Annual Motorcycle Trip

Mindy wanted me to write about my trip to Nevada. She started to write but thought it would be better if I did seeing that I was the one that went. So here it goes.

We took off on our cop/buddy trip on Friday for four days to Mesquite, Nevada. There was Kent, Rod, Reserve officer Chris, me, and to balance us out, Dave, from our ward. The trip started a little later than planned but we were off.

From left: Chris, Kent, Rod, Dave, and Jed

A coupleof hours into the trip, Dave's brand new chain broke. We called a guy who was located an hour or two away who came out and fixed it. I think he had sympathy for Dave because he only charged him $40.00. We hung out on the Interstate for about an hour while the events transpired.
Just hanging out on the side of the road while the bike gets fixed.

The trip to Mesquite was somewhat difficult as we braved some fierce wind and rain around Wells. Not too bad in and of itself but the frequent stops for construction made it long. All worth it for the story though. We finally arrived in Mesquite about 12:30 AM. That beat last year by about two hours. We even missed our turn. Again.

The next day Kent, Rod, Dave and I went to the Grand Canyon. Chris stayed back and rested. By rested I mean wimped out. (just kidding Chris). He spent the day swimming and sleeping. We spent the day at the canyon and then got rained on during the trip back to Mesquite. Rod's bike blew a fuse after our first rain storm and he sent a text to Kent and I that said HELP! We didn't get the message until Fredonia so we went back up the hill. We found Rod not too far behind us and he rode in the middle of our small pack due to his lights not working. We pulled into the gas station and fixed the fuse then we were off.

Once back in Mesquite, the guys went to Vegas to bum around. I hung out and then went to Vegas just to drive around. I didn't hook up with the pack but had a lot of thinking time. After about an hour I went back to the hotel. Here are some pics of us at the canyon.

Rod.

The Grand Canyon.


We met this guy on the road. His name is Kirk. He works for Dallas PD and came on a trip with a relative who works for the FBI. His partner's bike broke down in the Northern U.S. so Kirk decided to finish his trip alone. He took a month off of work and has been all the way north, like Canada north, and all through the western states.

Cops are a funny tribe. Kirk's personality and humor was right on with ours. We hung out for awhile and made a good friend.
Kent.

Kent being 17. I don't know why, but guys have a strong desires to spit or throw something when they are on a cliff. See the rock?

Some lady offered to take our picture. We climbed up on a point above the walk way to have it done. Rod didn't want any part of the top. He said he was good where he was.

Dave on the top.

Perspective from the point we were on.

Mindy really likes this picture. Look close, do you see the guy sitting on the ledge?

Rod looking Suave.

Rod again. His wife will be very pleased at all the cool pics.

Kent.

Cool Rod.

Kent's OCD kicking in. Can't have any bugs on the windshield.

 We decided to come back on I-15 on Monday. It was pretty fast compared to the "Twin, to Wells, to Ely, to wrong and missed turns way." Got home about 9:00 PM tired and saddle sore.

I've got to say that I missed Bob on this one. It's good to see the group growing though. I remember when it was just me and Kent. Next year the guys are talking about going in September so that I can make it. We'll see what the year brings.

In conclusion I have got to say that riding a motorcycle gives a guy a lot of time to think. I'm pretty mushy right now anyway and was not real comfortable with my thoughts. The guys got it. Kent jokingly told me that he didn't understand why I would be emotional. "It's not like your going to war or anything." Funny guy.

I am very grateful for good friends and more importantly my wonderful wife and kids that were waiting when I got home. As soon as I pulled up I could hear Rigdon yell "Da da!" from his room. Aubrey is with her cousins and Connor working with my grandpa so I haven't seen them yet. Ronin came home from the neighbors while I was in the shower. He opened the door and yelled. (No doubt trying to startle me.) I have army stuff this weekend then I'll be home to finish off the month at work. Then the rest of the summer belongs to my family. I'm ready to take the time with them. The worst thing about going on these buddy trips for me is that my sweetheart isn't with me. It might be time for a bigger, touring type bike so she can come with me. Eh Mindy?