We decided that since we were in California we might as well visit some places before going home. Started by riding CA 1, or Pacific Coast Highway.
We got lucky, the motorcycle event Born Free was that weekend too. It would be a shame after riding all this way if we did not get by to attend such a famous event.
I was very impressed.
The following day we rode south to Dana Point on a bunch of what I think they call freeways. A little crazy but we made our way to the coast.
A couple missed turns and, “Where the fug are, we?” All the normal stuff. While they were figuring out how to get to San Diego, I took the opportunity to rest my eyes.
Some more riding and a motel for the night.
Then on to San Diego. Lunch on the beach and then a visit to the Naval Museum.
Couldn’t get out of CA without parking on the highway
Next stop was Tombstone, Arizona. Berry is a Big Western Fan and even brought a western shirt, bolo neckwear and a buckskin jacket to wear, as we visited and even got a stagecoach ride.
We ended up at the 4 Deuces Saloon for some adult beverages.
Land speed record holder Jay Allen and Ariel rode over from Lowell Arizona to meet us.
Before the bar closed, we had agreed to meet in Bisbee, Arizona for Breakfast.
Vivian got us lodging at a cool place in town. It even had a hitching rail and Berry tied his iron horse to it.
We did make it to Bisbee for breakfast with Jay and then rode to his place in Lowell.
WOW
Coming back into the United States the three motorcycles in front of me got in with just showing their driver’s license. When it was my turn things changed. The border officer told me to pull to the side and asked if I had any weapons on me. Just a pocket knife, I answered. Okay, please ride through that machine over there. It was a big Xray type thing.
About this time a swarm of officers came out of the building.
The young border patrol agent said Sir I am sorry but we need to search your motorcycle.
You do not need to call me sir, I am not a officer. And continued with no problem, let me unlock and open all the compartments. After I did that, I handed him my VA card which stated I was a disabled veteran.
Next thing I know an officer with oak leaf clusters on his shoulder comes to talk to me and asks does this happen often, to which I answered No. We do not have borders in Florida.
He proceeded to ask me if I had any idea why this was going on. I answered, not really, but I suspect something came up that I am known to be armed and dangerous. The expression on his face was priceless.
I went on to say, “That Is True, but what it did not mention was when that was put in my file I also had a Federal Concealed Firearm License. I was one of the people providing personal protection to then President Jimmy Carter’s sister Gloria.
Next, he asked about the press plate on the back of my motorcycle and I told him I was the Senior Editor at Bikernet.com a large motorcycle publication.
I answered Yes, just not sure if that is before or after I make a phone call. He quickly answered you are free to leave anytime you want and sorry about the inconvenience. I told him I did not mind and was happy they were doing a good job protecting our border.
I did not know until later that Jay Allen had stopped to see what was happening with me and when told to keep going, he refused to do so without me. That is a stand-up man.
Berry was behind me and could see me having a fun time with the agents.
Once we were back in the states, we did get some photos of all of us at the border wall. Photos were not allowed in the search area LOL.
Just a Note: Numerous times during the trip I had mentioned to Berry that I did not want to go to Mexico and or that I thought it might not be a good idea. I knew there was a 50/50 chance I might get stopped. I was more concerned about not being allowed to go into Mexico than getting back into the country just that it might be an inconvenience to those with me. We ended up staying the evening at Jay’s.
In the morning we took route 80 to interstate 20. Nice scenic road and stopped at a little restaurant for Breakfast before getting back on the interstate. They had a cool thing with kid’s hand prints and Molly added hers before we left.
Even though I had put a new charging system on my motorcycle before the trip I had issues with the volt meter on the motorcycle bouncing all over the place. We checked the charging a couple of times with a meter and read that it was charging. Whatever in New Mexico the low battery light came on. Contacted Southwest Wheels at 1800 W Picacho Ave, Las Cruces. They took a regulator off one of their own motorcycles and had us back on the road in no time. Very Cool people and a good shop so if you are ever in the area stop by and see them.
The next day we were in Texas and stopped at the same hotel in Abilene, and of course Dana and I made it back to the steak house.
Leaving at 6:00 in the morning we made it to Louisiana or Mississippi and stopped for the night.
Early up and on the road to beat the heat headed for Selma Alabama for a milkshake then on to Dothan.
Oh, yea from hot and dry to a downpour and issues seeing where I was going…
Made it to Berry’s house and stayed the night.
On 4th of July, I kissed everyone goodby and headed home to Florida.
I was a 5524-mile coast to coast ride twice with a lot of good stories and memories.
