~ Maiden Voyage ~

"The greatest adventure is what lies ahead.” – J.R.R. Tolkien

Robert leaving Three Rivers, California for La Joya, New Mexico.

My bike is packed and ready for its maiden voyage out to the Badlands of New Mexico.  A farewell kiss and picture from Denise just before I leave.  My bike is broken-in with 700 miles on the odometer.  I start my motorcycle and wave my final good-bye.  The adventure begins.

I love Western movies, especially the line by Augustus McCrae in Lonesome Dove: “Ain’t nothing better than riding a fine horse in new territory.”

The adrenaline begins to calm down as I stop thinking about the trip and begin riding the trip.  My motorcycle is running smoothly and the 6th gear is a real treat.  My 2019 Indian Springfield has the Thunder Stroke 111 V-Twin engine (111 cubic inches).  There are many electronic gauges that I’ll soon master in the miles ahead. Though it is 200 pounds heavier than my Yamaha Road Star, it “feels” lighter, well balanced.

This trip will follow much of the Historic Route 66 and end in La Joya, New Mexico. There will be a story about Petrified Forest National Park for RoadRUNNER Motorcycle Touring& Travel so my words will be few about that portion of the trip.

My good friends Sandy and Robert ~ they will spend a month traveling Historic Route 66.

Today is September 11th, a day to remember the lives that were lost and impacted on that epic day in New York.  I was unaware of the date as I reached Apple Valley. It was then that I looked down at my odometer which had exactly 911 miles and this date registered. This was special.  I stopped by Walmart, bought an American flag, and placed it on my motorcycle to ride freely across the wild west. Many people stopped by to admire my Indian and a few asked to have their picture taken next to it.

My brother Wil off to work ~ nice patriotic tie!

My odometer reads 911 miles on September 11th.

Near Kingman, Arizona I follow Historic Route 66 towards Valentine to pay my respects to Danny Cypert.  In my previous article, Mile Marker 88 is my tribute to him.  The memorial is a bit hard to find (just past Mile Marker 88).  Going east, it is on the right-hand side of the road, just past the lone white house.  I'm happy to see that the owner still flies the American flag.

In Memory of Danny Cypert 1942 ~ 2007.

My first camp is one of my favorites.  It is 9 miles south of Ash Fork, Arizona on Highway 89.  My camp is on the Kaibab National Forest where primitive camping is allowed. 

I like this spot because it is quiet and away from the highway.  There is plenty of dry firewood.  My usual spot from last year is there and my fire ring is still visible.  Cell phone reception is sketchy so I send Denise my location from Ash Fork.  She knows the exact spot as we’ve camped here before.  There are several pieces of large volcanic rock scattered about so it requires concentration to navigate to the campsite. The fire warms me quickly and soon I am cooking my dinner over the open fire. I have a hammock but tonight I favor the firm ground.  Sleep comes easily, even with a full moon that tries to keep me awake. I love to hear the coyotes who greet the new moon.  My Indian Springfield is nearby and seems content with its first camp.  There will be many more.

Historic Route 66 ~ Ash Fork, Arizona.

The weather across Arizona was mild until I reached New Mexico. They said it had been dry for a long time until I rolled into the state.  The sky turned dark and heavy rains came down in buckets.  Rain on a motorcycle is not too bad but when rain turns to hail, well that’s a whole new game. I was riding from Mountainair towards Tijeras along Highway 55 and 337 on a leisure ride when the rain came from nowhere. Within seconds, the hard rain turned to hail and the road turned white.  It was unsafe to continue so the big tree ahead offered shelter.  I didn’t have time to put on my rain gear so I’m wet. It wasn’t safe to stop on this highway covered by flash flooding.  The summer storm lasted an hour before it was safe to continue. The dry spell in New Mexico was over.  I saw to it.

My new iron horse proved that it was capable of enduring its first severe rainstorm.  Me, I was a bit nervous about the hail.

Historic Route 66 ~ Williams, Arizona.

Historic Route 66 ~ Wigwam Motel Holbrook, Arizona.

Historic Route 66 ~ Petrified Forest National Park.

Me, my bike, and El Morro National Monument. I camped here last night.

In the days ahead, I would visit my sister Elva and her husband Robert in Abo, see my cousin Tudie in Belen, and visit with my good friend Stanley in La Joya.  

Before heading for La Joya, I stopped by Leo’s for some green chili jerky and noticed a new sign.  The sign designed and installed by Jay and Joaquin looks fresh and inviting.  Jay owns and operates 505 Fitness and Wellness a new business in Belen providing quality health and wellness to all, especially young people in need of a new positive direction.  Jay's gym was impressive and like today, an occasional semi-pro boxer stops by for a workout and nutritious drinks.  

Joaquin and Jay who just finished the sign.

Joaquin, semi-pro boxer, and Jay.

La Joya Fiestas were full of good music, food, and friends.  I always stop by the cemetery to pay my respects to our family and friends, seeing a few new headstones.  The petrified tree placed years ago for our grandfather Pablo Griego has weathered time well.

Abo Ruins - Salinas Pueblo National Monument.  Rain is imminent.

My good friend Stanely with his grandson, Cason in La Joya, New Mexico.

Cousins' James Garcia and Art Romero in La Joya, New Mexico.

Pablo Griego . Nacio 1-25-1841 ~ Murio 1915.

Petrified Tree Headstone ~ Pablo Griego.

New Mexico's open highways ~ heading west.

Rain is coming.

The rain begins to fall lightly.  I stop for one last picture.  I reflect on the trip thus far on my dependable Indian Springfield that has carried me along lonely New Mexico roads.  My Indian is impressive.  It's time to return home.  Light rain often turns into heavy rain. 

My Indian Springfield, after 2,300 miles and seven days, proves that it is ready for the 'adventure that lies ahead.'

~ Waypoints ~

“Don’t ask yourself what the world needs; ask yourself what makes you come alive. And then go and do that. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.” —  HOWARD THURMAN

Waypoints, Volume 1: Zen Motorcyclist

Bud Miller once gave me valuable advice as a new motorcycle journalist.  His words were concise and to the point, "Write from the heart, even if it causes pain."

His advice served as a cornerstone for my own motorcycle tales. Once I began to write from the heart, words flowed easily.

My friend Bud, the Zen Motorcyclist, recently authored a memorable piece titled Waypoints. 

It's well worth reading. Check it out.

What’s Inside:

Motorcycles Are Dangerous
Coming Alive
Four Legs, Two Wheels and a Grateful Heart
You Can Go Home Again.
Kindness and Familiarity of Strangers
When My Ship Comes In
Lost (and Found)
A Little Bit of Everything
Do What You Love
More Alike
The Cure for Grief
Halfway to Somewhere
“To Feel Normal Again
Every Time I Turn Around
Dandelion Rides
Beautiful and Broken
The Best Lessons
Better Shared
If I’m Right, Smile
Company Along the Way
Old Is New Again
The Lotus
It’s What We Do
The Glass is Beautiful

~ New Kid in Town ~

“An Indian Stops Time."  Robert Griego

For the past twelve years, I've ridden my 2007 Yamaha Road Star across America in my pursuit of wildness. It has been front and center in my posts and many published articles.

Recently, I decided to get another motorcycle. 

Shortly before that, I took this picture to record the miles on my trusty Yamaha Road Star.  A real milestone that most bikers can attest. It was a personal moment that was important to me. Memories at 2:18pm.

158,500 with a nearly full tank of gas

Do you remember the movie, Hildago? 

I feel my Yamaha was the mustang, Hildago racing against pure-blooded Arabian horses thought to be superior in every way. It has been such a dependable iron-horse. My Yamaha Road Star will continue to provide joy to our son. I didn't have the heart to let it completely go.

The 2019 Indian Springfield is the 'New Kid in Town.'  

Handsome and eager to travel.  Next week, we'll set off on our first adventure out to the Badlands of New Mexico.  I'm so grateful to everyone - the Brand Amp, Indian Motorcycle, RoadRUNNER Magazine, and Herwaldt Motorsports who made this transition possible. The Indian Springfield has the awesome Thunder Stroke 111 engine, sleek lines, and a machine that stops time.

There will be more stories with this motorcycle; please stay tuned. I'm currently riding my first 500 - 600 miles during the "break-in" period.  Then, I'm heading out for the Badlands of New Mexico on its maiden long-distance trip.  Hildago provided the lessons.

Yesterday, I rode up to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks with Denise for some shots with those giant Sequoias. 

All adventures begin one step at a time.  The giant Sequoias have witnessed that for thousands of years. 

Our mark on this earth is undeniable. Even one step forward is important.

Thanks to all my family and friends. I plan to write more about my adventures in my pursuit of wildness. Please stay tuned as we take those precious steps forward.

Robert, Matt, & Rick handing over the keys at Herwaldt Motorsports

Matt Herwaldt and Robert Griego. This dealership speaks "friendly.'

Exploring the giant Sequoias

The awesome Indian Springfield next to the giant Sequoias at Grant Grove

Denise riding with me 130 miles through Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks

Me, riding off into the sunset

Riding around Three Rivers, introducing the new kid

Old meets the new in Lemon Cove near Three Rivers

~ The Journey is Everythiing ~

“I am glad I will not be young in a future without wilderness.”  Aldo Leopold

I know it's been awhile since I've sent out a message to all of my followers.

Actually, when I saw the number of Page Views, I paused. Thank you for following my adventures.  We all need to get lost following roads that lead to nowhere.

I've been busy writing for perhaps, the best motorcycle magazine out there, RoadRUNNER Motorcycle Touring and Travel.

I'm very proud to announce that my latest article, In Pursuit of Wildness: Cabrillo National Monument was recently published.  Of course, I'm partial to my articles.  However, there are so many talented motorcycle journalist that are featured in the RoadRUNNER magazine.  Thanks to those of you that have gone the extra mile to get your own subscription. I always look forward to the next issue.

Please continue to send me your pictures for the Bikers' Wall. I met two new friends who rode awesome Triumph bikes out to New Mexico and Colorado.

Next month, I hope to ride out to the Badlands of New Mexico.  My dependable Yamaha Road Star is approaching 160,000 miles yet, it seems ready for the adventure.  Me, I'm always ready.  Lately, I've been cutting firewood, loading firewood, unloading firewood, and stacking firewood for winter.

It's time to ride and to feel the wind in my face.  Winter will be here before we know it. Now is now.

Thanks again for riding the miles with me...............Bob

~ In Pursuit of Wildness: Cabrillo National Monument ~

After retiring from the National Park Service following a 36-year career—one that took me to many of our nation’s crown jewels, including Yellowstone, Rocky Mountain, Mount Rainier, Joshua Tree, Pinnacles, Bighorn Canyon, and Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks—I set out in search of a new kind of adventure: one found on two wheels.

Traveling light, camping along the way, and taking the backroads whenever possible, I chased wildness across Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, Utah, Montana, Idaho, Oregon, Washington, and California.

This is one of those journeys: In Pursuit of Wildness: Cabrillo National Monument.

Nice models--Malia and Evan helping grandpa.

Denise Griego helping Evan and Malia learn about the tide pools.

Dreaming about pirates.

“Man cannot discover new oceans unless he has the courage to lose sight of the shore.”
— André Gide

"The Pacific Ocean is jaw-droppingly beautiful as I ride my motorcycle along Highway 1 from Monterey, CA, toward San Diego. It’s easy to allow your imagination to run free along each curve on this scenic highway, envisioning sailing ships exploring new lands. Albert Einstein said that “imagination is more important than knowledge.” I think that to be an explorer, imagination and knowledge are equally important..."

~ In Pursuit of Wildness: Rocky Mountain National Park ~

After retiring from the National Park Service following a 36-year career—one that took me to many of our nation’s crown jewels, including Yellowstone, Rocky Mountain, Mount Rainier, Joshua Tree, Pinnacles, Bighorn Canyon, and Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks—I set out in search of a new kind of adventure: one found on two wheels.

Traveling light, camping along the way, and taking the backroads whenever possible, I chased wildness across Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, Utah, Montana, Idaho, Oregon, Washington, and California.

This is one of those journeys: In Pursuit of Wildness: Rocky Mountain National Park.

"In God's wildness lies the hope of the world."  John Muir

"Bear with me, as it’s been 1,200 miles since I left Three Rivers, CA, and the wild views before me are stunning. The Rocky Mountains in Colorado stand majestically before me. The Quaking Aspens tremble in the wind. The weather is mild. I’m on a “rocky mountain high,” and this is where this story begins..."

~ Cowboy Legends ~

Anniversaries are special and the 50th Bishop Mule Days are no different.

Jim Harvey, 83 years young

My good friend Jim Harvey surprised me when he said, “I’ve attended 49 of the 50 Annual Bishop Mule Days, and this one will be special.” His words immediately grabbed my attention. Without a lot of fanfare, he continues “It will be my 83^rd birthday.” In his younger days, Jim was considered the "best all-around cowboy" in the Sierra.

Jim worked at Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks for many years leading pack trips into the backcountry. A real working cowboy. Later in his career, his experience and hard work put him in charge of the stock at the Ash Mountain Corrals.

Jim taught me everything I know about horses and mules. I loved going into the backcountry with him and hearing his stories about the “good old days.” Before I knew it, we were living those days. Jim is part of the security team at the Bishop Mule Days and being a good friend, he gets me into the arena where the action happens.

Today, we are both retired and getting ready to watch the only “non-motorized” parade in Bishop. There are thousands of people lining both sides of the street, many wearing cowboy and cowgirl hats. 

Happy 83rd birthday Jim Harvey (aka number one cowboy Sequoia/Kings ever knew)

This lawman from Tombstone, Arizona intends to keep the piece

The parade eventually leads us to the Fairgrounds for the competitions among the packers who spent most of their days working in the backcountry of the Eastern Sierra alongside Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks and Yosemite National Park.

There is a new generation of packers. One, in particular, is carrying on the Sequoia packers’ traditions. Like Jim, he continued to teach me more about horses and mules. Twenty-some years ago, he was a young cowboy working as a packer for Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. 

Today, Nick Knutson is the lead packer for the parks and one of the top competitors at the Annual Bishop Mule Days.

Nick Knutson, the number "one cowboy" at the 2019 Bishop Mule Days

I think I’ve made the last 14 years at the Annual Bishop Mule Days. I’m here to support the Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks Packers.

I’m honored this year when Nick said, “Bob, here’s your Official Approved Attendee ticket. This wrist band will allow you to hang out with the packers where the action happens.” Sitting in the stands is great, but being behind the scenes with all the horses, mules, cowboys, and cowgirls is awesome, dust and all. “Thanks, Nick.”

Thanks, Nick, I'm now official

Bishop Mule Days 2019

Well, right off the bat at the individual competitions, Nick places first.  A cowboy in his element. This event is considered difficult, requiring considerable skill to load mules, tie appropriate rope knots, and race around the track without losing the load. I’m so proud of him.

Then, a short time later the team competitions are next. Team Sequoia/Kings Canyon takes second place. Back-to-back wins!

Nick Knutson wins first place for the individual competition at the 2019 Bishop Mule Days

Team Sequoia/Kings Canyon National Parks places 2nd at the 2019 Bishop Mule Days

Here are a few pictures from the parade, competitions, and a few along the way on my iron horse.

In a few days, I’ll join another team for the first ever Four Corners Tour by Blue Rim Tours. I hope to keep the warm feeling I experienced at the Bishop Mule Days while touring through New Mexico, Colorado, Utah, and Arizona on our iron ponies.

This Cowboy proudly leads his string into the arena

USFS Cowgirl

Clowning around

The Rock Creek Packers are always ready for action

Camped last night at Taboose Creek, snow is falling in the distance

My view from Taboose Creek Camp

Team Sequoia/Kings Canyon are ready for the next event

Teamwork pays off

~ A Tribute to Johnny Cash ~

"You have to be what you are.  Whatever you are, you gotta be it."  Johnny Cash

James Garner begins his tribute to the late Johnny Cash.

Immediately, the rhythm of the Cash music caught my attention.

It was real, personal, and full of energy.

I snapped this picture of James Garner as he sang an opening Johnny Cash song.  I wanted to capture the moment, and this picture set the stage for me.  The Cash music was alive.

I had never heard of James Garner, yet he once lived in Hanford, just 48 miles away from me in Three Rivers. 

The Visalia Times-Delta, our local newspaper, ran the headlines: “Johnny Cash Tribute Show comes to the Visalia Fox.  The headlines read, “Back in Black.”  This was to be a tribute show featuring native James Garner a day before Cinco de Mayo.

Being a huge fan of Johnny Cash, I was curious what James Garner had to say in his interview.  James Ward of the Visalia Times-Delta asked, “What should people expect when they come out to the show?”

“Folks can expect to hear the songs they know and love by Johnny Cash – Folsom Prison Blues, and Ring of Fire as well as others that Cash recorded over a nearly 50-year career.  They will also hear the stories behind those songs and about the life of the 'Man in Black.'  That's what makes our show unique  –  Never once in 12 years have I said: ‘Hello, I’m Johnny Cash’ or presented the show from a first-person perspective.  The energy is in the music, and we work very hard and take very seriously, presenting his music the way he and The Tennessee Three performed it, especially during their live performances.  My hope is that people leave feeling love for Johnny Cash and his music.”

His answer impressed me. 

So when my wife asked if I wanted to go see James Garner's tribute to Johnny Cash, it was an easy decision.

In the distant corners of my mind, two iconic country-western stars have always resided – Marty Robbins and Johnny Cash. 

In fact, the first two albums that I ever bought in 1969 were Marty Robbin’s – El Paso and Johnny Cash’s – At San Quentin.   I was attending San Jose State and I did not even own a record player at the time.  I knew that I had to own these two albums by two of the greatest country-western music stars.

James Garner, in his opening remarks, said that the last time he saw Johnny Cash perform was in 1991 at the Tower Theater in Fresno.  After the performance, he ran around back just as Cash was boarding his bus and shook his hand, letting him know that he was a big fan.  Although I never met Johnny Cash, I did come close that same year.

In March of 1991, I was the acting superintendent at Joshua Tree National Monument when I heard the news that Johnny Cash had been in the monument.  I could not believe the Foreman explaining that he just pulled Johnny Cash's Cadillac out of the soft sand.

So, I’m fully engaged.  Every word, every cord carries me back to my own memories of Johnny Cash.  You can read about my own tribute to Johnny Cash in my article: In Pursuit of Wildness: Joshua Tree National Park and Johnny Cash a Fading Sunset.

James Garner is remarkable.  He not only sang Cash's songs, but he also told the stories behind his songs.  I learned a great deal.  James Garner and his band are well worth seeing in person.  Their music is real, and I left the performance with a continual love for the Man in Black.

Johnny Cash was there singing his songs personally for me, if only in the far corners of my mind.