Today wasn’t a thousand-mile day. It was about finishing up the Northeast Dealership Challenge in CT and dedicating the ride to Gavin, along with submitting a mile monster hero certificate supporting him.

While I couldn’t be in Texas for Gavin’s Taco Feast, I carried him with me in spirit as I rode from northern Connecticut to the southeastern tip of the state, collecting my final Connecticut dealership stamp and enjoying a beautiful day on two wheels.

Along the way there were shoreline views, friendly faces and a lemonade stand. Now I don’t know about you…. But when I come across a young entrepreneur running a lemonade stand – I have a hard time riding past without stopping. So, I found myself sitting at a table enjoying a cold lemonade, talking with one of the friendliest young hard worker. The smile on her face said it all. Sometimes supporting a small dream is worth a whole lot more than the few dollars it costs.

You can drive past them. You can be in too much of a hurry. Or you can stop and become part of someone’s day – I chose the latter.

As I pointed the bike back toward home, I couldn’t help but think about how many different experiences had fit into a single day. Ocean views. Small-town Connecticut. A lemonade stand. Friendly dealership staff. Conversations with strangers who quickly became friends.

No politics. No drama. Just people helping people. That’s something our world could use a little more of.

Many dealerships were generous to donate poker chips for our heroes once they learned about our mission as monsters for mile monsters Inc,. I’ve been collecting them throughout the Northeast Challenge and plan to send a special care package in July to our heroes before my Hoka Hey. It’s a small gesture, but one that shows how much the riding community cares.

A little over 500 miles today was for a young man fighting a battle far tougher than anything I’ll face on the road. Keep fighting, Gavin. We’re all riding with you. ❤️🏍️🌮

A donation was sent to the givebutter on behalf of the Niosi Family ✅

• MarkyMark 🐺