Kathi and I recently got back from Atlanta after my brother — who had just had triple-bypass surgery — fired me as a nurse.
Seriously, he returned home within days and then had a remarkably rapid recovery. I thought I’d be down there as a CNA, gofer, and more for a month. Nope. “Get outta here” he said. OK. Did.
So, last Tuesday, on our first day back, I wanted to grab that warm and dry weather and ride.
Because I really had no plan when I launched, I chose the Stornello, as it would give me off-pavement options and, especially as I got a later-than-I-had-wanted start, let me see more in less time.
What a grand day to be alive. At any age, that is no given; at mine, it’s a daily gift.
Here’s my unplanned route, run clockwise. Only 112 miles, but as fine as any all-dayer.
Details here for map nerds (like me): https://goo.gl/maps/VTcJjq9evjkW6krX7
After I headed out of the driveway, I decided to use Hewitt Covered Bridge, vic. Artemus, Pennsylvania, as the turn-around point, but to have no real destination beyond the jaunt itself.
I got there …
Here’s a much better pic, i.e., sans self …
And, even better one, with two folks I met there, locals Lucas & Michelle, on a Harley. Their mount was a bit loud for my get-off-my-lawn tastes, but they were super young people.
I had been to this bridge numerous times over the last 10 years, but had never gone beyond it after crossing it for photos. So, I did. Gravel to the top, then a choice at a tee.
I chose the lefthand “door,” and the going here (on Elbinsville Road) was nice.
Then I found Double Pine Road …
Yes, lovely.
Well, until … it got more serious than my poseur self wanted to be after it crossed into Maryland. No welcome center told me that, but I was now in Green Ridge State Forest.
Essentially a mix of gravel and dirt depending on the section… at least I think so … but the sunken road was covered by so many leaves that I could not see until too late the eroded cross-ruts and potholes! I mused about the infamous Sunken Road at Antietam … but at least no one was shooting at me!
Then, after a brief run down 15 Mile Road to the Old National Pike, I came to “Maryland’s Beauty Spot” on Town HIll.
Quite a view on “Scenic U.S. 40”
Then home and our yard art.
The leaves may be officially past peak on that ride, but still were mighty nice, and a few that didn’t get the memo were almost startling bright.
The next day, it rained, and some of that pavement that I rode on too fast — by my cowardly standards — would have been slick as nasal mucus with wet leaves.
A young friend and I may reprise that same ride tomorrow. At my age, I have found that it's always nice to have a strapping young fellow a riding companion: great folks for lifting a downed motorcycle.
Bill
Seriously, he returned home within days and then had a remarkably rapid recovery. I thought I’d be down there as a CNA, gofer, and more for a month. Nope. “Get outta here” he said. OK. Did.
So, last Tuesday, on our first day back, I wanted to grab that warm and dry weather and ride.
Because I really had no plan when I launched, I chose the Stornello, as it would give me off-pavement options and, especially as I got a later-than-I-had-wanted start, let me see more in less time.
What a grand day to be alive. At any age, that is no given; at mine, it’s a daily gift.
Here’s my unplanned route, run clockwise. Only 112 miles, but as fine as any all-dayer.
Details here for map nerds (like me): https://goo.gl/maps/VTcJjq9evjkW6krX7
After I headed out of the driveway, I decided to use Hewitt Covered Bridge, vic. Artemus, Pennsylvania, as the turn-around point, but to have no real destination beyond the jaunt itself.
I got there …
Here’s a much better pic, i.e., sans self …
And, even better one, with two folks I met there, locals Lucas & Michelle, on a Harley. Their mount was a bit loud for my get-off-my-lawn tastes, but they were super young people.
I had been to this bridge numerous times over the last 10 years, but had never gone beyond it after crossing it for photos. So, I did. Gravel to the top, then a choice at a tee.
I chose the lefthand “door,” and the going here (on Elbinsville Road) was nice.
Then I found Double Pine Road …
Yes, lovely.
Well, until … it got more serious than my poseur self wanted to be after it crossed into Maryland. No welcome center told me that, but I was now in Green Ridge State Forest.
Essentially a mix of gravel and dirt depending on the section… at least I think so … but the sunken road was covered by so many leaves that I could not see until too late the eroded cross-ruts and potholes! I mused about the infamous Sunken Road at Antietam … but at least no one was shooting at me!
Then, after a brief run down 15 Mile Road to the Old National Pike, I came to “Maryland’s Beauty Spot” on Town HIll.
Quite a view on “Scenic U.S. 40”
Then home and our yard art.
The leaves may be officially past peak on that ride, but still were mighty nice, and a few that didn’t get the memo were almost startling bright.
The next day, it rained, and some of that pavement that I rode on too fast — by my cowardly standards — would have been slick as nasal mucus with wet leaves.
A young friend and I may reprise that same ride tomorrow. At my age, I have found that it's always nice to have a strapping young fellow a riding companion: great folks for lifting a downed motorcycle.
Bill
