Merry Christmas

        MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!                                                                                      

Merry Christmas

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!

Cold

Can't believe I haven't made an entry in over a month.  We've gone to Virginia and Georgia and back to Kansas in the last month.  Not done a whole lot of bike riding though.  A couple of weeks ago, with no official ROMEO lunch due to cold, a few of us ventured 10 miles to Assaria.  Good meal but not so good of a ride.

Now we have 8" of snow on the ground and it was -3 a couple nights ago.  The weatherman says it might get above freezing in a day or two so there won't be any bike riding for a while.

The photo below is from last year but I'll be danged if it doesn't look about the same.  All I have to do is get Sue on the deck with the shovel again.

Cold

Can't believe I haven't made an entry in over a month. We've gone to Virginia and Georgia and back to Kansas in the last month. Not done a whole lot of bike riding though. A couple of weeks ago, with no official ROMEO lunch due to cold, a few of us ventured 10 miles to Assaria. Good meal but not so good of a ride.

Now we have 8" of snow on the ground and it was -3 a couple nights ago. The weatherman says it might get above freezing in a day or two so there won't be any bike riding for a while.

The photo below is from last year but I'll be danged if it doesn't look about the same. All I have to do is get Sue on the deck with the shovel again.

A New Pair of Boots

I’ve been looking for a pair of waterproof boots for some time now. The problem is my wide feet and the fact that no one seems to make motorcycle riding boots in wider sizes. Unless you want the H-D brand that is. I would even consider those except they don’t seem to be waterproof.

Recently I ran across some boots from Cruiserworks http://www.cruiserworks.com. Most of them were engineer type which presents another difficulty….my high instep. I’m blessed with it all, wide and tall.This style seemed like it would work the best and it came in a wide size, it’s called the Defender or Commando depending on height. That’s the good news, the bad news is the $269 price.

So what else was there to do except to search on Ebay or some used ones. What I ran across there seemed too good to be true. Brand new boots for $115. Got to be cheap imitations, I thought. After emailing the seller and practically accusing them of selling stolen items I received a very nice reply stating that they were in fact new boot from Cruiserworks. The catch was they were made in Canada and Cruiserworks had changed suppliers to ones made elsewhere. I hit the Buy it Now button.

Now almost a week has gone by and I haven’t heard anything from the seller, my emails are being ignored and I’m getting concerned. Finally after a strongly worded email I received a very apologetic reply. Seems the boss had been out of the office and the new help didn’t know to do anything with Ebay orders. Anyway they refunded the shipping charges and I got the boots in a few days. All is good.

They fit OK, feel fine are comfortable off the bike too. I haven’t tested them for being waterproof yet but feel confident that they are the real deal. Oh, the strap around the top. My guess is that it is to contain the huge bow made from the really long shoe strings. Anyway that’s what I’m using them for.

A New Pair of Boots

 I’ve been looking for a pair of waterproof boots for some time now. The problem is my wide feet and the fact that no one seems to make motorcycle riding boots in wider sizes. Unless you want the H-D brand that is. I would even consider those except they don’t seem to be waterproof.

 Recently I ran across some boots from Cruiserworks http://www.cruiserworks.com.  Most of them were engineer type which presents another difficulty….my high instep. I’m blessed with it all, wide and tall.This style seemed like it would work the best and they came in a wide size, it’s called the Defender or Commando depending on height. That’s the good news, the bad news is the $269 price.

 So what else was there to do except to search on Ebay or some used ones. What I ran across there seemed too good to be true. Brand new boots for $115. Got to be cheap imitations, I thought.  After emailing the seller and practically accusing them of selling stolen items I received a very nice reply stating that they were in fact new boots from Cruiserworks. The catch was they were made in Canada and Cruiserworks had changed suppliers to ones made elsewhere. I hit the Buy it Now button.

Now almost a week has gone by and I haven’t heard anything from the seller, my emails are being ignored and I’m getting concerned.  Finally after a strongly worded email I received a very apologetic reply. Seems the boss had been out of the office and the new help didn’t know to do anything with Ebay orders. Anyway they refunded the shipping charges and I got the boots in a few days. All is good.

 They fit OK, feel fine are comfortable off the bike too. I haven’t tested them for being waterproof yet but feel confident that they are the real deal. Oh, the strap around the top.My guess is that it is to contain the huge bow made from the really long shoe strings. Anyway that’s what I’m using them for.

Scandia, KS 11-04-09

  As I walked out the door of Tag's after lunch I smelled it first then saw the huge black smoker getting fired up.  Sure wish I had know they make their own BBQ I would have had that pulled pork sandwich instead of the Mexican special.  Not that there was anything wrong with the special, two tacos, re-fried beans and some other beany, cheesey stuff with chicken meat.  All for $6.72 including tax, hard to beat.

 

 Yesterday was a primo day for a ride even if it was a little cool when we headed north to Scandia, not far from the Nebraska border.  US 81 North is a straight as a string four lane but the boredom of the rode was eased by the amazing vistas of rolling hills in north central Kansas.

 

 Emery must have had enough of the vistas and high speed of the big road as he turned abruptly to the west onto a more ROMEO like two lane black top.  I'd never been on this one before and was enjoying the big 90 degree when we came upon a dreaded Paved Road Ends sign.  As our group contained a couple of Harleys a Gold Wing and a big Vulcan so we pulled over to discuss our plight.  The decision was make rather quickly as Neil gunned around everyone on his bright yellow V-strom, beard flying from underneath his full face helmet he was in his element on the loose gravel.  The last we saw of him he was broad sliding around a turn like a flat tracker at the Indianapolis Mile.  The rest of made what seemed like 20 miles but more like 8, at a more sedate pace. 

  What to do after a big lunch?  Why, ride 25 miles to the tiny town of Agenda for ice cream of course.

  This dirt street town of less than 100 people has an little store with a real soda fountain bar complete with those of fashioned wire legged tables and chairs.  Plus a bunch of  smelly foofoo stuff sitting around for sale.

  As I understood the lady also had another store a couple of doors down.  I don't understand how she stays in business in such a remote location, maybe that is why she seemed so glad to see us.  

By the time the group had passed through Concordia going home they had all passed me save Richard on his Gold Wing.  He followed me as I pulled into the rest area 

just a few miles from Salina.  I just needed a break to stretch by back.

Had a Dubya moment when a guy came trotting across the parking lot to check out the bike wondering what it was and what year it was.  He seemed satisfied and returned to his car.  

Back home I put a slug of Stabil in the tank knowing I probably wouldn't ride for at least a month while we travel to Virginia and Georgia to visit a couple of daughters and our grandchildren.

Scandia, KS 11-04-09

Tag's Grill & Bar in Scandia for lunch then ice cream in Agenda. The last three photos are at the rest stop north of Salina on US 81.

Geneseo, KS 10-28-09

We've been to this location before but it was named something else then.  As I recall it was summer time and we had a large crowd.  Well this ain't summer but for the weather the crowd wasn't bad, around 20.  We pretty much filled the place up and there didn't seem to be many locals coming in.  Maybe we scared them off.

Five of us rode over from Salina, not a bad ride considering the strong south that tried to put us in the ditch a couple of times.  I was having trouble with my tank bag blowing off and had to strap it on the rear carrier on the way home.

Great fried chicken special that included a drink and pie.  One waitress and one cook as far as I could tell, and they keep up with everyone. 

 I even saw someone with a take home box.

Several of us hit Marquette for ice cream as if anyone really needed it but you know how Richard is about his ice cream.

Neil was having fun with his new KLR on the way home. 

 At my expense I might add as I was leading the pack and every time I looked in my mirror all I could see was red with a white beard blowing from underneath a helmet, I don't think it was Santa.

Fun day at a real ROMEO cafe. 

Geneseo, KS 10-28-09

Lunch at the Lighthouse Cafe

Hesston, KS 10-21-09

Sometimes if you want to ride you have to risk riding in the rain.  Today was one of those days.  The weather man said 100% chance of rain in the afternoon but the morning was just iffy.  Pat and I decided to dress for the worst and ride to Hesston for lunch.  

As it turned out the little splatter we got as we were leaving Salina was the worst we would see on the way down.  You could tell it was a rainy looking day cause as we pulled into Richard's in Lindsborg he rolled up on his scooter, having retrieved it from it's parking place at his mother's-in-law garage.  He didn't want to get his Gold Wind dirty so he opted for the easy to clean scoot.

It was a good turnout considering the dark clouds, about 12.  Don brought his wife who brought a cake to share so it was a good lunch with an unexpected dessert.

We decided that a stop at Rickner's Cycle in McPherson would be a good idea.  The rain returned as we entered Mac but never got heavy.  Rickner's changes every time I stop by.  They have more riding gear than any non-Harley place I've seen.  Mr. Rickner has had some recent heart problems and we wish him a speedy recovery.

I had no more than got the bike in the garage and my gear off when the sky opened for a good shower.  Must have been my lucky day.

Hesston, KS 10-21-09

ROMEO's lunch at Skoops

Another day, another handful of pills. Guess that's what keeps me so full of vim and vigor.

Rally on the River

Returned from the Rally on the River near Steelville, MO last Sunday.  Had a great time despite arriving in the rain with no headlight on Thursday, and Saturday Morning when I wanted to be riding.  

  Wonderful twisty roads in the area and several of us got a good ride in on Friday afternoon. One of the advantages of showing up a day early.  While checking out my headlight at Interstate Motorcycles Friday morning they tracked the problem down to the stator.  The good news was that they had one in stock.  It was great to get a bike worked on without having to leave it for a couple of weeks.

  After the usual mass ride to lunch after the rain Saturday I started feeling under the weather. I believe my grandson's cold finally caught up with me.  The Saturday dinner and entertainment would have been much more enjoyable had I been able to talk without croaking.   Sunday morning wasn't much better but I packed up for the 400 ride back home.  I said my good byes, climbed on the bike only to discover I didn't have a key.  My first thought was that it in my dirty jeans.  That was easy enough to check as my clothes were on top but that search proved futile.  The next place was the tent that of course was all rolled up and on the very bottom of my pack.  I finally found the key right where I finally remembered putting it. Only running a half hour late as I reloaded the bike and got underway.

  Except for the wind and bugs the ride home was pleasant enough and I made good time, arriving home at 7:30pm.  Just in time not to try out my new halogen headlight.

Rally on the River 2009

The annual Royal Enfield/Moto Guzzi rally sponsored by Interstate Motorcycles, Rolla, MO

Republic, KS 9-16-09

Richard and Joyce arrived promptly at 10am and joined us three Salina riders for the leisurely 95 mile ride up Hwy 81 to Republic.  The Cafe in Republic was a true ROMEO establishment, part cafe, grocery store, gas station and video rental.  I didn't see any fishing bait but it wouldn't have surprised me. The lunch special was OK and the apple crisp a la mode for another buck was tasty.The waitress  lady convinced us that that a visit to the nearby Pawnee Indian Museum would be worth our time and that the experience would further be enhanced by taking three miles of gravel roads to get there.  The draw for the gravel road was going over an old iron bridge.  It was a good looking scene of the bridge across the Republic river and would have made a nice picture but I was concentrating on getting through the deep sand so missed the opportunity.  My dirt skills have diminished considerably.  We all made it to the blacktop and the museum with out going down so I guess that wasn't too bad for a bunch of old guys.

The ride back to Salina included a stop in Scandia for Richard to check out a bar and grill. Seems they have Mexican on Wednesdays so suspect they will be on the short list.  A short stop at Womack's Kawasaki in Concordia and a dash down 81 ended a nice riding day. 

My vote for bike of the week:

Republic, KS 9-16-09

Lunch in Republic then a visit to the nearby Pawnee Indian Museum

Canton, KS 09-09-09

The Canton Cafe was a big step up from last weeks unreported lunch in Moundridge.  It's a shame this friendly, inexpensive eating establishment doesn't get the business that Moundridge does while giving the business to it's customers.  I think all eleven ROMEOs had the buffet of country fried steak and sloppy joes.  Salad and dessert were included, unlike Moundridge.  All that for a mere $6.50.  I don't know how they keep the doors open but I'm glad they do.

Neil, Louie and I didn't hit any rain but there was some serious drizzle on the way to Canton. The ride back was a little more wet but nothing heavy.  The big yellow V-Strom and the DR didn't have any trouble keeping up with the REB although I was showing a blazing 60mph several times.  The REB really likes cool damp weather and is running great at 17,799 miles. It should be closing in on 19k by the time I return from the Rally on the River in a couple of weeks.  Can't wait.

They have these little buffalo statues on three corners of the main intersection in town.  This poor little guy appears to have be violated

Canton Cafe, Canton, KS 09-09-09

Labor Day

Should be called Eating Day.  Went to friends for a breakfast cookout, lunch at another friends and had grilled pork chops, and for supper tonight more cooked all day meat.

Got to go for a ride and lose some weight.

Rat Bike No More

A few months ago (4-22-09) I posted an entry about our lunch ride to Hesston, KS and included a picture of Neil's Kawasaki Voyager that someone gave him.  He has been ridding it all stripped down, without the fairing and it had a distinct, Ratbike look. 
Another of the ROMEOs, Louie has been experimenting with air brush painting and has gotten pretty good.  To the point, Neil and Louie decided to tackle the rat.  Here are the amazing results.

A Ride on the Mild Side

I uploaded my ROMEO video from yesterday's ride to Galva onto Youtube.  No one will accuse the ROMEOs of riding with wild abandon.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qoT2NoHTM3w

Galva, KS 8-12-09

It was a rare solo ride to lunch in Galva this morning but it only lasted until I caught the Lindsborg bunch south of Lindsborg.  I got the idea to get ahead of them and catch a little video of ROMEOs riding.  I blew around them at the first opportunity with the intention of stopping and shooting them as they came around a corner.  The first indication that my plan had gone wrong was the headlight in my rear view after about five miles.  It seem Richard can't stand to be passed when he is on his scooter and he was in hot pursuit. He and Joyce caught me before I could get the camera out to start my little video.  The other fly in the pudding were the remaining ROMEOs.  Instead of rounding the turn and proceeding down the road they were like a bunch of curious old dogs and had to stop to see what was going on.  I guess a guy with a camera waving them by didn't register.  

I have gone past that nasty looking pole north of Galva dozens of times and always thought those were snapping turtles nailed up there.  I was wrong as they are catfish heads, some big ones too.

Around 27 ROMEOs showed up for lunch at the Kountry Kafe and the place was pretty well packed when I entered.  It didn't take long though and I got to visit with some Galva friends while I waited.  The buffet was worth the wait as usual.

I followed Richard and Joyce to Marquette for ice cream and a visit to the museum.  A leisurely ride down Falun road wound up a nice day as Richard and I parted ways.  Fourteen curves on Falun road if anyone is interested.

Galva, KS 8-12-09

Catfish heads decorate a power pole north of Galva, KS

Kountry Kafe

Thor's Roar 2009 Lindsborg, KS

Pat, Neil and I journeyed to Lindsborg this morning for a Biker's Breakfast.  Guess 9am must have been too late because the breakfast buffet was looking bare but we gave it a go just to support the city of Lindsborg.  This rally had been rained out the first two years so we wanted to do our share.  Don't think the cafe was prepared for all the business.

Fairly typical rally, lots of loud Harleys, black leather and some nice customs.  The Patriot Guard Riders made an entrance with flags flying, impressive as always.  Just a random thought here but how is it that all the motorcycles rallys have this military connection?  The PG has their thing where they recognize the vets and active duty people, that's all well and good but what does it have to do with motorcycling?  For anyone reading this that doesn't know me I am a retired U.S. Navy Senior Chief Petty Officer with almost 23 years of active duty so I feel qualified to speak.  I guess I just get tired of all these leather wrapped, bad ass looking wanttobe bikers representing my military.  nuff of that rant

They had a good turn out of vendors, maybe even more than the rally in Marquette.  One lap around the two blocks they reserved for bikes and vendors and we saw about all there was to see so we let the wind blow us home before it got too hot.

Thor's Roar 2009 Lindsborg, KS

Main st looking north

Enterprise, KS 8-5-09

The idea of getting in a good ride before lunch and before the afternoon heat turned out to be a wise decision.  The temperature never reached Tuesday evenings 100 degree mark but once it goes over 90 who counts?  

My thought was to ride to Junction City then take J Hill road south and around back to Enterprise and Rachel's cafe.  After the prerequisite stop at the Harley boutique for free coffee (I passed on the doughnuts) Pat and I made our way to J Hill only to find it still closed.  Back tracking wasn't so bad as it all looks different.

As we rounded the last curve before Entertrise the ROMEOs were quite evident in their bright day glow green shirts. 

 A large group had gathered around a brand new H-D that cost a reported $35K.  WOW, nice bike but too steep for me.

Rachel's was nice enough but obviously over whelmed by the large group of ROMEOs.  By the time the ROMEO aged waitress got to our table they had ran out of both specials.  No problem, hamburgers always work.  Turned out to be pretty good too.

We got into a large groups of riders leaving town with a destination of Russel Stovers and ice cream.  Pat, Niel and I passed on the ice cream and called it a

 day while it was still cool.

Enterprise, KS 8-5-09

What the heck was the name of that place? Rachel's Cafe

Kanopolis, KS 7-29-09

I have gotten so dang lazy with this blog that I hardly post anything anymore.  For that reason I lifted Richard's RIDE REPORT from www.RomeoRiders.com/forums and shamelessly posted it here, with my own editing of course:

Lunch at Orozco's Cafe in Kanopolis, KS:

There were twenty eight that took advantage of the fine fall like weather this July day to arrive in Kanopolis for lunch. The Breakfast location for the South Central guys located in Arlington was only a short 60 or so miles away so Bill Wilson and Gibbo took advantage of it to 'hit' two ROMEO destinations today. There may have been others and some I talked to had considered it but just didn't follow through with the plan. 
I rather think a whole day of ROMEOing about seems like a very good way to spend a day especially when it was as nice as this one.
I'm still doing grand children duty so I wasn't able to go on for ice cream even though I considered it heavily. I heard that Freddies Frozen Custard over in Salina was the spot selected. Custard? I hear it's better than it sounds! I may break down and give it a try before passing judgement. But doesn't Ice Cream just have a better ring to it?
Multi wheeled bikes of all types seemed to be the center of attention today. A sidecar rig, a regular kind of tryke and an articulated wheeled Piaggio MP-3 kind of set the stage for unusual vehicles parked on the short main street of town. It brought out some locals and kept some ROMEO's busy gawking while others were already cleaning their plate. 
Town history was a subject discussed with some locals and a few in our group that I talked with had never been here before even though they had resided in Kansas for quite a spell. 
This is one of the finest ways to see the State yet devised as far as I can determine. Close up and personal and long enough to just 'sit-a-spell'.Richard failed to mention that he got a surprise before lunch.  Denny had been busy circulating a card for everyone to sign to thank Richard for his dedication, devotion of time and hard work in arranging the ROMEO lunch rides for many years.  The card and small honorarium were little thanks for this weekly commitment so let's all remember to let him know how much we appreciate his work the next time we see him.  

Kanopolis, KS 7-29-09

Orozco's Cafe

Ride Around Athens, GA

Had a nice ride around Athens today with my son-in-law.  He was one his Kawasaki Z-1000 and I rode my daughter's 750 Honda Shadow.  It was the first time I had ridden the Honda for any length of time and while my body doesn't like the feet forward position it wasn't horrible and the bike has a nice powerful, smooth engine.  Sounds really cool too.  I feel like such bad ass when I ride it.

Real southern bbq for lunch and a visit to two bike shops afterwards, doesn't get any better than that.

In Georgia

We are in Georgia for a few day.  Beautiful weather and a chance to go riding.  It don't get any better than that.

Facebook

Finally got on Facebook, www.facebook.com.  No big deal but an easy way to stay up with what people are doing.  If they post anything that is.  Look for me, Leonard Williams, there are only 500+ of us.

Ellinwood, KS 7-1-09

2009 Royal Enfield REunion

  Less than a week before time to leave for the 2009 Royal Enfield REunion in Lanesboro, MN by back goes south on me.  I can't walk without pain and I can look in the mirror and see myself listing 10 degrees to port.  Three physical therapy sessions later and the day before leaving I have serious doubts about riding the REB 700 miles in two days.

Thursday morning, June 18th, it's going to be a hot one and I'm already sweating underneath my helmet as I roll into the parking lot of the Baptist church to meet up with my three ROMEO traveling companions.  Pat is already waiting on his 900cc Vulcan and we are soon joined by Randy on a Suzuki Savage and Richard on his 500cc Aprillia Scarabeo motor scooter.  Richard is already almost 20 miles into the ride coming from Lindsborg, KS.  We're as eclectic a group of motorcyclists that ever hit the road but we're off.

As it turns out riding is good for my back and by the first gas stop I'm feeling pretty good.  Pat and Randy are on their first long ride and doing fine.  Richard is an old pro having three Iron Butts to his credit, I'm just praying my back holds out.  We soon settle into a rhythm, I'm

leading cause it's my ride.  Truth be told I'm leading cause I'm the slowest but it doesn't much matter as we will be mostly on two lanes where 55-60 mph is right in the REB's comfort zone.  100 miles, start looking for gas, 120 miles get serious about gas, the Savage has a small tank.  Rhythm of the road, not exactly Iron Butt stuff but it's our ride.

By Clarinda, IA the temperature has climbed to mid 90's at 3pm and it's time for a break.  I spot a McDonald's with some little trees next to the parking lot in the back and we take over all available shade.  As luck would have it there was a hydrant near so we could wet down and take a nice cool rest. 

A ways south of Carroll, IA we pull in for gas and I spot a familiar bike and rider.  My old Navy buddy George on his Concurs was to meet us in Carroll but decided to come looking.  He led us to our motel and waited while we secured the bikes and decided on a place to eat.  We all had a nice time at dinner,

looked over maps, told lies, swapped stories and made plans to rendezvous with George the next day as he was going to visit his mother.  Before turning in for the night we watched the weather, a chance of rain in the early morning hours.

The lightening flash lit up the room and the crash of thunder rattled the windows, a chance of rain indeed.  I didn't sleep after the light show started at 0430, our basement room window was level with the parking lot and Pat looked out to confirm that, yes, it was raining.  We both had left our tent and sleeping bags on our bikes and were hoping our water proofing held up.

More later.............It's later, June 30th, this isn't getting written too fast.  Yeah, it was wet Friday morning alright.  In fact we delayed out start time until 9:30 in hopes it would stop.  I was in contact with George and he was watching the weather maps so we were fairly confident that the light rain would pass quickly as we headed out for our rendezvous.  The strength of our water proofing would have to wait until we unpacked in Lanesboro.

We fought the slop and road spray until lunch time and it looked things were going to stay clear and dry for the rest of the ride.  Except for getting lost in Belmond, IA after lunch things went off without a hitch.  I suspect George was laughing at me as he peeled off to visit his Mom.  I never stay lost for too long and we gave some locals a parade to watch as we turned around at a dead end and got back on track. In retrospect this was a developing trend and I continued having trouble getting us out of towns.

CJ had a beer stuck in my hand almost before I could get off the bike, good old CJ always there with what a guy needs.  It was nice to greet several people that Richard and I had meet last year.  Randy and Pat seems impressed with the campground and they have both done lots of RV camping.

Everyone was on their own for supper so the Kansas guys made our way into town to find food.  Lanesboro is a tourist town with prices to prove it but we settled at the Pedal Pusher for their all you can eat fish fry, our kind of place.   It was Richard's kind of place too and the cute waitress couldn't keep her hands off of him.  We all knew that she was working him for a tip, but the free milkshake really got him fired up.  Probably the best tip she got all week.

Saturday morning got off to a good start because someone had the foresight to get the coffee pot ready to go Friday night.  Nothing like a hot cuppa while you are waiting on the pancakes to cook.  Saturday is the day we have a group ride and this year we were lucky enough to have one of our own to chronicle not only the ride but the whole day.  Dan, also known as Porkchop, posted his creation on youtube, you can see it here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JNgGhTiFInE.

 

Most of us never see another Royal Enfield let alone get to ride some so it is a rare opportunity when this large of a group gets together (I didn't count but there was at least 8 REs).  With the other brands along we were quite the mob as you can see at the start of the video.  While riding is great it is the camaraderie with like minded enthusiast and the other things that happen that one remembers.  Fer instance a motor scooter leading a gang of old looking bikes smack into the middle of a classic car show and stopping to inquire about a place for lunch then continuing along to the stares of the show goers. 

Back to the camp ground for a fine evening meal of brats and all the trimmings, with homemade cookies for dessert.  After dinner, Tim, CMW parts man extraordinaire, was in charge of handing out the swag.  Everyone had their name drawn and got some piece of CMW merchandise to carry home.

It is never as much fun loading up to leave and the light drizzle made it worse.  We all managed to re-pack everything but Randy appeared to be having trouble finding a place for  his new Royal Enfield coffee cup.  After much consternation he managed to stash it someplace.

We say our good byes and roll out of the camp ground around 8am for the nearly 700 miles back to Salina, KS.  CJ looks a little lonely as we ride by.  He isn't leaving until afternoon, something about catching the ferry at midnight. 

Other than some rain in the middle of Iowa the ride back is going well.  So well that on a quiet stretch of four lane on Hwy 30 in western Iowa I decided to open her up.  I had been doing around 60 according to the GPS so knew there wasn't much left but I saw 70.4 before I backed off.  I wonder if that little blast had anything to do with my oil covered boot later?

We spent the night in Fremont, NE and the next morning looked great but we could see a big storm rolling in from the southwest and spent sometime discussing the best route to take.  The consensus was to continue west on 30 and drop south on 81 to home.  Not the most interesting way to go but so non-interstate four lanes so trucks could get around the slow moving REB. 

We missed the rain but the heat really started to build up as the day progress and we traveled south.  I keep the throttle at about 60mph the little thumper never missed a beat until I shut her down at home at 3pm.  1535 miles total, nothing fell off, there is oil leaking in the right fork, either a seal or o-ring and the oil on my boot that I thought might be a blown head gasket appears to have come from the exhaust.  The muffler slipped back half an inch and I was getting some blow-by.  Guess there is a little oil in the exhaust.  At over 17,000 miles it is only a matter of time until a top end rebuild, but as long as she isn't fogging up the highway I'm going to keep riding.  Next trip, Rally of the River in Missouri in September.