| journal entry - day 2 |
| Day 2: I left Winchester, VA around 10:00 am and began my travels northeast along Route 7, to Route 340 North and Route 15. Route 15 took me past Gettysburgs, PA, then onto Harrisburg, PA where I picked up Hwy 78, which took me to Hwy 476. After discussing various route options with Lynn and Mark it was determined my main goal for the day was to head northeast. The first part of my day was on secondary roads, but the majority of my time was traveling along highways and interstates. I ran into very heavy rain outside of Hershey, PA, but kept traveling along at a slow speed. Several other bikers followed my pace for about 30 miles until the rain stopped and the roads were dry. The biggest challenge of the day, like the rain was not bad enough, was traveling along toll road Hwy 476. The lanes were narrow and even though the speed limit was 65 mph most cars were going at least 70-80 mph. I stayed in the right lane and kept my speed around 60 mph. However, the travel speed was not the problem, it was the cross winds or should I say wind gusts that I experienced going over bridges. Some of the bridges I crossed appeared to be floating in the sky with no ground anywhere in sight. Because of the elevation height and the mountain terrain there were tremendous wind gusts at the bridge crossings. Needless to say, I was relieved when I exited from Hwy 476 onto Route 11, which took me to Hwy 84. I followed Hwy 84 to Hwy 87 into Latham, NY. I arrived in Latham, NY around 8:00 pm, but it took me until 9:30 pm to find a hotel room that was not $90.00 per night. I later learned from a motorcycle friend in NH to stop at Denny's, which always has a listing of cheap hotels in their entrance lobby. The goal is to call, not ride, while searching for a hotel room. A lesson learned the hard way. As I was pulling out of one hotel to go find another hotel I thought my bike was in first gear, but it was in second and as I was making a right turn. My bike cut out and I dropped it to the ground. I could not pick up my bike with it loaded with all my gear, but a local man stopped and helped me pick up my bike and gave me some suggestions on hotels. I did not get hurt, but my handlebars were slightly bent and my mental state was being slightly challenged. My right leg cushioned the bike's fall and I was glad I was wearing boots and gloves as my hands cushioned my fall. I finally checked into Motel 8 and the front lobby clerk said he would watch my bike. Since it was so late I did not get a good supper, but did eat some of the tuna fish and bread that I had packed. This was my longest day trip to date and I learned a great deal about my mental and physical limitations. I also had the opportunity to experience many types of road and weather conditions. It was a very long day!!!!! |
| Day 2: July 5, 2003 Winchester, VA to Latham, NY Solo Ride 510.6 Miles |
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