California

Geoff and I are always trying new things and photographing a two-day vintage trials event in the wilderness of Mendocino County, California was our latest adventure. It is quite different than trying to capture the speed of road racing or the slide of dirt trackers. Figuring out how to make slow and precise look exciting is more difficult than it looks. The rugged terrain and slippery footing sent us both sliding down more than just a couple of times over the two days.

Goodbye Wedgie, My Old Friend

by Neale Bayly | Jun 30, 2024 | Ride Life | 3 |

Recently a message on social media brought me the sad news that my dear friend Steven O’Brien, affectionately known as “Wedgie,” had passed away. Having been in my orbit for close to 40 years, and a major part of my formative motorcycle and travel years, it was a huge personal loss. Memories of racing to London on our Japanese 550cc four-cylinder sport bikes, strafing the lanes of England, he in the saddle of his big Ducati V-twin and me on my Laverda triple will be always be there to remind me of my fun loving, gregarious friend. With his laugh, demeanor, his zest and love for life, Wedgie was, without a doubt, one of the largest personalities you could ever hope to meet.

Colorado’s Lane Filtering Laws: Some Thoughts

by Rob Brooks | Apr 10, 2024 | Ride Life, Rides & Roads | 10 |

Colorado has become the fifth state to legalize lane filtering after Gov. Jared Polis signed SB24-079 on April 4, allowing motorcycles to filter between stopped cars in traffic and at stoplights.

The Budget Biker II: Don The Deal

by J. Joshua Placa | Mar 29, 2024 | Bikes & Gear, Ride Life | 5 |

I’m not sure what really happened or how; do any of us when a nasty habit takes over? Something went wrong. Somehow I was drawn into this lurid world of pre-owned shoes and pants, and most seductive of all, perfectly broken-in jackets. Lord knows what stories their well-worn leather could tell.

Santa Rosa Indoor Short Track

by Geoff & Barb Nickless | Feb 28, 2024 | Industry & Racing, Ride Life | 6 |

Last weekend, as yet another atmospheric river of rain pounded the west coast of Northern California, there was a gathering of off-season racers in the Sonoma Wine Country. Over 65 Amateur, Pro, and retired Pro riders from hometowns as far away as Southern California and Washington State made their way to Grace Pavilion in Santa Rosa, California at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds. Former AMA rider Brok McAllister of McAllister Motorsports organized this two-day event, now in its second year.