Roll on down to Java Joint
The Ride
As I thumb the starter, the engine fires up quickly and settles into a wonderful burble. The exhaust note was one of the elements of this bike that attracted me. I’m still getting used to the BMW F900GS. After owning my old R1200GS Adventure for more than 13 years, a new ADV bike still takes time to become acquainted with it.
What isn’t new to me is the Beeline Moto 2 I have on the handlebars. I plug in the destination for today & select compass mode, which creates a straight-line pointer to the destination. It indicates 20.5 miles. See our article on discovering new roads with Beeline.
Java Joint is nearly dead east from my starting point, with just a hair lean to the north. I head east on Route 35 toward the Connecticut border. Once I get into Ridgefield, I take Route 102 east, which brings me to Branchville, where it ends at Route 7. I take a quick diversion north on Route 7 & then take the first right I can onto Old Redding Road. Where the road starts to turn more northeast, I take Mountain Road as I’ve not tried it before – exploring is part of the fun of the Beeline compass mode.
This is heading nearly due south, and when it ends at Peaceable Street, I take that heading northeast. Not all diversions work out, but the road was enjoyable & I’m in no hurry. This leads me to Route 107 (Redding Road), which, true to its name, takes me to the small enclave of classic buildings that make up Redding’s downtown. I turn onto Cross Highway as 107 turns north. From here, I’m able to get onto Poverty Hollow Road, a wonderful, narrow, winding road that follows the Aspetuck River for a stretch heading south and then turns east again. Route 59 leads me to Upper Stepney, passing Last Drop Coffee, another shop we’ve previously visited.
Just a few more miles, and I’ll be pulling into the strip mall parking lot that houses Java Joint. Rever indicated our actual travel distance was just over 30 miles, giving a 1.5 diversion ratio, which I find is about typical here in the northeast. See the route below.
The Coffee Shop
If you are used to artisanal coffee shops with warm wood tones for decor and baristas operating the espresso machine with expertise, Java Joint will surprise you. But, if you are used to the old-time coffee shops in America, simply a couple pots of drip coffee brewing, you’ll be right at home.
Java Joint isn’t meant to be the kind of place where you idle away the hours, sipping an espresso-based drink. Instead, it’s for grabbing a quick cup of joe, pairing it with a tasty donut & heading back out the door. As such, there is limited seating with a handful of stools in front of the window. Not the most comfortable, especially since there is no table overlay for the counter to put your food on. Instead, the table is really just the windowsill. There are a handful of chairs outside with a side table. This is really a stand-and-drink-your-coffee-or-take-it-with-you sort of place.
Coffee options were regular or decaf, with some flavors like hazelnut available to add. There were several options for donuts, and the old-skool feel was a welcome throwback. If you are the kind of rider who needs a quick coffee at a stop, this is a great place to visit.
I ordered a regular coffee and a blueberry donut. It was a good cup of joe. Perfect for a pick-me-up during a ride, but not the type of coffee for a destination for artisanal coffee. As long as you go in with that as your goal, Java Joint will feed your caffeine needs.
Especially if you are on a group ride with several other motorcycles, pulling in here, grabbing some coffee, and then standing outside talking while gazing at the bikes, as many motorcyclists have been known to partake, Java Joint is an excellent option for a stop on that all-day ride.
