Happy Birthday Ted (Dad)!

April 21, 2010
Colorado, USA


Ted (Dad) rode yesterday, the day before his ?? birthday. You are lookin' pretty good for an old guy, Dad. You know people are talkin' aboutcha. They are saying you are having way more fun than is decent and proper for a man of your years. Yeah - we're all having a chuckle over that one. Keep in mind I didn't say how old - although a couple of your well worn phrases came to mind:

Old enough to know better... but still too young to care.

Older than dirt... but still kicking it off. Ha!

Have a great day and keep on keepin' on... you are an inspiration to us all.

And... keep on smilin'


This is Ted in 1952 or 1953 with a motorcycle club called the Kickapoo Kowboys of Wichita Falls, Texas. Ted purchased his first motorcycle in 1952. I believe he told me it was a 1953 Indian Chieftain. The bike over his left shoulder in this photo belongs to him.


The Kickapoo Kowboys of Wichita Falls, Texas were big participants in what was a classic motorcycle run in those days - the Ancell Ranch Run. Dad says this photo was likely taken in San Angelo, Texas in 1952 or 1953. Among members pictured here are: Pete Payne, Bill Federline (aka Stinky), Ace Elliott, Bill Myers, Barry Bebb, Willy, Huey, Frank Harrell, Charlie Jones, Glenn Patton, Robert Wilde, Bill "Roundboy" Guilliams and Ted "Frosty" Foster.

Sunny Sunday Ride

April 18, 2010
Fort Collins, CO

As usual, we headed out of the drive about noon. We were happy to see blue skies after a foggy start to the day especially after the soggy, gray start to our weekend. We spent yesterday afternoon at the movies and while that was fun, we consider movies a Winter pastime. We are done with Winter. We would much rather be riding.

We headed east for a while, roaming country roads and lanes we haven't travelled much since last year. We call this flat landing it. Most people think riding Colorado means mountains. While that is certainly true and we have some of the best mountain rides in the USA, not all our roads are mountainous. Almost the entire eastern side of the state (anything east of I-25) is flat grass, farm and ranch lands with miles and miles of crisscrossing country roads that stretch out straight and easy or creep over low undulating hills when you get closer to the Palmer Divide and New Mexico. Plus, there's a bonus to riding the plains - the view of the Rockies, especially at this time of year is spectacular.

What we started out doing was taking the slow, easy long way over to Thunder Mountain Harley-Davidson. I have been looking for a set of motorcycle sunglasses for my prescription and had pretty much settled on the 7-Eye brand. I wanted to try on a pair with my helmet before ordering them at Sportsrx online. Harley-Davidson dealers that carry 7-Eye and Wiley can process the order if you have a current prescription in hand, but placing the order yourself through Sportsrx will save a few bucks. I saved about $100 bucks. That's about ten tanks of gas for the Harley.

Afterwards, along with most of the rest of the motorcycle population in Colorado, we rambled up and down roads aimlessly for hours. We stopped for a coffee break in Platteville where we watched a caravan of classic muscle cars roll by. We ran up on a dirt bike track we didn't know about. That place was humming with dozens of motorcycles. I'm trying to remember what road that was. No luck. Eventually we turned west with the repulsive idea that we had to turn back toward home sometime. We rode to Lyons first, knowing the place would be packed with motorcycles. It was.


Tim - Lyons, CO - talking about a fish in the mural - Tim's other hobby - fishing - has sort of taken a back seat to motorcycle riding - go figger.


Vickie - Lyons, CO - just enjoying the ride and the day

Then we rode north and turned west again for a lazy ride around Carter Lake, north again around another (we call it No Name) lake. In the valley between the lakes we saw several herd of Elk feeding in the grassy areas around homes and mini-ranches. Any time you ride up on a section of highway in Colorado, with cars parked helter skelter along the roadside or where people are milling about - first) use caution, because they are distracted and second) take a harder look. It usually means Elk have been sighted and people are fanatical about photographing the beasts.

We moseyed on home through Masonville and around the south end of Horsetooth Reservoir, fired up the BBQ pit and tilted a couple of beers. Today's ride, reports my numbers man - was 144 lazy, mind-clearing miles. I highly recommend it.

It's a good day in Texas

April 13, 2010
Fort Collins, CO

Wichita Falls, TX -- It's a good day in Texas alright. Dad (Ted) has been off the Road King since surgery in mid-February. Today, he rolled out of the driveway for a short recovery ride.

Yep! He feels pretty good about being back on two wheels. And the rest of us feel pretty good about him being back on two wheels. Congrats Dad! Lookin' good.

Also, Dad learned today that he's been appointed a Ride Captain of the Patriot Guard Riders of North Texas. Congrats again Dad! You make me proud.





UPDATE: Just found out friends Joe V and Ray "Tex" C are PGR Ride Captains now as well... congrats guys... the PGR is in better hands today.

70 degree Sunday - Fairplay Loop Ride

April 11, 2010
Fort Collins, CO

We have been waiting all Spring for a day that even hinted it might hit seventy degrees. We had that today. Admittedly, the day got off to a slow start toward 70 degrees. At 9:30 am it was still 34 degrees with cloud cover. About noon, we headed south, hoping the sun would chase the remaining clouds from the sky. We rode under clear skies for a little while today and it was almost warm in some places. Of course, how warm it was had a good bit to do with the route we chose.

We have a hard time not heading west and up. The pull of mountains and canyons is hard to resist. Today we thought - how about we ride Hwy 285 to Fairplay and get a good glimpse of snow-covered mountains? Then we'll ride into Colorado Springs and eventually home.

On the way, we rode through Golden where we saw several wind surfers near Lookout Mountain, through Morrison where the streets were literally lined with motorcycles, over Crow Hill and through Bailey where the Coney Island hot dog stand was doing a booming business. We saw several herd of elk feeding in the valleys which are beginning to green up. And deer. And antelope. No buffalo. Although it was getting late in the day, we made a decision to continue on to Fairplay. We were having a great ride.

It shouldn't go without mention that we suffered from chronic CRS aka sudden memory loss and had forgotten the elevation of Kenosha Pass is 10,001, the elevation of Red Hill Pass is 9986, the elevation of the town of Fairplay is 9958 and the elevation of Wilkerson Pass (Hwy 24) is a wimpy 9502. Ha! We usually ride Hwy 285 in Summer. This is the first time we've ridden it in Winter on the motorcycle although we've traveled it many times in a vehicle. Note to self - Hwy 285 is for the most part above 9000 feet elevation.

Needless to say - it was a chilly ride from Bailey, Colorado into Woodland Park which is just a few miles from Colorado Springs. We had sun and clouds and were not disappointed in the view along Hwy 285. Both Mount Elbert (the highest peak in Colorado at 14,443) and Mount Harvard (third highest peak in Colorado at 14,434) loom over Hwy 285 in snow-covered glory most of the year. We stopped in Fairplay (a historic gold mining town), adjusted our clothing and rode on.

It also shouldn't go without mention that we underestimated the time it took to ride the Fairplay Loop as well. Riding along Hwy 9 and then Hwy 24 east toward the Springs, the shadows grew longer and longer. Pikes Peak dominated the view as we rode east. It was about 5:30 pm when we rolled into the Springs which is really no big deal other than we knew when that sun dropped behind Pikes Peak, it was going to get cold really quick. So, we skedaddled along I-25 north to Denver where we veered away from the metropolitan area, traveling C470 along the foothills and finally north on Hwy 287 through the western suburbs of Denver. We arrived home about 9:30 pm tired but exhilarated. The trip home was cold in spots but not unbearably so.

Our Sunday afternoon ride came in at 383 miles. Motorcycles were a presence on the highways of Colorado today. Woo-Hoo! Let the riding season begin!

Nobody's home...

April 10, 2010
Fort Collins, CO

Quote from my horoscope day before yesterday... blah-blah-blah-blah-blah...let the winds of fate take you for a ride.

It sounded like really, really good advice - so guess what - we're riding...

TGIF Lunch Run

April 9, 2010
Fort Collins, CO

Get ready... the Dam rides are coming.

Today on our BTGTWR (Before Tim Goes To Work Ride) we rode over the dam to lunch at Vern's. Vern's is a favorite stop for us, mostly because it's just fun getting there. The food is good, the coffee is good, and the service is friendly. Our over-sized BLT sandwiches with real fries were great.

Yeah, it's still a might airish as Tim is fond of saying (that means it is chilly), but we are not ones to let blue skies, sunshine and clear roads go to waste, especially after such a long, cold, icy winter. So after getting a few errands run, we were on for a short ride (lunch run).


Bingham Hill Road is a favorite short route back from Vern's... This (see photo) is how it starts out on the west end. At first glance, it looks like a dead end into a brick silo.


This is the first weekend in Northern Colorado that looks like the weather for the whole weekend will be decent for riding. We hope so and we are ready.

If you are out and about on two wheels this weekend... enjoy and remember to Ride safe. Ride free.

Dad and Friends Meet and Greet Medal of Honor Heroes

April 6, 2010
Colorado, USA

Medal of Honor rides in with over 200 motorcycles
Gainesville host city to 12 Medal of Honor recipients

GAINESVILLE, TX - For miles onlookers could see hundreds of motorcycles, police vehicles, and American flags traveling down Interstate 35 Tuesday. They all finally arrived in Gainesville to honor a dozen beloved and herioic Americans.
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Source: KXii.com, Includes Video Medal of Honor rides in with over 200 motorcycles
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Dad (Ted) and friend Ray drove (Dad is still a few recovery days away from a long ride) to Gainesville, Texas along with many riders to meet up with the motorcycles escorting recipients of the the Medal of Honor to nearly week long festivities in Gainesville, Texas. Last year Dad and friends rode in the Medal of Honor Parade. I'm sure many of them will ride again this year.
(See Medal of Honor Host City - Gainesville, Texas)

Here are a few shots of the event:

A friend, Gary - had a minor mishap on the way in from the airport, banging up an arm and hand and suffered road rash on arms and legs. The following are a few shots of friends deciding who will ride Gary's beautiful patriotic bike home for him. Mike was too short. The solution was Gary drove Ray's pickup home with Dad and Ray rode Gary's bike in. We are just glad to hear Gary is OK - bunged up - but OK.


Mike trying Gary's bike on for size - too short.

Gary looking at his helmet - a little bunged up

Everyone checking out Gary's ride

Ray heading toward home on Gary's ride

Update: When I asked Gary how he was today, he said: "I'm doing pretty well. I told your Dad that sore is God's way of saying, "You ain't dead!"

When I asked how the bike was, Gary said: "I need a new windshield, running lights and turn indicators. The handle bars may need to be straightened. The left hand bag has road rash on the lid. The front fender needs straightening too. BUT, didn't scratch my "Tattered Flag". (A fact which we are all relieved to here - Gary has one of the most beautiful patriotic paint jobs we've ever seen.)

In Search of the Easter Bunny Ride

April 4, 2010
Fort Collins, CO

We had a surprise Easter morning and it wasn't jelly beans in our Easter basket.

About the time we finished off the first pot of coffee and pronounced it might be warm enough to ride to breakfast, clouds covered the sun. Before we could get our leathers on and ride out, a snow squall came across the foothills and we had snow! !!&%$#!! So, we made another pot of coffee and had a cup while we used Mother Nature's name in vain a time or two. As soon as we saw a break in the clouds, we rolled out of here headed south toward breakfast (now brunch) and the only patch of blue sky on the horizon. The temp was about 39 degrees as long as we were in the sun. It dropped to about 36 degrees every time a cloud covered the sun. We could see the snow storm in the high country all but obliterating view of the peaks and the wind blowing off those clouds made for cold riding.

Widow McCoy's in Loveland is about ten miles from home. By the time we rode those ten miles, we were ready to stop and let the day hopefully warm a little more. The Widow serves breakfast all day, is reasonably priced and the service is fast and friendly. The Widow came under new ownership last summer. The man who owns it now is a motorcycle rider although I don't know when he has time to ride. We ordered our breakfast and sipped our coffee. We were happy to sit where we could see The Ride and even happier to see the sun become more than a passing presence in the sky.

Fortified against the cold, we rode out of Loveland just after noon in a southerly direction. The winds had kicked up and in typical vacillating Colorado Spring moodiness, would not commit to a direction. Before the day would end, we would be buffeted from all directions. Our ride took us along the western edge of Denver suburbs to the south end where we abandoned roads with too much traffic and found ourselves riding through Deer Creek Canyon just south of Hwy 285. We haven't been on those roads since we moved from Denver several years ago.

We happened by Tiny Town, a small park nestled in the foothills. Historic Tiny Town was created by George Turner for his young daughter at the site of the Denver-Leadville stagecoach stop in 1915. Tiny Town has over 100 buildings built in one sixth scale. In 1920 the town was opened to the public. In 1939, the "World Famous" Tiny Town Railway went into operation. Tiny Town is a fun stop and admission is reasonably priced.

The rest of our ride took us down part of Hwy 285 and eventually into the bustling town of Morrison where the streets were lined with motorcycles, most of them parked in front of the popular Holiday Bar. On the way out of Morrison, we ran upon a herd of scruffy deer.

We took a few minutes on the trip home to roam through downtown Golden, past Coors and a statue of Buffalo Bill. Buffalo Bill is buried on Lookout Mountain which towers over the town. Riding up to his gravesight and visiting the museum is on our agenda for later in the year. You'll always find motorcycles in and around Golden, especially in old town. Today they were parked in front of The Watering Hole (Woody's Wood-Fired Pizza).

We stopped at a convenience store on the far end of Golden to finish off the coffee in the thermos and for a stretch. While there, we chatted with a group of friendly bikers who rode in after us and blocked us in our parking spot. I took a group photo for them. They invited us to ride Golden Gate State Park with them (steep dirt and gravel roads - basically off-road vehicle byways). We passed. We are familiar with the park. In addition to the usual rough condition of the roads, we are certain they ran into snow.



The day was growing colder by the minute as we ambled north, taking a haphazard route down country lanes instead of traveling the highway. The wind was howling. It was still snowing in the high country. The peaks glistened solid white under a weak sun. We rolled into our neighborhood about 6 pm, just in time to make Easter dinner with our friends and neighbors, the Browns. YUM!

We had a cold start and just about as cold a finish to the day but we are not complaining. We got to ride. We enjoyed every minute of that 187 miles.

Here are a few more photos...

Happy Easter

April 4, 2010
Colorado, USA

For Tim:



Wishing everyone sunny skies and open roads... maybe we'll see you along the bunny trail somewhere...