First One Out of the Gate!

Stu heads into Key West, Florida after departing from Placida.
Why so early you ask?
 When looking at the map of the United States Stu decided that the diagonal route cross country from the southernmost tip of Florida to the northern most tip of Alaska would be the ultimate trip.

June 16, 2013 - Father's Day!
Stu pictured here at the southernmost point in the United States - Key West, Florida. 

My Horns Are Bigger Than Yours!

I know the boys are venturing to Alaska, the last frontier.
Don't you think that Ron is taking this a little too seriously?

He will definitely have that bike back to normal and be dressed appropriately before he leaves.

P.S. - Please tell Stu that Ferdinand is just a starter kit compared to this!

Random Things

Meet the Lewises:  Stu, Jill, Dixie and Smooch.  Oops, Ferdinand is there too!
Ferdinand joined Stu on the 4 Corner ride in Tombstone, Arizona.  
They completed that ride together making quite a couple.
Perhaps what attracted Ferdinand to Stu was the fuzzy buffalo chaps, that's all I'm going to say about that.

It appears that Ferdinand is going to Alaska!
This bike looks like it belongs in an Old West Medicine Man Show.

Joe, David and Mike in the midst of a serious planning discussion.

Fred's motto is "Hakuna Matata".  He will definitely make sure his travel companions adopt this too.

Ron recently joined the Indiana Patriot Guard.
He has participated in four missions since the beginning of April.

Trip Preparation

A quick look at the countdown clock this morning reveals that it's less than three weeks until the departure from Indianapolis for us.

The guys have been busy at home trying to finish up all of the projects they want completed before heading away from home.

They have also been busy getting their motorcycles ready for this run.  All six of u s will be putting two new tires on the bikes, as well as, a fresh oil change with complete service.  They have been going over their riding gear and clothing.  Most of the group has purchased electric jackets and gloves.  A couple have even splurged for electric pants and socks!  They'd better hope that stuff doesn't short out in a rain, that could be a shocking experience.
this trip requires clothing with a high UV rating for protection from the sun.  Traveling in the mid-west and western states will also require that the garments are light weight enough to be fairly cool in the summer heat.  We are also going to need plenty of cold weather gear for crossing the Canadian Rockies and for the travel into northern Alaska.  Good rain gear is also essential.

The guys have their route all planned out and loaded into their GPS devices.  They have been studying various publications  from Visitor Bureaus along their route.  One of the publications being heavily used is the Alaska Mile Post Guide.  This will greatly help them find services and lodging along the way.  No reservations for lodging will be made.  They are thinking that it will be difficult to fully plan and stick to an exact schedule.  In order to see as many of the sights and attractions along the route they have been gleaning information from those guide books too.

During one of their trip planning sessions the guys compiled a large list of tools and commonly needed spare parts.  This list was divided up between the group with each guy bringing specific things off of that list.  Most of the riding in Alaska will be in remote areas where services and motorcycle parts will be limited.  Everyone knows how reliable those Harleys can be on a long trip, good luck!

Ron's latest invention - The Powell Super Screen
Made from hardware cloth this is designed to
protect the oil cooler and lines on the front of the motor
from rocks and other road debris 

Tow Strap
Because we all know how reliable those Harleys can be.
One question remains - who uses this first?

Capturing all of the beautiful scenery that the fellows are going to encounter is important to them.  Of course they are planning on creating another photo journal to commemorate this adventure.  In order to accomplish this they will be using a variety of digital photography equipment.  Two guys will be sporting the Go-pro video camera.  This video camera can be helmet mounted or hand held, whichever they prefer.  Rumor has it that Stu has committed to making a DVD of this trip.  Everyone will of course have their favorite digital camera on board.

Well, that's the latest for now.  Be sure to stay tuned, it won't be long now!

The Beauty & Brains Behind the Boys

Bonnie, Ron's Wife

In addition to running the blog, Bonnie will have her hands full keeping the farm neat and tidy.
She will have the full support and help from their three children and their spouses.
 Those three grandchildren will be in charge of providing the entertainment in Ron's absence.
This photo was taken at the Cliffs of Moher in Ireland during a 2011 motorcycle trip with Stu & Jill.

Meet Lori, David's Wife

David & Lori have been married 40 years, they have four married children and five grandchildren.
 They are expecting number six in early August. Lori keeps David in line.  Time will tell whose responsibility this will be on the trip.

That's Jill Tucked Behind Stu

Hopefully we'll have a better photo of Jill to post soon.Stu & Jill have 3 children  Two are married, 1 engaged and planning a wedding.  Some might say that Stu's absence will be a vacation for Jill.This image is from a motorcycle trip to Ireland & Scotland that they took with Ron and Bonnie.

Meet Pam!

Behind every man is a good woman!  She might be half his height but  she's big on personality.
Pam is a dynamo and a direct opposite to Joe's laid-back demeanor.

Mike's Better Half, Pam

Another Pam, another dynamo!  Must be the name.
Mike and Pam have 3 children and 4 grandchildren (all boys).
While Mike's away Pam will be taking care of business at their business!

Pat & Fred  

Pat is always raring and willing to hop on the back of that motorcycle.  This time she's sending Fred off on his own.  While Fred is away, Pat will be totally submerged in the activities of their grandchildren.  Might I add that they are hardly "children" but almost young adults.

Caught in the Act!Jill forwarded this photo of Stu making a practice packing run for the Alaska trip. 
"Stu, are you sure you can get all of this on your motorcycle?" 

Meet the Riders

Stu Lewis with his new Harley

Stu was one of the original 4 Corner Guys on the 2010 trip around the United States.

Splitting his time between South Carolina and Florida is where he resides.

                              David Acuff 

This will David's first trip with this group.  Tennessee is where David calls home.  He has enjoyed motorcycling for the majority of his life.

The guys have nicknamed David - Redline.

Joe Caradonna

When it comes to riding and guiding, Joe's your man.  He is no stranger to the GPS, map or seat.  This will be his first trip with this group.

Joe hails from the state of New Hampshire.

Mike LaTone and Ron Powell

Both of these guys are original 4 Corner Guys.

Mike LaTone will be riding out of New York in order to meet the guys at the trip's point of origin in Indianapolis, Indiana.  He is really hoping to get through this entire trip without having to purchase a new motorcycle in order to complete the route like he did on the 4 Corner Ride.  Mike and Ron's friendship dates back some 15 years.


Ron Powell has been the driving force in the planning of this trip for 2013.  He will be representing the Hoosier state as he lives in Indiana.  The commute to Indianapolis won't be a long one at the beginning of this journey.  He's known as RP.

Fred White

Last but not least, Fred was also one of the original 4 Corner riders.  Fred tried to get this trip organized last year but ran into logistical problems.  He's checked the ticket and looks like he's on his way to Alaska in 2013!  Ohio is home for Fred.

Introduction

Welcome to our Blog!

On June 27, 2013, six friends and fellow motorcycle enthusiasts will start an adventurous  motorcycle trip.  Our goal is to explore the last frontier, the enchanted wilderness and breath taking beauty of Alaska.

Making the journey will be Ron Powell from St. Leon, Indiana, Stu Lewis from Placida, Florida, Mike La Tone from Bemus Point, New York, Fred White from Canal Fulton, Ohio, David Acuff of Memphis, Tennessee, and Joe Caradonna from Salem, New Hampshire.

A few of the places that we intend to see, visit and ride through are Cody, Wyoming, Chief Joseph Highway, Beartooth Pass, Yellowstone National Park, Going to the Sun Road, Glacier National Park, the Calgary Stampede, Lake Louise, Banff, the Canadian Rockies, the Columbian Ice Fields, the Top of the World Highway, Fairbanks, the North Pole, Prudhoe Bay, Denali National Park, Anchorage, Homer, Valdez, the Alaska Highway, Edmonton, Winnipeg   We will be returning back into the United States via Sault Ste Marie then back to our place of origin Indianapolis, Indiana.

This trip should take about five and one half weeks.  We anticipate riding over 10,000 miles!

Sign in, sit back, ready  your map and come on vacation with us by following our blog as we endeavor to complete what is sure to be an amazing motorcycle trip.

Periodic updates will be posted right up til our June departure.  They will continue as we progress along our route to Alaska and home.