Wednesday 14 July 2010

Strange Sights, plus My Bike Gets A Name!

Day 21.

Today was a quiet, simply riding day. People have told me and I have read that Vermont is a beautiful state, which parts of it are. However, like most places in the world, if trees cover just about every part of the landscape, you begin to feel some degree of repetition as you ride mile after mile of very similar views of trees, trees and more trees. The trouble with trees are they block the view. I saw a few hills, a few rivers and even fewer lakes that I am sure are there if you could see past the trees. As the day went on, I felt as though something was missing and sadly, I considered that maybe Vermont wasn’t as good as I had expected. I am sure it is fantastic in the snow.

As a consequence, I didn’t take many photos today, but some that I did were of some strange things.

Near Talcville, Vermont, there was a BMW motorbike used as what I thought was a statue, but on checking it out later, it turned out to be advertising a BMW motorcycle shop called Emerson Motor Works, which specialises in the repair and restoration of BMW’s....





















In Pittsfield Town, Vermont, I passed and went back to take a picture of two fuel pumps sitting on their own on some grass. This looked very peculiar, but cool. I wondered what they were doing there and I appreciated the wacky nature of them being there, just on their own....





















At a ski resort (there are lots of these on route 100 going north through Vermont) called Killington, there was a golf course at quite a high elevation, with many golf carts sitting in eager anticipation of being used. I checked with one of the golfers and as I suspected, the golfing season is short, but twice a year, just as the snows are arriving and then as they are melting on the upper slopes, it is one of the few places you can play golf in the morning and ski in the afternoon. I liked the way the carts were lined up, awaiting a golfer who doesn’t need the exercise of walking....














































I filled up with fuel at Waitsfield and grabbed some lunch and almost straight away after rejoining the road, in a grass field, what looks like someone’s personal tribute to the war dead in Iraq and Afghanistan. The symbolism and impact of the sheer number of flags was very striking and bought home the futility of war and of the USA’s (and the UK’s) involvement in what appears to some to be a struggle not worth fighting for. Whatever the politics of the matter, I applaud the person that created this....









































There are a number of covered wooden bridges in Vermont. They are covered to protect the wooden bridge deck from the weather, thereby dramatically extending their lifespan. They are very cool....





















The last of today’s photos is of some falls at the side of route 100 approaching Stowe....



























Probably like most people on a road trip, getting an internet service can be patchy, but I try to upload to my blog every day, send and receive e-mails and even try to find time to look at other blogs that I am following. Apologies if I don't respond to blog comments or respond to e-mails as quickly as I should, but hey, I am doing what I can.

There was one e-mail I received yesterday that was so cool that I am going to comment on it here. One of my readers, Randy in Santa Barbara wrote and told me "Enjoying your blog very much of your travels across America. In fact as I was emailing a friend in Deer Isle Maine he looked up from his computer and you and Paul were riding by with your distinctive helmet". How great is that - Paul and I were recognised on the road!! Thanks for letting me know Randy!!


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I have now chosen a name for my bike.

I would like to thank all those that sent in suggestions, including Titch’s Mum, who send in some ideas from near Scunthorpe in England.

Some of the suggestions I received were good, some funny, some scandalous, but I have decided to go for....

“The Leading Ladies”.

Now wherever I go on my bike, I can say The Leading Ladies came with me.

I have noticed however, they are a bit grubby, so The Leading Ladies need a wash!

8 comments:

SonjaM said...

Hope you catch more of these wooden bridges. Very picturesque! Hope your Leading Ladies (or short: LeLas?) will always lead the right way.

Eve said...

A perfect name for a beautiful bike, maybe you could stick her under one of those waterfalls for an easy wash!!! (Only kidding Leading Ladies...don't get your hair-dos up in a bunch!!!) Love the new header Gary, the scene looks very much like it looks here in northern Alabama. I do know what you're saying about the trees. I left my wide open space in northern NY with an endless view to my new home in AL that is in the woods. It is very different but something to experience in a life time.
It is SO COOL that someone saw you and Paul ride by their home!!! Amazing! I know I'd be looking out for you, ready to ride a few miles with you on my IRON if you were in my area! If possible I'll send my best friends to Alex Bay when you're there to say hi on their Sportsters. They've been keeping an eye on you too.
Ride safe!

Unknown said...

Gary:

most of the time we also stop to "smell the roses" and take a few photos. You sure manage to come across some neat places which even the locals may not know about.

must be nice to be recognized but you have a large following. I am sure you will meet many more during your travels across the continent.

it's hard to believe that this is day 21 already

ride safe
bob
Wet Coast Scootin

Gary France said...

Sonja - I have seen a few of the bridges and they look great, but I carry on riding hoping to catch the perfect looking one in the perfect position to photograph it. Maybe I will find it, maybe not.

Eve – Homes amongst the trees are great and in fact we live in the woods also. That is different to riding though, when I like to see the views. I wasn’t sure whether to wear that bright helmet but I am glad I did now that somebody recognised it.

Bob – I am going on some very small local back roads, so I am seeing a lot more than people travelling long distances in a short time. Being recognised was fun!

Claudio Mccarty said...

What a unique and catchy way to advertise your store! I’m sure passersby and tourists will be curious as to what this old motorcycle is doing on top of the rock. Anyways, that is one catchy name for a bike. I hope that “The Leading Ladies” would give you some more awesome road trips and adventures! Keep us posted!

Erik Lucien said...

“The Leading Ladies”--- yeah, I think it’s the perfect name for your motorcycle, as you're with them almost wherever you go. Who suggested it? Haha! Now, I am sure that people won't just give their pets or cars a name, but their motorcycles too! :D

Gary France said...

Claudio – Thanks for your comment. The Leading Ladies will be carrying me to Rome from London next year, as part of the H-D 110th Anniversary celebrations.

Erik – Naming of motorcycles seems very common, but I have never given a car a name. It was a combination of suggestions that lead to the name of The Leading Ladies.

Max Piedra said...

I like the photo of your bike on that wooden bridge deck. The place looks very serene to me. You will really feel the kind of atmosphere that it has. Plus, the trees around the area are so luscious and green in color. Isn’t it so beautiful?