Tom’s Ride to Aid Cancer Survivors

Chronicle of 2009 Tom’s Ride

I’d like to report that the 2009 Tom’s Ride to Aid Cancer Survivors (TRACS) went off without a hitch, but there was one little hitch. More on that a bit later.

As is the custom, we all met at the cemetery where Tom is buried. And by “we all” I mean those participating in The Ride, as well as various friends and family. And, as is another custom, we got off to a late start. I was in the lead on Tom's Suzuki Bandit, with my girlfriend Kim on the back acting as lookout. Following me, in no particular order, were Laurie on Tom’s 1980 Suzuki 750L; Dave (Laurie’s new husband) on his Harley; Tom’s daughter Mariah on her Honda 450 Nighthawk; Dave’s daughter Casey on her Suzuki 450; Tom & Laurie’s friend Dave and his daughter Danielle on his Can-Am Spyder (a very cool three-wheeler); Joe, a friend of Laurie’s Dave, on his Harley; and bringing up the rear in his Jeep was Keith, Mariah’s boyfriend. I’ve got to say, it sure was nice having a 4-wheeled vehicle to throw our extra gear into.

Once underway, the weather cooperated for most of the day. The sun kept us warm and our spirits high as we rumbled through the twisty back roads of Connecticut and into the Berkshires of Massachusetts. We stopped in Sandisfield at the New Boston Inn for a delicious and much-needed lunch. The Inn, located on Route 57, is a must-see destination for history buffs, ghost hunters or those in search of a good, hearty meal. And they welcome bikers!

After lunch, Joe, Dave and Danielle headed home while the rest of us continued west into darkening clouds. Turning north at Great Barrington, the clouds at times looked ominous and other times appeared harmless. However, as we neared our destination of Saratoga Springs, it became obvious that we wouldn’t make our destination in dry weather. We stopped at a car wash to change into rain gear and moved on.

Soon, the clouds let loose, though not with too much force at first. By the time we gassed up by Saratoga Lake, it was coming down harder and there were flashes of lightning. We stayed under cover at the gas station for about 10 minutes until the thunderstorm passed. All seemed to be going well until only three bikes made it to Dan and Sara’s house (Sara is my niece and Dan is her fiancé). Two bikes and a car were missing! Laurie’s bike had suddenly died just as we turned onto the main road that runs through Saratoga. With the reduced visibility brought on by the rainstorm, no one realized three vehicles were not with the group. After attempts by all of us to find the missing people (Laurie, Dave and Keith) by road and cell phone, the bike and the gang were rescued by Dan and Sara. Naturally, Laurie was not a happy camper, but after getting dry and some food into her, she was laughing about the experience.

Unfortunately, the bike wasn’t feeling so well. Sunday morning, attempts to revive it resulted in nothing more than blown fuses. Mariah decided to go home with Keith as they both had obligations on Monday. This freed up her Honda Nighthawk for Laurie to use. Also, our friends John and Jen met us at the house to join the group. John drove his Honda Interceptor while Jen followed on her Honda Hawk GT.

After a good breakfast at Mac’s Diner in Schuylerville, the group headed east into Vermont. Since we were passing so close to Dorset, VT, Casey asked if we could stop at the Farmer’s Market there so she could visit with her friend, Savannah. It was a pleasant stop and fun to see all the booths filled with food and crafts. And a pretty cool general store next door, too. Thanks for the great side trip, Casey!

Heading north, I somehow missed a right turn onto Route 140 (though I still maintain that it was never posted). By the time I realized where we were, it was too late to turn back, so I simply got the map out and navigated back to the planned route. That was not a welcome detour, but no harm done. Besides, the roads and weather were perfect, making it hard to call any turn “wrong.”

After a late lunch at an establishment of questionable value (in Ludlow, VT), we deviated slightly from my planned route as it was getting late and everyone was ready for some butt and back relief. Twenty minutes before 6:00 pm, we pulled into Jim and Kathi’s driveway in Cornish, New Hampshire.

Jim and Kathi are long-time friends of Tom and Laurie and gracious hosts. They always put up our group for the night, regardless of the number of people. And they supply everyone with delicious food and enough “spirits” to make our stay extra special. They are truly kind, decent folk, and we are all blessed to have them among our circle of friends.

Kim and I took a stroll down the road a stretch and met an interesting woman who was a politician, world-traveller, and caretaker for unwanted or neglected animals, among other titles. She had dogs, sheep, a pig, a mule and who knows what else! Very interesting person...such is the nature of folks we meet on the road.

After a delicious homemade breakfast (Thanks Casey—and whoever else helped!), we were on our way, heading south. John had left early in the morning as he had to be home sooner than the rest of us. As on the previous day, the roads and weather were breathtaking...well, aside from the occasional neglected back road.

Somewhere on on the seldom-travelled back roads in New Hampshire, I got to thinking that nothing “weird” had occurred relating to Tom. I figured maybe it was too much to hope for some sign from him on every ride. Less than 15 minutes later, however, a hawk (or other bird of prey) swooped down and flew with the group for 100 yards or so. It was rather low—certainly lower than the treetops. Leave it to Tom to come through for us. :-)

By 4:30 that afternoon, we were home, having travelled 529 miles in three days...with very sore butts and backs. Throughout this trip, it was so hard not to stop every mile and take a dozen pictures. I refrained, choosing not to make the group cranky. The few pictures included here do not do justice to the varied terrain, towns and tarmac we encountered.

I would like to thank all who helped out with Tom’s Ride, as well as those who participated. And a special thanks to all who donated to our cause. With everyone working together, Tom continues to have an impact on so many lives.

See more photos of our trip here.

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