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!