January 2017

W H A T ’ S

I N S I D E

MO NT HLY C O L U M NS

30 Motorcycles, Travel & Adventure

FREE WHEELIN’ ..................................................3 WHATCHATHINKIN’ ...........................................4

Publishers

Brian Rathjen • Shira Kamil

Contributors

Mark Byers, Bill Heald, Michael Delaney, Dr. Seymour O’Life

POSTCARDS FROM THE HEDGE.......................5 ON THE MARK ....................................................6 BACKLASH..........................................................8 INDUSTRY INFOBITES .....................................10

Editorial Office BACKROADS, POB 317 Branchville NJ 07826

GREAT ALL AMERICAN DINER RUN ..............14 BIG CITY GETAWAY .........................................16 WE’RE OUTTA HERE ........................................18 MYSTERIOUS AMERICA..................................20 SHIRA’S INSIDE SCOOP ..................................27 WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE ............................46 UPCOMING EVENTS CALENDAR ...................48

FE AT U RE S BEST OF BACKROADS 2016 ...........................23 CLUB SPOTLIGHT-CSBA .................................29 FALL FIESTA 2016 ............................................30 CELEBRATING 50 YEARS GOLDEN ................37 WHAT’S NEW FOR 2017..................................38 ON ANY WINTER SUNDAY .............................41

PR O DU C T R E V IE W S SCHUBERT E1 ADV-STYLE HELMET ..............13 CTEK BATTERY CHARGER..............................40 KERSHAW SCALLION KNIFE ..........................42

23 41

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BACKROADS (ISSN 1087-2088) is published monthly by BACKROADS™, Inc. 2017. 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 • JANUARY 2017

FREE WHEELIN’ BRIAN RATHJeN

Time BandiTs When Backroads is created each month it is usually over a weekend.

While (we hope) most of you are getting out riding we are dutifully doing layouts, printing proofs and reading through them, usually missing that blatant typo or mistake until three weeks after the issue goes to print.

Our office at Backroads Central is located on a wooded hill with a good view of a picturesque backroad that sees a lot of motorcycle traffic here in the forests of northwestern New Jersey - especially on Sundays. One of the production stations sits at a large glass wall that looks out over the road. Even when deep into putting the magazine together I tend to look up every time I hear a motorcycle or group of riders rolls by.

Although I am somewhat aware when riders go by during the week, on production weekend I seem more acutely attuned to each machine, perhaps because I know I am not going riding – regardless of how brilliant the day is.

I took special note of this when we were in production for the September edition. It was the first weekend in August, the Olympics were starting in Brazil and the Mets lost a tough one to the Detroit Tigers the night before.

Shira and I were up and at it early and around 7 am the first few motorcycles began to roll by.

The last few days had been hot and thick with humidity, but a cold front the previous day had pushed through some heavy storms and this Sunday morning was clear and clean – just about the perfect summer Sunday morning.

From the workstation I would pick my head up and track the riders who were heading up the hill.

Page 3 After a few hours of this it occurred to me that different times of the day brought out different riders. The first riders to come by were almost all on sport-tourers or larger Harleys. To a bike, every machine was piloted by a rider wearing (what I consider) real riding gear; helmets, jackets, boots and gloves. Also strongly noted was that each of these machines was stock quiet and that when there were a few machines riding together they were spread out with a comfortable space cushion between them.

This ran true till about noon. Then things began to change and the flavor of both bikes and riders began to morph into something else.

The first pair of bikes could be heard from miles away and by the time they came tearing up the hill, one right behind the other, nobody could help but notice their passing.

One rider solo, the other with a female passenger. All three wore half helmets, and had on blue jeans and tee shirts. As the day wore on, through the early afternoon, we had more and more of a mix and by later in the day the far louder bikes outnumbered the quiet by a large margin.

It was also apparent that (in most cases) the louder the bikes the less riding gear the rider and passenger would be wearing.

The loud thump of a V-Twin overpowered the property as the couple rolled by with shorts, tanks tops and beanies.

To be fair a Gold Wing then went silently by with the folks on board wearing almost less than that. This attitude does cross brands.

The point seemed to be that, to some riders, getting out and on the road early was key and that, maybe, these riders take their riding, skills and gear far more seriously than the riders who got out later in the day.

The riders who stole the early morning light, coolness of the day and openness of the road were sort of Time Bandits and probably rode further and with a bit more proficiency than the others who happened to own a bike and decided to get out for a few hours that day.

For me the seriousness and respect that the Time Bandits showed for their motorcycles and their riding far outweighed the approach of the others.

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JANUARY 2017 • BACKROADS

WHATCHATHINKIN’ SHIRA KAMIL

Visions of TwisTies danced in Their heads It has arrived. It’s inevitable, at least where I live. The sun is rising at 7am and setting at 4:30 and the temperatures are not getting above 45 degrees. The trees are barren, everything is a monotone greyness, and I’m sure that there will be snow on the ground any day now.

Winter is here.

While the Polar Bears are rejoicing as their season and riding time is on for the next six months, most every other motorcyclist is heading into the doldrums. There are those who devote this time to start, or finish, projects that have been on the ‘todo’ list all year. The lucky ones with heated garages can set to dismantling a motorcycle, lovingly cleaning parts, polishing chrome, painstakingly adjusting valves or rebuilding engines. While the world turns white around them, they’ll be spending their hibernation period surrounded by the things they love, making them beautiful, yearning for the return of longer days and summer sun.

Other sidelined cyclists may choose other pastimes to while away the hours, days and months. I know many who turn to their favorite reading material – in the form of maps – and plan their destinations, excursions and adventures which will, hopefully, take place once the ice has gone from the driveway. I love to look through all the touring companies catalogues, with their exotic locales and faraway places that beckon me. I’ll dog-ear several pages, Google where they are in the world and what time of year is best to visit.

There are lots of options for winter riding in warmer place. Of course, you can plunk down your credit card and take part in an organized tour to places like South Africa, South America or New Zealand, all of which are heading into their springtime. They are chock full of great riding, culture and adventures, with a guide to help you along and all the details taken care of for you.

How about a week in Ecuador with Freedom Bike Rental? Sitting right on the Equator, their riding season is year round, with 12 hours of sun every day. Explore from the Pacific Ocean to Chimborazo, the highest mountain in Ecuador. You can join one of their guided tours or go explore on your own – either way you’ll leave winter behind and have a great adventure.

There’s a list of folks who can help you out of the depths of winter: Motolombia in Colombia, MotoCaribe in Dominican Republic, MotoAventura in Chile (notice a theme in these names?) Then there’s Sama Tours in South Africa and Te Waipounamu and Fred Rau in New Zealand (these will need at least three weeks of your time). You can also take a look through Edelweiss’ latest catalogue that will take you around the globe in style.

If you’re not one for riding with strangers, in large groups or on foreign soil, you can choose a spot, rent a bike and head out on your own. Of course you’ll have to head west, young man or woman, and some of the best riding can be found in California. Should you hop a jet plane to get there, rentals are available from MotoQuest in Los Angeles, the gateway to great riding. Explore southern California and head east, perhaps into Arizona. The days will be warm, but make sure you park the bike before sundown, as the nights can still get pretty chilly.

I’ve been working on a long-term ride for summertime. Brian and I have an ongoing list that, one day, will be completed. While the summer season is meant for riding, it also hosts another one of our loves – baseball. We’ve been checking off all the major league ballparks. There’s even an algorithm that can plot a route by Continued on Page 7

BACKROADS • JANUARY 2017

POSTCARDS FROM THE HEDGE BILL HeALD

The LefT Behinders Life is a circus. Fortunately for you (thanks to this being a silent medium), even if I now bursted into “Send in the Clowns” you couldn’t hear me (which, it should be noted, would be a disturbing experience). The Great Spirit has spared you from this outrage, so count your blessings, dear reader.

I mention the circus aspect at this particular juncture because I’m referring to how a substantial entity (like a circus, or a film crew, or a popup trade show or even a motorcycle dealership) can blow into town, set up shop and then with the blink of an eye disappear as if they were never there. I really got a dose of this back when I was a camera assistant, and the massive 100plus army that is a location film production would take over a city street, a quiet neighborhood, a parking garage or even the offices of a Fortune 500 company crew for 18 hours or so and then all the trucks, people, light, cameras, action etc. would disappear like the wind. Due to the duties of my job I was often one of the last people to leave when the day was done, and when I stepped out of the darkroom of the camera truck with the film ready to go to the lab, I would discover that the rest of my community of vagabonds would be gone. It was kind of amazing, really. The carnival that was so dynamic and illuminated a short interval before was no more, and all was quiet and surreal.

This experience just happened to me again, only this time it was a bit of a shocker as it was totally unexpected and not a good thing at all. I went up to my very close (ten minutes from my house) motorcycle dealership to grab

Page 5 an oil filter and some other bits & bobs, and imagine my dismay when I pulled into the driveway and the place was deserted. I mean, we’re talking tumbleweed territory, and even every last bit of signage for the three major brands they sold, serviced and accessorized was gone. The formerly always occupied parking lot was as dead as a Hartford Whaler’s locker room, and I was more than a little baffled. I pass by this place several times a week, and I could swear just the other day it was business as usual. I also recalled a conversation with the owner I had just a few months prior, and they were working on a plan to move down the road a few short miles to a different township where they had been given access to more land and (he said) they were going to build a larger dealership complete with an off-road course for dirt bikes, ATVs, etc. He also recounted a fight he was having with the town where the present dealership resided, concerning the fact that they wouldn’t allow him to display his larger signs on the road due to an ordinance limiting their size.

So naturally I thought maybe they had built the new place in record time, and had just moved. No dice.

Where he said the new establishment would be was still a field of trees, and there were no signs on the old building saying they had moved (or anything at all, for that matter). The fact is, these guys just vanished. And there I was, a man with no dealership, no oil filter, no bits & bobs, and no clue as to what had happened. I was. . . alone.

Further research revealed nothing, even when I contacted a friend at one of the OEMs the dealer represented and I was shuffled around a bit and then heard nothing. Here today, gone tomorrow. There was no public announcement for all those customers left in the lurch; no thank you for your patronage all these years. Very strange. In time I’m sure I’ll find out what happened, as I purchased a very expensive machine from this dealership, and used their excellent service and parts departments. And what of these fine employees? As bad as this development is for the customers that have been Continued on Page 7

Page 6

JANUARY 2017 • BACKROADS

ON THE MARK MARK BYeRS

shopping I avoid Black Friday like the plague that it is. My idea of living hell is throngs of loud, rude, ignorant people all thrusting their way through aisles clogged with cheap, Chinese goods. Small Business Saturday, while equally commercially motivated, was different. Per our tradition, my wife and I went to a local tree farm and arranged for our Christmas tree. Then, we visited a small business run by a septuagenarian Special Forces Vet and dropped off copies of some airplane photos he admired when making a delivery to my house.

Finally, it was time for some small-business shopping…at two local motorcycle shops! The first is a big, multi-brand dealer who sells “the big three,” Suzuki, Kawasaki, and Honda. They have a good parts department and it’s fun to rummage through their “bargain tables” for obscure parts people have ordered, but not picked up or for things that just didn’t sell. Sometimes, those things are just what I (or Dangerous Dan) need.

Regrettably, I didn’t score any hard-to-find gems from the bargain table, but there were certainly a couple bargains on the sales floor: two Suzuki V-Strom 650 ABS Adventures. They were 2015 models, so they were discounted to make room for 2017 models.

Yum! The ever-astute Mrs. Byers noted, “But you already HAVE a VStrom.” “Yes, I do,” I replied, “but it’s ten years old and doesn’t have ABS.

Don’t you want me to be SAFER?” Like Ralphie with the BB gun, I am an expert when it comes to rationalization. What I got was an eye roll inspired by 31 years in the classroom. Unlike Ralphie’s teacher, she didn’t say, “You’ll shoot your eye out,” but I got that vibe.

On to another cool shop, this one a small-time affair that specializes in used motorcycles, used parts, and service. They have tons of traded-in crotch rockets, both in original and hideously-painted “custom” form. However, Dangerous Dan and I find some really good, old bikes there, like his vintage Honda Trail 90. True to form, they had ANOTHER Trail 90, a ’69 model in red, about which I immediately called Dangerous (I like being the devil on HIS shoulder for a change). While interesting, it wasn’t the bike for which I lusted.

You see, after getting my Triumph Street Triple R, I’ve become an Anglophile. Well, an Anglo-BIKE-a-phile and there was a lovely, pearl-white, 2013 Speed Triple 1050 with only 4,000 miles on it sitting amongst the legions of crotch rockets. It looked muscular just sitting there and I was gleefully imagining what I could do to that 190-section rear tire at VIR next year. Just the other day, Dangerous was saying, “Mark, you need a liter-bike.” Damn him, but when he’s right, he’s right. The shop was closing, so I left, but now that Triumph has joined the V-Strom as my Christmas 2016 Red Ryder BB Gun bike.

Bike shops are like that for me: they are living Sears “Wish Book” Catalogs of dreamy things I want and would like to have…most of which I never will. After all, I’m not Jay Leno and I have neither unlimited space nor unlimited resources. When it comes to motorcycle shops, however, they are absolutely, positively the finest shopping experiences I can possibly imagine. So much the better if I can help a local shop dispose of stale inventory or help a small, used-bike business put a few bucks in their pockets. I’m altruistic that way.

There ARE a couple useful lessons here: if you want to be a multi-bike owner, or a single-bike person who wants to stretch a dollar, buy used or buy

BACKROADS • JANUARY 2017

Page 7

stale. It’s a win-win for you and a dealer if a piece of new, old stock clears his floor to make room for the new machines. And sometimes, someone gets a new bike, scares himself with it or realizes he’s made a mistake, and immediately sells it or trades it on another model. Those low-mileage gems are dealmakers and no dealer, new or used, makes money on inventory sitting in stock.

Or, if you just need ways to stave off the symptoms of PMS (Parked MowhaTchaThinkin’

Continued from Page 4

which you can visit every park during one season. That is just a bit too ambitious for us, and would make for one long-ass iron butt ride, so little by little we are making our way to each, watching a game and enjoying the venue. We’ve gotten to some of the most out of the way parks, but I’d like to make that a priority in 2017.

I hope that you can spend some two-wheeled time this winter, whether it’s in the saddle or tinkering to make your ride perfect for the time you return it to the open asphalt or trail. I’d like to wish you all a painless and swift winter – make the most of it with dreams and plans of rides to come. May you have a happy, healthy and safe 2017 and I certainly look forward to seeing you on the road soon. posTcards from The hedge

Continued from Page 5

abandoned, I’d wager the situation is far worse for them. Now, there are other dealerships around in the same general part of the state, and like this phantom dealership sell different brands, have street and dirt bikes, ATVs, side by sides, snowmobiles and all kinds of power equipment. They seem to be doing just fine. To me, this makes the abandoned concern seem even more vacant.

I don’t like it when a dealer loads the trucks overnight, and unlike the circus to whom I feel no ill will as they have to move on to the next town, this is bordering on skullduggery. Could there have been some tragedy that caused this to happen? I honestly believe if this was the case I would have heard about it. It’s not exactly unusual for a motorcycle dealership or any business

torcycle Syndrome) in the dead of winter, go down to your local motorcycle pusher, dig around the bargain table, check out the new old stock, and peruse the used bikes. Keep the phone numbers of your moto buddies handy, because their wives and girlfriends really like it when you call to tell them about the deal of the century you just found. Or better yet, ask them to come with you: it’s way easier to load one on the back of your truck if you have help…

Just a few folks who can help you get away from it all

www.freedombikerental.com www.motolombia.com www.motocaribe.com www.motoaventura.cl www.samatours.co.za www.motorcycle-hire.co.nz www.fredrau.com www.edelweissbike.com to cease operation, but it usually takes a while to wind things down and quite often they liquidate a lot of stock beforehand to ease the financial losses. But for a mass abduction to take place that even sucks the signs off the building in the blink of an eye is reason to call in Mulder and Scully. I have yet to consult local spiritual leaders for counsel, as this could be an event foretold in scripture or prophecy that would indeed seem strange to those not familiar with the precise text. Maybe Marshall Mat Dillon told them they had 24 hours to get out of town. Maybe they were assaulted with internet bullying, and have fled to an area with really crappy web access.

Or, they may have just headed south where the weather is warmer. All I know is they’re gone, and I have seen yet another day of unexpected happenings. I just wish more of them were actually positive in nature.

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Plan your adventures with us as a pitstop.

Page 8

JANUARY 2017 • BACKROADS

BACKLASH Lots of Ink for Hawk’s Nest Dear Editors, Good timing on the articles in the November issue, as I have taken several rides this summer thru Hawk’s Nest and the upper Delaware. My question is, where was the cover picture taken, I would love to ride there and see it in person!

Thanks for your time! doug Bohl Doug, Our bad. We should have made note of the location of that cover shot. That image for the Destination New York edition was taken at Letchworth State Park in central New York. Not only is it a stunning vista, there is a great restaurant and B&B just behind it. You get a meal, a room and a view!

Hey Backroads, It was good to see one of my favorite roads on the December issue’s cover – the Hawks Nest. Super shot, by the way!

This road continues to be so popular for many and even was used for the last Marvel superhero movie Doctor Strange.

Whatever happened to the restaurant that used to be there?

Vincent Tanner

Letters to the Editor

Mail: BACKROADS PO Box 317 Branchville NJ 07826

Email: editor@backroadsusa.com Fax: (973) 948-0823

Got something to say? We’d love to hear it.

Letters may be edited, never censored, to fit.

Backroads Central is not too far south from the Hawks Nest (Route 97) Vincent, and we often ride through there to points north. We did see the road featured in Doctor Strange – it is where he crashes the car that begins his mystical journey.

The Hawks Nest Café burned down years back and new regulations for a parking lot have prevented the owner of the property from rebuilding. Shame.

Travel, Tips and Troubles

Backroads, Thanks for all your help with our recent trip. We had a great time regardless of the wet and wind. Sunday was beautiful through New England towns and fall colors from Port Jervis to 1269 DOLSONTOWN RD Boston.

Saturday and Monday not so nice. I finally got MIDDLETOWN NY 10940 to “drive by” the Chatterbox. It was dark, wet and windy so we pressed on. Still, to see a legend!

845-343-2552 • WWW.CYCLEMOTIONINC.COM I am not sure if I have ever read about the Erie Hotel and Restaurant in your mag but I would like to recomCycle Motion is your provider of motorcycles, ATVs, scooters, mend it both for very plain, well priced accommodasnowmobiles, and utility vehicles by Kawasaki, Suzuki, Polaris, tions, friendly bar and good menu. Family run.

Yamaha and Can-Am. With a large parts department, qualified On the way back we stopped in New Hope PA for service technicians and a full shop full of parts and accessories, lunch. We found a parking spot on a side street, W Ranwe're here to meet all your power sport needs. dolf, and put our 3 bikes in one spot. After lunch we found citations, on all 3 bikes, for an expired meter, For every rider - on or off road, whether they like doing it which we had not noticed as it was obscured by a bush. in the dirt, carving the twisties, or cruising the backroads, I have no complaint about the citation, our mistake. I we have their weapon of choice. phoned the local police, thinking 3 tickets were issued by an enthusiastic meter person, to find it is town ordinance. They allow up to 5 bikes in a space, each available to receive its own violation. Talk about not being moto-friendly.

Thought I would share.

Lewis goldman Lewis, Glad you got to go by the Chatterbox. It really is a neat place. The Erie hotel in Port Jervis? We go there often, I am pretty sure we have written about it a few years back. Good solid food… did you stay there? I have never heard anything about their rooms… we live 20 minutes away so have never overnighted there.

As far as New Hope goes…

There was a time when the local PD was allowing just one bike per spot. Any more and all would get a summons for having more than one machine in a spot.

That brought the local riders and ABATE to protest.

What ABATE did was ride in mass into town on the weekends – at dawn - and take up each and every spot with just one bike. Then they would legally pay for the spot all day long, effectively blocking out the hundreds of tourists and shoppers that are the lifeblood of the town. The shop owners complained and after a few weeks of this the town relented and allowed up to five bikes in a spot. But, the price is that every one still gets the ticket. You get a little then they take a little.

All this came about because of LOUD pipes!

You have to spell loud …LOUD!

BACKROADS • JANUARY 2017 Sorry you got a ticket, but they are meter-watching scoundrels…and they’ll get ya. – ed.

Hi Brian.

I’m a friend of Moshe Levy and he sent me the Scrambler route. I rode it last weekend, and WOW, what a ride! Thanks.

When I uploaded the route into inRoute (iPhone app), I noticed that each waypoint was duplicated in the file. It also looks like the route was created by inRoute.

I sent the file you forwarded to Moshe to the owner of inRoute to see if there was an import issue and he concluded there was not. The next items for consideration are: 1) did you intentionally duplicate the waypoints in the route? 2) if not, there could be an export issue in inRoute.

Ultimately I have no stake in the answer... I just love the app and want to help the owner have the best product possible. So any insights you have would be helpful. Thanks. And I hope we can meet in person one day soon. matt Matt, Glad you enjoyed the ride. This was never intended for an iPhone app, rather for dedicated GPS (Garmin specifically).

It was made on Garmin’s routing program BaseCamp and is saved as a .GPX file. I have no experience with inRoute, so I have no answer for you. If I remember correctly, there was one part of the route that doubled back on itself in the Walpack Valley. The world of GPS is still developing - eventually all the kids will play well with each other.

Here’s a link to our GPS archives, perhaps they’ll work better for you and offer you a bunch of day trips… www.backroadsusa.com/gpsdownloads.html Folks, I received my December copy when I returned from the holiday. And I must say that you have one of the best magazines I’ve seen. Understand that I have been aware of Backroads for many years. I am very glad I reached out to you.

Too bad winter is upon us, otherwise your first wildlife reaction would be just around the “wooded” corner. Because it is only a matter of time that you see your first deer stop and look as you go whizzing by.

Also watch for groundhog reactions too. They do not like the DS sound, you will see.

Nice cover pic of Hawks Nest, one of my favorite hangouts close to NJ. And a smartly written article on Deer Screamer, on two pages - Sweet!!!

Again, thanks so much for helping to promote this new, life saving product.

My Best Regards, Bill pereca - deer screamer Hi Brian, I want you to be aware that there are TWO women on page 34 of the December Backroads. Once you discover that, I want to say ONE of them is WAY too skinny! In contrast the other one is PERFECT! rich Hi Brian and Shira, Just received my December copy with a great article on CLASS. Thank you for putting out the word on what a great time you had. I would like to link to it from our website - when you get the current copy online, would you please let me know. You never stop learning. That’s the statement I make to all my instructors, making it sink into the students takes time.

My new challenge next year, with 4 Motor Officer Schools slated, is to drive home that point and see if I can make it work for a large number of motor officers who already have a lot of experience. Our first motor officer day this past September was well attended and everyone was very attentive and did a great job of learning too, I’m happy to say.

Page 9 I know it’s a long way off til next October, but I look forward to our 3rd day at VIR just for the cops and to seeing you both and Mark again.

Cheers, reg and gigi cLassrides.com

‘Like’ us on Facebook for all the latest news, up-to-the-minute rides and events and just cool motorcycle stuff. We often do impromptu lunch or dinner rides, as well as weekend jaunts. Don’t be left out.

www.facebook.com/pages/Backroads-Motorcycle-Touring-Magazine/86102625812

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JANUARY 2017 • BACKROADS

IN DU STRY INFOBITES LOCAL LEGEND INDUCTED INTO AMA HALL OF FAME Gloria Tramontin Struck had been inducted into the American Motorcyclists Association Hall of Fame.

According to Ken Ford, a member of the AMA board of directors and chairman of the American Motorcycle Heritage Foundation board, “Gloria Struck has inspired generations of women to take up motorcycling for both sport and pleasure, and she remains a vibrant reminder of the emotional connection we can have with two wheels.”

Born in 1925 in an apartment attached to her family’s motorcycle shop in Clifton, N.J., Gloria Tramontin Struck is the reigning matriarch of the women’s riding community. A member of the Motor Maids since 1946, she embodies the mission of the organization by riding her Harley-Davidson to events such as Sturgis and Daytona from her New Jersey home. In her lifetime, Struck has ridden in all 48 continental states several times over, as well as in Europe. In the 1950s, she earned continental notoriety by completing a high-profile adventure ride in Canada from Toronto to Montreal. Congratulations to Gloria!

“BAD BIKER” GUN TARGETS? Motorcycle riders were being portrayed as “Bad Bikers” worth shooting and possibly killing by police and others in firearms training, as Baker Targets marketed a target bearing the image of an outlaw on a motorcycle.

News from the Inside “Bad bikers need to be terminated!,” advertised Baker Targets to the public, highlighting red dots printed on the practice target indicating “high value” shots to cause maximum damage to bike and rider when shooting.

The Florida-based target company quickly responded to an outcry from concerned motorcyclists by taking the “Bad Biker Targets” off their website and discontinued offering them for sale.

Good for them, as they make a great product.

RAMAPO MOTORCYCLE CLUB DONATES TO HELEN HAYES HOSPITAL FOUNDATION On Thursday evening, November 17, 2016, the Helen Hayes Hospital Foundation hosted their annual donor reception at the Nyack Seaport.

The foundation bestowed recognition and honors upon several worthy recipients for their exemplary efforts on behalf of this world-class rehabilitation hospital center that we are so fortunate to have so close to home in the Hudson Valley. Special guest Diana Williams, awardwinning news anchor for WABC-TV News in New York, related her Air Force combat pilot-son’s experience as he, and their whole family, have struggled through his recuperation/rehabilitation from the life-threatening injuries and traumatic brain injury that resulted when a driver ran a red light and plowed into him and his motorcycle mid-intersection. (He was wearing a helmet.) The Ramapo Motorcycle Club, represented by President Fred Peck and Road Captain Dick Roberts, was honored to present a donation of $5,000 to the Foundation to further support its Motorcycle Awareness and Safety campaign and continue the Hospital’s path-breaking research in the treatment of and rehabilitation from catastrophic injury.

BACKROADS • JANUARY 2017

RIDING INSPIRED IMAGES OPENS IN MANHATTAN BIG COUNTRY: PAINTINGS OF THE ROAD LESS TRAVELED Mark Twain said “America is not a place, it is a road.” This idea is central to Big Country: Paintings of The Road Less Traveled, a show of new works

by Edie Nadelhaft that are based on imagery glimpsed in her rearview mirrors as she navigates the U.S. and Canada on her trusty hog. Created to scale and situated within actual motorcycle mirror housings, these paintings are quite literally scenes from a road trip-that quintessential American rite of passage. The exhibition title references the late artist Edward Avedisian’s description of America: “It’s a big country, and the only thing keeping it together is television”. Edie’s journeys often lead her away from her familiar social and cultural experiences and out of her comfort zone where she has experienced the wisdom of these words first hand. In an effort to avoid “the slab”, she seeks out back roads and byways, visiting places that have yet to be subsumed by big box stores and national chain restaurants. The reward is a front row seat on a very different America, one rife with odd and often charming, if somewhat faded, idiosyncrasies. Each piece includes a bit of this-some residue of the human presence (a sign, a road, a building), implying a clear, if subtle narrative. The slick, hard-edged beauty of these man-made elements strike a sharp contrast to the lush, raw landscape in which they appear.

Page 11 Big Country: Paintings of The Road less Traveled can be seen at Lyons Wier Gallery, 542 W. 24th st., New York, NY • January 5 - 28, 2017. OPENING RECEPTION: January 5, 6-8 pm.

You can see her artwork on her website: edienadelhaft.com/ Image details: “Blue Ridge Parkway No.1”, oil/panel, 5.5” x 3.75”, 2016 • Edie Nadelhaft, Rte. 66, Amboy, CA, 2013

LEGO TECHNIC 42063 BMW R 1200 GS ADVENTURE BIKE Our buddy, Jedi Master Lego Builder Jack Bellantone, has to have one of these…

It’s a BMW motorbike replica, for motorbike fans, with 2 cylinders. Considering price and BMW license, this motorbike is not massive but highly detailed : lights, windshield, and several stickers.

This is Lego’s first-ever Technic model to be produced in cooperation with a motorcycle manufacturer, and BMW worked closely with Lego to not just get the right proportions down, but to make it as accurately detailed as possible.

Best of all, it has BMW’s big cargo boxes to carry small blocks, disembodied Minifig heads, or whatever else you want to stick in there. The finished motorcycle stands seven inches tall, and 13 inches long—perfect for when your kid inevitably mistakes it for Barbie’s sweet new ride. Estimated Retail Price: USA: $59.99 available early 2017.

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JANUARY 2017 • BACKROADS

TExTING CREATED LARGEST SPIKE IN TRAFFIC DEATHS IN 50 YEARS When distracted driving entered the national consciousness a decade ago, the problem was mainly people who made calls or sent texts from their cell phones. The solution then was to introduce new technologies to keep drivers’ hands on the wheel. Innovations since then, such as car Wi-Fi and a host of new apps, have since led to a boom in internet usage in vehicles that safety experts now say is contributing to a surge in highway deaths.

After steady declines over the last four decades, highway fatalities last year recorded the largest annual percentage increase in 50 years, rising to the highest level since 2009, and the numbers so far this year are even worse. In just the first six months of 2016, highway deaths have already jumped 10.4%, to 17,775, from the comparable period of 2015, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The fatality rate for the first half of 2016 increased to 1.12 deaths per 100 million miles driven, up from 1.05 for the same period last year; but the number of miles travelled have only increased 3.5%. NHTSA says recent reports suggest this uptick in fatalities is due in part to increasing use of electronic devices leading to more distracted driving.

CLASS • OCT. 16 & 17 VIRGINIA INTERNATIONAL RACEWAY HOW FORTUNATE ARE WE?!

Although rumor had it that Reg Pridmore’s CLASS High Performance Riding School might not be returning to the east we have gotten word that the much respected school will indeed be back to Virginia International Raceway in the middle of October 2017.

We know it’s a lot of work to bring all this to Virginia each year for two day, but Reg, Gigi and crew will be returning in the

Long Island

YAMAHA

67 North Broadway • Route 107 Hicksville, NY • (516) 935-6969

www.LIYamaha.com

Autumn. If you REALLY want to improve your street riding skills, then consider joining us this October in Virginia. Log onto www.classrides.com to do just that.

ZERO MOTORCYCLES TO PROVIDE AMA MEMBERSHIPS The American Motorcyclist Association and Zero Motorcycles Inc. are pleased to announce that all new 2017 Zero models will include one year of membership in the AMA, including AMA Roadside Assistance.

New Zero customers will receive all the benefits of AMA membership, including discounts, information about AMA-sanctioned activities, home delivery of American Motorcyclist magazine and AMA Roadside Assistance.

In addition, all members who join through this program will receive an exclusive Zero-themed design on their AMA membership card.

“As the country’s leading defender of motorcyclists’ rights, the AMA is a critical partner in protecting the future of our business,” said Todd Andersen, Zero Motorcycles VP of Sales, Marketing and Aftersales. “With the full slate of AMA member benefits, riders will get even more enjoyment from their Zero motorcycles.”

AMA Roadside Assistance includes coverage for motorcycles, cars, trucks, recreational vehicles and trailers and extends this service to all household members. The full list of AMA member benefits is available at www.americanmotorcyclist.com/membership/benefits.

ACCEPTED FOR SUBSCRIPTIONS NEW • GIFT • RENEWAL SAFE • SECURE • CONVENIENT

WWW.BACKROADSUSA.COM/SUBSCRIPTION.HTML

BACKROADS • JANUARY 2017

PRODUCT REVIEW

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SCHUBERTH E1 ADV-STYLE HELMET

With the Adventure Dual-Sport market helping drive the slow two-wheel industry recovery, it was just a matter of time before a flip-up modular helmet with dual sport flair would be introduced and German helmet manufacturer Schuberth has done just that with the new Schuberth E1.

Based on their successful C3 helmets the E1 adds in some slight modifications and additions with the most noticeable being the addition of the large, multi-position peak to optimize air flow, on and off the road.

The E1 was developed in Schuberth’s in-house wind tunnel to ensure it features low wind resistance, making it excellent at highway speed; and along with this aerodynamic shape, making it a very quiet helmet to wear.

The helmet has a large eyeport allowing for plenty of visibility and a removable visor with an improved faceshield ratchet mechanism and offers plenty of ventilation.

E1 also features an integrated drop-down sun visor, a very easy to change face shield, with included anti-fog insert. Like the C3 the E1 has two integrated FM antennas for use with the optional SRC communication System and Schuberth’s A.R.O.S. (Anti-Roll-Off System), which keeps the helmet from rolling forward off the rider’s head decreasing the risk of the chinbar contacting the throat or chest in case of a crash.

Like the C3 the E1 helmets utilize two shell sizes, one shell for sizes S through L and a larger shell for XL through XXXL. The E1’s removable and washable Coolmax liner is very comfortable and, for me, the helmet fit comfortably once on – not all do as we all have different shaped noggins, but seemed a bit tight and difficult going on and off.

The flip-up mechanism is easy to use with one hand and over the years I have grown to really appreciate these sorts of helmets and the ability to quickly flip-up and open to put a face to a once faceless rider; especially when riding into different regions, towns and border crossings.

Two things that stood out to me - one bad and one good.

The first was finding that some of the plastic moldings along the E1 had some very sharp edges, which could be an issue without gloves on. A little bit of filing rounded these edges off nicely, but something like this was a bit baffling to me to discover this the hard way, especially with a very high-end helmet such as the Schuberth E1, arguably one of the priciest and wellcrafted motorcycle helmets on the market.

The other thing to make note of was a huge plus and that was how well the peak of this E1 worked in deflecting late autumn sunlight.

It has been a bane of late (and early) season riders that the sun sits so low in the horizon. How many of us have ridden with one hand off the bar and in front of the helmet just to block the blinding light of a quickly setting sun? The dual-sportiness of the peak really made a difference when riding around in late November.

All in all the Schuberth E1 is, mostly, a well thought out helmet that is comfortable, easy to operate and stylish – finally offering today’s big bike adventure riders a helmet of their own.

The DOT-rated E1 comes in five solid colors ($829) and five graphics ($889), in sizes XS-3XL. Log onto www.schuberth.com for more information. ~ Brian Rathjen

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JANUARY 2017 • BACKROADS

Hannum’s Harley-Davidson Presents

GREAT A L L AMERICAN DINE R RUN doTTie audrey’s Bakery + kiTchen 549 ROUTE 17, TUXEDO PARK, NY 10987 845-915-3088 • WWW.DOTTYAUDREYS.COM OPEN DAILY: MON-FRI 7AM-6PM • SAT 8AM-6PM • SUN 8AM-4PM What to do on a Sunday morning that awakens you with bright sunshine, warm temperatures and the promise of a near-perfect day? Go for a breakfast ride, of course. To make it even better, give a couple of friends a call and see who can join in. Thanks to a Backroads Facebook message from Jack Ng, who sent us a suggestion in his back yard, we did just that and pointed our bikes toward Tuxedo Park, NY and Dottie Audrey’s.

Gleaning from their website, it seems that Dottie, of tough Scottish descent with relatives who fought at the Battle of Stony Point, made her home in western Pennsylvania. With farmers, smiths and solid citizens as her imprint, her get-it-done attitude showed through in all she did, including raising and feeding 7 kids and 23 grandkids, with wholesome, real food, lovingly prepared and attractively presented.

Audrey was of British descent, with ances-

tasty places to take your bike

tors coming to Plymouth Colony in 1620, giving Thanksgiving a special meaning. She met and married an American GI during WWII and moved to New York. She loved throwing cocktail parties on the beach and her love of good food, family and friends was legendary.

Having such wonderful roll models, Dottie Audrey’s was born to honor these women who represent the heart of the home – the kitchen. From the moment you drive up, you’ll see that you are entering a special place, full of recycled, repurposed and antique elements, bringing on a sense of warmth and welcoming. Their long communal table entices you to share a cup of Joe and conversation with your neighbor. Once you take a look at the menu, you’ll know you are in for a treat.

Rip & Ride® • DOTTIE AUDREY’S BAKERY + KITCHEN 549 ROUTE 17, TUxEDO PARK, NY 10987 • 845-915-3088 • WWW.DOTTYAUDREYS.COM

START: INTERSECTION OF ROUTE 9/BEEKMAN AVE SLEEPY HOLLOW, NY LEFT ONTO ROUTE 9 NORTH RIGHT ON ROUTE 448/BEDFORD RD CROSS ROUTE 117 – STRAIGHT ONTO BEECH HILL RD LEFT ONTO ELM RD RIGHT ONTO PINE RD STRAIGHT ONTO SCARBOROGH RD RIGHT ONTO HOLBROOK RD LEFT ONTO WOLDEN RD RIGHT ONTO ELLIS PL LEFT ONTO LINDEN AVE RIGHT ONTO ROUTE 134/DALE AVE LEFT ONTO HAWKES AVE RIGHT ONTO SPRING VALLEY RD LEFT ONTO GLENDALE RD RIGHT ONTO QUAKER RIDGE RD RIGHT ONTO TEATOWN RD LEFT ONTO SPRING VALLEY RD LEFT ONTO BLINN RD RIGHT ONTO QUAKER RIDGE RD LEFT ONTO CROTON DAM RD LEFT ONTO ROUTE 129/CROTON DAM RD LEFT ONTO SHORT HILL RD LEFT ONTO CROTON AVE

LEFT ONTO ROUTE 202 RIGHT ONTO BEAR MOUNTAIN PKWY RIGHT ONTO LOCUST AVE LEFT ONTO OREGON RD LEFT ONTO GALLOWS HILL RD LEFT ONTO SPROUT BROOKS RD RIGHT ONTO OLD ALBANY POST RD IMMEDIATE LEFT ONTO ROA HOOK RD LEFT ONTO ROUTE 9 TAKE FIRST RIGHT AT CIRCLE ONTO ROUTE 202 LEFT – CROSS BEAR MOUNTAIN BRIDGE TAKE THIRD RIGHT AT CIRCLE ONTO ROUTE 202 BEAR RIGHT ONTO SEVEN LAKES DR ENTER ROUTE 6 SOUTH TAKE FIRST ExIT TO SEVEN LAKES BRIDGE TAKE FIRST ExIT AT CIRCLE TO TIORATI BROOK RD TAKE ExIT FOR LAKE WELCH PKWY WEST RIGHT ONTO SEVEN LAKES DR TAKE SECOND RIGHT AT CIRCLE TO SEVEN LAKES DR TAKE THIRD RIGHT AT CIRCLE TO ARDEN VALLEY RD CONTINUE ON ARDEN RD LEFT ONTO ROUTE 17 SOUTH CONTINUE PAST ROUTE 17A DOTTIE AUDREY’S ON RIGHT IN SMALL MALL

BACKROADS • JANUARY 2017

The foundation of Dottie Audrey’s is their baking and baked goods. Their homemade breads are large and luscious and varied. The baked goods are too numerous to even begin to mention, but if I had had more room and a shorter ride home, the walnut sticky bun and cinnamon cream brioche would have made the trip with me. You will not lack in the sweet tooth department should you crave ‘a little something’ to accompany your coffee or tea. Here, too, Dottie Audrey takes pride in their variety and quality, serving everything from drip to espresso, teas, hot chocolate with their own bittersweet chocolate sauce and lemonades and ciders.

But we had come for breakfast (served until 11:30 weekdays, 1pm weekends). Not to be sidetracked, we eyed their selections and made our choices. Dottie Audrey’s is decidedly healthy and organically biased, using as many locally farmed ingredients as possible and offering gluten-free dishes. There are ways to get around the multiple grain dishes, and Brian opted for a threeegg omelet filled with smoked salmon and avocado, served with greens and bread. I went for one of the specials – Scottish eggs on a bed of greens with homemade bread. Both were equally delicious and very filling (thus the ‘no desserts coming home’ problem). The menu runs the gamut from super healthy Farro Porridge or Bircher Muesli to more fun and tasty French toast served with caramel butter, maple syrup (the REAL thing) and Irish bacon or the Lower East Side breakfast of homemade smoked whitefish salad, two local eggs any way, greens and fresh breads.

Should you come for a mid-day meal, there are numerous salads, both regular and seasonal selections. The main dishes include Bacon Mac ‘n Cheese (YUM!!) and Shrimp & Chorizo (spicy sausage with shrimp & scallions sautéed in spicy butter on a bed of red quinoa with basil oil, served with greens and bread), to name but a few. There are soups, stews and chowders as well as sandwiches, both open and closed, such as Curried Chicken Salad, Hot Shaved Angus Beef, Shrimp Po’boy, Maryland Jumbo Lump Crabcake and Wild Mushroom Toast or Ricotta & Apricot Tartine.

There is no rushing at Dottie Audrey’s as we sat, after our meals were done, sipping our coffees and catching up with our friends. The staff were all friendly, offering refills and asking if there was anything else they could do for us. By the time we were ready to finish our ride for the day, miraculously some cookies found their way into what space I did have on the bike, and were enjoyed later that night with a large, cold glass of skim milk (gotta justify the calories).

Dottie Audrey’s is located on and near some great roads. To prove it we’ll give you a sweet ride starting in Sleepy Hollow, NY before your sweet meal. Enjoy and remember to save room for dessert.

65-mile one-way GPS Download: www.sendspace.com/pro/dl/oyha7n ~ Shira Kamil

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JANUARY 2017 • BACKROADS

Hanover Powersports Presents

B IG CITY GETAWAY Along a small road in western Massachusetts, just north of Sheffield, stands a large stone column, sadly tilted and in need of more reverence and acknowledgment.

If you didn’t know it was there you would ride right past it. Although with a little bit of knowledge it becomes a far more regal marker, and one of great historical significance for our nation.

These days the U.S. Constitution has been in the news quite often, but there was a time before it actually came into being that public opinion swayed back and forth, and circumstances in some parts of the new nation and tensions over debt and the new government’s power turned to insurrection and a bloody uprising.

In fact, the story we are about to share, not only led to the way our government conducts itself, but also heralded in the return of a great general to public life and brought him to be our first president.

Shays’ Rebellion, 1786 – 1787, was an armed insurrection by farmers in Western Massachusetts against the state government.

After the Revolutionary War severe economic depression and oppressive debt was the lot in life for many farmers who had, just years before, been soldiers of the Continental Army.

These men petitioned the state senate to issue paper money and to halt foreclosure of mortgages on their property and their own imprisonment for debt as a result of high land taxes.

Many lost property and were imprisoned for just this.

This did not sit well with many and soon a meeting was held at what is now The Stage Coach Tavern in Sheffield, Massachusetts to discuss options.

daytrip ideas to get out of the daily grind When the state senate failed to undertake reform, the insurgents in the Berkshire Hills and the Connecticut valley, an angry army of 4,000 under the leadership of Daniel Shays and others, began, by force, to prevent the county courts from sitting to make judgments for debt and freed a number of farmers that had been imprisoned.

Things escalated from there.

Shays’ followers called themselves “Regulators,” in reference to a reform movement in North Carolina that occurred two decades earlier.

Shays was a Captain in our Continental Army and known to General George Wash-

BACKROADS • JANUARY 2017 ington, now in retirement for some three years.

The rebellion set the stage for Washington’s return to political life and highlighted weaknesses inherent within the Articles of Confederation.

The strife lasted a full year and was the first such action taken against our newly found nation.

The holders of the farmer’s debt – private merchants and creditors, mostly from eastern Massachusetts and Boston - would not sit quietly, nor let this problem go unanswered. They formed their own force in answer.

The army was led by former Continental Army General Benjamin Lincoln and funded by private merchants. Lincoln’s forces anticipated that the Regulators would storm the federal armory at Springfield, Massachusetts, and were waiting when Shays approached the armory with approximately 1,500 men on January 26, 1787. The army fired warning shots followed by artillery fire, killing four of the insurgents and wounding twenty. The rebel force quickly faltered and scattered into the countryside. A final battle happened on February 27, 1787, and here at the corner of Sheffield and Rebellion Roads one will find the humble, but poignant, stone column that marks the last battle of “The Regulators.”

Many participants were later captured and most men, including Shays, who escaped to Vermont, eventually received amnesty as part of a general pardon. The media of the day painted Shays an anarchist and he left the region and died years later in obscurity.

Still, the rebellion called into serious question the state of the country’s finances and the viability of the weak national government under the Articles of Confederation. Shays’ Rebellion accelerated calls to reform the Articles,

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eventually resulting in the Philadelphia Convention of 1787. The Convention elected Washington as its president and ultimately produced the Constitution of the United States. Thus, in no small way, Shays’ Rebellion contributed to Washington’s return to public life and the creation of a strong federal government more capable of addressing the pressing economic and political needs of a new nation.

The United States emerged after Shays’ Rebellion a stronger nation, with a new Constitution and George Washington as its first President.

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JANUARY 2017 • BACKROADS

Bergen County Harley-Davidson Presents

WE’RE OUTTA HER E The gLoBe inn 326 W 4TH ST., EAST GREENVILLE, PA 18041 (215) 679-5948 • WWW.GLOBEINN.NET We like to venture off the beaten path sometimes when we look for a ‘We’re Outta Here’.

When we do we almost always find something special.

Such was the case this past spring when we went in search of an overnight stay that was different, fun and far away from the cookie-cutter chain hotels that have consumed the USA. Our plan was to stay not too far from Washington’s Crossing to be able to get to the Gathering of the Nortons early the next morning. We got about 20 miles closer than home, but in the opposite direction.

It still worked for us, as The Globe Inn, located off the main road through East Greenville, Pennsylvania, was funky, fun and had flair in that ‘good’ way!

Located just north and west of Philadelphia, not far from the Green Lane Reservoir in the Perkiomen Valley, the Globe Inn has been taking care of overnight visitors and travelers travelin’ through since 1895. And, although it has a quirky combination of old and modern look that has developed over the years, The place still sticks true to it hospitality roots. Perusing their website tells a bit of the history of The Globe: “In the early 1900’s when railroads were the popular mode of transportation, weary passengers enroute to the Poconos and points north would debark at the East Greenville Station for The Globe Inn. They were warmly

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a weekend destination keeping you on the backroads greeted and served a sumptuous meal in a “Victorian banquet room” by waiters dressed in tuxedos and top hats. The basement Rathskeller provided conversation and spirits in a less formal atmosphere. A leisurely stroll through the village past the Lorenz Carriage Company, the East Greenville Creamery, a silent movie at the Palace Theater, or a trim of a gentleman’s beard at the Hotel tonsorial parlor ended the day before retiring to a handsomely appointed suite. All in all a wonderful evening not to be forgotten!”

These days the trains might be gone, but The Globe still has its inviting porch, where one can watch the rest of the world ride by while catching the last rays of the sun under a row of international flags.

Was that really the Chinese flag above us?

A full bar is found alongside their Victorian Banquet Hall so an adult beverage is available for said porch sitting.

When we visited they were not serving dinner, but a full breakfast would be found come morning.

Each room is really a suite, having its own distinct and period look. We stayed in the Bombay Room, but made it a point to check out some of the others – The Globe Suite and the Orient Express, both special in its own way.

There was also a complimentary bottle of champagne waiting for us in the room’s fridge.

BACKROADS • JANUARY 2017

It seems The Globe is a favorite place for couples to escape to and they offer a number of such packages.

Speaking to a few friends from Philly, who asked where we spent the night, we were surprised that they were not too familiar with the East Greenville or the Perkiomen Valley area. Just to get our bearing here, just north of the Philly sprawl the roads open up and tinier towns like East Greenville dot the land.

We had done a bit of homework and our route to and from the town was a mix of forests, small rivers and valleys – all in all an excellent Pennsylvanian scoot.

When the sun began to set we took a quick ride down Gravel Pike, also called Route 29 (and surprising to us – paved!) to The Carriage House.

It might have been more food that we wanted or needed, but nobody forced us into the huge desserts – we chose that on our own. Still entrées like Rabbit Pot Pie and Huhner Schnitzel are not on everyone’s menu.

Back at The Globe we settled into our comfortable Bombay Suite with its Victorian era paintings of animals that never really were quite right; human eyes on a lioness doesn’t really fit well – but these period images just added to the charm of The Globe.

The room had a fireplace and large Jacuzzi tub.

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We sometimes judge a place by its shower and a good room can become a great room by the temperature and force of water. Each of the Globe’s rooms have their own heater and, being it was a cool day and cold night, a refreshing hot shower made for a great day’s end.

The morning found a full breakfast included in the room rate.

Breakfast was served in the restaurant in the morning. There were several offerings available and all made to order.

With rates from $120 up, depending on room and time of week, The Globe is an excellent value, has a location that might not have been on your map, but now is on ours.

There are plenty of local restaurants and flavor and we are certain The Globe has the perfect theme room locale just for you.

Printed route can be found on Page 26 Download .gpx file here, starting at Chatterbox Drive-In here: www.sendspace.com/pro/dl/qzfihz

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JANUARY 2017 • BACKROADS

Morton’s BMW Motorcycles Presents Dr. Seymour O’Life’s MY STERIO U S A MER IC A museum of new Jersey mariTime hisTory 528 DOCK RD., BEACH HAVEN, NJ 08008 609-492-0202 • NJMARITIMEMUSEUM.ORG Long Beach Island, New Jersey, is known for its 18 miles of sandy white beaches, one of the nation’s oldest lighthouses and the region’s largest bird sanctuary.

But snuggled onto a small street in the island’s neighborhood of Beach Haven is an institution that highlights the region’s love of the sea and its nautical heritage – The Museum of New Jersey Maritime History.

If that might have sounded like the opening to ‘Mysteries at the Museum’ well, it is supposed to.

This month’s stop in Mysterious America has been on this great show a number of times and when we toured it last summer we were amazed just how much maritime history is in the maritime history museum.

I kid you not. Yes there were the usual items, displays and artifacts that you might expect but it was the many other things and stories that grabbed our imagination.

Let’s just talk about a few.

Whale detonations on LBI Back in 1957 a large 70-ton whale carcass washed up on shore along the beach on Long Beach Island.

At first it caused quite a stir and locals and the curious came down to see the quickly rotting leviathan.

Soon the local DPW was called in to remove the whale, but they were not up to the task. It was then that local contractor George Damon said he could do it by slightly unusual means.

Damon had the thought of blowing the whale up with dynamite. Not being foolish, he convinced the town’s mayor that they could use a steel mesh net to hold all the blown up blubber together and then they would simply tow it out to sea and dispose of the beastly remains. The mayor agreed.

One wonders the brilliance of allowing local mayors and contractors to play with high explosives.

They filled the whale with TNT and, with everyone safely away, detonated the whale. They were cleaning smelly whale guts from the strangest of places for months.

Sinbad the Coast Guard Dog At the Barnegat Life Station, during WWII, the Coast Guard had a small mixed breed dog named Sinbad that was actually given a commission and was assigned the rank of K9C or “Chief Dog” - equivalent to Chief Petty Officer.

The pup was originally intended as a gift to a local gal, but she could not keep him and rather then have the dog go homeless, mate A. A. “Blackie” Rother brought him to the USS Campbell.

This is where it gets interesting, as Sinbad had to prove himself worthy of the commission. The crew justified the enlistment by eliminating the need for the dog to have a master. The crew said that the dog displayed the attributes of a sailor by drinking coffee, beer and whiskey and generally demonstrating seamanship.

In fact Sinbad’s love of the suds became the stuff of legends.

Sinbad saw battle, he saw discipline, he was moved up and down in rank many times as, like most sailors,

BACKROADS • JANUARY 2017

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Sinbad was a bit rambunctious at times.

For his actions the dog had no less than half a dozen real medals including the American Defense Service Medal.

The dog “retired” in 1948 and lived the rest of his days on the north end of Long Beach Island at the lighthouse where he was a frequent visitor to the local pubs.

To this day a statue of Sinbad stands on the USS Campbell, the successor to his first ship, as it is Navy belief that as long as Sinbad is on board no harm could come to the ship.

Sinbad died on December 30, 1951 and was buried beneath a granite monument at the base of the light station’s flagpole.

Texas Tower Disaster Texas Towers were three sets of radar installations on the eastern seaboard used during the Cold War by the USAF. Each tower consisted of a triangular platform, 200 feet on each side, standing on three caisson legs.

On September 12, 1960, Hurricane Donna passed over Texas Tower #4. From the beginning this tower had problems, the first being it was in 180 feet of water – a full 100 feet deeper than the other towers. They never could get it quite stable and the crew called her Ol’ Shaky. Believed damaged beyond repair she was to be decommissioned, but they had to first remove all the technical equipment, lest it fall into Soviet hands.

This left a skeleton crew aboard her.

That winter another storm built up along the coast and began to batter the already questionable Texas Tower. An SOS was sounded and the Navy sent out ships to rescue the crew, but as the Navy vessels reached the vicinity, they could do no more than watch the station disappear from their radar. No survivors were recovered, though divers were sent down on the chance that some might have been trapped in the wreckage.

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JANUARY 2017 • BACKROADS

Crash Dive – the story of the USS S-5 Here we learned most of the story of the USS S-5, our nation’s first submarine that, in 1917, was doing testing off the New Jersey coast. While practicing crash dives, something went terribly wrong and the submarine began taking on water and sunk, settling to the bottom off the coast. No one knew where they were and there was no way to rescue them either in 1917.

I would tell you the entire story, but even I didn’t know. Rather than learn it at the Maritime Museum, I bought the book Under Pressure by A.J. Hill, and read the entire tale; a fantastic book.

The Burning of the Morro Castle Was it a fiery disaster or murder?

This could well be the most talked about maritime disaster along the New Jersey coast.

The SS Morro Castle was an ocean liner of the 1930s, built for the Ward Line for voyages between New York City and Havana, Cuba. The ship was named for the Morro Castle fortress that guards the entrance to Havana Bay. On a voyage from Cuba to New York the Morro Castle had its first problem - a dead Captain.

Captain Robert Wilmott was found dead in his cabin. With no autopsy to be performed on board they said it was a “heart attack and nervous stomach.”

Say what? Wilmott was a veteran seaman and was well liked by his crew and passengers.

There was talk of the Captain’s suddenly changing personality and that he

believed somebody was out to kill him or sabotage the ship. He believed it could be the radio operators, who were to be terminated at the end of this voyage. Now he was found dead.

The next morning, September 8, 1934, a fire broke out on board and although he should have, Chief Radio Engineer George White Rodgers did not

signal any problems for a full hour, even though the situation was dire. (I have to point out that they used his middle name on all the records. Once you are a murderer they always use the middle name!)

The fire raged through the morning and engulfed the ship; it was one of the biggest tragedies in New Jersey coast history and certainly the most talked about as 86 passengers and 49 crew members died. The Morro Castle itself would drift northward along the Jersey shore before running aground later, just a few hundred feet from Convention Hall in Asbury, and sat there for months for all the world to see.

George White Rodgers was never charged with this fire, but it seems from looking at his life that he was The Guy! He eventual died in prison, but for another and more gruesome murder.

But that is another story for another time.

These were just a few of the stories I learned at the Museum of New Jersey Maritime History. It is truly one of the best museums of its type on the planet and, best of all, it’s free and highly recommended.

Like most of our past if you dig deep and really look, you will find our history is fantastic, amazing and more than a bit mysterious.

O’Life out!

ZACK’S V-TWIN CYCLES Demo Rides Financing available Trade-ins accepted

799 Violet Ave/Route 9G, Hyde Park, NY

845-229-1177 • www.ZacksVTwin.com

BACKROADS • JANUARY 2017

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Best of Backroads 2016 Sometimes it feels, as we ride through each year, that time has been speeding up.

It is hard to believe that it was really a year ago that the writers, scribes and pontificators who create this magazine each month made their annual pilgrimage to the hidden watering hole stronghold called Monkey with a Gun on the grounds of the opulent Backroads Central, nestled in the Skyland forests of northwestern New Jersey.

Once again, heated discussions ensued, multiple games of “hook” were played, and more than a few bottles of good red from Alexandria Valley washed down the great food provided by celebrity chef Sal Monella.

When the weekend was done we had once again reached a consensus of sorts and without further ado, to you and you and you – we hand you the Best of Backroads’ 2016.

Great All American Diner Run Each month we scour the regions to find eateries that have something special to offer. Great roads, good eats and excellent friends always make for an outstanding day on the bikes. Here are the past year’s top three…

SECOND RUNNER UP • PAPER MOON DINER 227 W 29TH ST, BALTIMORE, MD 21211 410-889-4444 PAPERMOONDINER24.COM Okay, while not in the greatest of riding locations, this funky diner was certainly one of the most diverse, odd and offbeat places we have ever visited and the food fit the establishment’s panache.

The Paper Moon has been enchanting regulars and visitors for years now and you will be hard pressed to find a more eclectic and visually stimulating place to grab breakfast or lunch. Paper Moon says of itself “Were comfort food meets Baltimore with a twist. We’re vegetarian and raging-carnivore friendly, with a jam-packed menu featuring everything from meat loaf to crab quesadillas, from vegan nachos to homemade chili to shrimp and grits—and so much more.”

FIRST RUNNER UP • ANCHOR BAR 1047 MAIN ST, BUFFALO, NY 14209 • 716- 886-8920 WWW.ANCHORBAR.COM It is always hard to beat an original and when it comes to Buffalo Wings the Anchor Bar is ground zero.

It was here that back on March 4th, 1964 the chicken wing revolution would take place and who would know just how far it would spread?!

Today the Anchor Bar, in Buffalo, New York, is even more than its world famous original wings. It is a motorcycle mecca. You cannot sit anywhere in the Anchor Bar without seeing a motorcycle or two wheel reference.

We instantly felt right at home here and you will too.

It is easy to see, while you scoff down some original Buffalo Wings, how the Anchor Bar became part of the Best of Backroads.

1ST PLACE GREAT ALL AMERICAN DINER RUN 2016 GUNK HAUS RESTAURANT AND BIERGARTEN 387 SOUTH ST HIGHLAND, NY 12528 • 845-883-0866 • WWW.GUNKHAUS.COM When we look for the very best in a GAADR, we have to take in many things – food, location, charm and – roads!

Gunk Haus Restaurant and Biergarten has a great combination of this magic.

Located east of the great Shawangunk Ridge, that rise some 2,300 feet where the sun sets, the location is prime riding in New York’s Hudson valley region with the Catskills just a quick ride away.

The Gunk Haus offers a wide selection of German-style faire, but we were brought there for the burgers, reputed to be the best for miles around and we were not disappointed.

The day we visited we found a great table on the deck with a view that could not be beat and burgers that were awesome as well.

When you weigh in all the ingredients that make up a place worthy to be in this edition, it is easy to see how the Gunk Haus made it to the top of the 2016 Best of Backroads’ Great All American Diner Run.

Big City Getaway A superb day on the bike can be made even better with an interesting destination. Entertaining, historic or educational it is a good practice to try to learn something new each day. Big City Getaway rides offer just that. Here is a look back at last season’s best.

SECOND RUNNER UP • BEAR MOUNTAIN CAR CRUISE WEDNESDAY NIGHT AT BEAR MOUNTAIN STATE PARK, HARRIMAN, NY What is more American than a Car Cruise Night in Anytown, USA. We would like to nominate the Wednesday Night Car Cruise at Bear Mountain for the runner up spot in this year’s Best of Backroads. Like many of our other winners you will get a great combination at play here. The location has been host to some of the greatest painters and artists of a generation. The United States history runs deeper than the river that runs along it and the selection and variety of cars, and motorcycles, that roll in each Wednesday night is truly beyond measure. If you are anywhere in this region on a warm summer’s Wednesday you owe it to yourself to stop by and enjoy a seriously amazing gathering.

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JANUARY 2017 • BACKROADS

FIRST RUNNER UP • GEPPI’S ENTERTAINMENT MUSEUM 301 W CAMDEN ST, BALTIMORE, MD 21201 410-625-7060 • WWW.GEPPISMUSEUM.COM Located right next to the Orioles Camden Yard, in Baltimore, Maryland, the Geppi’s Entertainment Museum is absolutely the coolest collection of Americana and memorabilia we have ever seen. Not only do they showcase generations of items, toys and staples of American entertainment, they have a serious collection of some of the most desirable and important comics in American history.

We know we were thoroughly impressed at each turn in Geppi’s – this is a true American gem. Plus you can see a great ball team right next door.

1ST PLACE BIG CITY GETAWAY 2016 • THE STRONG NATIONAL MUSEUM OF PLAY 1 MANHATTAN SQUARE DR. ROCHESTER, NY 14607 • 585-263-2700 • WWW.MUSEUMOFPLAY.ORG Is it us, or are we riding our motorcycles along a theme here this year with the Best of Big City Getaway? Maybe we are, for it can be a tough world out there, and nothing beats toys, fun things and play and our #1 choice for the BCG this year was easy with our visit to Rochester, New York’s Strong National Museum of Play.

What we thought would be a few hours exploration easily turned into a day and a day well worth it. The Strong is simply one of the most fun and interesting museums on the planet.

It seemed that everywhere we looked while strolling through the Strong Museum we would see something that we had played with as kids – and sometimes as adults.

What started out as a private collection of Margaret Woodbury Strong has become one of the largest and most complete and enjoyable gathering of toys on planet Earth. Go and enjoy the Strong Museum of Play and you will see why it easily took our #1 spot in this year’s Big City Getaway.

We’re Outta Here!

We’re Outta Here! is just what it says it is - little escapes, places to disappear to or simply a region that works well with just one or two good friends. We had some seriously wonderful hideaways, inns and hotels in 2016 – here are our top three.

SECOND RUNNER UP • RACE BROOK LODGE 864 S UNDERMOUNTAIN RD., SHEFFIELD, MA 01257 413-229-2916 • RBLODGE.COM Our September offering for WOH took us along the historic Berkshires and into Massachusetts where we overnighted at the Race Brook Lodge and found not only a comfortable homey atmosphere, but a step back into a chapter of American history as well, as you’ll read in this month’s Big City Getaway.. The Race Brook Lodge’s Stage Coach Tavern was the very place that Daniel Shay began his uprising against the newly formed United States on issues of property rights and debt. Today the restaurant compliments the Race Brook nicely. Add into the mix the phenomenal roads to be found in western Massachusetts and you have a real winner at the Race Brook Lodge.

FIRST RUNNER UP • ROBERT MORRIS INN 314 N MORRIS ST, OxFORD, MD 21654 • 410-226-5111 WWW.ROBERTMORRISINN.COM Built back in 1710, the Robert Morris Inn also has its foundations grounded well in American history.

We also like that it is across the street from the oldest continually running ferry in the USA, that crosses the Tred Avon River (part of the Chesapeake Bay) and has for a long time.

Stepping into the Robert Morris you are instantly transported to the past. The building is so well preserved and offers the visitor a touch of opulence and a comfortable easy feeling at the same time.

The rooms were a bit different, in an older yet hip way, and sitting at an outside table with an adult beverage as the sun sets is hard to beat.

The Tavern, with its slate flag floors, old red brick walls, timber beams and classic paneling, is truly remarkable, as is everything we were served on our visit, which, for us, was a 25th anniversary - a special place for a special occasion.

The Robert Morris Inn, in Oxford, Maryland is well worth seeking out and easily found a place in this year’s Best of Backroads.

1ST PLACE WE’RE OUTTA HERE! 2016 • RUTHCLIFFE LODGE 1002 QUARRY RD., ISLE LA MOTTE, VT 05463 802-928-3200 WWW.RUTHCLIFFE.COM Although there really is much discussion on who gets into the Best of Backroads and why, it was not hard to chose this year’s #1 choice for We’re Outta Here!

In fact, when we visited we knew at that time that the Ruthcliffe was most likely to get this honor come January.

A true hideaway, the Ruthcliffe, located on the shore of Lake Champlain on the tiny Isle La Motte, had everything going for it. The vista from the porch and shore of Vermont’s Green Mountains is unmatched and the history of the island – both natural and manmade - simply adds to its charm. Mark and Kathy have a very enviable inn and that is even before you walk into their restaurant that offered both a sumptuous dinner at night and a wonderful breakfast come morning.

BACKROADS • JANUARY 2017

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The rooms were neat, clean and comfortable and the view from the porch not too shabby either.

When traveling through the Lake Champlain region it is truly worth it to stay a few days at the Ruthcliffe Lodge - we know you will not be disappointed and we are pretty sure you will agree on our choice for 2016’s #1 pick for We’re outta Here!.

Mysterious America Dr. Seymour O’Life has long been a staple of this magazine and when we receive his stories we are still amazed at the wackiness, curiosities and mysteriously odd places he can unearth. And, even though he is currently suing Marvel for stealing his life story for the basis of the Dr. Strange film, we hope O’Life stays with us for a long time.

SECOND RUNNER UP • THE ETERNAL FLAME Located deep in the Shale Creek Preserve, a section of Chestnut Ridge Park in Western New York, you will find something truly bizarre. It is a flame.

A flame that has burned for hundreds of years. You will find it along a creek bed behind a waterfall and, scientifically, it is a natural gas seep that the local native Americans realized long ago would alight and stay lit indefinitely. It was cool a thousand years ago and it is cool today.

These days it is a fairly good, not too difficult, hike to view the Eternal Flame, but well worth the effort if you are in the Buffalo are – perhaps having some wings at the Anchor Bar? Why not grab two of the Best in one day – the Eternal Flame – what Mysterious America is all about.

FIRST RUNNER UP • THE BOULDER FIELD AT HICKORY RUN STATE PARK, WHITE HAVEN, PA Here is a second and equally as wondrous natural phenomenon – The Boulder Field.

In 1967, the Hickory Run Boulder Field was designated by the National Park Service as a natural national landmark and with good cause, as this seven-acre field is deep with boulders and rocks; the remnants of the last Ice Age? Perhaps.

Whatever its true origins, the Boulder Field at Hickory Run State Park is massive - measuring some 400 by 1,800 feet and more than 12 feet deep in spots.

Know that there are a few miles of gravel road in and out of the field, but the road is not bad by any standards and the pay off is rockin’.

1ST PLACE MYSTERIOUS AMERICA 2016 THE US NAVAL ACADEMY MUSEUM 118 MARYLAND AVE., ANNAPOLIS, MD 21402 410-293-2108 WWW.USNA.EDU/MUSEUM After the last two stops being of points of nature, O’Life thought he would mix things up a bit and bring you to one of our nation’s greatest treasures and finest schools – the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis.

Here at the academy’s museum you will find the history of our Navy and just a few pieces of Mysterious America.

First there is the crypt of John Paul Jones, the Navy’s first hero. The story of Jones’ death and then tale of his remains remarkable return to the US is the stuff of novels, but even more odd were the astonishing Bone Ships of the French, enigmatic examples of hand crafted miniature ships, many carved out of bone by French prisoners held by the British during the Napoleonic Wars.

Taking in these incredible works of art is just one other thing that makes the venerable US Navy Academy Museum our #1 stop for Mysterious America.

Shira’s Inside Scoop As they say, cream rises to the top and so have Shira’s Inside Scoop Ice Cream Runs. Arguably the favorite of our monthly columns (sorry about that O’Life), Shira has brought you far and wide, with no expense or calorie spared, in search of the ultimate combination of cream, milk, egg and sugar. Shira brought us way more than a dozen scrumptious ice cream stops in 2016 and we know she had a hard time whittling them down to the top three.

But, here they are…

SECOND RUNNER UP • THE COW’S BROW AT WINDY BROW FARMS 359 COUNTY ROAD 519, NEWTON, NJ 07860 • 973-579-9657 • WINDYBROWFARMS.COM/ICECREAM With a setting like the farms of Windy Brow, the Cow’s Brow Ice Creamery inside the farm store is as idyllic as can be. Nestled among the fresh-picked fruits, home baked breads and delectable desserts you’ll find the home-churned ice creams, both freshly scooped or packed to go. Jason, the man in charge of the flavors, has developed some mighty tasty treats and certainly deserves his spot in 2016’s Best of Backroads. Make sure to bring an empty stomach and saddlebags when visiting.

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JANUARY 2017 • BACKROADS

FIRST RUNNER UP • INSIDE SCOOP 301 N 3RD ST, COOPERSBURG, PA 18036 610-282-1955 • THEINSIDESCOOP.COM You just can’t beat an old-time ice cream shop. The Inside Scoop (catchy name, right?) harkens back to the Happy Days era, with a checkered tile floor, and red stools and booths. There is memorabilia galore adorning the walls, and vintage commercials playing on the television in the corner. Their selection of homemade ice cream can’t be beat, with over 100 flavors invented (not all available all the time) and their serving size and prices are quite generous. Don’t miss out on the freshly-baked waffle cones or dishes and, should you be a java fiend, the Inside Scoop prides itself on the espresso pouring out of their imported machine from Holland. You’ll find the Inside Scoop south of Allentown and west of Frenchtown, in a great riding area. Below you’ll find the route to the Globe Inn, which stops at the Inside Scoop.

1ST PLACE INSIDE SCOOP 2016 WALTZ CREAMERY 324 MAIN ST, SALLADASBURG, PA 17740 • 570-865-6557 We found the Waltz Creamery thanks to our friends Pam and Tim Collins, who have been coming here for their ice cream fix for quite some time. Stopping in for a scoop or three during our Spring Break, we found the creamery very welcoming, the folks extremely friendly and the ice cream, well, about as good as it comes. Using cream and milk from their very own dairy herd, Brian Waltz and family churn out some awesome flavors, using local fruits in season. The Chocolate Malt is their signature flavor, and certainly lives up to its reputation.

The Waltz Creamery sits in a very pretty part of Pennsylvania, and you can certainly make a nice ride, or maybe even an overnight so you can sample their breakfast or lunch as well as their ice cream.

Directions Distance Total Start at Chatterbox Drive-In, Augusta, NJ head south on US 206 Turn right onto Price Rd 0.5 mi 0.6 mi Turn left onto Augusta Hill Rd 1.1 mi 1.7 mi Turn right onto CR 519 0.2 mi 1.8 mi Turn left onto Branchville Lawson Rd 0.7 mi 2.5 mi Turn left onto CR 521 2.4 mi 5.0 mi Turn left onto Stillwater Rd 5.9 mi 10.9 mi Turn right onto Maple Ave 1.6 mi 12.5 mi Turn left onto Stonebridge Rd 0.9 mi 13.5 mi Turn right onto Stillwater Rd 0.9 mi 14.4 mi Turn right onto Lincoln Laurel Rd 1.7 mi 16.1 mi Turn left onto Rte 94 0.5 mi 16.6 mi Turn right onto Mott Rd 0.4 mi 17.1 mi Turn right onto Wintermute Rd 2.0 mi 19.0 mi Turn right onto Hope-Johnsonburg Rd 0.9 mi 19.9 mi Turn left onto State Park Rd 2.1 mi 22.0 mi Turn left onto State Park Rd 1.8 mi 23.8 mi Farview Rd southwest 2.5 mi 26.3 mi Turn left onto Hope Rd 0.2 mi 26.5 mi Turn right onto Marble Hill Rd 0.6 mi 27.1 mi Turn right onto Church St 1.8 mi 28.9 mi Turn right onto Lakeside Dr S 2.1 mi 31.0 mi Turn left onto Mountain Lake Rd 0.5 mi 31.5 mi Turn left onto N Bridgeville Rd 1.9 mi 33.5 mi Turn right onto Brass Castle Rd 2.4 mi 35.9 mi Keep right onto Mill St 1.8 mi 37.7 mi Turn right onto Greenwich St 37.7 mi Turn left onto Water St 37.8 mi Turn right onto Richmond Rd 3.0 mi 40.8 mi Turn left onto Berry Hollow Rd 40.9 mi Turn left onto N Delaware Dr/Rte 611 2.0 mi 42.8 mi Turn right onto Little Creek Rd 0.3 mi 43.1 mi Turn right onto Rasley Hill Rd 2.6 mi 45.7 mi Turn left onto Nagys Hill Rd 1.2 mi 46.9 mi

Turn left onto Lower South Main St Turn right onto Meadow Creek Ln Turn left onto Ackermanville Rd Turn right onto Mack Rd Turn left onto Miller Rd Turn left onto Kesslersville Rd Turn right onto Uhler Rd Turn left onto Bushkill Dr Turn right onto N 13th St Turn right onto Butler St Keep left onto Freemansburg Ave Bear left onto S 25th St Turn right onto Main St Turn right onto Island Park Turn left onto Lower Saucon Rd Bear right onto Lower Saucon Rd Turn right onto Main St/Hwy 212 Keep right onto State Rd Turn right onto E Landis St Turn right onto N 3rd St/Rte 309 North Arrive at The Inside Scoop on right Continue north on Rte 309 Turn left onto E Fairmount St Turn right onto N Main St Turn left onto Mill Rd Turn left onto Blue Church Rd S Turn right onto Glen Rd Turn right onto Beverly Hills Rd Turn left onto Limeport Pike Turn left onto Kings Hwy S Turn right onto Kraussdale Rd Turn left onto Gravel Pike Turn right onto W 4th St Arrive at Globe Inn on right

0.4 mi 0.2 mi 0.2 mi 1.4 mi 1.1 mi 3.5 mi 1.0 mi 4.2 mi 0.9 mi 0.5 mi 0.9 mi 1.0 mi 0.3 mi 3.5 mi 3.9 mi 1.6 mi 3.4 mi 4.4 mi 0.4 mi

0.1 mi 0.3 mi 0.2 mi 1.1 mi 0.1 mi 1.9 mi 0.3 mi 4.6 mi 1.8 mi 1.9 mi 0.6 mi 0.2 mi

47.3 mi 47.5 mi 47.7 mi 47.7 mi 49.1 mi 50.2 mi 53.7 mi 54.7 mi 58.9 mi 59.8 mi 60.3 mi 61.1 mi 62.1 mi 62.4 mi 65.8 mi 69.7 mi 71.3 mi 74.7 mi 79.1 mi 79.5 mi 79.6 mi 79.6 mi 79.7 mi 80.0 mi 80.1 mi 81.3 mi 81.4 mi 83.3 mi 83.6 mi 88.2 mi 90.0 mi 91.9 mi 92.5 mi 92.7 mi

BACKROADS • JANUARY 2017

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fox isLand creamery & café 1934 GREENWOOD LAKE TURNPIKE, HEWITT, NJ 07421 973-506-6640 • FOXISLANDCREAMERY.COM OPEN YEAR ROUND MON-FRI 2-8:30PM • SAT 1-8:30PM • SUN 1-8PM Taking advantage of what turned out to be one of the last good riding days in November, we invited some friends, both real and Facebook, to join us for a barbeque run to the Barnstormer in Fort Montgomery, NY. Being it was a Friday, most had lame excuses why they couldn’t escape the ‘real’ world for a few hours on a 65 degree day in November, but those few who did enjoyed great food and an awesome ride.

Saying our goodbyes, Brian and I meandered, the long way, back towards home. Cutting through Harriman State Park, we passed lots of very smart riders out enjoying the day. One particular rider, on a bike I could not identify, made a magnificent pass along Arden Valley Road only to come to Route 17, turn around, and head back into the park; great day to do laps.

We took what we call the IBM road, what is known as Long Meadow Road, heading towards Warwick Turnpike, past the Caste at Skylands Manor and the grassy fields hosting young hopeful ball players. Coming upon Greenwood Lake, now lowered for folks to work on their docks and such, we spied a sign that made us u-turn.

Yes, it was the middle of November, but it was like Indian Summer and what better way to celebrate than some homemade ice cream.

Pulling into the ample parking lot of Fox Island Creamery and Café, we parked in front of their lovely logo sign painted on the wall and stepped inside. We were welcome with a brightly and beautifully decorated shop, cases brimming with baked goods of all types, rows of ice cream buckets waiting to be scooped and a wall full of frozen yogurt spouts ready to be poured.

Fox Island Creamery opened in April 2016, making their own ice creams. With rotating flavors available daily such as vanilla, chocolate, chocolate peanut butter and such, during our visit we opted for a double scoop of Fox Island Cinnamon Toast Crunch and Coffee

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for Brian and Fox Island Fluff Nutella Vanilla and Fox Island Fox Tail (vanilla ice cream with coconut flake, chocolate chops and a caramel swirl) in my cup. Deliciously creamy, full of flavor and a good serving size for the price, we sauntered around the shop, taking in the lovely decorations and the tale of how Fox Island was created (there’s always a fairy princess involved).

There are a few tables to sit and enjoy your desserts and, what smelled like, a very good cup of coffee, tea or hot chocolate. As mentioned, there is a wall of Froyo World frozen yogurts which are self-serve and charged by the ounce.

There were about 10 different flavors on tap, complete with nutrition facts and calories (don’t need to see that when indulging). Two of the flavors that caught my eye were toasted marshmallow and pumpkin pie. Perhaps on another visit…

Next to the yogurts are a ton of toppings, all neatly displayed and identified. Some of the more unusual were streusel caramel carousel, bubble gum, Johnny Appleseed and macaroon crunch. Once you’ve created your ultimate dairy delight, you simply put the cup on the scale, pay your way and enjoy.

JANUARY 2017 • BACKROADS

Out back you’ll find a deck overlooking the lake with seating and a fire pit for those chilly evenings. Next door, to be opened in early 2017, will be the café serving light fare. As of now, the Creamery offers up some hot soups and chili for a little more substantial stop before your ice cream or yogurt.

The woman serving us couldn’t have been nicer, offering tastings of any flavors and answering all my questions. When our dishes were empty, she wished us a safe and enjoyable ride and bade us adieu.

Mounting up with smiles on our faces from our pleasant discovery, we pulled into Backroads Central as the sun was setting on this most lovely of days. We knew the weather tides were turning and the cold winds (and snows) of winter would be upon us that weekend. But for this moment, our bellies were full of ice cream and our thoughts were on the rides of spring.

Download 130-mile one-way ride here – Easton, PA to Greenwood Lake, NJ www.sendspace.com/pro/dl/fvi3rg

There’s no such thing as too much ice cream…

BACKROADS • JANUARY 2017

CLUB SPOTLIGHT

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“ALL BIKES, ALL BELIEFS” - THE CHRISTIAN SPORT BIKE ASSOCIATION

Submitted by CSBA On a Saturday morning deep in the mountains of Pennsylvania you may find the silence of nature briefly interrupted by the roar of engines revving as an approaching group of motorcyclists carve their way up the mountainside maintaining a poetic display of motion as they twist and turn their way around the curves in harmony.

As they crest the mountain their identity comes into focus...sure enough, it’s the men and women from a different type of motorcycle organization known as the Christian Sport Bike Association (CSBA). Exactly who are these disciples clad in armor riding briskly through our towns on high performance machines and more importantly what is their purpose?

The Christian Sport Bike Association is a nationally based 501(c)(3) non-profit motorcycle outreach ministry and service organization with satellite chapters located throughout the United States and Australia that maintains its commitment to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. To fulfill our Lord’s teachings, the CSBA tends to the spiritual needs of motorcyclists, provides support for any member in need, and is committed to spreading the word of God throughout the world by any means at our disposal.

We also promote motorcycle safety, technical training and educational courses for better riding, while enabling a broader awareness to our organization through volunteering and community giveback.

The CSBA is known for its welcoming and non-discriminating nature by abiding to the motto “All Bikes, All Beliefs” which enables us to cater to all motorcycle types, faiths, and opinions. This is further emphasized in the wide range of

events that are offered annually and open to anyone to attend which include regularly scheduled monthly street rides, track days, racing, national motorcycle rallies, winter luncheons, bike nights, and community service events.

With its diverse terrain, seasonal changes, and close proximity to major northeast cities, Pennsylvania offers the perfect variety of riding experiences many motorcyclists live for. Therefore it’s not surprising that there are two well established chapters in Pennsylvania, with one based out of Harrisburg (Central Pennsylvania Chapter) and the other based out of the Lehigh Valley (Eastern Pennsylvania Chapter). On the first Saturday of the month, the Eastern Pennsylvania Chapter meets at 8:00 a.m. at the Starlite Diner in Allentown, PA for breakfast, which is then followed by a ride that departs at 9:15 a.m. The Central Pennsylvania Chapter meets on the second Saturday of every month at 8:00 a.m. for breakfast at the Marysville All American Diner in Marysville, PA followed by a ride beginning at 9:15 a.m. If you love to ride and want to experience all that Pennsylvania has to offer, we recommend joining each chapter on a ride sometime since each monthly ride targets a different region of the state and covers anywhere from 200-300 miles of back road bliss.

For full event schedules and to obtain more information on the Pennsylvania chapters please visit their respective chapter websites at www.pacsba.org and www.centralpacsba.com.

To learn more about the Christian Sport Bike Association or to locate a chapter near you, visit www.christiansportbike.com If you’d like to spotlight your club, send us your words and images: editor@backroadsusa.com

Long Island Kawasaki 67 North Broadway • Route 107 • Hicksville, NY

www.LIKawasaki.com • 516-935-6969 Visit our showroom and see the full line of Kawasaki motorcycles, ATVs, Jet Skis and UTVs

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Event Recap

JANUARY 2017 • BACKROADS

Fall Fiesta 2016 - The Ride North

After Labor Day dawn seems to get later and later as each day passes. The Thursday that was this year’s autumnal equinox was also the first day of this year’s Backroads Fall Fiesta and rolling out at 6 am, what was once a great dawn just saw a slight brightening to the east.

Still the mist that shrouded the day’s first light just added to the early morning magic that would become a wonderful day.

Our plan this year was to head north, with the first day making for an easy wind up through the Catskills and into the southern Adirondacks. Our first night would be spent in the town of Saratoga Springs. We’d then swing north and east across Vermont and into New Hampshire to the tiny hamlet of Jackson, not far from Mount Washington. We’d be at the Eagle Mountain House for two nights before winging back down into the Green Mountain state and the familiar friendly confines of the Gray Ghost and Kitzhof Inns in West Dover in the southern part of the state.

Shira had posted a number of routes to our webpage and we had a few folks join us for breakfast in Port Jervis at 8am before taking off for a leisurely romp north.

Weather-wise I can’t remember a better day, especially the first morning miles that rode up through the Hawks Nest and then across the Rio Dam and into the Mongaup Valley.

Temperatures were in the low 60s and it was the first time I felt almost cold riding since the end of May, refreshing and on cue, as if Mother Nature was keeping a tight schedule with the seasons.

We had just five riding in

TOWN & COUNTRY CYCLe CeNTeR www.townandcountrycyclecenter.com 115 Route 23N • Hamburg NJ

973-875-2111

our group – the perfect number for me – and we made incredibly fast time heading north. We could have met at 10am and still made it to Saratoga Springs by mid-afternoon.

Our route was laid out in our usual fashion, with lots of tiny roads and towns all linked together in an easy to ride fashion.

Along one straight, near the Gilboa powerplant, I spied what could have been a rock slowly crawling across the road, except rocks don’t crawl and box turtles do.

A quick u-turn and a little prodding (actually carrying) and we had done our mitzvah for the day.

We stopped for an early lunch in Hobart, New York, a town known for its many bookstores and then kept rolling towards Saratoga, almost running myself out of fuel when we hit a stretch of about 70 miles with no gas stations.

Remember this was central New York State and that many miles without any fuel will tell you the character of the roads this day.

We found the Saratoga Downtowner just where you would think it would be and made quick effort to get into their pool, which is in the middle of the hotel.

By five o’clock bike after bike was pulling into the Downtowner and the Fall Fiesta was under way.

The great thing about starting out in a town the size of Saratoga Springs is the plethora of

BACKROADS • JANUARY 2017 great restaurants, bars, coffee houses and ice cream. We were all covered and folks got to walk around and check out a great little burg on a beautiful evening. Gathering a group, we made a return visit to Hattie’s, whose fried chicken was over the top.

Saratoga Springs to Jackson, New Hampshire We have had a string of great weather for our Backroads events, which had been garnering a reputation for the opposite, so I was not all that shocked to see clouds and cooler temperatures on that next morning, the parking lot being lightly sprinkled with a passing shower.

We had two route suggestions this day, one heading north and a bit longer and the other cutting directly across Vermont, before both ended up in Jackson, New Hampshire and the stunning Eagle Mountain House.

We like to get in a touch earlier than the rest so we mounted up and got going at 8 am sharp, taking the roads east out of New York and into Vermont.

The day would be hit or miss as far as showers and though some hit rain and some others had none, we ran in and out of clouds, wet roads and generally dropping temps as the day progressed.

I hate turning on the heat at home and I hate putting on my electrics in the fall, but was glad I always have them along for the ride.

Outside of West Rutland we passed a large locomotive created out of scrap – and atop the hill there was more art to be seen.

We stopped for a bit to take in the West Rutland Art Park, discovering that the locomotive, created by artist Guohua Xu was named “Across Time and Space. The park had a winding road up the hill where a number of other large pieces were to be found. We agree that without art, this planet would just be Eh? Our roads did a great combination of easy riding Vermont pavement and

Page 31 one or two patches of wet gravel, but soon we crossed the Connecticut River and rode into New Hampshire and up along Routes 25A and the Sawyer Highway.

In Warren I made a slight detour to point out something one does not see on your run of the mill ride in New England, and that was an actual Redstone rocket that sits in a small park in Warren.

Redstone rockets were the first missiles used by the United States to power our early Mercury program and it was on a Redstone rocket that Alan Shepard, a New Hampshire native, rode into space to be the first US astronaut to leave the planet.

We love that you can find it here, where it has sat since 1971, in the White Mountains.

Coffee and pie was found in Lincoln, right at the western edge of the famed Kancamagus Highway, Route 112, and after being properly fueled with sugar and caffeine we made short and quick work of the near 60 miles of twisty pavement, which is still a bit rough in patches, but we managed.

We were almost to Jackson at that point, but we made a quick side trip to visit our friends at Whitehorse Gear.

When in the area this is a must see place and is almost like a motorcycle superstore. I find it hard to walk out of there without buying something.

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JANUARY 2017 • BACKROADS

The clouds and rain that had plagued us most of the day gave way to some shafts of bright sunlight and patches of blue sky as we rode up the hill to the Eagle Mountain House. The Eagle Mountain House reminded a lot of people of the Hotel Lenhart in Bemus Point, New York where we stayed during our Spring Break back in May – except this grand old place had an elevator, real electricity and air conditioning.

We felt blessed to have had two great old places in a row and the folks filling up the bar and the wide porch at day’s end made for an easy way to slide into the evening under New Hampshire skies that would be clearing over night. For tonight we were in the Backroads of the North

Free Day in New Hampshire While one thing rose that morning, another stayed kinda flat. The dawn was brilliant over the White Mountains, but the rising sun would barely budge the cooler temperatures this morning. Okay it was downright chilly as folks took breakfast and made their final plans for a day’s riding in and around this region of New Hampshire.

Maine was just to the east, mostly to be found on the far side of Hurricane Mountain Road – a well known twisty. Canada was right to the north and to the west the White Mountains offered a good number of curvy passes and notches through the peaks toward the Connecticut River and Vermont.

We had put together some routes that we hoped would put folks along some interesting roads, great little towns and some filling lunch and ice cream along the way.

There was a Covered Bridge Tour, I had my New Hampshire Border Run, we had invitations to ride over to Whitehorse Gear (which many did) and our friend Kimberly Harvey had graciously created some routes as well. These were available in both written and GPX file for any modern GPS device.

Kim and fellow New Englander and Backroads writer Dan Bisbee led rides as well. Thank you Kim and Dan for the help!

It was our idea to have a collection of routes - long, short, fully paved and/or sporadically graveled – that folks could ride at will and, hopefully, enjoy. I think we succeeded.

Our riding friends, the Fords, join us that morning, as they live not too far away, and with a few others we took off north towards the border with Canada.

Route 16 north passed by Mount Washington, at 6, 288 feet, it is the highest peak in the northeast and its Auto Road is a must do if you never have. We have, many times, so we kept on north on 16 through Pinkham Notch along the Peabody River.

The mist was just rising off the water this day and the road, once clear of the tourists, opened up and allowed the bikes to breathe a little.

Gazing up the road I swung my eyes to the left only to discover what looked like an old and abandoned ski jump. And, indeed it was.

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BACKROADS • JANUARY 2017 The Nansen ski jump, built in 1936, was celebrated as the tallest steeltower ski jump in the world. The 171-foot high jump would go on to host the U.S. Ski Jumping National Championships in 1940, 1957, 1965, and 1972 before closing for good in 1988.

This jump was built by the National Youth Administration for the Nansen Ski Club, the oldest continuously-operating ski club in America. The club, formed by Norwegian immigrants in 1872, was originally named the North American Ski Club. The club then changed its name to honor Fridtjof Nansen, a Norwegian explorer who crossed Greenland on skis in 1888.

When the “Big Nansen,’’ as it was affectionately called, was complete, Clarence “Spike’’ Oleson, a brave man indeed, a member of the club, was the first skier to jump.

I do not think anyone is jumping off this steel beast these days.

Today, riders can view the abandoned structure, reaching up above the trees, while driving Route 16.

Our route brought us up and over Dixville Notch, known for being the first place in the United States to cast ballots on Election Day. Atop the pass the stately Balsams compete with Mother Nature for the most outstanding vista.

They were paving a good part of the road this morning and so we got the first, of what would be many, dirt roadways along the notch.

It would be foolish to come this way and not make a stop at the Shrine for Fallen Motorcyclists. Located at the Shrine of Our Lady of Grace, right off Route 3, this memorial is for all the riders who never made it home. It is humbling and a beautiful monument for anyone you have ever known who was killed while enjoying this most important part of all our lives.

None of our group really knew what it was until they saw it and took it all in. The day and moment then took a somber and perhaps introspective tone.

Page 33 Very beautiful it is.

Looking to boost back our day and to ride into future memories we stopped back in Colebrook for a cup of Joe and then set our sites towards the border with Canada.

Our plan was to head to the Library in Derby Line, Vermont to see the building that straddle the border, but our easy and quickest route would be to loop into Quebec and then head west along the Canadian road before dropping back down into the USA.

Our crossing into Canada was flawless and friendly. It would be more difficult a few hours later returning to the Land of the Free.

We stopped at a little Canadian restaurant for a bite, with my visions of cute, romantic, French bistro blown away by La Place – which could have been in Bumfuck, Arkansas and we’d not have known the difference. But, as my friend DeeDee said, it was just a meal and there would be one later than night.

Se la vie. (That’s French Canadian…)

Here is where it got interesting in Canada. For the most part, in this part of Quebec, the main roads are laser straight and somewhat uninspiring.

But, the local farm roads follow the small hills and streams of the land and with the big mountains looming to the west we chose to take the backroads which were almost entire unpaved, hard pack clay – slightly wet from the previous day’s storms.

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JANUARY 2017 • BACKROADS They worked brilliantly for us this day and gave us a far better feel for the farms and people of this region.

My route brought us back into the USA, but headed us down a closed road to do so. When our bikes popped out from behind a large cement barricade we startled a young border guard who wondered just what the frack we were doing! Being at the lead I gave him my best smile and said, “Hi, we wish to go back to the USA.” He began to laugh and pointed us to the Customs and Borders Patrol people who, after some questions, let us through one by one.

They were surprised that a bunch of riders with plates from three different US states would ride into Canada just for some poutine, and then come back. But, they let us return soon enough.

As I said earlier the Haskell Free Library and Opera House is a neoclassical building that straddles the international border in Rock Island, Quebec and Derby Line, Vermont. We had been here before, but it was closed.

Unfortunately again it was closed – not only on the US side, but the Canadian side as well. We missed it by an hour. Damn.

Disappointed, but happy we were let back into the United States by the mean and sarcastic border guards, we powered the bikes up and rode into the North Kingdom of Vermont.

Here the roads were spectacular and soon the straight and boring Canadian byway was a distant memory.

My route brought us around Lake Willoughby, which has to be one of the most stunning lakes in all of New England. Heading west we could see the massive Presidential Range of New Hampshire in the distance.

We rode into the town of Littleton, NH but had to pass on the “Longest Candy Counter in the World” as we had literally rode ourselves out of time and had to make miles back to Jackson for our Backroads Dinner that night.

We headed around the east side of Mount Washington and then through Crawford Notch, looking mighty and proud in the late afternoon sun.

In a short time we crossed over the Honeymoon Covered Bridge in Jackson and were riding up the notch rode back to the Eagle Mountain House.

By this late time in the day mostly everyone had returned from their day on the road, with tall tales to tell.

Shira had set up a dinner for our group this night and I must say that the Eagle Mountain House did a stellar job with all the food. It was delicious, there was plenty of it and they handled our large group with ease.

They must have done something like this before.

Once again the big bonfire drew Fiesters like moths to a flame and it would be fair to say there was much merriment this night.

Thank you to everyone at the Eagle Mountain House for all you did.

I am sure we will return in the future, as everybody loved the historic hotel and big fire outside under a dome of New Hampshire stars.

BACKROADS • JANUARY 2017

Jackson, New Hampshire to Dover, Vermont We did have a number of riders join us just for the New Hampshire portion of the rally and this Sunday those same folks began their ride home while the rest of us began our swing down to the southern reaches of Vermont and the Gray Ghost and Kitzhof Inns.

It actually seemed a bit warmer this day, especially with the brilliant sun bathing the notch in a warm light.

Looking to mix it up a bit we had planned our route south and then west with one brilliant piece of asphalt running along Squam Lake on Route 113 near the town of Holderness. Route 113 rolls on several miles, offering wonderful views of the lake along the way, but does so in a twistalicious manner and, being recently paved, was the road of the day in our books.

We crossed into Vermont and headed north off our planned ride into Bellows Falls for lunch and then to look up something for our friend Doctor Seymour O’Life. Yes, what would a Backroads journey be without directions from the good doctor on searching out the arcane?

Once again it was aliens. They seem to be a recurring theme with him for some reason, but following his orders we rode down to the bridge that crosses over the Connecticut River in downtown Bellows Falls.

The Vilas Bridge was closed for repair, but, peering over the side we could clearly see exactly what we were searching for, Ancient Indian Petroglyphs that had been etched into the stone hundreds of years ago.

The abstract features of these heads are consistent with the traditional corn husk masks of the Abenaki and Iroquois peoples, but many claim the uncanny resemblance to what are considered the Gray Alien.

What is unique is the deep and fine work that creates this petroglyph. Ancient Alien or Native American – you can make the call, but it is something certainly worth investigating while riding along the Vermont / New Hampshire Border.

Back on our track to West Dover we swung into the hills riding along East / West Road, a twisty two-laner with great elevation changes and limited sight. A road

Page 35 we know that is best ridden on the side of caution.

It was right about then that the Gravity Storms rolled in. The thing with Gravity Storms is that they give no warning sign. You can’t find them on any weather maps, although they frequent some places more than others.

Not to go into details but we had two incidents – 45 minutes apart on the same patch of gravel in the same downhill right hand bend.

How does that happen?

Steve McQueen said in the film LeMans, “This isn’t just a thousand to one shot. And it can happen to you. And then it can happen to you again.”

One rider battered, one bruised. One bike road rashed, one obliterated.

Let’s be careful out there, kids!

With our two groups split between the inns and with housekeeping needing to be done, most had an easy night. Dinner at the Two Tannery restaurant was well received by most, but some of us took a quiet meal at a local pub, waiting on results from said incident.

They say time heals all wounds and fortunately this will be the case this time around too. While

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JANUARY 2017 • BACKROADS walking back to the Kitzhhof I was taken by the amount of stars to be seen and how the Big Dipper dominated the sky directly above Route 100. It was amazing and made for a moment of thought and reflection this evening.

West Dover to Home – wherever that may be The valley frosted over that night and seats and machines were coated with a thin veneer of ice the next morning. While the smart ones rolled their bikes into the rising sun, breakfast was served at both inns, and plans for the ride home were made, folks said their goodbyes and there were hugs all around as riders zipped up, plugged in and aimed their machines towards home.

We had a small cadre of riders join us on our romp south through Vermont and into Massachusetts.

Always looking for new roads to ride I routed us along pieces of pavement that looked interesting and it all worked out well, seeming to get better as we headed into the Hudson Valley.

We had lunch in Chatham, New York and then our group separated along the way, eventually leaving just Shira, our friend Kenny and myself riding along the Hudson River south and then toward the Shawangunk Mountains and back home into northern New Jersey. Along the way we rode a few roads that were simply outstanding (Old Post Road to 213) and I am sure they will make their way into these pages over the next few seasons.

Final Thoughts….

This was the 18th year we have been holding events like these. A long time, don’t you think? Some seem to be better than others and some have a magic all their own. This time around we had a great mix of weather, miles, topography, hotels, food and most of all, friends. These common traits that bring riders back time and again.

We have been fortunate to have met so many great people at our Backroads Rallies and we know many deep and lasting friendships have their roots from these very fêtes. We have taken to calling it The Backroads Effect and we know it is infectious. This rally had a bunch of new faces and so many we have not seen in a few years. We hope all return for next year’s rallies to be held in West Virginia in May and the Thousand Islands in September.

If you have never been to one of our events think about it. You will meet the friendliest folk and riders who truly enjoy the ride and take this sport seriously.

It just might be the best thing you will find in motorcycling yet and certainly the least expensive. We hope you join us next year.

Resources Coffee Pot, 581 e Main St, Hobart, NY • 607-536-1800 Saratoga Downtowner, 413 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 518-584-6160 • www.saratogadowntowner.com Hattie’s, 45 Phila St, Saratoga Springs, NY • 518-584-4790 West Rutland Art Park, 1450 Clarendon Ave, West Rutland VT Whitehorse Gear, 107 e Conway Rd, Center Conway, NH 603-356-6556 • www.whitehorsegear.com eagle Mountain House, 179 Carter Notch Rd, Jackson, NH 603-383-9111 • www.eaglemt.com Kitzhof Inn, 332 Vermont 100, West Dover, VT 802-464-8310 • www.kitzhof.com Gray Ghost Inn, 290 Vermont 100, West Dover, VT 802-464-2474 • ww.grayghostinn.com Yianni’s Restaurant, 29 Hudson Ave, Chatham, NY • 518-392-7700

BACKROADS • JANUARY 2017

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CELEBRATING 50 YEARS GOLDEN I took a short and very cold ride today for very personal, and maybe selfish, reasons.

It was 50 years ago that I took delivery on the 1967 BMW R60/2.

The machine lived here for 4 years, then Milan, Italy for three years followed by 41 years in the USA and repatriation in Switzerland in 2008 for a total of 50 years!

In between it has been all over France, Italy, the old Yugoslavia, Germany and Austria.

In the USA it has done the East to West coast, the North to South extremes and Canada through 5 provinces. I am in awe off its dependability and its patience with its owners - who are not always in tune with the needs of a beautiful horizontally opposed engine.

Enough rambling on!

It has been a great 50 years and just maybe we have a number to go. Over the years my wife Denise has learned to love the “Boxer” and some of our close friends have enjoyed some of his power plant vibrations. Oh yes, all things have a sex and when I rode “him” out of Munich it began to rain, then sleet. When I crossed the German/Swiss border we were met with snow. Today we had a light coating of snow and freezing temperatures, and that is why the Beemer has the name Giove Pluvio. It translates as “The Rain God” and it has been quite accurate for a half a century!

All the Best - norm smith

Norm Smith is a living legend who has taken up residence in the vineyard hills of Switzerland, along Lake Geneva and the Alps, where he intimidates both roadways and winemakers on a regular basis.

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JANUARY 2017 • BACKROADS

HONDA REBEL 300 AND 500 The Honda Rebel, a machine that has been around for decades, has been revamped and will now be offered in two different versions, the 300 and 500 – just a touch beefier than the outgoing Rebel 250.

Both Rebels offer decent performance with minimalist good looks and differ from the older Rebel, being more substantial, as one that might stick around the garage for a few seasons with newer riders. The single cylinder Rebel 300 will list for $4,399 and the twin Rebel 500 for $5,999.

his season will bring a number of new and different machines to your local showroom floors. Here is a sneak peak at just a few.

T

KAWASAKI Z900 Moving up from the Z800, Kawasaki’s new mid-size machine not only sports more muscle, but a trellis-frame as well.

The engine is a 948cc inline-four unit based on the Z1000 and offers 126 horsepower, a full 12 more than the Z800 it replaces. This is a hot and upcoming market and it will be interesting to see how this plays out on the showroom floor at a bargain price of $8,799 with ABS.

YAMAHA FZ-10 Featuring a potent 998cc inline 4-cylinder engine and the same Crossplane Crankshaft technology developed in Yamaha’s renowned YZF-R1 superbike.

Tuned specifically for the FZ-10, this engine develops serious low and mid rpm torque and plenty of top-end as well. The Yamaha FZ-10 also features Adjustable Traction Control, a Delta Box Aluminum Frame and some very, very sharp styling and comes in at $12,999.

BMW G 310 R Aimed at the beginner rider or riders looking for a smaller around town ride, the all new G 310 R is built in India but has a German soul.

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BACKROADS • JANUARY 2017

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With pricing starting at $4,750 (including ABS) this BMW will, hopefully, entice a new generation of riders looking for something different with an alluring pedigree. The single-cylinder, four-stroke 313cc engine has an odd placement as it has been rotated 180°, lowers the center of gravity and shifts it in the direction of the front wheel, making the G 310 R imore agile and easier to control. Perfect for he newer rider. Known for its bigger ADV machines and uber-tourers this is a big sideways jump for BMW.

DUCATI 1299 SUPERLEGGERA Producing an utterly ridiculous 215 horsepower at 11,000 rpm the new Superleggera is the most powerful twincylinder machine ever made.

Where BMW has reached out to the new riders of the world with the G 310 R, Ducati has the other side of the equation covered with this machine that will cost you a smooth $89,225.

We are sorry to report that Ducati says all 500 units are already sold out I am sure Jay Leno has one of them. We do not.

TRIUMPH BOBBER The new Bobber utilizes an all-new chassis, suspension and frame delivered to offer a distinctive-looking machine that embraces the past with a modern flair. At the heart of the Bobber is a high-torque Bonneville 1200cc engine with a dedicated Bobber tune for even more torque and power low down, with twin slash cut sawn off peashooter silencers and a unique twin airbox and filters to surround the rider in a pure and unique tone.

The market has seemed to be suddenly flooded with hipster, millennial machines, yet somehow we really like the look of this Triumph. Let’s see what the kids have to say.

SUZUKI GSx-S750 This is actually a 2018 model and features a fuel-injected, 749cc, 4-cylinder engine, uses GSX-R architecture and advanced traction control as well with four different modes. The unique chassis integrates the best qualities of a tubular streetbike frame and a twin-spar sportbike frame, and is fitted with KYB suspension to provide precise handling. New front Nissin Monobloc brake calipers and twin, wave style brake rotors supply strong and consistent braking performance. The GSX-S750 can be yours for $7,999.

HARLEY-DAVIDSON ELECTRA GLIDE ULTRA CLASSIC The Electra Glide has been the choice of riders who want the essential touring machine, since 1965. And now, with the passing power of the all-new Milwaukee-Eight 107 engine, all new front and rear suspension, powerful Reflex Linked Brembo brakes with ABS, and powerful LED headlamps and spot lamps it gets even better. There’s a two-up seat with a deep bucket and narrow neck to provide more driver back support, and a wider passenger area with back and arm rests for more comfort longer rides.

There are reasons this model has been so loved and now those reason have increased - starting at $24,149.

HARLEY-DAVIDSON 500 The Motor Company says “This isn’t about wide-open country and endless miles of highway. This is about carving the canyons of the urban grid.” We say it is about getting newer riders onto some premium machines.

From the liquid-cooled Revolution X engine and confidence-inspiring optional ABS brakes to the nimble chassis and dialed-in suspension, The Harley-Davidson Street 500 was built specifically to shred the city streets. The fun starts when the light turns green and with pricing starting at just $6,849 it doesn’t get much easier.

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JANUARY 2017 • BACKROADS

KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE GT Looking for something widely different than the rider next to you at the light? Then the KTM 1290 Super Duke GT might be for you.

This machine got a lot of accolades last year and offers the rider one hell of a ride with a punchy and powerful V-Twin powerplant that had incredible torque and 173 ponies. The Super Duke GT’s semi-active electronic suspension is state-of-the-art and this machine takes sport-touring to a new level. With hard bags and a comfortable passenger seat, this bike could take you and yours for a nice, long ride.

INDIAN SCOUT SIxTY Modern features such as a fuel-injection, liquid cooling 60 cubic inch V-Twin engine blend well with the retro-look and feel of the Indian Scout Sixty.

This entry-level machine from the midwest offers a smooth ride, classic styling and a modest price of $8,999, coming in Thunder Black, Pearl White and Indian Motorcycle Red.

CTEK BATTERY CHARGER • SMART CHARGER FOR A SMART WORLD Now that winter is here and your motorcycle might be sequestered away till spring you’d best keep a short list of things to be monitored and maintained. Your battery should certainly be on that list.

The Swedish company CTEK has developed battery chargers they’re calling “battery maintenance systems”, because they go beyond simply charging your battery. One such system is the CTEK MUS 4.3.

This proprietary, patent-holding 8-step charging cycle not only charges your battery, but maintains its long-term health and charging ability.

This is a charger that offers state of the art technology that was previously only found in CTEK’s professional product range. The charger can solve a broad range of battery-related problems and is the perfect charger for those with high demands. The MUS 4.3 offers features such as battery diagnosis that shows if a battery can receive and retain a charge, a special reconditioning function that restores stratified and deeply discharged batteries, unique maintenance charging, a mode for optimized charging during cold winter days and the charging of demanding AGM batteries. The unique display allows the user to follow the entire charging process.

It’s a fully automatic 8-step charger that delivers selectable 0.8 A or 4.3 A to 12 V batteries from 1.2– 110 Ah and is suitable for maintenance charging up to 160 Ah. The charger is splash and dust proof, designed to protect vehicle electronics and non-sparking, reverse polarity protected and short-circuit proof. It is delivered with a 5-year warranty and a storage bag.

The CTEK Battery Charger has available adapters for various connections such as a Eurostyle power plug, cigarette lighter and such.

The CTEK Battery Charger sells for under $90 and is a worthy investment that will pay off again and again over the years.

Log onto www.smartcharger.com for more information or to order yours.

BACKROADS • JANUARY 2017

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On Any Winter Sunday • Polar Bear Grand Tour A Created Pretext of Reason 1977 was a long time ago and, 40 years ago, it was a bit different around our country. President Ford, the only president never to run for the office, was handing over the reigns of power to Jimmy Carter. The Raiders won the Super Bowl, the Yankees took the World Series and the first Star Wars would be released.

Now, the new president was once a reality TV star, the Cubs won the friggin’ World Series and each year sees a new Star Wars flick that rips off the original.

But, some things just get better with age and four decades later the yearly Polar Bear runs - in and around the great state of New Jersey - are still going strong each winter. For the darker half of the year they offer 25 different destinations which you can ride to, sign-in, get points and, hopefully, have a great day on the bikes.

I admit that I am not a point gatherer and that I don’t or can’t make every week and every stop, but when I can I will. I also am aware that not every stop on the Polar Bear schedule is going to be located at the end of the greatest motorcycling road that has ever been created.

But, they say that it is more about the journey than the destination and, with that in mind, I’d like to give you my little version of a Polar Bear Run I put together back in October – on a particularly nonpolar day. Remember those?

If you are a regular at the Polar Bear Runs, I am probably not telling you something you do not already know. But, I will throw out my two-cents on initiating and enjoying a PB Sunday.

This Sunday the Polar Bear Run was heading to Bridgewater, New Jersey.

I started this ride like I do most of my rides, by tapping into my natural DNA-inspired and wide geographical knowledge of the region.

Okay…open the maps, where is Old Bridge Township?

After finding Old Bridge on the map I set about thinking of what would be the best way to get down there. A route that would stay off the bigger roads, offer some twists, turns and elevation changes. With a plan in mind I opened Garmin’s BaseCamp and proceeded to link up the dots along the way, seeking out roads that even NJ DOT has forgotten and generally making the ride there and back the best thing since sliced bread.

With about a mile to go on this work of navigational art my wife Shira strolls over and asks where I was going.

I proudly point out the best route ev-ah I was creating on Garmin’s BaseCamp. A harmonious and eclectic combination of all things good motorcycle-ish to Old Bridge, New Jersey “Wow, that’s nice,” she said and then added over her shoulder as she walked away…. “Bridgewater, the Polar Bear Run is to Bridgewater this Sunday… not Old Bridge.”

Bridgewhaaa? Bridgewater?

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JANUARY 2017 • BACKROADS

KERSHAW SCALLION KNIFE • TINY TOOL FOR THE JOB Many of us have learned a long time ago of the advantages of carrying a small knife with us, especially when on the road.

We have found that smaller is better here and the Kershaw Scallion Knife, with its 2 1/4-inch blade, is the perfect size for lightweight and convenient pocket carry. It slips easily into tank bags and is the perfect fit for the right sleeve pocket of an Aerostich Roadcrafter suit.

Not only is the Scallion incredibly sharp and masterfully built, it comes in a number of colors and finishes. Created from stainless steel it has a frame-lock built into it. This means when the blade is opened, a part of the handle, or frame, moves into place behind the blade, locking it open and ensuring that it can’t accidentally close during use. The frame lock is an exceptionally strong blade lock. The second lock is the Tip-Lock. It’s a slider that locks the tip of the blade inside the handle until you release it, which ensures the knife won’t accidentally open during transport.

One of the Scallion’s coolest features is the SpeedSafe assisted opening. With SpeedSafe, you can open the blade one-handed. Just pull back on the ambidextrous flipper and the blade moves out of the handle, ready for use. The high-carbon steel blade offers good edge retention and excellent corrosion resistance and the bead-blasted finish makes for easy maintenance.

Kershaw’s Scallion has a lot to offer - a great all-stainless-steel look, blade security, and assisted opening… it all adds up to one great little knife.

The Scallion (Model 1620L) original lists for $ 74.99, but you can find the knife on-line and at various stores for much less ($40 from B & H), or log onto kershaw.kaiusaltd.com for more information and to see their other sharp offerings.

BACKROADS • JANUARY 2017

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Deflation and hypertension kicked in at the same time, which never feels good. It’s like taking an Ambien with Red Bull.

I scrapped Plan A, and went to Plan B…for Bridgewater. This town is conveniently located near the confluences of Interstates 287 and 78 and US Routes 202 and 206. But, if I wanted convenience, I would have taken the Durango R/T and, even though it is a 370 hp, V8 Hemi gas guzzlin’ beast, it is better suited for trips to visit my mother than a backroads Polar Bear Run. Nope, this is a motorcycle event and best to use your bike’s natural inclination to enjoy the smaller and little known byways than to “ride straight there” just to get some points.

I went back to work on this weekend’s greatest motorcycle route ev-ah!

Route and town sorted out and loaded on my GPS I patiently sat at the window of our home that faces east and waited for the dawn. Thirteen and half hours later the sun began to rise over New Jersey.

I levered my body out of the chair I had been sitting in since late afternoon the previous day, stretched and ran out to roll my BMW out of the barn.

The weatherman/girl/person (who knows what I am supposed to say these days) had said it would be in the mid-60s this day. But, up here in the far reaches of northwestern New Jersey, where the Garden State butts up against Hudson Bay, Canada, it was cold.

Layered in Gerbings and Bodz and, with every possible source of a leak triple-checked, I mounted up and got rolling.

About a half mile down the rode I could feel an icy channel of frigid air making its way up that one part of the glove that had shifted. I stopped to correct the problem.

In all seriousness the route was pretty damn good, mixing up some roads I knew and some that I didn’t. By late morning I rolled into Fraternal Order

Of Eagles, dropping off a bundle of the latest Backroads at the sign-in table and saying hello to Bob Hartpence, the venerable leader of this rolling rally for the last four decades.

Bob will be 80 years young next year and we should make it a point to remind him of that each time we see him. I’m kidding, but Happy Birthday Bob is always a good thing.

It is truly amazing what he and everybody involved with the Polar Bears have done for riders in this region for so long.

I walked around a bit, grabbed some coffee and chatted it up with some riders who I seem to only see at a Polar Bear Run. I was sitting on my GS, people and motorcycle watching, when I heard a conversation between one guy and the small group of friends he had brought to the Polar Bear that weekend. It was obvious that these other riders had never been and they were surprised to see just how many riders were there and that more were pouring into the lot by the minute.

“So, what do we do now?,” asked one fellow leaning against his dresser.

“Nothing,” replied his buddy, “We’re here.”

“So, is there a group ride or something?”

“Nope, this is it…. and now we can have a nice ride back!”

Because I cannot help myself I chimed in…

“This is all about getting out and riding as much as you can when much of the country has put their machines away for the winter.”

We all agreed it was a fine day for a ride and that it was certainly great to be out on the bikes this day. It was a great excuse for a day on the bike and to see what’s around that next corner.

That is the beauty of a Polar Bear Sunday – there are so many possibilities as far as rides and routes to and from them. For the few of you who take the bigger roads to get to some of these, try putting together some routes along the smaller and more interesting roads. I know we find new places in our

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BACKROADS • JANUARY 2017

Page 45 own backyard all the time when we do this.

The ride back home was even more enjoyable, and brought me west to a mid-afternoon lunch at the Sky Café at the airport outside Pittstown, along some hilly little forgotten roads to the river, north towards the Skylands of New Jersey and home, my ride made shorter only because the day was too.

Along the way I thought about the riders I had spoken with and what a great justification the Sunday Polar Bear Grand Tour was for local riders.

And, for me, that is what the Polar Bear Grand Tour really is… an excuse. Not that we really need one, but sometimes a created pretext of reason helps and if it gets me on the bike occasionally I am all for that. ~ Brian Rathjen

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JANUARY 2017 • BACKROADS

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

The Yips!

I was watching the first game of the World Series a few months back and listening to them talk about Jon Lester’s, the ace pitcher for the Cubs, inability to hold runners at first and the almost downright refusal to throw over to first. Indian’s runners like Enrique Hernandez took sizable leads, hopping around, attempting to goad Lester into discomfort. It worked.

It was then I heard one of the color commentator’s call Lester’s issue what it was –The Yips.

According to Wikipedia “The Yips” are the loss of fine motor skills in athletes. The condition occurs suddenly and without apparent explanation, usually in mature athletes with years of experience. It is poorly understood and has no known treatment or therapy. Athletes affected by the Yips sometimes recover their ability, which may require a change in technique. Many are forced to abandon their sport at the highest level.

The Yips manifest themselves as twitches, staggers, jitters and jerks. I thought about this for a bit and, as I will, began to think of how this condition manifests itself when we ride. How the loss of fine motor skills affect us when we are actually talking about fine “motor” skills.

Do you have a riding scenario that gives you a case of the Yips?

Maybe it is when the unexpected happens to you or worse, when you know it is coming, it is plainly in front of you, you can see it, plan for it and yet, you still have an inability to overcome.

It can be frustrating not only for you but your riding partners as well.

Let’s look at a few riding situations where the Yips can cause distress and sometimes personal danger.

Johnny is having a great day riding but he has the habit of riding just to the left of center in his lane. He can slide over and back as the road and terrain flows.

Rounding one uphill right hand bend his machine follows its natural tendency to drift to the left. His vision is blocked by a large farmhouse, and when he can see around the turn his vision is blocked by the large red pick-

up truck barreling towards him, straddling the center line. He has a bit of time to smoothly slide over to the right, but the Yips take over and he closes off the throttle and barely avoids the collision.

Where, after years of riding experience, he should be on the lookout for such dangers he seems to be constantly surprised and jolted when it happens.

He does the same in decreasing radius turns. When he should be smoothly rolling on the throttle he gets the Yips and rolls off, upsetting his suspension and ride in the process.

Trudy Prudy is a consummate rider. She is like a classically trained pianist when the roads are open and wide and smooth. She seems to have no problem on miles of third world gravel and has ridden to some of the further points on the planet.

But there is one thing that gives her the Yips.

Slow.

After spending the day riding around the curves of the Virginia mountains, the Back of the Dragon and days worth of twisty roads, she pulls into the

BACKROADS • JANUARY 2017

Page 47 come this, the worse it becomes. It can be a baffling problem.

Perhaps your best bet is to work on this issue on a constant basis. Johnny on his lane positioning and getting his eyes up all the time and as far forward as possible and Trudy to get into some gravel lots and work on that slow riding talent. They are both better riders than the Yips let them be.

To become a better rider identify any Yips you have and work hard to eliminate them from your ride.

You and your riding partners will be better off for it. ~ Michael Delaney

hard rock and gravel of a mountain’s general store parking lot only to get a little loose at a walking pace speed and freezes; claiming the bike would not roll.

Sure it will – Trudy just has the Yips and they had her immobilized.

Like a classically trained pianist that can’t play chop sticks – it is beyond sense. It should be easy to overcome, yet it is not.

What is worse with the Yips is that, most times, the harder you try to over-

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JANUARY 2017 • BACKROADS

UP C OM I N G E VE NT S CAL END AR

What’s Happening

JANUARY 2017

OCTOBER 2017

1 • Blue Knights NJIX sponsors Dale’s Chilly Chili Run. Start/Finish: Ogdensburg Firehouse, Ogdensburg, NJ. $20/pp • Sign in: 9am with coffee and donuts • 30-mile escorted ride: 11am SHARP • Returns approx. Noon with hot dogs and chili served, music and cash bar. Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice Raffle: 2016 H-D FLSS Softail Slim S valued at $18,999 • $20/ticket - only 1500 sold. Tickets sold: Friends of Hospice, 99 Sparta Ave, Newton, NJ • Raffle drawn @ 3pm.

15 • Ramapo MC Club Fall Foliage Tour to benefit the Valerie Fund for childhood cancer research. Guided or self-guided tour along Hudson Valley’s autumn foliage roads. Sign in: Rhodes North Tavern, 40 Orange Tpke, Sloatsburg, NY @ 9am. Details: Kent Sullwold (845) 304-3454 • kms.elec.engr@gmail.com • www.ramapomc.org

6-8 • Washington DC International Motorcycle Show, Walter e. Washington Convention Center. Fri. 4-8pm • Sat. 10am-8pm • Sun 10am-5pm • www.motorcycleshows.com

Bob Hartpence Chairman • 609-894-2941 • bear1733@verizon.net www.PolarBearGrandTour.com • 908-722-0128 for schedule updates

14-15 • Ramapo MC Club presents the 99th Annual Crotona Midnight Run - longest running motorcycle road rally in the US. Not a race, but a timed run following a designated route overnight with a mid-point respite for warmth, refreshments and comradery.

Sign-in: RMC Clubhouse/Veterans Memorial Assoc., 66 Lake Rd, Congers, NY @ 10:30pm/Key Time Midnight. Details: Simon Begler (845) 223-6090 • simonludd52@yahoo.com • www.ramapomc.org

FEBRUARY 2017 10-12 • Timonium Motorcycle Show, Maryland State Fairgrounds, Timonium, MD. Indoor show featuring Travel, Touring & Adventure area, New Product Technical Presentation & Demo Workshop, The Powersports expo and so much more. For full details please visit the website: www.cycleshow.net • 410-561-7323

MARCH 2017 3 • 7-10pm • Martin Moto Modern Classics Kickstart Party. Music, performing artists, refreshments and the chance to stroll the show floor amid a party atmosphere • Boyertown, PA • Martinmoto.com 4 • 9am-5pm • Martin Moto 7th annual Modern Classics: widely acclaimed tribute to the great motorcycles of the 1960s, 70s, 80s and 90s. 100-bike all-brands 'by invitation only' show staged indoors in the spacious Martin Moto showroom, Boyertown, PA. For 2017, in addition to the many standard clasics in the mix, the show puts a spotlight on a group we like to call 'The Quickest and the Fastest,' a sampling of the period machines that laid claim to being the world's fastest production bike • 567 Route 100 North, Boyertown, PA

MAY 2017 7 • Ramapo MC Club Spring Charity Fun Run to benefit the Helen Hayes Rehabilitation Hospital Foundation.Sign in: 9am @ Rhodes North Tavern, 40 Orange Tpke, Sloatsburg, NY. Self-guided route along Hudson Valley’s interesting roads with stops for poker/dice/scrabble games to win prizes and support a worthy cause. Details: Richard Roberts (914) 422-1806 • rdcptrmc@yahoo.com • www.ramapomc.org 19-21 • Morton’s BMW Spring Fling Rally. Join us for a weekend of great roads, good food, interesting scavenger hunt and terrific company, all at the historic & scenic Natural Bridge Hotel, Natural Bridge, VA. Your rally fee includes vendors, route sheets, door prizes, scavenger hunt poker run with a prize for the winner, Friday Brats & Brew dinner, Saturday dinner & presentation and more. Complete info and registration on our website www.mortonsbmw.com or call 540-891-9844.

POLAR BEAR SCHEDULE 2017

Oct. 30 • CAPe MAY VFW POST 386, 419 Congress St, Cape May, NJ• 609 884-7961

JANUARY 2017 8 • The Tilted Kilt 4095 US Hwy 1 South, Monmouth Junction NJ • 732 783-7138 15 • RHODeS NORTH TAVeRN, 40 Orange Turnpike, Sloatsburg, NY • 845 753-6438 22 • PIC-A-LILLI INN, 866 Route 206, Shamong, NJ • 609 268-2066 29 • UPSTReAM GRILLe, 161 Rt. 181, Lake Hopatcong, NJ • 973 663-2222

FEBRUARY 2017 5 • THe FRANKLIN HOUSe TAVeRN, 101 North Market St, Schaefferstown PA • 717 949-2122 12 • O’Connor’s American Grille 1383 Monmouth Rd, easthampton,NJ • 609-261-1555 19 • THe eXCHANGe, 160 e. Main St, Rockaway, NJ • 973 627-8488 26 • HOOTeRS, 25 Rte-23 South, Wayne, NJ • 973 837-1876

MARCH 2017 5 • BAHRS LANDING, 2 Bay Ave., Highlands, NJ • 732 872-1245 12 • Lighthouse Tavern 397 Route 9, Waretown, NJ • 609-693-3150 19 • LONG VALLeY PUB, 1 Fairmount Rd, Long Valley, NJ • 908 876-1122 26 • THe CHATTeRBOX, #1 Rt. 15 South, Augusta, NJ • 973 300-2300

APRIL 2017 2 • BRIAN’S HD, 600 S. Flowers Mill Rd, Langhorne PA • 215 752-9400 PA 9 • THe HICKORY BBQ SMOKe HOUSe, 743 Rt. 28 Kingston; NY • 845 338-2424 23 • CHeeBURGeR CHeeBURGeR, 336 Northampton St, easton, PA • 610 438-1311 30 • CAPe MAY VFW POST# 386, 419 Congress St, Cape May, NJ • 609 884-7961 MAY 5 • eND OF SeASON GeT-TOGeTHeR • The Pic-a-Lilli Inn, 866 Route 206, Shamong, NJ • 609 268-2066 @ 11:30am. Members: $6/person

Follow us on Facebook for up-to-the-minute information Visit our online Calendar for more details

backroadsusa.com/events.html

20-21 • New Sweden BMW Riders 4th Annual New Sweden 450. Start: Cycle Gear, 2070 Route 70 e, Cherry Hill, NJ • end: P.J. Whelihans, 1854 Route 70 e, Cherry Hill, NJ. 450 miles over 2 days on some of the great back roads in the Delaware Valley area.

This year the route heads north into NY. To find out more, point your browser towards www.450.nsbmwr.com

18-21 • BACKROADS SPRING BREAK - ALMOST HEAVEN TOUR. Full details- see ad on page 42 or on Backroads website.

JUNE 2017 5-10 • DirtDaze - Lake Luzerne, NY • 518-798-7888 • www.DirtDaze.com

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6-10 • Americade - World’s largest touring rally - Lake George, NY • 518-798-7888 • www.americade.com

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10-18 • Laconia Motorcycle Week - world's oldest motorcycle rally - Laconia, NH • 603-366-2000 • www.laconiamcweek.com

If paying by check, fill out the form and mail with payment to:

19 • 26th International Motorcycle & Scooter RIDe TO WORK DAY • RideToWork.org

Backroads, PO Box 317, Branchville, NJ 07826

JULY 2017 8-9 • Ramapo MC Club’s 41st Annual Ramapo 500. 500 miles of gorgeous scenery and backroads, free camping, onsite trailer rentals, nearby hotels, river swimming, Saturday night dinner, awards and prizes, Sunday breakfast, starter pins and finisher patches. Sign in: RMC Clubhouse/Veterans Memorial Assoc, 66 Lake Rd, Congers, NY • 7am. Details: Fred Peck (845) 300-1247 • rmc@ramapomc.org • www.ramapomc.org

AUGUST 2017 17-20 • 3rd Annual Touratech Rally east, Huntingdon, PA. 4-day rally with opportunity for riders from around the US and the world to camp out, attend workshops and presentations, improve riding skills meet industry pros and explore fun mountain roads.

Rides for different experience levels and all street-legal motorcycles are welcome. Go to www.touratechrally.com for details and signup.

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21-25 • BACKROADS FALL FIESTA - NY STATE OF MIND TOUR. Full details - see ad on page 42 or on Backroads website.

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