Yes Emily

Yes Emily, girls can ride motorcycles!


Monday, July 23, 2012

Homeward Bound

I couldn't get to where I'm going from where I was so I had to go back to where I'd been ... I'm heading east, home to Flatopia.

I had intended to leave from Enterprise and be in Twin Falls but last night's camping has taken its toll on me and I stopped short, in Boise, too tired to go on safely. Last night the temperature dropped to 35F. It appears that my 'good to 32F' sleeping bag falls a bit short. I should have had a 3 degree safety net, but instead spent the night shivering, wide awake and cursing the persistent night birds that were squawking so much that even the campground rooster was trying to tell them to "shut up." (Erik, if I'd known you had an extra blanket in your tent I wouldn't have thought twice about stealing it from you while you were asleep, ha, ha.)

Packing up early this morning, Minnesota Erik , my camping buddy and I watched the fog and clouds roll toward us over the mountains. I knew it was cold and for the first time on this trip I needed to add the winter gloves, long underwear and a sweater to my riding apparel for the day. As I headed northwest from Enterprise the sky eventually seem to clear ahead of me but I still had the heated grips on high. I didn't feel a wisp of warmth in the air until after 11:30 and then it was like being slammed. I stopped and peeled off the extra clothing and was down to mesh again as the temperature skyrocketed through the Idaho desert. At stopping time tonight the temperature had made a 55 degree change. I rode into Boise Idaho in 90F temperatures.

As I begin the return sweep I've travelled 5,503.8 km to date (by the way, thanks Erik, for letting me know that the "pasture" road was 72 miles long".) Ride Safe my new friends.

12 comments:

  1. Time flies by when you're having fun. Ride safe. It was great meeting you, hope there will be a next time.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Time has flown - I hope there will be a next time as well, perhaps a "meet in the middle." There must be some place in the middle.

      Delete
  2. I wonder if you kept one of those emergency blankets in your luggage, then you could have wrapped it around your sleeping bag. Glad you stopped and are getting some rest!. Go buy a flannel top sheet & roll it up with your sleeping bag it will help keep ou warm. Ride safe!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dar, have you seem what I've already packed on my poor little (to quote Sonja) "Mule" ... I think a blanket would break her little back (A better sleeping bag, that's what I need: Dear Santa ...)

      Delete
  3. I knew it felt cold this morning, but I didn't know it was down to 35. BBBURRRRR. Have a good trip home.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I know, the folks at the gas station were all asking each other if they'd finished their Christmas Shopping - You are sooooo lucky I didn't know you had an extra blanket! Watch out for severe weather on your way home.

      Delete
  4. Brrrr. It is unfortunate that it got so cold overnight. When we left at 7 am it was sunny but I was shivering and wished I'd had my heated jacket liner and winter gloves too.

    I hope you found some actual pasture land to ride through yesterday.

    It was great to finally meet you and ride with you. I thank you for taking the time to come across country to hang out.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I had a blast - the way out offered turns, but mostly on the flat. Next time we need to meet in the middle although Flatopia has some beautiful rides (aka the Cabot Trail)

      Delete
  5. It was great meeting and riding with you, I really enjoyed your company and I am glad that you could join us for the weekend. Have a safe ride home.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Great to meet you too. I've learned Motorcyclists who blog are great people. I am going to take my time getting home (must live up to my reputation, besides, what else have I got to do for a month). Next time, think East young man, think East!

      Delete
  6. So, Karen, a thought about your clothing conundrum. How about a heated mesh jacket? In the meantime, just a heated vest is looking more and more like a really good idea?

    From a Suburban Battersean

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I hear you fellow Battersean, I'm gonna have to fork out the $145. for the heated vest. I was so wishing I had one yesterday when I could barely move with all the layers I had to wear to survive nearly freezing temps + wind chill.

      Delete