Biker gear for commuting and distance riding.

 Riding in West Texas results in needing the proper riding gear. BMW type people like the pants, boots, gloves, jackets. These sometimes cost a lot and if you don't have that type of investment then you will need to look at alternatives.

 Quality helmet is a MUST. Pay the extra money and get a helmet that will be proper and be DOT certified. Gloves are a good investment and in West Texas when the heat index is 103 it is nice to have something on your hands that breath. Leather mesh gloves, First Gear. Work great.

 A closet full of helmts that now just set. I wonder why we never throw away these things, oh yeah, they have history and tell a story of our journey.

 I have a harley leather jacket that my wife bought in 1997 and I still wear it on the scooter. Nice thing about being old is you don't worry about looks. It is comfortable and offer protection. I also have an Olympia jacket, mesh summer wear, three season. Awesome jacket but hot in the high heat.

 Every biker dude needs bandanas and these come from Hobby Lobby. Work great.

I like many different colors as you can see, I am a visual type dude.

B-4, gets new luggage thanks to Wally Wordl and my dear wife.

 Still working on the scooter and thinking how I can get the right luggage on it. You know the kind that can be waterproof and still carry your items. Not to difficult to get on and off the scoot.

 Now I decided that I need reflective tape so that people can see me when they come upon me. Bought this at Low's and hope it works

 Wasn't to hard to stick on though I think my eyes are crooked but then again it is okay.

Finished product. Added some tape to the back of the scoot which I have named, you know guys don't name their rides but then again I am old so, my scooter B-4. Burgman 400. Now b-4 and I will travel America and though it is late in the season it is still a good time to go.

 Family visit to McKinney, TX with the grandkids and family. These kids are awesome. We ate at Sicily's and it is some of the best pizza that I have eaten.

 Family group hug and table. Nice place to dine. If you are in McKinney stop by and get a pizza. They are worth every penny.

 This little girl is a hoot. Her and her dad are making faces and these were just fun to watch. Live is a blessing and the children in our lives are a blessing from God.

This is the pizza of greatness, super good, delightful to eat. The works and you can order it by the slice. This one has anchovies. Hard to find but so so good.

 Bob and I decided to eat out and go to Clear Springs in Midland, TX. Sorry the pictures are out of order. Still trying to learn to use this mode of technology. In West Texas this place is really nice and has a great hamburger. 1/2 lbs of pure delight.

 These men are members of the Christian Book Club that I attend in Midland, TX. You can see that they are vary in age and love God. We are studying Systematic Theology by Oden as well as other topics of Election, Determinism, Predestination and other topics.

 Having lunch with my son Nathan. He has a Yamaha Warrior. This guy is married, four kids and loves God. I am blessed to have him as a son and Christian brother.

 Bob and me at a spanish restaurant in Midland, TX. Married 39 years going north to 40. Three boys, all saved, all married to Godly women and all who work hard. 8 grandkids and a joy to us.

 Well, this is my scoot. Burgman 400. It is what I can afford and what I make do with. Remember part of the ride is to enjoy the journey and two wheels down and into the wind works fine. I have had Goldwings, Harley's, Paggio and I enjoyed them all. Hope you enjoy your ride and don't be wanting more than you can afford.

 I met with the Book Club and this was my lunch. It was quite good and I really enjoy pizza and a bottle of Pellegrino.

 This is the Burger from Clear Springs. Notice the size of this thing. It was awesome. If you come to Midland I will be more than happy to treat you to one of these. Just give me a call. 432 889-3806. It is the real deal.

Today is Sunday and after church Bob and I went to one or our favorite places. Cheddars in odessa, TX. They have a huge Babyback Rib that if I had know how big it was I would only have ordered a half order. Really, this is big and good. No quite like a slow good 16 hours rib over mesquite but still good. Until next time, God Bless you and hope to catch you traveling by Midland, TX.

 The country view as you approach Irann, TX.

 This country grows on you as you see the vastness and it holds a certain beauty unlike the rockies.

 I can just image in days past of Indians moving through this territory.

 This is Texas at its best in the Western part of the state. Worth checking out.

 Coming down a road and this is the view that meets you. Notice, no houses, no cars, no stores, just country.

 There you have it, a big rock.

And so after a 200 mile trip to eat BBQ in Irann, the BBQ house was closed, I am on my way home to Midland, TX. This was my first ride in 6 years. Due to some health issues it was difficult for me to hold a bike up and so I went with a scooter. Now that I can hold a moderate bike, not a Gold wing, which I love, but a lighter bike, I am shopping around. The wind on this trip was fierce and moved you around on the road. Those that ride small bikes know what I am writing about. So the time as come to look at a bigger bike and will go the 75 mph speed limit up to 85 mph. A small ride will get you hurt or hurt someone else. See you next visit, Charley.

 Iraan Texas, population about 2800 people. Road trip to Iraan from Midland, TX. You can see this is downtown. Some places in West Texas are not very big.

 This was my destination but for some reason they are closed on a Saturday. Bummer, no BBQ today.

 I ate here in 1997 and the BBQ was great. Will try again. A 200 mile trip and came up empty for the BBQ.

 Iraan is like other West Texas towns, the boom is on and so invest in building new schools.

 The flower bushes are beautiful. Do not know what they are called but they do look nice.

Alley OOP park, remember that comic strip back in the 30's. The creator from that was from Iraan, TX.

I need to get groceries and the little 400 Burgman does a great job. Under seat storage is just about right for what I need to get for the grandkids and make pies.

 You will see all the stuff that can go under the seat. I had a Harley and loved it but it could not even carry toothpaste but the joy of riding was great.

 You can see the things on the table and all this went under the seat.

 Good thing to have when needing second transportation and you need more than just a ride down the street on the "Drag".

 One more shot and all my groceries.

 Okay, looks like I am in a line up for the "most wanted" ha, but getting ready to go and come back and unload the groceries.

One last shot of all the stuff that kids like.

 Five Guys Burgers, this place is great. Located in Odessa, TX and just opened in January of 2013.

 You can see all the people working to take your order. This place runs like a mess kitchen. Friendly, fast and clean.

 So, I got a call from my son, Nathan, that  we would be eating at the Five. I was ready and mounted up for the ride to Odessa. Love commuting, just riding is a joy. About 7,500 miles a year for me for the past 12 years plus out of town trips.

 Can you see the potatoes, fresh made french fries and well worth the money.

 All the refills you want.

 Nathan ready to eat. Love this guy, how cool it is to have lunch with your son and enjoy each other's company. As a Christian we are always talk about the things we see God doing.

 These fries are good enough to come to the Five and just eat fries. Yeah, that good, sorry healthy people but every now and then you need some fries to make your day.

 A double meat and really a single would be just fine. The price is okay for what you get. Nice that you don't have to pay for anything extra like, cheese, bacon, or mushrooms. Nice. Coming here again.

It meets the Charley Chapman taste test and receives the approval of this Adventurer. LOL.