Perfection is a conceptual thing. It doesn’t exist in nature, but for those of us who enjoy motorcycling, the Back of the Dragon, cutting north-south across the “waist” of Virginia, comes damn close. Bring your “A” game when you come to ride the Dragon. The challenges are constant and intense. You’ll cross three mountains — Clinch, Brushy and Walker — on your trip over … [Read more...] about The back of the Dragon: A (multi-) peak experience
Rider Tours
A Dozen Memories: Johnson City’s Southern Dozen always offers excitement
Johnson City, with its towering sign above downtown, appears on the horizon as I trek west from the Blue Ridge Mountains. Each year, I return to this charming town in northeast Tennessee to continue my exploration of The Southern Dozen, a collection of motorcycle routes branching out from the city created by local tourism officials to showcase the region. “The Southern Dozen … [Read more...] about A Dozen Memories: Johnson City’s Southern Dozen always offers excitement
Hendersonville: City of Four Seasons offers year-round riding opportunities
Poised close to the Eastern Continental Divide along U.S. 64, the historic motor route across North Carolina, the city of Hendersonville offers riders plenty of natural beauty along lightly traveled backroads while still offering travelers a wealth of cultural and culinary delights. Hendersonville, located about 25 miles south of Asheville, and the surrounding Henderson … [Read more...] about Hendersonville: City of Four Seasons offers year-round riding opportunities
Riding the dream: A week of motorcycling in the Alps
Yes, you’re a good rider. Of course you are. Experienced. Took the safety training course. Ridden all the most challenging roads and rode them well. Deal’s Gap. The Snake. The Rattler. The Back of the Dragon. Done some track days. Stelvio Pass will destroy you. Ask me how I know. If you’re like me, you’ve long dreamed of riding in the Alps. Stelvio is just one of the … [Read more...] about Riding the dream: A week of motorcycling in the Alps
Banner Elk: A winter rider’s hidden wonderland
I close my jacket collar tighter since the temperature feels noticeably cooler upon reaching the top of Linville Gorge. Fall hasn’t relinquished all her colorful foliage yet, so the climb up into the high country sees floating leaves swirling around my helmet. The mountains hugging each side of the road open up, offering the chance to relax and stretch a hand or foot off the … [Read more...] about Banner Elk: A winter rider’s hidden wonderland
