HOME!!!!!

I am home. I am still tired. Got in yesterday morning, and after checking mail, and paying bills, and putting together a puzzle (don't ask) I went promptly to bed. I slept a good 6 hours or so. I will be posting one last entry to this blog in the next day or so. It will be an accounting of sorts. I will thank people then as well.

Ketchup

Ketchup
Originally uploaded by mpyre9.

fine, here is the world's largest ketchup bottle heidi. happy now?

Ohio

So my plan was to meet Rusty at his place and hang out, but he told me Sin City was hashing that day. I decided to detour a little south to hash. Forgetting about the time change, I was an hour behind, and had to make a mad dash to Cincinatti. It was ok because like most hashes, they run late. I met many nice people in Sin City, and ran a very fine hash. Lots of hills, a nice combination of trail and road, and did I mention HILLS?

At circle I was asked to sing a song, and at Rusty's suggestion, I sang Old McHasher... I then volunteered the mailman song, and please tell me why. Folowing that, Rusty, Son of a Nun, and I went back to Dayton for the night. We got some pizza and a few beers. Ear showed up, and spent some time, but since she's "training" for a M, didn't partake of the festivities. We'll get her after she finishes this thing.

My plan was to leave bright and early the next day and head towards Ashville. That plan, like many others this trip failed, and I found myself going on a geocache (http://www.geocaching.com/) with Ear and Son of a Nun. It was a nice find, and we treated ourselves to real Dayton Ice Cream afterwards. Getting home, Ear and I looked at the maps to figure my best route to Ashville, and then I was off.

Traveling on highways all day really takes it out of you. Once I got past Cincy, The road was pretty scenic. I had to pass through Kentucky, and back into Tennessee. Little did I know, (actually I had been warned) that there was a 12 mile backup just before Knoxville. It was getting late, and I was ready to be closer to home, so I did the only thing I could think of. I rode the left shoulder all the way to the front. I mean, there was no movement. People were out of their cars, engines off. There was a small football game going on, so there was no danger. Now most people were ok with it, as I stopped often to see if anyone knew what was happening. I did get a few ugly comments though. Honestly, I've been called worse things by better people. I pressed on, and got to my last hotel around 12:30 AM just West of Ashville. The Desk Clerk said he would watch my bike so I didn't have to unpack the whole thing. I slept well for 5 hours, and then it was time to finish this adventure.

Indiana

So I stopped in Indiana in a small town named Rockville at a really cute motel. It was kind of like staying in a friend's house for the night. Now Rockville, is in Parke County which is home to 32 covered bridges, about one third of all the covered bridges in Indiana. So I got to Rockville after a nice day of touring. I saw the world's largest ketchup bottle (see above), and took some time to see Lincoln's house and Tomb. I checked into my motel, and had a nice dinner with the locals at a dive bar with good food and drink. I really enjoyed walking to this place through the small town.

Waking up the next morning, i took a beautiful beautiful ride through many quaint towns to see some of the bridges. Some you can ride through, some you have to walk. This county strives to maintain their bridges while other places let them disappear. It was a splendid ride over about 30 miles of cornfields, amall towns and country. I stopped for breakfast in Bridgeton, and was then on my way to Ohio to meet with the DECOC folks. Now one of the things I was disappointed with on this ride was that Indiana was full of these small towns I have been mentioning. The first hundred miles or so I saw so many beautiful and quiet communities, and then almost immediately, it all changed. From small towns, to strip malls. It was very unpleasant to look at, and could have been anytown USA. I'm not a big fan of urban growth and sprawl.

Honest

So I left St. Louis this morning after a hearty breakfast. I had told myself I would do some silly things this trip, so I found myself headed for Collinsville Illinois, home of the world's largest ketchup bottle. It's really a water tower shaped like a bottle to recognize one of the main industries of a bygone time. Yep, Collinsville, horseradish capital of the world.

Moving on, I decided to slow down and smell the roses. I took old route 66 through small town after small town.
.Mount Olive, an old coal mining town, and Litchfield, a totally old route 66 town. Small restaurants, billboards, and small places to stay for the night. I have never seen so much corn at one time. The roads were simply lined with it. Illinois is on the forefront of alternative fuel research.

Continuing on, I found myself in Springfield, the home of Abraham Lincoln. I took a short tour of Abe's house. It was the only house that Lincoln ever owned. Most of the furniture was reproduction as the Lincolns sold most of it when they left Springfield. Two miles South of the house, I rode to the Oak Ridge Cemetery to see Lincoln's Tomb. It was huge, and a very solemn experience.

I continued my trip to Rockville Indiana, home to 32 covered bridges. The bridges range in age from 1856 to 1920. I'm going to ride them tomorrow. I'm in for the night in a small quiet hotel. I'm getting a bit road weary, so am treating myself.

Good Night
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The Twain shall never meet

So I rode to Hannibal Missouri today. Hannibal is home to Mark Twain. I don't know why but I picture towns of literary noteriety differently. Not saying the town was bad, just different. This town is not shy about promoting its native son. There have to be over a dozen places named either for Twain, Clemens, Injun Joe, and the like. I decided to avoid these places and fell upon The Other Place where I had a nice meal and a cool drink. I met some nice people and was told to go back the next day for the first biker dayz. Seems like I was a day early. Maybe I'll head up there tomorrow on my way to Illinois (I think I'm going to Illinois). Tonight I got to St. Louis. I tried to hook up with some hashers, but couldn't swing it. Pampering myself with a hotel for the night. Time for a beer or four, some grub and sleep. Thanks for reading. Keep those comments coming, they're making me smile.

On Out
M
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Kansas...

Has nothing I would go back for. I spent all day riding just to get through. Stopped for the night in Topeka. While I was riding I wrote three Haikus...

Kansas riding to the end
Nothing here but fields
Boring people with bad hair

Zen and the art of Sushi
Too much Wasabi
May I have some more Green Tea

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you wanna fight?

So I'll fight anyone who says I don't have the most beautiful new neice in the world. Colorado was the best part of my trip so far. I got to see my sister Gwenn, my brother in law Jeff, and my brand new neice Amber. She is nothing but cuddles, smiles, and love. No wonder I left Colorado 2 hours late.

Yesterday I rode all day through some of the scariest weather. The winds were so strong, and the rain so gusty, I was being pushed off the road. I made it to Topeka around 11, and crashed for the night

Bryce sunset

Bryce sunset
Originally uploaded by mpyre9.

this is Sunset Point at Bryce Canyon. Really cool Hoodoos.

Vegas to Utah

Vegas to Utah
Originally uploaded by mpyre9.

I never in my wildest dreams would have thought that Southern Utah waould be so beautiful. I rode to Zion National Park and was mesmerized by what I saw. I don't even think I can put it into words. I know, rocks are rocks, but they're not. I took an hour and a half tour via shuttle to see some of this park. The picture shows two of the three patriarchs, Isaac and Jacob. I will come back here for a more extended stay.

I continued on to Bryce Canyon and Red Rock Canyon. Stunning views were everywhere, and my eyes couldn't take it all in. Bryce has these rock formations called Hoodoos. They are formed by erosion of course, but look like no other. Unfortunately, my camera battery died so I wasn't able to get any pics. I decided to camp at Bryce for the night, and not head towards Canyonlands. It was completely worth it. I was graced with Alex and Ellen from Pennsylvania who were hiking Bryce. They joined me at my fire, and it was very nice to talk with these two and get to know them a little. One of the greatest things about this trip is the number of folks I have met.

The following morning, I caught a sunrise at Sunset Point, It was the most unique place I've ever been. Colors, light, all playing a part in this spectacular park. You simply must see it in person.

I left shortly after for a very very very long ride (12 hours) to Colorado to see my sister, brother in law, and new neice Amber. Dinner, a couple of beers, and I was down for the night.

illegal

illegal
Originally uploaded by mpyre9.

This was probably illegal, but this old man and his wife told me to ride my bike off the road to get a great picture. It is a great picture too. Look at that stunning scenery... and the mountains aren't bad either

they named a town

they named a town
Originally uploaded by mpyre9.

So I'm riding through New Mexico, and found a town named after me. I simply had to get the picture.

chunder

chunder
Originally uploaded by mpyre9.

so, which one of us doesn't belong? you guessed it, the one on the right.

Vegas part Deaux

Ok Ok, so I forgot to tell you about the Thunder from Down Under http://www.thunderfromdownunder.com/

Lee, Stacey, the kids and I went to a local casino so Stacey could see some of the cast of Days of our Lives. It was a Girls Day Out, and we tagged along. Unbenownst to us, the Thunder From Down Under was there. As soon as we walked in, Lee said in his best "gay" voice FABULOUS! he wasn't shy about it, so I just followed his lead. We met the boys, I got a poster signed by some of them, and even got a picture. It was simply devine. One of the guys said that they always get one or two of us at a show, wankers that is.

on out

Vegas at 117 Degrees

God, the ride to vegas yesterday was hotter than the other day, and no Heidi, I am not complaining, just stating the facts Biatch. Anyway, Deb hooked me up with a place to stay for a couple of nights. Her friend Stacey, and her husband Lee were more than generous by offering me their pad sight unseen, and I am a sight to see. The last few days have left my face dark and peeling. I have been using lots of sunscreen, but the nose suffers still. Alas, they took me in, gave me a shower, and a place to rest my head. Stacey and lee have two lovely daughters who were kind enough to not ask why my face was falling off. After I was rested a little, we went out to dinner, and then I had a very nice sleep. Today I woke without an alarm, and the family and I went out to breakfast. Lee and I then took a ride out to Red Rock State Park. It was a very nice drive. Currently, I am sitting in a theatre at the Luxor Hotel www.luxor.com. about to see the Blue Man Group! I am very exc!
ited as this is one oF the things I absolutely had to do. Later tonight, I will lose a little money in the casino, and ride the bike down the strip just to be able to say I did it. Well, the show is about to start, so I'll close out for now. Thanks for reading. Tell your friends. Thanks for your messages too, as they're making me smile.

M
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Long Beach

Today started on a more relaxing note than the night before. I woke up when I wanted, and took a leisurely ride to Coronado Island where the oldest wooden hotel in the universe (or something like that) is. The Del Coronado was a beautiful building, and I walked around a bit. After lunch, it was North to Long Beach. I took the scenic route the whole way. There is something about the smell of salt air, that mixture of sand and mist and brine that simply makes me smile. It actually took me around 4 hours to ride 150 miles because I stopped at most of the towns and beaches.

I finally got to Long Beach where I met up with the LB Hash. They. Were very nice people and took me in (I even got a new mug). The trail was full of hills, and their version of shiggy which includes lots of brush, and off road. It wore me out but it was a very good trail. After circle, Take a number and Rat's Ass offered to put me up for the night. I accepted. I met so many hashers, including Iggy (Iggy says he's kicking you ass), and Tort Tart, as well as Bidet Mate, to whom I gave my Tidewater mug since she used to hash there. Special thanks to Chewie for first contact. I had A great time Long Beach.

On Out,
MBM
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Hot as F@(K

So I woke up yesterday morning after a very poor night of sleep. It was cold, and for some reason I just couldn't sleep. I decided to hit the road towards San Diego. This was going to be a long ride, but mostly side roads would help make it a bit enjoyable. What I couldn't predict was that the temperature would hit a record high. It had gotten up to 119 degrees, and riding into heat like this is oppressive. Kind of like riding straight into a hairdryer, but so much hotter. I started riding 50 miles at a time instead of 100, just to cool off, and give the bike a break. With e hours to go, my arms felt like they were on fire. I can't adequately describe the heat, it's just something terribly uncomfortable. So it's hot all day, I'm drinking tons of liquids, and finally make it to San Diego. It took me some time to find a place to sleep as Comicon and the Fireman Olympdicks are in town.

Today it's laundry (very needed) and a short trip to LA via Long Beach. I'm out of here to tour this city, and see the Pacific.

See you all soon. Today officially marks my turn around towards home. There,s much more to see. Stay tuned.

M
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Grand Canyon

I cannot say enough about this place. It is absolutely amazing to think that this marvel was created by a river. I spent my day walking part of the southern rim, and hiking a small trail. There was a fire caused by a lightening strike on the North Rim, and as a result, the canyon was very smokey. It was still beautiful to me. I rode my bike along the East Rim stopping along the way for picture breaks. Then it was back to camp for the night. Thanks for reading.

MJ
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El Paso

The night before last, I met with the El Paso Hash. They put on a very good show, with a major tunnel that had to go on for over a quarter mile. After. The hash, we went to (I think) Cinco's house for dinner. Thanks to her, Tooth, Just K (Kelly, Karen) I'm sorry I forget, but I do remember that her initials are KY. After dinner, I decided to press on which was very nice as it was cooler. I camped out in the Gila (Gee-La) mountains, and after pitching tent, and getting a. fire going, it was 1:00.

Waking up the next day, I made my way to the Gila Cliff Dwellings. The ride was upa mountain, and though only 45 miles, it took me over an hour and a half. There were so many hills. It was a beautiful ride though. Leaving the cliffs, I headed towards Silver City for lunch. I was told to go to this mexican place, and I wasn't disappointed. Very authentic food, and neat people.

Finally it was off to the canyon. Actually, I stopped in Flagstaf for the night, as I had been riding from sunup to sundown. I'm repacking, and will leave for The Grand Canyon in just a little bit. I am very very excited. More later.

On Out.

MBM
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Sometimes you're the windshield...

Sometimes you're the bug. Today wa sn odd day, I'll just get that on the table. So as a biker, you get used to being hit with any number of objects. Debris from the road, trash, and many many bugs. These bugs are mostly no seeums who only make themselves known as they smack against your helmet, leg, or body. Occasionaly though, you see them coming, and if fast enough, you can dodge them. Unfortunately for me last night, things happened in slow motion. This monster bug came my way, and I swear I could see its face in that "holy shit" state. I couldn't avoid it, and SMACK! It hit my right glass lense forhead and cheek. It was gross.

Hammer
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Ok, let's recap the last few days. I left Oklahoma City after a night of fun with Norman masterBates, Pipe, Massage Menage, and E-Whore. I had an absolutely beautiful ride to Texas with a stop in Amarillo. Amarillo is a nice little city with much to do. Imagine riding down the highway and seeing in the distance a row of 10 Cadillacs buried half deep with their asses in the air. Cadillac Ranch is in the middle of a huge field of nothing. Some guy built it at the same angle of the Pyramids of Cheops. It was certainly worth the trip.

Leaving Amarillo, I headed south to Palo Duro Canyon where I would be spending the night. I have never been in a canyon before so when I finally saw it, after riding for miles of nothing but flat land, needless to saw, I was awestruck. This thing went down over three miles, and my campsite was sheltered by the canyon walls. I rode around the canyon for an hour or so, and decided to hike the 5 miles to the Lighthouse, a rock formation that looks like... Well, a lighthouse. After a well needed shower, I saw a musical called "Texas.". It was at an outdoor pavillion with the canyon walls as its backdrop. There must have been 60 to 80 actors, and when it was finished, I was proud to call myself a Texan.

Todsy I was woken up at 4:30 by a storm rolling in. I decided to hit the road and enjoyed the hell out of it. It was dark, there were no cars on the road. All of a sudden, it looked like Christmas Texas style, with lights, sirens, the works. I was being pulled over by a Texas Ranger! Apparently, (don't believe it mom and dad) I was going 77 in a 70. We chatted for a while, he invited me to sit in his car (front seat), and gave me a warning. No fine! The rest of the day was a piece of cake. Made it to Roswell to meet some aliens, but all I saw was a sea of tackiness. Stores selling all kinds of kitch. It had to be seen though. Finally, I got to my final destination, Carlsbad Caverns, and saw my bats! Around 400,000 of them streaming out of the mouth of a cave! Truly amazing.

Well it was getting late, and a huge storm saturated the ground, so I decided to hotel it tonight. I pulled my bike in to the room with me. She,s been so good, she deserved some air conditioning. Thank you John and Joan for the room tonight.

Well that's all for today. Tomorrow's El Paso. On Out
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oh I forgot...

You pronounce those mounains like wash-i-taw. They are tho only east west mountains in the united states.

Out for now.

Hammer

Oooooooooo ahoma

So I made it to. The above place and . Sitting in a bar called lumpy's waiting for some hashers. I went to the site of the OKC bombing, and it was quite touching. You walk in to this open roof area and immediately see a large reflecting pool. Then you see the chairs made to honor the dead. It was sobering enough until I saw the little chairs which represent the children killed. It gave me chills. The ride today was spectacular. I opted to add a couple of hours to go a more scenic route. Much poverty here.

Little Rock

So I got to Arkansas in the pouring rain. I am a little damp, but the rain gear is earning it's keep. I stopped at the riverfront for lunch, and lost track of time. By the time I thought about leaving, it was 4 and I still had a ways to go. I decided to fly through hot springs, and spend the night in the Ouachita (correct pronunciation at the end) national park. What a beautiful place. I set up my campsite, lit a fire,and popped open a 32 oz Miller High Life, because I am currently living the high life.

memphis

Yesterday was a very long day. I rode over 500 miles, but landed safely in memphis. First stop was graceland where I saw all of the oppulence of a small town boy with too much money. It was necesary to see it though. I was graciously given a roof by clerk jerk and his wife jerk off. They took me to beale street. Where we had great russian foodn and vodka. We then visited a few bars, and listened to somw blues at bb kings place. It was a very fun yet tiring day.

more and more country

I don't know why, but I thought nashville would have down and out, and up and coming country singers on every street corner. Alas, the ride so far has been boring as I've been on the highway. It has been raining pretty much nonstop, so I'm thankful for my gear. I should be in memphis in a few hours after I finish this damn fine bbq.

the 4th part 2

Ok, so this is one crazy scene. Ther must be over 20,000 people here to see fireworks, and I'm happy to report that in this neck of the woods, the mullet thrives. Apparently, gattlinburg likes to have the last works of the fourth, so they do them at 11:59 pm. It's going to be a long day tomorrow. Time for billy ray cyrus. I can't believe I'm going to see a country show. Hope he plays achy breaky heart. On out.

happy 4th of july

I can't think of a better way to bring in the 4th than riding on the skyline in the shenandoa national forest. Being covered in the mist coming down from the mountains while deer watch you pass is simply beautiful. I made it to gattlibburg at 5 tonight, and due to the rain, decided to get a hotel room. I am on my way to pigeon forge to see the fireworks, and billy ray cyrus! Then I'll head back to gattlinburg for their works at midnight. I'll write more later.

happy 4th of july

I can't think of a better way to bring in the 4th than riding on the skyline in the shenandoa national forest. Being covered in the mist coming down from the mountains while deer watch you pass is simply beautiful. I made it to gattlibburg at 5 tonight, and due to the rain, decided to get a hotel room. I am on my way to pigeon forge to see the fireworks, and billy ray cyrus! Then I'll head back to gattlinburg for their works at midnight. I'll write more later.

sunday

Good morning. Yesterday was a day of rest, catching up with old friends. If you've never been to a weekend hash event, it's kind of hard to describe. Let's just say it was a blast, quite literally as the fireworks show we put on at the river was amazing. Today, it's tubing on the shenandoa river all day. Off to breakfast. Thanks for reading.

luray virginia

Well, the first leg went off without a hitch. The bike is working just fine, just some condensation or something. Made it to luray in about 5 hours, and crossed over the blue ridge mountains. The highways were boring, butb overall, it was a nice ride. Upon breaking out my brand new tent, I found one of my poles broken. The elastic that connects them snapped. It's ok though because they still connect. It's been a crazy day, but if that's the worst of it, then I'll be happy.ok, it's time for dinner.

Day 1

friday morning, and it's time to leave. so i go out to the shed and start my bike... no start. i pull the choke, and it starts, but won't hold idle. finally i get it started, and bring it around to the front for a picture which can be found here. you will have to cut and paste. make sure you get both lines.

http://www.kodakgallery.com/Slideshow.jsp?mode=fromshare&conn_
speed=1&Uc=ixt2hvp.awlwroz9&Uy=-gcz3y1&Ux=1

i will be calling the cycle shop at 9, and asking them a few questions. i think i'll pay them a visit on my way as well. better safe than sorry.

ok. i'm shutting down the computer. keep in touch.

Hammer!