March 2015

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Motorcycles, Travel & Adventure Volume 21 3 3 Volume 21No. No.

Exploring the Lost Roads of the Hudson Valley

GRABBING THE GREAT RIDING DAYS WHEN YOU CAN • INDIAN SUMMER 4,000 MILES FOR SOME PIE? WHY NOT • THE DEVIL MADE ME DO IT GREAT MONTHLY COLUMNS • PRODUCT SPOTLIGHTS AND REVIEW AND MORE

W H A T ’ S

I N S I D E

MO NT HLY C O L U M NS FREE WHEELIN’ ..................................................3

Motorcycles, Travel & Adventure

WHATCHATHINKIN’ ...........................................4 POSTCARDS FROM THE HEDGE.......................6

Publishers

Brian Rathjen • Shira Kamil

BACKLASH..........................................................7

Contributors

Mark Byers, Bill Heald, Norton Rubenstein, Mike Stackhouse, Tom Watson Dr. Seymour O’Life

ON THE MARK ....................................................8

16

THOUGHTS FROM THE ROAD ..........................9 GREAT ALL AMERICAN DINER RUN ..............12

Editorial Office BACKROADS, POB 317 Branchville NJ 07826

BIG CITY GETAWAY .........................................14 MYSTERIOUS AMERICA..................................16

phone

973.948.4176

INDUSTRY INFOBITES.....................................38

fax

973.948.0823

WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE ............................42

email

editor@backroadsusa.com

UPCOMING EVENTS CALENDAR ...................44

online

www.backroadsusa.com

Advertising

973-948-4176

WE’RE OUTTA HERE ........................................18

MOTORCYCLE MARKETPLACE .......................46

FE AT U RE S

20

BACKROADS (ISSN 1087-2088) is published monthly by BACKROADS™, Inc. 2015. 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.

MOTORCYCLEPEDIA LECTURE SERIES.........11 INDIAN SUMMER ............................................20 LOST ROADS....................................................26 THE DEVIL MADE ME DO IT ...........................30

PR O DU C T R E V IE W S TOURATECH AVENTURO HELMET ................25 AEROSTICH FALSTAFF JACKET .....................34 PRODUCT SPOTLIGHTS..................................36 BLAZE SAFETY VEST.......................................43

26

BACKROADS • MARCH 2015

Page 3

BRIAN RATHJEN

that is significant and noteworthy.

Riders also like the idea of being able to explore a new region over a few days. We think that is a big plus as well.

Survey SayS

We prefer #1. We like to settle in and then be able to really get a feel for the area.

FREE WHEELIN’

I recently sent out an email to our rally group list and on the Backroads Facebook page asking a question relating to the various riding events we hold each year.

The query was simply this…

We are currently planning our 2015 Spring, Summer & Autumn Rallies for Backroads and wanted to ask your opinion. On a rally do you prefer: #1 Staying at the same hotel/town for the entire event?

(Like Shippensburg and Saratoga) #2 Staying at one place the first night, two nights at the same place for the second and third – and another hotel/town on the final day back towards home? (If you live in the NYC region) #3 On the road for four nights – Staying at different hotel/town each night - on a looping multi-day trip? Each day consisting of a great ride to the night’s hotel. #4 something else entirely?

Within hours we got a boodle of answers. Like Santa we made a list and checked it twice and came upon some conclusions.

Some were somewhat no-brainers, others a bit more interesting.

I thought it would be informative to share some of the comments and our thoughts on them.

Almost all of the riders that preferred #1 - Staying at the same hotel and town for the entire event – were couples with a significant other riding pillion.

And, almost all of these passengers were wives and not girlfriends. We think

#1 This is the preferred choice since if spouses come it’s easier on them and if the weather is bad we’re “camped out” in one location. This also provides the opportunity to explore the region in more detail.

She likes #1 She’s not a fan of unpacking and packing, I’m good for the second choice #2 An equal number of responders preferred Option #2, staying at one place the first night – two nights at the same place for the second and third – and another hotel and town on the final day back towards home.

It is important to note that a common thought with both of these options was the ability to unpack for a few days and not having to repack every morning.

Again this was repeated many times by married couples. As they say – if Momma ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy.

I’d vote for option #2. It strikes a nice balance.

However if it is a four-night rally door #2 could be very nice as well.

I like both option 1 and 2 but, given only one choice I would go with option 2.

The riders that preferred #3 were mostly single riders, either male or females, except for a few couples that have been riding for years or just recently got together.

We feel one group is almost professional in their touring, with unpacking and packing being second nature and the others are simply having the time of their lives right now.

Continued on Page 5

Page 4

MARCH 2015 • BACKROADS

For quite a few years now, Backroads has been available online. We post the latest issues a month after the kind folks who pay for a subscription have received theirs. While we will always be a print magazine, the world is SHIRA KAMIL changing and old dogs need to learn new tricks. In addition to making the magazine available, we also have a well-travelled Facebook page. Being PoP-uP Hell we’re a monthly magazine, this gives us the opportunity to have random and Winter is a great time to catch up on the motorcycle maintenance, upimpromptu events to get together with you folks. It also helps us to spread grades, farkling and general once-overs that get overlooked during the word of local events that may come about after the magazine has ‘gone to warmer weather. Let’s face it, when it’s 70 degrees and sunny, I’m not thinkbed’ (journalism lingo). ing about changing my exhaust, tweaking the Why do I bring all this up? Well, it all relates back performance or upgrading my lights, I’m to the winter doldrums and sitting in front of a comthinking about putting hundreds and hunputer monitor or leaning a tablet against your knees dreds of miles under my wheels. Honestly, if on the couch. I don’t know about you, but if I’m tryyou ask Brian, I’m never thinking about any ing to read something digitally and all these pop-up of those other things so… windows start encroaching the page, I pretty much While we here at Backroads emphasize and want to throw said tablet across the room. I can’t keep reiterate patronizing your local dealers for up with closing all the ads, warnings, agreements or parts, accessories, gear, etc., we also know whatever that seep into my reading space. Don’t sit the power of the worldwide internet web. there and mutter, ‘You know, Shira, you can block Given all the snow that we’ve had in the those things.’ I know that, but I don’t WANT to have septentrional part of the country, I know to think about blocking them. My attention span is many folks are spending too many hours surfmuch too short to have to stop what I’m reading, find ing the digital waves, whether it’s for enterwhere it is I need to be to block them, and return to tainment, spend their hard earned cash for what I was doing. It is very similar to the cartoon with those winter projects or reading. the dog and the squirrel.

So, this brings me back to being a print magazine.

Yes, we certainly have advertising in our magazine. If we didn’t, poor Spenser the Cat would actually have to get a real job rather than just being the little boy-toy that he is. But the difference is, our advertising stays put on the page. It doesn’t float around, annoyingly, dimming the rest of the page so that it’s illegible. There are no buttons or arrows leading you to other pages where, once you get there, you can’t even find what it is you thought you were looking for. You can choose to focus on it or not. You can simply turn the page. There’s no need for pop-up blocker installation. You can simply read it, uninterrupted. We’re like the DVR of media.

Frank’s Motorcycle You can fast-forward to the parts you like. The only Sales & Service blocker that may invade your space is some cute little creature or human begging for attention.

120 Center Road Another bugaboo I have with online reading or shopEssex, VT 05451 ping is the bait and switch. I get most of my news in802-878-3930 formation via online sites, as I can’t stand listening to www.FranksMotorcycleSales.com/BMW.htm the news folks screaming at each other on television or radio. Every once in a while, I’ll see an interesting side story and click on it. VOILE – I’m in cyberspace hell with giant starbursts wanting me to BUY NOW, SIGN UP BEFORE IT’S TOO LATE or ACT BEFORE MIDNIGHT FOR THIS SPECIAL OFFER. I can’t get away 1269 DOLSONTOWN RD from there fast enough and usually use my fallback link MIDDLETOWN NY 10940 to ‘Entertaining your cat’ videos. At least I know it’s safe and benign.

So enjoy, or tolerate, the last vestige of winter. The 845-343-2552 • WWW.CYCLEMOTIONINC.COM tides are turning, the days are getting longer and the driveways will soon be clear of snow and ice. The Cycle Motion is your provider of motorcycles, ATVs, scooters, Backroads Spring Rally will be upon us before you snowmobiles, and utility vehicles by Kawasaki, Suzuki, Polaris, know it and the time for sprucing and preening the moYamaha and Can-Am. With a large parts department, qualified torcycles will be past. Put down those evil tablets, walk service technicians and a full shop full of parts and accessories, away from the electronic mouse and banish the tirewe're here to meet all your power sport needs. some pop-up adverts back to hell. Don your gear and For every rider - on or off road, whether they like doing it head into the sunshine. Viva Springtime!

W H AT C H AT H I N K I N ’

in the dirt, carving the twisties, or cruising the backroads, we have their weapon of choice.

BACKROADS • MARCH 2015

Page 5

Free WHeelin’

Continued from page 3

Door #3 does intrigue me thanks for asking!

Long Island votes for # 3. #3 definitely!

Lucky for us, we have done all sorts of rallies and will continue to do so and, just when you think you have it all figured out we’ll go and change the format again.

If you have never been on one of our Backroads Events then consider this

UPCOMING EVENT SPOTLIGHT

an invitation as you see we have a lot of different thoughts on our rides and even more great people coming along.

Still, I think one of the best comments was this one: All of the above as long as you and Shira are there, riding with me, it don’t matter how, where, when or even if the road ends – we’ll carve our own trail!

We’ve finalized details for our Spring Break and Fall Fiesta and you can find them in our Upcoming Events Calendar, on our website and on our Facebook page. Please join us, you’ll meet some really nice motorcyclists and, hopefully, have a helluva time.

Spring Break 2015: May 28-31 • Fall Fiesta 2015: Sept. 17-21

WHISPERING GIANTS GRAND TOUR FEBRUARY 15 TO OCTOBER 31, 2015

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By documenting visits to these amazing works of art you will earn points towards any of three finishing levels. Finishers will earn a finishers prize pin and entries into our Team Strange prize pool. However, the real prize is discovering the Giants and what they represent.

The GT is self-paced, open to all riders, is nationwide, and is on now.

Check out the GT rules on their website:

www.teamstrange.com/2015/whispering_giants/index.htm Sign up here: https://rides.jasonjonas.com/

Page 6

MARCH 2015 • BACKROADS

POSTCARDS FROM THE HEDGE BILL HEALD

THe SnoW STraTegy As my attempts to modify my ’91 Honda VFR into a fun-to-use, highly fuel-efficient snow plow failed utterly (it turns out there were, for lack of a better description, traction issues), I have decided to possibly make better use of my time during this constant bombardment of snow we have been enduring here in the Northeast. There have been times in the past where I’ve used the time to spruce up the machinery, and this is always a worthwhile pursuit.

But this winter I’ve realized something as I was prowling around in the basement, which, wonderof-wonders, is a space that seems to be getting smaller with each passing year. I have always used downtime for maintenance and upgrades to my motorcycles, but what about my motorcycle apparel?

I’ve been riding a long time, writing about the moto life for over two decades, and I have accumulated some pretty splendid riding gear.

But like owning more than one wristwatch (a proverb somewhere states a man with two watches never knows what time it is), you tend to latch on to a particular item and stick with it awhile, and in the meantime some of your other possessions get a bit neglected. I’m especially bad about this when it comes to riding gear, because I get all happy with a particular jacket, pair of pants, riding suit, helmet, etc. and the rest of my fine kit is literally left in the dark. Over time, bad things happen. If you’re a Twilight Zone fan, no doubt you can picture the horror on my face when I grabbed one of my favorite jackets I haven’t worn in a long time, and it had something greenish growing on it. Noooooooooooooo! How could I let this happen?

Well, as we get older, I think we get more set in our ways and that’s why we tend to latch on to a particular outfit as it’s comfortable. You’ve been riding in it for the last week and can put your phone, wallet, Mentos (the Fresh-

maker!), etc. into the appropriate pockets with lightning speed without even thinking about it. Please disregard all this if you are better at rotating your stock than I am, but in 2014 I latched on to my Aerostich Transit suit to the exclusion of other garments, and as a result much of my other kit has become lonely. I thought about this as I went through my riding inventory, and danged if several of my finest garments had become dusty, musty and screaming for attention. What better time than when I can’t even get the bikes through the damn door without hitting an iceberg to do some rejuvenation?

Indeed, this task soon became a project. And over the years I have discovered that, when it comes to the maintenance of sound riding gear, I am a very lucky boy in that I live with an equestrian. This means that we both have a lot of leather garments, gloves, etc. and we both, over the years, have accumulated all kinds of specialized cleaners, creams, polishes, and other hide-loving treatments to clean, restore and protect our precious kit. The great thing is, I’ve noticed if one of my motorcycle leather treatments isn’t doing the job, sometimes the horse-centric leather emollients can do the trick much better. Interesting, that. One of the many fascinating things about leather is that it’s been used in clothing that takes a beating for centuries, and over time a lot of tricks have been learned on how to keep it in good shape. Take a look at a well-worn quality saddle and see how, even if it’s heavily used, it stands up to wear, and ultimately breaks in to the rider much like your favorite jacket does. Cowhide really is still the ultimate long-term material in my view.

That said, I’d be lying if I didn’t praise the modern synthetics as well for there’s so many things that these garments excel at. Cleaning and preserving is a very different cat compared with natural hides, and this is a time where it’s a great idea to actually find out what the manufacturer recommends. A lot of these wonders can be relieved of their armor and tossed in the washing machine, but it’s important to follow the maker’s recommendations to the letter to prevent damage. Then there’s the waterproofing process, which usually requires only the application of a suitable spray to restore a textile’s repellant properties.

Like a lot of projects, once you start digging into it you realize there are all kinds of other things to check. Gloves need the same treatment as the

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BACKROADS • MARCH 2015

BACKLASH Dear Backroads.

Brian Rathjen’s article, The Goldilocks Principle, was a great way to start off the January issue. He hit the nail on the head for me. Riding for me is about going to different places and seeing different things and the way other people live. And of course the adventure of it all. The articles I enjoy the most are your travels to different areas. But I read the magazine cover to cover. I think you guys are great and shouldn’t ever consider changing a thing.

Stephen Harvey Brian, W.E.L.L. S.A.I.D...!!!!!! (February 2015 Free Wheelin’) Advanstar bring back the January dates.

Yes December is such a busy month to start with due to the holidays. We usually like to come to the show on Sunday then go out to dinner in the city. But of course my work Christmas party fell on the same night so not only could I not enjoy dinner in the city, I had to leave the show early to make it the hour and a half drive to get to the party as close to on time as I could get. Only an hour late, I’d like to have stayed at the show ‘til the end.

So thank you Brian for writing that article. I hope it gets to the right ears and someone listens and makes the appropriate changes.

Lisa PoSTcardS From THe Hedge other apparel, and this reminds me of something I should have mentioned earlier. If you’re rescuing some riding stuff that has really been out of action for a while, you should carefully check to see if your kit has acquired any insect tenants because some creepy crawlies find sleeves, the fingers in gloves, etc. as great places to set up shop. This is true for helmets as well, and there’s another important thing you need to remember when you’re working on lid restoration: helmets have a far more limited life compared with your other protective equipment. The plastics and other lightweight components that make up the modern helmet do have a shelf life, and even though

Page 7

Letters to the Editor Hi Brian, I talked to you late in the day on Sunday at the Javits about a trip I am planning with a friend going cross country. You mentioned you had a trip you & Shira took years back and hoped you could share it with me.

I would really appreciate finding a great way from San Francisco to Jackson Hole and make some decisions about going through or around the Great Lakes. We are either going September 2015 or September 2016.

We figured late summer for lighter traffic and cooler weather. Is there another time of year you would suggest?

Our plan is for 300- 400 miles a day with couple of rest days over 14 days. Is that realistic?

Thanks Keith Hopkins (PS I always love trying out your Rip & Rides!)

Keith, Your best bet is to be fluid on this ride and not make hard and fast plans, but just pick towns heading east for each night’s destination. If you have made good time on any particular day you can easily pull out the maps and pick another town further on down the road. Make time to see everything you want and if your gut says stop and go see something – then follow that feeling. You might not ever pass that way again. September sounds excellent. ~ BR the helmet in question may look pristine on the outside a lot of the materials designed to absorb substantial impact deteriorate over time, especially if they’ve seen a lot of sun. 5 years is usually pretty much it with most helmets, but all the top brands can give you much better advice than me on when it’s time to retire your George Clooney Replica Gucci lid.

And if you do have to take a helmet out of circulation as you’re cleaning all your riding duds, don’t worry-you’ll still find a use for it. Like. . . smashing your head through a snow bank for example, in a futile gesture to fight back against winter’s onslaught. At least you know you’ll ride again when the white stuff melts, and you’ll look stunning in your freshly serviced gear.

Page 8

MARCH 2015 • BACKROADS

ON THE MARK MARK BYERS

on many SundayS I usually get a call. Sometimes it comes mid-week, sometimes later, but the subject is the same: “Hello, Mark, this is Daniel. I wanted to let you know we’ll be riding Sunday morning at nine and you are welcome to come.”

Those words set in motion a joyful, time-honored ritual that’s as much a part of the enjoyment as the ride itself.

As soon as the phone is in repose, I begin.

The boots are first: after I brush lingering mud from outside my beloved Gaerne trials boots, I saddle-soap every glorious, oiled millimeter. They dry by the fire, which burns every evening from November through February.

The next step is a massage of the warm leather with a beeswax/eucalyptus mixture I got from the moto show. It smells like I’m putting Vicks on them: maybe I should sing “Soft Kitty, Warm Kitty” as I work.

Goggles are carefully cleaned with a spray detailer and when they are stowed, I go to work on the helmet, chest protector, elbow and kneepads, and finally the bike itself.

Part of it is vanity and part of it is making future cleanups easier, or that’s my story. My riding pants, acquired from the sale rack after the cool kids made their selections, go in the bag next. The current set is orange, with patches Betsy attached to them after one of my spectacular get-offs caused the pipe to melt a hole in the crotch. Nothing hastens postcrash evacuations like a hot header burning the nether regions.

There are lots of steps involved in my anal-retentive preparation parade, including ones with Go-Pro batteries, but I’ll spare you. Considering how difficult it is to find riding venues anywhere on the East Coast, having Friends With Dirt makes local offroad riding a treat, so I want to savor every minute.

Even though we’ve ridden our trails many times, there’s always a new challenge – to cleanly ride a troublesome climb, for example. One vexing vertical saw me end up in a creek.

But it’s fun; damn, is it fun. To me, cleaning the gear and loading the bike brings a sense of anticipation only rivaled by that of hoping a Red Ryder BB gun (or a red motorcycle) will be under the Christmas tree. It’s worth the frequent mud, occasional blood, and all the cleanin’ required.

And clean we must, because we ride year-round and there are quagmires to conquer. Sometimes they’re innocuous puddles that we blast through with a twist of the throttle and sometimes, they’re waterfilled pits hogged out by a truck. Our buddy Doug found a pit the hard way when he gassed his KTM to wheelie through a “puddle”… and the bike went down like an Austrian U-boat. A sapling was required to lever U-450 out of the watery abyss, but fortunately, a few kicks pumped enough water out of the motor for him to limp back to the truck.

Even so, those are great moments to dissect at the snack stop, one of two gas stations at which we take a halftime-break of Gatorade and Little Debbie. I’m frequently the subject of conversation, since my friend’s offroad abilities exceed my own. That’s part of what makes it special though: our English friends would call it “taking the piss” and it’s better to be talked about than not, even if that talk is busting your chops. The topics vary widely, from terrain to tires to bikes to modifications, because we all know our skills are beyond reproach and it’s the equipment that must be wanting, right? One day the discussion was of the copperhead snake that slithered between Daniel and me.

It might be hard for someone who doesn’t ride offroad to understand the motivation to do battle with the terrain, but all I can say is if you haven’t tried it, you should. I’m both frustrated and buoyed by the challenges, but there’s no better feeling than climbing a steep, slippery, rooted hill, fanning the clutch memBer to keep the front down and the rear biting. There’s a visual rush in speeding down a leafy tunnel, using coverage dirt berms for banking. There’s a joy in splashing through a creek, keeping the front wheel tracking while the rear does gymnastics.

Then, there’s the fellowship: the après-ride, roundthe-campfire tales, complete with pantomimed body motions and unrestrained, uproarious laughter.

We’re mud-covered troglodytes making verbal cavepaintings in the air with dirty hands and faces that grin through the grime. And for us, it happens on many Sundays.

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BACKROADS • MARCH 2015

THOUG HTS FROM THE ROAD THe logiSTicS oF riding No, this isn’t about all of the things one needs to do when getting ready for a motorcycle trip. It has nothing to do with route planning, gear packing, or bike maintenance. And it’s NOT a debate about the pros and cons, rights and wrongs, etc. about wearing proper protective gear when riding.

I repeat - NOT. It’s just a line of thought that maybe, many of you can relate to. If not... well then... sorry I wasted your time.

First off: I don’t care if you’re an ATGATT rider... I don’t care if you’re a flip-flops & t-shirt rider. Provided you’re an adult (I think we all are), you know the risks (I think we all do), and you’re comfortable with it... then it’s fine & ok by me. I don’t have to agree with it, and you don’t have to agree with me. That’s my position. And, for the purposes of this story let’s just accept that as fact.

Ok? Good.

I happen to be one of those who is a MTGMTT rider. For the uninitiated, that’s “Most of The Gear, Most of The Time.”

If I’m going to ride around the block in my neighborhood just to test some farkle I’ve installed on a bike... then chances are you may see me riding in sneakers & shorts without even a helmet on. I won’t be going over 25 mph, and I won’t be more than ½ mile from home. If I decide I’m too lazy to cook and simply want a burger from the place up the street you may see me riding wearing only a helmet & jeans for gear. I’ll be within 2 miles of home, on a straight road with no turns. And finally, if I ever decide to go back to Bike Week or Octoberfest in Daytona and wanna ride ‘the strip’ in 90-degree temps where no one can go over 15 mph anyway because of traffic? You may spy me out & about without even a helmet. So that’s what I mean when I say MTGMTT. Other then situations akin to those three you’ll usually find me wearing the ‘full getup’.

Now I’m a big guy (not tall, just big)... so finding good, durable, and com-

Page 9

Tom Watson fortable riding gear is a challenge. To the large & popular motorcycle clothing companies: (yes, I’m talking to you Olympia, Joe Rocket, Firstgear, Aerostitch, etc) riders who wear sizes over 54 in shoulders or waist either don’t exist, or there’s simply not enough market share among us to make any profit by offering them. I think the latter is grossly in error, but that’s a topic for another time. And no, offering only 1 or 2 items, and then offering it to us in only one basic color (black, so we can bake in the sun) does not count.

All of that said - my gear consists of a helmet (I prefer Shoei or Arai), either a leather or mesh armored jacket (depending on the season), kevlar jeans (Diamond Gusset “Defender” are my choice), custom-made all-season boots by WESCO, and gloves according to season. When it’s cooler, I’ll either add a Gerbing liner or a neoprene-type windbreaker like skiers sometimes use under my jacket.

But, regardless of the weather - therein lies my dilemma: I’m getting tired of what I call “the logistics” of riding.

When I was younger, I used to ski. I started late (early 30s), but I really enjoyed the quiet & solitude standing at the top of a snow-covered mountain and looking down on the valley and ski runs below. And swhooshing down the runs, twisting & turning right on the edge of control & out-of-control was really a lot of fun. But it only took a few years of it before I grew tired of “the logistics” of skiing.

Let me explain what I mean.

First off, skiing, at least, downhill skiing, is tremendously expensive. Lift tickets at even small places are in the $75-$100/day neighborhood. Then you need expensive skis, poles, boots, and bindings, or you need to rent them.

Then you need warm & waterproof clothing like ski pants or bibs, wicking underwear, parkas, goggles so you can see, cap to keep your head warm, etc.

Continued on next page

Page 10 THougHTS From THe road And you not only needed to bring all of this crap with you to the ski resort, but unless you really anted up some big money to rent a slope-side room or cottage you had to change into all of this gear in a crowded locker room full of strangers; all fighting for bench space to sit, and small crappy lockers to store your non-ski stuff.

That’s what I mean by “Logistics”.

Well, I guess it’s because I’m getting older and crankier... but I’m getting tired of the “logistics” of riding. But here’s the thing: I don’t mind what’s usually the biggest bone of contention among riders: the helmet. I really don’t mind wearing a helmet. It’s the other crap I’m tired of having to wear.

The boots, the kevlar jeans, the armor jacket, gloves, etc, etc, etc. God forbid it gets cold, or it begins to rain. Now there’s even more gear (logistics) that I have to bring along and wear. Because again those big, popular motorcycle clothing companies don’t make all-weather riding gear for us anorexia-impaired riders. We only get the basics… sometimes.

Man, wasn’t it great when we were kids? I mean, ok, I know we didn’t think so at the time... but when we wanted to go ride our bike, we didn’t go in the house and change clothes to “gear up” for riding. We simply grabbed the handlebars, threw our leg over the seat, found the pedals with our feet and rode!

It didn’t matter if we were barefoot or sneakered. Had a shirt on or not... shorts or jeans... we simply pedaled our asses off, and rode like the wind. It was our first taste of “freedom” away from the house, and ‘personal safety’ was the furthest thing from our mind. Yeah sure, we crashed the bikes jumping them over ramps... skinned our knees & elbows... maybe even broke an arm or leg if the crash was bad. But who cared, right? As soon as that cast was off, we were right back out there doing the same things again, and jumping even BIGGER ramps. Evel Knievel was our hero, and in our fantasies we were all riding his Harley Davidson XR-750.

I’d love to be able to do the same on a motorcycle. To be sitting on the

MARCH 2015 • BACKROADS patio by the pool in my shorts and a t-shirt, when a friend rides by and says “Hey, wanna go for a ride and get some ice cream?”... to be able to say, “Sure, hang on a second”, and just go get on the bike and head off. Now THAT’d be GREAT! Now, I know there are some people who would... but there’s a voice in my head that just won’t let me do that. Just won’t let me go out riding like that, because I know what could happen. Will it happen?

Probably not. But it could.

Just yesterday I was riding back home after being out on the bike for 2 weeks or so. Not long after I got out of the mountains, and down into the Piedmont area of North Carolina... the temps quickly rose from the nice, cool 60s, which I’d been experiencing most of the time, up to the hot, sweltering low 90s. At my fuel stop, with about 2 hours left to ride, I seriously contemplated removing my mesh jacket and gloves. Knowing full well that my next 2 hours of riding were going to be on pretty much lightly traveled, well paved, 4lane open highways, riding at speeds averaging 70mph, I seriously thought about taking it off, and just allowing the breeze hit me head on.

But I just... couldn’t... do it.

Much like Alanis Morissette’s song, that voice in my head kept asking, “Wouldn’t it be ironic if you crashed and got skinned up real bad, with all of the protective gear you needed folded up neatly in your saddlebag?” You’d be in pain and misery NOT because you didn’t HAVE the gear. NOT because you forgot it & left it at the hotel. But, because you had it and chose NOT to wear it!!

So needless to say, I kept the gear on. And I made it home without incident.

Again. As I have hundreds of other times and as I hope to do hundreds of more times. And yes, I’ll most probably be wearing the gear the next time I go out for a ride. Not because I want to... but because I know I should.

But, I must tell you I’m getting tired of it. I just hope I continue to like riding more than I evidently loved skiing. I’m just thinking that, as an acquaintance once told me “There has to be a happy middle ground somewhere between ‘ignorance is bliss’ and ‘awareness is paralyzing’.”

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BACKROADS • MARCH 2015

EVENT RECAP

Page 11

MOTORCYCLEPEDIA LECTURE SERIES • THE BIG FIVE

If you have not heard of or yet visited Motorcyclepedia then you certainly have something to look forward to.

You will find the museum in the heart of the Hudson Valley, in Newburgh, New York. The 85,000 square foot museum now holds over 450 motorcycles ranging from incredibly rare machines from the late 1800’s to more modern offerings.

During the winter season they have been offering a Lecture Series and on January 17 we kicked it off with a talk about what I like to call The Big Five Motorcycle Destinations on the Planet.

We had a great mid-January day that Saturday and the Steve McQueen Room at the museum was packed to standing room only as three o’clock rolled around (shocked the hell out of us).

Our talk revolved around five different and extreme lands’ end destinations on the planet; riding until the road ends and the oceans begin.

Prudhoe Bay, Alaska – Usuhaia, Argentina – Bluff, New Zealand – Cape Agulhas, South Africa and Campo Nord at the top of Norway.

Motorcyclepedia had a giant flat screen TV where we fired up our Keynote presentation and our show lasted just about 90 minutes with a quick Q & A session to finish it off.

We hope and think it went well and like to think it was a little bit better than your dad’s slide shows in the family room when you were growing up.

What we really liked was that this day gave us a chance to explore the massive museum and take in a serious look at, not only motorcycles, but American history as well. Motorcyclepedia offers the visitor a wonderful slice of what I call MotoAmericana!

They have the greatest collection of Indian motorcycles I have ever seen as well as a wide variety of racers and some true two-wheel oddities.

The museum can be found at 250 Lake Street and is not far from Newburgh’s waterfront with their many restaurants and riverside views.

The have a monstrous parking lot and can easily handle parking for the biggest riding group and they would love to have you stop by to see a true treasure of motorcycling history right along the Hudson River. Admission is just $12 for adults, $5 for kids (3 and under free) and Motorcyclepedia is open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 10:00am to 5:00pm.

Their Lecture Series continues: march 14 - “Basic motorcycle maintenance” by armen amirian march 21 – “making the most of your gPS” by Paul donoghue april 25 – “Women in motorcycling” by cheryl Stewart All these promise to be both entertaining and informative.

We hope to see you there.

For more information check out www.motorcyclepediamuseum.org.

MONTGOMERYVILLE CYCLE CENTER 2901 Bethlehem Pike, Hatfield, PA

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Page 12

MARCH 2015 • BACKROADS

Rollin’ Fast Cycle Sports Presents

GREAT ALL AMERIC AN DINER RUN

tasty places to take your bike

Pink cadillac diner 4743 SOUTH LEES HIGHWAY, NATURAL BRIDGE, VA 24578 540-291-2378 • WWW.PINKCADILLACDINERONLINE.COM I love you for your pink Cadillac, crushed velvet seats Riding in the back, cruising down the street Waving to the girls, feeling out of sight Spending all my money on a Saturday night Bruce Springsteen Up in the mountains of Virginia, just a few miles west of the famed Natural Bridge, you will find a classic diner. One that screams Americana, good times and great food – the Pink Cadillac Diner.

Traveling down to Morton’s BMW Spring Fling last May we would have found it as we rode by, but we got a heads up from our friends Antonette and Freddie who were in the region and came across the Pink Cadillac texting us of the find that day.

Thanks kids – we always like a good recommendation.

First off you must love a place that has a King Kong crushing a plane outside a restaurant. It should be the litmus test for all kitchy diners.

As should be the homage paid to the other King – Elvis Presley.

You will find an old Harley inside as well as all things circa 1950. It’s like Happy Days on steroids.

The Pink Cadillac is fairly large, having three separate dining rooms – so handling any large riding

group passing through this phenomenal area easily.

They even have an old fashioned counter that looks like it has seen many happy faces.

But, they are not called diners for nothing and the Pink Cadillac delivers – big time!

Burgers and cheeseburgers, mushroom & onions and their famous “Elvis Burger,” which gets rave reviews from all that have had it.

ROLLIN’ FAST INDIAN MOTORCYCLE OF LEBANON Come see the full line of Indian Motorcycles Large selection of parts, apparel and accessories Get your ride ready, Spring is around the corner 104 Main Street, Lebanon, NJ

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908-236-9000 • www.RollinFast.com

The onion rings are almost legendary.

The foot long hot dog can be had any number of ways and the kielbasa looked good too.

French onion soup can be had as well as the soup of the day. Tossed, Chef and Garden salads are there for vegan and kosher riders, as is a vegetable platter.

Three different fries are ready for you – regular, chili and brew city (not really sure what those are).

The “Wings of Fire” sounded a bit dangerous here in the mountains of the Appalachia, away from any quick medical attention.

We’re nacho fans and, as usual, they looked very filling indeed.

They have 17 different types of sandwiches – cheese steak, French dip, turkey, prime rib, BBQ pork, corned beef and much more.

BACKROADS • MARCH 2015

Page 13 The turkey club is a winner!

Dinner is covered as well with rotisserie chicken- available in ¼, ½ or the whole bird, basted with the Pink Cadillac’s own blend of herbs and fruity spices and “broasted”, to a golden perfection. You will also find steak, fried steak (a southern favorite) and seafood as well (although if it isn’t fresh water stream trout we have a prob-

lem with seafood in the mountains).

Not for everyone, but certainly for us is the sautéed calves liver with onions and bacon.

Oh, come on…yummy!

There is pasta as well with your basic spaghetti with marinara sauce or with meatballs. Baked manicotti too.

Desserts rule here as well with pies, ice cream and drinks – we can attest the milk shakes are a belly-filler.

We stopped by another day for breakfast and were certainly not disappointed as they had pancakes, omelets, all sorts of eggs and, of course, delicious grits.

When you consider the superior roads, the natural beauty, the great 50’s feel and the attentive and friendly staff, the Pink Cadillac Diner is a certain stop on the Great All American Diner Run.

cliPPer mercHanT Tea HouSe 58 MAIN STREET, LIMERICK, ME 04048 • 207-793-3500 OPEN MID-MAY TO MID-DECEMBER • WED.-SAT. 11A-4P WWW.CLIPPERMERCHANT.COM

A few years ago, we were taking a late fall ride to Newfield, Maine to see the Willowbrook Museum Village. It was a pretty brisk day and on our way home we were looking for a place to get some hot soup and a warm beverage.

Nadya mentioned she had seen a tea house in Limerick when we went through and that sounded like just what the doctor ordered.

The Clipper Merchant Tea House is housed in a 1830 Carpenter Gothic Colonial built at the height of the clipper ship era and is on the National Historic Register. Tastefully decorated in everything from kilts to old china, it harkens back to the tea house of days past. We were seated at a nice window table and ordered up some tea while checking out the menu.

Scones, soups, salad and more were on the menu and all sounded fantastic to a couple of chilly motorcyclists. There was even a “Tower of London for Two” plate that was a three-tier affair with scones, tea sandwiches, petite deserts and tea for two. We opted for the soup of the day, which was a wonderfully flavorful pea soup. It came with delicious bread and with our tea, was just the answer for the slight chill we had.

Although all our bike gear seemed out of place with the fine china, silver and delicate tablecloths, we were welcomed and our waitress was wonderful.

After warming up, we checked out the rest of the rooms and departed noting that we would return again. A fall ride in Maine with a full belly and inner warmth never felt so good!

Limerick is about 2 hours north of Boston and the area has some wonderful roads. Route 11 over to Newfield or 160 out of town and up through Parsonsfield are a couple of the rides you should take if there. Having received a Best of New England and Editor’s Choice award, you can’t go wrong with the Clipper Merchant. Take a ride up or call owner’s Heather and Gary Labbe for reservations at 207-793-3500. ~ Mike Stackhouse

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Page 14

MARCH 2015 • BACKROADS

Hanover Powersports Presents

BIG C IT Y GETAWAY

daytrip ideas to get out of the daily grind

STorm king arT cenTer Art Continues to thrive Along the hudson 1 MUSEUM RD, NEW WINDSOR, NY 12553 845-534-3115 • WWW.STORMKING.ORG RE-OPENING FOR THE SEASON WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1 (NO FOOLIN’) ADMISSION: $15/ADULT • CHECK FOR FREE ADMISSION DAYS We thought we would continue with the artistic thread we started last month and visit another creative destination – this time north along the Hudson River from New York to the Storm King Arts Center.

On yet another superb summer riding day (weren’t so many of this past summer’s days superb?) we spun up toward the Hudson Valley region and Storm King.

Along our ride we crossed under the Moodna Viaduct. At some 3,200 feet long and 193 feet high at its highest point, it this the highest and longest railroad trestle east of the Mississippi River.

Yes, the art we’d see at Storm King would be impressive, but the trestle, built over 100 years ago and still in service, is equally extraordinary.

Storm King, named after the large mountain flanking the Hudson River here, was created back in 1960 by Ralph E. Ogden as a museum for the Hudson River School painting, but evolved into a major sculpture center.

As new works are featured you will find that Storm King is ever changing.

Rip & Ride® • STORM KING ARTS CENTER 1 MUSEUM RD , NEW WINDSOR, NY 12553 The 500+ acre landscape of Storm King 845-534-3115 • WWW.STORMKING.ORG Art Center has been in a state of flux from the very beginning. The expanse GET YOURSELF TO RTE. 17 NORTH IN NEW JERSEY of rolling hills blanketed with grass and tall trees may look natural, but was TAKE RTE. 17 INTO NEW YORK carefully molded to form the perfect RIGHT AT 7 LAKES DRIVE setting for each of its monumental works of art. The plateau on which TAKE 7 LAKES DRIVE TO END stands a 1935 residence, designed to re(STRAIGHT THROUGH TRAFFIC CIRCLES) semble a Norman chateau and later GO AROUND TRAFFIC CIRCLE AND FOLLOW SIGNS TO converted to the museum building, was torn apart in the 1950s by bulldozers BEAR MOUNTAIN BRIDGE gathering gravel for the construction of the New York State thruway.

3/4 AROUND CIRCLE AND TAKE 9W NORTH Lucky for us it was later rebuilt and makes a fine rest stop while exploring DON’T CROSS BRIDGE the vast Art’s Center.

TAKE SECOND RTE. 218 EXIT (NORTH) On our visit Storm king was featuring the works of Chinese artist Zhang TAKE RTE. 218 INTO CORNWALL - GREAT ROAD! Huan. According to Storm King BEAR LEFT ONTO HUDSON-CR 9 Zhang Huan: Evoking Tradition brings together a number of primarily sculp(WHERE 218 BEARS RIGHT) tural works—as well as source materials, preparatory drawings, and P/U RTE. 107 video—that demonstrate ways in which RIGHT AT RTE. 32 NORTH artist Zhang Huan touches upon Chinese cultural and religious traditions within his practice. Zhang’s work engages, LOOK FOR STORM KING SIGNS in particular, with aspects of Buddhist philosophy and rituals, and he sees the LEFT AFTER BRIDGE CR 20 / ORRS MILL ROAD contemporary condition as one that is constantly revitalized through an engagement with the past. Focusing mainly on the past decade of the artist’s production, STORM KING ART CENTER ON LEFT the exhibition takes place both in Storm King Art Center’s Museum Building

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BACKROADS • MARCH 2015 and outdoors, in the eastern area of the grounds near to Three Legged Buddha a major work by Zhang in Storm King’s permanent collection.

Which is a good thing as it was very impressive.

Storm King Arts Center is very large, and like Grounds for Sculpture in New Jersey, that we featured previously, you will spend a number of hours exploring the grounds and the various works sprinkled through the grounds.

We made the good decision of taking the tram that brought us around the entire grounds and also gave descriptions and explanations of how and why various pieces were created and what the artist was considering in the creation of them.

Touring Storm King by bicycle is a great way to experience the art and landscape Storm King offers. Visitors may rent adult bicycles on a firstcome, first-served basis. Bike rental is $8 per hour with a two-hour minimum. Ride your motorcycle there and then switch to human-power.

If you get a bit peckish while there you can search out the Storm King Café, which offers a selection of fresh salads, sandwiches, snacks, and seasonal specials. There are nearby picnic grounds if you like to dine amongst the art works. You are welcome to bring your own repast to do so. Storm King is best shared with friends and family. When we last visited we were met by Shira’s sister Rowena and her husband Richie making a nice visit even better.

All in all you will find over 100 giant works including the fantastic South fields with the massive works of Mark di Suvero. One thing that really impressed us was not so much a sculpture, yet something that was a work of art all by itself. The stonewall, that runs around and then through the pond, below the south fields. Andy Goldsworthy – “Five Men, Seventeen Days,

Page 15

Fifteen Boulders, One Wall” is phenomenal and we might have to redo the stonewall around Backroads Central now.

Storm King Arts Center is located in the middle of some of the most stunning natural beauty in the United States. There was a reason artists flocked here long ago and a reason why Storm King is this month’s Big City Getaway.

Now let us give you a ride, through Harriman State Park that is a work of art in itself.

Page 16

MARCH 2015 • BACKROADS

Morton’s BMW Motorcycles Presents Dr. Seymour O’Life’s M YST ERIOUS AMERIC A SPiriTS in THe cHurcH the ghost of CAptAin henry fAuntleroy OLD TENNENT PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 48 TENNENT RD., MANALAPAN TOWNSHIP NJ 07726 • 732-446-6299 The date was June 28, 1778.

The place - just south of Englishtown Raceway in New Jersey.

There was no drag strip this day.

The British were on the move from Philadelphia to New York.

Washington’s men, coming off the horrid winter at Valley Forge, had moved to intercept.

Henry Fauntleroy was tired, sweating and looking to catch his breath.

The fighting had been going on all day. With the arrival of Washington the tide had turned and the Red Coats were falling back. Just hours before, General Washington had arrived and moved on the flank of the British troops, led by General Cornwallis.

Instead of being demoralized from the past year, the Continental Army was primed and ready, spending the cold months training for a battle such as this.

At the Tennent Courthouse the battle, with General Charles Lee leading the rebel troops, had begun. Outmanned Lee eventually called for a retreat, which quickly became a rout.

At this point the British had the upper hand, but then Washington arrived with thousands more men.

Seeing Lee’s men in retreat, this is the one occasion Washington was said to have sworn.

He deployed a consignment of oaths directed at Lee, to the admiration of those listening, before ordering Lee to the rear. Washington then galloped forward and began the task of rallying Lee’s disordered troops. He moved in behind the British.

The Battle of Monmouth was under way.

A member of the 5th Virginia Continental Line, Henry Fauntleroy had quickly risen to the rank of Captain.

In the heat of the battle and the steamy early summer day the Captain paused, taking a seat atop one of the headstones that surround White Oak Hill that the Old Tennent Church still sits on today.

Today was Henry’s birthday and he surely wished he could be spending it in a more peaceful way. He was 22 years old this day.

Wiping the sweat from his brow he heard the whine of the approaching cannon ball and then a flash and….

The ball from the British cannon, aimed at the church, crashed through the headstone, snapping it in half and taking Henry’s legs with it.

Mayhem ensued and his fellow soldiers carried the agonized young man into the church, now a battlefield hospital, laying Fauntleroy on one of the pews near the back.

There was blood, a lot of blood. It poured out, with young Henry’s life, onto the dark wooden bench, staining it even darker.

To this day the pews here at the Old Tennent church bear the mark of blood and saws – used for battlefield amputations.

One can easily believe the stories that this church, a place of God, is

haunted with unresting spirits of the past. It is said that the image of Henry Fauntleroy can be seen in and around the church.

It is said that the battlefield itself is also a haunted place. Casualties for the Battle of Monmouth, as reported by each commander, were 69 killed, 37 dead from heat-stroke, 160 wounded, and 95 missing for the Continental Army and around 65 killed, 59 dead from heat-stroke, 170 wounded, 50 captured, and 14 missing for the British. In both cases, these numbers are conservative and losses were more likely 500-600 for Washington and over 1,100 for Clinton.

With all this carnage, one would be shocked not to have a spirit or two wandering the grounds of the battlefield.

This was a heartening win for the Continental Army and the British, now in retreat, made their way to New York, via Sandy Hook – narrowly missing being trapped by the d’Estaing’s French fleet.

BACKROADS • MARCH 2015

Page 17

The Battle of Monmouth is also remembered for the legend of “Molly Pitcher.” While many of the details regarding “Molly Pitcher” have been embellished or are in dispute, the story refers to a woman who brought water to American artillery during the battle. This water was intended for swabbing the guns during the reloading process as well as cooling the hot gun crew. In one version of the story she replaced her husband on a gun crew when he fell wounded or from heat stroke. The “Molly Pitcher” of Monmouth is gen-

erally identified Mary Ludwig Hayes.

Outside the Old Tennent we found the headstone for Captain Henry Fauntleroy as well as dozens of stones dating back from that period.

For the history alone the Old Tennent Church is a worthy stop while exploring this part of New Jersey and Mysterious America.

O’Life out!

PINE BUSH UFO FESTIVAL • PINE BUSH, NEW YORK • MAY 16 Some know this, and the U.S. Air Force will deny it, but did you know the little hamlet of Pine Bush, just east of the Shawangunk Mountains, off Route 52 in New York State, is a hot bed for UFO sightings.

In fact the town calls itself the UFO Capital of the Northeast!

Big statement for a little town – but those are the facts.

Over the years hundreds of sighting have been reported in and around this region and it has been featured time and again on television and here in these pages.

Heck, they even have a UFO-style diner called Cup & Saucers.

Each May true believers reach inside for their inner Fox Mulder and partake in the region’s only festival celebrating alien visitation, flying saucers and encounters of the nicest kind.

It’s a great combination of hometown America and E.T and don’t be surprised if you see more than one extraterrestrial.

This year’s Pine Bush UFO Festival will be held on Saturday, May 16 (with a rain date of the 17th).

I know I will be there digging deeper into this part of Mysterious America.

Join me.

And, when you are heading home and a bright light suddenly encircles you don’t try to race away. You can’t outrun them. I’ve tried.

O’Life out!

MYSTERIOUS AMERICA PUZZLER Like Click & Clack at Car Talk I’d like to throw out a Mysterious America Puzzler of sorts to you kids.

In the February issue - Destination Catskills - we had an article about the “Paper Town” of Agloe, New York.

Looking at all the illustrations that accompanied this article, well after we went to print, another odd factoid presented itself to me.

How did I miss this?

What was it and why is it akin to the original article?

The first correct answer, or shot in the dark, will get a specially created Mysterious Backroads gift pack (Sorry Sindee N, you can’t play).

Email editor@backroads with the correct answer.

O’Life out!

Page 18

MARCH 2015 • BACKROADS

Bergen County Harley-Davidson Presents

WE’RE OU TTA H ERE

a weekend destination keeping you on the backroads

liTTleTon, neW HamPSHire A smAll burg with A big new englAnd flAir We love to give credit where credit is due and we first heard about this town and the Thayer Hotel from our friends and riding companions Richard and Dee Dee Ford.

They had been exploring in and around the White Mountains of New Hampshire and came upon the historic Thayer Hotel, in the middle of the town of Littleton’s Main Street.

Although it is not the largest town in the mountains the name has nothing to do with its size, but the burg gets its name from Colonel Moses Little, who helped survey the surrounding lands.

The town, which went by a few other names in the past, adopted the Colonel’s name in 1784, the same year New Hampshire became a state.

Littleton is far better than Cheese Farm, we think.

The Thayer Hotel has been around since 1850 and is quintessential New England. The Thayer is on the National Register of Historic Places, with a total of 40 guest rooms, a wellstocked bar and excellent new restaurant. It is ideally located as a perfect home base for those wishing to explore the White Mountains and the surrounding roads of the Granite State.

It is said that Ulysses S Grant addressed an audience from the hotel balcony in 1869, while other famous guests include President Franklin Pierce, General George McClellan, Henry Ford, P. T. Barnum, and General Tom Thumb.

Numerous other late-twentieth century figures have also spent time here including Richard Nixon, Jimmy Carter and George H. Bush.

When we visited we took our rooms, quickly showered and went off to stroll the town before she closed up for the evening. As it was a Saturday night, the town was hopping and many of the shops were still open.

The banners you see as you enter Littleton say it is a ‘glad town’ - this is in honor of Pollyanna Whittier and her Glad books, the character and novels created by local Eleanor H. Porter in the early 1900’s. You will find a statue of Pollyana in the town as well.

Looking to be a Pollyanna and always on the lookout for something a it different we went in search of Chutter’s General Store which boasts something very sweet indeed – the World’s Longest Candy Counter!

At 112 feet in length it is certified by the Guinness Book of World Records and was very impressive.

Visitors will find candies long forgotten. Chutter’s record setting candy counter will take you back to your childhood. In addition to candy, Chutter’s is famous for its world-class fudge. Chutter’s fudge comes in a wide range of unique flavors. Chutter’s General Store also offers a huge variety of New

Hampshire gifts and goodies.

Continuing on down Main Street we found a number of pianos outside various shops and even a hand painted Fender acoustic guitar, just sitting there.

A Fender? But, there it was, just waiting to get played – which we did.

Some towns have painted pigs, some cats, some cows – Littleton says “This Town Rocks” and it does with painted pianos and other instruments.

Down by the River Walk there is an impressive and newly built covered bridge spanning the Ammonoosuc River, which offers great views of both the river and back part of the town.

Right next to it you will find the Schilling Beer Company that will serve up some seriously tasty local brews, as well as victuals to accompany it.

No New England town would be complete without a great diner and the Littleton Diner fits that bill perfectly. This is the second ‘car’ diner built at this location and it has been here since the 1940’s. Here you will find all the standard American diner fare as well as some delicious specials. The Littleton Diner is a classic and could easily stand alone as a Great All American Diner Run. It also seems to be the perfect “photo op” for local and national politicians as John McCain, Mitt Romney, John Kerry and Steve Forbes have all

BACKROADS • MARCH 2015

dropped by and acted like they really just stopped by for some eggs and a cup a joe when a camera crew just dropped in as well.

We think a return trip to New Hampshire just to try the Littleton Diner’s corned beef hash and their pancakes will be well worth the miles.

Well, sometimes “We’re Outta Here” features just a hotel – this month we gave you an entire town. Take a ride to the White Mountains of New Hampshire and the town of Littleton – you will not be disappointed.

Page 19

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Littleton Diner • 170 West Main St, Littleton, NH 03561 603-444-3994 • www.littletondiner.com

Page 20

MARCH 2015 • BACKROADS

Indian Summer words + images: brian rathjen

Honeysuckle vines outside the door Dandelion wine and so much more We can discover, into each other Indian summer America

We had pushed our fuel supply to the ‘nether’ regions – with the little countdown readout long since ending.

It wasn’t like we were in the deserts of Killamericastan – no, we were safely romping along the Berkshires of New England when we finally vectored into a Stewart’s fuel station to fill tanks and empty bladders.

Another rider pulled up with a pearl white Harley.

“Feels like we’re all playing post season baseball,” he said to us.

We couldn’t agree more.

When baseball is happening, at least here in the northeast, motorcycling is happening too. This ‘Indian Summer’ Tuesday would see Game 6 of the World Series (Royals crushing the Giants 10 to zip that day) and an odd motion in the jet stream had brought us a few days of unseasonal but welcome warm weather.

We’d take advantage of it and head out on an overnight into the nearby Berkshires and the town of Lenox, not far from the famed Tanglewood.

BACKROADS • MARCH 2015

During the summer season this area of Massachusetts can become crowded, expensive and a tad snooty; but during the last week in October the welcome mat was out and we had put together a route from the Backroads Central area that would involve history, food and miles of twistalicious fun.

Our ride began in northwestern NJ and meandered along some of the farmlands and low lying hills that lay between the tiny little townettes that you find up this way.

Even though this is our home we have been using Garmin’s Base Camp to pick and choose some of the tertiary roads that link all this together. Sure it might be easier to take familiar and larger roads across to the Hudson River – but this was way more fun!

Eventually we got into Harriman State Park, around the road past Perkin’s Drive and down the curvy mountain road past the Bear Mountain Inn and across the bridge.

No matter how many times I have crossed the river here it has never failed to impress me. There is a reason so many artists called the Hudson Valley home and it is quite apparent right here, just below the United States Military

Page 21 Academy at West Point, that this area is one of the finest in our land.

Unfortunately, on any Sunday, this is also one of the most congested motorcycle roads in the nation as well.

Crossing the bridge and bearing right on the sweepy road that wraps around the mountain on the Hudson’s eastern-side on US 6 most times is a ride in futility –but, not on this Monday morning. After making a quick pass of ‘Granny Tight Lips’ from Michigan, we had the entire road to ourselves and made good use of it. Benedict Arnold could not getaway from the West Point area quicker than us.

At the circle we bore north and then leaned to the right, on Sprout Brook Road, to explore the roads that led into the Putnam Valley.

We do not ride this region nearly as much as we would like, so I made this route especially intricate, swallowing as many little connector roads as possible and crossing over the West Branch Reservoir along the well named stone-lined Rock Bridge Road.

When most think of the Revolutionary War General George Washington will always come to mind. Well, he will join us later in this story but, right now, we had a more fascinating tale.

Just outside of Carmel, New York we passed a historic marker for a little known heroine of our Revolutionary War – Sybil “Sibbell” Ludington.

Author Steve Smith wrote about this 17 year old woman a few years back in Backroads and it was nice to see the state of New York recognize this young woman whose ride to warn of the approaching British was equally as important as Paul Revere’s more famous ride.

Sibbell rode nearly forty miles through the night on April 26, 1777 to tell

Page 22 the militiamen under her father’s command to muster at his house, from which they would march to defend Danbury.

She was a true hero of our cause.

We stopped for a bite at the Carmel Diner who proudly tell Sibbell’s story on the cover of their menu. It features the incredible statue, sculpted by Anna Hyatt Huntington, that was placed on the green in the town’s center.

In 1935 New York State erected a number of markers along her route. In 1975, Ludington was honored with a postage stamp in the “Contributors to the Cause” Bicentennial Series.

Getting the idea that Ms. Ludington was a big thing?

Good. The statue of her and her horse “Star” is wickedly impressive.

Equally impressive was another building that our route serendipitously came across.

Outside the small hamlet of Quakers Hill we found the Akin Free Library. This three story stone and marble building was constructed between 1898 and 1908 and was a gift from Quaker Albert J Akin.

MARCH 2015 • BACKROADS The library itself is located on the first floor of the building. Among others, its holdings of several thousand books contain books of local interest and by local authors, a children’s section, and newspaper collections. The Historical Society Museum occupies the second floor of the building. Its collections include objects pertaining to the local history such as period and Quaker clothing, tools and artwork, bowling pins from the Mizzentop Hotel, and the service window from the old Quaker Hill Post Office.

The lower floor of the building houses the Olive Gunnison Natural History Museum, which displays about 200 mounted birds, rocks and minerals, as well as a shrunken human head.

A Tsantsa?! Seymour, are you reading this?

We were slightly stunned at the beauty of this stately library as it stands in a stark contrast to the surrounding rural area.

Relying on our pre-planned GPS route we followed the purple line and voice prompts as it led us over hill & dale, across small streams and up into the, more rugged than you would think, Berkshires.

As I said, with the Base Camp program I was making this route as intricate and difficult as I could. The Rip & Ride would be quite a bit on the lengthy side. The GPX file made it a breeze.

We know some that refuse to embrace GPS technology and rely only on Manually Acquired Positioning Systems (maps) but, back in the day, you probably didn’t like hydraulic brakes either.

Luddites.

It being mid-Autumn and nearing Halloween many front yards were done up for the occasion but one display made us stop and wonder.

Was this a message to us? Ahh, the famed “pumpkin moon” never looked so good.

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Page 23 As we continued down this road Shira’s Roadside America program chimed in on her Garmin (yes, another reason to ride with a GPS) - it said something special was up ahead.

Santarella is certainly worth a stop to get off the bikes for a few minutes.

The place is the historic home and studio of the sculptor Sir Henry Hudson Kitson and it is a truly magical and unique site. Kitson’s studio, affectionately known as the “Gingerbread House”, gets its name from the storybook-style architecture and incredible rolling roof. The design and construction of the amazing building was the last major project of his life and continued for over 20 years.

This fairy-tale home is available for special events and even as a vacation rental. It is also for sale for $2.3 million.

Our destination this evening was Lenox, MA – just north of Tanglewood.

Lenox can be a bit pricey during the region’s busy season but at this time in October, on a Monday evening, The Cornell Inn was more than inviting.

To add to a good thing Shira had reached out to our friends from New Hampshire, Richard and DeeDee Ford, to join us for the night – a little beginning of the week getaway.

This is exactly how “We’re Outta Here” should work!

The inn was really nice, with a small bar and great outdoor patio area with its own waterfall.

We spent the afternoon catching up on things and then rode over to one of the local Lenox restaurants, of which there are many to choose.

We really enjoyed The Cornell Inn and with some 28 rooms and suites it will surely be back in the pages of Backroads soon.

If that Monday was special weather-wise the following day was stupendous with sunny skies and late October temperatures reaching well into the 70s.

We had one final breakfast with our friends then they rode off back to the north and we turned our machines south, riding past Tanglewood, all the while looking for James or Carly, and then along some of the tinier roads we could find in the general direction of the Empire State.

Crossing into New York we were heading south at a good clip down Route

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22 - near Austerlitz - when, once again, Shira’s Roadside America program chimed in that there was a place where junk becomes art right ahead.

The Circle Museum.

Bijan Mahmoodi is the owner of the museum and the artist. His art reflects his fascination with hard-to-find Industrial Era fabricated metals and bronze casting. Inside the artist’s studio, also on the property, is a collection of Bijan’s oil paintings that explore the circle motif you see in most of his sculp-

MARCH 2015 • BACKROADS tures. Why is it called the Circle Museum? Bijan explains.... “Because our planet is based on the circle - the sun, the planets, the moon and life itself is cyclical. The circle is what inspires me.”

Okay, that works for us.

We pulled over, hopped off the bikes and spent a while wandering around the outdoor garden / auto shop.

The artist has some really oddly conceived but brilliantly executed statues using metal, old car parts, and shaped rocks and we are glad that we literally rode upon this place; another stop for O’Life for sure.

The Circle Museum is open daily and a donation of $5 is requested.

Money well given.

Continuing towards the Hudson River we just about ran out of gas and that is where we joined this story; talking baseball and riding with the other rider.

We rode back and forth in and around the Taconic Parkway, where the local secondary roads crossed the highway and then, eventually, to the river where we stopped in Cold Spring at the Depot for lunch.

Do you know that sitting at lunch or dinner here at the Depot you will have one of 68 trains come running just yards from you at speed up to 115 miles per hour.

Loud, but we loved it.

There is also something else to be found at the Cold Spring Depot.

It turns out that George Washington (remember him?) not only frequented this place back in the day but they even have a plaque stating that he drank from a spring here and said is was very cold – giving the town its name – Cold Spring.

It was a short ride south on Route 9D from there to the Bear Mountain Bridge where we crossed back over the Hudson and then vectored north along Storm King Mountain and past the sculpture park before following a few lost roads back into New Jersey and then along our Mother road – County Road 519 now known as the Confused Squirrel – and back home.

Boy, we were happy to have these few temperate October days free and we made the best of it.

As I write this the following days I see winter coming soon, but we can always hope for some lucky warmer days and that global warming to kick in just a bit.

Carmel Diner • 63 Gleneida Ave, Carmel, NY 845-225-5000 • www.newcarmeldiner.com Akin Free Library • 378 Old Quaker Hill Rd, Pawling, NY • 845-855-5099 • Call for hours Santarella • 75 Main Rd, Lee, MA Parking available for outside viewing The Cornell Inn • 203 Main St, Lenox, MA 01240 • 413-637-4800 • www.cornellbb.com rooms range from $129/night and up Circle Museum • 11005 Hwy 22, Austerlitz, NY 518-392-7156 • $5 suggested donation Cold Spring Depot • 1 Depot Square, Cold Spring, NY • 845-265-5000 www.coldspringdepot.com

BACKROADS • MARCH 2015

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MARCH 2015 • BACKROADS

LOST

ROADS

Merry Christmas!

I’m suffering from cabin fever, have not been out on a bike in 5 weeks. I’m thinking of doing a dual sport ride Saturday. Mix of paved and hard packed gravel, with one unpaved downhill section.

Late lunch in Cold Spring, then head back to NJ. Anyone interested in getting out for a ride? ~ Paul Amen, brother.

Although Paul would be meeting some others in New Jersey we thought to meet up at the Tiorati Circle on Seven Lakes Drive in Harriman State Park around 11ish.

Dawn saw the bikes rolled out and then one rolled back in as Thor, God of Thunder AND lightning, demanded twenty minutes more charge.

By 9ish we were donning electrics and HEDz – making sure everything was correctly plugged and sealed.

This time of year I feel like an astronaut on the ISS about to take a space walk when I get ready to roll out of the driveway.

Most folks celebrate the holidays with a vengeance.

Thanksgiving giving way to Chanukah and Christmas, Festivus for the Rest of Us, and then New Years.

Me, I begrudgingly partake in all that feldercarb to see friends and family but much prefer to quietly mark the moment when the winter solstice occurs.

Let the rest argue on which of the holidaze is more important. I will keep an eye on the sky and the slow, but steady, return of the sun to the northern latitudes.

Still, Decembers leads into January and it is always darkest before the dawn and coldest before the spring.

It was with great delight I saw that the last weekend of 2014 was to be a mild one and the sun, who had been gone for nearly two weeks, was scheduled to make a cameo.

Even better as the end of the week approached and an email from our friend Paul Donoghue appeared in the in-box:

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BACKROADS • MARCH 2015 For sure it would warm up as the day rolled by, but there was frost on the valley this morning.

Remarkably we had full tanks (I am a great one for filling up on the road, but not so much when heading home) so we avoided the drudgery of the unzip/plug/strip at the local fuel stop. We made our way east along the farm lands of the northwest Garden State, across the border and along the Black Dirt region and then over the mountains towards Greenwood Lake.

We wanted to grab a bit to eat so we pulled into the small roadside market in Bellvale, just outside of Warwick.

We were looking for egg sandwiches but found a much more as their small meat and fish counters looked a bit more than tempting.

We made a note to stop by on our return trip and bring home dinner.

Although the Renaissance Faire is sleeping this time of year the skiers were out in force this semi-holiday weekend.

I radioed to Shira that “you always know you have stolen a day’s ride when you have to slow down for skiers crossing the road.”

Paul had sent over a GPX file for the Garmin and my plan was to hook up

Page 27 into it where Route 17A runs into Harriman at the New York State Thruway – following Route 106, which was recently paved and very twistalicious, to Seven Lakes Drive and then to Tiorati.

Big sign up ahead. – ROAD CLOSED. Ya bastards. There is no snow. Close the road when it threatens to snow.

Do we need to explain this to NYS DOT and the governor?

Plan B brought us north to Arden Valley Road, also recently resurfaced and apparently open.

Here they teased us for a 1/2 mile before Andrew Cuomo ran out himself and planted a ROAD CLOSED sign in front of us.

Ya dirty bastards.

Plan C worked out just fine as Seven Lakes Drive was still passable through the tons of snow that was not there.

Finally meeting our small group that consisted of a few different GSs, a Yamaha Super Tenere and one streetish Triumph Trophy piloted by our friend Ed McCaughey who traveled from Long Island to enjoy the warm day.

We silently agreed that if anything needed to be sacrificed to the road gods it would be the large sporttourer. Sorry Ed. The truth is Ed has more skill than most of us and today’s ride would simply be an exercise in getting our rims dirty.

We crossed over the Bear Mountain Bridge, always one of my favorite things to do. I would put the vista of this part of the Hudson River and valley against any other view in these United States.

We headed north on Route 9D and then vectored over South Mountain

Page 28 Pass and then followed Paul along a good number of old-style dirt roads.

With larger and more maintained roads like Route 9 and the Taconic dominating this region, it might surprise you how many unpaved dirt roads live in this area. Lost roads.

One being a very historic road at that.

On July 1982 the Old Albany Post Road, in the Town of Philipstown, was awarded a listing in the State and National Registers of Historic Places. This 6.6-mile section of dirt road from Continental Village to Route 9 was recognized as one of the oldest unpaved roads in the nation still in use.

The listings and recognition may be gratifying, but the honor is no guarantee of permanent road protection.

And it seems it does need protecting. Along the half dozen miles were a number of signs saying “Save our historic dirt roads” and to “Say yes to dirt !!!!”

It seems that New York State and the county are considering paving this piece of Americana.

Why? It is said that the mile markers were ordered in place by Benjamin Franklin himself; and at the north end of this ancient section, one of the oldest inns in the region, the Bird & Bottle built in 1761, can be found.

We found it to be an excellent ride and wondrous to think Generals Washington, Lafayette and others rode along this way too.

MARCH 2015 • BACKROADS

The road needs support and you can find out more at www.albanypostroad.info.

Things were going along swimmingly until another reminder of the season stopped us in our tracks with another ROAD CLOSED sign.

Plan F (for FUBAR) was immediately put into action and Paul reversed our route so we could experience it from the other way and not

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too soon afterward we rode into Cold Spring, with its great waterfront and stunning view of the old North River. Attrition began to take hold of our crew as Ed had to get back to Long Island before the winter set in and another gent, Leo, had to vacate back to Brooklyn, but the rest of us hung on for lunch.

As you would think the town was packed with civilians enjoying the gifted warm day but we did okay restaurant-wise and then rode along the river and eventually back towards the Bear Mountain Bridge and the western shore of the Hudson. Surprisingly, although the park’s lots were summertime full these roads were clear of traffic and we made a forceful romp up around the uphill 180 and the sweepers towards Perkins Drive (also closed - those truly dirty bastards) before the long valley road back towards the Ramapo mountains.

As promised Shira and I stopped back at the Bellvale Market picking up some superb steaks and a few headson fresh water shrimp (little lobstas I tell ya) before continuing west, now racing the setting sun and falling temperatures.

Riding up the hill to Backroads Central the sky had turned that warm cosmo martini color and not ten minutes after we parked the bikes night had fallen.

One of the shortest riding days of the year had ended.

Yea us and everyone else that got out that day for a ride.

That week we’d say goodbye to 2014 and hello to a new year.

Hey 2014, see ya – don’t let the door hit you on the ass on your way out!

2015, let’s talk about how things should go……

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MARCH 2015 • BACKROADS

The Devil Made Me Do It Norton Rubenstein

About the end of May, I got this itch to ride from my home in Richmond, Virginia to some familiar roads in New Mexico and Arizona, and to eat a special slice (or two) of pie. I hadn’t done that for ten years, and it was about time to do it again. So, for confidence sake and the insistence of my wife, I had my 2004 BMW R1150R “tuned-up” at Morton’s BMW in Fredericksburg, and headed west. The round trip was 4,708 miles and took nine days. It’s fair to ask why anyone in his right mind would travel more than 2,000 miles and back again, just to ride a patch of road and eat breakfast in a not so elegant restaurant.

Well, if you love to ride motorcycles and if one of the roads is 137 miles of twisties, switchbacks and gently curving sweepers through splendid scenery, and the restaurant’s breakfasts are great, then for me the answer is perfectly clear. Our country is blessed with lots of roads that seem to be built with two-wheelers in mind and, for those of us who like to ride the rural roads, and enjoy discovering great non-franchise cafés, US-191 between Alpine and Clifton, Arizona, and the Bear Wallow Café in Alpine are just such a combination.

US-191, also known as The Coronado Trail Scenic Byway, is located in the White Mountains of Eastern Arizona. It runs through the Apache and Sitgreaves National Forests and has the reputation of being one of the best low traffic, high scenic highways in the country - also for being a very dangerous mountain road with many sharp curves and little or no shoulders on steep cliffs. It used to be called US-666, but 666 is reputed to be the devil’s number. Because of that, and because the topology of this stretch of road is complex, it was called by the locals, and those that rode it on two wheels, “The Devil’s Highway;” some still do. But, that designation was a public relations problem so just a few years ago it was changed to US-191. If you ask anyone who rode it on two wheels they’ll tell you why 666 was the better number.

BACKROADS • MARCH 2015

Page 31

It is about the same path Francisco Vásquez de Coronado followed between 1540 and 1542, and it’s the primary route to access Canyon de Chelly National Monument, which makes a great side trip; the Canyon Monument is managed jointly by the National Park Service and the Navaho Nation.

The road’s twists and turns are too complex for me to draw, but imagine a guy painting a centerline down a patch of road. For the first 20 or so miles south of Alpine the line is straight with lots of easy sweepers, but after our painter gets to Hannagan Meadow it looks like he uncorked a jug of mountain spirits and didn’t put the plug back in until he got to Clifton, 72 miles later. You won’t see 18wheelers on this section of US-191; vehicles longer than 40 feet are prohibited, they just can’t make the turns.

The best way to ride it, I think, is to head south from Alpine. To get to Alpine I ride US180 north from I-10 at

Deming, New Mexico (4,335 feet). That ride begins with a straight run of about 35 miles, and then transitions into broad sweepers and slow inclines through the Mogollon Mountains, until you get to Glenwood. From there to Alpine the road gets twistier, the inclines steeper, and the temperatures much cooler. There are plenty of pull-offs and many great picture opportunities along this route.

Alpine sits at 8,050 feet in the White Mountains of Eastern Arizona.

Riding US-191 south, the elevation within the 95 miles to Clifton (3,450 feet) varies roughly between 3,000 and 10,000 feet, and it varies often with lots of challenging twisties and many switchbacks, but also some broad sweepers through sub-alpine woodlands.

The two-lane road is well maintained, but there are long stretches of decreasing radius curves where the shoulders are narrow, the rock face high and sheer, and the drop-offs steep, and there are no guardrails until you get to the flat spots just north of Morenci. Posted speed limits range from a short run of 50 mph at Alpine to long stretches of 15 to 10 mph. At posted speeds, all the turns are easy, but if you’re challenging the road, chances are good that you’ll jump the centerline. By the way, this section of US-191 was a recent Three Flags route, during which three bikes crashed in separate incidents.

For riders without much experience on these kinds of roads it’s an opportunity for a safe and stimulating ride on a low traffic road - if taken carefully, with lots of caution, good equipment, and at moderate speeds. For experienced motorcyclists, it’s an adrenaline-charged pleasure, but still one that for even highly competent riders requires much forethought and caution. Be especially careful of taking liberties with double solid centerlines; the sight

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MARCH 2015 • BACKROADS

lines between twisties are short and it’s impossible to know what’s coming at you around the curve. Even if you’re testing your skills it’s a good idea to take an occasional break to enjoy the pull-offs; there are a fair number of wide ones - places to catch your breath, and with lots of scenery. You’re almost sure to see mountain sheep, elk, deer, ground squirrels, and cattle.

You’ll be crossing a number of cattle guards across the roadbed. This is not a road you can ride in comfort at night; it’s best ridden in in the company of friends, in daylight, and when it’s dry.

Riding US-191 the other direction, north from Clifton and ending in Alpine, is also a great ride; it’s great both ways, but the character of the two rides will be different. I think if you’re going to challenge the road, riding south gives you some advantages - the ascending hairpins are trickier than descending ones. That’s my opinion and others will differ, but, heading north or south, every time you ride it it’s changed. By the way, before you start in either direction, find a gas station and fill your tank, they’re scarce on this road.

For a good rider in a hurry I’d allow a little more than two hours to make the run; longer if you pull over at the wide spots to take in the view and snap a picture. With sticky tires and lots of experience and stamina a rider can do it faster, but you’ll be low on adrenalin at the end of the ride. US-191 be-

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tween Alpine and Clifton – and even south to I-10 - is an early morning low traffic ride any time of the year. On an early June morning this year I saw three cars and two motorcycles, both two-up, en-route north and only one car heading south.

I’d recommend heated gear if you ride before May or after September; the mornings and evenings are cold and there’ll probably be frost on your windscreen when you wake up in the morning. July and August is the height of their “monsoon” season, and I wouldn’t recommend riding it at those times.

It usually doesn’t start to snow seriously in the higher elevations until the middle of October. In a late spring or early fall morning at higher elevations you’re already riding in or above the clouds.

In 2011, careless campers started a fire that burned over 800 square miles of the Bear Wallow Wilderness area, and you’ll still see huge patches of damaged trees along this road. It took some time, but plant and wildlife are returning, and I saw mountain sheep, elk, and deer just off the road on my early June ride this year.

Be sure to stop at Morenci, near Clifton, Arizona. The Freeport McMoRan Copper & Gold mining company has created a large pull-off area and you’ll see one of the largest copper producing surface mines in the world. It contributes about 15% of the total world copper production. It’s worth stopping

BACKROADS • MARCH 2015

at the pull-off and snapping a picture, particularly with a wide-angle lens.

No matter where you’re going, for motorcyclists it’s always the ride, but sometimes it can be more than just the road that makes a journey memorable.

In Alpine, The Bear Wallow Café is a lucky bonus. For those of you who remember or heard about a time before interstates when there were lots of roadside and rural cafés and the décor was strictly local trappings, I recommend having a meal at the Bear Wallow Café in Alpine.

As soon as you walk in the door, you’re stepping into a time in the past.

Breakfast is my favorite meal there; the food is good and plentiful, but it’s

the 11 varieties of pies, as good as those they say grandma used to make, that make me look forward to a Bear Wallow visit. You’ll meet local people who are glad to talk about where you’re from and where you’re going; if you can’t get into a friendly conversation in The Bear Wallow Café, you must be avoiding it on purpose. While you wait for your food to be served, meander about the place and check out the pictures and critters that populate The Bear Wallow’s walls; it’s like a small museum out of time and in the right place. Prepare to relax awhile; The Bear Wallow isn’t a fast food restaurant.

We who ride on two wheels know that there aren’t words to tell non-riders about the feeling; it’s like trying to tell someone who’s never had any what chocolate tastes like. It’s one of those things that must be discovered in person; vicarious doesn’t work. Every rider experiences and feels a ride in his or her own way, and for different reasons. There are no standardized thrills on a motorcycle; each of us is a different rider and we’re tuned into our own perspectives. That’s what makes telling non-riders about the thrill of a ride so difficult, and why we gravitate to motorcycle organiza-

Page 33

tions and clubs and read magazines like Backroads.

As I said, you have to experience something to really feel it, and I also believe that you have to share an experience to really enjoy it. So, let me recommend that one of these days when you feel like taking some motorcycle time for a great experience, try US-191- and some of the neighboring roads - and while you’re there try the Bear Wallow Café. There are several motels in or near Alpine. I’ve stayed at The Sportsman’s Lodge and The Mountain Hi Lodge at different times and both were reasonably priced and comfortable.

I know, like me, you’ll look forward to going back and doing it again.

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MARCH 2015 • BACKROADS

PRODUCT REVIEW

FALSTAFF JACKET FROM AEROSTICH

Last year Aerostich came east and set up shop in Edgewater, New Jersey right on the west bank of the Hudson River.

I have had an Aerostich Roadcrafter suit for more than a decade now (same one & still excellent) and I spend a good amount of time scouring their new catalogs when they arrive at the office for things new, cool and useful that they have added to one of the best rider’s catalogs out there.

So, when they arrived in New Jersey we made sure to stop by.

Along with all the suits you might see more often than not (Roadcrafter & Darien) they had a rack of Aerostich’s Falstaff Jackets.

I have always considered myself a function over form sort of rider.

For the most part I don’t need flash when I can have something that simply works plain and simple.

But, as Shira checked out different sizes on the Roadcrafter aisle, I was silently drawn to a dark green Falstaff jacket.

Unlike Aerostich’s other gear the Falstaff is not created from 500 Denier Cordura, rather it is created from traditional 100% English waxed cotton.

Think of it as a British Darien jacket from the 60s.

The color, cut and comfortable looking soft plaid cotton lining had my inner-hipster and latent fox hunter going into over drive.

By Jove, this was a sharp looking jacket.

I made note of the size that fit me the best – I think I was really a 45, but a 46 would fit well with room for a fleece underneath during the cooler weather. The jacket is also available in brown, orange, black and yellow.

Unfortunately things over the next season kept me busy from ordering the Falstaff, which at $577 American is not inexpensive, but as the winter rolled in I was scouring through Mr. Goldfine’s latest catalog and once again the Falstaff caught my attention and fancy.

Soon a green Aerostich waxed-cotton ¾ length Falstaff was on its way from Minnesota.

Yes, it is a jacket designed for riding, preferably something British and in the rain, but it also is a simply stylish and practical jacket for all inclement weather – like the storms of late January and February of this year in the northeast.

It is a substantial garment. Not overly heavy, but certainly not a lightweight piece of riding gear by any means. It comes with Aerostich’s outstanding T3 memory-foam padding at the shoulders, elbows and forearms and, at this time, the optional back protector comes with the Falstaff as well.

Although I think the Falstaff might not be as crashworthy as some of Aerostich’s other riding gear; the T3 at all the prime contact points still leaves this a formidable and well armored riding jacket.

Perfect for a post Manchester United football game tavern crawling and hooliganism.

Also on the riding front the jacket has ample arm and rear ventilation allowing for a cooling air circulation during the warmer months.

A soft fleece collar surrounds the neck and snaps down to keep it in place.

BACKROADS • MARCH 2015

CYCLE SIDEBAR

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HAUNTED HISTORY TRAILS OF NEW YORK STATE • EXPLORE THE OTHER SIDE

What will scare you the most? Spending the night in a haunted castle? An unexpected voice or touch when no one is there? Touring a cemetery as shadows waver in the torchlight? New York State is not just a place to play — it’s a place that can play to your fears and make you believe in ghosts.

The trail offers serious ghost hunting locations that cater to investigative teams, as well as seasonal ghostly-themed events for the paranormal-curious. Muster your courage if you want to participate — alone or with friends.

Question reality by daring yourself to visit some of New York State’s most interesting places. Just remember that here, there really IS something lurking in the cemetery, the forest, and the closet.

Was that a slight breeze across your arm, or did some ethereal being brush against you? Explore the trail to hear New York’s bone chilling history and meet ghosts from the past.

New York State is now offering both a website and brochure on the scariest, oddest and just strangest places in the Empire State.

The brochure is an interesting read with a large fold-out map and details on each creepy place and location listed. The website - hauntedhistorytrail.com - is brilliant and well worth exploring all season long but especially later this year when Halloween rolls around.

O’Life out!

As with most Aerostich gear, the Falstaff has ample pockets and stowage throughout. Up front there are two large and zippered pockets – the left one having an additional small Velcro’d pocket behind it complete with lime green carabiner for keys - two hand warmer pockets and a small cargo pocket on the right sleeve – ala’ Roadcrafter.

The liner has both side (right) and top (left) opening pockets Inside there is a large pocket as well.

This jacket is very adaptable with Velcro-adjustable straps at the arms and the waist, for custom fitting. The Falstaff carries a large retro-reflective stripe across the back, along with two on the bottom and across the left breast for nighttime conspicuity. You will find two long Velcro attachment points on the left arm for use with Aerostich’s sleeve window pocket and handy way to carry maps, documents and other items.

Riding in the rain is where the Falstaff really shines, as water seems to bounce off of it. It is a most excellent foulweather jacket.

All good gear needs periodic maintenance and the Falstaff, reflecting its older heritage needs the occasional looking after as well – but that is easy enough to do.

What Aerostich offers here is not your everyday riding gear but something different, sturdy, stylish, protective, very water-proof with enough nostalgia that even T.E. Lawrence would look comfortable riding in.

I can see this becoming my day-to-day jacket during the cooler and wetter months – on and off the motorcycles.

Log onto aerostich.com to see various options, colors and sizes and to order their latest catalog.

If you need me I will be taking Rex, my Baskerville Hound, out for a walk on the moors. Cheerio. ~ Brian Rathjen

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MARCH 2015 • BACKROADS

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHTS THE KERMIT TABLE Whether making coffee in the morning or refreshments in the evening, a table is an essential piece of equipment to have while camping. The Kermit Table sets up fast when you need it, and it just as easily disassembles and rolls up when you are ready to go. Designed specifically to match the height of the arm of the Kermit Chair, the Kermit Table is the perfect companion piece for the Chair.

Handcrafted in Tennessee using white oak. When assembled: 12.5” tall with 12”x14” tabletop.

Packed in bag: 15”long x 5” diameter. Weight: 3.0 lbs. Price: $75. Log onto www.kermitchair.com

CONTINENTAL TKC 70 TIRES The hard truth is that many ADV bikes and riders never see the bad side of the mountain, although there are some riders who understand that 90% of the world’s roads are unpaved. For you riders we have a bit of a rubber upgrade for you.

Adding a more aggressive tire to your large displacement adventure bike can make a great deal of difference in its gravel and off-road handling and for those of you looking for an ADV tire with a bit more cajones, take a look at Continental’s new TKC 70 tires.

For years now Continental’s TKC 80 was the street knobby 50/50 tire (Street/Dirt) of choice for dirt rides looking for a more dirt-worthy rubber.

Now Continental has brought the TKC 70 to the game.

The TKC 70 tires use a zero-degree, steel-belted radial construction (compared to a bias-ply) and is created with a temperature-controlled curing process that allows for harder more durable center tread and softer shoulder sections from a single rubber compound add in the new aggressive mud and dirt shedding tire pattern and you have a set of tires that offer a good 70/30 design.

Using techniques from their Conti TrailAttack tires (90/10) they have also increased the TKC 70’s road life.

From a riding point of view this gives you a far more tractable ride on the roughest fire road or two track, great on-road performance in a variety of weather conditions and far more miles over their previous TKC 80 – a tire that you could burn through quickly on regular pavement.

Look for a full on ride review later this year. See them for yourself at www.continentaltire.com

MACHINEARTMOTO X-HEAD_LC CYLINDER GUARDS NOW AVAILABLE MachineartMoto, designers of specialized products for BMW motorcycles, announces X-Head_LC cylinder guards for the R-series liquid cooled models. X-Head_LC are designed to integrate with the styling of new R-bikes and are the choice of riders who do not like the look of crash bars on street bikes.

X-Head_LC cylinder guards are designed to cover 80% of the face of the head to protect, not only the bottom/front initial impact area in a drop, but also the upper part of the cylinder head. Even in a stationary drop, inertia will cause a bike to roll onto the upper face of the head before it settles down.

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BACKROADS • MARCH 2015

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The X-Head_LC design benefits from “SuperTough” nylon technology successfully proven in use with the X-Head DOHC and SOHC models also in the product line. With its blend of high impact strength, temperature and UV stabilization, the injection molded shell is designed to be slightly ductile in impact to prevent breakage. On the inside of the shell is a thick thermoplastic rubber heat resistant liner that rests against the face of the cylinder to aid in dissipating impact force while preventing hard contact. Each side mounts via 2 stainless steel M5 T25 Torx Head fasteners and one existing T50 bolt.

X-Head_LC cylinder guards are available for the new R1200R, R1200RS, R1200RT, R1200GS and ADV liquid cooled models for $189.00 00.

Get yours from www.machineartmoto.com and authorized dealers.

MUSTANG’S TRIFECTA DELUXE TOURING SEATS FOR TRIKES TAKE FLIGHT Mustang Seats has announced the launch of a trio of touring seats. The new Deluxe Touring Seat fits the Tri Glide® Ultra Classic and Street Glide Trikes, as well as all the two-wheeled FL Touring models from 2008-15. “The more time in the saddle, the more you really need to discover what a difference comfort makes,” says Marketing Director Marilyn Simmons.

“Get the most comfort and style out of your Tri Glide® Ultra Classic and Street Glide Trike with our Trike Deluxe Touring seat,” says Simmons. Engineered specifically for all-day comfort, the 19” wide front seat sets the rider back 1.75” compared to the stock seat. It also angles the body for long-distance comfort.

Of course long distance touring is more fun two-up, so the engineering team focused on the passenger seat to make sure it measures up to Mustang’s high-flying standards. The 14” wide rear seat provides support across its full width and keeps the passenger firmly in the comfort zone. Now both pilot and passenger will be happy to spend more time in the saddle, suggests Simmons.

“We have to earn our wings with every rider on every ride, so we styled this seat along the lines of state-of-the-art automotive interior designs,” she adds. “The seat features exquisite stitching detail and a front bucket drain for rainy days.” The receiver for the optional, removable driver backrest is built into the baseplate.

Note: this seat will not work with Mustang or Harley® frame-mounted backrest kits. “We have to earn our wings with every rider on every ride.”

Although it was expressly designed to fit the 2009-15 Tri Glide® Ultra Classic and 2010-2011 Street Glide Trike, Mustang’s Trike Deluxe Touring seat will also fit and nicely complement all other 2008-up FL Touring models. Prices vary and range up to $860.

Log onto mustangseats.com for more info.

FLYING TIGER MOTORCYCLES TWO STROKE SMOKE CANDLE Researchers have found that your sense of smell and your memory are more directly related than most think. In fact an aroma from the past can bring a rush of both memories and emotions.

Grandma’s home. A trip to the shore. Cookies fresh out of the oven. That body you and your friends found in the woods…(sorry, too much Stephen King). The first time you smelled a finely tuned Kawasaki H2 or Yamaha TZ-750; that distinct scent spilling out in that soft blue cloud of horsepower perfume. Ahhh….

Flying Tiger Moto is offering something to delight your senses.

The one and only original super awesome custom blended 2 stroke smoke candle. It’s made with real live Klotz 2 stroke oil with high-octane fragrance. Flying Tiger Moto has reformulated the candle and are using metal cans with retro-style label - the wood wick and 16 oz of wonderful 2-strokey soy wax will burn a long time and that will give your romantic nights the extra kick-start they need. You can get yours at www.flyingtigermoto.com for $20.

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MARCH 2015 • BACKROADS

INDUSTRY INFOBITES

News from the Inside

BRINGING SOME HEAT TO A SNOWY DAY With the first couple storms of 2015 hitting the tri-state area, the winter season seems to have finally materialized as the roads are awash with salt and snow banks litter the landscape. Despite the snow and the freezing rain, things were heating up Saturday, Jan. 31 inside the Cross Country Cycles/Powersports building where Michael Ornstein (Chucky from Sons of Anarchy) was helping host a chili cook-off as well as signing autographs and chatting with fans.

Entrants for this heart-warming cook-off included Rashmika and Stu Segal, Mary Fried, Dan Notte, Brett Praskach and Djeams Muse, from the Latin American Motorcycle Assoc., who had the winning chili.

TEACH N TOUR Adventure Riders International, in conjunction with Kitzhof Inn located at the entry to the Green Mountain National Forest in beautiful southwestern Vermont, is very excited to offer three opportunities to come and hone the art of off-road motorcycling with two-time national champion and renowned motorcycle instructor Lorne Banks and the ARI crew.

Enjoy 3 days experiencing the breathtaking scenery, wildlife and Vermont hospitality while navigating the groomed trails and gravel roads of southwestern Vermont. The Teach N Tour curriculum was developed by Lorne and takes you out of a contained riding area and puts you in real world situations with 8 to 12 of your new best friends, all the while learning proper riding techniques.

You will be treated to all-inclusive lodging and meals provided by Kitzhof Inn owner Simon Ferris as well as top tier local restaurants. Special attention is made to ensure you experience fresh, local cuisine and relaxing dining at the end of a fun day of riding. A hot tub and pool is provided to relax those muscles and get you ready for another fun day of riding and new adventures.

Teach N Tour Dates: May 21-24 2015 • July 9-12 2015 • Sept 24-27 2015 3 - Day Kitzhof Inn Teach N Tour $1495.00 all inclusive Find out more or register online at www.adventureridersinternational.com

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BACKROADS • MARCH 2015

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NEW SELF-GUIDED TOURS FROM GSMMOTORENT GSMmotoRent, a recognized expert in motorcycle rentals and tours throughout the Smokey Mountains, offers two new self-guided tour packages available for the 2015 season. The Blue Ridge 500, 3 day, 3 night, and the Blue Ridge 700, 6 day, 6 night, are self-guided tours that include all lodging, motorcycle rental, and GPS guidance with easy to follow routes in one package. These tours have been designed to make the most out of each day’s ride and include “Points of Interest” along the way as well as “Adventure Detours.” optional short excursions on forest roads that link back up with the main route if you feel like getting dirty. All lodging was chosen so that restau-

rants, shopping, and nightlife are within easy walking distance to your room every evening. According to owner Dan Dickie, “What we have found in the M/C rental business is that the bike is half of the equation, where to ride to get the most out of your vacation is the other. We have listened to our customers, and that combined with our years of traveling these areas has allowed us to put together what we believe, are the best balance of riding, things to see, and lodging for each tour.”

Fly and ride • Airport P/U and return to the Knoxville, TN airport is included in all tours. With a wide range of bikes available from BMW, Triumph, Kawasaki, Suzuki, and KTM plan on riding through the mountains on the steed of your choice. Let GSMmotoRent do all the planning, with prices starting at just $699 for the Blue Ridge 500, plan on booking your next adventure soon.

More info on these and other tours can be found on their website at www.gsmmotorent.com

MARKETPLACE EVENTS ANNOUNCES CONSUMER MOTORCYCLE SHOW SERIES LAUNCH FOR 2016 The Marketplace Events (MPE) Motorcycle Group, producers of the highly acclaimed American International Motorcycle Expo (AIMExpo) – one of North America’s fastest-growing trade shows – announced its plans today to produce a new series of events directed at motorcycle and powersports consumers. The shows will be timed to promote 2016 model year products. Locations and dates are to be announced soon.

“Since our earliest research on the viability of the AIMExpo launch (a combined trade/consumer platform new to North America), we’ve been continually asked by key industry players when we would produce a series of consumer-only events,” said Mike Webster, President of MPE’s Motorcycle Group. “Their message has been clear and consistent: the market is underserved from a consumer show perspective. Industry marketers are looking for a more responsive and engaging platform – something welcoming to traditionalists and attractive to new riders. We have no doubt the experiential elements we’re planning will excite all members of our community.”

Webster said the phenomenal success of AIMExpo (entering its third year) makes the timing perfect for the consumer show series.

Additional details on the consumer motorcycle show series will be announced in the coming months.

BIPARTISAN SENATE BILL WOULD BAN FEDERAL FUNDING FOR MOTORCYCLE-ONLY CHECKPOINTS A bipartisan bill introduced by U.S. Sens. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), Kelly Ayotte (R-N.H.), Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) and Susan

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MARCH 2015 • BACKROADS Collins (R-Maine) would prohibit the use of federal funds in establishing motorcycle-only checkpoints.

Specifically, the “Stop Motorcycle Checkpoint Funding Act” would restrict the Secretary of Transportation from granting funds to any government entity for a program to check helmet use or to create checkpoints for an operator of a motorcycle or a passenger on a motorcycle.

Motorcycle riders already are subject to state registration, inspection, licensing and helmet laws and must stop at sobriety check points like all other motorists.

“Evidence suggests that motorcycle-only checkpoints do not effectively reduce motorcycle injuries or fatalities and do not address the factors that are the main contributors to motorcycle accidents,” the senators wrote in a press release about the bill. “Accordingly, NHTSA does not list the practice in its own 2013 Highway Safety Countermeasure Guide for State Highway Offices, which details policies and activities that the agency considers effective at reducing crash injuries and fatalities.”

States use funding from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to pay for the checkpoints, so federal legislation can halt the practice.

If passed, this federal bill will cut off NHTSA funding and ensure that riders across the country are safeguarded from these ineffective and discriminatory stops.

California, Louisiana, Missouri, North Carolina, Illinois, New Hampshire and Virginia have passed legislation curbing motorcycle-only checkpoints.

HARLEY RULES STURGIS FOR THE NEXT 75 YEARS? Harley-Davidson and the City of Sturgis, S.D., are setting their sights on the future – far into the future. In the spirit of this year’s 75th Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, the company and city officials are finalizing an agreement covering the next 75 years making Harley-Davidson the official motorcycle of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally and Creates Year-Round Main Street Plaza For Riders in Sturgis, S.D. Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.

As part of the agreement, a permanent plaza will be built on Main Street in Sturgis that will include a stage for events, concerts and even weddings.

The year-round location, which will be completed in time for this year’s 75th rally, will be the official Harley-Davidson destination for riders and fans alike.

Baked into the bricks to ensure the new multi-purpose space builds on the legacy of the brand and is pure Harley-Davidson, the plaza will integrate bricks from the company’s Milwaukee headquarters, a building that once housed the company’s factory dating back more than 100 years.

Whether riders are trapped inside for the winter or riding south toward warmer weather, now is the perfect time to plan a trip to the 75th Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. The party starts Aug. 1, 2015, and for those who’ve had Sturgis on a bucket list, this might just be the year to attend. For inspiration and pictures from the 2014 rally, visit www.h-d.com/sturgis.

BACKROADS • MARCH 2015

VICTORY MOTORCYCLES TO CREATE NHRA PRO STOCK FACTORY EFFORT Victory Motorcycles is taking a bold step into the performance world of NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle Drag Racing with the creation of Victory Factory Racing. Leading the Victory effort will be the riding team of 2-time world Champion Matt Smith and his wife/co-rider Angie. They have both demonstrated the professionalism, dedication and success that assures Victory a partnership in keeping with the commitment to excellence that is a fundamental part of its DNA. Victory intends to compete at the pinnacle of the sport and anticipates a strong and professional effort with the skills and experience of Matt and Angie Smith. “Victory is excited to enter the world of NHRA Pro Stock Drag Racing.” said Steve Menneto, VP Motorcycles for Polaris. “It is Victory’s intent to continue to test ourselves at the highest levels and the Victory Factory Racing Team is the perfect opportunity for us.

Both Matt and Angie are fan-friendly and enjoy sharing their experiences with their fans and increasing the enthusiasm for this exciting form of motorcycle racing. As Victory ambassadors, they will bring even more energy to our owners and strengthen their sense of pride while riding their Victory motorcycles to the races.

The NHRA Pro Stock season opens on March 13th at the Gatornationals in Gainesville, FL. Join Victory Factory Racing at the dragstrip for some high-speed racing that will make your head spin!

POLARIS INDUSTRIES INC. ANNOUNCES EXPANSION OF MANUFACTURING OPERATIONS IN HUNTSVILLE, ALABAMA Polaris selected Huntsville due to its skilled workforce, history of technology and innovation, existing utility infrastructure, and strong local and state resources supporting economic development. The 453-acre Huntsville site offers Polaris close proximity to its key customer base in the Southeast U.S. and strong logistics network.

“This new facility will complement our already strong and growing North American manufacturing footprint by reducing pressure on our existing facilities and enable each to remain focused on their current product lines as we continue to meet the demand for our innovative, quality products.” said Ken Pucel, Executive Vice President of Operations, Engineering, and Lean, Polaris Industries Inc. “We are grateful to the city of Huntsville and the state of Alabama for their support as we invest in our shared future.”

Located southwest of Huntsville City Center, the 600,000 square-foot facility will focus on off-road vehicle production. Equipped with state-of-theart technologies, the plant will support several core processes including, vehicle assembly, chassis and body painting, welding, fabrication and injection molding. At full capacity, the site will employ at least 1,700 people.

Now it’s our time to support them To volunteer or donate please call or visit:

516-717-1364 • www.ncff-oww.com

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MARCH 2015 • BACKROADS

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

Solo versus Group Riding Although traveling with a small group or riding partner is always a great idea, the feeling of striking out on your own has its special allure.

Traveling solo has its ups and downs, its own positives and negatives.

Truth is when you ride into town with a large group most locals do their best to look the other way and tend not to interact with the riders. When more than one rider take a number of spots outside a diner or on Main Street, USA this is almost always the reaction.

Unfortunately a bad combination of human nature and Hollywood imagery has painted a less than stellar portrait of us in the eyes of John Q. Public.

This is not always the case, but happens more often than not.

Still, when a solo rider (male or female) pulls up and dismounts, the reaction usually is a bit different and, happily, a bit more welcoming.

People typically see the lone rider as less threatening and the idea of one rider out on a motorcycle is a bit adventurous and interesting. You usually will get more conversations going solo than with a group.

Also know that couples will typically get a friendlier reception than larger groups for almost the very same reason.

Riding couples, both on their own machines, compared to two guys, are still perceived in almost the same manner as solo riders.

Folks always seem to be far more friendly, from my perspective, yours might be different – when I ride into town by myself or with Shira.

Once we add in another male rider or a few more machines the town folk tend to be less sociable.

Said townsfolk are not going for the pitchforks and torches, but they aren’t coming up smiling and chatting us up either.

Sure, there is always going to be that one old guy that rode Indians back

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

Check our website for available dates

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

Gift certificates available • Course Fee is $150.00

BACKROADS • MARCH 2015

Page 43

before the Big One. They seem to be everywhere; or maybe that is always the same guy and he is much quicker than we thought?

But the difference in the way we are treated on the road riding solo is surprisingly civil.

Maybe this stems back to our own DNA and the fact that the lone trader coming to town was far less threatening than the Mongol hordes.

Although it is always a plus for you to be polite and easy going when arriving to a new place, town or hotel it’s even more so when on a motorcycle.

When dealing with authorities many times solo or couples can have an easier time than a larger group.

Case in point was one time when we were crossing the border in Eastern Europe. We were about an hour ahead of the rest of our friends and ran into a bit of a problem.

One thing that I learned many years ago was to smile. Always smile and talk calmly, even when you are being asked why two motorcyclists are crossing into their nation with USA passports, German motorcycles and questionable (in their minds) paperwork.

In short time, the couple in question (us) were viewed as not much of a threat.

An hour later our far larger group of friends spent a far longer time explaining who they were and where they were going.

We were looked at as easy going adventurers. They were the barbarians at the gates.

In the past we have heard of many great stories of kindness and benevolence offered to solo riders on tour, here in the United States and around the planet.

Even off the bike this can happen to lone travelers; like my friend Mike who missed his flight (the bar by the gate - always go to the one by the gate, I tell ya) and found himself in South Africa with a night to pass by himself.

He ended up enjoying the kindness of his African taxi cab driver and spent the night as a guest in their home with the driver’s family and friends.

It was a highlight of the entire journey and a memory he’ll never forget.

This would never have happened were there two stranded travelers and not he, by himself.

One the other hand riding with a number of others offers a comfortable group mentality and the knowledge that if anything odd, stupid or drastic happens you have somebody along for the ride – good or bad.

There are pros and cons for both and next month we’ll look at a few things that you must have if touring by yourself. ~ Brian Rathjen

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT •

BLAZE SAFETY VEST

See and be seen – we have all heard this mantra. Being visible while riding is key to arriving home safely.

Some riders have no desire to wear brightly colored and high-viz gear, sticking with the more sedate and unnoticeable black leather.

How about something that gives you conspicuity on the road and easily comes off and stows into itself when you arrive?

This handy travel companion takes the classification of hi-viz safety vest to a whole new level by combining enhanced visibility with rider specific function and fit. Designed to military specifications with authentic 3M Scotchlite® reflective panels. Cut-in rugged rip-stop nylon with ballistic airflow mesh panels, it offers maximum cooling and packs away easily via a hidden storage pocket located inside the front torso zipper. Safely stowing extra gear is no problem as this self-storage feature also functions as an oversized storage pocket as well. The vest simply folds into itself and then can be stowed in a tank or saddlebag.

Engineered to be worn over any motorcycle jacket, a custom fit can be achieved by utilizing adjuster straps located at the side body and waist panel. A see through ID chest pocket plus six oversized 3M Scotchlite® panels and full back retro reflective detailing qualify this vest for use by US military personnel. The Blaze Safety Vest is available in Neon Yellow and Neon Orange for $79.99 from Olympia Motorsports dealers or at www.olympiamotorsports.com.

First Class Postage $40 • One Year - 12 issues Securely mailed in an envelope • Credit Cards gladly accepted Please visit our website for credit card subscriptions www.backroadsusa.com/subscription.html Safely and securely handled through PayPal NAME ____________________________________________________

SUBSCRIPTION FORM

ADDRESS ________________________________________________

Get BACKROADS delivered to your home EVERY MONTH! Just fill out the simple form and mail it CITY/STATE/ZIP ____________________________________________ along with your check (gotta pay the Postman): Don’t Miss an Issue! Mail your Subscription TODAY! BACKROADS • POB 317 • BRANCHVILLE NJ 07826

Page 44

MARCH 2015 • BACKROADS

U PCOM IN G EVENTS C ALENDAR

What’s Happening

FEBRUARY 2015

APRIL 2015

27 • Premiere viewing of the Idaho Backcountry Discovery Route Movie at Cross Country Cycle. The IDBDR is the fifth route developed by the Backcountry Discovery Routes organization for dual-sport and adventure motorcycle travel. The IDBDR is a south-tonorth route across the state of Idaho covering over 1,400 miles of mostly non-paved track. Cross Country Cycle • 911 Middlesex Ave, Metuchen, NJ • 732-906-9292 • www.CrossCountryCycle.net

1 thru May 31 • Bob's BMW Motorcycles Ride the Road to Arts. Scavenger Hunt for riders to visit all 12 art sculptures put up by Howard County Art Council, take selfies and submit for chances to win prizes. 10720 Guilford Rd, Jessup, MD • 301-497-8949 • www.bobsbmw.com

MARCH 2015 6-15 • Daytona Bike Week, FL • www.daytonachamber.com/bikeweek/ce/ 6-7 • Fifth Annual Modern Classics Motorcycle Show • An invitational indoor show featuring 100 classic motorcycles from the 1960's, 70s, and 80s. This year highlighting period correct custom bikes as well as the usual selection of classics from the era. For 2015 The Modern Classics has expanded to two days. Friday evening, March 6, enjoy cycles, art, and refreshments at the Modern Classics "Kickstart" Party and Show Preview from 7PM until 10PM (advance ticket purchases only.) and then the usual "museum for a day" Saturday March 7 from 9 AM until 5PM at Martin Motorsports, Boyertown, PA. www.modernclassicsbikeshow.com or call Martin Moto for more information 610369-3120

9-12 • Horizons Unlimited Travellers meeting, Appomattox, VA. Have you ever wondered about riding your motorcycle to far-away lands? If you dream those kinds of dreams, this is the event for you! Overland travelers and those who aspire to do so will gather for a weekend of fun, information and friendship at the Holiday Lake 4-H Camp near Appomattox, VA. Along with seminars and presentations, the weekend also marks the 150th anniversary of the end of the Civil War at nearby Appomattox Courthouse.

Find complete information @ www.horizonsunlimited.com/events/virginia-2015 16 • Twisted Throttle Tech Night with Ken Condon - Track Day Prep. 570 Nooseneck Hill Rd, Exeter, RI • www.TwistedThrottle.com 18 • Morton’s BMW Motorcycles Spring Open House. 9a-4p. Demo rides on new models, door prizes, food, music, vendors, great deals. More info at www.mortonsbmw.com • 540-891-9844 • 5099A Jefferson Davis Hwy, Fredericksburg, VA

14 • St. Patrick’s Day Party at McLiberty Harley-Davidson. Free corned beef & cabbage served noon to 2pm or while supplies last. Liberty Harley-Davidson, 12 W. Milton Ave, Rahway, NJ • 732-381-2400 • www.libertyharley.com

25 • Motorcyclepedia Museum Speaker Series: Women in Motorcycling with Cheryl Stewart. Start: 3pm • Free with admission to museum. A lot has changed for women in motorcycling; from being far more visible and respected as riders to having many options for customizing our bikes and high quality riding gear sized to fit us. BUT, there are a few things that women often must approach differently when it comes to motorcycling. 250 Lake St, Newburgh, NY • 845-569-9065 • www.motorcyclepediamuseum.org

14 • Motorcyclepedia Museum Speaker Series: Basic Motorcycle Maintenance with Armen Amirian. Start: 3PM • Free with admission to museum. This presentation will take you through basic maintenance of your motorcycle from one end to the other. A once over on what needs maintenance and the skill level, tools and frequency required.

250 Lake St, Newburgh, NY • 845-569-9065 • www.motorcyclepediamuseum.org

14-17 • Concours Owners Group Northeast Spring Fling, Bedford, PA. Excellent hub location with great surrounding area riding in Central PA, Western MD and northern WV. Rally fee (discounted for COG members) includes Saturday meal. Register online @ tinyurl.com/COGSpringFling2015 • Jason: 814-615-9138

12 • Twisted Throttle Tech Night with Rick Muhr. 570 Nooseneck Hill Rd, Exeter, RI • www.TwistedThrottle.com

21 • Bob's BMW Motorcycles Seminar: Rider Tune Up Seminar. Novices to veterans can benefit from this seminar. Speak with Rider Insurance on ways to be fully covered and save. Learn about T-CLOC from a certified technician. Hear from an MSF instructor about the importance of training and available classes out there. 10720 Guilford Rd, Jessup, MD • 301-497-8949 • www.bobsbmw.com 21 • Motorcyclepedia Museum Speaker Series: Making the Most of your GPS with Paul Donoghue. Start: 3PM • Free with admission to museum. Learn basic route planning, how to build your own route or successfully import a route, the importance of settings, and pick up some tips and tricks. The presentation is focused on Garmin GPS and BaseCamp routing software, but has applicability to other brands of GPS. 250 Lake St, Newburgh, NY • 845-569-9065 • www.motorcyclepediamuseum.org

MAY 2015

15-17 • Morton’s BMW Spring Fling Rally, Natural Bridge, VA. Find your way to the Shenandoah Valley for the 5th annual Spring Fling, courtesy of Morton’s BMW. Centered at the newly renovated Natural Bridge Hotel, enjoy great riding, informative seminars and presentations, good food, a catered Saturday dinner buffet, an optional Friday evening Brats & Brews dinner and more. Registration is $50 until May 1, $60 after that date. More information @ www.mortonsbmw.com • 540-891-9844 16-17 • New Sweden BMW Riders’ New Sweden 450. 450 miles of amazing roads, a night of camping, a hearty dinner and breakfast, all for under $60. Finishing patches available. Sign in: Cycle Gear, 2070 Rte. 70 East, Cherry Hill, NJ 8:30-10am • Endsite: Pic-a-Lilli Inn, 866 Rte. 206, Shamong, NJ. $50 pre-reg • $60 day of event. For more info please visit www.nsbmwr.com

BACKROADS • MARCH 2015

Page 45

U PCOM IN G EVENTS C ALENDAR 17 • SAVE THE DATE • Bergen County Harley-Davidson Freedom Run Festival. Enjoy a great run then sit back and enjoy a day filled with vendors, great food, tons of music and, to top it all off, a ramp to ram jump by Bubba Blackwell. Watch website for more details • www.bergenharley.com 28-31 • Backroads Spring Break 2015. Three (or four) day road trip heading north (or south if you live in Canada). 1st night: Yankee Inn, Lenox, MA • nights 2 + 3: Golden Arrow Resort, Lake Placid, NY • night 4: somewhere in the Catskills (call/email Backroads for details). Full info: www.backroadsusa.com/rallies.html. As always, gathering is free, just pay your own way and have a great time. Questions? editor@backroadsusa.com • 973-948-4176 30 • Twisted Throttle Annual Open House. Biggest Event Ever. FREE stunt shows, trials exhibitio, live bands, seminars, adventure training demo, dozens of vendors and prizes.

Watch website for more details • www.TwistedThrottle.com • 570 Nooseneck Hill Rd, Exeter, RI

JUNE 2015 1-6 • Americade, world's largest multi-brand motorcycle touring rally, attracting over 100,000 annually. Come for the day or for the week to the "Best Riding Event in the U.S." with the most factory demos, a massive motorcycle expo, lots of incredible motorcycle events and more amazing rides than any other event in the country. Events include guided and unguided rides, poker runs, scavenger hunt, trade show, bike shows, vendors, entertainment, and more • 518-798-7888 • www.americade.com 13-21 • Laconia Motorcycle Week – the original riding rally. All of the attractions that you can imagine, attracting the best custom bike builders and their creations. Events and attractions are going on everywhere, but the place to be at night is Weirs Beach • 603-366-2000 • www.laconiamcweek.com 15-16 • CLASS returns to Virginia International Raceway Monday and Tuesday for a two-day class around one of the nicest facilities in the US. Sign up by March and receive $100 off the weekend fee. For more information please visit www.classrides.com or call 805-933-9936.

20 • Bob's BMW Motorcycles Seminar: Tips for Properly Strapping Down a Motorcycle.11am. 10720 Guilford Rd, Jessup, MD • 301-497-8949 • www.bobsbmw.com 25-28 • Johnstown Thunder in the Valley, Johnstown, PA • 800-237-8590 • www.visitjohnstownpa.com/thunderinthevalley 28 • 7th Annual Baer’s MS Poker Run to benefit Multiple Sclerosis. 2 Sign up locations: Baer’s Sports Center, 330 Grandview Ave, Honesdale, PA or Harmony Lodge #8, 519 Rte. 206, Andover Twshp, NJ • 9a-Noon • $20/pp incl pin or patch. Endsite: Airport Park, Matamoras, PA with raffles, 50/50, food, vendors and live music • Jim/Sophia: 570-686-2917 • www.wrvr.net • Baer 570-253-2000

JULY 2015 18 • Bob's BMW Motorcycles Healthy Riding Seminar: Discuss potential health related issues motorcyclists might encounter such as hypothermia and how to trat/prevent.10720 Guilford Rd, Jessup, MD • 301-497-8949 • www.bobsbmw.com 23-25 • 43rd BMW MOA International Rally, MetraPark, Billings Montana • www.bmwmoa.org 19 • Blue Knights of PA XXVI Fallen Officer Poker Run to benefit the family of Cpl. Bryon Dickson and Tpr. Alex Douglas. Sign up 9a-Noon @ Baer’s Sports Center, 330 Grandview Ave, Honesdale, PA. $20/pp incl. pin or patch. Endsite: Airport Park, Matamoras, PA with raffles, 50/50, food, vendors and live music • Jerry: 914-850-2986 or Jim/Sophia: 570-686-2917

AUGUST 2015 7-8 • 38th Annual Daniel Boone Rally sponsered by the Carolinas BMW Motorcycle Owners Assoc. Great Riding Roads, Hospitality and Comaraderie in cool North Carolina Mountain air. All riders and brands welcome - room for everyone at the KOA campgrounds in Boone, NC. $45 rally fee includes two-nights camping, pin to first 200 attendees, door prizes, Sat. evening BBQ, donuts & coffee sunday morning, 24 hour coffee, tea, hot chocolate, iced tea & lemonade. Also People's Choice Award,selfguided route sheets and GPS downloads (on and off-road), free wi-fi and so much more.

Full details www.carolinasbmwmoa.org or email rally@bmwmoa.org

www.beemerboneyard.com USED OILHEAD & K-BIKE PARTS Hundreds of used parts at 50% off new cost or less Order online 24/7 ~ M/C, Visa, Discover or PayPal 100% money-back guarantee ~ parts ship in 24 hours

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973-775-3495 • M-F 12pm~5pm • inquires@beemerboneyard.com

What’s Happening SEPTEMBER 2015 17-21 • Backroads Fall Foliage 2015. 4-night road trip to Virginia/West Virginia riding heaven. 1st night: George Washington Hotel, Winchester, VA • nights 2 + 3: Isaac Jackson Hotel, Elkins, WV • 4th night: Shippen Place Hotel, Shippensburg, PA. We’ll visit some old and new stops, and bring you on some great twisties. Full info: www.backroadsusa.com/rallies.html. As always, gathering is free, just pay your own way and have a great time. Questions? editor@backroadsusa.com • 973-948-4176 19 • Bob's BMW Motorcycles Oktoberfest & Open House 9A-4P.10720 Guilford Rd, Jessup, MD • 301-497-8949 • www.bobsbmw.com Watch calendar and website for new events.

Follow us on Facebook for up-to-the-minute information: www.facebook.com/pages/Backroads-Motorcycle-Touring-Magazine

POLAR BEAR GRAND TOUR 2014-15 MARCH 2015 1 • FIREHOUSE EATERY, 455 Saint Georges Ave. Rahway, NJ 07065 • 732 382-9500 • www.firehouseeatery.com 8 • LONG VALLEY PUB & BREWERY, 1 Fairmount Rd., Long Valley, NJ 07853 • 908876-1122 • www.restaurantvillageatlongvalley.com 15 • THE CHATTERBOX, #1 Rte 15 South, Augusta, NJ 07822 • 973-300-2300 • www.chatterboxdrivein.com 22 • BRIAN’S HARLEY-DAVIDSON, 600 S. Flowers Mill Rd., Langhorne PA 19047 • 215 752-9400 • www.brianshd.com 29 • THE HICKORY BBQ SMOKEHOUSE, 743 Route 28, Kingston, NY 12401 • 845338-2424 • www.hickoryrestaurant.com

APRIL 2015 12 • CHEEBURGER CHEEBURGER 336 Northampton St., Easton, PA 18042 • 610438-1311 • www.cheeburger.com/pennsylvania 19 • CAPE MAY V.F.W. post #386, N.J. 419 Congress St., Cape May, N.J. 08204 • 609884-7961 25 • END OF THE SEASON GET-TOGETHER - At The Pic-a-Lilli Inn, starting @ 11:30 AM. The rain date would be April 26, 2015; same time. Cost to Members: $6.00 per person. There will be salad, Wings, Beef, rolls, and lemonade, plus a cash bar. You must get an arm band from your flight leader.

Page 46

MARCH 2015 • BACKROADS

MOTORCYCLE MARKETPLACE

ALL THAT GOOD STUFF

250 Lake Street, Newburgh, NY 845-569-9065

Motorcyclepedia Motorcycle Museum Speaker Series Informative and entertaining presentations by noted speakers on all kinds of motorcycle related topics.

All presentations are included free with cost of museum admission.

Start time for all presentations is 3 pm.

March 14 • Basic Motorcycle Maintenance • Armen Amirian This presentation will take you through basic maintenance of your motorcycle from one end to the other. A once over on what needs maintenance and the skill level, tools and frequency required.

Armen Amirian is a metal and mechanical fabricator and has taught motorcycle maintenance for over 35 years. Additionally he is a technical writer, having written for many motorcycle publications and has presented technical seminars nationally at numerous motorcycle rallies.

March 21 • Making the Most of Your GPS • Paul Donoghue Learn basic route planning, how to build your own route or successfully import a route, the importance of settings, and pick up some tips and tricks. The presentation is focused on Garmin GPS and BaseCamp routing software, but has applicability to other brands of GPS. Paul Donoghue has had a passion for discovering the ultimate motorcycle routes for over 39 years, and has been utilizing GPS technology for over 20 years.

April 25 • Women in Motorcycling – Useful Information and Interesting Anecdotes for and About Women Who Ride • Cheryl Stewart Happily a lot has changed for women in motorcycling; from being far more visible and respected as riders to having many options for customizing our bikes to suit us and high quality riding gear sized to fit us. BUT, there are a few things that women often must approach differently when it comes to motorcycling. This will be a fun discussion about the ways we can make it all work better for us.

Cheryl Stewart is a Founding Member of the Sirens Women's MC, NYC (1986), founder of the New York Motorcycle and Scooter Task Force (2009), and currently a track day instructor with Fishtail Riding School. When she’s not riding she works as a professional sculptor/scenic artist in NYC where she lives and rides.

CHECK WEBSITE TO CONFIRM DATES/TIMES

www.motorcyclepediamuseum.org

American • Metric • Sport • Parts & Accessories • Award-winning Service • Performance Work • Dyno Tuning • S&S Pro Tuning Center • Power Commander Tuning Center

JDS CYCLE PARTS EST. 1988

247 W. Westfield Ave, Rosell Park, NJ

908-245-2445

BACKROADS • MARCH 2015

Page 47

MOTORCYCLE MARKETPLACE

ALL THAT GOOD STUFF

Sussex Hills Ltd. Now stocking a full line of heated gear Make your riding season last all year.

973-875-2048 946 Rte. 23 South Sussex NJ 07461

Specializing in Motorcycle Repair, Parts & Supplies • Cycle Tires Mounted & Balanced • Batteries & Hard Parts • Dynojet 250 Dyno available for testing

Norman Gross Since 1976 Our Reputation Speaks for Itself

For All Your Harley-Davidson Needs

3 miles north of Sussex Borough

MOTORCYCLE TRAILERS DAYTONA, BIKETOBERFEST, STURGIS AND BEYOND

BARN TRAILERS

SALES 718-426-7039 • www.barntruckrental.com RENTALS 57-05 BROADWAY • WOODSIDE NY 11377 (OFF THE BQE & LIE)

The Boat House Restaurant Perfect in Any Season Brunch, Lunch or Dinner on Swartswood Lake

Excellent Ride Destination

Tues-Sun 11A-9P Brunch 10A-2P Closed Monday Call for Seasonal Hours

1040 Cty Rd 521 • Swartswood NJ 973-300-0016

Page 48

MARCH 2015 • BACKROADS

MOTORCYCLE MARKETPLACE

ALL THAT GOOD STUFF

lley’s Hudson Va ne Riding Number O t Restauran Barbeque W North 1076 Route 9 mery, NY Fort Montgo

te 9W turesque Rou ic P n o d te ca Lo Perkins Drive minutes from State Park and Harriman Point historic West f o th u so st ju

845-446-0912 rmerbbq.com www.barnsto

Celebrate the Season with some awesome barbeque!

If you go home hungry it’s your own fault

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

O’TOOLE’S HARLEY-DAVIDSON

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Worth the ride from anywhere!

Sharing your passion for good food since 1983 Member of

Factory Trained Service • New Model Sales Genuine Harley-Davidson® Parts and Accessories Conveniently located near the areas of Monticello, Middletown, Ellenville, Montgomery, and Walden

4 Sullivan St • Wurtsboro, NY 845-888-2426 • www.OToolesHD.com

NOW AVAILABLE Barbeque Catering Flexible • Affordable Ready When You Are 320 Front Street, Belvidere, NJ • 908-475-2274 • www.thisilldous.com

Open Daily for Breakfast and Beyond • 7am to 4pm • Sunday 7am to 1pm Try our Full Throttle Breakfast Special every Saturday + Sunday

‘50s-Style Drive-In Restaurant Full and Varied Menu Room for the Whole Gang Cool Nights, Hot Bikes • Two-Wheels or Four, join us at

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

www.chatterboxdrivein.com

2015 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE Perfect Ride for Any Journey

2015 FJ-09 THE MOST VERSATILE SPORT TOURER.

Friday, April 24th 6-7pm Visit with KTM Supercross Racers

2015 1290

+ 390 SUPER DUKE 2015 YZF-R1 COMPLETELY NEW FROM THE TRACK UP.

Unleash the Beasts

Whether it’s enjoying long sport tour adventures or ripping up the track, Yamaha has the bike for you. Come get yours at Hanover Powersports.

ONLY Full Line KTM Dealer in the tri-state area Follow Us on Instagram Follow Us on Instagram

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210 Route 10 West, East Hanover, NJ • 973-428-1735

www.HanoverPowersports.com

210 Route 10 West, East Hanover, NJ • 973-428-1735

Watch Us on YouTube

www.HanoverPowersports.com

Like Us on Facebook

Dress properly for your ride with a helmet, eye protection, long-sleeved shirt, long pants, gloves and boots. Do not drink and ride. It is illegal and dangerous. Yamaha and the Motorcycle Safety Foundation encourage you to ride safely and respect the environment. For further information regarding the MSF course, please call 1-800-446-9227. ©2014 Yamaha Motor Corporation. U.S.A. All rights reserved. • YamahaMotorsports.com

210 Route 10 West • East Hanover, NJ

973-428-1735 www.Powersports.Honda.com Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri: 9am-6pm • Thur: 9am-8pm • Sat: 9am-5pm • SUNDAY: CLOSED - GONE RIDING