Wandering in Indiana

Plan to ride, but not sure when. Some yard work to do first. I'll send a PM with phone number.

Been out several times since the last post. No pictures. Too windy or too cold to stop. I left my jacket liners at home on the last ride and froze for 90 minutes. Not all that enjoyable, so I didn't get in the mood to stop.

Today is in the '70's and I headed out about 11:00. First stop was the radio control aircraft field I showed you above. Lots of aircraft up today. Pretty cool stuff. Liked this one



This does not look like a successful day


Wandered on southwest and went through a small community. Saw an estate sale on the main drag in town (such as it was) and decided to stop. Turned out it was an old hardware store. Teenager said it was his great-grandfather's store--his father said it was a great day to ride and he wished he was. Didn't help much and told him it was great riding. Did spend $3.00 on a 12v inflator. May take the case off one at home and prep it for carrying in a saddlebag on longer rides. Did find a good use for my zip down tailbag.


Never one to be above a bad joke--I always wanted to go to Havard. Made it to Yale instead.


Saw a sign pointing to Hall and decided to go see it. Not much there.
Spotted this old church and most of you know I have an affinity for them--so here ya' go.


Had a moment there that reminded me of how screwed up the world is. I saw a couple of kids at the far end of the parking lot. Didn't pay much attention as I was trying to get the shot. One of them, about 10-11, came running up and wanted to talk about motorcycles. Clearly one of us, just early in his career. He wanted to tell me about his dad's bikes (Harley-D's) and about his bicycle that looks like one. The other kid wandered over and she just stood there listening. All I could think of was-"What does this look like? A guy on a motorcycle, clearly not from here, taking pictures of buildings and talking to kids." I know I wouldn't be thrilled if I looked out the window and saw my kids talking to some stranger. I got back on the road quickly. Sigh, "sorry kid--screwed up world says it isn't safe to talk to strangers OR kids--even about motorcycles. Hang in there, your ride is waiting just a few more years down the road."

Spotted this as I left the church parking lot.




With my season thoroughly greeted-- I headed for home. Great day to ride-hope you got out and enjoyed it too.

So after an exciting track meet last night (my son ran a 9:49:02 3200 meter run to earn 3rd fastest all-time at his high school and win the race for the good guys--for those keeping score,) I had some time to myself today and headed out. No plan, as usual, though I should have had one as it turned out.

It is the kind of day in IN when your brain immediately connects the color of the sky and the type of clouds together and comes up with, "The Simpsons..." (no idea how to write that so it looks like you should sing the theme song in your head, but suspect you get the idea.) A bit cool at the start, so liner in, gear on and head out.

Found myself wandering west on U.S. 40, the Lincoln Highway-one of the first transcontinental roads, just to the south of home. Don't usually ride it because it is straight, a bit more congested than I like and somewhat boring. Just felt in the mood, so I headed west. Ended up invading jdfog2's territory. Thought about trying to contact him to meet up for coffee, but didn't have easy access to contact info. Next time I'll plan ahead and call early.

First stop was a place a few miles before Greencastle called The Putnam County Road Course. I've heard about the place from a Spec Miata racer-friend, but had never quite figured out where it was. Nice lady at the gate said it was a closed event today, but that motorcycle races are next weekend.


Looked like a Porsche club meet as all the cars I saw on the course were...Porsches. Figured that out without any help. I'm quick like that. Ignore the thumb.

Wandered on west, turned north on 231 and ended up in Greencastle. This guy has been holding the gernade at the ready for a long time.

The northwest corner holds a fairly surprising monument to WWII vets. A German V-2 rocket--one of two in the country with the other one in the Smithsonian--according to the marker.

Swung by DePauw University and snapped these.




I've decided I really like having the Cycle Guys tailbag on the bike. I threw my mesh gloves in with my wallet and left it half zipped on the way out. Stopped somewhere in town to buy some ear plugs and put the liner to my jacket in the tailbag. There when I want it, nearly invisible when I don't. Nice addition to my riding gear.






A note on the ear plugs. I bought them because I had heard a discussion on The Pace Podcast about how loud even the quietest helmet is. Thought I'd pick some up and try them out. Bought the green squishy kind and slapped them in. Did reduce the wind noise, but at the expense of allowing the basso profroundo noise of the Scorpion slip-on to become very intrusive. I like bass (I play electric bass, after all,) but I'm not sure I like the Scorpion slip on while wearing ear plugs Too loud. Kind of strike two for the pipe--it is too high to allow for easy luggage installation and now it is too loud. Don't really want to spend money for a quieter pipe, but have to do something.

Later, y'all.

cool thread, and nice pics.. when you were stopped in hall you were maybe 10min from my place.

keep wandering on......

You win the "better riding" portion of the Indiana lottery, at least when compared to Avon.

Hope to see you out there a some point.

Hey Neighbor!

Nice pics ... as you know I lve in the Greencastle "metro" area where you took some of those recent pics.

Growing up we kinda didn't appreciate our local sights -somewhat limited but neat anyway.

We need to take a ride together before it gets too hot. Maybe a covered bridge + tour.

Jay

Jay,
Should have had a plan last week and contacted you before I headed out. Just never quite know where I will end up! Did notice you've got better riding out your way, so I'll likely be out that way a lot this summer.

This is the last week of classes and graduation is the weekend after, so time is very limited at the moment. Jon graduates from high school shortly after and things are crazy around the time.

Really would love a tour out your way once things get calmed down. The bridge tour sounds like a lot of fun. Let me get through all the graduation stuff and we'll make that ride happen.

Joel

End of an era, sigh. Sold the GR650 today for a bit more than expected and bit less than hoped for. At least the guy who bought was really excited to get it. Has a bobber at home, but found it hard to ride with GF on back. The old GR should fit the bill.

Learned a lot on that old bike. Enjoyed it. Guess that's all you can hope for with a bike.

On to more adventures on the SV once the semester ends.

I have read that motorcycles have a soul. Not sure I quite go for that but I do believe there is a connection within us that does not happen with every machine we use. Bikes have it more because of it being sort of a visceral thing when we ride. You said it man, you learned a lot on it and obviously had some good times. Time for the next guy to do the very same thing. He made a big move up from a bobber to the GR. Kinda got that attachment thing going on with my Guzzi. Can't put a finger on it but damn I enjoy that scooter. As always, keep riding and posting for those of us locked in our cubicles and staring longingly out the windows during the good weather. Glad to see you're out and riding. I'm on vacation soon but flying to another place and leaving the bike at home. Bummer.....
Random thoughts here man.
Stay safe out there...
Ken

Good to hear from you, Ken. Think you nailed it about the connection to certain bikes.

Feeling really fortunate to have the SV. I know most jobs have a sense of ebb and flow to them and for mine--the end of the semester is crazy. Lots of stress and drama as the school year ends and seniors go looking for the "real world."

At any rate, for better or worse, the semester is over. I'm not teaching a summer course for the first time since '93. Once my son graduates in a couple of days and once the open house hoopla is over there should be more time to ride.

I've been out a couple of times in the last few days, but no pictures. My point-n-shoot has an issue and is currently in for repair and I just didn't feel like stopping. I needed the ride.

One funny moment to relate. I had stopped for gas and had just pulled back out on the road. I had seen a Harley go by and he had stopped at the light about half a block away. I accelerated and instantly heard an awful blatting noise. Thought, "What's wrong with the bike?" and got off the gas. Then realized that the HD rider had accelerated at exactly the same time and his bike was louder than mine. That is saying something--my SV has a Scorpion slip-on exhaust on it--PO installed it.

Moment of relief and than back to the riding. Laughed in my helmet at that one.

Everybody keep the rubber side down.

Been riding a fair amount, but have very few pictures. Finally got my camera back from the repair shop, but can't find the memory card they insisted I take home for "safe keeping."

Left home at 10:30 yesterday and decided to ride northeast. Wanted to see if it was as flat and as full of straight roads as it appears from I-65. Actually, some of it is, but it has hidden gems that make riding it worthwhile.

There was some light wind evident as I left home, but it got a lot more evident as the ride went on. I ended up in Thorntown looking for gas. I saw a Marathon station at the edge of town, but it was still under construction. Rode into downtown and hopped off the bike to stretch. Man, that SV seat really is an instrument of torture. I really need to do something to improve comfort if I intend to ride longer distances.

There are public benches in Thorntown along the main street. I took advantage of the hospitality.

This old building caught my attention.


I asked a woman if there was a gas station in town and she said, "You are a week too early. They filled the tanks at the new station today, but it doesn't open until next week."

Pulled out the phone and fired up the GPS. Gas about 10 miles away in Lebanon. I took the first road that went that direction. The wind had REALLY picked up in the time I was in town--about 20 minutes. Gusts were blowing me all over the road--one of the disadvantages of a light bike. I had been thinking about changing the mirrors on the bike. It came with bar end mirrors and I like the view, but don't like having to move my eyes so far down to acquire the it. I really think I'll change them after this ride.

The road was a two-lane, divided road. Without warning it went down to one lane and turned into an entrance ramp onto I-65. The last time I was on an expressway on a bike was in 2000. Didn't like it then and really didn't like it in the middle of this extremely gusty wind. Decided to get off as quickly as possible, but the next exit was across three lanes to the left. Uh, no. Next exit was about a mile further, so I pulled off and filled the tank. Happy to see the exit. No way I was getting back on I-65, so I took the road next to the gas station.

Turned out it was the wrong direction to get home and it had me riding directly into the wind. Decided to get off the first side road headed toward home. Pulled off and discovered I had the wrong bike. No, the bike was still the SV I left home on, but I really needed a KLR or Wee-Strom for the task at hand. There are still areas in Indiana with gravel roads and I was smack in the middle of one. SV's are not really designed to handle gravel roads. Back onto the main road.

Finally found a paved road heading toward home. Riding with the wind reduced the need for the death grip on the bars and the constant battle to keep the bike heading in the right direction and in my own lane. Sweet relief.

Arrived home at about 2:30 and by 4:00 the wind had died down. I think we were experiencing the remnants of the storms that devastated Nebraska the night before.

A few shots from other rides since my camera died.



Hope you are all getting some saddle time.

What a difference a year makes! Last year we were deep into a drought and everything was brown. We had weeks of temps of over a 100 degrees and it was miserable riding a lot of the time.

This year it has been a rainy a lot of days, but I am NOT complaining even though it limits my riding time. This morning we had some seriously heavy thunderstorms with a lot of rain and I didn't think I'd get any riding in. Fortunately, I was wrong. It was sunny by about 2 and I geared up and headed out.

Finally found my memory card for my camera. I spent nearly a week and a half trying to find it. Broke down and ordered one...and found mine not 20 minutes later. Had to laugh.

The corn is just hitting the growing peak season. Last week, in this same spot, the corn was about knee high. I think if you stand out in the field long enough you'd get corn up your nose.


In my continuing effort to acquaint you with every old barn within 50 miles...


Indiana's beauty is often found in the shades of green --at least when we don't have a drought ongoing.



I love these old country lanes with a row of trees alongside. Reminds me of my Grandfather's home in western PA. He worked on a farm called "Old Home Manor" from age 13 to age 83. The property was originally owned by the family that started the G. C. Murphy discount store chain. There was long lane from the main road to Grandad's home with trees lining both sides. This shot brought it to mind.


Last one for today--my view from the saddle. I've had the SV for just over a year now and have really grown to appreciate this little bike. Plenty for how I ride and I'm really happy to have it. Not sure a KLR, or Wee-Strom, wouldn't be a better fit for how and where I ride, but it'll do.

Weird day for Indiana. High in the low '70's--extremely unusual. The average high is somewhere in the mid-80's. I put the liner back in my mesh jacket and I was very happy I did. Perfectly comfortable with it in.

Followed my usual plan of having no plan. Managed to get pretty lost--more on that later.

First up, an unusual shot for me. This barn is not falling down--unlike the barns I usually shoot.

It's companion.

Swung by Amo, IN again and spotted this. Couldn't resist this shot. My grandfather (mentioned in an earlier post) worked the farm on an Allis Chalmers he named "Harve" for a lot of his life. The bigger tractor is like the one he used. Rode a lot of hours on the drag bar behind him.


Went further west on some roads I hadn't ridden before and suddenly found myself in Greencastle. Had thought I was a lot further south. Took the first right out of town and found myself on a little used country lane with a one lane bridge.



About this time I realized that I wasn't sure which direction to ride to get back home. Spotted a guy on the riverbank fishing and asked where Indy was. He waved a direction and said, "Thataway."

Okay, worked for me. I headed "thataway" and found some excellent riding. Narrow, twisty roads and nobody out there. Had a great time, but was still really lost. Saw this place about 15 minutes away from the bridge.

Finally stopped when I saw a guy mowing his lawn and got better directions than "thataway." Hit a small town called Bainbridge for gas, M&M's and a bottle of water. Was still a bit backwards on the directions...I'd have headed exactly the wrong direction had I not asked again. Rare for me to get that turned around. Enjoyed it immensely.

Spotted this old gal as I was pulling out of the gas station and had to turn around to go see it.
Really surprised to find a Brit bike specialist out here, but the owner said he has been doing it full time for four years. Had a lot of nice old bikes in the shop.

All in all, a really nice day of riding. Hope you've had the chance to get some riding in as well.

Man, I love this thread. I live in Dallas, TX now, but you run around (more or less) my homeland. That whole triangle from Lafayette to Terre Haute to Indy. Makes me smile to see these pictures.

Nice riding and pics my friend !

We were on some of the same roads today/tonight!
I had my wife drive me around in her new pickup on some county roads ...
She was like "where the heck are we? " She grew up in Oklahoma where they have an almost perfect "grid" system for country roads

We didn't see you though :)

I am planning a foray Saturday. Pics and maybe even some GoPro to follow.

Jay

Oh, I forgot

We also have a Motorcycle (repair/customizing) shop in Greencastle - mere yards from the Buzz Bomb (just off the square) and south of town a few miles is a motorcycle customizer that is more about paint and frame and body changes (mostly Harleys).

Unsurefooting, glad you are enjoying the thread. I've only just begun riding out that direction and I am finding that there is a LOT more good riding to be had out that way. Plan to get out there more often this summer. Any tips on what I should go looking for?

It has been interesting, I thought from the few car trips I've taken out that direction that most of it was flat. Just isn't--and I like the riding.

Jay, I can see how taking a girl from OK around the backroads out there could create some confusion. Reminds me of taking my Chicago-raised then girlfriend (now wife) to the wilds of western MI to meet my parents. Naturally, I took her in on the two-track roads instead of the paved. Freaked her out, but it amused me immensely.

There are a lot of covered bridges out there, and many small towns with good character. There are a couple of reservoirs, including one you can boat on, (Raccoon Lake) if you're into that, and Mansfield is out there. They have stuff going on all year.

There's Turkey Run State Park up on 41, which would be a good 2-up if y'all like hiking or canoeing (sugar creek).

Unsurefooting,
Been to most of those, but not Mansfield. Will put it on the list.

Well, happy Independence Day!


Went through a small town called Pittsboro today. Last vehicle to get through before they closed the street for the 4th of July parade. Hundreds of people lining the streets. I restrained the impulse to wave as though I were in the parade until the very end. Saw some kids in their little lawn chairs and waved. They waved back as though I were part of the parade. Ha! Loved it.

Spotted this old gal a few miles down the road. 53,000 original miles.

Always thought those rear windows were cool when I was a kid.

Showed you an old gas station last summer and had spotted this old church out behind it. Didn't have time to shoot it then, so had an excuse to go back.

The view south from the church parking lot was not all bad.


Went on into Lebanon, IN and hit a second parade. Figured it was a sign that I was supposed to post a few pics.
Street ballet.


An unusual tank--as I recall something similar was used just before D-Day to fool the Germans into thinking the Allies were massing an army in a different spot.


Ya' know...I'm not real sure about this one. I saw that it won second place in the commercial division.


Spotted this abandoned school on the way back home. Not far from the church--just the other side of the road.

Built in 1927


I needed a longer lens than my point-n-shoot has to really get some good shots. Posted No Trespassing.

The abandoned playground was a bit creepy.




Headed home after stopping at the old school. Beautiful day in central Indiana. Hope you are feeling free wherever you are.

Man you go everywhere I want to go! But never went out there before. You riding tomorrow anywhere unknown ?