August 2017

NEW SWEDEN 450 SHUNPIKERS TAKE CALIFORNIA AMERICADE AND DIRTDAZE RECAP RIDE • EAT • SLEEP • DISCOVER

W H A T ’ S

I N S I D E

MO NT HLY C O L U M NS FREE WHEELIN’ ..................................................4 WHATCHATHINKIN’ ...........................................6 POSTCARDS FROM THE HEDGE.......................7 ON THE MARK ....................................................8 BACKLASH ........................................................10 INDUSTRY INFOBITES .....................................12 MYSTERIOUS AMERICA..................................14 BIG CITY GETAWAY .........................................16 GREAT ALL AMERICAN DINER RUN ..............18 WE’RE OUTTA HERE ........................................20 SHIRA’S INSIDE SCOOP ..................................22 WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE ............................46 UPCOMING EVENTS CALENDAR ...................48

Motorcycles, Travel & Adventure

2017 NEW SWEDEN 450 .................................36 35TH ANNUAL AMERICADE RALLY ................39

Contributors

Jim Augustine, Greg Bagen, Jeff Goldstein, Tony Lisanti, Mark Byers, Bill Heald, Dr. Seymour O’Life

Editorial Office BACKROADS, POB 620 Augusta, NJ 07822

36 39

PR O DU C T R E V IE W S X-LITE X-1004 MODULAR HELMET ...............24 MICHELIN ANAKEE WILD TIRES.....................32 PIRELLI SCORPION TRAIL TIRES.....................33 PRINCETON TEC LIGHTING ............................34 URBAN ARMOR IPAD COVER .........................35 2017 AEROSTICH CATALOG ...........................43 GIVI S410 MONOKEY TROLLEY BASE ...........43

Brian Rathjen • Shira Kamil

25

FE AT U RE S SHUNPIKERS TAKE CALIFORNIA ...................25

Publishers

On the cover: Sunflower field at Brodhecker’s Farm, CR 627, Hampton Twp, NJ. Usually in bloom by mid-August.

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BACKROADS (ISSN 1087-2088) is published monthly by BACKROADS™, Inc. 2017. 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.

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AUGUST 2017 • BACKROADS

FREE WHEELIN’ BRIAN RATHJeN

The CenTer of iT All With its Financial Centers, Broadway and Trump Tower some will say that New York City is the center of the world.

But, where is the center of New York City?

Would it be Times Square, Broadway or Wall Street?

Nope. How about on one of the busiest roads in the city along the borders of Woodside/Sunnyside in Queens?

On the west bound median at the intersection of 58th street and Queens Boulevard you will find a red & gold marker stating that this spot is the Geographical Center of the Big Apple.

But that math and today’s GPS technology might not quite match up. Researching this I found an old article that claimed that 40 degrees, 42 minutes, 51 seconds N latitude, and 74 degrees, 0 minutes 23 seconds W longitude would be the spot. But that puts you into the East River off Brooklyn.

According to the Department of City Planning, the true geographic center of the city is actually in Bushwick, Brooklyn on Stockholm Street between Wyckoff Avenue and St. Nicholas Avenue.

But, it seems that the Bushwickians never had thought enough about this to make mention of it and somebody did here in Woodside. And for me, considering this is my hometown, I will take it.

Still the marker’s history remains a mystery since it cannot be traced to any one of New York City’s various departments. The origin may be traced to Robert Moses and his vision of Queens as the geographic center of a greater New York that included Long Island.

But when you say New York to the rest of the world they think the city.

We know that New York is a state and if you are looking for the middle of the Empire State point your motorcycle to Pratts Hollow, just east of Syracuse.

They have a sign and everything.

All this “Center” talk got me looking for other centers of things.

In Connecticut the center of the state is a not too impressive, actually lying on I-91 just south of Route 372. Not sure if Hartford cares about this or if they acknowledge it in any way.

New Jersey’s center is not, as many think, Backroads Central, but rather a non-descript road west of New Egypt.

On the brighter side the geographic center of Pennsylvania is Bellefonte – a superb place (Continued on Page 9)

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AUGUST 2017 • BACKROADS

Looking out, I saw a big cruiser heading down the road, feet up on the highway pegs, bare legs and arms soaking up the warm day’s sunshine, topped with a half-helmet. I walked back up the driveway, all I could do was shake SHIRA KAMIL my head and wonder why. (you can fill in sport, touring, adventure or any other style bike here, as I’ve seen them all dressed this way) GHOST RIDER AND THE GOOFBALL I’d like to think that our young Ghost Rider had developed his riding gear I wrote a few months ago about having things habit from his own knowledge not just a parent saying ‘wear this or you’re happen routinely, enough so that you can plan your not riding’, and when he continues on to bigger machinery, he’ll also continue day, or night, by them. I mentioned the coffee his ATGATT habit. But with all the knowledge that comes with riding expemaker, our cats, etc. but neglected one very important one. This one started, rience, why would a grown person not use the advantage of proper riding probably, last September, and I thought it would end come June. However, gear to limit any chance of bad things happening, as they are want to do. it happily has continued.

We recently posted a video on our Facebook page showing a person riding Each morning, just about 7am, I’d hear a buzzing sound. It started faintly on the highway, severely underdressed, who goes into a death wobble on his and, as it approached the house, picked up volume before fading into the dismotorcycle. The outcome was not a pretty one, and one can only hope that tance. The same sound would return just around help got to him quickly, as the road rash and en3pm each afternoon. It was not the right time of suing medical scrub and skin grafts would be ’d like to think that our young Ghost Rider much more painful than watching the video. year for the hummingbirds so I finally went out had developed his riding gear habit from his to investigate.

Yes, we do talk a lot about wearing proper ridown knowledge not just a parent saying ing gear and I’ve written about the times that this Seems there was a new riding amongst our ‘wear this or you’re not riding’, and when he has literally saved my butt, as well as other body ranks. This young man, upon his first motorized continues on to bigger machinery, he’ll also parts. Yes, I also know that this is an individual’s two-wheeled machine (this I assume) was makcontinue his ATGATT habit. ing his way to and from the local high school. choice, but how does an intelligent individual Properly dressed in long pants, long sleeves, come to the conclusion that riding nearly naked what appeared to be over-the-ankle footwear and on a potentially dangerous vehicle makes any a full-faced helmet, he has all the makings of a fine motorcyclist - we call sense at all. Oh, I guess that ‘intelligent’ might not fit into this equation. him the Ghost Rider.

Okay, sorry about that, I developed into a rant when I was trying to focus Brian put together a little ‘welcome’ package of Backroads paraphernalia on the uplifting sight of a new rider. I’d like to finally stop him and find out in hopes that one of these days we’d catch him coming or going and, with a how he got into riding and what he looks forward to with his future riding. pat on the back and a warm handshake, bring him into the fold. Yes, he was As Brian wrote last month, we need to bring new blood, hopefully younger already one ‘of us’ but perhaps didn’t know it as yet. and vibrant, into our way of riding life. There are many groups and clubs Just the other day, while tooling around in the garden, I heard him making who visit camps and schools and take the kids for rides, hoping to instill a his approach. I hurried to grab the packet but just wasn’t fast enough. I sense of riding adventure in their hearts. glimpsed his back, clad in proper dress as always, as he went wherever he So, ride on Ghost Rider, I look forward to meeting you. And good luck was going. Not 10 seconds after him, I heard a rumble coming down the hill.

Goofball, may your travels be painless.

WHATCHATHINKIN’

I

BACKROADS • AUGUST 2017

Page 7

leave the hole without a star at which to steer, and a worthy place to park the helmet and look around. Lest you think I don’t even care about the journey aspect, the reason I am not concerned about it is it always seems to take care BILL HeALD of itself. Something always happens along the way, whether you plan for it or not. This seems especially true when traveling alone, which is typically oh The PAin. The PAin. my favorite way to travel. No matter where I seem to end up, even if it’s just a quick scoot to the grocery store, I encounter perfect strangers that just come Any time I can quote Dr. Smith from the anup and start talking to me. I have no idea why. On longer trips, I have been cient CBS TV series Lost in Space I’m all over accosted by characters that would fill a Star Wars cantina, or a good Agatha it. It fits this column this time around, though, beChristie novel. I do nothing. I am just minding my own business, when they cause I have been doing research on a project that caused me to awaken to enter stage left and zero in on me like a hummingbird to a flower. something I should have noticed a long time ago. There is a definite connecreally quite bizarre.

It’s tion between travel, adventure and substantial physical stress. It is not by deBut what of hardship? Peril? Great bolts of lightsign of course; in fact the best of journeys are or me, I’ve always found that the ening from a formerly clear sky? They always show planned to make things as stress-free as possible. knowledge of why I’m taking the trip up as well.

Fortunately, as we’re not typically in the But like the stories told in the journals I reviewed keeps me keeping on, and the fact deepest jungles of the Andes over a century ago or in my research, great expeditions are more often Shangri-La lies just over the that in the middle of nowhere at 50 below zero (at least than not fraught with danger and great personal next hill (or, at least a gas station). not), the very real possibility of this being our I’m trauma. The story in my project involves a relalast trip is fortunately far more remote. But the other tive and a trip to South America and the Andes, stuff including wild weather, bad accommodations, dodgy rations, occasional and it reminded me of other travel journals I’d read including both Scott and trolls, and the blatant lack of cooperation the road often dishes out can add Amundsen’s (very different) voyages to the South Pole. In all of these fascisome bitter spice to make the dish all the more interesting.

Of course this innating diaries, the explorers went through wild cycles of joy and despair, and teresting bit is known as something else when it’s happening.

It is called often faced life-threatening injuries, lack of sufficient food and water, unco“crap.”

But it’s all part of the deal, and the question I have is, does having to operative men and beasts and diabolical weather. And yet, they soldiered on. face adversity and all the discomfort, moments of terror and general unpleasWith the exception of Scott’s tragic conclusion to his expedition, the other antness make the trip more worthwhile?

Are the trips you remember most two ended with great success as a reward for enduring such hardship. the ones where there was more suffering?

To put it in another way, is all this Motorcycle touring is (usually) not nearly as perilous as these undertaktorture really necessary? ings, but these other expeditions got me to thinking about the role hardship Everybody has their own thresholds for misfortune, just like everybody plays in epic two-wheeled adventures, whether they are epic or non-epic in has their own threshold for pain. I think we’d agree that a rocky road is to be nature. There is a large contingent of touring riders (And travel writers. And avoided when a smooth one is available, and fair weather is better to ride traveling salesmen. And pirates, with or without parrots) who will state that, through than a severe thunderstorm. On his 70th birthday, Mark Twain told “it’s not the destination, it’s the journey.” While I get their point, I am out in a room full of well-wishers: “I wish to urge upon you this - which I think is the woods in my belief that the destination matters a great deal, else why un(Continued on Page 9) dertake the trip to begin with? Perhaps it is the Hobbit in me, but I don’t

POSTCARDS FROM THE HEDGE

F

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AUGUST 2017 • BACKROADS

ON THE MARK MARK ByeRS

ekphrastic Journey: The Beginning It was already too warm, early that July morning when they began their trip. Three men mounted motorcycles as the faint pink-purple of dawn tinted the eastern sky. They saw the sun rise only in their mirrors, as their direction was decidedly westward.

Their bikes were laden with tents and bedrolls and large, metal boxes filled with sundries. One box was completely full of camera gear, packed carefully to protect the valuable glass so vital to that man’s trade. He was the light-painter, while his comrades were a writer and a cowboy poet chef.

They were an unlikely trio, made likely by a shared love of motorcycles and the road. On this trip, they were brothers of destination.

That destination lay westward, and more than a little bit north, by over 5,000 miles. The photographer had motorcycled there before, so only he truly knew the travails of their trek. His knowledge was old, so there were bound to be new challenges. A famed cycling announcer would say there was a “sting in the tail” of the trip, as the road to Prudhoe Bay, Alaska is as changeable and unforgiving as any you can ride on a motorcycle. Just crossing Alberta and Saskatchewan provinces to get to the Alaskan border would take them farther than the journey from their homes to Jasper National Park.

Journey they did. Staying off interstates, they kept to the “Blue Highways” inhabited by fewer cars. In small towns, they hunted diners. The chef was particularly adept at finding good ones, and several times they turned around at the door and rode on at his behest because he instantly knew if the place

was legit. For a guy whose soups made you drool, he also appreciated good catfish, barbecue, and a country-fried steak. As darkness drew near, they sought campgrounds. A few times, they put their brightly-colored nylon cocoons down in yards and once, in a city park. Any ground can be a campground.

No real campground is without a fire, however, and if they could, they had one. Gear shed and tents pitched, they’d already eaten to save time, but sometimes there were sandwiches and fruit and cheese purchased from a local grocery. Then, as the cooler night air meandered past them, they’d light the fire and sit among the bikes, festooned as they were with smelly, drying gear. They’d talk about things they’d seen and things to come. The smoke drifted among them, smelling and feeling as good as only it can when the night chill comes on. Sometimes, one of them would be enveloped by it and, cursing, be forced to move. It was a gentle cursing, however, as the musk of the fire was a baptism and no bottled cologne could match its power. The writer would produce a flask – a good writer always has liquor – and cups would be passed.

The writer wanted time to freeze at that moment.

He wanted the smell of the smoke and the taste of the bourbon and the contrast of the night chill and the warmth of the fire on his feet and the stories of his companions to go on forever. They all wanted that. Sometimes they’d talk and other times they’d sit and listen to the cacophony of silence only found in nature at night. The photographer was a naturalist and had a dizzying knowledge of the night birds. The cowboy poet chef was a man of few words, but those he uttered were well-considered and therefore, valuable. Most times, he’d pull out his pipe and add the sweet smell of Borkum Riff to the olfactory melee. It was a moment to be lived in the moment, to the fullest, and remembered forever.

Too soon, the miles collected their toll, aided by the bourbon and the (Continued on Page 9)

BACKROADS • AUGUST 2017 free Wheelin’ (Continued from Page 4) to ride and a one we have visited many times.

For a long time the geographic center of the United States, well the contiguous 48 states, is located about two miles northwest of Lebanon, Kansas.

Head west from New York to Kansas and take US Highway 281 north 1 mile, and turn west one mile on K-191 to the marker that has been erected at the end of the paved road. Easy and you can’t miss it – it’s dead center.

If you wish to include Alaska and Hawaii, which changed things in 1959, head north and west to Belle Fourche, South Dakota at Latitude 44 degrees, 58 minutes north and Longitude 103 degrees, 46 west.

Belle Fourche now lays claim to being at the geographic center of the 50 United States. At the Visitors Center you will find a seriously impressive marker that reads “Geographic Center of the Nation” which is surrounded by all 50 state flags.

I heard you’ll find a stone cairn about 200 yards out, in a barbed wire field, that is the exact “spot.”

Geography is more than just what actually makes up this planet - especially when we take into mind mankind and nations to make up imagined boundaries. It always makes for interesting discussions when we try to get to the center of it all.

Page 9 PosTCArds from The hedge (Continued from Page 7) wisdom - that if you find you can’t make 70 by any but an uncomfortable road, don’t you go.” I think he’s right, because he knew the bad stuff will find a way to foul the rigging anyway, no matter how well you plan your path to be as pleasant as possible. So, you might as well try to go the comfortable route or not make the trip. For me, I’ve always found that the knowledge of why I’m taking the trip keeps me keeping on, and the fact that Shangri-La lies just over the next hill (or, at least a gas station). Reading all these journals by very brave, resourceful adventurers shows a common thread; namely a knowledge of the necessity of focusing on the needs at hand, be it food, water or shelter, for it can make the difference between a rough day and an incapacitating one. Absorbing these accounts also drives home the point that a flat tire in the middle of the desert is a problem, but a mere pebble in your path compared to some of the things other travelers have endured. Hey, I’d prefer such things didn’t happen, but it’s all part of the price of your passage. on The mArk (Continued from Page 8) knowledge that more miles lay ahead. The men would take a last drink, a last look into the dancing fire, a last glance at the stars and finally, regrettably, one would announce that it was time to turn in. Reluctantly, the others agreed and, with the grunts of men of a certain age, would rise from their seats to do what men must do before bed. Without fail, these words would waft through the writer’s mind: “The night’s a trifle chilly, and the stars are very bright, A heavy dew is falling, but the fly is rigged aright; you may rest your bones till morning, then if you chance to wake, Give me a call about the time that daylight starts to break.”

“Westward Ho!” by HH “Breaker” Morant

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AUGUST 2017 • BACKROADS

BACKLASH Take a Kid for a Ride Month Hi Brian, I think the biggest factor of not getting enough kids riding today is that there is not enough wooded land left in our area anymore. As most of us started on dirt bikes way before we got our license there was tons of land around. I was 13 too and that blue 5hp Briggs and Stratton mini bike my neighbor had hooked me for life in the first 5 feet of ever riding. Then I moved into a 72 Yamaha GT 80cc. I think everyone can say the same thing where they grew up but in central Jersey shore in the 60s there was still half dirt and paved roads and tons of apple orchards and horse farms…today not a parcel of land exists and commercial buildings are everywhere. I could not get my 2 girls a dirt bike today unless I wanted to get a trailer and drive 2 hours south. As a kid I used to roll out of my back yard and could ride all day in trails and pits in my area. That followed me when I got my license, I had a bike before I had a car. Since I’ve always owned a bike and it NEVER get boring, just better.

The Japanese motorcycle industry was in tune with youthful riders since the 60s on and did a good job. Even one of the Harley family, I think Willie, had a small Honda dirt bike when he was a kid in family films. When “On Any Sunday” came out it validated what I must do for the rest of my life.

Porsche does a nice job since the 50s of organizing at least a dozen or more events for the entire family to perpetuate their brand. Maybe if dealers, sponsored by the manufacturers, held “camps” for say 8 to 16 year olds for off road events on motorcycles it would pull in more youth. gary renna This is very true in the northeast, and an issue on the coasts and bigger cites – plenty of dirt in the rest of the USA. I agree that the companies did a far better job back then than now.

Still – take a kid for a ride – it couldn’t hurt and you will have done a great thing! - ed.

Letters to the Editor Hey Backroads, Great Free Wheelin’ as always. It’s very rare that I see kids on pillion these days, unfortunately and even Jack and Nora are riding less and less. Not because they don’t want to, it’s just that I’m not riding as much as I’d like and the kids are busier than Trump after declining the Paris deal. But you are certainly correct. Kids of driving age today want nothing to do with driving.

Unlike you or me, the day I turned 16 I was at DMV getting my permit. Now you hear about parents complaining that they need to ferry around their teens that are able to drive but won’t. It’s sad.

Tell Shira that her article was so gently worded about segregation and the “women riders” group that I think she’ll get only moderately flamed. michael Bellantone Hi Brian, Shira, You will already have a message to you … and some friends, customers, and an event organizer.

Once again your editorial hits home.

Last week at Mariposa Kathy and I had a number of discussions on KIDS and motorcycles.

Peter brought his grandson and Todd brought his daughter.

RKA installed a SENA headset in the grandson’s helmet and sold Todd a camera. rich Battles

Backroads Mystery Rides…

To the fine staff at Backroads.

Why do you insist on tempting those of us mere mortals who must work with the intrigue of a “Mystery Ride” in the middle of the week. Further, you tempt some of us by making it near to our homes just to rub it in.

Ok I’ll go. Lemmee know what time.

Tony lisanti

BACKROADS • AUGUST 2017

A little help…

Good Evening, I think I remember you posting a good ride from north Jersey to Americade (Lake George). I searched the GPS routes on your site and looked through a bunch of older issues with no luck. If you still have the file, could you send it to me?

Thank you Andy eulo Andy, We have done different versions of this one for the longest time. Do you think I could find one?!

I did find one ride back from Lake George, which I changed around a bit to start at Chatterbox in Augusta NJ to Lake George.

I would do this if I were going up and had all day.

Not responsible for any errors, mistakes or wrong turns. I take all credit if it is beautifully perfect! - ed.

Brian, Thank you for the great route, it was a great ride up with no issues. Great roads with a lot of fantastic views.

Thank you again.

Andy eulo You’re welcome Andy – I will take all the credit this time.

Come From Away!

Hey Backroads, I saw your Facebook post about your journey to Newfoundland. My wife and I had our honeymoon there.

One of the memorable things was a quick hike to this crash site. I’m sure you have a great itinerary planned but I wanted to share this: www.google.com/amp/s/ridenewfoundland.com/ 2014/09/01/ride-to-b-36-crash-site/amp/ Regards, daniel kolasa

Oops…

Hey Backroads, Enjoyed your magazine last month, but your article on Lt. George Meade is a bit off kilter. He has an Army Fort named after him in Maryland, not Texas; unless there were two George Meades in the Civil War. I only know this as I served some time at Ft. Meade back in the 80s and I know it is the home of the NSA. larry Walley You were not the first one on this Larry – our bad. We might not know where Fort Meade is, but I bet we can give you a smoking Rip & Ride to it!

#1 Rule is…

Brian, Thanks for quoting me in the July Backroads. The more I think about it the more it seems that off handed remark I made 18? years ago is true. Be considerate of others, do no harm. In other words, don’t be an asshole.

Best, danny

Rockin’ in Woodstock!

Hey Brian, I just finally got to view the online June issue that our hotel is featured in. You all said so many nice things about us! And, Nancy’s!

What a really fantastic piece and we’ve gotten a few bookings from it for sure.

Thanks again. Ride Safe. erin Cadigan White dove rockotel

Page 11 ERRATUM In our July 2017 issue, we erroneously put ‘Riggs’ instead of ‘Rigg’ Gear. We apologize for the misprint – you can find all Rigg Gear on their website RiggGear.com and Nelson Rigg at NelsonRigg.com

Got something to say?

We’d love to hear it.

Letters may be edited, never censored, to fit.

Mail: BACKROADS • PO Box 620, Augusta, NJ 07822 Fax: (973) 948-0823 • Email: editor@backroadsusa.com

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AUGUST 2017 • BACKROADS

IN DU STRY INFOBITES AMA HORIZON AWARD RENAMED IN HONOR OF NICKY HAYDEN The American Motorcyclist Association’s Horizon Award, which annually recognizes amateur competitors poised for greatness in the professional ranks, has been renamed in honor of the inaugural AMA Horizon Award winner in 1997, Nicky Hayden, who subsequently won the 1999 AMA Supersport Championship, the 2002 AMA Superbike Championship and the 2006 FIM MotoGP World Championship.

This season Nicky was competing in the FIM Superbike World Championship. While training on his road bicycle in Italy in May, he was struck by a car and died as a result of his injuries on May 22.

The Executive Committee of the AMA Board of Directors unanimously voted to rename the AMA Horizon Award in Nicky Hayden’s memory, in perpetuity.

“Nicky Hayden epitomized the spirit of the AMA Horizon Award,” said AMA Board of Directors Chair Maggie McNally-Bradshaw.

“The award’s first recipient,

News from the Inside Hayden was a true sportsman and a stellar representative of not just American motorcycling, but all Americans on the world stage. His ascent to the pinnacle of the sport was marked by the utmost character and class, and it all began on the same Midwestern ovals where today’s amateur dirt trackers race for experience and pride.”

Nicky Hayden AMA Horizon Awards will be presented annually to the top amateur racers in dirt track, motocross and road racing.

The Hayden family issued the following statement with respect to the award: “Nicky loved racing and he was proud of his roots, which included those early days of dirt tracking in youth and amateur events around the country. Nicky would be honored to know that his memory will help inspire future generations of competitors to race for their dreams.”

Before Hayden realized his own dream of winning a world championship, there was the original AMA Horizon Award, which AMA Track Racing Manager Ken Saillant presented to Hayden in 1997.

“I am humbled to have witnessed the professional and personal growth of Nicky Hayden from youth dirt tracker to AMA Superbike Champion and then world champion,” Saillant said. “Each year, AMA amateur racing ushers a new class into the pro ranks, and while only an elite few can expect to match Nicky’s professional accomplishments, each one possesses the same aspirations of world-class success that drove Nicky to the top.”

RUN AND HIT Two men driving a stolen dirt bike on Long Island got into a serious accident that killed one of them when they were cut off by a minivan — apparently driven by the bike’s owner, police sources said.

The crash happened on Montauk Highway near Doane Avenue in Bellport around 10:15 a.m., Suffolk County cops said.

“All evidence right now is that the van was pursuing the dirt bike,” a Suffolk County police source said. “The guys in the van had reported the dirt bike stolen.”

The two men on the dirt bike, ages 19 and 20, were traveling in the westbound lanes when the minivan, traveling in the opposite direction, cut across

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Page 13

the double yellow line, apparently to block their path, sources said.

The dirt bike then slammed into the minivan, sending both men flying.

One was killed and the other is in critical condition at Stony Brook University Medical Center, officials said.

The two men who were riding in the van were taken into custody at the scene, Suffolk County police said.

The driver of the van was identified as Mastic Beach resident Christopher Bouchard. He is expected to be charged later Thursday, police officials said.

DUCATI UNVEILS NEW DIAVEL IN NYC EVENT Ducati North America and acclaimed Italian fashion design house Diesel celebrated the U.S. arrival of the new, limited-edition Diavel Diesel motorcycle and Ducati Capsule Collection by Diesel at the Classic Car Club Manhattan, alongside the Hudson River, during a private reception.

Jason Chinnock, CEO of Ducati North America, and Stefano Rosso, CEO of Diesel North America, were in attendance to showcase the exciting result of the special partnership. The industrial setting was designed much like the initial unveiling by the two iconic Italian brands at Milan Men’s Fashion Week in January.

Limited to only 666 units, the unique and powerful Ducati Diavel Diesel motorcycle blends both the past and the future into a striking image of retro, post-apocalyptic machinery. Each motorcycle features handbrushed steel superstructures with visible rivets and welding, as well as a rich, genuine-leather seat, in addition to a metal frame plate highlighting the individual production number. The Ducati Diavel Diesel is currently en route to Ducati dealerships nationwide for $25,795 (MSRP).

LACONIA ROADHOUSE ROCKS ON 94TH ANNIVERSARY OF BIKE RALLY

BACKROADS gladly accepts press releases.

Please send text + hi-res images via email to: editor@backroadsusa.com 1269 DOLSONTOWN RD MIDDLETOWN NY 10940

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Thousands of motorcycle enthusiasts gathered in New Hampshire June 10–18 for the 94th Anniversary of the world’s oldest bike rally, Laconia Motorcycle Week®.

Legendary emcee

Jack Schit presided over the festivities as master of ceremonies, setting up shop at the Laconia Roadhouse, where he introduced live music and oversaw all contests and special events.

“What a lineup,” said Richard Ray, co-owner of Faro Italian Grille and the Laconia Roadhouse. “People were rocking at the Roadhouse all week long.”

Featuring the best audio production quality during Laconia Motorcycle Week, the Laconia Roadhouse

main stage hosted live music from major regional acts every day of the rally.

Some of this year’s rockers included Southern Breeze, Annie Brobst Band, Hypercane, Herland Brothers, Josh Logan Band and the Boneshakerz.

Laconia Roadhouse was proud to welcome Indian Motorcycles to the rally this year. They were on property for the week with their full display of bikes, and Indian reps answered questions, talked bikes and joined in the fun.

The second We Love Laconia charity ride was a big success with over 100 riders and returning for the third year in a row, the Flaunt Girls—billed as “part burlesque, part cirque and all tease”—took to the Main Stage every night, dazzling the crowd with a racy, fun-filled 45-minute routine, including aerials and dance numbers. And the adult-themed entertainment continued with the Laconia Motorcycle Week world-famous wet T-shirt contest and mud wrestling bouts.

The Laconia Roadhouse was the center of activity for this storied rally, and, for the 94th time in as many years, rally goers enjoyed great food, great entertainment, and great fun after long days riding through the White Mountains of New Hampshire. We look forward to seeing everyone at the 95th next year!

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AUGUST 2017 • BACKROADS

Morton’s BMW Motorcycles Presents Dr. Seymour O’Life’s MY STERI OUS AM ERI CA mound CemeTery • mArieTTA, ohio Sometimes there are things right in front of you and you will not see them.

Maybe that is why this column is here? To let you see what is really in front of you.

Take this month’s stop on the freight train we call Mysterious America.

The Mound Cemetery in Marietta, Ohio.

The truth is one of my first columns in Backroads was about the Serpent Mound in the Buckeye State as well.

Along the Midwest there seems to be a plethora of Native American sites that we should take note of.

Unfortunately many of them were leveled and destroyed in the name of progress, but some, like the massive site at Cahokia and here in Marietta, the settlers had a better grasp and understanding of what they had in front of

them and embraced it, rather than obliterate it.

Back in the days, after the Revolutionary War, land grants were given to many officers and Marietta became the first settlement in what was then called the Northwest Territories.

Who knew?

The town is home to one of the oldest pioneer burial grounds west of the Appalachian Mountains: Mound Cemetery. General Rufus Putnam, who led the settlers here and founded the city, donated the plot of land surrounding this large Indian mound in January 1801, and the first burial took place in October of that same year; that of Revolutionary War veteran Robert Taylor.

In its early years, Mound Cemetery saw the burial of more than twenty-five Revolutionary War soldiers, including Rufus Putnam himself. Many of the Revolutionary War veterans went west to pursue their fortunes and start families, and a large number of them are interred here.

At the center of the graveyard is the Indian mound, which is thirty feet tall and can be climbed using a staircase. Signs warn you that it’s a major crime to leave the staircase and trample the mound -

BACKROADS • AUGUST 2017

Page 15 maybe because the cemetery is a registered National Landmark and that was made official on February 23, 1973 as the Mound Cemetery Mound. Archaeologists agree that the Hopewell Indians built the mound, even though most of Marietta’s famous earthworks were built by the Adena.

It was the first pioneers that made sure that this mound survived. Many very famous early Ohioans are buried in Mound Cemetery; even a quick look at the gravestones will reveal a lot of identifiable names. A list of the notable figures you’ll find occupying Marietta’s oldest cemetery including Abraham Whipple - the American who fired the first shot at the British on the water. He was the twelfth commissioned officer in the US Navy, and he went west with Putnam’s group to found Marietta.

Another stone spoke of Col. William Stacy, Revolutionary Soldier as well.

Still we had come to see the giant Indian Mound and impressive it is.

Parking the bike I walked solemnly through the grounds noting the names Whipple and Putnam. The stairs make for a tight climb ad I wondered how big the people were that added this climb years later.

Atop the mound you have a great 360-degree view of the surrounding town and college and although I am aware that this was just one of a few mounds that were present at one time, that this is the only one to remain, although some of the bricks that lined the streets of Marietta College were made from the materials taken from the others that were leveled in the past. There is also a Time Capsule here to be open on July 4th 2076.

The Mound Cemetery of Marietta Ohio reminds us that we Americans have not been around all that long and for thousands of years other ancient peoples called this land home and it is all part of Mysterious America.

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Hanover Powersports Presents

BIG CITY GETAWAY The 13 sTAr flAg Where The sTArs & sTriPes BegAn Just a short ride from Washington Rock you will find the Millbrook Encampment.

It was here and the surrounding area that the Continental Army parked for a while back in 1777 and again in 1778.

If you looked for Millbrook on a New Jersey map it had better be a very old one as the region has long since been absorbed by the town of Bridgewater, but the site of the encampments can still be found and, at one, something even more dear to all Americans.

The Washington Camp Ground, on Middlebrook Road in Bridgewater Township, just north of Route 22, was dedicated a historic site by local citizens in 1889, and entered the National Register of Historic Places July 3, 1975. The site is owned and preserved by the Washington Camp Ground Association It was here at Millbrook that our Continental Army first unfurled Old Glory.

The Stars and Stripes. The American Flag.

On June 14th, 1777 the Congress formally adopted the flag into law.

The new standard had the familiar red and white stripes but, on the canton, there were 13 stars representing our original colonies.

This event is commemorated annually since 1889 on July 4 with a changing of the flag, a reading of the Declaration of Independence and the delivery of an historical address at the Washington Camp Ground. Also, by special order of our Congress the 13 Star Flag is flown at the Middlebrook site 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

It is flanked on both sides by cannon and today a wooden historical marker tells of the Enigma of the British Army.

Last month we talked about how General Howe was delayed in his attempt to take Philadelphia – which they did that November.

It brings up the point of the second encampment for there were two - one 1777 and then 1778.

In November 1778 Washington started moving the army back to the Middlebrook area. The main army, consisting of the Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania Brigades, with the Delaware regiment, the artillery Corps, and the artisans and attached support units, were along the base of the Watchung Mountains. Here they were protected from some of the weather,

daytrip ideas to get out of the daily grind

BACKROADS • AUGUST 2017

Page 17 had the high ground and why should Clinton have been able to do what Howe could not the year before.

How grand would it be to ride to the very place where our nation’s flag made its official debut and get to salute the original 13 Star Flag!?

had a good supply of trees for construction and firewood, and were supported by a generally patriotic population, with an active militia.

Washington set up his headquarters at the Wallace House, in what is now Somerville.

The Virginia troops were posted just west of the gap where Middlebrook creek flows out of the mountains, at Chimney Rock. The Virginia position extended along today’s Foothill Road. The Maryland

Brigade was posted east of the gap, past Vossler Avenue along what is now Middlebrook Rd. almost to Mountain Avenue. The Pennsylvania Brigade was posted south, at Weston, in today’s Manville. Several miles northwest along the ridge, at Pluckemin, the Artillery Corps was stationed, with an extensive academy/barracks construction.

They numbered just 8,000 yet the British forces (who vastly outnumbered the rebels) were intimidated. They were led by British General Clinton who stated that the Americans were too numerous to be “rashly attempted” with his force of some 22,000. He then failed to reach Burgoyne in time to prevent the loss at Saratoga.

To give the British and Clinton a little slack here; there is the point to be made that the Continental Army

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G REAT A LL AMERICA N DINE R RUN

tasty places to take your bike

TuCker’s 207 MAIN STREET, NEW LONDON, NEW HAMPSHIRE 03257 603-526-2488 • TUCKERSNH.COM We rarely bring up or mention chain eateries here in the Great All American Diner Run – but, in truth, we did not know that there was more than one Tucker’s till after we paid the bill.

And, we had already said this was a fantastic place – so having two others, all in the Live Free or Die State of New Hampshire, is probably a good thing.

But our travels and the Road Gods colluded one fine late spring afternoon and put us directly in front of the Tucker’s in New London, New Hampshire precisely at lunchtime for us.

Never argue with the Road Gods.

Located in the center of the town, Tucker’s offered up a comfortable setting, with an outdoor seating area, a superb and fairly diverse menu and had some really, really nice people working for them.

A good staff, friendly server and smiling manager can make or break a restaurant. In fact their logo is “Good Eats – Great People.

Tucker’s did well on both.

They offer both breakfast and lunch and we had come in the afternoon, but let me tell you about some of the offerings you will find on the breakfast

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menu which is served until 11am during the week and till 2 on Sundays.

Their Classic includes two eggs, house potatoes or baked beans and toast. You will find a scrumptious challah bread French toast, “cakes” and waffles.

There is an offering of yogurts and oatmeal as well as a wide array of different breakfast sandwiches, wraps and burritos.

There are a number of Tucker’s Specialties as well – a play on most of the standards but with a Tucker touch.

The Tucker’s Rancheros looked yummy as it went by…a twist on an ole favorite…2 farm fresh eggs scrambled with onions, peppers, and Cheddar & Jack cheese, served over house potatoes and Tucker’s black bean blend, finished with chipotle sauce, and served with house made chili and toast.

There were also a number of omelets too: The Pops hardwood smoked bacon, Jones Farm sausage, applewood smoked ham, sautéed onions & peppers, Ameri-

BACKROADS • AUGUST 2017

Page 19 can cheese, topped with hollandaise and the Durango - Mexican chorizo, grilled peppers and onions, and cotija cheese, topped with pico de gallo, guacamole, and sour cream.

Oh, yeah.

But we were there for lunch and we had made the same old promise that on “this trip” we would eat a bit better and thinking healthy rather than ravenous.

Good luck with that, I tell ya.

Tucker’s sandwich offerings are as varied as their breakfast items. Melts, clubs, ciabatta and paninis and you can upgrade to a side of “Superfood Greens” (From Krypton).

Staying on the Power Plates we spotted Sashimi Superfood - fresh greens topped with sashimi grade, wild caught yellowfin tuna, kohlrabi, brussels sprouts, broccoli, red cabbage, carrots, fire roasted tomatoes and artichokes.

This is all topped with Micro Mama’s kimchi and served with toasted sesame ginger dressing.

We didn’t think we were that healthy …yet, so we went for a Plan B. Looking to already compromise with our desire to stay alive and our need to enjoy staying alive we opted for a Perfect Match: ½ sandwich, ½ salad and…God help me… an apple.

It turned out the sandwiches and salad were just what they called it – the perfect match, not to mention it looked fantastic, and I stashed the apple for our ferry ride later on the journey.

As we said Tucker’s is a fun and friendly place and when nature beckoned I came upon three doors – Men, Women & Politicians in the middle.

I’ll go for door #2 Monty…. Too funny!

If and when traversing New Hampshire and looking for a place to eat that is a cut above the standard then look for Tuckers – you will find them in New London, Concord and Hooksett – and we are pretty sure you will not be disappointed in any one you stop by.

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AUGUST 2017 • BACKROADS

WE’RE OUTTA HER E

a weekend destination keeping you on the backroads

The WhiTe dove roCkoTel 148 Tinker sTreeT, WoodsToCk, ny 12498 845-306-5419 • WWW.TheWhiTedoveroCkoTel.Com Robin Williams once said ‘Spring Time is Mother Nature’s way of saying – Let’s party!’

This last March erased all the fun of the warm February and we were more than a little willing to get out for a few days’ on the road at the first hint of a real spring.

Following our waterfall trip we were putting together we were in search of a place to overnight up in the Catskills and had heard of a new “boutique” hotel called The White Dove in Woodstock, New York, following the 60s musical theme for which the town is famous. (Okay, we should all know by now that the famed music festival was named for the town, but the actually happening occurred miles to the south in Bethel, NY at Yasgur’s Farm.)

Still, that has not stopped Woodstock from becoming a mecca for bohemians, hippies, hipsters and folks just looking for a fun time and great town to have it in.

While there do we have a place for you!

The White Dove Rockotel is the creation and collaboration of wife and husband team Erin Cadigan and Martin Mills. She is a phenomenal rock poster artist and he an experienced builder. Together their ‘Rockotel” is fun, funky and full of panache.

It is called a Rockotel because each of the rooms and suites follows an artist and the flair of the 1969 Woodstock concert or a unique musical theme.

As they say “Each suite is designed to embody the spirit of a group that played at the concert. The buildings and grounds have been lovingly renovated retaining as many original fixtures as salvageable. ART ANNEX suites have the same fun design sensibilities and capture a laid back 70s vibe.”

Riding down Tinker Street, Woodstock’s main drag, it is hard to miss The White Dove as it is painted with shades of purple across its quaint and comfortable looking exterior.

The building itself has been there since 1865 and has seen the transforma-

tion of Woodstock from a small upstate hamlet to a world famous destination it is today.

The inn has two properties – The White Dove, the Garden (Joni Mitchel , Station (Grateful Dead), Heart (Janis Joplin) and Experience (Jimi Hendrix) suites and at the Art Annex suites you’ll find the Rocket Room (“Sky rockets in flight, afternoon delight” Starland Vocal Band? Okay, then.) and the Bohemian Rhapsody (Queen).

All the rooms have modern flat screen televisions with Netflix and Roku service provided – very cool and the new MST3K was appreciated. Even better the rooms all have a portable Crosley record player with an interesting selection of vintage vinyl.

The night we were there we spun Joni’s Clouds and C,S,N & Y 4 Way Street. When was the last time you had to “flip” the record?

All the rooms have very restful beds, comfy linens and the shower was hot, strong and rated high in our opinion. The soaps were deliciously scented as well.

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BACKROADS • AUGUST 2017

Page 21

The wallpapers, pillowcases and drapes are all artfully designed by Erin and just added to the vibe The White Dove creates. We studied the paper in the bathroom calling out the Joni references found there.

Don’t we all sometimes feel like a cog in something turning?

The Garden Room also had a kitchenette including bar seating, toaster oven, electric kettle, coffee station, sink and mini-fridge.

At The White Dove the rooms surrounded a cozy sitting area with tables, chairs and a fire pit.

If you are traveling with a few friends pick up a bottle or two of wine in town, turn on one of the Crosley record players and relax before strolling into town for dinner. What a great way to power down after a long day’s motorcycle ride!

The White Dove Rockotel is ideal for those who are looking for an excellent getaway. You get Woodstock, right down Tinker Street with its great shops, museums, restaurants, fantastic ice cream and hippie counter culture.

The Rockotel itself is far above most of the other local places and is reasonably priced for the area; $125 - $265 depending on the day and room. The place is also pet-friendly for a small additional charge.

Martin and Erin also offer a reduced rate for additional nights – so you can make a long weekend of it and have the Catskills, with its excellent roads and natural beauty, to ride around during the day and The White Dove and Woodstock to return to each night.

The only thing that can get much more groovier than this place is a great journey to it! We’ll start this one from the Elias Cole Restaurant on Route 23, north of Sussex, New Jersey. (Route on Page 45)

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souTh mounTAin CreAmery 8305 BolivAr rd, middleToWn, md 21769 301-371-8565 • WWW.souThmounTAinCreAmery.Com mon-sAT: 10Am-6Pm • sundAy: noon-6Pm But you can take the country road Should a motorcycle be your mode And the animals will love it if you do If you do, now (apologies to Simon and Garfunkel) Some time ago, our friend Larry Cain sent me a brochure for the Maryland Ice Cream Trail. I plotted out each stop, piecing together my ultimate Maryland Ice Cream Ride, and put it aside for that some day.

Fast forward to this year’s Backroads Spring Break.

It was a great couple of days but it was time for us to head home. While most were doing the pull the trigger and shoot home ride, we decided to meander a bit and overnight at a lovely B&B in Fairfield, PA before getting back to work. Of course Brian put together a great ride, with suggestions from the good Dr. O’Life on ‘must see’ stops. Weaving along the very country roads of Maryland, we passed a parking lot full of parked ice cream trucks. Craning my neck to see them, Brian radioed that, as part of my job, we should stop and check it out. And so we did.

Turns out South Mountain Creamery was on that Ice Cream Trail and deservedly so. Parking the bikes, we were right in the middle of a working farm, founded in the early 80s. Randy and Karen Sowers developed the land, cattle and products over the years into a premier farm, and Maryland’s first on-the-farm dairy

processing plant, that raises their cows from birth, grows their own non-GMO feed and crops, processes their dairy, meat and eggs on-site to guarantee freshness and delivers their wholesome milk in glass bottles.

Before heading into Karen’s Kountry Store for ice cream, we had a visit with the resident cows. Not only are they up close and personal, SMC offers free selfguided and guided tours every day. Should you fashion yourself a Future Farmer of America, you can see the cows enjoying the luscious pastures before visiting the maternity ward and, afterwards, the newborns and young ones in the calf barn. You’ll see the milking parlour from 1:30-4:30 and, should you feel maternal, grab a bottle and feed the calves at 4pm.

All this should get you sufficiently primed to taste the delicious and creamy ice cream they have to offer. And a great selection it is. I went with a kiddie scoop each

BACKROADS • AUGUST 2017

of their version of MooseTrack – Dirty Tracks: chocolate ice cream with chocolate chunks, marshmallows and brownie pieces and Coconut Joy, while Brian was swayed by the Sea Salted Caramel Dream. All were equally delicious. The quantity to price ratio is quite generous so we stepped outside to savor our treats and visit with their producers, who gave us quizzical looks.

There are a few picnic tables to sit and slurp or take a walk around and see the farm.

Should you visit and become addicted to their ice cream they will ship your favorite flavor, or flavors, to your home packed with dry ice to ensure the quality remains the same. They also have random events throughout the season so check their website or Facebook page and mark your calendar.

There are some nice country roads surrounding the farm so should you be in their area, definitely plan on stopping in, either for a full visit or just a taste of something special.

Here’s a Mini Maryland Ice Cream Trail, bringing you from Rocky Point Creamery in Tuscarora to South Mountain in Middletown and finishing at Woodbourne Creamery at Rock Hill Orchard in Mt. Airy. Enjoy the ride and remember to eat ice cream as often as possible. (Route on Page 44)

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PRODUCT REVIEW

AUGUST 2017 • BACKROADS

X-LITE X-1004 MODULAR HELMET

We have been fans of Nolan modular helmets for a long time, but now their X-Lite division has released their own modular helmet, the X-1004.

Long known for their racing involvement and helmets, you can consider X-Lite akin to Honda’s Acura or Toyota’s Lexus brands.

One or two steps above in quality, fit and finish.

The long anticipated X-1004 has finally arrived on US shores and I have been riding around with this new offering for a few months now, nearly 10,000 miles, and I can tell you their advertisement stating “The most comfortable modular helmet that you will ever wear!” is pretty spot on.

The X-Lite X-1004 is a very cushy and quiet modular helmet.

First off it is a compact helmet, thanks to X-Lite allowing for three different helmet shell sizes – not just two as other helmets.

The helmet is built from a very lightweight composite fiber and has one of the largest visor openings of any helmet I have ever worn.

The X-1004 has a great ventilation system that they call TVS or touring ventilation system showing the helmet’s touring heritage.

The system is made up of an upper air intake that provides both direct ventilation to the front of the helmet (even at low speeds and independent to the position of the VPS) and diffused ventilation to the upper-head area in combination with the innovative net featuring liner. The chin guard air intake allows ventilation at mouth level and directs air straight to the visor, limiting

fogging and a rear extractor integrated into a rear spoiler, allows for a good flow of fresh air.

The washable interior of this helmet is down right plush and unique. Here is where you see the extra effort that X-Lite has gone to create this new offering. The soft plum interior and clean stitching speak quality.

I found the VPS Inner Sun Screen to be a few shades darker than my previous Nolan modular and that is a good thing as it was one of my few issues with the Nolan and I had to wear sunglasses with the old, but I am good to go with the X-1004. Sun out visor down, cloudy visor up.

I do think that the control stem to open and close this visor is a little on the light-side, and I removed the screw holding it and added a touch of Locktite to make sure it stayed put.

If you do wear glasses X-Lite has made this helmet wearer-friendly as it features an exclusive system designed for the comfort of eyeglass wearers, with space in the cheek pads for the glasses’ arms.

The helmet also easily accepts Nolan’s NCOM Bluetooth Communication System.

On the road I found the X-1004 – sized medium – to be a tad tight at first, but that quickly mellowed out to a snug easy fitting and after 10,000 miles I have no issues and only praise for this helmet. It fits, wears and operates exactly as promised – very comfortably and with a well-made feel.

It opened and closed easily and with a solid click that just has a quality feel to it and the wide visor offers superior peripheral vision. Even though it is just a color option, the Hi-Viz is very conspicuous and really stands out in traffic. The helmet is available in a number of other more standard colors as well.

With the X-1004 X-Lite and Nolan have raised the bar with modular helmets and with a list price of $575 it has a far friendlier price-point than comparable helmets from other manufacturers. For more information, colors and sizes log onto xlite-usa.com. ~ Brian Rathjen

BACKROADS • AUGUST 2017

T

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he Shunpikers are a loosely organized group of guys aged about 55 to 70 and mostly from Brewster, New york. Our name derives from a term many generations old when the first toll roads were built. Some in America were called Corduroy Roads and they were basically paved with logs laid across the lane which kept the wheels and beasts out of the mud. The toll taker waited at the beginning of the road with a spear or pike across the road barring entry. When the toll was paid, the pike was turned. Those who avoided these main thoroughfares, shunned them. Hence, they were Shunpikers. (Google it).

We meet at Brewster Shell most riding season Sunday mornings, with kickstands up at 7 AM, until the autumn when it is dark at 7 so we move it back to 8. Loosely organized means that an e-mail goes out to the group with a possible ride plan and whoever shows up ready to go, be it 2 or 12 guys, head out. The bikes are mostly sport tourers, BMW, yamaha, Honda, a Moto Guzzi and even a couple of HDs. The rides range from just a few hours to breakfast and home, to a mid-day return to an occasional all day ride.

Shunpikers Take California words: Greg Bagen

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AUGUST 2017 • BACKROADS

We also have a trip once every year or so for 7 to 10 days. The trips have been in the West, the South, Nova Scotia and even Europe. Last year, it was California with 6 guys.

The previous year was UT, AZ, NM and CO with 15 riders. The guys who go on the trips have Shunpiker names with stickers on our helmets like the ones of Maverick and Goose in the movie Top Gun. I’m Gator, since I’m a litiGator. On this trip we had Rocket who is a horsepower junkie, Pokey, because he is, Psycho, a psychologist, Cowboy, a rancher and Hooker who owns a towing company.

Some of the more colorfully nicknamed Shunpikers, like Cutter the neurosurgeon, Wild Bill (don’t ask), Bye-Bye, wherever he is, Crash, Taz and Rambo did not make this trip. Since we have several guys whose first real names are John, one of my favorite pranks is to approach a desk clerk at the night’s lodging and announce that I have however many Johns, a Hooker and some other guys and I ask if our rooms are ready.

This was our trip last June.

San Francisco to Cambria Route 101 to 85 to 17 to 1 (at Santa Cruz) We gathered at the Comfort Inn by the SF airport and headed south toward Cambria. Four guys had shipped their bikes from NY, one had rented and I had ridden my 2000 Honda ST1100A from Boulder, Colorado, where one of my sons lives and where I store this particular bike. We had three BMWs: K1600GT, K1300GT and R1200RT, a Yamaha FJR1300 and a HD. The traf-

fic was typical California misery until we got past Monterey and on the twolane Route 1. After a first view of the Pacific past Carmel-by-the-Sea at the start of Big Sur, we went down the coast to lunch at Nepenthe and on to Cambria Landing for the first night on the road. Nepenthe has an outdoor patio,

looking over the crashing ocean waves from high above, at which we had sandwiches and strictly non-alcoholic beverages. After lunch, we stopped to see a huge colony of elephant seals as well as enjoying some of the most beautiful ocean scenery imaginable.

Clem Salvadori of Rider Magazine, and his charming and lovely wife Sue, joined us for a great seafood dinner at the Moonstone Grill next door. Adult beverages were then in order.

I’m the planner for some of the Shunpiker trips, and hobby in itself, and Clem’s book, Motorcycle Journeys Through California and Baja, was a big part of my planning for this trip. When I had a quandary about certain choices of roads, I sent Clem an e-mail for some advice. A correspondence ensued, and I selected a couple of roads for the trip on his advice.

August 2017-Pages_2011 Page Layout-New 7/3/17 11:08 AM Page 27

BACKROADS • AUGUST 2017

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Cambria to Sequoia National Park Route 46 to 41 to 180 (at Fresno) to 198 Route 46 gave us a fine start on our second day. It was cool, traffic free and winding through foothills and farmland crossing over to the San Fernando Valley of California. The next stretch past Fresno and into the foothills of the Sierra Nevada was getting hot and was boring, but we finished it less than 3 hours after we left Cambria.

Lunch at The Schoolhouse Restaurant east of Fresno on 180 was a good choice.

After lunch we starting the climb up from the valley to over 7,000 feet in Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks. We first went to the end of Route 180 at the bottom of Kings Canyon, enjoying a series of switch backs and overlooks that are not to be missed. Then, on the way back to the 180/198 intersection, we stopped to see the Grant’s Grove of giant Sequoias. The General Grant Tree is almost 300 feet tall and over 100 feet in circumference. It stands in a grove with dozens of these huge trees, but none quite so big. We then proceeded to the Wuksachi Lodge in Sequoia National Park for the night. It is beautiful lodge and we had a fine dinner. When we went to breakfast, they had the box lunches that we had ordered the night before ready for us to take along. Some of the guys went to see the Sherman Tree, the largest of them all, 36 feet in diameter, but they had run out of time to take the shuttle, which was required to see it.

Sequoia NP to Death Valley NP Route 198 to 204 to 65 to 190 to Sherman Pass to 395 to 190 We headed south out of the park down a steep, twisty switch backed road dropping 4,000 feet to the Valley, then came around to the south of the park to take the Sherman Pass Road over the Sierra Nevada. This is the southernmost pass, and hence the most desert-like and the hottest of the three that we would do on the trip.

The high part (9,000 feet) was nice and cool and forested. Since there are no services on the pass, we had taken the box lunches and picnicked high on the mountain.

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AUGUST 2017 • BACKROADS

After we began the descent toward Death Valley it got damn hot. However, this was but a prelude to what was to come. We later entered Death Valley with a temperature of 115 degrees or more. As we rode to the Furnace Creek Ranch we all thought that we had our heated grips turned on to “High”. We had reserved cabins at the Ranch, which were excellent, and after Rocket made a cabin switch, we all had AC to make the night bearable. The restaurant was fine for both dinner and breakfast, and the store had the provisions (read “beer”) sought to start the respite. We were 100 feet below sea level, but the park goes down to almost 300. On a clear day, this lowest point can be seen from the highest point in the continental US on top of Mount Whitney, over 14,000 feet above us.

Death Valley NP to Yosemite NP Route 190 to 136 to 395 to 120 to 140 The next day we got an early start to get out of the Valley before the heat really whacked us. Riding through the austere desert on straightaways where you could often see for miles ahead, and then climbing up and out to head north to Yosemite was really special. I had questioned my wisdom in including this park on the trip, but the guys all agreed the experience was worth the heat. We rode north to Lee Vining where we had lunch at the Whoa Nellie Deli, a full-service cafeteria-style restaurant, Mobil station and general store.

The food was quite good. From there, we climbed up and over the roughly 9,000 foot Logan Pass in Yosemite NP, savoring the cool air and incredible alpine scenery. We then dropped down to the edge of Yosemite Valley but

headed to our hotel, the Yosemite View Lodge in Portal, for the night. The next day was set aside just to visit the park, and the combination of the President and his family being in the park, and it just being a Sunday, made waiting for the next day to enter a smart move.

Yosemite Valley with Bridal Veil Falls One of the guys, recognizing the heat to come in the afternoon, made the smart suggestion to go into the park early, go first to Glacier Point, perhaps the most awesome view point in the world, and then do a loop of the loop in the valley and return to the hotel for lunch. The plan was to take a guided tour in the afternoon, in cool non-ATGATT outerwear, rather than fight the heat and traffic. However, due to a miscommunication, the tour never happened. The bus would not come to our hotel to pick us up. They apparently thought that we were at the Yosemite Lodge in the park, not the Yosemite Valley View Lodge, which is a few minutes outside the park.

However, since we had already enjoyed a great morning in the park, we made the best of it by getting some beers and hanging out at the pool. It was intended to be an easy day in the middle of the trip anyway.

Yosemite NP to Lake Tahoe Route 140 to 120 to 49 to 4 to 89 We left Yosemite the next morning and headed for Ebbetts Pass on Route 4, our third and the best motorcycle riding pass over the Sierra Nevada. The road again rises to about 9,000 feet, and at the highest elevations it is barely more than a one lane road, with great twisties and sweepers, fine pavement and no traffic. In discussing the routes with Clem, he agreed that Ebbetts was the best of the passes. I had done it before and wanted to share it with my friends. We then proceeded north to Lake Tahoe and its staggeringly deep blue waters and then on to the River Ranch Lodge to the west of the lake for the night. The people were accommodating, the food was good and we slept well.

Lake Tahoe to Weaverville Route 89 to 44 to 299 Our next destination was Lassen Volcanic National Park, a little known but special park with active volcanism demonstrated by steam and bubbling mud at the surface, and a 10,000-foot mountain upon which to ride.

Two days after the 115 degrees in Death Valley we were riding through snow banks on the sides of the road.

We had lunch at the Visitor’s Center, which was perfect for our needs. After that, we suffered through another roasting as we crossed the Sacramento Valley through Redding in 100 degree weather again (gimme some snow, please) to then climb into the Trinity Alps.

BACKROADS • AUGUST 2017

We encountered one of the many construction delays that interrupted our journey, and it was unfortunately before we had risen above the heat. Some of the bikes saw their temperature gauges moving into the scary zone. At least they are maintaining the roads, unlike here in the northeast where they are falling apart. We stayed in the historic Weaverville Hotel and Emporium in the center of downtown Weaverville. Each room was different and filled with antiques, claw foot tubs and fireplaces (which we did not try). We ate at LaGrange across the street, worthy of the hotel’s recommendation.

Weaverville to Eureka 3 to 36 to 101 to Avenue of the Giants to Mattole Road to 101 Routes 3 and 36 to Route 101 gave us some of the best riding ever. The roads sweep through forests and hills and redwood groves that take your breath away. And that was only the start of the day. After lunch at a roadside barbeque in Carlotta, we went south on 101 to the northern end of the Avenue of the Giants. While the Coastal Redwoods are not as thick as Sequoias, they are taller and their groves are bigger and denser. You ride in shadows where the sunlight cannot penetrate among trees rising well over 300 feet

Page 29

tall and a dozen feet thick. We then turned onto Mattole Road, added to the trip at Clem’s suggestion, expecting to see the largest of the trees (360 feet tall and 17 feet in diameter) which we did, and a lovely ride through redwood groves and later along the Pacific coast up towards Eureka. Clem must not have really liked us. It was an ordeal. The trees were great as was the coast.

The road was something you would expect in the Third World. Scenery, what scenery? All we did was study the surface of the road to dodge potholes and shimmy over gravel stretches. One long piece of unpaved loose gravel was a steep uphill washboard that shook the crap out of each of us. We did, however, safely arrive at our hotel in Eureka, The Eagle House Victorian Inn. This hotel provided us with one of the truly unique experiences of this or any trip. Their “parking lot” for motorcycles was in the old ballroom of the hotel.

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AUGUST 2017 • BACKROADS

They set up a little ramp, opened some double doors and had us bring the bikes right in. The manager guided us in, one-by-one and placed pads under our side sands as we were in position. We also had the entire top floor, with 6 rooms and a sitting room all to ourselves. On the main floor was an Irish Pub, which fed us well.

Speaking of the sitting room, we have a tradition of having a meeting before dinner each night to go over the day and plan for the next. For each trip that I plan we have metal shot glasses with our names and the trip title on them and someone always has a bottle of booze ready. We toast our safe arrival and the expectation of another the next day.

Eureka to Mendocino Route 101 to Avenue of the Giants to 101 to 1 Before we left Eureka, we went to the Black Lightning Motorcycle Café for breakfast. It was a full service diner in a bike museum and parts store. It reminded me of the Moto Coffee/Machine in Hudson, New York. It is well worth a visit for a cuppa coffee or a meal.

We then headed back down 101 to ride the southernmost section of the Avenue of the Giants, which was even more impressive than the northern.

We stopped at the Chandelier Tree, which is a ride through tree for photo ops, after having had lunch at the Peg House, a super roadside spot. After the big tree, we headed down Route 1 to the Ocean. That stretch of Route 1 is more fun than the Dragon’s Tail, twisting and turning, up and down for miles in dense forest and then along the Pacific to Mendocino. We stayed at the Mendocino Hotel, another historic downtown gem with terrific views, food and beverages.

Mendocino to SF - Route 1 to Bodega Bay to 101 to SF Our last day took us down the coast to Bodega Bay and then across the Golden Gate into San Francisco. We lunched at an iconic seafood shack in Bodega Bay called The Fishetarian. Go there.

With the trip completed, we went our separate ways back to everyday life, ready to plan our next great adventure.

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Wuksachi Lodge in Sequoia Kings Canyon NP 64740 Wuksachi Way, Sequoia National Park, CA 93271 www.visitsequoia.com/lodging • 866-807-3598 The Oasis at Death Valley (formerly Furnace Creek Ranch) Death Valley National Park, Hwy 190, Death Valley, CA 92328 www.oasisatdeathvalley.com • 800-236-7916 Whoa Nellies Deli 22 Vista Point Dr, Lee Vining, CA 93541 www.whoanelliedeli.com • 760-647-1088 yosemite View Lodge, el Portal, CA www.yosemiteresorts.us • 888-742-4371 River Ranch Lodge & Restaurant 2285 River Rd, Tahoe City, CA 96145 riverranchlodge.com • 530-583-4264 Weaverville Hotel & emporium 481 Main St, Weaverville, CA 96093 weavervillehotel.com • 800-750-8853 The eagle House Victorian Inn – now the Inn at 2nd & C 139 2nd St, eureka, CA 95501 www.theinnat2ndandc.com • 704-444-3344 Black Lightning Motorcycle Café 440 F St, eureka, CA 95501 blacklightningmotorcyclecafe.com • 707-442-2562 The Peg House 69501 SU 101, Leggett, CA • thepeghouse.com • 707-925-6444 The Mendocino Hotel 45080 Main St, Mendocino, CA 95460 mendocinohotel.com • 707-937-0511 Fishetarian Fish Market 599 Hwy 1, Bodega Bay, CA 94923 fishetarianfishmarket.com • 707-875-9092

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PRODUCT REVIEW

AUGUST 2017 • BACKROADS

MICHELIN ANAKEE WILD TIRES Tony Lisanti

Released for the more adventure-oriented rider, the Anakee Wild is a true 60/40 on/off-road tire. The new tread pattern and design are purpose built for off-road traction and on road stability. New compounds, combined with an innovative tread pattern result in a tire designed to offer extraordinary life for on and off road adventures. The casing is reinforced to provide a higher level of stability and comfort on pavement. The new tread pattern has offset blocks and incorporates curved grooves to increase offroad performance in soft terrain and wet conditions. The new compounds and materials increase resistance to high temperatures and should increase tread life – temperature being the enemy of tires.

The Yamaha Super Tenere was an ideal candidate to try out the new sneakers. An initial break in ride along some local roads revealed a very different feel with these tires. They do require some getting used to especially on the initial transition to turn. Anyone that has experience with a dirt bike and DOT knobbies on the street will recognize the sensation.

After an initial break in of 100 miles or so, I pointed the Yamaha north toward Vermont on a late April weekend to see how they would feel. A day’s journey up through New York’s Dutchess County through Connecticut, Massachusetts and into Vermont was a good indication that although the tires feel different at first, they do provide reasonable grip in the turns. Once I reached Vermont’s Route 100 the pace increased which allowed me to run at about 80% to 90% of normal speed. That is to say somewhat north of the speed limit but not quite warp speed.

Once past Dover, VT and Mount Snow, I made my way over Stratton-Arlington Road which consists of 15 or so miles of seasonal use hard packed dirt and gravel. This road is usually not difficult but this was early in the season so standing water and wash outs were a real possibility. The road is a gentle roller coaster of turns and climbs then descends down to Arlington VT near Rt 7A. The road was wet and slimy with some spots of yet to be melted snow packed against the banks.

The Yamaha tends to push the front end through turns due to its (and my) heft. The tires (inflated to 36 psi) however, bit nicely since the aggressive tread blocks extend to the side wall. With the traction control off and having gained confidence, the pace quickened and I got into a groove on the descent. Even though it was early in the season, the road was traveled by day trippers and an occasional four wheel vehicle would appear heading in the opposite direction. As I went into the many blind corners, getting on the brakes and making a mid turn corrections was not a problem. Although such mid corner changes are unnerving on pavement they are doubly so on dirt. The tires did bite and made these corrections routine. After a return trip home and about 300 - 400 miles the tires still had the sharp edges little wear.

Fast forward to June, and I was again headed north under overcast skies, but this time to Lake George for Americade and Dirt Daze. A day or two of cold and rain allowed me to get a sense of the wet weather performance. The tires seemed fine with no ABS interruption despite some heavy stops. A day of spirited riding in the twisty county roads north of Lake George provided

BACKROADS • AUGUST 2017

PRODUCT REVIEW

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PIRELLI SCORPION TRAIL TIRES

Looking for a great all around tire for your adventure machine that offer great touring capability, decent mileage and wonderful rain handling?

Then take a look at the Pirelli Scorpion Trail Tire.

We put a set of these tires onto our BMW R1200GS about a month before a 5,000 ride to Newfoundland and found them to be an excellent touring companion.

Know that this tire offers superior handling capabilities on smooth pavement, but did a fairly good job when we ran them down miles of rough gravel and light trails in Newfoundland as well. Not a true dirt tire by any stretch of the imagination, but good enough to jazz it up in the light dirt.

The Scorpion Trail tires revolutionary tread pattern combines this high performance with a contemporary and innovative design.

It does look different than most other offerings for these machines. a further gain in confidence. However, one must remember these are not super sticky sport tires. The bike does tend to fall into the turn on transition and the tread blocks due squirm somewhat under hard cornering. You simply do not have the same contact patch as a full street tire. The feedback provides a good reminder to back off and ride accordingly. Towards the end of the week I had an opportunity to get off road again during an Adventure ride through Dirt Daze. The route of 150 miles was split 50 percent between hard packed unpaved roads and asphalt. Although it rained heavily earlier in the week, the dirt roads were fairly well dried out and traction was solid if not on the loose side. I was able to maintain a decent pace within our group. I dropped the front tire pressure to about 29 psi which helped with the front end feel. Any limitation was due to me and the weight of my bike. We had an opportunity to go through some “hero” sections with some fairly tight woods. Not quite single track but not typically where you would ride either. This was 1st and 2nd gear tight trails requiring picking a line through the trees and wet roots. I was amazed at the traction the tread blocks provided in these conditions. Off road in the soft stuff is where these tires are at their best.

The return trip was in summer time temperatures reaching over 90 degrees. There was not much difference in road manners despite the hot weather. Once home I was able to see that a total of 1600 + miles resulted in some significant wear to the center tread blocks. Much more so on the rear tire which is expected.

I measured and compared the depth of the rear side blocks to the center. The sides were about 10mm deep while the centers were 5-6 mm. Given the majority of the mileage was on paved roads with the last leg of trip in 90+ degree heat, I’d say they held up very well and this type of wear should be expected. Other forums and blogs report getting upwards of 5000 miles out of a set so we will see how these hold up even longer term.

In summary, the Anakee Wild tires are made for the dirt minded adventure riders. If you are a skilled rider on and off road and are looking for a tire that handles all types of terrain and wears like a sport or sport touring tire, then these are for you.

You can read more on these tires on the Michelin website motorcycle.michelinman.com/us or find them at your local dealer.

We thought the Scorpion image found on the tires a nice touch.

This technology utilizes a steel belt at 0°, ensuring greater stability and excellent handling on all types of road surface, even at full load; which we can attest to.

Combine this with Pirelli’s modern tire technology and you get a wonderful combination to enable the maximum traction in all weather conditions and the best possible ratio between performance and mileage.

This is a serious tire for the adventure-touring crowd.

These tires are available in most ADV sizes and you can log onto www.pirelli.com to find out more. ~ Brian Rathjen

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PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

AUGUST 2017 • BACKROADS

PRINCETON TEC • LIGHTING THE FUTURE

Bob Segar sang… “Bring on the night” – we agree.

Although we have always carried a small flashlight on our bikes we have never given it much thought until we went for one of our Mystery Rides last year. One of the riders coming along that day, George Chevalier, got to talking about flashlights. That is when we heard of Princeton Tec and their cutting edge products. Since then they have been featured in Popular Mechanics in the Best of All 50 States – representing Tec giant New Jersey.

We recently got a box from George with a few of Princeton Tec’s coolest lights and we were very impressed.

vizz 205 lumen heAdlAmP: $49.99 The Vizz is a headlamp that allows for both hands to be free and avoids holding the old light between your teeth.

This light has three distinct beam profiles easily accessed via a simple press, hold, or double press of the button.

AmP 1l hAndheld W/BoTTle oPener: $17.99 The tiny Amp 1L packs a 90 lumen LED. With a large carabiner loop, this handheld light can hang off of a gear loop on your pack or the inside of your tent. Amp 1L comes with a snap on cone to convert your flashlight into a marker light or to provide area lighting. When the adventure is over, this light still comes in handy with its built-in bottle opener. Amp 1L is waterproof to 100M (330ft).

One Maxbright LED creates a powerful spot beam for long-throw illumination, a pair of white Ultrabright LEDs that deliver a dimmable flood beam, and two red Ultrabright LEDs handle close-range lighting while preserving

BACKROADS • AUGUST 2017 night adjusted vision. When not in use the Vizz can be locked (triple press) to prevent accidental turn on, and the translucent switch acts as a battery level indicator.

Very neat, easy to use and extremely handy when really needed.

helix BACkCounTry lAnTern: $39.99 The coolest of the three was the Helix Backcountry Lantern.

This is a compact, lightweight lantern, which puts out a bright beam that’s easy on the eyes - perfect for around camp or in your tent. Helix Backcountry has a unique control surface that is free of buttons, yet gives access to a 150 lumen white mode, dimmable to 30 lumens, as well as a dimmable red mode for low profile use. The expanding globe and folding legs help Helix Backcountry to shine over a wide area. The lantern design also incorporates several hanging options.

It operates with a finger swipe and we see this coming along at events like the New Sweden 450 and Ramapo 500.

These and other Princeton Tec products can be had off the web and at places like Cabela’s and Bass Pro Shops.

Log onto their website for more information - www.princetontec.com

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PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

MILITARY PROTECTION FOR YOUR IPAD PRO Urban Armor Gear, a leading manufacturer of MIL-SPEC tested protective cases for phones, tablets, and laptops, has announced the launch of its new Metropolis Series Case for the new iPad Pro 10.5 & 12.9-inch models.

UAG’s Metropolis Series meets US MIL-SPEC Standards (810G-516.6) and offers 360-degree comprehensive protection from drops and shocks. A smart cover protects the screen and functions as a multiposition stand, while corner bumpers provide extra drop protection for the iPad’s display. The case also includes onboard storage for the Apple Pencil. The removable smart cover also makes the case compatible with Apple’s Smart Keyboard.

Like all UAG products, oversized ports and cutouts allow for use with 3rd party cables and accessories.

“As devices continue to evolve and move touchscreens closer to the edge where it is more exposed to damage, our Metropolis Series Case provides maximum protection for the display, without adding unnecessary bulk and weight or interfering with touchscreen accessibility” says Michael McVerry, Senior Marketing Manager at UAG. Metropolis Series Case for iPad Pro 10.5-inch available in Black, Red, Cobalt and sells for $59.95. Metropolis Series Case for iPad Pro 12.9-inch available in the same colors and lists for $89.95. Visit urbanarmorgear.com or facebook.com/urbanArmorgear for more information.

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AUGUST 2017 • BACKROADS

Words & Images: Jim Augustine Zero chance of rain; that’s what my weather app said just 10 minutes ago and here I am on 295 South on my trusty Triumph Sprint in the pouring rain.

My Aerostich Darien pants are in my saddlebag but I decide not to stop, as I am only about 8 miles from my destination at Cycle Gear in Cherry Hill, NJ, which is the launch point for the 4th Annual New Sweden BMW Riders 450.

As I pull into the parking lot I am greeted by Nancy who is busy registering the riders and a nice hot cup of Dunkin Donuts coffee with a glazed sticky treat complements of Myron the manager at Cycle Gear. There are lots of bikes of every make and style and old friends and new faces are milling about, mostly discussing the surprising turn in weather.

Once inside Cycle Gear I hand over my GPS to Phil, the “Ride Guru” who loads the two .gpx ride files, one for each day of the two day event, into my

Garmin. He is having a busy morning as well. I get my registration packet, which includes a cool sticker, miscellaneous swag, printed route directions, and I also get my cool commemorative T-shirt. I may need it if this weather keeps up.

After the meet and greet, admiring an old 60’s Beemer with a sidecar, and picking up a quart of oil (I do have a Triumph remember) and a final swallow of joe, people start gearing up and heading off into the South Jersey morning.

After just a few miles the ride leaves the more urban landscape and quickly turns to scenic and more rural farmlands. The rain has stopped and spirits are lifting.

The route wandered mostly north through central New Jersey and then meandered west towards the Delaware River and the Delaware Water Gap eventually crossing into southern New York. I won’t go into detail of the entire 230 miles but suffice to say that Dr. Phil does an absolutely unbelievable job

BACKROADS • AUGUST 2017

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of finding twisty and interesting roads even in pancake-flat south Jersey. He really outdid himself this year and the last couple of hours of the route were absolutely a blast. I felt like Valentino Rossi and my rear tire was toast at the end of the 450.

Well done!

The NSBMWR took the concept of a two-day ride (one day to and the second day back) and having a secret destination from the long-running Ramapo 500 which is held each year in the northeast. This year’s 450 destination was the Beaver-Del Hotel and Campground in aptly named East Branch, NY right on the east branch of the Delaware River.

The campground is named for the intersection of the Beaverkill and Delaware Rivers and the area is renowned for its Rainbow Trout fishing. I should know as I grew up in Downsville, NY about 15 miles up Route 30. As a matter of fact, I purchased my very first motorcycle, a 1970 Honda CB450 in full chopper regalia, king-queen seat, JC Whitney fog lamp headlights and all while shooting pool at the very same Beaver-Del Campground bar when I was 19 years old.

Join Us in 2017

A few years back the business was purchased by Elyce and Rob Shean and has had a full makeover. It was really a beautiful spot with RV sites, a tent camping area right on the water, a restaurant/bar/hotel and even an outdoor area NSBMWR used for the ceremonies and prize awards.

The buffet-style dinner Saturday night (included in the Rally fee) was really good especially after a long day in the saddle and it was quickly followed by a slew of Irish Car Bombs and a local favorite called an Angry Beaver. These were chased with Trout Town Eagle IPA

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AUGUST 2017 • BACKROADS

on tap made by a local brewery in Roscoe, NY. The evening’s festivities also included prize giveaways which included everything from a Kermit Chair to huge discounts on an overseas riding vacation and a custom Russell seat. There were so many prizes almost everyone in attendance received something for their participation.

Again, well done New Sweden! The evening wrapped up with a group of old and new friends gathered around a large campfire telling stories and outright lies.

The morning sunshine came bright and early and included a headache as I crawled from my tent and headed up to the hotel to partake in the breakfast buffet (again included).

Some nice hot coffee and smiling faces greeted me as I headed for the bacon, eggs, and home fries. Where’s the Tabasco? OK, pass the ketchup.

After some more socializing, a nice hot shower in the spotless bathroom, and an oil top-off (Triumph remember?) I packed up my campsite and loaded the Sprint ST once again for the unknown but highly anticipated ride back to reality. Once again the route was exciting and scenic passing through forests, small towns, and crossing many lakes and rivers. Another pleasant surprise for me was passing through Lake Huntington, NY on Rt. 52. We passed a building for sale that I remember was called The Nutshell back in the day. It was a restaurant/bar that used to be a roller skating rink back in the early 1900’s.

In the 1970’s I went there to see some great live bands (i.e. Ralph) but the most amazing thing was the entire inside of the venue was painted black with the ceiling and walls covered with psychedelic scenes in black light paint.

When lit up the place was a total feast for the eyes. This seems appropriate as the original Woodstock Festival in 1969 took place just a short distance away.

I hope these paintings are still there.

We also passed right by my grandmother’s old house, now abandoned, just outside Livingston Manor, but I digress. I said goodbye to New York and some fond memories and headed into the twisties of the Pocono Mountains of PA. We then passed through Bushkill Falls State Park. I have ridden around these parts many times but never went through here. It was astounding and I will be back for more exploration.

This should be on everyone’s bucket list.

The next several hours went by as quickly as the beautiful scenery along the Delaware River and I said goodbye to PA as we crossed at New Hope into NJ. The Sunday traffic was very evident so I decided to forego the meeting at the final destination point at PJ Whelihan’s Pub and I just rode straight home. As I unloaded my gear I reflected on just how special this two-day journey had been for me. It brought back some really special memories of my first bike, sitting with my long-passed grandma, staring at a ceiling for an hour, and missing some great friends. But I also made some new friends with the New Sweden BMW Riders Club and I am reminded once again that it isn’t the destination, but the journey that makes motorcycling so special in our hearts.

But, this time for me the destination was just the icing on the cake.

Check out their website for events: www.newswedenbmwriders.com

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BACKROADS • AUGUST 2017

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Each year as the snow melts, the rains come and the temperatures warm up, our focus turns northward towards Lake George. The first week of June each year Lake George plays host to Americade, billed as the World’s Largest Touring Rally. This year would be the 35th consecutive year of the event. To borrow a line from Field of Dreams, “if you build it, they will come”. In this case, they have and still do.

Thinking back the many years I have attended the rally - some 26 of them, beginning in 1991 - I am reminded of how lucky we are to have this event essentially in our backyards. A mere three hours away for me on what is now called by some the most beautiful lake in America.

Americade has become more than a rally, it’s a time to get together with good friends and words & images: Tony Lisanti family members and see familiar faces around your accommodations. It almost feels like a second home for me.

The first time I rode to Americade, it was an adventure into the unknown. I had never experienced an overnight trip on a motorcycle and never ventured more than a full tank of fuel away from home. Like many, the excitement of a new experience was all the motivation needed. Back those many years ago, it was a Honda NT 650 Hawk GT laden with a duffle bag and not much in the way of riding gear. Over the years and a few bikes including a cruiser, a few baggers and an adventure bike, has led to the evolution of said rider, now in safety and comfort.

Packed and ready to go on a warm overcast Sunday, I departed the lower Hudson Valley and meandered north primarily on Rte. 32. A few lefts and rights found me west of Albany and at the lower end of Adirondack Park. Suddenly I was rolling through Corinth, Lake Luzerne and making the left turn onto Canada Street. The feeling of arriving is the same, whether downshifting coming off the exit of the Northway, coming north or south on 9, or coming up through the bays on the lower end of the lake - arrival is a celebration.

Monday and Tuesday brought cold and rain as often is the case. Despite the weather, the show went on. Vendors were busy setting up displays on Beach Road for the Tour Expo, Manufacturers were slowly unpacking the big rigs readying their demos and displays. As usual, check in on Monday was a breeze. The Americade volunteer staff do an amazing job in keeping things organized and moving. Working in the rain, cold and blazing heat, often these folks are overlooked - but they are the ones that actually make the rally work.

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AUGUST 2017 • BACKROADS

Wednesday morning greeted the faithful with deep blue sunlit skies and perfect riding temperature. By midday the rally was in full swing. People were out on guided and self-guided tours. Tour Expo was filling up as people were looking at the latest and greatest from Dunlop, Kuryakyn, Schuberth, Nolan and many more vendors. The area where Tour Expo was located had some recent upgrades making the walking experience more pleasant. The demo fleets were in top gear with people patiently waiting their turn. This year’s demos featured Yamaha and Harley Davidson at their usual spots on Beach Road. Fort William Henry played host to BMW, Ducati, Indian, Suzuki, Honda, Moto Guzzi and Polaris.

The Hotel’s Conference Center was also the place to listen and learn with the lectures and presentations. This year’s featured speakers included Rider Magazine’s Mark Tuttle, RoadRUNNER’s John Flores, Ken Conden and Americade regular Fred Rau among others.

Registered attendees also had an opportunity to attend opening ceremonies and check the daily door prizes. The evening’s festivities included lakeside BBQ, Scenic boat rides and the closing ceremony, fireworks and parade. Additional entertainment was highlighted by comedians Alonzo Boden and Ross Bennet. On Friday night there was music by Molly Hatchet, Commander Cody and the Mallet Brothers Band and the Festival Commons. These are just some of the many features that the rally provides that have now become tradition for so many.

The center of the parking lot between Fort William Henry and the Conference Center featured daily displays of skill from motor officers from around the country.

An Americade first, Yamaha chose to debut their new Transcontinental flagship touring motorcycle on Wednesday evening - The Star Venture. What an impressive machine. With one leg in the traditional air cooled v-twin camp and the other in the luxury and performance camp. Can’t wait to try one. Perhaps more manufacturers will choose Americade as a venue for debuts.

Wanting to get some mileage in on my own ride on Thursday provided another picture perfect day. We were able to enjoy the greenery of the Adirondacks resulting from rain previously. I don’t remember seeing the region so lush. A buddy of mine and I met up with Backroads North at the Sun Castle and we took a short ride put together by Paul Donohue he calls the Moriah twisties. At midday we broke off from the group and headed down towards Lake Luzerne to see the dirty side of Americade - Dirt Daze.

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BACKROADS • AUGUST 2017 Hosting an off road and adventure rally in tandem with Americade is one way to attract the ever growing segment of ADV riders and bring some much needed new blood to the rally. This year the second annual event was camped (literally) at the Painted Pony Rodeo. The Rodeo grounds not only hosted the event, but provided camping and dining facilities for the hardy folks who attended. Several vendors including Twisted Throttle, MotoVermont and ADVRider magazine were present showing their products. Manufacturers such as Suzuki with a fleet of V-Stroms, Ducati, Zero, Chrisitini, Beta and APJ were offering demo rides. Several demos included a small off-road area with some single-track woods. Off road instruction by Jimmy Lewis was offered as were several special skill sections for those who wanted to tempt fate with their off road prowess.

On Friday we were off on a 150-mile Adirondack Adventure Tour which promised a good mix of paved and unpaved roads. The group consisted of about thirty riders including some side hacks. Since the group was relatively large, the tour guide decided to split the group in half, with none other than Americade founder Bill Dutcher taking our group. Bill, now in his mid-seventies, is free to travel and explore after many years of running the rally.

He can ride well too- in fact he has mad skills on and off road. This full day ride with lunch took us on a relatively new route into the Adirondacks up past Gore Mountain, North Creek and North River. At North River we stopped for a planned lunch at Garnet Hill Ski Lodge, which provided a scenic tranquil place to cool down. Lunch was hardy and perfect for our adventurous group.

After lunch we wound our way back south but made one more stop at the Stony Creek Ranch. The Ranch offered us some refreshments as well as a couple of Hero sections for folks to test out their dirt skills. I took the Green route which was a short single track woods section. The Red loop had some type of river/swamp section and I was not up to pulling a 650 lb. Yamaha out of the mud.

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AUGUST 2017 • BACKROADS After we made our way back to the Painted Pony, we were all grateful to Mr. Dutcher for touring us through his “backyard”. We look forward to this part of the rally again next year.

Once back in town we noticed the weekend crowd had moved in. Canada Street and all the restaurants and bars were filled well into the evening. The fireworks show after sunset was spectacular with a clear sky and full moon providing the backdrop. Closing ceremonies were now concluded and after the traditional parade on Saturday morning, another Americade would draw to a close.

After 35 consecutive years, the rally has grown, evolved and changed. What wouldn’t change during that span of time? Some observations are the registered attendance while still abundant seemed down from previous years.

The average age of folks attending the actually rally is up as well. The aging demographics of our sport are well known and Americade is not exempt. However, I do notice that more riders are gearing up properly, while in years past t-shirts and jeans were the norm. I have noticed a growing number of people wearing better gear and more often. The number of women riders and adventure riders continues to grow as well. It will be interesting to see how Americade and the new kid on the block, Dirt Daze, continues to thrive. I know I’m looking forward to finding out next year. Americade 2018 June 5th through June 9th, 2018. See ya there. www.americade.com • www.dirtdazerally.com

BACKROADS • AUGUST 2017

AEROSTICH BIG BOOK CATALOG IS HERE The 2017 Aerostich Catalog is now available and, as usual, it is the Bible when it comes to motorcycle gear, accessories and more.

We particularly like the contents page and its model.

The main ‘Big Book’ version of the catalog is 292 pages, filled with dozens of all new items and thousands of products designed to make riding safer, more comfortable and easier for everyday A to B transportation and travel. The 2017 Aerostich Catalog can be purchased for $10 (well worth it), with the buyer receiving a $10 credit redeemable toward their next Aerostich purchase… (so it’s free).

The main catalog is also free, if a customer adds it to their order on any online purchase or requests one be added to the order when phoning in an order with Aerostich customer care representatives.

The supplement catalog is a 48 page condensed version of the main catalog and is available free by mail upon request at www.aerostich.com/catalogrequest. Both catalogs are also available for free in a downloadable, clickfunctional PDF format or also a pageable, clickable version available here: issuu.com/aerostich/docs/aerostich_2017_web_final

DON’T SUFFER FROM FOMO GO TO OUR FACEBOOK PAGE AND FOLLOW US FOR UP-TO-THE-MINUTE NEWS • IMPROMPTU RIDES www.facebook.com/pages/Backroads-Motorcycle-Touring-Magazine

Page 43

GIVI S410 MONOKEY TROLLEY BASE Now top cases get to do... wheelies!

Do you own a Monokey top case? About to buy one?

From today, you have another option: to easily transform it into a useful trolley by means of the S410 base. The device is a further addition to the “smart” range devised by GIVI and is on its way to the US market.

All of us use trolley cases; and not just at the airport. Pulling a wheel mounted suitcase instead of lifting and carrying one is enormously convenient on many occasions.

This is also true for the motorcycle/scooter rider who commutes regularly with a top case fitted to his vehicle. The idea of a top case accessorized with wheels and a telescopic handle, which by means of a simple key turn, can quickly be removed from the vehicle and easily accompany us on foot, opens up new scenarios both for leisure and for work purposes.

Aside from the so-called “conventional” use, the S410 can also double as an all-purpose wheeled transport base for any soft luggage, given the six anchoring points on the structure used to attach luggage holder straps or elastics.

We are certain that the features listed above will appeal to all riders that need to bring their bags and gear into a hotel.

S410 Monokey® Trolley lists for $159.00.

For other products and accessories in the GIVI USA range please visit www.givusa.com

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AUGUST 2017 • BACKROADS

Rip & Ride® • MINI MARYLAND ICE CREAM TOUR Rocky Point Creamery

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28600 Ridge Rd, Mt. Airy, MD 21771 301-831-7427 • rockhillorchard.com Tues-Sun: 10am-5pm

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Leg

Total

3.4 mi 3.4 mi 0.4 mi

3.4 mi 6.8 mi 7.2 mi

Turn left onto Sugarloaf Mountain Park Rd Turn left onto Comus Rd/Hwy 95 Turn left onto Old Hundred Rd Turn left onto Thurston Rd Continue on Fingerboard Rd/Hwy 80

2.4 mi 3.1 mi 2.6 mi 1.1 mi 6.5 mi

9.6 mi 12.8 mi 15.4 mi 16.7 mi 23.2 mi

Turn right onto Hwy 880 Continue on Manor Woods Rd Left onto Ballenger Creek Pike/Hwy 351 Turn right onto Cap Stine Rd Turn left onto Howard Stup Rd

1.9 mi 2.5 mi 1.5 mi 0.8 mi 0.6 mi

25.1 mi 27.6 mi 29.1 mi 30.0 mi 30.6 mi

Turn right onto Mountville Rd Turn right onto Lander Rd Turn left onto Jefferson Pike Turn right onto Broad Run Rd

0.5 mi 2.8 mi 0.2 mi 0.8 mi

31.0 mi 33.8 mi 34.0 mi 34.8 mi

Turn right onto Mountain Church Rd Turn left onto Marker Rd Turn left onto Bolivar Rd Arrive at South Mountain Creamery

6.0 mi 4.3 mi 1.3 mi 0.6 mi

40.9 mi 45.3 mi 46.7 mi 47.3 mi

Route 739 • Dingmans Ferry, PA • 570.828.1920

Directions Start at Rocky Point Creamery Get on Hwy 28 and ride east Turn right onto Hwy 28 Turn left onto Mouth of Monocacy Rd Turn left onto Mt Ephraim Rd

Get on Bolivar Rd and ride north Turn right onto US 40-Alt Right onto S Jefferson - Old Middletown Rd Turn left onto Bussard Rd Turn left onto Holter Rd Turn right onto Deer Spring Rd

0.9 mi 3.0 mi 1.8 mi 1.4 mi 126 ft

47.3 mi 48.2 mi 51.1 mi 52.9 mi 54.3 mi 54.3 mi

Turn right onto Deer Spring Rd 0.3 mi Right onto Maryland - Old Swimming Pool Rd1.1 mi Turn right onto Mt Phillip Rd 1.4 mi Turn left onto Mt Zion Rd 1.5 mi Turn left onto Elmer Derr Rd 1.2 mi

54.6 mi 55.7 mi 57.1 mi 58.5 mi 59.7 mi

Enter Roundabout Take the 2nd right onto Elmer Derr Rd Turn left onto New Design Rd Turn right onto Executive Way Turn left onto Buckeystown Pike

2.1 mi 187 ft 0.5 mi 1.2 mi 0.7 mi

61.8 mi 61.8 mi 62.4 mi 63.6 mi 64.4 mi

Turn right onto Spectrum Dr Enter Roundabout Take the 3rd right onto Holiday Dr Turn right onto Urbana Pike/Hwy 355 Turn left onto Ball Rd

1.2 mi 0.5 mi 317 ft 377 ft 1.6 mi

65.5 mi 66.1 mi 66.1 mi 66.2 mi 67.8 mi

Turn right onto Ijamsville Rd Turn left onto Fingerboard Rd/Hwy 80 Turn left onto Kemptown Rd Turn left onto Ridge Rd Arrive at Rock Hill Orchard

3.7 mi 0.6 mi 7.4 mi 104 ft 0.7 mi

71.5 mi 72.1 mi 79.4 mi 79.4 mi 80.1 mi

BACKROADS • AUGUST 2017

Page 45

2nd Annual New Jersey Taco Festival Held over two days in mid September the New Jersey Taco Festival brought with it more than just a staple of Mexican cuisine but a slew of fun and entertainment as well.

To find the history of the taco one must go to Mexico (duh) and the silver miners of the 1800’s.

The word ‘taco’ referred to the little charges they would use to excavate the ore. These were pieces of paper that they would wrap around gunpowder and insert into the holes they carved in the rock face. Truth is we all have probably had a taco or two that left you feeling like there might have been a bit of explosive material in the mix.

Today tacos have become part of the southwest culture and are devoured around the United States. We love them here in the Garden State too and the New Jersey Taco Festival celebrated just this, bringing in over 30 taco, sauce and drink vendors and drawing hundreds of hungry taco aficionados over the Friday and Saturday event at the Sussex County Fairgrounds in Augusta, New Jersey.

Along with the food there was music, bands, and entertainment that one

does not usually find in these parts – such as the Chihuahua Beauty Contest and bouts of Lucha Libre - Mexican Wrestling (it’s gotta be real I tell ya!).

Each day featured a heavy metal rock band - Metalachi and MacSabbath covering the best of the genre.

They had salsa contests, guacamole contests as well as taco eating contests and the “always good for you” hot pepper eating contest!

Located in the middle of some of the best riding in the region the New Jersey Taco Festival made a great afternoon’s destination after an early morning meet for breakfast and a lengthy ride to the fairgrounds. The New Jersey Taco Festival will return September 9th so mark your calendar. You can get the details here: njtacofestival.com/

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Page 46

AUGUST 2017 • BACKROADS

Welcome to the Jungle - The Art of Learning to Ride Skillfully A column dedicated to your riding survival ACCidenT mAnAgemenT Jeff Goldstein Medicine is considered an art of the sciences. The varying opinions of how to “do things” in medicine and the practice of Emergency Medicine in the pre-hospital setting is especially complicated in terms of having an exact treatment protocol when there are so many extenuating factors.

Through my years of being a Paramedic, Flight Medic and avid rider, I have constructed some basic ideas that a layperson may follow in an emergency. I am restricted in the length of this article so please understand these are only some of the basic principles we all can follow.

I have broken them down to few categories. The best medicine is prevention. Take as many rider-training courses as you can.

leArn To ride The righT WAy You may have taken the basic course so now go take an experienced or advanced course. Someone always tells me they took a class years ago….

So spring is here, your bike has been sitting all winter and you jump on and off you go? We all prep our bikes for that first ride - check tires, oil change, etc. But, do we prep ourselves? Take the time for a tune up for you!

You’re just as out of shape as your bike, especially the first ride of the season.

This is also a great time to invest in the new, proper, riding gear. Education: Take an actual hands-on CPR course. Most are only a few hours and a life

can be saved. Standard First Aid and Advanced First Aid classes are excellent courses for the general public. You will get hands on practice learning how to control bleeding, bandaging, splinting etc. The Red Cross and American Heart Association all offer these classes. They are inexpensive and will take a few hours. Then every couple of years take a refresher course to keep up your skills. Learning something once and never practicing it is just like learning how to use your clutch but then never riding for 5 years and trying to ride again.

There are many different people like myself and bike organizations who offer lectures and classes.

You can never learn too much! Be prepared and educated! I can’t stress that enough.

knoW Where you Are You’re riding along a beautiful country mountain scenic road and something happens. Okay, so where are you? What mile marker are you at? What street or highway? And guess what? Your cell phone doesn’t work because there is no cell coverage. I can’t begin to tell you how many times I have driven around aimlessly looking for the accident because of bad information regarding the location. Time is of the essence. Remember someone is hurt, bleeding, maybe even dying on the roadway. Also, have the person return to the scene after calling for help so that you know help is on its way. Send people in as many different directions as you can spare. The nearest phone may not be in the direction the first person goes. The more calls the 911 dispatcher gets the better for you and the victim.

ConTrol The sCene Please don’t stand in the middle of the road in a black leather jacket at night waving at car drivers to slow down. One idea is to use your bike’s headlight. Point them in the direction of oncoming traffic, the drivers first reaction will be to slow down. This even works in daylight with high beams. Establish space between the patient and where you set up your warning signals. Give the drivers plenty of time to react and slow.

BACKROADS • AUGUST 2017

Flares are dangerous around motorcycles as they can ignite spilled gasoline. LED warning lights are a good option, they are inexpensive and very bright. Intersections can be tricky as you have traffic coming from all directions. There might be a time where you have to move the patient from further harm. We all preach not to move the individual but if you can’t safeguard them due to heavy traffic then a decision has to be made. I have found that trucks and buses make great blockers. I would make a safe bet to say that most professional drivers would be happy to assist.

Assess your PATienT Recording the time of the accident is very IMPORTANT to responding EMS. We need to know how long the insult to injury has been occurring.

Note the patient’s mental status. Are they conscious, do they remember everything? Did they become unconscious and then conscious? Do they know who they are, where they are, what time it is or what the date is? Does any of that change after a few minutes? Try to record everything. Are they bleeding and from where? Control all bleeding. Pressure bandages, tourniquets etc. Did the patient vomit? DON’T remove the helmet unless the patient is not breathing or their airway is compromised. If there is a deformity of a limb due to the accident, don’t move it. If a foreign object is impaled, leave it in place.

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Page 47

knoW Who you Are riding WiTh Diabetics can mimic someone who is under the influence if their blood sugar drops. Is a riding partner allergic to bee stings? Do they have an allergy to a food product? Will you be prepared to deal with situations especially if you didn’t know and know what to look for? Don’t be ashamed to tell anyone if you do have a medical condition. It’s your life and we are our own worst enemies sometimes.

My lecture is usually 2 hours in length. It is almost impossible to give you all the information in a short article. I hope I was able to raise an awareness and provoke some thinking.

Most of all, I hope you never have to use any first aid training.

Enjoy the ride!

Jeff is an active Mobile Intensive Care Paramedic, Certified Flight Medic and Critical Care Paramedic with over 35 years of experience in New Jersey.

He has been teaching Motorcycle Injury Management classes to the motorcycle clubs and Motorcycle Trauma Management to EMS organizations around the country. Jeff is also a Paramedic Preceptor, Advanced Cardiac Life Support and Advanced Pediatric Life Support Instructor, MSF Rider Coach and Charter Life Member of the AMA. Jeff can be reached at jeff@jeff-austin.com

Page 48

AUGUST 2017 • BACKROADS

UP C OM I N G E VE NT S CAL END AR

What’s Happening

EVERY MONTH - WEATHER PERMITTING

OCTOBER 2017

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

10 • Motorcyclepedia Museum Swap Meet & Warehouse Sale. 250 Lake St, Newburgh, Ny • 845-569-9065 • motorcyclepediamuseum.org

Every Tuesday • Bike Night @ The ear Inn, 326 Spring St, NyC

12 • Rollin’ Fast Cycle Sports Bike Night • 6-9pm • Music, food truck, bike of the night contest • 1221 Route 22 e, Lebanon, NJ • 908-236-9000 • rollinfast.com

Every Thursday • Bike Night at the Chatterbox Drive-In, Rtes. 15/206, Augusta, NJ. Tire kicking, good food and friends • www.chatterboxdrivein.com

14-19 • BACKROADS CLASS Rally. Ride to and from VIR with a small group. Details: www.backroadsusa.com/rallies.html

Every Saturday thru October • Bergen County Harley Davidson Saddle Up Saturday.

9am for coffee and bagels. Ride departs at 10am. Return to the dealership for FRee food and music. Proper attire MUST be worn! No shorts or sneakers. BCHD, 124 essex St, Rochelle Park, NJ • 201-843-6930 • www.bergenharleydavidson.com

15 • Ramapo MC Club Fall Foliage Tour to benefit the Valerie Fund for childhood cancer research. Guided or self-guided tour along Hudson Valley’s autumn foliage roads. Sign in: Rhodes North Tavern, 40 Orange Tpke, Sloatsburg, Ny @ 9am. Details: Kent Sullwold (845) 304-3454 • kms.elec.engr@gmail.com • www.ramapomc.org

AUGUST 2017

NOVEMBER 2017

6 • Hudson Valley Ride for Kids® Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation. Sign in/endsite: Motorcyclepedia, 250 Lake St, Newburgh, Ny • 8-9:30am • KSU 10am. Suggested donation $40. Full details: rideforkids.org

18 • 5th USMC Toys for Tots ride by the Tier Rats Law enforcement MC. Sign in: Miller’s Ale House-Deer Park, Ny @ 8:30/KSU 11am sharp; endsite: Miller’s Ale House, Levittown, Ny. $15/pp with unwrapped toy; $20/pp w/out toy • www.tierratsmc.co

10 • Rollin’ Fast Cycle Sports Bike Night • 6-9pm • Music, food truck, bike of the night contest • 1221 Route 22 e, Lebanon, NJ • 908-236-9000 • rollinfast.com 13 • Rockaway Twp Unico Charity MC Run to benefit St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.

Sign in: Peterson Field, Rockaway Twp, NJ 8:30-10am. $25/rider, $15/pass. endsite: The Barn Restaurant, Rockaway, NJ • www.rtunico.org • info@rtunico.org 14 • Street Skills LLC Cornering Confidence Track Day course @ New york Safety Track, Harpersfield, Ny • 585-802-9859 • www.streetskills.net 17-20 • 3rd Annual Touratech Rally east, Huntingdon, PA. 4-day rally with opportunity for riders from around the US and the world to camp out, attend workshops and presentations, improve riding skills meet industry pros and explore fun mountain roads.

Rides for different experience levels and all street-legal motorcycles are welcome. Go to www.touratechrally.com for details and signup.

MARCH 2018 11-20 • BACKROADS OF ECUADOR TOUR. Join a VERY small group of Backroads’ readers for an amazing tour with Court and Sylvain (and Salina the Wonder Dog) of ecuador Freedom Bike Rentals. See page ?? or visit their website for full details, pricing and availability • www.FreedomBikeRental.com

MOTORCYCLE TRAILERS DAYTONA, BIKETOBERFEST, STURGIS AND BEYOND

SEPTEMBER 2017 3 • Dawn Patrol MC Labor Day Ride - Lime Dot and Route Sheets. Sign in: Bradley Gardens Firehouse, 24 Old york Rd, Bridgewater, NJ 9am-Noon with coffee & donuts. end: Dawn Patrol MC Clubhouse, 106 Robert St, Bridgewater, NJ with food, beverages, live music, vendors and more. Info: 908-722-4357 • dawnpatrolmc.com 14 • Rollin’ Fast Cycle Sports Bike Night • 6-9pm • Music, food truck, bike of the night contest • 1221 Route 22 e, Lebanon, NJ • 908-236-9000 • rollinfast.com

21-25 • BACKROADS FALL FIESTA - NY STATE OF MIND TOUR. See below or full details @ backroadsusa.com/rallies.html.

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