RIDING THROUGH THE HAZE
In the previous blog post I shared with you one of the two programs I presented at the 2023 MSTA (Motorcycle Sport Touring Association) National STAR Rally. In this post I’ll start telling the story of how I got there, because this truly turned out to be one of those really great motorcycle road trips.
Escape From New York
As always, I left my home in the darkness before dawn. Living 40 miles east of New York City mandates either “Getting out of Dodge” early or subjecting yourself to one of the worst commuter traffic congestion nightmares assembled anywhere on the face of Mother Earth.
180 miles from home I stopped in Hamburg, Pennsylvania…a town that has become the unofficial first fuel stop for my colleagues in the Long Island BMW Riders Club. You can do so much more than top off your tank in Hamburg. It is home to every imaginable coffee or fast food purveyor, some “better” restaurant choices, a Cabela’s sporting goods location and a Cigars International Superstore…always a priority stop when heading off for a week or so on the road with the boys.
I was joined in Hamburg by my good friend and club member Rob, who had also left Long Island early to avoid the NY Metro traffic horror story. Rob would be riding straight through to Doswell, Virginia for the BMW Motorcycle Owners of America (BMW MOA) National Rally. We would ride the next 100 miles together before I would break off for some backroads exploration…something I consider to be a prime component of all great motorcycle road trips. First stop: The historical Civil War town of Gettysburg, PA.
Engaging With The Past
Visiting historical Gettysburg is a captivating experience that immerses visitors in the rich legacy of one of the most significant battles in American history. The self-guided auto tour (Ummm…Motorcycle Tour) offers a unique and engaging way to explore the hallowed grounds where the Battle of Gettysburg took place in 1863.
The journey begins with a visit to the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitor Center, where visitors can delve into the background and context of the battle. Here, an array of exhibits, artifacts, and interactive displays provide a comprehensive overview of the battle, the war, and the individuals involved. The museum serves as an excellent starting point, setting the stage for the self-guided tour that lies ahead.
(Motorcycle) Boots On The Ground
The hallowed grounds themselves are awe-inspiring, evoking a sense of reverence and solemnity. Visitors can stand where President Abraham Lincoln delivered his famous Gettysburg Address, reflecting on the profound impact of the battle on the nation’s history. The open fields, stone walls, and artillery placements offer glimpses into the challenges faced by soldiers on both sides, enabling visitors to envision the intensity and scale of the conflict.
While standing on the edge of one of those battlefields I couldn’t help but notice that the sky was getting incredibly hazy, despite being a day with beautiful temperatures and low humidity. The condition would worsen over the next few hours and my eyes would start burning and itching. I would find out later that evening that I was experiencing the smoke from the Canadian wildfires that were burning some 600+ miles away. My apologies for the lifeless grey images. The worst was yet to come, as you’ll see in the next post.
Crossing The Mason-Dixon Line
The Mason-Dixon Line is a demarcation line that historically separated the northern and southern regions of the United States. Named after the British surveyors Charles Mason and Jeremiah Dixon, it was established in the 1760s as a boundary between the colonies of Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Delaware.
The line became significant during the 19th century as a symbolic division between the free states and the slave states. It marked the legal and cultural divide between the North, where slavery was largely abolished, and the South, where it was a prevalent institution.
The Mason-Dixon Line gained further significance during the American Civil War (1861-1865) as a dividing line between the Union states (Northern states) and the Confederate states (Southern states). It represented the broader divide between the ideologies of the North and the South, including issues related to slavery, states’ rights, and political differences.
Next Stop: Emmitsburg, Maryland
Emmitsburg is a charming town with a rich history and several points of interest that attract visitors. My first stop was at the historical Vigilant Hose Company No. 6 which has an interesting display of memorabilia surrounding the legendary fire company’s history.
Also in Emmitsburg is The National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Park, a national tribute to firefighters who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. The park hosts an annual memorial service and features a memorial wall, sculptures, and a reflecting pool.
It is worth noting that Maryland, like many other states, has several memorials, museums, and historical sites that pay homage to the brave men and women who serve as firefighters and first responders. There is even a special 9-11 Memorial on site that honors those that gave all on September 11, 2001.
Memories of Catoctin Mountain
On my first visit to this region some 25 years ago (a journey I still consider to be one of my great motorcycle road trips) I rode my Electra Glide into Catoctin Mountain Park, which is maintained by the National Park Service. It is a beautiful venue with wonderful scenic overlooks to take in the views of this rural section of western Maryland.
A scenic overlook in Catoctin Mountain Park
As I wandered around the park I came across an unmarked road that was exceptionally well-maintained with a fresh, black, asphalt surface. Always the “explorer” I said “Why not?” And turned onto the mystery road. Less than a half mile later I found myself face-to-face with three US soldiers in full armored combat gear brandishing M4 automatic rifles.
A few choice questions, and a routine check of my ID, led the soldiers to believe my (true) story of being a disoriented vacationer. Remember; this was long before the advent of GPS receivers and smartphone navigation apps. We’re talking the old days of paper maps and compasses. Even MapQuest directions (who remembers those?) were a luxury back then.
Not On The President’s Guest List
If you haven’t guessed by now, I had stumbled upon one of the access roads into Camp David. Camp David serves as a secluded retreat for the President of the United States. The secure and private nature of the facility allows for confidential meetings, diplomatic negotiations, and relaxation for the President and visiting dignitaries.
There are no signs specifically pointing to Camp David from public roads or highways. The location of Camp David is intentionally kept discreet and its access is highly restricted for security reasons. The roads leading to Camp David are not publicly marked to prevent unauthorized individuals from easily finding the facility. The exact directions and entry points to Camp David are classified information. At least they were before Google Maps and Google Earth arrived on the scene.
No Worries • Many Other Great Roads
You don’t have to show up unannounced at the President’s doorstep to find excitement along The Mason-Dixon Line. I have discussed the great motorcycle road trips I’ve taken through the area in a previous blog post…along with information about the trip-planning resource I use to find great motorcycle road trips byways in this day and age. Trust me…Google Maps or Waze will not lead you into the security checkpoints around Camp David.
A wonderful motorcycling road just below The Mason-Dixon Line in north central Maryland
Sadly many navigational resources will steer clear (pun intended) of roads such as the one pictured above. As somewhat of a technical rider I love landing on roads like these. They are just the kind of byways that make for great motorcycle road trips. In the posts to follow I’ll be discussing some of those routes as I made my way out to The Northern Neck of Virginia, back to Doswell, VA for the BMW MOA Rally, down nearly the entire length of The Blue Ridge Parkway, then over to Knoxville, Tennessee for the MSTA Rally. Stay tuned!
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In the article “ MASON, DIXON AND SOME UNEXPECTED SURPRISES” , who photographed the image with the cannon on the battlefield?
The image with the motorcycle was captured by the author. The feature image at the head of the post is a computer-generated image.