Much about A doin'

[Gonzo]

So it appears that on this site I can ramble to my hearts' content.
Kinda scares the daylights outa ya, doesn't it??

I retired from the "Rat Race" in June '11 and dived in to remodeling the interior of my house...I should say 'finishing' the remodel as I had started it 2 years ealier while working full time (ie, 50-70 hour weeks and a lotta travel). I redesigned everything, kitchen, baths, cabinets made by my friend and I, colors, yadayadayada.

In August I hit the road with my expedition towin a 12' enclosed trailer containing 2 Harleys and items I thot necessary to live on the road for the next 4-5 months while I drive/ride all over the USA.

I trailered to Sturgis, rode the Black Hills, trailered to Louisville n visited with college friends, trailered to MD to hang with bro and play golf and ride together, left rig there and rode the Road King north along the coast to Madawaska to start the 4C ride. Got caught in some bad weather and when I reached Niagara Falls I decided to cancel and spend time with my sister who is there on her own. I feel good about doing that. After 10 days I headed thru central NY n south into PA to Williamsport to see the LL World Series Lemaze Stadium, then to York PA Harley Factory, After that I had to visit Gettysburg and then headed back down to southern MD. From there I trailered to Nashville to meet up with a flying buddy of mine who I hadn't seen since '75. 4 days later I headed to Austin TX to visit my video game designing son and rode the Hill Country..Neat!! From there I trailered thru NM, AZ, CO, Four Corners, UT, ID, OR and WA. Hung out in Seattle for some rockin local bands then headed to Portland to hang with family. Then down to San Jose for more family and finally returned to SoCal in Mid-December.

Since then I have been working on getting this ol house remodel finished. And preparing for my 2012 ride Cross USA adventure.

This time I plan on only going on the Road King.
But I talk a good story.....let's see if i can deliver

C ya mañana,
Gonzo
Twitter: @gonzocrossusa
Blog: www.GonzoCrossUSA.blogspot.com
Email: [e-mail]
Cell: 949-433-0761

[BuzzCap7]

Several questions, of course............ ;D

1) In the attempt for me to read more so my mind does not go too mush, I just finished 2 very good books by Ron Ayres. Am now reading the Harry Potter series. Do you have any motorcycle related books you could suggest or the one book I must read in your opinion?

2) This is a big question.... you obviously work way more than the "average" person per week and yet when you wrote across the USA it appears you did it in a very leisurely manner. <-- that is truly a huge problem for me that I am trying to change.

Having worked since I was 13 years old and the last 26 years in real estate, many of it 70-90 hours a week, coupled with my personality, it is very difficult for me to slow down. Wherein that is my question. How do you slow down?

Even locally, when I go from point A to point B, I often do it with too much speed, swiftness. I go like I am in a rush. The same thing with a long-distance riding which I love. How do you get yourself to slow down and smell the roses?

BuzzCap7

[Gonzo]

Hey Buzz
Intensity is directly correlated to deadlines. Type A's typically tie themselves to work and deadlines and goals.
Once I retired I found ways to still have a few goals and deadlines but if more time was needed then I just shifted the deadline date.....cool, huh?
I have always wanted to "taste" all the flavors America has to offer.
So that is what I am doing
1. Book question, no motorcycle texts....recommendation? Read what you like.
2. So you do things swiftly....fine....be you.....enjoy it. If you dont enjoy it do what you would enjoy. Or, learn to enjoy other experiences.
The purpose of my 4.5 month jaunt was to find my new pace...something that cant be done when youre working. It took me that long to unwind by continually saying to myself, "Youre retired now, you can do whatevery you want to do".
I still have a plan for things I want to do....I just do it at my new pace now.
What is more important to me is injoying myself, enjoying others, valuing the gr8 places to see in this country and the gr8 people that make it up between the coastal major cities.
Gonzo

[BuzzCap7]

Thanks. I exhalted u for ur words of wisdom.

As I semi-retire, and like u said, with a "Type A" persoanlity, I am finding it quite odd. I like it but certainly odd. Almost like no one needs me anymore. <-- But yet it affords me a freedom I did not have b4 and THAT is really nice.

What I found for the most part, is taking ur time and being more patient with ppl. Not meaning to be contracitfory but too much of that reminds me how much I like my dog.

Anyway........thank you for the info.

When u head off across the USA, pls let me know and I'll check ur blogg.

BuzzCap7

[Gonzo]

Hey Buzz
I'll definitely let you know when the bloggin restarts....I actually have some stories set up in word that should be posted....hmmm, just got lots to do right now to get outa here

Speaking of which, "Sophia", my 09 Road King, is in the shop with a toasted compensator. Parts are on back order but they hope to get it back to me by next Friday (the new date of departure).

I suspect I wont be rollin outa here until the 3rd of Jun or so
Gonz

[BuzzCap7]

May 17, 2012 22:58:36 GMT -8 Gonzo said:

Hey Buzz
I'll definitely let you know when the bloggin restarts....I actually have some stories set up in word that should be posted....hmmm, just got lots to do right now to get outa here

Speaking of which, "Sophia", my 09 Road King, is in the shop with a toasted compensator. Parts are on back order but they hope to get it back to me by next Friday (the new date of departure).

I suspect I wont be rollin outa here until the 3rd of Jun or so
Gonz

Excellent! Thanks.........

The HOG Magazine as well as local biker Magazines all carry stories abt what other rides bikers have done. It is funny how interesting those stories are and so MANY are published each month.

Yes! Definitely post those stories that you have in "word" here. If u would, a "New Thread" (new post) per story. Like each story is a chapter to itself. Oh, oh, you and I are presently under your TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF area. On the Main Page, there is a story section. Pls enter them there. If u are not sure where that is, "no worries", I can move posts.

As u may know, I am in here daily. Knowing that I have trips set up in June, July, and August, pls understand you may get a delayed reply from me. Not that all need replies.

Sry to hear abt the bike needing a new part. That made me think that when I bot my bike new in '09, I kept a running list of all the costs. How much it really costs me with new tires, oil changes, etc.... u think it is worth my posting the info here in this forum?

June 3rd is coming up quickly. I am not sure if I am more excited abt tracking u or u r more excited. LOL GO GONZ GO!

BuzzCap7