LAST RIDE FOR 2004

Written by Joe Lopez, AGWA Vice President and Public Relations Director

This article will not be a synopsis of this ride.  However, it will contain statistics and opinions of this trip. 

I’ve been to Chicago many times, but I’ve never seen its skyline from Lake Michigan.  I drove up Lake Shore Drive and saw a spectacular view of the skyline.  Not quite like NYC, but close.  Visited with Chapter “L” in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.  Met new friends and had a breakfast fit for kings.  Anyone who subscribes to the AMA magazine would have read an article about the nine (9) best tour rides in the state of Colorado.  I stayed in Breckenridge, Colorado for 6 days and I did all nine (9) rides.  The Rocky Mountains were unbelievable, but my favorite ride was a small one.  I took US50 to SR 92, which led me to the Black Canyon National Park.  SR 92 was by far the most scenic road with twisties I have ever been on.  There was a reservoir by the name of Blue Mesa that was simply spectacular.  The Durango area in my opinion was at least as scenic as the Rockies.  Not much happening in Sturgis, S.D. but the Black Hills were great.  Mt. Rushmore was a sight but the Crazy Horse Monument was a disappointment.  Stayed in a town called Ely, Nevada and when I left the following morning, it was 23 degrees.  By the time I reached Reno it was well into the low 100’s.  Talk about a temperature change.  Between Sacramento and San Francisco there was a traffic jam NYC & Chicago would have been proud of.  Mind you, the temperature was still in the low 100’s.  I never get tired of looking at the Golden Gate Bridge with San Francisco in the back-ground.  And if you look real hard you can see the old Alcatraz.  Visited with friends in Salinas, California.  Went to see a Redwood Tree Forest that was really something.  I can’t remember the name of the forest but it was wonderful seeing those great trees.  As usual, the Gold Coast Hwy (RT 1) was beautiful on my way to the Hearst Castle.  Now that is something no one should miss.  I still can’t get over the fact that you must travel 5 ½ miles up his driveway before you reach the castle.  Expensive to see ($25.00 per person) but it was worth it.  Took another great road (SR58), very scenic and a load of twisties on my way to Barstow, California.  From there I took a rare stint up Interstate roads (I15) to Las Vegas to see the Hoover Dam.  Another great sight to see.  Has to be one of the great wonders of the world.  Phoenix was unbearable.  110 degrees.  However, a great surprise.  Barbara paid me a surprise visit.  So far that was the best part of the trip.  Roswell, New Mexico was like another southwestern town.  Or was it.  Actually they really took advantage of the UFO thing.  Throughout the town there are museums and attractions involving UFO’s.  Many motels.  I’ll never drive through Amarillo, Texas ever again.  I just don’t feel it’s safe driving sideways.  The wind was very unpredictable.  Scary.  And finally, Madison, Indiana.  Wonderful seeing the old gang again.  Sure wish Dee Marett could have been there.  Gary, Adron and the rest of the gang did a great job.  The buffet was unbelievable.  Wonderful people and lots of fun.  Normally, I would ride well into the winter but not this year.  Having an operation on my left thumb.  It’s hell getting gold, right Bob & George.

God Bless All,

Joe Lopez