Miss Rider - Madeline
Madeline & Daisy on my porch.
Early last spring, while occupying my "can't ride blues" checking out different sites for ride ideas, I found a link to Miss Rider's blog. She had recently done a California to Massachusetts solo ride on her Bonneville! Knowing first hand what it is like as a woman riding solo, I sent her a message offering shelter, tools, whatever else I have that she may need while traveling through this area. Our correspondence led to her inviting me to join her and several other women on a ride to SeaCoast Sportcycle in Derry NH for International Female Ride Day. That was our first face to face meeting.
This summer, Madeline spent two months, covering 15,000 miles; as far south as the Panama Canal and as far west as Sturgis SD! Check out her blog at www.missrider.com Initially, I was going to ride along a bit to see her off. Unexpected events prevented that. She did make it a point to stop by my house on her way home, spending two nights so she had a full day of rest. As a way to say "Gracias", my household was treated to a wonderful, home cooked meal!
This summer, Madeline spent two months, covering 15,000 miles; as far south as the Panama Canal and as far west as Sturgis SD! Check out her blog at www.missrider.com Initially, I was going to ride along a bit to see her off. Unexpected events prevented that. She did make it a point to stop by my house on her way home, spending two nights so she had a full day of rest. As a way to say "Gracias", my household was treated to a wonderful, home cooked meal!
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While Madeline was out on Bonnie this summer, I was working. It seemed all the little trips I had planned were cancelled for whatever reasons. I enjoy my work, but enough! I was tired, cranky, and my brain was fried. An upcoming family reunion was reason to take a week off and string all my cancelled little rides into one big loop.
Though she'd only been home a week, Madeline was restless and ready to tackle Mt. Washington with me. Her house was my first destination. |
Madeline on her porch.
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The weather forcast was perfect, 80s, sunny, and dry. My vest and light, summer jacket were comfortable in the wind as I crossed the Kingston-Rhinecliff Bridge over the Hudson River and headed up the "Nines" (Routes 9G, 9, and 9H). While traversing Route 23 into Massachusetts I passed the Mt. Washington Inn and Mt. Washington State Forest, causing me to chuckle, thinking "Creator is telling me that after three years of wanting, I am finally going to make it up Mt. Washington!" Except for US 20 through Springfield, the ride was wonderful and the scenery gorgeous!
While at a stop light on MA 67, another rider pulled up along side me and asked where I was headed. "Worcester!" was all the answer there was time for, as the light turned green. He followed all the way to my turn on MA 9, then signaled to pull over. Rich was fascinated with a "sexy, female biker riding alone all the way from New York" and commented on my high heeled boots. Had I not already told him I was going to a friend's, he would have offered me a place to stay. A woman on the road is never alone. She just needs to be cautious and listen to her intuition!
Madeline had a home cooked meal ready when I arrived. We then sat around the fire and laughed and talked about our rides.
While at a stop light on MA 67, another rider pulled up along side me and asked where I was headed. "Worcester!" was all the answer there was time for, as the light turned green. He followed all the way to my turn on MA 9, then signaled to pull over. Rich was fascinated with a "sexy, female biker riding alone all the way from New York" and commented on my high heeled boots. Had I not already told him I was going to a friend's, he would have offered me a place to stay. A woman on the road is never alone. She just needs to be cautious and listen to her intuition!
Madeline had a home cooked meal ready when I arrived. We then sat around the fire and laughed and talked about our rides.
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