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Michael E. Gouge

Glorious Graham: The Secret Side of the Smokies

May 23, 2025 by Michael E. Gouge

There, in a break in the tree line, flashed a vision as I sped along U.S. 129. Simmering blue-green water, distant soaring ridges, a heavenly sight flashed before becoming blocked again by roadside underbrush. My Yamaha Tracer 9 willingly carved a quick U-turn. I nestled her up against the guardrail in the narrow strip of grass between the open road and the precipice … [Read more...] about Glorious Graham: The Secret Side of the Smokies

Exploring Elkin: From Mill Town to Motorcycling Mecca

April 3, 2025 by Michael E. Gouge

Nestled on the banks of the serene Yadkin River, the town of Elkin resembles many small North Carolina towns: a main street lined with older buildings, a movie theater, a bank, various shops. One of the joys of motorcycling is discovering these time-capsule towns. It’s even more joyous to see them thriving in the 21st century. “About eight years ago, we were stagnant. The mill … [Read more...] about Exploring Elkin: From Mill Town to Motorcycling Mecca

Elkin’s Angry Troll Brewing: A must-stop for riders and foodies alike

February 27, 2025 by Michael E. Gouge

If the intriguing name doesn’t convince riders to stop into Angry Troll Brewing­ in Elkin, North Carolina, the tasty food and beverages surely will. Nestled at the eastern end of Main Street, the cozy brew pub makes the perfect destination for those “ride to eat” motorcycle outings. Behind doors emblazoned with a grimacing troll logo await a wood-paneled, exposed beam bar and … [Read more...] about Elkin’s Angry Troll Brewing: A must-stop for riders and foodies alike

Helene’s Wrath: Fleeing the Aftermath With a Weeklong Odyssey

December 16, 2024 by Michael E. Gouge

On the third day with no power, no water and no more ready-to-eat food, I looked at my Yamaha Tracer 9 GT sitting there with nearly a full fuel tank and accepted it was time to mount up and escape the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. I underestimated Helene, as I’m sure many others did. As a native and lifelong resident of the region, I’ve seen countless downgraded hurricanes … [Read more...] about Helene’s Wrath: Fleeing the Aftermath With a Weeklong Odyssey

The Smokies: Over, under and around

September 9, 2024 by Michael E. Gouge

A morning breeze off the Oconaluftee River in Cherokee, North Carolina, eases the rising summer heat as I head north on U.S. 441. Like many fellow motorcyclists, I can’t resist the lure of riding across the Great Smoky Mountains on such a glorious day. Taking 441 past the southern terminus of the Blue Ridge Parkway, I often encounter the herd of elk reintroduced to the park … [Read more...] about The Smokies: Over, under and around

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From the Archives

Our editor is a fan of Viking bags

Dates Announced for Inaugural In-Person Women’s Motorcycle Festival and Conference

The back of the Dragon: A (multi-) peak experience

an electric motorcycle in the city

Notes from the road: Why do I keep doing this to myself?

Ride Along

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