Over the years I have ridden passagners all over the place, from short to long rides. I can't say that I'm the best at giving folks a lift but they all see comfortable and are willing to get back on the bike again at a later date, time or to leave where ever we are. My usual passagners are gals, friend that want to go with me somewhere for the day. I'm going anyway so what the hell they might as well join to discover this area of North Florida and South Georgia. Some of my passagers has sucked ass as the moved and squirmed all over the place folks those passangers suck and well I tell them they do and that they can't do that as it throws the bike off balance as it sways down the road. However I do have to say over the last few years I have found myself given more and more men rides. Hell half of them prefere I pick them up by bike.
Gents, I want to take this moment to Thank you for you efforst to continusly change your thought process. Not to long ago a man would never ever consider getting on to the back of a gals bike unless it was for a joke or an emergency, but now less seem so uptight about and figure I've been riding as long as I have that well I got to have some clue as to what I'm doing. LOL! I met my friend Craig on Heckshure Drive at the Kangroo gas station there at 9A. He's a truck driver that I have known for atleast 8 years. He was one of my first friends in Jacksonville. He didn't have the magic kiss but the kiss of a brother so we knew deep down inside that it would go any where but buddies. He is a good buddy.
So I went and got him at the tiny truck stop there in North Jacksonville. He had 10 hours of down time before he was allowed to drive anywhere so he said I'm here so I'd like to hang with you for the day. Well I rode him home from the truck, left him there to map on the bed as I went to go and get a battery for my truck. A few weeks ago I pulled the turck into the garage and the battery died, I knew it was the battery cause the truck was fine when it when in there then click click click when I went to start it. Well as I was on my way home from getting the battery Craig had kindly taken out the old one for me, now If is was dating him the chances of that happening are slim to none ya know what I mean ladies. So when I got back all I had to do is drop it in the pan, well damit if it wasn't the wrong size battrery, so I plopped it in the trunck an off I went to get the other battery. Who know there were two different battrey styles for the same dam truck???? I got the right battery came home and put in in. turn the key problem solved.yeah team Tumbles.
I woke Craig up see what he wanted to do I also wanted to get him back to his truck so he could leave for Chareslton on time. He was more than willing to sit on the back and take a sighting tour of the island by bike. He just kept complaining about being jammed in like a sardine. It took me a moment or two to think about it but what I did is took off my back rest and he was more comfortalbe. I hate when passangers aren't comfy man they wiggle around and aeverything. He sat back there and road about a total of 100 and some miles and said I hate to admit it but it was real nice being a passanger, I don't think I'd like my gal ride me around because she lacks the confidence that you have about riding but I could get used to being a passanger its better than sitting in a truck. Well on the way back down Heckshure Drive the coming home from work crowd was coming home and ya know we really did get some odd stairs for sure. The surprised looks on most the dudes faces was well worth it. Me I got some really good guy friends that are willing to put their faith in me and for me that says alot about the kind of rider I am. Thanks Guys its always a great laugh and all the rest of you out there keep up the good work.......make it count have a great one "T"
Thursday, June 21, 2012
Monday, June 18, 2012
Loco Locals....................................
Well, I'll be dammed! I went to the local bike night on Friday there in Yulee at Murrary's Bar and Grill. I found that will be the last one there as the owners have decided they aren't making any money. Well dah just cause ya fling a sign out at the road side, put a band on the pourch, and create an out door bar isn't going to make it a jamming bike night. The area is very transiant as many shore and Military Base areas are, and if ya want folks to be interested everyonce in awhile ya have to do something different to make them fun, not just hire the band and sit back and expect the money to roll in. Hell, we all like to do different things don't we? Well I babble with some folks and then on down to The 17, there I babbled with more folks and was asked if I had plans on Sunday and if I wanted to go riding with some locals. I thought sure why not however I had to take a passagner with me, no problem Lynn has ridden with me a number of times and she's a good passanger so why not right?
I got up on Sunday to do the ride like I was going to do and had to put on my trunk for a back rest and floor borads for her. I'm going to tell you this I hate my passanger floorboards, I HATE THEM! It greatly reducess my ability to back up as they are there jamming me right in the calf, they catch my pant legs and other such things like that, however with passagner comes florboards. I met her and the rest of the folks right where they said they be, they didn't talk to me too much just kind of staired a little. I am quite used to this, I tried to make babble but I was the only one in the crowd that was a chick rider that I could see. We left The Flash on state road 200 and headed towards the island. We took a few of the back roads on the island to A1A, from there to Heckshure Drive and the Z Bar. Now, I didn't get what the big rush was may I dropped back when I saw that theres folks were planning to jam 80 in a 45. I said, "Lynn, WTF, is the race for?" she informed me that they were trying to make the Bloody Mary time, oh I said nice.
One thing I hate doing regularly is riding bar to bar. I guess that's why I end up riding alone most of the time. I can do the bar to bar maybe twice a year to be social so this would be the first time this year. The Z Bar is by the St. John's Ferry which in a few months will be closing for good as operating and repair costs is more than the ferry makes. I have some serious doubts abut this but whatever. Anyway the Z Bar is really just a Beer only place, not really ment to draw a big crowd just maybe go in get a beer babble about fishing areas grap you package and get out. We as a group hung out there for about 2 hours, a couple of them were hammering down the bloody mary's. Me not knowing them I will be riding well behind them so I can see exactly what they were and are up too. Man, I don't give folks grief over drinking and riding, not at all, but well I really don't care to do so myself. The next stop was Murrary's Dam's point Marnina.
As we were heading to Murrary's Marrina there my passanger was babbling in my ear about it being a dirt road and if I wasn't comfy. I told her we shall see. Dirt roads don't bother me but dam the sugar sand one s do. I hate sugar sand.. Shoot we pull off of Heckshure and go to an area between the Dam's point bridge and the Carnival Cruise Terminal. It was a little creepy then we turned down a half paved,half gravel, half hard packed road that let to Murrary's and the river now to me that' wasn' the problem. The problem was the "ashen like gravel" they had as a drive way. It wasn't like it was realy stone just nasty shit to back up in as far as I'm concerend. They hung out here for another2 hours. and slammed down some drinks and really didn't want to babble with me, my passagner said this is what its like. Me I didn't find it too much fun. I came to realize that really the ladies were hammering the drinks back and the dudes were just doing the running.
After we left Murrary's at the Dam's Point Bridge, we went to some place by NAX. I hate riding through Jacksonville and Orange Park that's the worst. Why would ya want to ride through here Its just crappy with bad drivers, heavy Mall traffic on top of the two Militar Bases Located there. I didn't get the thinking here, But then again this aint my ride is it now, I'm just a guest. We low and behold stoped at another bar. At this point I'm starving It like 1 pm all I had was water and I just wanted to go in a different direction. We only stayed here for one drink them off to whitey's fish camp. Man about time I can get myself something to eat. I like whitey's. Well its a fish camp, so there are campers on the lot, a large bar and grill, small busy marina, boat ramp, bike parking. It seems to be a general hang out area. Were enroute to Whitey's, and I know how to get there since I've been there before. We get off 17 and go down some side road. I was wondering why did we do this? this isn't the right road, so we did a utrurn then wet about 50 feet and did a semi uturn, then about 1 mile another Uturn, then about 1/2 mile another U turn, next light right, went about 1 mile and did another Uturn, then another Uturn WTF Man is this a feaking test? Do I pass if I end up at the same place they do? Then a semi uturn and well hell 2 miles from ther anthother Uturn I sware we must have dont about 9 uturns in a 3 mile radius. WTF! PapaBear must be lost, bullshit PapaBear be loaded.
I had grilled scallops and a small salad. It was pretty good and hit the spot for the day. Most of the group had fried pickles and gator tails and fried oysters. This is where they deciede they would bable with me. The interagation begings. it sarted with how long you been in Florida, where are you from NJ no shit ya don't sound like it, year of the bike, ever get in an accident? been to sturgis, been to daytona, where else ya been? Then it was my turn I said WTF man was that a test or what back thru there, freaking 9 uturns for what reasons? hell we did 4 on the same road. They laughed PapaBear said he forgot where he was going and then with all the U turns could remember where he was. LOL! He told me he was kind of impressed that I followed them like that and MamaBear said why aren't ya preaching to the ladies they need tot ride their own. If ya wanted to ride you learn and do it, its not for me to tell anyone what to or not do. They all shook their headsin a greement.
One gent, told me of an accident and he was having a hard time dealing with how he was still feeling, he was the one drinking like a fish, like that is going to help. But he said his wife, Brenda rides. she's got a yamaha cause she wrecked his ultra. Oh wow I'm glad to see your both ding well and recovered nicely. They all commented ont he fact that most woman that ride like to push other ladies to ride. Why don't I do that. I've never done that its a matter of choice. If ya don't want to ride then don't if like being a passager that's fine too. Its just not for me to say. I've never ever busted, harasssed, any one about riding its a choice one that is personal one that should never be pushed or forced upon someone. From here we went our seperate ways. Which was the same direction since we were all from Yullee and the Island. We stopped for illness, and gas then made our way homes.
hum would I ride with them again I guess I would. They really did seem ok, I guess they didn't want to babble with me right away cause they just wanted to watch, ad really though I lived here for like 4 years no one really knows me cause I live in a vaccationers area and it is really transit a neighbor can be a neighbor for years or 1 week so I'm guessing they just wanted to see what I was about first and if I really did live local. I guess we all have these non exiting rides............have a great one "T"
I got up on Sunday to do the ride like I was going to do and had to put on my trunk for a back rest and floor borads for her. I'm going to tell you this I hate my passanger floorboards, I HATE THEM! It greatly reducess my ability to back up as they are there jamming me right in the calf, they catch my pant legs and other such things like that, however with passagner comes florboards. I met her and the rest of the folks right where they said they be, they didn't talk to me too much just kind of staired a little. I am quite used to this, I tried to make babble but I was the only one in the crowd that was a chick rider that I could see. We left The Flash on state road 200 and headed towards the island. We took a few of the back roads on the island to A1A, from there to Heckshure Drive and the Z Bar. Now, I didn't get what the big rush was may I dropped back when I saw that theres folks were planning to jam 80 in a 45. I said, "Lynn, WTF, is the race for?" she informed me that they were trying to make the Bloody Mary time, oh I said nice.
One thing I hate doing regularly is riding bar to bar. I guess that's why I end up riding alone most of the time. I can do the bar to bar maybe twice a year to be social so this would be the first time this year. The Z Bar is by the St. John's Ferry which in a few months will be closing for good as operating and repair costs is more than the ferry makes. I have some serious doubts abut this but whatever. Anyway the Z Bar is really just a Beer only place, not really ment to draw a big crowd just maybe go in get a beer babble about fishing areas grap you package and get out. We as a group hung out there for about 2 hours, a couple of them were hammering down the bloody mary's. Me not knowing them I will be riding well behind them so I can see exactly what they were and are up too. Man, I don't give folks grief over drinking and riding, not at all, but well I really don't care to do so myself. The next stop was Murrary's Dam's point Marnina.
As we were heading to Murrary's Marrina there my passanger was babbling in my ear about it being a dirt road and if I wasn't comfy. I told her we shall see. Dirt roads don't bother me but dam the sugar sand one s do. I hate sugar sand.. Shoot we pull off of Heckshure and go to an area between the Dam's point bridge and the Carnival Cruise Terminal. It was a little creepy then we turned down a half paved,half gravel, half hard packed road that let to Murrary's and the river now to me that' wasn' the problem. The problem was the "ashen like gravel" they had as a drive way. It wasn't like it was realy stone just nasty shit to back up in as far as I'm concerend. They hung out here for another2 hours. and slammed down some drinks and really didn't want to babble with me, my passagner said this is what its like. Me I didn't find it too much fun. I came to realize that really the ladies were hammering the drinks back and the dudes were just doing the running.
After we left Murrary's at the Dam's Point Bridge, we went to some place by NAX. I hate riding through Jacksonville and Orange Park that's the worst. Why would ya want to ride through here Its just crappy with bad drivers, heavy Mall traffic on top of the two Militar Bases Located there. I didn't get the thinking here, But then again this aint my ride is it now, I'm just a guest. We low and behold stoped at another bar. At this point I'm starving It like 1 pm all I had was water and I just wanted to go in a different direction. We only stayed here for one drink them off to whitey's fish camp. Man about time I can get myself something to eat. I like whitey's. Well its a fish camp, so there are campers on the lot, a large bar and grill, small busy marina, boat ramp, bike parking. It seems to be a general hang out area. Were enroute to Whitey's, and I know how to get there since I've been there before. We get off 17 and go down some side road. I was wondering why did we do this? this isn't the right road, so we did a utrurn then wet about 50 feet and did a semi uturn, then about 1 mile another Uturn, then about 1/2 mile another U turn, next light right, went about 1 mile and did another Uturn, then another Uturn WTF Man is this a feaking test? Do I pass if I end up at the same place they do? Then a semi uturn and well hell 2 miles from ther anthother Uturn I sware we must have dont about 9 uturns in a 3 mile radius. WTF! PapaBear must be lost, bullshit PapaBear be loaded.
I had grilled scallops and a small salad. It was pretty good and hit the spot for the day. Most of the group had fried pickles and gator tails and fried oysters. This is where they deciede they would bable with me. The interagation begings. it sarted with how long you been in Florida, where are you from NJ no shit ya don't sound like it, year of the bike, ever get in an accident? been to sturgis, been to daytona, where else ya been? Then it was my turn I said WTF man was that a test or what back thru there, freaking 9 uturns for what reasons? hell we did 4 on the same road. They laughed PapaBear said he forgot where he was going and then with all the U turns could remember where he was. LOL! He told me he was kind of impressed that I followed them like that and MamaBear said why aren't ya preaching to the ladies they need tot ride their own. If ya wanted to ride you learn and do it, its not for me to tell anyone what to or not do. They all shook their headsin a greement.
One gent, told me of an accident and he was having a hard time dealing with how he was still feeling, he was the one drinking like a fish, like that is going to help. But he said his wife, Brenda rides. she's got a yamaha cause she wrecked his ultra. Oh wow I'm glad to see your both ding well and recovered nicely. They all commented ont he fact that most woman that ride like to push other ladies to ride. Why don't I do that. I've never done that its a matter of choice. If ya don't want to ride then don't if like being a passager that's fine too. Its just not for me to say. I've never ever busted, harasssed, any one about riding its a choice one that is personal one that should never be pushed or forced upon someone. From here we went our seperate ways. Which was the same direction since we were all from Yullee and the Island. We stopped for illness, and gas then made our way homes.
hum would I ride with them again I guess I would. They really did seem ok, I guess they didn't want to babble with me right away cause they just wanted to watch, ad really though I lived here for like 4 years no one really knows me cause I live in a vaccationers area and it is really transit a neighbor can be a neighbor for years or 1 week so I'm guessing they just wanted to see what I was about first and if I really did live local. I guess we all have these non exiting rides............have a great one "T"
Saturday, June 16, 2012
Surprise Meeting.....................
Ok, some times we find ourselves alone in the world. What amazes me as that when we are young we really don't worry about being alone as much as when were are older. I guessing experiece has taught us that no matter what we think or try to say we do need the company of other human's in our lives. So, as a younger biker gal what do you do if you have no one to do anything with and you just spent the good portion of the winter and spring deciding if you want to be something and with someone, then after deciding dealing with the heart ache it causes. So its now in early spring you find yourself not wanting to go to the usual places because ya just don't want to see those persons and places right at the moment. However there is also no one that wants to do anything with you anyway. Well, do what every self respecting biker would do, you got it go and pull that leak old sportster out and go for a spin. Being it is NJ in early summer I strapped that leather jacket to the handle bars and got ready to go. I decided to head out to New Hope or Easton PA.
It took awhile to get the bike out ya know how stubborn them iron heads can be! I head towards route 30 or the White Horse Pike to jump on 295 north. Its not my favorite ride but it get up to Trenton faster than any other route. Once ya reach the state capitol its near where the river gets sallower, narrower but then again leads to far more interest roads for riding. I don't think no matter what side of the Delaware River your on its a good ride. The State Capitol Golden Dome was glittering into the sun off in the distance to the right as I took the trun off for 29. Now, 29 will take ya right up to the Delaware River Gap but I didn't want to go there on the Jersey side this day. As I slowed down to the single lanes of 29 I passed to bikers in a gas station, I noticed that as I passed they seemed hot to get back on the road again, I wonder if something of interest was going on around here. The road kind of winds its way up to Washington's Crossing, after you pass all the big Stately Manor's of the earlier settlers of New Jersey.
Washington's Crossing is the place where George Washington lead the continental army across the river to defeat the King's army on a cold Christmas Day. Now in this area there's a lovely park on the hill up above on the right, and the George Washington Inn is right before the Park. Across the Park is parking, and to the left is this resturant, I always wondered about this place cause some of the parking lot just seems like its sitting right out in the middle of the street or apart of the street there. All along this stretch of road there are views of the Delaware River, this is were it during the summer months can see some of the rocky bottom that creates little rapids perfect for fly fishing.
However if you come here and visit Christmas Morning George Washington and his Continental Army make their annual river crossing.
I made a left at that strange little bar resturant there and went across the Washington's Crossing Bridge. Now most of the briges in this area are grated so if ya don't want to do grated don't come this way. I cross the bridge and there are only two choices once on the other side. Go straight or make a left. I could here bikes rumbling between the buildings right before the bridge heading in the same direction as myself.
I made the decision to make the right. On the left of the bridge is a little river walk with small stores and a few cabins and out building that were apart of The Revolutionary War. The right is 29 and passes through the National Park Serives's Washington's Crossing Information Center and Cultural and Historical Educational Center and Museum. In that Building there is lots of information on troop movements of both British and Continental Armies, Battle history life as a solider, life in the colonial time period. I continued passed the NPS buildings and went north on 29. Not far too far North from this Area is Bowman's Tower.
The Hill that Bowman't Tower stood on offered great advantage as it offers some long distance views of the area. When I saw the sign for this historical site I decided to swing right on in after all it was end of May and the days were longer and its was just a bit around noon I Think. I love this road is so reminds of the road that leads to the Water Falls and Castle in the Clouds in New Hampshire. But well this is a little twistie road with I don't know kind tight turns that get stepper the closer ya get to the parking area. I think the most shocking part of the road up is at one point your on the road and it appears to be just heading straight up and ya see nothing really but sky then there's a quick little right and ya kind of pop up to the enternce of the parking area. Now the area for parking isn't that big here, so if there is a lot of folks forget it you will never get a place to park. I wasn't really thinking that it was very close to Memorial Day so the history buffs would be out in full force. Dam, if I couldn't here them same two bikes coming up Bowman's Hill Drive. At this point it never occured to me that they might be following me. I wedged myself in a spot, meaning I creatively created single bike parking just for me. I got off the bike and climbed the tower after reading some of the history on the tower and its importance in American History.
I took a few pictures from the top of the tower. The Tower steps . (right) The Tower from its base (left)
After spending few minutes at the top of the tower and reading more his of the tower and surrounding areas I decended the steps and headed out towards that parking area. I really want to get tot he twisties of 32 and 611 along the Delaware there. I do hope the folks of the area can appreaceate the beauty of the area as much as I did and still do in my memories. I know it's hard to believe from all the things folks here about this area of New Jersey and Pennsylvania but it really is beautiful. Ido hope to get back there atleast one more time. At this moment I didn't realize that this would be the last time I would visit this tower before I moved south. I got on my bike and had to snake it out of its parking spot and noticed that the same bikes in the gas station are here in the parking lot. There really wasn't too many other bikes out here yet as the "everyone has got to have a harley in the garage syndrome hadn't hit yet'. I left the parking lot and head north on 32 towards New Hope.
I like to come across the Washington's Crossing Bridge cause its not nearly as crazy as coming across the New Hope Bridge, Right there at the Stockton Inn. I always wanted to dine there so if any one has reading this please tell me how it is. Now, going through the traffic in New Hope can be God aweful stupid. Narrow streets and really cool old buildings and gardens, outdoor cafes that make ya just want to look at them as ya pass. If ya want to fly your freak flag folks this is the place to come and do it. Its filled with little shops, hippies, history buff's, nature lovers, artists, Mr. and Mrs prim and proper, Bikers and anything or anyone else ya can imagine. Once passed New Hope the road tends to narrow, hillie twistie and a motorcyclist and sportcar drivers Idea of a home town road. This stretch of road is dotted with homes that date any where from pre Revolutionary War to modern day. I really do love the PA style of home building from the years gone by. Even though the building have me captivated no matter how many times I've seen them I really do have to pay attention. After all some the turns can be rather tight and sudden and often homes are only a few feet away from the road. At this point I had forgotten all about the bikes that were behind me.
Off to the right there were glimpses of the Delaware River, inbetween the little homes and estates. there are a number of business along this stretch one is Point pleasent tubing company. On a really Hot day the river would be filled with tubers and the roads filled with the tubing busses. Theres on little general store not that far from the tubing place that services up a pretty good sandwich. its a good spot to get something to drink, and seek comfort while ya watch the parde of cars, trucks, bicyclists and the few motorcyclist go on by. I really didn't want to sit for too long cause I sort of wanted to keep moving. I was trying to get out of my head and leave myself alone. Though a good joint would be awesome it just not always the answer ya know. Sometimes, ya just gotta go to make it right. I continued winding my way north on 32 finding the further from New Hope there was less traffic, there are a number of single lane little bridges here that sometimes ya just can't see what is coming at ya cause of the hills and turns of the road. The river is on side of the road an the other is grante walls of the mountains. In some areas ya can see how high the flood waters rose as it makes its way south to the Atlantic Ocean. I passed SandCastle Winery. If ya haven't been there please do stop there. The owner well he gives a great taste testing class its a good tour too. The wine isn't that yuckie either. Up furter just south of Easton proper is the Crayola Cranyon Factor. Ya can tour here too but man if ya want to color them kidds are tough they won't really let ya.
Anyway I went through Easton which is just and old river cit town. This is where ya can pick up 611 and ya can turn on the speed and really get to it. I love this area its such a great area and has so much to offer. the sun was just warm enough that I was able to get away with out a coat beautiful spring flowers were blooming in the red dirt gardens, I was heading towards Stanton PA. I wasn't sure I wanted t go that far north. But wait aminute dame them bikes sound so familiar behind me. I know I've heard them before, so I pulled into this little bar I don't know name nor do I reall care at this point. I was thinking gee are they following me? ad why? who'd want to follow me? Well I di a U-Turn in the bar parking lot as it was filled with the jacked up antler wearing Old doge ram wagons, rusted out of ford pick ups and waited to see if I knew them or not. Well the dudes pulled in pulled up one on one side the other on the other side. LOL! I said you following me? They said they were. They had a bet each other on who was riding that old sportster. The young one said it was a a young kid the older dude said it was a gal. The older gent won the beat. They had been chasing me down for like 2 hours or so to see If I was male or female. LOL!
The younger of the two said he was sorry for making such a mistake cause up close he knew there'd be no way any one could ever confuse me with a guy. I said well thanks that's good to know. and "shit" THUMP, BUMB happened. Next think I knew I was standing there holding up my sporster in the gravel which y'all know I love so much anyway holding up the older gents DuoGlide and him. LOL! He slide in the gravel and him and his bike slammed right on top of me, all I could think is oh, well I know how that feels and I hope I don't slip in the gravel too cause its really going to hurt. The young dude got off his bike and raced over to help the gent get him and his bike off of me. "Wow, Unc I know ya wanted to meet some nice biker lady but man that ain't no way to do it." to this day I still fun this memory extreamlly funny. We went to a late lunch which they paid for cause they felt so bad for freaking me out by following me and two droping in on me as they did. I got and invite to Philadelphia for the following weekend to ride with some of their friends. Being young and no worrying about impending death I went. I don't know why I remember this at this moment but well it was kind of funny so I thought I'd share with you all. And ya know if I had a picture of him and his bike sitting me I would have shared it. have a great day! "T"
It took awhile to get the bike out ya know how stubborn them iron heads can be! I head towards route 30 or the White Horse Pike to jump on 295 north. Its not my favorite ride but it get up to Trenton faster than any other route. Once ya reach the state capitol its near where the river gets sallower, narrower but then again leads to far more interest roads for riding. I don't think no matter what side of the Delaware River your on its a good ride. The State Capitol Golden Dome was glittering into the sun off in the distance to the right as I took the trun off for 29. Now, 29 will take ya right up to the Delaware River Gap but I didn't want to go there on the Jersey side this day. As I slowed down to the single lanes of 29 I passed to bikers in a gas station, I noticed that as I passed they seemed hot to get back on the road again, I wonder if something of interest was going on around here. The road kind of winds its way up to Washington's Crossing, after you pass all the big Stately Manor's of the earlier settlers of New Jersey.
Washington's Crossing is the place where George Washington lead the continental army across the river to defeat the King's army on a cold Christmas Day. Now in this area there's a lovely park on the hill up above on the right, and the George Washington Inn is right before the Park. Across the Park is parking, and to the left is this resturant, I always wondered about this place cause some of the parking lot just seems like its sitting right out in the middle of the street or apart of the street there. All along this stretch of road there are views of the Delaware River, this is were it during the summer months can see some of the rocky bottom that creates little rapids perfect for fly fishing.
However if you come here and visit Christmas Morning George Washington and his Continental Army make their annual river crossing.I made a left at that strange little bar resturant there and went across the Washington's Crossing Bridge. Now most of the briges in this area are grated so if ya don't want to do grated don't come this way. I cross the bridge and there are only two choices once on the other side. Go straight or make a left. I could here bikes rumbling between the buildings right before the bridge heading in the same direction as myself.
I made the decision to make the right. On the left of the bridge is a little river walk with small stores and a few cabins and out building that were apart of The Revolutionary War. The right is 29 and passes through the National Park Serives's Washington's Crossing Information Center and Cultural and Historical Educational Center and Museum. In that Building there is lots of information on troop movements of both British and Continental Armies, Battle history life as a solider, life in the colonial time period. I continued passed the NPS buildings and went north on 29. Not far too far North from this Area is Bowman's Tower.
The Hill that Bowman't Tower stood on offered great advantage as it offers some long distance views of the area. When I saw the sign for this historical site I decided to swing right on in after all it was end of May and the days were longer and its was just a bit around noon I Think. I love this road is so reminds of the road that leads to the Water Falls and Castle in the Clouds in New Hampshire. But well this is a little twistie road with I don't know kind tight turns that get stepper the closer ya get to the parking area. I think the most shocking part of the road up is at one point your on the road and it appears to be just heading straight up and ya see nothing really but sky then there's a quick little right and ya kind of pop up to the enternce of the parking area. Now the area for parking isn't that big here, so if there is a lot of folks forget it you will never get a place to park. I wasn't really thinking that it was very close to Memorial Day so the history buffs would be out in full force. Dam, if I couldn't here them same two bikes coming up Bowman's Hill Drive. At this point it never occured to me that they might be following me. I wedged myself in a spot, meaning I creatively created single bike parking just for me. I got off the bike and climbed the tower after reading some of the history on the tower and its importance in American History. After spending few minutes at the top of the tower and reading more his of the tower and surrounding areas I decended the steps and headed out towards that parking area. I really want to get tot he twisties of 32 and 611 along the Delaware there. I do hope the folks of the area can appreaceate the beauty of the area as much as I did and still do in my memories. I know it's hard to believe from all the things folks here about this area of New Jersey and Pennsylvania but it really is beautiful. Ido hope to get back there atleast one more time. At this moment I didn't realize that this would be the last time I would visit this tower before I moved south. I got on my bike and had to snake it out of its parking spot and noticed that the same bikes in the gas station are here in the parking lot. There really wasn't too many other bikes out here yet as the "everyone has got to have a harley in the garage syndrome hadn't hit yet'. I left the parking lot and head north on 32 towards New Hope.
I like to come across the Washington's Crossing Bridge cause its not nearly as crazy as coming across the New Hope Bridge, Right there at the Stockton Inn. I always wanted to dine there so if any one has reading this please tell me how it is. Now, going through the traffic in New Hope can be God aweful stupid. Narrow streets and really cool old buildings and gardens, outdoor cafes that make ya just want to look at them as ya pass. If ya want to fly your freak flag folks this is the place to come and do it. Its filled with little shops, hippies, history buff's, nature lovers, artists, Mr. and Mrs prim and proper, Bikers and anything or anyone else ya can imagine. Once passed New Hope the road tends to narrow, hillie twistie and a motorcyclist and sportcar drivers Idea of a home town road. This stretch of road is dotted with homes that date any where from pre Revolutionary War to modern day. I really do love the PA style of home building from the years gone by. Even though the building have me captivated no matter how many times I've seen them I really do have to pay attention. After all some the turns can be rather tight and sudden and often homes are only a few feet away from the road. At this point I had forgotten all about the bikes that were behind me.
Off to the right there were glimpses of the Delaware River, inbetween the little homes and estates. there are a number of business along this stretch one is Point pleasent tubing company. On a really Hot day the river would be filled with tubers and the roads filled with the tubing busses. Theres on little general store not that far from the tubing place that services up a pretty good sandwich. its a good spot to get something to drink, and seek comfort while ya watch the parde of cars, trucks, bicyclists and the few motorcyclist go on by. I really didn't want to sit for too long cause I sort of wanted to keep moving. I was trying to get out of my head and leave myself alone. Though a good joint would be awesome it just not always the answer ya know. Sometimes, ya just gotta go to make it right. I continued winding my way north on 32 finding the further from New Hope there was less traffic, there are a number of single lane little bridges here that sometimes ya just can't see what is coming at ya cause of the hills and turns of the road. The river is on side of the road an the other is grante walls of the mountains. In some areas ya can see how high the flood waters rose as it makes its way south to the Atlantic Ocean. I passed SandCastle Winery. If ya haven't been there please do stop there. The owner well he gives a great taste testing class its a good tour too. The wine isn't that yuckie either. Up furter just south of Easton proper is the Crayola Cranyon Factor. Ya can tour here too but man if ya want to color them kidds are tough they won't really let ya.
Anyway I went through Easton which is just and old river cit town. This is where ya can pick up 611 and ya can turn on the speed and really get to it. I love this area its such a great area and has so much to offer. the sun was just warm enough that I was able to get away with out a coat beautiful spring flowers were blooming in the red dirt gardens, I was heading towards Stanton PA. I wasn't sure I wanted t go that far north. But wait aminute dame them bikes sound so familiar behind me. I know I've heard them before, so I pulled into this little bar I don't know name nor do I reall care at this point. I was thinking gee are they following me? ad why? who'd want to follow me? Well I di a U-Turn in the bar parking lot as it was filled with the jacked up antler wearing Old doge ram wagons, rusted out of ford pick ups and waited to see if I knew them or not. Well the dudes pulled in pulled up one on one side the other on the other side. LOL! I said you following me? They said they were. They had a bet each other on who was riding that old sportster. The young one said it was a a young kid the older dude said it was a gal. The older gent won the beat. They had been chasing me down for like 2 hours or so to see If I was male or female. LOL!
The younger of the two said he was sorry for making such a mistake cause up close he knew there'd be no way any one could ever confuse me with a guy. I said well thanks that's good to know. and "shit" THUMP, BUMB happened. Next think I knew I was standing there holding up my sporster in the gravel which y'all know I love so much anyway holding up the older gents DuoGlide and him. LOL! He slide in the gravel and him and his bike slammed right on top of me, all I could think is oh, well I know how that feels and I hope I don't slip in the gravel too cause its really going to hurt. The young dude got off his bike and raced over to help the gent get him and his bike off of me. "Wow, Unc I know ya wanted to meet some nice biker lady but man that ain't no way to do it." to this day I still fun this memory extreamlly funny. We went to a late lunch which they paid for cause they felt so bad for freaking me out by following me and two droping in on me as they did. I got and invite to Philadelphia for the following weekend to ride with some of their friends. Being young and no worrying about impending death I went. I don't know why I remember this at this moment but well it was kind of funny so I thought I'd share with you all. And ya know if I had a picture of him and his bike sitting me I would have shared it. have a great day! "T"
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
Everywhere but where it should be....................
Hey how are ya all doing? It's been a while since I've posted anything so I was thinking about scary things. I do believe the most scarest thing I have ever done is take off on a motorcycle by myself to go well no where I guess I was just going. I didn't learn to ride the conventional way, no I didn't take the Learn to Ride program, my learn to ride came from a 190 pound patch holder and his prized 77 l000. He taught me the what I now know the friction zones, how to shift, brake and that was about all I needed to know or atleast that's what he thought. In his mind it was about getting the bike home in one piece if he wasn't at a place that he could crash at. I think my second lesson was at 3 am with a 190 lbs of drunk on the back of the bike, nothing could top being scared shitless, cause trust me ya wouldn't want to drop the thing. Anyway as life moves foward I found myself not so enchanted with this lifestyle.
I found myself still wanting to ride, I couldn't afford a new sportster at the time I think an 883 brad new went for 3,000 grand, so I bought a used bike for 800.00 dollars it was the same thing I was used too. However it didn't run as nice, I didn't realize it had issues until a neighbor said something to me at the trailer park I was living at the time. He fixed it for me, shook his head and said good luck, dear we're moving so I don't know who I can suggest to help ya. I didn't need help I knew what I was doing right? I mean I could get the bike going, I could turn a corner by now, stop what else was there to know? What I know now to then boy was I clueless. Part of life I guess is learning as we age that we dont' know shit, but first we have to go through the I know it all stages. I would basically ride to work and back. Really didn't think of going anywhere until my friend Donna said hay what don't we go to the shore tonight. She suggested we take the bike, hell why not............
Donna, came over and we both were prepared we braided our hair had the clears, had our best summer attires on, I had my leather jacket rolled and attached to the handle bars she had her little back pack thing. We took off for the shore about 6pm. We decided to go to LBI I have no idea why, its not like it was biker friendly at the time, we would have done better going to SeaSide Heights, but what the hell we went to LBI. I love it right there on 72 that one spot you can look back and see your on top of a hill when you look behind you in the mirrors, however it didn't feel like ya went up a hill at all. It's right where all them 5' pine trees are located, past The Woodshed and all. The closer to the shore we got the heavier the traffic. Now the only parking I knew of was down south once ya get on Long Beach Island. its the shoping, golf area thing, or ya can park at the light house. At night What would be going on at the Lighthouse? So I went to the shopping place..............we arrived safely. Low and behold I found out why she wanted to go there, her freaking boyfriend was there, she ran off with him and well I got to come home alone.
Here it was about 1am, I had some beer maybe a little other party favors of the time peroid and I was heading for home. On Long Beach Island I was fine, there were folks still out and about. Once I acrossed the intercoastal and felt the cooling air, and the lights of the little mainland area were lost in the review mirror I felt uneasy, very uneasy almost to the point of stopping. I dont' know what was freaking me out. I came to realize this was the first time I rode in the dark without anyone on the back meaning I was alone. I had no security blanket, no one was there to babble in my ear, I know this sounds strange but Ididn't do things the corect way so for me being alone was supre frighting. I can remember taking deep breaths, trying to calm my self. I did stop at the one gas station on route 72, the little peanut tank don't get ya too far ya know. I felt as though it took forever to get rolling again, I tried to draw it as long as I could...............I was hoping for sunrise so I didn't have to ride in the dark all alone. I was scared.
As I sat at that gas stop I started thinking about the Jersey Devil. Why? I have no idea, I guess I was on scary thoughts so I decided to scare myself with the local pinelands lore, now I wanted to get out of the gas station for I was fear full the Jersey Devil would get me. I had sat there so long I had to wipe the dew off the seat. I was cold, I was worried, and I was no place near anything. I had no choice, I seem to repeat this theme over and over again in my life.......I headed out, deer were a big concern as well currently I was cruising through I believe it is Lebonon State Park on 72. By this time the Woodshed, and the few other old little places were closed, I took the circle there and hand headed east on 70. There wasn't on head light along these stretches of road, it was teriffing to me at the time. I don't even think I was going the speed limit, I was worried about the deer the devil and not to sure this is something I should be doing at the moment. Waves of uncertian were over coming me. I was worried what happened if I crashed, how long till they find me, then I hate to fight that feeling off cause it was very distracting. I didn't want to stare blindly and get white line fever I heard truck drivers talk about but I didn'tneed to have a wondering mind. All around me was nothing but pine trees, there was a rest area maybe I could go there, no a car was there already no way I was going to stop there. I keep heading east on 70. My fingers frozen.
This was my first expereince with cold fingers, they do become stiff, hard to believe such a thing can occure to a 20 year old but it does. I made it though the 70 circle and took the 206 shoot out, and headed toward Wharton State Forest, near my home so I was very familiar with it. I was hoping that the fear and uncertianty would disappear as I got nearer to places I knew like the back of my hand. I wanted to shake that image of the Jersey Devil chasing me down and grabing me, flying off with me as my bike rode off and crashed into a tree, or the image of Bambi happily bounding across the road and me slaming right into to him, then crashing, or maybe even Rocky the raccoon killing me. I was fearful of the unseen car. Folks I had no business being there, my mind was so filled with horrible dying thoughts of how things were going to get me. I really was very scared. Finally the Pick-a-Lily was in sight! I felt much better I continued on to 206, and didn't take Atsion cause I don't know really I guess I was just looking for signs of human life, and Astion Road would not show signs at this hour. I have no idea what time it was, except that I was cold, scared and tired. I approached the White Horse Pike otherwise known as route 30.
Here was the Silver Coin Diner in Haminton World's capitol of Blueberries or so they say. I went into the diner and got some coffee, this was a big deal cause I didn't drink coffee at the time. I sat there it was just me and the waitress, she was filling salt and peper shakers, making fresh coffee, the bread truck arrived so I'm guessing it was about 5 am cause the bakery opens at 4am. The sun should be making its appearence pretty soon I'm guessing. I wasn't tired at all but very much relieved that I was some place familiar and very close to home. If I left now the street lights would show me the way, there would be cars coming and going, comforting me so I didn't feel alone. The folks going to work began to shuffle in the local farmers getting gosip, employee's of John's Manfield, those in Delievery trucks, no one really noticed I was there the just went right to the counter. I finished my coffee and left. Once I got home I decided I didn't enjoy myself all that much and wasn't going to do that again for some time.........yeah right ya know I would but it did take me awhile to do so. I got home in one piece, no deer or raccoons got me, the jerse devil let me be, and finial was warm.................have a great one "T"
I found myself still wanting to ride, I couldn't afford a new sportster at the time I think an 883 brad new went for 3,000 grand, so I bought a used bike for 800.00 dollars it was the same thing I was used too. However it didn't run as nice, I didn't realize it had issues until a neighbor said something to me at the trailer park I was living at the time. He fixed it for me, shook his head and said good luck, dear we're moving so I don't know who I can suggest to help ya. I didn't need help I knew what I was doing right? I mean I could get the bike going, I could turn a corner by now, stop what else was there to know? What I know now to then boy was I clueless. Part of life I guess is learning as we age that we dont' know shit, but first we have to go through the I know it all stages. I would basically ride to work and back. Really didn't think of going anywhere until my friend Donna said hay what don't we go to the shore tonight. She suggested we take the bike, hell why not............
Donna, came over and we both were prepared we braided our hair had the clears, had our best summer attires on, I had my leather jacket rolled and attached to the handle bars she had her little back pack thing. We took off for the shore about 6pm. We decided to go to LBI I have no idea why, its not like it was biker friendly at the time, we would have done better going to SeaSide Heights, but what the hell we went to LBI. I love it right there on 72 that one spot you can look back and see your on top of a hill when you look behind you in the mirrors, however it didn't feel like ya went up a hill at all. It's right where all them 5' pine trees are located, past The Woodshed and all. The closer to the shore we got the heavier the traffic. Now the only parking I knew of was down south once ya get on Long Beach Island. its the shoping, golf area thing, or ya can park at the light house. At night What would be going on at the Lighthouse? So I went to the shopping place..............we arrived safely. Low and behold I found out why she wanted to go there, her freaking boyfriend was there, she ran off with him and well I got to come home alone.
Here it was about 1am, I had some beer maybe a little other party favors of the time peroid and I was heading for home. On Long Beach Island I was fine, there were folks still out and about. Once I acrossed the intercoastal and felt the cooling air, and the lights of the little mainland area were lost in the review mirror I felt uneasy, very uneasy almost to the point of stopping. I dont' know what was freaking me out. I came to realize this was the first time I rode in the dark without anyone on the back meaning I was alone. I had no security blanket, no one was there to babble in my ear, I know this sounds strange but Ididn't do things the corect way so for me being alone was supre frighting. I can remember taking deep breaths, trying to calm my self. I did stop at the one gas station on route 72, the little peanut tank don't get ya too far ya know. I felt as though it took forever to get rolling again, I tried to draw it as long as I could...............I was hoping for sunrise so I didn't have to ride in the dark all alone. I was scared.
As I sat at that gas stop I started thinking about the Jersey Devil. Why? I have no idea, I guess I was on scary thoughts so I decided to scare myself with the local pinelands lore, now I wanted to get out of the gas station for I was fear full the Jersey Devil would get me. I had sat there so long I had to wipe the dew off the seat. I was cold, I was worried, and I was no place near anything. I had no choice, I seem to repeat this theme over and over again in my life.......I headed out, deer were a big concern as well currently I was cruising through I believe it is Lebonon State Park on 72. By this time the Woodshed, and the few other old little places were closed, I took the circle there and hand headed east on 70. There wasn't on head light along these stretches of road, it was teriffing to me at the time. I don't even think I was going the speed limit, I was worried about the deer the devil and not to sure this is something I should be doing at the moment. Waves of uncertian were over coming me. I was worried what happened if I crashed, how long till they find me, then I hate to fight that feeling off cause it was very distracting. I didn't want to stare blindly and get white line fever I heard truck drivers talk about but I didn'tneed to have a wondering mind. All around me was nothing but pine trees, there was a rest area maybe I could go there, no a car was there already no way I was going to stop there. I keep heading east on 70. My fingers frozen.
This was my first expereince with cold fingers, they do become stiff, hard to believe such a thing can occure to a 20 year old but it does. I made it though the 70 circle and took the 206 shoot out, and headed toward Wharton State Forest, near my home so I was very familiar with it. I was hoping that the fear and uncertianty would disappear as I got nearer to places I knew like the back of my hand. I wanted to shake that image of the Jersey Devil chasing me down and grabing me, flying off with me as my bike rode off and crashed into a tree, or the image of Bambi happily bounding across the road and me slaming right into to him, then crashing, or maybe even Rocky the raccoon killing me. I was fearful of the unseen car. Folks I had no business being there, my mind was so filled with horrible dying thoughts of how things were going to get me. I really was very scared. Finally the Pick-a-Lily was in sight! I felt much better I continued on to 206, and didn't take Atsion cause I don't know really I guess I was just looking for signs of human life, and Astion Road would not show signs at this hour. I have no idea what time it was, except that I was cold, scared and tired. I approached the White Horse Pike otherwise known as route 30.
Here was the Silver Coin Diner in Haminton World's capitol of Blueberries or so they say. I went into the diner and got some coffee, this was a big deal cause I didn't drink coffee at the time. I sat there it was just me and the waitress, she was filling salt and peper shakers, making fresh coffee, the bread truck arrived so I'm guessing it was about 5 am cause the bakery opens at 4am. The sun should be making its appearence pretty soon I'm guessing. I wasn't tired at all but very much relieved that I was some place familiar and very close to home. If I left now the street lights would show me the way, there would be cars coming and going, comforting me so I didn't feel alone. The folks going to work began to shuffle in the local farmers getting gosip, employee's of John's Manfield, those in Delievery trucks, no one really noticed I was there the just went right to the counter. I finished my coffee and left. Once I got home I decided I didn't enjoy myself all that much and wasn't going to do that again for some time.........yeah right ya know I would but it did take me awhile to do so. I got home in one piece, no deer or raccoons got me, the jerse devil let me be, and finial was warm.................have a great one "T"
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