After our adventures in Arizona, two days in Bryce Canyon, Utah brought some off-the-motorcycle relief and time to celebrate with new friends.
The ride into Bryce Canyon Park was breathtaking – great pic Tina.
But the ravages of the drought didn’t go unnoticed. Right beside the miles of beautifully maintained bicycle path leading into the national park was a completely dry riverbed. Each hotel since Colorado had notices about the importance of conserving water.
With our side trip to the North Rim we arrived in Bryce Canyon late on the first night and pretty much ate and crashed. A theme we had come to expect. The next morning brought some welcomed relief from the routine. A bunch of us took a bikers’ holiday and after breakfast jumped on the free shuttle bus into Bryce Canyon National Park.
Even Hippo came along for the tour.
(For those following my ride on Facebook you will know that Hippo has been along for the ride since day 1 and when I get home to Ottawa he will be sent to Aaron in Switzerland to continue his travels as euroHippo.) 😊
After our wholesome fun in the park we went back to the motel for some less wholesome fun. “Twins in trouble” was Susan Smith’s Facebook title for this photo. Dan Ruderman and Zandra Charbonneau. (Dan is Adeline Van Buren’s grandson and a bad influence on my wife). 😉
July 20th was also the 70th birthday of Adeline and Augusta Van Buren’s great nephew, Robert Van Buren, who had traveled on this journey from day 1 in Brooklyn, New York. We were honoured to also have his incredible daughter Sarah on the ride as well. She got her motorcycle license last fall just for this ride. Robert’s wife Rhonda had joined us in Colorado Springs to continue the journey to San Francisco.
The following day was my birthday and knowing that we had a very long, hot ride ahead of us I (gently) suggested to Zandra that a small celebration in Bryce Canyon (with cake) might be a great idea.
Kudos to Zandra (and other supportive friends). We had a great celebration at the local Cowboy Showcase with not 1, but 2, huge birthday cakes.
Thanks for the great pic Susan Smith.
On a sadder note, Bryce Canyon also meant saying goodbye to two of our new friends. Barbara had been an original Sisters’ Rogue Rider since Springfield and sadly had to leave us because of the death of a beloved aunt. Mary-Beth had a happier engagement to attend, the wedding of her niece.
Mary-Beth had ridden with ‘the Canadians’ for some of our most memorable rides. Breakfast with the cowboys of Haigler, Route 66 and the monsoon of Arizona. She had clearly become an ‘honourary Canadian’. (Note that we put the ‘U’ in honour).
We look forward to meeting up with Mary-Beth in Long Island, New York (I said that with an accent – did you?) and riding with her again on the upcoming (date to be determined) Canada ride.
Onward to Nevada…
Whatever you ride – ride safe.
Helen
The Almost 200 Gang 