Does MABDR stand for Mid-Atlantic Backroad Discovery Route or MAGICAL ADVENTURE Backroad Discovery Route?  For us, it now means the later.

Yes, I do.  Yes, we do.
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And just like that, we wrote our own fairytale.  At a scenic overlook on section 7 of the Mid-Atlantic BDR, Clay asked me to be his wife.  Unfortunately, it was the ONE overlook I did NOT have the 360-camera rolling, the one scenic stop he didn’t turn on his helmet camera, and the one stop that was in the sweltering 90-degree sun.  But in full ADV gear, helmet and all, Clay reached into his pocket, pulled out the most adorable wooden box, and got down on his knee and through our Cardos, asked me to marry him.  I shook my head yes (because I was speechless), we took off our helmets, and I said “of course” from a tear-filled face. Or perhaps it was sweat?  Either way, it was the most amazing moment of my life.  We subsequently turned on the cameras, propped up the iPhone and attempted to capture some footage from the perfect “us” moment.  I couldn’t have imagined a more suitable engagement – Clay and I doing what we love, in a place that felt like we were the only people in the world.  And in the warmest sunshine, which I love!  

​Perhaps choosing a section of the North East BDR for our first BDR experience was an ambitious decision (afterall, the BDR website ranks it as second most-difficult).  Clay and I have both been riding 25+ years, and we have taken our ADV bikes off-road here on Long Island on trails with deep sand.  I also did extensive research to know if I, being the more-timid rider, would be comfortable with the route.  I read blogs, watched the YouTube videos, followed posts on the Facebook groups, as well as made my own posts asking about challenges, etc.  In section 3, I read about the “work-arounds” for the more difficult parts and was sure to incorporate them into my navigation app (nav apps could be a whole blog by themselves).  Clay had our bikes tuned perfectly (his Honda Africa Twin and my Tiger 800XCA) and we had just enough gear for a three-day camping trip.  I felt ready and prepared….until October Mountain – which, although the BDR’s website describes it as “menacing”, I could find a few other choice words for it.  What an ordeal!

Finally, we had nice enough weather to spend some time learning on our ADV bikes after a long, cold winter.  Because we both acquired our bikes during the off-season, this weekend was our first real opportunity to take these beauties into unexplored territory and get them dirty!
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First, we scouted out some trails via foot (and paws) to be sure we could access the trails and they weren’t complete sand dunes, which is typical living on an island.  Then Saturday, since it was a balmy 70 degrees, we geared up in all our Revit goodies, and hit the trails.  Almost instantly, there was more sand than I was comfortable with – but I was cautious, steady, and using a few tips from Bret Tkacs, I was able to get through it.  Click below for more details AND a VIDEO.

I didn't think it was possible, for someone as sensitive to the cold as myself, to enjoy riding in cooler temperatures.  Yes, it was really just my own mind limiting me, but I didn't believe any gear could really keep me warm.

Until I did my research, and decided it was time to try some new gear.  See ya checking account!

And REV'IT! did more than just deliver on promises of amazing gear...

My much awaited first trip to New Orleans was incredible!  Finally, after COVID restrictions, job and financial restrictions, and all other possible road blocks were eliminated, we were able to make a Valentine’s Day trip to NOLA.
 
Since Clay had been there before, and had idea of what he wanted to show me, we made very little plans other than a few tours I knew we couldn’t miss.  Day one we stayed in a romantic AirBNB just outside the Quarter on Frenchmen Street.  This is a great area if you want the charm of the Quarter, without the chaos. “The Red Room” featured beautiful Victorian furniture, local artwork highlighting the music scene, and even a few spooky elements. Our host was also very accommodating and, instantly we were relaxed.

Sometimes no plans are the best plans.  Sunday we all made a last minute decision to meet-up out east.  We took our friends (and some new riders, or season riders on new bikes) on some of our favorite South Fork twistys.  And everyone rode so well!  Riding twistys on new bikes, with new riders, in a big group, is no easy task - but everyone did an incredible job!  We all celebrated with a pit stop at the Canal Cafe located RIGHT on the Shinnecock Canal (hello, Hamptons).  Some of us were fortunate enough to have the time to ride further east, exploring Sag Harbor and Shelter Island.  Just as the clouds rolled in, we rolled into Greenport.  Ending our night with pizza and mezcal was the perfect ending to the most beautiful day.  Be sure to ask Danielle about the Short Sword - yeah, so proud to have another mezcal lover in our crew!  Check out the video below for all the highlights!

Another awesome South Fork ride with the pack.  This time we brought all the cameras (GoPro and Drone) but unfortunately, the GoPro wasn't mounted correctly on my helmet and what would have been amazing footage, was mostly pointed to the sky - DANG IT!  I was able to salvage some of it, and our drone pilot, Clay, captured picturesque drone footage on Dune Road.  So check out the video below for some beautiful clips, and fun pictures!

Such a beautiful weekend in every way:  Not only was the weather perfect for riding both Saturday and Sunday, but we were truly able to enjoy it to the fullest surrounded by amazing people.
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Another successful camping trip this summer!  We took the Port Jeff ferry across The Sound and rode some of our favorite scenic roads and stopped at some of our favorite pit stops - Hayfields Market and Hardscrabble Farmstand.  Then we took some new twistys and made our way to Robibero's Family Vineyard - a place I had been years ago, and remembered having a wonderful experience.  And this time it didn't disappoint.

Another successful motocamping trip in the books!  This time, we had to outrun Hurricane Henri so our trip was cut short by a day.  But judging by the video below, it didn't hinder our endless excitement and adventure.  We were able to hit all the awesome places - Hayfields Cafe, Hardscrabble Farmstand, Angry Orchard Cider House, Tusten Cup, Hawks Nest, and the Irish Whisper Public House.  Safe bet that Danielle's first motocamping trip is the beginning of many more to come!  Now, watch the video...