When in Western New York... - Ducati.ms

leftcoasttim · May 10th, 2007, 10:36 pm

For the past 3 years, I've visited the greater Oswego, NY area.
I've got a circle track racing friend there, and really, if you're
a serious "motor-head", upstate NY really IS the place to be.
Unlike California, they race 4 nights a week during the season,
and just about any town of note has a track!
Anyway, this year I also visited the Buffalo/Niagara Falls area.
Wanted to visit the local "Duck" dealer, and found it waaaaay
out of town (approx. 45 min. no less) in Holland, NY. Almost
missed the building, it was so small. But went in and spoke with
the affable proprietor, Al Gillen. Asked him why his shop wasn't
more in the populated area of greater Buffalo, and he said he
owned the building, had been dealing in "Ducks" since 1980,
and had all the business he could handle. So, not to waste
the trip, I did buy a long-sleeve shirt from him.
Interestingly, took my 24-year old daughter on this trip, and
she loved it so much, she said she wanted to move to Sodus Pt.
So, who knows?, perhaps Williamsville Ducati will do the 12K
service on my 749 next year. (Oh, to have dreams...)
In addition to Al's place, Holland has its own 3/8-mi. high-banked
stock car track, so the burg was "Pig Heaven" to me!
Can't wait to go back!

**Chuckracer** · May 10th, 2007, 10:51 pm

Nice! Have your daughter look up pictures of Sodus Point in, say, February of last year...that'll change her tune!

I've heard many good things about Williamsville Welding...my 749 will be going there for it's service...someday.

I've spent a little time stomping aroud Oswego area...I'm from Baldwinsville - west of Syracuse, near Liverpool. Born in Watertown where I am now...WAAAY upstate.

Beautiful area!!

leftcoasttim · May 11th, 2007, 12:36 am

Last year, saw Watertown's leading citizen, "Barefoot" Bob McCreadie,
DIRT-racing legend, at Weedsport. That very Memorial Day weekend,
he had that wreck on his Harley at the hospital in Waterstown.
Don't think he ever really recovered. One of my racing heroes,
for sure. Hey, though a native Californian, I've lived in Kansas
and Nebraska, and though NY may get more snow, it doesn't
get as cold as the Plains States. We'll survive, if we make the
move...

leftcoasttim · May 11th, 2007, 12:38 am

A racing friend of mine, Doug Kells of Oswego (for the best and
fastest haircut in town!), sent me a picture of the wind- and
snow-swept Oswego Lighthouse last winter. It's okay, it's
still warm 'n toasty inside the house or restaurant or office
you view the lake from, hah-hah!

Smart1 · Jun 17th, 2007, 3:41 pm

It's so nice to hear that someone from out of town visited Buffalo/western NY and speaks highly of it. You know our reputation but thats usually from folks who have never been here. The beautiful summer weather and moderate temps (low humidity) almost make up for the cold winters. The people are great though. Al is a nice guy and certainly an interesting character.

Oilhed · Jun 18th, 2007, 4:40 am

Only been out west once or twice. Family is from the Mohawk Valley, around Utica. I've heard Sodus Point is the best little harbor on the big lake. I prefer the Adirondacks, Saranac Lakes to be specific, and spend time there every summer. The county roads up north really rock! Although the hills up by Loweville are pretty good, too. Saranac Lake is where I want to retire although I might spend my winters and bug season down south.

JimC · Jun 20th, 2007, 10:22 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by leftcoasttim

For the past 3 years, I've visited the greater Oswego, NY area.
I've got a circle track racing friend there, and really, if you're
a serious "motor-head", upstate NY really IS the place to be.
Unlike California, they race 4 nights a week during the season,
and just about any town of note has a track!
Anyway, this year I also visited the Buffalo/Niagara Falls area.
Wanted to visit the local "Duck" dealer, and found it waaaaay
out of town (approx. 45 min. no less) in Holland, NY. Almost
missed the building, it was so small. But went in and spoke with
the affable proprietor, Al Gillen. Asked him why his shop wasn't
more in the populated area of greater Buffalo, and he said he
owned the building, had been dealing in "Ducks" since 1980,
and had all the business he could handle. So, not to waste
the trip, I did buy a long-sleeve shirt from him.
Interestingly, took my 24-year old daughter on this trip, and
she loved it so much, she said she wanted to move to Sodus Pt.
So, who knows?, perhaps Williamsville Ducati will do the 12K
service on my 749 next year. (Oh, to have dreams...)
In addition to Al's place, Holland has its own 3/8-mi. high-banked
stock car track, so the burg was "Pig Heaven" to me!
Can't wait to go back!

My family had a cottage on Eagle Island in Sodus PT for the last 40 years. We spent a lot of time in that area on vaca. It was sold this winter so no more

I also like to visit Ducati dealers while on Vaca with the wife & kids. Ive been to every one in New England and a few in PA including FBF