Blue Ridge Motorcycling Magazine

Yamaha Tracer 9 GT

Helene’s Wrath: Fleeing the Aftermath With a Weeklong Odyssey

by

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

Cumberland Cascades: Stunning waterfalls await Tennessee travelers

by

My first roadside break of the morning began at Washington Ferry on the western bank of the Tennessee River. Happy to be on another road trip, I savored the quiet riverfront view, although I fear the lone fisherman initially hidden from my view was probably annoyed by my approach on the raspy three-cylinder Yamaha sport-touring bike. The fisherman packed up and departed … [Read more...] about Cumberland Cascades: Stunning waterfalls await Tennessee travelers

Notes from the road: The latchkey kid becomes the free-range rider

by

I couldn’t resist turning into the old subdivision. My Yamaha Tracer 9 GT made easy work of the large hill that once took me a lot of exertion on my black-and-yellow Huffy BMX. I still remembered each home and each childhood friend (and enemy) who lived there more than 45 years ago. Maybe it’s just the wistful nostalgia of a man who recognizes there are more miles behind him … [Read more...] about Notes from the road: The latchkey kid becomes the free-range rider

Georgia on my mind: Helen lures riders to region’s attractions

by

As the heat of summer started to ease, I packed up the bike one Friday, needing to experience another road trip before the cold winds of November would arrive. A weekend escape to the kitschy fun of the alpine-themed town of Helen, Georgia, seemed very appealing. It only enticed me more that it was Oktoberfest season, and I knew Helen would be a pretty lively place to make my … [Read more...] about Georgia on my mind: Helen lures riders to region’s attractions