Day 8 Weatherfield Ok to Amerilo Texas

Hi y'all...That's Texan for hello and yes sir'eee that's where we gone an got ourselves today. 198 miles and the sun stayed with us all the way.

We stopped at the museum of motoring today, it was really more like a cowboy town with artifacts of times gone by, but it was great and we got loads of pics, If Boson was here he would still be in there.

RL set up a surprise for us and we met two of the wildest hillbilly hippies I ever did see. They gave us a fantastic welcome and sang songs and played guitars for us as well as supplying us with red neck sandwiches, they were both as mad as fish! Then we did some great riding leaving Oklahoma at the Texas State line where we stopped in a quiet section road and did some video's of us riding without our helmets ...oooh naughty!

The prairies of Texas are vast, it's like a country all on it's own and that's what the Texans say. The final part of the ride got a bit scary as we entered the city. The drivers were not so courteous and it all got a bit messy for a while, but we made it safely to our motel. We had 40 minutes to get showered and changed as RL had arranged for Limo's to collect us and take us to the "Big Texan Steak House" this is where you can attempt to eat a 72 ounce steak in under an hour; if successful, it's free! Brilliant atmosphere as I hope the pics show. Tomorrow we head for Santa Fey where we have a rest day. We expect to get into the mountains so big changes afoot.

Day 7 Tulsa to Weatherfield Oklahoma

OK, We're in Oklahoma, home of all those much loved western movies made during the 1950's. Cattle and oil rule the day in this State and it is obvious to see. The trailer homes have turned into luxurious spreads with land as far as the eye can see. It has been boiling hot today and I'm told by RL that it will get a little hotter each day as we head on towards Texas and the dessert.

Must say, Eddie Luck made me laugh this morning. He was talking all things bike, as one does, then referred to the great mark as Darly Healership. Oh no he said one for the blog...you guessed right Eddie.

We rode 198 miles today but were delayed in getting away as our support vehicle broke down! Funny that, the bikes are fine? We left the truck and luggage behind to get fixed. At a place called Edmond we visited a Pioneer Museum. It was very interesting showing many exhibits from the old pioneering days when the West was being one. As these brave adventurers headed into the unknown they could make about 15 miles a day and that was if there was no rain.

Some of the brilliant roads of yesterday became terrible ones today; overgrown, uneven, gravelled, pot holed, road killed...you name it there was even a dead snake, it was bad and we had to go real slow. It was great to reach the Motel where the swimming pool offered an oasis to refresh tired bodies. Couple that with a few beers and a good nights sleep before we head off, chasing the setting sun, on day 8 of our adventure.

Day 6 Rolla Mo to Tulsa Ok

Hi everyone. We have just done 12 hours, give or take a few comfort breaks, and covered 320 miles of awesome roads. We've seen a lot of poverty, believe it or not, and great wealth all nestled around each other. The land is so green; even more so than Ireland! No sights to see today as had too far to ride, but Ive been asked to mention to Terry Custance's Doctor that the hands are holding up well, its the rest of his body that's giving up!

Passed some Civil War battle fields and rode through the area where The Outlaw Josie Whales dished out his blend of Missouri justice back in the 1800's. The sense of history is with me all the way and I think I speak for all when I say that we are all astounded by the hospitality shown to us. Last night Mike, Andre, Diesel and I went to a bar called the "Tata-Patch" a biker bar. They gave us free food and we chatted up the modern day version of a saloon Gal called Patsy, part Cherokee Indian, she was lovely. It was as if we had just stepped into the film set of Every Which Way But Loose!

This is Rosie here to everyone I know .

having a great time and thinking of you all. the trip is really fantastic , the scenery is better than expected and the riding is just out of this world .

the bike and i are as one know after all my panics and i could ride on and on .

love to you all . sorry phone not working.

love raa x.

Day 5 Springfield to Rolla Missouri

We rode 230 miles today, weather fine and sunny am but we did catch a thunder storm in the afternoon. Lots of groovy fork lightning. We visited the Merrimack Caverns and just in time to avoid most of the wet stuff. Everyone is looking just a little tired after the euphoria of yesterday and hot baths and a good meal are required to build us up for tomorrow. The ride will be a full day in the saddle, not sure exactly what miles yet but will let you know. Now its time for me to go get some grub. The rest of them went to eat half an hour ago. There's dedication for you!

The countryside is far prettier now, more hills and dales, very green fertile land. I can see why the early settlers began farming here. Massive grain silos, and ploughed fields so wide you cant see the far side. We are at a Best Western hotel tonight, better than yesterdays motel. I have added a few more pictures below as don't know when I might get another opportunity. Hope you enjoy them, cheers. (inset left to right, Big Rog, Mikey the Pikey and RL alias Jack Parlance)

Day 4 Chicago to Springfield

Well as I am sure you are aware Springfield, Illinois was the home of Abe Lincoln, hence the photo.

Sorry for the delay in updating the blog but last nights stopover had no Internet access or PC to use and I was unable to scrounge one?

Left Chicago in a humid mist , which when burnt off left us basking in 90 degree temps. We covered 210 miles today. Mike did really well and hasn't fallen off yet! Our van driver is called Parker...as in Thunder birds so imagine the stick he's getting "yes milady"

There are 70 Irish Police bike cops on 66 too and we met up with them , they are doing the trip in 10 days so we wont see them again but they were a real nice bunch. The old Route 66 is a tiny road in most cases and is aligned with Interstate 55 so its easy to jump on and off it as necessary. Mostly very flat farmland so far but are told RL (Jack Parlance in disguise) that it gets better tomorrow; more news then.

Day 3 Chicago

Well we are almost set to go, but before we do we have a message for our friend "Harley Guy", we will not be passing by Joliet States ville Prison after all. Our tour guide does not wish to catch all the traffic so will take Interstate and rejoin the mother road after Joliet, perhaps you might find us there?

OK, blog fans....everyone is now here and we have been to collect our bikes. Took a big step into the deep end by jumping straight on to the Interstate back to Chicago...fun in rush hour !!!

We will be setting off at around 10 am after an early brekki and a briefing. Will give some better stories from here on in.. Wish us well, we are told by our Guide ex police, ex Vietnam Vet, ex Government Officer, with 1 million bike miles to his credit. An all round top man...we hope? that this trip will be full of adversity, more an adventure than a holiday...Yahoo we cant wait to get going. Thanks for the comments keep them coming.

Day 2 Chicago

Today we spent seeing the sights of this beautiful city, put it on your list of places to see. Some of us went up the Sears tower, currently the tallest building in town, but not for long I'm sure.

Some went to visit the aquarium and saw the dolphins being trained, excellent! We all met up for an architectural river cruise and learnt a lot about Chicago's history as well as seeing some awesome buildings. The knowledge of the tour guide ground a few people down by the end though.

Headed to the Hard Rock Cafe to see if it's as good as London, based our experience, I would say not, but we were there in the afternoon so maybe a little unfair?

Some, now tired from the 8o degree heat, returned to hotel while Mike and I found one of the Harley dealerships and had a wee spend!

Forty winks kip and then we'll hit the town.....damn it's 22.00 never mind must need the sleep. Picking up bikes tomorrow, then the real trip begins.


Thanks to those who have posted comments, it's great to know you are checking the blog. We will do our best to keep it up to date and are trying to put some pics on.