The day I lost my bandanna on Route 66

In the summer of 2009, we skipped out Sturgis trip and headed to California via Route 66.  On the third day, we took off heading west.  I always wear just a bandanna if I am not riding in a mandatory helmet state.  The bandanna was important to keep my chin length hair out of my face and keep it presentable for stops.  Having a mid-length hair style makes it tough on women riding Harleys because we do not have enough to ponytail or braid, yet we certainly have more than the guys that choose to shave their hair or wear crew cuts.
You will have to keep in mind that this was my first real summer with my own bike, and I was feeling my wild oats that day on route 66, as the warm sun was beating down on us, and the scenery was so beautiful.  I felt wild, and in control at the same time, following my husband west on the route. 
As we were riding, a sudden gust of wind took my bandanna off of my head and sent it flying.  Following him, I would not suddenly stop and retrieve it or I would lose him, so I waited until I could attract his attention to stop and finally told him about my lost bandanna.  He asked if I wanted to go back the five miles or so to look for it but I was too excited to keep going and I told him "no, the wind and sun will feel good in my hair", so we continued to ride.
We were on the road a solid 4 - 6 hours after that until we stopped at a hotel along the route for the night.  Sitting in my room, tired, and with a sunburned forehead (again, read the lesson about the sunscreen - I am a slow learner), I began to comb out my hair to get in the shower.  I tried and tried to put a comb and then my brush into my hair and free it from the tangles.  It looked like dreadlocks by then, seriously beyond any human effort on the comb.
You guessed it, I started to cry (again).  I was so angry at the world that my head was painful, that I sent my husband riding to the nearest drug store to buy detangler, and a bottle of vodka.  When he returned, I was in no better mood but after about 1/2 the bottle of detangler and 1/2 the bottle of vodka, I could almost comb my hair, shower, and then put my weary body to bed.
I see women riders with their long tresses blowing in the wind behind them and I wonder what their secret is.  Someday I will stop one of them and ask them how they comb their hair after riding. 
Lesson learned:  contain the hair or pay the consequences!