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| By the Lake | Are we pointed the right way? |
The Country Deli in Brattleboro VT |
Greg & Alice in Stockbridge |
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| Cooch in Stockbridge |
Who stole Bill's seat? |
John & Lori's house |
Moe, Christine & Lori |
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| Francis loses it | Final Picture |
Bill writes:
The morning of our last day's ride was just like the rest of the week. Clear skies and cool temperatures. This is a routine I can get used to in a hurry.
The morning ride had us running down I-91 to Brattleboro and then west across route 9. Just off the Interstate on 9 is a place called the Country Deli. If you are in the neighborhood or even if you're not in the neighborhood, you have got to stop at this place. Pastries to die for. Salads and pasta that could turn even the most ardent carnivore into a vegetarian, and the best coffee around. Parking is a bit of a challenge. If you do go remember a couple of things... the bathroom is in the gas station next door and you do not leave the place without trying one of their cannoli's.
Then it was west on Rt. 9 and south on Rt. 8. We were heading for Stockbridge, MA. The surprise road of the week was route 8. What a great bike road! We all got to the bottom of it breathless and grinning from ear to ear. Bikers, if you're in the neck of the woods you should try it. Take it running south from 9. It's downhill and lots more fun than the northbound trip.
Stockbridge was a coffee break (OK. I had desert too) and a walk around handing out the ever popular kazoos. To the delight of parents in five States and one province, we reached the end of the kazoos here in Stockbridge.
Down route 7 and a left on route 44 brought us to Lori & John's house. Great house, great view. And, as promised, they have a lake! But before I talk about the afternoon's festivities I should point out the Moe dropped his bike...again. This time at the end of the driveway. No damage, no blood...no foul. We righted the bike and got down to the serious stuff. Swimming in the lake, drinking a beer or two, kayaking and the very latest craze... throwing rocks at Rob while he was out in the canoe.
Dinner was, to say the least, delicious. Ham and lamb and tons of veggies. John's choice of wine was impeccable.
Then it was time to go. Mike Sapsis had come up for the day and he was heading home that night. The weather report for Monday wasn't very good so I decided to keep Mike company on the ride home. Mike Cucciarre was coming with us as far as North Jersey. And so the final goodbyes were said and the three of us went on our way. There was traffic of course and the rain started about an hour and a half from home, but we made it safely.
The 2007 Long Reach Long Rider charity motorcycle ride is now over. By all accounts it was the best trip yet. I'm already looking forward to next year.
I'll have one more update for you in a day or so after the other riders get home safely.
Thanks
Bill