York Bike Night is an annual event that coincides with an open-house at the Harley Davidson Factory in York. York celebrates with three days of events focused on the world renowned brand that put them on the map. Friday night was a great night. The streets are closed to cars but left open to just us two-wheeled folk. There are bands, food, and LOTS of bikes to look at.
A few of us headed down to check out the scene. Of course, as usual, we had to be a little different, so we rode our antique 'foreign' machines.
If you ever wanted to stand out like a rock star, try riding a handful of vintage two-stroke scooters in a sea of 1,000+ Harleys. The parade was fun and we were cheered all along the route.
We took some time to park and review the bikes in the lot.
Parking? there is ALWAYS scooter parking.
York Bike night was a good time. TMISC was representing and we were glad to be a part of it!
A Sunday ride to the Old Sled Works in Duncannon, PA turned into a back road adventure. We enjoyed trolling around the shops for a bit, and of course, a few vintage cold sodas out front before we left.
It was just Cody and I so the roads were getting smaller and tighter; until we found what we were looking for.
The equipment wasn't made for this, but that never stopped us before.
Making some fellow riders jealous. This is our kind of road.
We may be doing a little hiking/hunting up here this year; so some further looking about was in order.
Eventually, the sun was getting low in the sky, and vintage headlights aren't the best after dark. So we headed back down the mountain and toward home. We hope that whatever you ride, or whatever the road surface is, that you found some time to get out today. If you didn't, make sure to stop by the shop when we are open and we will try to have you ready for the next time.
Many people have heard of Thunder in the Valley. An annual gathering of Harley-Davidsons and other big twin style cruiser motorcycles. This weekend we attended our annual Johnstown scooter rally. The Buzz in the Valley.
One of my favorite rallies that I look forward to every year. This year was going to be even better; as I got to ride out with my son, Cody.
As usual, we met up with some friends in The Shadow of Death ( folks think we are joking), but it's a good meeting spot not known by too many. A small group of like-minded riders all headed out for a relaxing weekend of friends, foods, and shenanigans.
There is a handy picnic table nearby where you can get fuel and food. Cody is always down with food.
This is why we are able to navigate most of Pennsylvania via Sheetz stores.
We take the back roads as much as possible. There is no hurry; finally some time off to enjoy some small roads and the ride. We even find a good view now and then.
Climbing to a top of the mountain on our way...why do they have to post signs like that? What are these TMISC members up to?
Then it got worse...much worse. "You can't get a bike up there." Always a bad idea.
Once arriving at the rally, we were greeted by warm hellos, firm handshakes and a few hugs. It's always nice to feel welcome, and we were.
For Friday night's dinner we all rode out to the local Pappy's Family Pub; anyone remember those?
After dinner our host took us down to view the lighted bridge and we took a riding tour of downtown before heading back to our tents for the evening.
Saturday morning came early. Rising to the smell of hot coffee, pancakes, and sausage sure helped.
Thanks to our wonderful hosts for putting out a great spread.
Saturday took the group out to Levity Brewing Company for some good food and a beer. It was a wonderful sunny ride to get there; just long enough to work up a good appetite.
We even received a tour of the facility.
Who let that guy alone with the beer ?!
And even learned a bit about Squatchin' while we were there.
On the ride back to rally headquarters; we had a little stop to commemorate a missing friend who couldn't join us at the Buzz this year.
Luckily for most of the group, the pterodactyls only attack the tall ones.
After a fantastic night at Rally Central with some fantastic food. We had fresh shells from Punkys along with homemade carnitas. Several folks brought out their own canned sauces and toppings for the finishing touch. The reason why we love this rally; we feel like family.
You will never go hungry at the Buzz Rally, most of the food is handmade and many folks contribute.
The fog was thick and made for a mildly treacherous ride there. The ride down the mountain was beautiful.
Johnstown finally coming into view.
The view from the bottom was awesome as well.
A bit more riding around town to see the sights from our hosts and it was time to head back. There was a warm fire, plenty to drink, and good friends for conversation and shenanigans.
The ride home had us missing one more common rider to our group. So, we decided to make a quick stop and leave a message.
Then it was some more twisty roads and slowly watching riders peel off for home. It's always just a little sad watching the group dwindle as we get closer to home. Cody and I did our best with some serious back roads, and a bridge outage on the way home.
Another Three Mile Island scooter Club rally in the books. Were you there? You should have been! If not, check out what you missed or if you were, relive some good memories. The clowns at TMISC have a reputation for putting on one of the best camping rallies on the East coast. This year the 2017 rally them was "The Greatest Meltdown on Earth". The clowns were out in abundance thanks to a Circus theme.
The registration table was open and ready to receive quests.
Friday night food was provided by Thatz'a Pizza. They kept up well with a hungry crowd providing subs, pizza, and all the side orders for us.
Friday started well with warm weather and sunny skies, but it wasn't to stay that way. The weather started to look gray and came in with a roar. The meet and great was still a success; as we had plenty of tents to be under in order to stay dry(ish). The Friday night movie was a rainout ( postponed till Saturday), but there was room to socialize and stay dry.
The water kept coming down till the tent area was a small river, So, we sat on tables and used the benches to keep our feet dry. It worked well.
Saturday Morning started off just a tad nicer than the night before. The truck from Bountiful Feast was there bright and early; serving up a good breakfast, sandwiches, and tasty breakfast favorites.
Folks got up and spread out their gear to dry as they prepared for a good (hopefully dry) day. The Long Ride pulled out at around 9:30 led by Paul Bolock. The lunch stop was pizza form Ciao-Bella delivered to a prearranged picnic spot by the lovely Ellen. There was plenty for everyone.
They had a relatively uneventful ride over the hills on the way towards Gettysburg and Mr. Eds Elephant Museum
Meanwhile, the vintage ride and the slow riders were out having their own enjoyable jaunts around central PA. After the riders all returned to the Meltdown campsite, they had only a short time to prepare for the Gymkhana and Field events.
There was some speculation that the boggy field might force the fun to be cancelled, but the coordinators persevered (a BIG thanks to Tim) and it led to a slippery, muddy bit of entertainment for the daring riders who participated.
There were no major catastrophes, and a little additional water only added to the fun.
Following the Gymkhana, was the eagerly anticipated BBQ food with all the fixings prepared on site by Fred's Campground. The food had all the hungry riders ready to eat.....or confused. We are never quite sure with these two.
Of course, don't forget one of the Greatest things to appear at the meltdown. The Miller Brothers ice cream truck.
You KNOW Denny wasn't going to miss that.
After we all got to gather around for the raffle there were many great items to hope for.
Trophies were handed out as an intermission, and Carlisle Cycle and Scooter was proud to bring home two more to add to our collection. Bill won the Gymkhana while Cody took home the Atomic Balloon Toss. The trophies themselves were handcrafted by JL to follow the circus theme. He did a Great job on these; quite happy to have one to display at the shop!
Then the scheduled entertainment for Saturday night arrived and we were impressed by a skilled juggler. Sophia R. from About Faces Entertainment juggled balls, knives, clubs, torches AND attempted to ride her unicycle in the boggy grass area. She was very talented, personable, and a good sport too.
Then as the activities wound down, there was music and a chance to hang out. The movie that had been rained out on Friday night was run on Saturday instead.
Free Beer made the evening complete. Even though the river continued to rise, with FREE BEER, who can complain, right?
By Sunday morning, the river had overflowed its banks, and most of us were looking forward to drying out.
There was a final ride out to the Old Sled Works which is an interesting Antique mall in Duncannon, PA.
Overall, although Mother Nature tried to put a damper on our favorite rally of the season, she failed (well maybe she put a DAMP...) We had a great time with old friends and new. It was time to ride home, but at least some of the trailer crowd has figured out how to ride home WITH the trailer.
How's that for the coolest way to get your scooter home from the rally?
A Link to the TMISC event page for more pics and info.
Remember to frequent all the TMISC Meltown sponsors. They contribute their time, money and prizes so the club can have a great event. Make sure you go see them when you need the products and services they offer!
Specials thanks to Kevin Jiannotti and Denny Magdule for the use of their pics.
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