The ride from Rome

Had a nice ride home. The roads, backroads, major roads, secondary streets, highways, were all great riding in Maine. The drivers were courteous and aware of motorcycle riders. Compared to what I am accustom to in Massachusetts. When I saw the sign, welcome to Massachusetts, I soon saw a change in the road conditions and the drivers attitudes. Traffic got nasty and I got off the highway. The back roads were a bit slower but I didn't care to deal with Massachusetts highway traffic.

Around the Lakes

Took an afternoon ride around the Belgrade lakes area. The lakes were a little choppy because the wind kicked up now and then. I went around Great Pond and stopped at the Lazy Lab Cafe in the center of Belgrade. Had a coffee and a little conversation with the owners. They were grateful the tourist season was over. I found the ATV trail out on Rt. 27 near New Sharon. It was very rough, so I didn't travel it far. The bike now has over 20,000 miles on it! I only got it last May with under 7000 miles.

A circle around the block

Didn't get to ride too much today. Just a short jaunt around North Pond. I started on Wooster Hill Rd., and went down a road/trail called Ladd Rd. that turns into Bacon St. I saw a large group of turkeys making their way along the edge of the field. They just took their sweet time, checking out me and deciding I wasn't going to eat them, then ambling off to look for more food. Then Beech Hill Rd. then stopped at the boat ramp at the stream at the north end of North Pond. Around into Smithfield, I stopped to look out over the pond. It was quiet with only one boat fishing out in the middle. A couple of kayaks were heading out for an evening paddle. It was calm after a windy day.

Strange winds

Had a nice ride around some farmland where I saw a odd phenomenon. As I passed a large open field, I saw a lot of hay being swirled around, like a cyclone. The amount of hay was impressive, but the height the hay achieved was incredible.

Maine back roads

Got into some really rough stuff. Road around the Sandy River area on Mercer and found a trail the a 4 wheel drive truck would've had trouble. But the F650 found the right path and just rode through. This bike is made for Maine! It does the pavement well and it seems to enjoy the rough roads.

A Saturday Ride to Philips

Met up with my friend, John (riding a Ducati 996) and we took a ride out to Farmington the out to Philips. That was a nice ride out Route 4, which had a little construction, but wasn't too bad. One road we took, Mercer St., was fine going until we hit a long spot where the re-paving will be happening. My bike handled admirably, but I think John was a little uncomfortable on the Ducati. That bike is made to go fast! He barely got it out of 3rd gear and we approached speeds of 60mph.

A ride to Maine

Rode up to Rome Maine. I followed my wife up the highway, which I tend to avoid, and 254 miles later, we were in Rome. The ride was a bit tough until I got across the Piscatua bridge. Then, things seemed to smooth out. The roads were better, the drivers were more considerate of a motorcycle rider. It made for a nicer ride.