So what do we do on our first day off since October?  We ride, of course!  But start the day with a beautiful church service at North Shore Christian Church.

After a healthy dose of spirituality, we got on our bikes and hit some trails (in an undisclosed location for legal reasons).  We packed accordingly, and were able to do a quick photoshoot for our newest candle - OFF ROAD - a fragrance blend of pine, laurel, amber, and tree sap with a pop of tonic that's absolutely spring-in-a-candle and happened to be our best-seller this past weekend at our moto boutique.

Then we took the "twistiest" route to the South Shore Dive in Sayville.  Although we know it rocks for Tuesday night trivia, we couldn't wait to try their brunch and it did NOT disappoint.  We were greeted by one of our favorite bartenders, Peter, then enjoyed some mimosas.  But the highlight was truly their delicious and diverse menu.  The selection was creative and unique without being over-the-top.  Think: a fresh combination of comfort foods. 

Since our ADV explorations of the summer, North Fork Moto's world has drastically changed.  And it's kept us too busy to even write a blog.  But I suppose we don't have to write one to update you....

We'll let the talented Victoria Caruso from The North Forker tell you all about it in the article that was published today.  

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!

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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