Rob Brooks

The Daytona 200- America’s Festival of Speed

Posted by Rob Brooks | Mar 11, 2022 | Industry & Racing, Legendary Bikes |

With the 80th running of the acclaimed Daytona 200 this year (weather permitting), we thought a dive into the archives to view the long and storied history of this legendary motorcycle race was in order. From it’s actual origins in Savannah, Georgia in 1932, to the sands of Daytona Beach, ultimately riding the high banks of the Daytona International Speedway, the Daytona 200 has attracted many of the top motorcycle racers in the world to come make their mark on the “World Center of Speed”.

The Spectacle That Is Daytona Bike Week

Posted by Rob Brooks | Mar 7, 2022 | Rides & Roads |

The annual Daytona Beach Bike Week is a great many things to a great many people. From a wide variety of races, to biker parties day and night up and down Main Street, to scenic rides along the beach or through the lush Florida interior, many motorcycle riders consider Daytona Bike Week as the official kick-off of riding season. Hundreds of thousands make the “pilgrimage” from across the continent and even from around the world to experience the spectacle and join in the festivities.

Circling the Globe on a Royal Enfield Himalayan

Posted by Rob Brooks | Mar 3, 2022 | Ride Life, Rides & Roads |

Jack Groves had a dream- to ride around the world on a motorcycle, and become the youngest human to ever achieve it. With little more than a British A2 license and limited experience with a small Herald Brat 125 motorbike, Jack read about the 8-month, 32,000 mile motorcycle circumnavigation of fellow Brit Kane Avellano in 2017, at that time the world’s youngest, and decided to make an attempt at breaking his record.

Why We Ride Returns to the Quail

Posted by Rob Brooks | Mar 1, 2022 | Ride Life, Rides & Roads |

As motorcycle riders, we relish any opportunity to hit the open roads and throttle out into the wind. Sharing the road and the ride with friends and like-minded bikers makes it even better. But when we can ride for a worthy cause, when our motorcycles are vehicles for genuine change, that can be the most rewarding ride of all. The “Why We Ride to the Quail” is just such a motorcycle ride.

The Abernathy Boys- An American Chronicle

Posted by Rob Brooks | Feb 25, 2022 | Legendary Bikes, Ride Life |

I first laid eyes on the photo of the “Abernathy Kids” when my father gave me a wooden framed print of it some 10 years ago for my basement “man cave”. He knew a little of the backstory which he shared with me, and I placed the picture and frame among some of my other vintage and antique paraphernalia downstairs, where it remained for a decade. When we transferred my “motorcycle works” to a new outdoor garage, I thought the photo and frame would fit perfectly, so I set it among my other old stuff on the back pegboard.

Pursuit of the Ultimate Touring Motorcycle

Posted by Rob Brooks | Feb 23, 2022 | Bikes & Gear |

Indian Motorcycle pulled the wraps off an all-new premium touring bike, based on their popular Challenger platform. Claiming “The next generation of American touring performance for riders who want the most capable touring machine”, the Indian Pursuit Dark Horse and Pursuit Limited models enter the Indian family of tourers with prices starting at $30,000 base.

2022 Isle of Man TT Live Broadcast Announced

Posted by Rob Brooks | Feb 21, 2022 | Industry & Racing |

After a two-year hiatus because of the Covid-19 pandemic, the full two-week slate of races returns May 28-June 11 and will be broadcast live worldwide for the first time in the event’s long history. Due to be carried by the Isle of Man TT’s new OTT (over-the-top, meaning bypassing leading internet services and providers) streaming service in partnership with Vimeo video provider, the races will be carried on IOMTT’s own platform called TT+, which will be open and available by early April.

A Ride on the Wild Side- Triumph’s Speed Triple 1200 RS

Posted by Rob Brooks | Feb 19, 2022 | Bikes & Gear |

I first fell in love with Triumph’s Triple motorcycles when I owned a 1999 Sprint 955i ST some years back. The torque and pull in each gear, the howl of that three cylinder mill through the single right side pipe, and the sheer thrill of screaming around Road Atlanta, Talledega GP or down some lonesome country road at ungodly digits was addictive. That Sprint was my first true sportbike, having always been a cruiser or standard rider before, and it changed my life by opening up a whole new world to me of “Power, Performance and Handling”. I still enjoy cruisers, but my heart has turned. There’s no going back. I’m a “PPH” fan now. So it’s little wonder I salivated to get my hands on this latest iteration of Triumph’s Triple line.

A Stone Cold Goal

Posted by Rob Brooks | Feb 17, 2022 | Ride Life |

The day’s sub-freezing temperature was something I had honestly been waiting for. Prior to my cancer diagnosis, I have ridden in colder temps as have most of my motorcycle riding friends and family (i.e. our son Ryan who lives in Alaska). This day’s ride was a short-term goal that I had set for myself since it has been several years since I had ridden in conditions this cold. With God’s presence, provisions, and protection, I set about reaching this new goal. In a below-freezing morning temp of 27 degrees, 19 including the wind chill, I suited up, warmed the Scout, pulled on my full-face modular helmet, and set out in the frigid yet sunny morning air. I’ve never used or owned electric heated riding gear, so I had heavily layered up for the short hop to the House. Layers of thermals top and bottom, a balaclava underneath the helmet to ensure my face wouldn’t get frostbitten, it nearly took me longer to prepare for the ride than to actually make it.