I went with the "Connie"

[steve59]

i find the riding position harder on my knees but easier on my back, and thats assuming the rider triangle matghes the more naked/standard type.

 

[tdragger]

Thanks to all the great input in regards to my "Second" motorcycle-I ended up with the 2006 Concours with 33k miles. We will see how it turns out...my first ride on it will be this July when my sister and I tour through Nova Scotia, Cape Breton, and Newfoundland. We hope to spend three weeks riding. I bought it sight-unseen and relied on a friend in Mass. to evaluate it. When my sister went to look at the BMW the owner was not very enthused about selling the bike, and in fact had let the battery die and didnt bother to charge it up to show it to a potential buyer.

Riding the Rocket to New England from here would indeed be a great trip-and after I retire I plan to do just that-unfortunately I still have to work for a living so maximizing my time there spent with my sister (last living relative) is paramount. As some advised, I did consider renting, but when I did the math it just made more sense to buy the Concours...I paid $3k for it and I have access to free, enclosed storage. As an added bonus I no longer have to rent a car when I go back to my hometown for vacation! Thanks again guys...Best forum on the web hands down-Doug

You'll really enjoy riding in Nova Scotia and Newfoundland.

Here's a link to our trip done in 2013:

Seeing the reference to Ardbeg, I assume that you're a Scotch man. You should include in your plans to stop and stay at the Glenora Distillery on Cape Breton Island. We thoroughly enjoyed it.

Also, on the ferry ride to/from Newfoundland, you should go ahead and pay the extra $9 and get a reserved seat if you choose to not get a cabin. We did the day crossing going north so we didn't get a cabin. The reserved seat section was practically empty but the rest of the boat was crowded. On the way back we did a night crossing so the cabin was a welcome benefit.

 

[Douglas]

You'll really enjoy riding in Nova Scotia and Newfoundland.

Here's a link to our trip done in 2013:

Seeing the reference to Ardbeg, I assume that you're a Scotch man. You should include in your plans to stop and stay at the Glenora Distillery on Cape Breton Island. We thoroughly enjoyed it.

Also, on the ferry ride to/from Newfoundland, you should go ahead and pay the extra $9 and get a reserved seat if you choose to not get a cabin. We did the day crossing going north so we didn't get a cabin. The reserved seat section was practically empty but the rest of the boat was crowded. On the way back we did a night crossing so the cabin was a welcome benefit.

WOW ! thanks tdragger for that mini-tour of Newfoundland...I was there quite a long time ago...toured around by car so am really looking forward to seeing it on a bike...nice photos. I am indeed a lover of Scotch, and fine whisky in general-here of late I have been exploring Bourbon. Ardbeg was one of the first Scotch's I got into-a few years ago I visited Ardbeg as well as the other classic Islay distilleries, Lagavulin and Laphroigh. The Ardbeg tour was fantastic and they do a great job at Lagavulin as well.

Its funny you mention "Glenora" I came across it when researching this trip and am quite keen on taking the tour there and trying their whisky...back in the day when I grew up in NH you could take the ferry from either Bar Harbour or Portland...but I think they may have dropped one of those crossing routes. Thanks again for that link...I really enjoyed your photos. Doug

 

[Douglas]

i find the riding position harder on my knees but easier on my back, and thats assuming the rider triangle matghes the more naked/standard type.

When I did my first long trip on the beast...Anchorage to Whitehorse and back...I found that my back was fine but my knees got real stiff after a while...I am hoping I can fit some highway pegs to the Connie. My winter project here in Anchorage is to fit highway bars to the Roadster so I can put some pegs on her as well. -Doug

 

[tdragger]

WOW ! thanks tdragger for that mini-tour of Newfoundland...I was there quite a long time ago...toured around by car so am really looking forward to seeing it on a bike...nice photos. I am indeed a lover of Scotch, and fine whisky in general-here of late I have been exploring Bourbon. Ardbeg was one of the first Scotch's I got into-a few years ago I visited Ardbeg as well as the other classic Islay distilleries, Lagavulin and Laphroigh. The Ardbeg tour was fantastic and they do a great job at Lagavulin as well.

Its funny you mention "Glenora" I came across it when researching this trip and am quite keen on taking the tour there and trying their whisky...back in the day when I grew up in NH you could take the ferry from either Bar Harbour or Portland...but I think they may have dropped one of those crossing routes. Thanks again for that link...I really enjoyed your photos. Doug

The Glen Breton Rare 10 is really the first single malt that I tried. I was hooked from the first taste. Since it is matured exclusively in ex-Jack Daniels barrels, you will get a distinct sense of Tennessee Whiskey coming through. Make sure that you also try the ICE Whiskey. It is the same single malt distillate that is matured in Jost Ice Wine barrels. My wife loves it.

Since you have a taste for the Islay whiskies, you may find the Glen Breton somewhat weak. I have a bottle of Laphroigh and am not a fan. Tastes like licking an ashtray. I tend to stick to the Speysides, however, the Campbelton Springback 15 Revival is probably my most favorite so far.

As a side note, you might also want to try the Japanese whiskey called Yamazaki. A most excellent spirit.

 

[TriumPhil]

Don't forget some of our newish, artisanal American Rye Whiskeys... they're top shelf!

Two of the better offerings:
http://www.whistlepigwhiskey.com/

http://thewhiskeyjug.com/rye-whiskey/rittenhouse-rye-100-review/

 

[tdragger]

I've never tried a Rye Whiskey as I don't know if I can disassociate it with my distaste for Rye bread. However, I'm willing to give it a try. It doesn't look like the Rittenhouse is available in Virginia so I'll look to order it online somewhere. Thanks for the recommendation.

 

[TriumPhil]

Interesting collections of booze here... http://www.minivodkaguy.com/Minivodkaguy.html

 

[Douglas]

I've never tried a Rye Whiskey as I don't know if I can disassociate it with my distaste for Rye bread. However, I'm willing to give it a try. It doesn't look like the Rittenhouse is available in Virginia so I'll look to order it online somewhere. Thanks for the recommendation.

The "Templetons" rye is quite good and also "Mastersons" I am hoping that with having a bike down in the "States" I can do a tour of Tennesee and Kentucky...I have a good friend who grew up in Tennessee and he has offered to show me around...would love to visit some distilleries there. "Eagle Rare" is quite a nice bourbon as well as both the "Elija Craig" 12yo and the 18. Tdragger, the "Big Peats" as I like to call them are definately an aquired taste...especially Laproigh. I love that "oily" mouthfeel they and of course that peaty nose. I visited the Speyside region as well and there are several favorites...I really like the "Balvinie Double Wood" and also a nice little distillery called "Arberlour" Another favorite from the far north of Scotland is "Higland Park" just about any of their expressions are very good.

 

[IMFASTTOO]

Don't forget some of our newish, artisanal American Rye Whiskeys... they're top shelf!

Two of the better offerings:
http://www.whistlepigwhiskey.com/

http://thewhiskeyjug.com/rye-whiskey/rittenhouse-rye-100-review/

BUT try not to drink the stuff and ride