Experience Measuring Stick

When first meeting another rider one of the first small-talk questions I ask is "How long have you been riding?" Sure this kind of helps gauge the experience the rider has, but then again... does it really? I think not. I think a better question would be to ask how many miles he/she has under his/her belt. As I meet more and more riders, a lot of them have 4-5 years of riding behind them; however, it usually turns out that they have only ridden 5,000-10,000 miles.

What's your miles-logged measuring stick?

I've talked to a lot of "real" riders, and they said they stop calling others newbs when they hit the 30,000 mile mark. I think 30,000 miles sounds about right.

In my 4+ years, I've ridden over 43,000 miles, and I've learned that I still have a lot to learn.

"The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing." ~ Socrates

Merry Christmas!

Wishing everyone a safe and happy holiday! ~ D & Blueberry

GirlClutch

I was really excited to finally get my GirlClutch hoodie! Also got a sticker for Blueberry while I was at it (horrible pic, I know). I've been wanting some motorcycle casual apparel for ages now, but Alpinestar hats and Monster shirts just didn't really appeal to me. Thanks, GirlClutch. Want one of your own? Click here.

Merry Christmas!

Waurika Loop

Temple. Not much to comment about Temple... Sears owned a store there until the 50s. I believe a Chinese company bought that facility in the early 2000s... It used to be quite the local-business supporting town (44 small businesses back in the day) compared to the now-ish time frame (13 stores). Sad.

Hastings. Another town that changed its name. It was originally called Bayard (I wonder if they had sheep...Ba-yard- get it?) and was incorporated in 1902. In 1910, it had a population of approximately 727. Nowadays, it's under 200. It's this tiny little town and doesn't seem to have a lot to offer (from what I saw- didn't get to explore too much). But, back in its heyday, the town had a lot of newspapers (Free Lance, the Hastings News, the Hastings Telegraph, and the Hastings Herald), a pool, a movie theater, and, get this, an opera house. At the edge of town (if one can call it that- it's a corner town. You turn the corner and that was it) there was a historic marker for Hastings Baptist College. Yet, the building didn't look school-like at all. Once again, I should have stopped... Apparently it opened in 1906 and was relocated to Mangum, OK in 1912.

All I can see about Waurika is that it's an awesome little town. I'd move there in a heartbeat. Yes, the Waurikans are probably thinking "Oh God, No!"

Waurika means clear water. I wonder if they have a spring.
...Wait...they have a lake...which I've been to. Good thing I'm blonde and can blame my memory lapses on something. I'll dig up that ride sometime and post it, too.

I should have stopped in Comanche and Addington because I saw some interesting/amusing things. Oh well, next time.

Logged about 160 miles on this ride. It was the perfect way to celebrate the end of a semester!
Pictures from this ride can be found on WGR's Facebook page.

Wait Policy

So, I've learned many things in the years I've been riding. One of those things is that most riders who say they'll "be there," won't be there. It's basically a given. If there's one thing I can depend on, it's that if 40 riders say they'll "be there" then I'm lucky if one shows up. Screw that.

Therefore, my wait policy (aka kickstands up at) is 5 minutes. Not 10. Not 15. And sure as hell not 30 minutes. That's wasted riding time. My policy is simple; if you're not there in 5 minutes then I won't be either.

Figures

Since I'm currently on lock-down due to presentations, papers, and finals I'm all excited about my two week break. Especially since my plans mainly consist of riding, riding, and riding. Did I mention riding?

Looking at the weather report, and what do I see? Forecast is predicting rain, rain, and more rain.
*super sad puppy dog face*

Lady Rider Jacket

I don't think I've posted anything about my jacket, yet. So here goes. The jeans I'm wearing in this pic are the Red Route Kevlar lined jeans I mentioned in an earlier post. Warmer than regular jeans in the winter. I'm currently sporting Joe Rocket Ballistic 5.0 riding pants these winter days, though. I must say that I've never been so toasty on an overcast 30 degree day. A light layer fits underneath, but be warned- you'll experience cold/hot flashes in those pants. Completely weird. When the heater's on where ever you are, your legs will be cold. If the A/C is on, your legs will be sweating buckets. Sure, you could take them off but who wants to lug around an extra pair of pants?
Personality # 32: FOCUS!
...
Oh, yeah... Jacket.
 It's the Lady Rider jacket by Frank Thomas (size small). Or from that riding gear collection. However you want to phrase where it came from. I've had this jacket for 2 years.  People probably think I have a fascination with pink. I was in Cyclegear when I saw this lovely jacket (the only one that fit my budget) and they didn't have black or blue in my size. When it comes to being able to ride, I'm REALLY impatient. So what the hell, pink it is.
The liner is awesome and warm. It's super easy to take out. And, since I tend to run cold, I can still fit 2-3 layers of under-armor, 1 T-shirt. and 2 sweaters under this jacket. Big plus in my book. It has a waist band the wearer can tighten which keeps air from getting up under there, but then it puffs up the upper body of the jacket (which you can kind of see in the picture). Free and painless temporary boob job.
It's got pads in the elbows and shoulders and the upper portion of the back. Take out the liner and it's a nice jacket to wear up to around 80 degrees. Humid days- it's just awful. But, overall a keeper.

Inflation

Checking tire pressure = good idea. The right tire pressure makes a world of difference. A lesson this blonde keeps forgetting.

Therapy

Even though, I probably should have just stayed home in front of my laptop making income statements and reading finance chapters, I went on a ride.
It was a beautiful Sunday afternoon (albeit, a little chilly), and I'm glad I spent it out on Blueberry. It turned into a nice little 130 mile ride.

While riding the curves of 115, I slowed it down to pay attention to my technique. While "slowing it down" I realized that I was actually able to see what I could improve, found better lines, and was able to increase my speed in the curves a lot better than ever before. A successful trip out to Meers, around the Wildlife Refuge, a stop in Cooperton, hwy 49 back into the refuge, a detour through Cache, and a nice little detour on the way back home.
You know it's been a good (and much needed) ride when even thought you can't feel your fingers and toes, you can't help but smile.
And, even though it's Monday and I have a zillion things to do (not to mention an exam in my finance class tonight), I'm still all smiles. I think today shall be Awesome Monday (Note: I've also had like 5 cups of coffee this morning...).

RPs

Anyone who has read Keith Code's Twist of the Wrist ought to know what I'm referring to. Yes, even though I've been a lazy rider lately, motorcycles are constantly on my mind. That's probably a sign that I have a problem, but it's about BIKES!!!! and I just can't help it.

So as I stay home, work, and study, I find myself reading Code's book. I'm taking some notes and making a list of how I ride, what I do when I ride, what needs improvement, and ideas on how to improve my riding (making different decisions). As I continue to read, I find myself thinking "Wow! I'm such a squid!" There are so many things I take for granted while riding because these tasks are "automatic" (which they shouldn't be).

Maybe I'll start a road journal with sketches and notes on my decisions and reference points.

Have you read Code's book or a similar book? What was the most valuable thing you learned from the material?

November!

I'm suffering from withdrawals! I haven't been riding much at all. Then again, I haven't been going anywhere at all. The only reason I love going to school is because it's a 50 mile ride. Counting down the hours until my Saturday class starts... 46.5 hours until Blueberry and I are cruising on the hwy.

Medicine Park Car Show 2011

It's almost here again. My, how time flies. So if you've got nothing to do on Saturday, go check it out! Note the rain date. I believe last year they had to move the car show because it rained. Probably why it wasn't that great last year... Smart move, Medicine Park. Smart move. See, us Okies know how to use our brain every now and then.

Medicine Park Car Show Flyer

And, if you can't make it, check back because I plan on going.
 
*UPDATE*
I know I said this about last year's car show (who would have thought I'd be saying it now),but last year's car show was better. There were some nice rides, though. A lot of newer muscle cars (mustangs, challengers, chargers, etc), but like the last show, I'll spare you my opinion of those.

Saw some cars that were at Elgin's crawds 'n' rods show.

It's still nice that MP hosts a car show every year. Hoping it's an event that will stick around and grow (improve). I went around 11AM. There weren't too many people out and about. Looking forward to next year's show.

I am the goose whisperer.

More pictures are in the Facebook album.

Gloves, Gloves, Gloves

The holes in my Shift gloves are growing in size, so I thought it was about time to get a backup pair. Stopped by CycleGear in OKC and found some Bilt gloves.

Shows how well I study...
I love that padding on the lower palm. The length of the gloves will take some getting used to since they don't fit too well under my jacket. And, they seemed kind of breezy when I took them for a test ride. So, I'll have to get some liners for those 20 degree rides. They're a size large. My shift gloves were a size medium. And, the last Joe Rocket gloves I had were a small.

Bye Bye Birdie

May the little bird that met my front tire at 65 mph rest in peace. It certainly took a dive at the wrong time.
Otherwise, it was a lovely afternoon for a ride! Three other riders showed interest in getting out and putting some miles on the bikes. When the time came to meet up, only two other riders showed. The 5 minute wait policy was long up, so we decided to head out. Of course, we took a major detour to our not specified destination of Altus. We rode the lake road to Medicine park a couple of times before riding up Mount Scott where we happened to meet up with our missing rider. Funny how life works out sometimes. Since we had our four and the detours out of our system, we made our way over to Altus via HWY 115 and Hobart. I just hung back and stopped here and there to take some pictures for the blog (have to justify my fuel bill somehow, right?).

Pictures from this ride can be found on WGR's Facebook page.

Kevlar Lined Jeans

 I bought some Red Route Kevlar lined jeans a little while ago when I saw them online for $70. The denim is pretty thick. The stitching isn't that great. Some of the stitching in the front is already coming undone. The heat difference between wearing these or regular jeans is minimal (if there is a difference at all). Sure, they're not as thoroughly lined as Sartso Jeans (see below), but for $70 they're not that bad. I usually wear a Juniors' size 5-7, but after reading reviews on fit I ordered a women's size 8. They're kind of big which is okay since winter is approaching and I'll be able to wear some layers underneath.

Girl Squid

So I met this girl the other day while working at one of Lawton's two annual festivals. Turns out she rides, so, of course, I'm excited.

Hey! A possible riding buddy. I think.
"How long have you been riding?" I ask.
"About a month." The girl with the bright fake fingernails and a lot of make-up replies.
"So what do you ride?"
"A ninja 250."
"That's cool. I ride a cbr600."
"Well, I thought I'd start out on something small that I can learn on."
I tell her that was a smart idea.


So I'm riding down Cache road running errands the other day when I see this little 250, the bright nails, and a girl rockin' some fancy shades, and no lid. Only riding for a month...

To each their own, I guess.

I'm not completely free of squid tendencies, but if you hit your head on concrete while standing around outside, and that can do a good job to your brain-holder then I don't want to know what will happen when you fall off your bike going 25 mph and hit your head on the curb. No sirree, Bob!
I think there's a greater risk of something happening the first couple of years one rides because there are so many other things going on around you while you're still learning to ride, getting used to your bike, gaining experience, and learning just how much you have to pay attention to others that I think I'd wear a helmet just to have one less thing to worry about.

Another Ride to Hinton

So I haven't had much of a chance to ride lately. But, I'm thankful to have found an opportunity to get away from Lawton for a little bit. However, before the next ride, I need to remember to tighten my chain...

Destination: Hinton, OK...again.

Miles logged: 200ish

Stopped in at Red Rock Canyon State Park in Hinton. The road down to the State Park is fun! But, like all fun things in OK, it's short-lived. So, this was the first time I actually drove through the town of Hinton. I have no clue why I was actually expecting something...

The beginning of HWY 37 in Hinton. It's got some nice sweepers, but I like HWY 115 better.

Oklahoma History Lesson:

Hinton was founded in 1902 by a representative of the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railway. It was a town that thrived from its agricultural nature and the railway. In 1931, the Kiwanis hosted a rodeo. It remains an annual event to this day. The newspaper, the Hinton Record, was first printed in 1904 and is still the current paper. That's kind of neat. In the 60s, they built a nursing home. Hinton is also the home of a nice 18-hole golf course and a prison...

Ah, we also passed through Binger, but I didn't get a chance to stop. On different motorcycle note, I finally bought a copy of Twist of the Wrist!

More pictures of this ride on the Facebook album. 

September!

So, it's the loveliest day in September, and I had to get away from my evil homework. I rode through the refuge to enjoy the strong smell of burnt cedar and out to Cache. The Wichita Mtn Wildlife Refuge is under construction (at least the roads are) so the speed limit is 35. And, there are like a million extra stop signs (okay,okay only 4).

 

My dorky self.

Procrastinating

It's the day before my business strategy paper on Dr. Pepper is due, and, of course, I found something better to do than actually sit down and write my paper. I had the opportunity to meet up with another rider who was staying in the area for a week. Paper Schmaper, I thought. I can start, write,and finish that 4-5 page paper in the wee hours of tomorrow morning. As I left the house, I'll be damned if I didn't see what appeared to be rain clouds rolling in over the Wichita Mountains. We met up at the gas station, and rode up Mt. Scott to feel the wind kick up and the rain clouds draw nearer.

It looks so cold in the pictures that you'd never believe it was 108 degrees. Yes, it was a tad bit warm and sweat began rolling down one's face just from the exertion of breathing. We rode back down Mount Scott and parked in the picnic area so we could check out the boulder field near the bottom of Mt. Scott. I finally was able to convince someone to jump through those boulders with me. Sure, a day with a temperature of 108 degrees may not have been the brightest idea, but I never claimed to be the brightest crayon in the box. My riding buddy even took some pictures of me riding. Impromptu rides sure do rock!

About 5 raindrops fell from the sky. Oklahoma is a weather tease. On a side note, I haven't seen Mt.Scott's Parking lot empty in a long time.

More picture on the Facebook album!

I feel like riding out to visit Nowhere again. It seems like it would be therapeutic at this moment in my life. What a better place to ponder life's funny jokes than Nowhere?

No, you can't have my number

So, as my you-need-gas-soon-light came on, I decided I'd fill up before heading home. I pull into the gas station, and find myself in a conversation with a stranger. Don't get me wrong now, I'm all for random conversations with strangers and even a little flirting, but if you're 15 years my senior and do not ride AND you start the convo with "Where's your man at?" then there is no way in hell you're getting my number. As a matter of fact, a snowball stands a better chance surviving hell and maintaining its snowball-iness than you stand a chance of getting my number.

Also, mentioning your income level is not a selling point. In fact, I find it kind of vain.

Pervert dude: "Where's your man at?"
Me: *looks around.* *shrugs* "Hmph. Guess he must've fallen off..."

That reminds me of that shirt which reads "If you can read this then the bitch fell off" on the back. I really ought to buy that shirt.

She thought I was a guy

So I was riding through town on my way home from a ride through the refuge, and as I'm approaching a light that ought to turn green, this chick and two guys were crossing the street between my bike and the light. I guess sportbike to most people evokes the notion that the rider must be a guy because she tried to flag me down.

She ought to know what happens when one assumes. You find yourself flagging down a pink-bootlace rocking female rider.

The Ride That Never Was

Yeah, I totally stole that from a book. In this crazy heat wave we currently have, I was pleased to find that there are enough crazy people who are still riding. I think, I'll take this moment to define riding. Riding = at least 25 miles of being on a bike moving in a certain direction (preferably not down). Riding does not mean riding the streets of town (riding the cruise) or "riding" to a car wash. Unfortunately, most riders who ride (as defined) have cruisers (no offense intended). Looks like I need to find some cruisers to ride with because finding someone with a sportbike who rides and doesn't belong to a club is a challenge which I am tired of. Guess I'll be riding solo for the most part.

I found a couple of riders who were interested in going to Lake Altus with me. You know what they say about the best laid plans. We got off to a late start and after the boys were happily fed, there wasn't really the time. So a 200 mile ride turned into an 80 mile ride. It was a little warm, and my face received a free sauna from the brainbucket. Speaking of motorcycle apparel and heat, the Red Route Kevlar jeans I invested in are awesome. I was worried that they might be unbearable in the heat, but they're no worse than my regular jeans. I had to take out the knee guard, though. The knee guards never sit right, but there's Kevlar where the guards were.
Almost makes me want to test my jeans:

The Longest Tune-Up Ever

That's what Blueberry's tune-up has become. I've been tinkering around here and there. Okay, I've also been putting it off since I've never changed the spark plugs on a newer bike before. So I pried off the lower, middle, and upper fairings on both sides. A note on the upper fairings: they suck. Not really, but watch out for those annoying "clips" There are 4 under the nose that need to be removed before it can pop off. It's extremely sad that something so simple can make me feel so stupid. (In the mean time, I have mastered those simple clips. Yay for Blondie!) After reading on some forums (mainly this Godsend), I determined that I ought to be fine with the tools I have. I drained the coolant (for the flush I plan on doing) and lowered the radiator in order to get to the spark plugs a little better. I've learned a couple of things:
1. It's a good idea to take off the radiator.
2. Ignition coils annoy me.
It's a tight fit. It took me a while to determine the proper combination of extensions as well as convince the ignition coils they were going to behave. Since all the fairings are off, I think I'll go ahead give 'em a good wash and wax.

I haven't terrorized the streets in forever! Hoping to get the flush and plugs done before the weekend is over. Looking for some good riding locations. Suggestions???

So...

It helps if one takes the silencer out. Good to know.

Leo Vince Exhaust

Stock Exhaust

It's been forever since I've posted. Hell, it's been forever since I've left my house. My battery totally died last Sunday (RIP you crappy battery), and I went a little crazy shopping for parts.
Let's see. Blueberry's 2 year anniversary tune-up will include:

• A new battery (Yay for power!)
• A coolant flush (Did you know that flies love Engine Ice?)
• NGK spark plugs
• Chain tightening
• A new pulse generator (Only because the current one's leak is starting to gush rather than trickle)
• And a Leo Vince slip-on exhaust. 

 The exhaust was here before my pulse generator and battery made it, so I put it on right away. No amusing anecdotes from that adventure. However, it wasn't until I was totally psyched and tried pushing the start button, that I realized no battery = no power.

So, I impatiently waited on my battery...

Crawds N Rods 2011

Blueberry and I headed out to Elgin, OK for their annual car show.

Another year of Crawds N Rods gone by. If you missed it, make sure to check it out next year. It's an awesome fundraiser for the Elgin Fire Department, which happened to be raffling off this custom built bike:

 

More pictures are on the Facebook album!

There were many newer models (mustangs, corvettes, challengers, etc), but I'll spare you my opinion on those.

Blueberry Anniversary is Drawing Nigh

We've been inseparable for almost 2 years. Miles logged thus far: 27,517.

Showing some German pride

July 1st is when I bought Blueberry(...I think). Any bets on Blueberry mileage by July 1st, 2011?

Cache

So after all this time, and the countless times I've ridden through Cache, I don't think I've ever posted anything about Cache. So here we are. Cache is located about 12 miles west of Lawton. It's one of my many regular detours. Gotta head home, yet don't really want to? No problem. Swing through Cache and the Refuge on the way home. Not enough? Then there's Mt. Scott and Medicine Park...oh the detouring options!

So there's this place in Cache that's been around forever called the Trading Post. When I stopped the dude (owner) wasn't there, hence it wasn't open. He was off chasing cows (I hope that's not like "chasing the dragon"...), but if there's a small green truck out front, then it's open. Small town hours, eh? I have fond memories of running through the trading post back in the day with my cousins when they visited from Germany. The owner was a big history book. So, if you see that truck, it's worth the stop. He owns the former homes of Quanah Parker and Frank James (Jesse James' brother). One used to be able to arrange for a tour, but I'm not sure if that still goes.

Star House. Pic not mine. Click link below.

Quanah's Star House was moved after Fort Sill almost destroyed it (haha, so I guess it's not a new past time). So, Eagle Park used to be a park, but it closed over 25 years ago. For more info click here.

Pic not mine. Click the link below.

This home is now in Eagle Park also. For more info about Frank James click here.

Also, there's was small Mexican restaurant in Cache on Main St. The building of which has this pretty cool mural on it. I think both mural and restaurant are long gone now (2013).

More pictures are on WGR's Facebook page.
This blog is brought to you by the lovely (biased opinion, we know) Stone Turtle – Lodging, a small family owned and operated hotel / lodging business near Lawton, Oklahoma, Fort Sill,  the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, Meers and Medicine Park. Yeah, that’s right we’re a small lodging business close to all the awesomeness Oklahoma has to offer!!

Never gets old

What one finds while procrastinating

I took these videos at the No Limit stunt show in May 2009 at House of Kawasaki up in OKC.

It appears that I once knew how to take videos with my camera. Can't ask me to do that again...

What one finds while procrastinating

April 2011

So in my book it doesn't get much better than going for a ride and a hike on the same day. It's pretty awesome living a few minutes from the Wichita Mountains. Although, it usually means that I take more detours than necessary. I'm all about the detours.

Awesome thing about taking a bike is that parking usually isn't a problem...usually. I have managed to receive a parking notice. Go me.

So yesterday's ride went to the Wichita Mtns Wildlife Refuge (yet again) and out to Eagle Mtn. Running on slacker time almost got me into trouble. Blueberry needed gas, and I, thinking I was good on time, mozied on down to the gas station. It wasn't until I was getting close to the HWY 49 turnoff that I realized the group was meeting at 10:00AM. My clock read 9:46. So much for getting gas. I prayed it'd get me out there and back to a gas station.

Speeding on the Refuge is a no-go (not that I would ever speed...). Get on the refuge and a deer runs out in front of me. Looked out for its friends, but it seemed to travel alone. Passed a snake on the road by Mt. Scott. I didn't see what it was since I was running out of time. Passing an F-150 law enforcement truck reminded me to watch my itching throttle hand. Good thing too, because further down the road was another law enforcement vehicle parked with a radar. I probably shouldn't have laughed and said "hahaha, not today, boy" because karma is a bitch. I get to the meeting location shortly after 10:00. Not too shabby. I pulled into the Visitor Center (not going "too fast" in my opinion. I mean, home stretch deserves a coasting). I walk into the Visitor Center and nicely say "Good Mornin'" to the lady at the desk only to be told to watch my speed when coming into the Visitor Center. Seriously? I certainly went no faster than the dude behind me.

The hike was a blast. Hiked up Eagle Mtn out to Pennington Mine and back through the Narrows. The group learned a good rule of thumb: don't follow Dani. Those that didn't see the easy way and followed me weren't exactly fond of me, but they now have that rule of thumb memorized.

The Narrows

After a 6 mile hike and forgetting my fuel condition, I was brought back to reality. Yes, it happens occasionally. Blueberry and I were able to coast into a gas station miles after gas light started going off.

Riders in OK M&G Sun 3/27

So when I checked the weather forecast for today a couple of days ago, it said 79 degrees and partly cloudy. The only resemblance the actual weather had to that was that it was above freezing. Must be nice to have a job where one can continuously forecast the wrong thing and still have a job. Anyways...

It was a small meet and greet. A couple of riders braved the cold and rode down from OKC area. So major props out to them. I told them that they now had a right to make some lazy riders feel really bad. Part of No Excuses came out, too. But, it was only 4 of us for the ride. As we were waiting for the OKC riders, I received a text that they were taking lots of "jumping jack stops." What the hell? This was cleared up on our ride. How clever! And, much more effective than my "cold-dance." So double props to Mike and Jonathan.

Mike R's photo which I stole. Damn those shaky hands of mine.

We headed out to Meers for a Meersburger. Where we came across two other bikers who braved the cold. There was (for once) no line at Meers. We then went on Oklahoma's little Deals Gap (HWY 115). It was kind of hazy and the foothills of the Wichitas looked amazing. For the first time, I actually noticed that you are approaching the windmills. That selective seeing of mine is really pretty amazing. The importance of warmed up tires became evident to me (Again. I have no long-term memory). I always try to ride at least 15 miles before getting on those corners. It was still fun, however, and the misty mountains were worth the ride.


Next stop was Mt. Scott. By the time we made it there, only the top of Mt. Scott was still in the clouds. Mt. Scott was closed for business. On to Medicine Park and the Lake Rd (Elm, if I remember correctly). The wind made Lake Lawtonka a wavy sight. The pelicans didn't seem to mind. On days like today, Coffee is even more amazing.

Another Detour...Altus

Destination: Altus
Miles logged: 196ish
 The ultimate destination was Altus. Took a small detour, however, to check out some uncharted (at least by me) Oklahoma towns.

Found myself on HWY 115, yet again. Okay, so it's no Deal's Gap, but it's Oklahoma. Can't be asking for too much now. Haven't stayed on 115 in forever, but there are two more 25mph curves after you pass the HWY 19 turnoff. HWY 115 then remains straight with good sights until the small town of Mountain View. Well, from Mountain View, the view of the Wichitas is nonexistent. Okay, maybe not nonexistent, but I've seen better. So, no idea what's with the name. Mtn View turns out to be bigger than I remembered. They even have a gas station with 91. Guess there's more to the town other than its auction after all. Apparently Mountain View has a welcome center... Continued north on HWY 115 (passing the original town site of Mtn View- that's right, they moved the town.) until HWY 152.

Mtn. View

 HWY 115 north of Mtn View has some curves, too. Road's kind of bumpy, though. Turned left onto HWY 152 and rode to Cordell. I was actually impressed. They have a town square. Took a break in front of a motorcycle repair shop; The owner of which came over to say hi. The people of Mountain View and Cordell were extremely friendly. Gotta love that small-town charm. Cordell even has a bowling alley that sits on a hill. Color me impressed.

Cordell

Stayed on 152 through the outskirts (or so I hope) of Dill City and took HWY 44 south to Sentinel (they have a gas station with 91), Lone Wolf, Quartz Mtns, Blair, and finally Altus. Headed back to Meers via Lawton.
Coming back to that small town charm, whether you're cruising through a small town or down some back highway, you'll note that there's always someone with a smile and a wave.

OK History:
Nothing too interesting about Cordell. It has a population of about 3,000 and won the Great American Main Street award (given to five American cities every year) in '99. Norman Rockwell missed out. I'd move to Cordell in a heartbeat. They ought to feel special. Anyways...

Mountain View:
 Originally called Oakdale, the town moved its location to be closer to the Rock Island railway in 1903.
Sentinel:
It all started in 1898 with a small general store. There was some confusion about the name of the town due to it having two names. In 1907, the issue was resolved and it was named Sentinel. By 1911, two banks, a newspaper, electricity and telephone service, four grocers, two hotels, four general stores, and more could be found in Sentinel. By 1930, the town had well over 1,200 residents. Not bad for an ag-based community. In 1935, a CCC (Civilian Conservation Corp) camp came to the area. Population has decreased over the years (population is somewhere around 860). Judging by the many donut-tire marks on the hwy, I think it's safe to say that there's not too much to do in Sentinel.

More pictures on WGR's Facebook page.

2009- Blueberry's tires

Found a pic from one of my last sets of tires. Not sure which were worse, the '10s or the '09s.

Well, if there's one thing I know how to do, it's put miles on my tires.

Blueberry Apparel

I received the coolest gift today! I wasn't lied to when told that it "screams Dani," because who else could where this sweatshirt but me?

New Lid

Yes, that's right. I finally have a lid that isn't held together by superglue...yet.

Scorpion EXO 700

Norway in Oklahoma

Destination: Norge
Miles logged: 80 miles



Third time's the charm (so they say), and I finally found my way to Norge, OK in the company of No Excuses Motorcycle Club. From Porter Hill, we rode out through Elgin, Fletcher, and Cyril. Got off to a rocky start in Cyril (those curves I've mentioned before). The same ones I crashed on back in April 09 (ah, the good times). Rider and bike were both fine (whew). 

Blueberry at the FZR crash site. Should've looked for that guardian bell I'd lost back in the day.

 From Cement we headed north on Oklahoma Avenue (original, no?) and took County Rd 1410 East, which will get you past Lake Burtschi (have to go back to check it out). There are a couple of fun curves on this road. It turns into HWY 92 somewhere and next thing you know you're driving past cute houses (the Norwegian style coming out, I guess), a school, and a thing that looked almost like a gas station...almost. 

Not anything worth stopping for, but before I pass final judgment on Norge, I'll have to go back.

From Chickasha we caught HWY 19 back to Cement. Well, it's not a good ride until ya get pulled over. It was a good ride...

OK History Lesson: Norge

  Norge was settled in 1907. President Roosevelt declared Norwegian immigrant Anfin Ersland the first postmaster (how cool is that?). The town was home to quite a few Norwegians back in the day. The town didn't get too big, and the Great Depression and the Dust Bowl wreaked havoc on Oklahoma's Norway. Post office closed in 1954, and Norge has a population of about 80.

Overnight Lodging

Stone Turtle Ranch

 

If your ride brings you to SW OK, and you need a place to stay overnight, check out Stone Turtle Ranch. They have two vacation homes, each of which can sleep 6! Motorcycle friendly, and able to recommend places to ride! Close to Meers, Medicine Park, and the Wichita Mtns Wildlife Refuge.