Too early to start planning next years rides?

[dmf109]

Well, is it? We have in the talks the following:

Maritime ride up the east coast

Stromtrooper get together in IN.

Is that IT!?!

Also, anyone see RedAnt? Where'd ya go?

[VtSTROM-K5]

I am going to try to plot a rough track this next week for the Maritime Prov. ride .....but feel free to start the process too and we can all compare notes.

[jackpiner57]

I am going to try to plot a rough track this next week for the Maritime Prov. ride .....but feel free to start the process too and we can all compare notes.

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i291/jackpiner57/nod.gif

[BHazz]

I have fun planning and dreaming about the trips. So, it's not too early for me to start planning

We should probably decide a few things before planning the trip. I have a few to start:
1. How many days are we riding?

2. Sleep in tents or inexpensive cabins ? (We could have some chilly weather)
.a. Research Cost (Cabin vs Campsite/Tent)

3. Nova Scotia - Do we use the ferry (Arriving, Leaving, Not At All)? The ferry could save us at least 1000 miles if we wanted. It may depend on how many days we allow for the trip

4. Any particular places that you want to visit/ride?

5. What's the approximate date of ride? Someone should reasearch the weather as it could affect our lodging selection.

Ride Safe This Winter!

[dmf109]

I have fun planning and dreaming about the trips. So, it's not too early for me to start planning

We should probably decide a few things before planning the trip. I have a few to start:
1. How many days are we riding?

2. Sleep in tents or inexpensive cabins ? (We could have some chilly weather)
.a. Research Cost (Cabin vs Campsite/Tent)

3. Nova Scotia - Do we use the ferry (Arriving, Leaving, Not At All)? The ferry could save us at least 1000 miles if we wanted. It may depend on how many days we allow for the trip

4. Any particular places that you want to visit/ride?

5. What's the approximate date of ride? Someone should reasearch the weather as it could affect our lodging selection.

Ride Safe This Winter!

1. I'm thinking a trip that goes from Sunday to Saturday.

2. After watching Mondo Enduro and Terra Circa a tent is pretty much 5 star logding (those guys seemed to sleep under tarps across their bikes!). I think the cabin idea works well and would be a nice break.

3. Ferry would be great. It'd be nice if we did a week long trip that we could do some day trips from a central location, that way the whole group wouldn't have to go, we'd just arrive back at the base camp that evening or following morning.

4. No idea yet on places. I'm open for anything.

5. I think late spring, early summer for a ride like this. So...mid June?

[BHazz]

Cabins can be had for around 600 per week.
Check out this site: http://www.cottage-canada-usa.com/

Jack,


Does anyone have any experience in riding these areas?

Jack -
surely you've lived around there before :lol:
Once we see your initial plan, we can get more specific.

[VtSTROM-K5]

Cabins can be had for around 600 per week.
Check out this site: http://www.cottage-canada-usa.com/

Q] Jack,
Does anyone have any experience in riding these areas?
A] jackpiner57 does:rolleyes: as well as some of the Canadian Stromtroopers
(although I have spent a small fortune in the Brockville area @ TimHorton's)
Q] Jack -
surely you've lived around there before :lol:
A] No I have never lived in Canada...;) No, Honest. I haven't:eek:

Once we see your initial plan, we can get more specific.
My Plan ? Uhh,mmm, Oh Yeah My plan, ahhemm..... workin on it :confused:

Please see inset for low cost Cabin's.
http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m83/VtSTROM-K5/Sept%20trip%2006/Stromriders_1000-10.jpg

[tmcgee]

5. I think late spring, early summer for a ride like this. So...mid June?

The black flies should be gone and the tourists not yet arrived by the last week or two of June.

[tmcgee]

3. Ferry would be great.

I'd like to take the CAT sometime. I watched it boogieing across Frenchman Bay from the Schoodic Penninsula a few years ago. That thing hauls ass. Here's the website for the ferry: http://www.nfl-bay.com/

On the bike, taking the long way around, there are a lot of places up the Maine coast (and beyond) worth visiting, like Eastport, Lubec, and Campobello Island.

These pix are from my September 2005 solo-strom trip:

Lighthouse at West Quoddy Head
http://img241.imageshack.us/img241/4417/bluffsao4.jpg

Location marker
http://img241.imageshack.us/img241/2878/dsc00054rs9.jpg

Frenchman Bay
http://img241.imageshack.us/img241/900/dsc00046xyl8.jpg

Working boat
http://img241.imageshack.us/img241/4296/workingdd8.jpg

[dmf109]

Besides the cost of the cabin ($600!?!) I don't think any of us could get to sleep in a closed cabin with Jack's snoring! :) I also like jackpiner's idea of camping right on the coast.

tmcgee: great pics. I like the idea of the ferry more and more. It'd be nice to ride the whole way up, explore the area, then have the option of cutting back the ride home a bit with the ferry.

[VtSTROM-K5]

Besides the cost of the cabin ($600!?!) I don't think any of us could get to sleep in a closed cabin with Jack's snoring! :) I also like jackpiner's idea of camping right on the coast.

tmcgee: great pics. I like the idea of the ferry more and more. It'd be nice to ride the whole way up, explore the area, then have the option of cutting back the ride home a bit with the ferry.

Everyone B!@%es about MY snoring,well I find it hard to sleep with all the hollering & things being thrown at My tent..:???:

I to however would prefer to Ride up the whole way & Camp with a possible ride back on the Cat....:rolleyes:

[BHazz]

Wouldn't a campsite cost around $15 per night per person?
A cabin that sleeps 6 max at $600 per week equals about $14.2 per night per person.
Even if we slept 3 per cabin (so we are not crowded) that's still only $30 per night per person. Not too bad in price? As far as snoring, maybe some cabins have 2 rooms.
Maybe we will look for a place that has both and everyone can choose for themselves.

Y'all make a great point about taking the ferry (back home only) sounds like a good idea. We can hit the entire East coast and spend most of the time riding new territory.

tmcgee:
For some reaons I really want to see that stone in Lubec, Maine and be in the most Eastern part of the USA. Nice Pic.

VTStrom-K5:
Your lost-cost cabins picture :lol:

[tmcgee]

I like the idea of the ferry more and more. It'd be nice to ride the whole way up, explore the area, then have the option of cutting back the ride home a bit with the ferry.

That makes sense to me. I always get into the "hurry home" mode when I'm done exploring.

[dmf109]

Wouldn't a campsite cost around $15 per night per person?
A cabin that sleeps 6 max at $600 per week equals about $14.2 per night per person.
Even if we slept 3 per cabin (so we are not crowded) that's still only $30 per night per person. Not too bad in price?

BHazz you make a good point with that. My concerns are a.) do they rent one cabin per 6? b) We'd need a new cabin every night (be in different areas). However, that price still isn't bad even if it were $100 a night (for only a few nights). What kind of cabins are you talking about? I'm picturing the small ones at various campgrounds that are glorified tents with a/c. Or are these CABIN cabins? Despite all that, I'm up for a few nights in one. I don't think I've ever had what I would call a great nights sleep in a tent, although I love it just the same.

Everyone B!@%es about MY snoring,well I find it hard to sleep with all the hollering & things being thrown at My tent..:???:

Jack- your charm more than makes up for your snoring.
And when's the Alaska trip again?

[JohnS.]

I know for some odd reason at the Fall Foliage Ride, I'd signed myself up to plan/host a spring ride. I was thinking something maybe a bit more southern. Lower Adirondacks, Schoharie Valley, Grand Gorge, Catskills; pretty much all in NY. Maybe two nights camping in different places, so we can pick up new folks for some/part of the trip. However, the cabin idea sounds good, I gotta look for some state parks with cabins... It'll probably be early in the spring if the weather is holding, so let's hope those of us with electric clothing on our holiday lists get it....

If you're going way north though, my passport is current...

John.

[VtSTROM-K5]

BHazz you make a good point with that. My concerns are a.) do they rent one cabin per 6? b) We'd need a new cabin every night (be in different areas). However, that price still isn't bad even if it were $100 a night (for only a few nights). What kind of cabins are you talking about? I'm picturing the small ones at various campgrounds that are glorified tents with a/c. Or are these CABIN cabins? Despite all that, I'm up for a few nights in one. I don't think I've ever had what I would call a great nights sleep in a tent, although I love it just the same.



Jack- your charm more than makes up for your snoring.
And when's the Alaska trip again?
looking like may -july 2009....:rolleyes::-D

[dmf109]

I know for some odd reason at the Fall Foliage Ride, I'd signed myself up to plan/host a spring ride. I was thinking something maybe a bit more southern. Lower Adirondacks, Schoharie Valley, Grand Gorge, Catskills; pretty much all in NY. Maybe two nights camping in different places, so we can pick up new folks for some/part of the trip. However, the cabin idea sounds good, I gotta look for some state parks with cabins... It'll probably be early in the spring if the weather is holding, so let's hope those of us with electric clothing on our holiday lists get it....

If you're going way north though, my passport is current...

John.

I'm up for starting the season with a southern ride, followed a few weeks later with the maritime ride, followed a few weeks after that with...

PS: Got any pics of the project bike yet?

[VtSTROM-K5]

1. I'm thinking a trip that goes from Sunday to Saturday.
I'm thinking more like Fri.- following Sunday

2. After watching Mondo Enduro and Terra Circa a tent is pretty much 5 star logding (those guys seemed to sleep under tarps across their bikes!). I think the cabin idea works well and would be a nice break.
Would allow for a place to shower and Do laundry as needed also

3. Ferry would be great. It'd be nice if we did a week long trip that we could do some day trips from a central location, that way the whole group wouldn't have to go, we'd just arrive back at the base camp that evening or following morning.

4. No idea yet on places. I'm open for anything.
Cape Bretton, The Confederation Bridge , Bay St.Lawrence,Quebec City?

5. I think late spring, early summer for a ride like this. So...mid June?
I'm leaning More towards mid- late May:-D

[dmf109]

VtSTROM-K5- Friday to the following Sunday, I like your thinking! I think we should plan a trip in a few weeks that includes winter camping to hone our skills. If you can camp with confidence in the winter, then you can camp anywhere. [how the hell do you do those damn smiley things now]

Sooo...what is the rough route for this trip? It'd be nice to advertise it on the site and see if anyone wants to join in (it's only, what, 6 months away, tops?!)

And Jack- what about the TN ride? I don't see a problem with this thread expanding past just the maritime trip. Lets face it, we have a long, long winter ahead and it'd be nice to dream.

Anyone else? Any good rides to plan?

[jackpiner57]

VtSTROM-K5 [how the hell do you do those damn smiley things now]hehehehheehttp://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i291/jackpiner57/beesnest.gif

[BHazz]

Making a trip that is Fri - Sunday, for me, makes it a lot of vacation time to burn through. I would probably use up 7 or 8 days. We still have other trips to plan.

Is vacation time a consideration for anyone else?

[VtSTROM-K5]

Making a trip that is Fri - Sunday, for me, makes it a lot of vacation time to burn through. I would probably use up 7 or 8 days. We still have other trips to plan.

Is vacation time a consideration for anyone else?
Bruce if we all meet up on friday evening &return on the following week end then ( at least for me ) vacation time would be 5 days if your in a mon - fri work week type job. :rolleyes:

[Mr. Malone]

Hello from a new guy. Did the maritime trip two years ago in September. Cape Breton is worth seeing, however it is a 500 mile jaunt from Yarmouth. The coast is beautiful but it it would take days winding in and out along the ocean. We went to Prince Edward island, Confederation Bridge, Bar Harbor, etc. The Ferry is $$$, but quicker. Took it going out, returning by the land route. It was cold in Septemeber. May will be early. I'm thinking of south myself. Ride alot in the Finger Lakes and Adirondacks. Hope to get to know some new riding partners. 2007 destinations to the south.

[VtSTROM-K5]

Greetings Mr. Malone, What are you riding ? have any photos of the Maritime trip you would care to post??
I have family living in the area ( may be you know them ) I also belonged to a hunting camp for 5-6 years in the Skerry Woods. :shock:
I was a Rt11 traveler between Heuvelton & Dannemora for about a decade.(also.Great trout fishing on the way to Owls Head :)..)
No stranger to cold weather and temps in the 20's aren't deterents to camping as long as fires are allowed for coffee:-D.

[Mr. Malone]

Small world this is... I ride a 2004 Dl 1000 with the stock Kappa side bags and top case. More than enough luggage. I've had a CBR1100xx, CBR900f, Triumph Trident, several Bonneville's, Arial 650. The Strom has been a great all round tourer. If you have been Dannemora bound did you work in the Big House? I'm not much into picture taking, but if you do a search for "CMG Online" (Canadian website) they have a tour section that is quite good for Cape Breton. Firewalls screw you up though. Send me a PM if you think I might know your relatives. Done some kayaking myself and a little trout fishing. Interesting... I was a Connecticut boy before arriving up north. Suffield to be exact. Nova Scotia is worth a trip sometime. The coast is the place to be. Bay of Fundy has a little town that has the best people and seafood that you will find anywhere. Splitting rooms by two usually was quite reasonable. If you go I would recommend the warmest you can get. September and it was 30 degrees on top of the Cabot trail. Acadia National Park is a must see..ride up Cadillac Mountain.:)

[JohnS.]

DMF109, the project bike is coming along, dropped the motor out of the frame the other day, and looking at different options for frame tricks. So far I'm looking at reducing trail to about 4.2" from 5.3 to improve handling. Shrinking the 21" front wheel to an 18", and raising the back end de-rakes me about 3 degrees, without changing the triple trees. Cheap, I like that. Reading a lot about carbeurators and picking out jetting combinations, and searching for fancy pipes online. Right now I'm looking at some old-school trumpet type cans with removable baffles to suit my mood. Definitely going the K&N air filter route... Now, how to paint it...

Now before anyone unfamiliar with my project gets upset, I'm not cutting up my Strom. It's fine just as it is.

But here's my 98 Intruder:
http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h4/sassatjo/111906_20172.jpg

First the frame. I love the litte cage right behind the neck. A K&N will be enslaved inside of that, and I'll cut the tank back some so you can see it. The rear carb will breathe through one that'll dangle underneath the seat.

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h4/sassatjo/111906_20171.jpg

Motor looks so lonely on the jack. Soon you'll be roaring again my friend...

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h4/sassatjo/111506_22051.jpg

Is this a Motor Driven uni-cycle or am I just taking the fron end off for some measurments? You decide!



Back to the subject at hand.

And as far as the Southern NY trip, I'm thinking meet up around Lake George, go around Sacandaga, down route 10, through the Schoharie Valley, and around some of the Catskill Gorges. I know some nice PASSABLE dirt roads along the route. Camp out down there, then head off Sunday. Saturday should be about 250 - 300 miles all told. Thoughts? Rain gear will be required, it's always precipitating in the the Schohaire Valley. I haven't picked a date yet, as this spring I plan on taking my Professional Engineer's Exam (I start studying in two weeks), and will have to fit this into my study scheudle, or hold off until early May after the test is over.

Here's hoping Santa gives everyone heated grips so we can have a NewYear's Ride!

John.

[dmf109]

John- thanks for posting those pics. I miss having my own garage and spending late nights fixing up the Mustang I had ('68 coupe, nothing special, but really, really great memories). So please keep the pics coming through the winter months. Good luck too on your PE exam. I need to start studying for my EIT exam *groan*.

Soooo...Sunday is again looking Spring like and I have nothing to do (well, I SHOULD start Christmas shopping).

Bruce- I agree that we should plan all our trips so that we can all make them, in other words nothing too long. I think the Maritime trip would be great if we could do a Sunday to Saturday. Personally, I'd like to meet up with Jack on Friday morning to see some VT, then head up to grab Tom, then rendevous with all of you Sunday for the official kick-off. Another plus to a Sunday start is that others from the forum would have time to meet up if so interested.

So, anyway, someone pinch me. This trip IS going to happen, right?!

[VtSTROM-K5]

[quote:dmf109] Soooo...Sunday is again looking Spring like and I have nothing to do (well, I SHOULD start Christmas shopping).

Well ,I have to do some shopping this week.. end :rolleyes: & N.H. Is Tax free ?? Hmmm:???:
Maybe a quick run to West Lebanon could be arranged??? :mrgreen:

Jackpiner57;dmf109; What do ya say ?? Sunday or perhaps Saturday? :)

Besides it would be great to post pics of us riding on dec.16th or 17th :twisted::cool:

[jackpiner57]

Sunday looks like a possibility to me. I'll know better tomorrow. I've been riding a little lately around town and such.:D Is it ever going to get too cold to ride?

JohnS, Things are looking good there! The compressor that you have would be great for painting the bike. You will need a water separator and a toilet paper filter or a filter on the spraygun. I've been a professional auto/motorcycle etc. painter for over 30 yrs. and have done top quality jobs in some very small garages. When you are ready, I'll give you the 411 on what you need to have and do.:D

[dmf109]

Tom & Jack- make it home ok? I FROZE for the first 45 minutes of my ride back. I passed a guy in his garage that seemed to feel for me and gave me thumbs up (or at least I think that was his thumb). I wanted to pull over to warm my fingers, but didn't want to waste time. Then the weirdest thing happened; I passed exit 22 on I-93 and all of a sudden the air warmed. Out of no where it felt like a spring evening! So I just kept going. I got home about 7:30. Hope this nice weather holds out until spring.

Post your pics when you get a chance. I think we saw some great sites.

[jackpiner57]

EDITED ON Mon. 12/18/06


Another great ride! Went from South Ryegate to Ascutney to Cornish, NH and St. Gaudens Nat. historic site. Then to W. Lebanon, NH and over to Quechee, VT and along some back roads and over to Rt. 14 to Rt.110 up through the valley and South Royalton, Tunbridge, Chelsea, Washington and Orange. The scenery along Rt. 110 is some of the best in VT. Horse farms galore and following a river through the valley. Parted ways with Jack in Orange, then Dan and I went to Woodsville, NH for coffee. Total was 197.5 mi.

Jack and Dan at the covered bridge between Windsor, VT and Cornish, NH

Jack has aquired the strange fetish of photographing photographers.:)
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i291/jackpiner57/2006_1218adironacksmap0012.jpg

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i291/jackpiner57/2006_1218adironacksmap0013.jpg

St. Gaudens Nat. Historic Site

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i291/jackpiner57/2006_1218adironacksmap0016.jpg

Dan trying to run me down. The gaumless twit stopped before hitting me.http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i291/jackpiner57/beesnest.gif I needed the money.

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i291/jackpiner57/2006_1218adironacksmap0015.jpg

Lunch. A corned beef on rye sandwich and a dark ale. Mmmmm.
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i291/jackpiner57/2006_1218adironacksmap0018.jpg

[VtSTROM-K5]

Dec.17th and the riding was near perfect saw some great places and had a great time :-D.....I made it home @ 5:00 ..
I'll try to get pics up this evening :cool:

[JohnS.]

Looks like you guys had a great trip. Had to spend the weekend working though... Thanks for sending along the pictures.

Tom, I'll keep y'all posted on the project, but I don't think expect to be ready for paint until the spring...

[tmcgee]

Dan, you gotta get grip heaters, or even handguards. Fingers don't grow back.

Nice pix, guys.

[dmf109]

Dan, you gotta get grip heaters, or even handguards. Fingers don't grow back.

Nice pix, guys.

Heated grips AND better pants!

[VtSTROM-K5]

here are some of the pictures
1] the covered bridge in Tunbridge Vt. Home of the Tunbridge Worlds Fair:

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m83/VtSTROM-K5/Dec17th2006/635px-Worldfair.jpg

2]http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m83/VtSTROM-K5/Dec17th2006/DEC17th008.jpg

3]http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m83/VtSTROM-K5/Dec17th2006/800px-P1010003.gif

4] The Seven Barrel Brewery with the trusty Steeds of the 3 Strommigo's:

5]http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m83/VtSTROM-K5/Dec17th2006/DEC17th007.jpg

6] dmf109 & Jackpiner57 :

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m83/VtSTROM-K5/Dec17th2006/DEC17th006.jpg

Jackpiner , I thought you might enjoy this one
http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m83/VtSTROM-K5/Dec17th2006/Advert.jpg

[jackpiner57]

Great pics Jack, I like the HRD ad! The riding gods were with us on that ride. They even grew some nice green grass around the bridge for us!:D

[VtSTROM-K5]

Nah, that was one I downloaded because my shot from there was too blurred.
I think that we may have some snow for christmas holiday:cool:.
I may even get some time to add some stuff to the bike.:rolleyes:
Great movies!! I'll try to get them back to you next week;)

[jackpiner57]

Nah, that was one I downloaded because my shot from there was too blurred.
I think that we may have some snow for christmas holiday:cool:.
I may even get some time to add some stuff to the bike.:rolleyes:
Great movies!! I'll try to get them back to you next week;)

Glad you liked them Jack! I'll meet you halfway and we can do a little riding.

I went down to Chelsea, VT and back today in a 1 1/2 hr. speed run. Rt. 110 was black ice treachery. Around 22 degrees this afternoon. Some parts were dry and salty where others were black and slippy. It's all corners from Orange to Chelsea. Picking the right lines was critical. The dull black is the line to take. Shiney black bad. Dull black, across shiney black to dull black. Also, matching engine speed to gear when downshifting. Smooth acceleration. Gentle braking and no abrupt movements to upset the bike etc.

The dirt roads had hardpack snow that was simply diabolical!:D Taking the inside line and sliding across the corners until you hit soft snow and dirt at the far edge and then power on! I still can't believe I didn't go down today. I came close a few times. It was exhilarating to say the least.

I think I must be numb though.http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i291/jackpiner57/drif.gif

[dmf109]

Glad you liked them Jack! I'll meet you halfway and we can do a little riding.

I went down to Chelsea, VT and back today in a 1 1/2 hr. speed run. Rt. 110 was black ice treachery. Around 22 degrees this afternoon. Some parts were dry and salty where others were black and slippy. It's all corners from Orange to Chelsea. Picking the right lines was critical. The dull black is the line to take. Shiney black bad. Dull black, across shiney black to dull black. Also, matching engine speed to gear when downshifting. Smooth acceleration. Gentle braking and no abrupt movements to upset the bike etc.

The dirt roads had hardpack snow that was simply diabolical!:D Taking the inside line and sliding across the corners until you hit soft snow and dirt at the far edge and then power on! I still can't believe I didn't go down today. I came close a few times. It was exhilarating to say the least.

I think I must be numb though.http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i291/jackpiner57/drif.gif


Great Tom, now you have me all jealous! I want Santa to bring some VT roads to NH. If I try your riding in my neck of the woods then I risk an SUV to the forehead. Or a primer covered Honda with a coffee can exhaust.

[VtSTROM-K5]

Tom,
Sounds like I didn't miss that much :rolleyes:... I was trowling a 12' X 16' floor all day.....I might get the movies to ya in the next week or so!!

[jackpiner57]

Next week is looking pretty messy. Is our riding season finally ending?

New Years Day is on the agenda, even if I just ride around town.:D

[dmf109]

Next week is looking pretty messy. Is our riding season finally ending?

Just think, the days will all get longer from this point on! Spring in just 3 months!!! :D

[VtSTROM-K5]

Just think, the days will all get longer from this point on! Spring in just 3 months!!! :D

YESSSSSSS! :mrgreen::mrgreen:

[VtSTROM-K5]

Well, I took advantage to go to visit friends & family yesterday ..I, like so many others could not pass up the once again Spring like conditions :D
Many people were suprised and some even extended a wave of sorts to show that they were happy to see me riding the Big Rig on Christmas Eve.;)
I now know that snow(?)mobile Riders are very friendly as they saluted me by using their Middle finger on BOTH hands as they went by me with the machines on their trailers:rolleyes:... People are realy nice at this time of year..:D
Here's the BigRig @ my third youngest sisters house .( I have 4:???:.)
http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m83/VtSTROM-K5/Dec17th2006/Christmasgifts.jpg

[dmf109]

Well, I took advantage to go to visit friends & family yesterday ..I, like so many others could not pass up the once again Spring like conditions :D
Many people were suprised and some even extended a wave of sorts to show that they were happy to see me riding the Big Rig on Christmas Eve.;)
I now know that snow(?)mobile Riders are very friendly as they saluted me by using their Middle finger on BOTH hands as they went by me with the machines on their trailers:rolleyes:... People are realy nice at this time of year..:D
Here's the BigRig @ my third youngest sisters house .( I have 4:???:.)
http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m83/VtSTROM-K5/Dec17th2006/Christmasgifts.jpg

Jack, I envy you. I was stuck in a packed mall Sunday trying to finish my shopping. Grrr. I swear I feel like I'm invisible sometimes- everyone just walking right into ya, or not moving the f**k out of the way. Grrr. And don't me started on some of the morons working at the stores. Or the traffic. Sad part is that I have to get up earl tomorrow for a few more gifts before another family get together.

I'm again watching Long Way Round and am itching to plan some great rides for next season. Any wish lists out there for great rides to come?

[VtSTROM-K5]

I would like to do a central New York/ Finger lakes trip I already have a place for us to camp for free in the Elbridge area.:rolleyes:

OH Crap it's starting to snow

[jackpiner57]

I forgot to mention in the ride report that I/we saw a Bald Eagle on Rt. 12A north of W. Claremont. A very pleasant surprise!:D

[VtSTROM-K5]

Since I left the Mayport/Jax Beach area in 1980 :D. this Is truly a great( if not weird ) winter .....although some of the local economic boosters like Skiing, Snowmobiling , & my Favorite ( Dripping with Sarcasam:p) ICE FISHING. are taking a SERIOUS HURTING....
OK that said I was able to get a 50 mile ride in on thursday & I'm planning to ride tomorrow morning till around 1:pm in the area of Killington/Woodstock/Queeche /area and get that odometer to 11000 miles ..

[VtSTROM-K5]

To travel to the Wisconsin area next fall . Not sure yet if I'll go :-|

Have to see what shakes out for trips :cool:

[dmf109]

To travel to the Wisconsin area next fall . Not sure yet if I'll go :-|

Have to see what shakes out for trips :cool:

Travel by bike or car? (like I need to ask).

Looks like this weekend is a bust for riding. I'm going to try and complete my Dr350 tonight. So at the least I may take it around the trails for a test (fingers crossed).

[VtSTROM-K5]

Who was posting for you Dan? By car OHhhMYyGAWD!! No riealy I'm probably not going to go because of vacation day's that I plan to use for the Maritime trip.:D
As for this weekend well ,,,,,, I gotta work tomorrow at least to finish up a project before Americas future & Brain trust come back on monday to resume their Studies(?):rolleyes:
Ride Often & Ride Safe!!!;)

[BHazz]

Hi All,

Who is going to take the first "swing" at this maritime route, Jack or some other volunteer?
Before you know it, Spring will be here.

Thanks,

[VtSTROM-K5]

Hey all I was wondering if someone could turn me on to a shareware mapping program so I can try to get the rough outline for the Maritimes trip underway ...I don't have gps software and I dont have access to any mapping software from the school . any pointers would be appreciated

[tmcgee]

Hey all I was wondering if someone could turn me on to a shareware mapping program so I can try to get the rough outline for the Maritimes trip underway ...I don't have gps software and I dont have access to any mapping software from the school . any pointers would be appreciated

Assuming you use a PC, I have an extra legal copy of Garmin's City Navigator 8 that you can have. PM your mailing address and I'll get it out to you. I had already upgraded my older copy before deciding to buy the Zumo, which came with a copy.

[VtSTROM-K5]

tmcgee: you sir a re a scholar & gentleman.. :)
I forwarded the info in a p.m. thank you , jack:)

[tmcgee]

tmcgee: you sir a re a scholar & gentleman.. :)
I forwarded the info in a p.m. thank you , jack:)

Well, I wanna make the ride, so I have a vested interest. :-)


...gotta get that passport request in too. It'll make it easier.