Rob Brooks

Looking Into The Hourglass

Posted by Rob Brooks | Jun 10, 2019 | Ride Life |

Nestled deep in the North Georgia foothills, outside of a town called Homer no less, down a winding country road, lies the hidden gem of a classic and race bike collection, owned by a retired racer and team owner in vintage motorcycle racing. Keith Campbell has not only amassed an outstanding assortment of timeless motorcycles, he has preserved many of the bikes he and his son Kyle once raced. Humbly referring to himself as simply an “enthusiast,” Keith nevertheless has achieved much in the sport, both in riding and racing.

Dented Rim Repair

Posted by Rob Brooks | Jun 8, 2019 | Nuts & Bolts |

About two weeks ago, I rode the Triumph Bonney to work at Phoenix Roasters, a coffee company I do a bit of work for. While returning home, I took a few side roads with sweeping curves and thrilling corners. Diving into a right hand turn, I took it at a deep lean, looking up and through the corner. Suddenly, I was jarred by a violent “Ba-BAM!” mid-corner, shocking me with an unexpected impact. I never lost control of the bike, but it shook me up. I was close to home, within 2 miles, so I cautiously limped the bike to the house…

AFT At the Red Mile

Posted by Rob Brooks | Jun 3, 2019 | Industry & Racing |

The Lexington Red Mile in Kentucky saw the return of native son Roger Hayden over the weekend, of the famed Hayden racing family. Roger retired from MotoAmerica at the end of the 2018 season, after stellar years in the road racing world. Estenson Racing offered Hayden the opportunity to fill in for JD Beach, the reigning MotoAmerica Supersport champion, who raced at Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin over the weekend.

Aaron’s Story

Posted by Rob Brooks | May 31, 2019 | Ride Life |

I was swinging on our front porch with my wife the other night, the sun having set behind the tree line, and the woods around our North Georgia home were awash in the glow of dozens of fireflies. It’s late spring, and I suddenly found myself reflecting on a treasured friendship with an old adolescent pal named Aaron Smith. I’m not sure what triggered the memories, but I lingered there in the gathering dusk, even as Lisa excused herself and stepped inside. I bid welcome to the images, conversations, and shared experiences with my old friend, allowing them to fill my consciousness. I sat and savored, like watching a great old movie I’d seen before, but worth the viewing again and again.

Return of Rolling Thunder?

Posted by Rob Brooks | May 27, 2019 | Rides & Roads |

Apparently, the rumors of Rolling Thunder’s demise have been greatly exaggerated. And a bit premature.
Over the Memorial Day weekend, it has been reported by Fox News and other outlets that Rolling Thunder had received a substantial donation of $200,000 from another nonprofit organization, Wreaths Across America, to cover operating costs for the 2020 event. Now President Trump has thrown in his support for the event as well.

My Moto Main Squeeze

Posted by Rob Brooks | May 24, 2019 | Ride Life |

It was March 2002 when I first laid eyes on this big cruiser. I had dreamed of a bike like this for several years, but events of the previous two had cast serious doubts on whether this dream would ever be realized.
Rewind to April 27, 2000…

Those Marvelous Marquez Brothers

Posted by Rob Brooks | May 19, 2019 | Industry & Racing |

Spanish racing brothers Marc and Alex Marquez both claimed victories on the same day as Marc took the MotoGP™ and Alex the Moto2™ races at the Shark Helmets Grand Prix de France on Sunday. The last time the brothers pulled this off was at the Dutch Catalan Gran Prix back in 2014. This makes the third time the brothers have doubled on race days.

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.