Fall Trip- Day Four

"...its the journey, not the destination..."

Our airbnb just outside of Brevard North Carolina. A neat, rustic place complete with an outdoor fire pit.

     The house we rent is about three miles east of Brevard North Carolina. It is really a neat house, BUT... it is up a rutted dirt road which turns muddy in the rain...which it did last night, and the night before! Today's forecast: rain by 2 pm. Oh well, "...into each life a little rain must fall."

A typical morning in the Sunrise Cafe. If you look closely you can see Gary ordering.

     Brevard is a college town, home to Brevard College. Right across the street from the campus is a strip mall, and in that strip mall is a good breakfast place. The Sunrise Cafe is a small place but the food is good. It is usually crowded at breakfast time, and today was no exception. We ordered breakfast, ate, and then rode out to find an adventure.

Parked along US 276 to relax and read for a while.

     I followed the guys up US 276 into the park, and then when they turned off to go their hiking trail for the day I continued up 276. I soon found a pull over place with a picnic table, and I stopped to read for a while, and watch the cars, trucks, and motorcycles go by. Since it was a Saturday there were quite a lot of bikes going past. Many of them waved as they went by.

Overlook on the Blue Ridge Parkway.

     After about an hour I got back on the BMW and headed up to the Blue Ridge Parkway. Turning south I rode for about 20 miles or so, enjoying the twists and turns, the changes in elevation, but sometimes frustrated riding behind a slow moving car or two. Since it was a Saturday there was some traffic, and there were many cars parked along the Parkway from people going for a walk in the woods.

I really like the shape off the clouds in the back round 

     I rode past the overlook at mile marker 428 where we usually stop to watch sunset, which we wanted to do after an early dinner. I continued on to another overlook at mile marker 431 where there is another great overlook to watch sunset. I got out my little camping chair, set it up, and then sat down in the sunshine to read a little and enjoy the view. A very nice lady, who was taking pictures, came over and we had a little conversation. She was 68, her husband 85, and they had also ridden motorcycles, but had given it up as they got older. She told me the Parkway was one of her favorite places, and that they had a small cabin on the North Carolina/ Georgia border. They came up to the Parkway as often as they could because they loved it there so much. Once again it is the people you meet that make motorcycle touring so much fun.

The overlook at mile marker 431 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. I suspect a GREAT place to watch sunset. 

     After another hour or so I got back on the bike and rode north on the Parkway. When I reached NC 215 I got off the Parkway and rode it south towards Rosman North Carolina. NC 215 is a GREAT motorcycle road, with many twists and turns, some straightaways, and some very tight corners. It can truly be a challenge to your riding skills. At Rosman I headed east on US 64, to and through Brevard, and on to the house. Gary and Curtis arrived at the house by 4 PM, and by 5 PM we were at the local BBQ restaurant. Unfortunately when we went out to the bikes after dinner it had started to rain. No sunset for us tonight. Instead we rode back to the house, and watched the most recent Mummy film, with Tom Cruise in it, and after the film we all turned in. The weather looked iffy on Sunday, but we'll find a way to  make the most of it.

The view is beautiful. ( I think the bike is too!)

Fall Trip 2018- Day three!

"...its about the journey, not the destination..."

The view from the deck outside the restaurant at the Pisgah Inn. 

     Well....Ya' see day two (Thursday 9/27) was rainy, including some heavy downpours. Curtis and I decided to stay at this house day 2, and then leave early on day three (Friday 9/28) and ride to Brevard, North Carolina that day, where we would meet Curtis' brother Gary at our rented house.  SO...what we do is set a time to leave, and then get up 2 hours earlier. Believe it or not this usually works! I set my alarm for 6 AM and we both were up, packing. loading the bikes. After a great breakfast cooked by Curtis we set off around 8:15.

A "scenic overlook" on Interstate 26 in Tennessee just before the border with North Carolina.

     The distance from Curtis' house to Brevard was 482 miles, a full day. Because of this we would be riding Interstate highways pretty much all day. The strategy I use for this is to stop every 150 miles, and top off the tank with gas. All of our bikes have a much longer range than this, but the first gas stop, after about 2 1/2 hours breaks up the morning, and also gives you a chance to take off some of the riding gear since the day has usually warmed up. The second gas stop, again after about 150 miles, and about 300 miles into the trip, is also when we got lunch. The next gas stop comes after about another 2 1/2 hours,  or about 450 miles into the trip; in this case near Asheville North Carolina. At this point we were only about 40 miles away from our destination.

Gary, on the left, and Curtis on the deck at the Pisgah Inn just after we arrived.

     AS FAR AS OUR DESTINATION WAS CONCERNED... we decided since the weather was good we should meet Gary for dinner at the Pisgah Inn on Blue Ridge Parkway, which is about mile marker 408. AS THE SAYING GOES...."THE BEST LAID PLANS..." I decided to navigate to an entrance for the Blue Ridge Parkway that was just on the east side of Asheville. The result was an unplanned, and very circuitous route through Asheville, seeing much more of Asheville than we had planned! In addition we wasted 1/2 an hour. Good job Kenny!

The view from the restaurant at the Pisgah Inn, at the moment obscured by fog.

     Curtis led the way when we finally found the Blue Ridge Parkway out of Asheville, and around 20 miles later we arrived at the Pisgah Inn. What a really neat place! The walls of the restaurant are windows that look out over mountains stretching to the horizon. The food is GREAT!  The people that work there are very nice. We had a wonderful meal while gazing out the windows at the spectacular scenery.

Another look at the view, for the moment not blocked by fog. You get a hint of how spectacular it is on a sunny day.

     After dinner we rode south on the Blue Ridge Parkway until it intersected with US 276, which we took south towards Brevard NC. By this time it was dark, and I led as we wound our way down towards Brevard. This road is filled with 20 and 30 mph turns that, after dark, you just have to follow the markers in the road because your headlight doesn't go high enough to illuminate the corner. The ride down off of the mountain is a challenge, especially after dark, and there was no speeding. I generally did the speed limit, or just below it, and all three bikes arrived safely at the junction with US 64. A right turn onto US 64 and in about 3 miles was the dirt road leading to the house we had rented for the weekend. It was great to get the bikes unloaded and to settle in to our home for the next few days. Tomorrow I will explore the local back roads in the area.

All of the rooms at the Pisgah Inn face eastward with amazing views of the mountains stretching to the horizon.

Fall Trip 2018- Day One

“…its about the journey, not the destination…”     

Lockkeeper's lived in a lockhouse near the lock to be available day or night.

     Every fall and spring my college roommates and I take a motorcycle trip together. Well, we travel by bike to meet up, and then they hike daily while I ride around the area. Lately we have been renting a house in Brevard, North Carolina for 3 nights  or so. My birthday is September 30th, so we generally go around then. 

Lunch in Eldersburg Maryland. A great grilled chicken salad with balsamic vinaigrette. 

Another find while wandering around.

     I travel on US 15 around Frederick, where US 15 merges with US 340, which is an old friend that I have taken many times over the years on the way to Front Royal Virginia, and the northern terminus of the Skyline Drive. Today, however, I am on  the way to my buddy’s house in Chantilly Virginia, which is on the western side of Washington DC. When US 340 and US 15 split, just west of Frederick, I stay on US 15 south towards Leesburg Virginia. 

My bike sitting above what was Lock 29 of the C & O Canal. 

     Today, as I ride south, I notice a historical marker for the C & O canal. I have the time, so I decide to do a little exploring. Winding down several back roads I come to a turnoff which crosses train tracks, and then becomes a gravel road. Undaunted, on the mighty GS with its HUGE amount of suspension travel, I press on. Soon I come to a National Park sign, with a dirt road leading over a wooden bridge and into the woods. What the heck; I press on. 

The Potomac River was just about out of its banks. Notice the mud!

     This dirt road is muddy from the recent rains, and has a few potholes. I emerge from the woods to a dirt clearing on the banks of what I later learn is the Potomac River. The river is swollen, with muddy water flowing downstream rapidly. The clearing is VERY muddy and slick. I stop at the entrance of the clearing, and put the bike on the side stand for a picture. I didn’t want to go further, fall down, or get stuck! On the way back out I stop to take some pictures, and then find my way back to US 15 south and continue on my way towards Leesburg.

Interesting antique store in Lucketts Virginia.

     As I entered Lucketts Virginia I decide to stop and get a soda. Right next to the gas station is what I imagine is an antique store, with an old turquoise pickup truck out front as part of a display. I had to get a picture of that! After I bought my soda, its on to Leesburg, where I get on VA 7 east towards Falls Church VA. Then I hit VA 28 towards Washington Dulles International Airport, down to US 50. From there it is a short ride to Chantilly and my buddies house. Although I started out from home under overcast skies, I hit no rain and ended up riding in a t-shirt. We’ll see what tomorrow brings. 

     

Safe and sound at Curtis' house in Chantilly Virginia.

A Scooter Ride on a Hot Summer Day.

"...its about the journey, not the destination..."

Classic covered bridge in the Pennsylvania country side near Manheim PA.

 
   A hot summer day. What better bike to ride than a scooter? My Honda Silverwing scooter has become  one of my favorite bikes. Around 60 mpg, quick, fast, lots of storage room under the seat, and no engine heat since the engine is under below the storage compartment; just overall a great, convenient ride. I decided to ride up to Manheim Pennsylvania to go to the Manheim Diner. My route is all back roads, winding through rich, verdant farmland. Twisty, up and down roads with generally little traffic. My route takes me through the towns of White Horse, Intercourse, Leola, and Lititz.

Zook's Mill Bridge also known as the Log Cabin Bridge.

     Just 3 miles before Manheim on PA 772 I run into construction and a detour. As the route wound around the bridge that was being repaired I passed a particular small road and, as I glanced to the right, I see a covered bridge. Of course I had to turn around to check it out.  The Zook's Mill Bridge, constructed in 1849,  costing $690-$700 ( depending on who you asked! ) was built to connect a mill that was built on each side of the bridge.

Manheim Diner. Note the Silverwing parked under the sign.

     I continue on to the Manheim City Star Diner for lunch. After lunch I continue west on PA 772 through Manheim, through Mount Joy, until I hit PA 441. South on PA 441 to the town of Columbia, through Columbia, continuing south on 441 right along the banks of the Susquehanna.

Sleepy river on River Road near Safe Harbor on the Eastern side of the Susquehanna River.

     PA 441 is my kind of road. Speed limit is 50, but I usually run at 60. The road twists and turns, goes up and down, passing the large Turkey Hill factory where many dairy products are produced, through small towns. I come to a small tributary to the Susquehanna and stop to take a break. On the opposite shore a guy is fishing on this lazy summer day.

Site of a blast furnace, foundry and rolling mill near Safe Harbor  Pennsylvania.

     After crossing a bridge I see an historical marker so I stop to read it. In 1846 the Safe Harbor blast furnace, foundry and rolling mill was built on this site. "Great quantities of iron and rails were produced for the Pennsylvania R.R...." During the Civil War it produced cannons for the Union Army.

     Living and riding in this area is fun because of all the historical events that took place here. Many people pass these markers by without giving them a second glance; but if you take your time to look and read you can discover many interesting facts about sleepy, backwater places that today are almost forgotten. Stop and read. You might like it.

A classic diner, with a diverse menu, in Manheim Pennsylvania.

To Valley Forge 09/04/18

"...its about the journey, not the destination..."

When I pulled up there were two guys in a pickup truck. One had fond memories of a cb400f  a friend owned.

     I decided to go out on my cb400f for the day. My destination was Valley Forge National Park...but as always, its "...(about) the destination..." My route was going to be largely back roads, one of which passes through Landenberg Pennsylvania. This is quite a small town, down along a river, just about 10 minutes from  my house. I decided to take a picture of the Landenberg Store, originally opened in 1872,  which had been closed for a while. Reopened it is once again a center for locals to get coffee, sandwiches, and sit around the picnic table out front. 

The 400 Super Sport by the covered bridge near the Ashland Nature Center.

     My route took me past the Ashland Nature Center, and across the covered bridge there. A wonderfully scenic route, following the river the bridge crossed, that wound up Route 82 towards Kennet Square. Lots of curves, the road so shrouded by trees that often it seems like you are riding through a green tunnel. 

I just pulled in someones driveway so I could take a picture of the fields.

     When people think of this area they often think of Philadelphia, or West Chester. The route I took wound northward through agricultural areas, often with flocks of Geese in the fields. Just to the east of where I am, maybe 5 or 7 miles is US 202. Lots of traffic, impatient drivers, the hustle and bustle of life today. Yet here I am, just about the only vehicle on the road, enjoying the ride and the scenery.

At the entrance to Valley Forge National Park. 

     I stop in Paoli at the Wawa to get an apple for a treat, and then navigate out of town and work my way to Valley Forge National Park. I lived in this area over 40 years ago, managing a restaurant in Paoli. I often took small trips into the park. What a beautiful place. 

The 400 Super Sport in front of the New Jersey monument.

     Many monuments here dedicated to the trying winter General Washington's army spent here. This one is to the New Jersey Brigade of the Continental Army. Scattered around there replicas of the rough, simple cabins that the army sheltered in. There is a great visitors center that has many artifacts, and a short film about the winter of 1777-1778.

The beautiful National Memorial Arch across the field at Valley Forge National Park.

     I stop at a picnic table to read for a while. I notice the National Memorial Arch, built to commemorate the "...arrival of General George Washington and the Continental Army at Valley Forge."   Beautiful. You can see the American Flag through the arch. It seems very fitting. 

The cb400f in its element: twisty, tree covered roads out in the country.

     I don't know how many people are familiar with the Honda cb400f but it is a great little bike. Only manufactured in 1975, 1976, and 1977 it is a gem. Four cylinder, 6 speed transmission, short wheel base, it is a lot of fun to drive. any one who remembers the old MGBs or Triumph Spitfire cars should be able to understand the attraction of this bike. Small motor, you have to RIDE the bike, use the transmission to stay in the engine's power band, constantly shifting up and down as you go through the curves. There is a joy in using every one of those 400 ccs, a skill in being in the right gear, of shifting at the right time. It is a rider's bike. LOTS  of fun. 

In the background is the Landenberg Hotel, which is next to the Landenberg Store. A church completes the "downtown" of Landenberg. 

"...its about the journey, not the destination..."

The Delta Diner. Great place for lunch or breakfast.

     Its a Beemer day. Up PA 896 from my house to Strickersville Road. Left onto Strickersville Road and away into the Pennsylvania countryside. The destination is the Delta Family Restaurant in Delta PA. My route takes me down US 1, over the Conowingo Dam to Castleton Road, a right turn near Chesapeake Harley-Davidson.

Historical marker on Castleton Road near Darlington Maryland and the banks of the Susquehanna  River.

      At the first stop sign on the winding road there is a historical marker. How often do people pass these markers without even giving them a glance? This little intersection in rural Maryland was once Berkley Crossroads, "...A hamlet settled in the late eighteenth century by free blacks and whites." This sleepy little area was once "...Part of the principal route between Baltimore and Philadelphia." Read the marker. Its interesting what you can discover if you simply take the time to look.

     As I rode up to the Delta "Diner" I noticed a guy standing by a bike in the parking lot. By the time I parked my bike he had walked over and introduced himself as John. We stood out in front of the restaurant talking about bikes and trips we had taken on bikes for over half an hour. We then moved inside to have breakfast together and continue our conversation. After breakfast, many tales of motorcycling from Alaska, to Canada, to Nova Scotia, Newfoundland, Labrador, Quebec, Germany, Italy, and Spain we moved back outside continuing our conversation. While standing there a Moto Guzzi California pulled up with a man and a woman on it. Ray and Wendy Disney soon joined in and a lively discussion ensued. John excused himself as he had to go to a friend's house, but Ray, Wendy and I continued to talk for another 45 minutes or so. Finally they went inside to have lunch, and I got on my bike to get back to my ride. I ended up spending several hours talking bikes and motorcycle touring with three complete strangers. This is a part of motorcycling that people who don't ride miss. A very old Honda motorcycle commercial stated "...you meet the nicest people on a Honda..." I've found that to be true of most motorcyclists.

A park along River Road south of Columbia Pennsylvania.

     I rode up PA 74 to PA 425 and took a right. This brought me down to the banks of the Susquehanna River. The winding up and down route took me right along the river, and then up into farmland, and then back down to the water. At Craley PA I made a right turn onto PA 624, once again down along the river until finally riding into Wrightsville PA. A right turn onto PA 462, then over the Veterans Memorial Bridge to Columbia PA. Right after the bridge a sign to the right directs you to PA 441, which then takes you along the river south down the eastern bank of the Susquehanna.

Markers like this offer a glimpse of what life had been like here in the past.

     Just before the Conestoga River bridge there is a historical marker about the Conestoga Indians who "...live in scattered settlements along (the river)...They were the last of the once mighty Susquehannocks...The remnants of this tribe were massacred by the Paxton boys in December 1763. "  

Wonderful curvy road on the way from the banks of the Susquehanna  to home.

     I rode up away from the river and back into the rolling farmland of Pennsylvania. I decided that since it had become a very warm day I should get some ice cream to cool off. Using my phone as a GPS I navigated to a Dairy Queen near my home.

Marvin posing with his Honda CTX outside the Dairy Queen near Jennersville Pennsylvania.

     As I pulled in I noticed a man standing by his motorcycle. Marvin introduced himself and we began talking about bikes. I have been riding for over 50 years, but Marvin put me in my place! He is approaching his 87th birthday, and is not going to stop riding motorcycles any time soon! He and I adjourned inside the Dairy Queen where we continued our conversation over some tasty ice cream. Over half an hour later we moved back outside and bid each other adieu. His enthusiasm for riding is as strong as I have ever seen. He is my hero!

"...its about the journey, not the destination..."

The rolling countryside in East Marlborough Pennsylvania.    

     One of my favorite motorcycles in the Honda GL500 Silverwing. Mine is a 1981 model that has just over 31,000 miles on it. I bought it about 12 years ago. It had less than 6,000 miles on it. The reason I bought it was that my wife and oldest daughter had gotten their motorcycle licenses, and I wanted them to have a safe, reliable bike to ride. Ultimately they felt it was too big so it became my bike. It is a great bike. It is water cooled, shaft drive, electronic ignition, gets over 50 mpg, and it has a wonderful exhaust note. The kicker is that I paid $1,500 for it!

One of the beautiful homes along PA 82 on the way to Coatesville.

     When I looked at it on E-Bay I enlarged the pictures and looked closely at the motor, wheels, and those areas on the bike where rust might be. From the pictures it was clear the bike had been well cared for. Now, 12 years later, it has a few blemishes but still looks good from a distance.

A well preserved covered bridge in Rural Pennsylvania.

     From my house it is a short ride up to PA 841. A right turn and I am on curvy rural Pennsylvania roads that lead through West Grove PA up to PA 82. A left turn there and I am on my way north to Coatesville PA. There are many side roads along the route, one of which leads to the rustic covered bridge pictured above.

Parked near the picnic area in French Creek Park.

     The exhaust system of the Silverwing features long mufflers which give the bike a throaty exhaust note. The power band of the motor allows you to stay in 5th gear down to 30 mph, and accelerate up to the top speed of the motorcycle. As you roll the throttle on the exhaust note gets deeper, really adding to the enjoyment of the ride.

Colorful canoes by the lake in French Creek State Park.

     I ride through Coatesville, continuing on PA 82, across US 322 by Brandywine Manor, until I hit PA 345. Up PA 345, across PA 23 until I reach the entrance to French Creek State Park. An hour or so sitting at a picnic table, reading a good book on the I Pad, then I retrace my route back home. Another  very nice ride on a very nice motorcycle through scenic Pennsylvania. Now, which bike should I ride next time?

At a town called Bayport on the west coast of Florida last year. Doesn't look bad from 10 feet away!