Day: August 6, 2019

I got an early start today, but after 100 or so miles I had to stop at Harley-Davidson. The front brake reservoir seal was leaking. The mechanic told me it wasn’t a good idea to put a RAM Mount plate there. Who would’a thunk it. To be safe I asked them to replace the lid, seal, and bolts. Because I not only want to GET to Sturgis, but I also want to STOP there. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Back on the road, today I decided to pick it up a notch and do 80-85 on the flats, so I can have some time to enjoy the sights. Lots of beautiful farm land, rolling hills, and boy oh boy so many flags. Including this 80 foot flag at Camping World!

The folks there were happy to let me drive my Harley-Davidson onto their gravel lot to get a couple selfies. Man you’ve GOT to see this in person, please visit your local Camping World, its a sight to behold!

I spent most of the day on the highway, but then realized I made up enough time, so I started looking for side roads. That’s right Google Maps today I thumbed my nose at you!

I stopped by Bass Pro Shop in Council Bluffs, Iowa, to get a fuel bottle. Since I ran out of gas on the first day. Long story, to calibrate the Dakota Digital speedo/tach, I need to empty the tank. Well, the only way that’s going to happen is if I run out of gas on the road. Which is fine now that I carry 30oz of gas in this bad boy.

I got to the hotel early today, so I can rest up for tomorrow’s 550 mile leg into Sturgis! Lucky me, there’s a Veteran parking spot, and yes of course I showed them my DD-214 and Florida Drivers License that also shows I’m a Veteran (it also shows I’m an organ donor, aren’t all motorcyclists?!).

I keep forgetting to un-pause the Relive app. Today it shows 365.9 but I know it was 400 or more:

Third day, and I haven’t camped yet. I’m a little disappointed. But then, didn’t count on it raining for the first two days. Well, on this third day, I had no pansy ass excuses. Clear sky, dry roads, finally!

Started out having breakfast at Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Manchester. Wow. There’s a mouth full. Someone fire their marketing departement. Good thing their breakfast was awesome. Awesome, insofar as it reminded me of my days in the US Army (ala Anton Ego having a flashback in Ratatouille).

Funny how today shaped up. At one of the gas stops I saw a bunch of 101st Airborne Division troops. I thought, wow, Fort Campbell was probably close by. I took off and a few minutes later I saw signs to Fort Campbell!

I rode up to the visitor center and took a quick little video, and just as I was finishing, a snot nosed 2nd Lieutenant asked me if I had permission to be there. He was there with his wife and child, so my response was snarky but not too harsh: “Your mom gave me permission.”

His wife took the kid and briskly walked away. The dickhead stood there in disbelief. Then he told me he was calling the police. My response: “Do I look like I give a fuck?” Boy that military breakfast had me feeling my oats! I was ready to high-tail it out of there once I got my selfie!

When the Military Police Officer showed up I showed him the respect he deserves, and asked him if he served. When he told me retired, and was volunteering at the base. I thanked him for his service and whipped out my DD-214 to show him I’m a Veteran. The Military Police Officer told me he joined the year I got out, he thanked me for my service as well.

I could tell the snot nosed 2nd Lieutenant didn’t like it one bit, standing there with his arms crossed. I asked the Military Police Officer if I should leave, and he said no. As it turns out the 2nd Lieutenant was a dickhead that nobody liked.

The Military Police Officer was so cool, he asked me I’d like him to take a picture of me with the bike by the sign. I asked if he was going to let me ride my Harley onto the tiny walkway. He said “Of course, I won’t arrest you.” So I did, he took the picture, and I left without going to jail. I flipped the snot nosed 2nd Lieutenant the bird on my way out.

DISCLAIMER: Of course I’m paraphrasing all the above…that means I can make shit up and not give a fuck because nobody will ever know. Hey, its a fucking blog. 😛

Here’s today’s route: