The morning looked warmer from the hotel window. It always does. I stepped out onto the sidewalk in Wise, felt that sharp little edge in the mountain air, and stopped long enough to zip my jacket up another inch. The sky had that early-spring brightness that promises a decent day while refusing to promise a warm one. Across the street, Wise was just beginning to stir. … [Read more...] about Third Gear Therapy Around Wise, Virginia
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Kentucky Cruising: Chrome, Coffee and Route 23
Another winter cold snap just broke, so time to ride my new to me 2023 Triumph Bonneville, which my wife insists looks like a “Margo,” in Meridan Blue and chrome. It was waiting for me patiently, like all motorcycles do, pretending not to care whether you show up, but also judging your choice of boots and style of riding jacket. Thumbing the starter, the parallel twin woke … [Read more...] about Kentucky Cruising: Chrome, Coffee and Route 23
Tracing the Tug: Exploring West Virginia’s Notorious River
The Tug Fork of the Big Sandy is a uniquely notorious Appalachian river, the primary setting of the infamous Hatfield and McCoy clans and their legendary feud, multiple environmental disasters, devastating floods, and rugged, isolated frontier existence. If you’re looking for a place on nobody’s holiday destination list, I’ve got just the place for you. The Tug Fork valley, … [Read more...] about Tracing the Tug: Exploring West Virginia’s Notorious River
An East Tennessee Expedition: Frontier Forts, Funny Airplanes and Utopian Towns
Given my love of beer, starting an East Tennessee expedition in the town that the temperance movement built seemed like an irony I couldn’t resist. The small town of Harriman, Tennessee, began as a utopian alcohol-free city, complete with orderly streets and picturesque Victorian houses. Its location just off Interstate 40 made it an interesting stop to begin a journey along … [Read more...] about An East Tennessee Expedition: Frontier Forts, Funny Airplanes and Utopian Towns
A ride to remember: Nicki & Aaron’s Blue Ridge elopement
There are moments on the Blue Ridge Parkway when time feels suspended — when the light hits just right, the fog rolls in low and soft, and the ridges seem to lean in and listen. It was in one of those moments, at Thunderstruck Overlook, that I crossed paths with two riders who looked like they had just stepped out of a country song. Dressed in wedding attire, leaning against … [Read more...] about A ride to remember: Nicki & Aaron’s Blue Ridge elopement
