December 2014

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Motorcycles, Travel & Adventure Volume 20 No. 12

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W H A T ’ S

I N S I D E

MON T HLY COLUM N S

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FREE WHEELIN’ .......................................................4

Motorcycles, Travel & Adventure

WHATCHATHINKIN’ ................................................5 POSTCARDS FROM THE HEDGE........................6

Publishers

Brian Rathjen • Shira Kamil

ON THE MARK.........................................................7

Contributors

Mark Byers, Bill Heald,

BACKLASH................................................................8

Greg Jarvis,

THOUGHTS FROM THE ROAD ..........................11

Dr. Seymour O’Life

INDUSTRY INFOBITES .........................................12

Editorial Office BACKROADS, POB 317 Branchville NJ 07826

MYSTERIOUS AMERICA .....................................14 BIG CITY GETAWAY ..............................................16 GREAT ALL AMERICAN DINER RUN...............18 WE’RE OUTTA HERE............................................20 WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE..............................24 UPCOMING EVENTS CALENDAR.....................48

FEAT URES FUN IN THE FINGER LAKES .............................26 HOLIDAY GIFT IDEAS..........................................32

26

NEW RIDES FOR 2015 ........................................37 MAKE A WISH RIDE 2014 .................................52 CONCOURS OWNERS GROUP ........................53

PROD UCT REVIEWS M’AIR SADDLE UPGRADE.................................22

LD COMFORT UNDER GARMENTS ....44

HELD AIR N DRY GLOVES..................................41

MUSTANG ROCKET III SADDLE ...........45

HELIBARS ADJUSTABLE HANDLEBARS .......42

NPMOTOWEAR BASE LAYER................46

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online

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BACKROADS (ISSN 1087-2088) is published monthly by BACKROADS™, Inc. 2014. All rights reserved. BACKROADS™ may not be reproduced in any manner without specific written consent from the publisher. BACKROADS™ welcomes and encourages submissions (text and photos) and suggestions. Include phone number with submissions. BACKROADS™ will only return material with enclosed sufficient postage. The written articles and opinions printed in BACKROADS™ are not necessarily those of the publisher and should not be considered an endorsement. The Rip & Rides® published are ridden on the sole responsibilty of the rider. BACKROADS™ is not responsible for the conditions of the public roadways traversed. Please respect the environment, read your owner’s manual and wear proper protective gear and helmet. Ride within your limits, not over them.

DECEMBER 2014 • BACKROADS

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FREE WHEELIN’ BRIAN RATHJEN Boys of summer As I sit down to write this month’s Free Wheelin’ I get to look back on the wonderful season that was 2014 and it was a great one here in the northeast; rarely past 90 degrees, and great riding conditions from late April through the end of October.

But, we all know many times good things come to an end.

Some among us, myself included, would like to think we are ‘year round’ riders. Even though all of us will bolt out of bed on a warm and sunny day for a ride to nowhere; the truth is that, come November here in the northeast, the comfortable and carefree riding days will dwindle down to a precious few that will be found catawampus through out the remaining part of the calendar and until next spring.

The night before I wrote these words Shira and I went around the house and turned back the clocks – the death knell of any long afternoon rides till next spring.

I admit to being stymied when it came to changing the time on the Dodge Durango. Friggin’ cars.

We know it is a necessary evil (standard time, not cars), as the sun not cresting the forests to the east of home base till 7:40 am during the last week does not work for anybody.

This year the change in weather was sudden and hard. But, I knew it was coming.

It had to…as baseball season was coming to an end.

The finality of Game 7 would be happening this week and nothing could stop the end of the 2014 baseball season.

We love motorcycles and we love baseball – preferably Mets and the National League. Don’t argue with me – that is the way it will always be – so save it. Go San Fran!

It is common knowledge here at Backroads Central that the riding season and baseball season are inescapably intertwined.

Always have been and always will.

Follow me on this.

As we begin each year we lovers of America’s pastime start hearing that familiar cry from the hoi polloi of fellow baseball fans of how many days till “Pitchers & Catchers Report!”

Around that same day, usually within the same hour, the riding faithful will start thinking about not having to shovel the house yet again and for the first flowers of spring to break the cold ground.

Both the cry for the return of baseball and the comfortable riding weather for motorcycles are based in mankind’s need and desire for a hopeful future.

At this point in baseball 2015 my Mets are tied for first and the 2015 riding season is full of promises of perfect days and miles of great roads and interesting destinations.

Right now, like the Timbuk 3 song sang, ‘The future’s so bright I gotta wear shades.’

Yet, we will have that wait for the Winter Solstice and old brother Sol to begin that return trip higher and further north in the sky and that he will soon begin to linger a bit longer each day.

The New York Motorcycle Show will soon be a memory - as will Christmas, Festivus and New Years. Our weather-maven Joe Bastardi, from weatherbell.com, has told us this past week that another hard winter will be most likely coming our way and January, February and part of March might just be like last year’s debacle.

Ouch.

Today is the 2nd of November and the morning temperatures are in the low 30s, blustery and raining. Aren’t we are all looking forward to the clocks “springing ahead” on March 8 (Happy Birthday Mom!) and there are just 104 days to pitchers & catchers report (daystopitchersandcatchers.com).

For me the ‘Boys of Summer’ cannot come back soon enough.

BACKROADS • DECEMBER 2014

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W H ATC H AT H I N K I N ’ SHIRA KAMIL motorcycling evolution During a recent conversation at a Backroads gathering, the topic of riding evolution came up.

Not like the evolution of humans, from cells with a nucleus back 2.1 millions years ago, but the evolution of riders, from first chosen motorcycle and the path they have taken in their evolution of two-wheeldom.

In the twenty years that we’ve been putting this magazine together, we have had the good fortune of meeting many wonderful people. We have seen passengers become pilots and new riders become seasoned (myself included in that one). We have given advice and suggestions on what to ride, gear to wear and where to travel. We’ve had the pleasure of visiting many lands, seeing how different people react to and interact with the riders in different countries and how those riders treat the other inhabitants of the roadway.

I remember our very first Backroads rally, in 1999 at the Chateau Leon in the Finger Lakes of New York. We have maybe a dozen folks meet us at the Five Star Diner on Route 206 in Branchville, NJ. It was a varied group of cruisers, tourers and sport bikes. This particular tale involves one particular attendee, we’ll call him Chuck (‘cause that’s his name), who continued to join our outings for many a year to follow.

The first time we met Chuck, he was riding a cruiser, dressed in leathers, three-quarter helmet and maybe he had over-the-ankle footwear, and enjoying life. Over the next few years and rallies, more and more people joined in our merry rides, continuing the diversity of people and motorcycles. Along the way, Chuck evolved from cruiser to sport tourer to straight on sportbike. I recall him showing up at the Gray Ghost for a Summer Squeeze with bike in tow (newest Ducati) along with his espresso machine.

Anyway, with this evolution to sportbike came the inclusion of track days and training. As with many sport riders, when they begin this path they find that they are drawn to the speed, competition and closed-course (read no outside obstacles other than those of other riders, debris, road surface malfunctions, etc). We saw less and less of Chuck, who up until that time had attended every gathering – we even gave him a Backroads special embroidered jacket as a token of our appreciation (and because he kept asking for one).

While we didn’t see Chuck as often, we did hear of his motorcycle acquisitions, which were many, from one high-powered sportbike to another. He continued this path for quite some time, becoming a very fast and competent rider. We did miss his quick laughter and smile, but knew that he was doing what he enjoyed with his ‘new friends’.

Eventually, maybe after his wife asked him to give up his exotic European sojourns, Chuck rejoined our rally family. Turns out, with age, the riding position of those sleek Ducatis were literally putting a cramp in his back and he had evolved to a tourer, which then became an adventure tourer – a Triumph Tiger 800. At our last rally in Shippensburg, fifteen years after our first meeting, Chuck was off exploring some very off-road paths into people’s backyards, dressed in full textile gear, boots, top-of-the-line helmet, and loving life.

Other paths I’ve seen along our 20 year adventure include those who evolve from passenger to pilot. In my journey, I remember taking the MSF course, getting the 67 North Want-Ad Press and finding some piece of crap, but very roadworthy, used, smaller motorcycle (Honda CM400) and riding the wheels off of that until it was time for me to move on. I progressed slowly upward in CC but never in bulk, realizing that lighter is usually better. Even today, while I see women my size and with the same

riding experience saddling much larger motorcycles (R 1200 GS, Road Kings, etc.) I know that I am comfortable with my Honda 919 and BMW F 650 GS (it’s an 800 dammit) for my riding comfort.

When I see people beginning their riding life with a brand-new, full plastic bodywork motorcycles, even though it may be small and manageable in their eyes, it boggles my mind. I don’t care who you are, you are going to be dropping that first bike a couple of times until you get your feet wet, so to speak. I realize the attraction of that shiny chrome or flashy paint, but look into your crystal ball and see that scratched paint and dented chrome and know that just because you may be riding a used, less that perfect looking motorcycle right now, in just a short while you’ll have the experience, and the knowledge of what type of riding you really want to do, to get that shiny new bike and make it your own.

Perhaps you’ll choose to be a day-tripper, heading out occasionally. Or a long-distance IronButter. Or a round-the-world adventure seeker. Or the next Marquez or Stewart. Maybe you’ll find that the laid-back cruiser is your style, or the upright position of the adventure tourer fits your body, or the call of the woods and dual-sporting is more to your liking.

It’s all good but whatever it is, take your time and evolve slowly, experiencing all facets so that your riding life will be long and happy, with few bumps and bruises.

We want to see you on the road, track or path for a very long time.

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DECEMBER 2014 • BACKROADS

Page 6

P O S TC A R D S FROM THE HEDGE BILL HEALD of crotches and rockets

H2 Come in for the Full Line of Kawasaki Motorcycles, Parts and Accessories

NOW TAKING DEPOSITS

When I was starting out in the whole motorcycle writing thing, I initially did only touring stories about some of the interesting places I discovered while exploring on two wheels. As things progressed, I started to do more and more stories about the motorcycles themselves, and then the companies and armies of people it takes to put a new machine on the road. During this fascinating sojourn into the world of moto-production, I discovered something: there’s no way I’d want to be the man or woman who decided what products to launch in the U.S. market. When it comes to motorcycles, the buyers here are very unpredictable (not to say fickle) when it comes to what bikes become popular and what the riding public will clamor to purchase. When you throw in the fact that product planning has to commence years prior to an actual launch, you can see how chal-

lenging it would be to predict what will be the hot ticket a couple of years down the road. To further complicate things, you also have to realize most companies build machines for markets all over the world; each one being a unique entity with its own quirks and needs. Given that you’re adding cultural considerations into the whole consumer behavior pot, you can see how daunting the process can be (and this is not even mentioning environmental laws, safety regulations, etc.).

Given this situation, I am blown away by the new models that have just been announced at the major overseas motorcycle shows, and more than a little surprised by the intensity and boldness of some of the new street offerings. The performance envelope has been pushed to amazing levels over the past couple of decades as engine, brake and suspension development has been boosted thanks to new engineering breakthroughs as well as advances on the electronics front. But as formidable as these incremental improvements have been, they pale in comparison to the veritable explosion of sporting hardware that has just arrived. I’m talking mainly about offerings from Kawasaki, Yamaha, Honda, et al that would have been impressive for a GP grid not too long ago. This surprised me as I was expecting more conservative products given recent trends but all the major OEMs seem determined to light things on fire with mind-altering muscle packaged in very trick chassis designs. There’s lots out there to talk about but let me just give you one example of the kind of radical kit of which I speak. The Kawasaki Ninja H2 has a supercharged (as we all know, turbocharging is for the weak) 988cc Four with something close to 300 horsepower, if sources are correct. I know, we all have our problems with sources, but let us feel assured that this machine would give your arms quite the yank if you really screwed it on. This is mind-boggling power, with mechanicals that will entice even the most hard core Road Warrior. Other magic: there’s a trellis frame instead of the ol’ twin beam alloy unit of the past, and Kawasaki’s first single-sided swingarm is a beautiful thing to see.

Yikes. No, really: Yikes!

Clearly this is no upgrade of an existing model, but off-the-charts alchemy. The competitors are also launching some serious new sport offerings, especially in the big displacement Superbike arena. What’s going on?

Yes, there are upgrades to sport tourers, adventure tourers, cruisers and more modest bikes but these new flagship sport motos are extremely aggressive, and as mentioned before have been developed over the past few years so the big question is, why now? Did they glance into their collective crystal balls a few years ago and see the right conditions for such machines to thrive in 2015? In the case of the H2 Kawasaki we are talking very low production numbers but still, it’s a risky, exMotorcycles pensive undertaking to create such powerful art. Given the other guys are likewise loading the performance Scooters gun, what is happening here?

ATVs I think there are two explanations for this dramatic undertaking. One has to do with what the riding public might want (and can afford) in 2015 and beyond, and the other is just an expression of what is now possible on the engineering side. That first bit is too abstract and wildly variable for me to speculate on (although it’s never stopped me before), but the engineering side seems quite straightforward. These bikes are being built because the companies can build them, plain and sim179 North Highland Ave ple. 300 horsepower is crazy for anything but a factory Ossining, NY race bike, but a street bike equipped with the latest elec914-762-2722 tronic traction, response, and even engine braking softHVMOTORCYCLES.COM ware can (theoretically) make such rockets with wheels manageable, especially in the hands of relatively sane, experienced riders. There is literally a computer store’s worth of technology on board, provided you have the (Continued on page 11)

SUZUKI

BACKROADS • DECEMBER 2014

ON THE MARK MARK BYERS Back to school, Part ii A couple months ago, I wrote about taking the CLASS Motorcycle School given by Reg Pridmore at Virginia International Raceway (VIR). I described the accommodations, but held back on the school because I wanted to give a more considered impression. After a second CLASS, with four total days on track and in the classroom with Reg and his crew of instructors, I can offer a more mature and thoughtful evaluation: WHOOOEEEE! that was fun and instructive.

The October session brought relief from the heat and we were greeted by crisp fall sunrises. Initial track sessions both days saw us wearing fleece and care was taken as the track, tires, engines, suspensions, and humans warmed. Each day assumes there are first-timers and starts with a heartfelt message from Reg to the group on safety and the philosophies of the school. Reg has the credibility of a multi-time AMA champion and Isle of Man racer, but the delivery of an English gent.

CLASS splits into A and B groups. The B group is perfect for beginners and those just starting their high-performance journeys. My friend Barbara has only been riding two years, but found a comfortable place in the B’s on her V-Strom. My friend Steve dialed back his game and settled into the B’s on a BMW S-1000RR to work on technique, even though he’s a perennial A-lister. The way Reg has CLASS set up, that range of experience still works well. Backroads tour veteran Mike Wernick rode the B’s both days, one each on his GS and his CBR-600, and he found himself at home on either mount.

In June, I had two great days learning smooth throttle control and braking, cornering lines, and dozens of other things in the B’s. In October, the A group

Page 7 was lightly attended and I was granted permission by Reg to move up after the first session with my SV-650. Having just 13 riders on the 2¼ mile VIR track was an incredible treat and I was able to work on my skills in relative privacy. Even when I was passed, for the most part it was done courteously under Reg’s rules. The instructors made sure I wasn’t in the way and a thumbs-up from Will at the end of a session confirmed I was doing OK. There was one rider who didn’t quite get the lectures on restraint and attitude and after he buzzed me, I went to talk to him; however, I found an instructor already providing corrective quality time. I had no further issues and that’s a tribute to the standards to which Reg holds his students: he makes no bones about “putting you on the trailer.” I’ve heard horror stories about other “school” and track day providers, but you’ll have none of that in CLASS. In June, there were no mishaps among 70 riders. In October, two out of 46 riders had minor off-track excursions from rider error, neither with injuries, nor were any other riders involved. VIR recovery and medical staff quickly had them checked and only the bikes needed mending. VIR has plenty of grassy runoff should you make an error, however.

If you wonder about the applicability of a school held at a track to street riding, don’t. The track has a way of shining a bright light on every bad habit, from poor braking and shifting form to bad cornering. If you don’t get it, Reg’s instructors will follow you, notice, and pull you into pit lane for a tune-up chat. Those are typically short and you’re back out on track to practice what they preach. One of the things they teach is a tight cornering line that, once you learn it, makes so much sense both for the road and the track. If you want to learn good lines, just tag onto the back of an instructor and follow them: I did that one session and found myself comfortably riding well above my previous pace.

Unlike a lot of schools, CLASS is largely unscripted on track. You’re given principles in the classroom, but it’s left to you to work on them. Instructors (Cointinued on page 11)

Page 8

BACKLASH Dear Backroads, Funny about your “Free Wheelin’” in the November 2014 issue. It is not so much funny as it is sad.

I would not want to hurt our standing in the “family,” but you know me not my style. This is precisely what is wrong with the motorcycle family, along with a couple other issues, and it could be the end for rallies and motorcycle events when all the old “fuddy duddies” pass away and there is nobody left.

We also motel it or occasionally camp in the van, but no tents anymore.

We are early risers and when we are on a motorcycle trip we can get up, have coffee and breakfast and be down the road 200 miles before most campers can pull a stake up.

As attendance dwindles every year at the rallies we attend, some do not allow non-motorcyclists or motorcyclist that have curiously ridden up to see what is happening to enter without paying the full weekend admission fee.

That’s crazy. Let the non-motorcyclist see what is going on; let the curious motorcyclists see what it’s all about. Just maybe you may get a new attendee rather then grey hair, bearded, old, grumpy men that have been coming to the same rally for 25 years, and have such a bad attitude. I dread seeing them come to our booth. They do not want to learn anything new they just want to complain about things that happened in the Stone Age. When a new young rider comes to our booth you can see the sparkle in their eyes, you can see them absorbing everything you say. And, on that happier note we are seeing more and more woman riders! YES! So you can see camping snobs are not the only issue. We ask each other all the time, “where is the young blood?” There seems to be no concern with any of the clubs or events we go to. Except for one that I was really impressed with it - Horizon’s Unlimited - this year was our second time attending of the last three years.

Here there is no attitude, there are young and old, there is a DR400 and a Harley next to each other and their riders talking, eating breakfast and sitting around the evening fire talking about their motorcycles, where they have

DECEMBER 2014 • BACKROADS

Letters to the Editor been and where they are going. Seeing all the young blood at this event is very refreshing.

So our question to you and Shira is “Where have all the young people gone?” and more importantly, where are they going to come from?

From somewhere out on the professional side of the motorcycle industry Name has been protected to prevent any bitching and moaning Hey Backroads, I have just finished reading your November editorial (Free Wheelin’) and believe you have finally got it. Motobigotry sucks whether it’s about campers-vs-non campers or Harley riders-vs-non Harley riders. Any and all forms of elitism creates a weakness which the anti-motorcycling crowd can exploit. Some great philosopher (Ben Franklin) once said “If we don’t hang together, they will hang us all individually”. You and I have always had a cordial relationship through the years and yet I suspected you considered me to be thin skinned when it came to the anti Harley comments made by many of your followers. Truth be told, I have racked up more miles on Japanese and German bikes than I have on my Harleys. That being said, you have to acknowledge that HOG has done more to get people riding regularly than any other marque. Even the AMA has not provided the shear number of activities to keep people on the road. I don’t care what you ride, as long as you ride. I look forward to the Backroads events as do the members of the Empire HOG chapter, with whom I ride.

Regards, Byrd Bryd, No anti-Harley sentiments here. Any problem we have with fellow riders have to do with loud exhaust and lunatic riding behavior – regardless of manufacturer. We have no followers – only minions, not a Minyan although we can do that easily.

Page 10 Dear Brian & Shira, Great job! I just finished reading the October Backroads. You promoted the Kanc, and ‘HOW TO SAY THE DAMN NAME CORRECTLY.’ God bless you.

And, you explained most eloquently, why someone who has a dusty old bike in a barn out back, should not take that thing out for a ride with serious motorcyclists. It’s a BAD idea. I’ve expressed similar opinions on this matter in the past and offended more than one person in the process. Too bad for them.

Keep up the great, thanks so much, Jeff Adams • Whitehorse Gear - Technical Adviser

Hey, Were Kid-Friendly – Sort Of Dear Backroads, We all had a fine time (at the Fall Fiesta) and we were especially gratified at the reception given to Avery. I’m pretty sure it wasn’t your intention when you started these trips but what you’ve done was created a group of fine, like-minded individuals, which has developed into an extended family for a lot of us. It’s really nice to see one another several times a year and get updated on everyone’s lives. Thanks for making this possible I well remember my first trip - a six (yes, six) hour ride to Wellsboro, PA. Up to that point, the best six hours I spent on a bike. A new rider and my first trip, I walked to the bar like a scared puppy into a room full of strangers. Ken & Karen Hilley greeted me with a smile, invited me to join them; we talked for a while and I knew I was in the right place. Been going to most events since then and can’t say I’ve met someone I didn’t like or at least easily tolerated. We’ll see how this kid situation works out but I plan to attend as many as I can for as long as I can.

Thanks again.

Dr. John Hello Backroads, Just finished reading your Top Ten Fall Rides, and they are all great suggestions. I will keep this email short ‘cause I gotta get out there and ride the

DECEMBER 2014 • BACKROADS ones I haven’t gotten to yet, especially Route 10. As for Number 3, Route 218, I would move that to number 1. That old police chief guy is retired now and when I run into him all he wants to do is talk about Backroads and how great their rallies are.

Gotta go, I think that’s him coming now. Ride safe.

Ty Ranical Brian, Just wanted to drop a note of thanks for helping a couple of lost Canucks in the middle of New Jersey. It was so very kind of you to take us through the twisty and windy roads to a hotel right at dusk. Not too sure we would have made it there without your help!

We had a fantastic trip to Virginia and all around the Shenandoah Valley while we visited with our friends we had made when we lived there 10 years ago.

There is something to be said for the immediate kinship and kindness that exists among bikers that non-bikers are not able to understand. I had been away on a girls shopping trip and it happened to coincide with a bike rally and I stopped to talk with a number of bikers and my girl friends were worried I might get myself into trouble speaking with “those biker people”! I had to remind them I was also one of those biker people!

We love your magazine!

Thank you again for your kindness, may you and your family be blessed with abundant joy and health!

Regards Chris and Coral Roy • North of the Border C & C, You are so welcome. Next time you are traveling down this way please drop us a line.

You know, Backroads does a few rallies each year and have a few Canadians travel down to spend time with others riding around different regions in the northeast. You two are heartily welcome. Please stay in touch.

BACKROADS • DECEMBER 2014

Page 11

TH OUGHTS FROM THE ROAD

Greg Jarvis They were grizzled ol’ bikers, each ready to ride, “Git yer arse on yer bike!” was their rallying cry.

Like a red-lined Ducati I dashed to the shed, “If I can’t go ridin’, I’d rather be dead!”

“On boots, on leathers, on jacket,” I’m flyin’, “Now helmet, now gloves… Where’s my key?!”

Oh, I’m cryin’.

Back to the house, grab the key off the wall, “Now dash away! Dash away! Let’s go have a ball!”

And after that long, last ride in the night, It’s all put away, my bed’s back in sight.

A sleepy grin rests, on the face of my love, She knows that those buddies were sent from above, To see off the season, and to see it off right, Merry Christmas to all, and NOW, to all a good night!

An Ode to Clement C. Moore

One Last Ride ‘Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the shed Not a motor was revving, the charger on red, The gear was all cleaned and hung with great care, In hopes it’d be worn next spring with grand flair.

Inside we were nestled all snug in our beds, While visions of long rides danced in our heads, And Mama in her nightie, and I in the buff, Had just settled our bones, a break from bike stuff.

When out on the lawn there arose such a noise, I sprang from the bed and covered my boys, Away to the window I flew like a Hog, Tore open the shutters, to exhaust thick as fog.

The moon on the lawn of the new fallen snow, Gave light to my eyes to see all below.

When, what to my wondering eyes should appear, My buds, on their bikes, decked out in their gear, Postcards from the hedge (Continued from Page 6) patience to figure out and optimize it for your type of riding. Even though these things are in place to help you from getting jettisoned from the motorcycle and launching yourself down the road like a drunken Iron Man, you’ll still get to experience the mind-altering power that such numbers can produce. Chassis development has most likely kept pace with the power output, and the package is refined to show what Kawasaki is capable of doing when money is not a huge concern since the MSRP of this special ride will be very expensive $25,000, hearsay.

Which brings me abruptly to another reason why the OEMs may be tempting us with these latest efforts.

Whether or not a person might be considering purchasing one of these wild-child new sport bikes, I believe it will bring a lot of traffic into dealerships just to have a peek at these marvels. There’s nothing like seeing the Balrog in person to appreciate its Fire. Worth the journey just to see it, yes? This is important, because all kinds of things happen when you visit the ol’ dealerships. Parts, accessories, and even motorcycles get traded for money when people roll in. I think it was determined that the time is right to push the performance right off the table and down the stairs not just because they can, but they wanted to wake up the sleeping riders and show them what the designers have been playing with while the industry slowed. The mind of the engineer doesn’t stop creating when the business slows down, and now we’re seeing the latest state-of-the-art in motorcycle development rolling into production. 2015 is looking to be a very wild, exciting year for riders of every stripe, right at a time when we could all really use the boost. on the mark

(Continued from Page 7)

are always willing and available, and I think my friend Barbara worked with every single one of them, but you can also work things out for yourself. If you’re really lucky, you can go out with Mr. Pridmore himself or follow him while he’s giving a two-up ride (if you can).

It’s difficult in the space I have to talk about all the things I learned, but if it’s any indication of my impression, I’m already signed up for June 2015.

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DECEMBER 2014 • BACKROADS

Page 12

IND USTRY INFOBITES

News from the Inside “Fight Like A Girl!” campaign. Please note that the location may vary from the seat shown; not all seats or accessories can be customized.

Like last year, Mustang will donate a portion of the proceeds to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation for each “Fight Like A Girl” or other pink custom embroidered seat purchased from now through 12/31/14. For more details or to order, please contact Mustang Customer Service at 413668-1190, 800-243-1392 or visit www.mustangseats.com/mustang/comfort-for-a-cause.

FIGHT LIKE A GIRL! Mustang Brings Back Breast Cancer Awareness Limited Edition Seats Mustang Seats, LLC continues to fight for a cause that hits close to home for members of the company’s extended family — breast cancer. The new “Fight Like A Girl” limited edition pink seats commemorating National Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a continuation of last year’s successful “Comfort For A Cause” campaign that saw a portion of the proceeds for every pink seat sold go directly to support the Breast Cancer Research Foundation’s efforts to find a cure.

Mustang is continuing to help bikers “think pink.” Mustang marketing director Marilyn Simmons explains, “Last year, Mustang introduced our Breast Cancer Awareness custom seat program, which offered pink thread and pink vinyl seat inserts or pink vinyl ribbon appliqués on seats or accessories.”

Mustang is upping the game this year. “For October 2014, Mustang proudly introduced your choice of custom pink stitched embroidery for Breast Cancer Awareness month.”

Mustang will add custom pink embroidered ribbons, phrases, tributes, memorials or initials on the seat of your choice for the duration of their new

“IF YOU WANT TO SURF ASPHALT…THAT’S IT.”

13TH ANNUAL TIMONIUM MOTORCYCLE SHOW Prepare to spend some time in the NEW Travel, Touring & Adventure Feature Area and meet many of the world’s most interesting, passionate motorcycle adventurists. There will be seminars, candid talks about their journeys, “How - To’s” and touring tips so you will know how to get started on your own adventure!

Two-wheeled adventurers include Benka Pulko, a born dreamer from a small Slovenian town, who set out to be a world traveler at the age of 30 on a motorcycle. As a world traveler, Pulko distinguished herself on four counts.

HOLD ON. LET GO.

She holds the record for the longest solo motorcycle ride ever undertaken by a woman in both distance (111,856 miles) and duration (2,000 days). She was also the first person to motorcycle to all seven continents and the first woman to ride Saudi Arabia alone. Her achievements are documented in the Guinness Book of World Records.

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Allan Karl shares his message with captivating storytelling and award-winning photography that touch themes of adventure, the importance of following dreams and pursuing your passions. In his bestselling book, ‘FORKS: A Quest for Culture, Cuisine and Cycle Connection’, Allan brings to life his 3 year solo journey around the world on a motorcycle.

Lois Pryce is a British travel author, journalist and broadcaster. She left her job at the BBC in London in 2003 to ride 20,000 miles from Alaska to the tip of South America astride her Yamaha XT225. two solo cycle tours through Iran in 2013/2014 with a book to soon follow.

Lisa and Simon Thomas, the husband and wife duo,

BACKROADS • DECEMBER 2014

Page 13

quietly left their home in the UK to travel the globe on their two BMW motorcycles in May 2003. To date, this team has travelled over 348,000 miles (14+ times around the earth), ridden through 78 countries and travelled to the most northerly and southerly points on earth by motorcycle.

Rene Cormier cashed in his belongings at 33 years old to finance a mostly solo, unsupported and non-sponsored motorcycle ride around the world on a budget of $25 a day.

The feature area will also host companies that handle tours all around the world such as, Edelweiss Bike Travel and MotoDiscovery.

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COPPER CANYON OF MEXICO TO BECOME MOTORCYCLE MOTODISCOVERY With the “go anywhere” character of motorcycles such as the BMW GS series, KTM Adventures, Kawasaki KLR and Suzuki’s DR, it is not surprising that more and more motorcyclists want to ride on when the pavement ends.

This trend has not escaped the attention of a Texas motorcycle touring company, MotoDiscovery, who is long known for facilitating imaginative and challenging motorcycle adventures in the far corners of the globe.

For the 2014-15 riding season, MotoDiscovery will offer a unique rolling classroom combining international travel and curriculum of expertly presented riding instruction. The training destination is Mexico’s wondrous Copper Canyon region. The head of this new educational program is world traveler and adventure riding instructor, Ramey ‘Coach’ Stroud.

MotoDiscovery’s founder, Skip Mascorro, explains why combining touring and rider training is a solid and proven concept that yields great results.

“Many riders want to explore the less traveled roads of the world but lack the skills and knowledge to take on the challenge. This is where Coach Ramey comes in. Add to this the exotica of Mexico’s Copper Canyon, and riders can learn to deal with less-than-perfect conditions and cultural variations at the same time. “We not only teach riders the skills they need to travel the world, we do so in an authentic adventure situation so they can put their new abilities to the test.”

Coach Ramey Stroud, owner of the Cascade Endurance Center in Oregon (RideCoach.com), is a world-class rider trainer, champion off-road competitor and well-known author. In 2012 he was named “Individual of the Year” for his training and safety programs by the BMW Motorcycle Owners of America Foundation. “The MotoDiscovery Copper Canyon Training Expedition,” Stroud commented, “will have three parts: classroom, hands-on and application. Riders will learn the why’s and how’s of body mechanics, control function and traction management, and then use the new skills in real-world conditions. Our rolling classroom will be limited to only eight students to assure lots of personal instruction.”

The MotoDiscovery Copper Canyon Training Expedition runs 9 days and 8 nights, starting and ending in El Paso, Texas. Training groups are limited to eight students. You are free to bring your own motorcycle. Rentals are also available. Instruction is designed for the experienced road touring enthusiast who may be new to off-pavement riding. Experienced adventure riders will also benefit from Coach’s instruction with a review of the fundamentals of off-road riding and then learning precision traction management with less physical effort.

Full details and tour schedule available @ www.motodiscovery.com (Continued on page 50)

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www.MotorcycleMall.com KAWASAKI CARES: Always wear a helmet, eye protection and proper apparel.

Never ride under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Adhere to the maintenance schedule in your owner’s manual. © 2014 Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A.

www.MotorcycleMall.com Dress properly for your ride with a helmet, eye protection, long-sleeved shirt, long pants, gloves and boots. Do not drink and ride. It is illegal and dangerous. Yamaha and the Motorcycle Safety Foundation encourage you to ride safely and respect the environment.

For furher information regarding the MSF course, please call 1-800-446-9227. Specifications subject to change without notice. Professional rider depicted on a closed course. ©2014 yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. All rights reserved. yamaha-motor.com

DECEMBER 2014 • BACKROADS

Page 14

Morton’s BMW Motorcycles presents Dr. Seymour O’Life’s MYSTERIOUS Each month in this column we strive to bring you to some place odd, a bit different and, hopefully, with a touch mystery.

This month we’d like to bring you into a real and ongoing mystery - and a sad one at that, as well as some stunning numbers.

First the facts: Every 40 seconds someone goes missing in the United States.

More than 850,000 people - children and adults - are missing each year in the United States. That is more than the combined death toll of all our conflicts; more than every US military death from the Revolution to Afghanistan.

And, this number happens every year in the United States.

For those of you who like to ride through Warren County, in the northwest part of New Jersey, you might have spent some time motoring down Route 94, just below the whistle-stop of Blairstown.

South of the town on the left you will pass the Cedar Ridge Cemetery.

In and around this region, which has been populated since before the Revolutionary War, you’ll find lots of graveyards – but, Cedar Ridge stands out not for its serene, bucolic and historic look – but for the event that occurred here; an event that has gone on to be one of the most baffling unsolved murder cases in New Jersey and the nation’s history.

It is summer in the northwest corner of the Garden State and workers reporting for the morning shift at the local cemetery are stunned when they come across the remains of a young girl laying in a small ravine alongside the graveyard.

The girl stood just 5-foot 2-inches tall and weighted just 105 pounds. Caucasian and wearing a red, blue and

A MER IC A

beige patterned peasant-style skirt and red pullover shirt with gray piping. She had light brown, shoulder-length hair. The girl was also wearing a gold necklace with a rosary-like cross and her left ear was double-pierced.

She has been beaten to death by a blunt object and her face is battered beyond recognition.

She did not go down without a fight as there were defensive wounds on the girl’s arms and hands, and alcohol was found in her system.

The Blairstown Police name her Princess Doe in reference to her age and size.

But try as they will the Blairstown Police and authorities in New Jersey remain baffled of Princess Doe’s true identity and her murder.

In a desperate attempt to find leads they turn to the media for assistance and the girl’s tragic story makes headlines, TV specials and news around the world.

But, to no real avail.

In June of the following year Princess Doe becomes the first case entered into the FBI’s National Crime Information Center (NCIC) database.

Later that year the people of Blairstown donate a coffin, plot and headstone to bury this mysterious young woman who

BACKROADS • DECEMBER 2014

was found in their town. Her casket was escorted by patrol cars, and she was buried Jan. 22, 1983 yards away from where she’d been found six months before.

The headstone reads… “Princess Doe, Missing From Home, Dead Among Strangers, Remembered By All. Born? – Found July 15, 1982.”

On October 12, 2014 a service was held at Cedar Ridge Cemetery for Princess Doe and all of the missing people that have suddenly and mysteriously disappeared over the last number of decades.

Cedar Ridge is not far from Backroads Central so we took a ride down.

For the 11th year, volunteers from the North Carolina-based CUE Center for Missing Persons had traveled across the United States, including to Warren County and Princess Doe, to raise awareness of missing children and adults.

“After so many years, these cases fade from the public’s radar, but for the families and friends of a missing person, the nightmare continues — every

Page 15 minute of every day their loved one is absent,” said CUE Founder, Monica Caison, who is leading the caravan of volunteers. The tour travels across the country to make sure that no case fades from memory. The annual campaign serves as a reminder by featuring cases that are in need of a resolution. “They need our help and the community’s help to bring them home,” Caison added.

The service was humble and poignant and brought the message and reminder that thousands of children and adults go missing each year.

All these years later our technology has grown by leaps and bounds and an updated 3-D composite of Princess Doe has been created. In 1999 Princess Doe’s body was exhumed to retrieve DNA from her remains as forensic science has evolved and 30 years later investigators hope that resubmitted DNA will yield more answers.

Princess Doe is officially known as U-630870962, and although the “cold case” is three decades old it has not been forgotten.

The story goes deeper - as new evidence has come about of a prostitution ring on Long Island that might shed possible new light on how and why Princess Doe was murdered and by whom.

Arthur and Donna Kinlaw were arrested for various felonious crimes around the nation, and in the prosecution the wife turned state’s evidence on her husband and claimed he had murdered a number of people, including one young girl who refused to be a prostitute for them.

She said the girl, whose name she cannot remember, was murdered in a graveyard in New Jersey in the early summer of 1982. While detectives say Arthur had once claimed responsibility for the crime, neither of the Kinlaws’ stories of what allegedly happened to Princess Doe could ever be confirmed.

Today the murder of this young woman remains a mystery in the town of Blairstown, NJ and the true identity of Princess Doe still remains a part of Mysterious America.

If you have any information that could be related to Princess Doe, please call the Warren County Prosecutor’s Office Princess Doe Tip Line at 1-866942-6467.

For more information on CUE log onto www.ncmissingpersons.org.

DECEMBER 2014 • BACKROADS

Page 16

Hanover Powersports Presents

BIG CITY GETAWAY aPPalachian trail museum 1120 Pine grove road Pine grove furnace state Park, gardners, Pa 17324-9078 717 486-8126 • www.atmuseum.org The Appalachian Trail Museum is located in Pennsylvania’s Pine Grove Furnace State Park, about two miles from the midpoint of the Appalachian Trail - halfway between Mount Katahdin in Maine and Springer Mountain in Georgia.

The history of the trail is a story in itself and we’ll give you a little right here.

We are really glad to tell you it is a New York / New Jersey thing!

The Appalachian Trail was the dream of Benton MacKaye, a forester who wrote his original plan shortly after the death of his wife in 1921.

MacKaye’s idea detailed a grand trail that would connect a series of farms and wilderness for the common folk looking to get back to nature in an ever-growing urban environment.

An article in the New York Evening Post titled “A Great Trail from Georgia to Maine” was picked up by the Palisades Interstate Park Commission as their main project.

On October 7, 1923, the first section of the trail, from Bear Mountain west through Harriman State Park to Arden, New York was opened.

Next time you ride up to Perkins Drive in Harriman think about that as you ride along a bit of history there.

About 2 miles from the exact halfway point

daytrip ideas to get out of the daily grind between Maine and Georgia you will find the Appalachian Trail Museum.

We dropped by on our Fall Fiesta Rally and were very impressed by the museum.

The Old Mill is owned by the State Park, and was hardly used until an agreement that allowed the building’s use for museum purposes.

It needed extensive renovations that were undertaken almost entirely with volunteer labor. The result is that the main floor is now up to code require-

ments and is in use as the Appalachian Trail Museum.

Plans are in the works for future renovations, as funds become available, that will make space available on another floor.

Since its opening in June 2010 the Museum has had approximately 30,000 visitors from throughout the United States and 18 other countries; plus a bunch from the Fall Fiesta. Appropriately, the Museum is housed in a building that is itself a historical artifact, a structure built more than two hundred years ago as a gristmill. It stands across the road from the Pine Grove General

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BACKROADS • DECEMBER 2014

Page 17 Store, a site famed in hiker lore. It is here that thru-hikers traditionally stop to celebrate reaching the midpoint by eating, or attempting to eat, a half-gallon of ice cream in one sitting.

Currently, the museum has exhibits devoted to early founders of the trail - Benton MacKaye and Myron Avery, as well as some of the early Pioneer thru-hikers including Earl Shaffer, Grandma Gatewood, Gene Espy, and Ed Garvey. Another one of the highlights is the last remaining shelters built by Earl Shaffer that has been painstakingly dismantled and then reassembled inside the museum. A computer station has access to a database of over 10,000 pictures of thru-hikers as they passed through Harper’s Ferry and dropped by at the Appalachian Trail Conservancy to check in, or just to say “hi.”

The museum is small, but has a deep sense of the trail’s history and much to see. There are many stories told here, but one that stood out to us was Ziggy and the Geek; a tale of a man hiking around the trail and nation with his buddy, a Manx / Tabby cat.

Although the story is on a mounted board for all to read we were mesmerized, along with a number of children, when one of the docents of the museum told the story to the children. Most of the adults made their way forward too to hear the man tell Ziggy and the Geek’s story.

It made this visit to the museum all that more special.

Although we respect the spirit and determination that goes with the men and women who walk this trail – whether it be a small part or the entire 2,200 miles from Georgia to Maine or vice a versa – we don’t think we’d be found on this grand American trail.

But, a motorcycle journey from Springer Mountain in Georgia to Mount Katahdin in Maine?

Now, that would be an interesting trip.

Hmmm. Did we just set ourselves up?

Link for download of map overview, printed and GPS routes here: www.sendspace.com/pro/dl/fcnzi7

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DECEMBER 2014 • BACKROADS

Page 18

Rollin’ Fast Cycle Sports presents the

G RE AT ALL AMER IC AN D INE R R UN four aces diner 23 Bridge st , leBanon, nh 03784 603- 298-5515 • www.4acesdiner.com words: Brian Rathjen • images: Mark Byers + Brian Rathjen Desperation can sometimes work in our favor.

Say you were heading down the Granite State of New Hampshire. You’ve been on the road all morning with no breakfast, fought your way through Freshman Weekend at Dartmouth College and your blood sugar is going ape crap.

You hope you run into a diner, restaurant or food truck very, very soon.

Such was the case with us a few months back and then, before we spotted it, we smelled it.

Smokey goodness was in the air and then, suddenly, the Four Aces Diner was in front of us. I spotted the “Bikers Welcome” sign near the entrance.

We shot past, made a quick u-turn over the bridge in Vermont, and headed back across the river to the diner.

It was a Sunday morning and there was a line out the door – adding more fuel to my now overwhelming petulance.

We looked in and saw four empty seats at the counter.

I can be a “Counter Critter!” This was a most excellent move.

Taking a seat at the counter I looked around this classic diner. This is something special, I thought to myself.

My friends all agreed – we had hit gold.

Back in 1952, Worcester Lunch Car Company diner #837 was delivered to West Lebanon, New Hampshire.

It was soon named the Four Aces – a name it retains till this very day.

Like the hand, the place is a winner.

tasty places to take your bike

As I said, I could smell the Four Aces a few blocks before we rode by it, with its professional smokers going at it full steam this Sunday noontime.

The original small diner is almost hidden in the building that has sprung up around it.

But this allows for the big crowds it draws 7 days a week.

We hadn’t sat down for more than a minute when I strolled around the crowded diner with camera in hand. They have acquired quite a bit of Americana memorabilia since the early 50’s and the ambiance is superb.

Returning to my now poured cup o’ joe Shira began to excitedly point out the serious, and I mean SERIOUS, menu!

These are some of the specials for the weekend we rode into town: Black & Bleu Omelet – Black Forest ham, bleu cheese, oven roasted asparagus and balsamic cipollini onions with oven roasted potatoes.

Manhattan Black Pastrami Egg Scramble with Gruyere cheese and red onions. Three

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BACKROADS • DECEMBER 2014

Page 19

Maple BBQ St. Louis ribs with two eggs your way.

How about the Breakfast Tacos filled with Dr. pepper chicken strips, sour cream and guacamole.

Scrambled eggs with a red chili drizzle and onion petals with a dipping sauce. A morning after breakfast for sure!

Shira went for the Smoked Beef Brisket with horseradish red chili au jus, two eggs and balsamic cipollini onion garni.

Other tasties included the Grilled “Big D,” a sour cream donut with hot maple syrup and whipped cream or the Piping Hot Popover with maple butter.

The Four Aces standard menu is just as enticing.

The Joker is your basic two eggs, two pancakes, bacon, sausage and homefries.

For you carnivores out there (I am one of the club) they have the Mixed Sausage Grill – keilbasa, bratwurst, Irish banger and two eggs.

Bubble & Squeak can be found – a hash of cabbage, potato, ham, bacon, onion and eggs.

Another “Next day” special is the Hangover Helper (this is a college town after all) – Spicy fries, cheddar cheese, bacon, brown gravy and eggs.

I went basic with corned beef hash and eggs. Most excellent and filled me up for the rest of the day’s long ride.

You can create your own omelet.

Or go with their Woodland special, Florentine or Keilbasa Western. Or, man up and tackle the Big Ace – mixing up five… yes

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count em’ FIVE EGGS! The Four Aces is one of the best diners we have ever featured in the Great All American Diner Run and lying right on the Connecticut River where New Hampshire meets Vermont you know the roads are worth every mile as well.

We’ll give you a ride from West Dover, Vermont, home to the Kitzhoff and Gray Ghost Inns – great destinations by themselves.

What are you waiting for? Don’t you smell road trip or is that the aroma from the Four Aces!?

“IF YOU WANT TO SURF ASPHALT… THAT’S IT.” TAKE A TEST RIDE AND CHARGE EVERY CORNER.

HOLD ON. LET GO.

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DECEMBER 2014 • BACKROADS

Page 20

Bergen County Harley-Davidson presents

W E’RE OUT TA HERE triPle creek lodge 106 east main st., millheim, Pa 16854 814-303-9393 • triPlecreeklodge.com We have always loved funky and different. Some aren’t so keen on this, but these folks will usually opt for a chain hotel off the Interstate in the heart of Pennsylvania.

This month we are here to tell you of a small inn we have found that is really in the very heart of the Endless Mountains. In fact it is right in the middle of the Seven Mountains that make up the spectacular Penns Valley.

This part of the Keystone state screams Americana.

The valley was created millennia ago and is home to Poe Valley State Park and Bald Eagle State Forest along with two major Caves – Penn’s Cave and Woodward Cave – one of the largest in Pennsylvania.

Along Route 45, which runs down the middle of the valley, you will find towns like Arronsburg, Woodward and Millheim.

a weekend destination keeping you on the backroads Sitting outside the IngleBean Coffeehouse with something hot or cold, depending on the season, you will most likely hear the clip clop of buggies being drawn by horse, as the region has a large Amish population.

In fact the nearby town of Mifflinburg was a buggy making capital with thousands of buggies being created from the mid 1800’s till that new fangle “horseless carriage” called an automobile drove most manufacturers out of business.

The two caves are a big draw themselves. Penns Cave has a tour done entirely by boat and lasts nearly an hour.

They also have a Wildlife Park with cougar and timber wolves. If you like to park the bikes for a bit and try something different as they now offer “nature’s rollercoaster” a 2 1/2 hour Jeep off-road “Cave Rock Mountain Tour.”

This requires a bit of advanced booking, but is a great opportunity to see vistas you could only see if you were doing miles of adventure riding.

As we said Woodward is a very large cavern and also has a 50 minute tour (must be the allotted time in PA spelunking). They also have their own campground and rent cabins as well, but we have a place that is a bit more

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BACKROADS • DECEMBER 2014 civilized and very, very neat.

The Triple Creek Lodge.

Earlier we mentioned the IngleBean Coffeehouse. Well the owners have added a few interesting rooms above and to the side of the coffeehouse itself.

Named for the confluence of Penns, Pine, & Elk Creeks, the Triple Creek has a very homey ambiance, not to mention a seriously good aroma wafting through the entire building!

The first three rooms, named after the creeks are right upstairs from the roomy coffee house.

We could simply say they were “cozy,” but the truth is that they are tiny, but comfortable. The Elk Creek has a double bed, and the Penns Creek two single bunk beds. We took the Pine Creek room with its loft-style Queen bed. All the rooms have private bathrooms. Their new Cherry Creek suite is far roomier and will be our choice next time around.

It has a King-size bed, living room, dining area and a balcony. The suite is excellent for families as well small groups as it can sleep up to 5 people when the living room is converted into a 2nd bedroom with a Queen Size Pull-Out and the King Size bedroom is converted to 3 single beds. Rooms run from $100 a night for the two Creek Rooms, $125 for the loft-style room and $250 for the first night ($150 for each additional night) for the suite.

They apologized for waking us up to the smell of fresh brewed coffee. You

Page 21 will receive a complimentary coffee or tea & pastry from The IngleBean for breakfast in the morning.

Heck, if we could get the cats to brew the coffee each morning we would wake up like this daily.

Our room, though tiny, was fine once we got settled in and the rock and tile lined shower was awesome after a long day’s ride along the backroads to Millheim from New Jersey.

For dinner there is the Elk Creek Café and Aleworks just down the corner, with an excellent selection of micro-brews and local food faire; what they like to call Nouveau Dutchie Cuisine. However you call it, the food, and local brews were delicious.

Shira also found a local ice cream and Morning Glory Massage Therapy right across the street from the lodge. A good massage is always an excellent idea.

Beside, we’re outta here!

We pride ourselves in some of the best riding routes you will find in any motorcycle publication and this one is a real home run. In fact this was our return trip, but we’ll simply reverse it and share it with you. We promise 200+ miles of superb riding to be had on your way to visit the Amish and Penns Valley!

You can find printed + GPS routes here: www.sendspace.com/pro/dl/yiz63m

DECEMBER 2014 • BACKROADS

Page 22

Holiday Gift Ideas

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

M’AIR • REVOLUTIONARY SADDLE UPGRADE

For many years, riders who were unsatisfied with the comfort of their stock seats had two options; 1) Send their stock seat to a saddle rebuilder for a complete rework and recover. Down side: the rider is without the use of their bike for weeks, sometimes months while the company rebuilds their stock seat.

2) Buy an add on pad that slipped over the stock seat. Down side: ugly, clumsy, bulky, detaches the rider from the bike, and is often no more comfortable than the stock seat.

Now, Rick Mayer Cycle, the saddle builder thousands of riders have used for years for Option 1, is offering an Option 2 - The M’Air. This revolutionary pad uses the latest in visco-elastic foam (not gel) type materials in a variety of densities to accommodate riders of varying weights.

This brand new foam technology is emerging into the medical market primarily as a wheelchair pad and has never been used in motorcycle seating— until now.

Additionally, not one but two layers are used for a total uncompressed thickness of 1 inch. When compressed, the actual thickness will vary, however most riders will experience a “heel to ground” increase of no more than ¼ inch.

Rick Mayer Cycle has an exclusive agreement with the manufacturer and is the only motorcycle saddle maker to offer this exclusive material.

Not only does this material improve blood flow and reduce vibration, the material will conform to the pelvic frame and, regardless of where the rider chooses to sit, the rider will feel “nested, and connected” to their bike, something the other pad makers can’t offer.

The top cover is top grain cow hide. Unlike cheap “furniture grade” leather that can be fragile in the rain and sun, top grain (the very outside layer of the cow) is very durable and can stand the elements. Leather has a low “R” factor and will not insulate body heat; the heat from your butt will dissipate, thereby increasing comfort.

The under layer, Dri-line-used in LDComfort underwear, will stretch to over twice its cut dimension to fit securely and cleanly over any stock seat. Incredibly strong, it will wick all water away from the rider’s seat, and will not tear or wear out. No straps, no Velcro, no kidding. The unique design slips over your stock seat from front to back and leaves all mounting surfaces exposed; your stock seat will lock and unlock just as before.

While Backroads has not had a chance to test our butts on it yet, it has been extensively tested and proven to be as comfortable as any completely rebuilt custom saddle. Not only is it extremely comfortable, the unique material molds to fit the rider and never is there any hint of slippage or detachment as with old fashioned “strap on” pads.

As a long distance rider, a critical care RN, and a sport rider, Rick Mayer is uniquely qualified to bring this product to market.

So regardless of whether you’re an Iron Butt Big Dog, a full leather-clad, knee dragging sport rider, or somewhere in the middle, comfort is right around the corner. And the best part is that you won’t miss one day of riding! Rick Mayer Cycle will also unconditionally guaranteed considerably more comfortable than stock, or they’ll buy it back, no questions asked.

This product will be available early 2015. Final price to be determined, around $200. Visit rickmayercycle.com for more information.

DECEMBER 2014 • BACKROADS

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Welcome to the Jungle - The Art of Learning to Ride Skillfully A column dedicated to your riding survival THIS TOWN

IS THE

PITS!

A short while ago we got a letter giving warning that some riders had been stopped in the small town of Port Jervis right at the tri-state region where New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania come together.

According to local law, the town was initiating a “Zero Tolerance” when it came to anything or anyone coming through the town above the posted limit.

He claimed a large number of accidents and then something about public safety.

One wonders why just one of the group, who were all riding together at the same slow pace, was stopped and cited?

Let’s not get into the revenuer debate - it just upsets Chief Pete – and stick with the idea that you should slow down in town.

We have said for a long time that in most rural areas – farmland, forests and mountain backroads –a brisk pace might be tolerated and sometimes ignored by locals and the police.

We’re not talking Warp Drive, but rather good, solid riding at a bit over the limit. Warp Drive will always draw unwanted attention.

I am not a track guy, but I have spent a bit of time here and there at different track facilities, sometimes at media intros or participating in schools like Reg Pridmore’s CLASS, and one brief road race at Bridgehampton (Yes, I am 56) where my engine grenaded and I came in so far in last place they thought I had won and taken a victory lap. Yea, me.

Still, one thing I am very aware of is you can go as fast as you want or need on the track but once you exit into the pits you will and must slow it down.

The pits, like Anytown, USA are a very busy place. People, moving here and there, kids occasionally bolting around. Small pit bikes zigging and zagging about – it really is like a small community.

So, no one will tolerate anyone else speeding through the pits. It’s not safe,

prudent or in anyway acceptable - Just like the towns, hamlets and villages you encounter while out for a spirited ride.

Some days seem busier than others and one particular day, especially in the morning, can draw larger numbers of people to towns.

This also happens to be the day many of us are out for a ride – Sundays.

Case in point, this past summer I was to meet some friends for a Sunday morning breakfast ride. The plan was to meet near Warwick, right at CR 1A and Route 94. My route from the northwest part of New Jersey was not all that long and consisted of mostly empty farm roads. With long straights, goodly elevation changes and some great curves sprinkled about it, the route was both very familiar to me and always a blast to ride. I am more than comfortable maybe ten miles or so over the posted limit here but in every town I passed through I brought it down to a few miles below the limit.

Why? Were there police? No. Was my radar detector going off in my ear?

No. The reason is that I knew each of these little towns – Branchville,

BACKROADS • DECEMBER 2014 Beemerville and others all had churches and places of worship and would have large amounts of faithful heading for services. This was especially true in the tiny border town of Unionville where the church parking lot was overflowing and people were scurrying to make mass.

Lots of families and moms carrying small ones along the road and walkways.

Why in God’s name (sorry) would any rider want to speed through something like this?

I checked my speed, mentally locked it in, and putted through - hardly drawing even a notice.

In the pits you must be ever vigilant as well, as somebody else might cause you trouble. The same is very true in Anytown, USA. Coincidentally this same day, while waiting for my riding buddies, a car pulled up alongside of me and a fellow told me that the last time he rode it was on the Backroads 250+ Rally last year, and that he had ended up in the hospital that day and had not ridden since.

As you would think I was distressed to hear this and asked him what happened. It seemed that after completing the big ride last June he was simply riding home when he passed through the Water Street section of Route 206, in Newton, New Jersey.

It is a very crowded and frenetic part of the county seat. The place is a mess of strip malls, big box stores, fast food chains and heavy and confused traffic any day of the week. This late Saturday it was heavy with car drivers deep in their own thoughts.

Then there was the #1 motorcycle nemesis – two texting teenage girls that suddenly realized the diner was HERE! – and made a left in front of a pick-up truck who slammed on his brakes which caused our riding friend, needing a bit more room to stop, to slam into the back of the truck.

It was not good and worse, the girls who caused this got nothing except an OMG in their next text.

This guy was ambulanced away with multiple fractures and maybe the end of his riding career.

I wasn’t there so I cannot say if this was avoidable in anyway, but I am sure the long day and heavy mileage and the thought of soon being home for a shower, dinner and a nice Saturday evening after a good day on the road might have played into this incident that happened in seconds.

It only takes a microsecond of inattentiveness for mayhem to strike.

The point here is to slow down when in town. Try to be ever vigilant when riding anywhere, but especially so when in crowded shopping areas and congested residential places.

No matter how swiftly you ride the backroads always remember that that town is the pits!

Page 25

DECEMBER 2014 • BACKROADS

Page 26

Fun in the

Finger Lakes

40th Annual BMW Finger Lakes Rally words + images: Brian Rathjen

A

t one time this had almost been an annual ritual for us.

Labor Day Weekend would roll around and we’d make plans to head to central New York and the Finger Lakes region.

We had taken a break from this routine for the last few years, busying ourselves with end of summer sojourns to farther points on the map, but this year, for a variety of reasons, we had stayed closer to home. That being the case we kept the rooms we booked (regardless of the outcome) each January for the Seneca Lodge, in Watkins Glen and with our friends Jim and Amy (purveyors of all things preowned in the BMW world and kick ass nature photographers), rode in a slightly serpentine way to the north and west towards the Birthplace of American Road Racing – Watkins Glen.

Watkins Glen is located at the southern tip of Seneca Lake and was the site of the first real U.S. road races. It was on October 2, 1948, “The Day They Stopped the Trains,” that the town hosted the first post-World War II road race in the nation for five years. Since then the top names in American and international sports car racing have all visited the small village and huge crowds have followed to watch them race, many of them staying at Seneca Lodge, an inn steeped in racing history.

These days the track, created in the early 80s, holds a varied number of events from club racing to NASCAR.

BACKROADS • DECEMBER 2014

Page 27

We were heading up to do a little exploring, a bit of rally going at the 40th Annual BMW Finger Lakes Rally, and a bunch of miles in and around the Finger Lakes region.

Our ride brought us up along the Delaware and Susquehanna Rivers before cutting back into New York and north into the Finger Lakes region.

As neither Amy nor Jim had visited Robert Treman Park, we made it a point to stop by and take in the top portion of the park with its quickly running stream and Tolkienesque gorge. We always enjoy turning folks on to this little part of the planet and with both of these friends being superb photographers it was even more enjoyable.

We took our rooms at Seneca Lodge and then went out in search of some afternoon delight – a small dessert place we rode by on the way in that had some delectable tarts and smooth and delicious ice cream.

That would hold us to dinner.

We dropped by the rally, paid the $60 entry fee and got our wristbands for the weekend, which included camping, two dinners, plus entertainment and all the other little things that go into making this rally such a big success.

This event used to draw a large number of vendors. But this weekend it seemed just a few made the effort – good on Nick Plenzick and crew for showing up and offering some serious gear for sale.

We knew we would probably not spend too much time at the rally, but we wanted to support the club and the event.

We did a quick lap and would make sure we’d eat more than our share on Sunday evening for the final closing ceremonies.

This evening found us at the Seneca Lodge’s great restaurant and awesome bar – one of the Top Ten on Planet Earth according to Backroads’ Johnny Rochet’.

Saturday rose with another brilliant offering and I had some plans for a little bit of natural wonders and a little bit of Mysterious America.

But first, we wanted to go see some of the action at Watkins Glen International, the 3.4 mile racetrack.

We have had a number of opportunities to spend time on this marvelous piece of asphalt but today it was the Ferrari Club of America’s turn and, after

DECEMBER 2014 • BACKROADS

Page 28

a quick breakfast, we rode over to ‘The Glen’ and spent an hour or so watching the races. The sound these cars make is incredible and got the speed demon in me going.

I think the others felt the same way.

Looking to spend some time this day shifting gears the proper way (on two-wheels) we headed out looking for that odd combination of nature and mysterious and this day, a little home-grown American religion as well.

Right on schedule our planned route went a bit south on us, but we quickly recovered and took in the view of Taughannock Falls. The Fall’s cataract has an impressive drop of 215 feet, and is one of the highest east of the Rocky Mountains. The pool at the bottom had some hikers that had made the trek

in from the bottom, enjoying the water. It crossed my mind but just for a second before being erased and mounting back up for a spin up through the lands that separate these long natural lakes.

We cut across to Seneca and then diagonally to Cayuga. We rode through Seneca Falls, the birthplace of women’s equality in the United States. It was here that the Seneca Convention was held July 19 and 20, 1848.

The convention’s Declaration of Sentiments became “the single most important factor in spreading news of the women’s rights movement around the country in 1848 and into the future.”

We had been through here before and, ironically, the gals wished us elsewhere and so we went… to Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge.

This place is part of the Atlantic Flyway for thousands of migratory and local birds.

Hawks, eagle, egrets, and ospreys call Montezuma home – at least part of the year.

There is a three and a half mile long dirt road that lets you get an up-close look at this pristine habitat; even if part of it has the New York State Thruway running through it.

The long stretch in the back was empty of cars and waterfowl, which allowed for a little quicker “gravel in my travel.”

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Page 29

Shira and I had been through Montezuma a number of times, so we spent some time at the superb visitor’s center and then along one of the look outs while Jim and Amy did their magic with the cameras.

We hugged the farm roads north of the Finger Lakes, yet south of the Erie Canal, and brought us to our relithis ©Paulinskill River Photography gious experience of the day. ©Paulinskill River Photography The Hill Cumorah lies just south of Palmyra and it was on this drumlin in the 1820s that Joseph Smith was visited by Moroni, whom he called an angel, and was set upon the task of creating what would become the Mormons, the Church of Jesus of Latter Day Saints.

In the past we have visited a number of Mormon sites, including Joseph Smith’s birthplace in Vermont.

As with most Mormon sites the building Hill Cumorah was perfectly and neatly created, telling the story of the visitation and how the Mormons came to be. We took in the visitor’s center and then rode up to the top of the hill where this saga allegedly began.

Whether or not you are a believer in any sort of spirituality you will find Cumorah an interesting stop and one that we are sure Dr. Seymour O’Life will go into in more detail in an upcoming issue.

By this point in the day the sun was heading down and we still had a couple of hours ride to get back to Watkins Glen in the style we were used to. Except

for the small towns along the lakes the roads were virtually empty and allowed for a quick pace back to the Glen.

Although the rally provided dinner we got back a tad late for it but anther meal at Seneca Lodge worked better for us. As always the bar was cooking on this holiday weekend, but we still made it an early night.

We had a bit of the ‘wet’ that next morning, but nothing to worry about as we had planned to head back over to Hammondsport, which we had ridden through the previous day, to spend the morning at the Glenn Curtiss Museum.

If Seneca Falls is the “Birthplace of Woman’s Right” in the US, then Hammondsport is certainly the “Cradle of

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Page 30

Flight” and they have the historic sign to prove it!

It is all due to one man, Glenn H. Curtiss. Curtiss grew up in the area and went from bicycles to motorcycle to the first airplanes. In fact he was issued the very first pilot’s license in the United States.

Ahead of Gustav Whitehead and those runners-up the Wright Brothers. From Curtiss’ great early motorcycle to his innovative and industry changing airplanes the museum holds so much and needs to be

DECEMBER 2014 • BACKROADS revisited here in the pages of Backroads.

By early afternoon, with the rain gone for the time being and brightening skies overhead, we decided to take a little lunch run along some of the smaller backroads I knew of in this region.

I routed us through the village of Penn Yan and past the World’s Largest Pancake Griddle, which created the largest pancake ever on September 27, 1987. At one inch over 28 feet this cake must have used barrels of butter and maple syrup!

In spite of what has been said about riding motorcycles in the Finger Lakes region – not all is straight and far. There are little twisty roads in and around these lakes; one just has to search them out.

Our lunch soiree’ ended back up in Seneca Falls where we found a neat little bar and grill right on the canal leading from Cayuga to Seneca lakes.

With bad weather rolling in from the west we made time down the western shore of Lake Cayuga, stopping only for another one of Shira’s brilliant ‘Ice Cream Runs’ and then back to Seneca Lodge on the hill overlooking Watkins Glen.

This day we made sure we took advantage of the Sunday night meal and stayed for the ending ceremonies of the rally.

For me these rallies are a good place to catch up with old friends, meet some new ones and get a look at a large gander of machines. In this case BMWs from throughout the years.

The Finger Lakes Rally also likes to come up with some interesting stats like the highest combined age of rider, passenger and machine.

For this rally that was 197 years.

Yep, that is impressive. Longest mileage, youngest rider and where and how many riders came form various parts of North America were announced. Canada was very well represented for sure. Good for our friends and neighbors to the north.

Door prizes were given out and soon the 40th running of this classic event rolled to an end.

Better weather rose with the sun that Labor Day and we had plotted something new and curvy back towards the Pennsylvania border, crossing into the Catskills and back down to Jersey.

The day was brilliant, as were the low clouds that had sprinkled themselves in and round the rolling hills of the region. It looked beautiful till the road started to gain altitude and we found ourselves riding

BACKROADS • DECEMBER 2014

Page 31

for a touch through the pea soup. It didn’t last for long and slowly the sun returned as we ate up the miles to the riverside town of Owego.

Situated right along the Susquehanna River this town is about as quaint as can be. In fact, it was voted America’s “Coolest Small Town” in 2009. A return and an overnight visit might be required here.

Owego was mostly closed this holiday, but we did find a seriously good local restaurant called Blue Collar Cafe. On this Labor Day their lot was fairly full of cars and I have long ago found to trust the locals when it comes to good food. The irony of finding a café called Blue Collar on Labor Day did not fly past me.

Just about everything at the Blue Collar Café was looking tasty – especially their cheeseburger and mustard omelet. A bit different and delicious.

By early afternoon we had cut into Pennsylvania and then filtered our way down towards the Delaware and back across into Sullivan count,y New York at Cochecton.

We rode past Yasgur’s Farm and then south along the backroads towards Port Jervis and the Jersey border.

Our weekend tour had brought us through three states and it seemed only fitting that we finish it where all three come together at the Tri-State Marker found beneath Interstate 84, at the confluence of the Neversink and Delaware Rivers in the Laurel Grove Cemetery.

This little known marker also marked the end of the journey and for some the end of summer.

Not for us though – we like to think that all summers are endless.

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DECEMBER 2014 • BACKROADS

Page 32

ere it is, time to turn the last calendar page. TheHalloween candy and the deep-fryer for the turkey have barely been put away before you’re looking for the Christmas decorations. But there’s no rest for the weary; it’s time to satisfy the needs of those near and dear to you, and those not so. Well, sit down, pull out the cheaters, and take a look at some of the ideas we have for the motorcyclists in your life.

NITE IZE HANDLEBAND UNIVERSAL SMARTPHONE BAR MOUNT More and more riders are using their smartphones for everything from music to GPS mapping – not to mention it’s still a phone.

There are a number of mounting systems out on the market but the simplicity of Nite Ize’s HandleBand Universal Smart Phone Mount really appeals to us.

The HandleBand is a universal smartphone bar mount that provides a secure attachment and instant access to almost any device on almost any sized handle bar.

Made from a lightweight expandable silicone with an aluminum base at its core, the single band securely wraps around nearly any sized bar and snugly and securely holds your smart phone –with or without a case. Its Split Strap design allows for visibility and accessibility to the screen while still attached to HandleBand and it also has a small bonus as it can open bottles as well.

Available in black and clear for $19.99 from www.niteize.com.

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BACKROADS • DECEMBER 2014

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SIT STAY RIDE: THE STORY OF AMERICA’S SIDECAR DOGS There’s nothing like the feeling of the wind in your face and the rumble of the road beneath you when riding a motorcycle. To experience the world this way is an exhilarating feeling of freedom. Imagine your four-legged best friend experiencing these magical moments with you.

Across America, there are dogs of all breeds riding in the open air of motorcycle sidecars, whether on short trips around town or extended adventures on the highway.

Sit Stay Ride: The Story of America’s Sidecar Dogs is a delightful and inspiring documentary film about motorcyclists and their beloved canine co-pilots. Directors and Producers, Eric and Geneva Ristau, have been professional filmmakers for years, working on a wide range of commercial projects. Sit Stay Ride is their first personal film together and is intended to help raise money for canine rescue organizations. The film features 15 sidecar dogs and 18 motorcyclists from all over the United States. From a veteran riding with his Boxer named Hercules, visiting memorials on the Tour of Honor, to recent European emigrants living their dream of riding with their Beagles on the highways of America, the story of these dogs and riders will fascinate and inspire audiences.

The motorcycle community will find great joy and inspiration from this movie; however this film, at its core, is about the humandog relationship. Throughout the documentary, motorcycle pet owners share stories of their rescued canines enjoying their new life riding in sidecars. To witness rescue dogs experiencing freedom at last, happily riding along side their human companion will bring a smile to every face. The launch of this film was just in time for October’s Adopt a Shelter Dog Month. 100% of filmmaker proceeds from local screenings and 25% of DVD and On-Demand sales will be donated to animal rescue organizations nationwide. For more information, visit www.sidecardogs.com.

EPIC- ID • USB EMERGENCY MEDICAL ID WRISTBAND Gone are the days of placing a crash card in your wallet or attaching it to your gear. No more soggy, wet and tattered paper that is impossible to update, forget about hard to find tags and lose those reflective stickers.

EPIC-id is the first emergency personal information USB repository created for motorcyclists, outdoor enthusiasts, athletes, and for anyone with a medical condition. Looks are deceiving; EPIC-id is a small yet powerful tool in providing the most important life saving personal information easily to first responders. Designed to take the abuse of everyday wear EPIC-id is rugged, practical, and affordable.

The USB flash drive inside the band stores critical medical information and pertinent contact details in an intuitive, easy-to-read, and simple interface. EPIC-id comes with digital forms, making it simple to input personal medical information and make updates as often as necessary. Personal information, medical history and insurance information are accessible by inserting EPIC-id into any Mac™ or PC USB port.

EPIC-id is boldly marked with the universal medical symbol, a red cross. Every EMT, first responder, police, and fire fighter knows what it is and what it means. They will be able to insert your EPIC-id into their on-board computers and access important medical information without the need for a charged phone, passwords or a Wi-Fi connection.

EPIC-id features a waterproof USB flash drive with a patent pending durable stainless steel Click-Secure Closure™ and a comfortable, custom-fit hypoallergenic

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DECEMBER 2014 • BACKROADS

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silicone band and come in red, white or black. The proprietary EPIC-id software is PC/Mac compatible, easy to update, and secure, so information is never on a cloud. EPIC-id possesses an upscale, athletic design that people can be proud to wear and sells for just $34.95. For more information visit www.epic-id.com.

RKA 24-LITER RACKBAG & SEATBAG Now entering its 30th year of manufacturing some of the finest motorcycle luggage on the planet (we have been using their tankbags for more than a decade) RKA introduces a new bag with two distinct applications - The RKA 24-liter Rackbag & Seatbag.

RKA creators Rich and Kathy really listen to their customers and it was obvious riders wanted and needed a way to transport their laptop and carry all the paperwork and peripherals that go with it.

RKA have designed a 24-liter Seatbag and a 24-liter Rackbag with different attachment points for each application. Both are reasonably priced at $150.00 The Racebag utilizes two quick release buckles, which make attaching and removing just a couple of clicks away. The Seatbag has four hook & loop straps to attach to the “PAD”. The PAD, an RKA design, attaches to the seat then the Seatbag attaches to the “PAD”.

The bags, which are otherwise identical, are 17”long, 11” wide and 8” tall.

There is an organizer in the lid and both bags are completely finished and lined inside and come with an adjustable carrying strap. These bags are perfect for day-to-day commuting or a few days on the road and easily turn any bike into a short touring ride. For these and other fine RKA Luggage log onto www.rka-luggage.com.

NEWEST IN HEADSET TECHNOLOGY – J & M’S ELITE 787 This new model Elite 787 series helmet headset from J&M has been designed to be installed into most open-face, flip-front and full-coverage style helmets.

It features their miniature extra-high-output (XHO) AeroMike® VI boom microphone, (tuned for use with all factory installed motorcycle audio systems), new slim-line 40mm high-intensity helmet speakers for improved on-highway audio performance, along with our 8-pin two-piece hookup cord system (upper cord ONLY included with headset) that allows connection of these headsets to any factory installed motorcycle audio system in existence today, including the new 2014-2015 Harley Infotainment systems & Honda GL-1800 Premium Audio, just by interchanging the lower section hook-up cord.

Packaging includes universal type mounting hardware and complete installation instructions, and retailing around $229. Made-In-The-USA at their factory in Tucson Arizona, from both domestic and foreign raw materials. Visit JMCorp.com for ordering and details.

BACKROADS • DECEMBER 2014

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FREE WINTER 2015 CATALOG NOW AVAILABLE FROM WHITEHORSE GEAR We know it is just closing in on the gift-giving holidaze but Whitehorse Gear is ahead of Santa this year and the new winter catalog is now available.

It contains 84 full-color pages of apparel, gear, gadgets, accessories, quality books, movies, tools, T-shirts, and special gifts for the holidays and beyond. Their product line has an impressive selection (as you’ll see below) of high quality affordable jackets, pants, boots, gloves, and helmets from top manufacturers Firstgear, Tour Master, Joe Rocket, River Road, HJC, and Speed and Strength. In addition, Whitehorse offers PIAA powersports lighting systems; Powerlet and Posi products; Scala, Sena and IMC helmet communication systems; and RAM Mounts.

With well over 1500 items to choose from, there’s something for everyone here!

Order yours, then tactfully leave it where your loved ones can find it. Casually mention over dinner a few times (it will take a few times) that you hope that old St. Nick gets you something motorcyclish and not a tie or BVDs. On Christmas, Chanukah or Festivus you will not be disappointed. If you are then it is time for a new family.

To receive a free copy of the current Whitehorse Gear Motorcycling Catalog, contact Whitehorse Gear, 107 East Conway Road, Center Conway, NH 03813. You may telephone 603-356-6556; e-mail Orders@WhitehorseGear.com; or visit their on-line catalog and web site at www.WhitehorseGear.com.

WHITEHORSE GEAR REFLECTIVE HARNESS A compact, adjustable, reflective harness for night riding and general poor visibility conditions, this one-sizefits-all harness is made of rugged, lime yellow stretch belting with a silver reflective center stripe and a strong quick-connect buckle. It reduces to the size of a fist for easy storage in your tank bag and will give years of service. $19.99

Street riderS Guide: STREET STRATEGIES FOR MOTORCYCLISTS BY DAVID HOUGH This is the second go around for this book by motorcycle safety guru David Hough. But, coming in a slicker and easier to read and digest version, this completely revised and updated edition of David’s successful Street Strategies is well worth the time – even if you have the original on the shelf.

For us that’s what this comes down to - time.

Occasionally too much time reading and too much information shoved at your brain on any particular subject doesn’t click all that well.

Information and strategies on more than 80 commonly encountered scenarios, obstacles and road challenges are handily dealt with in an easy to digest and understand two-page format.

The book is nicely designed and produced in a long vertical fashion, giving it a stand out look, but it is what is on these pages that really makes it shine.

Topics are arranged in an alphabetical manner covering situations from Alien Asphalt to Wood-Plank Perils and everything in between.

What we really like is that you can pick up Street Rider’s Guide and choose a topic you might be having an issue with and quickly get expert tips, knowledge and advice on how to deal with this scenario on your motorcycle.

There is just the right amount of information – at least for our limited attention span.

2015 Kawasaki Concours®14 ABS The ultimate backroad SuperSport Tourer

The 2015 Kawasaki Concours14 ABS is a remarkable machine because its power and poise will be familiar to riders of supersport motorcycles, yet its upright riding position offers far greater comfort than its superbike siblings, making it equally at home carving canyons as it is traversing interstate highways.

444 State Route 23, Pompton Plains, NJ 973-839-1117 • www.pomptonsportcenter.com KAWASAKI CARES: Always wear a helmet, eye protection and proper apparel.

Never ride under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Adhere to the maintenance schedule in your owner’s manual. © 2014 Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A.

DECEMBER 2014 • BACKROADS

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The information in each little tidbit and challenge is dealt with quickly and concisely.

Everyday riding can be a war - with us versus everything else! Animals, road construction, weather, drivers - any one of these things can bring our ride and our lives to an abrupt halt.

Winter is the perfect season to make time to improve your knowledge and skills – even if you are not on the bike. Riding is 90% mental.

Once again David Hough has come out with a superb book to get you thinking and understanding what can happen, is happening or just happened when riding your machine. As David writes in the introduction – “the most important way to avoid crashes is to figure out what’s happening.”

Street Rider’s Guide is available from www.whitehorsepress.com for $17.95.

The essenTial Guide To MoTorcycle Travel: PLANNING, OUTFITTING, AND ACCESSORIZING, 2ND EDITION BY DALE COYNER Touring on two wheels is one of life’s simple pleasures, and learning how to do it right can help keep it that way. This how-to guide is full of the collected tips, tricks, and advice of seasoned travelers and experts from the motorcycling community that help to maximize the ride, while minimizing lessons learned the hard way. $27.95

TOURATECH INTRODUCES DRIRIDE SADDLE Touratech-USA announces the availability of an exciting new technology: DriRide™, the adventure motorcycling industry’s first truly breathable seat. It works with the rider’s gear to wick moisture away from the body bringing dramatic improvements in rider comfort.

DriRide™ Breathable Seat Technology, was developed by Touratech for riders in the Dakar Rally with the goal of making them more comfortable in hot conditions and over long distances. The results were so amazing, the company decided to make the technology available to the adventure touring community.

DriRide™ works in three ways: Vapor-Flow™ Membrane Technology allows moisture vapor to pass through your riding gear, through the seat fabric into the seat membrane where it’s expelled through the side of the seat.

Rain-Block™ Waterproof Seat Fabric forces water droplets to bead up and roll away. It’s completely waterproof!

Ergo-Response™ Long Distance Foam is designed to keep you upright, stable and evenly supported.

The longer you ride, the better it feels!

It’s always exciting when technology catches up with a human need. When that happens, you have a ‘game changer’ and that is what Touratech has delivered with DriRide™ Breathable Seat Technology.

DriRide™ Breathable Seats are available for various ADV machines and also in passenger models. Retail price starting at $559 from www.touratech-usa.com.

SUPERFLY

SUPERTOUR

KX™250F

Concours 14 ABS ®

Experience the world of Kawasaki at

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www.motofit.com Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday: 9a-6p • Thursday 9a-8p Saturday 9a-4p • Sunday and Monday: Gone Riding KAWASAKI CARES: Ride responsibly. Kawasaki believes safety begins with us and continues with you. Always wear a helmet, eye protection and proper apparel. Never ride under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Adhere to the maintenance schedule in your owner’s manual. Ride in authorized closed-course areas only. Ridng is more fun on a well-maintained motorcycle. Remember, riding safe is smart. KX™ models are for closed-course competition only. Specifications subject to change with notice.

Professional riders on a closed course. © 2014 Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A.

BACKROADS • DECEMBER 2014

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Coming to a dealership near you

Some of what 2015 will bring us

2015 Yamaha FJ-09 The Yamaha FZ-09 has been a huge success, garnering enthusastic praise from riders and the media alike.

And now, Yamaha takes the popular FZ-09 sportbike formula and adds even more versatility with the all-new 2015 FJ-09.

The FJ-09 utilizes the FZ-09’s crossplane-concept, liquid-cooled, four-stroke, inline-three-cylinder, 847cc, fuel-injected engine in a versatile package that provides a sporty, agile, and comfortable ride for everything from daily commuting, to spirited canyon-carving, to full-on touring.

With excellent acceleration, response, and handling characteristics, the FJ-09 offers an upright riding position for a stress-free, comfortable experience, whether riding solo or with a passenger. The FJ-09 sports a whole host of position-adjustable components—including windscreen, handlebars, and seat—designed to further accommodate a wide range of riders and riding preferences. And the large, 4.8-gallon fuel tank enables you to log a lot of miles between fuel stops.

In addition, the FJ-09 comes equipped with electronic control technologies that include YCC-T (Yamaha Chip Controlled Throttle), ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), and TCS (Traction Control System) to ensure smooth-running performance. And, as if that weren’t enough versatility and adjustability, the bike also features the Yamaha D-MODE (Drive Mode) variable-throttle-control system, which allows the rider to choose the optimum engine character for their riding situation. Yamaha will offer a complete range of custom accessories for the FJ-09, including a top case, side cases, taller windscreen, heated handgrips, and a comfort saddle seat. The 2015 FJ-09 will be available in two color options—Matte Gray and Candy Red—and will retail for $10,490, with bikes available in dealerships beginning in December. See it online: Yamaha-motors.com

2015 Triumph Tiger 800s A new Tiger in the Jungle The 2015 Tiger 800 is a dynamic Adventure motorcycle designed to deliver whatever you want no matter how you ride. On road or off, the new Tiger’s riding position, handling and responsive engine give the rider everything required to enjoy every ride.

The new Tiger 800 comes in two models. The Tiger 800 XR is more focused to the world of road riding whereas the Tiger 800 XC has a more offroad intent. Both models have high levels of standard equipment in a range that

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DECEMBER 2014 • BACKROADS

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now includes range topping “X” models. The XRx and XCx bring more technology to the segment offering equipment designed to match their purpose.

With four distinctive models Triumph offers greater rider choice and adds in new technology including ‘Ride by Wire’ for smoother power delivery and lighter throttle response, traction control on all models, switchable ABS as standard for improved rider safety and three riding modes to control throttle maps, ABS, and traction control on XRx and XCx models, the newer Tigers offer more growl for the buck.

New styling, improved ergonomics, and the fitment of WP suspension on XC models make this an adventure-tourer to be reckoned with.

Look for it at your local Triumph dealer in 2015 or see it online @ www.triumphmotorcycles.com.

The BMW S 1000 XR – all good things come in fours.

Following on from the S 1000 RR and HP4 superbikes as well as the S 1000 R roadster, BMW Motorrad is now unveiling the fourth member in the BMW Motorrad line-up of high-power motorcycles with straight-four-cylinder engines and a distinctly sporty bias. Building on the tantalising and unique mix of innovative technology, performance and safety already inherent to the existing models in this series, BMW Motorrad has taken the next step by bringing out the S 1000 XR, which offers this repertoire of core characteristics in a brand-new blend dubbed “adventure sport”. This encompasses dynamic touring qualities, sporty performance and high levels of comfort as well as outstanding everyday usability. In short, the new S 1000 XR serves up its own individual mix of sporting and touring flair at the same time as injecting a generous dose of emotion.

The new S 1000 XR – the multitalented motorcycle for sports, touring and adventure. The new BMW S 1000 XR blends the strong character traits, poise and assurance of BMW Motorrad’s GS, touring and sport motorcycles into a unique “adventure sport” package. Carving out a niche for itself as a crossover, the S 1000 XR combines elements of a GS with supersport genes and the touring ability for which BMW Motorrad is renowned. It brings together character strengths and qualities from each of these three specialist areas to forge a supreme combination of emotion and function.

The new F 800 R a talented all-rounder from sports performance to touring ability Whether you’re out for a cruise through the city streets or a tour of the countryside, primed to explore your sportier side around twisty roads or in a track training session, the BMW F 800 R will rise to the challenge.

And never more so than in this latest incarnation, which comes with a more powerful engine, revised suspension and further improvements to its all-round qualities.

The new F 800 R is the latest in the line of characterful parallel twin-cylinder motorcycles from BMW Motorrad. Consistent development of its all-round qualities has ensured the dynamic roadster is ready to delight owners with its sporty performance, agile handling and even greater versatility – all wrapped up in a dynamic package. Power is sourced, as before, from a liquid-cooled four-valve twin-cylinder engine with 798 cc displacement. With output increasing to 66 kW (90 hp) at 8,000 rpm (up from 64 kW (87 hp) at 8,000 rpm) and shorter ratios for first and second gear, the parallel twin offers even greater sprinting ability while retaining the impressive pulling power, instantaneous responses and low fuel consumption familiar from the predecessor model. Peak torque remains 86 Nm (63 lb-ft) at 5,800 rpm.

BACKROADS • DECEMBER 2014

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The engaging riding experience on board the F 800 R is further enhanced by new suspension components and optimised ergonomics. For example, an upsidedown fork now takes care of front suspension duties, while a hydraulic double-disc brake with radial brake callipers provides fade-resistant stopping power. A new seat fixed lower down (at 790 mm instead of the previous 800 mm), combined with new handlebars and rider foot pegs, creates even better ergonomics for the rider.

It will be available in four color combinations: Light White, Racing Blue metallic matt / Black satin gloss, Racing Blue metallic matt / Light White and Light White / Black silk gloss. For more information and pricingon the S 100 XR and F 800 R, visit your local BMW dealer or www.bmwmotorcycles.com

2015 Kawasaki Ninja H2™R and H2™R When the Ninja H2™R motorcycle was conceived by Kawasaki, the driving concept behind its development was to offer the kind of acceleration most riders had never experienced.

To achieve this goal, the Ninja H2R is powered by a supercharged engine and boasts power output in the region of 300hp. Yet it has a compact design similar to power units found in the supersport category.

Although the Ninja H2R will be a production motorcycle, its huge horsepower means it is only available as a closedcourse model. Fitted with slick racing tires, it may not be ridden on public roads and should only be ridden by experienced riders. In other words, don’t look for one at any Backroads rallies.

The key to achieving the incredible performance lies in the supercharger, which was designed specifically for this application and completely in-house. Its development drew on technologies from other companies within Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. (KHI), such as the Gas Turbine & Machinery Company, Aerospace Company and Corporate Technology Division.

Technology created by the KHI Group was not limited to the supercharger. In fact, shared technology from other group companies can be found throughout the all-new engine and chassis. For example, the carbon-fiber upper and lower winglets were designed with assistance from Kawasaki’s Aerospace Company. These parts increase stability when riding in the ultra-high speed range and were critical to the motorcycle’s overall design. This is one example, but the KHI Group collaboration and the level of technology poured into the new motorcycle is why the Kawasaki River Mark is prominently displayed on the front of the Ninja H2R. The Kawasaki River Mark is a long-time symbol of KHI dating back to the 1870s. As a policy, its use on products is limited to models with historical significance. But permission was granted for the Ninja H2 to use this special symbol.

When it came to naming the motorcycle, “Ninja” was an obvious choice because it is synonymous with Kawasaki performance and has been shared by many legendary Kawasaki models over the years. Its model designation is also derived from another iconic model, with its 750 two-stroke Triple that gave it intense acceleration, making it a sensation around the world: the 750SS Mach IV, also known as the “H2.” For a model designed to offer “the kind of acceleration no rider has experienced before,” Ninja H2R is the ideal name.

The launching point for the development of the Ninja H2™ motorcycle was a strong desire to offer riders something they had never experienced before. Convinced that an extraordinary riding experience would not be found by merely building on the performance of existing models, the design team committed to de-

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DECEMBER 2014 • BACKROADS

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veloping the “ultimate motorcycle” from a clean slate.

Unlike a regular mass-production model, the high-precision production of the Ninja H2 requires greater handson participation by skilled Kawasaki craftsmen. So each step, from metalworking, treatment, welding and painting to assembly, fine-tuning and inspection is carefully attended to create a product of superior quality. Within Kawasaki’s Akashi Factory, production takes place in an area dedicated exclusively to the Ninja H2 motorcycle.

The Kawasaki Ninja H2 is only available in its very special Mirror Coated Black paint.

The Kawasaki Ninja H2R and H2 are limited-release production motorcycles, available for a short time in select markets. In order to reserve one of the world’s first supercharged production streetbikes, make a deposit at your local authorized Kawasaki dealer no later than December 19, 2014. Reservations will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis and are secured only with a deposit.

For full details please visit your local Kawasaki dealer or www.kawasaki.com

Honda Motor Europe Unveil at EICMA True Adventure Prototype: Inspired by both Honda’s fantastic heritage in adventure motorcycling and its recent Dakar program, the True Adventure Prototype captures the product direction as Honda seeks to expand its presence in the Adventure segment. This prototype has been developed to deliver outstanding off-road capability, and could provide the basis of a true round-theworld motorcycle. It’s flanked by the current Team HRC CRF450 Rally and, paying respect to Honda’s competition legacy, the 1989 Paris-Dakar-winning NXR Africa Twin ridden by Gilles Lalay. We’ll have to see if Honda continues with this prototype and if it will be released in the United States.

Bonneville T214 Land Speed Limited Edition

©2014 Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. (BRP). All rights reserved. ®, ™ and the BRP logo are trademarks of BRP or its affiliates. In the U.S.A., products are distributed by BRP US Inc. Offers valid in Canada and U.S.A. only from September 23, 2014 to January 31, 2015. See an authorized BRP dealer for details.

The terms and conditions may vary depending on your province or state and these offers are subject to termination or change at any time without notice. ‡4-Year Extended Warranty: Eligible units are new and unused 2012 to 2015 Can-Am Spyder models. The buyer of a 2012, 2013, 2014 or 2015 unit will receive the 24-month BRP Limited Warranty plus a 24 month B.E.S.T. extended service contract subject to a $50 deductible on each repair. Exception for Florida residents who will receive the 24-month BRP Limited Warranty plus an additional 24-month BRP Limited Warranty. The buyer of eligible units will also receive 48 months of FREE Roadside Assistance.

See your participating Can-Am dealer for a copy of the BRP Limited Warranty and B.E.S.T. contract. †Up to $4,000 Rebate on select models: Rebate applicable to new and unused 2012-2013 Spyder models. Rebate amount depends on the model and model year purchased. ◊FINANCING OPTIONS: Low financing rates are available on eligible units, including new and unused 2012 to 2015 Can-Am Spyder vehicles. Subject to credit approval. Approval and any rates and terms provided are based on credit worthiness. Multiple financing offers available. Minimum Amount Financed $5,000; Maximum Amount Financed $50,000. Other qualifications and restrictions may apply. Financing promotion void where prohibited. BRP is not responsible for any errors, changes or actions related to the financing provided by the financial institutions. See an authorized BRP dealer for details. Some models depicted may include optional equipment. Always ride responsibly and safely. Always observe applicable local laws and regulations. Don’t drink and drive. 610995

The Limited Edition Bonneville T214 celebrates the achievements of Texas-born racer Johnny Allen, and his record-breaking Triumph-powered Cee-Gar streamliner, which in 1956, set the first of many land speed records at the Bonneville Salt Flats by recording a two-way average of 214.4mph.

CENTRAL VERMONT MOTORCYCLES

The “Texas Cee-Gar,” a Triumph Thunderbird 650 powered, methanol-fuelled motorcycle with a streamlined bodyshell was built by airline pilot J.H. “Stormy” Mangham, and Fort Worth dealer, tuner and 2001 Motorcycle Hall of Fame inductee, Jack Wilson and piloted by legendary Texas racer Johnny Allen.

On 6th September 1956, AMA and FIM observers looked on as Allen set the world absolute speed record for a motorcycle at 214.40 mph. The now-classic 1959 Triumph Bonneville was named in tribute to the Texas Cee-Gar team’s record-setting efforts.

The 214.4 mph land speed record lasted until 1962 and was broken by Bill Johnson, riding the nitro methane powered Dudek Triumph streamliner to a speed record of 224.57.

The new Bonneville T214 Limited Edition, based on the T100 Black, pays homage to the remarkable land speed record achievement. The hand painted Caspian Blue and Pure White colour scheme complete with red and white chequer detailing echoes that of the 1956 Texas Cee-Gar. The blue front mudguard shares the same white star motif from the nosecone of the iconic streamliner. The shortened rear mudguard combined with blacked out wheel rims, handlebars, and rear suspension springs add to the authentic look which is complimented with red seat stitching detail and a smaller front headlight.

Limited to a total of 1000 bikes worldwide, each individually numbered, the T214, is priced from $9,999.

BACKROADS • DECEMBER 2014

Holiday Gift Ideas

Page 41

PRODUCT REVIEW

THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS Rain Happens.

I have a tee shirt that says that…so it must be true.

For years I have been on the search for a pair of rain gloves that do two specific things: #1 - Stay waterproof - even after hours of heavy rain. #2 – Are easy to get on and don’t pull apart when my hands are a bit damp.

I have had varied success in this search with one of my best being a pair of waterproof gloves from Germany’s Held company. I also wear their kangaroo leather Steve gloves, and found them to be tough, durable and very comfortable while touring. Still I have to bring both with me on tour and change them with the weather.

Held has now introduced a new pair of gloves that combine the best of both worlds.

The Held Air n Dry GORE-TEX Gloves.

This newest member of Held’s four-season GORE-TEX Quattrotempi line is created from the finest available materials and a new proprietary 2-in-1 dual-chamber technology.

According to Held, now handled in the USA by the Shuberth Helmet people, “This special 2-in-1 glove design has proven popular with long distance riders who need a light, vented summer glove as well as a waterproof glove for surprise rain storms,” said Peter Meade, National Sales Director of Schuberth North America. “It eliminates

HELD AIR N DRY GORE-TEX GLOVES the need to carry two sets of gloves in your tightly packed tank bag, which makes it convenient for commuters as well.”

Held’s patented 2-in-1 technology lets riders switch between a “Dry” chamber comprised of waterproof GORE-TEX and a “Breezy” unlined chamber with venting and perforation. Riders in warm, dry weather can use the same gloves when conditions change simply by switching hand chambers.

Held is known for utilizing unique materials, and the Air n Dry is no different. Along with the GORE-TEX interior, the Air n Dry’s shell is made of DuPont CORDURA and leather back, SUPERFABRIC reinforcement on slide area, and highly abrasion-resistant supple kangaroo leather on the palm.

The finishing touches come with vented hard knuckle protection, stretch panels for flexibility, and a visor wipe on the left index finger.

On the road I found them to be comfortable from the getgo and then very comfortable after that initial break-in period of just a few days.

Held makes things easy by having a number of glove sizes and finger lengths. There is the perfect fit just waiting for you, a rare thing with most other gloves coming in just a few basic sizes. Some of us have small palms and long fingers, others the opposite.

Your hands are your #1 sensory input to and from your motorcycle; and wearing gloves that really fit can be key in the fit and feel of your bike and your ride.

The folks at Held consider the Air n Dry gloves to be warm weather gloves and being vented they were excellent in the warmer days, but were still

DECEMBER 2014 • BACKROADS

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comfortable down into the low-50s autumn rides with no issue, and without turning on the BMWs heated grips.

If things got much colder you could always slide into the dry chamber to get your paws out of the cold breeze.

I was a bit remiss in this testing - neglecting to toss myself down the road to give the Air n Dry gloves a crash test. But I have been wearing Held gloves for years and have learned to trust them a decade ago.

The gloves have reflective panels for visibility, stretch panels for flexibility and comfort, are available in Black and Black-Grey and list for $250. Yes, expensive - but they combine the best of both worlds, are as durable as death and taxes and stylish to boot. Halley’s Comet will be back before these are worn out.

You can find Held at selected shops and dealers or by logging onto their website at www.heldusa.com ~ Brian Rathjen

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

Holiday Gift Ideas

HELIBARS® ADJUSTABLE HANDLEBARS FOR HONDA GOLD WING AND F6B

These groundbreaking, Luxury Sport Touring bars pivot wrist angle positions over a 36-degree range, are up to 2-1/2 inches taller than stock, have 7 inches of forward/backward movement and are up to 4 inches closer to riders, striking the perfect balance between greatly enhanced comfort and more nimble handling.

In development for six years, the LST comfort kit is much more than a pair of low-tech, barrising plates. It addresses every drawback of the stock, fixed-position bars on Honda GL1800 Gold Wings made from 2001 to 2014 and the radical FB6.

To achieve perfect ergonomics for bodies of all sizes, they enable fine-tuning adjustment one dimension at a time—using a simple Allen-head wrench—until the ideal setup found.

Heli’s Luxury Sport Touring Horizon handlebars’ multi-axis pivots fix the bikes’ steeply angled, severely rearward and awkward, low wrist angles on bars that are too close to riders.

Their 36 degrees of fore/aft pain relief and ability to move away or closer to riders keep the bars ends from landing in their laps and even hitting their thighs when turning left or right at full lock, transforming the 800-pound machines’ low-speed, parking-lot maneuvering.

Independent test riders say these HeliBars make the bikes feel 300 pounds lighter.The wrist rotation, additional height and reach movement help riders support their weight with a less cramped, more natural seating positions that aid in minimizing upper-body fatigue, muscle ache and lower back pain.

The system’s high-strength, steel handlebars are connected with a solid, aluminum crossbar that dramatically reduces handlebar flex and offers more front-end feedback. It also doubles as a convenient mounting point for electronic accessories. Heli’s exclusive HeliMount GPS adapter is optional.

Bolting directly to the bikes’ top triple clamp, the LSTs use original cables, hydraulics and wire loom, requiring

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BACKROADS • DECEMBER 2014

Page 43 no permanent modifications. The turnkey kit includes all components needed for installation using common tools in about three hours with HeliBars’ comprehensive instructions.

Made in the USA, the steel handlebars are pre-drilled to mate with stock switch housings and their multi-axis pivots are CNC machined from blocks of aluminum billet on state-of-the-art machines. For strength and security, the assemblies are attached to top triple clamps with aircraft-quality, investment-cast, T6 aluminum risers using the original hardware. They’re finished with a durable, UV-resistant black powdercoat.

Like all HeliBars products, this Luxury Sport Touring kit is backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee via Heli’s 30-day return policy, and come with a

one-year warranty. List price $795.

Heli’s unique, multi-axis replacement motorcycle handlebar kits are also available for BMW K1600s, Honda ST1100/1300s and all Kawasaki Concours models, as well as most Harleys and metric cruisers The leader in replacement handlebars and riser systems for more than 25 years, Heli Modified, Inc. has enabled motorcyclists to ride millions of miles in greater comfort for longer durations. The company designs and manufactures more than 70 products that improve the ergonomics of Japanese, European and American touring bikes, sport tourers, sportbikes, and cruisers without changing their overall looks.

Please visit www.HeliBars.com for more information about Heli’s innovative product line or call 800-859-4642.

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Holiday Gift Ideas

PRODUCT REVIEW

LD COMFORT UNDER GARMENTS

Time and again we hear complaints on how uncomfortable so many motorcycle saddles are on a long day or on extended tours. For sure many saddles need to be replaced, but even after this is done you can still have serious discomfort after a few hundred miles of riding. Could it be something else that is adding to your rear end woes?

Well, yes it can.

What we wear on longer rides truly has a remarkable affect on long-range comfort. Ill fitting or poorly constructed riding gear never can help, but to really get to the root of the problem one has to get under it all.

Your under garments.

These days there seem to be a number of under gear available to us, many from sports companies such as Nike, Reebok and Under Armour. But these garments are made for more common sport and not designed with motorcycle riders in mind.

I recently have joined the ranks of the converted.

LD Comfort caters to the Long Distance and Iron Butt crowd, but what works for these rides easily transfers to your average long day rider.

After a particularly grueling tour, I made my way to the computer, gingerly placed my sore ass in the chair and I ordered a set of LD Comfort’s best – their men’s riding shorts, long sleeve mock turtleneck and a pair of their Dry Max socks.

The first thing that struck me about the shorts and riding top is the thoughtfulness in construction. Both are made from a dual layer material that allows moisture to be lifted away from the body. This is not a wicking, but a creation that truly keeps the body dry in hot and moist conditions by transferring moisture to the outer layer keeping the inner layer and the skin dry.

This 4-way stretch material allows for a perfect fit. The fabric also offers anti-microbial properties to help prevent the growth of odor causing bacteria.

A major plus, I tell ya. Ask my riding buddies!

The riding shorts are constructed without any seams around the seating area, this prevents any chaffing, chapping or discomfort on long days of touring.

The way these shorts are cut prevent ride-ups or downs and for guys they have a ‘Roo-Fly’ for roadside pits tops when nature calls.

The mock turtleneck is made from the same material and in the same fashion. Both stylish and comfortable this riding shirt does a great job of regulating your body temperature whether it be riding in warmer summer sunshine or the cold and wet on those type of days and rides.

Combine this with the ability to remove moisture from the skin and you have some serious riding under garments.

The Dry Max Work Boot Socks are also available from LD Comfort. In the search for the perfect riding socks the people at LD Comfort discovered these and took to providing them to long distance

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BACKROADS • DECEMBER 2014

Page 45

and touring motorcyclists. These socks use a high-density protective padding. According to Dry Max the using of a denser padding, as opposed to simply a thick padding, protects feet without adversely affecting the fit of the boots. The Work Boot Socks are designed for use in cold to hot conditions, keeping feet dry, comfortable and odor free all day long.

In the interest of thorough and complete testing I wore all three of these under garments from LD Comfort for a weeklong tour – everyday - without rinsing, washing or de-fumigating. Unlike other tours where we had been on the road for weeks with an aroma hanging around us like a Joe Btfsplk-like cloud, including that one time we found a hotel housekeeper unconscious from bad air, the under garments from LD Comfort were very impressive, staying relatively fresh and clean for the entire journey. I wouldn’t put my nose there, but at least flowers weren’t wilting as I passed – always a good thing.

If need be, and recommended by us, you can rinse out these ‘frillys’ in a hotel sink, swimming pool or local car wash. They clean easily and dry quickly too; most times overnight. They also pack very small, so a couple of pairs of these and you will be good to go for month at a clip.

More comfort, superb durability, quickly cleaned, easily carried and with great day-to-day usage - the perfect motorcycle riding under garments.

How excellent is this!?

LD Comfort has available short sleeve shirts, longer tights, a few color options are currently available on some tops – but mostly they follow Henry Ford’s lead and offer a rainbow of colors as long as it’s black. They offer gear for both men and women.

LD Comfort Under Garments do the job. Give them a try once and you won’t leave home with out them.

The Men’s Riding Shorts listed for the odd price $44.94 and the Mock Turtle Neck Top $56.98. The Dry Max Work Boot Socks for just $10.00.

Log onto www.LDComfort.com for more information. ~ Brian Rathjen

MUSTANG SHOOTS FOR THE STARS • ROCKET III SEATS LAUNCHED The enterprising crew at Mustang Seats, LLC continues to boldly go where no aftermarket seat manufacturer has gone before, now with the launch of touring seats for Triumph’s Rocket III. Creating a class unto itself, the big Triumph “power tourer” has a head-turning 2.3 litre, three-cylinder engine built for interstellar travel. No question that the Rocket has more than enough motor, but when it comes to the long haul, the seat can become a pain in the posterior.

“With the world’s biggest production motorcycle engine, the Rocket III is ready for long hauls, heavy loads and going places in style,” says Mustang marketing director Marilyn Simmons.

Simmons suggests shooting for the stars by combining the power of the Rocket III with Mustang’s legendary comfort. “Not only are our seats built for comfort, Mustang’s two-piece seat for the Triumph Rocket III Touring sets the rider a half inch lower than stock and almost an inch further back than the stock position.” The combination of controlled density polyurethane cushion and the more relaxed riding position make a real difference for the long haul, says Marilyn.

“The wide 17” bucket and the 12” passenger seat provide long-term support for your longest journeys,” she adds.

“The optional easily removable built-in driver backrest offers more features than any other backrest on the market.” Choose between a two-piece studded or vintage style seat with an array of accessories for the Rocket III Touring, including studded or vintage fender bibs as well as studded or vintage tank bibs with an optional storage pouch.

In addition to the Rocket III Touring, Mustang also makes seats for Triumph Bonnevilles and Thunderbirds. For more details, please contact Mustang Customer Service at 413-668-1190 or 800-243-1392 or visit www.mustangseats.com.

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CROSS COUNTRY BMW 911 Middlesex Avenue, Metuchen, NJ Serving Central and North NJ, Staten Island, NY and Philadelphia, PA

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DECEMBER 2014 • BACKROADS

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Holiday Gift Ideas

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For those riders choosing to wear protective gear, specifically riding pants and jackets or full riding suit, there is always the question of what to wear under it all.

During the dog days of summer, when temperatures can get steamy and uncomfortable, how do you keep your riding gear from getting ‘the funk’ and having to be either washed and re-waterproofed too often or, to the dismay of your fellow riding companions, just sitting around and stinking?

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Enter NPMotoWear, developed by Nick Plenzick and proudly made in the U.S of A. This polyester composite, anti-odor technology material wicks the moisture away from the body as well as preventing growth of bacteria, which causes that ‘funk’. The material used in this very comfortable, smooth flat-lock seam design has its wicking performance woven in, which will last no matter how many time it is washed, as compared to sprayed on, which will dissipate over multiple washings.

Whether you are a long distance, iron butt rider or just out for a good day’s ride, NPMotoWear will keep you dry, comfortable and stylish.

I opted for the long sleeve, long pant combo which I found to be very comfortable worn under both my Aerostich Roadcrafter suit and Olympia pant and jacket.

The soft material almost disappears against your skin and is quite soft to the touch. One aspect that truly appealed to me is that, when brushed by the ever-present Velcro on all my riding gear, it does not seem to pull as does so many other base layers I’ve tried. The design

BACKROADS • DECEMBER 2014

Page 47

allows this to be worn while out of my riding suit, quite stylish and comfortable. The flat seams are, well, seamless and undetectable on any length ride. I have washed them a number of times already and they are still very wick-ey and just as soft.

These make great holiday presents, for yourself or your well-liked riding family and friends. NPMotoWear is available in long sleeve (pink or red @ $49.95) and tank top (pink, red, blue, silver or black @ $39.95), as well as shorts ($39.95) and long pants ($49.95), for women (black only) in sizes XS-3X. Guys can take advantage of this great base layer with short (black, blue, silver or red) or long (black, blue or silver) sleeve tops and shorts or long pants (same pricing; S-4X).

To see their full offerings, help with sizing and to order, please visit NPMoto.com or call 215-343-2158. ~ Shira Kamil

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

AvON TIRES NEW WIdE 21-INCh CObRA WhITEWAll Avon Tyres now offers the highly sought after wide 21-inch Cobra in a whitewall. Master builders, dealers and consumers who have long awaited a premium whitewall for custom bikes can now choose the popular Cobra tire in a 120/70-21 size with a full 15-mm whitewall.

“We’ve received countless requests for a custom bike tire in this size in a whitewall,” stated Ken Warner, VP of Marketing, Avon Tyres. “A wide 21-inch wheel is often the custom fitment of choice, but until now there’s been little to choose from when it comes to a high-end option in a whitewall. We’re dedicated to improving our product offering to meet customer needs, and this new Cobra whitewall is the next step in that process.”

The ultraquiet Cobra incorporates sport tire technology for nimble handling, incredible stability and long life. Its special construction and aggressive tread pattern deliver great handling in a variety of conditions, along with great performance and style. There are now nine whitewall sizes available including the new 120/70-21.

For more information, visit www.avonmoto.com/products/cruiser-touring-custom/cobra.

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DECEMBER 2014 • BACKROADS

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UPCOM IN G EVENTS CAL ENDAR EVERY MONTH - WEATHER PERMITTING Every Tuesday • The Ear - Spring St, NYC. Come meet some fellow riders and do some benchracing or whatever. 8pm-ish Every Wednesday • Chelseas Restaurant/Pub, 1051 Rte. 22 East, Lebanon, NJ 6-9pm, weather permitting all summer • www.chelseasrestaurantpub.com

What’s Happening If you dream those kinds of dreams, this is the event for you! Overland travelers and those who aspire to do so will gather for a weekend of fun, information and friendship at the Holiday Lake 4-H Camp near Appomattox, VA. Along with seminars and presentations, the weekend also marks the 150th anniversary of the end of the Civil War at nearby Appomattox Courthouse. Registration $45 until Dec. 31, fee increases after that date. Complete information @ www.horizonsunlimited.com/events/virginia-2015

DECEMBER 2014

MAY 2015

1-April 1 • Bob’s BMW Polar Bear Challenge. Sign up in person @ Bob’s, 10720 Guilford Rd, Jessup, MD. Monthly winners (male and female) and two Grand Prize winners. For more info call 301-497-8949 • www.bobsbmw.com

15-17 • Morton’s BMW Spring Fling Rally, Natural Bridge, VA. Find your way to the Shenandoah Valley for the 5th annual Spring Fling, courtesy of Morton’s BMW. Centered at the newly renovated Natural Bridge Hotel, we’ll enjoy great riding, informative seminars and presentations, good food, a catered Saturday dinner buffet, an optional Friday evening Brats & Brews dinner and more. Registration is $50 until May 1, $60 after that date. More information @ www.mortonsbmw.com • 540-891-9844

13 + 20 • Bergen County Harley Davidson Photos with Santa 11a-3p. Free Gift Wrapping. 124 Essex St, Rochelle Park, NJ • 201-843-6930 • www.bergenharley.com 13 + 20 • Liberty Harley Davidson Photos with Santa Noon-4p. 12 W Milton Ave, Rahway, NJ • 732-381-2400 • www.libertyharley.com 12-14 • Progressive International Motorcycle Show comes to Jacob Javits Center in New York City. Advance tickets now available online @ www.motorcycleshows.com.

Get discounted tickets with promo code backroads15. Visit the Backroads booth for the latest issue and surprise guests.

JANUARY 2015 9-11 • Progressive International Motorcycle Show comes to Washington Convention Center in Washington, DC. Advance tickets now available online @ www.motorcycleshows.com. Get discounted tickets with promo code backroads15.

FEBRUARY 2015

JUNE 2015 1-6 • Americade, world's largest multi-brand motorcycle touring rally, attracting over 100,000 annually. Come for the day or for the week to the "Best Riding Event in the U.S." with the most factory demos, a massive motorcycle expo, lots of incredible motorcycle events and more amazing rides than any other event in the country. Events include guided and unguided rides, poker runs, scavenger hunt, trade show, bike shows, vendors, entertainment, and more • 518-798-7888 • www.americade.com 13-21 • Laconia Motorcycle Week – the original riding rally. All of the attractions that you can imagine, attracting the best custom bike builders and their creations. Events and attractions are going on everywhere, but the place to be at night is Weirs Beach • 603-366-2000 • www.laconiamcweek.com

6-8 • Timonium Motorcycle Show, Maryland State Fairgrounds, 2200 York Rd, Timonium, MD. Adults $17; 10-15: $5; under 10 free. Featuring a NEW travel, touring and adventure area - prepare to spend some time and meet world travelers like Benka Pulko, Rene Cormier, Allan Karl, Lisa & Simon Thomas and Lois onthe Loose Price.

Hear their travel stories. Plus see all the new bikes, antique & custom bike competition, shop hundreds of exhibits covering everything in motorcycling, seminars, fashion show, etc • www.cycleshow.net

13-28 • BACKROADS TURNS 20. Come along as we celebrate 20 years of motorcycle, travel and adventure with Adriatic MotoTours’ Romania to Istanbul Adventure. For more details visit www.adriaticmototours.com or call 973-948-4176.

MARCH 2015

23-25 • 43rd BMW MOA International Rally, MetraPark, Billings Montana • www.bmwmoa.org

6-15 • Daytona Bike Week, FL • www.daytonachamber.com/bikeweek/ce/

APRIL 2015 9-12 • Horizons Unlimited Travellers meeting, Appomattox, VA. Have you ever wondered about riding your motorcycle to far-away lands? How about around the world?

25-28 • Johnstown Thunder in the Valley, Johnstown, PA • 800-237-8590 • www.visitjohnstownpa.com/thunderinthevalley

JULY 2015 Watch calendar and website for new events and upcoming 2015 Backroads Rally announcements. Follow us on Facebook for up-to-the-minute information: www.facebook.com/pages/Backroads-Motorcycle-Touring-Magazine

BACKROADS • DECEMBER 2014

POLAR BEAR GRAND TOUR 2014-15 It is not necessary to be a member of the Polar Bear Grand Tour to do these rides.

There is generally food at the destination and if you just want to go for a nice ride and join other folks feel free to attend. To check on Polar Bear cancellations & updates call A.M.A. Dis. #2 @ 908-722-0128. Sign-in is from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm unless otherwise posted.

General information about the Polar Bear Grand Tour and general directions to the locations: polarbeargrandtour.com

Page 49 15 • HOOTERS, 25 Rte 23 South, Wayne, NJ 07470 • 973-837-1876 • www.hootersnj.com 22 • BAHRS LANDING, 2 Bay Ave., Highlands, NJ 07732 • 732-872-1245 • www.bahrs.com

MARCH 2015 1 • FIREHOUSE EATERY, 455 Saint Georges Ave. Rahway, NJ 07065 • 732 382-9500 • www.firehouseeatery.com

NOVEMBER 2014

8 • LONG VALLEY PUB & BREWERY, 1 Fairmount Rd., Long Valley, NJ 07853 • 908876-1122 • www.restaurantvillageatlongvalley.com

30 • APPALACHIAN BREWING CO., 50 West 3rd Ave., Collegeville, PA 19426 • 484973-6064 • www.abcbrew.com/brewpubs/collegeville

15 • THE CHATTERBOX, #1 Rte 15 South, Augusta, NJ 07822 • 973-300-2300 • www.chatterboxdrivein.com

DECEMBER 2014

22 • BRIAN’S HARLEY-DAVIDSON, 600 S. Flowers Mill Rd., Langhorne PA 19047 • 215 752-9400 • www.brianshd.com

7 • MONTGOMERYVILLE CYCLE, 2901 Bethlehem Pike Hatfield, PA 19440 • 215-7127433 • www.montgomeryvillecc.com

29 • THE HICKORY BBQ SMOKEHOUSE, 743 Route 28, Kingston, NY 12401 • 845338-2424 • www.hickoryrestaurant.com

14 • THE CABIN, 984 Route #33 Howell, NJ 07731 • 732 462-3090.

On Rt. 33 in Howell Twp. Approx. 5 miles west of Rt. #34 (east of Freehold, NJ).

CHRISTMAS PARTY. BRING A TOY FOR THE CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL (do NOT wrap present) • www.thecabinrestaurant.net

12 • CHEEBURGER CHEEBURGER 336 Northampton St., Easton, PA 18042 • 610438-1311 • www.cheeburger.com/pennsylvania

21 • THE COOL CRICKET RESTAURANT and SPORTS BAR, 216 4th Street, Fieldsboro, NJ 08505 • 609-291-9110 • thecoolcricket.com

19 • CAPE MAY V.F.W. post #386, N.J. 419 Congress St., Cape May, N.J. 08204 • 609884-7961

28 • RHODES NORTH TAVERN, 40 Orange Turnpike, Sloatsburg, NY 10974 • 845 7536438 • www.rhodesnorth.com

25 • END OF THE SEASON GET-TOGETHER - At The Pic-a-Lilli Inn, starting @ 11:30 AM. The rain date would be April 26, 2015; same time. Cost to Members: $6.00 per person. There will be salad, Wings, Beef, rolls, and lemonade, plus a cash bar. You must get an arm band from your flight leader.

JANUARY 2015

APRIL 2015

4 • De THOMASI’s EAST 5 POINTS INN, 580 Tuckahoe Rd & Landis Ave., Vineland, NJ 08360 • 856-691-6080 • www.fivepointsinn.com 11 • UPSTREAM GRILLE, 161 Rte. 181, Lake Hopatcong, NJ 07849 • 973-663-2222 • www.upstreamgrille.com 18 • LAGO, 230 Washington Place, North Brunswick TWP, NJ. 08902 • 732 297-3803 • www.LagoNJ.com 25 • THE EXCHANGE, 160 E. Main St., Rockaway, NJ 07866 • 973-627-8488 • www.exchangefood.com

FEBRUARY 2015 1 • THE FRANKLIN HOUSE TAVERN, 101 North Market Street, Schaefferstown, PA 17088 • 717 949-2122 • franklinhousetavern.com February 8, 2015 8 • PIC-A-LILLI INN 866 Route 206 Shamong NJ 08088 • 609 268-2066 • picalilli.com

PLEASE SEND UPCOMING EVENT INFORMATION AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE FOR MAXIMUM EXPOSURE. Use form on website for correct format www.backroadsusa.com/events.html email: editor@backroadsusa.com • fax: 973-948-0823

DECEMBER 2014 • BACKROADS

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INDUSTRY INfOBITES

(Continued from page 13)

AMA SITE LANE SPLITTING STUDY The AMA has released two studies highlighting advantages of responsible lane splitting - riding a motorcycle between two lanes of stopped or slowly moving traffic - is a relatively safe maneuver when both the motorcyclist and nearby drivers know the law and adhere to “safe and prudent” practices, according to two University of California—Berkeley studies.

One report is a crash study that examined motorcyclists who were involved in crashes while lane splitting between June 2012 and August 2013. The second report examined lane-splitting habits among various groups in 2012-13.

The findings bolster the position of motorcyclists and traffic-safety officials that responsible lane splitting is a safe and effective tactic for riders, particularly in heavily congested areas.

NHTSA WAIVES BUY AMERICA PROVISION SO MICHIGAN CAN BUY 20 SUZUKIS The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has approved the state of Michigan’s request to buy 20 Suzuki motorcycles using government grants, waiving federal rules that favor domestic vehicle purchases.

Buying the Suzukis will save Michigan more than 25 percent of what it would have spent to buy American motorcycles, according to the Detroit News.

Michigan plans to buy 20 2015 Suzuki TU250X motorcycles. The state chose the bikes because they are designed with smaller engine displacement, less unladen weight and smaller seat height.

‘Michigan is unable to identify any training motorcycles that meet the Buy America requirements.

(Michigan) researched motorcycle models made by the two American motorcycle manufacturers, Harley Davidson, Inc. and Victory Motorcycles,” NHTSA said.

The government posted a notice Sept 17 approving a waiver for the Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning to buy 20 Suzuki training motorcycles using grant funds. They are to be used for training. Also were purchases of a portable data projector, a wireless remote control presenter, DVDs and high-visibility motorcycle vests.

Buy America rules say NHTSA shall not award any funds “unless steel, iron, and manufactured products used in such project are produced in the United States.”

NHTSA can waive the rules if they are “inconsistent with the public interest” or the materials and products are not produced in the United States in reasonably available quantities or “the inclusion of domestic material will increase the cost of the overall project contract by more than 25 percent.

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Bob’s BMW Motorcycles (Jessup, MD) is pleased to announce it has joined forces again with Gerbing Heated Gear for its 2nd Annual High Mileage Polar Bear Challenge. All brand riders are welcome and encouraged to join in the fun. All you have to do is ride… it’s that simple!

The contest begins December 1st and runs through April 4. All active participants will receive an exclusive Polar Bear Challenge t-shirt and cool bike decal.

Monthly and cumulative high mileage male and female winners will be awarded $2,500 worth of prizes thanks to this year’s sponsor, Gerbing Heated Gear.

BACKROADS • DECEMBER 2014 This year Bob’s BMW will be inviting motorcycle clubs to join the challenge from near and far offering an option for riders outside of Maryland and D.C. who are members of a charter motorcycle club to participate and submit mileage via club presidents. Anyone interested in getting more details can contact hanna@bobsbmw.com.

How To Register Registration and mileage check-in must be done in person at Bob’s BMW Service Department during regular service department business hours, Tuesday-Friday 9am-6pm and Saturday 9am-4pm (see below for specific dates).

Want to participate but not “local”? If you are a member of a chartered motorcycle club and are interested in participating, contact hanna@bobsbmw.com directly for more details on how you can get involved from afar.

For details on how the Challenge works, Challenge dates and list of prizes, please visit www.bobsbmw.com or contact hanna@bobsbmw.com.

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Page 51

DECEMBER 2014 • BACKROADS

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N.J. BLUE KNIGHTS IX

MAKE-A-WISH RIDE 2014

There is an odd legend that floats around the riding community of northwestern New Jersey, where Backroads’ calls home, and that is that it never rains on the Make A Wish Ride.

It might get chilly – but, the sun usually shows up when the Blue Knights IX make the call to fellow riders to gather and ride to raise cash for the Make A Wish Foundation.

This it was this past October 19th.

Clear, but crisp, midmorning saw some 250+ machines lining up along the wide circular driveway at Augusta, New Jersey’s famed Chatterbox Drive-In, which opened early to host the send off for this event – now in 27th year.

For those of you who live outside the Backroads Central immediate area, know that this particular chapter of the law enforcement based Blue Knights raises more money for various charities and families than any other AMA–sanctioned riding club in the United States.

To say that this group does a lot of good is an understatement. This is one of the reasons why they received the Backroads’ Lifetime Achievement in Motorcycling Excellence (LAME) Award a few years back.

Evidently a large number of riders feel the same way about this BK chapter.

The ride ran a pleasant 30 miles and romped its way around the farmlands of Sussex county to end up with a roast beef lunch at the Hamburg Fire Pavilion, right off Route 23.

The ride raised over $6,000 for Make-A-Wish who grants the wish of children diagnosed with a lifethreatening medical conditions across the United States and its territories. They grant a wish, on average, every 38 minutes. That is a lot of wishes!

If you ‘wish’ you can find out more about the MakeA-Wish by logging onto wish.org – we recommend you read how this all started; we know our office got quiet when the story was read aloud.

The next Blue Knight IX event is the Chilli Chili Run on New Year’s Day in Ogdensburg, New Jersey.

BACKROADS • DECEMBER 2014

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CLUB SPOTLIGHT

CONCOURS OWNERS GROUP • 25TH ANNIVERSARY In June 2014, the Concours Owners Group (COG) celebrated its 25th anniversary at what turned out to be the largest and best attended national rally in the history of the club. During this very special event, COG members could find tributes to the Concours in many places.

And why not? The Kawasaki Concours is at the root of COG’s formation, and one of the cornerstones of the sport touring market. It seems these days, no matter what you own, a car, a truck, a boat, or a tractor, you can find an owners group that supports their passion. For riders, it’s a passion for a motorcycle that’s the stimulus for an owners group creation, as it was for the inception of the Concours Owners Group. However, COG is far more diverse than a single motorcycle club, or even a club for a single category or brand of motorcycle.

The clubs long used motto, “Join for the bike, stay for the people”, speaks to one of the COG’s core values, that the passion for the Concours is exceeded only by its passions for its members, the joys of riding, and the friendships and camaraderie that are shared. To be sure, if you page through the club magazine or web site, or read posts in any of the dedicated online communities, you’ll quickly understand that the Concours Owners Group hasn’t forgotten the bike that’s behind the group’s creation. If you are lucky enough to be a member, and own the bike, you’ll find a wealth of knowledge about the bike in the member library, or from one of the most experienced and friendly member bases you’ll find. But what if you don’t own the bike? It’s not a requirement, and many members own bikes of all makes and models.

You will not need to join as an associate member, or need a current member as a sponsor, or even pay a different rate for dues. When you join the Concours Owners Group, you automatically become a full member, with the same benefits and opportunities as any other member. In COG, it’s more about the rider than the ride, more about camaraderie than machine loyalty, and where a member is a member, no matter what bike you ride.

The Concours Owners Group has many benefits for its members that include a quarterly magazine, an annual member directory, regional newsletters, online member store, discounts from industry members and affiliated groups, a website that that has scores of information including the online event calendar, and the entertaining and informative COG Forum. But for most, the true value of membership isn’t the bike or the benefits; the true value is the members, and the many friends you’re sure to make. Attend one of the many events organized by member volunteers. These could be tech

sessions, meet and greets, day or weekend rides, or full blown rallies. It’s here that you will find the best of COG: the people you’ll meet, the friends you’ll make, and the enjoyment you’ll have as a member.

One thing you won’t find in the Concours Owners Group is a large parade of bikes riding though main street of some local city.

Members typically prefer to ride in smaller size groups, usually no more than six to eight riders. At COG events, members will frequently join up to ride together. Ride organizers often provide suggested, self guided routes, but there is always the option to ride your own route. Most importantly, members are asked to ride their own ride, stay within their riding abilities, and have fun – the groups will wait for separated riders at appropriate places. For all the enjoyment of riding, when the days ride is over, and you have safely joined up at some restaurant, hotel, or campsite, it’s the camaraderie, parking lot tire kicking and bench racing that may turn out to be the best part of your day.

If you own a Concours, or are just looking for a group of like-minded riding enthusiasts to hang out and have fun with, consider the Concours Owners Group. To learn more about COG, find them on the web at: www.cog-online.org or contact the Northeast Area Director at: nead@cog-online.org, or the Marketing Officer at: marketing@cog-online.org.

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DECEMBER 2014 • BACKROADS

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MOTORCYCLE MARKETPLACE

ALL THAT GOOD STUFF

RISING WOLF GARAGE NYC EXCLUSIVE MOTORCYCLE PARKING FACILITY We p r o v i d e a f r i e n d l y, c l e a n a n d s e c u r e environment for the motorcycle enthusiast Service Area Personal Storage Air Compressor Battery Charging

Monthly Parking Long & Short Term 24 Hour Access Video Surveillance

Are you ready for the most comfortable motorcycle saddle?

A saddle that fits properly eliminates pressure points that reduce blood flow. It takes a solid understanding of human anatomy and extensive motorcycle experience to make a truly fine motorcycle saddle. Let Rick’s medical expertise as a critical care nurse and extensive riding experience combine to create a truly great saddle hand-made just for you. Prices start at $269.

www.RickMayerCycle.com

By Appointment Only East Village NYC Ph: 212 475 5858 • Fx: 212 505 5205

risingwolfgarage@aol.com

www.risingwolfgarage.com

BACKROADS • DECEMBER 2014

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MOTORCYCLE MARKETPLACE

ALL THAT GOOD STUFF Largest

Join Us in 2015

in Latin America

Patagonia, Peru or Bolivia

Visit our website for all 2015 tour dates Ride through Chile, Peru and Argentina.

Visit the full range of our beautiful and enchanting places and see our lakes, other-worldly deserts, the dramatic Andes, snow-covered volcanoes and,

Independent touring or guided tours with multilingual guide, mechanic and support vehicle. 14 Years organizing tours and BMW rentals.

80 motorcycles in fleet.

World’s 2nd Largest BMW Travel Partner and Official BMW Dealer

of course, the magic world of Patagonia.

email info@motoaventura.cl web www.motoaventura.cl

O’TOOLE’S HARLEY-DAVIDSON

®

If you didn’t like cool stuff, you wouldn’t be reading this magazine.

Serving New York’s Hudson Valley for 40 years Factory Trained Service • New Model Sales Genuine Harley-Davidson® Parts and Accessories

Here’s something you’re going to love.

Conveniently located near the areas of Monticello, Middletown, Ellenville, Montgomery, and Walden

4 Sullivan St • Wurtsboro, NY 845-888-2426 • www.OToolesHD.com

TORQ-IT Screwdriver/Speed Wrench/ Palm Ratchet All In One Tool Variable Speeds Over 600RPM Low Profile, with an “Ergo” Grip and a Non-Slip Design Accepts All 3/8” and 1/4” Sockets and Extensions

BASIC SET: $19.95 • DELUXE SET: $29.95 • ACCESORY SET: $9.95

TORQ-IT PRODUCTS, INC. 1701 Manor Road • Havertown PA 19083 Tel: 1.888.876.9555 • Visit Our New Website: WWW.TORQ-IT.COM

The Boat House Restaurant Join us for Brunch, Lunch or Dinner overlooking Swartswood Lake

Member

Excellent Ride Destination Tuesday ~ Sunday 11am-9pm Brunch 10am-2pm • Closed Mondays Call for Seasonal Hours 1040 Cty Rd 521 • Swartswood, NJ 973-300-0016

www.theboathouserestaurantonline.com

DECEMBER 2014 • BACKROADS

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MOTORCYCLE TRAILERS DAYTONA, BIKETOBERFEST, STURGIS AND BEYOND

BARN TRAILERS

SALES 718-426-7039 • www.barntruckrental.com RENTALS 57-05 BROADWAY • WOODSIDE NY 11377 (OFF THE BQE & LIE)

Sussex Hills Ltd. Now stocking a full line of heated gear Make your riding season last all year.

973-875-2048 946 Rte. 23 South Sussex NJ 07461

ALL THAT GOOD STUFF

THE BIKE SHOP Motorcycle Service Repair + Parts

@ Automotive Revelations

Custom welding service and PA inspections available on site

Let us help you with your winter project 111 Mountain Spring Rd, Milford, PA • 570-228-6101 • fisherfabrications@gmail.com

Specializing in Motorcycle Repair, Parts & Supplies • Cycle Tires Mounted & Balanced • Batteries & Hard Parts • Dynojet 250 Dyno available for testing

Norman Gross Since 1976 Our Reputation Speaks for Itself

For All Your Harley-Davidson Needs

3 miles north of Sussex Borough

‘50s-Style Drive-In Restaurant Full and Varied Menu Room for the Whole Gang Cool Nights, Hot Bikes • Two-Wheels or Four, join us at

THE CHATTERBOX DRIVE-IN GREAT FOOD • GOOD TIMES • EXCELLENT RIDING Located at Ross’ Corners • 1 Route 15 • Augusta NJ • 973-300-2300

www.chatterboxdrivein.com

lley’s Hudson Va ne Riding Number O t Restauran Barbeque W North 1076 Route 9 mery, NY Fort Montgo

oute 9W icturesque R Located on P Perkins Drive minutes from State Park and Harriman Point historic West just south of

845-446-0912 rmerbbq.com www.barnsto

Worth the ride from anywhere!

Celebrate the Season with some awesome barbeque!

If you go home hungry it’s your own fault

Sharing your passion for good food since 1983 Member of

NOW AVAILABLE Barbeque Catering Flexible • Affordable Ready When You Are 320 Front Street, Belvidere, NJ • 908-475-2274 • www.thisilldous.com

Open Daily for Breakfast and Beyond • 7am to 4pm • Sunday 7am to 1pm Try our Full Throttle Breakfast Special every Saturday + Sunday

2015 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE

2015 FJ-09

Perfect Ride for Any Journey

THE MOST VERSATILE SPORT TOURER.

2015 1290 SUPER DUKE

2015 YZF-R1

Unleash the Beast

COMPLETELY NEW FROM THE TRACK UP.

Visit us at the KTM booth IMS Javits Center • Dec. 12-14

Whether it’s enjoying long sport tour adventures or ripping up the track, Yamaha has the bike for you. Come get yours at Hanover Powersports.

ONLY Full Line KTM Dealer in the tri-state area HUGE inventory of KTM Parts, Accessories and Apparel Follow Us on Instagram

Follow Us on Instagram

Watch Us on YouTube

210 Route 10 West, East Hanover, NJ • 973-428-1735

Watch Us on YouTube

www.HanoverPowersports.com

Like Us on Facebook

Like Us on Facebook

210 Route 10 West, East Hanover, NJ • 973-428-1735

www.HanoverPowersports.com

Dress properly for your ride with a helmet, eye protection, long-sleeved shirt, long pants, gloves and boots. Do not drink and ride. It is illegal and dangerous. Yamaha and the Motorcycle Safety Foundation encourage you to ride safely and respect the environment. For further information regarding the MSF course, please call 1-800-446-9227. ©2014 Yamaha Motor Corporation. U.S.A. All rights reserved. • YamahaMotorsports.com

YOUR RIDE STARTS HERE 9 NEW BIKES UNDER $8,500* CHECK THEM OUT AT

HANOVER POWERSPORTS

www.Powersports.Honda.com

Look for the Hanover Powersports Booth at the Jacob Javits Center International Motorcycle Show December 12-14

210 Route 10 West • East Hanover, NJ • 973-428-1735 Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri: 9am-6pm • Thur: 9am-8pm • Sat: 9am-5pm SUNDAY: CLOSED - GONE RIDING

honda.com MSRP excluding tax, license, registration, destination charge and dealer-installed options. Dealer prices may vary. European model CB500X, CB500F and CBR500R shown. ALWAYS WEAR A HELMET, EYE PROTECTION AND PROTECTIVE CLOTHING. NEVER RIDE UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF DRUGS OR ALCOHOL, AND NEVER USE THE STREET AS A RACETRACK. OBEY THE LAW AND READ THE OWNER’S MANUAL THOROUGHLY. For rider training information or to locate a rider training course near you, call the Motorcycle Safety Foundation at 800-446-9227. CBR, CB, CTX700N, CRF and NC700X are registered trademarks of Honda Motor Co., Ltd. (12/14)