October Rides!

[Jayell]

I recently attended GTAM burger night, and was given siht for not sharing my autumn rides. I didn't think anyone cared or would be interested. Better late than never?

All right then! Because you demanded it! Here goes...

I had three weeks off in October, did some motorbike riding.

Three of my buddies set out on Friday, September 27. I had to work, so joined them in Huntsville for lunch on Saturday. It was a beautiful day, mild temps, lovely riding the Highlands.

Left to right: my brother on his '04 R1150GS (about to turn 200,000 kilometers), Andrew on a 1290 Super Adventure, Jamie's '06 Triumph Tiger 955i, and my Guzzi.

I'd made arrangements to spend the night at my friend's cottage in the Barry's Bay area. I had the specific address, but the GPS had difficulty finding it. We thought we had found it, my buddy Andrew went up the steep, rocky trail, came back down and declared, "You guys aren't getting up there!". Wrong place, I guess.

Much better! We arrived just before dark, had a great meal together, and a late night camp fire. So generous of my friend to offer the cottage.

A lovely Sunday morning view from the dock.

I fired up the Jetboil for breakfast.

Packed and ready to go. I was using a set of West Wind Moto bags this weekend, recently acquired from @Evoex. Thanks buddy! A pretty good set-up, I reckon, they hold slightly more than the Guzzi hard bags, though one must become accustomed to fiddly straps and buckles, but I think this is inherent with any soft luggage. It remains to be seen how durable they are, but initial impressions are very good. Incidentally, the tail bag contains all my camping gear, tent, sleeping bag, etc., but it turned out not to be necessary this weekend.

Jamie and I plot strategy on the way out. It was about fifteen kilometers back to the main road, the early morning fog made it a real challenge.

We stopped in town for coffee and the obligatory photo of the Avro Arrow.

It was another day of great riding; my brother has an uncanny knack for finding the best roads.

This was originally intended to be several nights out, but plans always change. A couple of the guys had to return for Monday, so this ride ended up being a single night for me. No matter, there's plenty more to come.

 

[Jayell]

I did some work around the house for a few days, then had the sudden urge to go camping for a single night. Where to, I wondered? How about a night at Bon Echo? I gathered all the camping gear, loaded up the bike, and prepared for a chilly and solo October night in the tent. At the eleventh hour, my brother decided to come along. It's always nice to have company.

We spent the day riding the Highlands once again, but different roads than the prior weekend. There are so many choices, almost none of 'em bad.

We arrived at the park just before the wood shed closed. A good thing, too; it was expected to be cold this night. The nice lady checking us in explained that "the kindling are small pieces of wood, used to get the fire going". Pro tip! We strapped a bag of wood onto each bike, then set up the tents, just before dark. Say, does anyone know if it is permissible to bring your own fire wood into a provincial park?

With limited space on the bikes, and both being rotten cooks, we thought we'd try some MREs, freeze dried meals, boil-in-bag, whatever you like to call them, just for fun. I've never had one before and was expecting it to be awful. Not so, I was pleasantly surprised. Pretty tasty as it turned out, and it filled me up. Quick and easy to prepare, eat it right out of the bag. Harry cheated and poured his into a bowl. Very convenient, easy to pack, but very expensive, loaded with sodium, not something you'd want to eat every day. However, I can think of a few times over the years where I've arrived late to a campsite with no food; an MRE would be perfect in such a situation.

I use a Jetboil Zip, the smallest, least expensive JB model. It is suitable for boiling water only, not intended for use with pots and pans, though it's useful for instant coffee, tea, instant oatmeal, noodles, rice, instant soup, MREs, and whatever else you can think of. Packs small, fuel is cheap and available just about anywhere. The Jetboil is not the only game in town, surely not the least expensive, but if you have the means to boil water, it opens a world of possibilities.

Our friend Amir was also out on his bike, staying at a motel in Cloyne. He joined us for the camp fire and a beer.

An early morning view of Mazinaw Lake.

We stopped for lunch at the Wilno Tavern...

... and were joined once again by Amir.

My ride tracker gave up on me on Thursday, but here is a map of Friday's ride, about 475km from Bon Echo back to Pickering.

 

[Jayell]

I moped around the house for the weekend, unsure of any plans. Staring at the next two weeks off, my wife having to work, and all my riding buddies unavailable, I was on my own. I thought of Pennsylvania, but have ridden there several times already this summer. Around supper time on Sunday, while sitting in the garage sipping a beer and admiring the Guzzi, I was somehow reminded of New Hampshire. Hmm... I haven't been to the US north east for a number of years. It's a great time of year for that. Well, that's all it took, the decision was made in less than thirty seconds. I started packing the bike. The weather is becoming colder; I think I'll skip the camping this time, and stay in motels. Travelling on my own with no one to share motel costs will make for an expensive trip. "Screw it", I thought. "Let's go!". Off with the soft bags, on with the hard ones. I never use the top box, except when my wife comes for a ride, but I thought it might be useful this time.

Day 1

Monday, October 7. Pickering, Ontario to Lake Placid, New York

Up and at 'em just after sunrise, it was a beautiful and traffic free ride along the 401 to the border at Gananoque. The original plan was to take the Wolfe Island Ferry at Kingston, but the shorter ferry to Cape Vincent, NY was closed on this particular day. Once into the USA, it was all secondary roads from there. I prefer to avoid highways and interstates if possible. I had no real plan, nothing specific, lots of time. From Watertown, I headed across NY 3 towards Lake Placid.

I stopped in Cranberry Lake, my bladder about to burst. Bad luck! They're closed, so I discreetly hosed down a nearby tree.

I found a modest motel in Lake Placid, but it didn't have a modest price. Lake Placid is a lovely town, perhaps a bit too touristy for some, but there's plenty to do and see, and lots of great riding in the area. However, I think this will be the last time I stay overnight in Lake Placid; it's just become too expensive.

Prior to check in, I rode route 86 to Wilmington, one of my favourite roads in the area. With some time to kill, I figured I'd ride up Whiteface Mountain, even though I've done so several times before. The nice fellow at the toll house politely asked for twenty bucks, then proceeded to tell me the summit was in the clouds. Thanks for the advice, I said, then turned around and carried on. A bit more riding the local roads, then back to the motel.

I went next door to an Italian restaurant and had the Clams Casino pizza. Wow! I think the garlic stuck with me for the next few days. So good that I saved a slice for breakfast. While eating, I came up with a brilliant idea for Tuesday. There is an attraction not too far from here, I've wanted to visit for some time. I checked the website and booked my ticket. Following dinner, I went for a walk through town. Lots of activity, lots of folks strolling about. The town really plays up the Olympic history, of course.

I checked Shane's recent ride report to Gaspé and made note of Tracy Road here in New York, but read no further. With a minor adjustment to Tuesday's route, it's now included.

610km today.

 

[Jayell]

Day 2

Tuesday, October 8. Lake Placid, NY to Franconia, New Hampshire

I've a very important appointment at 10:00 this morning. I mustn't be late! It's about a one and a half hour ride, but I left with an extra hour in hand, just to be sure. Almost perfect weather this morning, but very cold. I struggled mightily with a fogging visor, and even worse, fogging glasses for much of the ride. Rather unpleasant having to ride with the visor open in freezing temps at 60mph. As for Tracy Road, Shane was right. Wow, what a ride! Lots of twists and turns, good asphalt, no traffic. Add this one to your list. Thanks Shane.

Here's what I woke up to on Tuesday.

Looks like water, but it's not. 0°C at 7:30am.

Sunrise over Mirror Lake, as seen from the main street in Lake Placid. Quite beautiful.

I arrived in the tiny town of Ticonderoga shortly after nine o'clock, and with some time to kill, I had a coffee and some toast at the downtown diner. Nice place.

My good friend Jon rides a BMW RT; of course I thought of him when I parked. These RTs were ridden by a couple of older gents from New Jersey who were headed to Vermont. Nice guys.

So what's the big attraction in Ticonderoga? Any guesses? Anyone? It has nothing to do with pencils, it has nothing to do with a fort from the American Revolutionary War. No, this attraction is better than those things. Much better.

Give up?

Here's a hint!

Are there any Star Trek nerds out there? I'm old, I'm a nerd! Yes, it's the Star Trek Original Series Set Tour! Wow! Can you imagine anything more exciting? In existence since 2014, the facility is an exact replica of Desilu sound stage #9, where the original series was produced. I'll let the pictures do the talking.

Any Star Trek fan knows that the series would not exist were it not for the insistence and support of Lucy.

Transporter console.

"Energize, Mr. Scott!"

Sick bay.

Engineering.

Money shot!

Turbo lift on the bridge.

Mr. Spock's station.

cont'd...

 

[Jayell]

... cont'd.

"Engage, Number One!" Oh no! Wrong series! I meant to say "Ahead warp factor one, Mr. Sulu.".

The tour lasts about one hour, there were six or seven nerds in our group. The cost is around twenty bucks, no touching anything, no video permitted, but take as many photos as you like. I grew up with Star Trek reruns, so this tour was quite poignant, time well spent.

There is plenty of memorabilia on display, some of it genuine. Also lots of souvenirs to blow your dough on. I took this coffee mug home.

So, it was close to lunch time when I left, heading for Vermont. I had just learned that, in addition to the ferries which cross Lake Champlain, there is also a bridge not far from here. Very convenient. I'm not very familiar with the state of Vermont, so I thought this would be a good opportunity to explore. Where to? I checked the paper map and chose to head north to Smugglers Notch and onto to Stowe. Wrong choice. While a scenic ride, the traffic was brutal, particularly in the town of Stowe; everyone was out looking at the pretty leaves. Once clear of the town, I stopped for gas and a coffee, time to think about a place stay for the night. Everything in the area was insanely expensive though, four, five, six hundred dollars a night. Not a chance! I know the White Mountains of New Hampshire much better than Vermont. I found a room in Franconia, NH for a reasonable price, about one and half hours from here. Sorry Vermont, I tried. Now late in the afternoon, I had to hit the hated interstate to avoid the dark.

This is what $159 buys you. I was very content, though. A warm bed and a hot shower is all I need.

These guys do it the old fashioned way! Picking up on Shane's ride report, I discovered he and his buddy had stayed here the week prior.

After check in, I found a quaint little diner in Littleton, about ten miles up the road. A nice hot meal, nice people.

365km.

 

[Jayell]

Day 3

Wednesday October 9 Franconia, NH to Littleton, NH, the long way.

I prefer to rise early and get on the road, that's some of my favourite riding. But today, I missed my alarm and slept in! It was 8:30 when I woke. By the time I'd showered, had breakfast, and packed the bike, it was 10:30. No matter. I pointed the bike south and headed for the famous New Hampshire Route 112, also known as the Kancamagus Highway, or simply "The Kanc". I rode through Franconia Notch on my way; breathtakingly beautiful; so rugged. Plenty of twists and turns on the Kanc, but also a ton of traffic. The speed limit is 50mph, but a few selfish folks think it's okay to carry on at 30mph, taking in the views while traffic stacks up behind them. I made sure to let 'em know how I felt when I eventually passed.

The town of Conway has many attractions, lots of tax free shopping, lots of traffic. I was bit chilly, had forgotten to pack my long johns, so I stopped and made a purchase. North on US 302 to the junction of NH route 16, then further north to Mount Washington. I'd missed out on a ride up Whiteface Mountain, but today didn't look any better.

Sure enough, no go. Road closed. Snow at the summit.

I rode further on to NH route 110, across to Groveton.

There are a number of covered bridges in the north east. This one is in Stark, NH.

I'd made a motel reservation in Littleton. The most direct route from Groveton to Littleton was US Route 3, but I was more interested in taking the less travelled, secondary roads. Relying solely on my paper map rather than GPS, I found some nice, lonely roads and enjoyed the ride. I hit some heavy rain just before Littleton. Arriving at the motel around 4:00pm, I checked in, unloaded some luggage, donned the new long johns, then planned a pre-dinner ride.

Tonight's prison cell. I made the mistake of confusing currencies when I booked this online, so it turned out to be a lot more expensive than planned. A nice enough room, in any case.

I have a buddy who is a bit of a princess, no flea bag inns for him. He was sending me links of various places to stay, all way out of my league. I thought I'd fix him by showing him one of the most expensive hotels in the state. Along US 302 to Bretton Woods and the Mount Washington Hotel. This grand old hotel is over a hundred years old, has plenty of history and charm, but only the well heeled need apply. The smallest, cheapest room I found for this night was over $700.

Their own golf course in the front, Mount Washington in the back. There's a gate house to keep out unwanted plebs like me.

The nice lady at the gate house allowed me in for a photo.

Now it's getting close to supper time and the sun sets early. I should head back to Littleton, but I chose to take the long way. I'll ride the Kanc in the opposite direction from this morning, but I really want to avoid the town of Conway. I checked the paper map and found a short cut from Bartlett down to the Kanc. Wow! What a ride! Known as Bear Notch Road, it's the best road of the day. You know it'll be good when the sign says "Road Closed & Gated During Winter". Lots of twists and turns through dense forest, good pavement, little traffic. Fantastic! @shanekingsley, you'll have to add this one to your list.

Bear Notch Road, Google Maps link

420km. I rode the big circuit counter clockwise, the smaller one clockwise.

 

[Jayell]

Day 4

Thursday October 10 Littleton, NH to Lake George, New York

I pondered the day's ride over breakfast. I could continue into Maine, there's good riding off the beaten track there. But that's taking me further from home. I think I'd better head west. Checking the paper map once again, I planned a route on secondary roads, south in New Hampshire, across Vermont and Lake Champlain, and finally to Lake George, NY.

I'd only been on the road for a few minutes when it became apparent I'd better don the rain gear. Harman's Country Store, Sugar Hill, NH.

Despite cold, windy weather, about 6°C. most of the day, with rain threatening the entire way, it was a pleasure riding the rural roads of New Hampshire and Vermont. So scenic and very little traffic.

Stopped for gas and a coffee at the general store in Warren, NH. Catering to the local farmers, this store had everything, including the largest selection I've ever seen of odd ball nuts and bolts and various hardware bits.

Appleknockers General Store and Hardware, Warren, NH

More of this, please.

I zig zagged across Vermont, finishing with the wild ride of #17, up and over a mountain. Bitterly cold and windy at the top, there are some crazy switchbacks and first gear hairpins on the way down. Good fun.

Across the Lake Champlain bridge once again, then south on route 9N, another twisty ride along the shore of Lake George. Lake George is a summer town, home of Americade, among other events. Things become pretty quiet in the fall though, so accommodations were plentiful and reasonable tonight. I pulled into the Super 8 at around five, and was greeted by a very nice young woman. "How was your day?", she asked. "Well, lemme see" I replied, "I'm tired, cold, damp, and hungry. In other words, it's been a great day!" She set me up with a nice room on the ground floor, just the way I like it. This room was, by far, the least expensive of the week.

When moto travelling, I always prefer an old style motel, as opposed to the more contemporary multi floor hotels. It's so convenient to park at the front door, unload the luggage, and tinker with the bike while sipping a beer.

505km.

 

[Jayell]

Day 5

Friday October 11 Lake George, NY to Pickering, ON

It's time to head home, but once again, I'll take the leisurely route.

Crossing the Sacandaga River, not far from Lake George.

Riding across the north shore of the Sacandaga River, a lovely and scenic ride under bright and sunny skies, then north through the Adirondack mountains to Tupper Lake. West on NY 3, then I chose a route which avoided Watertown and paralleled Interstate 81 to the border at Gananoque.

The fun is over, it's time to endure the soul crushing insanity of Highway 401 late on a Friday afternoon. Sure enough, it was as brutal as I expected. Traffic was so bad around Trenton, I detoured south to Hwy 2 to Colborne, which turned out to be a very pleasant and stress free alternative.

A final detour to the Tims in Whitby for Friday night bike night and a coffee, then home at around eight o'clock.

The weather for this ride was a lot colder than the week prior, seldom over 10°C., but I was always warm and comfortable. A base layer, heated vest, and a puffy jacket under the moto jacket did the job. Heated grips and winterish gloves kept the hands warm.

The Guzzi was a pleasure the entire way, it gave no trouble. What a great bike! Not so with my Garmin GPS, though. It constantly complained of losing the wired connection; I have tried many times to isolate the problem, but can't find it. At one point I was so annoyed, I considered simply tossing it off the bike at 60mph. Some rides it works without flaw, others it fusses. I've yet to find a common condition.

A really enjoyable trip this was, though travelling solo and a sagging Canadian dollar puts it a bit on the expensive side. Some gravel would be nice to include for next time, but as it was, the twists and turns of the north east are quite enough to keep me happy.

730km for the day, 2630km total.

 

[MacDoc]

Gutsy ride for the time of year. Are you carrying and ePIRB or some such? I'll bet some of those roads are isolated and gets chilly right quick this time of year.
Recall a group got lost in PA mountains thanks to the lead rider and came back very blue after dark a similar time of year.

 

[shanekingsley]

Nice rides and write up!

And I will check out the Bear Notch Road, so thanks for the tip

I used to have a problem with my Garmin where it would incessantly drop the connection and it turned out that I had not crimped the wire tight enough in the cheapo spade connector. Once I swapped that out it's worked flawless ever since.

 

[sburns]

Hey who gave you sh!t... lol
Didn't know you went to the Star Trek Exhibit, talk next time.
Amazing looking pizza.
Thanks for sharing!

 

[Jayell]

Are you carrying and ePIRB or some such?

No, not necessary, I don't think. They may have been rural roads, but in most cases, not too lonely.

 

[Hardwrkr13]

I've only done those roads in the car a few times but it looks like we've stopped at a lot of the same places. It's been on my mind to do it on the bike one day soon as well so thanks for the reminder.
North Conway also has amazing hiking/mtb/rock climbing as well.

 

[Lightcycle]

Cool! Thanks for the write-up!

 

[Sunday Rider]

Thanks for posting your October trips. Very enjoyable and informative with great photos and noted roads to ride. That transporter room would have been handy on some of those cold mornings! Star Trek, who'd thunk it? Did you know that before you left home or found about it along the way. I loved the original show.

 

[Jayell]

I used to have a problem with my Garmin where it would incessantly drop the connection and it turned out that I had not crimped the wire tight enough in the cheapo spade connector. Once I swapped that out it's worked flawless ever since.

I've checked all connections numerous times. Cannot duplicate the problem in the garage. This one is most peculiar.

 

[Jayell]

Star Trek, who'd thunk it? Did you know that before you left home or found about it along the way. I loved the original show.

I learned of the set tour a few years ago and made note. I didn't recall until I was on the road on first day. The tour fit into the plan perfectly.

 

[Lightcycle]

I've checked all connections numerous times. Cannot duplicate the problem in the garage. This one is most peculiar.

I have a 395 which has the same two-pin power plug that your 396 has.

I've experienced the intermittent power cut as well and traced it to the mount. The pins on the mount don't have enough pressure to contact the GPS when moving, especially over rough terrain. The momentary loss of contact will throw a message on your screen threatening shut-down.

What you need to do is to shim the power plug from the mount with some kind of thin O-ring so it raises the profile of the pins more, which will maintain pressure and contact with the GPS. I couldn't find an O-ring thin enough, so I used a rubber band instead that I cut down to size. Because the rubber band eventually loses its elasticity, it eventually flattens out, so I have to change it out every couple of seasons, but so far, it seems to have fixed the connectivity issue.

Hope this solves the issue. It's frustrating, especially when you're on a long ride.

 

[Jayell]

What you need to do is to shim the power plug...

Yes, I've thought of this, too. Will investigate further.

Thanks for the tip.