Brown County State Park

Autumn in Indiana is just not complete without a ride to Southern Indiana’s Brown County State Park. Just 60 miles south of Indianapolis on IN 135, and 22miles east of Bloomington on highway 46, these 15,766 acres are a destination for thousands, including plenty of bikers. You can log onto http://www.browncounty.com/leaf-cam before you go to check and see how the colors are turning on their leaf cam (no joke!). You could spend the day here, with picnic tables ready for you, two small lakes, and hiking trails. But you also could easily combine your trip to the park with other nearby bike-friendly places: Nashville, IN only a mile to the west on 46/135, Gnaw Bone (see Oct. 27th post) 4 miles to the East,  Columbus 18 miles to the East on 46 or Story, IN (see post April 18, 2012- Southern Indiana Loop ) 6 miles to the South on 135. There is the Abe Martin Lodge right in the park, where you can eat and stay, open year round. The nearly 20 miles of roads in the park often follow the hills peaks, making views stretching out for miles on both sides. There are plenty of places to stop and put your kickstand down, and a few towers from which to take pictures, not that you can’t get plenty of scenic shots without climbing them. One suggestion, during peak fall colors, go during the week, since weekends will often end up in miles of vehicles waiting to get in the gate. There are fees, but reasonable, $5.00 for an instate vehicle (car or motorcycle) and $7.00 for an out-of-state vehicle. It’s a small price for the experience.  This destination will not disappoint any time of year, but the fall colors are the gem that bring people from great distances to see the spectacular panoramas.

Review: Gnaw Mart

What do Patrick Duffy, Gourmet magazine, and NBC’s Today show have in common? They all have noticed a particular food at a GAS STATION in Indiana! Not just any food, but the hand-breaded, fried-to-order Tenderloins that keep people coming from all over Indiana and the nation. It’s been out of business twice, but for the last two years the gas station which is now called Gnaw Mart, has been back open for business. It’s in the town of Gnaw Bone, just 5 miles east of quaint and motorcycle-friendly Nashville Indiana, on Indiana highway 46. If you don’t mind eating in a store room, ordering your tenderloin beside people paying for super-unleaded gas, then you’ll find the juiciest, most flavorful tenderloin this biker has ever tasted! Tell your non eat-and-get-gas friends to shop next door at the antique mall while you pig out, but do what you must to not miss this treat! Though there are other items on the menu, the $6.50 full size tenderloin is the one to get, and do eat the chips that come with it. I’m no fan of potato chips, but these homemade chips are really good. The help is friendly, the atmosphere is humble, but if you’re a tenderloin fanatic, make the trek to Gnaw Mart!

Port Dover Ontario Ride

September is a perfect time to ride through Michigan and Southern Ontario. My travels this time through Ontario included downtown London, which is not terribly large, but it does have plenty of local and chain restaurants and bars. There are four parks, including Victoria Park on the north side of the downtown area.  Ivey Park on the west side is small but beautiful, and including a kid’s water fun area, the Splashpad, by the Thames River (of course!) After enjoying riding though the country towns of Salford, Woodstock, Holbrook and Norwich, it was time to head South toward Lake Erie. Overcast skies and mild weather followed us to Port Dover. With historic roots in railroad and shipping industries, Port Dover now has the claim to fame of hosting one of the biggest Biker rallies in the region. Every Friday the 13^th, thousands of bikers will fill the streets, some of which are reserved only for motorcycles. There are a couple of Leather shops, T-shirt shops, Clare’s Harley Davidson’s store, a beach, and several restaurants. Knechtel's at Port Dover has fish fresh out of Lake Erie, but I chose the chicken strips. They were very juicy and nicely seasoned. They came with the salad bar, which had very tasty homemade cucumber salad, tomato salad, pasta salad, and garden salad. The restaurant walls are covered in nostalgic photos from Port Dover’s historic past. The trip back toward Indiana took me through Potterville, Mi, where I found Charlie’s Bar and Grill (see Review on separate blog.)  This time of year is a great time to ride through Michigan and Southern Ontario, so put it on your ride list!

Review: Charlie's Bar and Grill

Potterville, Michigan may be a small town, not far from Lansing, but it has a fun Bar and Grill worth stopping at! Charlie’s Bar and Grill has an outside bar, complete with swings (no joke!) instead of barstools. Inside is another bar, with large screen sports television, and a separate dining area that’s family friendly. Something for everyone seems to be the theme in the menu, too. They have reasonable prices on dinners, Pizza, Mexican, Sandwiches, Wraps, salads, burgers, and a kid’s menu. With all these options, I’m glad I chose the burger, because it tasted hot off the grill with outdoor smoky flavor. The help is friendly, and so is the atmosphere. When I asked for a take-out menu, the waitress was nice enough to give me the only copy left, the one on their wall! If heading toward or away from Lansing, don’t miss this fun spot!



  

2012 Indy MotoGP: The Passion Lives!

Dani Pedrosa- pic by H H

Andrea Dovizioso- Pic by H H

Casey Stoner- pic by H H

Jorge Lorenso- pic by HH

Yamaha helps kids get in on the action

Vendors- pic by HH

Over 65,000 fans shared in the excitement of the fifth Indy MotoGP! Even before the race or qualifications or even the practice began, excitement was in the air. The vendors had a huge  selection of the latest technology and gear. The virtual experience had upclose looks at the newest bikes. Even the kids could experience biking, as Yamaha had a place for them (see photo.) Many organizations got in on the excitement, and some let us know that their love for the sport brings with it a heart, too.  For instance, ABATE had 5 gear checks, free, with donations accepted, for the Hoosier Burn Camp, to send kids who have had  serious burn injuries a specially designed camping experience.  So the excitement went beyond the track. But the track was really something to behold. In spite of several crashes, not the least of which kept Nikki Hayden out of the race, the race went on. The riders voiced concerns over the track condition, notably the three different kinds of surfaces on the Indy track. Even so, Saturday’s practice saw Dani Pedrosa come up with a record lap of 1 minute 38.850 seconds.

 But even track conditions and a crash during Saturday’s practice did not keep Casey Stoner from competing Sunday in the big race, pulling off a major victory, even if it was fourth place, considering his right ankle injuries (fractured ankle, torn ligaments) that would have kept all but the most vigilant of riders from getting back on the bike so soon. He used special Alpinestars boots to accommodate the injury. Ben Spies had mechanical failure 14 minutes into the race, an incredible disappointment, as he was at the front of the pack. At the end of the GP, Dani Pedrosa took first place, for the second time in three years at Indy (He was first in 2010.) Jorge Lorenzo was 10 seconds behind for second place, and Andrea Dovizioso took third place, his fifth podium of the 2012 MotoGP season.

After this exciting race (actually it was three races, Moto2, Moto3, and GP) was yet another- the AMA Pro Vance & Hines XR1200 series race. The motorcycles used in this race- these Harleys have minimal variations in their mechanics and adjustments, so essentially it is a race showing the skills of the riders. These engines have more of a grumble-roar than the higher pitched GP bikes. And in the first few minutes, three riders were down, but none seriously injured. A quick race, in which the winners were: 1^st place Tyler O’Hara, second place Kyle Wyman, third place Benjamin Carlson.

The GP continues to give Indy one more way in which to share the passion of an awesome sport!

Review: The Red Pepperoni

The corner of Cragmont Street (IN 7) and Main (IN 56) in Madison, IN now has two great places to stop, eat, and have a good time. The Red Pepper (see my review-June 22, 2012) was popular enough to spin off its Pizza business into its own place, right across the street. Just as the Red Pepper is a converted Standard Oil gas station, the Red Pepperoni is a converted Sinclair Gas station, with the air compressor and other nostalgic elements preserved. And the food on this side of the street is every bit as good!  I had the Thai Chicken Pizza (personal size, $7.99). It was phenomenal! A just-spicy-enough peanut sauce, large chunks of chicken, red peppers, shredded carrot, and blended cheeses, baked golden brown on a tender yet slightly chewy fresh crust. I will be back to try some of the other 14 specialty pizzas, though you can choose any other combination of toppings. The Italiano salad, ($6.95) with house Italian dressing, was also excellent. The assorted greens were fresh, and loaded with plenty of pepperoni, capacola ham, salami, mozzarella, banana peppers, onions, green olives, artichokes, and tomatoes.  There are also calzones, 6 different baked grinders,  6 salads, and a few appetizers and sides, like bread sticks, toasted ravioli, spinach and artichoke dip, loaded fries. Beverages include soft drinks, tea, and domestic and imported beers. Suzie served us our lunch promptly, and with a warm smile. The help all enjoyed the 80’s music track playing as much as we did, and it was great to be able to enjoy our meal with a staff that obviously liked doing their (very good) job. You’ve got to give this place a try!

Review: Big Dog's Smokehouse BBQ

Many bikers ride through Cicero because of the scenic ride out historic 8^th Street from Anderson, or for the view of Morse Lake. But now there’s another good reason to ride or drive to Cicero: Big Dog’s Smokehouse BBQ, located at 29 East Jackson Street, just east of IN 19. The historic building was recently a Motorcycle repair shop, before being turned into an eatery in late 2011. The building retains historic brick walls, now covered with Coke memorabilia and other antique signs. But the fun atmosphere is not the best part. The energetic and fun staff is glad to suggest different menu combinations. You can go all-you-can-eat, or just single portion menu items. The half rack of ribs was $12.99 including two homemade sides. I had potato Salad and creamy cole slaw, both very tasty and fresh. The ribs had a pronounced smokey flavor, which I found very good. I chose ‘Original’ from their range of sauces (Simply Sweet, Outrageous Original, Mustard Tiger, Smokin Hot, Flamethrower, and Lincoln’s Ghost)  and enjoyed the just right seasoning in a tomato sauce- it was some of the best BBQ I have ever tasted.  I also was able to wrestle some brisket away from my wife, and it was extremely tender and had outstanding flavor. We were not so lucky when we took ½ of my generous portion of ribs home with a few bones in a doggy bag for our big dog, Lili, an 84 lb. Lab-Sheppard mix- she not only got the bones from the doggy bag, but snarfed down my few leftover ribs before we could we could wrestle it away from her! (No joke!) We will definitely have to return to try their smoked sausage, pulled pork, and BBQ chicken. The smoked BBQ, fun atmosphere and staff make Big Dog’s a destination for your ride (or drive!)

Review: Big Bamboo's Dockside Grill

Celina, Ohio, about 35 miles southwest of Lima, Ohio, is an area destination on account of its 8 mile across lake, Grand Lake St. Mary’s. But it also is home to Big Bamboo’s Dockside Grill, which is on the Northwest corner of the lake, just south of OH 29 on OH 127. Residents can dock their boat and walk the few yards across the street. The view is perfect, and the whole front is open air, with an upstairs, and a bar inside. The grill is always on, and there are daily specials. If pulled pork is the special when you go, you won’t want to miss it, it’s outstanding in flavor, tender and moist. The bourbon chicken is also a great flavorful dish, and the dinner is $9.95, including a side of beans and rice.  The menu is broad: burgers, chicken, seafood, steak.  The help is friendly, and they keep busy, as this is a popular spot, including their share of bikers. The front is especially suited for bike parking, as it is paved.  With two trips to the grill so far, I look forward to returning to try out more of the menu.  Don’t miss this great spot- it would fit well in Miami, but, we’re glad it’s close by in western Ohio!

Southern Ontario Ride

 










I was so ready for my first ride to another country!  It was a quick two-day trip to Southern Ontario, but the sights were well worth the 880 miles, round-trip.  I headed out  with a cool breeze around 65 degrees (F). Though it would push 80 degrees later here in central Indiana, it was cool enough heading north through semi-wooded central and eastern Michigan, that I never had to remove my riding leathers.  Leaving parched Indiana fields, Michigan’s greener fields and forests were a welcome change.  I met up with my riding buddy Leigh at Lansing and we headed east toward Port Huron to cross the Michigan-Canada border, I on my Nighthawk, and Leigh on his Hayabusa.  If you cross the border here, don’t forget to bring your passport. It’s $3 to cross into Canada, and $3.25 to return. It was a long hot wait in line on approach, but the view of Port Huron from the Blue Water Bridge was incredible!  The bridge, built in 1938, widened and improved in the 1990’s, over the Saint Claire River is over 6100 feet in length. You can easily see Lake Huron to the north, and the beautiful Saint Claire River leading to Lake Saint Claire on the South.  The view was good enough for me to stop on the American side on the way back. (see picture)

I expected a few British names of towns, but had to laugh out loud when we crossed the Thames River halfway from the border to London, Ontario. The countryside was often gently rolling, with very green abundant crops.  The Scala Rider in-helmet audio communication system proved very useful for the 100 miles between the border and our destination, about 20 minutes east of London, and not far from Woodstock. Beyond just talking through navigation information, like upcoming turns, I was able have an on-going conversation, asking all the tourist questions about what we were seeing, and hear the history of the area, including which farms had dairy cattle, chicken, and crops I hadn’t seen on this scale, like acres of peas, alfalfa, and Romano cranberry dry (‘soup’) beans.  I had no idea how useful the communication system would be.   

Breakfast the next morning was at Dean Michael’s Griddlehouse, a converted old school in Woodstock. My baked eggs with ham, parmesan, spinach and a sauce, was very good. After a brief stop for oil at (no joke) Honda-Davidson's in Norwhich, Then it was time to start back west toward Michigan, but not before a stop at Rocky’s Harley Davidson in London, and lunch at Boston Pizza. London’s Boston Pizza served a great lunch of Pasta with garlic bread, and very friendly service. The ride back gave me one more chance to enjoy the rustic 100-200 year-old farms, with modern windmills and more recent construction.

Southern Ontario is a trip worth taking, so get your passport, get some Canadian currency before you go, (or arrange with your credit card company, there will be an exchange fee) and take the ride to London!

Review: The Red Pepper

A  trip through Madison, Indiana, would not be complete without stopping by one of the local favorite eating spots, The Red Pepper. Their huge assortment of meal choices has become so popular that they had to spin off their pizza into a whole different restaurant across the street, The Red Pepperoni. Located at 902 West Main Street (IN-56) it was formerly a Standard Oil Gas Station (see picture.) Don’t be surprised if you see a few motorcycles out front, I haven’t seen it without any. The menu is mind-boggling: signature sandwiches, grinders on fresh baked buns, panini’s, wraps, salads, soups, and, don’t forget a side of the red beans & rice. If you want their famous pizza and a beer, you’ll now have to go across the street to the Red Pepperoni. And, if you want a beer with your sandwich, you can join those who get their sandwich from the Red Pepper, cross the street with food in hand, order a beer and stay there.  It’s ok, they don’t mind. Prices are average, about $ 6-$ 7 for most items, including chips, but not drink. The Vampire Slayer Panini (Pastrami, Swiss, Garlic Cream Cheese, grilled on Rye) and the chicken Pesto Wrap (Grilled Chicken, Pesto, cream cheese, rice, tomatoes, onion, parmesan cheese & lettuce in flour wrap) are both very tasty, but, I think that any choice from this wide menu would be good to great.  If you are one of the many riding through Madison, IN, don’t miss the Red Pepper. Or, the Red Pepperoni!  

Review- Halo's Bar and Grill

Alexandria, Indiana is a small town with (at least one) great destination for Bikers: Halo’s Bar and Grill. Located at IN 9 and Water Streets, it has been extensively remodeled in biker theme, with a large covered patio overlooking a tree-shaded lawn and stream. Many go to Halo’s for a drink, or a stop on one of the many charity rides or poker runs, but it’s also a great food destination. Either lunch or dinner is a treat with appetizers, sandwiches, hand-pattied burgers, and, their famous Giant Tenderloin sandwich. I chose to have my tenderloin breaded, but you can get it grilled. It’s fresh cut, and it really shows! My breaded tenderloin was so thick (3/4”) and juicy, I will be sure to return. The burgers are 12 oz, but an 8oz is also available. Kelly was our waitress, and she was prompt, friendly, knowledgeable of the menu and beverage selection, and really made us feel right at home. If you’re even just going thru Alexandria, the take-our menu allows you to pick up a delicious meal at reasonable prices. For example, my giant Tenderloin, with all the toppings, plus one side, was just $7.75.

I highly recommend this biker bar!

Memorial Day Ride 2012

Our friend, John, invited us to join him on his Police Bike on a Memorial Day ride. We met up at the Markleville Police Department with the Police Chief, Sam, his father Jack, and friend Ben.  The hot breezy day was a great backdrop for a ride to a local eatery a few miles south of Wilkinson, Gas America. Please no jokes ('Eat Here-Get Gas.') What better name for a place to eat on Memorial Day?!  The food is plentiful and tasty. The Greek skillet is really worth a try! Then we took a leisurely ride through the countryside, with streams, cows and woods a peaceful backdrop. Not a long ride, but just right for a friendly trip!

Southern Indiana Loop

Medora Covered Bridge

Story Inn

What beautiful scenery we have here in Indiana, if you know where to go! My wife and I rode 360 miles today through Southern Indiana. From Hagerstown to Lawrenceburg, the landscape rolls gently while the streams skim the road, winding until you meet the Ohio River. Meandering along the river is peaceful, while beyond the beauty of nature, the shops and cafes of Madison caught our attention, as did the friendly hellos of the townsfolk, including a greeting from the Mayor of Madison. The southern counties hills, trees, and curves keep bringing before you scene after scene of awesome unspoiled nature. Heading back north toward Brown County, we just had to take a little detour and see the US’s longest covered bridge, near Medora. It's 460 feet long, built in 1875, and is the only triple span covered bridge in Indiana. It was in service until 1972, and still is open to foot-traffic. (see photo) There are a few spaces to park, and even one picnic table. The sharp curves of IN 135 are the riders delight, but not for beginners, especially around the town of Story. Story is the town that time forgot, (See photo) and we’ll have to get back there to eat or stay, the accommodations are enough to make you want to stop and unwind for awhile, and Motorcycle parking with a paved strip is available, be it in a gravel parking lot. Returning through hills so familiar to Hoosier bikers around Nashville (IN) was also scenic, but as the time on the road approached, we heard our beds calling out our name! So we did not stop this time at the leather shops, including the famous Pit Bull Leather Company, where leather jackets, chaps, Motorcycle luggage, and other clothes and accessories are in good supply and competitively priced. But this route through the Southern part of our state is one that we will come back to for sure, and maybe break it up with a few nights stay!

Rare January Ride!

52 degrees in January! I just had to hop on my bike and hit the road! It may have just been 39 miles round trip, but it was a real treat for a January afternoon. I went out of Anderson west on Historic 8^th Street and wound around the hills, curves, and cattle-grazed fields alongside the White River. Morse reservoir in Cicero was the destination.  There’s nothing like a ride to blast the stress right out of the day!   I didn’t have time to stop there, but there is now a BBQ where a bike shop used to be in Cicero. No doubt a good place to check out this spring.