Day one of my first long motorcycle trip

Packing for my first motorcycle trip felt like when I was getting ready to do my first Yoseicamp: not knowing what to expect, I wanted to be prepared for anything. I was worried about missing something critical. I know I’m probably going to be packing much more than needed, but I’d rather be over-prepared than under-prepared.

Not having the right luggage worries me too. I just stuffed a duffle bag under the cargo net on the back seat. I’ll wrap it with sturdy garbage bags in case of rain. I stuffed everything inside my bags in Ziplock and plastic grocery bags. I hope that’ll be enough. I don’t expect to ride much in the rain: I plan on staying put on rainy days. Bikers tend to become proficient at planning around the weather.

I met with Gabriel, a co-worker, for the day’s ride, at that Tim Hortons on Innes that’s popular with bikers. It’s awesome to start off with a riding partner. We planned the day’s ride: head down to the U.S. to ride the route between Tupper Lake, Lake Placid & Lake George. Plans made, coffee drunk, we head out to the 417 & 416 in direction of the bridge near Ogsdenburg, NY. Following Gabriel in the lead with his GPS, I was exhilarated at the prospect of an awesome day’s ride in beautiful weather. I enjoy the dynamic of riding with others: as Gabriel switches lane & tire track, I smoothly change to the appropriate tire track behind him. It’s a great feeling.

Partway down the 416, Gabriel pulls over. Oh oh. He reports that his engine started to stutter. After analyzing the bike, we figure out that his kickstand switch isn’t working. Thankfully, I had packed a Swiss Army knife and some tools. With some extra electrical wire he had stowed in his bike, we managed to bypass the switch. “Doesn’t look like I’m going to the states,” he tells me. “I’ll take you to the border.” Bummer. I was looking forward to share my first day’s ride. “Let’s get off at the next exit and find a garage,” I say. We get off the 416 and after gassing up in Kemptville, we take the back roads to the border.

His GPS wants to take us North. While he adjusts it, I think I don’t mind not using one for the next while. “Get lost!” some motorcycle enthusiasts encourage us. I plan on doing just that.

We part ways as we approach the bridge to Ogsdenburg. “Thanks for the ride so far and for the suggestion for the route,” I say. We fist bump with our gloves on and he heads back while I ride to the bridge.

Oh man! The road on the long and high bridge has a metallic grill surface, just like the Alexandria bridge in Ottawa. I ride nervously the whole way: the bike shifts side to side a little as I ride over the metal grilling. I think the combination with the tread pattern on my tires isn’t helping on that surface. Oh well, better hang on and concentrate to keep it steady: there’s no turning back now… Whew! Made it!

I enjoy the New York countryside and architecture of the houses and farms. Typical American country. The day is beautiful. The road is nice and smooth, the curves are long. Not too much traffic. This is so relaxing.

At one point, I stop to check the map on my phone. Oops! I forgot to change my SIM card and purchase a roaming plan. I stow my phone away, keep going and look for a place with WiFi. First place, it didn’t work. Second, too slow. Third’s the charm.

I see a lot of bikers on the road and at stops. All the riders wave as we pass each other. Everyone’s friendly and conversational. Nice. I really feel like I’m part of another community.

The region around Saranac Lake is absolutely beautiful. I’m definitely coming back here. Lake Placid is charming but quite touristic. I stop to visit the Olympic arena where the “Miracle on Ice” took place at the 1980 Winter Olympics. I enjoy feeling the history of a place.

Highways 86, 9N and 9 between Lake Placid, Elizabethtown and Lake George are quite beautiful and enjoyable to ride. I like the back roads: most traffic uses the main highways, so there’s not much traffic to contend with. I was a bit saddened to see many of the motels and shops that are now closed and decrepit on highway 9. It makes me think about the movie Cars, in which the small towns have lost business since the large four-lane interstate highways have been built. You really see this on the 9.

At one point, I stop for a break and have some ice cream. I forgot how “medium” is quite large here! Gotta keep that in mind.

I found a place to camp for the night in Lake George. Now, I gotta figure out in which direction I’ll go tomorrow…

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