quite a ride in the quiet corner

[JimC]

January 10th 2008, in New England. Usually thinking about the weather this time of year you would have images like this come to mind, snow!


But every year up here in New England we usually experience what is called a "January Thaw". Well this Jan 10 was one of those days. And like other motorcyclists in the area I try my best to get some miles in during these days.

My trusty 2 valve air cooled Ducati super sport has been sitting at my office next to some of our other family toys. Im not the only one itching to get out and have some fun. Lizzy is ready to roll as well!






Which got its name because of the low population in this rural part of CT vs the rest of the state. Its only been a few years that I've been exploring this little know area of New England. Buts it has quickly become one of my favorite riding destinations.

There are plenty of Scenic roads to explore around these small towns, some are even marked for you as you go.


One thing you will notice alot of while riding around are farms, while the central part of the state has alot of Tobacco farms this area is full of your traditional New England dairy farms. This is evident as I enter the Nutmeg state on Route 193 from Webster MA.


Route 193 brings you thru the small town of Thompson. Most famous for the Thompson Speedway but also know for such a beautiful downtown area with some historic homes.



As I continued my southern route down rt 21 and finally on to Rt12 I travel thru the towns of Putnam & Dayville. The scenery will not disappoint as you come around every corner and experience what New England is all about.

Nice stone work




Beautiful Farms, old and new


Once I reach Danileson the scenery begins to change a bit. The farm land turns to urban building pretty fast. Just before I reach Rt 6 and its maze of fast food restaurants and shopping malls I pass thru some older more neglected buildings.



Im not on Rt 6 for long, thank goodness. Once I reach the intersection of Rt6 and Church st and I take a right north onto Church st.
This is one of those little country roads I love to ride on. Usually light traffic and plenty of curves to keep me happy. .
As I approached one such curve at speed I find myself slowing down. I see a neat property I want to explore. This un named church on the right just over the Brooklyn line catches my eye.


I decided to get off the bike and take a small break


Only when I was gearing back did I notice the " no trespassing " signs at the entrance ( you can see them on the tree's in the photo above ).
I walked around and look at some of the graves there. One caught my eye ( the photo of the epitaph didn't come out ) I had never seen on like this before. It was for a town official from back in the early 1800's At the bottom it said " He loved to lead " It made me smile because I love to lead people on my motorcycle.


My oldest daughter Victoria who is becoming a very good photographer (She has won every contest she has entered in) has got me thinking of different views when I take these trips. I tried to snap a few different shots while walking around this place. Let me know what you think




After a few minutes of trespassing I decided I needed to work my way towards lunch. Church St turns into Searles Rd once you cross into Promfret Landing. This small twisty road was just what the duck & I needed.

Once I reach Route 102 I turned my bike west, then a quick ride north on route 169 brought me to my lunch destination of the day.

If you ridden your motorcycle in this area before you already know where I was, but if not you should visit the Vanilla Bean Cafe at least once. Im not sure why its so popular amongst the motorcycle crowd, and its not just limited to one type of biker. On any given sat/sun during the season you will find Harley's parked next to BMW's parked next to Honda's and even a few Ducati's in the mix. I was the only motorcycle on this day!


My lunch was a very good burger called the " Smokey Joe " and a cup of coffee to warm me up a bit. One common complaint you hear about the "Bean" as I call it is the prices. Yes, it would be considered a bit over priced. $9.50 is what my burger cost and seeing it comes with just chips and a pickle there are plenty of other places that might be considered a better deal. But like my friend Gary said once. Its hard to complain about paying an extra 2 bucks for a burger when you just rode your motorcycle 100 miles out of the way to get there for lunch in the first place!

My lunch

[JimC]

Normally I would sit outdoors, but today called for one of the comfy chairs in the back room. I enjoyed my lunch while trying to hook up to the free wifi on my PSP (I need my 12 yearold to teach me how to do this, I couldn't figure it out). Before I left I "left" my mark in the bathroom!

My ride continues, south on Route 97. The sun is shinning and the temps feel warmer. Im able to wear my normal riding gloves, not the heated gerbings, which makes it possible to snap a few action shots.


I ride thru Hampton and into Scotland. Although it was named after the other more famous Scotland from across the pond, it does have some interesting history.

Some people say its the home town of the first " official " President of the United States. Samuel Huntington was born in Scotland in 1731. but later in life became the Chief Executive Officer of the confederated states. Or some say the first President.

I stopped in the small center of town to read the history monument and grab a drink of water. One of the side effects of riding this time of year is chapped lips, and luckily I had something to help with that.

My kids supply me with the best stuff.


From here I needed to head my way north towards home. Seeing some of the back roads I've taken so far were in good shape I told the gps to get me home via the shortest way. This always means interesting side streets, I would not be disappointed.



One such road was...


A few of the interesting items I was not able to get a photo of, my batteries died while on this road. But the first corner brought me to these guys.


There were six of them right on the side of the road chewing the cud. Im sitting on the bike taking this photo. We talked for a bit, they asked me to keep eating chicken and always by textile gear. Just a bit down the road I came across the family swim hole (still part of this farm where the cow were)

I only wish Magilla was with me so I could get him to slide down this one! Now from here I dont have any more photos of the next 2 items on this road. Which by the way is a fun road, I will be back on it come summer time! The first was a miniature pony tied up in a driveway, inches from the street. I pulled over to talk with him but my camera would work and he was pretty nervous seeing me.

The next one really blew my mind. Around the corner I come up to a one legged man walking down the road. Now that's not really that odd, I've seen plenty of handicapped people before. But when your on a road in the middle of nowhere, and the only thing you've seen is some cows, a slide in river and a horse tied up in a driveway and no other houses for a few miles then thats odd.

At the end of the road I pulled over to put some new batteries in my camera. And thats when it happened. But first I must explain a little. As I headed north I was noticing alot more snow on the side of the road, and in some of the shady spots even ice.

I must have not been paying attention the way I should have been being out this time of year. Before I knew it I hit some ice and ended up on the ground! I didnt hurt anything other than my pride, good thing no one was looking.



I was backing up getting ready to take a photo of this cool bridge when I slipped and fell. I was thinking of riding thru the gate and parking under the bridge for a good photo shot, but I decided against it


So be careful walking out there guys, watch your step!

One of the roads I was one led me to one of the best twisty roads in this area. Eastford/Westford rd connects those two towns. And what a road it is. Many of my friends have followed me on this road! I had to check it out. That was a mistake. Seems these two towns really keep know how to sand!


From here I grabbed another back road that led me to Route 89. From here I used route 190 in Union to get me to Route 171/197 thru Bigelow Hollow State Forest.

This is another great motorcycle road in the area. There are a couple of sections on route 197 that reminds me of some of the roads Ive been on down in TN. Although these sections are short, they are fun. It was getting late in the day so the roads were wet and looked slippery. I took it easy thru here


As I approached the MA/CT line I had to stop at the flag barn. Ive seen so many photo's of NERd's parked here I just want one of my own. I walked around back to ask the owner if it was okay to do so. I got the okdokie!


This is the first one I've seen with a big pile of snow!

[JimC]

From here I made my way to I395 in Webster and headed north towards home. I made a quick stop at Wagner BMW/Ducati/Moto Guzzi/Aprilla to just walk around. And to let those guys know you can still get out and enjoy your bike in January.

When I got home Michelle and the kids were still out shopping. I was able to pour myself a tall glass of 7up & Southern Comfort, put my feet up and enjoy a few moments relaxing.

Over all I rode around 200 miles, the temp never got over 44 degrees for the day, but my gerbins kept me warm and happy. The bike is parked now, the weather man says winter returns this weekend. I guess I gotta get the plow back on the truck and wait for the February thaw!

[Bill_Anderson]

Thanks for the report and photos. I am amazed at how a familiar road turns into an entirely new ride when the leaves are off the trees. You can see things behind the trees that you can never see when they are in full foliage.

The little bit on Samuel Huntington was interesting. My mother once told me that we had a distant relative who signed the Declaration of Independence and I believe it was Samuel Huntington.

[rickmillertx]

I really enjoyed your report and photos. You are riding in a part of the country I'll probably never be able to ride myself so it is fun to share your experience.

[ibppjr]

Nice story and great photos. I haven't been on the bike for four months now and this kind of report really gets me ready to go.

I've read that blueberry muffin lip balm will help increase your corner speed...I'm sure that Stoner uses the stuff.