Letchworth Ride

It was too nice of a day to pass up. And there are too few of them left this year to spend in the office. Woke up at 6:00, checked the forecast, and decided to take a personal day. There aren't many things better than using a personal day for an all-day ride in the Autumn. It's definetly good for one's mental health.


After dropping off Calli at school, I came home, geared up and headed out. Since I was up at 6:00, I had a chance to think about where I wanted to ride. And since I rode yesterday, I wanted a fresh route. As I was playing with Streets & Trips, I noticed Letchworth State Park. Hmmm, I haven't been there in ages. And although the leaf season is just slight past peak, it is still a bounty of colors out there.


So, Letchworth it was. But that's much too close to home to make for a nice ride. I decided it would be nice to head east from the southern tip of the park on Route 70 through Hunt Hollow, Swain, and into Arkport. This was one of the nicest roads I've traveled -- very scenic, rolling hills, nice sweeping turns, and great surface. Since Arkport was about halfway on my loop of 180 miles, I decided to stop at Arkport Motors and stretch. Low and behold they had a 2006 Goldwing on the floor! This was a gold model with the comfort package. Honda has made nice changes to the new wing, but nothing extraordinary. And the gold color would not be my first choice. It's rather bland looking. I still favor the pearl yellow and titanium colors. The salesman was just happy to have someone to talk to, and had been admiring my ride. On my way out, I told him I'd be back in the Spring.


From Arkport Motors, I headed east on Route 70A all the way into Bath. At this point, it was starting to get cloudy, the temperature was dropping, and I turned north towards Prattsburgh, Naples, and home. Great ride. Great day. Great bike.

Autumn Ride

Finally! The first nice day in 4 weeks. Sunny and 60 degrees today -- perfect day for a Fall ride.

Left home at 10:30 and headed south to Canandaigua and down Route 21 to Naples. From Naples I rode down Route 53 through Prattsburgh, over to Hammonsport, north to Branchport, up over Italy Valley, back to Naples, and then north on Route 64 through the Bristol Hills and home. Sure was a quick 150-mile ride, but I enjoyed every mile of it!

This photo was taken at the southern end of Keuka Lake, looking north towards the bluff.

Halloween

It's that time of year - Halloween! Calli and her good friend Natalie are off to the annual 'Monster Mash' at Cobbles tonight. Calli has chosen the always-trendy ED physician costume, while Natalie is going as Wednesday from the Addams Family. Looking good girls! 

Driver

Well, it finally happened. It was bound to happen. But it got here so fast. Meg passed her road test, and is now a legal driver.

Lord help us. Actually, we don't need much help. She is a good driver. She passed on her first attempt, which is more than I can say for myself.

We no sooner got home from the East Rochester test site, and she was off in my car to pick up her great grandmother for dinner. They had a blast. And my big girl is one step closer to independence. It all happens so fast...

And they're off...

Thanks, Rick and Donna, for hosting a nice gathering to say "So Long for Now' to Mom & Dad. Good food and great company -- a good time was had by all. The kids all had a blast as you can see from this photo of Paul and his buddy, Jackson! Hurry back Mom & Dad!

Skater

This week, Paul and I put together his first custom board. We bought an Element Heartagram deck off eBay, wheels and bearings from Zumie's, and Independent trucks donated from his friend, Alex. Today we put it all together, and he took first test ride. As you can see from the smile, he loves the new board!

Cayuga Lake Loop

Fall is upon us, but you'd never know it from the weather. Today's forecast was sunny and mid-70's so I decided to get in a good ride. There aren't too many weekends left, and you never know what the weather will be in our fall season.

I've always wanted to see Cayuga Lake, the longest of New York's Finger Lakes, at just under 40 miles long. So my journey today took me south to Canandaigua, through Naples, east to Hammondsport, through Watkins Glen, over to Ithaca, and up the west shore of Cayuga Lake.

As I was heading north on Route 89 up Cayuga Lake, I stopped at Taughannock Falls in the Taughannock State Park. It turned out to be a great spot to stop, stretch, and admire a gorgeous view of the Falls. This is one of the highest Falls east of the Mississippi at over 250 feet. I'ts well worth the stop!

My route took me over 200 miles and lasted much of the day. It was a marvelous day for a long ride and I hope to be able to get in a couple more like this before the snow flies. The bike now has over 9000 miles on her, and the tires are now in need of replacement. Last week I ordered a Metzeler 880 for the rear, and a Metzeler Z6 for the front. This Wednesday I have an appointment at Hollink Motorsports to have them mounted and balanced. Can't wait to try them out!