2010 Season in Review

The days are getting pretty chilly in New England and looks like the number of days to ride are coming to a close...for me anyway.  Some friends went out yesterday when the temperature was around 40 degrees...brrrrrrrr. Some day I will have the proper gear and will join, but for now, I will be content reminiscing about the fun riding season I had.

The season was a beauty. Days were warm, with little rain and not many were stifling with heat and humidity. We took full advantage and spent our time riding through New England. We were fortunate to visit many places within Vermont, Maine, RI, NH and Mass. Hmmm...seemed to have left out Connecticut...we're coming to you next year, my little Nutmeg state.



We spent a lot of time in New Hampshire, including taking a week-long vacation in a cabin along the shores of Lake Winnepausakee. We drove around the lake many times and stopped at several bars and restaurants, a few of which I have already reviewed on this blog.

Covered bridges are not just for Vermont! Many are found around the beautiful state of New Hampshire.

Enjoyed several picnics at the many free state parks located throughout New England.  Purgatory Chasm in Sutton, Masschusetts, pictured below, is our go-to for quick picnics but we discovered Colt State Park in Bristol, Rhode Island, with a little help from our friends. It is truly a wonderful spot to take the bikes.

One of my favorite weekends this past summer was visiting Southern Maine. We drove along the coast, ate fresh seafood (well, I did anyway) and took in some wonderful sights.  The Bush Compound in Kennebunk is a popular stop. If you are lucky (or some may say 'unlucky'), you may just bump in to one of the Bush's in a local restaurant. Our friends dined right next to President Bush, Sr. and his wife, Barbara. 

The weather cooperated so we chose to extend the trip and drive over to Laconia for a stop at one of our favorite bars. Along the way, we came across the Hawg's Pen and stopped in for a quick beverage.  A longer visit is on our to-do list for next year. It's a cool place.

And you can't ride through Laconia without a stop at the Broken Spoke, can you?

We also participated in a few charity rides.  I thoroughly enjoy the camaraderie and spirit involved in tagging along on a poker run or a charity ride. Bikers are very generous and what a way to give back...doing something you love and helping out those less fortunate. Looking forward to participating in more rides next year.

A new destination for me, on the bike, is Bristol, Rhode Island. Many waterfront restaurants with beautiful views, outdoor seating and delicious food. A winter visit might be in order this year...don't think I can wait til the weather warms.

It's been a great summer, lots of riding and great times with good friends. Sad the season is just about over....road trip anyone?

Cock-a-doodle-doooo....

Although it has only been open for a few months, The Red Rooster Pub is quickly becoming a favorite of local bikers.  Located in the old 'Le-Sorelle' building, the Red Rooster sits at the intersection of Route 1 and Thurston Street, in Wrentham, Massachusetts. This convenient location is only about a mile from Route 495, and a few extra minutes from 95. It is also only a few miles from Normandy Farm Campground in Foxboro, Mass

Not sure where the bar got the name Red Rooster, but I think this guy ------> might have something to do with it.  The shiny, copper rooster sits proudly atop the newly renovated building. A quick google search indicates the rooster is a symbol for good luck...perhaps this rooster brings good luck to all who enter? That'd be nice.

Inside has been completely renovated from floor to ceiling, everything is brand new, including the bathrooms.  It is very bright and nice but the new interior seems to be a bit more mainstream and lacking the biker-bar persona it previously had. Think the owner might be aiming for another demographic.




The Red Rooster has a full-bar, several HD widescreens and a full menu.  Pool table has been removed which allows for more seating and more room. It is quite compact inside. We have not yet tried to food, but it certainly looked and smelled good.

As I previously mentioned, the place is a bit small inside so conversations can easily be overheard. And listen, I know bikers can be rough, tough, macho, etc...and it is what I like most about them but good lord, there was a man  speaking VERY loudly and every other word was eff-this, eff-that.  Seriously, I'm not a priss but I counted seven f-bombs in one sentence.  Zero manners and class. I felt like telling him to shut-the-eff-up, but thankfully I didn't because I soon found out he was  a local cop. Nice. But I digress...

Parking at Red Rooster is convenient and the set of lights at the intersection makes an otherwise hairy exit, quite simple. All-in-all I think renovations make it more desirable and a good option for a stop-in.


Contact Info:
Red Rooster Pub
510 Washington Street
Wrentham, MA
(508) 384-6669

Roadhouse in Rhode Island

According to its website, Cady's Tavern in Cepachet, is 'Rhode Island's Original Roadhouse'. Not really sure what that means, but it's cool nonetheless. Located right on Route 44, Cady's is easy to get to from 295 or 395.

The parking lot is not paved, but is packed solid and we had no issues entering or leaving.



A biker-friendly spot, Cady's parking lot is often overflowing with motorcycles, and has a good group of regular customers as well as riders touring the area.


Cady's Tavern is open seven days a week, until 1am Thursday through Saturday.  There is a full menu, with appetizers and sandwiches, even some seafood items, and everything is under $10..most items on menu appeared to be less than $8. Very inexpensive.  The full menu is available until closing, which is a huge plus, since many local establishments close their kitchens around 10pm.  Take-out is also available, again until closing.  There is an ATM on site and they accept MC/VISA/AMEX. The website indicates a homestyle dinner is available on Tuesday and Thursday evenings for $6.95. Have never had it but will definitely go back on either night to check it out.

Cady's offers a full bar, beers were cold and inexpensive with several varieties available on bottle and fifteen varieties on tap. I noticed a few signs indicating Beer Pong is played at the bar on certain nights, but not too sure what that is. Sounds fun though.

Entertainment is plentiful and varied. Every Sunday at 3pm, there is an open-mic Blues Jam session and Friday and Saturday evenings local rock bands provide the entertainment.  There are also special events throughout the year...this coming month, there is a Chowder contest that should be a lot of fun.

Our last visit to Cady's was part of a charity bike run, it was one of four stops. The owner was there and had provided pulled pork sandwiches at no cost to all the riders. Very generous. While we were there and about to leave, another bike run showed up and although a little tight, the bar had plenty of room for both groups.



It's a low-key, chill place for bikers to hang and a business that supports their local community.  Show them your support by stopping at this original roadhouse the next time you are in the area.

Contact Info:
Cady's Tavern
2168 Putnam Pike
Chepachet, RI
401-568-4102
http://www.cadystavern.com/

Hawg Hangout in NH not far from Maine line

Stopped here on an early Sunday afternoon, on our way from Wells, Maine to Laconia. Hawg's Pen Cafe is located in Farmington , NH on Route 11, next door to a motorcycle parts and accessories store.

Although Route 11 is heavily traveled, we found the Hawg's Pen easy to get in and out of. Building is on its own lot with a large paved parking area and plenty of rooms for bikes.








We arrived on a Sunday afternoon...probably around 12:30pm. There were already plenty of bikes in the parking lot, several people inside and a band playing on the outdoor patio. Apparently, we had just missed a weekly Prime Rib Sunday Breakfast...bummer. Menu looks good, subs, sandwiches and salads, all for under $10.

Stopped at the bar for a quick beer...bar tender was super friendly.







You can see from this pic, there was plenty of activity for a Sunday afternoon.








Inside the bar is a full bar, it has eating area with booths, a separate room with two pool tables and high tops with stools. It's very roomy and bathrooms were clean.




Outside, there is another bar, a pretty cool looking firepit...old school...a stage for local performances and a large fenced in, covered area with a few tables and some benches along the fence for viewing activity in parking lot.



Would love to head back here during bike week - bet it would be lots of fun! But we definitely recommend visiting during other times. Fun place. And remember to be quiet when leaving...signs all over the place...assume a lot of police activity in the area.


Contact Info:
Haw's Pen Cafe
1114 NH Rte 11
Farmington, NH
603-755-3333
http://www.hawgspen.com/

Great Bah For Beeahs in Maine

Okay, I'm from New England so I can make fun of the accent, can't I? Spent the past weekend in Maine and have often heard about Bentley's but was not able to visit until this trip. Wow, we have been missing out!

Located in Arundel, Maine, Bentley's Saloon is located on Route 1 and is a quick drive from the Wells/Kennebunk area. Also attached to the saloon is a motel and a campground.


As you can see from the picture below, there is a large, paved praking lot with plenty of room for bikes. We arrived on a sunny Saturday afternoon to a pretty large crowd, live band and a pig roast. The band was great, playing old rock n' which seems to be obsolete these days.

There is a separate grill area offering items such as hamburgers, sausages, and steak and cheese. I went with a hamburger which was grilled perfectly. For $8.00, you can two choose two sides from several options: pasta salad, baked beans, potato chips, cold slaw and macaroni salad. For $2.00 less, you can get the sandwich only. My husband went with the hotdog meal - for $6.00 he received two hotdogs and two sides. Food is VERY reasonably priced and is equally as good.



The day of our visit, Bentley's was smoking a pig. I am not sure how often they do it but assume it must be somewhat frequently since they have two smokers on site.



Our friends got the pulled pork plate which was under $10.00 and a huge portion. It smelled delicious and looked yummy, just not my thing. Feel bad for these little guys. But, friends enjoyed it.








Bentley's Saloon has a full-liquor bar offering several drink specials. We stuck with cold, bottled beer of which they had several in stock. Price for 2 was $5.50, pretty reasonable. Our friends stuck with Summer Ale on tap and said it was cold and fresh.

There is a ton of room inside and out for the large crowds that gather here. There is a separate area for a band and a dance floor, a bar in the front of the building and lots of space outside with picnic tables and umbrellas.

I do not know much anything about the accommodations, looks like your basic motel. And the campground, well, it is a campground. Both are located right next to bar and only a minute walk for food and entertainment.



Fair warning: Signs posted all over indicating cops in Maine can pull you over to see your registration - in other words, no justifiable cause needed.


Although a quick visit for lunch and a couple of beers, we really enjoyed ourselves and highly recommend this place to bikers.

Back Roads, Covered Bridges, and Country Stores

Just back from Vermont...Killington area, and it is amazing to me that the place is like a ghost town. Apparently this area comes to life in the Winter and all about shuts down at the end of ski season. Boy, are people missing out!

Weather is fantastic, warm and sunny...roads are free and clear of traffic, and the green mountains are the perfect backdrop to days spent touring the area.

While some businesses do shut down, we were able to find some fun places that remain open during the slow season.

Casey's Caboose is located right off Killington Road. Quirky, fun little place that offers a happy hour from 4pm-6pm. As state law dictates, they are not allowed to offer drink specials but instead offer food specials. The evening we were there, buffalo wings were 25 cents a a piece. Not great, but wasn't expecting a lot. Bartender was very friendly, gave lots of advice and tips on local attractions and bars.
The building resembles an old train car, and even has a model train set-up around the ceiling perimeter. Guests at the bar are encouraged to toss quarters at a level that will put the train into action as it lets off an authentic sounding whistle.

The parking in Casey's Caboose is not paved but it was solid and easy to maneuver bike.

After a quick stop in Casey's, we hopped back on the bike looking for the next pit stop. Just a short drive away, on same side of the road, is a sports bar and pub called -Moguls. Again, driveway is not paved but is packed solid and easy to get into and out of.


This place would be great to go with a group. There is horseshoes, mini-golf and ping-pong out back; inside there is a pool table, flat screen TVS, and a large bar area. Drinks were a little on the pricey side, although were not weak. They have freshly popped popcorn that smells delicious and is just as tasty. We did not have any food here, but can say it looked delicious, portions were huge and posted specials seemed reasonably priced. There was a good mix of patrons including families, singles, couples, bikers, young and old. It was a comfortable environment. Bartenders were okay, waitresses seemed very friendly. Fun place!


Of course, the best part of Vermont is cruising through the small towns discovering spectacular scenery. Farmers markets, covered bridges, country stores and friendly locals made for a fun adventure in the Green state.










We look forward to going back as soon as we can....the view alone is worth the trip!

A Mirage Amidst the Pines in the North Georgia Mountains

Northern Georgia is a perfect riding destination - smooth pavement, windy roads, scenic mountain views and warm weather. If you find yourself in this part of the state, hop on route 75 which leads to a surprising little town called 'Helen'. Cobble-stone walkways and replications of Bavarian mountain buildings create this unique alpine village making it a special place in the North Georgia Mountains.


Each year the town is host to several events including the upcoming rally 'Destination Helen'. Held in August each year, this four day motorcycle rally hosts poker runs, scavenger hunts and even a Ms. Destination Helen bikini contest. 'Destination Helen' is sponsored the Chattahoochee Biker Gear store, which is located one block off strip. The store has everything a biking enthusiast needs, including a wide of apparel, boots, and accessories. Outside is plenty of paved parking and several shaded picnic tables.
Another big event is held each year in October. For the entire month, the town rolls out the red carpet for guests wishing to experience an 'Oktoberfest' without leaving the country. Complete with a biergarten, knockworsts and St. Pauly girls, Helen's Oktoberfest attracts huge crowds with guests from all over the country. The festivities and the fall foliage make Helen a very biker-friendly destination.


If you're looking for a more-low key visit, Helen hosts many other events throughout the year, including a hot-air balloon festival. Outside of the many special events, Helen has a host of other attractions, including a winery, a state park and a dinner theater. Off-peak season is a great time to visit as the town is full of quaint shops and restaurants, including some with authentic German cuisine.


There are plenty of biker-friendly accommodations in Helen ranging from low-cost motels to secluded mountain cabins. Several hotels are convenient to downtown and are walking distance to all the activities. For the more adventurous, nearby Unicoi State Park offers camping sites.


If your travels find you anywhere near the North Georgia Mountains, Helen is a town you don't want to miss.

Patriots - All American Bar & Grille

Located in a strip mall in Bellingham, Massachusetts, the Patriot Bar & Grille is the quintessential biker hangout. Is it fancy? No. Is it a dive? Eh...not really. Somewhere in between. It is somewhat dark inside but it is comfortable, has plenty of room, the bartenders are friendly and drinks are cheap.

The Patriot Bar & Grille offers keno, several televisions, darts, pool table and occasionally, live music.

We have never been on Friday or Saturday evenings but hear that it can be a bit crazy. Our drop-in time is usually late afternoon/early evening on the way back from a ride. Always has its fair share of regulars at the bar but have never felt like an outsider or unwelcome.

Plenty of paved parking at the Patriot Bar & Grille with spots on the sidewalk in front of the building in addition to a large parking lot. No shortage of space here.



Located off Route 126 and a few miles from Route 495, the Patriot, while not much to look at from the outside, is a welcome place for a quick pit stop.

Contact info:
Patriots Bar & Grille
15 North Main Street
Bellingham, MA 02019-1592
(508) 966-2662

Enjoy a Cheeseburger in this Fall River Paradise

I know what you're thinking...paradise and Fall River in the same sentence? Really? Yes, really. Straight out of a Jimmy Buffet song, The Tipsy Seagull is an outdoor tiki bar, palm trees and all, located dockside in Narragansett Bay.

Literally a floating bar, the Tipsy Seagull juts out over the bay and is a popular spot for boaters to dock up to. It is located next to the marina so has a bit of a 'locals' feel as many of the guests have boats tendered there and all seem to know each other.



There are several seating areas...around the bar, tall tables along the dock and some very comfortable couches at the beginning of the ramp. For rainy or cold days, there are retractable awnings around the bar to protect from the elements. New this year is the addition of bathrooms...years past, the only option was a port-a-potty which was clean, but I still found quite unpleasant on a 90 degree summer day.


Drinks are a bit pricey at the Tipsy Seagull but specials are offered every day - for $5 you can try the drink of the day, normally a fruity concoction...not sure if it is offered on weekdays but there have been specials each time we have visited. Last time, I asked for a rum runner and the bartender didn't know how to make one...thought that a bit odd but no big deal.



Food is inexpensive - all items are under $10, and although limited, the menu seems to be much improved from last year. Appetizers and sandwiches are very good though I recommend the clam chowder served in a breadbowl. Perfect for a New England afternoon by the sea.


Acoustic entertainment is offered most weekend days at the Tipsy Seagull. Our last visit was a on a beautiful Sunday afternoon, the sun was shining, a singer was playing acoustic Jimmy Buffet songs, the beer was served icy cold....we really felt like we were over 1,000 miles away in the Keys.


The Tipsy Seagull is open during the summer from Tuesday - Sunday from noon to midnight. They have recently instated a policy allowing only guests aged 25+...not sure what that is all about. Must be some crazy times at night. We have only been during the day since we are out on the bike and looking for a low-key time.

So if you're looking to kick back a few cold ones or are craving a bit of the Key West lifestyle, consider Fall River. Yes...Fall River.

Contact Info:
Tipsy Seagull Dockside Pub
1 Ferry Street, Fall River, MA
(508) 678-7547

FriendlyFind Bar Recommendation for Laconia Bike Week

LACONIA IS HERE...Don't miss the Broken Spoke..it's where it all happens!

Broken Spoke Laconia is THE place to hang during bike week. Sexy waitresses in barely-there outfits, hunky men fixin' drinks and posing for pics for the ladies...yeah!

Large crowds, lots of contests. loud bikes, plenty of vendors, ice-cold beer and plenty of good ol rock 'n roll at the Broken Spoke Laconia. Fun place.

On our way....


Broken Spoke Laconia
http://www.brokenspokesaloon.com/laconia.php
1072 Watson Road
Laconia, NH 03246-1738
(603) 366-5511