Travels of HDForums.com Mascot
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Travels of HDForums.com Mascot - 4/4/2005 11:55:21 AM
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pilot1996
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Joined: 12/8/2004
From: Havelock, NC
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This thread is the documentary of the travels of our mascot. Each post is a leg of the trip, with a map showing that portion of the leg. Special thanks to Tripper who is making the maps, Ironhead for helping out with the Pens, and the Flag idea.
To post to this thread, email me the pics, the EXACT route you took to Tripper, and I'll add it to the thread.
Members who have helped so far...
Pilot1996, Tripper, rgerber, billnourse, albqjim, Oldgeezer, harley rulz, 12Stones, Bastardmaker, Pococj, Big Ted, n2spd, Steveokla, Mikester48, and Skos.
Here is the entire trip of the flag so far...
Updated 7 June 2006 Mascot has traveled 6361 miles.
< Message edited by Tripper -- 6/7/2006 6:49:31 AM >
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RE: Travels of the VTwinTalk.com Mascot - 4/4/2005 12:08:03 PM
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pilot1996
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From: Havelock, NC
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Flag left Yuma at 9:20 on 3 April 2005.
Kelly and I were running late due to a variety of reasons, so we had to hustle. It's about 125 miles from Yuma to Salome, and we were supposed to be there in 40 minutes. Beautiful day, about 70 degrees when we left. We headed North on US 95 to Quartzite, jumped on I-10 for about 12 miles to exit 31 and got off on US 60. Beautiful road on US 60, two lanes, beautiful mountains, cactus, and little traffic. We were pushing 80 MPH the whole way to meet with Tripper (I should have gotten his phone number, but as it turns out the cell phones don't work there anyway).
Just prior to Salome, we flew threw a swarm of bees, peppered the bike, freaked us both out, but no damage done, I have to clean the bike, that's about all. Must have been a 1000 of those suckers, and it felt like we went through a hail storm of blueberrys!
Met with Tripper in Salome and sent the flag on it's way.
Here's the map of our route:
Here is a pic of the hand off:
< Message edited by pilot1996 -- 7/31/2005 11:24:50 AM >
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RE: Travels of the VTwinTalk.com Mascot - 4/4/2005 12:12:37 PM
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pilot1996
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From: Havelock, NC
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Flag left Salome at 1130 on 3 April 2005.
The following is Tripper's account of his ride:
Starting out at about 7:15 or so the weather was about 45 degrees. I bundled up pretty good with chaps, woolen scarf, and leather jacket. I wanted to take my ¾ helmet but I noticed a crack in the fiberglass shell and ended up wearing my ½ helmet. The panorama dropping down into the low desert from Yarnell to Congress was breath taking. The drop is about 2000 feet in 8 miles and is a series of s turns and switchbacks. After Congress, I hit the wildflowers. Purple, yellow, red, orange, and several shades of green whizzed by at 75 mph so I slowed down to a more sedate 60 and just enjoyed the view. The wildflowers, of course, had side effects: Bugs. Sure was glad for my face shield. I turned on to 60 and started into the Great Arizona Outback. To an old desert rat like me, I worked in Area 51 for some number of years and raced desert in the 60s and 70s, such a place has a beauty all its own. To most folks, the desert appears dead and desolate, but what do they know anyway. I arrived at Salome at 9:50 and took off all my cold weather gear. By 10:30 no sign of Mac and I decided to have breakfast before heading back. I had just paid the bill when a motorcycle pulled up out front. As I was opening the door, there stood Mac and Kelly. We had quick cuppa Joe, took some pics, and then it became time to leave as the winds in my home area were to pick up to 20-30 mph in the afternoon. The trip back proved to be a bit more hurried than the journey out. Back through the wildflowers, my face shield picked up a sufficient number of bugs so that the view was limited to 3 or 4 clear spots. This time I attacked the climb out of the valley with vigor. Not very many panoramic vistas are in evidence climbing. The road winds down into Peebles Valley with some fine horse ranches lining the road. I turned off 89 at Kirkland Junction for the climb into Prescott. The wind picked up about now and I slowed down to 60 mph but heck the speed limit is 50 mph. By the time I reached the home stretch, the wind was gusting up to 25 mph. I made it home just in time. All in all a most excellent ride.
Here is a map of the route:
< Message edited by Tripper -- 4/8/2006 3:30:00 PM >
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RE: Travels of the VTwinTalk.com Mascot - 4/9/2005 9:20:05 PM
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pilot1996
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From: Havelock, NC
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The following is an account of Trippers ride.
I had an uneventful trip across town. I live on the Northwest edge of town and Dick’s office is on the East edge of town. We passed the flag with pictures (Dick should be sending these) and sat down over a cuppa Joe and swapped war stories with Dick and his lovely Wife, Nancy. The flag has completed the second hand off and is in Dick’s capable hands for the next leg to Laughlin.
Here is a map of the route.
Picture of the passing of the flag from Tripper to RGerber.
< Message edited by pilot1996 -- 4/12/2005 11:40:14 AM >
_____________________________
http://www.macandkelly.com
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RE: Travels of the VTwinTalk.com Mascot - 4/25/2005 10:04:01 PM
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pilot1996
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Posts: 8984
Joined: 12/8/2004
From: Havelock, NC
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The following is the account of RGERBER's ride:
We left April 20th, 2005 from "Preskitt", AZ. about 0915 on a sunny 44 degree morning and headed North on Arizona 89 into Ashfork. After picking up Historic Route 66 West, we pulled into Seligman at 1045 for a bite to eat and snapshot, and then continued West on Old 66 arriving in Hackberry at 1300 for another snap shot. Then on into Kingman with a stop at Mother Road Harley Davidson for a picture of the flag. We pulled into Laughlin at 1415, and hooked up with Bill about an hour later for the handoff.
Here is a map of the route.
Picture of the passing of the flag from RGerber to BillNourse.
< Message edited by pilot1996 -- 7/31/2005 11:25:20 AM >
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RE: Travels of the VTwinTalk.com Mascot - 4/25/2005 10:10:28 PM
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pilot1996
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Posts: 8984
Joined: 12/8/2004
From: Havelock, NC
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The following is the account of BillNourse's ride:
Left Bloomfield about 7:00AM on the 18th and traveled to Mesquite,Nv the first day. Left Mesquite on the second day and went to Las Vegas, then Primm,Nv and stayed the night. Went to Primm to ride the rollercoaster, but it was closed.
Went from Primm to Barstow, Ca. to see the Rt 66 Museum. It was closed. From Barstow, we went to Needles via Ludlow, Amboy, and Essex on old Rt.66. Part of that road is really rough. Had planned on lunch at Roy's Cafe in Amboy, but it was closed. I was beginning to think we would get to Laughlin, and it would be closed.
In Laughlin we met up with Rgerber and got the Mascot, and then spent the week with vendor shopping, poker runs, and a trip to Oatman,AZ.
Woke up Sunday morning to a cloudy sky, and evidence of recent rain. We started home through Kingman, and then on old Rt. 66 to Seligman. At Seligman it started to rain and things only got worse. By Williams, it was snowing hard, and visibility was nothing. We had decided to get a room in Flagstaff, and wait it out, when the sun showed it's face for just a minute.
We left Flagstaff, and in 30 miles the snow had turned to intermittent rain and wind.(25 to 35mph). We had that for the rest of the way home, and it was pouring when we pulled into the garage 12 hours and 500 miles later.
Here is a map of the route.
Here is a pic of Bill getting ready to head to Laughlin meet rgerber.
< Message edited by pilot1996 -- 7/31/2005 11:25:36 AM >
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RE: Travels of the VTwinTalk.com Mascot - 5/16/2005 12:01:03 PM
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pilot1996
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From: Havelock, NC
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The following is an account of billnourse's ride to Midland, TX.
Left home about 10:00 on Friday 13, to go to Albuquerque, and then on to San Antonio,NM to take the Mascot to Oldgeezer, who by the way, turned out not to be as old as he thought he was.
We went a scenic route which took us on mostly 2 lane highways through Abiqui, NM, Espanola, NM, Sante Fe, Cerrillos, and Midrid, then to Albuquerque.
We spent Friday night in Albuquerque, and on Saturday met Jim(abqjim) and his wife Winny.
Jim suggested that we should take a scenic route to San Antonio instead of going down the Interstate. Thanks for that Jim. What a nice ride. We went on Hwy 337 down the Eastern side of the Manzano Mountains. Beautiful scenery, and several quaint old Spanish settlements with the typical old Catholic church. This took a little longer, but was well worth it.
In San Antonio, we met Pat(Oldgeezer) and his wife Lynne (another great couple), and had green chili cheese burgers at the Owl Bar and Grill. This place is a little hole in the wall that is world famous for green chili cheese burgers.
After signing the Mascot, taking pictures, swapping stories, and planning for other meetings in the future, we all went our seperate directions home.
All in all, a very good experience. I hope others that are involved in the travels of the Mascot find it as rewarding as I have. Jim, Winny, Pat and Lynne, thank you.
Here is a map of the route:
Here is a pic of Bill (billnourse) and Jim (albqjim)
Here is a pic of the hand off:
From left to right Bill (billnourse), Arleen, Jim (albqjim), Winny, Pat (Oldgeezer), and Lynne
< Message edited by pilot1996 -- 7/31/2005 11:25:53 AM >
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RE: Travels of the VTwinTalk.com Mascot - 5/17/2005 11:18:26 AM
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pilot1996
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From: Havelock, NC
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Here is an account of Oldgeezer's ride:
Lynne and I left Midland after work Friday afternoon and rode a couple of hundred miles to Roswell, New Mexico where we spent the night. Of course, Roswell is famous or infamous for the UFO crash that occurred in 1947 and the theme of the town is extraterresterals. Darn it, we didn't see any little green men wandering around on this trip though.
Saturday morning, we headed west from Roswell on highway 70 to Hondo. At Hondo, we took 380 which runs through Lincoln, NM home of Billy the Kid's last escape, then Capitan, home of the original Smokey the Bear to Carrizozo. The ride through Capitan winds through the foothills of the Lincoln National Forrest.
After gassing up in Carrizozo, we continued on 380 to San Antonio, a ride of 65 miles. We were first met with rolling hills which opened up into huge basins. In the middle of the first basin is the Valley of Fires which is a two mile wide stretch of lava beds. The terrain then goes from lava to sand then finally into good old New Mexico dirt. The Rio Grande River runs just east of San Antonio and was running at its banks due to the Rocky Mountain runoff. This 65 mile ride is one of the most breathtaking in New Mexico.
We had a great time with Bill, Jim and their wifes and enjoyed the best green chili cheeseburgers ever. By the way, Bill foot the bill for the burgers, so I reckon the young guy rule no longer applies. After a bit of visiting and a photo session, we headed back toward Roswell.
We rode back on 380 to Carrizozo but took highway 37 then 48 to Ruidoso. The road from Carrizozo to Ruidoso took us through the mountains with a tremendous view of Sierra Blanca peak to the west. After stopping for gas in Ruidoso, we headed out through the Hondo Valley back to Roswell.
Our plan was to head back to Midland on Sunday, but we were hammered with severe thunderstorms and wind so we stayed Sunday night in Roswell.
Monday morning, we headed out under totally overcast skies. The temperature was in the high 40's so we were thankful we'd brought all our gear. Roswell sits in the bottom of the Pecos Valley where the Pecos River flows. The Pecos' head waters originate in the mountains just outside Santa Fe, New Mexico and eventually dumps into the Rio Grande in west Texas.
Once the climb out of the valley is complete, the terrain is high desert but sandy due to being below the caprock. Fourty miles from Roswell, the road takes climbs up the caprock. The caprock is an interesting phenomonon which occurs in Texas and New Mexico and was created when underground pressures pushed the earth upward. Some portions of the caprock are more cliff like while others have created deep canyons.
The sun finally came out in Seminole, Texas and we enjoyed the wonderful west Texas scenery of sand, sage brush and mesquite the rest of the way home. Our journey covered 760 miles round trip.
< Message edited by pilot1996 -- 7/31/2005 11:26:10 AM >
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RE: Travels of the VTwinTalk.com Mascot - 5/25/2005 8:21:00 AM
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pilot1996
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From: Havelock, NC
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Here is an account of Oldgeezers ride to meet harley rulz:
I left the Vietnam Memorial at the Midland Airport at 9:00 this morning after the Run For The Wall wreath laying ceremony. Took highway 158 to Sterling City then hit 87 which runs through San Angelo, Eden and into Brady. I met Craig and his wife and their friend Turner at the courthouse square in Brady. After some Texas hill country barbeque, we rode down to Mason on highway 87. At Mason, Craig and crew headed on for Boerne. Not wanting to miss an opportunity to ride the Texas hill country, I took highway 377 through Junction down to Rock Springs, then took 41 highway to highway 83 back through Junction to Ballinger. At Ballinger, I hit highway 158 which runs through Robert Lee and Sterling City back into Midland. Got back to the house at 9:00 pm. Round trip miles 620.
Pictured left to right are harley rulz, his wife- Kayla, and Oldgeezer.
< Message edited by pilot1996 -- 7/31/2005 11:26:26 AM >
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RE: Travels of the VTwinTalk.com Mascot - 5/25/2005 8:24:09 AM
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pilot1996
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Posts: 8984
Joined: 12/8/2004
From: Havelock, NC
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Here is an account of Harley Rulz ride to meet Oldgeezer:
Well I have to say it was a great ride.Kyla, Turner and myself had a nice ride and it was great to meet and visit with Pat (thanks again for lunch Pat).We left Boerne around 9:30 and met up with Turner in Comfort Tx.We rode up Hwy 87 through Fredricksburg Tx(a very nice and busy German town)and then on to Mason and Brady.We only put on 240 miles due to the heat on the way home around 100 deg.We had a good day and I look forward to meeting someone else with Mascot.
Here a map of of his route:
< Message edited by pilot1996 -- 7/31/2005 11:26:41 AM >
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RE: Travels of the VTwinTalk.com Mascot - 6/6/2005 7:28:48 PM
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pilot1996
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From: Havelock, NC
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Here is an account of harleyrulz ride to meet 12Stones:
Well here we go. I left Boerne Friday around 12:00 and headed for Austin. We road with a couple of my buddies and their wives. It was a nice ride due to the rain clouds (yes we got wet) but it was not to hot. It's only 90 miles to Austin but we managed to turn it into a 3 hour trip. It's a great ride to Austin from here because it's backroads all the way. I got to the ROT Rally on Friday and hung out a while till time to go to all the crazy parties on 6th St.,it's pretty much like Bourbon St. I got up Saturday morning and headed back to the Rally and hung around for a bit and met up with Ricky(12Stones) and passed the flag on to him. It was a great weekend and it was nice to meet Ricky. We didn't get to hang out much because I lost my wife which meens she was off spending money. All in all it was a good trip and a pleasure to carry the Mascot for a while.
Here is a map of the trip:
Me with the cap Ricky with the vest
< Message edited by pilot1996 -- 7/31/2005 11:26:54 AM >
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RE: Travels of the VTwinTalk.com Mascot - 6/10/2005 7:46:29 PM
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pilot1996
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From: Havelock, NC
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Here is an account of 12Stones ride.
I took off Saturday morning headed west to Austin with some of my bros from the Leathernecks MC and kept straight on the 290 west. It's a pretty good ride with not too much traffic. It gets really good past Brenham when the fields open and the country sites come. The hills are gentle and green and the sun was bright but not too hot yet. We made the trip in about 3 hours with a stop for gas and a couple stops for my buddy, Mark, to burn one here and there. Once we got to the rally we walked around a little before I hooked up with Craig. We met at the Big Dog bike display and took some pics. Didn't get to spend too much time together unfortunately. His wife went missing and I had some commitments with the Leathernecks, but it was good to put a face with a name.
Sunday afternoon after grabbing some grub and doing a last minute shopping trip at the rally, Mark and I left the rest of the Leathernecks to head back east toward home. Once again we took the 290 but the sun was hotter and there were bikes for miles making the trip with us. The ride home seemed longer than the one to the rally; guess there was more anticipation to get to the rally than to get home. All in all the round trip was about 500 miles and I came back with some great times, good stories, a sunburn and the mascot.
Here is a map of 12Stone route:
< Message edited by pilot1996 -- 7/31/2005 11:27:07 AM >
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RE: Travels of the VTwinTalk.com Mascot - 6/20/2005 11:44:49 AM
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pilot1996
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Posts: 8984
Joined: 12/8/2004
From: Havelock, NC
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Here is an account of Bastardmaker's ride:
Well I made the trip to Houston this weekend. I initialy made the trip down there for my best friends graduation. He graduated culinary arts something or another, he is a chef now. I figured since I would be down there why not take part in this thing. I met Ricky(12stones) on Saturday the 18th at Mancuso HD at 290 and 1960 in Houston(awsome dealer) and we made the exchange. the next day I made my way back to Killeen. For the most part I had an enjoyable ride back home. I'm not a fan of big freeways and what not, so once I got off of 290 in Hempstead and started going north on hwy 6 I had a great ride. It's not a real busy road and a beautiful part of TX(Gods country). A little ways after I got through Bryan/College Station, I stopped and took a rest and refueled in Hearne. From there I pulled onto hwy 36 going north until I got to Temple. I then got onto hwy 190 all the way into Killeen. When I got to the house I took a cool shower and a nap. I'm not sure what the milage is but it took 3 and a half hours. I don't know how fast I was going cause I have no speedo. but it was a comfy cruise for me, probly 60-70mph. During this trip I found out my Bike is not for long hauls. So while I was at Mancuso HD I scouted out my nex bike. More than likely I'll get a road king of some sort, or maybe a softail delux. But in the mean time I need a new seat, because this Corbin solo, I think is the most uncomfortable seat in the planet. no padding at all. Well that is all. Who wants it next? I am willing to go as far as the OK, ARK, and LA borders.
Here is a map of Bastardmaker's trip:
Here is a pic of the hand off:
< Message edited by pilot1996 -- 7/31/2005 11:27:21 AM >
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RE: Travels of the VTwinTalk.com Mascot - 7/31/2005 11:22:37 AM
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pilot1996
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Joined: 12/8/2004
From: Havelock, NC
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Here is an account of bastardmaker's ride to meet Pococj:
Well I got the mascot to Skip yesterday. I started out leaving the house by around 8am. I got on 190 headed west and then headed north on 116 through Ft Hoods range roads. These are some of my favorite roads to ride on, They are not very strait, flat or congested. The views on some of the riges here are pretty scenic. Once i get to Gatesville I headed east on 84. The route is pretty boring west of Mexia. When I got to Mexia I pulled off the road for some gas and to stretch my legs. It then occured to me that Anna Nichole Smith was originaly from here so I hauled ass out of there pronto(so as to not become any dumber than I already am).
A little ways after Mexia the hills and pines become more abundant. I really enjoyed this part of Texas. A part that I really never make it out to. Like I said the trees and other scenery was very nice. When I got to Palestine I stopped off for some good ol Texas BBQ. I dont recall the name of the place but Ill know it when I see it again. Excellent brisket, sausage and sweet tea. Before i left the place an older gentleman noticed my DOD sticker on the bike and chated for a few minutes about Iraq and what not. He was a retired first sargeant and he did a few tours in Nam. He excused himself and went on his way. When I decided to leave I asked the waitress for my check and she told me that the older man had taken care of it. Pretty cool of him.
In Palestine I headed north on 79. The area just kept getting nicer and nicer the more north and east I went. I went through a few old towns that were pretty cool, Jacksonville, Henderson and Tatum, were all pretty cool. In Henderson I took 43 north for a little while until I got to Marshal. In Marshal I got on 59 And headed on in to Jefferson to meet Skip and his wife.
Before actually meeting Skip, I was a little nervous. I didnt realy know what to expect. Upon meeting him I realized he was pretty damn cool. I wish he lived a little closer, cause I know he would be awsome to ride with. We chit chated for almost two hours before I had to take off back south to Killeen. In those couple of hours I felt that I met two of the coolest most ginuine people in all of Texas.
As you can tell I liked the area up there. When I get back from Iraq next year I plan on purchasing some acreage. So who knows maybe Skip and I will be neighbors in the next year or two. Skip if you and I could find the time Id love to hook up again for a longer stay and ride together. Also your wife mentioned that she wanted to come down and watch the 1st Cav horse team do their thing sometime. If ya'll should come down I have an additional room and bed you could use.
I took the route down but didnt make any stops other than for gas and water. I had a race with the sun to get home. My headlight is out and the dealership wont have one till this week. I won the race Barely. Also once I hit Waco I found some of that Sting-ing rain. I spent about 12 hrs on the bike over I dont know how many miles but I had a blast although my ass took a beating.
Skip has the pic, so Im sure he will post it soon. Also I just want to say that getting this mascot from here to there was pretty cool. It has giving me an oppertunity to meet some cool folks and put some miles on the bike I may not have otherwise. If anyone has an inkling to pick the mascot up I would recommend it.
Here is a map of his route:
Here are the pics:
< Message edited by pilot1996 -- 7/31/2005 10:33:23 PM >
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RE: Travels of HDForums.com Mascot - 8/25/2005 9:20:05 AM
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pilot1996
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Joined: 12/8/2004
From: Havelock, NC
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The following is an account of Pococj's ride to meet BigTed:
Big Ted & I made arrangements to hand off the mascot a couple weeks ago. I looked on a map and the only town of any reasonable size about half way between us was Poteau, OK. It's about 200 miles from me, and a bit less than that from Ted. I picked out a time & place to meet, and Ted was agreeable to both.
I left my place in Jefferson, TX about 0815 hours and headed north on US 59 to the next town, Linden (home of Don Henley of Eagles fame). In Linden I caught TX 8 and rode it north, crossing the Red River into Arkansas, where it becomes AR 41. At Foreman, AR (home of Traci Lawrence of country-western music fame) I hung a left and headed west on AR 32 towards Oklahoma. In Oklahoma the road becomes OK 3, and winds through the Ouachita National Forest. Just outside Idabel, OK I turned north on US 259/US 70, going through Broken Bow, OK where the road loses US 70, and continues on as US 259.
The road is climbing now, into the remains of an old mountain range. This area is s'posed to be the highest area between the Alleghenies and the Rockies. Not much if you live in "real" mountains, but it gets high enough that you can feel the temperature drop a bit. I always enjoy traveling through this area, especially in the fall when the leaves change colors.
Just north of Broken Bow I took a little side trip onto US 259A, a loop that runs through Beaver Bend State Park. The road is nice and twisty, and there isn't too much traffic in the middle of the morning as the campers, etc. are already wherever they were going to be for the day. The loop dumps back onto US 259, and I continued north. It is still climbing, and is a good 2 lane blacktop road with little traffic. Just about perfect for a nice morning bike ride, I thought to myself.
At an overlook where I stopped to admire the view, two bikes and a trike pulled in. We talked a bit, and I found out they were from Queen City, TX about 30 miles north of Jefferson. They were in a hurry to get back before the heat of the day. Personally, the ride was too nice to worry about having to go fast to get somewhere. I s'pose that's why I allowed myself nearly 6 hours to go the 200 miles. Who wants to blow by all the mountain scenery?
I crossed the Talimena Byway, a road that runs across the ridge tops from Talihina, OK to Mena, AR. US 259 stops at US 59/US 271, and I answered a couple of questions from a nice lady working a survey for the National Forest people. She wanted to know why I was traveling the road through the Ouachita National Forest, and I cracked a huge grin and said, "Because I want to!" She laughed and put me down as seeing the sights, or something like that.
I turned left onto US 59/271 and continued north through Heavener, OK. Always wondered why it was called Heavener. Guess you could choose to live in Heavener Hell? (Sorry 'bout that - mind tends to wander and get whack riding by myself!)
After Heavener comes Poteau. (And it's pronounced, "Poe-toe", with the accent on the "Poe". Nothing like a buncha Okies mangling a good French name!) I started onto the bypass around the town by mistake, as the way the roads were described on the signs was a little confusing. Got straightened out, and cruised the main drag, looking for the Braum's eatin' joint. Saw the Braum's, and there was an HD underneath a tree near it. At first I thought it might be Big Ted's bike, but as I got closer I saw it was a full dresser, not a Road King. I kept on the drag, as I was early and thought I might as well see the town.
About a mile past Braum’s I passed Ted. Easy to pick out his bike as the paint job sorta stands out! I don’t think he saw me, but I turned around and started maneuvering through traffic and caught him. I pulled ahead a bit and we turned into a little lot next to Braum’s where we could park underneath a tree.
We got off our rides, did the meet & greet thing, and then headed i
< Message edited by pilot1996 -- 8/25/2005 7:00:36 PM >
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RE: Travels of HDForums.com Mascot - 8/25/2005 9:23:55 AM
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pilot1996
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Joined: 12/8/2004
From: Havelock, NC
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Here is an account of Big Ted's ride to meet Skip:
Well there isn't much to say as far as stories, as Oklahoma in my area is flat land with nothing interesting to see.
Here is my route to meet Skip.
I took Hwy 75 south to Hwy 51 east. Turns into Muskogee Turnpike all the way to I40 east. I40 east to Hwy59 south. Hwy 59 South to Poteau, Ok. We met at the Braum's and ate lunch. Talk for a while, exchanged stories, checked out each others bikes and then parted ways.
On the way home I take the exact same route, but as soon as I hit I40 and get on Muskogee Turnpike, it starts storming so bad, lightning, thunder, rain, wind, drops about 30 degrees, as it was about 105 degree out on the way there, it was now around 70 degrees. I push through and have to make several stop under some overpass' because it is so bad I can't see. But it never lets up, so I ush on all the way back to Bartlesville. Glad I had my heated grips as they were keeping my hands from pruning up from being soked. It poured and thundered the whole time and never let up. It was very interesting to say the least. It was approx. a 342 mile round trip for me.
Here is a map from Skips in Jefferson, Tx to Big Ted's in Bartlesville, OK.
Here is a pic of Big Ted packing the mascot to head home.
< Message edited by pilot1996 -- 8/25/2005 11:02:55 PM >
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RE: Travels of HDForums.com Mascot - 8/28/2005 11:31:00 PM
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pilot1996
Katrina Fund Contributer
Posts: 8984
Joined: 12/8/2004
From: Havelock, NC
Status: offline
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Here is an account of n2spds ride:
Well I have the Mascot! It was great meeting Ted and his wife today. I am a pretty good judge of character and in the short time we visited today I can honestly say the Pugh's are good people. I am looking forward to meeting more forum members and plan on passing the Mascot on to Steve in OKC. I am not sure how to do a map so I will just tell you the route we took. We started off in Inola,Ok and headed North on HWY88 to Claremore,Ok We then headed North on HWY66 to HWY 28 West, 28 West to HWY 75 North,75 North to Bartlesville,Ok and met Ted and his wife at QT. We visited for awhile,took some pictures and then headed South on 75 Collinsville,Ok where we got on HWY20 East. We took 20 to 169 north and 169 to HWY 88 back to Inola,Ok If someone wants to print a map they can. As for my friends that rode with me they are starting from the left, Dewayne, His brother John, Mitch, Linda, Ted of course, Brian and Myself. They are true soldiers, I pgave them a days notice and they were ready to go. Thanks for the opportunity to be part of this. We had a great time today and all plan on moving the Mascot to OKC next weekend if Steve is available.
Here is a pic of the hand off:
Here is a map of n2spd route from Inola to meet with Big Ted and back to Inola:
< Message edited by pilot1996 -- 9/2/2005 10:41:59 AM >
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RE: Travels of HDForums.com Mascot - 11/11/2005 6:33:09 AM
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pilot1996
Katrina Fund Contributer
Posts: 8984
Joined: 12/8/2004
From: Havelock, NC
Status: offline
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Here is a pic of the hand off between Steveokla and Mikester48:
< Message edited by pilot1996 -- 11/11/2005 6:40:02 AM >
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RE: Travels of HDForums.com Mascot - 11/11/2005 6:39:23 AM
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pilot1996
Katrina Fund Contributer
Posts: 8984
Joined: 12/8/2004
From: Havelock, NC
Status: offline
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Here is an account from Mikester48 of the handoff from Mikester48 to Skos:
The mascot is in the Dallas area. The handoff to skos was made Saturday afternoon in Wichita Falls, Texas. Just to give you all a brief story about the day. I met steveokla at a gas station north of Lawton at 11am Saturday, we rode several miles into the Wichita Mountains wildlife refuge and up to the top of Mount Scott where the handoff was made. It was cold and very windy, it was all we could do to hold on to the mascot for the picture. We ran into several other riders on top who had driven up from Denton for the day, one of them took our picture. They were very interested to hear about the mascot travels, everyone thinks it is a great idea when they hear about it. I was happy to meet Stephen, we have only communicated here on this board and by email, phone. After the transfer Stephen took off to return to Oklahoma City and I headed south on I-44 towards Wichita Falls. I got off the interstate about 5 miles south of Lawton ( I really don't enjoy cruising interstates) went to Wichita Falls on back roads into a pretty strong headwind. I met skos (Steve) at the Olive Garden where the second handoff was made
Overall it was a great day for me, I met two new friends from this forum, got to handoff the mascot and had a great day riding. The only small glitch in the day was the discussion I had regarding my speed with the Texas Highway Patrol officer near Wichita Falls. I swear I was only doing 65, he thinks it was 74. But he only gave me a warning and had good things to say about my bike, so it wasn't all bad. If you get a chance to move the mascot go for it.
< Message edited by Tripper -- 4/8/2006 3:35:50 PM >
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RE: Travels of HDForums.com Mascot - 3/13/2006 7:41:13 AM
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Tripper
Ultimate HDF Member
Posts: 7451
Joined: 1/28/2005
Status: online
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The following is the account of SKOS’s (Steve) ride to meet ameristo (Harvey):
It was a wonderful day, high 70’s & sunny for a change. My route left Little Elm, TX. Hwy 380E to 75S. 75S to 635E. 635E to 20E. 20E to Hwy19. 119 miles one way.
Dairy Place in Canton, TX
We both had the famous buffalo burger at “The Dairy Place” and a real nice talk. Harvey you are a real nice guy. He has done some assume mods to his bike and it looks great. When it was time to go we found 2 other Harley riders leaving as well and ask them to snap our picture. We also explained why 2 riders who don’t know each other are meeting out in East Texas and taking a picture with a flag. On the way home a put on about 139 mile because I took the back roads. It was a lot nicer not having to run balls out.
The only bad point about this day was when I got home. I felt a little wind burn on my face. What I did not realize is that riding in the sun & wind all day; I received a real bad case of sunburn. But it was all worth it! Here is a picture of the way home.
Steve (Skos) and Harvey (Ameristo)
The Ride Home
Harvey's (ameristo) tail:
I left Bossier City, LA around 9:00am March 1st, 2006 on a somewhat cool, sunny and windy day. Did I say windy? I mean near hurricane strength! Headed out on Interstate 20 to meet with Skos in Canton, TX I didn't even make it out of town before I had to stop and tighten up my left mirror, that sucker was flappin in the wind like a hound dogs lips. Once done I settled into a nice 80mph cruise and then the wind, did I mention the wind? Good thing they make interstates into four lanes, I used them all. I mean that wind was blowin me around like an empty beer can! Well, I decided I needed a little extra weight so I stopped in Longview at the Whataburger and got a Breakfast sandwich. At least if I was gonna crash I wasn't gonna be hungry. I guess that extra pound of food made the difference because I was able to stay in my lane a little better. I pulled into Canton about 11:40am and as I was peeling off my leathers Skos pulled up. Talk about timing! We did the normal greetings, check out the bike stuff and headed inside for a famous buffalo burger. We shared bike experiences, work experiences etc. etc..... We stepped outside and with our little tummies full of buffalo burger, the weather warmed up so a light jacket was in order. As we were saddling up a couple of the local bikers walked by so we got them to take the picture of the hand off. We then checked out their harleys and gave the story of the mascott and invited them to the forum. Anyways, all finished up here, at about 1:00pm, saddled up, gassed up and said our final goodbye's and headed back home. I decided that the mascot wouldn't care too much for the interstate scene so it was the scenic route home. At least the pace would be a little slower and the trees offered some protection from the wind. So south on 19 to 64 and turned east towards LA. Rode 64 pretty much all the way to Henderson where I stopped by to see my wife, rest the butt, and drink a soda. I turned NE on 43 and headed to Marshall, seems the mascot has been this way before. Back on the interstate at Marshall I headed east to Bossier City. I made it home around 5:00pm 295 miles later and sunburned to a crisp! Somehow when you take off in the morning at 47degrees sunburn just doesn't enter into the mind.
Dairy Queen in Canton, TX
Steve (Skos) and Harvey (amaristo)
Harvey's route with the Mascot
< Message edited by terryt1955 -- 3/14/2006 3:39:47 PM >
_____________________________
'06 Road Glide - 114 cui, stage IV heads, 615/585, K&N, PC III, D&D Fat Cat
'07 Nightster stage I with PC III and D&D Fat Cat
Old Guys Rule!
Only the Good Die Young.
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RE: Travels of HDForums.com Mascot - 3/13/2006 8:35:55 AM
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Terry1955
HDF Administrator
Posts: 14062
Joined: 2/23/2005
From: Charleston,IL
Status: offline
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This is from Mac11
I met Ameristo on Saturday, March 4, 2006 at Paradise Truckstop located at I-20 (Exit 49) and Hwy 153, Minden, Louisiana. We made the transfer of the Mascot and I returned back to Ruston, Louisiana via Hwy 153 app. 3 miles to LA. State Highway 79 travels app. 35 miles east to Homer, Lousiana. From Homer, Louisian I took La, Hwy 146 (White Lightning) highway named for various reasons but mainly in the proabation area of folks hauling home made materials in the truck of their cars. App. 45 miles from Homer, Louisiana to Ruston, La. Total miles app. 166 miles. Ameristo is suppose to be sending the pics of our transfer, if he doesn't I have copies.
I met three friends of mine Bobby Ledford, Clyde Pesnell and a friend of theirs at our local Citgo station on Saturday, March 11 at 7:30 am and we traveled on La Hwy 33 app. 5 miles to I-20 traveling east app. 35 miles to West Monroe, Louisiana where we picked up another friend of mine, Chuck Adams and two of his friends. We had seven of us traveling I-20 east bound stopping at Visksburg, Mississippi to admire the old Mississippi River and to gas up. Leaving Visksburg, Ms our next stop was Forest, Mississippi where we met (nok1him) Mikeeeeeeeeeeeee and his friend at the Santa Fe Steakhouse at I-2- and State Hwy 35. One way was 195 miles and round trip 397 miles.
It was really good to get to meet another HDForums.com member and one of his friends plus we got to have fellowship with the other guys, as well as, introduce six others to the Mascot, included them in the picture and now hopefully we will hve six new memebers to join us. Mikeeeee should be sending you the pics of the transfer.
Thanks a million, it has truly been a very good learning experience on the forum, and its has brought those we would have never met together. How many times do you go on a trip and meet someone and they call you to make sure you made it home OK - That't the kind of friendship you make - Thanks Mikeeeeeeeee - Friends Always.
Mac
Mac11 (John) and No1Likehim (Mikeeeeeeee)
< Message edited by Tripper -- 4/8/2006 3:05:25 PM >
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RE: Travels of HDForums.com Mascot - 3/27/2006 9:27:36 PM
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Tripper
Ultimate HDF Member
Posts: 7451
Joined: 1/28/2005
Status: online
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This is Mikeeeeeeee's story:
My time with the mascot began long before I ever saw it and held it. Around the 1st of the year I began posting like crazy to try to get it moving in my direction so I could participate in this forum in a whole new way. The mascot moved to Ruston La, to my new and good friend John McKenzie (Mac11). John PMed me and said “Guess what I got?” We agreed to ride rain or shine and meet in Forest Ms. That was 200 miles one way for John and 210 miles one way for me. I went to my best riding buddy Hal and said “you have got to ride with me to Mississippi!” When I explained what was going on, he agreed to ride with me.
We set out at 7 AM on the 11th of March, 2006 for Forest Ms. Most of the ride was non interstate on old US 80. We rode through one patch of rain, but it was generally a beautiful day with mostly cloudy skies.
Arriving at Forest around 11, we pulled into Penn’s Santa Fe Steakhouse and waited about 20 minutes and John and his entourage pulled in. After shaking hands and meeting everyone, we exchanged the mascot and took pictures. Out of 9 riders, John and I were the only forum members, but I’m sure some of the others will join.
We had a great meal and fellowship and got to know each other, but time came that we knew we had to leave to make it back before dark.
The trip back was nice and Hal and I split ways a few miles from home and I pulled into the driveway around 5 PM. 420.3 miles were on the trip odometer. Longest ride I have ever been on, but MORE than worth ever mile!
The following Saturday, It was around 50 degrees when Vicki and I left Montgomery riding 2 up on the EG Classic. Rain was on the radar all around us, but we suited up for rain before getting on the bike and determined that “Rain or shine” we were going to meet Oliver Clozoff (Brian Lowe) at Peach Park in Clanton Al. Brian, Bryon, and Heath were riding down from the Birmingham area to meet us.
The rain just seemed to dry up as we rode and we never caught a single drop. We rode up on I-65 north and got to Clanton around 10:45 Am. We went inside and grabbed a cup of coffee and waited for the B’ham boys to show up. Sure enough, right about 11 they pulled in and parked.
Handshakes, intros, and smiles. The mascot was exchanged and Vicki took pictures with 3 cameras! We went inside and had some BBQ and peach ice cream and talked for about an hour or so. Retiring outside we drooled on each other’s bikes for while and then Vicki and I suited back up and proceeded to take the long way home. Clanton is about 40 miles from our house in Montgomery. We rode back on old US 31 to Al 143 to Al 111 then US 231 home. A very scenic route that takes you by the Confederate Veterans Home and other points of interest.
I am honored to have carried and signed the Mascot. In the process I got to meet some new friends and went on the longest single day ride of my life. I learned that an Electra Glide is made for one thing – eating up highway, and doing it with the greatest of ease!
Thanks to Brian for meeting me in Clanton.
Thanks to John for meeting me in Ms. Thanks to John for being my newest best buddy.
Tim in St Lamant La. I’m sorry that the flu had you down man. I would have loved to meet you too!
Thanks HDForums for being there and making all this possible!
Brian and Mike
Forest1
John and Mike
Mascot Guys
< Message edited by Tripper -- 4/8/2006 3:07:38 PM >
_____________________________
'06 Road Glide - 114 cui, stage IV heads, 615/585, K&N, PC III, D&D Fat Cat
'07 Nightster stage I with PC III and D&D Fat Cat
Old Guys Rule!
Only the Good Die Young.
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RE: Travels of HDForums.com Mascot - 4/8/2006 2:30:14 PM
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