Q. You know that river? A. Atchafalaya - Gesundheit!

Although we got a really late start on leaving for today's ride on Cheeto, we did make good time, saw wonderful sights and even experienced a great lunch at little greasy spoon near Morgan City. But let me back up.

Jannette and I rarely know where Cheeto will take us until we saddle up. That's part of the allure of riding in southern and southeastern Louisiana and the Gulf Coast. Today, we thought maybe we'd head toward Avery Island and the Tabasco Sauce (McIlhenny Company) property. At least we knew we'd start that direction and see what happened. It was a warm day today, with highs in the upper 80's and low 90's depending on how close you were to Lake Ponchartrain. The humidity was quite high too, although we've become somewhat acclimated, and now anything below 80% is downright heavenly.

US 90 runs throughout the state and it's actually a pretty nice thoroughfare. Most places it's at least 4 lanes wide, sometimes with a neutral ground (median). Not usually high speed, but frequently with a 65 mph limit. That was good for us today.

We headed from Slidell, down Interstate 10 to Harahan and jumped on US 90 after crossing the Huey P. Long bridge over the mighty Mississipi. From there, we westbanked it through Boutte, Raceland, Houma and Gibson. 

We stopped for fuel at a little Casino/Gas Station/Mom & Pop restaurant, called Cash Magic Bayou Vista, just across the Atchafalaya River from Morgan City. The place was called Sam's Southern Eatery, and their logo is of a Jumbo Shrimp (yes, I realize that's an oxymoron). I had a double cheeseburger (cause nothing tastes better than a homestyle hamburger), while Jannette had the fried shrimp Po-boy. Those shrimp were indeed jumbo!

While eating, we decided that Avery Island would have to wait for another trip, as there's a ton to do there and it was approaching 4pm and we were 119 miles from home. However, rather than doubleback and head home the same way (a cardinal sin for motorcyclists is to take the same route twice), we checked out another route to get us north to Interstate 10 east of Gonzales.

Finding LA-70 was tough enough in the quaint burg of Morgan City, but when the signs have either been torn down from storms, stolen by college students, or just bent so that they don't truly show the correct way, they are less than helpful. Finally getting ourselves on course, we took LA-70 and immediately enjoyed the beautiful scenery as it threaded along a spit of land between Flat Lake and Lake Palourde. The road was in fantastic shape, and there were a lot of interesting things to grab our attention: Graveyard Island, Spunky Monkey Daiquiris,Old River and Bayou Calist.

The only thing spoiling our second trip across the Big Muddy was the heavy canvas tarps covering the bridge skeleton while maintenance crews repaired and repainted the Sunshine Bridge. Shortly after that, we picked up I-10 and did the boring 75 mph 'haul-ass' back home. We were lucky that LSU was busy with a late game getting their rear ends spanked, because that kept traffic (for us) light.

As usual, Cheeto performed her best with nary a hiccup or sneeze. As a reward, she'll get an oil change soon.

2014

Miles ridden so far: 874.5

Miles ridden on this trip: 257

Total miles in 2014: 1,131.5

Beach baby, beach baby...

So today looked like a great day to answer the whimpering from the garage. Cheeto has been practically begging me to get her back out on the road and in the wind. So we decided that since we couldn't decide on what we really wanted to do today, we agreed to do some magic tricks. Mainly: changing gasoline into noise.

Just as I was backing off the ramp and out of the garage - literally - we got a 15 minute sun shower (you know, the sun is shining brightly, but it's raining). So we waited, dressed for the road and sweating in the garage, but waiting all the same. On the plus side, the direction the rainclouds were headed urged us to take a different route which was mainly 2 lane highways. Those are better than superslab anyway.

We headed out US - 190 East, over to US - 90 East, and made our way toward Waveland, Mississippi. We had three destinations in mind: IP Casino in Biloxi, Silver Slipper Casino in Waveland, and perhaps a thirst-quenching stop or two along Beach Boulevard, heading east, along the Gulf. In the end, we got two of three done. And as my close, personal friend, Meat Loaf says: Two Out of Three Ain't Bad.

The wind was light, which kept the sand on the beach instead of on the roads and in our face, and the beaches were lightly populated (it was getting well past prime sun-bathing time). The traffic was relatively well-behaved and the roads were in great shape. Jannette and I stopped at Shaggy's in Biloxi, watched the last part of a college football blowout, and quenched our thirst carefully (making sure to drink plenty of water). When the karaoke DJ started 'warming up' the crowd with country songs, I realized my cue to get back to my trusty metal steed and let the warbling, tone-deaf bar patrons enjoy each other without my my eyerolls and grimaces.

Rather than keep going a few more miles east to IP Casino, we decided that our growling stomachs needed attention too, and we figured that 'buy one, get one' coupon for the buffet would come in handy.

We cruised along toward the setting sun, then took the scenic route through Bay St. Louis, and eased into a parking spot at "The Slippery Knot" (our word for Silver Slipper Casino). After a great dinner, a brief spate of good luck at the one-armed bandits for Jannette, and some people watching, we reclaimed our spots aboard Cheeto and headed home.

This time we took US - 90 to MS - 607 and picked up I-10 West for the five or six miles until we reached our exit. After filling Cheeto's tank for high-octane food, (and a weird situation with a wandering woman in a dress and flip flops), we popped ol' reliable up on the lift and let her cool down.

2014
Miles ridden so far: 761
Miles ridden on this trip: 113.5
Total miles in 2014: 874.5

Pine country of Mississippi

Today's ride with my lovely bride was way overdue.  Our original thought was to go to Natchez, Mississippi and wander around that historic little town. Unfortunately, the usual afternoon pop-up thunderstorms had other plans.

We started from the Dirty Dell (Slidell, La) and traveled up I-59 to Lumberton, MS. From there it was Hwy 13 over to Columbia, MS. We started down MS-84 as far as Tylertown, but just shy of the town, we turned
back due to some pretty intense clouds ahead.


We headed back toward Hattiesburg, in an effort to outrace the storms. And we did for the most part.

So while we only got wet a few little times, we had a great ride among what has to be the pine tree capital of the South. If there's a bigger collection of pine trees anywhere, I haven't seen it.

Of course, aside from the rain, we had some heat. Real southern Mississippi heat. Jannette, as usual, was prepared with sunscreen, but not me. Luckily, my handsomeness is faster than the damaging rays of the sun, so I only got a little pink on my forearms. And as we rode through areas where rain had just fallen, the temps had dropped at least 10 degrees. It's just temporary though. Within about 15 minutes the humidity kicks in and we're back to sticky-crotch conditions.

Cheeto performed flawlessly, as usual. She logged 224 miles on this trip and we were able to bring her back to her special room. Another red letter day exploring the areas around our favorite home.

2014 

Miles ridden so far: 537

Miles ridden on this trip: 224

Total miles in 2014: 761

Great Wall of Gretna and Cooked Chicken Feet

A little warn, but a beautiful day to do some exploring on the West Bank of New Orleans. Not exactly exploring, but we went over there to try a Chinese restaurant that Jannette's co-worker suggested. It was Dim Sum. That's some sorta Chinese word for "we put the food on small plates and charge just as much."

In any case, the restaurant was in Gretna, which is just across the Mississippi River from downtown New Orleans. Crossing the Crescent City Connection bridge over the majestic Big Muddy always gives me a bit of a chill, even today with a 91 degree sunny day.

Cheeto purred as steady as always and we were at our destination 30 minutes early. Given the heat and humidity, I would have expected to feel like we were melting at intersections with red lights, but the heat coming off her wasn't bad.

So what was bad? Well, I'm not entirely sure, because I wasn't about to eat the cooked chicken feet, smothered in some sorta sauce. In fact, there were several items that i wasn't about to put in my mouth. Jannette's co-worker, Mike, is famous for eating Chinese things that even starving children in Ethiopia wouldn't touch. But I ate the snails. And the white rice. And lots of water.

On the way home from the restaurant, we decided to take the long way.  We diverted off I-10 and took US-90 East at Chef Menteur. After cruising through Little Vietnam, through the levee wall, Venetian Isles, and past the Ringolets. We wound up crossing over to the north shore and then back to I-10 via Old Spanish Trail in Slidell.

Expecting the typical NOLA speed-freaks and cell phone drivers, we found that we had somehow avoided most of the crazies and had no close calls. Traffic was relatively light, considering it was Father's Day weekend.

Pulled in to the garage, put Cheeto on the lift, jumped in the pool, and a few hours later, I got to scrubbin' the back wheel (it's been far too long since I gave that portion enough cleaning attention).
But now she's gleaming.

And no cooked chicken or Cheeto feet.

2014 

Miles ridden so far: 450

Miles ridden on this trip: 87

Total miles in 2014: 537

Out to the Studio in the Country

An absolute fantastic Sunday in early May.  The day was clear and quite warm, with highs in the low to mid 80s.  Once the bright Louisiana sun began to descend toward the horizon and the heat showed a few early signs of dissipating, my lovely bride and I mounted up and enjoyed a ride out to the country in "toe" part of the state.

Gordo, wearing his Oompa Loompa glasses and Lovely Jannette, on our way to Bogalusa.

We headed from Slidell to Bogalusa, with our goal in mind of visiting the Studio in the Country. What is that, you ask? It's a recording studio set about 70 miles from New Orleans, where many notable musical acts have recorded huge hits. We didn't plan on actually getting into the studio (I'll have to call and ask for that), but we wanted to see what we could see. Turns out, that's not much. The entrance from Louisiana Hwy 436 is unmarked, save for two wooden columns astride a dirt path. No mailbox or street address either. But seeing as how there's nothing on either side of it for nearly a half mile in either direction, there's no mistaking it.

But I'm ahead of myself.

We quickly made our way to Pearl River, zipping through the light Sunday evening traffic and keeping a nearly steady pace of 55 to 65 mph (in strict accordance with state laws, I assure you). We jumped on La Hwy 41 and headed toward Bogalusa, which is roughly 45 miles from home, give or take.

We found the address easily enough and parked in the driveway. Snapped a few photos and decided it might be best to call ahead in a few days and ask to visit the property before just driving on up. They do a lot of hunting in Louisiana. I wouldn't want to be mistaken for a deer. Or antelope. Or Rougarou. Or just some weird biker who pulls up in the driveway, uninvited.  Plus, it's just considerate.

Cheeto, in the driveway to Studio in the Country, Bogalusa, Louisiana.

We headed out and came home roughly the same way (not my usual MO). We stopped for a water and root beer break just up the road from the studio. Wanna know how 'country' this setting is? Here's a clue: the nearest gas station doesn't require you to 'pre-pay' at the pump. In fact, you can't. You pump, walk in and pay. While the store smelled like a cross between fishing bait and hot dog roller machine, it was relatively clean, and the clerk/manager/owner was really quite nice.

The trip home was beautiful with the sun setting in the west and a few shady spots that actually bordered on 'chilly' for a few moments.

Cheeto performed up to her usual standards, with nary a hiccup or fart. I ran the GoPro, but forgot to charge the battery before leaving so I have no idea how much footage I actually got. I can't imagine any of it would be riveting or Oscar-worthy anyway.

This was one of those 'nothing special' rides, but that's special in that no one pulled out in front of us, rode our tail, or blew by us with nary a thought. Drivers today were well-behaved and considerate. And for that, I thank you!

2014 

Miles ridden so far: 427

Miles ridden on this trip: 107

Total miles in 2014: 450

Spring, Sprang, Sprung!

Got the itch to go for a quick ride, just to work out the stiffness from Cheeto sitting for a few weeks. At least that was my official excuse. Actually, I just wanted to ride and put some wind on brand new chrome sidecovers I had purchased.

As my lovely bride and I saddled up, I started rolling video on the GoPro to test that as well. The file is absolutely HUGE, and I'm at the start of the learning curve with compressing it. Once I get that down, I'll start uploading those as well. For the record, the video is clean and smooth and makes one really appreciate what the front forks do, and how hard and constant they work.

In any case, the temps were in the upper 60's/low 70's and the sun was about an hour from setting. We knew we weren't going to be out long (we hadn't had dinner yet), but to her credit, my wife didn't even take time to think about an answer when I asked, "wanna go for a short ride?"

Within minutes, she was changed and ready to go. We meandered through a subdivision behind us, trying to find a way to out to Military Road (Ronald Reagan Highway) to get us on US 90. Our goal (which we didn't know until later) was to cross the bridge over Old Pearl River, and then turn around at some point along Upper Black Bayou and head home. This is the route we would take if heading out to Waveland/Gulfport and wanting to avoid the Interstate. Traveling through the Pearl River Wildlife area is cool (for those of us still 'new' to bayous), but the short stretch from the state line to Bay St. Louis is pretty boring. Woods. Lots of woods. Oh, and woods.

But considering the 'back way' ride from Slidell to Gulfport is about 75 minutes, only about 20 minutes of it is really boring. Once you get near the Silver Slipper Casino (via Lake Shore Drive) and get on Beach Boulevard, it's a beautiful view. But all that is for a future ride.

This short jaunt got us out and back in about 30 minutes, with bright sun to keep us warm as it began to set through the trees.

2014 

Miles ridden so far: 322

Miles ridden on this trip: 21

Total miles in 2014: 343

It's all new! New home, new riding season, new attitude!

It's official and underway. Jannette and I have moved to Louisiana and now have taken our rides south.

We work in New Orleans, live in Slidell and I'm -finally- legal to ride (plated and titled in the state).

Our first real ride was last weekend, when we went from Slidell to Pensacola, Florida and back. We didn't plan to be riding at night, it just worked out that way.

The weather on Saturday was beautiful, with highs around 70 and lows expected around 50. The plan was to visit my step-mother (technically, I guess ex-step-mother, since she's no longer married to my Dad and hasn't been for 20 years). I have kept in touch with her on Facebook, but I wanted to see her in person. We didn't have the best relationship growing up, but that was a really long time ago, and I'm letting bygones be bygones these days. Brussel Sprout arguments don't hold a lot of weight nowadays.

Anyway, for the ride:

Left Slidell around 1pm, and pulled into Pensacola about 4. We had stopped for fuel once and another time just to mentally prepare and stretch before getting to her house in Pensacola. Cheeto, as always, performed well, with nary a hiccup or sputter. She's got some legs to her. 

We chatted for a little while, watched my step-sister's husband do a few chores, then went for dinner at a local seafood restaurant. 

By the time we finished, it was nearing 9pm and time to head home. I abandoned the chaps, thinking I wouldn't need them (I should have re-thought that) and put on the yellow tinted goggles for the night ride. Since the temps had dropped into the low 50's, it was a chilly ride home, but a couple of warm up stops later and we pulled into the garage at 11:45pm (still officially the same day!) with 322 miles down for 2014. 

So, first trip of the year, complete!

2014 

Miles ridden so far: 0

Miles ridden on this trip: 322

Total miles in 2014: 322