Hi everyone i am back again and going to hit the road again on July 21st with another trip to the USA but am taking a different route this time. This time around we fly into LA pick up our bikes ( and car ) and from there go up the west coats to Seattle,we then cross over the boarder to Canada some and go to Kamloops and then cross over the Canadian Rockies to Banff from there we have heard about one of the best rides you can do and its called " ride to the sun" so Google it or use YouTube. From here we go back to Sturgess for 4 days but this time staying at "Whistlers Gulch " camping ground in Deadwood and after this go right across the the country to Milwaukee to see the Harley Davidson museum then down through Nashville,  Memphis, Dallas where we split up and go our separate ways.
I have some new companions on this trip but Mark and Dave are coming again, they arrive on the 22nd July and Mark has just purchased a bike and will ride it and will bring it back to NZ and Dave is going to hire a car which will be handy for carrying the chilly bin with essential supplies. They are in the USA for 30 days and leave us in Dallas on the 17th August and fly out of LA on the 22nd.
 A new member of the team is Adrian Nesbitt other wise known as" Ocker" he arrives with me on the 21st and he has purchased a bike to ride and going to ship back to NZ also. Ocker departs us in Dallas also and is going down to New Orleans and is staying in the states for another month just looking around.
We have another 2 guys Phill Ford and Brian McStay arriving in Seattle on the 26 July and travel in the car with Dave till 14th August and they will fly out of Memphis
So after every one splits up in Dallas i will be looking around by myself till the 1st September and then fly home  am going down to look at the Alamo might have another look in Vagas    just wait and see what happens no plans take it day by day.
Here is a photo of my new bike i have purchased and will ride then brink back to NZ and sell. we have done the sums and is a lot cheaper buying and selling than hiring. Kawasaki 1500cc vulcan nomad 2002

          

Mark new bike for 2014 tour    more details later

Farewell USA - it's been a adventure!

Well that's it the adventure is over!  Time to pack my bags and head home. 

Had a great farewell last night.  Met up with 2 guys from North Carolina, Josh and Rodney, who are working here at the moment and a couple of Kwis who head back to NZ tomorrow.  Ended up in a local seedy bar called Godmothers and meet a local LAPD guy and his friends.  Really enjoyed myself - bit tired today but can sleep on the plane all the way home.  Also have a video of me doing Karaoke - this will not be making YouTube.

The highs for me on this trip.  The people, the scenery, the bike!

The lows, mastercard lost and trying to use the temporary one (going to write a complaint about it). WiFi service at most hotels/motels is shocking always cutting out and signal very weak.

But above all - Bring on 2014 “I'll be back".

Location:LA

Last day in the States

Caught the 142 to Long Beach and went and saw the Aquarium.  Now was expecting big things here but was a tad disappointed.  Kelly Tarlton and the Antarctic Center in Christchurch are more impressive but still enjoyed.  

Had lunch at Bubba Gump Shrimp Co restaurant named after the movie and the seafood was excellent.  Had a good yarn with waitress there as she had spent 3 weeks in NZ and loved it.

While in Vegas one our disappointments was we went to Hooters but it was very big and just another casino and frumpy old staff everywhere.  So spotted this Hooters bar (and no I wasn't looking for it just appeared), so had to go in and have a brew.  Now I have had instructions from the Tuesday night squash guys (especially Peter Clay) to get photos get photos.  I am sorry Jan but they made me do it and by the way they were all lovely young ladies.  If you want a good meal , some good beers and good service, go to one of these bars they are great and surprisingly there were lots of families dining there.

So have ended this adventure on a high.  Am now back at the pool and have been asked to go stand in for Daniel Craig on the new 007 movie tomorrow morning before I fly out.

Tomorrow will do a summary of the highs and lows of the trip and my observations of the US.






If you want seafood this is the place to go or the Red Lobster.

Tonight am meeting a few in the lounge as Karaoke night again.  So meeting up with some Kiwis to have a wee sing along.  Here I am practicing.

Location:LA

Universal Studios

Had an interesting day today as was going to Universal Studio but the trouble was it was the other side of town.  Cab would have been about $80.00 eachway so decided to take a bus and train.  The 142 bus took me to Long Beach.   Cost $1.50 then on the blue train to LA central, then the red train to the studio.  Train fee $6.00 for a day pass.

Took 2 hours but was an interesting trip sort of went through some not very nice neighborhoods.  Met a lot of different people from all different backgrounds and races but didn't feel threatened.  Was quite comfortable during the entire trip.  Coming home in the 6 o'clock rush I'm thinking no way could I live like this every day.  Trains to work etc you would spend a quarter of your working life in a bus or a train.  As Fred Dagg said "we don't know how lucky we are”!

Universal was great, not too crowded.  Didn't have to wait in line for long which was great as was very hot.  Did the studio tour and on it you did a King Kong tour which was in 3D - freaking awesome!  Biggest 3D presentation in the world.  After that did all the other rides, Transformers 3D (went twice) then The Mummy Returns. 

Now this ride was a roller coaster which I didn't realize.  I HATE roller coasters but was in a line and wearing a Kiwi tee shirt so couldn't chicken out.  Now I will admit I did scream a bit (sounded like Maria Thurlow when she is losing a squash game) but was starting to relax a bit when all of a sudden you started to go backwards and it was in the dark.  Did you know you can buy underwear at Universal?  I now own a pair of Bart Simpson boxers (just kidding or am I?  You will never know).  Spent 5 hours there and really enjoyed myself.

Now back at hotel by the pool, a few beers before tea.  There is Karaoke in the bar tonight (no I am not singing, I sound like Colin McDonald with a cold).  Just met a guy and his family and he is head chef on Donald Trumps golf course, nice people.  Anyway last night was quiet.  Went to a wee micro brewery pub down the street with a few Kiwis but home by 11.

Last day in US tomorrow, sad to go but am looking forward to seeing family.

Location:LA

Shopping time

Not much to report on today.  Bit of a sleep in, breakfast (am sick of eggs) then went to a mall.  It was huge but not many people about and no I didn't get lost. Purchased a few tee shirts for the grand kids and an iPad for Jan.

Back at hotel now by the pool and have meet a few of the other guests.  A family from Canada, a Pom and 3 kiwis just passing through (might be a social night)!

The good news is went on one of the weight/height machines at the mall and have dropped 3 kg since I left home.  Also worked out have traveled 6500 miles on bike which is appox 10500 km.

On the travel channel Henry Cole on worlds greatest motorcycle ride has been here a few times and he has only cracked the surface of what a great country this is.  It has everything a biker wants, wide open spaces, mountain riding, fantastic scenery and the people. 

I cannot speak highly enough of the people!  Here they are courteous, have hardly heard any one swear and the service has been excellent.  In fact have not had one bad encounter (have had a few cars tooted at me and the odd bird finger) but they are courteous and helpful and are very interested in NZ.  Most people I have spoken to have said its on their place to visit.

Haven't taken many pics over the last few day as been on freeways.

Location:LA

Bon voyage and thanks for the ride - see you in NZ!

Today departed San Luis at about  9.00 am and was looking forward to some great coastal scenery.  But low and behold sea fog for the first hour so couldn't see a thing but when it cleared coast was gone. Still was a nice ride then struck the coast again. 

Very nice but was on freeway so didn't have much of a look but from what I could see NZ coastal scenery was much better especially Catlins route.

Just got into LA and hit a traffic jam and to make things worse was about 100 degrees and there was new black tar seal.  To make it worse I had all my bike gear on.  Anyway was in the inside lane and missed the turn off so had to go miles out of my way.  About an extra hour of riding. Finally got to Kiwi Shipping and was absolutely drenched in sweat.  So after a tearful farewell to the bike have booked into a nice hotel and going to shop and do some sightseeing and relax for 3 days.

Saying goodbye to a dear very close friend today was hard as I have shared great scenery, lots of miles and some close calls.  Yes today I dropped my bike into Kiwi Shipping and will pick her up in about 6 weeks in NZ.

Location:LA