Mild Hogs Motorcycle Trip...

ahhhh seeing America on 2 wheels, the scenery, aromas, constantly changing temps, not for the faint of heart but for many like myself a bucket list item i crossed off in 2003...Wash, DC thru Milwaukee, WI (2003 HD Anniversary Celebration) then Sturgis, SD onto Vancouver, BC then south down PCH thru CA into Arizona, trip ended 18 wheeler trailer tire tread pelted the bike and I so 2 days in hospital, bike was totaled out by insurance company and after 32 days and 2 days at hospital i flew home so no long trips anymore
Surely did enjoy you sharing your trip of the Rockies and the panoramic scenery they offer

Agree with you on the hospital food Carl: The first (and only) time I crashed a bike it cost me a week in the hospital with a broken knee and a cast from arse to ankle and 3 missing incisors.
The good thing about the missing teeth was I couldn’t eat much of the hospital food.
I was 15 years old and never crashed anything after that, too much pain involved.

Great road trip out West and refreshing to get away from the SE Florida summers for sure.
I won’t ride anything in Florida, too much craziness on the road, lost friends and colleagues to bike accidents, not joining them in heaven, yet.

Nice documentary of your trip.
I am envious for sure.

I was 300 lb and pushed Water Buffaloes during the 70s.
Found a motor shop that would build a seat and tune the bike for my weight.
Fork oil was o k but different springs and shocks in the rear.
After, like riding on a cloud.

In the pictures, you don't have much weight (skinny).
Riding a used motor seat that somebody else wore out, you may consider a new seat and if you can, find an old school bike tuning shop.
Lighter oil up front and lighter shocks in the rear can help your cloud.
Oh, Always ship your suitcase ahead. Other than a quick night bag, you don't want that extra weight with you.

Great pictures and report
I have a ride out to the midwest on my bucket list. I recently added this girl to my collection to do it on hopefully before I get to old! ( Mid sixties now ).

Skinny as a light pole.

During the 70&80s when I rode, I was 6'8" and 270-280lbs. That's why my bikes needed a little help.

My first love is my 2014 Moto Guzzi 1400 California (pic) which has loads of power and character. The CTX has 30 less horsepower then my Guzzi but I just don't really feel the difference when going through the gears. Ctx engine is super smooth. I'm 6', 160lbs and find the stock seat comfortable. Both my bikes had complaints about buffeting but I bought a new helmet after my accident that went away ( what a difference a helmet design makes )..go figure. I was on the fence for several years about buying one of these but even though I've only had the bike a few months I am very happy with it. I paid $5k for my CTX, it had 12K miles on it and needed new tires ( seller wanted gone that weekend to make rm for his new BMW bike ). From watching the market on these bikes, $6k is about the norm for these bikes to get sold.

Sounds like a great trip. At 74.8 yo I just bought a new BMW 900XR. My KTM890 adventure bike is killing me. Days in the dirt are over. Need more of an old guys bike.

That's looks like a great trip. If you can, try and do something every couple of years, because time gets away from you and issues arise as you get older.

Its also refreshing to see pictures of the stunning scenery and places on the way, as over the past year or so, you tend to forget that most of the US is welcoming and really enjoyable.

Great post.

Well I just sold this sweetheart and regret it already! 2000, Triumph Adventurer 900.

The 1800 is a beautiful and fast machine. My son has a 1300 and his Harley friends give him grief about it but my son reminds them that he is always helping them to repair their bikes and they can't remember the last time they saw him work on his Honda, LOL. Heck I grew up in Ft Laud ( 1965-2005 ) and I would not own a bike if I lived down there now and Miami traffic was bad even before I left Fla.