Gang -
My current ride, a 2007 Triumph America (pictured below) is just too big, heavy, long and low slung to put on the bridge deck of a Selene, hence the new Scrambler 1200 (which I can’t wait to ride anywhere, but especially in the Mexican desert). The America is in showroom condition and is a comfortable cruiser that will stay home and be here for me when I am on the Northern Neck of Virginia. She has a full windshield, panniers and luggage rack, floorboards, and is ready to just go.
The Northern Neck where we “land live” and Middle Peninsula to the south are wonderful cruising areas with lots of rural and farm land, water everywhere, wineries, oyster and fish houses, historic sites and places to ride. The roads are uncrowded and you only need to look out for farm equipment, deer, turkeys, pick up trucks with gun racks, and the occasional Amish buggy drawn by horse. George Washington’s mother grew up on our street and George was actually named after his mother’s uncle who raised her about 200 yards from our place. Her old home place is gone but an outbuilding remains and a newer home, maybe 100 years old or so, stands where the old place did. GW was born a ways up Historyland Highway and was baptized in historic Yeocomico Church (Episcopal) just a bicycle ride away from our home here on The Rivah’. This is paradise, pretty much a time capsule from the 50’s.
I would love to plan a cruise or some day trips with some Gang members this fall, maybe before or after Thanksgiving. Terry has bilateral knee surgery next week and there will be lots of at home time for us over the next few months. Our oldest daughter Sarah moves in Tuesday to take care of Mom (and hopefully Dad) for a while. If like minded riders want to plan a get together, there are a couple of rental properties (owned by friends) on my street that I can reserve and use as home base. They are nice 3 and 4 bedroom cottages right on the Potomac River and the views are perfect. Spouses and partners can come and ride two up or hang out on the docks and beaches. Fall at the Rivah is awesome! If you want to Google Earth the area and address, we are at 3162 Skipjack Road, Kinsale, VA 22488. The Urbanna Oyster Festival is November 7-8 and is lots of fun, but very crowded. The weather stays warm here by the water well into December, but then the cool stuff arrives. We will be here all winter as Terry recovers.
I have not bought new gear since 2007, so I need boots (old ones fell apart), helmet (cool new stuff out there) and comm system (The America has none and will be upgraded). Roger N. (Clearly a gear freak) recommended some awesome stuff and Chelsea at MotoRichmond endorsed his picks, so the new gear includes a Shoei RE-1400 helmet in Basalt Grey to match the Scrambler, a PackTalk Edge Comm system with JBL speakers with 2nd helmet kit bundle, and an X-Grip iPhone holder to mount on the bars. This new gear is slick and the helmet is very light compared to my current 3/4 and 1/2 HJC helmets from yesteryear. Does anyone have a recommendation for new boots? Something you love, either cruising or classic, not adventure?
Easy Ridin’ Jack
Jack Burgess, Shangri-La 5388 and 6047