| Author | Message | ||
     Jlnance |
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| Jlnance |
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| Jlnance |
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| Jlnance |
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| Jlnance |
I'm from the South where people are friendly. While I think that statement is true, we in the south have nothing on the people of Minnesota. Every time I come here, I am tremendously impressed by how nice everyone is. To give you an example, the first time I was here, I got online and had 3 women ask ME out. But that is a story for another day. Yesterday was an adventure. The people of Minneapolis are updating their roads, which includes removing the exit I needed to take to get to the airport. Fortunately I did leave early so I still managed to find it on time. I pull into short term parking and press the ticket button. Nothing happens. Then I read the message stenciled across the arm blocking the road: "No Motorcycles." F*#* So I turn around and ride down the ramp the wrong way, looking for someplace to park. I do two laps of the airport, and I can tell you where I could park a tour bus, but I have no idea where to park a motorcycle. I leave the airport, 10 minutes before Amanda is supposed to arrive as I try and formulate a plan. There of course isn't any place to stop right by the airport, so I end up riding across the bridge into St. Paul. It's not so industrial over there, and I make a U turn and park the bike on the side of the road. My first call is to Amanda's voice mail explaining the problem. The next call is to Ulywife, who I hope will be able to get online and find out where to park motorcycles. That call goes to voice mail.  Then a car pulls up behind me, with a man and woman in it. They want to know if I'm ok. I explain that I'm trying to figure out what to do because I can't park at the airport and my g/f is getting in on a flight, but that I am fine. I thank them for stopping and they leave. They go about 50 feet and pull back over. They get out of the can and they have a plan "you could park at the Fort Schnelling park and ride and take the train in." This is looking up.  They explain how to get to Fort Schnelling, and I'm sure my eyes are glazing over because it involves several turns on roads I'm unfamiliar with. But I'm willing to give it a try. I thank them and they get in their car and drive off again. They make it about 10 feet this time. The guy gets out of his car and says "We are going that way, why don't you just follow us." So I did. And I'm glad I did too because I never would have found that place. It all worked out though. Here is to the good people of Minneapolis. | ||
| Jlnance |
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| Jlnance |
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| Jlnance |
 Tall! | ||
| Jlnance |
 Pretty! | ||
| Jlnance |
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| Jlnance |
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| Jlnance |
Good Morning All, Packing up for Sioux Falls. | ||
| Jlnance |
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| Jlnance |
 Pipestone, mn | ||
| Jlnance |
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| Madduck |
I see you met the "three sisters", I should have mentioned Lange's cafe to you. They are famed world wide for several taste treats. Best of luck on the trip. | ||
| Dbird29 |
Jim, I lived 8 years in the Twin Cities and you are right about "Minnesota Nice". My in-laws live in Spearfish, SD and might be able to help you if you need it while in the Black Hills area. Have a great trip! David Bird | ||
| Jlnance |
Madduck - Yes I did. We took the route you recommended, it was FANTASTIC. Highway 23 in particular was fun. For a moment it felt like I was running over a hundred through rolling hills of corn, but we all know that was just a fantasy because these bikes have antique engines designed in 1950 something. The scenery was beautiful and varied. I love windmills, and there is a large cluster of them about 20 miles north of pipestone. David - I think you've lived just about everywhere. You've moved from Utah to Oregon now haven't you? I still have your number in my phone (hopefully it still works.) I'll call you if I have any trouble near Spearfish, it is very comforting to know someone is there. | ||
| Jlnance |
Yesterday we saw a lot more of Minneapolis and St. Paul. I have a friend up there who offered to show us around, and we spent the afternoon with her. We had lunch somewhere in downtown St. Paul. The waiter was "Minnesota Nice," which was enjoyable. We went on a river boat cruise after lunch, and then spent some time in the Cemetery. Yes, I know that sounds weird, but both Patrice and Amanda like to take pictures in old cemeteries. Then we went shopping at the Smitten Kitten. The finale of the evening however was dinner. Amanda wanted German food, which she likes, but isn't easy to get in North Carolina. Patrice had found a good place, and we made reservations under Amanda's maiden name: Sternbergh. We walked in and Amanda gave her name with perfect German inflection. Then they lead us into the restaurant. I tell you what, the Germans are a rowdy bunch. And those Dirndl dresses are cute. They were all singing, toasting, and yelling. Someone was playing an accordion, and I got so much food I thought I was going to pop. I had a fantastic time.  | ||
| Jlnance |
 Springfield, MN | ||
| Madduck |
There are a lot of us that believe that SD, ND, Nebraska and Kansas are all best crossed after dark. You may be different. Watch your gas and just because there is a town doesn't meant there will be gas. Quite often the pump is cash only when they are open. | ||
| Jlnance |
Well I'll be doing it in the daylight today. I'll let you know my opinions in a few hours. It's dry here. I forgot how difficult it is to ride in low humidity, even if it isn't that hot. It doesn't seem like you can drink enough water. | ||
| Jlnance |
Actually the weather people say the humidity is 93%, but it still feels dry. Perhaps it was the route down from MN where it was so dry. | ||
| Jlnance |
I'm in Rapid City. Saw the badlands today, as well as a lot of wide open spaces. Sunflower fields were pretty. I had dinner in a Buell shirt. One of the waiters has an XB9R, which was kind of cool to find out. Amanda took a zillion pictures. More to come. | ||
| Jlnance |
 Firehouse Brewing Co., Rapid City SD | ||
| Jlnance |
Occasionally something happens that sums up your life in a very short story. Allow me to relate a story from Sunday morning. I was coming out of Minnesota, and I passed an intersection where there were two bikes. As I got close I saw that one of the riders had platimun blond hair atop her female form. So naturally I start slowing down as I pass in order to allow her to catch up. I'm slowing down very gradually because I don't want my pillion to know what I'm doing. A stoplight goes red, and this gives me an excuse to slow even further. I'm watching her approach in the mirror. She is almost there, the light turns green, I let out the clutch, I stall the bike. I start it back up, start to let out the clutch, and it starts to stall again. Ooops, I fogot to downshift because I was watching her. I was in 3rd or 4th gear. I fumble it down to first and get going, all with her right behind me. And this my friends is why I will never be cool. I can get close to cool, but never quite there. | ||
| Jlnance |
 Good morning | ||
| Jlnance |
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| Jlnance |
 Settle Inn, Gillette WY. Upgraded to a suite! Nice. | ||
| Amandam |
Yes, Jim, and now your passenger knows exactly what you were up to... |
