By Michael E. Gouge The mysterious stone silences the onlookers. Captivated by the lines, cupules and figures carved into Judaculla Rock, the boisterous group of riders grow calm as they catch sight of the sacred Cherokee landmark, wondering — as all visitors do — about the meaning behind the ancient petroglyphs located just south of Cullowhee, N.C. “One of the stories is … [Read more...] about Follow the tracks: Exploring Indian petroglyphs, mounds and a mythical monster
Rider Tours
History’s footsteps: The Overmountain Victory Trail
Retracing the historic crossing of the Blue Ridge to fight for freedom By Michael E. Gouge The bronze frontiersman statue stands with rifle poised facing southeast toward the towering Blue Ridge Mountains and a fateful battle 150 miles away that helped win independence from English rule. At Sycamore Shoals State Historic Area in Elizabethton, Tennessee, I recheck my maps and … [Read more...] about History’s footsteps: The Overmountain Victory Trail
Riding alongside the world’s oldest waterways, The French Broad River
By Michael E. Gouge It always seems to be there, a quiet, steadfast and eternal part of the landscape. On nearly every motorcycle ride, the French Broad River or its tributaries flow beside me for a while. I see it on my daily commute, during a cruise along my favorite backroad and even while tackling a section of remote mountain twisties. I watch it from the corner of my … [Read more...] about Riding alongside the world’s oldest waterways, The French Broad River
Front Royal: Discover Virginia’s Northern Gateway to the Shenandoah
By Michael E. Gouge At the northern end of the famed Skyline Drive on the western edge of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the historic town of Front Royal, Virginia, offers riders exploring the Shenandoah Valley the perfect place to stopover during a tour of Virginia’s Blue Ridge. Front Royal holds plenty of riding destinations, accommodations, restaurants and natural wonders. … [Read more...] about Front Royal: Discover Virginia’s Northern Gateway to the Shenandoah
The Devil’s Punchbowl
Clayton Miller sat in his truck before me, flashing his $10 smile. The kind of smile you have when you scratch off a $10 win on a $2 lottery ticket. Chris Wilcox and Clayton had made plans for a group motorcycle ride. A motorcycle ride which would take us into and over the high passes of the Colorado Rocky Mountains. Winter snowfall made many of the planned routes impassable, … [Read more...] about The Devil’s Punchbowl
