8-14-2006  Day 108

Andrew and Rodger Arrived in L.A. on the 26th of July.  They rented a car so that they could go pick up the bikes that they purchased over eBay.  Rodger got a 1992 Kawasaki KLR 650 with low miles.  Andrew's auction was ending the day after he arrived, so he put a high bid on the bike to insure that he got it.  Unfortunately, the guy ended up selling the bike locally, and ending the auction.  After this, Andrew caught a plane to San Francisco.  There, he stayed with the familly of a friend while he looked for a bike.  He ended up finding a 1983 Honda Magna 750 and ridding across the golden gate bridge on his way to Eugene, Oregon.  After visiting his friend Shawn for a bit, Andrew left Eugene.  Then, he made his way down to Denver, Colorado to stay with our old high school friend, Emily.  Next, he headed back up to St. Lious to visit his Grandma, then on to Nashville, TN to see his uncle.  He is currently in Clemson, SC visiting friends. 

Rodger's girlfriend Emily flew out west to meet him, tour the country, and then ride back home with him.  Along the way, they visited place such as Bryce Canyon, Zion, Lake Mead, Las Vegas, and Arches.  He is currently spending time with her and her family in North Carolina before she leaves for a 4 month European backpacking trip. 

Originally, we had all planned to meet up on the 15th in Clemson to finish the trip out together...the final 250 miles to the coast.  This changed due to the complications that arrose during my trip across america.

I flew into L.A. on August 10th and was picked up from the airport from my friends in Hermosa Beach.  I bought a 1997 Honda Magna 750 (ebay) from Burbank and picked it up on the 10th.  The next day I got on the road.  I made it as far as the little town of Joesph City, Arizona before I burned up a front wheel bearing.  I won't be able to get the part until Tuesday.  Until then, I am staying in Joesph city with a nice family that I met shortly after I became stranded.  Medical school orientation starts on the 18th and I'm not sure if I can make it in time.  I try not to worry about that while I enjoy my time hanging out and seeing the sites in the friendly little town of Joesph City.

-J.