The mountains seem to cradle this bucolic valley. Beyond the orderly rows of vines, the blue-gray band of the Southern Appalachian Mountains fences off this area of east Tennessee, protecting it. Cherishing it. Briefly interrupting this peaceful scene, a group of nearly a dozen motorcyclists arrive at Tsali Notch Vineyard near Madisonville, Tennessee, after crossing the … [Read more...] about Wine Touring: Across the Cherohala to Tsali Notch Vineyards
Tennessee
The unfinished dream of the Foothills Parkway
Riding close to the outside railing made my stomach suddenly flutter with a fear of heights as I crossed the eight new viaduct bridges on the newest section of the Foothills Parkway. A glance to the south revealed open space and a ridgeline across the valley as the ground suddenly disappeared only to return and disappear again. Eastern Tennessee’s unfinished dream of a scenic … [Read more...] about The unfinished dream of the Foothills Parkway
Dile Brown Sr.: A life and career devoted to two wheels
He arrives in the sparkling motorcycle showroom like a beloved elder statesman, greeted warmly by employees who emerge from all corners of the Harley-Davidson dealership to welcome their founder, Dile Brown Sr. The 81-year-old returns their admiration, knowing success in the business takes more than just making sales, but building a community. With a full mane of silver hair, … [Read more...] about Dile Brown Sr.: A life and career devoted to two wheels
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
Notes from the Road
A change of seasons arrives, bringing new adventures as the mountains’ green cloak fades. My mesh jacket trades closet space with my favorite leather one. Autumn vanquishes those excuses not to ride as the summer heat diminishes and the afternoon thunderstorms relent from what seems like a rigidly scheduled 4 p.m. downpour. For a few more months I won’t have to face winter’s … [Read more...] about Notes from the Road
