Phil Gauthier

Chasing Curves and Carolina Sky: Part 2

Posted by Phil Gauthier | Nov 6, 2025 | Rides & Roads |

Day Two of our “Mild Hawgs” road trip broke with the sound of rain easing off the hotel roof and the aroma of coffee wafting from the lobby. Over breakfast, the group circled up, hashing out the day’s route. Word was “The Snake” (Hwy 421 outside Bristol) was still scarred from last year’s floods, and the forecast called for scattered showers late morning. With that in mind, we shifted gears, literally and figuratively, deciding to head west and south, jump on I-26, and pick up the Blue Ridge Parkway south of Asheville. A couple of us pulled on rain gear, just in case, while the others trusted the weather gods and Nate, our default road captain, to lead the way.

Chasing Curves and Carolina Sky: Part 1

Posted by Phil Gauthier | Oct 27, 2025 | Ride Life, Rides & Roads |

There’s something about rolling north for me, on a crisp fall morning that feels like a promise — that blend of fuel, freedom, and just enough chill in the air to remind you the mountains are calling. Weeks earlier Nate had called to set up a three day ride which included his son Adam and cousin Greg – the four of us were ready. The sun was just burning off the early morning fog when the bikes fired up, that familiar rumble echoing off the quiet Main Street. We had all been itching to carve some high country asphalt, and the route ahead would deliver in spades: Heads down takes us up Hwy. 441 at speed up to Clayton, Georgia. Quick fuel check and we are off: Warwoman Road, Highway 28, Sapphire Valley, Lake Toxaway, Waynesville, Lake Junaluska, and the legendary NC 209 — better known as The Rattler – Day one.

Indian Motorcycle Breaks With Polaris

Posted by Phil Gauthier | Oct 13, 2025 | Industry & Racing |

When the news broke that Polaris Industries would be selling a majority stake in Indian Motorcycle to private-equity firm Carolwood LP, the sound that followed wasn’t just the click of a press release hitting inboxes. It was a collective double-take across the motorcycle world.
For over a decade, Polaris has been the guiding hand behind Indian’s comeback story — resurrecting the century-old American brand from dormancy and turning it into Harley-Davidson’s most credible rival in modern times. But with this new deal, expected to close in early 2026, Indian Motorcycle is about to chart its own course as a standalone company.

Phil’s Op-Ed: Breaking Down Barriers to the Ride Life

Posted by Phil Gauthier | Aug 26, 2025 | Ride Life |

At Road Dirt we talk, write about and live the “Ride Life”. It’s more than a slogan, it’s a way of life for us. We believe riding unencumbered by seatbelts & cages lets the soul truly experience travel in a special way. We love sharing how beautiful riding a motorcycle can be by soaking in the sun and wind and aromas you just can’t experience in a car (cage for those in the know). We hope that our stories will motivate people, young and old, to consider buying a motorbike and joining the riding community to experience the joys we all do on two.

Gear Review: BILT Nomad Modular Helmet

Posted by Phil Gauthier | Jul 29, 2025 | Bikes & Gear |

Modular helmets have been around since the 1980s, but in recent years their versatile design has become even more popular with motorcycle riders, specifically among older bikers, longer distance tourers, and riders who may not be in a position to shell out the bucks for $500+ premium helmets. So we decided to take a look at more affordable options in the modular space, and found one among our friends at Cycle Gear.

Triumph Tiger Sport 800: A Tall Order

Posted by Phil Gauthier | Jul 21, 2025 | Bikes & Gear |

As a 6’2” rider with a 34-inch inseam, finding a motorcycle that balances sporty performance with long-distance comfort is a tall order- pun intended. The 2025 Triumph Tiger Sport 800, a middleweight sport-tourer with adventure-inspired ergonomics, promised to deliver on both fronts. After a week of riding and testing across small town streets and winding country roads, I’ve put this bike through its paces to evaluate the rider triangle, comfort, and powerplant performance.
Here’s my take.

Motorcycle Gear: CoverSeal Weighted Cover

Posted by Phil Gauthier | May 27, 2025 | Bikes & Gear |

We recently were contacted by CoverSeal, a company that manufactures heavy-duty weighted covers for automobiles, tractors, and outdoor appliances like large grills and patio furniture. They have now developed a weighted motorcycle cover, and asked if we’d be interested in receiving one for review. We obliged, and within a week had a large, heavy box delivered to our doorstep at Road Dirt HQ.

Gear Review: Peak Design Motorcycle Bar Mounts, Part 1

Posted by Phil Gauthier | Nov 21, 2024 | Bikes & Gear, Nuts & Bolts |

Over the weekend I was able to do an installation and test ride using the Peak Design Qi2 cell phone mount with charging capabilities, and I have to say I was pleasantly surprised.

PCB Rains on Thunder Beach

Posted by Phil Gauthier | May 13, 2024 | Ride Life, Rides & Roads |

My riding brothers and I returned from the 2024 Thunder Beach Rally on Sunday May 5 and after much consideration, I have to say it will most likely be my last. This year’s spring rally seemed to be doomed from the get-go.