Ah, those glorious summer days filled with long rides through the Blue Ridge Mountains. The warm weather, blue skies and yet-to-be discovered roadside stops always enhance the riding experience for many motorcyclists. The questions always arise: Where are we going to stop for lunch? Want to grab a beer? The Southern Appalachian Mountains feature plenty of ale houses, taprooms, … [Read more...] about Stops for beer, wine or spirits
From Russia with love — for motorcycling
Ekaterina Goncharuk arrives at her local bike night on a gleaming Moto Guzzi V7 Racer. Removing her helmet reveals a silky head of straight, raven hair and piercing dark eyes. Then you hear the accent in her soft-spoken voice. It’s as if a Russian villainess from a James Bond movie just rolled up to join the boys for wing night. Kat, as she prefers to be called, now makes her … [Read more...] about From Russia with love — for motorcycling
Don’t say no to that charity ride
“Sounds like less riding and more standing around,” read the dismissive social media comment when I posted about our local leg of the world’s biggest motorcycle charity event — the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride. I held my anger. As a motorcycle travel writer, I see myself as a self-appointed ambassador for our shared two-wheeled way of life. The comradery and sense of … [Read more...] about Don’t say no to that charity ride
Exploring the legend of the Moon-Eyed people
The trees have yet to bring forth their curtain of green, allowing riders to glimpse the hidden topography of the Blue Ridge Mountains. A sheer rock outcropping and scattered boulders peek out from the bare forest, tempting you to glance away from the twisting two-lane to see what’s hidden for most of the year. Craggy rock overhangs and towering granite walls tempt my … [Read more...] about Exploring the legend of the Moon-Eyed people
Find a motorcycle event this spring
Part of what I love about motorcycling is those moments when man, machine, earth and wind stir something inside yourself. Such blissful motoring moments were few during the dreariness of winter. On a mild day, as I made a routine commute home on my new Yamaha Tracer 9 GT, that old sensation of serenity returned. A warm breeze snuck under my face shield. A few scattered white … [Read more...] about Find a motorcycle event this spring
