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HALF
MILLION MILES 2024
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CROSSING A RIDING
MILESTONE
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August
20, 2024
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My goal
this year was to cross the half million mile mark on just the four ST1100s
that I own. It is hard for me to comprehend that many miles is farther than
a round trip to the moon. The odyssey started back in 1997 with my first,
RedBird. Today I am within sixty miles of that point so I decide that I
will finish it up today. And it just seems right to use RedBird, the one
it all started with. And since I love the Natchez Trace, that would be the
road to do it on. RedBird has over 180,000+ miles on her but she still runs
as good as the day I brought her home. I crossed the 100,000 mile mark on
her while crossing the highway 96 Bridge on the Trace so that seemed like
a good place to do this. |
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I make my usual run down US
70 and over McCrory Lane which will take me almost to the entrance to
the Trace. As I pass by the US Military Cemetery I pause to give thanks
to all those who rest there. I could be interred there as I served in
the USMC but I already have a plot elsewhere. I can never forget the true
words about military service -
"All
gave some, but some gave all."
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Soon
I'm at the gate of the Trace and as always I just wonder how many times
I have passed through this portal over the years. Best I can figure, I have
rode the entire length of the Trace from one end to the other over a dozen
times. |
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I pass
the 'entrance' sign which is about a mile and a half in and still wonder
why they moved it from the original spot back at the gate. But I reckon
that's not the only thing the government has done that makes me wonder ...
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As I once again enjoy the solitude
and twisties of the Trace, my mind goes back to all of the places I have
ridden to in that half million miles. I've put all four ST1100s
in 49 states with a picture of each bike at each state line sign.
I've been able to visit most of the national parks - Yellowstone, Yosemite,
Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon, Glacier, Acadia, Carlsbad Caverns, Death Valley
- the list goes on and on. I've had the privilege of riding down Highway
1 on the California coast multiple times. I've ridden all the Sierra Passes
in one day. I've traversed the USA on both Highway 50 and Highway 6. I've
seen and experienced more of this country and Canada that I ever expected
to growing up as a young boy starting out in poverty. But best of all
I've met and made friendships with folks all over the USA, Canada and
much of the world. I can say nothing else except I give thanks to my Dear
Lord who enabled me to do it and more than once kept me from coming to
a uncertain and unpleasant early termination.
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If my
hillbilly math is about right, it's time to turn around and head back for
the bridge. I find an isolated section of Trace and get RedBird headed north. |
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It has
been really nice as the Trace is pretty deserted today which has left me
to contemplate my travels on two wheels. |
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My mathematics
are pretty well on, so as I cross back over the bridge I pass the half million
mile mark. It is a little sad to me that they had to put up fences along
the sides of this high bridge. It is to prevent suicidal people from jumping
off as the bridge had become a magnet for that. Now you sort of feel like
you are passing through a prison when you cross it but I understand the
necessity. |
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There's
a pull off just over the bridge so I take advantage of it and get a shot
of RedBird. |
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I just
happened to have a Diet Sundrop and pack of eater snacks so I have a little
celebration of the moment. |
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With
that bit of business, I head back to my beloved Holler. I decide I'll go
through Newsom Station and deal with the one-way underpass - which can be
a bit tricky if the feller from the other side ain't paying attention. |
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I guide
RedBird back to her position amongst the other three. I guess they have
a discussion between them about who's the prettiest and the fastest after
I go back in the house.. |
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Will
I make another half million miles on those four bikes? I don't know, but
one thing is for sure - I plan on giving my best shot! |
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THE
END
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