Motorcycle TourM
agazine
Motorcycles, Travel & Adventure
SEPTEMBER 2013Volume 19 No. 9
BMW MOA RallyBeemers
BigfootBlue Skies
September 2013 - Covers_2011 Cover Template 8/5/13 5:18 PM Page 1
September 2013 - Covers_2011 Cover Template 8/5/13 5:18 PM Page 2
September 2013 - Pages_2011 Page Layout-New 8/5/13 5:23 PM Page 1
W H A T ’ S I N S I D EMONTHLY COLUMNS
FREE WHEELIN’.................................................................................4
WHATCHATHINKIN’..........................................................................6
POSTCARDS FROM THE HEDGE .................................................7
ON THE MARK ..................................................................................8
THROTTLE BLIP.................................................................................9
BACKLASH .......................................................................................10
INDUSTRY INFOBITES ...................................................................11
GREAT ALL AMERICAN DINER RUN.........................................14
BIG CITY GETAWAY........................................................................16
MYSTERIOUS AMERICA...............................................................18
WE’RE OUTTA HERE......................................................................21
THOUGHTS FROM THE ROAD ...................................................23
WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE .......................................................39
UPCOMING EVENTS CALENDAR ..............................................45
MOTORCYCLE MARKETPLACE...................................................46
FEATURESSHIRA’S ICE CREAM RUN............................................................25
INDIAN MOTORCYCLES RE-EMERGE IN STURGIS................27
REVERSAL OF FORTUNE .............................................................30
BMW MOA 41ST INTERNATIONAL RALLY .............................34
CARTAGENA - THE FORTRESS CITY ........................................50
MOTORCYCLE REVIEWS3,500 MILES WITH THE NEW R 1200 GS .............................40
PRODUCT REVIEWSPRODUCT SPOTLIGHTS................................................................42
BAJA DESIGNS ONX LED LIGHT BAR ......................................53
Brian Rathjen • Shira Kamil ~ PublishersContributors: Jeff Bahr, Mark Byers, Bill Heald,Tony Lisanti, Terry Peters, Dr. Seymour O’Life
BACKROADS • POB 317, Branchville NJ 07826Phone 973.948.4176 • Fax 973.948.0823 • email [email protected] • web www.backroadsusa.com • For Advertising Sales Information: 973-948-4176
BACKROADS (ISSN 1087-2088) is published monthly by BACKROADS™, Inc. 2013. All rights reserved. BACKROADS™ may not be reproduced in any manner without specific writtenconsent from the publisher. BACKROADS™ welcomes and encourages submissions (text and photos) and suggestions. Include phone number with submissions. BACKROADS™ willonly return material with enclosed sufficient postage. The written articles and opinions printed in BACKROADS™ are not necessarily those of the publisher and should not be con-sidered an endorsement. The Rip & Rides® published are ridden on the sole responsibilty of the rider. BACKROADS™ is not responsible for the conditions of the public roadwaystraversed. Please respect the environment, read your owner’s manual and wear proper protective gear and helmet. Ride within your limits, not over them.
Motorcycles, Travel & Adventure
ROLLIN’ FASTCycle Sports
104 Main Street, Lebanon, NJ908-236-9000 • www.rollinfast.com
Here to serve you Monday-Friday 9a-6p • Thursday 9a-7pSaturday 9a-5p • Gone Riding Sunday
Come in today for the bestprices of the season.
Get Ready for Fall Cleanup.
September 2013 - Pages_2011 Page Layout-New 8/5/13 5:23 PM Page 2
September 2013 - Pages_2011 Page Layout-New 8/5/13 5:23 PM Page 3
The LisT
Each time Shira and I go on tour I inevitablyleave something important behind. Extra cam-era battery, USB cord, toothbrush – anythingcould be forgotten and I usually discover thisat the least opportune time.
Many times this happens because I wait tillthe day I am leaving before packing for thetrip. In the mad rush to get going things willalways fall through the cracks, often withreally bad results – such as the time I gotto a Backroads Fall Fiesta and immedi-ately had to go in search of a toothbrush- the most basic of necessities.
Every now and again I make up a listof “must have” items to be brought longfor the ride. But this can get out ofhand as well; as sometimes it seemsmy list has a list.
So with less than a week to go before we headed to Greece, I gotup one morning determined to have everything I needed for this trip to East-ern Europe. And, this time – instead of using pad and pencil I would keepthe list on my computer.
Yeah, I know, but sometimes pad and pencil are very convenient. In thepast I was always going to type it all into the computer – but it never cameabout – and paper lists always disappear with time.
Realizing that I indeed needed two lists, one for touring on my own ma-chine here in North America and a second for when I got on a jet to ridesomebody’s motorcycle elsewhere on the planet, I sat down with steaming
coffee cup in hand and started working on the latest lists. Then, being thelazy one I am, I figured I’d just make one big one and have Shira format itinto a check-off sort of thing and print a few dozen to keep handy for eachtrip or tour we did.
I would start with the basics in no particular order, with some personalthings that I always seem to need that you might have no use for what soever. The things I knew I would be using all the time and hoped – if I keptthis open on my desktop – I would add other essentials in the next few days.
The List • Riding Gear:
Helmet w/ New Shield, Riding Jacket & Pants, Waterproof Riding Boots,
Gloves, Rain gloves, Ear Plugs, Neck Warmer, Wind Stop Jacket, Electric
Gear Liner, Gloves & Thermostat, CamelBak – Hydration System
Essential Tools of the Trade:
Wallet – Credit Cards, Fun Tickets (cash), License, etc…Airline Tickets/Itin-
erary, Passport, Toiletry Bag (check contents), Apple Laptop /w Charger,
Backpack for Laptop , pens, paper, highlighters, etc…Small Digital Camera,
Extra camera Batteries w/ Charger, Nikon D100 Camera, Extra Battery and
Charger for Nikon, USB Cable, DSL Cable, Altec inMotion Speakers, Cell
Phone /w Charger, Garmin GPS V, Maps/Holder, Guitar Picks, Communica-
tion System, Cork Screw, Back-Up Cork Screw, Good Book, Six Current Is-
sues of Backroads, Leatherman, Pocket Knife, Plexus and Micro Towel,
Handful of Sacagawea Coins for Street Kids, Reading Glasses, Small Flash-
light, Tank Bag to carry all this crap
Clothing:
Socks & Underwear, 3 Pants, 6 T-Shirts, 2 Tailored Shirts, Sweater, Bathing
Suit, Baseball Cap (Star Gate SG-1 or NY Mets preferred), Watch, Walking
Shoes, Belt
The bulk of this list came easily, but things did get added over the weekendI kept this up on my computer - such as the back-up cork screw when I re-membered busting one, one evening, in Morocco and having little chance ofrunning out to the store in a Muslim nation to pick up a replacement.
Remember the Boy Scouts motto.Remember also that, although the list seems lengthy, it really isn’t and
(Continued on Page 20)
F R E E W H E E L I N ’
BRIAN RATHJEN
Page 4 SEPTEMBER 2013 • BACKROADS
September 2013 - Pages_2011 Page Layout-New 8/5/13 5:23 PM Page 4
September 2013 - Pages_2011 Page Layout-New 8/5/13 5:23 PM Page 5
Where ya gonna go When the volcano bloWs
Motorcycle Touring. It’s an interesting life, full
of excitement, travel and socializing. Sometimes
you ride with strangers; many times with folks you’ve come to know over
the years.
For me, it’s usually with Brian, gathering fodder for
these pages. We’ve developed a very good system of
taking images on the road. Brian is quite proficient at
pulling out the camera while riding and snapping
some action shots. My attempts at this most often end
up with blurry, distant garbage. Every once in a while
I’ll get lucky.
On our most recent sojourn out west to participate
in the BMW MOA Rally in Salem, Oregon, we man-
aged to put some good mileage on two brand new
bikes and see a great deal of the northwest. Invariably,
when you pull into a parking lot on new motorcycles,
there will be at least one person who will come over
to admire, ogle or just plain gawk. This is hardly ever
a problem, as being a spokesperson for said bike is
part of the job of motojournalism.
On this trip, we were hitting some beautiful national parks and amazing
scenic highlights that we wanted to capture as best we could. We would find
the perfect setting, away from any tourists, traffic and parked cars and set up
our shots. This is a difficult thing to do in the middle of July at places like
Crater Lake or Mount Saint Helens, but we did our best.
So, here we were, our bikes pointed at each other, with a clear blue sky
above Mount Saint Helens and a relatively empty parking lot. Brian had
moved our gear to a nearby wall to get it out of the shot and was getting out
his camera when HE came sauntering over (let’s call him Tim). Tim was full
of questions and excitement, as he used to ride ‘in the day’ and had an old
something or other back home ‘that he really should try to get started again’.
Tim was certainly nice enough, and just wanted to strike up a conversation
about motorcycles, which would otherwise be a great thing to do. However,
we were trying our best to get these shots done before the inevitable tour bus
pulled into the parking lot. He kept bending down to look over the bikes and
ask questions. He would lean against the bike while we answered and at-
tempted to lure him away from the motorcycles. At one point I gave up and
went to the bathroom, hoping that losing one set of ears might send him on
his way. I exited the bathroom to see him still bend-
ing Brian’s ear, frustration starting to show in his
eyes. Upon my return, he turned his attention and
conversation to me and I kept him talking while
walking over to the viewing sight for the volcano.
Luckily, he followed me and Brian was finally able
to get his shots done.
So, how do you tactfully and politely discourage
the further conversations of someone who is deter-
mined to keep you talking all day? Depending on my
mood, which is usually light and cheery, I’ll talk for
a little then start shooting my pictures. Mostly folks
will get the hint that you’re done talking. If they
don’t, I go for blunt directness and ask them to please
move out of the way as I’m trying to get my picture.
If this just gets them into the ‘photo bomb’ position in the background I will
physically move them to a spot completely out of sight line. As I’ve always
heard, it’s easier to beg forgiveness than ask permission, and if laying hands
on someone offends them, they should learn how to get out of my space.
This scenario doesn’t just apply to photography. Some times you’ll just be
in a beautiful, serene spot and want to enjoy the moment when a Tim wanders
along and ruins the moment. I guess I have that look about me, but I seem to
attract those folks who feel I’d make a great listener to their problems of the
(Continued on Page 20)
W H AT C H AT H I N K I N ’
SHIRA KAMIL
Page 6 SEPTEMBER 2013 • BACKROADS
023SE13_P008_Transfer Template 8/5/13 5:44 PM Page 1
There can be onLy one (buTTon)
One of the things that fascinates me about the two-wheeled conveyances we cherish is how differentOEMs tackle a common control interface. There are certain things that aremandated by governments to insure some standardization, such as placementof key operational controls like the brake, throttle, etc. But as you no doubtknow, there are some controls that are differentdepending on the whims of the manufacturersuch as the turn signal switch. If you want tostart a lively debate, bring up the oldHarley/BMW two-switch design and compare itto the single switch approach everybody else hasalways used. Each side will have proponentsthat will swear one design is natural, intuitiveand brilliant, while others will claim it’s idiotic.That said, you will certainly hear some interest-ing arguments on both sides, and to be honestyou tend to get used to what you ride anyway.
The reason I bring this up is I recently encoun-tered a type of control I’ve not experienced be-fore, and as I’m always interested in how designers approach things I thoughtI’d share the experience. That, and these things are always important to talkabout because we live in a time where the microprocessor is changing howjust about everything works, and this even includes the things we use to op-erate our bikes. In this case, I encountered a cruise control that was rathernovel in its simplicity. The bike was Moto Guzzi’s quite entertaining Cali-fornia 1400 Touring, and this able road-muncher comes standard with a verycompact cruise unit that consists of one button. That’s pretty amazing whenyou think about typical cruise control units that have all kinds of switchesand such and all need to be mastered before you take to the highway and useit. I should point out that some other OEM may be using one-button cruise
too, but they haven’t in the past and this is my first encounter with one.Speaking of which, I know many who don’t like cruise control at all on mo-torcycles and I respect this position. But I like having it for no other reasonthan just resting your wrist on long days in the saddle, when you hit an ap-propriate stretch of road.
Anyway, one button. To quote Michael Palin, “wonderful what you can donowadays.” This lone button is used to turn the unit on, then set your speed,cancel, etc. Couldn’t be simpler, and yet I had trouble getting it to work easilyat first. I think part of it was how I expect to operate such a unit, based onmy experience with a small boatload of the devices. But it’s all a matter ofjust understanding how it works, and as it turns out with one button the crit-
ical operation you must master is how long to push thething to get it to do what you want. A long push turnson the unit and an icon blinks in the speedo cluster, thenwhen you reach desired speed a quick push locks inyour speed and the icon glows steadily. You have to bein at least third gear, and you don’t touch the brakes orthe clutch. If you want to speed up, just twist the throt-tle and when you release it returns the preset speed. For“coast” functions you touch the brakes and it disen-gages, and then you reset your speed again. Simple,yes? One button, no worries.
All this simplicity is made possible because electron-ics have become so compact and smart, and in manyways this is a big advancement over the original cruise
units especially if we go all the way back to throttle locks. If you rememberthese simple “cruise control” units, they basically just held the throttle at afixed point through mechanical friction. Very simple, to be sure, but verylimited in how they could help you and potentially problematic (although ifit gets stuck there’s always your friend the clutch lever). Then as manufac-turers started building electronic cruise control units, they were (dependingon the make) larger and even larger modules, with controls based on the de-sign found on their automotive counterparts. They tended to work well, al-though there was no interface with traction control because there was notraction control. This is a very critical feature in my view, because when trac-
(Continued on Page 24)
P O S T C A R D SF R O M T H E H E D G E
BILL HEALD
BACKROADS • SEPTEMBER 2013 Page 7
September 2013 - Pages_2011 Page Layout-New 8/5/13 5:23 PM Page 7
The Long ride
I didn’t really jones to do it. I’ve always looked with disdain upon longsuperslab drones – rides designed to cover distance rather than to celebratethe miracle of motorcycle maneuvering. But fate intervened, as she is knownto do: I had a wedding to attend in Wisconsin. Consulting the oracle ofGoogle revealed that Madison is just over a thousand miles from my abodeby Eisenhower’s autobahns and a memory floated to the top of my cerebralcesspool about an “Ironbutt Saddlesore 1,000,” so I figured “What the hell.”
I’m no stranger to long days in the saddle. In my other life as a bicyclerace referee, I’ll spend 12-14 hours on the moto in a day, traveling to racesand chasing lycra-clad competitors around. When I was a bicycle racer, onmultiple days I covered more than 100 miles on a bicycle, but despite myhours on a moto, I didn’t have that may miles in one day. The longest rideI’d done was a one-day trip to Vermont from Southern Maryland, a distanceof about 650 miles. The absence of a thousand-mile moto ride hung therelike a smudge on my bucket list.
The planning was ridiculously easy: I made sure I had a 24-hour gas stationnearby to get a receipt with a date and time for the start, printed some formsfrom the Ironbutt Association’s web site, read their tips, and looked at internetmaps. I planned an all-slab assault on the Midwest, carefully avoiding thespiderweb of roads around Chicago in favor of a less congested route throughBloomington, Illinois. A five-in-the-morning departure insured I’d miss thetraffic in all the enroute urban areas (DC, Columbus, Dayton, Indianapolis,and Bloomington), plus it gave me daylight for almost the entirety of the trip.Although I couldn’t count it for the ride time, travelling East to West gainedan hour’s clock time.
And so it went. On the assigned day, I pushed the starter button at 0500hours sharp, departed the gas station at 0515, and the next time I stopped wasin Morgantown, WV five hours later. Two more stops, one in Springfield,OH and one in Urbana, IL, insured my intake and output of fluids allowedcontinued progress. My log and dated/timed receipts were kept as evidence
of my journey and I pulled into Madison, WI sixteen-and-a-half hours and1,048 miles later. I even had time to have celebratory beers with the weddingparty on the shore of Lake Mendota.
Was it “fun?” Not really. It was neitheragony nor ecstasy. It was…an “accomplish-ment.” The cruise control made the trip bear-able for my throttle hand and judiciousstand-up stretches kept my bum happy. I de-liberately did it without any audio – no radioor MP3 player or books on tape because,frankly, with everything going on in thecountry, I just wanted a long period of mov-ing meditation. It was just the sound of thebike coupled with the wind to accompanymy thoughts. It reminded me of when I used
to run in college to clear my head. Paradoxically, by the time I got there, Iactually felt psychologically energized in the absence of the cacophony ofmedia voices by which I’m normally bombarded via radio and the internerd.That may be the real value of long, straight moto rides.
Would I do it again? Perhaps, if similar conditions arose wherein I had tobe somewhere distant and needed an efficient, economical means of travel.It sure as hell beat any contact with an airline or groping by the TSA. Am Igunning to do the whole, 11-day Ironbutt Rally? Hell no! I allowed a re-covery day between the ride and the wedding and I’m glad I did. Continuouslong-distance riding is an athletic undertaking that requires a special kind ofconditioning and fitness that I do not presently possess. I did, however, sat-isfy myself that a 1,000-mile day is within the grasp of a mere mortal with amodicum of riding acumen and with a minimum of planning.
I do not consider myself a particularly tough motorcycle rider. When I gotback from the trip, it was with great sadness that I read of the passing of oneArdys Kellerman. Ardys, an 81-year-old great-grandmother from Lexington,TX, rode multiple Ironbutt rallies and once clocked 100,000 miles in oneyear. She earned a BMW million-mile award too. Ardys liked to sleep onthe ground in horse stalls while she was doing end-to-end 1,000-mile days.Now THERE was a tough motorcycle rider. RIP, Ardys: light a fire for us inthe campground at the end of the universe.
Central Vermont Motorcycles is yourfirst stop on the way to your next adventure.
Located in the heart of the Green Mountains serving all of Vermont, eastern New York
and western New Hampshire.
O N T H E M A R K
MARK BYERS
Page 8 SEPTEMBER 2013 • BACKROADS
CENTRAL VERMONT MOTORCYCLES
September 2013 - Pages_2011 Page Layout-New 8/5/13 5:23 PM Page 8
going iT aLone
I was riding with some friendswhen I encountered a problem thathas dogged me for as long as I’vebeen riding. After reaching ourdestination we grabbed a quick biteand then left the restaurant tomount up. It was there in the park-ing lot that the beast reared its uglyhead.
“Which route do you guys wantto ride back, the one we came outon or this squiggly new delight thatI just threw together?” asked oneof the riders.
Another fired back as if on autopilot. “I don’t really care whichway we go. It’s a great day; theskies are sunny, what’s not tolove?”
Then the third man chimed in. “Personally I preferthe new route, but whatever you guys decide is fine withme.”
Now all eyes were on me. With a measured breath Istarted to speak in the same uneasy tone that I have usedcountless times before. “You know, guys, I really haveto get home so I think I’ll say goodbye here and hop onthe super slab.”
Silence.Had this been the first or second ride that we had
shared, no one would have thought anything of my an-swer. But our little gang has been riding with each otherfor years. They knew full well I was lying through myteeth. I had no intention whatsoever of taking a boringinterstate back home. And I was in no rush.
If I had any pluck at all I simply would have answeredtheir question with honesty as screen goddess GretaGarbo famously did. “I want to be alone.” But I didn’t.Instead, I timidly bid my friends adieu and rolled out ofthe parking lot. What a coward.
It’s been said that men are social animals; creaturesthat require companionship as surely as they require air.I won’t argue this point on the whole. But if we breakmen into that curious subcategory called “motorcy-clists” the dynamic can change drastically.
Almost by definition motorcyclists stand apart fromthe pack. With cars available, why would anyone wishto expose themselves to the potential risk and undeni-able hardships (ever ride through a hailstorm?) that arepart and parcel to the motorcycling experience. Theshort answer? Beats the hell out of me - it is what it is.
The lack of logic reaches deeper into our sport. Manymotorcyclists are renegades who could care less if theyever ride with someone. Hollywood loves this type andplays heavily on their steely independence. It’s no mis-take that the TV show was named “Then Came Bron-son” and not “Then Came Bronson and Johnson.”America so loves its independent types.
But what about motorcycle gangs and clubs? Doesn’tthis prove that riders like to stick together? Again,there’s no clear answer. Within these organizations thereare those who never ride alone or rarely ride alone andthose that almost always do. In fact, the latter sometimesjoins up just to do some bench-racing after they’ve gonefor their solo ride. It’s crazy I tell you!
So where does this leave me and my little predica-
ment? Near as I can tell, I’m some strange hybrid type that fancies ridingwith and without people, often during the same day. Here’s my best expla-nation as to why.
When I ride with the pack, I enjoy all that this experience has to offer.Things like shared moments in decreasing-radius turns (oh s—t!); a riderpointing out a scenic gemstone along the way; gas stops where we one-up
each other with improbable BS stories - you get thepicture.
But when I ride alone I ride with no such distrac-tions – as entertaining as they can be. Call me nutsbut I’ve never experienced Zen while hugging theass of a sport bike in front of me, or worrying aboutthe fate of a slowpoke rider behind me. And I neverwill.
So for the time being I must live in this ratherbizarre half-world of lies. Don’t get me wrong, Iwould never bail on a fellow rider if it was just thetwo of us out for the day. But when I’m riding witha group, and we’ve reached our destination, is it re-ally so bad that I wish to stray and go it alone?
I’m sure there’s a tactful way to extricate myselfwithout hurting anyone’s feelings, but I’m equallysure that I haven’t found it yet.
Ideas? I’m all ears.
T H R O T T L E B L I P S
JEFF BAHR
Long Island Kawasaki67 North Broadway • Route 107 • Hicksville, NY
www.LIKawasaki.com • 516-935-6969
Sport touring riders are among the most discerning of all motorcyclists, and the Concours® 14 supersport tourer's com-
bination of technology, comfort and continent conquering performance meets the toughest demands of this selective crowd.
It is powered by a muscular heart derived from the legendary Ninja® ZX™-14 sportbike. Comfortable ergonomics make
it well-suited to long days in the saddle, while offering proper body positioning for sport riding. Its overall performance will
entice riders to pull out the big maps and plan extraordinary sporting tours through the next county or country.
THE 2013
Inspiring Touring Performance,
Enviable Sporting Credentials
BACKROADS • SEPTEMBER 2013 Page 9
September 2013 - Pages_2011 Page Layout-New 8/5/13 5:23 PM Page 9
Hi GangI know you are partial to the BMW motorcycles over their at Backroads
Manor and I currently ride a Yamaha Star Stryker which I love but I am con-sidering another bike somewhere along the lines of adventure bike, sporttouring. (Honda NC700, V-Strom 650, BMW F800GS). The Honda was apleasant surprise although maybe a little low on the power end. The V-Stromis very popular and time tested. I have not had the pleasure of riding BMWever. I was wondering if you might be able to give me a little insight from anowener’s POV.
I have sat on several BMWs but all seem too tall (I am 5’6” inseam 30”). Thank you for a great mag every month. If you are ever in the area of Vails
Gate you must visit Brothers BBQ on Route 32, 1/3 mile south of the 5 cor-ners of Vails Gate.
Roger Parliman
Roger,
All the mentioned rides are great options for an adventure/sport tourer.
The Suzuki V-Strom is, as you said a tried and true machine which will give
you dependable service and enjoyment at a great value. The BMW is a great
workhorse and can carry you around the world. This, of course, is at the pre-
mium cost and may have the most expense in upkeep. As Shira has a similar
inseam, we can say the V-Strom and Honda are a bit high in the seat, but
that should not be a difficulty. Hope this may help with your decision and
we’ll see you on the trails.
Brian/Shira,Thanks for a great publication. I just took delivery of a 2009 BMW
G650GS to try my hand at dual sporting. I have 25 years of road riding ex-perience but have never been off road. Now that I have the bike I’m lookingfor some fun dirt trails and scenic points to explore with the GS and start get-ting comfortable riding some trails. Any recommendations? Mild stuff. Jeeptrails, fire roads that sort of thing is of most interest to me until I can get anoff road riding course under my belt. Any info you can share would be ap-preciated.
Thanks,Tom Adamo - Parsippany, NJ
Tom,
Congrats on the purchase. As you may know, Jersey has limited ‘legal’ off-
road riding. That said, there are still plenty of unpaved traveling to be ex-
plored. First that comes to mind is the Walpack area in Sussex/Warren
County. Head north on Route 206 and bang a left into Stokes State Forest.
You can meander along paved/unpaved section for quite some time with little
interference from other traffic. Find Buttermilk Falls or head to Crater Lake.
Just explore and have fun.
Another suggestion is getting in touch with Bergen
County BMW. They have a group call the GS Riders of
Bergen County who take ‘adventure’ rides and can give
you some direction.
If this sounds like what you are looking for, you can
contact Rich via email at [email protected]
Dear Shira and Brian,What a lovely surprise we found in our mailbox this
morning!! Thank you so much for including the inn inyour magazine. The article is so complimentary tous! And the pictures are great. We’re so glad you en-joyed our place and love the way you describe the innand everything about the area for your readers. Givingthem exact directions is something we have never seendone before, but it certainly makes it easy!
We hope you are having a good summer. If you everget down this way again, we’d love to see you!
Ed and Ellen Markel,The Inn at Narrow Passage, Woodstock, VA
It is interesting to note that two of your editorials in-volved my pet peeve. Groups of more than six riders area hazard to the enjoyment of riding. The obvious prob-lems of navigating the roads are only a part of it. Fuelstops become a very long and arduous affair. Selectionof a rest stop or a restaurant is a project and often leadsto issues with the wait staff and proprietor of a diningestablishment. Overnight accommodations and reserva-tions are limited. The egos of the Road Captain andRoad Marshals can also create disharmony. The Zen ofmotorcycling dictates that it is an activity designed forindividuality. In summary, “If I wanted to be in a parade,I would have joined the circus”.
As always, warmest regards, Byrd
Just finished my August issue. Great job! I hate toadmit this, but I even found myself reading some of theads. I can assure you this I do not do with publicationsI receive like CYCLE***** and MOTOR*******, orRI***, or ROAD RU****. Some of those mags take me5 minutes to thumb through and toss. The only reasonsI subscribe is they are cheap (well, two are) and to seewho in my world of moto-journalist acquaintances isflogging what to where.
Unsigned
Cycle Insurance Agency Inc.Recreational Vehicle Specialists
Agents who ride and understandyour Motorcycle Insurance Needs
Ask about our Tour Cycle Program – the Ultimate in Coverage
Passenger Coverage • Accessories CoverageMedical Payments Coverage
448 Lincoln Ave • Hawthorne NJ 07506 • 973-427-2246www.CycleInsuranceAgency.com
Serving New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania • ATV • Jet Ski • Snowmobile
MEMBERMEMBER
Cycle Motion is your provider of motorcycles, ATVs, scooters,
snowmobiles, and utility vehicles by Kawasaki, Suzuki, Polaris,
Yamaha and Can Am. With a large parts department, qualified
service technicians and a full shop full of parts and accessories,
we're here to meet all your power sport needs.
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.
1269 DOLSONTOWN RDMIDDLETOWN NY 10940
845-343-2552 • WWW.CYCLEMOTIONINC.COM
Page 10 SEPTEMBER 2013 • BACKROADS
BACKLASH Letters to the Editor
September 2013 - Pages_2011 Page Layout-New 8/5/13 5:23 PM Page 10
2013 RECIPIENT OF THE BACKROADS LAME AWARD
It took nearly half the year but wefound a suc…er, we mean a worthymember of the motorcycling communityfor our LAME (Lifetime Achievementin Motorcycling Excellence) award.This year’s honoree is the venerable Dr.Gregory Frazier. Dr. Frazier has riddenhis motorcycle around the world fivetimes and is the author of many enter-taining and informative books on motor-cycling. He has contributed muchknowledge and plain old neat stuff tothose who like to consider themselvesriders, travelers and/or adventurers.
We were able to personally hand Dr. G his beautiful piece of fancy glassat a dinner commemorating the culmination of the Clancy Centenary Ride,a recreation of the first ride around the world done by Carl Stearn Clancy in1912-13, in Newburgh, NY. His acceptance words were, “I was/am trulyhumbled by your anointing me with your “Lifetime Achievement” award. Itnow resides at Ft. Frazier, prominently in the black and white kitchen.”
You’re welcome, Dr. G. Ride on.
BIG 4 MOTORCYCLE EXPORTS DOWN 26%Following several months of declines, motorcycle exports from Japan’s
Big Four motorcycle brands fell again in June 2013, according to the latestdata from the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA).
The Big Four — Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki and Yamaha — exported25,831 units in June, compared with 35,306 units recorded for the samemonth of the previous year. This is a decrease of 9,475 units, or 26.8 percent,and a decrease on the same month of the previous year for nine consecutivemonths.
PASSING OF A CHAMPION…Bill Warner, 44, of Wimauma, Fla., was clocked at 285 mph before he lost
control but it was unclear how fast the motorcycle was traveling when itveered off the paved runway and crashed, said Tim Kelly, race director ofthe Loring Timing Association, which hosted “The Maine Event” at LoringAir Force Base.
Warner was conscious and talking after the crash, but he died about anhour and 15 minutes later at a hospital in Caribou.
“No one will touch Bill’s achievements or be the type of racer he was. Hewas a personal friend and the land-racing community is less for his loss,”Kelly said.
Riding his modified turbocharged Suzuki Hayabusa, Warner previouslyhit 311 mph on the same course in 2011, using 1.5 miles of pavement. That’sconsidered to be the world land speed record for a conventional motorcycle.
This time he was trying to hit 300 mph using just a mile of pavement, andhe’d made several passes before the one in which he crashed, Kelly said.
On Sunday, about 400 spectators watched as Warner began veering rightafter passing the 1-mile mark, traveling upright for another 2,000 feet beforeexiting the runway and crashing, Kelly said.
The remainder of Sunday’s event was canceled. The Limestone Police De-partment and Maine State Police were investigating the crash.
SENA TECHNOLOGIES JOINS MOTORCYCLE INDUSTRY COUNCIL
Sena Technologies Inc. has officially become a member of the MotorcycleIndustry Council (MIC). Through the use of education on government rela-tions, industry statistics, technical support and relationships with other MICmembers, Sena will be able to support the industry through active participa-tion in industry issues and conversations as well as support motorcycliststhrough events, outreach and product experiences.
“Becoming a member of the Motorcycle Industry Council will allow Senato build stronger relationships with motorcyclists and other members as wellas be up to date on all news and information affecting the motorcycle indus-
BACKROADS • SEPTEMBER 2013 Page 11
INDUSTRY INFOBITES News from the Inside
WFOinc. Motorsports**WE NOW BUY AND SELL USED MOTORCYCLES**
Quality Late Model Motorcycles - All Manufacturers
Luggage • Jackets • Pants • Boots • Rain GearTools • Exhausts • Tires • Sprockets • Chains • Brakes
Bar Risers • Lines • Ramps • Lifts • OEM Parts
188 Halsey Rd (Rte. 626), Newton, NJ 07860 • fax 973-579-1806
SPEEDLIMIT
wfomotorsports.net
973-579-5103
SPORT • CRUISER • TOURING
WFO
* Large Selectionof Helmets
* Track and RaceBike Set-Up
* Track Day Information
* Suspension Work
* Tires - Mountedand Balanced
* Great Service and Reasonable Prices
September 2013 - Pages_2011 Page Layout-New 8/5/13 5:23 PM Page 11
try,” said Sam Kim, vice president of marketing, Sena Technologies Inc.“Sena has experienced exceptional success with their line of Bluetooth head-set and intercom devices and is looking forward to continuing to grow andbe a part in the continued success of the industry.”
HARLEY-DAVIDSON 2013 Q2 FINANCIAL REPORT
Harley-Davidson released its second-quarter report, reporting that motor-cycle sales were up across all markets.
Harley reports that 90,193 new Harley motorcycles were sold in Q2, com-pared to 85,714 from the same quarter of 2012, an increase of 5.2 percent.
In the U.S., dealers sold 58,241 new Harley-Davidson motorcycles in thequarter, up 4.4-percent compared to the year-ago period. In international mar-kets, dealers sold 31,952 new Harley-Davidson motorcycles during the sec-ond quarter, compared to 29,953 motorcycles in the year-ago period, withunit sales up 12.3-percent in the Asia Pacific region, 1 percent in the EMEAregion, 39.2 percent in the Latin America region, and 3.6 percent in Canada.
Keith Wandell (Harley-Davidson CEO, Chairman and President) says:“Harley-Davidson again drove strong financial performance in the secondquarter, reflecting the many improvements in operations we have madethroughout the Company over the past few years as well as our brand strengthglobally.
“Our employees, dealers and suppliers continue to do an outstanding job,working as one team and moving in one direction, to deliver a great experi-ence for our customers.”
“All summer long we are celebrating our 110th anniversary with Harley-Davidson enthusiasts from around the world, including one of our biggest-ever international consumer events last month in Rome and the upcomingcelebration in Milwaukee on Labor Day weekend. And less than a monthfrom now, we will launch an exciting lineup of new 2014 motorcycles.”
EDELWEISS FALL FESTIVAL INFO
Fall is coming, and while many motorcycle riders worldwide will be win-ter-proofing their bikes, Edelweiss is getting together again for an unforget-table ride. Come join Edelweiss for the annual “Edelweiss Feschtl” at
Sequoia National Park in southern Sierra Nevada east of Visalia, Calif fortwo nights.
If you’ve already toured with Edelweiss Bike Travel, you’ll likely enjoy areunion with some of your tour buddies. And, even if you’ve yet to travelwith the world’s #1 motorcycle touring company, this event provides a greatopportunity to visit with our Edelweiss team, learn about its touring pro-gramsm and services and get answers to any questions you may have.
For our Edelweiss Feschtl there is a limited number of tickets available.Reservation can be send through the Edelweiss website at edelweissbike.com
MOTORCYCLE SHOW ROLLS INTO NEW YORK WAY EARLY
From New York to California, the 12-city nationwide tour of the Progres-sive® International Motorcycle Shows® offers an all access pass to view atthe new 2014 models and hundreds of the hottest street bikes, dirt bikes,cruisers, UTVs and ATVs for both new and experienced riders. From the lat-est gear and aftermarket accessories to informative seminars and interactiveentertainment, this event is the place to experience the latest in the world ofmotorcycling. This motorcycle extravaganza will also feature live music; theUltimate Builder Custom Bike Show featuring hundreds of the hottest custommotorcycles dripping in eye-popping chrome, wild paint jobs and dazzlingrims; the return of The Podium that will host motorcycle racers, celebrities,DIY seminars; and much, much more.
New York City @ Jacob K. Javits Convention Center : Friday, Dec 13-Sunday, Dec 15, 2013
Washington, D.C. @ Washington Convention Center: Friday, Jan. 10-Sun-day, Jan. 12, 2014
New model lineups and representatives from several manufacturers includ-ing BMW, BRP| Can-Am, Ducati, Harley-Davidson, Honda, Indian,Kawasaki, KTM, Star, Suzuki, Triumph, Victory, Yamaha, Zero and morewill be on site to answer questions and provide information on the latest mo-torcycles, products and education.
Visit www.motorcycleshows.com for more event information and othershow dates.
Page 12 SEPTEMBER 2013 • BACKROADS
SUSSEXMOTORSPORTS446 Route 23 • Sussex, NJ • Located across from the A&P Shopping Plaza
973-875-3640 • www.sussexmotorsportsnj.com• Family Owned and Operated in Northwest NJ• Near the border of Pennsylvania and New York
• Wide selection of on/off road apparel, jackets, helmets, gloves and boots• Qualified Service Technicians with over 30 years combined experience
to perform all your Yamaha authorized service
September 2013 - Pages_2011 Page Layout-New 8/5/13 5:23 PM Page 12
BACKROADS • SEPTEMBER 2013 Page 13
September 2013 - Pages_2011 Page Layout-New 8/5/13 5:23 PM Page 13
The souThern KiTchen
9576 souTh congress sT. rouTe 11, neW MarKeT, va 22844
540-740-3514 • n78.6714064 W38.647896
A great thing about life on the backroads is we getto eat out… a lot.
Although this might not be the best in some man-ner, as the wallet gets thinner and the waistline ex-pands, it is something that needs doing for thismagazine and we take this job seriously and do ourbest to bring you guys and gals the “special places”when we run into them.
This month we will head to the south and the greatcommonwealth of Virginia. This stop on the GreatAll American Diner Run was originally brought tous by our friend Dale Conyer. Dale has written anumber of great motorcycle travel books (which youcan find at whitehorsepress.com) and years back hemade mention to us about New Market’s SouthernKitchen.
New Market has a colorful and storied past, mostespecially during the Civil War, but these days it isa peaceful little burg nestled atop the ShenandoahValley and just a quick ride from our host hotel oneBackroads Spring Break, the Mimslym in Luray,Virginia.
Since we were down here in the south we ex-pected to be getting some serious food and we werenot disappointed at the Southern Kitchen.
The Southern Kitchen has been a long time iconin New Market and it first opened its door back in1955. Lloyd and Ruby Newland moved to NewMarket after working at a torpedo factory during
World War II and got into the construction business in New Market. Seeingthe need for a good restaurant and meeting place he built the SouthernKitchen in just 30 days and filled the menu with Ruby’s own recipes.
Today the restaurant is run by their son Randy and his wife Rebecca and,in truth, things have not changed much over theyears. The atmosphere is right out of the 1950’swith wide booths, original soda fountains, wall-mounted juke boxes and murals depicting local his-tory and the nearby Luray caverns.
Another reason for the continued success of theSouthern Kitchen is that much of there staff havebeen around for decades creating their famed piesand delicious peanut soup named by USA Today asone of the Top 25 recipes in the world. That’s cer-tainly noteworthy – delicious too. So, we were righton board for a cup of that.
We had also heard of their incredible friedchicken and I, for one, was not leaving town witha few pieces of golden poultry.
If you get there early, breakfast is sure to pleasewith some delicious Virginia Ham (yep, the saltytype), eggs, oatmeal, chicken fried steak, chip beefgravy over biscuits and, of course, grits – it is Vir-ginia.
We got there for lunch so we got to see some ofthe other offerings that make the Southern Kitchenfamous.
A bunch of different burgers were to be found onthe menu and some other serious sandwiches are tobe found – Reuben, sirloin steak and an offeringcalled the Trailblazer which is their version of acheese steak sandwich.
It all looked good to us.
Page 14 SEPTEMBER 2013 • BACKROADS
Your Ducati Source
The All New 2013Multistrada 1200 Sand Hyperstrada
Cross Country DucatiFactory Authorized Sales and Service911 Middlesex Ave, Metuchen, NJ 08840
732.635.0094 • www.ccducati.com
Shop our large selectionfor the latest in DucatiPerformance parts,
apparel and accessories.
*3asy Ride is a retail installment sales contract with a balloon payment. Financing provided to well-qualified customers by participating BMW motorcycledealers and assigned to BMW Financial Services NA, LLC or BMW Bank of North America. The monthly payment examples are based on 48 month contract,5.24% APR, 30 days to first payment, zero down payment. Excludes tax, title, destination and registration fees. Program not offered in NC, ND, NH, NV, PA,& WV. The total amount financed must be greater than $10,000 in HI and MD. In NJ, the selling price must exceed $10,000. 3asy Ride products may not beused in ME for contracts with a term of less than 48 months. Subject to credit approval. Offer based on a non-promotional rate – rates subject to change ona monthly basis - see your BMW Motorrad sales representative for details.
3ASY RIDEEXCLUSIVELY FROMBMW FINANCIAL SERVICES
SEE DEALER FOR DETAILS
CROSS COUNTRY BMW911 Middlesex AveMetuchen, NJ 08840-2224
(732) 635-0094www.ccbmw.com
GREAT ALL AMERICAN DINER RUN tasty places to take your bike
September 2013 - Pages_2011 Page Layout-New 8/5/13 5:23 PM Page 14
As we mentioned there was that won-derful fried chicken, which our friendsKate and Gena made small work of aswell; and Shira also ordered some friedchicken livers, which I had never seenbefore, but hope to again.
All the portions were large, maybe toolarge, but they do offer “small appetites”for all ages so not to worry that you willfall of your diet.
It is hard to go wrong here in NewMarket, Virginia when you take a seat atthe Southern Kitchen and why we werehappy to make it a stop on the Great All
American Diner Run.We’ll have some local fun with today’s ride and recreate the little jaunt we
did this day from Luray north along the Skyline, then south through theGeorge Washington forest and over the mountain road to New Market.
A great ride for some great food.
BACKROADS • SEPTEMBER 2013 Page 15
Rip & Ride® • THE SOUTHERN KITCHEN9576 SOUTH CONGRESS ST. ROUTE 11, NEW MARKET, VA 22844
540-740-3514 • N78.6714064 W38.647896
FROM LURAY…PICKUP RTE. 211 EASTNORTH ON SKYLINE DRIVE (NPS ROAD FEE)TAKE TO FRONT ROYAL
LEFT AT RTE. 340BEAR RIGHT AT RIVERMONT DRIVE
RIGHT AT MOUNTAIN ROAD
LEFT AT FORT VALLEY ROAD
BEAR LEFT AT CAMP ROOSEVELT ROAD
RIGHT AT RTE. 615 EGYPT BEND ROAD
RIGHT AT RTE. 211 OVER MOUNTAIN
(TIGHT AND TWISTY ROADWAY)LEFT AT RTE. 11 SOUTH
THE SOUTHERN KITCHEN ON LEFT
September 2013 - Pages_2011 Page Layout-New 8/5/13 5:23 PM Page 15
saraToga auToMobiLe MuseuM
110 ave of The Pines, saraToga sPrings, ny
518-587-1935 • saraTogaauToMuseuM.org
Saratoga Springs is known for a number of things.Every summer the ponies come up to play and in
years past they have seen a Backroads Rally and yearsbefore the area was known for its healing springs.
Thus the name Saratoga Springs.On the Avenue of the Pines you will find the old
Bottling Plant. After the bottling stopped the townused the big building as a garage but, in 2002, a won-derful thing began and the Saratoga Automobile Mu-seum opened its doors.
We have visited the museum a few times before andwere always amazed at the wonderful vehicles andparticularly enjoyed the second floor that houses apermanent exhibit of the New York State Stock CarAssociation Hall of Fame and overlooks the first floor.
At this year’s Americade we rode south to SaratogaSpring, one soggy afternoon, on a special two-wheelmission, as the famed Saratoga Automobile Museumhad a limited exhibit that caught our eye.
From May 6, 2013 to November 3, 2013, theSaratoga Automobile Museum will focus on “BMW,the Ultimate Driving Machine.” This will be a seven-month major exhibition of significant BMW cars andmotorcycles from the 1930s to the present. The Bavar-ian Motor Works began as a motorcycle producer thensegued into automobiles, and remains one of the fewmarques you’ll find competing successfully on bothtwo and four wheels. (Know the other two? It’sHonda, of course, and VW Group, who recently ac-quired Ducati.)
Historic BMWs on display will range from thesporty pre-War 328 roadster – one of the most suc-cessful competitors of its day - to the supremely ele-gant postwar 507, the winged CSL of the 1970s, notedBMW racecars and much more. BMW Classic is an-ticipated to provide cars from the BMW Museum inMunich and the BMWNA Collection.
The 2-wheeled BMWs are compliments of the Nettesheim Museum inHuntington, NY, ranging from the first R32, R62, an R12 and many more.
For us lovers of these German machines we were all very pleased with thehistory, stories and quality of this exhibit.
The history of the BMW was all there from the past till the present andeven a few myths were dispelled. You mean the BMW Roundel is not a spin-ning aircraft propeller? Oh, well I will have to change that story.
The only other argument was between ourselves as we all thought versionsof our own machines, RTs and GSs, should have been represented.
The BMW cars were impressive, with me trying to decide which oneshould come home with me - the 507 or the newer version Z8.
Their gift shop had some great racing history as well and a lithographpainting of a Porsche 917 from the movie LeMans came home with me asdid a DVD on the great Chris Economaki, who helped us start Backroadsyears back.
If you are riding anywhere near NewYork’s Adirondacks and Saratoga Springsplease stop into the Saratoga AutomobileMuseum; it is an impressive place and theyhave some serious BMWs to show you.
Page 16 SEPTEMBER 2013 • BACKROADS
BIG CITY GETAWAY daytrip ideas to get out of the daily grind
210 Route 10 West, East Hanover, NJ
973-428-1735www.HanoverPowersports.comNOW OPEN MONDAYS 9am-5pm
follow us on
September 2013 - Pages_2011 Page Layout-New 8/5/13 5:23 PM Page 16
To give you some impetus to plan a trip, here’s a little Rip & Ride from Port Jervis, NY that will bring you there in style. Since it is a 275-mile ride, you mightlike to spend the night and explore the lovely town of Saratoga Springs.
BACKROADS • SEPTEMBER 2013 Page 17
www.Powersports.Honda.comMon, Tue, Wed, Fri: 9am-6pm • Thur: 9am-8pm • Sat: 9am-5pm
SUNDAY: CLOSED - GONE RIDINGhonda.com ALWAYS WEAR A HELMET, EYE PROTECTION AND PROTECTIVE CLOTHING.NEVER RIDE UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF DRUGS OR ALCOHOL, AND NEVER USE THE STREET AS ARACETRACK. OBEY THE LAW AND READ THE OWNER’S MANUAL THOROUGHLY. For rider training in-formation or to locate a rider training course near you, call the Motorcycle Safety Foundation at800-446-9227. CTX™ and Gold Wing® are registered trademarks of Honda Motor Co., Ltd. (07/13)
210 Route 10 West
East Hanover, NJ
973-428-1735
2013 Gold Wing® F6BLuxury touring with a bad boy attitude.
2014 CTX™700Affordable Fun.
2013 CB1100Modernreincarnation ofa timeless form.
210 Route 10 West
East Hanover, NJ
973-428-1735
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 dangerous. Yamaha and theMotorcycle Safety Foundation encourage you to ride safely and respect the environment. For further information regarding the MSF course, please call 1-800-446-9227. Spec-ifications subject to change without notice. Professional rider depicted on a closed course. ©2012 Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. All rights reserved. • yamaha-motor.com
2014STARBOLT
www.HanoverPowersports.comMon, Tue, Wed, Fri: 9am-6pm • Thur: 9am-8pm • Sat: 9am-5pm
SUNDAY: CLOSED - GONE RIDING
Old School.New Thinking.
WE INVENTED SUPERSPORT TOURING.NOW WE’VE PERFECTED IT.
2013 FJR 1300™A
2014 FZ-09SUPERSPORTTRIPLE AT ANAFFORDABLEPRICE.
START: PORT JERVIS, NYROUTE 97 NORTH THROUGH HAWKS NEST
CONTINUE TOWARDS NARROWSBURG
BEAR LEFT AT BLINKER RTE. 52CROSS NARROWSBURG BRIDGE
HARD RIGHT IMMEDIATELY AFTER BRIDGE SR 1017BEAR RIGHT AT SR 1004RIGHT AT RTE. 371CROSS BRIDGE INTO NYBEAR LEFT TO RTE. 97 NORTH INTO HANCOCK
BEAR RIGHT ON CR 268LEFT AT CR. 268RIGHT AT ROUTE 10RIGHT ON ROUTE 206LEFT AT RTE. 30CROSS BRIDGE OVER RESERVOIR
IMMEDIATE BEAR LEFT ONTO CR 1IN ANDES BEAR LEFT MAIN ST - RTE. 28RIGHT ON RTE. 10 – DELHI
FOLLOW SIGNS FOR RTE. 10 IN RICHMONDVILLE
RIGHT AT CR 7LEFT AT RTE 23A LEFT RTE. 10 TOWARDS SHARON SPRINGS
RIGHT AT RTE. 10ALEFT AT RTE. 29LEFT AT RTE. 30 NORTH
RIGHT OVER BRIDGE STREET SACANDAGA LAKELEFT AT CR 113 INTO CR 4LEFT ON CR 4RIGHT AT RTE. 9NRTE. 9N INTO SARATOGA SPRINGS
RIGHT ONTO AVENUE OF THE PINES
Rip & Ride® • SARATOGA AUTOMOBILE MUSEUM110 AVE OF THE PINES, SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY • 518-587-1935 • WWW.SARATOGAAUTOMUSEUM.ORG
September 2013 - Pages_2011 Page Layout-New 8/5/13 5:23 PM Page 17
friday The 13Th
LooKing for caMP cLearWaTer
Dr. Seymour O’Life
Does the name Jason Voorhees mean anything to you?Well, if you were a fan of the great slasher films of the 1980s then
it probably does.Did any of us ever look at hockey goalies the same way again? The original Friday the 13th was written by Victor Miller and was
produced and directed by Sean S. Cunningham. However, neither re-turned to write or direct any of the sequels.
Did they have to? The film cost just $550,000 to produced butgrossed some $37,465,200 worldwide.
I call that a nice profit.The first film was created to cash in on the success of Halloween
and has had a total of 12 movies (not 13?) that have brought in nearly$465 million dollars.
Although none of the sequels were, the very first film was New Jer-sey born.
In fact Camp Crystal is still found in the woods of northwest New Jersey– not far from Backroads Central.
With that in mind publisher Rathjen and I went searching for the elusivecamp.
In 1979, when the film crew was looking for a suitable camp to film Fridaythe 13th they came upon a Boy Scout Camp, near Blairstown, New Jerseycalled Camp No-Be-Bo-Sco (short for North Bergen Boy Scouts)
The 380 acres camp has been the summer home to thousands of scoutsfrom Bergen, Passaic, Essex and Hudson counties.
The camp was not being used at the time so the Boy Scouts let No-Be-Bo-Sco be used by the filmmakers, receiving about a month’s worth of rentalfees. Looking back on the profits made by the film they should have askedfor more.
The Camp has also been used for filming MTVs Fear.For the two of us, finding Camp No-Be-Bo-Sco was easy, as they aren’t
hiding the camp. But, many Friday the 13th aficionados mistake other localcamps for the real thing, such as Camp Nejeda located not too far away.
We’ll show you the real thing. But, be foreward.Although you can ride up to Camp No-Be-Bo-Sco, pay attention to the
sign DO NOT ENTER THE CAMP!!! The Boy Scouts have a love /hate re-lationship with their ties to the movie. Arguably the most popular of theslasher films, Camp No-Be-Bo-Sco has far too may “fans’ trying to get infor a peek and the camp is privately owned property and should be treatedas such.
We do know that at one time the camp officials had a Friday the 13th daywhere they gave a tour, with all donations going to Camp No-Be-Bo-Sco up-
Page 18 SEPTEMBER 2013 • BACKROADS
Experience the full line of Kawasaki motorcycles,sales and service we have to offer.
TOWN & COUNTRYC Y C L E C E N T E R
115 Route 23N • Hamburg NJ • 973-875-2111www.townandcountrycyclecenter.com
Morton’s BMW Motorcycles Presents
Dr. Seymour O’Life’s MYSTERIOUS AMERICA
September 2013 - Pages_2011 Page Layout-New 8/5/13 5:23 PM Page 18
keep. If that happens again you can be sure we’ll letyou know.
If you ride into the property you will be stopped andthe police called. Don’t ask us how we know this.
After finding the camp we took a ride to anotherprominent location from the film – the town ofBlairstown itself.
Home to the Blair Academy, and quintes-sential old north New Jersey town, thearched walkway running along Main Streetis instantly recognizable as a part of themovie.
Somehow it didn’t look so scary in thebright sunshine.
What was impressive was the great foodat the Blairstown Diner, another locationfrom the film where the camp owner SteveChristy whiles away the evening as hishappy band of counselors is being sliced anddiced by the unseen killer. We found it theperfect place to grab lunch after a bit of pok-ing around the woods of northern New Jer-sey in search of Jason Voorhees’ favorite camp.
From there we had one more stop to make on our Friday the 13th questand that was where the character Annie was dropped off on her way to Clear-water.
If you remember it was in front of, what else, a cemetery.That final resting place is the Moravian Cemetery, located just outside
Hope, New Jersey.From Blairstown this was a quick ride down County Road 521 into the
quaint village of Hope and making a right where 521 and 519 meet the ceme-tery is just a few blocks down.
As I said this one movie has spawned so many others, plus novels, comicbooks and made the name Jason somewhat dastardly.
But, I think what we really have here is a grand little ridearound some superb slasher-movie history, a bunch of greatroads and just a little bit of Mysterious America
BACKROADS • SEPTEMBER 2013 Page 19
September 2013 - Pages_2011 Page Layout-New 8/5/13 5:23 PM Page 19
Page 20 SEPTEMBER 2013 • BACKROADS
655 Washington Avenue • Belleville, NJ 07109
973-751-4545 • www.Motorcyclemall.com
JUST MINUTES FROM NYCFull Lineup of Kawasakis • Amazing Deals on Leftovers
Largest Parts & Acessories Dept. in New Jersey
START: CIRCLE IN HARRIMAN STATE PARK, NY
SEVEN LAKES DRIVE SOUTH IN HARRIMAN STATE PARK
AT FIRST TRAFFIC CIRCLE IN PARK MAKE RIGHT AT ARDEN VALLEY ROAD
LEFT AT RTE. 17 SOUTH
BEAR RIGHT UPHILL RTE. 17A
BEAR RIGHT AT GREENWOOD LAKE ON RTE. 17A
LEFT AT RTE. 94 SOUTH
RIGHT AT OC1A INTO OC 1
LEFT AT US 6
LEFT TOWARDS RTE. 23 SOUTH IN NEW JERSEY
BEAR RIGHT AT CLOVE ROAD CR 653
RIGHT AT DECKERTOWN RD.
CROSS ROUTE 206 BEAR RIGHT ONTO OLD MINE ROAD
STAY ON OLD MINE ROAD INTO WALPACK VALLEY
STRAIGHT AT CR/NPS 615
RIGHT AT MILL BROOK RD. (BY MILLBROOK VILLAGE)
HARD LEFT AT BIRCH RIDGE RD.
LEFT AT SHANNON RD.
LEFT AT SAND POND RD
CAMP ON RIGHT – DO NOT TRESPASS!
FEEL FREE TO TAKE PICTURE AND BRAGGING RITES
U-TURN AND LEFT ON SAND POND RD.
RIGHT AT MILLBROOK/STILLWATER RD.
RIGHT AT CR 521
RIGHT AT BRIDGE STREET
LEFT ON MAIN TO ARCHED WALKWAY
STRAIGHT ON MAIN AND LEFT AT RTE. 94
BLAIRSTOWN DINER ON RIGHT - LUNCH?
CONTINUE ON RTE 94
RIGHT AT CR 521 TO HOPE
RIGHT AT JUNCTION 519/521 HIGH ST. - CEMETERY ON RIGHT
Rip & Ride® • FRIDAY THE 13TH - LOOKING FOR CAMP CLEARWATER
free WheeLin’ (Continued from Page 4)
most of the stuff gets packed in my tank bag or back-pack. And, almost all of it, if we are traveling by jet -sans backpack – gets carried in an Ogio 9500 bag,specifically designed for motorcyclists, with separatecompartments for your helmet, riding suit and boots.
The backpack is carry on, and usually ends up in achase van or, in a pinch or if we’re winging a tour onour own, on my back. Whatever it takes to bring a smalloffice with me.
I am sure you have your own system to ensure youhave everything you need while on the road but writingthis killed two birds – it hopefully gave you some foodfor thought and, even more hopefully allowed me toavoid the “Ah frack” moment 5,000 miles from home!
WhaTchaThinKin’ (Continued from Page 6)
day. Case in point: I was running errands the other dayand simply had to pick something up at the local phar-macy. I handed the young lady behind the counter mypaperwork and she replied to me, ‘Looks like it’s goingto be one of those days.’ Not wanted to encourage herto go into details, I simply said, ‘Yup, we all have them.’I guess this worked exactly opposite, as she began togive me COMPLETE details on why it was one of thosedays. Inwardly rolling my eyes, I silently listened andhoped that she could multitask and tell me her tale ofwoe while filling my order. Lucky for me this apparentlywasn’t the first time she’d shared her life history with arandom stranger and did just that. The pills were still rat-tling in the vial as I made my hasty exit into the silenceof the outdoors.
When you feel that your serenity and Zen may be injeopardy, don’t let the volcano blow – just take a deepbreath and let it roll off your shoulders. They can’t keeptalking forever (or can they…)
FRIDAY, SEPT. 6 +SATURDAY, SEPT. 7
YAMAHA DEMO DAYS • 10AM - 4PM
September 2013 - Pages_2011 Page Layout-New 8/5/13 5:23 PM Page 20
LaKe fronT hoTeL
10 fair sTreeT, cooPersToWn, ny 13326
607- 547-9511 • WWW.cooPersToWnLaKefronThoTeL.coM
words: Brian Rathjen • images: David Erfer
When we look for a place to hold any ofour Backroads rallies it usually comes downto location. We are always open to sugges-tions as well.
Last year, contributor and all around greatguy Tony Lisanti mentioned we should takea look at a small hotel he came across onthe southern end of Otsego Lake, in the vil-lage of Cooperstown, New York.
That being the case we moseyed on upthat way in the Fall of 2012 and instantlyunderstood why Tony was edging us to theLake Front Hotel. Few places offer such acommanding view of such a stunning lake.They pretty much had all we could ask for.
The rooms numbered 43; which was per-fect for us, and they had their own restau-rant and bar. A big boat for a lake cruise during the season and the mostwonderful northerly view of the lake which, by the way, is the headwatersof the Susquehanna – the longest river east of the Mississippi.
We booked the entire place for three nights in mid May.As you would think, we want to tell you about the Lake front Hotel, but
let’s talk about Cooperstown a bit first. Famed for the creation of our nationalpast time and the Baseball Hall of Fame, Cooperstown was founded by JudgeWilliam Cooper and was purchased in 1785 from Colonel George Croghan.Cooper was the father of noted American author James Fenimore Cooper,author of The Leatherstocking Tales, a series of novels, which includes The
Last of the Mohicans. Contrary to popular belief, the village was named afterJudge Cooper, and not his son.
During the late 1930’s, when the region was suffering economically a localhotel owner named Stephen Clark created the Baseball Hall of Fame, which
was dedicated on June 12, 1939. The rest is base-ball history.
These days the Hall of Fame is the major drawin the village and the surrounding areas; but theFarmer’s Museum and the Fenimore Art Museumare well worth visiting as well.
The town has a number of superb restaurantsand the entire region is surrounded by some of themost beautiful mountains and valleys in the north-east.
The perfect place to ride a motorcycle.When we booked the rooms at the Lake Front
we were a bit taken back by their rules and toughcancellation policy, but when you realize that aplace in such an interesting tourist destinationmight occasionally bring in some rough crowdsyou can understand their concerns.
Fortunately we know our Backroads readers arealways the cream of the crop and total gentlemen and women from the getgo – so no worries here.
To be truthful the staff and owners were as cordial as can be and any trep-idation we had was quickly cast away by the smiles and courtesy Paula,Rosey, Tulsa and crew showed every one of us during the stay.
Anything they could do for us they did.Bill, who we gather is the patriarch of the Lake Front, came by each day
to make sure all was well and to simply chat like every excellent host shouldand so few do.
BACKROADS • SEPTEMBER 2013 Page 21
Bergen County Harley-Davidson Presents
WE’RE OUT TA HERE a weekend destination keeping you on the backroads
September 2013 - Pages_2011 Page Layout-New 8/5/13 5:23 PM Page 21
The modern and recently refurbished rooms ranged from smallish to largersuites, and they have a second property called Visions that is around the cor-ner and was once an 1800’s Brewery, that has been totally renovated into aluxurious modern-day Country Inn. The folks staying there said it was mostexcellent and the rooms really, really big and close enough to enjoy all theLake Front has to offer.
The rooms were clean and comfortable and the views from the upstairsdeck were grand. We particularly like the way the owners had the ceilings ofeach of the rooms swirled with great designs. Waking up each day it looked
like a sunny day above my head.The restaurant and outdoor deck is the place you want to be each evening. While we were there the bar was kept hopping and the restaurant had an
excellent menu with some awesome specials as well. Some of the seafoodentrees included “Jail Island” ancho chili salmon, steamed whole Maine lob-
sters and sunset scallops. The breast of duck was awe-some – as was the sauce it lived in. We heard the cumin& lime marinated chicken was yummy as well. Theyalso served up a bunch of great pastas.
In the morning their breakfast was the perfect way tostart your day.
The Lake Front Hotel in the village of Cooperstownwas the right place for our Spring Break Rally and amost excellent lodging for you and yours for a twowheel escape or, as we have seen, an entire riding group.
However you end up at the Lake Front you will notbe disappointed.
ZACK’S V-TWIN CYCLES799 Violet Ave/Rte. 9G, Hyde Park, NY
845-229-1177 • www.ZacksVTwin.com
TUESDAYSEPT. 17th
10a-5pVictory Demo Truck
BIGGEST SALE OF THE SEASON
Page 22 SEPTEMBER 2013 • BACKROADS
START AT PORT JERVIS
RIGHT AT RTE. 209 NORTH
LEFT AT RTE. 213
LEFT AT RTE. 28A
LEFT AT RTE. 28
RIGHT AT RTE. 30
LEFT AT RTE. 23
RIGHT AT CR 11
RIGHT AT CR 58
STRAIGHT AT RTE. 28
IN COOPERSTOWN RIGHT AT MAIN STREET
LEFT AT FAIR ST TO LAKE FRONT HOTEL
IF YOU’D LIKE A LONGER, MORE DETAILED RIDE FROM
AUGUSTA, NJ TO COOPERSTOWN, YOU CAN DOWN-LOAD THIS GPS ROUTE:
WWW.SENDSPACE.COM/PRO/DL/ish8dr
Rip & Ride® • LAKE FRONT HOTEL
10 FAIR STREET, COOPERSTOWN, NY 13326607- 547-9511
WWW.COOPERSTOWNLAKEFRONTHOTEL.COM
September 2013 - Pages_2011 Page Layout-New 8/5/13 5:23 PM Page 22
a cLassic MisTaKe
The low steady thumping of the 650’s twin pistons was a joyful reminderof my teenage years. The source of this wonderful note was my older brotherJohn’s 1968 BSA Thunderbolt and, for the first time, I was riding this classicpiece of British metal. This was the bike he bought at 17 and then sold mehis 1966 Suzuki 250 X6 Hustler. It was his baby and while I had ridden onthe back before he had never handed over the keys.
The big difference and reason for his generosity was that more than 30years had passed. We were now middle-aged men and although my attemptsto purchase his stored motorcycle had been unsuccessful what I had donewith my inquiries was rekindle his interest in riding. There was anotherBritish beauty in his garage and that was the Thunderbolt’s replacement, a1969 BSA 750 Rocket Three that he had bought in the mid-seventies still inits original crate.
Needless to say he was a classic enthusiast through and through and nowafter many years of sitting idle the two BSAs were seeing the light of day. Iwas visiting Ontario from my home in Vancouver, B.C. and some very spe-cial brotherly bonding was taking place.
The morning sun had warmed the soft seats and it glinted off the polishedchrome as the two bikes idled in his driveway. Always very careful with hisbikes, John did not let others ride them; in fact I couldn’t remember anyoneever taking one for a ride. Maybe that is overprotective but it only made thisshared moment all the more special.
I had returned to my motorcycle roots the previous year. When it was ap-parent he would not part with the Thunderbolt I went out and found myselfa 1969 Triumph Bonneville and had a great summer with it. Then Triumphbrought out the 2001 Bonneville and I sold my classic to upgrade to the newmodel. Perhaps it was my new British connection or just the often referredto mellowing that comes with age but now I was set for my first ride on thebike I had longed for as a teenager.
Leading the way on the Rocket Three John steered us out of the Barrie city
limits and into the surrounding countryside. For the next couple of hours weenjoyed the fun of riding together, a connection we had cemented on a cross-country journey as teenagers. After stopping for lunch we began the returnride. Having saved this particular road for later John turned onto a twisty al-though somewhat neglected side road. A long time favourite for him, thisrural route passed through pine forests and alongside rocky outcroppings.The two of us pushed the old bikes through the corners and into the straight-aways having a great time.
Following at a reasonable distance I was tracking John’s line into a sharpleft hand corner as I nudged the 650 down a gear. When I released the clutcha lot more than the normal increase in engine noise reached my ears. The en-gine continued to roar as the revs climbed. The throttle was stuck and I was
BACKROADS • SEPTEMBER 2013 Page 23
THOUGHTS FROM THE ROAD Terry Peters
September 2013 - Pages_2011 Page Layout-New 8/5/13 5:23 PM Page 23
picking up speed not slowing down. I pulled in theclutch and applied the brakes but on a vintage bikethey were more like the promise of stopping thanthe reality of it. Things were getting complicatedfast. I could see there was sand on the road andwith the brakes having almost no effect I was cal-culating my options quickly. I knew the sand onthe corner was going to prevent me from havingany chance of leaning through the nearly right-an-gled corner so I decided to take the bike into theditch instead of dropping in on the pavement.
In a matter of seconds I was past the corner and into the undergrowth be-side the road. As the front tire dug into the sandy soil I was thrown off thebike landing several feet away just missing a tree. I was on my feet in a flashand over to the now prone motorcycle. With the strength of adrenalin in myveins I stood the bike up but with it came the discovery of the damage. Acouple of minutes later John was back having noticed my absence behindhim. To his credit his first words were asking about my well being althoughhis eyes were not leaving the carnage.
The two of us maneuvered the bike back onto the road. A quick inspectionadded up to a dented gas tank, broken headlight and taillight, all of which
was minor compared to the bent front forks.It was obvious that we were not going to beriding the bike anywhere. We pushed it to thefirst driveway, which fortunately was not toofar away and were lucky enough to findsomeone home. A call to a local towing com-pany got the bike picked up and moved to asafe location.
The ride home felt much longer as I rodeon the back of the 750. It was more than justthe extra passenger load that seemed to slow
us down. The weight of the accident bore down on both of us. John remainedgracious that evening and the next day I was catching my return flight toVancouver. Back home my first purchase was a new taillight lens that I foundat a bike shop dealing in Vintage British bikes. I packaged it up, wrote acheque for the repairs and put it in the mail.
The ride had turned into a Classic mistake but fortunately the damage waslimited to the bike and not my friendship with my brother. I moved on to aKawasaki ZRX1200R and he later got himself a BMW K1200 and we haveenjoyed some great riding moments together since then and have evenswapped bikes without hesitation.
PosTcards froM The hedge (Continued from Page 7)
tion controls encounter slippery substrate very bad things can happen. Manyyears ago a very close friend of mine and his wife went for a spin in a carthat ended badly for the car, as the cruise couldn’t deal with a freakish westTexas wind and bad things happened. They where unharmed, fortunately, butwe all learned a valuable lesson that day.
The Moto Guzzi in question does have cruise control, and it is tied into thecruise control so if the traction gets compromised and the Traction Controlengages, the cruise disengages. I still would never use the cruise in the rain,though, but judging how good the electronics work on the bike you wouldprobably be safe to do so. It’s interesting to me that this is about as sophisti-cated as the most modern motorcycle cruise unit can get, yet this is an amaz-
ingly compact design that (oh yes) is controlled with just one button. Likeeverything else that is becoming electronically invaded we have to trust thesenew overlords with everything from engine management to braking, and myoverall feeling is so far, so good. Most computers seem to behave themselvesmuch better than they did a few years ago (although there are always excep-tions), but if there’s one thing I’ve learned it’s that it’s critical to run throughthe operation of all these new devices and operating systems well before youhit the road, so you don’t find yourself trying to figure it out on the fly. I didthat with the cruise control initially (the fly part) and it was a very distractingand unsatisfactory enterprise until I told myself to stop and deal with it whenparked. Consulting the literature explained all functions.
One Button. How hard can it be? Sheesh.
Page 24 SEPTEMBER 2013 • BACKROADS
September 2013 - Pages_2011 Page Layout-New 8/5/13 5:23 PM Page 24
It’s coming on September – where the helldid the summer go? I know I’ve been busy gettingon the bike and hitting my favorite ice creamhaunts, but seriously; we wait six months for ourtime to ride and then it’s over in a flash.
Alright, I know that the upcoming months are re-ally the best time of the year, but it takes those hot,sultry summer days to really get you jonesing for thatperfect scoop of ice cream. The first spoonful or lickthat makes your eyes roll and your mouth water.
This month I’m not taking you to a specific spot to get yourfix. Rather, I’m sending you in search of the ultimate ice cream.This, of course, is almost an impossibility. It’s as subjective aschoosing the best pizza or pasta restaurant. Opinions and taste,that’s what it comes down to.
But ice cream does have its certain base requirements. Butterfat, creami-ness, natural ingredients and flavors and freshness all make up what will be-come the best of the best. July was National Ice Cream Month (I’m sorry, Iwas remiss in not having more fanfare in the July issue – I won’t let it happennext year. I WILL have an ice cream run during July next month) and therewere many lists out praising the BEST ice cream shops in the US. I happenedto look at the one put together by Tripadvisor and found one that I’d alreadyvisited and many more in the vicinity that were easily accessible. Coinci-dently, there were a couple in the northwest that could be fit into our trip tothe BMW rally.
So with the list below, let’s see how many we can get tobefore the end of the year and compare notes. As much as Ilove to enjoy my ice cream, I really do like hearing back fromyou with your input and comments on my choices.
Places we’ve been:
owowcow creamery, ottsville, Pa – this little shopwas found on a detour some years ago. If I remember cor-rectly, Brian and I had gone for a ride along the Delaware tosee what damage had been done by the last storm that came
through. We were detoured up and around the risingwaters heading into Pennsylvania and, at one
intersection, there happened to be an icecream shop right in front of us. Never one to
pass up ice cream, we stopped to get our bear-ings and partake. This was, perhaps, one of thebest ice cream stops I have ever had. I only wishthey were closer.cowlick’s, fort bragg, ca – On our way south
after the BMW Rally, we planned onhugging the coast for most of the trip.A quick peak at the map showed wejust could not miss Fort Bragg.Cowlick’s shop is big and bright, withlots of tables and friendly staff. Theywill gladly give you tastings of any fla-vor and as many flavors as you’d like.It seems that the flavor-tasters are thereason for the long lines. On the daywe visited, I guess all the patrons knewwhat flavor they wanted as there wasno line and we were able to get ourcreamy goodness right quick. Brianwent full on with an ice cream sundaemade up of mushroom and yellow cakebatter. Mushroom, you say? Yes – it re-
ally tastes like maple syrup and the yellowcake batter was delicious as well. I optedfor a cup of Ginger and StrawberryCheesecake. OMG is all I can say.
salt and straw, Portland, or – Wehad stopped to visit my cousin who livesin Portland. We went to his house and wererelaxing and catching up. After some time
Shira’s Ice Cream Run
BACKROADS • SEPTEMBER 2013 Page 25
September 2013 - Pages_2011 Page Layout-New 8/5/13 5:23 PM Page 25
we thought it best to head out for dinner. I told him I firstneeded to stop for some ice cream. ‘Oh, Salt and Straw, Isupposed,’ was what he said. Seems it’s the ONLY placeto get your ice cream in Portland. He asked if we wantedto eat dinner first and I emphatically said no, I need icecream first. Again, there was no line where there normallyshould be one down the block – lucky us. And, again, theywill give you as many tastings as you like. Good thing, asthey have some of the most unique flavors I have everseen. Strawberry with Cilantro Lime Cheesecake, GoatCheese Marionberry Habanero, Arbequina Olive Oil, Cof-fee and Bourbon and Pear with Blue Cheese to name justa very few. Another thing that they do, which ALL icecreameries should adopt, is giving half scoops. When youjust need a taste of something (I’m not sure when that is)you can get two and not feel guilty.
They produce only small batch ice cream, so you justnever know what flavors will be available on the day you
visit. With all these to sample, my cousin swears bytheir vanilla. I did taste his, and it was about as good asit gets. I had to put a leash on my ordering, as dinnerwas in my future, so I opted for the half scoop each ofCoffee and Bourbon made from Stumptown’s single-origin Sumatra coffee, mixed with a little of Portland’sHoly Kakow chocolate and a lot of Burnside Bourbonfrom their local Eastside Distillery and Goat CheeseMarionberry Habanero. I wish I could melt this downand take a bath in it, it was that good.
Here are the remainders on the list (in our area, any-way). I hope to have them all done before the snowfalls. Look for them in next season’s Ice Cream Runs.
ice cream smuggler, dennis Ma
holy cow, red hook, ny
Leo’s ice cream, carlisle, Pa
broom’s bloom dairy, bel air, Md
Page 26 SEPTEMBER 2013 • BACKROADS
September 2013 - Pages_2011 Page Layout-New 8/5/13 5:23 PM Page 26
Indian Motorcycle - America’s first motorcyclecompany, today announced the highly anticipated de-tails for the all-new 2014 Indian Chief family of mo-torcycles. Before thousands of motorcycling fans atthe site of the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum and Hallof Fame in downtown Sturgis at 9 p.m. MountainTime on Saturday, August 3, Indian Motorcycle un-veiled the three models that comprise the Indian Chiefline up. The reveal ceremony and party signaled aninflection point in motorcycling history with the re-newal of America’s oldest and most legendary brand.2014 Indian Chief Classic (starting MSRP: $18,999)
The new Indian Chief Classic is a pure, powerful cruiser forged from keyheritage design elements yet wrapped in advanced design, engineering and
technology. It featuresiconic styling likevalanced fenders, richgenuine leather saddle,classic tank-mounted in-strumentation, tear-dropfuel tank design, andsculpted and lightedfront fender war bonnet.The 2014 Indian ChiefClassic comes standardwith a host of premiumfeatures including end-
less chrome, keyless ignition, ABS, cruise control,throttle-by-wire, true dual exhaust, high quality chrome
laced spoke wheels, brake caliper covers, cast aluminum frame with inte-grated air intake, and much more.
The Indian Chief Classic, like all 2014 Indian Chief models, is poweredby the all-new, clean sheet design Thunder Stroke 111 engine. Offering 111cubic inches of pavement pounding power and 119 ft-lbs of torque, this class-leading power plant draws powerful design cues from heritage Indian Mo-torcycle engines merged with brilliant engineering and advancedtechnologies. The Thunder Stroke 111 is a 49-degree, air-cooled V-twin with6-speed overdrive transmission, and features unmatched premium exteriorfinishes and touches. It offers owners the peace-of-mind that comes fromover two million miles of on-road and test-lab verification and Polaris In-dustries’ 60 years of engineering prowess.2014 Indian Chief Vintage (starting MSRP: $20,999)
The new Indian Chief Vintage is a soft bagger that takes iconic Indian Mo-torcycle styling to a whole new level with handcrafted detail and a signatureheritage aesthetic. The Indian Chief Vintage offers top-quality quick-release
BACKROADS • SEPTEMBER 2013 Page 27
Indian Motorcycle Throws a Party at Sturgis
to Welcome the all-new 2014 Indian Chief Family
Choice in American Motorcycles has Arrived
September 2013 - Pages_2011 Page Layout-New 8/5/13 5:23 PM Page 27
soft-sided leather bags, leather fringe, chrome fender tips, vintage chrome badging on the front fender anda quick-release windshield for easy installation or removal. It includes the same premium standard featuresas the Indian Chief Classic, and sports the same iconic design elements like valanced fenders, laced wheels,whitewall tires, tank-mounted instrument cluster and extensive chrome finishes throughout. It is also pow-ered by the new Thunder Stroke 111 engine.2014 Indian Chieftain (starting MSRP: $22,999)
The first Indian Motorcycle of its kind, the 2014 Indian Chieftain maintains the legendary Indian Chiefstyling, while taking this progressive machine to new heights with advanced features and premium comfort.Unlike any Indian Motorcycle ever made, the Chieftain features a fairing with integrated driving lights,and its power windshield is an industry-first for a fork-mounted fairing. Standard features include hard
saddlebags featuring remote locks and quick-releaseanchors, a high-output audio system featuring inte-grated Bluetooth® smartphone connectivity, and a tire pressure monitoring system.
“When we acquired Indian Motorcycle two and a half years ago we set out to capture the heart, souland legendary heritage of this iconic American brand and then infuse it with unparalleled design, engi-neering and state-of-the-art technology,” said Scott Wine, CEO of Indian Motorcycle parent company Po-laris Industries Inc. “On Saturday night we revealed three stunning new Indian Chief models that representthe results of our journey and the future of this brand. It was a triumphant day for all of us, and I knowmotorcycling fans around the world proudly join us in celebrating Indian Motorcycle and the realizationthat choice in American motorcycles is here to stay.”
To find out more on the 2014 Indian Chief Motorcycles as well as a dealer near you visit www.indian-motorcycle.com.
Page 28 SEPTEMBER 2013 • BACKROADS
Kawasaki Metuchen911 Middlesex Ave, Metuchen, NJ (732) 491-2900
Find Us on Facebook • KawasakiMetuchen.com
Visit our showroom located in Central New JerseyJust 10 minutes from Staten Island, 30 minutes from NYC and 1 hour from Pennsylvania
KAWASAKI CARES: Always wear a helmet, eye protection and proper apparel. Neveroperate under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Adhere to the maintenance schedule inyour owner’s manual. ©2012 Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. • Pictured is the Isle of Man:a closed track on otherwise public roads. PROFESSIONAL RIDER ON A CLOSED COURSE.
KawasakiGoes Biggerwith the 2013
Ninja® 300and
Ninja® 650
Honda has Five ExcitingNew Models for 2013
powersports.honda.com ALWAYS WEAR A HELMET, EYE PROTECTION AND PROTECTIVE CLOTHING. NEVER RIDE UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF DRUGS OR ALCOHOL,AND NEVER USE THE STREET AS A RACETRACK. OBEY THE LAW AND READ THE OWNER’S MANUAL THOROUGHLY. For rider training information or to locate a rider training course near you,call the Motorcycle Safety Foundation at 800-446-9227. CB®, CBR® and Gold Wing® are registered trademarks of Honda Motor Co., Ltd. (01/13)
911 Middlesex Ave, Metuchen, NJ (732) 906-9292
Find Us on Facebook • SportHonda.net
CBR500R, CB500F and CB500X
The all-new Gold Wing® F6B,
CB1100 and the family of 500s
offer sport, touring and adventure
options for a great riding season.
September 2013 - Pages_2011 Page Layout-New 8/5/13 5:24 PM Page 28
September 2013 - Pages_2011 Page Layout-New 8/5/13 5:24 PM Page 29
Page 30 SEPTEMBER 2013 • BACKROADS
A good thing about plans – all plans – is that they can be adjusted,
scrambled or simply replanned.
When you have a bit of time it is sometimes best to rethink the sched-
ule to better fit the need and environment. Especially when the environ-
ment is a cold, stormy day in late May and you need to be in the
Commonwealth of Virginia, on the border with North Carolina, for a few days
worth of high performance motorcycle riding with one of the best teachers on
the planet.
The original plan was to mosey down backroads-style to a lovely B & B outside of Woodstock, Virginia and thencontinue on the next day to Danville and the Virginia International Raceway.
The bands of reds, orange and yellows laying on from New York State to West Virginia made us consider hangingtight at home and making the long charge to VIR the following day.
So that is what we did.But, now with a few days to kill and no particular plan in mind we thought we’d simply reverse the
trip and explore the backroads of Virginia from the south to the north.We’d start this trek north through Virginia at the border with North Carolina, just outside Danville.Danville has a deep history, especially when it involves the Civil War.The truth is that the Civil War has long been memorialized and remembered here and as we rode north we could
see individual states with historic ‘Civil War Trail’ signs from North Carolina to Pennsylvania.Danville became the last headquarters of the Confederate States of America within the space of a few days.
Jefferson Davis stayed at the palatial home of William T. Sutherlin on April 3, 1865. It was in the Sutherlinhome that Davis issued his final Presidential Proclamation.
Reversalof FortuneOr Virginia is for Riders
words and images: Brian Rathjen
September 2013 - Pages_2011 Page Layout-New 8/5/13 5:24 PM Page 30
It is also the home to the AAF Tank Mu-seum, founded in 1981 by present museumcurator and director, Mr. William Gasser.AAF Tank Museum has the most extensivecollection of Tank and Cavalry artifactsfound anywhere in the world. The Mu-seum facility is 330,000 square feet on89 acres and the only military museumwith all artifacts under one roof. The Mu-seum relocated in 1999 from Mattituck,New York to Danville, Virginia, with thefacility donated to the Museum by a NewJersey Corporation, Sandvik, Inc.
If you are an aficionado of big ma-chines of war then the Tank Museum isa must stop. Expect to spend a few hoursexploring the museum.
Our route brought us north and westalong farmlands and across small riversand streams. By mid morning we hadreached Appomattox.
It being late mid-morning, and withnothing to eat since the previous day, we
were famished and found a great local place called Grandma Bees thathad some of the best grits we have had in a long time. Thick and heartyand not the least runny like you sometimes find north of the Mason /Dixon Line.
Down the block we stopped by the visitors center and learned thatAppomattox, Virginia is not where the famed courthouse that endedthe Civil War is located, but a few miles away – and the war didn’t endat a courthouse. Appomattox Court House was a small village and thecounty seat of law, just a few miles away.
We finished breakfast and then we went to head over to where theCivil War finally came to an end.
Arriving at the famed site we removed our helmets to hear an eerieand deep drone. It seemed to be all around us. It sounded not too dif-ferent from those ‘giant ants’ from the sci-fi flicks of the 50s.
We have cicadas in New Jersey every year, but nothing like the 17Year bugs that had invaded this part of Virginia. Earlier on the road wehad spotted a number of hand-made signs demanding to stop local ura-nium mining. Hmmm? Maybe that had something to do with this?
The little monsters were everywhere! Hanging off the trees by the hun-dreds and flying drunkenly down the road and we had to sometimes duck toget away from them while riding.
The National Park at Appomattox Court House is one of those solemnplaces. Like the Alamoor Gettysburg to thenorth – you know some-thing historic and mo-mentous happened here.
After years of fighting,things were not goingwell for the ConfederateArmy. Lack of food, dis-ease and plain exhaustionwere as dangerous asYankee bullets and can-non balls. With his armysurrounded, his men
BACKROADS • SEPTEMBER 2013 Page 31
Victory Metuchen911 Middlesex Ave, Metuchen, NJ (732) 491-2900
www.VictoryMetuchen.com
We will never stop delivering the best riding experience on the planet.
Find out for yourself.
Victory Demo Truck Event
Friday & SaturdayOctober 4th & 5th
FREE Victory Demo Rides
RIDE ONEAND YOU’LLOWN ONE.
TEST RIDE A VICTORY®
Victory and Victory Motorcycles® are registered trademarks of Polaris Industries Inc.Always wear a helmet, eye protection and protective clothing and obey the speedlimit. Never ride under the influence of drugs or alcohol. ©2012 Polaris Industries Inc.
$1,000OR
$500
In Pure Victory Apparel OrAccessories Savings WithThe Purchase Of Any NewVICTORY LUXURY TOURINGOR BAGGER MOTORCYCLE.
In Pure Victory Apparel OrAccessories Savings WithThe Purchase Of Any NewVICTORY CRUISER MOTORCYCLE.
Test Ride Any Victory Motorcycle & Get
Can-Am Metuchen911 Middlesex Ave, Metuchen, NJ (732) 491-2900
www.CanAmMetuchen.com
September 2013 - Pages_2011 Page Layout-New 8/5/13 5:24 PM Page 31
weak and exhausted, Robert E. Lee realized there was little choice but to considerthe surrender of his Army to General Grant. After a series of notes between the twoleaders, they agreed to meet on April 9, 1865, at the house of Wilmer McLean inthe village of Appomattox Courthouse. The meeting lasted approximately two andone-half hours and at its conclusion the bloodiest conflict in the nation’s historyneared its end.
The strange part was thatWilmer McLean had movedhis family to the village toget away from the battles;only to find himself and hisfamily at its most importantmoment.
This morning we toured
the grounds of the old village andit is hard not to be impressed bywhat had occurred here in Aprilof 1865; just a few days laterPresident Lincoln was killedadding yet another sorrowfulchapter to this horrible conflict.
We mounted back up and continuednorthwest towards the Blue Ridgemountains. Now in the foothills theroads began to rise and fall slowly.
The flatter lands to the south were leftbehind and now the bikes were in theirown element. A short time later the riseand fall picked up and one road was lit-erally like riding a roller coaster forabout 10 miles through a deep pine for-est.
Following along these tiny roads thatsprinkle this part of Virginia we rode byboth wonderful estates and ramshackletrailers – sometimes just a few miles
part. Across one bridge we spieda good sized dam and waterfalland the ruins of an old aban-doned factory, with water stillrunning through where there wasonce waterwheels.
Wild life seemed to be every-where, whether it was rescuing aturtle, clipping an unseen andsuddenly very angry black snakeor seeing the local authorities try-ing to deal with a large blackbear caught in a culvert, Virginia has plenty of wildlife.
Heading up towards the Shenandoah on Route 33 the road turns into a twistingMamba! We have ridden33 many times and itnever lets us down with itsperfectly cambered turnsand great road surface.
This also leads to thefamed Skyline Drive,which runs 105 milesalong the peaks and isconsidered by many to bethe beginning of the BlueRidge Mountain Parkway.
Page 32 SEPTEMBER 2013 • BACKROADS
September 2013 - Pages_2011 Page Layout-New 8/5/13 5:24 PM Page 32
As it was time for both fuel andfood we dropped down to a favoriteof ours, and most of the locals, theBlue Ridge Country Store – you doknow it helps to find where the lo-cals go, dontcha?
The Betts have a humble placewhere you can get fueled and fedand their fried chicken could just besome of the best in the regionknown for fried chicken. Shira tooknotice of their baked goods, in par-ticularly fried cherry pie, whichfound a place in her bags for anevening snack.
With both bikes and us topped offwe ran down into the valley thennorth towards Luray where we tookanother valley forest road and thenheaded back west over the EdinburgGap and eventually up just south ofWoodstock, Virginia where we fi-nally arrived at that B & B I was talk-
ing about a thousand words ago– The Inn at Narrow Passage.
Laying just above theShenandoah River the inn’soriginal house was built back in1740 and today they offer 12great rooms and superbgrounds.
With the town of Woodstockjust minutes away it was theperfect place to call it a day andhang up the helmets.
The next morning, Ed, theinnkeeper, served up a deliciousbreakfast of pancakes, hot (as inspicy) sausage, fruit with syrupand applesauce.
The meal was perfect that
morning as was thecompany of the otherguests, one a former AirForce pilot and riderhimself.
We wanted to mean-der a bit as we headingnorth and also scout outsome locations for a fu-ture Spring Break orFall Fiesta Rally, so wetook Route 11 north intothe neat little town ofStrasburg and then fol-lowed the roads east.
Shira had spotted a very twisty candidate on the old “ManuallyAcquired Positioning System” called Old Blue Mountain Road,just north of Ashby Gap on Route 50. We were not sure what wasmore impressive… the road itself, the homes along its way or thatFEMA has a huge and very secure complex atop the peak calledMount Weather. According to FEMA the mission here is: “Fromits inception as “High Point” in the 1950s, Mount Weather hasbeen the emergency-operations headquarters for the federal civil-ian agencies and officials of the Executive Branch. That mission,originally part of the federal Continuity of Government program,continues to this day. Its details are highly classified.”
So nobody is talking about why this is “really” here. We willhave O’Life look into this.
From here it was more or lessa straight shot across the Potomac, out ofOld Dominion, and into Maryland, where we would continue north towardshome.
But, Maryland will have to wait for another issue.This month it was all about the Commonwealth of Virginia. Whether you
ride north to south or have a “reversal of fortune” and head south to northyou will find a part of the United States that has a deep and lasting history,phenomenal scenery, wonderful little towns, great locals and some of the bestriding in the east.
Virginia truly is for riders!
A.A.F. Tank Museum
3401 U.S. Highway 29B, Danville, VA 24540
434-836-5323 • www.aaftankmuseum.com
Inn at Narrow Passage B&B
30 Chapman Landing Rd, Edinburg, VA
540-459-8000 • www.innatnarrowpassage.com
BACKROADS • SEPTEMBER 2013 Page 33
September 2013 - Pages_2011 Page Layout-New 8/5/13 5:24 PM Page 33
Brian Rathjen
When the BMW MOA announced the 41st International Rally was to beheld in Oregon this past July we began to make plans right away.
Our trip to the rally was most excellentwith some 2,200 miles of superb backroadsthrough California, Nevada, Oregon andaround the Olympic National Park in Wash-ington before looping back to the fairgroundsin Salem, Oregon.
We arrived early on Thursday and, know-ing our room would not be ready till at least3, we rode straight to the fairgrounds andwent to get our registration, door prize tick-ets, wristbands and whatnots.
It was only minutes before we began to runinto friends and acquaintances.
With our door prize tickets deposited we parked the bikes, two new 2013BMWs - an F800GT for Shira and R1200GS for myself - and began the strollthrough the outside vendors.
Like most real ‘riding’ rallies (compared to a trailering rally), the vendorsat the BMW MOA event are top notch. You won’t find ‘biker crap’ here, just
helpful, interesting and useful products to enhance your ride and yourtravels.
The outside vendors mostly were already filling up with rally-goers. No-Mar Tire changers were packed with a line early the firstday, swapping tires for those who burned theirs out on the ride in,
and after-market saddle maker Rick Mayer was dealing with alarge crowd at his tent. We still managed to play a few chords onthat sweet Taylor guitar he brought along. Givi, Twisted Throttleand others was there to help in any way they could. Many had theirplates already full with installations and repairs. The outside ven-
dor area took about an hour of easy walking and talking to get through andthe large food court had plenty of varied chow – all good by the way – tochoose from.
After lunch we moved inside to the air-conditioned pavilion to see the restof the vendors and displays. Chock full of great purveyors of all things mo-torcycle from widgets to world tours, we took our time to examine many newitems as well as say our hellos to folks we don’t see nearly enough.
This took the rest of the day as there was so much to see and purchase and
Page 34 SEPTEMBER 2013 • BACKROADS
The BMW MOA41st International Rally
We ran into Barley and Pete, who we
met in Sedalia eating ice cream.
September 2013 - Pages_2011 Page Layout-New 8/5/13 5:24 PM Page 34
there was one or two items I really wanted to grab thatI knew I could only get here.
We wandered around Tent City to see how peopleset themselves up. The MOA does a good job of mak-ing things as comfortable as possible for the campers,with showers and bathroom facilities. You can evenrent your whole set up if you don’t want to take upspace on your bike on the long haul.
Come 4’ish we were about done searching outfarkles, toys and doodads and so we rode over into thecenter of town and found our hotel and home base forthe few days.
By this time the main roads around Salem were fill-ing up with Beemers, although it would be hard to tellas, for the most part, they are fairly quiet machines.
That evening we had been invited to dinner with theON Magazine folks, as Vince was kind enough to in-clude us, and we looked forward to seeing other moto-journalists and friendsfrom the industry.
How surprised were we when we received an award called the “Good Lordthat’s a Great Magazine” (That is not the BMW ON). We’re humbled.
Also on hand were Bigfoot, who made a quick showing and Mac McMath,the director of sales for BMW North America, whose comments seemed loston many of us and, we think, got a few just a tad upset. I don’t think he reallymeant Garmish was more upscale than this rally, but rather larger. Or, maybehe meant to insult the group - who knows? If he is goingto stay he needs to be more Americanized and less Eu-rocentric.
That night the Beer Tent was flowing and the bandCanned Heat was on stage and a rocking time was hap-pening.
In addition to all the great informational activities atthe rally, the muscical offerings are terrific too, fromlocal talent to nationally known. Starting each eveningaround 6pm you could sit, with drink in hand, and beserenaded by the likes of Canned Heat, Jonny Lang andPaul Thorn Band. There was a decided bent towardblues and country, and it kept the party going.
Much like Americade there is an early morning Cof-fee Club, here hosted by famed safety writer and AMA
Hall of Famer Dave Hough, with special guest Fred Rau. When these twoget together you know it will make for an interesting two-wheeled conver-sation and it was to a standing room only crowd.
Dave even had a case of his trademark bananas brought it for the crowd.The rally was in full swing and with the best BMW Rally weather in years,
sunny and mid-80’s with little humidity.But, we had been off the bikes for nearly a day and felt the need for a blast.Salem has a good number of destinations and interesting routes surround-
aIRPORT PUb & PaCKaGESussex NJ County Rd 639 • Next to the Airport
Open 7 Days • 973-702-1215
We have New Jersey Lottery & Scratch OffsWe accept cash, credit cards & ATM on premise
WE’RE LOCATED iN SCENiC SUSSEx COUNTY
A POPULAR NEighBORhOOD PUB
FRiENDLY SERViCE • iCE COLD BEER
AND ALWAYS SOMEThiNg TO DO…
TWO POOL TABLES • JUkE BOx • DARTS
OUTDOOR SEATiNg FACiNg ThE AiRPORT
“WATCh ThE SkY DiVERS”PLUS … WE SERvE a SImPLE PUb mENUStop by and We’re Sure to Become One of Your Favorite Stops
Wednesday is Bike NightFree BBQ & Jukebox
Meet Old Friends & Make New Ones
FREE BBQEVERY SUNDAYYou Cook ‘Em
Burgers and Dogs
ENJOY THE RIDE
SUPPORT OUR TROOPS
What if Bigfoot is
naturally out of focus?
BACKROADS • SEPTEMBER 2013 Page 35
September 2013 - Pages_2011 Page Layout-New 8/5/13 5:24 PM Page 35
ing her, so Shira plotted a ride to the nearby town of Silvertonand the Silver Falls.
The park was green and lush and the falls impressive. Whatelse we found impressive was the amount of flowers thatyou’ll find in this part of the nation. Even the most humbleOregon house will most likely have some colorful flowers inthe garden.
Some flower baskets in town were enormous and wepassed a number of fields bursting with colors of blue, yellowand reds.
We stopped in Silverton and strolled around taking in theirimpressive murals and taking particular notice of the NormanRockwell murals depicting The Four Freedoms spoken of byPresident Roosevelt during WWII.
Shira had spotted a local farm on the way out and westopped on the way back to buy some fresh cherries, boysen-berries and triple black berries. We would have lots of fruitfor the next few days.
Right along this time I spied a sign stating we were on the45th parallel – halfway between the Equator and the NorthPole. I love signs like that.
We headed back to the State Fairgrounds to sit in on a sem-inar or two before heading back for showers and getting ready
Page 36 SEPTEMBER 2013 • BACKROADS
Ironhorse Motorcycle Lodge is the Smoky Mountains Premier ‘Motorcycle-only’ resort.Located in the heart of the Smoky Mountains and minutes from all the great motorcyclingroads like ‘Tail of the Dragon’, Cherohalla Skyway, Blue Ridge Parkway and Moonshiner28. Amenities include on-premise restaurant for breakfast and dinner with creeksidedining, covered bike parking, nightly group campfire, laundry, gift shop and WiFi DSLHotSpot. We have a pavilion with multimedia entertainment, private function meetingroom, RV sites as well as rustic luxury cabins cabin rooms, bunkhouse and tent camping.Perfect for singles, couples or group getaways.
Located in Stecoah, NC • 828-479-3864 • www.ironhorseNC.com
September 2013 - Pages_2011 Page Layout-New 8/5/13 5:24 PM Page 36
for a few dinners we needed to attend. We spent some time with our friends
Matej and Martina from Adriatic Motorcycle Tours. They were hosted by some
friends and tour members in their very lovely home in the hills above Salem,
where a perfect barbeque was thrown and stories were exchanged with new
and old friends. We then stopped by for a nightcap with Scott and crew from
Iberia Moto Tours at a local dive bar, Magoos, where pool and shuffleboard
were the hot item of the night.
Trying to make time for all those folks we wanted to see, we caught break-
fast with Fred and Cherie Rau, who were at the rally with John and Allison
Raines, the good people who run Te Waipounamu and the tours of New
Zealand. If you’ve ever thought of heading ‘down under’ these are the people
you want to do it with. They have a tour coming up in February of 2014 – give
‘em a call and go visits some Kiwis.
The MOA Rally is known for its great events and informative seminars and after breakfast we sat in on one about Garmin
GPS, routing and the new Base Camp program. The presenter, Dan Townsley, was incredibly well informed and had a great
and funny style and we learned a lot of things that even Dr. Knowitall could learn.
After yet another spin around the vendors we had a quiet moment with friends of Ardys Kellerman, who held a remembrance
gathering. Ardys was killed earlier this year, struck by a truck while exiting a fuel station. At 81 years young she was one of
BACKROADS • SEPTEMBER 2013 Page 37
Triumph Metuchen875 Middlesex Ave, Metuchen, NJ (732) 462-4881
www.TriumphMetuchen.com
Triumph motorcycles stand out in a sea of clones.
They are beautifully engineered. Built for real riders and real roads.
For riders like you. For riders like us.
Come see the full line of Triumph motorcycles and gear today at
2013 TrophyWhatever the distance, you’ll cover it in style
and comfort; the generous, luxury seats and
ergonomically designed riding position mean
the miles melt away barely noticed.
2013 ExplorerThe journey doesn’t
have to end when
the tarmac does.
A Triumph to take
on the world.
2013 ThruxtonThe café racer.
Reinvented.
023SE13_P039_Transfer Template 8/5/13 5:58 PM Page 1
only two
women that have
logged more than
one million miles
on BMW motorcy-
cles. She was a treat
to be around and will be missed by many.
Looking to brighten up the mood after the ceremony we searched out the
River Front Park and Salem’s great carousel. We even took a ride and col-
lected nearly a dozen rings, but not the elusive brass ring.
By this time, with almost 2500 miles on the clock, we figured it was time
to give the ponies a bath. The BMW MOA rally, which has a volunteer staff,
always has a spot for oil changes and bike washing at their rallies. These are
staffed by wonderful folks who will assist and offer up information. We rode
over to the bike wash area (usually occupied by dirty horses and livestock)
and gave the miles of road grime a good blasting. It’s always a good idea to
rinse off the bugs and grit and get into the nooks and crannies while on the
road to make sure that nothing has gone awry. Luckily, all was good today
and the Oregon farm bugs were now a thing of the past, although there was
one particularly stubborn bee in Shira’s fairing that needed some coaxing.
The MOA had their closing ceremonies early that evening with some great
prizes awarded – Tours of Europe and Africa, motorcycle gear shopping
sprees and the grand prize of a 2013 BMW F800GT –
the same machine Shira was riding on this adventure.
We did not win any of these but we think we are
pretty fortunate with our lives regardless. (speak for
yourself, Brian, I wanted that bike – Shira)
With ceremonies finished and the location for next
year’s rally announced – St. Paul, Minnesota – we re-
treated to the beer tent for a libation and to drink in the
last evening of one very successful MOA Rally.
The location, the people, and most important after the
last few years, the weather all combined to make this a
super event.
The next day we’d start heading south along the coast
but we were all ready planning next year’s adventure.
If you own a BMW, or even if you don’t and are just
a well-traveled rider in need of great information and
product, you should consider attending the rally in 2014.
It’s always a great time and we hear St. Paul and the sur-
rounding area is terrific riding.
Going to Minnesota? Oh sure, you betcha!
Page 38 SEPTEMBER 2013 • BACKROADS
023SE13_P040_Transfer Template 8/5/13 5:52 PM Page 1
Tired Tires
Things tend to creep up on us. Tire wear for instance.Many of us are guilty of tire abuse and over the years I know we have bit,
or rode, off more than our tires could chew.I was in Alaska a few seasons back when I got a text and picture from Shira
who had ridden down to the Honda Hoot in Tennessee. Two things shockedme at this moment. The first being I had a Verizonsignal north of Fairbanks and the second was thepicture of her rear tire that had been ridden downto the core, with the steel belt plainly visible.
Uh oh.She left for the rally a week before and I had
looked at her tires and thought she was more thangood for this trip.
Well, I was way wrong here. Luckily for her thegood guys at Dunlop had tires at the rally and a fewhours later she was wearing a fresh set of high-endrubber.
In the riding world nothing feels better than newhigh-end rubber.
But did we learn from this? Heck no.The next year, at the same rally in Tennessee –
an ungodly hot place in late June – we were head-ing out and crossing the great state of North Car-olina heading towards the ferry to Ocracoke Islandand the Outer Banks.
We stopped at the one restaurant chain that Ienjoy – Cracker Barrel – for Grandpa’s Breakfast.We were now fueled and fed and ready to make thecharge across the Tar Heel state to the sea.
But, as I walked out the sun, at a most peculiarangle, threw its light acrossmy rear tire, illuminating thenarrow band of tire belt thathad appeared as we haddone a 1,000 or so miles insome real heat.
Whoops. I was in a pickleof my own creation.
A check of BMW dealersshowed me the closest oneon our route north was inChesapeake, Virginia. Manyhundreds of miles furtheron.
The front tire was stillrunable, but I would have toride gingerly with the rear socompromised.
For the next two days weeasily snuck up to OuterBanks, well aware that I wasriding on borrowed time. Wegot to Chesapeake City on aMonday and I left my GS atthe front door of the BMWdealership and walked backacross the road and enjoyedthe summer day at the pool.
In the AM I did not haveto tell them what wasneeded. By the time I gotthere the bike was on the liftand new tires were beingspooned on.
Crisis averted.
This brings us to those who truly never even look at their tires (yes, I wasguilty too). Let’s take a rider at our Spring Break rally. Today we will callhim Brad.
Unlike both of the above examples of paying less than stellar attention tothe tires, this time round the front tire went south.
Yes, I said the front tire.99.9% of tire failure along this line happen in the rear. But, noooooooo
Brad burned away his front tire, as he said he onlyhad 9,000 miles on it.
?! Yep, I know.Truth is that front tire failure is a far worse sce-
nario than the rear. Front tire failure will almostcertainly cause a washout, crash and general may-hem.
At our rally I heard there was a tire issue, but Ididn’t pursue it. If I did I would have made a hugedeal about this tire going south. As it was Brad,who hails from a bit south of us, made it homeokay, but incredulous that his tire died with “just9,000 miles” on it.
Nine grand is to LA and back and back to LA.On a K1200, with all that horsepower, no tire willlast more than 7K.
So here is the deal. A little lesson to be learned;if you are even a little questionable on a set of tireswith over, say six thousand miles on them – justchange them. To go on tour or a long weekendwith questionable tires is just foolish.
When tires go, they go quick and silently. When was the last time you really looked at
your tires?Maybe it is time that you do.
BACKROADS • SEPTEMBER 2013 Page 39
290 Route 100West Dover, VT
800-745-3615
Group OrientedHot Tub/Outdoor Pool
Firepit • BYOB Bar • Wi-FiHot, cooked-to-order, breakfast
Book Summer/Fall 2013 NowWe can accommodategroup dinners on site
www.grayghostinn.com
Welcome to the Jungle - The Art of Learning to Ride SkillfullyA column dedicated to your riding survival
September 2013 - Pages_2011 Page Layout-New 8/5/13 5:24 PM Page 39
For those of you who have been reading this magazine you should knowwe enjoy BMW’s GS series of machines. So, it was with great interest thatwe spent a few weeks with the newest “water-cooled” version logging inover 3,500 miles and a boat-load of diverse terrain.
From the high deserts to the deep valleys to the Olympia Peninsula. Tem-peratures from 110+ to low 40s.
National glossy magazines get to do Press Intros in far away South Africaor Moab, Utah. We humble regionals are more than happy to settle spendinga few weeks ACTUALLY riding these machines.
A day or two can give you an idea on a bike’s capabilities; but live withone for 3,5000 miles and you know where the machine is really at.
The new BMW R 1200 GS is a serious improvement on an al-ready great machine.
Let’s be honest…BMW…Water-cooling? What part of thelate 80s did you miss? Welcome to the next century.
That being said this new power-plant for the GS isawesome. Up from a little less than 100 HP to125 it works incredibly well. The newmachine has a new modern-look and thefamiliar switch-gear has been totally re-done.
The new gear allows you to controlthe BMW (Garmin) GPS on the fly.
It also has way more information thanwe really care about.
The Multi-Controller on the left grip handles the BMW Navi-gator GPS (Garmin unit – don’t be fooled) and does… not much,but it was fun anyway. Why not log onto FaceBook?
The throttle on this machine is controlled by a‘fly-by-wire system’ that worked seamlessly. We hadno issue with this and the water-cooled engine gaveus 42.5 miles per gallon, which is excellent in thegas pricey northwest.
With the water-cooling the intake and exhaust havebeen swapped around vertically, allowing for a bit more
room for larger riders. The radiators are tucked in welland even at extreme temperatures the bike stayed cool and
happy.The new engine has a wet-slipper-clutch and as aBMW owner, that has had a lot of time with theolder BMW clutch, we can only say “Praise theLord!” Again… welcome to the 80s.
With a switch of a button you have a few dif-ferent drive modes - Rain, Road, Dyno and Enduro
– all very impressive. Road worked fine for me.I am having a love / hate relationship with this new elec-
tro-gadgets…. What do you think?
Some have said that the bike didn’t sound right. We begto differ… this machine sounds awesome! BMW Boxers
Page 40 SEPTEMBER 2013 • BACKROADS
RIDDEN AND REVIEWED
3,500 Miles with
the new R 1200 Gs
September 2013 - Pages_2011 Page Layout-New 8/5/13 5:24 PM Page 40
have grown up! Ducati what?On a bad note we could try to be pithy here, but the sad-
dle is God awful…Call Rick Mayer – NOW!The ESA – Electronically Suspension Adjustment -
worked brilliantly with all three main adjustments makinga difference. We weren’t a fan of this till we used it … it
is an excellent option. Nice to go from tight sport tobouncy SUV with a click of the button.
In the curviest roads we could find the new BMW R1200 GS excelled in every way. It feels light, tight andvery right! Far above our own 2012 machine.
Yes, the best just got better. In every way.The machine came with the new Metzler Tourance Plus
tires, a very road-worthy bit of rubber, but completely use-less off-road. A fire road is about all you will ever do withthis tire. Track days… for sure. Real riding? We’ll takesomething more knobby!
But, with the right rubber, the GS is still a great lightoff-road machine and one that will take you to the far endsof the planet.
And, that is what we are paying for, right?Our bike came with a list price of just under $19,000,
about what we paid for our last GS, so BMW has donewhat we had hoped it would… improved the breed, keptit price-reasonable and made the new 2013 R 1200 GS onemore machine we will probably spend a bunch of cash on.
There is a reason we love these Bavarian-bikes and thisin just another one!
~ Brian Rathjen
BACKROADS • SEPTEMBER 2013 Page 41
September 2013 - Pages_2011 Page Layout-New 8/5/13 5:24 PM Page 41
WONDER WORKS TUB O’TOWELS
Each extra-large Tub O’Towels scrubbing wipe includes nine powerful cleaning agents, durable fiber-weave technology andtwice the cleaning surface of comparable wipes. They feature a thicker, towel-like construction that is 100 percent solution soakedto quickly and easily clean oil, grease, chemical stains and other tough soils. The unique citrus formula also includes lanolin,aloe vera and vitamin E, leaving hands clean and soft. This product is available in several convenient package sizes: 10-by-12-inch towels in a 90-towel canister, 10-by-12 individually wrapped towels and a 40-towel resealable portable case.We found these wonder towels in our local ‘large box’ home repair store.
FAST WICKING SHORT SLEEVE TOP
Cooler and drier than cotton underwear, and perfect for multi-day trips. Wash out in any sink(and they’ll be dry by morning) so you don’t have to pack as many. Designed for maximum
next-to-the-skin comfort and microclimatic efficiency, this first-layer will keep you comfort-able. Trapping warm air next to your skin and allowing moisture to be transported away isthe key feature of this fabric. Skinetics is an advanced wicking fast-dry knit (dries three timesfaster than cotton). Constructed with durable, comfortable flat seams, and shaped to eliminate
bunching and wrinkling. The ideal first layer. Black. Top: S–XLContact Aerostich for more info at www.aerostich.com.
STYLE WITH A TOUCH OF ARMOR
If there’s one company that has always been fighting the good fight when it comes to dealing with theapparel challenges of commuting by motorcycle to the workplace, it’s Aerostich. Andy Goldfine andhis marvelous Chocolate Factory (sorry, RiderWearHouse) in Duluth have been producing brilliantriding gear for decades; making clothes that not only protect and keep you comfy in all kinds of weatherbut are designed to work with your street clothes as well.
But as successful as his line of clothing has been, the Best never Rest and everybody’s needs are different.Aerostich has decided to increase their line with some excellent pants that are as appropriate for business casual assignments asthey are well designed for riding. Called the Protekt Riding Khakis, they are composed of a triple layer of goodness including 100%cotton twill that is very soft yet these are no ordinary comfy twill pants. In the words of Aerostich: “A triple layer knee and seatarea include a 200D Cordura middle layer combined with an additional inner cotton liner for enhanced abrasion resistance, withdouble and triple stitched areas for increased durability.”Key on the protection front are zippered knee pockets designed to accept Aerostich TF3 armor, which is a $30 option if you don’talready have the pads available from other Aerostich products in your clothing arsenal. You simply slide the armor over your knees
Page 42 SEPTEMBER 2013 • BACKROADS
Wheel Sport Center Inc.399 HUGUENOT ST • NEW ROCHELLE, NY
914.636.7235 • WheelSportCenter.net
JOIN THE STORY…RIDE URAL
The 2013 Ural Tourist is an affordableway to enter the world of sidecar motor-cycling! From the family ride for a picnicto trips to the market-or even as Fido'schariot-you'll be amazed by the versatilityof this classic-looking rig.
The 2013 Ural Tourist is availablein Red or Black. $12,099
P R O D U C T S P O T L I G H T S
September 2013 - Pages_2011 Page Layout-New 8/5/13 5:24 PM Page 42
and zip up the pockets, and they offer protection on impact by stiffing up in-stantaneously but are otherwise soft and pliable. When you get to your deskat the Stock Exchange, simple remove the pads if you desire and stick themin a drawer and you have very normal (but quite sharp) khakis to conduct busi-ness in. One word of advice: I’d go for a longer inseam size than your usualpants as they can ride up a tad if your bike involves a more sporting crouch,and regardless of your boots you can most likely slide the cuffs over the out-side of the boot (it takes a second but works-even over my thicker Alpinestars).These pants are soft and comfortable in a wide range of temperatures, and therear pockets have buttons to keep wallets on board while the front pockets arequite generous (with a small key pocket as well), and the belt loops can handleeven your larger alligator/leather beltage. Made in the USA and machinewashable, sizes range from 32 waist to 42, and inseams up to 36. Check withthem to nail down your size. Price: $127. (800)-222-1994, www.aerostich.com
~ Bill Heald
THE GOOD RIDER BY DAVID HOUGHReviewed by Brian Rathjen
Over the years I have had the wonderful opportunity to meet some of the most prolific writers in the mo-torcycle world.Every few years I find myself having coffee with David Hough… and bananas. That is another story.What I do have to tell is David, who has already written some of the best instructional motorcycle ridingbooks on the planet, has come out with one more…The Good Rider.So, David asked me who was a good rider? Looking over my cup of coffee and banana at an AMA Hallof Famer I tried to be smart, witty and intelligent.For those of you who know me you know how thatwent.One could say Valentino Rossi.Or, Clement Salvadori or Greg Frasier come to mind.A Pete Miller or Helene Darvick would fit that bill.All of these riders are excellent pilots of two-wheeledmachines.But David’s new book runs around so much more.It is a combination of skill, common sense and practi-cality.The original articles came from a monthly column ofan internet newsletter called Sound Riders, and excel-lent posting that we all should read. The book is packedwith useful thoughts, knowledge and information, allput in an easy to digest format.What it comes down to is not being as fast as Rossi, oras travelled as Salvadori or Frasier. We should all be aswonderful as Peter and Helene; but that goes withoutsaying.What this book is about, compared to all the other ‘tech-nical’ books on riding, is the question of what makes agood all-around Rider?One that you want to be on the road with.I have the pleasure of writing this review on a Power-book on the porch that wraps around Backroads Centralon a brilliant summer afternoon. There has been a pa-rade of motorcycles rolling past our home and I wonder,while reading David’s book, who I could actually ridewith?From spending some time with The Good Rider itseems that we all need to step up and be even better.Books like this are not novels and not meant to be readin one shot…but, rather, taken in small doses, so youcan think about what this sage has said. Invest some time and money in this book, it is wellworth it. You can find it at www.soundrider.com.
BACKROADS • SEPTEMBER 2013 Page 43
September 2013 - Pages_2011 Page Layout-New 8/5/13 5:24 PM Page 43
Page 44 SEPTEMBER 2013 • BACKROADS
September 2013 - Pages_2011 Page Layout-New 8/5/13 5:24 PM Page 44
EVERY MONTH - WEATHER PERMITTINGEvery Sunday • Eastern Suffolk ABATE Breakfast Run. Crossroads Diner - Calverton NY.10:30am. Eat and Ride After • 631-369-2221
Every Sunday • Biker Breakfast at Tramontin Harley-Davidson, Exit 12 I-80, Hope, NJ(GPS: 485 Hope-Blairstown Rd, Rte. 521) 9-11am • www.tramontinhd.com
Every Tuesday • The Ear - Spring St, NYC. Come meet some fellow riders and do somebenchracing or whatever. 8pm-ish
Third Tuesday • 7:30pm ABATE of the Garden State, North Jersey chapter. Black RiverBarn, 1178 Rt. 10 West, Randolph, NJ. 7:30pm. New members and all mc brands wel-come. Help fight for rights as a motorcyclist in NJ! Alex Martinez 973-390-1918
Every Wednesday • Chelseas Restaurant/Pub, 1051 Rte. 22 East, Lebanon, NJ 6-9pm,weather permitting all summer • www.chelseasrestaurantpub.com
Every Thursday • Bike Night at the Chatterbox Drive-In, Rtes. 15/206, Augusta, NJ.Tire kicking, good food and friends • www.chatterboxdrivein.com
Every Saturday • Stop by the dealership at 9am for coffee and bagels. Ride departs at10am. Return to the dealership for FREE food and music. Proper attire MUST be worn!No shorts or sneakers. • Bergen Harley-Davidson/BMW Motorcycle, 124 Essex St,Rochelle Park, NJ • 201-843-6930 • www.bergenbmwmotorcycles.com
AUGUST 201324-25 • Championship Cup Series at Summit Point Racetrack. Bob’s BMW will have ahospitality tent. Hang out with Jeremy Cook, riding Bob’s sponsored S1000RR. Compli-mentary snacks and beverages.
24 • Bob’s BMW hosts Product Tutorial: Apparel Layering with Klim! 11:00am-Noon. Klimrepresentative Jeff Nash will be at Bob’s to talk about the importance of layering for com-fort and safety in the coming fall and winter riding seasons. Learn the secrets of mixingand matching today’s textiles with their differing weights and capabilities to maintainideal body temperature. And what’s the real difference between water-resistant and WA-TERPROOF? Find out! Questions/RSVP to [email protected]. Visit bobs-bmw.com for more details. Bob's BMW Motorcycles, 10720 Guilford Road, Jessup, MD• 301-497-8949
24 • Bikini Bike Wash & BBQ • Bike dirty? Are you hungry for a ride and food? MotorcycleMall is the place to be to get your bike cleaned by our beautiful Bike Wash Team! Motor-cycle Mall and its beautiful Bike Wash Team will be hosting a Bikini Bike Wash with musicand BBQ foods • 12 - 4 p.m. There is no other place to be other than Motorcycle Mallon this date! $15 per rider/bike - includes 1 bike wash, food & drink, music, photos withthe Bike Wash Team and a discount card for great savings at the dealership! Plus, pro-ceeds go to the Ride for Kids! 655 Washington Avenue • Belleville, NJ • 973-751-4545• www.Motorcyclemall.com
25 • 1st Annual Poker Run to benefit the Harmony Lodge Foundation • Sign in: HarmonyLodge #8, 519 Rte. 206, Andover, NJ 9am-Noon • Endsite: Franklin Fireman’s Pavilion,137 Buckwheat Rd, Franklin, NJ. $20/pp incl. food and drink, top 3 poker hand prizes,50/50, raffles, vendors, live music by Morning Door • Info visit www.harmony8nj.com
24-25 • O’Toole’s Harley-Davidson hosts the Harley-Davidson Demo Fleet. Come ride thenew 2014 models and enter for a chance to win tickets to Kid Rock concert at BethelWood in Bethel, NY. Stop by for official entry rules. Entries only accepted in person be-tween 9am-2pm day of event • 4 Sullivan St, Wurtsboro, NY • 845-888-2426 •www.OToolesHD.com
29-Sept. 1 • Killington Classic Motorcycle Rally, Killington, VT • Rides, demos, vendors,contests, parade, music, dinners, fireworks and SO MUCH MORE! Registration opensMay 15 - DON’T BE SHUT OUT OF YOUR FIRST CHOICES. 518-798-7888 • www.killing-tonclassic.com30-Sept 2 • Finger Lakes BMW Rally @ Watkins Glen State Park, NY. Finger Lakes BMWClub hosts this great annual gathering of 800-1000 Beemerphiles. Great food, music,vendors and riding. Country Rode Motorwerks hosts charity tour of the racetrack on Sat-urday, Aug. 31 @ noon to benefit Alzheimer’s Research. $20/bike.
SEPTEMBER 20136-8 • 8th Annual Women’s Sportbike Rally, Deal’s Gap Motorcycle Resort, NC sponsoredby Draggin’ Jeans • www.womenssportbikerally.com
6-7 • Motorcycle Mall Yamaha Demo Days. 655 Washington Ave, Belleville, NJ • 973-751-4545 • www.MotorcycleMall.com
7 • Bob’s BMW hosts Product Tutorial: Helmet Safety with Schuberth! 11:00am-Noon.Why are some helmets safer than others? They’re BUILT that way! Schuberth represen-tative Randy Northrop will talk about the innovative technology and detailed care thatgo into the CONSTRUCTION of all types of Schuberth helmets – from the drawing boardto their final hand assembly at the German plant. Questions/RSVP [email protected]. Visit bobsbmw.com for more details. Bob's BMW Mo-torcycles, 10720 Guilford Road, Jessup, MD • 301-497-8949
8 • 7th Annual Rice-O-Rama Vintage & Custom Japanese Motorcycle Show and SwapMeet • Singletary Rod and Gun Club, 300 Sutton Ave, Oxford, MA • 10am-5pm rain orshine. Bikes that you just don’t see anywhere else, from 2-strokes to turbos, singles tosixes, scramblers and scooters. Trophies in over 20 vintage and custom classes. HugeSwap Meet with tons of hard to find parts • 508-344-4202 • www.rice-o-rama.com
11-14 • Trio Tour 2013. A sport-touring ‘scavenger hunt’ rally consisting of three consec-utive daily rides, averaging 350 miles/8.5 hours, which begin and end at base location.Day 1: Finger Lakes Day 2: Catskills Day 3: North Central PA. Sign in 9/11: Best WesternPlus of Johnson City, NY, 569 Harry L Drive, Johnson City, NY • 607-729-9194. $33/ppto benefit National Multiple Sclerosis Society NYC Chapter incl. closing buffet dinner,rally flag and prizes to top 3 finishers. Rider Cap of 33 participants. Registration CLOSES
August 28, 2013 or when cap met • http://tinyurl.com/TrioTour2013 • 914-328-7909
14 • Harley-Davidson of Long Branch Bikes, Blues & BBQ Open House. 9a-4p. See ad onpage 4 for full details • 671 Broadway, Long Branch, NJ • 732-229-8518 • www.HD-LongBranch.com
15 • Italian Motorcycle Owners Club 30th Annual Italian Motorcycle Meet. Hamilton Rod& Gun Club, 24 Hamilton Rd, Sturbridge, MA • 10am-3pm. Judging at Noon. This year’sfeatured bike: Ducati Bevel Bikes. Admission $5 per person. Refreshments and food avail-able • More info: [email protected] • ww.imocusa.com • 248-470-5788
15 • Lost Wheels MC 38th Annual Poker Run. Sign in: Canopus Lake Beach, FahnestockState Park, NY. 9-11:30am • $23-$25/pp includes 80-mile ride, hot buffet, live music,door prizes, 50/50, vendors and bike show. Pre-registration available online at lostwheel-spokerrun.brownpapertickets.com
12-15 • Catskill Mountain Thuder Motorcycle Festival at the Blackthorne Resort, EastDurham, NY featuring bike builders and artist, cash prizes, bike show, demo rides, rodeogames, vendor expo, pig roast, fireworks, tattoo show, bike painting, stunt jumpers, Wallof Death, antique bike museum and live music by Jackyl, Pat Travers Band and more.For more information call 518-634-2541 or email [email protected] •www.CatskillMountainThunder.com
17 • Zack’s V-Twin Victory Demo Days • 10am-5pm. 799 Violet Ave/Rte. 9G, HydePark, NY • 845-229-1177 • www.ZacksVTwin.com
19-22 • BACKROADS 15th Annual Fall Fiesta. Host hotel: Genetti Hotel, Williamsport,PA. To book your room, please call 800-321-1388 and ask for the BACKROADS GroupBooking. Rooms start at $115.95/night incl. breakfast and secure parking.
18-21 • New York Motomarathon • Hosted by the Celtic Motorcycle Club • Bronx-LakeGeorge-Ongunquit, ME. For more information and specific hotel and date information,visit www.motomarathon.com or call Caty Metzger at 303-621-5356
19 • Bergen County Harley-Davidson/BMW Ride-In Movie Night @ 7pm, What could bebetter than an old fashioned Drive-In Movie... A Drive-In Movie for Motorcycles! Ride-In,park your bike, grab some movie treats and watch the show. There's no charge, so saddleup and stop in. Bergen Harley-Davidson/BMW Motorcycle, 124 Essex St, Rochelle Park,NJ • 201-843-6930 • www.bergenbmwmotorcycles.com
20-22 • Montgomeryville Cycle Center Sale-A-Thon. Great deals on what you’ll need toget and keep you on the road • 2901 Bethlehem Pike, Hatfield, PA • 215-712-7433 •www.MontgomeryvilleCC.com
21 • Bob’s BMW Oktoberfest and Fall Open House • 9a-4p • Seasons change but there’salways fun at Bob’s BMW Oktoberfest and Open House. Food, vendors, product reps,door prizes and great one-day only specials • 10720 Guilford Rd, Jessup, MD • 301-497-8949 • www.bobsbmw.com
21-22 • National Vintage Flat Track hosted by the Tri-State MC at Oakland Valley Racepark, 305 Oakland Valley Rd, Cuddebackville, NY. Gates open 8:30am, Practice @ 10,Races @ Noon. $35/amateur/novice; $40/experts/pros. AMA membership required torace. $10 gate fee for viewing • www.tristateclub.com • 845-566-4956
22 • Bergen County Harley-Davidson Freedom Run Part 2. We’ve got good news! We’verescheduled and we’re going in for a Sunrise Run. No Vendors. No band. just a reallycool ride. We know it’s early... Really early but, it’s gonna be great! So help us raisemoney for the Feal Good Foundation and join us for this unique and heart-felt ride!Registration at Overpeck Park in Ridgefield Park, NJ 4am... Yes 4am. Kick Stands Up at5:20am SHARP! $25/Rider, $15/Passenger. FREE Event pin to the first 500 participants.Breakfast included! More info? 201-843-6930 • www.bergenharleydavidson.com
22 • 4th Annual Ride for Avi to benefit A-T Children’s Project. Sign in: Knights of Colum-bus, Shunpike Rd, Summit, NJ 10-11am; KSU11:15am. $20/rider; $10/passenter. Conti-nental breakfast, 60-mile escorted ride, BBQ, live music by Mudbelly Blues Band, rafflesand ‘Best In’ competition. More info at www.ride4avi.com
26 • 2013 Ladies Night Event hosted by The Motorcycle Mall Staff and some special in-dustry guests! If you're new to the sport, want to learn more or an experience femalerider that wants meet some new friends - this is the place to be! We'll have dinner, drinksand a night of education for women riders. Don't miss it or the special discounts! We'llhave open discussions about How to pick the right size motorcycle, General motorcyclemaintenance, Motorcycle safety & protective wear, Any questions you have. 655 Wash-ington Avenue • Belleville, NJ • 973-751-4545 • www.Motorcyclemall.com
27-28 • Woodstock Harley-Davidson Rock the House Open House. Live Entertainment byLex Grey Band, 2014 Demo Fleet Rides and More • 949 Route 28, Woodstock, NY •www.WoodstockHarley.com
OCTOBER 20134-5 • Victory Metuchen Victory Demo Days. Free Demo rides all day • 911 MiddlesexAve, Metuchen, NJ • 732-491-2900 • www.VictoryMetuchen.com
5 • Morton’s BMW Oktoberfest Open House. Enjoy demo rides, great deals, vendorsand product reps, food, music, limited edition commemorative t-shirt, even stuff for yourkids. Morton’s BMW, 5099A Jefferson Davis Hwy, Fredericksburg, VA • 540-891-9844 • www.mortonsbmw.com
6 • Liberty Harley-Davidson 15th Anniversary Bash. 10am-5pm. See ad on page 24 forfull details • 12 W. Milton Ave, Rahway, NJ • 732-381-2400 • www.LibertyHarley.com
DECEMBER 201321 • Bob's BMW annual customer appreciated day! Get into the holiday spirit at Bob'swhile we say THANKS to our amazing customers for what we know is going to be anothergreat year. Food, great company, door prizes and special holiday savings • 10720 GuilfordRd, Jessup, MD • 301-497-8949 • www.bobsbmw.com
BACKROADS • SEPTEMBER 2013 Page 45
UPCOMING EVENTS CALENDAR What’s Happening
September 2013 - Pages_2011 Page Layout-New 8/5/13 5:24 PM Page 45
Page 46 SEPTEMBER 2013 • 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
Sussex Hills Ltd.
973-875-2048946 Rte. 23 SouthSussex NJ 074613 miles north of Sussex Borough
Norman GrossSince 1976
Our Reputation Speaks for Itself
Specializing in Motorcycle
Repair, Parts & Supplies •
Cycle Tires Mounted & Bal-
anced • Batteries & Hard
Parts • Dynojet 250 Dyno
available for testing
For All Your Harley-Davidson Needs
Now stocking a full line of heated gearMake your riding season last all year.
Come Ride the Dragonwww.dealsgap.com
800.889.555017548 Tapoco Road, Robbinsville, NC 28771
Deals Gap318 Curves in 11 Miles
Deals Gap StoreMotel
Bar and Grill
DAYTONA, BIKETOBERFEST,STURGIS AND BEYOND
MOTORCYCLE TRAILERS
BARN TRAILERS718-426-7039 • www.barntruckrental.com
57-05 BROADWAY • WOODSIDE NY 11377 (OFF THE BQE & LIE)
SALESRENTALS
If you didn’t like cool stuff,
you wouldn’t be reading
this magazine.
Here’s something
you’re going to love.
TORQ-ITScrewdriver/Speed Wrench/ Palm Ratchet
All In One Tool
Variable Speeds Over 600RPMLow Profile, with an “Ergo” Grip and a Non-Slip DesignAccepts All 3/8” and 1/4” Sockets and Extensions
BASIC SET: $19.95 • DELUXE SET: $29.95 • ACCESORY SET: $9.95
TORQ-IT PRODUCTS, INC. 1701 Manor Road • Havertown PA 19083Tel: 1.888.876.9555 • Visit Our New Website: WWW.TORQ-IT.COM
Brands you Know and TrustFrom Long Island’s PremiereMotorcycle Outfitters…
15 East Deer Park Rd, Dix Hills, NY631-262-0600 • www.ReadyRiders.com
www.beemerboneyard.comUSED OILHEAD & K-BIKE PARTSHundreds of used parts at 50% off new cost or lessOrder online 24/7 ~ M/C, Visa, Discover or PayPal
100% money-back guarantee ~ parts ship in 24 hours
NEW MAINTENANCE PART ~ BELOW RETAIL
No Backorders ~ We Stock What We SellWe now carry German Liqui-Moly Engine & Gear Oil for BMWs
973-775-3495 • M-F 12pm~5pm • [email protected]
September 2013 - Pages_2011 Page Layout-New 8/5/13 5:24 PM Page 46
BACKROADS • SEPTEMBER 2013 Page 47
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
320 Front Street, Belvidere, NJ • 908-475-2274 • www.thisilldous.com
Open Daily for Breakfast and Beyond • 7am to 4pm • Sunday 7am to 1pm
Try our Full Throttle Breakfast Special every Saturday + Sunday
Worth the ride from anywhere!
NOW AVAILABLEBarbeque Catering
Flexible • AffordableReady When You Are
Sharing your passion for good food since 1983Member of The Runway Cafe
at the Blairstown Airport36 Lambert Road • Blairstown, NJ
GREATFoodRoads
Destination
908.362.9170
Tues. thru Sat. 11am-10pmSunday: Breakfast 9am-Noon
Lunch and Dinner served until 9pm
The RivertonTravel along the scenic
backroads of the Delaware river.Meet the Markopoulos family
and taste chef George’sGreek American cooking.Best bar menu, lunch or dinner.
Fresh poppers, perogies, calamari, clamsand crispy wings with 8 different sauces.
John, Christina, chef George and Eoanna welcome you and your friends.
The Riverton Hotel and RestaurantAt Belvidere-Riverton Free Bridge, Riverton, PA
610-498-4241 • www.rivertonhotel.com
Member of
Route 20, Bouckville, NY • 315-893-1810 • www.yeoldelandmark.com
Ye Olde Landmark Tavern5 Spacious Roomsstarting at $90.00
Tavern andDining Room Menu
Serving Hours:Mon-Thurs: 5-9pmFri-Sat: 5-9:30pm
Sunday: 1-8pm
Seasonal April ~ December
Member ofFeatured in ‘We’re Outta Here’ Sept. 2011In the heart of great riding • Between Syracuse and Utica
Cooperstown • Finger Lakes • State Forests
‘50s-Style Drive-In RestaurantFull and Varied Menu
Room for the Whole Gang
Located at Ross’ Corners • 1 Route 15 • Augusta NJ • 973-300-2300
www.chatterboxdrivein.com
Summer is here and that means it’s time to ride to
THE CHATTERBOX DRIVE-INGREAT FOOD • GOOD TIMES • EXCELLENT RIDING
Bike Night is BACK!
The Boat HouseRestaurant
Join us for Brunch, Lunch
or Dinner overlooking
Swartswood Lake
1040 Cty Rd 521 • Swartswood, NJ
973-300-0016
www.theboathouserestaurantonline.com
Member
Tuesday ~ Sunday 11am-9pm
Brunch 10am-2pm • Closed Mondays
Our Deck is Open for the Season
Excellent Ride Destination
Hudson Valley’s
Number One Riding
Barbeque Restaurant
Located on Picturesque Route 9W
minutes from Perkins Drive
and Harriman State Park
just south of historic West Point
1076 Route 9W North
Fort Montgomery, NY
845-446-0912
www.barnstormerbbq.com
Celebrate the Holidays withsome awesome barbeque!
If you go home hungryit’s your own fault
September 2013 - Pages_2011 Page Layout-New 8/5/13 5:25 PM Page 47
Page 48 SEPTEMBER 2013 • BACKROADS
presents the 25th annual
Harvey C. Irons Make-A-Wish RideHosted by BLUE KNIGHTS NJ IX
Sunday Oct. 20th* * * NEW START/END LOCATIONS * * *
sign up starts 9am at the
Chatterbox Drive-In, Rte. 15, Augusta, NJEnjoy coffee, doughnuts and fresh bagels.
Escorted ride leaves at 11:00am SHARP!
HAMBURG FD PAVILION, Rte. 23, Hamburg, NJCome back from the ride and enjoy
Live Entertainment, vendors, charity auction andunlimited food. Lunch & drink included
in the $20.00 pp registration fee.Children under 12 are free.
More info at BKNJIX.orgCall 973-729-4072 • email [email protected]
Make-A-Wish Foundation® of New Jersey
AMA Sanctioned NO PETS ALLOWED
Rider EducationOf New Jersey Inc.
Motorcycle Safety Foundation & New Jersey State Approved
MVC Written and Road Test Waived (certain restrictions apply)
Basic RiderCourse • $275Basic RiderCourse 2 (old ERC) • $125
“New” 3 Wheel BRC &The Advanced RiderCourse
Over 20 Years Experience!
Learn to Ride! Learn to Ride better!
No Permit Needed!
To Learn More or to Register OnlineVisit RENJ.com
Call Today: 1-800-8WE-RiDE
RiSiNg WOLF gARAgE NYC
EXCLUSIVE MOTORCYCLE PARKING FACILITY
Monthly Parking
Long & Short Term
24 Hour Access
Video Surveillance
Service Area
Personal Storage
Air Compressor
Battery Charging
We p ro v i d e a f r i e n d l y, c l e a n a n d s e c u re
e n v i ro n m e n t f o r t h e m o t o rc y c l e e n t h u s i a s t
By Appointment Only
East Village NYC
Ph: 212 475 5858 • Fx: 212 505 5205
www.risingwolfgarage.com
September 2013 - Pages_2011 Page Layout-New 8/5/13 5:25 PM Page 48
BACKROADS • SEPTEMBER 2013 Page 49
When the Road Calls the Journey Begins
NORTH AMERICAN
MOTORCYCLE TOURS LLC
Personalized Guided Motorcycle Tours
For the Fun and Enjoyment of Taking Your
Vacation on Your Motorcycle
www.northamericanmotorcycletours.com973-659-9672 • 973-479-3290
Wharton NJ • [email protected]
Touring North Central Virginia?Then ride on over to the NEW
Comfort Inn & Suites in Orange
Motorcyclist Owned & OperatedLarge indoor heated pool and spa • Free deluxe hot breakfast buffet
Microwaves and fridges in every room • Large rooms + suites available
Comfort Inn & Suites334 Caroline St (James Madison Hwy), Orange, VA 22960
540-672-3121 • www.comfortinn.com/hotel-orange-virginia-VA657
Moto-Inn ApprovedTell ‘em Backroads
sent you!
15% Discountto all
Motorcyclists
The newest motorcycle-friendlyhotel closest to Skyline Drive…
just 30 miles away!
Fire Pit • Free WiFiCooked-to-order BreakfastHeated Pool • BYOB
We welcome everyone from
a lone rider to a full chapter
344 Route 100, West Dover, VTwww.BigBearsLodge.com
802-464-5591
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
September 2013 - Pages_2011 Page Layout-New 8/5/13 5:25 PM Page 49
Brian Rathjen
Knowing we would be jetting down to Colombia for a two-wheeltour with Mike and Motolombia, I let Shira know that we would begoing to the Caribbean city of Cartagena.
Founded by Pedro de Heredia and the Spanish in 1563 the cityhas been built, fortified, bombed, rebuilt and refortified many times.
The Englishman Francis Drake comes to mind here.As for me, I had heard for years how intriguing and beautiful this
town was, especially its walled section.UNESCO has declared Cartagena “Patrimonio Histórico Cultural
de la Humanidad” (A Cultural and Historic Place for All Humanity).How could we not go?
So a few days before flying into Medellin we were landingunder the light of the full moon on the Colombian coast of theCaribbean.
I have always thought that the best flying adventures beginwhen you walk down a rolled up set of stairs and walkacross the tarmac under a tropical moon.
Jetways are for sissies.A short cab ride later and we were in the
comfortable Casa India Catalina, in the heartof the old city.
Unpacked for the next few days and ready togo, we headed out looking for one of the manysquares and outdoor restaurants we were sure wewould find.
A half hour later we were sitting at an outdoorbistro beneath the cathedral (one of many churches herein Cartagena) in a square lined with some of the manybronze statues you will find in this lovely town.
One statue, less humorous than the others, showed aSpanish priest converting a native Indian – perhaps Carib– with a shackle on his ankle.
We’d learn more of this the next day.We strolled around the old part of the city, trying to get our
bearings along the tight and narrow streets. Near midnight wefound another restaurant, in Plaza Santo Domingo, still doing abrisk business so late of a Wednesday night and we found Carta-gena seafood pizza was rather good, as was the people watching(okay, girl watching for me at least) this night.
A short time later we were back at the Casa India and lookingforward to exploring the walled city in the daylight.
Daylight also meant heat and humidity. Flying down duringthe middle of winter had us little prepared for this; but wemanaged.
We first passed the Plaza Bolivar and thenquickly found the Palacio de la Inquisicion.It was here that the church continued theSpanish Inquisition with locals and na-tives that did not meet up with thechurch’s standards or beliefs. Thestately palace was basically a torturechamber that did its evil work (in thename of God and his son, of course)
for more than 150 years. Here they hadon display some of the evilest and most nasty ma-
chines to crush the human soul and put on anyheavenly light.
Nearby we took in the Gold Museum and learneda great deal of the history of the region before andafter the arrival of the Spanish. It struck me as funnyhow the quest for gold and searching for Christ havebeen so woven together during the last few thousandyears; especially in Central and south America.
Along the long stone and coral wall overlookingthe Caribbean we spent some time at the Naval Mu-
seum and then, hiding from the heat and sun we took asiesta for a few hours.
Later that day we cabbed it over to the large castlecalled San Felipe. The San Felipe Castle is the largest
Page 50 SEPTEMBER 2013 • BACKROADS
Cartag
ena
The Fo
rtress
City
on the
Caribbe
an
THE BEST ADDITION YOU’LL MAKE TO YOUR MOTORCYCLE THIS YEAR IS
THE KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS FROM PRIDMORE’S CLASS - BACKROADS
September 2013 - Pages_2011 Page Layout-New 8/5/13 5:25 PM Page 50
Colonial Spanish forte in Colombia and an outstanding example of military
engineering from the Colonial Period. It was originally built between 1639
and 1657 and later enlarged in 1762. It is a mammoth place and took a good
part of the afternoon to explore.
We walked back to the Old City from San Felipe,
and while strolling through Century Park we saw
dozens of stands selling and repairing educational
and text books for younger student.
The Colombians are trying hard to move forward
after a fairly dark recent past and they know that
their children’s education is key to this future.
These thousands of books available right at the park
show their fortitude on this issue.
Walking around the old fortifications you could
see why this was such a strategic location, with so
much direct sailing to Cuba, Haiti and further on to
Spain. It is no wonder why this city was rebuilt and
held onto even to this day. On our way to another
late bistro lunch we passed the Las Bovedas which
was a prison built beside the walls between 1792
and 1796. Now it is a tourist shopping area for sou-
venirs.
Times change and so did Colombia.
When the sun faded away and the evening cooled
we went on the prowl again settling in on a small
table along a side street; away from the tourist and
amongst the locals in the best style of Anthony
Bourdain or Clem Salvadori. A bottle of wine and
some scrumptious olives later we sauntered to the
far side of the old city to a restaurant Shira had
searched out called Krioyo.
Eating al fresco under the wild trees and palms
we had a succulent meal of shrimp, rice, banana and
a fishy soup that couldn’t be beat.
After that it was a nightcap atop the wall above
the dark Caribbean, complete with a live local band,
before searching our way back through the tiny
streets to the Casa India.
The next day we walked most of the wall itself. The day before we visited
museums and forts; so it was proper this day to visit the Museo De Las For-
tificaciones or a museum about forts.
Later we walked through the city centro and stopped in at the local super-
mercado just to see what was to be had. I’ll tell you it’s plenty; and Shira and
I always think it fun to drop by local places and shop like the locals.
F.W. SPEER YAMAHA7 Main Ave • Passaic, NJ • 973-778-6256 • www.SpeerYamaha.com
Tri-State Metro Area’s Oldest Yamaha Dealer + Last of the Mom and Pop Shops.
The Mallternative.
FOGGY MOUNTAIN RELIABILITY RUNSUNDAY, AUG. 25 sign-in 8:30-10am• call for details
CIRCLECYCLE
570 Broad AvenueRidgefield NJ
web: www.circlecycle.net
201-945-2200
For over 30 yearsCircle Cycle has helped
riders get and stay on the road
Our variety of powersports products is second to none.Whether you’re riding of-froad, backroads, or onthe track, we’re here to getyou where you need to go.
In northern New Jersey there isn’t a friendlier or moreknowledgeable staff than ours. We’re happy tohelp you find the parts you’ve been looking for.
Online Shopping AvailableCheck our catalog pages - if you don’t see what you want, give us a call or stop in - we’re always ready to help!
Circle CycleFor the discriminating rider.
Opposite: India Catalina statue
in the center of Cartagena
This page: Botero’s La Gordita,
full moon greets us at Casa
India Catalina, the restful
interior of our lodgings, sailor
statue outside the Naval Museum
BACKROADS • SEPTEMBER 2013 Page 51
023SE13_P053_Transfer Template 8/6/13 8:42 AM Page 1
We continued window-shopping and, in a small shop on a smaller street, I bought Shira a nice light sundress incase we had a semi-formal night on the tour and sandals to go with it before we headed back to the hotel for siesta.
This day the hammock by the pool and a few chapters of Neil Peart’s “Ghost Rider” made for an enjoyable after-noon’s rest. That evening, with Shira looking lovely in her new dress, we took in a few local bars and found anotherdelicious meal at a small restaurant called Salou, across from the ancient wall. Run by a young Canadian-trainedchef named Juanma Restrepo, they offered a great combination of Cartagena cuisine with a slight Asian influence.Compared to some of the loud eateries you would find along the wall, Salou offered a quiet ambiance and wonderfulservice at very fair prices. Afterwards we strolled the town once again before calling it a fairly early night. The nextday we’d be flying down to Medellin to meet with the Motolombia crew and to begin the real adventure.
Cartagena is a bustling city that has volumes of history, its share of mystery and a promising future. For the mostpart we stayed in the old walled city and that was equally divided between beautiful narrow streets, echoing with
Page 52 SEPTEMBER 2013 • BACKROADS
JDS CYCLE PARTSEST. 1988
247 W. Westfield Ave, Rosell Park, NJ908-245-2445
• Parts & Accessories• Award-winning Service• Performance Work• Dyno Tuning• S&S Pro Tuning Center• Power CommanderTuning Center
American • Metric • Sport
Top Left: Castillo San Felipe de Barajas
Center: Gruesome images and devices
from the Palace of the Inquistion
Right: Luscious fruit vendor’s wares,
an evening out on the town in style
Opposite Page: Cartagena shines at night
Caribe Indian statue at the Inquisition
Proud of their sailing heritage, Cartagena
shows off its old and new on the harbor.
September 2013 - Pages_2011 Page Layout-New 8/5/13 5:25 PM Page 52
the clip clop of horse drawn carriages and with the ever-present wisps of guitars ordrums in the air. Other parts are in need of a facelift and that seemed to be happeningduring the few short days we were there.
Yes, there are many street hawkers selling all the same things, but they are notall that intrusive and do take “no, gracias” for an answer.
Another thing that struck us was the total absence of flies and mosquitoes; some-thing nearly unheard of in the tropics.
For the most part all the people were cordial and friendly and if you are followingin our wake and riding Colombia with Motolombia then consider a few nights inCartagena, an excellent choice indeed; and being just a three-hour flight from Miamiis almost a no-brainer. Plan your escape from the winter cold now. Point yourbrowswer to www.Motolombia.com - whether one week or more, you’ll have agreat time, especially is you start your trip with a Cartagena sojourn.
BACKROADS • SEPTEMBER 2013 Page 53
Are you ready for the most comfortable motorcycle saddle?A saddle that fits properly eliminates pressure points that reduce
blood flow. It takes a solid understanding of human anatomy
and extensive motorcycle experience to make a truly fine mo-
torcycle saddle. Let Rick’s medical expertise as a critical care
nurse and extensive riding experience combine to create a truly
great saddle hand-made just for you. Prices start at $269.
www.RickMayerCycle.com
37 Plains Road at the Sussex County Fairgrounds • Augusta, NJ
Open through October • Saturdays 9am-2pmThe most Rider-Friendly
Farmer’s Market in the RegionCome and meet YOUR Farmers
The Sussex CountyFarmer’s Market
Come with empty saddlebags and bring home dinner
September 2013 - Pages_2011 Page Layout-New 8/5/13 5:25 PM Page 53
Tony Lisanti
If you’re looking for the guaranteed farthestprojecting LED light on the market, look no fur-ther. After years of engineering and advances inLED technology Baja Designs believes this is thefuture of lighting for off road racing. Adoptingmilitary grade technology, the new OnX LEDLight Bar is the only light bar on the market thathas the distance of conventional HID lights butwith the smooth spread of an LED. Countlesshours of testing and preparation have ensuredthat the OnX will be perfect for racers and en-thusiasts that need a vast amount of light atspeed.
Baja Designsknows a few thingsabout high quality offroad lighting productsand dual sport kits.They have been man-ufacturing high qual-ity off road kits sincethe company began in1992. They have been
the lighting sponsors for the Honda Off Road Team, which has collectedmany wins in the famed Baja 1000.
The OnX utilizes a Cree XM-L2 T6 Bin LED at with a light temperature5000 degrees kelvin (white light). All the LED kits are complimented by user
changeable optics that has been specifically de-signed for the OnX. This results in distance pro-jection previously only available with HIDlighting. The OnX light bar is available in widthsranging from 8” all the way to 58”. Each 8” sec-tion offers a concentrated beam of 4300 lumens.
Baja Designs offers two wiring harnesses spe-cific to the Yamaha. First is a plug and playwiring harness with PWM dimmer control allow-
ing adjustment of thebrightness in 5% in-crements. The secondis the Mode switchwiring harness that includes a two-position toggle switch and mode switch,which allows you to adjust the light between 100%, 50% and strobe. This isthe harness installed on the S10.
Mounting the light bar on the Yamaha Super Tenere was easy. Just removetwo bolts below the headlight and reinstall the assembled light bar andbracket with the included hardware. Mounting space for the switches on theYamaha is limited but I was able to find a suitable location on the cowling tothe left of the instrument cluster.
Once installed, the light bar can be easily adjusted with an allen key. Theoutput on the light bar is tremendous! The yellowish light provided by the
WHERE CAN YOUGET
ALL THIS AND SO MUCHMORE
IN ONEPLACE?
MOTORCYCLE MADNESS is New Jersey’s LARGESTPre-Owned Bike Seller, has a ridiculously HUGE selection of
Mens and Womens Gear and A WALL OF HELMETS.
Professionally Trained Mechanics will take the BEST care of your ride.
8 State Hwy 94 • Lafayette, NJ • 973-579-6088 • 877-252-9828
Page 54 SEPTEMBER 2013 • BACKROADS
PRODUCT REVIEW BAJA DESIGNS ONX LED ADVENTURE BIKE LIGHT BAR KIT
September 2013 - Pages_2011 Page Layout-New 8/5/13 5:25 PM Page 54
stock high/low beam is dramatically over taken by the bright white LED lightspread. It easily throws several hundred feet and fills in all the distance inbetween. The OnX more than doubles the distance of the stock high beam.
The best part of an LED is the lamp life of over 40,000 hours, far superiorto an HID or any other conventional lamp. LED’s also draw less wattage andis less susceptible to premature failure due to vibration. The kit was also pro-vided with a snap on cover to protect the lens whennot in use.
Features:
Both Spot and Horizontal Spread Optics
can be combined in one lamp
Optics are user changeable
Tri-Level Heat Management system
Weight: 2.5 lbs.
IP69K Certified (Submersible to 9ft)
IK10 Compliant (Mechanical Impact Testing)
Vibration Rating: 7.7Grms
Operating Temperature: -40 Celsius to +80 Celsius
Hardcoated User Changeable Polycarbonate Lens
Lifetime Warranty
Dimming: Accessible Medium (Dust)
and Strobe Modes
Total Lumens: 4300
Housing: Extruded Aluminum, Anodized,
Laser Etched
Power Consumption: 42 watts
Emitter: CREE XM-L2 LED, 5000 Kelvin
8.0” Long, 2.25” High, 4.25” Inches Deep
49,930 hour LED life expectancy
The Yamaha 8” OnX Adventure Bike Kit for the Yamaha Super Tenere re-tails for $419.95. The available OnX Dimmer wiring harness (Part Number64-0236) retails for $89.95 and the Mode switch wiring harness (Part Number64-0237) for $59.95. Baja Designs offers a number of kits for the BMW GSline, Triumph Tiger, Suzuki V-Strom and for the KTM 950/990.
BACKROADS • SEPTEMBER 2013 Page 55
Stumpy’s YAMAHA
Your Toy Store at the Shore
50 YEARS AND GOING STRONG!STRONGER THAN A STORM
YAMA-HOTLINE • 732-776-55141207 Rte 35 South • Neptune, NJ • www.Stumpys.com
September 2013 - Pages_2011 Page Layout-New 8/5/13 5:25 PM Page 55
Backroads is happy to announce the location of
our 15th Fall Fiesta ~
WILLIAMSPORT, PENNSYLVANIA
September 19-22, 2013We will be staying at the historic Genetti Hotel in downtown Williamsport, home ofLittle League Baseball and gateway to the Allegheny mountains. There are miles and
miles of great roads, paved and dirt, to explore during our visit and Williamsport offersa variety of activities for after the bikes are parked. Conveniently, the Genetti is acrossthe street from the Bullfrog Brewery, as well as next door to the Community Arts Center.
To book your room (which you should do RIGHT NOW), please call 800-321-1388and ask for the BACKROADS GROUP BOOKING. Rooms start at $11595/night(plus tax) which includes a great breakfast every day and secured off-street parking.
Backroads’ Baseball, Rivers & Riding Challenge
To combine the location of our Spring Break - Cooperstown, NY at the headwaters of the Susquehanna River -and our Fall Fiesta - Williamsport, PA on the Susquehanna River - both baseball superstars, we would like you to
think about and create one image that combines rivers, baseball and riding - the summation of a wonderful year ofBackroads’ rallies. What we want is a great picture. So go to it and we look forward to your submissions when we
gather in Williamsport. Of course, if you didn’t make it to Cooperstown or can’t make it to Williamsport, you can sendus your digital masterpiece – remember it has to be HIGH RESOLUTION – and we’ll throw it into the ring.
If someone gets a picture of Andrew McCutchen reading Backroads on a bike in front of Three River Stadium, well…
FEEL THE FREEDOM!
Ride New Zealand
February 2014
13 Nights • 2000 miles
of Fantastic Riding
Auckland to Christchurch
(North & South Islands)
Large selection of
motorcycles to choose from
Guided Tour with support van
There’s Plenty of Time to get your ducks in a row
and join us for a trip of a lifetime.
For more details and bookings please contact:
Fred Rau • 951-672-0239 • [email protected]
Visit Te Waipounamu Website for information
www.motorcycle-hire.co.nz
Choose from these bikes…
September 2013 - Pages_2011 Page Layout-New 8/5/13 5:25 PM Page 56
September 2013 - Covers_2011 Cover Template 8/5/13 5:18 PM Page 3
September 2013 - Covers_2011 Cover Template 8/5/13 5:18 PM Page 4