The summer solstice happened on Monday, and it’s now officially summer. This is the season we’ve been waiting for all winter long. The best riding happens now, with the longer days, warmer weather and gas prices holding fairly steady. While all this is good news, there are still some people who are feeling the effects of a slow economy.
Last year’s buzz word for the summer was “staycation.” I think that this year we might be able to venture a bit farther from home. My favorite ex-brother-in-law Jesse Fulkerson just got back from a two-week bike tour out West to Utah and the Grand Canyon, which gave me the inspiration for this piece on finding the open road and becoming one with your bike. What was so neat about his trip was that he not only was on the bike for two weeks, he was also hang-gliding at some pretty cool spots.
That’s the best part of having a bike. You can go anywhere and do just about anything. God bless America! My taste runs to riding to wineries. We have a lovely one here in Lopez, Pa., that is a very nice day trip out and back. I have two personal favorites for the winery tours. The top spot really has to go to the Finger Lakes wine region in upstate New York. This trip is 175 miles long and usually takes a little more than 3.5 hours to make. If you’re into camping, Keuka Lake State Park is a great place to stay overnight. While in the lakes area you can hit quite a number of wineries while you are there. The big ones include Bully Hill, Hazlett and Dr. Frank’s. The countryside in this part of the world is quite exquisite, especially in the fall.
July 16– 18 at Watkins Glen is the time for the Finger Lakes Wine Festival this year. I’ve been to this one, and it’s pretty good and biker-friendly. There is ample parking, and this year there will be more than 80 vendors in attendance. You can find more information on this at www.theglen.com
If you prefer a more Southern excursion, you should definitely take a ride on Virginia’s Skyline Drive. The roads include breathtaking views and a lot of really challenging, twisting curves. There are quite a number of small wineries and microbreweries along the course of this road. I’ve ridden this one, too, and can attest to the beauty and fun of this ride. For more information on the Shenandoah National Parks, go to www.nps.gov/shen/planyourvisit/driving-skyline-drive.htm. Skyline Drive itself is 105 miles long, should you wish to drive the whole thing. The trip down to this area near Staunton, Va., is approximately 322 miles and about five hours long. You may want to make this one a very long weekend to see everything this area has to offer. There is some highway driving if you want to take the fastest route, but once you’re there the area has beautiful back roads for exploring.
Another great destination spot for you and your bike is Erie. The city of Erie lies along Lake Erie, one of our Great Lakes. It’s not the Jersey Shore, but I think you will like the number of beaches, and the drive along Presque Isle is well worth it. This year Roar, on the Shore is July 15–17. At this event, there are bands, a bike parade through the city and several rides over the weekend. Of course, my favorite is the Roar to the Vineyard poker run. This year’s grand marshal is Robbie Knievel. There are a ton of places to stay for this event. Check out lots more information at www.roarontheshore.com/2010.
Now that you have some idea about where to go, there are some things that you need to know before you hop on your bike and head out. One thing that you might not think about is your helmet. Each state has a different set of rules governing the use of helmets. Pennsylvania does not require a helmet for riders over the age of 21. Virginia, New York and New Jersey all require the use of helmets, and in New Jersey there must be some reflectorization as well. Be sure to pack a helmet if you are not used to wearing one when traveling to these states. You can check out the laws by state at www.amadirectlink.com/legisltn/laws.asp.
If you want to purchase a trailer to carry all your stuff on these jaunts, be sure to check with your dealer or mechanic for the proper equipment for your bike. It would also be a good idea to test ride the bike with the trailer before leaving on the road so that you are used to the handling.
It’s summer. Pick a direction, pick something to do and just get out get on your bike and enjoy all the places that we have within driving distance.
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