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We’re not only South Carolina motorcycle accident attorneys, but we’re also avid riders—and the Northeast has some of the most beautiful motorcycle routes in the country. With its rolling hills, picturesque shoreline, and quaint towns, Connecticut is a perfect getaway for everyone, and it has some lovely scenic route and loop tours.
Lovely Litchfield Loop
This 50-mile scenic route begins in Litchfield, CT and moves west on US 202 through Bantam and New Preston, at which point you’ll turn north on East Shore Road (SR 45) and go toward Warren. When you reach Warren, you’ll take 341 and go west to the town of Kent. Go north on US 7 along the Housatonic River up to Canaan, and then go east on US 44 to Norfolk.
Litchfield was the home of author Harriet Beecher Stowe and America’s first law school, the Tapping Reeve House and Law School. If you enjoy watching wildlife and scenery, the White Memorial Foundation wetlands sanctuary has hiking and bird observatories, and Mount Tom State Park has a lookout tower. The village of Kent has plenty of shopping and museums and is a perfect place to spend the night if you choose.
You’ll find woodlands, lakes and streams, and waterfalls along the route, and if you’re a history buff, you’ll love the historical towns with their stately colonial mansions. This is New England at its finest, and you’ll never want to leave.
The Western Rhode Island and Eastern Connecticut Loop
Beginning in Newport, RI, this winding loop takes you on many different backcountry roads during its 64 miles. It begins on Route 138 West and goes to Route 1 North to Route 102 North. You’ll enter CT on Route 165, turn right on Route 49, and again turn right on Route 14A to head to Sterling and Oneco. To return to RI, take Route 117 to Route 102 South to Route 1A through Wickford.
This route takes you through the largest state forest in Connecticut, the beautiful 24,000-acre Pachaug State Forest near Voluntown. Visitors to this state forest are fascinated by the miles of stone fence winding through the forest, and most of the streams still show evidence of mills and dams from days gone by. On this route, you’ll also pass through Beach Pond State Park and Arcadia State Park in RI.
Northern CT Appalachian Mountains Ride
This 102-mile route begins near Granby, CT, at the intersection of Routes 20 and 202. You’ll take Route 20 west into Winsted, then turn on Route 44 and continue west to Canaan and Lakeville. Turn on 41 South to Sharon, and then turn onto 4 South to Cornwall Bridge and through several towns with shopping, restaurants, and sights to see. Pick up Route 7 and ride south along the Appalachian Trail to New Milford, and then if you choose, turn onto 45 North and head back to Canaan.
This route is popular with tourists, so you may wish to explore this in the off-season. Throughout the ride, you’ll find plenty of state parks, museums, and quaint towns to explore, as well as many places to stay and shop, especially along Route 7. The Appalachian Trail has scenery like no other, and much of the ride is along designated scenic routes.
Which route would you prefer, or do you know of any wonderful motorcycle routes in CT?
Finding holiday gifts for bikers isn’t always easy if you don’t ride yourself. As South Carolina motorcycle accident attorneys who also ride, we have some great ideas for you from Motorcycle Superstore.
Helmets
This sleek, lightweight helmet comes in a variety of colors and has a button to move the chin bar, in addition to a sunshade and ventilation system. With a five-year warranty, an aerodynamic design, and an antifog and antiscratch shield, this helmet will quickly become a favorite.
Image above of the Bell Revolver Helmet, taken from Motorcycle-Superstore.com.
This helmet is a bit more rounded in design than the Bell helmet and has a large eye port for expanded visibility. It’s adjustable, and SilverCool™ technology allows heat and moisture to flow out of the helmet.
Protective Gear
Speed and Strength Hell ‘n Back Jacket
With a water-resistant frame and waterproof liner, this protective jacket is the one you want on misty days. Thermoplastic shoulder protectors and C.E. approved elbow protectors make this jacket a good choice for riding anywhere. Fully adjustable for every rider, the Hell ‘n Back jacket has controlled ventilation and hydration systems.
Image above of the Speed and Strength Hell ‘n Back Jacket, taken from Motorcycle-Superstore.com.
These lightweight pants have a Carbolex shell with polyester knee panels for the ultimate in comfort and strength. The exterior is waterproof yet breathable, and the seat reduces slipping while the accordion panels at the waist and knees increase flexibility. Reflective materials and piping increase visibility at night.
Miscellaneous gear and stocking stuffers
MotoCentric Mototrek Sport Saddlebags
These easy-to-mount saddlebags are roomy and functional and pair perfectly with other MotoCentric Mototrek bags. With quick-opening zippers, scratch resistant pads, rain covers, carrying handles, and a lifetime warranty, your biker will love these saddlebags.
River Road Taos Cold Weather Gloves
All leather, waterproof gloves protect the hands from rain, cold, wind, and abrasion. With Thinsulate™ insulation for warmth and a rubber shield wiper on the left glove, these are the perfect gift for any biker.
Image above of River Road Taos Cold Weather Gloves, taken from Motorcycle-Superstore.com.
With flat seams to prevent pressure lines, this balaclava gives a skintight fit while wicking moisture from the face, keeping the user warm and dry. It can be used alone or with any type of helmet.
What’s the best biker gift you’ve ever received?
Riding a motorcycle presents its own set of challenges and issues, and intersections can be particularly dangerous for bikers. Stay safe with the following tips.
Assume that no one can see you.
While driving defensively is always a good idea, when you’re on a motorcycle, it’s a must. With all the distractions that car drivers have, they often aren’t paying attention like they should—and if you’re on a bike, you’re likely to lose in an accident.
Make yourself visible: turn on your headlight, wear brightly colored clothing and gear, and use hand signals as well as your bike’s turn signal. As you approach the intersection, be sure to stay out of drivers’ blind spots. Changing your lane position once or twice increases your visibility to those around you. Even a slight variation in your position will get the attention of drivers.
Have an escape plan in mind.
If you anticipate possible trouble spots as you ride, and create an out for yourself, you’ll know exactly what to do in case you have a problem. For example, if you ride in the middle lane, you have an extra lane to move into if you need it. If you ride a specific route each day, you’ll learn the traffic patterns and trouble spots and know what to do to have a smoother and safer ride.
As you enter an intersection, slow down.
Drivers turning left in front of bikes cause a large percentage of accidents, and if you’re riding fast through an intersection, you have less time and space to slow down. Don’t assume that no turn signal means no turn; many drivers fail to use them. Slow down and look in all directions as you proceed through the intersection—and do not change lanes while you are in the intersection unless absolutely necessary.
If you are at the front of the line when the light turns green, look both ways before proceeding in case someone runs the red light.
Always allow more space than you need.
Never tailgate, and stay as far back from the car in front of you as possible. If a vehicle is tailgating you, pull over and let it pass. You do not need to prove a point to anyone, and road rage is something you want to avoid, especially while on a bike.
Reconsider lane splitting.
Not only is it illegal in many states, it’s dangerous. It might save you a few minutes, but you run the very real risk of someone pulling out in front of you or hitting you. It’s not worth it.
As South Carolina motorcycle accident attorneys who also ride, we know how challenging it can be to ride. Stay safe!
Visiting motorcycle museums is a fascinating walk through the timeline of motorcycle history, with an incredible array of bikes, memorabilia, and publications on display. Many motorcycle museums are directed by nonprofit foundations and hold special motorcycle raffles at least once a year. Following are four museums you don’t want to miss.
Image to the left taken from the Motorcycle Hall of Fame website.
Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum:
The Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum opened in 1990 in Westerville, Ohio. In 1999, it moved to Pickerington, Ohio, the home of the American Motorcycle Heritage Foundation. Not only does the AMHF run the museum, but it also preserves motorcycling’s history, participates in research, and creates educational programs.
The museum features exhibits on dirt racing, Ohio-made Hondas, and classic bikes. The Hall of Fame exhibit celebrates prominent figures in motorcycling, and the Founders Hall recognizes those who contributed to the museum. The museum is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week, and is closed New Year’s Day, Easter, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.
Founded in 1989, the National Motorcycle Museum is located in Anamosa, Iowa, and is open seven days a week. During the summer, its hours are Monday through Sunday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and during the winter, it is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The museum is operated by a nonprofit entity and has over 300 motorcycles on display. Exhibits include the lives of Arlen Ness and Evel Knievel, motorcycle movies such as “Easy Rider,” and antique motorcycles and other vehicles. A visit to the website’s tour page gives you just a glimpse of the incredible displays.
Image to the left taken from the Wheels Through Time Museum website.
Located in Maggie Valley, North Carolina, the Wheels Through Time museum displays over 300 American vintage motorcycles from manufacturers such as Harley-Davidson, Indian, Henderson, and Excelsior. Other exhibits include a chopper graveyard, board track racing, and police motorcycles. The museum houses tens of thousands of motorcycle photos, parts, artwork, and artifacts.
Founded in 1993, the museum is open Thursday through Monday from April through October, and its gift shop sells clothing, posters, DVDs, and other memorabilia. The website offers videos, virtual tours, and glimpses behind the scenes.
Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum:
In 1989, George Barber wanted to preserve global motorcycle history and began collecting motorcycles and other vintage vehicles from around the world. In 1995, his collection opened to the public in Birmingham, Alabama, and today the museum has over 1200 motorcycles as well as rare and unusual cars, including the largest collection of Lotus racecars in the world.
The Barber museum is open year-round, closed only on major U.S. holidays. It holds special events such as the Barber Vintage Festival, a celebration of all things motorcycle, including a parts swap meet and motorcycle auction. The Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham holds shows and events from spring through fall, and the Barber Vintage Museum Library holds over 6,000 books and motorcycle magazines.
Have you been to one of these museums, and what was your favorite exhibit or memorabilia? As South Carolina motorcycle accident attorneys, we always find the innovations in safety particularly fascinating.
