Once upon a time, many a young motorcyclist cut his or her riding teeth off-tarmac. Tykes on smaller bikes burbled over bumpy, leaf-strewn, or gravely terrain, honing riding skills while smoky, two- or four-stroke engines propelled them toward adventure. These rides often marked the beginning of that invisible draw, the magnetic “what’s around the next corner” pull of … [Read more...] about Regrowing roots: The return of riders to their dirty beginnings
South Carolina
Jocassee Valley Brewing: Great sounds and suds await
Fall makes for the perfect time to venture south of the Blue Ridge Escarpment and explore waterfalls, winding backroads and make a stop for a cold one at Jocassee Valley Brewing near Salem, South Carolina. Located along the scenic byway of S.C 11, this unassuming roadside spot serves a wide selection of regional craft beers and weekend food trucks. More interestingly, Jocassee … [Read more...] about Jocassee Valley Brewing: Great sounds and suds await
BMW U.S. Rider Academy: An Investment in Yourself
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
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
