FJRiders.com

August 14 - 20, 2024.

Our son came to visit us again with his dog. He finagled some things at the office such that he could "work" from our ABB. Don't ask him no questions, and he'll tell you no lies. I don't give a shit - my trail buddies are here!



Over 6 days, we walked nearly 40 miles, all of which was in the mountains and woods right next to our ABB. No wasting time in the truck getting "here or there". Just throw a backpack on and head right out of the front door!



Joe picked the hike each day. This is the way I adventure with my son. The torch is CLEARLY passed - let the kid drive the ship. Hell I don't care - it's all good to me. I'm not gonna lie, some of this stuff was a challenge. You do a 14 mile and 3500 feet of climb day with your 29 year old son, and it will humble you, I guarantee.







But it also quite rewarding and the memories are absolutely priceless.



Meeko had a blast!





There was interesting flora, fauna, and fungi to see along the way.













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One morning, we hiked to the Greeley Ponds, and it was spectacular.





We watched an Osprey for a while doing her thing.

There was always plenty of time to just sit around and do nothing.













By in large, the weather cooperated handsomly, but one afternoon, we did get rained on a bit. Meeko doesn't like that very much.



It's so hard for me to believe this, but the leaves are already subtly starting to change here! Over the next 3-5 weeks, this is gonna be quite a show!





One day, we found a lost dog and we took it with us for about a mile on the trail until it was reunited with its terrified and visibly upset owner. Brewster and Meeko had great fun playing along the way.



Mom particularly enjoyed the winery one evening.



And every evening, I'd cook a simple meal and we drank good beer and talk about our day.

It was pure gold.



Yesterday, we brought them back to the train station in Boston. He says he hopes to come back one more time before we leave, perhaps to enjoy the fall color. When your kid is willing to give you his time, you take it - no questions asked.

Until then, me and Mama will keep on keeping on....



Every day I keep telling Tammy that I don't think this can get much better. And then the next day comes.....

Stay thirsty, my friends.....

Don't eat those 'shrooms. I'll bring you some better ones...

0face wrote: ↑Wed Aug 21, 2024 4:43 pm Don't eat those 'shrooms. I'll bring you some better ones...

Coincidence or not, there are a LOT more mushrooms (and a lot more variety of mushrooms) here than I've seen in the southern Appalacians. I've been surprised that Meeko (my son's dog) hasn't tried to eat even one. Like all dogs, he's chewed a little grass now and then. There's a specific long bladed grass up here that apparently he likes. But he's never even hardly looked at a mushroom, let alone try it.

8/23/24

It's the weekend. One of the things I learned quickly as a retiree is that "tomorrow is always another day". Or at least I hope it is 'cause the alternative is unthinkable. In this context, I've learned to often forego the weekends with respect to "playing". Let the working stiffs have the world. Stay close to home, catch up on home things, relax and chill. They will go home Sunday afternoon and then you can have the whole world back.

But the weather was undeniable. True blue skies indicative of a strong high pressure system dries the air nicely. As I drink my coffee on the patio, the rising sun sends it's rays upon me, and I actually think I can feel the Vitamin D entering my body. The morning temperature is crisp, and it feels intoxicating as I breathe it in deeply. Nay I say to you, today I will share it with the weekenders.

Now the important decision - pick a toy. Looking at the forecast, me thinks tomorrow might be just as good, but a tad warmer, and Sunday equally so and maybe even a tad warmer still. So out of character, and counterintuative to the Retiree's Creed, tenatively, I'll plan to paddle with Tammy on Sunday (warmest day). Tomorrow being Saturday, I'll ride the Bush Pig, where the gravel offers less traffic anyway.

That means today, the FJR wins the prize. That settled, next question: Where do I go? I certainly could employ Pant's Principle - it doesn't matter 'cause it's all good. But today I'll be more direct. It's no secret that Pants has a thing for bridges. In the right state of mind (think... BAC, LOL), I could wax poetically about why I like bridges, but for now, it's sufficient to just say "they are cool". This summer, I'm in the land of Covered Bridges. I've stumbled upon a few thus far but today, I'm going to seek them out on my motorcycle. Some quick googling and I've got a route loaded into the Garmin XT. Time to gear up.

I head out of the ABB excited. Again, the air is crisp and although it's technically Mule Fritters (shameless Col. Potter plug), it sure seems like the FJR is a bit more snappy.



The locals call some of these bodies or water "Lakes" and some "Ponds". I can't figure out the distinction. Regardless, all is pretty quiet this early in the morning.



Now that I've come down off the mountain, it's warmer and I need to stop and shed a layer. These old wreckers are pretty cool.



I cross the State line into Vermont and stop at my first covered bridge.



This one was built almost 200 years ago, and it is stunningly gorgeoous.



I running Hwy 4 generally west and this road is very good. I get to Woodstock and this red bridge finds me right on cue.



The workmanship on these structures is first class,



I found a small city park in Woodstock, VT to stop and eat my sandwich. I parked on the main street and noticed the "Park Mobile" sign, the app that allows you to pay for the parking. I don't have it installed on my phone, so I took a chance and just walked to the adjacent picnic table to eat my lunch. Well, wouldn't you know it - the meter maid walked right up not 5 minutes later.

(Meter Maid, pointing to the FJR) "Is this you?"

(Pants) "Yes ma'am"

(MM) "You don't have to call me ma'am"

I keep forgetting that part

(Pants) "I don't have the app installed, but I can do it now if you want me to put some money in"

(MM) "No, you're fine. We Vermonters can show some southern hospitality too."

(Pants) "Yes Ma'am - thank you. Oops - sorry, force of habit."

(MM) "I was born in Texas. I get it. Just yanking your chain...."

Not to wear out my welcome, I finished lunch hastily and went on my way. After all, the day is young and there is much to see!



In general, I'm running the State highways up and down the Green Mountains. It's good, but by now it's getting crowded and I'm challenged to find the fine line between running my pace and not being a squid assholt biker. Thankfully, I'm stopping along the way.

I'm fascinated by the way some of the wood in New England "weathers". I think this black stuff is actually a mold or fungus of some kind. It looks really cool to me.



Here's another bridge I found. I really like how they create an arch bow by laminating boards together. Stunning.



Here's another fun fact about New England: these people love ice cream! Every day, I have NO problem finding my crux. Today's choice? Moose Tracks for the win.



The Green Mountains are beautiful.







Now mid-afternoon, I turned the bike generally south and east heading at least in the direction of home. Occassionally, I see a road on the GPS that looks inviting and I make a quick detour off my route to check it out.

Yeah - this is kind of like northwest Arkansas: you really can't go wrong.



Near Turnbridge, VT, I found this gem at a spry 150 years old.



The White River is gorgeous



A bit further up the road, yet another bridge. I passed on this one, the gravel leading up to it looked a bit loose.



Honestly, I lost count. But I think I stopped at about 10 bridges and enjoyed every one.

I got caught behind a couple of logging trucks and they would not play fair, so I just stopped at this store to let 'em get down the road. What a day, man.



That place had a great selection of ice cream. The "Blueberry Pie" ice cream made my mouth water a smidge. Alas, I passed as I was still fairly full from the pile of Moose Tracks. Another time.

Vermont Hwy 113 running either way is pretty good stuff, my friends.



Several weeks ago, when our friend Jasen found out where I was, he shared with me that he was born in Post Mills, VT. He gave me the address and casually mentioned that if I was ever in the neighborhood, he'd like a picture of the old place. I was all too honored to detour very slightly to it. This would have been one hell of a place to grow up from.



I'm having more fun than any legal activity should allow, but my arse and the angle of the sun are telling me that all good things must come to an end. So I re-trace back to the route and point the horse toward the barn.

This arch bow over truss bridge over the Connecticut River dividing Vermont and New Hampshire is quite nice.



Now 15 years and hundreds of thousands of miles into this "hobby", I must admit that my memory often confuses and dismisses the trips. But I will remember this day trip for a while.





Stay thirsty, my friends....

Great stuff Pants. I wish my wife was just happy to be away from home. Ah well it is Dual Sport riding season so tomorrow I ride!

Joey, the wood on the ends of the covered bridges looks relatively recently replaced and starting to weather. Could be rough cut (full inch thick) pine or hemlock... doesn't quite look like cedar. I'll go with pine as it will be plentiful. It will start to go black with the rain and sun exposure, and stay lighter where it is protected by eaves. If you look at the side of the bridge, they have progressed to gray and are older. Much like all the old barns....

I'm half thinkin' of a weekend spin out that way in mid-September.... you'll still be there??

Hppants wrote: ↑Sun Aug 25, 2024 9:33 am Several weeks ago, when our friend Jasen found out where I was, he shared with me that he was born in Post Mills, VT.

Small correction for those following along. I was born in the Netherlands, but we had to move back to Florida before my first birthday because of my grandmother's health. Later my parents achieved their dream of living in New England by moving us to Vermont where I lived in Thetford for the first year and then we found this amazing farmhouse on 17 acres of land that you see in Pant's photo. I lived there for quite a few years of my childhood before my dad decided to go back to college and we returned to Florida. This house holds a special place in all our hearts, and I shared Pant's "Check In" video with my family. My mom and dad got a big charge out of seeing the old house in his video and my sister cried. Thanks for sharing there Pants, you sure made a few people's day with your short stop. I wish you could have seen the waterfall without all the overgrowth, because I know how you love them.

raYzerman wrote: ↑Sun Aug 25, 2024 11:34 am Joey, the wood on the ends of the covered bridges looks relatively recently replaced and starting to weather. Could be rough cut (full inch thick) pine or hemlock... doesn't quite look like cedar. I'll go with pine as it will be plentiful. It will start to go black with the rain and sun exposure, and stay lighter where it is protected by eaves. If you look at the side of the bridge, they have progressed to gray and are older. Much like all the old barns....

I'm half thinkin' of a weekend spin out that way in mid-September.... you'll still be there??

Yep - here until 10/15. Come on down - let’s ride!

Pants, you realize Ben & Jerry's is in VT? You could visit their ice cream graveyard of retired flavors. Let me know when you decide to spend some time in PA. I have a .gpx file with almost 100 covered bridges I can send you.

BkerChuck wrote: ↑Sun Aug 25, 2024 5:34 pm Pants, you realize Ben & Jerry's is in VT? You could visit their ice cream graveyard of retired flavors. Let me know when you decide to spend some time in PA. I have a .gpx file with almost 100 covered bridges I can send you.

Pants will need to dedicate an entire day to Ben & Jerry's. He'll also need his wife to drive him home after he over indulges.

Tammy and I went to Stowe and visited the B&J factory some time ago when we were in New England. B&J is good ice cream, but honestly, I don't care for a lot of their fancy names that don't really describe the flavor very well. Furthermore, B&J often puts wierd shit in their ice cream (candies, sprinkles, etc) that I really don't care for, although I like the moose tracks stuff.

All of the ice cream I've tasted here has been good. Very Creamy tasting - high fat content and all that.

August 24, 2024

As predicted, more sunshine today, a little bit warmer. So - Bush Pig it is. I pack my lunch and my camel bak. I packed my walking shoes. When you go with Pants, don't even ask. Bring everything - there's no telling what we might find and it's better to have it and not need it.

Thus far, using the Flatlander Route as a guide, I've only gone generally "south and east". There's a couple hundred miles of stuff to the "north and west" I haven't even tried yet. I thought about it, but in the end decided "nah" - I'll just keep exploring the area closest to me. This is mainly because from what I can see - to get to the gravel in the north, I might have to do 15-20 miles of pavement. And I don't like riding the Bush Pig on pavement, especially high speed pavement.

So - south it is. I run across the whoop-di-doos at Sandwich Notch like I've done it a lot before (I have), and it's getting kind of fun to blip the throttle now and then predictibly over familiar terrain, reigning in that mind blowing 37 horse power with all of the skill I can muster. I pop out onto Hwy 113 and then take the first gravel road I find just to wander a bit. The GPS map is accurate and I go left and right and up and down just enjoying the morning breeze. Again, I pop out onto Hwy113 and had to stop at this beautiful homesite.



I check the GPS and find some more stuff I haven't seen yet. I'm still keeping the Flatlander Route in "sight" but my big nose is itching for uncharted water. This area is around the Bearcamp River. It's nice.



Here, I found a short 2-track out and back to ride on. Didn't go anywhere memorable, but the adventure is sometimes found just in the journey.



At one point, I came upon 3 ladies riding horseback on a gravel road. I slowed to a stop behind them. The frnot horsewoman motioned me to ride by, but when I approached, the rear most horse got startled. He didn't rear up on her but I turned the bike off.

(Pants) "Good Morning. I'm sorry, I don't want to scare your horses."

(Rear Lady) "Good Morning - it's ok, he's just a big scardy cat."

(Pants) "I'm just wandering around - I don't care where I go. I'll just wait here a bit and after ya'll get down the road, I'll start back up and turn around. Have a good day."

I watched them walk away and thought it nice to have such a large playground for all of us to enjoy.

My wanderings brought me to a fuel stop in West Ossipee, and then it was back into the woods for more fun. I was able to triangulate to the Flatlander route right on this little gem of a road. I'm still having trouble figuring out exactly where this is, but who cares? Look at it!



For now, I'll just call it "lunch"



Another fantastic day.



At this point, I'm on a part of the Flatlander route that is new to me, so I go with it.



No ice cream in Effingham (boo!), so I pull over and see that the day is moving along. I decide to wander toward Madison and in the direction of home. Along the way, I find the "road" on the GPS that looks like it cuts through the woods. Clearly, no one has been here in a while as evident by the fact that I'm busting up spider webs run across the trail quite frequently. This was by far my favorite road of the day. Just a nice easy stroll through the shaded woods with the Bush Pig happily lugging along in second gear.



I hope I can find that road again. I shall like to ride it once more. Anyhoo - as expected from Garmin, that spit me out back on the Flatlander, and now, I know where I am and where I'm going.



From Papa Beans Ice Cream, it was 20-ish miles through the woods back to the highway, followed by a sprint to the ABB.

It ended up being about 130 miles for the day. I did a bit more pavement than I liked wandering around here and there, but I think it was still at least 50% off pavement.

Just another day in paradise.

Stay thisty, my friends....

Joey you can find that road again by looking on the track created on the Zumo. Great stuff.

fontanaman wrote: ↑Mon Aug 26, 2024 11:53 am Joey you can find that road again by looking on the track created on the Zumo. Great stuff.

Only if he started the track though, right?

Hppants wrote: ↑Mon Aug 26, 2024 9:18 am Clearly, no one has been here in a while as evident by the fact that I'm busting up spider webs run across the trail quite frequently.

Not my favorite thing to do. Funny story, on my last MTB trail workday, when I arrived there were a couple of cars there with guys suited up on their bicycles about to hit the trail. Now, I considered the fact that our app shows the trail as closed, the Facebook page shows the trail as closed, and the sign they drove past to get into the parking lot showed the trail as closed, all because we had a little more work to do this day to get the trail opened. I thought about walking over and telling them they needed to ride somewhere else until we got it opened, but instead I sat back and watched them disappear into the woods, me knowing that when I started walking the trail with tools, all the spider webs would be cleaned out by these guys who can't read signs.

Yep - I've got a saved track to look at. Good idea.

gixxerjasen wrote: ↑Mon Aug 26, 2024 12:15 pm

fontanaman wrote: ↑Mon Aug 26, 2024 11:53 am Joey you can find that road again by looking on the track created on the Zumo. Great stuff.

Only if he started the track though, right?

I don't own a Zumo XT. My 590 creates a track I can a access on Basecamp. With 590 a track is not something you start. Don't know how the Zumo XT works.

fontanaman wrote: ↑Mon Aug 26, 2024 10:30 pm

gixxerjasen wrote: ↑Mon Aug 26, 2024 12:15 pm

fontanaman wrote: ↑Mon Aug 26, 2024 11:53 am Joey you can find that road again by looking on the track created on the Zumo. Great stuff.

Only if he started the track though, right?

I don't own a Zumo XT. My 590 creates a track I can a access on Basecamp. With 590 a track is not something you start. Don't know how the Zumo XT works.

If it does it automatically on the Zumo XT, then I'd feel pretty silly about this.

blind squirrel wrote: ↑Tue Aug 27, 2024 7:36 am https://science.howstuffworks.com/envir ... erence.htm

Thank you, Scott. ^^^^ now makes perfect sense. I've seen other "definitions" whereby a "Lake" is described as a moving source of water runs into it, and another moving source of water moves out of it, whereby a "pond" only gets rain water. But at least in my NH experience, that is not true.

Your source makes sense. Thank you.