New Guy from CT

[ninetysix-ex-jay]

Hey guys!

New to the site but not too new to riding for 24.  Anyway I'm starting to look into a more comfortable sport touring bike since my current bike is proving to be a little rough.  Right now I have a 1969 Honda CL-350K in mint condition that my Dad bought and a 2003 Ninja 636 Special Edition (I'm not a squid so dont get the wrong idea here!).  Anyway, I ride the Ninja back and forth from CT (milford area) to school in Boston every weekend and took it to Canada a few times, Northern New England (white mountains) ect.  I used it as a 'sport touring' bike and decked it out with bags and navigation but its becoming too uncomfortable to ride longer then 120-150 miles per day.  Plus my girlfriend really wants to go on trips with me but just can't due to the riding position.  Time to upgrade  

Anyway, heres some pics of my bikes, and if anyone has some good sport touring suggestions, shoot them at me!  Thanks guys!  Looking forward to hanging around here

[Sport-Touring]

[Mr.Black]

Welcome. There is a local ride coming up in May. Check the Reg 6 board.

[ninetysix-ex-jay]

I hope I'll be home for it!  I'm currently overseas so we'll see when I get back

[Frankienuckles]

Hello, From NE Ct.

[mxvet57]

More new meat.

Welcome from the central US.

Oh and that Mr. Black guy..........

[Bryan217]

Welcome from Monroe, CT. I work in West Haven and am in the Milford area a couple times a week.

[scraperman1]

Welcome Ninety six! Nice bikes, thanks for posting pics.  

[K2D2]

New CT guy! Welcome!  

[Oilhed]

Hello

I live in Meriden and usually ride mid-week

Mostly NW corner or east of the CT river

[GerryPetrecca]

Welcome aboard fellow CT rider.

Geeting from Guilford, CT.  Work in West Haven (with Bryan217) and never in Milford.

Spend most of my riding time along the CT river and in the NE corner.

GerryP

[Mr.Black]

Buncha wankin' swamp yankees.

(Born in Torrington)

[Scottybones]

   I live in Guilford also and am always up for new riders and routes.  I bought a ZZR1200 and couldn't be happier.  It's a great blend of sport and touring.  Comfy with my wife on the bike and a competent sport bike without.  It's super fast and hides it's weight well in the twisties.  Hope this helps.

[GerryPetrecca]

   I live in Guilford also and am always up for new riders and routes.  I bought a ZZR1200 and couldn't be happier.  It's a great blend of sport and touring.  Comfy with my wife on the bike and a competent sport bike without.  It's super fast and hides it's weight well in the twisties.  Hope this helps.

Scotty,

Where in Guilford are you.  I'm out in the poor section of Mulberry Point.

Gerry

[TuffguyF4i]

Welcome ninetysix.  I'm pretty close to Hartford.  Bristol, Farmington and Plainville are all within 2 miles of me.  

[Oilhed]

All these people, we are gonna have to call a Hot Dog Run, soon.  Some Sat or Sun, noon at a central location, fatten up and go for a ride!

[teamcubco]

Welcome aboard.  So many choices for bikes...I used my Speed Triple for my touring for a while, worked well.  Looking for the right priced VFR for my next tour ride.  Love my SV's but after 300 miles my butt is done.  Good luck on your quest.  If your up this way hit me up for a 'Tour-de-Twisties' ride we do once a month.

[GerryPetrecca]

All these people, we are gonna have to call a Hot Dog Run, soon.  Some Sat or Sun, noon at a central location, fatten up and go for a ride!

Guidas???

[Oilhed]

Guidas???

That's an easy choice. But there are better and cheaper options. If anyone is up for a Monday evening Guidas has 2 for 1 hot dogs on Monday.

[Scottybones]

Scotty,

Where in Guilford are you.  I'm out in the poor section of Mulberry Point.

Gerry

   I live off of Long Hill near West Lake, right near Baldwin.

[Scottybones]

  There are a lot of options.  Ice cream is always a good bet.  We can do Wentworth's in Hamden.

[GerryPetrecca]

   I live off of Long Hill near West Lake, right near Baldwin.

Bugger, I pass right by you on my way to Agway on Saturday mornings!!

Sometimes I'll meet up with my friend Jim at the Gulf station at LH RD and RT 80 on Sunday mornings for breakfast.

[Mr.Black]

Mmmmmm. Hot dogs.

If you guys are up for a nice ride some summers day, we have Snappy Dogs about an hour and a half from you.

[Scottybones]

Bugger, I pass right by you on my way to Agway on Saturday mornings!!

Sometimes I'll meet up with my friend Jim at the Gulf station at LH RD and RT 80 on Sunday mornings for breakfast.

No shit! I'll keep an eye out for you.

[GerryPetrecca]

No shit! I'll keep an eye out for you.

Same here.  I'll pm you my email address.  

I spend a bit of time at Ashleys, Dairy Serve, Salem Valley, We-Li-Kit, Ekonk Hill, Butternut Farms, Scotty's Frozen Custard, etc.

[Delegate1k]

Same here.  I'll pm you my email address.  

I spend a bit of time at Ashleys, Dairy Serve, Salem Valley, We-Li-Kit, Ekonk Hill, Butternut Farms, Scotty's Frozen Custard, etc.

I am within a 1/2 miles of Scotty's and 3 miles of Harry's.  Glad to see more people from around here.  

[GerryPetrecca]

I am within a 1/2 miles of Scotty's and 3 miles of Harry's.  Glad to see more people from around here.  

SWEET!  Maybe we should have a "meet" at the Castle,

I like Scott's as it's LESS crowded than Harry's  plus Scotty's is as close to Ted Drew's type frozen custard as us East Coasters can get.  Most times I'm the only biker there.

I have been know to hit Salem Valley, Scotty's, We-Li-Kit and Ashleys on the same ride.

On some rides to the "quiet corner" I'll pass thru Colechester on the way back from the 'Bean or We-Li_Kit.

Gerry

[K2D2]

Wentworths! I haven't had their Ice Cream in years.  That place still around?

[Scottybones]

Wentworths! I haven't had their Ice Cream in years.  That place still around?

  I was out there last summer with my wife and they were still open and still delicious.  I went on a ride with 1 down 5 up a few years back when they were still together and it started in Hamden, but not too sure where we went from there.  I remember it was an awesome ride but can't seem to remember the route, except for when I took over in Guilford and brought the group down 146.

[Scottybones]

   So it sounds like we have the beginning of a ride starting.  I'm not the one to lead since all I do is guess on routes and hope they take me somewhere cool.  I'm in the Bahamas May 5th-12th, but after that I'm down for a ride whenever there is time.  I have a feeling myself and Gerry are going to be getting together real soon, and anyone else that wants to come along is welcome.  I've been wanting to hit up Western CT and Eastern NY, so maybe we can make a day out of it real soon.

[GerryPetrecca]

   So it sounds like we have the beginning of a ride starting.  I'm not the one to lead since all I do is guess on routes and hope they take me somewhere cool.  I'm in the Bahamas May 5th-12th, but after that I'm down for a ride whenever there is time.  I have a feeling myself and Gerry are going to be getting together real soon, and anyone else that wants to come along is welcome.  I've been wanting to hit up Western CT and Eastern NY, so maybe we can make a day out of it real soon.

Bahamas!!! I'm sure you'll have a great time.

I'm heading here from 5/31 - 6/03

http://www.armchaircommando.org/bennington/BenningtonTriumphBash/Home.html

[Bryan217]

   So it sounds like we have the beginning of a ride starting.  I'm not the one to lead since all I do is guess on routes and hope they take me somewhere cool.  I'm in the Bahamas May 5th-12th, but after that I'm down for a ride whenever there is time.  I have a feeling myself and Gerry are going to be getting together real soon, and anyone else that wants to come along is welcome.  I've been wanting to hit up Western CT and Eastern NY, so maybe we can make a day out of it real soon.

If you head West, I'll try to join in. I've been trying to get Gerry to the other side of the state for a while.  

[GerryPetrecca]

If you head West, I'll try to join in. I've been trying to get Gerry to the other side of the state for a while.  

ICE CREAM!!!  TAKE ME TO ICE CREAM!!!

[Oilhed]

I'm in!   Like I said weekdays are usually good but I can try to make a weekend with some notice.

[Scottybones]

   Weekdays will be tough for me unless it's an after hours ride and I have a little bit of notice.  Or if it's a messed up week like this one and I get a Friday off because they need my for Sunday, lol.  Not sure where any of those places are since I've never been out that way before.  Been close to there, just not that far out.

[GerryPetrecca]

I could go for some breakfast out on sunday

[Oilhed]

I could go for some breakfast out on sunday

In case you aren't already aware a group meets for Breakfast Sundays at the commuter lot RT77 & I95 at 9:00AM. They go to the diner then ride afterwards.  Multibrand with some Eurobikes and Sport-tourers.

[Delegate1k]

In case you aren't already aware a group meets for Breakfast Sundays at the commuter lot RT77 & I95 at 9:00AM. They go to the diner then ride afterwards.  Multibrand with some Eurobikes and Sport-tourers.

Got any more info on this??

[Scottybones]

Got any more info on this??

   Yeah, me too.  Unfortunately I have to work this Sunday, but I would be interested in meeting up.  Hopefully someone will chime in that is involved.  I'm guessing they go to Shoreline diner, but I would recommend Parthenon in Branford.

[Oilhed]

Been a few times. Nice bunch. Used to be a BMW group many years ago. They take the long way to Branford. After breakfast split up into small groups many directions. Very welcoming. I can't do it in May but can meet you in June.

[GerryPetrecca]

In case you aren't already aware a group meets for Breakfast Sundays at the commuter lot RT77 & I95 at 9:00AM. They go to the diner then ride afterwards.  Multibrand with some Eurobikes and Sport-tourers.

Been there done that.  

Usual meeting time is around 9 am.  After a bs session they head out for Breakfast, not always together.  A large group (used to, not sure if they still use this one) heads to the diner at R 1 and  RT 39, some go to the dinner on RT 1 in Guilford,  a few go to the gun club on RT 77.  

They are a neat group of riders,  Some ladies too.

They can talk your head off.  I learned a lot about riding from them.

Since Sunday has become my main (sometimes only riding day) I haven't been there.  I'll pass some of them heading to the meeting spot at the commuter lot as I head towards Durham/Killingworth & beyond.

This might be a good meet & greet spot.

Other places where I've done meet ups have been Guida's out on RT 66, Gossips in Durham,  Copper Skillet on RT 81 in Clinton, Eggs Up in Portland.

Gerry

[Scottybones]

   So in usual Navy fashion, things changed and now the job isn't going to happen.  There worried that the boat is going to flood, lol.  Anyways, myself and my wife might head out  to the commuter lot and see if anyone shows up.  If anyone shows up cool, if not I'll enjoy a good breakfast at the Parthenon.

[GerryPetrecca]

   So in usual Navy fashion, things changed and now the job isn't going to happen.  There worried that the boat is going to flood, lol.  Anyways, myself and my wife might head out  to the commuter lot and see if anyone shows up.  If anyone shows up cool, if not I'll enjoy a good breakfast at the Parthenon.

It's breakfast, I wouldn't say good breakfast.  

Better off heading right to the diner from the commuter lot if you want to eat before 11:00 (ok 10:30).

I'll head for the lot to meet up with you but I'd rather eat elsewhere.

If you got my pm with my contact info give me a call.

I'm on a blue Triumph 955i ST.

Gerry
Gerry

[skip]

what time you guys meeting up? I have something going on that im trying to get of, and may be able to stop by and say hello.

[Scottybones]

I have to take my step daughter to work at 1030, so it will have to be after that.  If you just want to meet up for the ride portion that would work.  Didn't realize till now that she was working.  I will have to be back by 4 to pick her up.  If we want to organize a ride since there's other people interested, works for me.  I don't like leading and I'm probably not a good choice anyways since I don't know a lot of the roads yet.  I got my bike late summer and really haven't put many miles on.

[GerryPetrecca]

I have to take my step daughter to work at 1030, so it will have to be after that.  If you just want to meet up for the ride portion that would work.  Didn't realize till now that she was working.  I will have to be back by 4 to pick her up.  If we want to organize a ride since there's other people interested, works for me.  I don't like leading and I'm probably not a good choice anyways since I don't know a lot of the roads yet.  I got my bike late summer and really haven't put many miles on.

Scott, Skip,

I pm' d you both my contact phone numbers.

I'm sure we can meet up somewhere, lunch, ice cream, etc.  oh yeah, riding too.

GerryP

[cobrajunkie]

Planning a trip Sunday mid morning out 148 from north madison towards Haddam and down the east side of the CT river and then to Essex. Great loop if anyone's interested.

[Oilhed]

Planning a trip Sunday mid morning out 148 from north madison towards Haddam and down the east side of the CT river and then to Essex. Great loop if anyone's interested.

Meet when & where?

[Scottybones]

Gillete Castle by any chance? There definitely are some good roads out that way.

[GerryPetrecca]

Gillete Castle by any chance? There definitely are some good roads out that way.

I was thinking that would be a good meet spot.

[cobrajunkie]

How about meeting at Dari Serv in Durham @ 10:00am.  Here's the route I'm thinking.  We can stop at Gillette's midway and Essex.

[GerryPetrecca]

How about meeting at Dari Serv in Durham @ 10:00am.  Here's the route I'm thinking.  We can stop at Gillette's midway and Essex.

That could work for me.  That's pretty much my standard Sunday ride if I don't head up to the NE Corner.

I usually throw in a pass through the hopyard.

I'll pm you my cell.

GerryP

[GerryPetrecca]

How about meeting at Dari Serv in Durham @ 10:00am.  Here's the route I'm thinking.  We can stop at Gillette's midway and Essex.

Cobra,

Got your pm.  See you at 10:00 at Dairy Serve.  I may stop over at DD first for a coffee and a p.

If ok my friends Eric (Speed Triple) and Joe (Bonnie) my show up too.  Looks like we  all live around each other and ride pretty much the same roads.

So Far I haven't heard from Scott or Skip.

Gerry

[cobrajunkie]

I could use a coffee.  See ya there.

[GerryPetrecca]

Cobra,

Got your pm.  See you at 10:00 at Dairy Serve.  I may stop over at DD first for a coffee and a p.

If ok my friends Eric (Speed Triple) and Joe (Bonnie) my show up too.  Looks like we  all live around each other and ride pretty much the same roads.

So Far I haven't heard from Scott or Skip.

Gerry

P.S.  Just got a pm from Scott, he will be there.

[skip]

sorry I did not make it . had issues that i was kinda afraid I could not get out of . I will hook up soon with you guys as my bike is all set to do some miles. New tires, new chain and sprockets, oil change new rear brakepads all new brake fluid ETC. Gps hooked up and ready,. ill get out a litte later today.

[Oilhed]

Sorry. Overslept.

[cobrajunkie]

Great ride today and nice to meet you all.  I lost my right fork somewhere on the way.  Did anyone pick it  up?  

[Scottybones]

   Talk about hijacking a thread, lol.  Thanks for the awesome ride, can't wait to do it again.  I need Eric's,Bill's and Joe's user names so I can add them to my buddy list.  Skip, you missed a great ride, but the season is early and there will be plenty more.  I start leave Thursday and want to get a run out to RI going, so look for a thread starting up today about it.  

[Delegate1k]

Good Day All,

  I am doing this https://www.sport-touring.net/forums/index.php/topic,70078.0.html next week.  Leaving about 9:30, can setup a meet point if anyone is interested.  Also please go and sign up at the New England Riders ( http://forums.delphiforums.com/n/main.asp?webtag=NewEnglandRider&nav=start&prettyurl=%2FNewEnglandRider%2Fstart ) website so Easy Ed has a good count.

Glenn

[GerryPetrecca]

   Talk about hijacking a thread, lol.  Thanks for the awesome ride, can't wait to do it again.  I need Eric's,Bill's and Joe's user names so I can add them to my buddy list.  Skip, you missed a great ride, but the season is early and there will be plenty more.  I start leave Thursday and want to get a run out to RI going, so look for a thread starting up today about it.  

I had a great day too.

Eric's user name is "Gaps", don't know if Joe is on any forums.

[skip]

Good Day All,

  I am doing this https://www.sport-touring.net/forums/index.php/topic,70078.0.html next week.  Leaving about 9:30, can setup a meet point if anyone is interested.  Also please go and sign up at the New England Riders ( http://forums.delphiforums.com/n/main.asp?webtag=NewEnglandRider&nav=start&prettyurl=%2FNewEnglandRider%2Fstart ) website so Easy Ed has a good count.

Glenn

where did you end up going? i see you made it to the castle where else? . I got out at 1is and squeezed in about 75 miles of backroads locally

[cobrajunkie]

We started out at Dari Serv in Durham.  Out 148 and stopped in Chester for a bite.  Continued on to the the castle where we dispersed for other Sunday commitments.  Scott and I finished up the loop I posted earlier.  I went out later for another 100 miles of shoreline riding.  Nice day.

[Bryan217]

Sorry I missed this, but it was a busy weekend for me. Once the baby comes (due next week), I should be able to get out and ride more and not worry about going too far from home.

[Scottybones]

Season is early, no worries.  

[cobrajunkie]

Sorry I missed this, but it was a busy weekend for me. Once the baby comes (due next week), I should be able to get out and ride more and not worry about going too far from home.

Yup.  Just put a dish of food out, wrap it up in Duck tape and stick it in the closet.  It'll be fine when you get back.  

[GerryPetrecca]

Sorry I missed this, but it was a busy weekend for me. Once the baby comes (due next week), I should be able to get out and ride more and not worry about going too far from home.

Bryan, you're one funny guy!!!!

[Bryan217]

Bryan, you're one funny guy!!!!

Now see, I'm one of the lucky ones, whose wife doesn't mind him riding. She will have no problem with me taking off from time to time for a nice ride while she stays home with the baby. And since when are you and expert anyway?  

[Scottybones]

  I am too, plus my wife like to ride 2 up and is actually good at it.  She knew right from the beginning how to lean into the turns.  The funny thing is sometimes I'm finding myself compensating for her over eagerness to lean, lol.

[cobrajunkie]

Now see, I'm one of the lucky ones, whose wife doesn't mind him riding. She will have no problem with me taking off from time to time for a nice ride while she stays home with the baby. And since when are you and expert anyway?  

I'm sure the pool boy will "help out" while you're away.

[Scottybones]

I'm sure the pool boy will "help out" while your away.

Spoken like a sailor, lol.  

[GAPS]

Gerry, thanks for the invite, was good to see you and meet some new peeps, really nice crew and I look forward to riding with you again.

And big thanks to Todd for letting me try your GTS, what I found remarkable was how unremarkable the handling was. I was expecting it to feel quite different but it just felt like any other good handling bike, very cool machine you have there.

[Scottybones]

  Hey Eric, we saw you heading up route 80 when we were dropping my step daughter off.  Wish we could've stayed out longer, but had a cool ride back with Todd.

[GAPS]

Next time indeed, I'll bring my wife...double up on the two up.
Here's a project bike I built a few years back, suspension sucks...

[cobrajunkie]

Next time indeed, I'll bring my wife...double up on the two up.
Here's a project bike I built a few years back, suspension sucks...

Let's see you do a wheelie on THAT. flux capacitor drive.

[skip]

Next time indeed, I'll bring my wife...double up on the two up.
Here's a project bike I built a few years back, suspension sucks...



here is my project bike, wanna race.... ..

[GAPS]

here is my project bike, wanna race.... ..

is that a bottle opener on the fork?..Skip, I remember riding with you out of Dunkin Donuts in Durham a couple years ago, I would have been on a FJR or SV1000, PeteST was there too.

[GerryPetrecca]

here is my project bike, wanna race.... ..

is that a bottle opener on the fork?..Skip, I remember riding with you out of Dunkin Donuts in Durham a couple years ago, I would have been on a FJR or SV1000, PeteST was there too.

Eric,

I think you had the SV or was it the FJR..god it sucks getting old and the memory goes.

wait, who are you??

[skip]

here is my project bike, wanna race.... ..

is that a bottle opener on the fork?..Skip, I remember riding with you out of Dunkin Donuts in Durham a couple years ago, I would have been on a FJR or SV1000, PeteST was there too.

I remember that ride very well, we had to fix petes bike in mass. and yes its a bottle opener on the fork, you just never know when one will come in handy