As you are passing through NorthEast Ohio, if you want to meet up, I can bring some tools for fixing your laptop.
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There were many reasons for the change of the site software, the biggest was security. The age of the old software also meant no server updates for certain programs. There are many benefits to the new software, one of the biggest is the mobile functionality. Ill fix up some stuff in the coming days, we'll also try to get some of the old addons back or the data imported back into the site like the garage. To create a thread or to reply with a post is basically the same as it was in the prior software. The default style of the site is light colored, but i temporarily added a darker colored style, to change you can find a link at the bottom of the site.
How I Spent My Summer Vacation
- Thread starter jdgretz
- Start date
jdgretz
Well-known member
Sorry I didn't see this earlier. Thanks for the offer.
I grabbed a small repair set from Harbor Freight and will pull it apart tonight. Fingers crossed
Jdg
jdgretz
Well-known member
Success! Unplugging the battery worked.
Not much happened today, other than stopping off at Niagara Falls and ending up in Toledo, OH. Now that I can look at maps and try different routes, I feel better. Also, I can look at Greg Rice's IBR Weather page and have a much better idea of what I'm going to be running into on the rest of the trip.
First, a look out my hotel window from last night. I've stayed at several aLoft hotels by Marriott and always enjoy them. Each is a little quirky, but fun. All have kind of a hip, minimalist look to them, but always feel welcoming. This one in Buffalo was no exception. Well, actually it was very different from the others in that it is in a mixed use building. The hotel includes a couple of restaurants, a bowling alley next door, and several lounges ,including a roof top bar and lounge. There are several other businesses in the building, and the top three floors are the guest rooms. I was on the top floor (12th floor). If you are in Buffalo, give them a try. Great staff.
Started the day at Niagara Falls State Park. Drove out to Goat Island and saw two of the three falls. I think the third one was where I was standing, and it would only be visible from the Canadian side, or from on the water.
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Video of the third fall from the overlook.
As I was riding into Ohio to spend the night in Toledo, I remembered the last time I was in Ohio. I was shooting in the National Pistol Matches at Camp Perry near Upper Sandusky and getting a little more than a bit inebriated on Catawba Island. But that's a story for another time.
Probably not much other than Interstate Highway miles tomorrow, but you never know.
jdg
Not much happened today, other than stopping off at Niagara Falls and ending up in Toledo, OH. Now that I can look at maps and try different routes, I feel better. Also, I can look at Greg Rice's IBR Weather page and have a much better idea of what I'm going to be running into on the rest of the trip.
First, a look out my hotel window from last night. I've stayed at several aLoft hotels by Marriott and always enjoy them. Each is a little quirky, but fun. All have kind of a hip, minimalist look to them, but always feel welcoming. This one in Buffalo was no exception. Well, actually it was very different from the others in that it is in a mixed use building. The hotel includes a couple of restaurants, a bowling alley next door, and several lounges ,including a roof top bar and lounge. There are several other businesses in the building, and the top three floors are the guest rooms. I was on the top floor (12th floor). If you are in Buffalo, give them a try. Great staff.
Started the day at Niagara Falls State Park. Drove out to Goat Island and saw two of the three falls. I think the third one was where I was standing, and it would only be visible from the Canadian side, or from on the water.
- - Video of the third fall from the overlook.
As I was riding into Ohio to spend the night in Toledo, I remembered the last time I was in Ohio. I was shooting in the National Pistol Matches at Camp Perry near Upper Sandusky and getting a little more than a bit inebriated on Catawba Island. But that's a story for another time.
Probably not much other than Interstate Highway miles tomorrow, but you never know.
jdg
jdgretz
Well-known member
OK, well, it's Friday night and I'm in Dodge City, Kansas. Where have I been since Niagara Falls?
Toledo Ohio. Yeah, that was a thing.
I saw a sign for a National Park right off the freeway, so I stopped by Indian Dunes for a stamp and photo, and continued to Des Moines for the night. Going into Iowa, I stopped at the welcome rest stop for a quick power nap. Those wind turbine blades are large. Yeah, that's pretty much it for Iowa.
Short day down to Brownville to spend the night on a river boat. I don't remember where I heard about this place, but I was like "River boat in Nebraska? Surely you're kidding?" No, I'm not kidding and don't call me Shirley! This had to be part of my trip. Turns out there is a group of Spyder Riders that come down during the summer from Omaha. It was me and another couple last night. We sat out on the deck and watched the fish jumping in the river and chatted. Delightful evening. Breakfast this morning was bacon, eggs, sausage, fried potatoes, coffee, tea, and fresh orange juice. This place is more or less a bed and breakfast. And very reasonable. My room was $160, which I think was excellent - especially considering the unique setting.
They only have one restaurant in Brownville, and it's only open for lunch, so it was suggested to run into Auburn - about 10 miles down the road and eat at Little Ted's, which I did. The place certainly would be easy to overlook if you didn't know it was there. Great suggestion. Good food, excellent prices, and a nice chill vibe. A couple of the streets were paved with bricks. Pretty, but very uneven. I would not want to ride that in the rain on two wheels.
I don't know if you have seen the art projects that some cities have - painted statues - guitars, horses, cows, etc. Auburn has bees. I have no idea why.
And for the history buffs - this was next to the river boat.
jdg
Toledo Ohio. Yeah, that was a thing.
I saw a sign for a National Park right off the freeway, so I stopped by Indian Dunes for a stamp and photo, and continued to Des Moines for the night. Going into Iowa, I stopped at the welcome rest stop for a quick power nap. Those wind turbine blades are large. Yeah, that's pretty much it for Iowa.
Short day down to Brownville to spend the night on a river boat. I don't remember where I heard about this place, but I was like "River boat in Nebraska? Surely you're kidding?" No, I'm not kidding and don't call me Shirley! This had to be part of my trip. Turns out there is a group of Spyder Riders that come down during the summer from Omaha. It was me and another couple last night. We sat out on the deck and watched the fish jumping in the river and chatted. Delightful evening. Breakfast this morning was bacon, eggs, sausage, fried potatoes, coffee, tea, and fresh orange juice. This place is more or less a bed and breakfast. And very reasonable. My room was $160, which I think was excellent - especially considering the unique setting.
They only have one restaurant in Brownville, and it's only open for lunch, so it was suggested to run into Auburn - about 10 miles down the road and eat at Little Ted's, which I did. The place certainly would be easy to overlook if you didn't know it was there. Great suggestion. Good food, excellent prices, and a nice chill vibe. A couple of the streets were paved with bricks. Pretty, but very uneven. I would not want to ride that in the rain on two wheels.
I don't know if you have seen the art projects that some cities have - painted statues - guitars, horses, cows, etc. Auburn has bees. I have no idea why.
And for the history buffs - this was next to the river boat.
jdg
jdgretz
Well-known member
Tonight I'm in Dodge City. The hotel is on Wyatt Earp Blvd. And for those of you who remember Gunsmoke
On my way here I had another bucket list thing to check off - a visit to The Hooptie Lot in Newton, Kansas. Tyler Hoover's used car emporium. If you're a car person, you may have heard of Hoovie's Garage on YouTube. I've been following Tyler, and his supermodel wife, April, for several years. I didn't really expect to see Hoovie, but wanted to stop by the shop anyway. Fortunately the fanboi gods were smiling and I got to meet and chat with both Tyler and April. They are both very friendly and welcoming, and April is even better looking in person than in the videos. Tyler certainly married up. GiGi is the lady at the desk who keeps the place running and makes sure Tyler does what he needs to do to sell those cars.
Between Newton, Kansas and Dodge City, I stopped off for a snack at this little place. The no longer sell beer, so they have taken the "Bar &" off the sign. Way more food than I wanted, for way less than I expected. I love finding little places like this.
Tomorrow I'll find Route 66 and continue toward home. Looks like it's about 1600 miles from here. I could do that in about 36 hours, but I'm going to turn it into two and a half or three days instead.
I have no idea yet where I'll lend up tomorrow night.
jdg
On my way here I had another bucket list thing to check off - a visit to The Hooptie Lot in Newton, Kansas. Tyler Hoover's used car emporium. If you're a car person, you may have heard of Hoovie's Garage on YouTube. I've been following Tyler, and his supermodel wife, April, for several years. I didn't really expect to see Hoovie, but wanted to stop by the shop anyway. Fortunately the fanboi gods were smiling and I got to meet and chat with both Tyler and April. They are both very friendly and welcoming, and April is even better looking in person than in the videos. Tyler certainly married up. GiGi is the lady at the desk who keeps the place running and makes sure Tyler does what he needs to do to sell those cars.
Between Newton, Kansas and Dodge City, I stopped off for a snack at this little place. The no longer sell beer, so they have taken the "Bar &" off the sign. Way more food than I wanted, for way less than I expected. I love finding little places like this.
Tomorrow I'll find Route 66 and continue toward home. Looks like it's about 1600 miles from here. I could do that in about 36 hours, but I'm going to turn it into two and a half or three days instead.
I have no idea yet where I'll lend up tomorrow night.
jdg
jdgretz
Well-known member
Saturday night and I'm in Tucumcari, NM. *sigh*
Well, on the way here I discovered just how flat Kansas really is. How flat is it you ask? I traveled approximately two miles at 70MPH on cruise with no hands on the handlebars. Yep, she tracked perfectly straight for two miles on her own. I think I found all four sharp turns in Kansas as well as the three in Nebraska.
In Fritch, TX, I saw this. I have no idea why, but there it was.
Further along was Perryton, TX, the ToH bonus and this mural. I wish I had been able to get a photo of the whole thing. Pretty cool.
Also, while driving along Highway 136 I saw this sign. Yep, it counts toward the National Parks Tour. The office was closed, but the foyer was open and I got a stamp for my National Parks Passport.
Arriving in Tucumcari, I bagged the ToH bonus, picked up some dinner (I had lunch at a Schlotzsky's in Amarillo) and headed to the hotel for the night.
I've been looking at the Butler Route 66 map and trying to think of a good reason to visit some of the stuff along the way. Fortunately, or unfortunately as the case may be, I've ridden 66 a number of times and have stayed at some "iconic" Route 66 motels and stopped in many of the regular spots. I'll probably end up in Flagstaff for the night, which means I'll also probably stop at the Corner in Winslow Arizona and take the mandatory photo there.
jdg
Well, on the way here I discovered just how flat Kansas really is. How flat is it you ask? I traveled approximately two miles at 70MPH on cruise with no hands on the handlebars. Yep, she tracked perfectly straight for two miles on her own. I think I found all four sharp turns in Kansas as well as the three in Nebraska.
In Fritch, TX, I saw this. I have no idea why, but there it was.
Further along was Perryton, TX, the ToH bonus and this mural. I wish I had been able to get a photo of the whole thing. Pretty cool.
Also, while driving along Highway 136 I saw this sign. Yep, it counts toward the National Parks Tour. The office was closed, but the foyer was open and I got a stamp for my National Parks Passport.
Arriving in Tucumcari, I bagged the ToH bonus, picked up some dinner (I had lunch at a Schlotzsky's in Amarillo) and headed to the hotel for the night.
I've been looking at the Butler Route 66 map and trying to think of a good reason to visit some of the stuff along the way. Fortunately, or unfortunately as the case may be, I've ridden 66 a number of times and have stayed at some "iconic" Route 66 motels and stopped in many of the regular spots. I'll probably end up in Flagstaff for the night, which means I'll also probably stop at the Corner in Winslow Arizona and take the mandatory photo there.
jdg
jdgretz
Well-known member
OK, for the final night on the road for this trip, Flagstaff, Arizona. Staying at the Voco hotel. I'd never heard of them, but turns out there are about 30 of them. Originally an Australian brand. Cute place and boy, the price is certainly right - around $50 per night (at least during the week - goes up to $100ish on the weekends). Even the Motel 6 is more than that. Turns out my preferred place in Tucson, The Tuxon, is also a Voco. I didn't know that. I'm motorcycle number three here tonight. A pair of H-Ds are also under the porte-cochère.
Not much exciting on the road today. I did bag a pair of ToH bonuses and a couple of National Parks, so there is that.
One of the bonus locations was a mural dedicated to the Navajo Code Talkers. I've had the privilege of speaking with a couple of them. Fascinating history.
One of the National Parks was the El Malpais National Monument which is lava flows from extinct (we hope) volcanos, but had been used as a bombing range during World War II. While the Army has removed most of the unexploded munitions, there may still be some out there that they never found, thus the warning information.
I really love the scenery in New Mexico, especially towards sundown when the hills and outcroppings turn red.
And lastly, this sign.
Tomorrow is the final run to the house. Google says about 7.75 hours to get home. Add lunch, three fuel stops, at least one detour for a ToH site and a couple of bio breaks and I suspect it will be closer to 10 hours. A shade under 500 miles.
jdg
Not much exciting on the road today. I did bag a pair of ToH bonuses and a couple of National Parks, so there is that.
One of the bonus locations was a mural dedicated to the Navajo Code Talkers. I've had the privilege of speaking with a couple of them. Fascinating history.
One of the National Parks was the El Malpais National Monument which is lava flows from extinct (we hope) volcanos, but had been used as a bombing range during World War II. While the Army has removed most of the unexploded munitions, there may still be some out there that they never found, thus the warning information.
I really love the scenery in New Mexico, especially towards sundown when the hills and outcroppings turn red.
And lastly, this sign.
Tomorrow is the final run to the house. Google says about 7.75 hours to get home. Add lunch, three fuel stops, at least one detour for a ToH site and a couple of bio breaks and I suspect it will be closer to 10 hours. A shade under 500 miles.
jdg
safecracker
Well-known member
What a great trip you had. Great write up.
racoon
Well-known member
I have fond memories of visiting the Petrified Forest National Park.
jdgretz
Well-known member
Well, I made it home last night about 8:30pm. Took my time and rested more than normal as I know that gethomeitis can cause a lack of focus.
Outside of Winslow, Arizona, I came across that beautiful building. That turns out to be the International Kadampa Retreat Center, Grand Canyon. They have rooms available for those wishing to undertake studies, or simply unplug and recharge their internal batteries. That is definitely going on my to-do list.
I wanted to get the ToH bonus in Goffs as it is way out of the way, but not that far off my track home.
On the way back to I-40, I had to stop as there was no traffic as far as I could see.
Now, my mistake was to not fill up at the gas station where US-66 runs into I-40, thinking I could just fill up in Amboy. Nope! The road was closed somewhere along the line, and I would have either had to back track 40 or so miles to get back on I-40, or would have not made it to the gas station and then probably would have run out of gas before getting to Ludlow (I really dislike this station) and paying usury rates. I have come into this place before on fumes and should have learned my lesson that time, but apparently I'm a slow learner when it comes to gas around here. Probably should have topped off right before leaving Arizona, or in Needles. I really need to remember that for next time.
Not only did I pay silly money for gas, but that transaction went south in a couple of ways. First, the card readers don't work on the pumps so you have to prepay inside. I did that, but from inside we couldn't see the bike due to a U-Haul van, and they put the payment on the wrong pump. The guy at that pump ended up putting the same prepay amount on my pump, but I didn't use all of it, and that amount went back on his card, not mine (obviously). He then had to get change to pay me the $8 and change due me from the $50 prepay. What a mess. I'm glad he was nice about it and was there to get the whole transaction worked out. He could have easily driven off and I'd have been out $50, and would still have had to pay for my gas. *sheesh*
Again, watch your fuel levels and stay away from Ludlow for gas if you can at all do so.
Anyway, one more fuel stop and finally back in the barn.
Today I have a bunch of cleaning to do, sorting through the stuff I brought back and think about how to better pack for these extended trips on the Spyder.
Totals for the trip:
Miles Ridden - 8824
*Gas used - 268 us Gallons
*Average mileage - 32.343 MPG
*Total spent on Gas - $1,259.44
Tolls - $151.06 (including one $20 overcharge in New York that somehow thought I was an 8-axle vehicle - being disputed)
*information from Fuelly.com
Lessons learned (so far):
So that's it.
Thanks for following along.
Ask questions if you have them.
jdg
Outside of Winslow, Arizona, I came across that beautiful building. That turns out to be the International Kadampa Retreat Center, Grand Canyon. They have rooms available for those wishing to undertake studies, or simply unplug and recharge their internal batteries. That is definitely going on my to-do list.
I wanted to get the ToH bonus in Goffs as it is way out of the way, but not that far off my track home.
On the way back to I-40, I had to stop as there was no traffic as far as I could see.
Now, my mistake was to not fill up at the gas station where US-66 runs into I-40, thinking I could just fill up in Amboy. Nope! The road was closed somewhere along the line, and I would have either had to back track 40 or so miles to get back on I-40, or would have not made it to the gas station and then probably would have run out of gas before getting to Ludlow (I really dislike this station) and paying usury rates. I have come into this place before on fumes and should have learned my lesson that time, but apparently I'm a slow learner when it comes to gas around here. Probably should have topped off right before leaving Arizona, or in Needles. I really need to remember that for next time.
Not only did I pay silly money for gas, but that transaction went south in a couple of ways. First, the card readers don't work on the pumps so you have to prepay inside. I did that, but from inside we couldn't see the bike due to a U-Haul van, and they put the payment on the wrong pump. The guy at that pump ended up putting the same prepay amount on my pump, but I didn't use all of it, and that amount went back on his card, not mine (obviously). He then had to get change to pay me the $8 and change due me from the $50 prepay. What a mess. I'm glad he was nice about it and was there to get the whole transaction worked out. He could have easily driven off and I'd have been out $50, and would still have had to pay for my gas. *sheesh*
Again, watch your fuel levels and stay away from Ludlow for gas if you can at all do so.
Anyway, one more fuel stop and finally back in the barn.
Today I have a bunch of cleaning to do, sorting through the stuff I brought back and think about how to better pack for these extended trips on the Spyder.
Totals for the trip:
Miles Ridden - 8824
*Gas used - 268 us Gallons
*Average mileage - 32.343 MPG
*Total spent on Gas - $1,259.44
Tolls - $151.06 (including one $20 overcharge in New York that somehow thought I was an 8-axle vehicle - being disputed)
*information from Fuelly.com
Lessons learned (so far):
- Either my butt or the seat managed to conform to the other and I don't see the need for a new seat or any pad.
- Once I got the back rest figured out for my body and posture, the pain in my shoulder(s) went away.
- The hydration unit was a god-send.
- I want a modular helmet for these trips if for no other reason than using the hydration unit will be much easier.
- The Spyder RT is a very capable cross country bike and meets my needs (mostly)
- I hate the short legs. I will get the extended tank figured out and working before next year's trip.
- I need some way of improvising a tank bag similar to what I had on the Goldwing. I like being able to look at a map while on the bike.
- Need to figure out how to mount the toll transponder. Pulling it out of my jacket pocket each time was a PITA.
- Spotwalla app on my phone stopped working at some point. Maybe a reboot and system update? So a big chunk of super detailed track are missing. Glad I had my regular SPOT.
- The fuel remaining gauge is virtually worthless until the fuel gauge is down to 1/2
- I still love my MotoPort jacket and pants. Expensive, heavier than some stuff, but just work fine.
- Spotwalla with my old SPOT Model 3. Again, this thing just works and I don't have to think about it.
- The ResQLink still didn't need to be used. Nice insurance however.
- Alpinestars boots work fine for me.
- I still like my old Shoei GT Air - but it is way overdue for replacement. I have a replacement, just need to break it in.
- The Tour of Honor is a wonderful rally and a great reason to ride. Go see some impressive and moving memorials and meet to great people. It runs from April 1st through Halloween. Do it!
- LD Comfort shorts. Expensive but worth it. No chaffing, no monkey-butt, just all day comfort. They make their gear for women as well as men. I wear their shorts and cooling sleeves. Well worth the money. I was turned on to this company by many riders in the IBA.
So that's it.
Thanks for following along.
Ask questions if you have them.
jdg
Last edited:
JKMSPYDER
Well-known member
J D congratulations on your long trip and glad you are back home safe. Back in August of 2019 I rode from Western NC to Orville, California for the NorCal Spyder rally. After the rally, I rode up to the Pacific Northwest thru OR, WA, then across ID and part of MT. Then I rode down thru WY, CO, NM, and TX before heading East back to NC. I spent 29 days on the road and put 7,988 miles on my 2015 F3-S. So you bested me by about 900 miles. It was the trip of a lifetime for a 67 year old.
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