We had a great first adventure out on March 4 for the Motorsport Atlantic - MOPO Show. 
It was great to see all bikes and vendors out. Meeting up with motofam and getting ready for the season to come! 
 Gadgit got talked into entering Most Creative Beard competition and won!! Ok so the only competition may have been a very young person with a fake (but very decorated) beard that they didn't wanna wear.. but we will take the win and the prize and call it a time! 
 There were so many great vendors.. from bike builders, to clubs, events, and food.. 
SNS Customs                Hardway Cycles             Privateers              B.A.C.A          Bikers down Society            
Rolling Barrage       Devil's Half Acre            Route 66 North           so many more! 

We look forward to seeing you all out there during the 2023 Season! Ride Safe!

Here we are into the first month of 2023 and somehow missed writing in 2022. That tells you what an eventful year it was! And how poorly disciplined I am. 
I will hopefully be using this as a forum for our adventures more this year. It is my mission at least. 
 Starting off with a recap of the events that happened last year. Some day when this is our full time passion and we aren't working away I will be better at being in the moment. 

We would like to use this platform to tell you more about the wonderful places we go and people we meet. Hopefully 2023 sees us, not slowing down per se, but taking the time to enjoy the destination as much as the ride. 

Our end of winter was pretty quiet in 2022 and picked up in March when we were able to finally free the girls. We started with a little local ride that ended up seeing us partaking in a photoshoot in front of the local Ski Hill. 

As is our tradition when a new family member gets their own.. in June we go to PEI to camp! This trip was a one nighter but packed with miles across three Maritime provinces and lots of firsts for Tank! 

July...  The Cannon Ball.. oh my. 
  During Covid we began doing the 1000mi Cannonball Rides. In 2021 we completed the Nova Scotia Loop and decided it was time to explore the New Brunswick/Quebec route for 2022. With roads bordering the province of New Brunswick and entering into Northern Quebec around the Gaspe area. 
Papa Wally, Gadgit and I (Rexy) rode into Moncton on the eve of July 1 to stay with Mitts and Mace. We toured the city a little, ate and enjoyed the fireworks show. As we were about to settle and prepare for an early departure, we got a call from Blinker proclaiming he should have come again this year. Well.. you know we said come now and met him in Amherst!  Now we were set.
 At 6am early on the morning of July 2/22 we were off! With 6 bikes and 7 people  to rip through the loop in 36 hours.  We decided to start and end our ride at Toys for Big Boys in Moncton, and run clockwise heading south first. You can see all the videos on our Youtube channel - Coastal Gypzies 
Of course it started to rain about an hour in, and by rain I mean a down pour,  well what ia a cannon ball without it?  It did clear off (well we rode out of it) mid afternoon to make for a beautiful evening ride up to Rimouski, where we "checked in" (got our photo proof)  at a closed Rimouski Harley Davidson, then planned to stop for a few hours of sleep. 
 Who would have expected it to be such a hard city to get a room? Well it was near impossible but Mitts & Mace figured it out. 
Day two was progressing amazingly with sun (though you should know it is cold up there) and many miles behind us.. when... 

Blinker blew a back tire. He did get it safely over to the side, but while we were discussing the plan, Gadgit was moving our bikes to a safe location off the side of the road.  While moving the last bike (Mine) a car tried to pass him when he was turning left into the road.  I won't get heavy into details as it was a sight that still gets to me (see youtube for more) , but the end of that situation was that Gadgit has a few broken ribs and a small puncture in the lung.  
The fates were on our side as Papa was able to make a new friend, who went out of his way to help us out.  We ended up staying another night in Quebec and heading for home the next day. 

Once home we had Privateers HD check out my ride for insurance, and so maybe I shouldn't have pushed it home.  Melly wasn't a write off (WHEW!!) but she was going to be a while getting fixed. The list of damages was significant. 
Time to figure out a ride for summer ..  read on for that... 
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While the trip did not go as planned, and had many hiccups.. those are what make the best memories. We were all ok.. the bikes were ok.. and it reminded us of the real value of family, friends and time. 

HELLLLO Rosebud... other wise known as RB (racebike) to some. 
 After some searching and decision making, I decided to go with a Ninja 500 for summer. She is a great little ride and now lives in the Pit as an extra. 

The rest of the season was made up of many great adventures.. from Halls' Harbour for date day, Of course Meat Cove (that is a post to come) and Wharf Rat Rally / Party at the Tupper..
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Hey all.. Rexy here. Gone is Summer of 2021 and not a single post..  maybe this winter I will sit and remember the past season with a warm cup on a snowy day and capture those memories on here.. .for now let me say.. 

It’s cold and a bit dreary… it’s also been a few weeks since I’ve gotten out on Melly.. I am feeling it.
As much as I miss the bike.. I find I am missing these weirdos more.
I look forward to the festive motofam gatherings coming up this holiday!!

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Everyone on two wheels knows the risks of riding but for true enthusiasts, the love and passion counters the risk, and there is a calculated and decided ‘if ya gotta go... do it doing something you love’ attitude among riders, there has to be. Especially these days with the increased distraction to drivers and hazards on the road, it is not that we don’t acknowledge the seriousness or impact of an accident or think we will defy the odds, it is just a decision to not let fear stop us. We ride defensively, aware and with safety in mind. 

On the evening of June 19, 2020 a father and daughter duo did exactly that, put fear aside and set out to enjoy the ride. He was meeting her at work and they were just riding home, they did everything right, the accident found them anyway. 

Abby, at 17 with a season of riding behind her, was in the lead with Dad close behind, when a car crossed the center line and hit Abby head on, with Dad going down behind her. 
 
 As a rider we all know that feeling that you get deep in your soul when you hear of a car vs bike head on.. We know the odds.. We know the nightmare. 

For this dad, it was the worst thing imaginable unfolding in front of his eyes. It was a long night and couple of days to come,  but thanks to his quick actions in the moment and the actions of all the emergency responders, the life flight team, the Doctors and nurses, everyone involved and especially Abby’s incredible strength and determination (with a heavy dose of stubborn thrown in for good measure), she will be OK! 

It is a long road of physical, and emotional healing for all, to come but she will be alright... they will be alright.
 
I got the call from a frantic friend after it happened checking on us, I somehow knew in my soul that this one was going to impact me personally, and set about discreetly contacting the riding community to find out who. When I heard it was my childhood riding buddy, we went through some moments on back with our Dads at young ages, and his daughter and my heart and soul ached. I waited to hear the outcome and was never more happy to hear she made it through the night, but I knew it wasn’t over yet, however, I know both Abby’s mother and father, so indirectly, I knew the strength, and pure goodness within this young lady.  Dad was amazing at keeping all of us who love them appraised of her progress via his posts, remarkably through it all they kept their humor. He let us know about the battles she was fighting and winning like a warrior. When she was finally able to communicate to friends and family, she had dad hold the phone and sent us out a photo captioned “I Lived Bitches”! We had our proof that despite this nightmare our Abby pulled through. 

The riding community is a family, and immediately people started asking what they needed. Their community at home had things well under control, with neighbors taking care of the farm, delivering a freezer full of food (yes freezer and all), the family stepped in to help with the girls and critters still at home, so all that was left was to help Abby feel the love. 

 After talking to Dad we decided a bike run by the house would suit just fine, Abby hasn’t lost her love to ride through it all, yes, there was a moment of mourning for her ride then onto deciding what she is getting next.  Sooo a ride it would be!!! Abby’s Warrior Ride was created.

Gadget, Lil’Lady and I were honored to take on organizing it for them, we all decided on mid September to give Abby time to get home from the Hospital. It was now the end of June and they hoped she would be home by the end of August. Who knew she would not be ok with that timeline and ended up home in JULY!! The date had already been set and so we left it, thinking she would be able to come out to watch us go by with more mobility. It turned out to be the best plan.

Finally the day had come, we had a good response to the event online but like everything, we know the numbers on paper don't always match the turn out. It was going to be a nice day  after a week of rain so we had high hopes we would get upwards of 50 bikes show up. We were asking them to come a bit out of the way after all, so who knew... (Please keep in mind this is RURAL Nova Scotia, Upper Stewiacke to be precise, so feel free to google earth that and see what I mean, but it is beautiful there.) 

We would have been happy with that, thinking, 50’ish bikes would give a pretty good show as we rolled by Abby at the house… We were ready, or so we thought, we had a friend set to ride as lead bike (they even had a flag!) with Dad and sister behind them (YES.. did I mention Abby’s Dad came out to ride with us, on the bike he had been riding that day, over the exact spot it happened, with his youngest on back… that is the STRONG of this family) Gadget and Lil’lady were parked to be mid pack with the camera ready to roll and I was taking the back.

Well, the motofamily came out en masse and with tons of love!! We had over 200 bikes show up, many two up and some with dogs! We were a sight to see!! It took over six and half minutes for all to get out of the parking lot and we took up a solid couple of KM of road. Thunder rolled through the Stewiacke Valley that day in support of an Amazing Family.  People in the community came out to wave, record and cheer as we went by, showing us their love for their neighbors. The videos, photos and comments of love and support broke the internet that day. Special thanks to Steve Currie of Currie Cinemedia for coverage of the Ride. 

 We had set to gather after the 50km ride at the elementary school just by their home, so Abby could come see us all, all we could do was hope the parking lot there would fit everyone. It was a sight to see!! 

 We give our MASSIVE Thanks and Love to the motofam, for helping boost Abby’s spirit, the family’s spirit and the community that day and I am sure for the weeks to come! 


As Always much Love and Respect, Forever two wheels Rubber side down.
Coastal Gypzies

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The struggles of “normal life” during 2020 are now starting to morph into the new normal. The restrictions and new “must do’s” are becoming a habit for many and people are getting used to the new way to socialize… NOT! 

 We are still missing our rides and rallies the way they were in years gone by. Summer being filled with weeknight runs to nearby communities for their ‘Bike Night” and weekends filled with Rallies. The towns are feeling the punch from the lack of business those rallies brought in and the local economy is hurting.  

Through all this though, was a weekend of fun and games, brother/sisterhood, riding, socializing, and helping a small community in Nova Scotia that has struggled more than most through 2020. Portapique, Nova Scotia. 

 The Boyd family has been in the Portapique area for over 6 generations and started hosting the Northern Riders - East Coast Howl in 2017. The Howl raises money for the community, this year specifically, the cemetery. Like many charities and community groups, fundraising has been hard through 2020, so this year, the Boyd family stepped up and raised the bar by taking their usual one day event and making it a weekend to remember! I am pleased to say I believe the weekend will be a new trend! 

We were first in line to get our tickets (by ticket i mean a gorgeous hoodie or Tshirt) and we were off!! In saying first I literally mean first, we rode out the week before to meet JD on site and secure our spot. When we got there, what seemed to be a field was really a gorgeous area prime for camping, a bike rodeo, a pig roast, a live band, a canteen, and a dirtbike track for the kids (big and small). It was impressive!! 

The Boyd family doesn't play around and they take treating their guests to fun and kindness very seriously. They added many brand new picnic tables and portapotties to the site to make sure everyone was comfortable, they opened up a new section of land to accommodate more tents and brought in a tractor to host hay rides to the beach! 

Getting to know JD, Greg and their family was one of the many highlights for us and we can’t thank them enough for making Lil’Lady feel like a part of the family right from the start, YES, this is a kid friendly weekend! It is all about the family when you are with the Boyd’s.

There were a few planned group rides that took us around the area, and off course the bike rodeo! Gadget and Lil’Lady held their own but Lil’Lady may have come out ahead in a few of the events, with a bruise or two to prove it. When she plays she plays to win. Haha.  They had a slow roll race, barrel push, plank race and ring toss to name a few. Competition was high that afternoon but fun was had by ALL!

It wasn’t just about fun and games, we did fundraising too with a few various draws etc and they managed to raise $1150 for the cemetery, way to go Boyd Family!!!
 
I look forward to next year and am happy to say this will be an annual event for us, so when we make it through this year and start planning 2021, make sure you get to the Northern Riders 4th East Coast Howl, you will be glad you did!

​Stay Tune for more footage to come!! 

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Coastal Gypzies (along with Canadian Motorcycle Tourism Association) is excited to be heading to http://www.bikeatlantic.ca .. Keep watching for all the excitement live from the show this Saturday!!
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Do you have your Fave places to go? Do you know a volunteer deserving of a holla?? Is it in a town of 99K or less??? Canadian Motorcycle Tourism Association wants to recognize them!! So go nominate your choice now!!!
https://riderfriendlycontest.ca/index.php/nominate-best-of
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On February 22 & 23 the Halifax Exhibition Center was the home of the very first East Coast Women’s Show! From the moment the doors opened ladies of all ages poured through the doors excitedly, to see what awaits them.  There were door prizes and 5050 sales in the lobby along with beautiful smiling faces to welcome you and let you know what presenters were scheduled for the weekend. The first pleasant surprise that set this show apart from others I have been to was that your entrance fee got you in for the whole weekend! So no worries if your ‘must see’ presenters were scheduled for different days! There was enough to see and keep you busy for the weekend.

 As Little Lady and I made our way through the beautifully decorated archway the sweet smells of home-made sweets and candy filled my senses. To one side was the sweet treats of handmade cakes, squares and pretzels from the Cake Lady, with candy on the other. 
 Making our way along the first row of vendors we were offered a free custom bra fitting by Embrace your Curves, the bra educators! They had lots of fantastic tips and information on how to know you are wearing the right garment for both comfort and body health. They had a gorgeous selection of quality clothes to look through, and more then just bras! 
 After getting your wardrobe in shape you could stop by the fitness tent and have a hand at testing your posture, figuring out a workout plan that works for you and talking to some great fitness guides. 

I was so pleased to talk to the ladies at The Compassionate Closet. They are a “New to You” that gives all profit to Hospice Halifax. Hospice Halifax is a compassionate and supportive community dedicated to making the end of life process as meaningful and comfortable as possible for all. 

 Frocked Up had some amazing Maritime themed clothing for those wanting to represent, and for those who want to show off they were here and loved it like we do! 
By now, we have toured through the rows of amazing vendors, we had handmade furnishings by Randy Mugford, handmade bath products by Sweet Sisters Bath Bakery, and the booth that held Little Lady captive was Jewelry Designs By Heather.

I was so taken with the amazing moss art booth, made from Norweign moss by fellow motorcyclist Stace Bleich. Stace was there with Nature Scenes who do more than just make art. They can help make your space a greener space! This is a no effort way to help sound buffer your space as well. The moss is preserved so it requires no water! It adds a touch of class to your space and will be sure to start conversations. For an amazing and unique way to soundproof or just some amazing art go to Nature Scenes and talk to Stace! Check out this site for sure! 

 Of course we had some vendors there representing bike life! Privateers Harley Davidson was there with a beautiful ride! The gang was super helpful and friendly. They had a good selection of this season's new line of clothes, shoes and even a little bling. Little Lady and I had to get our poker chip of course!
GDM Custom leather was there as well, they focus mainly on making belts, bags and other items but are also able to sew on patches and mend clothing. Gary was super friendly and had some gorgeous items on display.

We all like to stand out from the crowd a little, from custom tanks and tattoos to unique bling. When it comes to unique bling, James Dafoe has you covered. He was there from Shediac NB, with his mind blowin wood jewelry and art. He can take any item you have laying around, and incorporate it into his beautiful wood art. From Rings to pens and more he takes what means the most to you and makes it into something you can have with you. He told me of a watch given to him by a loved one that no longer worked, so why not make it into a ring!  You can see more of his gorgeous designs and cool ideas on instagram @dafoe_design_ or email him at dafoedesigns@gmail.com.  Speaking of tattoos, we even had Tear Creations mobile Tattoo shop there to talk ink. 
 One really unique booth that stood out from the crowd was Still Fired Distilleries, they had a great set up looking like a rustic cabin with a call too all to “Drink More Moonshine”. They have many flavors of craft spirits, like Rootbeer and Vanilla Bean. You can find a full list at www.drinkmoremoonshine.ca 

With so many vendors there it is hard to just pick a few to mention but I have to wrap up with Spray Paint Art By Nathan Salmon! In just a few minutes he took our logo and turned it into a work of art. Using only spray paint, a plastic bag and piece of paper. 

 They had a mini and main stage for presenters and an onsite canteen. This show really had it all! Great job ladies, I see even more great things for this show in the years to come! 

 
 

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Have I mentioned how EXCITED Little Lady and I are to be going to the
EAST COAST WOMEN'S SHOW??
Some have been asking me how this reflects on motorcycle lifestyle and I admit that baffles me! How yes it not?? Women are the largest "growing" demographic in motorcycling.. ok I don't know if that is. fact but I bet it is. There are A LOT of women riders. 
 We have to remember that as much as we wish the bike and the open road is all that matters once you get on that machine.. the reality is that there is still life outside biking.

Sooo if you are around the Halifax Exhibition Centre  this weekend come in!!! You will be glad you did!!

See below for the press release from ECWS!!



"Event organizer Heather Gunning says attendees can indulge themselves with “the very best in shopping, fashion, food, entertainment, cosmetics and travel” while spending a relaxing day being pampered with spa treatments, massages and retail therapy.“It’s going to be like one big girl’s day out,” says Gunning. “The Women’s Show is a place where women can find time for themselves, spend a fun day with their girlfriends, shop vendors booths, relax, explore new ideas or products, find exciting activities, enjoy entertainment, register to win great prizes and more.”

Gunning and her family have designed trade shows across Canada for decades. She thought she was ready to retire, but she felt too young and energetic to sit around all day and thought she needed a new project.

“I was thinking about how there were boat shows and home shows and RV shows and bridal shows, but there was nothing that just celebrated women of all ages,” says Gunning. “There wasn’t one big, special event just for women to enjoy. Moms, daughters, aunts, grandmothers, girlfriends — everyone! It’s going to be such an empowering and uplifting show to attend.”

Gunning wound up partnering with her granddaughter, Heather Ireland — a stay-at-home mom of two young children — and they’ve been working on the show together since September.

They’ve already lined up nearly 100 different vendors to set up “mini boutiques” at the East Coast Women’s Show — everything from health and wellness providers to businesses specializing in fashion, jewellery, cosmetics, skincare, aesthetics, gifts, massage therapy, clothing, travel, fitness, home improvement, finance, decorating, food, wine and spirits.

“Attendees can get a massage, get hair extensions, get their makeup done, get teeth whitening, have their eyebrows done, get a bra fitting, have their wardrobe redesigned — there’s so much to try,” says Gunning.

The East Coast Women’s Show will feature a mini stage for makeovers, a cooking stage with live demonstrations and a main stage with entertainment happening every hour — like singing, dancing, Zumba, motivational speaking and more.

Tickets will be available at the door ($11 for adults, $9 for seniors and $8 for students) and valid for both days. Attendees are encouraged to come by Saturday and Sunday so they don’t miss anything.

International World Champion Elvis tribute artist Thane Dunn will take the stage on Sunday as a keynote speaker. With more than a decade as a professional entertainer, Gunning says Thane has a very interesting story to tell — how hard work and dedication and believing in yourself you can help you reach your goals. 

Angie Stoker from Porter’s Lake was once named Canada’s first “Mary Kay Millionaire,” and now she’s a world-renowned motivational speaker who will take the stage Saturday and Sunday to talk honestly about her experience in direct sales.

Stoker joined Mary Kay in 1980 with the hope of making $100 a week, and by the time she retired in 2017, she had earned 20 cars, trips around the world and more than $7M in commissions.

Attendees will also have the chance to win great prizes, including beauty products from Bend Beauty, laser acupuncture treatment, free teeth whitening from Inari Wellness and a complete makeover from Renée Martin (The Style Coach).

White Point Beach Resort is offering up a girl’s getaway package so one lucky attendee can bring three of her besties for a weekend away, including meals.

Dany Duguay, a certified in-home caterer and personal chef with 15+ years’ experience, is offering a home-cooked dinner for four. She’ll come to the winner’s home with everything she needs to prepare a fabulous feast in their very own kitchen.

Access Acupuncture is organizing a “One Pin Challenge” where they’ll attempt to relieve at least 60 per cent of your pain with a single acupuncture pin. If you’re willing to let them try, they’ll donate $1 to Bryony house for every extra pin they use.

Fox Harb’r Resort will be setting up a putting green where attendees can pay $2 for the chance to sink a hole-in-one and be entered to win a girlfriend’s getaway package at Fox Harb’r Resort. (All of the putt funds will be donated to Autumn House Amherst.)

Gunning says she is so excited for the weekend to arrive and promises this isn’t a “one-and-done” kind of show. Her goal is to make the East Coast Women’s Show a fun annual experience that can brighten up the “February blahs” for years to come.

“People are thrilled that there’s finally a show for women, and it’s going to be a really fun, uplifting atmosphere,” says Gunning. “We encourage everyone to take your time walking around because there will be so much to see and enjoy. Just relax and take it all in!”

The East Coast Women’s Show runs Saturday, Feb. 22 (10 a.m. to 9 p.m.) and Sunday, Feb. 23 (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.) at the Halifax Exhibition Centre. Tickets are available at the door ($11 for adults, $9 for seniors and $8 for students) and valid for both days. Visit ecwshow.com to learn more."

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