Life Is A Highway And We Rode It For 4 Days

Awww..July 4th. How I love thee. Besides my birthday (more on that to come) and Christmas, the 4th of July is my favorite holiday. I love America. I love fireworks. And I love all things red, white, and blue. I’m especially fond of the new flip-flops I bought this year at Wal-Mart for a mere $3. They were the inspiration behind my new July outfit. I must have been looking too cute to bother with any pictures, but thankfully in Utah the patriotic celebrations last all month long and I will take some pics on the 24th. I love those pioneers too.

The long weekend also meant that Mr. S and I embarked on our 2nd annual July 4th weekend motorcycle trip. This year’s trip took us on almost 900 miles of some of the most beautiful highways in Idaho and Montana. The only hiccup we experienced happened about 16.8 miles in. How can I know down to the tenth of a mile? Because that is when I lost my odometer cable. I also noticed that the speedometer was no longer working. Apparently the two are connected. Who knew.

We made it safely to a Yamaha dealership and once we were assured that it was still safe to ride we continued on. And I left confident that if I did get pulled over, for the first time in my driving career I would finally be able to answer honestly when the officer asked me if I had any idea how fast I was going. I never got my chance.

Here is how the trip broke down -

Day 1: Twin Falls to Riggins, ID. At check-in our hotel offered us complimentary beer. They also welcome pets. Horses included. Day 2: Riggins, ID to Darby, MT. We found the White Bird Battlefield, rode the Nez Perce and Lewis and Clark trails, and were not offered beer at our hotel. But that didn’t matter because Darby is “the best kept secret in Montana.” It’s true. They have street banners that say so. Day 3: Darby, MT to Hailey, ID. In honor of Independence Day we took some time to visit the Veterans Memorial across the street from our hotel in Darby. Then on to Hailey. The only requirement for where we would stay was whether or not there were going to be fireworks. We stayed at a Bed & Breakfast, of which I am now the mayor, and we were able to watch fireworks from the parking lot. Not the greatest display I’ve seen and I did have to sing the patriotic themed songs in my head, but it was sufficient. Day 4: Hailey to Twin Falls to Salt Lake. Only 60 miles on the motorcycles then back to the truck. We picked up Kingston at my sister’s and made it home.I think Kingston had a great time playing with my nieces and nephews, but he was definitely happy to see us. And I him. Apparently my love for my dog is transparent. As I was snuggling with Kingston and telling him how much I missed him my 5 yr old niece asked me, “Are you going to love your babies more than Kingston?” No. Of course not. Maybe? By the way – this is not an announcement of any kind.

Not sure where we will go next year, but I’m kinda hoping I still have an excuse to speed.

I’ve Come So Far, I Can’t Remember Where I’ve Been

When Mr. S first suggested I get my own motorcycle I had some reservations. I love thrills but this was a thrill of a different nature. I would be putting myself in the line of distracted drivers, talking on their cell phones, eating, screaming at children, and hoping they were paying enough attention to notice me. The results could be deadly. Worse, what if I didn’t like it? I have always enjoyed riding on the back of his bike, but would I enjoy being on my own bike? What if I got so nervous riding that I became a danger to myself? I started to doubt myself. Which is so unlike me.

I will admit the first time Mr. S took me on the freeway all the doubts and all the fears got the better of me. Going 65 mph in busy traffic terrified me and I kept pulling over thinking I would just stay there and wait for traffic to die down. Luckily I have a husband who knows me better. And sometimes I just need a little push. I made it home that day in time for dinner, without having to wait for traffic to disappear.

My friend, Sarah, filmed this clip a few weeks back when I was riding home from work by myself for the first time. That day I was nervous riding home on State Street. After our trip to Idaho over the 4th of July I am officially a motorcycle loving fool. I never want to ride over Teton Pass again in the freezing rain, but if I have to I know I can do it. I’m also pushing more than 65 mph now. But in case my parents and anyone having anything to do with writing speeding tickets is reading this, I am keeping quiet.

Our 4th of July Adventure

July is one of my favorite months. I have a birthday and since I live in Utah, an entire month of fireworks. It’s nothing compared to ending everyday with fireworks like I did in Florida, but I will take what I can get.

Now that I am a certified and legal motorcycle rider, Mr. S and I planned a fun ride over the 4th of July weekend. Overall we rode almost 800 miles. We left Thursday night and rode as far as my sister’s house in Wellsville. It was raining, which had me worried, but I handled it like a pro. Especially if you have heard me describe my first time on the freeway only a month previous. There was a lot of pulling over and freaking out happening on my part. But I eventually overcame the fear because I knew I had to in order to make this trip happen.Day 2 started with a ride through Logan Canyon. We stopped in Bear Lake and enjoyed a raspberry shake and fries from LaBeau’s.

The morning started off great with clear, blue skies, but by the time we would arrive at our hotel for the night we rode through 6 rainstorms. That’s right, 6! The good thing is that most of them were short-lived and we could always see clear skies in the distance to help us keep going. Our agenda for that day was to continue on US-89 to Jackson, stop for dinner and then ride over Teton Pass into Drigg’s, ID. The last rainstorm just happened to start right as we left Jackson and were headed over the pass. The scariest 10 miles of my life! It was bad enough going up the pass, but once we neared the top I realized I would also have to ride down. By that time the rain was coming down pretty hard, I was cold, wet and the roads were covered in water. I was sure I was going to drop my bike but with a lot of careful maneuvering we both made it down safe. Initiation over. We arrived to our cabin in Drigg’s cold, wet and tired. After a hot bath I was asleep by 9.

Our cozy cabin in DriggsMy favorite day on the bikes was Saturday. From Driggs we rode up through Ashton, ID to Mesa Falls. Who knew Idaho could be so beautiful. Ashton is full of rolling hills, which were a blast on the motorcycle, and green, lush farmlands. And Mesa Falls was so beautiful I couldn’t add just one picture so I put together a slideshow for your viewing pleasure. The other plus to this day. No rain!

After Mesa Falls, we continued south to Idaho Falls/Shelley where we were staying with some friends of ours. I had always heard that the fireworks in Idaho Falls were some of the best. And they really were. It helps to have such a picturesque backdrop with the temple on one side of the river and fireworks on the other. Add in some cuddling and Neil Diamond and my 4th of July was complete.We left Shelley after church on Sunday for the final 200 miles. It’s amazing how comfortable I am on the bike now and happy for Mr. S’ sake. We are now able to share in a hobby that he has loved for so long. And I look forward to many more road trips in the future.

Small and Super Things #4

I am off on my first long distance motorcycle ride over the 4th of July weekend. Work has been crazy and I need a couple days off. I also need a dose of Small and Super Things. And when I need it, you all benefit. Enjoy and have a great holiday weekend.

1- The 4th of July. Besides my birthday and Christmas, this is my favorite holiday. Fireworks, Neil Diamond and Patriotism. Any questions?

2-Only one week until my birthday. Gifts are still being accepted. Cash is okay too.

3-Discovering two new flavors of Extra Fruit Sensations gum.

4-Cuddling with Kingston. And Mr. S.

5-Neighbors apologizing for past transgressions. Does this mean I need to tone down the “passionate lovemaking?”

Small and Super Things #3

1- Made my first strawberry-rhubarb pie with a homemade crust to boot. And it didn’t suck!

2- A lazy Sunday afternoon eating above said pie for lunch. That’s right, nothing but pie.

3- Another season of SYTYCD has begun. If you aren’t sure what that means I may have to rethink our friendship. And if you do know what that means, and we don’t know each other, I may have to consider a new friendship.

4- My first solo motorcycle ride.

5- Almost 10 months of wedded bliss.

Flip Flop Challenge: Week 3…and Other Stuff

After 3 weeks of doing this little contest I am finally seeing some results. Lost a pound. The workouts were nothing to write home about, but I do think I did better as far as the amount of sweets I consumed. Also just found out that my old trainer is in town for a month and teaching a 3-day women’s bootcamp. He has graciously offered to let me come and take it, free of charge. The unfortunate thing is class starts at 5:45…a.m!

I also passed my motorcycle safety class this past weekend. Mr. S is very proud but I think that means he is excited we can start going on some rides together. I still have a long way to go before I feel completely comfortable, but that only comes with time. I named my bike Cherry Pie, and by doing so I know she will take better care of me as we travel the open road.

In puppy news we no longer need to choose between the adorable pups born just 3 weeks ago. Their mother made that decision for us when she rolled on top of one of her sons killing him. It is a sad turn of events but that must mean the brown one is meant for us. I’m keeping my fingers crossed that the best son survived.

These Boots Were Made For Riding…and Strutting

As I continue to get myself fashionably ready to become a biker vixen, I am making my list and checking it twice. Hot ride. Check. Sparkly, pink helmet. Check. Gloves to match. Check. Protective boots worthy of strutting in when not on the bike. Check. Check. And CHECK!