The motivation for this ride was my wife's longing to visit the Tuscany region of Italy and what better way to do it than by motor scooter ( Edelweiss scooter tours ) the only problem was that she had never ridden more than 20 miles from home on her 125cc Vino. She and I are pretty well traveled having ridden through all the lower 48 states, Alaska and Nova Scotia all on an E-Glide but she has never traveled on her own bike or scooter. I'm all for scootering around Italy but felt she needed a little long distance riding or at least something that would simulate the days we would experiance on a tour. We decided to ride from the north Pittsburgh area to North East, Pa. ( about a 130mi. ride sticking to the back roads ) to visit my wife's sister for the weekend. I know it does not sound very challenging but it's her first solo trip and to make things interesting I decided to ride my 72 Norton Commando. Now this still might not sound like much of a challenge except the Norton has never really been more than 20 or 30 miles from home either. I aquired the Norton in the mid 80's as a basket case ( threw a rod at around 4500 miles )and restored it but never rode it very much because or a cronic low oil pressure problem. Last fall after rebuilding the engine again after a seizure I felt the oil pressure problem was solved and had been riding the bike at least once a week . So we made plans to leave on a Fri and return on Sun. travel the back roads and pack light. Packed up and ready to leave. First stop for lunch about 25 miles from home, the weather looked like crap but we were commited Had to take a picture of this guy's house in Sandy Lake, has a couple trees carved into a lighthouse and palm tree in his front yard with a little beach scene. The vino was very thirsty running flat out, the Norton mostly 3rd gear Got to Titusville and the road was blocked off with outhouses so we decided to stop for a beer. Excellent beer at the Blue Canoe. typical Pa. tree lined roads, no traffic except for a few Amish buggy's. Stopped at a local wood carver on route 6 that had some unusual pieces. Made it to my wife's sisters house around 5 pm ( happy hour ) and my wife was pretty proud of herself. The next morning I looked under the Norton to see how much oil had leaked onto my brother inlaw's new conc. and was surprised to see this. Yes it still had oil in it. Had to get pictures at Lake Erie and the welcome to North East sign. The ride home on Sunday was pretty uneventful, another nice day with little to no traffic. Stopped for lunch and beer in Slippery Rock at the North Country Brewery. Made it home without any problems and my wife had a great time. Looks like I'm booking a tour to Tuscany.
Your wife looked like she was having a fun time. I'm glad you two went on this little trip. It looked fun!
Wow, Love that old Norton.... and It's just "Too Cool" using that green "Cycle" magazine bag. I still have one of those in the closet, got it back in the 80's I think for renewing a subscription to Cycle. I've got a black one also , Cycle offered it maybe 4 years later, again for renewing your subscription. Cool old bags, from a good magazing (IMHO). Looks like you guys had an enjoyable ride, thanks for taking us along !
couldnt have said it better KS- that bag and norton are just awesome- very nice- love to see pics of it on a longer tour as you are no doubt planning!
Cool trip, love the Norton and scooter combo... We just picked up a scooter and my wife is beginning to ride it (although my 13 year old daughter rides it more), she has always rode 2-up with me in the past. PA has great back roads to ride, I love them myself. Have fun and enjoy! BTW, that Blue Canoe Brewery place looks great! I would have stopped there for too.
