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…

TO  DO LIST

• Cut Grass
• Stack Firewood
• Clean House
• Grocery

The To Do list has been completed, the weather is decent, the RT is full of fuel, and I will see you tonight!   Have a great Sunday everyone, I am  outta’ here!

I have included a link for those of you who may not be able to ride today.  It has nothing to do with motorcycles, but another one of my favorite subjects…  Bikini’s of the Big screen.

The summer riding season officially ends today at 5:18 p.m. Eastern time.  What’s that?  Oh, I agree, the summer has flown by, and what’s more, it seems the older I get the faster time marches on. 

Although my weekend schedule normally gets busy this time of year I have made room for several more day rides and one, perhaps two overnight trips.  Riding St. Rt. 56 to Athens is one of the trips I am anticipating riding again as well as State Route 555, in the southeastern portion of Ohio. 

What about you, any unfinished routes to complete before winter?

On an muggy twilight in the middle of August, my bride and I, found ourselves rolling along the cornfields of Champaign County, on our way to Indian Lake.  Indian Lake, is a summer resort community an hour north of my home; one of those magical places, close in proximity, yet once there, you feel like you’re a million miles away!

After a frantic week Michelle and I, had spent the better portion of this Sunday cutting the lawn, watering flowers, and completing some projects around the house. By mid-afternoon we were ready for a break, and decided to head to the lake for a light dinner at Captain’s Point.

Indian Lake, so named because of the various Indian tribes that once called it’s rocky shores home, is now a community of those desiring to get away from it all.  A quick reprieve from the normal pressures of life, complete with great boating, numerous restaurants, and more than a few watering holes.

Although I don’t have a home on the lake, I do enjoy it’s ambiance!  It is the quintessential summer hang out, care free, and living easy, I imagine Jimmy Buffett would approve!

After enjoying a dinner of fish and chips, and quiet conversation, we slowly trolled the inlet lanes looking at the tiny fishing shanties and the opulent homes which dot the various islands, but soon, too soon for me, it was time to return home.

As we rode back through the darkness, all was at peace, our appetites satisfied, our minds at rest, and our spirits refreshed, experiencing once again, the magic of the lake.

My wife and I spent a lazy Sunday afternoon enjoying the hospitality of the Italian Village residents as we visited Goodale Park, in downtown Columbus.  Many of the park goers listened to a local bluegrass band at the Gazebo, while others nursed their hot coffee and read the morning paper, some walked their dogs, and a few caught up on some much needed sleep. As for Michelle and I, well, we spent our time strolling around the lovely lake, enjoyed the beautiful landscaping, and toured the neighborhood, fascinated by the gorgeous Italian architecture that make this neighborhood so special.  It was a fabulous way to spend a summer Sunday afternoon.  If you are looking for a super day trip, give this area a try.  Check out the links if you want more information, or just send me an email.

Riding season is in full swing and this week provided many great riding opportunities. On Tuesday evening we toured the southeastern corner of our county and captured these images.

In the middle of the week I rode to Troy Power Sports to check out some of the best made bikes in the world.

Thursday you would have found me at Legends Sport Pub in Enon, for Bike Night.

But my heart is always here…