Road Dirt

Beautiful Bikes: Ducati Formula 73

Posted by Road Dirt Crew | Feb 26, 2026 | Bikes & Gear, Legendary Bikes |

We recently wrote about some motorcycles debuting this year that caught our eye. Some we hope to ride, others are what we categorized as, “unobtainium”. Either way, all are beautiful, and we love beautiful motorcycles. This latest offering from Ducati is another example, both historic-looking and drop-dead gorgeous, as well as out of reach for the majority of us proletariat. Nonetheless, it caught our eye, so we felt compelled to share a little bit about the Formula 73, as the Italian motorcycle manufacturer has dubbed it.

Wet Winters, Appreciation & Reflection

Posted by Phil Gauthier | Feb 23, 2026 | Ride Life |

As social media traffic and online ads for Daytona Bike Week ramp up, as I write this, we’re all sitting here on a rainy Saturday morning in North Georgia, yearning to ride. This follows a “Chamber of Commerce” Friday in the south with V-Twin friendly low 70’s and sunshine. Brutal times for us riders who have booked our spring/summer rally lodging and patiently wait for riding weather. Fortunately for us in the south, riding season starts earlier than those in the frozen northern states, so we aren’t complaining that much.

The Passing of a Motorsports Icon

Posted by Rob Brooks | Feb 17, 2026 | Ride Life |

This morning during breakfast, I got a text from my friend Neale Bayly, simply stating, “Mr. Barber passed away”. I was stunned, and quickly found an American Motorcyclist Association press release in my inbox with a bit more information.

Through The Lens: Jay Springsteen

Posted by Geoff & Barb Nickless | Feb 13, 2026 | Industry & Racing, Legendary Bikes |

While up on stage in the Hot Shoe Hall of Fame interview with Terry “Ike” Clanton, Jay quipped, “Me and Corky made Kenny Roberts famous at the 1975 Indy Mile!” His reference was to the fact that Kenny caught them on his Champion framed, Kel Carruthers tuned, TZ750 Miler on the exit of Turn 4 onto the front straight on the last lap, and won by a wheel length.

If You Don’t Feel Like An Imposter, Your Dream Isn’t Big Enough

Posted by Road Dirt Crew | Feb 10, 2026 | Ride Life, Rides & Roads |

Have you ever experienced “imposter syndrome”? It’s that moment when you finally arrive somewhere you’ve dreamed of, and instead of certainty, it feels unreal. Your nerves are up, your heart’s racing, and anticipation sits heavy in your chest— the kind that only shows up when you’re stepping past what’s comfortable. It’s the same feeling as sweaty palms right before you throw a leg over a motorcycle you’ve never ridden. There’s an inner tension that holds two truths at once: I’m not sure I’m supposed to be here, and this is exactly where I’m supposed to be. You wonder if everyone else can tell you’re new, if you belong at all. Then, after a few conversations, a couple weeks of just doing the thing, it hits you— I am definitely supposed to be here.

Through The Lens: Eddie Lawson

Posted by Geoff & Barb Nickless | Feb 5, 2026 | Industry & Racing, Legendary Bikes |

When Geoff first began photographing racing as a young adult, he would often go to races just to spectate and practice his new hobby of photography. He unknowingly captured Eddie as a 250-Novice road racer at Sears Point in Sonoma, California. While at a dinner for Kenny Roberts’ charity, he gave Eddie a copy of this photo. Eddie’s response was, “Where did you get that??” Geoff replied, “I shot it at Sears Point in 1977.” Eddie then shared that his wife knew nothing of this era of his racing and that he couldn’t wait to share it with her.

Montana BDR Debuts

Posted by Rob Brooks | Feb 3, 2026 | Rides & Roads |

The newest BDR route has recently been announced in Montana, and Triumph Motorcycles sent us some information on this extraordinary new portion. The motorcycle brand is once again partnering with and helping sponsor the new Montana route (MTBDR), with valuable travel resources that can benefit riders, as well as the rural communities the roads and trails navigate through. As dual sport and adventure riding continues to grow here in the States, the BDR network is growing with it.