Denton to Deadwood, 3 Dudes, 1 Day: Done!

[Houdini]

Is this thread ever going to rollover to two pages?

[BnB Tom]

Wasn't there some talk about more pics?

[Disco]

Thanks for the excellent write-up, Valkpilot!   

When this pic was taken during Happy Hour Tuesday 3 August, 1) we had just enjoyed our first problem-free day in a few with the confidence that our problems were finally solved, 2) we had less than 500 miles to go to be home (read: cakewalk), 3) we had just passed the 3,000 mile mark for the trip, and 4) I had just passed the 8,000 mile mark in 17 days of riding since leaving for InZane X on 9 July. 

There aren't too many things better than a cold Shiner followed by some New Mexican food at Del's! 

[HayHauler]

M A N ! !  That is a fine pic you got ther!  Makes me veeeeery thirsty here at 5 p.m. still at work...

T H A N K S !

Hay 
Jimmyt

[Valkpilot]

DAY SEVEN PICS (continued)


I'm not quite relaxed leaving Albuquerque.  After all, the bike has seemed to be running OK and then taken a dump more than once in the last few days.  But we're pretty confident that we've done a root-cause repair.  This proves out as we get closer and closer to Tucumcari and everything is smooth sailing.





We roll into Tucumcari on old Route 66 in the late afternoon, probably the earliest we've stopped for the night the whole trip.  (Please ignore the fact we're full day late. Pay no attention to that man behind the curtain.)

Some Rt 66 kitsch.


After finding out that the recently remodeled Safari motel was full, we ended up at the recently remodeled Route 66 Motel, built in 1964.  Updating these old motor courts seems to be on the rise in Tucumcari and it must be working as they fill up fast.







After a couple of cold ones (Shiner, or course, as posted by Disco above) we headed for Del's for dinner.  When we got back it was time for cigars to keep the swarming mosquitos at bay and more cold ones so that we don't care if the cigars work or not.

We futzed around half-heartedly cleaning the bikes.  I also pulled a couple of plugs to see if the bike was indeed running as well as it seemed.  They looked just as they should, taking the elevation into account. Ahhh, relief at last.

We make plans to head home early in the morning in an effort to beat the triple-digit heat we've been told awaits us in Texas, then turn in.

No voices tonight.

[Valkpilot]

DAY EIGHT (NO) PICS

We got up early and were KSU before 6:30. 

Y'all are close enough to the Texas panhandle you can take your own pictures.

Our strategy for beating the heat worked until about Childress, TX and from there on, it ws like riding in a blacksmith's forge.  We decided not to stop for eats and just to push through to home.  I ended up rolling in the drive about five minutes before 4 pm, drenched, dehydrated, and dreading unpacking the bike.  I chugged a Gatorade, pulled my suitcase and briefcase off the bike and headed inside.

3500 terrific, if eventful, miles.




And, if you're ever on a motorcycle trip where you break down, JC and Dave are the guys you want along.  Actually, they're guys you want along if you don't break down.  Kudos to my riding partners.


After everything, I'm ready to do it again.

[godfire]

  Great ride report!

[RainMaker]

When the texture of your butt cheek looks like the grain of your motorcycle seat, you might be an iron butt.

When you're more concerned with the time stamped on the receipt than the cost of the gas, you might be an iron butt.

Nice report - thanks for taking the time to post all this.  Hope to make such a run someday myself.

RainMaker

[Valkpilot]

Nice report - thanks for taking the time to post all this.  

You're welcome.  I enjoy doing it.

Hope to make such a run someday myself.

Let the planning begin! 

[Super Santa]

Great report.  Wish I had been along with you.

Thanks for putting all the time and effort into the report and pictures.

[BuzzKill]

Great posts and pics!   We are heading that way Sept 3... Wooohooo!
Any good restaurants/bars/etc that you would recommend?

Thagandy

[Valkpilot]

Great posts and pics!   We are heading that way Sept 3... Wooohooo!
Any good restaurants/bars/etc that you would recommend?

Thagandy

Uh...I don't remember.

JC makes the recommendations. Disco keeps track of the names.  I just eat.

[Wanderer]

Thanks much for sharing the great ride report, Dave! Looks like you guys got in some great times! ~Jeff