February 2022

W H AT ’ S I N S I D E 10 MONTHLY COLUMNS

BACKROADS • FEBRUARY 2022

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Motorcycles, Travel & Adventure

FREE WHEELIN’ ........................................ 3 WHATCHATHINKIN’ ................................... 4 ON THE MARK .......................................... 5 BACKLASH ............................................... 6

Publishers

Brian Rathjen • Shira Kamil

Contributors

Mark Byers, Dr. Seymour O’Life

Editorial Office BACKROADS, POB 620 Augusta, NJ 07822

INDUSTRY INFOBITES............................... 8 MYSTERIOUS AMERICA .......................... 10 GREAT ALL AMERICAN DINER RUN......... 12 I KNOW THIS PLACE ............................... 14 WE’RE OUTTA HERE ............................... 15

19

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BIG CITY GETAWAY................................. 17

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editor@backroadsusa.com

INSIDE SCOOP ....................................... 19

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WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE .................... 32

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FEATURES BACKROADS FALL FIESTA ‘21................. 20 99th LACONIA MC WEEK ........................ 25

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHTS/REVIEWS CALIFORNIA HEATED GEAR .................... 26 READER’S CORNER ................................ 27 AEROSTICH COUSIN JEREMY SUIT ........ 28 DUNLOP MUTANT TIRES ......................... 30

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BACKROADS (ISSN 1087-2088) is published monthly by BACKROADS™, Inc. 2022. 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.

BACKROADS • FEBRUARY 2022

F R E E W H EEL I N’ BRIAN RATHJEN

FROM HERE… Every day just gets a little shorter, don’t you think?

Take a look around you, and you’ll see just what I mean People got to come together, not just out of fear Where do we go from here?

Chicago II Over the years there are things we recognize and feel comfortable with.

During this same time, it is easy to see we have become creatures of habit as well. I like to start my ramblings with old songs that I feel fit the mood or ask the right question at the right time.

I am also a long-time sun person and I spend my winters looking to steal even an hour or two on a bike. Winter sucks… seriously! As Shawn and Guster would say in Psych… “Suck It, Winter!”

Our home was purposely built, by the original artist owners, to be an astronomical calendar and has the bedroom facing the woods to the east – well over 400 acres of privately owned forest land.

In winter the sun comes up to my side and window - the far right. In summer to hers – way to the left.

During the year it’s somewhere in the middle of the wide glass doors.

The time of year affects Shira and me differently.

During the colder and darker months Shira typically rises before me, mostly because of the demands of the CFO (Chief Feline Officer) Spenser T. I am sometimes aware of this, and her kiss on my forehead means my life is still good, and nothing terrible happened while we were in Dreamland.

Page 3 Six months on the other side of this astronomical passion play I’ll be checking chains, tire pressures, oil levels, and rolling my eyes at the changes someone has suggested to be made to my previously semi-perfect GPS routes. C’mon left, right, paved, gravel… whatever. It’s an adventure. Fast and curve balls all part of the game, right?

But, today – right now… 6:10 am – still dark as pitch, but with the hint that somewhere in the far Atlantic, at a speed of about 1,000 miles per hour, Helios is about to wake up his steeds.

Many have had to get up already and get going to make a living or, in many cases, making a life. A long time ago Shira and I (along with various furry friends) found that creating a life is far more satisfying than the former.

So, I sit in front of my old iMac, next to the laptop that is three times as powerful, and tap these thoughts. Disjointed but coming together as the coffee does its job.

Last night was one of the longest in the year. I slept early last night.

For some reason, this day has had me up in summer-time mode. In the real world wintertime, I roll around in bed and read some great motorcycle magazines until the sun is burning through the windows.

Quietly taking a shower, at O-Dark-30, and making super quiet coffee I slip down to Backroads Central - only Spenser T. Cat has been running up and down the spiral stairs – almost worried at this reversal of events this morn.

He rubs up against me, wanting to be let out.

He is tenacious. We can learn from cats. They are focused creatures.

He taps out on Mac’s keyboard how he can see SOOOO much better than I can in low-light. This daybreak at Backroads Central is different – slightly dimmer, but I relent (give up?) and I let him Continued on Page 7

BACKROADS • FEBRUARY 2022

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W H AT C H AT HI NK I N ’ SHIRA KAMIL

GET OUT THE MAPS OR THE RIGHT TOOL FOR THE JOB Over the past few days, we got calls about long distance travel from two separate riders.

One, who did not want to miss out on riding again this year as he had in the past two, wanted to plan a cross-country trip. His son would be attending his spring semester in Los Angeles (late January to mid-May) and he felt it the perfect impetus to pack the bike and head west. Since working from home these last years, he did not want the same boredom that set in this past fall to take hold again this spring. His questions dealt more with routes, roads and logistics. Since Brian and I had done a cross-country trip in 2020, he felt we may have some insight into these things.

The other was thinking about joining some other riders who would be heading to Alaska. This rider had been off his motorcycle for a time due to a horrific accident. The up side, if there is such a thing after a horrific accident, is that he is an amazing rider – has been on a motorcycle most of his life and adept at all types of riding. His concern was not logistics, as the other riders he would be joining already had a plan. His had to do with what motorcycle would be the best for this trip and the things that

would need to accompany him such as GPS, luggage, etc.

Addressing the first, we said that the route we had taken would not serve him well, since he was thinking about doing this in April. Our path took us over the Rockies and the wonderful riding in Colorado. April in the Rockies is, well, still winter. So a more southerly route would certainly need to be the option. Specifically, his question was, ‘Any suggestions as to the best way to route the best roads in the connecting states?’

Most riders who have ridden or dream of riding throughout our beautiful country have a list of the ‘must ride’ roads that have been put out by so many magazines and motorcycle websites. There are annual ‘top ten’ roads that appear, pretty often the same every year, as there aren’t too many new roads being developed. According to GreatMotorcycleRoads. com, it’s Going-to-the-Sun Road: MO, Needles Highway: SD, Beartooth Highway: MO, WY, Natchez Trace Parkway: TN/AL/MS, Blue Ridge Parkway: VA/NC, Tail of the Dragon: TN/NC, Peak to Peak Highway: CO, Cherohala Skyway: TN/NC, Mt Washington Auto Road: NH and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument: UT. Those are some pretty fine roads, but, personally, I’d lose Tail of the Dragon – it is WAY too crowded most of the time with too many yahoos in that crowd. With the Cherohala Skyway withing striking distance, I would spend the time and concentration one hundred-fold on that beautiful piece of tarmac.

Of course, there are always those hidden gems (that’s what Backroads is always looking for…) which are sought and, if other riders play nicely, are shared via blogs, e-letters and such. We have found some pretty great ones along our Backroads rides – two particular ones that come to mind, both in Pennsylvania and, coincidently, both available to be ridden on our Spring Rally in May, are Route 154 and 125.

Route 154, which runs from Canton to LaPorte, has everything that a wonderful motorcycle road requires: complete curvaceousness, beautiful scenery and stopping areas to photograph it, decent pavement and food and gas along the way. While this length of road is a mere 50 miles, it can be ridden up and back, as each direction holds its own enjoyment.

Route 125, running from Shamokin to Marstown, is a bit shorter run at about 35 miles, but has a bit more technicality to it. It is more rural, without the scenery or photogenic qualities, but has been called the ‘Tail of the Dragon of Pennsylvania’ (yeah, I know I just said I’d wipe that off the list, but this is just a comparison and, as such, paints a picture).

On to Rider Number Two and his Alaskan Adventure; his thought was that his RT would certainly be able to make the ride but did he want that much bike. His friend would be on a KLR – he did not think he would be comfortable on that size bike for this length of time. He mentioned both the Africa Twin and 1250 GS – both excellent vehicles for this sort of ride. My retort to him, as he is both a mechanic and handyman, was ‘what is the right tool for the job?’

There have certainly been all modes of motorcycles to have ridden to the Arctic Circle Sign, making it on the ever-treacherous Dalton Highway, but there are better options than others. Personally, I would rather be on a more nimble, lighter weight bike than something covered in plastic. Sure, the crossing of the country would be a cushy ride on an RT, but the beating it would take on the Dalton might not be worth it.

In the end, it was mentioned to find a used Twin/ GS/etc. for the trip and, when back home, decide if it is worth keeping or better to be passed along with a pat on the saddle as having done the job well.

To both of you long-journey riders, I hope that the trip comes to pass and I wish you safe travels and lots of fond memories to hold you until your next adventure. ,

BACKROADS • FEBRUARY 2022

O N T H E MAR K MARK BYERS

ICE, ICE…MAYBE? There is a war on the Internal Combustion Engine (ICE). A ban on gaspowered leaf blowers went into effect in Washington, DC 1 January, with fines of $500 for anyone caught using them. Governor Newsom of California signed an executive order that 100% of all new vehicle sales in 2035 must be zero-emission vehicles. Japan announced plans to achieve 100% electric passenger car sales by the mid-2030s at the latest. The prime minister of the UK announced new phase-out dates for ICE passenger cars and vans, moving from the initial 2040 target to specified goals for 2035 and 2030. In Canada, the plan states that the government’s intention is for electric vehicles and other zero-emission vehicles to constitute 100% of new motor vehicle sales in 2035, and that the sale of new gas-powered vehicles will be prohibited. The U.S. state of New York proclaimed that from 2035, only new zero-emission cars and light-duty vehicles shall be allowed to be sold. The relevant bill that provides that 100% of in-state sales of new passenger cars and trucks shall be zero-emission by 2035 has been passed by the state’s senate and assembly.

This is not a joke and the time horizon is within the next 10 to 15 years.

It is not clear where motorcycles stand, as most of the information I read is about “light-duty vehicles” and doesn’t single out motorcycles specifically. It will be interesting, given that Japan is a major producer of motorcycles, how THEY handle them in their strategy. Given Washington DC’s action on ICE motors on leaf blowers, it makes me wonder where scooters and motorcycles will fall. DC’s chief complaint about leaf blowers seems to be noise, but there is also a strong “green” component to it that doesn’t like their emissions either. I’m sure string trimmers, chainsaws, and the like will be the next to fall. The ostensible replacements in these cases are electrically-powered. Realistically, it may take quite some time to replace all the ICE-powered vehicles on the road, including motorcycles. Some may get treated as “vintage,” but I have seen reports of

Page 5 language out of the EU that says they’ll try to “discourage” older vehicles and phase them out through regulation (and probably taxation).

I’m not a “screw the planet” kind of guy: I don’t like seeing smog choking cities. I was shocked when China had to shut down all industry and travel around Beijing to get the air clear enough to hold an Olympics.

There are definitely drawbacks to using ICE in close quarters and high intensity. What I am not sure we are ready for is the infrastructure required for a wholesale conversion to electric vehicles, tools, etc. I think there is still a place for internal combustion in the world; for example, two days ago the vast majority of my county lost electrical power due to a snow/ice storm and ICE generators came to the rescue. Having watched California go through rolling brownouts because of the lack of electrical generation capacity makes me wonder how we’re going to feed all the electric vehicles by the targets mentioned, along with the other consumption of electricity associated with large population centers. I don’t think the timing of increase in our electrical-generation capacity will support the vehicle targets mentioned earlier.

Motorcycles occupy an interesting niche in the ICE world: they typically have much smaller engines and get much higher miles per gallon than their four-wheeled counterparts. Even my big RT is pushing 50 miles per gallon and my middleweights are even higher. Motorcycles do not occupy a lot of space in an urban traffic or parking environment. I just returned from Buenos Aires, which like a lot of cities outside the US has a huge population of small-displacement motorcycles and scooters plying the streets. They filter through traffic, park everywhere, and are universally accepted. In Buenos Aires, they are a huge part of the delivery network of everything from food to goods and they take the place of much larger, diesel-powered vehicles. Motorcycles and scooters offer a unique opportunity to reduce congestion, increase fuel efficiency on average, and help alleviate parking problems. Unfortunately, in the US they haven’t garnered the universal acceptance we see in almost all other parts of the world. It will be interesting to see where two-wheeled, ICE-powered vehicles come out in the fray of the near future. I hope we will still be able to enjoy them for many years to come. ,

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BACKLASH Did enjoy Bisbee’s piece on Miss Flo’s diner; I imagine a copy is hanging somewhere for diners to read. When am I going to find out if Byers actually made it to the seventh continent?

PS: Like the first full paragraph on page 8, with the “Dayton International Speedway” and “Daytona Sporbike rules”.

Clem Clem, Indeed, the Byers did their full tour to the seventh continent and had a most excellent time. I’m sure that he will regal us with the happenings in an upcoming column.

And, hey, typos happen – nobodies perfact… Da Editers Dear Mr. Articulate and Good-Looking Editor Person, I enjoyed the piece on the Miss Flo Diner in Massachusetts and the great scribe, Clement Salvadori. I love a good meal in a real Worcester Lunch Car. I’ve been to quite a few over the years. They make me think about an arguably better time in our history.

And Clem? What a guy! I had the pleasure of dining with him at George’s Steakhouse during Americade. Most people don’t know he served in the US Army Special Forces and also was posted overseas with the US Department of State at an embassy. You might not think a guy like that would wind up being one of the great motorcycling storytellers.

During dinner I asked Clem where he lived in California (knowing full well it was Atascadero). He replied, “Atascadero”. Then I said, “Is that Spanish for the guy who hands out the work assignments?” He almost spit out his steak laughing. Then he asked my boss if I am always like that. “No. He is usually worse.” was the response.

Thanks again for a great article and the motivation to take a motorcycle lunch ride in 2022.

Cheers, Jeff Adams • Rochester, NH

BACKROADS • FEBRUARY 2022

Letters to the Editor Hi Folks, Hope everything is well with you guys, I just saw the posting about the trip in Portugal in June. I’m so happy and praying for that to happen. I’ve retired and I live in Portugal now so keep me posted and if I can I’ll be happy to join you guys for that.

Jose Carlos Barreto Cerqueira

Mike Nesmith on The Backroads Report Great pick on the artist as well as the song. Had a friend who was ape shit for the guy. I’ve always been partial to Country Rock so I’ve a couple LPs in vinyl by Nesmith. He was the total package but the fates figured he’d enough good fortune given The Monkees.

Hoppy Holidaze, Phil Hi Brian and Shira, Merry Christmas!

I remember reading about the Philadelphia experiment in a recent Backroads email. The article had a companion article about a time traveler. I wanted to go back and read it again but it seems I have deleted that email. Any chance you could send it to me?

Thanks, Frank Hey Frank, And a Merry Christmas to you too!

Simple Santa request – here you go: archive.aweber.com/newsletter/awlist4987242/MTI1MDkzODc=/thebackroads-report-december-18th-2021-193.htm Just so you know, you can look through all the past Backroads Reports on our website: archive.aweber.com/newsletter/awlist4987242 Great way to pass the winter hours. Wishing you a joyous 2022!

BACKROADS • FEBRUARY 2022

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Brian and Shira, I can’t tell you how nice it was to see one of my hometown establishments featured in the (Jan. 2022) magazine! I KNOW that you enjoyed your visit to Conrad’s. The best chocolate or ice cream that you will find anywhere in the Pascack Valley. I don’t know if you remember, but I was born in Westwood, Fire Department member for 43 years and retired from Westwood PD after 30 years. Been to Conrad’s many, many times.

I hope you both had a wonderful holiday season.

Charlie I had a great visit to Conrad’s as I went with my sister; always special. The ice cream was superb and look forward to tasting the chocolates next visit.

Thank you for your service and enjoy your retirement. See you on the road!

FREE WHEELIN’

Continued from Page 3

out, confident he’ll be back after his “patrol.” I always hope for this, as there are cat-chewing monsters out there, and I fear little as much as I do him not returning. Hey, I love my cat.

Back to the tune that started all this. We all have songs that flow through our lives. Even if they were the “B” side (I know – really showing my age).

We’re now heading towards 30 years of Backroads.

The question is…Where do we go from here?

Try to find a better place, but soon it’s all the same What once you thought was a paradise, is not just what it seemed The more I look around I find, the more I have to fear, ooh Where do we go from here?

So, unlike many publications that have faced the same things… I choose to talk bluntly about them (sorta).

This is not the end, but there will be course corrections; because – unlike the hedge-fund managers that hire the brightest moto-minds - other than

Shira, I just read your Jan 2022 column and loved it. I’m glad I could be of assistance and proud to be a part of your great publication. We live in a time of complete information overload. Most of the data we take in is immediately dumped and forgotten. It’s writing like yours that will make riders think and realize this applies directly to them. Safety is a never ending battle because risk is relentless. Unfortunately, the safety message can become monotonous when applied in a repetitive manner. Your column is anything but repetitive. The next time I throw a leg over a bike I’ll be thinking “Respect the Ride”.

Tim

Mark, Dan, Pam and Tony… wait I think we do have the brightest minds.

What was I thinking?

Still, as the next few seasons roll by things may have a different landscape… but right now, after almost three years of being told what to do and where we can go… we still think we’re okay.

But done. Not Backroads. But the other thing.

Stay tuned. Like a good surfer – we are not sure how the next wave will run but somehow we will always get to shore.

I have a t-shirt that says “Often Wrong, Always Confident”…and I am.

See you on the road. , Let’s all get together soon before it is too late Forget about the past and let your feelings fade away If you do, I’m sure you’ll see, the end is not yet near, ooh Where do we go Where do we go Where do we go from here?

BACKROADS • FEBRUARY 2022

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INDUSTRY INFOBITES SOME SUPER POWER FROM KAWASAKI The Kawasaki Ninja H2 SX SE is back, replacing the SE+ version for 2022. Although the plus-sign is dropped, the new SE is a premium motorcycle with a slew of new features.

So, get comfortable as we dig deep into the new 2022 Kawasaki Ninja H2 SX SE. The already high-tech Kawasaki Ninja H2 SX SE just upped its game with three radar-based features. The 2022 edition gets Bosch’s Advanced Rider Assist System—adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and blind-spot detection. The cruise control prevents you from creeping up on a vehicle by manipulating the throttle and, if necessary, the brakes. Forward collision warning lets you know if you are too close to the vehicle ahead, based on the relative speed of the two vehicles. A flashing bright red LED and warning on the TFT display strive to send you the message, with the feature’s sensitivity being adjustable (or defeatable). Blind-spot detection is activated by your turn signal switch and warns via a flashing light on the appropriate mirror that someone is in the lane you’re intending to change into.

News from the Inside A new six-axis IMU is deeply integrated into the ECU. Data from the IMU is used to make the Advanced Rider Assist system function optimally. It also is used for power delivery, quickshifter operation, hill-hold assist, and ABS. The Kawasaki Ninja H2 SX SE brings the latest in electronically controlled suspension, braking, and rider aid technologies to the supercharged hyperbike platform, making it the ultimate sport touring package. The Ninja H2 SX SE is powered by an exhilarating unique balanced supercharged 998cc inline four-cylinder engine, which utilizes Kawasaki’s knowledge of precision engine tuning to distribute power to where it is most useful, in the low to mid-range for both long distance touring and daily riding. With this powerful engine at its core, Kawasaki has created one of the most advanced and well-balanced motorcycles in performance, comfort, and efficiency, to expand your supercharged journey.

MORE FROM TEAM GREEN Fans of Kawasaki’s current and former Z family will want to set aside some cash in 2022 because four 50th anniversary models will soon be available. The Z900 and Z650 sport a Firecracker Red color scheme which honors the look of the 1981 Z1100GP while the Z900RS and the Z650RS will come in a Fireball colorway that pays homage to original Z1. These street bikes will be in limited production and each will come with a special coffee-table book that celebrates Kawasaki’s 50 years of Z. The Firecracker Red scheme includes a signature ‘80s-era red on

BACKROADS • FEBRUARY 2022 the tank, bodywork, and wheels complemented by dark blue, silver, and gloss black. There will be gold-finished Z emblems and Kawasaki logos along with a commemorative 50th Anniversary badge on the front fender. The Z900 will also come equipped with gold fork tubes. The 50th Anniversary edition Z900 will be priced at $9,499 while the Z650 rings in at $8,299.

2022 LOOKING GREAT! It seems 2022 will be a great year for motorcycle enthusiasts looking to buy a new bike.

A slew of new motorcycles are set to be launched in 2022. It is mostly down to several new motorcycles getting delayed due to the pandemic, but there is also a massive adventure bike market and an ultra-competitive middleweight market manufacturers have to contend with.

One thing is for sure, there is an unusual buzz around the industry at the moment. Although there is a sense that there will be more electric motorcycles popping up over the next few years, that simply isn’t the case this year.

Some of the new machines that should be showing up this trip around the sun….

Buell Hammerhead 1190, Ducati Desert X and the Triumph Tiger Sport 660 along with a slew of others.

Stay tuned - this will be fun!

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FLAT TRACK ON FOX Progressive American Flat Track is thrilled to announce that it has joined forces with FOX Sports with an all-new multi-year agreement that will further expand the visibility of the world’s premier dirt track motorcycle racing series.

Building upon the momentum the series has enjoyed in recent seasons, the collaboration with FOX Sports is one that promises to grow viewership and draw in new fans.

“Progressive American Flat Track is America’s Original Extreme Sport. Every race delivers thrilling on-track action, captivating storylines, and engaging personalities that resonate with viewers,” said Gene Crouch, COO of American Flat Track. “FOX Sports is the ideal teammate to help us tell the next chapter of the Progressive AFT story, and we are thrilled to join the FOX Sports family.” ,

BACKROADS • FEBRUARY 2022

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Morton’s BMW Motorcycles presents Dr. Seymour O’Life’s

MYSTERIOUS AMERICA

In Search of Big Red Eye • Part 1 Despite so many stories spreading the falsehood of New Jersey being an over-populated state filled with billowing smokestacks, old industrial areas, sprawling cities, and affluent suburbs, the truth is that the overwhelming majority of the state’s population lives in a roughly-defined swath of land, basically stretching between Philadelphia and New York City.

But, not many of them are aware that over 40 percent of the state’s land is either protected from development or classified as “rural/agrarian.”

That’s right – a big part of New Jersey is either forest or farmland.

Take a good ride along the tiny backroads of the Garden State there are many areas without too much in the way of human traffic to be seen.

One such part is the northwest corner of New Jersey – the same region Backroads Central is found.

Backing up this part of the state, also known as the Skylands Region is a small mountain range that runs along the eastern side of the Delaware River.

The Kittatinny Ridge, a section of high cliff faces and large, rolling hills and valleys traversing the northwest part of the state, is one such area.

Unlike the Alps and the Andes, relatively young in Earth geology time, this mountain is ancient and big.

The name Kittatinny comes from a Lenape Native American word meaning “endless hill” or “great mountain.”

Indeed it is as the actual ridge is cut through by the Delaware River at the Water Gap. Sunrise and High Point Mountains are all part of this ridge, which is composed mainly of quartz. The Shawangunks, north in New York, are also part of this long mountain that we see stretches into three separate states.

Although the ridge is fairly even elevation-wise there are a few gaps to be found.

One being Culver’s Gap. Culver’s Gap was a route used

by Paleo Indians and the Lenape Native Americans to go through the mountain to trade and hunt.

While touring the Pocono Indian Museum, a mu-

BACKROADS • FEBRUARY 2022 seum dedicated to the Lenape and ancient paleo-natives, I came across a display of a giant figure of something unexpected and mysterious.

Manlike, or ape-like it stood tall and powerful. Dark fur and large red eyes.

“What could this be,” I thought?

It was a representation of the Meesing.

It was these same paleo natives that first told the stories of a great beast that inhabited the mighty hills and forest of their lands.

They called it The Meesing – sometimes called the Mask Spirit other times the Hunter Spirit.

According to the stories handed down from generation to generation, the Meesing is a large and powerful, sacred medicine spirit who maintains the balance of nature, appears to Lenape men in dreams, and is the focus of certain traditional Lenape religious rituals.

Page 11 Some people (especially non-natives) have begun associating Meesing with Sasquatch recently, but this is not a traditional view of many Native American tribes; indeed have sasquatch/hairy man legends and you wonder if the Meesing was one of these? The Meesing was sometimes depicted as a supernatural face with one half colored red and the other half colored black. But many times with the now infamous red and glaring eyes.

Jumping forward to modern times the legend resurfaced in the 70s’, when the folks began hearing horrible screaming noises in the middle of the night around the vicinity of the Kittatinny Ridge and specifically Bear Swamp. As the months went on, outdoorsmen in the area began to report sightings of a towering humanoid figure with hair all over its body and eyes that shone with a bright red glow at night.

In February of 1975, a motorist driving near the town of Bear Swamp reported that he twice saw an enormous hairy humanoid cross the road in front of his car. A few weeks afterward, a forest ranger walking along a Sussex County trail in High Point State Park reported seeing a creature “about eight feet tall with big red eyes.”

Things got a bit more serious in February of 1975 when the Sites family reported seeing a creature “seven feet tall, covered with hair. Had a beard and mustache and walked on its hind feet.” Barbara Sites stated that she had gone out of the house early one morning to let her dairy herd into the pasture when she heard a sound in the distance that she described as “like a woman screaming when she was being killed.”

Then she found her garage door torn from its hinges and six of the family’s pet rabbits mutilated and dead.

The New Jersey Herald ran a cover story about the Sites family.

For the remainder of the Summer of 1977, more than 50 reports of sightings and countless more reports of horrific screaming noises coming from the Kittatinnys poured into the local police departments. Department resources were stretched thin as officers chronicled accounts of the residents’ encounters with this unidentified animal.

Then, seemingly as quickly as he came, Big Red Eye disappeared.

Or did he?

Till next month… O’Life Out! ,

BACKROADS • FEBRUARY 2022

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Thisilldous Eatery presents

GREAT ALL AMERICAN DINER RUN

tasty places to take your bike

ASBURY COFFEE MILL

432 OLD MAIN STREET, ASBURY, NEW JERSEY 08802 908-574-2147 • www.asburycoffeemill.com When we go out for a ride many times we tend to ride along on familiar roads – but there plenty of times, especially when venturing out of the immediate area, we will look for roads we have never been on before.

We like new places and things and, while riding on these roads, we keep our eyes peeled for just this.

That’s one of the ways we find all the places featured in Backroads.

But occasionally we get an invite and such was the case with a friendly and cozy coffee place in the old New Jersey town of Asbury called the Asbury Coffee Mill when we received an email from the owner inviting us down to see her place. We were very glad we did.

The town of Asbury is Jersey’s other Asbury – no Bruce here - but a lot of history instead. The community was named for Francis Asbury, the first American Bishop to the Methodist Episcopal Church and the town was added to the National Registry of Historic Places on March 19, 1993, for its significance in architecture, industry, religion, community development, politics/government, and commerce. Although tiny and kinda out of the way – Asbury has chops!

We rode along some new-to-us backroads and rolled up to the Coffee Mill and parked the bikes.

Owned and operated by Malia Corde, the Coffee Mill is found in a building that was built back in 1862 and the Asbury Coffee Mill is called such as a nod to the great mills that dotted the region in the past. The building has its own history and has been several things over the last 160 years: general store, a deli, and even a furniture store.

For many years Malia and her husband, Gary, would drive by this building and she would say again and again that they should buy it and make it work – somehow.

Then Hurricane Sandy nailed New Jersey, and it sat vacant for a long time. Eventually, it went into short sale and the couple decided to “go for it.” Renovations began with visions of a coffee shop serving baked goods. These days it is a full restaurant serving breakfast and lunch.

While we were there a few other riders stopped in for some of the Mills fantastic Homestead coffee – locally roasted in a 19th- century barn alongside the scenic Pennsylvania Tow Path, just steps from the Delaware River.

The coffee, and we love coffee, is very, very good.

The breakfast menu has a lot of Americana in it – but with a cheesy twist as you can order 3-egg omelets off the menu or create your own with any of the cheeses that float your boat that day – Ameri-

can, cheddar, Monterey Jack, Swiss, Brie or Goat. For we carnivores, you can add bacon, ham, pork roll, as well mushrooms, spinach, and the like.

Oatmeal, fruit cups, homemade granola, pancakes, and waffles can be had, as well as some great breakfast burritos.

Not long after we arrived another rider pulled up – Malia’s husband Gary. Shira was outside when he arrived and she was all smiles when she came back in and stated that the machine sitting outside was “a real rider’s bike.”

Hmmm. I was introduced to Gary and looking at his gear I said…Ducati? Nope – something maybe not better, but certainly different.

A small café-racer – created by Gary and powered by a thumper 650 from a Suzuki Savage. Wow, it was brilliant.

Okay, we already were liking the Asbury Coffee Mill – but their stock just took off like a rocket with this bike outside.

By this time it was afternoon, so lunch was the order of the day. The Asbury Coffee Mill has a number of salads – from their signature salad with mixed greens, avocado, bacon, grilled shrimp, plum tomatoes, red onion and drizzled with olive oil and fresh lime juice to their own takes on Apple Walnut, Caesar, Garden, a Southwest and a very tasty looking strawberry and spinach salad.

BACKROADS • FEBRUARY 2022 We spied several wraps and I went for the Asbury – a delicious turkey club variation – raising the question if a club does not have three slices of bread can it be in the club?

Well, the answer is a hearty ‘yes ‘at the Asbury Coffee Mill.

Our buddy (some say sidekick) Mike had the Southwestern and Shira split hers with the soup of the day, a tomato bisque, and half of the Asbury’s Ultimate Grilled Cheese Sandwich. I think when you have a grilled cheese with bacon, brie, pear, and arugula it easily can snatch that name.

You will also find roast beef, chicken, and veggie offerings.

If you have the room you will find some delicious smoothies and shakes – or just be smart and order these with your meal…duh!

Page 13 Our waitress, who was a great saleswoman, convinced us that, even if we had no room left after lunch, to bring a few of Malia’s Scones home.

What a great idea – as they were soft, peachy, and very moist and delicious. The Ginger Spice Cookies followed us home too.

The Asbury Coffee Mill is open every day from breakfast till 2:00 pm and has live acoustic music on Sundays.

Follow along with our route that will the Kanawauke Circle in Harriman State Park, New York to the Asbury Coffee Mill. We promise a seriously good ride and Malia, Gary and crew promise a seriously good meal. ,

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I KNOW THIS PLACE…

GREAT ALL AMERICAN DINER RUN GRACIE’S LUNCHEONETTE

969 MAIN STREET, LEEDS, NY 12451 (518) 943-9363 • www.graciesny.com Hours: Thursday-Monday, 10AM-7PM Closed Tuesday and Wednesday Right outside Catskill, NY, not far from the Rip van Winkle Bridge and where 23 crosses I-87, is the tiny town of Leeds, NY and the home of one of the most unique and tasty locations at which we’ve eaten: Gracie’s Luncheonette. In 2014, Allyson Merritt and Andrew Steenburn, both graduates of the Culinary Institute of America, started their food careers with Gracie’s Food Truck and two years later, reopened an old 1950’s Koch’s drive-in. If the food we had is any indication, they haven’t wasted any time in the last seven years!

Gracie’s almost exclusively features farm-to-table, onsite-made food and it shows. I had the Gracie’s Burger, a beef patty with the bacon mixed in, along with a slice of American cheese, fried onion, and topped with their “Truck Sauce,” a mixture of pickles, ketchup, mayo, and mustard, and it was outstanding.

Betsy had their fried green tomato BLT on house-made white toast (all the breads are house-made) and she reported it to be excellent too. We both had their brilliant seasoned fries made from locally-sourced potatoes and I liked the Truck Sauce enough to ask for extra in which to dip them. I washed mine down with their house-made root beer and Betsy with their equally-fresh ginger ale.

It was all I could do to keep from trying the donut burger, an all-beef patty with bacon and cheese served on a glazed donut. I was also sorely tempted by their milkshakes from homemade ice cream and the selection of delectable pastries in the counter display. We also could have had any one of several breakfasts, as Gracie’s is a breakfast-all-day kind of place, which automatically moves it higher on my list. I’m told their biscuits and gravy are amazing as much due to the homemade sausage gravy as it is to the flaky biscuits.

While the outside preserves the 1950’s diner look, the inside has been completely redone and is spotless and modern. The restrooms are scrupulously clean and there is ample parking, along with some outdoor picnic tables if you want to eat alfresco.

The server, Jessica, was cheerful and efficient, even when confronted with two out-of-towners on a motorcycle asking all kinds of questions. The prices are moderate for a diner, but not out of line for a place that makes everything in-house with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. It might be a diner that grew from a food truck, but the influence of Allie and Andrew’s culinary institute training and dedication to freshness are evident in this gem near the Catskills.

Betsy and I highly recommend Gracie’s Luncheonette as a stop on your motorcycle adventures and I suspect our future travels to the Catskills will have to detour through Leeds, NY. If Rip van Winkle awoke from a 20-year nap today, he’d want to go to Gracie’s for breakfast. , ~ Mark Byers

BACKROADS • FEBRUARY 2022

WE’RE OUTTA HERE THE CASSELMAN INN

113 MAIN ST, GRANTSVILLE, MARYLAND 21536 301-895-5055 • thecasselman.com Who does not love coming across a real treat while riding a road trip?

For the most part, we’re all just enjoying the ride and, now and again, something special this way comes. Or, in our case, we stumbled upon it.

Heading east along Route 40, also known as The National Pike, we crossed from Pennsylvania into Maryland.

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a weekend destinationkeeping you on the backroads The roadway is probably the most historic road crossing in the Appalachian Mountains. Originally an Indian trail known as Nemacolin’s Path, it became a military road when General Braddock marched west from Fort Cumberland in 1755 on his ill-fated expedition to Fort Duquesne.

For 25 years this rough military road was the main route of travel connecting the East with the Ohio Valley.

Today the horses have been replaced by our bikes and it was getting time to rest our rides and feed ourselves.

It was late morning and running into that Twilight Zone of desires… breakfast or lunch?

At this point? Whatever they are serving – where ever they are.

Just a short time after crossing the Mason-Dixon Line we came upon the town of Grantsville and The Casselman Inn. We had left a historic inn that morning, but as grand as The Summit was, The Casselman Inn seemed to ooze its

Page 16 own flavor and charm of days gone by in a smaller yet cheery way.

Many places use the moniker ‘Inn’ yet are really just restaurants, larger resort-style hotels, or drinking establishments. The old days of riding into town, finding the local inn, having a good meal, and a comfortable bed upstairs is getting to be more and more a rarity.

Yet, The Cassleman is just that and has been doing it for more than 180 years.

Built in 1842, The Casselman was one of the numerous inns along the National Pike that opened to serve the stage coaches, covered wagons, drovers, and riders that made the Old Pike the busiest thoroughfare crossing the mountains. In its over 180 years of history, The Casselman has been called Drover’s Inn, Farmer’s Hotel, Dorsey’s Hotel, and The Casselman. Daniel Grant, an English engineer from whom Grantsville took its name, was the original owner of a tract of land that he called Cornu-

BACKROADS • FEBRUARY 2022 copia. It included much of Grantsville and one thousand acres around town. A later owner, Solomon Sterner, built The Casselman of brick that was handmade and fired on this land. A fireplace in each room furnished heat and cooking facilities for the original building.

Much of the woodwork, still to be seen today, was created from handhewn timbers and hand-planed boards.

A kitchen was added in 1903 and the inn began to expand.

Ivan and Della Miller bought the place in 1964, and, as the business grew, they soon outgrew the facilities so the Millers added a dining room, antique shop, bakeshop, and forty-unit motel.

The dining room was holding a good size crowd when we arrived, a nice mix of locals and travelers.

We were cheerfully seated and served by a young woman dressed in Amish style and, while waiting for lunch, we were tantalized by the aromas coming up from The Casselman’s bakery in the lower level – a part of the inn that has become legendary in the region.

The food here was simple, country food with a variety of favorite recipes reminiscent of the Pennsylvania Dutch and Amish background of the owners. Their menu, which is wide and enticing, also includes homemade breads, cakes, and pies prepared in the bakery downstairs. Apparently, their cinnamon rolls are legendary. We made time to head down to see the bakery and bakers doing their thing.

There is also an interesting gift shop that has some interesting items, but something else that we have never seen in an establishment such as this.

Inside the shop, there was a honey bee hive ensconced in a glass case, and running along the wall and out an opening was a clear plastic tunnel so the bees could go in and out as they pleased – doing what bees do best.

Right next to this was a shelf with the inn’s own honey. Awesome!

But the very best was yet to come as we asked about their rooms and we were told to please take a look upstairs.

For sure, The Casselman has a 40-room motel right next door, with all rooms nicely appointed with furniture that was hand-crafted by local members of the community and the Miller family, contributing to a relaxed home-like feeling.

But upstairs in the Inn proper, you will find their two-room Dorsey Suite with its newly decorated bedroom and sitting room areas. The classic beauty of the antique furnishings and oversized double bed combined with the comfort of a sofa that can open into an additional bed, and the luxury of a private bath with a soaking tub in each room. In addition to the suite, two other rooms with private baths are available.

Each night includes complimentary breakfast come morning.

If traveling along one of the nation’s most famous and important roads and in the region of north/central Maryland, seek out The Casselman Inn, whether it be for the food, the rooms, the bees, the bakery, or all of them – you will not be disappointed. ,

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Frontline Eurosports presents

BIG CITY GETAWAY CAROLINA TIGER RESCUE

1940 HANKS CHAPEL RD, PITTSBORO, NC 27312 919-542-4684 • carolinatigerrescue.org Well here is the question that has bothered us all for a long time…

Dogs: loyal, empathetic, playful, can detect cancer, cute. But the dog is a high-maintenance pet, demanding training, regular walkies, and attention.

Cats: independent, sensuous, keep your house mouse-free, will sit still long enough to be photographed. But your cat doesn’t really love you, and its litter tray is full of mind-warping parasites.

So, which are better – dogs or cats?

Are you a dog or cat person? You can be both, but here are the facts.

daytrip ideas to get out of the daily grind Cats are more popular than dogs in 91 countries, and dogs more popular in 76 countries. The United States, Australia, and the UK are all dogpeople countries. New York City had the highest number of cat- or dogtagged photos in the world, and 59.6% were about cats rather than dogs.

London is the only British capital city in favor of cats; Edinburgh, Cardiff, and Belfast all prefer dogs.

But, let’s look at the wild-side, shall we? Wolf – 150lbs. Very big. Tiger 700+. No contest.

Spenser T. Cat – a little less than 10.

But, he’s our boy anyhow.

Bear tree’er he is.

We have to admit we are not big zoo fans. We have seen too many animals in the wild not to cringe at something so amazing being penned up. But there are times that humans have to come in and do their best at helping animals like these.

Down in central North Carolina we came across a most marvelous place.

Okay, the truth is, I was down south picking up a new machine and then, looking around for what was what in the region, I came across Carolina Tiger Rescue. When I texted Shira an image, she might have a bit more than green-eyed. Who would not when this comes across your phone?

But there were not just tigers here… lions count too.

I did go there with a bit of a chip on my shoulder but, after talking with the folks running this place, I found some amazing things that they do.

Page 18 They have a creed: We believe the ideal home for wildlife is in the wild. We believe it is critical to conserve their native habitats. We believe wild animals should not be kept as pets. We believe captive breeding should ONLY be done in accordance with Species Survival plans. We believe all wild animals, both captive and in their native habitats, deserve to be treated with respect and not exploited for entertainment and commercial purposes. We work toward a day when wild cats are living in their native habitat and are not exploited by humans.

The Carolina Tiger Rescue is home to ten species of animals, including tigers, lions, cougars, and kinkajous.

Many of their animals have been rescued from dire situations where they were kept as pets, props in roadside zoos, or as residents of failing sanctuaries. They live in large, naturalistic habitat enclosures, and are given excellent care by keepers and volunteers.

So, there I was nose to nose with the biggest cat I had ever seen. Zabu could only be bigger.

(Anyone get that reference…?)

Cats all seen the same; from house cats to the biggest tiger. He looked at me with the same inconsequential look.

All cats, big or small, have that ‘Feh’ feel to them. Yet, when they tell you that they love you – you know it.

So here, outside of Pittsboro, North Carolina, there is this sanctuary… and amazing it is.

Yup, we love tigers – but how any times have you seen huge white tigers? Maybe not that much. And how many lucky girls can say that they are kindred souls with a tiger? Well, Shira is one, as there is a beautiful tiger at the sanctuary with the same name. Her name when she first arrived was Yashira. Carolina Tiger Rescue decided to shorten it to Shira to prevent confusion between her and the two girls she came with, who were named Yakira (then changed to Kaari) and Yanaba.

But they have all sorts of felines here… cougars, servals and of course lions! Oh, my!

And, so many other creatures – some which I had never ever heard of, much less seen. How about the Kinkajou? They are native to Central and South America, and are also known as Honey Bears; however, they are not related to bears. Kinkajous are most closely related to raccoons, despite having an appearance more like a primate.

Kinkajous have a long, prehensile tail that is used to grasp branches and trees as they eat fruit or move from tree to tree.

And, they are super cute.

Or what about the caracal? Caracals are native to Africa, the Middle East, Central Asia, and India. They are known for their large, black tufted ears. Caracal in Turkish means “Black Eared”. Caracals are fierce predators who hunt birds and can take down animals up to three times their size.

What started out as a short visit took up the entire morning – and it was all good.

For sure there is something about seeing a cat stretch out. Spenser or Zabu – it’s all the same and I hope you would agree as much as we would. Dogs are fun, cats do rule!

Should you find yourself in the area of Pittsboro, NC and happen to be a lover of animals, you owe it to yourself to visit these magnificent creatures. There are many ways to give in support of their efforts including symbolic adoption – who wouldn’t want to make friends with a tiger, leopard, ocelot or kinkajou? ,

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BACKROADS • FEBRUARY 2022

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Saturday, February 5th is Ice Cream for Breakfast Day! There are so many special days that we anticipate for different reasons: birthdays, Christmas, Thanksgiving, last day of school, the start of a Backroads Rally. While February is hardly one of my favorite months, it does hold a day near and dear to my heart – or, more anatomically correct – my stomach. This year, Saturday, February 5 will see me up early for Ice Cream for Breakfast Day! This holiday was created in 1966 by Florence Rappaport from Rochester, New York. She was the mother of 6 children and the lot of them were snowed in one particularly cold and snowy February day. To keep all of those children entertained, and perhaps herself, she declared the day Eat Ice Cream For Breakfast Day. She reasoned that since it was too cold for the children to go outside and play, they might as well eat ice cream for breakfast. An inspired idea indeed.

Ordinarily, a holiday that was proclaimed by a mother or father would remain in their household, but since Florence’s grandchildren were extensive travelers, they were able to pollinate the world with the idea. This holiday became extremely popular not only in the U.S., but also in Israel, Germany, Nepal, Honduras, and New Zealand. Since it’s celebrated on the first Saturday in February every year all over the world, perhaps we all should rename this holiday World Eat Ice Cream For Breakfast Day. I did not find this wonderful holiday until I began writing this column. And what a miraculous find it was! Many people think that I live on ice cream – not true, at all. Of course, I enjoy a good scoop of ice cream, but do not eat it as often as people think. I have learned to make my own ice cream, and that, too, I do usually for holidays or if we have company. I have found some unusual recipes, with SPAM ice cream being one of the most questionable.

So, for those of you who do enjoy a bit of baking, or at least assembly, here is a delicious Breakfast Ice Cream Cake recipe from the Food Network: www. foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchen/breakfast-ice-cream-cake-3822328 Enjoy the day! Next ice cream holiday – National Ice Cream Day, Sunday, July 17.

CABIN ON KING

227 West King St, Shippensburg, PA 17257 • 717-532-2246 cabinonking.com • Sun-Thurs: 4-9pm • Fri-Sat: 4-10pm On our last excursion to Shippensburg, while wandering down the main street, I came upon this colorful little gem of an ice cream shop. From the street, it beckoned like a twinkling light in a vast emptiness of closed shops and dark houses. It looked as if it could be a tiki bar, but with far more substantial offerings of ice cream, floats, smoothies and cookies. They source their ice cream from Windy Knoll Creamery, a local dairy in Chambersburg, PA. Stopping in after dinner, the locals were waiting in line and sitting at the few wrought-iron tables set in the grotto-style setting. Given the chance to explore the menu, I could see the many flavor options. Their constants included Peanut Butter Overload, Coffee Crunch and, something you don’t see too often outside of Pennsylvania, Grapenut. The season menu had such things as Egg Nog, Maple Walnut, Salty Pretzel Delight and Peppermint Stick.

From these you could make a profusion of sundaes. The Salty Sensation – Salty Caramel Crunch ice cream drizzled with pure maple syrup, topped with homemade whipped cream, a pretzel stick and sprinkled with real bacon pieces. Or maybe the Campfire is more your style, with vanilla ice cream, marshmallow fluff, hot fudge, graham cracker crumbs and a torch toasted marshmallow on top.

If cookies are more your style, they have homemade chocolate chip, lemon, oatmeal cranberry, snickerdoodle and gingersnaps, each with their own signature serving style – how about the Hot Mess: Chocolate Chip cookie smothered with hot fudge and a dollop of Peanut Butter Overload ice cream.

We have found that Shippensburg is a great stopover for many a destination. If you find yourself passing through or overnighting, take a stroll down main street and stop in at Cabin on King – you will be happy you did. ,

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Backroads Fall Fiesta 2021 For a magazine that did its best to keep things rolling during the summer of 2020, and had a good start with our Spring Break and Summer Squeeze this past year, we kept coming up short with a place to finish our rallies for 2021.

It seemed that so many folks who had been cooped up for far too long had made plans sooner than we did, and finding a getaway hotel that could handle the number of riders we’d bring was impossible to find.

Then a simple comment came up with an easy solution. Our friend John Mawhinney asked, “Why not just head back to Wellsboro? They have a bunch of small motels and hotels too.” John… anyone ever tell you you’re brilliant?

It was already too late to run an ad to announce this weekend escape in Backroads, so we made some calls and posted the open invitation on our social media sites and to many via email to join us the weekend of October 22 and 23rd.

BACKROADS • FEBRUARY 2022

BACKROADS • FEBRUARY 2022 The motels we suggested were all within walking distance of the town’s Main Street and any rooms that they had left for that weekend were quickly grabbed up by our Backroads readers and rally-goers.

For a quickly put-together shindig, it seemed this would work out fine.

Both Shira and I truly appreciate all the riders who come to our events and, over the years, many of them have quickly moved from happy acquaintances to good friends to become part of our Backroads family. It is better than anything we could have ever hoped for 25 years ago when we started our traveling gatherings.

Page 21 As usual, riders would be coming from hither and yon all converging on the quaint Americana town of Wellsboro. For us that started with breakfast at the Elias Cole on Route 23 in the northwest part of New Jersey.

We gathered a small and very in-sync group of six and motored north through High Point and then up along the Delaware River through the Hawks Nest and along the scenic northern parts of the river.

We passed under the vigilant eyes of two large American Bald Eagles or, to be a bit more ‘woke’ on this, two extra-size follicle-challenged endangered raptors keeping sharp eyes on us from high atop the trees.

We crossed into Pennsylvania via the Roebling’s Via Duct…

The Ride Out Our ride brought us past the Zane Grey Museum, where the great author of so many western novels actually wrote them and then up into the surrounding hills on Route 590, one of the more twisty roads to be found.

As required, we made a turn onto some miles of gravel. Okay, this is not required but seems to happen regardless of our plans.

This would bring us to a most interesting water crossing – the bridge at Wangum Falls, along the Middle Creek, is a hidden treasure and the road leading to it is different as well; as a hundred years back, they blasted through the cliff, leaving a not-so-wide cut to run the road through. One of the more interesting tiny roads in the region to be sure.

We had a good mix of roads heading west, with a minimum of gravel, but the brighter clouds gave way to darker ones and eventually a steady light rain that was never in anyone’s forecast.

We took a late lunch in the town of Dushore at Pam’s. This little restaurant has become a favorite of ours and we realized as we rolled up that we have been here time and again.

Page 22 Solid food, very reasonable prices and always a happy and friendly staffeven when we walk in dripping just a bit. A perfect little place on the way west… or east on a return ride.

It was just a short hop from Dushore to Wellsboro, and on the way the skies lightened up and clouds were replaced with blue and we ended the ride on a happy, bright and warmer chord.

BACKROADS • FEBRUARY 2022 As we did not have one central hotel this trip a lot of texting, messaging and Facebooking was done and eventually crowds began to gather at a brewpub, on the north side of town, called, of all things, The Wellsboro House.

As our group grew from four to forty we took over one room in the back and our waitress, the perfectly named Bella, did a yeoman’s job of handling all the food and drink orders that evening.

For a quickly put-together event – this was actually working. Yea us.

The group gathers at the Wellsboro House for some revelry and much-needed Backroads hanging out with friends. Thanks to Lisa for all the great images she snaps.

BACKROADS • FEBRUARY 2022

Free Day in PA Although the previous day had ended on a bright, sunny, and warm note, Saturday woke up to colder temps and a wet blanket of sog that floated around for most of the day, never really raining, but making for an arthritics nightmare.

As we usually do, we offered up a few GPS routes to those attending this weekend’s soiree. Please note that none of these are organized group rides, but simply suggestions and we love it when riders do a bit of ad-libbing and/or simply do their own things.

There were some loop rides – riders heading down to Hyner’s State Park and other points in this part of the Keystone State – a true riding para-

dise as so many roads are newly paved and wellmaintained; thank you fracking! Still others to the Piper Airplane Museum and some riders just went exploring the region.

A number of us rode over the Pine Creek area and took in the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania, looking both beautiful and a bit ethereal with the low clouds filling into the canyon.

Always trying to make lemonade, especially on a cold and wet day like this, a few of us took the afternoon to get together and bond and bit.

James Bond that is.

The Arcadia Theatre in Wellsboro opened in 1921 and is one of the oldest movie houses in the nation – celebrating over a century of entertaining the crowds.

Hey, most of us got a ride and a movie all in one day – and then it was time for dinner about the town

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and every restaurant in Wellsboro had a small deputation of Backroaders grabbing some tables.

We are all about helping the local economies, don’tcha know?

The ride back home…

All too soon Sunday came around and many left at the crack of dawn as more weather was coming in fast and for those heading east, chances were good you would have a decent day of riding if a bit on the chilly late October side.

Shira and I, joined by our bud Mike, got rolling around 9ish and followed a route I had whipped up just minutes before, loading the GPX files onto our Garmins as we were loading the bikes.

Even though I quickly put this together I followed Backroads Rules of GPS Route Planning.

It’s really easy: Follow waterways and circuitous railways, opt for twisty over straight, go this way if it looks like more fun than going that way – even if it adds 20 more miles. Don’t be afraid to get off the main roads – it is where our America truly lies.

And, as Shira said to me over the Senas – “Wow, that was fun… it’s a ‘keepa’ for sure.” And it is.

We want to thank all of those who came out for the weekend on such short notice – we promise to get things done a bit earlier next year… in fact, our 2022 Spring Break is already planned and we hope to see you there.

Ride safe. Ride far. Ride the Backroads! ,

BACKROADS • FEBRUARY 2022

UPCOMING EVENTS

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99TH LACONIA MOTORCYCLE WEEK • JUNE 11-19, 2022

JOIN THE 99TH LACONIA MOTORCYCLE WEEK AND HELP COUNT DOWN TO THE 100TH Progressive Laconia Motorcycle Week celebrates its 99th Anniversary in 2022 from June 11th-19th in the beautiful, motorcycle friendly state of New Hampshire. Hundreds of thousands of riders are expected to visit for a full rally week of fun, music, racing, and, of course, riding - continuing this time-honored and thoroughly New Hampshire tradition. In only ONE year, NH celebrates the 100th anniversary of Laconia Motorcycle Week, the oldest national gypsy tour in the country! After all – its Laconia -where rallies were invented!

Why New Hampshire, you may ask? Well, to truly understand the answer, you have to go back to the early years . . . 1916, to be exact (7 years were missed due to national and world events), when the first group of gypsy tour riders made the trek up US Route 3, a mostly dirt road that wound its way through the mountains, valleys and straightaways of rural New Hampshire. Back then, a trip to Laconia, a popular tourist destination even then, was a day-long trip and an even bigger commitment on two-wheels. What made the trip worth it was the camaraderie, fresh air, accessibility and, most importantly, scenery. And New Hampshire has it all! 1916 began the story of Laconia Motorcycle Week – the World’s Oldest Motorcycle Rally and the legacy continues!

Today, ask any rider the same question, “why New Hampshire?” and the answers are remarkably similar. Scenery, fresh air and accessibility. Where else can you ride up and down mountains, through quaint, New England towns, around magnificent lakes and along miles of oceanfront? All within 100 miles, too. On top of that, New Hampshire has one of the highest motorcycle registrations, per capita (like South Dakota!) and residents and businesses alike embrace the 2-wheeled visitors that embark here every June.

Once here, riders enjoy the sights and sounds of this national motorcycle rally and can experience all of the thrills you would expect at AMA sanctioned events such as Hill Climbs, flat track, vintage and super motor races, and stunt shows. Laconia Motorcycle Week also has demo rides from some of the biggest major motorcycle manufacturers including Harley-Davidson, Indian, Yamaha and more!

The area bustles with live music of all kinds, bike shows, and vendors featuring the latest and greatest in the motorcycle industry.

There’s a lot to like about the deep and storied relationship between New Hampshire and riding – Regardless of your reason for attending, get to Laconia and be part of history and pave the way for its future. For more information on visiting New Hampshire for Laconia Motorcycle Week, check out at: LaconiaMCWeek.com. ,

BACKROADS • FEBRUARY 2022

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PRODUCT SPOTLIGHTS AND REVIEWS CALIFORNIA HEAT ELECTRIC HEATED GEAR AND HEATED 4U Everyone I meet is from California There’s dancin’ in the streets in California

America

Why? ‘Cause it’s warm there!

Things change in this world. But some things will always be with us.

Here in the northeast one of them is winter.

For me it is funny as I was just writing about “Indian Summer,” another Dewey Bunnell crafted tune.

So, how does this self-indulgent homage to the band America relate? (other than A minor… was my first chord…thank you, Terry!) It is a company called California Heat.

Here’s the kick – they’re in Maryland. Probably just a tad higher in temps than we are here in the Forest of the Lenape.

We have been big advocates of heated electric gear for decades. This is not just about comfortability, but safety.

Keeping your fingers warm is great, but it is far more important to keep your Core-Body temperature up while riding in anything below 40 degrees. Everyone is different, but all humans react to cold in the same way… some quicker than others.

But we hate the idea of having our season end just because the Earth’s rotation, axis, and time forces the northern hemisphere to bundle up.

We are always looking for the latest or improved version of heated gear. We have finally hooked up with California Heat - a company that has taken the best of all the others and made some serious electric heated riding gear.

In truth, all this gear kinda works the same. But what we have found over the years is quality, innovativeness, and comfortability make the difference.

There is a company down in Street, Maryland who have almost every base covered when it comes to heated gear.

Heated 4U. They offer the widest selection of heated gear for almost every situation of which you can think.

We are riders, so we stuck with their 12-volt offering, but they also have a good number of 7-volt for a more portable heat as well.

Let’s talk about their motorcycle gear. On their website, you will find outer jackets and pants, but we like our riding gear and have found that the wide selection they offer gave us a chance to ride with heated liners that were comfortable and stylish enough to be used as a walk-around town night jacket.

Liners, for the most part, will fit under your warmer riding gear and usually a good thick base-layer. The liner will keep you riding for many miles as the temperatures plummet.

If you are still cold at this point it might be a good idea to park it for the night.

Continued on next page

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READER’S CORNER What is better than curling up in front of a fire on a cold winter’s day with a good book? Being able to get out and ride in that brisk air and clearing your mind. But when that is not possible, curling up with a book before the fire will suffice.

I have two books on my night stand that are, more or less, specific to the woman rider, but can bring information, education and enlightenment to any who read them. Whether you are exploring the idea of learning to ride or are looking to further your knowledge and adventures, these books will give insight into what other women have experiences in their journeys. You may take that and filter it through your own life to pinpoint the best way to achieve your goals and better your motorcycle experiences.

WOMEN, MOTORCYCLES AND THE ROAD TO EMPOWERMENT BY LIZ JANSEN Self-description: ‘My name is Liz Jansen and I’m a healer, author and writer.’ Yes, this but also an entrepreneur, adventurer and rider extraordinaire. Liz has been riding since she was a teenager. Her path took her through nursing, human resources, life training and development, energy healing and motorcycling – long journeys, coaching, event planning and touring.

Using her life story as a base, Women, Motorcycles and the Road to Empowerment passes the wisdom of 49 other women along for our inspiration. They come from all walks of life and miles of riding experience, from beginners to decade-long journeys. Their backgrounds are diverse and include Hollywood’s top stunt women, artists, business leaders, racers and a dental hygienist. There are names you might recognize: Carla King, Genevieve Schmitt and Tigra Tsujikawa as well as those who you won’t but will come to admire such as Audrey Alexandre and Andrea Tillmann.

Throughout the 10 chapters, Liz relates parts of her life and how motorcycling changed things for her, giving her confidence, moving her forward mentally and spiritually and finding a career. The other women’s stories cover touring, dirt, motocross, long-distance, accidents and recoveries. Each is compelling and comes with a lesson.

Continued on Page 28 Although Heated 4U offers many different manufacturers of heated riding gear we chose their own proprietary California Heat.

The liner itself was as tough and well-built as my offthe-bike summer jacket and came with elastic sleeves and a draw-string bottom, to allow you to adjust the tightest at the bottom, without having an elastic band dictating how tight the fit will be. With the amount of heat this liner can feed onto you (130 degrees – wow!), they could actually make it thinner… but I am being a bit nit-picking.

They offer a wide range of sizes, but if you are persnickety you might want to make the ride to Maryland to ensure the best fit.

I think I am an in-between size, but give me another season or two and I will fill it in.

Their thermostat control works brilliantly and allows for the best range of heat we have ever seen.

The liners are great and keep the core of your body optimal, but the real beast of winter riding is the cold air that grabs your fingers and runs up your arms with a cold-icy grip of Beira, Queen of Winter. California Heat has a winter riding glove that is superb in every way…. Unlike previous gloves that heated the back of the hand, these gloves heat each finger and they have a gauntlet that is very, very impressive.

Full 5 inches running wide up the sleeve that can easily cover almost every riding jacket’s sleeve, except maybe Tony Stark’s. Any wind is effectively shut out and the hand, palms, and fingers are bathed in heat.

Oh, yes.

On the road, we have been able to run this gear to right below freezing and were still good to go for the entire day. But you should pick and choose your battles temperature-wise.

Even with superb gear like California Heat… be smart, ride far and ride the next day, okay? The point is that for a meager investment you can allow your riding season to keep on going until the deep dead of winter.

Heated 4U offers the greatest variety, options, and ideas to keep you warm on the bike and off. Check out their website at www.heatedclothing4u.com – we’re sure you will find the answer to your coldweather riding issues. ,

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While written by a woman about women, this book is not just for women. Men may take away inspiration and learn a thing or two as well. In addition, while motorcycles are the catalyst for the stories, you can substitute any form of transportation or activity as the lessons are meant to develop your passion, skills and experiences to build a better you. Available on Amazon

GET STARTED RIDING MOTORCYCLES: THE DEFINITIVE GUIDE FOR WOMEN BY ALISA CLICKENGER Self-description: Alisa Clickenger began riding in 1995 after having a dream where she was saved by riding a motorcycle. She woke up determined to make that dream a reality and has passionately pursued it ever since. Through motorcycling, Alisa found self-confidence, her life partner, and purpose in life.

Getting Started Riding Motorcycles will walk you through the steps, from the initial thought you may like to learn to ride, how to go about it the right way, pros (not many) and cons (a ton) to the right motorcycle, gear and further on down the road: a week, a month, a year and longer. Chapters range from ‘grocery store to long-distance travel’ to ‘three-wheel training’ to ‘organized motorcycle tours’ and ‘bike mechanics 101’.

Interspersed in the chapters are question/answer segments from women riders from one to fifty years of experience and adventures and all walks of life. They tell why they ride, what inspired them and some of the most important lessons learned through motorcycles. Not specific to women, the freedom and exhilaration achieved from riding motorcycles is a common theme. And, also not specific to women, the confidence gained as the experience level rises directly relates to the confidence one acquires in all forms of their lives.

Alisa has been riding for over 25 years, all over the planet on her own. She developed Women’s Motorcycle Tours which operates tour and events worldwide as well as producing the Women’s Motorcycle Conferences. Her experiences and knowledge, as well as all the women who appear in this book, will help anyone looking to get into the wonderful world of motorcycling or develop their already existing passion and bring it to new levels. It is a perfect companion book to ‘Boost your Confidence through Motorcycling’ her first book. Both available on Amazon.

AEROSTICH COUSIN JEREMY TWO-PIECE WOMEN’S SUIT Almost from the beginning of my riding career, once I determined what that career would be, I’ve been swathed in Duluth-based Aerostich gear: first a one-piece Roadcrafter Red that I wore until it turned a lighter shade of pink, then on to several variations of twopiece Roadcrafters, the last one being my iconic ‘Ikea’ blue and yellow, which still hangs in the garage and is totally good to go.

About a year ago I took possession of a two-piece Cousin Jeremy suit. I can only surmise that this was after one of Andy’s cousins. I have only met one of his aunts and I didn’t ask about any children.

Anyway, Cousin Jeremy is based on the same cut as the Roadcrafter Classic, a suit that has been around since 1983 and been tested by many thousands of riders, me included. Replacing the synthetic construction is 10-ounce waxed cotton, imported from the UK. Waxed cotton was the weapon of choice if leather was too dear and certainly put to the water test by those blokes and birds over the pond.

Admitting that waxed cotton does not have the same crash resistance as synthetic, Aerostich does say it will stand up much better than you’d think. I have not put this suit to the Shira test, and certainly hope not to, but feel confident that the doubled fabric in the seat, knees, elbows and shoulders will do the job should things go awry.

As with most other Aerostich gear, the padding is on the thick side and perhaps this also compensates for the lowered crash resistance. Armor at the elbow, knees and shoul-

BACKROADS • FEBRUARY 2022 ders is made of soft, flexible TF3 which can be upgraded to TF6. There is a back protector available, although I do not use one as I find it always rides up into my neck.

There is a 280-degree zipper which connects pants to jacket. I have found that having a separate jacket on the road cuts down the need to buy a sweatshirt that will probably be thrown away. There is plenty of storage space, with seven pockets in the jacket as well as front hand warmers and a passthrough glove pocket up top. The small zipped pocket on the left arm is perfect for toll change or ear plugs. There is an internal velcroed waterproof pocket for your wallet on the left chest. The large zippered outer chest pocket has an inner supernyl stash pocket for cell phone or such and there is a carabineer for your clipping needs.

The pants have two standard hip pockets and pass-through zippers should you forget your keys in your pants (who does that?) and a zippered pocket on the right leg.

All you’ll need to do is remember where you stashed everything.

Other comfort features include a snap-down microfiber collar. Ventilation is handled with two large underarm zippered vents and an exhaust zippered vent across the back with a rain flap for extra protection.

There is hook and loop in various spots for map holder attachment and the same at the leg and arm cuffs for snugging things down.

Cousin Jeremy is available in black or tan, or a combination of the two. I opted for the tan with black accents. I think it looks very Amelia Earhart, especially now that it’s got plenty of street cred (or is that crud).

Once unpacked, the suit took a little bit to become pliable and the stiffness worked itself out fairly quickly once worn. I have noticed, with the colder weather, that keeping the suit in the house rather than hanging in the garage, helps with that pliability.

Compared to the Roadcrafter, Jeremy is a warmer suit due to the heavier waxed cotton. It’s best seasons are early spring and late fall and does like it better when the bike is at speed to let the air flow more freely. That said, it is a terrific wind stop and I was very comfortable in the crisp air with nary a layer beneath the suit. Once the wrists are cinched and glove gaunt-

Page 29 lets in place, there is not a wisp of air coming through start that little shiver. True, in warmer weather, say above 80 degrees, you will find yourself breaking a sweat if not moving. But in December, with the nip of winter in the air on a sunny day, Cousin Jeremy will carry you for miles very comfortably – perhaps a heated layer would make it that much cozier.

Rain – yes, we did have quite a bit of that this year in the northeast. Perhaps the worst day and best test was my ride home from CLASS at Virginia International Raceway in September. We knew we would be riding in some rain, but the torrents we encountered were beyond belief. I zippered and cinched as best I could, making sure that the neck was fully closed because we all know that is the worst feeling in the world – when that little trickle works its way between helmet and collar and makes its way down your back. We did not make many stops but when we did, I found I was not soaking wet. True, some moisture did make its way past the barrier, but considering the gallons of water through which we rode, it was totally an acceptable outcome. When riding in normal

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rain, Cousin Jeremy kept me dry and warm.

Aerostich recommends a retreating of the waxed cotton periodically to keep its water shedding properties. They offer Martexin Wax or Otter Wax (which does not use paraffin, silicone or other petroleum-based synthetic ingredients). I have yet to do this, as it really hasn’t been compromised.

If you are a commuter and need ‘civilian’ clothing at work, Aerostich, literally, has you covered. You will arrive wrinkle-free and looking your best while truly enjoying your ride to and from work. Similarly, if you are an adventure or long-distance seeker, Cousin Jeremy will fit your needs as you will lose the need to carry rain gear and cut down the amount of clothing as this suit will keep what’s underneath clean.

Women’s sizing runs from 2S through 20L and are all customizable for the perfect fit. I will say this about a ‘Stich; it may not be the most flattering gear you’ll wear, but it is, BY FAR, the most functional.

Pricing for the Cousin Jeremy pants start at $627 and jacket at $700. While that may seem like a steep price to pay, consider that Aerostich gear has been known to last for a VERY long time. I have had suits for at least 10 years and, with the necessary care and feeding, there is no reason why you shouldn’t keep them as long or longer. It is not for everyone: if you live in a dry, hot environment – look elsewhere. Should you be a more aggressive off-road rider, perhaps this isn’t the best gear for you. But if you are a long-distance rider or commuter, this may just be the perfect suit to be hanging in your garage.

More info: aerostich.com

DUNLOP MUTANT TIRES “Mutation: it is the key to our evolution. It has enabled us to evolve from a single-celled organism into the dominant species on the planet. This process is slow, and normally taking thousands and thousands of years”. ~ Prof. Charles Xavier Last summer Backroads got a press release about a new tire from Dunlop. The Mutant.

Que? Mutant?

My “raised on Marvel comics self ” cheered and screamed ‘NO!’... at the same time.

Yet the rider in me was very curious.

Dunlop is one of the oldest tire companies in the world, it was founded back in 1888, originally called the Dunlop Pneumatic Tyre Company, it took its name from John Boyd Dunlop, the founder.

Although years back we called Dunlop tires by different lettered designations – K-81s.

Who didn’t want these on your Z-1 or Suzuki GS1000?

But things changed and here we are almost half a century later and marketing has gotten much sharper.

Still, Mutant? Well, it certainly got our attention, but would they come through. Well, here we are at the halfway point with our mid-term report and we can forcefully say, Yes, they have.

We have logged nearly 4,000 miles on these on the street and test-rider extraordinaire, Sandra NilandMahwhinney, has nearly met these same miles, but with two VERY hard days on the 2.25-mile north track at Virginia International Raceway. Her impressions on these tires were telling indeed. Especially when the conditions dropped from superb to deep wet!

As you can see from the image the tire did what they are supposed to do, but still held onto the basic purpose of an all-around 3-season tire.

But, first a bit about the tires… and know that tire technology and informa-

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tion is almost as advanced as an engineering course at Star Fleet.

So, with that said… Dunlop’s Multi-Tread technology, wrapped into the new Mutant tires, works incredibly well and the Mutant is what you might expect: A mutation of unique components that create one of the most versatile street tires Dunlop has ever produced. The tires incorporate a long-wearing compound in the center of the tire tread and a lateral-grip compound on each shoulder to enhance cornering performance and feel. For us, it was a great combination of feel, traction, speed, and mileage and we’d give up a thousand miles in mileage for THAT much more in traction. We have never had a slip yet riding with the Mutants.

The Multi-Tread compound in the rear tire gives the Mutant high mileage for touring and commuting, and the high-grip lateral compounds give the Mutant full sport-tire capabilities and the jointless belt construction front and rear to provide a more compliant ride and more consistent handling.

The high-silica compound and deep tread channels provide exceptional performance in wet conditions – easy to say, but very apparent when we had very soggy conditions at VIR. We did thousands of miles of touring, gravel, and track time; and the Dunlop Mutants proved to be one the best all-around tires on the market – and we think we still have a few thousand miles to go before any concern.

The bottom line… the Dunlop Mutant Tires, while perhaps not a master of anything in particular, still brings the best of all worlds.

Like the greatest utility baseball player ever. And, for real-world riding, you needn’t ask for more.

But, the best thing about this tire is that it probably will fit your machine, as the Mutant is available in sizes that fit more than 250 different motorcycle models available in the U.S. Find out more at your local Dunlop dealer or dunlopmotorcycletires.com.

Make 2022 the YEAR FOR YOU. Plan Rides, Take Riding Courses, Learn More About Your Motorcycle and YOU!

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The Law Office of Paul Gargiulo, P.C. presents

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

SIGHT When riding, where are you looking? What do you see when you look down the road?

It is a pretty serious question.

You go where you look.

Shira seems to see to infinity. I watch my wife go through tight turns left, right, right, left… with the grace of God. Me, not so much. I am not bitter about this. I got it… she is far faster than me and I have my place in this world. But I can write. Many cannot. So now you have to deal with me and my drivel.

Gawd…. I adjust her chain and still change her oil. Husbandry duties and all that – you know what that is all about ‘old man.’ Have any of you men realized your women are better than you. They are much better than you… us. Frack me!

But, let’s talk about vision. I have better vision than a space shuttle pilot. Shira cannot see squat without her specs….

Looking up. Looking forward can make or break your ride. We have talked about what we call The Flow.

Do you want some of this? I think you would. This is an easy thing. A few years back I was following the redhead through Walpack Valley, one of the most remote places in New Jersey, and a dozen deer crossed her path. She brilliantly piloted the Suzuki, threading her bike in and around the deer that were scattering across the rural road.

Awesome…

But how could we get by this?

She was in the Flow. THE FLOW possibly can be the weapon against unforeseen and terrible mishaps.

Backroads, and especially Welcome to the Jungle, is here to help us be the best riders we can be. Follow us. We can all get better… I certainly need constant betterment.

Especially at this time of year. Most of us are not riding nearly as much as the warmer months and riding is a perishable skill.

So, although some of us are now wintered for a bit I thought perhaps I would try to pick up some tips from Ben Collins. Ben is one of the greatest car drivers on the planet. All those cool James Bond stunts?

Ben. That crazy 2017 Range Rover flying down the ski slope? Ben. Top Gear… The Stig? Ben Collins, so picking a bit off his superb book “How to Drive” seems like a good thing.

Improving your car driving helps your motorcycle riding, and Ben’s book has some serious thoughts and quotes about vision from some of the very best.

“If you are in a good state, psychologically speaking, your sensitivity of vision is so much greater, so much more accurate, it makes everything else much more natural and easy.”

Ayrton Senna – 3-Time Formula One Champion.

Taking the vision thought a bit further they actually talk about juggling to improve your peripheral eye acuity. Yikes, I bought soft juggling balls years back and they have gathered dust since. Maybe I’ll see if Spenser hasn’t hidden them somewhere.

And, as we have talked about numerous times, Ben brings up the fighter pilot. The need, at that speed, to pick up the “Big Picture” and not get trapped by having your attention drawn into things that should not be running into your attention and focus. Fighter pilots call it “Target Fixation.” Collins talks about how, on numerous occasions, pilots have followed their own bombs into the ground, or got caught up taking the Iceman’s advice by literally following the wingman into the ground during formation flying.

Ben Collins’ hope is that we all begin to look at the bigger picture when we drive, we hope that we all do that when we ride.

Take the time to get your mind right when you get going for a ride.

During the winter, when in the car, try driving like you are riding the bike.

It will keep you a bit sharper and make for a better spring for us all.