I just returned from a brisk morning ride through the
Watchung Reservation. Despite the cold weather, this was a fun ride with quiet roads twisting through the forest.
I explored several routes as I circled the park a few times. I'm certain this will be a regular destination for future rides. As I pulling into the parking lot to take the above picture, I nearly dropped the bike. There was a deep mud-hole hidden by the fallen leaves. The bike slid out but I was able to regain control.
My next roadside stop was a bit more stable. I would have liked to capture some better photos. There were more stunning views, but the lack of a shoulder on the road prevented me from snapping any shots.
I eventually made a stop at "The Loop" in the reservation. This was
my original destination for the day. I took my bible along and had a nice time of prayer and reading. An old man, probably in his late 80s stopped to admire the bike and ask a few questions. He of course concluded with the usual admonishment about being careful. Nevertheless, I enjoyed the conversation. This bike does seem to draw attention.
On my way back home I stopped to fill the tank and managed to get a some more photos.
It's not quite the personal touch of seeing the shop, but it was an impressive place. Many of the bikes from American Chopper episodes were on display.
My favorite display was the Firefighter bike with the backdrop of patches from hundreds of fire departments.
Being so close to Christmas, it was also nice to see the Christmas bike. I bought the matching T-Shirt for my brother as a Christmas gift. I'm going to try and get my brothers and my dad to make a trip up soon.
I really didn't know what to expect. Maybe there would be hundreds of people and I'd be lucky to get to meet them... Maybe not... I was fortunate to be among only a handful of of other fans and got plenty of time to chat with the guys, get some photos and some autographs!
Vinnie was even nice enough to let me hang around after everyone else left and get a picture on the V-Force 1 bike. This bike will be auctioned off at Christmas.
Sadly, the camera on my phone does not do it justice. After my quick photo stop I headed back the way I came, but took a different route once I hit Valley Road. This recent exploring has taught me a lot about this area of New Jersey and made me a much better navigator! The returning route led me through Watchung and past this picturesque pond with some.... well.... enormous houses!
Training Center in Sea Girt, NJ. It was informative and showed me a couple of bad habits that I had. I also got a bit of riding experience in the rain. Wednesday was nice, but it rained most of Thursday and Friday. This was good for boosting my rainy weather confidence, but a bit of a disappointment considering the location.
Well, I just got back from the MVC in Rahway. I wasn't back more than 5 minutes and Liberty Harley-Davidson (IN RAHWAY) just called about the arrival of a part that I ordered. Well, I'm not too upset. It does give me an excuse to go for another ride. As my first official solo ride, this trip to Liberty H-D will be memorable.
