As you can see, whether it is a day ride from Philly or Virginia or a cross country adventure, don't miss Lancaster County.  Lots of great rides around the Amish farms to Gettysburg Battleground.  The history, architecture, food  will not disappoint!

​
See You Down The Road

Got my ticket to ride to: 

Although we ride for pleasure and adventure; sometimes it's great to take a break.  And today it's snowing.  What is up with that - its Spring!  So a good day to go to the  movies.

FALL RIDE LANCASTER,PA

WORKING ON THE STRASBURG RAILROAD

​CHASING THE TRAIN

​If the playback is slow on buffeting go here:  

QVC SHOOTS AT STRASBURG RAILROAD STATION

If playback is slow on buffeting go here:

​Short Film:  DUDLEY DO-RIGHT SAVES NELL...AGAIN

Ohhh, that would be a great corporate ride!   Sadly without winning the Lotto, not going to happen.   Bought another Mustang.

Here is the Mustang I did buy:

The internet can cost you money. Don't know where I saw reference to California Scooter Company. May have been in the Overland Expo site a year ago. At any rate saw the Mustang and thought it just the coolest little bike around. So I contracted them to build me one. Turns out, one of the last ones to be had. They are no longer available. It's a very cool little bike.

This one differs from most of the bikes they offered since I customized it as a "Bobber". Beautiful little putt and loud as heck with the straight pipes. Blast to ride too. Tops out around 65. Not bad for a 150cc engine. And very frugal on gas at 90mpg.

It Rides like a "big" bike and yes, you can spend all day in the saddle.  

​Had to drive out to pick it up about, 2,800 miles  and no I didn't ride it across country. 
Could tough.  There is a guy touring the world on a 50cc Honda Ruckus.  Several people have 
​gone cross country on 125cc bikes.   I guess you just go a bit slower then with 1200cc!

Bit of thumbnail history on the Mustang.  Original manufacture of the Mustang, was the Mustang Motorcycle Corporation,  got the name from The P-51 Mustang fighter plane.  First production bikes hit the streets of Glendale, CA in 1946.  In 1965 production stopped.

When you can find an original Mustang the price for a pristine bike can exceed $10,000.00 and even a beater will cost around $5,000.  

Ed Seidner, owner of Pro-One Performance Manufacturing started California Scooter Company.
Started manufacturing the Mustang.  Ed held true to the original in design but  had to upgrade to meet the demands of EPA and CARB.  Powered by 150cc engine, four speed transmission, both a kick start and electric start, 12 inch wheels and although a hard tail, with the big springs on the seat make it a comfortable ride.  

​Last June took it to Americade and it was a big hit.  Could not stop without drawing a crowd.  One day was in the saddle for around hundred miles, of course with stops to see the sights.

These photos taken on the grounds of Silver Bay YMCA.
The site is on the National Historic Registry.  Beautiful area with many buildings to see.

 Americade.  I have been to Stugis and Daytona, to
Reno for Hot August Nights;  I like Americade.
Very nice venue with a more genteel crowd. Billed
as the largest motorcycle rally and it might be.  I don't know.  I do know it is beautiful at Lake George.  Additionally you  can tour over to Vermont and 
encounter again the beauty of the area.  Indeed
Ameracade has many escorted tours.  I have been
on several and if you are  a reader of this blog you
know I am a member of: Ride to Eat, Eat to Ride
club and many of the guided tours include some very fine lunch stops.  

Speaking of dining here are a  few  gastronomic delights I hit  each time I attend.
Located right in the middle of the action on Canada Street is Montana's.  

Make sure to get an outside table so you can dine, wine, and watch the bikes cruise by.​

Another place for lunch or dinner is the Olde Log Cabin located on State Route 9
and is about five miles from "town" center.   

This evenings meal was a simple one of Fish and Chips. 

When at Amercade be sure to see the commercial exhibits. Lots of vendors there to separate you from your money.  And my favorite place to eat there is The German Wurst Haus.
​

Again simple fair, but so good. -  Bratwurst and hot German Potato salad.

​So last year my Mustang buzzed the Americade.  Great rides, good food and good times.

See You Down The Road

As it is said: " When Life gives you lemons, make lemonade".  After many years of alpine  skiing  with
some injuries, my knees failed and the idea of riding the outback without firm support could get
you killed.  I mean slip on the sand, rock, leafs, whatever in the boonies alone and you could die
of exposure.  I mostly ride alone in some rather inhospitable areas -SW Colorado is my favorite.
Around Silverton and Ouray.  There You find some of the roughest and most remote areas in the
Country.  Many of the trails can be easily handled by a road bike or car.  Ophir Pass is one.  Most 
have a little pucker power when up there.  You will encounter sheer drop offs and very tight hairpins.  Start to lose the bike on the unstable soil with a bum knee or two and your day may have just turned sour.

So, I made "lemonade"  had the hack built.  With three wheels ain't like you will fall over!  Another advantage should you live in the snow country is you can ride all year long.  If you do love in a cold area; for fun go find a large parking lot with a bit of ice and do donuts - just hang on!

Contacted Claude Stanley at Freedom Sidecars and we discussed what I would like to build.  Claude is a custom fabricator and will build anything you wish.

​Converted to a car wheel

​


​Added tie down racks

Spetsnaz Shovel

Not only for digging out or digging the "cat hole"
but isa great weapon.  Watch a video and see
how the Russian Spetsnaz can use it

Rotopax Gas Containers

 
​
In 2011 entered the rig for judging at 
AMERICADE
​

Thanks Claude and the crew at Freedom Sidecars, job well done!
​

​You know the trouble with starting a Blog is you say things and your mind returns to that time.  In this case my first post I mused about the "good early days of riding" - In The Beginning - particularly Highway One.  So here we go, for those that have ridden it and for those that wish to put it on your bucket list.

​As I stated, I lived in San Luis Obispo for many years, 1976 -2000.

​Flying out of San Luis Obispo was always a plesasure for rarely did you have any weather issues.  Other then the family plane, lot of time in 182, 210T and some P210.   Even a B52H.  More on flying "down the road" for it is a passion too.

​Sometimes  - often - had a problem finding the right side up!  Love aerobatics.  Stick time in Decathlon and Pitts S2 as well.  Straight and level is for the "bus drivers" of the sky.

But I digress, lets get back to riding Highway One.  I will highlight a few of the stops along the way.  So as we leave San Luis Obispo, for those that have never been there, start by riding North on Highway 101.  This will take through Morro Bay.  Morro Bay is only a twenty minute ride and depending on you departure time; this is a great place for breakfast or lunch.  One of my favorite lunch stops is the Hofbrau.  Located on the Embarcadero best bet for lunch is the prime beef dip sandwich.  Sit on the outside deck and enjoy the view of Morro Rock.

The architecture of Harmony\
​

From Harmony it is a quick ride to Cambria.  Many shops, restaurants and the place to top off your tank.  Either top off here of in San Simeon because gas is going to cost an arm and a leg until you get to Carmel.

This is the sign for the first turn off.  Take this exit.  There is a short but fun run with a couple of good twesties and it will lead you to the "southern" section of Cambia.

As you have seen, I am a senior member of the "Ride To Eat, Eat to Ride" club.  And in Cambria is a wonderful place for a cup of coffee, pastries or a slice of their famous homemade Olallieberry  pie.  

With a full belly and a full tank head north to the town of San Simeon.  This is where the Hearst Castle is.  I would recommend taking one of the tours of Castle.

There are some high speed cruising to be had from here to Ragged Point - not that I suggest it,  You will pass Piedras Blancas Light Station, established in 1875.  As you begin to climb you are at Ragged Point

Leaving Ragged Point and you are immediately in the twesties as you continue to climb, climb, climb.  There are parts of the road that are well above 1,000 feet and often no guard rails.  There are spots for high speed sprints and then gear all the way down for a hairpin and do mind the cliffs.  To much speed can get you killed and the CHP bags a few each year.  Slow down and enjoy the ride!

Another stop for a break and to enjoy the great view is Santa Lucia.  Many a time I/we have stopped for a cup of coffee and a wonderful slice of homemade carrot cake.  You can also spend the night should you wish.  Motel is on the top of the cliffs to the right of the restaurant. Close to the cliffs.  Don't sleepwalk!

From Santa Lucia enjoy more twisties and stop at many of the turnouts for the world class views
​

 
The next stop  - Nepenthe's.  Located at the south end of Big Sur.   Nepenthe has seen it all from Hollywood stars to the hippies of the sixties.  Truly worthy of a stop. and pick up a memento at the Phoenix Shop.  Lunch and the view is hard to beat.  Lunch served 11:30 to 4:30 dinner from 5 to 10.  I love the salads and the Ambrosia burger.  Top it off with the Three Berry pie.

One of the best days spent having lunch at the outside lunch bar was when there became a hum in the sky. Over there high and behind the hill.  Soon the hum was recognized as the roar of a Rolls Royce
Merlin as a P-51  came slashing down the canyon. Rolled up on his right wing and dashed to the see 1,000 feet below and banked south along the coast.  That moment was many years ago.  A flash in time; but imbedded forever as a cherished moment
​

From Nepenthe north you will find the Big Sur. Great camping and lodging here.  Lots of hiking trails. Good place to spend a night or a week.  If you do stay be sure to pop back down a few miles south to dine at Ventana Inn and Spa.  Fine restaurant and a world class wine cellar

From Big Sur, the next stop is Carmel.  Only world is -wonderful.  I have spent a lot of time in Carmel over the years. From many, many rides up to the cold and clammy Winter days.  Love Carmel in the
Winter.  Very few tourists.  Time your ride between storms.  Yes, sometimes even a clear day can be cold.  If so, if it is still there, find Witney's Bar on Ocean and have an Irish Coffee.  Carmel and Monterey's Cannery Row, you can have several days of enjoyment.  Plan the trip and take in Laguna Seca, or better yet spend the day at Carmels Concours de Elegance.  You might even bump into Jay Leno showing one of his cars.   When in Monterey be sure to see the Monterey Bay Aquarium.

That's Highway One.   From here you just ride into more of the concrete jungles all the way to 
San Francisco.  Drive over the Golden Gate and north you pick up the ride again.  I don't care for cities.
Give me the wide open roads to roam!

​See You Down The Road