March 2011

ine z a g Ma r u To e l c rcy o t o M

MARCH

Motorcycles, Travel & Adventure

2011 Kawasaki Vulcan Vaquero Oh Canada‌ Hotel de Glace End of the Road Three for Nova Scotia

2011

Volume 17 No. 3

W H A T ’ S MON T HLY COLUM N S

I N S I D E FEAT URES

FREE WHEELIN’.................................................................................3

THE END

WHATCHATHINKIN’..........................................................................4

THREE

POSTCARDS FROM THE HEDGE .................................................6 ON THE MARK ..................................................................................8 BACKLASH .........................................................................................9

OF THE

FOR

ROAD: CÔTE NORD .................................................29

NOVA SCOTIA ....................................................................32

M OTORCYCL E REVIEWS 2011 KAWASAKI VULCAN® 1700 VAQUERO ......................................26

PRODUCT REVIEW S

THOUGHTS FROM THE ROAD ...................................................10

SCALA RIDER Q2 MULTISET PRO.....................................................24

INDUSTRY INFOBITES...................................................................12

BUILDING

MYSTERIOUS AMERICA ...............................................................14

SAFETKICK

BIG CITY GETAWAY........................................................................16

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHTS ...................................................................38-39

GREAT ALL AMERICAN DINER RUN.........................................18

MUSTANG TRIPPER FASTBACK..............................................................41

THE

ULTIMATE ADVENTURE MOTORCYCLE ...........................24

KICKSTAND PAD ................................................................37

WE’RE OUTTA HERE .....................................................................20 UPCOMING EVENTS CALENDAR ..............................................43 WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE .......................................................40 MOTORCYCLE MARKETPLACE ..................................................44 Brian Rathjen • Shira Kamil ~ Publishers Contributors: Ken Aiken, David Allen, Mark Byers, Bill Heald, Marty Konrad, Dr. Seymour O’Life

BACKROADS • POB 317, Branchville NJ 07826 Phone 973.948.4176 • Fax 973.948.0823 • email editor@backroadsusa.com • web www.backroadsusa.com Motorcycles, Travel & Adventure

For Advertising Sales Information: 973-948-4176

BACKROADS (ISSN 1087-2088) is published monthly by BACKROADS™, Inc. 2011. All rights reserved. BACKROADS™ may not be reproduced in any manner without specific written consent from the publisher. BACKROADS™ welcomes and encourages submissions (text and photos) and suggestions. Include phone number with submissions. BACKROADS™ will only return material with enclosed sufficient postage. The written articles and opinions printed in BACKROADS™ are not necessarily those of the publisher and should not be considered an endorsement. The Rip & Rides® published are ridden on the sole responsibilty of the rider. BACKROADS™ is not responsible for the conditions of the public roadways traversed. Please respect the environment, read your owner’s manual and wear proper protective gear and helmet. Ride within your limits, not over them.

BACKROADS • MARCH 2011

FREE WHEELIN’ BRIAN RATHJEN Welcome Back my Friends shoW that never ends….

to the

It’s just a few days after the International Motorcycle Show at the Javits Center in Manhattan. Sitting here at my desk, I can see the snow starting to fall – again – and I have been going over all the different things that were to be seen at this year’s IMS. For the most part all the big manufacturers were in attendance, with many new and exciting machines being offered for this new season; a fantastic thing to happen, especially after the shaky economy of the last three seasons.

But there was another element of the show, a facet that has been building the last few years or perhaps it’s been there all along. Maybe while trying to get our readers to get out and explore all the interesting places on superb roads we have tried to ignore it.

In fact, so much of this phenomena has very little to do with actually riding bikes.

This component makes us wonder where the show, and the thinking of the industry in general, is heading?

Let’s see… we had famous models, a television star and his wife, reality show stars and rockers (right, that was the same thing), fighters and the dozens of very sexy gals that help draw would-be buyers to the various booths. All of these people have way more talent than I do and have gotten where they are on that talent.

But, what does any of this have to do with riding motorcycles?

I certainly understand the need to stand out, and I don’t think anyone, especially me, want the girls to go away, but some of the “Stars” that were brought in have me wondering.

Page 3 Do we really need all this “bling” to attract folks to come to the Javits Show?

I am sure that the few hundred people who might not have gone to the event otherwise came to see Ice-T and Cocoa. And yes, I guess it was nice that Star motorcycles gave UFC fighter Diego Sanchez one of two machines that were inspired by him – but personally I was more impressed with the Super Tenere – but then Backroads has always been about riding.

We heard that some of the crew from Orange County Choppers were to be there, but then maybe cancelled, but then maybe showed.

We really wouldn’t know, as we were busy with the thousands of riders who were coming to the show to see the latest and greatest machines they could really ride. So many of them stopping by to see us and to say thank you for all the places, things and events Backroads has led them to over the years.

Most of these folk quietly slipped by the actors, fighters and rockers in search of something more pertinent to what they were really there for – MOTORCYCLES! A few months ago I did a Free Wheelin’ called “Who are you?” In this editorial I spoke about how all of us who ride, whether it be the newbie or the seasoned veteran, the girl on the new Honda 250 or the couple of the Harley Road King were all riders and need to support one another.

But, here at the show there was just that – “a show.”

Some of the vendors at the International “Motorcycle” Show don’t seem to be about riding at all. For these people actual motorcycles are just the excuse for the party.

Here it is all about the “lifestyle” where you buy a bike (usually a cruiser or better yet a custom cruiser or street fighter) and it’s “Welcome Back My Friends to the Show that Never Ends….”

Here loud pipes rule and the more outrageous the behavior is, well all the better.

A few months back we were asked to interview the “stars” of Full Throttle Saloon. This show features the goings on in and around the famed bar in Sturgis.

(Continued on Page 11)

MARCH 2011 • BACKROADS

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W H ATC H AT H I N K I N ’ SHIRA KAMIL too little too late?

You know, if one person, just one person does it they may think he’s really sick and they won’t take him. And if two people, two people do it, in harmony, they may think they’re both faggots and they won’t take either of them.

And three people do it, three, can you imagine, three people walking in singin’ a bar of Alice’s Restaurant and walking out. They may think it’s an organization. And can you, can you imagine fifty people a day, I said fifty people a day, walking in singin’ a bar of Alice’s Restaurant and walking out. And friends they may think it’s a movement.

- Arlo Guthrie, Alice’s Restaurant Massacree Each month, Backroads endeavors to bring you, our intrepid and ever-ready readers and travelers, some of the best places we’ve encountered in our own travels. From fantastic, off-the-beatentrack discoveries to those little bite-sized gems of gastronomy, we’ve brought you to some wonderful places these past 15 years. And I have to say that many of you have followed in our tracks, bringing these businesses some much needed patronage in these tough economic times.

Sometimes, unfortunately, even our twowheeled dollars aren’t enough to help those struggling keep their doors open.

Our latest discovery in this regrettable situation is Huckleberry’s BBQ in Greenwood Lake, NY. Placing a call to see if they would be open that day for lunch, I was answered with a name other than Huckleberry’s. Assuming that I had dialed incorrectly, I asked if that was the case and found that Huck-

leberry’s had closed their doors and, in its place was now an Italian restaurant.

Quite a shame, as I thought their breakfasts were quite yummy, as was their barbeque. Once the bikes are resurrected from their icy depths, we’ll have to check out the new cuisine and report back.

I have a list that sits on my desk consisting of eateries, mostly, but other beguiling and unusual targets that have piqued my interest. Some I’ve seen while channel-surfing during long, dull winter nights. Others have come to me as suggestions from friends, family and readers. Sometimes they may sit for quite some time before we find ourselves heading in that direction.

One of these places, one that I’d passed for many a year, was really just up the road from Backroads Central. It was a cute little soup restaurant in Milford, PA that had always caught my eye but, for one reason or another, was never visited. Not too long ago, I decided that today was the day; time to get me some homemade soup. We suited up, heading out for a late lunch.

We had a nice little ride and, pulling up to the café, found that it was too late.

No, they weren’t closed for lunch, they were closed for good. I’ll never know if their split pea soup was better than mine (although I doubt it).

We continued on our path heading home, destined to pick from whatever leftovers may be lingering in the fridge. We had an enjoyable, if not chilly, late Autumn ride and chanced upon this month’s Great All-American Diner Run. I had heard about the Forklift Café somewhere, but could not put my finger on it. No matter, as our later-than-expected lunch turned out to be a true winner, as you’ll read later in these pages. I’ll just let you know that I got my soup anyway, and it was delish.

These places, with so much anticipation and elbow grease put into them by their owners, need more than an innovative menu, catchy paint scheme and creative website. They need US. It may be too late for Huckleberry’s and The Soup Place, but the Forklift Café and others like it are open for business (Continued on Page 11)

BACKROADS • MARCH 2011

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MARCH 2011 • BACKROADS

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P O S TC A R D S FROM THE HEDGE BILL HEALD soho, land oF surprises You never know what’s going to happen when you enter a press event at a famous NYC venue.

Manufacturers choose such locales carefully, as they are trying to fortify whatever product/message/company announcement they are presenting with an atmosphere that drives home the point smoothly and enticingly. The night before the start of the NYC International Motorcycle Show, I found myself the guest of the Harley-Davidson folks at the famous Indie Rock club Don Hill’s in SoHo, where they revealed their latest Dark Custom to a mess o’ journalists. The Dark Custom Movement (as the Harley folks like to call it) has been very successful, for they’ve taken popular models and removed a lot of stuff to make them more Spartan and traditional. This is a minimalist design philosophy where what you remove is more important than what you add, all in the name of achieving a balanced, elegant aesthetic. Then, you do Harley’s typically masterful job of paint and detail work and Bob’s your Uncle (and quite often, your fender). The new addition is the FXS Blackline, bringing a new member of the Softail family into the Dark Custom house.

This new machine is certainly not unexpected, but other things were at this little soiree. The main thing I’m talking about here goes part-and-parcel with the Dark Custom ideology, and involves a change (at least in my mind) of Harley’s basic image. For the longest time, I’ve always felt that a big part of Harley-Davidson popularity had to do with having a motorcycle you could do a lot with, accessory-wise. This was a machine you bolt a lot of things onto, and the job was made simple by a catalogue of Genuine Accessories that was the size of the NYC phone book

(remember those?).

You can certainly accessorize your Dark Custom, but you’re kind of going against the spirit of the Movement. You see, this new ideology is all about a simple-is-best design philosophy. It’s a new focus that preaches stripping down a motorcycle to the bare essentials instead of gussying it up with tons of chrome and tchotchkes. The official Harley Press Release described the new Blackline as, “A Harley-Davidson Softail model pared to the bone. A rebellious creation of the Dark Custom movement, the Blackline celebrates three fundamental elements of motorcycling: mechanical beauty, internal combustion, and the long black line of the road ahead.”

While that statement does reflect what I see as a change of thinking, what really surprised me were the comments of Willie G.Davidson, Senior Vice President & Chief Styling Officer at the Motor Company (as if I need to tell you who Willie. G. is). “I think the timing is right on this bike . . . and the overall simplicity of it,” he said. “I think the prettiest motorcycles in the world are racing motorcycles, in my eye, because they’re just wheels and engine.”

Wow. I never associated Willie. G. with racing bikes, but there you go. He continued: “ To me, there’s nothing as pretty as a Harley-Davidson V-Twin motor. And when you look at how simple all these parts are and how they surround the engine, and what this motorcycle says, I think it would look great parked in front of any bar in the whole country.”

Indeed. It certainly looked at home on the stage at Don Hill’s, and will no doubt be wellreceived by the Harley Faithful. This bike is also designed to attract younger buyers, which comes to yet another interesting thing about this event. In many ways the Dark Custom program is an effort to not only celebrate a more elemental motorcycle, but to attract younger riders to the rebellious look and (as Harley puts it) more affordable price. Whether $15,499 for the FXS is truly more affordable is subject to debate, but one thing seems clear from statistics the Harley folks gave us. The (Continued on Page 11)

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torcycles, let me give you some more colors for your palette. Not long after learning to ride, they rode from Virginia to Key West. If memory serves, Joyce used something like a Rebel 250 on that trip! Through the years, that MARK BYERS bike gave way to cruisers of slightly bigger displacements, but mostly under a liter. Let’s throw out some other terms you might know: the Four Corners. steelheads Multiple times. I can’t begin to list all the places they’ve been, but if you go to the “high milers” tab on the Morton’s BMW web site, you’ll see a photo There’s a group of motorcyclists who call of John getting his 200,000-mile award, just for those ridden on BMWs. themselves “Ironbutts” because they have Consider that mileage in the context of starting at retirement. I know peoridden at least 1,000 miles in one day. This column isn’t about them. The ple who’ve been riding since they could walk who haven’t covered that kind group of whom I write has their metal someplace entirely different. They of distance. I definitely know people much younger who didn’t venture out don’t measure their rides in miles, hours or days, but in decades. For them, on two wheels on a cold day in January! I was humbled watching Joyce put it’s not about the length of the ride, but the longevity of the rider. on a headscarf over her balaclava, her small frame festooned with multiple Last Saturday, I went to a chili feed at Morton’s BMW. It was a cold Janlayers, wires protruding from electric clothing. “Where are my gloves?” she uary day and my wife and I arrived on four wheels instead of two. The asked John in a big voice honed from years in a classroom. John quietly minute we arrived, we saw two of the toughest riders I’ve ever known, their replied “In your helmet, dear.” Then, off they gear making it clear that they’d come on moefore you paint a mental picture of a cute went into the January day, two of the most hardtorcycles. Regards were exchanged with cold retired couple toying with motorcycles, let core motorcyclists I’ve ever met. handshakes and warm hugs and, as they finHere’s some more paint for your mental picme give you some more colors for your ished putting on a multitude of cold-weather palette. Not long after learning to ride, ture: I’ve known these two for over ten years and garments, this column was born. they were riding before I met them. That places they rode from Virginia to Key West.

John and Joyce were a high-school princithem somewhere in the neighborhood of high pal and chemistry teacher, respectively. They 70’s in age, perhaps even the low 80’s. The exact number doesn’t really matwere bicyclists during their working lives, so life on two wheels was no myster – what matters is that they’re still out there riding all over the country in tery to them, but life was without a motor – until they retired. At sixty-five all kinds of weather. They are among the ranks of many “high-mileage” moand change, John and Joyce discovered motorcycles. At an age when some torcyclists I’ve met, including the venerable Dave “Million Mile” Swisher folks take pottery classes, they took the MSF Basic Rider’s course and got (who got to 1.5 million BMW miles in ‘09… at 80 years of age) and the late their motorcycle licenses. Not ones to do anything halfway, they got their Lyle Grimes, who reached a million at around age 80.

MSF instructor qualifications too (a natural thing for a couple of educators).

I struggled with what to call these folks who ply the roads on motorcycles Although she’s done it a fair amount, Joyce wasn’t content to ride pillion well beyond the time when a lot of their peers have thrown in the towel (and with John. As long as I’ve known her, she’s always had two things: a roin conditions wherein I’ve gone automotive). I needed a catchy name like mance novel and her own motorcycle. The only concession this diminutive “Ironbutt” to describe these septa- and octogenarian riders - something that woman makes, because of her inseam, is to ride a cruiser. John is just as tall would capture their mettle as well as their metal. Then it hit me: that’s not as he is gentlemanly and his tastes run toward continent-crossing motorcycles silver in their hair, it’s steel. They’ve got steel in their souls and it’s boiling like the K1200LT. Joyce is as talkative as John is reserved. John smiles with over. John and Joyce, you’re the inaugural Steelheads: world’s toughest senhis mouth and his eyes. Joyce smiles with her entire being. ior riders. Godspeed.

Before you paint a mental picture of a cute retired couple toying with mo-

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BACKLASH Love that Wacky Wineland Guy Dear Backroads, I am a long time reader, first time writer. I pick up my Backroads at Pen Argyll Cycle in PA. I had to write and commend Tim Wineland on his ‘Ports in a Storm’ article. I rarely laugh (a personal problem) especially while reading a motorcycle magazine but I roared (not as loud as straight pipes) while reading Tim’s Thoughts From The Road! You set a high bar at your magazine and when one of your writers sails over it - well I had to write and say “Thank you”! It was especially appreciated with almost a foot of snow and temps in the teens. Thanks for all you do for we riders - And think Spring!

John Mangiaracina East Stroudsburg, PA

The Kids of Peru Brian and Shira, Thank you two so much for all your help and support this year. I will never be able to communicate how incredible it was to have someone promote our cause and raise all that money without being asked. There have been some dark days in the last three years fighting for these kids, and it is the actions (not words) of people like you and your readers that keep me going. I hope you can visit the children and sister one day soon.

Just wanted to let you know we got the 501c3 approved yesterday. I have three corporate guys lined up to make matched monthly donations and my board solid and set. One of my guys is handling the charity ride this year, so my Wellspring workload is going to be a little lighter.

Ciao Neale Bayly President: www.wellspring-outreach.org Supporting the abandoned children of Moquegua, Peru

Letters to the Editor Hi Brian, Thank you so much for sending me copies of the articles featuring the Dingmans Bridge, in both Backroads and Rider magazines. I was so pleased to receive them, and will share them with others at our company.

So often when a writer does a story about the bridge they promise to send me a copy of the article, but rarely do they follow through. I really appreciate the fact that you did! Thanks again, and have a great New Year!

Carol Phillips

High Seas Rally Dear Editor, I just read your article on the High Seas, and dear, it brought me right back to those good days, where there was no snow outside, just the view of the beautiful ocean and new palm trees every morning. Oh dear… too bad we had to work… but well, a bad day on the cruise is still better than a good day in the office!

Catherine Hey Backroads, I just got the new February issue of Backroads - of course I had to instantly turn to the High Seas Rally pages - great photos and article - glad I was there with Backroads.

Thanks Jeff Comparetto Dear Editor, Hey - I just read your latest issue!! Geat mag!

Now that I’m retired you may see me on some of your rides. I see my group was helpful in locating the Best Barbeque in Pennsylvania, Kundlas, in Hamlin Pa....hopefully when spring returns maybe... we could meet up there again.

Tony DeMatteo

MARCH 2011 • BACKROADS

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THOUGHTS FROM THE ROAD

David Allen

Group tours: smoothinG out the rocky road

for me, but those injuries faded fast and the slight damage to the bike was mostly cosmetic. No biggee.

Over the years, I’ve taken part in several organized motorcycle tours in But the kind of disruptions that can be more problematic don’t fit into any North America and Europe and I’m now preparing for the next one that my of those categories of misfortune. They’re more subtle and insidious, and wife and I will take this coming summer. It’ll be a small group exploration they can cast a dark cloud over the most well-planned group tour, a cloud of parts of Spain and France and we’re looking forward to it with a lot of that can pervade every minute of the tour and essentially ruin it for everyone enthusiasm. involved. They are the tensions related to the interpersonal interactions – But my past experience with such groups gives me reason for a certain bad vibes – among group members. I’ve seen this problem raise its ugly amount of worry. head on the basis of a variety of factors.

Obviously, there are many things that can go ut personalities being what they are, In a very large group of people from 10 different wrong. Even the best prepared tour companies there’s no way that all interpersonal con- countries, travelling from northern Germany to the can’t ensure there’ll be no mishaps, bad weather flicts can be avoided or smoothed over. Arctic Circle in Norway, tensions developed reor unexpected road closures. All of those things lated to nationality and what seemed to be resenthave been encountered in tours that I’ve been a part of in the past. For the ments still festering as a result of World War II. On at least one occasion most part they’ve been overcome with a minimum amount of upset. One this exploded in a shouting match in a hotel parking lot. That tour was also group tour of the Alps saw at least five riders go down in the course of our marked by a growing animosity between the leader and a woman who found nine days of riding. All the accidents were at slow speeds or at sudden stops fault with his choice of speed and route selection and didn’t hesitate to voice – like when I stopped abruptly on a hairpin curve because an approaching it with increasing frequency and volume. The leader bit his tongue and the car was giving me no room to get by; I put my right foot down and found rest of us tried to ignore the woman’s unwarranted attitude. The only longnothing but air underneath it because the pavement was raised so far above term consequence was a vow by the tour organizer that the woman would the adjacent ditch. The bike toppled over and my wife and I went with it. never be welcomed back.

The results were a few scratches for my wife and a bruised forearm and ego It’s likely in any group of riders who are strangers to one another that there will be differences in riding style and proficiency. Some riders will prefer a faster pace and others will want to Cycle Motion is your provider of stop more often for photo ops or pit stops. In Europe, motorcycles, ATVs, scooters, snowmobiles, some North Americans who have never ridden accordand utility vehicles by Kawasaki, Suzuki, ing to local customs will be intimidated by the unspoken Polaris, and Yamaha. With a large parts rules regarding speed and the accepted manner for overdepartment, qualified service technicians and taking other vehicles. For the most part those differa full shop full of parts and accessories, ences can be accommodated as a result of a certain we're here to meet all your power sport needs. amount of preparation and advice from the leader and a modicum of patience and good humor on the part of the group members. But personalities being what they are, there’s no way that all interpersonal conflicts can be avoided or smoothed over.

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address and clarify the expectations of each group member – and correct any incorrect assumptions about what the experience is going to be like. It would have to explain the spoken and unspoken rules of the road – both legal and customary – in the region of the tour. It would have to lay out the parameters of group riding – regarding acceptable speed, group formation, procedures for overtaking, etc. Finally, and just as importantly, it would have to offer some coaching in the desirable attitudes of group members, emphasizing a respect for diversity in riding styles, and the maintenance of a patient and courteous orientation toward one another at all times.

It’s all a lot easier said than done. The bottom line, it seems to me, is that the best and most enjoyable group tour is one in which everyone involved brings their better selves, their most mature and accepting selves, to the experience. postcards From the hedGe

(Continued from Page 6)

Youth are down with the V-Twin. The Motor Company’s Jen Gruber-Hoyer passes on the following: “In 2008, according to R.L. Polk registrations, Harley-Davidson became the top selling brand in the U.S. in sales of new street motorcycles to young adults 18-34. And in 2009, we extended that lead to be even stronger in the #1 position. That is for all cc engines, not just heavyweight. We also sold more motorcycles to young adults than BMW, Ducati, Triumph, Victory and Aprilia sold to all demographic audiences combined.”

We were also told that in this demographic (roughly) 1/3 are new riders, 1/3 are repeat Harley buyers and 1/3 migrated from other makes. I thought this was an amazing statistic, for like a lot of folks I though Harley tended to skew towards older riders. That may have been true a while ago, but this is the way things are now and Harley is understandably happy about it.

So, I was surprised twofold on that cold Thursday night in SoHo. I was amazed that Willie G. loves the look of race bikes above all other motorcycles, and surprised by the popularity of the Harley Twin among younger riders. And as far as the new FXS Blackline goes, it is a very elegant machine that I think nails what the designers were shooting for. It will do well I think, and as Willie G. told me later, “This is a less-is-more motorcycle, and I think it’s the perfect time for it where we’re getting simple in these really crazy times.”

Free Wheelin

(Continued from Page 3)

I tried to watch an episode, as most of my television time was taken up searching for “Trippin’ on Two Wheels” – a real motorcycle riding show and after about 10 minutes I had to turn Full Throttle off.

We did not follow up on the interviews.

Why would we? Things like this have little to do with actually riding motorcycles. It’s about the perceived lifestyle.

They don’t embrace what motorcycles are really about, at least not for us here at Backroads.

All these vendors at Javits and unreality-based shows like this have been created by Hollywood and have been spoon-fed to the general public, and worse, to the riders of the planet, until most of the population think this is really what motorcycle riding is all about.

It is not.

For us, motorcycles are about riding.

Always has been. Always will.

Whatchathinkin

(Continued from Page 4)

and waiting for you to pull up, park the bike and take a seat. We are always on the lookout for establishments, whether for dining or sleeping, to become part of our Moto-Inn family. All it takes is their willingness to welcome motorcyclists, perhaps offer some motorcycle-friendly amenities such as blocks of wood for side stands or clean rags or secure parking for a road-weary ride.

If you happen upon such a stop, please share it with us and we’ll, in turn, share it with our many readers.

And this is where the stanza of Alice’s Restaurant comes into play (bet you were wondering why I’d used that, right?). If one rider happens into one of these places, they might give them a smile. If two riders grab a bite, they might think, well, you know. And if a whole riding group makes it their destination, imagine a whole riding group, they may decide they are just the bee’s knees and some of the nicest folks they’ve ever served (as we already know). This is what is needed to keep these little gems around. I’m not just talking about the Moto-Inn folks, but our favorite dealerships and motorcycle shops as well. Don’t wait until you decide to stop by, only to find that the doors have been locked for good, and it’s a case of too little too late.

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MARCH 2011 • BACKROADS

Page 12

IND USTRY INFOBITES KIDS JUST WANT TO RIDE ACT INTRODUCED IN CONGRESS With the deadline fast approaching that would effectively ban the sale of kids’ dirtbikes and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), U.S. Rep. Denny Rehberg (RMont.) has introduced legislation to end the ban, the AMA reports.

On Jan. 25, Rehberg introduced H.R. 412, the Kids Just Want to Ride Act, which would exempt kids’ off-highway vehicles (OHVs) from the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) of 2008 that effectively bans their sale beginning May 1.

“Here again, a law meant to improve children’s safety is actually being enforced in a way that puts kids in more danger than ever, while destroying jobs to boot,” Rehberg said. “It’s critical that we put to rest any confusion once and for all so kids can just get outside and ride.

“There’s no excuse for continued bungling that only stops kids from using the very youth-sized off-road vehicles that are intended to keep them safe,” Rehberg added.

“This is the most promising and viable legislative remedy available to permanently exclude kid-sized motorcycles and ATVs from the deleterious and unintended consequences of the CPSIA,” Ed Moreland said. “We also want to thank the many thousands of AMA and ATVA members who have answered the call from the beginning to urge their lawmakers to exempt kids’ OHVs from the lead law.

News from the Inside “Now, we need a renewed push because time is running out,” Moreland said.

The easiest way to contact federal lawmakers is through the Rights section of the AMA website at AmericanMotorcycist.com.

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After a year of sales in the United Kingdom, Norton Motorcycles are nearly ready to be released in the United States. The British brand has been revived

by Norton Motorcycles Ltd. CEO and owner Stuart Garner, and its reintroduction into the United States is being led by former Ducati executive Dan Van Epps.

Three models are planned for release in the United States this coming spring, and Van Epps is looking to create a new dealer network.

“Now is the right time to expand out of the U.K. market, once they’ve got all the ducks in a row,” Van Epps said.

The bikes set to be released around May in the United States are the traditional Commando 961 Sport, the 961 Café racer and the 961 SE, a performance-oriented cycle. Each will feature a 961cc computer-controlled, fuel-injected, parallel twin engine with Ohlins suspension and Brembo brakes.

The bikes are manufactured at Castle Donington at the Donington Grand Prix racetrack in the United Kingdom, and they’re built primarily with British parts.

RIDER INSURANCE CELEBRATES 40 YEARS 2011 marks the 40th anniversary of Rider Insurance.

Currently the largest motorcycle insurance provider in New Jersey and the only company exclusively serving the motorcycle community, Rider attributes their success to the extraordinary support of their loyal customers and to the dedication of their employees in staying focused on what THEY do best – motorcycles.

“We understand the needs of our customers because we don’t just serve the community – we belong to it,” said Harry Bleiwise, chairman and founder of Rider Insurance. “It has been both a privilege and an honor to serve a group of people like no other in the world.”

Although for many years Rider was only available in New Jersey, in 2007, after many requests, operations expanded into new states. Rider now provides great coverage and service to motorcyclists in Indiana, Maryland, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. While they’ve come a long way since Harry’s basement, they have remained true to their mission to serve the motorcycling community with the respect they deserve.

For more information on Rider Insurance or to get a quick quote, call 800-595-6393 or visit www.rider.com.

THE AMA INTRODUCES AMA DEALER INCENTIVE PROGRAM The AMA is launching a new AMA Dealer Incentive Program that rewards dealers who offer their customers the valuable benefits of AMA membership, including AMA Roadside Assistance, American Motorcyclist

BACKROADS • MARCH 2011

Page 13

magazine, access to the thousands of amateur competition and recreational events on the AMA calendar and — most importantly — a voice in the promotion and preservation of the motorcycling lifestyle.

“For many riders around the country, motorcycle dealerships are ground zero for their motorcycling lifestyle,” said AMA Vice President of Membership Marketing Dan Stedman. “This is where they connect with other riders, learn about the latest products, find out about local rides and, of course, buy their bikes. It’s a given that the AMA, the group that’s leading the fight to protect enthusiasts’ right to ride, engage them here and support the dealers who support the AMA.” The AMA Dealer Incentive Program, which will officially launch at the 2011 Dealernews International Powersports Dealer Expo Feb. 18-20 in Indianapolis, offers dealers incentives for each AMA membership they sell. By providing customers with AMA Roadside Assistance and all the other benefits of AMA membership, the program also helps dealerships differentiate themselves in the marketplace. Significantly, there is no cost to dealers to join the program. More information will be available at the Dealer Expo, by calling (800) AMA-JOIN or e-mail dealerservices@ama-cycle.org.

KAWASAKI’S NORTH AMERICAN SALES ON THE RISE Kawasaki has increased its North American powersports unit sales in its fiscal first half, the company recently reported. Kawasaki’s wholesale unit count totaled 51,000 units in North America in its fiscal first half, according to the company’s report. That is a 16 percent increase over the year-ago total.

That unit total includes motorcycles, ATVs, UTVs and PWC. The company’s wholesale motorcycle sales in North America, however, did decline. Those sales amounted to 27,000 units, a 10 percent drop from a year ago.

Following in spring, these exclusive stores will also take delivery of the C3W, the only motorcycle helmet on the market specially engineered for women.

“Keep your eye out for us at the International Motorcycle Shows, where we are partnering with key dealers to provide additional retail outlets for our customers,” says Northrup.

For a listing of dealers, please visit Schuberthnorthamerica.com.

2011 BMW TOURING MOTORCYCLES ARE SIRIUS BMW Motorcycles will offer SIRIUS satellite radio equipment standard on 2011 touring models produced beginning in January, the companies announced. BMW also will include a one-year subscription to the “SIRIUS Everything” package for all radio-equipped 2011 R 1200 RT, K 1600 GT and K 1600 GTL touring bikes. The package includes more than 135 channels of sports, news talk, entertainment, weather, traffic and commercial-free music. “BMW Motorcycle owners expect exceptional performance, and our customers seek out the best riding experiences,” BMW Motorcycles Vice President Pieter de Waal said in the release. “Audio entertainment is one of the pleasures of riding a touring motorcycle, and we are very excited to have SIRIUS become standard equipment on our new touring motorcycles, providing the perfect soundtrack for the perfect ride.”

After the one-year subscription expires, users will have to pay standard SIRIUS rates to continue the service.

SCHUBERTH’S REVOLUTIONARY C3 FLIP-UP HELMET NOW AVAILABLE IN SELECT NORTH AMERICA DEALERS Schuberth North America is proud to announce the launch of an exclusive network of Schuberth stocking U.S. dealers. The network of authorized dealers and Certified Service Centers is sprinkled throughout the country for the best coverage in key markets.

Long Island YAMAHA “We know that Schuberth customers have been eagerly waiting for the day they can purchase a Schuberth DOT/ECE helmet in North America,” says Randy Northrup, Schuberth North America’s General Manager, “and that day is today. We have hand-selected some of the finest dealers in the country to handle Schuberth products.”

In addition to the award winning C3 helmets, Schuberth dealers also carry the innovative integrated Bluetooth Schuberth Rider Communication System.

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MARCH 2011 • BACKROADS

Page 14

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

MYS TERIOU S A MERIC A

tri-state marker laurel Grove cemetery, us 6 • port Jervis, ny Strange thing about these northeastern states, I have been told by westernbased friends, is that the states are so small compared to those out west.

Why right up here, just north of where we’ll find Backroads Central, you can ride through three separate states in just a matter of minutes.

But what really constitutes actually being able to say you rode into a state?

With some states you need to spend days, weeks riding around to get the feel for it. But still, technically, if you do something stupid and deal with the law and end up doing time in a state’s penal system (funny how they call it that); well then you were riding in their state.

Pondering this state-border situation, I spent a little time seeing how many states have multiple borders at one spot.

The famous Four Corners come to mind, where Utah, Colorado, Arizona and New Mexico come together at one point.

It seems that this marker is far more popular than the one we’ll bring to light this time around.

There are some other states that have three states touch at the same point; California, Nevada and Arizona, and some of the New England states. This day I’ll show you one I would

wager many of you have ridden past and never knew had a marker for its TriState ménage à trios.

In the town of Port Jervis, originally called Carpenter’s Point but renamed in 1827 when it became a Port for the Delaware and Hudson Canal where the confluences of the Delaware and Neversink Rivers do their thing, you’ll find a little spit of land, in fact you’ll find it at the back of Laurel Grove Cemetery right near the I-84 overpass.

Erected in 1882 The Tri-State Marker was never meant to be the accurate, exact point where all three great states meet. Since the border runs down the middle of the Delaware you would need SCUBA equipment to find it.

You see people were practical back then so the powers that be, back in Chester Arthur’s day, found the closest piece of practical land which just happened to be in the local graveyard. Hey, it worked.

So for some 128 years the small marker has sat, a stony herald in virtual obscurity. For sure locals and every kid who grew up in Port Jervis knew about it. But, for the rest of us passing right

by Laurel Grove, which for me has to number in the hundreds, we were clueless.

Being this marker was just north of the offices, I stole the Backroads KLR and headed up to see if I could find this granite beacon.

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BACKROADS • MARCH 2011 The first thing that struck me in this search was how beautiful the cemetery was. This cemetery may have been the first in Orange County to be designed by a landscape architect, a trend that became popular in the 1850s. It was designed by B.F. Hathaway and the paths and plantings still reflect his artistic design. Please treat this place reverently and do not litter as the cemetery is undergoing a major renovation effort to restore the grounds to their former beauty.

Some 15,000 people are buried here, including Congressmen Bennet, Marvin and St. Charles and there are an extraordinary and diverse number of monuments, tombstones and mausoleums representing the “golden age” of mortuary art in the late 19th century.

At the end of the one-way 5-mile per hour road you’ll run into the overpass of Interstate-84. What an eye sore at this stunning spot.

Just beyond that you’ll see a “Delaware River Heritage Trail” marker and then a monument marking the New York State border.

Just below that you will find the humble TriStates marker.

Although common sense would dictate the real spot is in the river, this exact place has significant historical merit. It was right here that the 100-year boundary dispute between the colonies of East and West Jersey and New York was finally resolved in 1769.

Remember the Mysterious America back in May and the infamous ‘New Jersey Line Wars?’

I try to stay consistent.

At this location, Philadelphia astronomer David Rittenhouse took the measurements that were the basis for the western termination point of the land boundary between the two colonies.

So he was off a bit, but he was probably a Phillies fan too!

So here you have another bit of Mysterious America and one that you may have passed a number of times. I dare say next time you ride through Port Jervis your curiosity will get the best of you.

Well, let it as the Tri-State Marker and the cemetery itself is well worth the slight detour.

See you next month as we find the odd, curious and strange things that litter this Mysterious America.

O’Life out!

Page 15

Page 16

BIG CIT Y G ETAWAY GeorGe WashinGton’s Birthplace • a national landmark 1732 popes creek road, colonial Beach, va 22443 George Washington, commandeer of the Continental Army and First President of our great nation did not ever sleep in my home. Nor did he ever cut down a cherry tree and then confess to his father. And, even Tom Seaver and Nolan Ryan combined could not throw a silver dollar across the Potomac near Popes Creek.

But, it is here that you will find Washington’s birth home; and it is a truly stunning place.

George Washington was born at his father’s plantation on Popes Creek in Westmoreland County, Virginia, on February 22, 1732. His father, Augustine Washington, was a leading planter in the area and also served as a justice of the county court. Augustine’s first wife, Janet Butler, died in 1729, leaving him with two sons, Lawrence and Augustine, Jr., and a daughter, Jane. The elder Augustine then married George’s mother, Mary Ball, in 1731. George was the eldest of Augustine Washington’s and Mary Ball’s six children.

MARCH 2011 • BACKROADS

daytrip ideas to get out of the daily grind In 1735 Augustine moved the family up the Potomac River to another Washington home, Little Hunting Creek Plantation (later renamed Mount Vernon). In 1738 they moved again to Ferry Farm, a plantation on the Rappahannock River near Fredericksburg, Virginia, where George spent much of his youth. Little is known of Washington’s childhood, and it remains the most poorly understood part of his life. Popular fables illustrating his youthful honesty, piety, and physical strength have long taken the place of documented fact. Some of these fables are more plausible than others. The story that Washington threw a silver dollar across the Potomac River — an impossible feat — had its origins in the recollections of a cousin that George could throw

a stone across the much narrower Rappahannock River. But others, including the familiar story of Washington and the cherry tree, seem to have been invented by one of Washington’s first biographers, Mason Locke Weems.

In 1779 the home where Washington was born burned. A Memorial House was built near the spot in 1930. Today the National Park Service operates a colonial farm where costumed interpreters recreate the sights, sounds and smells of 18th century plantation life.

In recent years the foundation of the original home has been found and the layout has been highlighted with a crushed oyster shell path.

In 1930 another home was built, which will give visitors a glimpse of the building of the era and a view to what sort of home Washington took his first steps in.

We visited on a beautiful late summer afternoon and first took in the short film on Washington’s years in the region and then walked around the ample grounds. We were lucky to run into the gentleman who runs the George Washington Birthplace Association, which was formed back in 1932 by

BACKROADS • MARCH 2011

Page 17 Josephine Wheelwright, a Washington descendant.

The Association works diligently to keep the farm and grounds as beautiful and as authentic as possible. It was obvious they have a passion for the landmark.

Today the Birthplace of George Washington is a working plantation that recreates the sights, smells and sounds of 18th century plantation life.

The plantation and region, laying right off the Potomac River, is as beautiful as you can find and, even if it were not such an important piece of American realty, it would still be worth the visit.

You’ll find George Washington’s Birthplace just 40 miles outside of Fredricksburg, Virginia right on the shores of Popes Creek.

You can find all the info you’ll need to plan your visit on the National Park website for George Washington’s Birthplace: www.nps.gov/gewa/index.htm

MARCH 2011 • BACKROADS

Page 18

G REAT ALL AMERICAN DINER RUN the ForkliFt caFé 1831 rte. 739, dinGmans Ferry, pa 18238 570-82-1920 • WWW.ForkliFtcaFe.com We were on the bikes on one of those late winter days when it actually got warm enough to ride without thinking black ice was lurking around the corner waiting to pounce.

The northeast corner of Pennsylvania has some excellent roads, especially close to the Delaware River and the other side in New York and New Jersey are equally as delightful.

It was way beyond lunch this day and, cutting though Milford, I thought of stopping at one of the town’s many restaurants for a bite, but we passed right through and found ourselves heading down SR 2001 with the thought of crossing back to Jersey at Dingmans Ferry and a late lunch when we returned to Backroads Central.

Making the left on Rte. 729 I spotted a cafe on the right. The Forklift. Shira spied it too and she radioed over that she had read about the cafe somewhere and it was supposed to be excellent.

By this time we both were famished so we did a quick u-turn and went to see what The Forklift had to offer. Talk about the right move at the right time!

The first thing that hit us when we entered was the delicious aroma of coffee and chocolate. And, on a still chilly day that sounded perfect to us.

The entrance and the counter area have all sorts of neat stuff for sale. Table games, odd coffee mugs, teapots, magnets – all sorts of interesting and different things.

The modest sitting area is still big enough to hold a good-size riding group and once there this riding group is going to be an oh-so-happy gaggle of motorcyclists.

To start with The Forklift has a serious selection of coffees and teas – more than we have seen in a long time.

tasty places to take your bike For you breakfast lovers it does not matter when you arrive for they serve the almighty egg all day long.

Their three-egg omelets are served with home fries and toast – the usual – but there is where the usual ends. Try the Matador – an omelet with sausage, tomato, onions, peppers, salsa, cheese and sour cream or dig into the Forklift’s Farmers Omelet with bacon, sausage, peppers, onion and cheese.

You’ll also find Spanish, Western and, my favorite, feta cheese and spinach.

Breakfast wraps and sandwiches abound and they have some unique dishes as well, like ‘The Bob.’ The Bob is a chunk of ham smothered by three scrambled eggs and melted cheese topped off by two sausage links.

Now that’s what I am talking about.

Their pancakes, French toast and Belgian waffles looked pretty awesome as well.

We had gotten to The Forklift for a late lunch and the specials on the chalkboards hanging on the wall were hard to ignore.

They had a number of quiches - broccoli and cheddar, Lorraine, sausage with mozzarella and mushroom and a Harvest with bacon, gouda and apples.

The soups were impressive too – ham and bean, French onion and blue cheese and the Forklift Chowder, which was a combo Manhattan and New England. I chose that and it was one of the best ‘chowdas’ I have ever had; and I have had many. Who would have expected this on the cliffs above the Delaware?

Shira’s French onion and blue cheese was also yummy to the 9th degree.

On the regular menu you will find great burgers, with all sorts of fixings and they have a serious selection of sandwiches that can be

Rip & Ride® • THE FORKLIFT CAFÉ 1831 RTE. 739, DINGMANS FERRY, PA 18238 • 570-82-1920 • WWW.FORKLIFTCAFE.COM 100 MI. O/W • DOWNLOAD GPS ROUTE HERE: WWW.SENDSPACE.COM/FILE/VRAQBL

START: RED APPLE REST, RTE. 17, SOUTHFIELDS, NY RIGHT OUT OF LOT LEFT AT CR 19 LEFT AT BRAMERTOWN RD. LEFT AT BENJAMIN MEADOWS RD. RIGHT AT RTE. 17A LEFT AT RTE. 94 RIGHT AT CR 644 VERNON CROSSING RD LEFT AT CR 517 RIGHT AT CR 641 DREW MOUNTAIN LEFT AT CR 565 RIGHT AT RTE. 23 LEFT AT CR 565 LEWISBURG RD. RIGHT AT CR 565 STRAIGHT TO CR 628 BEAR RIGHT AT CR 519 NORTH

LEFT AT RTE. 23 NORTH OVER HIGH POINT LEFT AT US 6 RIGHT AT SR 80 NEVERSINK DR. BEFORE STEEL DECK BRIDGE

RIGHT AT RTE. 209 LEFT AT PEENPACK TRAIL LEFT AT RTE. 42 RIGHT AT RTE. 97 LEFT AT RTE. 55 TO SHOHOLA, PA BEAR LEFT TO TWIN LAKES RD. LEFT AT US 6 EAST FIRST RIGHT TO RAYMONDSKILL RD. RIGHT AT SR 2001 MILFORD RD. LEFT AT RTE 739 TOWARDS DINGMANS THE FORK LIFT IS ON THE RIGHT

BACKROADS • MARCH 2011

Page 19 Many know that goat cheese is one of the most seriously wonderful things on this planet and The Forklift’s Turkey Press sandwich brought that cheese and all those other delectable ingredients together is a most seriously wonderful way.

This sandwich alone makes a return trip a must!

You think we liked this place?

If you’re just in the mood for a cup of Joe and some dessert, the Forklift has just the thing to sooth that sweet tooth. Homemade pies, cakes and much more from which to choose.

Well, next time you and your riding buddies are looking for a neat new place to eat, along some great roads, in a wonderful area then we hope you think of The Forklift Café.

And, just to really make it worth your while we’ll give you a neat little Rip & Ride Route Sheet to get you there with a smile on your face.

We’ll start this run from a place that was near and dear to many of us, the old Red Apple Rest in Southfields, New York. This place was legendary – we think The Forklift might be that way one day too.

Open Tuesday through Sunday from 7 am to 3 pm.

wrapped as well. A Reuben, the Forklift grilled cheese with pesto and Swiss and a killer Cuban sandwich made in the classic-style with ham, turkey, Swiss cheese and their own blend of sauces lathered between a multi-grain ciabatta bread -compressed and grilled just right.

Shira went for the harvest quiche and I tried the special turkey press that consisted of fresh cut turkey breast, crispy and flavorful bacon, sautéed spinach, Swiss cheese all pressed together with chunks of goat cheese throughout.

MARCH 2011 • BACKROADS

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Bergen County Harley-Davidson Presents

WE’R E OU TTA H ER E

a weekend destination keeping you on the backroads

hotel de Glace 9530, rue de la Faune, QuéBec canada G1G 5h9 418-623-2888 • WWW.icehotel-canada.com We have always prided ourselves in finding some fairly unique, interesting and unusual hotels, inns and lodges for you to include in your travels.

But, this time we had to do things a bit differently. As much as we prefer motorcycles, on this trip that was not going to happen. Consider this the Travel & Adventure part of the magazine.

With the new year upon us and a third snowstorm quickly approaching the region we did the only reasonable thing and packed up the Backroads’ Support Sport Vehicle, an Audi A4 Cabriolet – with Audi’s awesome Quattro system for the snow – and headed some 600 miles north of Backroads Central (yes, north) to a location just outside of the Canadian city of Quebec and to a lodging that will truly mesmerize you – the Hotel de Glace.

The famed Ice Hotel of Quebec.

What exactly is an Ice Hotel, you may ask?

Well, picture Superman’s Fortress of Solitude but then take away all the Kryptonian mystery and add a bunch of Canadian creativity, incredible architecture and art work, two superb bars, a chapel, a number of private rooms and then create all this from packed snow and ice and drop it

into a near zero degree environment in the deepest part of winter and you have the Hotel de Glace.

We had heard about this frigid wonder a few years back, but this was the first winter we were able to make the trip up north to our French-speaking neighbors.

Now in it’s 11th year, the Hotel de Glace had its beginnings in Jukkasjarvi, Sweden where the Canadian visionary, Jacques Desbois, visited the only other ice hotel on the planet years back.

Realizing that his native Quebec would be perfect to have such a thing he brought the idea back to Canada and the Hotel de Glace was born.

BACKROADS • MARCH 2011 These days, when it’s construction is finished (it starts six weeks before the opening day), the hotel will have 36 rooms, a chapel, the great room that has its own ice slide and a couple of bars as well.

In addition to the hundreds of tourists that visit the palace each day, they also hold nearly 50 weddings each season in the chapel. It has become the place for a winter wedding in the Quebec region.

Although we could simply describe all the wonders of the hotel we thought it better just to tell you our experience at Hotel de Glace; without question one of most unique hotels on the planet.

We arrived just west of Quebec around 3 o’clock after a two-day trip up from New Jersey. Greeted by their press contact Sarah Matthews we lightly bundled ourselves for a tour of the facility. Heavily bundled would be a necessity later that evening.

The first adjectives that cross your mind when you see the hotel is stunning, spectacular and just plain – WOW! The Hotel de Glace is very impressive, and while we were there we could see that construction was still ongoing 24/7 and would be to completion near the end of January.

Entering the cathedral-like main structure you step foot into the Great Room. Along the snowy walls are wonderful carvings depicting all sorts of creatures. Where the check-in desk would be is an ice carving of a tiger and an ice phone on the desk, perhaps waiting for a call from Frosty the Snowman.

The high vaulted ceilings, which are a recurring theme here, seem to stretch far into the skies and in the distant reaches of this room you will find a long ice slide, which was a lot of fun if you dared.

We dared.

All the large public rooms at the Hotel de Glace are connected and we passed by the café and then along another large hallway to the Ice Bar. Here they had seating areas carved into the walls, the ice benches covered in animal pelts for warmth. Sea creatures abounded along the walls; turtles, squid, whales and even an angler fish from the deep along with a few other fish that probably never really lived on Earth but brought festivity to this Hotel of Ice. The theme this year was biodiversity and the creativity and artistry of the men and women who did all this work carving the various animals into the walls was obvious to see. Truly remarkable.

When you overnight at the Hotel de Glace you do have a back-up plan if the cold becomes to, well, bone-chilling.

In fact it is part of the deal as the Ice Hotel is just minutes from the Four Points Sheraton, a more traditional hotel. You remember those, they are made from brick and mortar and come with warm beds and hot showers. You have this balmy room during your entire stay.

Page 21 We checked in there and put all our gear safely in the room and went down for an absolutely delicious meal at the hotel restaurant.

After that it was time to gear up for the night at the Hotel de Glace.

Layers are “key” here kids and, being riders, we went for the best and warmest we could. If we could have brought our Gerbings we would have.

BMW Comfort Temp top and bottom, heavy woolen socks, thick pants, merino wool shirt with heavy Scottish sweaters and North Face parkas with heavy winter gloves and our warmest hats, that made sure to cover the ears. The key here is no cotton, as this will absorb any sweat and moisture and keep your skin damp, translating to ice.

It would drop to 10 below zero Fahrenheit this night and we wanted to see the morning light.

Before you can actually spend the evening we sat in on a “must do” talk on how to safely and warmly sleep through the night. They explained all

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MARCH 2011 • BACKROADS

Page 22

these things, as well as the procedure to make yourself invulnerable to the cold while sleeping (yeah, right).

In our room, which would be available for us at 9 PM, there would be two large waterproof nylon bags.

Inside these would be a robe and towel for use if you decided you wanted to drop into one of the many hot tubs or sauna right outside (nice touch!) and your twopiece sleeping bag that is rated to…

-40 degrees.

Yes, we said minus forty.

First you need to get your outer gear off. They suggest putting on a clean bottom layer, but we chose to keep on our bottom layer of clothing and socks. You then slide into the first protective layer, a micro-fiber fleece body bag, followed by wiggling into the actual bag which is zipped to the neck and then cinched closed which is then followed by the head part which is also tightly closed.

Not for the claustrophobic, as the only thing sort of sticking out is your nose.

The bed is a large block of ice, covered with a wooden board and an insulated mattress, with a couple of pelts for good measure. Yes, there are a few pillows as well.

Once secured and toasty in the bag you are good to go; unless you need to answer nature’s call; then you will have to get back out of the bag, don all your gear and make your way to the warm building called Celsius where you will find the bathrooms.

With all this newfound knowledge running around our heads we strolled over to the Hotel de Glace and walked in to see what was happening.

The hotel is opened to the public, for an admission fee, and many Quebecer’s simply head up to the Hotel de Glace for a night at the ice bar.

Even on a Wednesday night the place was fairly hoppin’ and they had a great selection of dance music going and a few young women there, who worked for the hotel, keeping the fun going with ice sculpturing contests and scavenger hunts. Drinks were served in glasses made out of ice and maple flavored whiskey was popular as was the hot chocolate.

Around midnight we moved to Celsius to warm up a bit and then made our way back to our room for the rest of the night.

Yes, nature did call, and that little stroll to the potty was enlightening, especially as it was attempted without a parka in below zero winds, but we survived magnificently and dawn came when it does in Quebec at this time of year, thus ending one of the most unusual nights we have ever spent anywhere in the history of this magazine.

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BACKROADS • MARCH 2011

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The Hotel de Glace is open from January through mid-March and, if you can deal with a colder atmosphere or are an avid snowperson, this is something that should be done at least once during your stay here on Earth.

The Hotel de Glace has a number of different packages available and you can see them and the various prices on their website. Warning - not for the frugal.

Another alternative is to simply stay inside the walls of Old Quebec’s historic section and take the short cab ride to the Hotel de Glace, party like rock stars and then cab it back to warm civilization later on. You have many options here.

By the time this magazine hits your hands you’ll still have a few weeks to get to the Hotel de Glace. We hope you decide to go. A place like this is very special and totally unique in North America.

We know we’re glad we did it.

Overnight stays begin at $235 per person per night.

Daily visits are $17 per person; $13 after 8pm. Log onto www.icehotel-canada.com for more information.

Dress warm.

Page 24

MARCH 2011 • BACKROADS

Cardo Systems introduces the scala rider Q2 MultiSet PRO The Q2 MultiSet PRO enables uninterrupted bike-to-bike and passenger-to-rider communication through a comfortable intercom headrest system. The technology allows true simultaneous talking between two parties. Through its advanced multi device connection technology, users can independently place mobile calls, listen to integrated FM radio, or MP3 music and also use the device as a person-to-person intercom. GPS device interactivity is included, and riders can receive GPS voice instructions through the headset without having to manually perform any operations.

Audio features of the Q2 MultiSet PRO include noise canceling headphones and AGC technology which automatically adjusts microphone volume based the amount of ambient noise. A new advancement called Embedded Packet Loss Concealment lets the system compensate for lost audio in real time, giving riders the very clear conversations.

Built in VOX technology allows riders to accept or reject calls through voice commands, helping them to concentrate on riding, not pressing control buttons. The dual speakers are designed to be compact for maximum driver fit and comfort.

Further functionality of the Q2 PRO includes up to 8 hours of continuous talk time, providing riders with uninterrupted service for extended journeys. Joining the worldwide, top-of the- line of G4 scala-rider PowerSet and the scala rider TeamSet PRO, the new and improved scala rider Q2 PRO will enhance the best-selling line of Q2 motorcycle helmet headsets.

The new Cardo scala rider Q2 MultiSet PRO is now available through select distributors, retail outlets, specialty motorcycle shops, and directly from the Cardo Systems web site at www.cardosystems.com

Building the Ultimate Adventure Motorcycle

by Robert Wicks For any aspiring adventure motorcycle rider, the biggest decisions are what bike to choose and how to go about kitting it out. Though some of the top adventure bikes currently on sale could arguably roll off the showroom floor and carry you just about anywhere in the world, it is human nature to tweak, enhance, customize and ultimately personalize your chosen machine before heading off. Robert Wicks addresses this from simple questions such as the choice of tires and the preferred luggage system, to more complex options such as navigation and communication equipment, as there are myriad choices. This extensively illustrated practical book provides in-depth coverage on preparing an adventure motorcycle for the journey of a lifetime. $34.95 from Quayside Publishing Group at qbookshop.com

MARCH 2011 • BACKROADS

Page 26

2011 Kawasaki Vulcan® 1700 Vaquero

A Little Bit Cruiser, A Little Bit Tourer and a Whole Lot of Comfort

wo rd

ears ago music was simply music. The local New York AM station, WABC, would play everything - The Stones, The Four Tops, The Beach Boys, The Allman Brothers. There were no separate flavors or genres of tuneage.

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nR ath

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ima

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Back in the day all bikes were basically the same game – wheels, engine, saddle…well, you get the picture. These days we have all sorts of machines; touring, sport, adventure, cruising. Even the subsets have subsets.

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BACKROADS • MARCH 2011 Take the ever-popular cruiser segment of the motorcycling industry. Without a doubt these bikes make a large portion of the riding world go round – especially here in the United States.

You have cruising cruisers, touring cruisers and another subset that has steadily been gaining popularity over the years – The Bagger. Enter the Vulcan 1700 Vaquero, from Kawasaki.

Looking for a machine that embodies style, power and comfort? Kawasaki created this true “bagger” from its first design sketch to fit nicely between the cruising and touring worlds of this trendy style.

The name Vaquero is Spanish for cowboy or herdsman and with this lone rider of the plains in mind the Vaquero was born.

Teams from both Japan and the United States had input on the final design of the Vaquero and the object was to have a machine that was aggressive and sporty yet retain that cruiser feel and flavor.

They wanted this not to be just another “bagger” but a bike that you knew was a Kawasaki “bagger.”

The large frame mounted fairing flows down into a smoothly integrated chin fairing. On either side of the headlight, louvers add to the look, and can be removed if the optional running lights are added; with or without the lights the fairing is impressive.

Kawasaki chose to frame mount this in order to target any buffeting directly to the frame and not the handlebars, allowing for more machine stability. The wide fairing also has lockable glove boxes on both sides, with the left having a dock where you can stow your iPod safely away from the elements.

The smartly shaped fuel tank holds 5.3 gallons, which will allow for a good deal of miles in between fuel stops.

The line of the Vaquero runs smoothly from the front of the machine, across the tank to the fairly large saddlebags.

Page 27 The low and tapered saddle is just 28.7 inches from the ground and, viewing the bike as an entire package, it gives off a powerful, tough and formidable look.

Adding to the aggressive look is the simplicity of the graphics. Where some might have gone for a more jazzy feel to the bike, Kawasaki kept it very clean, simple and sharp with two paint schemes - Candy Fire Red and a simple Ebony with the name Vaquero placed nicely across the fuel tank. The bike has presence.

The Vaquero is powered by Kawasaki’s familiar 1700 VTwin with a few modifications that are unique to this ride. The power plant has a slick looking blacked-out treatment that really stands out on the Vaquero. Inside this 1700cc engine you’ll find a host of different things including a new second piston ring that offers less stiction as well as manifold changes that can be found in all the new 1700s. The clutch is now a non-damper type for better engine feel. The 6-speed overdrive transmission has a new first, third and fourth gear working together to end the clunkiness found in other engines, and 5th and 6th gears are over-drive.

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Page 28 On the back end of the powerplant a new exhaust system, with nicely tapered tips, allows for a comfortable rumble that actually reduces exhaust noise at cruising speed. The Vaquero engine is controlled by a new ETV that has electronic cruise control as part of the package.

The Electronic Cruise Control operates easily at any speed between 30 and 85 miles per hour and can be disengaged in a number of quick and easy ways.

The carbon fiber drive belt, which is 40% lighter than other Kevlar belts, is narrower as well, allowing for a little bit less unsprung weight; which equates to a smoother ride.

The Vaquero rides on beefy 45mm front forks and the rear suspension is independently air adjusted with a wide range of preload depending on riding situation – solo, two-up, luggage, etc. This is easily done with a small air

pump and two valves located under the saddle. The shocks also have four-way adjustable damping.

The one-piece saddle and large floor boards offer good rider comfort, but if Mama is coming along for the ride a more ample and comfortable gel-saddle, back rest and passenger floor boards are available options as are a number of windscreens to replace the small wind deflector that comes with the Vaquero – which is far more fashionable than functionable.

On the road the Vaquero 1700 has oodles of amenities. The audio system is a completely integrated AM/FM radio. The bike has an optional plug & play dock for your iPod and Sirius / XM Satellite Radio as well. There is an intercom system, and optional headsets, to make conversation on the road a breeze as well as an optional CB for those would need to communicate with other likeminded riders.

Both your iPod and satellite radio can be read from the bright amber display located on the retro-looking dash. The dash itself is a work of art-deco, with bright red analog gauges and a neat gear monitor that rises up through the gauge as you ride up through the gears. It was a little thing but we liked it.

There will also be a wide array of factory accessories available for the Vaquero including a KQR, or quick release, backrest and a beautifully crafted billet GPS mount for the Garmin Zumo series.

With the Vaquero Kawasaki has created a bike that has the classic “bagger” look with a style and flair that is all Kawasaki.

Whether solo riding around town or two-up touring across the United Sates the Vulcan Vaquero 1700 is a solid combination of cruiser and tourer in one very attractive package.

Listing for $16,499, you can find the Vaquero at dealers now or log onto www.kawasaki.com for more information.

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Page 29

ROAD TRIP

THE END OF THE ROAD: A JOURNEY ALONG THE CÔTE NORD words and images: Ken Aiken The end of the road has become an almost mythical place in our modern collective imagination; the place where a person runs out of options and must turn back or begin anew. The objective truth is that most highways don’t simply stop. Rather, they merge with or junction at other roads so travelers can roll on to their next destination. Yet here I am. The official highway sign says “FIN” and behind it lies a wild untamed river. I’ve been told that Quebec intends to extend the road all the way to Labrador in the future, but for now Route 138 ends at the Natashquan River.

It’s my father’s fault. At a very early age he instilled in me an insatiable curiosity about where a road might lead. On Sunday rides he’d spy a road and ask, “Where does this go,” and our family would be off on a minor journey of discovery for the remainder of the day. Route 138 is a familiar highway. It crosses the Mercier Bridge and becomes Rue Sherbrooke, an intimate part of Montreal that’s less than a mile from home, while the Chemin du Roy to Quebec City and even through the Charlevoix Region to the Saguenay River is well-known territory. Eight hundred and sixty miles long, it stretches from the New York border at Trout River to Natashquan on the shores of the Gulf of St. Lawrence and 500 miles of that is east of Tadoussac. But what lies beyond Tadoussac?

What will be found at the end of the road? I had to know.

Tadoussac is the oldest permanent French settlement in North America and this charming little village with narrow winding streets is perched on a hillside along what is recognized as one of the most beautiful bays in the world. As a tourist destination it’s known as a departure point for cruises up the stunning Saguenay fjord and offers some of the best whale-watching opportunities in the world.

From here to Natashquan the highway is known as La Route des Baleines, The Whale Route. The great cetaceans actually have their own highway, the Laurentian Channel, a submarine canyon that’s 300 meters deeper than the rest of the St. Lawrence River and runs from the continental shelf of the Atlantic Ocean to the mouth of the Saguenay River.

In many places this canyon is so close to the northern shore of the St. Lawrence that whales can be easily seen from vantage points on terra firma. There’s no place else in the world where Blue, Fin, and Humpback, Minke, and Beluga whales are seen 800 Go See the Pros that Know How to Ride!

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MARCH 2011 • BACKROADS

Page 30 miles away from the nearest ocean. With whales, tides, sand beaches, and mountains on the opposite shore barely visible on a clear day, it’s no wonder that early explorers were certain that this was the fabled Northwest Passage to China.

I had an itinerary— places mentioned in tourism leaflets and discovered through weeks of Internet searching—but after numerous excursions down side roads to interpretation centers that were closed or whale-watching vantage points that turned out to be nonexistent during low tide I discarded all but my lodging reservations. Released from the burden of expectation this opens me to a sense of exploration, the very essence of what a road trip should be.

It’s 50 km/hr through a long strip of residential development that’s marked on the map as the settlements of Baie-des-Bacon, Sault-du-Mouton, and Saint-Paul-du-Nord. Provincial and municipal rest areas with toilets and picnic tables are frequent. An abundance of road signs provides no excuse for getting lost or not knowing how many miles there are before the next gas

WFO

inc.

station. Cell phones die beyond the city of Baie-Comeau. Mundane travel details rarely get noted in guidebooks, but aren’t these the most important?

A thin, white plinth appears in the distance. This Egyptian-styled obelisk marks the entrance to the Manicouagan Peninsula in Ragueneau and while it’s worthy of note my preference is for quirky things. Someone has created a full-size sculpture of a brontosaurus and her baby on this beautiful rocky peninsular. A major effort by an unknown artist they serve no representational purpose and this is part of their appeal.

Located in Baie-Comeau, award-winning Les Jardins des Glaciers focuses on effects of the last glacial epoch and current climate change. Look out IMAX! This 3-D –without the weird glasses— multi-media presentation is the best I’ve ever seen, while the computer center is satellite linked to researchers around the globe and could double as a sci-movie stage set. Zip lines, including the longest in Canada, are an adrenalin rush while providing access to glacier-gouged cliffs. The Valley of Shells is the most important post-glacial marine fossil deposit on the planet and the recreations of ancient Innu lodgings use real whalebone and caribou hide. This place blows me away.

Christian Bouchard, the director and force behind Les Jardins des Glaciers, invites me back to his house where friends are celebrating Victoria Day on the beach. The Cuba-style driftwood cabana beach bar has been erected for the occasion, a campfire built on the sand, and the waves rolling in from a St. Lawrence that’s more sea than river. This is the Côte Nord I’ve come to find! I’m reluctant to take “The Beast” back on the road.

The summer encampment at the mouth of the Moisie River is a funky community that has a raw sort of intimacy reminiscent of a 19th-century mining camp. Camper trailers that will never move again sprawl across this grassy point of land, evidence that owners return year after year. They come for one reason: to fish the famous Moisie for Atlantic salmon.

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After crossing Riviève Moisie the road, which has been rather mundane since leaving Franqueiln, changes to one that is a joy to ride. It has the sweepers, the hills, and great views of the coastline. I say coastline because the St. Lawrence has now taken the appearance of being more ocean than river as it approaches the Détroit de Jacques-Cartier that separates the north shore and Anticosti Island. The road soon becomes long, straight, and smooth with a few undulating hills thrown in. There are few vehicles on this highway, but it is patrolled – as I soon discover. The two officers had never seen a TRex and this, plus a clean license, saves my day. “Keep it down to 115 (km/h) and you’ll have no trouble,” I’m advised. They pull out a camera and ask me to take their picture posing with The Beast – I guess it’s catchand-release day.

I stop at a provincial information/rest area. The wellworn path from the parking area leads through an exquisite boulder-strewn forest covered in a thick blanket of moss. It’s a boreal cloud forest, something exceedingly rare and a wonder to behold. Wooden stairs lead down to the 108-foot high Manitou Falls. The pink granite bedrock is covered with day-glow green, orange, and red lichen in such profusion that it appears to be the

BACKROADS • MARCH 2011 work of a 60’s surrealism painter. I’ve never seen anything like it. The river is in full spate and I don’t even attempt to approach the maelstrom of the main channel: these rapids would be fatal even for a world-champion kayaker.

Blink and you miss it. Some places named on the map, like Pictou and Manitou Falls, don’t really exist. Others, like Magpie, are quite small. This one has a rest area near the harbor pier where a trail leads to a rock formation that is a lookout for whales. The economy of this town, like so many others on the Côte Nord, was built on cod fishing, which no longer exists. Moving north and east it’s these small towns that catch my interest. Each is unique and-painted signs prevail over commercial ones. Some villages are rough and ragged, others prim and neat, but all are clean— there’s no graffiti, no random trash. With boardwalks along the beaches and small roadside food stands for tourists and truckers it feels like I’ve returned to the 1960’s.

Page 31

The land changes after Mingan and the highway cuts through a vast plain dotted with countless small pools of dark water that reflect a big sky. This is where taiga intrudes upon the boreal forest and the few trees in existence are dwarf tamarack and spruce. It’s rather surreal and some would even call it bleak, but this landscape is a new experience for me and has a unique kind of beauty.

Natashquan turns out to be a pretty little town on the Petite Riviére Natashquan with a number of hotels and a restaurant. It has miles of beautiful sand beach and the warmest water on the Côte Nord – although “warm” is relative. There’s a boardwalk that runs from the new tourism center to the old general store that’s been transformed into an interpretation center. A small café and ice cream stand faces the water and offers the best views in town. The old schoolhouse is out behind the church and new school.

It’s dedicated to a native son, song-writer/musician Gilles Vigneault and twelve of his famous songs are illustrated by artifacts that relate to the persons who inspired those compositions.

The pavement ends in Pointe-Parent, but Route 138 continues as a gravel road for another 18 kilometers across Innu land. The road has been freshly graded, but its width and long straight stretches suggest that it sometimes doubles as a landing strip.

The official highway sign reads “FIN 138.” I’ve reached the end of the road. Signatures are scrawled across it, testimony to others who have made the same pilgrimage as me. I find a space to add mine, then turn around and begin to retrace my path. The road is no longer a stranger.

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MARCH 2011 • BACKROADS

B

ill Rodgers, John Petrocelli and I have been motorcycle camping together for a number of years; Bill with a Honda Goldwing, John with a BMW R1100RT, and me with a Harley FXRP. Touring, sport-touring, and cruiser; we’re quite a diverse little group.

We decided that a two-week camping trip to Nova Scotia would be great fun. My biker friend Aggie in Halifax told me that Spring was usually wet, suggesting that we go in either August or September which have the best riding weather with very little rain. September might be a little chilly, so August it was.

If you enjoy the outdoors and camping as well as motorcycling, motorcycle camping is a great way to go touring. And you can’t help but meet a lot of interesting people. You don’t need much extra gear except for a small tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, and a camp chair for sitting by the campfire. There’s never been a problem pitching our three small tents on one camp site and if the weather gets really nasty, there is always a motel. (We may be crazy, but we’re not stupid.)

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BACKROADS • MARCH 2011

Page 33

The only other consideration is food. For breakfast, we have small camp stoves for cooking oatmeal and making coffee. This really doesn’t take any more time than stopping somewhere for breakfast. We find a quick lunch somewhere on the road and a nice dinner can usually be found a short ride from our camp site.

her that we didn’t have a big enough pot, so she offered one of hers. Realizing that it might be difficult to handle the big pot over a campfire, she also offered her kitchen stove. Since we wouldn’t be back the next day before 5:00 p.m. when the store closed, Kay said that she would buy them for us and we could pay her later. What a woman. Dinner that first evening was at

Except for tidal-bore rafting on the Shubenacadie River, we made no reservations before the start of our trip. We had a loose idea of the route and what we wanted to see, but we weren’t committed. We were constantly adjusting our itinerary to fit the current circumstances. To me, this makes motorcycle touring relaxing and fun.

Because of our rafting reservations, we decided that we would need a reasonably high mileage first day. If you’re wondering why we didn’t take the Cat to Yarmouth, it’s because the service has been discontinued, partially due to the economy. Also, riding is what it’s all about. Starting out from Bridgewater, NJ, at 5:00 a.m. and using the GPS for a direct route, we camped our first night at the Paul Bunyan Campground in Bangor, ME. On our second night we wanted to camp near the Shubenacadie River Runners headquarters in Maitland, NS for rafting the following morning, but we were delayed by heavy rain, so we stopped at the Nova Scotia Visitor Center in Amherst to find a convenient motel.

The visitor centers are extremely helpful and friendly and if there isn’t one where you happen to be, a toll free number (1-800-565-0000) will get you the same great service.

The next morning we hit the road early for the River Runners. The Bay of Fundy has the largest tides in the world. When the tide flows into the Shubenacadie River and meets the river’s out flow, a wave is created called the tidal bore. The tidal bore wave is only the start.

Where the fun really begins is riding over the large waves caused by the incoming tide running over the river’s sand bars. We rode the waves in 16-foot motorized Zodiac inflatable boats. Our guide liked to throttle back the engine at the top of a wave so the boat would drop into the trough and swamp the boat. Screams and laughter filled the boat. Foul weather gear was supplied, but you still got soaked to the skin in the red muddy water. It’s a good thing showers were available after the drenching four-hour boat ride. So that I wouldn’t have to carry wet dirty clothes on my bike, I brought along clothes that I could discard. After cleaning up we all enjoyed an included steak BBQ. Less than a two-hour ride from the River Runners is the picturesque and much photographed Peggy’s Cove lighthouse and village. Near there we found the King Neptune Campground in Indian Cove where we planned to spend two nights. It was a great location and our camp site was right by the water with our tents pitched only a couple of feet from the rocky shore. The owner, Kay, was in her 80s and quite a character. She suggested that we buy some lobsters the next day at a local store and cook them over our campfire. We told

the Southwestern Restaurant at Peggy’s Cove, which we enjoyed while watching the sun set beyond the lighthouse.

The next day we took a relaxing ride along the scenic shore line to Lunenburg, an old fishing town that now seems to do most of its fishing for tourists.

Page 34

MARCH 2011 • BACKROADS It’s filled with shops, restaurants, and museums. It is also the home port of Bluenose, the historic Nova Scotia fishing and racing schooner. On our way back to the campground, Bill stopped for some corn, potatoes, and a pie to accompany that evening’s lobster feast.

Kay and her daughter Joyce were waiting with the lobsters when we returned to the campground. Since it was her kitchen and her pot, there was no question but that they would be steamed the way that Kay had been doing it all her life. The fact that Bill happened to be the executive chef at Keens Steakhouse in New York City held no currency in her kitchen. While the lobsters were cooking in the pot, we had a grand time listening to Kay telling us about her and her late husband’s life. They had owned the campground most of their lives and he had been a fisherman whose dock and shed you could see from Kay’s kitchen window. When Swiss Air flight 111 went down off Peggy’s Cove on September 2, 1998, the salvage operation was headquartered at the campground, with Kay cooking and supplying good cheer for the boatmen returning daily from their grim task. A plaque thanking her for her efforts hangs on her living room wall.

We carried the lobsters and boiled corn down to the picnic table at our campsite by the water and along with the potatoes that Bill cooked on the camp stove had one unforgettable meal. We ended the evening with another great sunset and talking by the campfire, watching the sparks fly up to meet the stars in the sky.

The next morning we paid our respects at the Swiss Air memorial located near Peggy’s Cove and rode through Halifax, stopping briefly at the Citadel for a view of the city and harbor below. After riding a full day, we spent the night at the Nimrod Campground in Stillwater.

The following day’s destination was Baddeck on Cape Breton Island and the Alexander Graham Bell museum where we learned that his interest in speech and teaching the deaf led to his invention of the telephone.

He was also interested in avionics and teamed up with Curtis Wright and others for the first manned flight in Canada. This was an interesting connection to a previous trip we had made to the New York Finger Lakes Region where we visited the Curtis Wright museum in Hammondsport and first learned of their work together.

We had a delicious dinner at the Baddeck Lobster Suppers restaurant and returned to the Bras d’Or Lakes Campground for an evening by the campfire.

BACKROADS • MARCH 2011

Page 35

After our standard breakfast of coffee and oatmeal with almonds and raisins, we broke camp and headed up the Cabot Trail to Meat Cove at the Northern tip of Cape Breton Island. On the way we stopped at the Leather Works leather shop so Bill could say hello to the owner, John Roberts. The leather aprons worn by the waiters at Keens Steakhouse were made by Leather Works. John Roberts was away that day, but we were able to see some of his fine work including the reproduction historic leather fire buckets used at the Fortress Louisbourg National Historic Park.

Getting to Meat Cove requires navigating a four-mile gravel and dirt road with some steep inclines and sharp bends. But is it ever worth it. The view from the campground high above the water is breathtaking, while down below is a beach where fishermen used to haul their boats for repair. It’s called Meat Cove because sailing ships used to anchor in the cove to go hunting for provisions. It is truly land’s end. It’s a first come, first served camp ground with no reservation, but they try to accommodate everyone who arrives. There is a chowder hut that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, so once there you do not have to leave.

We met a biker and his lady passenger from Alberta who were camping across Canada and Northern USA for a few months. Their cruiser was piled high with gear. They had minimal maps and just a general idea of the routes for the destinations to which they were traveling. One great thing about camping is that you can meet some really

adventurous people that you wonder at and applaud, and even envy. People with a story.

The next morning it was time to start meandering home. But before departing this paradise, Bill rented a kayak for a short paddle along the rugged coast. Meanwhile, John decided to snap some more pictures of this idyllic site and I took a nap in the shadow of my Harley. Ah, the pleasures of no timetable.

Continuing our counter clockwise tour of the Cabot Trail brought us on the western side of Cape Breton Island which to me is a more scenic and entertaining ride than the eastern side. We stopped for the night at Plage St. Pierce Camping on Cheticamp Island. In the morning we found that some critter had gotten into the bag of oatmeal that we had left out on the picnic table. No great harm, it didn’t eat much.

A little bit south of Cheticamp we came across Joe’s Scarecrows, a field of over 100 scarecrows on one side of the road facing the ocean on the other side. These were not your normal scarecrows, but derived their individuality from both the clothes and the masks that they wore. Some were obviously famous personalities such as politicians, actors, and musicians. It appears that Joe is making more from donations than he had from the crops that he originally tried to grow there, but the field is now for sale. I hope this candidate for Weird America does not disappear.

That day’s ride included a stop at Glenora Inn & Distill-

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Page 36 ery in Glenville, which is the only distillery in Canada producing single malt whiskey. The same ingredients and methods are used as in making single malt Scotch, but they can’t call it that. We arrived just in time for the tour which concluded with a wee taste of their fine 12 year old product. Since the tour ended around lunch time we decided to have a bite in their comfortable pub. For those planning a late arrival, rooms may be reserved, allowing a chance to dine and further enjoy Glenora’s whiskey without worrying about getting back on their bike. (www.glenoradistillery.com) We still had a half-day’s ride ahead of us which included a stop at the picturesque and remote Cape George lighthouse. The day ended at the Caribou Campground in Pictou.

Our destination the next day was the Joggins Fossil Center. As interesting as it would be, Bill decided that instead of visiting Joggins, he would go back to the River Rafters and retrieve a favorite pair of shoes that he had inadvertently left behind. We would then meet up again that evening at a campground near Amherst.

The Joggins Fossil Cliffs on the Bay of Fundy is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the 15 kilometers of cliffs containing the most complete fossil record from the coal age, 300 million years ago. The enthusiastically animated young woman who was our guide was unbelievably knowledgeable,

MARCH 2011 • BACKROADS pointing out items in the cliffs and on the shore that were sometimes barely noticeable to us. We thought that she had a doctorate in paleontology, but instead she was an undergraduate law student. This was just a hobby and only her second summer at the site!

After John and I met up with Bill at the Loch Lomond campground, we ate at Old Germany, a little German restaurant that was closed the last time that we were in Amherst at the beginning of our trip. We had an enjoyable dinner along with an interesting conversation with the owner/chef and his daughter who were from Germany and owned a small farm outside of town.

On leaving Nova Scotia we camped two more nights in Maine and New Hampshire and made reservations for the last night at one of Backroads’ favorite inns, the Gray Ghost. As always the hospitality was great and there were several other motorcycle groups with which to mingle.

We rode the last leg home in heavy rain, only the second day of bad weather during our trip. I later found out that the same storm washed out a bridge to Meat Cove, preventing anyone from leaving for seven days unless they took a boat and left their vehicle behind. That could be good or bad depending on your perspective. Nova Scotia’s people are truly friendly and the scenery and sites are awesome with something for everyone. We barely scratched the surface in the time that we spent there.

BACKROADS • MARCH 2011

Page 37

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

SAFETKICK

KICKSTAND PAD

Kickstands sink into soft surfaces - that’s not news to anyone who’s ridden a bike for long.

And, there are dozens of solutions for various pads, etc. to put under your kickstand. How many of you have carried a 4” x 4” metal wall switch cover plate with a piece of string on it.

We’ve seen fancier ones, funny shapes, different colors, lots of freebies with advertising on them - but other than appearances, none of them actually DID anything better than my free switchplate cover.

Until now!

The biggest problem some have had with their old kickstand pad is getting it into position.

They put down the kickstand, drop the plate on the ground, and try to nudge it into place under the kickstand foot without dropping the bike in the process. Easy enough on dry gravel, but on grass or muddy ground it can be a real challenge.

The safeTkick kickstand pad simply works better. Just pull the pad out of my tank bag or fairing pouch, extend the telescoping handle, and then just reach out and place the pad under my kickstand foot.

No balancing act, no shuffling around - no problem!

The top of the telescoping handle has a bright safety-orange knob, which you can leave extended to encourage a bit of a “buffer” zone next to your bike. When you’re ready to leave, just hop on the bike - grab the handle - pull the safeTkick pad up collapse the safeTkick handle - and tuck the safeTkick away in any convenient spot on the bike. What could be simpler?

SafeTkick pad is approx. 4” x 6” with telescoping handle and safetyorange knob. Just $15.95 plus S+H from www.safetkick.com.

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MARCH 2011 • BACKROADS

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PRODUCT SPOTLIGHTS GIVI’S TANKLOCK SERIES • TAKING THE COMBINATION OF STYLE AND FUNCTIONALITY TO THE NEXT LEVEL The new GIVI Tanklock series is designed to offer ease of attachment and removal without compromising security and stability. The new Tanklock system requires our GIVI motorcycle make/model specific tank ring, which is mounted to the tank filler aligning with the original mounting bolts. Once installed the GIVI Tanklock series tank bags snap directly over the tank ring by way of our multi-point spring loaded latch mechanism and the removal is actuated with the conveniently located latch lever on the lower right side of the tank bag. The T480 and T489 expandable versions available in black, come complete with waterproof zippers, shoulder straps and rain covers and the formed TPH02 comes complete with waterproof zippers and GPS holder.

The T480 14/22 liter version retails for $149.00, the T489 14/18 liter version retails for $139.00 and finally the TPH02 formed 4 liter tank bag retails for $110.00. See www.giviusa.com for more info.

TWO NEW JACKETS FROM HARLEY-DAVIDSON THE COMMUTER Built from water-resistant, 600-denier polyester with a poly-mesh lining, the new men’s Commuter Functional Jacket from the Harley-Davidson MotorClothes line delivers all-day comfort and protection. Dual vertical air vents on the front and back offer custom cooling options, while removable body armor at the shoulders and elbows provides extra protection. Added comfort comes from its pre-curved sleeves, adjustable waist tabs, power-stretch elbow pads and action back design. Two outside pockets complement three interior pockets for extra storage capacity, and 3M Scotchlite Reflective Material maximizes visibility in low-light conditions. Available in S – 5XL and Tall sizes for $195.

THE SUN LEATHER For the lady riders out there Harley is releasing their new Lightweight Leather Jacket from the Spring Collection. With intricate embroidered and printed graphics on the sleeve, chest and back, the new women’s Blooming Sun Leather Jacket from the Harley-Davidson MotorClothes line is both iconic and functional. It’s made of lightweight leather with a poly-twill lining for both casual and riding comfort. Slightly pre-curved sleeves combine with the action back design and zippered cuffs for a comfortable fit while riding. Pockets at the elbows and shoulders accept accessory body armor for added protection, while four additional pockets offer ample storage. Available in XS – 3W sizes for $325.

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BACKROADS • MARCH 2011

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHTS ANOTHER FINE OFFERING FROM WHITEHORSE PRESS One of the most popular destinations for North American motorcyclists is Nova Scotia, and its famous Cabot Trail on Cape Breton Island. But there are also many other great motorcycling roads and destinations in Atlantic Canada, now detailed for you in this new travel guide. Written by local motojournalists Rannie Gillis and Ken Aiken, Motorcycle Journeys Through Atlantic Canada is the perfect resource for any traveler on two wheels considering a visit to this beautiful part of Canada. The book covers not only Cape Breton Island and the Cabot Trail but also the Bay of Fundy with its 40-foot tides, Québec’s Charlevoix region, the wild and wonderful Gaspé peninsula, Prince Edward Island’s Land of Green Gables, the outport communities of Newfoundland, the stark beauty and rugged barrens of Labrador, and many other fascinating places.

Each of the 33 trips has a detailed route description, easy-to-follow maps, and unique photographs—all brought to life by the authors’ informed and colorful narration. Local customs, historical background, tips for rider-friendly restaurants, suggestions for unique lodging and comfortable campsites, and information on border crossings between the U.S. and Canada are included. $29.95 from Whitehorsepress.com.

MULTI-TASKING MOUNT FOR YOUR MOTORCYCLE Made of incredibly strong 6061-T6 aluminum, it fits motorcycles with a center bolt no greater than 1-11/16 in diameter. A large mounting plate (3.5L x 4W) allows a wide array of accessories to be mounted together or at different times including the iPhone with the optional tripod case. When at the track you can screw on a laptimer and camera; a camera and electronic toll collector can be securely mounted when street-riding; and for wandering on a new road and not having to worry about getting lost or missing a call, you can use your iPhone for GPS. Now with the MOTO-D iPhone GPS camera mount you can get to your destination quickly while capturing the thrill of your ride.

Suggested retail for the mount is $59.95 and they are available in three high gloss colors; red, blue, and black. For more information visit www.motodracing.com Backroads gladly accepts press releases.

Please send text and high resolution images via email to editor@backroadsusa.com

Page 39

MARCH 2011 • BACKROADS

Page 40

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

Getting back to speed March means a lot of things to us here at Backroads Central.

It’s the only month that actually has a military command in it – March 4th.

The middle of the month sees Shira’s completion of another trip around the sun.

This is the month that comes in like a lion and leaves like a lamb. Or, if you are fan of the late John Belushi, you might think of Norway, for example, where March comes in like a polar bear and goes out like a walrus. Or, take the case of Honduras where March comes in like a lamb and goes out like a salt marsh harvest mouse.

I was heartened the other day when I slid the truck over to the bank and post office for daily business and found flyers for the Sussex County Springfest to be held on March 17th. Wow, they are talking Saint Patty and flowers.

Looking at the blizzard outside I round filed the flyer.

Still we have hope that this month we’ll all be getting out a bit more.

As the weather turns warmer the roads start to reverberate, more and more, with the sounds of motorcycles here in the northeast. The shops, many of whom have held their collective breath these past few months, will have their doors open and will be very happy to see you.

But, before you venture out onto these warmer late winter days (Spring arrives on March 20 at 7:21 pm) there is plenty you need to do.

Hopefully, before you put your machine away last year you put fuel stabilizer in your bike and rode it around a bit before turning the key off for the last time - Polar Bear folk can forgo this as many of you thrive on ignoring the seasons.

Also, it would have been a good thing if you kept your battery on charge through the winter.

We have a number of bikes here in our stable and they all have been charged during the cold months.

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BACKROADS • MARCH 2011

Page 41

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

MUSTANG TRIPPER FASTBACK Mustang’s one-piece Tripper Fastback design offers a super clean, custom style. Cut low and sleek, this seat provides good back support for the rider.

Smoothly tapered in the back, the Tripper Fastback still gives passenger comfort for “tripping” around town.

Mustang’s One-Piece Tripper Fastback is priced right at only $339; models are available to fit Road King, FLHT, FLHX and FLTR 1997-up.

Mustang offers a full line of replacements seats for Harley-Davidson® and Metric Cruisers, all proudly handcrafted in the USA. For more info, visit MustangSeats.com or call 800-243-1392.

Before heading out for that first ride make sure the bike not only starts, but is running well. You’ll want to go over your machine from stem to stern.

Pilots routinely check their planes before every flight. So should you, but especially after a prolonged down time with your machine just sitting there with a cover on it.

I know we are particularly aware, here in northwest New Jersey, that all sorts of critters find motorcycles to be comfortable homes during the winter and more than once we have discovered nests in air boxes and other nooks and crannies of our machines. We have learned to be diligent through the winter to discourage these little communities.

If you put your machine away dirty, give it a bath.

Washing your bike gets you up close and while that close look around for anything wrong. Give the chassis and bodywork all a good and thorough going over.

You’ll be surprised what you might find, or not find.

Closely examine your wheels, brakes and tires. I guarantee you will need a bit of air to bring your tires up to the recommended pressure. Having an air compressor helps, but you can buy a small portable air tank for a few dollars at any auto shop and pressurize it at your local fuel station.

Good thing to have all year round; as you should be checking tire pressure at least once a week anyway.

Check for your horn, signals and brake lights, low and high beams on your headlight and that all your cables operate smoothly and freely, with no binding.

With all that done it is time for that inaugural season ride.

I am sure you want to get to that wide open road, but here’s a suggestion – take an easy warm up ride to a big parking lot and go over the basics.

You might think you are a really good rider, but even the very best riders on the planet can and will get a bit rusty if off their bikes for an extended period of time.

Now is the time to get your riding skills back up to par.

Start off slowly and practice your riding basics.

Easy braking, weaving and turns. Work your way up to more challenging tasks such as tight u-turns and panic stops. Work on stop and go situations and practice counter steering and stopping in a curve. If you can buy some tiny cones, like those used by the MSF, lay out a practice course. If not some tennis balls cut in half work just as well.

The point here is to ease back into your riding. A few hours looking over your machine and tending to your own riding skills will make this Spring that much more fun.

MARCH 2011 • BACKROADS

Page 42

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BACKROADS • MARCH 2011

Page 43

UPCOM ING EVENTS CAL ENDAR

What’s Happening

E V E RY M O N T H - W E AT H E R P E R M I T T I N G

JULY 2011

Every Sunday • Eastern Suffolk ABATE Breakfast Run. Crossroads Diner - Calverton NY. 10:30am. Eat and Ride After • 631-369-2221

12-17 • Suzuki Owners Club of North America RallyFest 2011. Goshen, NY. Rally location: Comfort Inn and Suites, Hatfield Lane, Goshen, NY • Host Dealer: Jim Moroney’s Cycles, 833 Union Ave, New Windsor, NY. For more info: suzukiownersclub.org

First Sunday of the month • Layton Meet at the Layton Deli, corner of Dingmans/Bevans Rd, CR 560, Layton, NJ. Meet around 8am – breakfast available. Join others for a ride or head out on your own Every Tuesday • The Ear - Spring St, NYC. Come meet some fellow riders and do some benchracing or whatever. 8pm-ish

17-24 • Head off with Backroads’ publishers Brian & Shira for a tour of a lifetime as we join up with Edelweiss for their High Alpine Tour. Ride the roads you have dreamed of in the past. For all the information you’ll need to book this great trip, please email Doris at Edelweiss Travel: doris.waldegger@edelweissbike.com

Third Tuesday • 7:30pm ABATE of the Garden State, North Jersey chapter. Black River Barn, 1178 Rt. 10 West, Randolph, NJ. 7:30pm. New members and all mc brands welcome. Help fight for rights as a motorcyclist in NJ! Alex Martinez 973-390-1918

28-31 • United Sidecar Assoc. 33rd National Rally ‘Buckeye Rally’ in Dayton, OH. Headquarters: Dayton Tall Timbers Resort KOA. Info: www.sidecar.com

MARCH 2011

8-12 • Concours Owners Group National Rally. Green Mountains at Mount Snow, VT. Rally fee includes buffet dinner. Discount for COG members. For more information please visit www.cog-online.org • 978-394-2591

4-13 • 70th Annual Daytona Bike Week. Find out about all the goings-on right here www.officialbikeweek.com

AUGUST 2011

APRIL 2011

SEPTEMBER 2011

9-10 • Rumble and Roar Motorcycle Show, Center of Progress Bldg, NYS Fairgrounds, Syracuse, NY. Sat. 11am-6pm • Sun. 11am-5pm. New, custom, vintage motorcycles, parts, accessories, leather, destinations, clubs, chili cook-off, beer samplings, music, fashion shows, product seminar and more. www.rumbleroar.com • 888-334-2856

26-Oct. 2 • Backroads Fall Fiesta Rally. We are still finalizing the details, but the gist will be: We’ll start in Sturbridge, MA on Sept. 26 for a night at the Publick House Inn. From here we’ll roll on up to Boothbay Harbor, Maine and spend a couple of days exploring the coastal towns and roads of the Pine Tree State. Off we then go to our friends at the Gray Ghost Inn for an evening and we’ll finish up our journey at Hunter Mountain and the Colors in the Catskill Rally. If this sounds like a great plan, stay tuned and we’ll get you booking information as soon as we can. Questions? 973-948-4176

16 • Spring Open House Morton’s BMW. Demo rides, door prizes, food, vendors, music and much more at the biggest BMW Open House in the region, and it’s all FREE. More info at 540-891-9844 • www.mortonsbmw.com • 5099A Jefferson Davis Hwy, Fredericksburg, VA

MAY 2011 1 • Chai Riders MC First Ride of the Season. Sign in: Temple Beth Shalom of Fair Lawn,4025 Fairl Lawn Ave, Fair Lawn, NJ • 8:30am-4pm. $20/rider; $10/pass. Scenic ride at your own pace, breakfast nosh along the way, BBQ lunch at end site and sooo much more. AMA sanctioned • www.ChaiRiders.org • 201-797-4206 1 • Cross Island MC Long Island Timed or Tour Run. Sign in: Formula One Motorsports, 4030 Sunrise Hwy, Oakdale, NY • Timed Run 9am/Key Time. 30mph timed run. If you ever wanted to try a timed run (like the Crotona Midnight Run) here is your chance to do it in the daylight. 10am/LI Tour 10am. Route sheet provided with 90-miles of Long Island’s best roads. $10/bike • www.CrossIslandMC.com 6-8 • 4th Annual Buzzard Bottom Campout. High Country Motorcycle Camp in Ferguson, NC. Located 20 miles east of the Blue Ridge Pkwy at milepost 276. MC-only campground.

For more info www.highcountrymotorcyclecamp.com 13-15 • Join Morton’s BMW for their first-ever Spring Fling Rally held at the historic Natural Bridge hotel in the scenic Shenandoah Valley in VA. Just off I-81 and the Blue Ridge parkway, the rally will feature self-guided rides, both on and off-road, through the gorgeous countryside, a catered barbecue (or vegetarian) dinner Saturday night, door prizes and more. Vendors welcome. $45/pp registration. For more info, visit www.mortonsbmw.com/springfling_2011.html or call 540-891-9844.

13-15 • Mothers for Daughters Motorcyclists for Breast Cancer & Ovarian Cancer Research. Join hundreds of motorcyclists for a weekend of riding and fun in beautiful scenic Vermont and help raise money for breast and ovarian cancer research. Since its inception in 2008, the run has raised over $47,000 which goes to both BCRF and OCRF. For complete details of the weekend event and room rates, please call 781-861-0005 or visit www.mothersfordaughters.com 19-22 • 13th Annual BACKROADS’ Spring Break. This year we’ll be heading to the Finger Lakes. We’ll spend three nights at the Inn on the Lake Resort while enjoying the leisurely riding, beautiful scenery, gorgeous gorges and comradery. Limited rooms, as always, so book yours today. Special rates apply, so ask for the Backroads Group when booking • www.theinnonthelake.com • 800-228-2801 19-22 • Concours Owners Group Spring Fling Northeast Area Rally. Penn Wells Lodge, Wellsboro, PA. Nearby camping also available. Saturday buffet dinner included in rally fee. Detauks abd fee information online www.cog-online.org • 978-394-2591 19-21 • Mid-Atlantic Retread Rally. Headquarters: Bird-In-Hand Family Inn/Restaurant, Rte. 340, Bird in Hand, PA. For more info call: 856-241-8979

JUNE 2011 10 • 11th Annual Informal Gathering of Sidecars at Americade. Headquarters: Adirondack Camping Village. Info: Bruce 610-866-1611 • stephens.bruce.d@gmail.com 7-11 • Americade - the world’s largest motorcycle touring rally. Get the complete lowdown on their new, revamped webpage: www.americade.com 15 • Blue Knights IX NJ Garlic Run. For details visit their website: www.bknjix.org 11-19 • 88th Annual Laconia Bike Week. Find out about all the goings-on right here www.LaconiaMCWeek.com 26 • 3rd Annual Poker Run to benefit Multiple Sclerosis. Two sign in locations: Baers Sports Center, 330 Grandview Ave, Honesdale, PA • Harmony Lodge #8, 519 Rte. 206, Andover Twnshp, NJ • 9am-Noon. $20/pp incl. t-shirt, food at endsite (Walpack Inn), prizes, live music, 50-50 and more • Baer 570-253-2000 • 570-686-2917

OCTOBER 2011 16 • Blue Knights IX NJ Make-A-Wish Run. For details visit their website: www.bknjix.org

2011 POLAR BEAR SCHEDULE 3/6/11 • BAHRS LANDING, 2 Bay Ave, Highlands, NJ • 732-872-1245 3/13/11 • FIREHOUSE EATERY, 455 Saint Georges Ave, Rahway, NJ • 732-382-9500 3/20/11 • LONG VALLEY PUB & BREWERY, 1 Fairmount Rd, Long Valley, NJ • 908876-1122 3/27/11 • THE CHATTERBOX DRIVE-IN, 1 Route 15 South, Augusta, NJ • 973-3002300 4/3/11 • BRIAN'S HARLEY-DAVIDSON, 600 S. Flowers Rd, Langhorne, PA • 215-7529400 4/10/11 • FLYING CLOUD CAFE, 800 New Hampshire Ave, Atlantic City, NJ • 609348-8222 4/17/11 • CAPE MAY VFW POST#386, 419 Congress St, Cape May, NJ • 609-8847961 4/30/11 • POLAR BEAR DINNER, Knights of Columbus, Pine St, Old Bridge, NJ • 908251-9817. You must have tickets to attend.

To check on Polar Bear Cancellations & Updates call 908-722-0128

MARCH 2011 • BACKROADS

Page 44

MOTORCYCLE MARKETPLACE

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at the Blairstown Airport

‘50s-Style Drive-In Restaurant Full and Varied Menu Room for the Whole Gang Two Wheels or Four, it’s always a great time at

THE CHATTERBOX DRIVE-IN GREAT FOOD • GOOD TIMES • EXCELLENT RIDING Located at Ross’ Corners • 1 Route 15 • Augusta NJ • 973-300-2300

www.chatterboxdrivein.com

320 Front Street Belvidere, NJ www.thisilldous.com • 908-475-2274 Member

Enjoy quaint Victorian Belvidere and scenic Warren County

Sharing your passion for good food since 1983 Breakfast • Lunch • Espresso Cafe Ice Cream and Dessert • Catering Off-Premise Worth the ride from anywhere!

Open Daily 7am to 4pm • Sunday 7am to 1pm Try our Full Throttle Breakfast Special every Saturday + Sunday Thisilldous is New Jersey’s best kept secret. Maybe the best luncheonette in the State • Star Ledger

36 Lambert Road • Blairstown, NJ

GREAT Food Roads Destination

908.362.9170

BACKROADS • MARCH 2011

Page 45

MOTORCYCLE MARKETPLACE

ALL THAT GOOD STUFF

Sussex Hills Ltd. For All Your Harley-Davidson Needs Specializing in Motorcycle Repair, Parts & Supplies Cycle Tires Mounted & Balanced • Batteries & Hard Parts Dynojet 250 Dyno available for testing

Come Ride the Dragon

Proprietor Norman Gross • Since 1976

Deals Gap Store • Motel Bar and Grill

946 Rte. 23 South, Sussex NJ 07461

Our Reputation Speaks for Itself 973-875-2048 3 miles north of Sussex Borough

Deals Gap 318 Curves in 11 Miles

www.dealsgap.com 800.889.5550 17548 Tapoco Road • Robbinsville, North Carolina 28771

Keith A. Hyche, Attorney At Law Chapter 7 Bankruptcy $1,250 including filing fees* Many other legal services are offered, please call.

Free 1/2 hour initial consultation.

www.keithhyche.com 973-300-0161 61 High St. Newton, NJ 07860 khyche@mindspring.com

*most cases

We are a debt relief agency. We help people file for bankruptcy relief under the Bankruptcy Code.

MARCH 2011 • BACKROADS

Page 46

MOTORCYCLE MARKETPLACE

ALL THAT GOOD STUFF

www.stopngo.com The Best Tire Repair.

Know Before You Go! 800-747-0238

MOTORCYCLE TRAILERS DAYTONA, BIKETOBERFEST, STURGIS AND BEYOND SALES RENTALS

BARN TRAILERS 718-426-7039

57-05 BROADWAY • WOODSIDE NY 11377 (OFF THE BQE & LIE)

Brands you Know and Trust From Long Island’s Premiere Motorcycle Outfitters…

AMERICANA SOFT SEATS Custom Gel Pad Installation On Any Motorcycle Seat

Harley Davidson, Honda, Suzuki, Yamaha Lowest Prices Anywhere WE GUARANTEE IT!!!!

732-406-9508 • www.amsss.com • www.americanasoftseats.com

15 East Deer Park Rd, Dix Hills, NY

631-262-0600 • www.ReadyRiders.com

GenMar HANDLEBAR RISERS

KAWASAKI • HONDA • YAMAHA • SUZUKI • TRIUMPH • MOTO GUZZI • ETC Raise your handlebars for a more comfortable ride and still retain stock look.

From $59.95 to $139.95 Order Toll Free (877) 471-1515 Info and Fax (505) 743-2243 • www.zianet.com/GenMar

Gen Mar Mfg. Inc. • 110 1st Street • HC1 Box 35 • Arrey, NM 87930

HELMET-HOLDER.COM Treat Your Helmet Like a Work of Art

If you didn’t like cool stuff, you wouldn’t be reading this magazine.

Here’s something you’re going to love.

TORQ-IT Screwdriver/Speed Wrench/ Palm Ratchet All In One Tool Variable Speeds Over 600RPM Low Profile, with an “Ergo” Grip and a Non-Slip Design Accepts All 3/8” and 1/4” Sockets and Extensions

BASIC SET: $19.95 • DELUXE SET: $29.95 • ACCESORY SET: $9.95

TORQ-IT PRODUCTS, INC. 1701 Manor Road • Havertown PA 19083 Tel: 1.888.876.9555 • Visit Our New Website: WWW.TORQ-IT.COM

BACKROADS • MARCH 2011

MOTORCYCLE MARKETPLACE TREBOURMOTORCYCLES • Serving motorcycle enthusiasts and representing our brands with pride for over 12 years • Recognized for service excellence including Suzuki’s highest honor The Cutting Edge Award - Servicing all makes and models • We offer Pick up and Delivery service for the entire New York Metro area • Conveniently located just off I-80 at Exit 28 1445 ROUTE 46 LEDGEWOOD NJ 07852 • 973-584-0810 • TREBOURMOTORCYCLES.COM

Who says you can’t take it with you?!

Bicycle/Golf Clubs to Motorcycle Carrier Systems This unique and adaptable system is the most versatile motorcycle accessory on the market today. Handmade in the USA, it enables motorcycle riders to rack their bicycles securely and travel.

Non-brand specific • 1% of sales donated to environmental causes • 1% all sales to JDRF

919-537-9492 • info@2x2cycles.com

www.2x2cycles.com

Page 47

ALL THAT GOOD STUFF

MARCH 2011 • BACKROADS

Page 48

Spring Break 2011 • May 19 - 22, 2011 Join Backroads for our 13th Annual Spring Break Rally. This time around we’ll be riding to Canandaigua, New York - atop the stunning Finger Lakes of the Empire State. Our base camp will be the beautiful Inn on the Lake • www.theinnonthelake.com. The Inn on the Lake itself has everything we would need and we promise you a great time. Here you’ll find the riding easy and nature is splendid as the entire Finger Lakes are simply gorge-ous! Robert Treman, Taughannock, Watkins Glen and Letchworth Parks are all within an easy day’s ride and not to forget the dozens of wineries and restaurants that sprinkle the region.

Make your reservations now as rooms are VERY limited and they will go fast. You must call 800-228-2801 and ask for the Backroads Motorcycle Tourmagazine Rally for special rates and room options.

Cut-off is April 1, 2011 and we ain’t fooling!

There are other lodging options in the area if the Inn is booked. Please check: www.canandaiguachamber.com

For those interested, we will be having dinner at the New York Wine & Culinary Center on Thursday, May 19 at 7:30pm. If you’d like to join us, please make your own reservations.

There are no pre-reserved tables and no listing for Backroads just an informal thing.

585-394-7070 www.nywcc.com

2011 Fall Fiesta Mon., Sept. 26 thru Sun., Oct. 2 A Full Week of Riding Fun Join us for all or part, but do join us.

It’s shaping up to be one of our best Rallies yet.

Monday, Sept. 26

Tues-Wed, Sept. 27-28

The Publick House

Ocean Point Inn

Sturbridge, MA

East Boothbay, ME

$

Rooms: 89/night

Rooms: starting at 89/night

Ask for Backroads when booking

Mention Backroads for a 10% discount

We’ll spend our first night at the Publick House’s Country Motor Lodge nestled in an apple orchard near the main inn. Enjoy a great ride into New England on the way to our more northern stop…

$

Thurs, Sept. 29

The Gray Ghost Inn Colors in the Catskills West Dover, VT

The Hunter Inn

Single $59 • Double $98/night

Rooms: starting at $110/night Mention Backroads for a discount

Perched at the tip of a scenic, rockbound peninsula in East Boothbay, we’ll spend two It’s back to our old friends days exploring Carina and Magnus and their the ‘Fingers’ of never-ending hospitality. It may Maine’s coast only be one evening, but we’ll enjoy with its historic a great meal, roasting marshmallows lighthouses, quaint villages and around the campfire and tall tales all the lobsta rolls you can eat. on the front porch.

What would a Backroads’ Rally be without a stop at…

Fri-Sun, Sept. 30-Oct. 2

We could end it here, but we’ll head south to Hunter Mountain and…

This will be the 4th year that Colors in the Catskills will be held at Hunter Mountain, in conjunction with Octoberfest. Hunter Inn is within walking distance, so we’ll enjoy a great day’s ride then park the bikes and join the festivities.

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Conveniently located at 444 Route 23 North, Pompton Plains, NJ • 973-839-1117