DrHall

Ayuh, as in Maine! Well, really New Hampshire is my destination, but I will visit Maine while I'm up there too.

I am currently in The Big Apple.Too tired to write much, will update later.

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the percentage you're paying is too high priced-you're living beyond all your means, and the man in the suit has just bought a new car with the profit he's made on your dreams....

HondaGalToo

Well, if you're in/near NJ and want to get together for dinner or coffee, lemme know!

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“I want to stand as close to the edge as I can without going over. Out on the edge you see all the kinds of things you can't see from the center.”
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DrHall

That sounds good!
Going to have to be on the way back, though. I have a fairly tight schedule getting to New Hampshire.

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the percentage you're paying is too high priced-you're living beyond all your means, and the man in the suit has just bought a new car with the profit he's made on your dreams....

HondaGalToo

Okeydokey, door's always open to friends! If you find you have the time, let me know and I'll PM you my cell number/address/directions. I'm about 30 miles from NYC.

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“I want to stand as close to the edge as I can without going over. Out on the edge you see all the kinds of things you can't see from the center.”
~Kurt Vonnegut, Jr.

DrHall

Cool! Thanks

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the percentage you're paying is too high priced-you're living beyond all your means, and the man in the suit has just bought a new car with the profit he's made on your dreams....

nhfirefighter13

We'll leave a light on for ya.

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http://www.kezerphotography.com

"If thou hast not a sword, sell thy cloak and buy one." -Luke 22:36

CBR929RE

I didn't tell you but I got a little worried when it took you so long to get here. about a half hour before you showed up I heard firetrucks and police heading towards the highway.

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if you can't fix it with duct tape, you haven't used enough.

ND4SPD

If you need a break on the way back down, let me know. I'm about 45 minutes from I-95.

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DrHall

Trying to fill in a few details...

I found a deal to trade the FJR for a Ducati Multistrada 1000s DS. The MTS has been on my list for awhile, and the market seems to be flooded with 06 FJR's at the moment. Not to mention that trading will save me sales tax $ when registering in FL! So I figure why not? Well, the Duc is in New Hampshire...might be a "why not" for some, but not me apparently
In addition to the trade, I have several personal and business reasons to visit the Granite State, as well as stops on the route.

So, I prepped the Feejeer for the ride and hit the road last Friday afternoon. Leaving Fort Myers was enhanced with the usual last minute drama that always seems to accompany my adventures. First thing was the brake lights in the GIVI top case wouldn't work after I had re-installed the rack and light connector. After messing with it for about 30 min in the heat (yes, ready to ride, in most of my gear), I gave up and took off. After riding a bit I got to thinking that I might have oriented the 2 prong connector in the rack wrong. Stop to check, and that's it, fixed

Got into an intense rain storm exiting town. It stopped after about 30 miles. I spent the remaining ride to Clearwater drying out, or so I thought. After I spent an hour and a half of so visiting my mother, she asked me why the seat of my pants was wet when I stood up. Appears that if you wear bike shorts under your riding pants, and they get wet, the spongy pad soaks up water so it embarASS you later with it's water time release feature.

After that, I headed north to Trenton, Fl to stay over night at my bro-in-law's place there.

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the percentage you're paying is too high priced-you're living beyond all your means, and the man in the suit has just bought a new car with the profit he's made on your dreams....

DrHall

Day two: Trenton, FL to Charlotte, NC

The trip to my sister's in Charlotte was fairly uneventful. I headed north on I 75 to Macon, GA, then NE on 129 through a bunch of small towns. 129 was nice, still able to keep a decent pace, but so much more interesting that the slab route!

It was HOT, though! 88 0n the temp gauge, which seems to be a few degrees low when I am moving. Did I mention that I am wearing the warmest, non-vented jacket I have available (cause I am going way up north, were southerners freeze)? I find ways to channel air up my arms, but I am still roasting! I WILL get that all weather Olympia gear before next time! And/or an Aerostich.

I make it to Charlotte around 7 pm. Rode about 570 miles today, not too much. We go to Mac's Speed Shop, kind of a biker BBQ place. Not many bikes tonight. It was busy and noisy, and the beef brisket was awesome
We take a tour of Charlotte, really cool down town area there.

I intend to write, but am exhausted. Must have been the food!

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the percentage you're paying is too high priced-you're living beyond all your means, and the man in the suit has just bought a new car with the profit he's made on your dreams....

DrHall

I'll have to catch up on the amazingly interesting and entertaining details of the last few days later. Try to be patient!

I am in Littleton, NH this AM, and I got a Mountain to climb!

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the percentage you're paying is too high priced-you're living beyond all your means, and the man in the suit has just bought a new car with the profit he's made on your dreams....

SomeStrangeGuy

Oh quit your slacking already, and caption this photo!

Good luck on the mountain, it's a decent ride for sure

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smoothrideronli

What part of NY are you in?

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DrHall

"See, I told you that with the Ronco Multistrada disguise kit, and my trusty fake beard no one will recognise me!"

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the percentage you're paying is too high priced-you're living beyond all your means, and the man in the suit has just bought a new car with the profit he's made on your dreams....

DrHall

I am in New Hampshire now. I was in the Riverdale part of the Bronx Sunday night thru Monday morning.

I think I am going to head west through Vermont and upstate NY. Not sure yet.

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the percentage you're paying is too high priced-you're living beyond all your means, and the man in the suit has just bought a new car with the profit he's made on your dreams....

SomeStrangeGuy

Sheeze! late night, do the mount today?

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Time is the ultimate currency.

DrHall

Day three: Charlotte, NC to NY, NY.

After a great homemade breakfast I got on the road heading north. Took I85 N to Burlington, NC. Then 49 north into Virginia. Really nice 2 lane road, mostly flowing sweepers. This route cuts almost straght from I85 in NC to I95 in VA. If you pay attention and turn on 58 east that is...I went a little farther north on 49 than I planned. Oh well, it was a nice ride, even if it added about 45 min to my ETA.

Eventually got onto 295 at Richmond, then onto I95 N. After stopping for gas north of the 295/95 merge, I came back onto the highway right as several sport bikes were coming up on the merge ramp. They came up to check out my bike then the GSX-R rider took off followed by a Busa and an 02 R1. I started to follow, then pretended to be more mature and backed out. I know the FJR couldn't hang with them, but it can do a respectable job of trying...I will miss certain attributes of this thing. Though they are part of the reason I should not have it!

One big traffic back up before Maryland, then onward north and east to and around DC and Baltimore, though Delaware, and onto the Jersey Pike. That part was pretty uneventful. The Pike was very busy, weekenders heading back to the city I reckon. They travel in the left lane, move out of it only to pass a vehicle on the right, then right back into the left. The right lane is the least populated. I made good time there. One major traffic slowdown about halfway through.

As I passed Newark International, an airplane was taking off. It seemed to parellel me at close to the same speed (I said "seemed" ), till it got close to the end of the runway, rotated, and rapidly disapeared. It was cool I took my helmet off and did the Top Gun fist wave thing!

Finally got off the Pike and in line for the George Washington Bridge. It was backed up, and took about 45 min to get across. No fun inching up to the toll booth, and onto the bridge. The whole thing is at a slight incline, and traffic generally stops and goes pretty fast. The FJR was displaying it's weight, top heavy distribution there of, and ability to generate heat while barely moving. Finally made it across and onto Riverdale.

Around 700 miles today, 12 hours on the road. Had dinner with a friend and then off to sleep.

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the percentage you're paying is too high priced-you're living beyond all your means, and the man in the suit has just bought a new car with the profit he's made on your dreams....

DrHall

Yepper! I had quite a ride today: Mountain, Kanc, rain, floods, hail (!)...details to follow.

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the percentage you're paying is too high priced-you're living beyond all your means, and the man in the suit has just bought a new car with the profit he's made on your dreams....

DrHall

Day four I left New York and headed through Connecticut and Rhode Island, and into Massachusetts. Met up with CBR929RE for a late lunch south of Boston. It was great to hang out with him for a while! We got a nice ride in to lunch, and then to the highway when I left. His bike looks awesome! Cool mods, nicely done. A good time.

Then I headed through the wonderful Boston area rush hour traffic to meet up with SomeStrangeGuy. I got to hang out with him quite a bit over the next couple days. He and his sweetheart proved to be great people! They helped me out a lot with my bike swap, and more. Really appreciate it! (to say the least)

I am sure he appreciated my help in the field of GPS, and IT in general. (that would be the extra sharpening of explanation skills it took to convey even the simplest of these concepts to me ) Thanks again, btw!

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the percentage you're paying is too high priced-you're living beyond all your means, and the man in the suit has just bought a new car with the profit he's made on your dreams....

DrHall

Tuesday morning I washed and scraped about 1900 miles of bugs and road grime off the FJR and got it ready for trade in. I then road to Max's BMW in North Hampton, NH and made the swap.

Actually, I wasn't paying close enough attention to the exits and rode on into Maine...whoops! Oh well I was going to go there anyway a some point.

I went back to the dealership and took care of the transaction. They did everything they said they would and seem like good people. I transfered my stuff over to the Ducati and took off. Rode down the road a bit and stopped at a Dunkin Donuts to get a coffee and look the bike over in more detail and go through the stuff that came with it. A guy rides in on an 03 Triumph Tiger. He comes over to see how I like the Multi. Pretty well after about 5 miles! We talk bikes for a few minutes, he also has a Moto Guzzi 1100s. Does trackdays on it.

After putting all the manuals and stuff away I head on back to SSG's to put some of the stuff from the FJR on the Duc. I end up chickening out on installing the alarm and wiring plug for the GIVI top case (it required drilling a large hole). I will do that stuff when I get home.

I will write up a review thread in the Ducati forum on the bike, but I am luvin' it so far! Feels like a big dirt bike. Also feels like a feather compared to the FJR at about 200# less weight.

I get to have a nice dinner with the SSG's. Another good time!

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the percentage you're paying is too high priced-you're living beyond all your means, and the man in the suit has just bought a new car with the profit he's made on your dreams....

DrHall

Wednesday I get my stuff together and pack it in the Duc's cases. The side cases are weird shaped, and seem smaller than the FJR units. Surprisingly, the seem to hold the same amount of stuff. They are much lighter than the Yammie cases. They are made by GIVI, btw.

After getting ready and some KLR 650 drama, we ride to brunch at Parkers Restaurant in Mason, NH. Cool place! I would describe it as the original that Cracker Barrel's are patterned after. Great deep-fried French toast!

As we were gearing up to go, a guy rode up on the yellow bike in SSG's post above. It is a 1981 Yamaha Towny, a 50 cc motorcycle (no pedals, NOT a moped, very rare). It is in awesome shape, looks like new. Dave said he had to free the engine up with some PowerBlaster, and give the bike a good going over before he was able to terrorize the back roads of southern NH at a blistering 35 mph pace (40 downhill with a tail wind). This bike is more his style after his big bike (a 450 Honda, I think) proved to be too much for him. He did have some entertaining tales about a couple BSA's he owned back in the day. Really enjoyed meeting him!

I headed north toward my destination of Littleton, NH, while SSG turned south toward home.

I took a variety of back roads in western NH up to Plymouth. It was getting late at that point, so I jumped onto I93 to make some time. Just as I got onto the highway, it started to rain. My love for rain riding is well documented, but this one concerned me as I had heard a cold front was coming in and I figured this was the leading edge. If I got good and soaked (no, I had no chance to put on rain gear) and then the temp dropped, I could experience hypothermia. Being the staunch adventurer that I am, this didn't concern me so much for my own well being, as much as the fear that innocent bystanders could be injured if I lost consciousness and fell off the bike at speed. Fortunately for all potentially involved, the temp drop didn't come and I made it to Littleton only moderately miserable at sundown.

I checked into the Historic Thayers Inn, hauled my cases up to the second floor, then went to grab dinner at the Italian restaurant/micro brewery (an odd combination to my mind) across the street.

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the percentage you're paying is too high priced-you're living beyond all your means, and the man in the suit has just bought a new car with the profit he's made on your dreams....

DrHall

Thursday I got ready to go and then checked out the area behind the Hotel on the river. Down the street a bit I found the old suspension bridge that my own sweety and I walked across on a visit over 27 years ago! Had to walk across it. I then made the ride through the Presidential Mountain range to make it to the Mount Washington Auto Road. Mount Washington Auto Road

That whole area is an awesome riding zone. I saw a flock of at least 15 wild turkeys at one point. As I pulled up to the Auto Road pay station, the attendant told me the mountain was socked in with cloud cover starting around 2000'. Visibility would be no more than 50' at best. No views today! I still have to go up.

The ride up was interesting. After about 3K feet, the visibility dropped to about my front fender. It made the transitions to gravel, and meeting descending vehicles rather interesting. I was glad to be on the Multi rather than the FJR. Made it to the top with about 20' visibility. There were 3 full dress Harley's there, they must have had a fun ride up!

The whole experience on the summit was surreal. There was not telling where anything was till I walked almost up to it. I saw a couple guys about to hike down the trails with a dog. As I took there picture one said "I hope you are not the last human being to see us!" I am sure they made it OK. Well, I hope so anyway. As I walked around trying to see the various buildings things and people would suddenly loom out of the fog, weird. The air was so moist that condensation formed on almost any surface immediately, didn't help the visibility at all. The most dramatic thing was when the cog railway cars and engines suddenly appeared from the gloom like an apparition of the past. Kinda spooky!

I made my way to the Summit Building and got some of the best New England clam chowdah I have ever had (in a bread bowl, too ). Could have just been that there isn't much better when it's cold and foggy. As I headed back to the bike, the wind briefly swept the clouds away and almost the whole summit was visible for a couple minutes. Then right back to zero vis for my ride down. It did clear up a few more times and I go a couple pics on the way down.

Now that I think of it, with the suspension bridge and the mountain ride, I am mirroring Seamus' Colorado adventures- in miniature!

I rode on to Conway, then took the Kancamangus Highway west back to Lincoln. THAT is a fun road! very scenic too! Headed south on 3 after that. In Ashland it started to rain. I stopped and got my rain gear on, then took off again. It seemed like the rain drops were hitting me pretty hard, then I noticed they were actually marble sized hail! It hailed pretty hard for a few miles. I ducked under a gas station overhang so I could get a pic of it. People looked at me strangely when I put the camera away and rode out again. The hail abated, and it se