Quoting the Red Queen in Lewis Carroll’s novel “Through the Looking Glass” directly reflects the evolution of a track day rider. Day one birthed as a baby duck leaving hot pit for the first time to becoming the Red Queen, screaming “off with their heads” in the braking zones on our strongest days. As Alice explains her experiences in the “real world,” I equate it to my days … [Read more...] about The evolution of a track day rider
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The wheels roll on: WNC motorcycle museum celebrates 20 years, looks ahead
With a quick roll start to crank over the engine of the 1916 Traub motorcycle, Matt Walksler hops off the bike and knocks down the kickstand. The 106-year-old machine rumbles, the smell of oil and gasoline soon permeating the air. He turns to the crowd of a couple dozen folks making a semi-circle around him. “If you Google the ‘world’s rarest motorcycle,’ this bike will … [Read more...] about The wheels roll on: WNC motorcycle museum celebrates 20 years, looks ahead
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
Notes from the road: Why do I keep doing this to myself?
I love my bike. I mean I really, really love my bike, but I also love to try different bikes. Recently, I’ve ridden four different bikes, a 1971 Norton Commando, a 1975 Norton Commando, a 2021 Zero SR/S, and a 2022 Zero SR. Well, it was the Zeros that got me in trouble. If you’re a huge fan of Harleys with the loudest Screaming Eagle pipes you can get, a Zero may not be the … [Read more...] about Notes from the road: Why do I keep doing this to myself?
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
