Off The Beaten Path

By Victoria Zandonella BRIDGEWATER, CT – There’s a disturbing phenomenon that has become increasingly common on social media – a disappointingly negative and antagonistic undercurrent between fellow motorcyclists.   This trend is concerning because these days it’s important to encourage new riders and to bring new people into the sport. …

The ranks of female riders are steadily growing, and it’s high time that this demographic is recognized by the increasingly profit-challenged motorcycle industry. Later this year, ladies will come out in force for the Women Riders World Relay (WRWR). What better way to unite women on two wheels and gain …

BRIDGEWATER, CT – Are you interested in exploring new and interesting routes and places within the areas you like to ride?  If so, a moto-tag game may be for you. For those not yet familiar with the concept, moto-tag is a game played by riders to find and photograph objects/locations …

NEW YORK – Despite the ever-shrinking size of the Progressive International Motorcycle Show, there were still some great exhibits to enjoy this past weekend. The adventure riding segment was highlighted by gathering all ADV-related vendors in the newly-formed Adventure Out! area. It was where a number of presenters shared stories of …

BRIDGEWATER, CT – Cultural immersion is one of the greatest benefits of riding outside of the United States, but there’s also the gorgeous scenery and gastronomic delights to enjoy. Doing an out-of-country tour with a local guide only enhances the experience, as I recently discovered by riding through the Tuscany and …

BRIDGEWATER, CT – A few weeks ago when perusing ADV Rider, I happened upon a thread in the Northeast Forum: “Ladies-only event: Over And Out, June 22-24 2018, Hancock.” After over 40+ years as a female off-road rider, I had never witnessed an actual women’s off-road event here in the northeast. …

BRIDGEWATER, CT – Exciting news on the adventure riding front here in the eastern United States. Backcountry Discovery Routes, in partnership with Butler Maps, has just released the MABDR, which stands for Mid-Atlantic Backcountry Discovery Route. It’s BDR’s first east coast route and covers 1,080 predominantly dirt miles stretching through four …

GORHAM, NH – There are a few things adventure-minded riders should experience at least once in their lifetime. Riding up the Mt. Washington Auto Road before dawn to watch the sun rise from the top of New England certainly qualifies among them. The sunrise run is offered to the public three …

LAKE GEORGE, NY – Most everyone in the motorcycle world knows that the first full week of June is reserved for one of the best known motorcycle rallies in the country – Americade. But what most don’t know is that last year Americade hatched a side show – the DirtDaze …

BRIDGEWATER, CT – So, you’ve got several years and miles under your belt on tar and are feeling pretty confident in your on-road skills. And then spring arrives and you stop at your favorite two-wheeled Sunday meetup spot and hear some buddies talking about their awesome off-road adventure. They appear so …

BRIDGEWATER, CT- A special something showed up in the mail to usher in the New Year – my Iron Butt Association Saddle Sore 1000 certification! From here forward, I shall be known as

Every now and again the planets align to bring special people together to share an amazing autumn day in New England out riding. A couple weekends ago, I had the pleasure of joining Minna Case from West Dover, VT and Leslie Sofarelli from Bloomfield, CT for just such an experience …

A few months ago I noticed a new Facebook group with quite a large following talking about expanding Off-Highway Vehicle use within Connecticut. This naturally piqued my interest being an off-road rider myself. I wanted to learn more so I reached out to the administrator of the site, Matt House …

As I have recently learned, proper preparation and training for a distance endurance motorcycle ride is essential. It’s quite comparable to a runner’s routines in advance of a full 26.2 mile marathon. While the Iron Butt Saddle Sore 1000 is the “introductory” ride of the Iron Butt Association’s array of …

TOLLAND, MA – Most every year on the third weekend of May, dual-sport and adventure riders in the region kick-start their riding season with two days of dirty fun at the Berkshire Big Adventure (BBA). Hosted by Berkshire Trail Riders (BTR), this event is open to small to large displacement, …