INTRODUCTION:
GETTING THERE:
Welcome!
Empire City Motorcycle Club is pleased to have you join us on our Thirty-fifth Anniversary Bikers’ Tour. We know that you will find this week with us full of the kind of fun and adventure that only motorcycling with your brothers through some of the most beautiful areas of the Empire State can bring.
So if you're ready, think vacation thoughts, set your mental boots on those highway pegs, ease back on the sissy bar and let's begin!
We've planned our Tour with your free spirit in mind; as
we visit each region you
will select what you want to do, with whom and when you want to do
it. Go in a group, organize your own side trip around any one of several
special sites or events or just strike out on your own.
This is your vacation; set your own pace and enjoy!
To start, you'll want to review your Tour Booklet. This
booklet contains important
instructions and maps, so be sure to keep it with you. In it you will
find directions and
maps to the Comfort Inn in Port Jervis, New York and the Ramada Inn
in Geneva in the Finger Lakes and the Ramada Inn in Lake Placid in the
Adirondacks. We've also included other important information so don’t forget
to bring your Tour Booklet with you!
The Tour Package (including the Tour Booklet) contains
information about a wide variety of thing to do and places to visit. We
have included various fliers, maps and other information on sites of interest,
so spend a few moments and peruse the brochures-there's much, much more
to do than our time permits so choose the ones you
really want to visit!
Here's an important note; there are group rides to major
points which we
know you'll not want to miss, so be sure to review the schedule in
the Tour Booklet
before you fill up your days!
We know that we can't address every question here so if
after you review the material you find that you need more information or
would just like to suggest something, please feel to call me at: (908)
479-1980 or Robert Moore, Empire City’s Vice-President at: (609) 415-1682.
One final thought before we begin: your safety and the
safety of your brothers on
this Tour depends upon your consideration and good riding skills. We
will be riding
in groups of various sizes so be sure that you familiarize yourself
with all of the rules
and signals for group riding. If you need, one of us will be available
for any of your safety/group riding questions. And don't forget, be safe
when you ride solo! We want everyone to have an enjoyable time and that
means think safety first!
On behalf of Empire City M.C. I would like to thank you
for sharing this week of
motorcycling and brotherhood with us. Now, let's get ready to ride!
In Brotherhood,
Jose’ Reyes
35th Anniversary Chair and Tour Coordinator
INTRODUCTION:
You will also find recommendations for clothing, preping your bike for the trip plus all of the necessary maps and instructions for the Tour. There are also hotel numbers, emergency contact numbers and general hints designed to make your trip as enjoyable as possibe.
Happy touring!
Our Tour participants are from the full spectrum of rider
experience and we have taken this into account. We also know that most
have never riden through the areas covered by the Tour. Therefore, to minimize
the "surprise" factor we have provided pertinent information on the condition
of the area roads, traffic patterns and potential problems. For instance:
some roads have been identified as very scenic but at the same time present
riding challenges. If you are a relatively new rider, please heed the
cautions. For the more seasoned rider, we recommend a "heads up" and
use your experience as your guide.
Please note: we will group ride only at the comfort level
of the most junior rider. If you do not enjoy the pace, you may proceed
on your own, but please do not tempt or force a junior rider to exceed
his skills. Think safety first!
We have identified particular situations along the roads that are recommended, which are highlighted as follows:
Group riding (as most of the participants are aware) requires a good working knowledge of hand signals and group riding etiquette to keep the riders safe. We will review some of the more important signals and other points during the morning briefings as well as be available for your questions.
Remember that this is your vacation and you are not obligated to ride on any of the group rides, but should you join in, please be on time for the briefings and be ready to ride when the group leaves.
Motorcycle:
Careful preparation of your motorcycle for this trip will keep
you safe and go a long way to putting your mind at ease. We will be travelling
hundreds of miles and nothing spoils a trip more than a preventable problem
cropping up in the middle of nowhere.
You should perform a complete inspection of your bike
to make sure that all parts are in proper working order: a trip to your
dealer for a complete service is strongly recommended. Have
him check things such as fuel filters, brake pads, air cleaner elements,
coolant if your bike uses it, tires, chains (or shafts) for proper lubrication
and of course, all safety related items such as lights, brake cables/hoses,
etc. Don't forget to change your oil and lubricate the little things such
as hand controls, etc., and tighten down all of those things that need
to be tightened. And, last, but not least, make sure that your registration,
insurance and inspection is up to date and with you-you don't want to be
the guest of the local Constable for the night!
So, go ahead and take the time to prep your bike properly. Your
trip will be more relaxing for having done it.
You should carry with you a number of bike related necessities:
We have located various motorcycle shops and dealers along
the way, but not every make has a shop readily available, so being properly
prepared is a good strategy.
We are bringing along a truck with a bike trailer in case of
break downs. On group rides and other times we will have cell phones numbers
for emergency contact.
A truck/van will also be joining us on the Tour with some limited space where some of your equipment may be placed.
Clothes:
The weather in the Fingers Lakes and in the Adirondacks regions is normally warm to hot in July. On occasion the early mornings and evenings can be cool and in the Adirondacks, in particular, it can get cold. Bring appropriate clothes and an extra layer that you can put on just in case. While not wanting to mention that four letter word "rain", as Bikers, we should have learned by now to always be prepared for it.
Other clothing: Unless it’s a personal turn on, there is no need to bring your tuxedo or smoking jackets. There are facilities for swimming at each of the Hotels and at local watering holes.
Important Telephone Numbers: Where To Call:
Should a problem occur en route, the following telephone numbers can be used to get in contract with the a Tour Duty Manager or the appropriate Hotel:
Please first contact the ECMC Tour Duty Manager, however, please be patient, as this number is a cell phone, and geographic conditions and the availability of service may interfere with the reception. If there is a problem reaching the Tour Duity Manager, you can always leave a message with the hotel operator for either Jose' Reyes or Robert Moore. We will check in on regular intervals.
TOUR SCHEDULE
FRIDAY, JULY 16TH TO SATURDAY, JULY 24TH
FRIDAY – JULY 16TH
SATURDAY – JULY 17TH
FINGER LAKES
SUNDAY – JULY 18TH
MONDAY – JULY 19TH
TUESDAY - JULY 20th
WEDNESDAY – JULY 21ST
FRIDAY – JULY 22ND
July 16, 1999 - PORT JERVIS:
From New York City: (Starting Point- G. Washington Bridge)
(See Map # 1)
Segment Cumulative
Miles Miles
22 Palisades Pkwy. North to NY Thruway (IS 87N towards Albany) 22
29 NY Thruway North to Route 17 West 51
17 Route 17 West to IS 84 West (towards Port Jervis) 68
18 IS 84 West to Exit 1 (Port Jervis – last exit in NJ) 86
intersection and the ramp from IS 84 East, turn left onto the
Comfort Inns entrance road.
July 16, 1999 - PORT JERVIS:
From Philadelphia (Starting from Norristown at Rt. 9 and IS 276)
17 IS 80 East to IS 380 North 94
30 IS 380 North to IS 84 East 124
52 IS 84 East to Exit 1 in NYS (Port Jervis) 176
2 At bottom of exit ramp turn left (away from Port Jervis) and
Getting There: - Friday
July 16, 1999 - PORT JERVIS:
From Washington / Baltimore: Starting from IS 83 and IS 695
(See Map # 3)
Miles Miles
65 IS 84 East to Exit 1 in N.Y. (first exit) 260
July 17, 1999 – GENEVA:
Port Jervis to Geneva: Starting from the Comfort Inn
(See Map # 4)
Segment Cumulative
Miles Miles 2 Take Route 6 through Port Jervis to Rte. 97 North 2
71 Rte. 97 North from Port Jervis to Rte. 17 West (at Hancock) 73 60 Rte. 17 West to Rte 96 North at Exit 64- Oswego 133
11 Rte. 96 North to Rte. 96/96B split (at Candor) and stay 96North 144
8 Rte. 96 N is joined by Rte. 34 at Spencer; stay on Rte. 96 152
OPTION!!!! For those not comfortable making this sort of downhill sharp turn, the following is an alternative. At Burdett Rte. 79W comes to a 4-way Stop sign. Do not follow Rte. 79, but proceed directly and follow signs on to County Road 5. Follow County Road 5 to Rte. 414North. It may worth while to go onto Rte. 414 South for 1 to 2 miles to get a view of Hector’s Falls, and then backtrack and proceed on Rte. 414 north. ...
Hector’s Fall on your right. There is no parking available, but the shoulder is wide enough to stop on.
4 Rte. 414N is joined by Rte. 96A a Lodi: Stay on 414N 202
5 Rte. 414N to Ovid and make left turn on to Rte. 96AN 207
18 Rte. 96A to Rte. 20/5West. Make left to on Rte. 20/5W 225
3 Rte. 20/5W to Ramada Inn on your left on the lake(Castle St. traffic light) 228
Getting There: - Wednesday
July 21, 1999 –LAKE PLACID:
Geneva to Lake Placid: Starting from Geneva Ramada Inn:
(See Map # 5)
Segment Cumulative
Miles Miles
7 Rte. 14North to NYS Thruway East (IS 90) 7
94 NYS Thruway East to Exit 30 (Utica) and Rte. 12North 101
8 Rte. 12 N to Rte. 8 North/East. Make right on to Rte.8E/N 109
26 Rte. 30N is joined by Rte. 28. Make a left on to 30N/28 198
24 Rte. 12 North to Rte. 28East/North. Make right on to Rte. 28E/N 125
66 Rte. 28E/N to Rte. 30 North at Blue Mountain Lake and make a left on to Rte. 30N 191
At Blue Mountain Lake stop and visit the Adirondack Museum. This is a worthwhile stop and should take an hour or two. The Museum is on the left side just after the turn to Rte 30 North.
34 Rte. 30 North to Rte. 3 East. Make a right on to Rte. 3 E/ 30N. 243
6 Rte. 3E/30N to where they separate and stay on Rte. 3E 249
Hilton.
Getting There: Saturday
July 24, 1999 –HOME:
Leaving Lake Placid for Points South, East and West:
(See Map # 6)
There are a number of roads to that can be used to head back home. Depending on your schedule you have the choice of taking Interstate highways (fast track) or take your time along scenic, but slower side roads. Below we list the Interstate highways only. Please talk to us during the Tour and we can help you in mapping out various other routes.
2 Rte. 86 South to Rte. 73 East/South 2
105 IS 87S to New York Thruway 137
OPTIONS
At the NY Thruway decisions can be made to go in whatever direction
you need to go. We can help you with plans for your trip home. .
Finger Lakes: Roads to Ride and Things to See and Do
Route 414 – From Geneva South to Watkins Glen
Approximate Total Miles:
Road Conditions: Mostly good to excellent with some fair segments
Traffic: Mostly light with moderate through towns
Coordinate With: Rte. 89
Wagner’s Winery tour and lunch
Circling Seneca Lake
Toughannock Lake
Route 414 – Segment South From Watkins Glen to Corning
Road Conditions: Mostly good to excellent with some fair segments
Attributes: Easy riding road, nice vistas.
Norman Rockwell Museum
Remington Museum
National Soaring Museum
Miles: 60
Road Conditions: Mostly good to excellent with some fair segments
Attributes: Easy riding road, nice vistas, Park is worth seeing with its numerous water falls and overlook areas.
There is also a Museum that, while small, is interesting and provides a sampling of the area’s early history and Indian heritage.
Coordinate With: This is a group ride and includes a BBQ/lunch at the Park that is expected to be an all day event. There are a number of things to see on the way back, depending on the time, including
S Mansion and Gardens in Canandaiqua
Watkins Glen State Park:
Miles:
Road Conditions: Mostly good to excellent
Attributes: Easy riding to get there. Park is really a walking tour with the main entrance in downtown Watkins Glen. Take the shuttle bus up to the top and walk down. This Park also is the site of "TIMESPAN" a nightly laser/audio show which is recommended. This not the wow the handouts advertise, but its fun..
Lake Seneca circle
Hector’s Falls
Miles:
Road Conditions: Mostly good to excellent
Attributes: Good riding to get there. A number of ways to get there are good vistas of lakes and small old towns. Depending on the rainfall the falls can range from a trickle to a roar. Once there it’s a half mile walk to the falls.
Lake Seneca
Lake Cayuga (largest of the Finger Lakes
Tour Town of Ithaca (Cornell University)
Corning:
Various wineries
Lake Keuka
Curtiss Aviation Museum
Town of Lake Placid:
Miles:
Road Conditions:
Attributes: Olympic Village
Sky Jump
Plane ride over the Park's highest Mountains
White Face Mountain:
Miles:
Road Conditions:
Attributes:
Ausbuy Chasms:
Miles:
Road Conditions:
Attributes:
Lake Champlain:
Miles:
Road Conditions:
Attributes:
Fort Ticonderroga:
Miles:
Road Conditions:
Attributes:
Thousand Islands:
Miles:
Road Conditions:
Attributes:
Vermont:
Miles:
Road Conditions:
Attributes: