Monday, December 31, 2007
Why Don't You Go For a Ride?
It started normally enough, north to Carefree on the KLR but then east to the Verde River and up some sand washes that meandered on and on. Next through Fountain Hills, northwest on 87 to the Saguaro Lake turn off, around the lake and along the river to Usury Pass, Brown Road, and the Apache Trail past Canyon Lake (which was nearly dry, repairing the dam I guess), Tortilla Flat and on to the dirt road into Fish Creek Canyon. I decided to go all the way to Apache Lake but found the turn-off to the Reavis Ranch trail head. The road up the mountain was worse than I remembered but passable, then back down and on to the lake.
After a quick turn-around at the lake I took the turn left from Usury Pass on to the Red Mountain Freeway (202) and then Scottsdale Road north to Lincoln and on home by way of 7th Ave. It was as close to a perfect ride as I have had in a long time. (A little over 225 miles)
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Life in the People's Republic of Disneyland
Maybe it is just a personal problem to have a concern for what is "the good" or "the right". But I can't help feeling that as we lay on our deathbeds there will be thoughts of what could have been or should have been. Not so much a fear and dread as a sorrow. The thought of having lived a life in Disneyland is how I visualize the issue.
I have no desire to live in some primitive land where "life is simple" and uncluttered by modernity. Having suffered a broken leg in a remote area of Arizona as a youngster I learned early that there are some very good things about "civilization". It's just the number and beauty of so many things that seems to crowd out the ability to discover life.
Some people believe that life consists of collecting experiences so trying everything imaginable becomes the goal. Others see altruism as the reason for life and are constantly helping others and feeling good about themselves. Some are convinced that education is the path and some that riches give peace. Sometimes I feel like Solomon and am convinced that "all is vanity". When a person's time is up, my time, what will be the defining evidence that I have lived?
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Have a Happy XXXXXXXXXXXXX
Today is a special day. It's XXXXXXXXXXX, as you all know, so we need to sing special songs, make decorations, do a special dance, and remember the importance of this new tradition. The school, luckily for us, is the state missionary outreach where we get all of our needs met. So please remember to visit the clinic, save the planet, conserve, recycle, feed the poor (or more likely, get fed), and don't forget to remind your parents to vote in the bond election to increase the money for all the good things we do.
But I will choose to celebrate the day that God did the one thing He could to make make us acceptable, bring His Son into the world to become the payment for our sins .... CHRISTMAS.
Monday, November 19, 2007
Dancing With One Leg
It just so happened that I had been thinking about the hypocrisy issue the day before and it occurred to me that if I had to trust someone with something important I would pick a person who tried but sometimes failed (because they believed there was something called "right") not a person who didn't believe in right and wrong. I would choose the hypocrite. I know what you're thinking, but there are worse sins than hypocrisy. Give me a person with a weakness over one with no conscience.
I occasionally ask my students (I teach 5th grade) about things related to the Bible when we are discussing U.S. history, in particular, but they don't know much about it. If not "endowed by our Creator," then what is the modern yardstick? The latest public opinion poll, I guess. "Thou shalt not .... " is the bedrock of our civilization, beyond that is the whim of the moment.
In that job I get to see first-hand the effects of what used to be aberrant behavior, shacking up, drug use, lack of discipline, illiteracy, and much more. We are told over and over that these lifestyle choices are the new "normal". We can "beat the odds", but I don't think so. A person can dance with one leg but .... and there it is. We are attempting to balance on air.
Christian schools still exist in the United States and we are still free to attend a church of our choice. Imperfect people still have the opportunity to believe in and pursue what is right. Thank God because "without a vision the people perish".
Thursday, November 08, 2007
Along Came a Spyder
Saturday, October 20, 2007
Grand Canyon by Nomad and Foot
Monday, October 15, 2007
Route 66
Saturday, September 29, 2007
Roughing It
Friday, September 21, 2007
The Journey
Visiting the reclaimed mining towns examining the buildings rejuvenated for the benefit of us who travel through gives a sense of peace. It is visiting the family sepulcher and placing your fingers on the tombstones remembering a long lost phantom relative. Is it real or an illusion?
We had to have come from somewhere.
Sunday, August 26, 2007
Memorial Ride for Officer Cortez
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Reading on the Rim
Riding to Saguaro Lake may have been fun with guys I knew but it is also a ride in the desert ... in Arizona ... in the summer. Given a choice, which is exactly what I had, it seemed to me that the Rim was much more to my liking. So I grabbed a bag of snacks, some soda, water, and, believe it or not, a Harry Potter book and roared off on the KLR. (yes, I finished the repairs)
I sped up to Payson by 6:30, had my traditional cup of Hazelnut coffee from the Circle K, refueled, and headed for Pine. After missing the turn-off for the Rim Road twice I finally found the cool pine vistas that I had longed for. The gravel road was like riding on marbles but that's why I took the KLR and not the Nomad. Finally the view was perfect and it was time to stop.
I pulled out my book (the latest one), some sunflower seeds and a ginger ale and read two chapters. Harry Potter books are just fun to read especially when you know that when you are tired of reading it's time to fire up the bike and do some more sight seeing. The temperature was low to mid seventies, the air smelled of pine, and I had the place almost to myself.The Rim Road is about 40 miles of breathtaking views before you get to the other highway. By the time I reached the end the traffic had picked up and I knew it was time to head for the pit before it got unbearable in the desert. It was a quick drive to Payson. (pictures from cyclerides.com)
I decided to grab a burger at McDonald's before hitting the road so I made the mistake of removing my ear plugs as I walked in. Oh my goodness! BIG MISTAKE. The echo of kids screaming on the indoor playground was reminiscent of my years of working on F-4 fighters with 400 cycle turbine generators running. It was so loud that I couldn't wait to get back on the KLR. Speeding along on curvy mountain roads listening to the buzz of the little 650 thumper and absorbing the pounding of wind was down-right calming after that!
I got back home at 2:00. It was hot but an afternoon nap made up for all of that.
Saturday, August 04, 2007
Snow Bowl by Way of Payson
It sounds like a fairly short trip but with all the stops for gas, food. and sore butts (not mine), it took about 11 hours. The variety of terrains and climates always amazes me, especially when I get back into the desert and ask myself why the hell I live in Phoenix instead of one of the more temperate locations in the state.
We had breakfast at the Knotty Pine in Prescott with scads of others riders, and lunch at the Snow Bowl with no other riders. With all the bikes on the road today I can't figure why NONE were up there. Well, it could have been the rain.
We rode in fairly heavy rain (without raingear) out of Flagstaff and about one-fourth of the way down Oak Creek Canyon but it was clear from Slide Rock on. The raingear was totally unnecessary because we spent the next few hours in the "drier". I immediately missed the rain when we got to Sedona. The temperature went from VERY NICE to hot and HOTTER by the time we got to Black Canyon City.
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
OOps
It didn't really concern me that it has rained all day yesterday until I saw that the "road" was mostly a sand wash strewn with boulders. I called Vicki to fill her in on my little adventure and then proceeded, after having negotiated the most difficult parts of the road, to crash. As I was sliding along I noted that the bike did indeed slide faster than my body. And I followed my advice to let go of it since it is not in one's interest to spend more time sliding than necessary. I only had a few scrapes (on my left knee - because of wearing levis not leathers) thanks to the protective jacket, helmet and boots.
After picking my self up I turned the key off, lifted the bike and assessed the damage. Everything looked ok except for that rather large piece of metal lying in the road. It was the rear brake lever. Ok, that's livable, I thought. Tires ok, no fluids leaking, handlebars slightly bent, other levers ok ...... hmmm the throttle sticks. I started it and found that the gears were all ok. It was rideable.
I tried to call Vicki to let her know of my plight but there was no service. I had water and a ride but not a lot of confidence that I could negotiate that road out. As it happened climbing out of the canyon was much easier than descending into it.
On the way home I rode it to the Kawasaki dealer (they were kind of amazed) and put a few parts on order. In 4 or 5 working days I can have the KLR ready again.
Sunday, July 22, 2007
The Loooonnnng Trip
Vicki and I left June 27th at 5:00 in the morning and ended it July 21st at 12:30 pm. There was so much sandwiched between those dates that it seems like several vacations. Each locale was so varied. The first day was spent in the mountains of Arizona, the VLA (Very Large Array) in New Mexico, Lincoln County made infamous by Billy the Kid and others who participated in the Lincoln County War , and finally Roswell of alien spacecraft fame. And that was just day one (571 miles).
While crossing Texas we got soaked in Wichita Falls and spent the night in a little town just down the road. That was the second day, and it was good (404 miles).
Finally escaping the huge state of Texas we crossed over to Arkansas at Texarkana, crossed the Mississippi River and spent the night in Greenville, Mississippi, home of rust colored tap water, and a cute little waitress from New Orleans who thought we had unusual accents (being from Arizona and all). (454 miles)
And on the fourth day we met J on the Natchez Trace just north of Tupelo, Mississippi. By this time I was in a state of confusion because the states were beginning to look alike. Texas, Arkansas, Mississippi, and finally Tennessee are all green, full of rolling hills, streams, farms, little towns with cows, and roadkill.
We got into Nashville (362 miles) on a Saturday just as J's wife Sheila was leaving (town). It was great getting a few days to just sit and relax. 1800 miles riding double was the longest I had ever done ..... but it was only the beginning.
J and I rushed around getting our bikes ready to trailer to the Outer Banks of North Carolina. I needed a new rear tire (it was showing the cords) and J needed both (his cords were also showing but he hadn't worn through the steel belt yet, a real plus). After changing his tires the repairman said, "Oh, by the way, don't use your rear break, you don't have one." They didn't happen to have any disk pads so we had to find a shop that did since we were leaving that night. For all the details about that portion of the trip visit J's blog. (782 miles back only)
Nine of us stayed in a three story beach house we rented in Southern Shores, North Carolina. (Ric, Vicki, Alana, J, Peggy, Jackie, Sheila, Wally and Brad) It was a great week and again I defer to J's blog for pictures of most of what we did. He was kind enough to not show how well I handle being on the ocean.
After a day of rest in Nashville it was time to start wearing out that new rear tire. Our next stop was a visit to Vicki's brother, Dick, and his wife, Jan, in Omaha, Nebraska. We consulted the map and found that it was a trip too far (745 miles) so we broke it into 2 days staying the first night in a little town 50 miles shy of Kansas City. The next day we only had to put in 200 miles so that we had more time to visit in Omaha. It was great to see them, their new grandchild and in laws. The parents were all working and, consequently, unavailable, as it should be. Jan fixed an amazing dinner and Dick got up early in the morning to prepare breakfast. It was like dieing and going to heaven, assuming we still eat there. Thanks again!
We opted to do the marathon thing again (565 miles) and get to the Black Hills of South Dakota to stay in a retro place called the Rocket Motel in Custer, SD. All went well until we got to Highway 385. The dark clouds ahead looked ominous and for good reason, it was going to be a bad one! As we were suiting up in our rain gear a guy at the station said, "Gee, I hope you don't run into hail." As it turned out, not only did we run into hail, it ran into us. The rain came down so hard that for about a minute or two I nearly lost sight of the lines on the road while only moving at 30 mph. And it was daytime! And, oh, the hail and wind. A helmet is a very good thing judging by the sound of the hail smashing into it. We did get to feel the actual sting and later gaze at the resultant bruises. Luckily, because it was more a matter of laziness and not expert planning, we only experienced the pain in our hands and legs because we put the rain suits over our padded jackets and hadn't gone to the trouble of taking them off. I spoke to another rider at the Rocket who had experienced the same storm without a helmet (he and his wife are Harley riders). Hey look, I'm not implying anything! Fortunately they crowded into an outhouse at a rest stop before getting smacked in the head, but his gas cover sustained a dent ... but that was all.
The next day was absolutely great. The weather was cool while we were in the Black Hills and only slightly warmer at the Devil's Tower in Wyoming. We hopped off at Mt. Rushmore, waved at the crews setting up for Bike Week in Sturgis, cruised through Spearfish Canyon, dodged deer in Custer National Park, gazed upon Crazy Horse, tried to figure out the attraction of Deadwood, and slept in the most comfortable beds in South Dakota at the Rocket.
We left Custer slowly because of the deer all along and on the road at 5:15 in the morning. Our destination was Moab, Utah to spend the night. During cooler times of the year bicyclists crowd Arches National Park but in July it is less frequented although just as beautiful. (717 miles)
After that very long day in saddle it was time for some Mexican food at a local restaurant, a Corona for me and a Heineken for Vicki, followed by a good night's sleep.
We arose before light knowing that it would not be cooler in Phoenix the more we dallied. As it was our ETA was 2:00, certainly not an exciting prospect. So we flew believing it possible to go fast enough that we could arrive before the hour hand. Inside Arizona the majestic rock formations outside Tuba City left us in awe. Just 200 miles from Phoenix we realized the time had changed again. The Nomad was winning the race. We arrived at home at 12:30, in reality erasing 30 minutes from the ETA. (468 miles)
It was a trip we will never forget.
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Top of the Rim
Since it was a Monday the traffic was very light and the camping areas were about half full. Before getting into Payson I had to put on a long sleeved shirt under my jacket. Payson is over 5,000 feet in elevation and the ranger station on the top of the rim was 7,500 feet so the shirt stayed on. It was a beautiful trip out the Rim Road (General Crook Trail) to Woods Canyon Lake and the Nomad performed flawlessly. There are a little over 2 weeks left for the real thing. Can't wait!
Thursday, June 07, 2007
Practice Run
Vicki and I rode the circuit through Sedona, Jerome, Prescott, and Wickenburg which is about 250 miles. It covers elevations from 1300 feet to over 6,000, desert and mountain terrains, long freeway straight-aways, and tight curvy mountain roads. The brakes that I just had replaced need some work. The back ones were screaming like a baby, but not always.
For some reason, probably GLOBAL WARMING (or proximity to the vortex in Sedona), it was a cold day in hell around here. We had to wear log sleeved shirts under our jackets on the ride and didn't remove them until about noon. While we were getting ready to leave Vicki complained about being too warm but once we got moving she was searching for her gloves. I was even colder than I expected but the uncontrollable shaking of my body helped a lot.
Sedona was Sedona, beautiful. The highway coming in was torn up but the speed limit is low anyway so it was not an inconvenience. Thankfully it was Thursday. We stopped for gas but headed to Prescott by way of Jerome. The narrow twist streets in that town are certainly not SUV friendly. I had never taken the Nomad on the dragonesque road between Jerome and Prescott with or without a passenger so I was apprehensive. But Vicki did well and seldom screamed.
The weather was perfect but the air was not clear. The cold front that blew in kicked up a bunch of dust. It was still a little windy in places. The trip down through Peeples Valley and Yarnell Hill was fun with a passenger. We got back back by 12:30 and had a great time.
Monday, May 28, 2007
Flat Tire at the Black Canyon Trailhead
The first thing to always do before leaving is to tell someone else where you are going, and be sure to pack a few essentials. I had done that, Vicki knew my route, I had my cell phone and some water. Beside those bare minimum precautions I had also put Slime in my tubes, carried a patch kit, tire irons, and those CO2 cartridges to pump up the tire.
Where the luck came in is first of all I noticed that the KLR was feeling squirrelly and stopped right away, before the tube or tire was damaged. Second, the puncture, while it let the tire go flat was partially plugged by the Slime so that the CO2 was able to reinflate it long enough to get about 10 miles between each refill without having to patch the tube.
The tube will probably have to be replaced but what could have been a real pain turned into a minor annoyance.
Saturday, May 12, 2007
Prescott by Way of Crown King
When I asked a Crown King local where to find the road to Prescott he pointed back to I-17. "No, I mean the dirt road."
"Sure ya want to do that?"
"I've got a dirt bike with me."
"It's 38 miles and not wide enough for two cars to pass. People drive it way too fast."
"Yeh, that's the one."
"About a half mile up the road there's a sign."
Luckily I didn't come face to face with anyone going too fast and doubly lucky those I did meet were only on quads. A full size vehicle would have been very tight. It is passable but I sure wouldn't take the crew cab. A jeep or small SUV would do ok, but nothing larger.
It was fun . Left at 6:00, reached Crown King via back roads except the I-17 stretch between Black Canyon City and the Bumble Bee turn-off. Lunch in Prescott, and then the back way through Yarnell. Great curvy roads and cool air ..... until Congress (at the bottom of Yarnell hill). Then the blast funace all the way back to Phoenix.
Nice ride, 238 miles, 4.63 gallons, the KLR performed flawlessly.
Saturday, April 28, 2007
The Canyon One Last Time (before summer)
There were a lot more people on top and hiking than last time. An entire 6th grade class from a school in Flagstaff made the trip past Indian Gardens to the overlook and back. They had to work out by running a mile-and-a-half every day for several weeks before the trip. It seemed to have paid off. Some were dragging a bit but all made the hike, parents and teachers too. Wow!
It is always a treat to visit with those intrepid seniors (I'm getting there) who complain about the aches and pains with a smile. I got to encouraged some of the 6th graders on the hike and watch them speed by me. They were very polite and knowledgeable about the effects of elevation and lack of red blood cells, offering blood if I should need it. Very funny!
What an incomparable place.
Thursday, April 26, 2007
The Tonto Natural Bridge
The temperature has finally caught up to "normal" and we are pushing 90 in Phoenix. One hundred thirty miles one way and in the cool pines sounded perfect.
I left at 8:30, had an excellent ride, a short half-mile hike and a bit warmer ride back home by 2:00. It will be one of those solutions for what to do when a riding buddy (or son) shows up on my doorstep with that "Where can we go that is out of the desert, cool, has beautiful scenery, and won't take all day?" look.
Sunday, April 15, 2007
Hearts to Heros Rally
We started from CCV after the broadcast, did a lap on the track at Phoenix International Raceway, cruised past Luke AFB and ended up at the new quad area next the football stadium in Glendale. All along the way people gave us thumbs up and some got out of their cars and waved while taking pictures. Some were waving American flags and no one seemed put out. The police had blocked portions of the 101 and even I-10 so that we could have it to ourselves as well as all of the connecting streets. Amazing!
Barry, who runs cyclerides.com, said that we don't want to call it "the annual" ride because we all hope that those who are in harms way are only there as long a they need to be. His father served in Vietnam and this whole idea was because of the terrible treatment our troops got on their return. He doesn't ever want to see that happen again.
I spoke with a member of the Patriot Guards while at the rally. That organization was formed because some of those same misguided 60's throwbacks are still out there. They show up at the funerals of soldiers to heckle. The Patriot Guard stands between them and the family and runs their engines if necessary to drown out the heckling. There are so called Americans out there who hate America and would never lift a finger to defend it. I can't think of an appropriate expletive.
Check out the Watch TV 5 video link at cyclerides http://www.cyclerides.com/
Thursday, April 12, 2007
Enough to make you puke
I have never listened to Imus and judging from what I've heard would find him on the opposite side of the political divide. But is being rude or a bore now criminal? Apparently, the wrong ox was gored and someone has to pay. So long Imus. If we must spend time fretting about stuff like this it should at least be incidents in which people were actually harmed. The fiasco at Duke comes to mind. Where does the apology line start for the damage done there? And who should be in it?
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
The Grand Canyon
Everything is packed and the car is gassed. Up at 3:30, on the road by 4:00 and on the South Kiabab Trail by 7:00. I love these trips!
As many times as I have hiked the Canyon it never ceases to awe me. I never get the feeling that I master it, instead it puts me in my place, clears my mind and lets me know that one day I won't be able to meet it's challenge. But until that day .....
Like baseball in the speech by the character James Earl Jones played in The Field of Dreams it has been the one thing that has been constant. In my life everything else has been measured by hiking the Canyon. "Success requires gutting it out like climbing out of the Canyon." "Don't look at the top, it will only depress you, look back to see how far you've come." "You think the pain will never end, but it does and you will want to do it again." "Don't sit down, it will make it harder to get moving again." This one place has taught me more about life than anything or anybody.