Wanting to ride the Smoky Mountain 500 across Georgia, Tennessee and North Carolina for about four years now, I finally made plans with a riding buddy. Then that plan fell apart. Someone once told me that I was good with small children and dogs, but adults — not so much. I need a new riding partner. While I am chronologically an adult, mentally I remain adolescent. So, like … [Read more...] about Smoky Mountain 500: Carrying my icon on iconic roads
Georgia
The perfect bike for a mountain road trip? How about a 40-year-old thumper
What is the best motorcycle ever made? Easy. The one you have the most fun on. Now defining fun, that’s all in the eye of the beholder — or in this case, the rider. So what’s my definition of fun? Thrilling terrain, good views, and someone to share it with. A bike that can “do it all.” Take some twisty asphalt with sweeping corners, add a side of dirt roads up a mountain … [Read more...] about The perfect bike for a mountain road trip? How about a 40-year-old thumper
Alpine lake: An expected journey
Tallahassee. Scheisse, I'm still only in Tallahassee, Florida. Every day, I think I'm going to wake up back in the mountains. When I was home after my last tour it got worse, When I was in the mountains, I wanted to be home. When I was home, all I could think of was getting back into the Blue Ridge. I've been home for three months now. Waiting for a mission, getting softer and … [Read more...] about Alpine lake: An expected journey
Georgia on my mind: Helen lures riders to region’s attractions
As the heat of summer started to ease, I packed up the bike one Friday, needing to experience another road trip before the cold winds of November would arrive. A weekend escape to the kitschy fun of the alpine-themed town of Helen, Georgia, seemed very appealing. It only enticed me more that it was Oktoberfest season, and I knew Helen would be a pretty lively place to make my … [Read more...] about Georgia on my mind: Helen lures riders to region’s attractions
Three cylinders, three states
I eased my new Yamaha to a halt on the quiet bridge over the Tugaloo River, stopping on the state line between South Carolina and Georgia. I followed the Blue Ridge Mountains down through the Carolinas all morning to explore this corner of the Peach State. There wasn’t much room next to the railing of the river crossing, but the rare passing pick-up truck didn’t seem to mind … [Read more...] about Three cylinders, three states
