On short notice, but I'm riding from Leesburg to the Antietam battlefield on Thursday morning. Apparently it's a beautiful ride.
http://www.motorcycleroads.com/75/609/Virginia/Leesburg-VA-to-Antietam-National-Battlefield-MD.html?tab=1&page=1
Departing from Leesburg at 11:00AM. If you're interested in tagging along shoot me a PM.
[SIZE="5"]Part I. Decisions, decisions...[/SIZE]
After exhausting gnasher ammo in Gears of War 3 and failing to make podium in Forza 4 (thanks SR20DET), I explored the internet for local riding roads in the DMV area. Winter break released the shackles of academia but there was a physical yearning to see beyond a digital Nurburgring.
Stumbled upon Motorcycle Roads | Motorcycle Roads and Rides | MotorcycleRoads.com (http://www.motorcycleroads.com) that Tuesday night and fancied a route from Leesburg to Antietam National Park. Stamped Thursday, New Years Eve, as the ride date.
Command+Shift+3 gents
(http://i1098.photobucket.com/albums/g370/skazmi93/Antietam%20Ride/Screen%20Shot%202015-12-31%20at%204.35.29%20PM_zpsrooka9vc.png) (http://s1098.photobucket.com/user/skazmi93/media/Antietam%20Ride/Screen%20Shot%202015-12-31%20at%204.35.29%20PM_zpsrooka9vc.png.html)
Pacenotes were scribbled and the event was set. Initially this was going to be a solo mission, but decided it was a great opportunity to make new friends. So a Facebook post was made, Miro shot me a PM, and a man-date was set for 1030 hours. It was going to be a good time, no homo.
_________________________________
[SIZE="5"]Part II. Rise and shine, the A/F is fine (meh, lean).[/SIZE]
Winter weather didn't stop me from putting 3000 miles under the GS's three months of running. But it did school me on bundling up. Here's what works for me.
Head: Balaclava, Helmet
Hands: "Head" liner, Fieldsheer Summer gloves
Torso: Under Armor, T-shaZam!, Perforated Leather Jacket, Nursing home windbreaker
Legs: Thermal, leather pants, Burton snowboard socks
Shoes: Boots
(http://i1098.photobucket.com/albums/g370/skazmi93/Antietam%20Ride/image1%203_zps57p3owtm.jpg) (http://s1098.photobucket.com/user/skazmi93/media/Antietam%20Ride/image1%203_zps57p3owtm.jpg.html)
An attractive male
(http://i1098.photobucket.com/albums/g370/skazmi93/Antietam%20Ride/DSCN7165_zpskvtirkdh.jpg) (http://s1098.photobucket.com/user/skazmi93/media/Antietam%20Ride/DSCN7165_zpskvtirkdh.jpg.html)
Le pacenotes
(http://i1098.photobucket.com/albums/g370/skazmi93/Antietam%20Ride/image1%204_zpswvocb3su.jpg) (http://s1098.photobucket.com/user/skazmi93/media/Antietam%20Ride/image1%204_zpswvocb3su.jpg.html)
Dried mangos and drinks were thrown into the backpack and away the GS whisked its masked rider.
Upon arrival at the Giant in Leesburg, I spotted a Royal Enfield and its owner anticipating something in the parking lot. Hands were shook, greetings were exchanged, and our purpose broke the ice that would otherwise exist.
Miro and I briefly talked about our backgrounds. Our familiarity with the area. The GS, Enfield, and our history on two wheels.
The Suzuki was red, the sky was blue, the Royal was green, and so were our wallets too. The 500s fired up and the expedition began.
Rally Point
(http://i1098.photobucket.com/albums/g370/skazmi93/Antietam%20Ride/DSCN7168_zpsznbnplgt.jpg) (http://s1098.photobucket.com/user/skazmi93/media/Antietam%20Ride/DSCN7168_zpsznbnplgt.jpg.html)
Perspectives matter
(http://i1098.photobucket.com/albums/g370/skazmi93/Antietam%20Ride/DSCN7170_zpsdbnwlemb.jpg) (http://s1098.photobucket.com/user/skazmi93/media/Antietam%20Ride/DSCN7170_zpsdbnwlemb.jpg.html)
Green machine, an identical rhyme
(http://i1098.photobucket.com/albums/g370/skazmi93/Antietam%20Ride/DSCN7172_zpsbrq0o1qw.jpg) (http://s1098.photobucket.com/user/skazmi93/media/Antietam%20Ride/DSCN7172_zpsbrq0o1qw.jpg.html)