When most years come to a close and I take stock of my time riding I always arrive at the same sentiment. I didn’t ride as much as I wanted to. Well, as I sit here on the last day of 2009 it is no different. I didn’t ride as much as I’d have liked to. But, the riding that I did do was pretty great.

6 of My Favorite Motorcycle Rides from 2009

• The first ride after a long mental hiatus was probably the most important ride that I took this year.
• Riding through the Daniel Boone National Forest in May. Our friend Pimmie was here from The Netherlands to enjoy it with us. That made it extra special.
• Early spring ride out to Montauk. I was just getting my sea legs back and it felt good to just be out in the world. I can still remember what it felt like to eat my lunch in the sunshine.
• Finally getting to meet Soth and the guys from SuspectsUnlimited for a dayride. The stopping is just as much fun as the going. Building a friendship with a man who shares a passion for life and riding was an important moment this year.
• Riding around Dutchess, Orange and Columbia counties looking for a Mail Pouch Tobacco barn with Kenny. Beautiful day, great riding with my honey. Another reminder of how lucky I am to have a partner to move through life with me.
• The Ramapo 500 Covered Bridge Tour. Great riding and sights through New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Looking forward to seeing what their ride for 2010 will be!

I can’t wait to see where the road takes us in 2010!

Pennsylvania Farm

Wishing you and yours a very, merry Christmas.

Best wishes for a healthy and happy 2010.

The Yaphank Garage Dressed for Christmas

I won’t divulge their name so as not to embarrass them, but Secret Motorcycle Santa was incredibly generous and kind to me this year. On Thursday night before dashing out to my office holiday party the UPS man met me at the door with a box. Inside were 2 thoughtful Christmas presents.

A Pair of Aerostich Triple Digit Rain Covers:
My battle with the rain is ongoing. I guess everyone in my little universe knows this. Now I can have dry hands, squeegee my visor and give a shout out to my man, Mr. Spock. That pretty much covers my “To-Do” list.

Aerostich Triple Digit Raincovers

When Wanderers Cease to Roam: A Traveler’s Journal of Staying Put by Vivian Swift

My mind has wanderlust. My heart and my chosen life keep me home. 80 pages in, I’ve already found some inspiration for learning to see the beauty of the simple things in your own backyard.

When Wanderers Cease to Roam - Vivian Swift

Thank You

I’m humbled. I guess what is really most touching is that people think of you, consider you and go out of their way to do something nice when they absolutely do not have to. Thank you, Secret Santa. I really appreciate it.

Back in July, Novos took the time to share his plans for a week long trip from Southern California to Montana on his Aprilia RSV. Now that the trip is in the books, he is sharing his ride as a series of posts as a guest blogger on my partner site Watermelon18.com. The photos are just awesome!

Day 1 is up and ready to roll:

• California to Montana on an Aprilia RSV – Day 1

Novos' RSV outside of Bodie, California

Read the Original Post:

• Heading off into the sunrise, Southern California to Montana on an Aprilia RSV

Sometimes you stumble across a blog and just connect with it. Maybe you like the writer’s sense of humor, admire their spirit or appreciate their writing voice. Maybe it’s something as simple as they post terrific pictures. I tend to like the motorcycle blogs that tell a personal story, be it big or small. The motorcycle community has been good to me. I always appreciate it when someone links to fuzzygalore.com, so I want to return the favor or maybe pay it forward.

Here are 3 motorcycle blogs I’d like to show a little link love:

• Citybikerblog
  An collection of posts covering a wide range of motorcycle topics. Everything from the technical- like suspension settings to lifestyle issues.
• DudeExMachina
  Good friend and frequent commenter on the ole Girlie Motorcycle Blog. He’s just getting his blog off the ground with a series on a recent trip around California. Be sure to stop in and say hello
• Orson’s Travel Blog
  A lust-worthy collection of trip reports and beautiful photos. Reading Orson’s blog will make you green with envy.