| Author | Message | ||
     Crusty |
God Hates a Coward Actually, I don’t believe that God hates anyone; but that line has strengthened my backbone the times I’ve been wavering about doing something because I was letting fear get the better of me. So the question that pops up is, What am I afraid of now? The question that follows is, How do I overcome the fear? Basically, I’m a bit nervous about going into Canada. I mean; French is spoken there, and I can’t speak it very well. Also, I think the credit card companies whack you extra for using your card in a foreign country. I have to call my Insurance company and make sure I’m covered if I have an accident; plus I’m going to have to change my money from US Dollars to Canadian Dollars. Then, when I re-enter the USA, I’ll have to change it back. Those are my fears. To beat them, all I have to do is just go. I’ll learn how to deal with the money exchange by just doing it. If things get too confusing, I can always just turn around and come back to the USA. However, I think that I’m just letting baseless fears get a little too strong, and that I’m going to really enjoy my time North of the Border. I’ve spent a bit of time over the past few days looking at maps and I think I have a tentative route laid out in my head. My first day out, I plan to ride the length of Vermont from the Massachusetts border to Stowe, where I hope to get a campsite at Smugglers Notch then next day, I’ll continue going North to Enosburg Falls, then I’ll turn my attention east. I don’t know why, but I have a slight fascination for Enosburg Falls. Anyway, once in Canada, I want to hit New Brunswick and Nova Scotia and I think I’ll price the ferry over to Newfoundland. I’d really like to watch a sunrise up by the Lighthouse on Cape Spear near St. John’s. It’s the first place that sunlight hits North America in the morning. I guess I’ll make a few phone calls and see how things shake out. Tomorrow, I have to go over to the Registry of Motor Vehicles and renew my Driver’s License. Oh, Joy; Oh, Rapture. I’ll bring a book to help pass the time. In 2000, I forgot to renew on time, and it turned into a royal Pain in the Butt. If I just go do it tomorrow and get it over with, I’ll be a lot happier. Now that my bike’s had a bit of attention and I’ve completed my Doctors’ appointments, a bit of anticipation is starting to build up about where I’m going to travel to in Phase 2. Things are starting to look pretty good, again! | ||
| Pwnzor |
I'll have to assume you be stopping by Casa de Grumpy.... I envy you on this adventure, which has become truly an epic saga. | ||
| Airbozo |
Even though I am not a religious person, I swear by the motto of: "God helps those who help themselves". Similar to the line you stated, but to me it means that help is there for those that choose not to give up or wait for things to happen to them. You will be fine in Canada. Only one Provence of Canada is strictly French speaking, Quebec, the others speak mostly English. Insurance should not be an issue either (wasn't last time I was in Toronto) and exchanging money is no big deal and most places will still take the US dollar (unless that has changed recently). It is better to use the Canadian dollar to avoid issues though and it is easy to exchange back. Plus some merchants still charge 1 for 1 for the US dollar and that is a rip off since the US dollar is worth about $.25 more. Do make sure you license is valid and does not expire before you go or return. That will be your biggest problem when crossing the border. Leave any weapons behind and don't take any "medical smoke-ables" or you will be making a phone call from a holding cell. Ask your doctor about any preparations you need to make if you are taking any medications. Most important! Enjoy your ride. ...and of course let us live vicariously through your exploits via your wonderful stories. | ||
| Vtpeg |
Want to start a sh*t storm? Ask why Enosburg Falls is a village in the town of Enosburgh. H vs no H at the end. Rt 100 is your ticket north-south, with some fresh pavement and some crater sections. Change your cash at a bank vs the exchange spots at the border and have a good international ID ready. Quebec is fun, although I've never taken my bike there. | ||
| Greatlaker |
If you are in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia and Newfoundland you have nothing to worry about. English is the language of choice. New Brunswick is very bi-lingual so if someone is speaking french they will also know english so the language issue is nothing to be concerned about. Quebec is the only province in Canada where you might find someone who does not speak english but then again, its not that big of a deal. Newfoundland is a stunning place to visit and ride. Be sure to take a good rain suit and warm clothes because the the weather can change very quickly there from warm and sunny to cold and rainy and back again. Even at this time of year the nights can be unpleasantly cold. The scenery in Newfoundland can be incredible if you stay close to the coast. No other place like it in North America for rugged and jagged coastline with 10 foot waves crashing in on the shore line all the time. The people in Newfoundland are some of the friendliest you will ever meet. Very hospitable people. Will give you the shirt off their back. The food in Newfoundland can be hit and miss though. Newfoundland women are quite stunning and love to meet men from the "mainland". Changing money can be done very easily at any Canadian bank. You don't need an account or anything. Just walk in and ask to exchange your money. You won't be taken advantage of. If you can, you should try and visit Prince Edward Island also. Very lovely this time of year. You can easily spend a week in each maritime province just taking in all the scenery. Nova Scotia has the Cabot Trail which is one of the greatest motorcycling roads in Canada. Don't blow through Nova Scotia and not ride the Cabot Trail. I have a good story about travelling in Nova Scotia. I was riding on the Cabot Trail on a very hot day. I stopped at a little summer cottage off the highway to ask the owner if I could fill a water bottle from a hose. He asked me what I was doing for the next couple of hours and I replied "nothing". He asked me if I wanted to go out on his boat and help him haul in some fishing nets. I agreed and we had a great time bringing in a catch of capelin. Nothing to fear. | ||
| Ourdee |
Crusty rides again! This is going to be good. I hope to be so brave in 18 months. I checked with benefits at work and that is how long till retirement for me. There is nothing to fear in Canada. The language thing can be fun. When in europe I had a lot of fun hanging out with people that didn't speak the same language as me. I went to Canada with my wife and three boys when they were young. No worries for the Crusty. The talk of using a bank instead of the money changers is the way to go. "Get on your bikes and ride", Queen | ||
| Pwnzor |
I used to drive all the way across Canada from West to East fairly regularly, and always enjoyed meeting the random people I encountered. American money was good everywhere I went, and my credit cards worked with almost never any fees to speak of. That was almost 10 years ago, but I can't imagine much has changed. Absolutely stunning scenery, especially where there was "nothing" to look at. | ||
| Ducley |
I took a girlfriend on a ride to Edmonton in '94 and had a pretty good time. Was amazing how clean everything looked after crossing over from Washington. The river at the toe of the Rockies was spectacular and the BMW shop in Kamloops, BC was the most helpful ever, then it started raining. Rode one hour in the rain, sat one hour at a coffee shop getting stared at by locals, repeat the rest of the day. Traded travelers checks for cash at banks because 7-11s even post the fact they are taking advantage of their own set rates. Like a payday check casher here. (Message edited by Ducley on July 31, 2015) | ||
| Mr_grumpy |
Even here in Quebec English is still quite common, it's only in the big cities like Montreal & Quebec city that you might encounter the odd petit problemette. Most places, as soon as they realise you're anglophone they speak English to you. I'll be annoyed if you pass by without stopping too. And I'm sure Bill would love to see you in St Johns, after all we missed you in '04. | ||
| Crusty |
And Now, a Word From Our Sponsor When I first started Mining, I had a boss who would say, “Do something; even if it’s wrong.” When I joined AA, I learned, “If you don’t know what to do, do nothing until the right thing becomes apparent”. There are times when either of those opposite statements are applicable, just as there are times when neither is appropriate. . In this case, I’ve decided to stall my departure from Waltham for one more day. I’ll head out tomorrow morning for Western Massachusetts, then go north to ride the length of Vermont Route 100; which is one of my favorite roads. (Another Favorite road is US Route 12 between Missoula, Montana and Lewiston, Idaho. It’s 100 miles of motorcycle Heaven. Maybe I’ll ride that in September.) Anyhow, I’m going to finish up a couple of small details today, and ride off on a pleasant Sunday morning. I’ve accumulated a few “Bests”, or maybe “Favorites” is a better term, on this ride so far. To start with food, (Ride To Eat, Eat To Ride) The best burger I ate was at the Marysvale Diner in Marysvale, Utah. It’s a little hole in the wall that does breakfast and lunch, I stopped there on my way north on US Rt 89, and really enjoyed the sausage and eggs i had for breakfast, so I stopped there again on my way south and got a burger. It was the best burger I’ve had in a long while. A very long while. If I get close, i’ll go out of my way to eat there again. The best donut I had was from Paula’s Donuts in Buffalo, New York, though the Holy Donut in Portland, Maine was a real contender. The two shops make very different donuts, but the Key Lime filled donut from Paula’s was delightful. The Maine Blueberry Donut from the Holy Donut is worth going out of my way for, too, but I have a thing for Key Lime. The best BBQ was from the Dinosaur BBQ in Syracuse. I admit to a bit of prejudice in this, but it’s my opinion. I haven’t had any bad BBQ on this trip so far (well, maybe the Pulled Pork sandwich at the Du Quoin Mile), but of all the places I stopped in, the Syracuse Dinosaur is the one I like the best. Dunkin Donuts still is my favorite coffee on the road; though it’s overpriced and their donuts taste like recycled cardboard. McDonald’s coffee is pretty good, and it’s reasonably priced; especially if you’re an old Tramp who’s trying to get by on short funds; but when I feel like being irresponsible about my spending, I’ll hit a Drunkin Donuts. I admit though, that I’m looking forward to stopping at a Tim Horton’s or two while up in Canada. The best free City Park for tenting that I stayed in is easily the City Park in Lander, Wyoming. It was much better than any other free park, and better than almost all the pay Campgrounds that I’ve hit. If they had showers, it would top the entire list. The worst is a tie between the park in Roundup, Montana and the park in Columbus, Nebraska The best climate I found is in Montrose, Colorado. While it gets hot there, the humidity is really low and that makes all the difference. If I were to settle down now, that’s where I’d head for. There’s a lot to like about Colorado. Cincinnati is nice, but it’s just too wet and humid for me and there’s no way in hell that I want to spend a winter in Buffalo. I like Massachusetts a lot and I have some really nice friends here, but last winter pushed me over the edge, I think. The nicest people I’ve met were all over the country. There are good folks everywhere and I can’t pick out any one place where people were nicer or friendlier than other places. Folks in Iowa were really nice (and I still have a thing for that waitress), but I found really nice people everywhere I stopped. Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, Cincinnati, New York; there were nice people all over the country. There were a few buttholes, too; but they were also pretty evenly distributed. The biggest horse’s ass I’ve encountered was here in Massachusetts where I have the most friends. My favorite National Park is Glacier National Park. I’m planning to go back just to ride the Going-To-The-Sun Road in its entirety. All the National parks I’ve been to are Incredible and worth visiting, but Glacier is the one that grabs me most. I really liked Capitol Reef, too, but for different reasons, and, as much as I liked it, it isn’t as moving to me as Glacier is. And I have to put in a word for McDonald’s. They get dumped on by everybody, including me, but I can get a cup of coffee (with free refills) and a Sausage McMuffin there for under two bucks. They have clean Restrooms and they even have free Wi-Fi. Most of my Snippets were written while I was sitting in a Golden Starches. And, if I’m running low on cash, I can get a double cheeseburger for under two bucks for lunch or dinner. They’re definitely a boon to an old Tramp. That’s about it for today. | ||
| Crusty |
Out Where The Busses Don’t Run I seem to be incapable of sticking to a planned route when I leave Massachusetts. I had planned to take rt. 2 to North Adams, then head north on Rt. 8 into Vermont where I’d ride Rt.100. I got as far as Greenfield, then turned north. I took backroads into Vermont, then eventually wound up on Rt.100. I stayed in a pretty nice State Park campground last night, and slept for about 9 hours. I hit the road this morning and I saw a sign saying, “Tractor Trailers advised to not take Rt. 125”, so I turned west and rode over a delightful Vermont Scenic Highway which eventually dumped me out onto US Rt. 7. My very tentative plan is to ride up to Swanton, stop and see Sam and Betty (the Swans), then ride over to Smuggler’s Notch to Stowe then ride backroads to US Rt. 2 and head east towards Maine and Canada. It’ll be interesting to see if I can stick to that plan. Riding around these roads sure makes me wish I was on a Buell. The Sportster is a fun bike, but nothing handles like a Buell. Once this summer is over, maybe I should start looking for an S3-T in good condition. I almost bought one last winter, but I felt that the Sportster was a more appropriate choice. I was thinking about the time I rode my S3 out to Du Quoin, IL in 1999 to see a Mile. I walked around the parking area looking at bikes (That’s something I enjoy doing when I go to an event) paying special attention to the Sport Tourers that were there. All the other Sport Tourers were a lot bigger and more complex than the S3-T was. As I age, I’m liking smaller and lighter bikes more. I don’t ever see me as riding a Gold Wing, BMW K1600 or even a Harley Dresser. I’m not badmouthing those bikes; lots of people own and ride them and love them. I just don’t think I’d be happy with one. I bought the Guzzi Norge, and as nice as it was, it felt too big. I was in a Honda/Suzuki shop the other day, and I was looking at a Honda there. I don’t know the model name, but it had a V-4 engine and was styled in the fashionable Transformers school of design. It was big and ugly and didn’t look nearly as functional as an ST 1100, which is where I think the engine came from. I guess I’m just becoming a Luddite in my old age. The more I look at other bikes, the more I miss my old Thunderbolt. The Sportster could be set up, though. I think that if I find a 4 1/2 gallon fuel tank and corresponding Sundowner seat, cast wheels and put a earlier front fender on it, along with better shocks and a fork brace and cartridge emulators and springs, it might be closer to what I’d like it to be. It’s something to think about… OK; I’ve had my Sausage McMuffin and a couple of cups of coffee. It’s time to get back out there. | ||
| Buellish |
Crusty,I don't know if you went on the BRAG Northeast Touring Adventure,but I was in a group of Parkway Blue S2's on that ride.We overnighted in North Plattsburg NY then took the ferry across Lake Champlain,road through Vermont and into New Hampshire,riding the Kancamagus Scenic Byway and stopping in North Conway overnight.The next morning we rode up to Mount Washington and took the auto road to the top.After leaving Mt.Washington we made our way down into Maine and on to our final destination in Portland.I don't remember all the roads from that trip,but we rode nothing but small one and two lane roads through little towns that time forgot.I often think of how much I enjoyed that entire trip,the great country roads and all the people I met.I'd like to do it again. | ||
| Chauly |
That Northeast Adventure was an excellent trip, and is seared in my memory... 4500 miles of smiles. | ||
| Crusty |
“Go That Way! Go That Way!” Well, I did it again. I made plans for what route I was going to take, and 15 minutes later, I zigged when I should have zagged. I was heading north on Rt. 7 when I saw a sign saying, “Ferry To New York - Next Left”. It took maybe a tenth of a second for me to decide that I would enjoy taking a ferry across Lake Champlain, so I turned left. It only cost $6.50 for a Motorcycle & Rider which was less than half of the price of a car and driver. For once, I felt that motorcycles weren’t being screwed by the system. They had me board first, and I was also the first off when we reached New York. It was definitely worth the money. The lake crossing was very pleasant, taking about a 1/2 hour and I just stood beside my bike and enjoyed the view. Once in New York, I took Rt.22 north to US Rt.9. I stopped at Ausable Chasm and admired the view for a few minutes then continued north crossing over the top of Lake Champlain back into Swanton, Vermont where I stopped to say hello to Sam and Betty, the two swans who live in the Town Common. I then rode over to Enosburg Falls and admired the “Bridge of Flowers and Lights”before getting caught by a thunderstorm on my way towards Smuggler’s Notch. I rode over the Notch, which is a really nice twisty road and wound up at the Smuggler’s Notch State Park Campground. The ranger told me that there was a 100% chance of more thunderstorms at 7:00, so I opted to get a lean - to instead of just a tent site. It was only $7.00 more for the lean - to, and I figured that it was worth seven bucks to stay dry. As it turned out, the thunderstorm missed us, but I don’t regret my decision. After the rain in Indianapolis, I’d rather spend the money and stay dry. The way my luck runs, If I hadn’t gone for the Lean - to, it probably would have poured buckets. One thing I need to do is start finding cheaper places to camp. I’ve spent almost fifty bucks on camping in just the past two nights. It’s time to start looking at the cheap and free campsites website again. Free campgrounds aren’t nearly as common in the Northeast as they are in the midwest and western states. Maybe I’ll abandon going to Canada and head west, instead. I’ll look online and see what I can find that’s cheap, and then decide. Right now, I’m in Lancaster, New Hampshire just over the border from Vermont on US Rt. 2, heading toward Bangor, Maine. Well; I think I’ll get a free coffee refill and investigate cheap campgrounds. (Message edited by Crusty on August 04, 2015) (Message edited by Crusty on August 04, 2015) | ||
| Mr_grumpy |
Y'old bugger, you were less than an hour from my house and the camping is free, dinner, breakfast & internet included.  | ||
| Crusty |
Innes; I figured you would be on the road, working. I guess I should have tried to get in touch with you. Sorry. | ||
| Crusty |
The Whole World Ought To Go On A Vacation I’m feeling a bit anti-social this morning. I really don’t feel like associating with people, yet I want to be around people at the same time. I just want to be around people I like. The problem is that I don’t like many people right now. I changed my plans yesterday in mid flight. I’m putting the blame squarely on God for putting those Thunderstorms in my way. I got wet enough on Monday from the thunderstorm that hit me on the way to Smuggler’s Notch, and I still haven’t quite recovered from the rain in Indy; so when I saw those very black clouds in front of me, then saw the sign, “Augusta - 27” with an arrow pointing to the right, I went right. To be completely honest (and I see no reason to lie about it), I really didn’t want to up into Canada. It seemed like a sensible place to go to, and I met a few different people from Canada yesterday who told me how much I’d like it, yet, it just wasn’t sitting well in my gut. I just didn’t feel like going north. So, I made a couple of phone calls, then beat it south. I’m back where I was on Sunday morning; at Tammy’s house in Waltham. I’m heading out as soon as I finish typing this and going Southwest from here. I’m not heading for the Bridge/Tunnel; I plan to hit that in September on my way to Delmar, Delaware for a 1/2 Mile race on the 19th. Mark’s West Virginia Rally is next week, and I really want to make it for that. I’ve been wanting to go for a few years, now and never could make it. This year, I really am going to do my damnedest to be there. Besides, I saw the picture of the smoker that will be there, and I’ve been known to enjoy good BBQ on occasion. Plus, It will be nice to see people that I haven’t seen in a few years as well as people I’ve never met in person. By next week, I should be over this spell of disgruntlement. On the Album, Second Winter by Johnny Winter there are three song titles that stand out to me: I Love Everybody, Hustled Down In Texas and I Hate Everybody in that order. It seems apropos this morning. I should say that the Northern Kingdom of Vermont, the White Mountains and Central Maine are a treasure to ride through. Nice roads and beautiful scenery. If you’ve never been up there, you’re missing some real beauty. I’d seriously consider moving up there if the winters didn’t suck so bad. I took US Route 2 from Waterbury, VT east almost to Bangor, ME, when I turned south on ME Rt. 27 to Augusta. I did get a bit wet when the rain caught me, but I got my rain gear on before the skies opened up and stayed mostly dry. To my friends around the Massachusetts area; I apologize for not letting you know I was here, but I really don’t want to see people right now. I hope you understand, or at least cut me some slack. (Message edited by Crusty on August 05, 2015) | ||
| Ourdee |
Grand Canyon | ||
| Buellish |
Second Winter,my favorite Johnny Winter album. | ||
| Ocbueller |
Delmar is just an hour from me. You're welcome to stay when you are down. SteveH | ||
| Mr_grumpy |
Hey, it's no problem John. I know exactly how you feel. Fortunately I have a job that lets me be unsociable if I feel that way out. edit; For your future reference, even if I'm not home you'll be welcome at my place. (Message edited by Mr_grumpy on August 06, 2015) | ||
| Crusty |
Morons, Psychopaths and Mental Defectives I left the campground at Tolland State Park after a night of poor sleep. A group of campers decided to get good and plastered, then they hung out by the bathrooms talking loudly until the wee hours. Of course, my campsite was very close to the bathrooms. However, once I got out on the road, my mood began to improve. Beautiful scenery, good pavement and lots of turns can do a lot to ease my mind and improve my attitude. I was following State highways into Connecticut, and it all was so nice that I started to feel somewhat benevolent towards other people. Route 23 in Massachusetts and route 8 in both Mass and Connecticut are wonderful roads with little traffic and sweetly banked turns that wind through beautiful lightly populated country. If you’ve never ridden on them, you should make it a point to check them out. Then I came up on a car that was going very slow with its right blinker on. Just as I started to pass it on the left, it started turning left, then put its left blinker on. I managed to stop without hitting the buffoon, but my mood reverted back to I Hate Everybody . Once the adrenaline wore off a few miles later though, I started feeling a little better. I spotted a McDonald’s and pulled in for a cup of coffee. There was a nut case on a scooter there who decided that I must be a kindred spirit and proceeded to bend my ear telling me all about why he rode a scooter, his job as a landscaper, his 22 year old girlfriend, how his heart condition prevented him from being a pilot, ad nauseum. I just wanted to get a cup of coffee, and it seemed that this morning was one of those days when the Universe was going to do all it could to screw with me and my attitude. My frame of mind was such that I decided to get out of the Northeast ASAP, and got on I-84 in Danbury and aimed west. I’d had enough of the secondary roads for the time being. All the crackpots were using them. I’ve stayed on the Interstates and probably will until I stop for tonight. (I’m just above Harrisburg, right now). I’m planning to camp at the McCoys Ferry (Free) campground tonight. Hopefully, I’ll be able to find it and hopefully, it won’t be populated with drunken revelers. | ||
| 86129squids |
RoadCrust- you've got the rest of the camping kit, why not a Jet Boil rig and a coffee pot, with your fave roast or whatever good stuff you find on the road? Yeah, I get Mickey D's for the cost and wifi, but with a Jet Boil and a little recon for vittles to cook as needed, surely that would help overall costs of coffee and food... $.02, there ya go. Hope to meet you next weekend! Rubber side down, friend! | ||
| Crusty |
I've got a gas stove, Stainless pot and Folgers's crystals for when I wake up. I use McD's mainly for the free WiFi and a cheap breakfast. However, I'm a coffee addict, and I'm cheap by necessity. I can get a Senior Coffee with free refills for less than a buck at the Golden Starches. One cup of instant at the campground is just to get me started in the morning. Then I go to feed my habit. I'll fix you coffee at the W. VA rally next week. I have 3x strength Coffee Mate; you supply your own sweetener and cup. I'll bring plenty of coffee, so that anyone who wants a cup can have one. | ||
| Crusty |
Singing In The Rain One of the things I like to do is sing in my helmet while riding. I’ll get a song stuck in my head and continually sing it it part or whole over a score of miles or more. Usually it’s a song that I like, but sometimes it a tune that I intensely dislike, but can’t seem to shake. Sometimes, a specific location can trigger a song in me. For example, I can’t even get close to Scranton, Pennsylvania without hearing Harry Chapin in my head singing 30,000 pounds of Bananas; and I sing along as well. On this trip, I’ve listened to Dave Loggins singing, Please Come To Boston numerous times in my head, but the surprise song that’s become prevalent is Linda Ronstadt singing, Long Long Time. I heard it on Sirius radio while I was staying in Colorado, and it lodged in my head. I’ve sung it over and over all over the country. Eventually, some other song will displace it, but it seems to have become the theme song for this ride. I’ve never been a big Linda Ronstadt fan; I like some of her songs, and I don’t dislike her music, but I’ve never been into her music that much. Bill was really into her, and I sometimes wonder if he planted this ear worm in my head. If he did, I don’t mind; I’ve come to like the song quite a bit. There are other songs that I listen to/sing while riding. Tangled Up In Blue by Bob Dylan is a favorite as is Jessica by the Allman Brothers Band. Since Jessica is an instrumental, I don’t really sing it; but I do make noises in my helmet to go along with the music in my head. Also, there are any number of songs that stay up front for a short while, but then get replaced by others. Yesterday, I went through a number of Neil Diamond songs during the morning. Sometimes I think about maybe getting an iPod, but I think it would detract from the enjoyment I get from listening and singing to myself. Since I consider myself to be a minimalist and I tend to be a bit of a Luddite, I doubt it’ll happen; but you never know. My attitude is improving and I think the biggest thing that happened to help it get better was getting stopped by a State Trooper for speeding yesterday afternoon. I have a tendency to travel at speeds that I’m comfortable with. Unfortunately, those speeds are usually higher than the speed limit. I try to keep things in check by keeping my speed down to less than 10 MPH over the limit (at nine, you’re fine; at ten, you’re mine is the mantra that runs through my head); but sometimes, I miss the sign showing a reduced speed limit. That happened yesterday as I was approaching Cincinnati. I was still about 30 miles east when I saw a State Trooper behind me. Then the blue lights came on, and I pulled over. When he asked me for my license and registration, I asked him what I did wrong and he told me he had me going 68 in a 50 MPH zone. I told him that I must have missed the sign, but I couldn’t argue it, because I wasn’t really watching my speed, and he decided to let me off with just a verbal warning, after running my license. I don’t know how high the fine for 18 over is in Ohio, but in Massachusetts, it would cost me $180.00. That act by the Trooper just made me realize that not everybody is out to get me (and not everybody is a nut case). Sometimes it seems that way, but the reality is that most people are pretty decent. I mean, Ohio is known for having some of the most strictly enforced speed limits (one moto-journalist was written up for going 57 in a 55 once and wrote about it in a magazine) but I was definitely well above the limit and he cut me a lot of slack. Oh; the title of this snippet is Singing In The Rain. Yup; I got rained on again. It was sprinkling as I pulled into Hagerstown on Thursday evening. I stopped in a truck stop and called David to warn him I’d probably be in Cincinnati the following evening, and he told me that I might want to get a motel room, since it had been raining there all day there, sometimes heavily, and the rain was heading directly for me. I took his advice and checked into a Motel 6 and thought that since the rain had stopped during the night and the weather radar showed no rain west of me, I’d escaped getting wet. However, when I reached Cumberland, the sky opened up and my legs got soaked before I could stop and put on my rain pants. (my jacket is waterproof). It also was a cold rain, so I put on my sweatshirt at the same time. Of course, 15 minutes later, I rode out of the rain and into a warm, sunny day. I kept the rain gear on until I stopped for gas, an hour later, then took the pants off and put the sweatshirt away. My soggy jeans took another hour to dry, and my boots took most of the afternoon to dry out, but by the time I got here, you’d never know by looking that I’d gotten soaked just that morning. I’m going to hang loose for a few days, then I’m going back the way I came to West Virginia to attend the Mark's Rally next Thursday. I rode past the turnoff on Route 50 and it really looked like a beautiful location to hold a motorcycle gathering. (Message edited by Crusty on August 08, 2015) | ||
| 86129squids |
Crusticle: "Wicked Twisted Road", by Reckless Kelly... great road runnin' song! "Red Barchetta" from Rush, best sport-riding song evaaar! Hope to see you next weekend, over a heap of BBQ, with a cold brewski in hand! | ||
| Ourdee |
Thanks for the letter Crusty. Near a miracle in Ohio or most other places for that matter. 18 is considered a guaranteed ticket. Just what you needed when you needed it. | ||
| Nukeblue |
crusty, I'm up in central ohio & headed to the wv buell rally Friday.. yer welcome to come up to my place and stay in my camper a couple days and see the sights if needed or wanted. let me know. pm | ||
| Crusty |
Changes in Latitude Well, I’m on my way to Mark’s West Virginia Rally. I’ve been waiting for this for a long time and now I’m finally going to get to it. I should be there by this evening, and then I’ll be planted until Sunday. Then I’ll be heading in a westerly direction. I’ve figured out a short term plan of attack for the next few weeks. From the rally, I’m going to heard for Amarillo and the Cadillac Ranch and also the Big Texan Steak House. Then, I’ll head North towards Denver. I’m going to stop in Arvada and buy a Military Surplus two man tent. Then, I’m off to Montana to ride the Going-To-The-Sun Road in its entirety. then, it’ll be back to Cincinnati for a couple of days. After that, I’ll head back to Springfield for the Labor Day weekend Mile and short track races. After the Mile, I’ll be ready to head for California to see my brother Tony who I haven’t seen in over a decade. Then it’ll be time to head east again. As usual, all this is subject to change at the drop of a hat, but it’s what I’m thinking now. | ||
| Crusty |
Saturday At Lunchtime I’m sitting at the campground typing this while the majority of the rally attendees are on their way to the nut house. I didn’t go for a few reasons. First, we rode there yesterday to check out the route., and I don’t feel like doing the same ride over. Second, I’m on a Sportster and keeping up with the Buells is a lot of work for me. It wouldn’t be a problem if I was on a Buell or an EBR, but my Sportster is 10 years old and the suspension is pretty clapped out. Third, I want to charge up my computer and LED flashlight batteries. Fourth, this evening is the traditional BBQ dinner at Mark’s folks house, and I want to take a shower before I head over there. Everybody may be back in time to go, but I’m not sure if there’ll be time enough for a shower between when they get back and when we have to head out. And Fifth, The personnel might just decide that I really belong there in one of their luxurious resident’s cells. I know that I have a face that Customs Agents think should be framed… by bars. I don’t want to find out that Lunatic Asylum Attendants feel the same way. West Virginia is a wonderful place to ride a motorcycle; but only if you like constant twists and turns and hills and valleys. There is no such thing as a straight and flat road here. As I said, yesterday, we rode over to Weston to the Insane Asylum. It’s the largest hand cut stone building in the US, and second largest in the world. Or so they’re saying. It’s big; and it looks like a classic Asylum from some horror movie. It’s now a tourist attraction, and they do some really spooky stuff there for Halloween. For now, the tour guides are dressed like nurses, wearing all white uniforms. the one we spoke with looked very much like Nurse Ratchet from One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest. Google Lunatic Asylum, Weston, WV and check it out. I almost bought a souvenir T-shirt, but none of them had pockets. Why aren’t pocket T shirts more popular? We wound up spending a bit of time there as Ishai had a problem with his bike, and it took a while to jury - rig a solution. We went to a local Bistro for lunch, then headed back for the campground. Having the small tank, I stopped to get gas, and everybody else kept on going. I remembered the route back for a while, but then I got lost. Fortunately, I found a McDonald’s, and took my laptop inside and googled directions. I had to take a local road which turned into County road 5 to Co 7 to Co 20 to State Rt. 47 to State Rt. 16 to Harrisville. it was a great route with almost no other vehicles on the roads. I think only two cars passed by going the other way in 20 miles. One thing is for certain; the sides of my tires are getting a lot more use than they have been. Considering the roads I’ve been on, I’m surprised that more really fast road racers don’t come from West Virginia. I don’t know when I’m going to be able to send this out.There’s no Wi-Fi here at the camp ground, and I doubt I’ll be able to send anything out until at least tomorrow. Sunday At Lunchtime What an incredible weekend! This rally exceeded my expectations by a large amount. We rode a “Parade Lap” through town on our way to Mark’s Parents place for the traditional BBQ dinner. When we all arrived, I was introduced to Mark’s dad, jack and his wife Judy. Judy is the lady (and I do mean Lady) who was stricken by Guillain-Barre Syndrome that I sent all the humorous get well cards to. I was a bit apprehensive about meeting her; but all my anxiety was misplaced. She, her daughter (whose name I’ve forgotten) and I had a really good conversation about the cards I sent, and how sending them helped me as much as they helped her. The surprise was that when we all lined up to eat, Judy presented a cake to Old Dog, who just had a birthday and me jointly to welcome us. The cake was decorated with a toy motorcycle riding down a road through a wooded area with green grass around. It was a beautiful job of decorating, but the kicker was the little turtle crossing the road. I now have that turtle safely tucked in my saddlebag. It was enough to bring a couple of tears to my eyes. I got in line for the food, and there was enough to feed five times as many people than were there. There were burgers, hot dogs, and the flat best pulled pork I’ve had in more years than I can count. Maybe the best I’ve ever had. There was also all kinds of sides; wonderful home made baked beans, Judy’s famous potato salad, Cucumbers and sliced onions in vinegar, Macaroni salad, and I’m not sure what else. I fixed myself two enormous pulled pork sandwiches, shoveled a fair sized portion of the beans and some of the cucumber&onions, and sat out back and gorged myself. I just couldn’t believe how good the pork was. I should have stopped after the first plate, but I couldn’t stop myself from going back and piling another mound of pork (this time without the bread) and some of the potato salad. Then there was the Desert table. Along with the aforementioned cake, there was some concoction involving crushed Oreo cookies and a pudding like substance that was just over the top in richness and flavor, cut up chunks of watermelon, and I don’t know what else. I ate so much, I was sick, but I don’t regret a bit of it. After the feast, we returned to the campground; burned about half a cord of firewood and sat around swapping stories and most everybody (except me and one or two others) ingested mass quantities of intoxicating beverages. Mike R. the Photographer was there and was showing all the pictures he’d taken Including the group photo he took of everybody giving the finger to H-D and Hero. We were all standing with our backs to the camera, and one of the group (not me) dropped his pants and gave them a Moon. It’s a great picture and it accurately describes the feelings of everybody in attendance. All in all, I counted 28 people last night. Big enough to be an Event, but not so big as to be cumbersome. With my usual crappy memory, I’ve forgotten most everybody’s name, but a few that stand out were Mark (of course), Vern, Froggy, (I saw Froggy drunk!) Jim (Damnut), Ishai, Carlos and Kristie, Jim Duncan and his very beautiful wife (whose name I forgot - shame on me!) Joe (Ratbuell), Old dog, Squids, Mike (RKc00) and his lovely wife (whose name I also forgot) and, of course, Jeanette who has a very individual personality (and that’s a good thing). I wish I could remember everybody else’s name, but old age does things to memory. It was a great time, and I think everybody enjoyed themselves. I went to bed a little after midnight, and the party was still going strong. I think some people were still going at 3:30 when I got up to go pee. This morning, everybody staggered out of bed and packed up and rolled out. Even though I was one of the first people to get up, I was one of the last to leave. I wanted the sun to dry my tent out before I packed it up. Now, I’m back on the road, heading towards Amarillo, Texas and the Cadillac Ranch. |
