June 11 - Las Vegas - Grand Junction C

The alarm went off early - 4:15 am or so, since we had to pack up all our gear, get the four bikes out of storage, and load up the van. Met up with Gary, and later Sherri, by 6:00 am. It was quite the sight loading up 4 bikes (Sherri's on the roof rack), 5 people's suitcases, duffle bags, etc. and 5 people into the van. We looked like the Beverly Hillbillies.

Five of us inside - Ron driving, Gary on passenger front seat, Sherri, Charlotte and me on the second row seats. We had planned out the route leaving the Red Rocks, on the adjacent beltway to where it joined the I-15 north of Las Vegas. We had predetermined that we would stop in McDonald's in Mesquite, where we had eaten lunch the previous Tuesday on Day 10. We continued North on the I-15 through Littlefield AZ (where it had been so windy we had to load up the bikes), and up into St. George UT. Sherri had left her car, a 2000 Toyota Corolla, in the back yard of Jesse and Emily Shakespeare in Panguitch, so we alerted them where we were. Checked in again when we went through Cedar City. Jesse drove their car out to Exit 95 on the I-15, and Emily drove the Corolla. We arrived at the designated meeting spot within two minutes of each other. That kindness of Jesse and Emily saved us a good hour for Sherri on her drive back to Idaho.

Unloaded Sherri's bike and gear, and everyone bid fond farewell. Emily had mentioned the "check engine" light was on, but Sherri said it was OK. Sherri took off, as did we 4 still in the van, but stopped for a bathroom break in Beaver. Sherri had stopped there too, so fond farewells again. She continued up the I-15 towards Salt Lake, and we veered off the I-15 onto the I-70 at Cove Fort.

Continued to Richfield, a thriving town, where we had lunch at McDonald's and gassed up the van one more time at the Flying J. Ron was getting tired of driving, so I drove for awhile. There is one stretch, from Salina to Green River, over 100 miles, with no services along the I-70. Such beautiful scenery! Utah has to rank in the 5 most beautiful states. Pulled off at Green River for the last bathroom break, at the C-store/Burger King where we had eaten on Day 3 of the ride.

Ron drove the last leg into Colorado. We got off the I-70 in Fruita, so Gary could see a different part of our valley. Dropped Gary and Charlotte and their gear/bikes, etc. off at her townhouse, then continued home. Dorothy from "The Wizard of Oz" sure had it right; "There's no place like home." We got home about 6:30 pm or so, with losing an hour on the time change, breakfast, lunch, and bathroom breaks. I had a sigh of relief and thanksgiving to God for the safe trip. Last year's trip home had two blown tires and was very stressful.

Called Sherri to see how far she had gotten, She was in Burley, Idaho, but her car had broken down, and she had to have it towed the maximum on her insurance coverage - 100 miles. She said it was making some bad noises that got worse. Oh my .... doesn't sound good. (NOTE: found out the next morning the car had thrown a rod and the engine blew. Sherri rented a car in Twin Falls and drove home to Lewiston, and is now in search of a new car. Bummer!)

This year's ride was unique in some ways. It was the shortest ride yet. Not one penny of "Road Change" was found, Fundraising was better than last year, because of the pig roast. We added the 46th state (Nevada) with only 4 more to go. That would be Idaho, Michigan, Alaska, and Hawaii.

We had about 160 donors; thanks to everyone who contributed. It's not too late to donate either on line or by check. Our total currently is $26,257 and it would be good to bring that up a bit more and reach our goal of $28,000. You can donate at www.firstgiving.com/bikeforcure Or you can make a check payable to HDSA and send it to:

Marie Nemec
c/o Venture to Vegas
3087 - A 1/2 Road
Grand Junction CO 81503

Enjoy the summer months, and keep the HD Community in your thoughts and prayers.

With Love always,
Marie