Williston, North Dakota
October 1, 2014

Today was a tough day on the road.

I picked up my bike at the Honda dealer at 9:30 am. There was a light drizzle and the sky was dark and foreboding. I stopped to see Sharon’s Aunt Patsy in Minot. After a short visit, I donned my headphones, fired up the music on my i-Phone and headed West on Highway 2.

It rained most of the way to Williston, which is where I have stopped for the night. At times, it was a downpour and I had to seek any shelter I could find. I handled the rain and freezing cold pretty well. It was the wind that got to me. The heavy winds pushed my bike all over the road, and the gusts and cross-winds nearly knocked me over. I’m lucky my bike is big and heavy, which allowed me to keep the rubber side down and the steel side up.

 The 18-wheelers are a real  nuisance. When they pass in any direction, I have to brace hard for the violent wind-force that ensues. When these trucks pull back in front of me, I’m showered with road rocks and pebbles that spray like buckshot. How I wish I had a windshield. One good thing about not having a windshield–I get a full load of protein from the bugs.

The weather forecast, calling for an early winter season, is not encouraging. Snow, 50-plus mph winds and temps in the 30’s are predicted. I plan to reach Montana early tomorrow and then head South for warmer climes.

I’m concerned my bike won’t start tomorrow morning. My Honda Shadow is notoriously cold-blooded, and likes to sleep in. I need to depart early to out-run the weather. The engine performed well today, but the battery seems weak. It is brand new, but it went through a lot of abuse in Egeland as I tried to start the bike. We’ll see.

Here are some photos from day 1.

Bill

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