Road Dirt

Riding the Iron

Posted by Rob Brooks | Nov 12, 2019 | Bikes & Gear |

The Sportster has been a staple in the Harley-Davidson lineup since 1957. In fact, the Sportster is the longest continually-running production model in the H-D universe, and quite possibly the longest anywhere in motorcycling. It has undergone many iterations, many upgrades, and a few pitfalls, but overall, the Sportster has always been and continues to be among the brands’ biggest sellers. It’s held a widely varying reputation, from entry-level Harley, to hooligan bike, and even racer. Like the famous Triumph Bonneville line, so many veteran riders see a Sportster and reminisce, “Yeah, I owned one of those, back in the day,…” as their eyes and voices trail off to chase some distant fond memory.

God Sent Us Road Baloney

Posted by Ted Edwards | Nov 6, 2019 | Ride Life |

“There are two things I can’t stand doing slow,” Mots softly says, “skiing and riding motorcycles.”
Having done both with him, I can attest that he is slow at neither. Mots was my speedy riding partner that day as he ran point, carefully dissecting eastern Washington’s rolling farm country with scenic cuts through green fields, red barns and brown cattle.

Anatomy of a Legend- Wayne Rainey Interview

Posted by Rob Brooks | Oct 31, 2019 | Ride Life |

Debate often arises in motorsports over the definition of a legend, and what constitutes legendary status. Is it the number of wins across a career? National and/or world titles? Is it philanthropic work, contributions to the sport and industry? Overcoming tragedy or adversity? Perhaps it’s personal honor, integrity, influence? By any definition-
Wayne Rainey is a legend.

A Trip to the Barber- Vintage Fest 2019

Posted by Rob Brooks | Oct 23, 2019 | Rides & Roads |

The 15th Annual Barber Motorsports Vintage Festival kicked off in a heat wave, but concluded with a cool change. Here in the Deep South, we had experienced unseasonably hot and dry conditions to kick off our Fall, with temps tapping the triple digits, accompanied by drought. Yet the enthusiasm for this annual gathering was neither diminished nor decreased, as record crowds were still predicted based on ticket sales, we were told. I had wanted to attend this massive event for years, and this was the year I cleared the calendar to make it happen.

Sleepless in Colorado

Posted by Ted Edwards | Oct 15, 2019 | Ride Life, Rides & Roads |

“I came out of the bathroom at the back of the bar,” Currie Collier exclaimed, eyes wide, “and all I could see was a motorcycle headlight shining at me. I freaked. I mean, who expects that when they come out of the bathroom?”
No one really. Unless you are participating in the Colorado 500.

LIVING WITH AN INDIAN

Posted by Rob Brooks | Oct 11, 2019 | Bikes & Gear |

Ever since the stunning debut of Indian’s flat track dominating FTR750 racer in 2016, riders have been clamoring for a street version. By the end of 2018, Indian delivered, unveiling the street FTR 1200 to much fanfare across the motorcycle industry. As their phrase declares, “Born in the Dirt; Built for the Street”, The FTR 1200’s DNA is clearly bred in racing. Tall suspension, tight wheelbase, flat tracker handlebars, trellis frame, even ADV on/off road rubber on cast aluminum rims, the bike screams hooligan, with a huge shout-out to its championship-winning 750 sibling.

The Sorcerer and the Salt

Posted by Ted Edwards | Sep 28, 2019 | Ride Life |

My conversation with Steve Wellman as we stood in the sweltering Bonneville heat was like facing machine gun fire. I was not totally prepared. Thoughts, ideas and visions of the future were shot at me thousands of ideas per minute, propelled by the passion of someone whose brain runs on high octane dreams. I couldn’t help but think that if this creativity and drive were focused, if this rate of fire could be harnessed, the effect would lay waste to any foe.
Well, it has been focused. The bike is called the Nagual. Bonneville is the enemy.

MotoAmerica at Barber Motorsports

Posted by Rob Brooks | Sep 23, 2019 | Industry & Racing |

The MotoAmerica road racing season concluded at Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, Alabama this past weekend, under sunny skies, warm temps, and atop fresh blacktop. And the racing was dramatic.

Toss the Plan – Ride The Ride

Posted by Phil Gauthier | Sep 21, 2019 | Ride Life, Rides & Roads |

The plan was for the four of us to meet northeast of Atlanta for breakfast and then head to the Blueridge Parkway to go end-to-end in four days. We had talked about and planned this trip over the last three months and it was finally happening.