Summer recap .....

Hi fellow bikers ….. I know it’s been a while since my last post.
It’s late November and we had our first snowfall yesterday. I winterized the bike a few days ago, Seafoam in the tank, rubbed a light coating of lube on exposed metal parts, hooked up the battery tender and have it sitting on a “PepsX” stand to keep the wheels off of the ground. Also put some steel wool in the pipe ends and air intake to keep the mice out and aired up the tires. I put the cover on her and will take a peek every couple of days. Those of you who live in a climate that can ride year round don’t know how
lucky you have it.

Here’s a recap of my Americade trip, in early June my buddy who rides a
HD Night Rod and I made the trek from Michigan through Canada over to Lake George, NY for the Americade Rally. If you’ve never been to the Lake George area and upstate NY, you are missing out on some great roads and scenery. Since this was our first Americade we chose not to pre-register for the tour rides and do our own and get a lay of the land so to speak. When we left Michigan there was a light drizzle falling lucky for us it tapered off by the time we got to Niagara Falls. We had lunch at the Hard Rock Café and checked out some of the sites before crossing the bridge over into NY. The traffic wasn’t bad and we made good time. We decided to stop for the night in the Fingers Lakes region at Canandaigua Lake. We looked at the map and decided to stay off of the NY Thruway and take Highway 20 east until we could find a route that would take us north and then east into Saratoga Springs where we would be staying for the week. As soon as we left Canandaigua it started raining pretty hard, we took our time and it finally stopped raining for about an hour and then off and on until we arrived in Saratoga Springs. We unloaded our bikes and then took the 30 minute ride up to Lake George to the Americade check in. After visiting the vendor tents it started raining again and we picked up a great rally map and headed back to the hotel. We found a restaurant near the hotel that we could walk to and took the map to plan for the next couple of days. Although the weather was pretty cool for June and was going to rain off and on we were excited to explore the area. The map had a listing of some great routes that included Vermont and the Adirondacks area. We decided to check out Vermont for the next day’s ride, after crossing back into NY from Vermont at Chimney Point we stopped at Fort Ticonderoga. When we left the fort we traveled south on Route 9N, this is a great twisting road that runs along the western shore of Lake George. We made other day trips that were equally enjoyable. Everywhere we went the locals were very friendly and we saw just about every kind of bike you could imagine, Customs’, Harley’s, Honda’s, BMW’s, Triumph’s, etc. On our departure day we decided to take I-87 north and then cut over and ride through Keen and into Lake Placid for an early lunch. We asked a few locals for a route to get us into Canada and we ended up crossing at Cornwall. We rode a few more hours and saw that the sky to the west was turning very dark and a storm would be upon us, so we found a hotel room just east of Toronto. After parking the bikes and getting something to eat the storm hit and it was pretty bad, there was a tornado warning and tree limbs and branches were falling down near our bikes and the parking lot. After the storm blew through we went out and cleared off the leaves and small branches that were on the bikes. We got up early and headed out, after making the split from the 401 onto the 402 we traveled east towards Michigan and soon caught up with a group of about 20 other riders. We rode with them all the way to the Blue Water Bridge and spoke to a few of them while we were waiting to cross over. They were from Illinois, Minnesota, Iowa and one guy was from Montana. They had attended the rally also. All in all it was a great trip with great people and great routes / roads to ride. The only downfall was the weather and we all know that there’s not much we can do about that. Since I’m more of a warm weather rider (80 – 95 degrees) is my favorite riding weather, I think it might be time to head back south and do the Honda Hoot in 2008.

Until next time, stay safe and get out and ride!!!

Think Spring ....

Ok so I dusted off the scooter, unplugged the battery tender put in the key and mashed the starter button, and ol’Blackie roared to life. I let her run for awhile as I checked the air in the tires. Did a final inspection, closed the garage door and off I went. The first ride of the season always feels great. It had been a looooong four and a half months and PMS (Parked Motorcycle Syndrome) had set in. It was nice to feel the wind in my face again and the change of temperature when I rode past a lake that still had ice on it, the wind blowing across it felt like someone had turned on the A/C. After about a two hour ride and meeting up with some friends, it was time to park her for the night. Now I’m waiting for the next warm day to polish her up and change the oil and have her ready for the upcoming riding season and it can’t get here fast enough. I plan I doing the Americade Rally in early June and maybe do the whole length of the Blue Ridge Parkway in early
September. Until my next post ….. I’ll see ya on the road.
Remember Be Safe!

Sniper

Up North / Northern Michigan

Up North …..

Hi everyone, I know it’s been a while since my last post but I’ve been out riding and playing with my other toy a new Digital SLR – Nikon D200. I just returned from a two day trip to northern Michigan to complete the last leg of our club’s “Seeing Michigan” contest. I visited Bay Mills, Cross Village and Northport. It was a great ride and the weather was quite hot. So hot in fact, the dreaded black fly’s were no where to be found.
Life’s Good!!

After riding across the Mighty Mac (Mackinac Bridge) into St. Ignace, I made a quick stop to gas up and head to Bay Mills and the Indian run casino. After having lunch and
making a small donation to the casino, I headed west along the lake shore to Paradise.
Let me tell you it was more like Hell, than Paradise. It was in the low 90’s and very humid, it was the hottest day they have had all summer. I traveled west another 10 miles and visited Tahquamenon Falls. After trekking the trails to the Upper / Lower Falls and the 200+ steps down and up, I realized how out of shape I’ve become. I need to get back in the gym. After leaving the falls, I headed back to St. Ignace for a meal of Whitefish and to sleep for the night. I loaded up the next morning and had an early start to Cross Village. After going through the small town I headed south down M-119 known as the Tunnel of Trees, it’s a twisting tree canopied road that has several overlooks of Lake Michigan. It was overcast and a little cloudy so I didn’t get the full effect of the trees during a bright sunny day. Needless to say, it’s still a great ride. I saw plenty of Deer, Rabbits and a flock of Wild Turkey’s. I stopped in Harbor Spring’s at the marina and checked out the boats. There was a Regatta and the harbor was full of sailboats. Many of which had done the Port Huron to Mackinac race a few weekends ago. After taking some pictures and having breakfast, I followed M-119 into Petoskey and US 31 south through
Charlevoix and into Traverse City. I took a short break and then rode through Suttons Bay and finally into Northport. The clouds started to roll in, so I gassed up and headed for home. Here are a few photo’s from the trip.

Take Care, and Stay Safe!

Honda Hoot ....

Wow … what a HOOT!! Honda Hoot that is. Had a great trip to Knoxville, TN for the Honda Hoot last week. Rode about a 1,000 miles in and around Eastern Tennessee and Western North Carolina. Two words sum up this region of the country … Biker Nirvana.
If you own a Motorcycle, regardless of type, you have to ride The Tail Of The Dragon (318 Curves – 11 Miles). Also, made a trip over to Maggie Valley, NC to visit The Wheels Through Time Museum. All American Made Motorcycles from the early days and some recent ones too. Special bikes that have won significant races or performed other feats in history, such as WWII Harley’s, one of Evil Kanevil’s first bikes, a Daytona Beach racer from the 50’s, the list goes on and on. Definitely worth a visit.
Below are a few photos taken while on the trip. Enjoy and stay safe.

VTX Photo Shoot

I polished up the VTX for a Photo Shoot.








Enjoy!

Sniper

Summer Trips ???

Ok … who has major bike trips planned for the Summer?
Americade, Bike Week Myrtle Beach, Coloradicle, Sturgis…….. etc.
What are they and will this be your first trip to this location or have you been before? What do you do to get ready or how much research do you do before the trip or do you do it on the fly because you like Surprises?
Camp or Motel? Ride the scoot or trailer it? Superslab or back roads?

Just a few questions ….. as stated in one of my earlier posts, I’ve only recently gotten back into the biking scene. So I'm looking for some input here.

I'll be riding the VTX down to Knoxville, TN in June for the Honda Hoot. I convinced a buddy who has a new HD Night Rod to make the trip with me. We have different rides planned for each day. On Saturday 6/24, we’ll be doing the Tail of The Dragon over on the border of Tennessee and North Carolina. Can’t wait, I’m getting pretty amped just thinking about it, since I haven’t been able to ride in a week or so. Damn rain.

The club I belong to ….. The Michigan “X” Riders (www.mixriders.com)
has a charity ride entitled “Seeing Michigan”. You pay an entry fee and you must visit all five of the following locations in Michigan and take a picture of your bike in front of a recognizable landmark, post office, Fire / Police Station or some other place to use as proof you were there. Locations: St. Joseph, Alpena, Northport, Cross Village, and Bay Mills. Everyone who makes it to all five locations will have their name entered into a drawing and will win a prize at our October meeting. A major portion of the proceeds will be given to charity.I signed up for it and plan on having it completed by mid August.

So lets mount up, get our motors running and head out the highway!!!

Feel free to post any tips you may have.

Stay Safe …… Sniper

MAY - Motorcycle Awareness Month

For those of you who didn’t know, May is Motorcycle awareness month.
So if you have a car (Cage) tie an Orange Ribbon to your vehicle to signify
that you're aware and remember to always look twice before turning or
changing lanes.

On a similar note check out http://www.bikerfriend.org and get a few stickers
to share with family, friends and co-workers. I received mine just the other
day. Here is their biker creed from their web site –

Five easy steps to show you're "Biker Friendly"

1. Slap a sticker on your cage.

2. Keep an eye out for motorcyclists who are out enjoying the great roads. Even though you're probably wishing you could join them instead of sitting behind the wheel of that four wheeled monstrosity.

3. When in stop and go traffic or when stopped at a light, leave a little extra room. Riders who see the "Biker Friendly" sticker will be able to quickly identify that there is a fellow biker ahead.

4. If possible, lend a hand. If you see a fellow biker in trouble, pull over and offer your assistance. I understand that with our busy schedules, we don't always have the time to stop and help. But if you have a few minutes, sometimes that is all the time a stranded rider needs.

5. Most importantly, you must agree to extend this option to all those that ride. You must not show prejudice against those who may not meet your idea of the way a biker should be. You must promise to follow these steps even though some bikers will ride fast, slow, or while wearing inadequate gear. After all, most of us are not angels, and I'm sure we all have done something at least once in our lifetime that someone else may consider to be irresponsible or even stupid.

Enjoy and Be Safe !!!

You Didn't See Me

But, You Didn't See Me

I saw you hug your purse closer to you in the grocery store line.
But, you didn't see me put an extra $10.00 in the collection plate last Sunday.

I saw you pull your child closer when we passed each other on the sidewalk.
But, you didn't see me playing Santa at the local mall.

I saw you change your mind about going into the restaurant.
But, you didn't see me attending a meeting to raise more money for the hurricane relief.

I saw you roll up your window and shake your head when I drove by.
But, you didn't see me driving behind you when you tossed your cigarette butt out the car window.

I saw you frown at me when I smiled at your children.
But, you didn't see me when I took time off from work to run toys to the homeless kids.

I saw you stare at my long hair.
But, you didn't see me and my friends cut ten inches off for Locks of Love.

I saw you roll your eyes at our leather coats and gloves.
But, you didn't see me and my brothers donate our old coats and gloves to those that had none.

I saw you look in fright at my tattoos.
But, you didn't see me cry as my children where born and how I have their names written upon my heart.

I saw you change lanes while rushing off to go somewhere.
But, you didn't see me going home to be with my family.

I saw you complain about how loud and noisy our bikes can be.
But, you didn't see me when you were changing the CD and drifted into my lane.

I saw you yelling at your kids in the car.
But, you didn't see me pat my child's hands, knowing he was safe behind me.

I saw you reading the newspaper or map as you drove down the road.
But, you didn't see me squeeze my wife's leg when she told me to take the next turn.

I saw you race down the road in the rain.
But, you didn't see me get soaked to the skin so my son could have the car to go on his date.

I saw you run the yellow light just to save a few minutes of time.
But, you didn't see me trying to turn right.

I saw you cut me off because you needed to be in the lane I was in.
But, you didn't see me leave the road.

I saw you waiting impatiently for my friends to pass.
But, you didn't see me…I wasn't there.

I saw you go home to your family.
But, you didn't see me…Because I died that day you cut me off.

I was just a biker...
A person with friends and a family.

BUT, YOU DIDN'T SEE ME!!

Author Unknown


Take Care...and, Stay Safe!

My Scooter .....

Hi Blog World ...... Newbe here

Ok … so I’m sitting here bored out of my mind when I decided to do a Google search on “Motorcycle Blogs”. Since I love to ride and just returned to the Motorcycle scene after a 20 year hiatus / vacation. I thought to myself…. Hmmm why not start my own Blog about my adventures in Motorcycling. When did my passion for Motorcycles begin you might ask??? I think I was about 7 or 8 years old when a friend of my Dad’s came over on a shiny BSA. He was my Dad’s cool friend, a Fireman and Motorcycle rider. Wow!! He told me to get on and hold on tight and off we went …Man what a rush. I couldn’t wait to get a Minibike so I could learn to ride, well after several Dirt Bikes and Motocross bikes I bought a road bike – Honda CB350. I buzzed around town for a couple of Summer’s until I went off to college. A few years later I bought a used CB900 Custom from a friend that was moving. Sweet bike and staying loyal to the Honda brand. Went on a few long trips and really enjoyed the scooter.
I took a weekend trip and on the way home Sunday afternoon I get nailed from behind and the bike is totaled and I end up in the hospital. Hmmm what does the man upstairs have in store for me? Anyway, I spend the next 20 years without a motorcycle and every year on the first warm Spring day, I’m thinking man it’d be great to be on a bike with a warm breeze in my face. So, after some prodding from friends who were going through their mid-life crisis and went out and bought Harley’s, I decided I’d get back into biking. After test riding a few different bikes and brands, I knew I wanted a cruiser bike and something with a big enough motor to haul my fat azz around, I’m not really fat but I’m a “Need for Speed” junkie and also need some comfort. So a crotch rocket was out of the question and those things are dangerous.
Ok…. Don’t start bashing me for knocking on the CR’s. They’re cool and fast as hell, but the way some people ride’em is down right scary. Darwin lives.
I finally decide to go with a brand new Honda VTX 1300 Retro….. damn sweet bike. I’ll post some photo’s in a few days. I picked it up last Spring and put 4,500 miles on it along with a few mod’s (Seat, Windshield, Highway Bars & Pegs, Grips, Air Horn) to name a few. I think half the fun of owning a bike is making it your own creation.

I went on a few nice trips last Summer and met a lot of friends and joined the Michigan “X” Riders, we’re a club, not a gang. We have a diverse membership with fellow yuppies like myself, truck drivers, machinist, automotive designers, engineers, etc. I’m planning on going to the Honda Hoot and Honda Homecoming this Summer.
Possibly Americade and Coloradical next year….. who knows. I need more vacation time. Boss man you reading this? I’ve rambled on long enough.

So…. Tell me why do you ride and how did it all begin????