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I N S I D E 29
M O NT HLY C OL U M NS FREE WHEELIN’ ...........................................................4 WHATCHATHINKIN’ ....................................................6 POSTCARDS FROM THE HEDGE ...............................8 ON THE MARK ...........................................................10 BACKLASH .................................................................11 INDUSTRY INFOBITES..............................................13 GREAT ALL AMERICAN DINER RUN .......................16 WE’RE OUTTA HERE.................................................18 BIG CITY GETAWAY ..................................................22 MYSTERIOUS AMERICA...........................................25 SHIRA’S INSIDE SCOOP ...........................................27 WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE.....................................60 UPCOMING EVENTS CALENDAR ............................63
Motorcycles, Travel & Adventure
PR OD U C T SP OT L I G HT S BMW ENDUROGUARD SUIT...................................45 CRUZTOOLS ROADTECH FOR KTMS ......................45 RKA LINERS FOR TOURATECH ZEGA.....................50 GIVI V40NA 40 LITER CASE .....................................50 ROTOPAX FUEL CELLS ............................................51 BEAD RIDER ..............................................................56 SENA CALVARY BLUETOOTH HALF HELMET........57 HEDZ HEADWEAR ....................................................58
Brian Rathjen • Shira Kamil
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Mark Byers, Bill Heald, Michael Delaney, Eric Milano Dr. Seymour O’Life
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FEAT U R E S HIPPY DIPPY WATERFALL TRIP ...............................29 BMW U.S. CENTER RIDER ACADEMY ....................35 ROAD SCHOLAR.......................................................42 CLASS - SAME, SAME BUT DIFFERENT.................48 ADVENTURE RIDING IN VERMONT ........................52 WEST POINT MILITARY TATTOO.............................54
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BACKROADS (ISSN 1087-2088) is published monthly by BACKROADS™, Inc. 2017. All rights reserved. BACKROADS™ may not be reproduced in any manner without specific written consent from the publisher. BACKROADS™ welcomes and encourages submissions (text and photos) and suggestions. Include phone number with submissions. BACKROADS™ will only return material with enclosed sufficient postage. The written articles and opinions printed in BACKROADS™ are not necessarily those of the publisher and should not be considered an endorsement. The Rip & Rides® published are ridden on the sole responsibilty of the rider. BACKROADS™ is not responsible for the conditions of the public roadways traversed. Please respect the environment, read your owner’s manual and wear proper protective gear and helmet. Ride within your limits, not over them.
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JUNE 2017 • BACKROADS
FREE WHEELIN’ BRIAN RATHJEN
July Is Take a kId MonTh!
for a rIde
The ongoing discussion among riders and in the motorcycle industry is how do we get new riders to join our ranks. Surely women have been the biggest recruits over the last many years – but we still need more young people – boys and girls, men and women - to slip on a helmet, zip up a jacket and slide into the saddle. How do we bring in this much needed new blood? In my mind the truth is rather sad. It seems that kids these days are not all that fired up about getting out on the road themselves in cars, much less on motorcycles.,The instant gratification, Uber-chauffeured kids of today seem too busy looking at their phones to ever be looking out a helmet visor. Still, this conversation repeats itself each time I get together with other riders and people deeply involved and invested in today’s motorcycle industry. How can we entice young riders? How can we spread our gospel? I think the most basic answer is the easiest and maybe the most fun. How did you first get into riding? I bet
someone, somewhere took you for a ride. Scary to think that it has been some 47 years since I, a young kid of maybe 13, walked up to make friends with the guy who owned the ‘motorcycle’ in my neighborhood in Woodside, Queens. It was a blue Honda CB360 that a local guy owned and parked on the street; and it stood out to me every time I rode by on my bicycle. One warm Saturday in the spring I spotted this guy washing and waxing and I was eager to lend a hand. My payment? He tossed me a spare helmet and took me for a ride on the Honda to McDonald’s on Astoria Boulevard for burgers. To me this seemed like riding around the planet - and it was life changing for me. Who could know where this ride, this one kindness to a kid, would really go. Sitting pillion that day everything that I would grow to love about riding hit me for the very first time. The wind, the noise, the leaning, the acceleration and the fun…. especially the fun! Over the next summer I did my best to mooch a ride every now and again from this guy. The fire had begun. My like of motorcycles quickly grew into a passion, then something much more. And, it all started with a kid getting taken for a ride. So, here is my proposal – Take a Kid for a Ride! Find a child (appropriate age, size and self-awareness needed) and see if they want to go for a ride. We all now how motorcycles can perform - so show restraint. We don’t want to scare anyone, but rather entice the kids to want to ride again - to have them get off the bike and start having their own two-wheel daydreams. Odds are that if everyone reading this took an opportunity to share their love of riding with a few kids one or two of them will get it. Some of them won’t – but that is how the numbers of the world work. This is why you are putting miles on your motorcycle while others are going to play bridge. Here is a thought. July can be “Take a Kid for a Ride Month.” More than just a day, it gives you four weeks to find a child, or perContinued on Page 12
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JUNE 2017 • BACKROADS
WHATCHATHINKIN’ SHIRA KAMIL
segregaTIon Recently our cable provider added a few more selections to our already overwhelming nonsense from which to choose on the boob tube. Of interest, to Brian, was the Heroes and Icons channel which shows, every weeknight starting at 8pm, Star Trek shows of every iteration from the Original series to animation. Growing up in the 60s, I was lucky enough to have watched the Originals when they were, but did not lock on to them the way Brian did. He told me that he would win college contests when Star Trek was on as he could name the episode before the title came on. Way too much time with the electronic babysitter. So he has been looking through the programming and choosing what he thinks are the core episodes that I should watch. Seems to me that it’s pretty much every one, but I am enjoying reliving them with him. One particular favorite is titled ‘Let That Be Your Last Battlefield’ starring Frank Gorshin as Bele. It aired on January 10, 1969 and was number 15 in Star Trek’s third season. For those of you non-Trekkers, the plot revolves around a centuries-old feud between sworn enemies, a much-repeated theme in life. Looking at the image, it’s clear to see that these two are vastly different, with one being black on the right and the other being black on the left. It was a commentary on what was happening racially during the current times, as well as being a decent piece of syfy. Why am I bringing this up? Because at 5am this morning I awoke with this analogy in my head: May 6, 2017 was International Female Ride Day. According to their Facebook page, it is the world’s largest, most unique
women motorcycle riders’ event and the only globally synchronized women’s motorcycle ride spanning all cultures, through all parts of the world, across all borders. Wow – that’s huge. May is also Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month and, coincidentally, that same day I received a press release from the folks at EatSleepRIDE.com introducing the SyncRIDE moto-doc series and their attempt at the Guinness World Record for the Largest Synchronized Motorcycle Ride to take place on May 27, 2017. Kickstands up will be at 10am EDT/2pm GMT for riders around the globe. Wow – that’s huge. Continuing with my 5am thought, I wondered how the folks at Guinness would know that all these riders had put their kickstands up at that exact moment, let along started their motorcycles and actually rode somewhere. The same thing applied to the International Female Ride Day, although with that it was not time-sensitive, just day-sensitive, and social media plays a giant roll in keeping track of these events. Photos from around the world are posted, with contests and everything, to promote these symbiotic rides. But, where does ‘Let That Be Your Last Battlefield’ fit into this thought pattern Shira? Well, at 5am thoughts digress and morph pretty quickly – I had to find a pad and writing implement, stumbling in the near-dawn light without stepping on a cat or, more importantly, said cat’s hairball, to try and keep those thoughts in order. If all these folks were trying to promote riding, but some felt it necessary to only promote their favorite type of riding, weren’t they segregating all riders? Wouldn’t it be far more beneficial to the world of motorcycling to include everyone in your invitation to ride? There have always been rallies and gatherings that invite Harley-Davidsons or Triumphs or BMWs or Moto Guzzis or Sport Bikes or Cruisers or Adventure Tourers or Scooters or…you get my drift. In updating the Upcoming Events calendar this month, I took particular notice to the term ‘All Brands WelContinued on Page 12
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JUNE 2017 • BACKROADS
POSTCARDS FROM THE HEDGE BILL HEALD
If IT aIn’T Broke, IT WIll Be Ever since I was a wee creature, I have always been drawn to machines. Now, it would be easy to write about how I love the whirring, sliding, grinding nature of the hardware that makes such devices so compelling, and how in many ways I view a well-functioning machine as a triumph of the human being’s re-ordering of the elements into a new form of life, so to speak. But to be honest (even though this part of the equation is important), a great part of my attraction to well-ordered hardware has always had to do with what the machine enables the operator to do, and the usefulness of the final service it performs. This is critical in my attraction to any particular motorcycle, and hand-in-hand with this is bulletproof reliability. To use an analogy, a modern mechanical wristwatch is a true marvel of evolutionary engineering but if the thing doesn’t keep decent time over many years it quickly loses its appeal (for me, anyway). When it comes to motorcycles, I’ve always appreciated the aesthetics as much as anyone. They are beautiful machines, and even in this age of extensive aerodynamic bodywork and hidden engine components they still are very inspiring beasts to examine. But there has to be something else about the ride in question that really makes me want to own the sucker, and that’s the real-world functionality of the engineering and not just its design elegance. This is a really fancy way of saying I hate stuff that breaks frequently, no matter how beautiful it may be to gaze upon. To go back to the wristwatch analogy, I prefer one that operates reliably for decades as opposed to years, even if the less accurate and reliable timepiece might be a true artistic marvel to behold. This goes double for motorcycles, as I absolutely prefer to sail on through unknown waters, concentrating on the way ahead rather than being stranded on the side of the road contemplating what fresh hell has broken
out among the electronic managers in the engine room. I know, this is an obvious desire among the traveler, but how do you insure this will be the way things go? You can do all the research you want when you purchase a bike, and careful scrutiny of any and all accounts of a machine’s reliability is of great value in picking a robust, dependable traveling companion. After purchase, reliability can be further enhanced by good maintenance practices and a pilot-like attention to pre-ride checks to catch any weirdness that could lead to failure once “aloft.” But despite such due diligence attentions, the mechanical entity does have its moods and complexities and things do fail on occasion. When these events occur, it can be a massive vat of ugly in your day depending on when and where they happen. I really hate such instances, even though they have been very interesting mini-adventures in the past when they did occur. But I really do prefer a motorcycle, car or wristwatch that purrs on so peacefully and without complaint that it allows you to get on with the crux of the matter, and that is getting where you’re going and enjoying the journey along the way. When you’re not concerned about some weird noise, vibration or rumble below decks it allows your consciousness to focus on what’s going on around you and the world you are traveling through. It is in these moments where the machine under you almost disappears, and you are literally projecting yourself along as if by your own superpowers. It is important to mention at this point that I fully understand the joy of tinkering, modifying and fixing a mechanical device having done a considerable amount of it myself. But as I’ve grown older, I’ve discovered the true joy for me in not in the hands-on appreciation of the conveyance as much as enjoying it when it’s operating flawlessly and doing what it’s designed to do. I didn’t realize it at the time, but I’ve always purchased bikes that would be low-maintenance and reliable because it was where it would take me that was the attraction, not the art of the motorcycle itself. This may sound dull, but the fun part is how well form can follow function and build quality can actually be aesthetically quite pleasing. I think it’s another reason Continued on Page 12
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JUNE 2017 • BACKROADS
ON THE MARK MARK ByERS
shakedoWn Venus sits on the shoulder of a crescent moon in the deep, orange sky over the Atlantic as we cross the Georgia border, steaming north on I-95. We’ve been riding since 04:40, when we left a humid, breezy Daytona behind. There’s very little traffic and three bikes in rough formation throttle up as the increasing daylight makes our sight lines longer. We share the road with very few others at dawn on a Sunday morning in April, and that’s fine with us. It’s a little chilly, but despite the clouds, no rain molests us as we fly northward. We came to be riding on this road at this hour because of another ride to be done in a couple months’ time. Our friend Steve will be crossing the US by bike in just over 50 hours on a solo ride in June and this is the shakedown cruise. He’ll be raising money for a Children’s Home (a gentler term for “orphanage”) and we’re trying to make sure his planning, bike, and gear are ready. So, another friend and I joined him in a “short” ride from Pennsylvania and Maryland, respectively, to Daytona Beach, Florida and back over a three-day weekend. We left our homes separately and met at a Sheetz off I-81 in Staunton, Virginia. Amazingly, Steve got caught in traffic in the rain at 04:15 because of police activity near his home, so he rolled into the Sheetz a half hour late, but soon we are on our way. The morning is clear and just warm enough for the ventilated Vanson to be all I need as we thunder down I-81 amidst the Friday morning truck traffic. We make good time, however, and soon we’re stopping near the North Carolina border for the first of several more planned fuel stops. His goal is 11 minutes per stop, but that’s hard with three people competing
for pumps and the bathroom. Even so, we don’t linger and are soon on the road again, hurtling toward the distant goal. We’re very egalitarian about who leads, and we switch around at random times, waving the others through so we can stand up, shake our wrists, or do whatever it is that we require to stay limber and fend off the boredom of a slog on the slab. Steve’s sporting an XM radio and an addiction to “Deep Tracks,” while I ride only with the music of the motor and the wind. We’ve each got a twoway radio, but our goal is not to use them unless absolutely necessary. Yes, we’re riding together…physically, but mentally we’re solo and that’s fine with us. I wouldn’t want to call him, for example, when a particularly good, deep Pink Floyd track was cued up. So we ride along in the company of our own reverie and whatever traffic surrounds us. North Carolina falls behind us. The miles tick down on the Zumo display as they tick up on the trip meter. Gas stops come and go, bananas and Clif bars get eaten, and hydration packs get hit with metronomic regularity. South Carolina passes. Then Georgia. Boiled peanut billboards abound. The Florida border comes as the sun is sinking into the western horizon and the sky is shading purple. We have to watch our speed, because like horses close to the barn, the destination anticipation is making us gallop. It’s so close we can almost taste it. We fire right through the gut of Jacksonville, ignoring the bypass because the direct route is clear. Downtown Jax is as pretty as ever as we cross the St. John’s River and keep the heat on as we press toward Daytona. We pass St. Augustine and I wish we could stop – it’s a good town – but our hotel beckons. Soon enough, the GPS and the signs tell us we’re almost at our destination. A quick fuel stop to get a receipt for an Ironbutt qual and we’re over the bridge and onto A1A, the mother road of the beach. We hit the hotel a half hour ahead of schedule, having made up the half hour Steve was late and added another half for good measure. The clerk says we can leave the bikes right where they are, under the awning, as long as they’re close to the curb. Life’s good, the beer’s cold, the food’s hot, and the bed is comfortable. The shakedown was a success, and that’s how we came to be heading back north on 95 at dawn on Sunday.
BACKROADS • JUNE 2017
BACKLASH Kudos on the Cape Hi Guys, Enjoyed your column on Cape Cod and I totally agree with your thoughts on P-Town. My first visit there was in the mid 60’s and it is quite the different town today. So, you need to come north to Massachusetts’ other cape, Cape Ann. Home to Gloucester, America’s oldest seaport and, as much as NOAA tries to shut them down, it is still a working fishing town. Rockport once home to a thriving granite industry and now home to a lot of lobsta boats. Also Essex, where the fried clam was invented. Best soft shell clams come out of Ipswich Bay. Lots to see and do here. You should check it out. Later, norm dulong We have been to Rockport and Cape Ann a number of times, but it has been awhile so a return trip is needed. What’s not to love about that town – except it was dry (but we can survive that!) Harry Chapin had a superb song called “Dogtown” about this very region. It is a great story he tells in it. (Seek it out) We will make it a point to stop by next time we are up there and go for the fried clams!
Back Issues Dear Backroads People, Anyway I can get another copy of the February 2017 (West Virginia) edition? I’m a happy subscriber, but want to get this into other’s hands. And refuse to give away my issue. Doug Stewart Doug, We can understand that. Although an iPad or smartphone will never have the same cache’ as a printed magazine in the privy - you can find the back issues of Backroads on-line right here: issuu.com/backroadsmagazine
Hello From Europe Hi Brian, I already got the magazine, it is a great article and makes me very proud. Thanks a lot for your words and sending the magazine to me in Europe. All the best and good luck with your riding and with Backroads! Peter kuhn edelweiss guide – Mountains of Tenerife Hi Brian & Shira I just got the May issue and had to let you know it's fantastic! You guys are killing it! I read every single page. Glad to see you were able to get Ken's Italy Tour story in as well. Just wanted to let you know - If you guys ever offer a subscriber rate to "Clubs" I would be more than happy to promote it to our 125 members - just let me know. Bill kniegge • Blue strada Tours Glad you liked it Bill – Ken is a fantastic writer. Although Backroads is available free in shops, we must charge for individual mailings and subscriptions. As much as we’d like to supply every riding club that asks, it would surely be cost prohibitive.
Here Comes the Future… Dear Mr. Rathjen, I very much enjoyed your Free Wheelin article this month about the Future. I’ve thought that for a good long time. I drive a 1994 Mazda, that is an absolutely basic auto. I thought I was ahead of the curve, but with
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Letters to the Editor plate scanners and easy pass, there’s no getting around “Big Brother” watching. It will all end the day a processor somewhere becomes self-aware. That’ll be it then. Jim Whoever Brian, I hope very much that never happens. I resisted getting an EZ Pass for a long time for just that reason. Some Politian at some point WILL generate revenue buy issuing speeding tickets based on your toll to toll speed & time under the guides of “safety”, just a matter of time. I have two words if they come out with tracking your speed and position “Go Vintage!” Yup. I was on my 1975 “water buffalo” this weekend at the Norton Gathering at Washington’s Crossing, and did 200 fun comfortable miles that day. If I had to, I could ride that bike as my main bike all the time. My friend was on his 1974 Honda CL 350cc, that bike does 100mph bone stock and cruises at 75mph all day getting close to 40mph. There is hope for the future -just look back! gary renna Continued on Next Page
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JUNE 2017 • BACKROADS
Hi guys! Just perusing the latest issue and came upon the Aerostich write up. Great minds think alike! This is number three for me purchased during the 12/12/12 12% off sale. Hell, the older one musta shrunk in the wash?!? On the bright side I lost weight, which made room for the hip and back pads. See you out there! Terry Hi… Just wanted to thank you for Mark Byers’ excellent piece in Welcome To The Jungle on Lightning Riding. It was spot on and really cleared up the myths. I’m certain it will save lives. Keep up the good work and the great magazine! Best, steve lischin Dear Backroads, I wanted to thank you for all you do with the magazine and the Backroads Rallies. A few years back a guy and a girl showed up on a trip separately and not knowing anyone. The guy was sitting at breakfast reading a newspaper and I started talking to him and after chatting for a while I asked if he wanted to ride with us. He did. It was a great time and he is a great guy! We now ride together all the time on these trips and this year for the first 1269 DOLSONTOWN RD MIDDLETOWN NY 10940
845-343-2552 •
time he came to the United States and had Easter dinner with us and spent the weekend here. This guy is Denis Cote from Canada. We have found a friend for life as well as all Backroads’ family. As for the girl, although she has only been on one other Spring Break or Fall Fiesta trip since then, she has been on the Summer Squeeze. We keep in touch with her and have visited with her in the past. Marian will also be a friend for life. So again thank you Backroads Magazine, Brian, Shira and, of course, Jim Whoever who actually introduced me to you all. See ya on the Spring Break! lisa rhodes Mutchler To all: Lisa created the most thoughtful video this winter on what we call the “Backroads Effect.” We never planned for this, but it has happened regardless - with riders meeting riders, becoming friends and sometimes more. It is a good thing and we feel blessed that it has worked out this way. If you have never been to a Backroads rally you are missing out on a great weekend on the road. No two are the same, the destinations always vary but the great attitudes and friendly ways of these rallies never do.
free WheelIn’ Continued from Page 4 son for that matter (doesn’t have to be a kid), and take them for their first ride. A safe, sane and enjoyable ride. Go to lunch. Ride around the lake. Take that niece or nephew for a quick spin at the family barbeque. Take a kid for a ride! The best way to encourage more people to join us is to let them experience it for themselves and taking a kid for a ride is a great way to start. WWW.CYCLEMOTIONINC.COM
Cycle Motion is your provider of motorcycles, ATVs, scooters, snowmobiles, and utility vehicles by Kawasaki, Suzuki, Polaris, yamaha and Can-Am. With a large parts department, qualified service technicians and a full shop full of parts and accessories, we're here to meet all your power sport needs. 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.
WhaTchaThInkIn’ Continued from Page 6 come’. Should it even be necessary to include this phrase in any offering to motorcyclists to gather and enjoy what we all enjoy – getting out on a beautiful day to ride your motorcycle. I think not. It’s wonderful to pull into a parking lot and look at a variety of two-wheeled conveyances and the riders who pilot them. There are far too many exclusionary thoughts circulating out there to have our love of motorcycles be included. Whether Italian, German, Japanese or USA, male, female or whatever – let’s not make the road our last battlefield. Let’s just ride. Continued from Page 8 PosTcards why I’ve always been drawn to motorcycle models that last in their present form for many years before major revisions, for it’s a good way of indicating the designers got it right out of the box and it’s not rife with problems that needed to be fixed at the factory in the next model year. Another aspect of this is that great engineering takes a while to actually improve upon, and so is only modified when some truly advanced component or design comes along. There’s a reason that some bikes go year after year with only minor tweaks, and yet still sell well and over time get excellent reputations and build loyal followings. But hey, they break too, in time. We all do. But longevity of a certain model can mean better predictive maintenance, for no matter how much you ride your particular mount there’s somebody out there somewhere who puts even more miles on it than you do. Problems will surface, and while this is no indication of what will fail on your version (and motorcycles are often abused in very odd ways), it can often instruct you on what you need to keep an eye on so as to prevent a failure when you’re smack dab in the middle of Nowhere, Nevada. Hey, I’m sure the town is a lovely place to stay, but only when you really want to do so.
BACKROADS • JUNE 2017
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IN DU STRY INFOBITES
News from the Inside
SENATE RIDERS
“Some of my most cherished memories include motorcycles, from delivering messages as a young girl to my dad while he was working out in the fields, to riding through the rolling hills of Northeast Iowa with family and friends,” Ernst said. “I am thrilled to have the opportunity to encourage thoughtful discussion and solutions on behalf of motorcycle riders and manufacturers through my new role as co-chair of the Motorcycle Caucus. “Throughout my 99 county tour of Iowa, I have heard from many of these folks about some of their priorities, including improving safety, infrastructure and energy efficiency. These concerns are shared by folks across our great state and country, and I look forward to working with Sen. Peters toward solutions.” Peters bought his first motorcycle at age 11.
The American Motorcyclist Association extended its appreciation to U.S. Sens. Joni Ernst and Gary Peters for establishing the first Senate Motorcycle Caucus. Ernst (R-Iowa) and Peters (D-Mich.) — both lifelong motorcyclists — will serve as co-chairs of the caucus, which will advocate on behalf of both motorcycle riders and manufacturers.
BACKROADS AND THE AMERICAN MOTORCYCLIST ASSOCIATION BACK PRESIDENT’S NATIONAL MONUMENT REVIEW ORDER
The AMA has long sought the establishment of a Senate Motorcycle Caucus, and we are happy that this bipartisan effort has come to fruition,” said Wayne Allard, AMA vice president of government relations. “We look forward to working with the members of this caucus on all the issues affecting the motorcycle lifestyle and the future of motorcycling.” Ernst said her concern for motorcycles and motorcyclists started when she was a child.
Interior Secretary Zinke to examine designations from past 21 years We rarely get political but Backroads joins the American Motorcyclist Association supporting President Donald Trump’s decision to order the review of all national monument designations that are greater than 100,000 acres made by administrations during the past 21 years under the American Antiquities Act of 1906. The review is to be conducted by Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke, with two Utah monuments as the focus: Bears Ears National Monument designated by President Barack Obama in 2016 and the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument designated by President Bill Clinton in 1996. “We believe that past presidents have overstepped the bounds and the intent of the Antiquities Act by designating far more land as national monuments than was necessary,” said AMA Vice President of Government Relations Wayne Allard. “We applaud President Trump’s order to review these designations and hope that some of these boundaries can be reduced with input from local residents and officials.”
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JUNE 2017 • BACKROADS
We opposes sweeping monument designations by administrations that fail to consider input from stakeholders. Such designations can restrict or eliminate opportunities for responsible off-highway motorized recreation on public lands and negatively impact the local economies of the communities surrounding the monuments and supports legislation that would require local approval. Under President Trump’s directive, Zinke has 45 days to submit interim recommendations and 120 days to submit suggestions for legislation or recommend that the president reduce the size of monuments larger than 100,000 acres or rescind the designations altogether.
94 YEARS STRONG! This June, Laconia Motorcycle Week returns to New Hampshire for its 94th year, leaving some wondering how this popular, time-honored event first came to be. Don’t try doing the math – because there’s a bit more to it than just counting back 94 years… The rally actually started
in 1916, organized by local motorcycle dealers in central and southern New England, with a couple hundred motorcyclists traveling north for a get together (dubbed a “gypsy tour”) at Weirs Beach. Today, Laconia Motorcycle Week® is a much-expanded version of the early “gypsy tour” years offering attendees lots of fun, food, music and, of course, a forum to share in their passion (big or small) for riding. Over 230,000 riders are expected to descend on the Lakes Region for the Rally, holding the honor of the oldest of the three national rallies with Daytona and Sturgis being Laconia’s sister rallies. So be a part of the continuing history. Plan a ride to New Hampshire for this year’s Motorcycle Week (June 10 - June 18). Whether it’s your first or 94th visit, you’ll find the passion for riding, around which this event was founded, has never changed. Laconia Motorcycle Week® gives great appreciation to all of our sponsors, especially our Presenting Sponsors: Progressive, AMSOIL, and Hot Leathers as well as the State of New Hamp-shire for their large financial support of our rally each year. For more information on visiting the State of NH, check out www.visitnh.gov.
THOMPSON SPEEDWAY MOTORSPORTS PARK TO HOST VINTAGE BIKES ON JUNE 25 The second annual Thompson Vintage Motorcycle Classic will happen Sun., June 25, 2017. Coming off a stellar inaugural event which welcomed thousands of classic motorcycle fanatics to the Northeast corner of Connecticut, this year’s event will again feature a packed field of historic and antique motorcycles in a Classic Motorcycle Show, a massive Swap Meet Marketplace and Manufacturer’s Midway Vendor area, and a Vintage Motorcycle Track-Day on Thompson’s 1.7 mile road course. This exciting event will offer a Motorcycle Festival atmos-
BACKROADS • JUNE 2017
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SO LONG WHITEHORSE PRESS MOTORCYCLE’S ICONIC BOOK & GEAR SHOP TO CLOSE AFTER 28 YEARS… As we are going to press with this edition, a great piece of what has made motorcycling so much fun is coming to an end. Whitehorse Gear of North Conway, New Hampshire is closing their doors. For years we here at Backroads have been very, very proud to call Dan & Judy Kennedy, owners of Whitehorse Gear, our friends. They have also had some of the best people working with them and they all will be sorely missed. If you needed something a bit different or useful for your machine they were probably the company to call. If you were looking for a book on any number of motorcycle-related topics, no one on the planet seemed to carry a better selection. They were the “go to” people for us and so many others when in need. According to Dan: “It’s Been a Great Ride! Since Judy and I founded Whitehorse in 1989, we have had the privilege of serving hundreds of thousands of motorcyclists, helping them find the best information and phere that’s sure to please all New England motorcycle enthusiasts. Gates open at 9 a.m. on the 25th and general gate admission is just $10. Register your pre-1990 motorcycle in the Classic Motorcycle Show. Swap Meet Vendors can enter at 7 a.m. on Sunday to set up; a 15-foot-by-30 spot is $30 (includes admission for one person). The fan favorite Parade Of Classics will happen Sunday at noon. Motorcycle Show participants are welcome to take a parade lap around Thompson’s 1.7-mile road course. (Helmet required) Vintage Track Day will start immediately after parade lap. Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park is located at exit 50 (formerly exit 99) off I-395, at 205 E Thompson Road, Thompson, CT 06277. The park is just 50 minutes from downtown Boston, 2.5 hours from New York City and 40 minutes from Hartford and Providence. For more information, call (860) 923-2280 or visit: www.thompsonspeedway.com.
DRIVER WHO “DIDN’T CARE” HE HIT RIDER GETS 15 YEARS Remember the Texas driver who was filmed deliberately swerving across centerline into a passing motorcyclist and then said “I don’t care” that he’d knocked the rider and his girlfriend to the ground? The heartless car driver is 69-year-old William Crum and following a two-day trial at 355th District Court in Hood County, Texas, he’s been sentenced to 15 years in prison after being convicted on one count of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon causing bodily injury. The 15-year sentence means that Crum, who was arrested soon after the incident in Granbury, TX in October 2015, will be in prison until he’s 84.
equipment to make their riding more comfortable and fun. We’ve had a wonderful experience, filled with friendship and adventure stretching from those early days before cell phones and the Internet. And while the essentials of twowheeled travel have really changed very little over the years, enthusiasm for things like dual-sport riding, metric cruisers, and even heated gear has woven its way into the motorcycling mainstream — and we’ve greatly enjoyed being a part of it all.” Over the next few months, until the warehouse in Conway is empty, Whitehorse Gear will be offering even more outstanding values on their remaining inventory, with the same great customer servise of which they have long been proud. If you happen to be in the area, stop by, say hi, help them clean out the shelves and, as they said, ‘let us thank you personally for the many years we’ve shared the road.’ Shira, Brian and everyone here at Backroads wish Judy and Dan the very best as they start exploring the rest of their happy lives – hopefully on two wheels. www.Whitehorsegear.com
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JUNE 2017 • BACKROADS
Hannum’s Harley-Davidson Presents
G REAT A LL AMERICA N DINE R RUN
tasty places to take your bike
The helM 649 JERSEY AVE, GREENWOOD LAKE, NY 10925 845-477-3073 • THEHELMNYCOM OR FIND THEM ON FACEBOOK OPEN THURS-FRI-SAT @ NOON • SUN @ 11AM I’m sure that in all your riding discoveries, you’ve had the misfortune of heading into a lake community during the height of summer. These incredibly tight, house-on-house crunches are far from enjoyable when there are carloads of tourists and local dawdlers clogging the otherwise serpentine and twisty roads. Luck for us, we did not encounter this phenomenon when we planned to meet some friends for brunch at The Helm on Greenwood Lake. It was pre-season, folks were still working on their docks and we were free to pull right into the off-street parking lot not too long after the doors opened at 11am. Entering the dimly lit small but cozy space, you’ll encounter a bar area that is most often hopping. Even on an early Sunday morning, folks were belly up, but I’m guessing it was mainly for The Helm’s amazing brunch offering which is served until 3pm. There are a couple of high top tables as well as seating for, I’m guessing, 20+/- more. We grabbed a high top, which comfortably sat the four of us. We were happily greeted by our smiling waiter, offering coffee or other beverages, and handed menus along with specials and drink listings. Lucky for me I was a passenger this day, and decided to have The Bloody Helm, their off-the-hook version of a Bloody Mary. This creation is an appetizer in itself, boasting several chunks of their maple glazed pork bellies, a Buffalo wing, some pickles, olives, hot pepper and, I’m sure, more stuff but I can’t remember. The drink alone is worth the price of admission. Not that I wouldn’t share, but others ordered the buttermilk onion rings (house IPA batter, garden herbs, housemade buttermilk ranch) and a helping of the crispy pork belly. The onion rings were as crispy as could be with a beautiful full flavor and the pork belly – well, ‘nuff said. The Helm has built a nice reputation over the past few years that it’s been open, and one of their signature dishes is chicken and waffles. Brian went for a variation special of chicken, waffle, chorizo sausage patty topped with an over easy egg. This was all drizzled with their house hot sauce/maple syrup concoction and I pity the fool who tried to put a hand near his meal. When my plate of banana pancakes arrived, everyone’s eyes opened wide as they practically took up the entire table. Stacked three
high, these buttermilk cakes LOADED with five spice brown sugar oat crumble are somewhere between nirvana and heaven and there is absolutely no need for the hot maple syrup with which they are served. To round out the fare of the table, there was the Atlantic (salmon, avocado, pickled red onion, greens, tzatziki on a brioche) topped with an egg and a manly platter of three eggs, chorizo sausage, sweet potato hash and some Texas toast. Needless to say, we waddled away from the table, with enough in the doggy bag for a meal later, much later, on. You’ll find a great and varied menu which includes, small plates and shareables like smoked wings (they do smoke their own meats here) to poutine (if you don’t know what it is, look it up), lots of sandwich choices, several salads, main dishes from steak to pasta and some desserts should you get that far. If you are lucky enough to have a designated driver, their beer list is extensive. I mentioned that The Helm’s dining space is small, but as we found
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I Know This Place…. sally Purcell’s counTry Inn 891 W COUNTY RD, SUGARLOAF, PA 18249 • 570-384-3478 • DANDP444.WIX.COM/SALLYPURSELLS TUES-THURS: 11A-9P • FRI-SAT: 11A-10P • SUNDAY 11:30A-8P We love it when we unexpectedly come across something really excellent. Especially when it is way past lunch and we are starving. Such was the case on a trip through Pennsylvania. We were heading east and just crossed the Susquehanna River, basically running parallel to I-80 but not touching the big road if we could avoid it. We could. We had passed the last bit of civilization at the river and, now thinking we wouldn’t find repast until the Delaware, we just got hungrier. The road we were riding, Rock Glen, was making its way easterly in a friendly and winding fashion when the sign flashed by me to the left. Did I just see that? Shira radioed that she saw it too. A small sign that might have said “something” Country Inn? The GPS showed that we could make the next left and double back and that is how we found Sally Purcell’s Country Inn. The Inn is very non-descript, but it seems that the Purcells do not need a fancy building to draw folks from around the region. This family has been serving up great eats for half a century and they quickly showed us why. This is one of those places that is a gathering spot of sorts for locals. While we were sitting down to lunch surrounded by tables of seasoned women (Brian was the only male) a guy just off work was having his shot and a beer in the adjacent barroom. This day it was a one-man act as the young guy waiting on all of us was tending the bar too. We sat down expecting maybe just a sandwich but saw there was much, much more to be found at Purcell’s. Appetizers like peel & eat shrimp or steamed clams as well as some great salads. I had the turkey chef salad and added a bit of bacon, ‘cause everything is better with bacon, right? Not only was it big, delicious, but attractive too – actually getting comments from the women at the next table that had been watching us since we walked in on a Tuesday afternoon with full riding gear. Maybe not the usual clientele. Shira saw the special BLT go by and ordered one immediately. Speaking of sandwiches Sally Purcell’s Country Inn has plenty of them as well as the American standard burgers. Philly chicken sandwiches as well as my usual standard fried “honey dipped” chicken. There was much more to be found and Purcell’s needs to be revisited next time we are crossing the region. Places like Sally Purcell’s Country Inn remind you that you never know when you will run into a real winner food-wise while traipsing along the backroads. out it is well worth the wait should you have to. But be prepared, as there doesn’t seem to be any rush from the staff for you to vacate your seat. We lingered over several cups of very good coffee before turning over our seats to the next lucky folks to dine here. They serve brunch on Sundays and lunch and dinner Thursday thru Sunday. I’m sure that at the height of the summer they are unbelievable busy, so be warned. We’ll start this 50-mile jaunt from our friends at Hudson Valley Motorcycles in Ossining, NY. If you haven’t been, it’s a great family-owned, riders’ enthusiast shop. Rip & Ride on page 62
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Bergen County Harley-Davidson Presents
WE’RE OUTTA HER E long Beach Island New JerSey’S Shore StartS here at the eNd We have always had a small thing for land’s end place. And, although one of many barrier islands that run up the eastern shores of the United states, I could not help but to notice the 0 Mile Marker across the beach end road from the Jolly Roger Motel we were calling home for a few days this past summer. Okay, so maybe it was not Caya Hueso (Key West) but it would work for a little bit of Jersey Shore exploring – something we have kind of avoided in the last few years in these pages. With Superstorm Sandy memories slowly beginning to fade, though not forgotten as we would see with the massive sand dune project happening up and down the 18 mile long island, we thought we’d spend a day or two here on the shore. Part of my issue with many beach communities in this part of the US is the crowds and the roads to and from them. Having our own thoughts on this we charted a course (nautical beach talk) south along the Delaware River and then east through parts of central New Jersey cutting through the expansive Pine Barrens before heading over the causeway onto New Jersey’s largest island. Another reason we had come this way was that Shira’s side of the family was having a family gathering of sorts with kids and kin coming in from all points of the United States for a week down on the Jersey Shore. We thought a day or two in and around LBI would be fun and a bit different for us; besides from here we’d continue on south and west into the Virginias
a weekend destination keeping you on the backroads – where we know the motorcycles are far happier. Long Beach is just that, and never too wide even at the causeway. To the west lies protected bays and the east the Atlantic and really far to the east – well, Portugal. The Jolly Roger is to be found at the very southern point of the island and a bit away from the summer crowds, miniature golf ranges and congestion that plagues the middle of LBI. The rooms are comfortable and the showers excellent (big thing for us). The view of the beach and the sea from the rooftop deck is remarkable and relaxing and to the south the skyline of Atlantic City makes for an interesting juxtaposition. Just south, literally a 2-minute walk, will put you into the Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife - more than 40,000 acres of southern New Jersey coastal habitat. During the fall through spring you can ride an eight-mile Wildlife Drive with observation towers and
BACKROADS • JUNE 2017 two short nature trails. Being part of the “Atlantic Flyway” the Forsythe Refuge is one of the finest places in the nation to bird watch, especially during the spring and fall migrations. During the summer it is closed off to let the birds make more birds, but there is a walk held each day at 10:30 run by experienced birders leading the way. We’d check that out the next day, but first made a stop by the family to check in, say hi and see what was what. Riding, exploring and searching for things new and different for Backroads is always good, so is hanging with family for a bit. After the mandatory family photos Shira and I headed north to island’s end. As we said LBI is about 18 miles from stem to stern and along the way you will pass through many towns that have that familiar Jersey Shore twang to them. Beach Haven, Surf City, Ship Bottom and, my favorite name, Loveladies. Just to be clear - this name come from the fact that in 1871, the United States Life-Saving Service was established in the area. There was a small, 10-acre island in the bay adjacent to the station, which was owned by a man named Thomas Lovelady. The area was called Lovelady’s, which eventually evolved to Loveladies. Somehow we wanted something more risqué. At the north end of LBI you will find the Barnegat Lighthouse, commonly called “Old Barney.”
Page 19 Since Europeans arrived on these barrier islands they have been building lights. The first few attempts on the north end of Long Beach lost their battles to the sea and storms but a larger and better placed one was Barnegat Light, commissioned on January 1, 1859. The tower light was 172 feet above sea level and the lighthouse itself was 163 feet tall, four times taller than the original. The new light was a first-order flashing Fresnel lens, which stood about 12 feet tall. The total cost of the project was about $40,000, with the lens alone costing $15,000. It was designed and completed by Lt. George Meade – the same George Meade who would become the famous Civil War General and who has an Army base in Texas named after him. We arrived at the lighthouse just in time to catch the day’s last rays and then we took in sunset looking west across the bay. A superb fish dinner was found just steps from Old Barney. Rolling the eighteen miles south through Long Beach was an easy affair as most folk were at dinner or their beach homes. Right on schedule Shira yells over my shoulder (we were two up on my GS) that she knows of the only ice cream shop on LBI that makes their own ice cream. Of course she does. The Woo Hoo was just that and had the BEST music I have ever heard from an ice cream shop. The next morning I got up early to catch the sunrise at the south end of the island. We had our nature walk at 10:30 so we headed out for breakfast on the bayside of LBI and then met the family to see the plovers, sandpipers and osprey. Nature completed Shira and I took a ride to the New Jersey Maritime Museum, located in Beach Haven. Over the years we have found that seeking out smaller local museums is where you will really find the deep and fascinating history that is all around us. This museum did not let us down as every turn brought us another nugget
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of the maritime history of the Garden State. With over 4,500 known shipwrecks and stories of bravery, heroism and mayhem filling each room this museum deserves its own article and thus I’d hand that over to Dr. Seymour O’Life to fill you in on some of the things we found at the Maritime Museum, but let’s just tease you a bit and let you know you’ll read about collapsed deep water radar towers, flaming cruise ships, crash dive submarines and member of the US Coast Guard that had four legs and a tail. There is a reason this place has been on Mysteries at the Museum a couple of times. With lunchtime far past we found the tikistyle restaurant at the Sea Shell Resort. Good food, on the beach, under thatched roofs with just enough Caribbean here on the coast of Jersey for us. Conch fritters and fish samiches.
JUNE 2017 • BACKROADS
Looking to take advantage of the beach while we were here we parked the bikes for the rest of the afternoon, strolled across from the Jolly Roger and did the beach thing – our ultra-white skin, normally covered and protected by layers of cordura, now suddenly playing havoc with the vision of pilots on incoming flights to Newark Liberty. This would be our last night on LBI – Shira would live on the beach if she could, me not so much but, that not withstanding, a couple of days in August on Long beach Island was welcome and a bit different for us and we hope we have given you some food for thought as we head back towards the summer riding season.
THE WOO HOO
JOLLY ROGER HOTEL WWW.JOLLYROGERLBI.COM/
THEWOOHOO.COM
NJ MARITIME MUSEUM NJMARITIMEMUSEUM.ORG
LONG BEACH ISLAND, NJ VISITLBIREGION.COM WWW.NJLBI.COM
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Hanover Powersports Presents
B IG CITY GETAWAY knoeBels aMuseMenT resorT 391 KNOEBELS BLVD, ELYSBURG, PA 17824 • 570-672-2572 • WWW.KNOEBELS.COM WEEKEND ONLY SEPT AND OCT • DAILY JUNE, JULY, AUG • CHECK WEBSITE FOR HOURS
There resides in all of us, young and old, a child yearning to play. No matter the number of trips around the sun we may have made, there will hopefully always be that spark of adventure, inquisitiveness, laughter and playfulness. Today we will bring you to a place that will satisfy all those things – Knoebels Amusement Resort. We mentioned Knoebels back in April 2016’s We’re Outta Here, specifically their Flying Turns roller coaster. Returning from a jaunt around West Virginia, we decided to head back through Pennsylvania in order to make a stop at Knoebels, ride the Flying Turns and a couple other vintage coasters. Knoebels sits just west of Bloomsburg, PA in Elysburg. 241 years ago, John Penn, governor of Pennsylvania, signed a deed transferring 292 acres, known as Peggy’s Farm’, to John Salter for a mere 14 pounds 12 shillings and 3 pence. Peggy’s Farm was bought by Reverend Henry Hartman Knoebel in 1828 for $931 and became Knoebels Grove. His grandson envisioned this
daytrip ideas to get out of the daily grind land to have recreational potential and, as time passed, it surely did. On July 4, 1926, Knoebels Amusement Resort opened, with the Crystal Pool, a merrygo-round and a few food stands. Over the next 90 years, piece by piece and ride by ride, Knoebels has become America’s largest free-admission park with over 60 rides, three wooden roller coasters, two carousels, entertainment and attractions, games of chance and multiple eateries. Spending a day here will certainly bring out that inner child in all of us.
When we arrived at the very large parking area, the attendant kindly informed us that we need not park here but instead directed us to their motorcycle-only parking area right at the entrance. Having fullypacked bikes, we were happy to have a little shade and privacy. We locked ‘em up, shed our riding gear and headed inside. As mentioned, Knoebels has no admission fee, no parking fee, free entertainment and free picnic facilities; you just choose your rides and pay their price in tickets. Since we were there for just a few specific rides and limited time, we opted for their $20 ticket book (discounted that day to $18). Our main purpose was to ride the Flying Turns, a wooden bobsled coaster, so we beelined it over before the line got too long. With just a 15 minute
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wait, we were seated (separately, as there is a weight limit per car to maximize the ride’s enjoyment and safety). Ratcheting up the beginning tracks, we were soon free-flying, careening all over the wooden tube and feeling very much like we were flying. The original Flying Turns was built in 1929; with the enthusiasm of aviation at the time, coaster builders strived to create a ride mimicking the thrill of flying. This iteration was built over a seven-year period with no available construction documentation from the original rides, having a lapse of about seventy years since last construction. I’d say that they did one hell of a job. Although short in ride time, the thrill factor was very high. Satiating our initial coaster fix, we meandered the park, taking in all the retro designs and family fun atmosphere. The Crystal Pool was rocking on this 80+ degree day as were all the water rides. We stopped by the Bald Eagle Habitat to view the two residents, who were smartly sheltered in the shade. Coming upon the Phoenix, Knoebels premier wooden coaster, we scooted in finding no line at all. The Phoenix was originally built in 1947 as the Rocket in San Antonio, Texas. Rising from the ashes, it was reborn at Knoebels in 1985 and has consistently been ranked as one of the top wooden
Page 23 coasters in the country. Climbing the initial 78-foot ramp, we were soon plummeting into a steep dive, literally lifting from our seats in whoop-de-do after whoop-de-do. Reaching a top speed of 45 mph (seemed a lot faster than that to me) the ride lasted about 2 minutes but the smiles on our faces lasted a lot longer. ‘Holy S@#*’ was our only response upon exiting and we couldn’t wait to get back on. But wait we did, as we took a dip on the Giant Flume. Again, there was no line so we plopped our butts on the wet seats and hoped for the best. ‘Hey, shouldn’t we have a seat belt or something?’ I casually said to Brian. Once we began the first climb, I don’t think I was kidding anymore. I’m pretty sure my eyes were closed on the plummet, but the giant splash felt wonderful on that hot day. We did make a second stop at the Phoenix (again no line) before heading to the Carousel Museum featuring over 50 carousel figures, scenery panels, chariot sides and other memorabilia from carousels dating back to 1870. Reading the history of these beautifully crafted
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figures and the stories behind them was fascinating. So many originated on the east coast – Long Island, Pennsylvania and Connecticut. The Grand Carousel that resides in the center of the park was built in 1913 at North Beach, Long Island by George Kremer with the horses crafted by Russian immigrant Charles Carmel in Brooklyn, NY. Henry Knoebel purchased it in 1941 from Piscataway, NJ. Carrying 63 horses and three Looff chariots, it is one of the largest carousels in the world. It’s also one of the few where you can still catch the brass ring from the outer horses.
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In addition to the Carousel Museum, there’s the Mining Museum and the Knoebels History Museum for those inquisitive minds. There’s Mini Golf and an 18-hole golf course as well as picnic areas for other diversions. Should you need more time to enjoy this amazing park, there are cabins and campgrounds for overnighting.
Head full of smiles, we returned to our bikes for the short 100-mile ride home. And that’s the Rip & Ride Route that we’ll throw out to you, should you take up the challenge of riding the Phoenix or any other great thrill ride at Knoebels. Take the family or just take yourself – either way I guarantee you’ll have a big smile on your face and a day of retro fun that any child, young or old, will treasure. Rip & Ride page 62
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Morton’s BMW Motorcycles Presents Dr. Seymour O’Life’s MYSTERI OU S AMERIC A Moll dyer’s rock Unless this particular artifact is pointed out to you, you still might have to trip over it to find it and, even then, the name ascribed to it tells you nothing of its pedigree. The 875-pound stone was moved, by the local National Guard, from a wooded ravine near Moll Dyer Road and now sits outside the Leonardtown courthouse lawn in front of the old 1876 jailhouse, which now serves as the St. Mary’s County Historical Society building.
But to tell the real story of this rock we have to go back a few hundred years, for this is a tale of superstition, fear and witchcraft. Moll Dyer had come to the small Maryland hamlet of Leonardtown from Ireland as a young woman, seeking new life and freedoms in this new land. But she never was able to fit into her newfound home and as the years went by she became almost an outcast in the small community between
Leonardtown and Redgate. Though she lived in a hut, she survived via the generosity of others through the alms house (a house built originally by a charitable organization for poor people to live in) located where Leonardtown Middle School is now. The winter of 1697 was extraordinarily harsh. On March 27 the Council of Maryland proceedings in Annapolis commented on the bad weather: “It hath pleased God that this winter hath been the longest that hath been known in the memory of man, for it began about the middle of November, and little sign of any spring yet. It was very uncertain weather, several frosts and snows, one of which was the greatest hath been known.” Witchcraft was often blamed for such calamitous times. In St. Mary’s that year, the legend goes, Moll Dyer fit the description of a witch — a strange old hag. This was a serious charge and just a few years before, on October 9, 1685, Rebecca Fowler of Calvert County was hanged for practicing witchcraft. She was the only person executed in Maryland for witchcraft, according to the 1938 book “Crime and Punishment in Early Maryland.”
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One story about Moll Dyer says there was careful consultation as Dyer’s neighbors decided to force her away after their crops were ruined and their livestock died. Another account says the decision was fueled by binge drinking at the alms house. Both stories say countrymen bore down on Dyer’s hut with torches on a cold February night in 1697. Her house set ablaze, Dyer escaped to the surrounding forest. “Nothing was heard of her for several days, until a boy looking for lost cattle in the woods found her dead, kneeling on a stone with one hand grasping the rock and the other raised as if in prayer… or to curse her tormentors,” wrote Joseph Morgan of Leonardtown in the 1890s. “Her life had gone out in the dark, cold night, and she still rested in her suppliant position, frozen stiff with the winter’s cold.” The story prayed to God to be avenged and that her tormentors and their land be forever cursed. When her body was removed, her frozen hand and knee left permanent impressions in the rock as an everlasting reminder of her fate and her curse. If you look close you can almost see them right there. The movie The Blair Witch Project is said to be based on the Moll Dyer legend. Local resident Angus Byers whose property runs up to Moll Dyer Run, the creek she escaped along and where she was found frozen, told me, “I spend a bit of time out in those woods every morning and I tell ya, I always feel like I am being followed, like I am on a leash or something.” These days Moll Dyer’s Rock is still there, as you can see right outside the Saint Mary’s County Court House and historic Society. Touch it if you dare. The Moll Dyer Rock is an interesting side note in Maryland history and certainly worth a short stop in Mysterious America. ~ O’Life out!
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BACKROADS • JUNE 2017
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nancy’s of WoodsTock arTIsanal creaMery 105 TInker sT, WoodsTock, ny 845-684-5329 • nancysarTIsanal.coM
I came upon a child of God He was walking along the road And I asked him, where are you going And this he told me We had found our lodging for the night – a funky place, with major emphasis on ‘fun’, called the White Dove Rockotel. We were staying in the Garden Room, which paid homage to Joni Mitchell’s Woodstock and the happenings of 1969. We had just finished the second side of Clouds on the Crosley record player and decided to wander into the village of Woodstock, NY on this later afternoon of Easter Sunday. About a block or so into our walk I looked across the street to where a few folks were sitting outside. I squinted, but couldn’t make out the sign other than Nancy’s. As I turned to ask Brian what he thought, he was already crossing the street and motioning for me to follow. Once there it became quite clear that we were meant to be here – Nancy’s of Woodstock Artisanal Creamery. Nancy’s had been open just three weeks, and it seems that the locals were absolutely thrilled to have them here. We were there not two minutes when the woman who ran the yoga spot next door came in, anxious to have her first taste of the house-made creations of the shop. Kathryn and Sam, the owners of Nancy’s (more on that later) joked that folks went to her for detox and came to them for retox. Kathy and Sam, former design professionals in NYC, began living part time in Woodstock in 2010. After Kathy’s successful fight against breast cancer, they made the permanent move to the Catskills in 2015. The creativity they both feel in Woodstock has transferred to the frozen delights they create at Nancy’s.
Nancy – so who’s that? Nancy was Kathy’s mom who was a magician in the kitchen from bread to desserts. Unfortunately, Nancy lost her battle against breast cancer, and Kathy was determined to continue her legacy. “She turned everything to gold,” Kathy said. The shop is bright, clean and welcoming, with an outdoor brick patio where you can relax, people watch, and enjoy your creamy confection. But first you’ll have to make the decision on what will tickle your tastebuds. Everything is house-made – from the delicious waffle cones to the amazing ice cream that fills them. On our visit, the ice cream menu consisted of chocolate, double
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JUNE 2017 • BACKROADS vanilla (sold out), caramelized banana, sour cream cherry, coffee, Guinness Stout, vegan vanilla bean coconut, lemon sorbet and chocolate sorbet. You can choose a from one to three dips in cup or cone with a variety of toppings to enhance the experience. But why settle for a measly dip of ice cream when you can have a creation? How about a Brownie Sundae: double vanilla ice cream with homemade fudge brownie chunks mixed in, topped with fresh fudge sauce, chocolate whipped ream and peanuts. Too tame for you? What about a Caramelized Banana Sundae: caramelized banana and cream cheese ice creams with fresh butterscotch sauce topped with shipped cream and candied walnuts. Or a decadent Baileys Sundae: Guinness Stout and Coffee ice creams with Baileys caramel sauce, topped with whipped cream and oatmeal brown sugar streusel. Should all this just seem over the top, you can settle into your seat with a not-so-simple ice cream sandwich of peanut butter Rice Krispy with double vanilla and chocolate swirled ice cream or an Affogato of double vanilla ice cream with espresso poured over top – that should give you a nice kick.
I opted for a single scoop of Caramelized Banana, which was fantastic, but Brian’s Coffee was to die for. I could smell the coffee wafting out of the cup before even tasting it. I’m sure that there is not a bad flavor to be had. In addition, Nancy’s expert pastry chef will make you a superb ice cream cake, an assortment of pies and other dessert decadence for that special occasion, or what I call Tuesday. Their hours are varying – Thursday thru Sunday noon to 8 or 9pm - so please check before stopping by to make sure you won’t be disappointed. You can find them online at nancysartisanal.com or via Facebook facebook.com.com/NancysArtisanal
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HIPPY DIPPY
WATERFALL
T
R
I
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A PSYCHEDELIC SOJOURN OF NATURE’S SURGING STREAMS
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JUNE 2017 • BACKROADS These days you just have to look for the small gravel pullout and for the cave, which can be seen from the roadway, although the entrance is now sprayed with painted scrawl. Graffiti sucks man, not cool, so don’t do it. Walking up to the mouth we could feel the chilly air hitting us, as the frosty air flows the constant temperature of 38° F, and on this warm spring day the difference was startling. If you have never been to the Cold Air Cave you should seek it out…especially on a warm day. We rode through the town of Water Gap and then along the River Road that heads north, past the archeological site that we featured a few months back. Did you know mankind was in this area 13,000 years ago? Blows your mind, don’t it?
I’m goin’ up the country, baby don’t you want to go? Wow, that was heavy, man. Yep, with the heavy rain and snow that we dealt with this past March and the soaking in early April we knew that the waterfalls along the ridges and mountains that run up from the Poconos into the Catskills would be running with more than a bit of urgency. After an autumn that saw so many of these magnificent cascades slow down to mere trickles, the spring rains offered an excellent opportunity to go explore and seek out some of the better falls you can find flowing in the region. We thought we’d take our first road trip of the season and make a night of it - heading out on our own We’re Outta Here! –and go see what we could find. There are not many places better than Belvidere’s Thisilldous for breakfast or lunch. Their motto is Peace, Love & Thisilldous. That would work for us as we looked to follow a 60s Woodstocky theme as we rode in search of falls. As usual Mike and crew served up some stellar eats and it gave us an easy ride into Pennsylvania across the town’s Free Bridge. Don’t want to pay the man, man! Heading north along the river we made our way to the Delaware Water Gap, one of the region’s most striking features formed by Mount Minsi on the Pennsylvania side and Mount Tammany on the New Jersey side. Right along here on Route 611, just south of town, you will find our first stop at a geological oddity – the Cold Air Cave. Air cooled from deep inside the mountain has been pouring out of this cave for millennium. There was once a house built next to the opening that used the cool air as a form of air conditioning, and we have heard it was a great hang to get in a more herbal way back in the day.
Childs Park seen through a child’s eyes
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BACKROADS • JUNE 2017 We passed Bushkill Falls, but we have a hard time shelling out cash for something that Mother Nature has provided free all around the region, so we carried on to George W. Childs Park, just west of the river, off Silver Lake Road. Here you will find ample parking and a short hike to some fantastic views of three separate falls – Factory Falls, Fulmer Falls and Deer Leap Falls along Dingmans Creek, all running with gusto this day. Just east of here another short hike will bring you to Silver Thread Falls and Dingmans Falls which, at over 130 feet tall, is the second largest waterfall in the Keystone State. The best part is that the highest waterfall in Pennsylvania is just a short jaunt north on Route 209 off Raymondskill Falls Road. A short hike will get you there; worth the effort. The three-tiered Raymondskill Falls is the tallest waterfall in Pennsylvania. If you add the drops from each tier together, the waterfall is only a few feet shorter than Niagara Falls. If you are a lover of waterfalls this is Pennsylvania’s ground zero. We doubled back south and then crossed into New Jersey on Dingmans Bridge, a wooden and privately owned crossing on the Delaware, hanging a hard right into the Walpack Valley, where we cruised through the old ghost town that shows signs of quickly recovering and then down the hard gravel (easily ridden) road to Buttermilk Falls; one of many falls called Buttermilk in the northeast. It cascades spectacularly 90 feet down the red shale face off the KitNJ’s Buttermilk Falls tatinny Ridge and it is the only water-
Page 31 fall in New Jersey, apart from Great Falls, with a developed viewing area. The National Park Service, which now controls this valley, has erected an interpretive display and built a wooden walkway to the top. The last time we were here it was but a trickle – today it was a torrent. It was time to find a rock, take a seat and meditate on how groovy everything was. That was meditate, not medicate… you hippies all think alike!
We are stardust, we are golden We are billion year old carbon And we got to get ourselves back to the garden The next morning we were back on the road again, with a long day of falling water to find as we spun along the backroads and crossed into New York State near Port Jervis and motored north towards the Catskills and their cornucopia of chutes and cataracts. Although forecast to be an almost summer-like 80 degrees this day – Easter Sunday – it started of misty and a bit cool, but that would change as we headed north. The Hawks Nest offered the first of this day’s many striking lookouts, as our route brought us through beautiful Sullivan County. Some 48 years late we thought we’d take a ride by the old Woodstock site - Yasgur’s Farm. Some of you who have read Backroads for a few years know that a long time ago we became friends with Sam Yasgur, son of the famed Max. Well, Sam was a legend too. Last year we said goodbye to our
Page 32 friend and this was the first time since his funeral that we had come up to his family’s farm. Yes, that little wheel spin was for you Sammy. We brought Happy and Pepe along for this ride (how could we not?) and both were as excited as puppets can get to be at the original site of the 1969 festival – although Notso swears he was there offering up the fact that so many Smiley images have flourished since that weekend a half century back. We wanted to keep with the Woodstock spirit on this hippy dippy waterfall trip so we continued into the western Catskill Mountains.
I want to take you higher BarkaBoom shaka-laka-laka… These are some of the oldest mountains on the planet and, when conditions are right, have trillions of gallons of water – easily enough for themselves and the greatest city in the world, as New York City gets it delicious water from here. So we got height. We got wet. We got falls.
Brian finds his Zen at Thompkins Falls
JUNE 2017 • BACKROADS We carried onward to a semi-hidden and favorite way heading towards the reservoirs on Barkaboom Road that mimics the course of the stream for which it is named. Along this route you will run across a most magnificent series of cascades called Tompkins Falls as the stream tumbles through a 26foot waterfall on its way to the Pepacton Reservoir outside Andes, NY. In addition to being easy to see from the road and easy to hike right up to, there are rarely any crowds to deal with unlike some of the other, more popular, waterfalls in these mountains. We almost had this place to ourselves. Following north we rode around the Pepacton and down Route 28, stopping for lunch in Phoenicia at the diner and then doubling back up Route 42 and a mish mash of smaller county roads in the general direction past Hunter Mountain and the famed Katterskill and Bastion Falls. There is a trail that you can walk to get a view from above these falls, or you can join the ridiculous crowds right along Route 23A and see them from the middle, as the road passes right through them on the water’s way to the Hudson River. Where Tompkins’ was peaceful and serene, these falls not so much. The road was as crowded as Route 17 was in July of 1969. Bad karma, no doubt.
Top: Tranquil Thompkins Bottom: Chaotic Kaaterskill
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It is better to travel well than to arrive – Buddha We took in the view from the road and continued on, down the Catskill Escarpment, clearly defining the mountains from the Hudson Valley, to a place that I knew would be far more tranquil - the Karma Triyana Dharmachakra or KTD Buddhist Monastery. Found right above Woodstock, New York along the winding Meads Mountain Road the monastery is a place of peace, beauty and importance as it serves as the North American seat of the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa, head of the Karma Kagyu lineage. Importance does not matter to the Buddhist, but we point this out as a matter of fact. We spent a good deal of time in the temple, doing our best to quietly take it all in and discovering just how loud the click of a Nikon camera is when the world is truly silent. Unable to sit quietly with legs crossed, like my pretty companion, I felt much like a bull in a china shop, but a bull who is willing to learn. Many of the folks who live in the town below espouse some of the values found here – but at KTD you will find the real thing.
But now they only block the sun They rain and snow on everyone It was late afternoon now and we had booked a room for the night on the western side of Tinker Street in Woodstock at the White Dove Rockotel. If we were looking to keep in the flavor of this journey – and we were –
this was the place to spend the night. Just a short walk to the center of town, the White Dove has a loving hippy flair and embodies all the good from nearly a half century ago. Shira is a long-time fan of Joni Mitchell and so we stayed in the Garden Room Suite. As she sang in the song about Woodstock - we’ve got to get ourselves back to the garden – and we did. What? You thought that C,S,N & Y wrote that? We loved the White Dove and highly recommend it. How could you not – each of the rooms has a portable record player and albums for your pleasure. The summertime heat could not last in mid-April and we could feel the front moving in even before the clouds got dark and the sky opened up with a deluge pelting the town with rain.
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The tempest did not last and under a fading sun, lighting up our first rainbow of the year painting the sky in a Peter Max way, we strolled downtown for dinner and dessert, not necessarily in that order.
The Falls at Ellenville… Backroads Falls?
I’m goin’ home, see my baby Gonna take me back, I’ll take her where I belong One of the many cascades of Peekamoose
The next morning had the sun back and warming the day, but in a bit more seasonal way. Our journey today would bring us out of Woodstock, past their Waterfall Park, highlighting the Tannery Brook and its falls in the town’s center and up and over Ohayo Mountain Road that twists its way up and over the mountain in a dramatic fashion, with a formidable view of the Ashokan Reservoir to the south. We crossed the Ashokan on the dam and then made our way towards Peekamoose that would head back up offering us, once again, that magical combination of altitude and water. Along this road you will find five serious falls – one off them also called Buttermilk. This must be a popular name for falls as Buttermilks can be found in many states. As this was a Monday at around 9am there was nobody here and we did have each of the falls to ourselves – much preferred, I tell ya. Peekamoose was a bit beat up from the winter snows and early spring rains so it was a messy going here and there, but we soon rode into and through Sundown and east to Ellenville.
Taking the high road of Route 52 up and over the Shawangunks it is hard to miss the tumbling chute of water coming down in a spinning, twisting fashion. This water is coming off the North Gully Brook, but we had a hard time finding any locals that actually knew what the name of these particular falls were. We think Backroads Falls works nicely – just saying. From here we crossed over the Nevele Falls and then passed a few others along our way south towards the borderland with New Jersey and the reality of our world nearly a half century in the future. Maybe it is time to fire up the turntable, clean the LP and revisit Woodstock once more. ~ Brian Rathjen
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BMW Performance Center U.S. Rider Academy Taking your Riding to the Next Level … and then some words and images: Brian Rathjen
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JUNE 2017 • BACKROADS
Koyaanisqatsi – Life out of balance If you have never heard this phrase it comes from a 1982 film directed by Godfrey Reggio with a really ‘love it or hate it’ music score by Phillip Glass. Thoughts of balance filled my mind and would echo over the next two days as I flew into Greenville, South Carolina and the enormous 137-acre home of the BMW Performance Center U.S. Rider Academy. If you have a big ADV machine, GS or the like, and are looking to learn and/or improve your off-road riding skills then this is the place to come and do just that. I hoped that the school would be equal parts educational and adventurous and I would be right on both. The adventure started right away and not all exploits are fun, as a rush hour snowstorm turned a quick hop south into the longest two-hour flight of my life. A half-day later we landed in the Palmetto State. Joining me was my friend Michael Wernick and seven other students from around the nation and Canada. Handling the instruction side of this equation were BMW’s Performance Center instructors Rich Few, Ricardo Ro-
driguez and U.S. Academy Chief Instructor Gary Hardin. Backing them up were two logistic guys Joe and Fred who would shadow us in an X5 Sport Activity Vehicle with water and supplies for the next couple of days. Unlike some other off-road schools, here at BMW’s facility in South Carolina you use their machines. You could bring your own – but why beat up your own ride when there are bikes that were built and kept specifically to do battle on the course and ranges they have here at the U.S. Rider Academy? Their machines, no worries. If you fall down and break a bike – never fear, they have others… lots, trust me. The bikes were from the larger end of the GS class of BMWs 700s, 800s and 1200s and all shod with dirt-oriented knobby Continental TKC 80 tires. I ride a 1200 GS, so I went with a 1200 GS.
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Day ONe - BaBy STepS Even the toughest GS Giant had to start with baby steps. Although some riders might appear to have superhuman riding abilities, nobody was born into this. Riding is an acquired skill and over the next two days we would learn the fundamentals of safe, controlled and confident off-road riding. After a brief classroom introduction we moved outdoors and began with some of the basics - mostly about balance, control and handling of big ADV bikes at a standstill. Why yes… you can hold up a 500-pound adventure bike with one finger and walk around it and you can pick it up by yourself. With that taken care of we soon moved into the sprawling playground BMW has in upstate South Carolina. Think big playground for big kids with big bikes. Along the way, into the heart of the matter, I spotted obstacles and challenges that quickly grabbed my attention – teeter totters, giant pipes, steep hills, 4X 4 track ruts, washboard gravel and sand pits. Where were the rabid dragons and angry Cherokee?
We had a brief meeting, as we would before every next step and lesson to be learned, and were told that this would be a confidence and skill building day. Baby steps - building lesson upon lesson. The phrase “Choice or Challenge” was stated many times this day and was a sort of mantra for us. We started on a long and wide light gravel range with steering inputs, sidesaddle and riding on opposite pegs – all to get a better grasp of balance and how we were all better at it than we thought. I was not built for this first exercise, but did what I could (Practice makes perfect or, in this case, kinda, sorta a bit better?) and hoped I might do better as the day moved forward. Balance I got, flexibility not so much. We moved onto braking exercises (ABS off) in the gravel and eventually got to ‘pushing’ the front wheel - locking it up for a millisecond and then, just as quickly, easing off, on and off, again and again, to control our stops. Okay that was counter-intuitive, but necessary and instructional and we’d need this skill later on. As the morning progressed we rode over to other lessons/challenges, all of which were stressed again and again as “choices or challenges.” If you did not
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feel comfortable with or up to it – you could opt out. No shame and our small platoon quickly became supportive of each other. Everybody wanted to see everybody else make it. There is a big difference between laughing with or laughing at. There was a section of washboard terrain created to simulate the waffling surface that we run into on every abused gravel road on this planet that has truck traffic on it. Correct approach and body position was stressed again and again. When to be on the gas, when to be on the brakes and what brake to be on. Ruts and smaller clay hills – camel humps - were soon attacked and conquered. In between lessons we’d cool down with an easy ride through the woods and along the different terrains and sections of the Rider Academy – literally a dirt bikes Eden - as the entire part of the sprawling facility is designed and devoted to off-road riding of big bikes. Lunch was served in typical BMW fashion (over the top and delicious). We took the meal with the car crowd as, to BMW, high performance must include their sport-based machines and sport activity vehicles too. Coming in we watched and heard the cars on the monster track they have and looked enviously on as cars spun around the watered-down skid pad.
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Nice! But, pulling into the café area, it was apparent that we were the ‘cool kids,’ as the car people all came around the bikes asking questions. Motor heads seem to relate to each other no matter what camp they hail from. After lunch we headed back out along some of the muddier trails. We rode through one section that reminded me of Africa’s Serengeti and I thought this is where BMW is going to release the lions on us or at least a pissed-off Gorn. It was leading into this section that I had my first, of what would be many, gravity storms. The rider ahead needed to slow and I didn’t nearly as well and when the front end went sideways I made that critical error we always talk about - I glanced at the clay/mud directly in front of me and it quickly came up to say hello. Well, actually I came to it. One of the instructors was right at my side as I staggered up unhurt and with ego briefly vanquished. I solo lifted the bike back up – just as we were taught - and then he told me what he saw and what I could do better next time; and there was going to be a next time. Boom. Done. Glad that was over - as it was like that first scratch on a new helmet – best done quickly. Now, let’s go have some fun! The afternoon exercises each built on the others and even though I was initially worried that I might have, once again, gotten myself in over my head I found I was smiling more than cussin’ and the terrain that had me on high alert earlier in the day was just taken note of by late afternoon.
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When the day was almost finished we did our cool down on the road course – no worries here – as it was more my element. But, was that not exactly why I came to South Carolina – to expand my riding comfort zone, my riding skills and my ability to deal with what the terrain or day’s travel brought my way? Still… playing follow the leader with a top road racer leading the charge was a total blast – even with the dirt tires. Dinner and bed could not come fast enough that night.
Day TwO - pReSSuRe DROp More than a couple of things would drop this day – the barometric pressure, the temperature and just a few German motorcycles. The storm that would become that monster March nor’easter Stella brought snow and frigid temps to South Carolina first. Yep, it was a brilliant and warmish winter right up until this day…in South Carolina? Yup, yup, yup… The hard packed gravel and dirt trails from the previous day morphed into muck and the clay transformed into some sort of slick red shit and the tractable leaves of the forest into bikeeating booby traps. I tried not to think of an entire day traipsing around BMW’s U.S. Riding Academy in these conditions, but rather set my mind to deal with one skill set at a time and trust that they would all stich together beautifully like one of Betsy Byers’ quilts.
First up - the deep gravel pit. Here we needed to keep the power up, as well as our eyes and the bike as the tires would spin through the gravel motivating the bikes forward. Eyes up, body up, clutch out and gas on. Success. Excellent. With everybody now gravel certified (sort of) it was time for another enduro ride to the Sahara Desert. Well, really a large range of very deep sand. Deep enough to bury a rear wheel and step away from a 500+ pound machine. Bike in sand management was spoken of and techniques on how to negotiate, ride and move through were gone over and demonstrated.
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Thus we began - first across in a side-to-side run and then long way… although for most of us it seemed more like long way down. If I had been shooting video I certainly would have chosen music from the Keystone Cops for this. Gravity was as deep as the sand here, and I quickly racked up my ‘bike to ground’ average. Oh, oh – boom. Yikes - boom. Arrgg – boom. Oh you, S.O.B. – boom. Each time I’d pick up the bike and try again. The sand was a gracious and equal opportunity bike magnet – everyone got to roll around in it a few times. No one got hurt and I have not fallen down so many times and got up laughing since I was twelve. On my last run I made it all the way through and Michael said he never saw me with such a determined face, although I did scream a bunch of colorful metaphors as I cleared the trap. My confidence was soaring. The entire group’s confidence was soaring. It was okay – BMW would quickly bring us back to Earth – literally. Don’t get me wrong. It was all good, and where I was a bit worried the
previous day, I was eagerly looking forward to the next step this day. By now the sun had come out and the snow was melting - the extra water and still frigid temps making the very slick and challenging course even more water-logged. We did a few “cool down” laps before lunch on the road course. Wait – knobby tires shedding clay with temps in the 30’s on a wet track? What could go wrong? Nothing…. and it was an amazing bonus on this remarkable and memorable morning. Back out into the wilderness after lunch for the final afternoon I knew that the skill and techniques needed were going to be ramped up. It was time for steep hills and the correct approach, stopping on them and, if needed, picking up a fallen machine and getting it where it needed to be to continue on with your ride. And, continuing on my journey was key to me. I am pretty sure each person taking this course had their own need and hopes for this class. For me adventure riding and travel has always been about
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BACKROADS • JUNE 2017
getting to the next town or city safely and unhurt. I have done it in the past safely and I have been carried out. I much prefer riding into town under my own steam and my expectations for the BMW Performance U.S. Rider Academy was to increase my knowledge and my riding skills to continue to do just that. As with each learning step, between classes we did rides around the facility and I found that on the second day my apprehension of following the instructors down a rabbit’s path in the wood had gone from “oh crap” to “oh yeah.” This is a testament to all three instructors we had over the two days - slowly our skills and, more importantly, our confidence, was on the rise. As the day began to wind down we worked on some of the larger hills and,
Page 41 with the last lesson learned we took a long trek over hill and dale onto the stone hill course that they had borrowed from the absent SAV crowd. This was far harder than I thought and going up was grand, looking down …gulp. But we all survived, though I was an ugly duckling here and I wish I had this course closer to home to simply work on all of this and some of the other skills again and again – it is the only way to make them second nature. In fact, all the skills and techniques we learned are highly perishable skills and will constantly need to be worked on. The school wound down and we made our way back to the classroom – armed with new confidence and more than a bit of respect for the different terrains and skills needed to ride large adventure bikes along the way where pavement has ended. The BMW Performance Center’s U.S. Rider Academy runs one and two-day classes just about year round. The two-day course that I attended runs $1590, not cheap in anyway, but also a worthy investment if you are serious about your riding skills or plan on riding to the four corners of the world. A class here is also a spectacular gift idea for that husband, girlfriend, buddy or best friend that would really love and benefit from this, but won’t drop the coin on themselves. They also offer dealer and BMW Club discounts as well as one-day Women’s Intro to Adventure Riding and one-day Adventure Tours. The world roadways are 95% dirt, gravel and clay – why would you limit yourself to just a small helping of the planet? For more information or to reserve yourself a spot, log onto:
bmwperformancecenter.com or call 888-345-4BMW
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Road Scholar • Higher Education for Motorcycle Riders As you can tell by some of the cover features of June’s Backroads, our focus this month keeps coming back to improving your skills as a rider. Have you ever taken a riding class, course or even gone to a parking lot to work on the basics? Have you ever seen people training in martial arts, with musical instruments or even at a gun range? The basics are repeated again and again until they become true second nature and happen automatically and with an ease of thought and action. So, we hope by now we have you thinking that maybe, just maybe, you could be a little teachable and have sparked a desire in you to become a better and more proficient rider – whether it be on the street, track or trails. The great thing is there are courses and classes of higher motorcycle education for whatever flavor ice cream you are into. Here are a few you can find in the northeast and Southern California. This is just a springboard listing – there are many classes of all types to better your on and off-road riding skills. We at Backroads highly encourage every rider to strive to be the best they can be by taking some sort of higher educational training as often as possible.
The MSF’s BRC2 & Advanced Rider Course
The Motorcycle Safety Foundation courses have turned thousands of folks into riders. In addition to their Basic Rider Course that teaches fundamentals they offer the BRC2 and the ARC or Advanced Rider Course.
The BCR2 is a one-day course, which is split between classroom and range instruction and is taken on your own bike. You also can do this class with a passenger, which makes sense if you ride two-up all the time. The BRC2 includes an informal classroom component for discussing safety concepts based on past riding experiences and current knowledge. The ARC includes a fast-paced classroom segment with several fun interactive activities to improve perception and hazard awareness. Range exercises enhance both basic operating skills and crash-avoidance skills. Improving your braking and cornering finesse is emphasized. The course is beneficial for riders on any type of street motorcycle. For more info: 800446-9227 or www.msf-usa.org.
Ride Like A Pro New Jersey
Never Fear Making a U-Turn or Dropping your Motorcycle Again Ride Like A Pro NJ is owned and operated by retired Police Motor Officer/Instructor Rick Mickles. It was established to educate the motorcycle enthusiast on how to be a more controlled, confident and safer rider by utilizing three simple techniques that Police Motor Officers have been using for decades. This is the same instructional course created by former Motor Officer Jerry “Motorman” Palladino and made famous through his “Ride Like A Pro” DVD’s. These techniques and the practical exercises in “close quarter, slow maneuvering” are closely based on those taught in Police Motor Officers Certification courses. All instructors are either current or retired Motor Officers who have
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professionally ridden year round in all weather and traffic conditions. Male, female, big, or small, it doesn’t matter. This instruction goes beyond others by demonstrating what your motorcycle is capable of doing at low speeds by helping the rider to feel more comfortable turning with balance and control. Each exercise builds upon the next going from basic clutch and brake control, ultimately transitioning to left and right Uturns, circles and figure eights alleviating the fear of having to make slow tight turns. All students are required to have a valid motorcycle license and a properly registered and insured motorcycle on which to take the course. The course is held adjacent to the AMC movie theater on Rte. 22 East in Mountainside, N.J. For more information please visit ridelikeapronj.com.
Street Skills
Curves are thrilling, but they can also lead to occasional anxiety. Street Skills offers onroad style and track day courses for street riders to eliminate these jitters. Street Skills on-road style courses take place on secluded “street circuits” in excellent riding locations. Experienced riders looking for an
edge have an opportunity to develop cornering skills and techniques in a real-world setting. Street Skills also offers a private track day course specifically for street riders. Cornering confidence and precision riding are the objectives, not pushing the limits. Since the riding is at a street riding pace, this enjoyable course requires minimal motorcycle and gear preparations. All courses are based off of the school’s Fast Track to Precision Riding program. Instruction is centered around body positioning and braking techniques that boost confidence and control in the twisties. For more information contact Jon DelVecchio @ 585-340-7058, email jon@streetskills.net or log onto streetskills.net.
Riding in the Zone Advanced Rider Training
Journalist, author, racetrack instructor, and riding coach, Ken Condon operates Riding in the Zone Motorcyclist Training in the beautiful Berkshire Hills of Western Massachusetts. Ken offers four distinct training programs for experienced riders designed to advance proficiency, confidence and safety. On-street training helps students master complex cornering situations and manage the typical hazards riders encounter while at the same time, enjoying a tour of
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the uncrowded Berkshire Hills. On-street training features bike-to-bike communication for real-time coaching. Choose from private and group training. Weekend group tours feature the Stayin’ Safe training program. Dual-sport training introduces street riders to the world of off-road riding. Offroad skills increase comfort when the pavement ends and is proven to increase confidence and control on the street. Bike-to-bike communication is used while exploring hidden dirt roads and trails. Track day training isn’t about racing, it’s about executing precision cornering and braking techniques in a safe, traffic-free environment. Non-Sportbike track days feature enhanced instruction for street riders. Regular track days are for those wanting to improve braking and cornering control and to explore the capabilities of their machine. One-on-one coaching is available. The advanced parking lot course helps build skills used on the street, in the dirt and on the racetrack. At the end of the day, you’ll be able to precisely slice through technical range exercises with laser-focused control. Call Ken at 413-628-1444 or visit ridinginthezone.com for more info.
Streetmasters Motorcycle Workshops
Streetmasters Motorcycle Workshops offers their Precision Cornering Workshop on a twisty and fun one-mile racetrack that mimics challenging mountain riding. By putting a centerline down the middle of the Horse Thief Mile track, they put you on your own mountain roadway so you can concentrate on improving your cornering skills without the worry of oncoming traffic. There are tight corners, steep uphill and downhill corners; it is a great training venue for those serious about becoming better riders. Streetmasters is an advanced cornering school for street riders – cruisers, sport tourers, touring and sport bikes, they also welcome trikes, sidecars and Spyders! Ride with a co-rider? They can also benefit from a day at Streetmasters. The oneday workshop will help your cornering confidence and fine-tune your riding techniques. Streetmasters focuses on teaching the delayed, late apex tech-
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nique of cornering which is a smoother, safer way through corners – not racetrack lines – but lines through corners that work in the real world. They also offer personalized instruction with an instructor to student ratio of 1:4. The Horse Thief Mile is located at Willow Springs Raceway in Rosamond, California. Group and active military discounts are available. For more info call 951-549-1717 or log onto www.streetmasters.info.
MotoVermont Training Tour
Two Different Schools for Off-Road excellence One of MotoVermont’s most popular course is returning for its 5th season - The MotoVermont Training Tour - taught by veteran motorcycle off-road safety coach, Bill Dragoo. Bill possesses some serious skills when it comes to Adventure riding; A BMW GS Trophy qualifier, MSF instructor and owner of the Bill Dragoo Riding School, his calm demeanor and many years of experience teaching rider skills have given Bill an uncanny abil-
BACKROADS • JUNE 2017
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BMW ENDUROGUARD SUIT • PROFESSIONAL, WATERPROOF ADVENTURE SUIT FOR MEN AND WOMEN Touring off-road in the elements just got easier thanks to BMW Motorrad’s new EnduroGuard suit, a waterproof adventure suit with a new cut, new material, new colors and new features that satisfy the wish list of men and women seeking maximum functionality, safety and comfort while navigating roads less traveled. Riders have asked for an externally waterproof suit with no liners and ample ventilation that provides the same standard of protection and comfort they expect from BMW Motorrad. Constructed of fabric developed exclusively for BMW Motorrad by Schoeller Textil AG (Switzerland), the EnduroGuard Suit achieves top performance ratings for abrasion resistance, climate control and personal comfort. Some of the features include a 3-layer laminate with BMW Climate Membrane™ that is wind and waterproof and highly breathable, extremely good all-around ventilation through many generously sized ventilation options, with a double front zipper as an AirVent system, many waterproof pockets and a waterproof storm hood integrated into the collar. Men’s and women’s jackets, offered in range of sizes in grey or black (men’s sizes only) are priced at $949. Pants for men and women, offered in a range of waist sizes and inseams in black, are available at a MSRP of $649.
CRUzTOOLS NeW ROAdTeCh TOOL KiT AiMed AT KTMS APPLiCABLe TO ALL MOdeLS, eSPeCiALLy AdveNTURe ANd dUKe The Austrian manufacturer is known for innovative design, so a unique fastener set should not come as a surprise. CruzTOOLS has therefore adapted its popular RoadTech series to specific KTM needs, which includes a special 27mm by 32mm axle wrench plus necessary combination wrench, socket, hex wrench, and star key sizes. In addition, standard RoadTech items such as a precision mini ratchet, 6-in-1 screwdriver, locking pliers, adjustable wrench, tire pressure gauge, and other roadside staples are provided. The RTKT1 is applicable to all KTM models, with the Adventure and Duke range particularly targeted. Contents are organized into a durable pouch that measures about 9.5’ x 4’ when rolled up (24 x 10cm) and weighing in at 3 lbs. (1.4 kg.). “KTM is a unique and influential manufacturer,” stated Dan Parks, President of CruzTOOLS. “So their growing presence in the street and adventure categories prompted us to provide a kit specifically for this make.” The RoadTech KT1 retails for $89.95; part number is RTKT1. For more information, contact CruzTOOLS toll-free 888-909-8665 or visit their web site at www.cruztools.com. ity to instruct in a gentle, yet extremely effective manner. Bill begins classes by adjusting bikes to fit rider stance and moves on to drills that establish Bill’s “four cornerstones of adventure riding” - balance, control, judgement and attitude. Once basic skills are learned and practiced on a private course, riders move on to a trail ride where they practice their new skills in real world situations. Bill and the MotoVermont crew are on hand to help out every step of the way.
MotoVermont’s Bush-Moto Tour
This tour focuses not only on rider skill development but also on wilderness survival and management. Rider training exercises during the day give way to short, informative workshops such as wilderness medical procedures, foraging for food, rustic shelter building and fire starting. Camping is suggested for this tour, but warm, dry lodging is available close by. Information for both schools can be found at www.motovermont.com or call 802-860-6686.
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JUNE 2017 • BACKROADS
HUDSON VALLEY RIDE FOR KIDS CELEBRATES 25 YEARS OF SUPPORTING THE PEDIATRIC BRAIN TUMOR FOUNDATION This year’s Hudson Valley Ride for Kids will be one you don’t want to miss! We are doing all we can to make our 25th anniversary extra special for the region and our Stars – pediatric brain tumor survivors! We are excited to announce Motorcyclepedia as this year’s location! Each registered Ride for Kids guest will also receive a discount to visit the museum - so be sure to keep your wrist bands on. As in the past, all registered riders will receive a Commemorative Ride Pin. With a donation of $50, participants will receive a 2017 Ride for Kids T-shirt and a special 25th Anniversary Patch. You could also be entered into a drawing to win a new Honda motorcycle (must be present to win) as well as one of many other awesome prizes. Come enjoy coffee, a light breakfast and scenic new ride route! Return for a light lunch then sit back, relax and hear from our Stars. We have also been reaching out to some very special guests who will take the stage to say a few words or share a special performance. This rain-or-shine event is escorted by State, County and Local Police. Riders are encouraged to have a half tank or more of fuel. As of the 24th Hudson Valley Ride, we have raised over 2.2 million dollars for the pediatric brain tumor community!
MOLLY SHARES HER RIDE FOR KIDS EXPERIENCE “My name is Molly and I have attended the Ride for Kids 9 years now. I was 5 years old when I was diagnosed with Brain Cancer, and I am 15 years old now!! Ride for Kids is an event that raises awareness for pediatric brain tumors, and ever since I was little I have enjoyed seeing how each and every person there cared about the event and supported it with all their heart. Ride for Kids is an event I look forward to every year because I know I’ll be surrounded by people who are there to support me, and the people who have, unfortunately, had to suffer through the same thing I suffered through.” “A big part of what makes the Ride so important to me is that it supports the one thing that has affected me so much. Ride for Kids helps me remember how, no matter what happened when I was in treatment, I pushed through in the end and made everything work out. Seeing the people that come every year from wide varieties of places all around the North East is something that puts a smile on my face every time.” “When I go to the ride, most of the time, if not every time, I meet new people who are extremely passionate about raising awareness for pediatric brain tumors. These people mean so much to me and every year I look forward to meeting new people there. Ride for Kids is something that I will keep in my
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heart forever and attend as long as I am able to. And I LOVE riding on the back of a motorcycle! When I was little I had to go in a side car due to my balance issues but now I can ride on the back!” Local Volunteers Make Ride for Kids possible John “Byrd” Levy tells why he supports Ride for Kids. “I started with the Hudson Valley Ride for Kids in the 1990’s. What appealed to me in addition to helping the Kids was that it was an AMA sanctioned event. It was created by motorcyclists and promoted the generosity of motorcyclists.” Byrd continues, “The children who were affected by this horrible disease are the strongest and most courageous people that I have ever met. The great strides that have been made by the pediatric oncologists are due in part by the efforts of all of the participants at all Ride for Kids events.” “I am proud of the small part that my clubs and chapters have played in the fund raising for these last few decades. I look forward every year to seeing our young STARS and the progress that they have made. Every year I listen to their stories and the Doctors telling us about the breakthroughs made and the new drugs on the horizon. I wish everyone will get the opportunity to experience the joy that participating brings me.” The origin of Ride for Kids It all started with one child. Mike Traynor worked with a colleague whose daughter was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Mike wanted to help, so he organized a motorcycle ride to raise funds for the family’s growing medical expenses. Unfortunately the young girl lost her battle, but she inspired what is now known as Ride for Kids. The first Ride for Kids event was held in Atlanta in 1984 and raised around $4,000 from local riders. As years passed, the ride grew in size and dollars raised. Mike and his wife Diane realized it was time to find a more organized way of distributing funds for pediatric brain tumor research. In 1991, they founded Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation, and Ride for Kids has been the PBTF’s main fundraising program since.
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Page 47 Jones, who previously served as the task force’s media coordinator, was joined by his daughter, Liz Jones, as task force leaders. Jack continues to lead the task force, with Mark Perillo as his co-leader. Each Ride for Kids task force relies on its leaders, members and 40+ dayof-event volunteers to ensure the Ride goes off without a hitch. Interested in joining the Hudson Valley team? rideforkids.org/hudsonvalley
PBTF GROWING TOWARDS SUCCESS
The Traynors also knew they would need help growing Ride for Kids into a national event. Mike was a charming salesman on a mission to cure the kids; when he met with the folks at American Honda, they gladly accepted the role of presenting sponsor and continue to fill that role today. Thank you to Honda for 26 years of support! HUDSON VALLEY RIDE FOR KIDS (FORMERLY HARRIMAN RIDE FOR KIDS) Mike felt the first New York Ride for Kids event needed to be close to New York City and the densely populated area surrounding it. The advantage to this area is that you can get on your bike, ride 45 minutes north and be on some of the most beautiful roads in the Hudson Valley. Once the location was chosen, Mike needed to find two good people to organize the event. He enlisted Chuck Boderman, a customer service representative with Honda, now vice president of Honda’s motorcycle division, and Brian Rathjen, then president of Sport Touring Motorcycle Club, now publisher of this magazine. The first Harriman Ride for Kids took place in August 1992. Chuck and Brian continued to organize the event through 1995 as volunteer task force leaders. In 1996 Pat and Jim Seacord took over as task force leaders, followed by Trishia Poveromo, Kevin Weir and Walter and Linda Buchanan. In 2008 Jack
After the passing of Mike and Diane several years ago, the search was on to find a new President and CEO who would keep the momentum going. In 2012, the Board of Directors chose Robin Boettcher, who brought 30 years of experience in health nonprofit management. As President and CEO, Robin has led the PBTF’s fight to cure the kids and expand our family support and research programs. The PBTF launched its second national fundraising event in 2014. The Starry Night 5K is a walk/run that increases awareness, raises funds and inspires hope for families living with a pediatric brain tumor diagnosis. This inspirational twilight event, which includes a lantern lighting ceremony, takes place in nine cities around the country. In 2016, the Vs. Cancer Foundation joined forces with the PBTF. The successful Vs. Cancer fundraising campaign provides a platform for any sports team, any athlete, any community to help kids with cancer. Proceeds are split 50/50, with 50% funding local pediatric cancer programs and 50% funding national pediatric brain tumor research. Our chapters in Atlanta and Los Angeles also host Couture for Kids fashion shows, giving pediatric brain tumor survivors a chance to shine as they walk the runway with professional and celebrity models. Learn more about the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation at www.curethekids.org.
25th Anniversary Hudson Valley Ride for Kids Sunday, August 6, 2017 Motorcyclepedia 250 Lake Street, Newburgh, NY 12250 All makes and models of street legal motorcycles are welcome. Registration: 8-9:30 a.m./ Kickstands up 10 a.m. SHARP! Save time by pre-registering online at rideforkids.org/hudsonvalley.
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JUNE 2017 • BACKROADS
The Same-Same, But Different
Or, How Reg Pridmore Taught Me to Conquer the Corkscrew
Coming up the hill, wide open out of the double-apex Turn 6, you kiss the curb on the left side of the kink in the Rahal Straight and aim for the #3 braking marker atop Turn 7. You have to aim for it: that marker is all you can see at the apex of the track’s 180-foot elevation change. You can brake later, but get it wrong at your peril, like the guy in front of me who braked too deep and turned at the same time and folded the front. The white scar his footpeg made across the track stood as a reminder during the rest of the school. What school? California’s Leading Advanced Safety School (CLASS). Thanks to a bucket-list and a generous wife, I got a birthday gift to attend a two-day session held by Reg Pridmore at the famous Mazda Raceway, Laguna Seca. It derives its name from Spanish for “Dry Lake” and was built almost 60 years ago, just between Monterey and Salinas. It’s hosted every kind of race, from F1 to MotoGP to bicycle races and its most famous, defining feature is the precipitous, downhill s-turn called The Corkscrew. I’ve been a fan of CLASS since I took my first at Virginia International Raceway (VIR). Pridmore’s presentation is every bit that of an English gent, full of humor and anecdotes, but he’s deadly serious about restraint and concentration. He chides you for lapses in concentration, like looking out the window as bikes go by: “That’ll kill you, mate, either out there on the track or on the highway.” His mantra is of complete smoothness in shifting, braking, throttle control, and body position. He reminds you of the incredibly small tire contact patch and encourages you not to abuse that miracle of friction when maneuvering a motorcycle. “It wants to do the right thing, if you let it,” says he. So, it was with great joy that I arrived, after a great week of enjoying the Monterey Peninsula and Pacific Coast Highway, on a cool, beautiful Mon-
terey morning at a storied track to get a taste of CLASS, California-style. The majority of his great instructors joined him, just like at VIR. One thing you notice about Reg’s “family” of instructors is that they are not only older, but they’re also still alive and uninjured (but still fast and smooth). There’s a message there. One dedicated mentor came all the way from Michigan.
My rented CBR-500R needed only an air-pressure tweak. Reg maintains a small fleet of Honda CBR-300 and CBR-500 rental bikes, but the supply is limited. He also has leathers, but sizes are VERY limited. Meanwhile, the normal parade of students bringing their machines flowed by in the efficient inspection line. It was the same as VIR, except the sun rose later, struggling to get above the sharp hills that surround the track. My only worries were whether I’d stay out of the way of the liter-bikes on my 47-HP steed and whether I’d be able to get out of my new 1-piece leathers unassisted to go to the porta potty… I went light on the Gatorade.
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BACKROADS • JUNE 2017 Introductory sessions for both A and B groups were the same as at VIR: they were the same placards and instructions, but for a different map. Peculiarities of Laguna Seca were discussed, including an area where passing was to be only on the right. One thing I really like about CLASS is that expectations are set early and often about safety and etiquette, stressing a good attitude and restraint, lest Reg have to “put you on the trailer” and send you home. On the first day, one of the instructors even sought me out and wanted to apologize for passing what he felt was a little too closely, something I dismissed – it was not too close at all and certainly understandable given my power deficit. Even fellow students were mostly courteous and safe and assured me I wasn’t in their way. About that: there’s an old adage that says it’s more fun to ride a slow bike well than a fast bike poorly and it’s so right. The little CBR taught me the importance of carrying just the right gear through every turn, especially up the climbs from 5 to 7. Not being able to wind on a lot of speed made me appreciate and conserve my corner speed and I still had a lot of fun: not many passed me in a corner. Even so, I was glad I opted for the 500 over the 300 given the elevation change. Oh, and about that “elevation change,” it goes both ways… Get hard on the brakes at whichever mark you dare at Turn 7 (there’s only 3 of them) compressing the front end to the limits and get your shifting done, because life’s about to change. As you look left to pick up the apex of Turn 8, that’s all you can see. The skate-ramp nature of the drop-off to 8A completely conceals the next turn. As you hit the first apex, point the bike toward a red marker someone placed high in a tree on the outside of the Corkscrew, because only that will ensure you arrive at the next apex where you need to be. Unless you’re Rossi or Marquez, you really don’t want to venture across the painted curb to the storm drain on the inside.
Page 49 During the drop, keep the power on and shift your weight from the left peg to the right and you’ll arrive at the next apex prepared for the rest of the drop. If you get this far, you’ll have solved the mystery of The Corkscrew. Drift to center track and try not to scrub your speed for the sweeping, still-downhill Rainey Turn 9. It’s on-camber, but gravity is sucking you down and it looks like it isn’t. I had a hard time not using a touch of brake before the apex. You’ll still be going downhill for the setup to Turn 10, where you finally flatten out. Wash, rinse, and repeat as many times as you can, striving for the elusive perfection. My direction was to write a comparison piece on the differences between CLASS at VIR and at Laguna Seca. Here’s the secret: the difference is only the track. The instructors are largely the same folks, augmented by some super-knowledgeable locals, but they’re all as friendly and dedicated as the rest of the Pridmore “family.” The emphasis on smoothness and proper attitude and restraint are the same, as is the absolute emphasis on safety. After I got comfortable with my classmates, I had no worries about them passing me on the main straight with 40 MPH of closure given the restrictions of my ride. I’m not going to say it wasn’t a thrill to ride such a legendary track under the tutelage of Reg and his folks. It was tremendous and I’d love to ride some of the other great tracks he frequents in California, like Willow Springs and Sears Point; however, the things that make CLASS great have a lot less to do with the pavement and a lot more to do with the elements of riding, both physical and mental, that he and his cadre of uber-professionals take such great care to present. No matter what the locale, the lessons are universal. Whether it’s The Corkscrew, or The Dragon, or the backroad to Work, safe, smooth riding is the Pridmore Way. ~ Mark Byers
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JUNE 2017 • BACKROADS
PRODUCT SPOTLIGHTS RKA LINERS FOR TOURATECH ZEGA HARD CASE BAGS RKA is proud to announce the release of the Touratech Zega Hard Case Liners. Seeing the need for quality liner bag inserts for the Touratech Zega hard cases, a favorite for many ADV riders, RKA has stepped up and are now offering this superior liner. These new liners come in 31, 38 and 45 liter sizes, depending on your case size. The liners are made of durable 600x300 denier polyester and have a PVC-backed material, as are all their liners. These liners have a zippered top slip pocket done in Hi-Vis Yellow mesh that can carry flat items and add a bit more conspicuity, use double YKK zippers and a large sturdy adjustable shoulder strap. As are all RKA products, they are designed and manufactured in the USA. The liners are $130.00 for a set and have a limited lifetime warranty. For more information visit RKA’s website at www.rka-luggage.com or email info@rka-luggage.com or simply give them a call at 707-836 7659. Note RKA is not affiliated with Touratech in anyway.
GIVI V40NA 40 LITER CASE The hardest thing to find when searching for the right top case is what the heck size we’re really comfortable with. Many top cases may look like you’ve bolted a small pygmy to your bike, but on the road they balance themselves out. You are not packing Fort Knox into them, but a bottle of water, an extra warm layer and a camera might always be a good idea. The ability to pack a good top case with useful crap can make a great day’s run into a fantabulous and easy overnight. All but one of our machines has a Givi Monokey tail pack bracket. Shira was looking for something a bit smaller than the bag she was using. Some how it seemed to get packed and packed again (it’s a girl thing) and we thought it might be a good idea to go smaller….thus, the V40NA 40 liter case. Still a full 40 liter bag, it is about mid-size as far as the Givi bags go. It snapped right onto the Monokey bracket that has been doing solid work for a half dozen years. We like consistency. The Monokey system worked years back and it continues to do a super job. The bag has an attractive look, modern in every way, and with the ease of a one-key application. It pops on and off in seconds too. Like most Givi products it is made with the highest quality workmanship and the ease of having it fit on three of our machines makes it all the better. Givi Luggage is available in a number of sizes and in both top case and side case configuration. The V40NA 40 Liter Case lists for just around $200. For more on this and other Givi products log onto www.giviusa.com
BACKROADS • JUNE 2017
PRODUCT SPOTLIGHTS
ROTOPAX FROM ALT RIDER • EXTRA FUEL FOR THOSE EXTRA MILES A few years back our Backroads 250 Road Tour had a 70-mile stretch, in New Jersey believe it or not, that was void of fueling stations. This posed a problem for some riders, but some planning ahead on our part avoided any pushing or rescues. For the most part we here in the northeast have plenty of fuel – but there are other points on the planet that are not as fortunate as we when it comes to convenient fuel stations. We have come close to stranding ourselves more than a few times and these days we’d rather have a bit too much than run dry. With a trip heading up into Newfoundland this summer we wanted to make sure we had a few gallons of gas more than we hoped we’d ever need. It’s not that we don’t think Canada has fuel stations, but we have nearly run out just south of Area 51 once, begged for gas from a small village in Central America and even once had to negotiate from a 10 year old kid standing on the side of the road with a 55-gallon barrel of low-test who knew he was the only game in town. It sounds like an adventure now, but was not at the time. So we reached out to the folks at AltRider for an easy solution. RotopaX Gas one gallon gasoline packs are rotationally molded for superior strength and a leak-proof design that puts to shame traditional blow-molded carriers. RotopaX have solid thick walls and extra threads with a sure-seal gasket, guaranteeing it will not leak or vibrate loose. RotopaX also attach to a wide array of OEM and after-market mounting brackets and utilize their own RotopaX mounts for a tight and secure attachment wherever you decide to mount them. The unique design of the packs and the mounts allows them to be stacked on top of the other for a lockable secure fit, even in the bumpiest of conditions. Once on, the RotopaX are not going anywhere. They are available in larger sizes and in different colors as they are excellent for carrying drinking water too if needed. We mounted them on the top of our Jesse hard cases and the RotopaX mounts, that come with the paxs, are easy enough to put on or take off as needed. AltRider sells the one-gallon packs with mounts for just $74.95 and is a worthy investment if you think you may be traveling to any region where fuel might be an iffy situation. Log onto their website at www.altrider.com to see the RotopaX options.
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JUNE 2017 • BACKROADS
words: Eric Milano The group stared quizzically at the fuel pump in front of the Ripton General Store. One rider finally spoke up: “Where does the card go?” “No card swipers here” I reply, “just flip the switch and pump, you don’t even need to pre-pay, I add.” This was a foreign notion for the Boston-based group I was leading. They had come to Vermont to escape their high profile jobs and the bustle of their busy lives in the city. The group had rented dual-purpose motorcycles and it was my job to show them a side of Vermont few visitors get to experience. Back at the Ripton store the group had made their way inside and were perusing the ancient relics collected by the storekeepers during its 140 years of service. The cashier stood behind a giant register as old as the hand-hewn wood floor planks we were standing on. She greeted each customer, mostly by name, as they entered the store. “Could you tell me where the Frost cabin is?” I asked. “It’s your third dirt road on the left, couple miles down,” the storekeep replied. “He was good friends with my father you know; he used to come over to my house for dinner all the time when I was a little girl,” she nonchalantly added. For 42 years (1921 – 1963) Robert Frost summered in Ripton, Vermont and taught at Middlebury College’s Bread Loaf campus. Pulling out of the Ripton store, the pristine blacktop of 125 undulates up through the Middlebury gap past the Bread Loaf ski area and drops back down into the Mad River Valley. We turn off on a dirt road, disembark and continued on foot a few hundred feet to the rustic cabin where Frost spent each summer in Vermont. We are the only ones there. Sitting on Mr. Frost’s porch and gazing out over the magnificent landscape to the south, we immediately understand why this place was so inspiring to Robert Frost. We agree that we could sit there all afternoon, but this is a motorcycle ride and there is a lot more to see. I give the group the choice to ride the beautiful paved roads around the mountain range or cut directly over on gravel forest roads. The choice they make is one I was hoping for. Into the forest we go. The Forest road begins to get narrower and we soon pass a sign that states: “road not maintained by town.”
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BACKROADS • JUNE 2017 The road condition becomes dramatically less smooth. Small stones turn to good size rocks and little puddles turn to steady stream crossings. The bikes we are riding, two Honda CRF250’s and two BMW R1200GS’ can handle it, but I slow down and check in with the group. As they pull up next to me I can tell from their ear-to-ear smiles that they are doing just fine. “You guys want more?” I yell through my helmet. Three thumbs go up. I turn off the main trail onto an old town road that has been discontinued for several hundred years. The narrow road becomes an even narrower trail as we dodge overgrown bushes and tree branches. I warn the group of an upcoming bridge that is washed out and point out the ancient stone walls lining the trail, but just barely visible through the 250 years of moss growing on them. Shortly we approach a clearing and disembark from our motorbikes. “This is my favorite cemetery in Vermont,” I announce as I walk up a narrow path between two towering stone walls. You can barely make out the dates and names on the tombstones, but they are there and the group is reveling between the excitement of the trail we just encountered and the untouched history we are standing beside.
I can tell the riders are getting tired, but there is one more obstacle to tackle before we end the day; that bridge is still out and I do not like to backtrack. We approach the river where the bridge once spanned, but it is long gone. I signal the other riders to hold back as I attempt the crossing. The front of the BMW I’m riding disappears in front of me as I ride down the steep embankment into the cold, rushing water of the Fox Brook. I stand on my foot pegs trying to balance the 500+ pound machine bouncing over slippery rocks beneath me. As I approach the opposite bank I apply some good throttle to propel the bike safely out of the river, but the back tire hits a wet stone and skips to the side a foot or so. I counter-balance my weight and barely prevent the bike from tipping on its side. The riders tackle the obstacle one at a time, some requiring more help than others, but we get each bike through. After a spirited exchange of high fives, hugs and thank yous we continue. The day ends as we pull into the Baldwin Creek Inn. Chef Doug is outside roasting fresh chicken on an open spit and the scent reminds us of the appetite we’ve worked up that day. After a hot shower, dinner is ready and the craft beer is flowing. The next day’s adventure is the main topic of conversation. If you’d like to take part in your own Vermont Adventure, visit MotoVermont’s website (MotoVermont.com) or give Eric a call at 802-860-6686.
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JUNE 2017 • BACKROADS
A Day at the West Point Military Tattoo
Now on a hillside, a Scottish hillside, you’ll see a piper play, this soldier home.
~ John McDermott
Drums – and what could be better? The term comes from the early 17th century Dutch phrase “doe den tap toe” (“turn off the tap”), a signal sounded by drummers or trumpeters to instruct innkeepers near military garrisons to stop serving beer and for soldiers to return to their barracks. This day at West Point it meant a gathering of some of the finest local Pipe & Drum bands in the region and by noon the temperatures had risen to a comfortable 65 degrees with clear blue skies that had banished the clouds and allowed for a stunning day at our at West Point. This day over twenty performing groups were invited to Trophy Point at Buffalo Soldier Field, just opposite the Thayer Hotel, to perform in a noncompetitive showcase of musical talent from the Hudson Valley and Tri-State region. Entering West Pont was fairly easy, but they want photo ID and to see your face (bless modular helmets) and there was plenty of parking and we were even able to score some bench seats right up front. The bands came from around the region and various states and all were of the highest caliber. In between bands there were some Celtic dancers and a most impressive
In late April, while hundreds gathered along the Delaware to celebrate the Gathering of the Nortons, we made the hard choice to head in the opposite direction to the north and east and to the banks of the Hudson River and the United States Military Academy at West Point for a gathering of a different, although equally as stimulating sounding assembly - the 35th Annual Military Tattoo. The weekend had been forecast for cold and wet, and the 39-degree start didn’t dissuade us from the thought that it would be a nippy one and perhaps the thick wool of a fine Scottish kilt would fight off the chill. Our ride headed across the High Point State Park region in New Jersey along some fast, fun and familiar backroads and then down through Pine Island before crossing up, down and around the small mountains around Greenwood Lake on our way into and through Harriman State Park in New York. From there it was a quick spin up past Bear Mountain with its phenomenal and artistic vista to West Point. For those of you who do not know what a Tattoo is, it is a gathering and military performance of music, these days almost always involving Pipes &
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BACKROADS • JUNE 2017
Page 55 some older folk, who looked as if they just got off the boat from Dublin or Glasgow, sat and just drank it all in, content just to sit watch and listen. Speaking of that there were more than few plastic solo cups that I was pretty sure were not full of soda pop – but it is a Celtic sort of thing and this revelry is to be expected. I wonder how that worked out at the 6 pm Mass Band March? Entertaining, I bet. We spent the latter part of the morning into early afternoon before the fantastic roads that surround West Point made a Siren’s call that even drowned out the bagpipes (and that is very hard to do!) Although it was a Sunday we only had to deal with a bit of slow traffic – those turtle-paced Sunday car drivers that scientifically always drawn to us as we made our way back towards New Jersey, stopping for a filling lunch/dinner at the new Double S Smokehouse in Warwick. Perfect spring day. West Point holds this event, which is free and open to the public, in April of each year.
West Point Black Knight Drill Team that easily and skillfully went though their routines; making the quick and precise handling of 9-pound Springfield M1903 rifles look almost easy. We know it is not. Both Shira and I were impressed and proud of all the cadets here along the Hudson. Being a cadet is not the same as being a regular college student – this is a commitment that they all seem to take seriously, yet cadets we talked to still seem to retain that happy young outlook that can make you feel positive about the future. It ain’t Berkeley, that’s for sure. This was an all day affair that started at 11am and ran through till after 6 pm. Many folks and family, and all the bands, had popup tents and barbeque picnic lunches and food as it was a very open and family friendly day. While the bands were marching, little kids played tag, catch and basically acted like children should while adults and
If you love the pipes and drums as we do here at Backroads it is a must see event. A fun free day in the most iconic of places and surrounded by the roads that make this magazine so much fun to create, read and ride! Keep an eye on the calendar next April: www.usma.edu/pipes/sitePages/Military Tattoo
BEAD RIDER • BEADED MOTORCYCLE SEAT COVER • RIDE KOOL Even a product that has been around for as long as riders and motorcycles can be improved on and designed better. Take our product here, Bead Rider. Whether we like it or not… the largest point of contact on our machine is our butt. Yes, your butt, tush, rear end. It does all the main supporting and allows us to move around, maintaining that core body connection that lets us pilot these machines. Along the way we have pressure points at the various contact spots where tush meets seat. If you are a bit thinskinned in the rear it can even be more vexing. Bead Rider allows for a better dispersal of pressure at these points. But it is the warmer weather when the Bead Rider shines, having that space between seat and butt to circulate air for a cooling experience. In truth we don’t think that Bead Rider will be a fit a for everyone, but there is an opportunity to give your average stock saddle or old custom seat an extension on life for many riders. Bead Rider is available in a number of sizes for both rider and pillion seats, with traditionally made wooden beads or the “ultimate” ceramic beads. We installed a Bead Rider onto the saddle of our R1200GS BMW. The first thought was “Wow, millions of professional taxi cab drivers can’t be wrong.” Installation was very easy, as is uninstall if you should find it is not your cup of tea. It could be an acquired taste look-wise. The first few miles were telling, as I really could feel the air circulation around the beads and my butt. The beads felt comfortable enough, although a bit strange and unusual, I got used to them and they felt just the same at the end of the day as they did at the start. And, isn’t this what you are looking for in seat comfort? You shouldn’t have to dwell of how uncomfortable your seat is at the day’s end, the best scenario is that your saddle was comfortable for every mile and you hadn’t even had to think about it. Yes, there are other versions of saddle covers out on the market, but few that have the solid fan base that the Bead Rider does. We’ll see how the Bear Rider makes out on the long term. Our Ultimate Bead Ride Seat sold for just $58.95 beadrider.com • 301-540-6868
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PRODUCT REVIEW
JUNE 2017 • BACKROADS
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BACKROADS • JUNE 2017
PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT
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SENA CALVARY BLUETOOTH HALF HELMET
The Cavalry is a motorcycle half-helmet with Bluetooth technology integrated to meet the connectivity needs of those motorcycle riders who prefer the low-profile helmet style. With its sleek design and simple functionality, the Sena Cavalry is changing the game for riders who prefer the modern cruiser style. Forget the hassle of installing a headset, the Cavalry is an all-in-one helmet and Bluetooth communicator that comes ready to go. The DOT approved Cavalry Helmet was created with the rider in mind to meet the communication and connectivity needs of those who prefer the halfhelmet style. Listen to music, answer phone calls, clearly hear GPS navigation prompts, and use the built-in half-helmet Bluetooth intercom to talk with four of your buddies up to 900 meters away, all through your helmet and without sacrificing your personal panache. With up to 10 hours of talk time the Cavalry comes equipped with HD quality speakers and is engineered with Sena’s Advanced Noise Control™ technology for wind noise reduction and a wide volume control in order to get the most out of any ride. The Cavalry also comes with optional ear pads in order to boost audio while you’re out on the open road. Enhance your riding experience by linking the Cavalry to the Sena Smartphone App, available for free in the iTunes App Store and on Google Play, the Sena Headset App will simplify your ride. Configure device settings, create FM radio and speed dial presets, and even access the interactive Quick Start Guide all through the easy to use Sena Headset App. The Cavalry will be available for the retail price of $349. Find out more on the Sena website www.sena.com/product/calvary-helmet
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JUNE 2017 • BACKROADS
PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT
HEDZ - THE BEST $15 MOTORCYCLE PRODUCT IN THE WORLD If there is one product that we will never be without it is a Hedz. Our friends at Real-Rider can make these up for your club, organization or your business logo in any number of styles or colors. Why are these the best $15 motorcycle product? Because not one thing in our tanks bags has been so consistently useful as having one of these HEDz along for the ride. Created from a long tube of ultra-soft polyester microfiber, the HEDz are made right here in the USA. Although the packaging that comes along with the HEDz lists a bundle of uses we’ll stick to what they really are; simply the best multifunctional headwear for motorcycle riders on the planet. It’s a cap, a scarf, a hair band, a balaclava or a simply scrunchie. For us it usually just takes its place between our helmet and riding suit. We once saw a matching pair get turned into a tube top and mini skirt, but that was Daytona and a long time a go. We have always thought that having a HEDz with you adds an extra 20 degrees of riding temperature comfort. They are the most versatile little piece of fabric to come our way. HEDz sell for $15 from www.real-rider.com and are available in some cool patterns. Let the talented folks at Ready-Rider, the creators of HEDz, take your company name, club logo and do wonders with it – creating HEDz that are truly remarkable and make excellent gifts, mementoes - not to mention just a real flashy piece of motorcycle equipment that will come in handy again and again.
BACKROADS • JUNE 2017
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THOUGHTS FROM THE ROAD
PIE IN THE SKY SOLO RIDE My friend Lisa, who we sometimes call the Pie Queen, once told me that pie just could be one of the finest creations mankind had thought up. Right up there with the wheel, beer and the printing press. She could be right and I have learned to defer to her with all pie matters since. Why does pie come into these thoughts about riding? I’ll get to that. Not too long ago it was brought up in the pages of Backroads that we all seem to have our “go to” roads when we are just looking to spend a little bit of time on the bikes. I know over the years we have developed a few favorites that we can use in a pinch, when time frees up or, more importantly, the weather suddenly cooperates in the middle of the colder months. Somewhere just north of Thanksgiving I woke up to the computer telling me it was 22 degrees outside. Yikes. But, it did say it would get warmer later in the day, to near 50. Driving around during morning errands and run-arounds did not lead me to believe that the weather widget forecasts would be accurate; it was chilly and did not seem to be looking to change anytime soon. I really didn’t give it any thought – I had a full plate for the day. Buried in office work, as we all sometimes can be, I had busied myself right through lunch and into mid-afternoon. Glancing up I saw that the slightly overcast and chilly looking day had gotten somewhat sunnier. There was a steady run at the seeds and nuts we had put out for the local wildlife and walking out to retrieve something from the barn I found that it had indeed warmed up quite a bit from the frozen morning. Going to leave the garage I thought I heard the BMW say something like… “So vy vould you not take me out for a ride, hmmm?” I swear the bike sounds like Klaus Heissler, the Goldfish from American Dad. It was right about then the obvious next move was apparent. My usual “go to” route usually heads south and west towards some very excellent roads. Today though I thought if I were to take off for an hour’s ride I should make it count and kill a bit of a craving as well. Last year Backroads had featured a family-owned restaurant up along the northern edge of Route 23 just south of High Point State Park, the highest point in the state. And, even if High Point’s modest elevation of 1804 feet might be sneered at among some, it is Jersey’s Skylands region and they like it that way. If you are on your way north or south, you might have seen this place just south of the state park. I know it was one of those places I have always meant to stop by – now was my chance. Good to take a solo ride in the late fall. You’ll find your warmth while riding in the sun and it is much cooler in the shade; but might need that electrical backup if the sun sets quicker than you get home. The Elias Cole has long been a well-known restaurant for breakfast, lunch and dinner, but it always has been known for and has become a favorite of many Backroads’ readers just for their pies. They offer a number of them and some of the best coffee with which to wash them down. My ‘pie in the sky solo ride’ as it were. Thursday afternoons are not the busiest in the Garden State and the roads up here were almost empty. The Elias Cole was quiet, but as always friendly and accommodating. There were a few tables to choose from, but a window seat with a view of the road and the bike would do fittingly. As I commented there were a few delectable pies from which to chose but I went for the classic seasonal choice – warmed pumpkin with not one, but two, scoops of vanilla ice cream. The coffee was just right. Freshly brewed and not squirted out of a plastic container. Finishing the pie I first heard him, and then spotted the other lone rider heading north on Route 23. Maybe out for few miles on the bike. Or, maybe he was going far further than that and was one of those guys who have passed right by this place on his way to somewhere else. Yes, there is something nice about the solo ride. ~ Michael Delaney
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Welcome to the Jungle - The Art of Learning to Ride Skillfully A column dedicated to your riding survival
TCB • Taking Care of Business Now that the riding season is full upon us we hope that you have thought ahead to check your machine for some of the basics. Elvis’ favorite saying was Taking Care of Business or TCB. He even had a logo made up with the letters emblazoned with a lightning bolt – which works well for what we’d like to talk to you about – if something goes critically wrong with any of these it could be like a bolt of lightning blowing out of the sky and ruining your ride. Most machines, not all, can use all or part of TCB – and for us that means Tires, Chain and Brakes. Over the past winter we took advantage of the downtime to make sure that each of our machines were kept up to snuff and basic maintenance was handled in preparation for the warmer season arriving. If you did not do this yourself you might be setting yourself up for that lightning bolt of fate to stop you dead in your tracks while on tour or even on a nice day ride some beautiful Sunday afternoon. Much of this we have been over again and again, but still we see readers and riders on machines with obvious short comings and things like tires, brakes and chain are the very basics of motorcycles and need to be kept watch over before and during the riding season. Bachman Turner Overdrive sang “it’s the work that we avoid…” You should not avoid TCB at all.
Tires We have written, on and on, about the need to keep an eye on your tires. Even tires that look good when first examined might look old and tired when put up against a new set or rubber. Take a look at these two tires. Same manufacturer and style, but the difference is very apparent.
By itself the tires on this machine might look like they have a few more months and a couple of thousand miles left in them. But, when put side-to-side with a brand new tire it is obvious that this tire is close to done, Morte’. Finished. Tire wear is an insidious occurrence and you might think things are all peachy keen then suddenly you are out in a storm with less than adequate rubber or worse, you come out of a restaurant along the coast of North Carolina, nowhere near a dealer, on a Saturday evening and can see the cord of your rear tire from across the parking lot. Yes, we did that. But, just once. So, go check your tires today and if you think they might be heading south then change them as soon as you can.
Brakes This is another deceptive, but very necessary part of your machine. Sure you look at your tires and you check your chain – but when was the last time you really got down with a flashlight and checked your machine’s break pads for wear? So many riders rely on the dealer to handle this, but you should handle this.
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BACKROADS • JUNE 2017
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Brake pads are fickle little beasts and one side can wear faster than the other. The rear pads might be a tad softer and go quicker or one side of your front brakes could be wearing slower than the other. Look at all your disk pads and, like your tires, if you think they might be on the way out – simply change them! Don’t even think about waiting till the season’s end – do it as soon as you can.
Chain Yes, we know that many have belts or shafts, but many bikes still use and rely on old fashion chains. Good chain maintenance is a must and the saying to remember is: lube hot and adjust cold. You do not have to be fanatical about it, but putting your bike on the center stand or getting someone to help tilt it up on the side stand and spinning the wheel gives you a chance to see that the chain is spinning freely and has no outrageous tight spots. This gives you a chance to examine that rear tire too. Lubing the chain every 500 miles or couple of days is a good thought. While you’re down there - check your chain’s slack, or lack thereof, and make sure it is where you want it as far as tension and play. If needed, make
adjustments. If you are not sure about this take a read through your Owners Manual for correct adjustment specs. Chains get dirty – it is part of the job – but you can TCB this with a little time, effort and elbow grease. There are commercial chain cleaners on the market, but WD-40 works well too and is our usual standby. Clean all around the chain with a tough old rag or a Grundge Brush, which is designed to help clean chains. Once clean and adjusted take the bike for a short ride to warm up the chain and give it a good lube with some high quality chain lube right down the inside of the chain on the rollers. Do this on a regular basis and your chain will thank you for it. Of course there are many other things and tasks you must stay on top of to be a good rider and a competent motorcycle owner. If you cannot handle these inspections, or have any doubts when you do, your local shop or mechanic should be happy to spend a few moments of their time to give your machine a quick look over. If they won’t then it is time to find a new mechanic. Remember TCB – Taking Care of Business – Tires, Chains & Brakes and you and your motorcycle will be happy campers.
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Rip & Ride® • The Helm 649 Jersey Ave, Greenwood Lake, Ny 10925 • 845-477-3073 • thehelmny.com or find them on Facebook Open Thurs-Fri-Sat @ Noon • Sun @ 11am • GPS Download: www.sendspace.com/pro/dl/l4c9s2 Distance Total Directions Start at Hudson Valley Motorcycles • 179 N Highland Ave/Rte. 9, Ossining, NY Ride south on N Highland Ave/Rte. 9 Turn left onto Denny St 0.4 mi 0.4 mi Turn left onto Yale Ave 148 ft 0.4 mi Turn left onto Terrace Ave 0.4 mi 0.8 mi Turn right onto Bracken Rd 91 ft 0.8 mi Turn right onto Marble Pl 219 ft 0.9 mi Turn left onto Dale Ave/Hwy 134 194 ft 0.9 mi Keep left onto Hawkes Ave 0.4 mi 1.3 mi Turn left onto Glendale Rd 1.8 mi 3.1 mi Turn right onto Quaker Ridge Rd 1.1 mi 4.3 mi Turn left onto Croton Dam Rd 2.2 mi 6.5 mi Turn right onto Croton Dam Rd/Hwy 129 0.9 mi 7.4 mi Bear left onto Short Hill Rd 1.1 mi 8.5 mi Turn left onto Croton Ave 0.2 mi 8.7 mi Turn left onto Croton Ave 1.6 mi 10.2 mi Turn left onto Maple Ave - Turns into Division St 0.7 mi 10.9 mi Turn left onto Pump House Rd 6.0 mi 16.9 mi Bear right on Dogwood Rd - Bear left on Gallows Hill Rd 0.3 mi 17.2 mi Turn left onto Sprout Brook Rd 1.3 mi 18.6 mi Turn right (cross) Old Albany Post Rd Immediate left onto Roa Hook Rd
2.2 mi
20.9 mi
Turn left onto US 9 south Enter roundabout Roundabout First right onto US-6 W/US-202 W towards Bear Mtn Left towards US-9W S/US-202/Palisades Int. Pkwy Take third left onto US-9W S/US-202/Bear Mtn Bear right onto Seven Lakes Pkwy Enter roundabout Roundabout Take the 1st right onto Seven Lakes Pkwy Take the US-6 W/Palisades Int. Pkwy South ramp Keep left onto Palisades Interstate Pkwy S ramp Continue on PIP S ramp/Seven Lakes Dr Enter roundabout Roundabout Turn right onto Seven Lakes Dr towards Sloatsburg Enter Tiorati Circle roundabout First right onto Arden Valley Rd Turn right onto Arden Rd Turn left onto Hwy17 Take the Rt-17a ramp to the right Turn right onto Hwy17A Keep left onto Windermere Ave Turn right onto Jersey Ave
0.2 mi 0.6 mi 158 ft 4.2 mi 509 ft 0.4 mi 0.5 mi 84 ft 2.7 mi 66 ft 0.1 mi 0.6 mi 350 ft 3.6 mi 146 ft 2.1 mi 2.3 mi 3.5 mi 0.2 mi 7.3 mi 0.5 mi
21.1 mi 21.7 mi 21.7 mi 25.9 mi 26.0 mi 26.4 mi 26.9 mi 26.9 mi 29.6 mi 29.6 mi 29.7 mi 30.3 mi 30.4 mi 34.1 mi 34.1 mi 36.1 mi 38.4 mi 41.9 mi 42.1 mi 49.5 mi 50.0 mi
Arrive at The Helm on the right
0.6 mi
50.6 mi
Rip & Ride® • Knoebels Amusement Resort 391 Knoebels Blvd, Elysburg, PA 17824 • 570-672-2572 • www.knoebels.com Seasonal Hours: weekend only May, Sept and Oct • daily June, July and Aug • check website for hours GPS Download: www.sendspace.com/pro/dl/o5wy32
Directions
Distance
Total
Start at Portland PA Toll Bridge
Distance
Total
3.3 mi
52.7 mi
10.1 mi
62.7 mi
Turn left onto Sugarloaf Ave into Rock Glen Rd
0.1 mi
62.9 mi
Get on Rock Glen Rd and ride west
5.3 mi
68.1 mi
Turn left onto Mountain Shadow Ln
5.2 mi
73.3 mi
Turn right onto State Rd/Hwy 339
2.9 mi
76.2 mi
Keep left onto Mainville Dr
7.0 mi
83.3 mi
Turn left onto Old Reading Rd
3.6 mi
86.9 mi
Turn right onto Mountain Rd
0.4 mi
87.2 mi
Turn left onto Mill St
0.6 mi
87.8 mi
Keep right onto Southern Dr/Hwy 487
0.3 mi
88.1 mi
Turn left onto Knoebels Pkwy
6.1 mi
94.2 mi
Arrive at Knoebels Amusement Park
0.3 mi
94.6 mi
Turn left onto Foster Ave/Hwy 940
Get on N Delaware Dr/Rte 611 and ride northwest Turn left onto Cherry Valley Rd
4.3 mi
4.3 mi
Turn left onto Bangor Mountain Rd
3.0 mi
7.4 mi
Keep right onto Cherry Valley Rd
0.2 mi
7.5 mi
Turn right onto Bossardsville Rd
5.1 mi
12.6 mi
Turn left onto Bossardsville Rd
1.8 mi
14.4 mi
Keep right onto Old Mill Rd
0.3 mi
14.7 mi
Turn left onto Sherwood Forest Rd
3.9 mi
18.5 mi
Turn left onto Smith Hill Rd
2.2 mi
20.8 mi
Turn right onto Route 715
0.1 mi
20.9 mi
Turn left onto White Church Rd
1.1 mi
22.1 mi
Turn right onto White Church Rd
0.4 mi
22.4 mi
Turn left onto Sugar Hollow Rd
0.8 mi
23.3 mi
Keep right onto State Rd
1.1 mi
24.4 mi
Turn right onto Scenic Dr/Hwy 534
5.0 mi
29.4 mi
16.2 mi
45.6 mi
Turn left onto Sandy Valley Rd
2.0 mi
47.6 mi
Bear right onto Sandy Valley Rd
1.7 mi
49.3 mi
Keep left onto Tannery Rd
Directions Stay Straight onto South St into Butler Dr Turn right onto Main St
Hungry? Sally Pursell’s Country Inn Turn Right 4.8 mi @ Red Fox Lane Turn Left 0.3 mi @ W Country Rd Return to Route – Right on Rock Glen Rd
BACKROADS • JUNE 2017
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UP C OM I N G E VE NT S CAL END AR EVERY MONTH - WEATHER PERMITTING Every Tuesday • Two Wheeled Tuesday at Spiegel Restaurant • 26 1st Avenue, NyC. An eclectic gathering of motorcycles served with multi-cuisine meals. Kick some tires, have some couscous, enjoy the crowd • www.spiegelnyc.com • 212-228-2894 Every Thursday • Bike Night at the Chatterbox Drive-In, Rtes. 15/206, Augusta, NJ. Tire kicking, good food and friends • www.chatterboxdrivein.com 2nd Friday April thru September 9th @ 6-8pm • 120 N. Queen Street, Lancaster, PA • The Lancaster County Motorcycle Dealers Association invites you to share their passion of riding and discover all that historic downtown Lancaster has to offer • More info: www.2FBN.com Every Saturday April thru 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
MAY 2017 28 • Dawn Patrol MC Memorial Day Ride. Sign in: Bradley Gardens Firehouse, 24 Old york Rd, Bridgewater, NJ 9am-Noon with coffee & donuts. End: Dawn Patrol MC Clubhouse, 106 Robert St, Bridgewater, NJ. Info: 908-722-4357 • dawnpatrolmc.com
JUNE 2017 3 • Cars & Motorcycles of England at Oakburne Mansion, Westtown, PA. $5/adults, $4/seniors/ $3 kids, $20/show vehicle registration • Gates open 8:30am, 10am judging, 2:30pm awards • Over 250 cars and motorcycles on exhibit. Full details call 267-2587071 or visit dvtr.org/CMoE.html 4 • Pocono Mountain Harley-Davidson Camelback Ski Patrol Motorcycle Run. Sign in: 9:30am, KSU 11am. $15/riders, $10/passenger and non-riders. Tour beautiful Pocono Mountain roads - cost includes ride, live music by 5 Second Rule and mountain coaster ride. Cash food and drinks available. Non-riders welcome @ noon - Camelback Mountain Resort, 301 Resort Dr, Tannersville, PA (GPS address: 1 Gypsum Rd, Stroudsburg, PA) • www.camelbackskipatrol.org/motorcycle-ride 5-10 • DirtDaze - Lake Luzerne, Ny • 518-798-7888 • www.DirtDaze.com 6-10 • Americade - World’s largest touring rally - Lake George, Ny • 518-798-7888 • www.americade.com 8-10 • Rollin Fast Cycle Sports Open House Weekend • 1221 Rte. 22 East, Lebanon, NJ • 908-239-9000. Rain or Shine. All Bikes Welcome. See page 39 for schedule of events or visit RollinFast.com 9-11 • Street Skills LLC On-Road style cornering confidence courses @ Americade. Lake Luzerne, Ny • 585-802-9859 • www.streetskills.net
What’s Happening 10-18 • Laconia Motorcycle Week - world's oldest motorcycle rally - Laconia, NH • 603-366-2000 • www.laconiamcweek.com 15-17 • 25th Anniversary Mid-Atlantic Women’s Motorcycle Rally, Front Royal, VA Holiday Inn Blue Ridge Shadows. Featured speakers and seminars, rides and more. For full details visit www.mawmr.org 17-18 • Harley-Davidson of Nassau County Tent Event. Amazing deals all weekend. 2428 Sunrise Hwy, Bellmore, Ny • 516-409-9200 • NassauCountyHarleyDavidson.com 18 • Last Ride of the New york Cruisers. Start: Mobil gas station, Hutchinson River Parkway North, White Plains, Ny • 8:30-9:30am KSU 10am. Shirt ride with lunch to follow. For more details email: KQuinn5801@gmail.com • 914-774-4468 19 • 26th International Motorcycle & Scooter RIDE TO WORK DAy • RideToWork.org 21 • 30th Annual Gooch’s Garlic Run presented by Blue Knights NJIX benefitting families of children stricken with illness. Sign in: 4:30-6:30pm Rockaway Townsquare Mall, Rt. 80/Mt Hope Rd, Rockaway, NJ. KSU: 6:30 - ride to Newark’s Iron Bound District. $15 pre-reg/bike • $30 VIP reg incl. VIP ride spot, event t-shirt and pin • $20 day of ride/bike • Full Police Escort with great food, music, vendors at endsite • Full details visit www.BKNJIX.org 24 • Woodstock Harley-Davidson Pop-Up Event at Texas Roadhouse, 500 Miron Lane, Kingston, Ny • 845-336-7600. Games, prizes, raffles, charity drive, specials and much more • www.WoodstockHarley.com 22-25 • Thunder in the Valley, Johnstown, PA • JohnstownThunder.com 23-25 • Hudson Valley Motorcycles Ducati Demo Days - only stop in the tri-state area. Demo ride your choice of 2017 Ducati motorcycle. 179 N. Highland Ave/Route 9, Ossining, Ny • 914-762-2722 • HVMotorcycles.com or check Facebook for details. 25 • Motorcycle Scavenger Hunt brought to you by Bergen County and Hudson Valley Harley-Davidson. Sign in: Bergen County H-D, 124 Essex St, Rochelle Park, NJ 910:15am • $20/rider, $10/passenger includes food, music and prizes. Endsite: Hudson Valley H-D, 33 Route 304, Nanuet, Ny. See page 7 for details or BergenHarley.com 30-July 2 • Conserve the Ride 2017 sponsored by AltRider. ADV Getaway in Palmerton, PA. $305 registration includes camping, catered meals, GPS-led rides for all skill levels, seminars, giveaways and more. Full details www.altrider.com • 206-922-3618
JULY 2017 8-9 • Ramapo MC Club’s 41st Annual Ramapo 500. 500 miles of gorgeous scenery and backroads, free camping, onsite trailer rentals, nearby hotels, river swimming, Saturday night dinner, awards and prizes, Sunday breakfast, starter pins and finisher patches. Sign in: RMC Clubhouse/Veterans Memorial Assoc, 66 Lake Rd, Congers, Ny • 7am. Details: Fred Peck (845) 300-1247 • rmc@ramapomc.org • www.ramapomc.org
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JUNE 2017 • BACKROADS
UP C OM I N G E VE NT S CAL END AR 6-8 • New Jersey’s Only Motorcycle Skills Competition @ Willowbrook Mall, Wayne, NJ. Law enforcement and Civilian Divisions. Practice + Eliminations July 6 + 7: 8a-4p • July 7: Competitor BBQ @ 6:30p • July 8: Finals 8a-2p • Awards Banquet: 7pm. $60 entry incl. Fri. BBQ, Sat. lunch, event t-shirt. Banquet: $10/entrant, $25/guest. For details email Tommy Johnson: tdog58@verizon.net. See page 21 for details.
AUGUST 2017 14 • Street Skills LLC Cornering Confidence Track Day course @ New york Safety Track, Harpersfield, Ny • 585-802-9859 • www.streetskills.net 17-20 • 3rd Annual Touratech Rally East, Huntingdon, PA. 4-day rally with opportunity for riders from around the US and the world to camp out, attend workshops and presentations, improve riding skills meet industry pros and explore fun mountain roads. Rides for different experience levels and all street-legal motorcycles are welcome. Go to www.touratechrally.com for details and signup. 25-27 • The Dream Ride Experience. Motorcycle Rally & Ride, car/motorcycle shows, activities for Special Olympics, live entertainment, on-site pet adoptions, celebrity appearances, vendors, raffles, fun and more. For full details: DreamRide.org
SEPTEMBER 2017 3 • Dawn Patrol MC Labor Day Ride - Lime Dot and Route Sheets. Sign in: Bradley Gardens Firehouse, 24 Old york Rd, Bridgewater, NJ 9am-Noon with coffee & donuts. End: Dawn Patrol MC Clubhouse, 106 Robert St, Bridgewater, NJ with food, beverages, live music, vendors and more. Info: 908-722-4357 • dawnpatrolmc.com
21-25 • BACKROADS FALL FIESTA - NY STATE OF MIND TOUR. See page 44 or full details @ backroadsusa.com/rallies.html.
OCTOBER 2017 14-19 • BACKROADS CLASS Rally. Ride to and from VIR with a small group. Details: www.backroadsusa.com/rallies.html 15 • Ramapo MC Club Fall Foliage Tour to benefit the Valerie Fund for childhood cancer research. Guided or self-guided tour along Hudson Valley’s autumn foliage roads. Sign in: Rhodes North Tavern, 40 Orange Tpke, Sloatsburg, Ny @ 9am. Details: Kent Sullwold (845) 304-3454 • kms.elec.engr@gmail.com • www.ramapomc.org
MARCH 2018 11-20 • BACKROADS OF ECUADOR TOUR. Join a VERY small group of Backroads’ readers for an amazing tour with Court and Sylvain (and Salina the Wonder Dog) of Ecuador Freedom Bike Rentals. See page 56 or visit their website for full details, pricing and availability • www.FreedomBikeRental.com
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