New GS500 Owner in MD

[nmh5028]

I bought a 2001 GS500 with 17k miles as my first motorcycle about a month ago. I've been loving it so far and have had a lot of compliments on the bike. I just changed the chain and rear sprocket, and swapped out the front sprocket for a 17t. I'm not sure if there are any other GS owners in the southern MD area (California, MD) but if so be sure to get in touch

[Dresnewtoy]

Sup nmh5028?

I live in Great Mills. I just bought a 2007 gs500F with 4K miles on it two weeks ago. I have done a few things electrical but nothing mechanical yet. I'm new to motorcycling, so i'm wading in slowly. We can definitely keep in touch.

[Adfalchius]

Welcome, nmh5028!  There are a few riders around MD.  Me, BaltimoreGS and redhawkdancing (to name a few) are closer towards Baltimore.  Pachmanp and porkchop, I think, are a little farther south.  Get some pictures of your bike posted!

[nmh5028]

Good to see that there are a few others in the area. Dresnewtoy, especially, you're just a few miles down the road

[gs500e]

I ridden my GS down to the Solomon's area about dozen times in the year i've had it.
(i drive the truck down about twice a month in spring/summer/fall to go fishing... hard to pull boat with a GS....)

Plenty of fun roads to ride down there...
... wish i had never moved out of the area.
*really i wish so many people never moved in, or i would have never moved out*

[nmh5028]

I ridden my GS down to the Solomon's area about dozen times in the year i've had it.
(i drive the truck down about twice a month in spring/summer/fall to go fishing... hard to pull boat with a GS....)

Plenty of fun roads to ride down there...
... wish i had never moved out of the area.
*really i wish so many people never moved in, or i would have never moved out*

Which roads do you recommend? I haven't taken the GS over the bridge yet but I'm comfortable enough as long as it isn't a windy day.

[Dresnewtoy]

Good question nmh5028. I've ridden down Three Notch and Route 5 but i've never ventured across the bridge yet. Matter of fact, i've only ridden the bike twice. Between work and the rain, i haven't had a chance.

[rayshon]

i'm near DC, bit far from yall though

[gs500e]

I ridden my GS down to the Solomon's area about dozen times in the year i've had it.
(i drive the truck down about twice a month in spring/summer/fall to go fishing... hard to pull boat with a GS....)

Plenty of fun roads to ride down there...
... wish i had never moved out of the area.
*really i wish so many people never moved in, or i would have never moved out*

Which roads do you recommend? I haven't taken the GS over the bridge yet but I'm comfortable enough as long as it isn't a windy day.

I grew up in the ranch club in Lusby [yup, i'm a lusbian trapped in a man's body] 'Chesapeake Ranch Estates'.  Having grown up pedaling bikes around every single road in there... and pushing skateboards... riding a motorcycle there is a blast (it became legal to ride a motorcycle in there about 10 years ago when the roads got de-privatized).  If you know the roads it is a blast... if you don't, take it easy (there is actually one spot where if you go in too hot you could very well end up in the bay off of a 400' cliff with no guard rail, if you happen to squeeze between about 10 trees, that is) (some roads in there are closed/deadends due to past Hurricanes, and cliff erosion).  Drum Point, Cove Point, all have twisties with lots of hills.. a few places to open up the GS (not legally).
Much better off-peak hours, lots of family cars going speed limit (25mph lol, i've never heard of that being enforced... over 40mph i've heard of getting pulled over, 60+ = ticket if caught for sure).
The ride from anywhere... to Point Lookout is quite enjoyable, as is Piney Point. 
Pretty much any road except: 2&4, 5, 235, ... the highways (5 and 235 are okay roads once south of Lex Park, though straight'ish).  When i have to actually get somewhere i usually take all the side roads off the main roads... that use to be the main roads and take you to same place, just have to merge back onto highway for a bit, then back onto another side road.

I like: Indian bridge road - flat iron road - Cherryfield or Froggs Marsh, all roads that lead to Piney Point, 7th district is a fine ride for a visit, Calvert:Solomon's (Roy Rogers for a milk shake) - 2&4 or back roads - mill bridge road, sollers wharf, 2&4 for a bit, parran to mackall... ride around Patterson park and do some low speed/parking lot practice, enjoy the view, back on mackall, ross road to Broomes Island road, check out the island (that's where i usually launch my boat) eat at Stoney's (YUMMMM!!), back up Broomes Island road to Gray's Road (a favorite), to sixes road(another fun one), to 231 And cross the river and Benedict, to Oliver's shop road (spent too much time on 231 though), find some back roads that swing you over to route 5.   Just a good area to go get lost and ride around for a few hours.  All of those rides take you to/near fishing spots too.... so put a small fishing pole poking out of a back pack - some catfish, striped bass, croaker, etc..., try your luck at catch and realease, make a day of it.

The further south and west you go, the better the ride usually.

Crossing the bridge isn't that bad... i was very hesitant too.  Rode to it and turned around a few times.  Once on it though it's not bad [lanes are actually extra wide] (I don't know why i was hesitant, i've ridden pedal bikes across it before, skateboards, walked while drunk on a bet....).  I'd be more concerned about those steel 8" bolts and nuts 'band-aids' wrapped around the concrete... that the bridge is going to fall down... than about being on a motorcycle though.  (I heard through the grapevine that the bridge will be replaced in a few years.  But i'd stay off the right shoulder, those drain grates look like they could swallow a GS front tire [but probably perfectly safe])

[craigs449]

i just picked up an 01 also. I am in laurel, md....between dc and baltimore

[Lefty Monderoad]

A bit Off topic.  But I'm in DC putting a 1999 back together to sell.  I'm looking for a good shop in the area and wondering if anyone has any recommendations? 

[craigs449]

A bit Off topic.  But I'm in DC putting a 1999 back together to sell.  I'm looking for a good shop in the area and wondering if anyone has any recommendations?

Do it yourself.....

[redhawkdancing]

A little far for ya, but Deer Park Cycles in Carroll county would probably do it.   

[Lefty Monderoad]

DIY. . . I should man up, but don't have a garage or full set of tools (trying to avoid DIW).
Maybe, I'll give it another go and request advice this evening.   
Thanks for the shop recommendation.  No problems with the drive.