… right where he needed to be this time.
Took Maggie out for a spin today. Decided I would head for Cooks Forest. First, I would grab lunch and gas at Sheetz. I left Sheetz and headed up 62 toward Mercer with the thought of going out through Franklin and across Route 322. About halfway to Mercer, I was stuck behind an old lady. She refused to go any faster than 10 miles per hour below the speed limit. That actually was OK with me because I wasn’t in a hurry. I noticed a vehicle behind me. It was an SUV with a light bar on it. I never saw the side but it was either a State Trooper or Mercer County Sheriff. No biggy… I couldn’t do anything wrong anyway, as long as I didn’t pass the old girl.
As we entered Mercer, I gave her plenty of space. I keep my head moving when I’m on the bike. There are plenty of crazies out there without counting the people who just don’t pay attention to their driving… All trying to kill us motorcyclists. I saw a couple in a BMW Convertible come to the stop sign at the intersection of 158 and 62. He practically blew through the intersection. I cringed because I thought he was going to come out in front of the poor old gal ahead of me.
I let out a small sigh of relief as he stopped. She passed him. I kept my attention glued to him. He wasn’t looking my way. “CRAP!!! He’s pulling out!!!” the voice inside my head shouted. My fingers had already been on the clutch and front break levers in preparation for the old lady’s reaction. I downshifted quickly and applied the brakes hard enough for the back tire to lock up. I had slowed enough so that he pulled ahead of me. His wife was staring at me the whole time but not saying or doing a thing.
Maggie was under full control. I released the clutch and brakes and continued to move forward, following this guy. I hoped he would get a red light at 62 and 19, so I could give him a piece of my mind. He got a red light. He was turning right. “Good!” The little voice said. “Keep your cool though, remember the cop.” I pulled up along side the convertible and shouted “Hey Buddy! Wake up!! You just pulled out in front of me.” He looked at me with a half stoned look and said “Oh.. Sorry.” I shook my head and let the clutch out to make my left turn. The light had turned green.
I glanced in the mirror and smilled as I turned the corner. The reds and blues on top of the cruiser were now on and he was pulling the convertible over. I continued to glance at the mirror as I eased toward the next light. Yep. He had the convertible in the gas station parking lot. “YESSSS!” The little voice shouted. I hate to see anyone get a ticket, but so many people get away with near misses because they don’t watch for motorcycles. A little justice was served for all of us who dodge the bullet every time we ride.
The rest of the ride went pretty well. There were people out everywhere. The weather was beautiful. I had decided that I wouldn’t hang out long in Cooks Forest but I would at least ride back in to the Fire Tower. I wanted to be at least most of the way back to home roads before the deer started running.
There were alot of folks back at the Tower. I didn’t try to climb the steps to the top. My back wouldn’t tolerate it. I watched many kids and families make the ascent. I took a few pictures and headed back to Maggie. The light would grow dim in the woods alot sooner and I didn’t want to come across any wild animals on the road home. Maggie and I headed back toward home.
I had thought about where to stop and eat on the way home. Many folks were grilling and having bon fires. You can smell it all when you are on a bike. I had seen a sign for the Wayside Inn, a restaurant in an old house that was run by an older couple… German descent I believe. The food was served family style. I hadn’t been there in ages. Were they still open? I didn’t know. I decided I would go a different route home. This would take me down to Foxburg and the Allegheny Grille.
One of these day, I will buy property EAST of where I am going. It seems like I am always driving into the Western Sun, no matter where I go. The backroads to Foxburg are twisty two lane (but barely) roads. With the Sun in my eyes, I dared not go too fast. I’m not that familiar with those roads and who knows what Winter had done to them. It was still a nice quiet ride with little traffic.
I had a good dinner at Foxburg. The waitresses forgot about me. I ended up being served by the manager. He said it had been a crazy day. Business had been great but they were caught somewhat unprepared. They had even run out of alot of their chicken based items. I got free dessert for my wait.
I came home through Grove City… A route that I am more than familiar with. I took advantage of the twisties that I knew. I pulled into the driveway with about 173 miles on the odometer. I parked the bike and sat on the swing to enjoy the beautiful evening before putting her back in the barn.
I guess I”m getting up early in the morning to participate in some way in the Memorial Day Parade with the 150th Celebration Committee. After the parade… Maybe another spin with Maggie. Right now… I need to go put laundry in the drier so I have pants to wear.
~Cappy