Not another RUB in a Harley Costume!

July 27th, 2006 at 04:28pm Bigbaldbobby 55

Even though there are literally 1000 things to do in Aspen, I'm setting off to see the American west.  Yes, every summer I take a road trip to check out a little slice of Americana.  This is not just another summer cruise in the shagin' wagon; oh no!  This is a 4000 mile haul on a motorcycle through the backroads of America. Sometimes we get so carried away with our adventures and are so focused on the destination that we forget about the journey.  The journey is actually why I take my trips.  If you have tuned into my other blogs, you know the bicycle is one of my favorite modes of transportation.  Now what you may not know is in addition to two wheels without motor, I also have a deep affinity for two wheels with motor!  No, and not one of those loud obnoxious Harley types where the owner, typically a RUB,(read Rich Urban Biker) slides it out of the garage only once a month after spending many tedious hours spitting and polishing.  My favorite go-fast machine is a nice practical sport-touring bike of Japanese make that you can actually ride for 8 to 10 hours a day and put some luggage on it.  I believe that the best way to actually see America is by motorcycle.  You're really in the elements with lots of fresh air, stiff summer breezes and the smell of the just tilled farmland and typically the bovine aromas that go with it.  Then there are the sights.  The view out of your visor on a helmet is like no other experience.  When riding in the metal coffin, the views out of the windows seem to be sterilized.  While ensconsed you only have a small fraction of the views out of the windows and with the XM radio going, the DVD player in the back, the refrigerator in the center console, do you really get to experience the true essence of the road trip?  Then there is that journey to which I refer.  My personal rule on motorcycle trips is to stay off the interstate!  Nothing is more monotonous and plain than the interstate.  Motorcyclists call it 'the slab'.  Instead, I take all backroads and scenic byways.  Nothing will open your eyes quicker than to take a little extra time and check out that little green dotted road on the map.  You will go through the neatest little towns, meet some great people, eat real home cooking and stay in unique Mom and Pop hotels.  Now that's traveling.  Check out part II of this byline for more interesting stories on this particular trip and the nonsence that goes with it.  Yes, I even ran into some RUB's in their costumes.  Stay tuned.

Entry Filed under: Aspen, Travel