By Michael E. Gouge The Eastern Continental Divide in the Blue Ridge Mountains features some of the best motorcycling areas in the country. It reaches its highest point in North Carolina, home to one of the newest federally recognized wine-growing regions — and an excellent destination for those leisurely harvest-season rides. Heading south of Asheville along U.S. 74A, riders … [Read more...] about Wine Touring: Tasting the Crest of the Blue Ridge
North Carolina
A motorcycle stronger than spinach: Charlie Stroebel and his Popeye bike
It all started with an old leather suitcase. Charlie Stroebel’s late brother, Frankie Striffler, loved a good hunt for antiques and curiosities. On one of his outings, he stumbled upon what looked like a salesman’s sample case, probably from the 1920s or ‘30s. Frankie called Charlie and excitedly told him all about the suitcase, but Stroebel didn’t share his brother’s … [Read more...] about A motorcycle stronger than spinach: Charlie Stroebel and his Popeye bike
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
Cherohala Skyway: Nostalgia and furtive glances at the past
Nearly 30 years ago, an old friend introduced me to motorcycle camping. During those early years, the two of us came together a couple times a year for epic camping and rides, which usually led to some irresponsible, reckless behavior that young men with a false sense of immortality often undertake. I often returned home with sore abdominal muscles from excessive infantile … [Read more...] about Cherohala Skyway: Nostalgia and furtive glances at the past
Electra Glides in Blue: Riding with Asheville Police’s Motor Unit
Asheville Police Department’s trio of Electra Glides moves in unison through the mid-day interstate traffic. Mirror-to-mirror, the team switch lanes without ever braking formation. There’s a gap beside the third officer, and I’m tempted to insert my trailing adventure bike into the formation to live out my childhood fantasy of riding with Jon and Ponch from TV’s … [Read more...] about Electra Glides in Blue: Riding with Asheville Police’s Motor Unit
