Blue Ridge Motorcycling Magazine

Michael E. Gouge

Notes from the Road: A bridge never too far

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Other than the wind rustling the newly bare trees, the loudest sound in this quiet roadside park is the thump of my motorcycle boots on the well-worn wooden floor of Campbell’s Covered Bridge. I pace the length of the 38-foot historic bridge, pausing to gaze down at the peaceful trickle of Beaverdam Creek below and savor my unexpected solitude. During the warmer months, the … [Read more...] about Notes from the Road: A bridge never too far

Notes from the road: Enjoy the night

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The darkness sweeps beside me broken only by the single headlamp and the glow from the gauge cluster. Traffic disappears and the Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 seems a bit more eager thanks to the cool night air it’s inhaling. Sometimes I become so accustomed to the flying sensation of riding a motorcycle I fail to take a moment to enjoy it, especially when you ride nearly … [Read more...] about Notes from the road: Enjoy the night

Notes from the road: Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride returns this spring

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For one day each year, a determined group of motorcycle riders cinch up their neckties and join their fellow enthusiasts for a worldwide benefit ride. Hordes of motorcyclists — both men and women — wearing suits and formal wear take to the roads in the annual Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride.  The event, normally held in September but now scheduled for May 22, brings together … [Read more...] about Notes from the road: Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride returns this spring

Notes from the Road

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Just as I replaced the Monza-style fuel cap on the new Royal Enfield Continental GT, the first of what would be three interested bystanders at the gas station commented on my new bike. “Royal Enfield, I’ve never heard of them,” he said. “They’ve been around longer than Harley,” I replied, realizing with this purchase — made just minutes ago at the dealership down the road — … [Read more...] about Notes from the Road

Notes from the Road

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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