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...

Wrench and Ride V1.0 took place at the North Fork Moto Garage this past weekend.  All our favorite riding friends, old and new, came over to get their bikes tuned up by our fearless leader, Clayton Snyder.  Or did they come over for the North Fork Moto coffee, served with frittatas and mimosas?  Either way, Clay was able to set up the suspension on a Ducati Supersport, help Dr. Busa and Joe in electrical improvements on a Panigale, adjust the fender eliminator/ license plate set-up for another Panigale (should we just be called the Ducati garage?) review Sue’s CBR and it’s questionable maintenance history, and Megan, the expert moto-gear advisor helped assure Danielle’s gear set-up was solid for this weekend’s upcoming moto-camping trip. 

Although Clayton and I have made a few trips to CT to ride the past two seasons, this trip was extra special.  Roy and Danielle joined us for her first trip off the Island.  And judging by all the amazing things we saw, and beautiful roads we rode, it definitely didn’t disappoint.

We got an early start waiting on standby for the Cross Sound Ferry. That allowed us some time to grab breakfast overlooking the Sound, and the rest of the day all flowed perfectly.  We made it to the “swimming prohibited” swimming hole just in time to have it all to ourselves and we all enjoyed the beauty of the waterfall, and the cool, refreshing water.  Although I believe the boys enjoyed it a little more than us ladies (see video below). 

​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.  

It’s been MONTHS since we’ve blogged – not because we haven’t been super busy with all things moto, and coffee-related – but between us both working two jobs, and having THIS awesome hobby, we haven’t had a moment to sit down and write.  But we finally have something extra-ordinary to celebrate.

Our dear friend Lilly’s fiancé, Makenzie, is finally riding her own motorcycle!  Her journey began on the back of Lilly’s bike but through much encouragement, she decided to try riding a motorcycle on her own.  We offered her my own little Sportster which she took around our cul-de-sac back in the fall of last year just to get the feel of everything.  Having her own Jeep with a manual transmission, she was a quick learner regarding the concept of the clutch, gears, etc.

So, since we’ve gotten so many questions about “why whole beans only” and “well what grinder do you recommend” we figured we’d write a blog…so here it goes, all the reasons for grinding your own beans and the tools to do it...by Clay Snyder.

Grinding your coffee as close to the time when you brew it is a simple way to improve any cup of coffee.  The main reason for doing this is to preserve the many flavorful oils and other compounds that are released when grinding.  These are not preserved with pre-ground coffee that has been sitting on a shelf for even a short amount of time.  Another important reason is for consistency.  A more consistent grind allows for better quality.