Archive for the ‘Motorcycle Rides’ Category

After a very busy 1st day on the motorcycle visiting a bunch of West Virginia paranormal sites, we were ready to mount up and head out on day 2.  The weather folks said this day was going to be hot a one, but we could take an early start as our first stop, “The Mystery Hole”, was not scheduled to open until 10AM.

Unfortunately, it turns out that the Mystery Hole has an issue with getting good help and was closed.  So, we rode on to our next stop, the Mothman Museum.

I have visited the Mystery Hole many times, as it is only a couple miles from my childhood home. However my wife never has and I wanted to share it with her.

A great bonus to trying to visit the Mystery Hole is it resides alongside one of the most fun roads in West Virginia, US 60 also called “The Talon”.  If you are ever in this area, you must ride this road.  While a couple miles shorter, it does rival the Tail of the Dragon for fun.

The Talon is a wonderful package of twisty roads and switchbacks all through forest and cliffside landscapes.  Low traffic levels allow you to ride at your pace and comfort but will challenge you if you want to step it up.

The downside of The Talon is that you can no longer see the New River Gorge and all its natural beauty. The state has allowed the undergrowth to get to a level where there are only a few small “blink and you will miss it spots” where the gorge is visible. Sad very sad, a great opportunity for increasing tourism missed again.

Stay Tuned for a video of the Talon/US 60.

Once we got to the bottom of the mountain, we rode alongside the Kanawha River to and through the state capital Charleston.  This day the morning sun was glistening off the gold gilded dome of the Capital Building making it pop like a gold jewel in a cityscape setting. Unfortunately, I forgot to turn the camera on.

Not that much later we were getting off the motorcycle across the street from Mothman HQ.  There was a large crowd at the museum.  By large I mean there were at least 20 people in the gift shop and about that many in the museum proper.  There were another 10-12 more hovering, in the afternoon heat, around the Mothman statue waiting their turn for photos.

By now it was early afternoon, and the weather folks were right it was HOT.  We made the decision to make a direct ride to our new, unfinished but finished enough, Ohio home. We were off the road early and with a shower and air conditioning.

mothman cryptid
The Men in Black are aways watching the Mothman!

Click here for Day One of the West Virginia Cryptid and Paranormal Ride! 

Ok why did I get a bug splat just as I hit record??!?!! This is my first attempt in using the Insta360 camera. I save it at 720p for size reasons but I think it came out al right for the 1st attempt.

I did not use the “on phone” editing tool with this clip. I down loaded the Insta360 Studio to my tablet. The Insta360 Studio worked ok, but I had to go to another tool to add the audio and logo. I am sure I can do it in the Insta app, just could not find the right menus.

WV cryptids and paranormal motorcycle

Over the holiday weekend Debbie and I decided to create a motorcycle ride out of something that is a bit unique to West Virginia, Cryptid and Paranormal activity.

Cryptid – Noun – An animal whose existence or survival is disputed or unsubstantiated, such as the Yeti.

On Day 1 we pull out of the house at 7AM only to return a few minutes later to grab something we forgot!  LOL, I hope we are not the only ones that do this as often as not.  After that we were soon on US Route 50 climbing up the mountains into West Virginia.

Stay tuned for some short videos on the “Twisties of Route 50”.

THE GRAFTON MONSTER: By mid-morning we are riding into the town of Grafton, WV.  We planned to visit the Grafton Monster Museum, but it is closed for renovations.  We also missed, by two days, the Grafton Monster Festival.  Disappointed we remount and headed out to the next stop Phillipi, WV.

THE PHILIPPI MUMMIES: Turns out there are more than just mummies in Philippi. Located in the towns visitors center we discovered that “Lurch” from the TV show “The Adams Family” is from Philippi.  So, a two for one Lurch and the Mummies. They even have had a “Lurch Fest” in 2023, is it an annual event?

As for the mummies, there are really mummies in Philippi.  These two mummies have traveled the world and are now resting in the visitor’s center.

When in Philippi make sure you take a ride over the longest covered bridge in WV. It is also the only covered bridge on a US Highway, US Route 250.

Expect a video and short post on the bridge.

TRANS-ALLEGHENY LUNATIC ASYLUM: Located in the town of Westen, WV the asylum is one of the most haunted locations in America.  They offer both history tours and ghost tours.  If you are of a particular strength, you can even have overnight stays. 

While we did not see any ghosts during our visit so many people belive that they have that it has been featured on many paranormal documentaries. If you are traveling on Interstate 79 through WV it should be on your itinerary.

FLATWOODS MONSTER: Located in the town of Sutton, WV the Flatwoods Monster Museum documents the local history of monsters.  First spotted in 1952 and dubbed the “Green Monster” this cryptid is fully part of the community.  The town has even erected a “Home of the Green Monster” sign. 

We met Adam Smith, who runs the museum, and discussed a bit about the monster and how it is part of the video game Fallout 76, along with other West Virginia cryptids.

Let him know you are a Fallout fan you might get a surprise… while supplies last!

BIG FOOT MUSEUM: Located just a couple blocks from the Flatwoods Monster Museum, Big Foot is afoot.  The Big Foot Museum holds a lot of background information on the Big Foot phenomenon along with several casts of “actual” big footprints. The museum also holds a large volume of books in its library collection.

At this point we needed to decide where we were going to ride to spend the night. The decision was between my mom’s and our new home in Ohio.  It did not take long to decide when we looked at the weather radar, mom’s it was. 

BTW we did get wet, again!

Click here for day 2

Each month I display a few “old school”, or vintage motorcycles pictures based on some theme.

These are the one’s that I like the most, for whatever reason, … or… it’s my blog and I like these pictures or videos.

If you have any vintage pictures of group rides please share in the comments!!

Ride On, Ride Safe

Ride to work day use to be on the 3rd Monday in June. But, because of the new Untied States National Holiday of Juneteenth, the Ride to Work organization moved it to the second Tuesday of June.

Why the second Tuesday? “Because RTW Day is about riding to work (as well as for utility transportation), starting in 2024 RTW Day will annually be on the Second Tuesday in June. This day is chosen because A) it breaks up the workweek better than a Monday day does (RTW Day is a demonstration day), and B) because a midweek day is more likely to receive media coverage than a Monday or Friday.”

Why “Ride to Work” anyway? Ride your motorcycle on Ride To Work Day and demonstrate:
– The number of motorcyclists to the general public and politicians
– Motorcyclists are from all occupations and all walks of life
– Motorcyclists can reduce traffic congestion in large cities
– Motorcycles are for transportation as well as recreation

If you have a chance please check out their website!

The Virginia Commissioner of Motor Vehicles, Commissioner Lakey, recently sent motorcycle owners correspondence regarding motorcycle safety (see below), highlighting the Virginia Riders Training program. The letter also included a pamphlet regarding the Rider Training program (above).

Shockingly, statistics reveal that 76% of motorcyclists involved in crashes in Virginia had not completed a training course. Even more alarmingly, 1 in 4 riders in these accidents lacked an “M” motorcycle endorsement on their licenses.

This data underscores the importance of training and proper licensure. As we mark Motorcycle Safety Awareness month, I am grateful for the Commissioner’s efforts in raising awareness through these letters and educational materials. It is my sincere hope that more individuals seize this opportunity to enhance their skills and ensure safer rides for themselves and others.

Spring is here, and your motorcycle is beckoning you to hit the open road.

Before you embark on your two-wheeled adventures, take a moment to prepare your bike for the riding season. While the T-CLOCS (Tires, Controls, Lights, Oil, Chassis, and Stands) inspection is essential, let’s delve into some often-overlooked recommendations:

  1. Check Your Gear:
    • Retrieve your riding gear from storage. It might have been sitting in your saddlebag for months.
    • Clean your gear thoroughly. Run it through the wash or clean it by hand.
    • Apply water repellent or waterproofing for added protection.
  2. Inspect Your Helmet:
    • Your helmet deserves special attention. Start by cleaning the exterior. Those bugs from 2023 should be easy to remove by now.
    • Remove and clean the interior padding following the manufacturer’s instructions.
    • Don’t forget to check every nook and cranny for any unwelcome guests—SPIDERS (not the Can-Am species).
  3. Evaluate and Replace Gear:
    • Take a close look at your riding gear. Are your helmet and gloves still in good condition?
    • Remember, you are responsible for your own safety. If something isn’t right, repair or replace it promptly.
  4. Give Your Motorcycle a “Colonoscopy”:
    • If you didn’t adequately prepare your bike for winter, it’s time to peek up your tailpipe. Make sure nothing is living in your exhust.
    • Inspect all areas for leaks and ensure everything is in ship shape.
  5. Give your bike a rub down: Happy ending optional!
    • Give it a good wipe down to clean off the dust and debris that adhered to your bike over winter.
    • Now is a good time to give your motorcycle a waxing to help preserve the paint.
  6. Restock your saddlebags or backpack:
    • If you pack a first aid kit replace what you used last year or what is now expired.
    • Sunscreen and ChapStick…might want to swap them out for new.
    • That candy bar you had for an emergency snack, go ahead, and eat it now and put a new one in its place.
  7. Review the owner’s manual:
    • Get yourself reacquainted with the bike.
  8. Check your insurance:
    • Did you stop or reduce your insurance on the motorcycle over the winter? Give a quick call to your agent to get your insurance up to date.
  9. Remind yourself about PANIC STOPS:
    • Find an unused bit of road or parking lot, get up to speed and BREAK HARD! Get that feeling about what you and your motorcycle will do when you must make a sudden stop.
    • Ride with a passenger? Then run this exercise with them on the bike as well. It is best to know how it feels in a controlled environment before you really need to do it. OH, check your breaks before you do this to make sure they are good to go.

This is not an all-inclusive checklist or recommendations, I am sure each of you can add more items, but it can get you started for the new riding season. Remember, a well-prepped motorcycle, and rider, ensures both safety and enjoyment during the riding season.

Ride on, ride safe

 🏍️

ijustwant2ride.com

Motorcycle News – What you need to know… 2024 Moto Guzzi Experience USA

Moto Guzzi has announced the 2024 Moto Guzzi Experience in the United States. The Moto Guzzi Experience is not only about stunning scenery but also about rewarding riding.  

“Participants will tackle some of the country’s most challenging and bucket-list-worthy roads and highways, offering a true test of skill and adrenaline. experiencing the thrill of riding our latest Moto Guzzi models on some of the most iconic routes in this beautiful country.”

  • Rocky Mountains, June 5-9, 2024 (3-day Ride)
  • Pacific Northwest, July 15-21, 2024 (5-day Ride)
  • Yellowstone, July 31 – August 5, 2024 (4-Day Ride)
  • Smoky Mountains, September 11-16, 2024 (4-Day Ride)

If you are interested in participating check out the details at the MOTO GUZZI EXPERIENCE website

My TakeUPSHIFT – While some folks don’t care for vendor driven events, I do.  You often get to see their new products and often get to take them on demo rides.  I don’t own a Moto Guzzi if I did I would try to attend one or more of the events.

purple motorcycle ijustwant2ride.com

What you need to know… Suzuki 2024 National Demo Tour

          Suzuki has kicked off its 2024 Demo Tour.  Their tour will give you a chance to try out a large part of their fleet of motorcycles.  The tour began during Daytona Bike Week. 

Here is a listing of the motorcycles you could try out:

  • GSX-8R sport bike
  • GSX-8S 
  • V-STROM 800DE and 800 adventure tourers
  • V-STROM 1050DE and 1050 adventure tourers
  • Hayabusa sport bike
  • Hayabusa 25th Anniversary Edition
  • GSX-R1000R, GSX-R750, GSX-R600 sport bikes
  • GSX-S1000GT+ high-performance sport-tourers
  • GSX-S1000
  • DR-Z400S and DR-Z400SM supermoto
  • DR-650S dual-sport
  • M109R power cruisers and more.

Go to the SUZUKI EVENTS CALENDAR to see when and where the demo fleet is headed.

My TakeUpshift – I still want to take the Katana out for a spin, but it is not on the list.

purple motorcycle ijustwant2ride.com

Ride on, Ride Safe

front royal thrill and chill

Front Royal, Virginia is the northern terminus of Skyline Drive, one of the premier byways of America. Ten thousand or more motorcyclists pass through Front Royal on their way to or from Skyline Drive each year.

What those motorcyclists don’t know is that the riding around Front Royal is amazing!  If you are riding to or from Skyline Drive, you owe it to yourself to stop to visit Front Royal and ride our local roads.

Look for my other documented ride in the Front Royal area here.

Mountain Passes and Valley Riding

This “Thrill and Chill” ride gets its name from the Thrills of riding two mountain passes and the Chill of cruising through parts of the Shenandoah Valley.

Heading south out of town you will be cruising through local farmland, vineyards, and quaint small towns.  During this part of the ride, you will have spectacular views of the steep, rugged tree-lined mountains to your west. If you are lucky, you will get glimpses of Skyline Drive high above you.

Before long you will see that same mountain in front of you growing larger and taller with each mile. The twists and turns on this pass are as good as any twisty road in America. For those that enjoy mountain riding here is a chance to drag your pegs and experience the fun of flipping your motorcycle through turns.  But be careful, this is a high crash area and there is a sign at the bottom pointing out that fact.

Passing under Skyline Drive and down the other side puts you back in the valley and just a chill cruise to Luray, Virginia.  Continuing south you will pass through more verdant farmland and more charming small-town America until you reach Elkton and turn east back towards the looming mountain.

As with the first mountain pass this is a mountain riding lovers heaven. Miles of climbing with tight right and left corners and a long-twisted descent will put a big smile on anyone’s face.

Before long you will be heading north again via the valley roads until you make it back to Front Royal again. This is a 3-hour(ish) ride covering 145 miles.

Local Highlights

Front Royal Visitor Center

Multiple Vineyards and Breweries

Multiple Farm to Market Shops

Luray Caverns

Luray Rescue Zoo

The Route

From the Front Royal Visitor Center

Right onto Main Street

Right onto Commerce Avenue = US 522

Right onto US 522/211

At Sperryville continue straight on US 211

Right on Ramp to US 340

Left on US 340 through Luray to Elkton

At Elkton Left onto US 33

Left onto US 29

At Madison stoplight intersection of US 29 and Virginia 687

          Left onto VA 687 immediate merge onto Business 29

          At the east end of Madison, Left onto VA 231 (Blue Ridge Parkway)  This is easy to miss you will need to watch.

Left onto US 522

At Sperryville turn right onto US211/522

Left onto US 522

Left onto Front Royal Main Street

Last night I was a guest to the Motorcycle Men podcast. 

You can listen to our conversation at this link.

Ted, the host of Motorcycle Men, and I talked about:

           The IJustWant2Ride.com blog!

           The Dawghouse Motorcycle Radio podcast

           Riding in the Front Royal, Skyline Drive area.

           The love of motorcycling!

           And motorcycle stuff!

I think you should take the time to check out their podcast! And, the Motorcycle Men website.

Ride On, Ride Saff