Taking the XJ from Wisconsin to California, annnnnnnnnd BACK

So, long story short, there was a trip planned to go to an indian reservation in south dakota to build homes and work within the community as an option to fulfill one of two practicum requirements for the program I'm in at school. Thing was, that they wanted 2100$ to do so. I couldn't afford to go, so i opted out, having already done a good amount of traveling out west and seen the 'touristy' places they were also planning to go, as it was only two weeks long, one week sightseeing the badlands/mt rushmore/etc, and only spending the second week on the reservation.

But sitting at home yesterday, I saw a picture that a friend posted on facebook of the view on I-90, heading into the city of Chamberlain, overlooking a beautiful valley in South Dakota. This reminded me of all the yearly trips west that we took as a family growing up, my dad always saving all of his vacation for the year, and our family packing down and piling into the station wagon to head west, with not a single destination in mind, merely finding cool places along the way as we went for 3 weeks or as funds allowed. (one year made it to the oregon coast and back for 800$) A couple years after my sister moved away for school, and due to everyones schedules getting ever so complicated as she and i were at a new stage in our lives, we stopped going on our trips west.

The first year that we didn't travel west as a family which was the summer after graduating high school, I instead took a trip out to colorado with one of my best friends having a similar disposition; not having a route or plans other than making it to a mtn bike race in colorado at one point in the trip. These trips have continued annually every summer since, a nice time spent together as he now attends school out in CO. Anyway, because the last semesters were so intense at school, i wasn't able to save up any money to travel with, and made the saddening decision to stay living and working in the city that i'm attending school in, and accepted the fact that this was the summer that i had to stop frolicking around the country in summer and start working a normal job. (previously would do short but intense bouts of random work for people, roofing, construction, etc.)

So while sitting on the couch in the house that i was to be living in, i saw this picture pop up on my facebook newsfeed. It instantly triggered memories of travels west, and I knew i just had to figure out a way to get out there. Although i knew i wouldn't receive school credit, i felt an urge to just go and volunteer just to go and offer my skills. I went down to the gulf coast a few times to help rebuild houses after Katrina, and it being a while since then, i had the itch to again help build some houses as well as simply wanting to travel west. The room that I'll be moving into isn't going to be open for another 10 days so I'm just sleeping on the couch anyway, and i haven't started paying rent yet either obviously, so I figured it would be the perfect opportunity. I then calculated that by taking the bike, it being only 1400 miles or so round trip, it would cost less than $150 in gas and i would just pitch my tent and bring what food i could find around the house and cook it on my backpacking stove.

I then immediately sent an email to the charity, asking just where exactly the reservation was in SD, and just letting them know of my plans and such.

I stayed up late last night working on the bike, checked/adjusted the valves, all were good except one, and i had a spare 265 that was needed so she's good to go now. I changed the oil last night as well, but will most likely need to stop and change it along the way as well as it will be 4k miles at least.

I threw on the luggage rack and threw some things in a duffel bag and trunk, packed lightly bringing only the necessities. It should be a fun trip. Totally spur of the moment, as most of my trips are. Traveling is nothing new to me, so no worries there, I plan on just knocking on doors and sleeping in peoples backyards for the most part, along with a park here and there if they're free.

Well, I woke ready to skip town, but when i opened the email received back from the charities president, i was dumbfounded. His reply to me pretty much said that I was not welcome on the reservation, and that it wouldn't be fair for the others on the trip if i were to just show up on my own. I was shocked, i mean what kind of charity organization denies willing offers to volunteer? So i decided to go anyway, finding what i guessed/hoped to be the reservation literally by satellite/google earth images. When I considered the reality of me showing up just for him to tell me to leave, the idea came to me of just continuing onward west, towards the california coast and seeing where i end up as I've never been there before, rather only to washington and oregon.

I have hardly any money, and odds are that i'll have to stop places along the way and do some temp work, or stop at farms and ask if they have any work, but thats cool, no biggie there.

I'm thinking just a couple weeks, maybe 3, maybe more, and wherever i end up i end up. I don't really have anywhere in mind, headed towards the coast, but exactly where who knows.

SO, if any of you are somewhere between wisconsin and cali, somewhat along I=90, and dont mind me camping in your backyard, that would be way rad! Just post in this thread where you are and shoot me an email or text with your number, and if im nearby and needing somewhere to sleep, I'll give you a jingle and i'd totally be appreciative of pitching a tent in your backyard!

Thanks much and happy riding! I'll throw some pics up along the way as long as my phone has service!

Ride on! 8)

Chris

 

You are one wild man. Takes a lot of guts to take off and do something like that. Props to you for that. Nobody does that kinda spontaneous thing anymore... everyone likes to act cookie cutter. Lol. Good luck!

 

Re: Taking the XJ from Wisconsin to California, annnnnnnnnd

Oh man, I am sooooo jealous!! I would love to be able to do that. Just pack up and go... either flying solo or with a couple good buddies, I don't know which would be better. Good for you.

I tend to agree with your organizer.. especially if you're talking Pine Ridge. It's a beautiful area and there are of course some good folks out there but I wouldn't cross the border or stay the night without some protection.

Anyway, if you want to hit me up on your way through Sioux Falls you're welcome to pull up a spot on my lawn (just a few miles south of I-90). Might even have a spare bed for you if you promise not to axe-murder my family while we sleep! :lol:

PM sent - enjoy the ride!

 

Re: Taking the XJ from Wisconsin to California, annnnnnnnnd

Dang, you just take all the fun out of everything don't you?

 

Thats soo cool mtnbikecrazy55 thumbs up to you sounds fun!!!!

 

Dang mtnbikecrazy I wish you where coming south, I would let you have my couch as long as you want, great riding scene here.

 

Thanks for the good vibes everyone!!

Got off to a late start yesterday as I had to tie up a few loose ends before I left, but rode a couple hours to eau Claire, wi. to crash at a friends for the night.

Continuing on westward tomorrow!

Here she is in all her glory!



Ride on!

Chris

 

Dude, we all love a good road trip story. We want hourly updates,,,,well ok,,,, we will settle for daily. But we MUST have pictures!!! Be safe, ride true.

 

Re: Taking the XJ from Wisconsin to California, annnnnnnnnd

+1 on the cool factor and updates, or at least a summary of the journey when you return.

Beware of stupid people.

 

Re: Taking the XJ from Wisconsin to California, annnnnnnnnd

Wait! I'll tag along on the Seca. I think you're just jealous of fintip. Have a good trip and when you get back be sure to make it to Menasha for some Two Wheeled Tuesdays.

 

Haha brad come on out! TWT for SURE when Im back, always a good time, I'm going to try making most of them once back.

I'm just about to montana, decided to swing up and visit a buddy in spokane, and then another in seattle, then take the 101 down to Cali.

But of course, always subject to change

Slept in the coolest man cave I've ever seen in my life last night, it was like a warehouse with a finished second floor, well balcony/ it was LEGIT.

Ill have to post some pics.

The whole bottom level was divided, part workshop, part alot of open space, all awesome.

Walked into a bar to ask if I could pitch the tent out back, but then The guy that lived right next door said he had a bed, looking at the outside you'd never guess! It was great, and met some awesome people.

More stories to come when I'm not on my phone

 

I totally approve of this.



And I definitely got a little nostalgic of this feeling:



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Enjoy it man, that sounds like a great trip. If you make it to Austin, let me know.

 

Re: Taking the XJ from Wisconsin to California, annnnnnnnnd

Cool picture fintip. You posted that one last year, didn't you? Still neat to look at.

 

Re: Taking the XJ from Wisconsin to California, annnnnnnnnd

Props out to you Man! Looks like all of Wisconsin will be following your progress.
Keep us updated and have fun.

 

Yeah, I just pulled it straight from my mexico thread. Went ahead and updated my avatar at the same time, as you can see.

 

Awesome picture, ill have to steal that idea and snag one of my own now

Left today in the rain, and then the clouds broke and it looked like it was going to be a nice day of riding:



I left this am in the Rain from belle fourshe and then it got to be looking beautiful and warm. Butttttt then leaving broadus, mt on hwy 59, I hit a huge storm, just downright crappy. Sheets of rain, with constant giant gusts of wind, it's amazing how I ever stayed on the road. So 80 miles of that crap later I got to miles city mt, filled up, got terrible gas Mileage (35.75) and cruised around in the rain looking for somewhere to warm up.

I finally buckled and went to subway, I've been really good so far, not buying anything but gas other than a box of granola bars. But I was starving, and cooking in the rain and then eating in the rain, sounded kinda crummy.

So I walked in and there was this nice elderly couple that I started talking to, telling about my trip and whatnot and after a bit I asked if there was a park I could camp at for free.

He told me of a park and that if anyone (5-0) gave me any trouble, that "Ruben said it was alright"

Turns out he's a former city councilman and also used to volunteer/help out alot at the PD.

Turns out he's also a WWII vet, I thanked him for his service and commented on his hat as it said "big sky honor flight" and I mentioned how my grandpa went on one as well. He had just spoke at a school today so that's pretty cool, there's not too many WWII vets left.

Stopped by the rez, the charity person has a stick up his rear so onward I went, not the end of the world, but it is a bummer as I did want to help.

It was in the city of La Plant, not pine ridge.

Was hoping to get to Helena today, that ain't gonna happen now, I'm thinking o just stopping here for the night and getting to bed early and hitting it early tomorrow, now am 11.5 hrs from Spokane.

Really can't get in the miles on the bike like I can in the car, it's the stops that kill ya.

But once I get to Spokane, Seattle is not far, and then 101 will be a beautiful ride.

Rockin!

Chris

 

Nice progress! You're livin it! Have any cops actually given you any hassle this far?
The panoramic picture looks pretty sick up top too. Definintely useable as a header or something

 

Re: Taking the XJ from Wisconsin to California, annnnnnnnnd

Thats awesome dood, you have some balls! Iv been wanting to visit Texas( Im from Seattle) and I was thinking about doing the same thing

 

No kiddin! Seattle's my next stop! Just north of Spokane now

 

Re: Taking the XJ from Wisconsin to California, annnnnnnnnd

Still Jealous. Told Cindy tonight I'm going to rearrange some vacation this summer and take the Maxim to CA. She thinks I'm joking. Keep posting updates.

 

GARGH!!! So frustrating!!

I just typed a HUGE update on my phone, and switched to my photobucket app on my phone to snag some pictures, when I switched back, it reloaded the page and everything I had typed was gone!

Literally took an hour and a half to type up.

So. I'm sick of staring at this thing and will update later.

Long story short, I'm stuck here with a shot tire until I can get another one.

Ill type everything over once I have a break from this thing.

 

So in a "short" version now that I'm cooled down -

Left Missoula thurs. morning, as took a super nice road to Washington.

Staying now at a couples house that I met last year at a bike race in Montana. There son was racing and they were there to watch. Super awesome nice folks, guy is a retired cost guard engineer.

They live on an old homestead that's spring fed and he has all sorts of inventions and cool things on the property.

I slept in this morning and he asked me when the last time I looked at my rear tire was. I said Missoula as I checked it before I left town.

Well, I go out and take a look and....




Whoops.

I was originally planning on replacing it in Seattle, but I met a guy who owned a motorcycle shop in Missoula who gave me all sorts of cool routes to take and told me of a super gnarly road through te cascades into Seattle. So I Diddnt want to do that on threads.

So I called around places in Spokane, and they were all SUPER expensive, and would have had to been ordered anyway. Plus there's 8.5% tax here.

So I called some online places to see who had one in stock and would ship it from a nearby warehouse, and after about 7 places, I found one in California for an 'okay' price.

So I ordered it up, and when it comes, he'll give me a lift into town and ill have it mounted and balanced for 25$



No need to be dumb, plus it's cool around here, and I'm helping do some stuff, I put a new CD player/radio in a van of his that they just bought, and tomorrow I'm going to put a new starter in an old truck that he has.

So, all is well!

Chris

 

That panoramic picture would be awsome for an xj calender

 

Cool. Keep updating. HATE losing long posts like that... Definitely 'gumption draining'.

Sweet picture! I would have taken more pictures in Mexico if I could do it over again.

As far as putting in the miles, it can definitely be done. Just takes discipline. Look up 'Iron Butt'. I did 1600+ miles in 35 hours on the FJ for the last leg of my trip back from Washington to Texas.

I wouldn't recommend it for pleasure riding, but it is a cool thing to be able to say you did. I had an excuse--when else will I be driving that long of a straight line, and have so little money that I can barely make it there, much less stop somewhere along the way?

So, why not make it epic?

If you ever find yourself in a similar position... Then I highly recommend it.

 

Over the cascades!

Currently in Seattle

 

Re: Taking the XJ from Wisconsin to California, annnnnnnnnd

Yet another nice picture Chris. The '83 models really look so much nicer without the ugly ATARI brick and square headlight.

So I'm guessing you're not making the June 11th bike show at The Locker Room.

I'm hoping to start on repainting mine in about two weeks.

 

Agreed about the headlight, that's one of the reasons I popped for my 82 xj650 Max. Never was a fan of the square lights.

Very nice RR, Chris. You're smart about not riding on that tire!

 

Re: Taking the XJ from Wisconsin to California, annnnnnnnnd

I know you're Cali-bound, but I thought I'd offer up. I am 100 miles north of Seattle in Bellingham with killer single track all around and a spare mtn. bike or two and the weekend off. If you're thinking of it: 36 zero-9 six 1-4732 -Dan

 

5 days and no update . . .
Everything good mtnbike?

 

Re: Taking the XJ from Wisconsin to California, annnnnnnnnd

He's feeding his new cat.

 

Haha Brad's on top of things

So, to add to this crazy adventure, I now have a traveling companion

I will post a tonnnn of pictures and lots of stories when I get home, but to keep this short as my kitty is waiting, I'll post this picture now



Made it to the coast, shot down into Cali, and found this kitty

So, as the trip really had no real destination, I figured this was a pretty good one, and so I am now headed east again.

Currently in Nevada, going to pound a coffee and planning on riding through the night and getting to Ft. Collins, CO as my best friend lives there, perhaps spend a few days there, maybe longer, who knows, possibly do some backpacking, it's all TBD to continue along with everything this trip has been, haha.

But all is well and the bikes been running like a top, although I blew a fork seal, so that will need some love. But nothing imperative, and the new tire is great.

Till next time!

Chris

 

PS, got bugs?

 

Guess nobody likes cats around these parts, lol

 

Cat is cute, but he looks kinda like a little prisoner......

 

Looks well cared for too. You sure it was homeless?
Cats are fickle though. One of mine decided that the High School teachers feed him better than I do. He's been living over there for two years :lol:

 

Re: Taking the XJ from Wisconsin to California, annnnnnnnnd

We have three canines and three felines at our house. It's like Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom here!

He/ she appears to be gazing at you with a trusting look, easy to bond to.

If it was me I would see if a vet could scan it for a micro- chip; it might be someone's lost cat. :cry:

 

We have cats too, so I can relate. Not much of a dog person anymore. I like the little holes so the kitty can see the world, but not fall out =).

Keep posting, i've enjoyed your RR.

 

Re: Taking the XJ from Wisconsin to California, annnnnnnnnd

Oh boy, you might be taking another ride out west.

 

Edited/Moved

- ill just post it all together on a new post -

 

Ouch, I don't know if I could do 1k in one shot. I'd need to look at a better seat / extra cushion.

 

A 1000 mile day in my comfy, air conditioned, Durango is a stretch....and I used to drive for a living.
Did you happen to keep track of your start and stop times? Keep your gas receipts?
Iron Butt SaddleSore 1000

 

If the wrong person sees you stuff a cat in your trunk, your going to have a little detour

 

Pack it gently. Don't stuff it.

 

Re: Taking the XJ from Wisconsin to California, annnnnnnnnd

Made the trek from Cali to Colorado and am staying at my buddies place for a couple days before heading back home.

Made the 1000 mile trek in one shot and have just over 1000 miles left to go so its a nice halfway point as well.

But now that i have a computer to use i can fill you guys in a little more on the cat

He's actually sitting right here helping me type this



So, how the cat came to be, i was headed down the 101 in northern california and was looking for a place to pitch my tent for free as it was getting later in the day.

I stopped at a beach and asked these people sitting on the beach if they were local and knew of any place that was free to stay. We ended up talking for hours about all sorts of things and the lady offered her living room floor to sleep on and that she would fix me a hot meal, to which i graciously accepted.

When we got to her house, there were two cats there to greet us, this being one of them. What happened, is he used to be the neighbors, but they would abuse him and concurrently their kids would hit him, and eventually they just let him go because they didn't want to take care of him anymore since he was no longer a tiny kitten.

Roxanne(the lady who took me in) wanted to take him in herself, but her cat was clearly not a fan of no longer being the only cat in the house, as well as having the expense of another cat just wasn't in the cards at the time. She was however feeding him and letting him sleep inside while trying to find him a forever home.

I ended up sticking around the next day helping her move some things around in her house as she had just moved in a few months ago and due to some health issues she was only supposed to only lift things 10lbs or less.

I have always loved cats, have had them all throughout growing up and have some back home at my folks place, but since going to school and living on my own i have been cat less, besides frequently going to the humane society to pet them

I just had been waiting for the right time to adopt one, s its a big responsibility, both time wise and financially. I like doing things spur of the moment(this trip being an example) and love to travel, so i've always thought it would be best to wait a bit more.

But this cat stole my heart and I couldn't leave him behind. Plus, if he's cool to ride 3000 miles across the country on a motorcycle, I'm sure moving around wont be an issue. I have tons of friends who would help me if i ever needed a cat sitter, as well as roommates.

So i emptied out my trunk, put in it his favorite blanket, and took him on a little test ride to see how he would react. At first i went slow, making sure to turn slowly and not lean too much. But then i realized that I wouldn't be riding home like such, as there were winding mountain passes ahead to be ridden over! So twist went the wrist, blasted through some twisties, dug into the corners, buried the needle, and gave him a taste of what the ride home would truly be like. I figured that if he hated it, i would have left him there as it wouldn't be worth traumatizing him putting him through that all the way home.

When i got back to roxanne's home and opened the lid, to my surprise, he was laying down, purring away. It blew my mind, haha.

I think what may have had something to do with it is him having lived right on hwy 101, which has tons of motorcycle traffic on it. The house/apartment that i stayed in with roxanne was actually the old barracks that the workers who BUILT hwy 101 through the redwoods had lived in during the construction of the highway. That was a cool part of history to experience as well, pretty wild how it all came to be.

So anyway, the next day, i repacked all my stuff, left with a bag of food, a water cup for him, and with the cat in my trunk, i headed to the next town in search of a cabinet shop. I found one, popped in, and asked if i could borrow a hole saw. The guy was super chill, and hooked me up with a drill and a 2" blade, and in a short second i turned my trunk into a kitty carrier, haha.

The holes are plenty big, lots of air to keep him cool, and he can stick his nose and see out of them, but no worry of him falling out.

Back on the road we went, and i stopped 50 miles later, to find him still laying, happily purring away. He's seriously the chillest cat ever, which is surprising after what all he went through being abused and all.

That day was just a few hundred miles, and that night he slept with me in my tent, happy as can be.

- Which is super crazy, as i was considering riding through the night, and would have been RIGHT where that crash was on I-80 a couple days ago - 27 cars, one dead, crazy stuff-

Anyway, we hit the road the next day, and he stayed calm and chill the whole time. I decided to ride through the night and so we rolled into ft. collins yesterday morning, just over 1000 miles later. He was still in good spirits, still purring when i pulled in the driveway. just blows my mind!

I let him out when i fill up and he just sits on my bike and watches me, so so adorable.

So yeah! Thats the story of my kitty and how he came to be, i would find a person hard pressed to say his box is inhumane treatment, when inside the trunk is a purring happy kitty, so I know he's not uncomfortable in there.

Its been such an adventure, such a great time!

Here's some more pictures, haha

Happily sleeping in the tent:


He tried convincing me to let him drive....


At his fueling perch:


Took him into my buddies work and he passed out on the workbench


haha


He likes to sleep alot, but this was from when he was recovering from spending 1000 miles on the road:


Headed home saturday or sunday, then he'll be home for good!

More to come later, and other trip stories and pictures, not just cat updates, haha.

Chris

 

haha never even knew about this - kinda neat, but i don't need to pay 45$ to remember the trip, lol.

I probably do have the reciepts though, stuffed in my jacket pocket.

I do have this though, except i filled up the night before right before i stopped for the night, as i like ending the day with a full tank, so i dont have to stop for gas after only being on the road 50 miles or whatever.

 

I'll post some stats after i get home, that app is pretty legit

 

Ok, that makes your trip the coolest yet!

Your kitty kinda reminds me of our youngest, he is also very happy ALL of the time.

 

It's a great trip indeed

 

You are an awesome person. 4/6 ths of our pets are rescue animals. I sure wish one of them would be cool with traveling on the bike.

 

great story! all of my animals like traveling even the parrot, but i dont know if i would take them on the bike, let alone in the trunk lol.