About a decade ago

About a decade ago, I decided to learn to ride a motorcycle. I took the MSF course, and passed, which, in this state, means you have an "M" added to your driver's license, making it legal to operate a "scoot". My current "ride" is a '98 Honda Valkyrie, which I purchased on April 1, 2000. I called it my retirement incentive, as I planned to retire, from teaching, at the end of that school term. Below is a picture of my "dragonlady"

(Click on image for larger picture)

I've discovered that "motorcycling" is a very social avocation, and I've met many new folks, who, have become friends and part of my greater "family". Motorcyclists are never at a loss for something to talk about i.e. a favorite ride, a favorite restaurant, a favorite riding companion, and, most of all that favorite bike.

DKA rides, too. Her cycle is a 1983 Honda Silverwing. Although she's not the fanatic that I am, she enjoys occasional Sunday rides, and, once in awhile, we are able to get away for an overnight trip together.

In June, 2001, I visited my first motorcycle rally. With my brother-in-law, John, I rode to Lake George, NY, and attended "Americade", "THE WORLD'S LARGEST TOURING RALLY".

Read about our trip HERE!

In June, 2002, John and I, along with six friends, took a six day, 2000 mile tour, as far south as South Carolina, along the way stopping for a Motorcycle show, to visit a relative, and to ride a famous (to motorcyclists) stretch of road, known as the "Tail of the Dragon". The tour, for me, covered an eight state area. For others in the group, there were more. It rained on Day 1, but the rest of the trip was dry, with sunny skies, warm temperatures, and great roads.


Group Shot	Aging Maestro resting	Raingear removal	Lover's Leap (Valk)

In June, 2003, John and I, along with four friends, took a five day, 1300 mile tour, which essentially circumnavigated the state of West Virginia. Somehow, we avoided rain, through the entire trip, and found nice twisty roads much closer to home, than in 2002. Good food, good fellowship, and good riding.


Frequent ice cream stops!	Southern WV lookout spot.	Group Shot minus 1

In June, 2004, there were six "old timers" and two new riders (new to the tour, not to riding). We departed in 60 degree temperatures, with full leather gear, right down to chaps. The threat of rain was in the air, particularly to the south and west. We rode east, to Berwick, where our first stop was a "museum" called Bob's Old Bike Barn. Of particular interest to Harley-Davidson devotees, it was filled with old machines and other Harley related gear. We spent a bit of time there, and decided it was definitely worth the stop.We ended Day #1 just east of Harrisburg, Pa. in Lebanon. The following day, the storm line still being to our south and west, we rode through Amish country and onto the DelMarVa peninsula, so called because three states share it (Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia). We rode straight south, arriving near the southernmost point in early evening, and took rooms in Exmore, Va. The following morning, bright and early, we saddled up, and continued south, traveling over that manmade marvel of bridges and tunnels which provides access to the mainland, at Virginia Beach, Va. We all agreed that, had it not cost twelve dollars apiece to cross it, we'd have gone over and back again, as it was quite an experience in the open air, on two wheels.


All lined up, at the rest stop on the bridge.	Fishing pier behind snack bar on the bridge.

Day #3 ended in Winchester Va. (Leader, John R., says "All roads lead to Winchester." and a most enjoyable dinner at our favorite steak house. I had a full rack of ribs (good-bye diet, for awhile.) At this point, on day #4, the rains had moved north of us, and we began a delightful day, moving in a westerly direction over nice, curvy roads in Maryland and West Virginia. Day's end found us in Somerset, Pa. near the southern border of that state, with rain expected that evening. We watched that storm come and go. (We were dry and full of Chinese food, having enjoyed the finest day of just riding, on the tour. The last day, we headed north, and home. Our route took us past the school I student taught in, ever so many years ago, and right up old route #119, where I had played every dance hall from Punxy to DuBois, during my undergrad days. I left the group in Sykesville, and dropped in on the tenor sax player, and his wife, Ron and Kay, for a chat. Kay fixed me a sandwich, and provided a welcome glass of ice tea, before I continued on my way home. What a wonderful five days. What a great bunch of guys.

In Sept. of 2004, DKA and I finally got to do a "couple" trip. We picked five days, between Hurricanes Frances and Ivan, and toured the western end of New York State, making stops in Auburn, Center Square, Niagara Falls, and Austin, Pennsylvania, over a five day period, covering a total of 555 miles. Visiting enroute with her brother' Brad and John, brother-in-law, Rudy, and sister Nancy. Weather was sunny and in the high 70's throughout the trip. Below are a few pictures of the experience.


DKA & AM with bikes	Map of routes taken	Donna and Silver Wing	Leaking fork seal fix