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
Johnson City
The Southern Dozen: A lost state reveals 12 routes to paradise
The air temperature rises as you cross to the windward side of the southern Appalachian Mountains, where heat from the Tennessee Valley blows westward. There are so many scenic motorcycling roads here that the local visitor’s center asked motorcyclists to compile a list, which became “The Southern Dozen.” They include excursions to natural wonders and local historical sites. … [Read more...] about The Southern Dozen: A lost state reveals 12 routes to paradise
Tri-City Touring: A dozen reasons to ride East Tennessee
A bolt of lightning strikes the ridgetop as a thunderstorm stalls atop Sam’s Top, which is part of the towering border between North Carolina and Tennessee. The churning clouds and hazy mountains blur together with a faint glimpse of sunshine in the gap between sky and earth. I notch the bike’s windscreen to its highest position and decide to forego stopping to put on rain … [Read more...] about Tri-City Touring: A dozen reasons to ride East Tennessee
Notes from the Road
A change of seasons arrives, bringing new adventures as the mountains’ green cloak fades. My mesh jacket trades closet space with my favorite leather one. Autumn vanquishes those excuses not to ride as the summer heat diminishes and the afternoon thunderstorms relent from what seems like a rigidly scheduled 4 p.m. downpour. For a few more months I won’t have to face winter’s … [Read more...] about Notes from the Road
