If the intriguing name doesn’t convince riders to stop into Angry Troll Brewing in Elkin, North Carolina, the tasty food and beverages surely will. Nestled at the eastern end of Main Street, the cozy brew pub makes the perfect destination for those “ride to eat” motorcycle outings. Behind doors emblazoned with a grimacing troll logo await a wood-paneled, exposed beam bar and … [Read more...] about Elkin’s Angry Troll Brewing: A must-stop for riders and foodies alike
Quick Shifts
A Star is Reborn: Returning a Bavarian tourer to its place on the open road
There clearly was no reason to be looking for a third BMW R100 RS. Our garage already is home to a pair of my favorites, a 1977 non-CFO RS that was once owned by Malcolm Forbes, and a smoked red ‘82 which was a Euro delivery Beemer for a U.S. Army Officer stationed in West Germany. And yet, classified ads continue a siren song of sorts that requires periodic attention. A … [Read more...] about A Star is Reborn: Returning a Bavarian tourer to its place on the open road
Blue Ridge Parkway: Touring the region’s most famous scenic byline
I wasn’t always a motorcycle enthusiast, but I’ve always been intrigued. Maybe I can blame Marlon Brando in “The Wild One” or Steve McQueen in “The Great Escape” for starting the itch that needed scratching. My first foray was in Kauai, Hawaii, as a marine on a Kawasaki Ninja 1990 ZX-11. That bike was stupid fast, and I was just stupid. I had some gateway bikes afterward, … [Read more...] about Blue Ridge Parkway: Touring the region’s most famous scenic byline
The Royal Enfield 350: Building a scrambler and a few adventures
When I decided to explore more of Western North Carolina, I knew I needed a motorcycle that could handle diverse terrain and let me venture off the beaten path. After careful consideration, I chose the Royal Enfield Hunter 350 and began converting it into a scrambler. This decision was driven by several key factors, all aimed at maximizing my ability to explore both paved … [Read more...] about The Royal Enfield 350: Building a scrambler and a few adventures
Salt Face Mule Brewing: Welcoming the 2024 Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride
Each week, master brewer Ray Dobens climbs on his KTM 890 Adventure R and heads to work at Salt Face Brewing where he creates some 14 delicious varieties of craft beer. Located on U.S. 19 just north of Asheville, North Carolina, Salt Face Brewing opened last year in a former amusement center. They derived their name from the old Appalachian saying, “thirstier than a … [Read more...] about Salt Face Mule Brewing: Welcoming the 2024 Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride
