http://www.hoperider.org/HopeRiderBlog/index.php Copyright 2009, Lacy E. Betton Lacy E. Betton en-US SPHPBLOG 0.5.1 http://www.hoperider.org/HopeRiderBlog/index.php?entry=entry080725-140247
The Bike: 2008 Kawasaki KLR 650 -- The Saddle: Russell Day Long Saddle

FROM: Homestead, FL

TO: Key West, FL

Miles traveled: 129 – MISSION COMPLETE

Weather: Sunny and Hot

Woke up this morning realizing that this was the last day of this great journey for charity. I was both excited and saddend. During this journey we have met many good people, a few angels, seen some breathtaking sites, and I’ve stretched myself mentally, physically, and spiritually.

I got underway from Homestead at 11:30 enroute to United States Southern Command’s Headquarters in Doral, FL for an interview with the public affairs officer. When I arrived I was surprised to find many of the SOUTHCOM family cheering when I arrived (see picture). This was one of the high points of the trip and I am most appreciative for this heartwarming reception by my co-workers and friends.

After leaving Southern Command I headed south to Key West arriving just before sunset. Optimist Prime and I took our last picture at the SOUTHERNMOST Point marker with the sun setting behind us. What a fitting scene to end the journey.

I would like to thank all of you who took this journey with me and for giving to the worthy charities I rode for.

I would also like to thank the people at what I call my mission control. Without their efforts this charity event could not have taken place. They are:

• Peter Barcelo Jr. who is the Event Director and my mission control chief.
• Mr. Peter Raposo -- WEB Page design.
• Mr. Brent Harris -- BLOG engineer.

I would also like to thank my sponsors:

• Tracking Solutions Corp.
• DadeGraphics
• Spot Satellite Messenger
• @ustin IT Consulting
• MI Installations Inc.


WHAT’S NEXT: The HopeRider or Riders will ride for charity next year. The event destination, and start date will be announced on this WEB site on 01 Nov 08. If you are interested in being mission control team or being a HopeRider for next year’s ride for charity information will be provided on this site on 01 Nov 08.

Ride Safe – Ride Strong

HopeRider

U.S._Southern_Command_Family

Alabama_Jacks

Cards_Sound_Bridge

Keys_I

Keys_II

Key_West_Arrival

Key_West__Mission_complete

]]> http://www.hoperider.org/HopeRiderBlog/index.php?entry=entry080725-140247 Lacy E. Betton Fri, 25 Jul 2008 20:02:47 GMT http://www.hoperider.org/HopeRiderBlog/comments.php?y=08&m=07&entry=entry080725-140247 http://www.hoperider.org/HopeRiderBlog/index.php?entry=entry080724-064601
The Bike: 2008 Kawasaki KLR 650 -- The Saddle: Russell Day Long Saddle

FROM: Kuttawa, KY

TO: Homestead, FL

Miles traveled: 1044 (SADDLE SORE 1000 ACHIEVED!!!)

Weather: Sunny and Very Hot

Left the beautiful town of Kuttawa, Kentucky at 5 a.m. with the goal of reaching Orlando, Florida. Exited Kentucky before sunrise and entered Tennessee whose beautiful hills and mountains are rich in color, wild life and the roads are a dream to ride.

About sixty miles north of Atlanta there was a terrible auto accident. A police K-9 SUV unit had flipped over on I-75 (see picture). I was told that the police officer and his dog sustained minor injuries.

When I entered my home state of Florida I experienced a new surge of energy and Optimist Prime was running strong so I decided to knock out the 1000 miles which was denied to me a couple of days ago. Just after midnight after riding for 1044 miles I rolled into Homestead on Optimist Prime. It was a very good day.

At noon today I will travel to United States Southern Command and then ride south to Key West to complete this journey for Charity.

If you have not had to chance to give to one or more of the charities listed at the bottom of this home page please give what you can.

Ride Safe – Ride Strong

HopeRider

Had_breakfast_with_Dilon_in_KY

Me_at_the_Tennessee_River_Reservoir

Overturned_K-9_Unit_Near_Atlanta

Overturned_K-9_Unit_II
]]> http://www.hoperider.org/HopeRiderBlog/index.php?entry=entry080724-064601 Lacy E. Betton Thu, 24 Jul 2008 12:46:01 GMT http://www.hoperider.org/HopeRiderBlog/comments.php?y=08&m=07&entry=entry080724-064601 http://www.hoperider.org/HopeRiderBlog/index.php?entry=entry080723-215414
The bike: 2008 Kawasaki KLR 650 -- The saddle: Russell Day Long Saddle


FROM: Kansas City, MO

TO: Kuttawa, KY

Miles traveled: 454

Weather: Sunny and Hot

During the morning hours I conducted preventive maintenance on the motorcycle (see pix). This is the first motorcycle I have owned which has a chain drive and I oil it daily, cleaned it every 3 to 5 days and I’ve taken the slack out of the chain on 3 occasions during this trip. I also check all fluid levels, tires and tire pressure daily. The Iron Horse is my first priority and so far, Optimist Prime, only lost one bolt and a tail light throughout this ordeal. The electrical problem I experienced was due to operator error.

I got underway at about noon riding through Missouri, Illinois, Tennessee, and ended the day at Kuttawa, Kentucky.

Tomorrow I will be in north Florida and on Friday at noon I plan on riding to U.S. Southern Command in Doral, Florida for an interview with their Public Affairs Officer before completing my mission at Key West.

Ride Safe – Ride Strong

HopeRider

Illinois_farm_land

Ohio_River

Taking_of_Optimist_Prime
]]> http://www.hoperider.org/HopeRiderBlog/index.php?entry=entry080723-215414 Lacy E. Betton Thu, 24 Jul 2008 03:54:14 GMT http://www.hoperider.org/HopeRiderBlog/comments.php?y=08&m=07&entry=entry080723-215414 http://www.hoperider.org/HopeRiderBlog/index.php?entry=entry080722-070035
The bike: 2008 Kawasaki KLR 650 -- The saddle: Russell Day Long Saddle

FROM: Bismarck, ND

TO: Kansas City, MO

Miles traveled: 787

Weather: Sunny and Hot

The weather was great, the Iron Horse felt strong, the road was perfect (I-94 and I-29) and I had gotten my second wind. So I decided to try riding 1000 miles today. The International Iron Butt Association (IBA) calls it there SaddleSore 1000. I had completed this event before and it took me 18 hours of hard riding.

At around 8:30 a.m. I headed east on I-94 to Fargo, ND where I made a right on I-29. Everything was going just right as I rode through South Dakota, Iowa, Nebraska, and around 10:00 I had reached Kansas City, MO. I was right on schedule as I rode through Kansas City heading east toward my goal -- St Louis. A few miles outside of Kansas City a motorist driving next to me on I-35 pointed at the rear of the motorcycle. I slowed to a stop and discovered my tail light was not working. Was this guy an angel or someone preventing me from reaching my goal.

As I was trying to repair the tail light on the side of the road in the darkness a thunder storm started with a loud booming roar and I decided to call it a day. Sorry only two pictures today.
It will have to be another day and time for my second Saddle Sore 1000.

Ride Safe – Ride Strong

HopeRider

Nebraska

Nebraska_I

]]> http://www.hoperider.org/HopeRiderBlog/index.php?entry=entry080722-070035 Lacy E. Betton Tue, 22 Jul 2008 13:00:35 GMT http://www.hoperider.org/HopeRiderBlog/comments.php?y=08&m=07&entry=entry080722-070035 http://www.hoperider.org/HopeRiderBlog/index.php?entry=entry080721-054121
The bike: 2008 Kawasaki KLR 650 -- The saddle: Russell Day Long Saddle


FROM: Lloydminster, AB

TO: Bismarck, ND

Miles traveled: 685

Weather: Sunny and warm

Another great day for riding. Got underway from Lloydminster at 6:30 a.m. Headed east on the Yellowhead Hwy and made at right turn at Saskatoon crossing the border at North Portal, ND

I had planned to end my day a Minot, ND but their County Fair was still running and that wasn’t a motel room to be had. After riding over 100 miles south to Bismarck I finally found lodging.

Tomorrow I plan to head east on I-94 to Minnesota and head south traveling through Wisconsin and Illinois.


Ride Safe – Ride Strong

HopeRider

Fishing_hole_in_Alberta

Train_being_filled_with_grain_in_Alberta






]]> http://www.hoperider.org/HopeRiderBlog/index.php?entry=entry080721-054121 Lacy E. Betton Mon, 21 Jul 2008 11:41:21 GMT http://www.hoperider.org/HopeRiderBlog/comments.php?y=08&m=07&entry=entry080721-054121 http://www.hoperider.org/HopeRiderBlog/index.php?entry=entry080720-061848
The bike: 2008 Kawasaki KLR 650 -- The saddle: Russell Day Long Saddle


FROM: Dawson Creek, BC

TO: Lloydminster, AB

Miles traveled: 520

Weather: Sunny and warm

Today’s weather was great for riding. Departed Dawson Creek in the late morning and arrived in Grand Prairie, Alberta just in time for a strong, hot cup of Starbucks coffee.

Met Durk, a very nice teenager, at the Fox Creek, AB gas station. He asked me many questions about the charity ride and thought it was awesome. He takes his guitar everywhere he goes and hopes his band will make it to the big time – See pix.

Many of the locals were out and about on and in their recreational vehicles just enjoying the day.

Arrived in Lloydminster, AB at 9:30 p.m. Tomorrow I will enter the U.S. at the Portal border crossing.


Ride Safe – Ride Strong

HopeRider
Ahh_I_have_arrived--Grand_Prarie

Alberta_farm

Alberta_ranch

Durk_a_Fox_Creek,_Alberta_Rock_Star

Welcome_to_Alberta


]]> http://www.hoperider.org/HopeRiderBlog/index.php?entry=entry080720-061848 Lacy E. Betton Sun, 20 Jul 2008 12:18:48 GMT http://www.hoperider.org/HopeRiderBlog/comments.php?y=08&m=07&entry=entry080720-061848 http://www.hoperider.org/HopeRiderBlog/index.php?entry=entry080719-083700
The bike: 2008 Kawasaki KLR 650 -- The saddle: Russell Day Long Saddle


FROM: Teslin, Yukon

TO: Dawson Creek, BC

Miles traveled: 760

Weather: Freezing Rain, High Winds, Cloudy

Left Teslin, YT and 6:30 a.m. and arrived in Dawson Creek, BC at 10:30 p.m. It has been a long, hard, cold day of riding; however, I finally was able to get a photo of a bear. I also got pictures of buffalo, mountain sheep, free range horses and a caribou. Enjoy the photos.


Ride Safe – Ride Strong

HopeRider

Buffalo

More_Buffalo

Mountain_sheep


Caribou

Free_Range_Houses_in_the_Rockies


Saying_Goodbye_to_Rockies

I_have_the_bear_on_the_run


]]> http://www.hoperider.org/HopeRiderBlog/index.php?entry=entry080719-083700 Lacy E. Betton Sat, 19 Jul 2008 14:37:00 GMT http://www.hoperider.org/HopeRiderBlog/comments.php?y=08&m=07&entry=entry080719-083700 http://www.hoperider.org/HopeRiderBlog/index.php?entry=entry080718-081836
The bike: 2008 Kawasaki KLR 650 -- The saddle: Russell Day Long Saddle


FROM: Beaver Creek, Yukon

TO: Teslin, Yukon

Miles traveled: 389

Weather: Freezing Rain, High Winds, Cloudy

Before leaving Beaver Creek I met Gerald and his wife Joan. They are two retired school teachers from Fairbanks. I was astounded by the way Gerald had transformed his car into a RV (see pix).

The freezing driving rain made riding a challenge. It was so cold I had to put on my heated vest and gloves. I saw a moose with huge antlers and a bear crossed the road directly in front of me and as I passed she looked back at me – sorry no picture. At 2 p.m. I arrived at Haines Junction where I met Scott who is stationed at Ft. Lewis. He had just returned from a tour of duty in Iraq. While having lunch Scott told me he was using his 30 days of leave riding his V Storm motorcycle around Alaska. Scott and I said our goodbyes and I headed south and he headed west toward Anchorage.

Made camp next to the Teslin River in Teslin, Yukon.


Ride Safe – Ride Strong

HopeRider

Camping_anyone


Fishing_anyone



Ready_to_follow_Pilot_Truck_thru_Construction_site


Mountain_Lake


Gerald's_RV
]]> http://www.hoperider.org/HopeRiderBlog/index.php?entry=entry080718-081836 Lacy E. Betton Fri, 18 Jul 2008 14:18:36 GMT http://www.hoperider.org/HopeRiderBlog/comments.php?y=08&m=07&entry=entry080718-081836 http://www.hoperider.org/HopeRiderBlog/index.php?entry=entry080717-103218
The bike: 2008 Kawasaki KLR 650 -- The saddle: Russell Day Long Saddle


FROM: Eielson Air Base, Alaska

TO: Beaver Creek, Yukon Territory, Canada

Miles traveled: 353

Weather: Cool, Clear, Scattered Showers

As I was getting ready to depart Eielson Air Force Base SGT Matthews, another angel, stopped me to tell me how much he loved my motorcycle. While I was pointing out some of the finer qualities of my iron horse we noticed that my rear tire needed to be replaced. He gave me directions to the nearest shop. While replacing my tire the mechanic noticed the sub frame screw which holds the front and rear of the bike together was missing. He replaced it at no cost. Without that screw the bike could have separated on the highway. Apparently I am still experiencing the after effects of the Haul Rd. See before and after pictures to compare the damage the Haul inflected on my rear tire.

After the tire was mounted I took a ride around the block be ensure it felt right. When I returned I notice my camera was missing. After looking every possible place a street sweeper’s truck pulled up and the driver poked his head out of the window asking me if I lost a camera. He said he saw it on the street he was sweeping and thought it might belong to me – another angel.

I finally got underway heading south down the ALCAN Hwy. I crossed the border into Canada and called it a day at Beaver Creek, Yukon Territory. While eating dinner I was speaking with the team leader of an archeological dig which was being conducted in the area. After hearing about the charity ride he donated $20 in the name of his father who was veteran. I now have $37 I will deposit into the Armed Forces Trust Fund.



Ride Safe – Ride Strong

HopeRider

Before_the_Haul Road

After_Haul_Road Road

Up_here_they_take_up_the_entire_road__Which_side_do_you_want_to_drive_on

Another_Angel

Alaska_Mountains

Heading_back

SGT_Mathews_at_Eielson_AFB
]]> http://www.hoperider.org/HopeRiderBlog/index.php?entry=entry080717-103218 Lacy E. Betton Thu, 17 Jul 2008 16:32:18 GMT http://www.hoperider.org/HopeRiderBlog/comments.php?y=08&m=07&entry=entry080717-103218 http://www.hoperider.org/HopeRiderBlog/index.php?entry=entry080716-072757
The bike: 2008 Kawasaki KLR 650 -- The saddle: Russell Day Long Saddle

FROM: Deadhorse, Alaska

TO: Eielson Air Base, Alaska

Miles traveled: 584

Weather: Cool and Clear

Departed Deadhorse at 3:20 a.m. hoping to get pass the many road construction projects before work started. I was successful in avoiding many of these projects but I was in the saddle for over 6 hours before reaching Coldfoot Camp and another 7 hours got me to Eielson AFB. I will not soon forget the Haul Road.

If you have not contributed to one or all of the charities listed at the bottom of the home page please give want you can. It will be greatly appreciated. One hundred percent of your donation will go directly to the charity you select.

Polar bear joke of the day
Question: When a polar bear see a group of motorcyclist riding through the tundra what is he thinking?
Answer: Meals on wheels.

Ride Safe – Ride Strong

HopeRider

3_a.m._at_Deadhorse

Atquin_Pass

Haul_Road_--_big_rocks_and_little_rocks

Haul_Road_--_gravel_here,_dirt_there_and_pot_holes

I_love_this_Road

Riding_in_the_clouds

awesome

beautiful_bluff

what_happen_to_the_payment

Haul_Road

I_recruited_Doug_and_Jim_to_be_Hoperider_II_and_Hoperider_III

The_Haul_rd._as_something_for_everyone
]]> http://www.hoperider.org/HopeRiderBlog/index.php?entry=entry080716-072757 Lacy E. Betton Wed, 16 Jul 2008 13:27:57 GMT http://www.hoperider.org/HopeRiderBlog/comments.php?y=08&m=07&entry=entry080716-072757