tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60563512011-04-21T23:12:31.697-04:00Not Really Much of Anything Worth Reading...MotoPhotonoreply@blogger.comBlogger281100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6056351.post-2098909038376875522008-11-04T19:33:00.002-05:002008-11-04T19:37:13.017-05:00

Well, this Blogger.com site has been a great experiment but after working with it for a couple of years I've decided to move the blog to a new site. I plan on purchasing my own domain and hosting the blog on it but I've yet to decide on a new name. However, I have decided on my new blogging software. I'll be using a Wordpress installation on my own server and in order to get a little

MotoPhotonoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6056351.post-2400572037306023722008-05-10T20:24:00.006-04:002008-05-11T18:51:46.220-04:00

Well I believe I rolled off a million miles todayI still have rocks in my shoes from ArizoniaDrivin' all alone down that lonely roadI'd call you but I'm almost homeArriving right on time (I got to see what I can find)When I get to the other side (of that Georgia State line)My pride is swelling and how I try not to cryYou caught me in a Peach State of MindPeach State of Mind by Memory DeanI'm home

MotoPhotonoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6056351.post-50823366188485028342008-05-09T23:42:00.004-04:002008-05-11T18:49:51.565-04:00

The coffee is strong at the Cafe Du Monde, And the donuts are too hot to touch; But just like a fool, when those sweet goodies cool, I eat 'til I eat way too much.--The Wino and I Know by Jimmy BuffettI've had a visit to the Cafe Du Monde on my mind ever since I hatched this half-baked route in my head some months ago. But the French Quarter of New Orleans itself wasn't enough of a draw.

MotoPhotonoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6056351.post-47298420690358270012008-05-08T23:27:00.002-04:002008-05-15T18:59:48.900-04:00

Late. Tired. Bushed. Beat.My buddy Joe talked me out of an early start, accurately pointing out that I would only catch the worst of San Antonio and Houston traffic. And then I delayed it further by farting around the resort. My bad.In my defense breakfast was a bit late due to some drama we fortunately missed yesterday while out riding the Hill Country. Turns the out the tempermental chef

MotoPhotonoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6056351.post-179125429771746702008-05-07T22:00:00.003-04:002008-05-15T18:56:43.638-04:00

"Cause I got a feelingSomething that I can't explainIt's like dancing nakedIn that high hill country rain"-Hill Country Rain by Jerry Jeff WalkerI didn't dance naked (this trip) nor did it rain (thank God) but I did get a real taste of the Texas Hill Country today and I'm happy to report the Hill Country lived up to my expectations, even surpassed them in some ways. The countryside was lush and

MotoPhotonoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6056351.post-55094782718735232852008-05-06T23:52:00.004-04:002008-05-11T18:48:53.313-04:00

Good Morning, Sunshine!The started later than I had hoped. Waking to the sound of my alarm clock I realized I'd overslept and was already running late. Crap! However, I was packed and off as the sun was rising so at least I didn't waste too much time.I was quite stressed the night before due to my last half an hour of riding being after dark. Simply put it is not safe to ride a motorcycle in

MotoPhotonoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6056351.post-45715846697751437052008-05-05T22:30:00.003-04:002008-05-11T18:48:11.761-04:00

Last night I plotted my route and uploaded it to the GPS when I got one last email. A buddy from Dallas/Fort Worth and a personal Motorcycle God of mine provided some intel on the Big Bend National Park. He wrote:"You simply must ride TX 170 from Presidio to Study Butte. It's mandatory, bro."When you get a directive from a man who spent the better part of 2007 riding damn near everywhere in

MotoPhotonoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6056351.post-26888165515573158082008-05-04T22:41:00.004-04:002008-05-11T18:47:51.435-04:00

This Foul-Mouthed, Ill-tempered, Middle-Aged Man decided to take a day of rest and hole up at the Gold Canyon Golf Resort. Sure, I don't play golf but I sure know how to loaf, or so I do after spending a couple of days with the Arizona boys.A member of our group, Jerry, the trike lusting rider from a prior blog entry, is a member of the club and secured rooms at a substantial discount. After a

MotoPhotonoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6056351.post-62438522664562121922008-05-03T23:26:00.001-04:002008-05-11T18:47:32.046-04:00

Here I come!What a gret day! We had fifteen or so bikes crossing the Coronado Trail. After a (too) early breakfast we packed up and headed in search of the Trail.On the road again, our first stop would be for fuel.Then we were off down the Coronado Trail!The trail was built on the old road bed first used by Coronado on his quest for gold in the West. As such, the road curves up and over two

MotoPhotonoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6056351.post-26054813905398746502008-05-02T22:05:00.002-04:002008-05-11T18:47:08.953-04:00

You meet the oddest people on the road.We made it!My excuse for this ride was to meet up with a group of folks from an internet motorcycle forum, some of whom I've "known" in the internet sense for over three years but had never met face-to-face. Riders have come from as far away as Illinois and Washington State to meet up in Springerville, AZ, and today we all met in person. Everyone made it

MotoPhotonoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6056351.post-42341049250919007172008-05-01T23:13:00.005-04:002008-05-11T18:46:42.274-04:00

Another day, another mile, and a whole lot more wind (not to mention morning problems and a sand storm)!Arrived in Albuquerque (ABQ), NM, a little before 5pm Mountain Time and we were ready to get off the road. This was suppose to be our "easy" day, with less than 300 miles to ride. I got up planning on taking a leisurely ride to the local Starbucks for a pot of good coffee while eating my

MotoPhotonoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6056351.post-84382237158952152942008-04-30T23:20:00.004-04:002008-05-11T18:46:06.708-04:00

The next time I hear someone sing that show tune from the musical Oklahoma I'm gonna kick 'em in the nuts!Rode from Little Rock, AR, to Amarillo, TX, today and I'm tired. Over 1,200 miles in two days isn't a big accomplishment in the world of touring but I'm tired nonetheless! But it could be worse.Around 3pm local time I met up with a buddy who had left Chicago at 2 a.m. this morning. He was

MotoPhotonoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6056351.post-36623198578115734432008-04-29T19:39:00.006-04:002008-05-11T18:42:52.992-04:00

Time for a road trip!Next on the agenda is a twelve day trip to Arizona to meet some friends for a ride across the Coronado Trail followed by a wandering path back home to Georgia.Over the last week and a half I ripped half the bike apart and installed fog and driving lights along with a lighted spoiler and luggage rack. I can't yet say the spoiler and rack were worth the trouble but lights are

MotoPhotonoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6056351.post-59900989075363174542008-03-21T19:16:00.003-04:002008-03-21T19:46:50.182-04:00

Just over a year since my last post?Sigh.Well, life brings us different challenges and interests wax and wane so I guess my glacial updating schedule shouldn't surprise me. I do have several posts nearly written and pictures all but ready however I've simply yet to have the interest in finishing them. Maybe one day soon.Today was a good day, though. Despite waking up with my quarterly head

MotoPhotonoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6056351.post-86158465944599549472007-03-18T13:13:00.000-04:002007-03-18T22:00:57.492-04:00

Ice coated trees along the Cherohala Skyway on the North Carolina/Tennesee Border.I woke up in Louisville, Kentucky.Can't say I've ever had a desire to go to Louisville. It's not that I have anything against Louisville, or even Kentucky, I've just never had a reason to go there. However, that changed a couple of years ago when I learned about a man named "Bama" who owned a bike like mine. "Owned

MotoPhotonoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6056351.post-87664106410946795292007-03-10T19:52:00.000-05:002007-03-22T11:57:44.220-04:00

Well, it finally happened. After months of planning and researching I finally pulled the trigger and purchased a new bike. I'm now the proud poppa of a 2007 Honda GL1800, a.k.a. a Goldwing. What? You don't think I'm old enough for a 'Wing? Ha! I'm not so sure I'm young enough for it.After picking her up from the dealer I took a 60 miles run into the countryside as a shakedown trip. Nothing fell

MotoPhotonoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6056351.post-1162250613385595722006-10-30T15:36:00.000-05:002006-10-30T18:31:27.060-05:00

And you thought I'd never update this photoblog....well, here we go. I've had a busy spring and summer with lots of riding. The bike and I are approaching 20k miles in just over two years and I'm rarin' for my next long distance ride. However, work demands will put a crimp in my riding plans for the foreseeable future. So, I'll just have to bide my time doing riding related chores...like updating

MotoPhotonoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6056351.post-1147496194408973562006-05-09T22:36:00.000-04:002006-05-13T01:23:28.386-04:00

After a week of anticipating a ride into the mountains along the TN/NC border I awoke to a Sunday morning with grey clouds raining upon my roads. A quick glance at my schedule showed Tuesday to be free so I shifted my plans back two days.This ride was designed to be a shake down for an upcoming motorcycle vacation with some friends. I wanted to scout out the hotel and some of the roads we'd be

MotoPhotonoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6056351.post-1142824682420732672006-03-19T21:08:00.000-05:002006-03-29T23:03:34.183-05:00

After my post about my last little incident I needed an excuse to create a new post. Well, that and I needed to put new risers on the bike. The perfect opportunity arose when a friend in Tennessee offered to help me with the work!We meet outside of Athens, TN, and had lunch with his wife at the Country Patch, a meat and three joint served cafeteria style. Mmm, good!After lunch we rode to Bikers

MotoPhotonoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6056351.post-1140227265309999562006-02-17T20:47:00.000-05:002006-02-17T23:11:51.590-05:00

I nearly wrecked yesterday but I was, apparently, a fortunate one.While returning from my first ride in weeks I approached a 180 degree turn that I was expecting. The road had gravel on it due to snow and ice which fell some days earlier. However, I'd ridden similar roads for the last few hours, roads in far worse shape, and had no problems. I simply watched my technique and kept my speed down.

MotoPhotonoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6056351.post-1140232173068817442006-02-16T22:09:00.000-05:002006-02-17T22:39:47.246-05:00

Spring is here I say! Well, almost spring anyways...It had been weeks since I'd last ridden the bike and when I saw that Thursday's weather was suppose to be in the mid-60's I found an excuse to head out of work early and ride to the mountains.Highway 60 just north of Dahlonega cuts along the side of a mountain and leads to the town of Suches, Georgia.There was very little car traffic. In fact I

MotoPhotonoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6056351.post-1135780851870651772005-12-28T09:40:00.000-05:002006-02-17T23:17:03.423-05:00

The weather forecast taunted me all week long. Calling for a high of near 60 degrees with no chance of rain I found it increasingly hard not to take Friday off work and go riding. After all, I told myself, it's the last warm day of the year and I won't have many more chances to ride until spring brings warm days and clear skies. And so, answering a perceived call of the wild, I set out Friday

MotoPhotonoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6056351.post-1134998640321870312005-12-23T23:24:00.000-05:002005-12-27T18:09:40.400-05:00

All I Want for Christmas is....I'm starting this entry inside my local coffee shop (no, not another Starbucks) on Monday morning before work. When I started MotoPhoto I wanted a place to share pics from my motorcycle trips. I never intended to document every trip and haven't. Instead, my goal was to post only those trips where I concentrate on photography. By necessity that means I don't document

MotoPhotonoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6056351.post-1132522590515889942005-11-19T16:36:00.000-05:002005-11-20T18:54:56.636-05:00

Another weekend, another road, another ride....I had offered to give one of my old turn signals to a friend, Tim, whose wife broke one of hers while riding. Figuring I could combine a good deed with a good ride I agreed to meet him in rustic Alpine Helen in North Georgia to hand over the turn signal. I was surprised when MapQuest showed Helen to be just under 70 miles from home as I'd always

MotoPhotonoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6056351.post-1128273789939100672005-10-02T13:23:00.000-04:002005-10-03T00:48:47.030-04:00

September 23rd, 2005Off to a family reunion in Alabama! This first day of my trip needed to take me from my home in Canton, Georgia to Huntsville, Alabama, while leaving enough time for a side-trip atop the Alabama section of Lookout Mountain.I planned the trip while "resting" on the back porch at Rancho Deluxe, imbibing in a tad bit of distilled adult beverage. I gave myself several options

MotoPhotonoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6056351.post-1128273125320392462005-10-02T13:12:00.000-04:002005-10-03T00:52:06.246-04:00

September 24th, 2005Today was family time but I wanted to start the morning with a trip down memory lane. My Great-Grandmother lived in Madison, Alabama, a small hamlet just west of Huntsville. I road out to Madison in the morning to look around. Considering this was the first time I'd returned to Madison in nearly thirty years I was impressed by the fact I was able to find my way around town."

MotoPhotonoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6056351.post-1128271343208750812005-10-02T12:42:00.000-04:002005-10-03T00:54:29.776-04:00

September 25th, 2005After standing on my saddlebags to close them I was ready to leave the hotel.North Alabama has no large mountains and no twisties that compare to the roads of the Appalachians. What you do have, though, is mile after mile of gently rolling mountains and hills peppered with fun roads. The scenery on my trip was really quite nice and unexpected. Since I needed to make good time

MotoPhotonoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6056351.post-1127146475621836532005-09-19T12:14:00.000-04:002005-09-19T21:28:50.436-04:00

September 18, 2005I'm trying out a new format for sharing my pics with family and friends so I'll have to ask everyone to bear with me while I work out the kinks. The following collection of photos were taken while researching a ride I'm planning with a buddy from work. He commented the other day that one weekend we should just get on the bikes and ride. He's more of a weekend rider, and

MotoPhotonoreply@blogger.com3