4th of July in CT

​So, our first moto-camping trip of the season was a huge success!  We took a quick trip across the Long Island Sound for the 4th of July weekend to escape the Hamptons tourists here on the East End.  We rode a few of the gorgeous roads we discovered last year, as well as some new gems.  All were so beautiful; it was almost impossible to trim our video montage any shorter.  

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We journeyed north to our first stop at our favorite quaint town of Kent, CT.  After a quick bite to eat, we continued further north to Salisbury CT where our campsite for the night was located.  The Hipcamp app once again helped us find an amazing place with a gracious host.  Wow, did we find a diamond-in-the-rough!  After nearly a mile up a rough gravel driveway, we arrived at a humble home.  We were greeted by the host, his kids and friendly dogs.  They gave us a tour of the expansive property and gave us permission to explore the rest at our leisure.  He had two cabins which were vacant for the evening, as well as our platform that was tucked away in a very private corner of the property yet not far from the bikes.  Therefore, getting our gear from the bikes to the site wasn’t an issue.  We set up our site in minutes on the platform, and enjoyed a peaceful siesta in the hammock, then chilled in some Adirondack chairs that over looked the beautiful valley.  To say we were relaxed, is an understatement.  After working multiple jobs for months on end, nothing felt more deserved.

Once the sun got to be too much for my fair-skinned lover, he convinced me to get back on the bikes.  We headed toward our next destination - the most adorable Drive-In I’ve ever seen.  We arrived early to take advantage of the tasty restaurant and get the best “seats” for the show.  With no car to “drive in”, the facility actually offered us seats nestled between some vintage car parts – all so suiting for the hip environment.  It was so inviting, in fact, that mid-way through the show, a young kid who was lingering close-by asked to sit with us!  After sharing some laughs with our guest, the movie took a brief intermission, and the town began a firework show which we could see perfectly from where we sat.  Following that show, the Drive-In put on their own small fireworks display, quite literally right above our heads.  It was the perfect way to celebrate the holiday!

Luckily, our ride back to the campsite was short since it was getting cool.  After a brisk, quick-paced ride we enjoyed a very cozy, quiet night under the stars.  Oh, and how could we forget to mention the bears – yes, on our way to the Drive-In we stumbled across two bears fighting on the road right ahead of us.  (see footage in our video below).  Needless to say, we turned around and detoured, not wanting any part of they were up to. 

Our morning started the typical North Fork Moto way – with some pour-over coffee and tea – thanks to some rad gear from Sea-to Summit – the kettle, coffee filter and two mugs compact to nearly the size of a CD – remember those things?  And of course Clay had some fresh NOFOMOTO Greenport coffee grinds in his pocket – always prepared to make the freshest cup of coffee.
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After a slow morning, and some fretting about the Ducati’s clutch situation, we were off on another epically beautiful ride.  We followed the Housatonic River for most of the ride which brought us over a few bridges, including a covered bridge.  Lots of bikes out and about this day, including two of the slowest riders we’ve seen.  Over-sized-rear-tire guy was slowing WAY down for all the corners. But It was another beautiful Connecticut ride! The clutch that was losing pressure made it back home without issue in time for a soak in the hot tub and some tasty ice cream to celebrate!  This was the perfect moto-camping date weekend we both needed – but I am also looking so forward to riding these routes with our moto-friends sometime soon!