Guzzirider Posted July 26, 2006 Posted July 26, 2006 We got home on Monday afternoon after spending just over 3 weeks in the USA and we had a wonderful time. Packed absolutely loads of things into our holiday and started and ended the trip with some chill out time in Santa Monica. On our route we visited many places including Los Angeles, Palm Springs, Joshua Tree, Twentynine Palms, Mojave Desert, Laughlin, Grand Canyon (including helicopter trip), Kayenta, Monument Valley, Oatman, Lake Powell, Bryce Canyon, Zion, Las Vegas, Death Valley, Mammoth Lakes, Tioga Pass, Yosemite, San Franscisco, Monterey, Carmel, Pacific Coast Highway, and Pismo beach. The high points? I just loved the scenery, the rock formations and the sheer beauty of many of the places we visited. San Fransisco was fun and we found a decent boozer (Tommys Joynt). Vegas was tacky but fun, and the Pacific Coast Highway south of Carmel was awesome. Low points? It was unusually warm even for the desert (see Global Warming thread!) and 3 ladies suffered from heat exaustion. A very kind man in Palm Springs drove by us as we tended to one of our party after she collapsed in a traffic jam (was about 120 degrees F) and bought loads of bottles of cold water and handed them out to us- what a great guy! Helen and I were fine, dousing ourselves in cold water at every opportunity and filling up our helmets with ice cubes, which did the trick. Had some great water fights too. More seriously, Pia, a lady from Denmark had a nasty accident near Mexican Hat, She lost concentration while talking to her daughter who was pillion, and ran off the road at 60 mph right in front of me. The bike went down heavily on its side in a heap of dust. I stopped, dismounted and ran like mad to them, finding Pia prone on her side and her daughter covered in dust and confused. One of our guys was ex special forces so I let those who knew what they were doing tend to Pia while I looked after her daughter. There was no phone signal so one of our party sped off to a local gas station which was luckily only 3 minutes away to call 911. It took about 50 minutes for the Sherriff to arrive and another 15 minutes for the ambulance to come. Thank God she was not bleeding to death. She was taken to hospital in Farmington New Mexico with back injuries- some fractured verterbrae and unfortunately a shattered vertebrae leaving fragments of bone around her spinal cord which thankfully was undamaged. Her daughter was shocked, but in one piece. Luckily she was wearing a helmet and a light jacket which prevernted any more serious injury. On a happier note Helen and I got engaged to be married on the trip. I proposed in the gardens of Lucia Lodge, just off the Pacific Coast Highway next to the sea. We celebrated by jumping into the swimming pool at our motel in Pismo beach fully clothed. Have you ever tried swimming in a crash helmet, boots and jeans? It is hard work! Guy A few pictures
g.forrest Posted July 26, 2006 Posted July 26, 2006 good report guy. glad you had a good time. allways sorry to hear of some one crashing. but it happens. have often thought of going there but just too many septic tanks oh and some good pics.. AND congratulations on your proposal. [if marriage is what you want..]
callison Posted July 26, 2006 Posted July 26, 2006 Should we try to send a get well card to your downed rider?
Guzzirider Posted July 26, 2006 Author Posted July 26, 2006 Should we try to send a get well card to your downed rider? Hi Carl I believe she may be in transit back to Denmark- I am trying to find out her address and when I find out where she is will send her some flowers. Her husband and teenage son were on another bike and the whole family had to cancel their holiday for obvious reasons so I will offer them a free stay in England once they are fit and well again. Guy
grossohc Posted July 27, 2006 Posted July 27, 2006 Congratulations on your proposal, shame about the danish lady, Love the pics, if i ever win the lottery thats what i want to do Ride round the USA on a big harley (without the wife and kids ) Gary
John in Leeds Posted July 27, 2006 Posted July 27, 2006 On a happier note Helen and I got engaged to be married on the trip. I proposed in the gardens of Lucia Lodge, just off the Pacific Coast Highway next to the sea. We celebrated by jumping into the swimming pool at our motel in Pismo beach fully clothed. Guy A few pictures Congratulations!!! Helen making an honest man of you. Well done both of you. John
jrt Posted July 28, 2006 Posted July 28, 2006 Congrats to you and Helen! And sorry to hear about your friend. I hope she heals up quickly and well.
badmotogoozer Posted August 1, 2006 Posted August 1, 2006 I have a vehement aversion to such things, but I will certainly offer you and Helen the utmost happiness in your lives together. Congratulations! Rj
Guzzirider Posted August 2, 2006 Author Posted August 2, 2006 Thanks for all the good wishes! I've decided I am going to ride my V11 to the ceremony- the Duke would only splatter my leg in chain lube and I am more emotionally attached to the Guzzi. Tried to convince Helen to ride her V11 too, but she wants to do the proper girlie thing and wear a dress. Guy
jrt Posted August 2, 2006 Posted August 2, 2006 Tried to convince Helen to ride her V11 too, but she wants to do the proper girlie thing and wear a dress. I'm not seeing the problem here.
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