20140628 – 2014 Motorcycle Trip

My trip for 2014 is now over and it turns out I traveled almost the same distance as last year!

2014 Route:

4,584 miles!  I was initially expecting it to be almost 500 miles less, but with my route changes along the way it added up quickly.

Trip Pages:

• If you are interested in seeing last year’s trip info, click here
• Next year’s route idea is here.

Videos from trip:

• Redwoods in/near Navarro River Redwoods State Park:  View Video
• Yellowstone to Rapid City:  View Video
• Denver to Telluride:  View Video
• Telluride to Phoenix:  View Video

New parts and gear for the DL650 (V-Strom) and me:

• Sargent World Sport Performance Seat
• SW-MOTECH Aluminum Engine Guard/Skidplate
• SW-MOTECH Handlebar Riser Barbacks & Top Clamps
• Klim Induction Jacket
• Klim vented socks
• Ram medium wide Aquabox
• GoPro3 Black Edition with remote shutter control
• Extension arm (22″) for GoPro to shoot from year left side of bike

I pretty much had added all of the necessary parts for road trips last year, but tweaking the handlebar position and a new seat should make a huge difference.  I had to get a larger Aquabox due to the increased size of the S5 over the S4.  UPDATE:  The modifications to the positioning of the handlebars and seat made a huge difference in comfort.

Picture of new SW-MOTECH skidplate and new Sargent seat:

1st Leg:  Phoenix to Los Angeles

28 June – I left at 6am heading west on the I-10 from Phoenix to Los Angeles. I had thought that this part of the ride would be awfully boring, but I had put together a great music mix on my phone (BT streaming to Sena headset in helmet) and didn’t even skip a song for almost three hours. Traffic was moving along quite well and my average speed with cars still passing me was 90mph until the California border where it fell to 82mph due to a reduced speed limit and more law enforcement. Even driving into Los Angeles went well due to lighter than expected traffic. I arrived near West Covina around 1130am, stopped at a Starbucks for an espresso and juice to let my cousins know I was near and to take a bit of a break before continuing on into the city where I knew I’d need the extra caffeine to keep me alert. As I was shutting my bike down a woman pulled into a spot nearby and came over asking me where I was going. She turned out to be an editor for ADVMOTO Magazine (Adventure Motorcycle). We talked during our wait in line and after while waiting for our drinks where she also told me about her exes who also are in the dual sport business (writing/testing). I was immediately jealous of their career choices, but so happy that there are great people doing that work so those of us who are looking for a new bike or new gear have someone to turn to when making a buying decision. We swapped info and went our separate ways. I finished my espresso, jumped back on the bike and rode the rest of the way to my cousin’s family home near downtown Los Angeles.

We spent some time catching up, then went downtown to explore a bit. They’ve been here for quite a few years and are proud of how the downtown area has been revitalized. I was really impressed with all of the great places to eat, people watch and buy books. We went to a really excellent bookstore where I found a new book to read on this year’s motorcycle adventure. After returning back to their home we visited the Griffith Observatory and wandered around there before heading back to their house, stopping at a Vietnamese restaurant on the way back. We had a delicious dinner, a beer and continued to chat into the night.

We even visited “The Bradbury”, where quite a bit of the movie, “Blade Runner” was filmed.  Such a beautiful building!

Tomorrow morning I head up the coast to Monterey! I can’t wait to see the sights along the coast since it’s been about 10+ years since I’ve been back to this area.

2nd Leg:  Los Angeles, CA to Monterey, CA

Today’s ride began a little later than expected, but it was great to sleep in a little bit, enjoy conversations with my cousins and just start the day slowly.

I drove north on the 101 to the 1 and ran into very high winds and cold temperatures, but it didn’t dampen my spirits as I rode along that beautiful stretch of highway from Morro Bay to Monterey. South of Big Sur I stopped in at a little restaurant/art gallery and had a delicious veggie enchilada while overlooking the Pacific Ocean. While there I met two German guys who rented Harley’s in San Francisco and rode down the coast. One of the two (Torsten) needed a pair of earplugs and luckily I had a brand new box of “Hear-os” so he received a pair of those. On a Harley I could not imagine riding without earplugs.

From there it was a quick drive into Monterey where I checked into the Hostel. Yes, Hostel. I’ve never stayed in one before and am already regretting it a bit. At this point in my life I enjoy my solitude after a long day riding, but it’s a cheap place to sleep and hopefully no one will steal my stuff. Well, if someone does you’ll hear about it in tomorrow’s blog.

When I checked in I met up with a friend of a friend and his running group (not the HHH), but real runners. What? People actually enjoy just running? I guess so because that is what they did. At least they had beer after. Sounds pretty boring to me. It was great talking with Mark and Rob/Robby about our military days here at DLI. It sure was a challenging time in my life, but I am so glad that I was able to experience it.

I’m now hanging out at a nearby pizza place waiting for my veggie pizza and drinking a vodka/tonic/lime. Delicious!

Hope nobody snores in my shared room. I look forward to getting to my next stop where I’ll have a real hotel room. Glad I didn’t plan on camping, it’s a bit too chilly for my hammock and 45 degree bag along the northern coast.

The bike has been performing perfectly. The new seat is phenomenal! I drove all the way from Phoenix to Los Angeles with one 10 minute break to fill up with gas. Today I stopped once for food, but could have ridden the entire day without stopping. I highly recommend the seat (Sargent – world tour – I think that’s what it’s called). The SW-MOTO bar risers have really made a huge difference in riding comfort as well. My seating position is absolutely perfect now with very little strain on my arms and shoulders.

Tomorrow I’ll give the bike a good once over (PMCS) before heading out to ride around the peninsula before deciding if I’m going to head north to the Bay Area to see more people.

3rd Leg:  Monterey, CA to Napa, CA

Yesterday I stayed at my first hostel. It was also my last. It was clean, people were friendly, it is a great idea and works for so many people. I have been thinking why I did not like it and the only reason that makes sense is that my years in the military ruined it for me. It was fine back then because that was my life. It is not my life now and as many good memories (and bad) I have from my days serving in the Army, those days are long past. So, don’t take my advice on hostels! Try them out!

I woke up, showered, packed, put on my riding gear and rode over to Rosine’s in Monterey for breakfast. Rosine’s is one of my best memories of DLI and I have a TON of excellent memories from my time there. My roommate and I would eat there 2-3 times per week, which is a lot of money for a PFC in the Army, but it was almost a taste of home and real food. The dining facilities at DLI were top notch and I can only remember one other military dining experience that topped DLI and that was at one of the military’s chef schools in southern Germany. Well, sitting and eating at Rosine’s brought back a wave of nostalgia and lots of long forgotten memories.

After breakfast I rode up Franklin to the front gate of DLI,which is now gated and guarded. I spoke with the guard, but knew I wouldn’t be let in to go check out my old facilities. He let me talk for a bit about my time there, but he was a civilian contracted guard and didn’t really care about what some “MI puke” did in the service. I saw Taylor Hall, A company barracks and the Asian language building from the gate. That was enough.

From there I rode around through Pacific Grove around to Carmel on 17 mile drive. The views were as spectacular as ever, but it was pretty cold, windy and wet from the fog and ocean spray so I went east again to Laguna Seca raceway to get a sticker for my motorcycle bags and to check out the track. I hadn’t been there since 1991. The guard there let me in for free since I was just going to the gift shop and then back out. Nice person number one for the day.

As I was heading west to the 101 North I was behind quite a few cars and we were driving at a consistent 60-60mph when all of a sudden the two cars in front of me slammed on their brakes and the one closest to me went to the right to avoid the car in front of him. Luckily for me I saw this the instant they started breaking, but I still had to lock up my tires (back mostly) to keep from hitting them. I always leave quite a distance between me and the car ahead and this is another time I am so glad I did! Not sure who started it, but I bet it was texting, even though it is illegal in California. That woke me up.

From there I went north on the 101, was going to take the 1 through Santa Cruz, but the wind was so strong and it was so chilly that I just stayed on the 101 to San Francisco, then took the Bay Bridge across and continued northeast(ish) to Napa.

I forgot to mention nice person number two! As I was entering the toll area heading towards Sacramento, right before the Napa exit I realized I only had three dollars in cash. Oops. The toll was five dollars. I told the guy my predicament and he said, “No worries, just ride safely” and told me to go. What!? Two nice people who didn’t have to be nice in one day. I am very thankful for them and hope that something wonderful comes their way.

Got settled in, soaked in the hot tub, took a swim and did some laundry…and had a double vodka tonic with my dinner. Delicious.

Tomorrow I am heading to Fort Bragg, CA through some small highways through Pine and Redwood tree forests. I can’t wait!

4th Leg:  Napa, CA to Fort Bragg, CA

After a quick breakfast at the hotel and watching some World Cup soccer I headed north on highway 128, then turned towards Santa Rosa in Calistoga taking Petrified Forest Road to highway 12, then west to connect to the 101 north until I took the Fort Bragg exit. Instead of heading back onto highway 128 I stopped in Cloverdale for a quick coffee and to take a break. Not sure what was wrong with people today (more than the usual), but so many people were tailgating me going through cities and even on the 101 where speeds were around 75-80mph. I kept to the right when not passing, but it seemed that it was in fashion today. Tailgating a motorcycle is rude and unsafe, we can stop much more quickly than a car so please do not do it!

I stopped at a small coffee shop called “Plank” near the center of town, backed the bike to the curb, went into the coffee shop and ordered a cup as well as a piece of coconut banana bread. When I came outside to sit at the tables on the street they were suddenly all taken. I was standing there for a moment deciding who I would ask to sit with when a lady and her dog called me over. Her name was Robyn and her dog was Ace. We had a great discussion ranging from motorcycle riding to how kids are these days…she was mid 50s, no kids and her husband is in his 70s. Her dog was a Shepherd / Border Collie mix and he was super nice. After finishing my coffee I talked with the coffee shop owner for a bit about my bike and my trip this year. So funny that so many think it’s such an adventure, anyone can do it if they have the time and don’t mind callouses on their butt. My trips feel like they are required, there is so much to see and our lives are so short.

Well, I left there and took the 128 west until I came to the Navarro River Redwoods State Park and ran into three bikers taking a break on the side of the road surrounded by Redwoods. I had to pull over to talk with them because one of them was riding a red V-Strom like mine! The other bikes were another Suzuki (Bandit 1200) and a Triumph Triple 3. It was a father and son along with the father’s friend. They were a great group of guys and after talking with them for a while they invited me to ride with them on a different road through the state park, then around on a smaller by-way over the mountain into Mendocino. I was a bit nervous, but said I would give it a shot and not to wait up if I fall behind.

Turns out these guys could ride and I immediately knew I had to bring my A game and ride a little more aggressively than I normally do. It’s still safe-ish, but I am pushing the bike (and myself) a little more than on my trip so far. The roads were mostly excellent, luckily very little gravel since we were really leaning into the curves. When we finally finished and arrived in Fort Bragg for fuel, the lead rider (on the v-strom) told me that he stepped it up a notch because he noticed I was keeping up very well with them. I told him that I did, but my bike is loaded down with 15 days of gear and I could really feel the weight of the bike when I was leaning into the curves. He apologized and said I did a great job. Unfortunately I didn’t meet up with them again after not seeing them at the North Coast brewery shortly after I checked into my hotel. I wish them safe travels and think it was excellent that a father and son would ride together like that. Great times and great memories.

YouTube Redwoods video link:  View Video

For dinner I ate at a local restaurant in the harbor. I had a locally caught Salmon and it was probably the best salmon I have ever eaten. The seasoning was minimal, served on a bed of rice and asparagus. It was exactly what I needed.

Well, tomorrow I head north up the coast, then inland to Lake Tahoe. Should be a 7 hour day if all goes well and I look forward to visiting Lake Tahoe! I have never been there!

5th Leg: Fort Bragg, CA to South Lake Tahoe, CA

This morning started with a cool ride out of Fort Bragg, CA that turned warmer as the fog burned off and the coast was visible. Hooray! I was tired of fog for the past few days. I took the 1 up to Leggett and drove through the Chandelier Redwood tree! Fun!

From there I took the 101 south to the (looking up highway) 20 east, then to the 5 south through Sacramento, then the XX from Sacramento to Lake Tahoe.

It was quite a day for temperature ranges with the coast being very cool (54 when I woke up) to 105 in the Central Valley, then back into the 70s as I gained elevation around Lake Tahoe.

The riding up the 1 and through the redwood forests was awe inspiring. Twisty roads lined with giant trees! Amazing!

My V-Strom continues to perform exceptionally well in all conditions.

Staying at the Basecamp hotel in Lake Tahoe and it is a great little boutique place with a small bar, firepits and a hot tub. I got myself a few beers, sat in the hot tub and let the aches from the past few days drift away.

Off to sleep for tomorrow is a 9 hour ride. Going to be a hot one across the Nevada desert. I’ll update with more later, too tired right now. 🙂

6th Leg:  South Lake Tahoe, CA to Park City, UT

Lake Tahoe was excellent. The hotel called “Basecamp” had a bar and hot tub so I was very excited to soak for a while as I enjoyed a tasty beverage.

I drove west to Emerald Bay as soon as I left the hotel because everyone told me it was very beautiful and it was. From there I drove east, then north around the lake to Incline Village, had a cup of espresso and a breakfast snack, bought my Lake Tahoe sticker for the bike bags and headed east again towards Carson City, NV. From Carson City I continued east on the Interstate on the way to Park City, UT.

The north western/central portion of Nevada is truly a wasteland. People complain about Arizona, but at least there are cactus, etc. to look at, but out there was nothing. It was horrible, hot, windy, truly desolate and people lived there! I could not wait to get through it.

Luckily some storms moved in and it cooled down, which really helped and there were some mountains, green(ish) grass and my mood brightened. Then I check the GPS and found out that I had 3 more hours. I wasn’t going to get to Park City until 11pm. Bah. 12 hours on the road.

As the sun set the temperature continued to decrease, I switched to my night helmet shield and continued on into Park City, UT. I pulled into Melissa’s driveway and she came out to help me with my gear. We caught up with each other and I passed out on the couch. In the morning I woke up, got ready and got back on the bike. My destination for today…Yellowstone!

7th Leg: Park City, UT to Yellowstone National Park, WY

I woke up this morning not exactly wanting to get back onto the bike, but I was going to see the Tetons and Yellowstone!!! That picked up my spirits and after a big coffee and breakfast bagel I was heading north on my way out of Utah.

The roads were great, not too much wind and traffic was light. I left the Interstate and turned north into Wyoming on the road to Jackson Hole. Two lane highways are great! I made excellent time into Jackson Hole and had lunch at a really great little hole in the wall place, then got back on the road to Yellowstone and right into a nice Thunderstorm. It was pretty refreshing and I didn’t stop to put on my rain gear since I knew it would dry off quickly as soon as the rain stopped.

The Tetons were even more majestic than I had remembered and as I entered Tetons and Yellowstone national parks I continued to be impressed by the landscape flying by.

About 30 minutes into the park I noticed a bunch of traffic stopped and wondered what they were watching. It turned out to be an elk! I took a few pictures and got back in gear so I could check in and give my butt a rest.  Relaxing by the road, undisturbed by the numerous people by the road taking pictures.

I reserved a “primitive” cabin. It may be simple, but has everything I need. A comfortable bed, shower, and good air flow letting in the smell of the pine trees surrounding the cabin. There is no cell phone service up here, but the lodge has wifi so I’m sitting on the big front porch enjoying the view of the lake with mountains lit up by the last moments of daylight. So many people are conversing and getting to know one another. As I type people keep asking me if I have service. Yes, wifi. Turn yours on and you’ll have it too.

Tomorrow I finish the ride through Yellowstone, then east through Wyoming and into South Dakota to meet up with family and take a few days off of riding.

8th Leg: Yellowstone National Park, WY to Rapid City, SD

YouTube Yellowstone to Rapid City video link:  View Video

This morning I woke up in Yellowstone and did not want to get back on the bike. I knew I needed to, but after the last two days I really wanted a break. Then I thought,”Hey, I get to meet my new niece when I get home!” Well, that did it and I was back on the bike cruising east out of the park.

Today’s ride went really well. It was about 475 miles today and I also knew I would find a Taco John’s along the route.

Riding east out of Yellowstone I saw deer, waterfalls, snow and fantastic scenery. I took quite a few videos and photos with the gopro so I’ll get those loaded when I get home.

Leaving Yellowstone’s east exit I went through Cody, and the Bighorns National Park. I always think of the Tetons and Yellowstone, but always forget Bighorns. It isn’t the Tetons, but it is a tall range and the ride up and over was quite amazing. There is still snow at the summit around 9,000 feet and it definitely gets cooler, but not enough where I’d have to put on my thermals. Coming down out of the mountains into Cody provided some sharp turns and super views.

Once I made it to the South Dakota border I was home free! I kicked it up to around 90mph and made it from Spearfish to Rapid City in record time. My eldest brother and his family arrived yesterday and my second eldest brother and his arrived 30 minutes before I did. We all met up at our sister’s family home and met our newest family member who was born two days ago. She is so cute!

We all had dinner at my sister’s family home, roasted marshmallows in the firepit and caught up on what’s been happening with everyone.

Tomorrow we all head to the cabin for a few days of outdoor activites. My next ride will be on the 9th or 10th headed south to Denver.

Rapid City to Hill City

Today was the shortest ride so far…45 minutes from my parents home in Rapid City, SD to just outside of Hill City, SD where we are all staying in a big home/cabin in the Black Hills. It’s a nice house run by a ranch so we can go horseback riding, etc.

Tomorrow morning we’re going horseback riding at 10am, then a dinner and show in the evening. Unsure how it will go, but it should be fun. The other days we’re going to the lake to boat, playing tourist, Custer State Park, etc. I’ll update as we go through the week.

It was so strange to not ride today. I’m so used to being on the road, but I think my body needed a break after riding every day for 7 days and 3,200 miles.

On to tomorrow!

July 7th

Around 4am a thunderstorm moved in and we had some incredible lightening and thunder for about an hour with lots of rain and hail. Finally fell back to sleep a little after 5am. My room at the cabin has a window that is kept open so I can hear the water in the creek flow by. Nature is much better than those sound machines!

Riding horses this morning with most of the family and had a fun time. I had a really nice female who wanted to stop and eat along the way, but she wasn’t too stubborn and kept moving along fairly well.

For lunch we went into Hill City, SD to the Alpine Inn and everyone enjoyed their meals. I shared a crazy delicious dessert with my nephew and father. After that we wandered the streets and I picked up a few souvenirs.

Tomorrow we’ll be driving through through Custer State Park.

July 8th

This morning we went south to Custer State Park after my brother Jerrod made us an excellent breakfast. Custer State Park always provides great views of the Black Hills and its wildlife. We saw deer, wild horses, donkeys and herds of buffalo as we drove through the state park. We stopped in the Custer State Park Lodge for an excellent lunch! After my experience at Yellowstone and their almost inedible food I was not expecting much, but it was delicious. From there we went through the Needles highways, went for a nice hike and then continued north to Sylvan Lake, around Mount Rushmore and on to Keystone where we did a little shopping and had pizza for dinner. It was an almost 12 hour day of playing tourist and we were tired. We’re not catching up on the world cup game from today where Germany destroyed Brazil.

Ate entirely too much salt water taffy from my friend’s family business in Keystone:  Rushmore Mountain Taffy Shop – the BEST taffy in the world!  There is never too much!  Great stuff and you must stop in to load up on a pound (or more) if you go through Keystone.

Tonight is our last night here at the cabin and tomorrow we’re back at Mom & Dad’s home in Rapid City where we’ll miss the wilderness, but enjoy the WiFi.

July 9th

Checked out of the cabin this morning and rode back to Rapid City to stay with my parents and siblings (plus their families) until Friday morning. I went to Rice Honda Suzuki today for an oil change and general service bringing my own oil and it came to about $90. I looked at the oil level at the shop on the kickstand and it looked okay, but when I put it on the center stand it was greatly over filled. Thanks guys. It also looks like they didn’t drain it all because it is definitely not as clear as it should be. Not sure what they did, but I am not happy with their service at all. Took over 2 hours and they were done with the bike, but never came to tell me it was done even though they knew it I was waiting. I do not recommend them.

One more day in the Rapid City, SD area, then I am onto Denver and Telluride for my last few days on the road.

July 10th

Great day today in Rapid City! Met up with family for breakfast at the Millstone, said farewell to Jeff, Kim, Mason and Aidan as they head back to Seattle.

Then went with Jerrod and Carson out to Harley Davidson to get some HD stuff for Jerrod while Carson and I critiqued the HD motorcycle styling and paint choices.

After that I came back to the parent’s home to clean and lube the motorcycle chain, and check out the rest of the bike since I now can’t trust that Rice Honda Suzuki service really did anything they said they did. I am still upset about their lack of customer service.

Met up with friends in downtown Rapid City tonight at Independent Ale House, caught up, and had some good beer and delicious pizza.

Home to pack and get ready for the ride to Denver in the morning. It’s supposed to rain so I’ll be ready for that fun.

9th Leg: Rapid City, SD to Denver, CO

The ride from Rapid City to Denver went fairly well. A bit of rain and traffic, but overall no issues.

I stopped in Cheyenne for coffee and I wasn’t able to find a local place, but did find a Starbucks. I haven’t been to a Starbucks this packed in years, it must be the only coffee place in town for that kind of crowd…poor Cheyenne.

I stayed with my Army buddy, Brad and his significant other (Gail). We stayed up late catching up with each other and I was glad to finally meet Gail. So wonderful to see how happy they are.

10th Leg:  Denver, CO to Telluride, CO

Got a great deal on a nice place in Telluride, can’t wait to sit in the hot tub with a tasty beverage.

YouTube Denver to Telluride video link:  View Video

…In the morning I met up with my amazing high school friend, Wendy! We’ve known each other since high school and she is such a super person and friend.

A bit of rain on the way to Telluride, but less than last year and no hail this time! (at least not yet)

I then left for Telluride along a similar route as last year so that I could get my favorite coffee at Jefferson Pony Espresso in Jefferson, CO and my favorite lunch stop in Gunnison, CO.

Oh, outside of Denver I saw a mother Moose and her baby resting in a field near the road and closer to Telluride I saw a BEAR! I was going slowly enough to get a good look at him/her. What a beautiful animal!

I checked into The Mountain Lodge, cleaned up, got ready for the final day of riding and then enjoyed a drink in the hot tub. Very nice final evening on the road.

11th Leg:  Telluride, CO to Phoenix, AZ

The ride out of Telluride is exceptionally beautiful with the curvy roads and incredible views. Last year’s ride through this area was very rainy, but this year it was partly cloudy so I was able to enjoy the ride a bit more and get some better pictures.

I got out of Telluride around 9am, stopped in Dolores at the coffee shop I stopped during last year’s final day and had another delicious breakfast burrito and cup of coffee.

From there I rode south / southwest through southern Colorado, then south through Arizona to the I-40.

I met up with a few other riders along the way, but I was in a hurry to get home so my speeds were a little higher so I passed, waved and kept going.

One guy I met at the gas station in Ganado, AZ was riding a Honda Goldwing and has his little dog on the bike with him.  His pup is a about a two year old black, curly furred who sits on the tank and is held securely (as much as possible on a bike) and just sits there enjoying the wind and views.  The dog also has a kennel on the back of the bike for taking breaks and sleeping.  The rider was riding from Kalispell, MT to Roswell, NM and had ridden 1,100 miles in the last 24 hours.  Heck no.  He rides through the night, honking his horn the entire time so that it keeps the deer/other wildlife off of the road.  Not worth the risk or lack of sleep for me.  Not sure what he was taking to stay awake, but whatever it is, it can’t be healthy.

Lots of rain and hail along the way, but it cleared up right before I got to the I-40 to head west to Flagstaff. From Flagstaff to Phoenix it was on and off rain.

Video will be posted here of this portion of the trip:  VIEW VIDEO

I was very fortunate that it was partly cloudy / rainy as I approached Phoenix because the original forecast was 109 degrees. Not sure what it turned out to be, but I greatly appreciated the cooler temperatures.

Home now, dogs have gotten tons of hugs and belly rubs, laundry is being done and I am relaxing a bit.

Now to go through the pictures and videos…then do something with them.

Updates will be coming as I can get to them. 🙂

Thanks!

My own 2014 trip statistics that I tallied while riding:

• Brand of car that tried to kill me the most:  Dodge (as always) – Dodge pickups to be exact
• Type of car that tailgated me the most:  This trip was pretty decent except for one Acura in Colorado
• Type of car that wanted to be in front of EVERYONE:  BMW as always
• Type of motorcycle rider who was not friendly when passing as a group (wave):  Harley-Davidson as always
• Worst drivers:  Arizona
• Most dangerous road:  Nothing too bad this year
• Fastest road:  Phoenix to the AZ/CA border, but I was pushing it across Nevada just to get that section done
• Slowest roads:  Nothing too slow this year
• Highest percentage of bad roads:  North Dakota, but southern Manitoba was quite bad as well
• Highest percentage of good roads:  Minnesota
• Windiest state while driving: Kansas
• Most birds killed:  0
• Most bee stings:  0
• Most rain:  Northern Arizona
• Most hail:  Northern Arizona
• Most powerful storm driven through:  Northern Arizona
• Coldest temps:  Colorado
• Hottest temps:  Nevada
• State with most bugs hitting the bike:  Wyoming
• Favorite city:  Cloverdale, CA – Plank Coffee Shop
• City at the bottom of the list:  Wendover, Utah