What is it about boarding a ferry on your bike that makes you feel like you’re going somewhere even when that somewhere is less than a mile away?
On the eastern end of Long Island, to get from one fork to the other you can hop the ferry in either Greenport or Sag Harbor and use lovely Shelter Island as your cut through.
Of course while you’re there, it would be a shame to miss out on riding around the island’s quiet lanes.
I’ve heard it said that Shelter Island has a New England-y feel to it. It’s hard for me to tell because I have been there enough times for it to only feel like Shelter Island. I guess you’ll just have to go and decide for yourself.
Even though the ride on both boats is all of 5 minutes, you still get the sensation that you’re heading off on an adventure.
I don’t know if I am just a creature of habit, a 1 trick pony or what? But, there are a few landmarks here on Long Island that I cannot ride by without stopping to take a photo.
While out for a ride to enjoy the unseasonably warm December weather, I stopped in some of my favorite spots on my way east. Again.
Exhibit A: The big black bull in Manorville.
I don’t mean to stop and peer over the fence to look at the giant metal bull, it just happens. There are usually a couple furry-legged horses there in the corral that look at me like I’m an idiot when I do.
“Oh, brother. There’s the lady again. I wonder if she knows that Angus isn’t real?”
Exhibit B: The Big Duck of Flanders
The duck has some kind of magnetic field that pulls me right in. It very well could be a tractor beam emitted from its red eyes.
It never changes. It’s the same duck it’s been since the first time I saw it and yet… can’t pass it by.
The break from work leading up to Christmas and through New Years was a much needed rest. Our family spent time doing the things we love and well,… doing a whole lot of nothing. That was a nice change of pace.
During our staycation, we visited with friends and family, went to the beach a lot, and of course, rode our motorcycles. The weather was unseasonably warm on several days, including New Years Day so we tried to take full advantage of it.
Now that holiday-mode is sadly over, I hope to get back to posting more regularly. Hope to see you ’round.
Our Mission: Bring a little Christmas cheer to the people on the roads.
Mission Status: Success.
Last year, I hit the road dressed as a lone wolf Santa. But this year,… I’m pleased to say that I had a few friends who decided to join me in spreading good cheer.
Aside from two-wheeled Santas, our group was two elves strong. In fact, I had my own pillion elf. Chloe braved the cold to partake in the fun.
It is amazing that something as simple as dressing up in a costume and riding around on your motorcycle can bring so many people happiness. But, it does.
When is the last time you saw a pair of size 12 motorcycle boots like this? They alone are good for a laugh.
We decided to take what would normally be the most “un-fun” riding route in town – we headed to where all of the people were. Hell, we even cruised through a mall parking lot. Un-fun? Not this time!
The reactions that we got from onlookers were priceless. Honking, cheers, waves, people taking photos of us – there is no doubt about it, we brought a smile to many faces. I would go so far as to say that we made a few people’s day. I’m pretty proud of that. A simple act brought much happiness.
At the end of our ride we made our way into Port Jefferson for coffee. The group of us universally decided that it just might have been the most fun ride we’d had all year.
The joy, the happiness, the laughter – it was all so infectious. It really did my heart good.
I can’t wait to go again. I suspect our next ride will pick up a few more Santas along the way, too.
Hey, did you hear? The east coast experienced apocalyptic Armageddon this week. Earthquake, hurricane Irene, flood, pestilence – you know, typical mushroom-cloud layin’ MFer stuff.
As the winds and rain of the hurricane decided to mosey their way north off of Long Island to New England, we saw a quick return to normalcy. Mostly.
Chloe was busy doing stuff with her dad, so it seemed like the perfect opportunity to go take a look around and see what the state of our world was.
I first ventured around our immediate neighborhood on my bicycle. There was something eery about the silence. No planes, no cars, no birds – just the occasional rustling of the leaves overhead.
After my loop around the neighborhood, I figured things would be okay for me to head out on the DRZ. Incidentally, it will be my escape vehicle of choice in the event of a large scale zombie attack.
There were lots of branches down, not as many trees down as I expected (thank goodness) and some flooding along the low laying shore areas.
I made a new friend whom I decided to call Swanson. He (she?) was just hanging around in the middle of the road directing traffic. I stood next to him (and the No Standing sign) for a couple minutes. He just stayed there looking back at me like, “what up, girlfriend?” I feel like we had a moment. But it could just be that I was loopy from being in the house all day.
For you fashionistas who are going to call me out for wearing cheetah and plaid… whatevs. My other white jersey was in the laundry
There were some really fun puddles to play in:
We had a good time monkeying around on our bikes in the water like a bunch of school kids. Somewhere there is video of me sending a nice 8-foot spray in my wake cruising through there.
So, all in all – I’m thankful to say that we weathered the storm just fine.
Fuzzygalore.com 
