Rob Brooks

Route 66 Turns 100: Tour With EAGLERIDER This Summer

Posted by Rob Brooks | Mar 19, 2026 | Rides & Roads |

EAGLERIDER is sponsoring an epic adventure on the world famous route in this 100th anniversary year, leading a tour from the road’s beginning point in Chicago, all the way across the continent, to the terminus at the Santa Monica Pier. Billed as the “Route 66 Centennial Tour”, EAGLERIDER is inviting only 66 riders worldwide to join them on the 16-day epic journey, riding out of Chicago on June 23rd and arriving in Santa Monica on July 8th.

First Look: Royal Enfield Classic 650

Posted by Rob Brooks | Mar 17, 2026 | Bikes & Gear |

Studying up on this new machine, and talking with a few of my fellow moto journalist friends who attended, it seems that this outstanding powerplant has been refined even more, and placed within a beautiful, very traditional looking package in this Classic 650 model. The Royal Enfield R&D folks know better than to leave well-enough alone, fortunately.

Life Saving Helmet Tech

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

Back in January, Fox 10 Phoenix covered a serious motorcycle crash in Arizona where a rider went down on a rural road and was completely hidden from view. He may not have been found in time if not for an automatic emergency alert triggered at the moment of impact. That same incident has since been featured in People Magazine, bringing national attention to how modern safety technology can step in when riders are compromised in a collision and can’t call for help themselves.

Indian’s New CEO Mike Kennedy: A True Biker

Posted by Rob Brooks | Mar 6, 2026 | Industry & Racing, Ride Life |

Following Indian Motorcycle’s recent split with Polaris, becoming a completely standalone motorcycle manufacturer again, the 125 year old legacy brand brought on Mike Kennedy as CEO to oversee operations. It’s refreshing to see a true motorcycle guy take the helm at Indian, especially given other manufacturer’s hiring of European shoe guys and pizza guys to run their operations. Kennedy is a true biker, a lifelong motorcycle rider, and a veteran in the powersports industry.

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.

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.

Then Came Bronson

Posted by Rob Brooks | Jan 22, 2026 | Legendary Bikes, Ride Life |

In 1969, a man quit his job, threw a leg over his Harley, and rode away from everything- and an entire generation wanted to follow him. His name was Jim Bronson. And though he only existed on television screens for one brief, beautiful season, his spirit would outlive the show by decades.

Rob’s Monthly Musings: Awake, Alert, Aware

Posted by Rob Brooks | Jan 13, 2026 | Ride Life |

I was out for a ride on a rare, warm winter day recently, and making a left-hand turn onto a side road, I found myself suddenly stopping behind a small transport van. There was a gas station entrance to the right, and opposite on the left was the entrance/exit for a restaurant. In the moment, I considered a quick skirt to the right around the van, so I could continue on my way. But further examination halted my impulse. I glimpsed a black pickup truck ahead, coming the opposite way, and a small silver sedan stopped at the restaurant exit. The transport van was waiting to make a left into the restaurant parking lot, while the black truck suddenly took its left into the gas station lot. Had I not paused before making an impulsive move, I would’ve been broadsided by the pickup truck. A little awareness and prudence quite possibly saved my life.

Flow Rider

Posted by Rob Brooks | Jan 5, 2026 | Ride Life |

Descending off the high plains of panhandle Texas and into the desert and Mesa’s of New Mexico, the setting sun was splashing a kaleidoscope of color across the sky. Behind us, as darkness crapped over the canopy above, a full moon was rising behind our right shoulders. Mike was riding lead, his silhouette framed by the sinking sun, and I fell into a completely calm state, almost like a trance, and time seemed to stand still.