Vintage Harley-Davidson enthusiast Tom Plackis was used to answering calls for help. He retired after a long career with New York City’s fire department. This time, it was his friends asking to help them escape the devastation of Hurricane Helene in Bat Cave near Chimney Rock, North Carolina. Nearly a year after Helene devastated Western North Carolina, residents who lived … [Read more...] about Evacuation Made for a Different Trip to Chimney Rock
hurricane helene
Helene, a Year After: Chimney Rock Remains in Riders’ Hopes and Memories
Nothing much remains of the main street in Chimney Rock, North Carolina. Workers continue to move earth and replace utilities scoured away by Hurricane Helene nearly one year earlier. Demolition of damaged buildings continue. Access remains limited. For decades, this scenic section of the Hickory Nut Gorge attracted riders to the twisting roads through the Hickory Nut Gorge … [Read more...] about Helene, a Year After: Chimney Rock Remains in Riders’ Hopes and Memories
The Blue Ridge Mountains: Of what was and shall ever be
North Carolina is a collection of wonderful regions and places, from the mountains to the sea. Each is different of course, with its own geography to be savored on two wheels. It is remarkably easy to avoid being trapped on highways and allow oneself to be consumed by the beauty of the byways. Along the way, the people are terrific as well, with different traditions and foods … [Read more...] about The Blue Ridge Mountains: Of what was and shall ever be
Helene’s Wrath: Fleeing the Aftermath With a Weeklong Odyssey
On the third day with no power, no water and no more ready-to-eat food, I looked at my Yamaha Tracer 9 GT sitting there with nearly a full fuel tank and accepted it was time to mount up and escape the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. I underestimated Helene, as I’m sure many others did. As a native and lifelong resident of the region, I’ve seen countless downgraded hurricanes … [Read more...] about Helene’s Wrath: Fleeing the Aftermath With a Weeklong Odyssey
