Harley Rides Like The Wind

Eight State Ride 2014

2014-05-28T10:26:00.000-07:00

2600 miles + Eight states + 1992 Honda CB 750 = One Great Ride

My dream to take the bike on the Blue Ridge Parkway came true, along with loads of scenery and the ride of a lifetime! Andi and I packed up the bike and had awesome weather the whole way. Take a look at the pics and you will see Kentucky, North Carolina, Florida, and Tennessee (South Carolina and Georgia served more as a conduit than a destination, at least on this trip!)

The Blue Ridge Mountains, from the Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina

one of the vistas not far after we got onto the Blue Ridge Parkway from Blowing Rock, NC

The Linn Cove Viaduct on the Blue Ridge Parkway

Treasure Coast Harley Davidson, Stuart, Florida, these people are awesome!

Had fun visiting brother-in law Bruce and his wife Alyssa in Stuart, Florida.

The lighthouse at Key Biscayne, Florida, off coast near Miami

Thank you, Treasure coast HD for letting my park my Honda in your parking lot!

The lighthouse in Jupiter, FL

Look close, my Honda is smiling!

Side trip to Lake Okeechobee

Port Mayaca Lock on Lake Okeechobee

The Lake has a trail around it

the pier at Jupiter Beach, FL

wind surfing at Jupiter Beach

Lake Nickajack, TN

on the edge of the Nickajack Dam, Tennessee River Gorge

Review: The Overlook & Walter's Pub

2013-10-13T17:08:00.004-07:00

Along the Ohio River the views are spectacular as you head 15 miles west of Corydon on scenic highway 62, but the real treat is The Overlook Restaurant. It sits atop a bluff, giving views of the Ohio River, Kentucky, and miles of hills. The view alone would be worth the drive or ride, and many people do make the drive, or ride, as the Overlook is family restaurant, biker destination, and pub, all rolled into one; but the food will keep you longing to return. Among the dinners, sandwiches, and salads, are some specialties. The fried chicken is incredible, as are the chicken livers, two of their specialties. But newer on the menu, the hand-cut, hand-breaded to order pork tenderloin is moist, tender, and has a very tasty seasoned breading. The desserts greet you at the door on your way in, and are delicious. The 'Death by Chocolate' cake is enough to kill, or should I say, serve, two; and is as decadent as it sounds. If you just want some flatbread pizza, a drink, or an outstanding BBQ pulled pork sandwich (comes with homemade chips,) sit out on the deck, Walter's Pub. The Overlook has something for everyone, and is one family restaurant that will never make bikers in their leathers feel out of place either in the restaurant or out side at Walter's Pub. The help makes everyone feel at home, so do make the journey to this gem of a destination!

Hoosier Burn Camp 2013 Ride

2013-05-29T13:08:00.002-07:00

It was a perfect day to ride 90 miles up to Brookston, IN from Anderson, IN for the Hoosier Burn Camp Visitor's Day at Camp Tecumseh. We headed West out Historic 8th Street before joining up with other bikers, and ABATE photographer Maelene Grenat, to ride into camp together with other bikers. The kids were lined up and waved to all of us as we rode through the camp. After we parked, then they rode on fire trucks to meet us. After the kids sang and did motions to camp songs, there were tours of the camp. There were many fireman there with equipment for the kids to see, and even some firehouse dogs! We saw where the kids stay, ride horses, swim, garden, and have all kind of fun in this week provided for them. The kids are burn victims ages 8-18. There were firetruck lifts to give kids a ride high in the air. I've wanted to see the camp, since it is where the funds have gone from the ABATE charity gearcheck which I've been privileged to volunteer for these last couple of years. The combination of kids, bikers, firemen and food was a great time for a great cause! Thanks to all who made this possible!

West Baden,French Lick Ride

2013-05-20T19:56:00.000-07:00

I've wanted to visit the French Lick/West Baden area for years, so we decided that it would be a great ride destination. Getting there from east central Indiana took us south and west on Indiana Highways 9 through Greenfield, 44 through Franklin, 37 past Bloomington, and 56 into the Hoosier Forrest. The hills, curves and forest make for excellent riding scenery. You will pass through the Limestone Capital of the world, Bedford Indiana, and you will know it by the signs and rock formation displays. The limestone mined around Bedford is of the quality that has made it good enough to be used in the Pentagon, the Empire State Building, the Builtmore Estate and the Washington National Cathedral.
Many have been draw toward this area of southwest Indiana over it's more than 100 years of rich history. The mineral springs were believed to be curative to bath in and drink. Several smaller hotels sprang up, but the two large hotels now standing, West Baden Springs Hotel, and French Lick Resort, are fully renovated and worth some time to stop and take a look to stretch your legs from the ride. Here's a bit of history. The 1855 Mile Lick Hotel burned in 1901, and was rebuilt at great cost in 1902 with the famous 'world's largest dome.' After the stock market crash in 1929, business declined and the hotel closed in 1932. In 1934 Jesuits bought the hotel for $1 and used it as a seminary until 1964. After years of neglect and attempts at preservation, it reopened in 2006-2007 as resort and casino.
You will definitely want to park in the designated motorcycle parking behind West Baden Springs Hotel and walk through the gardens and paths. Also, a short ride down the street is the French Lick Resort. Across the street is a square with restaurants, French Lick Harley Davidson store (no Harleys, except one on display) with T-shirts, other clothing and merchandise. We parked just beyond the square on Maple Street at a Bar and Grill called 22 Brink street, and enjoyed a pork chop dinner surrounded by sports memorabilia, including much from Larry Byrd. If you haven't had enough riding in by the time you've seen all this, take and extra loop through even more the Hoosier National Forrest by going around Patoka land and the hills and twists by taking 145 South, 164 West, 545 North and back on 56 East. This is the perfect ride and destination for lots of relaxing and getting away from it all, so you may want to take a few days here!

Review: Firehouse BBQ & Blues

2013-05-14T20:00:00.006-07:00

The Firehouse BBQ & Blues is quite the combination of food, atmosphere, and fun. It is housed in a two story 1860 Firehouse in the middle of old downtown Richmond, Indiana. Richmond firefighters Tom Broyles and Rick Bolen began the painstaking renovation of the building in 2009. The firehouse still has all kinds of nostalgic touches, including the fire pole (sorry, you can’t slide down it!) There’s a dining room with stage, where live music was playing the evening we were there. The bar is in the next section, and there is a 2^nd floor banquet hall just up an open antique oak stairway. The old building and atmosphere alone draw a crowd, but sit down and get ready for outstanding BBQ smoked on site in a traditional ‘low and slow’ method. The brisket was tender, juicy, with a great smoky flavor. The ribs were just as tender (fall off the bone tender) juicy and flavorful. I haven’t found better anywhere. You will want to go here several times, and get in on the other items: pulled pork, wings, wraps, BBQ chicken breasts, Jalapeno sausage, firehouse chili, loaded baked potatoes, salads, and homemade sides like cheesy potatoes, baked beans, scalloped cabbage, and potato salad. The Firehouse is also biker friendly. It has biker nights on some Tuesdays, with food and drink specials and a blues band. There were about 2-3 dozen bikes the night we were there, and the outside seating was the perfect place to meet and greet, while those not arriving on bikes tended to eat inside. All this is served up by a great friendly staff intent on making your time here so enjoyable, you’ll find yourself wanting to stay long and return soon. You can find the Firehouse at 400 North 8^th Street, Richmond Indiana, 47374. Open 11-9 Monday –Thursday; 11-12 Friday and Saturday, closed Sunday. Carry Out Available 765.488.0312

Review: Carol's Cornerstone Cafe

2013-03-10T16:07:00.006-07:00

Nostalgia surrounds the Historic National Road, US Highway 40, which cuts across the center of Indiana, and this is especially so at Carol’s Cornerstone Café. It’s located just two blocks east of the Hancock County courthouse in Greenfield, at Main Street (US 40) and Spring Street. The Antique cars, Gas Station signs, fireplace and memorabilia set the tone for a comfortable place to eat, relax, and even listen to homegrown gospel and bluegrass music on some evenings. The menu is large, the food reasonably priced, the evening buffet well stocked, and the help will make you feel at home. The fried chicken is juicy and tasty. As you can see from the picture, the tenderloin may not be huge, (it’s just right) but it’s obviously freshly cut, hand breaded, juicy and extremely tender. And it’s just $7.75 including two homemade sides or salad bar. The salad bar has several homemade salads, and the buffet has plenty of homemade items, like chicken and noodles, fried chicken, ham, and sides. Our server, Charity, was very friendly and let us know that when they had music in the evenings, people were known to fill the center isle dancing. With its comfortable nostalgic setting and wide assortment of freshly made entrees reasonably priced, we will be riding back to this gem of a Café often!

Brown County State Park

2012-10-28T12:04:00.000-07:00

Autumn in Indiana is just not complete without a ride to Southern Indiana’s Brown County State Park. Just 60 miles south of Indianapolis on IN 135, and 22miles east of Bloomington on highway 46, these 15,766 acres are a destination for thousands, including plenty of bikers. You can log onto http://www.browncounty.com/leaf-cam before you go to check and see how the colors are turning on their leaf cam (no joke!). You could spend the day here, with picnic tables ready for you, two small lakes, and hiking trails. But you also could easily combine your trip to the park with other nearby bike-friendly places: Nashville, IN only a mile to the west on 46/135, Gnaw Bone (see Oct. 27th post) 4 miles to the East, Columbus 18 miles to the East on 46 or Story, IN (see post April 18, 2012- Southern Indiana Loop ) 6 miles to the South on 135. There is the Abe Martin Lodge right in the park, where you can eat and stay, open year round. The nearly 20 miles of roads in the park often follow the hills peaks, making views stretching out for miles on both sides. There are plenty of places to stop and put your kickstand down, and a few towers from which to take pictures, not that you can’t get plenty of scenic shots without climbing them. One suggestion, during peak fall colors, go during the week, since weekends will often end up in miles of vehicles waiting to get in the gate. There are fees, but reasonable, $5.00 for an instate vehicle (car or motorcycle) and $7.00 for an out-of-state vehicle. It’s a small price for the experience. This destination will not disappoint any time of year, but the fall colors are the gem that bring people from great distances to see the spectacular panoramas.

Review: Gnaw Mart

2012-10-27T12:37:00.000-07:00

What do Patrick Duffy, Gourmet magazine, and NBC’s Today show have in common? They all have noticed a particular food at a GAS STATION in Indiana! Not just any food, but the hand-breaded, fried-to-order Tenderloins that keep people coming from all over Indiana and the nation. It’s been out of business twice, but for the last two years the gas station which is now called Gnaw Mart, has been back open for business. It’s in the town of Gnaw Bone, just 5 miles east of quaint and motorcycle-friendly Nashville Indiana, on Indiana highway 46. If you don’t mind eating in a store room, ordering your tenderloin beside people paying for super-unleaded gas, then you’ll find the juiciest, most flavorful tenderloin this biker has ever tasted! Tell your non eat-and-get-gas friends to shop next door at the antique mall while you pig out, but do what you must to not miss this treat! Though there are other items on the menu, the $6.50 full size tenderloin is the one to get, and do eat the chips that come with it. I’m no fan of potato chips, but these homemade chips are really good. The help is friendly, the atmosphere is humble, but if you’re a tenderloin fanatic, make the trek to Gnaw Mart!

Port Dover Ontario Ride

2012-09-14T18:06:00.001-07:00

September is a perfect time to ride through Michigan and Southern Ontario. My travels this time through Ontario included downtown London, which is not terribly large, but it does have plenty of local and chain restaurants and bars. There are four parks, including Victoria Park on the north side of the downtown area. Ivey Park on the west side is small but beautiful, and including a kid’s water fun area, the Splashpad, by the Thames River (of course!) After enjoying riding though the country towns of Salford, Woodstock, Holbrook and Norwich, it was time to head South toward Lake Erie. Overcast skies and mild weather followed us to Port Dover. With historic roots in railroad and shipping industries, Port Dover now has the claim to fame of hosting one of the biggest Biker rallies in the region. Every Friday the 13^th, thousands of bikers will fill the streets, some of which are reserved only for motorcycles. There are a couple of Leather shops, T-shirt shops, Clare’s Harley Davidson’s store, a beach, and several restaurants. Knechtel's at Port Dover has fish fresh out of Lake Erie, but I chose the chicken strips. They were very juicy and nicely seasoned. They came with the salad bar, which had very tasty homemade cucumber salad, tomato salad, pasta salad, and garden salad. The restaurant walls are covered in nostalgic photos from Port Dover’s historic past. The trip back toward Indiana took me through Potterville, Mi, where I found Charlie’s Bar and Grill (see Review on separate blog.) This time of year is a great time to ride through Michigan and Southern Ontario, so put it on your ride list!

Review: Charlie's Bar and Grill

2012-09-14T15:13:00.001-07:00

Potterville, Michigan may be a small town, not far from Lansing, but it has a fun Bar and Grill worth stopping at! Charlie’s Bar and Grill has an outside bar, complete with swings (no joke!) instead of barstools. Inside is another bar, with large screen sports television, and a separate dining area that’s family friendly. Something for everyone seems to be the theme in the menu, too. They have reasonable prices on dinners, Pizza, Mexican, Sandwiches, Wraps, salads, burgers, and a kid’s menu. With all these options, I’m glad I chose the burger, because it tasted hot off the grill with outdoor smoky flavor. The help is friendly, and so is the atmosphere. When I asked for a take-out menu, the waitress was nice enough to give me the only copy left, the one on their wall! If heading toward or away from Lansing, don’t miss this fun spot!

2012 Indy MotoGP: The Passion Lives!

2012-08-19T17:31:00.000-07:00

Dani Pedrosa- pic by H H

Andrea Dovizioso- Pic by H H

Casey Stoner- pic by H H

Jorge Lorenso- pic by HH

Yamaha helps kids get in on the action

Vendors- pic by HH

Over 65,000 fans shared in the excitement of the fifth Indy MotoGP! Even before the race or qualifications or even the practice began, excitement was in the air. The vendors had a huge selection of the latest technology and gear. The virtual experience had upclose looks at the newest bikes. Even the kids could experience biking, as Yamaha had a place for them (see photo.) Many organizations got in on the excitement, and some let us know that their love for the sport brings with it a heart, too. For instance, ABATE had 5 gear checks, free, with donations accepted, for the Hoosier Burn Camp, to send kids who have had serious burn injuries a specially designed camping experience. So the excitement went beyond the track. But the track was really something to behold. In spite of several crashes, not the least of which kept Nikki Hayden out of the race, the race went on. The riders voiced concerns over the track condition, notably the three different kinds of surfaces on the Indy track. Even so, Saturday’s practice saw Dani Pedrosa come up with a record lap of 1 minute 38.850 seconds.

But even track conditions and a crash during Saturday’s practice did not keep Casey Stoner from competing Sunday in the big race, pulling off a major victory, even if it was fourth place, considering his right ankle injuries (fractured ankle, torn ligaments) that would have kept all but the most vigilant of riders from getting back on the bike so soon. He used special Alpinestars boots to accommodate the injury. Ben Spies had mechanical failure 14 minutes into the race, an incredible disappointment, as he was at the front of the pack. At the end of the GP, Dani Pedrosa took first place, for the second time in three years at Indy (He was first in 2010.) Jorge Lorenzo was 10 seconds behind for second place, and Andrea Dovizioso took third place, his fifth podium of the 2012 MotoGP season.

After this exciting race (actually it was three races, Moto2, Moto3, and GP) was yet another- the AMA Pro Vance & Hines XR1200 series race. The motorcycles used in this race- these Harleys have minimal variations in their mechanics and adjustments, so essentially it is a race showing the skills of the riders. These engines have more of a grumble-roar than the higher pitched GP bikes. And in the first few minutes, three riders were down, but none seriously injured. A quick race, in which the winners were: 1^st place Tyler O’Hara, second place Kyle Wyman, third place Benjamin Carlson.

The GP continues to give Indy one more way in which to share the passion of an awesome sport!

Review: The Red Pepperoni

2012-08-07T10:29:00.004-07:00

The corner of Cragmont Street (IN 7) and Main (IN 56) in Madison, IN now has two great places to stop, eat, and have a good time. The Red Pepper (see my review-June 22, 2012) was popular enough to spin off its Pizza business into its own place, right across the street. Just as the Red Pepper is a converted Standard Oil gas station, the Red Pepperoni is a converted Sinclair Gas station, with the air compressor and other nostalgic elements preserved. And the food on this side of the street is every bit as good! I had the Thai Chicken Pizza (personal size, $7.99). It was phenomenal! A just-spicy-enough peanut sauce, large chunks of chicken, red peppers, shredded carrot, and blended cheeses, baked golden brown on a tender yet slightly chewy fresh crust. I will be back to try some of the other 14 specialty pizzas, though you can choose any other combination of toppings. The Italiano salad, ($6.95) with house Italian dressing, was also excellent. The assorted greens were fresh, and loaded with plenty of pepperoni, capacola ham, salami, mozzarella, banana peppers, onions, green olives, artichokes, and tomatoes. There are also calzones, 6 different baked grinders, 6 salads, and a few appetizers and sides, like bread sticks, toasted ravioli, spinach and artichoke dip, loaded fries. Beverages include soft drinks, tea, and domestic and imported beers. Suzie served us our lunch promptly, and with a warm smile. The help all enjoyed the 80’s music track playing as much as we did, and it was great to be able to enjoy our meal with a staff that obviously liked doing their (very good) job. You’ve got to give this place a try!

Review: Big Dog's Smokehouse BBQ

2012-07-12T17:19:00.003-07:00

Many bikers ride through Cicero because of the scenic ride out historic 8^th Street from Anderson, or for the view of Morse Lake. But now there’s another good reason to ride or drive to Cicero: Big Dog’s Smokehouse BBQ, located at 29 East Jackson Street, just east of IN 19. The historic building was recently a Motorcycle repair shop, before being turned into an eatery in late 2011. The building retains historic brick walls, now covered with Coke memorabilia and other antique signs. But the fun atmosphere is not the best part. The energetic and fun staff is glad to suggest different menu combinations. You can go all-you-can-eat, or just single portion menu items. The half rack of ribs was $12.99 including two homemade sides. I had potato Salad and creamy cole slaw, both very tasty and fresh. The ribs had a pronounced smokey flavor, which I found very good. I chose ‘Original’ from their range of sauces (Simply Sweet, Outrageous Original, Mustard Tiger, Smokin Hot, Flamethrower, and Lincoln’s Ghost) and enjoyed the just right seasoning in a tomato sauce- it was some of the best BBQ I have ever tasted. I also was able to wrestle some brisket away from my wife, and it was extremely tender and had outstanding flavor. We were not so lucky when we took ½ of my generous portion of ribs home with a few bones in a doggy bag for our big dog, Lili, an 84 lb. Lab-Sheppard mix- she not only got the bones from the doggy bag, but snarfed down my few leftover ribs before we could we could wrestle it away from her! (No joke!) We will definitely have to return to try their smoked sausage, pulled pork, and BBQ chicken. The smoked BBQ, fun atmosphere and staff make Big Dog’s a destination for your ride (or drive!)

Review: Big Bamboo's Dockside Grill

2012-07-04T15:23:00.000-07:00

Celina, Ohio, about 35 miles southwest of Lima, Ohio, is an area destination on account of its 8 mile across lake, Grand Lake St. Mary’s. But it also is home to Big Bamboo’s Dockside Grill, which is on the Northwest corner of the lake, just south of OH 29 on OH 127. Residents can dock their boat and walk the few yards across the street. The view is perfect, and the whole front is open air, with an upstairs, and a bar inside. The grill is always on, and there are daily specials. If pulled pork is the special when you go, you won’t want to miss it, it’s outstanding in flavor, tender and moist. The bourbon chicken is also a great flavorful dish, and the dinner is $9.95, including a side of beans and rice. The menu is broad: burgers, chicken, seafood, steak. The help is friendly, and they keep busy, as this is a popular spot, including their share of bikers. The front is especially suited for bike parking, as it is paved. With two trips to the grill so far, I look forward to returning to try out more of the menu. Don’t miss this great spot- it would fit well in Miami, but, we’re glad it’s close by in western Ohio!

Southern Ontario Ride

2012-06-28T14:17:00.002-07:00

I was so ready for my first ride to another country! It was a quick two-day trip to Southern Ontario, but the sights were well worth the 880 miles, round-trip. I headed out with a cool breeze around 65 degrees (F). Though it would push 80 degrees later here in central Indiana, it was cool enough heading north through semi-wooded central and eastern Michigan, that I never had to remove my riding leathers. Leaving parched Indiana fields, Michigan’s greener fields and forests were a welcome change. I met up with my riding buddy Leigh at Lansing and we headed east toward Port Huron to cross the Michigan-Canada border, I on my Nighthawk, and Leigh on his Hayabusa. If you cross the border here, don’t forget to bring your passport. It’s $3 to cross into Canada, and $3.25 to return. It was a long hot wait in line on approach, but the view of Port Huron from the Blue Water Bridge was incredible! The bridge, built in 1938, widened and improved in the 1990’s, over the Saint Claire River is over 6100 feet in length. You can easily see Lake Huron to the north, and the beautiful Saint Claire River leading to Lake Saint Claire on the South. The view was good enough for me to stop on the American side on the way back. (see picture)

I expected a few British names of towns, but had to laugh out loud when we crossed the Thames River halfway from the border to London, Ontario. The countryside was often gently rolling, with very green abundant crops. The Scala Rider in-helmet audio communication system proved very useful for the 100 miles between the border and our destination, about 20 minutes east of London, and not far from Woodstock. Beyond just talking through navigation information, like upcoming turns, I was able have an on-going conversation, asking all the tourist questions about what we were seeing, and hear the history of the area, including which farms had dairy cattle, chicken, and crops I hadn’t seen on this scale, like acres of peas, alfalfa, and Romano cranberry dry (‘soup’) beans. I had no idea how useful the communication system would be.

Breakfast the next morning was at Dean Michael’s Griddlehouse, a converted old school in Woodstock. My baked eggs with ham, parmesan, spinach and a sauce, was very good. After a brief stop for oil at (no joke) Honda-Davidson's in Norwhich, Then it was time to start back west toward Michigan, but not before a stop at Rocky’s Harley Davidson in London, and lunch at Boston Pizza. London’s Boston Pizza served a great lunch of Pasta with garlic bread, and very friendly service. The ride back gave me one more chance to enjoy the rustic 100-200 year-old farms, with modern windmills and more recent construction.

Southern Ontario is a trip worth taking, so get your passport, get some Canadian currency before you go, (or arrange with your credit card company, there will be an exchange fee) and take the ride to London!

Review: The Red Pepper

2012-06-22T17:12:00.004-07:00

A trip through Madison, Indiana, would not be complete without stopping by one of the local favorite eating spots, The Red Pepper. Their huge assortment of meal choices has become so popular that they had to spin off their pizza into a whole different restaurant across the street, The Red Pepperoni. Located at 902 West Main Street (IN-56) it was formerly a Standard Oil Gas Station (see picture.) Don’t be surprised if you see a few motorcycles out front, I haven’t seen it without any. The menu is mind-boggling: signature sandwiches, grinders on fresh baked buns, panini’s, wraps, salads, soups, and, don’t forget a side of the red beans & rice. If you want their famous pizza and a beer, you’ll now have to go across the street to the Red Pepperoni. And, if you want a beer with your sandwich, you can join those who get their sandwich from the Red Pepper, cross the street with food in hand, order a beer and stay there. It’s ok, they don’t mind. Prices are average, about $ 6-$ 7 for most items, including chips, but not drink. The Vampire Slayer Panini (Pastrami, Swiss, Garlic Cream Cheese, grilled on Rye) and the chicken Pesto Wrap (Grilled Chicken, Pesto, cream cheese, rice, tomatoes, onion, parmesan cheese & lettuce in flour wrap) are both very tasty, but, I think that any choice from this wide menu would be good to great. If you are one of the many riding through Madison, IN, don’t miss the Red Pepper. Or, the Red Pepperoni!

Review- Halo's Bar and Grill

2012-06-16T12:49:00.001-07:00

Alexandria, Indiana is a small town with (at least one) great destination for Bikers: Halo’s Bar and Grill. Located at IN 9 and Water Streets, it has been extensively remodeled in biker theme, with a large covered patio overlooking a tree-shaded lawn and stream. Many go to Halo’s for a drink, or a stop on one of the many charity rides or poker runs, but it’s also a great food destination. Either lunch or dinner is a treat with appetizers, sandwiches, hand-pattied burgers, and, their famous Giant Tenderloin sandwich. I chose to have my tenderloin breaded, but you can get it grilled. It’s fresh cut, and it really shows! My breaded tenderloin was so thick (3/4”) and juicy, I will be sure to return. The burgers are 12 oz, but an 8oz is also available. Kelly was our waitress, and she was prompt, friendly, knowledgeable of the menu and beverage selection, and really made us feel right at home. If you’re even just going thru Alexandria, the take-our menu allows you to pick up a delicious meal at reasonable prices. For example, my giant Tenderloin, with all the toppings, plus one side, was just $7.75.

I highly recommend this biker bar!

Memorial Day Ride 2012

2012-05-28T11:06:00.002-07:00

Our friend, John, invited us to join him on his Police Bike on a Memorial Day ride. We met up at the Markleville Police Department with the Police Chief, Sam, his father Jack, and friend Ben. The hot breezy day was a great backdrop for a ride to a local eatery a few miles south of Wilkinson, Gas America. Please no jokes ('Eat Here-Get Gas.') What better name for a place to eat on Memorial Day?! The food is plentiful and tasty. The Greek skillet is really worth a try! Then we took a leisurely ride through the countryside, with streams, cows and woods a peaceful backdrop. Not a long ride, but just right for a friendly trip!

Southern Indiana Loop

2012-04-18T20:01:00.004-07:00

Medora Covered Bridge

Story Inn

What beautiful scenery we have here in Indiana, if you know where to go! My wife and I rode 360 miles today through Southern Indiana. From Hagerstown to Lawrenceburg, the landscape rolls gently while the streams skim the road, winding until you meet the Ohio River. Meandering along the river is peaceful, while beyond the beauty of nature, the shops and cafes of Madison caught our attention, as did the friendly hellos of the townsfolk, including a greeting from the Mayor of Madison. The southern counties hills, trees, and curves keep bringing before you scene after scene of awesome unspoiled nature. Heading back north toward Brown County, we just had to take a little detour and see the US’s longest covered bridge, near Medora. It's 460 feet long, built in 1875, and is the only triple span covered bridge in Indiana. It was in service until 1972, and still is open to foot-traffic. (see photo) There are a few spaces to park, and even one picnic table. The sharp curves of IN 135 are the riders delight, but not for beginners, especially around the town of Story. Story is the town that time forgot, (See photo) and we’ll have to get back there to eat or stay, the accommodations are enough to make you want to stop and unwind for awhile, and Motorcycle parking with a paved strip is available, be it in a gravel parking lot. Returning through hills so familiar to Hoosier bikers around Nashville (IN) was also scenic, but as the time on the road approached, we heard our beds calling out our name! So we did not stop this time at the leather shops, including the famous Pit Bull Leather Company, where leather jackets, chaps, Motorcycle luggage, and other clothes and accessories are in good supply and competitively priced. But this route through the Southern part of our state is one that we will come back to for sure, and maybe break it up with a few nights stay!

Rare January Ride!

2012-01-10T14:16:00.000-08:00

52 degrees in January! I just had to hop on my bike and hit the road! It may have just been 39 miles round trip, but it was a real treat for a January afternoon. I went out of Anderson west on Historic 8^th Street and wound around the hills, curves, and cattle-grazed fields alongside the White River. Morse reservoir in Cicero was the destination. There’s nothing like a ride to blast the stress right out of the day! I didn’t have time to stop there, but there is now a BBQ where a bike shop used to be in Cicero. No doubt a good place to check out this spring.

Ride for Military Care Packages

2011-11-06T14:14:00.000-08:00

It was a cool fall day, but the benefit ride beginning and ending at Anderson AMVETS 692 raised money in honor and memory of veterans and those serving currently. Proceeds bought care packages for those in service. About 45 bikers at the event. Pictured is our stop at Wolfies, between Cicero and Noblesville. November 6, 2011.

Veterans Benefit Ride

2011-10-08T14:13:00.000-07:00

Stepping Stones veterans benefit ride was a big success- we rode from J B leathers in Muncie, stopped at Stepping Stones in Anderson to meet and greet the veterans, who were very grateful. October 8, 2011

A Weekend Through Southern Indiana

2011-05-29T14:11:00.000-07:00

My wife and I had a most awesome weekend! We went around 350 miles in two days, and the roads along the Ohio River made for great scenery! In all, we rode through Spencer, Bloomington, Vevay, Madison, Rising Sun ,Scottsburg, Columbus and many small towns. May 2011.

Indy MotoGP 2010

2010-08-27T13:57:00.000-07:00

The Indy Moto GP. Motorcycles on Meridian. How exciting to see so many fans of motorcycles and racing all come together so close to home! The race on Sunday was exciting. And (see photo) seeing the thousands of bikes on Meridian was awesome! I was glad to work the ABATE gear check. Proceeds went to send needy kids to camp. August 27, 2010.