A Guest Blog from another Bump on the Road

I think Spring has Sprung....  I actually meant to publish this a couple months back, when we were still in the midst of the cold that it references.  At any rate, I hope you enjoy a few thoughts from my Brother, Tim Bumpus.

See you on the road,
SMB

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As I sit here looking at the rainy and cold weather, I start to get cabin fever.  Although we only have a couple of months before the spring weather starts, it seems like a long time since I could ride in a T-shirt.  I guess the winter weather helps to make you appreciate the warm weather, at least that’s what I keep telling myself. 

I have a new Screamin’ Eagle Electra Glide Ultra ready at home this year and I can’t wait to get the rides started.  I rode the Road Glide last year and really enjoyed it, so let’s see how the ride compares, since they are both great riding bikes.

As I think about what rides I will be doing this year, I can’t help but reminisce about the trips I rode last year.  We took a 3 day trip through Arkansas with stops in Eureka Springs, down to Ozark Arkansas, Hot Springs, and then home.  For anyone who thinks you have to ride for days to get a change of scenery, you should take this trip.  There are some great scenic roads with hills and curves, and some unique towns along the way.  The “Pig Trail” is an especially scenic  motorcycle ride.

Probably the best trip I have taken in a few years is the ride to the Grand Canyon I made this past June.  We had about 15 people with us and had a great ride.  The idea was to ride straight out to Sedona AZ, with a little side trip to Raton New Mexico, to visit one of the Robilios.  We spent three days in Sedona and just toured the area.  If you have never been there, this is a must do trip.  To get to Sedona, you must go down the Oak Creek Canyon out of Flagstaff.  This is probably one of the prettiest 25 mile roads I have ridden.  We also made visits to Prescott, to visit the old western bars, to the mining town of Gerome, and the surrounding towns.  We also spent one day at the Grand Canyon.  It is amazing how an erosion problem thousands of years ago can make a magnificent view today.  Pictures cannot do it justice.

We decided to leave one day early to make a ride through Monument Valley.  With the dust devils blowing through there and the tumbleweeds everywhere, I felt like we were in the Wild West, only on iron horses.  From the back roads to the Bar-B-Que Spam we had along the way, it certainly was a memorable trip.

I can’t wait to plan the trips I will be making this year, but I know it will be fun and adventurous on my new Ultra.  The bike nights are fun and the poker runs give you a chance to see friends throughout the day, I love the road trips the most. 

Everyone ride safe this year, and enjoy your motorcycle in your own way,

Tim

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Thanks Tim.  I love ya.   Y'all go see Tim over in Memphis whenever you get the chance.

SMB