Because I Promised I Would

Okay, no blog post last night but that was because I couldn't get on the web. Actually I did, but the system went down after Farmville - I know, I know, priority should've been this, not that.

Anyway, here's what's been going on (pictures will be posted later):

1. We had an Elk, albeit not a large one, dart in front of us on Hwy 160 in Cortez, CO. Okay, so it actually darted in front of the car in front of us with plenty of time for the car to slow down...we were just curious observers, but it was cool nonetheless.

2. We saw a dead deer being carted off the highway in Colorado, and 10 minutes later passed by Roadkill Cafe (honest, I couldn't make this up). They didn't have the special of the day listed, but we're pretty sure what it's gonna be venison.

3. We passed through Red Mesa, AZ and that night I started reading a book that takes place in Red Mesa, AZ (honest again, I promise).

4. We discovered that Highway 160 must've been built with motorcycles in mind; otherwise, how could it be so perfect for them? Absolutely beautiful drive through Colorado.

5. We got to experience riding a motorcycle with snow on the side of the road. Who knew it'd still be that cold above 10,000 feet? For that matter, who knew we would ascend to that height to get over the pass? Man, that was cold, even with leathers!!!!

6. We learned that, like Hwy 95 to Laughlin, there's just something about blacktops built in deserts - they roll and dip and undulate and totally wreak havoc on Ruby's suspension - can you say "bottom out many times and pray the tire don't blow?"

7. We learned that people in Colorado are just overly friendly, even toward "biker people." We also learned that the reason is there are motorcycles everywhere there!

8. We learned everyone in Colorado has a story to tell and aren't shy about sharing. Trust me, it's very hard to get away from these people - tough when you're trying to make time on the road, but they're just sincerely nice.

9. We learned it's impossible to tell when you transition from Eastern Colorado to Western Kansas. Hell, there wasn't even a "Welcome to Kansas" sign to let us know. The first clue we had was a sign that read, "We don't litter in Kansas." Tracey said, "Are we in Kansas?" (background music of Oz ringing in my head)when I, as the driver, had to say I didn't have a clue.

10. We learned that the wind blows hard in Kansas (25-30 mph steady with higher gusts), and it blows all the way across Kansas because there's nothing to stop it.

11. Speaking of Kansas, we learned that it really does blow, and we're not talking about the wind now. It's flat, hot, windy, boring, very aromatic (if you call cowshit aromatic), and the drivers are as bad as I told Tracey.

12. Tracey decided that Dorothy really wanted a tornado to take her away, but still don't believe she really said, "There's no place like home." About halfway through that ride, she was asking for a tornado to take her away from it all in Kansas.

13. We discovered it's fun to ride with no helmet, even if it is just a quick jaunt around Hutchinson, Kansas (at least something was fun in Kansas).

14. Finally, we found out it is possible to ride 4 straight days this time of year without getting rained on - we have managed to dodge the rain so far!!!!