This morning we met up with Larry and Kathy to do a introduction ride to the Black Hills. We rode out 385 South to Nemo RD.  traveling towards the small of town Nemo we went through the town of Novak (population of 3). Then we continued on to the community of  Johnson Siding, there we went west on 44 through Rim Rock back to 385. Turning south we rode to Hill City before returning back to Deadwood for the evening. Dave, Sonya, David and Cheri rode to the Badlands for the day.

Kathy and Larry

This morning we headed out on 385 North Towards Hot Springs, SD.. The landscape was much like yesterday with grasslands on both side, on the east there were more wetlands and to the west mountains. At Hot Spring there was a fire on one of the mountains, the last we heard it had burnt over a 100 acres. From Hot Spring we went through Wind Cave National Park and The Black Hills. Stopping along the way to take pictures of the scenery and a few friendly 4 legged creatures, we arrived in Deadwood about 1:00 pm. By tomorrow evening everyone will be here. Once again we are just overwhelmed by God’s awesome beauty He has given us. He also gave us the opportunities to fellowship and pray with other people on our travel. Today was a short day 144 miles.

This morning we left out around 8:30 am on 26 West (Western Trails) the land scape to the north was grassland with mountains in the backdrop and to the south rails of steel for the Iron Horse with the North Platte River twisting through the fields. After stopping in Bridgeport, NE. for lunch at Riverside Grill we headed North on 385 (Gold Rush Hwy.). Those mountains that were to our north earlier are now rolling hills. Riding 385 N allowed us to ride through Nebraska National Forest and Grasslands to include the Pine Ridge area. We got to Chadron with afternoon around 1:00 pm this was a shortest day of the ride. Got a chance to get in the pool and clean our bikes of bug & bird debris. Gary got here this afternoon, Larry and Kathy are in Deadwood, Michele and Shelia went to Council Bluff, IA. while David and family are staying in Sioux City, IA.. I am thankful for being able to ride and see God’s creation, such a beautiful gift He has given us.  Take time to enjoy family and friends while sharing God’s creation. Total miles for today was 180.

Lake CW McConaughy

North Platte River

Today with cool temps and a big sky of blue we headed to 283 North then to I-80 West. In Kansas it was prairies with gentle rolling hills and plateaus. Traveling through Ness City, KS. we find out that their claim to fame is they have The Skyscraper of the prairie (their bank). Then on to Norton, KS. where we has lunch at Pfonz Grill,  of course it was another great meal. In NE. along I-80 the scenery was more of a flatland nature. Here are few things that Kansas and Nebraska have in common along these roads. They have miles of corn, milo, alfalfa and beans. We have be blessed with God’s traveling mercy and we thank Him for He has given us. Today was a great ride, we made it to Ogallala around 5:00 pm to give us a restful  evening. I checked with everyone this evening, Larry and Kathy are at Wall, SD., Michele and Shelia are in Springfield, MO., Gary is in Nebraska City, NE. and Dave’s and his crew were on the road just north of Chattanooga (still driving). Today we rode 339 miles. Tomorrow we are riding to Chadron, NE.. Brothers Ray and Coop our thoughts and prayers are with you as we ride through God’s creation. Here is something to think about,  we know who the true artist is for he has painted the universe. May each one have a blessed evening.

Before I write about today I need to complete details about yesterday and share some more info about our trip. First about yesterday during one of the rain storms Howard went through a road pond causing his bike to quit running and it would not restart. Howard and Gary ended up spending the night in Harrison, AR.. The next morning the bike was brought to a Harley dealership in Springfield. MO.. It was determine that there was a problem with the motor. The bike was left at dealership so the necessary  repairs could be made. Howard will be flying home tomorrow morning and Gary will be meeting us in Chadron, Nebraska. Second the trip is a celebration in honor of Kathy’s retirement. Larry and Kathy left Tuesday heading to Deadwood, SD.. Michele and Shelia left this morning heading in that direction. Dave, Sonya, David and Cheri will be leaving tomorrow afternoon for that same destination. We all meet there on Monday August 13 to help Kathy celebrate her new journey in life.

Today we left Springfield around 11:30 am after Howard and Gary arrived and we found what had to be done. Our ride started by going out I-44 West to I-49 North which took us Nevada, MO. where we had lunch at Buzz’s BBQ, good food and plenty of it at a good price. Afterwards we headed out 54 West in to Kansas. The landscape was that of rolling hills and farmlands  with scattered bales hay through out Missouri. In Kansas it became hills and prairies with winding rivers and creeks running through the grassland. In Yates Center, KS. we had  a short delay while waiting out a severe storm before we could our ride towards Wichita. Just outside Wichita 54 would become 54/400 West. Today was another beautiful sun set with the sun reflecting off the prairie floors of grass and casting shadows on the road in front of us as it peered through trees with it’s golden rays. Here is the thought for today, that God is our shinning light on the roads we travel through this life, we can rest assured that it will never fade or be snuffed out. Before our final run of the day we had dinner at Legends Grill in Pratt, KS., yes you guess it was another mom and pop’s place.  Then getting back on 54/400 West for the last 75 mile run to Dodge City before calling it a night. Total mileage today was 463. In closing may God’s Son always shine upon your face and in your heart.

As we rode out today under cloudy skies of gray on 61 South (The Blues Hwy.) to 49 West (Civil War Heritage Trail) and through the Delta of Mississippi and Arkansas with an occasional shower. The Delta is line with fields of rice, beans and corn, the smell of each could be sensed as we rode by them, hard to get that from a cage (car). Then we where on 40West heading towards 31 North (Civil War Trail) to 64 West stopping in Conway AR. yes that’s right to visit the world famous Toad Suck Harley Davidson.  After lunch we headed  North on 65 which snakes it’s self through the Ozark Mountains and Buffalo River National Park at that point the day was filled with liquid sunshine.Thou it was a wet day, at the end of the day when the sun began to set with clouds of majestic blue peering through the tree of the mountain tops, reminds me of one thing no matter how rough the storms may be and how dark the clouds may get, that God is still the light that shines through bring us hope of a new dawn. It was a long day but we did make it to Springfield, MO. total 402 miles. God’s Speed until the next time

We met this morning at Rodney’s for breakfast, brothers Skid and Boots were able to join us in breaking bread. Left with the blackness of the road beneath us and blue sky above us laced with clouds of white, riding 278 west to 157 (AL.) north to 72 west. The countryside was that of rolling hills with scattered farms and dotted with a farm pond now and then. We stopped in Muscle Shoals, AL. for lunch @ Momma Jean’s home style country cooking, yes it’s worth the stop. After lunch headed back on 72 west than 269 South and a couple of back roads to Horn Lake, MS. for the night. Seeing God’s creation always bring a smile to the face, remains me just how uniquely we are made. May His grace bring comfort to your heart. Total mileage today was 358 miles.

Howard, Gary, Don, Mike and Paul (Left to Right)

We headed home this morning on 19 South, 74 West, 60 South to 515. We all arrived home safely, some of us had a bruise or two while some of the bikes had small scares from the trip.  We all still had a enjoyable trip with family and friends. On this ride we also celebrated Paul’s 69th and Dave’s 60th birthday. We shared in those moments which memories are made of.  Sometimes with laughter of joy and sometimes it’s just the special monment. Yes even those times when you make a wrong turn or the weather turns bad, for it is good and the not so good things that make memories for life. Knowing that our journey through life is full of memories what better way to make them but with family and friends. Larry and Kathy also made it home safely this evening.  May the Lord bless the roads you travel through this life.

This morning we started out on 114 West, 11 South than 100 South to Fancy Gap, VA. took 52 East to the Blue Ridge Parkway. We stopped at mile post 248 Laurel Springs, NC. to have lunch at Stations Inn. The weather was a mixture of gray clouds and rain showers off and on all day with a chill in the air. At mile post 331 a thunder storm blew in with fog that made it hard to navigate the roads ahead. At this point we decided to leave the Blue Ridge and run 40 West to 23 South, 74 west into Cherokee.  It was a  long day we arrived wet and tired but still a good day with family & friends. We will head home  tomorrow for our last day of this year’s ride. The Lord has kept his arms around us every day to ensure

our safety with His traveling mercy.

Ranger Tucker with the Ladies

We left around 7:30 this morning headed for 522 South to Front Royal once there to the Skyline Drive. Note the Skyline is 105 miles long and the highest elevation is 3680 ft.. Today we rode through the clouds and fog with a occasional shower of blessings. We all saw some deer and some saw a black bear, also different species of birds. It took a little over 6 hours to ride with the average speed of 35 mph and dropping to 25 mph once in a while. Time also included stopping for lunch. Leaving the Skyline we rode 64 for a short time to 340 South then turning on 11 South. Arriving to Christiansburg, VA. we got caught in bad storm and decided to call it a night. Being on top of the mountain range and seeing the beauty all round and how majestic they are reminds me of how powerful  and wonderful our Heavenly Father is in all His creation. Tomorrow we ride part of the Blue Ridge Parkway to Cherokee, NC.