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.