Los Guajolotes--2011
J. T. Smith
Los Guajolotes–a loosely structured group of past and current specialists in motorcycle rider education and training--gather once each year to talk of old times, tell stories, and ride good--read, not straight--roads. This year the gathering place was Torrey in southern Utah, near the entrance to Capitol Reef National Park. I decided to invite two classmates--Gordon Flygare and Leon Goodson--whom I knew to be active riders--to join in on the fun as guests. Sadly, Leon was unable to make it due to scheduling conflicts, but Gordon signed on eagerly.
So, early on 31 May, Chad–a friend who had ridden in from Georgia a day earlier–and I departed Clarksville, TN for Gordon's house in Norman, OK. Diane took this picture as we headed out.
We made a planned RON in Little Rock, AR and arrived in Norman, OK on 1 June. With an ominous vibration growing steadily worse in my motorcycle, it was obvious that the machine would not survive the trip ahead. There was no choice but to deposit it at a local dealer for repairs. My portion of the trip was, at that point, in serious jeopardy.
Fortunately, Gordon had sitting in his garage a second motorcycle which he volunteered for my use. I gratefully accepted his generous offer, and the three of us were ready for departure on schedule on 2 June. Gordon's wife, Ann, was on hand to see us off. While we were gone, she had plans to attend the 50th reunion of her nursing school class.
On our way west from Norman, Gordon led us to a stop at the Gen Thomas P. Stafford Air & Space Museum in his home town of Weatherford, OK. It's a nice museum and definitely worth a stop if you are in the area.
Our route included RONs in Tucumcari, NM and Holbrook, AZ. Along the way, we took the opportunity to put in several enjoyable miles on sections of historic Route 66
From Kingman, AZ we headed north to check out the new Hoover-Dam bypass bridge. Our stop that night was just outside the gate at Nellis AFB. The sound of afterburners and Reveille in the morning brought back some good memories.
The final leg into Torrey snaked northward out of Las Vegas through Zion National Park where our Golden Age Passports once again proved their exceptional value, since the entry fee for motorcycles has now climbed to $12 a pop. Once settled into our cabin at the Chuck Wagon Lodge, we relaxed a while before meeting with the group for dinner.
The next four days were spent riding the roads in the park region of southern Utah. Great rides and wonderful scenery were enhanced by just being with friends, both old and new.
Friday morning was the time for farewells until next year as everyone began their journey home. In addition to Chad, Gordon and I were joined by another long-time friend, Fred, from Hurst, TX.
The journey home was a bit shorter with RONs in Durango, CO and Dalhart, TX, where Fred and I introduced Chad and Gordon to a little Mexican restaurant serving some of the best food in that part of the world. The next morning, we left before dawn in an attempt to beat as much of the afternoon heat as possible. After a nice breakfast in Amarillo, we split into two groups with Chad and Fred heading for Fred's place in Texas, while Gordon and I returned to Norman.
Motorcycle dealers are typically closed on Mondays, and the dealer near Gordon's is no exception. Consequently, I had an extra day with Gordon and Ann before I could retrieve my motorcycle and head for home. That was a nice, relaxing break. I did some laundry and enjoyed their hospitality. One particularly special time was spent visiting the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City. Gordon volunteers as a docent at this remarkable facility; so, I enjoyed a personalized guided tour.
The dealer opened at 0900 on Tuesday, and shortly thereafter Gordon had me there with all my stuff. I paid the bill, loaded the bike, and was on my way east on I-40 by 1000. Another RON in Little Rock, and Diane welcomed me home at about noon on Wednesday. Another excellent trip and a great ride, totaling--for me--about 4000 miles Maybe next year, Leon will be able to join us.