March 23, 2007.
The beginning of "It's A Trip" started 7 months ago. I am encouraged, since spring started 2 days ago and things seem to be coming together.
"Follow Along"
This part of the site is designed to be a chronicle during "It's A Trip" on Route 20, the longest road in the United States.
A little bit more about my background.
I was born and raised in Boston, Mass. I now live in Cazenovia, NY just 2.9 miles off U.S. Route 20. I will be 78 years young when the ride starts. I had a by-pass operation in 1990, and since Dec 2006 have been battery operated (pacemaker).
I ride a 2000 Harley Davidson FXST Softtail Standard motorcycle.
The ride will start on June 23, 2007 leaving Cazenovia, NY on Route 20 heading east to Boston and then north to Portsmouth, NH, where I will spend the night with my daughter, Mary Jo.
The next day we will visit Rye Beach and fill two jars with water from the Atlantic Ocean then I will bid Mary Jo a fond farewell and head back to Boston where Route 20 begins for the start of "It's A Trip". I will be heading west complete with empty jars to fill with Pacific Ocean water in 3,365 miles, Stay Tuned!!
May 24, 2007
On June 24, I start "It's A Trip" from Boston MA to Newport OR.
On June 4, 2007 one very important thing takes place,
my motorcycle maintenance.
My bike has approximately 40,000 miles on it, and will be getting the
complete Harley Davidson 40,000 mile maintenance done on it.
Safety is vital whether it's my cross country adventure, or a trip across town!
Performance Harley Davidson (in Syracuse NY)
has done all of my maintenance.
I have always kept it up to date and have always felt
safe and satisfied with their work.
In addition to the full 40,000 mile maintenance
I will be putting on new tires and brakes.
I will be breaking things in at about 500 miles before the trip.
A safe bike is a must.
SATURDAY, JUNE 23, 2007
Cazenovia at 7:30am – Clear blue sky, pretty chilly and windy. I had to wear winter gloves as I
rode Rt. 20 through to downtown Albany. I then picked up Rt. 90 to the Massachusetts
Turnpike. I followed this along to Rt. 290, to Rt. 495, to Rt. 95 into Portsmouth, New
Hampshire. I met Mary Jo at her home somewhere around 4:00 in the afternoon. We
went about unloading the bike and went to Wallis Sands State Park at Rye Beach. I filled
my container with water from the Atlantic Ocean. Now that we have ½ of our water needs,
we enjoyed a great shore dinner at Petey’s Seafood and Bar restaurant in Rye, New
Hampshire. It has been a great day. Tomorrow I plan on leaving Portsmouth, New
Hampshire around 7:00 am and got to Boston to find the start of Route 20 and head west.
SUNDAY, JUNE 24, 2007
MILEAGE ODOMETER: 35,555
MILEAGE TRIP: 336.6 miles
Portsmouth, New Hampshire 7:30 am, temperature 54° - I left Portsmouth saying “See you all
later,” to Mary JO. The weather all day today was perfect. I rode all day wearing my
chaps, jacket and gloves. I arrived in Boston on Sunday morning and the timing was
perfect as well. Very little traffic, joggers, bike riders, and walkers were out enjoying the
early Sunday morning on a beautiful day. I was familiar with the roads into Boston form
the North (Rt. 95 and Rt. 1) as I rode them to work in the past. However, I had not been
on them for approximately 15 years. There were big changes…. especially the Boston “Big
Dig.” I found the first RT. 20 West sign on Commonwealth Ave near Fenway Park (GO
RED SOX) and Kenmore Square. I took pictures then found the RTE. 20 END sign (see
pictures) I continued on 20 West through towns and villages, through Albany, and arrived
home to see my wife Catherine …. my wonderful wife. I will get a good nights rest with plans to leave first thing in the morning.
MONDAY, JUNE 25, 2007
Mileage Odometer: 35914
Mileage Trip: 695.1
I gave my wife Catherine a quick lesson on our Ferris riding mower. I did offer to cut the grass;
however, she asked if I could save my strength for the ride. Departure time was
approximately 9:00 am. Now it is west all the way on Rt. 20.
While traveling along Rt. 20, I was going through Lafayette, New York and low and behold…. I
see this 4 x 8 black and white painted sheet of plywood with my trip logo, website
information, and “GOOD LUCK FRANK” on it (see pictures). This sign was made by a
co-worker of mine, Lisa Maher, and her friend. I stopped in for a visit, met her parents, and took pictures. Thanks Lisa!!! It was a great send off. Stay tuned……..
TUESDAY, JUNE 26, 2007
Odometer Mileage: 36,195
Trip Mileage: 976.4
Departure Time: 7:50 am
I was up and 5:30 am and showered. Tent was taken down and packed the bike… Looks like it
is going to be a hot day. I stayed in a camp ground just east of Astabula, Ohio. Along Rt.
20 there are lots of stop lights and 35 mph zones. I saw a sign in Ashtabula: “WHAT’S
HOLDING YOU BACK? Click it or ticket.”
I had breakfast at 8:55 at Dean’s Family restaurant in Madison, Ohio. Its hard to fine small
family owned establishments versus chain restaurants and this one had a lot of pick-up
trucks and cars in front. That’s why I pulled in and it was pretty good. Continuing
through Ohio I must have gone through 10,000 traffic lights. Well… I wanted to travel Rt.
20 so I this goes with the dinner.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 27, 2007
Odometer Mileage: 36,529
Trip Mileage: 1,310.8
I am having a short stack of pancakes, o.j., and coffee at Mom’s diner in LaGrange, Indiana.
Again, this is a small private owned, clean, reasonable establishment with great food.
“RIDE RT 20, EAT WHERE THE LOCALS EAT!!!” It is a nice ride on 20 West through
Indiana: Many Amish people, horse drawn vehicles driving in the breakdown lane sharing
some of the road with heavy traffic, and a lot of tractor-trailers. I traveled through South
Bend and into Gary, Indiana. Going west along Rt. 20 in Gary, Indiana it appeared very
run down and depressing. There were closed buildings everywhere, probably can thank
China and its imports. This area looks like it used to be a booming manufacturing area. I
am no authority… just riding through making my own observations. Into East Chicago
and the
suburbs I rode approximately 2 ½ hours in traffic until it opened up a bit
around Belvidere. There was heavy thunder clouds around from mid day on. I somehow
missed most of the rain. I am now checked in at a KOA in Lena, Illinois about 40 minutes
east of Debuke, Iowa. I think I will have a good breakfast in Iowa tomorrow morning.
THURSDAY, JUNE 28, 2007
Odometer Mileage: 36,807
Trip Mileage: 1,588.5
Rode through Iowa and into Nebraska, most of which was a fast four lane at 65 mph. Traffic
flow 70-75-80 pass at 90 covered a lot of ground. I stopped at a visitor center at Cedar
Falls, they were excited about my trip and got some pictures of me. We discussed the trip
and Rt. 20 as they were not sure where Rt. 20 started and ended. They are not unusual …
people are very interested once they give it some thought. I crossed into Nebraska, got
some gas, and asked some young construction workers where there were any places to stay.
“Up the road in Laurel… about 40 miles is Big Red Motel. I decided to stay there….. but
what a dump.
FRIDAY, JUNE 29, 2007
Odometer Mileage: 37,218
Trip Mileage: 1,999.1
The temperature was a low 56 degrees with a high of 80 degrees: PERFECT WEATHER! I
made it through the night in The Big Red Motel. I hope I didn’t catch anything. Thanks
Catherine for helping to build up my immune system! That motel sure did put it to the
test. I will have to be more careful where I stay.
After riding about an hour, I stopped at Mary’s Restaurant. From the outside it looked like the
style I like. I spoke to a man and asked if they were serving breakfast and he replied,
“They will feed ya!” I went in wearing my riding jacket with “It’s a trip” lettering and
full chaps. All of the locals took note while I had my hot cakes and coffee. A man
approached my table and asked if he could interrupt. He was a reporter for the town
newspaper of Plainview, Nebraska. He conducted a lengthy interview, took pictures
outside, and even bought my meal. I had a great ride the rest of the day. The countryside
changes as you go west. I picked up 2 hours in the time change. Entered Wyoming and
spent the night in the Rawhide Motel in Lusk, WY.
SATURDAY, JUNE 30, 2007
Odometer Mileage: 37,629
Trip Mileage: 2,411.0
Departure Time: 8:00 am
Weather is clear and sunny……. perfect. I am having breakfast in Douglas, WY on Business Rt.
20. In this area, Rt. 20 is like an interstate, the speed limit is 75 mph. The bike is humming
and running good. The mountain range is to my left and I will be stopping in Casper,
WY, visit the Harley Davidson dealership and buy a quart of oil to be sure I keep it full on
the dip stick. I need to buy a cap also. I somehow lost my Parratt-Wolff hat. I am going to
miss it. Mailed a letter at Powder River and the post office was very small in a wide open
area. I even sold one of my trip stickers to the lady postmaster. I plan to stay in Cody,
WY at the KOA where I stayed last year. I should be there by 7pm.
SUNDAY, JULY 1, 2007
Odometer Mileage: 37,999
Trip Miles: 2,780.5
I had Pancakes and Sausage at KOA and did some laundry. The next time I travel, I need to
bring a large supply of quarters for washers and dryers. I spent all day after that at the
Buffalo Bill Historical Center. This was certainly worth the trip. Had a nice evening at the
camp grounds visiting with my neighbor.
MONDAY, JULY 2, 2007
Odometer Mileage: 38,013
Trip Mileage: 2,794.4
I was up at 5:00 am. It is a clear blue sky and looks like it is going to be a hot day. Went to Cody
to the car wash to wash the bike. The brakes are noisy and perhaps its brake dust. Packed
up an left the campgrounds then drove through Yellowstone to take a lot of pictures.
TUESDAY, JULY 3, 2007
I cannot handle fast food. I purchased a sausage, egg, and cheese, coffee and a bottle of water. I
threw the sandwich away after eating only 1/3 of it. There are lots of details to be made
when traveling. I have to make good decisions. I think I know where Rt. 20 is. I need to
get on Interstate 15 North to Refford Exit #118 to Rt. 20 West. The camera battery and
telephone are charged….. and I found Rt. 20. Good thing I filled gas tank. Immediately
after leaving Idaho Falls it turns into the boondocks and no gas stations for 100 miles or so.
Very interesting ride… mountains, lava, riding the Oregon Trail. I don’t know how they
did it with wagons. I stayed in a KOA in Mountain Home, Idaho.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 4, 2007
Odometer Mileage: 38565
Trip Mileage: 3346.2
Happy 4th of July!!!! It’s a great country. The people are strong. I don’t know about the
politicians. Not a cloud in the sky as I depart the KOA in Mountain Home, Idaho. I rode into
Oregon – it was a very desolate desert. Have to be careful of gas. Gas stations are about
150 – 200 miles apart. I decided to spend the night in a motel in Bend, Oregon. I might
make the Pacific tomorrow.
THURSDAY, JULY 5, 2007
Odometer Mileage: 38929
Trip Mileage: 3710.6
I had a great ride from Bend, Oregon to Newport. The scenery was spectacular. Twisty roads. I
took some great pictures. I checked into the Park Motel in Newport. Went to the beach
and filled my container with Pacific Ocean. I went for supper at Georgia’s Restaurant.
Was a great day.
FRIDAY, JULY 6, 2007
Odometer Mileage: 39136
Trip Mileage: 3917.1
I decided to spend another day at the Park Motel in Newport. I think I have pushed it to the
limit and I need some rest. However, I want to ride Rt. 10 south to Florence, Oregon about
50 miles each way. The motel owner says it’s a great ride. I did it. The temperature was in
the 50’s with 50 mph winds. The wind here is unbelievable; it was just heaps blowing,
challenging… testing skills, twisty traffic. I got a lot of great pictures too. I think they mad
more on the stretch of road. I did get a picture of the sign “Rt. 20 West Begin.” I will start
east on Saturday morning. Over 4,000 miles so I need to get my oil changed. I have really
pushed it to the limit and really need to get some rest.
SATURDAY, JULY 7, 2007
Odometer Mileage: 39237
Trip Mileage: 4018.1
Its approximately 8:00 am Pacific time and I started home on Rt. 20 east. I stopped in Albany,
Oregon at the Harley dealership for an oil change. I spent the night in Bend, Oregon. I
stopped in Sisters, Oregon which a real good tourist area with beautiful mountain scenery.
I purchased souvenirs for my beautiful wife Catherine and daughter Mary Jo.
SATURDAY, JULY 8, 2007
Odometer Mileage: 39449
Trip Mileage: 44230.7
I rode form Bend, Oregon and there were many wild fires in the desert. There was allot of
smoke and it was very hot. I stopped for gas in the middle of the desert. Gas stations are
few and far apart. I had the pleasure of meeting two fine young men who were riding
bicycles and traveling across the country on Rt. 20. They were riding for the Autism
Society of America. We had a nice visit and took pictures. I gave them each my stickers.
Now we have its A TRIP stickers on bicycles crossing the country. I spent the night in
Mountain Home, Idaho.
FRIDAY, JULY 9, 2007
Odometer Mileage: 39807
Trip Mileage: 39807
Now I am traveling from Mountain Home, Idaho. I pickup up my photos from Walmart
and there were approximately 70 of them. They turned out very good. I called my
wife Catherine in the morning, then I called Parrott-Wolff, Inc. (where I am
employed) and faxed 4 days of report to the young lady who types this for me and sent all
my photos via UPS. It will take 7 days for the photos to get delivered. I rode to
West Yellowstone in Montana and stayed in the KOA. The cell phone does not
work from here. Today the ride was 314 miles.
TUESDAY, JULY 10, 2007
Odometer Mileage: 40121
Trip Mileage: 4902.9
I had breakfast at the KOA. A bunch of Honda Goldwing people were there since they
were attending their National Rally at Billings, Montana. A woman took my
picture so she could prove to her elderly father that he was not too old to ride. I spoke
with Catherine, her patient Mrs. Florence Burke passed away at 9:00 this morning.
I left West Yellowstone Colorado and entered Yellowstone National Park…It is
nice to have my “Golden Age Passport” and receive free admission. The day
proved perfect weather so I wore a jacket and chaps. It was very beautiful scenery and I
took a lot of pictures. I saw a lot of buffalo in the road about, about 100 or so,
some only 10 feet away from me. My noisy brakes spooked them once. I arrived at
Cody, KOA approximately 6:00 pm.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 11, 2007
Odometer Mileage: 40311
Trip Mileage: 5092.5
07-11-07 Sounds like a lucky number. I was up at 5:00 am and I plan to stay another
night here in Cody and attend the rodeo. I will get my pictures developed and take
a ride down Rt. 20 west about 60 or 70 miles and take more pictures on the way
back. I had my picture taken on a steer at the rodeo (or a bull or something…. ) I
arrived late at about 11:00 pm as I am usually sacked by 8:30.
THURSDAY, JULY 12, 2007
Odometer Mileage: 40422
Trip Mileage: 5203.2
I left Cody a little tired form the late night at the rodeo. I mailed my photos to Catherine
and it cost $19.00. I purchased some cowboy rope (used) for Matt, my grandson. I
took even more pictures at the Wind Gap and then I spent the night in Douglas, WY
at the KOA.
FRIDAY, JULY 13, 2007
Odometer Mileage: 40732
Trip Mileage: 5513.8
I spent the night at the Golden Hotel at O’Neil, Nebraska.
SATURDAY, JULY 14, 2007
Odometer Mileage: 41124
Trip Mileage: 5905.2
I left the Golden Hotel and rode through Iowa. I then spent the night in a motel in Fort
Dodge, Iowa
SUNDAY, JULY 15, 2007
Odometer Mileage: 4137340732
Trip Mileage: 6154.3
MONDAY, JULY 16, 2007
Odometer Mileage: 41627
Trip Mileage: 6408.1
TUESDAY, JULY 17, 2007
Odometer Mileage: 41946
Trip Mileage: 6727.2
WEDNESDAY, JULY 18, 2007
Odometer Mileage: 42281
Trip Mileage: 7062.7
I arrived home in Cazenovia around 2:00. It is the end of my trip of a lifetime. It was a
wonderful trip and thanks to all who helped me make it. It has been a lifetime
experience.
