MOTOCLECTIC 007

moToclectic 2019

ISSUE

007

SERVICE AWARD RECIPIENT

moToclectic

RIDER FRIENDLY DIRECTORY

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Hebeler Sales & Service 6466 Main Rd Lockport, NY 14094 716-625-8744 www.hebelers.com

ISSUE

007 CONTENTS

IFC | R IDER FRIENDLY DIRECTORY 02 | F ROM THE TEAM

Stick to the plan! (where applicable)

03 | T HE DISTINGUISHED GENTLEMAN’S RIDE Dapper, done right, for charity

STAFF SCOTT WAKEFIELD Editor-in-Chief

DAN HOSEK Art Director

CONTRIBUTORS Gabrianna Dacko, Tom McCann, Jon DelVecchio, Seth Eshelman, Rich Odlum, Adam Burnett, Tom Owejan Printed by Tri-Tech Inc. tri-techcanada.com © 2 019 DHSW Media, LLC All rights reserved

12 | D OWN THE RABBIT HOLE Tiny windows into history

20 | 1 953 INDIAN CHIEF ROADMASTER With a Goulding sidecar

26 | M Y EVENING RIDE

Looking back to summertime on a small town main street

28 | T HE ROUTE OF ALL EVL

Follow Jon’s scenic route to Ellicottville

32 | S OMETHING DIFFERENT ON THE TABLE Adam Burnett says there’s no time for holiday beverage humdrum

36 | E VENTS

FROM THE TEAM In the boating world, I learned it was wise to avoid sticking to “plans,” and instead, one should always have sailing “intentions.” Now, intentions can be as simple as, “I intend to tack to starboard,” or fall into broader terms, like, “I intend to complete my global circumnavigation within one year aboard my 38-foot schooner.” The first is a signal to other mariners letting them know you’re changing course, while the second signals to the world that you’re a little crazy. There’s a subtle difference, and neither are set in stone.

and small outbuildings”* requires us to use a great deal of judgment and problem-solving. The lesson, “SEE: See. Evaluate. Execute.” from my Motorcycle Safety Foundation class holds true not only to motorcycling, but to sailing, hiking, or even business, finances, and perhaps to all of life.

We should have plans—concrete plans for success—which I highly recommend writing down where you can see them. Intentions, however, should come alongside to help evaluate and execute those plans.

To get back on track, I am writing to tell you the difference between a plan and an intention, and here’s my fine distinction for the purpose of this rambling note: A plan is something to stick to, while an intention leaves room for adjustment. Both are necessary, going hand-in-hand, but we must be careful to not adhere, inflexibly, to our plans.

That is to say, we must not become so fixed in our plans that we make foolish, perhaps even dangerous decisions. If we fall behind schedule, we shouldn’t speed to arrive on time. If we get cut off, we won’t tailgate or get all road-ragey. Weather can ruin all of our plans, so perhaps we should intend to have a good time regardless of how many miles have passed under our butts.

Operating a machine which “can proceed from hither to yon over buggies, pedestrians, fences

In Motoclectic’s first year, we’ve had solid plans to guide our course, and intentions to make something awesome while having fun doing it. We’ve stuck to the plan, then as unexpected changes come along, our intentions have been re-evaluated and adjusted. We intended to include certain photos, but in almost every case, we’ve been surprised with something new. We intend to conduct simple interviews, and end up getting stories far greater than we expected. We never intended to win an award, then just like that, we’re honored to have an AMA award hanging on our wall.

Our intention to make a great magazine and connect to the wider motorcycle community has seen about 10,000 course corrections thus far. As we continue to grow, we plan to keep fine-tuning our efforts and intend to be the best we can be.

*from George Fitch’s 1912 San Francisco Call article

CONTACT US! To inquire about advertising opportunities: advertising@motoclectic.com To let us know about any upcoming events: events@motoclectic.com For general inquiries: mail@motoclectic.com To contact Scott directly: scott@motoclectic.com To contact Dan directly: dan@motoclectic.com

www.motoclectic.com

02 | MOTOCLECTIC

On a chilly October evening, seated at the tables just outside Fifth Frame Brewing’s windows, Dan, Seth Eshelman, Rich Odlum, and I enjoyed expertly crafted beverages while we chatted about motorcycles and racing, but mostly about good friends and the importance of doing something right.

By Scott Wakefield Photos by Gabrianna Dacko

www.motoclectic.com | 03

THE DISTINGUISHED GENTLEMAN’S RIDE INTERVIEW We started the discussion with lofty ideas of forming a Motoclectic race team.

After some discussion, it didn’t seem so lofty, and it looks like that just might happen. Seth was excited to have an excuse to buy a dirtbike.

Eventually the conversation turned to what we really came to chat about: the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride.

I

n 2012, Dan McOrmond caught wind of this vintage-themed motorcycle event happening in Australia, and decided it needed to happen in Rochester. The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride, or DGR, was an instant hit with the local crowd, and has grown to be an international phenomenon, taking place in over 100 countries, more than 700 cities, and since 2012, has involved over 250,000 riders who have raised over 18 million dollars for men’s health.

Dan eventually moved away from Rochester, and Rome Celli ran the event for a few years, but decided he needed to focus his efforts on other projects, so Seth and Rich eagerly stepped in.

04 | MOTOCLECTIC

In 2018, they took the Rochester, NY, DGR reigns.

Both had been involved since the event’s beginning, and helped with the planning since the second year.

They wanted to focus on the “spirit of the ride.”

“It’s vintage, it’s the rider experience,” Seth said. “It was a way to expose new riders to group riding, and in a way that was organized—curated—so that it made the entire experience enjoyable, but also expressed the importance of why they were gathered. The DGR’s focus is to prevent the loss of life.”

THE DISTINGUISHED GENTLEMAN’S RIDE Seth said this has touched his life, and, “everyone at every ride seems to be connected to someone who has been affected. And the weight of that is important, so I think we need to give the event the attention it deserves.”

When he and Rich met, they realized that each had a passion for riding, so, Rich said, “Let’s curate a ride that we’d want to ride, and something we’d be excited about raising money to support. That’s what we’ve tried to turn the DGR into.”

160 riders participated in the 2019 Rochester ride. It wasn’t the biggest turnout, but it’s still an impressive number, given Rochester’s population, and the focus on unique niche motorcycles. They’ve also been a little clearer with the message that all bikes are welcome, but it is an event for vintage, and vintagestyled bikes. They felt it’s important to maintain the style and intent of the event. Showing up on a 2018 ‘Busa was ok, but they had a section for other bikes.

The one rule they won’t bend is the dress code.

“Rules are rules,” declareth Seth.

men. It’s about being gentlemanly, and that means respecting the fairer sex and welcoming them to help with a cause that affects those that they love.

Rich told us that through the years they’ve been asked, “Is it all right if my girlfriend comes with me?” or, “Can my sister ride her bike?” and they emphatically encouraged women to join. The goal is to raise money to support men’s health, but it is something that affects everyone.

This year was especially notable because Dan McOrmand’s sister, Mary, volunteered as a ride captain. Seth couldn’t have been happier because he credited Dan with being the reason he got into motorcycles in the first place. Mary was the lead captain for the second group. “She stepped up,” Seth said, “and participated in every practice ride.”

“We love that the Rochester ride has become such an event,” Seth said. “People look forward to it. We have folks coming from Buffalo and Syracuse. We encourage them to participate in local rides, but we understand the momentum we have, and people want to be part of that.”

While Seth & Rich keep a reign on the bikes and outfits, they want to be clear it isn’t an event just for

www.motoclectic.com | 05

Rich: Despite being a relatively small city in upstate New York, we were only out-done by New York City.

Seth: We were around 33rd out of over 100 rides in the United States. That’s significant. Being in the top third of all US cities says something about the riding culture and the people in the area. [Editor’s note: On the international level, the 2019 Rochester DGR was 89th out of 700+ cities. Well done.]

Rich: The city as a whole, Rochester, I think, is very philanthropic. Historical figures, like George Eastman, he was a philanthropist. The United Way and Foodlink are very active here. I think that engenders a feeling of generosity.

Scott: Can you compare the DGR with other group rides? For all of us, the DGR is the largest ride we participate in. We know it pales in comparison to Thunder in the Gorge, and the DC rides.

06 | MOTOCLECTIC

Seth: It is the largest ride in the area, and it terms of money raised, it has to be one of the biggest motorcycle events, and is steadily rising. And what’s great about this year, is that it was almost two-thirds vintage.

Scott: What’s the general vibe and stress level?

Rich: This year was cake. Seth did the legwork to get the city to close off St. Paul St., but the process went smoothly.

Seth: We do a lot of planning for a living. Managing the process is part of our daily lives.

Rich: We have a route planned, and ask for volunteers to be route captains. The biggest responsibility is that they know the route. We practice the route a handful of times, and asked that they participate as much as they can. We’d show up

THE DISTINGUISHED GENTLEMAN’S RIDE here [Fifth Frame], have a cup of coffee, chat for a while, then go rip around the city. It’s fun work.

Seth: It’s something I look forward to every year.

Not only organizing it, but before, when I was a ride captain for the first time. It’s just fun. It’s a really cool learning opportunity, that if you are new to riding with a group, this is very different than riding with a couple buddies. And I think there is some really cool camaraderie and trust that comes from this, because you’re doing something that society deems dangerous. To ride safely, for a causeRich: Wearing a suit.

Seth (laughing): Yeah! It’s cool. You’re breaking down what it means to ride.

Dan: It’s one more swipe at the stereotype of what a biker is.

We laughed some more at the idea of architects, dentists, and college students in juxtaposition to the Hell’s Angels.

Seth: During a stop, while working some kinks out of our ride, I looked at the group of guys and realized, we’re a bunch of nerds.

Rich: But we’re all nerds in different ways.

Scott: I feel like the DGR is a way to geek out over a vintage BMW or 50-year-old Sportster. Everybody else gets it. It’s a safe place to get excited about the work you did, or the shiny piece you found to make the bike perfect. It’s ok to be a little weird.

Seth: Let your freak flag fly.

Rich: You definitely have to be a bit of a geek to get and keep an old bike running.

Seth: A young woman who rode with us said she was always reluctant to ride with a big group. She never felt comfortable asking questions, especially with something that’s such an established hobby. But with an event like this, and with bikes like this, we’re all on the same playing field. If you want to learn, you can check things out, ask questions, and feel good about learning something new.

www.motoclectic.com | 07

THE DISTINGUISHED GENTLEMAN’S RIDE Scott: What were some hangups this year?

Rich: Having to ride through a city, the group gets broken up—which is why we have ride captains— and we run into other issues. At the end I get feedback, with people saying ‘This is the best ride ever,’ but I want to know what could be better. So, we’ve learned to take a lot of right turns, what to do if someone breaks down...

Seth: The group getting broken up is a real bummer.

It would be awesome to have 160 bikes rolling through town at the same time. For one, we’d get to the finish a hell of a lot quicker. We try to balance the feel with being like a Sunday cruise, but not having a police escort.

for storytelling, because this year we really noticed a lot of people posting about how this had an impact on them or their friend. That’s been impactful, and the ride provides a platform to talk about something that doesn’t get talked about.

Rich: When the ride first started, it was just a fun ride. After a few years, they added the fundraising element. If people are going to go through all the effort to organize, shut down city blocks, or whatever, then we might as well do something good with it.” More thought. “Next year we’d like to do more of the portraiture. We want more people to get their picture taken, because they promote the event with these beautiful, professional pictures by using them as their Facebook or Instagram profile pictures.

Rich: One year we had an escort, with an ambulance following, and it changed the dynamic. There wasn’t the revelry. We decided after that year that it wasn’t a necessary cost, and we do ok. It’s a 30-mile ride, and we’ve all done that before. It’s just now you’re doing it with a lot more friends.

Scott: I noticed that within a few hours of Gabrianna making her link live, a lot of the guys changed their photos. It was fun to watch.

Scott: What are the plans for next year?

Scott: How did you get that?

Seth: More people and more fundraising, because this is for a good cause. We’re improving the outlet

Rich (laughing): I’m just that good in front of the camera. Those pictures become a great fundraising

08 | MOTOCLECTIC

Rich: And one of the perks of being a planner is I get my picture taken first!

www.motoclectic.com | 09

THE DISTINGUISHED GENTLEMAN’S RIDE tool for the next year. When we post about fundraising, we have a great looking photo that lends legitimacy to the event.

Scott: It’s true. My family sees those pics, and they all know I’m doing the DGR again.

Rich: We’ve been fortunate to work with many great people and places in Rochester. Fifth Frame and Cure collaborated on a beer. All of these places have donated something.

Seth: When people arrive, we want them to feel like they are part of something special. Every year, we step up our game. You’re here, and you know that you’re doing something important. It’s not just a ride.

It is something that has weight.

Want to be a volunteer at the DGR? Send an email to rochesterdgr@gmail.com and Seth and Rich will figure out how to use you.

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FEATURED ARTICLE

DOWN THE RABBIT HOLE Motoclectic reader (and my father-in-law), Fred Beltz, picked up these photos at an auction. Knowing I’m a sucker for Google rabbit holes (that’s how the story about the Castle on the Hill came about in issue 001), he sent them to me.

by Dan Hosek

I

love finding out new things. It’s one of the reasons why I love to help make this magazine. I’m always learning about motorcycles (from old rides to the newest electric bikes), races, and places to go.

While digging around on Google, some research about these images lent more info than others, so for some photos it’s just the bare bones—a bike and a year estimate. Others were more telling, whether it was learning about the Flying Merkel or finding out more about Maurice Fournier (seen below).

14 | MOTOCLECTIC

The 1903 Buchet Fournier’s on had a twin-cylinder, 2976cc motor! Maurice Fournier—who was either extremely brave or a complete mad man (probably both)—set the world speed record (at the time), averaging more than 75 mph over 10 km. Adding to Fournier’s sheer lunacy, there was no seat—he sat directly on the fuel tank. And it was direct drive with no gear box (don’t get your foot caught in that chain). And, I don’t see a brake on it anywhere. If anything comes close to being as badass as that Buchet or Fournier’s attitude, it’s his sick moustache.

Hand-tinted photo of a woman on a 1930s Knucklehead Harley-Davidson.

www.motoclectic.com | 15

Studio shot of an early 1900s Indian motorcycle. Love the Baudette, Minnesota, pennant hanging from the handlebars.

Another early 1900s Indian motorcyle

16 | MOTOCLECTIC

A 1940s Harley-Davidson

DOWN THE RABBIT HOLE Merkel’s company was merged with The Light Manufacturing Company to form The Merkel Light Motor Company in 1909 and was moved to Pottstown, Pennsylvania, producing motorcycles branded “Merkel Light.” Merkel continued to experiment with new suspension ideas and new engine designs and produced a 61ci (1,000cc) V-twin in 1910.

From 1905, Merkel’s bikes were ridden to many competition successes including breaking a world record on the Vanderbilt Course in 1911 by covering a measured mile in 41.4 seconds – just under 87mph (140kph).

In 1911, after the Miami Cycle Manufacturing Company purchased Merkel, the entire range of motorcycles was redesigned. For 1913, the inlet valves were cam driven. A two-speed hub was available in the top model and the rear suspension had been modified. A two directional spring in a single tube with friction-damping elements around the main stay axle improved the riders comfort.

Special thanks to Motorcyclepedia for this information about the Flying Merkel: In 1902, Joseph Merkel, a self-taught engineer, established a workshop in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to produce single-cylinder, belt-driven motorcycles with a sturdy cradle frame. By 1905, he was entering competition events with racing versions of his products. In 1906, he patented a sprung front fork that was to become the forerunner of the modern telescopic fork and which became the favoured design on other manufacturers’ racing machines. In 1907, he developed a rear suspension with a mono-shock and promoted his bikes with the slogan, “All roads are smooth to The Flying Merkel.” His many other early innovations included the use of ball bearings instead of bronze bushes, a lubrication system that delivered oil in proportion to the throttle setting, and the use of the frame tubes for the exhaust system.

In 1914, a self-starter mechanism was introduced, that turned out to be rather unreliable. The high purchase price of a Merkel slowed down sales, as mass produced cars became cheaper every year. A 1914 Flying Merkel V-Twin was listed in the catalog for $305 against Ford’s Model-T with a price tag of $650. Within 3 years, Ford’s price dropped to only $345 against the Merkel’s $260.

If you have information about any of these photos or the motorcycles in them (or have other cool vintage photos you’d like to see in Motoclectic), drop me an email at dan@motoclectic.com.

www.motoclectic.com | 17

FEATURED BUILD

1953 INDIAN CHIEF ROADMASTER with GOULDING SIDECAR This month, Tom Owejan shares this story about an Indian Chief Roadmaster (one of less than 300 Chiefs built in 1953 as the Indian Motorcycle Company was going out of business) and its pairing with a “Sunburst Nose” Goulding sidecar.

The Goulding sidecar as it was found.

04 | MOTOCLECTIC 20

Around 30 years ago I first saw the Rocket body in a dark corner of the old VTwin warehouse (sitting under a bench) and I vowed to myself “someday I

will get my hands on that!” Fast forward to 2015: I was able to repair the rusted floor and mate it to an Indian Chief.

The Goulding Sidecar Company first began building sidecars in Melbourne Australia around 1908 and moved to Saginaw Michigan in 1926 and produced bodies and frames until 1956. Their sidecars were popular because of the light weight and comfort provided by the “floating axle” design. The Rocket body with the “Sunburst Nose” was produced for about ten years from the mid-40s until the business closed.

www.motoclectic.com | 21

22 | MOTOCLECTIC

1953 INDIAN CHIEF ROADMASTER The Roadmaster is 80 cubic inches with a four-speed transmission, telescopic front fork and front and rear drum brakes. It’s equipped with a kick starter and 6 volt electronics. The “light weight” Goulding Rocket sidecar was not equipped with a brake.

This was restored from a basket case in 2015, and I built this machine as a “dealer custom,” utilizing many accessory parts that were available to purchase at the dealership in 1953 (much the same way motorcycle buyers have their new motorcycles individualized by the dealer before they ever take delivery).

The restoration was pretty straight forward. The machine was dismantled and the painted parts were cleaned, media blasted, repaired and painted in colors that were available in 1953. The generator was overhauled, the motor freshened up (it was in surprisingly good shape), and the carburetor rebuilt.

New wheels from VTwin with Coker white wall tires were installed. Most of the mechanical parts—like cables, hardware, ignition parts, switches (the list is endless)—came from Jerry Greers Engineering.

www.motoclectic.com | 23

1953 INDIAN CHIEF ROADMASTER

10 | MOTOCLECTIC 24

1953 INDIAN CHIEF ROADMASTER

The beautiful striping and lettering was done by the very talented Mark Weld from Middleport, New York.

This motorcycle—along with over 600 others—can be seen at Motorcyclepedia Museum located in Newburgh, New York. And check out their website at: motorcyclepediamuseum.org

www.motoclectic.com | 25 11

FEATURED RIDE

MY EVENING RIDE As this riding season comes to an end, Tom McCann takes a look back at one of his summer rides.

I love taking a motorcycle ride after dinner, especially during the longer summer days when the soft light lingers longer into the evening air.

C

asual riding is an event all its own. There is something relaxing about the art of discovery during the time spent on a motorcycle.

Sometimes it may be riding along the back roads that stretch west from my house. Or maybe heading north up to Lake Ontario to ride along the shore while watching the wildlife mingle in the smaller ponds, marshes and tributaries that line the roads.

of people enjoying the lovely weather they spent all winter dreaming about.

This particular evening, I decided to ride west into the small towns that accumulate along the Erie Canal.

These are wonderful little villages that are teeming with life. The longer evenings are filled with all sorts

On this ride, I had the pleasure of going into Spencerport during the annual kick off of their summer season; the Spencerport Fireman’s Carnival.

Each year, the festivities commence with the annual fireman’s parade.

26 | MOTOCLECTIC

The month of June in Monroe county, like many communities around the state, have all sorts of events planned. It may be to celebrate the history of the community, an annual festival, or maybe some music at a nearby gazebo.

If there is a village event more satisfying than a parade, I couldn’t imagine what it would be. The civic pride one feels while watching the proceedings is palpable.

The event starts with the entire fleet of emergency vehicles, including some from other local districts.

These men and women represent the pride of the Spencerport Fire District and Volunteer Ambulance Services, as well as the local law enforcement. They blast the horns and sirens while waving from their glistening vehicles as they amble their way down Main Street dressed in their best uniforms. Our local heroes are cheered by the crowd and I even noticed near me a little boy saluting them as they rode through the village. It just brought a tear to my eyes to see such a sight.

We all travel far distances at times to try and find new experiences. There are times however that you need to look no further than out the back door of your home—you never know what a warm, spring night may show you.

The parade concluded at the fairgrounds with the majority of the crowd following along to see their hearts, their heroes. These folks—who volunteer their time to keep the citizens and their property safe—are family, friends and neighbors. They ask for no reward, just the chance to make a difference. I am proud to call this my home town.

The families and friends dispersed into the evening air to enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of the carnival... fun to be had by all.

www.motoclectic.com | 27

FEATURED RIDE

THE ROUTE OF ALL

EVL

It’s that time of year once again when temperatures drop and daylight is short. But no worries, you never know when you might have time to squeeze in one more great ride before plugging in the battery charger.

By Jon DelVecchio

T

he ride I’m about to share is so versatile that I’ve yet to ride all the possible combinations between Rochester and this small ski town south of Buffalo. Sure, I have my regular routes, but leave from a different location or take one tantalizing turn off the route your GPS suggests, and you’ll discover something brand new. In fact, many years ago I happened to take this one sweet road out there, and doggonit, I haven’t been able to find it since! Maybe I’ll stumble across it again on a future ride out there.

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My friends and I have been sneaking in shorter day rides to Ellicottville for as long as I can remember.

Once, at least 10 of us rode out there to grab a cup of coffee by an outdoor firepit in January.

The roads between Rochester and EVL (as Ellicottville is known) consist of really nice sweepers, some sharp turns, magnificent landscapes and little traffic. The more heavily traveled roads have excellent pavement. However, the backroads can range from fantastic to f*cked up.

In addition to getting out on the bike, you’ll be further rewarded by taking in rural New York state in all its glory. And its humility. Riding through some of these small towns you’d swear people are still living without running water. To really appreciate the privilege of recreational motorcycling, keep your eyes wide open to how lucky we are to just be passing through the most depressed areas.

You won’t think about the impoverished as you enter Ellicottville. Leaving the countryside and heading towards the center of town, you’ll start to see some really nice homes and ski lodges. Then, almost instantly, you’re downtown in an area that looks similar to a Colorado skiing hamlet.

This road trip requires a navigation technique, not a specific route as I mentioned before. From wherever you decide to start, set your GPS or mapping app to create a route via the shortest distance to Ellicottville. The directions should lead southwest. If

you get tired of following cars on the main roads or see an interesting adjacent road, take a turn off the route. Miraculously, your device will recalculate the route and you’re good to go. Estimate roughly two hours riding time to get there and two hours to get back home.

There is a slight chance that you might be guided onto a gravel road in the middle of nowhere. If that happens, you have two choices. First, you can go for it. Take it easy. Gravel sections usually only last a few miles. Occasionally, they can go on for ten miles.

That’s part of the adventure, right? The second choice is don’t go down the gravel road. Instead head south and west on paved roads and let the device provide options until you’re happy with the route again.

Eventually you’ll arrive in EVL for coffee or lunch.

There is a huge gas station in town and many restaurant choices. Get off the bike for a while and

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THE ROUTE OF ALL EVL walk the streets. You can’t miss the ski hills set as the town’s backdrop.

Once you’ve had your fill of Ellicottville, you might want to indulge in just one more thing. Head west out of town on route 242. You’ll pass the ski mountains on your left. Take the uphill right onto Springs Road.

Springs ends at Plum Creek Road, where you’ll turn right again. Take the second right on the residential Leslie Road and ride to the cul-de-sac at the end.

You’ll be amazed at the geographical and manmade beauty around you.

To get back to Rochester, use the same navigation technique as on the way down. Except the direction you’re heading now is northeast.

Enjoy the ride, but watch for potholes. And do me a favor—if you discover an interesting hill climb road that has a simple, undeveloped half-mile oval at the summit, shoot me an email on its whereabouts so I can finally return.

MOTOCLECTIC 3230| |MOTOCLECTIC

Jon DelVecchio is a member of the Rochester Sport Motorcycling & Touring club (r-smat.com). He also operates Street Skills LLC that specializes in cornering skills (corneringconfidence.com). Go to motoclectic.com for more info about Jon’s new online course.

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SOMETHING DIFFERENT ON THE TABLE Adam Burnett, head brewer at The Eli Fish Brewing Company, helps us make the holiday table a little merrier.

I

’m not one who generally believes in certain new beers with classic annual dishes. It’s never made styles of beers belonging to a season. While sense to me to only drink the same American Lite that doesn’t mean I’m drinking Southern Tier’s Lager all of one’s life. If that person only ate the same Pumking in March, you will find me popping Imperial hamburger three times a day, then I’d say, “Oh ok, Stouts in the heat of summer like an aspiring Florida this guy really doesn’t like anything but hamburgers cicerone. In context to this discussion, there are a and Bud Light, I’m going to have to accept that.” But lot of holidays where you will find thematic beers— since that never actually happens, as long as things Oktoberfests in September, Guinness or... green are presented in an easy enough way to digest, there beer... for St. Patty’s day, American Lite Lagers on the is always an appropriate beer to bring to the holiday 4th of July, etc. The holidays will once again lock you table that will be accepted by the masses. in a room with family and friends who may or may not think whatever you’re drinking is too “hoppy,” First off, you could try bringing a few 4-packs even if it’s just a craft amber lager, because that’s of a great local Kolsch or Pilsner. Usually I’ll just a way easier way for them remind people they are to say, “I’m not interested supporting a local business Usually I’ll just remind people in trying new things.” But instead of shipping their Thanksgiving and Christmas money overseas, and they no they are supporting a local have a bit of an opening here. business instead of shipping longer try to defend their Bud There is no tried-and-true Lights, at least until the next their money overseas… style that relates directly to conversation where the exact these days. So what matters same dialogue happens. The is finding a new beer that people will be open to Millhouse Kold One Kolsch is as classic as that gets. trying, when everything else happening that day is In crushable four-pack cans, it’s a classic German like routine. pseudo-lager (it’s not a lager, but just call it a lager and save everyone the semantics), and unless your Maybe that’s why we eat the same thing every dinner guest says, “Oh that’s more Vienna malt than I Thanksgiving. It’s a safe place, with safe-ish (or usually care for,” they are going to love it. Also, they at least familiar) people, and I usually succumb to won’t say that. No one has ever said that. trying whatever beer shows up, with the majority being lite lagers, or the newest edition of Blue You could try bringing one of my old favorites, the Light with Grapefruit or Lime or whatever they are Sierra Nevada Celebration Ale, an annual release that showcasing this season. But there is merit to trying boasts its fresh hops—hops that have been picked

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and dried less than a week before use. (This does differ from wet hop beers, which are usually less than 24 hours, and not dried at all.) This beer would at least look familiar, and no one is scared of that Sierra Nevada logo after seeing it in Tops for at least the last decade. But still, don’t we want to promote the hyper-local boom that Western New York is showcasing right now?

Every holiday dinner table has at least one porter or stout drinker. Bring them the Sponge Candy Stout from Resurgence Brewing. There’s no further description needed—this is a liquid Sponge Candy.

Or you could really impress by drinking their regular Sponge Candy, Imperial Sponge Candy, and (if you are lucky enough to find it) the Barrel Aged Sponge Candy Stout all in the same sitting. People are open

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to familiar things, which is why I see Cider Creek’s Loganberry Cider fly off the shelves here at Eli Fish.

Western New York loves Loganberry. And sure as hell we love our Sponge Candy.

a comeback as a classy light beer. If you want something themed for the holiday, our Gingerbread Spiced Brown Ale will be available before Christmas.

The rules are simple: Local breweries are making One of the greatest holiday dinner mistakes I ever very accessible beers right now. If you can’t find a made back when I was Pilsner, Kolsch, or other getting into the deep-end If you can’t find a Pilsner, Kolsch, light lager at a brewery 15 of craft beer was trying or other light lager at a brewery minutes from you, well, I to open absolutely wacky have a business idea for 15 minutes from you, well, I have you. And if you want a things with family who a business idea for you. really didn’t drink anything gingerbread or sponge they couldn’t get at Tops. I candy beer as well, that’s found myself having to finish 750’s of Ale Apothecary what I’ll be drinking right alongside you. Either way, uncarbonated American wild ales, or even The take the time to visit your local brewery when you Bruery’s 12 Days of Christmas bottles. Not that I can’t are thinking about what to drink with your holiday down a 750ml of 12% spiced Belgian quads. But who guests. If there’s one note I’ll hammer home, it’s that actually chooses to? there’s nothing better you can do that investing in a local business, especially during the holidays.

Here at Eli Fish we are trying to cater to all sides And while I’m not sure how IPA’s got cornered as a of the spectrum. I will drink Genny Cream until the “Christmas Beer,” sure, go ahead, you can find about cows come home, but I challenge you to try our 100 amazing haze bombs brewed here in WNY that Eli Cream and not feel that the cream ale can make can satisfy that craving as well.

RO

CHESTER

ne

w york

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PLACES TO GO AND PEOPLE TO SEE Check out these local events, happenings and meetups in the area and support your moto-community.

EVERY WEEK!

JAN

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Every Thursday at Leaf & Bean Coffee Company 3240 Chili Ave, Rochester , 7:00 PM till they kick you out.

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250 Lake St., Newburgh, NY www.facebook.com/ motorcyclepediamuseum

DEC

13-15 FEB

22-23

Motorcycle Warehouse Sale 11:00 AM–7:00 PM 99 S. William St. Newburgh, NY facebook.com/tedscycleshed Wintercycle Therapy 2020 11:00 AM–7:00 PM Glenn H. Curtiss Museum 8419 State Route 54 Hammondsport, NY

Please email any events or meetups you run or know about! email: events@motoclectic.com

If you enjoyed Gabrianna’s photos of the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride, you can check out more of her work—or contact her for rates and scheduling—at:

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