|
One last long ride before winter
Ok,you southern folk can have all your winter fun, but here, with few exceptions the riding season comes to a complete stop, and we all switch to snowmobiles. Global warming aside, thats likely going to be the case here soon.
So I decided to head out on one last day trip to scratch the travel itch. I love the Adirondacks, and have never really ridden the roads up there to any extent. TIme to change that.
Starting in Syracuse, headed east towards Utica, on the Thruway, because going through Verona on a holiday weekend would be uncool. Hit Rt. 12 north, and proceeded to enjoy the ride up.
If you have never ridden up here, you really should. Once in the Park area itself,many of the roads are well maintained, new blacktop, and literally nothing for miles. Twists, turns, straights, and if you are lucky, little traffic.
I made my way up to Saranac Lake in a little under 4 hours. Filled up before I left, once in Otter Lake. Tooled around a bit, hit Lake Placid for the sights. Walked around for a bit, and checked out all the bikers. Lots of Canadians riding. Many BMWs and other touring bikes. And fat Harleys with more chrome than necessary. Stop and go traffic is so much easier than on my Shadow. It was then that I realized it was time to head back.
Not wanting to reverse course, I headed due west on Rt.3. This is pretty much a wooded winding road with a few towns along it. Excellent riding, but I was getting some sun in my eyes as it was heading towards dusk. Ran into more traffic on this part, not a lot of passing. One more fill up in Tupper Lake where I met a nice group of Gold Wing riders chilling at the station. Did I mention gas is wicked pricey up there?
Now I buzzing past Fort Drum, it was dark, and getting rather cold. Yay for cold weather gear! Want heated grips next time tho. Humming along to a detour to 81 south, and I was headed home.
As luck would have it, the rain only started 10 minutes from home, and was not to bad, just enough to remind me that rain and cold suck. Otherwise, it wasn't a big deal.
Still have to figure out my milage from the trip. I probably didn't do so well as I was zipping along the highways a bit. The bike handled as expected, no surprises, and nothing to worry about. I went maybe 400 miles or so, which is great for a days riding. One last long one for the year. Going to be getting the bike ready for winter, but it doesn't get put away. If its insured, theres a chance to ride if its above freezing and the roads are clear.
|
Search
Member List
Calendar
Help
