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
North Carolina
Reviving a classic movie house: food, music and charm fill Mars Theatre Brewing
Glowing neon letters spelling out “Mars Theatre” beckon as the sun sets on Main Street in the small Western North Carolina town of Mars Hill. Music begins to fill the air as you open the big double doors of the old 1947 cinema house and follow the stairs down to a whimsical eatery, brewery and makeshift community center. Scott Spruill, who operates Mars Theatre Brewing Co., … [Read more...] about Reviving a classic movie house: food, music and charm fill Mars Theatre Brewing
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
Building Memories: Crumpler pursues his passion for old-school choppers
The entrance to R.J. Crumpler’s unassuming bike garage sits nestled behind a typical family home in Durham, North Carolina. Once you enter the garage code and open the doors, you’ll find a beaming handmade bike shop filled with a ’74 Honda CB 550, a Harley Sportster, softail springers and ironhead choppers. Wearing ripped grey jeans and an old denim vest adorned with patches … [Read more...] about Building Memories: Crumpler pursues his passion for old-school choppers
Banner Elk: A winter rider’s hidden wonderland
I close my jacket collar tighter since the temperature feels noticeably cooler upon reaching the top of Linville Gorge. Fall hasn’t relinquished all her colorful foliage yet, so the climb up into the high country sees floating leaves swirling around my helmet. The mountains hugging each side of the road open up, offering the chance to relax and stretch a hand or foot off the … [Read more...] about Banner Elk: A winter rider’s hidden wonderland
