About
Hello
My given name is Rachael though at this point I think more people address me as “Fuzzy” than not. I’m just an average girl from New York who loves riding motorcycles.
For more than two decades, motorcycles have been so much a part of my life that they are a big part of what makes me, me. They have taken me on adventures and introduced me to people whom I probably wouldn’t have met otherwise.
And when I’m not riding my motorcycle, I do still hit the road to explore the curiosities found on the byways of America. I was born to be a road tripper. Whether on two wheels or four, I love to wander.
Mom, wife, motorcyclist, road tripper. Curious, thinky, weirdo – that’s me.
Thank You
I give many thanks to all the readers who have taken time out of their day to stop in and see what is going on here on the blog. Your comments and words of encouragement mean a lot to me. I hope that you have found something here that made you smile, laugh or maybe even inspired you to seek your own adventures, big or small.
Etc.
Give credit where credit is due. Please do not lift my content and or photos without crediting the source. That’s just crap and it makes you a dick.
(The name has nothing to do with James Bond 🙂 )
Hello fuzzperson, after due deliberation I have added you to the blogroll at garagenight.tv
Waz from Garage Night
Hiya Waz-
I thank you for that. [curtsy] 🙂 You’re on my blogroll as well.
I’ve been poking through your videos trying to decide if i can use my two left hands to tackle any of the tasks. My CB750 is the next bike up on deck for resto. I need to determine if i should help by helping or help by staying away from the garage 😀
Just found your fab blog through Twittering you. What a great site! I love your writing and sense of adventure. I’m your new fan!
I added you to my blogroll as well:
http://cshook.wordpress.com/
@Christina
[curtsy] Thank you ma’am 🙂
Like many of my favorite motorcycling roads, I stumbled upon your site by a fortuitous accident (must’ve made a wrong turn in Albuquerque). Love the design, content and attitude! I’ll be adding your site to my blogroll and checking in regularly.
Doug Just Doug
http://www.TiltedHorizons.com
Hey DJD-
I actually read your blog often so I’m glad to see you here. Thanks for the kind words! Hope to see you ’round!
Hey Fuzzy,
What brand are your hand mitts, and where can I find them? I did a google search but the ones I found look way less impressive when compared to the ones you have.
Thanks in advance,
Cadillac Jack (aka John)
Hi John-
I believe they are from the ATV portion of the Parts Unlimited catalog. They’re “snowpaws”: http://atv.parts-unlimited.com/10/149/8553779
Good luck! I hope they help keeps your digits toasty 🙂 Happy Holidays!
Hi Fuzzy,
We’re glad to have found your site! It’s always great to find another riding couple. We’ll drop by often.
Mike & Kim
What a great site! Thanks for all of the hard work you’ve put into it. I’ve been riding over 50 years…finally had to give up motorcycles for a scooter due to bad hip, (Honda Silverwing 2006). Me and the scoot travel the byways either with my husband on his Yamaha Roadstar, or I go by myself. We’re planning a trip across the US this summer on our new Goldwing and your blog encourages me to create and write about our adventures. Being a passenger will be a new experience for me!
Welcome, Pat 🙂
Thanks for the kind words.
50 years on the bike, eh? Awesome. That is something I aspire to.
How exciting to be going cross country! I do love a good roadtrip. You’ll have to share your blog link with us so that we can all ride along 🙂 Do you have any “plans” are are you just going to wing it. (No pun intended).
I hope you and your husband have a safe and enjoyable journey.
Being a male at 67, who rides a KLR 650 dual sport, I find me in “special class” or “nonconformist class”. I thought you might find GypsRR’s story and photos especially interesting. She is from Austin, Tx. Took her daughter to Co. to work for the summer, and wound up riding most of the summer taking MANY photos. She is a late developing commercial photographer. May not be making a living at it but that is beside the point. Oh Yes, enjoying your site.
Look for Gypsrr here or on AdvRider.com
http://r1150r.org/board/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=14362&st=0&sk=t&sd=a&sid=25e20257c018c1a6cb5d8975e6190ce9&start=140
+Great site, Fuzzy!
Could you please tell me where the Mail Pouch barn is in Walden?
Many thanks!
Ride on.
Roadkill
Hey Roadkill 🙂 Many thanks!
It is on 208 about a mile south of where 208 comes into Wallkill. It’s set back from the road in someone’s backyard so you’ll have to zoom in to photo it. Try this link: http://bit.ly/4rBTTy you can see it in Google streetview.
Hi,
Would you be able to help me find beginner riding groups in the NYC tri state area? I’ve been riding for one year now and would like to ride regularly with a group of similarly skilled riders.
Thanks
Hi Kevin-
Gosh, I don’t know of any personally but I would say that you could try local online forums to get a sense of who is meeting up and where. Have you tried sites like Yahoo groups or Meetup.com? Are you having trouble connecting with folks at local bike nights or hang outs? What type of riding do you like to do and which part of the tri-state are are you in?
Great blog! WendyVee sent me! LOL I’ll be checking you out more often.
Oh, and a note for Kevin…check out http://www.beginnerbikers.org. There are NYers on there.
Aww, thanks Kathleen. Glad to have you – welcome aboard! Wendyvee is such a doll.
Hey there,
A friend pointed out your blog, so I wanted to say Hey. very cool content!
I added a link to my blog as well as my home page because it’s funny that we have similar taste in bikes: the Speed Triple (I’m on my second) and dual-sports.
Also, I’m from NY too, though the Western side Niagara / Buffalo).
Ride safe!
Don
Fuzzy!
Great blog. Please contact me when you get a moment as I would like to include your blog on our site.
Cheers!
Nick.
I also have a blog: http://www.beltdrivebetty.blogspot.com and I loved your site so much I added you to my blogroll.
Great job!
Hey Betty! Thanks very much for the shout out. Looking forward to reading through your blog!
Hi Fuzzy
I have been reading your great site for the past 3 or so years – I luv the tales/pics/ you provide us with. Anyhoo, I will be visiting NYC in August 2010 (from the UK) sadly, not a biking visit – just a touristy one (7 nights). If you could recommend one thing to do whilst in NY, what would it be?
Cheers
Nige.
(SV 650 Sport rider)
Hi Nigel – That’s so much for the kind words <3
1 thing.. wow, that’s really tough. Is it okay if I email you directly?
Hi,
You are amazing. What you have done and continue to do is the stuff people honestly dream about doing.
My name is Michelle I work for Uptake.com. UpTake is a travel search engine that collects reviews, descriptions and ratings from thousands of sites across the web. We have a new program called Travel Gems, created for bloggers, like you. This new non-monetary program, promotes blog content from across the web. Bringing great blog content to a wider audience. I would love to speak to you more about how this program works.
I am look forward to hearing from you!
Michelle Hackett
Mhackett@Uptake.com
Hey Rachael,
I agree with a lot of the comments here. I like your site a lot and you get to do stuff that is amazing.
I see you’ve been asked for links a lot already, but I got a company that I know you and your readers would love. I am in affiliation with Global Garage Flooring. As one of the premier garage refinishing and coating companies in North America, Global Garage Flooring and Design through its network of dealers, offers complete garage finishing solutions from custom flooring and cabinets to an extensive line of convenient storage options.
Anyway, I know your readers would appreciate the introduction to this great company and their products. It would be great to get a link from your site to http://www.globalgarageflooring.com. A text link or even a recommendation in your main content would be awesome.
Let me know if you are interested,
Aaron
Good morning,
I am pleased to inform you that you’ve been named in the Top 20 Biking Blogs by British insurance provider, Carole Nash.
http://www.carolenash.com/insidebikes/bike-news/top-20-biking-blogs.htm
As one of the UK’s top bike insurance providers, I’m sure that a link on this site will ensure plenty of hits to your site.
I’d much appreciate it if you could take a second to get in touch, as I’d like to inquire about returning the favour with a banner link on your site.
Thanks for your attention.
Bridget
Hi there. I can’t tell for sure from your barn map, but I may know of a WV barn you don’t have listed. I can certainly give you pointers on routes in the area. If you send me an e-mail, I’ll send you a pic of the barn. If you’d like to give me some general idea about how you’ll be getting to WV, I can give you some road tips.
Hi there. A friend of mine told me about your site. I’m also a biker chick, but I have a fat cruiser. I’m in the process of building a blog and accompanying Web site to provide routes and info in the Greater Appalachian Valley Region, particularly WV, PA, VA and MD. I have added you to my Blogroll (you’re only the second one so far) and would be flattered if you’d stop by and check my stuff out. I haven’t started to publicize it at all yet because I wanted to at least get some content up first.
I forgot to add my Blog address! Sheesh…
http://appalachiantours.com/blog/
I found you on Twitter a few weeks ago and have been hooked on the blog ever since. Good stuff. I’d like to talk to you about making an appearance on our podcast. Shoot me an email if you’re interested.
Now I’m off to work on my own Moto Bucket List…
-James
http://thepacepodcast.com/
http://www.thirteen-moto.com/
hey fuzzy, found your website via ….. how did I find your website? anyway, i think what caught my eye was the info on Barber – I live not too far from there. hubby had a daytona and used to do track days there. he sold it not too long ago, so now it’s just the BMW in the garage… I went on my first road trip with him up to blood mountain a few weeks ago. it gave me motorcycle fever something awful. but, with four kids… well, let’s just say I don’t get on very often! So, i’m reduced to re-living the past via my own blog. Sad, I know!
http://mymarriageismyjob.blogspot.com/2010/08/road-trip-pt-4-chattahoochee-trail.html
just thought i’d say hello. oh, and Im SO JEALOUS. 🙂
Jenny
Hi,
I would like to personally invite you to participate in the all new MotorcycleForums.info website.
It’s a free forum for all types of motorcycles and motorcycle enthusiasts. Please come check it out, and feel free to promote your cause.
Thanks!
Great blog! Got a little homesick to Europe when I read about your travels in the Alps. Keep the shiny side up!
Cheers from the We(s)t Coast, SonjaM
Hi Rachael
just a quick note to introduce Rocksocs we are a brand new company dedicated to female riders. We make the world’s sexiest girl biker winter leggings.
As you can see from the website they rock. They are very warm fleece and each as a reflective tattoo on one leg for added safety when riding.
We would love if you could mention us on your blog as we are a brand new company and want to grow to keep making female only sexy products for motorbiking.
In fact on the next cold trip you are on let us know we will send over a pair for you.
If you need any pics let me know but please do look at the web they are very, very sexy. Being warm never looked so hot
kind regards
Viv in Wales UK
Hey there. James recommended your site to me and it’s been a really fun read. I really enjoy your writing style, and as James mentioned, I think it’d be great to get you on the show.
Let’s plan on that soon!
http://thepacepodcast.com
http://chornbe.com
Awesome site! Forwarding the link over to the girlfriend (who also rides). Do you do all of your own photographs?
Hi Adrian ::waves::
Welcome aboard. Looking forward to seeing your lady cruise through as well!
Yep, pics are all me unless otherwise noted. Been having a bit of fun with my iPhone camera mostly these days.
Thanks bunches for the nice words 🙂
Very nice blog and I love the title. I created an Android app that indicates if the weather is good enough to ride a motorcycle that day. I think your readers will find it useful and I was hoping you would highlight it on your blog. If I get a good response I plan on converting it to an iPhone app.
https://market.android.com/details?id=air.com.KickstandTech.MotorcycleWeather&feature=search_result
Sorry, RJ-
Don’t have an android.
Love your blog and your perspective!
Thanks so very much, Chris.
That really means a lot to me that you would take the time read AND to comment!
Hugs to you~
Just watched the video of Chloe’s birthday present. Sweet! My soon-to-be 7 year old daughter is getting a mountain bike first, but when she was younger, and we had a Honda dealership close by, she used to jump up on the little motos (especially the pink one). She was sad to see the dealership shut down. Have fun!
Moto
P.S. adding you to our blogroll.
A woman after my own heart… and I love the idea of a Motorcycle bucket list.
Contemplating Route 66 start to finish late August, early September. Just putting it out there
Great blog! I just bookmarked it. Hope you’re having a great riding season 🙂
Hey Fuzzy,
I just stumbled across your little motorcycle blog and just wanted to tell you I love it! I got in to motorcycling a bit late in life in 2004 myself and always enjoy learning about great new roads to check out. Thanks for all the hard work putting this blog together and all the great pics and riding info. Your beau is a lucky dude to have such a cool motorcycling chick for a GF! Keep the rubber to the road and stay safe out there!~
Hey Randy!
Glad to have you here. Thanks for taking the time to say Hello.
You know what they say..better late than never 🙂 I’m sure you got into riding just when you were “supposed” to.
Thanks for the kind words. I sure appreciate it.
Hope you stick around!
Great site. I enjoy your enthusiasm and your shoes!
Keep it up! Always a pleasure to pop in to see what’s new.
😆
Thank you so much for the nice comment, Chris. Hope to “see” you around more often!
Just curious, why were you forced into getting a Tiger? I ride a Triumph Bonneville and you are practically my neighbor. I live in Worcester Massachussetts and ride to NYC often to visit my motorcycle friends in the Bronx. I’ll be in the city to see the International Motorcycle show coming up in Jan. Hope to see you there. Will do my best to follow your travels. Keep riding my friend, keep riding!!
Missrider
I say “forced” tongue in cheek. 🙂
Its a small world, hopefully we’ll bump in to each other soon!
Hi,
I ride, work on bikes, and own my own motorcycle shop called Black Widow Bike Works. We would love to have more women customers at our shop. Please spread the word!
Thanks,
Joy Montefusco
your website came up as one of the best motorcycle blogs for women…well done – site looks great…
thought your female riders might like to know about the BMW MetroMotorbike I build…it has an adjustable seat and is getting a lot of attention from female riders…
Just found your blog, and I am over here bowing to you to show my due respect! I’ve just decided to ride across the US, solo–and so have been searching out info and experience from other female riders. You rock! Love the blog, love the photos–love the courage and great attitude you show towards riding and life! Consider me a new follower. Be safe!
Hello Fuzzy,
You’ve done a great job on your blog/website. We’ve both enjoyed reading the posts. We have to admit we’ve both drunk the KTM Kool-aid and we are supremely jealous of your friends garden gnome! Love it.
Anyway, thanks for a great blog and please feel free to drop by ours any time and leave us a comment.
Bye for now!
Mike and Kim
Dear Madam Fuzzy
Its 6.47am and I just finished reading my quota of your blog for the day. This is what I do on some days…make some chai, read the news online and read a few posts of your blog. Lovely. Its good to start the day with chai, news and fuzzy biking. I like what I savour what I read on your blog a little bit at a time because I don’t want to finish everything at one go.
I live in the Middle East and I feel more women should ride here to bring some semblance of sanity to an otherwise testosterone drenched community that does nothing but post women in scantily clad clothing on the clubs’ facebook wall.
Respect,
Max
BMW R1200GS (2007)
The Soviet Steeds winter camping in NH
https://bennetttheredonethat.bangordailynews.com/2013/02/11/motorcycle-camping-in-the-blizzard/
Took my rig to work this morning. The roads are an icy mess, requiring a very gentle throttle, and planning my stops well in advance. Lucky for me, it’s all secondary roads! Bob B
Dear Rachel:
Love your blog! I’m a motorcycle blogger/author and photographer and just published a four-part series on the Progressive International Motorcycle Show in San Mateo, California. The story and over 130 photos are here: http://bit.ly/1asEV2z
I’d appreciate it if you would mention it in your social media.
– Peter
Dear Rachael:
Love your Blog especially roadside photographs and Long Island references.
Stumbled upon this today wondered what your thoughts were?
http://rideapart.com/2013/12/10-reasons-to-date-a-woman-who-rides-a-motorcycle/
Best regards!
John
Hi John 🙂
I thought it was a really cute post.
I have to admit – I can’t imagine NOT being with someone else who rides a motorcycle. How do people manage to be with someone who doesn’t “get it” or feel that pull to wander around on 2-wheels?
Hey Fuzzy!!! Looking forward to riding with you and the Cruddy one this year!!!
I really like your blog and admire your passion for the sport.
See you soon!!!
Garrrrrrrry!
Lookin’ forward to seein’ you, buddy! You’re the best babysitting, unicorn spotter I know 😀
Hiya, dropping a comment here because I didn’t see any other way to contact you. I’ve been following your blog feed on Facebook for a while and really love some of your photos and reports. 🙂 I wanted to see if you were at all interested in doing an interview for my site. Long story short – I’m trying to interview women motorcyclists in every country across the planet, and every state in the United States. If this sounds relevant to your interests check out globalwomenwhoride dot com. 😉
I just wanted to say that you have the only page I follow. I came across you on FB. Your photos are always wonderful and your writing is thoughtful. Keep the sunny side up!
I am part of an amazing group of women riders of all ages, experience and types of bikes. And after discovering your blog I am compelled to write to you in hopes that you will join our MC. We do a lot of fun things besides rides like wrenching nights, charity events etc. I hope you check us out!
http://www.themissfires.com
http://www.facebook.com/themissfires
On a personal note, you’re story about your new rescue pup touched my heart, for a couple reasons. I have a passion for pups and owning a Ural is also on my bucket list. I have a dog who I am sure would absolutely love it. Although I cannot find anywhere to rent one… If you have any leads I would love your advice on this obsession of mine. Thank you!
I enjoy your site fuzzy, it was so fun for me to come across a ‘girlie’ motorcycle site. I’m a fairly new rider and am so excited to learn, especially looking for some fun rides. Thanks for keeping us entertained and informed!
Thanks so much, Christine 🙂
Welcome aboard and welcome to the riding family!
Oh and I included you on my Links page 🙂
Thank you!
HI Rachel
How are you?
It’s great to meet you, As a rider, I LOVE YOUR BLOG. :),
We wanted to pass on something new that could be a nice fit for your blog section.
I want to share with you something new that I created to SOLVE ONE PROBLEM OF MOBILITY: SUDDEN RAIN!
WE ARE ABOUT TO LAUNCH IT ON KICKSTARTER ON JULY 2 – 2014, and we hope YOU CAN GIVE US SOME INITIAL FEEDBACK : ))
IMAGINE A BACK PACK
THAT CAN PROTECT YOU FROM THE RAIN.
AND
IMAGINE A JACKET THAT CAN BE WORN
WITHOUT REMOVING THE BACK PACK FROM YOUR SHOULDER.
I was tired to get caught under the rain unexpected!
So I created a solution that we called the FUNNELL.
FUNNELL, IS:
2 IN 1 COMBINATION of a backpack and a jacket that
CAN PROTECT YOU AND YOUR GEAR from the rain and
CAN BE WORN WITHOUT TAKING OFF THE BACK PACK FROM YOUR SHOULDERS !
FOR THE COMPLETE PROJECT SEE Our Kickstarter PREVIEW PAGE.
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/884605357/876795587?token=15c17da8
If you’re interested, please let me know how I can make the writing process easy for your team. I’m happy to send more hi-res photos. We will launch soon!
I HOPE YOU LIKE IT!!
Thanks for taking the time to check us out!!
STEFANO
Modular for People in Motion©
Hi Rachael,
I’ve been reading and enjoying your site today. Just returned from my first motorbike tour – 2900 km around British Columbia. I loved it, and love the idea of having a motorbike bucket list – I’m going to start one and think it will include a few from your list!
I see you’re in New York. I am flying out there for 8 days (accompanying my partner on her work trip) on the 28th. Anything motorbike related that you’d recommend I do/see?
Best wishes and thanks for your blog,
Fiona
Hi Fiona!
Thanks for reading 🙂
Hmm – within New York City itself, I don’t know of anything going on that I could recommend. I live about an hour outside of NYC so I’m not familiar with the daily goings-on of the moto front there. BUT… I think that this thread could be a good resource: http://advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=125065 The folks there would know the ins & outs of everything NYC Moto and would probably be happy to steer you in the right direction.
Hope you two have an awesome time!
Just a fellow chica rider stopping by to say thanks for being an inspiration….you rock! Love your posts and perspective and wanted to say thank for sharing all that you share….keep riding safe!
Hi Rachael,
Didn’t see any other way of emailing you but….
Have really enjoyed reading through your website and blog. Very entertaining and lots of great info. Thanks for taking the time to write about it.
A friend and I are going for a weekend ride away from Boston and into NY via 90. Then maybe towards Vermont, NH, Maine. You’ve written in the past about funky roadside motels and that would be ideal for us. Any recommendations for mid NY state and or any resources to find vintage motels? Thanks for your time.
Todd
Hi Todd 🙂
When I think of upstate NY and retro, I immediately think of Lake George. There are a few funky motels there. If you’re into retro travel – you MUST check in with retroroadmap.com – Mod Betty is your girl! If she doesn’t know herself, she’s got an army of loyal and helpful fans who also make great suggestions:
http://www.retroroadmap.com
https://www.facebook.com/RetroRoadmap/posts/436308473058090
Your Fuzzyness,
Thanks so much for the link to retroroadmap.com! What a nice person and a great resource for retro travel. Postcard for you when we are on the road!
Todd
Alright, Todd! I’m so glad RR worked out for you. Looking forward to that postcard! 🙂
Hello, I randomly stumbled on your site and was looking at your links page while looking for parts for my old Indian Chief somehow. I really like your to-do list! I recommend hwy 26 in between Idaho falls, ID and Jackson Hole , Wy! It follows the Snake river and goes through deep canyons and around the palisades reservoir. It is absolutely gorgeous! I had a suggestion though for your links page too. denniskirk.com is another motorcycle site that I’ve had really good results with and you should consider adding them to this list! If you do end up adding them, let me know!
Best,
Greg
Since it’s “getting to be that time” (aka bikes on tenders and bedded down for the winter), thought you might get a kick out of my latest blog post. It’s a reimagining of Goodnight Moon: http://wp.me/p3QZZ5-hE
I also did a neat trip up the Trans Mass Trail that I finally scribed: http://longitudeandgratitude.com/2014/08/20/a-ride-by-the-book/
Hope you enjoy!
Great blog. I would love have the subscribe feature so I can get emails about your new posts. Did I just miss it?
Thank you, Lucien 🙂 You should see the email sub on the right. Thanks for checking out the blog!
Hi Fuzzy, thanks for the follow! I am following your blog via bloglovin too, but haven’t had time to really catch up yet. Will do that soon! 🙂
It is great to find another woman/rider/blogger!
Cheers, Lynne
I’m happy to follow, Lynne 🙂 Thanks for saying hello!
Hi Rachel,
Great blog! I wanted to let you know about a free App I recently launched called AUTOsist, which lets you store, track, and share your automotive/motorcycle records with ease. Would love your feedback and see if its worthy of some coverage.
Here is the official press release: http://autosist.com/press-release/
Let me know if you need anymore information. Thanks!
Hello,
My name is Aurélien and i work for Moto Journal’s web TV (France).
After more than 100 millions views on our Youtube channel, and a lot of comments asking for english subs, we decided to create a new channel : Motorcycles videos By Moto Journal. Now, on this channel, our videos are avaible in english.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4qmra3vNzPdpoC-LNQ7oLw
It will be great for us if you could share this news.
Thanks a lot and happy new year !!
Aurélien
Hey Rachael!! Hope you are well. I know you love the Whispering Giants. I have been chatting with the artist Peter Toth recently and we have forged a nice friendship. I posted some pics on my Facebook and Less Beaten Paths FB page that he sent me earlier this week. He’s touching up his giant in Cherokee, NC. Thought you might wanna know.
I think you already know I have a chapter about him in my newest book. If you DM me an email address, I’ll send you a PDF of my new book.
Happy riding Fuzzy!
Hey Fuzzy!
I hope all is well with you. I am going on a trip of sorts tonight – a trip down memory lane where a bunch of people from all over the globe got together and posted about bikes, had daily rants, teased each other and generally had a good time on a forum when forums weren’t common.
I remember CrudMop, Travellin Jones, south, DUC748, Buelligan, novos, thenightangel, SpikedLemon, cinmike (RIP), the journeyman, Dr D, Zoey, HellDevil, Josh and Kram….
I wanted to step in, say hello and let you know that you and Cruddy are still thought about from the Crazy Canuck up here in Ontario.
I hope all is well with you and your family and that your family is doing well despite the state taht the world is in. I want you to know that my family is still doing great and everyone is healthy.
I don’t know how esportbikes.com died, but I’m sad it did. I know I kinda just ghosted the website but life has a way of doing that at times espe ially when I didn’t have a bike anymore and felt I wasn’t contributing.
Take care, much love and all the well wishes to you staying safe and positive.
Btw, did CrudMop ever make his track weapon – a CBR600 with wood paneling? Asking for a friend.
-GSRider.