The legend Bessie B. Stringfield.
In the 1940s, “The Motorcycle Queen of Miami” broke down barriers for women and African American motorcyclists at the same time, completing eight solo cross-country tours and serving as a U.S. Army motorcycle dispatch rider.
I love long term touring and have discovered that proper packing is crucial for a safe and hassle free trip. The photo below is a perfect example of how not to pack your motorcycle. A few infractions are…
Seriously people, if you need to carry this much crap on a trip, take the damn car! Improper packing is not only dangerous to the rider, but to other motorist as well.
How about sharing some of your packing tips?
My plans to take a full day off didn’t turn out as I had envisioned. Instead I spent the better part of my day convincing a middle aged gentleman he should shell out $9, 347 for the SUV his darling daughter desired. Once this mission was completed, I was out the door, ready to enjoy the remaining daylight hours on the bike.
Daytime temperatures had risen to the mid-twenties and road conditions were clear on the main thorough fares, with secondary streets requiring much more attention as patches of snow and ice abounded.
My ride was mostly uneventful until the sun beginning to fade and I decided to make one last detour to visit Ferncliff Cemetery. Ferncliff, is a 20 acre cemetery dotted with historic trees and gently rolling hills. It lies within the Springfield City limits and is a desirable setting for landscape photos. The cemetery’s narrowly winding drives however, were mostly shaded and blanketed with snow and ice, navigating them was treacherous, and all a rider wanted to handle and then some. In fact, while riding down a slight incline, the RT began a slide to my right that didn’t conclude until I ended up off the road and into a snow filled ditch with the ole’ girl on her left side. Neither of us were injured and with a little coaxing and ingenuity we were soon back on the road. Here’s a few photos of the day.
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.
I am not certain of this photos origin, but I absolutely love it. For me it has that classic feel!
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.
Today I will decide where I am going to store the bikes for the winter. I ride the RT all winter, but the others will soon be stored away.
Today is a big Toy Run in our community. I participated in it 2 years ago and a few riders went down right behind me. I decided right then and there I would never ride in a group like that again. I will mail in my donation.
Have a great Sunday!
