Rob Brooks

Cafe’ Cool

Posted by Rob Brooks | May 16, 2019 | Bikes & Gear |

So when opportunity knocked, offering a long weekend with a new Bonneville Street Cup, I enthusiastically welcomed the chance to dance. The good folks at Triumph North America signed me out one from their demo fleet, to ride, live with, and then report on. I was more than happy to oblige. I picked up the Cup on a Friday morning from Triumph North America HQ, south of Atlanta, Georgia, with the simple instructions: “Have fun with it, and we’ll see you back here next Tuesday.” Oh. Yeah.

A Beach of a Week

Posted by Rob Brooks | May 7, 2019 | Industry & Racing |

Over the past week, 2-Time MotoAmerica Supersport Champion JD Beach accomplished a feat not attained since Nicky Hayden pulled it off in 2002- winning a Superbike National race and a Flat Track National in the same week.

Fire & Thunder

Posted by Rob Brooks | May 6, 2019 | Industry & Racing |

Since a motor was first paired with a set of wheels and handlebars, riders have felt compelled to race. Down dirt country roads, hard-packed sandy beaches, on board track ovals, race circuits and drag strips, the thrill of top-end speed had always held a firm grip on motorcycling.

American Motorcyclist Association Highlights May as Motorcycle Awareness Month

Posted by Rob Brooks | May 1, 2019 | Industry & Racing |

The American Motorcyclist Association is issuing a special appeal to motorists to be aware of motorcycles during May, which is Motorcycle Awareness Month and marks the return of motorcyclists to the roadways throughout the country.

Meltdown Vintage Motorcycle Show

Posted by Rob Brooks | Apr 29, 2019 | Rides & Roads |

Nestled in the hills of western North Carolina, in the old Southern town of Hendersonville, a vintage motorcycle event takes over the downtown area for a Saturday each year in late April, attracting owners and fans of pre-1980s old classics. The Meltdown Vintage Motorcycle Show, now in its 8th year, is presented by Ton Up Highlands, a North Carolina chapter of the Ton Up Club International. Hosted by Southern Appalachian Brewery, the show covers several city blocks and streets around the brewery, and features all kinds of local food fare, various moto-related artisans, local rockabilly bands onstage, and of course, an incredible array of motorcycle history, up and down the street.

Mike Boyd- Unsung Hero

Posted by Rob Brooks | Apr 25, 2019 | Legendary Bikes, Ride Life |

I first met Mike Boyd at an Athens Cycle World bike night, via our mutual friend Phil, my “partner in crime” here at Road Dirt. Mike was buzzing a drone across the festivities, its four propellers humming a few feet above all the action and motorcycle noise. After a few minutes, Mike landed the drone, and Phil introduced us. They had first met through the Athens H.O.G. (Harley Owners Group) chapter, and Phil insisted we meet. “Mike’s got an amazing collection of bikes,” Phil assured me, “and he’s got an amazing personal story as well.” A small, thinly-built older chap with an infectious grin, Mike has a quick wit and zest for life we all should have. After talking with him for a few minutes, Mike invited us to come visit his place on the east side of Athens when we could, so we set up a time to pay him a visit.