Author Archive for Piaggio Field Operations
The sadly-dilapidated theatre in Bucyrus, OH.
We continued to be impressed with Ohio’s attention to marking the Lincoln Highway. This is in contrast to Indiana’s minimal recognition that the historic road even exists — which we understand (and seriously hope) may be changed next year. While portions of the Highway are four-lane and tedious (e.g. the Mansfield area) historic towns (Galion and Wooster, for example) that have accomplished some outstanding restorations make up for the boring stretches. An operational movie theatre downtown continues to be a sign of health.
Continue reading ‘Day 25 Ride Report: Upper Sandusky, OH to East Liverpool, OH’
Arriving in South Bend from the west
Before highlighting the ride today, I’d like to respond to a frequently asked question, "Do you guys have headsets in your helmets so you can communicate with each other?" Answer: "No."
Continue reading ‘Day 23 Road Report: Merrillville, IN to Fort Wayne, IN’
From left: Buddy, Jack Fenten, Liz Fenten, Mayor Jim Waldorf, Bob. Plainfield Village Hall. Photo by Mike Schwarz.
This morning, during our one-course cornflake breakfast in DeKalb, Bob asked, "Who do you think was the first person to ride the Lincoln Highway coast to coast on a motorcycle?" I knew what he was hoping to hear, but I also knew he was tough enough to handle the truth.
In 1916, Adeline and Augusta Van Buren, two young New York socialite sisters, set out to prove women could ride motorcycles across a treacherous country during a time when women still didn’t have the right to vote. They were the first to solo a coast-to-coast trek, via the recently designated Lincoln Highway, on their Indian motorcycles. They contended with unpaved roads, an absence of Holiday Inns, and the extra burden of social prejudice; they were arrested several times for for wearing men’s clothing. I also suspect the Indians required a bit more maintenance than our MP3s. (One oil change in Orem, UT.) The year after Adeline and Augusta rode the Lincoln Highway, Illinois became the first state to ratify women’s suffrage. So while we just missed setting that particular record, Bob was cheered by knowing the glory that shall be ours when it comes to being the first chronologically —though not necessarily mentally — mature men to ride Piaggio’s MP3 500 across America’s historic highway.
Continue reading ‘Day 22 Road Report: DeKalb, IL to Merrillville, IN & Map Updates’
Day 21 - Clinton, Iowa to DeKalb, Illinois
Our surrounding world — as defined by the Lincoln Highway’s people and towns — is intrigued by the MP3s and the fact that we’re riding them coast to coast on America’s Main Street. I do not believe that any other vehicle — car or motorcycle — would generate this kind of attention. Oh yes, there’s also two "mature" guys riding them.
Continue reading ‘Day 21 Road Report: Clinton, IA to DeKalb, IL & Map Updates…’
Morning, thinking of corn empire - Colo, IA
Day 20 - Colo to Clinton, Iowa
The Lincoln Highway demonstrates the development of roadside lodging. It’s progressed from campgrounds to bare cabins, from bare cabins to cabins with facilities and eventually motels. Our last night’s stay at Reed/Niland’s Corner (in Colo) - at the junction of the Lincoln & Jefferson Highway’s (the Jeff runs from Ottawa to N’awlins) - thoroughly immersed us in the Lincoln Highway tradition. The motel/cafe was perhaps the first 24-hour one-stop with gas, food and lodging. The pioneering spirits of the Lincoln Highway were with us last night.
Day 19 - Denison, Iowa to Colo, Iowa
The road out of Denison was a rather boring four lane version of the Lincoln Highway. Panic struck — no photos, no log; my days as an MP3-mounted Lincoln Highway reporter were over! My family wouldn’t be surprised, given that it was a typical Buddy premature stress-out. I must learn to have more faith in our road. In fact, the day ended with an excess of photos, highlights & notes…
Continue reading ‘Day 19 Road Report: Denison to Colo, Iowa…with Gorgeous Pictures & Maps…(Updated)’
