Desert Sculpture

This is the Tree of Utah. It's just a very big (100' tall) and very weird thing in the middle of the desert. Maybe it migrated from Burning Man.

Back To Wendover

When they said, "Go straight on I-80 for 100 miles." They were not speaking metaphorically!

Fixing The Leathers

We're in Salt Lake City at Charles Custom Upholstery getting the leathers fixed so Beth can race. I'm going to be depending on the generosity of others.

To-do List

Safety wire the head of the axle bolts as well as the nuts.
Replace the rubber valve stems with metal ones with metal caps.
Preposition the steering dampener bracket to allow full lock to lock movement (curiously reducing the dampener effect ).
Class designation not displayed (but they assigned me to a different class anyway ).
Leathers must be ALL leather, no perfs or textile inserts.
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Look Ma, I'm Flying

Swapping metal tire plugs for the rubber ones that might fly out under the awesome power of the mighty Moriwaki. The to-do is not so bad. Tomorrow we will drive to Salt Lake City to find someone to modify the leathers. Time for a shower.

Tough Day In Tech

Went through tech this morning and came out with a to-do list. Nothing major but things that will take the rest of the day. Both leathers were rejected. Hard to stay patient and positive in the heat and disappointment.

Breaker Breaker Good Buddy

The rule book states that a competitor must provide a support vehicle with a CB radio. Buying an inexpensive handheld unit before I left would have been too easy. Hence this marvel of shade tree engineering. If it rains reception could be dicey.

Street(rod) Show

All the action is not on the salt, there was about 50 cars at a street party in front of one of the casinos. And they had cocktail waitresses fetching drink for people. We're not in New England any more.

We Have Arrived

Got Beth at the airport and drove to the salt flats. Organized chaos seems to be the order of the day. Compounded by my leaving all my paperwork on my desk in CT. We missed the newbie orientation this morning so we are now playing catch up. It will all work out in the end.

Waiting at the airport

It's hard to imagine that air travel was ever glamorous.

Where Did You Wake Up?

Slept under the stars last night. Somewhere in Utah.

Across The Continental Divide

Took US30 north from Laramie until it met up with I-80. Went over the continental divide and the brakes are holding on the downside.
The Guy on the chopper is my hero for the day. I know that he's gone at least. 150 miles today. He was flying when he passed me.

Back on the road again

After lunch at the best diner in Laramie

Thoughts From The University of Wyoming

In college I learned how to study things but I didn't learn how to learn anything.

Youth is not wasted on the young, cynicism is wasted on the old.
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Look Ma, No Brakes!

Laramie Wyoming GM dealer is working to get me back on the road. The last few miles coming down the grade into Laramie were "interesting"!!!

Turning 2000

Amazing day. I got past the flooding in Ames IA by going north to a 2-lane country road. Had to sleep in the truck. The beauty of the farm land was so great that I stayed on it to the end. Then I took US30 instead of going back to I-80. It may have cost me a couple of hours extra driving but it was worth it.
The road runs next to the Union Pacific main line so I go a 75 car freight train every 15 minutes.
Lots of rain and thunder storms all around me but I threaded the needle between them and stayed dry.

Turning 2000

Just went past Cheyenne WY. It's been a great day. Took US30 from Ames IA. Was tired of droning along I-80 and decided to see what I was missing. Too much to tap into the Droid but I'll write it all later. Over the Rockies tomorrow

Iowa

The possibly exists that I have taken a wrong turn. Or I just might be having way too much fun!

Turning 1000

1 monster thunder storm, 95F & 95% humidity, and dozens of construction projects. Thank God for a/c! Spent the night with a buddy in Cleveland. Always good to see old friends. Getting near Rock Island as the Speedo spins past the first 1000.

LSR News - 0 Hour

It appears that it takes a ton of stuff to get a 150 pound bike to Bonneville. I'm finally loaded and ready to hit the road. Only 2 hours late which is good for me.

Somewhere in here there is room for me. I guess a van would have been a good idea. I'm hoping it will settle over time.

Next post from the road.
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