Blogs from O'Fallon, Illinois, United States, North America

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North America » United States » Illinois » O'Fallon October 8th 2015

It was a rather uneventful journey, as far as car trips go. I only had my GPS and my new (old) Wales air freshener to accompany me. Oh, and the ants still in my car from the trip I took to Tifton a week ago. I left Athens, GA, this morning about 11:30 AM EDT and arrive here in O'Fallon, IL, around 7:30 PM CDT. So, that's just about 9 hours to make the trip. I stopped once, somewhere in the middle of Kentucky, to fuel up and get some food. If you read my blog from this morning, you'll notice that I posted in the midst of an oil change; they told me I needed 2 new tires, but they said it would take 2 hours and cost too much, so I went next door ... read more
Sunset looking towards St. Louis
State Welcome signs for today

North America » United States » Illinois » O'Fallon November 26th 2013

We made our reservations today for the ferry from Bellingham, WA to Whittier, AK. We depart from Bellingham on 7 Jun arriving in Whittier 12 Jun. This time we have reversed our route from last years attempt. By doing this we won't have any specific dates to meet in case the road washes out. This time we will be able to just sit and wait for it to open while we have a beer. Now that we have an official date, we can start refining our plans. It will be a while before there is anything additional to post.... read more

North America » United States » Illinois » O'Fallon June 17th 2012

I’m home. It’s good to be here, but also wish it wasn’t just yet under these circumstances. We had a good time last night in Milwaukee, and visited the HD Museum this morning, and rode to St Louis. Mike moved on towards his house. We parted still on good terms, which is good after being together 24/7 for the last 2 weeks. While we did not reach our ultimate destination (this time), we still had a great time. We saw lots of wonderful scenery, met some good people, and enjoyed some great roads. We also figured out some things we will do different next time. First is we over packed! While we trimmed the loads down before we left, it was still more than needed, and just a pain to load and unload every day. We ... read more

North America » United States » Illinois » O'Fallon June 3rd 2012

This will be the last post from home. Mike leaves in about 12 hours, and I'll be about 20 hours behind him. We're meeting up near Sedelia, MO. From there on to KC, and up I29. Intent is to make it to Sioux Fall, SD Tuesday evening. It seems like it has taken forever to get here, and I'm ready to get going now. The first few days should be pretty boring as far as pictures go, so any updates, if there are any, will not amount to much. The bikes are packed and ready to go. Just another day in the office, and a night! My spot tracker - http://spotwalla.com/tripViewer.php?id=40264f20b1ae6c5f5 - This will provide real time location data starting tomorrow, 5 Jun. Mike’s spot tracker - http://spotwalla.com/tripViewer.php?id=47944fabd6a281f6f – ... read more
Jim

North America » United States » Illinois » O'Fallon May 9th 2012

So Mike and I are less than a month out before we head off for our great adventure. I’ve been checking the wx lately in Dawsons Creek, Fairbanks, and Coldfoot, and have been very encouraged by the temperatures. Much warmer already than I expected, so that means the snow should be gone, and give the road crews more time to fix them before we get there (a nice thought anyway). I think we’re ready, and have just about completed our planning. We have passed the GPS routing back and forth, so it is about as good as it’s going to get. We’ve compared notes on what each is taking for tools, electronics, to amount of clothes. Pretty sure we won’t look too much like the Beverly Hillbillies traveling down the road, unless Mike brings a ... read more

North America » United States » Illinois » O'Fallon February 19th 2012

Toys are great, and when you are planning a trip like this, it gives you a reason to buy more! My latest toy will provide the readers of this blog with, I hope, a better experience than they would have had otherwise. On past trips, I have worn a camera around my neck on a lanyard, and in quite an unsafe manner, grabbed it and sort of aimed to get my shots. Some came out good, some I missed what I was wanting completely, and others were discarded. Regardless of the resulting picture, just about everyone had some thought of a wreck or other misfortune run through my mind. My GPS, radio, CB, and other toys all provide enough distractions, that I think my new toy can be considered a safety enhancement. Who can say no ... read more
Handlebar
Saddlebag (Forward)

North America » United States » Illinois » O'Fallon January 29th 2012

130 Days until departure! In one way, this sounds like a short period, but then if you think about it, it’s one third of a year away. Depressing to think of it like that. I’m ready to go now. The routing I have worked up for the GPS is more than sufficient to accomplish the trip, but I end up tinkering with it 2 or 3 times a week, just because. I have talked to some extremely knowledgeable people since my last entry. Some I have ridden with, and some I met online doing research. Tim Yow is a legend in the Long Distance (LD) ridding community. I have ridden with Tim a couple of times, and it is almost as fun as listening to his stories after a day of riding. He has made this ... read more
Photo 3
Photo 4
Snow

North America » United States » Illinois » O'Fallon December 21st 2011

So here I sit about 5 months before the big trip begins. I’ve done just about all the planning I can do right now. The 2012 Milepost Guide is due out early February, so once that happens, I can get a bit more detailed planning done. Mike is keeping Santa busy with his list of Gerbing heated clothing, GPS, XM radio, and anything else he can convince Mrs. Santa is really a necessity for the trip. To help kill the time I’ve been thinking back over some of my past trips, remembering items I wish I had, or things I wish I had done, or not done. Utah 2-4 July - The most recent was summer of 2010. I had business in Ogden, UT, so rode the bike out. A real quick 2 day run. I ... read more
3 Jul SLC to Zion 032
4 Jul Awsome 008
4 Jul Awsome 009

North America » United States » Illinois » O'Fallon June 4th 2010

We left Rockford under a bright clear, blue, cool, sky and after a 6 hour ride we rolled into O'Fallon, Il on a hot, muggy, partly cloudy afternoon. Got a little rain south of Springfield, though not enough to warrant a rain suit. That would have made it a lot more uncomfortable with that on. Didn't take any pictures on the way down since most people see flat ground in Illinois. Not remarkable. We found the host hotel across the interstate from our hotel. That's handy.... read more
Bev waiting for me to register.
Blues City Deli
The Blues band inside creating an atmosphere

North America » United States » Illinois » O'Fallon June 3rd 2010

It's 11:30 pm and almost packed. Bev and I are getting ready to head to the Illinois HOG Rally near St. Louis, Mo. Have checked Yelp website for a couple of places to eat. Looks promising. Rain in the forecast, that is not unusual in the midwest. Maybe we will get lucky and dodge the real soaker ones. Leaving in the morning and have a reservation in O'Fallon, Il. Scott AFB is nearby and maybe will take a ride over that way. Flat land here we come.... read more




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