The Dutch United Provinces declared their independence from Spain in 1579; during the 17th century, they became a leading seafaring and commercial power, with settlements and colonies around the world. After a 20-year French occupation, a Kingdom of the Netherlands was formed in 1815. In 1830 Belgium seceded and formed a separate kingdom. The Netherlands remained neutral in World War I, but suffered invasion and occupation by Germany in World War II. A modern, industrialized nation, the Netherlands is also a large exporter of agricultural products. The country was a founding member of NATO and the EEC (now the EU) and participated in the introduction of the euro in 1999. In October 2010, the former Netherlands Antilles was dissolved and the three smallest islands – Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba – became special municipalities in the Netherlands administrative structure. The larger islands of Sint Maarten and Curacao joined the Netherlands and Aruba as constituent countries forming the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
I wasn’t sure what I was going to do all day here near Robbinsville, NC so I decided to drive up to Knoxsville, TN to check out some RV’s. Just for the hell of it. Unbeknownst to me I ran into the real “Tail of the Dragon”…hence the above video. I feel a little embarrassed to have thought I drove it the day before but hey…no map no clue. Now I have an idea why many and I mean many come to drive or ride this road.
Spending time in my my car with me has been healing. The states of Nevada and Utah are so beautiful. I highly recommend riding your bike on the roads I have been taking or drive.
April 22, 2015 – An important day to remember. The day I left BC for New York after my 18 years of growing up in Canada. Now, Dual citizen, I am returning to where it all started. I mean where I was born.
Seems like I have done a full circle. Circle of my life in a way. My transition to the States won’t be an easy one. I never had an adult life there. Left soon after grad school.
I had a great short visit with my best friend from undergrad and her partner. Ann Marie and Allison are two very genuine people who do amazing things within their own careers. As always gracious hosts and a place I could call home. Thanks guys for the hospitality and welcome. Continue reading “Amazing Ride Williamsburg to Chestertown, MD – Day 28”
This will be a quick post as I woke up to freezing temps at my friend’s house in Williamsburg and was reminded once again it’s winter. Rainy this morning as I pack up for my last 2 days of riding. Hoping Feb. 11th does prove to be a safe day to finish this ride on Long Island but will have a layover in a small town called Chestertown in Maryland.
February 5th 2015 (feel free to click the pics for HI-Rez versions)
where I ended day 23
After 6 days off the bike visiting my parents in Polk City I am back riding and heading into the Winter abyss of the North East. I enjoyed my vacation within a vacation but I felt I needed to get back on the bike and try to finish this Winter Trip.
Ahhh…rest time. After 17 days on the bike and over 9000 KM’s or about 5700 miles later, I thought I needed some R&R off the bike. I rode on Friday from Bonifay, Florida to the Lakeland area where my parents have a RV/House. Great place to layover and get some rest. I have my own room, bathroom, entrance, well…whole house. My folks stay in their RV lol and do not use their house at all except for laundry. So, enjoying my rest off the bike, going to see cousins today, Superbowl Sunday, might go for a leisurely ride tomorrow with a friend of my folks and I am keeping an eye on the weather up north. Continue reading “Lay Over – R&R in the Winter Florida Sun”
I had this whole reflection post about my last year drafted but I deleted it. Today is my one year anniversary that my ex told me she was going to leave and never looked back. I am not not going to harp on the details but in a nutshell, after 17 years together as common law, only 4 months married I was dumped. On February 2nd, she was gone forever and we are legally separated without even discussing anything. I never asked her to stay, I went along with her decision. Continue reading “Happy ONE Year Anniversary to ME?”
January 28th, 2015 – Day 15 (NEW ORLEANS)-click the pics
BR BMW
I should have really called this trip BMW Dealership Tour. On a serious note, I did not have to be in New Orleans until 1500 hrs so I thought what the hell, stop by Baton Rouge BMW and see if they can figure out my EWS code. I sent the dealer an email the night before and Cory, the Service Manager responded promptly and said “sure we can fit you in”. Got a late start, took my time in the morning and made the HUGE ride of 8 km’s to the dealer from where I was staying. Continue reading “Baton Rouge BMW & New Orleans Tour”
I woke up this morning to a very cool and crisp sunny day. Compared to yesterday I immediately took a look at that flags and they were still. I thought nice….no 40-50 MPH winds to contend with for today. Little video from yesterday’s ride.
All the weather people said so and yep, that was the case. Smooth sailing all day long and I did manage to get pretty far even with riding the TALIMENA BY-WAY.
Views and more views
This by-way was recommended by a few FB readers and I am so glad I was able to take it. There is a very LARGE sign, of course I did not take a picture of it that says do not drive this road if there is fog, ice or snow. There is no road maintenance. No worries about that today at all. It was sunny, dry and my riding temperatures today ranged from 0 C (30F) – 18 C (66F). Continue reading “Oklahoma, Arkansas, Texas and Back to Arkansas!”
After leaving GO-AZ dealership the day before I went to another virtual hosts house for an over niter. Terry and Heather. What a nice couple. We had really good pizza, hung out with their pets, I have all ready forgotten their cat’s name but their dog? Jack. Terry and Heather take in rescues so they MUST be good people and they are. Thanks guys for the stay and Terry for input on my route for the day. Heather hope your make it to your next book club. 👍
I am usually much more efficient with updates as I put day 8 together on Day 11. This trip more than any other trip has not only been about a little bike issues but more importantly taking time to enjoy myself with detours and meeting so many virtual friends. This trip riding SOLO has been for some reason my most enjoyable trip. Go figure after I have been on about 130,000 KM’s of trips since 2010. Continue reading “Day 8 – GO-AZ & SPOOKY FAST – A very warm WELCOME”
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