Chicago, Illinois to Kansas City, Missouri
18 April 2004
Day 3

Its Sunday and I should be heading home today. The winds however are not cooperating with my plans. Gusts of up to 45 mph have kept Stella parked safely in the garage. The guys who booked the rooms for us must have complained to the management. The room we had for the weekend was on a floor being rented out by a group on Sunday night. So at breakfast someone representing the hotel found me and gave me another room for the night and apologized for what occurred on Friday.

I've had some time to think and I am quite proud of what I have accomplished on this trip. I have dealt with fears and learned a great deal about my bike and my skill level. I've learned to ride my own ride. That I put to much pressure on myself to ride a certain way. I had often heard that women experience pressure from others on how to ride but realizing I had put so much on myself was an eye opener. I've learned that I like riding 55 instead of 70. Not that the speed scares me, its just a more comfortable ride for me. I got a bike to escape the hussle and bussle of of life I see no reason to hurry through the ride. I also learned I pack to much stuff!! Today I am parked. We shall see what tomorrow brings.

Chicago, Illinois to Kansas City, Missouri
19 April 2004
Day 4

The management was serious about the apology. When I went to check out, there was no charge for the Sunday night room and no charge for parking. That's a good way to start the day!

I started on the road at 9:00am and the weather seemed to be cooperating today. The goal today is to make it to Peoria, Illinois. The ride is nice and the winds are calmer. I made good time. After calling home I learned the weather forecast for tomorrow was not looking good. So I made the decision to try and ride straight through. Stopping only as necessary.

I took the same route back until north on Route 29 where instead of taking Route 6, I got on Interstate 88. As darkness fell it was amazing how much smaller my travel bag became as I put on all the cloths I had with me. Luckily I had brought some Cura-Heat pads with me. My back bothers me sometimes so I took some just in case. I pulled out a couple and stuck them on my back. What a difference!!! It was like having little heating pads warming everything up.

I stopped a couple of times for small amounts of coffee and to warm up my hands. After the last stop just outside of Joliet, Illinois, I made the final leg home on I55.

552 miles in 13 1/2 hours. Not a trip I would recommend.

It all seems a blur now

Tornados hit Joliet and Utica the next day. I feel that I made a good decision in making the trip in one day but I am paying the price. I'm exhausted, sore and left wondering if my butt will ever be the same.

Trip Stats

Bike: 2004 Harley Davidson Sportster 1200 Custom with a stock seat
Total Miles: 1,130
Gas Cost: $48.09
Gallons Used: 21.50
Average Miles Per Gallon: 52.6
Number of times windshield had to be cleaned: 4
Hours spent on the road: 28.5 (includes all meal and rest stops)
Lessons Learned: Too many to count