KRATZMC

In motels I usually sleep with my custom molded ear plugs in, to block out what I call “Motel Noise”.  They worked so well, I slept through my alarm causing me to over sleep one hour.  As luck would have it, I didn’t lose much as I gained an hour back with the time change.  Due to bad weather, I tweaked my original route through the Lincoln National Forest on Hwy 70 for a more direct one.  So, I let my GPS plan the second leg of my route.

I left Hobbs NM at 0730 hrs and needed to cover 338 miles by 1300, so off I headed after my complimentary Best Western Breakfast.  I topped off my tank, got a couple of bottles of water, a Red Bull and hit the highway.  The temp was 45° and with the wind chill of 70 MPH it was a brisk equivalent of 31°.  There was very little traffic on this back route, which would take me around the southern tip of the Guadalupe Mountain Range, as scenic a place as you can get for this part of New Mexico.   There are very few places where you can take a pee along the road as trees are pretty sparse but on the flip side, there is very little traffic in these here parts.

The southern end of the Guadalupe Mountain Range

I did note the presence of quite a few LEO’s along this route.   With wide open stretches dotted with hills and obstructed views, it is easy to get heavy on the throttle and get caught on radar as you crested a rise.  Fortunately, most of the motorists in their cages going the opposite way, flashed their head lights as warnings of the LEO’s ahead.  I heeded these warnings and adjusted my rate of travel accordingly.  I waved as I passed the stationary guardians, who eagerly waived back.  I took the liberty of putting their locations on my route map, just in case you may frequent those stretches.

The route filled with LEO’s, 338 miles

As I reached the Guadalupe Mountains, I made a mental note of places I should return to and camp.  When I descended from the south end of the mountain range and into the salt flats west bound on Hwy 180, I saw a middle aged rider on a GL1800 stopped along the side of the Hwy headed east.  I saw the rider motion two other riders to continue on past him.  I assume they were his friends and he just stopped to adjust some gear.  His two buddies obliged continuing on and as I reached his location, he fell over on his bike.  It looked like he “thought” he put his kick stand down but it wasn’t.  I began a rapid deceleration and made a U-turn to help him lift up the 1,000 plus pound machine.  He, “Benny” was from Texas too and thanked me for my timing.  I gave him my business card and rode off like the Lone Ranger, having done my good deed for the day.

Help he’s fallen and he can’t get up!  Benny and his Honda Gold Wing GL 1800.

Well, I arrived at Don Cameron’s home in Deming, NM at 1330 hrs.  As each rider arrived, heads would turn to check out who and what was riding in.  Riders seemed to congregate with others who had similar machines, to discuss the various aspects of what they ride and the latest gadgets.  One bike caught my eye, as it had a Blue Knights decal on the back with Texas plates.  I quickly introduced myself to my fellow Knight and learned that Dave was with the Border Patrol.  We had a great conversation, broke bread together and exchanged contact info.

A Blue Knight that actually rides!

Upon arrival, each rider registered and got a name tag.  Each rider was also given a door prize ticket and told to put a pin in the map of the United States, showing where you rode in from.  Seemed like Washington and Michigan were the farthest points of origin.  During this time the piston toss and slow ride games were being played.  The tranquility was sometimes interrupted with the report of a Muzzle loading rifle, being fired in the back on Don’s yard.

As riders arrived, pins showed where they rode in from

A steady stream of riders continued arriving until about 1600 hrs, the proposed dinner time.   Well this was a Ride to Eat situation and some folks are serious about the eating part, arriving just in time to be served.  The food was BBQ sirloin roasts, with homemade beans, potato salad, rolls, sliced onions and a jalapeño relish, along with two kinds of scrumptious brownies.  There was plenty of cold beverage in all forms for all and all stomachs were fill and satisfied.

My friends Bob Hole with Bill Androws from Ca, fellow members of GWRRA Chapter CA2Q

Piston Toss game

Slow ride competition

Don Cameron our gracious and generous host

A “Gaggle” of LD Riders

After the games and meal, a raffle was held and the two top prizes were a new helmet and $256 in cash.  An equal amount of cash was donated to help the local VFW to help with the costs of transporting fallen soldiers.  Recognition was paid to all of the veterans present and the upcoming birthday of the Marine Corps.  As the sun quickly settled, the temperature dropped and jackets were donned.  A fire was started and we all congregated around it like moths around a flame.  With bellies full and socializing done, riders began to disappear into the dark from where they came,in typical LD Rider fashion.

Bellies full and enjoying the warmth of the fire

This was a great event, a gathering of those who have discovered the Zen of Long Distance riding.  It is the epitome of what LD riding is all about…good people, good times, good food and the quest for the ultimate ride.  Hope to see you next year!

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