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

My daughter Kate and I out for a ride recently. I'm on my 400 Super Sport, Kate is on her 400 Hondamatic.

     As we move into Spring there are several challenges to a motorcyclist. Because of the ice and snow of winter there is usually a residue of salt, sand, and gravel on the roads. The roads I like best, back roads, are particularly susceptible to having these hazards in corners. This stuff can be very "slippery," and, if you're not careful, can lead to an expensive incident.

The 400 Super Sport is really a fun bike. Light, nimble, a great transmission, and a great sound....and I bought it for $250 !

     It is best to take it easy as we move into some of the best riding of the year. Slow down, be careful, pay attention to the road surface. There is probably a new crop of pot holes to contend with. Hitting a particularly deep pot hole can lead to a flat tire, ruined tire, or a bent rim. By keeping your speed down you have a much better chance of avoiding the hazard, and the expense that would result.

The Black Beauty down Route 9 here in Delaware. An enjoyable ride on a twisty, scenic road. 

     Speaking of pot holes, it is a good idea to avoid puddles when you can, particularly at speed. That puddle could be a few inches deep.... or over a foot deep! While on a trip with a buddy in Western Pennsylvania we went out to dinner and had a couple of "adult beverages" during dinner. On the way out of the parking lot, for some reason my friend stopped right next to a puddle and then put his foot down into it. The puddle turned out to be over a food deep! My Bud fell over, spraining his ankle and scratching up his bike! Its better "...to be safe than sorry..."

The BMW R1150GS out in the country. It is ugly, but if you haven't ridden one you can't appreciate how they handle.

     I've got 14 bikes out in the garage, 11 of which are mine. This means a lot of maintenance, "battery tending," and Stabil so the gas doesn't "go bad." As we start riding again in the spring one aspect of the motorcycle we often over look are the tires. The bikes have been sitting for weeks, or months, and most tires loose air overtime. There are specific dangers to operating a motorcycle with under inflated tires, and I promise you perhaps 1/2 of the bikes on the road in the early spring are riding on tires that are under inflated. This could be dangerous and expensive if you loose control of the bike and have a "go down." Don't be that guy. Or girl!

On the scooter again on Route 9, this time across from the Salem Nuclear Power plant across the Delaware River. 

     Just some random thoughts as the temperatures move into the low 60s. I love riding so much that I become like a kid at Christmas in anticipation of going riding. We need to enjoy this pastime, and do so safely. I once ran into a young guy at a bike shop in Lexington KY. It was a busy Saturday, and there was a line at the parts counter so, while waiting my turn, I got into a conversation with the fella in front of me. It turns out he had never ridden a motorcycle before today, and he was in picking up some parts so he could keep riding. He looked like he had been in fight, with quite a few bumps and bruises visible on his face. It turns out they had all come from riding a motorcycle that day, and he had fallen down numerous times. In fact he had broken the bike. Of course he had not been wearing a helmet. I'm 69 years old, but I doubt my companion from the line that day is still riding today. He might not even still be around! Get out. Enjoy the weather. BE SAFE!

"...it's about the journey, not the destination..."

Out for a ride on the scooter I just had to stop and take this picture in the little PA village of Embreeville 

     Winter. The months of January and February. This is the most difficult time of the year for me. It is January 18th and I have ridden three days in the month. Generally speaking if the temperature is in the low 40s I can ride. I might not go out for an entire day but I can go out for an hour or two. It still is not enough! So in order to deal with the reality of winter I watch movies, go out in the garage and start a few bikes several times a week and let them warm up, and go shooting at an indoor range where I can take my frustrations out on paper targets.

Catherine's Restaurant in the village of Unionville PA.

     I have purchased the TV programs LONG WAY DOWN and LONG WAY ROUND. Produced by the BBC they are projects thought up by Ewan McGregor and Charlie Boorman. They got the BBC and a number of sponsors to pay for two motorcycle trips, the first one was to ride from London, across Europe and Asia, then fly to Alaska and eventually end up in New York City. LONG WAY DOWN was a second trip from the top of Scotland down the United Kingdom, Europe and Africa to Cape Town South Africa. These are great programs, perhaps 8 or so episodes each, and they do a great job of touching on the diverse people and cultures they encounter. If you haven't seen them I encourage you to find them and take a look. If you like to tour on a motorcycle I think you enjoy them.

The Double D Diner in Coatesville PA.

     I have been touring on a motorcycle since I was in my mid 20s. For most of the time I have made many mistakes, and done some dumb things. In the early years I thought motorcycle touring was about getting on the interstate and doing 500 or 600 miles a day for a week or two. I put a lot of time in, covered a lot of miles, but I didn't see much. At the ripe old age of 69 I believe I gotten it figured out pretty well. Those of you who have seen my blog might have seen that I took my longest trip ever this past summer, riding to Alaska and back over 51/2 weeks, covering over 10,500 miles. It was a great trip. I did it in a very different manner that I used to!

Four Dogs Tavern in Marshallton PA. 

     This summer I plan to ride to Colorado and ride up Pike's Peak. I want to make it a two week trip. The way I approach a trip like that today is to ride 500 miles a day for the first two days. On the Alaska trip I rode 500 miles a day for the first three days. After that I ride 200 to 300 miles a day. To some people that might sound like a lot of riding but remember the main activity of the trip is to ride the motorcycle. If you spend 6 or 8 hours a day riding you would be hard pressed to ride less that 200 miles. When I take day trips here around home a ride to the Eastern Shore to St. Michaels MD or to Tilghman Island, past St. Michales generally covers 225 miles or so. Remember its about the journey, so I don't take the fastest, most direct route. I usually have a favorite restaurant or diner I like to stop at. There might be a park with picnic benches where I"ll sit, read for a while and have a cigar. The point is to enjoy the journey, not to get there and back as fast as possible. However on a 3000 or 4000 mile trip it is necessary to get "out there," to put two days of "hard" riding in, and then get on old US highways or back roads through towns and enjoy the ride. I must admit I'm addicted to this!

Historical marker for Humphrey Marshall, noted "nurseryman," for whom Marshallton is named.

     In June I'm riding to Colorado on the Black Beauty, and then in August my wife and I am taking my truck an going to Newfoundland Canada. The idea in both trips is to enjoy the journey. Enjoy the people we meet. Enjoy the people and the cultures we encounter. I suggest you all do the same. Get out there. Enjoy this journey of life. It is a WHOLE lot of fun!

   

Sentimental journey

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

     (Original post started in November 2018)

Wendell Barnhill outside of his house in Debert Nova Scotia.

     In 1988 I was on a trip with my good friend Jimmy up in Maine. He was a traveling salesman and he had clients in western Maine. That afternoon we were riding US 2 across Maine on the way to Bar Harbor to spend the night. It was about 6 pm and there was a LONG way to go, and we passed a motel along the side of the road. There was a restaurant attached to it, and there was already a motorcycle parked outside of a room. I convinced Jimmy to stop there and we turned around and checked in. As we were getting settled in our room an "older" gentleman showed up at the door and invited us down to his room to have a drink with him and his wife.

A bridge along the northern coast of Nova Scotia.

     Wendell and Betty Barnhill were from the small town of Debert Nova Scotia Canada. Wendell was a retired operator of a small store in Debert. Betty was a retired school teacher. What followed was a friendship that lasted to today. Betty passed away 18 years ago. A year later Wendell married a wonderful woman named Marion who he had met in Florida. They were husband and wife until Wendell passed away last week.

Neat little restaurant in Wentworth Valley Nova Scotia. You have to get off of the Trans-Canada to find it!

     A few years after we met Wendell and Betty "took" Jimmy and I to Newfoundland, showing us one of the most wonderful places I have ever seen. Since then I have been back to Newfoundland 6 times, taking my wife, my oldest daughter, my niece and nephew, and also my good friend Curt. None of that would have been possible without the guidance and coaching of Wendell.
   

Stained glass pieces that Wendell made for Murphy's Fish and Chips restaurant in Truro NS. 

     The trip from my house to Truro, the "big" town near Debert, takes two days. Day 1 from Delaware to Bangor Maine, about 600 miles. Day two from Bangor to Truro is about 368 miles. Because of the time of the year I took my truck rather than a motorcycle. Easy trip. No snow but I often encountered rain during the trip.

       An example of the tide change in Parrsboro NS which is on the Bay of Fundy. At high    
tide you can step right off of the dock onto the boat! 

     There was a very touching service at the funeral home, after which there were refreshments served. Some of Wendell's motorcycling buddies spoke, but the most moving part of the service was the eulogy's given by Wendell's children: Valerie, Randy, and Eric. I hope that when my time comes my children will have 1/2 as many nice things to say about me.

     After things wound down at the funeral home the immediate family went to Murphy's Fish and Chips Restaurant in Truro NS. Graciously Eric insisted that I go along. A wonderful time sharing stories about Wendell, reminiscing about all of the fun we all had together. After dinner back to Debert to what is now Randy's house for some "adult" beverages.

     The next morning I left for home, back to Bangor, and then back to Delaware the next day. The passing of Wendell was like the passing of a pillar, not only of his family, but of his home town. I was out riding today on my BMW GS1150, and thinking I should finish this entry, which I started back in November. I will return to Nova Scotia this summer in my truck with my wife on our way to Newfoundland. We will stop and visit with Valerie, Randy and Eric. As I reflect on this entry I realize how much Wendell enriched my life. I love Nova Scotia. I love Newfoundland. I love Labrador. All of this because of a friendship that started in the middle of Maine at a little motel. My friend Jimmy passed away a number of years ago. Now Wendell in gone. I think of them often, and they will be at my side as I go riding. I deeply miss them both!

Valley Forge in October ride 2018

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

Along DE 82. Beautiful fall colors.

     Yesterday the Weather Channel forecasted that it would be a great fall day with temperatures in the mid 60s. Sounds like a nice day to go for a ride. Since I hadn't ridden the GL500 Silverwing in a while it seemed like the perfect day to do so. The engine configuration is modeled after Moto Guzzi's, with a v-twin cross ways in the frame, but, unlike the Moto Guzzi's, it is water cooled. For people who don't know about this bike it is a 500cc touring bike. It isn't a sport bike or race bike, but it has a fair amount of power, shaft driven, electronic ignition, and gets great gas mileage. A very pleasant ride.

On DE 82. Notice the railroad trestle in the background. Not regular train service, just short excursions.

     I don't like coming and going on the same route so I usually do some form of a loop. This time I went north out of Delaware on DE 82, which becomes PA 82. Great ride. In Delaware the road winds along the Brandywine creek. Once in Pennsylvania it goes through Kennett Square, and then up into horse country. Very scenic.

Creek Road in near Chadd's Ford PA. Notice the "curve" sign in the background. 

     On this day it was not to be. PA 82 is closed due to construction on a small bridge, so I had to choose another route. I rode north on US 1 to the intersection with Creek Road in Chadd's Ford, near Hank's Place, a great place for breakfast. Left on Creek Road, which winds along Brandywine Creek, up to PA 926. Right on PA 926, past US 202 to PA 352. North on PA 352 across PA 3, up to Paoli Pike. Then right on Paoli Pike to Paoli. Onto US 30, a quick left onto North Valley Road near the railroad station, and then back roads to Valley Forge.

The National Memorial Arch in Valley Forge. I like the US flag waving "through" the arch. 

     I sat at a picnic table and enjoyed the day. People running in the park, walking their dogs, or just traveling around this historic location.

Covered bridge near Valley Forge.

     On the way out of the park I passed this covered bridge. Many years ago, when I lived in the area, I was riding with a couple of guys through the park. One fellow had a 360 Yamaha trials bike with knobbie tires. For you who don't know these are designed for riding in the dirt, not on the road. As we approached the turn on the other side of the bridge, at a "brisk" pace, we had to turn and then climb up a small hill. As my friend leaned his bike over his tires lost traction and he fell over. He wasn't hurt, except for his pride, but he bike needed a few parts replaced. Note: take it easy with dirt tires on the street!

On of the many creeks and streams along the roads in Pennsylvania. 

     The route out of the park on PA 23 took me west through Phoenixville. After Phoenixville the road becomes a country road, speed limit 50, scenic views and some twists and turns. Part of the route is called Ridge Road so you are looking down into and over a valley. Wonderful!

The Brass Eagle Restaurant near Gap PA on US 30. Nice people and good food. 

     I rode PA 23 across PA 100, then across PA 82 and on to Morgantown. There I hit PA 10 south through Honey Brook and down to US 30. West on US 30 for about 4 miles and then to the Brass Eagle Restaurant for lunch. After lunch an easy ride west to Gap Pa, down PA 41 through Cochranville to PA 796 south. PA 796 ends at PA 896, which brings me down into Delaware and home. BEAUTIFUL fall day, great ride. HMMM, what should I do tomorrow?

   
   
   

   
   

Poconos Fall 2018 Day 4

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




     When I woke up Sunday morning the temperature outside was 32 degrees. GREAT weather to be riding a scooter. But that comes with the territory. I had breakfast with the family, and then packed and loaded the bike for the ride home. I had planned to wait until 10 AM for it to warm up some, but the Weather Channel said the high temp for the day was only 39, so I decided to  leave around 9:30.




     As I was putting my riding gear on my son-in-law informed me that there were show showers in the area. Sounds like an adventure to me! I let the scooter warm up for a few minutes, and then set off. It was certainly cold, but I've ridden in colder weather. One addition I've added to several of my bikes are heated grips. When I bought my 2001 BMW R1150GS it came with heated grips. After riding that bike in some cold weather I was convinced.





     With the heated grips set on high I rode towards Hamlin PA. I was probably about 4 miles from the cabin in Hawley when I ran into the aforementioned snow showers. It wasn't snowing very hard but the road was wet, and with the temperature around freezing I was very careful as I rode. Once in Hamlin, south on PA 196, down to PA 423, then over to I 380. Great riding, normally......but back roads in that type of weather make me very cautious. As I rode I was listening to the Eagles' pregame show on Sirius on the headset in my helmet, and I was cheered by the news that the temperature was over 10 degrees warmer in Philly that where I was. My plan was to have a pleasent, somewhat chilly ride home. No rock and roll.





   The speed limit on I 380 is 70 mph, and I went that fast, but I was the slowest vehicle on the road. When you ride a bike you quickly become aware that the faster you go the greater the wind chill. Sounds fundamental, but I assure you that none of the people in the cars, pickups, and trucks that passed me were worrying about windchill!


     This ride is broken into 3 distinct parts. The backroads in the Poconos to I 380, the Interstates- I 380,  I 80, I 476, I 78 around Allentown just for a couple of miles. Then back roads down from Allentown- PA 100, PA 23, PA 345, PA 82, PA 841, PA 896 home. I generally don't like riding Interstates unless I have to, but the way this trip is broken up its no big deal.





     After lunch at the Pied Piper Diner, in Barto PA right on PA 100, I had a nice ride down to PA 23, and then it is pretty much back roads home. Just like on the way up you have to go through Coatesville, but that generally takes 10 minutes or so. The reward is a very enjoyable motorcycle ride through the Pennsylvania countryside down to Delaware. It was a pleasant way to end a terrific weekend in the Poconos.


   

Poconos Fall 2018 Day 3

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

The Barryville Emporium. No telling what treasures are within!

     On Saturday, the third day of the Pocono weekend, I decided to do a variation of the route from the day before. I left Hawley on US 6 heading east. I took a left on to PA 434 which led me back to the border with New York at the town of Barryville, and then turned left onto NY 97 north.

The Barbara Yeaman Eagle Observation Area.

Great map on the side of the building that helps you understand the area.

     As I rode out of Barryville I noticed an observation post on the left, so I turned around to see what it was about. It was an eagle observation post. People could stop there, get out their binoculars to bird watch. On the side of this small building was a map of what they called the Upper Delaware Scenic Byway.

The Roebling Delaware Aqueduct in the background.

This has a great picture on the aqueduct in operation.

          About 4 miles north of Barryville I came to Minisink Ford which is the location of the oldest existing wire suspension bridge in the United States. Roebling's Delaware Aqueduct opened in 1849 as an aqueduct connecting two parts of the Delaware and Hudson Canal. Today it is a bridge for cars and pedestrians. John Roebling and his son Washington are best known for constructing the Brooklyn Bridge which was completed in 1887.

The US Post Office in Cochecton New York. You can tell how rural this little town is by the condition of the post office!

     From Minisink Ford I continued north on NY 97 to Cochecton where I hit 371 west which took me back into Pennsylvania.

The Towne House Diner-Restaurant in "downtown" Honesdale.

     I rode PA 371 west to the intersection with PA 191. PA 371 is a really great rural road. Lots of turns and twists, ups and downs. My only regret was that I couldn't ride it farther. Next time! I took PA 191 back to Honesdale, and had lunch at the "Town House Diner-Restaurant." Today it is distinctly more of an Italian restaurant than a diner, but it still has a diverse menu and I had a tasty lunch.

The park in Honesdale. If you look closely you can see my "stuff" on the picnic table.

A striking reminder of a tragedy that tore the country apart in the 1860's- and then brought it back together.

     After lunch I decided to go to the park in the center of Honesdale and read for a while. After parking I noticed a statue and monument similar to what I've seen in many towns in the South. I went over and it was a monument, erected in 1869, to local boys who had died in the Civil War "...WHO FELL...'THAT GOVERNMENT OF THE PEOPLE, BY THE  PEOPLE, AND FOR THE PEOPLE SHOULD NOT PERISH FROM THE EARTH.'" While many people were fascinated with the series by Ken Burns about the Civil War, I'm not sure we appreciate how much that conflict changed our country, and defined our future.

   

Bob Murray and his dog. What a genuinely interesting fellow! 

     As I sat in the park a gentleman who was walking his dog came over and questioned my about the scooter. His name is Bob Murray, and was originally from New Jersey. Among other things he was a car salesman, and has been retired since 2004. His son owns a local business, so he decided to move up to Honesdale. We had a great conversation that lasted half an hour or so. It turns out he is several years my senior, and in his past he had ridden a motorcycle until an accident convinced him to quit. What an interesting guy. When you travel you meet many fascinating people.


     After my time in the park with Bob it was time to head back to the cabin. After a short ride I arrived and put the scooter up on the center stand. Tomorrow it was back to Delaware.

Poconos Fall 2018 Day 2

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

Overlook for the Jadwin Dam just north of Honesdale PA.

Explanation of why the dam was built, and its construction.

     On the first morning in the Poconos I decided to take a ride up PA 191 out of Honesdale PA, which is 15 miles north of Hawley. As you ride north out of Honesdale it rapidly becomes a two lane, no shoulder road that twists and turns and rises. As I rode up I noticed an overlook with some kind of information display. I turned around and went back to take a look. There had been a series of floods in this area from 1936 through 1955 that caused over $10 million in damage, and cost 24 lives. Because of this history this dam, and another one, were constructed.

BEAUTIFUL swan in a pond just north of Honesdale PA.

     As I rode up PA 191 I noticed a pond on my left, and in the pond a large, white bird: a swan! I turned around; I just had to have a picture. When I was in Germany in 1984 for my student teaching I became fascinated with swans. Beautiful "birds;" the "battleship" of waterfowl.

Post office and general store in Equinunk PA.

Wouldn't you just love to spend a morning rooting around in the Equinunk Emporium?

     As I continued up I came upon the town of Equinunk Pennsylvania. There were several interesting buildings there, including the Emporium and the general store, which was in the same building as the US Post Office.

The end of the road for PA 191. Across the bridge is Hancock New York.

     PA 191 ends at this bridge. After you cross it you are in Hancock New York. In Hancock you take NY 97 south, which is also a GREAT road.

The village square in Hancock NY.

     I stopped in Hancock to take a picture of their "town square." After this it was south on NY 97.

   

Historical marker near Long Eddy New York, just in front of the historical society.

     Once again you are on a twisting road, with changes in elevation, where you lean the bike left and right, choosing the right line through the turn, and enjoying the skill of riding the bike. You pass through little towns, like Long Eddy New York, whose first settler was Joseph Geer in 1800.

Restaurant in Callicon New York. Not my cup of tea, but if you like bean sprouts and twigs in your salad take a shot.

     I stopped for lunch in the small, scenic town of Callicon New York. Chicken salad on "mixed greens." I've had better. After that I continued south on 97 to Narrowsburg New York where I crossed back into Pennsylvania onto PA 652, then on to Honesdale, and on to Hawley. Great ride through some beautiful country.

Village restaurant in Equinunk Pennsylvania.