Friction Zone Warrior for Hoka Hey Challenge (Sponsored by Lake Weir Living)

FZW's Personal Closing Statement...

2010-07-06T10:11:00.000-07:00

Thank you, Brody McNeill, for doing your best during the 2010 Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge. - Lake Weir Living

Brody is on his way...

2010-06-29T18:39:00.001-07:00

here's an update from the finish line...

Comin' to meet and cheer our Warrior...

2010-06-29T01:00:00.001-07:00

Some might say, "Riders or Liars..."

Go Boys!..Com'on Home to Homer!!

2010-06-26T21:13:00.001-07:00

"Now in rock springs on my way to pine ridge south Dakota... I'll sleep when I'm dead" says Brody (6/26 6pm)

Riders ride like the wind, and keep themselves and "it" all together!

Sponsored by Lake Weir Living. The 2010 Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge Rider, Friction Zone Warrior (Brody McNeill), is sponsored by Lake Weir Living/Live Where You Ride. For more information, call 352-304-0027 or visit www.LakeWeirLiving.com

A Letter from Beth (Competitive Touring Reality Check)

2010-06-25T15:45:00.000-07:00

Beth Durham, HH Director of Operations

June 24, 2010

Thanks Adriana,

I assume from the tenor of your email & voice mail that Brody's review isn't what I would hope and I can respect and understand that view point.

Brody is in the group of Challengers that have been affected by the individuals who have stolen, destroyed or moved street signs in order to impede the progress of our riders. When we validated the route, all of the signs were present, the roads do exist and our rider progressed through the route as expected. However, a number of riders who would otherwise have a shot at the prize, have been stuck searching hours on end for a sign that no longer exists.

As for how the Challenge itself is progressing, we are getting mixed reviews. Several people forgot (or never fully understood) that "we won't be giving that half million dollars away - they are going to have to earn it!" This was never meant to be a joy ride. It was never supposed to be easy. It was intended to be a Challenge of navigation, wit and perseverence. And now, through the outbursts, anger and the tears people have expressed their disappointment at realizing it is everything we said it would be... A "challenge" in every sense of the word.

On the other hand, we have had people thanking us for putting this together. One man told me that he has crisscrossed Alabama a hundred times but he has never been in a place like he had been that day. Early on, I had said that there were two schools of thought as it regards the Challenge - those that are in it for the prize money and those that are in it for the ride. The ones racing for the gold are absolutely MISERABLE while the ones that are taking the time to really search for the roads and who are willing to back track 100 miles in order to pick the route up again, are the ones who seem to be enjoying themselves the most. They are glad they decided to join the Challenge and have been the majority of the people I've talked to.

These men & women understand something that they never even considered before. These are the ones who get it.

Thanks for listening, Beth

Beth Durham
Director of Operations
Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge

-------------------------------------------

Dear Beth,

Thank you so much for sharing...

We had imagined that in these economic times, that the best and unfortunately the worst of people came out...

Neil and I both agree that winning $500k would be no easy task. When I asked Brody two days ago how he was doing. He responded, "I'm not doing this for the money,..doing this for the experience and for what I was asked to do...doing right by the people of Pine Ridge." Chief Red Cloud left a deep impression on him in Key West.

We believe your letter is informative, and will help rest the confusion and frustration for competitors and their families.

Thank you again!

God bless & the Great Spirit Guidance.

-Adriana

-----------------------------------------------------

June 25, 2010

Adriana,

This might help too.

http://roadtosturgis.wordpress.com/

Thanks, Beth

In case you missed the Send Off, here's the link:

Somewhere btw Nowhere and Anywhere...

2010-06-22T16:36:00.000-07:00

Brody updates us in pieces...

Because that's all he's got,..bits and pieces of time during the Hoka Hey Challenge.

(And what a challenge!..

Here's some texts between us, followed by his brief video update.

Guiding Spirit be with you, Brody.)

Jun 20, 2010 9:49 PM

"Dude!..txt us as soon as you can. Wanna know ur ok!"

Jun 21, 2010 12:51 AM

"all is well, got lost as a muther f@#cker but in the race..."

Jun 21, 2010 12:53 AM

"God bless! We're all thnking about U!"

Jun 21, 2010 10:54 PM

"Brody!..FB postings indicate that some riders are hurt and upset about the directions. R U ok?..How's the FZW doin'??"

Jun 22, 2010 4:54 PM

"Holy shit! You really gotta be able to think on your feet!!! And put the pieces together using everything you got. I'm still in it and charging through..."

Jun 22, 2010 4:55 PM

"It's much harder than I could ever imagine..."

Jun 22, 2010 5:20 PM

"Brody, I'm so sorry. Hang in there!..if anyone can do this, you can! You've always proven to be someone with great ability and strength! We believe in you! We're all thnking of you!!"

Jun 22, 2010 5:22 PM

"Neil says, 'Go for it! You got this!!'"

Jun 22, 2010 7:11 PM

"My goal is more about completing than winning, and doing it right!!! But I'm still gonna ride hard."

Jun 22, 2010 7:12 PM

"You'll make it! We know it! We blieve!!!"

(Keep the Hoka Hey Riders in your thoughts and prayers!..This ain't an easy task.

It's a Warrior's Mission!)

Brody calls this "77 and 44...One Step at a Time"

More than Gold,..it's a Ride to Restore Life...

2010-06-21T05:25:00.000-07:00

My stay here at the end of the road in Key West was short and sweet. Riding down this highway is a trip to say the least. You just can't imagine how a road can just go on and on out to sea. In Key West you've tipped into the Ocean; it's where the Gulf and the Atlantic meet...Amazing!

I really enjoyed diving on the Vandenberg. She’s a 500-feet long and sits at 140-feet of warm water. The visibility was crystal clear today and there was barely any current. The crew at Subtropic Dive Center did a great job helping us to explore this new artificial reef. An incredible day.

As you should know by now, I came down here to participate in the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge. Tonight was the pre-race meeting with Chief Jim Red Cloud. He called upon us for this challenge and told us why. The Lakota people of Pine Ridge, SD, are a people in struggle. Chief Jim is pulling us in from all over the Country to ride with him to sacred places during the race to collect the souls of the dead, and bring them to the Lakotas to help fix the Broken Wheel of Life. The souls are those of warriors from battles lost long ago to the children and women killed during those battles. Bringing the un-rested souls home to their people, will restore hope to their nation and ensure their future here on earth. That's how I understand it, and I paraphrase in the utmost respect. Let that sink in for a while... It's changed my perspective,..as I'm sure it has yours...

So!..Whoa!!! Tomorrow at sunrise we ride..

I won't be posting much, if at all, for this part of the journey – as I'm sure you all understand.

Thank you all for supporting me during this and being there with me along the ride. I hold you all in my heart as I ride my way home. And thank you again Lake Weir Living for helping make this happen.

Hoka Hey!..

Today is a Good Day to______ !

Let the COUNTDOWN Begin...

2010-06-20T08:55:00.000-07:00

He's off, and so are hundreds more!..

Harley-Davidson(R) Hospitality!

2010-06-17T16:12:00.000-07:00

Well, time to hit the road first thing in the morning. This is the last leg of my southbound trip to Key West!!! I have a short window to service the bike, slap on new rubber and visit with my sponsor (Lake Weir Living) before getting myself back to Alaska. Now like I said, I have a short window, two days – get the bike ready and go…

Well, the guys at Harley-Davidson® of Ocala hooked-me-up right on the spot! Tom, David, and Dave got the ball rolling and had my tires ordered, delivered, and put on the bike along with an early 10,000-mile service – all within 48 hrs. (Isn’t that an NBC mystery series?) All that, plus a sweet test-ride on a badass V-Rod® made possible by Randy (HD’s Chrome Consultant). HD did it in 24 hrs! Now that's what I call customer service! It would’ve been quicker, but I put the guys on the spot with a special tire order. I highly recommend HD Ocala if you’re ever in the area.

While they worked on the bike, I kicked with friends and sponsors, Neil and Adriana.

We had some lunch at World-Famous Gator Joe’s on Lake Weir in Ocklawaha (Ackla-whatta?). This place is sweet right on the water, with great riding roads and right down the street from Lake Weir Living. The waitresses do a great job, and are freakin’ cute as hell.

Neil might talk me into buying a place here. After sippin’ some cold beers and eating Alligator (it really does taste like chicken), it was time to pick up the bike and another ride around the area.

This is a great place to have a biker town, and it's toy-friendly! It’s right on the Hwy40-42 Daytona Loop that goes through the Ocala National Forest. The trees here are covered with Spanish moss makes for a nice ride...

Well, my next post will be from the starting line. See y'all!

(A little video with my friends.)

Gunpowder + Charm = St. Augustine

2010-06-15T20:53:00.000-07:00

(Fire in the hole!)

Adriana did it again! She instructed me to St. Augustine, FL. So I went, in trusting faith of her suggestion. I rode in 1000-degree heat and 1000 percent humidity.

Funny, I say Alaska around here and people shudder thinking about the cold. I guess they don't realize they’re living in a broken swamp cooler hovering over a bed of burning coals. F@#$, oh dear!!! How do they do it? Ahhh, but I gotta say, I'm still loving it!!!

St. Augustine is a great place to visit. The oldest town in what is now the United States. I visited the Castillo de San Marcos, which is a badass fort. I arrived in time to catch the musket firing demonstration (very cool).

After checking out the Fort and imagining myself fighting off foreign attacking forces, I cruised around looking at the Spanish Quarter and Flagler College. Check out the pics.

Where are we? Europe? Nope, the good ol’U.S. of A!

(Echoes of our History)

Jackie runs and owns the 63 Orange Street Bed and Breakfast Inn, in St. Augustine, FL. If you’re looking for a great place to stay with real southern hospitality, and peaceful accommodations that’s surpassed by a petite 5’0" charm called Jackie? Then look no further than 63 Orange!

(My own private patio...sweet.)

Kelly (her assistant) and Jackie's son David (on hand for the handy-stuff) just added to the flare of her place. My stay offered escapism to the past and a belly of good eats.

(Oh yeah, my Harley fell in love with an old school Honda Passport [insert heart emoticon here].)

Jackie, thanks again!..I look forward to visiting again.

Thanks for the tip, A!

As You are now, so once was I As I am now, You shall be...

Rolling Through Americana...

2010-06-14T09:13:00.000-07:00

A real nice place to stay, The Anchorage Inn. Charleston, SC.

After rolling through the better half of North Carolina, I woke up in Goldsboro and wondered what to do next. As I'm a Westerner through and through, I’m not really familiar with the Southeast US. I was out of ideas and before heading directly to Hoka Hey for my Thursday registration-in I needed to pick another’s brain. I called my good friend Adriana, who just so happens to be the reason why I’m writing all this stuff to y’all in the first place. (Quick Reminder: She’s the Marketing Director for Lake Weir Living – my Hoka Hey Sponsor.)

Adriana is no stranger to adventure and has definitely spent a good chunk of her life traveling around our beautiful country; from coast-to-coast that girl has lived -- a natural traveler like me.

Without skipping a beat, she points me in the direction of Charleston, SC. She set-it-all-up! A charming B&B called The Anchorage Inn. We both got a real kick out of that, seeing how I'm from Anchorage, and she once lived there (Alaska that is).

Anyway, like I mentioned before the towns seem to blur together however if you have visited Charleston even briefly like I have, you can't help but have a lasting impression. Just walking around brings you back in time and your thoughts wonder as you navigate narrow brick and stone lined streets. Looking all around, gawking – really – like a tourist at all the homes, buildings, and churches to name a few. Seeing places like this makes me want to return, and really spend some quality time getting to know Charleston and its folks better.

Thanks, Adriana, for the destination and the accommodations. Well done!!!

Sponsored by Lake Weir Living. The 2010 Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge Rider Friction Zone Warrior, Brody McNeill, is sponsored by Lake Weir Living/Live Where You Ride. For more information call 352-304-0027, or visitwww.LakeWeirLiving.com.

Mouth of the Dragon

2010-06-12T14:35:00.001-07:00

FZW rides the Dragon, and lives to tell…

Mouth of the Dragon

I wanted to make some time heading to the coast so it was east on Hwy 40. It would’ve worked too, if it weren't for those distractions – but what's a road trip without distractions.

The first one that caught my eye was before I made it to Nashville; it's called the Natchez Trace Parkway.

TN - NC Border Murphy, NC

After several hours cruising through some of the greenest scenery I've seen since leaving the Pacific Northwest and after riding into the night, I finally found myself in Cleveland TN. I was now starting to get into more mountainous terrain.

For several days I was traveling through flat terrain. Now, I was in the Appalachians! After a quick stop in Murphy, NC, I passed through Andrews and found Cherokee County Cycles. I quickly realized I was near the famous Dragon Hwy 129.

Riders prepare for the Dragon: Deals gap, the beginning of the Dragon

Tree of Shame: Some parts of bikes that weren't as lucky as me on this road.

This has got to be the curviest, twistiest stretch of road I have ever ridden. Extremely popular, and today was no exception, bikes everywhere! Everybody must ride this road. I did my best and had a blast. I found my way back to Hwy 40 East, and rode out of the mountains.

TOP OF THE DRAGON: The view from the top of the Dragon. This place is so lush I thought I was somewhere in the jungle.

Too bad, I could have stayed here for days!

"FZW lookin’ at you kid: The Dragon... Who's that in the mirror? Could it be the FZW?"

(FZW lived to tell about it!..Thank, God!)

Sponsored by Lake Weir Living.

The 2010 Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge Rider Friction Zone Warrior, Brody McNeill, is sponsored by Lake Weir Living/Live Where You Ride. For more information call 352-304-0027, or visit www.LakeWeirLiving.com.

Floods, Winds, Tornados, OH MY!..

2010-06-10T16:07:00.001-07:00

Flash flood, heavy rains, high winds, tornado warnings,..these are just a few of my favorite things…

Very challenging ride today to say the least! Hopefully a little drier ride tomorrow but I'm not holding my breath. It was a white-knuckle tour from East Texas to Tennessee.

More than once today I felt like I was riding underwater. I think some of my scuba training came into play for this leg of the journey. What else can I say other than, Mother Nature tried to kill me. BUT I made her my Bitch!

FINAL DAYS OF TX

2010-06-09T20:31:00.000-07:00

The Lone Star State...

Passing through Athens, TX, I called my buddy Jack, who I knew from work up in Alaska. He's been retired from the AMHS a couple of years now. Just so happens he was heading up the road with his gal Marlo to a cook out and invited me along -- perfect timing!

Buddy Jack Grill Master Jay

We made our way out to the Sturgess ranch where I met Jay and Lori and their kids, Cooper and Bailey. Jay is a cowboy and has been working the cattle here for years. Now these folks are some of the nicest most hospitable people you can meet. Beers were on ice, and chicken was on the grill. After I got out of the swimming pool, (can't remember the last time I was in a swimming pool! Haha!), it was time to eat!

Good eats!

After dinner and sun went down and we were good and drunk, it was time to go hog hunting. Riding around in the truck we went out to see the gator. I had no idea there were gators in this part of the country. Anyway after driving around the 2000 acre Sturgess ranch Jay got us onto the hogs. A whole herd of ‘em runnin’ for their lives I managed to squeeze a couple of rounds off but missed. Them little buggers are fast! Shortly after I fell off the truck and rolled down the hill, I guess it was a sight ‘cause everyone was laughing their asses off – including me. I'm a little sore this morning.

Jack, Marlo, Bailey, Cooper, Lori and Jay

& Little Jack Russel TAZ

Thanks to my buddy Jack and the Sturgess family my last day in Texas was a memorable one!

Thanks y'all!..

A Day to Honor Fathers and Soliders...

2010-06-08T19:12:00.000-07:00

Bill McNeill on the Big Dog Coyote in Hill Country.

We got started at the crack of dawn. To get down the road before the heat comes up is the thinking. We met up in town with some of my Dad's friends.

Darrel blessed our bikes, and James smudged the bikes with sage in a traditional Native American ceremony to keep us safe. What a great way to start the day…

Darrel blessing bikes. James smudging.

Ever since I reconnected with Bill (my Dad), I wanted to get a motorcycle and ride with him here in Texas – and today was the day!

We tore across the hill country through towns like Camp Wood, Laekey, and Vanderpool – awesome riding through this country. We sped down these roads, and folks would pull over to let us pass. In one county the Sheriff even pulled over to waved us through. We blew past him faster than the legal speed limit. We smiled and he waved back.

A sheriff is an elected official, so it just goes to show that the folks in this part of the Country are the kind of people that you just might want to have as neighbors.

Ahhh,..Good times!

I will remember today forever. It touched my heart deeply to ride with my Dad in my birthplace. It was a dream come true, and one of the highlights in my journey. He heads back to Midland now, and I head northeast. I will miss him. Time to ride…

Ode to Dads and their Brothers...

Bill McNeill is a life-long Texan and Viet Nam Vet. When the fighting started he opted to join rather than be drafted. He chose the Navy to serve his country. (I probably would do the same, seeing how I'm a sailor too.) That should have been a safe place to spend his time through his commitment and it was for most. However for him, after basic training, he discovered that his tour of duty would not be spent on a ship or even on a river patrol boat. Nope. He would be on a PBR boat a small fiberglass jet boat that patrols up the canal system of the Mekong Delta. For those of you who are familiar, this ain't no picnic. I'm lucky he made it home alive. If he hadn't -- like so many of his fallen brothers -- I would not be here. My Father is very active here in Texas. He, with his fellow vets, help organize and speak at events. He dedicates a lot of time making the Viet Nam Memorial a reality in Midland. He and his fellow vets have done a lot for the Country, and they continue to give of themselves everyday – keeping the American spirit alive!

As I ride out today, my heart is filled with love for my Texas family. I am so happy that I got to see everyone. Thank you. Liz, Paul, and Larry (my Dad’s beautiful wife and her two sons: my new brothers). And thank you, Aunt Martha and Uncle Buddy. Great to see y'all! Even got to see my Grandparents in Beorne, Helen and Jim. Grandma even helped me get my 5000-mile service done on the bike. What a sweetie! A shout goes to my sister Aislinn and my cousin Cassie in Austin. Great seeing you two too! My brother Bret couldn't make it, but we'll catch up one of these days.... Thank You, Texas!!!

Sponsored by Lake Weir Living. The 2010 Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge Rider Friction Zone Warrior, Brody McNeill is sponsored by Lake Weir Living/Live Where You Ride. For more information visit www.lakeweirliving.com, or call 352-304-0027.

It's Gettin' Hot, Hott, HOTT...

2010-06-07T17:45:00.000-07:00

"It's gettin' hot in here, I think I'll take off all my..."

Riding south from the Grand Canyon to Flagstaff, AZ, was a windy experience. Higher the sun climbed into the sky, the hotter it got! Imagine that?! Before I rolled into town, I pulled into Sunset Crater National Monument. What a strange place?.. Trees growing right out of the dead black soil.

A quick stop in Flagstaff and I’m off. Take the Mary Lake Road south, and you soon find yourself out of the desert and heat, and into the forest and cooler air. I wish I could tell you more in detail what I saw, but at this point the places and experiences are starting to blur together. Made it to Silver City, NM, for the night -- somewhere around 640 miles for the day.

Waking up I saw this place for the first time, high desert with surrounding mountains. I made my way to Las Cruces and the San Andres Mountains. 100°!..Ahhh, but it's a dry heat. Whatever, I live in Alaska and this shit just might kill me! I promise never to whine about the cold again…I Swear!!!

I rode over the mountains and dropped into another valley with Alamogordo, NM, and the Sacramento Mountains in the distance. (Funny thing, Flagstaff, AZ, sits at the base of the San Francisco Mountains. I think NM and AZ must really love California because they named their mountain ranges after its cities. Hmmm?..Maybe not.)

A bit later…

The Red Roaster visits Las Crucis with the San Andres Mountains in the background. White Sands, NM

This is my, "It's gettin' hot!" Or, "Look, I just shit my pants!" look.

I rode the bike into White Sands National Monument and had a look around. It’s quite a contrast from the black volcanic rocks of Sunset Crater that I visited yesterday. After I soaked my shirt and drank my weight in Gatorade, it was time to ride up the Sacramento's and out of this fire-pit. Climbing up the air became cooler and cooler, and by the time I made it to Cloudcroft I was thinking, "Hell! I could live here."

The San Andres with lava formations in the foreground and cinder cones in the background.

The road that connects Cloudcroft to Ruidoso is awesome; beautiful forests and green pastures, and super sweet twisties go right through the middle of it all! This is Apache country, and they have some of New Mexico’s most scenic land.

The road was so fun, that I almost turned around just to ride it again.

Getting closer to Ruidoso, I was surprised to feel the temps climbing again, yep about 97 or so, in Ruidoso? Time to soak the shirt again. Down to Hondo, and soak! Then to Roswell, and soak! I'm red as a lobster and not thinking clearly. Can't wait ‘til the sun goes down.

Mostly every small town I passed through West Texas tonight was broiling, long after the relief of night came -- the towns were still cooking on high! Made it safely here at my Dad's place in Midland, TX. Eureka! Over 1200 miles in 36 hours!! Think I'll sleep in… G’nite!

This shot explains everything!

(Ride safe. Go with God, and keep cool!)

Grand Canyon,..Pretty Sweet Spot!

2010-06-07T08:08:00.000-07:00

Brody is super lucky and scores a sweet camp.

After cruising through Monument Valley, I threw in the towel in Page, AZ. Got up early to try and score a campsite in the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. T-shirt all the way!!!

It was dinner with a view, and lights out. I still couldn't believe I was lucky enough to score this campsite, and have it all to myself.

The next morning caught the sunrise, brewed some coffee, broke camp and hit the road again. Need to put some miles down to build my endurance. Hoka Hey!!!

Park the bike, go for a hike!!

The rangers were cool enough to let me store all my bike luggage at the Station. My license plate is on one of the saddle bags, and the Ranger told me not to worry about it. Gotta love cruising the park, riding it like I stole it!!!

View from my camp site,..Beat that!!!

(Enjoy the ride, Warrior! May the wind be at your back, and the sun be upon your shoulders.)

Give way to Rocks, Arches, and Deserts…

2010-06-05T10:59:00.000-07:00

Bikers in Monument...(Play video)

I haven't put on the rain gear in days!..and my jacket isn't getting much use either.

The mountains and snow to the North give way to red rocks, arches, and deserts. The temperature is steadily rising. I know it's only going to get hotter. This bike is kikingsumeass!

(Lunch in Moab & Lone Arch)

More and more, I understand what my father told me about road trips on secondaries on a bike. You can't beat the experience!

(Award-winning shots. Impressive little iPhone.)

Seeing, feeling, smelling!

It’s all just cruising without a box to separate you from the world. Leaning with a bike on the corners instead of being pushed to the side of a four-wheel container: the planet spinning on its axis by the force of your wheels. The scenery flying by and you centered within it. Yep!..I’m right where I should be!!

(Love this shot!! I planned it the day. I had the sun right where I wanted it.)

Be safe, Warrior!..Enjoy the ride!..

Don't try this at home

2010-06-05T10:07:00.000-07:00

Our Hoka Hey Rider is a NUT!!

(Through the Grand Canyon.)

SLC, Yes! From here, I'm thinking warmer weather...

2010-06-03T13:06:00.000-07:00

Well. Okay, then… After riding through wind and rain, and yes a little snow, I made it into Salt Lake City. The snow-capped Wasatch Mountains towering above the sun-lit valley is always an impressive sight! Oh!..

Did I mention warm and sunny?.. YES!!!

After sitting on the bike for a couple of thousand miles, I was in desperate need of exercise. A good friend Hillary offered to show me one of her favorite hikes in the front-range to Grandeur Peak. A short hour and 45-minute hike to the top, and you get a kick-ass view of the Great Salt Lake and the City, as well as other peaks in the Range.

"From down there you can only imagine, from up here you know. So get off your ass!!!"

It was very nice to lay back and have a well-earned bask in the sun. Thanks again, Hilly!

SLC was great! But it's time to head south for a bit. I think from here on-out, staying cool is going to be more important than staying warm. (You can say that again, Brother! It’s 90s in the Keys! Welcome to the Equator! We’ll be waiting with a cold Land Shark Lager, Jimmy Buffet’s brew.)

Rider in the Storm...

2010-05-30T12:33:00.000-07:00

...

Ahhh,..Yellowstone, one of America's most beautiful and unusual national parks. It's amazing with its abundant wild life and natural scenery, and of course the geothermal features. You never forget those incredible geysers. At least that's what I remember when I was here ten years ago. This time I blasted right through, and didn't even go into the park. Why?..

Well,..I ain't religious, but God damn!..It was f*@king raining like a mother f*@ker!!!

Cold as hell, and dumping rain since I left Bozeman. I took HWY 191 through Big Sky to West Yellowstone. After getting there and reviewing the forecast, I thought it smart (and safe) to hit the road before the snow flies. All I wanted to do is ride the f*@k out of this storm!!

At least I stayed dry even if my fingers almost froze solid. The best thing about riding through a storm, is coming out the other side ("Break on through," flashes to The Doors). Once I hit Ashton, ID, the rain stopped and my fingers came back to life. I felt on top of the world! YES!! "Mother Nature, Is that all you got?!"

I think I'll stay in Driggs tonight...

(Ride Safe. Be Wise. Ride the road in pleasure, not in danger. - LiveWhereYouRide.com)

Getting closer...

2010-05-29T09:21:00.000-07:00

80mph to Bozeman…

The rain stopped – I had smooth air all the way – a far cry from the wind and rain of yesterday.

Getting closer, the Bridger Mountains came into view, just as I imagined them. I thought this would be a great place to get a better view (wanted to get airborne). I rode straight to Gallatin Field to check it out. I met Teri at Summit Aviation, and she informed me that Mark Taylor (Rocky Mountain Rotors) did flight instruction in his Robinson R-22. Mark and I met up, and immediately I knew I found the right guy. I didn’t want to just go flight seeing,..I wanted to fly the helicopter myself. One half-hour of ground school and we were off! We flew toward the Spanish Peaks to look for buffalo, elk, and wolves. Mark's expert instructing skills made my flight invaluable from a student's perspective, as well as a traveler. Thanks again, Mark!!!

This morning it’s time to hit the road again, and my new local Montanan friend, Teri, showed me a local place for breakfast that was great! Folks from Bozeman have been eating there for years, long before all the big box stores and the "outsiders" encroached upon this valley. I love little places like this cafe, they’re strongholds of original American culture and must be preserved and protected. I highly recommend you eat there at least once, but don’t ask me where to find it. If you want to visit, you gotta find it yourself. (Unplanned, unscheduled, and just happening,..that's Our Warrior!)

Good People of Montana Video...

A Friendly Place to call Home...

2010-05-28T09:01:00.000-07:00

You just have to love Montana with its beautiful scenery and friendly people, and not to mention their roads with 70 -75 mph speed limits…YES!!!

After leaving Kalispell, it was off to Glacier National Park. I only made it 16 miles in, because the park is not fully open for the season. However what I did see on the Going To The Sun Highway was awesome, and I’d love to come back -- maybe the Hoka Hey will bring me back...hint, hint. (Hmm,..Lake Weir Living just might...)

I arrived in Helena in a thunderstorm (wouldn't have it any other way). In Helena you can't help but notice the double steeples of the Cathedral. Seeing them made me wonder if my old friend Nick still owned the Barrister Inn right next door. I called him up, and after 12 years since I last visited him, he said, "Com’on over! The live music downtown starts in a half hour.” I made it in perfect time -- of course -- and after many beers I had great nights sleep at the Inn.

Thanks, Ol’Buddy!! Yep, I could live in Montana...

(Sleep well, our Friction Zone Warrior, and may the wind be at your back.)

Happy Trails...

2010-05-26T09:59:00.000-07:00

I awoke undecided to exactly where my destination would be. After running around Spokane rounding up more gear I headed east on 90 through Idaho. (What did the one potato says to the other potato?..LMAO!)

My original itinerary took me north through Sand Point, ID – but after checking the weather – I opted for Missoula. I would’ve made it, but I gave into temptation and got off 90 at St. Regis on 135.

…Ahhh, Yes! I love these secondary roads. This leg proved to be the right choice as I soon found myself riding through the Paradise Valley, and onto a jaw dropping view of Flathead Lake with jagged snow capped peaks in the distance. (Ahhh, yes…)

This is the West… Here it is. It's easy to imagine the bike is actually a horse riding through wild country. On top of all that the weather was perfect!!!

I devoured a steak dinner in Kalispell. After which I was too tired and too lazy to unpack the bike, so naturally I just rode it right into my hotel room.

Sweet dreams...

(Sleep well, our Friction Zone Warrior, may peace ride with you, and the trail be happy and keep your pony dry.)

Countdown...

2010-05-25T13:32:00.000-07:00

After fueling up in Gig Harbor, I was back on the road...

Railing through traffic on Interstate 5 is not my idea of vacation, but that's the reality of traveling. It wasn't long before I left the the hectic Interstate for the North Cascade Highway (HWY 20). Shortly after passing through the town of Concrete, the highway starts to reveal its reputation for being one the Country's most scenic routes.

(heart-pumping adventure...)

A lot of fun with a lot of corners to give the sidewalls the attention they deserve, and each vista surpassing the last. HELL YEAH!! This is the Shit!! It's why I bought the bike in the first place. Definately need more of that! Made it to Spokane earlier this evening, and I'm pondering my next leg. My planned route takes me to northern Montana with snow, rain and flood advisories...Hmmmm, might have to re-think this one...

(Keep your thoughts and blessings coming as the Friction Zone Warrior makes his journey.)

13,000 and counting...

2010-05-24T07:43:00.000-07:00

After kicking back with cousins and catching up, it's time to hit the road again.

Although I had a great time driving my cousins KICK ASS corvette, and cruising around the Puget Sound on his yacht!..And meeting Terry, Doug, and Ken (three more cousins I didn't even know I had),..I'm antsy as HELL! I just wanna ride and burn a few hundred miles.

At work (Alaska Marine Highway), we say, "Put the rudder to this town." Awesome time, and thanks for all the hospitality, but I am "Outta here!"

I'll ride over the Cascades on HWY 20 East in search of sun, twistys and speed.

I'll let y'all know where my Iron Horse leads us...

(Brody is logging his iron horse journey.

Check back to see his experience rolls, as he hits the road!)

Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery...

2010-05-22T09:49:00.000-07:00

(Me and my new best friend EJ cruising Ketchikan, EJ works for the AMHS like me and we thought since the office is here, we'd drop in and let our dispacher Dan know that we won't be around for work for a while.)

Brody's lights out thoughts...
After getting off the short ride to Port Townsend on the WA state ferry, the second boat of the day, I continued south to Gig Harbor to visit my reletives Ron and Ruth. I think you would agree, what's the point of a road trip if you don't visit friends and family along the way?..

Anyway, on the leg of this trip -- I quickly remember what the pacific north west is all about-- RAIN!!! It's not green here by accident. It was coming down in buckets.

Anyone cruising a busy highway up to speed in these conditions knows it can be a little nerve racking, but I can't say I didn't enjoy it. Especially when I'm now writing this from a warm cozy DRY bed...

(Rest up, Brother. 13,500 miles and counting...)

5/21 Count Down to Hoka Hey from AK: 6/20 Key West, FL

2010-05-21T14:51:00.001-07:00

Repairs are complete as we lay here in Ketchikan in the rare sun shine. Our ship was built in '64, and it has seen a lot of foul weather (some of it while I was at the helm). Now it's time for us to cross the gulf again, and make way our for Homer.

I've been contemplating my trip almost all the time now as we prepare to cast off our lines. I'm talking about my cross country motorcycle trip. I've traveled around the world more than once, and have been here and there most of my adult life, so this trip is just another chapter. However, I'm glad that I still get nervous a little preparing for the unknown. If I didn't, what would be the point of this adventure in the first place?

I haven't been a rider my whole life. In fact, this is a relatively new experience for me. I remember the first time I rode a motorcycle -- a dirt bike in Nepal, for a day -- a girlfriend back then said, "You're a boy! Of course you know how to ride!" and off we went through the countryside among rickshaws, elephants, and other things.

But, that's another story.

This is a BIG trip through Alaska, the lower 48, and back again with the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge. Some folks I know, just can't get their heads around it. Why? I don't just ship my bike down to the Keys? It's inconceivable for them. They don't get it! (And if I gotta explain it to you, then you don't get it!)

A 14,000-mile trip through some of the greatest terrain on the planet with like-minded riders and for chance to win a sack of gold in the end?.. Shhhhii##! It's a vacation of a life-time! Riding just for fun, setting my head down at night under a big sky, and moving at my own pace with folks who know what I'm talking about -- it's the freedom that we crave, and the passion that fuels our next ride.

My route is picked out with some ideas of things to see and do along the way. But mostly, I'm leaving things open and letting the trip unfold for me as we (me and my 2010 HD Dyna WG) go. Funny, as I think about the start of this trip, I can't help but get the feeling that it has already started, and now I'm left pondering the past, present, and future as one thing. Yeah, this trip is going to be...? And, that's the beauty of it!

http://www.youtube.com/user/brodazafa1

(Brody will log his trip.

Came back daily until July as he reaches the end of his 14,000 miles!)

14,000 Miles on an Iron Horse by Brody McNeill

2010-05-20T10:41:00.000-07:00

14,000 MILES FROM AK TO FL, AND BACK AGAIN ON AN IRON HORSE

Friction Zone Warrior rides Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge 2010 (& more)

OCKLAWAHA, FL -- May 20, 2010, Brody McNeill of Anchorage, Alaska will ride his way from Alaska to Florida, and back again to Alaska as the sponsored Friction Zone Warrior for Lake Weir Living in the 2010 Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge. McNeill will meet up with 1,000 chosen riders from around the globe to embark on what is truly a challenging ride through public roadways into deep back-road terrain. The Iron Horse Riders understand the risks involved riding across two countries and four-time zones. And McNeill wants to do it twice!

Lake Weir Living (LiveWhereYouRide.com) is a motorcycle enthusiasts’ residential community in Central Florida (Ocklawaha, FL). The Rider-Friendly community (with home and land packages from the $90s) is nestled between what Harley-Davidson endorses as some of Florida’s best touring roads. Brody McNeill, Alaska Marine Highway System (AMHS) deck-hand and private pilot, is Lake Weir Living’s Friction Zone Warrior during the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge 2010!

This challenge of endurance, navigation and wit is what fuels McNeill’s fire. Filled with passion, between his days off from AMHS or flying a plane for fun, you usually find Brody heli-skiing (helicopter drop onto a mountain top) down Alaska’s mountain range, or suspended from a steep river ravine catching wild salmon! McNeill’s in-it, to win-it! The first Warrior to arrive in Homer, Alaska on July 20, 2010 wins the $500,000.00 U.S. (Five Hundred Thousand Dollars U.S.) in Alaskan gold as valued on June 20, 2010. McNeill will be keeping a daily log of his journey. “We’re proud to sponsor Brody McNeill, our Friction Zone Warrior,” says Neil Schuster, Co-Managing Partner of Lake Weir Living. “We wouldn’t want anyone else to represent us in the Challenge. His spirit is what’s true about riders – the motorcycle family camaraderie. On the road riders have each others’ back, and that’s what we’re building at Lake Weir Living, a motorcycle friendly community where homeowners watch out for their neighbors and respect their bikes.”

For story information and photos, please call 352-304-0027 or email info@lakeweirliving.com.
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