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Keith's Albuquerque trip by Keith Dickinson
October 1998
I've been intending to write up a trip report since my trip-to-hell in July (I drove down to Dallas during the 110-degree heat wave). I've repeatedly started to write my Dallas trip, but I never seem to be able to complete it as it always winds up sounding like an ABC Movie of the Week survival story.
So instead I'll talk about a more pleasurable trip.
I'm not sure how many of you are aware of this, but the first weekend of October is when Albuquerque holds it's annual Balloon Fiesta. This is the WORLDS LARGEST GATHERING of hot air balloons. There were almost 1000 balloons this year, as I understand it. The event lasts for 8 days (starting Saturday and running through the following Sunday) and is a spectacle that I encourage all to attend at least once in their life. Since my parents also live in Albuquerque, it's a good excuse for me to come down and visit for a few days, thus giving me an excuse to do this every year.
This year, my brother (Gorden of WATI list fame) and I decided that we'd cruise down on our bikes. Weather would be cool, and there wasn't supposed to be too much rain (hahahaha), and it would be the first time my parents had seen my newest XS-11 (full dresser. I traded in my old plane-Jane for it earlier). Fortunately my rain suit showed up along with my new water proof motorcycle boots just before we left. As I prepared to leave the next day, I discovered that my new boots were TOO SMALL!!!! They somehow had sent me size 11 boots and I wear size 13!!! It was a disaster. Oh well, I've ridden often enough with just sneakers so it shouldn't be a problem.
As we're watching the weather channel the evening before what do we see? RAIN! Thunderstorms! All hell is breaking loose. Our plans had us heading out via Colorado Springs to visit a friend of Gorden's and then down to Albuquerque. Weather report says Colorado will be under 6' of water for next 3 days, with snow possible in the mountains, so we decide to head down I-35 & US-50 rather than straight out I-70, across US-24, and down through the scenic route through Colorado Springs and Canon City, Co and then down to NM. We figured we'd go that way on the way back.
October 1st, and I've managed to get all my possessions into the saddle bags and trunk w/o having to resort to the matter-compression system... There was actually some free space in the trunk. Considering I have trouble finding enough room in my 4x4 Blazer during trips down, I'm now convinced that my XS-11 is related to the DR's TARDIS.
Our getting ready to go is rife with little delays…. It's now 11pm, (remember, I hardly ever even WAKE UP before noon, so this is definitely an early start for me), my brother and I stop off at the Machine Shed Restaurant in Olathe for lunch. (This is an excellent eatery, and I highly suggest it to anyone passing through KC on I-35). After a quick home-style meal involving large amounts of meat and some green stuff, we're off on the actual trip. (At about 12:45)
The trip is pretty uneventful heading down I-35 towards Emporia KS when I get a hankering to pull over and grab a drink. Spotting a sign for a Brahms, I quickly zip past my brother's Gold Wing and jump off on the exit hoping he follows. Sure enough, he's right behind me. I come to a stop under the overpass to discuss options with him when low and behold, the sky opens up. Now this was NOT planned in any way. I had NO idea it would rain. Taking advantage of the shelter I break out the rain suit. I've never even OPENED the package since it arrived in the mail. After the boots, I'm convinced they'll be 5X small rather than 5X Large. No luck. They fit like a glove. Finally something is going right for me. Only problem left is the fact that I'm wearing sneakers and have no way of keeping my feet dry. Having survived wet foot syndrome before, this isn't a problem.
We jump back on the road and continue south to US-50 and then on to US-54 . The rain isn't so bad, just the odd showers here and there, nothing major. It is more of a nuisance than anything to really worry about. We pretty much ride through this on and off stuff till we get down to this small place called Kingsdown, Kansas. Now, not to pick on these poor people, but the road is almost larger than the town. There were 2 hotels (one closed) and 3 restaurants (1 "diner", 1 Chinese - closed, and a Pizza Hut). Deciding that discretion is the better part of valor, we settled on Pizza Hut.
While we're eating, a few locals come wondering in for a "fancy" dinner. They tell us that on the TV and radio, they've heard that 54 may be closed further South West down by Liberal. Undaunted, my brother and I decide that we want to go ahead and try to make Liberal and crash there for the evening.
At this point, the rain has picked up a little, but not a whole lot. Rain can be deceiving. We get about 10 minutes out of town and all hell breaks loose on us again. I'm talking about torrential down poor; thunder and lighting, serious cross winds, about a 20-degree drop in temperature, everything except hail. I'm having a hell of a time seeing the road. My glasses and face shield are fogging up faster than I can wipe them off. All I have to go by is my brothers' taillight. The entire time I'm saying small prayers that he doesn't head off into a ditch, cause I'd just follow him in. (being a truck driver, he has been down this road many times, so we manage to make it without too much worry.) The oncoming traffic shining headlights into our wet and foggy helmet is the biggest worry because the lines on the road are not that clear….glare, ya know?
After about 45 minutes of this, things mellow out. Rain turns into a mist, the lightning fades off to the north, and all that's left to annoy us is the wind. (And it's still cold) Another 10 minutes and we're pulling into Liberal. Sure enough, there's a road block at the edge of town with a cop. Apparently the road had flooded out a little bit in that end of town and we had to divert. Not much of a disaster, just about 100 feet of road was higher than most cars could handle. We detour and crash at the Comfort Inn. A bit pricey, but they have a Jacuzzi and a heated pool. Unfortunately they close them at 10 and we checked in at 9:40pm.
After a refreshing, hot shower, sleep was quick to come. Next morning we headed out of town around 10AM. It was a bit "misty" for the first hour or so, but then the sun burned through and the weather was just what the doctor ordered, beautiful! Not too hot, a little breeze and best of all, thin traffic with very few "bears". We make pretty good time going 80 most of the time, but at that speed, we have to stop every 120 to 130 miles. (Not too annoying, as it gives us a chance to stretch our legs and grab the occasional soda.) The rest of the trip to Albuquerque was pretty much uneventful and the balloons were a "must see". (again) If you've never seen 975 hot air balloons (every size, color, and shape you can imagine) take off, all within an hour, you just don't know what you're missing.
The second day, Gorden catches the local bug and spends the next 3 days recovering. This is one more day in Albuq. than we planned so we can't afford to take the "scenic" route, like we originally wanted. I unfortunately had to be back in KC for a meeting by 4:30pm on Thursday.
When we left, Wednesday, we went straight up I-25 to Colorado Springs where we met up with Gordens friend from the WOTI list, Dave Haggard, and his wife. They led us to a great restaurant called "The Depot".
This is actually the old train depot that has been refurbished. Good food and nice Company. And the total for the evening, with 4 soft drinks, 2 appetizers, and 4 meals, is just over $45.00. Go there if you're ever in Colorado Springs.
Dave was kind enough to escort us through the maze that is the heart of Colorado Springs so that we can get onto US-24 without getting lost, and saving us about 8 miles to boot. We spend the night in a hotel at the intersection of I-70 and US-24.
Next day we head out about 7:30am. It's about 35 degrees and a little windy. Other than the sun shining in my eyes as we head east, it's a perfect ride... Only one bad event on the return trip.
My brother and I have decided to make up time, so we're averaging about 85-90 down the highway. I-70's pretty empty so we're making pretty good time. He's leading the way ahead of me by about a hundred yards or so when we come up on a large dump truck in the right lane. We're both in the left so don't worry about it much.
Needless to say, this was NOT your run of the mill dump truck. This was the DUMP TRUCK FROM HELL! The ******* driving this thing decides he's missed his exit, and is gonna bang a U turn in the middle of the freeway. Now there is NO turn signal. The yahoo slows down to let my brother by, then hangs a HARD left. I'm talking about blocking both lanes easy. I'm in the left lane doing about 90 when I lay in on the front breaks. I swear to god I think the rear wheel lifted as the back end got squirly on me. Considering how much I weigh, plus all the luggage, I consider this a tribute to the front breaks ability to grab. Anyway, I manage to slow down to about 45 when I get about 20 yards away, leaning on the horn (for all the good it's doing). This yokel is almost stopped so I swerve to the left (there is NO room on the right as he's blocking the entire right lane and most of the shoulder.
About the time I swerve, he accelerates across the road heading for the cross-over point in the median. At this point I know for a fact there is no way I can stop, so I have three choices.
[list=1][*]Swerve to the right and definitely loose it in the ditch.[*]Lay it down and hope I bounce off the back tires. (this has appeal as I will then be hands-free to use my 9mm). [*]Goose it and head around to the left and hope I clear the front end.[/list=1]I go for #3 and manage to make it. I swear before anything anyone wants to list, that I had less than 16" of room when I got past. At this point I debated turning around, and doing some target practice. He has 10 wheels and I have 15 shots in my clip. Unfortunately (or maybe fortunately as it may be) my brother didn't see what happened and is still clipping along down the road about a mile or so ahead of me. Since I have all the travel cash, I decide that I have to catch up lest we get separated.
Other than the dump truck, this was one of the most enjoyable days of riding. I-25 had little traffic and there were just enough hills and curves to make it fun. The weather was perfect. The temperature was about 74 degrees and the sun was shining.
The aggravating part is... after hurrying all the way home, to be at the meeting on time, they ended up canceling the meeting 15 minutes before I got there.
I've been intending to write up a trip report since my trip-to-hell in July (I drove down to Dallas during the 110-degree heat wave). I've repeatedly started to write my Dallas trip, but I never seem to be able to complete it as it always winds up sounding like an ABC Movie of the Week survival story.
So instead I'll talk about a more pleasurable trip.I'm not sure how many of you are aware of this, but the first weekend of October is when Albuquerque holds it's annual Balloon Fiesta. This is the WORLDS LARGEST GATHERING of hot air balloons. There were almost 1000 balloons this year, as I understand it. The event lasts for 8 days (starting Saturday and running through the following Sunday) and is a spectacle that I encourage all to attend at least once in their life. Since my parents also live in Albuquerque, it's a good excuse for me to come down and visit for a few days, thus giving me an excuse to do this every year.
This year, my brother (Gorden of WATI list fame) and I decided that we'd cruise down on our bikes. Weather would be cool, and there wasn't supposed to be too much rain (hahahaha), and it would be the first time my parents had seen my newest XS-11 (full dresser. I traded in my old plane-Jane for it earlier). Fortunately my rain suit showed up along with my new water proof motorcycle boots just before we left. As I prepared to leave the next day, I discovered that my new boots were TOO SMALL!!!! They somehow had sent me size 11 boots and I wear size 13!!! It was a disaster. Oh well, I've ridden often enough with just sneakers so it shouldn't be a problem.
As we're watching the weather channel the evening before what do we see? RAIN! Thunderstorms! All hell is breaking loose. Our plans had us heading out via Colorado Springs to visit a friend of Gorden's and then down to Albuquerque. Weather report says Colorado will be under 6' of water for next 3 days, with snow possible in the mountains, so we decide to head down I-35 & US-50 rather than straight out I-70, across US-24, and down through the scenic route through Colorado Springs and Canon City, Co and then down to NM. We figured we'd go that way on the way back.
October 1st, and I've managed to get all my possessions into the saddle bags and trunk w/o having to resort to the matter-compression system... There was actually some free space in the trunk. Considering I have trouble finding enough room in my 4x4 Blazer during trips down, I'm now convinced that my XS-11 is related to the DR's TARDIS.
Our getting ready to go is rife with little delays…. It's now 11pm, (remember, I hardly ever even WAKE UP before noon, so this is definitely an early start for me), my brother and I stop off at the Machine Shed Restaurant in Olathe for lunch. (This is an excellent eatery, and I highly suggest it to anyone passing through KC on I-35). After a quick home-style meal involving large amounts of meat and some green stuff, we're off on the actual trip. (At about 12:45)
The trip is pretty uneventful heading down I-35 towards Emporia KS when I get a hankering to pull over and grab a drink. Spotting a sign for a Brahms, I quickly zip past my brother's Gold Wing and jump off on the exit hoping he follows. Sure enough, he's right behind me. I come to a stop under the overpass to discuss options with him when low and behold, the sky opens up. Now this was NOT planned in any way. I had NO idea it would rain. Taking advantage of the shelter I break out the rain suit. I've never even OPENED the package since it arrived in the mail. After the boots, I'm convinced they'll be 5X small rather than 5X Large. No luck. They fit like a glove. Finally something is going right for me. Only problem left is the fact that I'm wearing sneakers and have no way of keeping my feet dry. Having survived wet foot syndrome before, this isn't a problem.
We jump back on the road and continue south to US-50 and then on to US-54 . The rain isn't so bad, just the odd showers here and there, nothing major. It is more of a nuisance than anything to really worry about. We pretty much ride through this on and off stuff till we get down to this small place called Kingsdown, Kansas. Now, not to pick on these poor people, but the road is almost larger than the town. There were 2 hotels (one closed) and 3 restaurants (1 "diner", 1 Chinese - closed, and a Pizza Hut). Deciding that discretion is the better part of valor, we settled on Pizza Hut.
While we're eating, a few locals come wondering in for a "fancy" dinner. They tell us that on the TV and radio, they've heard that 54 may be closed further South West down by Liberal. Undaunted, my brother and I decide that we want to go ahead and try to make Liberal and crash there for the evening.
At this point, the rain has picked up a little, but not a whole lot. Rain can be deceiving. We get about 10 minutes out of town and all hell breaks loose on us again. I'm talking about torrential down poor; thunder and lighting, serious cross winds, about a 20-degree drop in temperature, everything except hail. I'm having a hell of a time seeing the road. My glasses and face shield are fogging up faster than I can wipe them off. All I have to go by is my brothers' taillight. The entire time I'm saying small prayers that he doesn't head off into a ditch, cause I'd just follow him in. (being a truck driver, he has been down this road many times, so we manage to make it without too much worry.) The oncoming traffic shining headlights into our wet and foggy helmet is the biggest worry because the lines on the road are not that clear….glare, ya know?
After about 45 minutes of this, things mellow out. Rain turns into a mist, the lightning fades off to the north, and all that's left to annoy us is the wind. (And it's still cold) Another 10 minutes and we're pulling into Liberal. Sure enough, there's a road block at the edge of town with a cop. Apparently the road had flooded out a little bit in that end of town and we had to divert. Not much of a disaster, just about 100 feet of road was higher than most cars could handle. We detour and crash at the Comfort Inn. A bit pricey, but they have a Jacuzzi and a heated pool. Unfortunately they close them at 10 and we checked in at 9:40pm.
After a refreshing, hot shower, sleep was quick to come. Next morning we headed out of town around 10AM. It was a bit "misty" for the first hour or so, but then the sun burned through and the weather was just what the doctor ordered, beautiful! Not too hot, a little breeze and best of all, thin traffic with very few "bears". We make pretty good time going 80 most of the time, but at that speed, we have to stop every 120 to 130 miles. (Not too annoying, as it gives us a chance to stretch our legs and grab the occasional soda.) The rest of the trip to Albuquerque was pretty much uneventful and the balloons were a "must see". (again) If you've never seen 975 hot air balloons (every size, color, and shape you can imagine) take off, all within an hour, you just don't know what you're missing.
The second day, Gorden catches the local bug and spends the next 3 days recovering. This is one more day in Albuq. than we planned so we can't afford to take the "scenic" route, like we originally wanted. I unfortunately had to be back in KC for a meeting by 4:30pm on Thursday.
When we left, Wednesday, we went straight up I-25 to Colorado Springs where we met up with Gordens friend from the WOTI list, Dave Haggard, and his wife. They led us to a great restaurant called "The Depot".
This is actually the old train depot that has been refurbished. Good food and nice Company. And the total for the evening, with 4 soft drinks, 2 appetizers, and 4 meals, is just over $45.00. Go there if you're ever in Colorado Springs.
Dave was kind enough to escort us through the maze that is the heart of Colorado Springs so that we can get onto US-24 without getting lost, and saving us about 8 miles to boot. We spend the night in a hotel at the intersection of I-70 and US-24.
Next day we head out about 7:30am. It's about 35 degrees and a little windy. Other than the sun shining in my eyes as we head east, it's a perfect ride... Only one bad event on the return trip.
My brother and I have decided to make up time, so we're averaging about 85-90 down the highway. I-70's pretty empty so we're making pretty good time. He's leading the way ahead of me by about a hundred yards or so when we come up on a large dump truck in the right lane. We're both in the left so don't worry about it much.
Needless to say, this was NOT your run of the mill dump truck. This was the DUMP TRUCK FROM HELL! The ******* driving this thing decides he's missed his exit, and is gonna bang a U turn in the middle of the freeway. Now there is NO turn signal. The yahoo slows down to let my brother by, then hangs a HARD left. I'm talking about blocking both lanes easy. I'm in the left lane doing about 90 when I lay in on the front breaks. I swear to god I think the rear wheel lifted as the back end got squirly on me. Considering how much I weigh, plus all the luggage, I consider this a tribute to the front breaks ability to grab. Anyway, I manage to slow down to about 45 when I get about 20 yards away, leaning on the horn (for all the good it's doing). This yokel is almost stopped so I swerve to the left (there is NO room on the right as he's blocking the entire right lane and most of the shoulder.
About the time I swerve, he accelerates across the road heading for the cross-over point in the median. At this point I know for a fact there is no way I can stop, so I have three choices.
[list=1][*]Swerve to the right and definitely loose it in the ditch.[*]Lay it down and hope I bounce off the back tires. (this has appeal as I will then be hands-free to use my 9mm). [*]Goose it and head around to the left and hope I clear the front end.[/list=1]I go for #3 and manage to make it. I swear before anything anyone wants to list, that I had less than 16" of room when I got past. At this point I debated turning around, and doing some target practice. He has 10 wheels and I have 15 shots in my clip. Unfortunately (or maybe fortunately as it may be) my brother didn't see what happened and is still clipping along down the road about a mile or so ahead of me. Since I have all the travel cash, I decide that I have to catch up lest we get separated.
Other than the dump truck, this was one of the most enjoyable days of riding. I-25 had little traffic and there were just enough hills and curves to make it fun. The weather was perfect. The temperature was about 74 degrees and the sun was shining.
The aggravating part is... after hurrying all the way home, to be at the meeting on time, they ended up canceling the meeting 15 minutes before I got there.