I’m fascinated, if not obsessed with the stuff that litters the backroads of America. Dotted with the small business endeavors of the “every” man or woman hoping to realize the American dream, I found an amazing array of visible roadside tactics intended to attract customers and differentiate. From banners to balloons to barns as billboards […]
Perhaps ever since Judy Garland, in her most memorable role, confided in her dog, Toto, her revelation that she was no longer in Kansas, the state has been the brunt of many jokes. Most, I’m sure, in good taste. Yet those off-color likely often mouthed by people who either whipped through the state across the […]
As the end this part of my journey looms with each mile I ride, I find myself thinking back at the many people who I’ve met, who’ve helped me, who I’ve helped and who just for one reason or another have made an indelible impression in my memory which I know will never fade. There […]
Strolling the side streets of the Music Row district of Nashville makes my mind wander and wonder. In the studios, offices and hallway of these buildings many of the biggest hits of American country and early rock n’ roll were born. Time for a haircut, I cruise the neighborhoods of the city and am immediately […]
Slightly parched, tired and disappointed that I was stuck in a dry county for a couple days due to the bearing problem, I was ready for a beer. With this as a requirement, I’d hoped to walk somewhere for dinner. But in the adjacent vicinity, Sweetwater’s dining options were the usual fast food fair or, […]
It took John and I the better part of the day to locate the bearings and fabricate what we needed to bring Doc together again. By the time we waved goodbye, I only had a couple hours to ride across the border into Tennessee. My route? The Cherohal Skyway – a twisty, sometimes steep scenic […]
After another night of camping on the Blue Ridge Parkway, I made my way down the final stretch of the 469 mile run that goes from Northern Virginia to Western North Carolina. It’s hard to ride this parkway without stopping at every pull off to gaze at the limitless vistas deep into the Shenandoah Valley, […]
At less than one hundred miles off my route, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to visit the good folks at Held USA — the importers of the fine German gloves I’ve used since starting my trip more than three years ago. Sadly, all of my Held gloves were ripped off at the Port in […]
From New York City I finally made progress toward the west coast and headed southwest with a plan to ride a somewhat southerly route all the way to California — and only using back roads — two lane highways or country roads exclusively. I will do my best to avoid any interstate travel and make […]
As I feverishly work to get current on this blog, it’s time to document yet another transcontinental ride. While hanging with friends and family on the east coast has certainly been warm, exciting, tasty and fulfilling, it’s time I get back home — to California where more loved ones, friends and family eagerly (I hope!!) […]
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