A Ride on Father's Day

Last weekend I took a ride to deliver a Father's Day card, an excuse to ride 125 miles on a fine Sunday morning, leaving behind Happy Valley as my friend Paul and I took a wandering route to Altoona, Pennsylvania. It's not often the air is this clear or the view this good from Jo Hays Overlook.

On any ride there is always some strange, odd thing to see.  On a bench at the overlook were a series of sunflowers -- like rock cairns along the ocean.

Paul Ruby alternated his photographic efforts between an iPhone and a Nikon D800.  For anyone thinking that a 250cc scooter and a big motorcycle can't ride together, the BMW K1200 GT was a fine companion for the Vespa.

Forty miles south of home sits the Route 22 Diner, our breakfast destination.  A fine place to stop for food before continuing on to Altoona.

I didn't shoot many pictures on this ride.  Sunny days don't fire the photographic engine and it's harder to stop as I would like when riding with someone else.  After delivering the Father's Day card Paul made a stop to inspect a Buick station wagon.  He has an unhealthy attraction to these old yachts but decided he didn't need this one.

And that was it, a fine morning ride under a blue sky.  No photographic distractions, just piloting the scooter along the road, taking in the light and air, letting cares and worries fly away until nothing mattered but the ride.

What a great Father's Day.  Until I got home.  A big plumbing problem.  Thank heaven I had a good ride under my belt...

Learning to Ride, Choosing to Eat — The Unionville Cafe

My youngest daughter recently acquired her motorcycle license and the rights and privileges attendant to it — like having to invest in the global petrochemical cartel. Her Yamaha Vino sips fuel but the tank eventually wants more.

On the bright side, Aleta is experiencing the freedom a scooter can offer.  And the food.

Aleta joined Paul Ruby and I on a Saturday morning ritual — riding and eating.  Part of the lesson is becoming comfortable on the road whether by yourself, with a big motorcycle, or with other riders.  In this case Paul and I were probably the biggest challenge for her.

For a beginning rider one can't ask for more than what's available here.  Light traffic, reasonable road surfaces, and plenty of twists and turns to practice what you learn in and MSF course.

I suspect Aleta will attain character status on Scooter in the Sticks if she continues to ride.  I'll have to think about a name.  Flash doesn't seem quite right.  Neither does Twisty.  I suppose Aleta will suffice for now.

Upon arrival in Unionville, Pennsylvania — a 20 mile jaunt from home; just enough time to feel like you had a ride, eat, and get home to take on a day of chores.  Pretty good deal in my mind.

Paul and I have eaten breakfast here a few times but it was the first for Aleta.  Once she gets the hang of things I expect she'll be choosing the routes and eateries.  There are a lot of vegetarian cookbooks in her house.

Fearful about the future of my bacon and eggs lifestyle...

Searching for the Christmas Spirit

A week ago I borrowed a motorcycle from the selection of pre-owned machines of Kissell Motorsports --a 2005 BMW F650 GS. I’ll often find myself looking at their web site listings or trolling eBay for the quintessential deal. For a lot of riders a used motorcycle is the best route into the world of riding.  And during those rides I found myself thinking about Christmas.

Junior and I walked in the park this morning to the tolling of bells from a nearby church, announcing Christmas Day. Blue sky, bright sun and the temperature pushing forty degrees doesn’t feel like Christmas.

I’ve been thinking about Christmas all week, trying to bring to life those feelings I had as a kid when Santa Claus was real. Memories of candle light services on Christmas Eve singing Silent Night, the anticipation of presents under a tree seem to fade away a bit more every year. Charles Dickens wrote that Christmas can, “...win us back to the delusions of our childhood days, recall to the old man the pleasures of his youth, and transport the traveler back to his own fireside and quiet home.”. Maybe that’s what I was looking for.

Roaming the countryside on a motorcycle often fuels a flood of thinking. I found my thoughts leaning towards the past, to things that would not come again. Each stop along the road seemed to trigger a memory of Christmas time. Each memory bringing another, and another.

Looking at motorcycles (when you tend to obsess about them) isn’t a lot different than coveting a BB gun or some other must have item of childhood.  The evening I picked up the BMW was like that -- the proverbial kid in the candy store -- so many things to desire.

A festive red Ducati should feel like Christmas shouldn't it?

Or certainly a pink Vespa would conjure some sort of magic if only given a chance.  But maybe what the Grinch said is true: "Maybe Christmas, the Grinch thought, doesn't come from a store."

The pink Vespa will have to wait for another day along with the Triumph Tiger 800 XC and the flat screen TV I was thinking about.

The BMW F650 GS in its 2005 incarnation is a marvelously nimble motorcycle on the gravel roads that crisscross the central Pennsylvania forests. Aggressive knobby tires provide a surefooted ride at speeds I don’t normally attempt in these environs. The bike is completely comfortable from the start.

I felt like Charlie Brown. Christmas time is coming and I don’t feel the way I’m supposed to feel. Or at least that was what I was thinking. Riding through beautiful landscapes I can’t quite appreciate because I’m searching for the Christmas spirit. The little red-haired girl is waiting at home for me, my black dog too, and here I was along a creek, watching the cold, clear water sweep by and nothing. I’m blessed but don’t quite appreciate it.

The F650 GS leads me to the Pump Station Cafe in Boalsburg where I can appreciate a cup of tea and a scone, and the blessings of the motorcycle's heated grips when I take out my journal to write.  BMW has great heated grips.  They feel hot even through thick winter riding gloves.

I suppose there is no connection between riding and Christmas save for the incidental juxtaposition of machine and iconography.  But I did find that missing Christmas spirit.

Last night family and friends gathered on Christmas Eve, for fellowship and food, to spend time together and acknowledge what's special this time of year.  Maybe it just becomes more difficult to see past all the wrappings and tinsel to the meaning of Christmas, a time of transformation and forgiveness where, for a time, the world is a more gentle place.

Merry Christmas to all and best wishes for the holidays.

A Sunday Afternoon Ride

Despite the cold it was good to get out for a ride this afternoon.  I don't watch enough sunsets; my life can be filled with chores and tasks.  On this ride I stopped to smell the roses.

An hour earlier I stopped for another reason -- to search for a view of a local landmark.  I rode the 2005 BMW F650 GS I had on loan from Kissell Motorsports up a winding, muddy path through a small patch of woods and stopped as it led into an expansive hayfield.  Less than a minute after arriving the farmer who owned the property sped towards me on an ATV with a look of displeasure on his face.

After an apology for trespassing and explaining what I was doing we determined that I had photographed him before.  Back in 1984.  He said he still has the picture of he and his dog in his home.  Just one of the serendipitous moments on the road.

Later in the ride I crossed through land owned my Penn State as I searched for light sweeping out of the sky in what I like to call "God light" -- those instances when the light is drawn in beams from the heavens.  Never did find the right spot but was impressed by the performance of the BMW.  First bike I've ridden in years with real knobby tires.  Makes a world of difference in gravel.  And mud.

I've put some time on this bike and will post more about it later in the week.  A lot of good values in the pre-owned category with this being one of them.  Liked it a lot.

Junior is barking outside so I can't write more.  Tired and drained.  No stories or words left for today.  Just a few pleasant memories of a Sunday afternoon ride...

VIDEO: Off-Road Riding with the BMW GS

I came across this video on Twitter and thought it did a good job reflecting what off the pavement riding is like with those big BMW GS and GS Adventure bikes. And a smattering of the smaller BMW dual sport bikes like the F800 GS.

I remember riding a 1970 Kawasaki dirt bike in far more serious terrain and places that I would never attempt with one of the big BMWs. Even so, this video makes riding off the pavement look great.

From the BMW International Rally to a Pig Roast

On Friday, July 22, from 4pm until 7pm, Kissell Motorsports is hosting a pig roast at their State College dealership. Rumor has it they’ll also be offering ice cream from the Penn State Creamery. They’re holding the event during the BMW International Rally and invite riders who might like to get away from the crowds for a while, take a nice ride, and have some good grub. Free.

That’s where I come in. A few weeks ago Craig Kissell and I were talking about different ways to get from Bloomsburg to State College and one of us suggested the idea of sharing a route for riders that would take them through some beautiful countryside, get them to State College in a reasonable amount of time, and not be so difficult as to require close attention, a GPS, and a big dose of luck.

The ride.

I’m going to work backwards and start with the ride back to Bloomsburg. Since it will be late in the day a direct, still scenic route seems in order – US 322 (Expressway) east to PA 45 east (Centre Hall/Boalsburg exit). Take PA 45 through Lewisburg, on to Danville, and from there just 15 miles back to Bloomsburg. It’s simple, 79 miles, but also a beautiful ride. I made the ride early on a Saturday morning on a nice BMW motorcycle. Just to get into the rally state of mind.

Just east of Centre Hall the road enters a stretch of rolling hills and passes through farmland and small towns. The traffic is almost non-existent early on weekends but during the week can be steady and brisk. Passing by Spring Mills, through Millheim (you make want to check out the Elk Creek Café), past Aaronsburg and on towards Woodward the road offers a range of views.

I have a disproportionate number of images that are bisected by strong vertical lines – telephone poles, trees, posts and lines of a sundry origin. And one more.

As you leave Aaronsburg the occurrence of Amish vehicles increases and you should keep an eye out. Most Amish buggy drivers are familiar with the road and vehicles but from time to time a young driver or young horse shy away from motor vehicles. I always give them a wide berth to save everyone grief.

This trip I’m riding a 2011 BMW F650 GS. It’s one of my favorites, on my list of possible motorcycles I would like to own, and probably the most utilitarian machine in the lineup for the kind of riding I do or will conceivably do in the near to distant future. Finding my Vespa more than adequate in the power department for 99 percent of riding I do the BMW has plenty of power for any situation I will ever find myself in.

Someday.

The road cuts through Bald Eagle State Forest and past some nice options for gravel and dirt if you have the time. With a belly full of roast pork this may not be the time.

Leaving the forest the road cuts across an expansive agricultural valley, through Hartleton (SPEED TRAP—GO SLOW), Mifflinburg and on to Lewisburg.

Lewisburg is situated along the West Branch of the Susquehanna River and is a quiet college town, home to Bucknell University. If you are out and about during the week the Lewisburg Hotel is a great place for lunch or dinner. Can’t remember if they serve breakfast

After crossing the river the road stretches on to Bloomsburg just 24 miles away. Find PA 54 into Danville and then US 11 to Bloomsburg.  You can't miss the fairgrounds where the BMW Rally is being held.

All in all not a bad ride with a belly full of pork-- 79 miles from State College to Bloomsburg.

 
Now, the more interesting ride to State College. Just outside the gates of the Bloomsburg Fair Grounds, going west about a half-mile take PA 42 north to Buckhorn. Buckhorn is one of those commercial hubs that spring into existence at exits along Interstate 80. I sat here to take a long drink of water before beginning what would be a 100-mile ride to Kissell Motorsports. Craig chose the route. The one I suggested about take about 5 hours and cover nearly 200 miles. But it would take a rider through some of the best riding territory in the state.

The 100-mile path is a great ride though.

At Buckhorn you’ll find PA 44 going north. That’s your road for the next 45 miles as it winds through woods and farmlands, towns and villages. It’s not unlike the landscape on the ride to Bloomsburg, at least until you begin climbing into the mountains.

Rain threatened all day with a few times requiring me to wipe the water from my visor. I left unprepared and was glad I didn’t get drenched. Riding past Jerseytown and Watsontown and on towards the Susquehanna River finds some long rolling stretches of highway. Watch out for horse apples and Amish buggies, both in abundance.

By the time I crossed the river the sun was out and I was muttering about the heat and wishing I had worn my summer riding jacket.

The fragrance of fresh cut hay, manure and the melodies of cows greet you as you pass through Allenwood towards Elimsport.  Allenwood is home to the Federal Penitentiary that was home to some of the Watergate Burglars.  Elimsport has a decidely Amish feel to it.

Remember, you’re still on PA 44. For those of you who use GPS you can bleep past all the road identifications.

As you enter the Tiadagton State Forest the road climbs clickly up the mountain. The skies also darkened just as fast and I watched the temperature drop nearly 10 degrees.

At the summit of White Deer Ridge the view is lovely and I try to image the winding roads ahead. The BMW F650 GS eats this kind of pavement up. By this time I’m already testing arguments to purchase one in my head, weighing possible responses from my wife, and cursing the fact that we just purchased two cars.

Those of you who stop a lot might be more familiar with the frequency of offers of help. I can’t remember how many times I’ve been making a picture and someone stops to see if I need help. It’s nice and this day was no different. A rider pulled up and asked the routine question and added that he lived just down the road, had a fully equipped garage, and was welcome to use it if needed. He was riding a Honda so he probably didn’t realize a BMW never needs attention along the road.

 
Just past Oval, Pennsylvania you turn onto PA 880 bound towards Rebersburg. More winding, narrow roads through more forest and farmland. And more Amish buggies. Lots to see and look out for.

 
At Rebersburg turn right onto PA 192 and race towards Centre Hall on a smooth road through the middle of farmlands and the gateway to the Kissell Motorsports Pig Roast.

At the light in Centre Hall turn left, go two miles to the next light and turn right onto PA 45 West and ride like the wind to the US 322 Expressway. Jump on the four lane, go about eight miles to the Valley Vista Drive exit and you will be able to smell the pork roasting.

Turn left at the intersection and about a half mile ahead you’ll see Kissell Motorsports on the left. Look for the motorcycles. Smell for the pork.

I’ve made rides like this many times on motorcycles and my trusty Vespa. No reason you can’t do the same, enjoy some good food and company away from the rally for a few hours, and get back in time to enjoy the beergarden.

Drop Craig or Nate a note if you think you’ll be attending or give them a call. That way they’ll have enough ice cream. I was going to suggest Death by Chocolate but that’s just me.

Craig Kissell:  craig@kissellmotorsports.com
Nate Mattern: nate@kissellmotorsports.com

Toll Free: 866-547-7355

Good luck, eat well and safe riding.

BMW Off-Road Academy

A self portrait from this past weekend. I was riding a BMW F650 GS through the Tiadaghton State Forest tracing a route from the site of the BMW International Rally in Bloomsburg, PA back to Kissell Motorsports in State College, Pennsylvania. I'll be posting details soon of that beautiful ride.

Craig and the gang are going to be having a pig roast for BMW riders attending the rally on July 22 and suggested I try out a scenic route that showcases the great riding landscapes.  I'll post all the details on the ride and the pig roast over the weekend.

When I returned the bike on Monday I noticed an interesting poster.

BMW motorrad North America and RawHyde (official training center endorsed by BMW) will be offering an off-road clinic at the rally.  It's free and you can sign up on a first come, first serve basis with Kissell Motorsports.

Give Craig or Nate a call and tell them you want to reserve a spot.  814-861-7890.

Here are the details as I know them now:

Event:
Friday, July 22 · 10:00am - 1:00pm

Location:
BMW MOA Rally Site
Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania

This is a FREE intro to an off-road clinic being held for Kissell Motorsports customers.  Your chance to learn how to ride a GS in the dirt from experts.  Maybe they can save you some headaches and bike drops in the process.

Imagining a Ride to the 2011 BMW International Rally in Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania

Last Saturday morning I was on the road early, just before sunrise.  Not early enough for my plan to ride to the Kutztown Family Diner to visit the MAC-PAC breakfasteers.  The alarm went off shortly before 4am so I would have enough time to make the 175 mile trip and get to the diner by 8, but as luck would have it I cursed the alarm and slept for another hour and a half.

Riding at dawn is satisfying on many levels not the least of which being empty roads.  The drunks are already home, in a ditch or in jail by this time and the crazy cagers aren't up yet.  So with the road clear and some time to ride I decided to pay a visit to the Bloomsburg Fair Grounds -- the site of the upcoming BMW International Rally.

I stopped in Spring Mills hoping to grab something to eat having left home without breakfast. The Fairlawn Store wasn't open yet.  No food, no bait.

Many years ago, before the Vespa, during a time when I was more serious about riding a bicycle, I appeared at this same store on a Sunday morning to buy some snacks and something to drink.  A group of men were sitting on the front porch eying me balefully as I went into the store and made my purchases.  I thought they might have been bothered by the black Spandex riding shorts and unusual riding shoes I had on until I looked down and realized I had one of my wife's shirts on -- a beautiful black t shirt with cute pink kitties on the front.  From that time on I've become more careful of what I drape over my body.

Just east of Aaronsburg I came across the Amish equivalent of the abandoned car.  A back wheel fell off the wagon and it ground to a halt.  Instead of pulling the plates they just unhitched the horse and moved on.

One of the ugliest Amish wagons I've seen.

The road between State College and Lewisburg cuts through some beautiful farmland with great views of the countryside.  Riding is a pleasure.  This is PA Route 45 about a half mile west of Woodward, home of Camp Woodward, one of the biggest BMX, skateboarding, snowboarding and gymnastics camps in the East.  ESPN is often here to televise events like X Games.  Whatever that is.

The road promptly enters the 193 thousand acres of forest comprising the Bald Eagle State Forest.  I was beginning to feel warm when the temperature descended to 59 degrees under the trees.  This stretch of road often gives me the creeps though I'm not sure why.  It passes a place called Hairy Johns Picnic Area.  Seems Mr. Johns was accused of murdering his wife in the early 1800s -- she was found hanging on a meat hook in the cellar.  I've not fully investigated the story but perhaps some of that energy is still floating around, enough for a sensitive Vespa rider to absorb.

It doesn't take long before you cross into Union County and the wide valleys leading through Hartleton, Mifflinburg and on to Lewisburg.  If you come this way on Route 45 make sure you slow down in Hartleton.  They have an ambitious speed trap running that I think funds their schools, water system and sewage plant.  And an educational fund that sends all their kids to college and provides, room, board and a fast car.

I stopped for a gratuitous picture of the Vespa and a vanishing railroad track.  I can't remember why but I think these kinds of pictures make it possible for someone to get out of bed and ride on an old motorcycle or something.

I'm always glad to help when I can.

Crossing the river at Catawissa takes you through some beautiful roads running along the creek with lush moss covered rock outcrops.  If I had time I could stay here with the camera all day.

Arriving at the 2011 BMW International Rally site in Bloomsburg was anticlimactic.  The place was dead and looked pretty ordinary in the hazy light.  But add thousands of motorcycles and it will probably have a completely different feel.

For those of you thinking of going it runs from Thursday, July 21 through Sunday, July 24.  And the ride from State College to Bloomsburg is an easy ride.  Easy pretty much from anywhere in Pennsylvania.  Or the United States.

I didn't linger.  It was Father's Day and I wanted to get home and see if Kim got me a new motorcycle or something.  And my daughter was going to take me out for tea and cookies.  (That sounds kind of weird.)  The scooter was running well and I headed back through some winding country roads until picking up US 11 in Danville.

An Apology to a Band of Harley Riders

I'm usually a rather quiet, sedate rider and keep to myself.  But there are times when I find myself caught up in a surge of deviling energy.  This was one of those mornings.

I was standing along the road shooting a picture of something when a group of about 15 Harley riders roared by on full dress motorcycles and a bunch of near-chopper type machines.  Each without helmets and a general collection of gloveless hands, leather and t-shirts, the common fashion statements that one associates with this riding subculture.

I got back on the scooter and headed down the road in their direction.  They weren't traveling very fast and after a few miles I joined the group, hanging back a couple car lengths as we all headed towards Northumberland.

And then a fascinating thing happened.  The rider at the back of the pack saw me and began a series of hand gestures that were passed forward to the leader of the pack.  In moments the pack sped up to put some distance between their mighty throng and my Vespa.

The devil whispered in my ear and I rolled on the throttle.  The Harleys moved faster, 60, 65, 70, 75mph but I was still riding along as if I were a member of the group.  They probably didn't know that another mile per hour of speed would have left me behind as I had reached the limit of the Vespa.

I have to apologize for intruding in their fantasy and possibly ruining their day.  There are days when I can be a bit assholish.  I have no business taunting anyone on the road regardless of how harmless I think it is.

They eventually slowed and turned into a parking lot of a breakfast establishment as I went by.  Talking later with a Harley riding friend I suggested they were either talking about what a jerk that scooter rider was OR how fast that Vespa could go.

He assured me that it was the former.

Across the Susquehanna River and on towards home. Once the sun gets higher the temperature hovers near 80.  For a moment a swim sounds like a good idea.

After a short break to look around the riverbank and make a few pictures I plot a route home including one more break for gas and a bite to eat.  While sitting on the sidewalk in the shade of a trash can at the Sheetz in Mifflinburg a BMW R1200 GS rides up.  I talk with the rider and he's planning to attend the rally in July.  I ask if he's going to ride in the big GS event, ride over those log piles and through the water.  He looks and me and smiles, looks over at the Vespa, grins, and tells me, "It's a new motorcycle."

We didn't say anything else, both nodding and doing that thing guys are so good at --- leaving a conversation with incomplete information.  He headed east and I west towards a nap.

Five miles from home I stop to make a picture of the round barn near Centre Hall, one of the few left anywhere.  I heard a Harley coming towards me and wondered if I could fit it into the frame as it went by.  By dumb luck everything fit.  It's a challenge to do considering the shutter lag on a point and shoot camera.

Home, a nap, tea and cookies, and lounging around like a lazy bum with Kim's complete approval.  Ah if Father's Day couldn't come twice a week every week.  Junior on the other hand was not pleased that I left early without his usual four mile walk.  He was at me every moment trying to get some action.  Or at least a portrait for his website.  So he and I strolled out to the garden and I made this picture.

While he was nosing around for chipmunks I raced into the house and leaped onto the couch with him hot on my tail.  If he could talk I'm sure he would have said something like, "You're one lazy bastard."

And that's a good thing.