FREE WHEELIN’
First Class Disarray
I got a text message late one night from my friend Tim. He had just finished completing his ‘new’ garage, and like many riders, he was probably more excited about finishing the new ‘Garage Mahal’ than he was about closing on his house or the birth of his children. Hey…priorities here.
Still, this message came in just as we were finished watching Exploding Kittens on our brand new, first in over a decade, television that we had just gotten and set up that day.
Before I get into the gist of this Free Wheelin’, and to fill some space, let me tell you Smart Televisions are way smarter than me – and setting it up and working, all well and good, and bright, and sharp and WOW - does TV really look like that? What else am I not aware of?
Anyway – just as I was feeling that I was King of the World (as far as I know), Tim sent me images of the new garage.
Ahh – beautiful.
Phsssssss – I could almost hear the hot air, of which I am so full, leaving my happy blissful balloon.
About an hour later I found an excuse to go out to the barn, the dim light of the garage door opener casting faded shadows across the cobwebbed corners of the uninsulated T1-11 walls, clutter and disarray. It reminded me of the hidden passageways in the Arconia. Although it is a bit of a mess, it is my mess and I know – kinda – where everything is. Generally. Kinda. Then there are those bright and beautiful days – when my T1-11 non-insulated, metal-roofed barn is absolutely perfect temperature-wise, and I take advantage of that one week in May and again in October to put things right in my world.
Put the wrenches, not only in the proper drawer, but in the proper order. All the bit-piece electrical harnesses, wires, and plugs, all thrown into a box, and then promptly tangled into some crazy Gordian knot by the Garage Gnomes who cheerfully screw all these things up when they are done twisting up your Christmas lights, get slowly and methodically untangled and separated by use.
Shelves are moved and the tool cabinet rolled away from the wall so I can get behind there with a huge shop-vac, only to find the mummified remains of Mickey, Mighty, and Jerry. Oh, a snake skin. Large snake skin – Like Frank Frazetta-size snake skin I love where we live.
In truth, after every project, all of which either dovetail or cause additional projects, I try to tidy up; but the only part of the barn that seems to be well-manicured is the workbenches that also serve as the “prov-
ing grounds” for the Backroads Hot Wheels Speedway.
When I was putting the BR-HWS together, there was a semi-snarky remark from a certain redhead that I was “too messy” to have a track there. “It’ll get buried under your cra… stuff”
Well, ha… it is still in semi-ordered shape. Two straight, yet steep, downhills into two separate loops, hard left bank, through the Stargate (Yes, the Chaapa’ai), and then the finish line. For the record – stock-like late ‘60s Hot Wheels run better than over-thetop “Hot Wheels.”
But once my buddy sees this, he’ll have 1/64 garages, a grandstand - and probably pit girls too.
Continued on Page 6
WHATCHATHINKIN’
sightsanD signsoF spring
There is a routine at Backroads Central. Once the coffee has perked (or dripped, as it were), the outdoor furry and feathered critters are fed and we sit, mug in hand, watching the actual pecking order and kerfuffle outside our window.
We begin putting out seed and nuts around November, as the late fall weather starts turning, the flowers and foliage fall to the ground, and our outdoor friends begin foraging for food. It is great entertainment as the foofaraw unfolds around the various boxes and feeders.
As spring approaches, the variety and number of visitors increase. The juncos, who weather the winter, must share their perch with the skullduggerous cowbirds and the robins and occasional red-winged blackbirds, harbingers of spring, share the ground with the timid mourning doves. The emergence of the chipmunks, with their over-stuffed cheeks, bring joy to Spenser T. Cat and the melting pond ice will hopefully bring the return of our resident frogs.
Once the feeders show signs of carnage from visiting bear/raccoon/etc. our feeding comes to an end, to the great dismay of all the patrons. It’s quite funny to see the squirrels standing in the glass door, looking for the handout. Sorry little buddies, you are on your own.
Whatever flowers and plants have survived their overwintering indoors are moved to their summer spots, the hyacinth and tulips which have evaded the diggings of the squirrels begin to poke their heads from the still-chilled soil and the red buds on the trees hint at the leafy summer to come. But perhaps the greatest sight of the coming of spring has nothing to do with
the flora and fauna surrounding us. One March morning, and a rather warm one for this time of year, while tending to the inevitable cleanup needed around the yard, I heard that wonderful sound. The sound that means the better riding is around the bend, that the remnants of winter, with its salt, silt and road smudge, is coming to an end. Yes, our wonderful Sussex County Division of Public Works was doing their regular bang-up job of clearing the streets of the remainder of winter. The big sweeper, steadfastly making its way past Backroads Central, put a smile on my face and made me think of one of my favorite Jimmy Buffet songs - written by Mac Mcanally - It’s My Job:
In the middle of late last night I was sittin’ on a curb
I didn’t know what about but I was feeling quite disturbed
A street sweeper came whistlin’ by
He was bouncin’ every step
It seemed strange how good he felt
So I asked him while he swept
He said “It’s my job to be cleaning up this mess
And that’s enough reason to go for me
It’s my job to be better than the rest
And that makes the day for me.”
There are so many activities, processes and chores which happen at this time of year, ushering in the spring and transition from doldrums to delight.
Continued on Page 6
BACKLASH
What a perfect way to pay tribute to Paul (in the April issue) and a beautiful photo. Brings him right back. I especially liked your ending about his finding the best way up & out.
Kate Hartnett
It was pouring rain the other day. I was looking at Mad Maps for different roads and I said ‘Let me look at Backroads’. It was a December 2024 issue. I’m getting soft in my old age. I was reading Nick‘s Tale - A Christmas Story again. If you have a heart that story tugs at it. Thank you for all your hard work.
Sincerely,
Mark the Mooman Butler
On The Mark “The end of an ERA”
Mark Byers’ superbly written piece got me thinking about all the relationships I’ve had with small, local businesses like the Cap’n & Julie’s,during my almost 86 years around the sun.
When I was a wee lad, my grandfather would take me to the Italian barber, the Jewish grocer, and the German butcher. They were all like family. As a hot rodding teenager there was the ice cream parlor (“Happy Days”, “American Graffiti”). With early adulthood it was the local taverns, the speed shop, the auto parts store, followed by the all night diner. Motorcycle dealers in the 50’s and 60’s usually worked out of their homes, using the basement or a two car garage for showroom and work space. Even our local Harley dealer worked out of an old house. Sadly, the last local family owned franchise, Heid’s Hodaka – BMW, in the Adirondacks closed several years ago.
Although change is inevitable, there’s still hope, Motorcycle travels have contributed to my experience as a “diner guy”, creating many relationships similar to Mark’s with the owners and regular customers. Along with our favorite restaurants, my wife Arlene and I have experienced many “end of an era” heartbreaks, but so far there’s still a wealth of old fashioned Mom and Pop places out there, if one knows where to look. For us, it’s still an era.
Jake Herzog
Good evening Shira & Brian,
I hope you are doing well and relaxing while this winter weather and a lighter schedule allows you to focus on other things besides the business.
The reason for my email is to follow up on a previous question I had. My question was in regards to a section that once existed in a previous version of your website, or your magazine, I can’t remember which, and that was a list of some of your previous motorcycle rides you had taken in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and some of the other eastern states, and enjoyed and wrote about them. It also included a GPX file so that others could download, follow, and also enjoy them as you had. If my memory serves me correctly, I received a response from Shira stating you were contemplating whether or not to share this information again with your readers. I was just wondering if a decision has been made in regards to making this information available to your readers once again?
Regards,
Bruce D. Stephens
Good day Bruce,
We stopped doing that list as so many places that were featured were no longer there.
What is still a viable option is our online back issues (Free BTW), and at the back end of many feature stories you will find a link to a GPX file for the place being featured in the article.
Ex: December 2023 GAADR The Twilight Diner – page 14 issuu.com/backroadsmagazine/docs/december2023web
You can type in the link for the GPX file, and they all should still be hot: www.sendspace.com/pro/dl/qg7gcs
Each issue of Backroads has numerous places to go, things to do, and rides ready to happen.
Brian & Shira,
Great story about your southern foray. We loved the solid coverage of Barber and all the other places on your giant southern circle. I was selling Mototouring tours in the vendor area with my buddy, Eligio Arturi from Milan. I have attended since before the place opened, when George converted one of his Dairy operation warehouses into a small museum. Nice guy. Hopefully, you story will encourage other enthusiasts to head to Birmingham this fall.
BurtRichmond
GREAT ALL AMERICAN DINER RUN
the rDi Bar & roaD kill grill
28 State Route 55, NapaNoch, NY 12458 845-210-7341 • barnapanoch.com
Dive Bar. Great Food.
The tiny sign, floating just a few feet above the side of New York’s Route 209, flashed by the bikes in a nano-second.
Road Kill Grill. Road Kill Grill?
A name like that will surely grab some attention, and along Route 209 which follows the path of the old Delaware & Hudson Canal there are a number of towns and places to grab a bite from Port Jervis to Kingston, all along, or within eye-shot of 209 – but to find the RDI Bar and Road Kill Grill, we had to vector into the hamlet of Napanoch, just north of 209 on Route 55.
This part of New York State lies on the western side of Shawangunk Mountains – sometimes called The Sleeping Giant.
The term “Sleeping Giant” is often used to describe this ancient mountain range because their geological structure resembles a giant lying down, with the once-tall peaks now appearing to rest or sleep.
Route 209 itself is a somewhat straight and uninspiring ride; but the roads leading to it, and that run parallel can be more fun.
Heading up from the south and riding up and over the “Sleeping Giant” on Route 52 will offer you a seriously stunning view of the Catskills and beyond. These mountains have a lot of stories connected with them, from the famed Rip Van Winkle to Fairies & Gnomes, to the Pine Bush UFO-culture. The Road Kill Grill itself has an interesting story.
tasty places to take your bike
Some folks might think that the phrase ‘Dive Bar’ has a bad connotation to it. We do not.
Dive Bars make neighborhoods, towns, and friends thrive. A good ‘Dive Bar’ is comfortable, happy and has an almost home-like feel to it – unless you grew up in some stodgy household with even stodgier parents.
We did not. Neither did Christine, the owner of The RDI Bar & Road Kill Grill; and the opening page of their website tells the tale:
“As a young girl my grandfather and father had taken me here to play a game of pool while they spent time with friends and other family members. This comfort setting screamed “home.” It was a nostalgic place of business where all my family and friends had spent time over the years. In January of 2023, I wanted to come back “home” and share my childhood experiences with my family and friends. I am continuing this tradition with good food, good spirits, and most importantly, good friends. Come join me, Christine, The Doe Running The Show, in learning the history of Napanoch and becoming a part of the family at The RDI, where the locals like to go.”
When we stopped in on a quiet midday, and but for one guy at the bar and the very polite and enthusiastic bartender, Reuben, we were the only folks there.
We were worried that perhaps the kitchen was closed, but were told they were absolutely open and Reuben told us to grab a booth and brought over two very full menus.
After scanning the menu, which had some interestingly different offerings,
we placed our orders and then began to stroll around the bar taking in all there was to see.
Like every good bar, there is a plethora of history to be found on the walls – some real, some simply gifts from grateful customers and friends.
Kill’s American Classic – The Hamburger - called The Burgery, with eleven different burgers from which to choose.
Their Main Event includes Venison Stew, Roasted Rabbit, or Duck – and three more burgers – Venison, Wild Boar, or Yak… Yes – Yak!
There is more so maybe you should take a ride up to the Road Kill Grill and check it out for yourself.
This month’s 80-mile Rip & Ride GPX will highlight some of the more interesting roads around this area. Enjoy! , www.sendspace.com/pro/dl/ckf3x5
The rattlesnake skin, some six feet long, was one of the biggest we have seen, and the bear in the corner seemed to keep an eye on us as we took in the past. Much of the items that adorned the walls were an homage to Christine’s father Carl – who seemed like a very impressive guy, and probably would have fit right in with our Backroads’ readers.
It seems Napanoch is a very spiritual place. There has long been talk that this place is haunted, as is the infamous Shanely Hotel, right around the corner. Did we see any ghosts? “Gasp”, no... but we hope for that Ulster County Ghost experience next time.
As we said, the Road Kill Grill has some interesting offerings – and we ordered some of their Fried Deviled Eggs to start.
Unfortunately, they were out of their Fried Bologna, so my backup Plan B was the Cheesesteak Sandwich, with onion rings, which was a special of the day. Shira followed on the day’s specials with their Lamb Sandwich.
Our food was awesome – and the chef’s style of creating and frying food – was exemplary. The onion rings were fresh and home-made – the Fried Deviled Eggs – now are on our short list of favorites.
This chef has a great frying touch, for sure, and that is something you don’t think about till you taste it.
Other items to be had included Sloppy Joes, Kielbasa n Kraut, Eggplant, Chicken or Shrimp Parmigiana –and a large selection of Tacos.
The menu has an entire section devoted to the Road
Warren County Tourism presents BIG CITY GETAWAY
Chesapeake & DelaWare Canal MuseuM 15 Bethel Rd, cheSapeake citY, Md 21915 410-778-9700 • checkfoRhouRSBefoReviSitiNg www.nap.usace.army.mil/Missions/Civil-Works/ Chesapeake-Delaware-Canal/Canal-History/
As early as the 17th century, local settlers, and the famous surveyor and map maker Augustine Herrman, recognized the possibility of connecting the Chesapeake Bay with the Delaware River.
Back then, to bring goods by ship to and from Philadelphia to Baltimore, you had to sail around the peninsula, now commonly called the Delmarva – a voyage of 300 miles.
In the mid-1760s, possible canal routes were surveyed along a conceptual route stretching across the Delmarva Peninsula from the headwaters of the Chesapeake Bay to the Delaware Bay. Not until 1824, after an unsuccessful first start further to the north, did construction begin at the Chesapeake City location.
daytrip ideas to get out of the daily grind
At its completion in October of 1829, two structures were reported to have been standing in the town (then known as Bohemia Village): a pre-revolutionary building known as Chick’s Tavern House and a lock house for collecting tolls. The town subsequently grew in response to the needs of the canal operations and commerce. In 1839, the town changed its name to Chesapeake City in anticipation of big things to come and incorporated in 1849 when the population reached 400.
In 1927 the canal was made sea level, and a new, vertical lift bridge was constructed to span the waterway linking the end of George Street to the North side of Chesapeake City. The bridge was used until July 28, 1942 when it was struck by a tanker, the “Franz Klasen”, completely destroying it. The current suspension arch bridge was completed in 1949.
Today the canal is one of the busiest in the nation and it is not unusual to see monstrous freighters and ships making their way between the two bays.
Chesapeake City’s historic area is on the National Historic Registry, as well as Maryland’s Historic Registry. The town has many restored historic homes, shops, and galleries, featuring hand-painted originals and prints, antiques, collectibles, clothing, gifts, and crafts. Chesapeake City’s Victorian charm has been featured in several national magazines, including Travel & Leisure, Coastal Living Southern Living, and now Backroads Convenient to several large cities on the East Coast, this historic village on the banks of the C&D Canal is a favorite spot for those seeking a weekend getaway or a vacation retreat.
Should you be heading for an overnight, we heartily recommend the Inn at the Canal: www.innatthecanal.com/
Right outside of town, and directly on the canal you will find the Chesapeake & Delaware Canal Museum.
have discussed this many times. Along the Natchez Trace you will find dozens of these mounds. But, remember the town of Macon, the Civil War, the Battle of Dunlap hill.
That hill was an ancient mound from America’s indigenous past.
The Ocmulgee Mounds were first mentioned by William Bartram, a naturalist and botanist, who wrote about the Ocmulgee Mounds in his journal in 1774. Bartram described the mounds as “monuments, or traces, of an ancient town” and “the wonderful remains of the power and grandeur of the ancients”.
In the last century archaeologist Arthur R. Kelly, along with the Works Progress Administration, began to excavate the site. The project took on mammoth scale and ran between 1933 and 1942.
The Dunlap Hill would become the largest archaeological dig in American history! What they found should have changed the way we look at North America. But it did not. This is the first you have heard of this place I bet; or
maybe those were just wasted words. The excavation, done by a team of 800 workers, uncovered 2.5 million artifacts, including pottery, arrowheads, spear points, and stone tools. The artifacts helped to create a timeline of people who lived in the area thousands of years ago. Real people who lived, loved, and had dreams. The land was later occupied by several cultures, including the Paleo Indians, the Lamar culture, and the Mississippians. The Muscogee (Creek) Nation considers the land their ancestral homeland. There is speculation it was at this mound that the Spanish explorer DeSoto first had major contact with southeastern natives… under the blue skies, along the Ocmulgee River.
This region is now going under a revival of sorts – with the National Park Service looking to make the Ocmulgee Mounds our next National Park. This past century The Allman Brothers called it home, and Southern rock was born here – but here along the Ocmulgee River the backroads seem to go on forever. ,
WE’RE OUTTA HERE
WilliaMsport, pennsylvania
a weekend destination keeping you on the backroads
We have been to this great city, swaddled along the far edge of the Endless Mountains, the long western spur of the Allegheny Mountains, on the West Branch Susquehanna River, many times and have held many Backroads rallies here too.
This part of the Keystone State has some of the best riding in the state, and the city and the surrounding area, with its great roads, superb museums, and comfortable lodging makes it all very motorcycle friendly.
First a little history…
For hundreds of years the Andastes Indians were settled here, (a subgroup of the Susquehannock, or Susquehanna) before the arrival of Europeans. Founded in 1795, the settlement was supposedly named for William Russell, who had a boat landing on the river. It became a center for lumbering in the 1860s, and the city began to grow.
But the river that brought it life and commerce could also be the enemy. The Flood of March 1936 caused the river to crest at 34 feet to the aptly named High Street. But even with catastrophe the city found a way to smile as the event was known locally as the “Hello, Al Flood” because a local man, named Al Glaes, operating a short-wave radio station from his home on High Street, kept the city in touch with the rest of the world after the flood disrupted electricity and telephone service.
Today the town is best known for one of the most important institutions in the United States - Little League Baseball.
The first Little League Baseball game was played on June 6, 1939, on a sandlot outside Bowman Field in Williamsport. The idea of a sanctioned league for kids and baseball was thought up by Carl Stotz and he managed the first three teams.
Little League Baseball is global, these days and each summer teams from around the world come to Lamade Stadium, right outside Williamsport looking to become World Champions. You can also see the wonderful statues scattered around the town, with the bulk being at the four corners of Market and E 3rd Sts.
Little League got it right – a real World Series. MLB just has the American and National Leagues. They should look to the kids for advice. The Little League Museum is located here as well, and you can find out more about it on their website.
Right in downtown Williamsport you will find the Genetti Hotel (now in the Best Western Group). This stately old-style hotel has been greeting visitors for 102 years. The Genetti Hotel’s elegant atmosphere has attracted many notable guests. Among the hundreds of celebrity visitors and overnight guests included Gene Kelly, Clarence Darrow, Rita Hayworth, Carl Sandburg, Bob Dylan… but most importantly Backroads and you - our readers.
This dog and rider-friendly place has ample parking, a great bar and restaurant, and a very attentive and friendly staff. Located on 4th Street, the hotel is in quick walking distance of some seriously good restaurants and bars.
Hey, if it rains – there is an AMC movie theatre just a few blocks away. There are also several museums to while away a non-riding day: Thomas T. Taber Museum, Peter Herdic Transportation Museum and the Rowley House Museum.
While we were there we strolled around each night – grabbing a local American fare one night at The
and
and
Just down the street from the Genetti is a magnificent mural featuring multitudes of people from the past and present. Great photo opportunity and fun trying to figure out who everyone is.
Crooked Goose
the next some very tasty
homemade Mexican at Ozzie & Mae’s located in an old bank- big vault door and all.
Café in Napanoch (this month’s GAADR). As Cherries is open daily at 11am, we spun the few miles up the road for dessert. The front parking lot had plenty of room for the photo op and we ambled up to the service window to take in their menu. We were lucky to meet Christian Ortiz, part owner and ‘boots on the ground’ guy at Cherries. He gave me a little background to the building, as well as showing me some photos of how Cherries was before their transformation.
The storage garage is now a very bright and airy store and seating area, with covered picnic tables out back, and there is an open covered seating area beside the walk-up window.
Back to the ice cream. As I said, Cherries scoops up Jane’s Ice Cream, which is high-quality. Some of the flavors on the menu this day were Apricot Orange Blossom – apricot ice cream with apricot pieces and orange blossom water, Hazelnut Fudge – hazelnut ice cream with fudge logs, Midsummer Night’s Dream – minty milk chocolate ice cream with chocolate chips, Colombian Coffee and Lavender. As we had just eaten, we ordered with reserve – Brian with a scoop each of Colombian Coffee and Cookies & Cream and I had to have the Lavender with Mint Chocolate Chip.
Had we not had full bellies, the Specialty Sundaes were extremely tempting, with creations such as Sarah’s Glampy Camper – vanilla & chocolate soft serve ice cream, hot fudge, marshmallow sauce, graham crackers and fresh whipped cream and Morgan’s Minty Fresh – mint chip ice cream, hot fudge and warm brownie bites, topped with fresh whipped cream, crushed Oreos and – what else – a cherry on top. As a matter of fact, you can put a cherry on top of ANYTHING for free, even J & J’s Bullseye – a scoop of any flavor hard ice cream covered with soft-serve ice cream; the best of both worlds.
A little ice cream factoid to get you on your way:
Legendary actor Dick Van Dyke is currently 99. He credits his longevity to many things, but more specifically, it comes down to two things that he eats every day. One of them makes sense, and the other may surprise you!
Dick Van Dyke’s daily diet includes something versatile and easily snackable: blueberries. But it’s not the blueberries. It’s not even the gym! He believes in the healing power of ice cream. More specifically, a pint of vanilla Häagen-Dazs ice cream topped with chocolate syrup, which he eats every night before bed. Yes, really, every night! Apparently, being young at heart is an important aspect of aging gracefully, so go ahead and ask for that dessert menu!
Chim chiminey, chim chiminey, chim chim cher-ee Ice cream’s as healthy as healthy can be.
Chim chiminey, chim chiminey, chim chim cher-oo You’ll live a long life if you eat a pint (or two).
Or share a sundae, and that’s lucky too! ,
Two of the large stones in the park, the Remembrance Stone and the Goblin Stone, were set by hand one weekend in 2000, using ancient techniques. The vast majority of the stones were set using various modern tools and methods.
The stones each have their own character, appearance, and associations. It is encouraged that visitors enter with open eyes, hearts, and minds and create their own stories and experiences with the stones of
Columcille. Here at Columcille, they have an ageless saying that may be true… “The Way you Think it is, May Not Be the Way it is at All.” But that is why I was here, right?
Sometimes you need to talk to someone to get back on track, and I heard of a big gal, a giant who might be able to help.
Giant? Heck, Genesis says there were giants, and who is to argue with Collins, Banks, and Gabriel?
I headed south – looking to meet up with Big Rusty.
Unlike the previous two missions, this would require a short hike, as the giant named Big Rusty is just a tad off the beaten path. A dirt road along the South Branch of the Ronocas Creek, just outside of Hainesport, New Jersey, and then a short stroll down a short bamboo forest trail opens up to an abandoned factory that the giant now calls home.
Big Rusty, as she has become known, is the creation of Denmark artist Thomas Dambo. She reminded me of the Rockbiter from ‘The Never End-
most relaxed like she is eating “junk food” (which she is) in front of some humongous imaginary television, and taking in a Saturday baseball game – probably the Phillies in this part of Jersey. Harumph!
For such a big lassie, she had very little to say other than my getting the feeling that in order to stay ‘focused’ one had to stop and smell the flowers, or eat the concrete and junk, now and again.
I get it Rusty, I get it. Should you want to explore more
ing Story’ and indeed she seems to be consuming all in front of her.
Big Rusty is made from all sorts of old construction materials. Tin roofs, broken plywood… whatever – it seems
Dambo used what he could find; as all the material was sourced from the old ramshackle factory. Big Rusty is just one of a dozen such “Monster” creations from the Danish artist that can be found around the planet.
Viewing the large conglomerate lady – she seemed al-
of the resident Trolls in Burlington County, there is an actual Troll Trek featuring 18 other creatures of imagination by various artists.
You can download a map here: www.co.burlington.nj.us/2076/ Troll-Trek
My last stop in the long day trip brought me back toward our home base of Backroads Central. When constructed back in 1910, at 1,100 feet long and 125 feet tall, the Paulinskill Viaduct was the largest reinforced concrete structure in the world. It used an estimated 30,000 cubic yards of concrete to complete. The viaduct was taken out of service in 1978 and has become, sadly, just a bit of an interesting side note of New Jersey transportation history for the last half a century.
But recently this mammoth structure has become a concrete canvas for many street artists – and it is an amazing thing to see.
Folks have been scouring over this viaduct since it was abandoned, but tread carefully if you venture in as the State Police will fine you if you venture inside – but only if you get caught.
The art runs a wide spectrum of tastes and flair from classical, to modern, to South Park, to a Big Bad Wolf and Little Red Riding Hood, which needed strategic motorcycle-positioning to make it printable in a sort of family-friendly magazine – but on the other hand, I have been told, this is how families are usually made.
The Paulinskill Viaduct is certainly a major place where you can get perspective on how small we humans really are – as are many of the things that get in the way of what is really important; and what is important this May is getting out to ride, to get some Spring Focus!
This long day ride did just that – now get out and go thataway!
GO FOR A RIDE!
it comes to safety, emphasizing the importance of braking abilities, showing how to improve them, and providing tried-andtrue techniques for quick-stop tactics critical for every rider to master.
This third edition has been updated and expanded to include information on getting started riding, exercises to gain skill and confidence on the road, updated charts, graphs, and statistics, a description of motorcycle gears, types of motorcycles, equipment that can be added to your bike, general safety, and more throughout each chapter. New riders and experienced bikers alike will receive sage advice from industry experts like Ken Condon, Dr. Greg Frazier, and others to help keep you prepared for what might occur on the road, to handling the unexpected, arriving safely, and with a smile.
near the bottom stroke for easy operation and confidence at various heights.
The No-Mar Comprehensive Accessory Package: Includes a wheel vise, ramp, E-Track D rings, and cam straps for immediate use.
Wheel Vise (ML-WV): Constructed from heavy 1/8” wall laser-cut tubing, featuring high-quality drive screw and thrust bearings for secure clamping. If you have a side-by-side, they offer and optional Side Extension Kit which adds 10” on each side for wider. Whether you’re a professional mechanic or a hobbyist, the Moto Lift offers unmatched convenience and safety for working on motorcycles. The user-friendly design ensures that lifting and maintaining your motorcycle has never been easier.
To learn more about the Moto Lift, which lists for around $2,150, visit their website at nomartirechanger.com
Riding skills are perishable, and we all need to keep working on being more ‘Proficient’ every time we roll onto the road. Pick up a copy of Proficient Motorcycling - The Ultimate Guide to Riding Well… it is a must-read – again and again. $25 – from Amazon, and other bookstores.
NO-MAR MOTO LIFT
No-Mar Tire Changer, the industry leader in tire-changing technology, is excited to announce the launch of its newMoto Lift, a revolutionary product designed to streamline and simplify motorcycle maintenance for both professionals and DIY enthusiasts. The Moto Lift is engineered for ease of use, durability, and precision, providing customers with an enhanced experience in lifting and servicing motorcycles.
Key Features of the Moto Lift include their unique E-Track Connector tie-down stabilization points for quick and customizable securement.
Utilizing Goodyear Air Spring Technology allows for quick lift and lower functionality without the maintenance hassles of leaky seals. If ever needed, replacement parts easily available through their factory or local auto parts stores. The No-Mar Moto Lift is built from heavy-duty 11-gauge steel deck with a minimum height of just 8” and a maximum height of 41.5”, and its reinforced Scissor Frame, and heavy load sealed ball bearings ensure effortless gliding in tracks.
The lift has a Five-Position Safety Lock; that is user-friendly, and uses an automatic safety lock that resets
Break out the gold-themed gifts befitting a 50th anniversary, for this year the odometer of Honda’s storied sport-touring Gold Wing motorcycle reaches the half-century mark.
Fifty years ago, Honda introduced the concept of a sporty-handling but comfortable- riding motorcycle designed for highway and byway cruising. That simple premise continues though the machine itself has evolved, earn-
ing its rank as one of the most successful and important motorcycles ever. This year the Gold Wing turns middle-aged, and proud parent Honda Motorcycles is celebrating its baby’s 50th birthday with a traveling retrospective of the Wing’s history from concept to present day. Honda also published a Gold Wing history book that deeply delves into the interesting tale of the motorcycle’s beginnings and its journey to become the bike we now know.
Honda unveiled the display during Daytona Beach Bike Week this past March. There visitors walked past a three-dimensional timeline of Gold Wing history, as the exhibit featured a model from every one of the bike’s six generations. Signage detailed the often-amusing stories, evolution, and technical changes associated with each model. Videos, vintage advertising, quotes from engineers who worked on the Gold Wing project as well as Wing owners through the years also helped illustrate the tale of this breakthrough motorcycle.
The authors of the Gold Wing book, former 33-year Honda employee Lee Edmunds and former Cycle World magazine editor Matthew Miles spoke about the stories they unearthed while researching the motorcycle’s history. Other Honda staff and motorcycle journalists contributed their personal stories and Gold Wing memories as well.
“The Gold Wing is the most important motorcycle that Honda ever produced,” said Edmunds. In spite of the Honda Cub being the largest-selling motorcycle ever, and the company’s early success with the ‘You Meet the Nicest People on a Honda’ advertising campaign, Edmunds said the Gold Wing not only created a new category of motorcycles coupling performance with long-range capability, more crucially it changed the way Honda would forever design, engineer, and manufacture not just motorcycles, but its cars as well.
The Gold Wing wears the title of Honda’s first large project, Edmunds explained, and it sparked a new process dubbed Large Project Leader (LPL), whereby one person leads a team of others, with each team member spe-
cializing in one area of the motorcycle’s design while also working with the other teammates to construct the final ideal. According to the book, the idea for a sporty, touring motorcycle and research for the actual Gold Wing project began earlier in the 1970’s, when its architects asked and answered questions such as what kind of engine, what type drive train, the ideal gas tank location, and myriad other details.
Many of those answers carry through to today’s Gold Wing. The bike still uses a flat-cylindered engine (originally a flat-four, now a flat six), still features shaft-drive, liquid-cooling, and still wears its large gas tank underneath the seat for a lower center of gravity and better mass centralization (and still keeps the storage compartment where the gas tank usually resides). Its goal to be a sporty-handling, good-riding, comfortable long-distance touring motorcycle remains unchanged fifty years later.
Though dealers and magazines previewed the Wing in 1974, Honda offi-
cially birthed its GL1000 baby in the United States in 1975. Road tests and accolades appeared in U.S. and International publications. It cost $2,899 then. So began a succession of models and improvements that continued for the following fifty years.
1978 saw the GL1000 boast upgrades including ComStar wheels, better roll-on acceleration, and improved braking, along with a price increase to $3,198. That year also brought the introduction of the Wing’s famous windand weather-deflecting fairing, which, at Honda’s request, Craig Vetter began designing, in secret, in 1974.
The 1980’s brought more technology and updates. The second generation 1085cc GL1100 in 1980, sold either naked for $3,798 or now fully dressed as the Interstate model for $5,298 and offered air suspension. The premium Aspencade turned the duo into a trio in 1982, retailing for $5,448. 1984 it morphed into the 1182cc GL1200’s and reached 300,000 units sold.
1988 brought one of the biggest changes to the Gold Wing’s fourth-generation model, that of a new 1520cc flat-six-cylinder engine, named the GL1500, selling for $11,498. It featured a new frame, better suspension, a frame-mounted fairing, integrated luggage, and higher-tech features such as a stereo, electronic cruise control, and the built-in air compressor.
The GL 1500 stayed in the Honda stable through the year 2000, though it underwent changes throughout that period. Advances included the new reverse feature, allowing a rider to back up the bike by simply using a button, adjustable passenger floorboards, and heat vents for the rider.
At 13 years old, the GL1500 entered its teenage years, but the looming new century seemed ready for the latest and greatest Gold Wing. Marking the fifth generation, the GL1800 debuted in 2001 (though its planning began in 1997) with a completely redesigned 1832cc six-cylinder engine, new twin-spar aluminum frame, and an optional anti-lock braking system. By 2006 it offered a line-up of standard or optional comfort, safety, and luxury features such as a satellite navigation system with in-dash GPS, heated handgrips and seats, and the world’s first motorcycle airbag. Passenger accommodations received extra scrutiny, because as quoted in the
book by one of the designers “If mama is not comfortable, papa won’t get a GL.”
Generation six landed in 2018 with the GL1800 Gold Wing and GL 1800 Gold Wing Tour, now $26,700. Highlights included a new double wishbone front suspension instead of the previous telescopic fork, and a reduction in weight as the Wing returned to more of its “sporty” roots as opposed to a luxo-land cruiser. Honda also introduced the optional new dual clutch transmission, a seven-speed twin clutch gearbox like those found on performance sports cars. The 2025 model year Wings belong to generation six, and befitting its golden anniversary celebration, offers an optional beautiful golden paint job.
The book and the display illustrate all that goes into making one of history’s most memorable motorcycles, an extremely complex process of design, planning, testing, and more testing of which most motorcyclists remain unaware. It also details the growth of Honda itself, a mo-
torcycle company that matured in skill and success while parenting this successful sport tourer. Lastly, as the Gold Wing changed, and Honda changed, our world and history changed too, forming a trio with an intertwined story depicting motorcycling’s last fifty years.
~ Pamela Collins
After a five-year hiatus the Martin Moto Modern Classics Show returned to the Boyerville, Pennsylvania dealership with an extended two-day event that happened over Saturday and Sunday during the last weekend in March. The event brought together a wild menagerie of 99 special machines, mostly sourced from local riders, and a few industry people as well. It always amazes me how many clean, shiny, and precious machines can be found in the barns we ride by on a sunny backroads-filled day. Luckily for us, these owners were more than happy to become part of the Modern Classics Show that has gathered an almost, and well-deserved, legendary status.
This was the first time Martin Moto had run this event over the entire weekend, and this was a great idea as not everyone has Saturday’s free, and the Sunday allowed for even more attendance.
This Saturday was also the first time the thermometer climbed past 70 in the region this 2025, and saying that the show was ‘packed’ on this first day would have been a serious understatement.
We opted for Sunday, which also saw hundreds of rid-
ers and motorcycle lovers coming to the Perkiomen Valley region of Pennsylvania, to take in the Modern Classics event. The shop itself is an expansive place, that has found a way to be large and modern, without forgetting its old shop roots. They deal in Honda, Kawasaki, Yamaha, and Triumph models from their floor, and have an excellent selection of used machines as well.
For this event, all the new showroom machines were rolled out and over the next few days, Martin Moto was transformed into a smaller version of the Barber Museum… PA-style!
We got to chat a bit with Jack Broomall, the master-mind behind this su-
perb amassing of ‘Modern & Classic’ machinery, and asked him to tell us a bit more about how and when this all started.
Take it away, Jack…
“The first Modern Classics Show was in March of 2011 and we reprised the show every March through 2020 for a total of ten events. The format changed somewhat over the years. The first several events were just Saturday daytime events - “A Museum for a Day” sort of thing. A few years down the road we added the Friday evening “Kickstart Party;” a finger food/wine/beer event that continued every year through 2020.
This year we elected to change it up again, eliminating the Friday night party, and making the
show two full days - Saturday and Sunday, and unlike all the earlier shows which had a small charge, we made the event free of charge.”
Where did all this come from?
“Well, it’s a little bit of a fuzzy story but suffice to say it’s really Dennis Martin’s fault.” (Dennis is the owner, head honcho, and major two-wheel enthusiast here – ed.)
“Back sometime in 2010, he gathered a small group together. Dennis, myself, Kevin Hyde, his marketing guy at the time, and a couple of other local enthusiasts; and after some discussion, we landed on the seemingly crazy idea of gathering together a selection of older machines (but not too old!) under the tagline The bikes that made you a motorcyclist. At the time that obviously suggested a timeframe roughly based around the 1960s to the 1980s. In the interest of not interfering
too much with the actual business of retailing motorcycles, we felt that it would have to be in the early spring timeframe, beforethe real selling season began; and we knew we had enough indoor space to showcase about one hundred machines. We had the idea of taking nominations and fully curating the mix. We also aspired to a museum-like environment; so that meant sharing more info than just it’s a “1966350cc Whatzit? built in Algeria”.
Further, we always aspired to ensure that we weren’t favoring the brands that Martin Moto sold on a daily basis. We’re completely non-denominational! With those boundary conditions in place, we began the process of scouring garages, barns, shops, private collections, and more. We were amazed by both the bikes and the enthusiasts, we found; often nearby! From that first event, the show grew into what it is today. The bikes from the 1960s onward remain our focus, though we did move into the 1990s several years ago and we suspect that the additionof2000s bikes will not be too farout in our future. Certainly, The Modern Classics is intended to raise awareness of our brand; but equally important to us is the opportunity to give back to the motorcycling community and share in our enthusiasm for the sport.” The show’s dates could not have been scripted better, as that Saturday saw late spring, almost summer-timer temperatures, and the largest crowds ever, with the Martin Moto’s, and the adjacent parking packed with motorcycles.
2025 Modern Classics showed a curated mix of 99 motorcycles from about 30 different marques and 8 different nations. Everything from minibikes to superbikes was on display. Legendary American road racers got their due with a display featuring an Eddie Lawson Replica Kawasaki, A Kenny Roberts signature Yamaha RZ350, a Wes Cooley Suzuki, and yet another Suzuki, this one a Kevin Schwantz tributemachine. Legendary Italian designer Massimo Tamburini also got some play in a cluster of bikes centered on his iconic Ducati 916 but there was also that machine’s little brother, the 748 Duc and its even smaller sibling the Cagiva 125 Mito. For those interested in truly rare machines how about a
Norton John Player Edition - one of about 200 worldwide. On the competition side Motocross, Trials, and Flat Track were well represented and then there were numerous examples of the other motorcycles from the era that every motorcyclist either owned, a friend owned, or wished they owned. There was literally something for everyone, and we truly hope that Martin Moto continues this great event next year – it is a superb way to kick-start the riding season. ,
PRODUCT SPOTLIGHTS
ROUTE 1 GETAWAY 2.0 BACKREST RACK BAGBY NELSON RIGG
Nelson Rigg USA, Inc. continues to expand their Route 1 Cruiser Collection and is proud to unveil the Route 1 Getaway 2.0 the newest addition to their premium lineup of motorcycle luggage. Backed by a Lifetime Warranty, the Getaway 2.0 is made with proprietary and industry-leading UltraMax fabric, offering maximum UV protection and unmatched durability.
Designed for versatility, this compact yet spacious bag seamlessly mounts to your luggage rack, sissy bar, or seat with convenient quick-release and self-fastening straps. With a rigid construction and a solid base panel, it maintains its shape and prevents sagging, even during long rides. The Getaway 2.0 features innovative storage solutions, including upper and lower compartments with lockable zippers for enhanced security. A front panel folds down to allow easy access to the main compartment, while a 3” expansion section and two generous outer pockets provide ample space for all your gear. For added functionality, the Getaway 2.0 comes with a carry handle, a shoulder strap for off-bike transport, reflective piping for improved visibility, and a waterproof rain cover to protect your belongings in any weather.
The Getaway holds over 32 liters of gear between its two main compartments and two side pockets.
The Getaway 2.0 is available now from authorized distributors, your local dealers or on-line at www.NelsonRigg.com Get yours today and experience the perfect combination of durability, utility, and style.
CARDO / SCHUBERTH SCEDGE COMMUNICATION SYSTEM
The global leader in communication for motorcyclists, Cardo Systems announces the launch of the SC EDGE in collaboration with Schuberth, the renowned German helmet manufacturer.
The state-of-the-art device has been engineered to integrate seamlessly with selected Schuberth helmets, marks the latest evolution in Cardo’s commitment to enhance rider connectivity.
Built upon the highly successful PACKTALK EDGE platform, the SC EDGE brings a wide range of innovative features to the Schuberth lineup. Designed to plug-
and- play, the SC EDGE has been tailored to work effortlessly with the C5 Carbon, E2 Carbon, C5, S3 and the all-new J2 helmets from Schuberth, empowering riders with more communication choices.
This system has plug-andplay connectivity created for a seamless integration, with pre-fitted speakers and antenna, the SC EDGE provides effortless installation and ease of use. The SC EDGE is ECE-R 22.06 SA homologated for C5 Carbon, E2 Carbon, C5, E2, S3 and J2 helmets. IPX5 waterproof rating – built to withstand the inevitable weather conditions. Powered by Cardo’s reliable 2nd generation Dynamic Mesh Communication (DMC) connectivity, Bluetooth 5.2, Natural Voice Operation and a carry a range of up to 1.6km. See your dealer for more information.
GIVISADDLEBAGSAND MORE
Having recently purchased a slightly used KTM 790 Adventure that was bagless, the search was on for suitable side bags. My former bikes came equipped with factory hard sided bags. I looked at both hard and soft sided bags for functionality and their appearance on the bike. While maintaining carrying capacity, I decided the bike maintained the adventure look better with soft sided bags They offer additional carrying flexibility due to many additional attachment hooks and attachment loops. In today’s market there are many choices, and it seems that the choices grow every year. Not wanting to experiment with a new manufacturer or distributor, I chose bags by Givi. Givi has been designing and manufacturing motorcycle luggage and accessories for almost fifty years. Givi USA located in Charlotte, North Carolina, is the importer and distributor of all Givi products so customer service is a simple phone call away.
After reviewing the online catalog, I chose the GRT Canyon 709 35 liter
bags, the PLR 5127 side racks to support them, and the GRT 722 8 liter bags for additional carry capacity.
Once everything arrived, the first step was, as always, laying out the directions and all the parts for the racks. The directions were adequate, and it took me two hours to install both racks after some trial and error. Done again, it would probably take me half the time. Watching a YouTube video would probably have been worth it. All the pieces fit smoothly, no pieces left over, and no skinned knuckles!
The bags lock to the side frames and are easily and are quickly attached or removed. They have a thermoformed polyester back the gives them rigidity and strength. They bags are made of Hypalon which is highly water and UV resistant. The bags come with a removeable fluorescent yellow inner bag that withstands heavy rain and has an inside zippered document pocket, additional hooks are built in to attach shoulder straps. The bright color makes it easy to find the items you packed. The bags use a roll top waterproof closure system. There are 10 M.O.L.L.E. fasteners and reflective prints for safety.
The bags are an excellent choice for any adventure bike. On a recent trip where I encountered both heavy rain and dusty conditions, everything inside the bags stayed clean and dry. For more information or to order see www.Giviusa.com or call 704-679-4123. ~ Michael Nemlich
on State Street, the equivalent of a Main Street, in downtown Kennett Square is La Michoacana. This small ice cream shop serves over 30 homemade flavors, ranging from traditional to unique tropical such as avocado, mango, corn to Snickers, Ferreiro Rocher and Pineapple & Cream. You can be certain that you will find at least one, if not more, flavors to your liking. After a night of exploring and restful sleep, let’s get back on the road and head northeast for a taste of the Netherlands.
Holland
Ridge Farms
108 Rues Road, Cream Ridge, NJ • hollandridgefarms.com
Here is another farm with some history. Great Opa devoted countless days to mastering the art of growing and selling tulips in Holland. His son, Casey Sr., took his learned expertise to the USA and planted the seed of his own tulip dream in Monroe, NJ. As happens, families grow and, fast forward to 2017, the Jansen family found the perfect farmland in Cream Ridge, NJ to combine Casey Sr.’s greatest passions – tulips and Holland –and a u-pick flower farm began.
After a year of clean up and transformation, Holland Ridge Farms opened its doors in April 2018. Now, with over 300 acres and eight million tulips to explore, it is the perfect place to get lost in the spring.
Like Mad Lavender, I made the pilgrimage to Holland Ridge last year with my sister. We were totally amazed at the vastness and variety of the tulip fields. There are over 100 different blooms in a rainbow of colors, from silky smooth to frilled, single petal to peony-like heads. Orange, yellow, red, purple, multi-colored – it’s SPECTACULAR!
Upon entering, you will be overwhelmed – tulips as far as the eye can see.
The Law Office of Paul Gargiulo, P.C. presents
Welcome to the Jungle - The Art of Learning to Ride Skillfully
A column dedicated to your riding survival
the Day the Weather DieD
February makes me shiver
With every snowstorm it delivers Bad news across the websites
Could our rides ever be alright I so remember how I cried When Dark Sky was taken from me. Why?
Apple ripped something from me deep inside The Day the Weather Died
It seems sometimes that the smart tech we have gotten so used to these days has gotten … dumber.
Newer GPS models don’t play nice with others, and some apps that were spot on when they first came out, work far less dependably as time rolls on. You must wonder why an app, that worked brilliantly back in 2018, was snatched away and its replacement….? Well, sucks compared to what it replaced. My case in point is Dark Sky. Support for the Dark Sky API ended on March 31, 2023, and was replaced by Apple’s WeatherKit API. Gag me, now.
Sure - all the plethora of apps out there can tell you what is happening, and what might be coming down the road you are riding. But these days radar is far from the seer-like information we’d once get.
Dark Sky was superb at precognition. In fact, if it was still up and running, it probably would have known a week ago that I would write this on Sunday February 2 – Groundhog Day - and finished the next – the Day the Music Died.
They were close on the former, and way wrong on the latter.
But, as we spent a few days with them we did begin to garner a little respect from them, especially when Shira took to the truck, and I got to ride solo up a boulder strewn mountain to see The Wall left by glaciers over the millenniums.
At dinner one night there was talk of scrubbing a portion of the trip because of the oncoming weather. Very bad weather. The talk was to head back south.
While this was being discussed, Shira was glued to her phone, vigorously studying the screen, and manipulating it with Spock-like precision.
As the new plans were being bandied about, she looked up and said… “I think we should keep on keeping on. Seriously!”
The rest of the group, all male, all riding their own bikes, looked at the one female, and passenger, with raised eyes, and cups.
I had thought from the beginning they planned to use Shira as a bargaining chip if we ran into wayward Vikings, but they simply asked her for a reason. She held up her phone and the Dark Sky app.
Apple’s Weather App, that was Tim Cook’s replacement, can give you a basic forecast, that can change in front of your eyes, but its radar and watch on what weather is approaching has two options. One hour – useable if something is imminent, and 12-hour… okay for the short term – and fairly accurate. But I want to know where things are coming from days before and, more importantly, where they are headed in the days ahead. Exactly, or close to it.
Dark Sky would take the radar and allow you to run forward for days – and it was pretty damn good at calling where storms were going. – almost with JPL-like precision.
Case in point.
Shira and I were in Iceland. We had ridden out of Reykjavik a few days earlier and running up the middle of the island nation, along the edge of Vatnajökull National Park – with its massive ice field – and there was growing concern that we’d be getting whapped by some severe storms coming from the southwest. We had mostly been riding on Iceland’s infamous “F-Roads.” F could stand for fun, or f%#k’d, depending on your machine and attitude. We were two-up on this jaunt, and our riding buddies, new friends to us and that we began to call The Horde, were almost all accomplished dirt, or at least gravel riders.
We were the slow, steady, yet always upright (although there were moments) couple from New Yawk… They did not know us, and to them we seemed to have more money than sense.
“We’re going here… Dark Sky says in four days this storm will pass right here.” She pointed to a point mid-way up Iceland. “We’ll be here.” She pointed at a destination, which was still less than a hundred miles to the north of the tempest’s path according to an iPhone app being read above the 65th latitude. “It’ll miss us if we stay on our route. If we go south, we will get very wet or worse.”
There was a bit of harrumphing, and whispering… I heard the words enchantress and witch bandied quietly between a few of them. To their defense they had been at the bar for a bit since we arrived in the early evening. What sort of sorcery was this?
Maps, and other weather apps came into play. None could match my own Morgana LeFey.
Dark Sky still called for the approaching storm – that you could plainly see, scooting just south of where we’d be that night.
The decision was all but unanimous. One guy - jeesh!
A round of drinks were bought, the men all toasted Shira the Sorceress, with a few still mumbling about selling her to locals if she turned out to be wrong. I would never let that happen – well, not without adequate compensation – we were in Game of Thrones territory, and I know the drill.
Dark Sky was beyond accurate, as the monster storm passed just 50 miles to our south – as predicted - and kicked the snot out of the southern parts of Iceland; we all were toasty warm and dry, The Horde were now discussing how they could sell off one their own who decided he couldn’t muster the custard to carry on after a hard get-off. Interestingly he was that one dissenter a few days back.
All thoughts of selling the redhead vanished as she was the only one with Dark Sky and, like Queen Cersei, she let them know it.
All would be good if she got to see a puffin, or dragon; and she would under clear blue skies – just like Dark Sky said it would be. ,
