America 2017

Yesterday we rode over 400 miles to Harrisburg where, effectively our trip begins. We thought it was going to rain hard – but it didn’t though it was quite cool. The bikes performed OK though they produce tremendous turbulence on your helmet (buffering) over 50 mph. Ultimately, as we travelled on an interstate, we just got on with it and after a couple of stops arrived in Harrisburg at about 6ish. We then went online and found all the hotels offered sizable discounts at that time in the evening. Sorted. Dinner was at a sports themed pub (the only place within walking distance of the hotel). As usual the meal was gigantic and the produce great quality – plus the waitress couldn’t have been more helpful. Makes you long for England – Not!

Today we are touring the national civil war museum and later we ride to Gettysburg – which is only about 80 miles away.  While there we are trying to arrange for my bike to have its first service. Which we both think is a bit cheeky – that is hiring out a bike that’s not OK just be ridden for a few thousand miles. But heh ho…… 

PS met Abe in the museum.

Yesterday we got to the HD dealer at 8.30 thinking we could get the paperwork etc done and be away when the hire started at 10. We then discovered the dealer didn’t open till 10 and didn’t have the paperwork sorted and hadn’t fitted the requested power socket to one of the bikes etc etc. Immaculate well stocked dealership and very friendly – but not that organised. We also had the fun of our credit cards bouncing and having to get that sorted. Eventually at about 12.30 we got on our way on two brand new bikes – one of which I’m expected to get serviced on our trip!

270 miles later, and a lot of it through quite English like countryside on dead straight roads, we got to our first and only booked hotel in Fremont, Ohio. It was 8pm (I’d forgotten we went through a one hour timezone) and we were knackered. However we found a nice restaurant to eat in and have had a good nights sleep. Sadly though it looks like we’ll be riding in some rain and the HD dealer forgot to give us the promised waterproof gear!

As to the bikes – I’ll let you know what we think of them after a few more days in the saddle.

Andy and I are sitting waiting for a taxi to the bike dealer. Both of us a tad apprehensive about how the rest of the day will go – but overall we’re optimistic. 

Yesterday we went ‘downtown’ and had a lengthy walk round the heart of Chicago. They don’t call it the windy city for nothing. Our little expedition made us very aware of how we’ll have to plan our final weekend there quite carefully to ensure we get the most from our visit. 

I know United American Airlines sometimes gets a bad press but I have no complaints. Our flight, which was sadly full, was on time and got in early. Plus we somehow got a free upgrade to ‘economy plus’ which meant we had ample legroom. And the cabin staff were helpful and plied us with copious free drinks – coffee, tea, soft drinks and wine – a reasonable lunch and a sandwich. 

Clearly getting to America on a Sunday evening isn’t a bad idea either. We breezed through immigration and only had a very short wait to get our baggage. As the hotel we booked was only a few miles from the airport we got a taxi. However both of us realised we’d got the wrong one straight away. The driver was polite enough and took us straight there. But his 40 dollar fee suggested he saw us coming. 

The hotel is fine for what it is though the initial room they gave us only had a large double bed! This was quickly sorted fortunately. Our evening snack at the hotel bar/restaurant quickly reminded us we were in America – it was huge, with french fries for four. Each!

Tomorrow, or rather today, we’ll go to downtown Chicago.