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.
​
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!