JULY
2014
Volume 20 No. 7
CELEBRATING OUR NATION’S HISTORY Spring Flings and Breaks in the Old Dominion Monthly Columns and Upcoming Events
W H A T ’ S
I N S I D E
MON T HLY COLUM N S Motorcycles, Travel & Adventure
FREE WHEELIN’ ...............................................................4 WHATCHATHINKIN’........................................................5 POSTCARDS FROM THE HEDGE................................6 ON THE MARK.................................................................7 BACKLASH........................................................................8
Publishers
Brian Rathjen • Shira Kamil
Contributors
Mark Byers, Bill Heald, Pamela Collins, Richard Ford, Kate Hartnett, Peter Miller, Greg Schuette Dr. Seymour O’Life
INDUSTRY INFOBITES.................................................10 MYSTERIOUS AMERICA .............................................12 BIG CITY GETAWAY......................................................16 GREAT ALL AMERICAN DINER RUN.......................18
Editorial Office BACKROADS, POB 317 Branchville NJ 07826
WE’RE OUTTA HERE....................................................20
phone
973.948.4176
fax
973.948.0823
editor@backroadsusa.com
SHIRA’S ICE CREAM RUN..........................................32 WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE .....................................35 UPCOMING EVENTS CALENDAR.............................38
16
MOTORCYCLE MARKETPLACE.................................54
FEAT URES OVERLAND CONFIDENCE COURSE .......................24
20
SUMMER RIDING POOL ENTRIES...........................26 THE INDIAN NATION ..................................................30 MORTON’S SPRING FLING 2014 .............................40 BACKROADS SPRING BREAK 2014 ........................45
PROD UCT REVIEWS METZELER TOURANCE NEXT ..................................23 OLYMPIA HORIZON RAIN GEAR..............................37 PRODUCT SPOTLIGHTS .............................................52
Happy Birthday America Some history lessons and visiting solemn places
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BACKROADS (ISSN 1087-2088) is published monthly by BACKROADS™, Inc. 2014. All rights reserved. BACKROADS™ may not be reproduced in any manner without specific written consent from the publisher. BACKROADS™ welcomes and encourages submissions (text and photos) and suggestions. Include phone number with submissions. BACKROADS™ will only return material with enclosed sufficient postage. The written articles and opinions printed in BACKROADS™ are not necessarily those of the publisher and should not be considered an endorsement. The Rip & Rides® published are ridden on the sole responsibilty of the rider. BACKROADS™ is not responsible for the conditions of the public roadways traversed. Please respect the environment, read your owner’s manual and wear proper protective gear and helmet. Ride within your limits, not over them.
JULY 2014 • BACKROADS
Page 4
FREE WHEELIN’ BRIAN RATHJEN
Ear Worm I had to make a choice. The turn, atop the mountain, ran around a sheer cliff with a couple thousand foot drop on the other side. Riding off the cliff to certain death might look good in the movies, but was I able to actually do it? Did I have a choice? I had to choose. It was the voices. The voices in my head. Not the ‘Son of Sam’ type voices. No…. far worse. The mind works in strange and mysterious ways. Things happen all the time in the brain – especially mine - that would perplex Freud, worry my mother and have Catholic priests reaching for the Bible and holy water. But, this was worse. For no earthly reason my brain had become infected with a worm. An Ear Worm. This day it came out of nowhere - as these worms normally do. “Hey girl whatcha doin down there Dancing alone every night while I live right above you I can hear your music playin, I can feel your body swayin one floor below me you don’t even know me….” No. Go away. Get out of my brain. It wouldn’t. I tried counting to 10. I went to the standard “It’s a small world.” Nope. The other tune stuck. “Oh my darlin knock three times on the ceiling if you want me twice on the pipe if the answer is no…”
I rode towards the apex of the turn. Yes, death would be better than this. I chickened out, but the adrenalin shooting through my body changed the song – from bad to worse. Holy crap! “A boy like that who’d kill your brother, Forget that boy and find another, One of your own kind, stick to your own kind…” What to do? Surely another kill zone would come up soon. This time I would really do it. “Oh no, Anita, no, Anita, no! It isn’t true, not for me…” Ahhh, damn my Mom for making me watch this movie again and again and again and again… A deer ran across my path and Burt Reynolds in the Control Center of my brain hit the Ear Worm pause button. Thanks to the road gods it was over. But, it wouldn’t last. No, something arcane and terrible was lurking amongst the alpha waves of my brain and it was bubbling quickly to the surface. “Goodbye my friend, it’s hard to die, when all the birds are singing in the sky, Now that the spring is in the air. Pretty girls are everywhere. When you see them I’ll be there. We had joy, we had fun….” Oh, frack me. No, it might not be hard to die this day. Jeesh! For those of you who do not know what I am talking about an Ear Worm, also known as SSS - Stuck Song Syndrome – is a song that sticks in your mind, and will not leave no matter how much you try. The best way to get rid of an earworm is to replace it with another. If this happens to you, you must be prepared to become a human jukebox. (Continued on Page 9)
BACKROADS • JULY 2014
Page 5
W H ATC H AT H I N K I N ’ SHIRA KAMIL
racing thE clock Summer Solstice has come and gone. While the heat will be with us for another couple of months, the daylight will begin to dwindle just a tad earlier each turn of the earth. Up with the sun and riding into dusk, there are miles to go, adventures to be had and new roads to be found. Planning our sojourns has become much easier with the advent of digital maps and GPS systems. While my favorite author is still Rand McNally, and I can spend hours perusing the tiny byways of the region set to explore, it’s awfully nice to have ‘Karen’ in my ear when I’m trying to find these little turnoffs. Looking at the big picture with the Michelen map unfolded on the floor and a glass of wine in hand will give me a great idea of the distance we’re planning on covering, but plotting out the course, uploading to the Zumo and seeing approximately how long those miles will take you to cover is a satisfying task. This past Spring Break, Paul Donoghue was kind enough to spend some time educating our group on the workings of Garmin, Basecamp and navigation. While Brian and I have been using this system for a number of years now, we picked up some great information on how to fine tune our routing to make it a bit more accurate to our riding styles. Now, with preferences set, I can make my route, input anticipated stops for lunch, gas and etc., set my average speed and – POOF – the little box tells me when I should set the oven to go on so the dinner will be ready when I step in the door. I don’t know about you, but when I get myself ready to go somewhere, not just for a ramble to nowhere, but from point A to point B, and I tell the Garmin ‘GO’, I look at the arrival time and distance to travel and tell myself, ‘I can do better.’ Sure, I’m still going to enjoy my ride, savor the scenery, smell the roses, stop when I feel the urge or see a photo op. But, when safety and roads warrant, I’m going to make up the difference and race the clock. Point of fact: On our two-day ride home from Marion, VA our little cadre did a terrific ride that Brian put together the first day, staying on some great smaller roads but still making time and getting to Winchester, VA, our estimated goal. Come day two, we all wanted to beat it home so we hit the big roads. When I started up my electronic map and hit ‘GO HOME’ it gave me my mileage and arrival time. I winked at it and softly said, ‘Ya think?’ I didn’t need this machine to tell me how to get home from Winchester – big roads are easy and mindless. What I do like to do on such rides is play the game. Traffic was light this day, as most folks were already back to work. The trucks were moving right along, and we had little construction, at least until we got into Pennsylvania. Let’s just say that we were moving with the flow of traffic, if not setting the pace just a tad faster. Brian asked me if I ever played this game; look at the GPS and notice the mileage to go. Ride for a while and, before glancing back at the Garmin, guess how far you’ve gone. This was a new one and kept me occupied for a number of miles. At some point I saw that the estimated arrival time would be 12:45pm. Looking at the miles to go, I knew that I could do better. With every click of the odometer, I caught up just a little. As we got closer and closer, the time got shorter and shorter. ‘I can lose 15 minute,’ I told myself. ‘In the door by 12:30 and I’m a winner.’ Then I heard the voice in my ear. ‘Hey, want to stop at the Blairstown diner for lunch before we get home?’ AGHHHH, he’s throwing off my timing. Okay, new game. If we get to the Blairstown diner by 12:30 I’m a winner. As we exited Route 80 onto Route 94, I glanced at the box – we can do this. Okay, Mr. Subaru, get your orange ass out of my way, I got a game to win. As the clock was about to turn to the half hour, we pulled into the parking lot of the diner. I quickly put my sidestand down, silently gave a victory cry, and headed inside for a celebratory cheeseburger.
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JULY 2014 • BACKROADS
Page 6
the moment it was first conceived, was designed to regularly haul two human beings. These include (obviously) the big touring rigs such as Gold Wings, Ventures, TourGlides, LTs, etc. None of these machines are cheap, but they BILL HEALD really are designed for your passenger to be both comfortable and secure, and even entertained depending on the trim level and audio packages. The looking BEhind first time my spousal unit ever rode on a Gold Wing after years of things like Magnas and sport bikes, she couldn’t believe how great it was to actually be With all the things we think about when we select a considered when they built the motorcycle. Other rides, particularly of the new motorcycle (and let’s face it: there are a veritable supertanker of things high-performance lightweight race-rep variety, aren’t really engineered with to consider), one that frequently gets overlooked by some shoppers is the the same criterion in mind. On most sport bikes, if you have a passenger that passenger area. Obviously there are a lot of riders that this rearward patch of willing to spend several hours on the road with you, often for days at a is bike estate really doesn’t need to be a big concern, because they rarely ride time, they must either a) really like you, and/or b) really, really want to get two-up. But for others, especially those that like to take their out of town as quickly as possible. girlfriend/boyfriend/wife/husband/paramour/significant other/insignificant This brings us to our second scenario, which is taking a bike that is not retagalong/best bud/business partner or hitchhiker on epic journeys, there needs ally designed for long trips with a passenger and adding the right accessories to be thought given to the quality of the accommodations just aft of the pilot. make it into a serviceable tour bike. In my opinion, no matter how wellto This wouldn’t be as big a deal if it weren’t for the fact that the quality of the designed the accessories might be, a modified ride can never approach the pillion perch can vary widely from machine to machine, and the passenger comfort, and more importantly, the balance and performance levels of a fullis basically helpless back there while you pretend you’re Valentino Rossi flyon touring motorcycle that was engineered and tested with two occupants. ing down the Corkscrew at Laguna Seca. They need to be as secure and comThis may seem obvious, but the differences may be considerably more sigfortable as possible and the question is, can you reconcile the machine you nificant than you might initially think. Cruisers are very interesting creatures want with the need to accommodate your riding partner? in that they sort of split the difference (to varying degrees) between being a There are two basic scenarios when it comes to this topic and the all-imsolo ride and a two-up workhorse. Dead giveaways are the inclusion of a portant task of buying a proper mount that will work when you plan to ride standard backrest for your passenger (easily the most important item in terms a lot with a co-pilot. The first scenario involves purchasing a bike that, from of feeling secure as a helpless passenger on a motorcycle) and footpegs that are low enough that the legs of the co-rider aren’t folded like an accordion. Whatever bike grabs your fancy, it’s important to take a test ride without your passenger to get a feel for the motorcycle, and then do a second ride with your companion so you can see how the bike feels when loaded and to see if the handling remains sound and comfortable. This is also the time for the passenger to chime in on what they think of the prospective machine, and note things like security, comfort, and whether or not the view is tolerable. Some rear seating configurations offer little more than a glimpse of the operator’s back, which may be fetching but will certainly get old as the miles tick by. If the dealer in question balks at you for requesting two test rides of decent length, find another dealer. Being comfortable on a motorcycle, especially when there’s two souls involved, is not something to be taken lightly. This includes both safety considerations and the quality of your riding life. Therefore take your time, and don’t let anybody push you or restrict your personal evaluation process. These days our choices encompass a bewildering universe of both factory and aftermarket accessories, from elaborate sound systems that rival some new autos to heated seats and upgraded saddles that can inThe limited production Raider SCL is loaded with premium cruiser features. Crafted crease long-haul comfort considerably over the stock for riders who value exclusivity, only 500 of these exceptional machines will be built. pews. But I think there’s a really fundamental question The Raider SCL features newly developed, aggressive, robust, dark Matte Iron paint accented with a Matte Raven you have to answer before you start to kit out your mocolor including unique pin striping on the front/rear fenders and headlight. A new blacked-out theme embodies torcycle, and this is how much time you’ll be riding the Raider SCL with black components throughout: oxidized titanium coated fork tubes, push-rod tubes, forks, for two. If your passenger isn’t secure and comfortable, exhaust, air cleaner box, wheels, meter panel, switch gear, and master cylinders, just to name a few. The 2014 what’s the point of traveling together? The good news Raider SCL simply stands out from the crowd. Get yours today at: for everybody, especially you apex carvers out there, is that the modern big rig tourers and sport-tourers are remarkably adept at dispatching challenging stretches of pavement, all while being safe, stable and comfortable for two. That said, you could certainly start with 67 North Broadway • Route 107 • Hicksville, NY more mono-oriented hardware and expand its capabilities, just remember it still has to work as a motorcycle you can put anywhere you need to when forced to change direction quickly while fully loaded. Nothing ruins a trip quicker than a ruined motorcycle and a bruised co-rider.
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BACKROADS • JULY 2014
ON THE MARK MARK BYERS
thE grEatEst It didn’t make the news. One morning this year, a great motorcyclist passed away in his sleep at home. He was just two months from his 90th birthday. I doubt you knew him: his motorcycling career wasn’t distinguished. He didn’t ride coast-to-coast or perform miracles of motorcycle handling on the Isle of Man. The gentleman of whom I speak never rode a motorcycle in excess of 30 miles an hour. He was born in a room of a house on Route 45 in Shepherdstown, WV without the aid of a doctor. His own father died when he was scarcely a year old. His eldest brother, twelve years his senior, became the man of the family and his mother moved he and his brothers to a succession of uncle’s homes. It was 1925: mothers of three didn’t get work…or welfare (nor would she have taken it). When he was five, the stock market collapsed, sending the country into depression. In later years, he’d take a 22-caliber rifle with him on his walk to the bus stop, hunting along the way. He’d hide it in a haystack or other place when the bus came, to be collected so he could hunt on the way home. He ate a fair number of squirrels. At one point, he worked on his uncle’s farm for twenty-five cents…a week. He graduated from high school in ‘42 and was swept up by the need for Naval Officers, so off to Duke University and Notre Dame he went for training. A succession of ships took him to the Pacific, where he landed on a battleship, the USS North Carolina. He was in Tokyo Bay for the signing of the surrender. Later, his country called again, so he boarded the USS Wisconsin to shell North Korean railroad yards and support the invasion at Inchon. He still wasn’t a motorcyclist. He finished a degree using the GI Bill and came back to his beloved West Virginia, where he worked for one of Roosevelt’s agencies known primarily
Page 7 by its initials. He made loans to farmers and young couples who needed homes. He visited every one of those homes too, putting many miles on his car: imagine that in the context of today’s impersonal, internet banking businesses. He still loved hunting, and in the 1970’s, that made him a motorcyclist. The purchase of an orange 1974 Honda Trail 90 was the catalyst. Complete with a luggage rack to which the ubiquitous milk crate was bungeed, the little Honda had a transmission with a low range that made it a perfect mountain goat. Handlebar-mounted rifle holders completed the ensemble and for years, that little machine hauled deer out of the woods, dragging them if they didn’t fit on the rack. His age, and the advent of Honda quads, took the little moto out of the woods, but not out of the picture. Instead, it went to his RV, where it made trips from the RV to the camp store and back, piloted by a retired guy who got his rocks off showing people where to park on busy weekends. He literally put about 10,000 dirt-road miles on the clock…a mile at a time. The little Honda still sported the gun rack and the milk crate, along with a rubber mud flap on the front fender fashioned from a piece of coal mine conveyor belt. It ran with or without a battery and never had the benefit of an electric starter. Well into his 80’s, the old fella would kick her to life with a single stroke from a leg with an arthritic knee. She acquired very few battle scars, and surprisingly, so did he. The only time he ever had a helmet on his head was in the war – his preferred headgear was a washable, roll-up fisherman’s hat, the uglier the better. It was a concession to a lifetime in the sun and a dermatologist with a bad attitude and a squirt bottle full of liquid nitrogen. On March 13th of this year, at about 7:20 in the morning, attended by a beloved caregiver and sons, the old motorcyclist drew his last, labored breath. He wasn’t much of a motorcyclist by some people’s standards: he didn’t perform miracles on road or track, but he was a great one in my estimation. He was a member of the greatest generation. While my dad is no longer with us, the little Honda is and, after nearly 40 years of waiting, my brother finally got his motorcycle back.
JULY 2014 • BACKROADS
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BACKLASH Byers on Noise… Hello Backroads This letter is in response to Mark Byers article “The Throttle and the Damage Done.” First off let me say I’m with you brother. I can’t stand the loud pipes either. I’ve had kids cover their ears when I’ve ridden by. It upsets me too. It’s just another log on that anti-motorcycle fire. I ride a Harley Ultra with stock mufflers (can you believe that?). The Ultra comes with a nice stereo, and I’d much rather hear my tunes than a loud exhaust system. I’m into touring, hence, my subscription to Backroads. I can’t imagine riding 8 to 10 hours a day, 7 to 10 days in a row listening to all that racket. I liken the loud exhaust thing to riding in the back of a pick-up truck with a bullhorn. As we drive through a quite neighborhood I would yell through the bullhorn, “Hey, you walking your dog F@#K YOU. Hey, you weeding your garden F@#K YOU. Hey, you playing catch with your kid F@#K YOU”. “It’s all about ME ME ME ME!” It’s selfish and anti-social behavior. As you all know, somehow in ‘popculture’ it’s cool to be bad. I’ve never liked that crap except maybe when I was a punk kid. That leads me to my next point. It would be one thing if it was just young punks doing this stuff, but there are people my age doing this. It’s pathetic at my age concerning myself with being cool or tough. If I want to be cool I’ll just sit in air conditioning. If it’s tough I want I’ll order a steak well done. Hip? That’s something I’m going to replace in another 20 years. Alright, that’s enough of my bitchin.’ Now if you’ll excuse me I have to go yell at the neighborhood kids to get the hell off my lawn! Frank Quatrella - Harwinton CT Backroads, Kudos to Mark Byers for telling it like it is. I couldn’t agree more with Mark about the “assholes” who think it’s their God given right to make as much noise as possible with a ‘public be damned’, “this is a free country” attitude. Mark, you are correct regarding the responsibilities that come with
Letters to the Editor adulthood. The problem is that the noise makers on loud bikes have never reached adulthood. Enjoying children wave as I ride by and not running in the other direction is one of the pleasures of riding. All the best, Mark. Thank you. Michael Rodker - Toms River, NJ
Spring Break 2014 via Face Book, Email, Snail Mail & Carrier Owl We had a fabulous time! Thanks Brian & Shira. Paul Donoghue Thank you Brian & Shira for putting this together. I had a blast. It was awesome. Lisa Rhodes Mutchler I had an awesome time. Certainly be looking forward to the next one! Gerry Arel An awesome combination of great people, beautiful rides, and good times. Keep up the good work guys! Laurel White This Spring Break Rally was absolutely the best. You guys outdo yourself every time! Ken & Karen Hilley Brian & Shira, Nicely done once again. Thank you. Glen Hoffmann Hey Guys, Thanks for another top shelf event. Really enjoyed it. My buddies and I
BACKROADS • JULY 2014 (five of us all together) logged just under 2,000 miles each in the four days. Hope to see you in PA in the Fall Jeff Grube - Long Island USA Thanks again for yet another great rally, fantastic roads, great hotel, and camaraderie. With riders showing up from all corners of the country (and Canada). I know I am already looking forward to the next one. And, congrats to you both on 20 years of Backroads , it just keeps getting better! See you on the road! Mike Mosca Brian and Shira, It is always our pleasure to join you anytime you get everyone together, always a great time. This time we had the best weather ever along with greatest roads as always. Thanks again for putting these rallies together as I have met many great people and have countless memories that I will always cherish for many years to come ! See you soon Larry and Eileen Backroads, You may have been thinking since going the track route for several years that I was no longer the ‘Marion type” but I’m always happy to do another Backroads planned trip to see you, Shira and other old friends. Some of the best friends - if only an annual snapshot of so many good people with the same passion.
Page 9 The roads, hotel, the local flavor, the dinner and, of course, the old familiar faces mixed with the new created a great combination. Paul’s presentation was very good and instructive while John P’s eulogy and the moment of silence for Jeff Bahr were touching and appropriate. Jeff’s metaphors and irreverent writing style very much appealed to me and I’ll miss his contribution to Backroads. I’m booked for Shippensburg in September. Thanks for saying “Come back” at our Monday morning goodbyes. I hate goodbyes after these trips but those two words will bring a hello in Shippensburg. Chuck Potzer
Backroads’ Trifecta Hey Backroads, Just wanted to thank you again for your terrific ride suggestions! I enjoyed reading about the Hummingbird House and the Prohibition Distillery in the June issue. Breakfast is my favorite meal and the southern Catskill region is among our favorite destinations, so it made sense to “connect the dots”. Yesterday (Sunday, June 1) was an “11” on the weather meter so 13 of us from the Skylands BMW Riders met for breakfast at the Hummingbird House and took a run up to the Prohibition Distillery for a tour and tasting. And, since the Riverside Café & Lodge– another Backroads discovery, of course - was only a few miles up the road from the Distillery we enjoyed a fine lunch there afterwards, thus completing our Backroads trifecta. We also had the pleasure of meeting the owners of each establishment and they expressed their gratitude for the exposure in the magazine. Excellent suggestions, all of them. Please keep ‘em coming! Happy and safe riding – Eric Suhr Skylands BMW Riders • Somerville, NJ
Have something to say? We’d love to hear it. Send your thoughts via email and include your name and town. editor@backroadsusa.com
FrEE WhEElin’
(Continued from Page 4)
In a last ditch effort, I turned on the MP3 player on the Zumo. But, the plug wasn’t attached and nothing was fed through my headsets. I was truly on my own here. Now in fear for its sanity my brain went haywire and started a melody of ghastly tunes. “Sharing horizons that are new to us, Watching the signs along the way…”
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“Ahh, Mickey you’re so fine you blow my mind Hey, Mickey…” “Skyrockets in flight….” “Me and you and a dog named boo Travellin’ and livin’ off the land…” “Daddy please don’t We’re gonna get married Run, Joey run, Joey run, Joey run, Joey ruuuuuunn... They let me out of the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum last week. They say I am better. Yes. I think I am. Time to get back on the bike and whistle down the road. “It’s a small world after all…” Ha…. Ha… ha ha ha ha ha ha……….
JULY 2014 • BACKROADS
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IND USTRY INFOBITES IMTBIKE TOURS ACHIEVES BMW MOTORRAD INTERNATIONAL TOURGUIDE ACADEMY CERTIFICATION IMTBIKE TOURS, the veteran motorcycle tour and rental company based in Madrid, Spain, has been an Official BMW Travel Partner since 1997 but now they have successfully completed the new BMW MOTORRAD INTERNATIONAL TOURGUIDE ACADEMY in Munich Germany. The International Tourguide Academy was set up by BMW Motorrad to maintain high quality standards amongst its travel partners. With this new INTERNATIONAL TOUR GUIDE Certification in its possession IMTBIKE joins a select group of moto-tourism companies that have achieved this elite BMW status.
News from the Inside their clients to continue providing guided motorcycle tours that meet the highest criteria set by BMW. If you are interested in a motorcycle tour or rental in Europe or Morocco you can contact IMTBIKE at t (412)468-2453, email: info@imtbike.com or visit their webpage www.imtbike.com .
MOTORCYCLISTS ‘23% BETTER’ BEHIND THE WHEEL OF A CAR - EVERYONE KNOWS THIS, RIGHT? Motorcyclists are 23% safer behind the wheel of a car than non-motorcyclists, according to a leading insurer. Equity Red Star, a British Insurance company, compared car drivers to car users who also have an insured motorcycle, and found the latter 23% less likely on average to make a claim on their car policy. The firm also adjusted the figures to take into account the different typical ages of car drivers and motorcyclists, and still found the riders to be 21% better behind the wheel. The results showed motorcyclists were 20% less likely to make a bodily injury claim on their car policy. The insurer examined 200 million policies between 2007 and 2012. Rob Clark, Equity Red Star’s Head of Retail Motor, said: “A motorcyclist could, behind the wheel of a car, be said to be 23% better.” Clark presented the data yesterday at a conference organized by the Motorcycle Industry Association to examine evidence that increasing the number of motorcyclists on the road could actually improve safety.
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The Renewable Fuel Standard has a “serious problem” and must be reformed, according to a bipartisan group of congressmen who say 218 House members agree, the American Motorcyclist Association reports. “The federal government’s Renewable Fuel Standard is a failed strategy that must be completely reconsidered and restructured,” said Wayne Allard, vice president of government relations for the American Motorcyclist Asso-
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BACKROADS • JULY 2014
Page 11
ciation. “The RFS is not working for America or for Americans.” The AMA opposes E15 fuel (15 percent ethanol by volume) because inadvertent misfueling can cause engine and fuel system failure to the estimated 22 million motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles currently in use and can void manufacturers’ warranties. “The flawed ethanol mandate has a real impact on the American economy, and legislation in the House to reform the RFS has drawn the support of more the 50 organizations representing a diverse range of issues. There is clearly a growing appetite to reform the ethanol mandate, and it is time for the EPA to address lawmakers’ concerns,” the congressmen said, in a statement from May 29. The AMA has repeatedly expressed concerns to government officials and federal lawmakers about possible damage to motorcycle and ATV engines caused by the inadvertent use of E15. For more information, visit: www.americanmotorcyclist.com/rights/amafuelforthought.aspx.
IN A JAM A Florida man is facing a $48,000 fine for using a “jammer” in his SUV to keep people around him off of the phone while he was driving. The Federal Communications Commission says that Jason R. Humphreys used a phone jammer in his vehicle during his daily commute on I-4 between Seffner and Tampa for about two years before he was caught. Metro PCS alerted the Feds of an issue in April of 2013. The company noticed that its cell phone tower sites had been experiencing interference during the morning and evening commutes. Agents from the FCC used direction-finding techniques to find that strong wideband emissions were coming out of a blue Toyota Highlander SUV driven by Humphreys. The FCC says that Hunphreys admitted to using the jammer to keep people from talking on their phones while driving. Federal law prohibits the operation of jamming devices in the USA. The FCC says that jamming devices cannot be authorized because they can compromise the integrity of the nation’s communications infrastructure, including 911 and police calls during an emergency.
CHILD TIED TO NEW YORK MAN’S MOTORCYCLE A New York man was arrested after police found his girlfriend’s 5-yearold son tied to the back of the motorcycle he was driving on Wyckoff Road on Sunday, authorities said. Frank Albanese, 53, of Staten Island, New York, was driving the motorcycle southbound on Wyckoff Road when police Officer Ryan Braswell working a ‘Click It or Ticket’ detail spotted a small child that appeared to be tied with twine to the bike, police said. The twine, appeared to be tied around the child’s feet and waist, was blowing in the wind and the helmet he had on appeared to be too big, police said. Braswell turned around to pull over the motorcycle but it had already pulled into the Quick Chek parking lot, police said. Albanese had gone inside the store and left the child on the back of the bike, police said. The police officer walked up to the child, where he noticed the boy’s feet were tied to the rear passenger pegs of the motorcycle and the twine was also wrapped around his waist to tie him to the rear seat, authorities said. Ed note : Well, they do tend to squirm around a bit…
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JULY 2014 • BACKROADS
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Morton’s BMW Motorcycles Presents Dr. Seymour O’Life’s M YST ER IOU S AM ER IC A thE BattlE oF Brooklyn The Search of the Mysterious American Revolution Every day millions of people mill in and out and around Brooklyn, New York oblivious to the deep and important history to be found at their very doorstep. Our nation’s very existence hung in the balance in the summer of 1776. The insurrection against King George was gathering steam and, when the British evacuated Boston, General Washington knew the Crown would move on New York. He brought nearly 10,000 men to lower Manhattan and fortified both here and across the East River on the western edge of Long Island – today’s Brooklyn.
These days Queens and Brooklyn are looked at as part of New York City proper and Long Island is any where east of JFK – but, the truth is, if you were born, as I was, in
Queens or you call Brooklyn home – you are from the island called Long. It was a very different place back then. In early July, 400 British ships with 32,000 men commanded by General William Howe arrived at Staten Island. When Howe offered a pardon to the rebels, Washington answered, “Those who have committed no fault want no pardon.” While he was still convinced that the British would attack Manhattan, he sent more troops to Brooklyn.
Washington felt he had a secure foothold against the British but failed to secure the rarely used Jamaica Pass, what is today the area between Canarsie and Cross Bay Boulevard. This proved to be a costly mistake since General Howe planned to lead 10,000 men through the pass on the evening of August 26 and attack the Americans on Brooklyn Heights from the rear. With the British closing in from east and south it seemed that the revolution was lost.
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©2014 Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. (BRP). All rights reserved. TM,® and the BRP logo are trademarks of BRP or its affiliates. Products are distributed in the U.S.A by BRP US Inc. always ride responsibly and safely. Follow all instructional and safety material. BRP recommends a minimum operator age of 16 years old. Always observe applicable laws and regulations. Respect the rights of shoreline residents, and keep a safe distance fro other recreationists. Always wear appropriate protective clothing, including a Coast Guard-approved PFD that is suitable for PWC use. Not all riding conditions are appropriate for inexperienced or beginner riders. Always ride safely and responsibly. Remember that riding and alcohol/drugs don’t mix.
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BACKROADS • JULY 2014
Page 13 This is where the odd thing happened. A temperature inversion on the evening of August 29 caused a deep, impenetrable fog to roll up New York Harbor and envelope the entire city. Washington saw his chance for escape and that night nearly 9,000 Continentals were rowed back to Manhattan. George Washington, perhaps America’s greatest leader of men, was the last man to leave Brooklyn Heights. The sun arose the next day to find our Continental Army gone and the British bewildered, but now firmly in control of Long Island and then New York island. As I said these days what was once an open and airy western tip of Long island is now the bustling urban sprawl of Brooklyn and Queens - Brooklyn being a city onto itself. But if one makes the effort you can still find bits and pieces – reminders of this region’s storied and historic past – such as the Old Stone House and Prospect Park. Located in the heart of Park Slope, at 3rd St and 5th Ave, the Old Stone House is a perfect place to experience Brooklyn’s past while enjoying one of its most vibrant public spaces. The Battle of Brooklyn exhibit tells the story of the first and largest battle of the American Revolution and the first official battle fought by the United States Army. Their permanent exhibit delves into the Battle, from the tense buildup through its dramatic climax. This is our American history and for those with a deeper interest in the Revolutionary War, the exhibit features period weapons and clothes, and documents and artifacts that bring the fateful events of August 1776 to life. For sure, Brooklyn and Long Island were key and an intricate part of our Revolutionary War. But this is just the beginning. Next month we go in search of the Culper Ring – Washington’s secret spy ring that has finally come to the front of the American conscious thanks to books like George Washington’s Secret Six, by Fox’s Brian Kilmead and Don Yaeger and AMC’s series Turn. Both wonderful and informative projects and we’ll follow along the backroads of Mysterious America to find the spies that saved the revolution.
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JULY 2014 • BACKROADS
Dr. Seymour O’Life’s M Y STE RIO US AME RI CA • An oth er H is tory Les so n JErsEy – thE dEadliEst placE in thE rEvolutionary War As you ride down from the borough of Queens into Kings county, New York – more commonly called Brooklyn – along the East River there was a small natural bay called Wallabout. These days much of the bay has been landfilled and was home to the famed Brooklyn Navy Yards.
It is this bay’s infamous history that we are with detailing here. This all has to do with one ship. The HMS Jersey. She was built during an unusual time of peace in England in 1736 and the 60-gunner first saw action defending Cartagena, Colombia just three years later. The Jersey also was in the fray of the Seven Years War and the Battle of Lagos. In March of 1771 her masts were taken down and she was docked in New York to be used as a floating hospital ship. During the revolution the Jersey was turned into a prison ship and this ship of hope was turned into a floating crypt of despair.
Thus began one of the most gruesome chapters in the story of America’s struggle for independence from Britain. Those with crimes against the King, whether true or false, were put into the Jersey. Any decision from a local magistrate or court to incarcerate a man or woman here was the same as a death sentence. Some 11,000 prisoners died aboard the prison ships over the course of the war, many from disease or malnutrition. Many of these were inmates of the notorious HMS Jersey, which earned the nickname “Hell” for its inhumane conditions and the obscenely high death rate of its prisoners. In contrast – the Department of Defense claims that 4,435 US battle deaths occurred during the entire Revolutionary War. Thousands of men and women were crammed below decks where there was no natural light or fresh air and few provisions for the sick and hungry. When they died they were unceremoniously tossed into the river to be carried out to sea with the flow and tide or piled into still unmarked graves along the shores of what is now Brooklyn and Queens.
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You just have to read this quote from one Robert Sheffield, who escaped the Jersey, to give you a feeling of how bad conditions were. He was one of 350 prisoners held in a compartment below the decks. “The heat was so intense that (the hot sun shining all day on deck) they were all naked, which also served the well to get rid of vermin, but the sick were eaten up alive. Their sickly countenances, and ghastly looks were truly horrible; some swearing and blaspheming; others crying, praying, and wringing their hands; and stalking about like ghosts; others delirious, raving and storming, all panting for breath; some dead, and corrupting. The air was so foul that at times a lamp could not be kept burning, by reason of which the bodies were not missed until they had been dead ten days.” When the war ended and the British evacuated New York they abandoned the Jersey, still moored in Wallabout Bay, with nearly 8,000 forgotten souls
crammed into her decks. She was later burned at the spot. During October 1902 as the keel of the ship the USS Connecticut was under construction at the Brooklyn Navy Yard, the Brooklyn Daily Eagle reported that the HMS Jersey had been found. While pile driving a new dock, the wood from the ship was encountered, precisely where the burned hulk was reported to lay after the British abandoned the ship and she was set on fire. Many of the remains of those who died on the Jersey and other such ships that could be found were reinterred in Fort Green Park in 1808. In 1908, one hundred years after this service, the Prison Ship Martyrs Monument was dedicated on one of the highest hills in New York City overlooking what was once called Wallabouts Bay.
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JULY 2014 • BACKROADS
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Hanover Powersports Presents
BIG CIT Y G ETAWAY
daytrip ideas to get out of the daily grind
dEWint housE LIVINGSTON & OAK TREE ROADS, TAPPAN, NY 10983 845-359-1359 • DEWINTHOUSE.COM George Washington Stayed Here! Up along the Hudson River, just past the border with New Jersey, you will ride into the historic town of Tappan, New York. Now many towns claim to be ‘historic,’ and we think most of them are more hysterical. Is it just a town that has been around for a long time or did matters of note happen here? Tappan can easily and truthfully lay claim to the latter. Virginia may try to hold that it is all about Colonial times and history, but the fact is the real Revolution happened in our own backyard and you will find a good deal of this real history in Tappan. The Orangetown Resolutions were adopted here on July 4, 1774, exactly two years prior to the adoption of the United States Declaration of Independence. The resolutions were part of a widespread movement of town and county protests of the Intolerable Acts passed by the British Parliament in 1774. The Resolutions were adopted at the home and inn of Yoast Mabie, a Dutch colonial house in Tappan, New York in Rockland County. In 1780, Mabie’s Inn was the place of confinement for British Major John André, conspirator with American General Benedict Arnold to surrender West Point to the British. You will find the spot the British spy was hung on Andre Hill.
You will also find that Mabie’s Inn is still here and now called the ’76 House, a superb restaurant and well worth stopping for lunch. But, some say the star of the town is the VERY historic DeWint House. The DeWint House is one of the oldest surviving colonial structures in Rockland County, New York and is an outstanding example of Hudson Valley Colonial Dutch architecture. It was built using local sandstone in 1700 by Daniel DeClark, a Hollander, who emigrated to America in 1676. You can even see the date marked in glazed bricks along the façade - 1 7 0 0.
Page 17 Today the property is owned and maintained by the Free Masons, who acquired it in 1932. Whenever you hear the name of one of our nation’s most famous, righteous and revered men – George Washington – the Free Masons are not far away as Washington was a long standing member. Washington stayed at the DeWint House four times during and after the war with two particular events happening here. In the fall of 1780 the capture and subsequent trial of Major Andre brought Washington here. As many know the General did not want to execute the spy, as he was respected on both sides of the conflict, but the hanging was necessary.
It is said that Washington had the shutters closed that day so as not to see the young Major being escorted to the gallows on the hill above the town. General Washington returned to Tappan in the spring of 1783 – under far better circumstances – as he and his key staff headquartered here while negotiating the final withdraw from New York of the defeated British troops. Here he met with British General Guy Carleton. This time it was a celebration (well, not for Carleton) and Washington had an elegant dinner brought in and prepared by his friend Samuel Fraunces – the owner of
the famed Fraunces Tavern in NYC. The house and property has undergone extensive restoration with the house’s two first-floor rooms restored and furnished to reflect the period of Washington’s occupancy. The kitchen has been redone and is as it was during the time. Next door the 19th-century carriage house contains displays of artifacts uncovered at the site during archaeological digs, as well as items related to Washington, André and Arnold, and the Masons. The items found on display in the carriage house were quite remarkable tapestries, busts, canes belonging to Washington and Hamilton. A remarkable replica of a 36-Gun British frigate Perseverance and a short movie (aimed more at children) explain the history and significance of the building and the region. Both the home and the carriage house were excellent stops, and always free, for you and your friends while exploring the Hudson River Valley and its deep American history.
3RD TUESDAY OF EVERY MONTH! JULY 15
AUGUST 19
SEPTEMBER 16
JULY 2014 • BACKROADS
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G REAT ALL AMERICAN DINER RUN lovin’ ovEn 62A TRENTON AVE. (ROUTE 29) , FRENCHTOWN NJ 08825 908-996-7714 • WWW.LOVINOVENFRENCHTOWN.COM The Delaware River runs nearly 419 miles from its source in the Catskill Mountains to its mouth into the Atlantic at the Delaware Bay. Along the way it takes in water from five states and nearly 15,000 square miles of watershed. It is considered one of 19 ‘Great Waters’ recognized by the America’s Great Waters Coalition. At the river’s birthplace you will find towns sparse and long stretches of wilderness. But, as you head south and move past the Water Gap you will find more population along both sides of the river. One such burg is Frenchtown, named after Swiss French-speaking settler Paul Henri Mallet-Prevost (his is an interesting story for another time). And, just south of the historic area you will find this month’s stop on the Great All American Diner Run – the Lovin’ Oven. This restaurant started in the town of Milford, but now calls the newly refurbished commercial building home, which they share with Two Buttons, an establishment well worth exploring after you are done enjoying what the Lovin Oven’s has to offer – and that is plenty. We have been accused of not being overly vegan-friendly. Okay, that is true – but if you prefer your food grown rather than born you will enjoy the Lovin’ Oven. They offer more vegan meals than most other places we have featured, using locally grown produce. We rode down on a wonderful spring day in April – the first great Saturday in months. The large lot is lined with Far East antiquities and statues – a draw to Two Buttons next door, but adding a bit more tranquil beauty along the
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sometimes busy Route 29. The inside is comfortable and roomy but, with the sun shining warmly, we took a table outside next to the wall portraying the Last Temptation of the Buddha - a stunning creation that took over a year to carve in Indonesia. On the weekend the Lovin’ Oven serves a brunch and they have a number of tasty offerings. Eggs can be served up as special omelets and scrambles are served with a side of garlic rosemary potatoes and your choice of toast, muffin, scone, sweet potato biscuit, bagel or warm corn tortilla. We found the potatoes truly excellent - as was everything else. The smoked salmon, pesto and goat cheese looked tempting enough for the Buddha but I went for the bacon, asparagus and cream cheese scramble which did the job nicely this morning. You will also find Italian sausage, potato, spinach and provolone and a roasted red pepper, arugula and locatelli. The Lovin’ Oven has a delicious 2Egg Special bringing you two eggs any style served with garlic rosemary potatoes and your choice of two of the following: bacon, sausage, grilled ham, sliced avocado, sautéed kale, green salad, fruit and toast of your choice. Other brunch offerings include their Country Breakfast Platter, a Warm Fig, Rosemary & Feta Skillet Cornbread and the Croque Madame - which consists of grilled ham and cheddar melt on country white bread topped with two fried eggs.
BACKROADS • JULY 2014
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The pancakes and Challah French toast were a big hit this day as well with other riders. During the normal lunch day you will find both vegan and fish tacos, avocado BLT on pumpernickel and a Vegan Mac & Cheese, done with a cashew cream sauce with garlic sautéed kale and roasted tomatoes. Even the carnivore in us would savor this. The Lovin’ Oven changes as the day moves on and they offer a separate menu for the off time after lunch, but before dinner. If you are out late or staying locally, their dinner menu will plate you Flank Steak Quesadilla, Wild Mixed Mushroom or a Grilled Angus Beef Burger among other tasty plates. The Lovin’ Oven is a superb eatery and is far enough south of Frenchtown proper to avoid the crowds and lack of parking you will find on the weekends. Check their website as they have special events and their menu changes daily, with the offerings of the seasons. Their neighbor – Two Buttons – is an added reward when your meal is done. In true Backroads fashion we will meander down to Frenchtown with both printed Rip & Ride and Garmin GPS routing. Enjoy!
Rip & Ride® • LOVIN’ OVEN 62A TRENTON AVE. (ROUTE 29) , FRENCHTOWN NJ 08825 908-996-7714 • WWW.LOVINOVENFRENCHTOWN.COM 130 MILE ONE-WAY RIDE • WWW.SENDSPACE.COM/PRO/DL/5YU8L6
BEAR MOUNTAIN BRIDGE CIRCLE HEAD TOWARD AND PAST INN RIDE TO RIGHT UP MOUNTAIN FOLLOW SIGNS TO SEVEN LAKES DRIVE ¼ THROUGH CIRCLE TO ARDEN VALLEY RD. LEFT AT RTE. 17 BEAR RIGHT AT RTE. 17A LEFT AT RTE. 94 RIGHT AT RTE. 1A INTO RTE. 1 LEFT AT CR 26 PINE ISLAND GAS RIGHT AT CR 565 RIGHT AT RTE. 23 LEFT AT CR 565 STRAIGHT AT LIGHT CR 625 LEFT AT CR 519 SOUTH RIGHT AT CR 636 LEFT AT RTE. 206 SOUTH RIGHT AT CR 521 FOLLOW TO HOPE, NJ STRAIGHT AT CR 519 TO ALPHA RIGHT CR 642 BEAR LEFT TO CARPENTERSVILLE RD. STRAIGHT AT RIVER RD. LEFT AT PINCHERS RD. HAD RIGHT TO MOUNTAIN RD. LEFT AT BELLIS RD. RIGHT AT CR 519 SOUTH STRAIGHT AT CR 619 LEFT AT BRIDGE ST. (FRENCHTOWN) RIGHT AT RTE. 29 TO LOVIN’ OVEN ON RIGHT
JULY 2014 • BACKROADS
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Bergen County Harley-Davidson Presents
WE’RE OUT TA HERE
a weekend destination keeping you on the backroads
gEttysBurg, pEnnsylvania Riding into America’s Past Last year saw the 150th anniversary of the infamous Battle at Gettysburg. We have ridden to and through Gettysburg a dozen times and have always felt humbled and small while paying respects in the fields where over 7,500 men were killed, 27,500 men wounded and over 10,000 men simply went missing. The Battle of Gettysburg was fought in three days in 1863, from Wednesday, July 1st until Friday, July 3rd. Gettysburg was not the end of the war - far from it. The Civil War started with the bombardment of Fort Sumter on April 12, 1861, 26 months before the fight at Gettysburg. Lee’s surrender at Appomattox was on April 9, 1865, 21 months after the battle. The Confederate Department of the Trans-Mississippi did not surrender until May 26, 1865, 23 months after Gettysburg. Gettysburg was almost the midpoint of the war. In the middle of the 150th remembrance, last year found the town and battlefield a very busy place indeed, and we spent some time down there in the midst of recreations, reenactments and various reverent remembrances of these tragic days in our history.
We think this year Gettysburg might be a bit less frenetic and an excellent place to escape to and explore our history. Gettysburg is located in the southern part of the Keystone State and is surrounded by miles and miles of rolling farmlands and has some of the most pleasant riding you can find in the northeastern United States. Whilst there you can find a number of hotels, motels and B & Bs to hang your helmet each evening. This one particular trip we took a room for the night at the historic Gettysburg Hotel. It is hard to miss, as it lies at the head of the historic downtown section of Gettysburg, right on the circle. The hotel has been around for centuries and first opened its doors back in 1797. Do not let the age fool you. The Gettysburg Hotel has been recently renovated and offers superior service in a charming and ideal setting; rich in history and hospitable ambiance. And, with its superb location in the heart of historic downtown Gettysburg, it is within walking distance to the Gettysburg battlefield, historic area attractions, and many downtown shops & restaurants; of which there are plenty in this town. Rooms started at $120, so we didn’t feel like we got crushed and the rooms themselves were clean, comfortable and tastefully modern.
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JULY 2014 • BACKROADS
Page 22 Once we had settled into the room we spent a few hours touring the battlefield once again. As we said it is always a somewhat overwhelming experience. After the battlefield we needed an uplifting jaunt so we simply began to play follow the leader with Shira and I taking turns riding along the farm roads, the occasional dirt lane and yet again, one washed out bridge detour. We have begun to realize that “Bridge Closed” literally means that. After getting more or less turned around we did the easy thing and asked the GPS to bring us back which it did in an absolute smashing way, eventually running us back though part of the battlefield large monuments and into town. Sometimes I think my Zumo 660 is smarter than me. Heading into town Shira found not one, but two classy homemade ice cream joints for her monthly column and I got to talk to some of the men and women who were reenacting the Civil War in perfect 1860’s garb. We tried to get them to pose with the motorcycles, but they were a bit too serious to partake in such folly (their words not mine). Back at the hotel we parked for the night and wandered around the town, with its bustling weekend crowd (easier to visit during the week). We stopped at the David Wills House, where Lincoln slept the night before the famous address and now a museum. Outside you will see a very lifelike statue of Lincoln pointing to the house, explaining how he finished
said address to the young man next to him (who reminded us of Perry Como, sweater and all). This statue was executed by J.Seward Johnson, Jr, whose work you can see in our home state of New Jersey at the Grounds for Sculpture, outside of Trenton. Eventually we went to find sustenance at the Historic Farnsworth House Inn. We stopped first in Sweeney’s Tavern for a drink and to wait for our table in their garden. The house is named in honor of Brigadier General Elon John Farnsworth, who led an ill-fated charge after the failure of Pickett’s charge, claiming the lives of Farnsworth and 65 of his men. Today it is one of best restaurants in the town, as well as a historic and romantic Bed & Breakfast. They have 11 rooms and the bed in the McFarlane Room, located in the original portion of the house, is simply amazing. Gettysburg. If you have never ridden and visited you might want to consider it. The roads, the restaurants, hotels and deep history all make for a great We’re Outta Here! It is, for better or worse, a part of the quilt that is our American history. But, in these modern times we hope that brothers, families, and states can learn from the past and understand we are part of one superbly great nation.
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BACKROADS • JULY 2014
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P ro duCt r evI ew
METzELER TOURANCE NExT TIRE fOR TODAY’S ADV MACHINES The Metzeler Tourance Next motorcycle tire, replacing the Tourance EXP, is the latest generation of Adventure street tires, featuring new compounds, profiles, structure and tread pattern for excellent levels of stability and far better mileage. The new tires also promised improved wet grip and stability, even in wet and adverse conditions. The ‘Next’ tire comes with a dual compound for the rear sizes, featuring a silica content of 50% in center compound specifically designed to optimize mileage and stability at high speeds and fully loaded. The front tires are single compound, but still feature a high silica content (over 50%) and uses new polymers and resins to provide improved handling and grip with fast warm up. The new and innovative high stiffness structure of the ‘Next’ allows for a more sportbike-like tire behavior - especially in the fast corners. The tire’s shoulder compounds are 100% silica offering an excellent chemical grip on wet surfaces and these are an ideal choice for the latest generation Adventure touring bikes. These tires offer 90% on-road, 10% off-road performance and are W-rated for speeds up to 169 mph. You will find them standard on new R 1200 GS machines. I got an opportunity to break in and then put 4,000 miles plus on the Met-
of terrains and pavements and I even went searching out a hot spring, two up, in the northern California desert one evening at dusk. It was right about then that the 90% street factor came into play and gravity and lack of ‘dirtism’ came into the game. I rode back out to the pavement solo, with Shira walking behind me waiting to pick me up when gravity won the battle. The ‘Next’ tires are formidable street tires in the dry and wet and paved, but lack that same stability when things get more loose than a good fire road. Sand and deep gravel are right out. If that is what you are looking for then take a look at Metzler’s Karoo 3 tires instead. That being said many GS, Tiger and Multistrada riders will rarely see the dark side of a fire road or trail and with that in mind the ‘Next’ tires from Metzeler are an excellent choice for long-distance, touring and sport riding Adventure machine owners. We gave our machine back to BMW with nearly 4,500 miles on these tires and they still looked fairly fresh and with many thousands of miles to go left on them. You can find the Metzeler Tourance Next Tire at your local dealer or find more information on the web at www.metzeler.com.
HOW DO YOU MAKE THE ULTIMATE TOURING VEHICLE EVEN BETTER? WE FOUND THREE WAYS.
zeler Tourance ‘Next’ tires on a trip to the northwest of the United States and I found, on the pavement, the ‘Next’ tires to be a phenomenal example of modern tire technology. The ‘Next’ offered superb grip and stability with the added advantage of ample feedback and these tires made the BMW R 1200 GS feel and act more like a sportbike than the adventure machine it was designed to be. In truth, compared to the original ‘Tourance’ tires the ‘Next’ look like pure street tires. In our few weeks with these tires we covered a variety
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888-379-8652 www.IslandPowersports.com OPEN 7 DAYS the tri-State’s #1 Spyder dealer ©2013 Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. (BRP) All rights reserved. ®, ™ and the BRP logo are trademarks of BRP or its affiliates. In the U.S.A. products are distributed by BRP US INC. *Tested at a constant speed of 62 mph. Fuel mileage may vary depending on the following: Spyder RT models, personal riding habits, weather conditions, trip length, vehicle condition, vehicle configuration and other conditions. Up to 202 miles tested at a constant speed of 75 mph. Break-in mileage may also vary. See an authorized BRP dealer for details. Some models depicted may include optional equipment. Always ride responsibly and safely. Always observe applicable laws and regulations. Don’t drink and drive.
JULY 2014 • BACKROADS
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Overland Confidence Course Richard Ford My plan begins on a cold winter’s night in New England. This has been the winter of my discontent. I am searching for an adventure that will get me out of here. Of course it has to be on a motorcycle….there is no exception to this. No, a cruise with a twenty-four hour buffet just won’t do. I chose MotoMark1 of North Carolina and their two-day Overland Confidence Course. It may be 5 degrees here in New England but as I plan my trip, the temperatures that are averaging 70 degrees seem like the perfect getaway. With ice scraper and shovel in hand I am working hard to get the garage door released from winter’s icy grip. Being a huge fan of the BMW GS and my novice knowledge and skills of using these machines to their capability has been a goal of mine for years. If you truly enjoy riding there are always roads we come upon where either they beckon you to explore or the pavement just ends. My goal is to fear no road and take the roads less travelled and not have that pucker feeling when the tires start squirming. Arriving in Brevard North Carolina at our hotel base I am greeted with a hearty handshake and welcome by Mark Brown, lead instructor and founder of MotoMark1. Accompanying Mark are Todd and Steve who are also instructors and have a vast background in motorcycle training. Several of the instructors are retired motorcycle officers with current EMT qualifications. You should feel very safe in the hands of these guys. An evening dinner and our group of eight get to know one another. We have riders from Georgia, North and South Carolina and I reside in New Hampshire. The course is laid out before us and we are briefed on all of the details. We break for the evening and I am very excited and yes
a bit nervous. Morning breaks and we are ready as a group to head out and be coached on the proper way to handle these large enduros on and off roads. A pre ride check list is given. All riders inspect their bikes and the tire pressure is checked. Time is spent on motorcycle set up and body positioning. We are all equipped with radios and are given instruction and instant feedback as we ride. I am grinning from ear to ear as we ride in formation to an open parking area to practice some techniques. The Overland Confidence Course is 50 percent on road and 50 percent off road. This is a nice mix and gives man and machine riding skills with both. With cones set up on pavement, we are watching our instructors demonstrate proper techniques, body position, looking up and through corners meanwhile all the feedback is coming through the ear buds in our helmets. Within minutes, as a group we are all on the course and when it all clicks and comes together it is a beautiful site to witness, all riders in step; this is going to be fun!
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Next we are on the road following our instructors. Yikes, no more hiding in the back of the pack….as your name is called you are brought to the front to safely take the lead. With the instructor behind you providing thoughtful feedback on reading the road, proper lane position, cornering, you become one with the road. Of course, the helmet cam on the instructor’s noggin is on and you will see the lines you are riding in the afternoon debriefing, no pressure here! Throughout the morning and afternoon, all riders are called to lead the pack on paved and unpaved roads. After lunch we mount up and head to a training area and are given further instruction on proper off road techniques. Eyes up, look ahead, pick your line, counter balance, weight the pegs all good advice as the terrain will be more challenging tomorrow. It is back to the hotel for debriefing and dinner. You can feel the buzz in the room as we are all on sensory overload and feeling good about our enhanced skills. After a great breakfast and instruction it is time to hit the road for day two. We start on pavement and an audio refresher is given by lead instructor Mark Brown. We are in western North Carolina and heading out on so called state maintained roads. Oh boy, deep ruts, loose stones, baby head size rocks, just another day at the office. Recalling all of the knowledge we have been given while practicing the skills, we are now ready to accept the challenge. With wide gaps between riders, we pick our lines and traverse the terrain. I am working hard to not fight the motorcycle and over think
This is the beginner’s course and there is a level 2 class for those that want to take their skills enhancement to the next level. I found this class on a search at www.motomark1.com. A final debriefing and a job well done as all students passed and there were no mishaps. We all head to dinner and can now relax and share the day’s adventures with each other in our own words. Everyone felt that the knowledge that we received was well worth the time and money involved. We spend a lot of money on our bikes and all the farkles that go along with it. But dollar for dollar enhancing your skills is where it’s at. Ask your spouse or significant other where they think the dollars should be spent and I am sure it is to ensure that you come home to them safely. This is only achieved through training and practice. MotoMark1 • 200 Caristonia Way, Apex, NC 27502 • 919-637-0947 www.motomark1.com Limited to 8 per class : 2-day training/3 nights lodging $1195
autocom moving communication the process. If you look down, you go down I recall the instructor saying. This is getting easier as the afternoon wears on. We take time on a secluded stretch of dirt roadway to practice breaking technique with and without abs brakes. We start slow and increase our speeds as all riders perfect their skill. During breaks we stop to hydrate and the instructors offer feedback and we all have questions on how to improve our own skills. The camaraderie and friendships are building and we are a team here. No one gets left behind. We are reminded this is not a race; to put in 100 percent effort but ride to 80 percent of your capabilities. Mark says ”leave something in reserve.” As our two day coaching comes to a close, I reflect on how more prepared and confident I see myself on and off road.
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JULY 2014 • BACKROADS
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SUMMER ENTRIES TO THE RIDING POOL 2014 Honda CBR300R Great for beginners and experienced motorcyclists alike, the new CBR300R now packs a 300-class engine that delivers a 17-percent boost in peak power compared to the CBR250R. With a full sport fairing, dual head-
lights and new exhaust system, the CBR300R takes its styling cues from Honda’s larger-displacement CBR® series. New seat shaping and side covers provide an easier reach to the ground. With more power, nimble handling, affordable price and low operating cost, the CBR300R makes every ride a fun one. Colors: Black, Red, Pearl White/Red/Blue, Matte Black Metallic/Yellow; Price: $4399 for the standard model, $4899 for ABS version. These should be in dealership by August 2014. For more information visit your local Honda dealer or powersports.honda.com.
Yamaha’s New FZ-07 When Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. introduced the all-new FZ-09 last year it was positioned as the beginning of a new breed of motorcycles from Yamaha. So how do you follow up a first act as profound and game changing as the FZ-09? Introducing the all-new FZ-07. Powered by a fuel-injected, 689cc liquid-cooled, parallel twin engine, mounted in a lightweight diamond-type high tensile steel frame, the FZ-07 adds an exciting new model to the already stacked Yamaha line-up.
BACKROADS • JULY 2014 The FZ-07 was built from the ground up to bring the joy of motorcycling to the masses. The all new 689cc liquid-cooled, parallel twin engine utilizes Yamaha’s “Crossplane Concept” to achieve a linear torque curve that delivers an ear-to-ear grin the first time you twist the throttle. All the power and torque also means less shifting and more time enjoying the ride. The FZ-07 was designed to achieve a sporty, light and neutral handling character. The slim tank, 37.1” seat height and upright riding position ensure a comfortable ride and with a weight of only 397 lbs with a full tank of gas, combined with an EPA estimated 58 mpg, the FZ-07 will easily go 200 miles before needing to stop for a fill-up. The FZ-07 features top notch components like front and rear wave-style rotors, lightweight cast aluminum 10-spoke wheels and a newly designed compact LCD instrument panel that displays all the important data at a glance. The FZ-07 will be available in three color options—Liquid Graphite, Rapid Red and Pearl White––and will retail for just $6,990, with bikes available in dealerships by the end of June. For more information on all Yamaha models please visit www.yamahamotorsports.com
Star Motorcycles 2015 Bolt and Bolt R-Spec Performance Bobber After setting the world on fire with the introduction of the Bolt and Bolt R-Spec last year, with its modern interpretation of an old-school ‘bobber’, Star Motorcycles is proud to introduce the 2015 Bolt and Bolt R-Spec cruisers. The Bolt and Bolt R-Spec are specifically designed to offer unique style, comfort, and performance. Both models are ‘step out of the norm’ cruisers that deliver light-weight and unmatched maneuverability. Powered by a fuel-injected, 58-cubic-inch (950cc), air-cooled, V-Twin engine, mounted in a double-cradle frame, the Bolt and Bolt R-Spec are “Performance Bobbers” that will impress with both power and performance. Performance components such as wave-type brake rotors and an updated digital meter are standard on both Bolt models, while the Bolt R-Spec ups
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the ante even more with the addition of remote-reservoir shocks, a suedetype seat with colored stitching, and special paint and graphics. The Bolt is a perfect platform for personalization and following the Star motto “We Build It, You Make It Your Own”, Star Motorcycles has an entire line of accessories available at your local Star Motorcycles Dealer to turn the Bolt into whatever you can image. The Bolt will be available in two color options—Candy Red and Glacier Blue —and will retail for $7,990. The Bolt R-Spec can be yours in a choice of Matte Silver and Raven and will retail for $8,390. Both bikes will be available in dealerships starting at the end of July. For more information on these or any of our Star Motorcycles please go to www.starmotorcycles.com.
Ducati Monster 821 – Essentially Monster Ducati announces the brand new Monster 821, a mid-size entry for the third generation of the iconic naked model and the latest chapter in the Bologna-built motorcycle’s famous story. Underlining Ducati’s strong asso-
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MORE OR LESS EXPERIENCED RIDER ONE SERIOUS SPORT BIKE
New 2015 CBR®300R With its full sport fairing, new dual headlights and new exhaust system, the CBR®300R has the look of a serious sport bike. Affordably priced to make every ride a fun one. powersports.honda.com ALWAYS WEAR A HELMET, EYE PROTECTION AND PROTECTIVE CLOTHING. NEVER RIDE UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF DRUGS OR ALCOHOL, AND NEVER USE THE STREET AS A RACETRACK. OBEY THE LAW AND READ THE OWNER’S MANUAL THOROUGHLY. For rider training information or to locate a rider training course near you, call the Motorcycle Safety Foundation at 800-446-9227. CBR® is a registered trademarks of Honda Motor Co., Ltd. (01/14)
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ciation to the Bologna region, the company has chosen to release the first images of the new model portrayed in typical Bolognese ambience. Following the successful unveiling of the new generation Monster 1200 at the Milan International Motorcycle show in November, Ducati now introduces the Monster 821, a mid-size version of the exciting new model and the latest entry to the world of Monster. Having delivered over 290,000 Monsters since the original concept more than 20 years ago, the essential new model maintains its stylish character using the new chassis and muscular styling of the Monster 1200, designed with premium components fully integrated with Ducati’s latest technologies. Powered by the latest edition of Ducati’s highly successful 821 Testastretta 11° engine, the highly accessible new Monster combines 112hp and 65.9ftlb of torque with an impressively lightweight 179.5kg – 395.7lb (dry weight) overall package. This stylish mix of minimalism and performance paves the way back to the original essence of the Monster concept, where less-is-more and made-in-Italy combine to create a motorcycle lifestyle. High-spec brakes, excellent suspension and stylish componentry merge with Ducati’s best-yet ergonomics to offer the Italian manufacturer’s most attractive mid-range Monster ever. Super comfortable and with an innovative adjustable seat height, the model also combines 8-level traction control, 3level ABS and 3-level Ride-by-Wire into Ducati’s user-friendly, press-button Riding Modes. The Monster 821 uses next generation technologies to create an enhanced rider/motorcycle relationship, delivering a high-adrenaline experience while constantly reassuring with the feeling of complete control and ergonomic integration. Available in Ducati dealerships in July 2014 with a starting MSRP of $10,995, the Monster 821 Dark is presented in dark stealth with black frame and black wheels, while the Monster 821 is dressed in Ducati red with red frame and black wheels or star white silk with red frame and matte red wheels. Both red and white come with color-matched single-seat covers. For more information visit your local Ducati dealer or ducatiusa.com
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JULY 2014 • BACKROADS
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The Indian Nation New Exhibit Details History of Iconic Brand Pamela Collins Financial CPR (by Polaris Industries) recently resuscitated the Indian Motorcycle brand, and with this new life breathed into its lungs (or air cleaner), the iconic marque now shows no signs of riding into the sunset anytime soon. For over 100 years Indian Motorcycles maintained its grip in motorcyclists’ hearts and imaginations, and a new museum exhibit now brings to life a three-dimensional history of the brand. At the Antique Automobile Club of America’s Museum in Hershey, Pennsylvania you can learn about the origins and challenges faced by this brand in an exhibit titled Indian Nation: The Indian Motorcycle and America. This excellent exhibit doesn’t simply tell a
story, it actually shows the lifespan and changes the company underwent using actual, often rare, privately owned Indian motorcycles. The Indian story reflects America’s story, says guest curator David Russell, probably why the brand still resonates within the hearts of motorcyclists and non-motorcyclists alike. “I think this is a great part of the American fabric…an entity that was knocked down and came back,” says Russell, noting the company’s saga reads like a classic American rags to riches tale. In 1899 American bicycle racer and builder George Hendee met Swedish immigrant and machinist Oscar Hedstrom, bonding over a motorized bicycle Hedstrom had modified. They decided to build their own “moto-bicycle,” beginning production in 1901. In 1903 Hedstrom claimed the land speed record aboard an Indian, and from then on business boomed. In fact, during the 1910’s, Indian became the largest manufacturer of motorcycles in the world.
The Indian name, according to Russell, came about because the pair wanted the image of something uniquely American for this product they expected to sell throughout the world. America’s pioneering image captured imaginations, the idea of pressing into new frontiers, exploring and challenging the surroundings…the precise image Hedstrom and Hendee wanted for their “moto-bicycle.”
The 24 rare and show-winning bikes on display include early singles and twins, Scouts, Chiefs, and Fours; some restored and some never changed, like the 1903 model, believed to be the earliest original example of
BACKROADS • JULY 2014
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the marque. Russell says Indian had the reputation for advanced engineering for the period, using improvements like total loss ignition and total loss lubrication, direct drive, overhead valves, cradle spring swingarm, oil level sight gauges and more.
The exhibit runs the gamut from the early models that did indeed look like bicycles to models produced near the end of the company’s first demise in 1953, that wore the traditional garb of valenced fenders and fringe often associated with the brand. Board track racers, hill climbers, military motorcycles, bobbers, even one with skis (!) comprise the display. When not pondering the company’s history you can’t help but appreciate the beauty inherent in the displayed machines, beginning with the camelback gas tanks on the early models to those famous curved fenders. That, Russell says, is another purpose of the exhibit. “Indian’s are beautiful. They channel some major design movements, like art deco and nouveau, which are reminiscent of classical American industrial design and from which designers still draw inspiration.” Indian didn’t flourish financially after 1939, and its decision to divert most of its production into the war effort of World War II left it unprepared to fully support
a dealer network when the war ended. So returning troops bought the more readilyavailable Harley Davidson motorcycles and Indian gradually stopped breathing in 1953. Several resuscitation efforts never took hold until Polaris Industries brought its financial and engineering backing to the Indian brand two years ago. Icons, by their nature, don’t die and Indian is living another day. Russell says the brand “is a cultural icon. Most of us can point back to some linkage with Indian. They’re American, wholesome, with no negative stereotype… they’re what Grandpa rode. Indians embody the every-changing idea of what America was and continues to be.” The Indian Nation exhibit runs through October 28, 2014. While visiting the AACA Antique Auto Museum don’t miss their other entertaining exhibits that include more motorcycles, many automobiles and buses in life-like scenes representing the 1890’s – 1980’s in a cross-country journey from New York to San Francisco. A member of the Smithsonian Institution Affiliations Program, the museum sits just off Route 39, one mile west of Hersheypark Drive in Hershey, PA. antique automobile club of america museum 161 museum dr, hershey, pa 717-566-7100 • www.aacamuseum.org
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JULY 2014 • BACKROADS
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gronsky’s milk housE 125 W MAIN ST, HIGH BRIDGE, NJ 08829 908-638-6030 • WWW.GRONSKYSMILKHOUSE.COM BREAKFAST: 6AM-11AM WEEKDAYS • TILL NOON WEEKENDS LUNCH: 11AM-2:30PM WEEKDAYS • TILL 1:30PM WEEKENDS CASH ONLY Wiling away the winter hours, we do lots of searching for eateries and ice cream shoppes to fill your fancies and bellies. One such place, which had piqued my interest, also showed up on a Top Breakfast List. Folks have been visiting this place since 1978 and it doesn’t look like they’ll be stopping any time soon. Found in beautiful Hunterdon county, with its rolling farmland and country roads, Gronsky’s Milk House has been a staple for locals for many a year. Jackie and Steve Gronsky opened the luncheonette/ice cream shoppe, and their son Todd is now running the joint. Their small diner-style seating area fills quickly for breakfast on weekends, but is worth the wait. On a hot summer evening, you can saunter up to the window for your ice cream fix and enjoy it on one of their outdoor tables or picnic benches overlooking the south branch of the Raritan River. Even though you are reading this in my Ice Cream Run column, we made a stop at Gronsky’s for lunch one day, so you’re getting a double whammy of GAADR this month. While most tables were filled, we found a spot and perused the menu. You’ll find your usual diner staples – burgers, dogs, BLT and grilled cheese. Being this is a Jersey establishment, pork roll makes an appearance for breakfast and lunch. Salads are available for you herbivores, as well as chicken, egg and tuna salads, and fried chicken, shrimp or clam strips. Sandwiches come with a bag of chips, but you can upgrade with a very large order of regular or sweet potato fries, onion rings, pierogies or assorted side salads. On this day, Brian ordered up a turkey BLT with the VL fries and I, upon seeing one at the next table, opted for the Reuben. The turkey BLT was served, piled high, on some very thick and tasty looking toast. The Reuben came on rye, grilled to perfection, and extremely filling.
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BACKROADS • JULY 2014
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I suppose I chose to forego the order of French fries so I could sample their ice cream (although I did help Brian eat them – a lot). Gronsky’s does not make their own ice cream (not sure why, they have ‘Milk House’ in the name), but serves up a very good selection of hard ice cream flavors, as well as some soft. After sorting through the dozen or so flavors, I chose a scoop of peanut butter ripple (our waitresses personal favorite). Being as I saved Brian from stuffing himself with all those French fries, all I could manage was a small cup, and could have eaten the whole thing if I hadn’t offered Brian a taste. Creamy, with a good amount of peanut butter chunks embedded. You can get your dairy delight in a cup, cone, sundae, milk shake or float.
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I hear that they do a kick-ass breakfast, which we’ll have to go back to sample. You’ll find egg platters, complete with home fries and toast, breakfast sandwiches, pork roll included, omelettes of all descriptions and pancakes. On weekends, you can splurge with their waffles – one or two. Gronsky’s prides itself on the size (dinner-plate, I’m told) and variety of their pancakes (pumpkin in the fall and berries in season, with accompanying flavored butters). If you happen to be riding with a larger-than-average group, sounds like you could wait a bit on weekends, so be prepared. We’ll give you a great little jaunt so you’ll be ready for breakfast, lunch or just some icy refreshment when you arrive. Enjoy and we’ll see you next time on Shira’s Ice Cream Run.
JULY 2014 • BACKROADS
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Rip & Ride® • GRONSKY’S MILK HOUSE 125 W MAIN ST, HIGH BRIDGE, NJ 08829 908-638-6030 • WWW.GRONSKYSMILKHOUSE.COM 80-MILE ONE WAY RIDE • WWW.SENDSPACE.COM/PRO/DL/NDORNX
Our New Hosts Dan & Fawn Schneider Invite you to sample our home cookin’ 7 days a week at the World Famous Cedar Rapids
Take a ride on one of the Northeast’s Scenic Byways - Route 97 - 20 miles north of Port Jervis. Dine with your fellow riders on the Delaware River Enjoy our Expanded Canopied Decks Open 7 Days for Lunch and Dinner Member of
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Don’t forget to check out our website for weekly specials & events
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START: HIGH POINT STATE PARK, NJ RTE. 23 NORTH LEFT AT SAW MILL RD. BEAR RIGHT AT PARK RIDGE RD. RIGHT AT SAW MILL RD. LEFT AT DECKERTOWN RD. CR 650 RIGHT AT FILE RD. RIGHT AT NEILSON RD/MATTISON RESERVOIR RIGHT AT CHURCH HILL RD - BRANCHVILLE LEFT AT KEMAH LAKE RD. CROSS RTE. 206 STRAIGHT UP KEMAH LAKE RD. CR 633 BEAR LEFT ONTO CR 521 SOUTH NOW KNOWN AS “MONKEY WITH A GUN” LEFT AT CR 659 LEFT AT RTE. 94 SOUTH BEAR LEFT AT SILVER LAKE RD. LEFT AT RIDGEWAY AVE. RIGHT AT CR 519 NOW KNOWN AS “THE TALON” LEFT AT SHILOH RD. BEAR RIGHT AT STATE PARK RD. BECOMES FAIRVIEW RD. LEFT AT CR 611 HARD LEFT AT MOUNTAIN LAKE RD. LEFT AT FREE UNION RD. RIGHT AT US 46 RIGHT AT PEqUEST FURNACE RD. LEFT AT PEqUEST RD. RIGHT AT JANE CHAPEL RD. BEAR RIGHT AT MT. BETHEL RD. STRAIGHT AT CR 629 STRAIGHT AT POINT MOUNTAIN RD. BEA RIGHT AT CR 645 LEFT AT HOLLOW RD. BEAR LEFT AT ANTHONY RD. RIGHT AT SLIKER RD. LEFT AT CR 513 RIGHT AT BUFFALO HOLLOW RD. LEFT AT OBSERVATORY RD (STOP BY THE OBSEVATORY) RIGHT AT CR 513 RIGHT AT CREGAR RD. LEFT AT WEST MAIN ST. STRAIGHT AT CR 513 GRONSKY’S MILK HOUSE ON RIGHT
BACKROADS • JULY 2014
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Welcome to the Jungle - The Art of Learning to Ride Skillfully A column dedicated to your riding survival Peter Miller “tis better to light a candle than curse the darkness”1. If he was still with us today that is the kind of thing Jeff Bahr would likely say. Jeff was always the optimist, always quick to make those around him laugh. I would like this article to mirror that phrase, the darkness being the kind of crash that took Jeff from us. The candle being the information that may help us recognize why crashes like that are so common for motorcyclists, and how we can avoid them.
I never saw him
Inattentional blindness2 and its impact on motorcyclists Each year approximately 5000 motorcyclist die in crashes, many more are injured. Almost half of those are the result of a collision with another motor vehicle, notably a car, sometimes a truck. A sizable percentage of those crashes are caused by motorists who pull out in front of an approaching motorcyclist or turns across the lane of an oncoming motorcyclist. No doubt any rider reading this article has experienced one or more close calls, at an intersection, pulling out from a driveway, or having someone make a left turn in front of you seconds before you reach his location. When those types of crashes occur the most common response from the motorists to the investigating law enforcement officer is “I never saw him”. In many cases, it’s true. Many motorcycle groups, motorcyclists and motorcycle organizations, I believe, often portray us as victims, mowed down by “cagers” on cell phones or careless drivers with no regard for our safety. Those events occur but we as motorcyclists can and must take more responsibility for insuring our own safety on the highways. Formal training, DOT compliant helmets, refraining from drugs and alcohol, proper lane positioning, improved conspicuity, responsible vehicle operation and proper riding gear are things that will help to prevent crashes or minimize injuries if a crash occurs. When a crash results from a motorist’s turning in front of a motorcyclist or pulling out in front of a motorcyclist it is referred to as a “right of way” violation crash. They account for a large number of crashes, about 50% (it
should be noted that about 40% of motorcycle fatal crashes are single vehicle crashes) (3). The “I never saw him” phenomena so often cited is a result of inattentional blindness, a phrase first used by researchers Arien Mack and Irvin Rock. It occurs when a person fails to see an unexpected object even though it is fully visible. Motorcycles are unexpected because drivers expect to see cars, trucks and busses. Motorcycles are incongruent stimuli, not expected or programmed into the minds of many drivers. Ironically the more experience a driver has on the highway the more likely he or she is to experience inattentional blindness. Years of driving experience have reinforced the expectation of cars and trucks on the road, not motorcycles. We are infrequent. That may be because motorcycles account for 3% of all registered vehicles in the US and in most areas of the US motorcycles are used only 4 or 5 months of the year and for many motorcyclists, only on weekends. There are other reasons motorists don’t see us. Motorcycles present a small profile compared to other traffic. A motorcycle may be obscured from view due to a utility pole, shrub, mailbox or other such obstacle. Even the “A” pillar of a vehicle, that structural support on either side of the windshield, can completely block a motorist’s view of a motorcycle. Combine this with poor lane positioning where we may easily be blocked by other vehicles, especially SUVs, vans, trucks and busses, we can easily be hidden from view. And there’s more. The small profile of a motorcycle combined with the infrequency with which many motorists see us makes it difficult for them to judge our approach speed. They may pull out in front of us not realizing we are approaching much faster than they realize. But there’s more. Studies of Dragonflies revealed how they are able to approach their prey undetected. They will approach in a straight line, not veering left or right (referred to as X-motion) and will remain in line with a fixed object behind them. This creates the illusion that they are moving slowly or not moving at all. Depending on our angle of approach to opposing vehicles or intersections we may be unwittingly tricking other motorists by camouflaging our approach. So, what can we do to protect ourselves? Plenty! First, be aware of some
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JULY 2014 • BACKROADS warning signs that a motorist may not see you. A rapid approach to a stop sign with an abrupt stop may indicate that the motorist is in a hurry and may be too quick to pull out. Is he using a cell phone? Caution. Chatting with passengers? Caution. Not looking in your direction? Caution. What else can we do? As I mentioned earlier, training and proper gear are a great start. Always ride as though you are invisible, you often are. Position your motorcycle so that your presence is not blocked by other vehicles. Move about in your own lane to increase your chances of being seen as you approach intersections or cars preparing to make a turn across you lane. Slow your approach to potentially hazardous situations such as intersections and cover your brakes in the event you have to stop should a vehicle pull out. Identify escapes routes if needed. Consider adding additional lights to the front of your bike. Placing the lights lower than your headlight and creating a triangle affect greatly increases your conspicuity. I added a set of MotoLites to my bike in 2004, mounting them on the front brake calipers. There is no doubt in my mind that the number of close calls at intersections was greatly reduced. I was more visible. Other manufacturers such as PIAA make fine lights for easy mounting as well. Wear brightly colored clothing and a bright color helmet. One of my favorite riding companions, Dr. John, wears a bumble bee yellow helmet and people always comment on its visibility. If riding with others stay in a staggered position so motorists see two headlights approaching rather than one. It’s a bigger picture. Consider installing a headlight modulator which makes your headlight constantly modulate from bright to dim. They are legal in all 50 states. Stay alert. Be safe. 1. Peter Benenson, the English lawyer and founder of Amnesty International. 2. “Inattentional Blindness” (Mack & Rock, 1998). 3. NHTSA (July 2012) Traffic Safety Facts, 2010 Data. Motorcycles. DOT HS 811 639
BACKROADS • JULY 2014
ProduCt SPotlIgNt
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OLYMPIA HORIzON RAIN GEAR
Rain happens. For many touring and commuting riders, gear with waterproof exteriors is an absolute must. On tour for a number days with constant rain, riders will stay comfortable and dry due the new Olympia Horizons lightweight waterproof / breathable rip stop nylon shell. Unlike standard straight cut or bat wing shaped rain jackets, the Horizon offers a truly ergonomic fit for added comfort and reduced wind drag at speed. The high-visibility green stands out on darkened roadways. A stowaway stretch knit rain hood with rubberized waterproof aqua barrier and neck gator plus an interior stow away jacket compartment makes this style the perfect traveling companion for any destination. The Horizon Rain Suit is built with an outer shell constructed in sturdy lightweight waterproof breathable rip stop nylon and a stretch knit hood with rubberized aqua barrier and neck gator concealed under collar. When not in use the Horizon can be stowed away in a self contained EZ-Pack Storage System storage pocket located in the interior of the jacket.
It features a double storm placket front closure with two-way zipper and adjustable Velcro closure straps at elbows and wrists. Adjustable slide buckles at waist plus shock cord bottom detail offer maximum adjustability. It also utilizes two exterior waterproof pockets plus inside storage pocket with a Micro fiber lined collar for added comfort. For dark and stormy weather riding the Horizon Jacket and pant come with 3M Scotchlite® reflective piping at front and back plus oversized reflective screen print at side arms for enhanced visibility in low light situations. If it gets sticky the mesh airflow lining allows for cooling relief. If you are in need of a rain suit the Horizon from Olympia is hard to beat. The Jacket lists for $89.99 and the pants for $79.99, but comes with the new MotoQuest Riding Gear as a standard addition. See your Olympia dealer or log onto olympiamotosports.com fro more info.
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JULY 2014 • BACKROADS
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UPCOM IN G EVENTS CAL ENDAR eVerY MontH - WeAtHer perMittinG
What’s Happening
Every Tuesday • The Ear - Spring St, NYC. Come meet some fellow riders and do some benchracing or whatever. 8pm-ish
29 • Warriors Run Motorcycle Ride for our Military to benefit Wounded Warriors. Police escorted ride. Start/End: Madison Avenue High School, New Milford, NJ. Sign in: 8-10am; KSU 10:30 sharp. Rider: $25; Passenger: $15; Walk-in: $10. After party food, motorcycle demonstrations, entertainment, vendors • www.warriorsrunnj.com
Every Tuesday • Bike Night @ Texas Smoke Barbecue, 400 Route 15 South, Jefferson, NJ. Dine indoors or out with dinner specials. Meet and kick some tires while enjoying some terrific barbeque • www.TexasSmokeBBQ.com • 862-209-4078
2-5 • Wing Ding - Madison, WI • www.GWRRA.org
3rd Tuesday • Two Wheels Tuesdays Harley Davidson Long Branch @ MJ’s Restaurant • 3205 Route 66, Neptune, NJ • 6-9:30pm • Start May 20 through Sept. 16
11-13 • New Jersey Motorsports Park hosts AHRMA Vintage Motorcycle Festival. Thunderbolt Raceway, Millville, NJ. Racing and exhibition. www.njmp.com
4th Tuesday • Ladies Only Rides • Harley Davidson Long Branch, 671, Broadway, Long Branch, NJ • Meet at 6pm • Runs through Sept. 732-229-8518
12-13 • Island Powersports hosting Victory Demo Truck. Ride it then Buy it. Specials and discounts. 4116 Sunrise Highway, Massapequa, NY • 888-379-8652 • www.IslandPowersports.com
2nd Wednesday • Restore the Shore Dinner Ride • Harley Davidson Long Branch, 671, Broadway, Long Branch, NJ • Meet at 6pm • Runs through Sept. 732-229-8518 4th Wednesday • Jersey Shore Ice Cream Run • Harley Davidson Long Branch, 671, Broadway, Long Branch, NJ • Meet at 6pm • Runs through Sept. 732-229-8518 Every Wednesday • Chelseas Restaurant/Pub, 1051 Rte. 22 East, Lebanon, NJ 6-9pm, weather permitting all summer • www.chelseasrestaurantpub.com Every Thursday • Bike Night at the Chatterbox Drive-In, Rtes. 15/206, Augusta, NJ. Tire kicking, good food and friends • www.chatterboxdrivein.com
JulY 2014
12-13 • 38th Annual Ramapo 500™ • Sign in and 'day-of' registration 7-9am, Veterans' Memorial Association, 66 Lake Foad East, Congers, NY. This two-day 500-mile tour, designed and orchestrated by the Ramapo Motorcycle Club, will take participants on an original ride through the northeast along back-country roads and routes less-traveled, culminating at a unique camping venue (hotel accommodations will be available). Dinner and breakfast, pins, patches, and dozens of prizes and awards are part of the package. *Total participation strictly limited to 400 – Rain or Shine this event is always a sell-out. Further information and money-saving advanced registration forms (highly recommended) are available on-line at www.ramapomc.org
Every Saturday • Stop by the dealership at 9am for coffee and bagels. Ride departs at 10am. Return to the dealership for FREE food and music. Proper attire MUST be worn! No shorts or sneakers. • Bergen Harley-Davidson, 124 Essex St, Rochelle Park, NJ • 201843-6930 • www.bergenharley.com
13 • Woodstock Vintage Motorcycle Ride. Meet 11am at Woodstock Lodge, Country Club Rd, Woodstock, NY. NO CHARGE. Lunch stop on ride. 40 mile ride int he Catskills Mtn. For more info 845-389-7333
June 2014
14 • Bob’s BMW Track Day at Summit Point Racetrack. Be the better rider you always wanted to be. For full details visit www.BobsBMW.com
28 • Woodstock Harley-Davidson Red, White & Blues Party Car & Bike Show • AACA Mid-Hudson Region trophies. Free BBQ. All makes and models welcome • 949 SR 28, Kingsotn, NY • 845-338-2801 • www.woodstockharley.com
19 • Woodstock Harley-Davidson Rock N Rumble • 949 SR 28, Kingsotn, NY • 845338-2801 • www.woodstockharley.com
28-29 • Rock, Ribs & Ridges Music and BBQ Festival • Sussex County Fairgrounds, 37 Plains Rd, Augusta, NJ. Presented by Franklin Sussex Auto Mall. 2 days of peace, music, bbq and brew. Adults: $40-75; Children: $15-25 • www.rockribsandridges.com 29 • I Bike for Animals 7th Annual Rally to benefit common sense for animals of Warren County NJ. Sign-in/Endsite: Landslide Saloon, Pattenburg, NJ. 50-mile scenid ride with huge food fest at endsite. Raffles, auction DJ and the school of rock • www.commonsenseforanimals.org • 908-859-3060 29 • 8th Annual Nassau County Fireriders Christmas in June Toy Run to benefit SCO Family Services. Sign-in with breakfast: Applebee’s, 938 S Broadway/Rte. 107, Hicksville, NY @ 9am-Noon • $10 plus unwrapped toy • Endsite with BBQ: Tappen Beach, Sea Cliff, NY
14 • Bob’s BMW Hospitality Days at Summit Point Racetrack with Jeremy Cook. 18-20 • Motorcycle Skills Competition and Motorcycle Run. Friday and Saturday 8am4pm Practice and Elimination • Sunday 8am-2pm Finals and Awards. Willowbrook Mall, NJ $35/pp must be over 18. Motorcycle Run 7/20. Sign in Bergen County Harley Davidson, 124 Essex St, Rochelle Park, NJ 8-9am • KSU 9:15 police-escorted run to Willowbrook Mall Finals competition. $25/rider; $15 passenger. ww.bergenharley.com 19 • NJSPCA’s ‘Ruff’Rider Charity Run. Sign in: 9am Bergen County Harley Davidson, 124 Essex St, Rochelle Park, NJ 9am • KSU 10am sharp. $20/rider;$10passenger or non-riding BBQ only. Includes BBQ, beverage, music and raffle ticket. 201-843-6930 20 • Second Generation MA 11th Annual Motorcycle Dice Run to benefit United Hospice of Rockland County. Sign in : Rhodes North Tavern, 40 Orange Tpke, Sloatsburg, NY •
BACKROADS • JULY 2014 9:30-11am. Riders: $20; passengers: $10; Walk-in: $20 • Scenic country ride, huge barbecue, live music by Love Cats • www.secondgenerationma.org 20 • 4th Annual Ride for Independence to benefit Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation, Bloomfield, CT.Sign in: 9-11:30am; Ride leaves Noon; Lunch from 1:30pm. $40/bike. Scenic police-escorted 50-mile loop with gourmet barbeque lunch by Black Eyed Sally’s, live concert by Shovelhead, mendors, on-site K-9 demonstration and more. 103 Vision Way, Bloomfield, CT • www.fidelco.org 18-20 • AMA Vintage Motorcycle Rally. Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course - Lexington, OH • www.AmericanMotorcyclist.com 29 • Liberty Harley Davidson Blacktop Bike Night. Live music, vendors, food and beverages. 12 W. Milton Ave, Rahway, NJ • www.LibertyHarley.com • 732-381-2400
AuGust 2014 2-3 • Odd Ball Old Dob 10th Annual Bike Show and Ride, Curtiss Museum Classic Motorcycle Festival, hammondsport, NY • 607-569-2160 • www.oddballolddog.net 9 • Bob’s BMW meetup with BMWBMW special tech session. For more details visit www.BobsBMW.com. 10720 Guilford Rd, Jessup, MD • 301-497-8949 17 • FW Speer Yamaha Foggy Mountain Reliability Run. Registration: $20. Sign in 8:3010am at dealership. Expert/Novice classes. 7 Main Ave, Passaic, NJ • 973-778-6256 • www.speeryamaha.com 17-20 • BACKROADS SUMMER SQUEEZE. We’ll be playing hooky during the week and heading back to West Dover, Vermont and the Gray Ghost Inn. Two days of great riding, hanging with friends old and new and more. We’ll have a group dinner Monday night and Movie Night Tuesday with ‘Why We Ride’ - we’ll supply the popcorn. Call Carina at 800-745-3615 to reserve your room today. Alternate lodging available at the Kitzhof Inn • 802-745-3615 www.Kitzhof.com and Big Bears Lodge • 802-464-5591 www.BigBeargLodge.com - both within walking distance of the Gray Ghost Inn. 23-24 • Bob’s BMW Hospitality Days at Summit Point Racetrack with Jeremy Cook. For full details please visit www.BobsBMW.com 28-31 • Killington Classic, Killington, VT. Great roads, good food and fun times • www.KillingtonClassic.com • 518-798-0858
septeMBer 2014 5-7 • Women’s Sportbike Rally VIII - Deals Gap, NC • www.WomensSportbikeRally.com 7 • Lost Wheels MC Poker Run to benefit Montrose VA Hospital, Castle Point Food for Vets, Vassar Hospital Children's Ward, Food Bank of the Hudson Valley. NEW SIGN IN: McDonald's, Route 9, Fishkill, NY (Dutchess Mall) 9-10:30am Registration • Run ends @ 3pm. $25/riders; $15/Passenger; $10 under 15. Endsite: Canopus Lake Beach, Fahestock St Park, 1498 Rte. 301, Carmel, NY. Ride the route and join us for great food, live music, games, vendors, door prizes and %0/50. Cash prize for best poker hand. Trophies for best rep club and bike show People's Choice and Best of Show • www.lostwheels.com • Pat: 845-800-0041
Page 39 10-13 • Westchester Beemers NY Trio Tour 2014. Sport-touring ‘scavenger hunt’ event. 3 consecutive daily rides begin and end at Hampton Inn, Elkins, WV base location. Daily rides average 8.5 hours covering 350 miles. Limited to 33 riders. $50 incl. Sat. evening closing dinner, rider card and prizes for top three finishers. Discounted lodging arrangements in place at base location (304-630-7500). For full details call or visit 914-3287909 • www.triotour.org 14 • Italian Motorcycle Owners Club 31st Annual Italian Motorcycle Meet - America’s Longest Running All Italian Bike Meet. Hamilton Rod & Gun Club, 24 Hamilton Rd, Sturbridge, MA. 10am-3pm. $10pp/$15 two-up. Incl. rally pin and door prize ticket. Refreshments and food available, Italian-only swap meet, vendors. Info: www.imocusa.com 14 • Ride for Kids/Baltimore-Washington DC. Join Bob’s in reaching our goal and benefiting the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation. Turf Valley Resort, Ellicott City, MD. For more info visit www.RideForKids.org 20 • Bob’s BMW Oktoberfest Fall Open House and Swap Meet. Food, vendors, prizes, specials and Annual Swap Meet. Seel, trade and buy used aprts, apparel, accessories and more. 10720 Guilford Rd, Jessup, MD • 301-497-8949 • www.BobsBMW.com
sept. 26-28 • Backroads Fall Fiesta • shippensburg, pA 16th Backroads Fall Fiesta. Shippen Place Hotel, Shippensburg, PA. Surrounded by some of the most scenic and twistalicious roads in Pennsylvania. We’ll have a group dinner Saturday night (pre-registration IS required for dinner) at the University Grille, at the hotel - $34/pp. Rooms start at $87/night. Call today and get yours. Please ask for Backroads Group when booking. www.shippenplace.com • 717-532-4141
Pinstriping by Kerry Buckley Internationally Acclaimed Custom Artist By Appointment • 732-448-9668 2014 rally Schedule: July 24-26 • Sturbridge, MA: GWRRA NE Rally Aug. 7-10 • Mt. Olive, NJ: GWRRA NJ/NY Rally Aug. 31 • Bradley Gardens, NJ: Dawn Patrol Run Sept. 13 • Long Branch, NJ: H-D Long Branch
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JULY 2014 • BACKROADS
2014 MORTON’S SPRING FLING
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It’s a nat’ral thing don’t you know tom Johnson the doobie Brothers Sometimes I think the most natural thing on some motorcycle adventures is a good soaking. It’s sad, but true. So as we were prepping for the first road tour of 2014 I was not in the least bit surprised to see yet another palette of red, yellow and orange bands running off the US radar into Canada - who deserve this after the cold weather they sent us this winter. Our destination was Natural Bridge, in the Commonwealth of Virginia, and the 4th Annual Spring Fling with the fold from Morton’s BMW. We were not the only ones that would be keeping an eye on this storm as this event draws a lot of like-minded riders looking to get out on the road. We had planned a mid-morning departure, running along the mountains of Pennsylvania and across the Susquehanna River, in a generally southerly direction. Stopping for lunch we caught up with the radar and knew that we had a bit of a race, with our planned overnight in Winchester, Virginia. We had one of our Fall Fiesta Rallies in this city a few years back, and Shira had found a great Bed & Breakfast for the night. Question was – who would get to Winchester first – the storm or us? Near Shippensburg we bit the bullet and headed due south on the big road. Time and again we got blasted by a few moments of rain and then it would stop as quickly as it started. No big deal - but for the size and fierceness of each drop. This was going to get nasty. Crossing into Virginia the Garmin’s NAVTEQ lit up and the sky went dark. We lost the race.
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BACKROADS • JULY 2014
Our last 20 or so miles into Winchester was what they used to call a “gulley washer.” Thankfully the owner of the B & B was kind enough to help us get inside and comfortable. The rains hit and missed all night and we were able to find a great pizza restaurant along the pedestrian mall and made it an early night – hoping the bikes wouldn’t get carried away by some flash flood. It was a heck of a night. Driving rain, wind and more driving rain. The morning was damp, but heartening. Did I detect a brighter sky to the west? Shira put together a fantastical route (no dirt, but a few flooded bridges) and as we rode south along the valley roads, with the Skyline Drive miles to our east, each mile got better and better. A roadside breakfast of eggs and biscuits made the morning and by early afternoon we were in bright sunshine, riding along rivers that seemed swollen to biblical proportions. We made a leisurely stop at Natural Chimneys Regional Park, in Mt. Solon.
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A wondrous citadel of rocks - The scenic beauty of Natural Chimneys Park provides the ideal location for the National Jousting Hall of Fame and is also home to the annual jousting tournament known as “America’s oldest continually held sporting event.” They would not let us joust, even though we brought our own horses – of a kind. Unlike most Virginia rivers the Maury is contained entirely within Rockbridge County. It does not cross any county lines. While nature designed the Maury as a fast flowing stream from its headwaters to the confluence with the James, several dams have changed its personality.
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All H E Double Hockey Sticks had broken loose! This day the dams were at their limits and I have never seen such rough and tumble water in a deep valley river such as this. We were glad the storms had passed and that Jeff, Steve and everyone from Morton’s were set for an excellent rally. We rolled into Natural Bridge by late afternoon, settled in and went to sign-in. Along with the great venue, Morton’s had a number of vendors on hand including Olympia, Schuberth, Shad, Klim and others. We began running into some friends from our riding past aa well as some new ones we were meeting for the first time. By evening time the hotel was full and folks began to line up for dinner al fresco – Brats & Brews – perfect choice for a BMW event. Hey, some riders have pig roasts. BMW riders do this sort of thing. The theme for this rally was “The Search for Stonewall” and Steve Anderson had put together a Scavenger Hunt in and around the city of Lexington. Thomas Jonathan “Stonewall” Jackson, for you Yankees, was a Confederate general during the American Civil War, and one of the best-known Con-
JULY 2014 • BACKROADS
federate commanders after General Robert E. Lee. One little known fact is the famous General has two burial places. One for himself proper and one for his arm, which was amputated after being accidentally shot by one of his own men. Jackson’s arm was about to be tossed on the pile of limbs outside the medical tents — until his military chaplain decided to save it. “When Mrs. Jackson was informed that the arm was amputated and given a full Christian burial,” it is said, “they will ask her if she wants it exhumed and buried with the general. She will decline, not wishing to disturb a Christian burial.” But that’s not the end of the story. Despite Mrs. Jackson’s wishes, the general’s arm was not left alone. Union soldiers dug it up in 1864. It’s said they reburied it; no one knows where. Saturday Morton’s had a number of events, including a dual-sport ride and
BACKROADS • JULY 2014
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some interesting seminars including one on touring in Morocco given by Morton’s owner Jeff Massey. With a beautiful day on hand many decided it was time just to ride. Following Shira we hooked up with Backroads alumni Ed2 (two guys named Ed) and headed north then west back towards the Maury River; which still looked impressive even a day later. This part of Virginia is really a stunning place to ride and circling through a few small towns, avoiding as much civilization as possible we finally latched onto some tight mountain roads that followed along some impressive streams and rivers on equally impressive pavement. Why go around a mountain when you can go over it. Shira set a quick pace, which Ed2 easily matched and I rode tail. Eventually we began to slant back east and then up to the Blue Ridge Parkway which, to be honest, is just a nice road compared to the magic Shira had searched out earlier in the day. Just north of Natural Bridge, we passed the confluence of the Maury and James Rivers. Agents who ride and understand
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This day they looked more like the Mississippi. I stopped for a quick photo-op in Glasgow – “The Town that Time Forgot” – of their dinosaur and caveman. It seems in this area there is a lot of “kitch” -roadside attractions that even Seymour O’Life would shake his head in disbelief at. Continuing on it was a short blast back to the hotel for a late lunch and bit of a nap before dinner. Morton’s had set up a great banquet for their group and, unfortunately for this well-traveled group, the speakers for the night were Shira and I – which means me, with Shira changing slides on the power point presentation. The dinner was great but the speaker was a bit dry.
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Still, the folks here were very gracious and I only had to verbally banter with one anti-New Jersey heckler. Like most rallies the last night was spent chatting it up at the bar or the porch and kicking tires down in the hotel’s long lot. Early the next morning we awoke to the quiet hum of a “K-Bike” firing up and quickly leaving as the sun began to lighten the Blue Ridge to the east. A quick breakfast with friends and Shira and I made our farewells too. We’d like to thank Jeff, Steve and all the crew from Morton’s for the invite and a most excellent weekend. Morton’s holds this Spring Fling each season and there are few better ways to start the season then a rally like this. It’s just natural. ‘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.
JUST ANNOUNCED! BACKROADS SUMMER SQUEEZE Sun., Aug. 17 - Wed. Aug. 20 • West Dover, Vermont
www.facebook.com/pages/Backroads-Motorcycle-Touring-Magazine/86102625812
See details on page 51, Facebook or www.backroadsusa.com
BACKROADS SPRING BREAK 2014
BACKROADS • JULY 2014
Page 45 INSURRECTION: An ACt or instAnCe oF reVoltinG AGAinst estABlisHeD GoVernMent. The insurrection. That is what Shira and I have taken to calling Saturday night at the last Backroads’ Fall Fiesta. Due to acts of God, carelessness on the part of Pennsylvania’s DOT highway paving program and some maybe ‘iffy’ GPS routing we had a revolt of sorts – mostly led by wives with Chablis – over said day’s riding in the Alleghenies. We do want to point out it was the ALLEGHENIES and what was a few yards of gravel anyway? Please insert smile here. During that evening a rumor was started (probably by us) that we might be getting to the end of this nearly 20 year run of Backroads Rallies. Probably not - as we had this year’s Spring Break booked and plans forming within a week or two of getting home from the Fall Fiesta. The plan this spring was easy. Go to a region that had miles of solidly paved roads and a number of pre-done, motorcycle friendly, routes from the local tourism department and a nice little town to call home for a long Memorial Day weekend. Marion, Virginia. Yep, this was a bit south for some but, in truth, we have taken you further. And, this part of Virginia is for Riders! We had been down south for about a week now, riding in for the Morton’s Rally in Natural Bridge, Virginia and then exploring parts west. On the Thursday before Memorial Day weekend machines started to roll into the town of Marion, Virginia and even though the rally wouldn’t start until the following day
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we had a good crowd that evening at the local restaurants and the patio overlooking the flag-festooned Main street of the town. We always love when folks make the effort to come along with us on these weekend jaunts, especially when they are such a long distance for some, but were especially happy to see Backroad’s friends Fred and Cherrie Rau, who were, once again, riding around the continent to various rallies and functions as an ambassador for Can-Am Spyder. The next few days looked good weather-wise and we knew Friday would fill up the hotel and then some for a weekend of some of the best riding in this part of the United States. The weekend was full of promise. With most riders coming in later that Friday afternoon a number of us took
off that morning for the Saltville Slither, a loop of just about 100 miles, that would put us back in Marion by mid-afternoon and allow us to say hello as riders arrived to the hotel and town. This was one of half a dozen routes we had ‘borrowed’ from the Smyth County Tourism folks. They all looked fun, interesting and twisty so we went with the local riding suggestions. This would avoid any rebellion in case of pavement malfunction. Saltville is just a short 20 or so miles from Marion and arriving at the Middle Appalachian Museum at opening we took a stroll through this neat building with its timeline history and pet mastodon skeleton. Salt has been around for all of humankind and was once even used as currency. This is why we get a salary.
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BACKROADS • JULY 2014
From Saltville we took to State Road 80, a tight and serpent-like road rising up and over the mountain and which demanded all our attention. This dropped us off on Route 19. We headed into the town of Lebanon for lunch at a small place called the Pioneer that claimed to have the “Best Hot Dogs & Hamburgers in the USA!” I am not going to give out any awards but they did have a decent burger for sure. We then got back on 19 to Route 16, also known as the Back of the Dragon. Some 33 miles long and crossing over three mountains this is a dragon that needs to be ridden… multiple times. Near Marion we stopped for a spell near the lake at Hungry Mother State Park, one of the nicest places to sit that we know of and then headed into town for a quick shower and to see who showed up for this year’s Spring Break. The General Francis Marion had gone beyond the call of duty when we had booked this jaunt into Virginia and that evening they put out hors d’oeuvres for our group with a cash bar, which after a great day’s ride in Virginia for some and down to the town for others, worked perfectly. The Backroads Spring Break was officially underway.
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At Americade each year Fred Rau holds his morning coffee club. Basically a bull session on all things motorcycle, Fred was kind enough to agree to do one that Saturday morning at our hotel. About two dozen folks joined us this morning and the conversation was both lively and informative. Thank you Fred! After breakfast, riders geared up with smaller groups having their own plans and agendas. Our group was going to hit three states; riding from Virginia into North Carolina and then back through a bit of Tennessee following the ‘Snake and Back.’ The weather was brilliant as were the roads and the group’s riding for that matter. Route 421, locally known as ‘The Snake!’
Ironhorse Motorcycle Lodge is the Smoky Mountains Premier ‘Motorcycle-only’ resort. Located in the heart of the Smoky Mountains and minutes from all the great motorcycling roads like ‘Tail of the Dragon’, Cherohalla Skyway, Blue Ridge Parkway and Moonshiner 28. Amenities include on-premise restaurant for breakfast and dinner with creekside dining, covered bike parking, nightly group campfire, laundry, gift shop and WiFi DSL HotSpot. We have a pavilion with multimedia entertainment, private function meeting room, RV sites as well as rustic luxury cabins cabin rooms, bunkhouse and tent camping. Perfect for singles, couples or group getaways.
Located in Stecoah, NC • 828-479-3864 • www.ironhorseNC.com
JULY 2014 • BACKROADS
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Like the Back of the Dragon it is more than 30 miles long and The Snake has 489 curves and rides up and over three mountains. The road was both fun and challenging and we made it a point of stopping at the Shady Valley general store for a lunch of fried bologna “samiches,” with fried pickles and pork skin. Yikes - like the Eagles sang, “Call the doctor I think I’m gonna crash!” We crossed back on Highway 133 which took us through Backbone Rock – and the world’s shortest railroad tunnel over Beaverdam Creek. The road followed the creek for miles and just highlighted the natural beauty of this part of the country. When we got back to Marion two of our group broke off to ride the Back of the Dragon, while the rest continued on to Wytheville and more cardiac-friendly food at Skeeter’s World Famous Hot Dogs. Serving up bright red hot dogs since 1925 they claim to have served 9 million hungry bellies. An added bonus was that Edith Bolling Wilson – Woodrow Wilson’s wife - was born upstairs. They have a small museum dedicated to this woman who, for all purposes, was the acting president when Woodrow Wilson was stricken with a debilitating stroke.
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8 State Hwy 94 • Lafayette, NJ • 973-579-6088 • 877-252-9828
BACKROADS • JULY 2014
Page 49 We ate dogs, strolled the museum and then went to Plan B to return to Marion, heading back up the mountains to the east and then south, partly on roads I had become a bit familiar with. By late afternoon riders returned, with no incidents, accidents or documentation and we got ready for the Spring Break Banquet. Karen Glaeser, who was working closely with Shira on all this, and Lindsey Kalber had brought together a great buffet that evening. In all honesty, this hotel went beyond all expectations and we cannot recommend the General Francis Marion highly enough if you are passing through or have a group looking for a base of operations while riding the aptly named roads of this region. A few folks said some very nice things and we wanted to say a special thank you to all the veterans who were in attendance. We all took a quiet moment to remember our own Jeff Bahr. Dr. John Petrocelli was kind enough to say a few words and we had a message from Jeff’s sister as well. It was one of the harder things we have ever had to do at one of our rallies and I pray we never have to do this again. That Sunday was the last official day of the Spring Break and some got a quick jump and headed home early that day while many others headed out to eat up one last day of pristine miles. We strayed off the set routes with our friend Doc and Debbie and rode to Burkes Gardens. Sometimes referred to as “God’s Thumbprint” because of its view from the air, this mountain-ringed bowl is 10 miles in diameter and filled with some of the most fertile farmland in the state. The area, which is the highest mountain valley in Virginia, was designated a National and Virginia Rural Historical District. First discovered in the 1740’s by James Burke while hunting in the area, the name “Burke’s Garden” was given to the valley as a joke in 1748 after Burke planted potato peelings by the camp-
fire of a 1748 surveying party. The next year, a fine crop of potatoes was found. Thus the name. These days it is a remote community and one of the most pristine places to live I have ever seen, made even more special with its one paved road that twists and slithers over the western peaks and into the valley. We even found a camel farm here in God’s Thumbprint. Yep, I could happily live here. From here we rode to Big Walkers Lookout. At an elevation of 3,405 feet, Big Walker Lookout has one of the most spectacular views of the Appalachian
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JULY 2014 • BACKROADS Mountains. Big Walker Lookout also features an observation tower that puts you another 100 feet higher. Timing is everything and rather than wait till lunch we found our ice cream here early. Atop the mountain overlooking the valley, once the scene of a bloody Civil War battle, things could not be more right in the world. We ran into fellow Backroads riders Helene, Laura and Kate, who had headed off on their own ride and adventure that morning– one that went offroad, cross-country, farm, stream and mud. Their GS and R bikes looked properly tough when they got back to the hotel later that night. All strayed back to Marion by late afternoon as we were all anxious to hear the seminar we were lucky to have that evening, with Paul Donoghue giving an hour+ talk on the ins and outs of Garmin GPS and Base Camp operation – a subject that many really wanted to know more about. The seminar was a huge hit and we hope Paul does more in upcoming Backroads’ events as he knows much and has much more to share on all things GPS.
BACKROADS • JULY 2014
Page 51 Dinners were spread out around the town that evening and with a Memorial Day parade set to shut down Marion at 10am we were on the bikes and heading out at 8 the next morning. Vectoring north and east, we had a small group enjoying some great backroads, with an endsite of Winchester VA on the first day. Returning to the site of our 2012 Spring Break, the George Washington Hotel, we sat down for one last dinner with friends before blasting home the next day. We arrived by early afternoon - another Backroads event in the books. If our last rally had caused an insurrection, then this Spring Break had its own coronation. The hotel, the staff, the roads, the weather and the people could not have been better. Add in Fred’s Coffee Club and Paul’s superb seminar and I do believe we might have done too well. The bar has been raised for future events – Let’s see if we can reach it. Thanks to all who joined in the fun; we hope you enjoyed as much as we did; and we hope to see you in Shippensburg PA for the Fall Fiesta. For those who can make it, we will be holding our Summer Squeeze August 17-20 at the Gray Ghost in West Dover, VT, with additional lodging within walking distance at the Kitzhof Inn and Big Bears Lodge, all on Route 100.
AUGUST 17-20, 2014
OF FREE DAYS IN OUR SCHEDULE AND HOPE YOU CAN TOO.
YEAH, WE KNOW IT’S DURING THE WEEK, BUT EVERYONE NEEDS A LITTLE BREAK.
CARINA AND CREW AT THE GRAY GHOST INN ARE MARVELOUS HOSTS AND DO A THEY ARE IN THE MIDDLE OF SOME OF THE BEST RIDING IN THE COUNTRY AND AT THE END OF THE DAY THE HOT TUB, POOL AND FIRE PIT ARE WAITING FOR YOUR ENJOYMENT. COME JOIN US FOR A QUICK SUMMER RIDE IN VERMONT AND SOME TIME WITH FRIENDS OLD AND NEW. MOVIE NIGHT - ‘WHY WE RIDE’ - COMPLETE WITH POPCORN. GROUP DINNER ON MONDAY WITH JESSE’S EXCELLENT COOKING. GREAT JOB CATERING TO MOTORCYCLISTS.
Gray Ghost Inn • www.grayghostinn.com • 800-745-3615 290 Route 100 North • West Dover, VT
More lodging: Kitzhof Inn • 802-464-8310 • www.Kitzhof.com Big Bears Lodge • 802-464-5591 • www.BigBearsLodge.com
Route 739 • Dingmans Falls, PA • 570.828.1920
SUMMER SQUEEZE
WE FOUND A COUPLE
JULY 2014 • BACKROADS
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PRODUCT SPOTLIGHTS
GIVI SMART BAR What is the Smart Bar? Just like its name says, the all new GIVI Smart Bar is a versatile handlebar mounted support system to hold all of your devices like GPS units, smartphones and electronics in a safe and rugged way. The main bar is made of aviation grade aluminum and can be easily modified by the user to fit his/her specific ride and handlebar width. The all new S900A Smart Bar is capable of holding any of the GIVI S950 - S955 smart device holders. The S900A Smart Bar ($149.00 msrp) attaches to the top of your risers or handlebar clamp through an adjustable bracket and requires a specific mounting kit 01SKIT - 05SKIT compatible with over 74 specific make/model motorcycles. log onto giviusa.com for applications and pricing.
LIqUID PERfORMANCE ETHANOL EqUALIzER & COMPLETE fUEL SYSTEM CLEANER Ethanol Equalizer We found this company in the vendor area at Morton’s BMW Spring Fling. Considering how ethanol simply soaks up water, especially if a bike is left for a spell in humid conditions, we were very interested in their Entanol Equalizer. Liquid Performance Ethanol Equalizer might be all you need to fix problems related to ethanol added fuels. Its synthetic blend prevents water build up, fuel system corrosion and ethanol phase separation that robs fuel of octane. Ethanol Equalizer replaces lost octane, increases horsepower, and stabilizes fuel for extended storage. One 4oz. bottle treats up to 40 gallons. This product is EPA registered. Available in 1oz. and 4oz. bottles.
complete Fuel system cleaner The second product we think is a no-brainer and it is a good idea to run a fuel cleaner every month or so of heavy riding. Liquid Performance Complete Fuel System Cleaner is an advanced combustion chamber detergent, which is highly effective for all types of fuel system deposits. It provides superior intake valve deposit control, port fuel injection and carburetor detergency. Liquid Performance Complete Fuel System Cleaner reduces combustion chamber deposits and eliminates the cause of pre-ignition, reduces run-on and rapidly cleans up carburetors, fuel injectors, intake valves and manifolds to restore your vehicles original power, performance and fuel mileage. You can get these products at www.liquidperformance.com or Western Powersports and Tucker-Rocky dealers for under $10.
LUNASEE 320 In response to market demand, Lunasee LLC has expanded their side lighting safety system for motorcycles. The “hi-viz wheel lighting system” will now be offered in two models – The Lunasee 320 and the Lunasee Pro 1000. Both models will provide the low light driving visibility that Lunasee is known for, but the Lunasee 320 carries a lower retail price. In addition, the LunaGlo photo luminescent rim tape will now be sold separately to allow consumers to pick different colors for the first time ever! The Lunasee side lighting safety system significantly improves low light drivingsafety by creating an
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BACKROADS • JULY 2014
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easily recognizable and identifiable light signature which identifies you as a motorcyclist to other vehicles - even if their lights are not shining on you as needed with reflective components! The system makes a motorcyclist more visible and recognizable to other motorists on the road. The Lunasee 320 comes with an 80mA Quad LEDpod package consisting of four super bright 5mm LEDs per Quad LEDpod package, and are backed by a 1 Year LED warranty. Also included in the charging kit are Cage Clamp Connectors to hook directly to power, drawing only 0.15 amps, universal mounting hardware and components. LunaGLO rim tape is now sold separately. The 320 (MSRP $109.95) provides a lower price point to get the benefits of Lunasee’s innovative hi-viz wheel lighting and is perfect for those motorcyclists that may not ride as frequently at night. The Lunasee Pro 1000 comes with 1-Watt High Power LEDpod package (3X power of 320 system) for MAX brightness and backed by a Lifetime LED warranty. The charging kit includes a controller which only draws 0.4 amps of power and regulates current to the 1-Watt High Power LEDs for maximum efficiency and superior brightness. Universal mounting hardware and components are also included. LunaGLO rim tape is now sold separately. The Pro 1000 (MSRP $159.95) is perfect for those motorcyclists that ride frequently at night and want the brightest, longest lasting and most visible system on the market. log onto www.lunasee.com/ for more information.
NELSON RIGG COMPRESSION BAGS Nelson Rigg has always addressed riders’ needs in the design of their products. All too frequently you’ll hear “my bike just doesn’t have enough storage space”. While there isn’t anything they can do about that, what they can do is to provide riders a product that can help compress a number of different items into a smaller and more manageable space, making your available space more effective. To help you accomplish this they are now offering three different sized Compression Bags. The Tri-Max nylon body of the main bag of each size has a generous opening making for easier placement of your items in to the bag. Once placed inside, just pull the drawstring on the main bag then slip the attached cap over the top, attach the quick release snap and then you can begin cinching down the 4 web straps to compress your items. These bags are wonderful to help you reduce the volume that bulky items such as sweaters, socks, underwear, rainsuits, vests, heated gear, tee shirts, bike covers and jeans take up in your luggage. Nelson Rigg Compression Bags are available in three easy to use sizes; Small *10L: 18 1/2” x 7” Small $12.95; Medium *20L: 22 3/4” x 8 1/2” Medium $14.95; Large *35L: 25 1/2” x 11” Large $19.95 (* size stated is un-compressed) When you “need your space” come to Nelson Riggs new Compression Bags for relief. Currently they are available in a Black/Grey color combination only. Each Nelson Rigg Compression Bag comes with a 1 year “No Hassle” warranty. Get yours from your local Nelson Rigg dealer or online at www.nelsonrigg.com
BACKROADS gladly accepts press releases for publication. Please forward text and high resolution images to editor@backroadsusa.com
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MOTORCYCLE MARKETPLACE
JULY 2014 • BACKROADS
ALL THAT GOOD STUFF
Competing at the Rock, Ribs and Ridges Music/BBQ Festival
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Riverside Cafe & Lodge, nestled on the Beaverskill River in Roscoe, NY CIA-trained chef • Motel rooms and cabins • Free wi-fi Excellent base location to explore the lower Catskills
Riverside Cafe & Lodge • 16624 Cty Hwy 17 • Roscoe, NY • 607-498-5305 www.riversidecafeandlodge.com • GPS: 41°58’09”N • 75°01’32.6”W
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BACKROADS • JULY 2014
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MOTORCYCLE MARKETPLACE
ALL THAT GOOD STUFF
MOTORCYCLE TRAILERS DAYTONA, BIKETOBERFEST, STURGIS AND BEYOND
BARN TRAILERS
SALES 718-426-7039 • www.barntruckrental.com RENTALS 57-05 BROADWAY • WOODSIDE NY 11377 (OFF THE BQE & LIE)
THE BIKE SHOP Motorcycle Service Repair + Parts
@ Automotive Revelations Custom welding service and PA inspections available on site
Specializing in resurrecting old bikes and Vintage Custom work 111 Mountain Spring Rd, Milford, PA • 570-228-6101 • fisherfabrications@gmail.com
If you didn’t like cool stuff, you wouldn’t be reading this magazine. Here’s something you’re going to love.
TORQ-IT Screwdriver/Speed Wrench/ Palm Ratchet All In One Tool Variable Speeds Over 600RPM Low Profile, with an “Ergo” Grip and a Non-Slip Design Accepts All 3/8” and 1/4” Sockets and Extensions
Sussex Hills Ltd. Now stocking a full line of heated gear Make your riding season last all year.
Specializing in Motorcycle Repair, Parts & Supplies • Cycle Tires Mounted & Balanced • Batteries & Hard Parts • Dynojet 250 Dyno available for testing
973-875-2048 946 Rte. 23 South Sussex NJ 07461
Norman Gross Since 1976 Our Reputation Speaks for Itself
For All Your Harley-Davidson Needs
3 miles north of Sussex Borough
BASIC SET: $19.95 • DELUXE SET: $29.95 • ACCESORY SET: $9.95
TORQ-IT PRODUCTS, INC. 1701 Manor Road • Havertown PA 19083 Tel: 1.888.876.9555 • Visit Our New Website: WWW.TORQ-IT.COM
WASHINGTON CYCLE WORKS We cater to road racers and support all Track Day organizations Check us for Suspension Setups • One-piece Road Race suits in stock
WCW
www.washingtoncycleworks.com
Washington Cycle Works
Junction of Rtes. 57/31 • Washington, NJ 07882
908-835-0043 Closed Sun-Mon • Open: Tues-Thurs 9:30AM-7PM • Fri 9:30AM-6PM • Sat 9AM-3PM
Come Ride the Dragon Deals Gap 318 Curves in 11 Miles
www.dealsgap.com 800.889.5550 17548 Tapoco Road, Robbinsville, NC 28771
Deals Gap Store Motel Bar and Grill
Who do you think keeps Backroads’ computers running? 718 Main St, Boonton, NJ
973.335.0255 • www.PCPS.com
JULY 2014 • BACKROADS
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MOTORCYCLE MARKETPLACE
ALL THAT GOOD STUFF Worth the ride from anywhere!
Sharing your passion for good food since 1983 Member of
NOW AVAILABLE Barbeque Catering Flexible • Affordable Ready When You Are 320 Front Street, Belvidere, NJ • 908-475-2274 • www.thisilldous.com
Open Daily for Breakfast and Beyond • 7am to 4pm • Sunday 7am to 1pm Try our Full Throttle Breakfast Special every Saturday + Sunday
ye olde landmark tavern 5 Spacious Rooms starting at $90.00 Tavern and Dining Room Menu
Travel along the scenic backroads of the Delaware river. Meet the Markopoulos family and taste chef George’s Greek American cooking.
Serving Hours: Mon-Thurs: 5-9pm Fri-Sat: 5-9:30pm Sunday: 1-8pm Seasonal April ~ December Member of
The Riverton
Featured in ‘We’re Outta Here’ Sept. 2011 In the heart of great riding • Between Syracuse and Utica
Cooperstown • Finger Lakes • State Forests
route 20, Bouckville, ny • 315-893-1810 • www.yeoldelandmark.com
Best bar menu, lunch or dinner. Fresh poppers, perogies, calamari, clams and crispy wings with 8 different sauces.
Tues. thru Sat. 11am-10pm Sunday: Breakfast 9am-Noon Lunch and Dinner served until 9pm
John, Christina, chef George and Eoanna welcome you and your friends.
The Riverton Hotel and Restaurant
Member of
At Belvidere-Riverton Free Bridge, Riverton, PA
610-498-4241 • www.rivertonhotel.com
‘50s-Style Drive-In Restaurant Full and Varied Menu Room for the Whole Gang
THURSDAY BIKE NIGHT IS BACK • join us at
THE CHATTERBOX DRIVE-IN GREAT FOOD • GOOD TIMES • EXCELLENT RIDING Located at Ross’ Corners • 1 Route 15 • Augusta NJ • 973-300-2300
www.chatterboxdrivein.com
The Boat House Restaurant Join us for Brunch, Lunch or Dinner overlooking Swartswood Lake
Member
Excellent Ride Destination Tuesday ~ Sunday 11am-9pm Brunch 10am-2pm • Closed Mondays Call for Seasonal Hours 1040 Cty Rd 521 • Swartswood, NJ 973-300-0016
www.theboathouserestaurantonline.com
lley’s Hudson Va ne Riding Number O t Restauran e u q e b r a B W North 1076 Route 9 mery, NY Fort Montgo
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210 Route 10 West • East Hanover, NJ • 973-428-1735 JUST 35 MINUTES FROM NYC BRIDGES AND TUNNELS
1290 SUPER DUKE R IN STOCK NOW
Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri: 9am-6pm • Thur: 9am-8pm • Sat: 9am-5pm SUNDAY: CLOSED - GONE RIDING
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ONLY Full Line KTM Dealer in the tri-state area
HUGE inventory of KTM Parts, Accessories and Apparel
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973-428-1735
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210 Route 10 West, East Hanover, NJ • 973-428-1735
Like Us on Facebook for Up-To-The-Minute News
www.HanoverPowersports.com
honda.com ALWAYS WEAR A HELMET, EYE PROTECTION AND PROTECTIVE CLOTHING. NEVER RIDE UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF DRUGS OR ALCOHOL, AND NEVER USE THE STREET AS A RACETRACK. OBEY THE LAW AND READ THE OWNER’S MANUAL THOROUGHLY. For rider training information or to locate a rider training course near you, call the Motorcycle Safety Foundation at 800-446-9227. Valkyrie® and Gold Wing® are registered trademarks of Honda Motor Co., Ltd. (07/13)
Dress properly for your ride with a helmet, eye protection, long-sleeved shirt, long pants, gloves and boots. Do not drink and ride. It is illegal and dangerous. Yamaha and the Motorcycle Safety Foundation encourage you to ride safely and respect the environment. For further information regarding the MSF course, please call 1-800-446-9227. Professional rider depicted on a closed course. ©2013 Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. All rights reserved. • YamahaMotorsports.com