Victory Lap (Update)

[DDT (12)]

(I boo-booed and forgot to mention a couple of details towards the end... sorry! I know some of you might be curious...)                                                  

                                                        VICTORY LAP

I've been ponderin' on how to tell the story of our most recent trip... lots to consider... For starters, I've been thinkin' I should start referrin' to ALI as OUR bike rather than simply as my bike. With all that's happened over the last year or so, and with so many folks joinin' in on her resurrection and restoration, well... anyhow...

My ponderin's were put on hold when I got the news about Wizard... Strider said it best... what all of us who knew him were feeling, remembering... and sharing in the loss. A stark reminder for sure that we only have the present to accomplish whatever it is that we want, and need, to undertake, so it's best if we get on with gettin' on... I realize my time is limited, so I think I'd better get to ridin' some more, and soon too!

Anyway, since that bleak day at the Stetson Inn in Calgary a year ago when a stranger walked up and started asking Valk questions, my life hasn't been the same... Well, it has, actually, but so much unexpected stuff came with it, that it feels like a whole new trajectory... Anyhow, that story has been fairly well documented...

Since IZ 14, however, I've still been livin' in Alabama, and I've still had a bike in Calgary (Terry rode my VTX back rather than fly home). The simple solution, of course, would have been for me to fly up there and ride her home... too simple... A visit up yonder would be soooo much better if I were aboard ALI, and it sure would be nice if I could share the experience with fellow travelers who happened to be Valk enthusiasts, as well...

I contacted several folks, but for various reasons, I couldn't find any takers... I was really hoping to find someone willing to fly up and ride CALI back... I'd then ride ALI up and join them there for the return trip... Oh well...

Well, just I was about resigned to the realities, I get a call from Troutdude... He's interested!  What's more, he knows someone who would like to go with us!!! Yep, Mitcho said he'd like to go with us, and he was even willing, reluctantly, to fly and ride CALI back... Naturally he'd prefer to ride his own, but... Well, ol' Troutdude had a solution for that, too... Yep, Tom, Tnwingman, said he'd fly up and ride mine back... Who says prayers aren't answered?!!!

Details were quickly and easily hammered out, passports obtained, time frames set, plane ticket bought, and coordination with Terry for a rendezvous in Calgary arranged... I just love it when a plan comes together... Then, finally, the departure date arrived and the foreplay of anticipation transformed into the magic of engaging in the act begun!

Troutdude trailer-ed his bike to my place, where we loaded ALI, and headed for Illinois where we'd dismount the bikes and join Mitcho for the ride to Canada. Yep, we trailer-ed those first and last almost 600 miles each way... It's still very hot and humid down here in August, and neither of us was all that wild about riding through it. Call me a sissy if you must, but nowadays I opt for comfort when I can... and the A/C in his truck worked really well...

We rode due north to northern Wisconsin, where we got onto US HWY 2 and made the turn westward. We rode that route all the way to Shelby, MT, where we then turned north again for the 35 miles or so to the Canadian border. Then it was on to Terry's house, where we would be joined by Tom the following evening when his flight arrived...

Everything worked out just fine... although Tom's flight was delayed a couple of times, Terry still got him home at a decent time... A guy I once worked with said, "It's understandable to miss 'happy hour' now and then... that just happens... BUT, it is inexcusable to miss 'last call'!" Tom's arrival was somewhere in between...

The day of Tom's arrival had been spent on a day-ride over the 'Highwood Pass'... We were joined by the guy who'd been with Terry the day I'd met him the previous summer... John Burns, known on this board now as 'Johnny Canuck'.

We had a wonderful ride on some fine, twisty roads, got introduced to Bumbleberry pie, saw some mountain goats that came within mere feet of us, starred in amazement at some stunning scenery, and dodged all but a smattering of rain... Fabulous start to an awesome adventure!!!

Our plan called for us to ride up the Icefields Parkway through Lake Louise to Jasper, Alberta, known as the Canadian Rockies, and in my opinion one of the top rides in North America... and one of the most scenic. Rain delayed our departure for a couple of days, but no problem...

Our host was most accommodating, a nearby pub was readily available, and this interlude gave the guys time to fine-tune ALI's continuing revival... Five of the six vacuum slides were replaced in her carbs... and she runs very sprightly once again! Her fuel mileage also improved dramatically, too...

The ride we were wanting to make is so scenic, that to ride it in rain and low clouds would be downright sinful, so the delay was important... All of our group had the time to wait-out the weather, so that truly enhanced what otherwise would have been a missed opportunity. Well, all but one...

Tom wanted to return home, plus he had a couple of stops he wanted to make along the way, so he set out solo... Too bad, but I do understand... We all must do what we gotta do... Tom didn't miss out entirely, however...

While we were waiting for a weather-window to head towards Jasper, one did open up for southern British Columbia... and Terry laid out a fantastic ride for us there... He, Reg, and John, along with two other Canadians, joined us for that adventure... and a good time was had by all... Two ferry boat rides across huge lakes, visits to a couple of pubs and nice restaurants, lots and lots of tire-kickin' on motel parking lots... and of course some of the best and most scenic riding to be had anywhere... WOW!

Before beginning our ride up yonder, I'd advised the others to be prepared... this could turn out to be an epic journey... It most certainly did!!! Terry went out of his way to lead us on some of the best rides I've ever made, and his hospitality is... well... our legendary 'southern hospitality' ain't got nuthin' on this generous man! He also knows his way around a BBQ grill, too, and we all reveled in the fine cuisine, with Alberta beef as the main feature, a couple of times.

Following another interlude at Terry's place, we made the long anticipated ride to Jasper, then on to Hinton, AB, for the night. We returned through Jasper, then retraced our route back to Lake Louise...  Terry stayed with us a couple of more days.

As we rode through Lake Louise on our return, we passed the spot where this continually unfolding story all began in early August last year... and I'd thought my best friend and I were going to part ways forever... With that location now in her mirrors, I gave ALI a love pat and told her congratulations for coming back and completing the ride... It was her 'Victory Lap', and I could tell she was absolutely loving it!!!

All too soon, Terry gave us a wave, as he made the turn north towards his home, and just before we made our turn southward towards the border... I could write a lengthy book attempting to list all the virtues of that good man, and what all he's meant to this humble rider. I owe him a debt I'll never be able to repay, but I take comfort in the knowledge our friendship and association is by no means over... 'Til next time, my good friend...

The three remaining members of our crew made a stop in Waterton National Park... the Canadian half of the International Peace Park... Glacier National Park makes up the American half... and the border runs right through it all.

Waterton is a quite different experience than Glacier, but it is no less beautiful and it is most definitely worth a visit... We spent a few hours drinking it all in, stopping often and enjoying the stunning views, and sharing that special bond that exists among kindred spirits...

Following a night of routine activities (restaurant, tire kicking, slumber) in East Glacier, MT, we rode through Glacier National Park the following day... If you've never been, I urge you to add it to your bucket list. Easily one of the top rides on the planet, but dangerous... The scenery is so amazing, one could easily run off the road in a hundred different places!!! I never tire of that stretch of road... The Going To The Sun Highway over Logan Pass.

Next on our 'must see' list was the Beartooth Pass... another item on my personal list of top rides anywhere and one not to be missed. My companions were impressed... I could tell... their chins were in their laps the entire way across! Challenging riding through incredible scenery, brisk temps even on a hot day, and a spiritual lift most folks never experience in their entire lives... Dang, I wanna go back already!

We'd already decided to skip Yellowstone NP, so we continued that day's ride on the Chief Joseph Highway over Dead Indian Pass, then down to Cody, WY. By now my buds were really feeling the heat from home, so time had become a critical factor... Not being matrimonially impaired myself, I often forget how that is, but I did acquiesce and agree to press on...

There is a bar & grill in Greybull, WY, I know about and have visited several times, that also just so happens to offer a sensational cheeseburger... I mentioned that to the others, and they were naturally interested, so in we went for a fab meal... and a brew or two... No more riding for this boy... well, I did ride the hundred yards or so to the nearest motel for the evening.

The next morning bright and early we threw our legs over our steeds and headed towards Buffalo, WY, where we'd get on I-90 for the speedy trek towards home... and for the others, towards impatient spouses who by now had ratcheted-up the pressure. We stopped in Worland for some breakfast. A check of the odometer revealed that ALI would turn 450K miles in another 4.5 miles, so a modest celebration was agreed upon...

As those digits rolled over to a bunch of zeros, I pulled to the side along with my companions... A bottle of brew was produced along with three plastic motel cups, and a fourth of the beverage was poured into each cup. We then hoisted our cups in a toast to 'our bike' and a most gallant lady indeed, after which the remaining one fourth was poured on her... We felt she should join us to make the tribute complete. Yes, I did make a conscientious effort not to disturb any of the mud, dust, road grim or bugs as I applied her equal portion...

I'd cautioned the others that the route we'd selected over the Bighorn Mountains would be less scenic than the other two options, but that it would be a bit quicker... they chose quicker. Well, I'd ridden this way once before long ago, but the last several times I'd gone on one of the other two routes... I'd forgotten just how beautiful this route was! At one of our several stops, Mitch mused aloud, "... this is the boring ride, huh?" I stand corrected! As is often the case out there... there are no bad choices, only different choices...

After a day and a half of pounding the Interstates, we found ourselves in Walcott, IA... at the exit of the world's largest truck stop... We couldn't pass that up, so we got a room next door, dined at the cafe inside, and did a wee bit of shopping but mostly gawked at this unusual spectacle... I wouldn't go much out of the way, but if in the neighborhood, I think it's worth a visit...

Home at last... at least for Mitch. Dennis still had two more nights away before he could embrace his spouse... and take his medicine for staying gone so long... As for yours truly... I'd just as soon have stayed out another month, but... oh well... at least we did ride for four weeks together.

Heading south in the truck, TD and I decided to postpone breakfast for a very important reason... neither of us had had any grits in four weeks, and we both were showing unmistakable signs of grits deprivation. A serious condition that can lead to all kinds of terrible things (I strongly suspect this is what happened to Freddie Kruger).

Well, a couple of hours into our slog homeward and after we'd crossed over into Kentucky, a sign for a Huddle House was spotted, and a gleeful sense of relief came over us... I had a large bowl of grits with a side order of bacon. I also had sweet tea to drink, as I was suffering withdrawals in that regard, as well.

Dennis (Troutdude) and I stopped in Cumberland Furnace, TN, at Tom's place to load CALI, so she could be transported back to my abode... Only a very brief stop, though, and then we were back on the road.

Somewhere south of Nashville I dozed off. I was awakened by loud snoring, and it occurred to me that our driver might be snoozin'... Nope... I did quickly regain my senses in time to notice the upcoming exit near Athens, AL... I informed the driver that I thought I remembered a BBQ joint there, so off he pulled, and there it was...

Now grits are fabulous food items, for sure, and vital to mental health and stability in us southern boyz... but... they do tend to wear off rather quickly. Not like Chinese food exactly, but sorta in that direction, if ya know what I mean... Anyhow, BBQ, and pork in particular, has some serious stayin' power, so we were in need of some of that to sort of round things out, you see... bring some balance and symmetry to our systems, so to speak.

One more night at my place for Dennis, then we'd all be home safe and sound... Another good'un completed, so now time for reflection and fond remembrances...

One more thing... Now that I have both of my bikes here at the house, I'm gonna need to come up with another excuse for a big ride next time... Any ideas?

DDT

[Spirited-6]

Good GOD MAN, I can`t remember what I had for supper last night ! So glad all worked out for you.
Damn, how old am I ? OH, well time marches on ! 

[Rams]

Excellent Ride Report!!!!

I am so envious, I'd love to have been along on that trip and hope that some day I will be able to make such a trip.   Next time you pass through Kentucky, give me a holler, we'll do something even if it ain't right. 

[Pappy!]

Sounds amazing to me as well !
Glad you guys had a blast and a safe trip.
Just a suggestion here.....ever thought about doing a motorcycle transport service? One where you only select the bikes you really want to ride and only to places you want to go.....lol  All that for a plane ticket back home! Hey....its just a thought!

[John Schmidt]

Hey Bruce, that's a fantastic ride and with some great friends to boot. About 20 years ago my resident bed-warmer and I covered those exact trails in Canada up to Jasper; Waterton, Banff, Lake Louise, etc.. Flew into Kalispell, MT and rented a small SUV, went through Glacier, stayed in East Glacier a couple nights, then headed to Waterton and points north. We went up the east side of the Rockies and returned down the west side. Always wanted to do it on a bike so I lived it vicariously through your adventure. That surely is beautiful country and the folks are equally gracious. Thanks for the "ride-along" you afforded us all.  

[T.P.]

And another FANTASTIC ride story,  BUT!  Bruce don't you ever ride through MINNESOTA with out letting me know.


                                                         T.P.

[Oss]

Reading of your truly epic adventure is surely the highlight of my day      


Glad it all worked out Bruce and that good friends got to enjoy so much of life together

Terry is for sure one in a million no doubt about that


What was the mileage total at the end of the trip?

[solo1]

Bruce, that was a great story and and a travelogue to boot!   You've come full circle due to your VRCC friends.  Toasting to Ali at 450,000 miles was, i bet, one of the high points on your quest.

A very good read and it was truly appreciated by one who now only thinks in terms of two zeros with a one in front of that when it comes to rides.  

This is a great forum and a great place for friends.  Enjoy lots of miles on your newly returned friend Ali.

Wayne, Solo1

[Daniel Meyer]

 

...as for excuses for another ride...you've never needed much help in that regard...but "Because I can." always works pretty well for me

[eric in md]

  Bruce your my hero buddy..  i love ya

[olddog1946]

One of the best ride reports I've seen, bar none. I'm happy you had a good trip, as well as gettin Ali back and under your tush. Enjoy....and keep  up the good ride reports.

[old2soon]

Keep Ali rollin my friend and all of us here WILL be happy!  Glad you were able to ride her back up to where the 2nd leg of her life restarted. Glad I was able to see the reunion at I-14 along with a couple hundred of your closest friends.  cursed good report Bruce.  RIDE SAFE.

[Thunderbolt]

Thanks for the great story Bruce.  Really enjoyed it.  And for the update on the mileage that ALI has rolled up.  I still use that information to impress non believers.

[RainMaker]

Great ride report - wish I wuz there. 

Please take care of my part of Ali, too!

[robin]

Excellent report wish i'd seen all that ya'll saw someday i hope to do the same

[DaBruuzer]

Incredible story - thanks for sharing.  One day I hope to have the time to make my own high-mileage memories.  Just those pesky 20+ more years of work ahead of me, standing in the way. 

[PJR]

Truly an epic journey. And to make it with friends only heightens the enjoyment.
Great read. Thanks for posting.

[3fan4life]

Call my a sissy if you must                                                

OK you're a sissy...............

But you're still my hero.

I want to be like you when I grow up.   


GREAT story BTW.

[James III]

   Great report Bruce! After 450,000 miles are you on a first name basis with some of the out of the way gas station and hotel/motel owners across North America? That is a lot of saddle time. Ride safe and may the adventures continue!

James

[Ghost]

Great Read Bruce, Glad you and Ali are doing well. Cya on the next visit south. 

[trout dude]

There is only one thing better than reading this post and that was being there.  I would like to thank DDT for letting Tom,Micho and Myself crash this party. It was the most beautiful trip in my ridding time. My jaw still hurts from my mouth falling open at every turn. It was also great getting to know Terry and all his great friends. Terry's hospitality was spot on and most appreciated. From being at his house to him making sure all the rides was where going to be awesome. I do miss seeing Johnny at the stetson for 10:00 am breakfast and in the evening for big glasses of beer. All and all we are home now a getting ready for the next ride. A big thanks to all that made this a wonderful trip of a lifetime.

Dennis aka Trout Dude
 
PS: I have a lot of pictures just have not had time post them yet.