First Ever Poker Run

Earlier this spring I did my very first "Blessing of The Bikes" event. In all my years of riding, it just never worked out to be able to attend one. Today was another first, a benefit poker run.

Flyer from today's event

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I left the house at 09:00 to meet the guys at 09:30, but I ended up arriving 10 minutes late. Today was the day that state DOT decided to fix all the road washouts from the recent flash flooding in my area. I got stuck at no less than 7 active flagged construction zones with one lane alternating traffic. Not until I got well west of my hometown did I have a clear ride. We didn't hang around long because the other two guys had not yet had their morning coffee. I did at home, and had a thermos of hot java in the trunk of "The Beast." A quick ride to the DD a few miles away and the other guys were all set and I enjoyed a second cup of my own brew. We set out for the ride from Manchester to Deep River on 2-lane state roads, no interstates. The ride was pleasant and uneventful.

The Sobieski Club is a Polish-American Club, not a motorcycle club. The parking lot is a fucking nightmare for big heavy bikes like mine or the Harley full-dressers, because it is gravel on an incline. I dropped "The Beast" on her crash bars in a flat gravel lot a few weeks ago just standing still, I was hoping NOT to have a repeat performance. Close, with some slippage under foot, but no drop. We got ourselves registered and some refreshments and headed out to the first stop. We decided to hit the closest one first, The Rusty Rail Cafe.

For those unfamiliar (as was I before this poker run), here is how it works. Pay your entry fee, sign the obligatory waiver, and get your score sheet and a wristband. I also bought raffle tickets and entered them for the prizes I was interested in. At each stop you draw a physical playing card from a shuffled deck and it gets recorded by contest officials on your score card. You go to each stop once and in whatever order your riding group chooses. The game ends at a set time and you return to the starting point to receive your final card and turn in your score sheet. I was on my way to a straight; with a 5 of clubs, 8 of spades, and 9 of diamonds, with two more stops to go hoping for a 6 and a 7. Nope, at the fourth stop I picked the fucking Jack of diamonds, making my hand garbage. We received our final card at the Sobieski Club which was a 3 of something but at that point I didn't care anymore. I just wanted to eat.

When we left at noon there was no pig cooking, so we assumed there would be one of those pig roasting trailers that restaurants or caterers will bring in, and VOLIA! piggy is served. Nope... they cooked it themselves and got a very late start. Instead of eating at 5 PM, they didn't start cutting up Mr. Piggy until 6:45PM. I wanted to be well on my way home by then. We scarfed some down and hit the road. Since it was just me and my bud with his Goldwing, we were going to just hop on the interstate and do a high speed cruise home. Getting to the highway was tricky. The road the GPS initially wanted us to take was closed until August 25th with a bridge out. The next road we tried started out good, But we stopped pretty quick when the road suddenly ended in a huge puddle of unknown depth across the entire road, and the road beyond that was a dirt road mess. We tuned around and went up to road #3 and this time got over to the highway with no issue. By this time the sun was getting lower in the sky, so we pulled over on the entrance ramp to deploy hoodies. It was cool but tolerable in t-shirts on the back roads, but would be too chilly at 80 MPH. We split up on I-91 north where he continued on towards home and I veered off  to head east on I-84. I had to make one quick stop at the bank to hit the ATM and replenish my cash. I ended the day with 215 miles on the trip meter and an aching butt. I will sleep good tonight!

Good Ride, But A Wet One

I say if you're never donning the rain gear on the side of the road in order to get where you're going without getting totally soaked, you don't ride enough. Either that, or you are an unprepared knucklehead that deserves to get wet. My Frogg Toggz raingear got deployed this afternoon for the ride home and kept me nice and dry. Don't get me wrong, I am not hard core enough to be venturing out in a rainstorm or doing a long distance road trip where a rainy travel day becomes necessary. But missing out on a whole day of riding because of the chance of isolated showers doesn't make much sense to me. I have plenty of storage space, so the raingear is always in my right saddlebag.

The ride started out like normal. I filled up with fuel before getting to our meet up spot. Hazy sun off and on and temps in the mid 70's made me ditch my sweatshirt once I got parked. The restaurant we normally get breakfast sammiches from is closed for vacation until tomorrow, so I had to settle for the microwave version from 7-11. The sammich wasn't terrible and the date thing is just a coinky-dink. The planned ride was to head for the northwest corner of the state to the town of Falls Village for a town wide car/truck/motorcycle show. It was KSU about 10:15 and there were 9 bikes hitting the road. This group tends to minimize interstate miles, so we did a short run on I-84 west to get across the river and onto RT.44 over Avon Mountain. A quick stop at the Cumberland Farms in Winsted for coffee and fuel and we were off to our final destination. I was thinking there would be no stops, but we're an older crowd, so...

Apparently, the town roads of Falls Village are where the show happens. Through traffic is blocked except for show vehicles and open to spectators on foot. We were allowed in on our bikes and parked at the post office which was closed for Sunday. Even though the skies were kinda gloomy, we viewed lots of show vehicles. Then it was time for lunch. The local VFW had a grill tent set up with hotdogs and hamburgers for cheap. That's when the sprinkles started off and on. Just enough to get things slightly wet, but after the 3rd round was when the guys without rain gear wanted to leave to try and get ahead of the rain. Shortly after they left the show cars started their exodus, and that's when my Goldwing bud and I also made our exit. I keep a good sized white towel in the left saddlebag for two reasons. First, as a cover for my seat when the sun is blazing. The seat is black and gets wicked hot and the white towel keeps it cool. Second, like today when I can quickly wipe it dry from rain. I let a Harley rider that was leaving the same time we were use it to dry his seat. Kinda guy I am.

We only got a few miles up on RT. 7 when it became obvious we were gonna need our rain gear. We pulled into a parking lot to put it on. I had my doubts whether it was necessary, but those doubts went away as we headed east on RT.44. Through Canaan, Norfolk, and Colebrook it was light steady rain. Then we hit Winsted where the rain got harder and was absolutely pouring just east of town. Not only was the rain a problem, but the temperature dropped into the 60's thanks to the rain. Another benefit of raingear. Some of the riders in our group only had shorts and t-shirts. Once we got into Canton that was pretty much the end of it. The rest of the ride was uneventful. As I got closer to home I got a hankering for ice cream, and got some at a place that sells locally made Shady Glen brand. There are plenty of places to get soft serve, but I am not a fan or 4 years old, and that's just not ice cream.

THAT Looks Like Fun!

As my regular readers know I am a long time biker, and my current ride, "The Beast" is a big honkin' Honda Goldwing GL1800. The 1800 isn't just a random model number, it is rounded down from 1832 meaning CC's in engine displacement. It is basically a six cylinder 1.8L fuel injected car engine.

But a post from fellow blogger Tam highlights a full kit that adds a 2-stroke gas motor to a bicycle. It makes a motorbike that looks reminiscent of one of those early H-D or Indian motorcycles that were basically motorized bicycles anyway.

While I do love cruising on my Goldwing, putting one of those kits on a bicycle would be terrifyingly fun. In Kommiecticut, as long as your engine is smaller than 50cc, the only regulation is the driver must be older than 16 with a valid drivers license.

More @ Books Bikes Broomsticks

Making Bobby Flay's Spicy Pickles

From his recipe on the Food Network website. 

My sister-in-law had made a batch of spicy hot pickle chips a few months ago and gave us a jar. I really enjoyed them and wanted more. I came across Bobby Flay's recipe online and finished gathering the fresh ingredients today. It was an excuse to take "The Beast" out for a spin to the grocery store.

The vinegar based pickling brew cooling to room temperature before adding dill and cilantro

Chopping up the dill. Recipe calls for 3 tablespoons. The cilantro waits in the background

Sliced mini cucumber chips in a brand new 1 quart Mason Jar. I sliced them thinner than called for

The finished product ready for four days in the fridge. Ready to eat on Saturday

Since it was a nice warm afternoon I had the house windows open. While I was finishing up I heard gunfire from up in the woods, most likely coming from my good neighbor's range. Funny thing is it is over the hill behind Bitchy McBitchy Bitchface's house, but definitely close enough to hear well and she can't do a fuckin' thing about it. She was home too, and I'll bet seething with anger. I sent a text to see if it was him. The exchange went like this:

Me: "I hear the sounds of FREEDOM!"

Me: "I hope it is pissing off and freaking out my gun hatin' neighbor

Him: "Ha. How do Pal?"

Me: "Good. Thinking about going to the range later this week. Just gonna shoot .22 pistols. Got a few thousand rounds, so plenty."

Him: "Nice. Availability is getting better. Prices still high. Enjoy"

I'm not exactly sure what day I'll go. Supposed to be possibly severe stormy weather tomorrow afternoon and I have a couple of things I want to do beforehand. It's also going to be a scorcher and I don't find shooting pleasant with sweat dripping in my eyes. Thursday or Friday looks more promising and while at the club I need to sign up for working at the annual clambake in July.

Blessing of The Bikes New London, Kommiecticut

Yesterday was the Blessing of The Bikes event held at the waterfront in New London, Kommiecticut sponsored by the New London M/C. It was a scorcher but relief came in the form of a stiff sea breeze off the cool waters of Long Island Sound. Because the Patriot Guard had a booth with a tent, we spent a good amount of time there, and I did my normal "aggressive" recruiting tactics. More on that later. It ran from 11-3 and we got down there a little before 11. Parking the bikes was a bit of a cluster but patience won out and everyone got parked so no one got locked in and could easily leave at any time.

Looking down the main drag of the piers where we were parked. There were lots more parked all over

None of my riding associates belong to any clubs, but there were lots of clubs represented there and everybody was polite to each other. Including the supposedly baddest of the bad The Hell's Angels. I have been at several events where they attend, and they ALWAYS behave themselves. But then, who in their right mind is going to go fuck with them? I am sure there was a proliferation of carried weapons, yours truly included, but amazingly as usual at these events there were no incidents of any kind. Armed polite society as the saying goes, unlike the shootings and other assorted violent crimes that occurred in the urban jungles around the state this past weekend. To prove the violence is more cultural or geographical and not a racial issue, there were plenty of black and brown people at this event, including clubs that were predominantly minority members. When everyone shares a passion like motorcycles, there is no reason for animosity and blatant racism is not present.

There were plenty of bike related vendors and food trucks. The New London MC was expecting 2000 bikes and I'll bet the number was higher. Getting food was pretty easy as the lines moved fast. We ate at Bear's BBQ which always has great food. A little expensive, but a huge portion. I got their brisket burnt ends served up in what they called a "Mac Attack." A layer of cornbread, a layer of their delicious Mac-n-Cheese, and then the meat. I slathered it in their sweet Kansas City sauce and washed it down with a bottle of water.

The view from where we sat and ate. It's the line for Supreme Hotdog. The Army patch is on my bud's back.

After lunch, we walked around and scoped out the vendors. The only thing we bought were event t-shirts being sold by the New London M/C. We brought them back to our bikes and moved the bikes up closer where lots of parking had been vacated. It got us 1/4 mile closer. We then ducked under the PGR tent for shade. About my recruiting tactics... most of the time when a PGR table is set up, those manning the table just sit and wait to be approached. Not me. I grab a handful of brochures and head out to the main walkway and hand them out. I explain to people how easy membership is and what the minimum requirements are... respect for the flag, the fallen, and their families, THAT'S IT! People are surprised that there is no meetings, dues, initiation, veteran or motorcycle requirement. Sign up with your email address, receive the mission alerts, and show up if you can. No one will ever bust your balls if you can't show up all the time or end up having to drop out. Every mission has a briefing so everyone knows where to go and what to do. Experienced members will help you with the military honor and parade commands if you didn't serve and don't know them. I hope my efforts pay off.

Looking towards the vendor area and the band stage. The large brick building is the New London train station.

I am sure any Branch Covidians will think this was one of those dreaded "super-spreader" events, because OMG... there were a couple thousand unmasked people breathing free and not caring whether you got the jab or not. There was also no social distancing, as people greeted each other with handshakes and hugs. But then, this Chink Bug was a "PLANDEMIC" not a pandemic, and the tyrants with their lockdowns had to give up the emergency power before it was "taken" from them by force.

Benefit Motorcycle Cruise 5-1-2021

Organized by the Murdercycles MC chapter out of Manchester, CT to benefit the family of Willie Cooper, who was killed on his bike on Friday November 27, 2020. He had just left Rackers Billiards on RT. 83 in Vernon headed home, and 1/2 mile down the road got taken out by a driver that turned left in front of him to go down Thrall Road. He was a Goldwing rider as well, supposedly a pretty red older one in nice condition. A link to the news story from the local NBC affiliate is below.

https://www.nbcconnecticut.com/news/local/crews-at-scene-of-serious-injury-crash-in-vernon/2371672/

This was my first group ride and first benefit ride of the season. There were around 40 bikes, of which the majority were the Murdercycles MC members & prospects. $20 per rider and since it was chilly yesterday morning, I was riding solo. Staging was at 09:30 at the commuter lot just off I-84 exit 67 in Vernon. We put rubber to the road at 10:30. The ride went north on RT.31 to RT. 30. One of the Manchester Sunday morning bunch I ride with had his girlfriend snapping photos on the ride. This was approaching the traffic light at RT. 30

That is yours truly on the Goldwing on the immediate left.

 

Up to RT. 30 east where it turned into RT.74 east into Willington and then north on RT. 320 until it ended and became Turnpike Road. We followed Turnpike Road until we hit RT. 89 in Ashford and headed south to RT. 44. We went west the short distance on RT. 44 until we hit the Xtra Mart/Dunkin' Donuts where we all pulled in for coffee, snacks, and a pee break. The photos below were the two biggest groups of parked bikes and riders. Since there were other customers parked there, some of the other bikes were parked 2 or 3 together.

No masks and no social distancing among the freedom loving biker crowd! Masks on in the store only.

The break was over and we saddled up to head down RT. 44 west. We took it to the split of RT. 6 west and followed that a short distance to the junction of RT. 85, but turned right up Cider Mill Road and then onto Lake Street to head back for Vernon. We crossed RT. 30 at Dobson Road to get out to RT. 83. RT. 83 is two lanes in both directions, and we turned north to head to the accident scene where Willie was killed. We took up both northbound lanes and did a slow ride up to Thrall Road. At Thrall Road was the Harley salute... rev the engine with open pipes. Just ahead on the left was a vacant parking lot directly across from Rackers. That is where we all parked and hung out for a while, with more loud revs and a couple of guys doing smoke shows. The Murdercycles members went across to Rackers, where they were continuing the event with a charity pool tournament. I hung out a little longer and left with everyone else going our separate ways.

On the way home I saw a friends Dad outside doing yard work so I stopped in. I had not seen Rich in well over a year because of Chink Bug cancelling all the events we normally see each other at. I was at his place for over an hour and it was really good to see him. Since my Dad has passed on, I tend to use other peoples Dads as a substitute to talk to older guys of a certain age, even though Rich is probably only 10-15 years older than I am. But he has been around the block a few times.

First Official Ride of Spring

Because the winter riding season that was very limited this year IS OVER!!

I got out on "The Beast" for a couple of hours this afternoon. Bright sun and blue sky with temps in the low 60's. I did a loop on two lane state roads through Windham and New London counties. RT. 44 to RT.101. Then south on RT. 169 ( a well known scenic biker road) through Brooklyn, Canterbury, Lisbon, and into the Taftville section of Norwich. From there I started back north on RT. 97 (another well known scenic biker road that runs all the way up into MA.) through Baltic and Scotland and then some twisty back roads I know through Chaplin towards home. I was streaming iHeart70s Radio on my cell phone plugged into the audio port of the Goldwing's sound system and had the sound at a pleasing level to me in my helmet (meaning it was cranked up!) I ended up doing about 65 miles which is fine since no one else was able to join me. I can't bust their balls though, because my adventure was truly spur of the moment/last minute. I did invite my wife to go, but she declined. I can't say as I blame her, since the food and ice cream stands aren't open yet and I didn't actually have a destination. That and the fact it is not 80 degrees out yet, its still a little cool for her.

Bummed

Because I love cold weather motorcycling, but not in wintry weather. My driveway is all snow covered because I use a snowblower and the driveway is gravel. The roads are all sloppy and covered in the sand/salt mix from the storm that pulled out of here last night. So this is where "The Beast" remains, as it has since right after the New Years Day ride.

 

A full tank of treated gas. Hooked up to the Battery Tender smart charger. Up on the center stand and a homemade oak front fork stand to keep the weight off the brand new tires. And finally covered up with a full cover from Wingstuff.com to keep the dust off. The garage door opener for the bike is locked out so no one accidentally opens the door and lets a blizzard in.

My biker bud and I have been out at least once a month since April 2019. It is looking like we will have to miss out on February.