Nice Day For a Ride

/ ridingwithgary
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Sturgis: nice place for a party. Bad spot for a Covid gathering. This was my first visit, in 2017.

It’s August 8, first day of the 80th annual Sturgis motorcycle rally. I was supposed to be there, among 500,000 riders gathering from all over the US.

For nearly a year, I’d planned an 18-day, 4,000-mile trip that would take me and four riding pals through Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, Idaho and Montana — en route to South Dakota’s Black Hills.

Then, Covid happened.

I cancelled.

Despite the pandemic surging around the world, a quarter million Harley riders still showed up for the event. Few masks, little social distancing, huge crowds, lots of beer.

What could possibly go wrong?

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Social distancing, Sturgis style. This is the 2020 rally.

I chose to stay home.

Today, when I was supposed to be in Sturgis, I rode to downtown Carbondale instead.

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On my way to Carbondale, a 1.5-mile adventure. It’s my first ride since hip replacement surgery.

46 thoughts on “Nice Day For a Ride”

  1. Welcome back to the road amigo! Looking good. And I’m glad you skipped SD this time. We were just in Denver for a spell and thought about a road trip to see you – and then thought better of it (wedding schedule). We miss you guys!

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    • OK, you were in Denver, but did you manage to check out Greeley? It’s on everyone’s Covid bucket list. Thought about you the other day. Was cleaning out old photos, and came across one of Megan at PGA West, from quite a few years ago. She’s still talking about you.

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      • You’re teasing me (M) and I appreciate it! Didn’t do Greeley (Jody lacks school pride) but did see Mines, CU, DU and Colorado College. CC was a hit – too big of a hit- so, I had to trash talk the school to focus the boy back to a certain school in Durham. Jody sends ❤️ and the kiddos still think you’re “cool” – whatever that means.

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      • Just occurred to me. Are you guys on a college tour for Aidan? OMG, dude’s getting to be an old man! So, it’s come down to this: Greeley CO or Durham NC. Tough choice. I’d go with the one that rocks the meat packing world.

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  2. Sturgis looks dangerous. I’m glad you stayed home. I didn’t know you had a hip replacement, how did it go? I need one.

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    • Sturgis is only dangerous — if you don’t like Covid. Most of the riders there apparently checked their brains at the state line. Hip replacement was June 25. Easy recovery. I’m good as new. Hope life in San Diego is good.

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  4. GARY: Glad you got hip surgery. I’ll bet it feels better now than before the surgery. I had both hips replaced in 2000 and 2001, about the time I was a third han for you at Boeing 747, good memories of that time….except for 9/11. We are settled in Central Texas and love it. Little Covid, little liberal bullshit and very nice Texans who are excellent neighbors and supporting friends. I read your stories of motorcycle travel and enjoy them. Keep them coming. If you ever head near us there is an A-1 pit stop at 306 County Road 131, Marble Falls, TX 78654 830 598 5352. Come see us anytime. We have great guest facilities and love to have visitors. Best, Erik and Kay Peterson

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    • I had all my original parts till the hip surgery — wisdom teeth, hips, knees, appendix, tonsils, etc. Was quite a blow to my ego to finally get on the joint replacement train. Recovery was quite simple; am riding a 900 pound motorcycle six weeks later! Best to you and Kay.

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  8. At least you fitted an adventure into your day and a new hip meant it was pain free! Good decision to stay home. The world is dangerous out there-full of people! Love to Sarah who is probably sad she is not going to have any alone time 😜.

    The Queen (of Netflix lately) who also stays within a 5 mile radius.

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  9. A milestone! Glad to hear the hip has mended so well. I have completed cataract surgery on both eyes, some parts amazing, some parts are supposed to get better. I haven’t been on a motorcycle in about a month. As I left my one week check up on the last eye the ophthalmologist says “don’t lift over 10lbs. Kitty litter weighs 20 lbs!?
    But colours are much brighter and way less glare at night. You ever in SF Bay Area? Love to see you and Sarah!! How much weight is one lifting to get a 600 lb bike off the side stand? I figure about 9lbs.
    Keep riding and enjoying life!!

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    • Cataract surgery. Holy guacamole! Yes, I join your doc in recommending you not tote any kitty litter. Haven’t been to Bay Area for a while. Never know when I could darken your doorstep. And you are spot on regarding the effort to raise a 900-pound Harley off its kickstand. Not much. You’re not bench-pressing the damn thing!

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  10. Great to see you back on the scooter, lookin good and pain free! Yes, disappointed to not be following you guys on your trip, but a wise decision on your part. Looking forward to next year, for sure! Take care.

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    • Yes, pain free. You blazed the trail for me with your hip replacement(s) … two of em, I believe.This year just wasn’t meant to be. I decided back in March, when ski season got cancelled early that it was just going to be a lost year. Seems like that’s what it is, almost six months later. Am now fixating on Sturgis 2021, and hoping for a vaccine and herd immunity well before then!

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  11. I rode over to Paiona today. When you are up to a ride, let me know. And no I did not go to Sturgis either! Clarence 252-504-0239

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  12. We saw on TV this a.m about Sturgis and all the people there, and I said to Jim that I wonder if you went to Sturgis.
    Jim’s reply was “no, Gary is not stupid”. Guess he got that correct!!
    Both of you stay healthy!
    Barb and Jim

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    • I was dropped on my head as a child, but have enough remaining brain cells to still make reasonable decisions once in a while. Too many of the guys in Sturgis this year unfortunately left their common sense at home. You guys stay healthy, too.

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  16. Gary – so glad you have recovered well.. so smart to NOT GO TO Sturgess… be well and stay safe!!
    Betty

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  17. Congratulations on your maiden voyage since surgery. While all of your recipients of your colorful ride descriptions are missing the great fun they are all happy that you are safe and healthy during these unusual times. Ride on Gary!

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  25. How did I miss this email?😱 Happy that you are back on your bike.
    Had to feel good with all this craziness around us.
    Bummer you had to miss the rally but sometimes doing the right thing hurts.
    Hopefully 2021 will allow you to continue your adventure.
    Continue to stay safe and healthy. 🏍🏍🏍Dot and Dennis

    Sent from my iPhone

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