What a way to travel the USA!  The passenger perspective will always differ from the driver’s, but it’s a nice vantage point.  Being up higher allowed me to see more on either side and above Frank’s head, but also exposed me more to the elements.  I didn’t have the advantage of being protected by the windshield, and Frank didn’t offer much protection since he sat lower and is of slight build.  But having the wind, sun and rain on my face allowed me to appreciate Mother Nature’s majesty!

For anyone contemplating doing this type of ride, I would do it again in a heartbeat!  It’s one of the best ways to see the country and to really appreciate the beauty of the good ol’ US of A.  It would have been great having others with us, and perhaps the next long ride we take will be with Geoff and Neecer, Frank’s bro and sis-in-law (sis really!), among others.  To share this experience with more than just the two of us would be all the more special.

For all you women out there who think you can’t possibly do this type of trip because you have to take your entire wardrobe and beauty products along with you, think again!  I think I’m a pretty high maintenance gal because I have my hair and makeup products within easy reach, but really,  I made this trip with a quarter of what I normally use when home.  I packed a couple pairs of jeans, enough undergarments for about 5 days, 3 pairs of shoes, a lot of t-shirts cuz you don’t get dressed up on a ride like this, and enough bath and beauty products to feel comfortable.  Everything in travel size is the key!  So if I can do it, y’all can do it as well!

The best part of the journey was spending time with friends and family, as they made the trip all the more special.  Seeing my best friends Debra and Teddy again was marvelous, and meeting Frank’s sis Susan and his son Jason was wonderful as well.  We are blessed with many wonderful friends and family.  It was also great spending time with Frank and getting to know him a little more.  It was also great knowing we can spend 3 weeks together and not get on each other’s nerves, or want to run away screaming!! 

So that’s my perspective as a female, as a passenger and as someone who is fairly new to riding - I only began this experience last summer, so it’s not like I’m a pro at sitting a bike! 

Again, it was a great way to see the country, great to spend time with everyone, and I appreciate Frank for allowing me to share his journey.  Can’t wait to do it again!!  Thanks to all of you again who have been a part of this trip, made comments and kept us in your prayers as we crossed the USA.  Till next time!  Adios!

Hi all,

Just thought I’d share again, so here goes!

If you ever want to know what microdermabrasion feels like without spending a lot of  money at a fancy spa, take a road trip on the back of a bike!  In 8 days I’ve had tangled hair, windburn, sunburn, bug hits on my face and legs and enough wind battering to last an eternity!  Who knew this would be as challenging as it has been?  Frank almost has it easy considering he has a windshield and fairings to protect him from most of the elements.  He does have to pilot the bike, which he does with impressive abilities, but I think I have the more challenging position since I ride higher than he does.  If I had my own windshield, that would make things so much easier.  I think there has to be a way to create a patent for a retractable windshield that emerges from the seat rest at the touch of a button.  All you engineering types out there better put your thinking caps on and design something quick! 

All in all, I have only thought one time about hanging it all up and taking the first flight back home, but I’m not done yet!  This has been one of the best adventures I have ever taken, and I wouldn’t trade anything for what I have experienced.  It’s been a test of endurance, core strength (gotta do more ab work!) and stamina - and I think I’ve passed with flying colors!  Yea me! 

I am really looking forward to seeing my bestest friend Debra tomorrow and spending some time with her.  It’s been far too long since we’ve seen each other and it will be great to see her again.  More later![gallery]

Sharon’s entry:

Wow - only 6 more days until the trip!  Who would have thought that I would be giving up the creature comforts of civilized life to take a road trip across the big, wide USA?!  Most people who know me would not believe this new side of me - the wild child taking off for 3 weeks to see the country from the back of a motorcycle.  But what the heck, you only get one chance at life, and Frank has graciously invited me along, so I might as well live on the edge for once!

Since Frank bought the Electra Glide Classic, we’ve done some riding to get acclimated to it. It’s different for me as a passenger, that’s for sure. I sit up higher behind him on this bike than I did on the Dyna, so I’m buffeted more by the wind.  That will be a challenge on this trip, since I’ll feel more wind on my face and head.  But I’m a trouper, so it will just be another facet of this once-in-a-lifetime journey.

Some people have bets that I won’t make the full trip - somewhere around San Diego they expect me to hang it up and take the next plane home to Michigan.  They don’t know me very well, do they!?!?  I look at this as a total adventure and am going to hang tough through it all!  So those who have made bets - show me the money!!!