The Soup Du'Jour

This place is legit! The sign is even buzzing, built in MA in 1950 then dragged to a small town outside of Burlington, VT.

Could not ask for a better day, light jacket and full face helmets and we are very comfortable.

98 miles of backroads to Montreal.

Strictly Backroads

To beat the heat (80 degrees) we headed south east to Hampton beach

Riding north on Rt 1 to Portsmouth

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BRGDS: Noah Blanchard

Start of the New England riding season (For everyone else)

Scythe of Time has been riding all winter long, it was time to have a
group ride where more then the nine members showed up. The often
imitated never duplicated SOT 100 was the perfect end of May(20th)
ride. We started in Dover at Grease Monkey Motorcycles
http://greasemonkeymotorcycles.com/
then headed to the Dover elks for the Mountain Man swap meet,
proceded to the Lee traffic circle then twisty back roads to Goody
Coles.
http://www.goodycoles.com/


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BRGDS: Noah Blanchard

It doesn't have two wheels but...

Back to my other life for two weeks. It's not a bad way to pay for my motorcycle addiction. I am in the works of making a Workboat blog for all my boat pictures and adventures. If these two weeks go by fast, I'll be back on the pavement ASAP!

All's Well That Ends Well

For a trip that I planned last minute, I think it turned out well. At
just under 2,000 miles and three days is not a typical trip for me. It
was a blast not having a schedule and having the privilege of waiting
for a gap in the weather. I look forward to the next long trip. A big
decision, I am going to test ride a few other bikes that will replace
the Tiger. The seating position is just not what fits me. When ten
plus hours on my Ural or Royal Enfield is more comfortable then eight
on the Tiger there is a problem. Top contenders for a replacement are
the Triumph Thunderbird, Rocket III, and the Polaris Victory. I love
the power the Tiger has so 90-100 hp is a min, with a more relaxed
seating stance.

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BRGDS: Noah Blanchard

It's a Christmas Miracle

No traffic through NYC! While approaching the George Washington Bridge
(NJ-NY) there is a critical decision take the Merritt through
Connecticut or I-95? both can have traffic and the Merritt is only two
lanes so an accident will shut it down. seeing the cars backing up on
the North side of the bridge i quickly took the first exit and headed
up the Hudson river towards CT-15 (Merritt).
I chose wisely... No traffic and an average speed of 90-100 mph made
it the best ride of the trip! Twisty roads built during the depression
to keep the skilled stone masons employed. The low stone bridge arches
keep tall trucks off the road leaving room for fast cars and bikes.
Merritt is a blast at even 80, not quite peg-dragging turns though
still images of the Isle of Man races in the UK flash through your
head.

BRGDS: Noah Blanchard

Escape Route

The evil plot of Apple, Iphone gives directions through a
demilitarized zone, gets robbed, has to buy new Iphone. Well I was
able to avoid the trap set by my phone when I discovered I was
paralleling the highway a few hundred yards east of my urban location.
After a quick ride North I was through Baltimore heading to NJ to
familiar territory. Temperatures were a little colder then the rest of
the trip, but no rain! A quick gas up and food stop in Maryland had an
unexpected benefit, a Brother from Norway Maine was also a Traveling
Man, always nice to meet Brothers on the road.

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BRGDS: Noah Blanchard

Slept in..

After getting to the hostel around 0330 and finally passing out at 0400, I felt it was ok to sleep till 0815. The overall stay was great, safe and comfortable. I would highly recommend this hostel and really any hostel for solo motorcycle traveling.

Change of Plans

After the burger to end all burgers, in search of a bar we went. After walking an unknown number of blocks. We started seeing lots of Marines in dress uniforms, after the sharing a few war stories Chris and Dave got us an invite to see the parade at the Marine Corp Barracks.
The performance was incredible, the use of three 40mm guns for the finale was a surprising ending.
The rest of the night was spent at a bar that not only embodied the 90s but was was open till 0300!

A Burger So Good......

That Katie the vegetarian was so taken with the smell that I would bottle, when I started to offer her a bite she grabbed it from my hand took a nibble followed by a bite even Dahmer would cringe at!

I am considering a road trip ASAP just to get another burger. The Britt's had been here just three days and found this gem. I was and are forever grateful that I was able to eat something so amazing, as far as I'm concerned if its not one of these burgers might as well be a Gilly's burger.

http://www.goodstuffeatery.com/

BRGDS-

Noah Blanchard

Less like Hostel the movie, but similar to the musical

Arriving at the Downtown Hostel DC, I may have turned a few heads. It could have been the bugs all over me (650 mi day) or my motorcycle gear and vest but mostly until I changed and got a shower in, they kept their distance.
I got my room and proceeded to wash the layers of filth off. With cleanish cloths on and less of a biker funk about me I proceeded to relax/mingle in the lounge.
Met a Kiwi and quickly picked his brain about Burt Monroe, then a Britt walked in gave my Union Jack t shirt a thumbs up and asked what I was doing, having no plans I decided to follow this group to places unknown. Dave and Chris are Britsish special forces on holiday, Katie is a seminary student from Atlanta up for a German exam of sorts and the Kiwi headed to Ohio.

Now For Something Completely Different

Made it to DC last night around 1730, missed the window to visit the Masonic memorial. I was just amazing to view from the outside!
The remainder of my night was as far from boring as possible. It involved two British Special forces guys, Katie the Seminary student, a Kiwi and a bar full of Marines! I will bit by bit recall and write the events that led me to pass out around 0400 in a Downtown Hostel in DC.

Great backroads to DC

Not sure if I'll make 1530 in DC but the riding is great.

Can't wait to find boiled peanuts!

In North Carolina, making good time. 400 miles to go till DC. If the directions don't keep throwing me on weird detours I may be all right.

South Carolina before 0800

I was able to get my butt off the couch this morning and out the door before 0600. Little colder the Texas but I'd rather have it that way for riding, pushed till SC border before a quick coffee and gas break.
Thanks again to Allen for dinner and a couch for the night.
I'm not sure if I'll make DC by 1500 but I'm going to try

BRGDS-

Noah Blanchard

Stage One Complete

After 5 states and 800 miles doorstep to doorstep I made it to Atlanta, or just north there of. I met up with Allen at his restaurant in a town just north of Atlanta, he treated me to a beer and blackened alligator. This is become a tradition after a long ride (Key West last year)
After a tall drink I'm passing out on Allen's couch. The plan is to make DC by 1500, I'm not sure if I will but the Masonic Memorial closes at 1600 and I'm not waiting till 1000 Saturday when it opens.
All and all a great day of riding, my saddle is a bit sore but after the first 500 miles you just forget. I'd like to push the Tiger to over 200 miles between fill ups, bringing her to the empty light I only put in 4 gal of a 5.2 gal tank.
She likes 5,500-6,000 rpm's, seems to get 45-50 mpg when trucking along at 85-90mph.
If I get up by 0500 tomorrow it will be a miracle but here goes.

Almost out of Mississippi

Making good time on I-10, about to head into Alabama. Getting about 45mpg using regular gas, If it keeps up no need to pay more for fuel.
380 miles to go till I reach today goal. Not much to look at yet, hoping for some scenery on the route north to Atlanta.

BRGDS-

Noah Blanchard

Baton Rouge

Well after a 150 mile swamp ride, I couldn't see. Time to clear the helmet of bugs! I-12 here I come.

Nice first leg

Leaving before 0700 the first leg was a nice backgrounds route to Port Author TX, 125 miles was a good start. After a quick coffee and fill up I'll be on the east bound side of I-10. The WX is fantastic, could not ask for a better first day.

BRGDS-

Noah Blanchard

North by North East

Underway before 0700, headed for Atlanta, GA.

24 Hour Stand Down

In an effort to perfect the art of preparing for long motorcycle trip, iv delayed my departure until early Thursday morning.
There was a nasty storm cell sitting over the northeast, this would have most likely given me a full day of riding in the rain. If my calculations (weather bug and a calendar) are correct I should have little to no rain.
It was also nice to have an extra day to test the bike, bring her up to speed. The addition of bungee straps to my seat cover are working nicely, thanks mom. It's hard to want to leave this 85 degree weather, I think I'll manage though.

The Forgotten One

Waking up to a 75 degree day at 0730 while having one of your favorite motorcycles waiting for you is a great feeling. Could not ask for a better day to prep the Tiger for her trip home. Barring some unforeseen issue with her after a few test runs and tlc I should be heading north east within 24hrs.

Underway Making Way

Flying to Texas to get the neglected child. Found a British pub to keep me busy during a layover, but no Boddingtons on Draught! The Curry chips better be amazing. Tomorrow will be a day of visiting the family and prepping Leia (the tiger) for her trip north. Reports of snow in PA are not promising, iv increased my tolerance to cold this winter however.

Ride to Brother Neihart's Lakeside Retreat

After regrouping at Morrison Lodge in Northwood, we headed to Tough
Times (5 min down the road) to congratulate Brother Bartoszak into the
Scythe of Time. From there Sean, Jr, Hagman and I headed to John's
Lake house in Northwood. The weather finally warmed up for the last
short leg and it could not have been better timing, Sitting outside
enjoying a few beers was a perfect summation to a great day of riding!
John and his wife were excellent hosts and we look forward to visiting
again soon.

--
BRGDS: Noah Blanchard

Shortcut home

Due to a few cold riders we opted for the more direct route home. I
think everyone was surprised to find out that Goody Cole's is only 20
min from Northwood lodge.

--
BRGDS: Noah Blanchard

NH, Maine Widows Sons & St. johns Worshipful Master Gib Palmer

--
BRGDS: Noah Blanchard

Best BBQ North of the Mason Dixon

If you are going to ride over an hour in the cold you deserve a
reward. The Scythe of Time tradition has been Goody Cole's, a
surprisingly inexpensive BBQ joint. http://www.goodycoles.com/ worth
a stop no matter the weather. If you feel the need to spend over $8 be
ready to bring home leftovers! With a quick call an hour before we
planned to show up they were ready to feed 14 hungry bikers. I don't
think anyone had a chance to get utensils and crack open their moxie
before the plates of food started showing up on our tables.

--
BRGDS: Noah Blanchard

Still not warming up

With temperatures in the lower 30's everyone was looking forward to a
hot meal. The ride was great, low traffic and great views. Its always
a good sight to see a group of Widows Sons together for charity
regardless of the weather. We were very happy to have a few guests
with us. Our Brothers from Maine who ride with us so frequently they
loose their guest status, and the Worshipful Master from St. Johns No.
1 in Portsmouth, NH was on the Royal Enfield for his first Widows Sons
ride.

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BRGDS: Noah Blanchard

Attempting to Warm up

With temperatures in the high 20's it was nice to have an hour to chow
down on a few doughnuts and go over the route for the day. The
destination was Goody Coles, a great BBQ joint in Brentwood, NH. Goody
Coles is only about 20 min as the crow flies, the Scythe of Time 100
is a twisty back roads hour long ride. The Ural would serve as the
Sargent at Arms vehicle for the day, carrying tools, extra gear and
leftovers would not be an issue.

--
BRGDS: Noah Blanchard

The Tradition Lives On!

The 2nd annual Soggy Bottom Ride had a great turnout. 14 riders showed
up, despite the sub zero temperatures and snow. leaving Portsmouth
with Gib at 0915 and heading up to Morrison Lodge in Northwood, NH
gave the Ural and Royal Enfield a chance to warm up for a day of
riding. Morrison Lodge is the Charter Lodge of Scythe of Time. Sr. and
Jr. Tuttle showed up early with hot coffee and doughnuts. Riders came
from as far away as Portland, me for the charity Ride!

--
BRGDS: Noah Blanchard

You follow the only road!

As you can see the crossing is very secure, unless you take a ten min
walk in the woods around the checkpoint. Pushing the Limits of our
timeline, we opted for the fastest return trip following 93 south and
Rt 4. I got home just in time to just in the shower, 1930. All in all
the trip was great! I wish I worn sunscreen, I forgot its March. The
RE did great, she can do the highway but going above 70mph uphill just
isn't going to happen. I didn't like using over 75% throttle, this
meant holding 70 mph on the flat stretches. It was Jr.s birthday so I
hope he had a good time, I'm looking forward to the trip again soon.

--
BRGDS: Noah Blanchard

Ten min detour........

Who could turn down a ten min detour to see an cool waterfall. Ten
minutes turned into an hour and a half when it was brought to my
attention we were only 30 minutes from the border. The next leg was
easily the most fun and difficult, with a good two inches of sand over
the whole road it felt akin to the Trans Labrador not NH. Ether way I
was beginning to worry about the lack of dust in my lungs, good thing
that's no longer an issue.

--
BRGDS: Noah Blanchard

Home of the first primary vote in the US

Dixville Notch

--
BRGDS: Noah Blanchard

Errol where?

Being told there is a great lunch joint will almost always provoke me
to follow anyone to the ends of the earth, well Errol NH is close. The
town reminded me of the intermittent Alaskan towns where you can stand
in one spot and see everything in the town at once. lunch was
fantastic, Moose burger and a beer! being the furthest thing from
tired we continued north. Jr wanted to show me Dixville notch, with a
smirk. As he put it there was a "woo hoo" on the way and its best if i
find it myself. going the speed limit the road feels as if it drops
out from under you, fun and scary.

--
BRGDS: Noah Blanchard

North Conway

Following Jr. the expert on back roads (with no cops or speed limits)
we headed to Rochester then hit Rt 153 and continued north to Conway.
Gassing up just south of Mt. Washington we agreed to ride till we got
tired or 1400, which ever came first. The RE was doing great and the
first leg she was getting an easy 65mpg.

--
BRGDS: Noah Blanchard

Morrison Lodge

Leaving Portsmouth around 0800, I gassed up and headed north.The plan
was to meet Jr. in Northwood around 0900, I took my time getting ready
for what I thought to be at most a 4 hour ride total. Starting
odometer reading on the Royal Enfield 8850, her mighty 500cc 33hp
engine would be put to the test.

--
BRGDS: Noah Blanchard

It started like any other day on my Enfield

With reports of 85+ degree weather for New Hampshire, I could not pass
up a day on the bike! The next day I met up with Jr. at Morrison Lodge
in Northwood, NH. the plan was to ride to Mt. Washington then home,
easy simple great ride. 10 hours later we had covered the entire state
of NH!

http://g.co/maps/yyryq

pictures and write up on the way!

--
BRGDS: Noah Blanchard

No time for sleep!

Getting off the Tug at 0200 Wednesday morning, I rushed home getting to Portsmouth around 0730. I spent the rest of the day riding! 85 degrees in Portsmouth! Met up with Brother Hagman and his girl later for a beach ride.

Actually snow, real snow!!

After a boring winter, we got over a foot of the white stuff. I was able to convince a good friend to tag along in the side car, she was a trooper. The new knobby tires are great! The Ural was the only vehicle to make it up my driveway that day. All and all a great day for a ride.

New front tire on Ural

At 9,500 km the front tire is finally worn out. The new knobby tire is just in time for a big snow storm. I plan to post more pictures if I can get out and play in the snow.