Woke saturday morning, had the wake up coffee, packed the bike and left home at 7:15 am. Rode east on rt6 towards Danbury, Ct. Stopped for gas outside town and hopped on the 84 east heading for Hartford. Not bad this time of day, light traffic, a little cool about 55-60deg but not bad. Stopped outside Hartford for a break and to refill on coffee and a breakfast of champions, "ummm doughnuts" Hopped back on 84 to the 91 north. Made it through Ct. and into Mass. stopped once more at a road side parking area, so far so good. Took a 10-15 min break, and proceded north into Vermont. Stopped for gas in Putney. Rode up rt5 a ways till we caught the 91 once more. about 40 miles and we're pulling into Windsor. and stopping at the Pizza Chef, where there is already about 10 bikes parked. We park across the street, take a deep breath, and cross the street to meet the best bunch of people in one place we've ever met.

So now if you want to read about a great trip enjoy, other wise check out my Vermort 6 pics.

I found R.M.H. about 10-12 months ago, read as many post's as my time allowed. Then when I took delivery on my Heritage in January I got the nerve to introduce myself in the recommended fashion. I didn't know what to expect, but I assumed after many before me I would be toasted to a crisp. Never happened? maybe I did it right, maybe few bothered reading them?

I first thought about Vermort after seeing Allen-1's web site and his post with an open invitation to all. After reading so much and all the great stories about IRL meetings, I wanted to be a part of it. So after a lot of thought I joined the Vermort mailing list, and contacted Allen-1 about taking the ride along. I could not believe the welcome I received. First Allen let me join in the fun, then when I mentioned my bike's need for service Steve Tuttle suggested changing the fluids in Colchester, and Ken went and offered us a room for the night, can you believe it? offering a room to a total stranger. That's when I knew I had to get there, come hell or high water.

I have to admit, when Yo!Adrian asked "Are you sure you know what your getting yourself into?" I stepped back and thought about it for a minute. When my wife asked "Who are these people?" and I told her they are "netscum" and "Assholes(tm)" she questioned my sanity. "Well how do we know it's them?" I said we walk in the pizza store a ask "Who's the Assholes(tm)" If I don't get my ass kicked we're in the right place. So off we go, into who know's what.

Back to Windsor we arrived at about 12:15 and parked across the street. Walked over to the group of riders in front of the pizza store and introduced ourselves. I tell you what it was like meeting a bunch of old friend's. There was Android, Effie and Eric, Don A, Randy, and sorry I can not remember everyones name. Soon, Allen, the Banker, Sam and Gail, TL Mitchell, Dave and Ann and once more my mind fart's and I forget the name's but I won't forget the people.

Well we all decide it's time to hit the road(about 2pm), Maddy and I look at each other and did not need to speak, we knew we were in for great trip. We all proceed to the closest gas stop to top off and then Bob takes control and lead's us out of town. Now here I have to admit I have never been on a group ride before, but I think I caught on to the formation soon enough. I couldn't help noticing all the stares and waves from the people we passed heading out of town. The one thing that impressed me the most was when we came to an intersection and Allen would pass us, then block traffic so we could all go thru together. I'm sure I kept Allen and Randy, both who got stuck behind me on their toes, not that I am real inexperinced, but it has been a good 10 years since I road everyday, so I know I was a little shakey. Not sure how far this first leg was maybe 50 miles+ and we all stopped at a little gas station to regroup and grab a drink.

After about 10 mins of regrouping and little BS'ing, Bob explains about the up coming section of the ride. Telling everyone about the twisties coming up, and how he was going to take them as fast as he could, and if we didn't want to try and keep up to drop back. Which I believe Allen commented "Bunch of fucking middle aged squids on Harley's" that broke us all up. So off we go, everyone taking their place in line. I fell to the back, followed by Allen. Out of this quiet little village and into the mountains roar 20 not so quiet Harley's and one "Big Bird". Everything was going along pretty uneventful, trying my damned'est to keep up and not miss any scenery along the way. Not bad, this Heritage handles the corners pretty well, considering we're not the smallest couple on the ride. Everything is going fine we head up into the mountains, this is a beautiful state, the ice cold, clear mountain streams flowing down the side of the roads. The sky is not the putrid brown haze of Los Angeles or NYC but an almost picture perfect blue with bright white clouds.

I keep the group in sight as much as possible, at the same time studying the other rider's habits seeing how they shift and brake into and out of the corners. I know I found myself using my brakes more than I should, which I am sure caused Allen much undeserved stress. Going around an almost blind left hander I am suddenly awoken by a rather large cloud of dust right in front of me. I hit my brakes, the rear wheel starts to slide and my Homer Simpson genes kick in ie..."Ok brain I don't like you and you don't like me, but get me through this and I'll go back to killing you with alcohol" that and many years of off road racing experiance got me stopped upright and intact. Seem's a certain blue bagger from Ohio decided to test the crash bar's to make sure they worked as stated. Okay no harm no foul, a few frayed nerves, but no damage. We get to the top of the mountain and regroup, shake it off and soon realize it is freaking cold up here. Head down hill, stop at Bob's and have some hot from the oven chocolate chip cookies, a few brave souls try the infamous "PBR" we load back up and head for Ken and Karens. Where we are meet by more netscum and Assholes(tm).

Welcomes and introductons from all, then watching old friends meeting again. Everyone looking over the bikes, joking around, having a few well deserved beers it doesn't get any better than this. Wait... yes it does, did some one say _chow_? head in to the house and get smacked right in the nose with the fragrance of a gourmet feast. First some of the best chowder I have ever had and it was said that Tim the chef has orders that he can make what ever he wants as long as he makes this chowder, I have to agree. The main course was prime rib, veggie lasagana, taters, salads, and the obligratory side dishes. I would have to give it a solid 9.5 add that to the side splitting laughs, getting to know new people, listening to old friends bull shitting each other and discussing future rides, along with a cooler full of brews. How could you ask for more? more time to enjoy it yes, but that will be saved for future meetings.

In attendance Allen-1, Bob and Beccy, Ken and Karen, Randy, Android and Sharon, Eric, LESDL and Kim, Yo!Adrian, Phil B, Dave and Ann, Len and Pauline, Don, John, Sam and Gail, TL Mitchell, Steve Tuttle, Maddy and myself.

All too soon we say goodnight and head for the hotel, and get some much needed sleep. Next morning, get ready and head out led by Android, Sharon and Eric. Take a quick tour of the city, refill at the atm and head for the Clover House. Our group walking towards Kens house, the rest of the group walking at us. It looked like "Gunfight at the OK Corral" biker style crossed with "West Side Story". We headed back to the restraunt, had a great breakfast, more laughs and stories. Took some more pics and said our good-byes and headed for home.

Android led us down rt7 to 22a following lake Champlain south bound. Soon we reached rt17 and TL Mitchell headed west for Ohio, we reach rt4 where Android, Sharon and Eric said good-bye and headed east. From there Dave led the way, Followed by Ann, Randy and us. Down rt22 to rt295 west, at the Taconic State Parkway Maddy and I waved good-bye and headed south. Total trip miles 733, longest ride before this, about a 100. To say we were worn out would be an understatment. Would we do it again? bikes already packed, when do we leave??