Overdue Update…

It’s been another cold winter here in Sioux City. For the last two winters we have not been able to do as much winter riding as we have in recent winters. We have had a lot of snow this year and my over-sized snow blower (thanks Steve B.) has been out more times than I care to remember.

In ’08 Leta got a new-to-her ’06 VFR Interceptor. Ryan sold us her Givi bags and we bought a Givi wingrack for it. She now has a sport touring bike and really is starting to like it. I’m going to look at finding some Heli bars and a bigger windshield for her over the next few months.

In October, I took possession of Randy R’s R1200GSA and how what a bike. It’s a challenging ride for those of us under 6’. The bike has about everything on it I will need including a new final drive, so I’m just looking at some additional RAM mounts for it and some lighting enhancements. I hope to have 4 HID lights on it by spring.

Plans for summer our summer rides coming along. It looks like the BMW national in Johnson City, TN is probably out. We are finally talking seriously about a trip down the Canadian Rockies (Jasper, Banff, Glacier, Yellowstone etc). Dave W. from Fargo and Shannon are also interested. We may even have a chase car for the very first time on one of our motorcycle vacations. I’m also thinking again about some 12 and 24 hour road rallies, the GLMC.org grand tour again and a lot more local camping.

Photos from last years GLMC Grand Tour are here

Details for the ’09 tour are here

Note for Ryan

This is a not so well coordinated, special note for Ryan who recently moved away from Sioux City and us to a bit warmer climate further south.

Picture of Missouri River from viewing area overlooking the wild life area taken frm the north side of river looking south west near Niobrara, Nebraska.

Sharks at Herny Doorly Zoo

Duane taking a photo of sharks at Scott Aquarium at Henry Doorly Zoo in Omaha at our annual November Birthday outing.

Shannon, Mr. Blues, in his new hat!

West High Homecoming Parade - Shannon's Son

The following picture is of Shannon Leska's son in the West High Homecoming Parade.

IBA Saddle Sore 1000 - 2005 Ride #2

Picture of me and my bike at Culver's restaurant in Two Harbors, MN. This was part of my second IBA Saddle Sore 1000 ride for the year. I did this one to help out my friend Ryan. We rode from Sioux City, IA to Tufte, MN and back home again in about 22 hours. We had about the right amount of stops, but once again my stops where too long. Got to work on that. Route was not conducive to an IBA ride either due to a sizable amount of fall leaf gawking traffic around Lake Superior (The scenery was beautiful, just wish we would have had more time to look at it). My thinking is a SS1000 really should take less the 18 hours with a good route and appropriate number of stops with the correct duration. Although I seem to handle it ok, these 22-hour long rides are kind of difficult.

I'm thinking that maybe buying an auxcellary fuel cell to ride a BBG (1500 mile ride) might be a good idea. May have to wait until the next season to try that ride.

Self Photo, god I look like crap. Need to stop showing people how this works by using photos of myself.

Waiting for Slim

My friend Brian's son Ean waiting for Slim to get up so we can do one of his favority weekly rituals - Sunday morning breakfast with Brain and Slim in Ames.

Trimph Rocket III at Baxter European Cycle Rally in Marne, Iowa. I took the picture because Leta loves the way those Corbin beetle bags look on black cruisers.

Micheal's Dinner in Harlan, Iowa

Loyd and Leta waiting for Breakfast at Micheal's in Harlan, IA Saturday morning. The sun was shinning there, but it was pretty foggy and/or cloudy during the ride to Marne that morning. By the way, Micheal's dinner is sort of local landmark in Harlan and its also a great place to eat breakfast.

Loyd in his safety green Big Sioux Rider t-shirt Friday afternoon (I have an identical t-shirt). Leta wasn't quite ready at 3:30 to leave for the Rally in Baxter in Marne, I guess I should have given her an exact departure time rather then telling her that we wanted to go on the dinner ride at 6:30 PM.

Riding home from Sturgis - Leta on Radar the Steer

Leta riding Radar the steer at the Wagon Wheel bar in Interior, SD. Radar is a 15 year old 2500 lb charotee/longhorn cross. We stopped here on our way home to fill up at the bar's pumps which were across the street. I had to go into the bar to ask them to turn the pumps on and saw Radar sitting outside the bar. I started talking his owner/trainer and this is where we ended up. I wish the picture had turned out better.

Deadwood Sunday Evening

We ate breakfast at Tin Lizzie's Cassino in Deadwood Saturday morning with Dick & Janis E. and Scott Z. Tin Lizzie's had great food and great prices.

This photo was taken Sunday evening after Leta and I had dinner at the Four Aces Casino just down the street. Four aces had a great prime rib buffet for $10. Prices for food in Sturgis are terrible so for a good meal we recommend jumping on your scooter and heading over to Deadwood.

Leta at Sturgis

Leta wearing her deal's gap shirt at Sturgis.