There, in a break in the tree line, flashed a vision as I sped along U.S. 129. Simmering blue-green water, distant soaring ridges, a heavenly sight flashed before becoming blocked again by roadside underbrush. My Yamaha Tracer 9 willingly carved a quick U-turn. I nestled her up against the guardrail in the narrow strip of grass between the open road and the precipice … [Read more...] about Glorious Graham: The Secret Side of the Smokies
North Carolina
Welcome to TriSTAR – Where Three States Meet and the Adventure Begins!
Motorcycle Sport Touring Association - TriSTAR Rally May 23 - 27, 2025 Sparta, North Carolina The name says it all – TriSTAR! This exciting motorcycle rally gets its name from its one-of-a-kind location in the charming mountain town of Sparta, North Carolina. Nestled just off the legendary Blue Ridge Parkway, Sparta sits right where North Carolina, Virginia, and Tennessee … [Read more...] about Welcome to TriSTAR – Where Three States Meet and the Adventure Begins!
Exploring Elkin: From Mill Town to Motorcycling Mecca
Nestled on the banks of the serene Yadkin River, the town of Elkin resembles many small North Carolina towns: a main street lined with older buildings, a movie theater, a bank, various shops. One of the joys of motorcycling is discovering these time-capsule towns. It’s even more joyous to see them thriving in the 21st century. “About eight years ago, we were stagnant. The mill … [Read more...] about Exploring Elkin: From Mill Town to Motorcycling Mecca
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
A dying art: Vintage bike fans form a wrenching community
Some things, like fine wine, really do get better with time. That describes many things in life, including long term friendships. It can also describe long term relationships with vintage motorcycles. In a nod to what Robert Pirsig said in “Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance,” the word “better” can take on different meanings depending on one’s vantage point. He used it … [Read more...] about A dying art: Vintage bike fans form a wrenching community
