Wednesday, September 19, 2007
The Details, Pt. 1 - The Worst Day
So it's Wednesday night, my fourth day on the road, and I should be in Seattle already, but there's been a slight change in plans. Right now I'm blogging from my hotel room on the Oregon coast. Cannon Beach to be precise. The Pacific Ocean, baby!!! It was recommended by my new friend Jared from Portland. Speaking of Jared, I guess I owe you a story, so I'll explain...As many of you are aware, Peter and I had intended on riding side by side on our motorcycles, state to state exploring new places and meeting interesting people along the way without having a predetermined route. If a road looked interesting, we'd head down it to see where it would lead and then make it up as we went along. Without deadlines, we could never be late for anything. It's the whole "the journey is the destination" philosophy. Despite the common misconception that Ride A2B is a motorcycle blog - and I can understand why one would think so with all the posts and pictures about motorcycles - I'd like to think that this is really about discovery. Discovery of places, people, friendships and ourselves. It just so happens that motorcycles are just the means because riding is something I'm passionate about and I believe the experiences on a bike are uniquely involving. The filming and blogging is intended not only document our adventures but to bring them to you, our family and friends, so that you can watch it as it unfolds so that you feel you're a part of the trip. Peter and I have had long discussions about the Ride A2B philosophy and I'd like to think we are on the same page. I like that Peter and I understand that it's not about showboating or posturing.
If you've followed along these last four days, you know that Karson and I made our way to Billings, then met up with his brother-in-law in Coeur D'Alene, and then the three of us traveled together to Portland. Getting through Eastern Wyoming and Eastern Montana in a hurry was fine by me because there's not much there really. It wasn't until we hit Western Montana that I was just thinking "Wow, this is just beautiful!" I regret that I didn't stop to photograph it because I won't be passing through there again on this journey and saying "you'll just have to take my word for it" sounds like a lame excuse to anyone following the blog. But that's how it goes sometimes when you're in the moment. Unfortunately, because we took our sweet time making stops at the dealerships, we missed Highway 12 which is said to be one of the most beautiful rides in America. We also missed seeing Coeur D'Alene because we rode through there at night. So I can't share any stories or photos from there either. But the good news is you'll live.
Peter L, Karson's brother-in-law, had mapped out each leg of their journey as they had many miles to cover each day to keep their tight schedule. We left promptly at 7 a.m. the next morning without stopping for breakfast. I like that because I hate starting a ride on a full stomach because it usually means stopping shortly afterwards, if you know what I mean. It was 50 degrees and raining when we hit morning traffic in Spokane. I hadn't put the visor back on the helmet so it felt like I was getting sandblasted in the face. It was miserable. I couldn't see and so I was holding up the show. Once we made it out of the city, we hit the open road at speeds so fast Karson was burning through fuel almost faster than we could find gas stations between tanks. Slowing down to 90 mph felt slow if that gives you any idea. We crossed over the Columbia River that divides Oregon from Washington. If you've never been through the Columbia Valley, you owe it to yourself to check it out. This is Wine Country. To the east, the hillsides are dry and golden and as you get further west it becomes lush with waterfalls everywhere. It is also abundant in State Troopers.
The sign said I-84...so how is it that I was speeding?When we hit The Dalles, I was riding in the middle. Peter L had hit his brakes and with a delayed reaction, I hit mine, but it was already too late. Peter L and I were clocked by an Oregon State Trooper going in excess of the speed limit and were pulled over. Luckily for Karson, he wasn't tagged and so he kept going down the highway. Because I delayed putting on the brakes, I was going 10 mph faster than Peter's speed at the moment we were clocked. This was my first speeding ticket and let me say that it's a BIG one! And I'm not proud of that. Somehow Peter L managed to get away without a ticket. Lucky bastard.
We grabbed a bite together and then made our way to Portland to the BMW shop there for an unplanned visit due to a malfunction with Peter's headlight relay. So much for planning! While Peter's R1150GS was getting repaired, I met Jared Hobaugh. I saw that his Kawasaki KLR had Alaska plates so we struck up a conversation. An hour later, Peter L's bike was complete and we said our goodbyes. I wish them a safe, enjoyable journey!
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Way to share your details with Jared....
Anxious to hear about your time on the Oregon Coast. I love it there. And please tell me you have pictures this time...
Sorry again about the ticket. Want me to sell your cameras?!
Glad its going better now you're back to the original plan. Miss you.
Anxious to hear about your time on the Oregon Coast. I love it there. And please tell me you have pictures this time...
Sorry again about the ticket. Want me to sell your cameras?!
Glad its going better now you're back to the original plan. Miss you.
Mark, I can fully understand your misgivings about riding outside your agenda and comfort levels. Its why I tend to ride alone, being able to stop when I want, wander where I wish and set my own pace.
Too bad about missing the photo opportunities but am sure you'll come upon others just as great. Congrats on winning the "Chicago" contest by the way.
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Too bad about missing the photo opportunities but am sure you'll come upon others just as great. Congrats on winning the "Chicago" contest by the way.
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