Earache

Just boring....

So far, I'd say that riding in Texas sucks. The winds are unbelievable and make going in a straight line virtually impossible. And since all of the roads are exactly that - straight lines - it's not a lot of fun. More of the splendor of Palo Duro ...

The next day, Sunday, and we're heading for Palo Duro State Park southwest of town. It's cold again today so we had to wait until about noon for the temps to get up to 40F / 5C. Although partially sunny today, it never got warmer than that. So chilly riding once again. Palo Duro is touted as the second biggest canyon in the USA. I'm not buying it though. I've been to 4-5 canyons elsewhere making the same claim. It was a rather lackluster place, really. If this was in Utah, it'd just be another country road out in the middle of nowhere. Not impressive at all. Just a desert.

Stopped by the gift shop on the way out to peruse their fine selection of bull horns that were on offer. Wish they had a front fairing mount for the Goldwing - I'd have bought a set for it...

Dave and Debbie finally made it to Amarillo and we set off for the wife's favorite restaurant in town; The Big Texan. Weird kinda place that is decorated like an old west saloon and serves huge assed steaks. Dave had a 24 oz, slab of meat while the ladies had smaller portions. Me, not really being a meat eater, just had some beers. Very good, too.

I';m so fuckin; done with snow this year. And the cold - it's been very cold since October. Ready for some warm.

Today really sucked balls. 40F was the high and again, had 40 mph crosswinds. But we made it to Amarillo and now having a beverage in my warm room Tonight is beers and food at the Big Texan. My bud from home sent his picture of his driveway today we dodged a bullet by getting outta town early.

Don't know the man or else I'd have a look for him. Sounds like a winner.

...says the man that probably eats that nasty blood pudding crap for breakfast. This is far superior; only stays in you for about 15 minutes and then out it comes,. No time for your body to absorb any of the nasty stuff inside of it.

Not something I wanna do again anytime soon, Bob. It snowed 6" last night at home and they expect 10" more today - we escaped just in time. High in Amarillo, our next stop, are only expected to be around 6C over the next 2 days. Not ideal but better than snow!

Yes - remember that she bought the Goldwing late last year so that she could go on rides. She didn't like the fit of the ADV bikes in the past and wanted more comfort. So she'll be along on most Goldwing trips. She's 5'11" tall and doesn't really fit on an ADV behind my big ass - the bikes just aren't big enough for us both. We fit well enough on the Wing though. I'm still gonna do ADV rides though as I really like them.

Today we are heading to Amarillo, Texas to meet up with riding friends Dave and Debbie from Indianapolis. They had to dodge torrential rain and tornadoes across the Midwest yesterday on their first day of riding. Hopefully better weather and temps for all today. More later.

We decided to stay the first night in Raton, New Mexico at the always luxurious Holiday Inn Sexpress. Bets hotel in town, which isn't saying a whole lot. No food around - at least in walking distance - so we had the second worst delivery pizza I've ever had. But it was delivery so I didn't have to go anywhere for food. That's a treat in itself for us as dinner at home involves a 45 minute drive each way....

By noon it was up to 22F / -6C and this was to be the high for the day - so it's time to get riding. Hopped on the scooter and headed due south to warmer climes. Made it to the first fuel stop in Pueblo, Colorado and teh temps were up to 45F / 7C - much better. But the winds had increased to about 45 mph with higher gusts. Blew the Wing all over the place. Getting some love in Pueblo....

First day of the trip to Texas and it's cold as Hell outside - woke up to 15F / -10C and light snow with lots of wind. Not ideal riding conditions. Decided to hang out in Black Hawk for a bit and wait for the temps to rise. Hit the local brekkie spot for some chow. I had the breakfast burrito , swimming in green chile while the wife had a more traditional Full American Breakfast...

I hate to think how much fuel costs us per week. I fill my truck 2 times per week and the wife probably does that in her car as well. At least fuel is cheaper here.

Off towards Texas today on the first bike trip of the year, Lovely day for a ride .....

Although aftermarket - Cragars would still be period correct.

You just know what it's gonna look like ...

I had a set of custom ear plugs made by one of the doctors for an Indy Car Team while we lived in Indianapolis about 25 years ago. He put speakers in them designed for voice comms - same as the race car teams used. They worked great for about two years then the silicon / rubber part got kinda hard and they no longer fit as well. Great while they lasted though. I suspect that Buck's will last longer as they're probably made from more modern stuff.

Round trip should be right around 3,000 miles and it'll be a 6 day ride. Plan to hit Big Bend National Park, Amarillo and then Santa Fe, New Mexico on the way home. Of course there will be pics and a ride report ... if my fingers thaw out enough to type.

13F / -11C with wind and light snow here right now. Heading to Texas on the bike in 24 hours - this is gonna be fun!

@XTreme at work here ...

We all stopped developing mentally at age 12. Sorry.

I hear ya! I was just looking at a new Arai for the Goldwing. I feel like a twat riding on it with an Adventure helmet. But the Arai I wanted was nearly $1,000 - I just couldn't do it.