The fourth weekend in July is shaping up to be a motorcycle riders dream.  The weather is going to phenomenal and there are rally’s and cycling events a plenty.

I have spoken to many of my fellow riders and a high percentage of them will be touring somewhere this weekend.  Here’s a few places some of them are headed…

Wild and Wonderful Mountain Fest

Deals Gap

All Ohio Bike Fest

Do you have any specific riding plans scheduled for this weekend?  If so, let’s us know where you’re heading!  Heck, maybe we will pass each other along the way!

I love riding in Ohio, and therefore I am always on the look out for new and interesting places to visit within the Buckeye state.  This week I ran across a great touring idea while reading the Springfield News and Sun.  Reporter, Elaine Morris Roberts, suggested we tour the homes, libraries, and monuments, of the past presidents of the United States who were from Ohio.  I thought this was a great touring idea, and one I have put on my riding schedule.   Here’s Elaine’s story.

Ohio presidents tour also an education

by Elaine Morris Roberts

With the official start of summer just around the corner, it’s time to start thinking about summer travel. Sometimes, the historical locations get lost among the amusement parks and beach vacations, but Ohio boasts eight presidents, seven of whom are represented with homes, libraries and monuments within the state that are open to the public.

They are all bargains, and what you take away will last a lifetime.

• William Henry Harrison, an Indiana native, is buried near Cincinnati in North Bend.

His tomb is located 15 miles west of Cincinnati on Cliff Road, west off U.S. Route 50.

Open during daylight hours, admission is free.

• Ulysses S. Grant’s home, at 500 Bouthillier Street in Galena, is open Wednesday through Sunday 9 a.m. to 4:45 p.m., April through October.

Suggested donation: $4 adults, $2 children; group reservations are recommended.

Information available at granthome.com.

• Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Center is located at Hayes and Buckland avenues in Fremont.

Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday.

Admission to the museum and house is $10.50, $6 for the house only and $4 for children.

Information at rbhayes.org or (800) 998-7737.

• James A. Garfield National Historic Site, at 8095 Mentor Ave. in Mentor, is open from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Adult admission is $5; children 15 and under are free.

Information at nps.gov/jaga or (440) 255-8722.

• Benjamin Harrison, born in North Bend, near Cincinnati, moved to Indianapolis with his wife soon after his graduation from Miami University.

His home, located at 230 North Delaware Street in Indianapolis, is open to the public.

Information at presidentbenjaminharrison.org or (317) 631-1888.

•The William McKinley Birthplace Home and Research Center is located at 40 S. Main St. in Niles.

The facility is open Saturdays in May and June from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Information is available at mckinleyhome.lib.oh.us or (330) 652-1704 ext. 208.

The McKinley Memorial Library is at the same location. Information is available at mckinley.lib.oh.us or (330) 652-1704.

• William Howard Taft National Historic Site, 2038 Auburn Ave. in Cincinnati, is free to all visitors.

Tours are offered daily, every half-hour from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.

Information at nps.gov/wiho or (513) 684-3262.

In the words of Irving Berlin; “Blue skies, smilin’ at me nothin’ but blues skies do I see.”

Saturday and Sunday my saddle time was under the bluest skies so far this year, at times it was breathtaking!  I know they were a brilliant blue because on Sunday I spent a lot of time looking up.

Late Sunday afternoon I made a stop at Grimes Field, a small airport located in Urbana, Ohio.  The airfield was hosting several B25 bombers from WWII, as they celebrated the anniversary of Doolittle’s Raid.

These beautiful bombers from the early 1940’s have been painstaking restored to perfect working condition by a band of hardworking volunteers. I was pleasantly surprised by the gorgeous “Yellow Rose” coming directly at me.

A special thanks goes out to those at Grimes Field for making this wonderful day happen.

The musky scent of freshly plowed earth and the fragrant aroma of lilacs filled the air as I spent my afternoon touring the northwest sector of Clark County.

Life has been somewhat busy as of late and I haven’t been on the road as much as I would like.  It is rare that this occurs, but when it does I tend to become a rather grumpy character so having this day to myself was a welcomed pleasure for both me and those in close proximity.

The weather could not have been more conducive to riding.  Temperatures were in the mid-seventies with a slight breeze out of the west.  The sun was a brilliant orange and lit up the Eastern Red-buds like the leading lady of a Broadway play making her grand entrance.

I lost myself as the RT embarked on mile after mile of greening fields and effortlessly swept through the gently rolling curves.  My thoughts became increasingly quiet as I engaged in the rhythm of the ride.  It is the magic of motorcycling! 

Today’s ride was one of those perfect times you wished would never end.  I crowned this day seated on the patio of a local Irish Pub, enjoying a good meal, a cold beer, and a magnificent cigar.

Keep the rubber side down.

A gorgeous spring morning welcomed Springfield’s early risers on Saturday, and after a shower and cup of hot, black coffee I was ready to hit the highway. 

I am always enthusiastic about motorcycle trips, but this foray held special motivation as I was heading to Youngstown State University, to watch my son, Ethan, play in the annual spring game.  Youngstown is a city of 73,000 residents, located in the “rustbelt” of northeastern Ohio and is three and a half hours away from Springfield. 

The trip was without incident and we arrived at Stambaugh stadium in plenty of time to grab a hot dog and pretzel.  Game time temperatures were in the mid 60’s and the sun was brilliant, it was a beautiful day for football.

By early afternoon I had completed my list of Sunday responsibilities and decided to take a ride.  Although 8 to 12 ” of snow remains on the ground, the city streets and county roads were clear and dry, and since it has been ten days since my arse has had any saddle time I was anxious to get started.

As I geared up, first putting on my riding pants, then my jacket, I felt like Jeremy Renner’s character; Staff Sargent William James, in the movie the Hurt Locker.  James, works as a member of the the Explosive Ordinance Disposal squad and needs the assistance of  two other soldiers when putting on the heavy protective suit worn when removing bombs in war torn Baghdad.  I can relate!  It seems the closer we get to nice riding weather, the more cumbersome my gear becomes.

I headed to the garage and the RT roared with anticipation, much like my Malamute when he realizes its time for his walk.  The sound of that old boxer engine coming to life put a huge smile across my face. I rolled down the driveway and at that moment, I was the happiest man alive!

With an afternoon void of pressing issues and a short supply of pipe tobacco, I decided to visit “Kings Rook 4″,  a mom and pop tobacco shop located in Tipp City, a small community 35 minutes northwest of Springfield.

Kings Rook 4, has been around for years and has garnered quite a loyal following.  Leah, the white haired proprietor, is up in years and opens the store if she has nothing more immediate on her agenda, I recommend you call ahead!  I first heard of the quaint tobacco shop some 8 or 9 years ago from a good client of mine, but simply had never taken the time to visit.  Today was the day!

Tipp City, was established in 1840 along the Miami and Erie Canal, and boast a population of just under 10,000 residents.  Commerce has blossomed on a section of Main St. now deemed the “Historic District,” and the business owners are working hard to recapture the glory days of this canal towns past.

Tipp, as it is called by the locals, is a short motorcycle ride from Springfield and is easily accessible by a variety of routes.  From Springfield I chose to ride Interstate 70 west to I-75 north, then eastward on 571 which takes you straight into the heart of the Historic District.  This is not the most direct way, but I wanted to open the RT up a bit and my doctor says a little highway speed is good for the  soul.

After an exhilarating ride, I arrived downtown and upon securing my gear, leisurely strolled past the shops.   On my right was the Grounds for Pleasure Coffeehouse, across the street, Sam and Ethel’s restaurant, next door, Browse Awhile Books, and nearby, Kings Rook 4.

Apparently my friend Scott, had called Leah earlier that morning to warn her of my impending arrival, because the moment I entered the shop she exclaimed, “You must be that Springfield fellow.  “Indeed I am” I replied, and with that simple introduction we became friends.

Leah, gave me a quick tour of the store then left me to browse uninterrupted.  With an adequate supply of cigars safely tucked away in my humidor this day’s focus was on securing a few new blends of pipe tobacco.  One by one I removed the old tobacco canisters from the shelf and slowly sampled tobacco blends like, “Peaches and Cream,” “Nougat,” “Blue Note,” and my favorite; “Harvest Moon.”  Nothing calms ones nerves better than a perfectly blended mixture of pipe tobacco.  After a long while, I made my final selections and bid Leah “good day.”  It was time to head home.

My brief visit to Tipp City was pleasurable and one I will definitely do again, it’s the kind of place my wife would enjoy.  I can see us browsing the boutiques, sipping coffee at the outdoor cafe, and thumbing through some old books now out of print.  If you should find yourself sashaying down Main St. in this little community, be certain to drop in on Leah and pick up a few ounces of “Harvest Moon” tobacco. On second thought, you probably should call ahead.

With Christmas behind me I dedicated Sunday morning to prepare for my winter riding activities.  First, I focused on my riding gear.  I have a Tour Master riding jacket and pants, I added the extra quilted lining to both.  Next, I pulled the winter gloves and balaclava from their summer storage bins and gave them a place of prominence in the closet used for my seasonal riding gear.

Then I turned my attention to the RT, I use this bike as my winter ride for a number of reasons…

1. Heated hand grips
2. ABS brakes
3. Fantastic rider protection
4. Power windshield
5. Lots of storage
6. Fog lights

A thorough visual inspection of the bike indicated everything was in good working order.  The tires are new and a simple check of the pressure was all they needed, I was almost ready to ride.  Only one thing remained; adding my handle bar muffs.  Once they were in place, all systems were go!

With the my gear, and the bike ready for the winter conditions I decided it was time to test them out.  I left Springfield at 1:00 p.m. heading east on Interstate 70, toward Columbus.  Traffic was light and it felt good to be on the road again.  Once in Columbus I jumped on I- 270, heading north.  About an hour into the ride, I noticed my left handle bar muff was allowing air in, causing my hand to get chilled.  So when I stopped for fuel, I made a couple adjustments to the muff and the problem was corrected.  My journey continued on I 270, the outer belt that circles Columbus.  I continued riding until 4:30 p.m. when I decided it was time for a little break.  I pulled into a restaurant on the west side of town, ordered a pot of coffee, took off my gear, and set back to warm up.

I enjoyed the hot beverage for an hour or so, then called my wife to let her know I was on my way home.  When she answered the phone, she anxiously told me it had been snowing in Springfield for the most of the afternoon and that the National Weather Service had issued a snow advisory.  This was news to me as I had checked the weather reports earlier in the day and failed to see any mention of snow.

I finished my coffee, suited up, and was soon on the highway heading home.  Ten minutes into the ride, the snow storm and the RT shook hands.  A blinding snow out of the west was covering the roadways at a rapid clip.  I figured “no problem, I only have about a 50 minute ride from this spot.”  But this storm was all I wanted to handle at Interstate speed.  Added to the snow was a driving wind making it harder to stay on course, throw in the fast paced eighteen wheelers and this ride was getting ugly, quick.  Soon my windshield was totally iced over and my visibility was zero, but a flip of a switch allowed me to lower the power windshield so I could see over the sheet of ice and navigate my way.

The rest of the trip was without incident and I made it home safely. The five hour road trip was delightful and the bike and the gear functioned perfectly.   I am ready to go again.

My indoor “To-Do” list will simply have to wait.  With moderate temperatures, this 15th of November will be spent on the road.  First stop; Richmond, Indiana.  Then off to the University of Miami!   Have a great day!

Ever ride just to blow off steam?  Yea, me too!  In fact, last night was one of those rides.  It had been an unbearable day.  The kind of day that falls apart in the morning and goes downhill from there.  I couldn’t wait to out of the office.  I left the dealership around 6 p.m. and immediately headed for the fastest ribbon of road I could find.  I have a favorite section of roads in northeast Clark County that are rarely traveled. I glean great pleasure in riding them as they have the perfect blend of hills, curves, and straight a ways. 

Within ten minutes of leaving work, I was full bore, and totally engaged in the adventure.  Each roll of the throttle seemed to release the strains and aggravations from nagging customers and never ending phone calls.  The crisp fall air, the smell of leaves, and the sounds of a lazy, rippling, stream, all worked in chorus to settle my mind, as well as my blood pressure.   

The RT was quick and stable as I dove into each curve a little hotter than normal, then rolled out with the throttle hammered.  The straights were ridden hard and full out, an absolute blast! 

As darkness fell, my pace slowed and my attention peaked, for this is deer season around here, and the bucks and does are everywhere.  In fact, earlier in the day, an eight point buck, crashed through the showroom window of a dealership not more than a block from ours.  So extra caution is needed when riding this time of year.

Before I knew it, two hours had passed, and it was time to turn the RT toward the stable.  The ride home was slow and steady as I contemplated how much I enjoy this trip, thankful to be heading home a much calmer man! 

The past three weeks have afforded me some fabulous time in the saddle.  As I often mention, I love riding in the fall.  The temperatures are cool, the smells are pungent, and the landscape’s pallet leaves me awestruck.  On these most recent rides I have grabbed my camera and headed to the country side, normally leaving late afternoon or early evening.

With no particular destination in mind, I soon find myself meandering narrow county roads in search of the perfect picture.  Perhaps an old structure, a hidden pond, an oddly placed tree, or anything which peaks my interest.  I simply become lost in my search.  Often several hours pass until autumn’s chill taps me on the shoulder and reminds me it’s time to head home. Where a delicious home cooked meal, and a strong cup of coffee are often waiting.

See more pics here…