As mentioned earlier this was a tremendous 4th of July for me. I had a good ride thru some very interesting country. I rode around a bend near Alexander ND and there was a small herd of buffalo near the roadway and they were awesome. I just stopped and looked until they got bored with me and walked away.
More buffs.
Right before they moved aweay this guy gave me a salute or else he was making some buffalo chips, anyway it was cool.
I was feeling really good after seeing those buffs, I was thinking "what a great memorable 4th of July treat " and then shortly after I came across an American flag laying beside the road. It was automatic no thought process-I picked it up and stuck it on the back of my bike. I knew right away that I had found another item like that piece of chain that I would carry with me the rest of the trip , however long that is.
As I rode along I could here it flapping behind me and although I have felt that every day of this trip was super I had an overwhelming feeling come over me that was even better than super. Here I was in North Dakota on the 4th of July in the middle of doing a dream trip across the United States of America. I have mentioned prevously how Lou Gehrig's words described how I was feeling because this trip has done nothing but increase my appreciation for how wonderful this country is and its people are. I got something in both eyes at once for several miles when I thought how I really am the luckiest guy on the face of the earth to be able to do this. I wish that everyone can experience the feeling I had today, even for a little while.
Another thing that happened is that after I put up that flag about every driver who passed either waved or blew their horns, trucks , cars, motor cycles etc. I have had a lot of waves and smiles from folks so far on trip but nothing like today. What a rush, the hills and miles were like a blur, the peddles turned by themselves. It just did not matter how far or fast I was going , this was a hell of an experience.
I understand that this trip could go for 2 more months or end tomorrow but no matter what, I do know that at least for today I really am the luckiest guy on the face of the earth.
Tony,
ReplyDeleteI'm with you in spirit. Today my wife and I rode the motorcycle north of Seattle to Mt. Vernon, a small town that my grandfather settled in in 1899. I felt some spirit of the past and agree whole heartedly that this is a great country and everyday can show us something new. I honked at you today from a thousand miles away. God bless you and keep on peddling. By the way, the buffs are cool.
Happy 4th of July, Dallas
Ride on Tony! The parents send their best as well!
ReplyDeleteCory Dippold
Tony,
ReplyDeleteThis Jack from Billings. I have been checking you blog everyday. I was almost sorry to see that you have left Montana behind you. Am eager for what lies ahead for you. God Bless America!
Dallas, It is great to hear from you and to know that you are still reading the blog, I am flattered.
ReplyDeleteHappy Trails to you,
Thank you
Corey,
ReplyDeleteWow I am surprised you are following this deal, and your parents too?? Are bthey retired and looking for something to do?
Jack,
ReplyDeleteHow is my ice water angel? Are you riding?
I did kinda regret leaving Montana--lots haappening there and I enjoyed every minute (well almost every minute). All this bike ntrip thru the state did was whet my appetite to see more. Next time I stop in Billings.
Tony
Dallas-Corey-Jack,
ReplyDeleteOne more thing. I did not realize that Lou Gehrig made that "I consider myself the luckiest......" speech on July 4, 1939.70 years ago yesterday. I read it in a day old newspaper today.
That makes what happened all the more special
Hi Tony,
ReplyDeleteMitch from Versailles, Jacob's dad. The head mechanic/owner of Gus's told me about your trip, and I just breezed the highlights and I have to say "WOW!" I thought I was the big bike rider in Versailles because I just did rode from Terre Haute, IN to Richmond, In (160 miles) on Saturday and that doesn't even come relatively close to what your doing. It looks and sounds like you are having a ball. You'll make the three months. Pedal hard!