Motoring through the battlefields of Gettysburg, PA.
After an early-morning interview with Charlie Sherman, a radio host out of New England, we were off to Gettysburg and its attendant battlefield with mixed feelings about the site being an appropriate venue for loud mufflers and Budweiser — it was Bike Week. Harleys were predominant and the tone and tenor of our prior encounters with diehard fans of The Motor Company continued: unlike our previous BMWs, Sophia and Marchello are big hits with the Big Twin crowd. Waves and thumbs-up were the standard greeting throughout the Gettysburg streets and countryside. This was something new for us — as was Bob’s consideration of a leather-fringed vest to go with those new chinos. Jeanne would never allow a tattoo.
Touring the battlefield on quiet, well-behaved Marchello, it occurred to me that the Lincoln Highway intersects these hallowed, historic grounds. It seemed appropriate that these two national historic treasures should coincide. There’s an intense feeling of heritage in exploring the battlefield and being on the historic highway named for our Civil War President. It’s further reinforced by seeing the home and farm of President Eisenhower, particularly after going through Boone, IA, Mamie’s home town. The Lincoln Highway immerses you in our history; an immersion that’ll be only deepened by tomorrow’s ride into Philadelphia.
Absorbed in our exploration of the battlefields, we failed to notice how low on gas we were. The dashboard’s yellow warning light grabbed our attention and I then noticed a neat extra on the MP3. Not only does the yellow signal alert you, but the trip odometer flips to zero so you can accurately track how far you’re going on reserve. As the total odometer turned 4,000 miles I was reminded of a question asked by this morning’s radio interviewer, "How does your butt tolerate time on the MP3?" Short answer: the seat is the best I’ve experienced, as is the straight-up riding position — both critical factors in long-range touring.
Upon leaving the Gettysburg area, the Lincoln Highway all but disappears. The first 200 miles, from just east of Pittsburgh to just beyond Gettysburg — a six-county area — has been designated The Lincoln Highway Heritage Corridor. After riding about 15 miles, Bob pointed out we hadn’t seen an "L." It’s disappointing that after doing a great job with interpretive exhibits and signage for 200 miles, there’s an inexplicable loss of interest in our road. This inconsistency is not unique to PA, but it’s frustrating nevertheless.
The historic districts of downtown York and Lancaster call for at least a full day to explore. Bob and I have yet to take a bike tour where we felt we had enough time to really wring everything out. The problem of allocating too much time has never been an issue for us and probably contributes to our repeated trips back to the motorcycle-touring buffet.
In Coatesville, I looked up at a street sign. It read "Lincoln Highway." It hit me for the first time how far we’d come. This street in Coatesville, Pennsylvania is connected to our start point in Lincoln Park, San Francisco; it’s unlikely that anyone in town actually knows it.
As we pulled into our stop for the night, a horn blew. I looked up and saw an MP3 500 whiz by, the first one we’d seen since leaving San Francisco. We were signing in at the desk when a young, excited, helmeted person appeared. Removing his helmet, his excitement increased as he told us we were the first MP3 riders he’s met since he made the purchase a month ago. He then realized we were the two "ageless" guys he had been following on the Piaggio website. He whipped out his camera and we went outside for a joint photo session. 28-year-old Aaron Benson — with 2333 miles on his one-month-old MP3 — said, "You guys made my weekend." Have fun. Aaron. And plan a tour, you have the right bike for it.
Buddy out
Hi Buddy and Bob,
We had been intrigued by the MP3 concept a couple of years ago when we were entering into the sport of motorcycling, but we wanted a bit more power than what was available at the time so we decided to go with motorcycle trikes. We have enjoyed the trikes immensely, but we always wondered what it would be like to ride something more like a two-wheeled motorcycle. A little over a week ago, Chris received an emailed newsletter from motorcycle.com which contained a review of the MP3 500. That article got us to thinking once more about MP3’s, so we went to the PiaggioUSA website to find dealers within driving distance (we also saw the link to your No Age Limits adventure). We made a few calls and located a dealer in Hanover, PA that had 2 of them in their showroom!
We drove from our home north of Baltimore, MD to Hanover Powersports last Saturday afternoon, but there was time enough for only one of us to ride the MP3 500 in the parking lot and then out on a 6-mile test ride on fairly quiet roads. But it was enough of a ride to make us feel pretty sure we wanted one, so we left a deposit for a red one.
In the days that followed, we read your daily entries and were especially interested in your comments about how reliable the MP3’s have been and how well they handle. So we decided to return to Hanover Powersports today and finalize the deal (provided, of course, the second rider was as happy after his test ride as the first rider was last week!). What a coincidence that you had passed 5 miles north of Hanover just yesterday! We got there in the early afternoon to find the place buzzing with activity – they were one of the stops on a Gettysburg Bike Week poker ride! The second test ride was accomplished nonetheless, and ended with a definite thumbs up! After completing the transaction, we found a much quieter and larger parking lot for some more practice and then headed for home. Sixty curving, hilly miles later, the driver was still grinning from ear to ear!
We’d like to thank you for sharing your journey with us. Your comments about the MP3’s were most timely, and we might never have known about the Lincoln Highway! We’re a couple of 50-something year olds who are looking forward to putting some miles under our belts!
Chris and Cathy
It was really great meeting you two today. This is a dream trip you are making. 30 some years ago Vicki and I made a round the country trip in a MGB. Since then I have wanted to redo the trip using Blue Roads as well as a shorter one from Maine to FL on Route 1. Your trip has pushed it higher on the list.
Looking forward to the PBS show on the trip.
Enjoy the remaining days.
Hi Bill: It is interesting how a chance meeting in a gas station can trigger thoughts of driving or riding the back roads of America. There is so much to see and enjoy in the U.S.A. If you only want to get from point A to point B and time is a consideration then the interstate is the quickest route. However, if you have the time and want to really see and explore this country then the Blue Roads are definitely the way to go. I hope you and Vicki make your trip.
Hi Chris & Cathy:
Keep grinning as you put those miles under your belts. You made a great choice & have MANY years of fun & adventure to share. Stay safe & enjoy the MP3’s. They won’t let you down.
Buddy
Large country, but a small world. Told a friend about our meeting only to find that he had dinner with you and Buddy Friday night. Perhaps John and I will make the trip :->
It would be also nice when you could post your planned route in Lincoln Hwy.
I live in Edison NJ, next to Honda dealer that carries MPS3 - any plans on visiting them? - when will you be passing Edison?
Bill: It is indeed a small world. We had a nice dinner with John, his wife and some other friends. Ride safe.