Joe Mazing @liquidorc

Smiling the whole way — even on this last day of riding.   I stopped in Cave Spring, GA to visit the Vann Cherokee Cabin — the second-oldest surviving Native American two-story residential structure.   I took some winding roads with a lunch stop at Arnold’s of Belton in SC.

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I enjoyed a stay in Anniston, Alabama at the Hotel Finial. Dinner was at 1st Class Pizza & Subs, where I had a tasty, chopped Italian muffuletta. I started the next day with a simple, pleasant buffet at the hotel before hitting road.

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Vicksburg, MS was my stop as I raced closer to home. This beautiful city along the Mississippi celebrates its history with striking murals along the riverfront walls. They cover everything from Civil War scenes to the Miss America Pageant.

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East Bound and Down played in my head as I rolled into Texarkana. Texarkana was full of fun murals and lived up to its “Twice as Nice” motto. After getting some miles in, I stopped for a rewarding pizza at Johnny’s Pizza House in Bossier City, LA. 🏍️🍕

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Onward into Texas. I took a southerly route along a dusty road that ran past oil fields. A lunch stop at Junction, TX delivered my first real taste of Texas BBQ in the Lone Star State. Also had my first taste of sweet iced tea in quite a while - reminded me of home.

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Just a couple pics of me standing on the corner… In Winslow, Arizona. 🎶

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Unwinding on the road through Arizona, I rolled through White Hills and on to Williams, AZ. I picked up the Route 66 in the downtown had a charming mix of Americana among all of the shops and restaurants. It made for a pleasant walk and a relaxing lunch before continuing on.

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Out of Vegas and headed homeward. I continued on US-93 toward Boulder City. I made a quick stop at the Hoover Dam pedestrian bridge. The easy uphill walk offered a beautiful panorama of the historic dam. Dedicated parking and vault-type restrooms made it an easy detour.

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Yearning for good food and real value in Vegas? We found it at Don Vito’s for an early dinner. I went with the homemade spaghetti and meatballs — solid Italian comfort food. And no Vegas trip is complete without a graveyard breakfast. From midnight to 6 a.m. at SP Casino.

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Thrilled to have a rendezvous with someone special in Vegas.   We motored to The Steakhouse at Circus Circus — where the red leather booths and dimly lit interior created a warm, mid-century experience. We enjoyed a couple of fresh, bold drinks alongside our caramelized steak

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Revving my bike to life, I headed east toward Death Valley. Baker, California — gateway to Death Valley — was my first stop. I had to see the World’s Tallest Thermometer! Took a fun detour north to the Shoshone Museum. Picked up some cool stones for someone special.

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As the sun rose over the Ventura sand, I rolled out of town toward Bakersfield. California treated me to some beautiful landscapes along the way — stunning views my camera could not capture.   I turned in early for a good night’s rest, ready for what the California desert.

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Empowered after dipping my toes in the Pacific, I headed toward Upland, California to visit a Madonna of the Trail statue — But my own trail was pulling me onward to Ventura Beach.

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Hightailing it toward the California Coast, the curved highway should have been a blast, but the chill cut right through me.   I made it. A motorcycle ride across the country to the Pacific — that’s something special in my book.   Stay tuned for the ride back east…

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Arizona ahead! I blazed through as the landscape transitioned to more desert and dust. Now I remember why I wear a tubed scarf — for all of the sandy grit! Dusty from the ride, I rolled into Yuma, Arizona. I was itchy to reach my goal, so I rode hard.   Tomorrow, California…

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Day 5 Strong winds to the west convinced me to turn south out of Santa Rosa. US-54 is a lonely road with small communities dotted here and there, and even fewer fuel stops. The open road revealed mountains with dust devils acting as whirling companions.

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Day Four Into the Texas panhandle today, a quick stop to grab some pics on Route 66 in Shamrock, Texas. Route 66 is a combination of interesting sights, worn pavement, and closed up buildings. An adventure, I’d say.

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Day Three Spent the night in Arkansas. Pushed on into Oklahoma where I picked up Historic Route 66. Made a stop in Yukon, OK which is rich in Chisholm Trail history. An overnight in El Reno, OK marked the beginning of strong winds that would be a sign of things to come.

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Day Two A ride through Tennessee just south and west of Nashville along Hwy 64. Traveling on through Collinwood towards Memphis. A stop at Dogwood Mudhole along the Old Natchez Trace. A stop in Collinwood where the town has created several patriotic murals.

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Join me as I recount my motorcycle adventure to the California coast. 🏍️