Days 27-29 - Reflections while chillin' on Fink Farm

A lot of things have changed since we started traveling six years ago. Most of that falls into one category - our attitude. 

2011-12

Son Jordan came to DFW for a Thanksgiving visit in November of 2010. We wound up renting bikes and doing some day-tripping. Bikes had been in the family since the early 70s, but both Jordy and we had been bikeless for 5 or 6 years. Seems like that one short experience at Thanksgiving was all it took to remind us of what we had been missing. So…while Liz and her sisters decorated the house in December of 2010, I visited the BMW dealership in Fort Worth. One up close and personal look at a gorgeous 2010 BMW R1200RT was all it took; the rest is history at its best.

Almost immediately Liz and I discovered the Lone Star BMW Riders Club and became avid members. Our mission was to find a group of kindred souls that loved the open road. For the most part, that’s what we found. Within six months of joining we had become terminally addicted to two-wheeled, life-on-the-road. The recipe then was “Mach II - Hair on Fire.” Many folks say that motorcycle riding is as close as you can get to flying on terra firma. Not having flown a plane, I can only trust their opinions, but I love leaning her over and pulling serious G’s.  It seemed  almost no one was prepared to ride as fast and lean over as far as would suit me. Looking back, I’m sure it was not fun to ride with me in those days. Liz was then and now, my best riding buddy. Nobody is better at putting up with my bullshit ways that Lizzy; thank goodness!!

Tail of the Dragon - 2011

2013-14

An unusual turn of events altered our path in 2013. The Tourmeister "icon" of the LSBMWR group made a lifestyle change and resigned his post. Never one to back away from a challenge (not to mention a leadership role) I became his replacement. Tourmeister, for those that don’t know, is a motorcycle term for “travel agent.” How cool is that? It’s a ready made excuse to live on the bike while finding every twist and turn on the planet (for us, the USA and Canada portion of the planet). We took the job seriously and began living on the road. A good portion of that time was escorting groups of great friends around this great country of ours. Tourmeistering totally consumed us and was one of the greatest experiences of our lives. Having retired in June of 2012, it was the perfect transition.

Our tenure as Tourmeisters probably was a period of mixed reviews. It cannot be said that our travels were not ambitious including almost every part of the country except the Northeast (Alaska was the biggest adventure). While we usually chaperoned groups ranging from 12 to 40+ bikes, many others didn’t attend because they were, shall we say, gainfully employed. Add to that, lots of folks just don’t like to spend days astride a gasoline-powered thoroughbred.

It was during this period that Lizzy and I discovered that wanderlust is a terminal addiction. We found that riding in a group, even if you are the leader that others follow, is more restrictive than what we were seeking. Further, our two-wheeled tastes morphed from dragging pegs in the corners, to safely savoring the scintillating scenery. We resigned as Tourmeisters and intensified our life of leisurely two-wheeled travel.

2014-present…

One of the things we wanted to do when we bought the BMW RT in 2010, was to paint the border of the US with our motorcycle tires. Little did we know that adventure was just a light snack. We’ve checked that box, but oh so many more along the way. If you had told me in January of 2011 that one could name a state or city (not to mention small roads, parks, sights and cafes) within the 49 continental United States, and we could picture your reference, I’d have laughed out loud. Well, guess what?; It happens frequently.

Hard to believe, but true. We've loved every mile and every minute!

Finally, the Fink Farm. Our first visit to Lexington Kentucky was back in the fall of 2012. We left a club ride called the Autumn Colors Ride, and headed east alone. The adventure began with a cantankerous tire that persisted in leaking whenever we stopped. That was our first lesson in motorcycle survival 1.01. Once we realized that repairs are a part of any travel agenda, we became more at home on the road. Liz fell in love with all the Kentucky barns adorned with colorful quilt designs. Those are akin to European coats of arms; no two are the same. 

For me, it was being surrounded in an entire landscape of scrupulously manicured bluegrass. Bar ditches, prevalent almost everywhere in the country, are either non-existent or serenely camouflaged in Kentucky. So, if you avoid the Interstates and travel exclusively “back roads” as we do, you’re treated to an experience akin to riding through the front and back yards of fastidious Kentuckians throughout the state.

Cosmic great fortune landed us at a remote, garden spot on the eastern border of Lexington Kentucky. A write-up on VRBO.com depicted a barn apartment on an exotic animal farm. How cool is that? Well, nothing is ever quite like you envision it. That was true of this experience. Fortunately, is was exponentially better than imagined. We love it so much this marks our 4th stay and 2nd full month here. I can’t believe I got bored during our 1st, 10-day stay here. Keep in mind that was during an era when the sole purpose of a bike was a source of adrenaline. Today, it is better defined as the premier travel experience for land based exploration. 

The Finks - Awesome Folks!

Our buddy - Gunner

For the past few days we have just lived here in Kentucky. While KY weather, like in Texas, is fickle, it almost never presents a 24-hr period without some sunshine. Our host explained that summers get hot! When she finished her thought with, “I mean in the 80’s!,” it was all we could do to suppress our laughter. I’m sure 88 degrees is very hot in Lexington; but I wonder if is is even in the league with our 100+ days in Texas.

Staying in one place for an extended period, in essence living there temporarily, has countess advantages. For starters, the costs are much less than “road-tripping.” Not only is the daily rate lower, but you can grocery shop and prepare your own delicious meals for less than eating out. Gasoline expenses diminish as well. Before long you’ve settled into a routine that suits the environs. We just love riding anywhere around the Lexington area. The scenery is stunning and the laid-back vibe just suits. 

Finally, an unexpected plus is to get better acquainted with our hosts and neighbors, the Finks. These people rule! We enjoyed a night on the town that was truly special. Today, we prepared lasagne for our guests tomorrow night, Randy and Denise. Since lasagna is a labor of love, it only made sense to make enough to share with our hostess, Michelle. 

Life is good here on the farm.