Pilgrimage to Motorcyclepedia Museum

    I opened the front door and looked out to overcast skies about 730a on July 3 2011 and what looked like rain that had just passed.The wife,even though she has a fractured rib, and I decided we were going to ride the motorcycle up to Newburgh NY (again) to visit Mikey Teutul's Wolfgang Art Gallery and Motorcyclepedia Museum . We did NOT stop at Orange County Choppers ,but we made a quick drive by at Paul Jr Designs .
    We decided to go on the trip because it looked like the rain had passed.It did not. We cruised up 222N to 100N to 22N and 33E with no problems.We hit the exit at Wind Gap PA as it started to come down heavily.We pulled into the McDonald's at about 900a and had breakfast and waited for the rain to stop.We waited until about 1015a and the rain did stop,so we took off to our destination.Fifteen minutes later it started coming down hard again with no break in the downpour.

    We just kept going,soaking up the water as we made our way onto 80E and 209N through Delaware Water Gap. As we cruised in the rain through the forest,other die hard motorcyclists passed us headed south.My RAF style perscription goggles kept fogging up and I could barely see.I kept repositioning my head so I could see through a clear spot on my goggles. It was a chaotic ride,but we made it to a gas station in Matamoras,PA.
     We pulled into the pump and the wife,Kelly, got off as did I to stretch our legs,and to discuss if we should continue. Our clothes were thorughly soaked through and our leather jackets will have taken on 8lbs of water at the end of the day,or so it felt.

It was still pouring at this point but we decided to keep rolling since we were more then halfway there and already wet.We go by a minimalist code so we rarely pack alot to bring on a trip and we don't even own raingear.                                                                                                        

So,we head back out into the rain for a few miles on 209 N and turn left onto I87 E.The rain,of course does not let up,but we ride at 70mph into it like it's nothing.Rain is spraying off our tires,dripping off the fenders.It's found a way in and is running down the front of my leather jacket now,creating a wet stripe down the center of my T shirt.Our pants and shoes are completely soaked through.                     

We get off at exit 4W and head north on 17 W to 211 E and ride the last soggy 9 miles

to Mikey Teutul's Art Gallery.We turn into this unassuming street and there is the art gallery on the left between some other businesses,in a small, one story building.We park in the lot across the street,with only one other car occupying a space and walk across into the strange world of Mikey's mind. Unfortunetly,I did not get the curator's name,but she was extremely nice and helpful.She explained which was Mikey's art and which was art created by other local artists.

Mikey Teutul's Wolfgang Art Gallery (and the author's motorcycle)

Mikey's Studio

Mikey's Work

It is definitly interesting although I don't really understand all of it.She told us Mikey comes in and works whenever and doesn't really have a schedule.He was at the gallery the day before for a while.He also has a studio at his house and at his brother's shop.So,we didn't get to meet him.Perhaps next time.

We say goodbye and walk out into the rain like it's nothing,get on the bike and take a couple short side roads to Route 17K and turn right for Newburg,NY.It's already 200p,so we skip Orange County Choppers and drive right by,turn left on route 300 and stop at Walmart so the wife can buy dry jeans.

We then get back on 17K and ride into the town of Newburg,which sort of looks like downtown Reading PA....yeah really,I know.... but,most times,off the beaten path, in the most unexpected places,away from the mainstream,are the best places to visit. I am increasingly getting away from mainstream everything,although I hope this museum gains popularity and is around for a very longtime,forever.                                                                                                                                            

We make a right onto Lake St and about a mile down on the right is a the Motorcyclepedia Museum in an unassuming building that used to be a lumberyard/hardware store.One would drive right by it if one wasn't looking for it.We almost missed the driveway.                                                                               

 We park,walk in the door and are greeted by three Arlen Ness choppers.We pay the more then fair $10.00 admission fee per person and are greeted with warm and friendly staff.He allows us to leave our helmets and jackets,wet and dripping,in the lobby at the front door.The majority of the staff are volunteers.If I lived closer,I would most definitly put in time here as a volunteer.                              

I could go on and describe what you'll see,but I will just post some pictures and video to give you a small part of what you'll see here.

Motorcyclepedia Museum

Two others from Vermont braved the rain for a visit

                            Here is a video of just a small part of this amazing museum

                                            
                           
                            Here is a link to all of my pictures
http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v37/mrpeabdy1974/Motorcyclepedia%20Museum/?albumview=slideshow

     We left the museum at 445p in light rain,on and off,it rained on the ride back.We stopped in Matamoras for Dollar Menu Dinner at Wendy's and then headed back down 209S. In Delaware Water Gap, we saw a young deer eating alongside the road.The experience of that is enhanced on a motorcycle.It is like we were up close.One can't get that in a cage on four wheels.
      We did about 90 miles to Allentown PA and got gas,headed the rest of the way home.
      We had aching muscles all over from being wet all day.We wouldn't change a thing.We didn't regret not taking the car.Riding a motorcycle is an experience that you can't get in a box on wheels with canned air,what you do getis a FALSE sense of safety. It was a great ride and a great destination. I highly recommend Motorcyclepedia Museum in Newburg NY.We will be going back again,possibly in November,when the original owner of the Wall of Death will be there to ride the wall.This time we will take the car and let the kids experience a great and historical museum and I would hope they learn,as I did, the important part motorcycles play in American,and World history. You don't have to ride a motorcycle to experience Motorcyclepedia,but after visiting and learning,you will be inspired to ride and feel what I feel.
Click for Motorcyclepedia Museum's Facebook page
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"If you have to worry about the risk,you're dead already." - Paul Newman

Ride To Work Day

   June 20 2011 is Ride To Work day. Ride to work and show everyone how fun,and economical it is. If more people had motorcycles and scooters,we'd use less gas,less parking space,have a more productive day at work,more money in the pocket,and more fun.
   I ride to work everyday,and everywhere else. Join me and have a great day!

Motorcycling in Lake George,NY

   I had originally planned to do the Iron Butt Run Saddlesore1000.This is 1000 miles in 24 hours or less sanctioned by the Iron Butt Association.On the day I planned to do this,May 27 2011,I found out I had been chosen by rider magazine ,through their  Rider Diaries a website dedicated to routes entered by motorcyclists all over the world, to meet one one of rider magazine's popular writer,Clement Salvadori at Americade 2011 in lake George NY.Not only do I get to meet Clement,we were to go on a ride around Lake George.So,I passed on doing the Iron Butt at this time and will reschedule at a date to be determined later.
     The date of this ride was June 7 2011,so I packed light(as I am a minimalist when it comes to traveling) Sunday June 5. I packed a few tools: Motorcycle Pump ,some wrenches,and one lightbulb that I had.I also packed one day's worth of clothes and my lunchbox with water bottles,my video camera,point and click camera,my cellphone,and of course my HD GoPro Camera.

     Monday June 6,I go to workat 5:30a and get out the door by 4:15p and rolling towards NY by 4:30p.
     Now,I must add here,I was second guessing wether I should ride up to NY or if I even wanted to from the day I found out I had won and all the way up to connecting with I84 from Route 209.I kept saying to myself,"I should turn around and go home,I got stuff on the DVR to watch,I don't really have the money,I don't..blah blah blah." Finally I just said "Hell with it,I don't want to get to the end of my life and say 'I wish I had done this or done that' and instead say 'I can't believe I did that!'."
     I worked out a route that involved very little tolls.
Route 222N
I78W
Route 33N
Route 209N
I84W
I87N ($4.15 for tolls)
Route 9N
     I was debating wether I should leave at 2:00a Tuesday and go straight up,stay all day and then come right back,or go halfway and get a hotel.I stopped in Albany,NY and stayed overnight.
    I got to Albany NY about 9:45p,got my hotel room and rode 2 miles and got some burgers off the dollar menu at McDonald's and brought them back to eat in the room.Albany is only about 58 miles from lake George,so I slept until 7:00a and left about 8:00a after hitting the dollar menu again and getting gas.

     320 miles later,I ride in to the parking lot at the Harley Boutique (rolls eyes) in Lake George,NY a little before 9:00a. 

     I made good time with a travel speed at about 70-75mph on I84 and I87. I go into the Harley "dealer" for about 3 minutes,come out and head into town to see what Americade is all about as I wasn't meeting Clement until 11:00a. I did ride through the village of Lake George with my GoPro camera running and I also filmed with my handheld HD camera.There will be video linked below!

    After topping off the gas tank again for what's sure to be an awesome ride,I head to Clement's hotel and call him to let him know I am here.(Yes,I have Clement's phone number in my phone contacts list now :oP )I drive around to his room number only to find out that not only will I be riding with Clement Salvadori,publishers of Backroads Motorcycle Tour Magazine ,Shira and Brian will be joining us.Brian gave me a copy of this free regional magazine,and let me tell you,it is a really great magazine...and it's free! Click the link to the website above and check it out!!
                                                            
                                                         Clement Salvadori and I

                                                              Brian and Shira's rides

Clement  shows me the route we're going to take on a paper map and it looks like a great ride even on paper.It has lots of windy roads and curves.I can't wait,which becomes evident when he asks me if I wanted to go to lunch first to which I responded "No,let's ride!" So,we head downstairs to where Brian and Shira are eagerly waiting as it's not everyday they get to ride with the one and only Rory Anderson of  Hero Story Productions !!                                                                                                     

       We put our riding coats and helmets on,gloves too,and head out of the parking lot of the hotel.It is a little crowded,but not as crowded as I thought such an event would be as we cruise on 9N into the mildly twisty roads around Lake George,NY.  The ride is beautiful and uneventful, for about 30 minutes or so when we come upon a slow moving tractor trailer.Clement,who is leading,our awesome little group,makes it around the truck.I'm feeling nervous,as I always do when attempting to pass on a two lane windy road.The truck drops a gear and moves slower.Brian and Shira pass me and the truck.I'm left behind looking for a safe placew to pass and I am right behind this truck.He tries to downshift again and misses the gear.BANG!!! He comes to a stop and I almost crash into the trailer liftgate, I see a clear opening and pass the stopped truck,Shira and Brian, wave me past to my position right behind Clement when I catch up to them.We ride for another 10 minutes and stop at a pull off overlooking Lake George.It is a stunning view.                                                                         

We take off again leaning into curves and once again letting all the problems slip away as only a motorcycle can accomplish.                                                                                             

We stop to take some action photos that(hopefully) will make it into the magazine which I don't have copies of at the moment.

             

We then ride into Chestertown,NY for lunch at a place called Luna Pizza.We sat outside in wrought iron seating on the sidewalk,because,who in their right mind would sit indoors if they don't have to?I had a large slice of pizza,Clement and Brian had Paninis and Shira had a salad,which was large enough that I finished off the half she couldn't eat. Clement tells me he that when he was offered this job at Rider magazine,they told him "we don't pay well,but there will be more motorcycles to ride then you can handle." he thought about it for 2 seconds.......I'm thinking I already got the not paid well part going for me,now only if I could get out of the truck and on the motorcycles.(Hey Rider,you reading this?)                                            

                                                                             

   Luna Pizza,Chestertown NY                                                                                          

                                           
                                                              Clement,Shira,and Brian

There was also a neat little Ural Motorcycle shop right next door,but unfortunetly, they weren't open.I really would've liked to take a look at a Ural up close as i've only seen them in magazines and on TV.

After lunch,Brian and Shira,top off the gas tank at a nearby gas station and take off as Clem and I ride back towards the Village of Lake George,NY.We stop at the offramp and Clem tells me which events are worth seeing at Americade and other great roads to ride.With that,we shake hands, and he is fading away on his Harley.                                                                                                                              

I decide to just start heading home after getting gas and some water as I want to bring the wife up here on the motorcycle for a weekend adventure into the backroads and woods of Lake George,NY.I leave at around 2:40p and make it home 330 miles later at 9:30p. I did see two deer,one on I84 that a blast of the horn chased him back off the highway shoulder and into the woods.The sceond deer was on Route 209 in Delaware Water Gap,but that deer just looked at me like I was an idiot when I laid on the horn.

     

It was a great experience and I am so glad I decided to do it. Life is too short. I look forward to the next adventure!

Here are some videos from the ride! The first 2 videos 1 video in 2 parts.

Riding Pennsylvania

A shorter route I ride when I only have a couple hours.Enjoy riding through beautiful farmland and country settings. Minor twisties plus low traffic volume make this a nice ride. Just Be aware of Amish Buggies. There are also plenty of side roads to change up your riding experience. Enjoy!
http://www.riderdiaries.com/motorcycle-rides/pennsylvania/2/

Flat Tires and Flying Gloves

On Sunday,May 1 2011,I met with my friend Chris to go riding.I was going about 50 miles away,York,PA to meet someone in order to buy a used Kindle e-book reader.He was on his motorcycle and I was on mine. So,we talk for a few, then start cruising Route 272 in Adamstown,PA and get on Route 222 Southbound.I'm in the lead and Chris a few car lengths behind me.
It turns out,I forgot to close my bag and my $40.00 winter gloves go flying out right before the Brownstown Exit.(I don't know why I brought them, it's warm enough i don't need them)I didn't know this at the time.Chris saw them on the road but thought they belonged to a few other guys on motorcycles who were on the shoulder and looking back,so he didn't do anything to get my attention.
It's a nice ride,not very much traffic as we transition from 222 to 30 Westbound.I'm feeling good,Chris looks comfortable as I glance in my mirror.
As we're cruising along,about a half mile from the Centreville Rd Exit,the rear of my 2003 Honda Shadow starts to wobble.it feels like I'm riding on a sponge,the handlebarsand front wheel stay straight,the back end feeling,well, spongy.I immediatly pull over on the shoulder,and it is a slanting shoulder,so it won't even lean far enough on the kickstand to park it. Chris pulls in behind me and has no idea what was going on. We look as I'm holding up the bike and see that I have a flat tire. I'm only about 20 miles from home.



We look at the tire and can not find a puncture anywhere.I have a plug kit and an air pump ( http://www.cyclepump.com/ )but it's useless if I can't see a puncture.Just the day before,April 30,I ordered a rear tire because this one is at the end of it's life,so I thought since it was a bald tire with very little tread left,it wore out. So I call home to get help.While the wife is looking for someone to come out with a pick up truck or trailer to get me, a guy on a 1999 Harley pulls up and asks if he can help.I show him the tire and explain I can't find the puncture. He says Fix-A-Flat might work, just enough to get me home and he'll run me over to an auto parts store to get a can.
So,against,my better judgement,I get on....and ride bitch for the first time since I was a kid on my Dad's 1969 Sportster......Here is a short video clip.
http://youtu.be/ZtbbhtNtE7w
It was uncomfortable not being in control(Are we ever really totally in control when riding?)


I get the can of Fix-A-Flat and we get back to where Chris is waiting with the motorcycles along route 30.I put the nozzle on and start the can as the tire fills,we find the puncture.Harley guy puts his finger over it in attempt to get it to seal.

It's not sealing.

The can is empty,he says roll up off the Centreville Rd exit and you might be able to make it to the gas station. I go ridinbg down the shoulder,fix a flat fluid spraying out of the puncture as the tire spins.

I get up off the exit,this traffic light holds a really long time.Of course the tire goes flat. So,I ride (thumpthumpthumpthumpthump) and try to make it into the parking lot of a Bob Evans restaraunt,and as soon as I make the right turn,the tire pops off the rim,throws the back end of the bike to the the right.I didn't drop it.

We push it down into the back of the lot.Nothing we can do now,




I thank the Harley guy for his help, offer him a tank of gas.As bikers usually do, he does not take it.Because bikers/riders are just that way.




So my neighbor comes out with his Suburban and very small ,rough looking trailer.We load it it on,strap it down and he takes me home.


Chris goes his way.
Now back to the gloves.The wife and I drove back out in her car looking for them.I spot one a half mile before the Brownstown Exit on Route 222 South bound in the left shoulder.We pull over and I run back and get.The other one is no where in sight.I walked back far. I was walking back,a little upset I lost these new gloves,I decide to look down the right shoulder ,so I start walking back.......and there it is in the grass! I got my gloves back!





I ordered the front tire as well on Monday and will have two brand new tires on for my Iron Butt Run attempt.So maybe this was a blessing in disguise.


Until next time,be sure to Follow me on Twitter @herostoryrory ,my Facebook page is Hero Story Productions.And subscribe to my YouTube channel for a variety of videos.





Rory


Oh,here is a link to the VLOG of this little adventure.Watch it(and subscribe :o) )


http://youtu.be/8wY9JWW7eks?hd=1

Oddly Normal

I have been watching the show Oddities on the Science Channel for a while now.It's into it's second season.It's a reality show that follows a store in NYC called Obscura Antiques.The official website is www.obscuraantiques.com .Now,if you haven't seen this show,they sell alot of off the wall items such as antique medical tools,skulls,3 headed pigs,straight jackets,all things odd. The people who come in to buy these things aren't exactly "normal" in the sense of what society thinks is normal.
After watching this show for two and half seasons,I have come to the conclusion that these "odd" consumers are some of the nicest and most sincere people out there. They don't conform to what society says should be normal.They don't care what anyone else thinks about them.From what I have seen they have open minds,think outside the box,but don't look down on others.The "strange and unusual" that come into this store don't insult others,even those who are part of "normal society" and look at them with disdain or like they are better. The more I watch this show the more I realize these are the people I would like to meet. The people I meet everyday in my job fall into the category of what society says is "normal" but I see alot of them as uncaring,miserable people who think they are owed something.When I go to a place to make a delivery(I drive a truck for my job) lots of time the person in charge will unnecessarily make me wait just to show that he/she is in charge.
Just driving a car in public with "normal" society can be a bad experience.Everyone has to be first,they have no problem cutting someone off,but watch out if you cut them off!Then the road rage starts. I'm not saying everyone is like this,not at all.But when one is in public 55 hours a week dealing with society,one sees people's true colours. I also fall into this category,at times,so I am not completly innocent.
There is nothing wrong with being different.There is nothing wrong with being yourself.There is nothing wrong with not caring what others think of you.There is nothing wrong with accepting others for who they are,even if you may not like it.

Perhaps,"Odd" is the new "Normal?

-Rory

Trucking part 1 - Vlog

Ignorance of the Law

Today,riding home from work,traffic was backed up both ways because of a school bus.This bus had the four way AMBER lights blinking.The driver had just dropped off the last kid,as the bus was empty,and she was parked along the curb,using her cellphone.At the point I was sitting in traffic, the right turn lane began.So I started to go,a pick up truck driver waiting to pull out of Lowes said the school bus had it's lights on.I told him, "As long as the red lights aren't on and the stop sign isn't out,you can pass it." He says "Ok, I'll follow you." I drive past the cars lined up in both directions,people looking at me with scorn and dissapproval.

  As I was riding home, I realized I possibly gave them another reason to add to that negative stereotype bikers/riders have already. But I knew the law and they did not.So they needlessly sat in and backed up traffic both ways and in a major intersection. At first I felt guilty for perpetuating a bad impression,but now after starting to write this,they are the drivers that are in the wrong for not knowing the law. Perhaps,though,the bus driver,should have waved them on.All, I know is,regardless of what it looked like,I was right,and everyone else was wrong.

Bike Rallys and Group Rides

  (Video linked below)
      I have always wanted to go to Sturgis Bike Week.Ride out for a week of beer,babes,bikes,and fun.The more I think about it,and after seeing two seasons of Full Throttle Saloon on TruTV,it seems like a money pit.I think I would rather ride out,when there is no event and ride through the Black Hills when it is much less crowded.I understand it cost money to run things and have a bar or a store at these events,but the high prices of camping,hotels,beer,and food has caused me to reevaluate going to Sturgis, or any other bike week.
   Group riding is not my "thing" either.I do not see the enjoyment of riding 30 motorcycles from place to place,or bar hopping.Trying to keep everyone together,planning out stops,trying to manage everyone's skill level and speed. I would much rather ride by myself or with one or two friends and just see where the bike takes me.For me motorcycling is suppose to be unplanned or free.I don't have a GPS and I don't bar hop.I put on miles and try to explore.For me the fun is not knowing where I am going.Making random turns and seeing where it turns out at.Getting lost is 3/4 of the fun.
   So what do you all think? What do you like or dislike about group rides and bike rallys?

"You don't need a GPS to discover America.You need a bike and you need the road."-Woody on Wild Hogs

- Rory

Iron Butt Run: 1000 miles in 24 Hours or Less on a Motorcycle <---Click Title for link!

This is my first blog,so bear with me.This blog is to invite all of you to an event.
So,a little bit about myself.My name is Rory Anderson,I have a soul sucking job as a semi truck driver.I love the Outer Banks of North Carolina,motorcycling,fishing,shooting,TV,Movies,booksoutdoors,camping,and making YouTube videos.I make videos on a variety of subjects from trucking to motorcycling,to...ummmm...finding a possum in my garbage can.There is even a video showcasing the correlation between McRibs and zombies.
   I will be attempting an Iron Butt Run on May 27 2011 and I am inviting all of you to follow along.The video linked to this blog has all the information.Please share with your friends,realtives,husbands and wives,and if you really want to piss them off, your enemies. :o)
   I have a been wanting to try an IronButt Run for 2 years now.My route will take me from the WaWa on Lancaster Ave and Museum Rd in Reading,PA,through Richmond VA.My turnaround point will be Red drum tackle Shop in Buxton NC.Then up over the Chesapeake bay Bridge Tunnel through Easton MD,Lewes DE,King of Prussia PA and back to my starting point in Reading PA.The route link is on the Event Facebook page linked in the description box of the video.You will be able to follow me through Twitter and Facebook,with my  updates and photos.I will also have the GPS locator link so you can follow along or check back and see my progress.(All of these links are on the YouTube video in this blog.) I will be riding a 2003 Honda Shadow 1100cc motorcycle which I have owned since 2008.
   I have put many miles on two wheels and have done long distance riding,but never officially.I don't think I've done 1000 in 24,but I have come close,possibly around 800 or 900 miles.
   I truly enjoy riding a motorcycle and highly recommend it to everyone.I also, of course recommend,highly visiting Hatteras island,NC.So please watch the video,subscribe,rate,comment.Follow my Twitter,like my Facebook page,attend the event.Follow along and enjoy!
Check out my other videos.

"If you're not livin' on the edge,you're taking up too much space."

Rory Anderson