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Bought myself a new 1500 Suzuki and was ready to go to Sturgis...problem was I couldn't find any one to go with me. Of all the people I know I couldn't find anyone that wanted to get on a bike and ride across America.
Finally, I called my son and asked him to go and he said yes. He's not a long time rider - he's still got his learner's permit, but at least he was ready to go with pop to Sturgis.
So at 6 o'clock Aug the third we left Thomasville and headed north to Charleston WV. From there we went on 64 to St Louis on 70 to Kansas City up 29 to 90 and on into Rapid City.
We spent 2 days in Sturgis and seen everything you're supposed to in the Blackhills area. We then took 212 out of Spearfish to the Little Big Horn area then over Beartooth Gap and on down to the Yellowstone. From here we went though the Grand Tetons and hit 191 and this is the trip began.
America is not a dangerous place, and the events of 9/11 have not changed this. People in mid-America still sleep with their doors unlocked, they still will welcome two old bikers into their towns and sit and talk to you. And you can still sleep on the side of the road, or in a rest area, or you can stay in the many National Parks across this great country of ours.
We were on the road for 15 days and traveled 5853 miles and never had a problem with anyone we met. We stopped and helped people when we could and people stopped to offer help anytime they thought we needed it.
This trip is one I will always remember til the day I die, because it was a time that I found out how much my son and I are alike. We discovered how much and how many things we have in common, and we found the America that I remember when I was a kid...when the pledge to your flag was a honorable thing and helping your friends was a way of life. And it still is in America.
So don't let the rabbits in your life tell you not to go see America, get on your bikes and ride or in your mini-van or your old 64 chevy convertible, and go see this land of ours, because if you don't one day you're going to be in your late 50's, like me, and going to say "I wish I'd went to see the Grand Canyon".
Ride it like you stole it.
Tony
I've taken the philosophy years ago that we'd be better off spending our retirement money on trips now, than use it in our old age just to stay alive...Medicaid requires ya to be broke anyways... We still take our teenaged kids on grand trips around this country, including the Grand Canyon this past summer... you missed a wonderful part of the country. Although you should see it by bike in the Spring or Fall - Summer is a killer on a bike around there (was over 100 degrees every damned day!)
Take in Bryce Canyon and Zion Park, Arches and Rocky Mountain National Parks on your way - in some ways they're even better than the big ditch. Hope to spot ya on the road with your boy again some day.
Muthuh  For Information, contact: Muthuh@Muthuh.com
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