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Live to Ride

This page is dedicated to the riders from the Austin area

This is a loosely organized group with no club affiliation

Our regular ride night is Wednesdays and we meet a Memory Lane Cafe at 7:00PM.

We also have rides on Friday's and some times Sundays.

2009 Two Different Trips

Trip 1 Spearfish SD

This trip is to take part in a ride in known as Spearfish III

The Venture Club which we are members of was having a get together at Spearfish SD. Its the third time the club has meet at Spearfish. The club is an internet based group of Venture Motorcycle enthusiasts but there is no requirement to have a Venture. There are all makes and models of motorcycles in the club.

We left Austin on July 2nd. and went south on pth 34 as we had never crossed over to the states on that route and we also wanted to see Devils Lake ND. Yep it sure has risen over the years!

It is a very impressive lake and is a recreational drawing card for the area. Lots of fishing and resort opportunities. Camped at James Town the first night. Nice campground but had to go on gravel frontage road for a mile. Very loose gravel and kind of scary to ride on.

Day two and the weather is going out. Rain off and on getting heavier in the afternoon so decided to get a hotel at Onida SD not far from Pierre. Good thing too as the rain came hard all night. The Hotel was old but it was warm and dry and a do it yourself registration. No clerk just fill out the card and grab a key.

Day three was destined to be one of our worst days. The rain had stopped as we headed out but by the time we got to Pierre it was starting up again and as we headed west out of Pierre we came across road construction. The first two sections went ok but the third one not so good. We got in a rut and lost control and laid the bike down throwing both of us out on the road. As luck would have it a nice young couple from Winnipeg came along and helped us get things back together. the bike was still drivable and even thought we were both kind of banged up we continued on our way. Making it to Interior in the South Dakota Bad Lands. Time to make some repairs scrape off the mud and lick our wounds. Watched a very impressive fireworks show.

Day four time to do some sight seeing. toured the badlands and a stop at Wall Drugs. Picked up some duct tape to repair the windshield. back to Interior for the second night.

Well its time to get to the rally we have a campsite reserved at Chris's camp and the rest of the riders will be there. the camp ground is very nice with paved roads and nice grass sites under the trees showers right across the road. Looks like we are the last ones to check in. No touring today just set up camp and get our bearings with a cruse around Spearfish.

Morning saw groups heading off in all directions as there are no planned group rides today. We head to Spearfish Canyon as it is close.

Adventure 2008

Grand Canyon and More

June 12th Bev and I headed south on our brand new 2008 Venture. What a way to break in a new set of wheels. This will be a solo trip and we will miss our partners for sure.

We tried to very the route a bit so we went south on highway 83 to Minot and #23 west to New Town for the first night as it look like it was going to storm we moteled it.

The next day the weather hadn't changed but we headed out any way got to Watford and picked up #85 south, by the time we got to Belle Fourche it had cleared up and we were making good time so decided to push on. We came across a motorcycle accident just as we were coming into Spearfish one Goldwing was seriously damaged but no sign of injuries. Spent the night at Newcastle Wyoming. Had supper in a renovated Flower Mill where they used to make Bisquick.

Next day we left #85 at Lusk and picked up I #25 into Casper and then 220 south over Muddy Gap elv. 6250' and into Rawlings and I # 80 to Creston Junction then south on 789 into Colorado and stopped in Craig where there was a Chainsaw Wood Carvers Convention going on and we got the last motel room in the city and it was a dusie. It had Four beds in a huge room but beggar's cant be choosers. Too bad we didn't get to see any of the competitions but had a nice visit with one of the carvers.

Next day we continued south till I #70 at Rifle and then west to Cresent Junction. Then south again on 191 To Monticello. the days are getting hotter now and sun block is a good thing to have as its too hot to ware jacket. Well we really need to push to make the Grand Canyon tomorrow so its early to bed in the hopes of getting an early start before the heat gets us.

This turned out to be a wise decision as the morning was very pleasant and we had a really nice trip through Monument valley and on to Tube City before it got real hot. Now we have to cross some desert area to get to the south rime of the canyon its very windy and at least 90 F but so different that we still enjoyed it. The higher altitude was a welcome relief as we headed west towards the Grand Canyon National Park. Arrived at our camp site by mid afternoon and got settled in and then toured the town site and several of the out looks of the canyon.

Packed up the next morning and left for the East Rim with many stops along the way to check out the scenery. The East Rim has some unusual buildings and an art gallery of interest.

Then it was back down to the desert and over to Marble Canyon and now its really hot at least 95F or more no way to tell for sure. Luckily its not too far till we go back up to Jacob Lake elv. 7921' and very pleasant temps. and into Kanab. Then north on #89 to Bryce Canyon where my son Bryce and his wife Kassandra are to meet us. We spent the next day touring and visiting and I must say Bryce Canyon is spectacular.

Then the next day its back on the road again and heading north to wards Jackson Hole. We finally had to give up #89 and take the Interstate #15 through Salt Lake City. It takes one hour at Highway speed to cross the city. I thought it was never going to end. We spent the night at Perry. We are glad to be back on #89 again.

The next day I missed the turn in Logan and we ended up taking a back road over a mountain pass to get back on 89. This was a very narrow paved trail but an adventure none the less, at the top of the pass there was snow in the bushes and the altitude was bothering my ears for sure. By the end of the day we were back on track and camped just out side of Jackson Hole in a very crowed campground with a lot of other tents and bikers.

WE couldn't go rafting on the Snake river as planned as it was spring break up the river was very high and fast not to mention cold as heck. Who would have thought that it would be spring in the middle of June. Due to no rafting we headed to Teton National Park and then on to Yellow Stone ending the day at West Yellow Stone.

Next day we toured Mammoth Hot springs tower Junction and on to Cooke City. Spent the night at Cooke City as it looked like it may be storming soon and didn't want to get caught on the Bear tooth in a storm.

Next morning as we were eating breakfast the lady at the hotel suggested that we hold up for a while as a motorcycle had gone off a cliff early this morning and the rescue crew were up ahead and may hold up traffic. When we finally headed up the Bear tooth the crew was still working at the accident and we never heard the results. What a change from last year. There was snow every where at the top of the World it was winter snowmobiles and everything Bear Lake still frozen. Further along the snow was high on both sides of the highway maybe 14' high. It was like driving in a very curvy tunnel. As luck would have it there was no ice on the road and it wasn't all that cold. We were in Red Lodge by lunch time and Mile City by evening.

The next day was an easy ride to Medora where we set up camp and relaxed and shopped.

Seems like we are almost home and I guess it was calling us as we decided to head that way in the morning. We spent our last night on the road in Minot and visited the Peace Gardens on our way home.

Austin Bikers Going to the Wing Ding in Billings Montana

July 1st Jake and Mary on their Gold Wing Don and Bev on their Venture left for Minot where they joined up with George and Maryanne Klassen and Dave and Marj. Penner. Both couples on their wings. Next destination is Medora for pitch fork fondue and the musical. supper was an experience and the show was fab. but the late night thunder storm stole the show.

Next destination Billings and the Wing Ding. Wall to wall Gold Wings and one Venture. Its like a big trade show for Gold Wing enthusiasts. There was some proto types there like a three wheeler that you sit in like a car and a four wheeler that you ride like a motorcycle. Lots of kits to convert your bike to a trike. Three days of this and it was time to move on. Dave and Marj went their own way and the remaining three bikes headed for the bear tooth pass and Yellowstone park.

The ride on the Bear tooth was great. Lots of very nice pictures and the road was in excellent condition. Of course at elevation 10974' there is snow to play in. Something us Manitoban's know all about. Then down the mountain and over to West Yellowstone for the night.

Next it Old Faith full and it was a sight and almost on time. The old hotel there is really some thing to see and the breakfast was good also. At this point George and Maryanne turned back towards home leaving the remaining two to head to Teton National Park.

The Teton mountains are impressive. They seem to rise up out of flat prairie and go straight up with very sharp peeks. there seems to be lakes almost every where along the base of the mountain. Thing seemed to going good which is very unusual for me but wouldn't you know it some thing would go wrong. While in Yellowstone I had an incident with a pot hole which was developing into a problem. The fender on my trailer was flapping due to a broken stud so a bungee was deployed to stop the flapping. Simple fix right! not so as the end of the bungee was rubbing on the tire and eventually caused a blow out. Now it sounds more like a Don type of trip. So off to Jackson to get a tire but no such luck on a Saturday or maybe any other day for that matter. Option B is Idaho Falls leaving the trailer behind at Moose junction. This means going over Teton pass and its getting later so it time to make tracks. This pass is not as high as some but the grades are very steep 10% and isn't all that scenic. Spend the night at Idaho falls in a very nice hotel the Shilo Inn. Next morning Wall Mart has a tire which will work but its not exactly right. We take it and head back to Moose Junction via a longer route around the end of the mountains. This proves to be very scenic and every one enjoys the ride. We drive through down town Jackson this time so the girls can get a feel for the very different architecture. At Moose junction all goes well and the trailer is un touched and we are ready to go again. Because we have already been to Idaho falls we head back through Teton park and into Yellowstone and end up back in West Yellowstone. We like it there with all its painted Buffalo.

Next it off to Glacier National Park with a stop at the Gate Way to the Rockies Boat tour and camping by a babbling brook at Swan Valley Montana. Now it time for Logan Pass and Highway to the Sun our long awaited destination. As luck would have it the pass was open and we got right at it. This is a very nice ride and worth the wait. More snow but we didn't play in it this time. Stopped at the visitors centre on top and saw some big horn sheep before going down and back into Canada.

Back in Alberta we split up Bev and I stayed in Clairshome to visit my cousins Barry and Annabel Mitchell and Glen Hillis while Jake and Mary carried on to Airdrie to visit Irv and Cathy Neufeld Jakes sister. We joined them there the next day. Irv and Cathy took us all to the Stampede the next day. We certainly appreciate the hospitality. Irv and I had a great time catching up on the old days. Well we split up again with Jake and Mary going to Red Deer to see his sister and Mary's friend and Bev and I going to Drumheller for the day.

Well it had to happen its time to go home, so Sunday we meet up at Hanna and strike out for Manitoba. Of course we stopped off at Davidson Sask. for a nap.

Austin Bikers Head for Kentucky

Sept. 9th we left for the USA with two bikes Jake and Mary on their Gold wing and Don and Bev on the Venture, both had their trailers loaded. The first destination was Fargo ND which was an easy ride. Next was Chanhassen MN, which proved to be a bit more challenging as we hit rain about half way. The dinner theater there made it all worth while. The show mid Life Crises was hilarious. Due to the weather we stayed in the country Inn Estates. No tenting! Monday we headed out for Louisville traveling the back roads we made it too Cedar Rapids Iowa moteled it again as its still raining. Tuesday its more rain but we made it to Rentoul Illinois and another motel. Wednesday its Louisville Kentucky or bust and it looks like rain again. Jake has a room booked so there will be no tent tonight. Hit Louisville right at rush hour but everything went well and got to the motel safely. Thursday Jake and Mary are going to the NQC and Don and Bev are heading to KOA at Shepherdsville for some tenting and relaxing by the pool. Interesting camp site. it was on the side of a hill and a cliff right out the back. Sunday we teamed up again and headed to Cave city it's finally sunny and very nice riding. Toured Mammoth Cave and enjoyed the driving through the park. It got late so we moteled it again and spent the evening at the Cracker Barrel. Monday its time to start for home so we go back through the park and take country roads to connect with the freeway. Oh ya I forgot we hit the rain again we finally got to Owensboro and took shelter in a Shonys. They treated us great said we could stay as long as we wanted and we did. This was a strange place as no one really seemed to know how to get out of this town. After a 20 mile jaunt in the wrong direction we came back and asked for more directions This time we succeeded in getting back on the right road. Made it to Evansville and another motel. Tuesday the rain has stopped the sun is coming out, its good to be on the road. We want to get to St Louis Missouri today and tour the Arch. Things went according to plan and we made it to New Florence. Really enjoyed the Arch got some great pictures. Wednesday decided to detour around Kansas City and took back roads to St Joseph back on I 29 familiar territory we are really headed for home. The weather looks like its moving in again from the south and we head north to Omaha we manage to stay ahead of the rain and look for a room in Omaha but no luck place is all book up so we move on to Modale got a motel we are still dry but it looks like rain. Thursday still no rain but it looks like it could come down any minute. We quickly pack and head out but before we get out of the parking lot its raining. There is nothing in Modale to do so we decide to move on to Sioux Falls. Its off and on rain all the way so we hold up for the day. Friday its still raining so we decide to stay over. The girls can shop then we went to the Falls. It was a good decision as we had a good time and enjoyed the falls. Saturday we are going rain or shine. Well its not raining at least not till we go out side. Rain again all day but we get to Fargo and discover a slash in the rear tire of the Venture. No more traveling till that is replaced. We hold up till Monday the Girls do more shopping. The Yamaha Dealer replaces the tire in short order and we are back on the road by 1PM. We are confident we will be drinking Tim's Coffee by 8 or 9 pm in Portage La Prairie and we actually are and meet some of the regulars there. Well only 30 miles to go and we will be home but guess what its raining again and it only seems appropriate. Home at last 3100 miles and we are still smiling every time we think about it. We would like to give a big thank you to Jake and Mary for asking us to go along it was great.

Sunday Aug 20th

The Austin bikers circumnavigated Lake Manitoba.

Notable Stop was at Lake Manitoba Narrows Lodge for supper. Discussion is that this may become an annual event. The weather was great and the road conditions even better. There was 9 bikes and 15 riders. If you weren't one of them you missed a great ride.