If you know me, you’ll know that I’m a huge fan of Ewen McGregor’s “motorcycle diaries,” a.k.a. his buddy documentary Long Way Round. That’s why I jumped at the chance to test out some new bikes this past weekend on Long Island, with the Motorcycle Safety Foundation. The organization invited a bunch of editors and creative-types from New York City to take its “Basic Rider Course” in Farmington, NY. It was a great weekend to learn about the basics of motorcycles, while catching up with our friends at Surface to Air and City Magazine, among others. Along the way, I got to fulfill my very own Ewen McGregor-like fantasy, though I don’t think I’ll be biking halfway around the world like he did anytime soon.

Thanks to Mark Buche and Shayna McLelland for hooking us up, and thanks to our rider coaches Ty, Chris and Miriam for keeping us safe! Now that I’ve had a taste of life on two wheels, I’m thinking up whole new photoshoot ideas for Corduroy. Anyone with me?

- PL