Rob Brooks

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.

Suzuki SV650s Project Bike

Posted by Rob Brooks | Apr 21, 2019 | Nuts & Bolts |

What started as an opportunity to help a friend sell his motorcycle, turned into a great learning experience for me.

Air Combat & Street Riding

Posted by Rob Brooks | Apr 17, 2019 | Nuts & Bolts |

Being a motorcycle rider, I’ve found many similarities between the phrases and practices of pilots in combat, and the necessary skills a motorcyclist should possess for the street.

SPEED THRILLS- MotoAmerica at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta

Posted by Rob Brooks | Apr 8, 2019 | Industry & Racing |

MotoAmerica is attracting some of the best racers from around the world, and with entire weekends filled with qualifying and racing, a MotoAmerica event is truly a full sensory celebration of speed, sound and motorcycle racing fury.

Cruz Tools M1 EconoKit

Posted by Rob Brooks | Mar 31, 2019 | Bikes & Gear |

I recently acquired a Cruz Tools M1 EconoKit from the good folks at BikeBandit, and I must say, this is the quintessential traveling motorcycle tool kit. Compact, lightweight, but with all the basics, the Cruz Tools kit is the right companion to carry in your saddlebags, tail bag, or tank bag.

American Flat Track at Dixie Speedway

Posted by Rob Brooks | Mar 24, 2019 | Industry & Racing |

A fan once remarked to me, “If motorcycle racing were a rock concert, flat track would be the mosh pit.” A humorous but apt description. Racing handlebar to handlebar, wide open on mile and half-mile dirt ovals and TT courses, flat track is as close to the original form of closed-course motorcycle racing as one can experience. With a history dating back nearly 100 years, the racing is raw, loud, up-close and personal.

Bell Qualifier DLX Helmet

Posted by Rob Brooks | Mar 17, 2019 | Bikes & Gear |

Motorcycle helmet companies and industry safety foundations recommend replacing your cranium bucket every three to five years, with some manufacturers suggesting seven years from the date of the helmet’s construction. With that in mind, I figured I was due a new full-face lid. My old AFX had protected me for seven years, through track days and road trips, blazing sun and driving rain, from short hops uptown to cross-country adventures. It was time.

Cycle Gear Bike Night

Posted by Rob Brooks | Mar 14, 2019 | Ride Life |

From early spring until deep into fall, many motorcycle shops, gear/apparel stores, and restaurant/bars host monthly “bike nights”, inviting riders to come enjoy great food, entertainment, demo rides, door prizes, and of course, interaction with fellow bikers. Cycle Gear is one of those motorcycle stores that hosts monthly bike nights, and Road Dirt recently joined them at their Lawrenceville location.

Half Century Road Trip

Posted by Rob Brooks | Mar 10, 2019 | Rides & Roads |

A few years back I completed a magnificent road trip with my childhood chum Lyle Branton. We both hit the big 5-0 within a month of each other, so we planned to motorcycle ride across the southern states, with specific objectives being riding the scenic Natchez Trace Parkway end to end, then riding across the entire stretch of Alabama and panhandle Florida beach front.