Eastern PA / NJ Oppos:(Repost for the weekend)

"Chuckles" (chucklesw37) 03/15/2019 at 15:50 • Filed to: None

3

51

There’s a road in there somewhere, right?

What are you doing on Saturday? BeaterZ and I are meeting up for wings at the Pic-A-Lilli Inn and then driving around the Pine Barrens in the afternoon. All are welcome.

http://www.picalilli.com

ttyymmnn > Chuckles 03/13/2019 at 12:05

1

That sounds like fun. Unfortunately, I’m in TX. :(

Honeybunchesofgoats > Chuckles 03/13/2019 at 12:10

1

I’ll be a downer and remind you to please observe any restrictions on off-roading if that’s what you’re doing. Illegal off-roading has caused millions of dollars in damage (and irreparable ecological harm) to Wharton State Forest.

BeaterGT > Honeybunchesofgoats 03/13/2019 at 12:14

3

Definitely no off-roading (especially in the C5 Z) . The route I picked out is all county highways surrounding Wharton . Plus, I’ve been involved in preservation of the area so it’s something I’m conscious of as well.

Chuckles > Honeybunchesofgoats 03/13/2019 at 12:17

1

I wasn't planning on off-roading anywhere, just driving on the roads around the Pine Barrens.

Honeybunchesofgoats > BeaterGT 03/13/2019 at 12:17

1

Ah, that’s great. I used to love going for long aimless drives in the area. 

Aremmes > Chuckles 03/13/2019 at 12:20

1

Some timing! I’ve got wrenching to do on the Miata. :-/ New shocks, springs, lower ball joints, and sway bar end links.

Chuckles > Aremmes 03/13/2019 at 12:28

0

It was pretty spur-of-the-moment. If there are other Oppos in the area I'm sure we could plan something more official in the future. I live in Allentown PA so I don't know what Oppos are where in NJ.

BeaterGT > Honeybunchesofgoats 03/13/2019 at 12:41

1

You're welcome to join! 

atfsgeoff > Chuckles 03/13/2019 at 13:14

1

Small world. I live on South 4th St, on the hill going south up past Emmaus Avenue.

Chuckles > atfsgeoff 03/13/2019 at 13:17

0

No kidding! I live in the neighborhood behind Salisbury high school.

Supreme Chancellor and Glorious Leader SaveTheIntegras > Chuckles 03/13/2019 at 13:18

1

Uhh what time? That’s a hike for me but I can see what can be done

Chuckles > Supreme Chancellor and Glorious Leader SaveTheIntegras 03/13/2019 at 13:19

0

Current plan is to meet for wings around 1pm, drive around after that.

atfsgeoff > Chuckles 03/13/2019 at 13:27

1

Damn, that’s like a mile away from me. We should ride bikes together sometime

As for Saturday: I work from 10am to 4pm in Flemington, sadly.

Chuckles > atfsgeoff 03/13/2019 at 13:31

0

If by bikes you mean bicycles, I should warn you that I’m pretty large and very out of shape. If by bikes you mean motorcycles, I’ve never been on  one but I like the idea of it.

My supervisor lives in Flemington and commutes to the LV 5 times a week. Do you just take 78?

atfsgeoff > Chuckles 03/13/2019 at 13:42

1

I do bicycles and motorbikes!

In this area, it can be very intimidating getting into human powered cycling, because of all the ridiculous hills. But there’s a nice flat trail that connects Allentown to Bethlehem and goes all the way to Easton via the canal towpath along the Lehigh River, if you ever wanted to give it a try. I used to be a pretty damn big guy myself (6'2", was up to about 275 at my heaviest), but I managed to drop down to 179 lbs a couple years ago. Currently I bounce between 200 and 210 . Regardless of your weight, a s long as you have a bike with low enough gears, you’ll be fine.

As for motorbikes, I remember you mentioned in a post a few months ago about having really short legs. There are lots of cruiser motorcycles with very low seat heights that just about anyone can flat-foot. Indian Scout/Scout 60 is one. I’d offer to teach you how to ride but both my motorbikes are relatively tall.

Going into work, I take 78 out to 31 in NJ and take that into Flemington. On my way back I usually take 12 to frenchtown, cross the bridge into PA, then take 32 up to 611, to Coffeetown road, connecting to Durham and Robsville Rd, into Hellertown, then 78 the rest of the way.

Chuckles > atfsgeoff 03/13/2019 at 13:56

0

I love 611 and 32. Last time I made it all the way to Washington Crossing before I realized that it was dark and I was far from home.

I need to get in slightly better shape before getting back on a bike. I’m 5'6" and north of 300 pounds right now. If I could even get to 250 I’d be thrilled. I’ve fractured my tailbone on a bicycle because those seats aren’t designed for me. But we’ll see where I’m at by the summer.

As for motorcycles, that's sort of something that would become problematic for my relationship. The girlfriend is not a fan. Her best friend's dad died in a motorcycle accident even though he was wearing all of the proper gear. Maybe someday though. My brother has a Kawasaki ZX-10r and it hurts just thinking about trying to sit on that bike.

Your boy, BJR > Chuckles 03/13/2019 at 14:11

1

I have work at 5 that day but I don’t see why I can’t make it to wings. My aunts had their wedding rehearsal dinner there and it ruled.

BeaterGT > Supreme Chancellor and Glorious Leader SaveTheIntegras 03/13/2019 at 14:15

0

If it helps , I believe the d riving route is around an hour and the end will put you close to 206/Turnpike.

Chuckles > Your boy, BJR 03/13/2019 at 14:47

0

Nice. I’ve heard nothing but good things about that restaurant.

The current plan is for wings around 1 so hopefully that works for most people. The only Oppos that I've met in person are the ones who have done the Oppo Rally, so it'll be nice to meet a few people that don't live quite that far away.

atfsgeoff > Chuckles 03/13/2019 at 15:04

1

The girlfriend is not a fan. Her best friend’s dad died in a motorcycle accident even though he was wearing all of the proper gear.

It’s your life, not hers. When I first started dating my gf, I asked her not to make me choose between her and my motorcycles, because she will lose. It’s not about the motorcycles; it’s about who’s in control of my life.

If getting into riding is something you really want to do, you shouldn’t let her stop you. Take steps to mitigate the inherent risk, and explain them to her. Wear gear, don’t drink and ride, don’t speed excessively, and always assume nobody sees you and will turn/merge right into your space as if you weren’t there.

On the other hand, riding is inherently more dangerous than a car, so if it’s not something you’re very interested in, letting sleeping dogs lie is a valid option.

Chuckles > atfsgeoff 03/13/2019 at 15:14

0

It would be very different if I already rode motorcycles before we met. But I’ve never ridden one, so it’s not like she was making me get rid of anything.

When we started dating, it had only been maybe a year since the accident, plus I was broke and couldn’t afford a bike anyway. So we agreed to sort of table the issue. I’m still trying to save up for a house, so it’s not like I’m in a good position to buy one now. If I really wanted to ride, we’d have that conversation. But I don’t feel that strongly about it, and we’ve been together almost 9 years so I’m in it for the long haul. We’ll cross that bridge when we get to it, but I don’t really feel like she’s controlling my life. If she was cool with bikes I still couldn’t afford one right now.

Your boy, BJR > Chuckles 03/13/2019 at 16:23

1

Yeah I’m gonna def try to make it. I live more towards Asbury Park but I don’t mind the drive out to Shamong

Chuckles > Your boy, BJR 03/13/2019 at 16:25

0

I have been meaning to get back to Asbury Park to check out the Silverball museum (I started playing pinball maybe a year ago). My sister used to live in Bradley Beach so I'm more familiar with that area than I am with the area down towards the Pine Barrens.

Your boy, BJR > Chuckles 03/13/2019 at 16:36

2

Well if you ever wanna go I have a standing offer for out of towner oppos for a free lunch at a local restaurant of my choice.

Chuckles > Your boy, BJR 03/13/2019 at 16:42

0

That's very generous of you. The only food I really miss from down there is Fins in Belmar, but I'm sure that you also have plenty of great diners to choose from.

Your boy, BJR > Chuckles 03/13/2019 at 16:55

2

Well, if you ever want to check out the pinball museum let me know, I grew up in and around Asbury and love getting every chance I can to gush about it and show it off.

Chuckles > Your boy, BJR 03/13/2019 at 17:05

0

Oh I definitely want to go there. I bought some passes when they were 2 for 1. I started playing in tournaments last year and got hooked. Most weekends I end up playing somewhere. And I definitely wouldn't mind checking out more of Asbury.

BeaterGT > Your boy, BJR 03/13/2019 at 18:32

0

Might have to take you up on this!

If you do end up joining on Saturday, shoot me an email at beaterzoppo@gmail.com and I’ll add you to the chain so we all know what’s going on . 

Stapleface-Now Hyphenated! > Chuckles 03/13/2019 at 19:27

1

I’ve never meant anyone from Oppo before, but this is something I’d definitely be interested in.  I haven’t been to Pic’s in YEARS.  They make some great wings. 

Chuckles > Stapleface-Now Hyphenated! 03/13/2019 at 19:31

0

I've met some Oppos at the Oppo Rally but that's it. This came about because a year ago, BeaterZ recommended that I check out this wing place. This week, I mentioned to him that I was going there on Saturday and now it's apparently turning into an impromptu Oppo meetup. Come on out for wings and a cruise around the Barrens. I'll have my Fiat, and I think BeaterZ will bring the Z06. 

Stapleface-Now Hyphenated! > Chuckles 03/13/2019 at 19:52

2

Cool.  Count me in.  I’ll be there.  I have a Civic

Chuckles > Stapleface-Now Hyphenated! 03/13/2019 at 20:17

0

Nice, what kind of Civic? I most recently had a 2003 EX sedan but my girlfriend has a 2006 EX coupe.

Stapleface-Now Hyphenated! > Chuckles 03/13/2019 at 20:25

1

I have a 2015 SE.  Basically an LX with the upgraded radio and lanewatch.  It’s a car, really nothing more.  I’m hopelessly bored with it, but it’s a Honda so it’ll last forever.  I commute roughly 75 miles a day, so it’s a good car to eat up miles.  

Chuckles > Stapleface-Now Hyphenated! 03/13/2019 at 20:31

0

They are great cars for commuting. I f you’re bored with it maybe you can sell it for something else? Or pick up a second car for fun?

Stapleface-Now Hyphenated! > Chuckles 03/13/2019 at 21:14

2

Well, that’s my ideal scenario. I currently have two jobs to pay off my student loans. My wife knows I hate my car, but I made a deal with her I wouldn’t buy another one until my loans are paid off. 6 years from now. There are far worse cars to be saddled with, though, so I really can’t comp lain. It’s a fine car, just kind of boring.  

Chuckles > Stapleface-Now Hyphenated! 03/13/2019 at 22:35

2

Maybe you can find room in the budget for a cheap Miata. That's what I did. Financially it wasn't the smartest move but I absolutely do not regret it.

BeaterGT > Stapleface-Now Hyphenated! 03/14/2019 at 11:52

0

If you want, you can email me beaterzoppo@gmail.com or we can just all meet at the Pic around 1pm .

66P1800inpieces > Stapleface-Now Hyphenated! 03/15/2019 at 16:20

0

Wife and I did similar manuvering to pay mine off. Painful at first but as you make more funds it gets easier, and now that I look back I am so happy I got rid of them earlier. Car wise, I had to buy a car for work (2008 TSX) , but they paid 55 cents per mile at the time and I made sure to volunteer for the farthest stops a couple times a month. One place was 240 miles away so ~ $120 to the car. Still my daily, but I try to work a couple days remote which keeps the miles down.

66P1800inpieces > Your boy, BJR 03/15/2019 at 16:21

0

AP area would be great for the next East Coast Oppo meet.  You know, after this one,  and once I get my Volvo moving. 

Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom > Chuckles 03/15/2019 at 17:16

0

Google maps sez 3 hours 16 min for me from southern CT. Oooof. Would def be up to hang with fellow gearheads but that’s a hefty r/t.

Your boy, BJR > 66P1800inpieces 03/15/2019 at 17:19

1

I’ve been wanting to do that for years now. Oppo cruises the shore

ranwhenparked > Chuckles 03/15/2019 at 20:34

1

Welp, I’m supposed to be helping to plant grass on the dunes at Delaware Seashore State Park all morning, otherwise I’d be up for something. 

Chuckles > ranwhenparked 03/15/2019 at 20:50

0

That’s a g ood way to spend the day. I go down to Delaware most summers at some point. My parents spend the summer just inland of Rehoboth.

ranwhenparked > Chuckles 03/15/2019 at 20:58

1

Well, t hey do have a legitimate erosion concern, and I do like to take a break from being a total asshole every now and then and do something productive  for a few hours.

Chuckles > Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom 03/16/2019 at 01:40

0

Maps tells me about 2 hours and 15 minutes for me, but that’s taking the scenic route. I’m only about 90 miles.

I don't blame you for not driving down. I made the drive up to CT for the Oppo Rally and it was not short.

Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom > Chuckles 03/16/2019 at 11:09

0

156 miles for me, mostly highway. Northern NJ might work for a meetup sometime. 

Chuckles > atfsgeoff 07/17/2019 at 20:00

0

I realize that I'm digging up an old post, but I figured I'd let you know that I got my M permit last weekend. I decided that with my short legs, I might be more comfortable on a scooter. But I'm looking into riding something with 2 wheels for a change.

atfsgeoff > Chuckles 07/17/2019 at 20:17

1

If you can find one, look at a new Honda Super Cub. Very low seat height and it’s almost step-through frame.

Or a Yamaha TW200, also very very low seat height. Most cruisers have low seat heights as well. Just go to Blackmans and sit on a few bikes. 

Chuckles > atfsgeoff 07/17/2019 at 20:31

0

Oh I like the Super Cub a lot, and I could definitely see myself getting one eventually, but my budget for my first bike is maybe 1500 so that I can also invest in some riding gear. If I like scooters/motorcycles, I'll be checking out that Honda for sure. Just not as my first bike. I've been looking at stuff like the Yamaha Zuma 125. They keep popping up in the 1500-2000 range.

atfsgeoff > Chuckles 07/18/2019 at 18:43

1

They’re blowing out a bunch of Rebel 250s for $600 each. If you can get over to Lancaster like, tomorrow, you might be able to snag one. Give em a call!

Chuckles > atfsgeoff 07/18/2019 at 21:29

0

Wow, that seems like a pretty good deal. We’re going to Philly tomorrow for a concert, and I’d have no way of getting one home anyway. But I appreciate you thinking of me.

Also, me getting a bike is a way for me to get motivated about losing some weight. I hit 335 on the scale and I told myself that I wanted to get below 300 before I buy something. I'm at 225 now, so I'll probably be looking to pick something up in the fall. But in the meantime I'm going to take the MSF course and try to ride a bit before I get my own.