In many ways, 1935 was a pivotal year. In February, my father was born in Princeton, New Jersey, at a time when it was hoped that the worst of the Great Depression was behind us. In November, Hans Muth was born in Brandenburg, Germany. Also, 1935 was an important year at BMW, where both the R12 and R17 models were introduced. In addition to carrying BMW into the future, they … [Read more...] about Lines of Speed, Shadows of Time: Hans Muth and the motorcycles that move us
The Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum and Park: The Motorsports Oz at the Appalachians’ End
The curves and straightaways of the motorcyclist’s yellow brick road lead not to a mythical place of wizards and witches, but rather to Birmingham, Alabama. For that is where a rider’s Oz resides, better known in our real world as the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum and Park. Barber exists not as a magical, made-up motorcycle nirvana but rather a two-wheeled dreamy … [Read more...] about The Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum and Park: The Motorsports Oz at the Appalachians’ End
Looking Behind, Looking Ahead: Barber’s Executive Director Brian Case
If the Barber Complex is motorcycling’s Oz, then its Executive Director Brian Case would be most akin to Oz’s mayor since founder George Barber holds the wizard title. Case has helmed the museum since 2023, overseeing an expansive and extensive collection of more than 1,800 motorcycles (with one thousand always on display) and more than 160 vintage automobiles, including the … [Read more...] about Looking Behind, Looking Ahead: Barber’s Executive Director Brian Case
Mystery Loop: Dual-sport riding in the North Georgia woods becomes an epic journey
How many times have you wondered where a road leads? Perhaps you were out riding in the woods and spotted a trail out of the corner of your eye, the thought of what could possibly be down there immediately enters your mind. Countless times has this happened for me, nearly every time I ride off-road. Yet very rarely have I ever actually ventured down one of these mystery … [Read more...] about Mystery Loop: Dual-sport riding in the North Georgia woods becomes an epic journey
Coast to Coast and Carolina, too: Chef brings culinary flare to Jackson County, North Carolina
Sitting at a table in the dining room of the Rivers & Rails Tavern in Dillsboro, North Carolina, Craig Szymanski looks out the window and watches a family wander down the row of shops on Front Street in the small, bucolic community. With the late afternoon sunshine falling behind the ancient Blue Ridge Mountains, the hungry group notices the lights of the popular tavern. … [Read more...] about Coast to Coast and Carolina, too: Chef brings culinary flare to Jackson County, North Carolina
