There is nothing I love more than women and motorcycles.  The photos you will see in the coming weeks have been gathered from various places are meant to be a tribute to them both.

  Like fishing has it’s whoppers such as the “one that got away”, and the outstanding catch which grows in length each time the story is told.  So motorcycling has a few exaggerations, urban legends, or better stated; falsehoods, of it’s own.   Here’s a few…

“I laid it down to avoid crashing.”

“I bought it to save money”.

“They all do that!”

“I ride better when I’m drinking.”

“Honey, this new bike is a bargain.”

“Never been dropped.”

“That will buff right out.”

“Needs a little work.”

“I never get off the throttle in a corner.”

“Hmm, Never did that before.”

“I am leaving this one stock.”

“I can sell it for what I paid for it.”

“You should have plenty of fuel.”

“Meticulously maintained!”

“I don’t need to ask the wife if I can ride this weekend!”

Edelweiss Bike Travel is now celebrating their 30th year in the motorcycle touring business. To honor this milestone, Edelweiss has come up with a tour to top all tours; The “Discover Our Earth Expedition”, which will take place November 14, 2010, - July 20, 2011.  This eight month trip will cover 40,000 miles and 6 continents at a cost of $101,200, for a single traveler and an additional $55,600 for a passenger.

If you got the money and the time I am pretty sure this would be the motorcycle tour of a lifetime.

A most valuable accessory to make my riding more comfortable on the frigid days of winter are my handlebar muffs.  They are relatively inexpensive, install within minutes, yet make a long lasting impact on my touring comfort.

Although my bike is equipped with heated hand grips the muffs offer the added benefits of wind and precipitation protection, allowing my hands to stay as cozy as a fat bear hibernating in his winter den.

The handlebar muffs are manufactured by many companies and marketed using various names, “Hippo Hands”, being one of the better known brands.  If you are serious about extending your riding season I would highly recommend giving handle bar muffs a try.  Below are three links you can use to investigate which product is best suited for your needs.  Enjoy.

Bike Bone

Hippo Hands

Rocky Mountain

If you love old motorcycles and their heritage, then you will want to check out a new exhibition at the National Packard Museum  in Warren, Ohio.  The display is part of the museum’s 10th Annual Motorcycle Exhibition and is entitled “On the Road Again”.  The exhibition will be open from January 9, - May 31, and will feature antique Harleys, Indians, BMWs, and BSAs, and NSUs from 1908 -1980’s.

10th Annual Antique Motorcycle Exhibit: “On the Road Again”
Jan 9, 2010 - May 31, 2010

• This two-wheel show of antique motorcyles features Harleys, Chiefs, BMWs, BSAs and NSUs dating from 1908 to 1980. See original models that have suffered from years of neglect. Then check out similar models that have been restored to their original beauty.

I walked into the small diner and was seated in a booth toward the back.  I peeled off my riding jacket and loosened my boots, it felt so good to be unbundled.  I laid my gear in a nearby chair then settled in for a light meal and a little rest.

A glance at the faded Budweiser clock on the wall read 2:17 p.m.  It was 6:35 a.m. when I left the hotel parking lot which meant I had been on the road a little over seven and a half hours with approximately four more hours of saddle time ahead of me.  Just then a leather skinned waitress removed the pencil from the knot of her graying hair as she asked “what will it be sweetie?”  I smiled and replied, “I bet you say that to all the guys” as I winked and chose soup of the day and a water.

I checked my phone for messages then leaned back against the wall and close my eyes.  As my mind began to relax amid the rhythm of clanging dishes and silverware, pictures of the morning ride passed before my eyes as if they were being shown on giant movie screen.  The lushness of the mountain scenery, the trees dressed in autumns finest colors, the rich red and brown tones of the soil.  I remembered the herd of 12 to 15 deer feeding nervously in the freshly gleaned cornfield, and could feel the coolness of the air as I passed through the shadows of the whispering pines.  I was startled out of my deep trance by the gruff voice of my server setting my lunch on the coffee stained place mat in front of me. “Enjoy sweetie!” she said, as she refilled my water glass, then turned back toward the kitchen.

I love to eat at small diners like this when I am traveling.  It’s like being transported back in time because most of them have not experienced any changes since the late 50’s if ever.  But, it’s a good bet the food will be great and you always get the true flavor of the people who make up the community you are in.  This small eatery was no exception!   I would loved to have stayed here just a little longer, but daylight was burning it was time to get back on the road.

I grabbed my gear, settled the bill, and said good bye to my server, then headed out of town.  It is the small pleasures like eating in a little diner such as this one, that makes motorcycle travel so rewarding to me, and just one of the many reasons I am always looking forward to the next adventure.