Vermort 12

Vermort 12 (AKA Vermouth:

Shirley, we need another pitcher down at this end of the bar.

Alarm went off at the unholy hour of oh-three-hunert. I swilled some coffee, grabbed a few last minute items, hit the gas station for fuel and for some fresh spring air in the tires, and I was heading out from Alexandria, VA by 4:30.

The DC beltway is all but abandoned at that hour. Crossing the Potomac on the Woodrow Wilson Bridge, I could see the moon playing across the water on my right, and the Washington Monument standing erect to the left. The day before had been hotter 'n snot and just as humid, and it was warm enough when I started. That changed. By the time I was on I-95 heading for Baltimore, the temp was dropping fast, and I kept adding layers all day.

It's cool riding in the pre-dawn hours up the east coast. Between the major cities it was dark and the stars were bright. As I approached Baltimore, I could see the clouds lit from below by the incandescent lights of the city - all yellows and orange. The road takes you past an industrial landscape that's mostly abandoned now. The sun was just starting to peek as I was leaving Philly behind, and I was looking forward to the warmth. But, that never came.

JSchmoe had invited me to meet him at his and Risa's place in Westchester county just north of NYC. He routed me through the Garden State Parkway, where I began to realize that I need to look into this EZ Pass thing, 'cause the revenooers of the Garden State stopped me every couple of miles to shake me down for loose change. But, the ride across the Hudson on the Tappan Zee Bridge, and the ride up Saw Mill Parkway somehow made it all worthwhile.

I got to Westchester just in time to rally with JSchmoe & Risa, TL & Sue, and Terry & Maddy. After introductions, JSchmoe led us down 124 through some remarkable country - rolling hills, old trees providing a full canopy over the road, and boulder outcroppings everywhere. The only incident was a near bird strike when a turkey flew across the road in front of us. (By God they do fly!).

We hit Waterford around 1:30, checked into motels, and arrived at Allen and Lisa's place around 2:00. Beautiful home, big front yard filled with tents and bikes, and a big deck in the back filled with a who's who of east coast Netscum. Banker Bob gave me a warm welcome - "WHO THE FUCK ARE YOU AND WHO INVITED YOU?!" He's such a sweetheart.

That afternoon was pretty much a haze of getting reacquainted with a few folks I met before, meeting several I've only known virtually, and a meeting whole bunch that were totally new to me, bottles being passed, lies being told and retold - all fueled by Heineken on tap and snack food all over the place. Dinner was fantastic - Lasagna accompanied by Roach crooning old standards and show tunes. It was chilly^^^^^^ damned cold, and there was an almost constant drizzle, but a fire was lit, providing some welcome warmth and a venue for more sea stories.

Three bottles of scotch, representing Islay, Skye and the highlands were opened and compared . repeatedly. The qualities of each compared and described whilst taking long pulls from the bottles. The scotch fueled a contentious, and loud, political debate well into the night.

Helluvaway to celebrate Allen and Lisa's anniversary, eh?

The next morning, Allen and Lisa outdid there selves again by serving a great breakfast of scrambled eggs, french toast, sausage and fruit accompanied by an industrial sized thermos full of coffee! The wx was a hot topic. A band of rain stretched across central New York and southern Conneticut. Those heading north and south would see good weather. TL & Sue, Bear and Bill G would see rain. Don Anderson slpt through it all.

Roach led the southern contingent (me, Pete & Linda, and Wildflower), accompanied by JSchmoe and Risa. We took a run east on US1 through several charming towns with their well-kept Victorian cottages, stone walls, yuppies walking their chocolate labs and labradoodles, and quaint main streets. We stumbled upon Terry and Maddy, who had left earlier, and they joined us making for a nice staggered formation of six bikes.

JSchmoe and Risa peeled off first to head north for home, followed by Terry and Maddy a few miles later. Roach led us through New York where we finally shed rain gear and enjoyed some sunshine and warmth. The run down 95 was uneventful till some chick riding shotgun in a Beemer pulled up to Roach, flipped him off and motioned for us to pull over! We did, but that was no chick, that was Len's wife, Pauline! Unbeknownst to us, Len had been riding sweep.

Pete, Linda and Wildflower had EZ Pass on their bikes and waited patiently(?) for Roach and I at every friggin' toll plaza - and there's a bunch! Wildflower explained that the EZ Pass system is good in most states and that I have to get one of those things.

Off the parkway for lunch and a run down 295 to Roach's turf. Pete & Linda, Wildflower and I said our goodbyes and continued south on 295, across the Delaware river on the Memorial Bridge and down 95 to Baltimore. I split from the pack to continue south on 95 as Pete, Linda and Wildflower headed west on I70. Traffic backed up for miles before the Fort McHenry Tunnel. Turned out it was just toll booth back-up and the dedicated EZ Pass lanes were empty! Note to self - Gotta get one of those things.

By now its hot, hazy and the sun is bright. It was fun riding formation, and sharing the road with good folks, but I'm tired and it's good to be on my own to take the road as I see fit. I roll across the Woodrow Wilson Bridge and into Alexandria at about 6:30pm - Just in time to shower and dine with the lovely Mary. Total milage - 800.4

Thanks to Allen and Lisa for opening their home, for their hospitality and for all the great food. I hope your neighbors will forgive us!

Chilly's pictures http://www.ofoto.com/I.jsp?c=qv1u0v1.473nkkhl&x=0&y=8ccm6f
Bear's pictures http://www.ofoto.com/I.jsp?c=qrs8clb.54vu3bv3&x=0&y=-bvcsbb