I rode Saturday with a guy from the Rebel 250 Web Site (http://www.rebel250.com) We're prepping for a ride out to Lake Hope in McArthur, Ohio in two weeks for a gathering of Rebel Riders. My plan was that I would be taking my Wing out to Ohio, but I got beat up due to the fact that it's a Rebel gathering! There were some terse words and something mumbled about me riding a sofa. Spoil Sports! So, it appears I'll be taking my Rebel 450 out to Ohio.
This trip was two-fold. First, for me it was a chance to put some miles on the Rebel which hasn't been ridden much the past year due to my knee surgery. Second, the guy I rode with is on the fence as to whether or not he can make it that distance. So, I put together a trip just a little over 300 miles for the day to give him a good run to see if he needs to bail or not. Here's the result of the trip. (Originally posted on the Rebel site last Saturday night - just got around to posting it here! I'm behind on chores!)
Here's the basic route we did today. We deviated here and there:
Startigan Starts at point G and ends there too. I start at point F and end there also.
Startigan had a bit of a rough ride to my house due to the morning sun directly in his eyes. Additionally, the weather was fairly chilly so he was pretty cold when he finally arrived.
We headed out to Thurmont and stopped ate a quick breakfast. Then, gas and pit stop. Finally we are really on the road out west! We headed through the Catoctin mountains and started north-west into PA.
Once through Waynesboro we really started to get buffeted by strong winds. The gust had to be close to 50mph and were blowing us about pretty good. Branches, leaves, acorns, and dead animals were abound on the road!
After Chambersburg we got to climb our only tall mountain for the day. Mostly we were just in the valleys. Atop the mountain the temp really dipped and we were pretty chilled at this time. We stopped about 30 miles south of Mt Union, filled up and had something to drink as we armed ourselves. We had a good long chat with a guy and his wife about their Goldwing and trailer setup. He's traveled all over the eastern part of the US, but just hasn't gotten west of the Mississippi yet. Also talked to a guy who owned a Virago. You meet the nicest people on a Honda!
We continued to get blown all over the place as we traveled up to Harrisburg. We stopped about 3 for lunch at Marysville All American Diner and the food was good and cheap! Imagine! a Crabcake Sandwich for less than $5! I had the Swiss Steak Special. That came with Soup, Salad, and another side - I had Cottage Cheese with Apple Butter - It's an Amish thing...
Full and now feeling lethargic from eating we headed onward to Gettysburg.
We stopped at the battlefield for Gas and a trip up the Towers at Culp's Hill to view the battlefield.
From the tower we could see the Cement plant in Union Bridge. Startigan thought it would be nice to go there next. So, off we went to Union Bridge.
Afterwards we headed back to Woodsboro where we parted ways. He still had about 30 miles to go and it was already starting to get dark!
If Startigan had any doubts if he could make it to Ohio, I can assure him he's ready!
Overall, it was a really enjoyable day except for the strong wind and chill temps. We were amazed that there were plenty of HD riders without helmets, jackets, mirrors... Seriously, it was cold - those "Real Bikers" are just crazy.
Look out Ohio! Here We Come!
