August, 2005
Tips for FutureTravelers to Nova Scotia by Those of Us Who Know
- Trailer your ride to Bar Harbor for bad weather, sore butts or a disabled bike.
- Take the
- hour CAT. Just in case, pack some Dramamine. 3. Rain gear, rain gear, rain gear! Invest in the expensive stuff not the Gorton’s Fisherman brand or Job Lot ponchos! Some materials melt on your pipes.
- Bring tie downs, bungies, bike covers/tarps.
- Plan your trip in August since the locals told us that this is their best month, weather-wise.
- For small groups, wing it on the hotels. You never know how far you’ll want to go each day or if you’d like to hang in one spot longer. You might just be to damn pooped & need a day off by the pool or lounge.
- With a large group, you’ll need to make reservations ahead of time. Have one person in your group book the rooms to get a group rate and then everyone can call the 800 numbers to leave their credit card info.
- Peggy’s Cove is a must, beautiful lighthouse and rocks as if you were on the moon. (See pix above)
- Halifax is a nice city but if you’re looking for country dwellings, try to stay in smaller towns at a B&B.
- Skip a stay in the town of Truro since the only source of entertainment for us was the Tidal Bore, aptly named (snore) for its weak current.
- Spend some extra time in Baddeck to do the Cabot Trail. Probably the best scenery but if you get bad weather, you’ll need a few days to appreciate it.
- Ride the scenic roads as much as possible, you can take the highways when you get home.
- Skip the Solomon Gundy - its just a fancy word for Pickled Herring. Yuck!
- Guys Frenchys are a chain of used clothing stores.
- Tim Horton’s is the closest thing to Dunks you’ll find for a good cup of coffee plus fresh sandwiches.
- The scallops and fried clams are simply yummy.
- Plan on riding 200 miles a day, all day, everyday. Pack the Preparation H or have a comfy saddle.
Paulatics - The Wave
by Paula McCallum
It’s true what they say. The people in Nova Scotia are really friendly. It’s not just the other bikers who waved. We were treated like celebrities up North. Everyone loved the MMR. Town folk waved. People sitting on their porch, waved. Little kids, old folks, waved. The locals even wanted to chat us up and insisted on directing us to our next location. That’s not how it is here in New England. We’re not exactly known for our warmth.
Speaking of which, would it kill you to wave to me once in a while? You might not hear me coming but I know you see me. And don’t pretend that you can’t just staring straight ahead. We’re all bikers, part of a strange brother/sisterhood. Waving is just one of the “things” we do. Respect the Rebel, give us a wave. Don’t dis the sis’! Stick out them digits, wiggle ‘em around a little, get gitty with it. Hey, I’m not asking you to pull over for a hug. I’ll settle for a nod, a chin up or just crack a damn smile. Something. Something which acknowledges my existence when we pass each other on the open road. Oh, I see you extending your arm for choppers and fellow Harleys when I’m riding on the back. Then you wave.
And what’s with the crotch rocketers? Have we gotten to the point where we are that brand loyal? Do you say to yourself, “I’m only waving to Kawasakis and Suzukis?”
What is a “wave” you ask? Maybe you just don’t know how it’s done? Step 1: Release your tight grip on the left handle. Granted, this is slightly dangerous. One shouldn’t attempt this maneuver in mid-shift. Step 2: Bend at the elbow. Straight out & angled down about 30 degrees. Step 3: Keep your palm up in a sweeping motion. Be prepared to quickly jerk your hand back to it’s original position in case you’re stranded out there, as I am, and the other biker leaves you hanging in the wind.
Don’t go crazy now that you’ve learned this new skill. Be cool. There’s nothing worse than an over zealous waver. Just drag the hand like you were picking something off the road. No sissy waves allowed. Don’t give us the Queen Elizabeth on parade.
By the way, have you ever had the urge to wave to bikers when you’re driving in your car? Come on, admit it. You forget yourself after a long day on the bike. They see you do it and give you a sort of puzzled look. Don’t let this stop you, it’s just called being friendly. It’s a common practice with people in Nova Scotia and other parts of the world. Maybe someday it will catch on around here...
Our Honeymoon
by Hawk H. Hickman
Jane and I will always remember the great camaraderie we felt on this epic trip with our fellow MMR companion riders, as we experienced one of the most unusual honeymoons imaginable. We always felt safe, in spite of the foul weather, because of the competence and preparedness of our travelling companions. All of the images throughout the 10 days are indelibly etched in our minds, especially the beautiful scenery.
When we got home, I was really having a hard time coming to grips with what we had accomplished (over 2,000 miles in 10 days). It will always be a great and fond memory for us, and full of beautiful mental vignettes. We have now promised ourselves to get-
- Better raingear.
- A larger bike with hard-packs.
- A trailer for the bike.
We had a blast and have added many of the pictures to our wedding album. Thanks to those who traveled together with us for being wonderful traveling companions, and thanks especially to Mike Lallier for carrying fuses. He saved our bacon. Thanks to Francine for making reservations and thanks to Ms. Organization, Sherri, for all of her printed planning and travelling guides.
Knights of the Roundtable
by Anthony Andrade
I would like to commend Sherri Palmer for a job well done as she did a great job of orchestrating a very structured ride through a foreign country. Her hours of preparation on securing informational tour booklets and laminating road maps, hotel info and even information on the hotel amenities for everyone was greatly appreciated by all. On behalf of everyone, I offer a sincere Thank You!
Also, let it be known that while dining one evening in Truro that I, your Vice President, with the power vested in me, with my butter knife tapping him first on the left then the right shoulder ordained and knighted Sir Edward Kelley for the excellent job he did on leading myself and the Second Lady, Miss Amy, through a 250 mile coastal ride without incident and arriving safely at our destination.
Let it be know from this day forward while remembering Nova Scotia in conversation that fast Eddie shall be fondly referred to as SIR EDWARD OF SCITUATE. End of Decree. Yours, Anthony
Miller Tracy Ride
by Paula McCallum and Jay Leonard Jr. (Chip’s Cousin)
I grew up in the small town of Avon, MA. Home to Jordan’s Furniture and the Christmas Tree Shop; but we were there first. Kim Balboni and I went to elementary and JR High together. Although I went to Blue Hills for High School, I often hung out and still do with the “kids” from Avon. One year, Kim made a great Mike Myers at the annual Halloween party which was held at the VFW. This event raised money each year for the Lisa Peloquin Scholarship, a friend who died at 21 in an auto accident.
Kim and I traveled in different circles, she being among the popular crowd while I was a tad on the nerdy side. After H.S., we socialized with the same people, attended parties and friend’s cookouts.
Carl “Chip” Miller and Kim were only married a short time and had just settled into their new home in Avon. On July 17, 2000, they decided to take Kim’s 3 year old niece, Elizabeth Tracy, to the Roger Williams Zoo in Rhode Island. Coming home on Rt. 95, they were in an accident with a semi truck and all 3 lost their lives.
Because they had such strong ties to the community and because this tragedy so profoundly affected our small town, everyone came to their funeral Mass. The overflow listened downstairs in the Hall while there was standing room only in the main church. We then followed the funeral procession to the cemetery. On May 5, 2001 the Avon Police Dept. held an auction for the Miller Tracy Playground which is located behind Avon High and was dedicated in their honor.
Chip was born & raised in Avon. He served as the town Dog Officer from 1986 to 1995, was an on-call firefighter, a Permanent Intermittent Police Officer and served on the Avon Park and Rec from 1992 until 1997. Chip was very well liked around town and well loved by those who knew him best. Kim was a teacher at a dance work shop in Randolph and often stayed after to help her students with their dance moves. Kim made her living as a Certified Dental Assistant. She and Lizzy were also loved very much by their friends and family.
The first ride was put together by Chip’s co-workers, Marc Ellia & Bill Whitten, from the Souza-Baranowski Correctional Center in Shirley which raised money for the Nealy Fund. It began at S.B.C.C. and ended at the Butler School in Avon.
This year all the money raised will go to help kids with cancer through the Tomorrow Fund. We hope to see a lot of bikes this year and in the years to come. Thank you for letting me tell you about the Miller Tracy Ride. Hope to see all the Manomet Mystery Riders there! |