A few weeks ago I decided to finally get a motorcycle. I’ve wanted to upgrade from mopeds for many years.
This involved a long arduous process –some bureaucratic, some learning skills, and some mechanical work. Since I had no idea how to operate a motorcycle I elected to take a Motorcycle Safety Foundation course –these courses [...]
The Plan
I’ve decided to take a couple of weeks off and hit the road. My planned route is:
1. From Guelph to Romney, WV (about 650km).
2. My favourite stretch of road on the planet: US 50 from Romney, WV to Grafton, WV. (135km). This is the most windy, insane mountain road I’ve ever seen anywhere (and [...]
Bonecrusher
I’ve already described Bonecrusher so I won’t go into it again. In the last five weeks Bonecrusher has been running properly for about seven days. I prefer to imagine that it’s related to its age rather than my abilities as a mechanic, but I suppose that’s all relative.
Most recently Bonecrusher was stationary because its chain [...]
Gear
Stuff I Need To Buy:
Saddle Bags
Rain Gear
Ear plugs
Scarf
Bungie cords
Lip balm
Maps (my trusty Rand McNally road atlas doesn’t fit in the tank bag window)
Sunscreen (as I get further south I know I’m going to give in to the temptation to not wear a jacket)
Chain lube (I’ll need to lube the chain every day)
Stuff I Should Buy:
Waterproof [...]
Logistics
I’m hoping to average about 600km a day. I figure on nicer days I’ll go further and on rainy days I’ll stop sooner. I’m hoping to camp most nights, either guerrilla camping or at state parks –the latter, although not free, provide showers (although showers can be obtained for a few bucks at many truck stops).
A tank [...]
Left Guelph at 11am, crossed through customs uneventfully into Buffalo.
First tank is in Armor, NY N42.74021 W78.79029
Odometer: 37605.0
Distance: 183.8km
Fuel: 3.765 gallons
I’ve stopped at “Tack’s Inn” in Pennsylvania. When I asked what town I’m in, my waitress told me “the middle of nowhere, the corner of highway 59 and 219″.
There are “Hillbilly Games” happening here and the place is packed. I don’t even have a chair –I’m standing at the bar.
I ordered some sort of sausage [...]
Went through some rain and stopped and put the rainsuit on… Made a giant difference.
Bought gas:
Gas: 3.29 gallons
Distance since last fill-up: 249.2km
Odometer: 37854.2km
Location: Grambion, PA N40.96432, W78.60940
Mileage: 47.3MPG
Just took off the rainsuit and in the 10 minutes I’ve been here it’s changed from sunny to impending doom… I might have to put the suit back [...]
Stopped for eats at a place called “New Frontier Restaurant” (N40.15702 W78.35621, Elev. 1100ft). It’s at the side of the road in the mountains and looked promising. I’m about 80km as-the-crow-flies from the state park where I’ll be sleeping.
I ordered their special “Fried Chicken & Waffles”. The waitress could not tell me who’s brilliant idea [...]
Bought some gas and some beer. Everyone here is very friendly. Got carded, so I’m still not an old man (if I go 6 months without getting carded, I’m officially old).
Some numbers…
Gas: 3.115 gallons ($7.78)
Distance: 224.8km
Odometer: 38079.1km
Mileage: 45.1MPG
Location: A Sheetz near Bath, WV (N39.62389 W78.22950 E684ft)
Next stop, Cacapon State Park (about 14km away).
Stupid Cacapon State park doesn’t offer camping, just cabins! I’ve learned to rely on Rand McNally’s two symbols for state parks, a green tree which means no camping, and a green tree with a green tent which means it does have camping. Apparently any lodging warrants the green tent.
So I pushed on another 60km or [...]
I have chosen a killer route today: although I will drive about 590km of road, I will only go 339km as-the-crow-flies. On the map, the roads I’m taking curve so much they look like blurs.
I will start on US50 and follow it through Romney and Grafton where I’ll get on US119 which turns into Hwy [...]
