Quoting the Red Queen in Lewis Carroll’s novel “Through the Looking Glass” directly reflects the evolution of a track day rider. Day one birthed as a baby duck leaving hot pit for the first time to becoming the Red Queen, screaming “off with their heads” in the braking zones on our strongest days. As Alice explains her experiences in the “real world,” I equate it to my days … [Read more...] about The evolution of a track day rider
Lessons well learned at the BMW Rider Academy
I am standing in a motorcycle dealership considering the purchase of a ridiculously expensive two-wheel conveyance. This purchase is irrational. I already own a 2020 KTM Super Adventure R. Conventional wisdom dictates the KTM is barely broken in. Rational thought and decision making would prompt my immediate exit from this den of crass consumerism. Yet my eyes involuntarily … [Read more...] about Lessons well learned at the BMW Rider Academy
The wheels roll on: WNC motorcycle museum celebrates 20 years, looks ahead
With a quick roll start to crank over the engine of the 1916 Traub motorcycle, Matt Walksler hops off the bike and knocks down the kickstand. The 106-year-old machine rumbles, the smell of oil and gasoline soon permeating the air. He turns to the crowd of a couple dozen folks making a semi-circle around him. “If you Google the ‘world’s rarest motorcycle,’ this bike will … [Read more...] about The wheels roll on: WNC motorcycle museum celebrates 20 years, looks ahead
What’s new is old in the New River Gorge
The New River Gorge is bass-ackwards. Carved by one of the world’s oldest rivers (number two in the world next to the Nile, local folks claim), it hosts the nation’s newest national park. Yet it’s called the “New” River! The New is an East Coast river that flows north. But what’s most askew is the nature of the park itself. Consider that most of the national parks, … [Read more...] about What’s new is old in the New River Gorge
Notes from the road: Why do I keep doing this to myself?
I love my bike. I mean I really, really love my bike, but I also love to try different bikes. Recently, I’ve ridden four different bikes, a 1971 Norton Commando, a 1975 Norton Commando, a 2021 Zero SR/S, and a 2022 Zero SR. Well, it was the Zeros that got me in trouble. If you’re a huge fan of Harleys with the loudest Screaming Eagle pipes you can get, a Zero may not be the … [Read more...] about Notes from the road: Why do I keep doing this to myself?
