The exotic destination I selected for my wife and I this year was Greer, South Carolina. Why Greer? It is home to BMW’s U.S. Rider Academy, arguably one of the top motorcycle training facilities in North America. I signed up for a five-day motorcycle bootcamp, which consists of two days on pavement, two days off-road and one day out and back in the Blue Ridge Mountains north … [Read more...] about BMW U.S. Rider Academy: An Investment in Yourself
South Carolina
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
GAS Vintage Motofest: Celebrating old-school cool
Securing its place as one of the best vintage motorcycle shows in the Blue Ridge Mountains, the fourth annual GAS Vintage Motofest drew nearly 200 two-wheel enthusiasts for the small Upstate South Carolina town of Piedmont this September. “It’s a vast variety of vintage and unique motorcycles,” said Bradley Fawcett, an organizer with the GAS Vintage Motofest. “We usually … [Read more...] about GAS Vintage Motofest: Celebrating old-school cool
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