(all pictures are available in larger format by clicking on the picture)

Wow, can I sum it all up in that word alone?…Hardly!

After being off of 2 wheels for around 13 years, the burning was starting to entice me back (thanks to my son, Chad, letting me take his wheels once in a while for a spin up the road). With tips and advice from friends, I ended up buying a Honda ST1100. My previous bike was an 84 Honda Interstate. With over 60,000 miles under my belt on 2-wheels, I had never taken a trip over 300 miles! Incredible

My old bike

I was lucky enough to be invited on an extended trip around a couple of the great lakes. To get me ready ("and test me out"), the gang took me on a one day trip, totaling 300 miles (for me), for a warm-up, test trip over into Iowa through Galena. We spent 150 of those miles riding in the rain. L Well, the riding gear held up great to the weather so, I didn’t have to worry about that aspect anymore. But, after a mere 300 miles, I thought 2000 was a near impossibility for me. After much contemplation, I wrote e-mail to Tad and Chad, explaining why I would have to cancel my evolvement in the Great Lakes trip due to fears of fatigue and my lower back problem. Wow, I got LONG e-mails back from both, gently, in their own way, telling me I WAS going and "get with the program"! They basically coaxed me to at least give it a whirl, stating I could always turn back if I couldn't take it. All I can say now is THANKS for bringing me back to my senses.

I finally got my act together and began preparing for the trip. Most important on my list was to construct my mid-seat backrest to support my long-time lingering lower back problem. I ended up beefing up my rear seat bag (with an internal plywood frame) and added on an "RCT original" back rest, attached to the rear seat bag. I hoped this would help me. (hmmm, my helmet seems to be enjoying the backrest anyway)

  My new ST1100

 The shot below is my family wishing me luck as I departed from home. (I stayed at Chad's house overnight because we left from near his place at 4am the next morning)

 At this point, I had NO CLUE what I was in for! On the list of my concerns was how a group of, for the most part, strangers, would accept me in group riding. As I departed home, I told my wife I was nuts! Of course I had to take an odometer shot of my "barely broken in" ST1100.

 Our trip began from Woodfield mall parking lot at 4am in order to beat the rush traffic. After a tense (but safe) trip around the southern tip of lake Michigan, (I hate riding in between the megga big-rigs and inhaling their diesel stench), we made our way into Michigan. After a refreshing stop for a sit-down breakfast, I was surprised my ol tired back was not yet complaining. Ok, lets continue, this is cool.

Some road construction gave us a little wait up the road.

 One of the first stops was a Lake Michigan outlook and all was going well. The view was great, but many trips to Milwaukee viewing Lake Michigan had me wondering just what the big deal was Tad spoke of. Despite the momentary confusion, I was having fun and wanted to continue.

Hmmmm, seemed like the further north we went, the sights started getting prettier. I was beginning to get excited. Here's a bunch of cool guys!

 I haven't seen many rocky coast lines, so this was a good excuse to click off a few pictures

 And why is this guy standing in the water?

 After nearly 14 hours in the saddle and over 600 miles under the belt, we dined and slept. I passed out and slept like a baby! I awoke fresh and without much pain. Hmmmm, did I discover a new remedy for back patients? Maybe I can sell the concept! This morning would take us across the Mackinac bridge heading for Canada. Being the only bike with megga storage capabilities (hard saddle bags), the Canadian guard was skeptical of my wears, but sent my on my way when I said I was with the rest of the group they had just questioned. After another enjoyable breakfast, across the street from the money exchange, we were ready to get going.

Although I was told, after passing into Canada, we would split up and meet at designated stopping/check points, I didn't really understand. Oh well, go with the flow. I finally got the picture after Chad stopped to take a picture and told me to go on my way. Nowwww, I got it!!!!!!!. Dahh…. And Like it I did! Touring the north shores of lake Superior, most of the time alone, was high on my list of memories that won't ever leave this soul. I stopped at the "Campers Outlet Lodge" to pick up a Canadian T-shirt for my daughter and did LOTS of Ouhs and Ahas.

Now I had overheard Tad talking about "something new around each bend" but I still had no idea. It was like entering fantasy Land as can be seen by the next shot. Of course pictures can't begin to explain the experience, but at least can give the pour sole who hasn't experienced it some clue. I mentioned to the gang that it was a good thing we didn't have helmet communication. They would have gotten tired of hearing "…. Oh my God, ….. Holy Cow,………. Look at that, ……… Holy Shit……… etc, etc."

Living in the ol Midwest, we don't experience rocky cliffs and major hillage, so it was just to much for me. I was indeed, speachless. I tried some sentences to the group and knew I was not making much sense.

 Now there's a sign you don't see often in the midwest. "For Sure" !?

 Passed quite a few logging transport trucks and enjoyed sniffing the pine following behind, despite the negative thoughts of cutting down forestry. Guess another thing I will remember is the temperatures. We had a northerly wind blowing off the ol owner of the Fitzgerald, and dipping down into valleys brought temps down to the low 50's (on a 90 degree memorial day weekend). I welcomed the cool air being so hot blooded, and rode mostly with my riding suit opened up.

 I greatly enjoyed taking up the tail end of the group, wait…… there they are, ahead of me

 Be careful pulling into opposite lanes for photos. Guess I kinda scared the ba-Jesus out of Tad. I was watching, really I was…….whew! Here's Tad looking good on his rig, as well as Chad. Sorry guys, the others didn't come out. I was not very coordinated at taking moving shots no handed at 70+ mpg.

 Thanks Tad for taking the still shots of all us in motion. Here I am riding pleasantly through Canada

After pulling ahead of you, I though I would return the favor but …….. is there something wrong with this picture? J

Then, I came across Tad on the opposite side of the road, motioning me to "get quiet". I pulled over to see him motion to look at the lake in the distance. We paused for a good 5 minutes watching the moose graze on seaweed from under the water. The picture is with 3.5x zoom.

Then there was Tad's favorite outlook. Damn, just when I had thought I had regained my composure. Seeing such a sight was beyond words. It will surely be one that I will try to convert into a wall picture!

After another great meal and sleep in Thunder Bay, Canada, we continued on our way. I have to say "I DON'T LIKE HEAT" After some stop and go in Duluth, Minnesota at 95F, (whew), we had some extended saddle time (125miles), we paused at a beach on the south side of Superior. It was hot and the swimmers were enjoying themselves. Didn't do much for us hard core riders with full riding gear and full face helmets.

Some other shots:

At this point in the trip, I encountered a severe case of the "Chapins" (Harry Chapin's Cats in the Cradle) and after leaving my wife and daughter home alone on a holiday weekend, I decided to break apart from the group and head for home down through Wisconsin. I wasn't sure I could stand any more sights anyway, my "eye-cam and brain recorder" were on overload as it was. J

After nearly 2000 miles, I was feeling great physically, and beyond belief mentally. I learned a lot about myself on this trip and was already thinking of the reasons I would HAVE to do it again soon. Getting the Canadian bugs off my windshield and plastic, now that was a challenge!

 I sincerely want to thank Tad for orchestrating such an event, and for introducing me to the beauty and experience of sport touring. I had an absolute ball and just can't wait to get back "On the road again……."

As for the ST, well other than a suspiciously loose front steering feeling which I will further investigate, she performed well and was quite pleased with her power. I guess time and experience plays the major role and after 2000 miles, I was starting to feel a lot more comfortable than when I started.

Thanks also to the other members of our crew, Jeff, Adam, and Chad for the great companionship.

Now, please stop e-mailing me pictures from the trip…. I gotta get some work done here one of these days J

bob