Appalachian ADV-isms

​Back when I first launched the website I put out an article called “Glossary Of Terms” which included 22 motorcycle-related words and phrases and my take on them.  Some are commonly used in the industry and some specific to my experience as a motorbike aficionado.  As I have built up Appalachian ADV the moniker has sparked new terms with the help of my Sweep rider and fellow route scouter OGB, a bit more specific to our style of riding and moto-camping.  So I thought I would share a few new ones and see if we can add new terminology to the motorcycle lexicon.

ADV Dual Sporting – check out the full article via the hyperlink but a summary… taking mid- to large-sized Adventure Bikes on terrain more suitable for smaller dual sport/dirt bikes.  I.E. 4WD/Jeep trails, ATV/OHM trails, bushwhacking trails, easier-rated single track, think expert sections on the Backcountry Discovery Routes or the International GS Trophy Off-Road Adventure Challenge.  Truthfully any bike can be kitted for ADV! 

​Appalachian Air Conditioning – sometimes we get little stanky on multi-day treks, ADVing can be hard and sweaty work.  It’s a good idea to wash those skivvies once in a while, I’m sure your riding buddies will appreciate that!  During summer riding, kill two birds with one stone...  Wash ‘em up in the morning and throw them on wet to help cool off your, uh, core.

ADV Dual Sporting the Willow Creek Trail in ANF

Preparing the Air Conditioner

​Appalachian Duck Blaster – when on accident: a little too much oomph on the throttle which could cause you to loop out or lose control of the bike.  Easier on the small bikes (which I may have done a time or two!) but definitely happens on the bigs too!  When on purpose: sometimes it’s necessary to give ‘er a nice goose on the ole rev maker to get yourself through, or outta something.

A Duck Blaster may be in order!

Spread it out...avoiding Appalachian Dingleberries!

​Appalachian Dingleberry – group rides are a ton of fun, a chance to ride with old and/or new friends and enjoy nature.  Sometimes it gets a little dusty behind the lead rider and if you’re running sweep, you see a good amount of road funk kicking up.  At the end of the day, or at the next break if you’re really in the thick of it, that dust will form some interesting nuggets when combined with your nasal juices.  Speaking of nugget, this one can also be referred to as an Appalachian Dust Nugget, for those with a bit more class and sophistication. 

A couple views of the Appalachian High Life

​Appalachian High Life – when traversing the woodlands on the forgotten Appalachian byways you will inevitably come across some, let’s say, colorful choices of lawn decorations.  Many times rust colored, with tall grass and weeds surrounding other assorted relics.  Shoot, you could also call these Appalachian Museums… we’re talking about junk yards people.  Not like an official business, Appalachian Junkyard Dog LLC, but just people’s private collections of old stuff strewn about sporadically across their property.  This phrase can also be used for old rundown or abandoned homes, hunting shacks, businesses, RVs, buses, etc. 

​Appalachian Lawn Chair – when nature calls and you are in the wilderness but need to find a seat to truly partake in nature (i.e. downed tree, old stump, etc.).  Don’t forget your shovel and biodegradable fanny wipes…

An epic Appalachian Lawn Chair!

​Appalachian Shower – so there we are, riding through a liquidy substance (i.e. creek, river, pond, mud pit, water/mud filled rut, etc.).  You get a little too close to the #TankTenere700 and get a healthy dose of wetness and/or muddiness from the roost, compliments of the R&G Tidy Tail! 

​Appalachian Scrub – you don’t quite stick that water crossing so you and your bike take the opportunity to wash off some of that dirt, dust, and/or mud from all of the ADV Dual Sporting.

​​Cleveland Steamer – shit riding that leads to the bike resting on the rider. Make sure they’re OK before launching this one at them with the obligatory belly laughter.  The Steamer can be coupled with a Duck Blaster.

A muddy Appalachian Shower for the KLR!

A narrow escape from an icy Appalachian Scrub

Cleveland Steamer, of the trapped leg version...

​Happy End[ing] – no such thing as a dead end on an Appalachian ADV ride!  We like to include rough tracks (i.e. “roads”, trails) that go deep into the woods and stop, because you can pick up the pace and hammer the good stuff coming back to start…so it is a happy time when you make it to the end, get to see it from a different perspective, and at a brisker pace!  Our PA Wilds Hardcore ADV Tours usually have a few Happy Endings peppered in there for the riders’ delight!

​Ride the Taint – when traversing gnarly 2-track, sometimes it’s better to get out of the ruts and ride down the middle.

Perched upon the Taint...

Have Fun, Take Chances – The Appalachian ADV motto!  Take smart chances and have some fun out there in the beauty of nature…

Have Fun, Take Chances