UP DOWN LONG WAY AROUND

Los Padres National Forest by Peter Bruce

2011-04-13T08:03:00.000-07:00

The Trip

The last creature found on Bubbas "LEASED" land

We go this way "WHY"

The morning laundry,what is in that bag ?

This is all I need

River crossing

Behind closed "LEASED LAND" Gates

America closed for business or at least camping

Alcohol and Machete, great combo

Frosty morning

Valdie CUTS the HUNTERS

What a site, sad it was "LEASED" Land

Cool river crossing

OK this story may start out a tad boring,cause as you can tell I have just cut and paste some info from a local tourist page here. But the meat of the story is below.

Los Padres National Forest encompasses approximately 1.75 million acres of central California's scenic Coast and Transverse Ranges. The forest stretches across almost 220 miles from north to south and consists of two separate land divisions. The northern division is within Monterey County and northern San Luis Obispo County and includes the beautiful Big Sur Coast and scenic interior areas. The "main division" of the forest includes lands within San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Ventura and Kern Counties.The sad part about this great area is no one going there knows if you are in the Forest or not.

I continue...

After a nice ride down there on the back roads through Carmel and a tasty lunch at a local bar,we started to look for a camp site. Does'nt seem to hard, right,we are in the wilderness,sort of . Well people think again. Riding down Arroyo Seco Rd we turned on to Elm Rd, which was mapped as a dead end/Road closed on a 2010 map. Seem like a good place to find a quite site for 3 bike travelers . Maybe.

The first site we found was perfect. Flat meadows,lots of fire wood and right on the river.Nothing like waking to the sound of a flowing river in the morning . We took the bikes off the road and started to set up camp only to be told by a local that it was private land and the lady who "OWNED" it would not like us camping there. I did not see any signs . But in fairness they did tell us if we went down the road a mile we would be in Los Padres National Forest,"you can camp there" and no one can bother you. Sounded fair, off we went. At the end of the road there was a BIG gate,with no more than five locks on it. Someone did not want others to get in here ,but this was Los Padres National Forest ?. The area out side road had been worked over by cows,very uneven ground and the smell was well,less than nice. The three travelers thought long and hard about staying here,using lots of judgement and rock,scissors,paper we came to the result that we would jump the gate and camp in the nice flat green meadows. After all this is Los Padres National Forest and we pay taxes to use this land . Just when you are ready to settle in,find some fire wood and enjoy being no where for the night and few off road trucks pull up. On the front of the first truck was a very unhappy passenger (see photo below). Three men in army style camouflage hunting gear got out of the trucks. "You guys are'nt thinking of having a camp fire here" one said. Well not really, we were just going to camp for the night and move on in the morning ,with all our trash and recycling.

NO GO. It turns out the older man, who was about,lets say 60, who by the way was the only one who spoke. The other BUDDERS were just along for the ride and of course to kill animals with guns did not say much. Come to think of it they did not say anything. Back to the story, so the older man said he "LEASED" the land. I hand never heard of anyone leasing National Forest,but maybe he leased the road going into the forest. After a back and forth conversation about who was right and wrong. The Map, the other local who said this was Los Padres National Forest and given the fact that these men had guns we decided to move on. Wait I said you lease this land. "Yes since 1972" WOW... I thought. That make him won of the smartest hunters I have ever come across. He started leasing part of Los Padres National Forest when he was about 25 years old. Dam wish I was that smart when I was 25 years old.

At this point I had pissed of the leader and thanked one of the BUBBAS for tripping over my orange tent line, it did not seen worth the fight,given they had guns and the best we could do was a few REI pocket knives, and of course Jesses machete and who the hell know where that was packed. We started to slowly pack up. They were nice enough to let us take our stuff throw the open gate not over it. No they were not just w

Jess at this point was smart enough to make friends were the only man in there group who could talk. He show him the map we used ,clearly showing the road ending in Los Padres National Forest but as we had learnt from our hunter friends the map was wrong. He did tell Jess about another camp site a few miles down the road. Piney Creek.

Off we went,after the gate was locked with all five locks to protect this LEASED land.

Here we go again,third time lucky. Piney Creek here we come. Home sweet home for the night.

WRONG. See photo below.We forgot that America was going to be shut down on friday and of course who needs camp site when the government can not even stay open for business. Piney Creek was closed. But not totally. The gate was closed, there was a sign posted, unlike our former LEASED site that only had "NO HUNTING" signs. At least the US government let us no where we stood. LOCKED OUT.

After another long drawn out debate ending with rock,scissors paper it was off to the only place we had left. No not Hotel 6. A Mum and Dad paid camp site. The three adventurous riders were beaten.

It was not so bad. Running water,bathroom and lots of people who did not know how load they were and how far their voice traveled in the woods at 2 in the morning. Yes were were camping next to a group of kids from UC Davis who thought they were camping on the side of the 5 freeway and hard to scream a 2 in morning to all the others in the group to help look for there tooth brush. Who the hell needs to brush your teeth when you are camping,I guess those UC Davis rules and Regs and striker than I thought.

It was a cold night as you can see from the frost on the bikes, but thanks to may new Big Agnes 15 degree sleeping bag I was warm. Morning came and with lots of grunts and groons from tents we all got up and hit the road.

A fun ride home with a short stop at a place I have wanted to visit in a while.National Steinbeck center. Well worth the money.

And if you are the only Russian man with a AAA card you get $1 off entry

Hope you enjoy

Cheers Peter Bruce

Cherry Lake near Yosmite by Peter Bruce Photo

2010-09-10T15:26:00.000-07:00

Cherry Lake

New tent

Filipino Militant soldiers at Cherry Lake ???

Chillen

stone masonry 101

Getting on the road

Never make fun of the BBQ

Earth Cooler

Opps

$1000 art seat

AA is for quitters

A little Ansel Adams

Icing the fall

Priscilla queen of the camp site...

Making home better

What sign

What a place to hang

What a great trip to Cherry Lake up near Yosmite in California with 3 good friends

Click the link below to see where we were located.
http://fms.ws/3RtDD/37.98844/\-119.89912

If the above link does not work, try this link:
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=37.98844,-119.89912&ll=37.98844,-119.89912&ie=UTF8&z=12&om=1

Cheery lake is the largest lake in the Stanislaus National Forest. Cherry Lake is just outside of Yosemite's borders. Open all year, perfect for summer recreation, road access is subject to winter closure. Cherry Lake visitors can enjoy an uncrowded lake perfect for water sports, swimming, fishing and hiking. The Day use area is on the West side of Charry Valley Dam with a boat ramp and a designated swim area.

Cherry lake is fed by the North, East and West forks of Cherry Creek. They begin in the Emigrant Wilderness and all of them flow roughly southwest. The water from the lake (reservoir) powers the Dion R. Holm hydroelectric facility power plant. It was built by San Francisco as part of the Hetch Hetchy Project, which supplies drinking water to San Francisco. Human contact with the water is allowed because the water is filtered.

It is at an elevation of 4,701 feet.Cold at night but the days are the best

From Groveland Ranger District Office head east on Highway 120 approximately 5 miles, turn left on Cherry Lake Road; follow Cherry Lake Road 20 miles to Cherry Lake. Cherry Lake Road is a narrow, steep and winding paved route where safe travel speeds average 20-30 mph. But if you really want true feeling follow the dirt road pass camp site 14 and hike in. You are right on the lake

Hope you enjoyed the photos,let me know

Cheers Peter Bruce Photo

Tahoe national forest trip near Downieville by Peter Bruce photo

2010-08-31T15:07:00.000-07:00

This is what keeps you Sane

Bath time

Women have been telling us this for ever

Jonny Dakkar

Good swimming

Good fire is something to Love

Happy trails

great swimming hole

Please enjoy some of the photos we took on our last trip up Hwy 49 though Tahoe national forest near Downieville, CA. In the gold country.
Cheers Peter Bruce Photo

How to remove a helmet safely Charlie is dead now.

2010-08-10T07:43:00.000-07:00

This is a sad story. But please read and pass on to others...
Many years ago a friend of mine who is now dead was in a motorcycle crash. (Not his fault). His name was Charlie. Just after the crash some well meaning people came to help him,the first thing they did was take off his helmet.

Big mistake
they did not know what they were doing or more importantly how to remove a helmet safely.

By taking off his helmet, Charlie was in a wheel chair for the rest of his life as a quadriplegic.
Taking off the helmet the wrong way messed up his spine.
The doctors said if the well meaning people had have left his helmet on for paramedics and just put his arms down by his side he may have walked again or maybe lost the use of his legs and been paraplegic but not a quadriplegic.

Many year later I decided to come up with a decal for peoples helmets (see above) that would warn people to leave a downed riders helmet on for paramedics or people who know how to remove it safely.

You may buy one of these for yourself or friends who rides and the money will go to Unicef.

E mail your(or the person you want it for) name and address and I will send you one.Cost $5 and as I said the money will go to Unicef. Your info will be safe and not given to anyone else
Peter@PeterBrucePhoto.com

Also most important please take 3 minutes out of your busy life to view this video on how to remove a helmet safely.Hope you don't, but you may come across another Charlie one day.

http://www.videojug.com/webvideo/how-to-remove-a-motorcycle-crash-helmet

Hope this helps and please pass this on to others to view
Cheers Peter Bruce

Yosemite National Park,the Sierras & the ghost town of Bodie by Peter Bruce photo

2010-07-11T08:17:00.000-07:00

I was well over due for a trip and what a better time to head for the mountains and up through Yosmite and the sierra's

Yosemite National Park, which boasts nearly 95 percent designated Wilderness, is a 195-mile escape from urban San Francisco or a 315-mile journey from Los Angeles. The expansive park’s 747,956 acres or 1,169 square miles are home to hundreds of wildlife species and thousands of Yosemite plants. Designated a World Heritage Site in 1984, Yosemite is known for its granite cliffs, waterfalls, clear streams, giant sequoia groves and biological diversity. Two Wild & Scenic Rivers, the Tuolumne and Merced rivers, begin in the park and flow west to the Central Valley. Visitors experience the park's 800 miles of hiking trails and 282 miles of road.

I also got to see one of the oldest and largest ghost town in Bodie. An original ghost town from the late 1800's. Bodie stands today in a state of "arrested decay". So coined by the State of California when they took over the town in 1962 to make it a State Historic Park.

In 1859 William (a.k.a. Waterman) S. Body discovered gold near what is now called Bodie Bluff. A mill was established in 1861 and the town began to grow. It started with about 25 miners and grew to an estimated 10,000 plus people by 1880! By that time, the town of Bodie bustled with families, robbers, miners, store owners, gunfighters and prostitutes of all kinds. At one time there was reported to be 65 saloons in town. Amongst the saloons were numerous brothels and 'houses of ill repute', gambling halls and opium dens. Needless to say that there was entertainment for every taste.

After a long day working the claims, the miners would head for the bars and the red light district to spend their earnings. The mixture of money, gold and alcohol would often prove fatal. It is said that there was a man killed every day in Bodie. Presumably, the undertaker never had a slow day.

There are records that say that Wm. Body took a ship from New York, around the horn to end up in San Francisco. The name of the town was changed at some point in time, before the majority of the people made their way to Bodie. There are different stories as to why - one says it was to keep the correct pronunciation of town's namesake. Another says that the sign painter didn't have the room for the tail of the lower-case "y". Today, even though Bodie is lost down a dusty 13 mile long road, off of state highway 395, it is amazing just how many people are aware of this once glorious town.

Hope you enjoy the photos. As always please let me know
Cheers Peter Bruce

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Indian Valley/Walker Ridge Recreation Area Ukiah by Peter bruce Photo

2010-07-03T06:54:00.000-07:00

What the hell happened

Ye mon

Beer time

It was not really "Look out central" it was just another street

What the GS does best

Always walk the road before you ride

Fire Avatar

When you go there,you are on 24 hour surveillance cameras

Here is where we went GPS Coordinates:
Decimal: 39.183756, -123.209643
Degrees: 39° 11' 1", -123° 12' 34"

Indian Valley area offers an abundance of recreational possibilities for a BMW and lots of dust. Large rolling chaparral covered hills cover with oak & pine(black and burnt from fire) make an ideal setting for hunting, camping, bicycling, hiking, & equestrian use but most of all GS use . Popular game animals include blacktail deer, black bear, quail, dove, & wild turkey,this is why we saw so many shot gun casings(can you hunters not litter and pick up your casings). For wildflower enthusiasts, pockets of the rare Indian Valley brodiaea & adobe lily can be found within the area. Boating is permitted,when there is water at the Indian Valley Reservoir . Largemouth bass, crappie, rainbow trout, bluegill, & catfish fishing in the reservoir is open all year. Cache Creek below the reservoir is planted with brown trout & is open during trout season. Kowalski Camp: Boat-in primitive campground has three sites with fire grills & picnic tables. It is a good choice for individuals or groups seeking solitude. Kowalski Camp is on the west shore of Indian Valley Reservoir & provides primitive camping accessible only via boat-in access. Blue Oak Camp: six sites for tents or RVs in a developed campground nestled in rolling, oak-studded hills. The campsites, picnic tables, & restrooms are all wheelchair-accessible. Wintun Camp has one primitive campsite 0.5 mile off of Walker Ridge Road. No restrooms or water. Location: Located about 30 miles west of Williams or 15.25 miles east of Clearlake Oaks on the 20. Turn north on Walker Ridge Road, a graded gravel road, to Indian Valley Reservoir. Season: year round Fee: no Biking Fishing Picnicking Boating (Motorized) Hiking/Backpacking Scenic Driving Boating (Non-motorized) Horseback Riding Hunting Camping Camping Wildlife Viewing Off Highway Vehicles RV Sites Restrooms . But the most important thing is you are always being watched at Indian Valley by the video camera on top of the hill.Check it out when you are there.
Hope you enjoy
Cheers Peter Bruce Photo

Hwy 130 here we come

2010-01-11T14:37:00.000-08:00

Bono on a bike looking for fire wood

lick observatory

lick observatory telescope

frank raines park

Hwy 130

Even though it was January and cold, Coz and myself went down Hwy 101 and after 23 stops for supplies we got on the 130. After some fun roads and climbing up to 4200 feet we stopped at the Lick Observatory (a must see) . Then back down the mountain to our campsite Frank Raines Park.
It was getting late and cold, so got the fire and wine going. What a cold night. After 2 nights and 38 visits by the ranger and not one of them talking to us we headed home only to be hit by rain and subway. Fun trip, missed Jess. Next time. Hope you enjoy the photos
Cheers Peter Bruce Photo & Video

Prewitt ridge near Big Sur. Ca. USA

2009-12-22T18:19:00.000-08:00

What a fun week end get a way, check this place out
http://www.totalescape.com/active/campstuff/CAMPGR/LPNF/prewitt.html
Coz, jess and myself left early Saturday morning and hit the 101 south to Prewitt ridge, great roads,some off roading and young Asian men with guns. E mail me and I'll fill you in
Cheers Peter bruce Photo & Video

I should have gone to Baja

2009-11-02T09:39:00.000-08:00

Some call him the N___ we just know him as the naked rider

California with no water

Another great camp site

All alone

But I did make one friend

chillin,no really cold

I need fire wood

The fog was beautiful

Camp site #2

Camping on the river and saw trout

Good morning world

What you can do with a little gasoline

The GS at work

Yes this is snow

New rain gear

My poor baby out in the rain

Camping out in the hotel

Trying to dry stuff out

I stopped and talked with this guys who is walking across the USA after his Mom died of cancer
Here is his web site wwwenjoythewalk.com take a look and send him your support. PB
And George,if you get this blog...good luck

101 coast

RUFF nites sleep in this tent

Riding buddies for the day

There was talk about going to Baja for a trip,but I had a hair idea to go up the 101 and the 1 to see some friends in Seattle. Well thanks to the rain in Oregon,which I may add started 10 mins over the border. Just like turning on a light switch. So after 6 hours in the rain and wind on the coast and rain clothes that failed me. I decided to go south east as fast as possible. I picked out what looked like the best roads in Northern California and went for it. Hope you enjoyed some of the photos. Here is a list of the roads I took.

101 N - 42 W - 5 S - 199 S - 48 S -96 S - 299 E - 3 SW - 36 W - 101 S

And then back home. I saw rain,snow,sun,wind,fog also Elk,salmon and a Bear.
Sorry I missed my friends up North,we will catch up. And which one of you promised me
"NO RAIN" her name starts with L

Cheers PB

Lake Beardsley... another hole with no water

2009-10-24T12:52:00.001-07:00

Riding at 5000 feet

Found this old logging train,in the wood

Great water

The water is low,should be at the top of the ridge

Nice water and lots of fish

Nothing like a camp fire

The water should be up to the green tree line

Lots of wood for a good fire

Some people might call Beardsley Reservoir their personal heaven because of the sometimes great trout fishing. Some might swear it is the other place because of limited, primitive facilities, a typical low water level and afternoon winds.

Yet of the hundreds of lakes in the Sierra Nevada, it is Beardsley that often provides some of the best trout fishing in California after first being opened, along with many side trips and nearby cabin-style lodging.

Beardsley is located east of Sonora, up near Strawberry along Highway 108. This reservoir is set in a deep canyon on the Middle Fork Stanislaus River, some 2,000 feet below the ridge. So while the actual elevation at the lake is 3,400 feet, where spring is taking hold, Beardsley has the feel of a lake set at much higher elevations.

This can give rise to a fish-catching phenomenon that many might dream about. I've had many April days at Beardsley where the trout seem to shout, "Catch me!" -- including brown trout in the 15- to 22-inch class. After the lake has been closed for five months, the trout often seem to forget about the wiles of anglers.

Upon arrival, the first thing you will notice is that the lake is now 55 percent full, which might seem very low. Actually, it's ideal. The lake often fishes best when it is low, not full, because it is easier to find the submerged ledges and drop-offs where the fish school. With the snowpack at Sonora Pass now melting, Beardsley is projected to rise over the next two months and present a more classic setting.

The facilities are limited, the services nonexistent. There is a boat ramp, parking area and a primitive Forest Service campground (still closed earlier this week) that consists of places to park self-contained RVs or pick- up trucks with camper shells, or pitch a tent.

Another problem is the late-afternoon wind, with a westerly breeze that whistles up the canyon in spring. Some loathe it, but it can unlock the bank vault: With a small boat, if you let the wind push you over the submerged ledges, your speed will match that of food drifting by. We've tested this with dozens of offerings: The best technique is to thread a night-crawler on your hook and line so it lies perfectly straight, and then trail it 17 inches behind a set of hammered brass/silver Cousin' Carl Half-Fast flashers.

Several side adventures can furnish more highlights. When Sonora Pass is cleared of snow, which usually occurs in early May, a must-do is the trip up Highway 108 to the Donnells Vista. Since Donnells Reservoir is set in a deep gorge and always is kept very low in the spring (now only 18 percent full), the view into the gorge will be eye-popping gorgeous. This is a baby Yosemite Valley with towering granite walls, a miniature El Capitan, and several waterfalls.

There is also access to the Middle Fork Stanislaus downstream of Beardsley Dam, with an unsigned river trail available. Fly-fishing, catch-and-release, for small natives is often good; the trout season for mountain streams opens April 24.

The resort at little Pinecrest Lake at Strawberry provides additional nearby options for boating, fishing and lodging, with the marina opening April 23

IF YOU WANT TO GO

Cost:the best part it is Free.

Facilities: Boat ramp, primitive campground with vault toilet (no water, trash service).

Maps: Ask for Stanislaus National Forest; send $6 to USFS, Map Sales, P.O. Box 9035, Prescott, AZ 86313; (928) 443-8285 with credit card; www.fs.fed.us/recreation/nationalforeststore.

Lodging: Cabins at Strawberry, info (209) 965-0885, reservations (888) 965-0885; www.strawberrycabins.com. Rivers Resort, info (209) 965-3278, reservations (800) 514-6777; www.gorrr.com. Tuolumne County Visitors Bureau, (800) 446-1333; www.thegreatunfenced.com/.

Directions: From the foothill town of Sonora, at the junction of Highways 49 and 108, go east on Highway 108 past the town of Strawberry for a total of 33 miles. At Beardsley Road (Forest Road 52), turn left and go 7 miles to Beardsley Reservoir.

Fishing info: Rich & Sal's Sporting Goods, Pinecrest, (209) 965-3637; www.pinecrestsportshop.com.

Contact: Stanislaus National Forest, Summit Ranger District, (209) 965-3434; Stanislaus National Forest, (209) 532-3671; www.fs.fed.us/r5/stanislaus/.

Beardsley... another hole with no water

2009-10-24T12:52:00.000-07:00

The resort at little Pinecrest Lake at Strawberry provides additional nearby options for boating, fishing and lodging, with the marina opening April 23

IF YOU WANT TO GO

Cost:the best part it is Free.

Facilities: Boat ramp, primitive campground with vault toilet (no water, trash service).

Maps: Ask for Stanislaus National Forest; send $6 to USFS, Map Sales, P.O. Box 9035, Prescott, AZ 86313; (928) 443-8285 with credit card; www.fs.fed.us/recreation/nationalforeststore.

Fishing info: Rich & Sal's Sporting Goods, Pinecrest, (209) 965-3637; www.pinecrestsportshop.com.

Contact: Stanislaus National Forest, Summit Ranger District, (209) 965-3434; Stanislaus National Forest, (209) 532-3671; www.fs.fed.us/r5/stanislaus/.

Some may call it a Lake Pillsbury... I just call it a hole with no water

2009-10-05T13:14:00.000-07:00

My camp site

There is meant to be water where I am standing

Wow the water was low

Home sweet home

Man must have fire

Some may call it a Lake Pillsbury... I just call it a hole with no water

It was nice to get away for a few days though

Lake Pillsbury is an artificial lake in Northern California created from the waters impounded from the El River. Elevation is 1,818 ft (554 m) with 65 mi (105 km) of shoreline and covering 2,003 acres (811 ha). Activities in the Lake Pillsbury Recreation Area include powerboating, fishing, swimming, sailing, picnicking, hiking and hang gliding. There are two main access roads to the lake. At the north end of the lake is a small gravel airstrip.

In 1906, W.W. Van Arsdale formed the Eel River Power and Irrigation Company and contracted with the city of Ukiah for a hydroelectric generating station to increase electricity supply for the city. A diversion dam was built on the Eel River and a mile-long tunnel was constructed to divert water into the Russian River. A powerhouse was constructed in Potter Valley. It was called the Eel River Project.

Later that year, the Snow Mountain Water and Power Company incorporated and took over the project from Van Arsdale's company. By 1908 water was being diverted to the power plant and then to the Russian River. Part two of the project was building the dam which created Lake Pillsbury, located 12 miles upstream. It was completed in 1922 and maintains water flow to the hydroelectric plant during times of low water runoff. PG&E acquired the project in 1933, and maintains the facilities today. The lake is named for one of the founders of Snow Mountain Water and Power Company. The Pillsbury hydroelectric plant is the only one in the north coast region of California.

The Eel River Project is now known as the Potter Valley Project.

Hope you enjoy

Cheers Peter Bruce Photo

Mount Shasta, California USA ride with friends...

2009-08-08T09:00:00.000-07:00

"Guys it's not going to rain" Peter Bruce
Thanks for a fun trip lets do it again some time.
Cheers PB

I did it...

2009-08-08T08:19:00.000-07:00

People and friends After 1300 non stop, half in the rain. 300 miles with no light and visor I got it.

Dear Peter Bruce:
You are receiving this e-mail because of your application for a ride
certification. This note is to let you know that your ride has been
approved and although your ride documents may take a few more weeks to
arrive, your membership has also been approved and entered into the
Iron Butt Association's member database.

Welcome to the Iron Butt Association!

Cheer PB

SF 2 NY Best and worst...

2009-07-19T09:30:00.000-07:00

OK people, here we go the best and worst of the trip, along with some other stats...

Total miles... 5200 SF to NY... Updownlongwayaround style
Longest day... 1300 miles in 23 hours... Iron butt day (half in the rain)
Trucks past ...162
Gallons of fuel... 173
Speeding fine ...1 (utah $182 or coptar as I like to call it)
Slowest speed limit... Pennsylvania
Fastest speed limit...Nevada
Most police... Utah
Less police... Eagles Mere PA (none)
Days in the rain... 6
Highest Att ... 11312 feet
Lowest Att...320 feet
Best subway sandwich... Rochester NY
Best sunset... Lake Erie NY
Flatest state ... Nebraska
Hillest state... Colorado
Best roads... Utah
Worst roads... New York
Best food... Jersey
Cheapest Gas... Iowa
Highest Gas cost ... California
Most neons lights ... Las Vegas
Nicest people... Pennsylvania
Worst drivers... New York
Best drivers... California
Coldest state...Colorado
Hottest state...Nevada
Crashes...1 ( at Genes house in Chicago)
Bugs on helmet...9423
Best camping ...Utah
Worst camping...Rochester
Saddle sores...not telling
Biggest regret... Not meeting Warren Buffett (joke)
Total cost...???

So I hope you enjoyed the travels with me. Thanks to my sponsers of the iron butt awards and my family and friends for the support. Please keep following as hopefully there will be more trips
Cheers PB

SF 2 NY Day 9 Last days...

2009-07-11T12:20:00.001-07:00

Check out the price of Gas AKA petrol

The Susan B. Anthony house ... you all know who she was right !!!

Out side the Eastman 'Kodak' house in Rochester NY

Camping on the Lake

By by baby.Have a safe trip home and thanks for taking care of me

OK people,my story is coming to an end. After leaving Barry I rode through the finger lakes of NY and camped on Lake Ontario which was beautiful. Made it into Rochester and meet up with my friend Butch and his riding buddies at there local coffee shop. Went and saw Butch's dad in hospital, after a stupid car driver crashed into him on his motorcycle. Took a quick trip up to Buffalo and stayed the night. And on my next days hit the Eastman house and the Susan B. Anthony house (worth seeing). Them packed up the bike and off to the air port. Actually got to the airport a day early (dummy me) and was able to get on a flight, but it messed up all my plans which was to land in SF 3 hours before my oldest girl landed at SFO getting back from Paris.
Over all a great trip. Some highs and lows, and you know those. My next blog entry will be the best and worst of the trip. Check it out!.
Cheers PB

SF 2 NY Day 8 off to NY

2009-07-03T15:13:00.000-07:00

Help me MON & DAD this crazy man has kidnapped me

The big Apple I made it, now off north to Buffalo

Best chocolate next to Sees

Man so nice of these states to keep putting these welcome signs up for me

Alright, I can't stay in Eagle mere for ever. As much as it would be nice. Also just broke my little (5 staples) finger, so typing is hard for me at the best of times so this story will be short. Barry and I took off the NJ, only to find my old friend again...RAIN. Yep we rode most of the way in the rain. We were able to stay at his friends home and with mintues were eating the BEST mozzarella I have ever had. After a good nights sleep it was clear sky's and off to NY. A big day of riding and at the 14 Barry and I seperated , he when back to the Mere of Eagles and I went on the 14 up though the Finger lake of NY. What I nice ride.
Cheers PB

The best Mozzarella ever/anywhere found in Hoboken

GARDENS, I did see any

55 mph WTF...

2009-06-29T13:35:00.000-07:00

Shopping with Barry... NO Comment

Miss you Tim

Did not go here

Who needs paper and there is laws here?

Thanks Mrs D, I did gain pounds with your good cooking, it's not all about Barry

Thanks Mr D, and I have my eye open for the tractor

Who is the best uncle ever

OK people, I had fun in PA and Eagles Mere is maybe one of the nicest places I have been (al except the toilet laws, you can put a potty anywhere). But my true issue with PA, and yes the booze laws are really screwed up we all know that. But who ever made up the speed limit in PA must have paralysis of the right side of there body. WTF 55 mph, you can dodge the bugs hitting your helmet at that speed (great for the bugs). Back to the start, so camped on Lake Erie, got up and took the Hwy 6, what a great rode and beautiful roads and towns. Tree everywhere and nice people. DEER, that is another story, just keep your eyes open people
And what is up with that, a state holiday for the first day of deer hunting ???&(*^*&%#@@#%^$&*^*%%$#$#$@%$#^
Want to keep in short and sweet, after a long days riding, was meet my captain corn chip friend Barry and we went to his folks home in Eaglesmere (which means you can see eagle there) I did not. Meet his brother and great family. I was really treated like royality. HOW DID THEY KNOW I WAS ?. Except I had to give up my bed the first night to Tim. Could not have asked for a nicer more fun breack and people. Yes even the people at the Barn were nice.
Thanks to all and hope to come back (if you will have me)
Cheers PB

Thanks Pennsylvania for putting this sign up for me !!!
I did ask to keep it low key for me.

NY 2 SF Day 7

2009-06-26T19:48:00.000-07:00

My Indians

Lake Eric sunset

WTF

New friend

After being well rested and being taken care of by G & G in Chicago. PS the view from the John Hancock penthouse is worth it and thanks for the drinks G. Back on the road or as Willy says, on the road again... Complete with a hug from G and a great coffee from G on the 92 out of Chicago, through IL into Indiana ( sorry ...boring) into Ohio. Yes home of my team Cleveland Indians..
Got to Toledo on the 80/90 the roads were boring and a RIP OFF as you need to fuel at the gas station on the toll roads... WTF.
After going through Toledo (and let me know why this town is famous, outside of MASH and you get a prize) I got off the maim road and went on the 6 to Sandusty up lake Erie to Cleveland. And there was a game on, did a lap of the the park and then on to the 80 up to Erie. Really wanted to camp but had a had time finding anywhere when I bumped into Sara's right on Lake Erie, got the tent out, sent it up, went to get dinner etc and came back...RAIN. WTF. thankfully it stopped and I had a good nights sleep on the beach of Lake Erie. I wanted to wake up in the morning looking out over the lake but when I woke up during the night, someone had set the tent up in front of mine.???
Cheers PB

NY 2 SF Day 6

2009-06-23T14:51:00.001-07:00

Take me out to the ball park...

Holy COW

On road service

Lunch with friends,thanks for taking care of me G & G

Chicago street view

Help me....

Well after the 1300 miles in 23 hours, it was rest day and what a better city than Chicago.
My nice friends Gina & Gene had let me crash at there home and were nice enough to show me around, got some lunch had a few drinks and chilled. Also had a chance to clean the bike and check it all over.
Here are some photos
Cheers PB

NY 2 SF Day 5 BUTT BURNER DAY

2009-06-22T08:20:00.001-07:00

"the good life" REALLY

At least someone has a sense of humor in Nebraska

Unlike Coptar AKA Utar you have to wear a lid

Found the 80

Ok people, there is not going to be many photos on this post and the words are going to be straight to the point. Why it is BUTT BURNER day. Yes 1000 miles in one day.
Woke up at 4am and packed up, got a nice wake up call up my witness John. No rain it sight. Took off at 5.10 am up highway 25 north to Wyoming,turned right on Hwy 26 back though Wyoming down toward Nebraska on the 385, It was flat, windy and no one around. I got lost in Nebraska for 2 hours. All the roads look the same and there is no point of reference. Also it was overcast so I could not use the sun to find my way. Finally with a little help found the I 80. It was so windy, my neck was taking a beating. I did discover that the place I could rest while riding was when there was trees on the side if the freeway. Note to farmers plant more trees along the edge of your properties please. About half way though Nebraska it started...rain. Off the bike and on with the wet weather clothes. The rain was hard, heavy and from the side at 45 degrees. After hours of riding in the rain with the HUGH spray from the trucks rain started getting into my clothes. I could feel the little runs of water just finding there way into my boots and up my sleeves. So at this point I was cool and wet, it was also getting dark. At this point I was leaving Nebraska and I was happy, again sorry Mr Warren Buffett put I was happy to see the end of Nebraska. From my point of view you can put Nebraska right where it fits and keep it there. And just incase you follow my blog or someone passes it on to you. I know home is where the heart is but with, but Warren with all your money why do you still want to live in Nebraska. So here I come Iowa, still raining and windy. Again flat, it was was really late now and the rain had really slowed me down. I just burned through Iowa as fast as I could. Just as I got in to Illinois I called my freind in Chicago and he told me I still had 4 plus hours to go before I got to him. It was now 1am the next day and still raining heavy. About 350 miles out of Chicago people were flashing there light at me and as I went under a bridge and thought WOW that bridge is bright,then it hit me my head light was facing straight up in the air. So I sat on the side of the freeway in the rain for a hour trying to fix it with the big trucks flying pass me and throwing up lots of spray. Could not really fix, so just pushed on. Then as if things could not get cazier about 200 miles out of Chicago I heard this cracking noise in my ear. Yes I was very sleepy and fatigued,but I knew I was not crazy and just a that point the visor on my helmet snapped off. I was able to grap it and pull over. I sent another 30 minutes on the side of the freeway trying to fix it. No luck. So back on the road and everytime a truck went by (and at 3am in the morning those truck haul ass) I pulled over and slowed down to get away from the spray of rain. 200 miles in the rain ,no face mask. Finally got into Chicago, the last 120 miles were hell. You what they say, what does not kill you, makes you stronger. At 4.30 am Gene was nice enough to meet me down on the street. I puuled the bike up into his parking spot and while I was doing this it got away from me and I dropped it. I was done !!!

STATS.
Denver to Chicago (the long way) 1300 miles in 23 hours. Only stopping for Gas and Peepee

Cheers PB

NY 2 SF Day 4

2009-06-19T09:05:00.000-07:00

Left Montrose, my cute little over priced hotel with bad coffee and even worse pillows. Why can't hotels, out side of the Ritz had good pillows, help me here. On the way out went to Black canyon. WOW a 16 degree ride down to the bottom. Then up to the Rockies at Monach pass I got to 11312 feet and it was 36 degrees. Dam cold, never thought I would be have to fart in my pant, but it kept me warm. And I have no heated grips on my bike.. Meet some nice people they hold me to go to Dillion brew and stay the night, turns out to be a mall WTF. Drove through some nice roads, through Gunnison on the 285 to the 24. Drove through Brecken ridge, which was nice, and I am sure very nice in the full on winter, but took me a disney land a bit. Even though it was beautiful, there was nothing else to do, so I git on the 50 to Denver. The last 2 hours it rained and it was not fun. Found the 25 north and another over priced hotel. Dried off my clothes found a nice man John to be my withness for my butt burner a off to sleep.
Cheers PB

NY 2 SF Day 3

2009-06-18T09:54:00.000-07:00

WTF

I was running this storm

OK people here is the WTF of the trip. And I must say the cop in Coptar AKA Utar was cool about it. I got pulled over doing 75 in a 50 zone. YES 50 WTF I can run faster and it is easy to dodge to bugs hitting your visor at 50 mph (that is no contest for the bugs). But here is my big WTF. You can not do 10mph over the speed limit put you can spread your brains down the road when you crash cause there is no helmet laws. Again WTF. And they call us crazy in California. Anyway the cop only wrote me up for doing 60mph so I did not need to go to court. Back to Utah it is beautiful Hey 24 and 95 were great and parts of it remind me of Australia.91 east in Moab was windy the rocks are rock if you were into rock climbing. Barry told me to go to Moab and when I got there again I was WTF, it was a run town red neck town. Got gas and put it behind me, but the ride out of Moab was azaming. So stunning, everyone should go there one. Got out of Coptar heading to Colorado. Pushed on to Delta and then to Montrose. On the way to Montrose I was riding right into a strom, it rained heavy and there was lighting. I guess no camping tonite. I was over budget on hotels already.
Question... hope someone can help. For all the farms I saw why do they all look like junk yards with a house in the middle. Can't they clean there front yards up a little and get rid of the 6 old rusting cars ??? Help me understand people.
Cheers PB

Where it all started...

2009-06-17T14:22:00.001-07:00

Always wanted to ride for team Yamaha...
Let me know how old you think I was

NY 2 SF Day 2

2009-06-17T09:56:00.000-07:00

My perfect camp site

Drying out boots

Friends from NY going to SF

WOW this is a lot of Deer

Cheap real estate

First sign of snow

New friends

Day 2.... Still no good coffee in these casino towns. Got on Hwy 21 heading to Denver. One of the smallest and cutest towns I hit was Baker NV. Once I was leaving NV it took me a while but all of a sudden there were no flashing neon lights. Oh yes... I am not in Las Vegas NV any more. Hit rain one the way to Beaver and all I could smell riding though Utah or as I prefer to call it "Coptar",so many police in Utah,back to the smell was fertilizer that they put on the crops. Barry had told me to ride Highway 14 to 89 and then 12 and even though it was riding I was glad I did it. Going up though the 14 was amazing. The start of Bryce canyon was breath taking. I was going to try and get to Moab, but it was getting late. I found the best free camp site, under a hugh red cliff and right on a river bed. I went to sleep to the sound of the river and woke up to the sound of rain on the tent.
Utah is beautiful and worth seeing.
Cheers PB

NY 2 SF Day 1

2009-06-16T10:41:00.000-07:00

Sorry just thought this was funny... Harry has pissed off someone

The shoe tree

This is how your BUTT feel after 10 hours

The loniest Hwy

Sadly leaving home

Starting OD

Best coffee in NV

Casino town hotels

Pimp my ride

wonder who named this town and why

Two things I want to let you know before we start this trip together. 1 the last page that I do will be the summary page, given the high, lows, best and worst of the trip. So NOT miss that. 2 I am not going to bored you will pages and 1000's of words and writing, just straight to the point and hope the photo fill in the rest. That being said I left family and home with the speedo reading 37110.
The family gave be a nice neck warmer as a going away gift and I did not not how handy & helpful that would be. Made my way out of SF and my goal was to go as far as I could day 1. Out on the 80 though the arm pit (Reno) through Sparks in NV then on to the 50. The loneist road in America, and yes it was lonely. Meet some nice Harley people in Austin NV (nice little town) and stopped with them at the "shoe tree" where ever one throws a pair of shoes up in to the tree ( see photos). The wind kicked my ass going in to Ely and it was getting late. I wanted to camp, but some locals told me in was going to rain, so off to the hotel 7777. Bike ran weel day 1. No good food or coffee in Ely as it is a casino town. And FYI any town that ends at the loniest highway in the US, should be left alone. Sorry Ely.
Cheers PB

SF 2 NY

2009-06-13T09:45:00.000-07:00

OK Iam back, safe and sound. And have many stories and photos to share. But have you heard the old saying...
"You have to be smarter than what you are working on". Well I am a dummy. When I packed my bike in the container in NY, I though I would travel home lite and just take with me what I needed, that being said I left my camera and jounral with the bike in the container, so can't post any photos till June 16th
PLEASE CHECK BACK
Cheers & Thanks PB
I do have one thing to tell you and if you follow my blog or if someone passes it to you, I am sorry in advance, Mr Warren Buffett. But you can take the state of Nebraska and put it were it fits.

SF 2 NY...

2009-05-21T18:46:00.000-07:00

Well guys it is Friday morning and I am off. Will see you and post the whole trip in 3 weeks
Cheers PB

SF 2 NY test run...

2009-05-17T11:17:00.000-07:00

Fast friends

Flat tire DAM it

Coming through

Those GS's are HEAVY

With a week to go till I take off, thought I'd do a test run. One the check out the bike and try to do some big days (miles). And glad I did because hopefully I got some bad things out of the way. Got on the bike at 1PM and went as hard as I could to Elko NV. Got there at 9 PM at night. Was not up for camping so got a cheap hotel. That run felt looking but it was only 517 miles. Next day on the road at 9.30 after coffee back the same way. Got to Grass valley and was going to camp but the maps lied. A local told me a a site "just down the road". Next thing I am on the I 50 going to Sacarmento in the heat and traffic. Stopped at Davis, question... Go home or push ??? PUSH.
got on to 128 up to Napa on the winding roads over to the 101 and down to the 116. At this point it was getting dark...Home or camp ??? CAMP, pushed on to Bodega Bay and got there at 9 PM. That was almost 701 miles. Some nice people (Timco construction) from Glassier let me share there camp site. Not a bad nights sleep. Packed up and thought the back tire looked low on air,this is where to fun began,so I went in to check it while doing so the bike almost feel on my head. Put some air in and off I went up the beauiful Hwy 1. While riding the RID unit I had put in some timw ago (remember the story back a few about the electical bike fire) kept telling me that the oil temp was MAX. Tried to fix it while riding,thought I would try all the other buttons to see if they were working and when I pushed the horn, it went down to normal. Guess the load of the horn corrected it ???. Next I pull over as the bike was moving around alot ???, guess what I found, and they are not just for hanging sheet rock,yes a screw was making love with my back tire. Hot and pissed off, I had to fix it,3 tries later got it. After all that got up the one and over the redwoods, rode the bike thought the famous tree then pulled in to a store for some water as it was getting up to 100 degrees. Walked out and guess what, the GS is on it's side (fully loaded). Some nice local man helped me pick it up, just cosmetic stuff. Then home would to SF and the cool (cold air) over the Golden gate bridge. You know what they say what does not kill you make you stronger, well I am 2 1/2 days stronger.
Cheers PB

Who need a helmet Mr Bucket head...

2009-05-06T17:38:00.000-07:00

My buddy Kaley just sent over this photo. Please if you have any photos, send them my way.
Cheers PB

SF 2 NY...

2009-05-05T10:41:00.000-07:00

Well people it is official my cross country trip is on. San Francisco to New York. Starting May 22
and back June 10. On my BMW GS 1100 motorcycle.

Driving directions to 5th Ave, New York, NY

3,048 mi – about 1 day 22 hours

Via Bell Rd - remove

114 Lyon St

San Francisco, CA 94117

1.	Head north on Lyon St toward Oak St	154 ft
2.	Turn right at Oak St	1.0 mi
3.	Turn right at Octavia St	0.2 mi
4.	Take the ramp onto US-101 S	0.7 mi
5.	Take the exit onto I-80 E toward Oakland Partial toll road	81.4 mi
6.	Take the exit onto I-80 E toward Reno Passing through Nevada Entering Utah	654 mi
7.	Take exit 304 to merge onto I-80 E toward Cheyenne Passing through Wyoming, Nebraska Entering Iowa	1,053 mi
8.	Continue on I-235 E (signs for W Des Moines/I-235/Des Moines)	14.0 mi
9.	Take exit 137B for I-80/I-35 toward Kansas City/Council Bluffs	0.1 mi
10.	Keep right at the fork, follow signs for Davenport/I-80 and merge onto I-80 E Entering Illinois	179 mi
11.	Take exit 14 to merge onto I-280 E/I-80 E toward Chicago Continue to follow I-80 E Partial toll road Entering Indiana	169 mi
12.	Take exit 16 to merge onto I-80 E/I-90 E Continue to follow I-90 E Partial toll road Entering Ohio	307 mi
13.	Take the I-90 exit toward Cleveland	0.2 mi
14.	Keep left at the fork to continue toward I-90 E and merge onto I-90 E Partial toll road Passing through Pennsylvania Entering New York	268 mi
15.	Take exit 44 to merge onto NY-332/Rochester Rd/State Route 332 toward Canandaigua Partial toll road	2.5 mi
16.	Continue straight to stay on NY-332/Rochester Rd/State Route 332	0.5 mi
17.	Slight left to stay on NY-332/Rochester Rd/State Route 332 Continue to follow NY-332	6.6 mi
18.	Turn left at Eastern Blvd/NY-21/NY-5/US-20/Western Blvd Continue to follow NY-5/US-20	3.3 mi
19.	Turn right at NY-247/Reeds Corners Rd/State Route 247 Continue to follow NY-247	7.1 mi
20.	Turn left at N Main St/NY-245/NY-247 Continue to follow NY-247	4.0 mi
21.	Slight left at NY-364/State Route 364	2.5 mi
22.	Turn right at Bell Rd	2.3 mi
23.	Turn left at County Rte-29/Guyanoga Rd	0.9 mi
24.	Turn right at NY-364/State Route 364	3.9 mi
25.	Continue on North Ave	1.1 mi
26.	Turn left at Clinton St/NY-54 Continue to follow NY-54	4.0 mi
27.	Turn right at NY-14/State Route 14 Continue to follow NY-14	37.4 mi
28.	Continue on Main St N/Watkins Rd Continue to follow Main St N	2.0 mi
29.	Turn left onto the NY-17/I-86 ramp	0.2 mi
30.	Merge onto I-86 E	0.3 mi
31.	Continue on NY-17 E/Southern Tier Expy E Entering Pennsylvania	19.1 mi
32.	Continue on Rte-17 E Entering New York	28.3 mi
33.	Continue on NY-17 E	11.7 mi
34.	Merge onto I-81 S Entering Pennsylvania	57.6 mi
35.	Slight right at I-380 S	29.1 mi
36.	Merge onto I-80 E Entering New Jersey	85.9 mi
37.	Continue on I-95 N Partial toll road Entering New York	5.0 mi
38.	Take exit 2 for Harlem Riv Dr toward FDR Dr	0.7 mi
39.	Continue straight	1.9 mi
40.	Take exit 20 to merge onto Park Ave toward E 132 St	3.0 mi
41.	Turn right at E 75th St	0.2 mi

5th Ave

New York, NY
Will keep you up to date
Cheers PB

Electrical fire & RID unit...

2009-05-02T11:32:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Barry,we got a RID unit for $45, it is not fun to run out of fuel. Just for those of you that don't know the RID has a fuel gauge in it and my bike did not have one...CRAZY hey. But know I do. Though while putting it in and rewiring the PIAA lights late one night, I had a fire, HOLY SHIT it was scary. But all is good now, RID works and the lights come on when you turn the key.
Cheers PB

SF 2 LA 2 SF DAY 4...

2009-04-23T10:07:00.001-07:00

Well day 4 and sadly time to go go. Nattie is coming with me on his Harley bike (joke). Thanks to David, Maria and everyone for a great trip. And next time I am down there I will catch up with Paul and Z man.

The trip home was nice, left LA at 9.12 and go to SF at 4.12 with two stops one for fuel and stayed on the bike and one for fuel and lunch in Green field. Dam it I need a RID unit.

Thanks for following...

Cheers PB

SF 2 LA 2 SF DAY 3...

2009-04-22T11:44:00.000-07:00

7.01 am ... coffee, had a nice snack from Maria(thanks) then went for a ride over Topanga Canyon to the PCH down to Malibu and along the cost to Santa Monica. Then back up Sunset Blvd to the traffic from HELL on the 101 Freeway. Why do they call them freeways, your not free to go anywhere???
When I got back Maria had her other 2 kids nice door (cute twins) come over and we sat on the bike and played. David and Maria went out for dinner so Nattie and myself stay home,chilled and watched movies. Off to bed and ready to ride home the next day.
Cheers PB

SF 2 LA 2 SF DAY 2...

2009-04-21T13:39:00.000-07:00

Our old house in LA

An A+ for any one who can spell this backwards. Pass it on to others PB

My best friend and life saver David

Woke up, took a nice walk on the beach etc. Said bye to my new made friends and headed for LA.
Stopped in to Santa Barbara for a coffee and back on the road. As you know I was riding down to see my friend David in LA and wanted to surprise him, so when I got to his house I called him on his cel phone then went to his door and rang the bell, "PB hold on someone is at my door" yes it was me, wish I had a camera. After we chewed the fat for a while, he had to work, so I went down to see his new book store. After that I went to check out our old house in LA and see the sites.
( FYI LA and motorcycles don't mix, and still alive....just). On the way back got a call from my old friend that I knew when I worked at Playboy and we were able to catch up and I am soooo happy she is moving back to Nor Cal. Also while I was there I meet a nice guy Peter R, who asked me about BMW and we talked for a while (keep in contact PR).
Went back to the book store and then to David and Maria, Maria made us a killer meal, our friend Bubby came over and we watched baseball.( Bubby buy the Harley). Off to sleep after another busy day.
Cheers PB

SF 2 LA 2 SF DAY 1...

2009-04-19T20:56:00.000-07:00

Day 1 of my trip from SF to LA. Just to fill you in, in case you did not know the reason or one of the reason for this trip, was to see my great friend, Dave and his family in LA . It was a surprise for him and I had worked it out in advance with his wife Maria. Well after a nice steam bath the night before with my friend Barry, woke up early, walked the Dude (the dog) and was ready for the road,"where the HELL are my keys", after looking around, I used the spare. (nice joke ) you know who. Got on the road and wanted to stop in Santa Cruz and see the Cavlan family and there new son...Congrats.
After that it was one the 1 down the coast, one of the most beautiful rides ever,except one thing. 40 to 60 MPH winds, WOW did I need to fight the to keep the bike on the rode, changing lanes without wanting to is scary. I pushed on and at one point at a traffic light the winds were so strong I thought I was going to drop the bike. After many hours & a long day I got to my camp site. Camp Rufugio just north of Santa Barbara, after the hard day I had I was ready to to to SB and get a hotel room with a shower and bed, but went though the camp site to check it out. There I found Paul, Beverly & kelly, who invited me to make camp with them. They turned out to be the nicest people ever, real salt of the earth . They feed me and her brother, who's handle I can not recall or maybe with his magic he took my memory away from me gave us GREAT magic with card tricks along with Beverly's really good cake ..... WOW how does he do that with the cards, and guess what my keys apeered in my case lock after that ??? Thanks guys for taking care of me. After that, good nite. And the only thing that took away from the sound of the waves was "jonny car alarm" at 2 am.
Cheers PB

The girl got new shoes...

2009-04-04T11:13:00.000-07:00

Out with old ...in with the new

Hired help...sure. where is the Rum & cola man

The work shop

Me all man

Don't blow a fuse

Ok guys, it was a productive day for some (not the photo of my help with his feet up) and a little sad. When I got my bike it was the manly man bike with big Knobbie tires (for those of you that are nice enough to follow my blog, but are not motorcycle people, knobbie tires not for the dirt not road). And I know what you others are thinking and I agree 95 percent of all the roads in the world are dirt. True, but most of my riding in on the road,so the knobbies are worn out they have to go. Therefore my bike looses it's manly status. Here are some photos from the tire change, and with thanks from my friend and wrencher Barry, we got it done. Trust me no moto GP teams are picking us up for pit crew, but in our own style the job was done. Also with a little help from UP DOWN LONG WAY AROUND'S on staff photographer,Christian.
Now out for a test ride.

Enjoy the photos and please give me feed back on both the story and changing tires
Cheers PB

This is a classic photo...

2009-03-01T11:37:00.000-08:00

Here is another classic... I don't remember the kids name I was setting on the bike but that was also at Northern dist Mini bike club. My bike is the one behind that with the white helmet hanging on it. Keep in mind I had an old under powered bike compared to the other kids.
Enjoy and give me feed back
Cheers PB

More old photos...

2009-03-01T11:27:00.000-08:00

OK guys here you go more old photos to look at and laugh at bad hair days...
This was my first trophy, a third place for the season at Northern district mini bike club.
The kids on the left in 2nd place was Martin Mctigue. I went to school with him, but I can not remember the kid who got 1st place... maybe Kevin.
Go on laugh and let me know what you think.
Cheers PB
PS. As you guys know I am a photographer...If you want to check out my latest project go to
wwww.1photo3words365days.blogspot.com

HOG KILLS GRIZZLY...

2009-02-24T15:16:00.000-08:00

Can you believe a motor Cycle killed this HUGE GRIZZLY.
This grizzly was hit by a Harley on Lolo
Pass. This is the pass between
Lolo, MT and Kooskia, ID. USA

Look at the claws on that sucker!
Sorry thanks to Barry
Prize for anyone who guessing his weight ?
Cheers PB

My new bike...

2009-02-22T10:50:00.000-08:00

PB's first time really getting some air. (don't laugh to hard Ricky) This was my first new bike,it was a Yamaha YZ 80 B. I think it cost about $500. The decal on my hi tech helmet means keep out in Papua New guinea. Which is where we lived just before coming back to Australia where I started my hi profile professional moto cross, fam filled career. Yes more to laugh about. You can click on the photos to enlarge them and get more details.
As always, enjoy ,pass on to others, let me know and laughs on me...
Cheers PB

Old man PB...

2009-02-22T10:34:00.000-08:00

Here are some old photos I just scanned in and want to share. The kid walking though the dirt pits is me circa 1975. My first out of state race meet. I did mange a third place. But more important, check the protective clothing back then. Two pair of jeans an old pair of army boots,couple of sweaters and an open face helmet from the 60's. Thank god for the AMA and some rules. I remember this track it was a ruff and stoney. It was in Victoria Australia and the race was called Moomba
Enjoy,pass on to others, let me know what you think.
And yes...Laugh all you want,we all have these photos with bad hair.
Cheers PB

Where it all started...

2009-02-14T11:19:00.000-08:00

Here you go... I am going to share two photos with you. One of my young girl and one of me at her age. Hers does'nt have a motor, but you have to start somewhere. Mine was a 80cc Yamaha that we broght back from Papua New Guinea to Australia. W hen we got back, we ripped all the lights and road stuff off and went motorcross racing. My first number was 100
Hope you enjoy and let me know if you want to see more old photos...
Cheers PB

Locks...

2009-01-29T08:52:00.000-08:00

We Know the Germans make things well, but takes someone better to mess it up. (joke)
Don't let anyone who has German blood and the initials BD near your locks. This one of my side bags, which took me 3 hours to drill out after the said person tried to put a lock in for me. What a mess...
This blog is meant if fun

Cheers PB
WE

Death Valley...more photos

2009-01-27T14:46:00.000-08:00

Here are some more photos from Death Valley...
thanks to JC
Enjoy and let us know

Cheers PB

Up Down Long Way Around... Team members.

2009-01-24T11:57:00.001-08:00

One of the cuter members of our team...
The smaller younger one.
Cheers PB

Death Valley...

2009-01-19T16:54:00.000-08:00

First wanted to say thanks to all on the trip that made me feel so welcome. When Barry told me about this trip then Barry & Thor invited me, I was so happy and Barry said this was one of the best crowd he has put together, he was right. Also thanks for waiting for me. Death Valley...WOW.
You can not put in to words, but here are a few amazing,astonishing,incredible,stunning,unbelievable,awesome and beautiful. Ever one should go there once in their life. And this is coming from a guy who is not big on the dessert.

DAY 1

(coffee 6am) check the bike & off to meet Barry, Thor, Ralph,Cosmo at 19th Ave in the Richmond then jumped on the 280 to pick up Gerry. Down Hwy 280 we took the 25, which is a great road to ride, half way down Cosmo found out that he did not have as much rubber on the rear as he thought, to late now.
From the 25 it was to the 46 then 198, Peachtree and to the 101 to Grand Bakersfield. It was Thor, Gerry and myself going to the hotel, while the others went and dropped some cash on a new rear tire for Cosmo. Helped everyone get a room, but they did'nt have enough so Cosmo bunked in with Barry and me. A quick team photo in the room and off to dinner at one of Bakersfield finest... Carrows. Hi to Maria who served us that night (see photo...JOKING). After dinner a ruff night sleep, between the noise off the train and barking frogs in the room I did not get much rest. Back to Carrows for breakfast. This time we were smart and hit the coffee shack across the road before Carrows. That is where Cosmo picked that CUTE Kelly 95.3 decal. Then on the road.

DAY 2

Sad to see the end of Bakersfield (which by the way is the basque food center of the US... no joke). On to the 78 to 190 A nice ride through the mountains. We stopped in Trona (ghost town) for lunch, at a nice diner. After a rest and soda back on the road to Death Valley. A nice ride stopped us at Stone Pipe Wells for a soda and refuel and of course gift for my kids. We were now offically in Death Valley. WOW my first time in death Valley. You can not believe how the mountains just come up to you, its like they grow on top of you as you ride through them. Day light was going fast but Barry and I wanted to go to Badwater,the rest of the team headed to the hotel in Beatty . Badwater this the lowest point below sea level in the US. It was great,nice sun set shots. Now dark we headed back the hotel to settle inn and a drink.(Thanks to the dum driver killing us with his high beam lights). At the hotel we were meet up with a
lot of riders from the bmw sport touring group. Nice people. After a shower, off to dinner. There are only 3 place to eat in Beatty, and one was the smoke filled Casino which had the worst ABBA cover band ever!!!. The other looked like you needed to be a local to get in and a Mexican place called Esmandia that did'nt even sell beer. Guess what no beer tonite. Also ask Ralph what it is like to eat rust. Got a better nights sleep as I had the bed to myself and the mexican food had'nt started the barking frogs yet. And for breakfast back to you know where... Esmandia . I would even lower myself to starbucks if Beatty had one.

Day 3

Everyone sort of got together and we decided that we would do some off road stuff. After guess where for breakfast Barry,Ralph, Cosmo & myself headed for Titus canyon. I was a little worried but wanted to go off road on such a big bike. BUMMER it was closed...still mangaged to get the rear wheel dug in. At that point we looked for another off road adventure and Barry thought the RT was not the bike for the dirt and Ralph wanted to do something else. Cosmo & I went looking for chloride-cliff . We could not find the turn and while looking at the map, meet some girls from LA out for hiking and camping the hard core way . Great to meet you ladies and keep in contact. After turning around we found the non marked exit and man what a cool off road track. We found lots of mine camps and rode up to 7000 feet. It was so much fun and I am glad I did it. On the way back I took the lead and lost it a little over a river bed (did not crash) but lost my side bag as it was being dragged behind me after hitting a rock. Cosmo "well if you were'nt trying to be Johnny Dakar" that would not have happened. Finished the off roading, put air back in the tires and Cosmo took off to go by himself camping and I went back to Beatty looking for the others. That night the bmw sport touring club put on a BBQ across the street from the hotel and it was so much fun. I think I eat half a cow that night. Then back home (hotel) with a big tummy and watch HBO to sleep. Listening to the sounds of Barry snoring. In the morning the beans from the night before had found there way into the air ???
Ralph bangs on the door and backs away as I open it... "What's that SMELL" !!!

Day 4

Thor and Gerry headed for home and then with Cosmo gone, after breakfast (guess where) Barry, Ralph & myself did the same. Sad to see Death Valley in the rear view mirror, can I say the same for Beatty ???... Like always being the slowest I took off first knowing that they would catch me, but I did make it to Stone Pipe Wells first, even with my handicap. Then after I fast refuel I took off first to Trona. I can can tell you I pushed it for that part of the ride. I made it to Trona and was waiting out the front of the biggest gas station for 20 mins, when I started talking to another rider and he mentioned that he saw my riding partner take a right turn and head into town. Yes they were at out favorite Italian place in Trona. Rested, back on the bike heading out of town,me at the back got stopped at the train track for one of those 25 mile trains that take 30 mins to pass. Barry & Ralph were were well gone. But we had plans to meet in Ridge Crest. I looked and looked ..... no Barry or Ralph, so I went on to our next meeting point. Waited 20 mins and no guys. ???. What to do... no cel phones working ???. So after waiting I left them a voice message and pushed on hard to Bakersfield (back to our favorite town and alone).
I refueled half way and finally got Barry on the phone. "lets meet me Bakersfield" I got there 20 mins before them and was waiting in subway . Little did they know I beamed myself ahead of them. After a rest, back on the road, Ralph took off...hope he was OK and Barry was nice enough to stay with me. Got on the 99 then the 46 and the 5 (do not like the 5 on a bike). Stopped to refueled near the 152 thank god as my butt was dead. 8 hours of riding. Checked in again on Ralph and back on the road, got the 152 to the 101 and home was close, now my butt was like a pounded hambuger and I was changing positions on the seat to stop it from being dead.
When I saw the sign for 22 miles to SF that was it, HOME. After Barry was nice enough to drop off my bag with the kids gifts, it was into the hot tub with glass on wine and bed. Yes I did sleep well that night.
Glad every one made it home safe, and as Barry said on the first day no wrecks and tickets

Enjoy the photos...check back more photos comimg.

Cheers PB

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Death_Valley

http://mojavedesert.net/mining-history/chloride-cliff/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Death_Valley

http://santa.barbara.diningguide.com/data/d100590.htm

http://www.switchboard.com/Bakersfield-CA/Subway/

http://www.bayareabmw.com/

http://www.desertusa.com/Cities/ca/ridgecrest.html

http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9F03EFD71739F935A35753C1A963948260&sec=travel&spon=&pagewanted=all

http://www.desertusa.com/video_pages/titus_dv_movie.html

http://www.starbucks.com/retail/locator/default.aspx

http://travel.aol.com/travel-guide/Beatty-Nevada-United+States-Exchange+Club+Motel:3682381:N19389-hotel-detail

http://bmwsporttouring.com/index.html

SAN SIMEON TRIP ... Cool photos... met great people.

2009-01-04T21:22:00.000-08:00

Well I was able to get away for the weekend and a friend told me San Simeon was beautiful and of course riding on Hwy 1 down near Carmel does not get much better. All packed and ready to roll Saturday morning while the kids were still sleeping. Through the city and on the 1 towards Half moon bay. Stop for gas and some photo opps along the way. Everything was great, a cool and sunny day. Made good time to Big Sur, where I helped a lady in a Benz check her tire pressure (another story) and off to take some photos. Those Sea loins are HUGH and LOUD, to say the least. Great light houses along the way, you should check them out. Pulled into the cute little corner store in San Simeon just in time as they closing , got coffee for the next morning. I was all prepared to be alone and take care of myself. Little did I know what was in stall for me. I was riding though the camp site, gave a few people the wave and saw a guy (Scott) with a BIG RV and a nice camp site. I asked him if I could share his fire and site. With 5 minutes he gave me a beer and his brother Gary came out and was helping me put up my tent. With in 30 minutes I felt like I was part of their family. After getting settled in the sun was going down and I wanted to get some nice sunset shots. Scott said he would come with me (beer in hand) a man was it worth it. Stunning sun set. After a hour or so we went back to the site and Gary and his wife had made me some KILLER burritos for me and they had every hot sauce known to man kind. Scott gave me a glass of some thing that was going to help me sleep that night and he had made a big old camp fire. We just sat around and chewed the fat and had a few drinks. After a few, Gary went off to talk to the angels and I went down to the road and layed down watching the stars. WOW you just don't see stars like that in the city. I got a little cold so back to the camp fire and Scott had turn that thing into someing from burning man. Was I lucky, just setting there with some thing warm to drink that would help me sleep in my hand and a big camp fire. Scott and and I just talked. He told me some funny stories, some of which should not go on this site, but a lot to do with drugs and time in a state prison (still I don't care the guy was nice and did his time). After he got out he moved his whole family to Missouri, for a fresh start,"best thing I ever did for me and the family". The one down side to Missouri he said was that mosquitos were hugh and they joke that they are the state bird of Missouri. ( I laughed so hard). We talked and talked more, as I said, about things that can not go on the rated G site like this. It was time to let Scotty moon shine help me sleep. It was a little could but, the only thing that woke me up was the sound of the waves and the ocean. Our camp sight was about a quater mile from the beach, but it sounded like it was on your door step. Morning time there was frost on the ground and wow when I washed my face off with the tap water, it got my system going. As i walked back to the site and Gary and he lovely wife Florina had made me breakfast and coffee. These people were the salt of the earth, they did not know me from a hole in the wall, but just took me in. Sophie, there grand kid came out and we all sat around another Scott fire for a while. Sadly all good things come to and end, so we all started packing up. I was done, ready to go and DAM IT, a flat battey. Once again Scott and Gary jumped right in to help me out. Got the bike running and off north one the 1 . Apart from rain the only thing I don't like about riding is the wind, and you can really get hit riding down the cost. Stopped off in Big Sur (what a beautiful town) to re fuel and get a drink. That is where I got the shot of the man with "enjoy your life" on the back of his shirt.
I have to take my hat off to all the great people who helped save Big Sur and the surrounding areas from the fires !. Back on the bike and after going through the lovely redwoods of Big Sur you hit the coast and that was where the wind starts hitting you. Stopped for some more photos, bumped into another BMW rider who just coming back fron Death Vally, sounded like a nice ride. I was just riding back from a great weekend away, thinking how lucky I am to have a family who let me do this, friend who support me and meeting great people like Scott, Gary and Florina, can't forget Sophie. It makes you really keep faith that the world has not gone to the dogs when you meet people like that. So coming though Santa Cruz (don't want to end on a downer but ...) thinking I am a little hurgry and saw a Subway sandwich place ( not as good as Gary's burrito ) can I make it home , back and forth in my mind while i am setting at the traffic light. Left turn into Subway. I get my usual (right Bernie) and just as I am paying a man come in yells out "dose anyone have a BMW motor cycle". I run out side and in his Over F_____ sided SUV he backed into my bike, the bike is on it side (have you ever try to pick one of those things up with all the camping gear on it). You know what the guy said, "your parked in a fire zone" not even sorry and it was barly in the fire zone.
Got the bike up, a few scrates and bumps, at least I was not on it. Went back in to TRY and enjoy my sandwich. Then a cop who was in the store, came up me to see if all was OK and he said "at least he came and got you, he could have done a runner" TRUE. Look on the lighter side just had a good weekend and he only broke the side case and a few bumps. Back on the bike with a full tummy ,trying not to think, why did i have to go in there. I was'nt that hurgry. Move on, as they say. Got home safely. Monady called Fred at www.cyclesrecycled.com and $100 later I have a new side case and I hope the guy pays for it.
So that is it,did not want to end on a downer but I hope you enjoyed, please let me know.
Cheers PB

www.cyclesrecycled.com

Touratech parts

2008-12-30T12:18:00.000-08:00

Got the parts from Touratech USA. For the most part every thing worked out.

The Touratech Gearbox Reinforcement for the BMW R1100 GS .In the silver to match the BMW frame color. Matt over at Acme had to mill a little piece out as they don't work with the Hepco-Becker crash bars on the right side. You would think Germans and Germans would talk to each other???

The Touratech sump guard protects the central stand and the front silencer against damage from stones or other objects protruding from the ground when riding off-road. As the sump guard plate is tabbed upwards, it prevents sand and dirt from penetrating the space between the engine and the gearbox. Thus, it protects the crankshaft ring from dirt and increases its life considerably.

Be careful, I found the the weight of it has made the stand not go up and we may have to put a different spring on it.

The steering stop on the R1100GS can break during a heavy fall. It is a time-consuming and quite expensive job to replace the yoke. With a broken steering stop, the fuel tank can be damaged as well. And sometimes the frame is damaged at the point of steering stop contact. For those among you who don't want to worry about bike repairs after a heavy fall...

This I feel is worth all the money. It is cheap insurance. Another good item is the Oil cooler guard, as puncturing the oil cooler on your bike even a few miles away from home can be a major hassle and a major expense. Protect the oil cooler on your R1100GS with this sharp looking, laser-cut, Touratech aluminum oil cooler guard. Its design allows lots of air to flow onto the radiator but also protects it from branches, stones and other debris that might be kicked up and hit the front of the bike on road or off. Cheap insurance.

One last note. I had REALLY would never buy this item. The R1150GS stands much more firmly even on a soft surface with this kick stand support extension. If you park the motor bike in a meadow or other soft surface such as sand or hot asphalt, you don't have to look for a small stick or rock, or at least not on line. It did not fit and we had the modify it and let it still did not work. It's a great idea but for half the cost and it looks better I had Matt at Acme to just weld a nice piece of metal on the end of the stand. A shot of black spray paint and Bob's your uncle.

Just incase you don't have it here is there link

www.touratech-usa.com

Hey and they sent me a Touratech decal. WOW what about a t shirt on all orders over $100, the t shirt cost $5 and think of the advertising.

Cheers PB