Northwest Connecticut

[MidlifeMark]

Yesterday I took the roundabout route to the dealer on my Airhead. Normally it is 65 miles to the dealer via the most direct route. I avoided all but about 6 or 7 miles of interstate, taking US 1 to the Hamonassett Connector in Madison, CT, following that up to CT 79, thence to CT 17 for a couple of miles, then along the length of CT 68 from Durham to Naugatuck. Picked up CT 63 north and followed it to US 7 in South Caanan, then down 7 to I-84 and Danbury to Cliff's BMW to drop it off for maintenance.

It was a leisurely ride through some nice country back roads; 125 miles in about 3 hours. Not in the least aggressive, but very relaxing. There wasn't much traffic, and I didn't stress about trying to get around the pickup trucks. Just loafing along enjoying the view and the ride between 3500-4000 RPM (a "spirited" ride on the highway would be 5500-6000 RPM on this bike). Other than the windshield & fairing cutting down on the airflow through my Roadcrafter (remedied by an occasional stand-up on the pegs) it was that peaceful, easy feeling that the Eagles like to sing about. I can empathize with the cruiser crowd; it was that kind of ride. I wish I had a camera with me; there were one or two good shots that got away. I don't know if I would have enjoyed it as much on the Roadster; the Airhead inspires patience rather than urgency. I'll have to try it and see.