Last Sundays cruise

Sunday's weather was fairly nice, a little cool but nothing proper riding clothes couldn't handle. The ride was suppose to start at 10am from Dunkin Donuts in Montville and was sent to do so until Judy arrived and let us know Jim was at the gas station and the bike wasn't going anywhere. The ride headed to the station to see what the problem was. Nasty was being nasty, it would hardly crank over. A set of jumpers solved the problem and we were off on our way. Steve tried to call the Windham County riders to let them know of the delay but could get a hold of no one so he changed the route and instead of a more circular route the club headed straight up 395 to 169, and 169 to route 14 to meet up with the Windham riders. We arrived at the Dunkin on 14 in Canterbury and found that the reason he could not get a hold of anyone is because there was no one there to meet.

Steve headed us west across 14 to route 203 which we took north to route 6. The plan was to go up route 6 to 198 then 198 to 44 west. At 203 and 6 Steve decided to do an exploratory maneuver and we took Bates road to Bassetts Bridge road across Mansfield Hollow Lake to route 195. (I told him the last time I had an Exploratory maneuver it included an Doctor wearing gloves and it was not enjoyable). We followed 195 north into Storrs and joined route 44 west there. we stayed on 44 then 384 to 44 and stopped for lunch at the Shady Glen Restaurant. If you have not been there it is like a return to the past, the waitresses wear knee length dresses with large frill collars, the cooks wear bow ties and paper hats, and the serve the condiments in those old style glass and wire servers. After lunch Judy found oil on the side of her air cleaner, closer examination found oil on the lower cylinders, the case, the side cover, the seat and bag. Turns out one of the o'rings on the valve cover was leaking. There was not substantial lose and she was able to continue. Many of the riders headed off in their own directions while Steve lead five bikes west on 44 to East Hartford where we picked up route 84 west. Steve took us on an enjoyable ride across Litchfield to route 202 to marble Dale and the White Horse for a drink and for those who have not seen it, to see the 1920 Indian Motorcycle.  While there a woman talked to Danny and was surprised we were from New London and all the way up there. (I guess some people don't travel).

From the White Horse Steve lead us down twisting turning roads back to Durham where he placed us on rte 148 as he headed home down 79. Route 148 took us across to Chester where we stopped to shed the sun glasses before the ride home. the temperature definitely dropped after the sun went down so the ride from Chester back was a tad cool.

The ride was great, everyone enjoyed themselves and Steve was able to flip someone off. Steve? Yes, our Chaplain was leading the ride, we were climbing a hill when a car decided to pull out from behind a van on a hill, on a blind corner, cut off a car and cross in front of Steve to pull a U-Turn in a dirt lot. Steve was not impressed. his sentiments were unanimous amongst those on the ride.

Once again Steve put together a great ride and I look forward to more of the same.

klay

Stock Photo Rock Gate, Washington Ct.