May 2003 -- Las Vegas Run

This was the first big run for the group. Early on we had been buying and trying out gear on smaller runs, camping gear, tools, tunes, etc. We were FOR SURE going to camp to save bucks. Mo, Tony and Ron had purchased trailers to carry lots of gear. I had strapped my tent and sleeping bags to my bike. I looked like I was re-enacting the Okies trek to California from the dust bowl. As it turned out, I didn't need most of that crap.

We all learned a LOT on this journey. It was the trip of a lifetime. But the thing that I learned first was TRAVEL LIGHT.

Packed to Go!

Here is a shot of Sally and I and the Joad-Mobile. The tent strapped to the front forks, a sleeping bag and sleeping pad rolled and corded to the top of either hard bag and a big duffle on the back. Sally had the equivalent of lazyboy rolling down the road. And I think we were almost as aerodynamic. That came into play in New Mexico.

Land of the BIG Steak

Our first major stop was Amarillo, Texas--Home of the Big Texan Steakhouse. This is the place where if you can pig down a 72oz steak along with all the fixins in an hour you get it free. None of us tried. I think either Mo or me could have done the steak, but I'm not so sure about that potato and salad. Cool touristy type place! Definately worth the stop just to look around.

New Mexico WIND!!

Okay, you think it's windy in Oklahoma? Bullshit! We were heading into 40-50mph gusts. My lovely aerodynamic packing job meant that I was full throttle at about 45 mph. (Given the head wind, I guess that would equal 90mph...) Anyway, the goldwings cut through it no problem with their 1800 engines and snazzy slipstream design. But even Mo said "I'll never bitch about the wind in Oklahoma again."


CLICK HERE TO GO TO PAGE 2





CLICK HERE TO RETURN TO MAIN PAGE