May 2014 Backroads

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MAY

2014

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Motorcycles, Travel & Adventure Volume 20 No. 5

Crab Runnin’

SHIRA’S ICE CREAM RUN LOADS OF PRODUCT REVIEWS MONTHLY COLUMNS AND UPCOMING EVENTS TRIUMPH’S THUNDERBIRD COMMANDER AND LT

W H A T ’ S

I N S I D E

MON T HLY COLUM N S FREE WHEELIN’ ...............................................................4

Motorcycles, Travel & Adventure

WHATCHATHINKIN’........................................................5 POSTCARDS FROM THE HEDGE................................6 ON THE MARK.................................................................7

Publishers

Brian Rathjen • Shira Kamil

THROTTLE BLIPS ............................................................8

Contributors

Jeff Bahr, Mark Byers, Bill Heald, Mike Vaughan, Tim Wineland Dr. Seymour O’Life

BACKLASH .....................................................................10 INDUSTRY INFOBITES .................................................12

16

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

Surprises await at the Rutgers Geological Museum

Editorial Office BACKROADS, POB 317 Branchville NJ 07826

BIG CITY GETAWAY......................................................16 GREAT ALL AMERICAN DINER RUN.......................18

phone

973.948.4176

WE’RE OUTTA HERE....................................................20

fax

973.948.0823

UPCOMING EVENTS CALENDAR.............................36 MOTORCYCLE MARKETPLACE .................................42 WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE .....................................46 THOUGHTS FROM THE ROAD .................................50

30

MOTORCYCL E REV IEWS 2014 TRIUMPH THUNDERBIRDS ............................30

Review from an insider on the ‘14 Triumph Thunderbirds

FEAT URES CRAB RUNNIN’ .............................................................22 PLACES TO GO, THINGS TO SEE ............................38

email

editor@backroadsusa.com

online

www.backroadsusa.com

Advertising

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BACKROADS (ISSN 1087-2088) is published monthly by BACKROADS™, Inc. 2014. All rights reserved. BACKROADS™ may not be reproduced in any manner without specific written consent from the publisher. BACKROADS™ welcomes and encourages submissions (text and photos) and suggestions. Include phone number with submissions. BACKROADS™ will only return material with enclosed sufficient postage. The written articles and opinions printed in BACKROADS™ are not necessarily those of the publisher and should not be considered an endorsement. The Rip & Rides® published are ridden on the sole responsibilty of the rider. BACKROADS™ is not responsible for the conditions of the public roadways traversed. Please respect the environment, read your owner’s manual and wear proper protective gear and helmet. Ride within your limits, not over them.

SHIRA’S ICE CREAM RUN..........................................41

PROD UCT REVIEWS/SPOTL IG HTS SPOTLIGHTS/REVIEWS ..............................32, 34, 44 ALTERNATIVE UNIVERSE...........................................33

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MAY 2014 • BACKROADS

Page 4

FREE WHEELIN’ BRIAN RATHJEN

Dirigo Sometimes I will run across some interesting fact or tidbit of information (well, to me anyway) and end up spending a bit of time searching out and exploring some odd, interesting and trivial chunk of knowledge.

Thus was the case after an episode of Jeopardy, where the category revolved around state’s mottos.

That necessitated immediately reaching for the iPad and diving into the deep end of the Google pool.

Many readers might be familiar with some of these state mottos – “Excelsior” (Ever upward) for New York, Alaska’s “North to the future” or “Eureka” (I have found it) for California.

Most mottos are generally positive and upbeat and it is only New Hampshire that gets ominous with their “Live free or die” motto. That was chosen by the state in 1945. The phrase comes from a toast written by General John Stark, New Hampshire’s most famous soldier of the American Revolutionary

War, on July 31, 1809 in a letter to an anniversary reunion of the Battle of Bennington.

For me it is a little on the harsh side and needs a makeover.

New Hampshire might want to follow Sergeant Hulka’s suggestion these days and “lighten up Francis.”

Many of the state mottos are in Latin and the most famous – for all the wrong reasons - is “Sic semper tyrannis” (Thus always to tyrants).

This Latin phrase was screamed by John Wilkes Booth after shooting President Lincoln at Ford’s Theatre.

One of the most interesting comes from Kansas’ “Ad astra per aspera” (To the stars through difficulties). Sounds like NASA’s take on Obama’s budget cuts.

All but two are in either English or Latin; one being Hawaii – come on let’s say this together - Ua Mau Ke Ea O Ka Aina I Ka Pono (The life of the land is perpetuated in righteousness) and the other Washington’s Native American Al-Ki (by and by).

I do think that Colorado and Rhode Island should swap as Colorado’s is “Nil sine Numine” (Nothing without Providence) and Rhode Island is simply “Hope” and there is Mount Hope, Colorado.

What got me into this research was one Jeopardy clue, which simply stated Dirigo; which is Latin for “I lead.”

This one word motto belongs to the state of Maine, but I liked it.

In the flighty perplexity and muddle that is the way my brain operates I thought that would be a snazzy word to use when starting out on a jaunt with a bunch of riding buddies, like they did in Rome.

I can see it now.

A group of six or so meeting up for breakfast in the town of Ciampino, just outside of Rome, with the latest chariots – wondering where to go and what to do. Finally one charioteer steps up and simply says: Dirigo.

I’ll lead.

The rest are happy to follow.

It seems to me that many riding groups always have one or two riders who will always shoulder the responsibility of leading the ride.

With what we do here at Backroads, on many of our own rides and daytrips, I almost always find myself up front, a position that, after all these years, I have grown accustomed to and am comfortable with.

But, leading a group does have its own responsibility and a few rules and some common sense (my one faux pas).

Here are a few things that pop into the middle of my muddle on this subject. * Unless you are just winging a ride or it is a ‘Mystery Ride’, know where you are going and make sure your friends do too. * If you have the chance to share a pre-planned GPS route do so. I know if I am in the back I always like to know what is coming up next. * Try to convince one rider to ride in the back as a Tail Gunner. That way when you look in your mirror and see your TG back there you know all is well and your group is together. * Keep a good and smart pace. You are not racing, but you are not in a parade either. If your group has a novice or slower rider let them ride their own pace at the back and discourage them from trying to keep up if things get quick. That is always a recipe for disaster.

The Tail Gunner might have to take it on the chin on this one and turn his or her pace down as well. (Maybe their lunch should be on the rest of the group) Continued on page 11

BACKROADS • MAY 2014

W H ATC H AT H I N K I N ’ SHIRA KAMIL

rites, anD riDes, of spring It’s a strange feeling. I’ve been riding for years; fewer than most but more than some.

But when Mother Nature releases her icy grip and let’s loose the warmth and blooms, I anticipate the rumblings that will soon come. Yes, this can pertain to the rolling out of the two wheels from their hibernation, but I’m referring to the feeling in the pit of my stomach.

If I’ve been off the bike for a long period of time, no matter how many revolutions of the sun have gone by, I still get a certain anticipation and nervousness about the first time I throw my leg over the saddle for that initial ride of the year. As has been mentioned numerous times in these pages, the mechanical checks have been taken care of, the gear has been gone over and the cobwebs have been vanquished.

All but the cobwebs clouding my winter-weary brain.

When Brian asked the other day, right before we were going into production with this magazine, if I’d like to go for a quick lunch ride before we got to work, many thoughts ran through my cranium. It was a magnificent day outside, blue skies and peaking into the 50-degree range. I had heard a passel of bikes making their way up and down our road, taking full advantage of the mid-week weather, and longed to join them. I ran a dozen excuses through my head, all completely ridiculous, and realized that I was putting off something that would ultimately bring me back to the living world and out of the depths of winter. I got out of my office chair, went to the gear closet and pulled out my riding stuff. I turned to Brian and said, ‘Hell yeah, let’s go.’

Pulling on my pants, they felt just as comfortable as the last time I donned them last fall. My boots, a replacement pair for the ones that had sprung a leak after many, many useful years, were a bit stiff but I knew they would break in perfectly, just as the last pair had. The jacket still had all its vents

Page 5 opened, a reminder of our trip to Italy in October and the warm weather we had enjoyed.

Out to the barn to release the Honda 919 from its confines. Brian was kind enough have checked the tire pressure, make sure it started after its winter’s nap and roll it into the sunshine. On this ride I’d forgo the hookup to the zumo. On came the helmet, still comfortable and quiet, and gloves, stiff from the cold. Thanks to Kimberly I had a new pair of Maui Jim’s sunglasses, complete with ‘cheater’ lenses – gotta love getting older.

Time to ride. I waited for the butterflies to start flitting about and felt – nothing. I snicked the bike into first, let out the clutch and rolled down the gravel drive. Still nothing. Stopping at the end to look for entry onto the road, I made my triple head check and…

Out I went.

Just as if I had been on the bike yesterday. Making the first turn, heading south, there was still a smattering of dirt and gravel in the corners and the rear tire noticed it, just to let me know to pay attention to such. We made our way towards Swartswood Lake, the twists and bends of the tarmac flowing under the warming tires, with the sun on my face and the light breeze lifting the hair off my back, as well as my spirits.

After just a few short miles, we pulled into the Hummingbird House, a great new breakfast/lunch spot just outside of downtown Newton, and parked the bikes. With bikes ticking after a brief warm up, I took off my helmet and gave Brian a giant grin and big hug. ‘Thank you,’ I said, ‘for getting me off my butt and back to work. I needed this more than I even knew.’

‘I know,’ he said.

We went inside and had a super meal, with homemade goodies and satisfying conversation. Knowing that we needed to get back to work, off we went, back to the bikes, for a meander home. As the miles passed, I thought of all the wonderful trips we have planned for this year, with new places to explore and people to meet. As we neared the last turn before slipping the bikes back into the barn, all I wanted to do was keep going. The day was perfect and I didn’t want it to end. But tomorrow is another day, with warming temps and clearer road and miles to ride.

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MAY 2014 • BACKROADS

Page 6

P O S TC A R D S FROM THE HEDGE BILL HEALD

invasion of the fob people Friends, I am feeling low. Downhearted. DeePressed. Despair encapsulates my personage like racing leathers, and grips my consciousness like a perfectly-fitted full-face helmet. My moto-melancholy is fueled by others, and the worse part of it is these are people I used to think were my friends. I speak of the creators, designers and engineers; also known as the crafters of the rolling bits of joy we call our motorcycles. They have been infiltrated by the toxic gray hand of technology, wielded by Code Warriors and electrical engineers. Is there nothing these chip people can avoid messing with? Are there no products we use that will not eventually succumb to the cold, soulless touch of silicon, coupled with the malevolent, invisible tingle of radio waves?

Apparently not.

Here’s the thing: It’s taken me decades to learn the way of the key, in that it’s a very critical part of the ignition system of your machine and mustn’t be misplaced. For proper operation, the key must be used in the proper orifice in the correct way or your trip can potentially be terminated before it gets underway. And before I get to the latest high-tech solution to a problem that really doesn’t exist, let’s wax nostalgic about the conventional key vis-à-vis its deployment on the motorcycle. Much like engines, it appears that engineers and designers of motorcycles have put the key just about everywhere there was enough real estate on the bike to support it. Over time, HarleyDavidson for example has had great fun putting the key (and the barrel key has always been a unique, but sound, choice) right on the side of the V-Twin instead of right in front of you like everybody else, and allowed the bike’s master to decide for themselves how to deal with the sucker. You could leave the key in, or leave it on “ON” and remove the key and let it ride in your pocket, or wear it as an earring, cuff link or whatever as you rumble along.

A separate steering lock has often been used, usually with a different, proprietary key. Other manufacturers have likewise gone their own way with key placement, and places that I’ve found ignition keys in places like of

course the steering yoke, on the side of the headlight, on the tank, or somewhere just behind the rider (I think. That was a long time ago). And then for good measure, the spot where the seat lock has been sequestered has been really creatively determined. In some cases it’s easy to find but hard to get the key in the lock (like on my Triumph as there’s a rear subframe strut right in the way). I’ve seen seat locks everywhere, from behind the license plate to cunningly hidden under side panels. Nothing’s more entertaining than having a press bike dropped off, saying that no, you’re good and don’t need a briefing of where everything is because you’re a total stud who’s been to many a rodeo, and then having to go on an Easter Egg hunt to find the damn seat lock once the OEM’s rep is gone.

Ah yes. Good Times.

These days, things are changing rapidly on this front. We see the march of progress in the form of the keyless ignition, another dubious hand-me-down from the auto industry. A radio signal from a smallish box (known as a Smart Key as you no doubt know) does the work a solid key used to do, and as long as the battery powering the tiny transmitter is good it can actually be quite convenient. I say this as a person who more than once has exited a dining establishment after a Large Lunch, donned all my riding gear, then my rain suit, and then got out to the bike (in a deluge) and realized the key was in my jeans pocket. But now, technology has brought us some relief. With these magical Smart boxes that are putting yet another radio signal in the air, the Machine knows the Human is near and all you have to do is hit the starter button. Genius!

Alas, there is a dark side to this contemporary wizardry. While highly water resistant, key fobs like this are not always completely waterproof and a really deep puddle can wreak a bit of havoc. In most automotive applications there is a back-up mechanical key, but not always with bikes. Another thing is the fact that (as a grizzled old timer) I would typically hide a spare ignition key somewhere on the machine when I take a long trip to strange lands, just in case I lost the Primary. You can’t do this with the robo-fob, as it will enable the bike’s ignition system because that’s what it does. Anybody could then jump on your mount and ride off. Oooops. Another weird thing is I actually rode off on a Ducati Diavel not realizing the guy I got the bike from still had the fob. Once I got to where I was going, had I shut off the engine, well, Continued on page 11

BACKROADS • MAY 2014

ON THE MARK MARK BYERS

the throttle anD the Damage Done I’m angry and disappointed. I shouldn’t be: today was a stellar spring day in the high 60’s and I motorcycled to work along relatively traffic-free lanes on my new Wee Strom. On the way home, I took a detour to see a friend and was charmed by his threeyear-old daughter. I rode home the long way and reveled in the waning spring sunshine on twisty back roads. The pollen wasn’t even bad. No, it should have been a really solid evening, and it was until I got into my neighborhood.

What was the source of my dismay? A young mother was walking along the street with her daughter, a girl of perhaps three. As I approached on the bike, the mother turned to look and wave, as we’re acquainted through the neighborhood and everyone knows I’m “the motorcycle guy.” What really left me dismayed, however, was the little girl. As soon as she saw my motorcycle, she committed an act that makes me ache every time I see it: she rammed her fingers in her ears.

I raised my flip-front helmet and “Helloed” at her mom. I said, “There’s no need to plug your ears, this bike is quiet,” but to no avail – the little girl’s fingers stayed planted in her ears as if they’d been epoxied there. I continued to my house with a heavy heart because there’s another kid in the world who sees motorcycles and associates them with pain. There’s another kid in the world who is going to grow up with a subliminal or overt dislike for motorcycles.

It’s not the first time I’ve encountered this phenomenon. One time outside a convenience store in Pennsylvania, I went to start up my BMW and a little kid reflexively clapped his hands over his ears as if trying to prevent aliens from entering. No amount of explanation or cajoling or promises that it wouldn’t hurt dissuaded him from clamping those digits against his head.

Disappointed, I started up and left.

When I referee bicycle races on the moto, I’ll frequently encounter kids in the crowds who clamp their hands over their ears the instant they glimpse a motorcycle. It’s sad to traverse a course and watch the reaction mirrored lap after lap, progressing around like a wave before the peloton. The sad part is that it’s totally unnecessary because the motos we use are chosen for multiple reasons, one of which is that they are quiet so as not to disturb the competitors or the spectators.

And why is this reflexive action ingrained in these children? Because of inconsiderate assholes who think they’ve got a god-given right to allow their machines to make as much noise as possible, that’s why. Even as an adult, I’ve had to endure the painful emanations from some of these people’s bikes at decibel levels well above the threshold of pain. At one rally, a guy started up his bike in the hotel parking garage and I quickly rammed my earplugs in because it was physically painful to me. Imagine what that does to a kid!

The reasons people who do this give for their inconsideration are manifest, including so people can “hear them coming” and “safety.” Here’s a clue: that’s bullshit. The people about whom you have to worry in their cars probably can’t hear you because their music is up loud enough to make their mirrors shake. Making yourself visually conspicuous is far more effective and it

Page 7 doesn’t induce pain in the auditory systems of the non-riding public, especially the little ones.

And then, there’s always the argument of “freedom,” the freedom to do what you damn well please and bugger the consequences. Well, freedom comes with responsibility not to abuse it and not to spoil the soup for the rest of us. Ironically, we’d actually have fewer rules if people would simply not play the dimwit and abuse their rights, but unfortunately that’s not the case. Adulthood is having the power to do whatever one wants, with the intelligence and restraint to consider how it will affect other people.

This column is going to piss off some people and I don’t give a rat’s posterior, because apparently they don’t give a hoot about what their actions do to the public perception of motorcycling and motorcyclists. I’m sick of trying to repair the damage they’ve done, especially to kids in my own neighborhood.

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MAY 2014 • BACKROADS

Page 8

THROT TLE BLIPS JEFF BAHR

new stanDarDs They say that style is cyclical. What was once in vogue will lay dormant for a time, be cast aside, ignored, perhaps even scorned until it’s once again resurrected to be lauded and applauded by the latest “in” crowd who believe that they’ve discovered something brand new.

In fashion this rebirth can be witnessed in the resurrection of women’s bellbottom jeans and form-fitting spandex stretch pants. Ladies will recall that bell-bottoms pretty much crapped-out in the late 1970s and stretch pants bit the dust a decade-and-a-half later. Yes, I was looking.

Each style, celebrated at the beginning, fell so out of favor that former wearers often apologize for their fashion faux pa. “I was young and those goofy things were all the rage!” mothers tell their daughters in a futile effort to save face.

But nowadays (surprise!) many of these daughters wear precisely the same “objectionable” clothing as their moms. Not only that, they truly believe that these garments are breaking new ground and that anyone who doesn’t get on board by wearing such “dope” threads is hopelessly “ratchet.”

Motorcycles are not immune to such style cycles. The current craze for adventure bikes is the perfect example of the style boomerang in action. How is this? Squint your eyes and you’ll see the silhouette of the classic standard motorcycle lying just beneath the macho skin of today’s adventure bikes.

Sure, some of these new rigs wear spoke hoops and hint at dirt-worthiness with their ultra-tall suspenders, but that’s just newfangled wrapping around the standard-bike core. With bolt-upright riding positions, spacious set-topeg distances and entertaining if not cutting-edge power plants, the biggest difference between today’s adventure bikes and yesterday’s standards is the way that they are wrapped and marketed.

Bottom line: By trading on the word adventure the newest iteration of the standard motorcycle comes off as cool. Heck, even kids seem to like them!

It’s amazing what some angular bodywork, increased ground clearance and dirt pretentions can do. Timbuktu anyone?

I imagine this craze has something to do with the deep-pocketed Baby Boomer generation finally entering their Geritol years. Heck, I began to eye up comfy adventure bikes shortly after I received my first AARP card a few years ago. Coincidence? Methinks not.

By this point I was working on my third slipped disc and nursing tendonitis in both elbows. My sport bike felt like something designed by the Marquis de Sade, and my cruiser, while great as a second bike, was too laid back for the type of riding that really stokes my furnace. It was time for a change.

But here’s the thing: Even as we age, we often don’t want to admit that we’re getting older. This is why second-wave standards like the Honda Nighthawk 750 and Suzuki Bandit 1200 never really took off. Sure, bikes like these were far more comfortable, practical and tour-worthy than the crotch rockets of their era, or even some naked hooligan bikes of that time, but they looked about as exciting as a date with Debbie Downer. In this industry there is nothing more taboo.

Enter adventure standards (we might as well call them what they really are) and the romance surrounding them.

These days you can’t find a bike rag that doesn’t feature some hip hedonist riding one of these crates to East Jabip and dishing on the joys and hardships (AKA- adventures) encountered while en route.

The message here is clear. Buy bike “X” and you too can be part of this cool, globe-trotting crowd that cares not when the macadam ends and the dirt begins. Adventure, or at least the promise of it, is addictive. When you purchase one of these babies you’re not just buying a piece of hardware you’re buying into a lifestyle. There’s no better sales formula than that.

Just ask Harley.

If I sound cynical it’s not by design. The current crop of adventure bikes are some of the most roadworthy machines to ever come off of an assembly line. They’ve been likened to Swiss Army knives for their innate ability to Continued on page 11

Page 10

BACKLASH Words from Downeast I posted your cover/article on my West Quoddy Station Facebook page yesterday. I’ve shown the March issue to my manager, Deb Bridges, who also manages the West Quoddy Light Visitor Center. She’s better at FB than me, I’m a rookie! Deb believes that is the first time West Quoddy Light has shared a magazine cover with a motorcycle! She likes it!

Get out and ride, Soon!

Bill Clark • West Quoddy Station B&B Dear Backroads, I just finished reading your feature article in the March issue regarding your Maine trip. It was great! Keeping with your comment. The next time you’re up that way try going to Pemaquid Point Lighthouse and stop at Shaws Fish & “Lobsta” Wharf and Restaurant in New Harbor Maine for some “ Lobsta”. A group of seven did the ride through Jersey, New York, Mass, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine back in 2012. So your adventure hit home and brought back some nice memories. I even got to take my 85 year old aunt Imelda who we visited in Whitefield, Maine for a ride on the Ultra before going to the county fair one night. The next day we rode down the coast to eat some more” Lobsta” at a little place on the tip of Cape Porpoise. Later that night we went to Bentley’s Biker Bar & Grill in Arundel just outside of Kennebunkport. What a great band and what a fun party. I got to ride on a large Bronze HOG in the middle of the bar with Janet and our friend Kathy, what a hoot! I hope to see you and Shira on the road again real soon.

Thanks for the ride.

Joe Boltzer Hi Backroads, We went to this new spot for breakfast you guys should check out in Hopewell, Brick Farm Market. It helps that the place used to be an old car dealership and the parts department is now the butcher and cheese shop.

MAY 2014 • BACKROADS

Letters to the Editor They have a small breakfast and lunch menu but what they have is outstanding, all 4 of us enjoyed the food. I highly recommend you bring your saddlebags because the meats and cheeses you will want to bring home. The bakery is insane, a good word for how excellent it is.

There are good riding roads up and back, not that far from the Sculpture Gardens or The old Brass Ring.

The next town over you have to try Halo Farm’s ice cream if you haven’t already…I think the best made, especially the chocolate.

I really wrote to say thank you for the GPX files in this month’s magazine.

You’re making this year’s riding season a great one for all of us. I don’t think readers write in enough and really express how the time you take to plot those magnificent rides really mean to them.

Thanks for taking the extra time to plot the rides.

All the best, Gary Renna, Hello Shira, On the cover of the April 2014 issue I noticed you are wearing a Hi-Viz hydration back pack. I would like to know if you would be so kind as to tell me what brand and style that is?

Thank you, Bill Hope We found the HyperKewl GULPZ Cooling Hydration Back Pack in our travels. It is available on Amazon: $37. Half the price of Camelbaks.

Dear Editors, Several, if not more issues ago, you published in products review and spotlights a sports drink in a variety of flavors. Where can I purchase and what is the manufacturer’s name?

Richard Bellerose

BACKROADS • MAY 2014 Richard, You mean Zipfizz and you can find them at Costco, Walgreen and at various shops on Amazon as well.

Zipfizz is a really excellent replenishing drink and we have a stash on the bikes for every ride.

Brian & Shira, Hi, it’s Jeff from Westhampton Beach, Eastern Long Island. I did the Spring Break last year with one of the guys from our riding group and we both raved about it so much we have about 6 guys going this year. I just wanted to see if we’re going to lose a riding day. Our plan is to travel down to VA on Friday, ride Saturday & Sunday and travel back Monday. Does this give us enough time for the routes that will be available to us?

Jeff Grube Westhampton Beach, N

Page 11 Jeff - Good to hear from you and we’re glad your attending. You have the timing right. Many folks will be making a two-day ride coming down and arrive Friday – explore the region Saturday and Sunday and heading back on Monday. The county and hotel are very rider-friendly and have a number of routes pre-ridden. There would be a few routes to choose from. Looking forward to a great weekend!

‘Like’ us on Facebook for all the latest news, up-to-the-minute rides and events and just cool motorcycle stuff. We often do impromptu lunch or dinner rides, as well as weekend jaunts. Don’t be left out.

Continued from page 4 free wheelin’ * Wait at major turns for the rider behind you and they should know to wait for the rider behind them and so on. In this case you really are your brother’s keeper. * Enjoy the open road but SLOW DOWN in towns. Speed Zone Ahead is always a good reminder of this.

These are just a few things you should keep in mind if you ever find yourself with a group of like-minded riders looking to do some miles. You just might find yourself wanting to lead and if you do, give your friends something to think about and say it in Latin – Dirigo!

That would be most eximius. postcarDs from the heDge Continued from page 6 chaos would have ultimately ensued had I continued motoring to Madagascar. Luckily that didn’t happen, and we tracked each other down before I shut down the beast.

Fortunately the inclusion of the smart key has not really taken over the two-wheeled world yet, so we have some time to adjust because to be honest, I think conventional keys are going the way of the kick starter sooner rather than later. As much as I like the new Smart device in the scenario of the buried key I outlined, overall I am not a fan of the things. Once more, if you lose the sucker they are very expensive to replace, too, and you can’t just mosey up to the hardware store for a duplicate. Oh well. It’s progress I guess, and I’m just being a curmudgeon. Hell, I even still wear a mechanical watch! Some would call it. . . Dumb! I am indeed a fossil. At least these computers have given us antilock brakes, so I guess we’re even. throttle blips Continued from page 8 do everything and anything. They’ve also been called the SUV’s of the motorcycle world. On this point I agree and disagree.

Like an SUV the new adventure standards can tackle just about anything that passes beneath their wheels, but unlike those often humdrum vehicles they accomplish the task without the air (stench?) of practicality surrounding them. No small feat.

For the record, I’m a proud middle-aged rider in this new adventure standard army. I may or may not take that trip ‘round the world, but that’s immaterial. When I throw my leg over “TEX” (my Triumph Tiger Explorer 1200) I feel omnipotent. “If I had a mind to I could conquer the world on this big SOB!” I think to myself every time I set off. That’s a far cry from some cruddy SUV trip to get milk, wouldn’t you agree? With bikes this good it’s freakin’ hip to be square. Long live the new standards!

www.facebook.com/pages/Backroads-Motorcycle-Touring-Magazine/86102625812

MAY 2014 • BACKROADS

Page 12

IND USTRY INFOBITES ZERO’S OFFERING POLICE 3-DAY EVALUATION Zero Motorcycles, the global leader in the electric motorcycle industry, announced a new program to support law enforcement agencies. In response to growing interest and demand from police departments, Zero is offering 100% electric patrol motorcycles for a 3day evaluation period, allowing officers to experience the advantages in their own jurisdictions.

“Over a dozen departments have added Zero motorcycles to their patrol fleets in the last six months,” said John Lloyd, Vice President of Worldwide Sales at Zero Motorcycles. “The feedback from our law enforcement customers is extremely positive, so we are looking at ways to make it easier for agencies to see for themselves how well Zero motorcycles can work in a

News from the Inside wide variety of applications.”

“The addition of the Zero motorcycles to our patrol fleet is a huge benefit.

The bikes are quiet, cost effective and ‘green,’ making them an ideal mode of transportation for our officers,” said Ron Levine, Chief of Police for the Foothill-De Anza Community College District. “In addition to general police duties, the motorcycles will be used for patrol in the parking garages and lots, which can be targets for auto burglars. Because the bikes are almost silent, they can patrol an area almost undetected, giving the police officers an element of stealth.”

Stealth and the element of surprise are common themes expressed by the officers who have used the motorcycles in the field. Departments are seeing performance and economic benefits, as well: instant torque from zero RPM, a high degree of maneuverability, no need to shift gears, maintenance-free powertrain, and about a penny-per-mile operating costs adding up to longterm savings.

NOW YOU CAN TAKE A SEA CRUISE TO NOVA SCOTIA Tourists can now make reservations to travel aboard Nova Star, the brand new, 161-metre cruise-ferry, that will make daily roundtrip crossings between Yarmouth, Nova Scotia and Portland, Maine starting May 15, 2014.

During the 10-hour voyage, passengers on Nova Star will enjoy a true

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cruise experience, with access to three restaurants, including fine dining and a sumptuous buffet, a theater and conference center for live entertainment, plus a spa, casino, art gallery, children’s play area and more.

While aboard Nova Star, passengers can relax in the comfort of an assigned recliner seat, from $39 to $49 per chair, or a private cabin that can accommodate up to four travelers, starting at $79 in the saver season and $99 during the summer season between June 12 and September 8.

Passengers can walk onboard Nova Star, or bring their own vehicle. Depending on the season, rates for vehicles up to 20 feet, which includes most cars, minivans, pickups and SUVs, are $139 to $199. Rates for motorcycles are $79 to $119.

Fares will change according to the following seasons of travel in 2014. Saver season, May 15 through May 21 and from October 12 through November 2; Shoulder season, May 22 through June 11 and from September 9 through October 11; and, Summer season, June 12 through September 8. Example fare for one rider traveling during shoulder season on a motorcycle, round trip, in a recliner seat, will be about $524.

To book a trip aboard Nova Star visit www.NovaStarCruises.com or call 866-864-6295. Travelers are encouraged to make reservations on the Nova Star website to avoid wait times.

CDC PUSHES FOR HELMET LAWS SHOULDN’T THEY BE STOPPING THE UPCOMING ZOMBIE APOCALYPSE?

The Community Preventative Services Task Force, a panel operating under the Centers for Disease Control

BACKROADS • MAY 2014

Page 13

(CDC), has reported its findings for improving motorcycle rider safety, recommending that states and the federal government focus on passing helmet laws.

In its first-ever findings statement on motorcycle safety, the group of mostly medical professionals emphasize that motorcyclist fatalities have nearly doubled since 2000, but ignore the fact that motorcycle registrations have likewise multiplied over the same time period.

Members of Congress have written the CDC requesting that they back off from helmet propaganda, but the federal health agency feels justified in pursuing all preventable injuries.

legitimate questions about discrimination against motorcyclists. In West Virginia, bikers travel near and far to drive on our winding roads and enjoy the beautiful scenery, which attracts tourism and helps boost both our local and state economies,” Manchin said. “As a rider myself, I am pleased to work with my colleagues on this bipartisan legislation that simply would prohibit yet another senseless and unreasonable federal regulation which could harm states’ economies.”

The states of California, Illinois, Missouri, New Hampshire, North Carolina, and Virginia have all passed legislation to bar such checkpoints.

FLORIDA ACTING ON RIDER’S BEHALF US SENATE ACTS TO STOP MOTORCYCLE-ONLY CHECKOINTS Bipartisan legislation has been introduced in the U.S. Senate to prohibit the use of federal funds in establishing motorcycle-only checkpoints. S.2078, the “Stop Motorcycle Checkpoint Funding Act,” sponsored by Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Ron Johnson (R-WI), Kelly Ayotte (R-NH) and Joe Manchin (D-WV) on Wednesday, March 5th, and is similar to H.R. 1861, introduced last year in the U.S. House by Congressman Jim Sensenbrenner (R-WI).

The bill would prohibit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) from issuing grants to states to set up checkpoints where motorcycle riders are targeted by police to check that their vehicles meet state standards for noise, tire condition and other requirements, and are also checked for safety gear during the roadside checkpoints.

Over the past few years, such roadblocks have been conducted in New York, Georgia, Virginia and Utah during large motorcycle rallies. The senators argue that these types of checkpoints are discriminatory and unnecessary since motorcycle riders are already subject to state registration, inspection, licensing and helmet laws and must stop at sobriety check points like all other drivers.

One co-sponsor, Sen. Manchin, former governor of West Virginia, says the checkpoints are a waste of taxpayer funding that can have an adverse effect on states’ economies. “Requiring bikers to drive through motorcycle-only checkpoints is not only an ineffective use of taxpayer dollars, but it also raises

Safety rule number one for motorcycle riders is to watch out for car drivers, but a proposal in Florida could make it state law for drivers to watch out for motorcycles.

The bill covers what Senator Greg Evers (R-District 2) calls “vulnerable road users.” That includes motorcyclists, pedestrians, road workers, scooter and bicycle riders, farm equipment operators, carriage drivers and those in wheelchairs. If a driver commits a moving violation that results in bodily injury, it would become a second-degree misdemeanor. If it causes death, it would become first-degree, with the potential for license suspension.

PENNSYLVANIA LIMITS RIDER LEARNER’S PERMITS State Representative Seth Grove introduced HB 892 in this session of the Pennsylvania State Legislature in an effort to curb the practice of “serial permitting” by novice riders in the state, and the bill was just signed by the Governor and becomes effective immediately.

The new law restricts the number of times someone can reapply for a motorcycle learners permit to three times in a 5 year period. Prior to this law, there was no restriction on the number of times an individual could reapply for a learners permit and thereby skirting the need to take the full motorcycle license written and riding test.

“We have been dealing with individuals who continually violate the restrictions of motorcycle permits because they treat permits like actual licenses,” Grove said.

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MAY 2014 • BACKROADS

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Morton’s BMW Motorcycles Presents Dr. Seymour O’Life’s M YSTE RIOUS AME RICA ham for the ages! isle of wight county museum 103 MAIN STREET, SMITHFIELD, VA 23430 (757) 356-1223 • WWW.HISTORICISLEOFWIGHT.COM This last Thanksgivika – the last time Thanksgiving and Chanukah will fall on the same day for some 70,000 years – I was invited to a home that was celebrating both.

Seeing my one and only chance to bring the famed Doctor O’Life’s bourbon & ginger snap ham to such a combined celebration… I jumped at the chance.

This ham has become legendary and no one has ever walked away with less than awe and happiness from it.

It is the stuff of legends, I tell ya.

This got me thinking about the mighty ham and how this porcine favorite, along with its brother bacon, has become a staple in our society.

Okay, maybe not the Jews…

Or the Muslims.

But, everybody else loves it.

When you start talking serious hams in the United States the name “Smithfield” must come up. They are coveted, searched for and delicious.

Why are Smithfield hams different?

Well, this goes back nearly 100 years when a 1926 Statute of Virginia (passed by the Virginia General Assembly) first regulated the usage of the term “Smithfield Ham” by stating:

Genuine Smithfield hams are those cut from the carcasses of peanut-fed hogs, raised in the peanut-belt of the Commonwealth of Virginia or the State of North Carolina, and which are cured, treated, smoked, and processed in the town of Smithfield, in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Yep, these hogs are raised on peanuts.

Later on the “peanut only” part was removed, but many pig farmers down in Virginia stick to this old tradition of feeding their hogs.

As you would think the folks down in Isle of Wight County are mighty proud of their famed hams and you will find just a few oddities and fascinating artifacts at the Isle of Wight County Museum, located right on Main Street in downtown Smithfield.

First let us talk about P.D. Gwaltney Jr. and his ‘Pet Ham.’ What O’Life…. Pet ham, you say?

That’s right P.D. Gwaltney Jr. had a pet ham.

BACKROADS • MAY 2014 Not only did Gwaltney have this hunk of pig as a porcine companion, it was also the oldest cured ham in the world.

Originally created back in 1902 it is now 112 years old and still hanging in there, although it looks a bit on the worn side in its glass case at the museum.

After curing, this particular ham missed its shipment and ended up lost; hanging in the rafters of a packinghouse for decades, only to be discovered a by P.D. Gwaltney Jr in the 1920’s.

P.D. - ever the promoter and salesman - knew he had something special and immediately proceeded to advertise this ham as his personal pet and stated that “no matter how old it was, it was still good enough to eat.”

He made a brass collar for it and took it on tours of fairs, shows and expos – promoting his hams.

He even had the ham insured for $1,000 against fire and theft.

Increasing this amount to $5,000 in 1932 after it was featured in Ripley’s “Believe It or Not.” It was said that Gwaltney and the ham were constant companions and they were together until Gwaltney’s death in 1936.

If you happen to be in the vicinity on July 12 this year, you can help celebrate the oldest ham’s 112th birthday.

112 is an abundant number, a heptagonal number, a Harshad number and the sum of six consecutive prime numbers (11, 13, 17, 19, 23 and 29.) More importantly, 112 is a good excuse for cake.

But the world’s oldest and most famed ham is not all to be found here at the Isle of Wight County Museum.

Page 15 In the same glass case you will also find the world’s largest ham.

Back in 1955 a hog weighing nearly 1,000 pounds was butchered and a single ham weighing 91 pounds was created.

Looking into the case you get the idea of just how big 91 pounds of porcine salted and cured goodness is. It is a monster and the perfect companion to Gwaltney Jr’s. pet porker.

But, as they say on those Made for TV ads… “Wait, wait, there’s more…

And, of course, there is.

As we said the Smithfield Hams were raised almost completely on peanuts and here at the Isle of Wight County Museum you will also find the ‘World’s Oldest Peanut!’

The sample of Arachis hypogaea is the oldest known peanut on the planet and was picked back in 1890 and used to advertise the local peanut industry for years, by our hero’s father, P.D. Gwaltney Sr., before finding a home at the museum.

But, let us not stop here!

To make things even more delicious the Isle of Wight County Museum has another odd artifact - this one from the Civil War - a bottle of relish that was salvaged from the wreck of the USS Monitor that was discovered in 1973.

Hmmm, yummy.

Yet another tasty artifact to be found inside the old bank building that houses the Isle of Wight County Museum in Smithfield, VA, a museum well worth exploring and another great find in this Mysterious America.

O’Life out!

MAY 2014 • BACKROADS

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Hanover Powersports Presents

BIG CIT Y G ETAWAY

daytrip ideas to get out of the daily grind

rutgers geology museum RUTGERS, THE STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW JERSEY 85 SOMERSET STREET, NEW BRUNSWICK, NEW JERSEY 08901 848-932-7243 • GEOLOGYMUSEUM.RUTGERS.EDU One of our favorite shows can be found on The Travel Channel. Called Mysteries at the Museum, host Don Wildman visits museums, both big and small, around the nation and highlights some of the more peculiar, quirky and astounding artifacts hidden deep inside them.

Some of these museums are old and a bit strange themselves and could be featured on their own.

Discovering places like these are always a rare and delicious treat for us, and sometimes these discoveries happen at the oddest times.

Back in the last snowy December we were spending a long day in New Brunswick, New Jersey home to famed Robert Woods Johnson University Hospital and Rutgers University.

We had some time to kill and decided to spend these few idle hours at the local Barnes & Noble – always an expensive choice of time killer.

During this time Shira commented that she heard that Rutgers had a well regarded geology museum. It turned out the museum was directly across Somerset Street and could be seen from our perch at the window by the Rutgers Clock in the bookstore.

Finishing our lattes we relinquished our coveted window seats to two desperate sophomores and meandered across Somerset to a series of grand old university buildings.

High atop one of these buildings, etched in the stone, it simply said “Geological Hall.”

Located in this historic hall on the Old Queens Campus of Rutgers University the Rutgers Geology Museum was founded in 1872 by State Geologist George H. Cook to exhibit the many specimens collected by the New Jersey Geological Survey, which he directed. The building, as we said, was originally known as the Geological Hall, was designed by Henry Janeway Hardenbergh, a Rutgers graduate and descendent of the university’s first president. Hardenbergh later earned fame as the architect of the Dakota Apartments (Yes, where John Lennon was murdered) and the Plaza Hotel.

Dr. Cook, who taught chemistry and natural philosophy at Rutgers College, also founded the Rutgers Scientific School. Cook hoped the museum’s instructional exhibits would cultivate the scientific interests of Rutgers students and the public.

Walking into the old building a sign directed us upstairs to the second floor

BACKROADS • MAY 2014

Page 17 Delaware River to the east and the Atlantic Ocean.

Slowly and nervously coming down the wobbly and small stairs we wondered if this is how the museum got new skulls for the aforementioned display.

When we were done exploring the old building we felt like Don Wildman, as there was plenty to see and certainly more than its share of mysteries in this museum.

The Rutgers Geology Museum is free to the public and opened daily Tuesday through Saturdays. Log onto their site for more information and for dates on special events held throughout the year.

museum. The building is a tad old and a bit worn, but the sight that greeted us when we entered the large high ceilinged room blew us away.

It is hard to miss the giant mastodon skeleton that dominates the room.

This nearly complete specimen of Mammut americanum, was found in 1869 in Salem County, New Jersey. We took a bit of time examining this original New Jersey native. On another stand was a dinosaur trackway from Towaco, New Jersey, with a model of Grallator, complete with festive Santa hat - it was December. This small carnivorous dinosaur was believed to be associated with these tracks. We would hate to run into one of these on the backroads of Passaic County.

We found a saber-tooth cat’s skull as well as an ancient walrus skull.

Goo goo g’joob… another Beatle link?

There was also a display of a small Hadrosaurus, a duck-billed dinosaur, and the very first dinosaur unearthed – in Haddonfield, New Jersey in 1838 by John Estaugh Hopkins. Another Ceratop skull caught our fancy as well.

That would look great at Backroads Central.

One artifact that really stood out was a footprint of a Cretaceous dinosaur, discovered in 1929 in Woodbridge, New Jersey. This type of ancient print stands alone as the only one of its type found east of the Mississippi River and the only surviving track from the many found in that area; a quietly shining star in the museum.

A few million years into the future the museum has a HIGHER TORQUE. SMOOTHER RIDE. FEWER FILL-UPS. real Ptolomaic era Egyptian mummy; this 2,400-year INTRODUCING THE ALL -NEW 2014 SPYDER® RT. old mummy was brought to Rutgers by a missionary of With a new Rotax® 1330 ACE™ high-torque engine and a new 6-speed transmission, the road has the Dutch Reformed Church. never been so inviting. The high-torque response of the ACE engine gives you 40% more low-end torque and now can go up to 252 miles at 62 mph on one tank of gas.* While the new 6-speed Nearby was a very impressive collection of skulls transmission provides an incredibly smooth ride for you from the very first hominids to Neanderthal himself. and your passenger. Add in a unique Y-frame design There was also a good display of local First People, and 7 automotive technologies, and that rush you feel will be equal parts exhilaration and confidence.

Native American, tools, clothing and wares to be seen.

Some of this seemed a bit out of place in a geology museum, but cool none-the-less and we appreciated all the museum has to show and say about the history of New Jersey and the planet.

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MAY 2014 • BACKROADS

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G REAT ALL AMERICAN DINER RUN After this loooong winter, we’re all ready to plan our riding and, with Americade quickly approaching, we thought this month we would serve up two fine eateries on two opposite ends of the Adirondacks; the I Go Inn on Great Sacandaga Lake and the White Birch Café located in Tupper Lake.

Both restaurants are worth seeking out and, of course, we will give you a superb ride from Lake George to both of them.

tasty places to take your bike

The menu has a number of Caribbean style drinks, but best to stay away from these heavy hitters while you are piloting your machine. If you decide to grab one of their four cabins and the bike is parked then have at it, while listening to their live entertainment and enjoying the sunset.

the i go inn • sacanDaga lake 241 SOUTH SHORE ROAD, EDINBURG, NY 12134 518- 883-8900 • IGOINN.COM The I Go inn is a comfortable lakeside place that would feel right at home on the beach at Negril.

Think Adirondack Tiki.

Their deck is large and tables well spaced with a great view of Sacandaga from its perch and the music selection is varied and jumping!

This place has been around for decades and was originally brought into the family over a bet as the place was won playing cards.

That is cool all by itself!

For right now, let’s stick with the plentiful food menu, shall we?

Appetizers include a number of soups, spinach artichoke dip, bucket o’clams, wild buffalo wings, and calamari. The calypso coconut shrimp is scrumptious as is eggplant ubriaco.

The I Go offers some serious barbeque too with Bucket of Bone – a pound of tender pork ribs. Three different quesadillas - steak, chicken, buffalo-style. The Baja fish tacos looked great, but so did the beef and chicken tacos as well.

There is also a good selection of chicken and pastas.

With chicken, parm, Christine, Alfredo and Madeira – their most popular dish.

The I Go Inn has a few basket offerings with beer battered fish and shrimp, a clam basket as well as chicken.

They also offer a number of healthy and delicious wraps – reuben, buffalo, Caesar and turkey club, as well as eight different salad offering for you poor vegans.

On the carnivore side they offer the same number of burgers. We had the Blue Chipolte bacon burger and the house special I Go Burger with mushrooms, bacon, Swiss cheddar and jalapenos! Spicy and delicious.

If it is close to dinner you will find a whole page dedicated to steaks and seafood dishes.

Do plan on riding to the I Go Inn hungry… very hungry. You and your friends will not be disappointed.

the white birch café 18 PARK ST , TUPPER LAKE, NY 12986 518-359-8044 Our second stop on this special Americade Great All American Diner Run is way to the north of Sacandaga in the town of Tupper Lake, not far from the new Wild Center Museum.

Where the I Go is more a party, the White Birch Café is more family-style dining.

They are also the local sea monger, so their fish should be on the top of your list. But, we’ll get back to this.

The White Birch Café’ is an Adirondack gem and it is tucked away on Park Street in the middle of town.

From the outside it looks to be a run of the mill roadside eatery, but inside its charm and warmth is immediately apparent.

BACKROADS • MAY 2014

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This is a family run operation and the service was quick, friendly and excellent.

Family owned places seem to shine at this.

In addition to the flavor of the place the menu shines too.

Appetizers of steamed clams, jumbo chicken wings and the Adirondack blooming onion rule. If you are looking for a sandwich the White Birch serves up fresh turkey, roast beef and “Old Neighborhood” Corned Beef as well as their own version of a Philly, some classic club and an “Untraditional” BLT that has a sinful amount of bacon on it.

One of our crew ordered the Godfather, which has imported Soppresta, provolone, fire-roasted red peppers and a large slice of Bermuda onion and tomatoes. The Reuben looked good as did the Monte Cristo – White Birch Café-style.

They also have a number of Back Country burgers as well as the Dog House that comes with two grilled dogs with chopped onions, side of relish and café-cut French fries.

You will also find barbeque ribs, pork chops and maple chicken – a fresh chicken breast marinated with their own maple syrup and seasonings, broiled and topped with more maple syrup.

Yummy!

But, the fish was outstanding. They have salmon, haddock, scallops and lobster but their Idaho rainbow Trout was superb. Two of our friends ordered this and the presentation and flavors were getting rave reviews from two folks who really know good food.

Whatever you order at the White Birch Café you will be sure to find it excellent.

So here you get two for one this month and two excellent Rip & Rides to fill up your riding needs at Americade 2014!

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MAY 2014 • BACKROADS

Bergen County Harley-Davidson Presents

W E’RE OUT TA HERE

a weekend destination keeping you on the backroads

the shippen place hotel 32 E KING ST , SHIPPENSBURG, PA 17257 717-532-4141• WWW.SHIPPENPLACE.COM Many of us will make plans to head down south this time of year. Virginia and West Virginia, North Carolina and Kentucky are all within a few day’s ride.

We certainly have done this trip many times and for many of us, especially if you get a late start on the first day, you will be looking for a great overnight on the way down to smaller latitudes.

For sure you can find any number of chain hotels in and around I-81, but why stay there when you can stay at an outstanding and modern place where they did not have to leave the light on for you?

We have a great place for you - The Shippen Place Hotel in Shippensburg, Pennsylvania.

The town of Shippensburg is pretty old in south central Pennsylvania.

It is the oldest community of the Cumberland Valley, and the second oldest west of the Susquehanna River in Pennsylvania (after York to the southeast).

The village received its name from Edward Shippen, a prominent resident of Lancaster (and one time mayor of Philadelphia) who obtained the patent to the land from the heirs of William Penn. Edward Shippen’s granddaughter, Peggy Shippen, was historically notable, as a paramour of Major John André, and then wife of General Benedict Arnold, who betrayed the Continental Army by defecting to the British during the American Revolutionary War. The Civil War brought its share of action to the region as well.

With this unpleasantness in the past, today Shippensburg is a lovely modern town with a number of cool shops and restaurants to explore. We particularly like hunting through their Army & Navy store.

You never know what you will find there.

The real gem here is the Shippen Place Hotel.

We first found this hotel a number of years back while backroads’ exploring through the region. We were impressed with its great combination of history and charm.

We returned here a number of times and have brought dozens of Backroads’ rally goers there as well, as we have used it as an overnight both to and from some of our Backroads’ events in Virginia and further south in North Carolina.

The hotel has some 50 well-appointed rooms and 6 suites, each with additional sitting rooms if you need more.

BACKROADS • MAY 2014

The Shippen Place has ample and safe parking and has easily handled fairly large groups of riders when we have overnighted there.

Putting on some seriously fun miles can build an appetite. But, once you arrive at the Shippen Place and have settled in there is no need to gear up again for dinner or cocktails, simply head to the hotel’s restaurant. The University Grille has a great bar and, in warmer months, a superb outdoor deck to dine and kick tires alfresco.

The menu includes great steaks, fabulous seafood and mouthwatering pastas. The tavern has a full service bar offering a wide range of beers and a varied wine list.

We have always found the food to be top notch and the service as well.

The patio has been the scene of many a late evening and a few serious water gun fights.

If you are making time south from the New York, or New England regions the Shippen Place has easy access from I-81 Exit 24 & 29, US Route 11, or the PA Turnpike Exit 201, and is conveniently located between the major business districts of Chambersburg and Carlisle.

If you wish to make a great day’s ride of it from the northern New Jersey area we will give you a serious Rip & Ride that you can also download to your updated Garmin GPS unit.

The roads leading from the Backroads Central area to this part of south central Pennsylvania are some of the most pleasant and sometimes challeng-

Page 21

ing in the northeast – especially Route 125 around the Shamokin region. If this piece of mountainous and twisty pavement doesn’t make you smile, then nothing further south will either.

There will be a crossing of the Susquehanna on the famed Millersburg Ferry (if it’s running). For you lovers of O’Life’s Mysterious America stop in Centralia – the town that has had a coal fire burning under its feet for decades!

So, whether you are heading further south or just looking to explore what this part of the Keystone State has to offer we are sure that the Shippen Place Hotel will become a favorite of yours while touring through the area.

Motorcyclist-Friendly Destination Lodging Located on Scenic Route 100 in Southern Vermont Hot breakfast, cooked to order.

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Group Special Packages.

On-site Group Dinners available.

5 restaurants/bars within walking distance

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MAY 2014 • BACKROADS

Crab Runnin’ Exploring Maryland’s Eastern Shore

the aroma of old bay is distinctive and it surrounded me as the waitress put the old beer tray full of crabs, mussels and clams in front of me. although some consider summer over after labor Day, we all know there is still a good month or so left before fall would really move in. taking advantage of the off-season lack of crowds and to feed my addiction for callinectes sapidus - the maryland blue crab - we planned a mid-week jaunt down to the chesapeake bay and along her eastern shore. our ride spun us down around philadelphia, trying to avoid the city traffic and any phillies fans we might encounter, with the idea of getting down below the mason-Dixon line in quick time. by noon we were in Delaware and soon were riding down maryland 213 heading south. for those of you who have never traveled down this way you have a treat in store. first off this part of the chesapeake is not all about these water, as maryland has a serious agricultural community and route 213 runs its way along all sorts of farms; corn, soy bean, spinach and other crops line the roads for miles. heading southwest, towards the bay, we made our first stop, the tiny bayside town of rock hall. we had been down this way a couple years back to celebrate our anniversary and both shira and i became fans of the osprey point inn. now a backroads’ favorite the osprey point is in a class by itself, offering superior rooms, pool, docks and a wharf, a superb restaurant and bar and it is located on one of the more peaceful coves in the region. we’d make that our overnight for this day, but before we rode over to the point we headed straight to waterman’s crab house, a regional favorite and yet another

crab house i had not yet experienced. lunch, which took nearly two hours plus, was tasty, filling and very crabby with shira going for garlic crabs and my staying “old bay” traditional with a pot full of all sorts of bayside deliciousness. waterman’s was open and easy this day but during the height of the summer folks come for many miles to enjoy the dock and the food at this maryland staple. we rode over to the osprey point inn and checked in, stealing a 20-minute cat nap before heading back into town and shira’s fun part of the day – an ice cream run to an old drug store – i mean over 100 years old – that now serves up lunches and some great ice cream as well. the entire place had a decades-old charm to it, right down to the old-style phone booth in the back; and me without my superman suit. looking at the manually acquired positioning system we found a refuge about 10 miles south along the bay so we scooted down this way and found a real treasure eastern neck wildlife refuge. if you are looking for something built up and developed, this is not for you. if, on the other hand, you want a look at what this are was like and still is – eastern neck is splendid.

BACKROADS • MAY 2014

Page 23

watching the sun set over the bay.

Unlike some sunsets that stun you with their grandeur, this day it was more sedate with our star looking like another planet, in another galaxy, as she settled into the west.

The road brought us to the end of land and along the way we crossed old wooden bridges and past trails, footpaths and docks.

We followed one side road down to the water and befriended a couple sitting on the end of the pier crabbing. They were kind enough to pull their traps and give us a hands-on lesson in personal crabbing.

It’s easy - get a trap, a chicken neck and a rope. Toss in, wait 15 minutes and pull up your crabs.

Excellent. I have been steaming crabs for decades and have had more than a few angry crabs but they were nothing compared to the fits shown by some of these monsters. They may be Beautiful Swimmers, but they can have an attitude.

We rode back to the old wooden bridge we passed over before, had a conversation with an intrepid little fox that had no fear of us or the bikes, before

The next day was September 11th and we had a solemn start after a quick and lite breakfast at the inn. We were heading south towards the port town of Chrisfield and our rendezvous with the ship crossing the bay to the island of Tangier. Along the way I got lost in my thoughts of that fateful day 12 years back and how things had developed since.

I put on the XM radio through my zumo and listened to Fox News as they had a live broadcast of family members reading through the names of those

MAY 2014 • BACKROADS

Page 24 lost that crystal clear morning. Even all these years later it is still hard to fathom.

I was about to turn it off and listen to the silence and the wind through my helmet when one name sharpened my attention.

Gerard Baptiste.

This was the firefighter young who worked at Ladder 9 out of Great Jones Street, in Manhattan. He was the owner of the Honda CB750K that would become the F.D.N.Y. Dream Bike.

The young girl reading the names had read this one name – Gerard Baptiste…

I have often heard that sometimes in this world, there are no coincidences.

I turned off the XM and rode for a distance quiet in my own thoughts.

As is my way I had us routed along the backroads, doing my best to avoid Route 50 and the sprawl that lines it.

Doing this allowed for a small cable ferry crossing over the Wicomico River at Whitehaven, another ferry yet to enter the books as one of the shortest we have ridden on. Why ride over a bridge, when you can ride across the water on a ferry?

At the foot of this ferry you will find the historic Whitehaven Hotel.

In 1995, the 19th century Whitehaven Hotel was saved from the wrecking

ball through the cooperative efforts of local residents, the Maryland Historic trust and those many captivated by its charming location in a riverfront Eastern Shore village at the Whitehaven ferry, minutes from the Chesapeake Bay. The Hotel, now one of the last of its kind, provided lodging for travelers crossing the Wicomico by horse to Quantico, Salisbury and Princess Anne.

By noonish we were at the dock and the small ship, the Thomas Steven, that would carry us the hour and a quarter to the island called Tangier.

Our bikes would have to stay on the mainland this night so we prepped, them, locked them and bid them adieu as we boarded the ship.

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Page 25 Tangier is a small piece of land, located about 12 miles out in the middle of the Chesapeake Bay. Its main industry, for the 500 or so Tangerians who call the island home, is the crabbing

We moseyed back to the wharf and to the Waterfront Sandwich Shop and had some delicious soft shell crab sandwiches before taking in the local museum on the island and then renting our own cart for the rest of the day.

Talking with the women at the sandwich shop one gal fired off a statement, or was it a question? I couldn’t tell; her meaning, riddled with Tangier’s accent, shot right over my head.

Tangier is not so large and it is impossible to get lost yet we did our best riding down here and up there and finding the beach, some great dead ends, the airport and some commercial fishing docks with tanks full of crabs waiting to molt. Hey, those delicious soft shell sand-

and shellfish business and that is very evident when you sail into its port, as small shanties line the piers.

We had booked a room at Hilda Crockett’s Chesapeake House, an old B&B that has been taking care of travelers and visitors for nearly 75 years.

The Chesapeake House is very family-style, as is the entire island for that matter.

Tangier Island is a bay jewel that you come to when you really want nothing to do. This place excels in relaxation.

Want to enjoy a glass of wine at sunset? Better bring a bottle or two with you, as the island is more or less dry. There are no bars and the nightlife belongs to the creatures and the moon.

On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a very laidback island, then Tangier Island is your place.

The boat was met at the dock by two young ladies manning a golf cart and they spirited us over the short drive to the inn. There are few cars on the island and most folks use golf carts or scooters to get around.

As we had come into the island we noticed a large sign that said “We believe in Jesus” inside a large Christian fish and next to it the US and Israeli flags. While riding around the island we saw, again, both US and Israeli flags on the flagpoles alongside many a home. It seems that a local church very strongly believes in the Jewish nation and does its best to show it.

Talking with one man about this he was pleased and surprised to learn Shira was a member of the tribe. I thought we were going to be invited home for dinner.

Another thing that will stand out on Tangiers is the local accent.

It is believed to be Cornish in origin and has evolved into its own rhythm. If a Tangierian speaks rapidly, you might have to really listen to understand what was just said. It’s a like bit of cockney British meets Australia, with a touch of New England, and a short side trip to Minnesota.

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Page 26

wiches have to come from somewhere. On Tangier they come from down the road apiece.

Circling the island we traversed tiny lanes, barely wide enough for two golf carts to pass, and looked at the local homes that showed both new and sometimes, old architecture.

Being so close to the sea the many grave yards, and there are many, sit right in folks’ backyards, and are above ground, much like the graveyards in New Orleans and Key West.

MAY 2014 • BACKROADS

All in all it was a successful jaunt around Tangier.

By late afternoon we sat down to an unbelievable family-style meal at the Chesapeake House, where we met a few other couples from around the country and had some of the best crab cakes I have had in years. They were truly special and have earned legendary status in and around “The Bay”, as was the corn pudding, pickled beets and the platters of clam fritters they had on the table.

Dinner at Hilda Crockett’s is a must do while staying at Tangier.

After dinner we had an hour to kill before sunset and another stroll was in order, preferably towards the water and the west for sunset.

We looped the island and then accepted the offer of a couple for a ride on their cart to the beach for the sunset.

At dusk we headed back to town and to Spanky’s, the ‘50s-style ice cream parlor.

Did you think Shira would not find an ice cream shop on a small island in the middle of the Chesapeake Bay? Tangier also has its place in United States history as it was from here, during the War of 1812, that the British, who had taken the island, would raid the towns and hamlets of the Chesapeake.

This day was September 12 and it was on this date, in 1814, that the British set sail to attack Fort McHenry outside the city of Baltimore. That day a local preacher, Joshua Thomas, prayed that they would fail. They did and one witness to the fierce battle that lasted through the night, wrote his thoughts down.

That man was Francis Scott Key and his poem. “Defence of Fort McHenry” would become our nation’s National Anthem – The Star Spangled Banner.

“The Star-Spangled Banner” was recognized for official use by the Navy in 1889, and by President Woodrow Wilson in 1916, and was made the national anthem by a congressional resolution on March 3, 1931, which was signed by President Herbert Hoover.

As Harvey would say… now you know the rest of the story.

We were up at sunrise and had a filling family-style breakfast in the dining room at Hilda’s before making our way to the wharf and our ride back to the mainland.

We had come over on a large ship, but took passage back on the daily mail boat. On board with cargo, fish-

BACKROADS • MAY 2014

Page 27

ermen, a few passengers and, of course, the mail we made quick time across the bay and were loaded and on the bikes in little more than an hour.

On the way down we did a good job staying off the main roads that run up and down the Delmarva Peninsula, but heading up we wanted to do an even better job and we did.

The night before Shira and I had scoured the maps looking for tiny backroads that would, more of less, parallel the bigger roads heading north.

We wanted to stay near the bay but move in the general direction of a few towns we wanted to visit.

Thanks to Garmin’s spectacular Base Camp Program (it helps to keep a laptop handy) we came up with a juicy ride that would head us in the direction we needed to go yet would keep us well off most of the clogged and Americanized large roadways.

Thus a good part of the morning had cycles of forest, farms and rivers, again and again. It is wonderful how this part of Maryland has such a balance and coexistence of agriculture, people and wildlife and that all of this is intertwined with marshes, bays, rivers and wetlands.

We crossed small bridges over running creeks, followed s-like curves along odd little farms packed with spinach, soy and corn; sometime along roads so tight and tiny that the corn was nearly brushing our shoulders as we passed.

We once again crossed the Wicomico River by ferry, this time at Upper Ferry. We continued on towards one of the oldest towns in the state - Oxford. Here we would pick up our third ocean voyage of the morning – methinks a record for us before lunch. Anytime we are on something that can sink, even in a foot of water, it is an ocean voyage to me.

Oxford is host to the oldest privately operated ferry service still in continuous use in the United States. The original ferry service, known today as the Oxford-Bellevue Ferry, was established in 1683. The ferry links Oxford with Bellevue, Maryland, crossing the ¾-mile width of the Tred Avon River. In Oxford, just above the ferry landing, you will find the Robert Morris Inn, a good-size hotel that has everything a rider or riders would need if Oxford is in your plans for an overnight stop.

We rode onto the ferry and in short time had disembarked and were making time to a favorite haunt of ours on the Eastern Shore – St. Michaels. This town also has played a large part in the War of 1812.

Early on the morning of August 10, 1813, a number of British barges sailed up the Miles River intending to shell the town and its harbor fort. The citizens of St. Michaels, having been warned in advance of the

planned attack, had evacuated most of the women, children, livestock and valuable possessions to an area outside of town known as ‘Onion Hill’.

Brigadier General Perry Benson, commanding officer of the Talbot County militia, ordered lanterns placed in treetops just outside of the town and all other lights in the town extinguished, thereby creating the first military blackout on record. When the British marines aimed their cannon fire to the lights, they overshot the town. Only one dwelling was hit, a brick house near the harbor now known as “The Cannonball House.”

This successful defense

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Page 28 caused St. Michaels to be thereafter known as “The Town That Fooled The British,” and the town proudly let’s all who ride there know about this.

We love American history but we had come for another thing that St. Michaels is know for – crabs!

You will find a few crab restaurants in this town but this time around we made straight for the Crab Claw, a wharf-side eatery that has been steaming the classic Old Bay-Style Blue Crabs since 1965.

I kept a watchful eye on our batch as they were hand-picked, coated with a combo of Old Bay and other spices and then tossed into large, professional and serious looking steamers.

In a short time the waitress brought the hot and spicy Callinectes sapidus to us simply dumping them on the paper-covered table - just the way it should be.

Some people go through life doing things badly. Eating Blue Crabs is important to those who do it well. When you are eating Blue Crabs it is life. Anything before or after…… is just waiting.

There are many places to have crabs around these parts but the Crab Claw is surely one of the best!

Our lunch lasted another two hours and with that last shell tossed aside and a quick bathroom visit to clean up (crabs are a dirty job) we fired up the machines and continued on our sidetrack course north along the Maryland backroads.

By late afternoon we were crossing the tall bridge over the Chesapeake & Delaware Canal, built back in 1839, and heading out of the Eastern Shore.

We were soon crossing into Delaware and then Pennsylvania. The rest of

MAY 2014 • BACKROADS the day and a bit of the night was spent getting soaked (our luck had run out) and dodging deer.

Still we got home in time to grab a quick shower, the Durango and head out for a deserved dinner.

Hardly a year will go by when we don’t make a pilgrimage to this part of Maryland and this time we really got to explore the tiniest hamlets, historic towns and even an island lost in time.

Perhaps it is time for you to plan a journey to the Eastern Shore and the Chesapeake Bay – it is a timeless place full of history and beauty and it is waiting for you. ~ Brian Rathjen Osprey Point Inn: 20786 Rock Hall Ave, Rock Hall, MD 410-639-2762 • www.ospreypoint.com Waterman’s Crab House: 21055 Sharp St, Rock Hall, MD 410-639-2261 • www.watermanscrabhouse.com Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge: 1730 Eastern Neck Rd, Rock Hall, MD • 410-639-7056 www.fws.gov/northeast/easternneck Whitehaven Hotel: 2685 Whitehaven Rd, Quantico, MD 410-873-2000 • www.whitehaven.tripod.com Hilda Crockett’s Chesapeake House 16243 Main St, Tangier Island, VA 757-891-2331 • www.chesapeakehousetangier.com Tangier Island Transportation From Crisfield, MD – Steven Thomas From Onancock, VA – Joyce Marie II 800-863-2338 • www.tangierisland-va.com/transportation. Seasonal Robert Morris Inn: 314 North Morris St, Oxford, MD 410-226-5111 • www.robertmorrisinn.com The Crab Claw: 304 Burns St, St. Michaels, MD 410-745-2900 • www.thecrabclaw.com

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BACKROADS • MAY 2014

Page 29

The Life of a Blue Crab Blue Crabs are found in abundance along the Eastern Seaboard but prefer waters which range from ocean saltiness to fresh, thus the Cheasapeake Bay provides ideal conditions.

Life begins in the lower Bay where female or “sponge” crabs deposit their eggs between the first of June and the end of August. The baby crabs, which at birth are about 1/25 of an inch long appear very unlike the mature crabs and look more like a swimming question mark with seven pairs of legs and a long tail. This “Zoea” sheds its shell several times when it begins to resemble the adult, and is then called a “megalops”.

Typically, crabs hatch from the egg in late June, pass thru the larvae stage by August, and start to move up the Bay during early fall, or until the cold weather halts their migration. In the spring their journey is resumed and full maturity is reached when the crab is 12 to 14 months old.

I order to increase its size the crab must molt or shed its outer skeleton. As it approaches a molt it first becomes a “peeler”, shedding its old shell to become a “soft” crab. It is them velvety in texture and 1/3 the size again as large as the discarded shell.

This goes on until they mature and begin the cycle again. Unless they meet up with crabbers, Old Bay and steam.

MAY 2014 • BACKROADS

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FIRST RIDE

2014 TRIUMPH THUNDERBIRD COMMANDER AND LT Mike Vaughan

It was 1999; I was the GM at Triumph Motorcycles America, Ltd, having dinner with John Bloor, at the Redneck Café, on the square in Newnan, GA. After talking a bit about the state of the business, John asked me what other products we needed in the US to expand. I told him we needed a large displacement cruiser, somewhere around 1200 to 1800ccs, and that it needed to be a vertical twin. The Bonneville America was scheduled to arrive in 2002, but with a displacement of only 790ccs, it wouldn’t have much appeal to the core of the cruiser market, dominated by motorcycles with 1000cc-plus engines.

John explained to me that at the time Triumph wasn’t capable of building a vertical twin of that size, but said they could build a triple of whatever displacement we wanted…but then that’s another story.

Ten years later, in 2010 Triumph released their first big vertical twin,

American-styled cruiser as a Thunderbird. It packed the right amount of displacement, 1600ccs, and the right amount of power, 85-HP, and 108 ft lbs of torque, and it was a very good take on the American Cruiser, winning Cycle World’s prestigious “Cruiser of the Year Award” in 2010.

2011 saw Triumph up the ante with a 1700cc, sportier version of the T-bird christened the “Storm.”

In March of this year Triumph pulled out all the stops and released two new cruisers, the Thunderbird Commander, and the LT. Both bikes feature an all new steel frame, and are built around a slightly detuned version of the 1700cc mill that powers the Storm, 94 HP vs. 99 HP, with a commensurate reduction of torque.

The new frame has been stretched to accommodate a plusher seat, with no increase in seat height, pull-back handlebars, and more room for both rider and passenger.

The thicker, 5.5 inches, dual density foam seat, is wrapped in an elastic material that moves with the foam, eliminating bunching and hot spots. There’s also a small lumbar support pad for the rider.

Engine styling is key for any cruiser, and Triumph’s flat-black engine, with machined fins, chrome cam, and crankcase covers, fills the engine bay handsomely.

Power is transmitted to the rear wheel via a six-speed transmission, with a non-intrusive rocker shifter, and toothed belt final drive.

The bikes share the same suspension, with Showa ALL THIS AND SO MUCH MORE 47mm, non-adjustable front forks, and in the rear a pair of 5-way preload adjustable, dual-rate, progressive Showa shocks, with 4.3 inches of travel.

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The easy to read analog speedometer is mounted on the tank, and includes, two digital trip meters, a fixed odometer, digital clock, and a miles to empty read-out, SLIM CHANCE YOU’LL FIND ANOTHER BOBBER LIKE IT, ANYWHERE. actuated by a button above the start switch on the right INTRODUCING THE NEW VICTORY GUNNER, THE URBAN hand control module. Neutral, low-fuel warning, highCRUISER THAT OUTCLASSES THE COMPETITION BY HANDLING beam, ABS active, and on the LT, auxiliary light-on are ITSELF AS WELL ON THE HIGHWAY AS IT DOES DOWNTOWN. indicated by green, blue or orange lights within the RIDERS NO LONGER HAVE TO GIVE UP HEAVYWEIGHT MUSCLE FOR THE speedo dial.

KILLER LOOK THEY LOVE. THIS SEXY BIKE HAS THE STRIKING THROWBACK STYLING RIDERS WANT, WITH THE RIDE AND HANDLING THAT COMES STANWhile both bikes are equipped with rider floorboards, DARD IN A VICTORY CRUISER. WITH A 106CI ENGINE ON A FULL-SIZE CHASafter that feature the bikes begin to diverge, with the SIS AND A LOWERED SEAT HEIGHT, THIS IS A BIKE FOR SERIOUS RIDERS LOOKING TO STEP UP TO HEAVYWEIGHT MOTORCYCLES. Commander being the “sporty” version. It’s equipped with Triumph’s signature twin headlights, a bit less laidback riding position, 17-inch, cast aluminum alloy wheels, and twin “Drainpipe” mufflers.

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BACKROADS • MAY 2014

The Ride

Page 31

Triumph announces 24/7 customer service

Both bikes are heavier than what I’m used to, with the Commander at 766 lbs, Most manufacturers’ customer service assistance is only open from and the LT at 836 lbs. But once off the side-stand a twist of the throttle makes both 8:00AM to 5:00PM, Monday to Friday, and closed when you probably bikes come alive and seemingly shed a couple hundred pounds. Power delivery is most need it, on the weekend. Well Triumph’s got an answer for that nearly instantaneous as the revs rapidly rise. By the time you’re in third gear, you’re with their recently announced, 24/7/365 customer service line. doing 60-plus MPH and the engine doesn’t feel like it’s working much at all. It’s Stuck in East Overshoe, Montana, or Donut Hole, Nevada? Your bike as if the three remaining gears are a redundancy, once on the freeway and in sixth, quit running, you need a new chain, you’d like some advice, and you the bike cruises effortlessly at 70 – 80 MPH. There’s a little vibration through the need to know the location of the nearest dealer? No problem if you’re handlebars and floorboards at low speeds, but once the revs start building it quickly riding a Triumph, simply dial (888) 284-6288 and someone will answer disappears and all you can feel are the gentle power pulses of the engine. Using the to help you resolve your problem. heel shifter, going up through the gears was positive and easy, going back down, I had some difficulty making clean shifts, more my problem than the bike’s though.

Since their inception, Hinckley Triumphs have been cited for their outstanding brakes and handling, and the new Thunderbirds are no exception. Triumph claims a stopping distance of 70.1 yards from 80-MPH, and although I wasn’t able to verify this, I thought the brakes were outstanding on both versions.

Our demonstration route took us through the hills and mountains and down into the Eastern deserts of San Diego County, a combination of tight, twisty roads, long, high-speed sweepers, and undulating straights, an almost perfect collection of roads to evaluate the Triumph’s handling. Though these are heavy, long, 66.5-in., motorcycles, they handled surprisingly well, easily holding a set line through the curves, and when required, making drama free line changes. I found myself scraping the floorboards more frequently with the Commander, and less so with the LT, which, due to its touring bent, has a longer or stiffer, and to my mind, plusher suspension.

The riding position on both bikes, though slightly different, was very comfortable, and an all day ride produced no discomfort, my only complaint, and it would apply to any cruiser with a bucket seat, is the lack of seat room to move around on.

If I were to buy an American-style cruiser, the LT would be it. It looked great in its Caspian Blue and Crystal White livery, hand pinstriping and heavily valenced fenders. My wife, who hasn’t ridden with me for several years because of back problems, actually enjoyed the passenger seat and commented on the fact that unlike other cruisers we’ve ridden, her legs weren’t toasted during the ride.

Both the Commander and the LT should be in Triumph dealerships this Spring. The Commander is available in Lava Red/Crimson Sunset, and Phantom Black and Storm Grey. The LT, in addition to the color combination mentioned, is also available in Lava Red and Crimson Sunset. MSRPs are $15,699 and $16,699 respectively. For more information or to find a Triumph dealer near you, log onto www.TriumphMotorcycles.com

MAY 2014 • BACKROADS

Page 32

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The Storm 3D X-M features interlocking three-dimensional points in the sipes to improve stability, warm up time, and grip while limiting tire flex. The tire design includes both single and multi-compound super rich silica (SRS) giving this tire longer life, and excellent performance and grip in both wet and dry conditions.

“The Storm 3D X-M is the perfect choice for riders who want extended mileage, excellent grip, and great wet weather capabilities,” stated Sukoshi Fahey, sales and marketing manager, Avon Tyres. “These are the perfect replacement tires for the most demanding sport touring customers.”

The Storm 3D X-M is now available in six popular 17- to 19-inch sizes for the front, and nine popular 16to 18-inch sizes for the rear. This tire is a great choice for sport touring bikes like Yamaha FJR1300, BMW R1200 RT, Honda VT700V and Blackbird, Suzuki Hayabusa, and Kawasaki Concours 14 as well as sport bikes like Kawasaki ZX14R, YZF R1, and ZZR1400.

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THE DAKAR PANNIER SYSTEM SW-MOTECH/BAGS-CONNECTION INNOVATES YET AGAIN German firm SW-MOTECH/Bags-Connection, known for its modular TRAX hard case systems, has innovated yet again with the introduction of the DAKAR Pannier System. The new roll-top, waterproof, saddlebags are complemented by bike-specific frames that secure the bags to the motorcycle.

What is unique to this system is that the bags attach to the bike by simply sliding up onto the carrier frame, where a clip holds them in place. The rider can then fasten the large hook-and-loop straps over the rear seat of the bike, holding the bags securely in place and bearing the lion’s share of the weight.

Another unique feature of these soft bags is the semi-rigid core that runs from front to back. This stiff core is absent of sidewalls, which allows the bag to retain its shape, yet compress upon impact. This is a point not overlooked by the off-road rider who inevitably drops the bike from time to time.

The Dakar Pannier System will be available through Twisted Throttle and its North American dealer network in late Spring and is expected to retail for $539.99. Please check the Twisted website for a listing of model availability.

Twisted Throttle • 570 Nooseneck Hill Rd, Exeter, RI • 855-255-5550 • www.twistedthrottle.com

BACKROADS • MAY 2014

Page 33

Alternative Universe

THE MONEY BELT FROM

AEROSTICH

Mike was on tour in Vermont with his daughter Courtney taking the pillion seat behind him.

They had been on the road for a number of days and were beginning to head south and home when they pulled into a diner and fuel station to replenish their bodies and fuel.

About 45 minutes down the road Mike went to check his jacket, as was his habit, for his wallet and camera.

Camera…check. Wallet…wallet…wallet?!

Damn. A long detour brought them back to the diner where the wallet was nowhere to be found.

With no ID, no license, no credit cards and no cash they had a long ride home. His daughter asked how they would get home without any cash as she checked her jeans for change.

Big problem.

flame. In addition to its hidden sleeve it is a great all around everyday belt.

The Money Belt cost just $16 (far less than you will stash in it) and is available from www.aerostich.com

Meanwhile in an Alternative Universe…

Mike was on tour in Vermont with his daughter Courtney taking the pillion seat behind him.

They had been on the road for a number of days and were beginning to head south and home when they pulled into a diner and fuel station to replenish their bodies and fuel.

About 45 minutes down the road Mike went to check his jacket, as was his habit, for his wallet and camera.

Camera…check wallet…wallet…wallet?!

Damn. A long detour brought them back to the diner where the wallet was nowhere to be found.

With no ID, no license, no credit cards and no cash they had a long ride home.

No problem.

An inconvenience for sure.

But, not the end of the world.

Why was ‘Alternative Universe’ Mike not upset?

His daughter asked how they would get home without any cash as she checked her jeans for change.

It was then that Mike gave her a wink and told her not to worry. He slipped off his belt, opened the zippered sleeve and pulled out $200 in cash. His daughter was correctly impressed with Dad. Mike was wearing the Money Belt from Aerostich, a belt that all riders should be wearing. It looks like any normal belt would and does an excellent job of keeping your pants up.

But, as they say on TV - wait, wait, there’s more….

The Money Belt has a secret.

The zippered compartment on the back of Aerostich’s Money Belt is long enough for three stacks of bills placed end-to-end. This is a discreet way to carry hoards of fifties or hundreds on long trips. A flat row of quarters or NSA coded messages will fit too.

The Money Belt is made from black nylon webbing 1.25” wide, 46” long and has a very durable cam-action black nylon buckle. It also is stylish to wear with everything from riding gear, to jeans, to a nice pair of slacks.

One size fits all as the Money Belt can be shortened by cutting and then fused with a soldering iron or small

*Money not included

3RD TUESDAY OF EVERY MONTH! MAY 20 JUNE 17

JULY 15 AUGUST 19

SEPTEMBER 16

MAY 2014 • BACKROADS

Page 34

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHTS AGV SPORT TELLURIDE TEXTILE JACKET • SUPERIOR PROTECTION AT A AFFORDABLE PRICE Specifically designed for cooler climes the new AGV Sport Telluride Textile Jacket is a multi layer Dura Guard textile jacket that is 100% windproof and waterproof with high abrasion resistance offering superior protection, durability and comfort. The three things a high-performance jacket must offer today’s rider.

The Telluride Jacket is constructed with a permanent waterproof, yet breathable, Reissa membrane between the outer layer and liner.

Rainy days are not a problem with the Telluride. It comes with a removable and washable thermal insulating quilted liner that zips in over a permanent mesh lining and the Telluride Textile Jacket is built to last many riding seasons with multiple stitched main seam construction for maximum tear resistance.

In case of a worst-case scenario the jacket comes with CE approved dual-density shoulder and elbow protectors and an 8 mm thick memory foam back pad for added protection.

If it gets on the warm side of the season simply zip open the air vents that are positioned on the shoulders and back allowing for ample cooling air circulating through the Telluride Jacket.

When the humidity rises along with the temperatures moisture wicking material is used in the collar for maximum rider comfort keeping you both cool and dry.

The jacket fits far better than most riding gear these days with pre-curved arms for a perfect look, fit and for maximum riding comfort.

When the sun parks for the day you do not have to follow as the jacket has reflective piping used on the shoulders, upper arms and rear of the jacket for safer night time riding.

The AGV Sport Telluride Textile Jacket has plenty of places to hold your cell phone and gear as it has four front horizontal entry pockets, two front vertical entry pockets in the chest area, one left sleeve pocket and a large rear pocket that can hold the quilted liner once removed. There is also an interior zip open vertical waterproof wallet pocket.

The jacket utilizes durable YKK zippers throughout and a Velcro secured wind flap over the two-way main entry zippers and is equipped with a collar snap so the jacket may be used comfortably when open at the neck.

Dual sleeve gather snaps are used on each arm for maximum comfort and extra long zipper pulls are used throughout.

You will also find a waist connection zipper for pant attachment along with an elastic waist gatherer positioned in the rear of the jacket. Add in the adjustable Velcro waist, collar and cuff straps and you have a great piece of riding gear at a very affordable price The AGV Sport Telluride Textile Jacket is available in Black and Hi-Viz Yellow and comes in sizes S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL, 4XL. With seven different offerings they have one that will fit you.

The AGV Sport Telluride Textile Jacket goes for $174 USD retail from your local dealer.

Log onto www.motonation.com for more information on the AGV Sport Telluride Textile Jacket and other products from Motonation.

SLIM CHANCE YOU’LL FIND ANOTHER BOBBER LIKE IT…

…ANYWHERE.

Victory Metuchen 911 Middlesex Ave, Metuchen, NJ (732) 491-2900

www.PolarisMetuchen.com Victory and Victory Motorcycles® are registered trademarks of Polaris Industries, Inc. Always wear a helmet, eye protection, and protective clothing and obey the speed limit. Never ride under the influence of drugs or alcohol. ©2013 Polaris Industries Inc.

Shop our large selection for the latest in Ducati Performance parts, apparel and accessories.

CROSS COUNTRY DUCATI Factory Authorized Sales and Service 911 Middlesex Ave, Metuchen, NJ 08840

732.635.0094 • www.ccducati.com

BACKROADS • MAY 2014

Page 35

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHTS ADVENTURESS SKIN CARE - FORMULATED BY A RIDER, FOR RIDERS We all know how much fun riding can be, but it can take a toll on your skin.

For the female riders out there, there’s a solution - Adventuress Skin Care. You guys might want to pay attention as this makes an excellent gift for the “Adventuress” in your life.

Adventuress Michele Carter got hooked on motorcycling at ten years old after the thrill of her first dirt bike ride. Michele saw the harsh effects the environment was having on her skin and decided to create a skincare line for adventurers of all kinds. The Adventuress Skin Care Collection nourishes and protects skin and is packaged in a convenient way so it is easy to fit in saddlebag or top case. Hit the open road with the Intro Offer Collection, a five-piece set that addresses all skin concerns. The Intro Offer Collection ($85) includes: Naturally Liberating Cleanser: This naturally derived cleanser is one of the gentlest ways to cleanse your skin of bacteria and dirt without stripping away moisture. Leaves skin feeling luscious and hydrated. Boswellian bark tears soothe the skin while Spanish castile soap cleanses and calms skin. ($18) Vividly Restorative Skin Purifier: Unblock pores while hydrating and firming your skin by using the power of quince seed and other naturally occurring fruit and plant extracts with this purifying, restorative serum. Packed with micronutrients to restore skin’s youthful radiance. ($35) Boldly Nourishing Moisturizer: An exclusive, targeted delivery system with essential emollients including French Rose Hip and Evening Primrose oils provides intense moisturization and results in exceptional hydration for skin. ($32) High Performance Sunscreen: Safely guard your skin with this high performance, water-resistant sunscreen that combines the benefits of naturally nourishing emollients that moisturize skin as it protects. This lightweight formula features powerful micro-particle technology, which provides broader spectrum coverage with less of a whitening effect. ($26) Fearlessly Refreshing Facial Wipes: These cleansing, biodegradable wipes act as an environmental shield to protect skin from irritation, rash and redness. ($22) In addition, Michele has also formulated a cult-favorite Sunscreen Swipe: These handy swipes were designed with “on-the-go” in mind as they are individually wrapped. No more greasy hands or fingers, just the exact dosage of moisturizing sunscreen uniquely packaged in a sealed finger pocket to ensure you get a clean application and, more importantly, reapplication during any activity. ($24) All products in the Intro Offer Collection can be purchased separately and are available at www.goadventuress.com

MAY 2014 • BACKROADS

Page 36

UPCOM IN G EVENTS CAL ENDAR EVERY MONTH - WEATHER PERMITTING Every Sunday • Eastern Suffolk ABATE Breakfast Run. Crossroads Diner - Calverton NY. 10:30am. Eat and Ride After • 631-369-2221 Every Tuesday • The Ear - Spring St, NYC. Come meet some fellow riders and do some benchracing or whatever. 8pm-ish Every Tuesday • Bike Night @ Texas Smoke Barbecue, 400 Route 15 South, Jefferson, NJ. Dine indoors or out with dinner specials. Meet and kick some tires while enjoying some terrific barbeque • www.TexasSmokeBBQ.com • 862-209-4078 Third Tuesday • 7:30pm ABATE of the Garden State, North Jersey chapter. Black River Barn, 1178 Rt. 10 West, Randolph, NJ. 7:30pm. New members and all mc brands welcome. Help fight for rights as a motorcyclist in NJ! Alex Martinez 973-390-1918

What’s Happening 18 • Bergen County Harley-Davidson Freedom Run & Festival. $25-Rider/$15-Passenger.

Incl. ride entry and meal tickets. First 500 receive FREE event pin. Start point: Overpeck Park, Ridgefield Park, NJ • 8:30-9:30am - Ride leaves 10am SHARP. Live music, vendors, great eats. For full details please visit website www.bergenharleydavidson.com 24 • 12th Annual Twisted Throttle Open House. You've probably heard by now about how much fun previous Twisted Throttle Open House events have been. Entertainment, food, and see what's new for the upcoming season. REGISTER NOW. Stay tuned for details about performers, vendors, demontrations, workshops, seminars and special deals.

TwistedThrottle.com

3rd Tuesday • Two Wheels Tuesdays Harley Davidson Long Branch @ MJ’s Restaurant • 3205 Route 66, Neptune, NJ • 6-9:30pm • Start May 20 through Sept. 16

25 • Dawn Patrol MC Memorial Day Classic. Sign-in: Bradley Gardens Firehouse, 24 Old York Rd, Bridgewater, NJ 9am-Noon with coffee and donuts • Endsite: Dawn Patrol MC Clubhouse, 106 Robert St, Bradley Gardens, NJ • $20 incl. homemade food and beverages, live music by The Kickback Band, door prizes, trophies. Lime dot and route sheet scenic route • 908-722-4664 • www.dawnpatrolmc.com

Every Wednesday • Chelseas Restaurant/Pub, 1051 Rte. 22 East, Lebanon, NJ 6-9pm, weather permitting all summer • www.chelseasrestaurantpub.com

27 • Liberty Harley-Davidson Blacktop Bike Night. Live music, vendors, food/beverage • 12 W Milton, Rahway, NJ • 732-381-2400 • www.libertyharley.com

Every Thursday • Bike Night at the Chatterbox Drive-In, Rtes. 15/206, Augusta, NJ. Tire kicking, good food and friends • www.chatterboxdrivein.com

31 • Cycle Motion Open House • 9am-4pm • Raffles, Refreshments, Sales, Free NYS inspection • 1269 Dolsontown Rd, Middletown, NY • www.cyclemotioninc.com • 845-343-2552

Every Saturday • Stop by the dealership at 9am for coffee and bagels. Ride departs at 10am. Return to the dealership for FREE food and music. Proper attire MUST be worn!

No shorts or sneakers. • Bergen Harley-Davidson, 124 Essex St, Rochelle Park, NJ • 201843-6930 • www.bergenharley.com

4 • International Female Ride Day • www.motoress.com

29-June 1 • 42nd BMW RA NATIONAL RALLY. Barber Motorsports Park/Museum, Birmingham, AL. Get ready for a close encounter with every little thing you love about our sport: grand scale riding, the finest motorcycle museum in the USA, good food and drink, grassy and comfortable camping and thousands of your moto brothers and sisters--new and old. As an added bonus, Keith Code’ California Superbike School will be on hand with his fleet of BMW S1000RR superbikes. Participate or watch as students fly around the fabulous undulating track. Your rally fee includes 3 nights camping, admission to the Vintage Museum, entertainment and much more. www.BMWRA.org

4 • Ramapo MC Spring Run. Most unique Poker Run combining marksmanship, hand/eye coordination, intuition or just dumb luck. $15/entry • Sign in: 9am. Rhodes Tavern North, Route 17N, Sloatsburg, NY. Charity benefits Helen Hayes Hospital. Info Dick Roberts • 201-767-3594

May 30-June 8 • 12th Annual Warrensburg Bike Rally. Schroon River Rd, Warren County Fairgrounds, Warrensburg, NY. Free parking and admission, vendors and demo rides.

MAY 2014 May 23-26 • Backroads Spring Break • Marion, Virginia

4 • Indian Motorcycle Days at Motorcyclepedia • 10am-3pm. From the oldest to the newest, come see the most complete line of original Indian motorcycles anywhere in the world. Motorcyclepedia’s complete time line of Indians from 1901 through 1953 on display. Fast forward to 2014, see and test ride the latest in the new line of Indain motorcycles made available by Indian Motorcycles of Northern New Jersey. There will be raffles, food, music, information on motorcycle training and a presentation on vehicle and traffic laws specific to motorcycles that you won’t want to miss. Motorcyclepedia, Motorcycle Museum, 250 Lake St, Newburgh, NY • www.Motorcyclepediamuseum.org • 845569-9065 10 • 12th Annual Raritan Headwaters Association Ride for the River. Fundraiser Poker Run through the Raritan River Watershed to benefit the Raritan Headwaters Assoc. Families welcome. Prizes for top hands, refreshments for all. All makes of bikes welcome.

Sign in/Endsite: 9-11am, Lebanon Memorial Park, 70 Bunnvale Rd, Califon, NJ. Picnic/Pig Roast, live band. Prereg incl. t-shirt $25 • Day of ride $25 (tshirt $15/pin $5) Picnic only $10 (11am-3pm) • www.raritanheadwaters.org • 908-234-1852. Rain or shine.

JUNE 2014 1 • Morton’s BMW Off-road training - exact date and details TBD. Stay informed with our News & Notes e-newsletter or check our website. Morton’s BMW, 5099A Jefferson Davis Hwy, Frederickburg, VA • 540-891-9844 • www.MortonsBMW.com 1 • Humane Society of Port Jervis & Deerpark Ride & rock for Rescues. Pre register: Riders $15 • Passengers $10 • Party only $10. Day of Event: riders $20 • Passengrs $15 • Party only $15. 10am 202 Rte. 209, Port Jervis, NY. More info www.pjhumane.org 1 • Born to be Wild Nycak Hospital Motorcycle Run to benefit the Maternity Dept. Sign in/Endsite @ Nyack Hospital Parking Lot, corner of 5th/N Midland Aves, Nyack, NY: 911am with breakfast refreshments • 60-mile ride through scenic Rockland County with route sheet/GPS/escorted ride available • Picnic lunch 11:30-2pm with live music by Action entertainment, prizes, raffles 50/50. Prereg: $20/rider;$15 pass • after 5/23: $25/rider;$15/pass;AMA discounted. For question and for full details www.hudsonvalleyharleyriders.com • 845-629-1013 2-7 • Americade • World’s Largest Touring Rally Returns. Lake George NY. For all the details and registration information visit www.americade.com

8-11 • Buzzard Bottom 7. Enjoy awesome roads and camaraderie, presented by Buzzard Brent and Poverty Riders Int'l at High Country Motorcycle Camp, Ferguson, NC, just 20 miles off the Blue Ridge Parkway. This is a comfortable gathering for riders, not a constructed rally. Camping rates apply and meals will be available. www.highcountrymotorcyclecamp.com

7 • Bikers for Brooke MC Run/Family Fun Day to benefit the Brooke Healey Foundation.

Police escorted run • Sign-in: Our Lady of Peace Church, 111 South St, New Providence, NJ 10-11:30am • Bike Blessing 11:45 • Leaves: Noon • $25/pp; under 10: $10 • Endsite: Mount Carmel Hall, 56 River Rd, Berkeley Heights, NJ 2-6pm • www.bikersforbrooke.com

14 • FW Speer Yamaha hosts Vito’s Full Moon Cruise. Ride leaves at 7pm - Call for details • 7 Main Ave, Passaic, NJ • 973-778-6256 • www.SpeerYamaha.com

6-8 • AltRider Adventures Conserve the Ride Weekend. Ride the scenic, lush trails of Pennsylvania. GPS routes (created by the locals in Seven Mountains Conservation Corp.) for all skill levels on scenic off-road trails, 2 nights of camping at Woodward Caves in Central PA, 5 meals including a special pig roast + adult beverages, off-road seminars, live EnduroCross race on a custom built track, prize giveaways from our sponsors. Find out all the details at www.altrider.com • info@altrider.com

16-18 • Morton’s BMW 2014 Spring Fling Rally. A weekend of great roads, good food, interesting seminars, and terrific company, all at historic and scenic Natural Bridge, VA. $45 rally fee incl. vendors, seminars, route sheets/GPS data, scavenger hunt, door prizes, Sat. dinner and presentation. Optional Friday nite Brats & Brew dinner $20. Visit website for complete details • Morton’s BMW Motorcycles, 5099A Jefferson Davis Hwy, Fredericksburg, VA • 540-891-9844 • www.mortonsbmw.com 16-18 • 9th Annual Whitehorse Gear Open House. Expanded hours to accomodate everyone. 9am-5pm with 10% off any non-sale items. Saturday enjoy morning coffee on us and enter for free raffle prizes. Free lunch at noon. NO SALES TAX. 107 East Conway Road, Conway Center, NH. GPS: N 44° 00.33' • W 71° 05.03/ Elevation 553 ft.

13-14 • Rhinebeck Grand National Meet. 8am-5pm. Dutchess County Fairgrounds, 6550 Spring Brook Ave, Rhinebeck NY 14 • Bergen County Harley-Davidson Father’s Day Bike Wash to benefit Disabled American Veterans • Noon-3:30 • $5/bike • 124 Essex St, Rochelle Park, NJ • 201-8436930 • www.bergenharley.com

17 • Tramontin Harley-Davidson Ride to benefit The Puppy Rescue Mission, helping military men and women bring their battle buddies home. Sign in: 10-11am • Kickstands up 11am SHARP. $20-rider/$15-passenger/$15-non-rider participant. 2 hour scenic ride led by NWJ HOG Chapter, followed by food, music, vendors, prizes and more. Tramontin H-D, Route 80 Exit 12, Hope, NJ • 908-459-4101 • www.PuppyRescueMission.com

14 • 4th Annual Carney Vetrano Benefit. Sign in: Shore Lanes Bowling Alley, Rte. 35, Neptune, NJ (Just south of Asbury Park circle) Poker Run sign in: 10am-Noon. Bowling Noon-5pm. Ride-in Bike Show Sign in 1pm. Poker Run $20-rider/$15 passenger • Car & Bike show $20/entry • Bowling $20 donation includes 1 adult + 1 child 2 games and shoes. All proceeds beneift the Ronald McDonald Childrens Cancer Camp. Contact Steven Vetrano: svetrano@thebarhamgroup.com

17 • Bill’s 2nd Anniversary Party at Woodstock Harley-Davidson • 11am-3pm • Free pig Roast while it lasts • 949 SR 28, Kingsotn, NY • 845-338-2801 • www.woodstockharley.com

14-22 • 91st Anniversary of the original riding rally- Laconia Bike Week. Weirs Beach, Laconia, NH. www.LaconiaBikeWeek.com • 603-366-2000

17-18 • The New Sweden 450. The premise is simple: we provide you with 450 miles of amazing roads, throw in a night of camping, provide a hearty dinner and a quick breakfast, then invite 199 of your fellow riders. All for under $50. Be part of the inaugural run.

The ride starts and ends at the Pic-A-Lilli Inn. Make plans to attend this annual ride through NJ, NY and PA. SIgn in: 8-10AM • Pic-A-Lilli Inn, 866 Rte. 206, Shamong, NJ • Pre-Reg: $43 / Day of event: $48. email: ns450@newswedenbmwriders.com 17 • Maghogomock Hook and Ladder Benefit Ride. Rain date: May 31. Sign in Riverside Park, King St, Port Jervise, NY 8-10:30am. $20 rider/$15 passenger. Benefit ride through the beautiful scenic byways in Orange/Sullivan Counties. Chicken BBQ, live music and door prizes at end

16 • RIDE TO WORK • www.RideToWork.org 16-20 • Concours Owners Group 25th Anniversary ‘SilverDammit’ National Rally. Rally Headquarters: Holiday Inn of Johnson City, TN . Tent and RV camping located nearby. registration available online @ concours.org/national/nationalrally2014 19-21 • Mid-Atlantic Women’s M/C Rally. Gettysburg, PA • www.MAWMR.org 22 • 6th Annual Baer’s Poker Run to benefit Multiple Sclerosis • Sign-in 9am-Noon: Baer’s Sports Center, 330 Grandview Ave, Honesdale, PA or Harmony Lodge No. 8, 519 Rte. 206, Andover Twnshp, NJ • $20/pp incl. pin or patch, raffles, 50/50, vendors, live music and ride • www.WRVR.net • 570-253-2000

BACKROADS • MAY 2014

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28 • Woodstock Harley-Davidson Red, White & Blues Party • 949 SR 28, Kingsotn, NY • 845-338-2801 • www.woodstockharley.com 29 • I Bike for Animals 7th Annual Rally to benefit common sense for animals of Warren County NJ. Sign-in/Endsite: Landslide Saloon, Pattenburg, NJ. 50-mile scenid ride with huge food fest at endsite. Raffles, auction DJ and the school of rock • www.commonsenseforanimals.org • 908-859-3060 29 • 8th Annual Nassau County Fireriders Christmas in June Toy Run to benefit SCO Family Services. Sign-in with breakfast: Applebee’s, 938 S Broadway/Rte. 107, Hicksville, NY @ 9am-Noon • $10 plus unwrapped toy • Endsite with BBQ: Tappen Beach, Sea Cliff, NY

JULY 2014 2-5 • Wing Ding - Madison, WI • www.GWRRA.org 12-13 • 38th Annual Ramapo 500™ • Sign in and 'day-of' registration 7-9am, Veterans' Memorial Association, 66 Lake Foad East, Congers, NY. This two-day 500-mile tour, designed and orchestrated by the Ramapo Motorcycle Club, will take participants on an original ride through the northeast along back-country roads and routes less-traveled, culminating at a unique camping venue (hotel accommodations will be available). Dinner and breakfast, pins, patches, and dozens of prizes and awards are part of the package. *Total participation strictly limited to 400 – Rain or Shine this event is always a sell-out.

Further information and money-saving advanced registration forms (highly recommended) are available on-line at www.ramapomc.org 19 • Woodstock Harley-Davidson Rock N Rumble • 949 SR 28, Kingsotn, NY • 845-338-2801 • www.woodstockharley.com 18-20 • AMA Vintage Motorcycle Rally. Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course - Lexington, OH • www.AmericanMotorcyclist.com

SEPTEMBER 2014 5-7 • Women’s Sportbike Rally VIII - Deals Gap, NC • www.WomensSportbikeRally.com 7 • Lost Wheels MC Poker Run to benefit Montrose VA Hospital, Castle Point Food for Vets, Vassar Hospital Children's Ward, Food Bank of the Hudson Valley. NEW SIGN IN: McDonald's, Route 9, Fishkill, NY (Dutchess Mall) 9-10:30am Registration • Run ends @ 3pm. $25/riders; $15/Passenger; $10 under 15. Endsite: Canopus Lake Beach, Fahestock St Park, 1498 Rte. 301, Carmel, NY. Ride the route and join us for great food, live music, games, vendors, door prizes and %0/50. Cash prize for best poker hand. Trophies for best rep club and bike show People's Choice and Best of Show • www.lostwheels.com • Pat: 845-800-0041 10-13 • Westchester Beemers NY Trio Tour 2014. Sport-touring ‘scavenger hunt’ event. 3 consecutive daily rides begin and end at Hampton Inn, Elkins, WV base location. Daily rides average 8.5 hours covering 350 miles. Limited to 33 riders. $50 incl. Sat. evening closing dinner, rider card and prizes for top three finishers. Discounted lodging arrangements in place at base location (304-630-7500). For full details call or visit 914-328-7909 • www.triotour.org

Sept. 26-28 • Backroads Fall Fiesta • Shippensburg, PA 16th Backroads Fall Fiesta. We’ll have our base camp at the historic Shippen Place Hotel in Shippensburg, PA. Surrounded by some of the most scenic and twistalicious roads in Pennsylvania. We’ll have a group dinner Saturday night (pre-registration IS required for dinner) at the University Grille, at the hotel - $34/pp. Rooms start at $87/night. Call today and get yours.

Please ask for Backroads Group when booking. www.shippenplace.com • 717-532-4141

FALL FIESTA 2014 September 25-28

Motorcycles, Travel & Adventure

A SHAMOKIN’ TIME IN SOUTHCENTRAL PA Join us for our 16th Backroads Fall Fiesta We’ll have our base camp at the historic Shippen Place Hotel in Shippensburg, PA Surrounded by some of the most scenic and twistalicious roads in Pennsylvania You can explore the beautiful Michaux State Forest, take a spin to Mr. Ed’s Elephant Museum or check out Centralia, the town on fire.

We’ll have a group dinner Saturday night at the University Grille, at the hotel.

Preregistration for dinner required.

Rooms start at $87.20/night Call today and get yours. Please ask for Backroads Group when booking.

www.shippenplace.com • 717-532-4141

MAY 2014 • BACKROADS

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PLACES TO GO AND THINGS TO DO AND SEE NON-SPORTBIKEON-TRACK TRAINING DAY • WHAT’S THIS ALL ABOUT? In an effort to encourage more types of riders to experience the racetrack, and to learn more about their bike and ability, Tony’s Track Days is offering this special track day training day for Non-Sportbike riders.

Even though many non-sportbike machines attend their regular TTD events, TTD know that there are people who ride Cruisers, Baggers, Tourers, Adventure bikes, and Sport Tourers who would feel more comfortable riding on the track with other non-sportbike machines.

So here’s a day just for them.

A day of motorcycle training geared toward Touring bikes, Adventure bikes and Cruisers. This is not a “how to ride” course - it’s a “how to ride better” course. As long as you are currently riding your motorcycle on the road, TTD will help you ride it better!

While parking lot courses have their place, riding your bike on a track will let you practice riding skills at real-world speeds - without the normal distractions found on public roads (like cars, sand, cops, etc) Throughout the day, you will alternate between classroom sessions and on-track sessions.

The goal is to greatly improve your confidence as you enter and ride through a corner. Benefit from discussions and demonstrations of advanced riding technique that you can then try on the track. Chief Instructor and author Ken Condon will conduct many of the classroom sessions.

Rider Education Of New Jersey Inc.

Basic RiderCourse • $295 Basic RiderCourse 2 (old ERC) • $125 “New” 3 Wheel BRC & The Advanced RiderCourse

Over 20 Years Experience!

Learn to Ride! Learn to Ride Better!

No Permit Needed!

To Learn More or to Register Online Visit RENJ.com Call Today: 1-800-8WE-RIDE Motorcycle Safety Foundation & New Jersey State Approved MVC Written and Road Test Waived (certain restrictions apply)

WHEN: August 19, 2014 WHERE: Thompson Motor Speedway Road Course, Thompson, CT HOW MUCH: The price for the day is $250. This will include a buffet lunch and use of the garages!

NOTE: You will initially be grouped by bike type, but may be moved up or down a group as riding ability dictates.

TECH INSPECTION: For this day, bikes must be in excellent road worthy condition with plenty of tire life remaining. There can be no leaking of any fluids - be sure to check your fork tubes! We will also be checking brake pads so be sure to have plenty of pad left.

RIDING GEAR: Riders will be responsible for having full motorcycle gear. At a minimum, this means a motorcycle jacket and pants (no chaps). Gloves and boots should overlap the jacket and pants so no skin is exposed when you are in the riding position. Helmets must be full faced. High quality modular helmets will be allowed but must remain in the locked position when on track. for this and more information visit tonystrackdays.com

2014 VINTAGE MOTORCYCLE FESTIVAL ‘THE MEET’ The Third Annual old motorcycle show, known as The Meet, will be held over the August 22-24, 2014 weekend at America’s Car Museum in Tacoma, WA. Due to the national success of the 2013 Meet, which attracted over 325 unique and unusual vintage motorcycles from the early 1900s through 1980, plans have been made to increase the Haub Family

BACKROADS • MAY 2014 Showfield to accommodate 475 motorcycles. The August 2013 show brought more than 4,000 attendees from 22 states and two Canadian Provinces to Tacoma.

There will be a General Admission fee of $20 per person, which will provide full access to LeMay-America’s Car Museum and to the Vintage Motorcycle Festival. New for 2014, Chairman Burt Richmond confirmed that all fees have been eliminated for entering motorcycles in the Concours.

Thirteen motorcycle dealers will display a good cross section of new motorcycles. They will be joined by 17 aftermarket vendors to provide first hand product and service information for motorcycle enthusiasts. Both the Used Bike Corral and the Swap Meet spaces have been expanded to handle the increased demand for parts and used motorcycles.

Entertainment will include multiple Seattle Cossack motorcycle precision acrobatic demonstrations, alternated with the South Sound Trails Rider demonstrations. There will be several seminars covering motorcycle touring, restoration, tech sessions and tuning tips sponsored by Motorcycle Classics magazine.

For more information see the website for schedules, registration, classes and event details at: www.vintagemotorcyclefestival.com, or email Burt Richmond – burt@burtrichmond.com.

MOTOQUEST PRESENTS : ALASKA WOMEN’S RIDE SUNDAY, JUNE 29TH 2014 - MONDAY, JULY 7TH 2014 This Summer MotoQuest is giving women around the world the opportunity to experience Alaska from the perspective that only a motorcycle can give on the Alaska Women’s Motorcycle Ride. This all-paved itinerary showcases Alaska’s splendor and beauty, including Denali National Park, the Alaska Range, Mt. McKinley, Thompson Pass, Matanuska Glacier and

Page 39 Valdez, and is guided by Sarah Schilke, one of the most accomplished women in motorcycling.

Riders will begin the adventure in Anchorage, then strike north to the quaint town of Talkeetna, a bustling basecamp for those ascending Mt. McKinley, and the inspiration for the sitcom “Northern Exposure”. The group will then head north up the George Parks Highway past Denali National Park into the Fairbanks area to spend the evening soaking in Chena Hotsprings. From Chena, the Richardson Highway will take the group south to the original entrance to Denali Park at Tangle River Inn on the Denali Highway. Tangle River Inn sits on a 20-mile chain of mirror still lakes that reflect the Alaska Range and attract all kinds of wildlife. The next day, riders will chase the Alaska Pipeline to its termination in Valdez on an unforgettable, world-class ride that features Thompson Pass, Worthington Glacier, Keystone Canyon and Bridal Veil Falls. The return trip to Anchorage follows the Glenn Highway, officially one of North America’s most scenic byways, with Tazlina, Nelchina and Matanuska Glaciers all visible along this route to the South. The adventure comes to a close in Anchorage, with a premium farewell dinner and tall tales from the road.

Participants in this year’s Alaska Women’s Motorcycle Ride will also receive a complimentary Schuberth C3W helmet, the only modular helmet engineered specifically for women. This is a great opportunity for women from around the world to meet up with other like-minded women and experience the wonders of Alaska. Don’t miss this chance to make friends and memories that last a lifetime!

Visit MotoQuest.com to learn more about the Alaska Women’s Motorcycle Ride and other MotoQuest Adventures.New Tour Floats Motorcycles Into the Heart of the Amazonian Rainforest

INTRODUCING TUESDAYS BIKE NITE @

only on Tuesdays only aT Texas smoke Indoor and ouTdoor dInIng For all the biker and barbecue enthusiasts out there, enjoy our specials:

STARTS IN MAY

Full Rack of Ribs - $15.99 Full Rack of Ribs with two sides/cornbread - $17.99 Chicken & Rib Dinner with two sides/cornbread - $10.95

Texas smoke BarBecue 400 Route 15 South • Jefferson NJ 862-209-4078 • www.TexasSmokeBBQ.com

MAY 2014 • BACKROADS

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HIGH ANDES, DEEP AMAZON TOUR GOES WHERE ROADS DON’T Starting on May 4th, motorcycle tours in Ecuador will take on a new dimension: riders will no longer be limited to the country’s astounding roads and trails.

Ecuador Freedom Bike Rental & Tours is introducing their newest guided motorcycle adventure – the High Andes, Deep Amazon Tour. This amazing experience is the latest of several guided and self-guided motorcycle adventures offered by the Quito-based tour operator and will take riders where no roads go: deep into the heart of the Amazonian rainforest.

The High Andes, Deep Amazon Tour is a ten-day, all-inclusive, guided, dual-sport motorcycle adventure that departs from, and returns to, the magnificent UNESCO World-Heritage city of Quito. The mostly unpaved portion of the route brings riders and their motorcycles to heights of over 15,000 feet, through pristine rainforests teeming with wildlife, pass active volcanoes, under roaring waterfalls, and into isolated indigenous villages that few people ever dream of visiting. Riders

will gain insight into how native Ecuadorians have lived for centuries in Andean mountain communities where farming still relies on muscle power and in Amazon-basin communities where hunting is still done using poison-frog darts and blowguns.

At the end of the day riders will be soaking in a volcanic hot spring at high altitude; partying in a Colombian border town on another, and even falling asleep in the Amazon jungle while listening to the flow of the Napo River. However, there’s no roughing it: this journey features private accommodations and specially selected dining. This is no ordinary tour, but an adventure that will create memories to last a lifetime.

The riding is not highly technical but, in order to have a successful trip, riders are required to have a certain amount of stamina and the “expedition mentality” that’s essential for working as a team.

Most of the tour is on unpaved roads, which are required to reach very special places, such as the El Angel National Park, home to the strange frailejón plant and high-altitude mineral lakes.

Interested adventure motorcyclists should contact Ecuador Freedom Bike Rental for more information. about ecuador freedom bike rental Located in the historic capital city of Quito, Ecuador Freedom Bike Rental is the country’s first motorcycle tour operator. Working with local, professional guides they design and outfit tours for adventure enthusiasts who wish to explore Ecuador on two wheels. They are open 7 days a week and provide full-service rentals of mountain bikes, motor scooters, and motorcycles at reasonable daily and weekly rates.

For more information: FreedomBikeRental.com

1269 DOLSONTOWN RD • MIDDLETOWN NY 10940 845-343-2552 • WWW.CYCLEMOTIONINC.COM

Saturday, May 31st Raffles • Refreshments • FREE NYS Inspections In-Stock Sale on Apparel and Merchandise

9 am to

Can-Am Metuchen 911 Middlesex Ave, Metuchen, NJ (732) 491-2900

www.CanAmMetuchen.com

4 pm

BACKROADS • MAY 2014

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thomas sweet ice cream + chocolate 55 EASTON AVE, NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ 732-828-3855 • WWW.THOMASSWEET.COM HOURS: SU-TH: NOON-11PM • FRI: NOON-12AM • CLOSED MONDAYS Welcome back to another stop on Shira’s Ice Cream Run. I hope you’ve had a survivable winter, passing the time with lots of ice cream. Perhaps some of you tried making snowcones from the mounds of white stuff that stayed around way too long – not the same, sorry.

This month we’ll travel to central Jersey and an establishment that’s been serving up homemade deliciousness since 1979. Thomas Sweet Ice Cream originated in Princeton, making super-premium, all-natural ice cream in-store and on a rotational basis, so flavors are always new and different. You’ll find no artificial flavoring or colors tainting their scoops, which might make their ‘white’ mint chocolate chip a bit strange to see. They were one of the first to offer Brian’s favorite flavor, Oreos and Cream, back in the ‘80s and their Blend-In, their signature item, has been a Princeton tradition since their beginning.

I made my acquaintance with Thomas Sweet at their New Brunswick shop this past winter. We were making several trips to this area and I couldn’t keep passing this establishment by any longer. Trouble was, the parking is horrendous here, made worse by piles of snow.

On one of the last visits we made, fates were with me and there was a spot right in front of the shop. Without hesitation, I grabbed it and we made our way into this den of chocolaty goodness.

Their menu board was laden with flavors, both traditional and creative, as well as tons of toppings. Not wanting to be a glutton, I opted for a small dish of coconut and peach. The young man scooping the flavors tried to tempt me with their wonderful Blend-in, but I would have none of that; well, not at first. He offered up a tasting of their Sweet Cream and Peanut Butter Cup which, quite possible, could be the richest of anything they dish out. So good, in fact, that a pint of it found its way home with me, along with a couple other pints – it was going to be a long winter and I had to have enough supplies.

MAY 2014 • BACKROADS

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As we all know, ice cream is not just for kids – but kids of all ages – and Thomas Sweet offers some sophisticated flavors suitable for the adult palate such as French Kiss (dark chocolate raspberry mouse with bittersweet chocolate chips), Eastern Chai, Grand Marnier and Coffee Amaretto. Their creativity runs the gamut from Nutella to Tiramisu and so many more. They have been developing recipes for over 35 years and have quite the secret recipe book from which to choose.

With their ever-changing flavor menu, you’re sure to find at least one, or six,

that will satisfy your sweet tooth. And, if you call ahead, they will be more than happy to flash-freeze your to-go pints to travel better.

In addition to their fantastic ice cream, Thomas Sweet has been crafting the finest quality, traditional-technique chocolate for the same 30+ years.

Also made fresh daily, on-premise and in small batches. Hand-rolled truffles of enormous variety, hand-dipped fruits, chocolate covered Oreos and chocolate covered espresso beans can find their way into a tank or saddle bag for your enjoyment at home.

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Thomas Sweet has several locations: two in Princeton, one in Skillman, NJ and the one in New Brunswick.

If you find your way south a ways, they can also be found in historic Georgetown, the favored ice cream shop of prominent Washingtonians for generations.

Here’s a little 75-mile one-way Rip & Ride from the Delaware Water Gap State Park in PA to the New Brunswick shop at 55 Easton Ave. While in New Brunswick, take the time to explore the Rutgers Campus, filled with historic old buildings. In one, the Geological Hall, you’ll find an unexpected pleasure, especially if you are a fan of the dinosaur.

Making your riding plans for the season?

Don’t forget to reserve your room for the Backroads Fall Fiesta at the Shippen Place Hotel, Shippensburg, PA. See the ad on page 37 for details.

BACKROADS • MAY 2014

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Rip & Ride® • THOMAS SWEET ICE CREAM 55 EASTON AVE, NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ • 732-828-3855 • WWW.THOMASSWEET.COM GPS DOWNLOAD: WWW.SENDSPACE.COM/PRO/DL/RT94TY

LEFT ONTO CREGAR RD

TAKE RTE 611/RIVER RD SOUTH ALONG DELAWARE RIVER

RIGHT ONTO CR 513

LEFT ONTO RIVERTON RD

STRAIGHT ONTO MILL ST – WASHINGTON AVE

LEFT ONTO WATER ST

RIGHT ONTO E. MAIN ST

CROSS BELVIDERE FREE BRIDGE TO NJ RIGHT ONTO GREENWICH ST/CR 620 STRAIGHT ONTO CR 519

RIGHT ONTO PETTICOAT LANE LEFT ONTO ROUTE 22 EAST RIGHT ONTO ROUND VALLEY ACCESS RD/CR 629

LEFT ONTO RIDGE RD

LEFT ONTO CRAIG RD

LEFT ONTO FIDDLERS ELBOW RD

RIGHT ONTO OLD YORK RD

RIGHT/LEFT ONTO CR 647

LEFT ONTO CR 629

RIGHT ONTO MONTANA RD

STRAIGHT ONTO CR 567

LEFT ONTO MILLBROOK RD CROSS ROUTE 57

LEFT ONTO CR 514

STRAIGHT ONTO ASBURY BROADWAY RD

RIGHT ONTO CR 533

RIGHT ONTO IRON BRIDGE RD

LEFT ONTO BLACKWELLS MILLS RD

LEFT ONTO MINE RD

LEFT ONTO CR 615

RIGHT ONTO CR 635

RIGHT ONTO CR 514

LEFT ONTO VAN SYCKELS RD

RIGHT ONTO CR 527/EASTON AVE

RIGHT ONTO ROUTE 31

THOMAS SWEET ICE CREAM ON LEFT

For over 35 years Circle Cycle has helped riders get and stay on the road Our variety of powersports products is second to none.

Whether you’re riding offroad, backroads, or on the track, we’re here to get you where you need to go.

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CYCLE 201-945-2200 web: www.circlecycle.net

MAY 2014 • BACKROADS

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PRODUCT SPOTLIGHTS TWISTED THROTTLE’S NEW 2014 CATALOG You know spring has arrived when the new Twisted Throttle catalog hits the streets.

Sometimes size does matter and this year’s is a monstrous 272 pages of moto-awesomeness.

We have known Erik and company since the early days and, over the years, Twisted has grown into one of the planet’s great resources for rider’s gear and serious motorcycle accessories.

This catalog covers riding gear, luggage, camping, electronics tools, rentals and more and it is available now.

Get yours free at twistedthrottle.com.

SCHUBERTH HELMET LOKS T-Hooks for helmets have been around for a long time, as have Helmet Loks, the carabiner-style combination locks. Schuberth Helmets have put the two together in one convenient package.

The two-piece package includes a large four-tumbler, carabinerstyle combination lock with a black rubberized coating, to prevent scratching and includes a T-bar that slips through the helmet’s Micro Lock Ratchet closure.

The T-bar is made from nickel-plated steel and has a load capacity of 220lb.

The combination is changeable, so you can set your own code (read the directions carefully first – trust us) This lock makes leaving your helmet, an expensive investment, just sitting on your bike just a tad bit more secure and stops coming back to your motorcycle only to find your helmet has tumbled to the ground while you were away.

Don’t we all hate that unmistakable “thunck” sound?!

This setup also works for standard D-Rings and other modular helmets.

The Schuberth Helmet Loks sell for around $40 and can be found at Schuberth dealers.

ARKANSAS MOTORCYCLING GUIDE 2014 For many of us who call the northeast home riding in the wonderful and motorcycle-friendly state of Arkansas might seem like a hike; and one that many might overlook when planning an extended tour this season.

We have been fortunate to have ridden, a number of times, in and around and through Arkansas and its magnificent Ozarks; but this season we plan an extended journey to this rider’s paradise.

Sure, you can get all Beach Boyee’ on the web but, like most web sites or social media, we can’t get comfortable with it in the bed or the bathroom.

No. Sometimes we just prefer the real deal – a guidebook created with motorcycling specifically in mind.

Find Us On

HVMOTORCYCLES.COM OSSINING, NY • 914-762-2772 Just 8 miles north of the Tappan Zee Bridge

BACKROADS • MAY 2014

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Created by the Arkansas Department of Parks & Tourism this palm-size book is 80 plus pages full of maps, riding tours, attractions and suggestions aimed at two-wheel travelers.

The Ozarks and the roads that abound there are well worth the ride west and it is obvious that, unlike some regional guide books that look like something made for your grandparents with pictures of “Hollywood-Style” bikes pasted in where the minivans once were, that the Arkansas Motorcycling Guide 2014 was thoughtfully created, featuring many different riders, machines and riding styles.

It is good to see more than just the usual cruiser, tee shirt and half helmet portrayed in this guide.

The book has twenty-one different and interesting routes and highlights historic sites, interesting destinations and a few odder places that have Dr. Seymour O’Life already packing his saddlebags.

Each route has detailed maps, mileage, creative photography and special sections on highlighting “Things To See.” Rider friendly hotels and inns, both big-chain and small family-owned, can be found in this guide and the entire state comes across as very rider-friendly indeed. To get your own classically ‘printed’ copy of the Arkansas Motorcycling Guide 2014 you will be best served on the web at Arkansas.com.

OGIO RENEGADE RSS 17 LAPTOP BACKPACK If you are in the market for a substantially tough backpack to carry your laptop or iPad then take a look at the new Ogio Renegade RSS17 Laptop Backpack.

To be honest we have picked up a boodle of backpacks over the years, but for serious travel and protection this bag is hard to beat whether it is on the bike, air travel or day-to-day use.

Although Ogio calls it a ‘17’ it will only handle laptops up to 15” in size, but it protects them in a big way with a specially armored compartment that is snug, secure and well padded. Other integrated foam panels keep your electronics and other valuables protected.

The first front pocket has an organizer panel set-up for carrying pens and a padded mouse/digital camera pocket, while the second pocket has a sleeve for your iPad or tablet device. The third expandable pocket is big enough to carry publications, work papers or the like.

Atop that you will find a crush proof Tech Vault pocket with soft tricot liner, perfect for phones or sunglasses.

There is also a separate pocket on top for digital media.

Four zippered side utility pockets are marked for chargers, iPod, camera and phone. This new Ogio backpack features increased shoulder strap foam padding that creates a ‘Sweet Spot’ comfort zone and a quick access expandable phone pocket and has an adjustable sternum strap to keep everything in place. It is all held together with a hybrid unibody backpanel.

With a capacity of 1800 cubic inches you should easily be able to haul your mini-office around in style, protection and comfort.

The Ogio Renegade RSS 17 Laptop Backpack lists for $150 and you can see it in action at ogio.com/backpacks/renegade-rss-17

SUSSEXMOTORSPORTS 446 Route 23 • Sussex, NJ • Located across from the A&P Shopping Plaza

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www.EuropeanCycleServices.com

MAY 2014 • BACKROADS

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

Pre-Flight Here we are in May and I am sure, or at least hoping, that everybody is out on the road and, if not, that they will be soon.

We hope you made it a point to more than just make sure your bike started before you set out on that first ride of the year.

If not take a bit of time soon to go over your machines stem to stern.

Most experienced riders, and those that were born with a throttle in their hands, know enough to pre-flight their rides before taking them out of the garage after a long winter’s nap.

Truth is, it is good to go inspect your motorcycles like pilots do to their aircraft. Be tenacious and thorough with your machine’s inspection and doing it often is always a bonus.

Keeping your bike on a charger through the winter is always a good thing as long winters like the last one past can sap the power from the best and newest type of batteries.

Trust us, this spring there were thousands of riders who happily geared up and rolled their machines out into the warming spring sun only to hear that elation crushing sound…tick…tick…sphitttt and then nothing.

Bummer.

If you kept your battery’s maintenance up during the off-season you could avoid this let down.

If your bike has been sitting for any length of time check your tires for wear, cracks, debris, cuts and especially the correct air pressure.

Loss of air pressure can happen quickly or over months - and for no apparent rhyme or reason. Case in point was that last summer my GS was suddenly handling especially badly. I had just finished CLASS riding school in Virginia and at CLASS I had dropped air pressure and then re-inflated the tires for the ride home.

The next time out I had oscillation from the front end of the bike.

The tires had taken a beating and, after two days of track time, I thought they might have become toast.

Truth is the valve for the front tire had gotten a smidge loose and my tire pressure was way off. I was having the tires swapped out when the technician brought it to my attention that my pressure was dangerously low in the front and that was my real issue.

How could that be…I had just checked them a few days before?

You need to be tenacious on checking for correct air pressure, not only in the beginning of the season, but throughout the year.

Most MSF coaches will tell you that when they inspect motorcycles before instruction more than half are severely underinflated.

Don’t be that rider.

While you are down on the ground alongside your ride look for anything amiss. Is that small puddle of oil or coolant fresh? If so, where did it come from? Do you see any loose or worse, missing bolts, clips or fasteners?

If so, now is the time to tighten and/or replace these – before they develop into a more serious issue.

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VITO’S FULL MOON CRUISE - WED., MAY 14 • 7pm A YAMAHA CONSUMER EVENT - CALL FOR DETAILS

THE MALLTERNATIVE

BACKROADS • MAY 2014 Take a look at your brake pads and then roll and stop the bike with the front and then the back brakes, stopping the machine.

Are your headlight, tail and brake lights operating the way they should?

What about your turn signals?

When was the last time you checked or changed your oil?

If it is almost time to do so, why not start the season with some fresh oil and filter? Could never hurt.

If your motorcycle is chain-driven check to make sure it is adjusted and lubed correctly. If your machine is shaft driven when was the last time those lubricating fluids were changed? If it is past time, well now is as good as any.

Page 47 From past experience I make it a point of opening my air box to see if Mickey and the gang have moved in during the winter.

In the past I have found mice condos, little corpses and a machine whose air intake was completely blocked by acorns. One tap with a small hammer and a dozen nuts came rolling out onto the garage floor.

It was no wonder it was so hard starting that spring.

The point here is to give your machine a hearty once over before you take off for that first ride and continue to examine your machine closely throughout the season. A few minutes, at least once a week, might save you hours or days somewhere down the road.

INNOVATION MARKS THE 2015 HONDA LINEUP WITH THE NM4 In recent new-model releases, Honda has covered an extensive span across all categories with more than 20 exciting new powersports products. This remarkably wide variety has impacted virtually all segments of the market, from lightweight, fun bikes such as the Grom™ and 500 series, to big-displacement trendsetters such as the Valkyrie®, F6B and CTX1300, from the innovative Pioneer™ side-by-sides to great new ATVs. What more can Honda possibly do for 2015? Plenty.

“Honda has a deeply rooted drive toward innovation,” said Powersports Press Manager Bill Savino. “That’s something Honda has repeatedly demonstrated throughout its history in its role as market leader. For 2015, we’re pressing forward with more innovative new products, as well as updates to some of our most popular models.”

2015 NM4 If you’ve ever wanted to transport yourself into the future, this is your machine. By design, the NM4 shakes up the status quo and explodes conventional barriers in order to attract a whole new segment

of forward-thinking riders to motorcycling. Beneath its futuristic bodywork there’s a 670cc, liquid-cooled, parallel-twin engine with four valves per cylinder, automatic dual-clutch transmission and ABS. Storage pockets in the fairing plus saddlebags add real-world utility, and the rear turn signals are neatly integrated into the rear bags. The rider settles easily onto a comfy seat that’s perched a low, 25.6 inches off the ground, and there’s also a cool and practical rider backrest feature—the passenger seat flips up and can be set at three different angles and slides fore and aft to one of four positions.

Full LED lighting lets the NM4 stand out whether it’s coming or going, the fat, 200mm rear tire imparts a cool look, and the meter display can be illuminated in any of 25 different color choices—nearly one for every day of the month. All this and more add up to one of the coolest new bikes in the Honda line. Color: Black Metallic; Price: $10,999; Availability: June powersports.honda.com/nm4.aspx

MAY 2014 • BACKROADS

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Rip & Ride® • THE SHIPPEN PLACE HOTEL 32 E KING ST , SHIPPENSBURG, PA 17257 • 717-532-4141 • WWW.SHIPPENPLACE.COM GPS DOWNLOAD: WWW.SENDSPACE.COM/PRO/DL/PFPV53

CROSS BRIDGE INTO PA AT PORTLAND TAKE RTE. 611/ 512 SOUTH RIGHT AT RTE. 512 RIGHT AT BELL AVE LEFT AT CONSTITUTION AVE RIGHT AT BROADWAY BEAR LEFT OLD RTE. 115 LEFT AT MOUNTAIN RD. INTO SMITH GAP ROADS RIGHT AT COVERED BRIDGE RD. LEFT AT HAHNS DAIRY RD. LEFT AT FOREST INN RD RIGHT AT FIRE LINE RD. LEFT AT EAST WHITE ST. RIGHT AT BANK ST. LEFT AT RTE. 895

RIGHT AT RTE. 309 LEFT AT RTE. 54 – HOMETOWN BR AT PA 4029 TO CENTRALIA (COAL FIRE TOWN) STRAIGHT AT RTE. 61 LEFT AT RTE. 125 RIGHT AT RTE. 25 IN MILLERSBURG HEAD TO RIVER AND FERRY CROSS RIVER AND THEN CROSS RTE. 11 PICK UP RTE. 34 LEFT ON 4TH ST. FOLLOW SIGNS FOR RTE. 34 STRAIGHT AT RTE. 274 LEFT TO ROUTE 74 WAGGONERS GAP PICK/UP RTE. 11 TAKE TO SHIPPENSBURG BECOMES KINGS STREET FOLLOW TO SHIPPEN PLACE HOTEL

BACKROADS • MAY 2014

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Rip & Ride® • THE I GO INN - SACANDAGA LAKE 241 SOUTH SHORE ROAD, EDINBURG, NY 12134

• 518- 883-8900 • IGOINN.COM

FROM LAKE GEORGE NORTH ON RTE. 9N

LEFT AT GLEN ATHOL RD CR 13

LEFT AT DIAMOND POINT RD.

BEAR RIGHT IN ATHOL TO CR 4

RIGHT AT EAST SHROON RIVER RD.

STRAIGHT AT CR 76

LEFT AT CR 11

LEFT TO CR 12 HADLEY RD.

RIGHT AT CR 10

BECOMES CR 1 STONY CREEK RD.

LEFT AT RTE. 9

RIGHT AT CR 4

LEFT AT CR 8 – FRIENDS LAKE ROAD

LEFT AT CR 7 AROUND SACANDAGA LAKE

RIGHT AT RTE. 28

I GO INN ON RIGHT

Rip & Ride® • THE WHITE BIRCH CAFÉ • 18 PARK ST , TUPPER LAKE, NY 12986 FROM LAKE GEORGE • RTE. 9N NORTH LEFT AT RTE. 8 RIGHT AT RTE. 28 RIGHT AT RTE. 28 N STRAIGHT AT RTE. 30 NORTH IN LONG LAKE

• 518-359-8044

NORTH TO TUPPER LAKE (SOME OF THE BEST ADIRONDACK SCENERY) RIGHT AT PARK STREET WHITE BIRCH DOWN ON RIGHT

MAY 2014 • BACKROADS

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THOUGH TS FR OM THE ROAD a history of helmetry A few days ago, while perusing my collection of accumulated, cast-off motorcycle helmets stacked in the hall closet, something profound occurred to me: I was supposed to be looking for my car keys. Regardless, I began to ponder the origins of these necessities of noggin-dom, and before long I was busily exploring volumes of vast historical references aided by the wonders of modern technology and a passable domestic wine.

And that’s when something even more profound occurred to me: though the problem of protecting the head while atop mammal or machine has been on the mind of Man, so to speak, for millennia, there appears to be no concise, comprehensive literature regarding the development of mobile helmetry. In fact, there does not appear to be any such word.

I have since rectified this glaring omission in the field of motorcycle helmet history. Readers are encouraged to make copies of this informative material and keep it someplace handy; like, say, in the hall closet. early man – We must first tip our collective hats to the original Cro-Magnon man who, in a moment of pre-historic inspiration, placed an empty coconut shell upon his shaggy brow in an effort to protect his still evolving brain from the slightly more evolved but still pre-historic woman (“You’ve been off with your bud-

Tim Wineland dies riding that STUPID MASTADON AGAIN, HAVEN’T YOU? And take off that SILLY HAT!”). The idea caught on, and soon became a necessary safety feature of all early civilizations as they fought the elements, each other, and the overhead indiscretions of gigantic, pre-historic birds.

Adorning their crude headwear with petroglyphs and colored pigments, these forebears of the first helmet had little idea that it would someday evolve into the modern, indispensable CPD (Cranial Protection Device) that is so effective at turning hair into GPS (Greased Pine Straw) today. the egyptians – The first written reference of a helmet used in conjunction with a moving vehicle involves an ancient mode of transportation called a “chariot”. This two-wheeled contrivance is a direct ancestor of the motorcycle and was most likely invented by the Egyptians, since they also invented beer, and rarely is one seen without the other. Unlike a horse, a chariot allowed room for a passenger, thus enabling a team of charioteers the ability to continue drinking beer from their helmets while charging headlong into battle. This is widely believed to be the beginning of “rallies” as well. the romans – Realizing the more brain-damaged a person was, the more likely he would go into politics, Roman Senator Cranius Maximus sought to reduce his competition by introducing the first mandatory helmet law. This new law required each chariot driver to use a sturdy helmet made of bronze and leather to help prevent traumatic brain injury and consequently a new Emperor. Charioteers heartily supported this new law since it made no mention of actually having to “wear” the helmet. This oversight eventually led to the “Fall of Rome”, followed by the “Winter of Rome”, and finally by the infamous “Spring Break in Rome” as thousands of invading Barbarian hordes ran amok on the beaches. Such ambiguous wording in the law was possible because it was written in Latin – an incoherent language which no one, not even the Romans, understood.

This style of vague, obtuse terminology proved so successful for politicians it eventually became the model for our legal system today. meDiaeval knights – A knight in shining armor astride his powerful steed is the image all bikers conjure up as they patrol the countryside seeking maidens in distress and maybe some really good barbecue. However, a suit of mediaeval armor was not complete without a large, heavy, suffocatingly hot, forty-six gauge steel “kettle” helm, which was basically an inverted deep-fryer without the ventilation. Many historians agree that the wearing of such concealing headgear gave rise to the tradition of “saluting”; as whenever two anonymous knights would pass, they would each raise their visor with their right hand in order to show their face, gasp for air, and ask directions to the next Poker Run stop. Many semi-asphyxiated knights would venture off on “crusades” to far off lands where they would introduce the local “infidels” to a more diverse “lifestyle”. This tradition is still practiced each year in places like Sturgis and Daytona.

napoleonic wars – For some reason, probably the Democrats, by the time of the Napoleonic Wars in 19th century Europe the snazzy helmets of the charioteers and iron brain-buckets of the knights were replaced by gaudy colored uniforms and tall, silly-looking

BACKROADS • MAY 2014

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hats. Though this idea was popular among petite, wig-wearing generals far behind the lines, the galloping cavalry constantly had to chase their windblown bonnets around the battlefield, often getting them confused with those of the enemy, or sometimes a flowering shrub. The ability to scoop them up from the ground while staying mounted was a skill mastered only through long hours in the saddle and many more in the infirmary. It is for this reason that whenever two motorcycling “road warriors” pass one another today they display the traditional “low wave”: not as a greeting, but rather as a mock tribute to grounded headwear retrieval. the first worlD war – The great “War to End all Wars”, didn’t; but it did see the emergence of the motorcycle as an essential combat vehicle and the resurgence of a practical helmet. This was mainly due to camels.

After the war, a British officer named “Lawrence” spent a LOT of time in “Arabia” where he evidently spent WAY too much time with these bizarre beasts. After his return to England, Lawrence one

day mounted his 1000cc Brough motorcycle (pronounced “Bruff”, which is the sound a camel makes in the morning, before its coffee) and was fatally injured when – now here’s the scary part – a “hump” in the road blocked his view of two bicyclists and he careened into the ditch. Though he died days later from head trauma, his death would not be in vain. His attending physician, incensed over such a needless and avoidable death, spent the next several years convincing law makers that bicyclists should be shot on sight.

Failing this, he went on to champion motorcycle helmet research. Frankly, I think we need to review that first idea.

WE INVENTED SUPERSPORT TOURING. NOW WE’VE PERFECTED IT. The FJR™1300ES features an all-new electronically adjustable suspension to take the bother out of adjusting the suspensions to fit different riding conditions and bring greater convenience to touring, and all the other great features that continue to make this the supersport touring king.

LESS IS MORE. Introducing Star Bolt™. Old school.

New thinking. Minimalist style.

Modern performance. Back to basics.

Forward technology.

Star Bolt™. Less…has never meant more.

WELCOME TO THE FUTURE OF NAKED SPORTBIKES. Featuring a revolutionary 850cc, triple cylinder engine with a ‘crossplane crankshaft concept’ with provides awesome engine torque and feel along with a unique pulse and sound.

Stumpy’s YAMAHA Your Toy Store at the Shore

YAMA-HOTLINE • 732-776-5514

1207 Rte 35 South • Neptune, NJ • www.Stumpys.com 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 Motoryclce 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

the seconD worlD war – Seeing that the First World War didn’t “take”, the world decided a second one was in order, and soon everyone was again invading France. Nimble and inexpensive, motorcycles were issued as standard equipment to army headquarters, field hospitals, and prison camps housing Steve McQueen. Helmets by this time were standard issue as well, though they were the same as those worn by the infantry, with the important addition of goggles. These simple, lightweight accessories would someday evolve into the snap-on plastic face shield, which would lead to the bolt-on windscreen, and eventually into a multi-million dollar industry of impervious adhesives based on bug-gut residue. helmets of toDay – Today’s helmets are an amazing blend of aerodynamic design, lightweight polycarbonate materials, and an eerie gravitational attraction to cement. It’s as if the flawless, iridescent finish somehow attracts invisible helmet “death rays” radiating from the hard, cruel asphalt below. Moments after removal, they grab hold of a shiny new noggin bonnet like a Star Trek tractor beam and suck it to the ground with a sickening, beetle-beneath-a-boot crunch. Which is why, on average, the money spent by motorcycle riders for new helmets each year is roughly equal to the Gross Domestic Product of Canada, assuming they have one. helmets of tomorrow – What will motorcycle helmets of Tomorrow look like? In a word: black. All helmets will be black, since this is the most heat-absorbing color, and all helmets will be engineered with thousands of imbedded, miniaturized solar collection cells. This is because all of the Earth’s oil will be gone, which means no gasoline, which is why all motorcycles will be fueled by the seven-hundred gigawatts of power generated from a black, pumpkin-sized, solar collecting helmet. What this will do to a motorcycle rider’s brain is anyone’s guess, but many experts agree – it couldn’t hurt.

MAY 2014 • BACKROADS

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RiSiNg WOLF gARAgE NYC EXCLUSIVE MOTORCYCLE PARKING FACILITY We p r o v i d e a f r i e n d l y, c l e a n a n d s e c u r e environment for the motorcycle enthusiast Service Area Personal Storage Air Compressor Battery Charging

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Gift certificates available • Course Fee is $150.00

BACKROADS • MAY 2014

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MOTORCYCLE MARKETPLACE

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Deals Gap Store Motel Bar and Grill

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

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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

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MAY IS MOTORCYCLE AWARENESS MONTH Lead by Example. Make a good first impression.

And respect your fellow riders — no matter what they ride.

MAY 2014 • BACKROADS

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MOTORCYCLE MARKETPLACE

Fire Pit • Free WiFi Cooked-to-order Breakfast Heated Pool • BYOB

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O’TOOLE’S HARLEY-DAVIDSON

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Serving New York’s Hudson Valley for 40 years 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 We welcome everyone from a lone rider to a full chapter

344 Route 100, West Dover, VT www.BigBearsLodge.com 802-464-5591

WHO WOULD HAVE THOUGHT OUR MEDIA WOULD BE SOCIALLY ACCEPABLE?

Follow the Ride on Backroads ONLINE gEvents Upcomin

UES ONLINE ISNLSOADS GPS DOW

www.BackroadsUSA.com August 15, 16 & 17 3 Days of Music, Food, Vendors, Beer, Wine and Lots of Fun!

Under the Big Top Tent Highlights for this year include the return of the Grand Slambovians • Friday, Aug. 15 Check website for full schedule and tickets

Lions Club Pavillion 89 US 46, Columbia, NJ 908.852.4545

www.WNTIstage.org info@wntistage.org

BACKROADS • MAY 2014

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MOTORCYCLE MARKETPLACE

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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

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MAY 2014 • BACKROADS

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MOTORCYCLE MARKETPLACE Worth the ride from anywhere!

ALL THAT GOOD STUFF

Sharing your passion for good food since 1983

Ye Olde Landmark Tavern

Member of

5 Spacious Rooms starting at $90.00 Tavern and Dining Room Menu

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

Serving Hours: Mon-Thurs: 5-9pm Fri-Sat: 5-9:30pm Sunday: 1-8pm Seasonal April ~ December Member of

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lley’s Hudson Va ne Riding Number O t Restauran e u q e b r a B W North 1076 Route 9 mery, NY Fort Montgo

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If you go home hungry it’s your own fault

Located at Ross’ Corners • 1 Route 15 • Augusta NJ • 973-300-2300

www.chatterboxdrivein.com

The Riverton

The Boat House Restaurant Join us for Brunch, Lunch or Dinner overlooking Swartswood Lake

THURSDAY BIKE NIGHT IS BACK • join us at

Member

Excellent Ride Destination Tuesday ~ Sunday 11am-9pm Brunch 10am-2pm • Closed Mondays Call for Seasonal Hours 1040 Cty Rd 521 • Swartswood, NJ 973-300-0016

www.theboathouserestaurantonline.com

Travel along the scenic backroads of the Delaware river.

Meet the Markopoulos family and taste chef George’s Greek American cooking.

Best bar menu, lunch or dinner.

Fresh poppers, perogies, calamari, clams and crispy wings with 8 different sauces.

Tues. thru Sat. 11am-10pm Sunday: Breakfast 9am-Noon Lunch and Dinner served until 9pm

John, Christina, chef George and Eoanna welcome you and your friends.

The Riverton Hotel and Restaurant

Member of

At Belvidere-Riverton Free Bridge, Riverton, PA

610-498-4241 • www.rivertonhotel.com

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May 2014-Covers_2011 Cover Template 4/8/14 9:28 AM Page 4

ONLY Full Line KTM Dealer in the tri-state area

HUGE inventory of KTM Parts, Accessories and Apparel

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JUNE 2014 KTM FACTORY DEMO TRUCK WILL BE AT THE STORE DEMO RIDE ANY KTM STREET BIKE check website or Facebook for date & time

210 Route 10 West • East Hanover, NJ • 973-428-1735 JUST 35 MINUTES FROM NYC BRIDGES AND TUNNELS

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

Like Us on Facebook for Up-To-The-Minute News

www.HanoverPowersports.com

honda.com ALWAYS WEAR A HELMET, EYE PROTECTION AND PROTECTIVE CLOTHING. NEVER RIDE UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF DRUGS OR ALCOHOL, AND NEVER USE THE STREET AS A RACETRACK. OBEY THE LAW AND READ THE OWNER’S MANUAL THOROUGHLY. For rider training information or to locate a rider training course near you, call the Motorcycle Safety Foundation at 800-446-9227. CTX™ is a registered trademarks of Honda Motor Co., Ltd. (07/13)

Dress properly for your ride with a helmet, eye protection, long-sleeved shirt, long pants, gloves and boots. Do not drink and ride. It is illegal and dangerous. Yamaha and the Motorcycle Safety Foundation encourage you to ride safely and respect the environment. For further information regarding the MSF course, please call 1-800-446-9227.

Professional rider depicted on a closed course. ©2013 Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. All rights reserved. • YamahaMotorsports.com