Girlie Motorcycle Blog

Five or six years ago, my dear friend from Wales brought Kenny and I each a nifty little motorcycle luggage bag. It’s called the Oxford Handysack. It looks like a pretty standard foldaway nylon bag, but the front pocket offers a really useful option. It opens out into a pocket that accommodates a full face helmet.

So how is it?

Me likey!  It isn’t the fanciest bag in the world but it’s cheap, small and does a great job of giving you one less thing to carry and keeping your hands free. When you get to where you’re going, zip it up into itself and you’re done. Easy peasy, lemon squeezy.

Details:

• Zips into itself, folding up into an approximately 6in. x 6in. square.
• Made of 600D polyester
• Zip out helmet pocket!
• Big enough to accommodate a sleeping bag in the main compartment
• Fits easily into airplane overhead bin when full
• Has backpack straps

In June, we visited the Rhinebeck Grand National Meet in Dutchess County, NY. Within the motorcycle timeline there were many beautiful and interesting bikes on display. But, one in particular seemed to draw everyone to it like a moths to a flame.

At the time that I saw it, there were no informational placards and no apparent owner present to tell you what the make or model was. I was left to go home wondering. Apparently I wasn’t the only one.

Fast forward many weeks later. On Twitter, BikeEXIF posted a photo of this bike asking in anyone had any information about it. Through the power of social media, the story of this fascinating motorcycle unfolded… continue reading about this 1930 Henderson Custom on BikeEXIF.

There is just something that I love about old gas stations and gas pumps. There was often a stylish craftsmanship that we generally don’t see in the new all business, efficient stations of today. Beautiful looking gasoline pumps, decorative building elements, a person manning the station who does more than grunt at you when he gives you change at the register – perfect examples of they don’t make ‘em like that anymore.

In many ways I suppose the gas station symbolizes being on the go and traveling. Perhaps that is part of what fuels my interest. If we’re filling up we’re going somewhere!

Brick’s Gulf Gas & Service Station – Then and Now

Then: Brick’s Gulf Gas Station – 1948
582 Sixth Avenue – West 17th Street – New York

So many beautiful vintage elements in this photo. From the construction of the station itself, to the vintage Gulf sign, to the fading ghost ads on the surrounding buildings. It’s hard to believe that this is the same 6th avenue of today.

Image courtesy: NY Public Library

Now: Sixth Avenue & West 17th Street – August 2010

Now that I have my International Driving Permit, I thought I should probably get acquainted with the traffic signs that are used in Italy.  I have been searching the web for a comprehensive listing of basic traffic signs. Overall, they seem to be fairly intuitive. Thanks to the all-knowing Wikipedia, I’ve found a good article featuring photos of many signs.

Speed Limit/Advisory Signs

Speed Limits are in KPH.

Speed Advisory: 50kph	Speed Advisory: End 50kph	Maximum Speed: 50kph
Point of Note: When pulled over in Italy, fines are paid on the spot. You should request a receipt for any fines paid. [edit] Some sites I’ve read about traveling in Italy noted that fines are paid on the spot. Thanks to Guidone at Riderpedia for clarifying this is not really the case!

Red Circle Signs are Prohibition Signs – the “No” Signs.

For example: No parking, no entry, no motorcycles.

Red Triangle Signs are Caution or Warning Signs.

For example:  Caution – road bends to right, caution – road narrows, caution – road has a double bend. Hopefully we’ll see lots of those!

Mandatory Action Signs – Blue Circles

For example: Keep Right, Keep Straight or Right Turn Ahead, Right Turn Ahead

Direction Signs

Blue for secondary roads, green for major motorways.
Sign may contain the road name/number, the town being referenced and the number of kms in distance. The arrow points in the direction to take.

Questionable Signs

I was on a little bit of a sugar-high following a slice of chocolate chip poundcake for lunch when a few of the roadsigns struck me funny. Yes, I know. I’m an idiot.

Hot Chick Ahead!

Not-so-hot Chick Ahead.

Nestled into a shady Stony Brook lane is a former octagon barn. According to the Three Village Historical Society, the barn was built in the mid to late 1800′s by a member of the Davis family. In the 1930′s the barn was converted to a house and is still lived in today.

Octagon houses and barns are apparently rare structures, many of which are on the National Register of Historic Places. It’s kind of neat to have one just a hop, skip and a jump from one of my local riding loops.

Photo Credit: The Three Village Historical Society

Links and Information:

• New York Octagon Houses
• Wikipedia – List of Octagon Houses
• Three Village Historical Society

Suburban Exploring – Local Long Island:
As I continue to learn, Long Island has some lovely and interesting places that are rich in history, some of which are hiding in plain sight. What better way to explore these historical gems than by motorcycle? This post is part of a series of motorcycle rides that focus on local Long Island history.