Dudley and Jennifer's 10,000 Mile Journey Blog

[Director]

So does that mean you still have the high RPM hot starts?

I will be leaving my home shortly to ride to Fort Erie (across the river from Buffalo, N.Y.) to meet up with Dudley and Jennifer. We set a rendezvous time of 10:00 a.m. at the Tim Horton's donut shop on Garrison Road, not far from the Peace Bridge. I will then lead them on a scenic ride back to the London area, and they will carry on to Michigan. I am guessing they will be in Michigan by mid to late afternoon, if our timing at the border works out okay.

Bruce

[Director]

I will be leaving my home shortly to ride to Fort Erie (across the river from Buffalo, N.Y.) to meet up with Dudley and Jennifer. We set a rendezvous time of 10:00 a.m. at the Tim Horton's donut shop on Garrison Road, not far from the Peace Bridge. I will then lead them on a scenic ride back to the London area, and they will carry on to Michigan. I am guessing they will be in Michigan by mid to late afternoon, if our timing at the border works out okay.

Bruce

Dudley and Jennifer should be arriving in Michigan right about now. Fastfraser and I met them in Fort Erie this morning and we then took a nice scenic ride to the London area using mainly two-lane back roads, where I split off from them and they carried on toward Michigan. We were able to socialize in the morning (while answering a myriad of questions from curious passersby) and again over lunch in Woodstock. Just a few drops of rain came down - for the most part it was very nice all day. The first two pics (Dudley, Jennifer, fastfraser and some random dude who was curious about the Spyders) were taken at the Tim Horton's where we met in the morning and the third outside the Swiss Chalet restaurant in Woodstock, Ont., where we had lunch.
It was great to meet Dudley and Jennifer and to play a small role in their odyssey! It was also a treat for me to meet fastfraser, with whom I had previously exchanged emails and phone messages, but hadn't met in person. Hope to see you again soon, Dan!
Bruce

[Dudley]

We had a great ride today...306 miles from Niagara Falls, NY to Flint, MI. Director and Fastfraser met us at Ft. Erie, Ontario and Director led us on some beautiful back roads. A great ride it was! After parting, we rode west on CA 402 to Michigan. Once again we had to put the Froggs on, but this time it rained! Not hard...was actually pretty nice. The hardest rain came down when we were at the check point at the Michigan border. Was fun to just sit there waiting and letting the rain do what it wanted. We are now settled in at the Crazy (Super) 8 on Lapeer in Flint, MI. Tomorrow will be a busy day...seems like we will have about 8 Michigan Spyder Ryders to meet and greet! This is so awesome.
The first meet will be at the Exit 141 off I-69 at the Sunoco gas station south of the freeway...1130 AM. Any Spyder Ryder in the area reading this is more than encouraged to join us.

[Kjen]

Today had a lovely beginning; we didn't hurry and I got to eat breakfast and we even had time to spare before departure. Traffic was minimal and the border crossing was quick and finding the correct meeting place went smoothly. Can't ask for much more ease than that.
We got to the Tim Horton's and along came the talkers/questioners; which is OK. One was still with us when Bruce arrived. Bruce then called Dan to come over to meet us at this particular place. Seems there are lots of Tim Horton's in these necks of the woods. Anyway, along came Dan on his Jaws and we all swapped howdy and had coffee. Coffee and chatter then off we went.
Great ride through rural areas. I enjoy seeing how and where others live. Nice rolling hills without being too close together or curvy (I get motion sickness). The landscape was much like that we have seen in the eastern parts on this journey. Its all relaxing, changeable and beautiful. Such large houses to maintain and the yards! Nice to see but I quite like my rocks at home; easy maintainence. Saw lots of old barns (huge) and churches and other buildings which I want share because it takes lots of room. Bridges are way cool too.
After a nice ride we ate lunch. Forgot to take a picture of it all, but the plates went away empty. We all did our hugs and hand shake and departed. Thanks so much guys for giving us of your time; hard to get free days much less give them up meeting people.
Had some rain heading toward the border so on went the Froggs. Sat in the rain in line while awaiting our turn. Again, you have to pay a toll before you get checked. This time it cost $2.75 (versus $1 to get in) to get out. We got in the wrong line-you were supposed to have coins and we didn't and the little guy gave us the dummy treatment. Ah well, lots of cars and as long as I get out he can grouse. Done and free and riding along and then more rain. Arrived in Flint, checked out tomorrows meeting place then settled in at the Super 8 and will see what tomorrow brings.
Thanks again to EVERYone who has juggled their lives to cross our paths.

[fastfraser]

Dudley and Jennifer should be arriving in Michigan right about now. Fastfraser and I met them in Fort Erie this morning and we then took a nice scenic ride to the London area using mainly two-lane back roads, where I split off from them and they carried on toward Michigan. We were able to socialize in the morning (while answering a myriad of questions from curious passersby) and again over lunch in Woodstock. Just a few drops of rain came down - for the most part it was very nice all day. The first two pics (Dudley, Jennifer, fastfraser and some random dude who was curious about the Spyders) were taken at the Tim Horton's where we met in the morning and the third outside the Swiss Chalet restaurant in Woodstock, Ont., where we had lunch.
It was great to meet Dudley and Jennifer and to play a small role in their odyssey! It was also a treat for me to meet fastfraser, with whom I had previously exchanged emails and phone messages, but hadn't met in person. Hope to see you again soon, Dan!
Bruce

Great post Bruce and great route along the Grand river, put that in my do again trips.

Met Dudley and Jennifer yesterday along with the Director (Bruce) in Fort Erie Canada. What a friendly loving couple on a lifes odyssey. To head out on the in what will be about 55-60 day road trip ( we worry what to pack on a two night trip ) I'm amazed simply amazed!! God speed and may the wind always be at your back.

On another topicSHAME ON YOU BRP. What a missed opportunity. Here are two ( Jennifer and Dudley ) ambassadors traveling across North America for two months spreading info and good will about the and BRP says have a nice trip. Man just my opinion but BRP droped the ball on this one big time.

[nudle]

Sorry I couldn't make it . Looks like you guys & gal had a great visit and trip to London.

[bjt]

We just got back from a nice quick meet and banner signing with Dudley and Kjen. RLS, Spyderryder810 and Nancystoy were there to "escort" them down to Marshall for another stop, meeting, dinner, get together. I have one pic from the meet at the Sunoco. Now it's off to work for me.

[BRPjunkie]

Got the call that they are on their way from Flint and ETA in Marshall is 2:30.

[NancysToy]

We met up just as promised this morning. Deb (DLTang) and Brian (BJT) were there to meet and greet before they went to work. After we all signed the West Coast Spyder Ryders banner, Dudley, Jennifer (Kjen), Joan (SpyderRyder810), Bob (RLS) and I left Flint a bit after noon and headed for Marshall. There we met Mike (BRPJunkie) who was waiting with his grandkids. Cute little fellows! He has a lot of reason to be proud. Dan (Firefly) rode in, and then so did Nancy (of NancysToy fame) on her other toy. Another banner signing, chatted with a couple of interested bikers about the Spyder, then headed off to Dan's favorite brew pub for some food and cool drinks. Their homemade rootbeer was delicious! After that, Nancy, Jen, Dudley and I came to Battle Creek to my place so they could see the pile of wonderful toys. We had some great conversation and a real good time. These are two of the most delightful people you will ever, ever meet...off on a wonderful, amazing journey. The kind most of us will only dream about. My hat is off to them!

They left here about two hours ago, headed to Ohio, just to say they did, then on to Indiana, Illinois, and further west. Jennifer said not to worry if she doesn't get anything posted tonight. She was too polite to say it, but meeting the Michigan contingent slowed them up, and they needed to get in a bit more mileage before quitting for the night. Could it be I talked too much?......nah! Truth is I would have kept them here a week if I could. They are great company.

Dudley and Jennifer, it was an honor meeting you both, and we had the most enjoyable day we have had in a long time. As the man said, Godspeed!

[Smylinacha]

Yep, I envy them! Trip of a lifetime and yes very cool people. We thoroughly enjoyed their company! Hope to see them again - maybe we'll make it out West someday!

[SpyderRyder810]

Bob (RLS) and I had a great time meeting Dudley, Jen, Mike (BRP Junkie), and Dan (Firefly). As always it was great seeing our friends Deb (dtang), Brian bjt), Scotty, and Nancy (Nancy's Toy) once again. Sorry we couldn't stay longer, but I just ran out of gas today. Bob and I just want to say that Spyderlovers are such a great group of people. We look forward to meeting many more or you in Gatlinburg, TN. Dudley and Jen it was our pleasure to ride with you today. Safe travels!

[Dudley]

What a great day! No use repeating who all we met. It was a wonderful time. The weather couldn't have been nicer. We are settled in the Comfort Inn in Fremont, IN after dipping into Ohio for the map. Tomorrow we plan on riding West on I-80/90 to I-80 West to I-39 North. I don't know how far we will travel tomorrow, but that's the route. As of yet we don't have anyone else to meet unless someone reading this Thread is in the area of our travels and wants to meet and sign our banner. Would be nice if someone who knows anyone in these areas could alert them. Thanks again for a great day guys. Was a very relaxing one.

[BRPjunkie]

Wanted to ride with the group that escorted Dudley and Jen through Michigan today, but I had both Grandsons. Some things just have to come before Spyder rides. We made it to Marshall and really enjoyed meeting Dudley, Jen, Bob, Joan and seeing Scotty, Nancy and Dan again. Here is a shot of Joan, Bob and Dudley. Sorry that I didn't get Jen in the shot, but with the two Grandsons standing still and smiling, you take what you can get. They may be the two youngest well wishers they have met on their journey. I am amazed at how well they are holding up after 38 days on the road. Amazing people on an amazing journey. As Rod Stewart sang, "May the Good Lord be with you down every road you roam"!

[Kjen]

Everyone said what needs saying. Beautiful day, nice people, lovely green countryside . Thanks to all for taking the time to show and said HI; time is not always a luxury. Stopped in Fremont, IN after dipping our tires into Ohio (think it was that state, is it the one left of IN?). I truly used to know where all the states were. Laundry duty ASAP was done; I had to scoot to beat the lady who came in with a mess of stuff. Only 1 washer and dryer so you have to hustle. Did finally get a cup of coffee and a muffin I had stored away from this mornings motel breakfast. Oh, we had a granola bar too. Thinking about what Mike (brpjunkie) asked, hmm maybe we are gaining (least me), too much carbs in the AM but I'm taking what I get so guess will worry and groan about it at home, SIGH. Just can't cover it all.
Done, good night.

[Firefly]

Was great to meet (and re-meet) everyone. Very nice time and was great to see all the different mods live and in person.

FYI Jen---- Carbs in the morning really mess me up!

Have a safe ride the rest of the way - you guys sure have filled that map up!

I was amazed that not only have you taken this trip - you did it without a Garmin! Of course Jen is human GPS!

Have a great rest of your trip!

[Dudley]

We left the motel at I-69 and I-80/90 this morning and all went as planned. We are now in Wisconsin Dells, WI. Total miles for the day, 438. We had perfect weather until we reached Rockford, IL, then the bottom fell out for about 30 minutes. Had we waited, we could have avoided putting on the Froggs. We are going to get an unplanned treat in a couple of days. The big Sturgis rally starts this weekend. I thought we would be there before, but...oh well, what a time to show the Spyder. Our main plans are to see the Deadwood, the Badlands, Mt Rushmore, etc., and give Sturgis one ride through and buy at least one T-shirt...GOTTA get a T-shirt! We had talked about planning to go to the Sturgis rally at least once, now we are going to be there accidently.

[BRPjunkie]

Dudley,

You were just 3 miles from Sturgis today. If you had exited the Toll Rd at exit 121 and gone 3 miles north, you would have been in Sturgis, MI.

[Dudley]

[Kjen]

Beautiful wake-up and take off. Lots of rolling cornfields, soybeans, other greens large and small. Lots of people; some didn't look too happy in their cars. Nothing much to report about. We are alive and kicking; think I'm getting hungry for my own food. I seem to eat all the time and never am satisfied, so, must be time for my own.
Poured down today; missed us cause we had stopped for gas and were able to wait the major part out. Froggs kept us dry once again. Stopped in Wisconsin amongst the trees and lakes. Saw people in swimming pools and enjoying water parks I'm going to be warm and do that too in the next few weeks. Maybe one of the first things I'll do is lay in the sun for an hour and sweat; been a while since I was that warm.
What a non-informative ramble. Will end.
Oh, did talk to a few people today. One man wants a spyder but has a pin in his leg due to an accident on his HD; he is awaiting BRP putting a handbrake thingy since he has no knee to bend.....be a long wait if he doesn't find someone who can modify it for him. Spyder doing very well, seats are form fitting, floor boards great. Still having that problem of dozing off when I close my eyes-may have to strap me in. If I take pictures I at least have something to occupy myself with and can stay awake. Still 700 or so odd miles until Sturgis, SD so we won't be getting there tomorrow. Ah well, we did 438 today although Dudley probably posted that already. Good night.

[Kjen]

I forget to mention how pretty things are. People in these cool, moist areas are really into flowers; pinks, orange, yellow, purple, red, white.....it's a wonderful delight to my eyes. Hostas, hydrangeas, roses, lilies, hollyhocks, mums and lots I don't know. I stink at plant raising but love to enjoy looking, my nose doesn't always like it either. Even the planted fields are great. Yellowy wheat or something checker boarded (is that correct?) with corn or soybeans (vary in height) making patchwork designs are cool. Super sized old barns, some falling in at various points. Saw lots of super large industrial distribution centers/warehouses for some major products. Windmills/wind generators or whatever. Lots of lakes, ponds, streams, mud, horses, cows, smelled chicken farms (yes, different than cows!). Mown fields is a good smell too, and food cooking smells wafting along, SIGH.

[Dudley]

Leaving in a few minutes. Will be traveling I-90 west toward Sturgis, SD. Meeting BigArm in Worthington, SD. He will ride with us until Sioux City, SD. Not a cloud in the sky this morning!

[Roaddog2]

Yep, I envy them! Trip of a lifetime and yes very cool people. We thoroughly enjoyed their company! Hope to see them again - maybe we'll make it out West someday!

only if they kidnapped me

[Dudley]

We are now in Mitchell, SD. We got the LAST room at the Quality Inn!!! But better yet, we got a Hot Tub!!!! Bikes all over the place. Just beat the rain! Must be our lucky day.
Met up with BigArm in Worthington,MN. He took us right to his dealer, hooked the Spyder up to the BUDDS and we now have the steering updated. After that he escorted us to Sioux Falls, SD, then tured off to go back home. Thanks, Larry! The wind was awful, probably 200 miles of mean pushing from 10 o'clock (1/2 way between the left side and the front). We both feel like we been beat with an ugly stick!
More later.

[NancysToy]

We are now in Mitchell, SD. We got the LAST room at the Quality Inn!!! But better yet, we got a Hot Tub!!!! Bikes all over the place. Just beat the rain! Must be our lucky day.
Met up with BigArm in Worthington,MN. He took us right to his dealer, hooked the Spyder up to the BUDDS and we now have the steering updated. After that he escorted us to Sioux Falls, SD, then tured off to go back home. Thanks, Larry! The wind was awful, probably 200 miles of mean pushing from 10 o'clock (1/2 way between the left side and the front). We both feel like we been beat with an ugly stick!
More later.

Be sure and get pics of the Corn Palace. Can't visit Mitchell without seeing that. Glad you found a place to light.

[Big Arm]

Got to meet up with Dudley and Jennifer (Kjen) today in Worthington, MN. and had a great visit. What a wonderful couple on a wonderful journey.
Signed the West Coast Spyder Ryders banner, then we headed for Sioux Falls, SD. That's where I left them, as they headed on west toward the Badlands, Custer State Park, Sturgis, Devil's Tower, etc. So we should be seeing some great pictures posted from these two, in the next day or two.
Hope you both have a great trip home. Thanks for the memories.