Well said Gene. When it's all said and done all we really have is past memories and the present and future ones we come across as we go through life.
One memory I won't soon forget it getting rear ended by a large pilot-less ST1100 sidecar rig in Alabama!

 

Ahem, well. On a lighter note (?), I have the Hope Cemetary in Barre, Vt on our list of ride stops. It's 85 acres of amazing granite sculptured memorials in the area of aguably the world's most famous granite carvers, dating from the late 1890s. If you don't think this sounds interesting, look here Granite Sculptures of Hope Cemetery, Barre, Vermont And it has two criteria that I like a lot, one doesn't have to get off their MC to enjoy it (or even completely stop!) and it's FREE! Pleasant small roads wind all through the place so one can peruse at their own speed, preference and direction. We're counting heads at the exit though, no "sleepovers" allowed. An aside: Gene, don't be going belly up on me prematurely you old coot! We've got summer 2014 plans to make.

 

Gene, you get yourself to New Haven, Ct on a train Thursday 9/19/13 and I'll see that you attend the full New England Rally and get back to the train station Monday. Bring a toothbrush and a couple of changes of underwear, I'll take care of the rest. I know life is not always that simple, but there is the offer, and a double dog dare! Email me if you have questions or concerns. I'll arrange for them to let you past the Mason Dixon Line too (both ways).

 

Gene, you get yourself to New Haven, Ct on a train Thursday 9/19/13 and I'll see that you attend the full New England Rally and get back to the train station Monday. Bring a toothbrush and a couple of changes of underwear, I'll take care of the rest. I know life is not always that simple, but there is the offer, and a double dog dare! Email me if you have questions or concerns. I'll arrange for them to let you past the Mason Dixon Line too (both ways).

Rich, what a gracious offer! I would dearly love to get off that train on the 19th but, alas, I can not come up this year. My dear bride of over 51 years is not yet at the point where she can do without her "old man" for even a day. Although it seems impossible there really are a few things more important that our love of riding! By the summer of 2014, both she and I expect to attend at least one or perhaps, two rallies. She is well aware how much riding and my "motorcycle buddies" mean to me. After all this is the lady who endured the sudden onset of hyperthroidism while Don & I were in Alaska/Canada and never a peep to me! Her weight, during the 76 days we were on the road dropped from about 120 to 91 pounds when I got home! She looked so fragile I was afraid to even hug her! So, I am sure you will understand when I say that I will do anything to take of my lady, with never a thought of regret!

Now I want to leave you on an upbeat note, I am planning for a 2014 Mountain Momma rally. If I can pull it off it would be wonderful if I could count on your Yankee Posse to attend!
Gene

 

Rich, I thought I closed upbeat, I will be making plans for 2014 and even your next Yankee rally in 2015, I just can't guarentee anything! I guess I should have said, "If the Good Lord is willing and the creeks don't rise, I will be there!"
Gene

 

I understand Gene, but it would have been great to have you along. 2014. Two weeks left! Folks from the New England area take special note. Your chance to meet some infamous members of the CX/GL community face to face. Tell 'em what you really think of their stupid fooking posts! Drink their beer. Rear end them at stop signs, it'll be a blast! The wife doesn't consider chili, hot dogs & beer a meal? We do! If you have not had a chance to attend one of the HTTAs Rallys, this one is only a tank of gas away, or less. They're more fun than that, really. And bonds made at Rallys make a difference online later.

Coordinates for the camp are: 44.02,-72.55, but be careful of depending on electronics too much, they can lead you onto dead end cowpaths at times.

 

Thinking about attending. When are the CT riders going up there ? I have only used my CX for short rides, so this would be the first time taking a long trip.

 

=richnct: but be careful of depending on electronics too much, they can lead you onto dead end cowpaths at times.

And when you can't go any further down the cowpath, you have arrived a the New England Fall Rally.

 

"When are the CT riders going up there ?"
I am driving up Thursday afternoon, (w/bike onboard) because I have a pile of stuff to take. It's a bit vague still, but I think a couple of others are riding up Friday morning sometime. At least their musing that. We would be routing up Rte 9 to I-91 Htfrd, Ct to I-89 White River Junction, Vt, to Randolph, Vt, then various roads 12 miles to the Rally. About 4 hrs from the shoreline. Let me know what your intentions/flexibilities are.

 

We could try this again: (It's kind of like a "sing-a-long", feel free to join in)

From Connecticut we're expecting:
Rich/Ct
Dave/Ct
Ernie/Ct
Kevin/Ct
From Massachussets:
Cobram
From New Jersey:
JiXXXX (his identity is classified, need to know only)
From Vermont?

From New Hampshire?

From Maine?

From Rhode Island?

From Pennslylvania?

From New York?

Just a reminder, the lodging is free, the meals cost is a grocery donation can, and we're bringing in chefs from outta state just for the event . . . (dishwashers will be recruited locally)

 

From Connecticut we're expecting:
Dave/Ct
Ernie/Ct
Kevin/Ct

I am planning to take Friday off from work to ride up in the morning.

Let me know if you guys want to meet up on the way.

Thanks,
Bill

 

From Connecticut we're expecting:
Rich/Ct
Dave/Ct
Ernie/Ct
Kevin/Ct
From Massachussets:
Cobram
From New Jersey:
tt650 (his identity is classified, need to know only basis
From Vermont:
Gandalf

From New Hampshire?

From Maine?

From Rhode Island?

From Pennsylvania?

From New York?

 

From Connecticut we're expecting:
Rich/Ct
Dave/Ct
Ernie/Ct
Kevin/Ct
Bill/Ct
From Massachussets:
Cobram
From New Jersey:
tt650 (his identity is classified, need to know only basis)
From Vermont:
Gandalf

My email is motorcycleguyDOTrichATgmailDOTcom Works better than PM on this board for me. Connecticut is clearly ahead in the attendance polls. Steve, will the banner be coming by GL Express or UPS?

 

From Penciltucky...Steve in PA!

Tt650 and I are going to rendezvous on the way up and I and greylag are hitching a ride with him. Planning on coming up on Thursday with the banner.

 

From Connecticut we're expecting:
Rich/Ct
Dave/Ct
Ernie/Ct
Kevin/Ct
Bill/Ct
From Massachussets:
Cobram
From New Jersey:
tt650 (his identity is classified, need to know only basis)
From Vermont:
Gandalf
Penciltucky
Steve/PA w/banner!

 

tt650 and Steve/PA, from PA Rally I seem to remember I was supposed to be looking for some parts for you two, but I'm fuzzy on what they were. Email me and I'll see if I can find what you want and bring it/them to Vermont.

 

Five days to departure! Bill/CT I'll get you contact info for CT riders Monday for your intended Friday ride to VT. Kevin a likely riding partner for you, have to find out what Dave & Ernie's schedule is tomorrow. Jim/NJ and Steve/PA expect to arrive later Thursday. Camp is expected to be open about 6:00 P.M. Thursday, but porch w/chairs for earlier arrivals. "No reservation" required, but a heads up lets me plan for groceries better. Anyone who decides to drop in unannounced is WELCOME! Light (eating) fare Thursday evening for folks who arrive then. Cell phones mostly work at the camp, depending where you stand . There is a refrigerator, but it's older than me, and works better!

 

Salmon fishing...Riding in Vermont...Salmon fishing...Riding in Vermont...Decisions...Decisions.

 

You could salmon fish on the even numbered years? I'm thinking with choices like that, life is good! I only have to decide which bike to take. I think the CX650E, it's in need of some exercise.

 

It's Thursday late afternoon as several V-twins purr along the Ridge Road heading to Brookfield, Vt. The sun is already low in the sky but it is still comfortably temperate as the pair of leather clad riders begin their descent into the valley below, soon to be cast into long shadows and cooler air. They've only been on the road a couple of hours, riding under a brilliant blue sky and are looking forward to meeting some fellow riders on similar half liter shafties soon. Ahead of them a mature pickup truck pulling a trailer loaded with two more but different V-twins hauls it's carbon based passengers up the long gravel road toward the cabin they remember from 2011. Has it really been two years? Actually it's not the cabin they remember so well, but the folks they expect will be there. A relaxed, satisfied half smile grows on their faces. Six hours of riding and driving is almost finished. On the radio, Froggy 100 just gave the Friday weather forecast, sunny and maybe 70°, and their smiles extended a bit more. Few words were spoken as they each considered the weekend ahead of them, and gave absolutely no thought to yesterday or Monday.
Their differences far outway their similarities, ages vary quite a bit, as does stature. Some have years of labor ahead of them, others are retired. Some have been riding these reliable old Hondas for many years, others only twelve months or so. There are likely to be 500 and 650 Customs, a Deluxe, a few GLs of 500 and 650cc displacement and at least one Eurosport. This year seems iffy for the appearance of a Turbo, but you never know, pictures show them in the yard from previous years. Likely they will all feel younger and more cleanshaven when neighbor Bill shows up with his award winning maple syrup to temp us.
It's time for the New England HTTA Fall Rally. We've been waiting patiently. September in Vermont and the last great ride of the season for some of us. Good food, good bikes and good friends. Come Monday, you were either there, or you weren't, and it will be too late to change that. Come join us, I double dog dare you!

 

Now that you put it that way, I'll fish the Salmon River next weekend. See ya there!

 

Just a friendly reminder..... I don't know how much rain they have had in Vermont lately, but since we will be parking on the grass, remember to bring a pad for your side stand.

 

If you're coming north on I-89 it's exit 4 Randolph, Vt. Gas right there, good Vermont maps at the genereally unmanned kiosk too. Then 12 miles more off the Interstate. If you're on Rt 14 there is gas in Williamstown, north of us a few miles, or south in East Randolph more than a few miles. Beer at all places I believe. Final few miles are uphill gravel generally, but the town keeps the roads in pretty good shape. The cabin overlooks a field at the intersection of East Hill Rd, Cemetary St and Chelsea Rd. Wood siding and a green metal roof, several hundred foot driveway but very visible from the road.

 

Folks are loading, some are already on the road! The forecast for Friday and Saturday in Brookfield is mid 70s, low humidity, no bugs (I made up that last one) and sunny. The fall color is starting to show it's grandeur. I have it on good authority that two CX650Eurosports will be in attendance. Be there or be square! Yahoo! in 90 minutes I'll be rolling northbound too!

 

#3 650 E gave it some thought. I was thinking of some lowers to shield the wind and keep the warmth in. Vt would have given them a testout. Not this yr though.

The last 2 days here were beautiful in pa. Low 40's in the morning is a tad on the chili side though. Hope you all have a great time.

 

Late start, but I'm heading north on the GL1100. Unfortunately the 500's are not up for the trip.

Papaji / New York

 

Great Weekend! First arrivals Thursday evening, last departure noon Sunday. Thursday, Friday, Saturday the weather was all one could ask for, rain Saturday night that blew out Sunday morning so afaik no one rode in the wet! Moderate temps, daytime in the 70s and sunny. Friday's spirited ride was about 250 m and included the White Mtns of NH, the Kancamangus Pass Highway and an ascent of Mt Washington's summit at over 6,200 ft. Friday's mid day arrivals rode alternate tours including the world famous Barre granite quarries and other nearby rural routes. Saturday we rode the Green Mtns of Vermont including Rochester Gap, Middlebury Gap and the premier MC road of all in Vermont, Appalachian Gap. Lunch at the historic Wayside Diner in Barre was real fine too. Breakfasts and dinners at the cabin were filling. More info when I get some time. A weekend that was excellent in every way possible!
Mt. Washington Auto Road
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