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Double Caboose Breakfast in Connecticut

For all my talk about planning and looking for things to visit while I’m stuck at my desk, it sure seems like I am able to stumble across a lot of great things just by simply riding around and keeping my eyes open.

Sunday was a bit on the chilly side. Of course that meant a perfect opportunity to torture Kenny by dragging him out to breakfast 150 miles away.

The lovely Collin’s Diner in North Canaan, Connecticut is nestled between not 1 but 2, yes 2 cabooses (caboosii?).

I had no idea – it was just a lucky break.

I’d call that a win, wouldn’t you? Delicious breakfast in the type of diner where the waitresses call you “hon” and 14 E2E static train points.

For whatever reason, the static train is one of my favorite categories in the Rally. I’m kind of surprised that I never really took note of just how many train cars are sitting idle before now.

Along our route into Connecticut we passed many opportunities to collect points for the E2E Rally. But I just didn’t feel like stopping for them. I find it much more difficult to stop and monkey around on the side of the road when I’m traveling with someone.

Instead I filed some things away for ‘later’ when I have time to see them on my own. This of course goes against my resolution for the New Year. What can I say? I live on the edge. I’m a rule breaker.

Later today I may even run with scissors.

The Elephant and the Motorcycle

In a strange moment of serendipity I was riding in a conga line of traffic going 30mph behind the Top Dog Lunch Wagon on Route 68 near Portland, Ct. I only wish that I had a camera mounted on my handlebars. It isn’t everyday you’re trailing a giant hotdog on wheels.

Kitschy goodness or not, a girl has her limits. Doing a snails pace on a muggy summer day gets old fast. So, when I when I spotted this sweet little pachyderm I decided to get a closer look and let the traffic dissipate a bit.

Isn’t he cute? You know he’s just saying: “OMG! That is the coolest motorcycle EVAR!” And he would totally be right.

Checking in with the Muffler Man of Cheshire, Connecticut

Muffler Men are a funny bunch. Clearly they need looking after and checking in on now and then.

The last time I was in the neighborhood in 2009, I stopped in to take a peek at the Bunyan-style Muffler Man that hangs out at the House of Doors. He was looking good then and I’m happy to report in 2011 he is still looking fab.

My prior visit in 2007 would’ve made a grown man weep.

Pants. Nothing but pants. Tragic, right?

Like Muffler Men?

Wanna see one in the flesh? Then say hello to RoadsideAmerica.com’s Muffler Man Tracking Chart. It’s your new best friend.

Sights from the Road: 4 Vintage Gas Pumps in Connecticut

The Classic Auto Wash in Cromwell, CT is covered in a fiberglass menagerie of animals, dinosaurs and people. When we rode by the first thing that caught my eye though was the row of vintage gas pumps that stand front and center. They are really beautiful specimens.

Pumps from: Sinclair Gasoline H-C, Texaco – Fire Chief Gasoline, Sunoco Blue, Shell Gasoline

For More Information:

Classic Auto Wash Center
23 Shunpike Road
Cromwell, CT
Google Maps – StreetView

Oh, and hey – If you’re interested in roadside stuff:
I’ve started collecting all of my roadside finds that aren’t necessarily motorcycle related and posting them on their own blog: RoadsideGalore.com. Be sure and tell ‘em that fuzzygalore sent ya. Wait, that doesn’t really make any sense. Tell me that I sent you? Whatevs. Just take a peek sometime. Thanks!