Retracing the historic crossing of the Blue Ridge to fight for freedom By Michael E. Gouge The bronze frontiersman statue stands with rifle poised facing southeast toward the towering Blue Ridge Mountains and a fateful battle 150 miles away that helped win independence from English rule. At Sycamore Shoals State Historic Area in Elizabethton, Tennessee, I recheck my maps and … [Read more...] about History’s footsteps: The Overmountain Victory Trail
Riding alongside the world’s oldest waterways, The French Broad River
By Michael E. Gouge It always seems to be there, a quiet, steadfast and eternal part of the landscape. On nearly every motorcycle ride, the French Broad River or its tributaries flow beside me for a while. I see it on my daily commute, during a cruise along my favorite backroad and even while tackling a section of remote mountain twisties. I watch it from the corner of my … [Read more...] about Riding alongside the world’s oldest waterways, The French Broad River
Front Royal: Discover Virginia’s Northern Gateway to the Shenandoah
By Michael E. Gouge At the northern end of the famed Skyline Drive on the western edge of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the historic town of Front Royal, Virginia, offers riders exploring the Shenandoah Valley the perfect place to stopover during a tour of Virginia’s Blue Ridge. Front Royal holds plenty of riding destinations, accommodations, restaurants and natural wonders. … [Read more...] about Front Royal: Discover Virginia’s Northern Gateway to the Shenandoah
Meltdown vintage bike show
Each April, vintage motorcycle enthusiasts gather for the annual Meltdown vintage bike show in Hendersonville, North Carolina, where hundreds of riders and spectators coming together to celebrate old bikes in a street festival atmosphere. This year’s event takes place April 25 at the usual venue, Southern Appalachian Brewery on Locust Street in Hendersonville. “I’ve been … [Read more...] about Meltdown vintage bike show
Born into beemers: Passion for airheads becomes a career for father and son
By Michael E. Gouge Eddie Plam’s childhood playground doesn’t look too different from his current workplace, a brightly lit room filled with airhead BMWs and his proud father watching from nearby. “My dad was a BMW dealer from 1985 to 2008, so essentially I grew up in a BMW shop,” said the 32-year-old California native. “I grew up around these old bikes. I remember taking … [Read more...] about Born into beemers: Passion for airheads becomes a career for father and son
