Another blog for catching up

July 15, the Big Apple calls – how many states did I go through?? Lots!!!

I'd asked David to map a route for me using Interstates since I figured I'd be running 500+ miles toward New York and stopping to see Richard, a friend I'd met at the HOG rally in Alaska a few years ago. It was easy, I-95 to the New Jersey Turnpike.

David got in his vehicle and led me to the highway and then waved me on … setting me on my pace and the right road that would lead me to New York City. Richard lives in Queens, so once I got close I was to give him a call.

All day I rode, gassed up, used the restrooms, and got back on the road. I stopped once for a salad, and then it was back at it, running anywhere from 55 mph to 85 mph, depending on the traffic. The first 250 miles went by quickly, 3 hours and 20 minutes I'm told.

You can sure make time using those roads, but there's a lot of traffic and you have to have your mind on the game at all times. I know that but I had had a reminder of that on Friday when I was heading up to Raleigh.

I'd gassed up and was coming back to the highway when I accidentally ran a red light. There were cars coming from both sides of me, and thank you, they slowed down and I weaved right through them. Them honking and me waving my thanks at no one hitting me. I was grateful those folks were paying attention because mine had been distracted. There were two lights and I saw the one that was green. Pay attention!!!!!

The second one not long after was going down the road and a car ahead of me had a turn signal on. The road he would turn on was a little ahead so I started slowing down, but he slammed on his brakes and pulled a U-turn at the end of the median. My ABS brakes work really well, I've discovered.

So, folks, keep your head in the game. Once again the luck of the Irish has kept me safe and I felt grateful.

At Exit 4 on the New Jersey Turnpike, I stopped to gas up before the final push into New York City. A guy riding came over to me and told me the turnpike was closed at Exit 6, and it was down for two hours so I might want to consider another route. Not me. Straight lines on a single road for me. So I called Richard and told him where I was. He put Kim on the line and we figured out a route for me to run, off the turnpike, and I would meet up with him somewhere and he'd get me to his mom's.

Richard's been around a HOG block or two.

I raced to a place to meet and texted him. He was a block away and we met up. Big hug, and on the road because the sky was looking mean. Black, black, black. Richard and I took off and it seemed we rode for miles, guess it was 50 or 60.

It started to sprinkle, then rain. I was in a T-shirt, but it was warm so we didn't need to stop for jackets. We were running along, crazy roads, crazy drivers, and then the sky opened up and Mother Nature showed what she was capable of. The rain was pounding down so hard it looked like it was bouncing back up from the pavement a foot. Lightning, and then New York streets, riding down through the Central Park area, where the ball is dropped on New Year's Eve. Lightning was easily seen through the gaps in the tall buildings, light displays from the buildings made it light up like the Vegas Strip, and I WAS THERE!!!!!

It was splendid, a ride to never be forgotten, and I was like a kid craning my neck in all directions trying to take it all in. People wandering and moving like the middle of the day, bags of garbage stacked at the corners, the delightful smells of food seemingly unlike anything I've smelled before. I took it all in, my senses were overloaded and I was fascinated. We passed through the city and over a bridge, or two. The lights gleamed over the water. The wind was blowing the rain sideways and it got cold. The rain was so sharp, it was like a tattoo needle puncturing my skin. It was like something out of a movie and I was in heaven. Now I wish I was going to be here for a few days; there's so much to see and I only had a tantalizing little sliver of it for my memory bank.

We arrived through narrow streets, potholes filled with rain, buildings crushed together. Then it was down another street and into an alley and stopping in front of what looked like a storage area with a gate across it. I was home for the night, in Queens. This was the storage for the bikes, and it's even carpeted. How appropriate … nothing but the best for the motorcycles.

Parking for Harlow and her new friends, Queens, New York City.  Who knew she'd ever get there?

Richard grabbed my bag and we walked a block or so to his mom's place, and my bed for the night. I think we woke her up, so I felt bad, but was soaking wet and tired.

July 16, I'm in Joyce's back yard

Richard and his mom.  She was nice enough to put me up for the night.

Richard took the day off to escort me to Peabody, Massachusetts. He said he wanted a bowl of chowder. Was he making sure I was out of the Big Apple, out of the state, or just being nice? Richard is a nice guy, and I wanted to meet his girlfriend, Kim. I'd heard so much about her and figured we'd hit it off.

I've never seen a sign like this anywhere but in NYC.

We packed up, took a photo of him and his mom, and then off to Kim's place. She's got an apartment that is very nice, up a few floors and even a patio. I understand it's a great place in a large city, and I understood. But the best part of all, she's got animals … two cats, a parakeet and a super nice black lab mix named Brooklyn. I fell in love with that dog. So I took lots of photos of her, completely forgetting to take one of Kim and Richard together. How dumb!!! So now Richard has to send me a photo of them. I also forgot the Queens photo … too enthralled with being in NYC.

Who would have guessed they're bikers?  They clean up really nice.

How could you not love this face?  Brooklyn's her name; pathetic is her game!!!

Richard, Kim and I went to breakfast, and then it was time to say goodbye. We didn't have nearly enough time, but we talked as much as we could, kissed, hugged, said goodbye and then Richard and I were on the road, heading north.

We were on scenic roads, but it was a four lane, so there was a lot of traffic, then the Massachusetts Turnpike. I was using what's called an EZ pass to get through the toll gates so it made it easier instead of digging into my pocket with hot, sweaty hands trying to get money out, and knowing people behind me were unhappy with how long I was taking. Oh well. Damned tourists!!!

It was a wild ride again, and hard-core for someone used to two-lane roads, and not a whole lot of traffic. Lots of those rides on this trip. Then we got into Boston and stopped for chowder on the waterfront. Another beautiful skyline and this time I got a couple of photos. Chowder at the Barking Crab, a call to Joyce and we were on our way.



City skylines are beautiful.

We were only a few miles away now, and I know Joyce is EXCITED!!!! And waiting … IMPATIENTLY!!!!

Into the driveway, easy to get to … and Joyce comes running out. A REUNION … how I love these people!!! Mike was still at work so Joyce and I went out for a bite and some girl rebonding time. It's been nine months since we met and had seen each other. Oh joy!!!

Joyce, Richard and me. 

And it's been non-stop talking since then … and will continue til I have to head out and home to Harlow's barn in Phoenix.

July 17, there's a lighthouse is in my near future

Mike, Joyce and me, ready to ride.

Joyce, Mike and I headed north … to visit the Nubble Lighthouse at York, Maine. Yep, a couple of states today … Massachusetts to New Hampshire to Maine. Didn't take long at all … maybe 60-80 miles one-way. And I got to go to a Harley shop, too. Yahoo. Another shirt!!!

The lighthouse was erected in 1879.

You can only photograph this one from afar.

Goofy girls.

There are beautiful buildings everywhere.

Then we rode by some beautiful homes on the beach, riding up the coast. This is beautiful country, with some wonderful things to see, but there sure are a lot of people, and a lot of roads with lots of people on them, too. I'm fascinated by the characteristics of many of the homes … little gables, turrets, verandahs, weather vanes … the homes are lovely and there were so many I didn't know which one to photograph. But lunch called first, and I couldn't stop. We were starving.

We hadn't eaten so we went to one of Mike's favorites … the Clambox. They have different plates, and Mike's is the clam one. Joyce and I chose the scallop and clam combination. I like fried clams, but the scallops were awesome. Couldn't eat it all anyway, so Mike got lots of clams to take home.

Gotta add flower photos here and there.

The Atlantic Ocean ... beautiful all over.

The U.S.S. Albacore.

Who knew what the aft of a submarine looked like?  I do now.

I did find a couple of houses to photogaph although they weren't quite as grand as some of the others we'd seen along the beach road. But they're still very attractive.

There's not enough film in the world to capture all the gorgeous homes.

Here's an interesting weather vane, a mermaid.

It's so much fun riding wheel-to-wheel, knowing you're riding with someone you can trust, who won't swerve or put you in the path of danger. How I love it … it's like synchronized swimming, or a choreographed dance, with perfect moves, as you dance left and right, hearing the pipes and speeding up, slowing down, passing as one. Throw in a little hoodlum riding, and it's perfect. It's exhilarating! Richard from New York was another who is so easy to ride with … and he and I really were riding under some very intense conditions.

Mike demonstrates floating in the pool.

Oh yeah, it's lobster time anytime.

But back to the barn after a great ride, then a little hanging at the pool, lobster with melted butter for dessert and some dog-bonding time.

Willy, the aristocratic hound.

Mike and Joyce have a dog named Willy, part hound and who knows. He's a big boy and talks a lot. He also gives love nips, so you gotta watch him. He knew I was watching him and then it became a game for him to follow me. I fell in love with him, and their daughter's dog, a Puggle … a pug/beagle mix. Her name is Bella and she's just a baby, but oh so sweet. I took photo after photo of both of them … lots of doggie photos on this trip. Makes me heart swell.

Bella, the puggle.  Sweet face.

Willy and Bella ... she's so annoying.  Well, she is a puppy, after tall.

July 18, Massachusetts to Connecticut to New York to Pennsylvania

Joyce and Mike escorted me to the Massachusetts Turnpike. It was a teary departure. I'm always sad to leave my friends, even ones I've not known long. But it's always best to leave after a night or two … to leave them and me yearning for more. Besides, my mom always said fish and houseguests both smell after three days. Time to rock and roll.

Time to say goodbye.

My beautiful Massachusetts friends, Mike and Joyce.  I'm so glad I met you.

However, I am starting to wonder … David escorted me to the interstate to get me out of North Carolina; Richard escorted me door-to-door, New York City to Peabody, Massachusetts. Joyce and Mike took me to the turnpike. Are these people trying to make sure I get out of their state, or just concerned friends who realize I'm directionally-challenged? Ha ha. I know, I know. They truly are concerned … who has better, more considerate, kind and caring friends than I? And I love all of them, too.

Off I went on my merry journey today, riding the slab. How I hate it, but I wanted to get as far west as I could and away from the New York City area so there'd be no way I could accidentally get in the middle of that town by myself.

So, slab it was. It got hot, but I put on a neck snake and that helped. Then it started to sprinkle and since I'd not eaten, I stopped for lunch. Perfect timing on my part as it started to pour!!!

By the end of the day it had dried up, as had my pants and T-shirt, and it was a most pleasant ride, putting me near Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. And, near Hershey … CHOCOLATE!!! Guess where I'm going tomorrow!

July 12, 13 and 14 -- South Carolina to North Carolina

July 12, museum in time and banquet

This beautiful bike was a representation of the museum.

Today was the visit to the Wheels of Time Museum, which just happened to be over the state line and into North Carolina, the way I'll be heading tomorrow.

It was raining, and I was not interested in getting on the bike and riding in the rain. So guess what. In the vehicle with Sylvia and Ruth. The best part is I only see Sylvia and Ruth once a year, so I get to spend time with them and we can chat to our heart's content.

A great place to visit if you're in the neighborhood.

So many beautiful bikes, and I'm always drawn to white ones.

The military bikes are always fascinating.

There were even some neat fender ornaments.

One motorcycle looked like it had a homemade sidecar, or seat.  Duck tape and all.

There's always some beauty in amongst some old wrecks of bikes.

And then I saw it ... flamingos.  I want to be a part of this group.

The museum was a place to spend hours, although we didn't have that much time since the banquet was in the evening. But we did wander through and there was so much … cars, bikes of all kinds. There was a lot to see and I raced through to see as much as I could before we had to head back to the hotel to get ready for the evening's festivities.

1916 Traub, the one and only remaining one.  It was discovered in 1967 concealed in a brick wall in a residence in Chigaco.  It's all apparently hand made.

I'm always drawn to a police bike, even a blue one.

Old cars, old bikes.  Lovely to look at. 

The museum had a barbecue lunch for us, but it was still pouring down rain. YUK!!! But again, it's all part of the adventure. I'm living life, getting wet, getting sunburned … laughing all the way.

There were some hardy souls who rode.  My fellow Women on Wheels.

Driving back, we spotted this purple place (a shop).  Had to have a photo for my friend, the Purple Haze

The Women on Wheels banquet is the final event of the Ride In. This is where recognition is given, certificates awarded those deserving folks and awards are handed out. This is where I get my recognition … the highest mileage in my class of motorcycle. The big-ass ones!!! I've been the high-mileage winner for maybe seven out of the last eight years. Yippee. Got it again.

Yippee, skippy.  Got it again.  How many more years can I do this?e

And then it was time to say good bye to many of my new friends, and acquaintances I've met over the past five Ride In's I've attended. I enjoy these because it's women encouraging other women.

July 13, leaving Greenville

I ride a big bike and have an attitude to match,

Living the dream. I've been told that time and again, by people at home, and even by people I meet on the road. And I guess I am … riding and living off my motorcycle. It's been a wonderful trip so far this year, and so have all those trips I've taken in the past. I've gone on some wild rides, seen some spectacular things and met some great people. But I'm hoping this dream doesn't end for a lot more years.

Today I was heading to North Carolina, Raleigh, to be exact. I was meeting up again with an old school chum from the eighth grade (Whittier, Alaska), and seeing his mom for the first time in 50 years. I was excited. I'd seen David in Arizona and we'd had a smashing time. Now I would be on his turf, and I really was looking forward to a nice visit.

David had given me a route, and where to get off the Interstate to get near his house so he could either talk me in, or come get me. How hard could it be? I had all the highway numbers and the names of towns. Oh yeah. I forgot who I was dealing with … myself. I think North Carolina is as hard to get around in as Georgia. I couldn't find roads that told me which way to go for certain towns, and so I got turned around … way more than once. It became quite frustrating for me, but the good part was every time I had to stop to find out which way to go, it started to rain, and I was usually stopped. I hit a lot of showers, and got wet but I didn't get cold, and I wasn't wearing a jacket, just the T-shirt.

The easiest part of the day was getting onto I-440, and finding the exit for his place quite quickly. I phoned and he came to get me and lead me to the house.

When we got there he motioned me to follow him with the bike. I did, but was wondering where I was going. It was along side the cars and house, over the sidewalk, over the grass, over some bumps, down a little incline, around a wall and into the lawn mower garage. I had the feeling I'd never get the bike out of there again, not without tipping over multiple times. But David assured me we'd get it out. Then I unloaded and we covered the girl with a tarp. Just in case it rained … although she had a roof, too. She was being well taken care of.

Harlow had her own bike garage.

Then we went into the house and I met Mrs. Brown, one of my former school teachers from many years ago. She actually said she remembered me, and I felt good about it. She's delightful, and is now 90 years old.

A Gallileo thermometer.

Mom and me in this beautiful room. 

I got the grand tour of the house, got myself settled into my room, and off we went to dinner.

Remember? All roads lead to food.

July 14, Raleigh, North Carolina

I elected (after asking) to stay over another night in Raleigh. I have another friend I used to work with, Jason, and wanted to see if I could meet up with him. We did talk, but never got to get together.

There were tons of bikes and a wing cook off.  But this bike and it's label was the best thing going on.

Even without that, it was a full day,. I took the bike to the shop to see about an oil change. WOW!!! There was a huge event going on … a hot wing cook out, and there must have been 500 bikes. But I got my oil change. And then, imagine, I bought a Harley shirt. So, is that number 501? I'll need to count again once I get home.

I bought the pink one.

We wandered around the shop and, I know you'll never believe it, I started talking to a gal who was wearing a Ladies of Harley shirt. Her name is Paula, and we hit it off. I liked her shirt so much but couldn't get one since I was not a member of the Raleigh HOG chapter., I fixed that, and joined.

Pat Price, owner of Ray Price Harley-Davidson, Paula and me.

Paula and I continued to talk. I happened to look down at her boots. Oh wow. Herman Muenster boots. Her, too. They're more common than I thought. So we had to take a photo. She was a kick, and I could have chatted with her for hours.

Paula and me.

Look at those boots.  We do Herman Muenster proud.

She rides a big bike, and so we had to go see it because she's made it a solo seat and moved the tour pack forward. It was quite the creation, and I think it looked quite fine.

Paula demonstrates riding ... that girl has personality!!

From there we took the house trash to the dump … in a Land Rover. And I got to drive it. What a vehicle!!! We went four-wheeling … into the weeds (the scratches being made sounded like fingernails on a blackboard), and we found bamboo!!! Had to have a photo of that … if I was into vehicles, this would be one I'd like to have. It's comfortable, it's easy to drive, and feels like a tank … safe!!! The only thing I'd add would be a machine gun on the hood!!! And maybe a Beagle in the back.

A Land Rover in the woods ... in the bamboo.

Then it was off to the Farmer's Market. I've never seen ghost eggplants. Eggplants, tomatoes, peaches, eggs, plants. I sampled some of the tomatoes and peaches. The tomatoes taste like a tomato should taste. The ones we have at home, even those grown there, still don't taste like a tomato does here. YUMMY!!! The smells were wonderful … so we bought a few things to take home. And had to have a couple of photos, too.

The white one is called a ghost eggplant.  Who knew?

How could I not buy something from the kid who created these?  Tomatoes.  No eggplant.

And they bring in corn by the truckload.

From there it was back to the shop to pick up my bike, all clean so I hope I don't have to ride iin the rain anymore for a while. Then dinner at Cooper's Barbecue (famous you know), and home to listen to mom play the piano. It was lovely, and reminded me of when my mother played, although Mrs. Brown is very talented, even now.

Mrs. Brown playing her piano, Claire de Lune.

I was going to get that mower around the plants.  Whoops!!!  Got one.  I prefer the Land Rover.

It seems like my time here has been short, but all must end, and it's on to other adventures.