Finally gonna finish my 48 State tour!

blacklightning · Mar 23, 2026

I am getting excited about starting back and completing my 48 State tour. Last May/June, my buddy and I started out and got 36 of the States in before having some health issues. It was the best trip of my life and something that I will always remember. I was a little down from having to cut it short, but in reality, we both were a lot more tired than we thought. So June 1st, we head out to do the 12 North Eastern States and my goal of all the Lower 48 before age 60 will be complete (with a month to spare). In addition, I was hoping to go back out West again in August to hit some spots that we missed on our trip last year. Found a buddy in Va, who is excited about going on that ride with me. In fact, he is also going to do the trip in June with us. The countdown is on and I couldn't be happier.

Little Blue · Mar 26, 2026

Sounds like a great trip. I'll be lucky if I can visit 20 states. My health issues are not very friendly. I hope you will post up your travel plans and your time.

JayBros · Mar 26, 2026

When you're in New York be certain not to miss the Finger Lakes area. It's absolutely beautiful; bride and I made numerous trips there on a tandem bicycle. When there, also try buckwheat pancakes and waffles; you'll never go back to buttermilk imitations.

tofriendscreek · Apr 7, 2026

It’s been a few years since we’ve met, always in the Maggie Valley area. I recall you mentioning your goal. I’ve been blessed to have achieved many of my ryding goals. The adventure is never ending. Enjoy and go for them while you’re able. The more I’ve seen and experienced, the more I realize how much there is to explore. Ryde on, be safe, and relish what’s around the next corner or over the next crest.

Little Blue · Jun 2, 2026

Well today is June 2nd. Any thoughts on your 48 States trips?

There is another Spyder Ryder Leaving June 8th, 2026. He will
be doing the 'Route 66' Road Trip.

Due to Health Issues, most of my Ryding is 100 miles from the house.
Have yourself a Blessed Day.

JayBros · Jun 12, 2026

KK raised the idea of joining you but it was too close to our Deadwood venture. The bride woud brain me if I even asked.

pegasus1300 · Jun 12, 2026

What a fabulous ride. Thank you for your pictures of Niagra Falls. In the picture of you and your two friends, which one is you and who are the other two?

blacklightning · Jun 14, 2026

pegasus1300 said:
What a fabulous ride. Thank you for your pictures of Niagra Falls. In the picture of you and your two friends, which one is you and who are the other two?

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I'm the young guy to the right.

I had to try to post some of them again, just to see if I finally got the hang of posting. We are 60 (in a few weeks), 69, and 76, starting from the right.

UtahPete · 2026-09-20T12:05:18-0400

You've inspired me to consider planning my own long-deferred bucket trip touring as much of the US and Canada as I can get to from where I'm located in northern Utah. I'm not getting any younger, and travel isn't getting any cheaper!

I have a Lees-Ure Lite trailer that is nicely set up with solar power and battery for my CPAP, so maybe camping is an option if I can line up enough National and State Parks to complete a 6 to 8-week loop.

RayBJ · 2026-09-20T12:38:06-0400

JUST DO IT WHILE YOU'RE ABLE! Tomorrow never comes.
I find long tours on the RT to be much easier than my previous 2-wheel sport-tourers. At 80, I still look forward to KSU (oxymoron?) and getting away from the day-to-day BS. I still need the left coast and NDAK to complete my bingo card but I haven't given up hope!

mecsw500 · 2026-09-20T13:19:02-0400

It's amazing, even after retiring, how difficult it is to find the time to do long road trips.

There's always something on the calendar. We seemed to have more time when the wife and I were working.

We've planned out a long road trip for next year and have blanked out time on the calendar for it. We shall see. In the meantime, it's just long weekends away while gas is still available without a bank loan.

blacklightning · 2026-09-20T22:47:28-0400

As RayBJ said, “Just do it, while you are able”. It’s just mid September and I am already looking into heading back out west next May/June 2027. My plan is to do it on the BMW next year. I am also looking into doing another ride down the entire length of the BRP again, but it might be another year before it is entirely open again.

UtahPete · 2026-09-20T22:51:56-0400

blacklightning said:
As RayBJ said, “Just do it, while you are able”. It’s just mid September and I am already looking into heading back out west next May/June 2027. My plan is to do it on the BMW next year. I am also looking into doing another ride down the entire length of the BRP again, but it might be another year before it is entirely open again.

What is BRP?

blacklightning · 2026-09-20T22:58:08-0400

UtahPete said:
What is BRP?

Blue Ridge Parkway. Parts are still closed from Hurricane Helen damage.

Blue Ridge Parkway | Scenic Driving & Travel Planning

Plan your journey on the Blue Ridge Parkway! Explore 469 miles of spectacular mountain views, historic sites, hiking trails, lodging, and more. Find official travel tips, maps, and information for your next Blue Ridge mountain adventure.

www.blueridgeparkway.org

RayBJ · 2026-09-21T09:28:10-0400

BRP is 469 miles of North, South, East, West thru the SouthEast Mountains with no cross traffic and beautiful vistas. Add in Skyline Drive at the North end for another 109 miles. A great way to access the Smokey's playground for us carpet baggers!

blacklightning · 2026-09-21T10:02:22-0400

RayBJ said:
BRP is 469 miles of North, South, East, West thru the SouthEast Mountains with no cross traffic and beautiful vistas. Add in Skyline Drive at the North end for another 109 miles. A great way to access the Smokey's playground for us carpet baggers!

Exactly, sounds like you stated that right off a brochure, Lol!
I did it with my buddy KK back in 2017, and I mentioned it to him last week and he also wants to do it again. I am thinking I might leave out the Skyline Drive part this time. It was nice, but kinda sad to pay $20 for an area that was not as nice as the southern parts of the free BRP area. It has been said that they are considering charging for the BRP also. That might be a little tough considering the various entry points that you can get to. If you travel the BRP in the month of October you will see that it is super crowded with leafers on the weekends. That is why we are planning our trip this year 10/11-15 (Sunday through Thursday), hoping to avoid some of the traffic.

RayBJ · 2026-09-21T10:16:14-0400

I've run the full BRP 4 or 5 times - different bikes each time. Skyline only once because there are plenty of 'local' roads for bypass.
FWI, if you are a Vet, you can get a lifetime Natl Park pass for $12 which includes Skyline.

UtahPete · 2026-09-21T11:35:39-0400

blacklightning said:
Blue Ridge Parkway. Parts are still closed from Hurricane Helen damage.

Blue Ridge Parkway | Scenic Driving & Travel Planning

Plan your journey on the Blue Ridge Parkway! Explore 469 miles of spectacular mountain views, historic sites, hiking trails, lodging, and more. Find official travel tips, maps, and information for your next Blue Ridge mountain adventure.

www.blueridgeparkway.org

I should have known that, but it's been decades since I was out there in VA/MD

UtahPete · 2026-09-21T11:39:03-0400

blacklightning said:
Exactly, sounds like you stated that right off a brochure, Lol!
I did it with my buddy KK back in 2017, and I mentioned it to him last week and he also wants to do it again. I am thinking I might leave out the Skyline Drive part this time. It was nice, but kinda sad to pay $20 for an area that was not as nice as the southern parts of the free BRP area. It has been said that they are considering charging for the BRP also. That might be a little tough considering the various entry points that you can get to. If you travel the BRP in the month of October you will see that it is super crowded with leafers on the weekends. That is why we are planning our trip this year 10/11-15 (Sunday through Thursday), hoping to avoid some of the traffic.

There are so many great places to ride out there on the East Coast. Getting there from here is a daunting prospect right now, but that's all in the mind, right?

Finally gonna finish my 48 State tour!

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