Saturday, June 15
     Topsham, ME to Sidney, NY
     368 miles; sunny; temps mid 60′s to mid 70’s

I got a good start this morning, leaving just after 8 to head home. It was a gorgeous day for riding with the fresh summer air and beautiful cumulus clouds as I rode secondary roads across New Hampshire and Vermont. I met hoards of motorcyclists as I rode through New Hampshire, and I later learned they were heading for a huge rally a few miles north in Laconia, NH. Had I known at the time I would have headed on up to see what was happening. They were mostly Harley riders, with a sprinkling of other bikes. The major manufacturers were there giving demo rides.

 

Although I was in my “getting home” mode it struck me once again how beautiful New York State is, particularly along the southern tier. Even four-lane divide highways can be scenic and enjoyable to ride, although you never feel quite the same connection with the surroundings that you get on  secondary roads.

 

Sunday, June 16
     Sidney, NY to Shaker Heights, OH
     410 miles; overcast with periods of rain and strong winds; temps in the 60’s and 70’s

This was another beautiful day for riding, although I had some rain in central New York.

 

I somehow missed the exit to I-86 that would take me to Jamestown, and instead rode I-390 north a ways. By the time I realized this the GPS directed me to take U.S. 20 west to Buffalo, quite a detour from my original route. But I passed through some very interesting rural contry, including this wind farm. The windmills were shrouded in fog but the wheels were turning at a good clip, and I realized then that the strong winds I was experiencing must not be all that unusual in this area.

 

I happened to look down at my speedo just when it was turning over 80,000 miles. I had to wonder how many more miles the GS would accumulate in the process of taking me on my adventures. I hope many!

 

I made it home around 5:30 Sunday evening, not too tired but ready to be home and off the bike. It’s always nice to get home after a long ride and settle into normal routine, but it usually doesn’t take too long until I begin planning the next adventure. I’m particularly proud of the Llabrador sticker on my sidecase. I don’t know how I managed to forgot to get a Newfoundland sticker. Next time…