GYPSY TOUR 2003

PART I

May 31, 8 pm sharp we’re on the road precisely as planned, and as typical - that’s about the only thing that coincided with our year long brain storming, fund raising and scoping in on a road map to Utopia.

First rattle out of the box, someone announced they had to stop for a restroom break before clearing the Fort Worth city limits sign. That was me---- but hey, I’ve got a good excuse. I’m a senior citizen.

But all is well as we pull into Amarillo by 4 pm, a clear 2 hrs ahead of schedule. That gave us plenty of time to argue over who got the beds in the KOA cabin we had reserved, who slept on the porch, and why ‘Misfit’ insisted on pitching a tent. He hates to argue I figure.

Wizzard with Chapter 33 came over and led us across town to his house for a dinner that his wife and a couple of Boozettes prepared. Them folks treated us royally, and the grub was outlandish and enough for an army. And thanks for the tub of ice-cold beer.

^{June 1st rather early ‘Wizzard’ joined our caravan pilgrimage west on I-40 and Route 66. We were joined by ‘A-K’ and ‘8-Ball’ on the way. They are with the Lubbock chapter. All went good until ‘Misfit’s’ bike crapped out in Santa Rosa, New Mexico. How come Harley can’t come up with dependable stators for their bikes?}

We got lights un-hooked, battery recharged and at ‘Mistfits’ insistence - he headed back home. You can do that if you get a charge up every 2 or 3 hundred miles- during day light only of course. We promised him a souvenir from California. That was properly fulfilled.

I know perfectly well I made a two cabin reservation with Linda at the Durango KOA. But our advance party of Grinch and company informed us - That didn’t happen! With some waking up the manager and an argument, she gave us one cabin anyway. The rest camped in tents or at a local Super 8 motel.

By June 2nd we’ve got 15 or 20 riders scattered out all over the western states. But some how later we came together in Reno. 

About 10 of us made it up the million dollar highway, paying proper tribute to some old western saloons in Silverton, Ouray and Ridgway, Colorado.  John Wayne made a movie in that last place. With ‘Drivers’ impersonations we hoisted it up like it was done back in the old western daze.     Well at least like John did it. The owner bar lady helped add a little color to the scene (look at the expression on Wideglides face while she put a food on his shoulder). We promised to not tell, but some things gotta be told. 

     5 ended up staying in Grand Junction with an oil leaking bike so they could get it to a local Harley shop Tuesday AM for repairs. 5 of us made it to the Green River, Utah KOA where we met up with Chaplain Irish Ed. He informed me the manager ‘Linda’ was PO’ED that she had TWO cabins reserved for us the previous night - but we didn’t show up.

Now it’s coming clear. Obviously I called a wrong number for Durango. Well at least I didn’t lead everybody into Mexico by mistake like I did last year. Okay, if someone else wants to organize and lead this Gypsy Tour----pull in front.

Eventually we made it thru Salt Lake City. We did the Jim Hunter tribute run to Bonneyville Salt Flats.

Then camped in at a nice casino hotel in Wendover, Nevada. It was fun. The hot soaking bath felt great and in appreciation- we made modest contributions to their slot machines. Considering their reasonable room rates and bargain buffet meals -it was the right thing to do, don’t ya know?

.   June 4th we blasted a trail west and we’re making good time Suddenly ‘A-K’ pulls up aside and states, “my stator is gone!” Why can’t Harley- Oh, I’ve already asked that. We side trip to Elko, NV.

The last Harley repair shop they had went out of business two years ago, we are informed Doug Shippy, the owner of “Ship’s Cycle” gave us his full attention and support. He specializes in 4-wheel all terrain vehicles, snowmobiles and trailers. His mechanic is off that day and he don’t got no Harley parts, much less a stator. . 

But with his assistance, tools, wiring hook up horness, and there on some southern engineering a solution was rigged up. A car battery was strapped on the passenger seat, wired in parallel with the bike battery, charged up, and fuses to lights pulled. We were on our way to Reno ASAP. It worked with no problem there after. Thanks Douglas Shippy. You’re a real Samaritan.

So we all get to Reno and that begins another story.   

^{Gypsy Tour 2003 Part II}

^{Gypsy Tour 2003 Part III}