Johnson City Ride Day 1

I had a plan, kind of. I wanted to stop in Gettysburg, check that out and I needed to be in Gray TN on Friday at 4-5ish. I wanted to leave predawn at 4 ish so I could get into Gettysburg early afternoon and play tourist. Then ride some more. I had a mind that I wanted to ride the mountains as much as I could manage. That was it. That was the plan.

Day 1

Well the improvisation started early. I woke up to a hard rain and a forecast of snow at higher elevations. Predawn was out, I’m sleeping in. When I finally hit the road there was cold drizzle that dwindled to a raw overcast. The conditions were a little bleak but my spirits were high. I’m on vacation with many miles of new roads to ride, people to meet and places to see.

I ran into some snow on my approach to Bennington VT. The road was clear and the snow accumulated on non asphalt surfaces. My electric clothing was on and I was quite comfortable. I decided to stop for a photo op near Woodford VT.




I rode through VT and upstate NY down Rt88 to 81 into Pennsylvania All slab all the way to Gettysburg for about 500 miles. It stopped raining and the sun broke out late in the day. It was uneventful. I found a fleabag motel to shack up and a local bar with the World Series on. I had a couple of cold ones, some buffalo wings, watched the game then called it a night.

I'm off tomorrow on my solo trip. I'm going to try to make Gettysburg for my first overnight.
I'm going to leave real early. Probably around 5AM. Maybe earlier if I can pull it off. Hopefully that will get me in around 3ish. The weather is looking a bit sketchy but I have my Electrics and my desire for the open road. I'm packed and ready to go.

Here is a map of my first day. It comes in around 500 miles.
After that who knows? I know I'll be doing skyline Drive and probably DC on the way back. There is going to be quite a bit of improvising in between :) I'll post a report when I get back. Until then Speed safe!

Foliage in New Hampshire

Here are some pictures from Sunday's ride up Route 31 in NH. The foliage is real good this year.A little waving going on up ahead

We find some dirt in Pillsbury State Park

We stopped at Mount Sunapee and rode the ski lift to the top. It was a little hazy but otherwise absolutely beautiful

Party At Poland Springs

Last spring I was at our HOG Road Captain's meeting to fill out the summer riding schedule. One of the other road captains asked if anyone was interested in going to Poland Springs Resort and Inn for a fall event. He mentioned it was pretty cheap. All told it would cost us about $100.00 each for two nights 4 Meals and entertainment each night. It sounded like a bargain to me.

Out front there is this cute gazebo on the edge of the golf course with peak foliage close at hand. Little did I know that this place is a classic style inn (Dirty Dancing like) and filled to capacity with some fairly old guests. In the end it didn't really matter as we just partied by ourselves. It certainly is not a place I would go for a romantic get away but as a group we made our own fun. There were a few complaints from the elderly guests around us about noise but the staff was pretty understanding and accomodating.

You didn't want to miss meals. If you did you went hungry as there was no other food available on the premises besides popcorn. I rode in late Friday and went hungry. I had to have beer and popcorn for dinner.The inn was actually ok if you don't mind bringing your own towels and soap. Apparently old people don't need these things (who knew?) but I had heard this was the case so I was prepared unlike some others that had to go foraging.

The weather was a ok with sunny mornings and cool overcast afternoons - Camden Maine There was a good turnout. I didn't count but I'd say there were over 50 of us there.

Hangin in the lobby waiting for dinner We certainly brought our own fun with us. There were moments I was laughing so hard I couldn't breathe. Many an adult beverage was drunk and someone brought cherries soaked in 151 rum. It wasn't pretty but it was damn funny. There was some pretty good riding with peak foliage about a week away. All in all a very good weekend.

The ride home

To Be or Not To Be...."Harley"?

Last Wednesday after the HOG business meeting a bunch of us were at the bar socializing. I'm no purist. I allow myself from time to time 1 or 2 beers when I have the bike. I didn't feel much like drinking at this time especially since I had a tail light out on the bike and it was after dark. Too many reasons this night not to. I grabbed a soda and wound up in an interesting conversation. A friend of mine is fresh back from the Harley 105th anniversary and grand opening of the new museum which by all accounts was a great time. This friend was awed. I'm really glad my friend had such a great time. Everyone should get so much out of an experience. Farther on the conversation evolved into something else. I was accused of not being "Harley". What the hell is that? I probably have given this way more thought over the last few days than it deserves. Is it true am I not "Harley"? What is that anyways? Obviously I'm looking for a diversion from weightier thoughts like how am I supposed to retire if my 401K keeps taking the pounding it has this week. Oh well back to more frivolous contemplations... I guess my friend is Harley. She collects the latest in Harley wear, She has mucho bling on her bike and loves Rallies. She does feel that if you don't ride a Harley than you don't ride shit. I guess by her standards I'm not "Harley" and I'm ok with that. I ride. That's what I do. I just like to do it on a Harley.

If you like bikes, all kinds of bikes and have not checked out Jay Leno's garage. You absolutely have to!
I'm with Jay, this is my favorite bike of all time.