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Buell Motorcycle Forum » Big, Bad & Dirty (Buell XB12X Ulysses Adventure Board) » BB&D Archives » Archive through July 17, 2008 » It's not just another Homecoming trip, it's an ADVENTURE! » Archive through July 02, 2008 « Previous Next »

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Maximum
Posted on Friday, June 27, 2008 - 02:04 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Well today is the day...this morning Troyyz, my son and I leave on a 1300 mile trip to get to Buell's 25th anniversary homecoming! Yeahhhh!!!!!

Here is our basic plan:

Day 1 (Friday) - Denver to a campsite in the Blackhills area (SD).
Day 2 (Saturday) - Scenic ride through Blackhills via Mount Rushmore, Deadwood, Sturgis, ending up at a camp site in the Badlands (SD).
Day 3 (Sunday) - Head east to Sioux City (IA).
Day 4 (Monday) - Avoid the flooded areas and end up in Anamosa Iowa for the night.
Day 5 (Tuesday) - Check out the motorcycle museum in Anamosa...then head to the Homecoming host hotel.

You might think that the title of this thread is based on the fact that we will be staying off the interstates as much as possible (taking scenic routes), or because we will be doing a little motorcycle camping on the way. I guess that would be appropriate...but the real adventure may be the fact that I am heading out for this 2500-3000 mile journey with two unresolved intermittent bike issues; a potential fuel pump problem, and an occasional check engine light because of a ground problem with the air intake sensor. I have tried to diagnose and resolve the problems, but I don't know if or when they will pop up again! So for good, or bad, this trip is destined to be an adventure!

Some of you might remember the Homecoming 2007 thread that I wrote last year (Maximum Homecoming...the journey). I really enjoyed documenting my experiences from my first Buell Homecoming event, and I believe that many of you (that could not make it to the event) enjoyed reading about it. Hopefully it inspired some of you to make plans to come to Homecoming 2008! This year I will try to post some information daily, but I cannot promise that it will be quite as extensive as last year.

I look forward to seeing many of my Badweb friends and meeting many more this year.

So here's to save travels for everyone and the beginning of an excellent adventure!
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Etennuly
Posted on Friday, June 27, 2008 - 02:53 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Here's to a safe trouble free journey! I'll see you there!
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Wolfridgerider
Posted on Friday, June 27, 2008 - 02:59 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Be safe and see ya there!
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Cyclonedon
Posted on Friday, June 27, 2008 - 03:39 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Yes Steve, we did enjoy your write-up and pictures from Homecoming 2007 and looking forward to seeing you again at this year's 25TH homecoming.

Have a great trip, take a lot of pictures and when you get back home and find the time, post your pictures and thought about this years Homecoming.
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Maximum
Posted on Saturday, June 28, 2008 - 12:59 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Well...overall the first day was very successful! No bike problems at all (other than the Blast only getting about 110 miles on a tank), with no sign of my two intermittent issues!

We are camping in the Blackhills at Custer State Park. Nice park, but no internet...so I am posting thus text with my mobile phone.

We did about 350 miles today, including about 15 miles on gravel. The gravel part was not planned, but thanks to the navigating of someone in our group who will not be named (not me or my son). It was almost worth the detour as we saw a couple antelope cross in front of us at a 30 mph pace. I wish I had been able to get a couple pictures of them...but I was too busy watching my 15 year son tearing down that gravel road on a Blast at 40-50 mph!!! Since he has only had his motorcycle permit for 30 days now, I suppose no one had ever informed him that riding down roads like that was a job for the Uly...not the Blast.

Tomorrow we are off for the scenic ride through the Blackhills...then to spend a night camping in the Badlands.

Does posting this info through my phone make me a Badweb junkie?
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Xbimmer
Posted on Saturday, June 28, 2008 - 01:30 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Have a great trip Maximum! You and the young'n ride safe!

We want to see pix (taken safely of course!) posted regularly.

You guys got a copy of "Zen and the Art" to read around the campfire, of course?

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Tipsymcstagger
Posted on Saturday, June 28, 2008 - 01:56 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Looks like I'm out. Drove up to repair the Uly today and unfortunately, the left luggage bracket (the side the bike fell on) is much more mangled than I realized. Had to remove the bracket to gain access to the rear turn signal wiring (replaced the signals with LED units...more on that to come later). When I tried to get the brackets realigned, they weren't even close. Ended up snapping a bolt in the tail. Was luckily able to drill it and remove it with an Easy-out.

Without the luggage bracket, I'm can't easily pack for a 7+ day trip.

Canceling my hotel reservation in the morning. Taking a bath on the Homecoming registration and buffet dinner. $105 down the drain. Wish it were transferable.

Maybe next year.

Tipsy
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Wolfridgerider
Posted on Saturday, June 28, 2008 - 05:50 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Does posting this info through my phone make me a Badweb junkie?

Does getting up at 5 AM before I teach Riders Edge so I can read whats been going on make me a Badweb junkie?

See ya in a few!
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Gwis2
Posted on Saturday, June 28, 2008 - 09:19 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Sounds like a trip we all dream of, I'm envious to say the least! Hope all goes well for you guys. : )

Please tell Troyyz I'd like to hear from him...
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Darthane
Posted on Saturday, June 28, 2008 - 04:59 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

=D Looking forward to meeting you - here's hoping the rest of the trip is trouble-free as well.

Tipsy - no way to tie down a big backpack to the pillion and just make do with the topcase and pack? >.< ...can always hit a laundromat while you're there!
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Tipsymcstagger
Posted on Saturday, June 28, 2008 - 05:39 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Tipsy - no way to tie down a big backpack to the pillion and just make do with the topcase and pack? >.< ...can always hit a laundromat while you're there!

I thought about it Darthane...but I planned my trip around camping on the way out and back...three days each. I've got all of my camping gear in a rollbag on the seat. That only leaves my topcase for all of my tools and incidentals. Not really too keen on spending eight days in the same clothes and sleeping in my gear in the woods: )

I'm kind of bummed...especially about the no refund, no transfers policy with regard to the event registration...but the timing didn't work out. I had to fly a 13 day trip just a couple of days after I dropped the bike and had to order the parts while I was traveling. I thought I got it all squared away, but apparently not so.

Hope everyone has a great time and please post plenty of pictures!

Tipsy
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Maximum
Posted on Sunday, June 29, 2008 - 08:25 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

We had another great riding day on Saturday...with perfect weather and zero issues with any of the motorcycles. We were riding most of the day but only seemed to get about 100 miles closer to Homecoming. I could have been because of us getting lost in all of these crazy twisty roads of the Blackhills! It took us most of the day to get out of there...even after stopping at Mount Rushmore and the Crazy Horse Monument to ask for directions, we still did not find our way out until we had traveled just about every miles of all the switchback infested roads of the area! : )

So we finally headed out of the Blackhills, with grins on our faces, and made our way to the Badlands of South Dakota. This is such a unique place that who knows...we may have to get lost here too!

So last night we stayed at one of the Badlands campgrounds. It was a nice night as we heated up some ravioli then made smores over the Serno...it doesn't get any better than this!

We are getting some great pictures...you all should see them! Ahhhhm sorry for the tease...I will be sure to post some pictures as soon as we make it somewhere that has WiFi.

Today our travels are taking us to Sioux City Iowa, where we will be staying at our first hotel of the trip...which also means our first shower of the trip too! But believe me...we are looking forward to that simple pleasure a lot (and so is everyone that has been around us).

Surprising, but there is great cell phone coverage here in the Badlands...but unfortunately it is roaming. So it is really shortening the ole battery life of my Treo! So I should probably end this post and save some juice for todays journey (just in case I need it).

Sioux City...Here we come!
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Jcbikes
Posted on Sunday, June 29, 2008 - 09:14 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Steve,
Sounds great. Glad the bike is running good.
JC
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Maximum
Posted on Monday, June 30, 2008 - 11:34 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

REWIND...

June 27th, 2008...leaving home










Camping in the Blackhills




June 28th, 2008

Troy does not seem to be a morning person




Sean is becoming one with nature




Of course what would be camping without killing your own breakfast?




Getting lost in the Blackhills













Riding those twisties sure is tiring










The Wildlife Loop in Blackhills, riders beware!













When in the Blackhills it is a must to stop by and visit George, Thomas, Theodore, and Abe...







and of course that Crazy Horse.










Then off to the Badlands...










Camping in the Badlands was nothing for us hardened adventurist!
















The Badlands sunset is pretty awesome, tomorrow is a new day full of new adventures.


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Wolfridgerider
Posted on Monday, June 30, 2008 - 11:50 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Way cool pics.

It looks like your boy has grown a foot and lost some hair since last year
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Etennuly
Posted on Monday, June 30, 2008 - 12:10 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

I WANT TO LEAVE NOW! Man, do you have to send pics like that while the rest of us are still working? Looks like you guys are having a great time!

My trip will not be as picturesque though. After a couple hundred miles of mountains it will be corn fields for ever. We will be slabbing our way in.

(Message edited by etennuly on June 30, 2008)
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Maximum
Posted on Monday, June 30, 2008 - 12:35 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Ok, yesterday was day 3 (June 29th, 2008) on our journey to Homecoming...and it was an adventure.

It started off nicely with a beautiful scenic ride through the Badlands...heading for breakfast in the great town of Wall, South Dakota.










This is an amazing natural creation, it just makes one feel proud and thankful to be an American living in such a great country with all the varying types of natural beauty...and as Troy said..."the freedom to ride around and see it"













After enjoying such a great not-so early morning ride, we arrived in Wall at 10:30 am.




Our desire for a nice breakfast in Wall was smashed when we were told that breakfast ended at 10:00 am! Anyone remember the Michael Douglas movie "Falling Down"? After pleading for leniency regarding the breakfast times...with no success...we settled for lunch.

After a mediocre meal...we all decided to walk around the famous Wall Drug complex and make some new friends.










It was about noon that we finally headed off on our journey to Sioux City. The plan was to head east on I-90 just long enough to catch some secondary roads that would take us south and east. But after examining the GPS routes...I made a last minute decision just to keep this leg of our trip on the main highway...for the sake of time.

Well, that turned out to be a pretty good decision as 70 miles down the interstate I (riding trail) see a big silver thing bouncing down the highway...which seemed to be a part of a bike. 30 seconds later Sean slows down an points to his ear. Having follow the Blast boards for a while...I knew what this was...our first problem on the trip!




I had not checked the tightness of the front mounting bolt enough...and sure enough it came loose, fell out, and broke the muffler from the header! I did not have any bolts long enough to secure the muffler, so a 1/4" allen wrench and a little ingenuity, and we heading for the town of Murdo, just 10 miles away.

Being Sunday, we were not sure what we would find, but at the end of the small town was a truck stop, and at that truck stop was a service garage...with an open bay door...and above that garage it said "Mufflers". I think we are in the right place.




Two men jumped right on it, one finding an old rubber shock bumper (requiring a little sizing) and hardware, and the other one starting with a little welding work.







Meanwhile, while Troy wandered around making friends...Sean and I tried to come up with some sort of BRIGHT idea that would bring a GLIMMER of hope to this challenging situation.




About 20 minutes later we had success!




I jumped in there just to make sure the rear muffler mount was still tight.




Within an hour, by the Grace of God and some extremely helpful service guys, we were back on the road!

We finally made it to Sioux City, Iowa around 9:00 PM (Central Time), but it wasn't without further concern. One of my two intermittent bike issues cropped up about 150 miles after Sean's muffler stop. For most of an entire leg between fuel stops my check engine light was coming on...the bike would start running rough...then the light would go off. Each time the light came on for any where from 1 second to 10 seconds. I'm sure that it is the Air Intake Sensor (trouble code 15), but I can't figure out why it is so random and intermittent. After stopping for fuel, on the last leg of our day, the problem did not appear once. I would like to try out a new sensor...but until we come across a dealer (who would probably not have one in stock anyway), I will just continue to ride it and hope for the best.

So far we have logged 970 miles in the first three days, and today we are going to to travel another 290 miles on our way to Anamosa, Iowa. We plan is to spend the night in a hotel and check out the motorcycle museum there prior to our last 200 mile leg to Wisconsin!
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Etennuly
Posted on Monday, June 30, 2008 - 01:25 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

That could be a faulty temp sensor putting you into run/skip mode.
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Jlnance
Posted on Monday, June 30, 2008 - 01:28 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Glad you got the Blast fixed. I've had my muffler snap in exactly the same place. Check the motor mount and it's associated bracket. That was the root of a lot of problems for me.
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F_skinner
Posted on Monday, June 30, 2008 - 05:26 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Steve, ride safe and I hope the problems are behind you. I will meet up with you at the Host Hotel and will post our room number when we check in on the 2nd.



Frank
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Troyyz
Posted on Monday, June 30, 2008 - 09:41 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Up to this point I have been Steve's silent partner in all of this. I thought about writing my own thread but have elected to just post here. I have kept a journal of mine own and would like to share it. Admittedly it is rather lengthy and verbose, so be warned...
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Troyyz
Posted on Monday, June 30, 2008 - 11:57 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Buell 25th Homecoming Adventure


2200 hrs Saturday, June 28, 2008 – I am starting this a bit late but here is goes.

It began for me early on Friday morning (yesterday) when I woke up with the sun in my just-moved-into home. Having worked the previous night until after 2200 hours, I was rather slow to jump out of bed. Nonetheless I was out just after 0630 and started to prepare.

Some construction workers (flatwork/concrete) were already at the house finalizing and pouring our new patio. I grabbed some breakfast, conversed with the workers, and readied for my departure and join up with Steve and his son Sean. After much consternation I finally arrived at Steve’s house at around 1100. I had got my new hard cases in the previous day from Scott a.k.a. gwis2 and exchanged them out for my old slightly scraped up ones.

Steve was working on Sean’s Blast when I got there. Apparently he had some last minute challenges with the new headlight fairing he had installed in the previous days. So we set about to remove and reinstall the original fairing. The work went quickly enough and before long we were on the road heading towards the Black Hills of South Dakota with Steve on his Maximum Farkled Ulysses, Sean on his newly farkled Blast, and me on the Black Beauty of an Ulysses.

The ride started our well enough as we trekked north toward Cheyenne along I-25. Sean did very well in traffic and group riding for such a novice rider. He has had his permit for less than a month. We made it into Cheyenne and stopped for a fill up. Sean and I were both due. I had put on 40 miles just getting to Steve’s place. We grabbed some lunch as well at a Wendy’s and hit the road again. The next stop was in a place called Chugwater, Wyoming. Initially there was confusion in the name… Jugwater/Chuckwater. The place is renown for its very distinctive chili and associated chili powder. We decided to forgo the opportunity but did elect to fill up Sean about 40 miles into his tank. This would prove beneficial as we proceeded north again. Steve elected to take lead at this point believing we could route us off the interstate and towards a more scenic approach into South Dakota. Unfortunately the access road we took only put us back on I-25 a short distance later.

Now back on the highway and riding in position three I began to look on the Garmin for any roads that might connect east over to US 85. This was the road I believed Steve was trying to get us on. After finding what I believe was a good option I raced up alongside Steve and motioned for him to exit very closed to off ramp. He made it but unfortunately neither Sean nor I did. So after some careful negotiation backwards up the on ramp we rejoined and started east toward US 85 along a two-lane paved road. Indicated distance to intercept was 20 miles.

About six miles into the leg the road turned unexpectantly into gravel.

0655 hrs, Sunday, June 29, 2008 – So I am up and running. Waking up to a beautiful morning in the Badlands of South Dakota. Now back to my recounting of this adventure.

Yes, the gravel. Well at first I thought no big deal. Just a short segment of gravel then probably back to gravel as we meander east across Wyoming. After about five miles we came to an escarpment that descended rather abruptly down to an open plain. The rock formations at the edge of the plateau and the view of the surrounding area were splendid. Fortunately the road once again went paved for the descent.

The ride once again returned to gravel and Sean had a close call with bit of fishtailing during the transition from one track to the other drawing concern from his already concerned father. We pulled over, discussed it for a moment, and decided it better for Steve to take lead as we headed in towards Torrington, WY. About ten more miles of gravel lay ahead of us. The bright spot on this otherwise ill-fated portion of the adventure was a pair of antelope that paralleled our path for about a half mile in full stride then crossed the road almost directly in front us at the crest of a gentle sloping ridge. The must have been doing about 30 miles an hour as they continued out of sight to the south. It appeared completely effortless on their part.


0800 hrs, Monday, June 30, 2008 – Waking up in the hotel in Sioux City, Iowa. Now back to getting caught up on this log.

We finally made the intercept with US 85 north and were very happy to enjoy pavement once again. This took us up through Torrington and Lingle on the east side of Wyoming. We stopped for gas in Lusk and discussed my errant navigation and more importantly how we avoid gravel in the future. The next leg got us into South Dakota via US 18 through Edgemont, Pringle, and into Custer where we stopped for dinner at the Pizza Works. Not bad overall. The last leg for day was into Custer State Park at Sylvan Lake to our campsite and an end to a long and challenging first day. We arrived right at sunset and quickly set up camp, built a fire, discussed the day’s events, and bedded down for well-earned rest. The temperature dipped to about the high 40s during the night and made for some restless sleep.

Up with the sun and laid around camp for a spell on day two. Finally broke camp and head out in search of food and beverage. The general store there at Sylvan lake was very helpful and directed us towards the lodge for an affordably price brunch. We then proceeded out for the great ride around the Black Hills. Now living in Colorado has admittedly spoiled me for mountain views and stellar vistas but the Black Hills are uniquely special and compare to nothing I have seen before. After about 100 miles of twisty roads, amazing rock formations, tunnels through the hills, and numerous wildlife sightings we ended up at Mount Rushmore where we took a few snapshots and move on. I plan to return here for a dedicated couple of days to take it all later this summer. Rushmore was very inspiring.

We moved on over to the Crazy Horse mountain carving and did the complete tour complete with short movie, walkthrough of the entire facility, and followed up with a late lunch at the Laughing Waters restaurant where Ashley, our waitress, was the hostess with the mostest. Crazy Horse was as equally impressive site and I look forward to returning again and seeing the progress.

The rest of the day was spent riding to Rapid City and into the Badlands on SD 44 where we set up for our second night of camping. The site was located on the far eastern end of the Badlands National Park and provided for the basic amenities, i.e. running water and porcelain! A general store nearby offered a limited selection of canned goods, liquid refreshments, and s’mores makings. Unfortunately the campsite did not allow for and campfires proper so we improvised with some Sterno I had packed and prepared the meals and desserts. Another rider, Harvey, from and adjacent campsite joined us for conservation and laughter as haphazardly prepared s’mores over Sterno, a challenge unique unto its own. Come to find out Harvey works as a wildlife biologist at the Grand Canyon and shared a few stories from his life there in Arizona. He had stopped earlier in the day in the Black Hills and toured a winery there where he purchased a Prairie Berry bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon wine. We offered our s’mores and he offered his vino. Good trade!

The sunset provided for some great photos and moments for reflection as we set about to cleaning up dinner and ourselves. Slumber came quickly as we settled into our tents for the last time on this trip. This time the temperature hovered in the mid-50s and everyone rested well.

We woke up, broke camp, and started the day at a very leisurely pace. The campground was almost cleared out by 0900 and it felt like we had missed the exodus by the time we hit the road. The route Sunday took us north on SD 240, the Badlands Loop, and provided for some just otherworldly views of this region. This is a must see for all. This route deposited us on I-90 in Wall, South Dakota. This place is straight out of the Twilight Zone as far as roadside adventure. Wall Drug extravaganza! An entire city built around a pharmacy. Lunch was at the Cactus Cafe across the street from the Wall Drug. Steve, Sean, and I took some silly photos inside the Wall Drug and moved on.

I-90 was our first real interstate experience since I-25 out of Denver and I was looking forward to exiting ASAP. The plan was to follow the Missouri river southeast through to Sioux City, Iowa. Steve was watching the clock and GPS better than me and just prior to the exit south on US 73 he rode up alongside and motioned to continue via I-90 for time. Begrudging I acquiesced and drove on in lead. This proved the wiser choice in retrospect as about an hour later the muffler on Sean’s bike, the Buell Blast, broke off at the header. We were about 10 miles short of Murdo, South Dakota. After some hasty redneck engineering, we limped it on into Murdo where we found the Triple H Truckstop. Mike and Nick quickly jumped on the project like a NASCAR pit crew and had it back on the road within an hour. They ended up fabricating a bushing, provided a bolt, and welded the header back to the muffler. Who would have thought that on a Sunday afternoon in central South Dakota you could get that great a service team. We are greatly in their debt.

This rest of the trip went uneventfully as pulled into Sioux City, Iowa and settled in at the Days Inn. We arrived about 15 minutes after sunset and Ben at the front desk helped get us in, directed us towards food, and kept an eye on the bikes. Steve cleaned up the muffler repair by installing some JB weld on top of the existing weld. There after we sat down to a truck stop meal of the breakfast special, at about 2200… in bed (finally) and resting comfortably. Now awake this Monday morning where we are presently catching up on the logs and posting online. Have to get to the post office today and mail out the money order to Scott for the great bags. Scott see the PM.

Planning the next leg on US 20 east through the 500-year flood of 2008 here in Iowa. Final destination is a Super 8 in Anamosa, Iowa near the National Motorcycle Museum.

1930 hrs, Monday, June 30, 2008 – Checking in the Super 8 on the outskirts of Anamosa, Iowa, home to the National Motorcycle Museum and temporary home to three seasoned travelers. The morning went rather uneventful for the 330-mile trip that lay before us. Got out of Sioux City without major incident. I did take a short deviation off the path and Steve quickly got me back on. We stayed on US 20 for most of the day stopping only for fuel and one photo op with dozens of wind generators. All was going well enough until, as fate would have it, Steve’s windscreen flew off at about 65 mph, right at the exit that would take us south to US 30 and east into Cedar Rapids. Steve will have believe some concoction of a story about a red bird and its mating habits, but leave it be said, that isn't exactly what happened. ; ) Fortunately we were able to retrieve it quickly and get back on the road.

2130 hrs, Monday, June 30, 2008 – Just a short break to grab some food. So back to the story. In our initial route planning a couple of weeks ago, I had expressed a desire to see the damage caused by the 500-year flood of 2008. So the guys obliged me. As we crossed through the heart of Iowa you could see the results of the widespread flooding this past month. Crops are stunted and in large areas are non-existent due to the excessive water accumulation in the low areas. It is a very sad scene. We meandered through downtown Cedar Rapids and saw numerous city blocks of where clean up has begun. Piles of appliances, destroyed furniture, and trash are in front of every building. I am sure Steve will post his pictures. The one image that resonates with me is the waterline on a building that exceeded 10 feet above the ground. What a tragedy the area has endured.

We made the final leg into Anamosa, Iowa and got settled in before dark. We did venture downtown to recon the motorcycle museum and get a few games of bowling in at Sean’s request. Unfortunately though, the alleys closed right as we arrive so we settled for a quick meal and early night. More to follow tomorrow as we make the final leg of the journey into East Troy, Wisconsin. Good night!
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Maximum
Posted on Tuesday, July 01, 2008 - 12:36 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Day 4 - Monday June 30th, 2008.

Are we there yet? That is what my son must be thinking by this point! We did a little over 300 miles today, for about 1250 total miles so far on the trip.

We saw lot's of beautiful Iowa farms today...with acres upon acres of corn. It looks like this...




and this...




I took hundreds of beautiful pictures like the two above, and I was going to post them all for you, but then I realized that they all look the same!

So I guess that I will just post a few that have Buell motorcycles in them.

Look Mom, no hands! I didn't teach him that.




Close up, say cheese!




I also came up with idea of a wind powered Uly!




Of course what is better than a farm, a Uly, and a muscle car!




Every now and then there was a farm with some flood damage.




But downtown Cedar Rapids really had some evidence of flood damage.




Trash was everywhere.




If you look closely, you can see the high water line around six feet above the ground at this gas station.




Downtown had trash and sand bags all over the place.




So I guess that was about it for the day.

On Tuesday we tour the Motorcycle Museum here in Anamosa, and then it's off for the host hotel only 200 miles away!

Wahoooo!!!!

(Message edited by maximum on July 01, 2008)
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Windrider
Posted on Tuesday, July 01, 2008 - 12:08 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Great Post Max and friends. Your son will always remember this trip.

Happy Trails.
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Etennuly
Posted on Tuesday, July 01, 2008 - 12:47 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Steve,

The trip looks great! Wish I was there. Speaking of that......I won't be.


The good news is that things are getting busy around here and as of this morning time off won't happen for a while.

Self employment sometimes is so much like pushing a big rope up hill into the wind. Here is how this morning went:
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Troyyz
Posted on Tuesday, July 01, 2008 - 08:48 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

The trip is on its last leg getting in today. We stopped by the NMM in Anamosa for about 2 hours and then checked out the J&P nearby. Nice stop overall. The museum was definite highlight of the trip.

We made the final 230 miles into Brookfield, Wisconsin without issue. Lots of backroads and scenics byways to enjoy along the way. The Sheraton was a welcome sight after this long adventure. The bike wash station was a nice touch but it lacked buckets and soap... a bottle of Dawn would have gone a long way, but beggars can't be choosers. Settling in now and heading out for a meal. Have met several other Buellers as they have been coming in. We were about the 3rd group of bikes to show up and presently there is about 20 bikes outside with more coming in as we speak.

Looking forward to a great week!
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Rocketsprink
Posted on Tuesday, July 01, 2008 - 08:58 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Nice. Very nice. Can't wait till my Son gets a bike and we can share in an adventure. It's a few years away yet. Your Son is lucky to have a Dad like you. Never let him forget that!
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Maximum
Posted on Wednesday, July 02, 2008 - 01:09 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

OK, here are the pictures to go along with the post above by Troyyz.

The Motorcycle Museum was first on the list for Adventure Day 5.




What's a Vincent? I don't know...but Jay Leno has one!




How about a little Evel XR750 action!




Sean...here trying to figure out which Indian was the one owned by Burt Munro.




And what museum would be complete without a tribute wall to Steve McQueen?







A quick stop by J&P Cycles was next on the list, and it might have been a long stop if we were riding cruisers!




Day 5 completed our 1500 mile journey to homecoming...and it was a great time. My son did a really great job on this ride. And Sean really seems to fitting in with the Buell motto very well...cause he rode that Blast "like he stole it"!!!




It was a great ride...but as Troy stated above...we were all anxious to get here and settle in to the host hotel for a few days!




This will probably conclude this thread since the trip to Homecoming is always more exciting than the ride back home. I will probably post some picture of the actual Buell Homecoming event as the week goes on...but I'm not sure if I should post them here or some place else on Badweb where more people will see. I'll be sure to let everyone here know exactly were I am posting them.

For those coming to Homecoming, look me up! For those not coming, I'll call you...just kidding...let me know if you want me to take and post pictures of anything specific!
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Tipsymcstagger
Posted on Wednesday, July 02, 2008 - 01:34 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Hey Steve! Glad to hear you're having a great ride! I really wish I could have made the trip...there's always next year I suppose. I'm just glad to have the Uly back in NYC and running strong...albeit without the luggage brackets.

Keep the trip reports coming! I'm living vicariously though you this week!

Tipsy
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Wolfridgerider
Posted on Wednesday, July 02, 2008 - 04:13 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

This Thread has my vote for "Best Thread Ever"
See ya in a few hours!...... i can't sleep if you must know or can't tell...
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