The usually smooth hills of the Blue Ridge begin to grow steeper and sharper as U.S. 64 twists toward the Cullasaja Gorge. Temptation lures my attention to the rockface cliffs and glimpses of tumbling waters below, but the road demands my concentration. This section between Highlands and Franklin, North Carolina, holds a special allure for motorcyclists given the stunning … [Read more...] about Waterfalls, museums and twisty roads: Exploring the spirit of Franklin, NC
A cosmic pit stop: Spacing out at Galactic Pizza
Motorcycling often feels like it transports us to another world where we fly through space and time on our two-wheeled machines. Entering Galactic Pizza, you might feel the same way as you see large papier-mache planets hanging above the bar. This pizzeria in Asheville, North Carolina, isn’t your usual television-clad bar-and-grill. The walls feature posters of sci-fi cult … [Read more...] about A cosmic pit stop: Spacing out at Galactic Pizza
Evacuation Made for a Different Trip to Chimney Rock
Vintage Harley-Davidson enthusiast Tom Plackis was used to answering calls for help. He retired after a long career with New York City’s fire department. This time, it was his friends asking to help them escape the devastation of Hurricane Helene in Bat Cave near Chimney Rock, North Carolina. Nearly a year after Helene devastated Western North Carolina, residents who lived … [Read more...] about Evacuation Made for a Different Trip to Chimney Rock
Helene, a Year After: Chimney Rock Remains in Riders’ Hopes and Memories
Nothing much remains of the main street in Chimney Rock, North Carolina. Workers continue to move earth and replace utilities scoured away by Hurricane Helene nearly one year earlier. Demolition of damaged buildings continue. Access remains limited. For decades, this scenic section of the Hickory Nut Gorge attracted riders to the twisting roads through the Hickory Nut Gorge … [Read more...] about Helene, a Year After: Chimney Rock Remains in Riders’ Hopes and Memories
Jocassee Valley Brewing: Great sounds and suds await
Fall makes for the perfect time to venture south of the Blue Ridge Escarpment and explore waterfalls, winding backroads and make a stop for a cold one at Jocassee Valley Brewing near Salem, South Carolina. Located along the scenic byway of S.C 11, this unassuming roadside spot serves a wide selection of regional craft beers and weekend food trucks. More interestingly, Jocassee … [Read more...] about Jocassee Valley Brewing: Great sounds and suds await
