Smells like fall...

 

According to the calendar, autumn doesn't start until the autumnal equinox is September 22nd this year.  According to the meteorological calendar, it starts September 1st.  It is going to be close to 90º here today, so other than a cool start to the morning, it doesn't feel like fall.  With all the leaves that we beat off the trees from the hail storm, there are raked piles everywhere here, starting to dry, and they smell like... well, dry leaves... which to my olfactory sense, smells like fall.

I got out on my bicycle this morning, first time since the hail storm.  The bike and the little e-scooter were outside when the hail hit; both seemed to have come through it OK, although it completely shredded the bike cover I used over them.  You can't help but look around while riding a bike - so much obvious damage, along with RVs/cars that have come in since the hail storm, looking fine.

I had a bit of recon in mind while riding: not sure what's going to go down with the CR-V, since it will obviously be considered totaled by the insurance company.  There seem to be fewer vehicles these days that are towable "4 wheels down"... that stopped with the 2014 CR-V.  So, I looked around at what people are towing behind their motorhome.  A lot of Jeeps, the squared off Wrangle types and some Cherokees.  We used to tow a Grand Cherokee behind our last big coach back in the day, but I was looking to keep the weight light in selecting the CR-V.  A couple Chevy Equinoxes (Equini?).  And not much else.

If Hart Ranch is any indication of the rest of the RVing world, 5th wheels and travel trailers far outnumber motorhomes.  We still need to get through the damages assessment on the motorhome to find out what our situation will be with that.

This is not a good time to be buying a car/truck or RV, with demand high and inventory low.  I spoke with a friend we've made here over the last few years who leaves a nice 5th wheel in storage here, and drives a motorhome back and forth from Arizona.  Yes, both their rigs are roof damaged.  That really sucks.

On the bright side, my new friend Tristen from SafeLite just pulled up.  In an hour or so, we should have a windshield that we can actually see through in the Honda.  Sure beats driving with a periscope up through the sunroof.  Yes, I'm kidding - the sunroof is gone; Joan put some waterproof fiberboard with a bunch of Gorilla Tape over the giant hole that used to be a sunroof.

Tristen was using tools that look like something you'd use to gut an animal... I did ask him to be careful to not scratch the paint.  ;-)

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Joan made breakfast for us while Tristen was working away on the windshield install.  It was interesting watching him work: professional and efficient...

All the tools necessary to do the job right...

I have to admit that I got a bit verklempt as I watched clear, uncracked glass go into that space.  And, instead of blue tape, Tristen used silver tape at the top to hold the windshield in place while the soft rubber sets up...

So, better than "blue tape envy," Joan can have "silver tape pride" for a couple hours.  When you look at the endless dents, it may be hard to imagine, but just having a windshield we can safely see through makes such a difference.  Yes, the car is still beat to a pulp, but it is now safely driveable.  It is sometimes said that most people are "three missed meals away from becoming savage"... it felt the same way with not having a vehicle we could safely drive.

We need to go into town to pick up some groceries, and I'm looking forward to the drive.  Joan already drove it to the Lodge to print out some paperwork for insurance - she said, "What a difference that windshield makes!"

Yep.  It's a start to get back to something approaching normal.

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Late afternoon to early evening, the smoke is still hanging around...

I was about to take Rufus for a walk when the phone rang - it's Steph.  I have the leash to Joan so I could sit down and visit with our kid.  I could tell the tone in her voice from the first word... sometimes, you just need to talk.  I worry about my kid; being in education isn't what it used to be.

I caught up with Joan and Rufus...

I took over and walked a while.  Rufus was fascinated with something he's never seen before...

Yes, it's a pile of leaves.  Taking it back to the title of this post.  We would generally be heading back to Texas before the leaves come off the trees... the hail storm hastened that process; the leaves didn't fall, they were beat to the ground.  We don't have trees that lose their leaves at home.  The big furry boy had to check this out.

Back to our site and the 3 of us sat outside until it started getting dark.  It's happening earlier these days.  The discussion turned to "What's next?"  Joan and I are both feeling like we're ready for a change.  Not because of the hail storm.  We'll see.

Looking up...

 

Not talking about the outlook... back up the ladder and on the roof again this morning.  I was hoping for a no-wind day so I could spray some FlexSeal (yes, we are using the entire line of Flex-stuff) on a couple places where roof sealant was busted away.  I put that off previously, because it was windy.  It's still windy, but the forecast for this afternoon is: chance of thunderstorms, strong wind, hail is possible, and a tornado risk.

Windy or not, I needed to get back up there and get that FlexSeal sprayed.  Joan was concerned about overspray getting on the paint.  I was a bit more concerned about slipping off the wet roof and breaking my neck.  I could reach most of it while standing on the ladder, but I had to climb on the roof to get the rest.  With the dew, it was like a skating rink... it gave me a chance to entertain the neighbors with a lutz and a double axle.  Yes, I'm kidding - I have no idea what those things are.  Most of my maneuvers were in the "Oh, shit!" category.  I would have scored a perfect 10 if not for that asshole Russian judge.

I have had concerns about water leaking around the skylite over the shower where the base of it is completely broken away.  More FlexTape, making a mound.  My confidence level has increased from 80% to 92% that it will hold.  I have learned these percentages from the weather weasels, so I would not be placing any bets on it.  I'm not sure what the weight capacity of the roof might be, but I am thinking we are getting close, with the amount of Gorilla Tape and Flex-stuff up there.

Still waiting to hear from Progressive about when an adjuster will be out to assess the damages.  SafeLite is supposed to be here tomorrow for a windshield for the Honda - the time is narrowed down to "somewhere between 8:00am and 5:00pm."  Putting a $400 windshield on a car that is now worth $1.97.

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I was hoping to not have to test all the Gorilla Tape, FlexTape, and FlexSeal patches we've made over the past few days.  

We drove into Rapid for a quick lunch and a few groceries.  When we came out, the sky was looking ugly to the west.  No weather alerts.  Shortly after we got back to the coach, the first of the alerts: Severe Thunderstorm Warning, including reported pingpong ball size hail; looks to be coming right at us.  Again.  We put away the stuff on our patio and pulled in the slides.  Not much else we can do.  The TV is doing that warning alarm... yeah, we know.

I did take Rufus out for a walk, since it may be a few hours before we can get out again.

 "Um... Dad, did you see that sky?"

"Yeah, buddy, that doesn't look pretty."

The furry boy is pretty intuitive: he knows when we pull the slides in and we aren't moving, something is up and that something isn't good.

When Ruf and I got back from the walk, we got a call from the guy who will be doing our insurance inspection/adjusting/whatever.  We are scheduled for late Wednesday morning.  Finally.  I just want to get through the waiting on other people.  Yes, I know, everyone here at Hart Ranch is waiting.  The adjuster said, "Everyone wants this done yesterday," and seemed relieved when I said, "Wednesday is fine."

Speaking of waiting, the Thunderstorm Warning has been changed to a Thunderstorm Watch.  No further mention of hail.  We have heard the rumble of thunder to the northwest, but haven't seen any lightning, yet.  We are keeping an eye that direction.  Just a bit gun-shy.

Throttle Therapy...

 

With all the crap that has gone down since Thursday, the urgent covering, then the more solid patching when the rain threat moved on, dealing with insurance people, windshield replacement people, not much sleep, and the mental stress... we were in need of a pleasant distraction.

I couldn't agree fast enough when Joan said, "I think we could use some scooter time today."  It's a sunny day, but wind gusting above 25mph.  I suggested a route that would keep us mostly off highways and open areas.

Of course, Iron Mountain Road was in the mix.  Traffic was very light, so the riding was especially great.  As we left Hart Ranch, less than 5 miles away, there was no evidence of hail damage... timing and placement.

A few other two-wheel enthusiasts, most waved back.  A couple slow drivers who were kind enough to pull off and let us get around.  A couple deer that were way closer to the road than I wanted to see.  Joan actually tempted fate when she said, "This scoot (her Yamaha) is the only vehicle we have that hasn't had a claim this trip."  I have been thinking that, but I would not have said it out loud.  ;-)

The joke...

 

A guy asks his brother to take care of his cat when he goes on vacation.  The brother agrees and the guy heads out for a long-awaited time away.  He calls the brother the next day and asks how the cat is doing.  The brother says, "Oh, the cat died."

The man exclaims, "Why didn't you break that news to me easier?  My vacation is ruined."

The brother asks, "How could I have done that?"

The man says, "You could have told me the cat is on the roof and it seems happy up there and doesn't want to come down.  Then, the next time I called you could have said you had some trouble getting the cat down, but you've taken her to the vet.  Then, the next time I called you could have said that the cat isn't doing well, but the vet is hopeful.  Then, by the end of my vacation you could have said that you had to do the humane thing and help the cat across the Rainbow Bridge."

"I understand," said the brother, "I'm sorry."

The man says, "Well, you learned something from all this.  How's Mom doing?"

The brother paused and said, "Um... Mom's on the roof."

It's an old joke, but I'm an old guy.  I was concerned that Steph would call while I was working on top of the motorhome yesterday, and not getting an answer on my phone, would call Joan and ask, "How's Dad?"

And... Joan would say... "Dad's on the roof."

(rimshot)

I was in working while on my knees for almost all of the "roof time" yesterday.  About 5 hours worth.  I would stand every once in a while to get feeling back in my legs.  Joan has a garden pad I used to keep my knees from getting raw.  It worked, for the most part.  I was using muscles I hadn't used in a long time, and today, the backs of my thighs, up through my ass, and into my lower back remind me of that roof time with every move I make.

As my Mother used to say, "Getting old isn't for sissies."  Or, another thing I recall reading: "Welcome to your 'Golden Years' - hope you like ibuprofen."

The woman from the insurance company I spoke with asked, "Was anyone hurt?"

I should have answered, "No, but I'm gonna be."

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Joan told me she has "blue tape envy"... I didn't understand.

She said, "You know how when they replace a windshield in your car, they put blue tape on it to hold things in place for the first 24 hours?  I saw a lot of blue tape on windshields when I came back into the park yesterday.  Those people got new windshields."

Our turn is scheduled for Tuesday.

Up on the roof...

 

If you said, "The Drifters, 1964, from their album On Broadway," you get 30 bonus points.  If you said, "Written by Gerry Goffin and Carole King," you get an additional 100 bonus points.  If you said, "Jim's 3rd least favorite place, behind Armageddon and the Gates of Hell," you get an additional 500 bonus points.

I was up early today, my mind going through all the potential fixes I have in mind for the roof and the two large skylites.  What we did yesterday was an "emergency patch," because the weather weasels were calling for more rain and potential severe weather.  We picked up more substantial repair supplies in our run into town.

So, this morning, I was ready to go after it.  While I worked up on the roof, Joan made a better patch for the big hole in the roof of our CR-V, where the sunroof used to be.  I applied Gorilla Tape and FlexTape to the skylites and the worst of the holes in the fiberglass.  I ran through what we bought for white Gorilla Tape, so Joan made another run into town.  Leaving me up on the roof.  All by myself.

Kidding aside, I am fine once on the roof.  Well, this was a bitch because all of the work I had to do was from a kneeling position, and my knees and hips don't much like to kneel.  It is the getting on the roof, and more specifically: that swing when you have to put a foot and leg over the side, hoping to catch a rung on the ladder on your way off the roof.  Really, I hate that part.  Other RVs we've had have had a built-in ladder,  which has curved hand-holds that you step between to get down onto the ladder (like coming out of a swimming pool).  This motorhome does not have a built-in ladder (apparently, they don't want you on the roof); we bought a nice "expanding" ladder when we were equipping the coach.

Back to the "all by myself" on the roof.  I am always by myself up there, but Joan does hold the ladder as I'm climbing on or off, and she hands me up any tools or supplies I need.  We have a slight difference of opinion on this next part: she confirmed that I would be OK up there while she ran into town.  I did not realize that she was going to go to Menard's, then go to a spa for a massage, shop for shoes, then do a little sight-seeing before coming back.  She says she went to Menard's, knew right where to go to get what we needed, then came right back.  I didn't have a watch on or my phone while I was up on the roof (by myself), but I'm pretty sure she was gone for about 12 hours... she says, "An hour, tops."

Of course, it is windy today, and the shop towel I was using to wipe things off before applying the FlexTape blew off the roof.  I did not want to do that "off the roof and onto the ladder" thing without having someone there to hold the ladder and call 911 when I splat onto the pavement.  Fortunately, the neighbor was outside working on his 5th wheel... everybody here is out working on their RV and car right now.  I called out to him, explained my predicament and asked if he could toss the towel up to me.  He said, "No problem - it's no big deal to me, down here on the ground; probably more of a big deal to you up there."

He had that right.  I thanked him and went back to work, wondering if Joan was OK, since she had been gone long enough to file a Missing Person Report.  For the record, she did come back.  Eventually.  What's that?  Yes, Rufus is a very smart and a very good boy, but he lacks the opposable thumbs necessary to grip the shop towel and toss it.  Plus, I'm pretty sure he was taking a nap.  While I was up on the roof by myself.

Joan brought me the roll of Gorilla Tape I needed to finish the second skylite, and I also used the FlexTape to seal over the duct tape on the worst of the holes... seems that about 90% of them were the worst of the holes.  Before coming down, I handed the stuff I had been working with to Joan and she held the ladder while I did the part I really don't like.

There is a 32% chance of precipitation by 3:00 this afternoon.  Right... 32%, as if they were ever that remotely accurate about anything.  There was no warning about the hail storm that hammered us.  32%, my ass.  While we're speaking of percentages, I'm about 80% confident that these repairs will hold.  I will get up there one more time to spray some FlexSeal on suspect areas, on a day when the wind isn't blowing strong enough to blow the shop towel out of my back pocket.

She did a good job of filling and covering the hole in the top of the CR-V.  We plan to get the windshield replaced so it will be safe to drive, but the insurance lady I spoke with yesterday said the company may balk about replacing the windshield on a vehicle that will almost certainly be totaled... but, she understood the safety concern.

If there was another CR-V I could buy and swap out my towing gear with, I'd just go for that.  So, we wait for someone from the insurance company to come out and assess the damage.  I can make it easy for them: beat to shit.  Report done.  In the meantime, we need something safe to drive.

People in general have been very nice.  Yesterday while getting back into our car at Menard's, a lady saw the Honda and said, "You must be staying at Hart Ranch - I'm so sorry for what happened to everyone's RVs out there.  I hope it doesn't leave a bad impression for you of the Black Hills."

Pretty nice, huh?

A guy stopped yesterday, leaned out the window, and asked, "If you're looking to sell that, I might be interested."  He was expecting to pick it up for next to nothing.  Which is only a little less than what it's probably worth right now.  Really, looking at the motorhome from ground level, it doesn't look bad - there's a handful of dings in the hood and fenders.  That lovely body paint came through it nicely.  It's only when you see what happened to the top of the coach that you can begin to appreciate why some major repairs are necessary.

In the words of the philosopher Wicked Witch of the West: "All in due time, my pretty."

In the light of day...

 

You know how some people say, "Things will be clearer in the light of day"?  Those people would be optimists.  I'm usually a glass-half-full kinda guy, but Mother Nature smashed the living shit out of my glass.

We did drive the car into Rapid City, to get tarps and roof repair material, both of those will be temporary fixes.  I have an appointment at the Winnebago factory to get the roof replaced, in December.  I remember Iowa in December.  It's why we moved away.

I spent a couple hours on the roof first thing this morning, while Joan fashioned some plastic over the sunroof in the Honda that has gone missing.  Might be with my prostate?  On the way into town, trying to look through the shattered windshield, I asked, "Do you feel like you're in a Spiderman movie?"  See, cause the shattered glass looks like a spider web on acid.  Too soon for humor?

The weather weasels were calling for a significant chance of rain and severe weather today,  We bought some patching material and a covering for over the top of that; 4 tarps of varying sizes.  We saw other Hart Ranch people at Menard's in the roof repair and RV supply areas... they had that same stunned look that we have.  Every car, truck, motorhome, 5th wheel, and travel trailer here has been damaged.  The grounds look awful, with tree branches and leaves down everywhere.  People are up on roofs and doing what repairs they can.  Surprisingly, it also seems that every sewer hose has been beaten to a pulp.  I have been using RINOflex hose for years - this is the first time I've seen one ripped apart.  I do carry a 10' extension sewer hose, and by using a different end piece on it, it will get us by.  Seems that all the places that sell RV supplies in Rapid City are out of sewer hose.  This short one will work for now, and Amazon will have one on its way.  Truly, I didn't think about the sewer hose.

Both side mirrors on the Honda were damaged... sail tape to the rescue.  It also works on our awnings, where they have had holes punched.  We did have the slide outs pulled in (when we looked at radar), but the little bit of awning at the inner and outer edges have holes/tears.  Tail lights on the Honda have holes; sail tape worked on that, too.

Back to the roof of the motorhome: I estimated 25 to 40 holes punched in the fiberglass... more like 60.  My biggest concern right now is the two large skylites that have been obliterated... I have taped plastic over those, but that obviously isn't going to hold going down the road.  Joan thinks we can get some clear plastic sheets and attach them; we'll see.

For now, we are "out of the weather" and can try to get back to normal again.

I spent two hours with a claims person today from Progressive.  After going through the "phone cha-cha" of getting bounced around.  The lady who ultimately took my information was professional and friendly... seems they put their least experienced and most non-conversational people as the "first line" on the phones.  Maybe, it is to try to drive you away?  Nah, they wouldn't do that, would they?

Because of "short staffing," an independent claims adjuster will be contacting us to check out the damage in person... some time in the next week.  No doubt, there are going to be a LOT of claims for RVs based around this storm.

With the stuff we bought to patch the roof, on the next nice (not hot) day, I'll go back up there again and start that process... just trying to keep the water out until we can get the roof replaced.

We've done what we can for now.  Joan is doing laundry, since every towel and blanket we have was called into service to try to keep water out.  I think Rufus is going to need a short walk.  I need a nap.

A brief look...

Some of the holes in the roof (below); everywhere you see those gray rectangles above is a hole.

Whew!

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After another run into town for repair supplies, we tarped the car (the sunroof is gone, and the initial cover we did to it didn't hold).

 

More substantial repairs planned for tomorrow.

Oh, HAIL...

 

Last summer was ugly, with 5 hail storms in 8 days.  This evening, we had a hail storm that made those look like they were just kidding.  The motorhome has between 25 and 40 holes in the roof.  The opening skylite up front is busted out.  The skylite over the shower is busted out, water was coming out of some of our light fixtures.  The pounding sound was horrendous.  It hailed baseball size hail on us for about a half hour.  The Honda is beat to a pulp - the sunroof is gone, windshield is shattered, the interior is soaked.  The interior workings of the powered TV antenna fell out of the ceiling, along with pieces of lighting fixtures.  The cargo trailer already had some hail dings - that is nothing compared to how it is now.

Pretty sure the Honda is not driveable, since you can't see through the windshield.  We can't even go into town to get tarps to cover the roof of the motorhome.  We put garbage bags over the busted out skylites, but that is temporary.  Tomorrow, I will get up on the roof and see what I can patch.  I am assuming the motorhome is totaled.  No question about the Honda.

Poor Rufus was scared shitless, and we were close behind.  Joan and I were holding towels over the busted skylites to slow down the water intrusion.

I got out on the ladder to check the roof.  A few other people were venturing out of their rigs.  What a mess.

 

 

It has been said: "If two sailboats are going roughly the same direction..."

 

"It is a race."  Oh, one or the other may pretend that it isn't... but, it is.  Same thing applies to motorcycles and scooters.

We had a great day on the scoots today.  Cool and breezy, with clear blue skies.  Cool enough to wear riding jackets.  Joan said, "How about we ride to Custer, get Black Hills Burgers and Buns, and make it a picnic?"  It took me almost 2/10 of a second to say, "Sounds good to me!"

I got the scoots out, checked tire pressure and oil; Joan had a back-up plan: Jimmy John's sandwiches, just in case there is an issue at BHB&B.  She packed sodas, water, and desserts in a cooler, while I got out helmets and jackets.  I put out my Nolan helmet so we could use our helmet communicators... an issue: her helmet communicator's battery was just about dead.  She asked if I wanted to switch to my new helmet, but I was already geared up.  For the record, she did order a communicator for that helmet - it was supposed to be in on Monday.  Yes, two days ago.  The tracking shows that it went to New Jersey, instead; so, no idea if or when it will be here.

In the meantime: let's ride!  I did hook up a 360 camera with the idea of shooting a few stills along the way, if anything interesting presented itself...

The riding was great - traffic the lightest we've seen since we got here this season!  We stopped in Custer State Park so Joan could place an order on-line for our lunch.  We did see one buffalo, but I didn't have time to get a photo - I was too busy getting all over my brakes because the RV driver in front of us came to an abrupt halt.  The ride through the park was great...

We rolled into Custer, parked the bikes at the County Courthouse, where there are a couple picnic tables on the grounds; and, just across the street from Black Hills Burger & Bun Co...

While Joan got our picnic gear ready, I walked across the street to get our food - ready, right on time!  There was quite a line of people waiting to get seated; this works for us and keeps us out in the fresh air.  I am generally not one to photograph every meal, but I want to remember this one - outstanding!

After lunch, we drove back into the park, with a plan to take the Wildlife Loop.  By this point, I was shooting video, but there wasn't much to see - a few of the begging burros and some antelope.  I don't think I'll do anything with this video, but here are a couple screen grabs...

The antelope...

And, along with the antelope, a grab of this cool Alfa Romeo that was ahead of, then behind us...

After the Wildlife Loop, the battery was about done on my camera... but, we were just getting started.  No photos or video, just the story: making the turn from the east entrance to Custer State Park onto the park road that becomes Iron Mountain Road, behind us: a car and 4 Harleys.

"Do you want to turn up the pace?" I asked Joan.

"Let's go!"

It was apparent that the car and the Harleys were trying to keep up (that sailboat reference in the title).  Before long, the car pulled off to let the bikes get around him... now, it's really on.  The Harleys could start to make up ground on the straight stretches... but, there aren't many straight stretches.  ;-)  It doesn't hurt that we have plenty of experience on this road.  We carved through the curves, ultimately catching up to two more Harley riders.

For those keeping score: 2 in front of us and 4 behind us.  The two in front of us saw us come up fast in their mirrors and put on some speed.  No, they couldn't shake us.  Through the curves, the tunnels, the splits, and the pig-tails... all 8 of us were moving right along.  At one of the pig-tails, where there is a pull out, the two Harleys in front of us pulled off... I could see the look on the first rider's face in my mirror.  If I were to use my mental telepathy, I could see him saying, "A Vespa??"

With those two out of the way, we were able to pick up the pace even more, putting more space between us and the 4 Harleys behind us.  We kept that up until off Iron Mountain Road and onto the short highway into Keystone.  When the speed limit turns to 20mph just outside Keystone, we let off... the couples on the first two Harleys were smiling and waving (and a thumbs up) as they went around us.  I'm going to say a good time was had by all.  :-)

We stopped for gas on the way home... I didn't do as well this time, since I wasn't slowed by riders in front of us: 89mpg.  Joan got 104mpg.  I would like to know the wizardry Yamaha uses to make that Xmax go fast and get more efficient fuel burn!

A truly fun ride today.  Lunch was excellent, the traffic was very light, the weather was a delight, and did I mention the riding?  Fun to "play with the big bikes" on Iron Mountain Road.

Be vewy, vewy quiet...

 

If you said, "Elmer Fudd, when he was hunting for wabbits," you get 50 bonus points.  If you were thinking my new helmet, yes, it is.  No bonus points.  A new addition makes even more quiet.

"A new addition?  Did you and Joan have another little bundle of joy?"  That ship has sailed, hit the rocks, and is resting on the bottom of the deep blue sea, but thanks for asking.  I use my Apple Airpods a lot.  Steph gifted me another set when she heard I wore my first ones out.  At the time, I was thinking about getting a set of the Airpod Pros, which are smaller and have noise cancellation.  A discussion on one of my scooter forums centered around "What kind of ear plugs do you use?"... I have several different types, from squishy foam to little silicone plugs that look like a Christmas tree that you shove in your ear.  They all work.  Mostly.  One of the participants on that thread said he was using Airpod Pros... "Ohhh, that sounds intriguing," my little mind said.  Looking them up, I saw that they are currently at the lowest price since they came out.  With Apple products, a lower price generally means they are about to come out with something new.

Joan ordered me a set.  They came in yesterday, but the mail room here isn't open on Sundays.  This morning, a few minutes after they opened at 8:00, I went to get that and some other stuff Joan ordered.  I put them on the charger and headed out for my morning bicycle ride.

 

These are slightly smaller than the previous Airpods, and they fit a bit more into your ear.  While I am thinking they will be good for recording and editing, I will be giving them a test ride on the scoot.

Joan said, "No thanks - it's too hot," when I asked if she wanted to go for a ride - today is grocery shopping day.  That works: she can make a run to the store, and I'll go out into the heat; high is predicted to be in the upper 90s this afternoon.

After she left, I took care of some coach chores, then geared up for a ride in the hot.  I put the Airpod Pros in my pocket, wanted to get a good with/without trial.  Almost no traffic as I took the Vespa through the twisty roads.  I stopped at my usual mid-loop, where I know I can get some shade.  A Jeep was in that shade, so I pulled close to get some "fringe shade."  I asked the guy in the Jeep if he was OK sharing some shade and he said they were just pulling out.

I took my helmet off, drank plenty of the ice water I brought, put the Airpods in my ears and did a test fit with the helmet... no problem.  I opened my phone and it already knew I had a new set of Airpods... the outside sounds nearly disappeared as the noise cancelling turned on.  I may be onto something here.

As I was ready to pull out onto Iron Mountain Road, 4 couples on large bikes passed by.  Three Harleys and a Goldwing.  I had no idea they would be going so slow.  I know what you're thinking - no, they aren't from Minnesota... Wisconsin.  "How slow were they?" you ask.  A couple years ago, we got caught behind the truck that was spraying a fresh center line on Iron Mountain Road... these riders were slower than that!  All those wonderful curves, and I couldn't even lean into them because they were going so slow.  Double yellow center line, so no passing.  I was very happy to hear the the Airpods were doing a wonderful job of muting the noise, as the last bike of the 4 had the loudest pipes.  Probably why the other 3 made this couple ride in the back.  These Airpods softened that exhaust rumble to a gentle purr.

The only time I got up any reasonable speed was on the splits: I stopped on the road to let them get well ahead of me, only starting to roll when a vehicle came up behind me.  Yes, I caught up to them before they got to the end of each of the splits.  Seriously, there was no more than 10º of lean from those bikes on all these fun curves.  They weren't just slow... they were painfully slow.  I took several deep breaths and enjoyed the nearly quiet.

Yes, I had time to take a rolling selfie with my phone (I didn't bring a camera today).  The women on the back of the bikes were waving to each other as they slowly moved through the pigtail bridges.  So slow.  I was behind them the whole length of Iron Mountain Road, from where I got back on after my stop.  They pulled off as we came to the T in the road, where you turn for Rushmore or Keystone.  Looking in my mirror, I saw the first two riders get off their bikes and High-5 each other... for what???  World's Slowest Transit of Iron Mountain Road???

I needed gas before going back to Hart Ranch - instead of taking the highway, I took the long curvy way around to get to where the road would meet up with Highway 16 two miles before the gas station that is my usual stop on the way home.  I don't want to say that all that slow driving is responsible, but I got a record-breaking 98.3 miles per gallon on this fuel up.  The bright side of slow riding, I guess.  ;-)  I'm kidding - there is no bright side to riding that slow.

I'm declaring the quiet of the Schuberth helmet as very good.  Add in the Airpod Pro, and it is as quiet as riding in the car with the air conditioning on.  With all the quiet, I was able to keep the face shield of the helmet partially open, which really helps with today's heat... 97º was as warm as I saw.

And, just because it's Rufus, here's a shot from yesterday that I didn't get posted...

The big furry boy sitting on Joan's lap, one of his happy places.  It would be one of mine, too, but Joan won't let me sit there.  ;-)

Feel the breeze...

 

It was another windy day in the Black Hills - a good time to take Joan's Xmax out for a ride to test out the new helmet on that bike.  Joan likes her windshield lower than I do, so when I ride her scoot, I do catch more wind right at the chin level... it makes for more wind noise for me than when I ride my Vespa.  Wanting to really get a feel for the Schuberth helmet in various conditions, this was a good check out.  Along the way, I shot a couple short video clips, to be used with the footage I shot yesterday... this video will be a short discussion about the helmet, then on with the riding video.

 

Back home, I processed that video.  Supper time by that point, and still windy enough that we changed our plan for grilling and went for some take out.  Home again, I finished the editing, added a narration audio track, then took Rufus for a walk. 

The furry boy is enjoying this site.  We walked into the tenting area, giving him the chance to see some new terrain.  That's two nice long walks today, each a different direction.  He seems to be back to his confident self while we're out.

Oh, and here's the video from what I shot yesterday and today...

Slow Ride...

 

If you said, "Foghat, 1975, from the album Fool for the City," you get 30 bonus points.  If you said, "Minnesota cars everywhere," you get 100 bonus points.  Semi-joking... we had some great riding with lovely cool weather, and a good test of my new Schuberth C3 Pro helmet.

Thanks to Mother Nature, we haven't gotten in much riding this week.  No destination, just a general plan of heading to and through Custer State Park, enjoying the riding, and checking out my new helmet.  Sunny, breezy, and temps in the 70s during our 4 hour ride.

Here's a look at the new helmet...

 "Um, isn't your other helmet plain white?"  Yes, thanks for asking.  While provides good visibility for other drivers.  This is a modular helmet, where my other one has a removable chin bar; a similar premise, but I can raise the chin bar on this one, making it easy to get a drink or talk without removing the helmet.  The C3 Pro is purported to be a very quiet helmet.  It certainly seemed so on the short test ride I got in before the weather turned crappy.  With this longer ride, I can say it is easily the quietest helmet I have owned.  Well made.  Very nice interior.  I can raise just the face shield, making for more ventilation, and it's still quieter than my other helmet.

The down side of today's ride: no helmet communicator in this helmet... Joan and I were forced to use hand signals, or get close, raise the face shield, and holler... just like the olden days.  Joan did not have to listen to me, so she may not consider that a "down side."  ;-)

The riding was good.  The temperature was a delight - cool enough that we could comfortably wear our riding jackets.  We rode through Custer State Park, heading up Needles Highway (yes, the road where the deer and the Vespa got up close and personal).  More Minnesota cars to slow us down, but we still enjoyed the ride.  Ha!

As usual, things got crowded right at Needle's Eye, but then some fine riding on the other side of that.  We took that road to Highway 385, through Hill City, Old Hill City Road to Keystone (more good curves), through Keystone, then the fun, curvy roads back to Hart Ranch.

Yes, I shot some video.  Enough that it filled the data card in the camera.  It will take a while to edit, and I'll probably do some narration on it.  But, not tonight.  There is a potential "balloon glow: here at Hart Ranch tonight, with a half dozen or so hot air balloons scheduled to be here.

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The balloon glow didn't happen - too windy.  Since I had the camera in my hand on the way to the car, I took a photo (not my usual telephoto) of the almost full moon...

Them changes...

 

If you said, "Buddy Miles, 1970, and, hey, wasn't that your opening song most nights in the Flippers?" you get 50 bonus points.

A bit of autumn in the air today.  It rained through the night and until late morning.  Then, a cold north wind kicked in.  I didn't go out of the coach today until around 7:00, to take Rufus for a walk.  I could tell the boy was feeling cooped up; 62º when we went out, and if it plays out the way the weather weasels are saying, a low of 48º overnight.  I think we'll need to turn on the heat.  First time this season.

It is supposed to be back into the 70s again tomorrow, 80s on Sunday, 90s on Monday.  Then, it should settle into a more normal late summer pattern.  Should be some good riding weather ahead.

 

When the rain comes...

 

If you said, "The Beatles, the song 'Rain', 1966, on the B-side of Paperback Writer," you get 20 bonus points, because I asked this music trivia question not too long ago.  Also, a Third Day song (Christian genre) from 2001, which would get you 20 bonus points, as well.

It rained last night.  It let up in the morning, so Rufus was able to get a walk in, and I got a bike ride... only 59º and a cold north wind.  The rain started up again this morning, and really started coming down when we went out for lunch and a trip to Wally World.  I let Joan off at the door at Walmart, then went hunting for a parking spot.  The place was packed.  Looking at some of the people wandering around, I think Walmart was a place to get out of the rain rather than a need to shop.

This area needs the rain.  Last year at this time, everything was still looking green; the hillsides where it isn't wooded are looking more brown this year.  It is supposed to rain off and on into the night, then a solid rain again for most of tomorrow.

We're OK with taking a day or two off from riding and touristing.  I wore long pants today... almost like a grown-up.

Is this for me?!

 

It doesn't need much explanation...

 Yeah, he's a good boy.  :-)

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And this is for me.

Rufus is a happy boy.  He wanted to go for a walk just before sunset, and he walked like he did before the "dog incident."  There is a walking path just behind us, and when he saw that, he just strutted down the path.  Tail in the air, walking proud.  He has been somewhat tentative, so I think this change of location gives him a fresh start.

I, too, am a happy boy.  I went for a ride yesterday, before it got so darn hot.  I considered taking the new helmet for a test run, in spite of the heat... but, if you wear it outside, you own it.

This morning, our time was tied up with moving.  After cleaning up, we made a run into town (as evidenced by the Rufus and the PetSmart bag photo above.  After our walk this evening, I changed into some riding pants, put on a jacket (yes, it is cool enough for a jacket this evening), donned the new Schuberth helmet, and gave it a try out on the road.

It has only been 36 hours since I rode last, but it seemed much longer - that ride felt great!  No doubt the cool air and the new helmet had something to do with that.  But, it was real good.

When I got back, I gave Joan a hand putting away the awning sunscreen before the three of us settled in for the evening.  The weasels are predicting two days of rain - this area is in dire need of it.  Joan said, "I'm glad you got a ride in, and that the new helmet works for you.  Come Saturday, we are both going to be in need of some riding!"

She's got that right!

Moving Day...

 

Yes, again.  It seems to take the better part of the morning to put away everything, get the motorhome ready for the 1/3 of a mile trip to our next site, then get all set up on that site.  While things don't have be be secured like they would for travel, there is still work to be done.  Fortunately, we may have the triple digit temperatures behind us.

And speaking of weather: looks like Tropical Storm Grace will be ramping up to a hurricane, but the track is now expected to pass south of us, into central Mexico...

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We were off our old site and moved onto the new site by 10:30.  Yep, back in Purgatory Flats: gravel sites, gravel road, not particularly level, the grass isn't manicured; but, it is a place to be for the next 9 days when we can get back into the main part of the resort.

Since it is a short move, we don't take everything doewn...

Yes, that is the windshield cover rolled down so I can see to drive.  Backed into the site...

Once on the site, it takes a while to get everything set up...

Home sweet home for the next 9 days.  I took Rufus for a walk so he could check out the grass... it isn't great.  They keep it mowed, but a lot of it is dried out (no large sprinklers like the main part) and scrubby weedy stuff.  Rufus found a bit of "good grass" near our utilities and the tree in the site next door to us (before someone moved onto that site).  He groused a bit and said, "This sucks... grumble, grumble."  He got a nice snack, so he perked right up.  He'll be fine.  So will we.  ;-)

I tried...

 

To get us a site in the main part of the resort for our "9 days out," instead of going to Purgatory Flats (aka: the Meadowlands).  I was at the door a few minutes before the office opened.  I tried the door... nope, it's locked.  Damn, they saw me pull that door 3 minutes early - probably shoots any chance of getting a site up on top.

Yep.  The lady at the registration desk, looked on her computer, but nothing is available for the 9 days.  Not a big deal, just thought I'd give it a try.  We have been able to do this in years past, but this is an unusual year.  Since the Rally wound down, there are some empty sites currently.  The site we go into tomorrow is off to the side and should be better for noise, dust, and people walking through the site.

With that attempt done, I came home and geared up to take the scoot for a ride before the heat of the day really kicked in.  It was before 9:00 that I headed out.  The roads were blissfully unencumbered with traffic.  Once on Iron Mountain Road, I passed maybe 10 cars and a dozen motorcycles going the other way... and most of the people on the bikes waved back.  I got behind one pickup truck that entire stretch, starting at one of the splits on IMR and was stuck behind it for a few minutes, when just before one of the pigtails, they pulled over to let me around.  Good to get out from that diesel exhaust.

The ride was a delight!  Temps were cool enough (until I got back on Neck Yoke Road) that I didn't break a sweat.  A couple photos along the way...

That first photo was done with my "Pocket Tripod", a little device that holds my phone.  I did not take a video camera along on this ride... just out for fun.

When I got home, Joan told me that the new helmet I had ordered was delivered... yes, this is the second one; a different brand and size.  And, it seems to fit pretty decent...

I wore it inside for an hour or so; fed Rufus lunch and dried the dishes while wearing it.  It did not leave any marks on my forehead, and generally feels pretty comfortable.  I'll "test wear it" some more, but it looks like this one will be a keeper.  (Schuberth C3 Pro)

Not even 1:00 and it is 97º - we're going to head out with the CR-V for a ride in air conditioned comfort.

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Touristing...

As planned, we went out and about for the afternoon.  We haven't been to Deadwood this summer, so the plan was for a "drive-thru"... we'll go up again some time and walk around, when it is cooler.  We stopped for gas in Sturgis on the way; it's always kinda sad to see what Sturgis looks like right after the Rally.  In another week or so, it will be back to normal, but right now there are still plenty of shops in the "deconstruction" stage.

Boulder Canyon, between Sturgis and Deadwood is looking good.  We lived in the canyon before moving to Spearfish, so it is fun to see the changes.  Deadwood had plenty of people on the sidewalks - judging by the age and name tags, the bus tours are rolling in.  Up to Lead for a look-around (not a lot of changes since we were through there last year), then back to Highway 385 south to Rimrock Highway, and into Rapid City.  With the thermometer topping out at 102º, it was a good time to stop for ice cream before heading back to the coach.

Rufus had obviously been sleeping while we were gone, but he was happy to see us, and vice versa.  Probably not going to be any patio time this evening because it is supposed to stay hot well into the evening.

The heat is on...

 

If you said, "Glenn Fry, 1984, used in the movie 'Beverly Hills Cop,' also the best selling of any Eagles member's solo release," you get 50 bonus points.

If you're thinking it is getting close to moving-time to another site in Hart Ranch, so it must be getting hot there, you are also correct.  The weather was mostly decent during the Sturgis Rally, but it is going to be hot today and tomorrow - triple digit kinda hot.  Hot enough that any outing will likely be by air conditioned Honda instead of the two-wheeled variety.

Plenty of smoke in the air to add to the fun.

Keeping an eye at home, as the predicted path of Tropical Storm Grace has moved south, putting our area in the cross-hairs...

 

That prediction is five days out, and that shaded area is not the size of the storm, but the "cone of possible path."  We prepped the house before we left.  Wait and see.

If I have to explain...

 

... you wouldn't understand.  It's from a Harley t-shirt many years ago.

Some discussion about my recent videos on one of the scooter forums.  A couple comments about not wanting to ride with a group.  While some folks do show up to Sturgis riding in a group, that isn't the same thing as "a group ride."  More discussion about the huge crowds and "the purpose" of the videos.

My response...

Just doing my part to show a slice of life on two wheels. When I post a video, folks can get an idea of what Main Street in Sturgis actually looks/sounds like. It can be as crowded as you want to be involved in, or you can still find great roads to ride that are relatively uncluttered with traffic.

How is that possible with an extra 800,000 people (roughly the population of the entire state of South Dakota) in the Black Hills area? Thanks for asking; the main roads, like: to Mt Rushmore, Iron Mountain Road, anywhere in Custer State Park, Boulder Canyon Highway to Deadwood, Spearfish Canyon are publicized as being "scenic"... but there are some delightful, twisty back roads that are just as entertaining, and less known.

That ride down the Main Street of Sturgis during the Rally is alive with energy. You can just ride through and take it in, or stop, park, and wander around. While the majority of retail is done in t-shirts, there is everything imaginable for your two-wheel conveyance (granted, most of it revolves around Harleys). Three years ago, I stopped at the Corbin display right before the Rally started, placed and paid for a new seat to be built for my GTS, and the timing was such that I had it 4 days later. From California. Timing. Two years ago, the Nolan helmet I was looking for was being sold by Nolan inside the gigantic Harley dealer.

I have sometimes called it "the world's biggest motorcycle stuff sales event." Music concerts. "Fair" food. And some of the most interesting people-watching to be had. (understatement) If you don't like crowds, it may not be the place for you, but I can go there for the day, then go back the 40 miles or so to the very nice, upscale RV resort where we are staying, and have space and relative quiet. Staying at the Buffalo Chip campground wouldn't be my thing, but it is an annual event for many thousands of people (reported 120,000 people at the Kid Rock concert there, and that entry included camping, if you wanted).

Having lived in the Black Hills for almost 30 years, we saw it grow from 30,000 or so that was common back then to the half million+ of the last 30 years.

Like others have related on this thread, I'm not a big fan of group rides. One day, I'd like to go to an AmeriVespa if the timing/location works, but not to ride with a bunch of others. Over the 50+ years of riding we've done, we've been to a lot of rallies, and done a fair share of group rides; these days, I'm most happy with my Honey and me and a picnic lunch.

I shoot the videos for my own entertainment. Anyone who has done video work can attest that even a small video like I've posted here is a lot of work... certainly more time cutting and editing than shooting. I post them in a couple places, hoping folks will enjoy "the ride" (I generally try to make these scooter videos from the rider's perspective). While I make them "public" so they can be seen here, I'm not promoting anything nor trying to monetize things. I used to shoot photos for the "memory insurance," but these videos tell more of a story.

I love to ride. I was a professional photographer before retiring first time around. Photos and videos are still a part of what I enjoy. I wish 360 video had been a thing during my second career as a boat captain; but I do have many photos and great memories.

I appreciate the comments. Consider this "show & tell" for my childish side. Also to show that riding any brand motorcycle/scooter conveyance gives you that "in the wind" feeling. I'm sure many of you have friends/family who think you are crazy (or have a "death wish") to be out riding your Vespa... like the t-shirt says: If I have to explain, you wouldn't understand.

Jim

Taking a step back...

 

I had a plan for today, and it didn't involve riding.  Well, I did ride my e-bike (bicycle) this morning, but that's to keep these old joints from getting stiff.

The weasels were predicting a hot one today, with a high around 90º.  Knowing I'd get a Sturgis ride in Thursday or Friday, I planned today to be coach washing day.  Along with the heat, the wind really kicked up.  It made for "planning ahead" to get the wind to work with you and not get soaked... with 4 distinct sides on the motorhome, at some point you are going to be "into the wind."  While I do need a shower now, I'd rather do it inside, nekkid, with soap and warm water.

If I do say so myself, the Aspect looks pretty good.  Joan did not critique my wash job, but apparently I misspoke when I said, "I put the stuff back on the patio."  I had to move all the chairs and tables so they wouldn't get soaked during the washing.  Being a guy, I was pretty proud of myself that I put it all back.

Coming back in from outside, she said, "You would not make a good burglar."

"OK."  I've done a lot of things over the years, but being a burglar was never a skill that I developed.  I assumed she'd go on.

She did: "You said you 'put stuff back,' but you didn't put it back where it was."  I put it back where it made sense to me.  You'd think I'd be smart enough to just apologize and move on.  You'd be wrong.

There are two things I don't like: being told what to do, and having what I did critiqued.  She didn't tell me to wash the coach - the outside is "my part."  She didn't even critique the wash job.  She continued, "If you were a burglar, your crime would be obvious, since you didn't put everything back the way it was."

Nope, can't keep my mouth shut... "Yeah, because that's what burglars do: after ransacking your house, they go through and pick up the mess, vacuum, wash the windows, change the sheets, and fluff the pillows."  She didn't know whether to be mad or laugh... I frequently elicit either.  It's my super-power.  Sadly, I am not able to control it, so I can't always predict which way that tree will fall.

My crime: I didn't put the chairs back in the exact same places and "the table is too close to the door."

In the words of the philosopher Steve Martin: "Well, excuuuuuuuuuse me."  I had no idea we had fixed places for all that stuff... it seems to move around, depending on the sun, what direction we want to view, and the wind.

I sat down to give my aching back a rest and cool off.  Apparently, women all stick together: Mother Nature thought it would be funny to sprinkle for about 14 seconds.

I can't win.

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Two hours later, Mother Nature is getting ramped up.  Joan made a run into town to get pizza; when she got back, she said the sky was looking ugly.  Checking The Weather Channel, they didn't know anything about that.  A few minutes later: rain, gusting winds.  We started up the coach and pulled the slides in.  Now, The Weather Channel is calling for a severe thunderstorm warning, lasting until 3:45.  The rain is coming down and the sky to the west of us doesn't look friendly at all.  It's moving this way.  It is about 15º cooler in Rapid City (about 5 miles north of us) than here.  We're as hunkered down as we can be with short notice.

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We were fortunate.  There was hail north of us and southwest of us; Rockerville, which is about 6 miles from us had golf ball size hail that damaged vehicles there.  Just rain here.

Sturgis Rally - Friday the 13th...

 

No, I'm not superstitious... but, I am bummed.  I shot some video around Sturgis for my last trip through there for this year's Rally.  After leaving town and riding up Vanocker Canyon, I got to the intersection of Vanocker Canyon Road and Nemo Road... just as I was pulled up to the stop sign, a South Dakota Highway Patrol car pulled across the lane, blocking me.  Now, I may have pushed the speed limit just a bit, but... the officer inside the car made no attempt to get out.  As other bikes built up behind me, she got on her bullhorn speaker and said, "There is a Veteran's Ride that will be passing through here in just a moment!"

I looked at my camera and could see the battery was getting low, but figured I didn't have time to change it... the red flashing light was still on, so I assumed it was recording.  It wasn't.  So, I missed the line of Veterans' bikes rolling past.  I stepped off the Vespa and clapped as they rode by.  I was tapped on the shoulder and turned... a big gallute of a guy had something on his mind: "I just had to see what you have in this Vespa - you were riding the shit out of it!  I'm on an Indian 111 and you were pulling away from me on those curves and hills.  That was fu**ing awesome!  On a Vespa!"

I said, "It's a GTS 300, but I have been riding for over 50 years."

"That is so fu**ing awesome!  I can't believe how fast you were going!"

And then he walked back to his buddies on bikes behind me.  I looked at my camera - it was still going.  I have to say I was pretty pumped to get that on video... or, so I thought.  I tried to turn the recording off and it wouldn't... that is usually a bad sign.  Yep, when I got home, I downloaded the files and that one was corrupt.  Oh well.

I enjoyed this last trip through Sturgis, and Vanocker Canyon was relatively traffic-free... it was a good ride.  Back to life as normal once again.

Here's a couple still from today...

I do appreciate a good offensive t-shirt during the Rally.  Here is the way my Vespa looked parked on ain Street...

Here's how it looked to me...

And the video...