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For the past three years, the German summers had literally dampened my riding. The weather in Germany, especially during spring and summer, is unpredictable. At the conclusion of last year’s riding season I decided that the following summer, my Co-pilot/wife, Barbara, and I would take a tour in the States where the weather is usually more predictable, plus I have always wanted to ride Highway 1 down the coast of California (my home).

Initially, we considered renting a Gold Wing for three weeks, but found the cost for one week’s rental was more than the round-trip air shipment of my ’97 Wing. So we considered shipping our Wing to California, riding for three weeks and shipping it back home.
I began planning the trip in September 1998 and tried to determine what sites would interest Barbara, as it would be her first long ride. Two days before New Year’s 1999, Barbara shocked me when she suggested that I sell my ’97 Wing and buy a ’99 at the beginning of our trip! I immediately jumped on the internet and started contacting dealers and asking for price quotes, but only one answered my e-mail queries.

On New Year’s Eve, while on a trip to San Francisco, I called a few dealers and started negotiations. I told each that I planned to buy a ’99 SE in June or July; most were unwilling to talk me because of the advanced purchase date. Three dealers quoted an out-the-door price; two were willing to negotiate. Karl at M&M Honda of Albuquerque, New Mexico, was the most courteous and responsive, and was willing to negotiate even though I wouldn’t be buying the bike for six months. John, a salesman at an Arizona dealership, called Germany to tell me that “all Gold Wing riders were cheap and that the dealership in Albuquerque would promise me anything over the phone and then raise the price upon my arrival.” (Rest assured that dealership will never get a dime of my business.) This caused me a little apprehension, but Barbara said to trust my instincts, so I decided to stick with M&M Honda, and a few days later e-mailed Karl that we had a deal.
On the first of June, after six months of planning and dreaming, we boarded our flight in Frankfurt and headed for Albuquerque. Karl met us at the airport, took us to our hotel and the next morning brought us to M&M Honda where our new bike awaited us. We were welcomed by literally everyone at the dealership and extended every courtesy. We really had the feeling of having made new and lasting friends. The bike was ready to roll with all requested accessories installed.
On the third of June, under clear sunny skies, we headed out on our adventure — first stop: Durango, Colorado. We departed Durango late the next morning and headed for Page, Arizona, via Four Corners. The morning and early afternoon ride was great as we rode through the hills and valleys of Colorado. Shortly before reaching Four Corners, the winds began to pick up, and upon our arrival they were getting fairly strong. After about a 30-minute stop, we headed out into what were the strongest cross winds I have ever experienced, 50-plus mph, and a sandstorm that was as thick as fog. I had installed a Tulsa Belly Pan on the bike and, apparently, it worked. By the time we reached Kayenta, Arizona, well short of our destination, we had really had it and pulled in for the night.
The following morning we got an early start and made it into Page a little before noon. I called Page Honda to see if I could get the 600-mile service done. The people at Page Honda told me they were closing in 30 minutes, but if I brought the bike in before then, they would do the service while I waited. I had less than 600 miles, but preferred to get the service done a little early rather than late. The service done, we took the bike downtown for a quick wash.
The next afternoon we headed for the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, my second motorcycle trip there, and Barbara’s first. The ride was fantastic to say the least, and we were both awed by the sheer beauty of the scenery. We stopped at Jacob Lake, checked into the cabins, dropped off our baggage and headed up to the Canyon. Barbara found the Grand Canyon was everything and more than I had told her over the years.

The following morning we headed for Las Vegas, Nevada, and another fantastic day of riding our Gold Wing. We have always wanted to return to Vegas, not to gamble but to have dinner at Caesar’s Palace. It was our first time back in 13 years. I did gamble a little — five pulls on a quarter slot machine — and I won back the cost of dinner. I pocketed my meager winnings and left before the temptation became too strong, then walked around the Strip for a couple hours before turning in for the night. With one more site checked off our list of things to see and do, we packed up the next morning and hit the road to further adventure.
We hadn’t decided whether or not to go through Death Valley, so we headed north toward Beatty. Upon arrival in Beatty, we refueled and decided to by-pass Death Valley and continue north. By early evening we arrived at Tonopah, Arizona, where we pulled in for the night.
We got an early start the next morning, crossed into California and stopped for lunch in Bishop, where we found what has to be the best sandwich and pastry shop in the state (don’t remember the name, but the food was great!). Our stomachs and gas tank full, we headed for Lee Vinning and the entrance to Yosemite National Park. That evening we rode down to the lake and took a short tour through the visitor’s center.
The next morning, after playing with the motel owner’s cats Calvin, Teddy and “the boys” (the three kittens), we started our ride on Highway 120 to and through Yosemite. We wanted to take a side trip to Devils Post Pile, but the road leading there was closed. Barbara and I were both awed by the beauty of the park, the snow-capped mountains and the surrounding area. We made several stops for pictures and to take in the sites. Once through the park, we started our run for the Napa Valley and eventually the sea. After a night in Lodi, we headed for the Napa Valley with stops along the way in Fairfield, Napa, a couple of wineries, and finally Calistoga in the heart of the valley.
The next morning, we continued our leisurely ride through the valley (the area is really pretty and makes for a great day ride!) and headed for the sea via the Redwood Forest. By early afternoon we reached Highway 1 and the ocean, which was partially fogged in. We were overjoyed at having arrived at Highway 1 and saddened by the knowledge that our trip was half over and we were starting the final leg.
We continued up Highway 1 to Little River where we decided to turn south and start our venture down the California coast. Again, we were struck by the beauty of the surrounding scenery and reminded that there is no better way to see the country’s sights than on a Gold Wing. If you’re into curves, you’ll love northern Highway 1, as the road is narrow and filled with countless hairpin twisties. I was glad I had a SuperBrace installed!
We wound our way down while the sun burned off the fog and exposed the true beauty of the coast. By late afternoon, we reach Fort Ross, but were a little too late to tour this historic site, so we bought a couple postcards, took a few pictures and headed inland to find a motel for the night. We finally found a Days Inn in Petaluma, had a great meal at a nearby restaurant, and settled in for the night.
We got an early start the next day and headed back to Highway 1 which took us across the Golden Gate Bridge, through the city streets of San Francisco and on to Half Moon Bay where we continued our trek south. From this point on, we noticed that Highway 1, sometimes U.S. 101, is wider and straighter than in the north; still, the ride and scenery were great. By early afternoon we pulled into Monterey, found a motel and walked around town and Fisherman’s Wharf.
Another sunny, leisurely day down the coast to San Simeon where we stopped to tour Hurst Castle. Another sight checked off our list and off to San Luis Obispo where we put in for the night.
The next morning it really hit us that this would be our final day on the road, and that our trip was coming to an end. By early afternoon we arrived at the Lufthansa Cargo Center at Los Angeles International Airport, two days ahead of schedule. Our friend, John Tija, who had taken care of shipping my ’97 Wing the year before, was working that day and took care of all the paperwork and assured us that our baby would be put on the next available flight.
That night, Barbara told me that she had been doubtful about the trip during the previous six months, but had found those doubts to be unwarranted and had thoroughly enjoyed every day and was ready to do it again.
After a day of relaxing and touring the Mall, our adventure ended, we boarded our flight for Frankfurt.
Our Wing is home now and we’ve already started discussing a trip to the States for next summer. We had a great and memorable vacation — everywhere we went, people came up to admire the bike. Thank you, Karl, and everyone else at M&M Honda for some of the best customer service we have experienced. Thanks to those Members of the GWRRA family who responded to my message board queries, especially to the guy who recommended I take my bike to Page Honda for service —you were right, they are great people — and to the guy who confirmed my instincts about M&M Honda.

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