GA to TX on the Clapped-Out Bandit

[gruney1]

I just can't wait any longer.

I am leaving today for Texas. I have ten dollars in my wallet, no job, no hope of ever finding a job, so I am outta here. The wife & kids will have to do their own laundry for a while.

My sister and her family live in Corpus Christi, and invited me to stay with them.

I am packing a bunch of PB&J sandwiches and a gallon jug of water. I will sleep wherever I can for free.

I finally got a new front tire to replace the bubbling Shinko, changed the oil, and lubed the chain.

I am packing today, not bringing many clothes, just what I can wear, and some extra socks and underwear.

The plan is to hug the Gulf coast as much as possible. Hopefully it's warmer than here, cause it's been COLD here! My biggest concern its the cold nights in the tent.

I am bringing my old laptop, my daughter's camera, and my son's video camera, and hope to post the details of my trip as I go.

I hope nothing breaks......

[mikem9]

I'm in and look forward to reading your other report - Ga. to NY. I just bought a cheap used Bandit myself.

[eatalotapeaches]

$10 to your name? Your not gonna get very far into Alabama before your gas money is gone.... Were you on the Bandit at the Beaver rally around August? I was on the white GS. If you need anything in Mississippi give me a ring.

[gruney1]

Here's the basic plan:

View Directions to Corpus Christi, TX in a larger map

[GB]

Let's see the clapped out Bandit ride

[mike]

[Fireman1000]

Well, if you were coming down through middle GA, I would buy you lunch, but doesn't look like you're route brings you my way.

[ScottFla]

From one semi clapped out Bandit owner to another, if you were anywhere near Tallahassee, I'd buy you lunch and some gas, too. Have a good ride!

[gruney1]

Thanks for the well wishes, guys. I made it to Dadeville Alabama, staying at my cousin's house tonight. I gotta grab a couch whenever I can!

Here's the Clapped-out Bandit in the driveway:




Nutritious and delicious:


The other side:


I made 14 PB & J sandwiches and 6 hard-boiled eggs:


Thanks go out to the chickens:


Ready to go:










218 mph top speed? That Bandit is FAST!


My son's video camera:


Obligatory blue gorilla shot:


I stopped for lunch at a cemetery. Guess what I had?




The economy affects everyone. They only repaved part of the road here:




My water bottle leaked all over my leg. BRRRRR!


A sliver of a moon tonight:


Safely in the garage in Alabama:


Day 1 mileage:


Perfect end to a good day. It's good to be on the road again.


Day 1

Gas: $18.24 for 231 miles
Beer: $4.40

Total $22.64

[gruney1]

Eating some oatmeal and drinking coffee. Can't wait to be on the open road again!
I am hoping to make it to the Gulf Shores Ferry today and cross into Mississippi if I have time.

[mike]

I stop at cemetery's quite often. TXDOT has taken out alot of the rest areas around here.

[mikem9]

Gruney1 - Have you ever used this site to find places to stay? http://www.couchsurfing.org/

What kind of tires are you running for this journey? PS - finished reading your ATL to NY report - good stuff!

[gruney1]

I slept in since I had a bed, then fixed myself a hearty breakfast:





I got on the road around 10 AM, and the weather and roads were beautiful. I think these country roads are my favorite:


I saw some interesting mailboxes along the way:







And some more stuff, but no BBQ for me this time:






I stopped for a PB&J and egg lunch at an abandoned gas station:


And got a self portrait:


My first view of big water:




It was getting late, so my thoughts turned to camping. I stopped at a state park, but they catered to RV's only, so I continued on. I found out about Florida sand the hard way when I turned into an opening along the side of the road. There was a nice camp spot, but I could not get to it on the Bandit.


The rear tire sunk in up to the axle, and I was definitely stuck!


This can NOT be good for the chain!


I pushed the heavy Bandit over on it's side and kicked sand in the hole under the rear tire to raise it up out of the soft, fine sand.


After a few tries, the bike was almost out of the deep hole, but I could still not push it back. Luckily, a guy on a Harley rode by, saw my dilemma, and stopped to help. I felt very dumb, but he did not comment, he just helped me pull the heavy turd out of the sand, and went on his way. Thanks Harley Guy!!!


Here is the spot I was trying to get to:


And here's the sand I got stuck in:


Back on the road, I continued riding into the sunset in search of a suitable location for my tent for the night:







The last ferry out of Gulf Shores to Dauphin Island left at 5:45, and I could just make it if I hurried, so that's what I did. I got t the ferry and there was a car waiting there, but the flashing sign said "CLOSED". It was 5:20 when I got there. I thought I would be camping alongside the ferry lot, but right at 5:45 the ferry came into view.
It was starting to get dark, so I snapped a few pictures while I still had a little light.




These guys were fishing for flounder using spears and I saw them get a few while I was waiting for the ferry:


Here's the Bandit on the ferry:

[aldntn]

I know that ferry very well. PBJ and PBR: what a combination.

[coonass35]

This could be interesting!