Head West

The first European to set foot upon the shores of San Diego was a Portuguese explorer named Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo in 1542. This area became part of the United States after the Mexican-American War in 1850. The region is as diverse as the people that occupy this exquisite place. Golden sandy beaches to the West flow into rolling mountains to the immediate east. The contrasts of the geographical settings are enough to stir ones emotions beyond recognition. Just south is Mexico and only 1.5 hours north is Los Angeles. A year round riding experience awaits the cycle faithful. I love my home state of New York but I can tell you that the wonders of this place can make a man think about moving west. The thought of extending my riding season 5 months is enough to seriously contemplate the move. More photos and posts to come of California.

Ride the Finger Lakes

If you ever get to Western, NY, take a ride south of Rochester to Bristol Mountain outside of Naples, New York. This is part of the Finger Lakes Region and it’s a perfect setting for a cycle trip. I actually put 400 miles on my bike in the last two days and totally enjoyed every minute it. The above photos are of my buddy Mark on his Electra Glide and another of my ride with a waterfall backdrop.

A New Transition

It was cold here in Western New York but the feel of my Harley Dyna Super Glide took me far away from the chilly wind and all I focused on was the feel of the cycle as it traversed the back country roads. I will never forget the feel of my first cycle (HONDA SHADOW 750) which I have ridden for six years without issue nor complaint but there is a difference between the Harley and Honda which is like night and day. The Honda being the little engine that could; the Harley being more like Godzilla destroying Tokyo. There is no disrespect meant towards the Honda Shadow. We’re talking two different bikes with two different classes of engines and it would not be prudent to compare the two. The main issue for me now is that for the first time in my life, I have the ability to go really fast. What can I say, I like the feeling!

So on this day, I would like to sincerely say Thank You to my Honda for giving me six years of adventure. Your spirit and character made me the rider and I am today and the experience has been a soul enhancing journey. Ride now and Ride hard.

I Have a Sickness

So I have been searching for a new bike to buy for the last 4 months and I am horrifically fond of the pursuit. So it's either a Harley Street Bob or a Triumph Tiger 1050. You really can not get different bikes but I love both of them. Should I go with the Hard Core Cruiser or the Adventure Tourer? I am at a loss but either way I can not make a wrong choice.

Spring is here so no matter what bike you have ride it.

St. Patricks's Cathedral, Dublin, Ireland

On Sunday I had found myself upon the footsteps of St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Dublin, Ireland. Words alone cannot begin to explain the intrinsic beauty of this place nor can the photos of the interior do the ornate architecture justice. As you walk into the stone bastion, you are immediately smothered by the history of the Cathedral which is almost overwhelming. St. Patrick’s Cathedral is believed to be built on the earliest Christian site in Ireland where St. Patrick baptized converts. The original church was built in 1191 and the present structure dates back to 1220. The working Church of Ireland Cathedral is open to the public for a fee but the visit is more than worth the price one pays. In the north transept, I saw a tribute to a time honored 18^th Regiment of Foot or better known as the Royal Irish Regiment. The Royal Irish Regiment fought at Lexington and Concord on April 19, 1775 as well as the Battle of Bunker Hill which has been discussed on this blog back on 27Aug2009. The brave men of the Royal Irish Regiment witnessed the shot heard around the world which signified the beginning of the American War for Independence which would not end in America until 1782. During the first significant battle of the American Revolution the Royal Irish Regiment suffered 2 brave soldiers killed in action and 2 wounded.

Drisheen Anyone

Some people call it Irish Black Pudding but it reminds me of sausage with style. Drisheen is a mixture of blood, milk, bread crumb, salt and fat which is then boiled and cooked using the animal’s intestine as the cuisines exoskeleton. The
blood usually comes from cow, pig or sheep. In my humble opinion Drisheen is an Irish delight. 10 hour days at the job have limited my ability to explore but I am still getting out when I can and observing the awe of this amazing place. So for the last three weeks I have been eating at gas stations for breakfast and dinner. Food is very expensive here, so I am saving all the money that I can and putting my funds towards a motorcycle. I have found that I can have a meal at a Gas Station for about 5 Euro compared to 20-30 Euro a meal at a sit down restaurant. Gas Station food is neither all that healthy nor good but it is inexpensive. On an emotional level riding is just as important as the oxygen I breathe. So over the next few months I will be looking for a new scoot and saving as much money as I can. In the mean time, it’s a countdown till spring when we can hit the road. I have attached a few more photos from my journey here in Ireland. THINK SPRING!

Grateful

Every once in a while the stars align in such a way that luck is propelled upon an individual. Here I sit in Ireland surrounded by ancient wonders and sublime majestic beauty. Unfortunately I am not here to ride but by the looks of the place it is a two wheel delight. Over the last week, I have seen a ton of motorcyclist braving the cold on the city streets of Dublin. The allure of the place is staggering and I cannot begin describe it. William Butler Yeates was born in Ireland and now rests here in the shadow of a wondrous cliff. Here is a poem from one of one of Ireland’s greatest authors.

The Wild Swans at Coole by William Butler Yeates

The trees are in their autumn beauty,
The woodland paths are dry,
Under the October twilight the water
Mirrors a still sky;
Upon the brimming water among the stones
Are nine-and-fifty Swans.
The nineteenth autumn has come upon me
Since I first made my count;
I saw, before I had well finished,
All suddenly mount
And scatter wheeling in great broken rings
Upon their clamorous wings.
I have looked upon those brilliant creatures,
And now my heart is sore.
All's changed since I, hearing at twilight,
The first time on this shore,
The bell-beat of their wings above my head,

Trod with a lighter tread.

Unwearied still, lover by lover,
They paddle in the cold
Companionable streams or climb the air;

Their hearts have not grown old;
Passion or conquest, wander where they will,
Attend upon them still.
But now they drift on the still water,
Mysterious, beautiful;
Among what rushes will they build,
By what lake's edge or pool
Delight men's eyes when I awake some day

To find they have flown away?