wrapping up

So we're all on our last night here. Let me re cap what I've learned....  The top 25

One: Once you cross lake Michigan someone has turned off the speed limit signs.   By the time I had hit South Dakota my bike was going "seriously? 75 minimum speed?". The nurple wanted to file a complaint.  I can't complain my bike did a phenomenal job and has kept me safe throughout this whole journey. 

Two.Cutlery:  you can never not have enough.   And you never know where it's been so better carry your own set.  

Three don't declare your cutlery at the border crossings.

Four. Always ride an ATV with a loaded  40 cal hand gun.

Five: If you pack all the necessary parts to fix your bike in the even of an emergency; you will not need to fix anything.

Six: If someone in your group wears rain gear; it will not rain.

Seven: Always carry a straw.

Eight: Don't wink at the female customs officials.  However,  do wink at the male ones. Do not show the male customs official the nougett bar that you bought in canda called a "Pleasure" bar.  They have no sense of humor.

Nine: Chuck has a button somewhere on him where he will just start the talking tour of his four corner's ride. Randome bikers, strangers,  customs officials, girls waiting for the bathroom at a gas station,  prarie dogs, pine trees, etc.

Ten: Don't get into a cab where the driver has a hearing aid. You have no idea where he'll take you.

Eleven:  The QEW is exactly the same as 128 Aye.

Twelve:  Always bring plastic bags for your clothes. No matter how much people make fun of you and call you "the bag lady".

Thirteen:  Go drink at a bar with your mother, uncle,  and grandmother (if they're still alive. Not as fun otherwise). Oh and Mark.

Fourteen: Operate shiny side up and rubber side down (the bike). 

Fifteen: Don't be afraid to accomplish life/bucket list goals.

Sixteen:  Know you limits.  That means I am not on a Goldwing and cannot pass tractor trailer/wide loads in a one lane highway in the pouring rain.   I know my limits; I just had to remind the other Goldwing riders that I'm the little person on the little bike.

Seventeen:  My riding boots should not have a fish in them.

Eighteen:  Don't name hairballs in the shower. Nothing good will come from that.

Nineteen:  This was one of the best experiences of my life.  It has unlocked a whole past that I never knew about and am so incredibly priveledged to have been able to experience this.  So many search but do not get the find/experience this.

Twenty:  I want to thank the three people that came with me. They all made this trip amazingly special for me.  I have no words to express my gratitude for putting up with me and riding  450 - 500, taking ferries,  sitting on bridges in traffic,  slipping on pine cones, crying at my birthday party (yes.. hard ass got emotional), smuggling VO (yes a canadian whisky that you can't seem to buy in canada) across the border,  sleeping in motel rooms that had spiders and no AC,  going down the kids water slides (while the kids were), telling stories, etc.   Brian, Bob and Chuck are truly special people and I thank then all for coming along and also their familes for letting them.

Twenty One: Mount Rushmore is a joke to pay the money to go see.  Just park 1/2 mile before the gate; save 20 bucks and get you pictures.

Twenty Two: If you're nice to the OPP (ontario Provincial Police) They will cut the patches off their uniform and trade patches with you.

Twenty Three: Vodka can taste good in anything except tap water.

Twenty Four: I ran out of gas unofficially 8 times. My knights in shining armour (notice the french spelling I've learned) always had a gallon or a leeeeeeeetur  to get me going.

Twenty Five:  Thanks to my family for letting me go and supporting this quest. I can't say it more succinctly than that.  Thank you!

I'll be home tomorrow. Look out civilized world. There will be a final blog post to come