Last year I attempted the Reto de Especialidad Pata Salada-Saddlesore which included riding El Espinazo Del Diablo at night. The outcome was indecisive, but resulted in an interesting adventure with the Mexican Army.

November is almost here again and I will be leaving for Mazatlan, Mexico to attend the 2ndo Aniversario Pata Salada MC. If timing works out, I will be doing another attempt of the Reto de Especialidad Pata Salada-Saddlesore. Also, at the same time and location, we are having our 2013 International Rat Hole, which is a gathering of 4 generations of the Asphalt Rats Endurance Motorcycling members. All of this will be happening on November 15-17.

Before heading south toward Mexico, I will first be going out to Irving, Texas to attend the IBA Big As Texas Party.

From there I will be heading up to Oklahoma City for a day, then I will be turning south-west and working my way across Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona. I will be crossing the border in Sonoyta, Sonora.

After crossing the border, I will be taking Hwy 2 down to Hwy 15 following the coast line into Mazatlan.

2 November 2013

West Monroe, LA to Irving, TX

Miles today: 304
Total miles: 829
Time on road: 4hr 45min

Another good weather day for riding. Once again, another day on the interstate.

Short ride up to Irving. Checked into the hotel and spent some time settling in and reorganizing.

Not a bad view from the room.

Awards ceremony started at 5:00.

Met Hoagy of Hoagy's Heroes and his wife Amy. Paul and his SO Jenny were also there. Paul had joined us on the ride in Morelia last July.

Hoagy, Paul, Jenny, and Amy

Me and Hoagy

After today's certificated were presented we went to the dinning room for dinner. Later some special awards were presented. There were some very serious riders present in the room.

Shorty after the ceremony ended In got to meet and spend some time with Michael Kneebone, president of IBA.

Me, Michael Kneebone, and Paul

Back to the room and trying to get out another day's Ride Report with a computer that is not wanting to cooperate.

Tomorrow will be a short ride up to Sherman, TX and then on up to Oklahoma City.

Irving, TX to Oklahoma City, OK

Miles today: 254
Total miles: 1,083
Time on road: 7 hrs

With the change in the time zone and daylight savings time, I felt like I had an extra two hours. I took my time getting the bike loaded. Bike was packed and I headed north. That is the most direct route to Mexico, right?

Just south of Sherman, TX I passed through Gunter, TX.

An hours ride and I was in Sherman, TX. I stopped by to see a friend that I had known from my past Army days. We had been in the same platoon together during OCS at Ft Sill, OK back in 1967. Terry eventually retired from the army as a Brigadier General.

T L Holden and his wife Carol

After spending some time with Terry, I was back on the road and heading North again (the short route to Mexico) to see my girl friend (AKA my second wife) in Oklahoma City, OK. I got to Susan's and as usual, the first thing that she always does is call my wife to let her know that I got there OK. I am going to get caught one of these days if she keeps doing that.

Nothing like a great home cooked meal and home made chocolate pie when you are on the road. Maybe I should consider acquiring a few more female friends in various different states for stop overs during my trips.

On the way up to OK the weather started to change. Rain from the south was starting to follow me on my way up to OKC. By the time I got into OKC there were heavy dark clouds and winds 20-25 mph. Thunder storms are in the forecast for Tuesday, when I will be heading SW toward the border.

Today was a "down day". Not much going on for today. Short walk at Lake Hefner but mostly just catching up on old times.

Susan and me

A few pictures of some Oklahoma Cuties:

Meredith

Susan and Meredith

Amanda and Connor

Susan, Amanda and Connor

Tomorrow I will be back on the road and heading south.