Motorcycle - Adventure - Stories - and

Santa Cruz - Joshua Tree - Tucson – Phoenix – Lake Havasu - Santa Cruz

May 5 ~ 13, 2012

By: Ned Opdyke

nedopdyke@gmail.com

PREFACE

Friday - May 4, 2012

This will be the second road trip adventure ride I’ve done with someone else. I hope it turns out better than the first. Glenn made it to Kingman, AZ, before he gave up and turned around, after the second day on the road. He had his own bike though… Sharon, on the other hand, is sitting behind me on Honey, so she doesn’t have that as an option. Her personality is much different than Glenn’s though… much better suited to being around me for extended periods of time. At least that’s the way it’s seemed to be over the last few months of us being together.

Then, on the other hand… she and I have basically only been spending two, three, and on a rare occasion, four days in a row together, on weekends. This trip will more than double the total duration of non-stop Ned time for her. We were married a little over two months ago, and this trip is our honeymoon. I hope when we get back, we’ll be celebrating our third month of marriage with smiles on our faces and not grimaces.

One thing is for certain though… we will definitely know each other better after this trip. If it goes as planned, we’ll be on the road for nine days, and about 2,200 miles. Originally, the route I chose, took us through Death Valley and the Grand Canyon, but that would’ve forced us to do four, five-hundred mile days in a row to get to our first destination, Tucson, to visit her parents for a couple of days. Neither of us felt it was fair for her to have to wave at the sites, as we drove by them at 70 mph, so we decided to take a more direct route, and save the Death-Canyon ride for another time.

This is gonna be the first real road trip for Sharon. She’s done a few single-day rides of over 200 miles, and one of just under 350, and came through those with flying colors, but this trip will start off with three days in a row of about 350 miles, and then end with two days of about 400 miles each day. Fortunately, in between will be four days of mostly lounging by the pool(s) in Tucson and Phoenix. Also fortunately, we bought her an air cushion for her seat, so her butt doesn’t come through this ride with flying colors.

Sharon is an incredible gal in so many ways. As an example, she was feeling a little embarrassed about using the cushion. She didn’t want me to look like I had a rookie, or a lightweight girlie-girl on the back of my bike with me. She’s a proud woman, and has stood on her own two legs almost exclusively on her own, since she left home in Fairbanks, Alaska, when she was 18-years old. And let me tell you, her legs have treated her very well while she’s been on her own… and are still looking mighty fine, thank you very much.

I’m proud to have her on the back of my bike, and am truly looking forward to this trip, which I’m sure will give her the confidence and security that she is my hot motorcycle momma.

Day 1: Saturday - May 5, 2012

4am- I’d hoped to be able to sleep until five, but after brief eye openings to check the time at two and three, I decided to go ahead and get started on my chores before going to the gym, for my (probably) last soak in a hot tub for the next week or so. I kinda laugh at myself sometimes when I’m getting off the bike in front of the gym in the morning in my leather jacket and slippers, but I’ve gotten so spoiled over the last (many) years now… putting my shoes and socks on in the morning BEFORE 10 or 15 minutes in the hot tub just seems archaic and unnecessarily brutal to me.

This year’s “Super-moon” was setting in the west, as I walked into the gym. Technically, it won’t be full until it rises again this evening, as we’re heading east towards Lebec; our first scheduled stop for day one, but it sure looks big and full to me. Just like my heart right now.

The picture didn’t turn out, so instead, I’ll tell you the coincidence (not) I thought of as I was sitting in the hot tub. This year’s Super-moon (the closest to earth it will be this year) is happening on the same day as the day Sharon and I are starting our honey-MOON adventure ride. On a motorcycle I named HONEY. I just love how The Universe always seems to provide us with these coincidences… as long as we’re paying attention. And just to put closure to this thought… in case you couldn’t tell… I’m SUPER happy right now.

And so was Sharon when I got home. Bright eyed and pig-tailed, she was radiant even before she was fully awake. Bless her heart… her ‘clock’ has been set over the years, to stay in bed until about 9am each morning. I had suggested that she consider getting up a little earlier, each day, as the date of our departure got closer, so she’d be semi-accustomed to the earlier starting time during our trip. That didn’t happen, but just as she told me… her attitude and spirit was as chipper and happy as any I’ve had the joy to see during my favorite time of the day. This picture on the left was taken at 6am, about ½ an hour after she got out of bed; the other one in the middle was taken at about an hour later, as we were getting ready to mount up and hit the road; and the last one was taken just seconds before we were, “Off and Away!

It’s not easy to decide which of these images brings more warmth and happiness to my heart.

We’d decided to make this trip as easy going and unrushed as any trip I’ve ever taken before. The first opportunity to do some lolly-gagging was just past Carmel. I stopped, pulled a U-ee, and went back to let Honey pose in front of one of her favorite types of road signs. The Big Sur Coastline offers some of the best riding conditions I can think of. The combination of road and scenery makes this absolutely one of the premier riding locations in the world.

One of the only draw backs of this secluded beauty is the cost of gas. Good thing we weren’t driving my truck… it woulda cost me over $200 to fill up.

Our last stop before leaving the coast, and heading east, was just north of Cambria. This beach is about a mile long, and almost totally filled with elephant seals.

Now comes the classic part of the story of Day One. I’ll start out by telling you that before we left, in fact weeks before we left… Sharon had told me that the only thing she would like to ask of me as far as my decision making aspects of this trip, was to not ‘push the envelope’ as much as I usually do on my stops for gas.

As part of our courtship, she’d read all my adventure stories, and had indicated that running out of gas, out in the middle of nowhere, was NOT her idea of fun. Well… if it hadn’t’ve been for that pesky head wind we encountered, we would’ve made it to Maricopa without any problem whatsoever. In fact… If we’d been able to make it about 300 yards up the hill behind me in the picture below, we could’ve literally and honestly coasted the remaining six miles into town.

Even after we both discovered that Sprint NOR Verizon had cell coverage, and no one could hear us now… Sharon proved herself to be a truly extraordinary human being. Instead of getting upset, disappointed, or sad… she actually consoled me.

As per my previous three experiences (or four… I’m starting to lose track) of running out of gas… it took only two or three minutes to get someone to stop and help, and only another 36 minutes for Kurt and Mitchell to return with some gas for us. After it was all over, Sharon looked at me as if she was wondering if running out of gas was something I actually enjoyed.

Forty-five minutes later, we were checked into our motel room in Gorman (just south of Lebec). Nine and a half hours on (and along) the road, and 344 miles of fun, beauty, and… exceptional patience. Thank you Sharon. I love you.

Day 2: Sunday - May 6

3:15am- It was about an earlier than I’d hoped, but when the time comes for me to start my day, there is not any chance in the world for me to try and fight it. After I finished my shower, and returned to the room with my coffee, I asked my motorcycle momma if she’d prefer if I went to the lobby of the motel to do my morning routine of downloading pictures, and writing the first draft of my story from my journal notes.

My wife once again took my breath away. Her response to my question was, “Would you like me to get up now, and we could get on the road before the sun comes up?” Oh my gosh… am I the luckiest man in the world or what!?!!

5:30am- Time to start gently bouncing on the bed, and panting into her ear. She giggled!!! And just a few minutes later, here she is looking exquisite, from head to toes.

After putting the fear of ghosts into the waitress at the restaurant (by calling “Hello” through the locked doors, 15 minutes after the place was supposed to open), we were finally able to sit down and enjoy a huge, ranch-style breakfast before hitting the dusty trail.

Having a breakfast at all is something I have rarely done on my solo rides, but my new life as a companion on the road is making some (good) changes in my habits. My mother always told me, “Breakfast is the most important meal of the day.”

8:30am- Off and away. EIGHT THIRTY!??!! The sun seemed high in the sky already. We’d burned more daylight on this morning, than I probably burned in most of my other rides combined! Funny thing was… I didn’t care. I’m changing. Part of me is scared, but most of me is very happy. Thank you Sharon, I love you.

11am- Victorville. Our route coincidentally took us onto Route 66 for a short time, but during our brief time on the Historic Road, Sharon found herself a place to go shopping. Good thing they didn’t have any shoes in there… we would’ve never gotten out.

I’m sure you can’t read the names of the States the route traverses, so I’ll tell ya’all:

California – Arizona – New Mexico – Texas – Oklahoma – Kansas – Missouri – Illinois.

1pm- Joshua Tree. Sharon and I agreed (something that seems to happen a lot more than either of us can seem to get used to)… Joshua Tree National Park was, “Pretty in it’s own way.” There were lots of very unique (Joshua) trees there, and some very interesting rock formations, but overall… this high desert area was a fairly plain plain.

The only place we stopped was at a scenic overlook, looking west across the valley below with Palm Springs in the distance. It wasn’t even worth a photo. However, these two knuckleheads were:

And I call them ‘knuckleheads’ with all the due respect that a fellow knucklehead could give. Rick and Jim were coming down from a hallucinogenic trip the night before, watching the Supermoon with about ten of their compadres. Fellow wanderers from Santa Cruz, they’d both decided to call this area of the world home for a while.

Jim (on the right) almost broke into tears from homesickness, as I gave him (and a few of the surrounding tourists) my rendition of the closing portion of my schpeel from my tour as a guide at The Mystery Spot. Sharon and I might’ve missed the opportunity to socialize with these children of the hippy generation, had it not been for the fact that I was wearing one of my shirts with “The Spot” logo on it. We also might’ve missed a free beer. Bud in a can. My favorite. I love how The Universe always seems to provide us with exactly what we need.

Our last stop, before my dreamboat and I stopped for the day at our motel in Blythe, was for an ice cream on I-10, the first freeway we’d been on since early that day. Lots of small squiggly black (and gray) lines; that’s what the map showed of the route that I’d picked for us.

Tired, and slightly sunburned, we showered and walked across the street to a steak house for meat, potatoes, and… more ice cream!!

Day 2 – 345 miles and 9 hrs in (and out) of the saddle.

Day 3: Monday – May 7

4am- Yeay! I slept in! And slept soundly. After doing my journal updates, and my morning coffee with the associated bodily function effect the coffee has on me…

5:30am- Yeay! She giggled again!!! And still glowing… just like a flower… a Morning Glory! As I was chomping at the bit, trying to get on the road before we burned any more daylight, she just had to take the time to feed one of the local residents. Jeesh… my Thor persona sure is taking a back seat on this adventure ride… without any complaints!

In fact, I decided to take advantage of the moment, and introduced myself to a few of the other motel patrons, as they were also getting ready to leave:

Kenneth was a fellow biker brother, on his way home to Safford, AZ, after spending some time with his son in San Francisco. This semi-retired mining engineer had motored over 700 miles the day before, and looked as fresh and chipper as a youngster after 10 hours of sleep. I remember when I was a kid I thought anyone over 50 years old was ancient. Boy, funny how our perspectives and attitudes change, as we grow more experienced and wiser isn’t it?

It was Bob’s birthday, and Sally was still teasing him about the problems he had with the waffle iron in the lobby that morning. “We spent half and hour cleaning that stupid thing.” It was a very cute and endearing teasing. Sharon had actually commented to me about them while we were eating our complimentary breakfast. They must’ve been close to 75, and guess what… they didn’t seem ancient to me at all! ☺

As I stood there, leisurely enjoying the shade of the morning sun getting higher and higher in the sky behind me… I realized something. I’d forgotten to buy my morning good luck beverage. This time, Thor put his foot down. Lolly-gagging and getting on the road later than normal was one thing, but not having a beer before hitting the dusty trail, was just not going to happen. And it didn’t. Boy oh boy… life is good. I felt like a kid again, as I strut down the sidewalk outside the mini mart, to share my joy with Honey and Sharon.

Fortunately… my Morning Glory doesn’t mind if Thor acts silly once in a while.

At our first stop for gas, I took the time to lolly-gag for about an hour. An hour!?!?! That’s unheard of. Well… not totally unheard of. One time I spent about that long, on a July 4th, looking for, finding, and then mounting an American Flag on the back of Honey. After all that time, the flag was gone after coming out of a roadside saloon only about 45 miles down the road.

The sign that Sharon and I co-created has already lasted much longer than that, and we hope to make it last a lifetime!

Note the name of the place where we bought, made, and installed it.

Nicci sold us the Beatles poster we used, loaned us the tools required, and just couldn’t resist coming out to see the finished product. My Morning Glory and I love to share our morning beer with each other, and our joy with everyone.

After a sit down lunch in Gila Bend to cool off with… wait for it… MORE ice cream…

We took our first of two side-trips that day. It was only 11 miles each way, to the ‘Painted Rock/ Petroglyphs’ exhibit, and even though it was sad to see the damage that modern man had done to them with his non-artistic additions… it was well worth the time.

We also stopped to witness a 25’ Saguaro in full bloom.

Not far down the road, we also stopped to see another one in full bloom.

Boy, what a show off, huh?

My first thought was that his arms seemed a little too short, but then I realized it was that his penis was so long. Sharon’s comment was, “Are you 12 years old?” My response… “No, 16.”

The last stop (and 12 mile each way) sidetrack was to the top of Kitt Peak, which has an observatory that, when it was first built in 1958, had the second largest telescope in the world. And it’s still the site with the most diverse collection of observatory equipment in the world.

Sharon shattered her record for most miles for one day when we arrived at her parents’ home just north of Tucson, 12 hours and 478 miles later. Three days and 1,168 miles from Santa Cruz, and she’s still giggling and glowing… morning, noon, and night. Thank you Sharon, I love you.

Day 4: Tuesday – May 8

3:05am- Sharon’s snoring hadn’t been noticeable over the last few weeks prior to leaving Santa Cruz, so I didn’t even consider packing my ear plugs. That was a mistake. I didn’t really mind getting up though, I knew I’d have most of the day to nap, lounge, and relax.

As I was just finishing my last cup of coffee and the transcribing of my journal notes and pictures into this story, the sunrise appeared through the locked screen door. Why they unlocked the front screen door for me to go for a walk in the morning, but locked the one to the back yard is still a mystery to me. And so it will remain. Because… guess what… it just doesn’t matter.

In the past, it would’ve been almost impossible for me not to ask Terry & Ruth, as soon as they came out of their bedroom. But one of the changes that’s been going on over the last couple or so years, is that I don’t find myself as compelled to resolve things I don’t under-stand as I used to be. I am learning to trust The Universe, and most of the little aspects that go along with it, as being correct the way they happen, even if it doesn’t make sense to me.

Which is at the opposite end of the spectrum in comparison to how I am the other 75% of the time. As an example, as Sharon and I were coming down from Mt. Kitt the day before, she told me she was glad I’d talked her into taking the extra time. She mentioned that she (just like me) has always had control issues. I interrupted her, by reminding her that I very much resembled that remark.

She finished her point, by saying that she really wanted to be able to trust me, and allow me to make all the decisions about where we were going to go, and what we were going to do while we were traveling on the road during this trip, and that it was not easy for her. So my comment was, “That’s ok sweetheart, most people find themselves being carried along in Thor’s wake.” Sharon didn’t miss a beat, as she said, “Let’s call that Thor-stream.”

I just love how we both enjoy words and using them in creative and unique ways. I haven’t told Sharon yet, but when I’m done editing this story, I’m gonna ask her to add her own epilogue to the end of it.

After the obligatory bed bouncing and giggling, I shaved for the first time on the trip. Usually I can accomplish this task without too much bloodshed, but for some reason this morning, I was not quite as successful. The worst nick was on my neck on my left side that you can’t see in this picture. I guess the adage about records being meant to be broken is going to hold true for this trip too. Sharon’s one-day mileage: 478. Ned’s nicks while shaving: 6.

After I was able to stop the blood from flowing, we were treated to a wonderful breakfast by Sharon’s mother, and a very nice personally guided tour of the local hiking trail by her father. These pictures were taken along the “Honey Bee Creek Hiking Trail,” just down the road from Sharon’s parents’ house in a small suburb of Tucson called Sun City.

Cholla (in background) Barrel Prickly Pear (yep, red & yellow!)

Barrel, Cholla, Prickly Pear, and Terry & Sharon.

Saguaro and The Santa Catalina Mountains.

Day 4 of our trip ended with a very pleasant tour of Terry & Ruth’s new home (they just purchased that day!) and a congratulatory dinner out. Tomorrow’s activities: laundry and then a ride to Mt. Lemmon (another observatory and a ski resort) at an elevation of 9,157’.

Day 5: Wednesday – May 9

3:15am- Looks like my clock is now officially set for the duration of this trip. Even without the melodic and soothing deep breathing of my Precious and Beautiful Wife Morning Glory… I woke up wide-eyed and bushy tailed. I wish I would’ve thought to confirm which items she wanted to go in the laundry.

6:15am- The rest of the family decided to join me on this glorious morning. Unfortunately, my blog didn't want to upload my video, so here are some stills and a brief synopsis of what I’m saying in the video:

“This is a red cardinal that has been serenading us each morning while we’ve been here. And here are The Santa Catalina Mountains where we’re going today. You probably can’t see it here, but there is an observatory at the top of Mt. Lemmon, there on the left, and that’s where we’re going to be later this morning. And here… is Sharon’s father Terry, also providing us with some beautiful morning music.”

Sun City is in the north-west quadrant of The Greater Tucson Area (GTA), and it took us almost an hour to get to the base of the mountain range on the north-east section of the city, where the road started up the hill. Here’s a picture of the south end of the range, and then a Beautiful view of The GTA, as we started up the hill:

It was an unseasonably cool morning (about 75 degrees), as we started winding up the hill, at about 9am. As we passed the 5,000’ elevation sign, it began to cool down dramatically. But when we got to 7,000’ it was darn right cold. By the time we got to the summit, at just over 9,000’, we’d wished we’d brought our chaps and heavy gloves. Fortunately, when we stopped moving, the air wasn’t nearly as ‘cutting.’

We enjoyed a brief, and very sad conversation with ‘Caretaker Ken,’ outside the Iron Door Restaurant, who’d cabin had burned down in the “Great Aspen Fire of ‘04”. Then we cruised back down the hill a couple miles into ‘town.’ Our first stop there was at “The Cookie Cabin,” where we met a local rider, “Kawasaki Ken.”

Sharon coined the description of the days ride’s name as “Two Ken” (pronounced like the bird). She also voiced her confusion about how I sometimes become quiet when I meet someone else on the road who is as obnoxious as I can be at certain times. The ‘Crazy Cookie Cabin Girls’ showed up just as we were mounting Honey, and were all wound up like schoolgirls who were out cutting class.

Our next stop was at The General Store, where Sharon bought a pound of fresh fudge. A pound of fudge sounds like a lot… but it’s not, and I was told so, in no uncertain terms, as I was helping myself to it, later that evening after beating everyone at a game of “Mexican Train Dominos.” And please don’t ask me if there were any donkeys involved, ok? That would just be rude… even for me.

Before we started back down the hill, we stopped at The Sawmill Run Restaurant for lunch. It had just opened up and it was really good. Fabian and Dominic were waiting the tables, and Steve was doing the cooking. I told them I’d promote the place on my blog, so… I highly recommend that you take the drive up there if you’re in the area. Sorry the picture turned out so fuzzy guys. Honey was waiting outside, meeting 2 new girlfriends in the parking lot.

After lunch it was even colder, so Sharon turned her bandana into a face protector. I asked her to give me a big smile… and she did. Use your imagination.

The other two pictures are views from, and of, the OUTSTANDING road that we all enjoyed very much this day. All three of us (don’t forget Honey) were wearing big smiles all day long.

As we were coming down the last stretch of the road back into Tucson, we saw some lightning flashes in the distance, and shortly after we got Honey parked in the garage, we got hit by a dust storm. Actually it was bigger than a dust storm. It was a “Haboob,” which is what they call a dust storm after it gets bigger than a certain size.

Day 5 ended after adding 125 miles to our total, which brought it to 1,293. Our Super Honey Moon Adventure Ride continues to be a blessed celebration of the joined union between Sharon, myself… and… Honey. And the moon. And the stars. They’re there… use your imagination! ☺

Day 6: Thursday – May 10

3:45am- Best night of sleep on the trip so far. It must’ve been the fudge.

“Oh what a beautiful morning, oh what a beautiful day. I’ve got a wonderful feeling, everything’s going my way.” I thought I’d wake Sharon up with something different than the gentle bouncing that I’d been doing the first five days of the trip. Yeah, that’s me, wild and crazy… I have to shake things up once in a while… that’s just the way I roll.

6am- What a wonderful visit with Sharon’s parents. Really great folks, and full of love and joy for life. Just the kind of people I like to associate with. Thank you Sharon… and Ruth, and Terry… I love you.

Not only is Terry an (almost) concert quality pianist, but his oil paintings are also of professional grade. As is Ruth’s cooking by the way. I think I like this picture of Sharon and Honey and I the best so far. Even though it was sad to leave Tucson, we look happy. Pampered, we were.

Two more pics of The Catalinas. One giving you a clear view of “The Man in the Canoe,” and another, courtesy of my Beautiful Wife, as were tooling down Hwy 77, leaving them behind.

Not far down the road, we stopped at a place we’re gonna hafta go back to. We were both anxious to get to The GPA (Greater Phoenix Area) and see Sharon’s brother and my daughter. Plus… the poolside lounging was sounding pretty darn good as well.

Our first stop was in Gilbert, on the south end The GPA to visit her (step) brother and his wife. I wish the picture of Eva would’ve turned out better. We’ll just have to go back and spend some more time with them sometime… she is a real cutie. Here’s one of Kary and Sharon though. He’s a cutie too don’tchya think! Thanks to both of you for the hospitality and the lunch!

We made it to our (coincidentally named “Hospitality”) motel at around 2:30, just in time for the hottest part of the day, and were in and next to the pool by 3. My daughter Eron joined us at 5, and we had a few celebratory cocktails poolside, before (jay) walking across the street to a very nice Italian Restaurant. I wish I woulda remembered to take a picture of Eron, but don’t worry, you’ll get to see her in tomorrow’s entry.

Day 6’s adventures ended for us, with some serious cuddling and what turned out to be the best and longest night sleep I’d had since getting on the road. Funny… I wonder if the ‘serious cuddling’ might’ve had something to do with that? 166 miles for the day, and a total of 1,459.

Day 7: Friday – May 11

6am- SIX AM! Wow… I feel GREAT! Look out Wife… we’re gonna have some fun today!

8am- Post bouncing ~ giggling ~ singing ~ and more giggling, here’s our wild and crazy plans for the first part of the day: 1) Order room service breakfast; 2) More giggling ~ cuddling; and finally… 3) Ned going for a short ride to an overlook of The GPA that Eron recommended last night, while Sharon does some serious poolside lounging. That should get us to about noon, when it will be time to meet Eron at “The Vig,” the restaurant/ bar that she works at. Whew… how do you do it, you may ask… how do you pack so much incredible fun and excitement into your day? Well, it’s not easy, let me tell you, but stick with us, and maybe you’ll get the hang of it yourselves.

10am- So the newlyweds actually went their separate directions for a whole hour! Honey and I enjoyed ourselves at Camelback Mountain (more like a hill), while Sharon and her feet did their first of two poolside lounges of the day.

Honey also asked to visit a very exclusive resort. She just loves to hob nob with the rich folk.

11am- The newlyweds reunited right away. The only reason I’m posting this picture, is to give me a kick in the ass about losing some weight. No, a LOT of weight. Right after I finish this beer…

1pm- A very nice lunch with “The Vig Girl,” and then Eron wanted us to meet her dog “Marshall,” so we went back to her house for a short visit.

The first thing I noticed (after introducing myself to Marshall of course), was her coat rack. This is Phoenix, you don’t need coats here. But you do need a large selection of sunglasses. Some girls like shoes… my daughter obviously likes sunglasses.

4pm- One last poolside lounge, gratefully sans picture, and then…

6pm- Off to Scottsdale Community College, home of the fighting artichokes, for the graduation ceremony. It was a nice ceremony, but as soon as it was over, it was time to return to our motel for a late dinner, and bed. Sharon had warned me that she doesn’t do well in the heat, but she was doing a lot better than I was… by far.

Day 7 ended quietly and lovingly with the newlyweds snuggled closely together, and Honey waiting patiently for us just outside our room. 66 miles for the day, and 1,525 for the trip.

Day 8: Saturday – May 12

5am- Ned up. 6:30- Sharon up. 7- Breakfast. 8- Off and away.

As we were leaving the GPA, we realized that somehow… we had missed our exit, which would’ve taken us north, through a suburb called Surprise. I wanted it to be a surprise for Sharon, but the surprise turned out to be on me. And… it was no Surprise for both of us.

There was a surprise waiting for us down the road though. After realizing that we’d missed our turn, and that we’d be on the freeway longer than I’d planned, I was not too disappointed. The route I’d chosen originally was slightly longer, and now… we’d be ahead of schedule a little bit. No, that wasn’t the surprise.

11am- After over 1,000 miles of nothing but rocks and sand, we finally made it to some lush greenery. The Colorado River, and Lake Havasu was as dramatically beautiful and a soothing a vision to Sharon as it had been for me, several years ago, when I drove this route (AZ State Highway 95, north from I-10 towards Bullhead City). Nope, that wasn’t the surprise either.

Noon- Sharon had never been there before, and I’d never stopped, so we did, and had lunch at a nice restaurant, overlooking the London Bridge. Keep waiting, the surprise is coming.

2pm- As we were approaching Needles, finally back in California, it was 104 degrees. We might’ve been in California, but we were still in ‘hell.’ Ok… now the surprise, I know you’ve all been getting more and more excited about this.

We had planned to ride another 2 ½ hours to Barstow for the night, and then make it back home to Santa Cruz the next day, so we’d have one whole day to decompress after our ride... but the heat was just too much for me. I’d ridden in these conditions in the past, and had never experienced anything like what I was feeling on this day. Now I understand and have a much greater feeling of compassion to how my buddy Glenn had felt the time he fell victim to heat stroke. If any of you have never had an opportunity to experience this condition… consider yourselves lucky.

3pm- I was laid out flat on the bed, in the motel room in Needles, with the air conditioner on full blast and the drapes closed. And Sharon, the one who’d forewarned me of her troubles with the heat… was laid out flat too… lounging poolside. In the sun!!!

I know what you’re thinking… that wasn’t much of a surprise was it. Well… too bad. It’s Sunday morning at 5am, and I’m still feeling groggy from yesterday. Plus… I’m trying to write this portion of the story as quickly as possible, so we can get on Honey as early as possible, and try to make it back to the coolness of the California Central Valley as soon as we can. I never thought I’d be calling the Central Valley ‘cool,’ but compared to this gosh-forsaken desert we’re in right now… it is!

Ok, that’s it for Day 8: 267 for the day; 1,792 for the trip.

Day 9: Sunday – May 13

We decided to break traditions this morning for good luck. We both agreed that getting locked up in ritualistic nonsense is… well… nonsense. So, after some very serious discussion, we both decided… Sharon would forgo her french toast for breakfast, and I’d forgo my beer. Eggs benedict and Gatorade instead. Well… not together at the same time, that would just be ridiculous. We’re wild and crazy but certainly not completely uncivilized!

It was 7:45am by the time we rolled out of the motel in Needles, and the temperature was already starting to rise; from a low of 68. We were both looking forward to the cool temperatures of the coast, where 68 was near the high, not the low of the day.

One thing I’ve forgotten to mention until now, about this trip, is how often when one person would lean over and say something to the other one, while rolling down the highway… the other person’s response would be, “I was JUST thinking that same thought.” This morning’s example was when Sharon leaned forward and said, “I’m surprised at how comfortable I am just sitting here on the back of Honey, and watching the scenery go by.” I had (literally) JUST been thinking to myself how grateful I was that Sharon’s normally go-go-go personality, was able to adjust to the hours and hours of mostly non-verbal togetherness.

In so many ways, Sharon and I are finding out how much we are meant to be together. Even (not especially) when she’s not talking to me, or telling me one of her 15 minute stories in an attempt to answer a question I asked her that could’ve been answered with a yes or a no.

At 9am we were… very honestly and literally… coasting into the gas station in Amboy, a small blink and miss it town off the main freeway, on a portion of Historic Route 66 we’d decided to take that morning. Obviously I hadn’t recovered from my episode with heat exhaustion the day before, and had miscalculated the mileage between our motel and the town.

The bad news was that we’d both been uncomfortably hunched over, leaning forward, in an attempt to be more aerodynamic for the previous 35 miles. The good news was, as I jokingly said in a loud voice for the other customer at the station to hear… “What’s the big deal sweetheart, we could’ve made it at least another 500 yards.”

Sharon, as usual, bless her ever-lovin’ heart, was cheerful and optimistic about the disaster we so nearly avoided. Her comment was, “It’s just another part of the adventure.” Then she added, “But let's remember to make sure we always have plenty of water in the saddle bag from now on, ok?” We’d not only coasted into the only gas station within 35 miles in either direction, but the only ANYTHING within 35 miles in either direction. And as incredible as it may seem, we were both pretty casual and oh-la-de-da about it. We are a match, yes we are.

The following picture doesn’t really do justice to how desolate and forboding the area was. But it does give you a hint.

Our next stop was in Ludlow, at town some of you may recognize from a couple of my previous stories. There’s really nothing speacial about the place. The ‘town’ consists of two gas stations, a diner/ café, and a motel de cockarouches (which I actaully stayed at one time).

The interesting thing about this town, is that every time I’ve been here, I’ve run into some one… well… interesting. The first time, it was the two elderly ladies that own and operate the café. They look like they could be twins, but they’re not even related. This time the people of interest were: Arkansas Herb, and a group of Harley riders. The reason I put “riders” in italics is because they proved the statement someone else had made to us early that day (or was it the day before… or before?).

Anyway, what the guy had said was that when you’re out on the road, and you see another motorcyclist going across the Country… if they’re on a Harley, they’re usually towing it behind them on a trailer. And if you see someone on a Honda… they’re usually towning a trailer behind them.

Herb was on his way home (to Arkansas) from Pismo Beach/ Morrow Bay, and the Harley guys were on their way to a group ride of some sort, down the road somewhere.

Our next stop was to celebrate Sharon’s accomplishment of reaching her (first of many I hope) 2,000-mile milestone. I thought about pulling off the highway at the exact place we reached it, but decided to play it safe and sane (what’s this world coming to?!) and pulled into a rest stop instead.

Let’s hear it for Sharon… 1,996.9 miles under her belt, and she’s still smiling like she was on a short day ride. Thank you Sharon, I love you. Very very much.

Before we got to our next 70 mile stretch of road that wouldn’t have any gas, we were more careful. We’d got lucky earlier that day, and neither of us wanted to push our luck. Gatorade in the morning and beer in the afternoon was about the extent of the wild and craziness that both of us wanted for the remainder of our trip. We were both starting to get a bit road weary.

So we stopped at the Buttonwillow Frosty, and asked a couple of the local patrons if there was gonna be any gas in McKittrick, about 15 miles up the road. They said “No,” and then asked, “Where are ya headed?” I told them Paso Robles, and they said, “If you’ve got enough gas in your tank, there’s gas in Taft, about another 20 miles past McKittrick.”

I looked at my map, and didn’t see the town, but both Sharon and I had a good feeling about the guys, and decided to trust them. It was a good thing that I noticed a (very small) sign, just a few hundred yards up the road, when we took off. It pointed left to Taft, not straight, the direction we were going to Paso Robles. The locals we’d chosen to trust were obviously not familiar with the road to the coast. If I hadn’t’ve noticed the sign, as I told Sharon… “We would’ve been fucked.” Sorry, bad word. Thor just had to raise his hand and say hi, one more time before this story is over.

Day 9 ended beautifully, with cocktails and barbaque at Bubba’s, where it seemed everyone in the place was celebrating their birthday. The hostess had asked us when we came in, if we were celebrating anything, and we’d told her it was the last day of our 10-day honeymoon adventure ride on a motorcycle, but apparently that didn’t qualify as a reason to stand around our table and clap their hands and sing to us. It was a 9 ½ hour day, and our second longest one-day mileage of 432, which brought our total to 2,224.

Day 10: Monday – May 14

It’s only about 135 miles to Santa Cruz on Hwy 101… looks like we’ll have to do some serious zigging and zagging on the way home, to break the 2,500 mile barrier. Or… we could go straight home and have the afternoon to relax and decompress, as Sharon likes to say. We both have to work tommorrow, so we’ll probably go straight home.

We decided to break a few more traditions on our last day on the road. First of all, we slept in; Ned ‘til after 6am, and Sharon ‘til around 8. The next one was that we did some serious cuddling before getting on our feet. Usually I’m anxious to hit the road, but since we’d decided to go straight home, and had less than three hours left on our adventure ride, so we both agreed it was time to… cuddle. Yeah, that’s what we did. We cuddled.

The third broken tradition was that we packed up Honey and parked her next to the restaurant, instead of coming back after eating and loading her up. Honey, like us… needs to lose some weight. She needed two parking places to fit comfortably.

It was a quiet ride for us, going north on 101 through King City, Salinas, and Castroville. We were both feeling a little meloncholy about our adventure being almost over. Sharon helped, as she told me, “This isn’t the end of our honeymoon, it’s the beginning of the next part of it.”

As we approached Moss Landing, I asked her if she felt like stopping at The Whole Enchilada for a celebratory margarita. Sharon’s metabolism likes tequila and there was no delay in her answer. Ray, the owner of the establishment was there, so we chatted for a while and when we told him about our recent marriage, he gave us a lotto ticket. Come on lottery… daddy (and mommy) need a new house.

Our last stop was at the post office, and I wasn’t about to break the tradition of taking Sharon’s picture in the parking lot, sitting on Honey. I think this is version number four.

I was hoping there was going to be someone walking by, when we got home, and sure enough… someone was, and she took our picture. There is a stereotypical attitude that seems to occur in a marriage when the couple is confined to a small space for an extended period of time… but instead of wishing that Sharon would “Get off my back,” I find myself wishing that she will, “Stay there for the rest of our lives.”