Ah, those glorious summer days filled with long rides through the Blue Ridge Mountains. The warm weather, blue skies and yet-to-be discovered roadside stops always enhance the riding experience for many motorcyclists. The questions always arise: Where are we going to stop for lunch? Want to grab a beer? The Southern Appalachian Mountains feature plenty of ale houses, taprooms, … [Read more...] about Stops for beer, wine or spirits
wine
Wine Touring: Across the Cherohala to Tsali Notch Vineyards
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
Wine Touring: Tasting the Crest of the Blue Ridge
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
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
