Spring Trip III

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

Breakfast at the Waffle House, right near the Super 8 Roanoke.

     Generally I like to get "...up at 6, out by 8..." If I'm traveling by myself I can generally get up, pack, load the bike, have breakfast and be on the road in an hour and a half. When traveling with others you move only as fast as the slowest "packer." On the third morning Curtis and I were up and out of the motel by 7am. Breakfast was at the nearby Waffle House, and we were on the road by 8am. After a gas stop at an Exxon on the way to the Blue Ridge Parkway we continued our journey south.

Just on of dozens of terrific views along the BRP.

     Today our goal was to ride south from mile marker 122 to mile marker 408, which is where the Mount Pisgah Inn is, and where we would meet Curtis' brother Gary, who was traveling up from Atlanta. 286 miles on the BRP on a sunny day is bliss! The plan was to take a break at an overlook in the morning, and then stop for lunch at Boone, North Carolina. Then ride in the afternoon, taking a break in mid-afternoon, arriving at the Pisgah Inn by 6 or so.

Robby and his Can Am Spyder. You see more and more of them on the BRP.

     There are a lot of overlooks on the BRP. You simply can't stop at each one of them. I like to ride for an hour or so and start looking for a scenic place to stop. On the BRP that means you travel 50 miles or so.  The thing about the BRP that makes it so great is that it is generally a series of S curves, with a few straight stretches thrown in so you can pass slower vehicles. There are a few really tight curves rated at 30mph, but the majority are 45mph, and you can really work on your skill. After an hour of this fun we stopped at an overlook, and found a gentleman named Robby there, along with his Can Am Spyder. Robby is a former Harley rider, but began to have some physical challenges, and was almost ready to give up riding. His son had a Spyder, let him try it, and then decided to get one. He really enjoys it, and is able to keep on riding. I have a friend who has a beautiful Gold Wing, but is afraid to ride it. I think a Spyder might be the solution for him. For myself, if the time comes where I have trouble "holding the bike up" I'll get a Spyder before I stop riding.

Gary walking down to the rocking chairs where we waited for our table at the Pisgah Inn  and enjoyed the view.

     After lunch in Boone NC we continued south once again. At the afternoon stop Curtis texted his brother that we would be at the Pisgah Inn by 6pm or so. On arriving we found Gary there, and he had already put his name in for a table. We had a wonderful dinner, enjoying the spectacular view along with the food. After dinner a quick run down the BRP to mile marker 428, but on this evening it was too cloudy for a nice sunset. I led the way back to mile marker 408 where we get off on US 276 fro the ride down to Brevard. This road is a real challenge in the dark! At the Parkway it twists and turns for 10 miles or so down the mountain with a series of 15mph curves. Leaning a bike, trying to see into a corner to correctly judge your line with only your headlight and the amber reflectors in the road takes intense concentration. We all made it down to the intersection of US 276 and US 64, and then right towards Brevard. In ten minutes or so we were at the house we rented. LOTS  of motorcycling tomorrow!

Spring Trip 2019- II

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

The view from an overlook on the Blue Ridge Parkway

     The second day of the trip we rode from Chantilly VA, near Washington DC, to Roanoke VA. The route was Interstate 66 to get away from Washington, then route 55 over to Front Royal VA. Then down US 340 to Waynesboro VA, where we had lunch. US 340 from Front Royal goes through the Shenandoah Valley, through some small towns. It has some twists and turns, and we could generally run at 60 mph.

A stop to admire the view along the way.

     From Waynesboro we rode Interstate 64 over to the exit where the Blue Ridge  Parkway has it's northern point. From there it was about 120 miles for the exit to get off and ride into Roanoke. One of the key aspects of riding on curvy roads is how to approach turns. On a motorcycle it is imperative to "pick your line." If you make a mistake and need to change your "line" the bike might "wallow," and it will  slow you down. The worst case scenario is to come out of a corner too wide into the opposing traffic, or off of the road completely. On the Blue Ridge Parkway this could result in going "over the side," and maybe a long drop!

Curtis can't seem to leave his cell phone alone! 

     Some people use engine braking only to slow down for a curve. The challenge is this  might not slow you down enough. I prefer to down shift and use the brakes. This brings up another question: front and rear brakes, or only one or the other. Again, my preference is to use both if needed approaching a turn, and then just the rear as I go through it. In my experience the front brake tends to make the bike sluggish to lean into a curve if you are using it aggressively. During the turn grabbing a lot of front brake tends to make the bike "stand up." You can hustle through turns by getting wide approaching them, slowing down by downshifting and using both sets of brakes, and then using the throttle and rear brake control your speed so that as you see the turn coming to an end you can accelerate out of it. With practice, and patience, your skill at riding curvy roads can improve and add to the enjoyment of motorcycling.

A gentleman we met along the way riding a Can Am Spyder. A former Harley rider, physical problems stopped
him from riding a Harley, but with the Spyder he could continue to ride, in spite of his challenges. 

     The Blue Ridge Parkway is 465 miles of motorcycling bliss. I know of people who think riding the Tail of the Dragon is the pinnacle of motorcycling, but the length, the changes in altitude, the almost continuous numbers of "sweepers" (turns that can be taken at some speed), and the scenery make the BRP the best!

The wife and children of the owner of the Super 8 in Roanoke VA. Interestingly they walked
right past Curtis' bike and wanted to sit on mine. Hmmmmm? 

     We arrived at the Super 8 Motel in Roanoke by 6:30, after stopping for dinner at the Outback Steakhouse. I had an interesting discussion with the owner of the motel, and his two sons were quite take with the bikes. As we were unloading the bikes they came over to stare at them. I told their mother to put them on the bike so that I could take a picture, which I then sent to the owner. This interaction was the cherry on the top of an excellent day of motorcycling!

Spring Trip 2019

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

Sunset at mile marker 428 of the Blue Ridge Parkway.

     Every spring and fall my two college room mates and I go on a bike trip down the Blue Ridge Parkway. Lately we have been renting a house in Brevard, North Carolina. My two friends do some hiking during the day, and I ride. This year, due to a conflict one of them had with work, the trip was pushed back into late May. The result: better weather, warmer temperatures, better riding.

      As usual I rode down to Chantilly Virginia, just outside Washington DC, to Curtis' house. Over the years I have developed a route that takes me around Baltimore through Maryland horse country, and totally avoids the interstate. I takes longer than going by the interstate, around Baltimore, and then down to Washington DC, but remember "...its about the journey, not the destination..."

"...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?