Normally, the sight of a big police bike lingering off my tail light as I finished carving up an enticing set of mountain curves would evoke that panic every rider with a checkered driving record feels, but when we later pulled over, the officer complimented my road position and offered some tips on improving my sight lines in the turns. It’s all part of BikeSafe NC, a free … [Read more...] about BikeSafeNC: New curriculum, same fun factor
Nine lakes and a lost sea: ‘Built for the people’ also includes motorcyclists
Pouring out of the southern Appalachian Mountains, water comes together with other water. Streams and rivers beckon to a lone motorcyclist to follow them as they spread out across the Tennessee Valley. Soon the rivers become tranquil blue expanses against the green hills, and massive gray mountains of concrete and steel lure you to throw the kickstand down and marvel at the … [Read more...] about Nine lakes and a lost sea: ‘Built for the people’ also includes motorcyclists
To Helen and Back: A novice rider explores the North Georgia mountains
I knew the perfect road to introduce my new riding companion to a motorcycle tour across the Georgia mountains. The name even suited her perfectly — Warwoman Road. Zoe Kelly, a 39-year-old single mother and new rider, gave me a quizzical look when I suggested this road to begin a three-day Georgia road trip to Clayton, Helen, Hiawassee and the area’s collection of mountain … [Read more...] about To Helen and Back: A novice rider explores the North Georgia mountains
Tazewell, Virginia: More than just the Back of the Dragon
Sooner or later, another motorcyclist will ask you if you’ve ridding “the other Dragon — the Back of the Dragon.” Exiting Interstate 81 in Marion, Virginia, The Back of the Dragon begins its 32-mile, 428-curve journey north to the motorcycle-friendly town of Tazewell. Officially known as Virginia Route 16, this popular motorcycling destination features all the challenges and … [Read more...] about Tazewell, Virginia: More than just the Back of the Dragon
Two roads diverged: West Virginia
Next to the small steel bridge spanning the Elk River in Webster Springs, West Virginia, I pulled over to wrestle with Robert Frost’s famous dilemma. The GPS unit insisted on turning north while my paper map tantalized me with an easterly dotted-green line, which symbolizes a scenic roadway. Both would get me to where I wanted to go. Being one traveler with the intent of … [Read more...] about Two roads diverged: West Virginia