Rain or no rain, we're outta here!

Outside temperature was 38 degrees, wind gusts: 20-30MPH, "passing showers", perfect riding weather right? Not exactly, but this is Upstate New York, if we waited for "perfect" riding weather we'd never ride! Besides we had places to go and people to see.

Our destination was Winchester, VA to meet up with a few (200+) Goldwing riders and do some riding and socializing. The first big trip of the season and we were packed and ready to ride, the weather be damned!

We bundled up, saddled up and hit the road around 10am. Our theory was, if we don our raingear, it won't rain. Ok, it was only a theory, but it was worth a shot. And it worked for the most part, besides the raingear served double duty in that it helped keep us warm too.

The weathermen actually got this forecast right for a change when they said passing showers, they weren't kidding. One minute we'd be riding under blue skies and sunshine, but we could see large black clouds on either side threatening to get us wet, then we'd make a turn and head into the showers for a brief instant then ride out of them. If I didn't know better I'd say our GPS, the Lowrance IWAY 500c was heading us right into the showers on purpose! I will say though, after having ridding in torrential downpours and thunderstorms, the rain we saw on this trip was nothing more than an inconvenience.

Our route took us on the due south, Rt 390 south to Rt 15 winding our way through the hills of Pennsylvania and picking up Rt 81 in Harrisburg and right into Winchester. I'd forgotten what a pretty ride Rt 15 is from just south of the NY state line to Williamsport, PA. It's a nice 4 lane divided highway with graceful sweeping curves winding their way through the rolling hills of Northern Pennsylvania. We definately have to take this ride in the fall, it has to be absolutely gorgeous when the colors are in bloom.

As we got further south the wind picked up and boy was that fun, especially driving around the big trucks on Rt81. One minute you're riding along minding your own business and the next a blast of wind grabs the bike and sends it sliding into the next lane which is usually already occupied by some sort of traffic. It's nerve racking enough for the rider but as a passenger it's very unsettling because you're totally helpless to do anything. I can see my husband leaning the bike into the wind, trying desperately to bring the bike back into the lane, soI just hold my breath and fight every urge I have to "help" lean the bike! It makes for quite an interesting ride and really cuts into my nap time.

By the time we got to Winchester, the rain was gone and the sun was out and stayed out for the rest of the weekend, to our great delight. It was still a little gusty but that wasn't much of an issue. We were staying a the Courtyard by Marriott in Winchester, Va. Great hotel, great service and our discounted room rates included breakfast every morning. At most hotels that usually means bagels and sweet rolls, but not here. Breakfast included everything, waffles, hot and cold cereal, fruit, scrambles eggs, bacon, sausage, home fries, biscuits and gravy and an omelet station, all at no extra charge. What a deal!

The manager even provided a water hose out back so we could wash our bikes. Goldwingers are very particular about keeping their wings clean when they ride. I'm not sure why, they just get dirty again. Personally I think it's a guy thing, it gives them a chance to hang out and discuss oil changes and crush washers.

After checking into the hotel and unpacking, it was time to relax and socialize with old friends and meet new ones as groups continued to arrive from all over the region as the night wore on. We even had one rider all the way from Hawaii!!

Later, we ventured out for some dinner. We headed into town in search of a place to eat. We stumbled across a Texas Steakhouse, now normally we try to stay away from chain restaurants when we're traveling, but since we don't have any Texas Steakhouse's in New York we thought we'd give it a try. It turned out to be an excellent choice, I'll post a review later.

After dinner we headed back to the hotel for an evening of socializing and story telling. It's become a tradition at these events that we all gather in the parking lot in the evening, enjoy some adult beverages and socialize. It's alot of fun and we've made some great friends over the years.

Next: Our trip to California SideCar company and Skyline Drive

What's motorcycle touring without a great trailer!

So we're busy getting ready for our first motorcycle trip of the season. 4 fun filled days in Winchester, VA with 150 or so of our Goldwing friends. I thought I'd show you what has quickly become our favorite travel accessory our Aluma MCT Trailer. In fact, we just finished lining it with carpet to give it a more finished look. First the story behind this little gem.

Back in 2003, when we first got our Goldwing, my husband was looking for a utility trailer for his business, we were out for a ride and stopped into a local trailer dealership. After looking at the utility trailers we were on our way back to the bike when we spotted a small motorcycle trailer in front of the showroom. We went over to take a look. It was white with aluminum trim, it was boxy and clunky looking and not very aerodynamic at all.

We both decided that it was probably the ugliest thing we had ever seen compared to other trailers we had looked at. It was nothing like the sleek, low profile, "painted to match the bike" trailers we'd previously looked at by companies like Bushtec , Hannigan and Tailwind. We left thinking "who in their right mind would own one of those." You know what they say, never say never!

Fast forward 3 years and we're now the proud owner of one of those "ugly" Aluma trailers (also affectionately referred to as a hot dog cart for obvious reasons), go figure! After seeing them in use up close and personal, and talking to the very happy owners, we decided it fit our needs and budget. Besides the look actually grows on you. Aluma trailers have developed almost a cult following in the Goldwing community and after owning one I can see why. They are a great value for the money, for around $1700 you get 13.4 cu. ft. of cargo room which may not sound like much but you can get quite a bit of stuff in this little gem.

The trailer is very customizable to fit your needs, plus, you can easily also strap some items to the top for extra storage. It pulls easily down the road and it's completely waterproof (don't ask how I know, that's a whole other story!). Having a trailer has changed the way we travel. For the first 3 years we had the bike we it was always quite a ritual to get everything we needed in the bike especially if the trip was more than a couple of days. The limited space on a motorcycle, yes even on a Goldwing, really teaches you how to travel light and pack only the bare necessities. You quickly realize that one pair of jeans really can last you more than 1 day so you decide that "wear a pair and pack a pair" goes a long way. No matter how light you pack, it seems there's always something you end up leaving behind...ok, maybe I just forgot it!

Now we have plenty of room for all of our necessities, not that we over-pack, but we take what we need, plus folding chairs for post ride BS sessions in the parking lot, rain gear, covers for the bike, extra helmets and a cooler for cold beverages and snacks. We never have to worry about getting everything to fit. We even have room for souveniors. Here are some things we've learned in the 2 years we've been pulling a trailer behind our Goldwing:

• If it's pouring rain and you need to turn right at a steeply inclined intersection, don't stop on the incline, continue around the corner until you can safely stop on a level surface.
• A swivel hitch will allow the bike to lay down with out affecting the trailer (don't ask!).
• When traveling with others who do not have a trailer and swear they will never pull a trailer, always leave room for some of their stuff it'll end up in your trailer.
• Always pack the Corona and Captain Morgan(for above mentioned parking lot BS sessions) first and be sure it is secured before anything else.
• Just because it will if in the trailer, doesn't mean you have to take it.
• The flat surface on top makes a great serving area for cocktails, snacks, and yes even hot dogs!

As an added bonus, my husband has even found a way to use the trailer in our home heating & cooling business. During air conditioning season he hitches the trailer up loaded with his service tools and performs air conditioning cleanings on the bike. It's quite a conversation piece and gets much better gas mileage than his service van!

Parks, lakes and of course ice cream!

It was a beautiful, sunny, warmer than usual for this time of year, day. Perfect for a nice leisurely ride around the countryside. You didn't have to ask me twice, let's go!

First stop, Mendon Ponds Park, this is the largest park in Monroe County, NY and nice place to ride or picnic and take in the local "wild life" which usually consists of several large herds of deer. If you cruise through the park at dusk, keep your eyes open because you never know when you're going to round a corner only to be met by Bambi and her entourage! The park was just awakening from it's winter slumber. The picnic tables were still stacked neatly near the pavillions and the last shaded mounds of snow were finally giving way to the matted grass below. Not alot of activity in the park a few joggers and some picnicers but mostly pretty quiet.

After a nice ride through the park, we decided to head out to take a ride around one of the Finger Lakes, we weren't sure which one but we'd know it when we got there. That's pretty much how most of our rides go. Head out the driveway, pick a direction and go. Fortunately the GPS is usually pretty good a helping us find our way home.

It really was a beautiful spring day, the sun shining brightly, warming the air just enough to make me comfortable in my leather jacket. We ended up riding around Conesus Lake. Conesus is one of the smaller of the FingerLakes it's located at the western end of the Finger Lakes region in Lakeville, NY. The lake is 8 Mi long and 66 feet deep at it's deepest point.

We always enjoy riding around the Finger Lakes Region, the roads are nice and curvy, and the scenery especially in the fall is breathtaking.

As we made our way around the lake, all around us were signs that spring was here. People were out in their yards clearing away the last vestiges of winter, and preparing their cottages for what I'm sure everyone hopes is a nice, long hot summer. Winter around here is just too long!

We know several people who live on the lake but none were home so we rode on planning our next destination, which was a no brainer, we simply can't take a ride around Conesus Lake with out visiting one of our favorite stops Minnehan's.

Minnehan's is a nice little restaurant that also offers, an arcade, mini golf, a go cart track and the main reason we go....ice cream. You see, as Goldwing owners, required that after every ride we must stop for ice cream. The owners manual specifies Dairy Queen, but since those are practically non existent around here, we've received an exclusion to include any establishment that serves the sweet, frozen treat. So Minnehan's it was. If you're ever in the area check it out, it's a great place to take the kids too!

By the time we finished the ice cream, I was sufficiently chilled from the inside out. I didn't care though it was worth it! But it was getting late and time to head home, the back way of course!

What a great day and a perfect way to start the season.

See ya all next time!