As I was stamping my passport book, one of the rangers (a young woman) excitedly noted that it was my bike she had seen in the parking lot and she would so like to ride, but could barely manage a manual shift in a car!
That was reason enough to pause a few minutes and talk with her about the Motorcycle Safety Foundation's Beginner Rider Course. I told her how they start riders out on small bikes, explaining the controls, how to find the friction zone on the clutch, and power walking the bike to get the feel of it. The course is a great confidence booster and suggested she take it if she is really interested in riding! Her excitement was palpable and I came away feeling as though she was the reason I was meant to stop there.
Another unscheduled stop presented itself when I pulled over to check directions at the turn off for Snydersville. Pocono Mountain Harley-Davidson was within eyesight of the exit, so I couldn't resist picking up a purple and white poker chip in memory of my friend and Guardian Angel, Chris Snyder! |
Realizing we followed the same route, the Ladies of the WITW Silver Hawks Chapter invited me to ride back with them. | Their turn off was at Dingman's Falls! My "wrong turn" that morning gave me the inspiration to follow them off 209 and explore the Milford Road as I continued home. Great road! New friends! Fantastic day! |