South Dakota - Day Seven & Conclusion

Today we rode over to Wyoming. Headed west on 16. We were not sure what to expect since we were riding away from the Black Hills.

What a great ride!!! The road near Jewel National Park totally kicks ass. Especially at Hell Canyon,

We stopped for pictures of the Welcome to Wyoming and South Dakota signs. While moving over to the South Dakota sign a family walked up. I offered to take the family photos. We asked them where they were from and they said St. Louis! i said no way so are we. They were from Wildwood. Had spend a few days in Custer and were headed over to Yellowstone! Damn small world! I had forgot to mention when we were at the Mt Rushmore night lighting ceremony the man we sat next to has moved to Iowa but was from Ballwin!




The afternoon found us resting in the RV as some small showers had set in. Riding in the Black Hills in the rain wasn't something I wanted to experience.

After a nice nap we decided since it was Wednesday night and our normal Wednesday nights at SLSC meeting/ride that we would do a Northern SLSC ride. Since I am to lazy to report that part, I will direct you here for that part:

http://stlphins.com/slsc/index.php?topic=652.msg7119#msg7119

One of the last places we rode to on the bikes was Crazy Horse. As I previously have mentioned Pete and I were so moved by the entire Crazy Horse Memorial. We will be come regular donors to the cause. ..and of course go back!




That basically concludes our time in Paha Sapa (Sioux for Black Hills) I have left out so much from our trip not to bore our readers. But it is suffice to say we had just a grand time. We will be going back in no time to the Black Hills. Pete and I loved the area. If you ever have a chance to go, do yourself a favor and go! Even if you are in a cage you will have a great time.

On the way out of South Dakota, we headed south to do the off Interstate way home. One of the last things we saw was a heard of Buffalo! It is funny cause my friend Vanessa sent me a text saying don't forget my buffalo pictures missy! I swear no longer than I was laughing and reading this to Pete, this heard appeared!!


http://www.flickr.com/photos/stlscooterclub/sets/72157620875004645/show/

South Dakota - Day Six

Badlands Part II

Yes we did the Badlands on the way into the Black Hills but in the RV. I really wanted to go back so Pete could really enjoy the entire Byway.

We headed out of Custer and took the fun way across 244 to 16 to 44. 44 is a Byway in itself that parallels I-90. Pretty straight but great scenery across the prairie land and through the north and south sections of the Badlands.

We took a break on a bridge across the Cheyenne River. The landscape is so different from the Black Hills but just as gorgeous in it's own right.



After leaving the Cheyenne River break we climbed a small hill then after wards it was pretty straight into the Interior, SD.

Pete and I communicate via Scalas, there are times when we will not say much and just take in the scenery. I look in my rear view and the DN-01 headlight is a small spec way back. I slow down to about 45mph and the spec grows a little so I stop. Pete rolls up beside me and I re- establish our Scala connection and said, everything ok? He said everything is perfect but I am not riding across this beautiful scenery at 90mph, I want to enjoy it. Opps :)

We roll into Interior and stop for gas and lunch at the Cowboy Corner. YES! Special of the day is sloppy joes!


After lunch we do the entire Badlands byway again. Worth every mile!



After the Badlands we head back in to Wall and come home via I-90. At one point we hit some crosswind doing 80mph and I lost my rear bottom fairing on my Burgman.Ii say to Pete don't stop, screw it, to dangerous.

Ordering a new one is better than having him out on the Intestate getting it back. The previous owner of my bike had painted it. So now I will order the replacement piece and this will make me paint the entire bike. Something I have wanted to so anyway. Now to pick a color. I am leaning towards metallic hunter green with the color flakes.... We shall see.

For now I am riding a half naked rear bike, actually doesn't look half bad. Maybe I can get Ron the mad scientist modder to do something I have in mind ;)


Great day, 270 (s)miles of outstanding riding!

Came back to the RV and slept 12 hours :)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/stlscooterclub/sets/72157621009427170/show/

South Dakota - Day Four

Gold, Gun & Guts.... Welcome to Deadwood

Day 4 found us on the road to Deadwood. I have been a huge fan of Deadwood ever since the HBO series of the same name. I was most anxious to see Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane's graves.

The trip to Deadwood was across Hwy 385. No hairpin turns of Needles or Iron Mountain Road but a great road on it's own. Surrounded by grand beauty. Most notably was Pactola Reservoir.


Deadwood was not the Deadwood of 1876 but there were familiar buildings and sights to see. We had fun going into the Old Saloon No 10 where Hickok was murdered. (even though the location has been moved slightly up the street). We enjoyed an awesome buffalo burger at the Buffalo Steakhouse. Deadwood has 80 casinos located in the small gulch but yet still has a lot of charm and character.

I have no idea who the skank ho is.. cool bike though.

After Deadwood we headed over to Sturgis. This was not in our plans but we thought 10 miles from the mecca of all things two wheels we have to go right? The road in to Sturgis totally kicked ass. We get into Sturgis and I am waiting and waiting to see what the hoopla is all about. Before I know it we are back into the prairie lands. I say to Pete through the Scalas, I think we missed something. So we turn around and head back. I see a sign that says business district to the left. I say to Pete ahh ok we did miss it. I see Sturgis Harley Davidson....closed. Umm odd the holy grail land for Harleys and it's closed? We turn down the main drag and every business is closed?? Yup, Sturgis is ghost town 51 weeks of the year. But at least we can say been there done that bought the t-shirt for Pete albeit in Deadwood. Cracked me up!



After Sturgis we headed over to Lead, the site of the Homestake Mine. Cute little mining town that once housed America's largest and deepest mine. We stopped by Boondocks on Hwy 385 for a soda and a look at some vintage cars.




We returned to camp tired after a long day and relaxed by a warm campfire.

More pictures in no particular order:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/stlscooterclub/sets/72157620953581794/show/

South Dakota - Day Five

The day started much warmer than the previous day. Was good for us since we decided this was our riding day. We headed over 16 and past Crazy Horse (this was something we were treated to several times a day during our stay). We did the Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway and the Custer State Park Wildlife loop.

To learn more about the ByWay, click here:

http://peternorbeck.americasbyways.net/

I have been on a lot of great roads but I think the Needles Highway was the nicest road I have ever ridden. Was just spectacular. We had hardly encountered any other traffic on the road, no one passing us, no one blocking our way, nothing. Pete and I ended up eating lunch by a babbling brook.




In the evening we went back to Mt Rushmore to do the Presidential Trail hike and watch the night lighting of Mt. Rushmore.

Just a perfect day all around!

The pictures really tell the better story about the day! Here they are:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/stlscooterclub/sets/72157620992320078/show/

South Dakota - Day Three

"My land is where my dead lie buried."

We awoke to a very crisp cool morning. We were of course concerned about our St. Louis family and friends who started the day at 85 while we were snuggled up and it was 45 outside. Nothing like snuggling up with Pete and Slasher in the Black Hills!

We were excited to finally get on the bikes! We were teased with views of Mt Rushmore and Crazy Horse on our way in late Friday night. We waited for the sun to rise and heat up the Black Hills before we started out on our adventure to see two the two great sculptures in the Black Hills.

Our first stop was Crazy Horse Memorial.

Crazy Horse was less than 8 miles from our campground. The ride over is nice, as you head east on Hwy 16 you are treated to see what waits you; the glorious Black Hills. Gorgeous stately Ponderosa Pines rising up straight as arrows from the rugged but beautiful masses of granite hills with beautiful clouds and sky to crown a perfect picture.

Leaving Custer north on 16 you can see Crazy Horse about 3 miles from the site. Your first thought is wow that is big but really what is the big deal. You have heard all the stories, 61 years in the making and you get an Indian's face. Most every person we spoke to about our trip to the Black Hills normally remarked don't waste your time or money seeing Crazy Horse, it is not worth it. As we got closer to the entry gate the monument got bigger and came more to life.



We took our outside pictures then headed into the visitors center to watch the video about how Crazy Horse Memorial was started and it's progress to date. Normally these videos are blah and you can't wait for them to be over. Pete and I both sat in awe as we heard the tale of how the Crazy Horse Memorial was conceived. We were blown away by the Lakota Indians dream as well as that of the sculptor they chose Korczak Ziolkowsk. I will spare you the history lesson but keep this one fact in mind. This man never took one dime of federal or state aid (even though it has been offered numerous time) to build the Lakota's dream. The philosophy is one that still lives today through Korczak Ziolkowsk's wife and seven childern that still work on the Memorial. As we walked through the visitors center we learned more and more about this family who have dedicated their lives to this enormous dream. By the minute we were becoming huge Crazy Horse as well as Ziolkowsk fans.

We took the tour to the base of Crazy Horse, as you get out of the bus you are awe struck by the massive size. You can fit Mt. Rushmore in the head alone of Crazy Horse.


As we were leaving and looking at the mountain I said to Pete, now when I look at the mountain I actually see it in it's finished form. I no longer see just a mountain with a face. I see a finished Indian tribe and family's dream coming to life. They give you a piece of mountain to take home. Pete and I made a promise to each other, if the Memorial is complete before our life ends we will come back. I can not begin to place in words how moved Pete and I were by the entire Crazy Horse experience.


Back on the bikes heading north on 16 we are heading to Mt Rushmore. Hwy 16 is a faster road that gets one from north to south through the Black Hills. Even though it is more of a faster road it is in no way less beautiful.


We turn east on 244 to Mt. Rushmore. Now the fun begins. Here comes our elevation changes with twisties throw in for fun. Pete and I were talking through the Scalas all the way and I think the only words shared were.. wow just awesome! We pulled over at most every pull off to take in the glorious scenes nature was providing.


One of my favorite pull offs on 244 was Horsethief Lake. Water looked inviting but with a water temperature likely in the 60's we skipped and pressed on to Mt. Rushmore.

Look close, Pete captured a kid jumping from the rocks into the lake!


From Horsethief Lake you climb higher and higher into the Black Hills. Granite spires begin forming on each side of 244 as you head into Mt Rushmore National Park. As you clear the granite spires there is a pull off. We pull into to see the view to the south of beautiful Black Hills. It is only till you turn around to see why this pull off is here. There is George Washington peaking out of the granite spires!


I remember first seeing pictures of Mt Rushmore when I was in second grade. Having only seen Mt Rushmore in 2D it is so damn cool to see George Washington in 3D right before ones eyes. We get back on the bikes and head to the visitors center. Although much smaller than Crazy Horse it is nonetheless grand. The patriotism that builds in ones body as you walk through the 50 state flags approaching the Grand Terrace is cheesy yet very genuine. Your heart swells and your eyes begin to water. You remember why this country was founded and why we are the greatest country in the world. (no disrespect meant to my non-American friends)


What more could this day bring??

Now the reason we brought the bikes on this trip await us! Iron Mountain Road!

Iron Mountain Road is actually US Highway 16A. It is the long, scenic route to Custer. The road winds for about five miles to the top of Iron Mountain -- hence the name. In the first five miles we rode through three tunnels and over two pigtail bridges. Each of the three tunnels frames a view of Mt. Rushmore. The next 12 miles the road slowly descents after a series of hairpin turns and one more tunnel into Custer State Park.



You know you are approaching Custer State Park when you see signs that read, Buffalo are dangerous do not approach. The anticipation begins. Will we really get to see buffalo? I mean come on we read before we came to the park there we about 1400 buffalo in 71,000 acres. What are the chances?

I know Pete is really excited to see buffalo. As we headed down a steep snake curve there before our eyes are a huge congregation of burros. LOL, cracked me up! We navigate through the mass of burros and cars and find a safe place to park. As we are parking the bikes, I notice to the right in a prairie field a heard of approximately 120 buffalo. I am watching Pete and I realize he has not seen the buffalo as his attention is towards the begging burros. I turn to Pete and say babe look over there.... I see a huge smile cross his face. Way to cool :) The burros really loved our Special K breakfast bars!



Custer Park is full of great roads while surrounded by beautiful scenery and numerous wild life. While in Custer we saw buffalo, burros, prairie dogs, rabbits, countless deers and antelope. Saw lots of signs for snakes and turtles but saw neither did hear a rattlesnake but decided it was best to vacate the scene.

Every time we saw a sign that said Beware of Snakes we could not be reminded of our dear friend in St. Louis, Steve a/k/a Snake If you ever meet Steve you would understand why his nickname is directly opposite of the great guy he is!



After resting in the RV for a few hours we headed back to Crazy Horse for a light memorial show, in a word: Outstanding!

A nice crisp 47 degree ride back to the RV was a great way to end the day!

Here are a few more pictures in no particular order.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/stlscooterclub/sets/72157620806234535/show/

Day 2 - South Dakota

Ater a great nights sleep in Mitchell, we awoke to beautiful clear skies. A scooter friend of ours (Buckeye Burger) said that Cabelas in Mitchell was a must see. Of course this was not hard to convince Pete we should go. If you don't know Cabelas is the hunting equivalent to Bass Pro Shop. All I can say it is way to cool! If you are ever in Mitchel, SD, Buckeye is 100% right, go see Cabelas!!





The hunting trophies that adorn the walls are amazing. The centerpiece is a huge taxidermy collection of wildlife.

After Cabelas we headed over to the World's Largest Corn Palace.. ok sure it is also the World's Smallest as it is the World's ONLY Corn Palace.



Finally on the road burning day light right??? We head across the plains of South Dakota. Just as they are beginning to be a tad boring we see a rest stop with a scenic overlook. Pete and I look at each other and say how scenic can more prairie lands be? Then I remembered we were approaching Chamberlain, SD. This is where the Missouri River splits the state.

WOW is all I can say, the pictures can tell some of the story but will never begin to fully show the beauty.



Still burning day light and we want to be to Custer, right? Back we head on 90 West... As we get to Kadokta, SD the landscape to the south starts changing. We start seeing Badland exit signs. We thought what the hell we are here let's do the Scenic By Pass into Wall via the Badlands.

OMG, I am so happy we did, it was a truly amazing site everywhere we looked. We were also fortunate enough to see a storm roll in across the Buffalo Grasslands National Park and into the Badlands. Afterwards we were treated to a rainbow. We plan to go back to the Badlands on the bikes as there is more we wish to see.






Still burning daylight?? Wall here we come! Wall Drug. Never heard of it? Ok google it! Most everyone told us to skip it but we went. Was a cheesy place but cool! We had a buffalo burger in the Badlands Bar in Wall then got back on the road.



Now we REALLY are burning daylight! Next stop is Custer via Mt Rushmore (bummed Mt Rushmore was not lite up) and Crazy Horse. We pulled into Custer about 11:30pm exhausted but the day was absolutely perfect in every way. Nothing planned we just rolled along South Dakota stopping at every great big ball of twine she threw at us!

South Dakota - Day One

On Wednesday, Pete picked up the RV and started packing while I was at work. Wednesday night, Pete's bother-in-law Mike came in town for business. Pete picked him up at the airport and then brought Mike over to load the bikes. (Thanks Mike)

We are using JFred's 3 rail trailer (Thanks JFred). The DN-01 tire is a tight snug fit so it makes the bike lean a tad. As a result we were very nervous.

Having stayed up very late packing the bikes and spending time with Mike we slept in till 6am. Still feeling nervous about the DN-01 lean we decided to go to Wal-Mart and get more ratcheting tie downs. The DN-01 leans but the Land Shark is going no where with 5 tie downs on left side. Probably overkill but we feel better.

Here is our home away from home for 10 days! 29' RV sleeps 8, since it is only Pete, Slasher and I, I think we are set.


One of the advantages of having the RV is bringing our cat Slasher! She is doing so great and loving help drive the RV!


We headed out of St. Louis at 9am, was fun coming across Missouri on something other than a bike. We hit a few rest stops just to make sure the bikes were still with us ;) Just a piece of mind. The ride up through Iowa and south east South Dakota was really not that bad. we enjoyed seeing following the Loess ("luss") Hills of western Iowa.

We headed west on 90 from Sioux Falls to a beautiful sunset!


While watching the awesome sunset, Pete was remarking on how mesmerizing the clouds were ahead. I made a mental note we were 30 minutes out of Mitchell after being on the road for over 12 hours, I thought to myself maybe I better talk to Pete more to keep him awake :) Then out of nowhere we both see this BIG white/gray blur headed towards the windshield. Then we hear a HUGE bam on top of the RV. Pete pulled over to inspect and reports no damage or anything on top that shows a hit. Fast forward to Friday morning. Daylight inspection finds an owl carcass on the satellite mount. I will spare you the photos :)

We pulled into Mitchell to spend the night. Mike had mentioned if there is Wal-Mart, stay there they welcome RV overnight parking. So that is what we did. A really nice Wal-Mart SuperCenter that was open 24 hours. Nice of Wal-Mart to do this. However they got an additional $150 from us which is the norm when Pete and I enter any Wal-Mart. Note to self we really need to buy Wal-Mart stock.

Nice long sleep and we will be ready for Day Two: Cabelas, the Corn Palace, Wall Drug and finally our destination of Custer!

I am marveled by technology. We are traveling down I-90 while I blog on my laptop.

Other pictures from Day One:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/stlscooterclub/sets/72157620598995832/show/

Ride Down to HAMS 09

World's Largest Amoco Sign

So nice here this morning that I headed out on a 3 hour detour to work!

Boots the Scooter Riding Dog

Boots and Wade

It's with saddest I report that Boots passed away. She was doing what she loved best, traveling and being with Wade, they were in Florida. If you know Wade, you know that Boots was a constant and loyal companion. She went every where with Wade! Boots has more miles on a scooter than most humans and she loved it!

We will miss you Boots! (even if you gave me posion ivy ;) )

Kymco unveils the Yager 200i to the US Market

This past weekend KymcoUSA unveiled a new mid sized scooter to the US market. The Yager 200i has been in other markets for a bit now. I think this is a great move by Kymco. There is such a lacking in the mid size models at a reasonable price i the US. Kymco scooters are as reliable as the day is long so look for these to be flying out the doors as soon as dealers get them!

Here are a few pictures:

Flutter & Max Immortalized as Art

Last night I attended an art showing of my good friend Terri Willits. Terri has such great artistic vision (she has an outstanding vision with life as a whole, I am very envious!) I am in constant awe of her work. Her encaustic style is so beautiful and serene.

Her showing was at Crave Coffee House near SLU Medical Campus. Crave is located in an old city church. The setting was perfect for Terri's work.

When I arrived Rick and Bobby were there. We chatted a bit and I got up to look at Terri's work. I knew she was doing a piece on Bobby's scooter and I was very excited to see the piece. I found it on the wall. I was so taken with the theme and the colors. Bobby and I talked about his scoot and my eyes started wandering to the other pieces in the group. I looked up and thought, umm there is Max (Pete's scooter) and UMMMM there is Flutter (my Scooter).

It took my mind a few seconds to wrap around the fact that I was looking at Max and Flutter as a piece of art. There was some writing above Flutter. It was from a blog writing I made when Flutter turned 10,000 miles. At the time I had Bella as well, my second bike. I was writing about how Flutter would always be my first love. Above the bikes and the writing were pictures of places to ride and things to see.

The painting was entitled First Love. So perfect. The piece conveyed three First Loves: My love for Flutter, my love for Max (which of course is my subliminal love for Pete) and the love Pete and I share for riding.

Terri will present me with the piece after her show! I can't wait to go back and see the painting again and again!

Terri, thanks so much for the piece, I am deeply touched.

First Love

El Gallo Azul and First Love
on display at Crave STL

Bobby's El Gallo Azul

Now this is a Polar Bear Ride

Last night at our St. Louis Scooter Club meeting, Steve (Snake) and I started talking about how cold it was to be the following morning. I said, I would really like to go get a picture down at the Commerce Bank with my scoot when it hits single digits. Steve looked at me and said are you nuts?? I was like well yeah....

He said, I think I will try to ride as well. I said sure Steve... Now one would think a dude named Snake is mean as well a snake right? Well Steve is the rider that complains it is cold when it is 65 degrees!! Plus Steve is retired and NEVER gets out of bed before noon. So I blew off his insane thought of riding in the cold until my phone rang at 9 this morning.

Maggie? Yeah? It's me Steve, I am up and I am going to ride.... Yeah right!?! No really I am...

Here is Steve's trip report:

At the meeting last night Maggie and I were talking about how cold it was going to be this morning. Since I am usually a fair weather rider, I thought it might be fun to just see what it was like to ride in really cold weather. So I had two challenges today, one was to get up before noon and the other was to ride in really cold weather. I was out for about 20 minutes. The only problems I had were my glasses fogging, so I had to keep the visor up a little and when I took off my gloves to take the pictures, well then it was time to go home. If I had Kevin's electric heated gloves I would have stayed out a little longer. The weather channels web site for the Ballwin area stated it was 1 degree and the banks sign stated 5 degree, I am going with the weather channel.





Dude, you are Steve the Snake!! I bow down to ya!

Spring is soon!!

Get this widget!

1st Ride of '09

New Year's Day 09 was a beautiful day to gather with friends and ride, ride ride!! ETS has had a New Year's day Ride for a few years, last year they were not able to put on the ride so we were all about helping get their tradition restarted!

We met at ETS where Bill graciously opened the doors for some warmth and bathroom comfort! Thanks Bill!!

I sat on the Versys :) Great bike... we shall see. Pete was not crazy about it!

Bill lead us on a great ride over to Forest Park then Noel lead us out of the Park over to the Coffee Cartel! We even saw the two other scooter clubs preparing for their New Year's Day ride! To bad there was not enough room to stop and say hello... but as they say the show must go on!

After warming up and enjoying some great company we headed down to the Riverfront. The Arch was still there and we headed south to the graffiti wall. Seems we should have pre approved our ride with the other club as they took umbrage that we rode the same ride they did.. strangely enough I did not see their route posted. Oh well I will get our Valentine's Day ride approved so we don't hurt their sensitive feelings. Because they care they really do....

FTR, these are MY opinions not the opinions of the SLSC, so stay off that board and talk to me in person if you got an issue, capisce??

I owned a small bike before the 650 and urban riding was all I did for a year a lot of ottoman riders seem to forget this... having been on the levee road to the brewery many times I thought it was time the rest of the club had the experience. I am please to report all survived.

Ride for Kids!

On Saturday the St. Louis Scooter Club and the Gateway Rockers held a toy ride for St. Louis Crisis Nursery. The weather was so so but could have been so much worse! We invaded Extreme Toy Store as our meet up point. Many thanks to Bill and Jeff at ETS. Bill was GREAT as Santa on a Segway!!

HUGE props to the Rock Hill Police Department for coming out and helping us with traffic control!

We paraded down Manchester Road with our bikes stuffed full of toys for the kids! Once we arrived at Shop and Save we we greeted by many of the Shop and Save employees and customers! We parked right up front and unloaded our gifts!

Could not have been more fun and rewarding!!

Where didn't we ride today?

Did you ever have a day you didn't want to end?? This was one of those days, my Ground Hog Day, I could replay this day over and over...

Up and bright early, Pete and I headed to First Watch for breakfast. If you have never eaten at First Watch, do yourself a favor, do so!! The crepe eggs are yummy! During our very organic healthy breakfast we plotted our day. We decided it would just be a day of wandering.

We headed over to Old Lemay Ferry, once at Seckman, I decided I wanted to try out Frisco Hill Road! WOW!! Awesome awesome road!! HUGE elevation changes and a set of switch backs out of this world! Twist Frisco Hill comes back to Old LeMay Ferry, so we zipped on down to Rice Road. I swear you think Ossenfort is the Devil's Road?? Rice Road is OSSENFORT ON STEROIDS!! The road is just to die for, forget the Dragon, we own it right here in Missouri! The views to Sandy Valley are phenomenal.






Once we were done with Rice road we headed over to Goldman East to back track to Sandy Creek Bridge. It was fun coming across the valley we were just viewing from Rice. Goldman is a nice country road and prepares you for Sandy Church! We took a bathroom break at Sandy Creek Bridge, geez I never tire of this place!



Once out of Sandy Creek we headed across Glade Chapel Road, sweet piece of road. Instead of coming up Hillsboro-House Spring per the norm, we took Glade Chapel west to Hwy BB. Then BB to cedar Hill to Gravois to NN. Oh yeah in Cedar Hill, I came around a sharp up hill curve and it appeared someone had blown an engine and there was oil everywhere... I straight away tell Pete to go right, however Bella and I went through it. I felt both tires slide ever so slightly to the right Geezz that could have been SO MUCH worse!

NN is one of the first roads Pete and I ever rode on together.. was fun talking about that as we zipped along. Just another beautiful twist road with massive elevation changes. After NN we headed into Pacific then over to Eureka and time for a Monster break... wow look kids it's Six Flags!

Once a couple of M-80's were downed we headed up Allenton Road, they have repaved Allenton Road, a great road just went SUPER Great!! Of course we could not pass up the scenic loop in Greensfelder Park!



After leaving Greensfelder we headed over to Melrose. Opps up there at NN and Pacific, I failed to mentioned that I asked Pete what did he wanted for lunch, eggs salad or Wolfie's? He picked Wolfies Jump Guess what kids we are going URBAN!! But we still have some country ride to go yet. Melrose to Ossenfort to Wild Horse Creek, does life get much better? Seriously??

Once in town we headed over several urban jungle roads to Woodson Terrace and Wolfie's Hot Dog Stand! This was Pete's first trip and my what?? 1,000th??? I love sharing new places with Pete. Look at this smile :)



At lunch we decided we decided we would ride downtown and see if the Arch was still there. While riding we decided the Arch was more than likely still there so we headed over to Forest Park to the Jewel Box. Did you know there was a Korean War memorial at the Jewel Box?? No?? Neither did we! Was very nice!



Time to go home?? Nahh, what is the best way to finish a Beautiful day???

Wow

I can't believe it has been 3 months since I have blogged about my scootering adventures. But then again I can. I have had so many wonderful adventures that I have hardly had the time to blog about them. This will change, I will catch up this week!

Little Grand Canyon

This trip is worth going on even if you have to cage it...

Pete and I took off on down the Bluff Road. I love Monday riding, no one on the road at all. I think we passed one car between Columbia and Ellis Grove.

The Bluff Road is in good condition even after some flooding along various points.

The bridge is still out on the turn to Prairie DuRocher but just follow the Bluff Road and all is good. The bridge is really more a scenic cut off than anything...

Always a welcome relief is the limestone holes cut into the wall of the bluffs along the road. The temperature drops like 50 degrees as you pass each one. With yesterday being the hottest day of the year, it was a welcome blast of cold air.

Once into Chester we found Rte 3 South was closed due to flooding. Ended up being alright as the detour took us to places we had never been before. Best part of riding in my opinion any ways.

Once in Murphysboro we headed for the 17th Bar and Grill. The reason for the trip south was as much to eat at this place as was the Little Grand Canyon. Last time we made the trip down here with the club it was closed The place lives up to it's reputation, some of the best BBQ I have ever eaten. The cucumber salad was to die for.

After lunch we headed to Little Grand Canyon, this place was everything I had been looking forward to! Great trails and views! Well worth the trip down to experience nature at it's finest.

The back roads to LCG make the experience even more fun!
Like last week's accomplishment of seeing Sandy Creek in all four seasons, we have now seen the scenic overlook in Bloomsdale in all four seasons. Hard to pick which has been my favorite as they all have had their own unique views. I am actually looking forward to this fall as we should have much more color with all the rain we had this spring/summer. As per our usual we found cats on our trip... OMG these were adorable.. sigh, I didn't get to bring any home.

Nice 254 mile day.. gas mileages were good on Max.. umm Pete actually had better mileage on Bella.


Perfect day for riding... with the perfect riding partner as always. I am sure we will plan a fall trip to Little Grand Canyon and hope a lot of you can join in.

Lincoln's Tomb Ride

Subtitle: Holy Crap there is a lot of farm land in Illinois!

Sub Subtitle: Holy SHIT Illinois has the highest taxes on gasoline for road repair, freaking use it!



What an OUTSTANDING Day for a ride. The right ingredients: great friends and perfect weather!

Jerry, Sandy, Steve, Jerry(Mo-JT), Pete and I headed north to the city to pick up Scot downtown. No issues except my Human GPS was wacked today, sorry guys for the missed turns. I think I was so into riding today I would say to Pete umm I think we should have turned there as we went buzzing by our turn.

Ride up to Springfield is actually nice but holy crap Batman we had to go through a ton of small towns and speed zones.

Once into Springfield we hit Lincolns Tomb and were greeted by Mark (Spanky here on the board) and Dave! Was greet to see Dave again and nice to meet Mark. Mark just got an 08 Burgman 400 in that beautiful blue black color!

We went into the tomb and walked around the grounds. Very nice, was my second time there but it has been 26 years. Yikes...

After the tomb tour we headed over to the WW II, Korean and Vietnam Illinois Memorials, all I can say is WOW. I really really loved the WW II memorial. But the Korean Memorial with the special memorial to the Chosin Reservoir was chilling. Then to have Steve recount a story of a friend of his that was one of the survivors was interesting to hear, thanks Steve!

Mark lead us to lead at Ryan's steak house. That place has some food!! Good Lord, I think I am still full!

After lunch we said our good byes to Mark! Thanks for coming out, Mark, it was great to meet you. Hope to see you again soon!

We headed back south with a pit stop in Litchfield to see Jim. To our great surprise Wade and Boots were waiting for us as well. We also got to meet Jim's wife, Linda. Was really good to see you up and about, Jim! Can;t wait till you are fully healed and we can make that Lake Ramsey trip!

At Litchfield we split into two groups home, Sandy and the two Jerry's headed back on 55 while Scot, Steve, Pete and I went the back roads. Once in the city we got to ride with a band of crotch rockets doing stoppies.. was cracking me up!

Again an outstanding day with great friends!!

Sharing a Dream

I am about a month behind on blogs to much riding not that it is a bad thing! I really needed to get this blog up!

Subtitle: You are NEVER to old to realize a dream!!

Gee I honestly don't know where to start. I suppose the beginning is the best place.

Well over 9 months ago, Dick started planning his trip from Vancouver Island, across the northern section of the US to the Iron Range Rally and then onward south to fulfill a life long dream of riding along the Mississippi River. Dick had told me once in Missouri he wanted to cut across the State and go to Lamar, MO. Lamar is the birthplace of Harry Truman who Dick has always admired. I knew right away when Dick told me about his journey that I would ride with him across the State. Fast forward to today.

Pete and I left St. Louis about 6:30am and blazed up 61 to 54 and into Louisiana to meet Dick. Once in Louisiana it didn't take long to see those Majesty lights down a side street. We pulled over and greeted Dick with a HUG bear hug! He is looking remarkably well for a 69 year old man into his 2nd week of traveling already 3,000 miles.

After some chit chat we found a place in town and enjoyed a grand breakfast!


Afterwards we headed west on Hwy 54. Man the wind in the farmlands was brutal today! We made a quick stop in Mexico to refuel ourselves. Of course I had to get Dick with a Monster


Hwy 54 turns south at Mexico towards Jeff City. We stopped just outside Jeff city for gas and then headed to The Lake of the Ozarks. Pete and I decided to headed over to the dam and the scenic overlook. Glad we did, it was a beautiful detour!


We rode on south into Camdenton and had lunch at a Mexican place (no it was not my choice, was Dick's )!! At lunch Dick detailed his trip to date! Pete and I both were green with envy of Dick's trip! I know I can't wait to hear about the rest of his trip!



After lunch we headed west on Hwy 54 to Hwy 123 then onto Hwy 13/123 junction. Here is where we reluctantly said our good byes.

The 585 miles that Pete and I traveled was worth every bit to have meet Dick and share just a little portion of his 9,000 mile ride! It was a distinct honor to have meet Dick, my life is already richer given today's experience.

Update as of today:

Update on Dick...

Since leaving Missouri he has gone though Arkansas, Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama, Florida and Georgia. A couple of days he started heading back west through Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi and that is where his spot satellite signal went dead for over 24 hours.. we have all been concerned.. but today we get this note from Dick.


----------------------------------------------

Hi guys

Its me.

Yesterday I posted that I was going on a slight detour. It looks like the post never went through.

Yesterday i was heading along Hwy 84 to get to the Ft. Parker State Park. Got to the I-45 intersection, about 120 miles N of houston Tx and phoned my neice in Houston.

She is a flight attendant for Continental Airways and told me to get my butt down to Houston because she was flying down to Caracas Venezuela on the red eye special and was taking me with her. Flight, hotel, meals etc free of charge.

So, I had a sudden change of plans. Sorry Duster, I had no idea that you would be at Ft Parker SP waiting for me.

So.......... I´m sending this post from Caracas Venezuela, just about ready to see the sights with my niece and some other airline attendants.

Man. This is really starting to be some kind of trip.

I OK´d my position this morning from Caracas. I have to tell my family that old Dick wasn,t hijacked and ended up in South America. Laughing

Gotta go. Will resume the trip in a couple of days.

Thanks for your concern.

Dick

Max Turns 18 - Ride to CB Joes

Sunday we had a ride planned but mother Nature scared a few people off, so Pete and I were left to our own devices! We just rolled around the back roads west, then south then east to CB Joes in Bonne Terre.

Highlight of the day was Max turning 18! (18,000 miles)

Bella and Monster

Pete gearing up in Potosi

Pete at Meramec Bridge on HWY K

Bella in Potosi

Bella and Max @ CB Joes

Happy Birthday, Max!!

Friday the 13th - Satan's House

Satan's House, seriously this is where we rode to on Friday the 13th. The last standing building in St. Louis where the famous Exorcist happened!

What do you take Satan as a house warming gift??

Ed lead us off from Schlaflys up to Oak Grove Cemetery! Darn the gates were closed! Of course since this is a cemetery we were respectful and didn't break in.. maybe I did climb one little fence. Maybe....

After the cemetery we hit up a Walgreens for a bathroom break, I have a firm policy if I am going to meet Beelzebub I need an empty bladder!

Ok now, I am a GRADE A chicken! I hate to be scared.. So as we are headed to the house I do start to feel a few butterflies in my stomach! The house is in a very very nice old section of Bel Noir. So riding in was I was like wow this is nice. We park out front and stand around and talk about the Exorcist. I honestly never got past the bedroom scene in the movie.. and we are standing in front of the house that contains said bedroom! Ok butterflies back. But I do feel safe standing across the street looking over. Plus my scooter was #1 in line and I think I left it running ;)

Oh I failed to mention one of my fellow scooterists, Tyler, knows the dude that owns the house. The owner knew we were coming by and he was cool with us gawking at the house. Up walks Nick the owner (super cool dude) and says you all want to come in! WHAT?? GO IN?? GOOD LORD or something like that I said. I am sure my mind was saying fuck no... Ed looks and me and pulls on my jacket and off we all go into the Exorcist house!!!!!!

Normal looking house, Nick is in the process of remodeling the dining room. Nick has a great sense of humor! He says as we walk through the dining room, want some of Satan's lead paint, LOL! Even better, Nick has a Hellraiser poster hanging in the living room!

Personally I think this is why Satan no longer lives in the house:


Seriously who can compete against an Elvis clock? Not even Lucifer me thinks!

So we get back to the front of the house, I am ready to go, Thanks Nick! I hear Nick say you want to see the bed room? Now I am sure I no longer thought fuck no, I said it.. Again Ed pulls my jacket and up the stairs we go.

Now every one remembers the famous bedroom scene right? Bleeding walls, head spinning, cold as hell or something like that... GUESS WHAT THE BED ROOM IS NOW!!

It is an exercise room! LOL, get it?? Say it slow an EX ER CISE room! I am now about to pee my pants from laughing.

Ed in THE room

Seriously, Nick has reported no weird or strange things in the house, he loves it especially since he got it enormously under market value. Now one strange thing did happen as we were leaving, my phone would not display, nor would Teri's or Ed's. I am not saying.. well I am just saying it was probably not nice to laugh at Satan's remodeled room.

Mega thanks to Nick!! Thanks Tyler for setting up the visit! I do love STL history and this is part of history regardless of how creepy it is!

HAMS 08

This weekend saw the birth of HAMS! What is HAMS you ask?? Heart of America Maxi Scooter Meet Up




People from all over the WORLD showed up! Here is a copy and paste of my ride report from the club forum.

HAMS Report

Ride up for the SLSC

Someone was smiling on us. Rain removed from the forecast and it was a marvelous morning to ride! We meet and rolled out to Francis Howell to pick up Charlie. Thanks to Shelia for coming out and providing breakfast!! After a brief riders meeting conducted by Pete, Kevin, Charlie and myself we were ready to roll!

We split off into two groups with me leading Group A and Pete sweeping. Group B was lead by Kevin and Charlie was sweeping. 94 to the Crossroads is some sweet riding. This weekend we saw a lot of gravel in some places not normally found and turtles, yes turtles! If I saw one, I saw 30!

After a brief stop at the Cross Roads we headed back out to 94. Now this is the part of the road I was excited about. The ride from the Cross Road to Fulton is some of the finest riding in the state and I was very excited to share it with the group since I constantly talk about my much loved SR –O. When we stopped in Fulton I was quite please that the group liked O (this means I get to drag them out there with me more!)

From Fulton it was a short skip over to Columbia. We pulled up at Days Inn and met up with Steve from Jeff City and Dennis from Kansas City. I gave JC a call and found the KC group was at lunch. So we headed over to Chevys for lunch. Now anyone that knows Kevin knows he is the picture of perfect health and umm how do I say this… put together quite well. So imagine our surpise when his lunch came out! HUGS Kevin for taking our ribbing!!

After lunch we rolled back to the Days Inn and meet up with the rest of the folks. WOW! Thanks to all that came out. We had people from several clubs:

St. Louis Scooter Club
Columbia Scooter Club
KC Maxi Riders
Mad Totos
Between TWO Rivers Scooter Club (Iowa)
Burgman USA Independent Riders (Randy was from Arkansas!)
Boondock Scooter Club
30 Day Scooter Gang
Knights of St. Louis
Wan from Total Ruckus via Korea

There was even a lady from Columbia that googled scooters in Columbia and found our Meet Up! She came out and picked our brains about the differing scooters. Seems Misty has her sold on a Ruckus! WTG, Misty!

Saturday Ride

After we meet and mingled we assembled for a ride out to the Grand Oak Tree and Devil’s Ice Box. Many many thanks to Craig from the Columbia Scooter Club for leading and Jason and Bob from the Mad Totos for running traffic interference. Much appreciated guys!

Ready to Roll!



At the Grand Oak Tree I believe the count to circle the tree hand to hand was 10 people! After the Grand Oak we headed over to the Devil’s Ice Box. Some brave souls headed back in the heat and humidity to take a peek! On the ride back we started to hit some sprinkles which turn into a deluge by the time we were back.

Upon returning A call to Matty re the BBQ. We decided switch gears on the BBQ. We BBQ’d at the Days Inn (shout out to Days Inn for accommodating us)

BBQ and Hanging Out

Matt, THANKS so much for you and your club’s hospitality! The Columbia Scooter club rocks!

We hung out in the parking lot ate drank and all we were all merry!






Pete, Carolyn, Sandy, Scot and I ended out night at the pool. The 6’10” Scoman entertain the kids! Was so cool to watch, Pete and I were cracking up!

Night Ride

There was a jackassery Columbia night ride, Ed will have to report on that, I had way to many beers to be on a scooter! I heard they had lots of fun, sorry I missed it!

Sunday Breakfast and Rocheport Ride

After a well deserved night’s rest, we got up and those remaining headed into downtown to eat at Ernie’s. Then we took at ride out to Rocheport via Hwy J. We have all decided to call J, the Roller Coaster! Damn I have always loved this road and Sunday was no exception!


From Rocheport we said our good byes to our new friends.

Thanks to All!!

Thanks so much to those that came out. On behalf of the SLSC we thank you and hope you had as good a time as we did!


My personal thanks to the SLSC members that helped to make this a great event! The input and help from all the members that made this event go off without a hitch!

Here are a few moew couple of 100 pictures if you are inclined :)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/stlscooterclub/sets/72157605377855828/


Video of the ride down!



Video of the Meet Up!

Why I own 3 Corazzo jackets and will always buy from them...

Last fall I had an accident and was wearing a 5.0 Corazzo jacket. The jacket took the brunt of the hit on my left arm but I had some damage from the liner burning into my skin.

Corazzo reads a forum I post at and was concerned about the burning of my skin. They asked if they could have the jacket back and they would replace it with a new one. I was hesitant as this was a special color that at the time they had only made as a prototype and had given to Moto Italia. They replaced the jacket with the same color and I gave them back the jacket I had the accident with.

Today I get this from Corazzo... this is why I will own more Corazzo items in the future.

From: corazzo chad
To: Maggie302
Posted: Thu May 29, 2008 12:19 pm
Subject: Re: your black and pink 5.0 Quote message
Call Me!!!!!

chad@corazzo.net
503.236.xxxx

Just so you know

because of the your jacket and your crash we were able to find an internal lining for the jackets that is more heat resistant so the melting doesn't happen like it did to you

chad

The week that was...

I finally caught up on our videos form Alto Pass and Louisville!

Louisville Slugger Trip

After we left the group Sunday evening, Pete and I made our way to Evansville. The roads over were nice roads, mileage was only 107 but we hit a lot of little towns, made the trip very interesting. The winds were harsh but manageable.

I was surprised how big Evansville is. However they really need Steve Patterson, Urban Planner. The streets are poorly marked! Did I get us lost? Of course not I do not get lost! But we did make some interesting turns!

Up bright and early Monday and we fueled up the bikes and ourselves and headed down the road to Louisville.


We hit a rest stop about ½ ways and I decided to break out the new yellow Frog Toggs jacket just to deflect the wind a bit... As I am zipping up this way to big for me jacket, I hear, that is not very sexy looking... LOL Thanks, Pete! PS: the yellow Frog Toggs will find a new home ASAP!

Ok here is the TIP OF THE DAY! DO NOT place anything small on the Burgman dash that you don’t wish to fall under the steering casing. Sigh, my iPod and glasses slipped under. So here we are pulling off the steering cover to retrieve. Even in my pissed off state I didn’t pop any clips! I am sure the that isn’t sexy looking comment made me do such a moronic thing! *sigh*

We got to Louisville with no more drama or comment! Very nice town from what I saw. The area where the Louisville Slugger Museum is, reminds me of Washington Ave. Lots of great old buildings being redone into great shops and restaurants. Don’t ask me why the red penguins are on the building, I have no idea but they were cool looking.


The Museum was lots of fun! The tour was great; we saw how they make bats for the MLB players. They passed around lots of bats to see, I refused to touch any Yankee bat. *puke* If you are in Louisville, I would recommend the tour, it’s very interesting.

After the tour, Pete and I took turns in the baseball cages. The 50mph cages... Pete bats left handed and was a .500 hitter. I bat right handed and was a .250 hitter. Must be my golf swing, LOL! I can’t even imagine hitting a ball thrown 90mph!

The parking folks put us in a special spot. One of these things is not like the other, can you spot it?

After some Derby lunch, we headed home via I-64. Was basically uneventful, a couple of rainy spots but not bad at all. One stretch I was ready to pull over... I felt like I was ready to doze off. We have named Monster Java Mean Bean as the official drink of the SLSC! Yum they it is good and wow woke me up! Wind held off until we got to Mt Vernon, not bad but noticeable for sure!

We seem to have a knack for finding cats, here is a cute 3 legged cat!



I still prefer country road riding to the super slab, but I-64 got us from point A to point B with no issues for either Max or Bella.

Just a great trip and with my favorite riding partner, just doesn’t get any better. Next for us is an Iron Butt ride *smile*

Alto Pass, Illinois

What a great ride!!

I think our new ride saying in St. Louis is, if it ain't raining it's windy!

I am so sick of this weather, Auntie Em! Other than some wind the day was perfect.

Pete lead us over to meet Jim in Columbia, after picking Jim up we headed down the Bluff Road where the winds were not bad at all. Once in Mayestown we headed up to Rte 3 then south. Our first stop was Chester, put lots of miles under us and was time to stop.

After some refueling of our cells we were back on the bikes south towards Murphysboro.

Did anyone see the mailbox on Rte 3 south of Chester that had the pulley system to the house? Pete saw it.. I missed it. He said it was an entire 75-100 foot walk from the house to the mailbox. Perhaps the people are disabled or very lazy either way it was ingenious!

We were all looking forward to the BEST BBQ restaurant in the State of Illinois.

Here is what we found!



I thought Ed was going to get off the bike and beat me up! LOL! I said, umm there is Dairy Queen right over there.. LOL, I wish I had a picture of his face.. well that was a no go so...

I told the group to hang tight and I made two right turns and found us Tippy's! Wasn't bad, home style cooking. The rolls were sweet! As was the breaded okra and the cucumbers and onions I had! The highlight of Tippy's was Sandy walking into the rest room while occupied by Ed2. LOL her beloved Uncle says to her, no one is in there go ahead, LOL!!

Once out in the parking lot we said our good byes to Jim, he had a long way back to Litchfield! Was great to see you again, Jim! We are all looking forward to that Ramsey Lake tour very soon!

Ed2 headed over to Carbondale to see his son who just graduated!

The rest of the pack headed down Rte 127 south to Alto Pass after consuming a bottle of wine each on the terrace we were ready to camp out.. ok we really didn't drink a bottle each *sigh* made the story sound better We hung out on the open air terrace and watched the wind blow across the vineyards.



Rte 127 south of Murphysboro is very very nice. For years I have wanted to go to Little Grand Canyon Park as well as the Pomona Natural Bridge. Both of these are off 127. I am looking forward to a ride back down to this area.

After a bit of relaxing we set off back north on 127 to meet Ed2 After filling up, Pete and I said our good byes to every one and watched the gang head back to St. Louis.

Was an OUTSTANDING day!! As always was full of great fun and MUCH laughter!

Good Day Sunshine

What an absolutely perfect day for a ride. Finally I think we have turned the corner on the cool weather... well it sounds nice when I type it but St. Louis is St. Louis and it could be snowing this week!

Meeting at the Diamonds to go West

Meramec River

I rode Flutter today.. first long ride on her since I got the big bike. I love how she rides the twisties.. obviously not the huge power of the 650 but nonetheless I loved the ride today!

Flutter

Swim At Your Own Risk
Photo Courtesy of Scot


Turtles Sunbathing on the Meramec
Photo Courtesy of Pete

You like me, you really like me...

Rick at Keep the Rubber Side Down has kindly presented Scooter Therapy with a blog of excellence award. Thanks Rick!!

In the spirit of passing it on.. Scooter Therapy is recognizing LadyRidesAlot and Glider Rider for the award!

A Milestone - 10,000 miles

There is no love

like

your first love

Flutter flipped 10,000 miles this morning. Of all the great places she and I have been, ironically she flipped to 10,000 @ 141 & Manchester.

I have no doubt I am biased but Flutter is the coolest damn scooter ever built. I will never forget buying her. Mike at ETS said let me show you this Kymco Bet Win 250cc in the back. I remember thinking, what the hell kind of name is that? The minute I saw her it was love at first sight. Within 3 minutes I handed him a check.

As I rode into work after she passed 10,000, I reflected on how much this scooter has changed my life. I have been places I would have never gone. I have seen things I would have never seen without her. I have cultivated what I hope will be life long friendships that I otherwise would not have.

Even with the new 650 in the garage, I still have this deep affection for my first. I could go on to own the much coveted DN-01 or the MyRoad 700i but there will never be the same love like my first love.

Like I always tell Pete and Ed… it’s the red scooter!

Flutter at the Butterfly House

Southern Ride on a Beautiful Day

We meet up at our usual starting off point for southern rides, Meramec Bottom and Hwy 21 under the bridge.

Maggie and Steve
Photo courtesy of Scot

A pleasant surprise at the meet up was EdP. Ed dropped by to meet up and see us off! From there Pete lead, Sandy, Steve, Scot and myself down to meet Jerry and his son Chris. I love Heintz Road, thanks for taking us on that one, Pete!

After picking up Jerry and Chris, I lead us down 61 to the scenic overlook then we went on to gas up. After we gassed up we headed over to Route O to Hwy 32 to Route C. When we left the gas station I had explained that I would be opening up the 650 but I would not make a turn without the full group. Pete, Chris and I really tore up Route 0 pretty well. BTW, Chris was on a crotch rocket.. nice looking bike!

Bikes at the scenic overlook
Photo courtesy of Scot

When we got to Route C, Chris came in behind me.. man we were really riding it hard.. in the straight aways I know he wanted to pass me up but I would come out of a curve hit the power button and he stood no chance :) Chris and I stopped at the intersection of C and D to wait for the group.. no one was coming about 2 minutes pass and I said geez were we doing that fast.. I heard my phone ringing in my well, it was Sandy.. I missed her call. Tried to call her back when Scot was pulling up... Umm my heart sank a bit cause I knew someone was in trouble.

Was Pete, his belt totally shredded! Mind you a new belt that was just installed last month. I hauled ass 7 miles back and got off the bike and called Bobby. Bobby talked to Pete and said he would come down and get the bike. The rest of the group headed over to lunch, there was no need for them staying even though they all said they would.

Scot's wicked looking Sports City at CB Joes
Photo courtesy of Scot

Now if you have to break down somewhere, Pete picked the sweetest spot possible! To kill time we walked to a creek then followed it back in. Both leaving with scratches from raspberry bush thorns... umm and some ticks! Eeeewww !!

Bobby got down really quick and brought Max back to St. Louis. Can't begin to thank Bobby enough for coming down, no one asked him he just said I will be down as soon as possible. 80 miles out and on a Sunday. I wish you all could have a friend and mechanic like Bobby. He is flipping awesome!

Max in good hands!

I liked one thing Bobby said, as Pete was talking about going 90mph and then his bike started dropping, Bobby looks at him and says.. you know when I was riding across O and C he said he said to himself. Jesus these fuckers know where and how to ride! LOL cracked me up!

Pete and I rode two up back. Ed's dream!! For some reason was he always thought Pete and I riding two up would be cool. Well Ed was right it was actually cool... not something I would do every day but it worked! Pete did so great! Obvious benefit to riding two up was holding on to Pete but I found looking around and taking pictures fun!



So an eventful Sunday but was very nice under the circumstances! Pete and I would have never found this great creek to walk otherwise.

It's Monday and NO RAIN!!

No Climbing - Bella in Klondike Park

It's Monday and no rain??? So a ride was in order. I had no idea really where I was going so I just rode. After I started, I decided to ride out to Jon's Kymco dealership in Marthasville.

Was a day of stopping and taking pictures. There was even an unexpected stop.

Wild Horse Creek

I headed out to Wild Horse Creek, I really opened the 650 up on all the twisties. Head over to the Devil's road as Kevin likes to call Ossenfort. I was clipping along pretty well when I look and see a St. Louis County policeman running radar!

He motions me over, I pull into the drive he was in. He asked me to remove my helmet and turn off the bike. He says to me, do you know how fast you were going? I said honestly no but I am sure it was fast. He said does this have a speedometer? I said uhh yeah it does. He said you were doing 62 in a 25.. I said wow really? He asked me again if it had a speedometer. Now mind you I have always been good at talking my way out of tickets but this time I knew I was screwed so I didn't even begin to talk my way out of this one. He said you have a license and insurance? I said yeah, got it out. Then he said you been on this road before, I said yeah 1,000's of times I live out this way. Then he looks at me and says I have no idea why but I am not going to write you a ticket. ( I thought to myself I have no idea why you are not either) He says to me Ms. Madonia ride through here again like that it will be a different story. I said thanks sir, I appreciate it. I took a picture of a horse in a field across the street got my helmet on and left.

Ok onward up rest of Ossenfort to Hwy T to Labadie. I stopped for lunch at my all time favorite Monday place for my all time favorite lunch.

Hwy 47 Bridge in Washington

Farmland in Marthasville

After lunch I rode into Washington then hit Hwy 47 to Marthasville. I found Jon's shop on Hwy 47 in Marthasville and stopped in for a visit. Super nice guy with a very nice shop. He even has helmets :) I resisted the urge and didn't buy this very nice HJC helmet. We will have to plan a ride out for you all to see his place. Jon does all the shop work and sales. He sold an Agility and a Grand Vista this past week!!

Missouri Wild Thistle

Afterwards, I headed back in Hwy 47. I decided to go down and see the Daniel Boone Memorial off of Hwy 47. Glad I did a very nice spot!

Daniel Boone Monument

Back on Hwy 47 o Hwy 94. Went into Augusta for a quick look see down by the river. After I was back on Hwy 94 I decided to stop at Klondike Park. I have rode by this park 100's times and always wanted to stop. I am so glad I did, this place rocks!

I hiked up the hill to a scenic overlook, very very nice. Even saw a wild goat up there, I guess it was wild but he did have a tag on his ear. He was friendly. Afterwards road over to the lake. Appears this was some sort of quarry? Super nice place and will be a place I return to again soon!

Quarry Lake at Klondike Park

Goat at Klondike Park

Afterwards Hwy 94 to Hwy 40 to home. 99.2 miles logged. Fantastic day.

Spring is here!

Scoots in Herman @ Stone Hill Winery

Great weekend to get in some riding. Both days saw us heading out west to the hills and twisties. Saturday was a St. Louis Scooter Club ride out to Morrison and back. Sunday, Pete and I were going to head up north to Hardin but at the last minute we change the route and went out west to Cuba. Sunday we saw lots of bikers out enjoying the GREAT weather.

Max' Sexy Pose

Hwy 8 through Mark Twain National Forest

Roadside Park Mark Twain National Forest

Taum Sauk

Started out a tad chilly but the ride down to Arcadia Valley and Taum Sauk ended up being perfect! Lots of blue skies and sun! Days like these sure make it hard to go back to work!

Scenic Vista in the Arcadia Valley

Look Out Tower @ Taum Sauk

Ste. Gen - Illinois Ride

Bella made her name change from Burgman to Skywave! She already feels faster :) A ride was in order. Pete and I headed down to Ste. Gen then took the ferry over the Mississippi to Illinois. Great day for a ride. Was in the high 40's but never had that chilly feel! I think spring is near!!

Skywave 650

I am the Highway

Sunset Ride

Yes, 70 degrees on Wednesday was all we needed for the perfect SLSC Wednesday night ride!

West bound on the Eads Bridge tailing Ed and Pete