Blog One
Working on my bike before the big trip. Sooo excited!
Blog Two
So the day had come at last a week later than scheduled but here. 5:30am I left 9:15pm (8:15pm Wisconsin time) and 750 miles ( 1200km ) later I arrived at Neenah.
The trip: 20 minute into the ride it started to rain. 1 hour into the ride it changed to fog. I had a 1.5 hour wait at the boarder (Sarnia) only 25 cars in front of me but my lane was sending nearly everyone for an interview. I was let straight through. I have to stop around every 125 miles (200km) for petrol/gas and my tush. The Triumph had a 30 minute hissy fit on me where it just died. So pulled onto the hard shoulder and took in some sun. Yes it had come out in force not a cloud in the sky. |
Tinkered on Maza (named after my wife) was ready for more adventure.
Stop for a photo opportunity at Mackinaw city toll bridge ($4.00) and met some great people who wanted to talk about the Triumph my adventure and kidney cancer awareness. He shook my hand, thanked me and dug into his wallet and took out $20. They took down the website and said they would share it with their friends. Meeting good people put fuel in my heart and a spring in my step.
The top of Michigan and all the way down to Green Bay Wisconsin is gorgeous with cottages all the way down the lake road. The food of choice there is Pasties would you believe.
I usually do this trip in two halves, but I had set myself a challenge to do it in one day. Towards the end, well after 12 hours with 4 still to go the motels I was passing next to the lake looked so so inviting but one thing is for sure there will not be any half measures on this adventure.
Let's live this wonder adventure we have been given called life. Please please share with all your friends and donate, thank you.
Stewy
Stop for a photo opportunity at Mackinaw city toll bridge ($4.00) and met some great people who wanted to talk about the Triumph my adventure and kidney cancer awareness. He shook my hand, thanked me and dug into his wallet and took out $20. They took down the website and said they would share it with their friends. Meeting good people put fuel in my heart and a spring in my step.
The top of Michigan and all the way down to Green Bay Wisconsin is gorgeous with cottages all the way down the lake road. The food of choice there is Pasties would you believe.
I usually do this trip in two halves, but I had set myself a challenge to do it in one day. Towards the end, well after 12 hours with 4 still to go the motels I was passing next to the lake looked so so inviting but one thing is for sure there will not be any half measures on this adventure.
Let's live this wonder adventure we have been given called life. Please please share with all your friends and donate, thank you.
Stewy
Blog Three
So arrived at my friend Willie's, had two beers and passed out on the bed, and slept like a log. All is good Doc!
Went to Mike's restaurant which has the best breakfast I've tasted and the people were so friendly. Tried to get a US data plan. Note to self: make sure your phone is unlocked or have the unlock code with you. Took the Triumph to Team Winnebagoland, a Triumph dealership in Oshkosh and met such a friendly bunch, had a bit of a laugh and so so helpful. They looked over the bike for me and are going to follow me, share and donate. I was just about to go back to Willie's and go out for half a shandy when a friend of Willie's called David, rolled in on his 1600 Harley Davidson just to meet me and give his support; What a guy, we clicked straight away, oh love good people. He had shared the ride4kidneycancer.weebly.com to all his friends and given a big donation to the USA charity. He got a brothers man hug and we both road off our separate ways. Then we took Willie's dog Charlie for a walk down the park and if I wasn't just going for half a shandy I would of been in the lake. Pretty place and friendly people in Neenah/Oshkosh, superb. Messing around with the bike tomorrow and helping my friend Willie with a wee project. 30 degrees again Saturday so will have to take on fluid! Hahahaha And plan the trip over to Custer National Park going through the Badlands South Dakota Share, share share and please donate, thank you! Stewy |
Blog Four
Started off with a bit of a conundrum, the small bear safe I bought to be able to get into the national parks was not so small after all.
Finally was able to purchase ($50 a month for two months) T-Mobile unlimited data sim card to enable me to communicate, upload photos, gps etc. Drove down to Oshkosh where there was a Four Horseman charity super boat race on the lake. We sat by the river and had refreshments! Then back to Willie's for a Barbie and a James Bond film. Stewy out |
Blog Five
So Monday started off at 6.00am windy but dry. Took the back roads thru Wisconsin and Minnesota.
This took me along the magnificent Mississippi river. On my travels saw a tortoise in the middle of the road so stopped and put it into the grass the way it was pointing; My good deed done for the day. I'm sure it would be miffed if I but it back to the side it started hahajaja. Kept riding down hwy 14 which looked just like Canada farms and the odd large town along the way. Had to stop for coffee and a piece of pie at a farm store of course. Then it started to get interesting. The 14 was closed and the diversion sent you into the middle of nowhere with no gas stations. The problem was it sent me into a storm zone with high winds and heavy rain in pods. You could see them all around and it took what seemed like hours trying to weave my way through them. Yep ran out of gas while being blown about like a wet rag doll. Oh I'm glad I made room for tat extra gallon of fuel. What an adventure this is turning out to be, fantastic bring it on! Stopped in a super 8, they sent me to two rooms both with someone in them, so they ended up giving me a suite at the same cost, result! Stewy out |
Blog Six
Woke up to thunder and rain today so I waited for a break to pack the bike. I traveled 400 miles to Wall south Dakota which should of taken 6 hours, but took more like 8 due to having to outrun several huge thunderstorms.
I was pulled over by the state police checking me out but all was good. Busy day tomorrow so Stewy out |
Blog Seven
Started off chilly but then turned sunny on the ride through badlands national park. Bought another national park annual pass and road on the 240 loop around the park, stunning rock formations, you could see all the outlaw cowboys hiding around every corner. Then rode through some large expanses of sparse landscape until I saw the black hills and mount Rushmore way in the distance. Stopped at mount Rushmore paid the $10 to get in, took a few photos and scampered out of there as it started to become packed. Then rose on to crazy horse monument where a father and son started to carve a sculpture of yes crazy horse into a mountain to show the first nation chiefs where just as important as the US presidents. There is a museum there, I would of loved to camp in the tepee they had there. Rode on to Custer national park, center lake camp, then we had a little oopsadazy with the bike and I had to spend most of the day today fixing it. Set up camp which takes longer when you've been riding for a long time and I guess I not as fit as I was hahajaja. Had a very healthy tea and went to bed or laid on a very very comfortable camp cott!!!. Temp dropped to nearly freezing, that's all I have to say about that!. Packed up which took only a second and then I went searching for a motor store. Saw a couple of bison at the side of the road where we had a little bit of a staring contest, they won hahajaja. Every garage/gas station has a food store and a small casino attached to it; but I couldn't even get some oil. Found a motor store and the lady was very helpful, she allowed me to replace the parts, fluids etc on the premises. Gave the bike a well deserved power wash. Custer was full of tourists so I decide to move onto Newcastle Wyoming where there certainly isn't. Remember to make a difference to someone's journey and share people,
Stewy Out |
Blog Nine
Woke up at 5.00am today and on the road by 6.00am. It was a fresh beautiful sunny morning and no one on the road to Deadwood. Best ride yet cutting through the black hills. It put a spring in my step and a song in my heart, fantastic.
Deadwood was full of tourists and it looked more like a normal small town than a wild west icon. I did not want to wait around for some actors to put on a performance. I have John Wayne for that. I went to boot hill cemetery which has now been moved with all the bodies to a new location. I went there to see Calamity Jane (for my daughter) and Wild Bill Grace which was kind of neat; I love the films. I met a prairy dog in a pipe at the cemetery, little cutey.
Where next dododododo yes you have it and the tune will most likely stick with you all day like it did me, Devils tower from Close Encounters. Rode all the way around no spaceships.
Took the road less traveled then to Little Bighorn battlefield and national monument. It was so quiet and calm, even though there were a few people about. There is a monument for the 7th Cavery under Custer and a 1st nation monument with a detailed explanation why the battle occurred.
Then yep a bigun loomed on the horizon, it looked like night had arrived so I scarpered to my motel in Hardin. I need to do some maintenance on the bike but it was hailing and blowing a gale. Mmm long day, 400 miles 645 km with detours for storms, beer and bed
Stewy out
Deadwood was full of tourists and it looked more like a normal small town than a wild west icon. I did not want to wait around for some actors to put on a performance. I have John Wayne for that. I went to boot hill cemetery which has now been moved with all the bodies to a new location. I went there to see Calamity Jane (for my daughter) and Wild Bill Grace which was kind of neat; I love the films. I met a prairy dog in a pipe at the cemetery, little cutey.
Where next dododododo yes you have it and the tune will most likely stick with you all day like it did me, Devils tower from Close Encounters. Rode all the way around no spaceships.
Took the road less traveled then to Little Bighorn battlefield and national monument. It was so quiet and calm, even though there were a few people about. There is a monument for the 7th Cavery under Custer and a 1st nation monument with a detailed explanation why the battle occurred.
Then yep a bigun loomed on the horizon, it looked like night had arrived so I scarpered to my motel in Hardin. I need to do some maintenance on the bike but it was hailing and blowing a gale. Mmm long day, 400 miles 645 km with detours for storms, beer and bed
Stewy out
Blog Ten
Beautiful morning, didn't leave until 9.30 am, took an easy ride over to Red Lodge Montana stopping in a frontier town bar on the way, locals very friendly, they also had some great metal art as well. I turned a corner and the Rockies where looming up in the distance. My motel is at the foot of the Rockies and the town is great. As soon as I pulled up there was a wild Turkey and some deer just walking down the street! I will be staying here until Monday, Sunday is a day of rest.
So started maintaining the Triumph ( called Maza ) she has been all I expected from a British made classic motorcycle, amazing. I was working on it and a hog group of about 20 Harley Davison riders arrived. They asked me if I needed help. Later they all came out in the sunshine to chat abooout dinner plans and very graciously invited me along. So 20 guys n' girls and me climbed aboard a pickup truck in two trips and went on a 15 minute adventure to a steak house in Bear Creak and to my astonishment did pig racing out back. The place was packed. Had a great steak and Salad!! And a few Pig Ass Porter beers to wash it down. Then just hung out with the guys chewing the wind.
The weather had brightened up and alot of the hog group had taken the one taxi the town had back, so the ride back was a breeze. Popped down a bar in Red Lodge with a couple of guys for a night cap. Great night. Stewy Out |
Blog Ten
So its Beartooth highway today into Yellowstone and then down to the Teton mountain range. I didn't know what to expect as two days ago they had to rescue a car from the snow!!. Yep there was lots of snow, in fact they are still skiing. In some parts 15 to 20 ft banks of it. The beartooth highway is something to behold as a motorcyclist. There are more 180 twists and turns as well as the straights and the elevation that takes you breath away, literally hahajaja.
Then suddenly the Yellowstone nation park Rockies pierce through the clouds in the distance. Its absolutely majestic seeing the park projecting so many different types of landscapes, it is a bikers dream. Bison, massive stags, deer, Bears and wolves or specks with my phone camera, if you don't get stampeded by the only crazy thing in the place; tourists. You can be riding behind a car, truck or mobile home and they just stop dead in front of you, run out their vehicle to take part in who has the biggest lense competition and scare what they were going to take a picture of away. Go out of season. Went to the sulfur pits and past that big jet of steam out of the ground thingy but the queues were a no go. Tetons next, wanted to get a camp site for two days. The Tetons are more gothic mountains looming dark with sharp corners and being rained on at the time always gives it that cold feeling. They are magnificent, you just can not take your eyes off them. So, attempted to get into three camp sites between moose and Jackson, all full. If you don't get there before 10.00am you will be out of luck. So had a quick beer in Jackson hole, which by the way is asking $350 a room, nah. So decided to set off for my next stop and again took the road less traveled where there was me and one lorry/truck for 150 miles round the back of the Rockies. With this kind of natural beauty (no not me) the discomfort of sitting on a plank for 10 hours fades away... NOT. I came across a town called Pinedale where I will lay my head for the night. Stewy out |
Blog Eleven
The day started off so well with an actual hot breakfast and not just a granola bar. The sun was shining but not too hot to take 45 minutes to pack the bike. The first few hours of the 375mile/ 603km trip you could see for 50 miles ahead, it was so flat and there was nothing but cows, deer, oh and lamas? The the black clouds started to appear in ones and twos then they all ganged together; I had no way out and no cover. First there was heavy rain, the big soaking kind for about an hour. THEN hale the size of marbles, which left me with a few bruises. Then side stingy rain and massive gusts of wind all the time teasing you with a glimpse of a blue bit of sky on the horizon then closing it shut. So it was teaming down my phone would not connect to T-Mobile to book a motel to dry off. So I went into Burger King totally soaked and dripping big-time all over their floor asking for their WiFi password, you have to laugh but they didn't Hahajaja. My room is like a sauna drying all my gear off. Budget motel no laundry facilities. So I ticked the being hit with hale stone box, yeah don't have to do that one again. I told the Mrs I would keep up to ten secrets of the trip she would not want to know about and I would put them in my journal. I'm up to two.
Stewy Out |
Blog Twelve
First thing was to get the triumph some TLC including an oil change, so went to Erico Motorsports Triumph and Ducati dealership in Denver. Zane and my mechanic we're great guys and treat me well. $320 bucks later she was well again. I need to do this stuff myself Ay.
Well after the challenging day yesterday it was good to get to Georgetown, a stunning little mining town in Colorado's Rockies. Rode around town on the bike and stopped off at a little cantina for nachos, guacamole and some home made salsa and of course a corona. The staff at the Inn where very friendly and made me feel so welcome. Had to wash everything after the pounding from the weather. Still tired, and achey but it is forecast sunshine all day tomorrow so onward and upwards! Stewy out |
Blog Thirteen
Well it was World kidney cancer day today so I listened to my guy "House" for an hour on a webcast by Kidney Cancer Canada, a USA based charity and an in-depth panel of kidney cancer based medical specialist that answered questions from kidney cancer patients all over the world. I tried to get a plug in for ride4kidneycancer.weebly.com, yes I have no shame when it comes to awareness. I had to get on the road so don't know if it worked.
The main reason I came to Denver area was to take the I70 across to Utah it was supposed to be breathtaking. Oh it was in so more many reasons that you can imagine!!! The scenery was absolutely stunning, it took my breath away. Oh you have to see this place. The second reason it took by breath away was because the wind was that strong I had to have the bike at 45 degrees and at 55 mph the whole 300 miles (if only 300 read on). There were gusts that took me all the way across my lane, I was riding on the hard shoulder to stop going into the other lane. I ride as far as Fresco, about an hour and a half into the trip when there was a pot hole that stretched the length of my lane. The other lane was full of traffic so I was forced to hit it and the bike bottomed the forks out and flung my phone which was clamped and strapped in up over my shoulder and into a lorries/trucks wheels behind me. I pulled over and walked down the hard shoulder to find the phone. Found the phone but no SD or SIM card. Oh no, all my photos and videos of the trip and all my photos of the family this year lost. I was looking for over and hour until a police car stopped to check on me (thank you for that) and said it was too dangerous and to move on. I had a moment, if you don't know what that means well basically nothing makes sense for a period of time, why me. I got on the bike and started riding through the ferocious wind and it started to rain for a short while. But as I saw the amazing place we call earth shine in front of me and thought about my family and how lucky I was to be on this adventure the moment went and I started to look forward again and not back. So I turned around and road back an hour to one pick up a new phone(this trip is getting expensive Ay) because there were no phone shops where I was going and to take the photo I lost and more. This was not going to get in the way of my goal. Finally arrived at Green River in Utah 10 hours after I started, my body thinking it's been ten rounds with Frank Bruno, sorry Mike Tyson hahahaha. I am going to stay two nights here for the people who are following me live. I have to start again with the phone. I lost all my contacts and apps so send your emails and numbers to my Canadian email account please. Stew oooooout |
Blog Fourteen
the So didn't move or couldn't until noon, popped next door for food. Tried to set up phone the best I could.
Then went out to have a look around and was so glad I did. The thing I learned is if you are too tired to do something new just do it anyway, life is so full that way; tiring but full. Went into the Green river state park and over to desolate valley. Also around the outskirts of town, again stunning. Short one today, have to contact family and map out tomorrow, yahoo. I wonder what's in store?? Oops I'm in Wyoming not Utah or am I hahahaha. Stew out |
Blog Fifteen
So up at the crack of dawn Saturday and it was a bit crisp so went next door for breakfast. GPS took me to a farmers road so I turned round and used a map! It's a paper thingy which shows you what road to take, who knew?
Rode on the 24 & 14 to the Escalanta national monument and they were, can't really put it into words but it the only time I've ever wanted to be a tourist, there was so much shear beauty to take in, every second a different marvel and the funniest thing was l felt so safe and at home. The landscape changes color and severity all the time and out of the blue. You can be looking at deep green trees and bush then its suddenly red grey and yellow crevasses and Gothic like mountains, as if they had been placed there like a singular chess piece. Stopped off at Escalanta to see the staircase and found so much more than I bargained for. The rock formations around there and in Bryce canyon (where I went to next) were timeless. There were that many canyons around the area like Glen, Pig etc. I stopped as soon as I saw a little beauty of a view, this is why it's taken |
me so long to get everywhere. The only way to see Utah properly is on a horse, then you can really feel and see the shear beauty. Ok, The first two camp sites where full as they are first come first served, but I found a third in between Bryce and Zion national parks. So unloaded it all, put up the tent and lit a roaring fire. I had a beer and went to kip early.
Stewy Out
Stewy Out
Blog Sixteen
Only takes two hours to pack the tent up and pack the bike. Left campsite for Zion national park. I'm going to sound like a broken record, wonderful wonderful scenery totally different again from the other parks etc. You need to take a look for yourself and let me know what you think. One thing though I arrived at about 9.00am and it was not too bad, but by lunchtime thousands of cars were coming in, and yet again just stopping in the middle of the road for a picture. On the way out I turned a bend and there was a family of 8 just standing in the road no car, just having their picture taken. Scattered like chickens, funny. You go to the visitors center in Zion then onto a bus to go the special spots, a little hike but ok. Some trails where closed due to land slides.
Decide to move onto lake Powell and stopped at a little canteen on the way, yummy. Red Rock formations started to pop up everywhere and then something that seemed so out of |
Blog Seventeen
It was going to be a rush today so after a video chat with my wife Marina I decided to spend an extra night and leave Tuesday. I rode down to lake Powell, somewhere I have wanted to visit ever since seeing Stephen Fry come here in his British taxi. I booked a 9.00am boat trip down Antelope canyon, one of the many that lead off lake Powell. It was very draining! It drains you of all feeling and replaces it with calm, nothing but calm. It was so restful I didn't want to end. I was asleep but wide awake, excited about what was around the next corner. The crew and all the people from all over the world where so friendly which made it even more special.
So the next place was on the top of my to-visit list. I hope I wasn't going to be disappointed, as it is over 95 degrees today and you have to hike for 30 minutes just to experience it. HORSESHOE BEND. The world is a small place, I met the lovely family I camped with two night before and they are going to share my goal to make as many people as possible aware of kidney cancer. I love good people, make a difference just be good and help people, there does not have to be a reward, the reward is happiness. After my chest cramped and my lungs grappled for air, I reached horseshoe falls. I was not disappointed, this really took my breath away. Nature's art, perfectly majestic, it couldn't be made any better. I just collapsed, not through any physical issue, I could not comprehend, walking out into red Rock, dessert and scorching heat. You peered over the edge and you where not hot anymore, everybody was good and the world was a better place just because of the beauty your eyes where experiencing. I need things in the bank to keep me going, this is fuel for a millennium. Stewy Out |
Blog Eighteen
Early rise again at 5.00am and a 3 hour ride to nip over to monument valley and try to find a campsite. Took some photos on my way out of the park. I went to six camp sites, all full and $75 min a night!!. I then tried to find a spot by the side of the road and the local police told me otherwise and like John Rambo was sent on my way. So I had another 4.5 hour ride to Sedona. It was hot and I mean hot. Not a bit of moisture in the air, my tongue was so dry it was rigid and cracked when it moved. So I soaked myself with water, ooh ahh and put my jacket back on. Then as if by magic the air conditioning came on. I was riding up a mountain range and as you go up the cooler it felt. Oh and as you went down the hotter and dryer it felt. Nothing lasts forever Ay.
Stopped at a motel near Bell mountain called the Desert Quail Inn Sedona. A really friendly and cool place with a pool. Jumped out of bed at 5.00am, video chatted the family and took off on the bike with no luggage on, so much easier to ride to Bell mountain. I climbed up to the place my family and I did last time, then it hit me if I could climb to the top anyone could; so I did!!!. I had to stop a lot as my legs where drained of strength and on fire every couple of minutes, that could be because I couldn't breath hahajaja. I took a frozen backpack of water that helped. So this is a special bit just for Marina, Megan, Daniel and of course Coco, my family. I prayed for my family up there as Bell mountain is a vortex where the Earth's energy goes upwards and I created a 5 stack tower of rocks that is a spiritual symbol. The stone or the rock represents that which is eternal or truth itself, which represents the love I have for them. Ok, hmm hmm. I went back to the motel and I thought I deserved breakfast so I did. Then no clothes left and this is what you have to wear to the launderette when you have no clothes left, hardly a Levi's advert hahajaja. Moving on to some small town in the middle of the desert called Last Vegas, then the next day to camp in Death Valley where it is going to be 110 during the day and 85 at night. No problem there then! Stewy Out |
Blog Nineteen
What a start to the day, picture book blue sky and a substantial breakfast. Took the long way to Las Vegas to ride a section of the original route 66. Nothing special but a bit of history. Rode past lake Mead and the Hoover Dam before scooting around Las Vegas. They are building suburb estates all the way around Las Vegas. Stopped in motel six, pleasantly surprised.
Up at 4.30 and had breakfast with the Mrs over video chat. 45 minutes to pack, I don't know how I get it all on either. Ride about 3.5 hours straight down the death valley looking for mesquite camp site, it was shut. As soon as you hit the desert floor it is like jumping into an oven, suffocating with every sweat pore becoming operational. But there was a huge sense of awh at the shear crippling beauty of this unforgiving statement of nature. Note to self, let motorcycle cool down for a while before going into an oven. Stopped the bike to take a picture and I could hear the coolant viciously boiling through my helmet, then the bike seizes, oops! Hmmmm, so I pulled the clutch in and started pushing the bike back up the hill, because I am in perfect health, this was no problem!!!!!. I don't know which was more painful the actually physicality or the anxiety. I push until I could not push anymore, I pressed the starter and she fired up, I clambered on a slowly, I mean very slowly, and rode back up the hill. The further you went up the cooler it was, I mean below 100! The only thing I could think of was, is the bike going to get the 20 miles back to town? It did, and then I saw there was a bar open, 10.00am, that's the place for me and the bike to take ten. I had a beer and off I went, but 5 miles out decided San Francisco was too far for both me and the bike so I turned around and went back to the bar the Happy Burro. I booked into the motel across the road and then started mixing with the locals , chatted for hours over beer and chilly. I met a ex Newyorker who lives in Beatty, very very funny and interesting chap who had a wicked sense of humor and philosophy on life. He owned a ranch and raised hornless unicorns. Most of the guys I met where cowboys all packing some kind of weapon.
So it seemed I would have to ride through death valley again as the northern pass was still covered in snow. What an adventure. Rose early and rode down to the death valley floor. I just carried on down a road and you wondered if it really had an end and if it was the right way. Ok, then the front wheel started to wobble, oh yes I had a puncture. Just plug it you say, not with a spoked wheel they have inner tubes. So I dug out my mini compressor inflated the tyre and off I went a little hotter and concerned. I was having to inflate the Tyre every twenty minutes. I started to ride up and out of the valley, little did I know there where two more 3.5 hours up and down valleys where you did not need an oven to fry an egg. In that time I saw 5 cars 2 one way and 3 the other. No they did not stop to see if I was ok. I felt threatened and amazed at the same time. Just what an adventure should be, having new experiences. It took me 7 hours to complete a 3.5 hour journey. I went around asking all the truck tire guys if they could help me with my motorcycle, No. I went back to the hotel and saw a guy fixing a tire in a small garage. I asked him if he would help, I took the wheel out and we found the leak in the inner tube and bobs your uncle although very sweaty, tired and aching. See if it is still up in the morning. So stopping in Button willow in California and going NORTH! To San Francisco tomorrow!
Stewy Out
Stewy Out
Blog Twenty
Woke up Sunday hoping the front tire we fixed yesterday was still inflated. It was. I saw a site on the way to San Francisco, something you don't see every day, miles and miles of cows all squashed together in pen like fields, more like battery chicken houses with water squirting up in the air to keep them coolish. I took a couple of pictures but a guy in a truck with a red flag on it spotted me and started shouting at me so off I went. Started up to mountain view near San Francisco on the freeway and then cut over to go up the west coast road but traffic jam after traffic jam. Motorcycle after motorcycle cutting through the middle of the lanes, one came a cropper hitting a car and coming off, two cars in front of a state police car! The sign was showing over 2 hours to get 10 miles. I've been to Monterey and the big Surf before so detour time. The bike was starting to play up as well kept stalling. Arrived at Matt's (A guy I worked with in Canada) 2 hours early so just went shopping and filled up with gas/ petrol. But the bike was worse, coughing and spluttering and stopping while riding in traffic.
Matt cooked steak on the barbie and we had a couple of beers and I stayed the night. Cheers Matt! |
Started the bike up at 7:00 the next morning but it would not run. So found a shop that sold spark plugs for bikes, took the seat and the tank off to change them, adjust the chain at the same time. She is now purring like a tiger with a sore throat, fantastic. Not the easiest of jobs 2 hours but so satisfying to fix it.
So off I went to San Francisco, came off the freeway to catch a shot of the downtown skyline, a tram, Alcatraz and that windy road which is very windy. I then took some shots of the Golden Gate Bridge from Crissy field and Vista point etc. One thing, there is a huge amount of homeless people in San Francisco, good job it's warm. The fog started to come in and the temperature plummeted. Like walking into a cold shower with no water. So back on the purring tiger with a sore throat and up the west coast road (1) I went. Lots of coves and small towns with a 35mph speed limit, slow all the way. Fantastic riding as there were 180 and 90 degree bends all the time, hundreds and hundreds, I felt like Barry Sheen. I was not going to spend $200 plus on a room so I had to come inland to get a cheaper motel. Long days ride back on the (1) tomorrow so... Stewy out. |
Blog Twenty One
Riding up the west coast roads 1 and 101 has so many beautiful and at the same time gruff places to see. The wind keeps the temperature around the 70's when you are protected by the hills, otherwise its up in the 90's. A motorcycle allows you to feel so much, from the vibrations of the bike to the true power of the wind and the sun's control to bring everything alive. Oh and ever pot hole, tar snake and graveled surface you could ever imagine. North California west coast highway has the best roads I have ever ridden on. They take you to a place you never want to with bends, double bends, triple bends and 180s every 10 seconds continuously reminding you why you take the chance to ride a motorcycle. It is like a symphony on the road for 35 mile duration then oh yes again for another 35 miles.
Then you want to stop all the time because you think you have a beautiful photo op but just around the corner it gets better and better until you just have to pull over and sit on a beach and just take it all in with the waves crashing around you and not a cloud in the sky. I carried on up into the redwood national park, and oh deary me the trees were like hundreds of thousands columns from Greek mythology piecing the clouds with you not able to see the top. Then you see individual Giants that you can park your motorcycle in, 2000 years old. A bit like I feel when I get up in a morning hahajaja.
Stopped in Florence Oregon for the 4th of July to give the body and my unbelievable 19 year old Triumph motorcycle a breather. No parade but lots of people out in red white and blue and didn't seem to mind me having a union jack attached to me. Oh did my washing in a launderette and washed some of the grime off the bike today waiting for it to finish, it's hard work adventuring you know. Then went down the pub and watch the world go by, Ying and yang. I have a 4.00am start so better sign out. Stewy Out |
Blog Twenty Two
Met up with some Hogs and motorcycle riders and chatted until we rode into Canada. Of course me being me I had to do the Titanic scene at the bow of the ship, shouting Rose Rose give me the diamond back! Raised a laugh anyway. I'm stopping at a wonder B+B that over looks Victoria, the bay and a world famous bird sanctuary. So letting the bones rest a bit while fixing the bike and working with Kidney Cancer Canada.
Over 10,000km /6, 200 miles in I was humbled today as I was interviewed by Kidney Cancer Canada next to the Terry Fox statue at Zero in Victoria. If you do not know what all the fuss is about Cancer read the inscriptions that Terry Fox wanted and his unbelievable journey to help and inspire others.
Stewy Out
Over 10,000km /6, 200 miles in I was humbled today as I was interviewed by Kidney Cancer Canada next to the Terry Fox statue at Zero in Victoria. If you do not know what all the fuss is about Cancer read the inscriptions that Terry Fox wanted and his unbelievable journey to help and inspire others.
Stewy Out
Blog Twenty Three
So fitted new battery on bike and had to go to triumph dealership in Victoria to get an oil change before heading to Swartz Bay. There I caught the ferry over to the mainland so I could get to Vancouver. Met a couple of good guys there and had a picture taken with the Triumph Thunderbird. Rode the road less traveled and went through the center of the island on single track roads at times, but it showed me the true nature of Vancouver island. I literally was the last one on the ferry with seconds to spare. Restaurants and coffee shops on this one and took about 90 minutes. Rode the 35 km to Vancouver and met up with Dr. Kollmasberger at the BC Cancer hospital. Then rode around the city for a while and then went across the Lions Gate Bridge and stayed the night in west Vancouver. The next day it threw it down all day and all the way to whistler. The cloud formations over the mountains where mesmerizing, which stopped me thinking so much about the water trickling down my neck and how close the coaches and cars where to me around all the twists and turns. Stopped with friends in Whistler and had a cool night out in the local after home made pizza Chicago style!!
Headed off to kanaloops through the Canadian Rockies, I think these are my favorite to date, towering over me and making me feel so insignificant with the full power of nature watching me on my adventure. Hardly any vehicles on the roads. There where so many lakes waterfalls dotted along the route. There was little sign man and he even ventured through this wonder. Then there was scorched and complete forest logged. Mines across the face of prolific mountains like deep scares across the landscape. Then every lake had a shanty towns the beauty of this part of Canada masked and unrecognizable. No effort to blend in just pillage resources and create human representation of wealth.
Arrived at kanaloops amass , traffic jams and dusty heat. Looking forward to going to Calgary early tomorrow in national parks where I hope things are tranquel and majestic where nature is the main attraction. Stewy Out |
Blog Twenty Four
On the road for 6:00am from kanloops to Calgary. The scenery again so majestic and so diverse, mountains all the way ranging from snow covered soaring peaks to lush green panoramic forest. Ones that ranged as far as the eye could see. Also there were so many different colored textured bare rock formations, unbelievable. Stopped off so many times to take photos, including lake Louise and Banff.
I had another couple of mishaps, lost my wallet and broke my 6 day old phone. I rode Lake Louis to try and find the wallet adding 200km to the trip 850km but did not find it. Saturday went to the Cancer center in Calgary to meet up with Dr Danny Heng , Dr Geoff Gotto and their family as well as some patients carers ect, it was a special event I glad I attended. I was invited to a 80's party by my friends John and Koren, who where so kind to put me up in Calgary. I had a great time. Completed some maintenance on the bike Sunday ready for my trip to Jasper on Monday. Stewy Out |
Blog Twenty Five
So started at 6:15 and headed for Jasper. Past Banff and Lake Louise which brought back memories of skiing last Christmas. Turned off for Jasper and the park pass came in handy again. It was a ride that I will never forget, not for the winding roads but the sore neck you get from the amazing views one after the other, all so magnificent in stature your jaw can drop no further. Then the ice fields which makes you have to stop and sit down in ore it seems like they are alive and still moving towards you. Oh had secret 6+7 today an amazing adventure to say the least. The lakes where like green and blue mirrors trying in there own way to mimic the majesty of the eternal mountain ranges. Each have there own character with layer after layer and wave after wave showing how they were created so many millions of years ago.
Arrived in Jasper and had just the one, sat in the sun at the first bar I saw, yummy. Then on to Edson and the mountains still bedazzled me in the early evening sun. Ok I know you may say I'm mad, but me and my neck are looking forwards to the planes, I can actually look straight forwards and not up. 650 km today, 750 tomorrow so need to hit the hay early start.
Stewy out |
Blog Twenty Six
Sorry it's been a while for the blog, I will catch up over the next few days. So set of for Jasper on Monday and drove past Banff and Lake Louise again, then onto the ice fields road to Jasper. This road was spectacular not for the windy motorcycling roads but the transformation you experience feeling so honored to be able to be part of such beauty, even only for a few hours. The magnificent mountain ranges and lakes keep on intensifying your concentration not wanting to miss a single aspect or view, until the pinnacle of the ride, the ice fields call to you in the distance. These glaciers seem like they are solid mountains of ice one minute, then totally fluid as if they where moving towards you because you where looking at them. I didn't want to leave but Jasper was was the next call. A skiing destination that also seemed to have thousands of people attending to mountain bike and hike during the summer. Road through the range only to find another mountain range lining the route to Edison where I was going to stay. I was kind off sad and happy the Rockies were coming to an end. I don't think my neck could take much more frantically looking up all the time not wanting to miss a moment. Talk soon!
Stewy out
Stewy out
Blog Twenty Seven
Started off Tuesday going through fur tree lined roads which then opened up into a rolling patch work of fields. Fields with slots of yellow stuff, not what I expected at all, a lot like the Uk. Pull into a rest stop and found someone who had two flats. I helped pump up tires so he could get one spare on and use the best one for the second. He must of reached the next town as I never saw him again. Had to go into Saskatoon to the HSBC to pick up a MasterCard in the poring rain. Not to my surprise when I came out of the bike had a front flat tire. The Wife came to the rescue, she phoned a bike shop and they said if I could get it there within the hour they would fix it. Tried
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pumping the tire up, no joy. Then I get a tap on the shoulder and the guy from the local Harley Davidson shop had come to get me with a trailer. Brilliant that a Harley Davidson shop would do this for an old triumph. The guys at Redline Harley Davidson in Saskatoon where true gentlemen and so professional, nothing was too much. l love good people. So all I now have to do is get a motel, easy right? Nope, I could not find anything as there was a farmers convention on in town and still raining. Just about to get tent out when the Mrs came to the rescue again, as my mate in UK always says 'shes not a bad lass you know'. Next onto Winnipeg, a 1000km ride, so up early and soaked in the ever changing beautiful farm land scenery. I thought the bit in the middle was supposed to be flat and boring. Met a lovely couple Luanne and Barry in Winnipeg who were so kind to offer to put me up for the night but alas I still had 550 km to the next stop Ignace. We still had a great conversation over a coffee.
Stewy out
Stewy out
Blog Twenty Eight
Set off early to get over to Ontario and Thunder bay to meet up with Dr Rahul Bansal at the Science Cancer Center. He was so supportive of the kidney cancer awareness ride. As I set off really early to met up with some more moose and a dear along the way and even my first telephone box. There is a total transition in the area about 6.30 am when humanity emerges and nature retracts into the shadows. I had a quick look around Thunder bay and started heading east, ending up in Longlac for the night.
I stopped at a motel and restaurant on the way to Longlac and the owner turned out to be an amazing warm and genereous person and we had such a great chat over a beer. It fills my heart with more joy when I meet good people. We even had chance to get a picture on the bike before heading off east. At 4:30am started down to Sudbury. The wildlife was out in force. Tree lined roads which made it very still with little wind and nearly no traffic. Black Bears and moose galour and very hot even that early in the morning. Going to Sudbury to meet up with Kevin and Bob, two mates from home for a beer. Ended up bringing us a lot closer together than we had ever been before due to a mistake in hotel bookings, so they say!! Walked into Coster del Sudbury for food and beer and a sleepless night. Had breakfast and rode to North Bay with Kevin and Bob following and taking some video and photos from the car. We parted ways and I road the 350km to Ottawa to meet up with Karen and Bob who where graciously going to put me up for the night.
Stewy out
Stewy out
Blog Twenty Nine
On Monday morning I had to get the back tire and oil changed on the Triumph Thunderbird before I visited cancer centers at the hospitals in Ottawa. No problem ay! Due to the generosity of Bob, Karen and the guys at Ottawa Goodtime center (Triumph dealership) who where unbelievable, I was able to meet Dr Neil Resume, Dr Dominick Boss'e and team at 1:30 that day. It is so inspiring that's these doctors and patient carers are wanting to help me raise awareness for kidney cancer.
Rode through capital Hill etc. Then on to Montreal. I stopped in Hudson just outside Montreal with Mona one of my guiding stars during this adventure. Hudson is an ex colonial British town which still has deep British routes combined with French flare. I had a wonderful and inspiring time there, walking down the beach and chewing the wind with my new friends.
On to three hospitals in Montreal with Mona on the train and me on my trusty stead, which has been outstanding.
Rode through capital Hill etc. Then on to Montreal. I stopped in Hudson just outside Montreal with Mona one of my guiding stars during this adventure. Hudson is an ex colonial British town which still has deep British routes combined with French flare. I had a wonderful and inspiring time there, walking down the beach and chewing the wind with my new friends.
On to three hospitals in Montreal with Mona on the train and me on my trusty stead, which has been outstanding.
9 am Dr Simon Tanguay, Helene Veilleuax and her husband JP Mc Gill University Health Centre - cedars Cancer Centre 1001 Decarie boulevard,Montreal 10:30 am Dr. khashayar Esfahani, Dr. Wilson Miller and Dr. Jenifer Friedmann Jewish General Hospital 3755 chemin de la Côte Sainte Catherine, Montreal 12 pm Dr. Paul Perrotte and Elise Andreoli Ornocology CHUM 1051 Sanguinet, Montreal |
All great and caring people, so approachable and willing to listen to you. Now onto Quebec city, stopped 5km from city center and walked to a local Mexican for my favourite sasla, guacamole, chips, Corana and a Margarita. Yum Yum. Met Dr.Vicient Castonguay and Dr. Nicolas Marcoux had to speak to them all in broken Canadian, I will never loose the British Northern accent. They again where so informative and supportive of the ride. Quebec City is gorgeous, not yet too big to be a sprawl and has kept so much Canadian history.
Stewy out
Stewy out
Blog Thirty
After Quebec City I rode the 600km to Fredericton which is in New Brunswick ,a province covered with trees. It seemed to be spot the open space. Stayed with a beautiful person and long term fellow supporter and a board member for kidney cancer ,Karen. She was so kind to billet me and so supportive of my trip. We chatted for hours over a very nice local brew to keep hydrated! We had dinner with Gerry another board member from Kidney Cancer Canada and his wife which finished off a great day.
Another 700km day today, first to Fredericton .I went to meet Dr. Liam Hickey of the Everett Chalmers Hospital Cancer center. To my surprise Dr.Liam Hickey a dynamic and very interesting chap presented me with a check for a $1,000 on behalf of the hospital to the ride4kidneycancer.weebly.com incentive which would be directed to kidney cancer Canada. I was humbled again and so so greatful for their support. As a small regional hospital it meant so much for them to do this.
Now on to Moncton and meet up with Dr Sandra Turcotte and her team of students at the new Center de medicine de precision. This was a fully interactive visit going through the research process and fantastic facilities available in Moncton. We discussed the importance of distributing kidney cancer samples through the full network of hospitals throughout Canada, not just in the main hubs to increase research into the cure that everyone is hoping for.
Halifax here I come, I'm looking forward to seeing this small outlying town that I pictured in my head. Trees and more trees on the way with some beautiful lakes. Not mirror finished as fallen green matter floating everywhere but never the less worth a stop moment to reflect and take a mental photo.
Stewy out.
Another 700km day today, first to Fredericton .I went to meet Dr. Liam Hickey of the Everett Chalmers Hospital Cancer center. To my surprise Dr.Liam Hickey a dynamic and very interesting chap presented me with a check for a $1,000 on behalf of the hospital to the ride4kidneycancer.weebly.com incentive which would be directed to kidney cancer Canada. I was humbled again and so so greatful for their support. As a small regional hospital it meant so much for them to do this.
Now on to Moncton and meet up with Dr Sandra Turcotte and her team of students at the new Center de medicine de precision. This was a fully interactive visit going through the research process and fantastic facilities available in Moncton. We discussed the importance of distributing kidney cancer samples through the full network of hospitals throughout Canada, not just in the main hubs to increase research into the cure that everyone is hoping for.
Halifax here I come, I'm looking forward to seeing this small outlying town that I pictured in my head. Trees and more trees on the way with some beautiful lakes. Not mirror finished as fallen green matter floating everywhere but never the less worth a stop moment to reflect and take a mental photo.
Stewy out.
Blog Thirty One
Arrived in Bedford last night a suburb of Halifax to find gridlocked traffic which seemed to be endless. Also with the new drug laws there where lots of young contractors smoking bongs all night outside their rooms at the motel I was staying in. Woke up the next morning to the same gridlocked traffic. Halifax is not a quaint fishing town like I imagined but a city with all the traffic and bustle associated. But the coastal region is another matter altogether consisting of small coves everywhere with fishing communities and of course buses of tourists, like me. Rode 40 minutes down the coast road to Peggy's Cove and had breakfast and a singsong. Well a Granola bar and a rendition of the song of the Clyde with the local Piper. Beautiful spot not too busy, I could walk in a straight line at least. Then off to meet Dr. Ricardo Rendon and Dr. Ross Mason at the Centennial building QE11 Health & Science center in central Halifax. Two larger than life characters within the surgical powerhouse in Canada. Again it was humbling these guys would take the time out of their hectic schedule to talk to little old me, they must think the kidney cancer awareness incentive is worth supporting. Ok now for a big milestone in this adventure, I have ridden to the west coast and paddled in the Pacific ocean near Victoria and now I have paddled in the Atlantic at Halifax an amazing Triumph ride-a-thon of 6933km. More to come as I head my way home through the USA and Canada.
Stewy out
Stewy out
Blog Thirty Three
So next stop is St John via the Fundy national park. I took the 114 from Moncton and followed the coast and through the park. Not stopping to much just for the odd little walk to stretch the legs and to take a cool picture or two. The bit was now between my teeth to get home to my family. Stopped off at a pub in St John and I cracked, I had fish and chips. Not too bad, but I am spoilt with having eaten in the best place to eat fish and chips in the world Grimsby/Cleethorpes in England UK.
Up at first light to the fog and eyes looking at me from the side of the road all the way to the USA border just waiting for an opportunity to catch me off guard. Oh dear, luckily no deer. Fog lifted as soon as I crossed into Maine, no issues at the border, straight through. Even customs seem to get what I was there for. I was going to go down route 1 for a few days and explore but out of medications and out of time. Watch this space though!! Road the direct route through Maine to Sherbrooke, going through some small villages and towns. Not the best Maine has to offer but a relaxing ride in the heat. No issues again crossing in Canada at the boarder. Some beautiful small mountains and landscape on the way to Sherbrooke. I have fond memories of Quebec which I will cherish. Stopped in Sherbrooke to find doctors could not meet up so did the only thing you can do, go to the local restaurant in the town center under a tree. Stayed there for the next few hours writing my journal and eating real poutine, yummy yummy and sampling the local brew. So another 700km day today, sound familiar, but this time it's the 401. Stopped off at Cornwall for an hour to see a mate from the BlackBerry days. Roads where gridlocked as usual on a Sunday into Toronto. The trip took 12 hours instead of 9. Hey 700km closer to home and everyday is a good day, just different.
Stewy out
Up at first light to the fog and eyes looking at me from the side of the road all the way to the USA border just waiting for an opportunity to catch me off guard. Oh dear, luckily no deer. Fog lifted as soon as I crossed into Maine, no issues at the border, straight through. Even customs seem to get what I was there for. I was going to go down route 1 for a few days and explore but out of medications and out of time. Watch this space though!! Road the direct route through Maine to Sherbrooke, going through some small villages and towns. Not the best Maine has to offer but a relaxing ride in the heat. No issues again crossing in Canada at the boarder. Some beautiful small mountains and landscape on the way to Sherbrooke. I have fond memories of Quebec which I will cherish. Stopped in Sherbrooke to find doctors could not meet up so did the only thing you can do, go to the local restaurant in the town center under a tree. Stayed there for the next few hours writing my journal and eating real poutine, yummy yummy and sampling the local brew. So another 700km day today, sound familiar, but this time it's the 401. Stopped off at Cornwall for an hour to see a mate from the BlackBerry days. Roads where gridlocked as usual on a Sunday into Toronto. The trip took 12 hours instead of 9. Hey 700km closer to home and everyday is a good day, just different.
Stewy out
Blog Thirty Four
,Started the morning at the Warren Stevens building in Toronto University which houses the faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education with Dr. Linda Trinh and Ally Tabaczynski who focus on cancer exercise research. I sat and had a long conversation over a coffee and was joined by lovely Jan Coleman executive assistant at Kidney Cancer Canada.
Rode over to Sunnybrook to meet up with Oncology nurses Dawn Knight, Nesan Bandali, Sima and Dr. William Chu at the Odette Cancer Center within the Sunnybrook Health Science center Toronto. We were also joined by Robert Bick board member of Kidney Cancer Canada. We talked a lot about the trip and how I coped. So off to Hamilton very very slowly, yes Toronto traffic. Arrived at the motel and popped (walked) to the local for a pop or two. Home today, but first a very special visit for me to St Joseph's hospital to meet my guru who this trip would not of been possible without Dr. Anil Kapoor and his team. I can not put into words how much I owe this brilliant and caring man. Hugs all round and off to the Juravinski Cancer center up the hill to meet Dr. Ali-Khan Lalani who has been following my blog throughout the trip and was so supportive of the endeavor.
So l had one last trip to go before home, we'll actually went to Ethels for refreshments with my best mate my wife and a close friend called John big boy Savoski as I had two hours to wait.
On to meet Dr Andrea Molckovsky my Oncologist and her team who taken care of me for the last four years. Having an amazing team across Ontario shorting me gives a sense of calmness and empowerment in the storm known as Cancer. Now, everyone asked me what is the best and most beautiful part of the trip, well that's easy. It was holding my family all together for the first time in 55 days, nothing comes close. Next, the trip summative.
Stewy Out
Rode over to Sunnybrook to meet up with Oncology nurses Dawn Knight, Nesan Bandali, Sima and Dr. William Chu at the Odette Cancer Center within the Sunnybrook Health Science center Toronto. We were also joined by Robert Bick board member of Kidney Cancer Canada. We talked a lot about the trip and how I coped. So off to Hamilton very very slowly, yes Toronto traffic. Arrived at the motel and popped (walked) to the local for a pop or two. Home today, but first a very special visit for me to St Joseph's hospital to meet my guru who this trip would not of been possible without Dr. Anil Kapoor and his team. I can not put into words how much I owe this brilliant and caring man. Hugs all round and off to the Juravinski Cancer center up the hill to meet Dr. Ali-Khan Lalani who has been following my blog throughout the trip and was so supportive of the endeavor.
So l had one last trip to go before home, we'll actually went to Ethels for refreshments with my best mate my wife and a close friend called John big boy Savoski as I had two hours to wait.
On to meet Dr Andrea Molckovsky my Oncologist and her team who taken care of me for the last four years. Having an amazing team across Ontario shorting me gives a sense of calmness and empowerment in the storm known as Cancer. Now, everyone asked me what is the best and most beautiful part of the trip, well that's easy. It was holding my family all together for the first time in 55 days, nothing comes close. Next, the trip summative.
Stewy Out