The Smage Brothers Motorcycle Stunt Team was a smashing success on this week's edition of America's Got Talent. Link to YouTube video.
July 21, 2011
Harley 2012 Lineup
Harley-Davidson has announced its 2012 motorcycle lineup. The lineup includes 32 models showcased by 4 CVO models, a 10th Anniversary V-Rod, and a new model, the Dyna Switchback.
The Dyna Switchback, with detachable hard saddlebags and detachable windshield, can easily be converted from a touring bike to a cruiser. The base price is $15,999.
Overall prices for 2012 are up 1% in the United States with a range of $7,999 for a Superlow Sportster to $37,249 for the Ultra Classic CVO model.
For more information visit Harley-Davidson's website.
July 15, 2011
West Virginia
Spent a couple of days riding in the mountains of West Virginia. 1st time for me. Here are some of my observations:
WV 55 is a great road but it's character has been compromised as a portion in now a 4-lane freeway (part of Corridor H). This freeway cuts through mountains and fills in valleys. Traffic on this freeway, which cost several million per mile to build, was very light. This is a waste of taxpayer money and it has ruined the beautiful mountain scenery and road. Along the freeway you will see signs directing you to the old 55, however.
Ditto for US 33 - it also has some segments with Corridor H freeway. A must stop is Seneca Rocks at the intersection of WV 55 and US 33. Be sure to visit the Seneca Rocks Discovery Center and check out Harper's Old Country Store.
Rode US 50 from Clarksburg to Ellenboro. Also a 4-lane freeway (Corridor D) and a bit of a disappointment. Traffic was moderate on this segment.
From Ellenboro I took WV 16 to St. Mary. If the rest of 16 is as good as this small segment, you can't go wrong. St. Mary is unique in that a railroad runs down the center of the main street. I talked to a local and he said that several trains come through daily and St Marys is one of only 2-3 towns in the US with this rare situation. When a train approaches, lights flash to warn motorists to move to the side and make way for the train. An opportunity for a quick stop and photo op.
WV 7 was the real deal and it restored my faith in WV roads. Light traffic and endless curves.
Overall, these roads in the WV mountains were a enjoyable ride. Look forward to getting back to this area and explore other roads.
WV 55 is a great road but it's character has been compromised as a portion in now a 4-lane freeway (part of Corridor H). This freeway cuts through mountains and fills in valleys. Traffic on this freeway, which cost several million per mile to build, was very light. This is a waste of taxpayer money and it has ruined the beautiful mountain scenery and road. Along the freeway you will see signs directing you to the old 55, however.
Ditto for US 33 - it also has some segments with Corridor H freeway. A must stop is Seneca Rocks at the intersection of WV 55 and US 33. Be sure to visit the Seneca Rocks Discovery Center and check out Harper's Old Country Store.
Rode US 50 from Clarksburg to Ellenboro. Also a 4-lane freeway (Corridor D) and a bit of a disappointment. Traffic was moderate on this segment.
From Ellenboro I took WV 16 to St. Mary. If the rest of 16 is as good as this small segment, you can't go wrong. St. Mary is unique in that a railroad runs down the center of the main street. I talked to a local and he said that several trains come through daily and St Marys is one of only 2-3 towns in the US with this rare situation. When a train approaches, lights flash to warn motorists to move to the side and make way for the train. An opportunity for a quick stop and photo op.
WV 7 was the real deal and it restored my faith in WV roads. Light traffic and endless curves.
Overall, these roads in the WV mountains were a enjoyable ride. Look forward to getting back to this area and explore other roads.
June 16, 2011
Great day of riding
Yesterday, with perfect weather, took a ride to the Dutch Country of Pennsylvania. Stopped at Yoders Country Market in New Holland for their all-you-can-eat lunch buffet. The food was excellent and a real bargain at $10. After lunch rode over to Intercourse, PA and stopped at Kitchen Kettle Village. Its worth the time to walk around, do some shopping and, best of all, listen to the music of the duo (guitar and banjo) who perform outside the bake shop.
On the way down rode PA 568. This is a road which is a must ride if you are in the area. Lots of curves, nice scenery, and very little traffic. It is very tempting to push the speed, but with no shoulders and many blind curves, it is wise to sit back and enjoy the scenery and cooling shade.
Leaving Intercourse, I took PA 772 west to Rothsville. 772 is not listed on MotorcycleRoads.US but it is a great motorcycle road and I hope that a rider out there submits their comments on it.
The highlight of the day happened upon arrival at the Kitchen Kettle Village. As I got off by bike, I spied a couple across the parking lot who had also just arrived. Went over and introduced myself and it turned out that the couple were from Iceland touring the US on their Yamaha Venture. We had a nice conversation and quickly became friends. Needless to say that this is an example of why motorcycling is a such a passion with me.
On the way down rode PA 568. This is a road which is a must ride if you are in the area. Lots of curves, nice scenery, and very little traffic. It is very tempting to push the speed, but with no shoulders and many blind curves, it is wise to sit back and enjoy the scenery and cooling shade.
Leaving Intercourse, I took PA 772 west to Rothsville. 772 is not listed on MotorcycleRoads.US but it is a great motorcycle road and I hope that a rider out there submits their comments on it.
The highlight of the day happened upon arrival at the Kitchen Kettle Village. As I got off by bike, I spied a couple across the parking lot who had also just arrived. Went over and introduced myself and it turned out that the couple were from Iceland touring the US on their Yamaha Venture. We had a nice conversation and quickly became friends. Needless to say that this is an example of why motorcycling is a such a passion with me.
June 13, 2011
New Roads
Added 9 new roads to MotorcycleRoads.US:
1) Arkansas: SR 221 - "This road is really good with its curves and elevation changes. Good pavement and very pretty ride." In the Northwest Ozarks out of Berryville.
2) Minnesota: CR 16 - "...along the St. Croix River..." AKA Wild Mountain Road. Located north of the Twin Cities.
3) Missouri: US 50 - "Nice ride thru the Mid Missouri countryside. Usually low traffic." Runs between Jefferson City and St. Louis.
4) North Carolina: Road to Nowhere - "This road goes into the Smokey Mountains National Park and deadends at a tunnel about 1/4 mile long. The views of the Southern Smokies are great along this route..." AKA Lakeview Drive.
5) New York: CR 6 - "Great sportbike road that will keep you on your toes with a variety of hard to predict turns at times. Short, but one of the best in the area." Located in the Hudson Valley region.
6) Ohio: US 52 - "Nice sweeping turns with little traffic." Follows along the Ohio River.
7) Pennsylvania: Oysterdale Road - "Mostly sweeping (slightly twisty), beautiful countryside." In the Dutch County northeast of Reading.
8) Tennessee: Clifton Turnpike - "...this road snakes it's way through heavy woods to a lower elevation where it straightens out to open meadows. Sport bikers will not be disappointed." Located southwest of Nashville.
9) Texas: FM 2208 - "Nice road, friendly traffic, very scenic, around 40 miles of fun." Out of Longview not far from I-20, X599.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)