|
|
Bikers on Tour |
|
|
If you find our vacation information useful feel free to buy us a cup of coffee or a beer. Donations are gladly accepted
|
I recently drove my car into California heading for Redding. I enjoy riding my Harley on a trip like that but this time I had to go by car. As I covered the miles I continuously spotted motorcycles thundering down the highway. I passed many different kinds, makes and models. I saw Hondas, Kawasaki's, Yamahas, Suzuki's and of course, Harley Davidson's. And they all enjoyed the open road together. It was truly bikers on tour. I found myself quite jealous and envious of those riders and that is when I decided to add a page to this site about touring America on a motorcycle. If you have never tried it, there is no better feeling than straddling all that horse power and hitting the blacktop with the wind in your face. It is especially good if you have a friend or two to travel with. Below is a picture of me on my ride. I ride a 1992 Harley Davidson Ultra Classic Electra Glide complete with a queens seat for the wifes comfort. I also included a picture of a couple of close friends.
(Click-a-pic) (use back arrow to return) (you didn't know BATMAN and ROBIN rode a Harley, did you!) There are a lot of misconceptions about motorcycle riders. A lot of people picture riders as rough and tough lowlifes with beards and tattoos. Outlaws with a gun on their hip, another in a pocket, a knife on their waist and one stuck in a boot and a ninja throwing star in a belt buckle. Well, that may be stretched a little bit but they are considered by some to be nothing but trouble looking for a place to strike. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Bikers do like long hair, tattoos and a beard, but they are really just like you. Some of those big bad bikers are Doctors, some are Lawyers and teachers and some are even Caregivers. Presidential hopeful John Kerry rides a motorcycle as does the California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. Jay Leno of the "Tonight Show" is also a rider. Check out "Jay's Garage" here. Elvis Presley also rode a Harley and the well known country singer Wynona Judd also owns and rides a Harley. Many of the country music artist ride a motorcycle. Allan Jackson, Keith Urban, Toby Keith, they all enjoy a good ride.
(click a pic) Bikers all have hearts of gold and there is nothing they would not do to be of help to their fellow man. Next time you see a biker, speak to him. You may be surprised how educated he is. Today there are a lot of women who also ride. Many women have found the thrill of traveling the highway on a machine they own and handle themselves. Every state has numerous bike rallies where hundred and even thousands of bikers roll into town for a weekend or a week and spend time getting to know other biker and local townspeople. One of the most known rallies is, of course, in Sturgis, South Dakota. The Sturgis rally can and does draw half a million bikes into one place for a few days of entertainment and excitement. The rallies are usually located in an area of the town where they will bother no one and all can have a good time. Local residents are always welcome to join in and see some finely crafted machines. In fact, those bikers feel very honored when someone compliments their ride. When you tour your state from the seat of a motorcycle it will be an experience you will never forget. Rolling down the highway, the sun shining bright, not a care in the world and the view of the area is always much more awesome. Below are a few more pictures of bikes and bikers I know and ride with.
(click on picture) (Use back arrow to return)
I recently met some new friends while traveling through Coos Bay, Oregon. There were nine rider on a group ride. These good old boys hail from several states in the mid west. Some were from North Dakota, some were from Wyoming and some were from Nebraska and Minnesota. They get together each year and make a memorable and enjoyable annual road trip. I think John Travolta, Tim Allen, Martin Lawrence and William H. Macy were there.( Just Kidding ) In case you are not into movies those are the stars of the hit movie Wild Hogs. Well the good old boys that I met gathered in one area and began their road trip on a Friday and by the time I met them on Monday just a little after noon they had already traveled 1700 miles. They had rode west to Portland, Oregon and then South. Below are some pictures I took as they made a stop at local Harley dealership. From there it was on in to parts of California and over to Reno for a rest and then the journey home.
(click on picture for larger pic) (use back arrow to reduce)
When you see a group of riders like these give them a friendly wave. If you have ever been on a bike you have probably found someone in a car or truck following too close behind your bike. Don't crowd a biker. Give them enough room to maneuver. They are not protected by being inside a car. The only protection they have is your close attention to driving.
All these bikers have a job just like you and I. I didn't get their names, the town they are from or their occupation but I do know they are real people who have a common interest and make the best of it. These are the boys who got off their butt and did what they enjoy the most, RIDE! If these riders read this page I would like them to send me an e-mail with info to prove bikers are not any different than the rest of the world. Email me Guys. twv@TravelWestVacation.com GOOD LUCK GUYS and have a great ride. You are doing exactly what a whole bunch of us want to do but can't. Hope to see you again next year!!
When you are traveling by car be sure to watch for motorcycles on the highway. They all have their headlights on but they are still often not observed by motorists. Give them a break and please use caution. Shawn & Jen Enter Shawn and Jen. A young couple from Alberta, Canada. Shawn spends his day as a qualified electrician and Jen fills her day as a Graphics Designer. Both Shawn and Jen enjoy the sights and wonder of the coast from the seat of their motorcycles. While Jen throws her leg over her own Honda Shawn straddles the power of his Yamaha. At the turn of a switch these mechanical stallions jump to life and are ready for a long fun filled road trip. Thats right, Jen and Shawn are off for a long and exciting road trip. A trip from Alberta, Canada down through Washington and Oregon and on to Santa Barbara California with family located in Lompoc. I met them and enjoyed breakfast with them in the small town of Bandon on the Oregon Coast. The morning was a bit cool with overcast skies but minor things like that don't stop the true biker. Unfortunately, I had forgotten to take my camera with me on that day so I have no pictures documenting this ride so Jen, Shawn, if you are reading this I would like to include a picture. Would you send me one? My email address is below. After breakfast Shawn and Jen once again climbed back onto the seat of their machines and pointed the front wheel south toward their final destination of Santa Barbara, California. Well, that is the final destination for this part of the trip. In a few days they will again mount their trusty machines and start the trip back to Canada where their lives will return to business as usual. That is, until next time! Good luck and safe riding to both of you. Enjoy the trip.
Well, is it time to plan for your rolling tour? Well, are you going to just sit there? Or are you going to hit the road!! Now is the time.
Honda (click here) Kawasaki (click here) If you and your friends are planning a road trip of your own let us know. We would like to put your story here. Perhaps there are other riders who would like to link up with you for part of your trip. Send us some information and join the bikers on tour. e-mail: Before you leave be sure to check out our Here are a few addresses you might find interesting. Check them out. The Cyber Home of MaryAnn & Jesse
Free Screen Savers can earn you Dollar$
Need more information on Bikes and Bikers or Sturgis? Search for it right here.
|
|
