Desire Comes Before the Ride

Google Maps, My Go To Distraction

The desire to ride is nearly constant. It would descend into obsession if not for age, wisdom, and experience working together to manage neatly into my life. And usually the desire to ride runs far ahead of any plan and while others might spend time watching the news or prowling social media to relax I turn to Google Maps to investigate the world to transform desire into a ride.

That’s how I found myself adding gas to the Himalayan, a man with a plan.

Rationalization and Reality

The glow of pine needles on the ground at Bear Meadows was a magnetic draw for this old photographer. And so many memories of this place. Over 50 years ago I stood here on a frozen, near zero New Year’s morning with an old girlfriend about to set off across the ice. I plunged through into waist deep water but she urged me on telling me my pants would soon freeze and I would be dry and warm up as we hiked. I’m still not sure if her logic or body kept me going but she was right. And it was an adventure in every manner your imagination might take you.

And here I was now, still on an adventure, grateful for whatever rationalization gets me onto the bike.

Clear Water and Clearer Memories

Bear Meadows holds a wealth of experience for me from seeing rattlesnakes and snapping turtles to spending time with Kim before going to work. We would drive here before sunrise, she would sit on an old observation platform and write in her journal while I wandered with my camera.

So many fine memories. And I’m glad I’m still making them now.

Thoughts on the Royal Enfield Himalayan 411

It took me a while to fully appreciate the Himalayan. It’s lack of high speed capabilities or a sixth gear never bothered me. I was concerned though with the rides it urged me to take. I love to explore and together we’ve traveled trails that were not the smart choice for someone my age or skill. Eventually I found the wisdom to navigate between childish exuberance and good sense.

And now the bike allows me to drink in these wonderful roads that traverse central Pennsylvania’s fields and forests. Autumn is here and I’m grateful to witness its arrival on a cool, crisp morning.

Autumn Light

The quality of light changes in autumn. The angle is different from summer and I swear things shimmer differently in the woods. Riding along I could not help but stare. How fortunate I am to recognize the change. And to have the opportunity to be out in the world to see it.

Sunlight

One of the aspects of riding here is how closed in you can feel with only occasional breaks in the tree canopy. I stopped at this small bridge to have a sense of how far away the next mountain ridge I would cross. For riders with GPS mounted on the bars you always know what’s up ahead and how long until you get there. For someone like me, there’s a lot of unknowns at times so I have to resort to old school techniques of navigation — memory, intuition, and dumb luck.

When I got back on the bike I saw another motorcycle approaching — a rider on a CF Moto Ibex 450 adventure bike. He was fully kitted out and was tackling section 7 of the Mid-Atlantic BDR. We discussed the road ahead since I was familiar with that section and he quizzed me on the expert section near Penns View. I told him it was rough and rocky and that I had ridden it on my Vespa GTS and the Honda Trail 125 but I wouldn’t attempt it on the Himalayan.

It’s strange how few riders I ever meet in these woods. So many great riding opportunities and seldom a soul around.

Falling Leaves

The leaves are just beginning to change colors and fall. In two weeks they’ll all be on the ground. The change is sudden and I can feel winter looming ahead. And I made a mental adjustment to remember the change in road traction this time of year.

On a Clear Day You Can See for Miles and Miles

I came from the other side of the mountain in the distance. And would soon me crossing another. Thanks to the power company there’s an opportunity to see how small I am in the world. And a crystal clear morning makes it easy to glimpse my little world.

I Thought of Snow White

Riding up the mountain I passed this little cabin. They’re privately owned and often on leased land from the Bureau of Forestry. Some have been in families for generations. This one was pretty cool looking so I turned around and went back for a better look. Seems it’s a place used by the “Over the Hill Gang.” At the peak of the cabin the marker indicates “5C168 Logan Forest” as the parcel registration and the lease owner being the Allensville Hunting Club. The Logan State Forest was merged into Rothrock State Forest back in 1953 so this place has been around for a while.

History aside, I just thought at any moment I might see seven dwarves marching out the front door and off to work.

I have no control over the thoughts that come into my head.

View from Stone Mountain

Every vista requires a stop to survey the world. There’s a lot of hawk watching here and an observation area a few hundred yards off the road. Someday I may wander up there but not today. My stomach was already screaming for breakfast and I have begun to question the wisdom of riding for a couple hours in the morning on an empty stomach.

Amish Country

Descending off the mountain on the old Allensville Road brought me squarely into Big Valley, an area with many Amish farms and businesses. All the riding from this point forward would be on pavement with occasional swerves to avoid horse shit. By the time I hit the main road I was only 20 miles from my breakfast destination. I had two choices, one conventional to the point of tedium, and the other a rare opportunity for a beloved culinary treat. I chose the treat.

A Very Plain Palate

I’ve loved Arby’s roast beef sandwiches since my mother introduced me to them when the first appeared in Western Pennsylvania in the spring of 1967. Back then it was a real roast of beef sliced thin. But even now they still have the same flavor despite being some sort of processed meat. Healthy? I don’t care. I just felt a trip down memory lane was the perfect way to cap a wonderful ride before hitting the 65 MPH road home.

Two classic roast beef sandwiches. No sauce.

Seventy miles on the Himalayan on a crisp autumn morning. A fine way to clear the mind, satisfy the body, and recharge those emotional batteries for whatever might come along.