An Afternoon Spent with Tom and Heather
We have two families – the families that we were born into and our Vulcan Riders and Owners Club (VROC) family. We have strong ties to both families. We spent yesterday afternoon with Tom and Heather, two members of our VROC family, whom we met briefly at the Wolfman’s Wandering Rally in June 2009.
Tom and Heather at Wolfman’s Wandering Rally 2009
Tom was looking at me, as I took this picture. Heather is sitting beside Tom, behind her mother. Although we had not seen either Heather or Tom since June 2009, we kept in touch via blogging and Facebook.On June 18 I received a Facebook message from Tom. He and Heather were planning a short camping trip to Evangola State Park, which is located along the shores of Lake Erie in New York between the cities of Dunkirk and Buffalo. Tom expressed an interest in riding through the Allegheny National Forest on Saturday and asked if I had any tips as to what is a must-see while around that area. I replied to Tom’s message the next day, providing him a list of places to see while in the Allegheny National Forest. I told Tom that Bob and I would be happy to ride with Heather and him, if they wanted to meet up with us. Tom replied to my message that same day. He and Heather would definitely like to meet up with us.Tom and Heather arrived at our house around 11:15 AM this past Saturday. Soon after their arrival we departed for downtown Warren. After Tom and Heather had topped off their fuel at Kwik Fill and took a few photographs of downtown Warren, we were on our way to the Allegheny National Forest.We followed the Allegheny River to Kinzua Dam.
Our first stop was at Kinzua Dam.
Our second stop was at Rimrock Overlook, which provides a lofty view of the Allegheny Reservoir.
Bob, Tom and Heather at Rimrock Overlook
Heather, Bob and Tom on stone stairway that leads to the base of Rimrock Overlook
Stone Stairway
Leaving Rimrock Overlook we backtracked a little ways to Jakes Rocks Overlook. Here we enjoyed one last look at Kinzua Dam.
Tom and Heather at Jakes Rocks Kinzua Dam Overlook
Leaving Jakes Rocks we took Longhouse Scenic Drive (FR262) to SR321, where we turned right towards Kane. Before reaching Kane we stopped for lunch at Bob’s Trading Post.
Tom and Heather at Kinzua Bridge State Park
In the background is what is left of Kinzua Bridge.
It has been 8 years since Kinzua Bridge was blown down by a tornado. Remnants of the bridge still lay on the forest floor. I wrote a blog post about the Kinzua Bridge in September 2009. If you are interested in reading that post about Kinzua Bridge and seeing a few more photographs, you may do so by clicking here.
From Kinzua Bridge State Park we made our way to Quaker Lake at Allegany State Park in New York, where we said our goodbyes. I’m so happy that Tom contacted me about his and Heather’s plan for riding through the Allegheny National Forest. Bob and I enjoyed Tom and Heather’s company and enjoyed riding with them. The chilly and wet weather couldn’t put a damper on the good times that we shared.
Tom uploaded a blog post about our ride through Allegheny National Forest as well. Please visit Tom and Heather’s blog, “Tales from the O.C.”, to read his description of the day’s ride as well as view additional pictures from the ride.
Click here for a map of Saturday’s ride.
The Beauty Around Us 
8 Responses to “An Afternoon Spent with Tom and Heather”
Some things just don't change: there I am in 2009 with my trusty Canon.
Linda, sounds like a great day riding and sightseeing. The photos are wonderful and I love the scenery.
At one time awhile ago, I had another Family, also. I was a member of the American Goldwing Association. There were many times that I spent with these people. Going on ice cream rides, supper rides, poker runs, and just general get together for a ride to anywhere. Sometimes, just a ride to Harrisburg for a cup of coffee.One of the rides we went on was up on RT 6 to the Kinzua Bridge. We didn't spend much time there. Kept moving down RT 6 to Potato City, then the Lumberjack Museum. It was a long day's ride for me.Even though you and Bob belong to a different group of riders, it's still all the same. It don't matter what you ride. All of us Tour Bikers are no different.You and Bob always ride safe and enjoy.Les
That looked like a fun ride and beautiful scenery!
Now that sounds like a lot of fun Linda. Great company and a great ride.
Looks like a really great time..
I bet that was a beautiful, beautiful ride!
What a beautiful place Linda! Hope you had a very good time there..Ram