1150 miles solo 'round NY state

[fyrfytr]

After reading lots of ride reports here, I made grandiose plans for a ride all over New England. As time passed, and the need for a new cage, I was forced to scale back my plans. I was almost forced to scrap the idea totally. But as my vacation time neared and scrutinized my finances I decided that I would be able to go for a trip anyway.

I made reservations online, checked the forecast, weather was to be good, and got ready to go. I thought I packed light, even though the Zed (Kawasaki Z-750s) looked packed to the gills. I checked and rechecked that I had everything and that everything was secure. It was finally time to go.

At this time I must appologize that I have no photos while enroute. My next farkle will be a Ram Mount so that I may take photos while riding.

Day 1: Newton, NJ to Watkins Glen, NY. I left at about 10:00a.m. and headed west on rt 6 from Milford, PA. Traffic was moving well for the first two hours or so until I hit construction in Honesdale. Combined with lunchtime delays and detours I crept along. Things picked up for a time until rt 6 merges with I-81. More construction and more delays. Finally things opened up for good and move right on until Troy, PA. At Troy, I turned north on rt 14 and headed to the town of Watkins Glen, NY.

In Watkins Glen, I set up camp, got some dinner, cleaned up and rested up in preparation for the next days activities.

A rest stop along rt 6


My campsite


Day 2: Watkins Glen, NY. Woke up early and had breakfast at a nearby diner. Headed to the state park to hike through the Glen.






As I hiked through the glen and more and more tourists arrived it was time to leave. I headed north on 14 along Seneca lake to look for some lunch. I found an out of the way restaraunt on Rainbow cove overlooking the lake. I finished up and headed back towards my campsite. Back in town I saw a sign for a cruise along the lake and decided to check it out. Next boat left in 5 minutes so I got a ticket and got on board.

Seneca Lake is Huge! The largest of the Finger Lakes, it is 35 miles long, averages about 2 miles wide, and averages 300 feet deep.



I also headed to Watkins Glen International Raceway. The track was closed unfortunately, as they were hosting a Porsche Club of America event. They wouldn't let me in, but the nice guy at the gate told me to go to the next road, turn left, and park at gate 6. Walk to the end of the road and I'd be able to see a good portion of the track. Thank you sir.

Day 3: Watkins Glen to Watertown, NY. NOAA weather was calling for rain, so I paccked up early and headed north on 14. The rising sun warmed me as I caught glimpses of the lake to my right and vineyards on my left.

The Finger Lakes region is known for its' wine production. As you travel the region you will encounter wineries(sp?) of all sizes. A future trip will be to explore them all.

I continued on until I came to the small town of Sodus Point. Sodus Point is situated on Lake Ontario, and there is a small lighthouse there. I saw one of the Great Lakes when I was a small child and did not appreciate the grandeur. After seeing this portion of the Lake, I do indeed appreciate the size. I had seen a documentary on the lakes on the History channel, and they stated the Great Lakes held enough water to cover the lower 48 in about 6-8 feet of water. Wow! I couldn't stay long though, as weather was chasing me.


Back on the road I followed the Seaway trail as it hugs the coast of Lake Ontario and the Saint Laurence River. I rode on to Watertown, NY. There I rented A hotel room, since they were calling for strong thunderstorms.

I awoke after a great nights sleep, packed up the bike and got ready to continue.

Rest of the trip to follow.

[zadok]

That grotto with the waterfalls looks awesome.

[fyrfytr]

Originally Posted by zadok

That grotto with the waterfalls looks awesome.

It really is beauiful there. Used to have family in the area when I was young but they have since passed. It had been several years since I had been there but I remembered lots of it.

[fyrfytr]

Day 4: Watertown, NY to Rouses Pt., NY. I allowed myself to sleep in for a while and a cup of coffee from Seattle. I headed out at about 10:00 a.m. After the thunderstorms of the night before, it was damp and cool. The liner went in the jacket and the warmer gloves went on. I followed the Seaway Trail along Lake Ontario and the Saint Laurence River. Stopped for lunch in the town of Messina and stopped at the Eisenhower Locks. Watched a freighter pass through on it's way to the Atlantic I suppose.

Continued on to the town of Malone. Met a fellow on a GS from Oregon. If you're here, I appologize I don't remember your name. But I hope that you've had a safe ejoyable trip. I continued on through a wind farm that would make T. Boone proud. Finally at the town of Rouses Point I stopped for the night.

Rouses Point is as far north and east in New York as you can go. Further East you're in Vermont, North you're in Canada. I stayed at a cheap motel overlooking Lake Champlain.
Saint Laurence River with a (blurry) Coast Guard ship in the distance.

Eisenhower Locks

Leaving the lock.

Rouses Point on Lake Champlain.

The bridge to Vermont.

This just struck me as very funny. Perhaps it was fatigue.

Day 5: Rouses Point to Lake George (town of Bolton) I awoke to the sun rising over Lake Champlain. After breakfast I crossed the bridge into Vermont and turned south on rt 2. Beautiful ride through farms and glimpses of the lake. I pressed on until Burlington and took the ferry across the lake back into NY. Lake Champlain is HUGE in comparison to Seneca lake. The crossing took close to an hour, and I spent time searching for Champ.

Back in New York I continued south to Fort Ticonderoga. Stopped and looked around for a while and continued on to Lake George.

Entrance to Burlington Marina


Zed's first boat ride.

Adirondacks in the background.

Fort Ticonderoga


Overlooking Lake George. Looking south towards the Narrows.

One of the highlights of the trip was riding 9n south over Tongue Mountain. Very twisty and lots of elevation change. Dinner in Bolton and stopped for the night.

One more day to go.

[fyrfytr]

Day 6: Lake George to Home. Today was going to be the longest ride of the trip. After a light breakfast and packing the bike, I was on my way. The ride along Lake George was pleasant but that quickly changed. Lots of traffic and lights from Lake George Village through the capital district. Things didn't really begin to move until I got onto rt 5. I headed west towards Amsterdam and then south on 30.

Without a doubt, rt 30 from Amsterdam to the Catskill Mountains is the most beautiful road that I have yet traveled. For the first part of the journey, it follows the Schoharie Creek valley as it winds through forests, fields, farms, and tiny country towns. As the Catskill Mountains approach, the road narrows and elevation increases.

I entered the Catskill State Forest and two bears meandered across the road in front of me. They timed it perfectly to get themselves into the cover of the woods before I could retrieve my camera. I pressed on, still having quite a ways to get home. 206 south brought me to rt 17 and I went west instead of east. I think fatigue and the pain the saddle was causing me was taking it's toll.

Back on track in the correct direction, I passed through Bethel, NY. (You old hippy types might recognize that.) Finally I made it to route 97 which runs to Port Jervis. Rt 97 is a fun ride! The road follows the Delaware and at one point there's lots of twisties. The story is that several car companies have used the road in tv commercials. If you're in the area, it's worth checking out. It can be slow going on weekends though. I'm usually stuck behind a slow moving HD convoy.

From Port Jervis I picked up 521, also a great ride (watch the deer) and on to 206 and home.

Total mileage was 1,149. The bike never missed a beat. I have to say that far from home, every noise or rattle is amplified. Despite this, the bike just kept on going. And loaded down like it was, still got 50 mpg. Can't ask for any better than that. Once I get some feeling back into my backside, I'll be planning the next trip.

Rob

Lookins south on rt 30 towards the Catskills.

An old covered bridge rt 30



Delaware River

[Marvin the Martian]

I camped there once. The campsite was at the top of the hill and in the middle of the night a train could be heard climbing the hill. The track ended up being across the road. I think the train shook loose everything in site before it completed the climb.

[fyrfytr]

Originally Posted by Marvin the Martian

I camped there once. The campsite was at the top of the hill and in the middle of the night a train could be heard climbing the hill. The track ended up being across the road. I think the train shook loose everything in site before it completed the climb.

First time I camped there the train woke me from a sound sleep too. Didn't know what all the shaking was until the train blew it's horn. Thought I was experiencing an earthquake for a few seconds.

[GB]

Great riding in upstate NY..

[Marvin the Martian]

Originally Posted by fyrfytr

First time I camped there the train woke me from a sound sleep too. Didn't know what all the shaking was until the train blew it's horn. Thought I was experiencing an earthquake for a few seconds.

Better words than mine for the same place. Geez that was loud