Back on the road for Harley-Davidson and hooking up with old friends:

At the airport yesterday in Albuquerque I could already feel the wind on my face thinking about riding Highway 395 from Los Angeles to Canada.  Pouring very maps the past two months, planning the trip, getting the gear ready, packing my bags.  It was time to ride.

Arrived in LA, picked up the new Wide Glide HOG project bike, made a couple of very important stops before rolling on the throttle heading for HWY 395.

Had the opportunity to hook up with some very special friends.  Thanks Linda and Peg for opening up your home to a biker guy needing a good bed, making me the perfect tuna sandwich, and putting a big smile on my face.

Fifty years ago I hung out with three very special guys.  We were together from the  first grade in school  through high school  graduation.  After graduation we went different ways.  My assignment for Harley-Davidson brought us all back together after 50 years.

The four "motor heads".  JIm, Mike, Me, and Marty.  The '74 yellow convert belongs to Mike.  Good things never change.

After reuniting with special friends it was freeway madness across the LA Basin.  Made the turn onto Highway 395 near Hesperia.  Kickstand down tonight at Boron, CA.  Up the east side of the Sierra tomorrow.  Ridin' the "Forgotten HIghway".

Wind in my face, hooking up with old friends...it doesn't get any better.

be strong, be safe, Carlan

On the road:

Julesburg, CO. rest stop. Nancy and I just returned home after an inspiring week on the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota.  Shared the wonder of photography with the kids at the Red Cloud Indian School.  I have never had the opportunity to work with such incredible kids all the way from first grade to seniors.  BIG shout out and thanks to everyone at Red Cloud.

be strong, be safe, Carlan

BACKBONE of AMERICA

Highway 50 ibook is published!  BACKBONE of AMERICA is an interactive ibook photographic essay capturing the story of a unique motorcycle journey across historic US Highway 50 from the Harley-Davidson™ Factory in Missouri to California. The essay contains photographs and interactive galleries of landscapes, historical locations, points of interest, and the colorful individuals who make up the character of the West. Interactive highway maps provide the reader an opportunity to pin point locations along the route.   Each chapter contains a list of motels and local cafes found to be authentic Americana experiences. BACKBONE of AMERICA tells the story of the classic American road trip.  The 70 page ibook contains over 114 stunning black and white photographs, detailed maps of Highway 50 across 6 states, historical points of interest, all wrapped together with an inspiring story of a journey across the American West.  BACKBONE of AMERICA for ipad and Mac ibooks is available for $8.99.  CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE BACKBONE OF AMERICA.

live free,  ride free,  Carlan

HOG INSIDER

For all of you HOG Members the current issue of Hog Insider has additional photographs from the Backbone of America story.  Check it out on the HOG member site!  They did a great job!

live free, ride free, Carlan