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.

First summer ride

The weather in this area hasn't been at all like summer. Rain and cold was not normal and I have not been on the nice weekend rides that I enjoy. So, after many wet weekend, I was happy for a nice one. This morning was cool for the middle of July, but the riding was nice. Traffic was minimal and I thought I might ride to the beach. As I rode route 102 south, I changed my mind and rode west on route 101 into Connecticut. It was a nice ride with a few twisties and low traffic. After a bit of riding, I made my way onto route 169 and went to the Vanilla Bean for breakfast. While there, I had the chance to talk to Tim, riding a 1200GS, before his breakfast came. I parked my bike next to a newer 650GS. It had a whole different look to it. We chatted about the F650GS and how Tim would rent one while he vacationed without his bike. We also talked about his bike and how much fun he has had on it. After a nice breakfast, I headed towards home. I continued north on 169 then made several turns and found my way on route 12. The traffic started getting heavier as I made my way on the final roads home. All in all, a nice morning ride.

Independence Day 2009

This year, I spent some time with my friend, who was RV'ing it this summer, at a campground. There are two kinds of campgrounds; the quiet ones and the other. This was not a quiet one. There were many campers providing a non-stop display of fireworks until about 10:30pm. Then the DJ on the pavilion kept doing his thing so the kids can dance around. Then, around 11pm I rode home. There was no one on the road; they were all still partying. It was a nice ride in the backwoods roads on a nice quiet night. Sometimes, it pays to dance to a different drummer!