The First Ride by A.H. Rosenberg - A Book Review

    I just finished reading The First Ride  written by A.H. Rosenberg. It is a true story from the experiences of the author himself.He is a rock climber and has traveled before and therefore isn't afraid to try new things.This story is an unapologetic look at traveling by motorcycle.He tells it exactly as it happens and does not sugarcoat anything.
     When his friend,Nick, asked him to go on a multiple country ride to Panama with him and two other friends,he is a little hesitant,as he has never ridden a motorcycle,nor does he even own one.His friend,lends him a bike,he takes the safety course and practices for six months before the trip.For all intents and purposes,he is still a new rider,and his adventure begins the moment he picks up the bike at his friend's house and rides it home.
     I won't give any specifics away,but his story describes the highs and lows of being a novice rider.He writes in great detail what it is like,as a new rider,to not only go on an extensive road trip through 7 countries,but also what it is like to travel with three other experienced motorcyclists.he talks about trying to keep up with them, the arguments,and especially the danger of not "riding your own ride". He tries to keep up with his traveling companions as they take risks he isn't experienced enough to do yet,as well as some risks no rider should take,no matter how experienced.
     He almost is killed multiple times as he takes this "crash course" in motorcycling,but he prevails to tell his exciting story.
   
     I highly recommend this book to any motorcyclist,non motorcyclists,adventurer, or armchair adventurer.I guarantee you won't be able to put it down.After I finished his story,thought about the first time I rode amotorcycle,not as a kid on my Dad's Harley,but as my own rider,back in 2001.I didn't take the adventurous trip the author did,but I was scared for the longest time as I learned how to be safe.I have been on many trips as far as Atlanta and the Outer Banks.It is also my main mode of transportation,mostly in the summer as I just don't want to deal with the cold anymore at 3am.I used to though.
     I want to take a summer long or even year long motorcycling trip but the money is a factor.After reading this book, it both scared me and excited me to travel through multiple countries on a motorcycle.I also am not a big fan of group riding because of many reasons,the author,Alex,found out for himself in his tale.I also know ,though,I would never want to travel the countries he did alone.This book has reiterated that it is important to have like minded and similar skilled riders in your group.
   
This book spoke to me and brought out a wide range of emotions about motorcycling and what it means to me.
 

      The First Ride by A.H.Rosenberg is a must read.You will not be able to put it down.I hope you will buy it,not only to share in his adventure,but to support indie authors as well.
It is available on amazon for the Kindle and the Kindle computer and phone app. Click the title in this blog to buy the book.

This is my First Ride and my first motorcycle in 2001

Hurricane Sandy

     This blog is coming a bit late but right before Halloween ,Hurricane Sandy came north up the east coast,hitting the Outer Banks NC yet again roughly a year after Hurricane Irene hit it.They have,yet again, a lot of work to do to clean up the sand,rebuild sand dunes,houses,and the only road in or out,highway 12. Unfodtunately, they have been largely overlooked by mainstream media.People who know me,know I have a passionate love for the Outer Banks almost borderline obsession.I am okay with that.My favorite fishing pier,the Rodanthe Fishing Pier has lost about 50 feet off the end of the pier.They were going to remodel anyways,but now they have to change the design a little bit to offset cost to extra repairs.
    New York and New Jersey also got hit hard in some places along the cost. here,in my part of Pennsylvania, we didn't get it as bad.We lost power for 2 days,and a power line pole,but that is about it.I have some photos of our little bit of damage,as well as a short video of some flooding of a nearby stream.

My beloved motorcycle parked safely in my storage garage.

Using water from rain barrel for flushing the toilet

Washing up in cold rainwater after fixing kerosene heater.

Downed Power Line that caused only a 2 day outage

Using my trusty Zippo to light the way

Boardgames to pass the time(Electric JUST came on)

Replacing the power line.

      As you can see,we got lucky.As I've said I love the Outer Banks of NC.I also have a fondness of NYC as well as some people I consider friends living there,a couple in particular in lower Manhattan.They are all okay and everyone I know in both Hatteras and NYC have great positive attitudes.
I will leave you with a short video of some flooding that occurred in the stream beside our trailer park.

Zippo/Case Knives Museum and Factory

568 miles roundtrip

    July 22 2012,we got up at about 530a for the purpose of riding out to Bradford PA.The intent was to visit the Zippo Lighter/Case Knives Factory and Museum  and purchase a lighter right from the factory where it is made in Bradford,Pennsylvania.

    I know I can purchase a Zippo Lighter at the local Walmart but what is the fun in that?.
 The ride up was fairly uneventful,with some stops for food and gas.Once one gets off the highway,the scenery is really nice.We saw some deer in the woods alongside the highway
    Riding on 219N North to Bradford is a scenic ride and I recommend everyone add it to their motorcycling trip wish list.It isn't really twisty,but it is a nice ride.Along the way,we passed a pet cemetery,complete with headstones.I didn't get a picture,but it was a definitely an interesting sight.
   This is roughly the route we took,the beginning leg of the trip,we avoided the PATP but on the way home,in the interest of time,we took the Turnpike.We got home around 730p and with the stopping for breaks,gas,food, and the museum visit,it was about 13 and a half hours,568 miles round trip.
      

My 2003 Honda Shadow parked out in front of the museum

                                            

Click for the history of the Zippo car

Old Glow'ry

            When one goes into the front door of this place,you walk into the store and head immediately to the back where the museum entrance is located.You are greeted by the sculpture and flag called Old Glow'ry.That flag is entirely created out of over 300 Zippos.The photo doesn't do it justice.You must visit this for yourself.
             Turn right and you will head into a history buff's mecca of Zippo history of ad posters,and antique Zippos.There is entire sections of vintage posters of yesteryear.There is a section dedicated Zippos used in war,including lighters that have saved a soldier's life by taking the bullet.There is a section dedicated to movies that Zippo has starred in such as Die Hard,JFK,many many more,and more recently,the hit TV show The Walking Dead .

Carl saves the day with a trusty Zippo on The Walking Dead

                                          
          

Motley Crue Special Edition Lighters

Music of all genres have been immortalized on the Zippo.

Sculpture by Ce'sar for the Grand Opening in July 1997

                                        
                                          

It's a must visit place on any motorcyclists trip

  

There was no internet for ad campaigns.Eye catching posters were important.

Advertising

Ronson cigarette holder and lighter

Zippo starred in many movies

There is also a large Case Knives collection

A quality,American made product

                             
                                

This ad is on the wall in the living room of my house.

 I love the Zippo lighter because it is a quality American made product.I am not a smoker,but I always have one with me.In my opinion,everyone should carry one,(along with a Swiss Army Knife).In 1995,we drove up to the factory,and I had bought one on that trip.I had since lost it for many years,and I thought it was about time I got another one.

The Zippo that came home with me

2012 Authentic Zippo Lighter

                                  Just recently,we found my original Zippo in a box in the back of the closet.It sits on my shelf now,but it does still work.It had an Outer Banks NC theme,of course,since that is my favorite place on earth.

    The ride home was also uneventful.We stopped at a Sheetz for gas and some cheap food.While we sat there and rested,a real life Motorcycle Club was at the other end of the parking spaces.They had a guy in a green Jeep blocked in ,but he wasn't going to say anything.There was also a pick up truck with a garage built,but very cool chopper in the back.Apparently,it had broken down.He was also blocking the lot.Eventually there were a lot of man hugs and they took off in along "bike train" down the road.
            That is my blog about the Zippo Museum in Bradford PA.I'll leave you with a couple of videos from my visit.

                     This is a short video featuring a lighter from D-Day during World War 2

                                   
                                 This is a longer,more in depth vlog about what you'll see at the museum.There is much more to see then what is in this video.            
                                                                 

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.
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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.