1 - We got an early Lunch Ride in to start the year, and wow, what a ride. White Horse Gear/Press had an open house in Conway, NH. They make some nice riding gear, and we really don't need a reason for a ride, so we thought we'd mosey on over.
Shawn and I left the island around 430am to meet up with Terry, and we took Rt 2 west across Maine, then down thru the White Mountains into Conway. Lots of snow still on some of the peaks, and it was a chilly ride to start, but the sun came out when we neared NH.
There were probably 500+ riders there for the open house. We arrived to find the BBQ meal was free, and a tasty meal it was.
We rode Rt 302 back, picking up the coast in Belfast, where it turned even colder with the fog
As always, it's not just a simple ride around the corner for a meal, this lunch ride was 470 miles round trip thru the mountains and the ocean.
Pics Here

2 - Our second quest was for "the best brisket east of the Mississippi" according to the ad in a magazine for Angelo's Pizza & Grill.
We started out in a deep fog on Rt 9 north to Calais, then Rt 1 to Topsfield, Rt 6 to Lincoln, and Rt 2 North to Mattawamkeg and Rt 187 to Millinocket.
We arrive hungry, and inquire about this famous Brisket, and the owner has this look of blank horror on his face, and he stammers out a reply that he hasn't bought any yet, and that he was under the impression that the ad was only a one-time deal for the upcoming HOG rally, not a year round publication. We all had a good laugh, and had a tasty lunch anyway. We rode Rt 11 west, and then east and home. Short lunch ride, about 330 miles, but a nice day was had by Terry, Shawn, and myself.
Pics here

3 - Our third ride actually started out as a ride to the Laconia rally in NH. After riding south, and across Rt 25, we started to get sprinkled on in Ossipee, NH.
After riding all the way to Meredith, (just north of Laconia) it started to rain harder. After some discussion about spending the day in the rain, we decided to head north thru the White Mountains past Mount Washington, and on to Bethel, for a trip to BBQ Bob's. Bob is crazy as a mad hatter, but makes some incredible BBQ, some of the best ever. He has the distinction of being the only person featured in 'Yankee Magazine' who flipped off the photographer. You'll see his signature greeting in some of the shots.
Once again, a great day was had by all, about 540 miles or so for some out of this world attitude (the BBQ was pretty good too).
A day riding with friends, does it really get any better than that? Pics here

4 - Dwight was able to join us for a ride to New Hampshire and back with a visit to Spring Creek BBQ in Monson, Maine.
Early departure and about 13/14 hours in the saddle, but the laughs were worth it. We rode Rt 2 west to Newry, then Rt 26 thru Grafton Notch State Park to Errol, NH..... Rt 16 back into ME and around the northwest side of Rangley Lake, and into Stratton. From there we took Rt 16 / 27 to North Anson, up to Bingham and 16 across to Abbot Village and on to Spring Creek in Monson, a late lunch, and Rt 15 home. A few detours, closed bridges, lots of flagmen and lane closures, and some pretty spectacular scenery (Shawn took some great riding photos)
Once again, a great day was had by all, about a tick shy of 500 miles for most of us and some tasty BBQ.
Another perfect lunch ride with no better friends you could wish for.... Pics here

5 - Our fifth lunch sojourn! Dwight was able to join us again, and this time Terry, Dwight, Shawn and myself were off to Goody Coles Smokehouse in Brentwood, NH
Another early departure, we met Dwight in Brewer, and took Rt 202 down to Rochester, NH and then Rt. 125 to Brentwood. Long ride down, about 7 hours. We met Bernie, Rich, Tina, Matt, and Scottie, who were already there up for thier own lunch day.
Good BBQ with good friends, and some great riding, a little over 500 miles for the day. Pics Here

6 - The sixth Lunch Ride
Another early departure, and this time we could feel fall coming...42 degrees out when we left!! Brrrr!
Just Terry and I, we meandered down the Coastal Route 1 to NH, and a visit to Muddy River Smokehouse in Portsmouth. Scottie was able to join us for some BBQ and a ride over to Seacoast Harley Davidson where we looked at the new 2010 models and a special pink scooter for Terry...
More good BBQ, more great riding, and not quite 500 miles for the day.
Pics here

6 - Seven, Sept, Septi, Sieben, Siete!
Another early (and cold) departure. Shawn, Terry and I, went north to Harrington and wound thru Cherryfield before turning south for a round-about ride down to GrillZilla in Damariscotta. Not much sun out, but the fall colors were just peaking and the ride was gorgeous.
Some of the best BBQ in the state, more great riding, and a short 285 miles for the day. Pics here