New England News

An increase in Connecticut’s Passport to Parks fee in mid-2025 has unsurprisingly resulted in millions of dollars of increased revenue for the state – conceivably as much as $7 million or more in the past year. The fee is paid each time a person registers a non-commercial vehicle. The state …

WOODBURY, CT – The show’s title is a mouthful with the unabridged version being the Woodbury Lions Club Car, Truck and Bike Show. It’s held annually at Hollow Park. Some years, the turnout of motorcycles has been sparse but that wasn’t the case on Sunday. So, RIDE-CT snapped some photos …

(Editor’s note: As of Wednesday (4/29) morning, the pricing error has been corrected. Screenshot shows the correction.) FARMINGTON, CT – The lengthy hassle involving the launch of Connecticut Rider Education Program motorcycle training classes this spring isn’t over. It continues in the form of conflicting tuition fee information being published …

NEW LONDON, CT – Mike’s Famous Harley-Davidson in New London, CT is adding additional New Rider Course classes to its Riding Academy as a result of the continuing absence of Connecticut Rider Education Program (CONREP) offerings across the state. “We’re getting more calls. We’re trying to put more classes on. …

Will this be the week that enrollment finally opens for Connecticut Rider Education Program motorcycle training courses after weeks of delay, with some classes having already been canceled?  “Registration is currently closed” notices remained posted Sunday night on CT State Community College web pages where aspiring motorcycle riders are supposed …

It’s a frustrating situation for site administrators and instructors of Connecticut Rider Education Program motorcycle training courses, and distressing one for those wanting to take the classes, as a reported course pricing standoff between CT State Community College and CONREP apparently continues with nary a word on a possible solution. …

An apparent standoff between CT State Community College and the Connecticut Rider Education Program over pricing for motorcycle training courses in 2026 has stalled the start of enrollment for those classes at training locations across the state.  CONREP employees tell RIDE-CT that CT State is seeking a massive 46 percent …

EAST DURHAM, NY – It was an annual meet that catered to Matchless, AJS and other British motorcycle owners, but was open to dedicated members of the broader riding community. Sadly, after staging of the 48th Jampot Vintage Motorcycle Rallye at the Blackthorne Resort here n 2025, event head John …

He was known as “Zorro,” a nickname given Wayne Bidwell by his wife, a native of Colombia. “My middle name is Fox,” he explained a few years ago in a profile written on his two-wheeled adventures that was included in a cookbook produced by a cafe that he often visited. …

PLAINVILLE, CT – The showroom at used motorcycle dealer and repair shop Powerhouse Motorsports at 151 East Street in Plainville stands empty, except for a vintage Indian police trike, a few motorcycle jackets hanging on a rack and a table surrounded by chairs. A large paper sign hanging in the …

It has been a long slog with untold roadblocks for the revived BSA motorcycle brand to ramp up and eventually return to the United States, but RIDE-CT can now report that it has signed two dealers in the Northeast, although neither is in Connecticut. They are jointly-owned Royal Enfield of …

WATERBURY, CT – It’s a summer tradition at Doc’s Motorcycle Parts. The store’s offers thanks to its customers and stages a motorcycle show. Today’s 56th event attracted dozens of interesting models, both in Doc’s parking lot and across the street. What stood out this year was the vibrancy of many …

COLEBROOK, CT – In a decision announced this evening, Norbrook Farm Brewery has abruptly ended “structured cruise nights” on Thursdays that welcomed classic cars, trucks and motorcycles due to excessive noise by some of the owners who visited the quiet country setting. “It’s not worth upsetting neighbors who work hard, …

FAIRFIELD, CT – Connecticut has a new motorcycle and scooter dealership with the opening this month of Motoplex Fairfield. It’s selling Aprilia and Moto Guzzi motorcycles and Vespa and Piaggio-branded scooters, all made in Italy and owned by parent company Piaggio. The store’s arrival at 301 Commerce Drive came at …

THOMASTON, CT – Off-road motorcyclists will get two fewer days each week to ride the 13 miles of trails behind Thomaston Dam in 2025. A federal hiring freeze has resulted in a staff reduction at the popular recreation area which serves about 40,000 riders annually. The U.S. Army Corps of …