June 2016

RIDE LIKE A PRO DAY SHIRA’S INSIDE SCOOP GATHERING OF THE NORTONS

W H A T ’ S

I N S I D E

MO NT HLY C O L U M NS FREE WHEELIN’ ..................................................4

Motorcycles, Travel & Adventure

WHATCHATHINKIN’ ...........................................5 POSTCARDS FROM THE HEDGE.......................6 ON THE MARK ....................................................8

Publishers

Brian Rathjen • Shira Kamil

Contributors

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

BACKLASH..........................................................9

Editorial Office BACKROADS, POB 317 Branchville NJ 07826

INDUSTRY INFOBITES .....................................11 BIG CITY GETAWAY .........................................14

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973.948.4176

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editor@backroadsusa.com

MYSTERIOUS AMERICA..................................22

online

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SHIRA’S INSIDE SCOOP ..................................24

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UPCOMING EVENTS CALENDAR ...................55

FE AT U RE S GATHERING OF THE NORTONS .....................27 RIDE LIKE A PRO DAY......................................30 CALIFORNIA REVISITED..................................33 HONDA CTX1300 + CB500X ......................48

PR O DU C T S P OT L I G HT S BESTREST CYCLEPUMP .................................50 ROCKETMAN Z-ME VEST ...............................50 KERSHAW SELECT FIRE MODEL 1920...........50

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BACKROADS (ISSN 1087-2088) is published monthly by BACKROADS™, Inc. 2016. 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.

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JUNE 2016 • BACKROADS

FREE WHEELIN’ BRIAN RATHJEN

Lifetime of RideRs A few months back I touched on the idea that no one motorcycle journey, no matter what its destination, should be considered the ride of a lifetime and rather, that over a lifetime, you collect a series of great journeys that make up your motorcycle memories.

That began a reflection of my lifetime of riding and, in particular, the many people and riders I have met along the way. The motorcycle folk that have entered my life, disappeared, stuck around or just occasionally appear at an obscure motorcycle event or on the backroads somewhere along the way.

Heading into my 6th decade I have been riding motorcycles and been involved in the industry since my teenage years. As time has gone by I have met thousands of riders and acquaintances.

A few have become great friends and an intricate part of my life. Some other riders I have met have faded away - only to be found at some great lookout on a side of a mountain somewhere far from where I saw them last.

I don’t know how many times I have looked at a rider with a dawning sense of “I know this guy!”

That usually is followed up with a, “Where you from?

New York? Me too.”

“Hey, did you ever go to Paragon Honda or buy parts at Camrod in Manhattan back in the day?”

“Didn’t you have a V65 Sabre? You did – I sold it to you.”

There would be a 5-minute catch up on life and then they would ride south and I would head north.

Another recognition of time, miles and life made apparent.

In the region where Backroads calls home there are certainly enough characters to go around and you almost know you will cross paths with them at

various bike nights, runs or annual events.

Usually these are all happy run-ins and, with many, it feels like we had seen each other just the other day.

Some guys and gals I don’t even know but I recognize and almost always nod hello - as if to say I don’t know your name but… I do know you.

Sometimes you remember somebody from the machines they rode or their skills as a rider.

I have met many really, really good riders in my day and I like to ride with them hoping that an inkling of their talent will rub off on me.

Looking back it is amazing how many people I have met and become very good friends with.

Most of my friends have been lifetime riders and supporting cast members of my riding career.

Others started late but have made up miles since.

One gentleman, who I want to be just like if I ever grow up, started in his 60’s and now, a decade and a half later, is a staple at all things Backroads. Others I have just met picked up the sport in the last few years. I hope 20 years from now we are talking about ‘back in the day’ and that they don’t fade away, never to be heard from again when the next fascination comes around.

There are friends that I have known since the early 80s, selling bikes at a Honda shop on Northern Boulevard in Long Island City and nights at Astoria Park.

There is a female motorcyclist that I met on one of our own charity rides years back and since has become a fast friend (a friend and very fast).

Then there are all the people I have met from my travels and Backroads rallies.

Regardless of where I ride I always run into lifetime riders like myself. If you have been riding for a long time I bet this happens to you as well. It is just one of the many wonderful things about motorcycles and riding. Even if you just know their face, and they are not really friends, these familiar faces are still part of an unstated family that make up a lifetime of motorcycle memories.

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BACKROADS • JUNE 2016

Page 5

I’ve attended a number of seminars by folks who have sold their worldly goods, packed up one or two motorcycles and hit the road. If you were forced to do this, would you be able to? Can you downsize your life to such limited SHIRA KAMIL space? You’d probably be surprised at how little you truly need to be happy on the road.

Packing – the Long and shoRt of it This next statement goes out to mostly women, and it may only pertain to Hopefully, you’ve all got your travel plans in those who are more fair-weathered riders: if you think you need to take your some sort of order by now. While spontaneity hair dryer and several pair of shoes to go with each outfit, travelling on twomakes for great motorcycle adventures, somewheels may not be for you. Of course, if you have your own bike, you can times plans need to be made ahead of time in order certainly take whatever it is that fits. I remember one New Year’s trip we to secure ferries, lodging, etc. When traveling alone or as a duo, last minute took to California – we were on two bikes that were supposed to each have can flow just fine, but if there are more than two and you don’t anticipate saddlebags but found that only one did. I quickly shuffled my stuff to fit in camping the entire trip, making preliminary reservations in certain spots can one bag. When we were getting ready to head out for New Year’s Eve, I ease the stress of a trip. emerged in a tuxedo Packing for these journeys can be its own adventure. There’s jacket, dress slacks and t took me a little while before I realized that no heels. a simple rule I’ve followed for quite some time. Step one: take Brian asked if I had out everything you need or want and lay it out on the bed. Step borrowed the outfit and I matter how much I whittled down my clothing, two: put back at least half of it. I’ve had a packing list, two acsaid no, it was mine. I I still only wore half of what I brought. tually, for a long time. Before each trip, domestic or internaopted to take up space with tional, I’ll print that out, put it by the bedside and go about Step something I would only one. I’ll go through the list and make sure I’ve covered everything, then I go wear once during that trip. Today, I’d wear my leggings, riding boots and to Step two. I’ll go over the list one more time, just to make sure I haven’t tank top and be hipster chic. The long and short of packing is halve what you erased one of the necessary items, and pack it all in the saddlebag liners. think you may need. More likely than not, if you’ve forgotten it, you probably Even if I’m travelling on someone else’s motorcycle, if it has saddlebags I didn’t need it anyway. can be self-sufficient should I end up on my own.

Here are some things that should be kept on the bike no matter what, as there may always be a chance of having to overnight without notice. If you need to take daily medication, make sure you have your stash stashed.

Toothbrush and toothpaste, change of clothing, extra cash and either a quarter for a payphone or your phone charger, taking into consideration you may or may not be in civilization when you need either. Hiding an extra key for your bike somewhere is a smart move as well.

There’s a whole other packing list for utilitarian needs such as flashlight and zip ties, but that’s not what this article is about.

If you happen to have any critters that you care about at home, think about having a back up source of dog walking, cat feeding and such in case you’re caught away from home for a significant amount of time. I know Spenser T. Cat and the female felines love a good party while we’re gone, but once the dry food runs out, they get pretty cranky.

For longer, planned road trips, first refer to Steps one and two above. It took me a little while before I realized that no matter how much I whittled down my clothing, I still only wore half of what I brought. If you are a proponent of ATGATT, then the stuff you wear under your riding gear probably isn’t going to get all that dirty and can be worn daily. We’ve taken to outfitting almost completely in Exofficio clothing (www.exofficio.com).

It’s super durable, can be washed and dries overnight and packs well. From underwear to dress shirts, they have a great selection. It can be a bit pricey, but if you shop their closeouts and sales, you can get some great stuff at a good discount.

For 10 days on the road all you need is a couple pair of underwear and socks (wash ‘em out every night, you can even get away with two), a couple of tops – tank, short, long sleeved and one merino for cooler weather – two pair of pants (I like the convertible ones so I don’t need to pack shorts) - don’t forget a belt - a pair of walking shoes and/or flip flops and a bathing suit. Think multi-use: if you have a mid-layer jacket you can use on the bike, use it as an outer layer while off the bike too. This should all fit into one saddlebag liner, with room to spare. If you are sharing space with a passenger or pilot, this leaves them their side and, if the bike has a top case, that’s shared space and should not be fought over.

WHATCHATHINKIN’

I

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JUNE 2016 • BACKROADS

POSTCARDS FROM THE HEDGE BILL HEALD

some caLL it LavendeR So here we are, mourning the loss of another musical icon that brought joy to millions though both music and performance. Whenever someone like this passes and the endless tributes, biographies, fan comments and eulogies start running in all forms of media, you ultimately probe your own emotions and memories as to what said icon meant to you, and what you remember most about them. In the case of Prince, my own association with this popular artist revolved around the first time I ever saw a video from the film Purple Rain, with shots of his Royal Badness bouncing around on a mildly customized Honda street bike. I was a moto newbie during this time, and focused like a laser on any and all motorcycles that ever came on the screen. I even remember a Lou Reed video when he was riding a Nighthawk S, which happened to be the same bike one of my college roommates owned (and a real corker of a motorcycle). These were the days when the Internet hadn’t really taken over the planet yet, and you couldn’t just dial up anything you wanted to see on YouTube. You pretty much had to encounter these motorcyclonic mini-movies by chance; although if you were somewhere that had a TV set on the then newish MTV channel all the time you would see what you were looking for, eventually. Good Times.

As I mentioned, at the time I had just really started riding motorcycles myself so to say I absorbed any and all imagery when a bike appeared is an understatement. Prince’s bike had a familial resemblance to a Honda CM450 Custom I owned briefly, and I now understand the bike he rode in the film/videos was a CM400A with the infamous Hondamatic transmission.

Such is the age we live in that if you go online you can find all kinds of spirited arguments about what specific model the bike actually was, and naturally it’s a cult machine to some Prince enthusiasts and will probably be even more of one now. And like many other screen rides, ever since the film came out a number of people have fashioned their own replica versions of the bike; a fun and semi-challenging undertaking as there are a number of aftermarket parts on the thing and naturally more than one bike was used in the film (and there were slight differences in each one). Typically, if a motorcycle or car used in a movie is close to a production model the machines used (usually at least three, one “hero” used by the actor in shots, one or two used for process shots with camera mounts, etc. and at least one stunt bike if there’s some action stuff) are pretty much identical in appearance. But there are as many exceptions to this as there are movies, and in this case I think these were less than duplicates. As I understand it, after production Prince kept the bike he

rode and tootled around on it, and it was used in a sequel to Purple Rain years later. The CM is living in his home, or so I have read, and will no doubt stay in the family at least for a while.

The thing that fascinates me about Prince’s mount is how I think on the surface it was an odd choice. This was an era of a bunch of hot new bikes like your Interceptors, Magnas, various badass Harleys, etc. And yet, the CM got the big trailer on location and showed it ultimately earned its screen billing. Despite opinions on the aesthetics of a CM serving as the Princely Putt-Putt, it was cool. It was cool because the dude riding it was cool, and therefore the coolness of the man blended with the Honda’s mechanical essence to bestow coolness into its very nuts, bolts and piston pins. Thus, it went from a mundane standard to a soulful, magical vessel of coolosity.

Did I say coolosity? I, of course, meant coolitude.

What I really loved about Prince’s Honda is how I believe it subtly drove home an important point. In Easy Rider, Peter Fonda’s famed Captain America was a stunningly cool bike by itself, without him being near the thing.

Marlon Brando’s Triumph T-Bird in The Wild One was a very slick property on its own; a very contemporary machine that was sought after by those wanting one of the classiest properties of the day. But the Honda CM400A? Don’t get me wrong, it was a very commendable ride but not the sort of thing you would think a God of Music like Prince would ride in a movie loaded with all kinds of visual imagery. Yet there he was, motoring about on his CM with the massive fairing and making the machine a Royal Chariot.

I think this transformation from errand bike to magic carpet made an important point. No matter what motorcycle you ride (or anything else you pick as part of your personal stable), don’t succumb to that nasty narcissism within all but the most disciplined that selects a particular ride just to impress others and boost your ego. If you select and ride a particular motorcycle to enhance your image, you will always look like that’s what you’re doing and thus defeat what you were trying to achieve.

But if you pick a motorcycle that fits you well physically, suits your actual riding style, responds well to your inputs and makes a fitting companion, then you might just find it becomes cool, even though it may be a dull, ordinary conveyance in the eyes of others. How much input Prince had on the selection of this bike I have no clue, but as he was a master at creating imagery in everything he did he managed to ride a bike that suited the character in a pragmatic sense. Yet, the style of the rider clearly merged into the metal, and the man made the hardware cool and not the other way around. Granted, we can’t all be Prince, not only in his monstrous artistic talent but the style he had in everything he picked to wear, ride or choreograph. But he made a motorcycle a very fitting part of his on-screen persona in a very low-key way, and it suited the Prince Presence perfectly. Motorcycles, more than any other form of ground-bound transportation, often become elemental expressions of the rider. This modest Honda will live on with his legacy now, and that is a very cool thing indeed.

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JUNE 2016 • BACKROADS

ON THE MARK MARK ByERS

RecoveRy It started with an honest man: Jon called my friend Dan and told him he traded his quad for one of Dan’s four stolen dirt bikes. After the trade, Jon saw one of the flyers with which we’d carpeted the county and he realized the Honda in his shed was possibly on the flyer. After Dan described it to him on the phone, down to the missing screw in the exhaust, Jon said, “Yep, this is yours. Come get it.”

It took some sacrifice, because Jon was now minus a quad and that’s not trivial for a guy with four kids. Dan and I vowed to locate the rest of the bikes and the quad too. Fortunately, we had a good start: Jon’s description of two late-high-school juveniles in a red S-10 pickup helped, although he didn’t get the plate number. They let slip from what part of the county they came, which helped more.

Just five days prior, they’d taken four dirt bikes from Dan’s house. He filed a police report, but understandably, the cops had better things to do than solve a property crime. When people are poking holes in each other with bullets and knives and selling deadly substances, those crimes come first.

That’s why we were determined to do whatever we could to help. I’m not talking vigilantism, although anyone who’s had his property taken can understand, I’m talking about intel gathering. The flyers led to recovery of one bike, plus our first lead.

Dan put the info on the local motorcycle “good ole boy” network Tuesday afternoon. By 10:00 PM, he called and said, “I’ve got their names, what they drive, and where they’re staying.” Since the perps were on an island, Dan asked if I’d park on the causeway and watch in case they left with bikes and I agreed to do so until he could energize the cops, but it took him a while.

About 11:30, three cop cars went down the causeway and Dan joined me shortly thereafter. We figured it was in the bag.

Not so fast: about 12:30, the cops came back with no bikes and no perps.

One stopped and revealed that they found two bikes, both with valid titles, and none of the stolen ones, plus two very salty, uncooperative juveniles.

Even though Jon could place them with one of the stolen bikes, they’d fenced the others and the watch supervisor didn’t think they had enough to bring them in. To say Dan was steaming is an understatement.

That’s when Jon came to the rescue AGAIN. It was 01:15 in the morning and he called, saying, “One of the other bikes just popped on Craigslist.”

The cop pulled up the Internet in his car and the photo ad matched the flyer: the missing Suzuki was for sale. The cop agreed to check it out while I took Dan to IHOP (to get him away from the perps). About 02:30, Dan’s phone rang and the cop said, “You can come pick up two more bikes and a quad.” We drove the 20 miles north and found two more stolen bikes plus the quad!

The fellow with the bikes had traded one machine in the juvie’s possession for them, so we finally had an ironclad evidence trail to the stolen property, plus more witnesses. While we filled out reports, the cops sent their buddies back to the island, the other guy got his bike back, and the two juvies went to jail.

About 04:30, Dan was joyfully able to return the missing quad to the man who started the whole house of cards tumbling on the criminals. I hadn’t pulled an all-nighter for 25 years, but it felt good: by giving the cops solid intel on which to work, we helped solve a crime, recover stolen property, and put some bad dudes in jail (at his sentencing, it was revealed that one of them had an extensive record, including assault and theft of other machines). We didn’t find Dan’s fourth bike, a YZ-250, but at sentencing, one crook was ordered to pay restitution.

We were lucky: had they decided to fence the stolen bikes in DC or Baltimore, we would never have found them. Because they sold or traded them locally and one showed up online, victory was ours. We haven’t given up on the YZ: sooner or later, if it stays near this area, we’ll find it. That’s how we roll with bike thieves – we never give up.

And it all starts with an honest man.

BACKROADS • JUNE 2016

Page 9

BACKLASH Lifetime of Journeys Dear Backroads, Lifetime of Journeys is what most of us, I believe, strive for. It would be nice if we could all be a “professional nomad”, but unfortunately for most of us life gets in the way. To me having “A Journey of a Lifetime” is only a figure of speech....

As for me I just keep trying to plan that next “Journey of a Lifetime” and hope they keep getting better!

Looking forward to this season of journeys.

Mike Mosca (wannabe nomad) Editors, This month’s (April) “Free Wheeling”…Well done Brian. I just finished reading Clement Salvadori’s book. The draw of adventure is amazing. I’ve just done this country - all states except Florida, including Alaska, and I feel like a rookie compared to you and Salvadori.

Live large, ride on, be well.

Bill Kane Backroads, “Personally I would rather have a Lifetime of Journeys than one Journey of a Lifetime.” This last Free Wheelin’ was quite profound and it struck a nerve with me.

Best, Gary Angiuli Backroads, I became so enamored with travel adventures that I gave up a very successful architectural career to become a motorcycle tour guide in 1987. My architectural practice left me with sufficient funds that I was able to support my passion to see the world on two wheels with fellow enthusiasts. At last

Letters to the Editor count I have toured over 150 countries with friends.

Even in retirement, I can’t be gone for more than 3 or 4 weeks at a stretch, but I can get away with great frequency. Life could not be richer traveling though the alphabet to Argentina, Bhutan, Cuba, Denmark, Ethiopia, Finland, Republik of Georgia, Hungary, Israel, Japan, etc., Even small countries like Malta were fun, educational and interesting. The chance encounters, getting lost, communicating with no common language, dealing with local currency and finding a hotel is always a challenge, but that is part of the adventure.

It has been a very fulfilling life sharing the memories. I am not advocating taking risks, or traveling to unsafe destinations, but it is necessary to put your toes in uncharted waters... preferably on two wheels.

Burt Richmond

Historic Rebellions Brian & Shira, Great article on the History in the Berkshires!

I live about 200 yards from the Shay’s Rebellion monument. Funny seeing your photo as that truly represents the monument, it has been listing for many years and today April 27th a crew and a large cement truck are on site and have FINALLY straightened it and given it a proper base that should hold it erect for many years to come.

Glad you could enjoy some of our beautiful roads here in the Berkshires.

Also for future reference, that awful stretch of black top between Rte. 23 Egremont and the Connecticut state line, aka Rte. 41 (where you stayed at Race Brook Lodge) is currently being repaved. Paving should be completed by end of next week.

Yee Haw! That will make it even more enjoyable. In addition Route 7 from Canaan, CT to Sheffield, MA is also under construction now and will be messy for the next few weeks.

Happy and Safe riding, Brian Shaw

Page 10

What’s in Your Wallet?

Dear Backroads, I very much enjoyed reading “What’s in Your Wallet?” in the May issue.

It got me thinking back to when I was a member of an official motorcycle club. At the time I enjoyed my membership very much for 11 years, since it was the only thing I knew about group riding and sharing one’s passion for motorcycling.

Then, thanks to a neighbor named Mike Hoffmann, I learned about the magazine, rides, people, and culture of Backroads. Here was a group in America’s vast motorcycle community who enjoyed riding, friendships, and the pleasure of getting together, period. No particular brand of motorcycle, no dues, no charters, no rules, no officers, no hierarchy, no huge riding groups, no membership card, no monthly meetings. I had found my kind of people.

So thanks, Brian and Shira, and everyone connected to Backroads for my subsequent 11 years of great motorcycle experiences and comradery.

Glenn Baldwin Funny you mention this Glenn. We were just going over our records and found that you have never filled out the Trade Your Immortal Soul Application (form #screwu) - please fill out this form and sign in blood and return with SASE. Thanks.

Ride Like a Pro Day Hey Guys, Thanks for the invite to the rescheduled Ride Like a Pro Day. Rick and Billy did a great job showing simple and effective techniques for controlled bike turning in “tight quarters”. We will never fear a parking lot (with a bit more practice).

We’re so glad to see you and some old friends again. Have a great 2016 riding season!

Cheers, Janet & Glenn Janet you were so much fun to watch. Simply blissful -you could probably teach this class!

Backroads Does Not Stink!

I have had the magazine on numerous flights over the years. I am not on the “no fly list” so I am 100% confident that Backroads can pass the undefined stink test.

Tom Deming Brian, Just an FYI, that starting in June the CAT Ferry will once again be running between Portland ME and Yarmouth Nova Scotia! You folks published a

JUNE 2016 • BACKROADS great article in Backroads a few years ago, featuring Nova Scotia and the CAT. Based on that article, my wife and I booked a week-long adventure in this wonderful province. Now that the CAT is back it looks like we will be as well. Thanks for a great publication. Safe Journeys!

Lou F. Lou, We heard this – great news. Actually working on passage on the new CAT for a new look at Nova Scotia and then a special issue on Newfoundland.

We love to hear that we have been the impetus, in any way, to get fellow riders out and exploring the planet. All the best!

Brian Rathjen Backroads, Thanks for printing my piece on the Retro Tours. I hope Joel gets some extra business from it, and that maybe more will get a chance to try the vintage experience.

I wasn’t surprised to see that Brian is a fan of Richard Thompson’s “52 Vincent Black Lightning.” Having seen both Richard and Del McCoury do the song live, I’m kind of partial to Del’s version, but even in the noisiest shower, I still can’t hit the notes that ‘ol Del can achieve.

The song is particularly meaningful to me because I rode Greeves machines from ‘51 to ‘71, was a Greeves dealer, and still have several basket cases and parts. I completed a “project bike” this year for Moto Giro, using a Greeves chassis and an OSSA engine. It proved worthy last year, running in rust and primer finish, competing in two events. This year it’s got fresh paint, decals, and most of the bugs worked out.

The spring Giro was held at the Sunny Hill Resort in Freehold, NY, just south of Greenville on April 29, 30 and May 1. It was a great time to ride up over the weekend to watch old guys, young girls, and maybe even a dog in a sidecar having fun with old bikes. The Sunday AM route passed by the Bavarian Manor in Purling, a wonderful place to sit on the porch and spectate.

Jake Herzog Dear Brian and Shira, Last July, when I received your 20th anniversary issue, two things immediately came to mind: First, that I couldn’t believe that you had been publishing Backroads for twenty years; Second, that I needed to correspond with you right away and offer my congratulations And every issue I’ve received since then again prompts that thought, “I’ve got to send Brian and Shira a congratulatory note”. I’ve had the very best of intentions to write you, but the intentions hadn’t resulted in action until this morning. Proving once again that good intentions, are indeed, the paving material used on the road to hell.

Please accept my sincere apology for the tardiness, and my heartiest congratulations and best wishes on the 20th anniversary of Backroads.

BACKROADS • JUNE 2016

IN DU STRY INFOBITES BMW TO SPONSOR SISTERS’ CENTENNIAL MOTORCYCLE RIDE CROSS-COUNTRY JOURNEY COMMEMORATES 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF VAN BUREN SISTERS’ HISTORIC RIDE BMW Motorrad USA will be the title sponsor of the Sisters’ Centennial Motorcycle Ride, a cross country motorcycle adventure for women, commemorating the 100th anniversary of Adeline and Augusta Van Buren’s historic motorcycle ride across the United States. BMW Motorrad USA will provide motorcycles for the ride organizer and staff, and BMW of North America will provide BMW X5 chase vehicles and a 7 Series photography-equipped vehicle along the entire route.

Beginning July 3 in Brooklyn, New York (where the Van Buren sisters commenced their journey in 1916) and concluding July 23 with a group ride into San Francisco, CA, the transcontinental journey will raise awareness and funds for two women’s charities: Final Salute, Inc., a national women’s veteran’s organization, which provides temporary and permanent housing for the over 500,000 homeless female veterans in the U.S.; and the Women’s Coalition of Motorcyclists, which supports scholarships to increase the number of female instructors and coaches for road, dirt and track motorcycle rider training.

“We are delighted to commemorate this historic moBacklash - continued from previous page I remember the first press launch we invited you to.

I’m not sure, but I seem to recall that it was the first, or at least among the first of the major press intros you had ever attended. It was a Gold Wing 1500 intro-maybe one of the anniversary-series intros out of Marysville. Brian, you had been piloting, with Shira as passenger. We had stopped for a break and were chatting when all of a sudden Shira swings a leg over the Gold Wing and off she goes. I remember thinking, “Man, that girl can ride!”

While there were certainly numbers of women riding at that time, there weren’t all that many, and especially not on full-on touring bikes. And now to think that we’ve known each other for over 20 years. Twenty years can pass in a flash when you’re doing something you love, and the three of us have been blessed to have ‘lived the dream.’

I am so proud of you both and what you’ve achieved with Backroads. The magazine has grown in size, scope and influence. The advertising support you receive is phenomenal, and the fact that the regional advertisers are so consistent in their support means that Backroads is really working for them. And it’s building more and more lodging and hospitality support for the motorcycling public. And the national firms that advertise with you are more proof of the reach and influence of the magazine. Again, I’m so happy and proud for you.

And finally, thanks so much for your kindness and generosity in continuing to provide me with Backroads.

I look forward to it each month-especially the columns that you each do, along with those of Mark Byers, and my old Tejas buddy, Bill Heald. The new bike and gear features are concise and ‘real world’ in their focus; the travel features make me want to ride, and the restaurant and ice cream parlor coverage has me licking my chops!

Keep up the outstanding work, and remember that we’ve got room for people and bikes if your travels ever bring you through north-central Texas.

Take care and big hugs, Gary Christopher Gary, thank you for such a wonderful letter. Time doesn’t matter when such thoughts are put into words.

It is a pleasure and privilege to call you our friend.

Page 11

News from the Inside torcycling accomplishment by two courageous women as BMW celebrates its own 100th anniversary,” commented Sarah Schilke, National Motorcycle Manager, BMW Motorrad USA. “As BMW celebrates a century of engineering innovation and industry benchmarks, it seemed entirely fitting to partner with the Sisters’ Centennial Motorcycle Ride as a tribute to the Van Buren sisters, who were the first women to climb Pikes Peak and traverse the continental United States on individual motorcycles.”

“We appreciate BMW’s commitment to the female riding community, not only through its partnership, but also through its recent model enhancements to accommodate women riders of all sizes,” said event organizer Alisa Clickenger. “By applying advanced technology and design across one of the industry’s broadest range of models, there is truly a motorcycle for every rider within the BMW lineup.

More than 100 women riders, including Adeline’s great-granddaughter, Sofié Ruderman, and Sarah Van Buren, great-niece of Adeline and Augusta, will participate. Riders will follow the Van Burens’ 1916 route as closely as possible, promoting women as role models and raising funds for charities supporting women. Community events and “Meet and Greets” are planned

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JUNE 2016 • BACKROADS

along the way.

Women have several options for participation, including a fully supported tour, as well as self-guided tours of the entire route or individual segments.

For registration information, visit www.sistersmotorcycleRide.com.

The Tombstone hearse began as a new 2016 motorcycle, which was disassembled and rebuilt to match the custom-built coach. Simpson Jr. provided input throughout the project to ensure the finished vehicle would meet the needs of the funeral home and the families he serves.

THAT LAST RIDE?

HUDSON VALLEY MOTORCYCLES ESTABLISHES #RIDEHVMC

For families who want an unforgettable way to bring their loved one to the cemetery, Simpson Family Funeral Homes, of Sheridan, Michigan has an answer. The funeral home has recently added a custom-built motorcycle hearse to its fleet, only the third such vehicle in the entire state of Michigan. A custom production of Tombstone Hearse & Trike in Tombstone, Arizona, the new hearse will appeal to families whose loved ones enjoyed motorcycles or just being unique.

“We believe funerals should be about celebrating a person’s life and not just mourning their death,” said Bill Simpson Jr., owner of Simpson Family Funeral Homes. “We strive to give families as many options as possible and help them celebrate their loved one’s life and I really feel this motorcycle hearse will do just that.”

Hudson Valley Motorcycles is excited to announce the launch of the #RideHVMC Freeman Racing Ducati team. Twenty-one year old Corey Alexander will be racing the #23 Ducati Panigale R in the MotoAmerica SuperStock 1000 class. #RideHVMC Freeman Racing Ducati has chosen to compete in five select rounds in its pilot season, including the upcoming round at New Jersey Motorsports Park, followed by Road America, Miller Motorsports Park, Laguna Seca, and the second event at New Jersey Motorsports Park. The #RideHVMC team is fielding the 2016 Ducati Panigale R which is the homologated street-legal base for the World Superbike machines. #RideHVMC is the home of all things rad by Hudson Valley Motorcycles, a family owned Ducati dealership in Ossining New York, celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. As lovers of two wheeled machines, they are heavily involved in a huge variety of activities which range from our own race team, custom bike builds, and assorted events and track schools. Visit www.hudsonvalleymotorcycles.com and www.ridehvmc.com to learn more!

NYPD TO TELEVISE CRUSHING OF CONFISCATED BIKES As a deterrent to illegal riding, New York police are planning to publicly crush hundreds of non-road-legal bikes and quads that have been confiscated from their owners in an effort to battle a growing craze for riding dirt bikes on the road.

The New York Post newspaper reported that during the first quarter of this year alone the NYPD has seized 312 illegal bikes, more than twice as many as in the same period last year. Now it’s planning to destroy them and broadcast the carnage.

Police Commissioner Bill Bratton and Mayor Bill de Blasio announced the scheme, with the mayor stating: “We are going to crush them on TV to make a point.”

Commissioner Bratton confirmed the report, saying: “We will, a little later this spring, have a big crush-in, where we intend to take all of these things and crush them.”

According to authorities, large groups of bikes riding in New York, often on non-road-legal dirt bikes or quads, have been a growing problem.

NEW YORK “TEXTALYZER” COULD IDENTIFY DISTRACTED DRIVERS 1269 DOLSONTOWN RD MIDDLETOWN NY 10940

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For every rider - on or off road, whether they like doing it in the dirt, carving the twisties, or cruising the backroads, we have their weapon of choice.

Drunk driving is dangerous, and so is texting while driving, but while police have long had a breathalyzer test for drivers who imbibe too much, until now they haven’t had similar tools to combat distracted driving.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, distracted driving causes 8 deaths every day, and now New York lawmakers are considering a bill that would allow police to use a piece of technology to see if a phone was in use during an accident, causing a distraction. The device is called a “textalyzer,” a roadside device that can read cellphones to detect recent activity.

The unprecedented piece of legislation would require drivers who have recently been in a crash to submit their cell phones to police for testing. The textalyzer wouldn’t be able to read contacts or content, such as what you write in your texts, but it would tell the cops if the phone was in use before the crash.

The textalyzer also would work like a breathalyzer in another way — refusing to have your phone scanned would result in having your license immediately revoked.

BACKROADS • JUNE 2016

Page 13

AFRICA CALLS Sama Tours is South Africa’s leading Motorcycle Touring Company. They pride themselves on successful, well-organized motorcycle tours that offer new adventures every day. Established in 2003 as a motorcycle touring company, Sama Tours has had a 100% safety record.

SAMA has launched their 2017 Tour dates and has a whole year jam packed with exciting motorcycle tours ranging from 7 to 35 days. Check out UTICA • JULY 17 Deerfield Volunteer Fire Dept.

5476 Trenton Rd, Utica, NY

Registration: 8-9:30am Kickstands Up: 10am

HUDSON VALLEY • AUG. 7 Central Valley Elem. School 45 Rte 32, Central Valley, NY

Registration: 8-9:30am Kickstands Up: 10am

WESTERN PENN. • AUG. 7 Seneca Valley High School 128 Seneca School Rd, Harmony, PA

Registration: 8:30-10am Kickstands Up: 10:30am

NEW ENGLAND • AUG. 28 Bose Corporation 100 The Mountain Rd, Framingham, MA

Registration: 8-9:30am Kickstands Up: 10am

their new Tour Calendar online and take advantage of SAMA’s “Early Bird Discount.” Book your 2017 tour before the end of May 2016 and receive a 10% discount.

Sama Tours has a brand new tour catalogue that lists all their motorcycle tours and dates as well as pictures and maps for the 2016 and 2017 season, which you can download at their website: www.samatours.co.za.

Please send press releases and images via email: editor@backroadsusa.com

PHILADELPHIA • SEPT. 18 The Event Center by Cornerstone 46 N. Sugan Rd, New Hope, PA

Registration: 8:30-9:30am Kickstands Up: 10:30am

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JUNE 2016 • BACKROADS

Hanover Powersports Presents

BIG CITY GETAWAY gePPi’s enteRtainment museum 301 W camden st., BaLtimoRe, md 21201 410-625-7060 • WWW.gePPismuseum.com words & imagesL Brian Rathjen Although Baltimore might have had the national spotlight shone on it in the worst way last year, the Charm City has a long and storied past in American culture and history.

Its Inner Harbor section is a far cry from the troubles that wounded the city last summer, and was once the second leading port of entry for immigrants to the United States.

daytrip ideas to get out of the daily grind Today the Baltimore Orioles bring the crowds and play ball in the field at Camden Yards, and right across the way you will find another superb piece of Baltimore’s Inner Harbor - the Geppi’s Entertainment Museum, one of the most interesting museums dedicated to entertainment, Americana and popular culture in the nation.

Steadfast to preserving and showcasing popular culture, a stroll through the halls and rooms of the Geppi’s Museum is unlike any other.

Located in the stately 16,000-square-foot building that once housed the Camden Railway Station, the folks here like to call it GEM, and that works for us, as it is a true jewel.

This all started back in 1974 when Stephen Geppi created Diamond Comic, which would become the largest distributor of English language comic books on the planet.

From his youth and over the years he had amassed a huge collection of popular items, memorabilia and, of course, comics. Lots of comics.

The museum exhibits nearly 6,000 pop culture artifacts including comics, toys, dolls, games and memorabilia of every possible kind.

Starting at the beginning you can follow through the Great Hall, its walls adorned with movie posters from the past, with statues of Krypton’s son KalEl bookending both ends, and wander through the years to see the “evolution” and sometimes “revolution” of our American pop culture.

From the earliest years of the nation, with characters that were popular back in the day from newspapers, books and then radio and movies, to more

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BACKROADS • JUNE 2016

Page 15 recent icons that are forever linked with America - it is here.

If you lived it, collected it, read it and loved it – you will most likely find it in the rooms of the Geppi’s Entertainment Museum.

America Tunes In: 1946-1960 features artifacts from the postwar era, including Howdy Doody, Davy Crockett, I Love Lucy, sports heroes & cadets, space and western shows and rock and roll.

But, America was changing and some said growing up and we would move onto the next exhibit.

Their display called Expanding Universe: 1971-1990 chronicles how America began to look at and see things differently as technology grew up too.

Now the nation’s focus was on home entertainment and video games. Commercialism became even more blatant with fast food tie-ins, Saturday morning cartoons, TV celebrities among other post-1960s changes affecting pop culture.

It is all here to be seen and rediscovered at the Geppi’s Entertainment Museum.

The one room brought me back a few times; and that was Stephen Geppi’s collection and display of comic books.

We readily and happily admit we are Geeks. The guys on the Big Bang Theory have not much on us. Yes, there is a life-size Thor (Shira’s, not mine) in the Backroads’ office and the rumors of an actual Spider-Man suit might very well be true as well.

We loved everything at Geppi’s, but “A Story In Four Colors,” is one of finest collection

of comic books we have ever come across.

Even though I still “Make Mine Marvel” and was a member of the Merry Marvel Marching Society I can truly appreciate seeing a pristine copy of Action Comics #1 (June 1938 – 10¢) the first Superman and Detective Comics #27 (May, 1939 – 10¢) the first Batman. Arguably two of the most valuable comic books in the world and would fetch millions if put on the market. Superman #1 sold for $3.2 million on auction in 2014.

Page 16

JUNE 2016 • BACKROADS Back on the Marvel side of the exhibit I was busy looking for familiar comics from my past, spotting more than a few that I once had in my collection.

One that jumped out at me was the oversized collaboration between Marvel and D.C., The Battle of the Century - Superman vs The Amazing Spider-Man. They really did fight it out – in New York City, no less!

I had it, once. Not today. Sniff.

Our visit was cut a bit short as it was late on a Friday afternoon and a local synagogue had rented the museum for a “Super Shabbat” – who knew?

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

We would like to thank collection and exhibitions manager Michael Solof for taking the time to give us an excellent tour and we definitely see a return to Baltimore’s Inner Harbor and the Geppi’s Entertainment Museum happening soon.

Let me see if the Mets play the Birds this season.

Breakfast served on weekends sample our home cookin’ at the World Famous Cedar Rapids

The Bar is Open ‘drink responsibly’

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

Let us host your group motorcycle event any day

Enjoy our Expanded Canopied Decks

facebook.com/BackroadsMotorcycleTouringMagazine

www.cedarrapidsny.com

Find Us and Like Us on Facebook

Member of

BACKROADS • JUNE 2016

Page 17

G REAT A LL AMERICA N DINE R RUN the eLias coLe 1176 Route 23, sussex, nJ 07461 973-875-3550 For those of you making a bit of a journey to ride the borderlands of New Jersey and New York around Sussex and Orange counties, we have a Great All American Diner Run that is a perennial favorite with local riders - The Elias Cole.

You’ll find this excellent restaurant just south of High Point State Park and just north of County Road 519 - what we here at Backroads Central affectionately call The Mother Road.

The Elias Cole has been serving up breakfast, lunch and dinner for decades and it is rare to ride by on a nicer day and not see a gaggle of machines in the parking lot. The Lain family’s restaurant has earned a reputation for homemade, from scratch fare and is one of these places that you know has been around forever and for good reason.

As prime a location as the Elias Cole has, it is not all that far from our offices so, other than mentions here and there, has never been featured as a GAADR until now.

When we stop in it is usually at the end of a day-ride loop and, sometimes, even just for coffee and dessert, at which they truly excel – but, we’ll get back to that later.

Some places just feel warm and comfortable from the moment you roll up to it and the brown building with orange accents does just that.

Inside you will find a counter with booths and tables in two adjoining rooms. Paralleling the roadway which, surprising for Route 23 in New Jersey, is lightly traveled and mostly traversed by High Pointers and those looking to slip into New York State, which is right over the mountain.

Keeping with that old time lost part of New Jersey feel we have to tell you to bring cash. No credit cards, bitcoins or gold doubloons accepted.

Luddiciously they have no website either, but you can like them on FaceBook. In truth, there are few places like this left these day – our loss.

You can get all the regular suspects for breakfast with eggs served up a variety of ways and everything sandwich brought to the table on their own baked bread – which is superb! Looking for something quick and easy give their Taylor ham, egg and cheese a try. Served on their home-baked French bread it is really one of the best in the region and a true NJ staple. Pancakes and

tasty places to take your bike

other early morning happenings are on the menu as well.

Later in the day lunch and dinner kind of morph into a cozy mix and if you ride in with an appetite you will not be disappointed.

The soups are all good but the beef barley has gotten many kudos over the years.

The open face roast beef sandwich came heaped high with roast beef on top a thick slice of homemade bread along with a healthy measure of mashed potatoes.

The burgers are a bit of a novelty as they are not round as you would suspect, but rather a bit long and torpedo shaped.

Fitted nicely into one of their own buns they are hard to beat.

Along with the beefy side of the menu we have heard nothing but praise for the

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JUNE 2016 • BACKROADS

Elias Cole’s meatloaf. We make a killer meatloaf ourselves and, after the decades they have spent perfecting theirs, we feel they have gotten this pretty well down to an art.

Fried chicken. Ahh – fried chicken. Now we can get really serious here along Route 23.

We love fried chicken and feel we are pretty much experts when it comes to sitting down at a table with this dish. Meaty, crisp, just the slightest bit of oil – but not greasy – the fried chicken is off the charts.

As we have said the baking is done in-house and at the restaurant, so when it comes time for dessert get ready!

There may be places that offer more of a selection of pies, but few that offer such quality.

Blueberry pie, apple pie, coconut cream pie, lemon meringue pie are all usually available for your sweet-tooth and the Cole’s coffee

Rip & Ride® • THE ELIAS COLE 1176 ROUTE 23, SUSSEX, NJ 07461 973-875-3550 GPS DOWNLOAD: WWW.SENDSPACE.COM/PRO/DL/GNUNBX

GW BRIDGE TO RTE. 4 WEST RTE. 208 NORTH EXIT FOR SKYLINE DRIVE RIGHT AT CR. 511 BEAR RIGHT AT EAST SHORE DRIVE BEAR LEFT AT RTE. 17A LEFT AT RTE. 94 AT T

is a great blend and not disappointing either. You can hardly go wrong here.

Stealing a quote from Twin Peaks’ Dale Cooper, “This must be where pies go when they die.”

For some reason a slice of pie (maybe with a happy scoop of ice cream) and a cup o’Joe in a rustic place such as the Elias Cole, with the bikes sitting outside cooling in the lot, makes everything seem all right. And it is, at this month’s stop on the Great All American Diner Run. This month we are going to offer you two different routes. The Rip & Ride will be simple, yet fun, but to the point. The available 95-mile one-way download of the GPX. file will be far more intricate and involved.

Enjoy the ride and eat some pie.

RIGHT AT CR. 1A INTO CR. 1 LEFT AT RTE. 284 IN UNIONVILLE - RIGHT AT LENAPE VOLUNTEER AMBULANCE BEAR LEFT AT NY 36 INTO NJ CR 651 GO SLOW AT 15 MPH SIGNS RIGHT AT GORGE ROAD RIGHT AT RTE. 23 NORTH THE ELIAS COLE IS JUST PAST CR 519 ON LEFT

BACKROADS • JUNE 2016

Page 19

Bergen County Harley-Davidson Presents

WE’RE OUTTA HER E the nationaL hoteL 31 Race stReet, fRenchtoWn, nJ 08825 908-996-3200 • WWW.thenationaLhoteLnJ.com On your two-wheeled travels along the central parts of the Delaware river valley you will run through a number of little towns that dot the banks on both sides of the river.

These days, and for the past many decades, these towns have seen resurgence and rebirth and many have become great destinations for day tippers and travellers. Eclectic shops, cafes and restaurants now line the streets of these tiny burgs and spending some time riding along this part of the region on a sunny and warm afternoon makes for a most excellent ride.

But, like many parts of this nation, especially here in the northeast, history runs deep and if you just scratch the surface and take a good look it will reveal itself to you; thus this month’s visit to The National Hotel, in Frenchtown, New Jersey.

The National Hotel has quite a colorful past.

It was originally built in 1833 and served as a stagecoach stop and a brothel.

Of course it was.

The original building was a far smaller inn called “The Sign of the Buck.” This was a time when roads were of poor quality, and most goods were transported

a weekend destination keeping you on the backroads by horse-drawn wagons or by boat.

There were no cars, and trains were just coming into the horizon.

Canals were the transportation highways in these days and the Delaware Valley region needed their own and they soon were to have one.

With the completion of a canal linking the Delaware and Raritan Rivers in 1834, Frenchtown became a busy little town and the Sign of the Buck was at the center of this.

When the railroad finally got to western New Jersey in 1850 the owner of the hotel at that time, Robert L. Williams, rebuilt it and changed the name to The National.

Since that time, The National Hotel has remained a charming hotel, restaurant and bar serving locals and those traveling through the region. It is no different these days.

The National boasts ten wonderful rooms of various sizes and layouts, one of which is sure to work perfectly for you or your small riding group exploring the region.

All the rooms have private baths, cable and free Wi-Fi is available throughout the building. Some of the rooms have small porches as well – someplace to relax with an adult beverage, after a day’s ride through the valley area. If even more relaxation is called for the hotel can arrange for in-room massages as well.

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JUNE 2016 • BACKROADS

It is not all that uncommon that hotels with a gravitas such as The National to have a bit of mystery to them and, that being the case, do be aware that The National has a sociable and inquisitive ghost, who abides in and around Room 304, and asks questions about technology: “How does the telephone work?” one guest reported.

It keeps getting better.

The National has a most excellent restaurant and bar as well as the Rathskeller Pub downstairs.

Their menu includes a wide variety of salads – Caesar, warm mushroom & crab, arugula & pear and a Super Foods salad that is probably so healthy it can cure the common cold.

Seasonal soups are always available as well as their signature Anglo-Indian Stew of cubed beef, pearl onions, cauliflower, carrots, peas & potatoes in a cardamom, cinnamon, star anise & clove-spiced broth over basmati rice. Delicious!

You’ll find a number of sandwiches, paninis and a great Cajun fish taco. The duck BLT is killer too – where do you see a duck BLT? You’ll also find a variety of smaller plates and vegetarian options as well as some larger Churrasco and Cowboy steaks, chicken mughlai (another flavorful Indian dish) and a seriously good mushroom risotto.

Local ice creams, cobbler and tarts will end the meal.

Saturday night The National has music, just adding to the flavor of riding this historic region of the famed river and overnighting in this historic hotel.

The National Hotel has much to offer and, although the rates are reasonable for this now trendier part of the valley, you will find even better deals during the

BACKROADS • JUNE 2016 week if that can work into your schedule. The roads are a bit more open and enjoyable during the week as well. Weekday rates start from $110 on up.

Local points of interest that are well worth riding to and exploring are Washington’s Crossing State Park, the shops of New Hope, Sand Castle Winery and - one of our favorites – Ringing Rock State Park with its musical boulders (bring a hammer).

Rip Ride® • THE NATIONAL HOTEL 31 RACE STREET, FRENCHTOWN, NJ 08825 908-996-3200 • WWW.THENATIONALHOTELNJ.COM START: HIGH POINT STATE PARK RTE. 23 NORTH LEFT AT CR 653 CLOVE ROAD RIGHT AT NEW MASHIPACONG RD. LEFT AT CR 521 RIVER ROAD BEAR STRAIGHT/ LEFT RTE. 206 IMMEDIATE RIGHT ONTO OLD MINE RD. RIGHT AT CR 560 TO DINGMANS BRIDGE $1.00 CROSS INTO PA STRAIGHT AT RTE. 739 BEAR LEFT AT SILVER LAKE RD – SR 2004 GREAT WATERFALLS AT CHILDS PARK! LEFT AT SR 2001 MILFORD RD BEAR LEFT AT BROADHEAD RD.

Page 21 Our simplified Rip & Ride starts at High Point State Park in northwestern New Jersey and brings you down along the river as much as we can and you can find a downloadable GPX file for your GPS here: www.sendspace.com/pro/dl/3dlola Enjoy the ride and your stay at The National.

RIGHT AT RTE. 209 SOUTH LEFT AT BIG INTERSECTION SR 2028 – RIVER RD LEFT AT RTE. 611 SOUTH STRAIGHT AT RIVER RD. AT COLUMBIA BRIDGE TO NJ LEFT AT BELVIDERE BRIDGE IN NJ RIGHT AT GREENWICH ST. RIGHT AT FOUL RIFT RD. RIGHT AT RIVER RD. CR 621 BECOMES MAIN THROUGH PHILLIPSBURG RIGHT AT CARPENTERSVILLE RD. STRAIGHT AT CR 635 RIVER RD. LEFT AT CR 627 LEFT AT BRIDGE ST IN MILFORD RIGHT AT FRENCHTOWN RD. CR 619 IN FRENCHTOWN MAKE LEFT AT 2ND ST. RIGHT AT RACE ST. TO THE NATIONAL HOTEL

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JUNE 2016 • BACKROADS

Morton’s BMW Motorcycles Presents Dr. Seymour O’Life’s MYSTERIOUS AMERICA The Sheffield incidenT • do you wanT To believe?

Mention UFOs and Sheffield and X-File fans will most likely bring up the famous 1997 encounter in Sheffield, England when a huge black triangular UFO was chased by RAF Tornadoes on an intercept mission.

But, this is not what or where I am talking about this month here in Mysterious America.

This month I would like to bring you to a Sheffield a bit closer to home on this side of the Atlantic, in the state of Massachusetts.

In 2012, a study by Kelton Research discovered that a whopping 36% believe aliens have visited the Earth at some time in our history.

What happens when one of that group is a 6 year old boy who says, after being awakened by glowing orbs of light inside his bedroom, he and his younger brother find themselves in a field and then taken aboard some sort of craft?

An alien craft?

This is part of the story of Thom Reed who claims that this happened to him and his brother not once, but numerous times.

Long Island

Kawasaki

This is the story of the Sheffield Incident.

Considered by many UFOlogists as one of the first real documented abduction cases in the United States it is still highly debated today.

I recently took a ride up along the Berkshires and spent some time in and around the town of Sheffield.

That night in 1966 it was not just a small boy that saw things and experienced things but other, believable folks, reported a strange craft in the sky that night - over 40 of them.

I spoke with local filling station owner Ed Gulotta, whose father was Chief of Police back then, and claims that his dad first scoffed at the idea, but as the night wore on even his very grounded father knew that something odd and mysterious was happening in the skies around this tiny Berkshire town. “Too many credible people came forth,” Gulotta’s father had said.

Others joined in agreeing that there had been an intrusion by something on that night in 1966.

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The Boston papers ran stories.

Tthen it went nationwide.

Researcher Ted Acworth, who completed his postdoctoral work at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, was quoted in the Boston Globe stating, “I’m convinced that there are things happening that are unexplainable, but is that proof of a UFO?” said Acworth, “A lot of highly credible people believe in their bones that they saw something. It’s not just fringe wackos. But the nearest habitable planet is many, many light years away, and I don’t think they’d come here just to scare people and fly home again. They’d make themselves known.”

The night of the first incident Thom’s brother Matthew also disappeared. Both boys were found later by their mother who was searching for the missing children on horseback.

She eventually spotted them from the Appalachian Trail. Thom and Matthew were about 15 feet away from each other, on a wide, dirt path, eyes locked on one another, heavily shaken and in need of care.

Three years later the family reported another abduction, much like the first had occurred again. The Reed brothers’ encounters include memories of being taken

BACKROADS • JUNE 2016

by strange creatures and examined. They describe ant people and strange looking humanoids. Although Reed still does not know what really may have happened, he believes at least some of his encounters had something to do with extraterrestrials.

If events are to be believed then this is a very unusual piece of Mysterious America indeed, but we have all heard of abductions (well, I have) and the Reed family story has stuck a chord, not only with the ‘Aliens are Here’ Crowd, but the Great Barrington Historical Society & Museum formally inducted this UFO story as well.

The first and only UFO case in the United States “officially” inducted as “historically significant & true.”

What does that mean?

“It means that we believe it is true,” said Debbie Oppermann, the director of the society.

“I know we’re going to get a lot of backlash. We’re

Page 23 going to get hammered,” she said. “But we have given it an awful lot of thought, and, based on the evidence we’ve been given, we believe this is a significant and true event.”

The historical society believes it is the first time a “mainstream” historical society or museum in the United States has declared a UFO encounter to be historical fact and it remains one of a few CE4 (close encounter where there is an abduction) cases to be mentioned within the walls of the United Nations.

Not everybody is a believer though. Recently a large concrete memorial to the Sheffield Incident has been erected along the banks of the Housatonic River, a mile or two from the Reed’s farmhouse – on the far side of the covered bridge.

“Make a right at the big gun on Route 7- you can’t miss it,” I was told at the Mobil station.

The memorial is fairly big and solid to hold a plaque (it’s 5,000 friggin’ pounds of concrete) and many residents and politicians have not been happy with it at all. I was told it was to be moved to a better location as the town never gave permission and local vandals have spray-painted and defaced the marker.

Who is being intrusive now?

I found the memorial right where they said it would be. And, I guess if they really wanted to move it they could – but it would be a job I tell you.

Like the Betty & Barney Hill story of alien abduction I have written about in the past I really cannot vouch for Thomas Reed’s story. I think this time I might have to play Scully rather than Fox Mulder. But we’d be foolish to simply dismiss what we do not want to believe.

You will find the memorial right off Route 7 north of Sheffield, Massachusetts on the far side of the covered bridge.

As the poster says – I want to believe!

O’Life Out!

Page 24

Shira’s

JUNE 2016 • BACKROADS

cuRLy’s ice cReam 30 Route 23 noRth, RiveRdaLe, nJ • cuRLysicecReam.com 973-839-3609 • oPen 10a-10P eveRy day seasonaLLy

When Grandpa Curly Meier opened his ice cream stand in 1958, I’m sure the neighborhood looked quite different. Sitting on the northbound lanes of Route 23 in Riverdale, NJ, traffic whizzes by, people in a hurry to get here or there. Back in 1958, things moved a little slower. Route 23 was originally a combination of the Newark-Pompton Turnpike, built between 18061811, and the Paterson-Hamburg Turnpike, incorporated in 1806.

These two roadways became Route 8, way back in 1927, which ran from Montclair, NJ to the New York border near Unionville. In 1955, there were plans to turn this into an interstate highway, running between I-80 and I-287, but due to budgets, this was not done and the four-lane, undivided roadway remained as it was until the mid-80s.

With cars moving at a more leisurely pace, an ice cream stand seemed a perfect distraction in one’s day-to-day activities. And Curly’s Ice Cream has been that for the past 58 years. Now in its third generation of Meiers, Curly’s still operates under the same philosophy – use the best and freshest ingredients in their large selection of homemade ice cream, reasonably priced and served in a family-friendly environment by friendly folks.

We happened by Curly’s one weekday afternoon, right about lunchtime.

I am not against swapping my usual salad lunch for ice THIS is cream every once in a while – it’s a job and someone has to do it.

Cookie Parking the bike, we saw the Disneyesque ropes for what I imagine Monster. are significant lines during a warm summer’s evening, but today we bypassed them right to the window. With well over 40 flavor selections, it took us a bit to settle on ours, and only after asking the pleasant, smiling young lady behind the window for some sample tastes.

‘Is Cocoa Loco as chocolaty as it sounds? Is Cannoli Cream just like eating a real cannoli? Will your Coffee ice cream keep me up all night? And just what the heck is Cookie Monster?’

Ordering up a double scoop of Graham Slam and Banana Oreo, I was handed almost a pint of ice cream in my cup. It was actually a good thing I had skipped my salad, as it was all I could do to finish this delicious helping of ice cream goodness. Having the Graham Slam under the Banana Oreo made it like eating a banana cream pie.

NSIDE SCOOP

Page 26 Brian’s double cone of Vanilla Peanut Butter Swirl and Maple Walnut was piled to the sky, and luckily it was a cool day, so the drippage was kept to a minimum.

Curly’s keeps to their word, as this ice cream was perfectly creamy while not being overly sweet, and the amount served for the price is pretty fair. My ‘Banana Cream Pie’ concoction was abundantly flavorful, especially the Ba-

JUNE 2016 • BACKROADS nana Oreo. Brian’s Vanilla Peanut Butter Swirl would make any PB lover happy, and the Maple Walnut was chockfull of large pieces of walnuts.

We took a seat at one of the many picnic tables in the parking lot (they also have a couple of chairs) and watched the busy traffic go by. As I mentioned, it was around noon on a weekday, yet plenty of cars made the stop for ice cream. Some older women sat in the chairs, catching up with each

other. A young mother with her little boy came away from the window, all smiles, enjoying the first warm day in April. An executive-looking type, perhaps doing the same as we by having ice cream for lunch, walked to her car with a cup of something red. We asked her what her choice was and she said, ‘Cherry ice – they make the absolute best.’ We sat in the warming sun, contentedly finishing our treats, before getting back on the bike to continue on our busy day.

Curly’s Ice Cream is opened, seasonally, from 10am to 10pm. They have a good-sized parking area, with seating available. If you happen to plan ahead and bring some dry ice, you can take home a pint or even a homemade ice cream cake or ice cream sandwiches. They do offer some sugar-free flavors, as well as homemade ices, soft frozen yogurt, all manner of sundaes, milkshakes, floats and flurries.

When you find yourself in this otherwise congested area of Route 23 and I-287, make a stop at Curly’s Ice Cream and put yourself in an earlier time, back in 1958, when traffic was nil and there was always time for an ice cream stop.

We’ll see you on the road. Summer is here and there’s plenty of ice cream ahead.

Download 78-mile one-way route here: www.sendspace.com/pro/dl/4lwjyy

BACKROADS • JUNE 2016

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Gathering of the

This event, now in its 23rd year, is held the third Sunday in April each year at Washington Crossing Historic Park and brought together by the Delaware Valley Norton Riders. We have been coming now for about half a dozen of the last years and have seen this gathering grow and become more impressive with each lap of the sun.

This year’s Gathering was made even more special as we were invited to Breakfast at Lori’s – a yearly event that has become a tradition onto itself for many local riders. (see sidebar) Although called a “Gathering of the Nortons,” and you certainly with find dozens of beautiful, swanky and sexy older British iron in the large parking lot where the event is held, you will also find motorcycles, marques and riders of all sorts here where the Continental Army was so busy back in 1776.

If you know about it, had ridden or owned one back in the day or just have fond memories on any particular machine you might likely find it here at the Gathering of the Nortons.

For the most part the machines on display have a bit of age and gravitas to them, although the occasional modern machinery and rider might find some

A rite of spring

s Words & images: Brian Rathjen I think we all have our own little yearly events that let us know that the motorcycle season has really arrived.

For many in the Delaware Valley region, Pennsylvania and New Jersey, this is usually an April’s Sunday morning along the river where General Washington made his famous crossing, giving our fledgling nation its first taste of victory.

For many the annual Gathering of the Nortons has become that first taste of spring.

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JUNE 2016 • BACKROADS imaginary reason to park their “off the showroom floor” ride in the middle of such rolling history.

Although both Shira and I rode bikes that were more than a decade old (2004 Honda 919 and 2002 Kawasaki KLR650) down to the Washington Crossing that morning, we felt they would be far better parked on the grass away from the real machine art to be found here at The Gathering.

From beautifully restored bikes to dirty daily riders – the event really had it all and this year the weather was truly stunning as well – starting in the mid-30s at dawn but warming up into the mid-70s by noon.

Things like this are best done with a game plan and we had one as we strolled to the river side of the lot and worked our way up and down, systematically trying to take in each and every machine. After the second row we knew this would take more than just a while.

It is almost easy to become overwhelmed and maybe a bit complacent by the wide variety of truly memorable machines at an event such as this that it skews your perspective.

There were countless examples of so many stunning machines that we began to walk by motorcycles that would have stopped any of us dead in our tracks if we would have come upon them while ambling down Main Street, USA. Amazing too were the owners of these machines, many who just love to talk to you about them and tell you where and when they came from.

This crowd is passionate about their machines.

In the grand scheme of things my deep motorcycle knowledge is limited to a narrow bit of the 60’s through 80’s (exactly like my familiarity with comic books – how’s that?) and, I am sure, just like the previous years, I have poured this knowledge of Honda Fours, Kawasaki Zs and other Japanese bikes from the hey day onto Shira - who politely does not remind me that I have told her all this before; leaving me to smugly believe I, for once, actually know something good.

The Gathering of the Nortons is also a gathering of people. We ran into dozens of familiar faces as well as an equal amount that we didn’t know personally but, turned out, were readers of Backroads and were nice enough to stop and say hello.

We stopped by the table where the Delaware Valley Norton Riders were selling tee shirts and other swag. I have been trying to whittle down my tee shirt collection but felt the need to have a Norton Gathering shirt – if for anything but to show a little support for this unique and special event that starts the season for us as well these days.

BACKROADS • JUNE 2016 Speaking with some of the women at the table they said this was easily the largest of The Gatherings so far, with about a thousand riders coming down to the western shore of the Delaware River by the time we were chatting and more rolling in every minute.

This is a morning event and by the time one in the afternoon rolls around most of these bike are rolling as well; heading back to where ever they call home.

The thought hit me, when we rode off for a late lunch this day, that there are so many brilliant and distinct machines in our region and that you could be riding down any road, past any home, and have no idea of the wonders that might be sleeping inside someone’s garage or barn.

The history of motorcycles is rich, full and sometimes a bit quirky, yet always beyond the non-riders ordinary.

We have a special sport and it is events like the Gathering of the Nortons reminds us how lucky we are to be part of it.

Breakfast at Lori’s

Picture this…A serene surburban neighborhood north of Philly. Dawn’s early light is beginning to brighten the hushed neighborhood and if there were a soundtrack to this peacefulness it would be Call to the Dairy Cows

by Rossini.

Like Bambi in the forest - it would soon meet Godzilla.

Late this winter Backroads did a seminar at the winter dinner of the Delaware Valley BMW Riders Club. Jumping at the chance to prattle on with a crowd that had not heard it all before we headed down and had a grand time with some really avid riders.

While we were there one member, a petite woman named Lori, approached us and, while making short talk with Shira (seriously they were talking about being short riders) she invited us to her home for breakfast before this year’s Gathering of the Nortons that was to be held a few miles from her place at Washington Crossing.

Not realizing how big a breakfast she was talking about we thanked her and thought if we were down that way that we’d surely do our best to stop by.

Soon after a number of other Philly riders mentioned “Breakfast at Lori’s” as well.

This was bigger than we thought.

We had overnighted about 50 or so miles from the culde-sac where Lori calls home so didn’t get there until a bit after 9 am, but were blown away by the number of machines that were lined around her little neighborhood, full of very, very cool neighbors, as we learned that the

Page 29 first riders began showing up around 7 in the AM. Buffet breakfast of eggs, bacon, bagels with the fixings – mostly served in various engine covers and all with a very motorcycle flair. She told us she cooked all the food and cracked over 300

eggs to get it all done.

That is a lot of chickens.

Breakfast at Lori’s has become the stuff of legend and a big part of many riders passage from the dark of winter to the light of the spring riding season.

Thank you Lori for the Pennsylvanian hospitality.

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JUNE 2016 • BACKROADS

RIDE LIKE A PRO DAY Words & images: Brian Rathjen On April 23, after a two-week delay due to sleet, Backroads held its Ride Like a Pro Day in Mountainside, New Jersey.

As spring had just come around we thought it would be the perfect time to wipe off the cobwebs and work on some of the skills that we, as riders, should have but so many never really work on or master.

For those of you who do not know about Ride Like a Pro it was started

by Jerry Palladino, a motor officer from Florida, and over the years other talented police officers have opened RLAPs in other states.

Lucky for us New Jersey was one of them.

Unlike track schools or the MSF classes that teach either fast smooth riding or basic riding techniques – Ride Like a Pro NJ specifically works of slow speed, tight maneuvering – such as handling tough U-turns and awkward parking lot skills.

Nothing can be more embarrassing than dropping your bike in the middle of a U-turn or having to paddle walk your machine in front of a bunch of other riders.

At Ride Like a Pro NJ we’d be shown proven techniques and skills that allow for smooth and competent riding in these maneuvers that can sometimes be troubling.

We had taken this course a number of years back and, like most things that are not practiced again and again, we found our abilities to be in need of a tune-up.

That in mind we thought we’d invite some of you to join us.

Now run by instructor Rick Mickles, Ride Like a Pro NJ is an intense and, as I was reminded, draining 5-hour course that starts off easier and gets progressively more arduous as the day continues.

Our class began at 8am and finished around 1ish, leaving plenty of time to enjoy the rest of the day. Plus, we were already on the bikes and would be learning some new things this day.

Instructor Rick, along with fellow instructor Bill Hughes, have been teaching these classes for years and have an easy and teachable way about them.

BACKROADS • JUNE 2016

Page 31 As the date drew near to this class I tried to encourage one rider I knew to join us. He said he would rather give his bike a good cleaning that day than to risk dropping it in a parking lot. This sounded like pretzel logic to me.

In truth just about everybody had to dab a foot down here and there this day – it’s okay and how you learn. (Okay, Janet was pretty much brilliant and a joy to watch!)

They never seemed judgmental and only offered sage advice even when someone failed miserably or even rode the course in the wrong direction.

Hey, stuff happens.

Each exercise built on the previous and their basic thoughts on clutch, throttle, friction zone and rear brake application are universal and etched in stone here in the tight slow stuff.

This is not riding on the track or even the street.

When riding slow, with no counter steering involved, motorcycles and the way they handle began to change quickly.

Things that are intuitive to us at speed work differently in tight and slow quarters.

If you have ever seen police motor squads or riders pilot their machines – how smooth and gravity defying they seem – then you will begin to understand what Ride Like a Pro NJ is all about, and that is what Rick and Bill would work on with us this day.

We wouldn’t want to even attempt to tell you the tips and exercises that we practiced, as we could never get it across to you anywhere as well as these guys did, but there was a lot of head turning, looking where you wanted to go, and constant working on tractoring the bikes around the course using throttle, rear brake and the clutch in a smooth and easy tango.

Or, in my case as the day wore one, an Elaine Benes wedding dance.

I try to be brutally honest with my riding and Shira shined this day while I have learned that I can reach my limits quicker than I thought and have certain habits I need to work on and others I need to break.

We hope that everyone that attended this day’s RLAPNJ came away a better rider and, just as importantly, a rider that will (hopefully) remember to work on these great techniques when they get on the bike.

As Rick and Bill stated numerous times this day, these skills are perishable and must be worked on all the time! Like a musician or artist, skills must be practiced again and again to become second nature and instinctive.

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JUNE 2016 • BACKROADS

After spending a morning learning proper technique, better habits and safer riding skills, you’ll find yourself looking at empty parking lots in a whole different fashion. You can even take home a DVD for reinforcement.

It seems fairly simple, that if you spend hours polishing your motorcycle, should you not spend at least a bit of time polishing your riding skills?

It seems a no-brainer to us.

Ride Like a Pro NJ has classes available throughout the season and would be happy to instruct riding groups and clubs as well. Doing it with friends made it more fun and allows for some good-natured ribbing as well.

To sign up for a day that will change your riding mindset give Ride Like a Pro NJ a call at 908-638-5879 or log onto their website at:

www.ridelikeapronj.com

BACKROADS • JUNE 2016

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CALIFORNIA REVISITED words & images: Brian Rathjen

E

ven though we have traveled the west coast and southern California a number of times, there is always something special for northeast natives who find themselves running along the southwest parts of the nation – especially during the last week of winter. We did just that this past March – just in time for Shira’s birthday.

Carrying us around SoCal this time around were two Honda machines, which couldn’t be more different from each other - the CTX 1300 and the CB 500X. We have been accused of traveling on the same types of machines on so many trips so we thought we’d mix it up with a powerful V-4 power cruiser that runs with a power plant borrowed from Honda’s venerable ST1300 and the new CB 500X – a smaller ADV-style machine.

In California you watch the shadow dancer Floating gently, gently on the sea - America

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JUNE 2016 • BACKROADS Along the Long Beach roads we could see the barriers already lining up for the Grand Prix that would happen in a month’s time.

Shira had booked a room at the Art Hotel, in Laguna Beach, on the north end of town and with the bikes parked and locked we took a walk along the beach and then to the top of the cliffs and a small park that gave a grand view of the approaching sunset and the seals basking in the fading day’s light on the rocks below.

South along the coast and a visit with royalty With machines picked up from Honda’s Torrance headquarters (thank you Honda) we moseyed on through the late afternoon traffic and found that big ocean they call the Pacific.

Once semi-clear of the infamous LA traffic the Pacific Coast Highway opens up a bit, while still running though one of the most densely populated parts of the nation.

We didn’t have much mileage to do this day, with our scoot heading south along the coast to the town of Laguna Beach.

We did make time for a brief stop in Long Beach to greet royalty and a photo-op alongside the Queen Mary, the great cruise ship from a bygone era that now has become part of the Long Beach flair and character.

Built in 1936, she was barely wet as a cruise ship before war broke out and she was put to another use. Dubbed the ‘Grey Ghost,’ the Queen Mary hauled as many as 15,000 men, playing a pivotal role in guiding the allied forces to victory. She’s now a trendy hotel moored in Long Beach.

A birthday dip in Tarzan’s pool Like the previous day our ride this Tuesday would be short, but sweet.

Today was Shira’s birthday and we would enjoy it in an easy fashion. A morning blast through Orange county along the coast, stopping for a long breakfast with our friend Mike (we have a plethora of friends named Mike, Mikey or Michael), before riding into the northern edge of San Diego.

The road followed the rounding coastline, flanked by large hills, with

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Page 35

Camp Pendleton to the east.

We stopped to take in the view of the coastline and surfers and got the added bonus of a squadron of Marine helicopters flying in formation past us just off shore along the Pacific and then swinging east towards the Marine base. Outstanding!

We had booked a room at the swanky and very cool Lafayette Hotel Swim Club & Bungalows and rolling in earlier in the day gave us a good long afternoon poolside with the bar and restaurant right on the grounds.

The Lafayette’s pool was designed by none other than Johnny Weissmuller, who was a famous Olympic swimmer but better known for playing Tarzan in the 1930s and 40s. It also had garnered the reputation for being the party spot for the Hollywood elite, rich and famous back in the day.

This day they had Shira and me and that worked for us. Bikes parked for the night we got poolside, which was exactly what Shira wanted for her birthday.

We added into this great mix dinner with our son, Brian and his girlfriend Lisa and we made the best of the cool San Diego evening at the Red Fox Steak House, with some great old jazz finishing off the night.

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Deserts, desserts and dinos…

Our plan for the next day would be to head a bit further south, close to the border with Mexico before vectoring east and into the high hills that border the ocean along this part of California.

Once out of the city the land took on a distinctly different flavor, with rolling green hills and valleys giving way to the desert that lies just a few miles away.

Large boulders, much like those found in Joshua Tree, lined the road and the hills.

The ride had a gentle flow to it and we stopped every now and again to take in a vista or admire the hills of the Cleveland National Forest.

The little roads brought us to the larger Route 79, which would head north with the desert hills to the right and a more watered region to the left.

The look is very different and distinct from one side of the road to the other.

Outside of Julian – the apple pie capital of the world – we

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JUNE 2016 • BACKROADS paused at a deep view of the Anza Valley below. It was all very breathtaking, but, would only get better from here.

Both Hondas were riding brilliantly until we reached Julian where they both mysteriously conked out and we were forced to go in search of help at the various shops. We finally found what we needed in the Apple Alley Bakery.

Yummy. With the bikes all fixed we continued north along Route 79 toward the high desert town of Hemet and few nights stay with our friend Fred and Cherrie.

We were making good time along the road that wound through the hills, just outside Temecula, when Shira spotted a steel statue of a horse upon a hill to the left and pointed it out. Then to our right we spied about 100 steel statues of every type of creature. Elephants, monkeys, dinosaurs, camels and the like, all created by artist Ricardo Bredeca, who fabricated every one of them with 26-gauge sheet metal, a welding torch and hammer.

The velociraptors seemed to zero in on us. We strolled around the large field full of his creations and then carried on, the image of the huge stagecoach and horse team fading out of our mirrors.

We rolled into Hemet by late afternoon and spent the night catching up with our friends, Fred and Cherrie.

Day Trippin’ SoCal-style… or, Jews in the desert?

The desert is down right cold in the morning and when we took off for a mid-morning brunch in the ‘back in the day celebrity town’ of Palm Desert we almost pulled out the liners.

We swung around the mountains and along the miles of wind turbine farms before dropping down into the city made famous by folks like Hope, Sinatra, Davis and others, the same crew who made the Lafayette Hotel & Swim Club so much fun. There might be a theme here, although we had never planned it.

When in this part of the country you might think we would search out the best native cuisine and, following Fred’s lead, we did – Sherman’s Kosher Deli – a little bit of the lower east side of Manhattan in the desert.

Do you know how many New York Jews can be found in these parts?

Let me tell ya…

It was a bit odd, but so well done with omelets, bagels, lox and chicken liver with fried onions. Who knew?

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From there we rode southeast through the wide desert valley, only made into civilization by money, power, tenacity and irrigation.

Taking a right, we headed west up Route 74, popularly called ‘Palm to Pines’ Highway. This 130-mile scenic route will bring you winding through desert backcountry, connecting to the charming towns of Idyllwild and back towards Julian, and Temecula.

Atop the crest, rising high above the desert floor, the view of the Coachella Valley below is a must do and hard to miss. We have seen this vista many times but it never fails to impress.

We continued on along the road that followed the natural contours between the steep hills, with the constant reminder that we were far from the northeast around just about every turn.

We were back in Hemet by early afternoon and, with Shira taking the rest of the day off the bikes, I stole her CB500X and went on a short expedition, per request of Dr. Seymour O’Life, to the Hemet Maze Stone.

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Page 37 This ancient petroglyph was discovered on a ranch in 1914, and has been the object of scientific and cultural debate since.

Part of the mystery comes from the design itself. The mazelike design is quite different from other petroglyph designs in the United States; most petroglyphs are stylized pictures of animals or people, or designs representing rivers, trails or other natural features. The carving on the Hemet Maze Stone, though, is a complex maze in a swastika-shape, originally a Buddhist tradition. It’s also very rare, since 1914 only 50 other similar carvings have turned up, all of them within 150 miles of each other.

A theory gaining popularity is that the Chinese discovered California long before Christopher Columbus ever reached the New World. In addition to the evidence of the Maze Stone, possible ancient Chinese anchors have been discovered in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Rancho Palos Verdes. This and other evidence have led some scholars to believe that China discovered North America centuries before the Europeans did.

The county of Riverside does not want anyone to mess with the Maze Stone and I found it after parking the bike at a fortified road closing (meaning I could not sneak, err, ride the bike in) and up a paved road that has been left to the tumbleweeds and lizards.

Atop the hill, in direct alignment with one odd peak in the middle of some spectacular ones, I found the Maze Stone behind not one, but two chainlinked barbed wire fences. It seems that over the years some folks had not shown it the respect it deserves.

The stone is certainly interesting and definitely part of O’Life’s Mysterious America.

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JUNE 2016 • BACKROADS

Back to the Pines In California you’re such a strange romancer Come and see me when the world has set you free - America We took off early the next day after a farewell breakfast heading back up into the San Bernadino National Forest, through miles of orange groves that left the air heady with a bite of citrus. Heading north through Idyllwild along Route 243, gracefully following along the edge of the San Jacinto Wilderness, and below the mountain with the same name that reaches almost 11,000 feet above sea level.

We stopped to take in the views to the west and then continued on down the road that went from pleasant sweepers to a more snake-like charm as it wound down into the valley that edges the Mojave.

The roads along the peaks are the stuff of mid-winter dreams, but the desert floors of the valleys in between the ranges are straight and a bit boring and usually filled with ant colony-like homes.

It didn’t matter, for a few miles down the road we’d start heading back up the hills, and life would be a riding nirvana once again.

Gentle sweepers to the left, right and then left again with the occasional 180 degrees to make it interesting and to follow the lay of the land.

BACKROADS • JUNE 2016

Along a simply stunning road we once again had apple failure and we remedied that with a delicious puffed apple dumpling and some hot coffee.

All sugar and caffeined up we continued onward up Route 380 and then 138 – a very technical ride - along the crest of the San Bernadino mountains, past Sky Forest, Crestline, and Silverwood Lake and then we followed along on Lone Pine Canyon which runs along the San Andreas Fault.

The big white rocks along the fault reminded us of some scenes from a few movies and television shows – one show in particular.

But, a little research later, told us we were close on this thought, but no cigar.

Now, where a meander was to take us, we had a bit of a quest for the next day. We had a date with a Gorn.

We had a room booked up amongst the pine trees in Wrightwood, at the far end of the Angels Crest Highway, one of the most popular motorcycle roads in Southern California. I reminded Shira that we had been here once

Page 39

before. I’d remembered that this town had a building with a large map of the United States made from individual state license plates.

“No”, she corrected me, “that was down near Joshua Tree. I remember.”

I was sure it was not and then the pinkies came out. We thought about the wager, me going first for a new Tesla, but both of us settling on ice cream of choice if we could ever get to whoever was right on this.

Little games to be played on the road.

We were met that night by our friend Vas and Yael. We had ridden with Vassili a few years back in Greece and have remained friends ever since.

Now a Californian, it was great to hang that night with him and Yael in the pine forests north of LA. Dinner was lovely and this tip had become one of reuniting with friends and loved ones, as well as a riding escapade.

The Search for Kirk and the Gorn …

We had a quick breakfast the following morning and then rode down to California Route 2, making a left at the large map of the United States made from individual state license plates. Ta da!

Our thoughts were to head west along the Angels Crest Highway and then

Page 40

north in search of our quest. The map pointed out what would be a very twisting route off the Crest and onto the Angels Forest Road.

But, wait…

No… not gonna happen. Route 2 had ‘Road Closed to Glendale’ in plain view. Once again Plan B came into play. I have found that my life has been a big Plan B – and that’s fine – it has worked out okay thus far.

We took a little twisty number called N4 headed north.

From this we chose roads in the general direction of where we wanted to go and between the most excellent Butler Maps and the on again off again Garmin GPS we soon found ourselves on Angels Forest Road and heading to our first stop of the day.

Sometimes we don’t even know something is on our Bucket List until we do it and realize it was on the list - such as making a stop at Vasquez Rocks, outside Aqua Dolce.

JUNE 2016 • BACKROADS If the rocky vista we rode through yesterday reminded us of one particular Star Trek episode then riding up to Vasquez Rocks sealed the deal.

Here was the real thing. Are you a little lost? Let me refresh your memory.

In the Star Trek episode “The Arena” the Enterprise is hot in pursuit of an unknown alien race that has attacked and destroyed the colony on Cestus III. For bringing hostility into their solar system, a superior alien race called the Metrons (Let’s Go Mets) whisks Captain Kirk off the bridge to an alien planet and puts him in mortal combat against the reptilian captain of an alien ship he was pursuing - the mighty Gorn.

As always fun and frivolity ensued.

If you don’t remember, shame on you, and go Google Kirk / Gorn fight – a classic, I tell ya.

This was one of only a few original Star Treks filmed on location.

Vasquez Rocks is not just famous for Star Trek, but hundreds of films and television shows have been shot here including dozens of westerns, Planet of the Apes and Blazing Saddles. Who wouldn’t pay to see Mongo fight the Gorn?

We played on the rocks for a bit and then got back on the road.

Keeping our northerly heading, we looped around Castaic Lake, happy to see the last of a sanctioned bicycle race, with the riders coming at us and not in front of us, and then up into Lake Hughes where we filled the Hondas up and

BACKROADS • JUNE 2016

stopped for lunch at the historic Rock Inn. This large stone roadhouse that has been standing for 88 some years (the old wooden inn burned down in 1928) is a popular weekend stop for motorcycle enthusiasts who come in for sandwiches, burgers, and something cold to wash them down.

Along this trip we developed a knack at finding superior roads (i.e.- twisty, curvy, not too technical, but fun and empty) and that continued happening this day. Coming around one valley on Elizabeth Lake Road we found a few miles where the hills had been painted with wild flowers springing forth from the much needed California rains that had gratefully blanketed the region the previous month.

Page 41

Hills lightly painted with strokes of gold, orange and purple; Poppies and Phacelia in full bloom; a Impressionist’s palette portrayed in beautiful spring blooms. We stopped for a long while just to drink in this gift of nature in a region that is normally flat brown.

Our final run brought us up onto Cerro Noroeste, with the sun’s afternoon light pouring into the east and the many ridges that slope off to the desert in the east. We took this to Route 33, stopping for the night in the tiny whistle stop of Maricopa. This part of Route 33, another well known motorcyclist’s playground, is called the Petroleum Highway as the Midway Sunset Oil Field is found outside the town and is the third largest such field in the United States.

Not much happening here, but then we found Tina’s Diner.

After a big lunch we took our time getting out for dinner and showed up late at the only place in Maricopa – Tina’s - to find she had already closed for the night. That didn’t matter as she smiled and let us into the diner that is as funky and eclectic as they come. She had a happy, wide smile and quietly hinted that we might like the chicken or the burger as she put whopping mugs of homemade lemonade in front of us. Chicken it is, Tina.

We were the only ones at the counter. We were the only ones actually in the town, so Tina spent a lot of time with us.

We’ve met a lot of nice people along the backroads and Tina (we think it is really Tima) is surely one of them. If you find yourself in the high desert northeast of LA looking for good and homey, go see Tina in Maricopa.

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JUNE 2016 • BACKROADS blor Mountains and the infamous San Andreas Fault. When we first rode over it I did a double take and then, realizing what we had just crossed, we made a uturn and stopped to take a good look at one of the most famous pieces of nature in the United States. Truly amazing and, thankfully, quiet and still this day, the San Andreas Fault is actually a tear along the floor of the basin. We stopped and I made a short hike down into the fault, just to get a picture to show how big it actually is.

We continued to the monument, taking a walk down to the lake that, for a dry lake, was pretty moist, with hard white muck grabbing at our riding boots.

The flowers were nice, but maybe not as artistic as the previous day’s blooms, still we would take them.

It’s not my fault and other ghost stories The Midway Sunset Oil Field is enormous and following Route 33 along it gave you a good idea of the breadth and scope of this massive endeavor.

As I had dragged Shira to find the Gorn Rocks the day before, she was looking for more California wild flowers this day, and I did not need much convincing to follow her. We had an idea where we wanted to head this day and, as luck would have it, it would be right along the Carrizo Plains Monument. Some fifty miles long, this enclosed grassy plain would have its share of seasonal flowers and the chance to ride along Soda Lake.

This dry lake is the largest remaining natural alkali wetland in southern California and the only closed basin within the coastal mountains. As its name suggests, Soda Lake concentrates salts as water evaporates, leaving white deposits of sulfates and carbonates that look like baking soda.

The Carrizo Plains are also flanked on one side by the Tem-

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JUNE 2016 • BACKROADS

Heading further west towards the coast the road rose up as we crested the final peaks of the continent and then snaked downward to Morro Bay with its large rock so dominating the seascape.

Lunch was spent dockside watching a playful baby seal vying for everyone’s attention. He did look like he was having fun and put on quite the show.

With the rest of the day ahead of us we vectored south among some surprisingly verdant hills – just south of Morro Bay - and then back east on Route 166 and a return to Route 33, just south of the day’s starting point in Maricopa.

Route 33 towards Ojai is yet another legendary motorcycle road in a state that has more than its fair share of them. Along the way we rode past miles of small gnarly trees. We had seen some blossoming apple trees earlier and Shira said these were more of the apple orchards. Then I spotted the sign for the Santa Barbara Pistachio Company – she did not.

“These are pistachio trees,” I said through the Sena Bluetooth communicators.

“No, those are apple trees – pistachios don’t grow on trees,” she replied.

“You sure?”

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“Yep, maybe…do they?”

“Wanna bet?”

We made a stop at the Santa Barbara Pistachio Company to grab a few bags for the road and to find out where pistachios come from.

We got the same bewildered look from the locals as we did when we asked what fish they were pulling out of a salmon stream in Alaska years back.

That “you’re kidding, right?!” gawp.

For the record – pistachios grow on trees, but you knew that.

Thanks to my vast knowledge, and sneakiness, my ice cream credit for the next few ‘Shira’s Inside Scoop’ was growing by the day.

I should be on Jeopardy!

We did a hard charge through the last of the mountains, now running out of light and warmth as the temperatures were dropping quicker than the sun.

By chance we had picked a hotel off the Garmin BaseCamp Program, as it was where we thought we might be by day’s end, and Shira’s quick check of TripAdvisor had nothing but fair comments. Done deal.

Riding into Santa Paula I was a bit skeptical, but riding up to the historic Glen Tavern Inn was a treat; I knew we had run with Lady Luck once again. I know, another historic hotel – I said there was a theme.

Much like the Lafayette Hotel in San Diego at the beginning of this journey, the Glen Tavern has deep old Hollywood history.

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BACKROADS • JUNE 2016

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wood’s early hey-day, the town was a favorite big studio filming location.

Stars including John Wayne, Carol Lombard, Harry Houdini and Steve McQueen all stayed here.

Today the place is restored to its perfect grandeur. The hotel’s 3rd floor was once a gambling parlor and house of ill repute and during Prohibition, a speakeasy was added to these dubious diversions. Due to these illicit activities, some nefarious folk committed some dastardly deeds and thus it is haunted. Aren’t they all? We know this as the hotel has been on various paranormal cable shows, so it must be true – right?

But, we will tell you our story from the night we stayed at the Glen Tavern.

It was a clear and star-filled night….

All the hallways at the Glen Tavern have wonderful classic movie posters and memorabilia on the walls. We walked the first two floors and then up to the third that was lit only by dim red lights.

A lone chair sat near a window and I sat in it, watching the darkened streets below. Shira thought it an interesting image so she took a picture and then noise like a rattle and shuffling filled the hallway. It was like it was everywhere and nowhere at the same time. I looked up to see what it was and then turned to ask Shira, but all I saw was a spinning cartoon dust cloud as the red head was big-time gone and I heard her quick steps running down the stairs.

Whatever it was it had scared my wife in a big way and the guy at the desk just shrugged and nodded his head when we told him what had happened.

This is not the first time we have had this happen at old inns where lots of action, drama and the occasional death has occurred. Whether true or false, don’t let science, opinion or truth get in the way of a great story.

Shira slept with one eye open that night, for sure!

Canyon Carving Up early, and under the first real cloud cover of this journey, we found some coffee and took a stroll around Santa Paula. Just across from the train depot stands what I think is one of the best statues dedicated to motorcyclists in the nation. Called The Warning the steel sculpture is dedicated to true heroism during the St. Francis Dam Disaster. On March 12, 1928 the 200-foot tall St. Francis Dam collapsed, just days after it was completed five miles northeast of Newhall, California. The floodwaters swept down the Santa Clara River valley to the ocean, claiming 450 lives. As the flood approached

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Santa Paula in the darkness of night, two Santa Paula police officers rode motorcycles through the low lying areas of town, warning residents to evacuate.

This wonderful monument, by artist Eric Richards, told us of this remarkable story.

Just down the walkway is another sight - the town’s Kugel Ball. This 5,000 lb. marble sphere is kept aloft and floating on a thin film of pressurized water that allows it to spin freely in any direction you encourage it.

We need one.

Across the street was one of the largest trees we have seen in a long time.

For decades, the giant Moreton Bay fig tree in downtown Santa Paula has been a stately parasol, providing 140 feet

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JUNE 2016 • BACKROADS of leafy shade to gawking tourists, climbing kids and snoozing transients.

Over its 133-year history, it has been a focal point for community events, including a campaign stop by presidential candidate Teddy Roosevelt, a concert by composer John Philip Sousa and scores of political rallies.

Considering we chose Santa Paula on a whim we were mightily impressed with this little California town.

Bikes packed up, we headed to the coast for breakfast along the Pacific and then began carving the canyons that this part of southern California is famed for – Decker Road, Mullholland Highway, The Rock Store (closed, dammit!) and a number of others kept us amused for the rest of the morning as we made our way to

Simi Valley and an afternoon at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library.

We try never to get political or preachy (well, maybe preachy) but spending a few hours wandering and learning about the man who changed history, almost always for the better, is well worth it.

With the way this year’s presidential race is shaping up we needed a bit of ‘The Great Communicator’ to remind us how great, caring and special our nation really is, regardless of this circus.

That night we reunited with our friends Vas and Yael and overnighted with them in their lovely and cozy home off Topanga Canyon, for one last night on the road.

I’ll take fantastic motorcycle rides for $1,000, Alex….

We all have our family routines. At Backroads Central, almost every weeknight, at 7pm, we switch on Jeopardy!

I take the test every year and every year… they forget to call me.

So, while in LA, Shira got us tickets for the taping of the show. We saw three, in fact, that next morning and it was very cool to see what goes on and how a show, that we feel is part of our daily lives, is produced.

They even have secure motorcycle parking.

For lunch that day, our last on the bikes, we rode to Venice Beach, found an outdoor café and took in the crowds for the next hour before battling a bit of the infamous regional traffic to return the bikes to American Honda in Torrance.

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BACKROADS • JUNE 2016

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Everyone, I meet is from California There’s dancin’ in the streets in California - America The Golden State of California has to be the most diversified, topographically, in the Union; from the long beaches and wave crashing rocks along its coast, with its packed and crowded freeways, on up to its near empty mountain backroads with sweeping vistas off the snow-topped peaks, down to the warmth and dry of Mojave to the east.

There is much to experience in this state.

Our ride looped us south to the border with Mexico and then east and north along the Pacific Crest Trail and the mountains, before that twisty romp west to the ocean once again. We found historic hotels, famous sites, walked where Kirk fought the Gorn and we saw where the Earth’s plates are in a struggle of their own. We got together with old friends and, we hope, made some new ones.

It was a trip of just a week, but it seemed to last far longer than that.

If you have never been, you should. If you have never ridden it, you must.

As America sang… “Everyone I meet is from California…”

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Honda CTX1300 A power cruiser for the new generation Review by Brian Rathjen I admit I am not a big cruiser guy and when I hear the phrase “bagger” I am not exactly thrilled.

But, when planning this trip around southern California we had a choice of a few larger machines and seeing that the CTX1300 is powered by a re-tuned 1261cc DOHC V-4 lifted from Honda’s ST1300, I thought the choice was clear and made even more so that the machine had hard luggage.

Okay, call it is a bagger – but I call it a motorcycle with luggage – just like I call a “selfie” taking a picture of myself.

With styling cues along the Gold Wing derived F6B, the CTX1300 is a big bike, some 64.5 inches long and a full 724 pounds with a topped off tank (5.1 gallons) that is located underneath the saddle – beneath the rider to offer a better center of gravity. The CTX1300 has adjustable twin rear suspension and an ample and compliant 45mm inverted fork as well. The CTX has a seat height of 28.9 inches – making it very rider friendly.

This is not a sport bike by any means, but it is no slouch either – easily eating up the miles and curves along the California backroads. Only in some of the tighter, more technical, twists was I reminded this is a large touring machine.

Where the tank would normally be, you will find a flat wide surface. Shira commented that we could buy some food locally and dine off the CTX buffet-style.

What you will find here is a very automotive system of buttons and displays, as if Honda motorcycle went next door to the Civic shop and borrowed some hardware.

Both analog-style speedo and tachometer gauges are positioned where they should be and are easily read.

A multi-functional LCD sits between both gauges and displays the remaining fuel capacity, as well as fuel economy, coolant and air temperature, clock,

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odometer and trip functions. The display also lists the track/artist name of music (Deluxe model) that can be streamed wirelessly via Bluetooth or via the included USB plug under the right-side flip-up pocket. There is a matching pocket on the left side as well. There are speakers up top and I am sure this all works swell – but I was into the riding not the tunes on this trip.

Besides, its bad enough some bikes are so loud and then they have to blare Lady Gaga too.

The deluxe model that we were riding also had self-cancelling turn signals and traction control.

Ergonomically I thought the CTX1300 was a winner for the genre’ it inhabits – upright, not too cruisey and comfortable. Although the small piece of plastic that resides where a windscreen should be, which did a fine job most times, didn’t do much when roaming through the bug infested agricultural regions. This would be changed on day one if this were my own machine. Also, and this was important, the mirrors are placed badly and rearward vision was lacking at best.

The saddle was one of the best I have sat one in a long time, offering all day – all week comfort.

The bags, although not the largest stowage, still were big enough to carry my gear around for the week – although I found the opening and closing of them to be a touch flimsy.

Once sealed and locked they were more than adequate.

In a world of V-Twin wannabes it was refreshing to ride a machine with serious grunt. Although tuned differently than the ST1300 sport tourer, the water-cooled V-4 engine is a tourqey beast and so smooth you would almost forget it was there.

Personally I would have left the gearing alone, as I was having a hard time finding that Goldilock’s spot in some of the twistier stuff, but for the most part, if you want more power just give the throttle a twist.

Holding all this together is a steel-tube, shaft-drive chassis built just for the CTX1300.

The ABS brakes did a superb job of stopping this large machine, although I never had the need to go into “panic” mode and give them a thorough testing.

Look-wise the CTX1300 had many other riders and civilians asking what it was – the overall feeling was a good one – if big, powerful, yet sleek styling floats your boat then this might be the bike for you.

The bottom line is that the Honda CTX1300 was a far more capable machine than I first thought. It was comfortable, had gobs of power, and, most importantly, it was very, very easy to ride – handling a few thousand miles of the ever-changing California terrain with ease.

Ours was a 2014 – a bike now two years old – but still a decent machine in this market. We have seen many of them still available, in Candy Red, Metallic Black or Gray Blue Metallic, for thousands off the listed price of $17,499 for the deluxe model.

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BACKROADS • JUNE 2016

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2016 Honda CB500X A little more adventure in your life Reviewed by Shira Kamil Honda has a great trifecta going in the half-liter category with the CB500F, R & X The Honda CB500X is powered by a smooth-running and torquey 471cc DOHC parallel-twin. Although my machine was a 2015, it is basically unchanged but for a few important tweaks including “sharper, tougher styling,” as well as a taller windscreen, LED lighting front and rear, and a new muffler.

Other improvements include adjustable fork preload, an “improved” shock setting, a hinged fuel cap, and an adjustable front-brake lever.

The bike still has a seat height of 32 inches, making it on the edge for shorter riders, but the extreme light weight (402 pounds) meant plopping my left-foot down at stops a very easy task.

The wide bars and upright position offered a great fit on top, but I felt the pegs were a bit high and swept back – more sportbike, than ADV. The tiny engine has a quick first gear, but there are 5 more after that.

The 500X rides on 17-inch wheels, with a more than adequate win-piston caliper with single 320mm wave disc up front and disc in the rear.

Personally I would have liked to see a 19-inch front tire for any gravel road excursions.

The 4.5-gallon fuel tank might not seem large enough for a traveling machine, but the tiny twin offers incredible fuel mileage.

Every time we fueled I would look at Brian’s CTX1300 and shake my head – where did all that gas go, Brian?

For the amount of miles we did daily on this trip, it was quite comfortable for my 5’4” frame. Heading toward the 250+ mile mark, I did get a little squirmy in the saddle, but there is plenty of room to relieve the pressure points during the ride. Should you decide to make this your long-distance ride, mounting some luggage – hard or soft – and a top case would do you nicely. I mounted a SHAD 55-litre waterproof Zulupack Dry Bag on the rear seat, which swallowed up a week’s worth of clothing and essentials. The bag easily strapped on and, although we did not have any moisture on this trip, its 3-layer PVC nylon construction is 100% watertight. Additionally, its size fits as carry on luggage, which saved my overweight fee on the airline. (www.shadusa.com) As noted, the short windscreen was a bit of a bother at speed, but the newer version has taken care of that issue. I found it curious that the fuel cap completely detached, but that, too, has been addressed.

While Brian did pull away from me on any long straightaways and highway miles, the CB500X was more than enjoyable in the tight, twisty mountain roads. Like a little greyhound, it flicked and floated around turns in a sprightly manner, bringing a wide grin to my face. It is quite the canyon-carver and, with its tremendous gas mileage, it can run for a good long distance in the desert desolation between gas stations.

Look for the new 2016 Honda CB500X at Honda dealers now. The standard CB500X, available in Matte Black Metallic, is priced at $6,499. The CB500X ABS, available in Matte Brown Metallic, is $6,799. At only $300, ABS is a wise choice for street riders.

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JUNE 2016 • BACKROADS

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHTS BESTREST’S CYCLEPUMP EXPEDITION TIRE INFLATOR • THE BEST GETS BETTER We have carried one of BestRest’s CyclePumps for years… and have had our fair share of opportunities to use it under real world conditions. Trust us on this.

It has always been one of the more solid pieces of equipment that we carry and now the best has gotten better.

BestRest Products has been crafting the CyclePump Tire Inflator since 2002 and they’ve sold more than 30,000 around the world. It has a well-earned reputation as the best and most reliable tire pump, which is why serious travelers carry it in their saddlebags.

The newest version is called the CyclePump Expedition. The sturdy aluminum case is clad with rubber armor, which shrugs off the worst abuse. The armor also prevents dirt and sand from getting inside and clogging the motor. An 18” air hose has two brass air chuck options: a straight chuck or a 90° low profile chuck for bikes with limited clearance between valve stem and hub. An 8’ power cord has four power connections: a cigarette plug that converts to a BMW plug, an SAE connector, and fused alligator clips that connect to any 12V battery. Everything fits in a 2x6x10” Cordura pouch. Total weight is just 36 ounces.

The CyclePump is proudly made in the USA and comes with a LIFETIME Warranty. BestRest Products stands behind their gear. The CyclePump EXPEDITION is $115 with a straight chuck, or $130 with a 90° air chuck. Available from BestRest Products at 425-673-1023 or on the web at www.cyclePump.com.

ROCKETMAN Z-ME VESTS We made mention of Rocketman Z-Me Vests back in February but since then we have gotten a pair of these very conspicuous riding vests customized with the magazine’s logo across the back. Spiffy!

And…They’re Off! FALL FIESTA 2016

SEPT. 22-26 nother riding season has arrived and, with it, another Backroads Rally. This Fall we’ll be headed north to enjoy the colors and the mountain riding, staying in and out of towns. We’ll have a group dinner Saturday at the Eagle Mountain House, so make your reservations early as rooms, and seating, are limited.

A

Thurs, Sept. 22 • Saratoga Downtowner 413 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, Ny 518-584-6160 • www.saratogadowntowner.com Rooms: $99 - $139 plus tax incl. breakfast Cutoff reservation date: July 5 Ask for Backroads when making reservation

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Rocketman did a super job and being able to have your own personalized logo on the vest is perfect for any club or riding group.

Our vests ran about $70 – well worth the investment.

What better way to show some club pride and stand out to the driving and pedestrian public?

Log on to www.rocketmanvest.com for more info.

KERSHAW SELECT FIRE MODEL 1920 Most multi-tools include a plethora of “tools,” many of which are not actually very useful. Even worse, in many of these tools, the important knife blade is an afterthought—and barely useful at all.

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Not the Select Fire from famed knife maker Kershaw.

The Select Fire was built to be a knife-focused multitool. It’s built around a manual opening knife blade, a knife blade that simply works and works well. For strength and edge-holding capability, the Select Fire’s blade is made of 8Cr13MoV stainless steel (not sure what that means, but it is a good thing) and bead-blasted

BACKROADS • JUNE 2016

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for an easy care, matte look.

What’s more, the Select Fire offers a surprisingly comfortable grip, so it’s actually easy to hold as you use that big, useful blade — something most multi-tools can’t say.

Designed by Grant & Gavin Hawk, the Select Fire is also a handy multi-tool. There’s a 4-piece bit set, plus the bit driver. The bits, two flathead and two crosshead, are in onboard carriers that swing out to let you choose your bit, then swings back to snap into place. Black liners give it a sleek, finished look. The contoured glass-filled nylon handle is equally comfortable whether you’re using the blade or the bits. The Select Fire makes a great addition to every tool and truck box. In fact, it’s so handy you might want to get two.

The Select Fire is an affordable blade at just $49.99 and can be had at Kershaw dealers or search out on the web for a better deal.

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JUNE 2016 • BACKROADS

Welcome to the Jungle - The Art of Learning to Ride Skillfully A column dedicated to your riding survival WeLL, it is LegaL Like most of us, I get a lot of my day-to-day information from various news sources, the internet and my cats.

We like to think that most of what we hear is factual, concise and to the point.

Since I am no more of an expert than anyone else on most of the happenings in the world I listen to the Talking Heads on the screen or read the words in a publication and try to take them at their words with a grain of salt.

So, when I see, hear or read something I know a little bit about I take a slightly stronger interest.

I find it amusing when news guy/gal du jour, who is obviously reading from a teleprompter, comments on something near and dear to my heart – motorcycles and motorcycle riding.

Don Henley sang – “Give us dirty laundry” and these “just ins” are rarely good and there are few when the motorcycle and rider’s story are portrayed in a good light.

What really jumps out at me is when a celebrity or athlete has an incident on a bike – usually ending very badly. I recently heard of one such episode where a young male athlete had crashed a borrowed motorcycle in urban traffic. The collision had caused severe head trauma and the news gal made it clear he was just going for a ride when he collided with a passing car.

She then stated, slightly condescending, that “helmets were required in this state.”

If a rider is badly hurt or even killed these comments invariably lead to what is “legal” in the state – never what the real issue most likely is.

In this incident the rider was on a borrowed machine, and was in his early 20s, he was in city-like traffic and chances are great he was never trained and far from licensed to ride.

Moto-Maven Peter Miller talked in our May issue about the high incidence of non-licensed riders and how they are disproportionally represented in so many accidents in the United States.

Back when I was a kid (early 70s) and just getting into motorcycling there was no Motorcycle Safety Foundation, no professional instruction on how to operate a motorcycle. Many rode on a “learners permit” for years. Many still do. I was proud to be quickly licensed and legal (and was for a while until some repeated misunderstanding at Connecting Highway in Queens – hey, we all have a past) Today we have reasonable instruction for taking the first steps in riding.

Many states defer to completion of MSF and other riding courses to be licensed.

Just getting through a weekend MSF course and receiving your motorcycle endorsement does not make you a rider – but, it is a great start and legalization is a very important first step. Still, you are in a far better place, ridingwise, then the young man who borrows a bike on a lark and quickly gets in over his head.

For the record, I heard on the news that this young man I just wrote about earlier died a few days later.

Once gain the TV anchor solemnly stated that helmets were required in the state.

But, not common sense I guess.

I know a woman that had a very bad accident in Pennsylvania two years back. Although ‘in the right’ when this happened (red light car runner), she was hit hard regardless. She suffered many injuries including some brain damage that has limited her walking and day-to-day activities.

When I asked her about the incident she told me, even though she was in Pennsylvania, she was wearing a helmet regardless.

“You don’t legally need a helmet in PA,” she said, “but I always wore the half helmet to be safe.”

She then added she wished she had a more substantial helmet and riding gear. She thought that things might be different if she had more adequate head protection.

The point here is that just because something is deemed legal and required or not required by the state does not make it adequate.

Many states require head protection, and you can ride in a speedo, as long as you have that helmet.

Who would do that? Not many that I can think of.

But, yet, I see so many riding with shorts and a tee shirt every day.

For sure state requirements for legal licensing these days almost guarantee some sort of training and that’s a good thing, but being legally required to wear a helmet or not should not matter.

Getting knocked on your noggin’ north of Frenchtown, New Jersey is the same as getting knocked on your noggin’ north of New Hope, Pennsylvania.

Legal issues should always fall to the side when it comes to common sense. ~ Brian Rathjen

RIDE LIKE A PRO NJ Jerry ‘Motorman’ Palladino’s Training Classes Being Held in New Jersey ‘NEVER FEAR making a U-turn or dropping your 800lb. motorcycle again’ • Male-Female-Big-Small: It doesn’t matter • You can learn the 3 simple techniques that motor cops have been using for years • Our instructors - all active or retired motor officers - will show you how to use the motor cop riding techniques to better control and handle your motorcycle

Check our website for available dates

www.RideLikeAProNJ.com Pre-registration is recommended as classes fill quickly.

Gift certificates available • Course Fee is $175.00

BACKROADS • JUNE 2016

UP C OM I N G E VE NT S CAL END AR EVERY MONTH - WEATHER PERMITTING Every Thursday • Bike Night at the Chatterbox Drive-In, Rtes. 15/206, Augusta, NJ. Tire kicking, good food and friends • www.chatterboxdrivein.com Every Saturday May - October • Bergen County Harley Davidson Saddle Up Saturday.

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. BCHD, 124 Essex St, Rochelle Park, NJ • 201-843-6930 • www.bergenharleydavidson.com Thru October 29 • AACA presents Mods and Rockers: The clash of sub-cultures in England in the late ‘50s-60s. Explores the difference in fashion, music an preference of two wheel transport. Discount coupon page 39. 9am-5pm • 161 Museum Dr, Hershey, PA • 717-566-7100 • AACAMuseum.org

JUNE 2016 4 • Cars & Motorcycles of England at Oakbourne Mansion, 1014 South Concord Rd, West Chester, PA • Show opens 8:30am - judging at 10am - prizes at 2:30pm. Featuring a nationally sanctioned Jaguar Concours d’Elegance. One of the largest British motoring shows on the east coast, with over 250 cars and motorcycles. Adults $5 admiss.

5 • Roar to the Shore and Avery's Ride. Sign in: Westbrook Elks Lodge, 142 Seaside Ave, Westbrook, CT. Details: www.TeamAveryCDKL5.com or call 860-964-0716 5 • Fort Lee Bike Show. Registration starts at 11am and ends at 12:30pm Sharp! Registration is free. All bikes welcome. Award Classes-Best Sportster•Best Big Twin•Best Custom•Best Dresser•Best Classic/Antique•Best Metric•Best Paint•Best Chrome•Best Rat Bike•Best in Show. Enjoy food, crafts, music and more! Awards at 3:30pm. Full details: www.bergenharleydavidson.com • 201-843-6930 7-11 • Americade Motorcycle Rally. The Best Roads. The Most Motorcycle Companies.

The Most Welcoming Rally. Lake George, Ny. Special Pre-Registrant events Monday, June 6. 518-798-7888 • www.americade.com 6-11 • Dirt Daze Rally for Adventure Bike enthusiasts • www.dirtdazerally.com 9 • Backroads Mystery Ride Lake George. For full details visit www.backroadsusa.com/rallies.html, call 973-948-4176 or email: editor@backroadsusa.com 10-12 • AltRider Conserve the Ride Rally, Woodward, PA. 2 nights camping, 5 meals including pig roast + local craft beers, presentations and seminars, prizes and an awesome time. More info altrider.com/conserve-the-ride-2016/pid/1525 10-12 • Hudson Valley Motorcycles Ducati Demo Days. 179 North Highland Ave/Rte. 9, Ossining, Ny • 914-762-2722 • HVMotorcycles.com 10-12 • Unadilla hosts Thor MX Rewind. Vintage Dirt Bike racing and its history. Over 12 MX legends in attendance. Full details unadillamx.com • 5986 State Hwy 8, New Berlin, Ny • 607-965-8450 12 • Hudson Valley Harley-Davidson Grand Opening Celebration, 33 Route 304, Nanuet, Ny with great eats, tunes and fun. hdhudsonvalley.com 11-19 • Laconia Motorcycle Week, Laconia, NH. America’s Original Riding Rally. One of the Big 3 • www.laconiamcweek.com • 603-366-2000 15 • Blue Knights NJ IX 29th Gooch’s Garlic Run to benefit three local families with children having catastrophic illness. Start @ 4pm: Rockaway TownSquare Mall, exit 35A, Rte. 80 West/exit 35, Rte. 80 East, Rockaway, NJ. Escorted ride leaves 6:30pm SHARP. $20 registration. End: Newark Ironbound section with vendors and live music.

More info: www.BKNJIX.org 18 • Bikers for Homeless Vets sponsored by Tramontin Harley-Davidson. All proceeds to support Operation Chillout Homeless Veterans Outreach. Sign in: 10-11am • KSU 11am • $15 (rider, passenger, walk-in) • Escorted Ride Start/End: Tramontin HD, Route 80 Exit 12, Hope, NJ. Live music, food, raffles • www.tramontinhd.com 18 • 11AM • Riding Cuba presented by Bob’s BMW Motorcycles & MotoDiscovery @ Bob’s BMW Motorcycles,10720 Guilford Rd, Jessup, MD. Bob Henig, owner of Bob’s BMW, and Skip Mascarro, founder of MotoDiscovery, will be sharing exciting stories and amazing photographs from their epic adventure, followed by Q&A. Visit bobsbmw.com for event details 20 • International Motorcycle and Scooter Ride to Work Day. Just do it. ridetowork.org 23-26 • Johnstown PA Thunder in the Valley • www.JohnstownThunder.com 20-24 • Concours Owners Group National Rally - Helen, GA • COG-online.org 25 • Mortons BMW Training Day. Full day of training, range and trails, plus lunch and liquids. $95/pp starts @ 9am. Full details www.mortonsbmw.com • 540-891-9844 25-26 • 7th Annual Rock, Ribs & Ridges @ Sussex County Fairgrounds, Augusta, NJ featuring Jefferson Starship, Kansas, Blues Traveler, Pure Prairie League and more.

Barbecue fans will enjoy the juried rib cook-off • www.rocksribsandridges.com 26-30 • Motorcycle Sport Touring Assoc. Rally - Stratton, VT. Great riding and the Honda demo team • rideMSTA.com

JULY 2016 5-7 • Women on Wheels 30th Annual International Ride-In - Gettysburg, PA. 402-4771280 • womenonwheels.org 8-10 • AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days - Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, Lexington, OH 800-AMA-JOIN • americanmotorcyclist.com 9-10 • 40th Annual Running of the Ramapo 500™. Sign in: Ramapo MC Clubhouse, Veterans Memorial Assoc. Bldg, 66 Lake Rd, Congers, Ny • Endsite: Rhodes North Tavern, 40 Orange Tpke (Rte. 17) Sloatsburg, Ny @ 7am. $45 advanced reistration/$60 day of event. Two-day 500-mile gorgeous ride with free camping with pool, Sat. dinner, Sun. breakfast, awards and prizes, starter pins and finisher patches. GPS route upload service for add’l fee. ramapomc.org

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JUNE 2016 • BACKROADS

UP C OM I N G E VE NT S CAL END AR 14-16 • 44th Annual BMW MOA International Rally - Hamburg, Ny. Held on fairgrounds near Niagra Falls and the city of Buffalo. Camping, vendors, seminars, off-road competitions and so much more. 864-438-0962 • BMWMOA.org 17 • Ride for Kids UTICA. Deerfield Volunteer Fire Dept, 5476 Trenton Rd, Deerfield, Ny • Registration: 8-9:30am • Kickstands Up: 10am. Details: rideforkids.org 22-24 • Cross Country Ducati Demo Truck Event, 911 Middlesex Ave, Metuchen, NJ. Ducati Experience Tour Three-day weekend full of Ducati demo rides with full fleet of 2016 models. Info: www.ccducati.com • 732-906-9292 25 • Sharpen your skills and build confidence at the track. The Street Skills Riding Academy is conducting a Cornering Skills Instructional Track Day just for street riders at the New york Safety Track in Oneonta, Ny. Pre-registration required. Info: 585-8029859 • jon@streetskills.net • streetskills.net 31 • MeetUp & Ride with Bob’s Road Crew @ Bob’s BMW Motorcycles, 10720 Guilford Rd, Jessup, MD. Exciting group ride led by Bob! Details visit bobsbmw.com

AUGUST 2016 7 • Ride for Kids Hudson Valley. Central Valley Elementary School, 45 Route 32, Central Valley, Ny. Registration: 8-9:30am • Kickstands Up: 10am. Details: rideforkids.org.

7 • Ride for Kids Western PA. Seneca Valley High School, 128 Seneca School Rd, Harmony, PA. Registration: 8:30-9:30am • Kickstands Up: 10:30am. Details: rideforkids.org.

13 • Unadilla hosts Pro National MX. Take a scenic ride to see some great dirt racing.

Full details unadillamx.com • 5986 State Hwy 8, New Berlin, Ny • 607-965-8450 18-21 • Touratech Rally East, Huntingdon, PA. Details: touratechrally.com.

28 • Ride for Kids New England. Bose Corporation, 100 The Mountain Rd, Framingham, MA • Registration: 8-9:30am • Kickstands Up: 10am. Details: rideforkids.org.

SEPTEMBER 2016 9-11 • Vermont BMW MC present the 34th Green Mountain Rally, Goshen, VT. In the midst of the Green Mountains, enjoy the best home cooking (Fri/Sat dinners, Sat/Sun breakfasts), great Vermont self-guided tours, Gap and GS rides, live bluegrass music Friday night, door prizes and awards ceremony Sat. night, hot showers, camping, bonfires and an hour of New England storytelling. Details: vtbmwmov.org/rally 18 • 33rd Annual Italian Motorcycle Meet by IMOC. 10am-3pm; judging at Noon. Featured Marque: Aprilia. Admission: $10/single, $15/2-up. Hamilton Rod & Gun Club, 24 Hamilton Rd, Sturbridge, MA. For full details visit www.imocusa.com or call 248-4705788 • 401-397-4253 18 • Ride for Kids Philadelphia. The Event Center by Cornerstone, 46 N.Sugan Rd, New Hope, PA. Registration: 8:30-9:30am - KSU: 10:30am. Details: rideforkids.org 18 • MeetUp & Ride with Bob’s Road Crew @ Bob’s BMW Motorcycles, 10720 Guilford Rd, Jessup, MD. Exciting group ride led by Bob! Details visit bobsbmw.com 18 • AMA District II Corn Boil Rally. Sign in 9-11am • $15 Williams HD, Lebanon, NJ. Endsite: Eagles, Bridgewater, NJ. Ride in Bike Show, music, trophies, vendors. Info: 732-887-5612 • 908-722-0128 • www.amadistrictII.com 24 • Bob’s BMW Fall Open House Oktoberfest & Swap Meet. 10720 Guilford Rd, Jessup, MD. Details: bobsbmw.com 24 • Forever Friends Motorcycle Awareness 5th Annual Charity Bike Run and Event, Skylands Stadium, 94 Championship Rd, Augusta, NJ. Rain date: Sept. 25th. Details: foreverfriendsmotorcycleawareness.org 22-25 • BACKROADS FALL FIESTA Four days of incredible riding and fun. For full details visit www.backroadsusa.com/rallies.html

OCTOBER 2016 6 • Blue Knights NJ IX 28th Annual Harvey C. Irons Make-A-Wish Ride to benefit MakeA-Wish Foundation of NJ. Start and End: Skylands Stadium, CR 565, Augusta, NJ. $20/pp, under 12 free. Sign in: 9am - Ride: 11am. Coffee and donuts at start; entertainment, vendors and lunch at finish • www.BKNJIX.org • nj9@blueknights.org 16 • Ramapo MC Fall Foliage Tour. Sign in/Endsite: Rhodes north Tavern, 40 Orange Tpke (Rte. 17) Sloatsburg, Ny @ 9am-mid-afternoon. Guided/self-guided tour featuring the best autumn pallet Mother Nature can provide along some of the Hudson Valley’s most interesting roads. Benefits Valerie Fund. ramapomc.org 17-18 • Don’t miss Reg Pridmore’s last CLASS at Virginia Internationl Raceway. 2-day learning extravaganza. For full details visit www.CLASSRides.com • 805-933-9936 24 • 9th Annual Ridgewood Fall Motorcycle Classic(Raindate Sunday, October 31st).

Full details visit www.bergenharleydavidson.com or call 201-843-6930

NOVEMBER 2016 25 • 2nd Annual Black Friday Ride @ Bob's BMW Motorcycles, 10720 Guilford Rd, Jessup, MD. After a great success in 2015, Bob’s will be hosting a 2nd annual Black Friday Ride! Avoid shopping pandemonium and #optoutsideon2wheels Visit bobsbmw.com for details.

25 • MeetUp & Ride with Bob’s Road Crew @ Bob’s BMW Motorcycles, 10720 Guilford Rd, Jessup, MD. Exciting group ride led by Bob! Details visit bobsbmw.com

Follow us on Facebook for up-to-the-minute information Visit our online Calendar for more details backroadsusa.com/events.html

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www.Powersports.Honda.com Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri: 9am-6pm • Thur: 9am-8pm Sat: 9am-5pm • SUNDAY: CLOSED 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. NC700X, CB500X, VFR1200X and CRF1000L Africa Twin are registered trademarsk of Honda Motor Co., Ltd. (08/15)