This is a birthday story for Erica Kingston. Ive tagged a few others. Once upon a time, 18 months or so before la fin du siecle (forgive the lack of accented es) dernier, our two, intrepid motorcycle enthusiasts (Who shall again remain nameless. This time to protect the inattentive) were once again on a road trip. This one a bit shorter than previous two-wheel adventures. The younger, thinner enthusiast was in his third season on a 1996 HD Road King. Rubber-mounted engine, meaning his view in the rear view mirrors was as clear as the view ahead (this has nothing to do with this story.) The bike was equipped with an easily detachable windshield, which had had very little use up til this point and which remained at home for this trip (this also has nothing to do with this story). The bike was green and black. Green HDs were considered, by some back in the day, to be unlucky (this may have something to do with this story). The plan was a visit to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland. The return trip was to take our heroes through Pennsylvania to a music festival, details of which have left the storytellers memory. Readers will see why soon enough (maybe not soon enough for some of you). The beginning of the trip was uneventful - beautiful day - Out of Maine into NH and MA. Route 2 West (the Mohawk Trail, I think) - around the world-famous hairpin turn in N.Adams, MA (home of the world-famous N. Adams Naked Volleyball team, I think (?)), then to Burlington for lunch with the older, less thin enthusiasts son. Across Lake Champlain on the ferry, then to a nice NY State Park (Golden something, I think (?).) on the shores of Lake Erie for the night. Day Two was a wet one; rain off and on all day. Back roads into Cleveland, passing the Flying Saucer Drive-In (built in the shape of a flying saucer) in Ashtabula, OH. We got to Cleveland and checked into a Motel 6 for 2 nights. Day Three dawned bright and sunny. R&R HoF was worth the trip. This story isnt about that, but saw some cool stuff, especially an exhibit of HSTs correspondence with Rolling Stone magazine (Gonzo!) and David Byrnes Big Suit. Our heroes sought entertainment that evening. The younger, thinner enthusiast will tell you about that in person, if you are interested. Well, Erica thats it for Part 1... Check back in awhile for the rest.
Posted on: Fri, 19 Dec 2014 16:53:55 +0000