Stories Collected While Living in France

French la Vie

Where the Road goes Nobody Knows?

                            motorcycle cheese
         

Last night while having dinner, Sacha was as happy as a puppy. Talking non-stop about our trip, he was literally jumping up and down when he blurted, "I am going to ride with you to Mount Rushmore! First I am going to get my motorcycle license, and then ride Vo's (my father's) Triumph! Wow, just imagine how much fun Sam (Sacha's 15 year old cousin) and I are gonna have."

I nearly choked on my vegetarian couscous.

French Husband calmly said, "Do you honestly think Uncle Mat and Aunt Shelley would let Sam ride a motorcycle across the States?"

Sacha shyly said,"No???"

Before the conversation went any further I had to ask, "Who said we are going to Mount Rushmore?"

French husband and Sacha simultaneously looked at me said, "Sturgis!" As if I was from another planet where motorcycles enthusiasts don't exist.

"I know Sturgis." Reminding them that I grew up where motorcycle talk was as common as breathing air.

 (Though don't get me wrong…  I am not a biker chick, nor was I ever a Trophy Girl… which is odd considering how many motorcycle events I went to with my dad and brothers. You know… the leather thigh high boots and mini skirts looked pretty sexy… but I never fit the bill.) "I know Sturgis." I threw in twice for good measure.

I rolled my eyes at the two of them and said, "Heck at this rate Chelsea will probably want to ride along too?"

…and why not?

I am amazed how a simple thought uttered out of the blue has taken on a life of it's own. I teasingly said to French husband the other day, "Let's ride across America on my father's Harley." … and now the whole world has jumped on a bike. Well at least part of my family anyway.

Do you care to join us for part of the trip.. Motorbike, bicycle, skate board, roller skates??? I promise I won't talk about this trip everyday until next summer, but I guarantee you if you come by our house at dinner time the conversation will be about, "The Ride."

What type of helmet do you think I should wear?

1. A pink one

2. A skull cap

3. One of my father's helmet in his barn?

4 A matching one to French Husband's with microphones attached, and an eject button to the nearest blog reader's house?

P.S. Chelsea just called and gave her two cents…she said she would love to ride from Canada to Chili.

Aie aie Aie!

PS This was the post that somehow disappeared yesterday….

Comments

45 responses to “Where the Road goes Nobody Knows?”

  1. Gail

    stop by San Diego and see the world famous zoo. I have room for all at my home.xoxo
    Gail

    Reply
  2. Lynn Pardini

    Get your kicks on Route 66. It’s an American classic ride by car or motorcycle. You can do it in reverse and end up in Chicago. Friends did it in a red convertible Mustang and had a blast, sent postcards along the way to friends and family.
    Love,
    Your cousin – Lynn

    Reply
  3. shannon in oregon

    this post brought a smile to my face. we’ll leave the light on for you.

    Reply
  4. Elaine L.

    Actually, it would be the family trip of a lifetime, if you did it with the kids. Think about how amazing it would be.
    Two of you or four of you, you would still be welcome to stay a night in my home.
    I’ve heard Sturgis can be pretty wild. So watch out.
    ~elaine~

    Reply
  5. Catalina

    one of your father’s one, but….maybe the micro is a good idea….

    Reply
  6. Julie Ann

    Number 4 ! Jx

    Reply
  7. M-Noëlle

    N°4 !
    Do not forget to attach a camera on your helmet… FH won’t stop every now and then for shooting…
    I’ll ride with you for a while up to Monument Valley… on a scooter… !!!???!!!!

    Reply
  8. rel

    Corey,
    Wear your dad’s.
    rel
    p.s. I only do peddle bikes. 😉

    Reply
  9. Sue K

    Oh, I think wearing one of your father’s would let him ride again! A marvelous idea. Come to Cleveland, and visit the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. We have room.

    Reply
  10. my melange

    your dads. he would like that.

    Reply
  11. Annie

    In our youth, husband #2 and I rode a Harley from Texas to San Francisco and back. It was a great adventure. If you come through Houston, Texas just know that we (Tall Husband and I) have guest rooms. As we say in Texas, “Y’all come!”

    Reply
  12. Dee

    A motorcyle ride across the states for two has now turned into a convoy! Sturgis?…ya might want to become a pistol packin’ mama!

    Reply
  13. Vicki

    No doubt about it…..your dads!!! You are going to have so much fun planning your trip!!!

    Reply
  14. meredith

    Oh Corey, Do you know just how many motorcycles are in Sturgis in August? I was there at the end of July last summer and they were just getting revved up and there were lots and lots already. Bon Courage!
    ps PINK!

    Reply
  15. Ruth

    Corey,
    Sturgis is one thing – but the entire area around the Black Hills/Custer State Park/Badlands is one of the best and most beautiful motorcycle riding areas in the States. Spearfish Canyon is breathtaking. We rode there last September and I can’t wait to go back. And that is close to Wisconsin – we are right near Milwaukee – the home of Harley – and we would love to ride with ALL of you! Ruth

    Reply
  16. Ed in Willows

    Sure, wearing your dad’s helmet sound great but let’s be practical. It’s not going to fit you. I’ve ridden a long time and my helmet is the one safety device I take seriously when riding. Let’s face it, the helmet’s sole purpose is safety. It protects the most important part of your body if, god forbid, you should need it. I just shake my head when I see guys covered head to toe in leather but they are wearing the smallest, cheapest helmet they can find. They explain that the leathers will protect them in case of a fall. These guys are candidates for the Darwin Award.If they scramble their brains, a little road rash won’t really matter. Personally, I wear a full face helmet that fits correctly. Hopefully, I’ll never need to test it but if that time comes, I’m ready.
    Another huge consideration when planning this trip is what time of year is the best. Weather will be your biggest concern. You don’t want to be traveling through the South or Southwest in the summer. The heat is unbearable. Arizona is off limits from late April to early November.
    What bike do you plan on riding? You’ll need one with big saddle bags for carrying enough stuff for 2 people. You can’t forget your camera and laptop either. One of those small bike trailers might be in order for a trip of this size. Lots of things to consider when planning a trip like this.

    Reply
  17. suzanne, the Farmer’s Wife

    A good sturdy helmet. If you’re traveling cross country you’re going to appreciate the one with the microphone. Believe me.
    I will join along with you if you’re traveling through Illinois. I have buddies who will allow me to rider on the back of their bikes since I no longer ride due to health issues. Or perhaps I’ll get myself a “trike”, they don’t require leg strength to hold them up at stoplights.
    – Suzanne, the Farmer’s Wife
    P.S. Sturgis? I think that’s more than you bargained for.

    Reply
  18. Miss Sandy

    Very stimulating dinner conversation. Why not make it a family ride? It sounds very exciting.
    I think #4 would be my choice.
    You may have all of blogdom excited about “The Ride” and it may turn into the largest event ever seen in the USA! Can’t you just see leather jackets sporting blog banners on the back to identify each other;c)

    Reply
  19. beachy

    Oh my goodness – not s skull cap (or “brain pan” as I have heard them referred to by our Harley friends — just that phrase alone is enough to give me the willies)! If your Dad’s helmets are safe, what a delight to take this trip wearing one of his helmets on your own head! =)

    Reply
  20. Shannon

    Here in New Hampshire they have Laconia Motorcycle Week about 1/2 hour away from me 😀
    http://www.laconiamcweek.com/

    Reply
  21. susanna

    Actually, I think this trip is a great idea…it would be family story generations would tell one another. But does Sacha have a motorcycle license? Does FH have one? If not, they should get started studying for the exam ’cause I still think a Corey’s Family Cross-Country Motorcycle Adventure is a great idea.
    As for the helmet…you should definitely wear your dad’s helmet.
    FH should wear this one (it looks quite elegant, I think):
    http://www.ridelust.com/wp-content/uploads/daft1.jpg
    And your daughter should wear one of these: http://boutiqueruby.com/
    And your son should wear this crazy helmet: http://www.leatherup.com/p/Bell-Helmets/Bell-Moto-8-Motocross-RazorWing-Green-Helmet/45782.html

    Reply
  22. Star

    This sounds like so much fun, Corey! I think you should go for the helmets that will allow you to share your thoughts as you ride. Can’t wait to go along in spirit as I read your posts documenting each day.

    Reply
  23. martina

    Wear the best safety gear you can, do lots of research with your brothers, Ed and other motorcycle people. Allow lots of time for the “Tour d’ FrancoAmericans. Helmet cam-great idea! I wonder if AAA would have suggestions re: best route?

    Reply
  24. Rosemary

    Of course your helmet should be pink, with skull and cross bones on it.
    You crack me up!!
    Have a great day!
    Rosemary

    Reply
  25. naomi

    I missed your post yesterday. Dear Daisy. She will be in our prayers. And if your dream trip all comes together, and you happen to pass through Nashville, TN, you’ll have a place to stay if you like. Just promise you won’t let my husband stow away when you leave.

    Reply
  26. Karin

    Oh, Corey! Wear your dad’s helmet, outfitted with a new microphone so you can talk to FH! Definitely include that eject button for popping in on your friends in Bloglandia. Maybe Sacha and Chelsea could ride a motorcycle with three wheels and a trunk in the back. Much safer than a two-wheeled version (although not as daring for Sacha.)

    Reply
  27. ceylon sapphire

    pink… the helmet has to be pink, and this choice has nothing to do with my favourite colour being pink!

    Reply
  28. Kris

    LOL I think a skull cap would be great fun!! I can only imagine the looks you would get as you travel across the USA. Just think how sore your rear is going to be!!
    Kris

    Reply
  29. Suzanne

    Are you passing through Portugal on your way to the States? If so, please count me in to join you on part of the ride!!! ;o)
    Helmet relating… I vote for one that gives you the most confortable fitting AND eye protection from heat, wind AND mosquitos!!! Believe me… after a few hundred miles you won’t care about if it’s pink, sculled or stripped, you’ll just want to make sure you’re out of mosquito’s way, Corey!
    Love*

    Reply
  30. Tina Wright

    ha, get your self a NEW pink one cause, it’s gonna be aloooong ride..if you swing down to Texas hollar at me and I’ll join you with my Deluxe and hubby on his Night Train..

    Reply
  31. MaryBeth

    JOSHUA TREE IS waiting for YOU!
    Old RTE 66 is an hours ride from here.
    I will post a photo on my blog of the world famous town of AMBOY with the 1950’s diner Roy’s Cafe. I am always surprised by the visitors from all over the world who want to see and photograph this part of RTE 66.
    This amazing part of the desert really should be traveled December -March-unless you like insane intense heat.
    Oh what an adventure you are planning!
    Know you have a special place available at anytime during your journey if you decide you’ve had enough of roughing it!
    XO

    Reply
  32. Eunice

    I agree with Ed about the helmet being your most important safety feature. You will probably want a full face helmet, as it keeps out the wind, bugs, etc. I have a flip-face helmet that allows me to flip it up if I go into a gas station or store without taking it off. They can still see my face, and that makes them more comfortable. And, you need to try them on to get the correct size. Like everything else these days, there is no ‘standard’ size, so try on several, and see what is comfortable for you.
    This will be an awesome trip if you can all ride. What memories you’ll have! As for the Sturgis thing, there are upward of 100,000 bikes there. It’s fun if you are used to the biking community and all it’s ramifications, but if not it may be a bit overwhelming. (How’s that for an understatement??)
    And, yes, you will all be welcome to stay here if you come through Washington!

    Reply
  33. Janet

    First and foremost the helmet should be new and safe! Then you can start looking for interesting or as I would say “cute”. 🙂 I see a young man zooming around here with a spikey mohawk on his helmet. The kids and I think it is so clever and funny.

    Reply
  34. Debbie in CA : )

    Laughing … laughing … laughing … (Feeling NOT A SHRED of envy) … laughing … can you get pink with microphones and an eject button with homing device to soft linens and perfumed bathwater? … laughing … off to vacuum (giggle).

    Reply
  35. Denese

    At the bottom of the following post is “your and FH’s guest room.”
    http://dlouisianat.blogspot.com/2008/11/stuff-in-our-house-that-you-should.html
    I’m a little worried about you coming to Louisiana in the summer. It is hot. And it rains. But, if you hit a rainy spell you could just stay awhile longer…
    What happened to the idea of the orange (beret) helmet?? If not orange, I’d go for the pink.
    Denese

    Reply
  36. Karen

    Ummmmmm…Have you ever been to Sturgis? Might I suggest you remember that once the evening hits, it is definitely not a PG-13 show. Just saying, you might want to remember. I don’t consider myself a prude, but this is the conservative Dakotas…and there is decidedly nothing conservative about the rally!
    We have often traveled I-90 from the Dakotas to Cleveland at the time of the rally. There are A LOT Of bikers on the roads at the time of the rally. LOTS AND LOTS of company.

    Reply
  37. carold

    Corey, as everyone else has, I have been thinking about your trip. Staying at your blogger friends’ houses will save a ton of money, not to mention comfy beds, clean bathrooms AND breakfast!

    Reply
  38. Amy {berriehead}

    ahh will you and Yann be coming to Milwaukee Wisconsin? It is the birthplace of the Harley They just opened up the museum this summer I believe;) riders come from all around the world to participate….come and I will treat you to a bratt and a beer:) Luv ya!

    Reply
  39. Evelyn

    oh, go for helmets with microphones so you can chat about all you are seeing together. If you can make your helmet PINK, than all the better. An old helmet of your dad’s in the barn sounds nostalgic, but might not be the safest choice. (I’m all about safety first).

    Reply
  40. qualcosa di bello

    i pick #4, but only if you eject at my house in eastern NC…if you can’t, then go with the PINK!!

    Reply
  41. Cousin Chris

    If you value anybody’s life, keep off that Triumph…she’s a wobbler. Yann knows all about it.
    Chris

    Reply
  42. Sue McGettigan

    I think Chelsea may have the right idea, a sort of reverse mission trail all the way down the coast from the USA through Mexico to South America, shades of Che Guevara 🙂 Hard to say which ride is best, I think you will have to do both and report along the way. Stop in at my place in Southern California for a tea party on the way, OK?

    Reply
  43. laura

    ok, first of all – you HAVE to do the thigh high boots and mini skirt – if not for the world at least for a private showing (before, during or after the trip) for your husband. i mean just imagine how that would spark..well nevermind, i’m sure you can imagine.
    Secondly, this is so exciting -take them all!!! i truly hope you do it and if you need to make a stop in Reading, Pennsylvania – i would love for you to stay at my house! Going through Berks and Lancaster counties would be a treat- they are really lovely (lots of PA is but it’s a wide state…so it takes forever to get from Philly to Pittsburg!!!)

    Reply
  44. laura

    ok, first of all – you HAVE to do the thigh high boots and mini skirt – if not for the world at least for a private showing (before, during or after the trip) for your husband. i mean just imagine how that would spark..well nevermind, i’m sure you can imagine.
    Secondly, this is so exciting -take them all!!! i truly hope you do it and if you need to make a stop in Reading, Pennsylvania – i would love for you to stay at my house! Going through Berks and Lancaster counties would be a treat- they are really lovely (lots of PA is but it’s a wide state…so it takes forever to get from Philly to Pittsburg!!!)

    Reply
  45. Ann

    Now you are always welcome here in Tennessee, too. An hour and 45 minutes west of us is Nashville, and if you haven’t been there, you should go. Guest accommodations are pretty good, though I don’t have a “guest suite.” I do have a guest room and two full baths. I’m on the only east/west interstate route through Tennessee, and if you’re coming from points East to Alabama or other points south, I’d be right along your way. Not if you do the badlands, though.

    Reply

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