Mt Washington State Park: Ride to the Sky 2012

On Thursday June 14, 2012, The Mt. Washington Auto Road sponsored their second motorcycle Ride to the Sky event of the week.

Ride to the Sky Event on June 14, 2012

Among the many motorcycle participants that attended one individual was appealing in his presence. Steve Pudlo, 56, from Norwich Conn., a motorcycle enthusiast since 1976, and member of the Masonic Motorcycle Club approached State Park Staff and asked if he could have his picture taken on the roof of the Sherman Adams building at the spot where the observatory’s web cam snaps a photo every 15 minutes.

Motorcycle enthusiast, Steve Pudlo

Upon a short interview, Steve told the staff about how his love for motorcycling led him to the mountain in 2002, and attempt to ride up the road only to turn around after the fear of height overtook his temptation.

In 2003, he made the attempt again, this time making it to the summit. Since then Steve has climbed the mountain every year, and wears the patch proudly. His love for the mountain also led him to be married on the summit during the Ride to the Sky event on June 14, 2007.

His wife recently passed away in 2010, and he now climbs the mountain every year in honor of her.

Steve remains an avid biker participating in many motorcycle events and plans to visit us next year and beyond.

On a final note for this week’s entry into the Mount Washington State Park Blog, we have had just about a week of very pleasant weather with views extending to 100 mile visibility at times with Mount Blue in the East near Farmington, Maine and Sebago Lake to the Southeast not too far from the coast. With this in mind and it is always important to remember how quickly the weather changes up here on the prominence that is the Big Rock of Mount Washington and how severe thunderstorms can rapidly arise. A week ago a real testament to the shear power of this electricity was demonstrated in the woods near my parent’s home.

Pine tree struck by lightning

This pine tree was approximately 2 feet in diameter and was exploded as if sticks of dynamite where planted within. The diagonal piece to the right is 6 feet out of the ground and is firmly in place.

Remember, keep your eyes on the weather and stop by our information desk if you are crossing our summit for a current weather report. Hike safe!

 

By: Guy Jubinville and Jim Cyrs, Mount Washington State Park Staff

 

 

 

 

 

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