8/20/07
Well, this is it. The last day of the two month tour. After camping under the trees, we had a dry tent waking up so that made it nice for packing. There was a restaurant almost directly across the street from the campground and they were open so we went in. They had a buffet that looked good but actually looked better than it tasted. The coffee was also weak so the start wasn't what we actually wanted.
We headed to Acadia. We were going to ride the 27 mile Park Loop Road and then I'd find the TomTom point somewhere near the ocean before we headed out. I enjoyed the Park Road to Cadillac Mtn but Ruth said that riding 35 mph in the woods is boring.
Climbing Cadillac Mtn was nice. At the top I remembered that one of the AMA Everywhere towns was Cadillac so I took a photo at the top of the mtn. I don't know if it will count, but its worth the creative effort.
When we came down from the mtn, we continued on the park loop road. I saw a whitetail hindquarters behind a tree and within a minute, a buck with velvety antlers ran across the road in front of me. Ruth thought I was going to be hit but I don't think it was that close. I didn't even apply brakes although I saw it in plenty of time. It was in a hurry so I just maintained my slow speed and watched it go.
I agreed that 35 mph was becoming tedious so I headed toward the Blackstone Campground which is where the TomTom point was. The exact spot was in the middle of the campground (remember, it was full) so I took a picture of the ranger station at the entrance instead.
We then headed out of the park and south on Rte 1. It tries to follow the coast but lots of times you are inland and can't even see water. When it gets close to water, the traffic increases and slows considerably. I thought this was tedious riding but Ruth didn't want to do interstates yet. We stayed on 1 to Wiscasset where we stopped for a late lobster and steamer lunch. I then headed onto the interstates and to home. We arrived home about 5:30 PM.
The long ride is officially over.
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
The End of the 4 Corners....
8/19/07
It was pretty cold when Ruth and I awoke. The neighbors were already tearing down their camp because they had two kids that were vomiting during the night so they were ready to head home.
We packed up the camp and headed back to the Tim Horton's for a bagel. As we were eating, a guy came riding up and he sought us out inside. He teaches classes that allow people to get their permit in ME so he wanted to talk bikes. When he found out I taught MSF classes, he was very chatty.
We talked about lots and then Iasked him about getting to Madawaska. He said it was about 2.5 hours there and that Rte 11 on the way back was nice. That was the plan for the day then.
The ride to Madawaska was uneventful. When we got there, I filled up at a Chevron that was on the SCMA list. The attendants knew about the 4 Corners ride and were full of questions. Ruth and I both filled up and then I rode over to the Post Office to get a photo and mail the gas receipt and totals.
After that, we decided to go to the new SCMA 4 Corners statue and get a photo there.
Now that the 4 Corners ride was over, we headed to Ft Nelson for a Subway sandwich and to get on Rte 11 to head back to Bangor and Acadia National Park.
About 1/2 way down the road we stopped at a rest stop. There were 5 other bikes there and we went up and chatted with them. They were all locals out riding and soon, four of them took off. We chatted with the remaining couple for awhile. They were riding a Goldwing and were pulling a camping trailer that Ruth and I looked at. They gave us advice on where to stay in Bar Harbor and we left a bit before them and headed south.
On the way south, we did see a white-tailed deer alongside the road.
Route 11 was definitely a more scenic way to go although it would be more challenging and dangerous at night.
We arrived at Acadia about 5 PM. I went to the vc immediately to get the stamp that would earn my National parks Gold and then we returned to the campground to set up camp.
After setting up, we crossed the street to have dinner. Ruth wanted lobster, but she couldn't be the one to condemn the lobster to death. I had to pick one out for us. I did that and she showed me the places to crack 'em open and eat 'em. It was pretty good!!
From there, we went to the convenience store to get marshmallows and graham crackers. I made a fire and we had s'mores for dessert. After it was dark, we laid down for a night's rest....
It was pretty cold when Ruth and I awoke. The neighbors were already tearing down their camp because they had two kids that were vomiting during the night so they were ready to head home.
We packed up the camp and headed back to the Tim Horton's for a bagel. As we were eating, a guy came riding up and he sought us out inside. He teaches classes that allow people to get their permit in ME so he wanted to talk bikes. When he found out I taught MSF classes, he was very chatty.
We talked about lots and then Iasked him about getting to Madawaska. He said it was about 2.5 hours there and that Rte 11 on the way back was nice. That was the plan for the day then.
The ride to Madawaska was uneventful. When we got there, I filled up at a Chevron that was on the SCMA list. The attendants knew about the 4 Corners ride and were full of questions. Ruth and I both filled up and then I rode over to the Post Office to get a photo and mail the gas receipt and totals.
After that, we decided to go to the new SCMA 4 Corners statue and get a photo there.
Now that the 4 Corners ride was over, we headed to Ft Nelson for a Subway sandwich and to get on Rte 11 to head back to Bangor and Acadia National Park.
About 1/2 way down the road we stopped at a rest stop. There were 5 other bikes there and we went up and chatted with them. They were all locals out riding and soon, four of them took off. We chatted with the remaining couple for awhile. They were riding a Goldwing and were pulling a camping trailer that Ruth and I looked at. They gave us advice on where to stay in Bar Harbor and we left a bit before them and headed south.
On the way south, we did see a white-tailed deer alongside the road.
Route 11 was definitely a more scenic way to go although it would be more challenging and dangerous at night.
We arrived at Acadia about 5 PM. I went to the vc immediately to get the stamp that would earn my National parks Gold and then we returned to the campground to set up camp.
After setting up, we crossed the street to have dinner. Ruth wanted lobster, but she couldn't be the one to condemn the lobster to death. I had to pick one out for us. I did that and she showed me the places to crack 'em open and eat 'em. It was pretty good!!
From there, we went to the convenience store to get marshmallows and graham crackers. I made a fire and we had s'mores for dessert. After it was dark, we laid down for a night's rest....
Back at it...
8/18/07
Ruth had to work last night so she wasn't ready to go right off but she was ready pretty quick. We were on the road by 8 AM. The first stop was a GPS point in Portsmouth, NH. The GPS pointed me to a woodlot next to the Community School so I took a photo of the school but as we left, there was a waterpark on the backside of the woods so I took a photo there also. The second GPS point was in York, ME and it was in their downtown area. There was an animal park that I think was closest so I took the photo of that.
We then headed north. The next four stops were Everywhere stops; Waterville, Wickson, Pittsfield and Bangor. Bangor also had a GPS point at some downtown buildings.
We made it to Bangor faster than I'd thought. I planned to stop here for the day but it was too early so Ruth voted to move on the Houlton (on the US/Canadian border). It was about 110 miles away but it was all interstate in remote areas. We made it there by 6 PM but Houlton was celebrating their 200th anniversary so EVERY hotel room in the town was occupied. Its a good thing we'd brought camping things and we took a nice campground on the edge of town. It was nice grass and fairly quiet. We set up camp, returned to town for a quick dinner, and then back to the campground for bed.
It was very cold during the night. I'd imagine it was in the mid 40s so both Ruth (in my warmer sleeping bag) and I were cold and had to put on jackets to stay warm.
We did 412 miles today, the longest Ruth every did....
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Photos uploaded
I've uploaded the remainder of the photos to my pbase account. If I get a chance tomorrow, I'll add some select ones to the blog. It may be until next week for that though because of the maintenance on the bike I've got to do.
http://www.pbase.com/drtryan/alaska__4_corners
http://www.pbase.com/drtryan/alaska__4_corners
18000+ miles and now this happens
I was working on getting pictures off my camera when I heard a "blam" and thought the neighbor was doing some construction. I went to see how my cat responded to the noise when I saw what it was. The center stand on the DL650 had sunken into the asphalt and the bike tipped over on the right side. It broke the right turn signal, hand guard, and brake lever. The only thing they have in stock is a brake lever. I'm going to try glue and duck tape for the turn signal and I'll take the hand guards off for now.
Dang it!!!
Temporarily Home
8/15/07
I awoke early so that I could get out of the city early. Its amazing to me how much traffic there is at 5:30 AM between Washington, DC and Baltimore, MD. Like last night in Washington, I decided to skip anymore scavenger hunt points in the area and headed toward Scranton, PA. I wanted to swing wide of NYC and just get home at some reasonable time.
I made it about 1/2 hour north of Baltimore when I stopped for breakfast. I was doing fine on time and traveling there. I then continued north of Harrisburg, PA and started running into LOTS of road construction. It seemed that I was riding 40 mph more than I was riding 65 mph so I decided to jump to I-80 and find a way to I-84. Rte 209 was the road that ran between these two interstates and it was an awesome road. The Delaware River Water Gap Recreation area is on this road so I got another NPS stamp and I saw a black bear on the road near the NY border.
There really wasn't much more to say; I rode interstates home and arrived about 4 PM. Its good to be home, even if its just temporarily. I've still got to get to Madawaska, ME by Monday. Ruth and I plan on leaving Saturday and getting there on Sunday. Here's to hoping it happens this way...
I awoke early so that I could get out of the city early. Its amazing to me how much traffic there is at 5:30 AM between Washington, DC and Baltimore, MD. Like last night in Washington, I decided to skip anymore scavenger hunt points in the area and headed toward Scranton, PA. I wanted to swing wide of NYC and just get home at some reasonable time.
I made it about 1/2 hour north of Baltimore when I stopped for breakfast. I was doing fine on time and traveling there. I then continued north of Harrisburg, PA and started running into LOTS of road construction. It seemed that I was riding 40 mph more than I was riding 65 mph so I decided to jump to I-80 and find a way to I-84. Rte 209 was the road that ran between these two interstates and it was an awesome road. The Delaware River Water Gap Recreation area is on this road so I got another NPS stamp and I saw a black bear on the road near the NY border.
There really wasn't much more to say; I rode interstates home and arrived about 4 PM. Its good to be home, even if its just temporarily. I've still got to get to Madawaska, ME by Monday. Ruth and I plan on leaving Saturday and getting there on Sunday. Here's to hoping it happens this way...
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Yin-Yang Day from SC to DC
8/14/07
I loaded the bike and was waiting for the office to open so I could
get a breakfast before leaving. The owner of the Super-8 was working
and as soon as he opened the dining room, he put on a movie from India
on the satellite TV. He and I chatted for awhile while the MTV-like
musical played. He really enjoyed the movie and was talking to me
like I was an old friend. I liked him.
I headed north. It was about 90 miles to the Santee State Park and
with no traffic, I made it quickly. In the park, I rode to the area
Ruth had described to me and the only thing there was a visitor center
and a dock. There was about 40 vultures all sitting either on the
railing on the dock or on a car that was at the dock. I don't know
why they chose that particular car because there were others there
also but it was funny to see them there.
I went into the visitor center and asked about notable structures.
They didn't know of any and when I checked the GPS, it appeared the
site was right there!
I now headed north toward Little Rock, SC. It was another 90 miles
toward South of the Border, a tourist trap on the SC/NC border. The
good news was that it was also easy to find so by now, I've gone
nearly 200 miles and already gotten a couple good sites.
My next stop was near Rocky Mount, NC (just over 100 miles). It was
called Nashville and again, it was fairly easy to find.
I know it doesn't sound like much, but this was a good start to a day.
It was about noon and I'd already been to three sites and gotten a
lot of miles in.
I had a lunch at a Subway and turned north toward Richmond, VA. There
were two things here to get; a NPS stamp and another GPS point. I
went to the National Park first. I had a bit of confusion though as
there was a 295 going through Petersburg and a 95 heading to Richmond.
I took the 95 and the first sign for a NP Battlefield was heading
back toward Petersburg. I then searched and found another in Richmond
so I went that direction. The GPS took me toward one but then I saw
another sign for a different battlefield and I foolishly ignored the
GPS and went toward the sign. It was apparently a NEW site that was
only open on weekends so I wasted a half hour finding it. I then just
followed the GPS to the Richmond NPS site that was a former
Confederate hospital. It was a very interesting site. It told me
about the state of surgery and medicine during the Civil War.
From there I headed toward the GPS point. It turned out to be another
NASCAR racetrack; the Richmond Speedway! I had a security guard take
my photo and I then headed the 100+ miles to Washington. This is
where the day turned very sour. I dislike cities and the traffic
associated with it. I'll make this brief and just say that of the 3
everywhere towns and 1 GPS point in the Washington/Baltimore area, I
didn't get any of them. I ended up staying at a hotel between
Washington and Baltimore.
Tomorrow, I should get to sleep in my own bed for the first time in 57 days....
I loaded the bike and was waiting for the office to open so I could
get a breakfast before leaving. The owner of the Super-8 was working
and as soon as he opened the dining room, he put on a movie from India
on the satellite TV. He and I chatted for awhile while the MTV-like
musical played. He really enjoyed the movie and was talking to me
like I was an old friend. I liked him.
I headed north. It was about 90 miles to the Santee State Park and
with no traffic, I made it quickly. In the park, I rode to the area
Ruth had described to me and the only thing there was a visitor center
and a dock. There was about 40 vultures all sitting either on the
railing on the dock or on a car that was at the dock. I don't know
why they chose that particular car because there were others there
also but it was funny to see them there.
I went into the visitor center and asked about notable structures.
They didn't know of any and when I checked the GPS, it appeared the
site was right there!
I now headed north toward Little Rock, SC. It was another 90 miles
toward South of the Border, a tourist trap on the SC/NC border. The
good news was that it was also easy to find so by now, I've gone
nearly 200 miles and already gotten a couple good sites.
My next stop was near Rocky Mount, NC (just over 100 miles). It was
called Nashville and again, it was fairly easy to find.
I know it doesn't sound like much, but this was a good start to a day.
It was about noon and I'd already been to three sites and gotten a
lot of miles in.
I had a lunch at a Subway and turned north toward Richmond, VA. There
were two things here to get; a NPS stamp and another GPS point. I
went to the National Park first. I had a bit of confusion though as
there was a 295 going through Petersburg and a 95 heading to Richmond.
I took the 95 and the first sign for a NP Battlefield was heading
back toward Petersburg. I then searched and found another in Richmond
so I went that direction. The GPS took me toward one but then I saw
another sign for a different battlefield and I foolishly ignored the
GPS and went toward the sign. It was apparently a NEW site that was
only open on weekends so I wasted a half hour finding it. I then just
followed the GPS to the Richmond NPS site that was a former
Confederate hospital. It was a very interesting site. It told me
about the state of surgery and medicine during the Civil War.
From there I headed toward the GPS point. It turned out to be another
NASCAR racetrack; the Richmond Speedway! I had a security guard take
my photo and I then headed the 100+ miles to Washington. This is
where the day turned very sour. I dislike cities and the traffic
associated with it. I'll make this brief and just say that of the 3
everywhere towns and 1 GPS point in the Washington/Baltimore area, I
didn't get any of them. I ended up staying at a hotel between
Washington and Baltimore.
Tomorrow, I should get to sleep in my own bed for the first time in 57 days....
--
============
Todd Ryan; Hudson, MA
Westborough HS Science Teacher
MSF RiderCoach
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