9 am was the meet-up time. We wanted to make sure we didn't get caught in the dark on the way back, though we always find a way to make that happen.
The agenda was simple, Make our way to New Tradition Coffee shop, then Mohawk Trail or Bust!
Antonios, riding his 70's CB550 four, had to have his bike towed a day prior due to a cylinder misfire. I didn't expect him to have his bike ready intime but he managed to do some wizardry work to his spark plugs and ignition coils and was up and running - his ambition is inspiring.
Caleb, suited with his 2011 Yamaha FZ-08 (man they don't make 'em like this anymore), was meeting us for his first time riding in our group, or in any group really for that matter.
I, of course, had my old faithful 2008 Z1000 sharp and ready, well for the most part.... I would find out that my busted seal in my front left fork really does end up affecting one's braking ability :-) no worries, this isn't a tale of misfortune.
We set out from the Watertown meet-up spot at around 9:30. We all filled up at a local shell station and I reset the tripmeter to ensure that I was going to be able to quantify the epic-ness of this journey in miles.
The route to New Tradition is pretty straight forward, i-90 MassPike all the way to Worcester. We've been meaning to go there for some time now but hadn't been able to catch them during open hours, today however was the day.
Not sure if it was the blaring sun, or the somewhat hidden nature of New Tradition, but we immediately knew we had encountered something special. We walked in and were taken aback by the thoughtful decor.
You see, New Tradition's space is not only a coffee shop, but also a cooperative space hosting CoOp Moto Shop, a fully a functioning Bike Shop where they are equipped with machining and woodwork tools for complete fabrication of parts. The space is also shared with Heartland Barber shop, creating a perfect trifecta of art, style, and functionality.
New Tradition's coolness is only rivaled by the folks that make their way over there, many making the Boston to Worcester pilgrimage just like we did.
After getting our Coffee & House Made Pop Tarts (yep), we noticed a pair of fellow riders that were part of B3, that is Babes Bikes Beards, of Boston.
While we chatted more riders came and we were eventually in the presence of around 8 bikes.
After sharing contact info, sitting on, and checking out several bikes, we headed up to catch route 2. The trip up was pleasant and cool. highway speeds kept us and our bikes from overheating.
We set our GPS for Mass MoCA, Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art in North Adams, where we were told there was outdoor seating and some mean grub.
Along the way we finally entered the revered region of the Mohawk trail, and all I can say is WOW. Who knew that the East Coast had it's very own Big Sur (minus the ocean of course).
Right before entering North Adams, the trail provides an unforgiving hairpin turn that our friends back in Worcester told us about. The turn hosts a fantastic overlook. We paused here and were met by a group of Harley riders that were particularly interested in Antonios's cafe build.
We had only about 10 miles to go until our destination of Mass MoCA, a few winding roads and we made it. We entered in a sunny, vibrant courtyard were we had to be sharp to catch an unoccupied table as other patrons made their way in and out.
We each got ourselves a pulled pork sandwich at A-Ok Barbecue ordering a side of potato salad and collard greens. First bite produced nothing less than magic. The flavors were fresh, kicking, and savory, but the bread stole the show. You can tell a lot of thought and precision went into building the menu here. Bright Ideas Brewing provided our beers and we sat around for a little, enjoying the conversation and the well needed break.
The ride from Mass MoCA to Mount Greylock was very quick and rewarding. The trail up the mountain is well paved and full of hairpins, knee scrapers, and switchbacks - this is what we came for.
The view on the top of the mountain was refreshing. We sat around for a moment and continued chatting, getting to know one another's goals and hopes for the remainder of the season. That moment made me think of Iron & Air Magazine's mantra: The motorcycle and the Places it takes us.
The entire day was full of serendipitous occurrences. I left in the morning with a meditation asking for safety, as I do for most long rides. While we're right to hold caution in our minds when riding, we mistakenly leave little unexpected joys as an afterthought and all of the unexpected meetings, gatherings, and conversations that the motorcycle invites.
With three hours to get home, we hopped back on our machines and enjoyed the twisties we were made familiar with just hours before. Both Caleb and Antonios share the same passion for riding that I do, and it shows more than anything in their skill and courage on the road. We often would slow down to create a gap between us and the slower traffic ahead, to really enjoy and lean on the curves, everyone in sync, everyone communicating almost telepathically.
While the ride back was a crucible on our backs and bums, there was no doubt in our minds that we would do the same journey again. The total ride to and from was over 310 miles (500 Km). We made about two stops on the way back to down a Redbull and stretch our backs, but we made great time overall.
I slept like an absolute baby when I got home.
Antonios's instagram HERE