Some things, like fine wine, really do get better with time. That describes many things in life, including long term friendships. It can also describe long term relationships with vintage motorcycles. In a nod to what Robert Pirsig said in “Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance,” the word “better” can take on different meanings depending on one’s vantage point. He used it … [Read more...] about A dying art: Vintage bike fans form a wrenching community
Weddings on wheels
Not many nuptials feature a gleaming Harley as a member of the wedding party, but for The Rev. Jacqueline Weiks, it’s something actively encouraged. “I don’t do a lot of things traditionally. I never have,” she said. Weiks offers couples a variety of wedding ceremonies, from traditional to more intuitive and mystical, joining couples in holy matrimony as they stand next … [Read more...] about Weddings on wheels
Smoky Mountain 500: Carrying my icon on iconic roads
Wanting to ride the Smoky Mountain 500 across Georgia, Tennessee and North Carolina for about four years now, I finally made plans with a riding buddy. Then that plan fell apart. Someone once told me that I was good with small children and dogs, but adults — not so much. I need a new riding partner. While I am chronologically an adult, mentally I remain adolescent. So, like … [Read more...] about Smoky Mountain 500: Carrying my icon on iconic roads
Blue Ridge Parkway: Touring the region’s most famous scenic byline
I wasn’t always a motorcycle enthusiast, but I’ve always been intrigued. Maybe I can blame Marlon Brando in “The Wild One” or Steve McQueen in “The Great Escape” for starting the itch that needed scratching. My first foray was in Kauai, Hawaii, as a marine on a Kawasaki Ninja 1990 ZX-11. That bike was stupid fast, and I was just stupid. I had some gateway bikes afterward, … [Read more...] about Blue Ridge Parkway: Touring the region’s most famous scenic byline
Going MADBR: Wildlife, water crossings and adventure
"Seven, not three.” I was saying in my helmet as we paddled knee deep across what turned out to be the last water crossing. The preview clip taken in a different season had shown only three water crossings, with riders happily splashing across what was no more than a wet spot in the trail, only a tiny spray from the tires visible for the camera. After seven of them, my … [Read more...] about Going MADBR: Wildlife, water crossings and adventure
