www.NCMotorcyclists.com

Gypsum Mine & Elephant Butte

2012-01-26T17:05:00.004-05:00

Jimmy led us on a fun ride to a couple of unique areas in the desert. Next to the gypsum mine is a steep, rocky trail that takes you up to the top of the mountain where you have a magnificent 360 degree view to the distant horizon. Click on photos to enlarge.

Jimmy, Ellen, Gail, Terry

Elephant Butte is a rock formation that from the right angle looks exactly like an elephant's head.

Back To Box & Martinez Canyons

2012-01-24T18:58:00.001-05:00

As fate would have it, I rode with another group that went back to canyons. However, we took a different route most of the way so it was like a new ride.

Box & Martinez Canyons

2012-01-18T21:36:00.005-05:00

Another great ride in the Arizona desert. The EveryTrail link is http://www.everytrail.com/view_trip.php?trip_id=1422560. A video of VWs in the canyon is at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LwnrfVt9Kwk.

Keith & Jane - who I first met in SD and who recommended the Arizonian RV park

Old stagecoach depot

Start of Box Canyon

Challenging ride

Meteor Crater

2012-01-13T22:42:00.004-05:00

50,000 years ago, a meteor estimated to be 150 feet across and weighing several hundred thousand tons hit the earth west of Winslow, AZ at about 26,000 miles per hour. What was left was a crater 700 feet deep and over 4,000 feet across.

Here's a photo from 1986 at the same crater. It's good to see that I have not changed much. <grin>

Jerome & Sedona, AZ

2012-01-13T22:35:00.001-05:00

Jerome is an old mining town that was built on the side of a mountain. Today, it has restaurants, boutiques, and other specialty stores which makes it a good day trip from the Phoenix area.

Just my luck

Sedona is an upscale community (read "big bucks") with a touch of bohemian lifestyle located in an area known for its beautiful red rocks.

Superstition Mountains Ride

2012-01-11T17:21:00.004-05:00

Jimmy led us over to the base of the Superstition Mountains and back. It was a scenic and at times, challenging 28.4 mile ride. The EveryTrail link is http://www.everytrail.com/view_trip.php?trip_id=1414868.

Montana Mountain Ride

2012-01-06T19:39:00.005-05:00

This morning 20 ATVers met at the back gate, divided into 2 groups of 10, and rode 61 miles to Montana Mountain and back. The Arizonian is the most ATV oriented campground I have ever visited. It's a great way to be introduced to desert riding. Here is an EveryTrail link to the ride: http://www.everytrail.com/view_trip.php?trip_id=1409618

Off The Road Again

2012-01-04T18:13:00.002-05:00

There are so many places to ride an ATV off-road in the western states that I traded my Gold Wing motorcycle for a Polaris Rzr 800 side-by-side. Today, I went for my first ride with a group from the campground and I must say that I was impressed with both the comfort and the capability of the machine. And there is no better way to see the back country.

The cleanest my ATV will ever be

Those daring young men and their flying machines

My neighbor, Terry, inside an old structure out in the middle of nowhere

Great desert view

Chiricahua National Monument

2012-01-01T21:50:00.000-05:00

The Chiricahua National Monument located in southeast Arizona is known for its vertical rock formations. It has an 8-mile scenic drive and 17-miles of hiking trails. In my opinion, this is one of those parks that is best viewed from the hiking trails so allow plenty of time for your visit.

Montezuma Castle

2011-12-28T16:41:00.003-05:00

About an hour and a half north of Phoenix is a five-story, 20-room cliff dwelling built in the 12th century by native Americans...

Location, Location, Location

Adobe Photoshop Elements 10

2011-12-21T11:44:00.006-05:00

After receiving the new software, the first thing I tried was creating one of those photos that is black & white except for one area of color...

Desert Museum & The "Boneyard"

2011-12-15T21:21:00.013-05:00

The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum is a "must see" while you are in the Tucson area. Be sure to catch the Raptor Live Flight show at 10:00. They have birds of prey fly literally inches from your head (I dare you not to duck).

The "Boneyard" is actually the Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group (AMARG) at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base where the military currently has ~4,000 aircraft mothballed. The only way to tour the base is via a bus from the Pima Air & Space Museum.

Rainbow

2011-12-13T13:29:00.002-05:00

After two days of rain (and I thought I was in a desert), we were rewarded with a rainbow...

Arizona Roadrunner

2011-12-12T11:31:00.001-05:00

On a recent hike in the desert, I was able to get a photo of this fast moving roadrunner...

No sign of Wile E Coyote, however.

Lunar Eclipse

2011-12-10T08:46:00.001-05:00

Boyce Thompson Arboretum

2011-12-09T17:41:00.006-05:00

The Boyce Thompson Arboretum is a wonderful state park just west of Superior, AZ. Encompassing 323 acres, the Arboretum is Arizona's oldest and largest botanical garden. There are over 300 species of cacti and succulents here that grow in a myriad of shapes and sizes. Click on photos to enlarge.

Gambel's Quail (note feather on forehead)

Effective Signage

Picket Post House

Biosphere2 and Pima Air & Space Museum

2011-12-07T22:39:00.013-05:00

Biosphere2 is a unique facility for environmental research that contains recreations of five of the Earth's biomes.

The Pima Air & Space Museum is one of the largest air and space museums in the world, and the largest non-government funded aviation museum. You'll see more than 300 aircraft and spacecraft including many of the most historically significant and technically advanced craft ever produced, both from the United States and throughout the world. Unfortunately, I ran out of time and was unable to take the bus tour of the “Boneyard” at the Davis-Monthan Air Force Base. I will have to catch it on my next trip to Tucson.

Salt River Canyon

2011-12-05T19:42:00.004-05:00

A winter storm dumped snow at elevations above 5,000 feet so I headed to the mountains and the Salt River Canyon (~40 miles northeast of Globe, AZ). The drive was not as scenic as I had hoped but it was still good to get out after a cold, rainy weekend in the Phoenix area.

Kitt Peak National Observatory & Saguaro National Park

2011-11-29T21:35:00.006-05:00

The Kitt Peak National Observatory (56 miles southwest of Tucson) has the world’s largest collection of optical telescopes along with two radio telescopes. For $550/night you can have access to one of their optical telescopes for your own use (I am going to wait until the Swedish bikini team comes to town). The twelve mile road up the mountain is worth the ride in of itself with spectacular views to the distant horizon.

View from the top of the mountain (~7,000 feet)

Optical telescopes

World's largest solar telescope

2.1 meter telescope

The Saguaro National Park is a great way to get up close and personal with the cacti of the Sonoran Desert.

Apache Trail

2011-11-23T20:37:00.006-05:00

Highway 88 (a/k/a Apache Trail) out of Apache Junction is a curvy, scenic road up through the mountains to the Roosevelt Dam. Unfortunately, it turns into an unpaved, washboard road that although doable on a street bike, would be an uncomfortable ride. Just outside of Apache Junction is Goldfield, a replica of an old western mining town.

A live reptile exhibit & bordello - what more could a guy ask for

Roosevelt Dam

Highway 88 dead ends into Highway 188. If you make a right and drive a few miles, you will see the Tonto National Monument which features a native indian cliff dwelling.

"Bite the Wieeenie" Ride

2011-11-20T20:08:00.003-05:00

Yesterday, I met Brian & Brenda, Marc & Dee, and Ken in Chandler, AZ for the purpose of riding to Pink's in Hollywood, CA and standing in line for a half hour at midnight to eat a hotdog. Bikers must have some mutant gene that causes this kind of bizarre behavior. My initial concern was not the distance (~500 miles) but whether I could remain awake past 10:00 pm. Fortunately, I made it through the bewitching hour and met some nice people in the process.

The unusual suspects

Pink's

More crazy bikers

For a better idea of what it is all about, here's a link to the 2010 "Bite the Wieeenie" Ride To Eat

Winter Home

2011-11-17T14:15:00.006-05:00

The Arizonian Travel Trailer Resort in Gold Canyon, AZ will be my home for the next four months. It is close enough to metropolitan areas that I can find pretty much anything I want but far enough out in the country as to not be congested. There is an active ATV community here and you can drive out the back gate right up into the mountains. Perhaps, Santa will bring me an off highway vehicle for Christmas!

Desert Camping

2011-11-15T10:13:00.003-05:00

Just so I could say "been there, done that", I drove seven miles south of Quartzsite to spend a couple of nights on BLM land out in the desert. It was a wonderful experience - very quite, very peaceful. My nearest neighbors were over a quarter of mile away. The best part was sitting out under the night sky and gazing at the millions of stars that I remembered seeing as a boy growing up in rural North Carolina.

Wide open spaces

Sunset

Quartzsite, AZ

2011-11-09T16:04:00.009-05:00

Not in Kansas anymore

Is the "Rock Capital of the World" and a winter haven for RVers. I am told that in January and February over a million snowbirders descend upon this small town in the desert for the two month show and swap meet. In addition to warm, sunny weather, there is a lot of BLM land where you can dry camp free for two weeks.

The vendors are just beginning to arrive but it is obvious that this area will become one gigantic flea market by the end of the year. If you like rockhounding, boondocking, off-highway riding, and shopping, then this is the place for you.

Lake Havasu City

2011-11-07T19:59:00.005-05:00

Home of the London Bridge...

Rock Crawling

2011-11-04T19:25:00.005-04:00

I attended my first "rock crawling" event today. For the uninitiated rock crawling is an extreme form of off-road driving using modified/customized four wheel drive vehicles to go up the side of rocks that would scare the hell out of a mountain goat. I was told that a high end machine could cost over $100,000.

Hoover Dam

2011-11-03T18:42:00.004-04:00

The new bridge by-pass is a great way to view and photograph the dam. You can still ride across the dam on the old highway but you will have to go through a security check point. On a bike it is no problem but enclosed vans, trucks, and RVs are pulled over and inspected.

Fremont Street Halloween Night

2011-11-01T13:11:00.008-04:00

Fremont Street is an interesting place any night of the week but on Halloween it gets a little freaky...

Some costumes probably should not be photographed

Imagine what I may have seen if I could stay up past 9:00 p.m.

Light display video...

And for my cousin, Chris, who prefers "Dancing Girls" over the magnificent vistas of our national parks...

My 30 Seconds of Fame

2011-10-25T20:53:00.002-04:00

I'm in Las Vegas flipping through the channels on the TV when all of a sudden there is my face on the screen. Now this may happen to some of you on a regular basis but this was a very big first for me. It was from an interview I did with Hog Heaven a number of years ago. You could have knocked me over with a Las Vegas stripper. If only my high school guideance counsler, who said I would never amount to anything, could see me now.

The Las Vegas Strip

2011-10-23T17:18:00.004-04:00

Glitz, glamour, and some of the best entertainment in the world. And for "low rollers" like myself, a great people-watching place.

As I walked into the different casinos, I got the feeling there was something missing from the old days. Then it hit me... no sound of metal coins hitting metal trays at the slots. As far as I can tell, you now get a piece of paper with your winnings that you cash in.

Lastly, Vegas is no longer a "cheap vacation" spot. Yes, there are deals but you have to look for them. My advice to visitors is the same as I got before going to Alaska: "Create two piles. Put your stuff into one pile and your money into the other. Cut the stuff pile in half and then double the money pile."

Red Rock Canyon

2011-10-22T17:02:00.002-04:00

Red Rock Canyon is a national park just west of Las Vegas. A scenic 13 mile loop through the park showcases the mountains created by geological faults and fossiled sand dunes.

Viva Las Vegas

2011-10-21T20:04:00.002-04:00

I've traded looking at stars in the desert for looking at neon lights in Sin City. It's been 15 years since I was last here so I suspect there are a lot of new things to see.

Today, I walked next door to Sam's Town and was struck by the fact that I did not know how to play most of the slots in the casino. The days of machines with just bars, cherries, sevens, and mechanical pulls are long gone.

Valley of Fire State Park

2011-10-18T18:10:00.029-04:00

This is a scenic state park about 50 miles northeast of Las Vegas. The multi-colored rocks in seemingly endless shapes and formations make it a great destination. Hollywood has shot a number of movies here and they were filming a car commercial during my stay.

Lastly, I used Google's Sky Map on my smartphone to identify planets and major stars/constellations in the night sky. What a great app!

My campsite

Petroglyphs

Cabins built by the CCC

Narrow "slot canyon"

Helicopter filming car commercial

Bryce Canyon National Park

2011-10-12T20:25:00.011-04:00

It's all about the Hoodoos (pinnacle or odd-shaped rocks left standing by the forces of erosion). To give you some idea of how beautiful this canyon is, I took 144 photos, the most of any park to date. Unfortunately, I did not have time to hike the trails within the park which in my opinion would be the best way to view the Hoodoos.

Click on photos to enlarge

Zion National Park

2011-10-11T20:01:00.007-04:00

If you enter Zion from the west gate, you can either stay on Highway 9 through the tunnel and exit the east gate or take the shuttle bus up the scenic drive. I took the shuttle in order to hike from the Vistor's Center to the lower, middle, & upper emerald pools to the Grotto and then the riverside walk from the Temple of Sinawava.

Lizard Lunch

Climbers

If you have food, the squirrels are on you like Harley riders on chrome.

Grand Canyon North Rim

2011-10-09T22:09:00.012-04:00

This was my first visit to the north rim and I must say I like it more than the south rim. First, it is much less crowded and second, there are numerous trails that take you right up to the edge of the canyon walls - in some places you look straight down! Be sure to drive out to Point Imperial and Cape Royal for more spectacular views of the canyon.

Click on photos to enlarge

Angels Window

Angels Window Walkway

An Early Mormon RV

2011-10-07T18:43:00.000-04:00

It's A Small World

2011-10-03T21:07:00.002-04:00

Tonight, while having dinner in Hurricane, UT, Dick and Phyllis, a couple that I met at the campground in Rapid City over a month ago, walked in. It turns out they had been to Cody and Moab also. Must be the "Great Minds" principle at work.

Valley of the Gods

2011-09-28T18:58:00.008-04:00

About ten years ago I visited Monument Valley on my motorcycle but skipped the Valley of the Gods because it involved a dirt/gravel road. Today, I drove my truck through the Valley and was impressed with what I saw. The only thing I did not like was the washboard surface that nearly jolted the fillings out of my teeth.

Click on photos to enlarge

The surprise of the day was the climb up the mountain on Highway 261 as I exited the Valley. It was almost like the Shafer Trail.

Gemini Bridges / Shafer Trail

2011-09-26T20:34:00.003-04:00

If you are mildly adventurous and not afraid of heights, I would recommend renting a 4x4 jeep or taking a tour to the see the back country around Moab. It is an exciting and worthwhile experience.

La Sal Mountain Loop

2011-09-24T14:45:00.002-04:00

The Loop was a pleasant departure from the barren landscape that I have been riding in that most of the route was lined with trees which were just beginning to change colors. There were lots of curves and almost no traffic. Note: it was a bit nippy at the top so you will want to dress in layers or stuff a habanero pepper in your shorts.

Highway 279

2011-09-23T20:48:00.003-04:00

I took a late afternoon ride up Highway 279 to Potash and photographed the following:

Petroglyph

Canyonlands National Park & Dead Horse Point State Park

2011-09-22T19:44:00.005-04:00

Two more "must visit" parks in the Moab area. It appears that the best way to see the Canyonlands National Park is via an Off Highway Vehicle. I am going to look into renting a jeep next week.

Canyonland Photos:

Shafer Trail Road

Note drop-off on right

Dead Horse Point Photos:

Click on photo to enlarge

Arches National Park

2011-09-21T17:35:00.002-04:00

The Arches is a "must visit" while in the Moab area. It has a very high "Wow Factor". To take some of these photos, I had to hike into the wilderness armed only with a canteen of water and a Twinkie...

"Life is a balancing act"

Moab, UT - Highway 128

2011-09-20T18:09:00.004-04:00

It just keeps getting better! The Moab area is a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts and one of the most beautiful places in the country. Highway 128 follows the Colorado River up to Cisco. Click on photos to enlarge...

That's the moon in the sky

Rain Day

2011-09-14T15:19:00.004-04:00

I have been fortunate the last month to have had days with mild temperatures and lots of sunshine so a rainy day was welcome. It was an opportunity to run some errands and pay some bills. Best of all, rainy days are great for reading a good book and taking naps.

If you have not read "The Big Short: Inside the Doomsday Machine" by Michael Lewis, I would recommend it highly. It's a story about the men who foresaw the impending financial collapse of the housing market and how they profited from it. The sad/maddening part is that the whole affair could have been prevented had it not been for the greed of a relatively few individuals and the lack of government oversight.

Highway 14/14A Loop

2011-09-12T17:38:00.004-04:00

After being advised not to take Highway 14 out of Sheridan with my RV, I thought it might be a good motorcycle road. It did not disappoint.

Shell Canyon
(click on photo to enlarge)

Shell Canyon

Shell Falls

Sheep Herding

Bull Moose

Moose jumping five foot high fence

Catch Of The Day

2011-09-11T14:56:00.005-04:00

My camp neighbor shows off a cutthroat and rainbow trout that he caught this morning in the Shoshone river...

A Happy Camper

Yellowstone (north loop)

2011-09-10T20:15:00.005-04:00

I left the campground early and as a result there were times when I had the Chief Joseph Highway and Route 212 into Yellowstone pretty much to myself. When it is just you and your bike out in the middle of nowhere, listening to that engine purr is the sweetest sound this side of a woman saying "yes".

Unfortunately, the solitude did not last. The park was a lot more crowded then earlier in the week and vehicles were parked all over the place wherever there was wildlife or a major point of interest.

Cooke City, MT

Mammoth Hot Springs

Idaho Goldwingers

Interesting Sight

2011-09-09T13:45:00.000-04:00

As I am wandering around Cody looking for the post office, this deer comes walking down the street just like it is one of the residents...

Much Needed Break

2011-09-08T17:18:00.001-04:00

I took the day off from riding as I appear to be suffering from "sensory overload". Symptoms: another magnificent mountain range - "ho hum", a spectacular waterfalls - "yawn", more buffalo - "jeez, won't these dumb animals ever get off the road".

So, I replenished the RV, got caught up on some chores, and then did nothing... and did it slow.

Yellowstone (south loop)

2011-09-07T20:48:00.010-04:00

Highway 14 from Cody to Yellowstone is another very scenic ride. It follows the Shoshone River most of the way with towering canyon walls on both sides of the road. Great way to enter the park.

Northwestern Wyoming is a postcard factory. You could put megapixels on the endangered species list out here. I was not able to take all of the photos I would have liked simply because I ran out of time.

Highway 14 by the dam

The latest in fashionable tourist wear

Old Faithful

Old Man

Chief Joseph Highway & Beartooth Pass

2011-09-06T21:11:00.010-04:00

Wow! We're talking "bucket list" rides here. Incredible vistas with lots of curves. It doesn't get much better than this. You have to see and experience it first hand.

Of the almost 100 photos that I took, it was tough picking just a few for the blog...

Beginning of Chief Joseph Highway
(click photos to enlarge)

Top of Chief Joseph Highway

Switchbacks going down the mountain

Beartooth Pass

Rugged Outdoorsman

Rapid City, SD To Cody, WY

2011-09-05T19:05:00.000-04:00

The diesel engine in my truck got a workout today as I crossed the mountains west of Buffalo, WY - I averaged 4.5 mpg climbing up the mountain! At ~9700 feet the temperature dropped to 56 degrees and there were snow capped peaks in the distance.

Although my routing software directed me to take Highway 14 out of Sheridan, everyone I talked to recommended Highway 16 from Buffalo for anyone driving/towing a big rig. It was not only an easy drive but a very scenic one, particularly, the descent through a huge canyon. Unfortunately, photos do not do the experience justice.

Arrived safe and sound in Cody, WY to sunny skies and mid-80s temperature.

Hail!

2011-09-02T09:20:00.004-04:00

Last night, just as it got dark, it started to rain. A few minutes later, dime size hail began pummeling the roof of the RV. It was a completely helpless feeling as there was nothing you could do but wait it out. Fortunately, there was no significant damage to my vehicles.

Back To Custer State Park

2011-08-31T10:26:00.003-04:00

Yesterday, I visited Custer State Park again but this time I rode in the opposite direction of the first trip. It's almost a different ride considering how things look going the other way.

Panoramic View of Iron Mountain Highway
(click on photo to enlarge)

Geographic Center Of The U.S.

2011-08-28T17:16:00.001-04:00

Having been to the geographic center of North America (Rugby, ND), I rode up to the geographic center of the U.S (Belle Fourche, SD) just so I could say "been there, done that".

S. Canyon / Nemo Road (C234) to Vanacker Canyon Road (3) is a nice ride from Rapid City to Sturgis. It is somewhat like Spearfish Canyon without the 35 mph speed limit.

"Kool Deadwood Nights"

2011-08-27T18:40:00.005-04:00

Some friends from the campground and I drove up to Deadwood for the classsic car show...

Mike, Barb, & Tom

Downtown Deadwood Concert

Devil's Tower

2011-08-24T17:15:00.006-04:00

The Devil's Tower in Wyoming is huge! 1,267 feet tall and 1,000 feet in diameter. I recommend hiking the Tower Trail (1.3 miles) around the base to see the many facets of the rock up close. It is definitely worth a "Close Encounter of the Third Kind".

Climber (click on photo to enlarge)

The Badlands, Wall Drug, & Minuteman Missiles

2011-08-22T17:56:00.010-04:00

The Badlands National Park encompasses 244,000 acres of some of the most barren, rugged landscape in the country. It is the process of erosion run amok.

Panoramic View of The Badlands

The Badlands

Wall Drug is the quintessential tourist spot out west.

Wall Drug

During the Cold War, South Dakota had hundreds of Minuteman Missile Silos. Most have been shut down but a few have been turned over to the National Park Service. I took the guided tour of Launch Control Facility Delta-01 but the elevator was broken and I did not get to go down into the missile silo (which I think would have been the most interesting part). Here are some photos of the Launch Facility Delta-09.

Top of missile silo enclosed in glass

View of Minuteman Missile in silo

Camaraderie

2011-08-21T12:31:00.001-04:00

A significant part of the camping experience are the people you meet. This past week I have enjoyed the company of a number of experienced full time RVers and have gotten some great ideas as to where to go and what to do in the future.

Crazy Horse Memorial, Custer, & Hot Springs

2011-08-20T18:06:00.004-04:00

I took the back roads down to Crazy Horse, Custer, & Hot Springs and then came back via Custer State Park. All in all a pleasant ride through the scenic Black Hills of South Dakota.

Crazy Horse Memorial
(as to its size those are bulldozers in the lower right portion of the photo)

Just to prove that I was really there

Pronghorns

And just when I think it cannot get any better...

World's Largest Log Chair

Sturgis, Deadwood, & Spearfish Canyon

2011-08-19T18:25:00.004-04:00

As you might expect the week after the rally, downtown Sturgis was pretty much deserted so I rode out to the Full Throttle Saloon (world's largest biker bar) and the Buffalo Chip (campground). They were empty also but you could see the potential for some serious partying with a couple thousand of your closest friends.

Full Throttle Saloon

Gambling has taken over Deadwood. Almost every store I saw had slot machines.

Downtown Deadwood

Spearfish Canyon is another great motorcycle road with winding turns, sheer rock cliffs, and a white water stream running along the highway.

Spearfish Canyon

As I exited the canyon, the temperature dropped to 55 degrees. Just a reminder of how quickly the weather can change here.

Mount Rushmore & Custer State Park

2011-08-17T20:47:00.011-04:00

I visited Mount Rushmore early this morning to avoid the crowds. It is an impressive work of art and a national treasure.

Mount Rushmore

From Mount Rushmore I rode through Custer State Park via the Iron Mountain Road, the Wildlife Loop, and the Needles Highway. All are "must rides" for bikers.

Iron Mountain "Piglet"

One of several single lane tunnels - that is Mount Rushmore at the far end of the tunnel

Buffalo Traffic Jam

After waiting almost an hour for the buffalo to get off the road, I had the last laugh... I had a buffalo burger for lunch.

The Needles

Climber on a vertical column of rock

"The Road Less Traveled"

Full Time RVer

2011-08-16T16:43:00.008-04:00

After a number of delays, I have finally begun my adventure as a full time RVer. My home for the next couple of years will be a Keystone Fuzion 322 "toyhauler". For tax reasons I have established residency in South Dakota and will start out by exploring the area around Rapid City.

Mitchell Corn Palace

Glympse

2011-05-05T12:41:00.001-04:00

Glympse is another free app for your smartphone that allows you to share your location with whomever you choose and for how long. If you are meeting someone, they can see your speed and arrival time.

Google Latitude

2011-05-02T09:18:00.004-04:00

Yesterday I left TN to meet some riders from NC for a picnic lunch in VA. Using Google Latitude we were able to see each others location along the way. It's an interesting way to stay in touch with friends. I also like the safeguards they have built into the program to protect your privacy.

GasBuddy App For Smartphone

2011-05-02T09:09:00.001-04:00

With the price of diesel keeping pace with the price of gold, I am using the GasBuddy App on my Droid X to find the cheapest prices for fuel. Unfortunately, prices change so quickly now days, anything more than one hour old may be out of date.

QR Codes

2011-04-28T18:02:00.001-04:00

One of the first things I did after purchasing my new smartphone was to download an app, called Barcode Scanner by ZXing Team, that allows me to photograph/scan a QR Code. Using the QR Code Generator at Kaywa, I created the following image that contains a link to my www.NCMotorcyclists.com website...

Google Voice

2011-04-28T17:40:00.005-04:00

Having just bought a new smartphone, I found myself with three different numbers for three different phones. Fortunately, Google Voice has a neat solution - one phone number that rings all three phones! Unfortunately, I have now lost my excuse for dodging calls.

"Cool It" DVD

2011-04-11T12:00:00.006-04:00

For a very practical, common sense approach to global warming and climate change, I recommend viewing the DVD "Cool It". In my opinion, it should be required reading for all politicians.

Favorite Quote Regarding Government Shutdown

2011-04-07T15:20:00.000-04:00

"Here's the real reason that professional politicians should do whatever they can to avoid a shutdown: After a few days of living without government, many Americans might just decide they don't really miss it and could live with a lot less of it."

SR-71 "Blackbird"

2011-02-08T07:26:00.000-05:00

Now here's a hobby...

TireRack.com

2011-02-07T15:39:00.000-05:00

Last Tuesday I ordered a Kumho run flat tire from TireRack.com in the morning. They shipped it that afternoon. It arrived the next morning. I had it installed that afternoon. If only the rest of life would go that well.

Impressive Riding Skills

2011-01-29T05:08:00.002-05:00

Here's another one of those "I can't believe someone can do that" videos...

www.Fuelly.com

2011-01-27T08:17:00.005-05:00

Fuelly.com is a site that lets you track, share, and compare your gas mileage. Simply sign up, add a car or motorcycle, and begin tracking your mileage. To date, 41,143 Fuelly users have tracked 1,084,297 fuel-ups in 55,439 vehicles over 305,756,822 miles of driving. There is even a mobile application that allows you to use your smart phone at the pump to update your account.

My Tracks for Android

2011-01-27T07:32:00.003-05:00

For you joggers (okay, you can stop laughing now) My Tracks is an application for your Android phone that enables you to record GPS tracks and view live statistics – such as time, speed, distance, and elevation – while hiking, biking, running or participating in other outdoor activities. Once recorded, you can share your tracks, upload them to Google Spreadsheets and visualize them on Google My Maps.

GPS Downloads

2011-01-26T06:50:00.000-05:00

In preparing for an upcoming trip to southern Utah, I came across a website (FunTreks) that not only sells guidebooks but also allows you to download waypoints in .gpx files that can be uploaded into your GPS. The beauty of these files is that the waypoints are sorted by area under the “Comment” column which allows you to easily create one or more routes for just the rides you want to take!

EveryTrail

2011-01-25T08:14:00.001-05:00

EveryTrail is a great way to share trips, connect with other travelers and find new things to do:

Map a trip route with your phone or GPS
Add trip photos to your map instantly
Add maps & photos to your blog or website
Explore and share in the EveryTrail community

The Mobile Travel Guide feature allows you download professionally designed travel guides to your SmartPhone. No more printing or lugging around heavy guide books!

Weird Science

2011-01-17T10:21:00.001-05:00

This is a pretty cool experience and definitely one of the mysteries as to how the human brain works. There are no loud noises or things that jump out at you. It is completely legit.

Click on the link below (do not follow this link if you're subject to seizures or vertigo)
Then "click me to get trippy" on the page the link brings up,
Look at the center of the screen for at least 30 seconds (no cheating), and then
Look at your hand holding the mouse, without moving it away from the mouse.

http://www.neave.com/strobe/

If you are like me, you will be surprised at what you see. I am told it is called "cenesthetic hallucination".

Liquid Assets

2011-01-13T13:01:00.001-05:00

I am considering a new retirement portfolio...

If you had purchased $1,000 of shares in Delta Airlines one year ago, you would have $49.00 today.
If you had purchased $1,000 of shares in AIG one year ago, you would have $33.00 today.
If you had purchased $1,000 of shares in Lehman Brothers one year ago, you would have $0.00 today.
But, if you had purchased $1,000 worth of beer one year ago, drank all the beer, then turned in the aluminum cans for a recycling refund, you would have received $214.00.
Based on the above, the best current investment plan is to drink heavily & recycle. It is called the 401-Keg.
A recent study found that the average American walks about 900 miles a year.
Another study found that Americans drink, on average, 22 gallons of alcohol a year.
That means that, on average, Americans get about 41 miles to the gallon!

Makes you proud to be an American!

Rides Calendar

2011-01-11T06:54:00.000-05:00

Here is a link to long distance motorcycle rides:

http://www.therally.us/rides.html

Internet Video To Television

2010-11-01T06:48:00.002-04:00

PlayOn software delivers your movies, shows, sports, and more from the Internet to your TV via a wireless router. It can stream your favorite content straight to your iPhone or iPad over wi-fi or anywhere on 3G.

PC Remote Access Software

2010-10-31T15:00:00.002-04:00

There are times when I am on the road with my laptop that I would like to access my desktop at home. TeamViewer software solves the problem by giving me complete control of a remote PC via the Internet - it's like sitting in front of your computer at home. There is even a feature that allows you to collaborate with others. Best of all, it's free for non-commercial users!

Oppose Efforts to Impose New Tax Burdens on the Internet

2010-08-12T12:41:00.002-04:00

On July 1st, a bill was introduced in the United States House of Representatives which would impose complex sales tax collecting requirements on internet retailers and entrepreneurs. If you would like to sign a petition opposing this proposed legislation, please visit http://www.ebaymainstreet.com/takeaction/oppose-efforts-impose-new-tax-burdens-internet?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=sstp%2Bpetition.

South Texas Roadkill

2010-03-12T16:25:00.001-05:00

As if deer were not bad enough, imagine running into one of these "bad boys"...

Luckenbach, TX

2010-03-10T20:38:00.002-05:00

I visited Luckenbach, Texas today and was surprised to see that it is basically a one store/business out in the middle of nowhere...

Okefenokee Swamp

2010-02-18T14:40:00.003-05:00

For you real dare devils, Okefenokee Adventures offers a three day canoe/kayak trip across the Okefenokee including two nights camping in the swamp. Unfortunately, I am allergic to rattle mouth cotton vipers and therefore unable to make the trip...

Interesting Roads

2010-02-04T13:04:00.000-05:00

The 19 most complex and dangerous roads in the world...

http://www.waze.com/blog/the-19-most-complex-and-dangerous-roads-in-the-world/

Not for the faint of heart.

Government Versus Individuals

2009-10-01T08:15:00.004-04:00

With slight tongue-in-cheek consider the following:

If I obtain money from an individual or business by coercion or intimidation, it is called "extortion". If the government does it, it's called "taxation".

If I run a numbers racket, it is called "gambling". If the government does it, it's called a "lottery".

If I sell liquor without paying taxes, it is called "bootlegging". If the government does it, it's called "alcohol beverage control".

If I create a business that does not allow competition, it is called a "monopoly". If the government does it, it's called a "department, bureau, agency, etc.".

U.S. Debt Clock

2009-06-05T13:46:00.005-04:00

Caution: this site contains disturbing images...

http://www.usdebtclock.org/

Government Bailout

2009-01-10T06:35:00.006-05:00

If you run your own business, you are probably wondering why you have not received any bailout money from Congress. After carefully evaluating those companies that have received taxpayer money, I believe you probably failed in the following areas:

You did not pay yourself an exorbitant salary and outrageous bonus for poor management decisions
You did not buy or lease any executive jets or other non-essential items for your company
You did not hire more people than you needed
You did not negotiate any non-competitive contracts with your employees
You did not provide a poor, dubious product/service to your customers
You did not use any quasi-illegal schemes to boost profits
You did not use "creative accounting" in your books
You did not have a highly paid lobbyist in Washington, only a highly paid elected representative

If so, you clearly do not meet the government's guidelines for assistance.

How To Ride A Moped

2008-11-03T12:23:00.002-05:00

I am thinking of hiring this guy to deliver pizzas...

How to tell you're having a bad day...

2008-10-20T12:34:00.003-04:00

Men's Room

2008-10-15T12:44:00.004-04:00

Not for the easily intimidated...

Financial Meltdown

2008-10-14T17:39:00.003-04:00

For a very entertaining explanation of how our country got into its present financial mess, visit www.brasschecktv.com/page/187.html

The Air Force Museum

2008-09-06T19:26:00.015-04:00

I toured the Air Force Museum outside of Dayton, OH today. If you have not visited this facility, I would highly recommend that you put it on your "bucket list". It is a national treasure. For more information, visit www.nationalmuseum.af.mil

Additional photos are at www.ncmotorcyclists.com/gallery/main.php?g2_itemId=23

Stallion Trike

2008-06-12T15:32:00.004-04:00

Recently, I rode with some friends in eastern TN and one of the ladies showed up in a new Stallion Trike. It’s a good looking machine and certainly a different approach to a trike as compared to a motorcycle conversion. For more information, visit their website at www.southwesttrikes.com/stallion.htm

The vehicle is classified as a motorcycle and requires a motorcycle endorsement to drive/ride.

Cumberland Falls "Moonbow"

2008-05-22T10:14:00.008-04:00

Last weekend I visited the Cumberland Falls State Park in Kentucky to see a moonbow. It is like a rainbow but is created by the light of the moon, not the sun. Here is a photo taken at 10:00 p.m. with a five minute exposure...

Photo courtesy of Charlie West

Communication Problem Between The Sexes...

2007-08-23T11:06:00.000-04:00