The End Of The Road

It has been a great trip! I arrived back to Austin just in time for Friday afternoon rush hour traffic. Boy was it hot on the upper deck! I have seen some of the most awsome secenery and some of the longest roads. This ride took me through plains and valleys, by lakes and over rivers, and over majestic mountains. I rode 9,885 miles in 29 days. My turn point was the Arctic Circle! If you were ask me what impressed me the most, it would be the vastness of both the US and Canada. It had to be most daunting for the pioneers to cross the rivers, plaines and mountains. It is a real change to be back into he home routine. The bike is clean and ready to go to the shop for tires, oil change, and a couple of light bulbs. Until next time, thanks for following along with me. Mike

Back in Hot Texas

The last two days have really brought me back to summer. Yesterday started in Estes Park, Colorado. I rode through Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park. The speed limit was 35 - I got up to it once or twice. Great vistas!!! A lot of wind. Traffic was stopping for the elk heard that bedded down by the road. I gave my camera to a passenger on another motorcycle. She shot the elk picture for me. I got the camera back at the next stop. The stream was just off my balcony in Estes Park. The ride will be over in a couple of days. It has been fantistic!!!! Here are a few of the unique or interesting names I have spotted along the way. Red River, White River, Blue River, Powder River, Milk River, Old Man River,Tok river, Swift River, Smart River, Rock Creek, Flat Rock Creek, Red Rock Creek, Fish Creek, Crazy Woman Creek, Wrong Way lane, Travel at your Own Risk, Rd, Bad River Rd. I should have kept a note pad for the ones I have already forgotten.

Back in the USA

I and a great big thunder storm are in Casper, Wy tonight. I hope it passes overnight. I will spend a couple of days in Colorada even if I don't get to climb Mt. Elbert. We will see! The bikes are all the same model - mine from Texas - the other two from Vancouver. The cattle guard sign calls it a "Texas Gate". Just click on the picture to enlarge it.

Headed Home

Feeling good and making goot time. The Buffalo were interested in me - cut my time short. The Bear had two cubs with her. The Goats were licking salt off the highway surface.

The Arctic Circle In 14 Days

Two hundred miles north of Fairbanks is the Arctic Circle. One hundred of those miles are gravel! I made the round trip to the circle today - only a little over 12 hours. I met people from Michigan, Florida, Arkansas and South Dakota. The ride was dusty and a little exciting on some loose gravel curves. Yesterday I had some M&R done on the bike. The shop pictures are of Trails End BMW - for real!!!!!