ODOMETER leaving Pikeville: 18,568. It was 7 AM and 62 degrees with patchy fog when I left Pikeville on the July,7th. (Mouse over image for another image. You may have to allow scripts to run. Not to worry; Anything here on my page is harmless.. )
I left my Garmin 330 GPS at home, taking instead the smaller (but older) Garmin III+. It's small screen shows enough of a map and town names to make it practical for getting "unlost". It also shows which direction I am traveling and where I am in relation to where I need to be. Not nearly as flashy as my newer unit but it works.
After much planning on Microsoft Streets and Trips, I decided on route 119 from Pikeville to Charleston, WV. See Map: At Charleston, I-79 North to Erie, Pa. then I-90 on over to Rochester, and Victor, NY. where I spent the night. I had ridden 623 miles my first day.
Next day I rode on to Little Falls.
The challenge of a long Scooter/Motorycle trip fascinates me. I read one account of a young man who rode a 50cc scooter from New England to Hollywood, Ca. Another fellow rode from interior Alaska in the dead of winter. I stand in awe of these guys. Another source of wonder for me is the Iron Butt Association, (I think more than their butts are iron!) This is a very exclusive group of long distance motor cycle riders from all walks of life. Motorcyclists looking for a challenge.
Of course, adventurers aren't limited to the highways. The oceans have their notables as well. I have a collection of true adventure books about long voyages in small sail boats. Over the years I have read them over and over. I live somewhat vicariously through these people who have the guts to follow their dreams. Those brave souls who dare turn their collective backs on the "muck" of convention.
But I digress.
ODOMETER arriving at Pete's: 19,399. Total miles of my trip so far, 831. I spent two nights at Pete's and Ann's home and too soon it was time to leave. 
10 July, leaving Little Falls. It was to be a great day for riding in spite of a few dark rimmed clouds that hinted ominously of rain. My route home took me from Little Falls, to Utica, South on Route 12 to Binghampton. (around 129 miles). Picked up I-81 there and rode the 296 miles to Centralia.
I spent a couple of hours at Centralia, comparing what the place looked like today with what I had seen back in 2001. I saw less smoke from the underground mine fire this time, but locals told me it was still going strong. It was still a depressing place.
Leaving Centralia, I rode the (approximately) 177 miles South to Winchester, Va. still on I-81. There I took Route 50 West through Romney, Gormania, WV, on over to Grafton and I-79. The odometer registered 126 miles when I once again picked up I-79. From that point, It was 122 miles to Charleston, WV, then another 120 miles or so home.
This route 50 was as good a place as I saw along my entire trip to have a crash. Much of the road was an isolated country road, some of it canopied under trees. There was half a moon in the sky, but it didn't shine on me very much. It was a very dark night, in spite of the excellent headlights on the Majesty.
It would be a great daytime ride. but at night it was a nightmare.
By this time I was beginning to get really tired. Mist on my visor hampered my vision and I had to constantly wipe it clear. But I wanted to make it home. So mentally, I began breaking my trip into 100-150 mile segments. That way it didn't seem like such a great distance to me. I did make it home. Total mileage for this segment was 839. I discovered my limit I think. I can tell you it is somewhere around 838 miles. Those Iron Butt folks are way out of my league. I doubt I'll ride any more long days like that. That was a one time good deal.
A few after-thoughts and suggestions:
- Total mileage for my trip was 1670.
- Always ride with a helmet unless your head is harder than mine. Most of my riding is with a full faced helmet. Especially in inclement weather. It is quieter and more relaxing. With it, the Wind noise isn't an issue. I do like the open faced helmet with wrap around sunglasses or face shield when riding along secondary roads. I can enjoy the smells of the road. Downside of the open faced helmet (without a face shield) is those 60-70 MPH bugs and rain drops and stuff.
- Interesting people: One macho, bareheaded rider I encountered informed me that about all the full faced helmet was good for was that it would allow you to have an open casket funeral. (I love meeting interesting people like this...)
- In Pennsylvania, a young boy about 6 or 7 years old showed a lot of interest in my Scooter. He brazenly walked up to me at a rest stop and asked what the size of my engine was. He proudly told me he rode a bicycle.
- Comfort: I realize that "comfort" is a relative term, but my Majesty is a surprisingly comfortable ride. By locking my knees, I can vary my riding position, taking the weight off my rear. Changing positions often greatly increases the distance I can ride. Posture I think is the most important thing to consider when riding. Keeping my spine perfectly straight is a big help.
- I take an aspirin a day beginning two or three days before my ride and one every day during. This helps prevent much stiffness and soreness that plagues me on long rides. Someone did mention that was a bad idea, because in case of an accident, bleeding may be hard to control. Oh, for a perfect world.
- ICE. In Case of Emergency:I printed a few 3X5 cards with information in case I crashed. Blood type, medications I am taking, insurance information, numbers and names of people to call, etc.
| Ivydale, WV 3.3 Gallons - | Washington, PA 2.8 Gallons - | Erie, PA 2.6 Gallons - | West Hen, NY 2.7 Gallons - | Westmoreland, NY 2.8 Gallons - | Sherburne, NY 1.8 Gallons | Turkey Hill, PA 2.9 Gallons | Martinsburg, WV 2.8 Gallons | Mccumber, WV 2.8 Gallons | Charleston, WV 3.0 |
| Approximately 27 gallons of gasoline total. | Cost approximately $110.00 |
Anybody know of any sites that feature scooter or motorcycle trips? If so, please send me the link so I can post it here. If you have made a trip on your bike, or scooter, and you don't have a website, let me post it here so we can all enjoy it !
Send it to me.
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