Road Dirt

Trippin’ On Two Wheels- Sicily

Posted by Neale Bayly | May 28, 2026 | Ride Life, Rides & Roads |

Warm sun, even warmer people, strong coffee and a slow, deliberate dinner of multiple mouth watering courses calls to us like the Sirens of Anthemoessa as Jason and his Argonauts sailed by. But as soon as my Moto Guzzi Griso jumps to life the following morning, with the rocking cadence so familiar to long time aficionados of this historic brand, the call of the road, like Orpheus’ song, takes over. Diving into the sea of madness that doubles for city driving in Sicily, a quick check in my mirror shows Dennis on his Breva 1100 and Sam on a 750 Nevada in tight formation, so I gun the big twin for Taormina…

Bonneville Motorcycle Speed Trials- Pin the Throttle

Posted by Rob Brooks | May 26, 2026 | Industry & Racing |

As a kid, I loved watching the coverage of the annual Bonneville Speed Trials, whenever one of the networks would feature it. The sight of all kinds of speed machines, from motorcycles to rocket cars, going flat out as fast as possible down the miles of flat salt, just captured my imagination. I dreamed of pinning the throttle on a long, low, two-wheeled, fire breathing beast, roaring through the speed traps, head down, tucked in behind a small fairing, the finish line faint in the distance ahead, breaking 200+ mph while hanging on for dear life.
Yeah, Bonneville captured my imagination.

The Road To AFT

Posted by Geoff & Barb Nickless | May 19, 2026 | Industry & Racing |

This 2026 season, AFT has launched a new program to encourage and inspire young amateur flat trackers to look ahead to becoming professionals. The Road to AFT consists of seven races, the first of which was held on March 4th at Daytona Beach, FL. A partnership with CTR (Cory Texter Racing) showcases the seven events and young 450cc riders must qualify at a showcase event the day before the AFT race, to run the event, the next day. The young riders are given guidance on completing tech before and after races. Each rear wheel is taken off and weighed and must be 34 lbs. or less. Dismounting the wheel after a competitive race is exhausting. Tech photographs each bike and then riders are given permission to remove the wheel for inspection.

Suzuki’s Ken Roczen Claims 2026 Supercross Crown

Posted by Road Dirt Crew | May 14, 2026 | Industry & Racing |

After 13 seasons in the premier class, Roczen had accumulated 28 career 450SX victories, but the championship title had always eluded him. The 2026 season marked Roczen’s sixth year aboard the Suzuki RM-Z450 and his fourth season with Progressive Insurance Cycle Gear ECSTAR Suzuki. Against all odds and against one of the deepest fields in modern Supercross history, Roczen delivered one of the most memorable championship victories the sport has ever seen.

1200 Miles on a Harley-Davidson Street Glide

Posted by Rob Brooks | May 12, 2026 | Bikes & Gear |

“Oh yeah, I remember this well.”
Such was my reaction upon taking the 2025 Harley-Davidson Street Glide out for a check ride, once I got it back home. On loan from our friends at EAGLERIDER, the 2025 Street Glide would be my steed for our trip to the spring Thunder Beach Motorcycle Rally in Panama City Beach, Florida. Having ridden the 2024 model down at Daytona Bike Week back in 2024, I felt instantly familiar with Harley’s popular touring motorcycle.
Good thing too, evidenced by how our trip began the following morning.

Through The Lens: Remembering Mert Lawwill

Posted by Geoff & Barb Nickless | May 8, 2026 | Industry & Racing, Ride Life |

It began Wednesday night, after dinner here on the West Coast. The phone was ringing and both cell phones were pinging from texts and emails. “Did you hear that Mert Lawwill passed away?” were the messages. Stories from industry friends and old riders began to be shared about what a pleasure it was to have known Mert. As we have been reconnecting and reminiscing with our motorcycle family these past few days, our memories of Mert are pleasant ones. We thought we would share some of these through our photography of him over the decades.

Thunder Beach Motorcycle Rally 2026

Posted by Rob Brooks | May 5, 2026 | Ride Life, Rides & Roads |

Celebrating its 26th year, the Thunder Beach rally has been held annually since 1999. Originally called the “Bike & Beach Bash”, the event was first organized by the HOG chapter of Macon, Georgia, along with local PCB organizers. By year two, the name was changed to Thunder Beach Motorcycle Rally, and has since become a twice yearly event, in April-May and the fall rally in October. The week-long event has grown into one of the largest free motorcycle rallies in America, with its own flavor of vendors, stunt shows, custom bike contests, concerts and scenic day rides.