Ephrata 2008

[airborneXX]

March 2nd kicks off the First Sunday Ride In


http://ephratamotorcycle.com/

[SuperHans]

So, who's going?

[chornbe]

I'll go. Bring some of my DE, PA and MD knuckle head friends along.  

Eric's buying breakfast!

[SuperHans]

I'll go. Bring some of my DE, PA and MD knuckle head friends along.  

Eric's buying breakfast!

Hope you like toast or cereal. That's all I can afford.

[chornbe]

Toast works; I'll stop in Lancaster and pick up some nice fresh Apple Butter.  

[JReazor]

I'm planning on going. I ride a blue 1st gen SV with a Bagster tank cover and (even more unusual) the stock exhaust. Say hi if you spot me.

[DosEquis00]

I will be there as this riding season needs to get underway.

[FJRski!]

Hey Jerry, hear they got more eggs this year.  

[chornbe]

I'm planning on going. I ride a blue 1st gen SV with a Bagster tank cover and (even more unusual) the stock exhaust. Say hi if you spot me.

Good idea, telling everyone how to find you.

I'll likely be riding my Givi'd out Sportster (tho' now it's got more black bits on it):

[JamminJere]

Hey Jerry, hear they got more eggs this year.  

I think I'll pack in a couple gross of eggs for them...just in case... Ephrata roosters are on strike... they are tired of the same old hens.... hmmm can I get an amen on that one?

Jerry

[Rincewind]

Hope there isn't too much snow on the ground by then.  

10-day Ephrata forecast to watch - http://www.weather.com/weather/tenday/17522?from=36hr_topnav_undeclared

[squeezer]

Yeah, looks like March 2 isn't a good day to break the bike out.  

April 6 is sounding pretty good, though.

[Doug Just Doug]

I'm planning on it.  Hopefully, it won't be a repeat of last March, when I stupidly rode up despite a lot of icy patches on the back roads (nearly bit it on Rte. 10 in the hilly bits) only to find a totally empty AmLegion parking lot.  I was soooo ready for some of that awesome $1 parking lot coffee, too.    

[BradleyRas]

I'll be there on my Zed v2.0  

[DosEquis00]

Weather still calls for snow showers but that could change

[OmegaSix]

Accuweather says cloudy and 46 now...

[chornbe]

I've got to be in Coatesville for a meeting @ 2pm, so I can go in the AM and still be out of there by regular time.  

[Rincewind]

Yeah looks like the weather is clearing up.  The chance of snow on the Saturday before is gone.  

[JamminJere]

  Weatherbug now says, Mostly Sunny highs in the mid-40's  

Not too shabby

Jerry

[Xodus]

I would go, but I'll be in Florida that day... April 6th I'll be there though  

[Scratch33]

  Weatherbug now says, Mostly Sunny highs in the mid-40's  

Not too shabby

Jerry

Yeah man.  I needs a ride.

[nnjhawk02]

Gotta say that places blows its really boring

[919Maniac]

Myself and Mr. Widder will be there if it doesn't "wintry mix" on my azz.  

[JamminJere]

No wintry mix in the Pottstown area... Sun is out doin its thing...wind is helpin dry it up too.. Rince? what'd you guys get? Gonna be nice tomorrow and monday

Who's goin???   I'm really jones'n for a decent ride.

Jerry

[SuperHans]

No wintry mix in the Pottstown area... Sun is out doin its thing...wind is helpin dry it up too.. Rince? what'd you guys get? Gonna be nice tomorrow and monday

Who's goin???   I'm really jones'n for a decent ride.

Jerry

I'm going. Want to ride out together? I'll give you a call today.

[Rincewind]

No wintry mix in the Pottstown area... Sun is out doin its thing...wind is helpin dry it up too.. Rince? what'd you guys get? Gonna be nice tomorrow and monday

Who's goin???   I'm really jones'n for a decent ride.

Jerry

Jerry, we didn't get any snow here in Ephrata.  Right now it's almost 40-deg w/ a good 20mph wind.  

Tomorrow morning looks like it will be a tad cold in the 20's, but then it may hit near 40-deg by mid-afternoon.

[squeezer]

How did you guys in SEPA get off so easy?  We got hammered in State College yesterday.  About five inches here, six in Altoona, it's hard to drive let alone ride.  The only engine I'll be starting this weekend is the snow blower.

I don't think I wanna see you guys anyway this weekend.  I think I hate you.  

[FJRski!]

Don't know if I am riding East-West-South morning or afternoon, maybe not far, but I'm getting out Sunday.  I was thinking of going out 212 to 412 to Alba winery for a cigar then maybe up 519 & try a road nnjhawk02 recommended, I think I've been on it, just can't picture it.

Jerry - Give me a holler if you're looking for company

Oh yea ... it will be later morning, first I gotta drop the battery back in.

Must be a sign of spring

[DosEquis00]

How did you guys in SEPA get off so easy?  We got hammered in State College yesterday.  About five inches here, six in Altoona, it's hard to drive let alone ride.  The only engine I'll be starting this weekend is the snow blower.

I have seen that snow line a few times this year and I have been grateful.

[919Maniac]

Looks like I'll be suckin' it up and plugging in tomorrow (my electric vest).  See ya'll at the parking lot.  PS, what goes on there besides looking at and bs'ing about bikes?

[DosEquis00]

Anyone brave the weather and attend today?

[919Maniac]

I did.  It actually wasn't that bad - of course I had an electric vest and two pairs of gloves but whose counting.  There was a decent turnout and some cool bikes.  I really like the BMW naked bike based on their 4 cylinder motor.  Don't know what the final drive situation is on those, but if they hold up that might be my future bike (Waaaaay in the future).  Some dude had a Gixxer 1K streetfighter that was really  well done.  I took a pic and when I get around to downloading the pics I'll post it up.  Free coffee from the folks at the American Legion so it was all good.  I'm going to go to the next one too I think.

Later!

[JReazor]

I rolled out of the garage at 8:00 this morning but with out proper cold weather riding pants, temps just below the freezing mark and a 2 hour ride a head of me, I wimped out about 20 miles in when I realized I couldn't feel my legs any more.

[JamminJere]

ejworthen and I rode over from the Pottstown area.... we ran into Doug just Doug while we were there.. We hung out till a little after Noon... by then most everyone had gone. Took a long looping North and the westerly route home... Temperature wasn't an issue.. only had a little heat on in the morning... None on the way home.. It was great to get out in the wind...

See you on the road,

Jerry

[Rincewind]

Glad to hear some of you made it.  I was having some stomach issues and stayed home yesterday.  But I did ride into work today - spring is coming soon!  I look forward to 919Maniac's pics.  

[SuperHans]

Not a lot of bikes but still had a good time. Saw a 2-stroke Yamaha TZR, KTM Duke, and some other intersting stuff.

Took a few pics and will post them up soon.

[Doug Just Doug]

My gauge read 22 - 24F on my 65 mile route to Ephrata. Tolerable, but with no assist from electrons, I wouldn't have wanted to go too much further without a warm-up stop for the ol' digits.  Having not seen a single bike on the way up, even in Ephrata, I was ready to be greeted by an empty parking lot at the AmLegion, so I was very happy to round that last corner and see about a dozen bikes already there...not to mention the coffee ladies.  There must've been at least 40 or 50 hardy/stupid (take your pick) riders who showed up before noonish when I took off for home (it was in the 40s by then...niiiice).  It was good to meet fellow STNers EJW and JJ, and Gerry from the ScootLancaster blog who rode in on his brand-new Versys (first I'd seen).  

Jreazor: If you happen to be a 34-ish waist, I have a spare pair of 'Stich Darien pants I'd lend a fellow Newarker for the next sub-freezing event.

[Scratch33]

My little group left Ellicott City about 11:00 and rode northeast on back roads.  By 1:30 we still hadn't crossed the Susquehanna, so we bagged it.

[JReazor]

Jreazor: If you happen to be a 34-ish waist, I have a spare pair of 'Stich Darien pants I'd lend a fellow Newarker for the next sub-freezing event.

Thanks for the offer but it's been a couple years since I fit in to a 34.

I'm kind of spoiled by my 10 mile commute. It's neither long enough nor fast enough for temperature to be much of an issue when there's no danger of pre-dawn ice on the roads (I take the car if there is). I do need to get some real riding pants though. That's on "the list" for this year.

[919Maniac]

Better late than never.  Here is a pic I took in March - this was a cool streetfighter.  Anyone going in April?  I believe it's this weekend!

[Doug Just Doug]

I'm planning on attending.

[molferen]

Better late than never.  Here is a pic I took in March - this was a cool streetfighter.  Anyone going in April?  I believe it's this weekend!

I'll be there as well.  Probably not until 10:00 - 10:30.

[chornbe]

Better late than never.  Here is a pic I took in March - this was a cool streetfighter.  Anyone going in April?  I believe it's this weekend!

I think I might be.

[Xodus]

I'll probably be there...  

 Here is a pic I took in March - this was a cool streetfighter.  

He is a member of NES...

Here is a link to that bike and another one he did...

http://www.nesportbikes.com/forum/index.php?topic=5441.0

[Rincewind]

[chornbe]

I was total and epic fail for the show-up @ Ephrata. I did ride to breakfast tho'... had to try out my luggage setup on the Sportster and Alter Ego pants in the rain (wow, that really just sounds like an excuse to ride, huh?   ) Just a brief short ride.

Two weeks 'til Clearfield...

[JamminJere]

Rince,

It looks like you guys stayed pretty dry today.. It seemed to be raining south of the T-pike only over into Jersey. North it wasn't bad at all. I spent most of the late morning and early afternoon helping a friend mod his bike and set it up.  If he woulda got here on time we might have shot out there. Ah well, next month I guess... How was the turnout?

Jerry

[JReazor]

I planned on going but it was raining when I woke up this morning. It seemed like an excellent opportunity to pour a cup of coffee and catch up on some of the races that were building up on the DVR.

[Rincewind]

The turnout was pretty good for a moderately cold day, Jere.  The upper lot was full, the mid-lot was full, and the lower lot even started getting some action by the time I left sometime after 10am.  Route 322 was a parade of bikes.  I wore my STN knit cap, but no STn'ers popped up.  As always there was a nice mix of bikes.  I took a loop north up Cocalico Road and into Berks County before coming back down by way of Middle Creek Refuge, where I saw a large flock of snow geese.  No rain for us.

[DosEquis00]

The turnout was pretty good for a moderately cold day,

Thanks for posting the pictures.  

[Scratch33]

bumpitybumpbump.  

[chornbe]

I'm down to once a year for Ephrata. I think this month'll be it for me.

[airborneXX]

Doing an ERC tomorrow, so I'm out.

[kendenton]

Doing an ERC tomorrow, so I'm out.

Doing same ERC tomorrow, so I'm out.  

[JamminJere]

Wassa ERC?

I was talking to one of the guys at Martin's Moto Sports in Boyertown, PA the other day.. They are planning a "Not Ephrata" first Sunday of the Month activities on the same day each month. They are talking about having tents set up in the parking lots, opening the store for gear, etc..  having vendors..  Route sheets for long day rides around the area, guided tours on back roads over to Ephrata if you'd want to go, etc.  Its still in its planning stages, but they want to offer something a little different, since Ephrata has kind of slid towards the "pirate" genre.  If you are local to them, or want a different flavor of something to do the first Sunday of the month, check them out.  It may take a few months for it to solidify into something, But I think they are on the right track.  

See you on the road,

Jerry

[airborneXX]

Wassa ERC?


Jerry

Motorcycle Safety Foundation Experienced Rider Course.

[Rincewind]

Wassa ERC?

I was talking to one of the guys at Martin's Moto Sports in Boyertown, PA the other day.. They are planning a "Not Ephrata" first Sunday of the Month activities on the same day each month. They are talking about having tents set up in the parking lots, opening the store for gear, etc..  having vendors..  Route sheets for long day rides around the area, guided tours on back roads over to Ephrata if you'd want to go, etc.  Its still in its planning stages, but they want to offer something a little different, since Ephrata has kind of slid towards the "pirate" genre.  If you are local to them, or want a different flavor of something to do the first Sunday of the month, check them out.  It may take a few months for it to solidify into something, But I think they are on the right track.  

See you on the road,

Jerry

An anti-ephrata. Well it doesn't help the matter that I have not seen Martin's attending anymore with their Euro-bikes.  But this makes a lot more sense to them not carting all their bikes and tents to Ephrata once a month.  I don't know that I agree that Ephrata has slid into the 'pirate-genre' in terms of those attending; however, the vendors do seem to be more cruiser-lifestyle focused from what I've seen.  Regardless, I think it's a great idea that Martin's has some regular Sunday events.  I just saw their new store the other week and it's pretty nice, apart from them dropping Ducati at that location.

[JamminJere]

An anti-ephrata. Well it doesn't help the matter that I have not seen Martin's attending anymore with their Euro-bikes.  But this makes a lot more sense to them not carting all their bikes and tents to Ephrata once a month.  I don't know that I agree that Ephrata has slid into the 'pirate-genre' in terms of those attending; however, the vendors do seem to be more cruiser-lifestyle focused from what I've seen.  Regardless, I think it's a great idea that Martin's has some regular Sunday events.  I just saw their new store the other week and it's pretty nice, apart from them dropping Ducati at that location.

Alex, from what I understand it was a tough decision, but four separate Manufacturer dealerships was just too much to pay the correct amount of attention to each of them. With Ducati demanding more time and effort, and after all they are high end bikes and customers and should have more time devoted to them, they moved the Ducati's over to the Martin's Eurosports in Coopersburg. It wasn't the floorspace needed, as you can tell from being there, there's alot of room in there. Now they can devote their time to the other brands for even better service...

Maybe Pirate genre wasn't the closest terminology, they were my words, NOT theirs..      Anyway, I hope it catches on for them if they decide to go at it full swing. I've never bought a bike from them, but I do buy alot of gear there, and their customer service has always been top notch for me.

JJ

[chiltech500]

Maybe Pirate genre wasn't the closest terminology

That trend is saddening - maybe Martin's not a bad idea?

[DosEquis00]

I don't think Ephrata is that bad but whenever you have a lrge gathering you always have a few that crave attention.

From Martins site:
We’ve heard from a large number of riders that the popular motorcycle gathering in Ephrata, Pa. has gotten too big and is too far away for a lot of motorcyclists in Northern Berks, Lehigh and Montgomery counties. Over the years, the original idea of a few enthusiasts meeting for breakfast and a ride got lost as the event grew.
We have a suggestion. Martin MotorSports has a large parking lot at its location in Boyertown at the Rt100 Wal-Mart. How about an alternative meeting place on the same 1st Sunday? This is about 30 minutes from Allentown, 20 minutes from Reading and borders some of the best riding in Berks County. Martin’s has offered to open the store on this Sunday morning to allow access to rest rooms and will provide donuts and coffee as well. The Triumph riding group from Martin’s is even offering the 5 best rides from this location with route sheets you can follow.
We don’t expect or even want a huge 500 bike turnout but a few dozen riding enthusiasts could have a smaller gathering for folks interested in riding or just chatting over coffee could be a good thing. Join us for the First Sunday in Boyertown on May 4th and we’ll see where it goes.

The only problem I can see is a gathering of Triumph riders which could make not yawning a difficult task.

[Rincewind]

The only problem I can see is a gathering of Triumph riders which could make not yawning a difficult task.

 

So anyone going to Martin's tomorrow?  I'd be interested in seeing those route sheets.

[FJRski!]

I was planning on scouting routes from here over to Stoudt's Black Angus. (Not that I don't already know enough different ways to go; still it's a good excuse for a ride.)  It kinda like doing the Ephrata thing without actually having to stop at the VFW.  Too many cruizers, not many sport riders anymore.  I'll probably swing by Martin's, if it's not too wet tomorrow morning.  If I do, I'll pick up a copy of the route sheets, gpx 'em, and e-mail them if you want.  I wouldn't expect anything too revealing, probably a run up through Huff's Church, one on ALlentown Road, one or two through French Creek, etc.

[Rincewind]

If it's not too much trouble, that would be great FJRski.  My e-mail is triumph_rider11 at yahoo.com.  

If you have any good road/route suggestions around SE PA area, I'd love to hear them at the this thread as I'm trying to help riders coming in to the area for the Adamstown meet, and I'd also like to get a general collection.

Reminder to all that the Adamstown lunch or dinner meet is this month, on the 17th --> Link.  

[DosEquis00]

Alex,

I signed up for the e-mail of the route sheets so if fjrski did not stop in I will email them to you.

[chornbe]

I'm down to once a year for Ephrata. I think this month'll be it for me.

I went.
I saw.
I Meh'd.
I left.
I'm done.

Typical, 8:1 ratio of loud pipe cruisers driven by people who can't ride their way out of a paper bag, and obnoxious sport bike guys who have to rev their raspy fart cans because they think people need to hop out of their way as they buzz thru' the lots at 30 MPH.  

I won't be returning. Then I got stuck behind some cars just as I entered all the turns on 897, and there were just enough cars coming the other way that passing between the 90-degree turns was impossible. (sigh)

[airborneXX]

Squids and Pirates oh my!!

[FJRski!]

Alex,

I signed up for the e-mail of the route sheets so if fjrski did not stop in I will email them to you.

You better e-mail the route sheets, I didn't get any.  Got there too late.

We rode over through Jersey first, by the time I got to Martins, the parking lot was empty, save for st2sam, we chatted awhile, then I rode out to the Black Angus for a late lunch.  

I'll see if I can send some route suggestions over.  For those of you in Upper Bucks Central Montgomery area, the bridge on Allentown Road is finally open again.

[Doug Just Doug]

I thought there were more sportbikes (ones that can still go around corners, not those faux dragbike POS: can you believe there was actually a R1 with chrome spikes atop the forks!), A-Ters and S-Ters then cruisers this month.  Maybe the cruisers just don't register on my radar?  Anyway, had a nice chat with one of my fellow Retreads who has put 345,000 on his Wing in 3 years, plus another 25,000 on an FJR in less than a year. Ah, to be retired...

[chornbe]

...has put 345,000 on his Wing in 3 years, plus another 25,000 on an FJR in less than a year. Ah, to be retired...

Absolutely awesome!  

[kendenton]

Absolutely awesome!  

That wing rider averaged 315 miles a day for 3 years.  I might like a bit more 'smell-the-roses' time myself  

[chornbe]

That wing rider averaged 315 miles a day for 3 years.  I might like a bit more 'smell-the-roses' time myself  

OH, me too, but you gotta give him his due... that is some *serious* dedication to riding.

PS... got the bag. Thanks!  

[DosEquis00]

You better e-mail the route sheets, I didn't get any.  Got there too late.

As soon as they arrive in my email I will forward them to the Triumph Man.

[Rincewind]

Appreciate that guys.  

Regarding Ephrata, I'll probably go again in the summer.  I understand folk's rants here, but personally I find the circus entertaining especially in full swing.  Summer should bring a huge slice of riders, squids, pirates, and hotties advertising bike washes.

[Jeets]

I was there too yesterday from 10:00 to about 11:30.  It was my first trip to Ephrata.  It was nice seeing all the bikes but I'd rather be out learning how to lean my bike.  How does that work again?  Push right, squeeze the front brakes, and whooops!  I'll just blame it on the gravel.


Jeets

[Doug Just Doug]

That wing rider averaged 315 miles a day for 3 years.  I might like a bit more 'smell-the-roses' time myself  

He's also done IBA SS, BB and 50CC; I just checked the IBA site 'cuz that 315 per day seemed too high, and sure enough I had it wrong; there's a ride from 2003 on the GL1800 so it's been more like 5 years.  So he's only riding like 75K per year...at about age 75...in the northeast: what a slacker!  

[Xodus]

There are always a few things worth looking at in Ephrata...  

[chornbe]

WARE???

[Indefatigable]

I haven't been to Ephrata since the early days when we would meet in the Ephrata diner parking lot.  

[Doug Just Doug]

He's also done IBA SS, BB and 50CC; I just checked the IBA site 'cuz that 315 per day seemed too high, and sure enough I had it wrong; there's a ride from 2003 on the GL1800 so it's been more like 5 years.  So he's only riding like 75K per year...at about age 75...in the northeast: what a slacker!  

Coincidently, I just got the June MCN in the mail and this guy is seen in the pic at the bottom of page 41 standing next to his yellow 'Wing.  His red Darien is so faded on top it's almost pink.  Looks like it was taken at Americade.

[airborneXX]

Anybody going Sunday?

I'll be flying in with some Blackbirds

[Bravo12]

I'm gonna try to make it, provided I get some work done on the Bandit Saturday.

[squeezer]

It's better than 50-50 for me.  I won't decide until Sunday morning, but I'll wear an STN shirt if I go.

[airborneXX]

Looks like I'm riding solo so look out for a red and white 91 CBR600F2 riding in with a bunch of Blackbirds

[DosEquis00]

Looks like I'm riding solo so look out for a red and white 91 CBR600F2 riding in with a bunch of Blackbirds

When did you pick up the new addition?

[bernieg]

airborne, would you like a blue ninja and a red busa to help help brighten up all those blackbirds.

[Doug Just Doug]

I got roped into going to the Phillies game Sunday afternoon.  Believe me, I'd rather be riding.  Think I'll wear my STN hat to the game.

[airborneXX]

When did you pick up the new addition?

A couple of months ago. Go over to .org and see my covered bridge post

[airborneXX]

airborne, would you like a blue ninja and a red busa to help help brighten up all those blackbirds.

Sure. you have a PM

[squeezer]

The weather is looking like a perfect day for a ride.

One of our dogs is very ill.  We're on our way to the vet's in about a half hour.  Keep your fingers crossed that it's something that will pass.  If he's going to be okay, I'm going to be in Ephrata.  It's about time I gave that a look.

[airborneXX]

Take care of that pooch first. Ephrata is there every month until November


Hope all goes well.

[squeezer]

Take care of that pooch first. Ephrata is there every month until November


Hope all goes well.

Thanks.  Doc says pancreatitis.  He's pretty sick but he'll be okay.  See you tomorrow!

[DosEquis00]

A couple of months ago. Go over to .org and see my covered bridge post

looks nice and clean and I am sure it is fun to ride!
Congrats  

[st2sam]

I'll be there about 10:30 on the red ZX14 without a STN sticker on it, kinda like finding a needle in a hay stack , looking for a couple of Blackbirds, should be fun.

[airborneXX]

looks nice and clean and I am sure it is fun to ride!
Congrats  

Thanks Gary! It is fun to ride and very comfortable too.



I'll have on my MSF hat.



(gotta promote so I can write off the mileage)

[DosEquis00]

I'll have on my MSF hat.

Sorry I missed it today but my daughter was in town visiting so I got a late start.

[airborneXX]

It was the usual mob scene. I think I'm done with it for a while. Next month I'll do Martin's. The loud pipes save lives crowd have ruined it for me.

Got some really good riding in before and after the show

[Bravo12]

I headed through Ephrata after I stopped by Martin's.  I didn't get into town until about 11:30, and there were so many Harleys coming out of there, I just kept going.  I ended up heading to familiar territory, having a late lunch at the Airport Diner in Kutztown, then over to Cycle Gear on the edge of Allentown.

[Rincewind]

I pedaled there on my mountain bike with my 5 year old son on the back.  We were there around 11am, and I was astounded by the number of bikes this month.  The ball field was pretty well parked-up, and some guys were even parking along the creek-side bicycle/walking path.  Of course I got laughed at for riding on my mountain bike, but for the heat I was glad to cruise through with shorts.  I saw AirborneXX and his CBR-F2, but he was just leaving.

[jackinthebox4]

It was the usual mob scene. I think I'm done with it for a while. Next month I'll do Martin's. The loud pipes save lives crowd have ruined it for me.

Got some really good riding in before and after the show

the food at Ephrata reminds me of those tins of powdered eggs, bacon, etc. you get in the field.

I'm glad I went to Martin's instead.

that was quite a crowd at Smatlz's HD. not the viffer type, though.
they waved me past.
nice selection at Martin's. triumph's, yamaha, a nice Ducati 996.

[Uwe]

I've only been there once before, a few years ago and had gotten there late, after most people had left.   This time we got there shortly after 10.  What a zoo!   Here's a couple of random pics:

This bike won prize for tallest handlebars.   My buddy (who is over 6') is standing next to it for perspective:



Spyder:



Farfromnormal:



This thing's got vision:



-Uwe-