W H A T ’ S
I N S I D E
MO NT HLY C O L U M NS FREE WHEELIN’ ..................................................3
16 Motorcycles, Travel & Adventure
WHATCHATHINKIN’ ...........................................4 POSTCARDS FROM THE HEDGE.......................5
Publishers
Brian Rathjen • Shira Kamil
ON THE MARK ....................................................6
Contributors
Mark Byers, Pamela Collins Bill Heald, Dr. Seymour O’Life
BACKLASH..........................................................8 INDUSTRY INFOBITES .....................................10
Editorial Office BACKROADS, POB 620 Augusta, NJ 07822
MYSTERIOUS AMERICA..................................12 GREAT ALL AMERICAN DINER RUN ..............14
24
BIG CITY GETAWAY .........................................16 WE’RE OUTTA HERE ........................................19
phone
973.948.4176
WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE ............................22
fax
973.948.0823
INSIDE SCOOP .................................................34
editor@backroadsusa.com
online
www.backroadsusa.com
UPCOMING EVENTS CALENDAR ...................48
Advertising
973-948-4176
Follow Us
Backroads-Motorcycle-Touring-Magazine
HIDDEN ART OF THE MOUNTAINS ................24
Tweet Us
@BackroadsGal
INTERNATIONAL MEALS ON WHEELS .........38
See Us
backroadsmagazine
FE AT U RE S
WHAT’S ON YOUR HEAD ................................40 BACKROADS (ISSN 1087-2088) is published monthly by BACKROADS™, Inc. 2019. All rights reserved. BACKROADS™ may not be reproduced in any manner without specific written consent from the publisher. BACKROADS™ welcomes and encourages submissions (text and photos) and suggestions. Include phone number with submissions. BACKROADS™ will only return material with enclosed sufficient postage. The written articles and opinions printed in BACKROADS™ are not necessarily those of the publisher and should not be considered an endorsement. The Rip & Rides® published are ridden on the sole responsibilty of the rider. BACKROADS™ is not responsible for the conditions of the public roadways traversed. Please respect the environment, read your owner’s manual and wear proper protective gear and helmet. Ride within your limits, not over them.
HERMY’S OPEN HOUSE .................................43
PR O DU C T R E V IE W S FLEXIT HEADLAMP .........................................23 SIGNATURE CD DECALS ................................32 MICHELIN ANAKEE ADV & ROAD 5 ...............36 MACHINEARTMOTO ADVANCE GUARDS.....45
43
NEW YORK
MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT VICTIMS The Law Office of Paul G. Gargiulo, P.C. 199 Main St. • Ste. 901 • White Plains, NY 10601
ed by resent has Be rep o ne wh someo g for over in id been r s.
ar 25 ye
If you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident, get the knowledgeable, sympathetic and forceful legal representation you are entitled to. No fee unless a recovery is made. Testimonials available.
The One to Call in New York State Call the Law Office of Paul Gargiulo, P.C. for a free consult and evaluation of your case.
(914) 421-0905 www.whiteplainsaccidentlawyer.com
BACKROADS • JUNE 2019
FREE WHEELIN’ BRIAN RATHJEN
Protective relationshiPs We recently had a couple of riding friends over for a visit and one was sporting a brand new helmet – it might have been her first ride with this helmet. When you purchase a new helmet your paradigm changes and you get defensive about it – new bikes for that matter as well. It is almost like a new romantic relationship. You will try to protect and nurture – but eventually helmets and gear get dropped, scratched and bashed and either survive and still work well, or simply fail. Just how personal relationships can work or not work. After parking her bike in our barn she took off her helmet and carefully, with both hands, carried it over to the workbench. Handling it so precisely and carefully, she reminded me of a priest carrying the host and chalice to the altar. Her riding suit? Casually tossed atop my filthy KLR in a carefree manner. Who cared? She didn’t. But, the helmet was carried like a newborn child. “New helmet, right,” I asked? “Oh yes,” she replied… “Isn’t it beautiful?” Indeed it was. “I am trying not to scratch it.” I thought about suggesting that she scratch it. Let it drop and get that first eventual mark. But thought better of it. Let the ‘Helmet Gods’ – Arai, Nolan and the rest, call when this would happen – and it would happen. It always does.
Page 3 About a week later we were just finishing up our Spring break Rally and were getting ready to mount up – all quiet as everybody was busy getting the gear, bikes and minds ready for the day. Then we all heard it. A clear and loud…. THOCK! Oh oh! The sound is unmistakable to us. Non-riders would not understand. But, we all did. Heads spun around to see whose helmet was chosen this day by the gods. Indeed it was herself’s new helmet. She stood for a second frozen as her new pride and joy began to pinwheel down the incline of the parking lot as helmets always seem to do. Snapping out of her petrification she snatched it up before ‘IT’ happened. ‘IT’ being what we all really fear when a helmet hits the ground - the face shield getting scratched! This time the scar left from this minor drop was on the back of the helmet – and not all that bad either. I was told years back – chicks dig scars. We all watched silently as her face ran through a gamut of emotions like the 7 Stages of Grief in 60 seconds. Shock to disbelief to anger and so on… and then she just shook her head stared at the now not perfectly perfect new helmet, shrugged her shoulders and looked at all of us and said… “Glad that is f@#cking over – Let’s ride!” Jump forward to our Fall Fiesta Rally. Shira and I were making our way south to Altoona, Pennsylvania from our morning start at the Lackawanna Station Hotel in Scranton. We had just finished lunch and were snaking along some smaller roads and occasionally non-roads. We came over a crest and would be making a sharp right at a T intersection. Right alongside the road a guy was mowing his lawn – headsets on and oblivious to us. The turn was not easy. No technical disaster, but tight, running back on itContinued on Page 7
Page 4
JUNE 2019 • BACKROADS
WHATCHATHINKIN’ SHIRA KAMIL
how much fun can you have in 36 hours? The end of March had the coming forecast showing highs in the 70s and sunshine, so we made a plan to head out for an overnight adventure in the Catskills. Of course, on the day of departure, it was NOWHERE NEAR what was forecast, with temps barely hitting the mid-40s, a constant cold drizzle, which eventually developed into a steady rain as we moved north. But, plans had been made and, with hopes of the sun returning the following day, we mounted up. Brian had planned a nice jaunt to Hobart, NY on the lesser-ridden roads, but as things do, plans sometimes morph. Our friend, Rob Doyle, who is the keeper of the Honda press fleet, had a 2018 Gold Wing for us to use for a bit, so Brian and I doubled-up on my Honda 919 (let’s keep the ride in the same family) for the ride to pick up the Wing. With my Gordon’s electrics wrapping me in heat, I was toasty warm on the pillion seat and we were soon pulling into Rob’s drive. In lieu of heading right back out into the cold day, we opted for lunch (a very decent pizza, I might add) with Rob and nephew James to catch up on life. After Rob gave Brian the once over on the Wing’s functions, we were again on the road, both of us heated and ready for the northern climes. What started out as a simple
overnight became the discovery of the hidden art of the Catskills and 36 hours of fun riding, exploration, education, and fodder for future pages. You can read the rest of the story further on in these pages. Many people tell us ‘you have the BEST job’ and, indeed, I agree. But it really isn’t all fun and games. Yes, we get to test new motorcycles and gear but sometimes that involves a very different 36 hours – the hassle of the airport and the red-eye flights to spend a day of riding before doing the same thing in reverse. But for the most part, what we do to put these pages before you does put a smile on our faces and, I hope, yours too. Not everyone has the luxury of packing the bike and heading off to parts unknown for an extended period of time. We just spent a few days in Virginia at a Horizons Unlimited gathering put together by our friend Steve Anderson of Morton’s BMW. We have had this on our calendars before but this year the stars aligned, somewhat, to allow us to attend, even though it was a bit abbreviated. Grant and Susan, the founders of Horizons Unlimited, began these meets to have like-minded motorcyclists/travels get together and discuss the logistics of setting off on an adventure. Sure, there were many who had been on the road for years at a time, traversing the globe, with amazing stories to tell. Others had chosen a particular destination, with a purpose or just to say they got there. And there were those who had recently learned to ride whose adventure was to get to the next state. Brian said, ‘An adventure is simply doing something that might be out of your comfort zone.’ Little or big, they are all worthy. If you find yourself with a day and a half to yourself and you choose to spend it on your motorcycles, pick a destination that goes ‘where no man (or woman) has gone before’ – at least pertaining to you. We have given you 25 years worth of suggestions in this magazine, many of which you can find on our website (https://www.backroadsusa.com/gpsdownloads.html).
Dr. O’Life can send you to places that you’d never think possible – perhaps make a ‘Magical Mystery Tour’ of your own. If you are a foodie, piece together some Great All-American Diner Runs with some Inside Scoops and put yourself in a food coma before laying your head down in one of the many wonderful places we’ve given you in the We’re Outta Here column. This month’s Big City Getaway brings you to one of the premier automobile museums in the world – make that your theme and visit some exotic two or four-wheeled collections while having your own excellent ride. Stealing some time away from your day to day tasks is always a joy, but making that stolen time into a miniadventure ramps it up a whole bunch. How much fun can you pack in 36 hours? Give it a try and let me know – I’d love to hear your tales.
BACKROADS • JUNE 2019
POSTCARDS FROM THE HEDGE BILL HEALD
the toP of the Bottom Being comfortable when you are busy operating a machine is not just a way to make life easier, it is actually very important in terms of both competent control and safety. This applies to pretty much every kind of conveyance, and I learned this as a lad when I was taking flight instruction in gliders. I had the weird habit of contorting my body into odd conformations when flying the plane, until one of my instructors gave me this sage advice: “Stop that.” I was releasing tension by doing gymnastics in the seat, and when I spent time getting really comfortable and secure before takeoff I ended up flying much better, and could do more complex maneuvers with far greater ease. When it comes to motorcycles, how you seat the bike is even more important than the above example. This becomes a complex task, for how your body is positioned varies pretty dramatically from bike to bike thanks to all the different genres of machines that are out there. Ergonomics vary wildly from dual-sports to cruisers for example, and in addition to getting the right bike for the job it’s important to get what works for your physique (especially if you’re spending long days in the saddle). If you find yourself reviewing bikes for publications, it’s not unusual to jump from a Ducati race replica to a Fat Boy in the same afternoon, and you quickly learn what your back and backside find more appealing. Do you like leaning forward like a sprinter, or sitting on the couch with the remote in one hand and a beer in the other? Stalwart touring types can ride anything all day, especially when the mileage on their personal physiques is fairly low. I envy these men and women. I used to be one. But even these tarmac jockeys ultimately need something accommodating to sit on.
Page 5 Regardless of your choice of seating position, the seat you sit on can be critical, and, fortunately, a component you can do something about if it’s not ideal. When it comes to where the body hits the appliance, we’ve seen some serious advancements in the last few years. Just look at how the soft science of memory foam has exploded all over the place, especially when it comes to beds and pillows. The stuff has been around for donkey’s years, but like so many other things modern technology has really advanced the breed not only in the quality of the foams themselves but production techniques and durability as well. Motorcycle seats have used foam as the cushioning element for nearly as long as helmets have used polystyrene for energy absorption, but it hasn’t always resulted in a good seat. So much of the quality of the saddle has been dependent on the cost of the bike as a whole, for quite often if you buy an inexpensive bike you get an inexpensive seat. But this is, what, the 21st Century? We have more and better choices than we’ve ever had, often from the OEM manufacturers themselves. But here’s the rub: how can you select the perfect seat for your needs? If your stock seat is heated, what about your aftermarket one? In terms of comfort, the choices can vary dramatically from different types of foam, gels, and mixes of several different materials, plus outer covers sheathed in rare hides (velociraptor is a popular choice for some seats, based on the price they’re asking). Designs often can change the contours of the seat itself, too, making it higher or lower when standing which can be critical for riders with more modest inseams. From the motorcycle makers to a wealth of aftermarket craftspeople, you have a wide number of selections depending on what you’re riding, and the tough part is how you go about picking the best candidate. Like most accessories, you can’t really take a long test ride to find what suits you best (although some makers have generous return policies). Many of the aftermarket saddles are built to order and offer excellent choices in terms of customizaContinued on Page 7
Page 6
JUNE 2019 • BACKROADS
up the plentiful roots and rocks, when suddenly the motor died. The postmortem revealed that the rings were allowing a lot of oil to burn and with synthetic burning so cleanly, I didn’t notice the malady until the oil was gone. MARK ByERS That particular motor has a split case, with separate reservoirs for the engine and transmission, so I only had ¾ of a quart with which to begin. The good maaDD news is that the top and bottom motor rehabilitation benefitted from a corI don’t know where Doug got the nucopia of aftermarket parts, including steel replacements for the finicky tiCRF-250X, but he put the Baja Detanium valves. signs street-legal light kit on and did I am not quite sure what Dangerous Dan and Pennsylvania Izzy put in that the original title. The little Honda with the racy motor and titanium valves motor, but I know it appeared to make more power and lost none of the quickcame into our orbit under his ownership. But Douglas has MAADD (Motorness despite the valve material change. In fact, it was so peppy that Doug cycle Accessorization Attention Deficit Disorder). It’s actually not such a started stalking me and I traded it BACK to him for a CRF-230 on which bad thing: he likes to buy bikes, change them to suit him, then sell them and he’d done a street-legal kit and a fancy suspension job. THAT bike was acfind OTHER bikes and fix THEM up. He’s a super dude and if that’s what tually a little more forgiving and streetworthy, although I missed the kickblows his kilt skyward, then the more the merrier. It’s been an advantage to starter. Meanwhile, Doug lowered the 250X, had the suspension tweaked to those of us in his circle. accommodate, and put on yet another saddle. His MAADD unsatisfied, he Polish Stan was looking for a dual-sport about also installed a Rekluse auto clutch. the time Doug was hankering for a change, so In fact, it was so peppy that Doug started Then, I got the call. Doug needed to move, off the CRF went to Stan, who rode it at the wanted to “thin the herd,” and the 250X was stalking me and I traded it BACK to him for Shenandoah 500 the same year I rode my DRZ. up for sale…again. Dangerous was prodding But the altitude of the saddle on the CRF was a CRF-230 on which he’d done a street- me because he and Izzy lovingly built that entaller than Stan preferred at his age and inseam, legal kit and a fancy suspension job. gine and I’m sure they wanted it to stay “in the so he casually mentioned that it might be for family.” So, the bike that was Doug’s, Stan’s, sale. That mention, plus the near-kidnapping of my DRZ by a guy waving a mine, and then Doug’s…is mine again. Fortunately, Doug knows what he’s wad of cash, placed the CRF in my possession. It didn’t require much tweakdoing and the magical suspension is still intact, albeit an inch lower. I have ing to make it suit me other than a new saddle to fix what Stan committed a few touches to do, but I’ve already ridden it offroad and while I’m still gettrying to lower the seat height. ting used to the idea of the auto clutch, it’s a very capable offroad machine One of the things about that model CRF is a suspension that is adjustable, that’ll also get me to/from a riding area or down a country road. tuned, and tolerant of just about any terrain. Instead of picking your line That’s the way it is down here with The Usual Suspects: bikes get around. around obstacles, you point the bike at them, roll on the throttle, and the susJust the other day I was talking to New York Thom and he mentioned a cerpension consumes them like a hungry dog eats a dropped meatball. The motor tain 40-year-old Yamaha. It only took one phone call before Dangerous was was quick to rev, but the titanium valves were picky and if out of adjustment, on his way to claim it. I’m not complaining: this is my third bike of Doug’s, the bike was hard to start, making the kickstarter a welcome backup to the including the very tasty, black Triumph Street Triple R with the gold wheels electric one. The bike had another flaw lurking, as I was to discover at a on which I’ve been seen at VIR. It’s always good to know the pedigree of a very inopportune time. bike, and especially good to know if the previous owner was “suffering” from I was having a ball at the next Shenandoah 500, letting that suspension eat MAADD.
ON THE MARK
BACKROADS • JUNE 2019 PostcarDs from the heDge
Page 7 Continued from Page 5
tion, and as such you need to have a good idea in advance what type of saddle will likely be ideal. Tough, I know. But unless your stock seat is perfect (which does happen), you need to carefully isolate what you don’t like about the seat you’re replacing and make sure the new candidate takes care of the problem. This takes some careful evaluation, and this is a place where good communication with the saddle maker is critical because they’ve seen a lot of backsides (?!) and physical types, and it is their profession to know how to help pick the right seat for your needs. Choose wisely, as they say, and be sure to consider what kind of life the seat will have (especially in terms of weather exposure) to select the right exterior material. There are little rain covers for some saddles of course, but I had one of those once and it didn’t work out too well. It’s somewhere in a ditch in a state with two names, I think. It’s all a blur now. I bring all this up because the right seat is one of those improvements that can make a huge difference to your ride, and something you can appreciate every time you jump on the bike. All the amazing advancements in foams and other fillers may remove hot spots from your sitting position, but if you don’t take the time and effort of checking every detail you may just introduce a new type of irritation. All these choices also can let you express yourself as well, although this type of customization can be dangerous. I have seen what happens if it’s taken too far, and the sight of a particular TourGlide with all the studs, feathers, fringes and strange little cowbells haunts me to this day. To all things, including custom saddles, moderation is indicated.
free wheelin’
Continued from Page 3
self and off-cambered with the road angling sharply down to the side. I looked to the left and the road disappeared quickly around the curve. Anyone coming the other way would be problematic. I looked and then checked again before I rolled into the turn accelerating to the west. About 3 seconds later I heard Shira yell and curse. She was down. As she rolled into the turn a pick-up came barreling around the curve, slammed on his brakes, then rolled around Shira who had made a quick and controlled stop, putting her right foot down onto… nothing. Like Buffet sang… “Oh, watch out for that Gravity Storm – it don’t give no warning signs.” Up until that moment her bike was pristine. Unlike our other female friend, it took Shira a little longer than a minute to shake off the shock and guilt of dropping her new bike. But, by the time we got it to the hotel she had decided it now had real world character. This lasted for about five minutes until she found that her other love – her pristine Honda 919 that she had loaned to a friend from Florida so he could attend the Fall Fiesta – was no longer pristine… having fallen over in the steep parking lot of Bill’s Bike Barn. Oy vey – who said relationships were easy?
Page 8
BACKLASH New Site and More Fun Hey! DirtDaze in Vermont! Who’d have thunk it? I am psyched. I was thinking of registering right now. Then I found out they need volunteers to run the thing. Sign me up! I am on their list to help on Wednesday and Thursday. One of the more exciting full page ads I’ve seen in Backroads! As my dad used to say, “You’re looking good since you got your new glasses.” Or eyelids! Cheers, Jeff Backroads. Damn, I really got a giant kick out of your Best & Worst as I finished second Best Party in New Orleans. Then I remembered your medical emergency in Most Disturbing Moment, and am delighted that you have made a full recovery and are still enjoying world travels with the ice cream “maven”! I am honored to be vindicated by my assertive (ne aggressive) driving style in Most Alarming Ride Not on a Motorcycle. My rally partners and former race competitors would tell you that you were in good hands. Remember, it is a lot more fun driving or riding a slow vehicle fast vs. driving a fast vehicle slowly. Peking to Paris was a 16,000 mile moderately slow 8 week drive in
JUNE 2019 • BACKROADS
Letters to the Editor a 600cc Citroen deux chevaux (2CV). Drove the same underpowered 1200# car in the California Mille… twice. also have driven in the Colorado Grand, a 1,000 mile romp in the Rocky Mts. in Colorado, Wyoming and New Mexico. All great fun with incredible memories. Getting ready to do the Motogiro d’Italia again next month with a dozen Americans. Here I am ripping along at 60 mph on my 1954 MV Agusta 175. Again, the thrill is all about making a slow bike get to the head of the pack and staying there! Thanks again for the memories of a few of our great adventures together. As our annual report says, I am still flogging bikes and cars at 80+ years old, which keeps that innocent smirk on my face! Hey, remind Kimi that one of the best experiences in España is visiting Grenada. Have probably ridden over a dozen trips to the Andalusia and Barcelona areas. All the best to you & Shira! Burt Richmond Dear Editors. Great reading! Humor, places to eat, ride, stay, play. I so wish we had a great regional motorcycle touring magazine like this here in the Midwest. Suzanne Hayner Knaff Hi guys! It was great having you at Horizons Unlimited in Virginia, if only briefly. Believe me, you missed a lot. I hope you can come back and truly savor the experience
the next time. We have a fantastic group of people with a LOT of stories to tell. And you *definitely* need to join us in August 2020 for HU Newfoundland! All the best to you both, Steve Anderson Hey Brian, The May issue of Backroads came in and I saw the review of the SRT Modular. Looks great! Thanks again for working with us and let me know if anything else peaks your interest. Best, Kevin Olivares Hey Backroads, Is it possible to buy a copy of the Feb ‘08 issue? I had a letter to the editor published in the April ‘08 issue about a Backlash letter in the Feb ‘08 issue but someone relocated my copy out of my locked attic, while I was on my ten month, 23,000 mile ride to Ushuaia. I see the archives only go back to Dec ‘08 so that is why I am writing this letter in hopes that you can help me out. Luckily my parents have my April issue, because according to mom, their son is a published writer.
BACKROADS • JUNE 2019 Thank you. Steve Bergdoll Steve, Eleven Years ago and a Galaxy far, far away. We will send Spenser into the vault and see what we can find Hi Brian and Shira, I was just happily reading my newest issue of Backroads, (delivered to my door, for which I thank you again), when I came across a photo of Shira and me. And my award! Not to mention the sweetly complimentary copy. What a beautiful surprise. Once again, I’m so very honored. Thank you Cheryl Stweart Shira, I loved April’s Whatchathinkin… When I was da Pres of the CRC BMW Riders it was fun doing a monthly column for the newsletter. Part of the fun was breaking in the new newsletter editors.... I loved playing with language. Towards the end of my terms we got a new newsletter editor who had one semester of journalism. I was told in no uncertain terms not to use a vocabulary higher than 6th grade. That is what he was taught. He would not compromise or discuss. He cut content and changed things and took the fun out of it. All in all it was a fun run while it lasted. John Badeen Hi Shira, Happy Spring. To your ‘Must Haves’ from the May 2019 issue, I would add water, shield cleaner, micro cloth, eye drops, energy bar and/or 5 Hour Energy shot, spare key and ear plugs, tissues, pen and paper. I also keep a credit card and an expired Driver’s License, as a photo ID, should I lose my wallet hidden somewhere. Greg 9 times out of 10 I never take off without a bandanna. And always my mini leatherman in my watch pocket. That little bugger goes everywhere with me. As Ever, Sindee Lou
Page 9
Page 10
JUNE 2019 • BACKROADS
IN DU STRY INFOBITES RECORD FOR A CAUSE Yamaha congratulates Paul Pelland, also known as Longhaulpaul, for setting his third world record by riding a 2018 Yamaha Star Venture for 24 straight hours on a dynamometer, while raising $18,500 for Multiple Sclerosis charity, MS Views and News, Inc. The Longhaulpaul “Nonstop to Nowhere” event was broadcast live on Facebook in a telethon-style fundraiser as Pelland rode his 2018 Yamaha Star Venture motorcycle at freeway speeds on a dynamometer for 24 straight hours with no rest breaks or stops, traveling an estimated 1,674 miles. The event offered a variety of entertainment including Pelland playing guitar, eating bugs and raffling $3,600 worth of prizes, all while seated on the Star Venture. Thousands of viewers from around the world tuned in throughout the broadcast, with hundreds of donors contributing $18,500 to MS Views and News, funding educational programs for people living with Multiple Sclerosis. After being diagnosed with MS himself, Paul began a million-mile journey raising awareness and funds as he toured the country on his Yamaha motorcycle. After 6 years, he has ridden 350,000 miles, raised $150K for charity and has shared his inspirational story with over 250 audiences across the country. Donations for this event are still being collected at www.longhaulpaul.com/nonstop-to-nowhere/donate-live.
LANE FILTERING NOW LEGAL IN UTAH Utah legislators have endorsed lane splitting, or “lane filtering” as it is re-
News from the Inside ferred to in HB149, signed into law by Governor Gary Herbert on March 21, making the Beehive State the second behind California o legalize “filtering” through lanes of traffic. The Utah Lane Filtering Bill does not allow lane filtering on freeways, and only on roads where the posted speed limit of 45 mph or less. Also, the motorcycle can only filter through stopped traffic at 15 mph or less — different from California’s lane splitting law that allows riders to pass moving traffic. The bill was sponsored by State Rep. Walt Brooks (R-St. George), whom the Salt Lake Tribune reported was rear-ended twice, prompting the ‘safety’ measure. The newspaper further reported that between 2011 and 2017, there were 1,288 incidents of a motorcycle getting rear-ended in Utah. The bill took effect May 14, 2019 but contains provisions for the law to expire on July 1, 2022 if the legislature takes no action to extend it. 48 U.S. states, Canada, and a few other countries prohibit motorcyclists from traversing lanes of cars in slow or stopped traffic, though it is common practice throughout Europe and Asia. The only other state currently considering lane splitting for motorcycles is Oregon, HB2314, which like California would allow lane spitting on freeways.
FRONTLINE EUROSPORTS ADDS VANDERHALL MOTOR WORKS If you love the looks of classic racing cars and want great handling without the hassles of owning a vintage motor car, you should check out the sleek Vanderhall models at Frontline Eurosports. The 3wheeled vehicles will give you the power sports feel with a classic look. Vanderhall Motor Works is based in Provo, Utah. Their roadsters are built in their Provo facility. The vehicles feature an aluminum chassis with a composite body and a
BACKROADS • JUNE 2019 1.4 or a 1.5 liter, 4 cylinder turbo charged engine mated to a 6 speed automatic and are all front-wheel drive. You can see and test ride them now at Frontline Eurosports in Salem, Virginia. Sign us up!
Page 11 With operations in captivating places like Moab in Utah, the Black Hills of South Dakota, Hatfield McCoy in West Virginia, the Appalachians of Tennessee, even Las Vegas, Alaska and many more, Destination Yamaha caters to a wide variety of adventures. Details and rental locations are on a newly launched website at www.Destinationyamahausa.com.
NEW YORK CITY TO IMPLEMENT CONGESTION TOLL On March 31, 2019, New York state lawmakers approved a first-in-thenation plan to implement congestion pricing in the busiest parts of New York City, hoping that this new toll will ease traffic congestion during the busiest parts of the day by encouraging people to take mass transit instead of driving a car or, apparently, riding motorcycles. The price has not yet been set, but a trip to lower Manhattan during peak hours may cost $10, and there are no exemptions for any other type of vehicle, though low-income or disabled drivers may be exempt. The city plans to use the revenue to repair their subway system. These tolls will not go into effect until 2021, so now is the time, New Yorkers, to start making noise to have motorcycles exempted from this toll.
YAMAHA MOTORSPORTS EXPANDS “DESTINATION YAMAHA” EXPERIENCES Yamaha Motor Corporation is expanding its “Destination Yamaha” rental program with new locations across the country featuring the most comprehensive and diverse line of adventure vehicles available to rent from a leading powersports manufacturer. Destination Yamaha provides opportunities for families and individuals to experience new and exciting adventures they may have never imagined possible. Through Destination Yamaha, people can choose from an ever-expanding list of exciting locations and authorized rental partners for a trip of a lifetime.
IMTBIKE TOURS SPONSORS LOCAL SCHOOL IN SOUTHERN MOROCCO IMTBIKE, the veteran motorcycle tour and rental company based in Spain, is proud to sponsor the ECOLE AIT OUJANA elementary school in the Todra Gorge in Southern Morocco. Scott Moreno, Managing Director of IMTBIKE, had the opportunity to meet with the director of Ecole Ait Oujana Mohammed, and Abdul, president of the Association of Parents of Students (APA) - on his last trip to Morocco in March where they formalized the sponsorship by IMTBIKE of their school. IMTBIKE’s mission is to donate much needed school materials to provide the children of this region of Morocco with the best education possible. IMTBIKE will also be donating clothing and other household items to needy families in the region. During their first visit to the school, IMTBIKE provided pens, notebooks, crayons, markers, rulers, pencil sharpeners, erasers, scissors, and several boxes of clothing. Scott and other tour-members distributed the school material directly to the students. IMTBIKE is very proud of this new project and are looking forward to promoting education in Morocco whenever they can. It is an experience that has had a very positive impact emotionally on both the tourmembers and on the students. IMTBIKE looks forward to collaborating with Ecole Ait Oujana to improve the lives and futures of these children. For more details on IMTBIKE Tours please visit their very informative website at www.imtbike.com
Page 12
JUNE 2019 • BACKROADS
Morton’s BMW Motorcycles Presents Dr. Seymour O’Life’s MYSTERI OU S AMERIC A stumPin’ the mountains • Part 2 Last month we went in search of tree stumps that were nearly 400 million years old. This month we are right back in our own era and want to show you something very cool, special and most certainly not ‘art’ you see every day. Although the Devonian forest trees of thousands of millenniums in the past were very interesting - they ain’t much to look at. But, what we will bring you to this month certainly is. The mighty Redwood Tree, Sequoioideae, is a most majestic Ent. They live for thousands of years and are the tallest growing living things on the planet Earth. Some of the largest trees still standing were here when the Roman Empire was running Europe. According to treehugger.com, “Attaining soaring heights of more than 300 feet, they are so tall that their tops are out of sight. The tallest one of all is a towering beauty by the name of Hyperion. Discovered in 2006, this giant stands at 379.7 feet in height. Other notable specimens include Helios at 374.3 feet, Icarus at 371.2 feet and Daedalus at 363.4 feet. Because people are jerks, the trees’ locations are kept secret to protect them from vandalism.” Indeed.
For a long time, along the northwest coast, hundreds and hundreds of these magnificent trees were logged for building material for the ever-expanding west coast society. And, years ago, when a tree was felled, the loggers tore up the stump as well. Today we know that the tree can and will regenerate from the stump and 1,000 years from now a new giant will stand where its ancestor did in the past. One might think that such a lofty being would require deep roots, but no. The roots only extend down six to twelve feet. But what they lack in depth, they make up for in breadth. Extending up to 100 feet from the tree’s base, they intertwine with the roots of others, all holding on to each other, greatly increasing their stability. Many of these stumps and roots were discarded as the loggers felt they were worthless remnants compared to the prized redwood itself. Unlike most tree stumps that eventually decay and fade into the forest, Redwood roots and stumps are very tenacious, almost water-proof and immune to insect infestation. They are the Kryptonians of the tree world.
BACKROADS • JUNE 2019
Page 13
Years later an artist by the name of Jim Dowd found some of these stumps, smaller in size, and thought they would make excellent pieces of art or furniture. He brought a number of these smaller specimens back east in his pick-up truck but soon realized the intricate beauty and natural complexity of each stump; for everyone had its own look and essence. Dowd became more and more entranced by the Redwood stumps and he soon went back to the west coast to find more. Over the next 15 years, he brought a number of tractor trailer loads across the continent – from one coast to another - back to the northeast. Dowd worked his magic on them and now a large grove sits in a field just outside the town of Gardiner, NY, nestled in the Shawangunk Mountains. We came across them by chance and when we spied what was to our right it was brake lights all around. Feel free to visit yourself and know that you are welcome to stroll around the Redwood Driftwood, but don’t climb or do any more than take your own artsy images. How magnificent. How beautiful and natural. How very, very special… and just a little mysterious too. O’Life out!
Page 14
JUNE 2019 • BACKROADS
G REAT A LL AMERICA N DINE R RUN stairway to heaven 2649 white mountain highway, north conway, nh 03860 603-356-5200 • www.stairwaycafe.com There’s a place that I know Up on the second floor And when you get there you’ll know what you came for There’s a sign on the wall But the waitress wants to be sure ‘Cause you know sometimes you want more coffee Ooh, it makes me wonder Ooh, it makes me wonder Terrible, I know…But sometimes I do wonder why there are not more places as cool as Stairway to Heaven in North Conway, New Hampshire. While venturing in the White Mountains we spent a few days in and around North Conway, Mount Washington and the Kancamagus Highway - 56.39 miles of newly paved wonderment. We were staying at the Kearsage Inn on Seavey Street and right around the corner Shira spied, with her little eye, the Stairway to Heaven Café. We were some of the first people there that morning and walking up the stairs to the café, dashingly painted red and black, were the real lyrics written by Page and Plant back nearly 50 years ago in a 250-year-old Welsh cottage called Bron-yr-Aur. Half a century? Ouch that hurt! Upstairs we found a café that was about as comfortable and friendly as you could find – and having the place almost to ourselves we could easily drink in the easy ambiance. It was breakfast time for sure and the menu was filling
accommodations available six newly renovated rooms
PLENTY OF ROOM FOR GROUPS
Bar • lunch • Dinner At the intersection of Great Homemade Meals and Beautiful Backroads
Breakfast Every Sunday 9am-1pm Tues 4-10pm • Wed-Sat 11am-10pm • Sun. 9am-9pm
RivertonHotelandRestaurant
the riverton hotel and restaurant At Belvidere-Riverton Free Bridge, Riverton, PA
610-498-4241 • www.rivertonhotel.com
Member of
tasty places to take your bike
just to look at. Oh yes, you could have your standard eggs – but why when you take a look at what the café has to offer. Let’s start with the Wild Game Sausage Breakfast, a choice of venison, wild boar, elk, buffalo or smoked duck wild game sausage, two eggs and toast. If wild animals scare you off and you want to stay green try the Vegetable Garden Scramble of onions, green peppers, tomatoes, mushrooms, broccoli, asparagus, spinach, carrots and eggs topped with cheddar and toast.
BACKROADS • JUNE 2019
There were five different omelets from which to choose - the Simply Scrumptious Omelet, a spicy Jalapeno Chicken Sausage Omelet, Apple & Cheddar and the Mediterranean. But, it was the Omelets de Chevre-French goat cheese, roasted red peppers and fresh baby spinach that looked so good. Hell, I would eat road kill if it had French goat cheese on it! Odd Stairway to Heaven Factoid: Lots of people love Led Zeppelin’s “Stairway to Heaven” It isn’t a beloved staple of classic rock radio for nothing. But, on Jan. 23, 1991, KLSK-FM in Albuquerque, N.M., took that love to absurd new heights. As part of a stunt conceived to draw attention to the station’s recent format switch from new age to classic rock, owner and GM John Sebastian decided
Page 15 to spin “Stairway” for 24 straight hours, perplexing listeners and stirring up enough off-the-wall rumors that local police were dispatched to the station. Twice. Let’s talk pancakes, shall we? Buttermilk, Wild Maine Blueberries, MacIntosh Apple, Banana Walnut, Almond Joy and Blueberry Pigs in a Blanket –oh, and awesome French toast too. For Eggs Benedict, a favorite of our friends Flip and David, there is Canadian Bacon Benedict, Wild Blackstone (with wild game), fresh Maine Lobsta’ and Oscar Benedict - two savory crab cakes, fresh asparagus with 2 poached eggs. Yummy. Although we did not partake in lunch – yet – the menu is impressive with a number of salads including The Stairway Signature Salad made with Baby greens, apple wedges, red onions, walnuts, French Goat cheese and balsamic vinaigrette dressing standing out. Interesting burger, clubs and Stairway’s take on many American lunch standards will be found. And finally – as their menu says - “To Die For” Fresh Maine Lobsta roll on a Brioche roll.
They offer a Reuben or Rachel, a Quesadilla, and another café special - The Stairway Wrap as well. We think that no matter what time you arrive, after winding down the road, you will be loving the Stairway to Heaven.
Page 16
JUNE 2019 • BACKROADS
Frontline Eurosports Presents
B IG CITY GETAWAY simeone automotive founDation museum 6825 norwitch Drive, PhilaDelPhia, Pa 19153 215- 365-7233 • www.simeonemuseum.org We had a conversation with a friend and reader, Gary Renna, a great collector of fine machines, and the talk turned to Porsche, particularly the 917 of Le Mans fame. Gary asked if we had ever visited the Simeone Museum in Philadelphia. To be honest, we were unaware of the collection, but we soon were making plans to head just south of the city to spend some time at, what turned out to be, one of the greatest private race car collections we have ever seen. Although Philly is just about a hundred miles from Backroads Central, we decided to make a good day of it – even if it was the middle of winter and the German bike was traded if for a German car. A mid-winter road trip of sorts. We first needed to fuel both the car and ourselves and that was wonderfully handled along the way with a stop for breakfast at Thisilldous, in Belvidere, New Jersey.
daytrip ideas to get out of the daily grind Mike and crew serve a seriously diverse and delicious breakfast menu and, filled with calories and caffeine, we scooted over the Free Bridge and south along the Pennsylvania side of the Delaware River. By early afternoon we were past the center of the City of Brotherly Love (unless you are a Mets fan and then you can ESAD) and making our way to the Simeone Automotive Foundation Museum. Inside the enormous 80,000 square foot building, we found a car lover’s and, just as important, car racing enthusiast’s Mecca. Here was a most magnificent private collection of racing sports cars collected over a half a century by Dr. Frederick Simeone, a famed neurosurgeon. Starting from the beginnings of motorsports and through the classic era, this collection painted a superb picture of the
BACKROADS • JUNE 2019
Page 17 history of the sport and the truly important cars that were part of it. We are not talking replicas, but many of the cars were the actual winners of historic races like Sebring, Le Mans, and Italy’s Mille Miglia! (That’s Thousand Miles) Amazing in every way. The museum’s theme is “The Spirit of Competition”, where they celebrate the history and evolution of these amazing machines. The museum’s collection contains over 65 historically significant cars including Ferrari, Alfa Romeo, Bugatti, Mercedes, Jaguar, Bentley, Porsche, Aston Martin, Corvette, Ford and more. But this stellar museum had an odd beginning, as Doctor Simeone acquired his cars when they were not worth what they are today. With some, as new race cars came about the previous season’s cars were replaced and Dr. Simeone would buy the older car as is. Here at the Simeone Automotive Foundation Museum, they prefer provenance and originality over restoration. As the doctor says, “A car can only be original once.” At one time the growing collection was originally stored at a private parking garage near the City Center. Now here at the museum, they are properly displayed with wonderfully created backdrops and fencing around them. While we were there Phil Giannini, a volunteer docent and motorcycle rider who knew of Backroads, even if we didn’t know of the museum, kindly showed us around. This was our third lap, but this time the cars were brought to life as we learned the backstory on so many. Shira fell instantly in love with one beautiful red Alfa Romeo at the center of the Mille Miglia display. As great minds tend to think alike... if you were to ask Dr. Simeone his favorite - the 1938 Alfa Romeo 8C 2900A would be his instant answer. With its flowing fenders, cut-down doors, raked windscreen, and slanted radiator you can see why. This car was a true “Barn Discovery” – recovered by Dr. Simeone in Argentina, and brought to the USA in pieces to be reassembled.
Page 18 I adore Porsche 917s (and have the only one on my block regardless that it is just 1/18th scale) so I was instantly drawn to the Le Mans section of the museum and although the 917 LH, known to the French as The Hippie for its psychedelic paint scheme, came in second at the 24-hour race in 1970 all the other cars in this line-up blew me away. The 1958 Ferrari Testa Rosa (The Red Head) is one of the more rare and desired Ferraris in the world. The silver 1952 Jaguar C-Type actually had a conversation with me. I guess I will have to scour the internet for another scale model.
There is a special section dedicated to other iconic American cars - the ‘69 Vette convertible was a stunner and one I might be able to have at full size and the Road Runner Superbird, made by Plymouth, not ACME, ruled NASCAR for a few years. The Ford GT40, with the Gurney bubble, took second at in Le Mans as well. All of Dr. Simeone’s cars have serious provenance.
JUNE 2019 • BACKROADS There are so many amazing automobiles and stories here at the Simeone Automotive Foundation Museum and I could go on and on… But, let me finish with a little talk about one very special Bugatti. It was the only existing Bugatti sports car to ever win a major race, notably Le Mans in 1937, which pissed the crap out of Adolf Hitler to no end. This sole surviving 57G Tank was hidden from the Nazis, as Hitler wanted this particular car destroyed for humiliating the Germans at Le Mans; and for the duration of World War II, it was buried in a secret underground garage. The Bugatti is different from all others, but still just a small part of what makes this museum so incredibly special. The Simeone Automotive Foundation Museum has won dozens of awards for its historic vehicles, and it has twice been called “International Automotive Museum of the Year” and last year the Liechtenstein-based Classic Car Trust ranked the Simeone Museum as the 2nd most important private auto collection on the planet. So, why did we not know this? Well, now we do and so do you! We walked out of the museum elated at the day and, inspired by all the auto history, we took a circuitous route out of Philly. All the while I would remind Shira that our 2006 Audi A4 Quatro Cabriolet 3.0 V6 was the only one in our barn and, indeed, was a real car… not a sad scale model. We rode across the river to the Jersey-side and had a superb barbeque meal at More than Q in Frenchtown, best BBQ along this river, and then sped north under a full Super Moon, making for a perfect ending for a perfect mid-winter road trip.
BACKROADS • JUNE 2019
WE’RE OUTTA HER E Brae loch inn 5 alBany street, cazenovia, ny 13035 315-655-3431 • www.braelochinn.com In Central New York on the southeastern edge of Cazenovia Lake, you will find the town of the same name. On one corner, right opposite the large picturesque lake, you will find a stately dark brown building. Although part of the Empire State, as you walk through the oaken doors and up the stone steps you might feel transported some three thousand miles to the northeast and maybe back in time a century or two. Welcome to the Brae Loch Inn. Welcome to Scotland. If there was ever a bit of my family’s homeland here in the colonies, it is here at the edge of Cazenovia Lake. We had heard of the Brae Loch for years and have ridden past it many times in our travels but, with a birthday for Shira approaching, we made our plans and took a room at the Brae Loch to celebrate the occasion. The name Brae Loch translates from old Scottish to Hill Lake. The family first became involved in the restaurant business right after the second World War when Adam ‘Scotty’ Brown and his wife Eva opened a farmhouse restaurant overlooking Skaneateles Lake in the town of Borodino. Business was good and in just four years Brown found and bought the Williams Burr Estate in Cazenovia. This impressive building was built back in 1805 and it soon found rebirth as the Brae Loch Inn, a wonderfully crafted place following the manner of great Scottish inns you would find in the ‘old country.’
It might be an easy task to throw some plaid and pipes around an old New York estate and call it Scottish. But, that wouldney’ be a foolin’ mey. I spent my summers in Scotland, living in Glasgow
Page 19
a weekend destination keeping you on the backroads and down the west coast in Girvan, and I can tell ye’ the Brae Loch has the look, feel and flavor of Alba. The Brae Loch has 12 rooms, all beautifully appointed and with the feel of a century back. Still, even with the old comfortable opulent feel, each room has all the modern conveniences as each has a private bathroom, its own heat and air-conditioning controls, telephone, remote control cable TV and wireless internet. All the beds feature TempurPedic mattresses for the ultimate in comfort. Some rooms come with something else. But, we can talk about that in a wee bit, shan’t we. After purchasing the estate an addition was built facing the lake and seamlessly melded with the older house from the 1800s. Fireplaces abound, as do comfortable sitting areas and views of the lake – I mean loch.
Page 20
A beautiful staircase leads to the upper floors and the rooms and another two staircases lead down below where you will find the pub – of course. It is a Scottish Bed & Breakfast, right? The bar is made up of a number of rooms, all with that deep mahogany feel. The nooks & crannies made for a cozy atmosphere and our table in front of the warm fire made it easy to forget that a powerful storm had eased its way in typical Scottish fashion. On the walls were Scottish plaids, pipes, and one stunning Claymore. Why they have a long sword of such ‘caliber’ hanging in a Scottish bar is a little beyond me. Asking for trouble I would think, but I loved it! We sat at the bar and had an interesting conversation with the barkeep Hank who commented on the beautiful ‘vase’ we had sitting with us. He asked if it was an antique and Shira replied, “She was a classic.” The barkeep’s eye widened as he realized that my recently ascended mother Betty was with us.
JUNE 2019 • BACKROADS
A last road trip of sorts to the closest thing we had to the old homeland. He then smiled and told us about the ghosts. Ghosts? Och aye.. of course, there are ghosts. What would a Scottish castle, or inn, be without some ghosts? Not only have there been numerous events over the years - they all seemed to stick close to one particular room… and that would be ours. #12. Most excellent. Betty was brought back to the room, with introductions made to the local spirits. We then sat for a wonderful meal – haggis and Scotch eggs followed by a T-bone with
BACKROADS • JUNE 2019
scallops and the Edinburgh rack of lamb, deliciously prepared with a glazed curry mint jelly, encrusted in toasted walnuts. We were at the Brae Loch on a Thursday, but on Fridays and Saturdays the inn is known for its Prime Minister, a tradition since 1946 - roast prime rib of beef, served in its natural juices and famous around the region. The rest of the menu is full of delectable offerings as well, all created with a combination of American tastes with a Scottish and French flair. Back at the bar, a local guitarist was doing a happy job of adding to the ambience and, in the back, the pool table and dart board beckoned. (Shira crushed me on all – it was her birthday after all) Later in the evening, we snuck back to the room, alert for ghosts who kindly let us be this night. The morning found clearing skies and rising temperatures as a short-lived gift of Spring rolled in this mid-March morn. The Brae Loch serves a continental breakfast with quite an assortment of
Page 21
cereals, baked goods and healthy options of fruits and yogurt; you certainly will not walk away hungry. As I said, it would be hard to fool me on a traditional Scot’s inn. But the Brae Loch is just that. From the second you roll into the driveway you will have that Scottish feel surround you. All the staff are as kind and attentive as they can be (like all true Scottish inns) and the accommodations, food and drink are the most genuinely Scot west of the Isle of Craig. If you are riding through New York State, perhaps to Americade or points north and west, and are passing near Cazenovia then we heartily recommend the Brae Loch Inn – ‘tis we bit of Scotland to be sure!
Page 22
JUNE 2019 • BACKROADS
The Law Office of Paul G. Gargiulo Presents
Welcome to the Jungle - The Art of Learning to Ride Skillfully A column dedicated to your riding survival fight, flight, freeze… or flow how anD why we react to situations the way we Do I had the most remarkable events happen over the last few days. Shira, the mostly brave redhead, evidentially has a phobia. Arachnophobia. Fear of spiders. That is interesting if you know our family history. But, let’s jump to another event. The average white tail deer in the USA weighs about…. 130 pounds? Doe… not Buck. Having a number of them run across the road directly in front of your bike can be…. well, upsetting. So, let’s jump back to the spider. We were in the Dodge Durango, on our way to Shira’s mom’s house and somewhere along the way she said alarmingly… “Hey, there is a spider in the car!” I looked up… and did not see anything. Twenty miles later she says sharply… “THERE IS A SPIDER ON THE WINDOW!” This time I spotted it. Tiny little yellow guy. Harmless. So, I think. “Pull over honey and I will ‘relocate’ him.” “No….,” came the reply. Okay. Whatever… So, let’s jump back to the middle of November of last year. A stunning Sunday pops out of nowhere so, wanting to take advantage of a gifted great riding day, we head off for a ride. We had no particular destination in mind and Backroads Central is nestled on and around some of the best motorcycle riding roads in the region. Shira was taking point this day and I was happy following her lead and at her pace, which is always a bit higher than mine, as we headed down through Walpack Valley. For those of you who have never ridden along this way it is one of the most remote parts of New Jersey; simply a stunning valley that runs for miles just east of the Delaware River in the northwest part of the Garden State. So, here we were enjoying a nice ride along some great backroads and then a herd of Forest Romulans de-cloak and suddenly materialize. From left to right they dash across the road directly in front of Shira, who is riding at 40 mph. I scream, thinking this is going to be very, very bad. She applies the brakes and smoothly scoots between two deer. Between the deer. Amazing. About two minutes later the adrenaline kicks in and we know what just happened. Nice job by Shira to get around a huge crowd of heavy animals and I begin to wonder about the spider. So, back to the spider. At this point we are driving into Cliffside Park – probably one of the most congested parts of New Jersey. To be honest. I was checking my phone when I hear piercingly… “Oh, s%#t… spider….spider!” Boris had dropped onto her arm. To my stunned amazement, Shira’s feet and legs come up as she simultaneously swats at the tiny spider and rolls into the fetal position, as I yell for “Brakes!” The Durango continues and slowly rolls into the brand-spankin’ new Volvo, stopped for the traffic light at Anderson Avenue in front of us. Not the end of the world as we were not going fast at all. But, still, we had to stop and make sure there was no real damage to the Volvo and to explain to a bewildered and miffed woman what has just oc-
curred. There was no damage, although Shira’s pride was a bit dented. So…. here is my question. Two tons of deer? Not a problem. Shira saw them, recognize the immediate and very real danger, focused and made smooth and well executed defensive maneuvers. Or, did she. Was it really focus, and thought out defensive actions. Or, was it something else? One microgram of a spider? Panic and fear and flight. That was obvious. How does that happen? Why do some cringe at the tiniest of things, yet be brilliant when far more serious, potentially deadly incidents come across their paths? Why is it that we react differently to different instances and occurrences? Hormones. Adrenaline to be specific. And, time. According to Steven Kotler, in the superb book The Rise of Superman, “The adrenaline rush is an extreme stress response and options are limited… fight, flee or freeze.”
Shira was cognizant of the spider for about a half hour before it landed, and she was scanning for it constantly, her arachnophobia already working itself up - so her adrenaline was, by this time, starting to surge. When the deer dashed across the road, it was sudden, without warning, and seemingly out of nowhere. There was no time to think about it and weigh options or consequences. Shira quickly, and naturally, slid from her normal state of mind into what athletes and scientists now call the ‘Flow.’ The Japanese call it ‘Satori.’ Others – ‘The Zone.’ Technically Flow is defined as an optimal state of consciousness. Simply put, it is a heightened state of decision making. In a micro-second her ‘situational awareness’ was amplified by the nth degree and what could have been a disaster was handled masterfully. This wasn’t planned - it just happened. Things might not work out the same way if this happened again. Flow can be a fickle state for us mere mortals – as Superman or Captain Marvel we are not – although I would buy Shira a Carol Danver suit in a minute! You probably have been in this state as well on occasion. Time slows way down and you instinctively assimilate the situation, and make the correct task, without even thinking about it. This is what I believe was the difference in these two creature features. Extreme athletes live for the Flow feeling. In fact, when some hear the phrase “Adrenaline Junkies,” they cringe. None of them like the fight, flight, or freeze feeling that comes with adrenaline – but, they all crave Flow. Maybe we should too.
BACKROADS • JUNE 2019
PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT
Page 23
FLEXIT HEADLAMP 2.5 • HEADBAND LIGHTING TO THE NEXT LEVEL
It was a dark and stormy night. It is always a dark and stormy night. Something just isn’t right with your bike and you pull over to get a look. You take out your flashlight and find that one of the bolt fasteners that holds the chain guard on has disappeared and the plastic is rubbing up against the chain. You try to be a Boy Scout on things like this, and somewhere you have a spare screw and nut that will get you home. But getting this on and tightening it up is a three-hand job… and you have just two. So you chomp down on the flashlight between your teeth (ouch) and try to get the job done, but the flashlight is heavier than you thought, you slip with the screwdriver, the nut goes rolling into The Twilight Zone and you start swearing like a sailor…. But, in an Alternate Universe… It was a dark and stormy night. It is always a dark and stormy night. Something just isn’t right with your bike and you pull over to get a look. You take out your flashlight and find that one of the bolt fasteners that holds the chain guard on has disappeared and the plastic is rubbing up against the chain. You try to be a Boy Scout on things like this, and somewhere you have a spare screw and nut that will get you home. But getting this on and tightening it up is a three-hand job… and you have just two. Not to worry though as this isn’t your average handheld light, but one of those LED gadgets that fits onto your head. There are a few of these on the market today but when you bought yours you had the foresight to shop around and discovered the Flexit Headlamp 2.5. Why is this headlight different? Well, most are simply spotlights. Good for detailed work but have nothing on the periphery and, when you drop that nut or bolt, not if, you can catch a glimpse to the sides as it tries to roll away.
The Flexit Headlamp 2.5 innovations bring headlamps to an entirely different level to comparable products. The low profile, weight-balanced body is backed with a laminated layer of foam and soft touch felt that conforms to the specific users’ head. Powered by 3 AAA batteries it is a 180-degree halo lighted Cree LED and the adjustable and variable positioning beam puts out a whopping 250 lumens of brightness and has 5 separate modes. Bright, brighter, wide beam, narrow beam and, what we call, disco – flashing side LEDs to make you a bit more noticeable on the roadside, illuminating the user’s peripheral vision and creating a more useful spread of light. The weather-resistant Flexit 2.5 also glows red from behind, on the back of the battery case. This ensures that the user is seen from all angles, but still allows the user to adequately illuminate the task at hand. What we really like is that the center spotlight is adjustable, allowing the user to aim the light toward their desired focal point. Yet, for all this, the Flexit weighs just 5.8 ounces – making it light and easy to wear. The Striker Flexit Headlamp 2.5 sells for $39.99 and you can reach Striker at 833-201-7143 or on the web at strikerconcepts.com.
Page 24
JUNE 2019 • BACKROADS
Hidden Art of The Mountains words + images: Brian Rathjen & Shira Kamil
C
36 HOURS OF DIRT, COLD WET, SUN AND SPRING
ome March things begin to happen. Riders, who have waited less and less patiently, begin to move around restlessly in their garages – like racehorses at the gate waiting for the door to open and the race to begin. For us, it means we need to get out exploring. To paraphrase James T: “To seek out new inns and new restaurants. To boldly go where no rider (well us) has gone before…” Da da da da da da da daa daa daa. We keep a close eye on the weather. Local, national and especially weatherbell.com and Joe Bastardi’s updates. News 12 promised sunshine and 60s on Friday, cloudy and 70s with plenty of sun on Saturday. Joe’s said cold, crappy and not conducive nor happy for riding on Friday. Saturday? Much better… for one day. Well, we trust Joe but hoped the local guy was right and booked a room at an inn we had found in the tiny northern Catskill’s hamlet of Hobart called the Bull & Garland.
BACKROADS • JUNE 2019
Come Thursday things did not look all that bad and we scheduled a pick-up of a Honda Gold Wing to spend a bit more time with Honda’s flagship. To do this we would two-up on Shira’s venerable Honda 919. A great single rider’s bike. Just a tad tiny for two-up exploring, but we only had a few hours ride – so how bad could it be? Mr. Bastardi was pretty much on the money this day as it was cold, crappy and not conducive nor happy for riding. It seemed to get worse the further north we went. Although we had electric liners, I had not brought my gloves and a cold numbness began to spread around the fingers and palms. Thankfully a warm respite was awaiting us at our friend Rob Doyle’s place. Rob handles press machines for Honda in the northeast and he was ready with the Gold Wing prepped and coffee brewing. If we were to ‘Go Boldly’ as stated we would need a Starship. In the motorcycling world, the Honda Gold Wing is a Starship! The newly revamped bike is lighter, more agile and more powerful than ever. And, as we have said, not your dad’s GL. Hoping that the weather would move east we took lunch (nothing better than pizza right out of the oven) and killed a few hours as the chilly front did, indeed move east. We thought we’d be golden, but this was our first ‘Backroads’ ride of the year.
Page 25 Get serious. Get gloomier. Get wet. As Shira had the brilliant ride I had put together on her GPS she took point, happy to be piloting her own little Honda and I dutifully followed behind her. I do not spend much time in the back. It is not that I am fast (gawd no), I just end up leading – so I was happy to tag behind. But, there are drawbacks at times. Early spring brings out bikes, but drivers are not up to speed on this and I watched as Shira made a left turn, as the light turned green in the now steady rain, only to see a pick-up truck who was waiting across the road, not moving at all, start to accelerate quickly into her path. As Shira had already begun her move into the intersection you might expect a little courtesy. Nope. He actually went faster and Shira had to use the throttle to get out of his path. He then stopped the truck and began yelling at me, the innocent, who was simply watching this all go down - wide-eyed. He squawked at me, “Why don’t you watch where you’re going you dumb ass!” I felt the residual Gamma radiation begin to kick in and my Aerostich began to get very tight around me. I returned with an equally clever colorful metaphor of my own… “Well, Double Dumb ass on you!” Stupid Klingon. Kirk would have been proud. Following Shira’s taillight we rode up and over the Shawangunks and past the Mohonk Mountain House, both bikes happy to be carrying solo riders as they blissfully sliced through the wet. Our first stop was the town of Rosendale by way of High Falls. Atop the rocky bluff overlooking the intersection of Mohonk Road and Route 213 you will spot a cadre of small elven figures keeping a watchful eye on the town – this is Gnome Mountain. Created by local artist Sam Tufnell and Hector the German Shepherd this was just the first of the many arts, oddities and unique things we’d discover over these 31 hours of travel. Just down the road to Rosendale, we spied a most unique home. Seemingly made of multi-colored brick this stately house truly stood out and we learned that
Page 26
JUNE 2019 • BACKROADS the façade was actually bits of ballast used by ships that would carry cement, for which Rosendale was famous, to points far away. More than half the natural cement in the United States came, at one time, from Rosendale and because of its reputation, Rosendale cement was used as both a trade name and as a generic term referring to any natural hydraulic cement in the US. It was used in the construction of many national monuments and important structures - the Brooklyn Bridge, the pedestal for the Statue of Liberty and the U.S. Capital. To this day the Hickory Bush Quarry supplies a seemingly endless supply of natural cement that is used in restorations and the like. Just before the town, high above, you will spy the Rosendale Trestle Bridge, a 940-foot continuous truss bridge. At 150 in height, it crosses over both the Rondout Creek and the Delaware & Hudson Canal. When it opened in 1872 it was the highest span bridge in the nation. It had the Wallkill Valley rail line trains running across it until 1977. After the rail line’s closure, Conrail sold the bridge in 1986 for one dollar to a private businessman who tried unsuccessfully to operate the trestle as a bungee jumping platform – a business which promptly fell flat.
Today you can cross it, on foot, as part of the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail. In town the 1850 House Inn, once called the Astoria Hotel, is the place to stay. Great rooms, superb restaurant, wonderful river-side seating with a Tiki bar make the
BACKROADS • JUNE 2019 1850 House a great place to book for a few days and explore the region. At night time check out what is playing at the Rosendale Theatre. Over 100 years old, this theater was known for vaudeville and burlesque before movies really hit the scene. Family-owned for more than 60 years, it was recently bought by locals, not by a real estate company, but the Rosendale Theatre Collective (with a bunch of help from Pepsi and a successful crowd-funding) and now runs films nightly. We’ll be doing a special on Rosendale in an upcoming edition as it is really a neat town. Ever onward into the chilly mists… We paused in the historic hamlet of Hurley. George Washington really did sleep here after a reception was given to our leading military General - and this town is well worth exploring if you are a lover of America’s Revolutionary War. We rode around Hurley Mountain and then crossed the Esopus Creek, on Ashokan Road, over the Spillway Channel Gorge; a deep cut in the bedrock with a superb waterfall dominating an already beautiful scene. We had read that there is an even more impressive cascade just downstream, but out of sight of the road.
From here we gained some altitude, once again, as we rambled into the Catskills proper. Along the Ashokan Reservoir, the mists offered an almost ethereal view on the causeway running atop New York City’s water supply. Meandering west on Route 28, make some time to stop at Steve Heller’s Fabulous Furniture. It is hard to miss this place with its space ships, monsters, and whimsical creations. He once made a Stargate - Art for art’s sake.
We then turned north towards Prattsville on Route 42 as we ran into the first of many packs of remaining ice and remnants of winter that refused to leave regardless of the early spring date on the calendar. Prattsville was historically known for its interesting rock carving created by Zadock Pratt, a local congress-
Page 27 man, but we know it for the terrible devastation that happened here when Hurricane Irene came to visit on August 28, 2011. We had a Fall Fiesta rally not far to the east that year and the ruinous wreckage of homes and businesses was staggering. There are still homes being worked on this day. We made a quick stop at the Gilboa Museum to see their Devonian Fossil and Petrified Tree Collection – which are over 400 million years old. It is a small place, but worth seeking out while riding the region. Vectoring north on smaller roads that were plotted out when dreams
Page 28
JUNE 2019 • BACKROADS
of sunshine, bluebirds, and warm sun floated in our heads we got into some muck and then even muckier muck – or what we call Friday. From here to Hobart things got very messy, not that the riding was difficult, but the machines got juusst a bit dirty. Just a bit. The Bull & Garland was really neat. It was just taken over a couple of years back by Melissa and Oliver Pycroft, and the upgrades continue. But, the warmth, feel and flavor of the inside was very welcome this dreary day. The bar was cozy and happening, the room was a big size at a small price
and had a superb bed, superb hot shower, and superb French-press coffee for the morning. So, superb all around! But, maybe the best was when we sat down for dinner prepared by Oliver. The menu looked amazing, but we had to choose. We had started with a chicken liver pate with a port wine glaze – scrumptious. Being it was a Friday in Lent Shira had a double-cut pork chop, with an apple cider sauce and mashed potatoes and I went for Moroccan lamb shank
with curried chickpeas and mint yogurt. As Robert Palmer sang … Simply Irresistible! Although there is wi-fi downstairs, not so much on the second floor. Better yet (and I mean that) no television. But, there was a dial FM radio and we zeroed in on an 80s music station. Laying in bed, listening to frequency modulated radio, I realized that to have a successful 80s station you 1269 DOLSONTOWN RD MIDDLETOWN NY 10940
845-343-2552 • WWW.CYCLEMOTIONINC.COM Cycle Motion is your provider of motorcycles, ATVs, scooters, and utility vehicles by Kawasaki, Suzuki, Polaris, yamaha and Can-Am. With a large parts department, qualified service technicians and a full shop of parts and accessories, we're here to meet all your power sport needs. For every rider - on or off road, whether they like doing it in the dirt, carving the twisties, or cruising the backroads, we have their weapon of choice.
BACKROADS • JUNE 2019 only need the greatest hits of Tears for Fears, Soft Cell and Wham – or just steal Shira’s iPhone.
The French Press coffee was superb (I knew it) and we were back on the road by early morn. It was warmer, had stopped raining and things were looking up, like we were, to brightening skies. When we rode into town the previous day both of us spotted a sign that had us scratching our helmets. Drive with Equanimity. Indeed. We try to. Recall I just called that guy a ‘Double Dumb Ass.’ I didn’t prove it. It all falls back to Rabbi Herbst once telling me that the ‘secret to life’ is not to be an asshole. It was early Saturday and we stopped by Woodstock Harley-Davidson to see what was happening (big tent sale) and then continued in and around the edges of the Catskills
Page 29 and, along Clove Valley Road, we came upon a most unusual sight. A number of giant wooden… well, we were not sure what they were. But, we did know they were very cool. As is our way in these cases we stopped to investigate and found that these magnificent wooden ‘sculptures’ were really ancient Redwood trunks. You can read all about them in this month’s ‘Mysterious America’ on page 12. We practice what we preach and in the March 30th Backroads Report our featured ‘Escape of the Week’ was the Borland Inn & Brunch House, in Montgomeryville, New York, so that is where we went. Still one of the best breakfasts around, and they have rooms as well. Once again we were faced with a culinary conundrum - but the choices were made with us equally splitting spicy chicken and waffles and poached eggs with
creamed leeks, spinach, and ham with an order of local fried potatoes and donut holes (they came home with us for ice cream implementation). As we have said before and we must say again, the Borland House has seriously great coffee. Very serious. Worth the visit by itself. After breaking fast we came back outside to a different day. The sun was out, the temperatures had soared and it was with great relish I packed away my electric heated liner.
Page 30
JUNE 2019 • BACKROADS
Free at last. Free at last. Thank God, I am free at last. Wires always bug me.. This day the rider/owners of Hudson Valley Motorsports would be hosting an Open House for Energica motorcycles, a new (to the US) and very snazzy electric motorcycle from Italy, so we altered course further east. It did seem that we kept running into artwork during the day and a half on the road and that continued as we rolled past the Polich Tallix Fine Art Foundry.
Truthfully, we thought this was where they brought jet crash wreckage when we first spotted it, but closer inspection showed exactly what it was, and it is most impressive. Here they cast, pour and create the most incredible bronze statues and art. If it is metal, fabricated and beautiful – they probably had a hand along the way. Amazing. Although Newburgh got crowded we had a quick run south along the Hudson and then across the river at Bear Mountain. A short time later we rolled into Hudson Valley Motorcycles, which was a happening place.
Although there were far more exotic and fancier machines here, our two Hondas got the looks as nobody had bikes as dirty, cruddy, and Def Con 5 filthy as these two machines. Hudson Valley already carries Kawasaki, Suzuki, and Ducati and now they have added Energica to the fold. One of the few dealers in the United States and even though we came for Energica, Shira began looking at the Ducati Scramblers – oh-oh. “Okay Brian, don’t make eye-contact with sales manager Duane – this could get pricey.” We did a test ride on the new Italian electrics and found them stylish, comfortable and very quick. Electric machines are getting more and more popular and Energica has raised the bar in both technology and looks.
BACKROADS • JUNE 2019 Keeping with the flavor of this article they were rolling pieces of electric Italian art. It was now getting late and the day’s respite from the chill and the wet would be coming to an end, as the next day called for what we rode up in on the previous.
Our ride doubled back over the Bear Mountain Bridge, through Harriman State Park and over the twisty road past Greenwood Lake, Warwick and into New Jersey where we made a bee-line for the 24-hour self-car wash in an attempt get the two Hondas somewhat clean, at which we were successful. It is amazing how much you can pack into just a day and a half; with a little planning, a little adlibbing and some luck you can make a simple overnight ride into a work of art… or, many works of art.
RESOURCES 1850 House Inn & Tavern 435 Main St, Rosendale, Ny 12472 845-658-7800 • the1850house.com Steve Heller’s Fabulous Furniture 3930 Ny 28, Boiceville, Ny 12412 845-750-3035 • fabulousfurnitureon28.com Gilboa Museum and Fossils 122 Stryker Rd, Gilboa, Ny 12076 607-588-6894 • gilboafossils.org Bull & Garland Pub and Inn 760 Main St, Hobart, Ny 13788 607-583-3006 • bullandgarland.com The Borland Inn & Brunch House 130 Clinton St, Montgomery, Ny 12549 845-457-1513 • theborlandhouse.com Polich Tallix Art Foundry 453 Ny 17K, Rock Tavern, Ny 12575 845-567-9464 • polichtallix.com Hudson Valley Motorcycles 179 N. Highland Ave/Rte. 9, Ossining, Ny 10562 914-762-2722 • hudsonvalleymotorcycles.com
DON’T SUFFER FROM FOMO GO TO OUR FACEBOOK PAGE AND FOLLOW US FOR UP-TO-THE-MINUTE NEWS AND IMPROMPTU RIDES www.facebook.com/pages Backroads-Motorcycle-Touring-Magazine
Page 31
Page 32
JUNE 2019 • BACKROADS
PRODUCT REVIEW
SIGNATURE CUSTOM DESIGN DECALS • STICKER SHOCK! We get a number of mails each day and over the last few years we have received many from a company called Signature CD. CD standing for Custom Design. To say that Signature CD was a sticker company would be an understatement and not doing their work justice. From the varied designs and unique creativity and reputed ease of applications, the Signature Custom Design styling kits looked to be able to give individual riders a look, feel and flair of their own and, although they have over 600 color and style combinations, they can do individual requests as well. At this time, they basically cater to the adventure rider and their machines and we had one friend in Chicago purchase and install one of the kits for his BMW GS which yielded excellent results. Across one of the emails that the company, based in Cyprus, sent us were a number of applications for various modular helmets. One particular style caught our fancy and since we just received a Shoei Neotech II helmet for review, we thought it would be the perfect candidate to see just how easy it would be to turn a solid white helmet into a something much more. Although there are many styles from which to choose, The Globe in yellow and grey really caught our attention. We liked the easy flowing imagining of our planet, and it worked for us. It would also compliment my riding suit. An order was placed and within a few weeks, a well-packed envelope arrived from Europe.
Time to sticker… I wanted to make sure this was a doable task for most riders and a professional sign guy would not be needed. That being the case we wanted to do this soup to nuts in the nerve center of everyone’s home – the kitchen. So, while Shira was off doing other things I commandeered the broad butcher block counter and under the Watchful eye of Spenser T. Cat, I began. I readily admit that I am not a great stickerer - what looks level and smooth in the beginning rarely turns out that way in the long run. I e-mailed this to Signature CD, which got an instant reply from Tota Papasavva, from their client service department, who assured me that this Shoei application, as with so many of their kits, was very easy. She sounded more confident than I felt.
BACKROADS • JUNE 2019
Page 33 She directed me to a few videos on their website and my ‘sticker shock’ began to abate. All of Signature CD’s decals come pre-cut and ready to apply and are made from the finest modern nylon. They are all waterproof, scratch-proof, color fade-proof and can be removed fairly easily if needed. I cleaned and prepped the helmet’s shell with rubbing alcohol to remove any residue and following the step-by-step directions, in order, I began slowly and carefully applying the decals. Right side first – Europe, Asia, and Africa. Then the left side – North and South America. A big “Riding the World” along the rear of the helmet. Although my skills as a nylon stickerman are limited, I did a decent job with just one or two bobbles that I was able to smooth out - sort of. When done, a job that took about 30 minutes, the helmet looked far snazzier as the graphics made the once solid white Neotech II really pop! Signature CD gives your adventure machine, panniers, helmets and frames – among other things – a new and unique look all its own and their list is constantly growing. Riding is supposed to be about individuality and freedom – let signature CD help make that so. Our “Riding the World” stickers ran about $65 US and delivery was remarkably quick from Cyprus. Log on their website at www.signaturecd.com to see what they offer and what is new.
Page 34
JUNE 2019 • BACKROADS
mark & Julie’s homemaDe ice cream 476 Pleasant valley way, west orange, nJ 07052 973-731-6011 • www.markandjuliesicecream.com We were on a research mission for an upcoming story on the 50th anniversary of both the Woodstock Festival and Apollo 11. What better place to end this than at the hometown of Buzz Aldrin, the second man to step on the moon’s surface. In an amazing coincidence, it was the last showing of the Apollo 11 documentary at the theater in Montclair, the same town. We hopped on the Honda Gold Wing that was sitting in the garage, a perfect flagship for such a mission, and rocketed to the afternoon showing. If you haven’t seen this documentary, put it on your list. Great previously unseen footage, which set the heart aflutter with hopes of rekindling America’s space program. With our bellies full of very good popcorn, we decided to stay on the dessert for dinner theme and headed to an ice cream parlor that had been on my list for quite some time but, for whatever reason, had not visited. Mark and Julie’s Homemade Ice Cream sits in a small bundle of shops on Pleasant Valley Way in West Orange, NJ and has been there for the past 25 years. In 1994, Mark and Julie Orenstein decided to switch career paths and entered into the world of ice cream. Mark had spent his youth, or parts of it at least, at the Jersey Shore where learned the ins and outs of the ice cream business, or at least how to make it. And they have been very consistent with their quality and service as is shown by the awards and high customer ratings they receive each year. With 52 flavors from which to choose, we spent a little time perusing and talking with the very friendly youngsters behind the counter. I saw that pistachio was in their lineup and as I had promised to make my own pistachio to bring for our Faux Passover, I took a sample of theirs to see what it should taste like. It was super creamy with plenty of pistachio crunch. I saw that I had some work cut out to measure up to Mark’s. We inquired as to their most popular flavor and were told that they make the BEST coffee
MOTORCYCLE TRAILER RENTALS & SALES
BARN TRAILER RENTALS 718-426-7039 • www.BarnTruckRental.com OPEN & ENCLOSED TRAILERS FLATBED TRAILERS • CAR HAULERS HITCH INSTALLATIONS
5705 Broadway • Woodside NY 11377 (OFF THE BQE & LIE)
Come Ride the Dragon Deals Gap 318 Curves in 11 Miles
www.dealsgap.com 800.889.5550 17548 Tapoco Road, Robbinsville, NC 28771
Deals Gap Store Motel Bar and Grill
BACKROADS • JUNE 2019
Page 35 around. Well, how could we pass that up? I asked for a Kiddie’s cup of their Coffee Royale (a very healthy scoop, I must say), which had more coffee flavor than my morning cup of joe. Brian opted for a double scoop of Vanilla Peanut Butter and Cappuccino Crunch, both as delicious as could be. Mark was a very good student and may have surpassed the ice cream maven that taught him. Some of the other hard ice cream choices are Caramel Crunch, Chocolate Raspberry Truffle, Rocky Road and Maple Walnut in addi-
tion to the more traditional Vanilla, Chocolate and Strawberry which are anything but common here at Mark and Julie’s. Fear not if you are watching the calories or are a Lactoid (as my nephew Dan calls it) as they offer hard and soft low-fat and fat free yogurts, no sugar added ice cream, vanilla and chocolate low lactose yogurt and non-dairy Tofutti ice cream. All of their hard ice cream and low-fat yogurts are made on the premises. As they are located in a very Orthodox Jewish neighborhood, they use kosher cream and may be closed for the major Jewish holidays, so please check before visiting. Mark and Julie’s offer up cups, cones, shakes, sodas, floats, egg creams and, of course, sundaes and splits. They have a decent sized seating area that is creatively decorated and very inviting. As I said before, the young staff is very friendly and will offer up a tasting of any flavor you’d like before making your decision. Their cup and cone sizes range from Kiddie (plenty) to Large (much more than enough) at very reasonable prices. Their regular hours are Sunday – Thursday 12:30 – 9pm and Friday + Saturday 12:30 – 10:30pm. There is parking but it’s a bit tight so keep an eye out for departing vehicles. Enjoy your visit and we’ll see you on the road!
It’s not so important to be serious as it is to be serious about important things. ~ Robert M. Hutchins
Page 36
PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT
JUNE 2019 • BACKROADS
TWO FROM MICHELIN • ANAKEE ADVENTURE AND ROAD 5 MICHELIN ANAKEE ADVENTURE The new Michelin Anakee Adventure joins the French firm’s Trail catalogue alongside the existing Michelin Road 5 Trail (for 100% road use) and Anakee Wild (50% road / 50% off-road). The Michelin Anakee Adventure stands out notably through its exceptional grip on wet roads due to its new generation silica-enhanced compound. It also combines outstanding performance in dry weather with stability and resistance to wear thanks to two Michelin-patented technologies: Michelin Dual Compound 2CT and Michelin Dual Compound 2CT+. Meanwhile, its new, open tread pattern provides the necessary traction when straying onto unsealed tracks and trails. We will be doing a long-term high mileage test and review on these tires in an upcoming edition, so stay tuned.
MICHELIN ROAD 5 The Michelin Road 5 incorporates patented XST Evo siping and ACT+ technology to add a new dimension of confidence in wet and dry conditions over the life of the tire. Even after 3,000 miles, a Michelin Road 5 tire stops as short as a new Michelin Pilot Road 4 tire when braking in wet conditions. “The Michelin Road 5 tire represents a breakthrough in motorcycle tire technology,” said Ross Shields, vice president of Two Wheel, Michelin North America. “With design and technology DNA incorporated from Michelin’s leading research and development team, we are able to set a new benchmark for the effects of tire wear and performance over time.” The Michelin Road 5 tire builds on the innovative designs of two distinct predecessors, the Pilot Road 4, and Michelin’s leading automobile tire, the Michelin Premier A/S. Superior Wet Grip … The wet grip of a worn Michelin Road 5 tire is as good as a new Michelin Pilot Road 4 tire thanks to Michelin’s revolutionary patented Michelin XST Evo water drop sipes, which grow wider mile after mile. In 2011, Michelin revolutionized motorcycle tire design with the patented Michelin XST sipe design which was enhanced again in 2014 with XST+ siping technology found in the Michelin Pilot Road 4. Designed to evacuate water efficiently, which helps increase confidence during wet conditions, this technology now leads the segment for wet grip performance. The Michelin XST Evo represents a new iteration of siping in the Michelin Road 5 tires. This technology is borrowed from the tiremaker’s Evergrip™ tread design, first introduced in the Michelin Premier A/S tire in 2014. The Premier A/S for passenger cars introduced the breakthrough concept of maintaining wet-braking performance as the tire wears.
BACKROADS • JUNE 2019
Page 37
Impeccable Dry Grip, Stability and Agility… In addition to optimizing wet grip, the Michelin Road 5 tire is designed to ensure outstanding grip on dry roads and superior stability compared with its predecessor, thanks to a combination of all new tread compounds and revolutionary adaptive casing technology called Michelin ACT+. The design of the casing ply, introduced in Michelin Power RS tires, incorporates high angles and overlapping cross plies, which allows for exceptional cornering stability while maintaining the high-flexibility in the crown for straight-line stability. The new Michelin Road 5 is available in two front and five rear sizes to fit a wide range of sport touring motorcycles. Find them at your local dealer or online.
PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT
SOMETHING FOR YOUR RIMS AND OTHER SHINY THINGS • IOSSO METAL POLISH Whether it’s considered a weekend toy or a lifelong investment, boats, aircraft, RVs, collector cars and, for us, motorcycles all have metal that will eventually look undesirable. To keep them looking their best, we have come across Iosso Metal Polish. Iosso Metal Polish quickly removes oxidation, tarnish, surface rust and water spots. It takes care of blue heat stains from motorcycle exhausts and gets rid of road tar and oil, leaving a brilliant protective shine that lasts for months Unlike some cleaners, Iosso Metal Polish works on stainless steel, chrome, bronze, brass, aluminum and other precious metals. It even works on porcelain, acrylic, hard plastics and painted surfaces. Highly concentrated, Iosso Metal Polish is easy to use by rubbing it on with a soft cloth and buffing it off by hand or machine. It doesn’t contain silicone or wax, so it doesn’t leave a greasy film. A 3 oz. tube of Iosso Metal Polish costs less than ten bucks. Contact Iosso Products, 1485 Lively Blvd., Elk Grove Village, IL 60007 • Toll-free 888-747-4332 • www.losso.com.
The cure for boredom is curiosity. There is no cure for curiosity.
Page 38
JUNE 2019 • BACKROADS
America
Route 739 • Dingmans Ferry, PA • 570.828.1920
The storm that ran though the region overnight did not bode well for our early morning rise on Saturday, April 13. We have been holding what we call International Meals on Wheels once a month during the riding season and, although usually a mid-week thing, we thought April might be easier on some for a Saturday run to one of the neatest eateries in the Garden State - Thisilldous in Belvidere, New Jersey. Located right along the Delaware River, Belvidere has long been known for its outstanding Victorian-style homes, central location, their free bridge into PA and, of course, Thisilldous. Remarkably, and right on schedule, the clouds began to thin and a warming spring sun began to filter down through the drippy leaves. Hey, this might turn out okay, we thought. And, it did. Without a doubt the biggest gathering for one of our International Meals on Wheels, we had nearly 40 machines spread out along Front Street and around the corner as well. We pretty much took over the place, but, even with the large crowd, Mike and his crew easily and quickly handled all of us. It’s like they do this for a living or something. We had riders join us from all points of the compass - South Jersey, New York state, Pennsylvania, Brooklyn, and Long Island.
BACKROADS • JUNE 2019 Not bad for a day that looked to be a washout at dawn. We had bragged about how great Thisilldous food was, but that was brought home when our friend Dick told us we had seriously “undersold” the eclectic restaurant and that it was outstanding. Dick would know – he has been eating great meals for over eight decades and he came a long way for this one! Thank you all for coming out for the first IMOW of the year.
Turkey
Page 39 Shira’s Hunkar Begenei- a classic Ottoman dish of lamb in a light tomato sauce over warm eggplant puree – was incredible as were the lamb meatballs and salmon. The table next to us ordered pan-seared octopus, which looked to be the size of the Kraken! You will find it great two-wheel therapy just when it is needed. Although we were disappointed with the turnout, we were glad that the friends who did come out to play on this less than stellar evening had a good time and we hope that our next International Meals on Wheels is ridden under warm, dry and star-filled skies.
So, take me back to Constantinople No, you can’t go back to Constantinople Been a long time gone, oh Constantinople Why did Constantinople get the works? That’s nobody’s business but the Turks! I think our Facebook Post earlier that day said … “No rain, 50 degrees, blah, blah, blah…” Okay, so on one end we had Thisilldous, 40 bikes and perfection weather-wise. When we rode to Turkey (well, West Caldwell, New Jersey) we got mist, rain, chill. One bike. Ours. Hmmm. Still, it was the Starship Gold Wing, a most rainready machine that, as we have seen, gets soaked on a regular basis since we took possession of it. Regardless of the adverse conditions, we did have a small number of peeps join us for this Mevlevi treat. Some local, and contributor Tony Lisanti and Gena - Queen of all things frilly and nice - who came down from Rockland County for a Wednesday night out. Cinar is one of the top Turkish restaurants in the state, with a number of restaurants spread around New Jersey. If you have never tried Turkish food, it has that wonderfully northern Middle East flair to it. Lots of flavors going on and great use of yogurt, and variations of veggies that we’ve had elsewhere, but never tasting like this. We started off with Spinach Tarator, fresh spinach and onions mixed with garlic, yogurt, walnuts, and olive oil, some Lebni (another yogurtbased dip) and Shira ordered some Cinar Borek. This was outstanding… a crispy phyllo roll stuffed with goat cheese and leeks served with housemade tomato marmalade – which we could have brought home in a jar if they sold it.
The idea of International Meals on Wheels has always been to get riders out on a Wednesday evening at least once a month. A nice mid-week evening ride, a great meal, some good company and… motorcycles! Yes, we know that for so many, our choices and locations are not conducive for you, but feel free to follow our lead and set up your own IMOW Night. Where to next… 私たちは日本に行きます!
Page 40
PRODUCT REVIEW/SPOTLIGHT
JUNE 2019 • BACKROADS
WHAT’S ON YOUR HEAD?
NOLAN N70-2 X The N70-2 X is the first Adventure Style Off-Road crossover helmet on the market. With this NEW Adventure Style Off-Road crossover helmet, Nolangroup has used their years of experience, innovation, and commitment to high quality, and developed a helmet we can go play in the dirt with! The N70-2 X has six possible configurations, which you can personalize through the addition or removal of the protective chin bar, face shield and adjustable peak, all of which are included. With the chin bar and face shield installed, the rider can expect the same benefits of a full-face helmet. With just the peak and chin bar installed, utilizing the Airbooster Airflow System, the helmet flows a great amount of air while still providing the same protection of a full-face helmet, and allows the use of your own goggles or glasses. With the chin bar, face shield and peak removed it becomes a true three quarter open-face helmet. This gives the rider a great range of flexibility. On bright day the helmet has a VPS Inner Sunscreen – adjustable in various positions, UV400, Scratch Resistant, Fog Resistant treated Lexan, with automatic quick retraction. The N70-2 X offers a great deal of vision with its wide faceshield and features a newly designed Inner Comfort Padding, including removable neck-roll, making it one of the most comfortable helmets out there. The DOT-approved helmet also accepts B901R, B901L, B601R, and MCS communication systems, or ESS (Emergency Stop Signal). Available now from Nolan or Nolan dealers and lists for $349.95. www.nolan-usa.com
ARAI’S CORSAIR-X While the State of Connecticut is arguing on whether or not to have a Helmet Law, here’s a less controversial take on the subject of helmets: The Arai Corsair-X is by far the most complex, comfortable, advanced, beautiful and refined lid I’ve ever worn. This is coming from someone who over the years has donned a lot of different street helmets including a broad spectrum from Arai. This includes Quantums, Signets, Profiles, Vectors, and the list goes on. Arai makes different helmets for different head shapes, and as mine is a weird malleable orb they all fit me pretty well. The Corsair-X is in the company’s Intermediate Oval family, which is in-between the Round Oval and the Long Oval shape designs and, in my case, seems to suit my noggin best. The Size Small fits me perfectly, and is plenty snug but not a struggle to remove and my glasses slide in fairly easily. Arai would be the first to tell you the critical importance of a proper fit, and that’s why you should always try on a prospective candidate at an Authorized Dealer before selection. Then, buy it from said dealer and use it for many years. The Corsair-X is the kitchen sink of Arai helmets in that it is loaded with so many features it would take ages to list them all. Suffice it to say it reflects decades of development in ventilation systems, lightweight materials, quick-change Variable Axis System Shield technology and a million small details that ultimately make my Isle of Man Special Edition a work of art in addition to a study in protection. Both Snell ’15 and DOT FVSS 218 approved, my size small weighed in at 3 lbs, 7.5 oz (1572 grams) which is right around what my previous Arais have weighed and is quite light and ideally suited for long days on the road. The 11-plus vents (there could be a few I’ve missed) keep your head comfortable even in hot, humid conditions and yet the Corsair is commendably quiet. At $1,059 for the 2019 Isle of Mann Edition, this is a King’s Crown in terms of price but I believe, like a fine wristwatch, its hand-made craftsmanship and peerless comfort make it worth every penny. It’s built to last, too. www.araiamericas.com ~ Bill Heald
BACKROADS • JUNE 2019
SHOEI GT-AIR II FORM & FUNCTION REDEFINED With the innovative and highly-acclaimed GT-Air as a baseline, the all-new GT-Air II was destined for greatness from the very start. Advancements in design, functionality, and performance have further evolved SHOEI’s premiere full-face touring helmet and made a good thing even better. Little things add up, like the larger (5mm) internal sun shield for optimal sun-glare protection, all-new “first position” shield opening for advanced ventilation and defogging, enhanced aerodynamics and noise-reduction technology, and the ability to seamlessly integrate with the all-new SENA SRL2 Communication System, the GTAir II is equipped to accommodate your every need. The SRL2 is sleek in appearance and installs effortlessly, allowing for the GT-Air II’s advanced safety and performance to remain intact. With a simple 3-button control, riders can pair to their smartphones to listen to music, hear GPS directions, talk on the phone and more. The intelligent Audio Multitasking feature allows you to simultaneously listen to music and talk to other riders via intercom, and the Universal Intercom technology makes the SRL2 compatible with other non-SENA Bluetooth systems. Great, we all want communications these days, but helmets are really worn for one real specific reason – safety. Here the Shoei GT-Air II shines as well. The GT-Air II’s Multi-Piece/Multi-Density EPS Liner not only provides enhanced impact absorption by utilizing varying densities of foam in strategic locations, but it is also designed to allow cooling air to travel unrestricted through tunnels created in the EPS, further enhancing the GT-Air II’s optimal ventilation characteristics. Precise placement of high-quality multi-density EPS material yields a more compact, lightweight design. The forehead area of the outer shell is raised slightly to accommodate the internal sun shield, allowing for the integrity of the helmet’s inner EPS liner to remain intact. The GT-Air II features the SHOEI Micro Ratchet Chinstrap. More than just aggressive styling and aesthetics, the GT-Air II’s progres-
WHERE CAN YOU GET ALL THIS AND SO MUCH MORE
IN ONE PLACE?
MOTORCYCLE MADNESS
www.MadMotorcycle.com
MOTORCYCLE MADNESS Where you WON’T get lost in cyberspace Where you’ll find REAL, LIVE HUMAN BEINGS SEE • FEEL • TRY ON • Get it RIGHT the first time Trained Mechanics to actually WORK on your bike 8 State Hwy 94 • Lafayette, NJ • 973-579-6088 • 877-252-9828
Page 41 sive shell shape is compact and uniquely streamlined to reduce air resistance and drag. In addition to the GTAir II’s ability to cut through high-speed streaming air with ease and efficiency, enhancements to its shell shape also reduce wind noise around the helmet. The GT-Air II’s CNS-1 shield system offers a massive field of vision and protects against 99% of the sun’s UV rays. The CNS-1 shield also comes equipped with the Pinlock EVO fog-resistant system. As we said, the GT-Air II’s all-new, built-in, QSV2 sun shield is 5mm longer and gives riders improved, instant relief from sun glare in one quick motion of a large, easily located, and meaty, lever that deftly activates the shield It is not designated GT-Air II lightly. This helmet has been wind-tunnel optimized to maximize airflow and reduce unwanted noise, the GT-Air II’s three intake and five exhaust vents have been strategically shaped and positioned for improved cool air intake and hot air expulsion. The GT-Air II is equipped with a fully removable, washable, adjustable, and replaceable 3D Max-Dry Interior System capable of dissipating sweat 2x faster than traditional nylon interiors. Multi-layer cheek pads for comfort and helmet stabilization along with premium two-tone interior fabric and red stitching accentuate the GT-Air II’s snazzy fit and finish. It also borrows technology originally developed for SHOEI’s racing helmet models, SHOEI equipped the all-new GT-Air II with its exclusive Emergency Quick Release System that allows emergency medical personnel to easily remove the cheek pads from an injured rider’s helmet. With the cheek pads removed, the helmet can be safely lifted from a rider’s head without creating unnecessary strain in the neck area. All in all, Shoei is offering a beautiful helmet, available in three sizes (XSXXL), with plenty of modern and life-saving technology at a moderate price of $599 for solid and metallic and $699 for graphics. www.shoei-helmets.com
Page 42
KLIM TK1200 MODULAR HELMET A LIGHTWEIGHT LID HEAVY ON FEATURES Idaho-based Klim, Inc. maintains a reputation for thoughtful, functional, innovative and tough motorcycling gear and its new TK1200 helmet continues that practice. Klim calls its new model the “world’s first grand touring helmet.” It uses a full carbon fiber shell and weighs in at a slight 3.26 pounds—a downright featherweight in the world of modular helmets. Klim uses a complicated proprietary process to achieve this leanness, which results in less weight and therefore less fatigue for riders on the long haul without sacrificing strength or protection. The TK1200 boasts a heavy set of advanced features in spite of its wispy weight. Using proprietary adaptive lens technology from TRANSITIONS®, the TK1200’s face shield reacts instantly to changing UV levels, darkening and lightening as the sun levels require, eliminating the need to use sun glasses or have a separate, internal sun shade within the helmet. This reduces eye fatigue while giving great visual clarity. While the technology sounds nifty, it brings to mind the slow-changing lenses of past photo-gray glasses. Tester and photographer/husband Tim reports those memories belong to the past. The speed at which the face shield reacted, such as when entering/exiting tunnels or riding from the sun into the shade, surprised him and he felt the tint was usually appropriate for conditions. In only a few instances, he says, usually around dusk or on an extremely cloudy day, did he feel the shield should have become more transparent. The shield itself is premium polycarbonate with anti-scratch technology and the helmet comes with a Pinlock anti-fog lens insert. It gives good peripheral vision and a tall field of view and Tim says he has no issues with the Pinlock cutting into his line of sight. The TK1200’s technology extends beyond the visible differences such as the face shield and its incredible light weight. Tim reports it is very quiet, with the helmet closed or open. Klim attributes that to “aero acoustic performance,” its term for the combination of aerodynamic design, ventilation,
JUNE 2019 • BACKROADS and a premium liner system playing well together to reduce noise. The helmet has a chin vent and multi-position head vent to regulate air intake in a system it dubs “intelligent ventilation.” Interior padding is smooth and comfortable, breathable, removable and washable. Tim reports no hot spots, and though it fits snugly he doesn’t feel confined or enclosed, but the helmet is not as easy to put on or take off as others. Klim does say the helmet has a narrow neck roll pad and snug cheek padding to reduce noise that should soften a bit with more wear. The TK1200 also features a proprietary break-away chin bar that reduces force upon the head and neck, in the event of an accident with the modular system in the open position. Klim uses a micro-metric ratchet type buckle to easily secure the chin strap. A push on a big bottom front button raises the chin bar quickly. The helmet has reflective patches on the rear to improve nighttime visibility to drivers. Never a full-face or modular helmet fan, Tim has been riding with the Klim the last few months and reports its lighter weight and quiet interior makes for a markedly more comfortable trip. He finds the internal temperature to be a goldilocks “just right”—not too hot or too cold—with good venting. The automatically darkening adaptive lens technology eliminates the need to fiddle with sun shades or worry about sun glasses. I notice even for short jaunts around town he reaches for the Klim TK1200. The helmet meets ECE and DOT standards despite its light weight. It comes in sizes small to 2XL in a variety of color options. His is a matte gray with hi-vis yellow accents, dubbed Traverse Gray, and it looks very cool. It comes in several other colors and gloss or matte finishes as well. The TK1200 retails for $599.99. For more information visit the Klim website at www.klim.com. ~ Pamela Collins
BACKROADS • JUNE 2019
Page 43 Have you ever been swayed early in the morning to do something unplanned and off the cuff? Spontaneity is the key to life. So, when I got one of those e-newsletters early on a Saturday morning (I mean early… as Spenser T. Cat needs to go on patrol at the first hint of dawn, damn him) I spotted an event happening that same day. Okay, this particular newsletter is heads above the rest, as most of them are full of the usual boring motorcycle pap, but this one was BETTER stuff and motorcycle pap. So, sign up for The Backroads Report and get better stuff and motorcycle pap each Saturday morning. It is easy to do, right on our web page. But, back to our story… we usually build each issue of Backroads over a very long weekend and I am usually locked into the office. But I thought…. “Wow…Hermy’s is having their Open House and maybe I can slip out for a few hours before the tedious job of building and proofing the June edition gets too heavy. “ “Hey, I think I am going for a little ride…Okay, hon?” I asked in my most innocent voice.
Hermy’s BMW / Triumph Motorcycle Open House May the 4th Be With You!
‘Yep…” replied Shira cooly. About twenty seconds later she added…. “Say hi to the crew at Hermy’s” Discarding the name of this magazine I took Eisenhower’s Interstates and rolled into Port Clinton, Pennsylvania in a couple of hours. Herm Baver and his dedicated staff have spent the last number of years refurbishing the shop and showroom along Highway 61, just north of I78, with great results. Two showrooms, BMW and Triumph, separated by an accessories showroom and parts counter. The second story holds used machines and a nice selection of historic motorcycle as well. Hey, when a bike is signed by John Penton we take notice! It was Open House time and Hermy’s made sure all were taken care of
The Charlesworth Hotel is New Jersey’s REAL backroads’ hideaway
OPEN FOR THE SEASON
ining tic D n a Rom
Comfortable Rooms
Home of the BEST sunset on the Jersey Shore
New Jersey Avenue • Fortescue, NJ • 856-447-4928 Find and Like Us on Facebook • Charlesworth-Hotel-Restaurant
The Boat House Restaurant Perfect in Any Season Brunch, Lunch or Dinner on Swartswood Lake
Excellent Ride Destination
Tues-Sun 11A-9P Brunch 10A-2P Closed Monday Call for Seasonal Hours
1040 Cty Rd 521 • Swartswood NJ 973-300-0016
Quoddy Head Station B&B • Lubec, Maine See the Sunrise First Quoddy Head Station is located on West Quoddy Head in Downeast Maine in the historic seafaring town of Lubec. It's adjacent to Quoddy State Park with a 5 minute walk to West Quoddy Light. For a Romantic Getaway or Group Outing, Quoddy Head Station is a perfect destination for your next motorcycle trip. 9 private units — 5-bedroom Station House, Keepers Cottage, the Cabin, the Camp and 4 Lodge apartments.
Visit our website for more details www.quoddyvacation.com Call Bill Clark for reservations 877-535-4714 • info@quoddyvacation.com
Page 44
JUNE 2019 • BACKROADS
food-wise and I thoroughly enjoyed my breakfast of pulled pork, chicken and seriously great beans. The local BBQ was awesome. Always looking out for the community, the shop made room for the Girl Scouts and their fundraiser as well. There was a talented cartoonist making memories for those willing to sit for a bit. Many shops have open houses, and they are always a good time, but here in rural PA, it is about community as well. As the morning moved into afternoon more and more bikes rolled in and there was plenty going on - especially the two-wheel camaraderie that we all missed during the long winter. It came to mind it was just the beginning of the season, early May, and everything was coming alive after the last few months and we were all back on the road. How much fun was it to be talking, at length, about all things motorcycles for a half hour to total strangers when I had all intentions of heading back to Backroads Central? While talking to Herm, he pointed out the gal handing out ice cream from Way-Har Farm. It is scary how we have somehow slid from motorcycle touring magazine to ice cream publication. But, hey… wow, this was really good. A text was sent to Shira and orders returned instantly that went something like this… “Well, you are there… make it happen.” Yes! I had a mission. I love missions. I spent a bit of time talking with salesman Nick about the Triumph Tigers and then did another lap of the showroom before plotting out my route to Way-Har Farm to earn my pay for the day and justify leaving the office, on production weekend and a 250 mile jaunt, to go to a very, very excellent ‘Open House.”
Beemerboneyard.com USED OILHEAD, K-BIKE & H EX-H EAD PARTS
MAGAZINE SUBSCRIPTION PAYPAL and SQUARE ACCEPTED FOR SUBSCRIPTIONS
Easy • Convenient • Secure
Hundreds of used parts at 50% off new cost or less Order online 24/7 ~ M/C, Visa, Discover or PayPal 100% money-back guarantee ~ parts ship in 24 hours
N EW MAINTENANCE PARTS ~ BELOW RETAIL NO BACKORDERS ~ WE STOCK WHAT WE SELL 10% off BACKROADS Discount - Online Orders Only Enter code BACKROADS in source code box @ checkout and click ‘apply’
Subscribe Today via our Website
973-775-3495 • M-F 12pm~5pm • inquires@beemerboneyard.com
Sending a check? Use the form below and mail to:
Touring North Central Virginia?
www.backroadsusa.com/subscription.html
Backroads, PO Box 620, Augusta, NJ 07822
Then ride on over to the NEW Comfort Inn & Suites in Orange
Moto-Inn Approved Tell ‘em Backroads sent you!
NAME ____________________________________________________________
ADDRESS __________________________________________________________
CITY/STATE/ZIP ________________________________________________________
Don’t Miss An Issue! Mail Your Subscription TODAY! If you have moved, please use this form to inform us of your change of address o New/Lapsed Subscription
o Change of Address
The newest motorcycle-friendly hotel closest to Skyline Drive… just 30 miles away! %
15 Discount to all Motorcyclists
Motorcyclist Owned & Operated Large indoor heated pool and spa • Free deluxe hot breakfast buffet Microwaves + fridges in every room • Large rooms + suites available
Comfort Inn & Suites 334 Caroline St (James Madison Hwy), Orange, VA 22960 540-672-3121 • www.comfortinn.com/hotel-orange-virginia-VA657
BACKROADS • JUNE 2019
Page 45
PRODUCT REVIEW
MACHINEARTMOTO ADVANCE GUARDS Strong, Versatile and Stylish When it’s Hot, Warm or Cold Things change on the road. What started out as a chilly and gray spring morning, with temperatures in the high 40s, began to morph and evolve as we rode south. My previous bike had heated grips, something that is an option with my new Suzuki V-Strom 650XT, so the recently installed ADVance Guards from MachineartMoto came instantly into play as their protection and all around toughness was far superior to the flimsy plastic guards that came with the Suzuki. The wide aluminum twin-spar will do an excellent job at what guards were first made to do – protect your hands. But it was when the temperature began to rise that the true clever design of the ADVance Guards came into play. As we first started off his day I had the ADVance guards fully installed and with the shield raised to its highest position. This adjustment did an excellent job of deflecting the cold, slightly wet, air. As the day progressed and things got brighter and warmer I lowered them with an easy spin of a few knurled thumb screws – tool free – and with fasteners that will stay in place and not slip off and drop into that Twilight Zone of lost nuts, screws, and socks.
Join Us in 2019
Patagonia, Peru, Bolivia Argentina and more! Visit our website for 2019 tour dates Ride through Bolivia, Peru and Argentina. Visit the full range of our beautiful and enchanting places and see our lakes, other-worldly deserts, Independent touring or guided tours with multilingual guide, mechanic and support vehicle. 17 Years organizing tours and BMW rentals. 80 motorcycles in fleet. World’s 2nd Largest BMW Travel Partner and Official BMW Dealer
Surprisingly the day that started out cold and wet in northwest New Jersey had become hot – like mid-90s hot – in Virginia. When we stopped to water up I removed the insert which totally opened up the ADVance Guards and allowed a steady and strong breeze to run up my sleeves, making the sudden summer heat to be that much more rideable while still offering my hands protection if something foolish happened. Fickle as she can be, the weather was once again on the chilly-side the next morning and, as easy as they came off, the insert and shield were quickly snapped back in and I was good to go. The ADVance Guards are just that… advanced and an easy and reasonable investment into your bike’s long-range comfort. They also look really snappy and the inserts come in black, orange or, for my bike, granite, to better match individual machines. Functional and good looking? What else can a girl ask for? Installation was fairly easy, almost as if the designer himself installed them, as Andrew, the savant behind this cutting edge moto-design company, did when I asked him nicely. The ADVance Guards from MachineartMoto are available for BMW, KTM, Honda Africa Twin, Triumph Tiger, and Suzuki V-Strom ADV machines. The ADVance Guards start at $275 depending on machine and application. Call MachineartMoto at 908-652-6779 or find them on the web at machineartmoto.com.
the dramatic Andes, snow-covered volcanoes and, of course, the magic world of Patagonia.
email info@motoaventura.cl web www.motoaventura.cl
Page 46
JUNE 2019 • BACKROADS
RISING WOLF GARAGE NYC EXCLUSIVE MOTORCYCLE PARKING FACILITY W e p r o v i d e a f r i e n d l y, c l e a n a n d s e c u r e environment for the motorcycle enthusiast
Service Area Personal Storage Air Compressor Battery Charging
Monthly Parking Long & Short Term 24 Hour Access Video Surveillance
By Appointment Only East Village NYC Ph: 212 475 5858 • Fx: 212 505 5205
risingwolfgarage@aol.com
www.risingwolfgarage.com
BACKROADS • JUNE 2019
Page 47
PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT
TRILIGHT SHOPLIGHT Striker Concepts’ new TRiLIGHT ShopLight combines the features of a shop light with the benefits of a droplight, to introduce to the market never before seen versatility and impressive light output. The TRiLIGHT ShopLight produces 3000 True Lumens of light from 3 aluminum LED heads. These aluminum heads are not only worthy of a design award, but they are also functional heat sinks. These heat sinks ensure the LEDs always operate at the lowest temperature possible, allowing the LEDs to operate at their highest performance level, while simultaneously safeguarding the LEDs lifespan. Halogen shop lights can leave severe burns if handled incorrectly, in comparison, the design of the TRiLIGHT ShopLight ensures it is never hot to the touch.
Sept. 18 - 21 + Bonus Night Sept. 22
Yes, Virginia, There is a Backroads Fall Fiesta Rally Use the TRiLIGHT ShopLight with confidence, knowing it was constructed to be durable and survive a demanding work environment. The base includes a robust hook to hang the TRiLIGHT ShopLight high at a construction site, or from the hood of a car, without the fear of the occasional fall or drop causing a break. Unlike traditional droplights and shop lights, the TRiLIGHT ShopLight was built to take a beating and keep on going.
It took us a while to get this one together but here it is - 4 days spent in Virginia with an extra stay thrown in at the end in Pennsylvania. It’s a mixture of lodging options with some great riding in between. All the booking details are below and we’ll fill in the blanks as we move closer. Book EARLY so as not to be disappointed. WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 18 THUR-FRI, SEPT. 19-20 COMFORT INN BOLLING WILSON HOTEL 334 Caroline St, Orange, VA 540-672-3121 • $69 + tax Mention Backroads when calling Make your own way to Orange, VA to start your journey. It’s a quaint little burg with a selection of dining options as well as the home of James Madison’s Montpelier. The Comfort Inn has an indoor pool for our enjoyment and sets us up for great riding to our next two-night destination.
SATURDAY, SEPT. 21 BEST WESTERN
SUNDAY, SEPT. 22 FULTON STEAM BOAT
170 E. Main St, Wytheville, VA 109 Apple Tree Lane, Waynesboro, VA 1 Hartman Bridge Rd, Ronks, PA 717-299-9999 • $100 + tax 276-223-2333 • $130+tax/night 540-942-1100 • $131+tax incl. b’fast Mention Backroads when calling
Book online • Mention Backroads if calling
Mention Backroads 1663 when calling
VERY LIMITED ROOM AVAILABILITY
For those joining us on Sunday, We’ll start heading north for our Wytheville is a great base for us to we’ll make our way closer to home next night’s stay. The beautiful explore the paved (and some not) roads through the George Washington with a stay outside of Lancaster, PA. roads in this part of Virginia. Perhaps a stop in Harpers Ferry and Jefferson National Forest along There is something for everyone, for a bit of history and lunch along the border of West Virginia make from rolling country lanes to the the way. Or maybe a ride past for a pleasant day’s ride before technical twisty Claw of the Dragon. Mt. Weather, one of Dr. O’Life’s parking in Waynesboro where we’ll After exploring, the Bolling Wilson Mysterious stops. The Fulton Steam find an indoor pool and some fine Hotel makes a perfect spot to relax, Boat makes a great last night on Virginia barbecue at the Fishin’ Pig with its rooftop terrace and very our Fall Fiesta Rally. right next door. tasty restaurant downstairs.
DON’T MISS OUR SOIREE IN VIRGINIA • BOOK YOUR ROOMS TODAY!
The TRiLIGHT ShopLight is available now at an MSRP of $129.99. For more information about the TRiLIGHT ShopLight, and the Striker Concepts product line, visit www.strikerconcepts.com.
Happiness, like success and love, is not a destination but a lifelong journey.
Page 48
JUNE 2019 • BACKROADS
UP C OM I N G E VE NT S CAL END AR EVERY MONTH - WEATHER PERMITTING Every Tuesday • Two Wheeled Tuesday at Spiegel Restaurant • 26 1st Avenue, NyC. An eclectic gathering of motorcycles served with multi-cuisine meals. Kick some tires, have some couscous, enjoy the crowd • www.spiegelnyc.com • 212-228-2894 Every Thursday • Bike Night at JumboLand, Route 206, Branchville, NJ Every Saturday thru October • Bergen County H-D Saddle Up Saturday. 9am for coffee and bagels. Ride departs 10am. Returns to dealership for free music and food. Proper attire MUST be worn! BCHD, 124 essex St, Rochelle Park, NJ • 201-843-6930 Third Sunday thru August • Caffeine and Gasoline at Hudson Valley Motorcycles, 179 N. Highland Ave/Rte 9, Ossining, Ny. Meet at 8 for coffee, tea and a light bite then head out for your ride • HVMotorcycles.com • 914-762-2772
JUNE 2019 1 • Motorcyclepedia Museum police-escorted ride to Newburgh Illuminated Festival. Doors open 10am/ KSU 11:30. Free admission for rider and passenger with appetizers provided at the Wherehouse to all participants • motorcyclepediamuseum.org 2 • Fort Lee Art & Music Festival Ride-In Bike Show sponsored by Bergen Harley. Free Registration 11am-12:30pm at Main and Lemoine, Fort Lee, NJ. All Bikes Welcome. Prizes Awarded at 3pm. Food, Music and More! Info - email info@bergenharley.com 3-8 • Americade, Lake George, Ny. Largest motorcycle touring rally • www.americade.com • 518-798-7888 6 • Rollin’ Fast hosts Relay for Life. Music, food, Tricky Tray and more. Starting 6pm, 1221 Rte. 22 East, Lebanon, NJ • 908-236-9000 • www.rollinfast.com 8-9 • Motorcyclpedia Museum hosts V-Twin Expo - Indoor event with dealers, vendors and more. Come for the Expo and see the over 600 motorcycles and memorabilia exhibited in the 85,000 sq. ft. space. 9am-5pm • motorcyclepediamuseum.org 8-16 • 96th Anniversary Laconia Motorcycle Week, Weirs Beach, NH. www.laconiamotorcycleweek.com 9 • 6th Annual Warriors Run to benefit our Military. Sign in: American Legion Post 170, 33 West Passaic St, Rochelle Park, NJ 8:30-10:30am/KSU 10:30 SHARP. $25/rider • $15/passenger • $10/walk-in. Find on Facebook for more info: Warriors Run, Inc. 17 • Ride to Work Day • www.ridetowork.org 12 • Rutt’s Hut ‘Ripper’ Old Bike Night Ride-In Show. All Classics 1994 or older. Starting at 6pm. 413 River Road, Clifton, NJ 20-21 • Rollin’ Fast hosts Indian Demo Truck. Must have valid MC license. First come, first ridden. More info on Facebook • 1221 Rte. 22 East, Lebanon, NJ • 908-236-9000 ext. 200 • www.rollinfast.com 20-23 • Johnstown PA Thunder in the Valley Motorcycle Rally. All Bikes Welcome. www.visitjohnstownpa.com/thunder-valley 23 • Motorcycle Scavenger Hunt sponsored by Bergen & Hudson Valley Harley-Davidson to benefit the 200 Club of Bergen Co. Two sign-in spots: Bergen Co. Harley, 124 Essex St, Rochelle Park, NJ AND Hudson Valley Harley, 33 Route 304, Nanuet, Ny • 910:15am • $20/rider - $10/passenger. Teams of 2-6 will get list of places + things to find. List is time stamped with 3 hours to take pictures of group in front of as many places/things on the list, each with points assigned. Points translate to tickets to redeem for prizes. Food + music at endsite: Hudson Valley Harley. For more info visit www.hdhudsonvalley.com or www.bergenharleydavidson.com. 23 • Rolling Thunder NyC 20th Salute to Veterans ‘Threes Are Wild’ Poker Run. Sign in: Putnam Cty Veterans Mem. Park, 225 Gipsy Trail Rd, Carmel, Ny. 8-11am • $20/pp incl. coffee, rolls and donuts at start, scenic ride through Hudson Valley with historic military card stops along the way, lunch, games, prizes, vendors and live entertainment. Endsite: Montgomery Veterans Mem. Park, 60 Bachelor St, Vilalge of Montgomery, Ny. Lunch served at 1pm • 845-762-8719 • 845-249-3886
JULY 2019 13-14 • 43rd Annual Ramapo 500. 2 days (250 miles each day) incl. Sat. dinner, Sun. breakfast, camping, awards and prizes. Endsite: Blackthorne Resort, East Durham, Ny. On-site hotel accommodations available ($) and other lodging options within 10-mile radius • Full details www.ramapomc.org 22-26 • COG Keystone National Rally, Williamsport, PA. Rally HQ: Historic Gennetti Hotel• cogmc.com/national • 814-615-9138 26-28 • Kissell Motorsports Soggy Bottom MotoFest Adventure and Dual Sport Rally. Port Matilda, PA. Registration fee incl. 5 catered meals, 4 rides with GPS routes, live music, beer and 2019 t-shirt. Attendees can expect 350 miles of mostly unpaved roads with spectacular views and optional hero sections. Lodging must be booked separately. Info: www.eventbrite.com/soggy-bottom-motofest-2019-tickets
AUGUST 2019 4 • Ride for Kids Hudson Valley. Sign-in: Motorcycepedia Museum, 250 Lake St, Newburgh, Ny. Online Registration: $40/Day of Event: $45. Help stop the deadliest disease facing our country’s children and you could win a new Honda motorcycle. For full details: rideforkids.org/hudsonvalley 7-12 • DIRTy for GOOD Women’s Dual Sport Rider/Training Camp, Rocky Gap SP, Flintstone, MD • full details: womensmotorcyclistfoundation.org/events 15-18 • Touratech DirtDaze Rally, Suicide Six, Pomfret, VT. This will be THE ADV rally of the East Coast. Watch for details on their website: www.DirtDazeRally.com
SEPTEMBER 2019 4 • Ride for Kids Hudson Valley benefitting Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation. Online
What’s Happening Reg: $40/Day-of Reg: $45. Sign-in/Endsite: Motorcyclepedia Museum, 250 Lake St, Newburgh, Ny. Full details: rideforkids.org/hudsonvalley 6-8 • BMW Motorcycle Owners of Vermont host 2019 Green Mountain Rally, Camp Thorpe, Goshen, VT. Registration incl. 4 home-cooked meals, self-guided tours, Gap and GS rides, live bluegrass music, door prizes and awards, camping with hot showers, and bonfire Sat. night. Full details: bmwmov.wildapricot.org 8 • 20th Anniversary Andiamo Run. Sign-in: 8-10am • KSU 10:20am sharp. Start/End: Andiamo Restaurant,23 Hardenburgh Ave, Haworth, NJ. Fully police-escorted 50-60 mile run through northeast NJ and southeast Ny. After party at restaurant included food, live band and exhibition of police motorcycle skills. Info: 201-384-1551 • info@andiamorun.com 9-12 • Rolling Thru America Virginia. Limited to 100 guests • 518-798-7888 • Sign up at www.rollingthruamerica.com 14-18 • Women’s Training + Dual Sport Tour. Full details: MotoVermont.com 25-28 • Rolling Thru America Maine. Limited to 100 guests • 518-798-7888 • Sign up at www.rollingthruamerica.com 16-17 • CLASS at VIR, Alton, VA. Join the crew from Backroads BEFORE the Fall Fiesta and make your riding THAT much better. For more details and to register, visit www.CLASSRIDES.com or call 805-933-9936. you must also book your lodging at VIR: 434-822-7700 ext. 101 18-23 • Backroads Fall Fiesta. Here are the details: Wed. Sept. 18 Comfort Inn, Orange, VA • Thur-Fri. Sept. 19-20 Bolling Wilson Hotel, Wytheville, VA • Sat., Sept. 21 Best Western, Waynesboro, VA • Sun. Sept. 22 Fulton Steam Boat Inn, Ronks (Lancaster) PA. Make sure you BOOK EARLy as some hotels are VERy LIMITED. Full details can be found on our Rally website: backroadsusa.com/rallies.html 28 • American Flat Track Races at the Meadowlands Mile. Check for details on the website: www.americanflattrack.com