Adirondacks for the first time
The first day was over-cast with a sprinkle of rain from time to time but this would have no effect since we knew it was bound to clear up as the day wore on. We were set for a slab ride down the Mass Pike with the option of Rte 91 to Rte 2 or just roll into NY and grab Rte 22 north, we opted for the later. Rte 22 was in nice shape nothing note worthy in the southern sections, small town America with the occasionally Saturday morning type traffic but definitely not enough to notice or slow us down. It wasn’t before long that we were looking for a place to grab something to eat and seeing a few locals on the side of the road I asked for some advice. The group explained to me where to go for a good meal but to be honest I rolled away not knowing if I’d find it, low and behold I did. Jeans Place in Hoosick Falls, NY offered a tasty morning re-treat from the drab skies; the staff was attentive and friendly as were some of the patrons.
We followed Rte 22 until it intersected with Rte 129, another nice road which was picked out of thin air and from there we proceeded up Rte 4 to Ft Ann where we crossed over to Rte 9. Rte 4 runs along a section of the Champlain Canal which also has a lock system which would explain the Lakes to Locks Scenic Byway name. I really wasn’t expecting this much fun this far south and between the excitement, scenery and the twists and turns along the canal it kicked in that this is what it’s all about.
We proceeded into the touristy area of Lake George, the sun was shining and we didn’t realize that it was as brisk as it was until we were off the bikes; we found the Connie’s provide some pretty good wind protection. A few lake snap shots and a quick stretch, Tracy Road was now on the radar screen and within 50 miles of the lake. We made quick time on Rte 9 and most of the time we were riding alone with very little cross traffic, it was an absolute blast, long sweepers at a spirited pace is what passed the time.
Tracy Road was still damp from the early rain and the winds of the previous night had strategically placed wet leaves in certain areas which elevated our caution. The road was still easily run and at a speed where you could pick your line and enjoy the ride. After one pass we collected ourselves and did it over again, this time for a short stretch we had a leaf peeper at a snails pace in front of us but he waved us on and Greg, I and an unknown rider on a Triumph had a blast tearing up the asphalt. After a quick stop for a snap shot by the Tracy Road sign for the “been there – done that” photo album we were off heading north again.
On Rte 9 again heading past Loon and Schroon Lakes the roads were quiet with lots of sweepers and twisties, these bikes were made for roads like these. Looking back in my mirrors was like watching a video of what was going on behind me, Greg’s bike swooshed from one side to the other as if he was skiing and this continued on to where we picked up Rte 73. Although the intersection at Rte 9 and Rte 73 was deserted you want to be cautious at the yield. The trees were really vivid in this section of Rte 73 with several shades of yellow, green and the occasional red; the sunlight sparkled on the tree tops and highlighted the craggy ledges and mountain tops. You have to be alert here since cars littered the sides, of the road, doors open, shoes in the road from day hikers and families out exploring the paths and trails in this beautiful area.
Now if you have a chance to make it out that way, as you approach Lake Placid on Rte 73, before the airport, the road climbs upward and there are several areas where you can pull over to take pictures. The first area heading north will provide you will an interesting photo of the road, mountains and the river running through the valley; I’d love to grab a shot of this with a tri-pod. You know you’re in Lake Placid by the towering Olympic ski jumps; you can take the elevator up to the top for a birds eye view. Today we’re just making our way through Lake Placid and on to our accommodations in Wilmington. Rte 86 will take you from Lake Placid into Wilmington and even if you have no reason to travel into Wilmington this stretch of road is worth it.
As day one winds down we check into the motel and get a local recommendation for dinner. The Wilderness Inn seems to be the favorite of our motel owner and we head back out. Tonight’s special was the Prime Rib, salad bar, soup and fresh rolls well worth the $20.00 price tag, actually it was a huge portion and very tasty. A quick ride back to the motel and we can call this day well done!
Day Two we awoke to a cold rain which tapered off enough to head out to breakfast, it was cool and overcast with occasional perception in the form of rain, sleet and yes even a few snow flakes. It’s funny we had breakfast in a place which on the outside looked like an Adirondack Lodge but on the inside was a 50’s diner. Mel’s Diner was bustling and the food was very good, the service was quick and everything was very tasty and fresh.
Our goal today was to complete a big loop and hopefully cover 200 miles of back roads. We headed up route 431 and CO Hwy 18A & very scenic and almost surreal it really wasn’t to hard to soak in our surroundings turn after turn, kind of all looked the same but yet very different. Not to sound like a broken record but the day was much of the same with a different view around every corner, long straights, challenging twisty sections of road with wide high speed sweepers. Our roads included State Highway 99, CO Highway 26, Rte 30, and 28N, Rte 28, Rte 9 and Rte 73. Highway 99 gave you
that real feeling of adventure as we parked just off the road with nobody around; it gave me a sense of how small you actually are in this great big world we live in. We had a brief stretch at Helms Aero service which operates sea plane rides out of Long Lake; I think the next time I head up this way I’m going to make this part of my adventure. Just down the road from Helms we were looking for some coffee to warm things up so we pulled into Hoss’s Country Corner at the Junction of Rte 28N and Rte 30. This is an eclectic mix of an internet café, pizzeria, bait shop and local and unique gifts and clothing, just about everything from Woolrich to stuffed bears, lattes and fly rods.
I knew we were making our way back through Lake Placid and there is just something about this town reminds me of Aspen or another Colorado Ski town I have never been to. I was interested in finding a place to eat so we cruised down Main St. and stumbled across the Fireside Steak & Seafood. The restaurant looked like my kind of place, well traveled and unique. The food was very good, moderately priced and the portions were enough to finish everything but no room for desert. Since we had steaks last night I had the scallops and Greg opted for the Salmon, I knew Greg enjoyed his salmon as he had the waitress send his compliments to the chef. Outside the restaurant a few snow flakes started to fly and the looks from passer bys were kind of funny. It was a dark ride back to the motel but my Connie lights shed plenty of light to make the trip comfortable, I had to adjust Greg’s lights when we got back to the motel because the only thing Greg was lighting up was the pavement directly in front of his bike.
Back at the motel we ran into our neighbors again, I failed to mention that earlier that morning I started talking to a few guys who were up from New Jersey for some fly fishing. A fun group of guys who have fished some great places and enjoy fly fishing like we enjoy riding. They spoke about how crazy we were to be out riding in this cool weather and I mention how crazy they were to be standing in fast moving frigid water..We all laughed and agreed its all about passion.
Day 3 – Now this is cold, the weather channel claims 31 degrees and there was a frost warning over night. The bikes had a small build up of frost but the roads were actually dry, this was a good thing because we planned to be on the road by 6:30am. Our focus today was a ferry crossing of Lake Champlain via the Essex NY / Charlotte VT ferry. Now I am getting spoiled with all these great roads, this days NY run included Rte 86, Rte 9, CO Highway 50 and Rte 22. Highway 50 was probably the most picturesque road I have been on in NY, deep valleys with beautiful farms nestled in as if they were placed there just for the pleasure of viewing; Rte 22 is no joke either, beautiful farm land and loads of history dot this northern section.
The ferry was fun and just like a few people had mentioned, look over your shoulder because the NY side is gorgeous from the middle of the lake. Our plan through VT was to make quick time and head straight down Rte 7, Holiday traffic really slowed us down and I figured if I am going to be going this slow I might as well enjoy the ride so we crossed over to Rte 100 via Rte 125. Rte 125 was more like what we were riding in NY and although the road was not in as nice of shape as some of the NY roads the Connie suspension ate it up with no problem at all and this will be a must do road for another season. Rte 125 cuts straight across the Green Mountain National Forest from Middlebury VT to Hancock VT.
Now Rte 100 on my new Connie versus Rte 100 on my VTX is night and day, I was really able to carve the corners and have fun at a spirited pace. We stopped for lunch at the Pittsfield General store, delicious and the tastes of a gourmet meal in a country store setting; ,pot roast for under $7.00 was home cooked, melted in your mouth and was served with fries and gravy.
Now it was decided all good things have to come to an end we were going to finish up with Rte 100 to Rte 103 and pick up the slab (Rte 91) to the Mass Pike (Rte 90) and then down Rte 146 home. We really made some good time on the highway and as I watched my tank range dwindle down and the mileage on the trip meter go up it was the end. Greg and parted ways at the 146 / 295 crossing with the usual wave and we both headed off in two separate directions, probably both replaying some of the good times spent on the new bikes in uncharted territory for us… but we will be back again