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Grabbing Rides • Indian Summer Ride for Pie? Why Not Monthly Columns, Product Spotlights, Reviews and so much more
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Motorcycles, Travel & Adventure
MARCH 2015
Volume 21 No. 3
Years of Riding Adventures
Volume 21 No. 3
Exploring the
Lost Roads of the
Hudson Valley
GRABBING THE GREAT RIDING DAYS WHEN YOU CAN • INDIAN SUMMER
4,000 MILES FOR SOME PIE? WHY NOT • THE DEVIL MADE ME DO IT
GREAT MONTHLY COLUMNS • PRODUCT SPOTLIGHTS AND REVIEW AND MORE
MONTHLY COLUMNSFREE WHEELIN’ ..................................................3
WHATCHATHINKIN’ ...........................................4
POSTCARDS FROM THE HEDGE.......................6
BACKLASH..........................................................7
ON THE MARK ....................................................8
THOUGHTS FROM THE ROAD ..........................9
GREAT ALL AMERICAN DINER RUN ..............12
BIG CITY GETAWAY .........................................14
MYSTERIOUS AMERICA..................................16
WE’RE OUTTA HERE........................................18
INDUSTRY INFOBITES.....................................38
WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE............................42
UPCOMING EVENTS CALENDAR ...................44
MOTORCYCLE MARKETPLACE.......................46
FEATURESMOTORCYCLEPEDIA LECTURE SERIES.........11
INDIAN SUMMER ............................................20
LOST ROADS....................................................26
THE DEVIL MADE ME DO IT ...........................30
PRODUCT REVIEWSTOURATECH AVENTURO HELMET ................25
AEROSTICH FALSTAFF JACKET.....................34
PRODUCT SPOTLIGHTS..................................36
BLAZE SAFETY VEST.......................................43
Publishers Brian Rathjen • Shira Kamil
Contributors Mark Byers, Bill Heald,Norton Rubenstein,Mike Stackhouse, Tom WatsonDr. Seymour O’Life
Editorial Office BACKROADS, POB 317Branchville NJ 07826
phone 973.948.4176
fax 973.948.0823
email [email protected]
online www.backroadsusa.com
Advertising 973-948-4176
BACKROADS (ISSN 1087-2088) is published monthly by BACK-ROADS™, Inc. 2015. All rights reserved. BACKROADS™ may notbe reproduced in any manner without specific written consent fromthe publisher. BACKROADS™ welcomes and encourages submis-sions (text and photos) and suggestions. Include phone number withsubmissions. BACKROADS™ will only return material with enclosedsufficient postage. The written articles and opinions printed in BACK-ROADS™ are not necessarily those of the publisher and should notbe considered an endorsement. The Rip & Rides® published are rid-den on the sole responsibilty of the rider. BACKROADS™ is not re-sponsible for the conditions of the public roadways traversed. Pleaserespect the environment, read your owner’s manual and wear properprotective gear and helmet. Ride within your limits, not over them.
W H A T ’ S I N S I D E
Motorcycles, Travel & Adventure
26
20
16
Survey SayS
I recently sent out an email to our rally group
list and on the Backroads Facebook page asking
a question relating to the various riding events we
hold each year.
The query was simply this…
We are currently planning our 2015 Spring, Summer
& Autumn Rallies for Backroads and wanted to ask
your opinion. On a rally do you prefer:
#1 Staying at the same hotel/town for the entire event?
(Like Shippensburg and Saratoga)
#2 Staying at one place the first night, two nights at the
same place for the second and third – and another
hotel/town on the final day back towards home? (If you live
in the NYC region)
#3 On the road for four nights – Staying at different
hotel/town each night - on a looping multi-day trip? Each day
consisting of a great ride to the night’s hotel.
#4 something else entirely?
Within hours we got a boodle of answers. Like Santa we made a list and
checked it twice and came upon some conclusions.
Some were somewhat no-brainers, others a bit more interesting.
I thought it would be informative to share some of the comments and our
thoughts on them.
Almost all of the riders that preferred #1 - Staying at the same hotel and
town for the entire event – were couples with a significant other riding pillion.
And, almost all of these passengers were wives and not girlfriends. We think
that is significant and noteworthy.
Riders also like the idea of being able to explore a new region over a few
days. We think that is a big plus as well.
We prefer #1. We like to settle in and then be able to really get a feel for the
area.
#1 This is the preferred choice since if spouses come it’s easier on them and
if the weather is bad we’re “camped out” in one location. This also provides
the opportunity to explore the region in more detail.
She likes #1 She’s not a fan of unpacking and packing, I’m good for the sec-
ond choice #2
An equal number of responders preferred Option #2, staying at
one place the first night – two nights at the same place for the sec-
ond and third – and another hotel and town on the final day back
towards home.
It is important to note that a common thought with both of these op-
tions was the ability to unpack for a few days and not having to repack
every morning.
Again this was repeated many times by married couples. As they
say – if Momma ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy.
I’d vote for option #2. It strikes a nice balance.
However if it is a four-night rally door #2 could be very nice
as well.
I like both option 1 and 2 but, given only one choice I
would go with option 2.
The riders that preferred #3 were mostly single riders, either male or fe-
males, except for a few couples that have been riding for years or just recently
got together.
We feel one group is almost professional in their touring, with unpacking
and packing being second nature and the others are simply having the time
of their lives right now.
Continued on Page 5
F R E E W H E E L I N ’BRIAN RATHJEN
BACKROADS • MARCH 2015 Page 3
PoP-uP Hell
Winter is a great time to catch up on the motorcycle maintenance, up-
grades, farkling and general once-overs that get overlooked during the
warmer weather. Let’s face it, when it’s 70 degrees and sunny, I’m not think-
ing about changing my exhaust, tweaking the
performance or upgrading my lights, I’m
thinking about putting hundreds and hun-
dreds of miles under my wheels. Honestly, if
you ask Brian, I’m never thinking about any
of those other things so…
While we here at Backroads emphasize and
reiterate patronizing your local dealers for
parts, accessories, gear, etc., we also know
the power of the worldwide internet web.
Given all the snow that we’ve had in the
septentrional part of the country, I know
many folks are spending too many hours surf-
ing the digital waves, whether it’s for enter-
tainment, spend their hard earned cash for
those winter projects or reading.
For quite a few years now, Backroads has been available online. We post
the latest issues a month after the kind folks who pay for a subscription have
received theirs. While we will always be a print magazine, the world is
changing and old dogs need to learn new tricks. In addition to making the
magazine available, we also have a well-travelled Facebook page. Being
we’re a monthly magazine, this gives us the opportunity to have random and
impromptu events to get together with you folks. It also helps us to spread
word of local events that may come about after the magazine has ‘gone to
bed’ (journalism lingo).
Why do I bring all this up? Well, it all relates back
to the winter doldrums and sitting in front of a com-
puter monitor or leaning a tablet against your knees
on the couch. I don’t know about you, but if I’m try-
ing to read something digitally and all these pop-up
windows start encroaching the page, I pretty much
want to throw said tablet across the room. I can’t keep
up with closing all the ads, warnings, agreements or
whatever that seep into my reading space. Don’t sit
there and mutter, ‘You know, Shira, you can block
those things.’ I know that, but I don’t WANT to have
to think about blocking them. My attention span is
much too short to have to stop what I’m reading, find
where it is I need to be to block them, and return to
what I was doing. It is very similar to the cartoon with
the dog and the squirrel.
So, this brings me back to being a print magazine.
Yes, we certainly have advertising in our magazine. If
we didn’t, poor Spenser the Cat would actually have to
get a real job rather than just being the little boy-toy
that he is. But the difference is, our advertising stays
put on the page. It doesn’t float around, annoyingly,
dimming the rest of the page so that it’s illegible. There
are no buttons or arrows leading you to other pages
where, once you get there, you can’t even find what it
is you thought you were looking for. You can choose to
focus on it or not. You can simply turn the page. There’s
no need for pop-up blocker installation. You can simply
read it, uninterrupted. We’re like the DVR of media.
You can fast-forward to the parts you like. The only
blocker that may invade your space is some cute little
creature or human begging for attention.
Another bugaboo I have with online reading or shop-
ping is the bait and switch. I get most of my news in-
formation via online sites, as I can’t stand listening to
the news folks screaming at each other on television or
radio. Every once in a while, I’ll see an interesting side
story and click on it. VOILE – I’m in cyberspace hell
with giant starbursts wanting me to BUY NOW, SIGN
UP BEFORE IT’S TOO LATE or ACT BEFORE MID-
NIGHT FOR THIS SPECIAL OFFER. I can’t get away
from there fast enough and usually use my fallback link
to ‘Entertaining your cat’ videos. At least I know it’s
safe and benign.
So enjoy, or tolerate, the last vestige of winter. The
tides are turning, the days are getting longer and the
driveways will soon be clear of snow and ice. The
Backroads Spring Rally will be upon us before you
know it and the time for sprucing and preening the mo-
torcycles will be past. Put down those evil tablets, walk
away from the electronic mouse and banish the tire-
some pop-up adverts back to hell. Don your gear and
head into the sunshine. Viva Springtime!
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120 Center Road
Essex, VT 05451
802-878-3930www.FranksMotorcycleSales.com/BMW.htm
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For every rider - on or off road, whether they like doing itin the dirt, carving the twisties, or cruising the backroads,
we have their weapon of choice.
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W H AT C H AT H I N K I N ’SHIRA KAMIL
Page 4 MARCH 2015 • BACKROADS
Free WHeelin’ Continued from page 3
Door #3 does intrigue me thanks for asking!
Long Island votes for # 3.
#3 definitely!
Lucky for us, we have done all sorts of rallies and will continue to do so
and, just when you think you have it all figured out we’ll go and change the
format again.
If you have never been on one of our Backroads Events then consider this
an invitation as you see we have a lot of different thoughts on our rides and
even more great people coming along.
Still, I think one of the best comments was this one:
All of the above as long as you and Shira are there, riding with me, it don’t
matter how, where, when or even if the road ends – we’ll carve our own trail!
We’ve finalized details for our Spring Break and Fall Fiesta and you can
find them in our Upcoming Events Calendar, on our website and on our Face-
book page. Please join us, you’ll meet some really nice motorcyclists and,
hopefully, have a helluva time.
Spring Break 2015: May 28-31 • Fall Fiesta 2015: Sept. 17-21
BACKROADS • MARCH 2015 Page 5
Team Strange is proud to present the Whispering Giants Grand Tour. What
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carvings are in all 50 states and parts of Canada. Each carving honors the
Native American’s who reside or once resided
in the area.
By documenting visits to these amazing
works of art you will earn points towards
any of three finishing levels. Finishers will
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prize is discovering the Giants and what
they represent.
The GT is self-paced,
open to all riders, is na-
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Check out the GT rules
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UPCOMING EVENT SPOTLIGHTWHISPERING GIANTS GRAND TOUR
FEBRUARY 15 TO OCTOBER 31, 2015
THe SnoW STraTegy
As my attempts to modify my ’91 Honda VFR
into a fun-to-use, highly fuel-efficient snow plow
failed utterly (it turns out there were, for lack of a
better description, traction issues), I have decided to possibly make better
use of my time during this constant bombardment of snow we have been en-
during here in the Northeast. There have been times
in the past where I’ve used the time to spruce up the
machinery, and this is always a worthwhile pursuit.
But this winter I’ve realized something as I was
prowling around in the basement, which, wonder-
of-wonders, is a space that seems to be getting
smaller with each passing year. I have always used
downtime for maintenance and upgrades to my mo-
torcycles, but what about my motorcycle apparel?
I’ve been riding a long time, writing about the moto
life for over two decades, and I have accumulated
some pretty splendid riding gear.
But like owning more than one wristwatch (a proverb somewhere states a
man with two watches never knows what time it is), you tend to latch on to
a particular item and stick with it awhile, and in the meantime some of your
other possessions get a bit neglected. I’m especially bad about this when it
comes to riding gear, because I get all happy with a particular jacket, pair of
pants, riding suit, helmet, etc. and the rest of my fine kit is literally left in the
dark. Over time, bad things happen. If you’re a Twilight Zone fan, no doubt
you can picture the horror on my face when I grabbed one of my favorite
jackets I haven’t worn in a long time, and it had something greenish growing
on it. Noooooooooooooo! How could I let this happen?
Well, as we get older, I think we get more set in our ways and that’s why
we tend to latch on to a particular outfit as it’s comfortable. You’ve been rid-
ing in it for the last week and can put your phone, wallet, Mentos (the Fresh-
maker!), etc. into the appropriate pockets with lightning speed without even
thinking about it. Please disregard all this if you are better at rotating your
stock than I am, but in 2014 I latched on to my Aerostich Transit suit to the
exclusion of other garments, and as a result much of my other kit has become
lonely. I thought about this as I went through my riding inventory, and danged
if several of my finest garments had become dusty, musty and screaming for
attention. What better time than when I can’t even get the bikes through the
damn door without hitting an iceberg to do some rejuvenation?
Indeed, this task soon became a project. And over the years I have discov-
ered that, when it comes to the maintenance of sound riding gear, I am a very
lucky boy in that I live with an equestrian. This means that we both have a
lot of leather garments, gloves, etc. and we both, over the
years, have accumulated all kinds of specialized cleaners,
creams, polishes, and other hide-loving treatments to clean,
restore and protect our precious kit. The great thing is, I’ve
noticed if one of my motorcycle leather treatments isn’t
doing the job, sometimes the horse-centric leather emollients
can do the trick much better. Interesting, that. One of the
many fascinating things about leather is that it’s been used
in clothing that takes a beating for centuries, and over time a
lot of tricks have been learned on how to keep it in good
shape. Take a look at a well-worn quality saddle and see how,
even if it’s heavily used, it stands up to wear, and ultimately
breaks in to the rider much like your favorite jacket does. Cowhide really is
still the ultimate long-term material in my view.
That said, I’d be lying if I didn’t praise the modern synthetics as well for
there’s so many things that these garments excel at. Cleaning and preserving
is a very different cat compared with natural hides, and this is a time where
it’s a great idea to actually find out what the manufacturer recommends. A
lot of these wonders can be relieved of their armor and tossed in the washing
machine, but it’s important to follow the maker’s recommendations to the
letter to prevent damage. Then there’s the waterproofing process, which usu-
ally requires only the application of a suitable spray to restore a textile’s re-
pellant properties.
Like a lot of projects, once you start digging into it you realize there are
all kinds of other things to check. Gloves need the same treatment as the
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Page 6 MARCH 2015 • BACKROADS
PoSTcardS From THe Hedge
other apparel, and this reminds me of something I should have mentioned
earlier. If you’re rescuing some riding stuff that has really been out of action
for a while, you should carefully check to see if your kit has acquired any
insect tenants because some creepy crawlies find sleeves, the fingers in
gloves, etc. as great places to set up shop. This is true for helmets as well,
and there’s another important thing you need to remember when you’re work-
ing on lid restoration: helmets have a far more limited life compared with
your other protective equipment. The plastics and other lightweight compo-
nents that make up the modern helmet do have a shelf life, and even though
the helmet in question may look pristine on the outside a lot of the materials
designed to absorb substantial impact deteriorate over time, especially if
they’ve seen a lot of sun. 5 years is usually pretty much it with most helmets,
but all the top brands can give you much better advice than me on when it’s
time to retire your George Clooney Replica Gucci lid.
And if you do have to take a helmet out of circulation as you’re cleaning
all your riding duds, don’t worry-you’ll still find a use for it. Like. . . smash-
ing your head through a snow bank for example, in a futile gesture to fight
back against winter’s onslaught. At least you know you’ll ride again when
the white stuff melts, and you’ll look stunning in your freshly serviced gear.
BACKROADS • MARCH 2015 Page 7
BACKLASH Letters to the Editor
Dear Backroads.
Brian Rathjen’s article, The Goldilocks Principle, was a great way to start
off the January issue. He hit the nail on the head for me. Riding for me is
about going to different places and seeing different things and the way other
people live. And of course the adventure of it all. The articles I enjoy the most
are your travels to different areas. But I read the magazine cover to cover. I
think you guys are great and shouldn’t ever consider changing a thing.
Stephen Harvey
Brian, W.E.L.L. S.A.I.D...!!!!!! (February 2015 Free Wheelin’)
Advanstar bring back the January dates.
Yes December is such a busy month to start with due to the holidays. We
usually like to come to the show on Sunday then go out to dinner in the
city. But of course my work Christmas party fell on the same night so not
only could I not enjoy dinner in the city, I had to leave the show early to make
it the hour and a half drive to get to the party as close to on time as I could
get. Only an hour late, I’d like to have stayed at the show ‘til the end.
So thank you Brian for writing that article. I hope it gets to the right ears
and someone listens and makes the appropriate changes.
Lisa
Hi Brian,
I talked to you late in the day on Sunday at the Javits about a trip I am plan-
ning with a friend going cross country. You mentioned you had a trip you &
Shira took years back and hoped you could share it with me.
I would really appreciate finding a great way from San Francisco to Jack-
son Hole and make some decisions about going through or around the Great
Lakes. We are either going September 2015 or September 2016.
We figured late summer for lighter traffic and cooler weather. Is there an-
other time of year you would suggest?
Our plan is for 300- 400 miles a day with couple of rest days over 14
days. Is that realistic?
Thanks
Keith Hopkins (PS I always love trying out your Rip & Rides!)
Keith,
Your best bet is to be fluid on this ride and not make hard and fast plans,
but just pick towns heading east for each night’s destination. If you have made
good time on any particular day you can easily pull out the maps and pick
another town further on down the road. Make time to see everything you want
and if your gut says stop and go see something – then follow that feeling. You
might not ever pass that way again. September sounds excellent. ~ BR
on many SundayS
I usually get a call. Sometimes it comes mid-week,
sometimes later, but the subject is the same: “Hello, Mark,
this is Daniel. I wanted to let you know we’ll be riding
Sunday morning at nine and you are welcome to come.”
Those words set in motion a joyful, time-honored ritual
that’s as much a part of the enjoyment as the ride itself.
As soon as the phone is in repose, I begin.
The boots are first: after I brush lingering mud from out-
side my beloved Gaerne trials boots, I saddle-soap every
glorious, oiled millimeter. They dry by the fire, which
burns every evening from November through February.
The next step is a massage of the warm leather with a
beeswax/eucalyptus mixture I got from the moto show. It
smells like I’m putting Vicks on them: maybe I should
sing “Soft Kitty, Warm Kitty” as I work.
Goggles are carefully cleaned with a spray detailer and
when they are stowed, I go to work on the helmet, chest
protector, elbow and kneepads, and finally the bike itself.
Part of it is vanity and part of it is
making future cleanups easier,
or that’s my story. My riding
pants, acquired from the
sale rack after the cool kids
made their selections, go in
the bag next. The current
set is orange, with patches
Betsy attached to them after
one of my spectacular get-offs
caused the pipe to melt a hole in
the crotch. Nothing hastens post-
crash evacuations like a hot header burning the nether regions.
There are lots of steps involved in my anal-retentive prepa-
ration parade, including ones with Go-Pro batteries, but I’ll
spare you. Considering how difficult it is to find riding venues
anywhere on the East Coast, having Friends With Dirt makes
local offroad riding a treat, so I want to savor every minute.
Even though we’ve ridden our trails many times, there’s al-
ways a new challenge – to cleanly ride a troublesome climb,
for example. One vexing vertical saw me end up in a creek.
But it’s fun; damn, is it fun. To me, cleaning the gear and
loading the bike brings a sense of anticipation only rivaled by
that of hoping a Red Ryder BB gun (or a red motorcycle) will
be under the Christmas tree. It’s worth the frequent
mud, occasional blood, and all the cleanin’ required.
And clean we must, because we ride year-round
and there are quagmires to conquer. Sometimes
they’re innocuous puddles that we blast through with
a twist of the throttle and sometimes, they’re water-
filled pits hogged out by a truck. Our buddy Doug
found a pit the hard way when he gassed his KTM
to wheelie through a “puddle”… and the bike went
down like an Austrian U-boat. A sapling was re-
quired to lever U-450 out of the watery abyss, but
fortunately, a few kicks pumped enough water out of
the motor for him to limp back to the truck.
Even so, those are great moments to dissect at the
snack stop, one of two gas stations at which we take
a halftime-break of Gatorade and Little Debbie. I’m
frequently the subject of conversation, since my
friend’s offroad abilities exceed my own. That’s part
of what makes it special though: our English friends
would call it “taking the piss” and it’s better to be
talked about than not, even if that talk is busting your
chops. The topics vary widely, from terrain to tires
to bikes to modifications, because we all know our
skills are beyond reproach and it’s the equipment that
must be wanting, right? One day the discussion was
of the copperhead snake that slithered between
Daniel and me.
It might be hard for someone who doesn’t ride of-
froad to understand the motivation to do battle with
the terrain, but all I can say is if you haven’t tried it,
you should. I’m both frustrated and buoyed by the
challenges, but there’s no better feeling than climb-
ing a steep, slippery, rooted hill, fanning the clutch
to keep the front down and the rear biting. There’s
a visual rush in speeding down a leafy tunnel, using
dirt berms for banking. There’s a joy in splashing
through a creek, keeping the front wheel tracking
while the rear does gymnastics.
Then, there’s the fellowship: the après-ride, round-
the-campfire tales, complete with pantomimed body
motions and unrestrained, uproarious laughter.
We’re mud-covered troglodytes making verbal cave-
paintings in the air with dirty hands and faces that
grin through the grime. And for us, it happens on
many Sundays.
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Page 8 MARCH 2015 • BACKROADS
THe logiSTicS oF riding
No, this isn’t about all of the things one needs to do when getting ready
for a motorcycle trip. It has nothing to do with route planning, gear packing,
or bike maintenance. And it’s NOT a debate about the pros and cons, rights
and wrongs, etc. about wearing proper protective gear when riding.
I repeat - NOT.
It’s just a line of thought that maybe, many of you can re-
late to. If not... well then... sorry I wasted your time.
First off: I don’t care if you’re an ATGATT rider... I don’t
care if you’re a flip-flops & t-shirt rider. Provided you’re an
adult (I think we all are), you know the risks (I think we all
do), and you’re comfortable with it... then it’s fine & ok by
me. I don’t have to agree with it, and you don’t have to agree
with me. That’s my position. And, for the purposes of this
story let’s just accept that as fact.
Ok? Good.
I happen to be one of those who is a MTGMTT rider. For
the uninitiated, that’s “Most of The Gear, Most of The Time.”
If I’m going to ride around the block in my neighborhood just to test some
farkle I’ve installed on a bike... then chances are you may see me riding in
sneakers & shorts without even a helmet on. I won’t be going over 25 mph,
and I won’t be more than ½ mile from home. If I decide I’m too lazy to
cook and simply want a burger from the place up the street you may see me
riding wearing only a helmet & jeans for gear. I’ll be within 2 miles of home,
on a straight road with no turns. And finally, if I ever decide to go back to
Bike Week or Octoberfest in Daytona and wanna ride ‘the strip’ in 90-degree
temps where no one can go over 15 mph anyway because of traffic? You may
spy me out & about without even a helmet. So that’s what I mean when I say
MTGMTT. Other then situations akin to those three you’ll usually find me
wearing the ‘full getup’.
Now I’m a big guy (not tall, just big)... so finding good, durable, and com-
fortable riding gear is a challenge. To the large & popular motorcycle cloth-
ing companies: (yes, I’m talking to you Olympia, Joe Rocket, Firstgear,
Aerostitch, etc) riders who wear sizes over 54 in shoulders or waist either
don’t exist, or there’s simply not enough market share among us to make any
profit by offering them. I think the latter is grossly in error, but that’s a topic
for another time. And no, offering only 1 or 2 items, and then offering it to
us in only one basic color (black, so we can bake
in the sun) does not count.
All of that said - my gear consists of a helmet (I
prefer Shoei or Arai), either a leather or mesh ar-
mored jacket (depending on the season), kevlar
jeans (Diamond Gusset “Defender” are my choice),
custom-made all-season boots by WESCO, and
gloves according to season. When it’s cooler, I’ll
either add a Gerbing liner or a neoprene-type wind-
breaker like skiers sometimes use under my jacket.
But, regardless of the weather - therein lies my
dilemma: I’m getting tired of what I call “the lo-
gistics” of riding.
When I was younger, I used to ski. I started late (early 30s), but I really
enjoyed the quiet & solitude standing at the top of a snow-covered mountain
and looking down on the valley and ski runs below. And swhooshing down
the runs, twisting & turning right on the edge of control & out-of-control was
really a lot of fun. But it only took a few years of it before I grew tired of
“the logistics” of skiing.
Let me explain what I mean.
First off, skiing, at least, downhill skiing, is tremendously expensive. Lift
tickets at even small places are in the $75-$100/day neighborhood. Then
you need expensive skis, poles, boots, and bindings, or you need to rent them.
Then you need warm & waterproof clothing like ski pants or bibs, wicking
underwear, parkas, goggles so you can see, cap to keep your head warm, etc.
Continued on next page
BACKROADS • MARCH 2015 Page 9
THOUGHTS FROM THE ROAD Tom Watson
THougHTS From THe road
And you not only needed to bring all of this crap with you to the ski resort,
but unless you really anted up some big money to rent a slope-side room or
cottage you had to change into all of this gear in a crowded locker room full
of strangers; all fighting for bench space to sit, and small crappy lockers to
store your non-ski stuff.
That’s what I mean by “Logistics”.
Well, I guess it’s because I’m getting older and crankier... but I’m getting
tired of the “logistics” of riding. But here’s the thing: I don’t mind what’s
usually the biggest bone of contention among riders: the helmet. I really
don’t mind wearing a helmet. It’s the other crap I’m tired of having to wear.
The boots, the kevlar jeans, the armor jacket,
gloves, etc, etc, etc. God forbid it gets cold, or it
begins to rain. Now there’s even more gear (lo-
gistics) that I have to bring along and wear. Be-
cause again those big, popular motorcycle
clothing companies don’t make all-weather rid-
ing gear for us anorexia-impaired riders. We only
get the basics… sometimes.
Man, wasn’t it great when we were kids? I
mean, ok, I know we didn’t think so at the time...
but when we wanted to go ride our bike, we
didn’t go in the house and change clothes to “gear
up” for riding. We simply grabbed the handle-
bars, threw our leg over the seat, found the pedals
with our feet and rode!
It didn’t matter if we were barefoot or sneakered. Had a shirt on or not...
shorts or jeans... we simply pedaled our asses off, and rode like the wind. It
was our first taste of “freedom” away from the house, and ‘personal safety’
was the furthest thing from our mind. Yeah sure, we crashed the bikes jump-
ing them over ramps... skinned our knees & elbows... maybe even broke an
arm or leg if the crash was bad. But who cared, right? As soon as that cast
was off, we were right back out there doing the same things again, and jump-
ing even BIGGER ramps. Evel Knievel was our hero, and in our fantasies
we were all riding his Harley Davidson XR-750.
I’d love to be able to do the same on a motorcycle. To be sitting on the
patio by the pool in my shorts and a t-shirt, when a friend rides by and says
“Hey, wanna go for a ride and get some ice cream?”... to be able to say,
“Sure, hang on a second”, and just go get on the bike and head off. Now
THAT’d be GREAT! Now, I know there are some people who would... but
there’s a voice in my head that just won’t let me do that. Just won’t let me
go out riding like that, because I know what could happen. Will it happen?
Probably not. But it could.
Just yesterday I was riding back home after being out on the bike for 2
weeks or so. Not long after I got out of the mountains, and down into the
Piedmont area of North Carolina... the temps quickly rose from the nice, cool
60s, which I’d been experiencing most of the time, up to the hot, sweltering
low 90s. At my fuel stop, with about 2 hours
left to ride, I seriously contemplated removing
my mesh jacket and gloves. Knowing full well
that my next 2 hours of riding were going to be
on pretty much lightly traveled, well paved, 4-
lane open highways, riding at speeds averaging
70mph, I seriously thought about taking it off,
and just allowing the breeze hit me head on.
But I just... couldn’t... do it.
Much like Alanis Morissette’s song, that
voice in my head kept asking, “Wouldn’t it be
ironic if you crashed and got skinned up real
bad, with all of the protective gear you needed
folded up neatly in your saddlebag?” You’d be
in pain and misery NOT because you didn’t
HAVE the gear. NOT because you forgot it & left it at the hotel. But, because
you had it and chose NOT to wear it!!
So needless to say, I kept the gear on. And I made it home without incident.
Again. As I have hundreds of other times and as I hope to do hundreds of
more times. And yes, I’ll most probably be wearing the gear the next time I
go out for a ride. Not because I want to... but because I know I should.
But, I must tell you I’m getting tired of it. I just hope I continue to like
riding more than I evidently loved skiing. I’m just thinking that, as an ac-
quaintance once told me “There has to be a happy middle ground somewhere
between ‘ignorance is bliss’ and ‘awareness is paralyzing’.”
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REMODELING SALEWe will be remodeling our Cruiser Showroom soon and need to reduce our
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THE MALLTERNATIVE
Page 10 MARCH 2015 • BACKROADS
If you have not heard of or yet vis-
ited Motorcyclepedia then you cer-
tainly have something to look
forward to.
You will find the museum in the
heart of the Hudson Valley, in New-
burgh, New York. The 85,000 square
foot museum now holds over 450
motorcycles ranging from incredibly
rare machines from the late 1800’s to
more modern offerings.
During the winter season they
have been offering a Lecture Series
and on January 17 we kicked it off with a talk about what I like to call The
Big Five Motorcycle Destinations on the Planet.
We had a great mid-January day that Saturday and the Steve McQueen
Room at the museum was packed to standing room only as three o’clock
rolled around (shocked the hell out of us).
Our talk revolved around five different and extreme lands’ end destinations
on the planet; riding until the road ends and the oceans begin.
Prudhoe Bay, Alaska – Usuhaia, Argentina – Bluff, New Zealand – Cape
Agulhas, South Africa and Campo Nord at the top of Norway.
Motorcyclepedia had a giant flat screen TV where we fired up our Keynote
presentation and our show lasted just about 90 minutes with a quick Q & A
session to finish it off.
We hope and think it went well and like to think it was a little bit better
than your dad’s slide shows in the family room when you were growing up.
What we really liked was that this day gave us a chance to explore the
massive museum and take in a serious look at, not only motorcycles, but
American history as well. Motorcyclepedia offers the visitor a wonderful
slice of what I call MotoAmericana!
They have the greatest collection of Indian motorcycles I have ever seen
as well as a wide variety of racers and some true two-wheel oddities.
The museum can be found at 250 Lake Street and is not far from New-
burgh’s waterfront with their many restaurants and riverside views.
The have a monstrous parking lot and can easily handle parking for the
biggest riding group and they would love to have you stop by to see a true
treasure of motorcycling history right along the Hudson River. Admission is
just $12 for adults, $5 for kids (3 and under free) and Motorcyclepedia is
open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 10:00am to 5:00pm.
Their Lecture Series continues:
march 14 - “Basic motorcycle maintenance” by armen amirian
march 21 – “making the most of your gPS” by Paul donoghue
april 25 – “Women in motorcycling” by cheryl Stewart
All these promise to be both entertaining and informative.
We hope to see you there.
For more information check out www.motorcyclepediamuseum.org.
BACKROADS • MARCH 2015 Page 11
MONTGOMERYVILLE CYCLE CENTER2901 Bethlehem Pike, Hatfield, PA
215-712-7433 • www.BMWMotorcycles.com
Like us on Facebookwww.facebook.com/montgomeryvillecc
Follow us on Twittertwitter.com/montgomcycle
Watch us on YouTubewww.youtube.com/channel/
UCX3geKMmkxfhsOlKcfZ1IoA
EVENT RECAPMOTORCYCLEPEDIA LECTURE SERIES • THE BIG FIVE
Pink cadillac diner
4743 SOUTH LEES HIGHWAY, NATURAL BRIDGE, VA 24578
540-291-2378 • WWW.PINKCADILLACDINERONLINE.COM
I love you for your pink Cadillac, crushed velvet seatsRiding in the back, cruising down the streetWaving to the girls, feeling out of sightSpending all my money on a Saturday night
Bruce Springsteen
Up in the mountains of Virginia, just a few miles west of the famed Natural Bridge, you will find a
classic diner. One that screams Americana, good times and great food – the Pink Cadillac Diner.
Traveling down to Morton’s BMW Spring Fling last May we would have found it as we rode by, but
we got a heads up from our friends Antonette and Freddie who were in the region and came across the
Pink Cadillac texting us of the find that day.
Thanks kids – we always like a good recommendation.
First off you must love a place that has a King Kong crushing a plane outside a restaurant. It should
be the litmus test for all kitchy diners.
As should be the homage paid to the other King – Elvis Presley.
You will find an old Harley inside as well as all things circa 1950. It’s like Happy Days on steroids.
The Pink Cadillac is fairly large, having three separate dining rooms – so handling any large riding
group passing through this phenomenal area easily.
They even have an old fashioned counter that looks like
it has seen many happy faces.
But, they are not called diners for nothing and the
Pink Cadillac delivers – big time!
Burgers and cheeseburgers, mushroom & onions and
their famous “Elvis Burger,” which gets rave reviews
from all that have had it.
The onion rings are almost legendary.
The foot long hot dog can be had any number of ways
and the kielbasa looked good too.
French onion soup can be had as well as the soup of
the day. Tossed, Chef and Garden salads are there for
vegan and kosher riders, as is a vegetable platter.
Three different fries are ready for you – regular, chili
and brew city (not really sure what those are).
The “Wings of Fire” sounded a bit dangerous here in
the mountains of the Appalachia, away from any quick
medical attention.
We’re nacho fans and, as usual, they looked very fill-
ing indeed.
They have 17 different types of sandwiches – cheese
steak, French dip, turkey, prime rib, BBQ pork, corned
beef and much more.
“IF YOUWANT
TO SURFASPHALT…THAT’S IT.”
HOLD ON. LET GO.
TAKE A TEST RIDE ANDCHARGE EVERY CORNER.
ROLLIN’ FAST CYCLE SPORTS
104 Main Street, Lebanon, NJ908-236-9000 • www.RollinFast.com
ROLLIN’ FAST INDIAN MOTORCYCLE OF LEBANONCome see the full line of Indian Motorcycles
Large selection of parts, apparel and accessories
Get your ride ready, Spring is around the corner
104 Main Street, Lebanon, NJ
908-236-9000 • www.RollinFast.comMon-Fri 9a-6p • Thurs ‘til 9a-7p • Sat 9a-5p • Sunday Gone Riding
Page 12 MARCH 2015 • BACKROADS
Rollin’ Fast Cycle Sports Presents
GREAT ALL AMERICAN DINER RUN tasty places to take your bike
The turkey club is a winner!
Dinner is covered as well
with rotisserie chicken- avail-
able in ¼, ½ or the whole
bird, basted with the Pink
Cadillac’s own blend of herbs
and fruity spices and
“broasted”, to a golden per-
fection. You will also find
steak, fried steak (a southern
favorite) and seafood as well
(although if it isn’t fresh water
stream trout we have a prob-
lem with seafood in the mountains).
Not for everyone, but certainly for us is the sautéed calves liver with onions
and bacon.
Oh, come on…yummy!
There is pasta as well with
your basic spaghetti with
marinara sauce or with meat-
balls. Baked manicotti too.
Desserts rule here as well
with pies, ice cream and
drinks – we can attest the milk
shakes are a belly-filler.
We stopped by another day
for breakfast and were cer-
tainly not disappointed as they
had pancakes, omelets, all
sorts of eggs and, of course,
delicious grits.
When you consider the superior roads, the natural beauty, the great 50’s
feel and the attentive and friendly staff, the Pink Cadillac Diner is a certain
stop on the Great All American Diner Run.
BACKROADS • MARCH 2015 Page 13
www.MotorcycleMall.com
655 Washington Avenue
Belleville NJ 07109
973-751-4545
Come See Why Motorcycle Mall
is the #1 Dealer in the Country
www.MotorcycleMall.com
655 Washington Avenue
Belleville NJ 07109
973-751-4545
Come See Why Motorcycle Mall
is the #1 Dealer in the Country
GET READY FOR SPRING RIDING
©2015 Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. (BRP). All rights reserved. ®, ™ and the BRP logo are trademarks of BRP or its affiliates. In the U.S.A., products are distributed by BRP US Inc. Offers validin Canada and U.S.A. only, until April 30, 2015. See an authorized BRP dealer for details. The terms and conditions may vary depending on your province or state and these offers are subject to terminationor change at any time without notice. *3-Year Extended Warranty: Eligible units are new and unused 2012 to 2015 Can-Am Spyder models. The buyer of a 2012, 2013, 2014 or 2015 unit will receive the 24-month BRP Limited Warranty plus a 12-month B.E.S.T. extended service contract subject to a $50 deductible on each repair. Exception for Florida residents who will receive the 24-month BRP LimitedWarranty plus an additional 12-month BRP Limited Warranty. The buyer of eligible units will also receive 36 months of FREE Roadside Assistance. See your participating Can-Am dealer for a copy of theBRP Limited Warranty and B.E.S.T. contract. †Up to $2,000 Rebate on select models: Rebate applicable to new and unused 2014 Spyder models. Rebate amount depends on the model and model yearpurchased. ††Financing Options: Low financing rates are available on eligible units, including new and unused 2012 to 2015 Can-Am vehicles. Subject to credit approval. Approval and any rates andterms provided are based on credit worthiness. Multiple financing offers available. Minimum Amount Financed $5,000; Maximum Amount Financed $50,000. Other qualifications and restrictions mayapply. Financing promotion void where prohibited. BRP is not responsible for any errors, changes or actions related to the financing provided by the financial institutions. See an authorized BRP dealerfor details. BRP reserves the right to terminate or change this promotion at anytime without prior notice. Always observe applicable local laws and regulations. Don’t drink and drive.
PRE-SEASONplus SAVE UP TO $2,000
plus GREAT FINANCING3-YEAREXTENDEDWARRANTY
cliPPer mercHanT Tea HouSe
58 MAIN STREET, LIMERICK, ME 04048
WWW.CLIPPERMERCHANT.COM • 207-793-3500
OPEN MID-MAY TO MID-DECEMBER • WED.-SAT. 11A-4P
A few years ago, we were taking a late fall ride to Newfield, Maine to see
the Willowbrook Museum Village. It was a pretty brisk day and on our way
home we were looking for a place to get some hot soup and a warm beverage.
Nadya mentioned she had seen a tea house in Limerick when we went
through and that sounded like just what the doctor ordered.
The Clipper Merchant Tea House is housed
in a 1830 Carpenter Gothic Colonial built at
the height of the clipper ship era and is on the
National Historic Register. Tastefully deco-
rated in everything from kilts to old china, it
harkens back to the tea house of days past. We
were seated at a nice window table and ordered
up some tea while checking out the menu.
Scones, soups, salad and more were on the
menu and all sounded fantastic to a couple of chilly motorcyclists. There
was even a “Tower of London for Two” plate that was a three-tier affair with
scones, tea sandwiches, petite deserts and tea for two. We opted for the soup
of the day, which was a wonderfully flavorful pea soup. It came with deli-
cious bread and with our tea, was just the answer for the slight chill we had.
Although all our bike gear seemed out of place with the fine china, silver
and delicate tablecloths, we were welcomed and our waitress was wonderful.
After warming up, we checked out the rest of the rooms and departed noting
that we would return again. A fall ride in Maine with a full belly and inner
warmth never felt so good!
Limerick is about 2 hours north of Boston and the area has some wonderful
roads. Route 11 over to Newfield or 160 out of town and up through Par-
sonsfield are a couple of the rides you should take if there. Having received
a Best of New England and Editor’s Choice award, you can’t go wrong with
the Clipper Merchant. Take a ride up or call owner’s Heather and Gary Labbe
for reservations at 207-793-3500. ~ Mike Stackhouse
STorm king arT cenTer
Art Continues to thrive Along the hudson
1 MUSEUM RD, NEW WINDSOR, NY 12553
845-534-3115 • WWW.STORMKING.ORG
RE-OPENING FOR THE SEASON WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1 (NO FOOLIN’)
ADMISSION: $15/ADULT • CHECK FOR FREE ADMISSION DAYS
We thought we would continue with the artistic thread we started last month and visit
another creative destination – this time north along the Hudson River from New York to
the Storm King Arts Center.
On yet another superb summer riding day (weren’t so many of this past summer’s days
superb?) we spun up toward the Hudson Valley region and Storm King.
Along our ride we crossed under the Moodna Viaduct. At some 3,200 feet long and 193
feet high at its highest point, it this the highest and longest railroad trestle east of the Mis-
sissippi River.
Yes, the art we’d see at Storm King
would be impressive, but the trestle, built
over 100 years ago and still in service, is
equally extraordinary.
Storm King, named after the large mountain flanking the Hudson
River here, was created back in 1960 by Ralph E. Ogden as a museum
for the Hudson River School painting, but evolved into a major sculp-
ture center.
As new works are featured you will
find that Storm King is ever changing.
The 500+ acre landscape of Storm King
Art Center has been in a state of flux
from the very beginning. The expanse
of rolling hills blanketed with grass and
tall trees may look natural, but was
carefully molded to form the perfect
setting for each of its monumental
works of art. The plateau on which
stands a 1935 residence, designed to re-
semble a Norman chateau and later
converted to the museum building, was
torn apart in the 1950s by bulldozers
gathering gravel for the construction of
the New York State thruway.
Lucky for us it was later rebuilt and
makes a fine rest stop while exploring
the vast Art’s Center.
On our visit Storm king was featur-
ing the works of Chinese artist Zhang
Huan. According to Storm King -
Zhang Huan: Evoking Tradition brings
together a number of primarily sculp-
tural works—as well as source materi-
als, preparatory drawings, and
video—that demonstrate ways in which
artist Zhang Huan touches upon Chi-
nese cultural and religious traditions within his practice. Zhang’s work engages,
in particular, with aspects of Buddhist philosophy and rituals, and he sees the
contemporary condition as one that is constantly revitalized through an engage-
ment with the past. Focusing mainly on the past decade of the artist’s production,
the exhibition takes place both in Storm King Art Center’s Museum Building
210 Route 10 West, East Hanover, NJ
973-428-1735www.HanoverPowersports.com
NOW OPEN MONDAYS 9am-5pm
follow us on
Page 14 MARCH 2015 • BACKROADS
Rip & Ride® • STORM KING ARTS CENTER1 MUSEUM RD , NEW WINDSOR, NY 12553
845-534-3115 • WWW.STORMKING.ORG
GET YOURSELF TO RTE. 17 NORTH IN NEW JERSEYTAKE RTE. 17 INTO NEWYORKRIGHT AT 7 LAKES DRIVETAKE 7 LAKES DRIVE TO END(STRAIGHT THROUGH TRAFFIC CIRCLES)
GO AROUND TRAFFIC CIRCLE AND FOLLOW SIGNS TO
BEAR MOUNTAIN BRIDGE3/4 AROUND CIRCLE AND TAKE 9W NORTHDON’T CROSS BRIDGE
TAKE SECOND RTE. 218 EXIT (NORTH)TAKE RTE. 218 INTO CORNWALL - GREAT ROAD!BEAR LEFT ONTO HUDSON-CR 9(WHERE 218 BEARS RIGHT)
P/U RTE. 107RIGHT AT RTE. 32 NORTHLOOK FOR STORM KING SIGNSLEFT AFTER BRIDGE CR 20 / ORRS MILL ROADSTORM KING ART CENTER ON LEFT
Hanover Powersports Presents
BIG CITY GETAWAY daytrip ideas to get out of the daily grind
and outdoors, in the eastern area of the grounds
near to Three Legged Buddha a major work by
Zhang in Storm King’s permanent collection.
Which is a good thing as it was very impres-
sive.
Storm King Arts Center is very large, and like
Grounds for Sculpture in New Jersey, that we fea-
tured previously, you will spend a number of
hours exploring the grounds and the various
works sprinkled through the grounds.
We made the good decision of taking the tram
that brought us around the entire grounds and also
gave descriptions and explanations of how and
why various pieces were created and what the
artist was considering in the creation of them.
Touring Storm King by bicycle is a great way to
experience the art and landscape Storm King of-
fers. Visitors may rent adult bicycles on a first-
come, first-served basis. Bike rental is $8 per
hour with a two-hour minimum. Ride your mo-
torcycle there and then switch to human-power.
If you get a bit peckish while there you can search
out the Storm King Café, which offers a selection
of fresh salads, sandwiches, snacks, and seasonal
specials. There are nearby picnic grounds if you
like to dine amongst the art works. You are wel-
come to bring your own repast to do so. Storm King is best shared with
friends and family. When we last visited we were met by Shira’s sister
Rowena and her husband Richie making a nice visit even better.
All in all you will find over 100 giant works including the fantastic South
fields with the massive works of Mark di Suvero. One thing that really im-
pressed us was not so much a sculpture, yet something that was a work of
art all by itself. The stonewall, that runs around and then through the pond,
below the south fields. Andy Goldsworthy – “Five Men, Seventeen Days,
Fifteen Boulders, One
Wall” is phenomenal
and we might have to redo the stonewall around Backroads Central now.
Storm King Arts Center is located in the middle of some of the most stun-
ning natural beauty in the United States. There was a reason artists flocked
here long ago and a reason why Storm King is this month’s Big City Get-
away.
Now let us give you a ride, through Harriman State Park that is a work of
art in itself.
BACKROADS • MARCH 2015 Page 15
SPiriTS in THe cHurcH
the ghost of CAptAin henry fAuntleroy
OLD TENNENT PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
48 TENNENT RD., MANALAPAN TOWNSHIP NJ 07726 • 732-446-6299
The date was June 28, 1778.
The place - just south of Englishtown Raceway in New Jersey.
There was no drag strip this day.
The British were on the move from Philadelphia to New York.
Washington’s men, coming off the horrid winter at Valley
Forge, had moved to intercept.
Henry Fauntleroy was tired, sweating and looking to catch
his breath.
The fighting had been going on all day. With the arrival of
Washington the tide had turned and the Red Coats were falling
back. Just hours before, General Washington had arrived and
moved on the flank of the British troops, led by General Corn-
wallis.
Instead of being demoralized from the past year, the Conti-
nental Army was primed and ready, spending the cold months
training for a battle such as this.
At the Tennent Courthouse the battle, with
General Charles Lee leading the rebel troops,
had begun. Outmanned Lee eventually called
for a retreat, which quickly became a rout.
At this point the British had the upper hand,
but then Washington arrived with thousands
more men.
Seeing Lee’s men in retreat, this is the one
occasion Washington was said to have sworn.
He deployed a consignment of oaths directed
at Lee, to the admiration of those listening, be-
fore ordering Lee to the rear. Washington then
galloped forward and began the task of rallying
Lee’s disordered troops. He moved in behind
the British.
The Battle of Monmouth was under way.
A member of the 5th Virginia Conti-
nental Line, Henry Fauntleroy had
quickly risen to the rank of Captain.
In the heat of the battle and the steamy
early summer day the Captain paused,
taking a seat atop one of the headstones that surround White Oak Hill that
the Old Tennent Church still sits on today.
Today was Henry’s birthday and he surely wished he could be spending it
in a more peaceful way. He was 22 years old this day.
Wiping the sweat from his brow he heard the whine of the approaching
cannon ball and then a flash and….
The ball from the British cannon, aimed at the church, crashed through the
headstone, snapping it in half and taking Henry’s legs with it.
Mayhem ensued and his fellow soldiers carried the agonized young man
into the church, now a battlefield hospital, laying Fauntleroy on one of the
pews near the back.
There was blood, a lot of blood. It poured out, with young Henry’s life,
onto the dark wooden bench, staining it even darker.
To this day the pews here at the Old Tennent church bear the mark of blood
and saws – used for battlefield amputations.
One can easily believe the stories that this church, a place of God, is
haunted with unresting spirits of the past. It is said
that the image of Henry Fauntleroy can be seen in
and around the church.
It is said that the battlefield itself is also a
haunted place. Casualties for the Battle of Mon-
mouth, as reported by each commander, were 69
killed, 37 dead from heat-stroke, 160
wounded, and 95 missing for the Continen-
tal Army and around 65 killed, 59 dead
from heat-stroke, 170 wounded, 50 cap-
tured, and 14 missing for the British. In
both cases, these numbers are conservative
and losses were more likely 500-600 for
Washington and over 1,100 for Clinton.
With all this carnage, one would be
shocked not to have a spirit or two wander-
ing the grounds of the battlefield.
This was a heartening win for the Conti-
nental Army and the British, now in retreat,
made their way to New York, via Sandy
Hook – narrowly missing being trapped by
the d’Estaing’s French fleet.
Page 16 MARCH 2015 • BACKROADS
Morton’s BMW Motorcycles PresentsDr. Seymour O’Life’s MYSTERIOUS AMERICA
The Battle of Monmouth is also remembered for the legend of “Molly
Pitcher.” While many of the details regarding “Molly Pitcher” have been em-
bellished or are in dispute, the story refers to a woman who brought water to
American artillery during the battle. This water was intended for swabbing
the guns during the reloading process as well as cooling the hot gun crew. In
one version of the story she replaced her husband on a gun crew when he
fell wounded or from heat stroke. The “Molly Pitcher” of Monmouth is gen-
erally identified Mary Ludwig Hayes.
Outside the Old Tennent we found the headstone for Captain Henry
Fauntleroy as well as dozens of stones dating back from that period.
For the history alone the Old Tennent Church is a worthy stop while ex-
ploring this part of New Jersey and Mysterious America.
O’Life out!
BACKROADS • MARCH 2015 Page 17
MYSTERIOUS AMERICA PUZZLERLike Click & Clack at Car Talk I’d like to throw out a Mysterious America Puzzler of sorts to you kids.In the February issue - Destination Catskills - we had an article about the “Paper Town” of Agloe, New York.Looking at all the illustrations that accompanied this article, well after we went to print, another odd factoid presented itself to me. How did I miss this?What was it and why is it akin to the original article?The first correct answer, or shot in the dark, will get a specially created Mysterious Backroads gift pack (Sorry Sindee N, you can’t play).Email editor@backroads with the correct answer.O’Life out!
Some know this, and the U.S. Air Force will deny it, but did you know the
little hamlet of Pine Bush, just east of the Shawangunk Mountains, off Route
52 in New York State, is a hot bed for UFO sightings.
In fact the town calls itself the UFO Capital of the Northeast!
Big statement for a little town – but those are the facts.
Over the years hundreds of sighting have been reported in and around this
region and it has been featured time and again on television and here in these
pages.
Heck, they even have a UFO-style diner called Cup & Saucers.
Each May true believers reach inside for their inner Fox Mulder and par-
take in the region’s only festival celebrating alien visitation, flying saucers
and encounters of the nicest kind.
It’s a great combination of home-
town America and E.T and don’t be
surprised if you see more than one
extraterrestrial.
This year’s Pine Bush UFO Festi-
val will be held on Saturday, May 16
(with a rain date of the 17th).
I know I will be there digging deeper into this part of Mysterious America.
Join me.
And, when you are heading home and a bright light suddenly encircles you
don’t try to race away. You can’t outrun them. I’ve tried.
O’Life out!
PINE BUSH UFO FESTIVAL • PINE BUSH, NEWYORK • MAY 16
liTTleTon, neW HamPSHire
A smAll burg with A big new englAnd flAir
We love to give credit where credit is due and we first heard about this
town and the Thayer Hotel from our friends and riding companions Richard
and Dee Dee Ford.
They had been exploring in and around the White Mountains of New
Hampshire and came upon the historic Thayer Hotel, in the middle of the
town of Littleton’s Main Street.
Although it is not the largest town
in the mountains the name has noth-
ing to do with its size, but the burg
gets its name from Colonel Moses
Little, who helped survey the sur-
rounding lands.
The town, which went by a few
other names in the past, adopted the
Colonel’s name in 1784, the same
year New Hampshire became a state.
Littleton is far better than Cheese
Farm, we think.
The Thayer Hotel has been around
since 1850 and is quintessential New
England. The Thayer is on the Na-
tional Register of Historic Places,
with a total of 40 guest rooms, a well-
stocked bar and excellent new restau-
rant. It is ideally located as a perfect
home base for those wishing to ex-
plore the White Mountains and the surrounding roads of the
Granite State.
It is said that Ulysses S Grant addressed an audience from
the hotel balcony in 1869, while other famous guests include
President Franklin Pierce, General George McClellan,
Henry Ford, P. T. Barnum, and General Tom Thumb.
Numerous other late-twentieth century figures have also
spent time here including Richard Nixon, Jimmy Carter and
George H. Bush.
When we visited we took our rooms, quickly showered
and went off to stroll the town before she closed up for the
evening. As it was a Saturday night, the town was hopping
and many of the shops were still open.
The banners you see as you enter Littleton say it is a
‘glad town’ - this is in honor of Pollyanna Whittier and
her Glad books, the character and novels created by local
Eleanor H. Porter in the early 1900’s. You will find a
statue of Pollyana in the town as well.
Looking to be a Pollyanna and always on the lookout
for something a it different we went in search of Chutter’s
General Store which boasts something very sweet indeed
– the World’s Longest Candy Counter!
At 112 feet in length it is certified by the Guinness
Book of World Records and was very impressive.
Visitors will find candies long forgotten. Chutter’s record setting candy
counter will take you back to your childhood. In addition to candy, Chutter’s
is famous for its world-class fudge. Chutter’s fudge comes in a wide range
of unique flavors. Chutter’s General Store also offers a huge variety of New
Hampshire gifts and goodies.
Continuing on down Main
Street we found a number of pi-
anos outside various shops and
even a hand painted Fender
acoustic guitar, just sitting there.
A Fender? But, there it was, just
waiting to get played – which we
did.
Some towns have painted pigs,
some cats, some cows – Littleton
says “This Town Rocks” and it
does with painted pianos and
other instruments.
Down by the River Walk there
is an impressive and newly built covered bridge span-
ning the Ammonoosuc River, which offers great views
of both the river and back part of the town.
Right next to it you will find the Schilling Beer Com-
pany that will serve up some seriously tasty local
brews, as well as victuals to accompany it.
No New England town would be complete without
a great diner and the Littleton Diner fits that bill per-
fectly. This is the second ‘car’ diner built at this location
and it has been here since the 1940’s. Here you will
find all the standard American diner fare as well as
some delicious specials. The Littleton Diner is a classic and could easily
stand alone as a Great All American Diner Run.
It also seems to be the perfect “photo op” for local and national politicians
as John McCain, Mitt Romney, John Kerry and Steve Forbes have all
Page 18 MARCH 2015 • BACKROADS
Bergen County Harley-Davidson Presents
WE’RE OUTTA HERE a weekend destination keeping you on the backroads
dropped by and acted like they really just
stopped by for some eggs and a cup a joe
when a camera crew just dropped in as well.
We think a return trip to New Hampshire
just to try the Littleton Diner’s corned beef
hash and their pancakes will be well worth the
miles.
Well, sometimes “We’re Outta Here” fea-
tures just a hotel – this month we gave you an
entire town. Take a ride to the White Moun-
tains of New Hampshire and the town of Lit-
tleton – you will not be disappointed.
Thayer Hotel • 111 Main St, Littleton, NH 03561800-634-8179 • www.thayersinn.com
Rates ranges from $79.95-$199.95/nite depending on season
Chutters Candy Store • 43 Main St, Littleton, NH 03561603-444-5787 • www.chutters.com
Schilling Beer Co • 18 Mill St, Littleton, NH 03561603-444-4800 • www.schillingbeer.com
Littleton Diner • 170 West Main St, Littleton, NH 03561603-444-3994 • www.littletondiner.com
BACKROADS • MARCH 2015 Page 19
Page 20 MARCH 2015 • BACKROADS
We had pushedour fuel supply to the‘nether’ regions – with thelittle countdown readout longsince ending.
It wasn’t like we were inthe deserts of Killamericastan –no, we were safely romping alongthe Berkshires of New England whenwe finally vectored into a Stewart’s fuelstation to fill tanks and empty bladders.
Another rider pulled up with a pearl white Harley.“Feels like we’re all playing post season baseball,”
he said to us.We couldn’t agree more.When baseball is happening, at least here in the northeast,
motorcycling is happening too. This ‘Indian Summer’ Tuesdaywould see Game 6 of the World Series (Royals crushing the Giants10 to zip that day) and an odd motion in the jet stream had broughtus a few days of unseasonal but welcome warm weather.
We’d take advantage of it and head out on an overnight into the nearbyBerkshires and the town of Lenox, not far from the famed Tanglewood.
Indian Summerwords + images: brian rathjen
Honeysuckle vines outside the doorDandelion wine and so much moreWe can discover, into each otherIndian summer
America
During the summer season this area of Massachusetts can be-
come crowded, expensive and a tad snooty; but during the last
week in October the welcome mat was out and we had put to-
gether a route from the Backroads Central area that would involve
history, food and miles of twistalicious fun.
Our ride began in northwestern NJ and meandered along some
of the farmlands and low lying hills that lay between the tiny little
townettes that you find up this way.
Even though this is our home we have been using Garmin’s
Base Camp to pick and choose some of the tertiary roads that link
all this together. Sure it might be easier to take familiar and larger
roads across to the Hudson River – but this was way more fun!
Eventually we got into Harriman State Park, around the road
past Perkin’s Drive and down the curvy mountain road past the
Bear Mountain Inn and across the bridge.
No matter how many times I have crossed the river here it has never failed
to impress me. There is a reason so many artists called the Hudson Valley
home and it is quite apparent right here, just below the United States Military
Academy at West Point, that this area is one of the finest in our land.
Unfortunately, on any Sunday, this is also one of the most congested mo-
torcycle roads in the nation as well.
Crossing the bridge and bearing right on the sweepy road that wraps around
the mountain on the Hudson’s eastern-side on US 6 most times is a ride in
futility –but, not on this Monday morning. After making a quick pass of
‘Granny Tight Lips’ from Michigan, we had the entire road to ourselves and
made good use of it. Benedict Arnold could not getaway from the West Point
area quicker than us.
At the circle we bore north and then leaned to the right, on Sprout Brook
Road, to explore the roads that led into the Putnam Valley.
We do not ride this region nearly as much as we would like, so I made this
route especially intricate, swallowing as many little connector roads as pos-
sible and crossing over the West Branch Reservoir along the well named
stone-lined Rock Bridge Road.
When most think of the Rev-
olutionary War General George
Washington will always come
to mind. Well, he will join us
later in this story but, right now,
we had a more fascinating tale.
Just outside of Carmel, New
York we passed a historic
marker for a little known hero-
ine of our Revolutionary War –
Sybil “Sibbell” Ludington.
Author Steve Smith wrote
about this 17 year old woman a
few years back in Backroads
and it was nice to see the state
of New York recognize this
young woman whose ride to warn of the approaching British was equally as
important as Paul Revere’s more famous ride.
Sibbell rode nearly forty miles through the night on April 26, 1777 to tell
BACKROADS • MARCH 2015 Page 21
the militiamen under her father’s command to muster at his house, from
which they would march to defend Danbury.
She was a true hero of
our cause.
We stopped for a bite
at the Carmel Diner who
proudly tell Sibbell’s
story on the cover of
their menu. It features
the incredible statue,
sculpted by Anna Hyatt
Huntington, that was
placed on the green in
the town’s center.
In 1935 New York
State erected a number
of markers along her
route. In 1975, Luding-
ton was honored with a postage
stamp in the “Contributors to
the Cause” Bicentennial Series.
Getting the idea that Ms.
Ludington was a big thing?
Good. The statue of her and her
horse “Star” is wickedly im-
pressive.
Equally impressive was an-
other building that our route
serendipitously came across.
Outside the small hamlet of
Quakers Hill we found the Akin
Free Library. This three story
stone and marble building was
constructed between 1898 and
1908 and was a gift from
Quaker Albert J Akin.
The library itself is located on the first floor of the building. Among others,
its holdings of several thousand books contain books of local interest and by
local authors, a children’s section, and newspaper collections. The Historical
Society Museum occupies the second floor of the building. Its collections
include objects pertaining to the local history such as period and Quaker
clothing, tools and artwork, bowling pins from the Mizzentop Hotel, and the
service window from the old Quaker Hill Post Office.
The lower floor of the building houses the Olive Gunnison Natural History
Museum, which displays about 200 mounted birds, rocks and minerals, as
well as a shrunken human head.
A Tsantsa?! Seymour, are you reading this?
We were slightly stunned at the beauty of this stately library as it stands in
a stark contrast to the surrounding rural area.
Relying on our pre-planned GPS route we followed the purple line and
voice prompts as it led us over hill & dale, across small streams and up into
the, more rugged than you would think, Berkshires.
As I said, with the Base Camp pro-
gram I was making this route as in-
tricate and difficult as I could. The
Rip & Ride would be quite a bit on
the lengthy side. The GPX file made
it a breeze.
We know some that refuse to em-
brace GPS technology and rely only
on Manually Acquired Positioning
Systems (maps) but, back in the day,
you probably didn’t like hydraulic
brakes either.
Luddites.
It being mid-Autumn and nearing
Halloween many front yards were
done up for the occasion but one dis-
play made us stop and wonder.
Was this a message to us? Ahh, the
famed “pumpkin moon” never
looked so good.
Page 22 MARCH 2015 • BACKROADS
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As we continued down this road
Shira’s Roadside America program
chimed in on her Garmin (yes, an-
other reason to ride with a GPS) - it
said something special was up ahead.
Santarella is certainly worth a stop
to get off the bikes for a few minutes.
The place is the historic home and
studio of the sculptor Sir Henry Hud-
son Kitson and it is a truly magical
and unique site. Kitson’s studio, af-
fectionately known as the “Ginger-
bread House”, gets its name from the
storybook-style architecture and in-
credible rolling roof. The design and
construction of the amazing building
was the last major project of his life
and continued for over 20 years.
This fairy-tale home is available for special events and even as a vacation
rental. It is also for sale for $2.3 million.
Our destination this evening was Lenox, MA – just north of Tanglewood.
Lenox can be a bit pricey during the region’s busy season but at this time
in October, on a Monday evening, The Cornell Inn was more than inviting.
To add to a good thing Shira had reached out to our friends from New
Hampshire, Richard and DeeDee Ford, to join us for the night – a little be-
ginning of the week getaway.
This is exactly how “We’re Outta Here” should work!
The inn was really nice, with a small bar and great outdoor patio area with
its own waterfall.
We spent the afternoon catching up on things and then rode over to one of
the local Lenox restaurants, of which there are many to choose.
We really enjoyed The Cornell Inn and with some 28 rooms and suites it
will surely be back in the pages of Backroads soon.
If that Monday was special weather-wise the following day was stupendous
with sunny skies and late October temperatures reaching well into the 70s.
We had one final breakfast with our friends then they rode off back to the
north and we turned our machines south, riding past Tanglewood, all the
while looking for James or Carly, and then along some of the tinier roads we
could find in the general direction of the Empire State.
Crossing into New York we were heading south at a good clip down Route
BACKROADS • MARCH 2015 Page 23
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22 - near Austerlitz - when, once again, Shira’s Roadside America program
chimed in that there was a place where junk becomes art right ahead.
The Circle Museum.
Bijan Mahmoodi is the owner of the museum and the artist. His art reflects
his fascination with hard-to-find Industrial Era fabricated metals and bronze
casting. Inside the artist’s studio, also on the property, is a collection of
Bijan’s oil paintings that explore the circle motif you see in most of his sculp-
tures. Why is it called the Circle Museum? Bijan explains.... “Because our
planet is based on the circle - the sun, the planets, the moon and life itself is
cyclical. The circle is what inspires me.”
Okay, that works for us.
We pulled over, hopped off the bikes and spent a while wandering around
the outdoor garden / auto shop.
The artist has some really oddly conceived but brilliantly executed statues
using metal, old car parts, and shaped rocks and we are glad that we literally
rode upon this place; another stop for O’Life for sure.
The Circle Museum is open daily and a donation of $5 is requested.
Money well given.
Continuing towards the Hudson River we just about ran out of gas and that
is where we joined this story; talking baseball and riding with the other rider.
We rode back and forth in and around the Taconic Parkway, where the local
secondary roads crossed the highway and then, eventually, to the river where
we stopped in Cold Spring at the Depot for lunch.
Do you know that sitting at lunch or dinner here at the Depot you will have
one of 68 trains come running just yards from you at speed up to 115 miles
per hour.
Loud, but we loved it.
There is also something else to be found at the Cold Spring Depot.
It turns out that George Washington (remember him?) not only frequented
this place back in the day but they even have a plaque stating that he drank
from a spring here and said is was very cold – giving the town its name –
Cold Spring.
It was a short
ride south on
Route 9D from
there to the Bear
M o u n t a i n
Bridge where
we crossed back
over the Hudson
and then vectored north along Storm King Mountain
and past the sculpture park before following a few lost
roads back into New Jersey and then along our Mother
road – County Road 519 now known as the Confused
Squirrel – and back home.
Boy, we were happy to have these few temperate Oc-
tober days free and we made the best of it.
As I write this the following days I see winter coming
soon, but we can always hope for some lucky warmer
days and that global warming to kick in just a bit.
Carmel Diner • 63 Gleneida Ave, Carmel, NY845-225-5000 • www.newcarmeldiner.com
Akin Free Library • 378 Old Quaker Hill Rd,Pawling, NY • 845-855-5099 • Call for hours
Santarella • 75 Main Rd, Lee, MAParking available for outside viewing
The Cornell Inn • 203 Main St, Lenox, MA01240 • 413-637-4800 • www.cornellbb.com
rooms range from $129/night and up
Circle Museum • 11005 Hwy 22, Austerlitz, NY 518-392-7156 • $5 suggested donation
Cold Spring Depot • 1 Depot Square,Cold Spring, NY • 845-265-5000
www.coldspringdepot.com
Page 24 MARCH 2015 • BACKROADS
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Most folks celebrate the holidays with a vengeance.
Thanksgiving giving way to Chanukah and Christmas, Festivus for the
Rest of Us, and then New Years.
Me, I begrudgingly partake in all that feldercarb to see friends and family
but much prefer to quietly mark the moment when the winter solstice occurs.
Let the rest argue on which of the holidaze is more important. I will keep
an eye on the sky and the slow, but steady, return of the sun to the northern
latitudes.
Still, Decembers leads into January and it is always darkest before the
dawn and coldest before the spring.
It was with great delight I saw that the last weekend of 2014 was to be a
mild one and the sun, who had been gone for nearly two weeks, was sched-
uled to make a cameo.
Even better as the end of the week approached and an email from our friend
Paul Donoghue appeared in the in-box:
Merry Christmas!
I’m suffering from cabin fever, have not been out on a bike in 5 weeks. I’m
thinking of doing a dual sport ride Saturday. Mix of paved and hard packed
gravel, with one unpaved downhill section.
Late lunch in Cold Spring, then head back to NJ. Anyone interested in getting
out for a ride? ~ Paul
Amen, brother.
Although Paul would be meeting some others in New Jersey we thought
to meet up at the Tiorati Circle on Seven Lakes Drive in Harriman State Park
around 11ish.
Dawn saw the bikes rolled out and then one rolled back in as Thor, God of
Thunder AND lightning, demanded twenty minutes more charge.
By 9ish we were donning electrics and HEDz – making sure everything
was correctly plugged and sealed.
This time of year I feel like an astronaut on the ISS about to take a space
walk when I get ready to roll out of the driveway.
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ROADS
Page 26 MARCH 2015 • BACKROADS
For sure it would warm up as the day rolled by, but there was frost on the
valley this morning.
Remarkably we had full tanks (I am a great one for filling up on the road,
but not so much when heading home) so we avoided the drudgery of the
unzip/plug/strip at the local fuel stop. We made our way east along the farm
lands of the northwest Garden State, across the border and along the Black
Dirt region and then over the mountains towards Greenwood Lake.
We wanted to grab a bit to eat so we pulled into the small roadside market
in Bellvale, just outside of Warwick.
We were looking for egg sandwiches but found a much more as their
small meat and fish counters looked a bit more than tempting.
We made a note to stop by on our return trip and bring home dinner.
Although the Renaissance Faire is sleeping this time of year the skiers were
out in force this semi-holiday weekend.
I radioed to Shira that “you always know you have stolen a day’s ride when
you have to slow down for skiers crossing the road.”
Paul had sent over a GPX file for the Garmin and my plan was to hook up
into it where Route 17A runs into Harriman at the New York State Thruway
– following Route 106, which was recently paved and very twistalicious, to
Seven Lakes Drive and then to Tiorati.
Big sign up ahead. – ROAD CLOSED.
Ya bastards. There is no snow. Close the road when it threatens to snow.
Do we need to explain this to NYS DOT and the governor?
Plan B brought us north to Arden Valley Road, also recently resurfaced
and apparently open.
Here they teased us for a 1/2 mile before Andrew Cuomo ran out himself
and planted a ROAD CLOSED sign in front of us.
Ya dirty bastards.
Plan C worked out just fine as Seven Lakes Drive was still passable
through the tons of snow that was not there.
Finally meeting our
small group that consisted
of a few different GSs, a
Yamaha Super Tenere and
one streetish Triumph Tro-
phy piloted by our friend
Ed McCaughey who trav-
eled from Long Island to
enjoy the warm day.
We silently agreed that
if anything needed to be
sacrificed to the road gods
it would be the large sport-
tourer. Sorry Ed.
The truth is Ed has
more skill than most of us and today’s ride would simply be an exercise in
getting our rims dirty.
We crossed over the Bear Mountain Bridge, always one of my favorite
things to do. I would put the vista of this part of the Hudson River and valley
against any other view in these United States.
We headed north on Route 9D and then vectored over South Mountain
BACKROADS • MARCH 2015 Page 27
Pass and then followed Paul along a good
number of old-style dirt roads.
With larger and more maintained roads like
Route 9 and the Taconic dominating this re-
gion, it might surprise you how many unpaved
dirt roads live in this area. Lost roads.
One being a very historic road at that.
On July 1982 the Old Albany Post Road, in
the Town of Philipstown, was awarded a list-
ing in the State and National Registers of His-
toric Places. This 6.6-mile section of dirt road
from Continental Village to Route 9 was rec-
ognized as one of the oldest unpaved roads in
the nation still in use.
The listings and recognition may be gratify-
ing, but the honor is no guarantee of permanent
road protection.
And it seems it does need protecting. Along
the half dozen miles were a number of signs
saying “Save our historic dirt
roads” and to “Say yes to dirt !!!!”
It seems that New York State
and the county are considering
paving this piece of Americana.
Why?
It is said that the mile markers
were ordered in place by Benjamin
Franklin himself; and at the north
end of this ancient section, one of
the oldest inns in the region, the
Bird & Bottle built in 1761, can be
found.
We found it to be an excellent
ride and wondrous to think Gener-
als Washington, Lafayette and oth-
ers rode along this way too.
The road needs support and you can find out
more at www.albanypostroad.info.
Things were going along swimmingly until
another reminder of the season stopped us in
our tracks with another ROAD CLOSED sign.
Plan F (for FUBAR) was immediately put
into action and Paul reversed our route so we
could experience it from the other way and not
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Page 28 MARCH 2015 • BACKROADS
too soon afterward we rode into Cold Spring, with its
great waterfront and stunning view of the old North
River. Attrition began to take hold of our crew as Ed
had to get back to Long Island before the winter set in
and another gent, Leo, had to vacate back to Brooklyn,
but the rest of us hung on for lunch.
As you would think the town was packed with civil-
ians enjoying the gifted warm day but we did okay
restaurant-wise and then rode along the river and even-
tually back towards the Bear Mountain Bridge and the
western shore of the Hudson. Surprisingly, although the
park’s lots were summertime full these roads were clear
of traffic and we made a forceful romp up around the
uphill 180 and the sweepers towards Perkins Drive (also
closed - those truly dirty bastards) before the long valley
road back towards the Ramapo mountains.
As promised Shira and I stopped back at the Bellvale
Market picking up some superb steaks and a few heads-
on fresh water shrimp (little lobstas I tell ya) before con-
tinuing west, now racing the setting sun and falling
temperatures.
Riding up the hill to Backroads Central the sky had
turned that warm cosmo martini color and not ten min-
utes after we parked the bikes night had fallen.
One of the shortest riding days of the year had ended.
Yea us and everyone else that got out that day for a
ride.
That week we’d say goodbye to 2014 and hello to a
new year.
Hey 2014, see ya – don’t let the door hit you on the
ass on your way out!
2015, let’s talk about how things should go……
BACKROADS • MARCH 2015 Page 29
The DevilMade Me
Do ItNorton Rubenstein
About the end of May, I got this itch to ride from my home in Richmond,
Virginia to some familiar roads in New Mexico and Arizona, and to eat a spe-
cial slice (or two) of pie. I hadn’t done that for ten years, and it was about
time to do it again. So, for confidence sake and the insistence of my wife, I
had my 2004 BMW R1150R “tuned-up” at Morton’s BMW in Fredericksburg,
and headed west. The round trip was 4,708 miles and took nine days. It’s fair
to ask why anyone in his right mind would travel more than 2,000 miles and back
again, just to ride a patch of road and eat breakfast in a not so elegant restaurant.
Well, if you love to ride motorcycles and if one of the roads is 137 miles of twisties,
switchbacks and gently curving sweepers through splendid scenery, and the restaurant’s
breakfasts are great, then for me the answer is perfectly clear. Our country is blessed with lots of roads
that seem to be built with two-wheelers in mind and, for those of us who like to ride the rural roads, and enjoy dis-
covering great non-franchise cafés, US-191 between
Alpine and Clifton, Arizona, and the Bear Wallow Café
in Alpine are just such a combination.
US-191, also known as The Coronado Trail Scenic
Byway, is located in the White Mountains of Eastern
Arizona. It runs through the Apache and Sitgreaves
National Forests and has the reputation of being one of
the best low traffic, high scenic highways in the country
- also for being a very dangerous mountain road with
many sharp curves and little or no shoulders on steep
cliffs. It used to be called US-666, but 666 is reputed
to be the devil’s number. Because of that, and because
the topology of this stretch of road is complex, it was
called by the locals, and those that rode it on two
wheels, “The Devil’s Highway;” some still do. But, that
designation was a public relations problem so just a few
years ago it was changed to US-191. If you ask anyone
who rode it on two wheels they’ll tell you why 666 was
the better number.
Page 30 MARCH 2015 • BACKROADS
It is about the same path Francisco Vásquez de Coronado followed be-
tween 1540 and 1542, and it’s the primary route to access Canyon de Chelly
National Monument, which makes a great side trip; the Canyon Monument
is managed jointly by the National Park Service and the Navaho Nation.
The road’s twists and turns are too complex for me to draw, but imagine a
guy painting a centerline down a patch of road. For the first 20 or so miles
south of Alpine the line is straight with lots of easy sweepers, but after our
painter gets to Hannagan Meadow it looks like he uncorked a jug of mountain
spirits and didn’t put the
plug back in until he got
to Clifton, 72 miles
later. You won’t see 18-
wheelers on this section
of US-191; vehicles
longer than 40 feet are
prohibited, they just
can’t make the turns.
The best way to ride
it, I think, is to head
south from Alpine. To
get to Alpine I ride US-
180 north from I-10 at
Deming, New Mexico (4,335 feet). That ride begins with a straight run of
about 35 miles, and then transitions into broad sweepers and slow inclines
through the Mogollon Mountains, until you get to Glenwood. From there to
Alpine the road gets twistier, the inclines steeper, and the temperatures much
cooler. There are plenty of pull-offs and many great picture opportunities
along this route.
Alpine sits at
8,050 feet in the
White Mountains
of Eastern Arizona.
Riding US-191
south, the elevation
within the 95 miles
to Clifton (3,450
feet) varies roughly
between 3,000 and
10,000 feet, and it
varies often with
lots of challenging
twisties and many
switchbacks, but also some broad sweepers through sub-alpine woodlands.
The two-lane road is well maintained, but there are long stretches of decreas-
ing radius curves where the shoulders are narrow, the rock face high and
sheer, and the drop-offs steep, and there are no guardrails until you get to the
flat spots just north of Morenci. Posted speed limits range from a short run
of 50 mph at Alpine to long stretches of 15 to 10 mph. At posted speeds, all
the turns are easy, but if you’re challenging the road, chances are good that
you’ll jump the centerline. By the way, this section of US-191 was a recent
Three Flags route, during which three bikes crashed in separate incidents.
For riders without much experience on these kinds of roads it’s an oppor-
tunity for a safe and stimulating ride on a low traffic road - if taken carefully,
with lots of caution, good equipment, and at moderate speeds. For experi-
enced motorcyclists, it’s an adrenaline-charged pleasure, but still one that for
even highly competent riders requires much forethought and caution. Be es-
pecially careful of taking liberties with double solid centerlines; the sight
BACKROADS • MARCH 2015 Page 31
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lines between twisties are short and it’s impossible to know what’s coming
at you around the curve. Even if you’re testing your skills it’s a good idea to
take an occasional break to enjoy the pull-offs; there are a fair number of
wide ones - places to catch your breath, and with lots of scenery. You’re al-
most sure to see mountain sheep, elk, deer, ground squirrels, and cattle.
You’ll be crossing a number of cattle guards across the roadbed. This is not
a road you can ride in comfort at night; it’s best ridden in in the company of
friends, in daylight, and when it’s dry.
Riding US-191 the other direction, north from Clifton and ending in
Alpine, is also a great ride; it’s great both ways, but the character of the two
rides will be different. I think if you’re going to challenge the road, riding
south gives you some advantages - the ascending hairpins are trickier than
descending ones. That’s my opinion and others will differ, but, heading north
or south, every time you ride it it’s changed. By the way, before you start in
either direction, find a gas station and fill your tank, they’re scarce on this
road.
For a good rider in a hurry I’d allow a little more than two hours to make
the run; longer if you pull over at the wide spots to take in the view and snap
a picture. With sticky tires and lots of experience and stamina a rider can do
it faster, but you’ll be low on adrenalin at the end of the ride. US-191 be-
tween Alpine and Clifton – and even south to I-10 - is an early morning low
traffic ride any time of the year. On an early June morning this year I saw
three cars and two motorcycles, both two-up, en-route north and only one
car heading south.
I’d recommend heated gear if you ride before May or after September; the
mornings and evenings are cold and there’ll probably be frost on your wind-
screen when you wake up in the morning. July and August is the height of
their “monsoon” season, and I wouldn’t recommend riding it at those times.
It usually doesn’t start to snow seriously in the higher elevations until the
middle of October. In a late spring or early fall morning at higher elevations
you’re already riding in or above the clouds.
In 2011, careless campers started a fire that burned over 800 square miles
of the Bear Wallow Wilderness area, and you’ll still see huge patches of dam-
aged trees along this road. It took some time, but plant and wildlife are re-
turning, and I saw mountain sheep, elk, and deer just off the road on my early
June ride this year.
Be sure to stop at Morenci, near Clifton, Arizona. The Freeport McMoRan
Copper & Gold mining company has created a large pull-off area and you’ll
see one of the largest copper producing surface mines in the world. It con-
tributes about 15% of the total world copper production. It’s worth stopping
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Page 32 MARCH 2015 • BACKROADS
at the pull-off and snapping a picture, particularly with a wide-angle lens.
No matter where you’re going, for motorcyclists it’s always the ride, but
sometimes it can be more than just the road that makes a journey memorable.
In Alpine, The Bear Wallow Café is a lucky bonus. For those of you who re-
member or heard about a time before interstates when there were lots of road-
side and rural cafés and the décor was strictly local trappings, I recommend
having a meal at the Bear Wallow Café in Alpine.
As soon as you walk in the door, you’re stepping into a time in the past.
Breakfast is my favorite meal there; the food is good and plentiful, but it’s
the 11 varieties of pies, as good as those they say
grandma used to make, that make me look forward to
a Bear Wallow visit. You’ll meet local people who are
glad to talk about where you’re from and where you’re
going; if you can’t get into a friendly conversation in
The Bear Wallow Café, you must be avoiding it on pur-
pose. While you wait for your food to be served, me-
ander about the place and check out the pictures and
critters that populate The Bear Wallow’s walls; it’s like
a small museum out of time and in the right place. Pre-
pare to relax awhile; The Bear Wallow isn’t a fast food
restaurant.
We who ride on two wheels know that there aren’t
words to tell non-riders about the feeling; it’s like trying
to tell someone who’s never had any what chocolate
tastes like. It’s one of those things that must be discov-
ered in person; vicarious doesn’t work. Every rider ex-
periences and feels a ride in his or her own way, and
for different reasons. There are no standardized thrills
on a motorcycle; each of us is a different rider and
we’re tuned into our own perspectives. That’s what
makes telling non-riders about the thrill of a ride so dif-
ficult, and why we gravitate to motorcycle organiza-
tions and clubs and read magazines like Backroads.
As I said, you have to experience something to really feel it, and I also be-
lieve that you have to share an experience to really enjoy it. So, let me rec-
ommend that one of these days when you feel like taking some motorcycle
time for a great experience, try US-191- and some of the neighboring roads
- and while you’re there try the Bear Wallow Café. There are several motels
in or near Alpine. I’ve stayed at The Sportsman’s Lodge and The Mountain
Hi Lodge at different times and both were reasonably priced and comfortable.
I know, like me, you’ll look forward to going back and doing it again.
BACKROADS • MARCH 2015 Page 33
Last year Aerostich came east and set up shop in Edgewater, New Jersey right on the west bank of the Hudson
River.
I have had an Aerostich Roadcrafter suit for more than a decade now (same one & still excellent) and I spend a
good amount of time scouring their new catalogs when they arrive at the office for things new, cool and useful that
they have added to one of the best rider’s catalogs out there.
So, when they arrived in New Jersey we made sure to stop by.
Along with all the suits you might see more often than not (Roadcrafter & Darien) they had a rack of Aerostich’s
Falstaff Jackets.
I have always considered myself a function over form sort of rider.
For the most part I don’t need flash when I can have something that simply works plain and simple.
But, as Shira checked out different sizes on the Roadcrafter aisle, I was silently drawn to a dark green Falstaff
jacket.
Unlike Aerostich’s other gear the Falstaff is not created from 500 Denier Cordura, rather it is created from tradi-
tional 100% English waxed cotton.
Think of it as a British Darien jacket from the 60s.
The color, cut and comfortable looking soft plaid cotton lining had my inner-hipster and latent fox hunter going
into over drive.
By Jove, this was a sharp looking jacket.
I made note of the size that fit me the best – I think I was really a 45, but a 46 would fit well with room for a
fleece underneath during the cooler weather. The jacket is also available in brown, orange, black and yellow.
Unfortunately things over the next season kept me busy from ordering the Falstaff, which at $577 American is
not inexpensive, but as the winter rolled in I was scouring through Mr. Goldfine’s latest catalog and once again the
Falstaff caught my attention and fancy.
Soon a green Aerostich waxed-cotton ¾ length Fal-
staff was on its way from Minnesota.
Yes, it is a jacket designed for riding, preferably
something British and in the rain, but it also is a simply
stylish and practical jacket for all inclement weather –
like the storms of late January and February of this year
in the northeast.
It is a substantial garment. Not overly heavy, but cer-
tainly not a lightweight piece of riding gear by any
means. It comes with Aerostich’s outstanding T3 mem-
ory-foam padding at the shoulders, elbows and fore-
arms and, at this time, the optional back protector
comes with the Falstaff as well.
Although I think the Falstaff might not be as crash-
worthy as some of Aerostich’s other riding gear; the T3
at all the prime contact points still leaves this a formi-
dable and well armored riding jacket.
Perfect for a post Manchester United football game
tavern crawling and hooliganism.
Also on the riding front the jacket has ample arm and
rear ventilation allowing for a cooling air circulation
during the warmer months.
A soft fleece collar surrounds the neck and snaps
down to keep it in place.
Page 34 MARCH 2015 • BACKROADS
PRODUCT REVIEW FALSTAFF JACKET FROM AEROSTICH
What will scare you the most? Spending the night in a haunted castle? An unexpected voice or touch when no one is there? Touring a cemetery as shadows
waver in the torchlight? New York State is not just a place to play — it’s a place that can play to your fears and make you believe in ghosts.
The trail offers serious ghost hunting locations that cater to investigative teams, as well as seasonal
ghostly-themed events for the paranormal-curious. Muster your courage if you want to participate — alone
or with friends.
Question reality by daring yourself to visit some
of New York State’s most interesting places. Just re-
member that here, there really IS something lurking
in the cemetery, the forest, and the closet.
Was that a slight breeze across your arm, or did
some ethereal being brush against you? Explore the
trail to hear New York’s bone chilling history and
meet ghosts from the past.
New York State is now offering both a website
and brochure on the scariest, oddest and just
strangest places in the Empire State.
The brochure is an interesting read with a large
fold-out map and details on each creepy place and
location listed. The website - hauntedhistorytrail.com - is brilliant and well worth exploring all season
long but especially later this year when Halloween rolls around.
O’Life out!
BACKROADS • MARCH 2015 Page 35
As with most Aerostich gear, the Falstaff has ample pock-
ets and stowage throughout. Up front there are two large and
zippered pockets – the left one hav-
ing an additional small Vel-
cro’d pocket behind it
complete with lime
green carabiner for
keys - two hand
warmer pockets
and a small cargo
pocket on the
right sleeve –
ala’ Roadcrafter.
The liner has
both side (right)
and top (left)
opening pockets
Inside there is a
large pocket as well.
This jacket is very adapt-
able with Velcro-adjustable straps at the arms and the waist,
for custom fitting. The Falstaff carries a large retro-reflective
stripe across the back, along with two on the bottom and
across the left breast for nighttime conspicuity. You will find
two long Velcro attachment points on the left arm for use with
Aerostich’s sleeve window pocket and handy way to carry
maps, documents and other items.
Riding in the rain is where the Falstaff really shines, as
water seems to bounce off of it. It is a most excellent foul-
weather jacket.
All good gear needs periodic maintenance and the Falstaff,
reflecting its older heritage needs the occasional looking after
as well – but that is easy enough to do.
What Aerostich offers here is not your everyday riding gear
but something different, sturdy, stylish, protective, very
water-proof with enough nostalgia that even T.E. Lawrence
would look comfortable riding in.
I can see this becoming my day-to-day jacket during the
cooler and wetter months – on and off the motorcycles.
Log onto aerostich.com to see various options, colors and
sizes and to order their latest catalog.
If you need me I will be taking Rex, my Baskerville
Hound, out for a walk on the moors. Cheerio.
~ Brian Rathjen
CYCLE SIDEBAR HAUNTED HISTORYTRAILS OF NEWYORK STATE • EXPLORE THE OTHER SIDE
THE KERMIT TABLEWhether making coffee in the morning or refreshments in the evening, a table is an essential piece of equipment to
have while camping. The Kermit Table sets up fast when you need it, and it just as easily disassembles and rolls up
when you are ready to go. Designed specifically to match the height of the arm of the Kermit Chair, the Kermit
Table is the perfect companion piece for the Chair.
Handcrafted in Tennessee using white oak. When assembled: 12.5” tall with 12”x14” tabletop.
Packed in bag: 15”long x 5” diameter. Weight: 3.0 lbs. Price: $75. Log onto www.kermitchair.com
CONTINENTAL TKC 70 TIRESThe hard truth is that many ADV bikes and riders never see the bad side of the mountain, although there are some riders who un-
derstand that 90% of the world’s roads are unpaved. For you riders we have a bit of a rubber upgrade for you.
Adding a more aggressive tire to your large displacement adventure bike can make a great deal of difference in its gravel and
off-road handling and for those of you looking for an ADV tire with a bit more cajones, take a look at Continental’s new TKC
70 tires.
For years now Continental’s TKC 80 was the street knobby 50/50 tire (Street/Dirt) of choice for dirt rides looking for a more
dirt-worthy rubber.
Now Continental has brought the TKC 70 to the game.
The TKC 70 tires use a zero-degree, steel-belted radial construction (compared to a bias-ply) and is created with a tempera-
ture-controlled curing process that allows for harder more durable center tread and softer shoulder sections from a single rubber
compound add in the new aggressive mud and dirt shedding tire pattern and you have a set of tires that offer a good 70/30 de-
sign.
Using techniques from their Conti TrailAttack tires (90/10) they have also increased the TKC 70’s road life.
From a riding point of view this gives you a far more tractable ride on the roughest fire road or two track, great on-road performance
in a variety of weather conditions and far more miles over their previous TKC 80 – a tire that you could burn through quickly on regular pavement.
Look for a full on ride review later this year. See them for yourself at www.continentaltire.com
MACHINEARTMOTO X-HEAD_LC CYLINDER GUARDS NOW AVAILABLEMachineartMoto, designers of specialized products for BMW motorcycles, announces X-Head_LC
cylinder guards for the R-series liquid cooled models. X-Head_LC are designed to integrate with the
styling of new R-bikes and are the choice of riders who do not like the look of crash bars on street bikes.
X-Head_LC cylinder guards are designed to cover 80% of the face of the head to protect, not only the
bottom/front initial impact area in a drop, but also the upper part of the cylinder head. Even in a sta-
tionary drop, inertia will cause a bike to roll onto the upper face of the head before it settles down.
Page 36 MARCH 2015 • BACKROADS
P R O D U C T S P O T L I G H T S
Long Island Yamaha67 North Broadway • Route 107 • Hicksville, NY
www.LIYamaha.com • 516-935-6969
Dress properly for your ride with a helmet, eye protection, long-sleeved shirt, long pants, gloves and boots. Do not drink and ride. It is illegal and dan-gerous. Yamaha and the Motorcycle Safety Foundation encourage you to ride safely and respect the environment. For further information regarding theMSF course, please call 1-800-446-9227. ©2014 Yamaha Motor Corporation. U.S.A. All rights reserved. • YamahaMotorsports.com
THE MOST VERSATILESPORT TOURER.Introducing the most performance,power, versatility and value ever packedinto one motorcycle. From commutingand exploring backroads, to touring theopen road and enjoying long sport touradventures, the all-new FJ-09 does it allin comfort and style with Yamaha’s un-mistakable reliability and performance.
2015 FJ-09
The X-Head_LC design benefits from “SuperTough” nylon technology successfully proven in use with the X-Head DOHC and SOHC models also in the product
line. With its blend of high impact strength, temperature and UV stabilization, the injection molded shell is designed to be slightly ductile in impact to prevent
breakage. On the inside of the shell is a thick thermoplastic rubber heat resistant liner that rests against the face of the cylinder to aid in dissipating impact force
while preventing hard contact. Each side mounts via 2 stainless steel M5 T25 Torx Head fasteners and one existing T50 bolt.
X-Head_LC cylinder guards are available for the new R1200R, R1200RS, R1200RT, R1200GS and ADV liquid cooled models for $189.00 00.
Get yours from www.machineartmoto.com and authorized dealers.
MUSTANG’S TRIFECTA DELUXETOURING SEATS FORTRIKES TAKE FLIGHTMustang Seats has announced the launch of a trio of touring seats. The new Deluxe Touring Seat fits the Tri Glide® Ultra Classic
and Street Glide Trikes, as well as all the two-wheeled FL Touring models from 2008-15. “The more time in
the saddle, the more you really need to discover what a difference comfort makes,” says Marketing Director
Marilyn Simmons.
“Get the most comfort and style out of your Tri Glide® Ultra Classic and Street Glide Trike with our Trike
Deluxe Touring seat,” says Simmons. Engineered specifically for all-day comfort, the 19” wide front seat sets
the rider back 1.75” compared to the stock seat. It also angles the body for long-distance comfort.
Of course long distance touring is more fun two-up, so the engineering team focused on the passenger seat to
make sure it measures up to Mustang’s high-flying standards. The 14” wide rear seat provides support across its full width and keeps the passenger firmly in the
comfort zone. Now both pilot and passenger will be happy to spend more time in the saddle, suggests Simmons.
“We have to earn our wings with every rider on every ride, so we styled this seat along the lines of state-of-the-art automotive interior designs,” she adds. “The
seat features exquisite stitching detail and a front bucket drain for rainy days.” The receiver for the optional, removable driver backrest is built into the baseplate.
Note: this seat will not work with Mustang or Harley® frame-mounted backrest kits. “We have to earn our wings with every rider on every ride.”
Although it was expressly designed to fit the 2009-15 Tri Glide® Ultra Classic and 2010-2011 Street Glide Trike, Mustang’s Trike Deluxe Touring seat will also
fit and nicely complement all other 2008-up FL Touring models. Prices vary and range up to $860.
Log onto mustangseats.com for more info.
FLYINGTIGER MOTORCYCLES TWO STROKE SMOKE CANDLEResearchers have found that your sense of smell and your memory are more directly related than most think. In fact
an aroma from the past can bring a rush of both memories and emotions.
Grandma’s home. A trip to the shore. Cookies fresh out of the oven. That body you and your friends found in the
woods…(sorry, too much Stephen King). The first time you smelled a finely tuned Kawasaki H2 or Yamaha TZ-750;
that distinct scent spilling out in that soft blue cloud of horsepower perfume. Ahhh….
Flying Tiger Moto is offering something to delight your senses.
The one and only original super awesome custom blended 2 stroke smoke candle. It’s made with real live Klotz 2
stroke oil with high-octane fragrance. Flying Tiger Moto has reformulated the candle and are using metal cans with
retro-style label - the wood wick and 16 oz of wonderful 2-strokey soy wax will burn a long time and that will give your romantic nights the extra kick-start they
need. You can get yours at www.flyingtigermoto.com for $20.
BACKROADS • MARCH 2015 Page 37
BRINGING SOME HEAT TO A SNOWY DAY
With the first couple storms of 2015 hitting the tri-state area, the winter
season seems to have finally materialized as the roads are awash with salt
and snow banks litter the landscape. Despite the snow and the freezing rain,
things were heating up Saturday, Jan. 31 inside the Cross Country
Cycles/Powersports building where Michael Ornstein (Chucky from Sons of
Anarchy) was helping host a chili cook-off as well as signing autographs and
chatting with fans.
Entrants for this heart-warming cook-off included Rashmika and Stu Segal,
Mary Fried, Dan Notte, Brett Praskach and Djeams Muse, from the Latin
American Motorcycle Assoc., who had the winning chili.
TEACH N TOURAdventure Riders
International, in con-
junction with Kitzhof
Inn located at the
entry to the Green
Mountain National
Forest in beautiful
southwestern Ver-
mont, is very excited
to offer three oppor-
tunities to come and
hone the art of off-road motorcycling with two-time national champion and
renowned motorcycle instructor Lorne Banks and the ARI crew.
Enjoy 3 days experiencing the breathtaking scenery, wildlife and Vermont
hospitality while navigating the groomed trails and gravel roads of south-
western Vermont. The Teach N Tour curriculum was developed by Lorne and
takes you out of a contained riding area and puts you in real world situations
with 8 to 12 of your new best friends, all the while learning proper riding
techniques.
You will be treated to all-inclusive lodging and meals provided by Kitzhof
Inn owner Simon Ferris as well as top tier local restaurants. Special attention
is made to ensure you experience fresh, local cuisine and relaxing dining at
the end of a fun day of riding. A hot tub and pool is provided to relax those
muscles and get you ready for another fun day of riding and new adventures.
Teach N Tour Dates: May 21-24 2015 • July 9-12 2015 • Sept 24-27 2015
3 - Day Kitzhof Inn Teach N Tour $1495.00 all inclusive
Find out more or register online at www.adventureridersinternational.com
Page 38 MARCH 2015 • BACKROADS
INDUSTRY INFOBITES News from the Inside
RISING WOLF GARAGE NYC
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GREEK MOTO ADVENTURES
6 and 10 day tours of the Peloponnese
8 day Exploratory tours
Custom Tours Available
Incredible riding, eating and people
Book your tour today!
Contact:Vasilios Rallis718-730-5220
www.greekmotoadventures.com
NEW SELF-GUIDED TOURS FROM GSMMOTORENT
GSMmotoRent, a recognized expert in motorcycle rentals and tours
throughout the Smokey Mountains, offers two new self-guided tour packages
available for the 2015 season. The Blue Ridge 500, 3 day, 3 night, and the
Blue Ridge 700, 6 day, 6 night, are self-guided tours that include all lodging,
motorcycle rental, and GPS guidance with easy to follow routes in one pack-
age. These tours have been designed to make the most out of each day’s ride
and include “Points of Interest” along the way as well as “Adventure De-
tours.” optional short excursions on forest roads that link back up with the
main route if you feel like getting dirty. All lodging was chosen so that restau-
rants, shopping, and nightlife are within easy walking distance to your room
every evening. According to owner Dan Dickie, “What we have found in the
M/C rental business is that the bike is half of the equation, where to ride to
get the most out of your vacation is the other. We have listened to our cus-
tomers, and that combined with our years of traveling these areas has allowed
us to put together what we believe, are the best balance of riding, things to
see, and lodging for each tour.”
Fly and ride • Airport P/U and return to the Knoxville, TN airport is in-
cluded in all tours. With a wide range of bikes available from BMW, Tri-
umph, Kawasaki, Suzuki, and KTM plan on riding through the mountains
on the steed of your choice. Let GSMmotoRent do all the planning, with
prices starting at just $699 for the Blue Ridge 500, plan on booking your next
adventure soon.
More info on these and other tours can be found on their website at
www.gsmmotorent.com
MARKETPLACE EVENTS ANNOUNCES CONSUMER
MOTORCYCLE SHOW SERIES LAUNCH FOR 2016The Marketplace Events (MPE) Motorcycle Group, producers of the highly
acclaimed American International Motorcycle Expo (AIMExpo) – one of
North America’s fastest-growing trade shows – announced its plans today to
produce a new series of events directed at motorcycle and powersports con-
sumers. The shows will be timed to promote 2016 model year products. Lo-
cations and dates are to be announced soon.
“Since our earliest research on the viability of the AIMExpo launch (a
combined trade/consumer platform new to North America), we’ve been con-
tinually asked by key industry players when we would produce a series of
consumer-only events,” said Mike Webster, President of MPE’s Motorcycle
Group. “Their message has been clear and consistent: the market is under-
served from a consumer show perspective. Industry marketers are looking
for a more responsive and engaging platform – something welcoming to tra-
ditionalists and attractive to new riders. We have no doubt the experiential
elements we’re planning will excite all members of our community.”
Webster said the phenomenal success of AIMExpo (entering its third year)
makes the timing perfect for the consumer show series.
Additional details on the consumer motorcycle show series will be an-
nounced in the coming months.
BIPARTISAN SENATE BILL WOULD BAN FEDERAL FUNDING
FOR MOTORCYCLE-ONLY CHECKPOINTS
A bipartisan bill introduced by U.S. Sens. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Ron
Johnson (R-Wis.), Kelly Ayotte (R-N.H.), Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) and Susan
BACKROADS • MARCH 2015 Page 39
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Collins (R-Maine) would prohibit the use of federal funds in establishing motorcycle-only checkpoints.
Specifically, the “Stop Motorcycle Checkpoint Funding Act” would restrict the Secretary of Transportation
from granting funds to any government entity for a program to check helmet use or to create checkpoints for
an operator of a motorcycle or a passenger on a motorcycle.
Motorcycle riders already are subject to state registration, inspection, licensing and helmet laws and must
stop at sobriety check points like all other motorists.
“Evidence suggests that motorcycle-only checkpoints do not effectively reduce motorcycle injuries or fa-
talities and do not address the factors that are the main contributors to motorcycle accidents,” the senators
wrote in a press release about the bill. “Accordingly, NHTSA does not list the practice in its own 2013 Highway
Safety Countermeasure Guide for State Highway Offices, which details policies and activities that the agency
considers effective at reducing crash injuries and fatalities.”
States use funding from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to pay for the checkpoints, so
federal legislation can halt the practice.
If passed, this federal bill will cut off NHTSA funding and ensure that riders across the country are safe-
guarded from these ineffective and discriminatory stops.
California, Louisiana, Missouri, North Carolina, Illinois, New Hampshire and Virginia have passed legis-
lation curbing motorcycle-only checkpoints.
HARLEY RULES STURGIS FOR THE NEXT 75 YEARS?Harley-Davidson and the City of
Sturgis, S.D., are setting their sights on
the future – far into the future. In the
spirit of this year’s 75th Sturgis Motor-
cycle Rally, the company and city offi-
cials are finalizing an agreement
covering the next 75 years making
Harley-Davidson the official motorcy-
cle of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally and
Creates Year-Round Main Street Plaza
For Riders in Sturgis, S.D. Sturgis Mo-
torcycle Rally.
As part of the agreement, a perma-
nent plaza will be built on Main Street
in Sturgis that will include a stage for
events, concerts and even weddings.
The year-round location, which will be
completed in time for this year’s 75th
rally, will be the official Harley-Davidson destination for riders and fans alike.
Baked into the bricks to ensure the new multi-purpose space builds on the legacy of the brand and is pure
Harley-Davidson, the plaza will integrate bricks from the company’s Milwaukee headquarters, a building that
once housed the company’s factory dating back more than 100 years.
Whether riders are trapped inside for the winter or riding south toward warmer weather, now is the perfect
time to plan a trip to the 75th Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. The party starts Aug. 1, 2015, and for those who’ve
had Sturgis on a bucket list, this might just be the year to attend. For inspiration and pictures from the 2014
rally, visit www.h-d.com/sturgis.
Page 40 MARCH 2015 • BACKROADS
VICTORY MOTORCYCLES TO CREATE
NHRA PRO STOCK FACTORY EFFORTVictory Motorcycles is taking a bold step into the performance world of
NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle Drag Racing with the creation of Victory Fac-
tory Racing. Leading the Victory effort will be the riding team of 2-time
world Champion Matt Smith and his wife/co-rider Angie. They have both
demonstrated the professionalism, dedication and success that assures Vic-
tory a partnership in keeping with the commitment to excellence that is a
fundamental part of its DNA. Victory intends to compete at the pinnacle of
the sport and anticipates a strong and professional effort with the skills and
experience of Matt and Angie Smith. “Victory is excited to enter the world
of NHRA Pro Stock Drag Racing.” said Steve Menneto, VP Motorcycles for
Polaris. “It is Victory’s intent to continue to test ourselves at the highest levels
and the Victory Factory Racing Team is the perfect opportunity for us.
Both Matt and Angie
are fan-friendly and
enjoy sharing their ex-
periences with their
fans and increasing the
enthusiasm for this ex-
citing form of motorcy-
cle racing. As Victory
ambassadors, they will
bring even more energy
to our owners and
strengthen their sense
of pride while riding
their Victory motorcy-
cles to the races.
The NHRA Pro Stock season opens on March 13th at the Gatornationals
in Gainesville, FL. Join Victory Factory Racing at the dragstrip for some
high-speed racing that will make your head spin!
POLARIS INDUSTRIES INC. ANNOUNCES EXPANSION OF
MANUFACTURING OPERATIONS IN HUNTSVILLE, ALABAMA
Polaris selected Huntsville due to its skilled workforce, history of technol-
ogy and innovation, existing utility infrastructure, and strong local and state
resources supporting economic development. The 453-acre Huntsville site
offers Polaris close proximity to its key customer base in the Southeast U.S.
and strong logistics network.
“This new facility will complement our already strong and growing North
American manufacturing footprint by reducing pressure on our existing fa-
cilities and enable each to remain focused on their current product lines as
we continue to meet the demand for our innovative, quality products.” said
Ken Pucel, Executive Vice President of Operations, Engineering, and Lean,
Polaris Industries Inc. “We are grateful to the city of Huntsville and the state
of Alabama for their support as we invest in our shared future.”
Located southwest of Huntsville City Center, the 600,000 square-foot fa-
cility will focus on off-road vehicle production. Equipped with state-of-the-
art technologies, the plant will support several core processes including,
vehicle assembly, chassis and body painting, welding, fabrication and injec-
tion molding. At full capacity, the site will employ at least 1,700 people.
BACKROADS • MARCH 2015 Page 41
Now it’s our timeto support them
To volunteer or donate please call or visit:
516-717-1364 • www.ncff-oww.com
Solo versus Group RidingAlthough traveling with a small group or riding partner is always a great
idea, the feeling of striking out on your own has its special allure.
Traveling solo has its ups and downs, its own positives and negatives.
Truth is when you ride into town with a large group most locals do their
best to look the other way and tend not to interact with the riders. When more
than one rider take a number of spots outside a diner or on Main Street, USA
this is almost always the reaction.
Unfortunately a bad combination of human nature and Hollywood imagery
has painted a less than stellar portrait of us in the eyes of John Q. Public.
This is not always the case, but happens more often than not.
Still, when a solo rider (male or female) pulls up and dismounts, the reac-
tion usually is a bit different and, happily, a bit more welcoming.
People typically see the lone rider as less threatening and the idea of one
rider out on a motorcycle is a bit adventurous and interesting. You usually
will get more conversations going solo than with a group.
Also know that couples will typically get a friendlier reception than larger
groups for almost the very same reason.
Riding couples, both on their own machines, compared to two guys, are
still perceived in almost the same manner as solo riders.
Folks always seem to be far more friendly, from my perspective, yours
might be different – when I ride into town by myself or with Shira.
Once we add in another male rider or a few more machines the town folk
tend to be less sociable.
Said townsfolk are not going for the pitchforks and torches, but they aren’t
coming up smiling and chatting us up either.
Sure, there is always going to be that one old guy that rode Indians back
RIDE LIKE A PRO NJJerry ‘Motorman’ Palladino’s Training Classes
Being Held in New Jersey‘NEVER FEAR making a U-turn or dropping your 800lb. motorcycle again’
• Male-Female-Big-Small: It doesn’t matter
• You can learn the 3 simple techniques that motor cops have been using for years
• Our instructors - all active or retired motor officers - will show you how to use
the motor cop riding techniques to better control and handle your motorcycle
Check our website for available dates
www.RideLikeAProNJ.comPre-registration is recommended as classes fill quickly.
Gift certificates available • Course Fee is $150.00
Welcome to the Jungle - The Art of Learning to Ride SkillfullyA column dedicated to your riding survival
Page 42 MARCH 2015 • BACKROADS
before the Big One. They seem to be everywhere; or maybe that is always the same guy and he is much quicker than we thought?
But the difference in the way we are treated on the road riding solo is surprisingly civil.
Maybe this stems back to our own DNA and the fact that the lone trader coming to town was far less threatening than the Mongol hordes.
Although it is always a plus for you to be polite and easy going when arriving to a new place, town or hotel it’s even more so when on a motorcycle.
When dealing with authorities many times solo or couples can have an easier time than a larger group.
Case in point was one time when we were crossing the border in Eastern Europe. We were about an hour ahead of the rest of our friends and ran into a bit of
a problem.
One thing that I learned many years ago was to smile. Always smile and talk calmly, even when you are being asked why two motorcyclists are crossing into
their nation with USA passports, German motorcycles and questionable (in their minds) paperwork.
In short time, the couple in question (us) were viewed as not much of a threat.
An hour later our far larger group of friends spent a far longer time explaining who they were and where they were going.
We were looked at as easy going adventurers. They were the barbarians at the gates.
In the past we have heard of many great stories of kindness and benevolence offered to solo riders on tour, here in the United States and around the planet.
Even off the bike this can happen to lone travelers; like my friend Mike who missed his flight (the bar by the gate - always go to the one by the gate, I tell ya)
and found himself in South Africa with a night to pass by himself.
He ended up enjoying the kindness of his African taxi cab driver and spent the night as a guest in their home
with the driver’s family and friends.
It was a highlight of the entire journey and a memory he’ll never forget.
This would never have happened were there two stranded travelers and not he, by himself.
One the other hand riding with a number of others offers a comfortable group mentality and the knowledge
that if anything odd, stupid or drastic happens you have somebody along for the ride – good or bad.
There are pros and cons for both and next month we’ll look at a few things that you must have if touring by
yourself. ~ Brian Rathjen
BACKROADS • MARCH 2015 Page 43
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See and be seen – we have all heard this mantra. Being visible while riding is key
to arriving home safely.
Some riders have no desire to wear brightly colored and high-viz
gear, sticking with the more sedate and unnoticeable black leather.
How about something that gives you conspicuity on the road and
easily comes off and stows into itself when you arrive?
This handy travel companion takes the classification of hi-viz
safety vest to a whole new level by combining enhanced visibility
with rider specific function and fit. Designed to military specifica-
tions with authentic 3M Scotchlite® reflective panels. Cut-in rugged
rip-stop nylon with ballistic airflow mesh panels, it offers maximum
cooling and packs away easily via a hidden storage pocket located
inside the front torso zipper. Safely stowing extra gear is no problem
as this self-storage feature also functions as an oversized storage
pocket as well. The vest simply folds into itself and then can be
stowed in a tank or saddlebag.
Engineered to be worn over any motorcycle jacket, a custom fit can be achieved by utilizing adjuster straps
located at the side body and waist panel. A see through ID chest pocket plus six oversized 3M Scotchlite®
panels and full back retro reflective detailing qualify this vest for use by US military personnel. The Blaze
Safety Vest is available in Neon Yellow and Neon Orange for $79.99 from Olympia Motorsports dealers or at
www.olympiamotorsports.com.
PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT • BLAZE SAFETY VEST
FEBRUARY 201527 • Premiere viewing of the Idaho Backcountry Discovery Route Movie at Cross Coun-try Cycle. The IDBDR is the fifth route developed by the Backcountry Discovery Routesorganization for dual-sport and adventure motorcycle travel. The IDBDR is a south-to-north route across the state of Idaho covering over 1,400 miles of mostly non-pavedtrack. Cross Country Cycle • 911 Middlesex Ave, Metuchen, NJ • 732-906-9292 •www.CrossCountryCycle.net
MARCH 20156-15 • Daytona Bike Week, FL • www.daytonachamber.com/bikeweek/ce/
6-7 • Fifth Annual Modern Classics Motorcycle Show • An invitational indoor show fea-turing 100 classic motorcycles from the 1960's, 70s, and 80s. This year highlightingperiod correct custom bikes as well as the usual selection of classics from the era. For2015 The Modern Classics has expanded to two days. Friday evening, March 6, enjoycycles, art, and refreshments at the Modern Classics "Kickstart" Party and Show Pre-view from 7PM until 10PM (advance ticket purchases only.) and then the usual "museumfor a day" Saturday March 7 from 9 AM until 5PM at Martin Motorsports, Boyertown,PA. www.modernclassicsbikeshow.com or call Martin Moto for more information 610-369-3120
12 • Twisted Throttle Tech Night with Rick Muhr. 570 Nooseneck Hill Rd, Exeter, RI •www.TwistedThrottle.com
14 • St. Patrick’s Day Party at McLiberty Harley-Davidson. Free corned beef & cabbageserved noon to 2pm or while supplies last. Liberty Harley-Davidson, 12 W. Milton Ave,Rahway, NJ • 732-381-2400 • www.libertyharley.com
14 • Motorcyclepedia Museum Speaker Series: Basic Motorcycle Maintenance withArmen Amirian. Start: 3PM • Free with admission to museum. This presentation willtake you through basic maintenance of your motorcycle from one end to the other. Aonce over on what needs maintenance and the skill level, tools and frequency required.250 Lake St, Newburgh, NY • 845-569-9065 • www.motorcyclepediamuseum.org
21 • Bob's BMW Motorcycles Seminar: Rider Tune Up Seminar. Novices to veteranscan benefit from this seminar. Speak with Rider Insurance on ways to be fully coveredand save. Learn about T-CLOC from a certified technician. Hear from an MSF instructorabout the importance of training and available classes out there. 10720 Guilford Rd,Jessup, MD • 301-497-8949 • www.bobsbmw.com
21 • Motorcyclepedia Museum Speaker Series: Making the Most of your GPS with PaulDonoghue. Start: 3PM • Free with admission to museum. Learn basic route planning,how to build your own route or successfully import a route, the importance of settings,and pick up some tips and tricks. The presentation is focused on Garmin GPS and Base-Camp routing software, but has applicability to other brands of GPS. 250 Lake St, New-burgh, NY • 845-569-9065 • www.motorcyclepediamuseum.org
APRIL 20151 thru May 31 • Bob's BMW Motorcycles Ride the Road to Arts. Scavenger Hunt forriders to visit all 12 art sculptures put up by Howard County Art Council, take selfiesand submit for chances to win prizes. 10720 Guilford Rd, Jessup, MD • 301-497-8949• www.bobsbmw.com
9-12 • Horizons Unlimited Travellers meeting, Appomattox, VA. Have you ever won-dered about riding your motorcycle to far-away lands? If you dream those kinds ofdreams, this is the event for you! Overland travelers and those who aspire to do so willgather for a weekend of fun, information and friendship at the Holiday Lake 4-H Campnear Appomattox, VA. Along with seminars and presentations, the weekend also marksthe 150th anniversary of the end of the Civil War at nearby Appomattox Courthouse.Find complete information @ www.horizonsunlimited.com/events/virginia-2015
16 • Twisted Throttle Tech Night with Ken Condon - Track Day Prep. 570 NooseneckHill Rd, Exeter, RI • www.TwistedThrottle.com
18 • Morton’s BMW Motorcycles Spring Open House. 9a-4p. Demo rides on new mod-els, door prizes, food, music, vendors, great deals. More info at www.mortonsbmw.com• 540-891-9844 • 5099A Jefferson Davis Hwy, Fredericksburg, VA
25 • Motorcyclepedia Museum Speaker Series: Women in Motorcycling with CherylStewart. Start: 3pm • Free with admission to museum. A lot has changed for womenin motorcycling; from being far more visible and respected as riders to having many op-tions for customizing our bikes and high quality riding gear sized to fit us. BUT, thereare a few things that women often must approach differently when it comes to motorcy-cling. 250 Lake St, Newburgh, NY • 845-569-9065 • www.motorcyclepediamuseum.org
MAY 201514-17 • Concours Owners Group Northeast Spring Fling, Bedford, PA. Excellent hublocation with great surrounding area riding in Central PA, Western MD and northern WV.Rally fee (discounted for COG members) includes Saturday meal. Register online @tinyurl.com/COGSpringFling2015 • Jason: 814-615-9138
15-17 • Morton’s BMW Spring Fling Rally, Natural Bridge, VA. Find your way to theShenandoah Valley for the 5th annual Spring Fling, courtesy of Morton’s BMW. Centeredat the newly renovated Natural Bridge Hotel, enjoy great riding, informative seminarsand presentations, good food, a catered Saturday dinner buffet, an optional Fridayevening Brats & Brews dinner and more. Registration is $50 until May 1, $60 after thatdate. More information @ www.mortonsbmw.com • 540-891-9844
16-17 • New Sweden BMW Riders’ New Sweden 450. 450 miles of amazing roads, anight of camping, a hearty dinner and breakfast, all for under $60. Finishing patchesavailable. Sign in: Cycle Gear, 2070 Rte. 70 East, Cherry Hill, NJ 8:30-10am • Endsite:Pic-a-Lilli Inn, 866 Rte. 206, Shamong, NJ. $50 pre-reg • $60 day of event. For moreinfo please visit www.nsbmwr.com
Page 44 MARCH 2015 • BACKROADS
UPCOMING EVENTS CALENDAR What’s Happening
17 • SAVE THE DATE • Bergen County Harley-Davidson Freedom Run Festival. Enjoya great run then sit back and enjoy a day filled with vendors, great food, tons of musicand, to top it all off, a ramp to ram jump by Bubba Blackwell. Watch website for moredetails • www.bergenharley.com
28-31 • Backroads Spring Break 2015. Three (or four) day road trip heading north (orsouth if you live in Canada). 1st night: Yankee Inn, Lenox, MA • nights 2 + 3: GoldenArrow Resort, Lake Placid, NY • night 4: somewhere in the Catskills (call/email Back-roads for details). Full info: www.backroadsusa.com/rallies.html. As always, gatheringis free, just pay your own way and have a great time. Questions? [email protected] • 973-948-4176
30 • Twisted Throttle Annual Open House. Biggest Event Ever. FREE stunt shows, trialsexhibitio, live bands, seminars, adventure training demo, dozens of vendors and prizes.Watch website for more details • www.TwistedThrottle.com • 570 Nooseneck Hill Rd,Exeter, RI
JUNE 20151-6 • Americade, world's largest multi-brand motorcycle touring rally, attracting over100,000 annually. Come for the day or for the week to the "Best Riding Event in theU.S." with the most factory demos, a massive motorcycle expo, lots of incredible mo-torcycle events and more amazing rides than any other event in the country. Events in-clude guided and unguided rides, poker runs, scavenger hunt, trade show, bike shows,vendors, entertainment, and more • 518-798-7888 • www.americade.com
13-21 • Laconia Motorcycle Week – the original riding rally. All of the attractions thatyou can imagine, attracting the best custom bike builders and their creations. Eventsand attractions are going on everywhere, but the place to be at night is Weirs Beach •603-366-2000 • www.laconiamcweek.com
15-16 • CLASS returns to Virginia International Raceway Monday and Tuesday for atwo-day class around one of the nicest facilities in the US. Sign up by March and receive$100 off the weekend fee. For more information please visit www.classrides.com or call805-933-9936.
20 • Bob's BMW Motorcycles Seminar: Tips for Properly Strapping Down aMotorcycle.11am. 10720 Guilford Rd, Jessup, MD • 301-497-8949 •www.bobsbmw.com
25-28 • Johnstown Thunder in the Valley, Johnstown, PA • 800-237-8590 • www.vis-itjohnstownpa.com/thunderinthevalley
28 • 7th Annual Baer’s MS Poker Run to benefit Multiple Sclerosis. 2 Sign up locations:Baer’s Sports Center, 330 Grandview Ave, Honesdale, PA or Harmony Lodge #8, 519Rte. 206, Andover Twshp, NJ • 9a-Noon • $20/pp incl pin or patch. Endsite: AirportPark, Matamoras, PA with raffles, 50/50, food, vendors and live music • Jim/Sophia:570-686-2917 • www.wrvr.net • Baer 570-253-2000
JULY 201518 • Bob's BMW Motorcycles Healthy Riding Seminar: Discuss potential health relatedissues motorcyclists might encounter such as hypothermia and how totrat/prevent.10720 Guilford Rd, Jessup, MD • 301-497-8949 • www.bobsbmw.com
23-25 • 43rd BMW MOA International Rally, MetraPark, Billings Montana • www.bmw-moa.org
19 • Blue Knights of PA XXVI Fallen Officer Poker Run to benefit the family of Cpl. BryonDickson and Tpr. Alex Douglas. Sign up 9a-Noon @ Baer’s Sports Center, 330 Grand-view Ave, Honesdale, PA. $20/pp incl. pin or patch. Endsite: Airport Park, Matamoras,PA with raffles, 50/50, food, vendors and live music • Jerry: 914-850-2986 orJim/Sophia: 570-686-2917
AUGUST 20157-8 • 38th Annual Daniel Boone Rally sponsered by the Carolinas BMW MotorcycleOwners Assoc. Great Riding Roads, Hospitality and Comaraderie in cool North CarolinaMountain air. All riders and brands welcome - room for everyone at the KOA camp-grounds in Boone, NC. $45 rally fee includes two-nights camping, pin to first 200 at-tendees, door prizes, Sat. evening BBQ, donuts & coffee sunday morning, 24 hourcoffee, tea, hot chocolate, iced tea & lemonade. Also People's Choice Award,self-guided route sheets and GPS downloads (on and off-road), free wi-fi and so much more.Full details www.carolinasbmwmoa.org or email [email protected]
SEPTEMBER 201517-21 • Backroads Fall Foliage 2015. 4-night road trip to Virginia/West Virginia ridingheaven. 1st night: George Washington Hotel, Winchester, VA • nights 2 + 3: Isaac Jack-son Hotel, Elkins, WV • 4th night: Shippen Place Hotel, Shippensburg, PA. We’ll visitsome old and new stops, and bring you on some great twisties. Full info: www.back-roadsusa.com/rallies.html. As always, gathering is free, just pay your own way and havea great time. Questions? [email protected] • 973-948-4176
19 • Bob's BMW Motorcycles Oktoberfest & Open House 9A-4P.10720 Guilford Rd,Jessup, MD • 301-497-8949 • www.bobsbmw.com
Watch calendar and website for new events. Follow us on Facebook for up-to-the-minute information:
www.facebook.com/pages/Backroads-Motorcycle-Touring-Magazine
POLAR BEAR GRAND TOUR 2014-15MARCH 2015
1 • FIREHOUSE EATERY, 455 Saint Georges Ave. Rahway, NJ 07065 • 732 382-9500• www.firehouseeatery.com
8 • LONG VALLEY PUB & BREWERY, 1 Fairmount Rd., Long Valley, NJ 07853 • 908-876-1122 • www.restaurantvillageatlongvalley.com
15 • THE CHATTERBOX, #1 Rte 15 South, Augusta, NJ 07822 • 973-300-2300 •www.chatterboxdrivein.com
22 • BRIAN’S HARLEY-DAVIDSON, 600 S. Flowers Mill Rd., Langhorne PA 19047 • 215752-9400 • www.brianshd.com
29 • THE HICKORY BBQ SMOKEHOUSE, 743 Route 28, Kingston, NY 12401 • 845-338-2424 • www.hickoryrestaurant.com
APRIL 201512 • CHEEBURGER CHEEBURGER 336 Northampton St., Easton, PA 18042 • 610-438-1311 • www.cheeburger.com/pennsylvania
19 • CAPE MAY V.F.W. post #386, N.J. 419 Congress St., Cape May, N.J. 08204 • 609-884-7961
25 • END OF THE SEASON GET-TOGETHER - At The Pic-a-Lilli Inn, starting @ 11:30AM. The rain date would be April 26, 2015; same time. Cost to Members: $6.00 perperson. There will be salad, Wings, Beef, rolls, and lemonade, plus a cash bar. You mustget an arm band from your flight leader.
BACKROADS • MARCH 2015 Page 45
UPCOMING EVENTS CALENDAR What’s Happening
www.beemerboneyard.comUSED OILHEAD & K-BIKE PARTS
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JDS CYCLE PARTSEST. 1988
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908-245-2445
• Parts & Accessories• Award-winning Service• Performance Work• Dyno Tuning• S&S Pro Tuning Center• Power Commander
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Motorcyclepedia Motorcycle Museum Speaker SeriesInformative and entertaining presentations by noted speakers
on all kinds of motorcycle related topics.
All presentations are included free with cost of museum admission.
Start time for all presentations is 3 pm.
March 14 • Basic Motorcycle Maintenance • Armen AmirianThis presentation will take you through basic maintenance of your motorcycle from one end to theother. A once over on what needs maintenance and the skill level, tools and frequency required.Armen Amirian is a metal and mechanical fabricator and has taught motorcycle maintenance forover 35 years. Additionally he is a technical writer, having written for many motorcycle publicationsand has presented technical seminars nationally at numerous motorcycle rallies.
March 21 • Making the Most of Your GPS • Paul DonoghueLearn basic route planning, how to build your own route or successfully import a route, the impor-tance of settings, and pick up some tips and tricks. The presentation is focused on Garmin GPSand BaseCamp routing software, but has applicability to other brands of GPS. Paul Donoghuehas had a passion for discovering the ultimate motorcycle routes for over 39 years, and has beenutilizing GPS technology for over 20 years.
April 25 • Women in Motorcycling – Useful Information and InterestingAnecdotes for and About Women Who Ride • Cheryl Stewart
Happily a lot has changed for women in motorcycling; from being far more visible and respected asriders to having many options for customizing our bikes to suit us and high quality riding gear sized tofit us. BUT, there are a few things that women often must approach differently when it comes to motor-cycling. This will be a fun discussion about the ways we can make it all work better for us.Cheryl Stewart is a Founding Member of the Sirens Women's MC, NYC (1986), founder of the NewYork Motorcycle and Scooter Task Force (2009), and currently a track day instructor with Fishtail RidingSchool. When she’s not riding she works as a professional sculptor/scenic artist in NYC where she livesand rides.
CHECK WEBSITE TO CONFIRM DATES/TIMESwww.motorcyclepediamuseum.org
Page 46 MARCH 2015 • BACKROADS
M O T O R C Y C L E M A R K E T P L A C E ALL THAT GOOD STUFF
BACKROADS • MARCH 2015 Page 47
Sussex Hills Ltd.
973-875-2048946 Rte. 23 SouthSussex NJ 074613 miles north of Sussex Borough
Norman GrossSince 1976
Our Reputation Speaks for Itself
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The Boat House RestaurantPerfect in Any Season
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Page 48 MARCH 2015 • BACKROADS
M O T O R C Y C L E M A R K E T P L A C E ALL THAT GOOD STUFF
If you didn’t like cool stuff,you wouldn’t be reading
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Hudson Valley’s
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minutes from Perkins Drive
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‘50s-Style Drive-In RestaurantFull and Varied Menu
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Located at Ross’ Corners • 1 Route 15 • Augusta NJ • 973-300-2300
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Cool Nights, Hot Bikes • Two-Wheels or Four, join us at
THE CHATTERBOX DRIVE-INGREAT FOOD • GOOD TIMES • EXCELLENT RIDING
210 Route 10 West, East Hanover, NJ • 973-428-1735
www.HanoverPowersports.comDress properly for your ride with a helmet, eye protection, long-sleeved shirt, long pants, gloves and boots. Do not drink and ride. It is illegal anddangerous. Yamaha and the Motorcycle Safety Foundation encourage you to ride safely and respect the environment. For further information re-garding the MSF course, please call 1-800-446-9227. ©2014 Yamaha Motor Corporation. U.S.A. All rights reserved. • YamahaMotorsports.com
Follow Us on Instagram
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Like Us on Facebook 210 Route 10 West, East Hanover, NJ • 973-428-1735
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2015 1290 + 390 SUPER DUKE
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2015 FJ-09THE MOST VERSATILE SPORT TOURER.
2015 YZF-R1COMPLETELY NEWFROM THE TRACK UP.Whether it’s enjoying long sport touradventures or ripping up the track,Yamaha has the bike for you. Come getyours at Hanover Powersports.
ONLY Full Line KTM Dealer in the tri-state area
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Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri: 9am-6pm • Thur: 9am-8pm • Sat: 9am-5pm • SUNDAY: CLOSED - GONE RIDING
Friday, April 24th
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