"The
greatest adventure is what lies ahead.” – J.R.R. Tolkien
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Robert leaving Three Rivers, California for La Joya, New Mexico.
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My bike
is packed and ready for its maiden voyage out to the Badlands of New Mexico. A farewell kiss and picture from Denise just
before I leave. My bike is broken-in with 700 miles on the
odometer. I start my motorcycle and wave my final good-bye. The adventure begins.
I love
Western movies, especially the line by Augustus McCrae in Lonesome Dove: “Ain’t nothing better than riding a fine horse in
new territory.”
The
adrenaline begins to calm down as I stop thinking about the trip and begin
riding the trip. My motorcycle is running
smoothly and the 6th gear is a real treat.
My 2019 Indian Springfield has the Thunder Stroke 111 V-Twin engine (111
cubic inches). There are many electronic
gauges that I’ll soon master in the miles ahead. Though it is 200 pounds
heavier than my Yamaha Road Star, it “feels” lighter, well balanced.
This trip
will follow much of the Historic Route 66 and end in La Joya, New Mexico. There
will be a story about Petrified Forest National Park for RoadRUNNER Motorcycle Touring& Travel so my words will be few about that portion of the trip.
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My good friends Sandy and Robert ~ they will spend a month traveling Historic Route 66.
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Today is
September 11th, a day to remember the lives that were lost and impacted on that epic day in New York. I was unaware of the date as I reached Apple Valley.
It was then that I looked down at my odometer which had exactly 911 miles and this date registered. This
was special. I stopped by Walmart, bought
an American flag, and placed it on my motorcycle to ride freely
across the wild west. Many people stopped by to admire my Indian and a few
asked to have their picture taken next to it.
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My brother Wil off to work ~ nice patriotic tie!
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| My odometer reads 911 miles on September 11th. |
Near Kingman, Arizona I follow Historic Route 66 towards Valentine to pay my respects to Danny Cypert. In my previous article, Mile Marker 88 is my tribute to him. The memorial is a bit hard to find (just past Mile Marker 88). Going east, it is on the right-hand side of the road, just past the lone white house. I'm happy to see that the owner still flies the American flag.
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| In Memory of Danny Cypert 1942 ~ 2007. |
My first
camp is one of my favorites. It is 9
miles south of Ash Fork, Arizona on Highway 89. My camp is on the Kaibab National Forest where primitive camping is
allowed.
I like this spot because it is quiet and away from the highway. There is plenty of dry firewood. My usual spot from last year is there and my fire ring is still visible. Cell
phone reception is sketchy so I send Denise my location from Ash
Fork. She knows the exact spot as we’ve
camped here before. There are several
pieces of large volcanic rock scattered about so it requires concentration to
navigate to the campsite. The fire warms me quickly and soon I am cooking my dinner over the open fire. I have a hammock but tonight I favor the firm ground. Sleep comes easily, even with a full moon that
tries to keep me awake. I love to hear the coyotes who greet the new moon. My Indian Springfield is nearby and seems content with
its first camp. There will be many more.
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| Historic Route 66 ~ Ash Fork, Arizona. |
The
weather across Arizona was mild until I reached New Mexico. They said it had
been dry for a long time until I rolled into the state. The sky turned dark and heavy rains came down
in buckets. Rain on a motorcycle is not
too bad but when rain turns to hail, well that’s a whole new game. I was riding
from Mountainair towards Tijeras along Highway 55 and 337 on a leisure ride
when the rain came from nowhere. Within seconds, the hard rain turned to hail
and the road turned white. It was unsafe
to continue so the big tree ahead offered shelter. I didn’t have time to put on my rain gear so I’m
wet. It wasn’t safe to stop on this highway covered by flash
flooding. The summer storm lasted an
hour before it was safe to continue. The dry spell in New Mexico was over. I saw to it.
My new iron horse proved that it was capable of enduring its first severe rainstorm. Me, I was a bit nervous about the hail.
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Historic Route 66 ~ Williams, Arizona.
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Historic Route 66 ~ Wigwam Motel Holbrook, Arizona.
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Historic Route 66 ~ Petrified Forest National Park.
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Me, my bike, and El Morro National Monument. I camped here last night.
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In the
days ahead, I would visit my sister Elva and her husband Robert in Abo, see my
cousin Tudie in Belen, and visit with my good friend Stanley in La Joya.
Before heading for La Joya, I stopped by Leo’s
for some green chili jerky and noticed a new sign. The sign designed and installed by Jay and Joaquin
looks fresh and inviting. Jay owns and operates 505 Fitness and Wellness a new
business in Belen providing quality health and wellness to all, especially
young people in need of a new positive direction. Jay's gym was impressive and like today, an occasional
semi-pro boxer stops by for a workout and nutritious drinks.
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Joaquin and Jay who just finished the sign.
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| Joaquin, semi-pro boxer, and Jay. |
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Rain is coming.
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The rain begins to fall lightly. I stop for one last picture. I reflect on the trip thus far on my dependable Indian Springfield that has carried me along lonely New Mexico roads. My Indian is impressive. It's time to return home.
Light rain often turns into heavy rain.
My Indian
Springfield, after 2,300 miles and seven days, proves that it is ready for the 'adventure that lies ahead.'
