Motorcycles, Travel & Adventure

MARCH 2015

Volume 21 No. 3

Years of Riding Adventures

Volume 21 No. 3

Exploring the

Lost Roads of the

Hudson Valley

GRABBING THE GREAT RIDING DAYS WHEN YOU CAN • INDIAN SUMMER

4,000 MILES FOR SOME PIE? WHY NOT • THE DEVIL MADE ME DO IT

GREAT MONTHLY COLUMNS • PRODUCT SPOTLIGHTS AND REVIEW AND MORE

http://www.progressive.com

http://www.bobsbmw.com

MONTHLY COLUMNSFREE WHEELIN’ ..................................................3

WHATCHATHINKIN’ ...........................................4

POSTCARDS FROM THE HEDGE.......................6

BACKLASH..........................................................7

ON THE MARK ....................................................8

THOUGHTS FROM THE ROAD ..........................9

GREAT ALL AMERICAN DINER RUN ..............12

BIG CITY GETAWAY .........................................14

MYSTERIOUS AMERICA..................................16

WE’RE OUTTA HERE........................................18

INDUSTRY INFOBITES.....................................38

WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE............................42

UPCOMING EVENTS CALENDAR ...................44

MOTORCYCLE MARKETPLACE.......................46

FEATURESMOTORCYCLEPEDIA LECTURE SERIES.........11

INDIAN SUMMER ............................................20

LOST ROADS....................................................26

THE DEVIL MADE ME DO IT ...........................30

PRODUCT REVIEWSTOURATECH AVENTURO HELMET ................25

AEROSTICH FALSTAFF JACKET.....................34

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHTS..................................36

BLAZE SAFETY VEST.......................................43

Publishers Brian Rathjen • Shira Kamil

Contributors Mark Byers, Bill Heald,Norton Rubenstein,Mike Stackhouse, Tom WatsonDr. Seymour O’Life

Editorial Office BACKROADS, POB 317Branchville NJ 07826

phone 973.948.4176

fax 973.948.0823

email editor@backroadsusa.com

online www.backroadsusa.com

Advertising 973-948-4176

BACKROADS (ISSN 1087-2088) is published monthly by BACK-ROADS™, Inc. 2015. All rights reserved. BACKROADS™ may notbe reproduced in any manner without specific written consent fromthe publisher. BACKROADS™ welcomes and encourages submis-sions (text and photos) and suggestions. Include phone number withsubmissions. BACKROADS™ will only return material with enclosedsufficient postage. The written articles and opinions printed in BACK-ROADS™ are not necessarily those of the publisher and should notbe considered an endorsement. The Rip & Rides® published are rid-den on the sole responsibilty of the rider. BACKROADS™ is not re-sponsible for the conditions of the public roadways traversed. Pleaserespect the environment, read your owner’s manual and wear properprotective gear and helmet. Ride within your limits, not over them.

W H A T ’ S I N S I D E

Motorcycles, Travel & Adventure

26

20

16

Survey SayS

I recently sent out an email to our rally group

list and on the Backroads Facebook page asking

a question relating to the various riding events we

hold each year.

The query was simply this…

We are currently planning our 2015 Spring, Summer

& Autumn Rallies for Backroads and wanted to ask

your opinion. On a rally do you prefer:

#1 Staying at the same hotel/town for the entire event?

(Like Shippensburg and Saratoga)

#2 Staying at one place the first night, two nights at the

same place for the second and third – and another

hotel/town on the final day back towards home? (If you live

in the NYC region)

#3 On the road for four nights – Staying at different

hotel/town each night - on a looping multi-day trip? Each day

consisting of a great ride to the night’s hotel.

#4 something else entirely?

Within hours we got a boodle of answers. Like Santa we made a list and

checked it twice and came upon some conclusions.

Some were somewhat no-brainers, others a bit more interesting.

I thought it would be informative to share some of the comments and our

thoughts on them.

Almost all of the riders that preferred #1 - Staying at the same hotel and

town for the entire event – were couples with a significant other riding pillion.

And, almost all of these passengers were wives and not girlfriends. We think

that is significant and noteworthy.

Riders also like the idea of being able to explore a new region over a few

days. We think that is a big plus as well.

We prefer #1. We like to settle in and then be able to really get a feel for the

area.

#1 This is the preferred choice since if spouses come it’s easier on them and

if the weather is bad we’re “camped out” in one location. This also provides

the opportunity to explore the region in more detail.

She likes #1 She’s not a fan of unpacking and packing, I’m good for the sec-

ond choice #2

An equal number of responders preferred Option #2, staying at

one place the first night – two nights at the same place for the sec-

ond and third – and another hotel and town on the final day back

towards home.

It is important to note that a common thought with both of these op-

tions was the ability to unpack for a few days and not having to repack

every morning.

Again this was repeated many times by married couples. As they

say – if Momma ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy.

I’d vote for option #2. It strikes a nice balance.

However if it is a four-night rally door #2 could be very nice

as well.

I like both option 1 and 2 but, given only one choice I

would go with option 2.

The riders that preferred #3 were mostly single riders, either male or fe-

males, except for a few couples that have been riding for years or just recently

got together.

We feel one group is almost professional in their touring, with unpacking

and packing being second nature and the others are simply having the time

of their lives right now.

Continued on Page 5

F R E E W H E E L I N ’BRIAN RATHJEN

BACKROADS • MARCH 2015 Page 3

PoP-uP Hell

Winter is a great time to catch up on the motorcycle maintenance, up-

grades, farkling and general once-overs that get overlooked during the

warmer weather. Let’s face it, when it’s 70 degrees and sunny, I’m not think-

ing about changing my exhaust, tweaking the

performance or upgrading my lights, I’m

thinking about putting hundreds and hun-

dreds of miles under my wheels. Honestly, if

you ask Brian, I’m never thinking about any

of those other things so…

While we here at Backroads emphasize and

reiterate patronizing your local dealers for

parts, accessories, gear, etc., we also know

the power of the worldwide internet web.

Given all the snow that we’ve had in the

septentrional part of the country, I know

many folks are spending too many hours surf-

ing the digital waves, whether it’s for enter-

tainment, spend their hard earned cash for

those winter projects or reading.

For quite a few years now, Backroads has been available online. We post

the latest issues a month after the kind folks who pay for a subscription have

received theirs. While we will always be a print magazine, the world is

changing and old dogs need to learn new tricks. In addition to making the

magazine available, we also have a well-travelled Facebook page. Being

we’re a monthly magazine, this gives us the opportunity to have random and

impromptu events to get together with you folks. It also helps us to spread

word of local events that may come about after the magazine has ‘gone to

bed’ (journalism lingo).

Why do I bring all this up? Well, it all relates back

to the winter doldrums and sitting in front of a com-

puter monitor or leaning a tablet against your knees

on the couch. I don’t know about you, but if I’m try-

ing to read something digitally and all these pop-up

windows start encroaching the page, I pretty much

want to throw said tablet across the room. I can’t keep

up with closing all the ads, warnings, agreements or

whatever that seep into my reading space. Don’t sit

there and mutter, ‘You know, Shira, you can block

those things.’ I know that, but I don’t WANT to have

to think about blocking them. My attention span is

much too short to have to stop what I’m reading, find

where it is I need to be to block them, and return to

what I was doing. It is very similar to the cartoon with

the dog and the squirrel.

So, this brings me back to being a print magazine.

Yes, we certainly have advertising in our magazine. If

we didn’t, poor Spenser the Cat would actually have to

get a real job rather than just being the little boy-toy

that he is. But the difference is, our advertising stays

put on the page. It doesn’t float around, annoyingly,

dimming the rest of the page so that it’s illegible. There

are no buttons or arrows leading you to other pages

where, once you get there, you can’t even find what it

is you thought you were looking for. You can choose to

focus on it or not. You can simply turn the page. There’s

no need for pop-up blocker installation. You can simply

read it, uninterrupted. We’re like the DVR of media.

You can fast-forward to the parts you like. The only

blocker that may invade your space is some cute little

creature or human begging for attention.

Another bugaboo I have with online reading or shop-

ping is the bait and switch. I get most of my news in-

formation via online sites, as I can’t stand listening to

the news folks screaming at each other on television or

radio. Every once in a while, I’ll see an interesting side

story and click on it. VOILE – I’m in cyberspace hell

with giant starbursts wanting me to BUY NOW, SIGN

UP BEFORE IT’S TOO LATE or ACT BEFORE MID-

NIGHT FOR THIS SPECIAL OFFER. I can’t get away

from there fast enough and usually use my fallback link

to ‘Entertaining your cat’ videos. At least I know it’s

safe and benign.

So enjoy, or tolerate, the last vestige of winter. The

tides are turning, the days are getting longer and the

driveways will soon be clear of snow and ice. The

Backroads Spring Rally will be upon us before you

know it and the time for sprucing and preening the mo-

torcycles will be past. Put down those evil tablets, walk

away from the electronic mouse and banish the tire-

some pop-up adverts back to hell. Don your gear and

head into the sunshine. Viva Springtime!

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Page 4 MARCH 2015 • BACKROADS

Free WHeelin’ Continued from page 3

Door #3 does intrigue me thanks for asking!

Long Island votes for # 3.

#3 definitely!

Lucky for us, we have done all sorts of rallies and will continue to do so

and, just when you think you have it all figured out we’ll go and change the

format again.

If you have never been on one of our Backroads Events then consider this

an invitation as you see we have a lot of different thoughts on our rides and

even more great people coming along.

Still, I think one of the best comments was this one:

All of the above as long as you and Shira are there, riding with me, it don’t

matter how, where, when or even if the road ends – we’ll carve our own trail!

We’ve finalized details for our Spring Break and Fall Fiesta and you can

find them in our Upcoming Events Calendar, on our website and on our Face-

book page. Please join us, you’ll meet some really nice motorcyclists and,

hopefully, have a helluva time.

Spring Break 2015: May 28-31 • Fall Fiesta 2015: Sept. 17-21

BACKROADS • MARCH 2015 Page 5

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THe SnoW STraTegy

As my attempts to modify my ’91 Honda VFR

into a fun-to-use, highly fuel-efficient snow plow

failed utterly (it turns out there were, for lack of a

better description, traction issues), I have decided to possibly make better

use of my time during this constant bombardment of snow we have been en-

during here in the Northeast. There have been times

in the past where I’ve used the time to spruce up the

machinery, and this is always a worthwhile pursuit.

But this winter I’ve realized something as I was

prowling around in the basement, which, wonder-

of-wonders, is a space that seems to be getting

smaller with each passing year. I have always used

downtime for maintenance and upgrades to my mo-

torcycles, but what about my motorcycle apparel?

I’ve been riding a long time, writing about the moto

life for over two decades, and I have accumulated

some pretty splendid riding gear.

But like owning more than one wristwatch (a proverb somewhere states a

man with two watches never knows what time it is), you tend to latch on to

a particular item and stick with it awhile, and in the meantime some of your

other possessions get a bit neglected. I’m especially bad about this when it

comes to riding gear, because I get all happy with a particular jacket, pair of

pants, riding suit, helmet, etc. and the rest of my fine kit is literally left in the

dark. Over time, bad things happen. If you’re a Twilight Zone fan, no doubt

you can picture the horror on my face when I grabbed one of my favorite

jackets I haven’t worn in a long time, and it had something greenish growing

on it. Noooooooooooooo! How could I let this happen?

Well, as we get older, I think we get more set in our ways and that’s why

we tend to latch on to a particular outfit as it’s comfortable. You’ve been rid-

ing in it for the last week and can put your phone, wallet, Mentos (the Fresh-

maker!), etc. into the appropriate pockets with lightning speed without even

thinking about it. Please disregard all this if you are better at rotating your

stock than I am, but in 2014 I latched on to my Aerostich Transit suit to the

exclusion of other garments, and as a result much of my other kit has become

lonely. I thought about this as I went through my riding inventory, and danged

if several of my finest garments had become dusty, musty and screaming for

attention. What better time than when I can’t even get the bikes through the

damn door without hitting an iceberg to do some rejuvenation?

Indeed, this task soon became a project. And over the years I have discov-

ered that, when it comes to the maintenance of sound riding gear, I am a very

lucky boy in that I live with an equestrian. This means that we both have a

lot of leather garments, gloves, etc. and we both, over the

years, have accumulated all kinds of specialized cleaners,

creams, polishes, and other hide-loving treatments to clean,

restore and protect our precious kit. The great thing is, I’ve

noticed if one of my motorcycle leather treatments isn’t

doing the job, sometimes the horse-centric leather emollients

can do the trick much better. Interesting, that. One of the

many fascinating things about leather is that it’s been used

in clothing that takes a beating for centuries, and over time a

lot of tricks have been learned on how to keep it in good

shape. Take a look at a well-worn quality saddle and see how,

even if it’s heavily used, it stands up to wear, and ultimately

breaks in to the rider much like your favorite jacket does. Cowhide really is

still the ultimate long-term material in my view.

That said, I’d be lying if I didn’t praise the modern synthetics as well for

there’s so many things that these garments excel at. Cleaning and preserving

is a very different cat compared with natural hides, and this is a time where

it’s a great idea to actually find out what the manufacturer recommends. A

lot of these wonders can be relieved of their armor and tossed in the washing

machine, but it’s important to follow the maker’s recommendations to the

letter to prevent damage. Then there’s the waterproofing process, which usu-

ally requires only the application of a suitable spray to restore a textile’s re-

pellant properties.

Like a lot of projects, once you start digging into it you realize there are

all kinds of other things to check. Gloves need the same treatment as the

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Page 6 MARCH 2015 • BACKROADS

PoSTcardS From THe Hedge

other apparel, and this reminds me of something I should have mentioned

earlier. If you’re rescuing some riding stuff that has really been out of action

for a while, you should carefully check to see if your kit has acquired any

insect tenants because some creepy crawlies find sleeves, the fingers in

gloves, etc. as great places to set up shop. This is true for helmets as well,

and there’s another important thing you need to remember when you’re work-

ing on lid restoration: helmets have a far more limited life compared with

your other protective equipment. The plastics and other lightweight compo-

nents that make up the modern helmet do have a shelf life, and even though

the helmet in question may look pristine on the outside a lot of the materials

designed to absorb substantial impact deteriorate over time, especially if

they’ve seen a lot of sun. 5 years is usually pretty much it with most helmets,

but all the top brands can give you much better advice than me on when it’s

time to retire your George Clooney Replica Gucci lid.

And if you do have to take a helmet out of circulation as you’re cleaning

all your riding duds, don’t worry-you’ll still find a use for it. Like. . . smash-

ing your head through a snow bank for example, in a futile gesture to fight

back against winter’s onslaught. At least you know you’ll ride again when

the white stuff melts, and you’ll look stunning in your freshly serviced gear.

BACKROADS • MARCH 2015 Page 7

BACKLASH Letters to the Editor

Dear Backroads.

Brian Rathjen’s article, The Goldilocks Principle, was a great way to start

off the January issue. He hit the nail on the head for me. Riding for me is

about going to different places and seeing different things and the way other

people live. And of course the adventure of it all. The articles I enjoy the most

are your travels to different areas. But I read the magazine cover to cover. I

think you guys are great and shouldn’t ever consider changing a thing.

Stephen Harvey

Brian, W.E.L.L. S.A.I.D...!!!!!! (February 2015 Free Wheelin’)

Advanstar bring back the January dates.

Yes December is such a busy month to start with due to the holidays. We

usually like to come to the show on Sunday then go out to dinner in the

city. But of course my work Christmas party fell on the same night so not

only could I not enjoy dinner in the city, I had to leave the show early to make

it the hour and a half drive to get to the party as close to on time as I could

get. Only an hour late, I’d like to have stayed at the show ‘til the end.

So thank you Brian for writing that article. I hope it gets to the right ears

and someone listens and makes the appropriate changes.

Lisa

Hi Brian,

I talked to you late in the day on Sunday at the Javits about a trip I am plan-

ning with a friend going cross country. You mentioned you had a trip you &

Shira took years back and hoped you could share it with me.

I would really appreciate finding a great way from San Francisco to Jack-

son Hole and make some decisions about going through or around the Great

Lakes. We are either going September 2015 or September 2016.

We figured late summer for lighter traffic and cooler weather. Is there an-

other time of year you would suggest?

Our plan is for 300- 400 miles a day with couple of rest days over 14

days. Is that realistic?

Thanks

Keith Hopkins (PS I always love trying out your Rip & Rides!)

Keith,

Your best bet is to be fluid on this ride and not make hard and fast plans,

but just pick towns heading east for each night’s destination. If you have made

good time on any particular day you can easily pull out the maps and pick

another town further on down the road. Make time to see everything you want

and if your gut says stop and go see something – then follow that feeling. You

might not ever pass that way again. September sounds excellent. ~ BR

on many SundayS

I usually get a call. Sometimes it comes mid-week,

sometimes later, but the subject is the same: “Hello, Mark,

this is Daniel. I wanted to let you know we’ll be riding

Sunday morning at nine and you are welcome to come.”

Those words set in motion a joyful, time-honored ritual

that’s as much a part of the enjoyment as the ride itself.

As soon as the phone is in repose, I begin.

The boots are first: after I brush lingering mud from out-

side my beloved Gaerne trials boots, I saddle-soap every

glorious, oiled millimeter. They dry by the fire, which

burns every evening from November through February.

The next step is a massage of the warm leather with a

beeswax/eucalyptus mixture I got from the moto show. It

smells like I’m putting Vicks on them: maybe I should

sing “Soft Kitty, Warm Kitty” as I work.

Goggles are carefully cleaned with a spray detailer and

when they are stowed, I go to work on the helmet, chest

protector, elbow and kneepads, and finally the bike itself.

Part of it is vanity and part of it is

making future cleanups easier,

or that’s my story. My riding

pants, acquired from the

sale rack after the cool kids

made their selections, go in

the bag next. The current

set is orange, with patches

Betsy attached to them after

one of my spectacular get-offs

caused the pipe to melt a hole in

the crotch. Nothing hastens post-

crash evacuations like a hot header burning the nether regions.

There are lots of steps involved in my anal-retentive prepa-

ration parade, including ones with Go-Pro batteries, but I’ll

spare you. Considering how difficult it is to find riding venues

anywhere on the East Coast, having Friends With Dirt makes

local offroad riding a treat, so I want to savor every minute.

Even though we’ve ridden our trails many times, there’s al-

ways a new challenge – to cleanly ride a troublesome climb,

for example. One vexing vertical saw me end up in a creek.

But it’s fun; damn, is it fun. To me, cleaning the gear and

loading the bike brings a sense of anticipation only rivaled by

that of hoping a Red Ryder BB gun (or a red motorcycle) will

be under the Christmas tree. It’s worth the frequent

mud, occasional blood, and all the cleanin’ required.

And clean we must, because we ride year-round

and there are quagmires to conquer. Sometimes

they’re innocuous puddles that we blast through with

a twist of the throttle and sometimes, they’re water-

filled pits hogged out by a truck. Our buddy Doug

found a pit the hard way when he gassed his KTM

to wheelie through a “puddle”… and the bike went

down like an Austrian U-boat. A sapling was re-

quired to lever U-450 out of the watery abyss, but

fortunately, a few kicks pumped enough water out of

the motor for him to limp back to the truck.

Even so, those are great moments to dissect at the

snack stop, one of two gas stations at which we take

a halftime-break of Gatorade and Little Debbie. I’m

frequently the subject of conversation, since my

friend’s offroad abilities exceed my own. That’s part

of what makes it special though: our English friends

would call it “taking the piss” and it’s better to be

talked about than not, even if that talk is busting your

chops. The topics vary widely, from terrain to tires

to bikes to modifications, because we all know our

skills are beyond reproach and it’s the equipment that

must be wanting, right? One day the discussion was

of the copperhead snake that slithered between

Daniel and me.

It might be hard for someone who doesn’t ride of-

froad to understand the motivation to do battle with

the terrain, but all I can say is if you haven’t tried it,

you should. I’m both frustrated and buoyed by the

challenges, but there’s no better feeling than climb-

ing a steep, slippery, rooted hill, fanning the clutch

to keep the front down and the rear biting. There’s

a visual rush in speeding down a leafy tunnel, using

dirt berms for banking. There’s a joy in splashing

through a creek, keeping the front wheel tracking

while the rear does gymnastics.

Then, there’s the fellowship: the après-ride, round-

the-campfire tales, complete with pantomimed body

motions and unrestrained, uproarious laughter.

We’re mud-covered troglodytes making verbal cave-

paintings in the air with dirty hands and faces that

grin through the grime. And for us, it happens on

many Sundays.

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Page 8 MARCH 2015 • BACKROADS

THe logiSTicS oF riding

No, this isn’t about all of the things one needs to do when getting ready

for a motorcycle trip. It has nothing to do with route planning, gear packing,

or bike maintenance. And it’s NOT a debate about the pros and cons, rights

and wrongs, etc. about wearing proper protective gear when riding.

I repeat - NOT.

It’s just a line of thought that maybe, many of you can re-

late to. If not... well then... sorry I wasted your time.

First off: I don’t care if you’re an ATGATT rider... I don’t

care if you’re a flip-flops & t-shirt rider. Provided you’re an

adult (I think we all are), you know the risks (I think we all

do), and you’re comfortable with it... then it’s fine & ok by

me. I don’t have to agree with it, and you don’t have to agree

with me. That’s my position. And, for the purposes of this

story let’s just accept that as fact.

Ok? Good.

I happen to be one of those who is a MTGMTT rider. For

the uninitiated, that’s “Most of The Gear, Most of The Time.”

If I’m going to ride around the block in my neighborhood just to test some

farkle I’ve installed on a bike... then chances are you may see me riding in

sneakers & shorts without even a helmet on. I won’t be going over 25 mph,

and I won’t be more than ½ mile from home. If I decide I’m too lazy to

cook and simply want a burger from the place up the street you may see me

riding wearing only a helmet & jeans for gear. I’ll be within 2 miles of home,

on a straight road with no turns. And finally, if I ever decide to go back to

Bike Week or Octoberfest in Daytona and wanna ride ‘the strip’ in 90-degree

temps where no one can go over 15 mph anyway because of traffic? You may

spy me out & about without even a helmet. So that’s what I mean when I say

MTGMTT. Other then situations akin to those three you’ll usually find me

wearing the ‘full getup’.

Now I’m a big guy (not tall, just big)... so finding good, durable, and com-

fortable riding gear is a challenge. To the large & popular motorcycle cloth-

ing companies: (yes, I’m talking to you Olympia, Joe Rocket, Firstgear,

Aerostitch, etc) riders who wear sizes over 54 in shoulders or waist either

don’t exist, or there’s simply not enough market share among us to make any

profit by offering them. I think the latter is grossly in error, but that’s a topic

for another time. And no, offering only 1 or 2 items, and then offering it to

us in only one basic color (black, so we can bake

in the sun) does not count.

All of that said - my gear consists of a helmet (I

prefer Shoei or Arai), either a leather or mesh ar-

mored jacket (depending on the season), kevlar

jeans (Diamond Gusset “Defender” are my choice),

custom-made all-season boots by WESCO, and

gloves according to season. When it’s cooler, I’ll

either add a Gerbing liner or a neoprene-type wind-

breaker like skiers sometimes use under my jacket.

But, regardless of the weather - therein lies my

dilemma: I’m getting tired of what I call “the lo-

gistics” of riding.

When I was younger, I used to ski. I started late (early 30s), but I really

enjoyed the quiet & solitude standing at the top of a snow-covered mountain

and looking down on the valley and ski runs below. And swhooshing down

the runs, twisting & turning right on the edge of control & out-of-control was

really a lot of fun. But it only took a few years of it before I grew tired of

“the logistics” of skiing.

Let me explain what I mean.

First off, skiing, at least, downhill skiing, is tremendously expensive. Lift

tickets at even small places are in the $75-$100/day neighborhood. Then

you need expensive skis, poles, boots, and bindings, or you need to rent them.

Then you need warm & waterproof clothing like ski pants or bibs, wicking

underwear, parkas, goggles so you can see, cap to keep your head warm, etc.

Continued on next page

BACKROADS • MARCH 2015 Page 9

THOUGHTS FROM THE ROAD Tom Watson

THougHTS From THe road

And you not only needed to bring all of this crap with you to the ski resort,

but unless you really anted up some big money to rent a slope-side room or

cottage you had to change into all of this gear in a crowded locker room full

of strangers; all fighting for bench space to sit, and small crappy lockers to

store your non-ski stuff.

That’s what I mean by “Logistics”.

Well, I guess it’s because I’m getting older and crankier... but I’m getting

tired of the “logistics” of riding. But here’s the thing: I don’t mind what’s

usually the biggest bone of contention among riders: the helmet. I really

don’t mind wearing a helmet. It’s the other crap I’m tired of having to wear.

The boots, the kevlar jeans, the armor jacket,

gloves, etc, etc, etc. God forbid it gets cold, or it

begins to rain. Now there’s even more gear (lo-

gistics) that I have to bring along and wear. Be-

cause again those big, popular motorcycle

clothing companies don’t make all-weather rid-

ing gear for us anorexia-impaired riders. We only

get the basics… sometimes.

Man, wasn’t it great when we were kids? I

mean, ok, I know we didn’t think so at the time...

but when we wanted to go ride our bike, we

didn’t go in the house and change clothes to “gear

up” for riding. We simply grabbed the handle-

bars, threw our leg over the seat, found the pedals

with our feet and rode!

It didn’t matter if we were barefoot or sneakered. Had a shirt on or not...

shorts or jeans... we simply pedaled our asses off, and rode like the wind. It

was our first taste of “freedom” away from the house, and ‘personal safety’

was the furthest thing from our mind. Yeah sure, we crashed the bikes jump-

ing them over ramps... skinned our knees & elbows... maybe even broke an

arm or leg if the crash was bad. But who cared, right? As soon as that cast

was off, we were right back out there doing the same things again, and jump-

ing even BIGGER ramps. Evel Knievel was our hero, and in our fantasies

we were all riding his Harley Davidson XR-750.

I’d love to be able to do the same on a motorcycle. To be sitting on the

patio by the pool in my shorts and a t-shirt, when a friend rides by and says

“Hey, wanna go for a ride and get some ice cream?”... to be able to say,

“Sure, hang on a second”, and just go get on the bike and head off. Now

THAT’d be GREAT! Now, I know there are some people who would... but

there’s a voice in my head that just won’t let me do that. Just won’t let me

go out riding like that, because I know what could happen. Will it happen?

Probably not. But it could.

Just yesterday I was riding back home after being out on the bike for 2

weeks or so. Not long after I got out of the mountains, and down into the

Piedmont area of North Carolina... the temps quickly rose from the nice, cool

60s, which I’d been experiencing most of the time, up to the hot, sweltering

low 90s. At my fuel stop, with about 2 hours

left to ride, I seriously contemplated removing

my mesh jacket and gloves. Knowing full well

that my next 2 hours of riding were going to be

on pretty much lightly traveled, well paved, 4-

lane open highways, riding at speeds averaging

70mph, I seriously thought about taking it off,

and just allowing the breeze hit me head on.

But I just... couldn’t... do it.

Much like Alanis Morissette’s song, that

voice in my head kept asking, “Wouldn’t it be

ironic if you crashed and got skinned up real

bad, with all of the protective gear you needed

folded up neatly in your saddlebag?” You’d be

in pain and misery NOT because you didn’t

HAVE the gear. NOT because you forgot it & left it at the hotel. But, because

you had it and chose NOT to wear it!!

So needless to say, I kept the gear on. And I made it home without incident.

Again. As I have hundreds of other times and as I hope to do hundreds of

more times. And yes, I’ll most probably be wearing the gear the next time I

go out for a ride. Not because I want to... but because I know I should.

But, I must tell you I’m getting tired of it. I just hope I continue to like

riding more than I evidently loved skiing. I’m just thinking that, as an ac-

quaintance once told me “There has to be a happy middle ground somewhere

between ‘ignorance is bliss’ and ‘awareness is paralyzing’.”

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THE MALLTERNATIVE

Page 10 MARCH 2015 • BACKROADS

If you have not heard of or yet vis-

ited Motorcyclepedia then you cer-

tainly have something to look

forward to.

You will find the museum in the

heart of the Hudson Valley, in New-

burgh, New York. The 85,000 square

foot museum now holds over 450

motorcycles ranging from incredibly

rare machines from the late 1800’s to

more modern offerings.

During the winter season they

have been offering a Lecture Series

and on January 17 we kicked it off with a talk about what I like to call The

Big Five Motorcycle Destinations on the Planet.

We had a great mid-January day that Saturday and the Steve McQueen

Room at the museum was packed to standing room only as three o’clock

rolled around (shocked the hell out of us).

Our talk revolved around five different and extreme lands’ end destinations

on the planet; riding until the road ends and the oceans begin.

Prudhoe Bay, Alaska – Usuhaia, Argentina – Bluff, New Zealand – Cape

Agulhas, South Africa and Campo Nord at the top of Norway.

Motorcyclepedia had a giant flat screen TV where we fired up our Keynote

presentation and our show lasted just about 90 minutes with a quick Q & A

session to finish it off.

We hope and think it went well and like to think it was a little bit better

than your dad’s slide shows in the family room when you were growing up.

What we really liked was that this day gave us a chance to explore the

massive museum and take in a serious look at, not only motorcycles, but

American history as well. Motorcyclepedia offers the visitor a wonderful

slice of what I call MotoAmericana!

They have the greatest collection of Indian motorcycles I have ever seen

as well as a wide variety of racers and some true two-wheel oddities.

The museum can be found at 250 Lake Street and is not far from New-

burgh’s waterfront with their many restaurants and riverside views.

The have a monstrous parking lot and can easily handle parking for the

biggest riding group and they would love to have you stop by to see a true

treasure of motorcycling history right along the Hudson River. Admission is

just $12 for adults, $5 for kids (3 and under free) and Motorcyclepedia is

open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 10:00am to 5:00pm.

Their Lecture Series continues:

march 14 - “Basic motorcycle maintenance” by armen amirian

march 21 – “making the most of your gPS” by Paul donoghue

april 25 – “Women in motorcycling” by cheryl Stewart

All these promise to be both entertaining and informative.

We hope to see you there.

For more information check out www.motorcyclepediamuseum.org.

BACKROADS • MARCH 2015 Page 11

MONTGOMERYVILLE CYCLE CENTER2901 Bethlehem Pike, Hatfield, PA

215-712-7433 • www.BMWMotorcycles.com

Like us on Facebookwww.facebook.com/montgomeryvillecc

Follow us on Twittertwitter.com/montgomcycle

Watch us on YouTubewww.youtube.com/channel/

UCX3geKMmkxfhsOlKcfZ1IoA

EVENT RECAPMOTORCYCLEPEDIA LECTURE SERIES • THE BIG FIVE

Pink cadillac diner

4743 SOUTH LEES HIGHWAY, NATURAL BRIDGE, VA 24578

540-291-2378 • WWW.PINKCADILLACDINERONLINE.COM

I love you for your pink Cadillac, crushed velvet seatsRiding in the back, cruising down the streetWaving to the girls, feeling out of sightSpending all my money on a Saturday night

Bruce Springsteen

Up in the mountains of Virginia, just a few miles west of the famed Natural Bridge, you will find a

classic diner. One that screams Americana, good times and great food – the Pink Cadillac Diner.

Traveling down to Morton’s BMW Spring Fling last May we would have found it as we rode by, but

we got a heads up from our friends Antonette and Freddie who were in the region and came across the

Pink Cadillac texting us of the find that day.

Thanks kids – we always like a good recommendation.

First off you must love a place that has a King Kong crushing a plane outside a restaurant. It should

be the litmus test for all kitchy diners.

As should be the homage paid to the other King – Elvis Presley.

You will find an old Harley inside as well as all things circa 1950. It’s like Happy Days on steroids.

The Pink Cadillac is fairly large, having three separate dining rooms – so handling any large riding

group passing through this phenomenal area easily.

They even have an old fashioned counter that looks like

it has seen many happy faces.

But, they are not called diners for nothing and the

Pink Cadillac delivers – big time!

Burgers and cheeseburgers, mushroom & onions and

their famous “Elvis Burger,” which gets rave reviews

from all that have had it.

The onion rings are almost legendary.

The foot long hot dog can be had any number of ways

and the kielbasa looked good too.

French onion soup can be had as well as the soup of

the day. Tossed, Chef and Garden salads are there for

vegan and kosher riders, as is a vegetable platter.

Three different fries are ready for you – regular, chili

and brew city (not really sure what those are).

The “Wings of Fire” sounded a bit dangerous here in

the mountains of the Appalachia, away from any quick

medical attention.

We’re nacho fans and, as usual, they looked very fill-

ing indeed.

They have 17 different types of sandwiches – cheese

steak, French dip, turkey, prime rib, BBQ pork, corned

beef and much more.

“IF YOUWANT

TO SURFASPHALT…THAT’S IT.”

HOLD ON. LET GO.

TAKE A TEST RIDE ANDCHARGE EVERY CORNER.

ROLLIN’ FAST CYCLE SPORTS

104 Main Street, Lebanon, NJ908-236-9000 • www.RollinFast.com

ROLLIN’ FAST INDIAN MOTORCYCLE OF LEBANONCome see the full line of Indian Motorcycles

Large selection of parts, apparel and accessories

Get your ride ready, Spring is around the corner

104 Main Street, Lebanon, NJ

908-236-9000 • www.RollinFast.comMon-Fri 9a-6p • Thurs ‘til 9a-7p • Sat 9a-5p • Sunday Gone Riding

Page 12 MARCH 2015 • BACKROADS

Rollin’ Fast Cycle Sports Presents

GREAT ALL AMERICAN DINER RUN tasty places to take your bike

The turkey club is a winner!

Dinner is covered as well

with rotisserie chicken- avail-

able in ¼, ½ or the whole

bird, basted with the Pink

Cadillac’s own blend of herbs

and fruity spices and

“broasted”, to a golden per-

fection. You will also find

steak, fried steak (a southern

favorite) and seafood as well

(although if it isn’t fresh water

stream trout we have a prob-

lem with seafood in the mountains).

Not for everyone, but certainly for us is the sautéed calves liver with onions

and bacon.

Oh, come on…yummy!

There is pasta as well with

your basic spaghetti with

marinara sauce or with meat-

balls. Baked manicotti too.

Desserts rule here as well

with pies, ice cream and

drinks – we can attest the milk

shakes are a belly-filler.

We stopped by another day

for breakfast and were cer-

tainly not disappointed as they

had pancakes, omelets, all

sorts of eggs and, of course,

delicious grits.

When you consider the superior roads, the natural beauty, the great 50’s

feel and the attentive and friendly staff, the Pink Cadillac Diner is a certain

stop on the Great All American Diner Run.

BACKROADS • MARCH 2015 Page 13

www.MotorcycleMall.com

655 Washington Avenue

Belleville NJ 07109

973-751-4545

Come See Why Motorcycle Mall

is the #1 Dealer in the Country

www.MotorcycleMall.com

655 Washington Avenue

Belleville NJ 07109

973-751-4545

Come See Why Motorcycle Mall

is the #1 Dealer in the Country

GET READY FOR SPRING RIDING

©2015 Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. (BRP). All rights reserved. ®, ™ and the BRP logo are trademarks of BRP or its affiliates. In the U.S.A., products are distributed by BRP US Inc. Offers validin Canada and U.S.A. only, until April 30, 2015. See an authorized BRP dealer for details. The terms and conditions may vary depending on your province or state and these offers are subject to terminationor change at any time without notice. *3-Year Extended Warranty: Eligible units are new and unused 2012 to 2015 Can-Am Spyder models. The buyer of a 2012, 2013, 2014 or 2015 unit will receive the 24-month BRP Limited Warranty plus a 12-month B.E.S.T. extended service contract subject to a $50 deductible on each repair. Exception for Florida residents who will receive the 24-month BRP LimitedWarranty plus an additional 12-month BRP Limited Warranty. The buyer of eligible units will also receive 36 months of FREE Roadside Assistance. See your participating Can-Am dealer for a copy of theBRP Limited Warranty and B.E.S.T. contract. †Up to $2,000 Rebate on select models: Rebate applicable to new and unused 2014 Spyder models. Rebate amount depends on the model and model yearpurchased. ††Financing Options: Low financing rates are available on eligible units, including new and unused 2012 to 2015 Can-Am vehicles. Subject to credit approval. Approval and any rates andterms provided are based on credit worthiness. Multiple financing offers available. Minimum Amount Financed $5,000; Maximum Amount Financed $50,000. Other qualifications and restrictions mayapply. Financing promotion void where prohibited. BRP is not responsible for any errors, changes or actions related to the financing provided by the financial institutions. See an authorized BRP dealerfor details. BRP reserves the right to terminate or change this promotion at anytime without prior notice. Always observe applicable local laws and regulations. Don’t drink and drive.

PRE-SEASONplus SAVE UP TO $2,000

plus GREAT FINANCING3-YEAREXTENDEDWARRANTY

cliPPer mercHanT Tea HouSe

58 MAIN STREET, LIMERICK, ME 04048

WWW.CLIPPERMERCHANT.COM • 207-793-3500

OPEN MID-MAY TO MID-DECEMBER • WED.-SAT. 11A-4P

A few years ago, we were taking a late fall ride to Newfield, Maine to see

the Willowbrook Museum Village. It was a pretty brisk day and on our way

home we were looking for a place to get some hot soup and a warm beverage.

Nadya mentioned she had seen a tea house in Limerick when we went

through and that sounded like just what the doctor ordered.

The Clipper Merchant Tea House is housed

in a 1830 Carpenter Gothic Colonial built at

the height of the clipper ship era and is on the

National Historic Register. Tastefully deco-

rated in everything from kilts to old china, it

harkens back to the tea house of days past. We

were seated at a nice window table and ordered

up some tea while checking out the menu.

Scones, soups, salad and more were on the

menu and all sounded fantastic to a couple of chilly motorcyclists. There

was even a “Tower of London for Two” plate that was a three-tier affair with

scones, tea sandwiches, petite deserts and tea for two. We opted for the soup

of the day, which was a wonderfully flavorful pea soup. It came with deli-

cious bread and with our tea, was just the answer for the slight chill we had.

Although all our bike gear seemed out of place with the fine china, silver

and delicate tablecloths, we were welcomed and our waitress was wonderful.

After warming up, we checked out the rest of the rooms and departed noting

that we would return again. A fall ride in Maine with a full belly and inner

warmth never felt so good!

Limerick is about 2 hours north of Boston and the area has some wonderful

roads. Route 11 over to Newfield or 160 out of town and up through Par-

sonsfield are a couple of the rides you should take if there. Having received

a Best of New England and Editor’s Choice award, you can’t go wrong with

the Clipper Merchant. Take a ride up or call owner’s Heather and Gary Labbe

for reservations at 207-793-3500. ~ Mike Stackhouse

STorm king arT cenTer

Art Continues to thrive Along the hudson

1 MUSEUM RD, NEW WINDSOR, NY 12553

845-534-3115 • WWW.STORMKING.ORG

RE-OPENING FOR THE SEASON WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1 (NO FOOLIN’)

ADMISSION: $15/ADULT • CHECK FOR FREE ADMISSION DAYS

We thought we would continue with the artistic thread we started last month and visit

another creative destination – this time north along the Hudson River from New York to

the Storm King Arts Center.

On yet another superb summer riding day (weren’t so many of this past summer’s days

superb?) we spun up toward the Hudson Valley region and Storm King.

Along our ride we crossed under the Moodna Viaduct. At some 3,200 feet long and 193

feet high at its highest point, it this the highest and longest railroad trestle east of the Mis-

sissippi River.

Yes, the art we’d see at Storm King

would be impressive, but the trestle, built

over 100 years ago and still in service, is

equally extraordinary.

Storm King, named after the large mountain flanking the Hudson

River here, was created back in 1960 by Ralph E. Ogden as a museum

for the Hudson River School painting, but evolved into a major sculp-

ture center.

As new works are featured you will

find that Storm King is ever changing.

The 500+ acre landscape of Storm King

Art Center has been in a state of flux

from the very beginning. The expanse

of rolling hills blanketed with grass and

tall trees may look natural, but was

carefully molded to form the perfect

setting for each of its monumental

works of art. The plateau on which

stands a 1935 residence, designed to re-

semble a Norman chateau and later

converted to the museum building, was

torn apart in the 1950s by bulldozers

gathering gravel for the construction of

the New York State thruway.

Lucky for us it was later rebuilt and

makes a fine rest stop while exploring

the vast Art’s Center.

On our visit Storm king was featur-

ing the works of Chinese artist Zhang

Huan. According to Storm King -

Zhang Huan: Evoking Tradition brings

together a number of primarily sculp-

tural works—as well as source materi-

als, preparatory drawings, and

video—that demonstrate ways in which

artist Zhang Huan touches upon Chi-

nese cultural and religious traditions within his practice. Zhang’s work engages,

in particular, with aspects of Buddhist philosophy and rituals, and he sees the

contemporary condition as one that is constantly revitalized through an engage-

ment with the past. Focusing mainly on the past decade of the artist’s production,

the exhibition takes place both in Storm King Art Center’s Museum Building

210 Route 10 West, East Hanover, NJ

973-428-1735www.HanoverPowersports.com

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Page 14 MARCH 2015 • BACKROADS

Rip & Ride® • STORM KING ARTS CENTER1 MUSEUM RD , NEW WINDSOR, NY 12553

845-534-3115 • WWW.STORMKING.ORG

GET YOURSELF TO RTE. 17 NORTH IN NEW JERSEYTAKE RTE. 17 INTO NEWYORKRIGHT AT 7 LAKES DRIVETAKE 7 LAKES DRIVE TO END(STRAIGHT THROUGH TRAFFIC CIRCLES)

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BEAR MOUNTAIN BRIDGE3/4 AROUND CIRCLE AND TAKE 9W NORTHDON’T CROSS BRIDGE

TAKE SECOND RTE. 218 EXIT (NORTH)TAKE RTE. 218 INTO CORNWALL - GREAT ROAD!BEAR LEFT ONTO HUDSON-CR 9(WHERE 218 BEARS RIGHT)

P/U RTE. 107RIGHT AT RTE. 32 NORTHLOOK FOR STORM KING SIGNSLEFT AFTER BRIDGE CR 20 / ORRS MILL ROADSTORM KING ART CENTER ON LEFT

Hanover Powersports Presents

BIG CITY GETAWAY daytrip ideas to get out of the daily grind

and outdoors, in the eastern area of the grounds

near to Three Legged Buddha a major work by

Zhang in Storm King’s permanent collection.

Which is a good thing as it was very impres-

sive.

Storm King Arts Center is very large, and like

Grounds for Sculpture in New Jersey, that we fea-

tured previously, you will spend a number of

hours exploring the grounds and the various

works sprinkled through the grounds.

We made the good decision of taking the tram

that brought us around the entire grounds and also

gave descriptions and explanations of how and

why various pieces were created and what the

artist was considering in the creation of them.

Touring Storm King by bicycle is a great way to

experience the art and landscape Storm King of-

fers. Visitors may rent adult bicycles on a first-

come, first-served basis. Bike rental is $8 per

hour with a two-hour minimum. Ride your mo-

torcycle there and then switch to human-power.

If you get a bit peckish while there you can search

out the Storm King Café, which offers a selection

of fresh salads, sandwiches, snacks, and seasonal

specials. There are nearby picnic grounds if you

like to dine amongst the art works. You are wel-

come to bring your own repast to do so. Storm King is best shared with

friends and family. When we last visited we were met by Shira’s sister

Rowena and her husband Richie making a nice visit even better.

All in all you will find over 100 giant works including the fantastic South

fields with the massive works of Mark di Suvero. One thing that really im-

pressed us was not so much a sculpture, yet something that was a work of

art all by itself. The stonewall, that runs around and then through the pond,

below the south fields. Andy Goldsworthy – “Five Men, Seventeen Days,

Fifteen Boulders, One

Wall” is phenomenal

and we might have to redo the stonewall around Backroads Central now.

Storm King Arts Center is located in the middle of some of the most stun-

ning natural beauty in the United States. There was a reason artists flocked

here long ago and a reason why Storm King is this month’s Big City Get-

away.

Now let us give you a ride, through Harriman State Park that is a work of

art in itself.

BACKROADS • MARCH 2015 Page 15

SPiriTS in THe cHurcH

the ghost of CAptAin henry fAuntleroy

OLD TENNENT PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

48 TENNENT RD., MANALAPAN TOWNSHIP NJ 07726 • 732-446-6299

The date was June 28, 1778.

The place - just south of Englishtown Raceway in New Jersey.

There was no drag strip this day.

The British were on the move from Philadelphia to New York.

Washington’s men, coming off the horrid winter at Valley

Forge, had moved to intercept.

Henry Fauntleroy was tired, sweating and looking to catch

his breath.

The fighting had been going on all day. With the arrival of

Washington the tide had turned and the Red Coats were falling

back. Just hours before, General Washington had arrived and

moved on the flank of the British troops, led by General Corn-

wallis.

Instead of being demoralized from the past year, the Conti-

nental Army was primed and ready, spending the cold months

training for a battle such as this.

At the Tennent Courthouse the battle, with

General Charles Lee leading the rebel troops,

had begun. Outmanned Lee eventually called

for a retreat, which quickly became a rout.

At this point the British had the upper hand,

but then Washington arrived with thousands

more men.

Seeing Lee’s men in retreat, this is the one

occasion Washington was said to have sworn.

He deployed a consignment of oaths directed

at Lee, to the admiration of those listening, be-

fore ordering Lee to the rear. Washington then

galloped forward and began the task of rallying

Lee’s disordered troops. He moved in behind

the British.

The Battle of Monmouth was under way.

A member of the 5th Virginia Conti-

nental Line, Henry Fauntleroy had

quickly risen to the rank of Captain.

In the heat of the battle and the steamy

early summer day the Captain paused,

taking a seat atop one of the headstones that surround White Oak Hill that

the Old Tennent Church still sits on today.

Today was Henry’s birthday and he surely wished he could be spending it

in a more peaceful way. He was 22 years old this day.

Wiping the sweat from his brow he heard the whine of the approaching

cannon ball and then a flash and….

The ball from the British cannon, aimed at the church, crashed through the

headstone, snapping it in half and taking Henry’s legs with it.

Mayhem ensued and his fellow soldiers carried the agonized young man

into the church, now a battlefield hospital, laying Fauntleroy on one of the

pews near the back.

There was blood, a lot of blood. It poured out, with young Henry’s life,

onto the dark wooden bench, staining it even darker.

To this day the pews here at the Old Tennent church bear the mark of blood

and saws – used for battlefield amputations.

One can easily believe the stories that this church, a place of God, is

haunted with unresting spirits of the past. It is said

that the image of Henry Fauntleroy can be seen in

and around the church.

It is said that the battlefield itself is also a

haunted place. Casualties for the Battle of Mon-

mouth, as reported by each commander, were 69

killed, 37 dead from heat-stroke, 160

wounded, and 95 missing for the Continen-

tal Army and around 65 killed, 59 dead

from heat-stroke, 170 wounded, 50 cap-

tured, and 14 missing for the British. In

both cases, these numbers are conservative

and losses were more likely 500-600 for

Washington and over 1,100 for Clinton.

With all this carnage, one would be

shocked not to have a spirit or two wander-

ing the grounds of the battlefield.

This was a heartening win for the Conti-

nental Army and the British, now in retreat,

made their way to New York, via Sandy

Hook – narrowly missing being trapped by

the d’Estaing’s French fleet.

Page 16 MARCH 2015 • BACKROADS

Morton’s BMW Motorcycles PresentsDr. Seymour O’Life’s MYSTERIOUS AMERICA

The Battle of Monmouth is also remembered for the legend of “Molly

Pitcher.” While many of the details regarding “Molly Pitcher” have been em-

bellished or are in dispute, the story refers to a woman who brought water to

American artillery during the battle. This water was intended for swabbing

the guns during the reloading process as well as cooling the hot gun crew. In

one version of the story she replaced her husband on a gun crew when he

fell wounded or from heat stroke. The “Molly Pitcher” of Monmouth is gen-

erally identified Mary Ludwig Hayes.

Outside the Old Tennent we found the headstone for Captain Henry

Fauntleroy as well as dozens of stones dating back from that period.

For the history alone the Old Tennent Church is a worthy stop while ex-

ploring this part of New Jersey and Mysterious America.

O’Life out!

BACKROADS • MARCH 2015 Page 17

MYSTERIOUS AMERICA PUZZLERLike Click & Clack at Car Talk I’d like to throw out a Mysterious America Puzzler of sorts to you kids.In the February issue - Destination Catskills - we had an article about the “Paper Town” of Agloe, New York.Looking at all the illustrations that accompanied this article, well after we went to print, another odd factoid presented itself to me. How did I miss this?What was it and why is it akin to the original article?The first correct answer, or shot in the dark, will get a specially created Mysterious Backroads gift pack (Sorry Sindee N, you can’t play).Email editor@backroads with the correct answer.O’Life out!

Some know this, and the U.S. Air Force will deny it, but did you know the

little hamlet of Pine Bush, just east of the Shawangunk Mountains, off Route

52 in New York State, is a hot bed for UFO sightings.

In fact the town calls itself the UFO Capital of the Northeast!

Big statement for a little town – but those are the facts.

Over the years hundreds of sighting have been reported in and around this

region and it has been featured time and again on television and here in these

pages.

Heck, they even have a UFO-style diner called Cup & Saucers.

Each May true believers reach inside for their inner Fox Mulder and par-

take in the region’s only festival celebrating alien visitation, flying saucers

and encounters of the nicest kind.

It’s a great combination of home-

town America and E.T and don’t be

surprised if you see more than one

extraterrestrial.

This year’s Pine Bush UFO Festi-

val will be held on Saturday, May 16

(with a rain date of the 17th).

I know I will be there digging deeper into this part of Mysterious America.

Join me.

And, when you are heading home and a bright light suddenly encircles you

don’t try to race away. You can’t outrun them. I’ve tried.

O’Life out!

PINE BUSH UFO FESTIVAL • PINE BUSH, NEWYORK • MAY 16

liTTleTon, neW HamPSHire

A smAll burg with A big new englAnd flAir

We love to give credit where credit is due and we first heard about this

town and the Thayer Hotel from our friends and riding companions Richard

and Dee Dee Ford.

They had been exploring in and around the White Mountains of New

Hampshire and came upon the historic Thayer Hotel, in the middle of the

town of Littleton’s Main Street.

Although it is not the largest town

in the mountains the name has noth-

ing to do with its size, but the burg

gets its name from Colonel Moses

Little, who helped survey the sur-

rounding lands.

The town, which went by a few

other names in the past, adopted the

Colonel’s name in 1784, the same

year New Hampshire became a state.

Littleton is far better than Cheese

Farm, we think.

The Thayer Hotel has been around

since 1850 and is quintessential New

England. The Thayer is on the Na-

tional Register of Historic Places,

with a total of 40 guest rooms, a well-

stocked bar and excellent new restau-

rant. It is ideally located as a perfect

home base for those wishing to ex-

plore the White Mountains and the surrounding roads of the

Granite State.

It is said that Ulysses S Grant addressed an audience from

the hotel balcony in 1869, while other famous guests include

President Franklin Pierce, General George McClellan,

Henry Ford, P. T. Barnum, and General Tom Thumb.

Numerous other late-twentieth century figures have also

spent time here including Richard Nixon, Jimmy Carter and

George H. Bush.

When we visited we took our rooms, quickly showered

and went off to stroll the town before she closed up for the

evening. As it was a Saturday night, the town was hopping

and many of the shops were still open.

The banners you see as you enter Littleton say it is a

‘glad town’ - this is in honor of Pollyanna Whittier and

her Glad books, the character and novels created by local

Eleanor H. Porter in the early 1900’s. You will find a

statue of Pollyana in the town as well.

Looking to be a Pollyanna and always on the lookout

for something a it different we went in search of Chutter’s

General Store which boasts something very sweet indeed

– the World’s Longest Candy Counter!

At 112 feet in length it is certified by the Guinness

Book of World Records and was very impressive.

Visitors will find candies long forgotten. Chutter’s record setting candy

counter will take you back to your childhood. In addition to candy, Chutter’s

is famous for its world-class fudge. Chutter’s fudge comes in a wide range

of unique flavors. Chutter’s General Store also offers a huge variety of New

Hampshire gifts and goodies.

Continuing on down Main

Street we found a number of pi-

anos outside various shops and

even a hand painted Fender

acoustic guitar, just sitting there.

A Fender? But, there it was, just

waiting to get played – which we

did.

Some towns have painted pigs,

some cats, some cows – Littleton

says “This Town Rocks” and it

does with painted pianos and

other instruments.

Down by the River Walk there

is an impressive and newly built covered bridge span-

ning the Ammonoosuc River, which offers great views

of both the river and back part of the town.

Right next to it you will find the Schilling Beer Com-

pany that will serve up some seriously tasty local

brews, as well as victuals to accompany it.

No New England town would be complete without

a great diner and the Littleton Diner fits that bill per-

fectly. This is the second ‘car’ diner built at this location

and it has been here since the 1940’s. Here you will

find all the standard American diner fare as well as

some delicious specials. The Littleton Diner is a classic and could easily

stand alone as a Great All American Diner Run.

It also seems to be the perfect “photo op” for local and national politicians

as John McCain, Mitt Romney, John Kerry and Steve Forbes have all

Page 18 MARCH 2015 • BACKROADS

Bergen County Harley-Davidson Presents

WE’RE OUTTA HERE a weekend destination keeping you on the backroads

dropped by and acted like they really just

stopped by for some eggs and a cup a joe

when a camera crew just dropped in as well.

We think a return trip to New Hampshire

just to try the Littleton Diner’s corned beef

hash and their pancakes will be well worth the

miles.

Well, sometimes “We’re Outta Here” fea-

tures just a hotel – this month we gave you an

entire town. Take a ride to the White Moun-

tains of New Hampshire and the town of Lit-

tleton – you will not be disappointed.

Thayer Hotel • 111 Main St, Littleton, NH 03561800-634-8179 • www.thayersinn.com

Rates ranges from $79.95-$199.95/nite depending on season

Chutters Candy Store • 43 Main St, Littleton, NH 03561603-444-5787 • www.chutters.com

Schilling Beer Co • 18 Mill St, Littleton, NH 03561603-444-4800 • www.schillingbeer.com

Littleton Diner • 170 West Main St, Littleton, NH 03561603-444-3994 • www.littletondiner.com

BACKROADS • MARCH 2015 Page 19

Page 20 MARCH 2015 • BACKROADS

We had pushedour fuel supply to the‘nether’ regions – with thelittle countdown readout longsince ending.

It wasn’t like we were inthe deserts of Killamericastan –no, we were safely romping alongthe Berkshires of New England whenwe finally vectored into a Stewart’s fuelstation to fill tanks and empty bladders.

Another rider pulled up with a pearl white Harley.“Feels like we’re all playing post season baseball,”

he said to us.We couldn’t agree more.When baseball is happening, at least here in the northeast,

motorcycling is happening too. This ‘Indian Summer’ Tuesdaywould see Game 6 of the World Series (Royals crushing the Giants10 to zip that day) and an odd motion in the jet stream had broughtus a few days of unseasonal but welcome warm weather.

We’d take advantage of it and head out on an overnight into the nearbyBerkshires and the town of Lenox, not far from the famed Tanglewood.

Indian Summerwords + images: brian rathjen

Honeysuckle vines outside the doorDandelion wine and so much moreWe can discover, into each otherIndian summer

America

During the summer season this area of Massachusetts can be-

come crowded, expensive and a tad snooty; but during the last

week in October the welcome mat was out and we had put to-

gether a route from the Backroads Central area that would involve

history, food and miles of twistalicious fun.

Our ride began in northwestern NJ and meandered along some

of the farmlands and low lying hills that lay between the tiny little

townettes that you find up this way.

Even though this is our home we have been using Garmin’s

Base Camp to pick and choose some of the tertiary roads that link

all this together. Sure it might be easier to take familiar and larger

roads across to the Hudson River – but this was way more fun!

Eventually we got into Harriman State Park, around the road

past Perkin’s Drive and down the curvy mountain road past the

Bear Mountain Inn and across the bridge.

No matter how many times I have crossed the river here it has never failed

to impress me. There is a reason so many artists called the Hudson Valley

home and it is quite apparent right here, just below the United States Military

Academy at West Point, that this area is one of the finest in our land.

Unfortunately, on any Sunday, this is also one of the most congested mo-

torcycle roads in the nation as well.

Crossing the bridge and bearing right on the sweepy road that wraps around

the mountain on the Hudson’s eastern-side on US 6 most times is a ride in

futility –but, not on this Monday morning. After making a quick pass of

‘Granny Tight Lips’ from Michigan, we had the entire road to ourselves and

made good use of it. Benedict Arnold could not getaway from the West Point

area quicker than us.

At the circle we bore north and then leaned to the right, on Sprout Brook

Road, to explore the roads that led into the Putnam Valley.

We do not ride this region nearly as much as we would like, so I made this

route especially intricate, swallowing as many little connector roads as pos-

sible and crossing over the West Branch Reservoir along the well named

stone-lined Rock Bridge Road.

When most think of the Rev-

olutionary War General George

Washington will always come

to mind. Well, he will join us

later in this story but, right now,

we had a more fascinating tale.

Just outside of Carmel, New

York we passed a historic

marker for a little known hero-

ine of our Revolutionary War –

Sybil “Sibbell” Ludington.

Author Steve Smith wrote

about this 17 year old woman a

few years back in Backroads

and it was nice to see the state

of New York recognize this

young woman whose ride to warn of the approaching British was equally as

important as Paul Revere’s more famous ride.

Sibbell rode nearly forty miles through the night on April 26, 1777 to tell

BACKROADS • MARCH 2015 Page 21

the militiamen under her father’s command to muster at his house, from

which they would march to defend Danbury.

She was a true hero of

our cause.

We stopped for a bite

at the Carmel Diner who

proudly tell Sibbell’s

story on the cover of

their menu. It features

the incredible statue,

sculpted by Anna Hyatt

Huntington, that was

placed on the green in

the town’s center.

In 1935 New York

State erected a number

of markers along her

route. In 1975, Luding-

ton was honored with a postage

stamp in the “Contributors to

the Cause” Bicentennial Series.

Getting the idea that Ms.

Ludington was a big thing?

Good. The statue of her and her

horse “Star” is wickedly im-

pressive.

Equally impressive was an-

other building that our route

serendipitously came across.

Outside the small hamlet of

Quakers Hill we found the Akin

Free Library. This three story

stone and marble building was

constructed between 1898 and

1908 and was a gift from

Quaker Albert J Akin.

The library itself is located on the first floor of the building. Among others,

its holdings of several thousand books contain books of local interest and by

local authors, a children’s section, and newspaper collections. The Historical

Society Museum occupies the second floor of the building. Its collections

include objects pertaining to the local history such as period and Quaker

clothing, tools and artwork, bowling pins from the Mizzentop Hotel, and the

service window from the old Quaker Hill Post Office.

The lower floor of the building houses the Olive Gunnison Natural History

Museum, which displays about 200 mounted birds, rocks and minerals, as

well as a shrunken human head.

A Tsantsa?! Seymour, are you reading this?

We were slightly stunned at the beauty of this stately library as it stands in

a stark contrast to the surrounding rural area.

Relying on our pre-planned GPS route we followed the purple line and

voice prompts as it led us over hill & dale, across small streams and up into

the, more rugged than you would think, Berkshires.

As I said, with the Base Camp pro-

gram I was making this route as in-

tricate and difficult as I could. The

Rip & Ride would be quite a bit on

the lengthy side. The GPX file made

it a breeze.

We know some that refuse to em-

brace GPS technology and rely only

on Manually Acquired Positioning

Systems (maps) but, back in the day,

you probably didn’t like hydraulic

brakes either.

Luddites.

It being mid-Autumn and nearing

Halloween many front yards were

done up for the occasion but one dis-

play made us stop and wonder.

Was this a message to us? Ahh, the

famed “pumpkin moon” never

looked so good.

Page 22 MARCH 2015 • BACKROADS

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As we continued down this road

Shira’s Roadside America program

chimed in on her Garmin (yes, an-

other reason to ride with a GPS) - it

said something special was up ahead.

Santarella is certainly worth a stop

to get off the bikes for a few minutes.

The place is the historic home and

studio of the sculptor Sir Henry Hud-

son Kitson and it is a truly magical

and unique site. Kitson’s studio, af-

fectionately known as the “Ginger-

bread House”, gets its name from the

storybook-style architecture and in-

credible rolling roof. The design and

construction of the amazing building

was the last major project of his life

and continued for over 20 years.

This fairy-tale home is available for special events and even as a vacation

rental. It is also for sale for $2.3 million.

Our destination this evening was Lenox, MA – just north of Tanglewood.

Lenox can be a bit pricey during the region’s busy season but at this time

in October, on a Monday evening, The Cornell Inn was more than inviting.

To add to a good thing Shira had reached out to our friends from New

Hampshire, Richard and DeeDee Ford, to join us for the night – a little be-

ginning of the week getaway.

This is exactly how “We’re Outta Here” should work!

The inn was really nice, with a small bar and great outdoor patio area with

its own waterfall.

We spent the afternoon catching up on things and then rode over to one of

the local Lenox restaurants, of which there are many to choose.

We really enjoyed The Cornell Inn and with some 28 rooms and suites it

will surely be back in the pages of Backroads soon.

If that Monday was special weather-wise the following day was stupendous

with sunny skies and late October temperatures reaching well into the 70s.

We had one final breakfast with our friends then they rode off back to the

north and we turned our machines south, riding past Tanglewood, all the

while looking for James or Carly, and then along some of the tinier roads we

could find in the general direction of the Empire State.

Crossing into New York we were heading south at a good clip down Route

BACKROADS • MARCH 2015 Page 23

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22 - near Austerlitz - when, once again, Shira’s Roadside America program

chimed in that there was a place where junk becomes art right ahead.

The Circle Museum.

Bijan Mahmoodi is the owner of the museum and the artist. His art reflects

his fascination with hard-to-find Industrial Era fabricated metals and bronze

casting. Inside the artist’s studio, also on the property, is a collection of

Bijan’s oil paintings that explore the circle motif you see in most of his sculp-

tures. Why is it called the Circle Museum? Bijan explains.... “Because our

planet is based on the circle - the sun, the planets, the moon and life itself is

cyclical. The circle is what inspires me.”

Okay, that works for us.

We pulled over, hopped off the bikes and spent a while wandering around

the outdoor garden / auto shop.

The artist has some really oddly conceived but brilliantly executed statues

using metal, old car parts, and shaped rocks and we are glad that we literally

rode upon this place; another stop for O’Life for sure.

The Circle Museum is open daily and a donation of $5 is requested.

Money well given.

Continuing towards the Hudson River we just about ran out of gas and that

is where we joined this story; talking baseball and riding with the other rider.

We rode back and forth in and around the Taconic Parkway, where the local

secondary roads crossed the highway and then, eventually, to the river where

we stopped in Cold Spring at the Depot for lunch.

Do you know that sitting at lunch or dinner here at the Depot you will have

one of 68 trains come running just yards from you at speed up to 115 miles

per hour.

Loud, but we loved it.

There is also something else to be found at the Cold Spring Depot.

It turns out that George Washington (remember him?) not only frequented

this place back in the day but they even have a plaque stating that he drank

from a spring here and said is was very cold – giving the town its name –

Cold Spring.

It was a short

ride south on

Route 9D from

there to the Bear

M o u n t a i n

Bridge where

we crossed back

over the Hudson

and then vectored north along Storm King Mountain

and past the sculpture park before following a few lost

roads back into New Jersey and then along our Mother

road – County Road 519 now known as the Confused

Squirrel – and back home.

Boy, we were happy to have these few temperate Oc-

tober days free and we made the best of it.

As I write this the following days I see winter coming

soon, but we can always hope for some lucky warmer

days and that global warming to kick in just a bit.

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rooms range from $129/night and up

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Page 24 MARCH 2015 • BACKROADS

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Most folks celebrate the holidays with a vengeance.

Thanksgiving giving way to Chanukah and Christmas, Festivus for the

Rest of Us, and then New Years.

Me, I begrudgingly partake in all that feldercarb to see friends and family

but much prefer to quietly mark the moment when the winter solstice occurs.

Let the rest argue on which of the holidaze is more important. I will keep

an eye on the sky and the slow, but steady, return of the sun to the northern

latitudes.

Still, Decembers leads into January and it is always darkest before the

dawn and coldest before the spring.

It was with great delight I saw that the last weekend of 2014 was to be a

mild one and the sun, who had been gone for nearly two weeks, was sched-

uled to make a cameo.

Even better as the end of the week approached and an email from our friend

Paul Donoghue appeared in the in-box:

Merry Christmas!

I’m suffering from cabin fever, have not been out on a bike in 5 weeks. I’m

thinking of doing a dual sport ride Saturday. Mix of paved and hard packed

gravel, with one unpaved downhill section.

Late lunch in Cold Spring, then head back to NJ. Anyone interested in getting

out for a ride? ~ Paul

Amen, brother.

Although Paul would be meeting some others in New Jersey we thought

to meet up at the Tiorati Circle on Seven Lakes Drive in Harriman State Park

around 11ish.

Dawn saw the bikes rolled out and then one rolled back in as Thor, God of

Thunder AND lightning, demanded twenty minutes more charge.

By 9ish we were donning electrics and HEDz – making sure everything

was correctly plugged and sealed.

This time of year I feel like an astronaut on the ISS about to take a space

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Page 26 MARCH 2015 • BACKROADS

For sure it would warm up as the day rolled by, but there was frost on the

valley this morning.

Remarkably we had full tanks (I am a great one for filling up on the road,

but not so much when heading home) so we avoided the drudgery of the

unzip/plug/strip at the local fuel stop. We made our way east along the farm

lands of the northwest Garden State, across the border and along the Black

Dirt region and then over the mountains towards Greenwood Lake.

We wanted to grab a bit to eat so we pulled into the small roadside market

in Bellvale, just outside of Warwick.

We were looking for egg sandwiches but found a much more as their

small meat and fish counters looked a bit more than tempting.

We made a note to stop by on our return trip and bring home dinner.

Although the Renaissance Faire is sleeping this time of year the skiers were

out in force this semi-holiday weekend.

I radioed to Shira that “you always know you have stolen a day’s ride when

you have to slow down for skiers crossing the road.”

Paul had sent over a GPX file for the Garmin and my plan was to hook up

into it where Route 17A runs into Harriman at the New York State Thruway

– following Route 106, which was recently paved and very twistalicious, to

Seven Lakes Drive and then to Tiorati.

Big sign up ahead. – ROAD CLOSED.

Ya bastards. There is no snow. Close the road when it threatens to snow.

Do we need to explain this to NYS DOT and the governor?

Plan B brought us north to Arden Valley Road, also recently resurfaced

and apparently open.

Here they teased us for a 1/2 mile before Andrew Cuomo ran out himself

and planted a ROAD CLOSED sign in front of us.

Ya dirty bastards.

Plan C worked out just fine as Seven Lakes Drive was still passable

through the tons of snow that was not there.

Finally meeting our

small group that consisted

of a few different GSs, a

Yamaha Super Tenere and

one streetish Triumph Tro-

phy piloted by our friend

Ed McCaughey who trav-

eled from Long Island to

enjoy the warm day.

We silently agreed that

if anything needed to be

sacrificed to the road gods

it would be the large sport-

tourer. Sorry Ed.

The truth is Ed has

more skill than most of us and today’s ride would simply be an exercise in

getting our rims dirty.

We crossed over the Bear Mountain Bridge, always one of my favorite

things to do. I would put the vista of this part of the Hudson River and valley

against any other view in these United States.

We headed north on Route 9D and then vectored over South Mountain

BACKROADS • MARCH 2015 Page 27

Pass and then followed Paul along a good

number of old-style dirt roads.

With larger and more maintained roads like

Route 9 and the Taconic dominating this re-

gion, it might surprise you how many unpaved

dirt roads live in this area. Lost roads.

One being a very historic road at that.

On July 1982 the Old Albany Post Road, in

the Town of Philipstown, was awarded a list-

ing in the State and National Registers of His-

toric Places. This 6.6-mile section of dirt road

from Continental Village to Route 9 was rec-

ognized as one of the oldest unpaved roads in

the nation still in use.

The listings and recognition may be gratify-

ing, but the honor is no guarantee of permanent

road protection.

And it seems it does need protecting. Along

the half dozen miles were a number of signs

saying “Save our historic dirt

roads” and to “Say yes to dirt !!!!”

It seems that New York State

and the county are considering

paving this piece of Americana.

Why?

It is said that the mile markers

were ordered in place by Benjamin

Franklin himself; and at the north

end of this ancient section, one of

the oldest inns in the region, the

Bird & Bottle built in 1761, can be

found.

We found it to be an excellent

ride and wondrous to think Gener-

als Washington, Lafayette and oth-

ers rode along this way too.

The road needs support and you can find out

more at www.albanypostroad.info.

Things were going along swimmingly until

another reminder of the season stopped us in

our tracks with another ROAD CLOSED sign.

Plan F (for FUBAR) was immediately put

into action and Paul reversed our route so we

could experience it from the other way and not

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Page 28 MARCH 2015 • BACKROADS

too soon afterward we rode into Cold Spring, with its

great waterfront and stunning view of the old North

River. Attrition began to take hold of our crew as Ed

had to get back to Long Island before the winter set in

and another gent, Leo, had to vacate back to Brooklyn,

but the rest of us hung on for lunch.

As you would think the town was packed with civil-

ians enjoying the gifted warm day but we did okay

restaurant-wise and then rode along the river and even-

tually back towards the Bear Mountain Bridge and the

western shore of the Hudson. Surprisingly, although the

park’s lots were summertime full these roads were clear

of traffic and we made a forceful romp up around the

uphill 180 and the sweepers towards Perkins Drive (also

closed - those truly dirty bastards) before the long valley

road back towards the Ramapo mountains.

As promised Shira and I stopped back at the Bellvale

Market picking up some superb steaks and a few heads-

on fresh water shrimp (little lobstas I tell ya) before con-

tinuing west, now racing the setting sun and falling

temperatures.

Riding up the hill to Backroads Central the sky had

turned that warm cosmo martini color and not ten min-

utes after we parked the bikes night had fallen.

One of the shortest riding days of the year had ended.

Yea us and everyone else that got out that day for a

ride.

That week we’d say goodbye to 2014 and hello to a

new year.

Hey 2014, see ya – don’t let the door hit you on the

ass on your way out!

2015, let’s talk about how things should go……

BACKROADS • MARCH 2015 Page 29

The DevilMade Me

Do ItNorton Rubenstein

About the end of May, I got this itch to ride from my home in Richmond,

Virginia to some familiar roads in New Mexico and Arizona, and to eat a spe-

cial slice (or two) of pie. I hadn’t done that for ten years, and it was about

time to do it again. So, for confidence sake and the insistence of my wife, I

had my 2004 BMW R1150R “tuned-up” at Morton’s BMW in Fredericksburg,

and headed west. The round trip was 4,708 miles and took nine days. It’s fair

to ask why anyone in his right mind would travel more than 2,000 miles and back

again, just to ride a patch of road and eat breakfast in a not so elegant restaurant.

Well, if you love to ride motorcycles and if one of the roads is 137 miles of twisties,

switchbacks and gently curving sweepers through splendid scenery, and the restaurant’s

breakfasts are great, then for me the answer is perfectly clear. Our country is blessed with lots of roads

that seem to be built with two-wheelers in mind and, for those of us who like to ride the rural roads, and enjoy dis-

covering great non-franchise cafés, US-191 between

Alpine and Clifton, Arizona, and the Bear Wallow Café

in Alpine are just such a combination.

US-191, also known as The Coronado Trail Scenic

Byway, is located in the White Mountains of Eastern

Arizona. It runs through the Apache and Sitgreaves

National Forests and has the reputation of being one of

the best low traffic, high scenic highways in the country

- also for being a very dangerous mountain road with

many sharp curves and little or no shoulders on steep

cliffs. It used to be called US-666, but 666 is reputed

to be the devil’s number. Because of that, and because

the topology of this stretch of road is complex, it was

called by the locals, and those that rode it on two

wheels, “The Devil’s Highway;” some still do. But, that

designation was a public relations problem so just a few

years ago it was changed to US-191. If you ask anyone

who rode it on two wheels they’ll tell you why 666 was

the better number.

Page 30 MARCH 2015 • BACKROADS

It is about the same path Francisco Vásquez de Coronado followed be-

tween 1540 and 1542, and it’s the primary route to access Canyon de Chelly

National Monument, which makes a great side trip; the Canyon Monument

is managed jointly by the National Park Service and the Navaho Nation.

The road’s twists and turns are too complex for me to draw, but imagine a

guy painting a centerline down a patch of road. For the first 20 or so miles

south of Alpine the line is straight with lots of easy sweepers, but after our

painter gets to Hannagan Meadow it looks like he uncorked a jug of mountain

spirits and didn’t put the

plug back in until he got

to Clifton, 72 miles

later. You won’t see 18-

wheelers on this section

of US-191; vehicles

longer than 40 feet are

prohibited, they just

can’t make the turns.

The best way to ride

it, I think, is to head

south from Alpine. To

get to Alpine I ride US-

180 north from I-10 at

Deming, New Mexico (4,335 feet). That ride begins with a straight run of

about 35 miles, and then transitions into broad sweepers and slow inclines

through the Mogollon Mountains, until you get to Glenwood. From there to

Alpine the road gets twistier, the inclines steeper, and the temperatures much

cooler. There are plenty of pull-offs and many great picture opportunities

along this route.

Alpine sits at

8,050 feet in the

White Mountains

of Eastern Arizona.

Riding US-191

south, the elevation

within the 95 miles

to Clifton (3,450

feet) varies roughly

between 3,000 and

10,000 feet, and it

varies often with

lots of challenging

twisties and many

switchbacks, but also some broad sweepers through sub-alpine woodlands.

The two-lane road is well maintained, but there are long stretches of decreas-

ing radius curves where the shoulders are narrow, the rock face high and

sheer, and the drop-offs steep, and there are no guardrails until you get to the

flat spots just north of Morenci. Posted speed limits range from a short run

of 50 mph at Alpine to long stretches of 15 to 10 mph. At posted speeds, all

the turns are easy, but if you’re challenging the road, chances are good that

you’ll jump the centerline. By the way, this section of US-191 was a recent

Three Flags route, during which three bikes crashed in separate incidents.

For riders without much experience on these kinds of roads it’s an oppor-

tunity for a safe and stimulating ride on a low traffic road - if taken carefully,

with lots of caution, good equipment, and at moderate speeds. For experi-

enced motorcyclists, it’s an adrenaline-charged pleasure, but still one that for

even highly competent riders requires much forethought and caution. Be es-

pecially careful of taking liberties with double solid centerlines; the sight

BACKROADS • MARCH 2015 Page 31

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lines between twisties are short and it’s impossible to know what’s coming

at you around the curve. Even if you’re testing your skills it’s a good idea to

take an occasional break to enjoy the pull-offs; there are a fair number of

wide ones - places to catch your breath, and with lots of scenery. You’re al-

most sure to see mountain sheep, elk, deer, ground squirrels, and cattle.

You’ll be crossing a number of cattle guards across the roadbed. This is not

a road you can ride in comfort at night; it’s best ridden in in the company of

friends, in daylight, and when it’s dry.

Riding US-191 the other direction, north from Clifton and ending in

Alpine, is also a great ride; it’s great both ways, but the character of the two

rides will be different. I think if you’re going to challenge the road, riding

south gives you some advantages - the ascending hairpins are trickier than

descending ones. That’s my opinion and others will differ, but, heading north

or south, every time you ride it it’s changed. By the way, before you start in

either direction, find a gas station and fill your tank, they’re scarce on this

road.

For a good rider in a hurry I’d allow a little more than two hours to make

the run; longer if you pull over at the wide spots to take in the view and snap

a picture. With sticky tires and lots of experience and stamina a rider can do

it faster, but you’ll be low on adrenalin at the end of the ride. US-191 be-

tween Alpine and Clifton – and even south to I-10 - is an early morning low

traffic ride any time of the year. On an early June morning this year I saw

three cars and two motorcycles, both two-up, en-route north and only one

car heading south.

I’d recommend heated gear if you ride before May or after September; the

mornings and evenings are cold and there’ll probably be frost on your wind-

screen when you wake up in the morning. July and August is the height of

their “monsoon” season, and I wouldn’t recommend riding it at those times.

It usually doesn’t start to snow seriously in the higher elevations until the

middle of October. In a late spring or early fall morning at higher elevations

you’re already riding in or above the clouds.

In 2011, careless campers started a fire that burned over 800 square miles

of the Bear Wallow Wilderness area, and you’ll still see huge patches of dam-

aged trees along this road. It took some time, but plant and wildlife are re-

turning, and I saw mountain sheep, elk, and deer just off the road on my early

June ride this year.

Be sure to stop at Morenci, near Clifton, Arizona. The Freeport McMoRan

Copper & Gold mining company has created a large pull-off area and you’ll

see one of the largest copper producing surface mines in the world. It con-

tributes about 15% of the total world copper production. It’s worth stopping

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Page 32 MARCH 2015 • BACKROADS

at the pull-off and snapping a picture, particularly with a wide-angle lens.

No matter where you’re going, for motorcyclists it’s always the ride, but

sometimes it can be more than just the road that makes a journey memorable.

In Alpine, The Bear Wallow Café is a lucky bonus. For those of you who re-

member or heard about a time before interstates when there were lots of road-

side and rural cafés and the décor was strictly local trappings, I recommend

having a meal at the Bear Wallow Café in Alpine.

As soon as you walk in the door, you’re stepping into a time in the past.

Breakfast is my favorite meal there; the food is good and plentiful, but it’s

the 11 varieties of pies, as good as those they say

grandma used to make, that make me look forward to

a Bear Wallow visit. You’ll meet local people who are

glad to talk about where you’re from and where you’re

going; if you can’t get into a friendly conversation in

The Bear Wallow Café, you must be avoiding it on pur-

pose. While you wait for your food to be served, me-

ander about the place and check out the pictures and

critters that populate The Bear Wallow’s walls; it’s like

a small museum out of time and in the right place. Pre-

pare to relax awhile; The Bear Wallow isn’t a fast food

restaurant.

We who ride on two wheels know that there aren’t

words to tell non-riders about the feeling; it’s like trying

to tell someone who’s never had any what chocolate

tastes like. It’s one of those things that must be discov-

ered in person; vicarious doesn’t work. Every rider ex-

periences and feels a ride in his or her own way, and

for different reasons. There are no standardized thrills

on a motorcycle; each of us is a different rider and

we’re tuned into our own perspectives. That’s what

makes telling non-riders about the thrill of a ride so dif-

ficult, and why we gravitate to motorcycle organiza-

tions and clubs and read magazines like Backroads.

As I said, you have to experience something to really feel it, and I also be-

lieve that you have to share an experience to really enjoy it. So, let me rec-

ommend that one of these days when you feel like taking some motorcycle

time for a great experience, try US-191- and some of the neighboring roads

- and while you’re there try the Bear Wallow Café. There are several motels

in or near Alpine. I’ve stayed at The Sportsman’s Lodge and The Mountain

Hi Lodge at different times and both were reasonably priced and comfortable.

I know, like me, you’ll look forward to going back and doing it again.

BACKROADS • MARCH 2015 Page 33

Last year Aerostich came east and set up shop in Edgewater, New Jersey right on the west bank of the Hudson

River.

I have had an Aerostich Roadcrafter suit for more than a decade now (same one & still excellent) and I spend a

good amount of time scouring their new catalogs when they arrive at the office for things new, cool and useful that

they have added to one of the best rider’s catalogs out there.

So, when they arrived in New Jersey we made sure to stop by.

Along with all the suits you might see more often than not (Roadcrafter & Darien) they had a rack of Aerostich’s

Falstaff Jackets.

I have always considered myself a function over form sort of rider.

For the most part I don’t need flash when I can have something that simply works plain and simple.

But, as Shira checked out different sizes on the Roadcrafter aisle, I was silently drawn to a dark green Falstaff

jacket.

Unlike Aerostich’s other gear the Falstaff is not created from 500 Denier Cordura, rather it is created from tradi-

tional 100% English waxed cotton.

Think of it as a British Darien jacket from the 60s.

The color, cut and comfortable looking soft plaid cotton lining had my inner-hipster and latent fox hunter going

into over drive.

By Jove, this was a sharp looking jacket.

I made note of the size that fit me the best – I think I was really a 45, but a 46 would fit well with room for a

fleece underneath during the cooler weather. The jacket is also available in brown, orange, black and yellow.

Unfortunately things over the next season kept me busy from ordering the Falstaff, which at $577 American is

not inexpensive, but as the winter rolled in I was scouring through Mr. Goldfine’s latest catalog and once again the

Falstaff caught my attention and fancy.

Soon a green Aerostich waxed-cotton ¾ length Fal-

staff was on its way from Minnesota.

Yes, it is a jacket designed for riding, preferably

something British and in the rain, but it also is a simply

stylish and practical jacket for all inclement weather –

like the storms of late January and February of this year

in the northeast.

It is a substantial garment. Not overly heavy, but cer-

tainly not a lightweight piece of riding gear by any

means. It comes with Aerostich’s outstanding T3 mem-

ory-foam padding at the shoulders, elbows and fore-

arms and, at this time, the optional back protector

comes with the Falstaff as well.

Although I think the Falstaff might not be as crash-

worthy as some of Aerostich’s other riding gear; the T3

at all the prime contact points still leaves this a formi-

dable and well armored riding jacket.

Perfect for a post Manchester United football game

tavern crawling and hooliganism.

Also on the riding front the jacket has ample arm and

rear ventilation allowing for a cooling air circulation

during the warmer months.

A soft fleece collar surrounds the neck and snaps

down to keep it in place.

Page 34 MARCH 2015 • BACKROADS

PRODUCT REVIEW FALSTAFF JACKET FROM AEROSTICH

What will scare you the most? Spending the night in a haunted castle? An unexpected voice or touch when no one is there? Touring a cemetery as shadows

waver in the torchlight? New York State is not just a place to play — it’s a place that can play to your fears and make you believe in ghosts.

The trail offers serious ghost hunting locations that cater to investigative teams, as well as seasonal

ghostly-themed events for the paranormal-curious. Muster your courage if you want to participate — alone

or with friends.

Question reality by daring yourself to visit some

of New York State’s most interesting places. Just re-

member that here, there really IS something lurking

in the cemetery, the forest, and the closet.

Was that a slight breeze across your arm, or did

some ethereal being brush against you? Explore the

trail to hear New York’s bone chilling history and

meet ghosts from the past.

New York State is now offering both a website

and brochure on the scariest, oddest and just

strangest places in the Empire State.

The brochure is an interesting read with a large

fold-out map and details on each creepy place and

location listed. The website - hauntedhistorytrail.com - is brilliant and well worth exploring all season

long but especially later this year when Halloween rolls around.

O’Life out!

BACKROADS • MARCH 2015 Page 35

As with most Aerostich gear, the Falstaff has ample pock-

ets and stowage throughout. Up front there are two large and

zippered pockets – the left one hav-

ing an additional small Vel-

cro’d pocket behind it

complete with lime

green carabiner for

keys - two hand

warmer pockets

and a small cargo

pocket on the

right sleeve –

ala’ Roadcrafter.

The liner has

both side (right)

and top (left)

opening pockets

Inside there is a

large pocket as well.

This jacket is very adapt-

able with Velcro-adjustable straps at the arms and the waist,

for custom fitting. The Falstaff carries a large retro-reflective

stripe across the back, along with two on the bottom and

across the left breast for nighttime conspicuity. You will find

two long Velcro attachment points on the left arm for use with

Aerostich’s sleeve window pocket and handy way to carry

maps, documents and other items.

Riding in the rain is where the Falstaff really shines, as

water seems to bounce off of it. It is a most excellent foul-

weather jacket.

All good gear needs periodic maintenance and the Falstaff,

reflecting its older heritage needs the occasional looking after

as well – but that is easy enough to do.

What Aerostich offers here is not your everyday riding gear

but something different, sturdy, stylish, protective, very

water-proof with enough nostalgia that even T.E. Lawrence

would look comfortable riding in.

I can see this becoming my day-to-day jacket during the

cooler and wetter months – on and off the motorcycles.

Log onto aerostich.com to see various options, colors and

sizes and to order their latest catalog.

If you need me I will be taking Rex, my Baskerville

Hound, out for a walk on the moors. Cheerio.

~ Brian Rathjen

CYCLE SIDEBAR HAUNTED HISTORYTRAILS OF NEWYORK STATE • EXPLORE THE OTHER SIDE

THE KERMIT TABLEWhether making coffee in the morning or refreshments in the evening, a table is an essential piece of equipment to

have while camping. The Kermit Table sets up fast when you need it, and it just as easily disassembles and rolls up

when you are ready to go. Designed specifically to match the height of the arm of the Kermit Chair, the Kermit

Table is the perfect companion piece for the Chair.

Handcrafted in Tennessee using white oak. When assembled: 12.5” tall with 12”x14” tabletop.

Packed in bag: 15”long x 5” diameter. Weight: 3.0 lbs. Price: $75. Log onto www.kermitchair.com

CONTINENTAL TKC 70 TIRESThe hard truth is that many ADV bikes and riders never see the bad side of the mountain, although there are some riders who un-

derstand that 90% of the world’s roads are unpaved. For you riders we have a bit of a rubber upgrade for you.

Adding a more aggressive tire to your large displacement adventure bike can make a great deal of difference in its gravel and

off-road handling and for those of you looking for an ADV tire with a bit more cajones, take a look at Continental’s new TKC

70 tires.

For years now Continental’s TKC 80 was the street knobby 50/50 tire (Street/Dirt) of choice for dirt rides looking for a more

dirt-worthy rubber.

Now Continental has brought the TKC 70 to the game.

The TKC 70 tires use a zero-degree, steel-belted radial construction (compared to a bias-ply) and is created with a tempera-

ture-controlled curing process that allows for harder more durable center tread and softer shoulder sections from a single rubber

compound add in the new aggressive mud and dirt shedding tire pattern and you have a set of tires that offer a good 70/30 de-

sign.

Using techniques from their Conti TrailAttack tires (90/10) they have also increased the TKC 70’s road life.

From a riding point of view this gives you a far more tractable ride on the roughest fire road or two track, great on-road performance

in a variety of weather conditions and far more miles over their previous TKC 80 – a tire that you could burn through quickly on regular pavement.

Look for a full on ride review later this year. See them for yourself at www.continentaltire.com

MACHINEARTMOTO X-HEAD_LC CYLINDER GUARDS NOW AVAILABLEMachineartMoto, designers of specialized products for BMW motorcycles, announces X-Head_LC

cylinder guards for the R-series liquid cooled models. X-Head_LC are designed to integrate with the

styling of new R-bikes and are the choice of riders who do not like the look of crash bars on street bikes.

X-Head_LC cylinder guards are designed to cover 80% of the face of the head to protect, not only the

bottom/front initial impact area in a drop, but also the upper part of the cylinder head. Even in a sta-

tionary drop, inertia will cause a bike to roll onto the upper face of the head before it settles down.

Page 36 MARCH 2015 • BACKROADS

P R O D U C T S P O T L I G H T S

Long Island Yamaha67 North Broadway • Route 107 • Hicksville, NY

www.LIYamaha.com • 516-935-6969

Dress properly for your ride with a helmet, eye protection, long-sleeved shirt, long pants, gloves and boots. Do not drink and ride. It is illegal and dan-gerous. Yamaha and the Motorcycle Safety Foundation encourage you to ride safely and respect the environment. For further information regarding theMSF course, please call 1-800-446-9227. ©2014 Yamaha Motor Corporation. U.S.A. All rights reserved. • YamahaMotorsports.com

THE MOST VERSATILESPORT TOURER.Introducing the most performance,power, versatility and value ever packedinto one motorcycle. From commutingand exploring backroads, to touring theopen road and enjoying long sport touradventures, the all-new FJ-09 does it allin comfort and style with Yamaha’s un-mistakable reliability and performance.

2015 FJ-09

The X-Head_LC design benefits from “SuperTough” nylon technology successfully proven in use with the X-Head DOHC and SOHC models also in the product

line. With its blend of high impact strength, temperature and UV stabilization, the injection molded shell is designed to be slightly ductile in impact to prevent

breakage. On the inside of the shell is a thick thermoplastic rubber heat resistant liner that rests against the face of the cylinder to aid in dissipating impact force

while preventing hard contact. Each side mounts via 2 stainless steel M5 T25 Torx Head fasteners and one existing T50 bolt.

X-Head_LC cylinder guards are available for the new R1200R, R1200RS, R1200RT, R1200GS and ADV liquid cooled models for $189.00 00.

Get yours from www.machineartmoto.com and authorized dealers.

MUSTANG’S TRIFECTA DELUXETOURING SEATS FORTRIKES TAKE FLIGHTMustang Seats has announced the launch of a trio of touring seats. The new Deluxe Touring Seat fits the Tri Glide® Ultra Classic

and Street Glide Trikes, as well as all the two-wheeled FL Touring models from 2008-15. “The more time in

the saddle, the more you really need to discover what a difference comfort makes,” says Marketing Director

Marilyn Simmons.

“Get the most comfort and style out of your Tri Glide® Ultra Classic and Street Glide Trike with our Trike

Deluxe Touring seat,” says Simmons. Engineered specifically for all-day comfort, the 19” wide front seat sets

the rider back 1.75” compared to the stock seat. It also angles the body for long-distance comfort.

Of course long distance touring is more fun two-up, so the engineering team focused on the passenger seat to

make sure it measures up to Mustang’s high-flying standards. The 14” wide rear seat provides support across its full width and keeps the passenger firmly in the

comfort zone. Now both pilot and passenger will be happy to spend more time in the saddle, suggests Simmons.

“We have to earn our wings with every rider on every ride, so we styled this seat along the lines of state-of-the-art automotive interior designs,” she adds. “The

seat features exquisite stitching detail and a front bucket drain for rainy days.” The receiver for the optional, removable driver backrest is built into the baseplate.

Note: this seat will not work with Mustang or Harley® frame-mounted backrest kits. “We have to earn our wings with every rider on every ride.”

Although it was expressly designed to fit the 2009-15 Tri Glide® Ultra Classic and 2010-2011 Street Glide Trike, Mustang’s Trike Deluxe Touring seat will also

fit and nicely complement all other 2008-up FL Touring models. Prices vary and range up to $860.

Log onto mustangseats.com for more info.

FLYINGTIGER MOTORCYCLES TWO STROKE SMOKE CANDLEResearchers have found that your sense of smell and your memory are more directly related than most think. In fact

an aroma from the past can bring a rush of both memories and emotions.

Grandma’s home. A trip to the shore. Cookies fresh out of the oven. That body you and your friends found in the

woods…(sorry, too much Stephen King). The first time you smelled a finely tuned Kawasaki H2 or Yamaha TZ-750;

that distinct scent spilling out in that soft blue cloud of horsepower perfume. Ahhh….

Flying Tiger Moto is offering something to delight your senses.

The one and only original super awesome custom blended 2 stroke smoke candle. It’s made with real live Klotz 2

stroke oil with high-octane fragrance. Flying Tiger Moto has reformulated the candle and are using metal cans with

retro-style label - the wood wick and 16 oz of wonderful 2-strokey soy wax will burn a long time and that will give your romantic nights the extra kick-start they

need. You can get yours at www.flyingtigermoto.com for $20.

BACKROADS • MARCH 2015 Page 37

BRINGING SOME HEAT TO A SNOWY DAY

With the first couple storms of 2015 hitting the tri-state area, the winter

season seems to have finally materialized as the roads are awash with salt

and snow banks litter the landscape. Despite the snow and the freezing rain,

things were heating up Saturday, Jan. 31 inside the Cross Country

Cycles/Powersports building where Michael Ornstein (Chucky from Sons of

Anarchy) was helping host a chili cook-off as well as signing autographs and

chatting with fans.

Entrants for this heart-warming cook-off included Rashmika and Stu Segal,

Mary Fried, Dan Notte, Brett Praskach and Djeams Muse, from the Latin

American Motorcycle Assoc., who had the winning chili.

TEACH N TOURAdventure Riders

International, in con-

junction with Kitzhof

Inn located at the

entry to the Green

Mountain National

Forest in beautiful

southwestern Ver-

mont, is very excited

to offer three oppor-

tunities to come and

hone the art of off-road motorcycling with two-time national champion and

renowned motorcycle instructor Lorne Banks and the ARI crew.

Enjoy 3 days experiencing the breathtaking scenery, wildlife and Vermont

hospitality while navigating the groomed trails and gravel roads of south-

western Vermont. The Teach N Tour curriculum was developed by Lorne and

takes you out of a contained riding area and puts you in real world situations

with 8 to 12 of your new best friends, all the while learning proper riding

techniques.

You will be treated to all-inclusive lodging and meals provided by Kitzhof

Inn owner Simon Ferris as well as top tier local restaurants. Special attention

is made to ensure you experience fresh, local cuisine and relaxing dining at

the end of a fun day of riding. A hot tub and pool is provided to relax those

muscles and get you ready for another fun day of riding and new adventures.

Teach N Tour Dates: May 21-24 2015 • July 9-12 2015 • Sept 24-27 2015

3 - Day Kitzhof Inn Teach N Tour $1495.00 all inclusive

Find out more or register online at www.adventureridersinternational.com

Page 38 MARCH 2015 • BACKROADS

INDUSTRY INFOBITES News from the Inside

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GREEK MOTO ADVENTURES

6 and 10 day tours of the Peloponnese

8 day Exploratory tours

Custom Tours Available

Incredible riding, eating and people

Book your tour today!

Contact:Vasilios Rallis718-730-5220

www.greekmotoadventures.com

NEW SELF-GUIDED TOURS FROM GSMMOTORENT

GSMmotoRent, a recognized expert in motorcycle rentals and tours

throughout the Smokey Mountains, offers two new self-guided tour packages

available for the 2015 season. The Blue Ridge 500, 3 day, 3 night, and the

Blue Ridge 700, 6 day, 6 night, are self-guided tours that include all lodging,

motorcycle rental, and GPS guidance with easy to follow routes in one pack-

age. These tours have been designed to make the most out of each day’s ride

and include “Points of Interest” along the way as well as “Adventure De-

tours.” optional short excursions on forest roads that link back up with the

main route if you feel like getting dirty. All lodging was chosen so that restau-

rants, shopping, and nightlife are within easy walking distance to your room

every evening. According to owner Dan Dickie, “What we have found in the

M/C rental business is that the bike is half of the equation, where to ride to

get the most out of your vacation is the other. We have listened to our cus-

tomers, and that combined with our years of traveling these areas has allowed

us to put together what we believe, are the best balance of riding, things to

see, and lodging for each tour.”

Fly and ride • Airport P/U and return to the Knoxville, TN airport is in-

cluded in all tours. With a wide range of bikes available from BMW, Tri-

umph, Kawasaki, Suzuki, and KTM plan on riding through the mountains

on the steed of your choice. Let GSMmotoRent do all the planning, with

prices starting at just $699 for the Blue Ridge 500, plan on booking your next

adventure soon.

More info on these and other tours can be found on their website at

www.gsmmotorent.com

MARKETPLACE EVENTS ANNOUNCES CONSUMER

MOTORCYCLE SHOW SERIES LAUNCH FOR 2016The Marketplace Events (MPE) Motorcycle Group, producers of the highly

acclaimed American International Motorcycle Expo (AIMExpo) – one of

North America’s fastest-growing trade shows – announced its plans today to

produce a new series of events directed at motorcycle and powersports con-

sumers. The shows will be timed to promote 2016 model year products. Lo-

cations and dates are to be announced soon.

“Since our earliest research on the viability of the AIMExpo launch (a

combined trade/consumer platform new to North America), we’ve been con-

tinually asked by key industry players when we would produce a series of

consumer-only events,” said Mike Webster, President of MPE’s Motorcycle

Group. “Their message has been clear and consistent: the market is under-

served from a consumer show perspective. Industry marketers are looking

for a more responsive and engaging platform – something welcoming to tra-

ditionalists and attractive to new riders. We have no doubt the experiential

elements we’re planning will excite all members of our community.”

Webster said the phenomenal success of AIMExpo (entering its third year)

makes the timing perfect for the consumer show series.

Additional details on the consumer motorcycle show series will be an-

nounced in the coming months.

BIPARTISAN SENATE BILL WOULD BAN FEDERAL FUNDING

FOR MOTORCYCLE-ONLY CHECKPOINTS

A bipartisan bill introduced by U.S. Sens. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Ron

Johnson (R-Wis.), Kelly Ayotte (R-N.H.), Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) and Susan

BACKROADS • MARCH 2015 Page 39

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Collins (R-Maine) would prohibit the use of federal funds in establishing motorcycle-only checkpoints.

Specifically, the “Stop Motorcycle Checkpoint Funding Act” would restrict the Secretary of Transportation

from granting funds to any government entity for a program to check helmet use or to create checkpoints for

an operator of a motorcycle or a passenger on a motorcycle.

Motorcycle riders already are subject to state registration, inspection, licensing and helmet laws and must

stop at sobriety check points like all other motorists.

“Evidence suggests that motorcycle-only checkpoints do not effectively reduce motorcycle injuries or fa-

talities and do not address the factors that are the main contributors to motorcycle accidents,” the senators

wrote in a press release about the bill. “Accordingly, NHTSA does not list the practice in its own 2013 Highway

Safety Countermeasure Guide for State Highway Offices, which details policies and activities that the agency

considers effective at reducing crash injuries and fatalities.”

States use funding from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to pay for the checkpoints, so

federal legislation can halt the practice.

If passed, this federal bill will cut off NHTSA funding and ensure that riders across the country are safe-

guarded from these ineffective and discriminatory stops.

California, Louisiana, Missouri, North Carolina, Illinois, New Hampshire and Virginia have passed legis-

lation curbing motorcycle-only checkpoints.

HARLEY RULES STURGIS FOR THE NEXT 75 YEARS?Harley-Davidson and the City of

Sturgis, S.D., are setting their sights on

the future – far into the future. In the

spirit of this year’s 75th Sturgis Motor-

cycle Rally, the company and city offi-

cials are finalizing an agreement

covering the next 75 years making

Harley-Davidson the official motorcy-

cle of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally and

Creates Year-Round Main Street Plaza

For Riders in Sturgis, S.D. Sturgis Mo-

torcycle Rally.

As part of the agreement, a perma-

nent plaza will be built on Main Street

in Sturgis that will include a stage for

events, concerts and even weddings.

The year-round location, which will be

completed in time for this year’s 75th

rally, will be the official Harley-Davidson destination for riders and fans alike.

Baked into the bricks to ensure the new multi-purpose space builds on the legacy of the brand and is pure

Harley-Davidson, the plaza will integrate bricks from the company’s Milwaukee headquarters, a building that

once housed the company’s factory dating back more than 100 years.

Whether riders are trapped inside for the winter or riding south toward warmer weather, now is the perfect

time to plan a trip to the 75th Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. The party starts Aug. 1, 2015, and for those who’ve

had Sturgis on a bucket list, this might just be the year to attend. For inspiration and pictures from the 2014

rally, visit www.h-d.com/sturgis.

Page 40 MARCH 2015 • BACKROADS

VICTORY MOTORCYCLES TO CREATE

NHRA PRO STOCK FACTORY EFFORTVictory Motorcycles is taking a bold step into the performance world of

NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle Drag Racing with the creation of Victory Fac-

tory Racing. Leading the Victory effort will be the riding team of 2-time

world Champion Matt Smith and his wife/co-rider Angie. They have both

demonstrated the professionalism, dedication and success that assures Vic-

tory a partnership in keeping with the commitment to excellence that is a

fundamental part of its DNA. Victory intends to compete at the pinnacle of

the sport and anticipates a strong and professional effort with the skills and

experience of Matt and Angie Smith. “Victory is excited to enter the world

of NHRA Pro Stock Drag Racing.” said Steve Menneto, VP Motorcycles for

Polaris. “It is Victory’s intent to continue to test ourselves at the highest levels

and the Victory Factory Racing Team is the perfect opportunity for us.

Both Matt and Angie

are fan-friendly and

enjoy sharing their ex-

periences with their

fans and increasing the

enthusiasm for this ex-

citing form of motorcy-

cle racing. As Victory

ambassadors, they will

bring even more energy

to our owners and

strengthen their sense

of pride while riding

their Victory motorcy-

cles to the races.

The NHRA Pro Stock season opens on March 13th at the Gatornationals

in Gainesville, FL. Join Victory Factory Racing at the dragstrip for some

high-speed racing that will make your head spin!

POLARIS INDUSTRIES INC. ANNOUNCES EXPANSION OF

MANUFACTURING OPERATIONS IN HUNTSVILLE, ALABAMA

Polaris selected Huntsville due to its skilled workforce, history of technol-

ogy and innovation, existing utility infrastructure, and strong local and state

resources supporting economic development. The 453-acre Huntsville site

offers Polaris close proximity to its key customer base in the Southeast U.S.

and strong logistics network.

“This new facility will complement our already strong and growing North

American manufacturing footprint by reducing pressure on our existing fa-

cilities and enable each to remain focused on their current product lines as

we continue to meet the demand for our innovative, quality products.” said

Ken Pucel, Executive Vice President of Operations, Engineering, and Lean,

Polaris Industries Inc. “We are grateful to the city of Huntsville and the state

of Alabama for their support as we invest in our shared future.”

Located southwest of Huntsville City Center, the 600,000 square-foot fa-

cility will focus on off-road vehicle production. Equipped with state-of-the-

art technologies, the plant will support several core processes including,

vehicle assembly, chassis and body painting, welding, fabrication and injec-

tion molding. At full capacity, the site will employ at least 1,700 people.

BACKROADS • MARCH 2015 Page 41

Now it’s our timeto support them

To volunteer or donate please call or visit:

516-717-1364 • www.ncff-oww.com

Solo versus Group RidingAlthough traveling with a small group or riding partner is always a great

idea, the feeling of striking out on your own has its special allure.

Traveling solo has its ups and downs, its own positives and negatives.

Truth is when you ride into town with a large group most locals do their

best to look the other way and tend not to interact with the riders. When more

than one rider take a number of spots outside a diner or on Main Street, USA

this is almost always the reaction.

Unfortunately a bad combination of human nature and Hollywood imagery

has painted a less than stellar portrait of us in the eyes of John Q. Public.

This is not always the case, but happens more often than not.

Still, when a solo rider (male or female) pulls up and dismounts, the reac-

tion usually is a bit different and, happily, a bit more welcoming.

People typically see the lone rider as less threatening and the idea of one

rider out on a motorcycle is a bit adventurous and interesting. You usually

will get more conversations going solo than with a group.

Also know that couples will typically get a friendlier reception than larger

groups for almost the very same reason.

Riding couples, both on their own machines, compared to two guys, are

still perceived in almost the same manner as solo riders.

Folks always seem to be far more friendly, from my perspective, yours

might be different – when I ride into town by myself or with Shira.

Once we add in another male rider or a few more machines the town folk

tend to be less sociable.

Said townsfolk are not going for the pitchforks and torches, but they aren’t

coming up smiling and chatting us up either.

Sure, there is always going to be that one old guy that rode Indians back

RIDE LIKE A PRO NJJerry ‘Motorman’ Palladino’s Training Classes

Being Held in New Jersey‘NEVER FEAR making a U-turn or dropping your 800lb. motorcycle again’

• Male-Female-Big-Small: It doesn’t matter

• You can learn the 3 simple techniques that motor cops have been using for years

• Our instructors - all active or retired motor officers - will show you how to use

the motor cop riding techniques to better control and handle your motorcycle

Check our website for available dates

www.RideLikeAProNJ.comPre-registration is recommended as classes fill quickly.

Gift certificates available • Course Fee is $150.00

Welcome to the Jungle - The Art of Learning to Ride SkillfullyA column dedicated to your riding survival

Page 42 MARCH 2015 • BACKROADS

before the Big One. They seem to be everywhere; or maybe that is always the same guy and he is much quicker than we thought?

But the difference in the way we are treated on the road riding solo is surprisingly civil.

Maybe this stems back to our own DNA and the fact that the lone trader coming to town was far less threatening than the Mongol hordes.

Although it is always a plus for you to be polite and easy going when arriving to a new place, town or hotel it’s even more so when on a motorcycle.

When dealing with authorities many times solo or couples can have an easier time than a larger group.

Case in point was one time when we were crossing the border in Eastern Europe. We were about an hour ahead of the rest of our friends and ran into a bit of

a problem.

One thing that I learned many years ago was to smile. Always smile and talk calmly, even when you are being asked why two motorcyclists are crossing into

their nation with USA passports, German motorcycles and questionable (in their minds) paperwork.

In short time, the couple in question (us) were viewed as not much of a threat.

An hour later our far larger group of friends spent a far longer time explaining who they were and where they were going.

We were looked at as easy going adventurers. They were the barbarians at the gates.

In the past we have heard of many great stories of kindness and benevolence offered to solo riders on tour, here in the United States and around the planet.

Even off the bike this can happen to lone travelers; like my friend Mike who missed his flight (the bar by the gate - always go to the one by the gate, I tell ya)

and found himself in South Africa with a night to pass by himself.

He ended up enjoying the kindness of his African taxi cab driver and spent the night as a guest in their home

with the driver’s family and friends.

It was a highlight of the entire journey and a memory he’ll never forget.

This would never have happened were there two stranded travelers and not he, by himself.

One the other hand riding with a number of others offers a comfortable group mentality and the knowledge

that if anything odd, stupid or drastic happens you have somebody along for the ride – good or bad.

There are pros and cons for both and next month we’ll look at a few things that you must have if touring by

yourself. ~ Brian Rathjen

BACKROADS • MARCH 2015 Page 43

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See and be seen – we have all heard this mantra. Being visible while riding is key

to arriving home safely.

Some riders have no desire to wear brightly colored and high-viz

gear, sticking with the more sedate and unnoticeable black leather.

How about something that gives you conspicuity on the road and

easily comes off and stows into itself when you arrive?

This handy travel companion takes the classification of hi-viz

safety vest to a whole new level by combining enhanced visibility

with rider specific function and fit. Designed to military specifica-

tions with authentic 3M Scotchlite® reflective panels. Cut-in rugged

rip-stop nylon with ballistic airflow mesh panels, it offers maximum

cooling and packs away easily via a hidden storage pocket located

inside the front torso zipper. Safely stowing extra gear is no problem

as this self-storage feature also functions as an oversized storage

pocket as well. The vest simply folds into itself and then can be

stowed in a tank or saddlebag.

Engineered to be worn over any motorcycle jacket, a custom fit can be achieved by utilizing adjuster straps

located at the side body and waist panel. A see through ID chest pocket plus six oversized 3M Scotchlite®

panels and full back retro reflective detailing qualify this vest for use by US military personnel. The Blaze

Safety Vest is available in Neon Yellow and Neon Orange for $79.99 from Olympia Motorsports dealers or at

www.olympiamotorsports.com.

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT • BLAZE SAFETY VEST

FEBRUARY 201527 • Premiere viewing of the Idaho Backcountry Discovery Route Movie at Cross Coun-try Cycle. The IDBDR is the fifth route developed by the Backcountry Discovery Routesorganization for dual-sport and adventure motorcycle travel. The IDBDR is a south-to-north route across the state of Idaho covering over 1,400 miles of mostly non-pavedtrack. Cross Country Cycle • 911 Middlesex Ave, Metuchen, NJ • 732-906-9292 •www.CrossCountryCycle.net

MARCH 20156-15 • Daytona Bike Week, FL • www.daytonachamber.com/bikeweek/ce/

6-7 • Fifth Annual Modern Classics Motorcycle Show • An invitational indoor show fea-turing 100 classic motorcycles from the 1960's, 70s, and 80s. This year highlightingperiod correct custom bikes as well as the usual selection of classics from the era. For2015 The Modern Classics has expanded to two days. Friday evening, March 6, enjoycycles, art, and refreshments at the Modern Classics "Kickstart" Party and Show Pre-view from 7PM until 10PM (advance ticket purchases only.) and then the usual "museumfor a day" Saturday March 7 from 9 AM until 5PM at Martin Motorsports, Boyertown,PA. www.modernclassicsbikeshow.com or call Martin Moto for more information 610-369-3120

12 • Twisted Throttle Tech Night with Rick Muhr. 570 Nooseneck Hill Rd, Exeter, RI •www.TwistedThrottle.com

14 • St. Patrick’s Day Party at McLiberty Harley-Davidson. Free corned beef & cabbageserved noon to 2pm or while supplies last. Liberty Harley-Davidson, 12 W. Milton Ave,Rahway, NJ • 732-381-2400 • www.libertyharley.com

14 • Motorcyclepedia Museum Speaker Series: Basic Motorcycle Maintenance withArmen Amirian. Start: 3PM • Free with admission to museum. This presentation willtake you through basic maintenance of your motorcycle from one end to the other. Aonce over on what needs maintenance and the skill level, tools and frequency required.250 Lake St, Newburgh, NY • 845-569-9065 • www.motorcyclepediamuseum.org

21 • Bob's BMW Motorcycles Seminar: Rider Tune Up Seminar. Novices to veteranscan benefit from this seminar. Speak with Rider Insurance on ways to be fully coveredand save. Learn about T-CLOC from a certified technician. Hear from an MSF instructorabout the importance of training and available classes out there. 10720 Guilford Rd,Jessup, MD • 301-497-8949 • www.bobsbmw.com

21 • Motorcyclepedia Museum Speaker Series: Making the Most of your GPS with PaulDonoghue. Start: 3PM • Free with admission to museum. Learn basic route planning,how to build your own route or successfully import a route, the importance of settings,and pick up some tips and tricks. The presentation is focused on Garmin GPS and Base-Camp routing software, but has applicability to other brands of GPS. 250 Lake St, New-burgh, NY • 845-569-9065 • www.motorcyclepediamuseum.org

APRIL 20151 thru May 31 • Bob's BMW Motorcycles Ride the Road to Arts. Scavenger Hunt forriders to visit all 12 art sculptures put up by Howard County Art Council, take selfiesand submit for chances to win prizes. 10720 Guilford Rd, Jessup, MD • 301-497-8949• www.bobsbmw.com

9-12 • Horizons Unlimited Travellers meeting, Appomattox, VA. Have you ever won-dered about riding your motorcycle to far-away lands? If you dream those kinds ofdreams, this is the event for you! Overland travelers and those who aspire to do so willgather for a weekend of fun, information and friendship at the Holiday Lake 4-H Campnear Appomattox, VA. Along with seminars and presentations, the weekend also marksthe 150th anniversary of the end of the Civil War at nearby Appomattox Courthouse.Find complete information @ www.horizonsunlimited.com/events/virginia-2015

16 • Twisted Throttle Tech Night with Ken Condon - Track Day Prep. 570 NooseneckHill Rd, Exeter, RI • www.TwistedThrottle.com

18 • Morton’s BMW Motorcycles Spring Open House. 9a-4p. Demo rides on new mod-els, door prizes, food, music, vendors, great deals. More info at www.mortonsbmw.com• 540-891-9844 • 5099A Jefferson Davis Hwy, Fredericksburg, VA

25 • Motorcyclepedia Museum Speaker Series: Women in Motorcycling with CherylStewart. Start: 3pm • Free with admission to museum. A lot has changed for womenin motorcycling; from being far more visible and respected as riders to having many op-tions for customizing our bikes and high quality riding gear sized to fit us. BUT, thereare a few things that women often must approach differently when it comes to motorcy-cling. 250 Lake St, Newburgh, NY • 845-569-9065 • www.motorcyclepediamuseum.org

MAY 201514-17 • Concours Owners Group Northeast Spring Fling, Bedford, PA. Excellent hublocation with great surrounding area riding in Central PA, Western MD and northern WV.Rally fee (discounted for COG members) includes Saturday meal. Register online @tinyurl.com/COGSpringFling2015 • Jason: 814-615-9138

15-17 • Morton’s BMW Spring Fling Rally, Natural Bridge, VA. Find your way to theShenandoah Valley for the 5th annual Spring Fling, courtesy of Morton’s BMW. Centeredat the newly renovated Natural Bridge Hotel, enjoy great riding, informative seminarsand presentations, good food, a catered Saturday dinner buffet, an optional Fridayevening Brats & Brews dinner and more. Registration is $50 until May 1, $60 after thatdate. More information @ www.mortonsbmw.com • 540-891-9844

16-17 • New Sweden BMW Riders’ New Sweden 450. 450 miles of amazing roads, anight of camping, a hearty dinner and breakfast, all for under $60. Finishing patchesavailable. Sign in: Cycle Gear, 2070 Rte. 70 East, Cherry Hill, NJ 8:30-10am • Endsite:Pic-a-Lilli Inn, 866 Rte. 206, Shamong, NJ. $50 pre-reg • $60 day of event. For moreinfo please visit www.nsbmwr.com

Page 44 MARCH 2015 • BACKROADS

UPCOMING EVENTS CALENDAR What’s Happening

17 • SAVE THE DATE • Bergen County Harley-Davidson Freedom Run Festival. Enjoya great run then sit back and enjoy a day filled with vendors, great food, tons of musicand, to top it all off, a ramp to ram jump by Bubba Blackwell. Watch website for moredetails • www.bergenharley.com

28-31 • Backroads Spring Break 2015. Three (or four) day road trip heading north (orsouth if you live in Canada). 1st night: Yankee Inn, Lenox, MA • nights 2 + 3: GoldenArrow Resort, Lake Placid, NY • night 4: somewhere in the Catskills (call/email Back-roads for details). Full info: www.backroadsusa.com/rallies.html. As always, gatheringis free, just pay your own way and have a great time. Questions? editor@back-roadsusa.com • 973-948-4176

30 • Twisted Throttle Annual Open House. Biggest Event Ever. FREE stunt shows, trialsexhibitio, live bands, seminars, adventure training demo, dozens of vendors and prizes.Watch website for more details • www.TwistedThrottle.com • 570 Nooseneck Hill Rd,Exeter, RI

JUNE 20151-6 • Americade, world's largest multi-brand motorcycle touring rally, attracting over100,000 annually. Come for the day or for the week to the "Best Riding Event in theU.S." with the most factory demos, a massive motorcycle expo, lots of incredible mo-torcycle events and more amazing rides than any other event in the country. Events in-clude guided and unguided rides, poker runs, scavenger hunt, trade show, bike shows,vendors, entertainment, and more • 518-798-7888 • www.americade.com

13-21 • Laconia Motorcycle Week – the original riding rally. All of the attractions thatyou can imagine, attracting the best custom bike builders and their creations. Eventsand attractions are going on everywhere, but the place to be at night is Weirs Beach •603-366-2000 • www.laconiamcweek.com

15-16 • CLASS returns to Virginia International Raceway Monday and Tuesday for atwo-day class around one of the nicest facilities in the US. Sign up by March and receive$100 off the weekend fee. For more information please visit www.classrides.com or call805-933-9936.

20 • Bob's BMW Motorcycles Seminar: Tips for Properly Strapping Down aMotorcycle.11am. 10720 Guilford Rd, Jessup, MD • 301-497-8949 •www.bobsbmw.com

25-28 • Johnstown Thunder in the Valley, Johnstown, PA • 800-237-8590 • www.vis-itjohnstownpa.com/thunderinthevalley

28 • 7th Annual Baer’s MS Poker Run to benefit Multiple Sclerosis. 2 Sign up locations:Baer’s Sports Center, 330 Grandview Ave, Honesdale, PA or Harmony Lodge #8, 519Rte. 206, Andover Twshp, NJ • 9a-Noon • $20/pp incl pin or patch. Endsite: AirportPark, Matamoras, PA with raffles, 50/50, food, vendors and live music • Jim/Sophia:570-686-2917 • www.wrvr.net • Baer 570-253-2000

JULY 201518 • Bob's BMW Motorcycles Healthy Riding Seminar: Discuss potential health relatedissues motorcyclists might encounter such as hypothermia and how totrat/prevent.10720 Guilford Rd, Jessup, MD • 301-497-8949 • www.bobsbmw.com

23-25 • 43rd BMW MOA International Rally, MetraPark, Billings Montana • www.bmw-moa.org

19 • Blue Knights of PA XXVI Fallen Officer Poker Run to benefit the family of Cpl. BryonDickson and Tpr. Alex Douglas. Sign up 9a-Noon @ Baer’s Sports Center, 330 Grand-view Ave, Honesdale, PA. $20/pp incl. pin or patch. Endsite: Airport Park, Matamoras,PA with raffles, 50/50, food, vendors and live music • Jerry: 914-850-2986 orJim/Sophia: 570-686-2917

AUGUST 20157-8 • 38th Annual Daniel Boone Rally sponsered by the Carolinas BMW MotorcycleOwners Assoc. Great Riding Roads, Hospitality and Comaraderie in cool North CarolinaMountain air. All riders and brands welcome - room for everyone at the KOA camp-grounds in Boone, NC. $45 rally fee includes two-nights camping, pin to first 200 at-tendees, door prizes, Sat. evening BBQ, donuts & coffee sunday morning, 24 hourcoffee, tea, hot chocolate, iced tea & lemonade. Also People's Choice Award,self-guided route sheets and GPS downloads (on and off-road), free wi-fi and so much more.Full details www.carolinasbmwmoa.org or email rally@bmwmoa.org

SEPTEMBER 201517-21 • Backroads Fall Foliage 2015. 4-night road trip to Virginia/West Virginia ridingheaven. 1st night: George Washington Hotel, Winchester, VA • nights 2 + 3: Isaac Jack-son Hotel, Elkins, WV • 4th night: Shippen Place Hotel, Shippensburg, PA. We’ll visitsome old and new stops, and bring you on some great twisties. Full info: www.back-roadsusa.com/rallies.html. As always, gathering is free, just pay your own way and havea great time. Questions? editor@backroadsusa.com • 973-948-4176

19 • Bob's BMW Motorcycles Oktoberfest & Open House 9A-4P.10720 Guilford Rd,Jessup, MD • 301-497-8949 • www.bobsbmw.com

Watch calendar and website for new events. Follow us on Facebook for up-to-the-minute information:

www.facebook.com/pages/Backroads-Motorcycle-Touring-Magazine

POLAR BEAR GRAND TOUR 2014-15MARCH 2015

1 • FIREHOUSE EATERY, 455 Saint Georges Ave. Rahway, NJ 07065 • 732 382-9500• www.firehouseeatery.com

8 • LONG VALLEY PUB & BREWERY, 1 Fairmount Rd., Long Valley, NJ 07853 • 908-876-1122 • www.restaurantvillageatlongvalley.com

15 • THE CHATTERBOX, #1 Rte 15 South, Augusta, NJ 07822 • 973-300-2300 •www.chatterboxdrivein.com

22 • BRIAN’S HARLEY-DAVIDSON, 600 S. Flowers Mill Rd., Langhorne PA 19047 • 215752-9400 • www.brianshd.com

29 • THE HICKORY BBQ SMOKEHOUSE, 743 Route 28, Kingston, NY 12401 • 845-338-2424 • www.hickoryrestaurant.com

APRIL 201512 • CHEEBURGER CHEEBURGER 336 Northampton St., Easton, PA 18042 • 610-438-1311 • www.cheeburger.com/pennsylvania

19 • CAPE MAY V.F.W. post #386, N.J. 419 Congress St., Cape May, N.J. 08204 • 609-884-7961

25 • END OF THE SEASON GET-TOGETHER - At The Pic-a-Lilli Inn, starting @ 11:30AM. The rain date would be April 26, 2015; same time. Cost to Members: $6.00 perperson. There will be salad, Wings, Beef, rolls, and lemonade, plus a cash bar. You mustget an arm band from your flight leader.

BACKROADS • MARCH 2015 Page 45

UPCOMING EVENTS CALENDAR What’s Happening

www.beemerboneyard.comUSED OILHEAD & K-BIKE PARTS

Hundreds of used parts at 50% off new cost or lessOrder online 24/7 ~ M/C, Visa, Discover or PayPal

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NEW MAINTENANCE PART ~ BELOW RETAILNo Backorders ~ We Stock What We Sell

We now carry German Liqui-Moly Engine & Gear Oil for BMWs

973-775-3495 • M-F 12pm~5pm • inquires@beemerboneyard.com

JDS CYCLE PARTSEST. 1988

247 W. Westfield Ave, Rosell Park, NJ

908-245-2445

• Parts & Accessories• Award-winning Service• Performance Work• Dyno Tuning• S&S Pro Tuning Center• Power Commander

Tuning Center

American • Metric • Sport

250 Lake Street, Newburgh, NY845-569-9065

Motorcyclepedia Motorcycle Museum Speaker SeriesInformative and entertaining presentations by noted speakers

on all kinds of motorcycle related topics.

All presentations are included free with cost of museum admission.

Start time for all presentations is 3 pm.

March 14 • Basic Motorcycle Maintenance • Armen AmirianThis presentation will take you through basic maintenance of your motorcycle from one end to theother. A once over on what needs maintenance and the skill level, tools and frequency required.Armen Amirian is a metal and mechanical fabricator and has taught motorcycle maintenance forover 35 years. Additionally he is a technical writer, having written for many motorcycle publicationsand has presented technical seminars nationally at numerous motorcycle rallies.

March 21 • Making the Most of Your GPS • Paul DonoghueLearn basic route planning, how to build your own route or successfully import a route, the impor-tance of settings, and pick up some tips and tricks. The presentation is focused on Garmin GPSand BaseCamp routing software, but has applicability to other brands of GPS. Paul Donoghuehas had a passion for discovering the ultimate motorcycle routes for over 39 years, and has beenutilizing GPS technology for over 20 years.

April 25 • Women in Motorcycling – Useful Information and InterestingAnecdotes for and About Women Who Ride • Cheryl Stewart

Happily a lot has changed for women in motorcycling; from being far more visible and respected asriders to having many options for customizing our bikes to suit us and high quality riding gear sized tofit us. BUT, there are a few things that women often must approach differently when it comes to motor-cycling. This will be a fun discussion about the ways we can make it all work better for us.Cheryl Stewart is a Founding Member of the Sirens Women's MC, NYC (1986), founder of the NewYork Motorcycle and Scooter Task Force (2009), and currently a track day instructor with Fishtail RidingSchool. When she’s not riding she works as a professional sculptor/scenic artist in NYC where she livesand rides.

CHECK WEBSITE TO CONFIRM DATES/TIMESwww.motorcyclepediamuseum.org

Page 46 MARCH 2015 • BACKROADS

M O T O R C Y C L E M A R K E T P L A C E ALL THAT GOOD STUFF

BACKROADS • MARCH 2015 Page 47

Sussex Hills Ltd.

973-875-2048946 Rte. 23 SouthSussex NJ 074613 miles north of Sussex Borough

Norman GrossSince 1976

Our Reputation Speaks for Itself

Specializing in Motorcy-cle Repair, Parts & Sup-

plies • Cycle TiresMounted & Balanced •Batteries & Hard Parts •Dynojet 250 Dyno avail-

able for testing

For All Your Harley-Davidson Needs

Now stocking a full line of heated gearMake your riding season last all year.

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MOTORCYCLE TRAILERS

BARN TRAILERS718-426-7039 • www.barntruckrental.com57-05 BROADWAY • WOODSIDE NY 11377 (OFF THE BQE & LIE)

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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

The Boat House RestaurantPerfect in Any Season

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1040 Cty Rd 521 • Swartswood NJ973-300-0016

Tues-Sun 11A-9PBrunch 10A-2P

Closed Monday

Call forSeasonal Hours

Excellent Ride Destination

Page 48 MARCH 2015 • BACKROADS

M O T O R C Y C L E M A R K E T P L A C E ALL THAT GOOD STUFF

If you didn’t like cool stuff,you wouldn’t be reading

this magazine.

Here’s somethingyou’re going to love.

TORQ-ITScrewdriver/Speed Wrench/ Palm Ratchet

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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

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 Season withsome awesome barbeque!

If you go home hungryit’s your own fault

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 1983

Member of

O’TOOLE’S HARLEY-DAVIDSON®

Serving New York’s Hudson Valley for 40 yearsFactory Trained Service • New Model Sales

Genuine Harley-Davidson® Parts and AccessoriesConveniently located near the areas of Monticello, Middletown, Ellenville, Montgomery, and Walden

4 Sullivan St • Wurtsboro, NY845-888-2426 • www.OToolesHD.com

‘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

Cool Nights, Hot Bikes • Two-Wheels or Four, join us at

THE CHATTERBOX DRIVE-INGREAT FOOD • GOOD TIMES • EXCELLENT RIDING

http://www.nolan-usa.com

210 Route 10 West, East Hanover, NJ • 973-428-1735

www.HanoverPowersports.comDress properly for your ride with a helmet, eye protection, long-sleeved shirt, long pants, gloves and boots. Do not drink and ride. It is illegal anddangerous. Yamaha and the Motorcycle Safety Foundation encourage you to ride safely and respect the environment. For further information re-garding the MSF course, please call 1-800-446-9227. ©2014 Yamaha Motor Corporation. U.S.A. All rights reserved. • YamahaMotorsports.com

Follow Us on Instagram

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Follow Us on Instagram

Watch Us on YouTube

Like Us on Facebook 210 Route 10 West, East Hanover, NJ • 973-428-1735

www.HanoverPowersports.com

2015 1290 + 390 SUPER DUKE

2015 1290 SUPER ADVENTUREPerfect Ride for Any Journey

210 Route 10 West • East Hanover, NJ

973-428-1735

www.Powersports.Honda.com

2015 FJ-09THE MOST VERSATILE SPORT TOURER.

2015 YZF-R1COMPLETELY NEWFROM THE TRACK UP.Whether it’s enjoying long sport touradventures or ripping up the track,Yamaha has the bike for you. Come getyours at Hanover Powersports.

ONLY Full Line KTM Dealer in the tri-state area

Unleash the Beasts

Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri: 9am-6pm • Thur: 9am-8pm • Sat: 9am-5pm • SUNDAY: CLOSED - GONE RIDING

Friday, April 24th

6-7pmVisit with KTM

Supercross Racers