Gas Pains

I looked back to last year (2008) not this past year (2009) and think of the difference in the price of fuel. Two summers ago, anti acids wouldn't helped the roiling of my stomach as I looked at a $15 charge for my bike, which used to be what it cost for my cage (car). I remember when I first started riding road bikes, I was almost embarrassed to walk into a store and handing over loose change after filling my machine. Before charge cards, debit cards, ebt, and the likes. Now my finance charge is higher than way back when. Although the start of a new year brings prices under the $3 mark and makes it easier to ride, I think we all are feeling the pinch at the pump. I will ride when possible, where possible, and as far as possible. But the prices are still enough to give you gas pains.
See you on the Road!

Hanger on'rs

This year showed us a busy year at the site and in personal life, with changes online and what we ride. The up sizing to a bigger bike enabled us to look at new gear and parts for the bike. The rise in fuel gave us many different listing to post, with an entry of over 600 rides and benefits, including about 200 of which we got: more info will follow and nothing heard back about. We saw friends pass on and made new friends this season. We always look forward to our next ride and look forward to our next friend. We have many followers and staff members, both official and unofficial, which we are grateful for. We have change our format to include ads being placed on the site, which will help us be more self sustaining, and have picked up sponsors and supporters which keeps us running and able to attend more rallies. We are going to try sponsoring another event in the spring and always look for supporters for this project. Although, I put the bike away earlier than usual this year due to outside influences, like family and work, I will be the last hanger on'er for the year, as I expect to take my last ride around Christmas and my first ride about the first week of March.
See you on the Road!

There is always next year.

I remember when I was growing up and looking at motorcycles, wishing I could have one. I bought my first bike for a whopping $100 from a friend. An endoro type bike called a Hadaka, 125cc's and wow, it was fast! So I thought! It smoked, leaked and sounded rough, tough and EPA would have shot me for riding it! As the years and bikes went by, I remember drag racing friends and others on the boulevards of cities on both coast, west coast riding was on a borrowed bike I could use anytime. East coast, I bought my first rode bike, 550cc on this one. I remember racing the newer bikes, the bigger bikes, and the crazies that rode them. I sat at one light, looking tough in my Hawaiian T-shirt, shorts and sandals, open face helmet and a gang, yes, a gang rode up and started harassing me, the blaring of the horns, the laughter, the roaring engines and when it was all done, as I watched them all ride away, I thought, ouch, those girls on the rented moped really didn't like my shirt! As for the memories they will return and I look forward to new ones. As the season closes here in the Northeast, I look at the bike in its' garage and think, There is always next year.

UGH!

End of the year for riding in the Northeast. Rain today, snow last week, sunny tomorrow, what am I able to do? Veterans Day came and went quietly or with big fanfare depending on where you were. Mine was quiet celebration at work. I have been redoing the websites without much success. Corrupt files, missing pages, bad links, so I guess it was time to toss out the old and start over. The wall project looks good, and being something that will never be finished I am hoping to see it continue on. Motorcycle New England is going into its slow season, but as always planning for next season. Let see what exciting things that will bring! Memorial Day plans are always on, no matter the weather. Biggest weekend of the years for me. Vermont Thunder ride and riders are one of the stops for the weekend. Plattsburgh Barracks Veterans Park is my number one event. Riding throughout Vermont and Northern NY on the weekend is both relaxing and enjoyable. This coming year on the New Raider motorcycle will prove to be a challenge to me and my fellow riders being early riding yet and a the new ride. With all this said, UGH!
See you on the Road!

Fall is in the air

We, those of us who live in the northeastern regions of the country, recognize there are more than one season, usually here is winter and mud. With the occasional sunny day thrown in for good measure, we do ride and ride and put off other work that really doesn't need to be done, but work we do anyways. Fall, our third season, consists of hunting and riding. Sometimes both. Fall is the end of our riding season. Those hanger on'rs and riding between the snowflakes which could come at any time makes it all the more spectacular. Temps at night here are the lower thirties, and daytime hovering around fifty. Dressing warmer and warmer is the thing to do. The leaves are changing and being around New England and the Adirondack mountains I see it and the peepers everywhere. Tattoos and t-shirts are covered now with insulated jackets and warmers, liners, flannels and even more leather. Cold is cold, no matter what the temp is out. More moisture in the air takes a bigger bite out the riders now and we all feel it. Fall is in the air.
See you on the Road!

Just Another Brick on the Wall

Plattsburgh Barracks Veterans Park and its' wall has gone thru many changes these past five years and all for the good. We have seen some minor damage done by vandals, but nothing that shows unless you know of it. I just have seen the wall and Gary the bricklayer in the Press Republican and on the front page no less. The DAV Chapter 179 who runs the park and features are a great group and you will never hear me talk enough abou the good they do. Momot Elementary will attest to that fact also. We are looking at about 100 bricks to finish the second wall and I look forward to seeing it full by Memorial Day which every year there is a ceremony and prayer said to all those who attend. I try to take the pictures of the walls as they fill up just to have a picture gallery from start to finish. There is a photo book out showing some aspects of the wall as it goes and grows. Each brick has a name of a veteran and each veteran has a story. So, Just Another Brick on the Wall? I don't think so. Remember you favorite Veteran, buy a brick!

The second thousand

I have talked about riding a new bike. This one purchased this year and have just put the first thousand miles on it. We all spend our first days with the new bike listening to the sounds, pings and clinks it makes and wonder "is that normal?". I do and have being the owner of the occasional new bike. Definitely doing it this time, too. Does the bike handle well, does it "drift" or "push" on corners, does the suspension handle the riders? Now, how is the seat for both riders? A new tire will be slippery until broken in, about 50 to 100 miles in most cases. Can we reduce the hard ride over the back seat? Can we, can we, can we, ask that question until we are blue in the face (hoping it is not the cold that is causing the blue). Will doing a small adjustment change the whole set-up? I will ponder these things on the second thousand.
See you on the Road!

The Fast Lane

We recently bought a new motorcycle, almost tripling the cc size of the old one and have taken steps to ensure and insure safer riding. I rode alone on the first and second trips just to get a feel for how it handles and dream of top speed of which I am going to ride at. Top speed is still within the limits of the law, but knowing the old saying of "if you aren't caught, it's legal" has a true meaning. I have seen speeds of well over the limits of the law recently and will plead guilty to it! I also will plead guilty to enjoying it, and probably will do it again, soon! Now for the insuring of it, I am fully covered and will rest in peace knowing it. Life in the fast lane has a new meaning, I am able to have a cruiser with the knowlege of crotch rockets speeds and power if and when I need it. Anyone know a drag strip close by? With that said, I am going to look for The Fast Lane!

See you on the Road!

Rider News

Seems as the season goes on I hear from lots of old friends and have made new ones. I have received a couple notes of riders who have crashed and survived and news of ones that have gotten sick and passed on. Two such sad events came just this week. One from Maine and one from Vermont, both men raised for children benefits. Make a Wish and Stoney's Lobster Run events are a yearly event and raise lots of funds for both. http://www.ridingforwishes.com and
http://www.myspace.com/ridinsteel are the URL to visit and see what goes on. Sure both events will continue and keep doing great things. As the year progresses into and onward to the end we will see many events, sponsors, riders and attendees alike to keep coming and making such rides and rallies bigger, better and make higher totals for each and all. Apprehension by the coordinators and event organizers are high, expectations are to be met, all worries and such vanish as soon as events start and minds shift to the next one. Just some Rider News to share.
See you on the Road!

Safe Riding?

Safe Riding? We all know those rides and riders. They run from one part of town or the county, depending on where you live, from home to the store to a friends house, hanging out in the garage, stop at the local hangouts, grab a "road soda" here and there, and before you know it, your riding Buddie is no longer a safe rider! Even the best rider thinks one just won't hurt and I AGREE, but safe riding is a tricky thing when you riding with more than one other person. We think alcohol and drugs, the illegal kind can damage our senses. Prescription drugs can have the same effects, especially if they aren't yours! (go figure!) We all have "borrowed" one at one time or another, just to satisfy a need or a pain. "nuff said! We all have different ideas on safe riding and I can write on many subjects, which the way I ramble I may cover most or just some in this writing. Helmets, skid lids, full face or otherwise are a poor subject, just make sure if you wear one, you like it, If it fits and looks funny on you, then my safe riding goes out the window laughing and probably weaving to get a better look, or the tears streaming from my eyes after the second look! Road sodas, "borrowed" medicines, silly helmets and overtired bikes and drivers can be hazardous to everyone. Double check your gear soon as we are over half way to putting everything away for the end of this season. Check you local papers and fliers, bike shops, hangouts for upcoming rides or benefits, take your time and read any safety manuals you may find, whether is covers riding your bike or the opposite sex. Either way I still think, Safe Riding?
See you on the Road!

Fairs and Rallies

This is the time of the year when fairs and rallies reach the peak of the summer in the northeast of the country. Do we ride or do we take a cage? Cage riding is for the off weather seasons, which here is usually mud season which is followed by wet season and sometimes we have two or three more mud seasons! Fair time is usually around the wet season (first or second one) where we go to see people we haven't talked since the last fair came to town. Rallies are the things a lot of us enjoy, rain or shine, mud seasons, wet seasons or such! We see many faces we recognize from one rally to another and eventually talk and share stories with. Sit around a campfire, BBQ, burger joint or soft ice cream stand and find out when, where, and the hows of a rally or fair. Summer is about midway done and we will be thinking toward how long we can ride for another fair or rally. I would prefer a rally over a fair anytime, anywhere! Your choice fairs or rallies?
See you on the Road!

Lost Pets

One rally point to the next I see people on bikes, trikes, and numerous odd toys we call motorcycles. Some are home built and thanks that most are factory built. With that out of the way, I can discuss some of these at length and take pictures when possible to show proof. The extreme cases of these can be seen at the biggest of rallies, spotlight on center stage! Three tires are what seems to be required, an odd number of seats, usually two, sometime up to five. I am guessing this started out as a vehicle to take the mother-in-law along and ended as the family sedan with the front cut off. I attend one rally at the end of season every year where the last year the front of the car showed up with the seat of the bike and rear tire, and the next, the front of the bike with the rear end of the car came into attendence. I am looking forward to what parts come back this coming year. I am thinking maybe a couple lost pets, too?

Two Up

You have seen that I write about safety and training, a bit here, a bit there. Any rider will tell you many trips are made two up and always with someone very valuable to the one in the front. Whether it be a loved one or one that is to be needing loving in the physical or mental states. I prefer to make my longer trips with someone and do so many times a year, weekly or daily at best. We were not trained by anyone on how to ride with a pssenger and only get that experience on our own. Passenger safety comes from the passenger which include riding gear, IE: proper attire, including footwear, helmets depending on the state and general attitude! Flipflops and open toe sandals are not what I would call proper gear, but have been know to try it myself once or twice, not recommended from my point of view. Helmets in my state are required on your head not in your hands as you try to brush your hair at 60 plus MPH (just doesn't work). Other than shoes and helmets, I don't care what a person wears, as long as your not overweight and wearing a sundress that blossums up to your belly (yes, this does include you gents!) Unsightly legs are just as bad as undies that weren't thongs, but look like them at higher speeds and big legs. As the backseat rider/passenger do everything you can to help the driver, not annoy or hinder the person in front. Just remeber two up means just that, keeping the bike two up!
See you on the Road!

Summer Soltice

Sunday was Father's Day and the Summer Soltice (longest sunlit day of the year). Which I am sure kept a lot of fathers home, but longing for more riding and more sunlight to do it in. With the debate going through our minds about when the children are going home and how much dalight will be left, I opted with staying home to enjoy my family! Now, before everyone rushes out to make plans on riding, the noticible daylight missing will be nil. We still have months of enjoyment and with few words it will fade unnoticed into our rearview mirrors.
See you on the Road!

Time Travels

We all wish that we had more time to travel farther, faster and without stopping for fuel and coffee (for those who still think it's nutritious). I tend to ride as long as possible during a normal day, whether it be to or from a rally or just out joy riding and sight-seeing throughout the Green Mountains, White Mountains, or the Adirondacks. Recently I received an email from North Carolina asking about must see roads and our fall peek season for leaves. Those of us who have ridden in the southern zones of Chesapeake areas and beyond, have came to know Del Mar can be a summer riding destination in best of times, but know enough that roadwork can hamper a ride quickly, giving us pause to time and travel plans. Detours are great as long as your have no serious plans or time frame to get somewhere. Seems like North Carolina roads are straight and unending with no reason to hurry along to the end, but many side attractions to see regardless of pleasures, and many place to stop and eat and check out the coastlines. West Virginia is a campers paradise and I remember packing my bike for many over night trips with friends to see the morning mists and back roads that gently curve to a bikers delight. That back roads of Maryland through the hills of the western part of the state can cause daydreaming of the ride back through just to ride back through. I used to add a few hours onto my trips just to get off the main highways, both to avoid traffic and just a way to relax on the ride before getting back to a busy work schedule. A must ride into Washington DC should be done after and before the rush hours, spending a half day at the museums and then out again early evening to see the city lights before turning in for a good nights rest. A ride into New England is a must see during any ones life time, whether it be summer or fall. Time Travels is a matter of time and travel!
See you on the Road!

Replacing Flags

As I ride around the Northeast, I have gotten to see many different flags, flag poles and flag posts. I have two different sets of post on my bike. I use one for my small flags and the other set for my parade 3 X 5 flags. I was setting my wooden pole flags on my bike for Memorial Day and took off and, lo and behold, one broke! A chance you take when riding at 60 MPH! Luckily I wasn't traveling fast, but after using the poles a couple times, they had weakened enough to break and split, depending on the pole I looked at. I found the answer to my problem a few days before talking with a group that uses the big flags regularly. 3/4 inch conduit and aluminum poles, whichever is the choice. With no time to set up I rode with my bike flags 2X3 size on plastic post and poles, which have been tried and true for many rides. But, as I said I travel around the Northeast and have seen some ratty Flags on poles in front of homes and businesses which really need replacing. After a tough winter, with winds and freezing climates, they rot fast even on the pole. I have replaced my flag, three times since spring of '08 and am sporting a new flag both on the house and my bike the next time it is needed and will proudly fly my new flags on my new aluminum poles when they a called back out to duty!

Summer Riding

The Veterans Assistance Fund Ride day started out mostly sunny, turning partly cloudy as we waited for other riders to show up. Sign in brought some sprinkles, then the sun came out to shine. As we started the run, the sprinkles came back, as we got farther into the ride, the harder the rain came down. The ride was stopped and everyone polled to continue or end the ride. Three people went to the completion of the ride. We raise a small amount and look forward to doing this again next year.

The Vermont Thunder Run day started out with sprinkles on the southern end, riders came in saying it was raining on the northern end, and we were determining whether to put on rain gear, or ride in leathers. As we started the ride, it started raining and I was not in rain gear, I did have my leathers on and was somewhat protected. The further we got into the ride, we found sunny weather and I became over dressed for the ride (however, what I was wearing dried quickly).

Memorial Day parade was memorial, We started out on the chilly side and I was dressed for the weather. We lined up in front of the parade and took our tour around the oval first and then became the end of the parade line. ( you must know it is an oval ) We then took the final turn around at a higher rate of speed, inluding and going beyound the posted speed limit giving the attendees and police a moment to pause.

All rides were enjoyed by myself and just a note on summer riding!

Veterans Assistance Fund Ride

The Veterans Assistance Fund Ride is only one week away. Last minute checks on the route and ride conditions has been determined as safe, but with cautions. May 3rd and there is still ice clinging to some of the byways I rode today. 200 miles of riding just to get the right scenery and veiws to look at. I saw hikers, bikers, motorcyclist and rock climbers out. Fisherman were in the rivers and streams, and I bundled up against the breeze that holds the chill to it up in the higher elevations, enjoyed all the miles I put under my wheels. All that is left is to deliver a couple last minute items and then kick back and wonder if I did it all right, but will have to wait until the ride day of May 9th, 2009 to find out who shows. Safe riding.
See you on the Road!

NASCAR

As spring starts, early riders have experienced the hazards of sand, cold tires and typical cages still not used to seeing us out. We have learned (hopefully) why NASCAR drivers keep their tires warm during yellow flags and warm up laps. I have found this method useful while in slower traffic, but may cause a little confusion on the other drivers around me. It also may cause you being pulled over, by a young overbearing police officer looking for a "routine" traffic stop. Try to keep an open mind with these unfortunate individuals who have chosen "law" as their lifelong profession. I think cold tires and cold roads can be the second most dangerous unseen hazard out there for motorcyclists. I like a set of tires that can hold the road as I cruise along the back roads throughout northern NY and mountain roads of Vermont and southern NH. We all should spend a little time checking out our equipment and tires. Take the time to see the weather forecast, gear up, smile and head out for the open roads.
See you on the Road!

Chilling

I just got back from doing a weekend over in Vermont, visiting family. Saturday was the day I left when the temperature was in the low 60's and knowing that Sunday could turn for the worse, I decided to take the car. I arrived after wondering, and not for the first time that day, that I had made the wrong choice. The evening was starting to get cool and fast, as it usually does in the mountains. Wind had picked up and the fog rolled in. Mountain weather can be tricky on a good day, but the forecast was for rain, wind and cooler weather. I can do, wet, can do cold, can do windy. But, wet and cold? Nothing is more uncomfortable than wet leathers on a long ride. Chaffing is not a hobby I would like to take up. Wet and windy? I decided to take my chances in the car. I think I would rather be chilling than chilly this early in the year!
See you on the Road!

March on

The joys of early riding in New England comes after the geese start returning, or just about the same time. I enjoy about a week or two of riding in mid March of every year and think it is almost perfect to ride in that pristine air, knowing that summer is not all that far off. But, yes, there is a but in there, also remembering the dangers of ice and sand that may be lurking just around the next bend. Us early spring riders (we are also the hanger on'rs) know to stay on the major traveled roads for the time being, knowing a side road will take us farther into our travels and those of us who are brave (silly) enough will turn onto one eventually and then remember after about the fiftieth pothole, frost heave, snow pile or dodging a branch WILL remember not to do it again, until the next time we go out. I have gotten my first 100 (or two) miles already knowing that this early spring weather can go sour anytime and/or turn into the dreaded rain and mud season we can be so famous for. The joys of riding both with my visor up and jacket open will come soon enough as this year does March on!
See you on the Road

New Members

I talk to several people a week about motorcycle riding and most seem responsible off the road. But, we all know that when a mood stikes us, we, all of us, can instantly become something other than we usually seem. A new member to the motorcycle community is the easiest to identify, as a wobbly, forgetful intrusion to those of us, who have ridden for years. These new members usually do not identify themselves outside a cage, where they learned to drive. The fastest bikes are normally bought by these members, flashiest colors found on earth can be seen under one of them. The strangest helmets are usually worn by these members, many colors also found on their heads. As I look in my mirror this coming season, I will wonder if it will be the 18 wheeler or the new member who will give me my first scare of the year. Which one will come by me screaming with speed and tossing dirt and pebbles my way? Doesn't matter the age of these new members who will challenge most of us, but I do thank those who have the patience to instruct these members on the rights and privileges of the roads and will hope to see them ride another day and not become another statistic to be found. As to those of us who have ridden many years, I said when the mood stikes us, usually without notice, we can and will act like a new member on the road.
See you on the Road!

Plattsburgh Barracks Veterans Park Wall

I have been reading in the local press about damage and theivery at the park. Stolen flags and college kids throwing rocks at the eagle there. Must be a good education those kids are getting now. Since they were arrested and, hopefully convicted, parents must be proud of them. Now for the stealing of the flags, down right shame, an absolute un-American thing. But if you need a flag I can help you out. Just call me and I will send you one. At least replacing the flags will be easier than replacing bricks or the eagle at the park. Lets try to keep our parks safe and friendly. Anyone who visits this place will understand what goes into a project like this. I just hope we will have it available to us forever.
See you on the Road

Preparing for spring.

I was at a big box store, well, actually a couple, networking and checking prices on new gear and accessories and such. I spoke of needing a battery for my bike and have purchased one and in the process of micro-charging it. I have looked at helmets, batteries, saddlebags and a new shield for my old helmet. I have been to several motorcycle shops and online dreaming of what new things I can add to my bike and really believe a few (or more) others have been, too. Which brings me to the reason I ramble today, New Gear! Gotta love the idea of being able to purchase new things, with today's poor economy, we need to make things last a little longer, but when things wear out, what good is giving up safety for comfortable used items that barely hold together. Duct tape, super glue, or other adhesives may be an answer, but I say buy new, but shop carefully. Talk to salespeople about upcoming sales or events, and then save up to save. The old helmet that you use every year without fail, that has fallen off the bike too many times and needs to be covered with stickers and paint should be replaced. I like to chance a lot of things, but no longer ride without my helmet and have gotten used to remembering who I am everyday, and will try to continue doing so. I was at the Americade in Lake George, NY a few years back and a young rider came in, bragging about how great his new saddlebags were, until it was noticed they were on fire, just smoking, because they were installed wrong. A loss of money that day. Check yours before the season or ride starts if your prone to take them off often. Gloves, to me, are the most used and lost item a rider or passenger can purchase often, I have several pairs and carry at least two pairs with me all the time. I received a pair of leather mittens last fall and plan on wearing them early this year and hopefully late into the fall. Never waste a trip to the store, check, double check and save up to save. I am preparing for spring.

Insured or cancelled?

Time to think about insurance before the riding season starts. I usually have my bike tuned up, registration renewed, but no one really thinks about updating their insurance. I haven't thought about my bike insurance since last spring. I got my yearly notice yesterday, and found out about a nonrenewal. I thought "nonrenewal?" What the heck is this about? Well, I read the notice and could not find any reason for this, extrememly vague notice. I called and never got a real person to talk to, so I left a message for them to call me and explain. I finally got called, after about a couple hours wait, not long for a busy insurance company to return a call, but I digress. The final explanation was, I had too many points on my license! So I took the matter up with the Department of Motor Vehicles, which in turn, went through a long explanation of telling which form to fill out and how much it was going to cost and all the usual stuff like that. So, I said pretty please and found out my license is clean, since 1992 (which I was last ticketed for no seatbelt) so what points are the insurance company talking about? We don't know, but, now I will have no insurance on the bike, which until the weather clears and snow melts really isn't a big deal. Plus, for carrying just liabilty on the bike, for the difference of $5 a year, who cares which company carries me, I still asked the insurance company am I insured or cancelled? Good til march 13th anyways, so no, I still have my insurance 'til the policy ends and my license is good to go!
See you on the Road!

Snow Day!

I have been reflecting over the last month or so about the weather. I enjoy some down time after a very busy riding season and get to take time promoting, scheming, emailing, tying up loose ends from things that were put off. But, and I using this word in broad terms, I have been out on the sick bench from ulnar nerve and carpal tunnel surgeries, which are not going to be the last work I am having done. I still have both arms so the other is in need of repair?(lack of a better term) too. Trying to improve my typing skills using the one-handed type and peck system and then going back and seeing how many typos I made. Using spell check has become a standard these days!

Speaking of down time, I have had a path shoveled to my bike garage (a 5 x 10 shed) to see how the bike is doing and to check to see if it misses me. A new battery is going to be needed this year and I figured since the origonal battery is still on the bike 8 years, what a life! Also, with temps being in the single digits and even lower, a battery is a very minor issue. Rodents tend to be a problem for anyone who does not have a heated garage or keeps the bike in the living room or bedroom. I start mine several times during a winter to warm it up, check for leaks, and to take care of rodents. I have never had a problem anyways, why take chances.

A couple years ago, I had left my saddle bags on the bike in my old location and asked my youngest child to make sure I had left nothing in them. Said child came into the house and asked my why I was collecting beechnuts and acorns. Talk about confusion on both our parts, I went out to see what was being talked about and found both the bags completely full of nuts! I now store my bags from a hook hanging from the ceiling during the cold months.

Forecast is calling for 2 more inches of snow and temp is a whole 9 f out. I guess I will take today as a snow day!

See you on the Road!

Happy New Years

Happy New Years' late again. Sometimes recovery takes a little longer as the years progress. This year a whole 4 days into 2009 and thinking about my first camping trip in a few years. Pack the pup tent,sleeping bag and roll mat. A collapsible cooler, some kindling and off I go! With the temps in the low teens and maybe a high single digit, I long for warmer days and to be upright on the bike again. Saddle bags and tank bag full of weekend gear. Hard living w/o TV, guess the MP3 and cellphone and maybe a laptop to rough it, with a couple of DVDs to go along for the ride, don't how a man can live like that. Chances I will have to take. Been talking to a couple of businesses about the Veterans assistance fund ride being planned, takes some convincing this close to Christmas and the reminders of what the seasons are for. Gifts are coming for the sale at the ride and/or gift certificates to be auctioned off after are coming. things are looking good! Soon as spring gets here, snow melting is still a dream away for now. Remember our Veterans and the families they leave behind to serve our country.
See you on the Road!