Wednesday, July 28, 2010

I'm Back!

It's been a long eight weeks, but I was finally given my release early last week.  So I set to planning my weekend travels.  I decided to visit my father and of course there would be pizza.  Saturday I was up early, but didn't leave until after 10 A.M. due to a craigslist appointment (that way I had money for pizza and gas).  I took what would normally take about 2 hours and extended it to over 6.

The first stop of the day was an old church, there are no markers or signs about it.  I think that makes me wonder even more about it's history.  The first 100 miles were spent mostly on gravel and I found about 12 low water bridges.  I didn't get my feet wet until the last one just after leaving Frankenstein.  Yes I went to Frankenstein, MO and no I didn't take a photo. There was not a single sign to be found in the whole place.  After a good visit and good pizza I had a twenty minute ride in the rain heading toward the lightning.

Sunday morning I had breakfast with my father at The Brick in Moberly, my favorite breakfast joint.  My plans for the day were to eat at Taco Johns in Pittsfield, IL and sleep in my own bed a the end of the day.

As I approached my first gas stop of the day I decided to add two more destinations.  The first was the Haunted tunnel (so I'm told),  it passes under the BNSF railroad less than a mile from the Des Moines River.  The second was Sorrento's Pizza in Fort Madison, IA.  The tunnel passed through, but no ghost were seen, just some graffiti.  When I arrived in Fort Madison I found Sorrento's Pizza closed.  It had been over 10 years since I last had pizza there, and for some reason I knew they would be closed, but it didn't stop me from trying.  Finding no pizza in the Fort I crossed the river into Illinois and headed south towards Pittsfield and some Taco Johns.  My day ended around 9:30 P.M. when I arrived home.  My behind knew I had put a few miles on the clock, but I was still surprised by just how many.

2 Days.
3 States.
20 Hours on the road.
630 Miles traveled.

Not a bad start.



See you on the road.
GAW.

P.S.  To those of you that recently attended the International Moto Blogger's Convention in Bend, I have been following along with all of your blog's and have lived vicariously through your eye's, I thank you for that.  I would have loved to have been there, but in the end it just wasn't meant to be this time around, next time...  I won't even start on those terrible roads in Oregon.

9 comments:

Gary France said...

Welcome back. I do hope that the stretch inside didn’t affect you too badly. What a terrific way to announce your return – with a great video. I like the different angles, the water splash shots, the shadow and the 2 pictures at the same time – all very creative! More like that please!

682202 said...

Thanks Gary. I'm glad you liked it. It seems that my vision is on a much grander scale than my skills, equipment or time allow, but I'm pleased with how it turned out and will try to better it next time.

Keith - Circle Blue said...

Glad you're back riding and that the shoulder held up fine. Nice ride.

cpa3485 said...

So good to hear you have a good long and obviously enjoyable ride. Sure sounds like it felt good. After 8 weeks I know I would suFfer from a little withdrawal.

682202 said...

Keith, thanks it's great to be riding again.

cpa3485, thanks I had a great time. My bum on the other hand thought I over did it just a little.

irondad said...

I'm sure it's awesome to be back on two wheels. It's probably more awesome to be able to eat pizza with more freedom of arm movement, too!

682202 said...

Irondad, I can honestly tell you that I have spared no pizza since getting my medical release, none :)

RichardM said...

Great video and it sounds like it was a great trip. Glad to hear that you're back on the road again!

Richard

682202 said...

Thanks Richard, It was a great to be riding again.