As motorcyclists in an ever-changing world of both style and technology, the time has come to ask ourselves: Are airbags or air vests essential safety gear? Do they work? Are they affordable? Are they reusable? MotoGP, the top tier of motorcycle racing, requires racers to wear a specific helmet, leathers, pads, boots, gloves — and yes, airbags. In fact, airbags have been … [Read more...] about Airbags: Pricey luxury item or essential gear?
Reviews
Reviving a classic movie house: food, music and charm fill Mars Theatre Brewing
Glowing neon letters spelling out “Mars Theatre” beckon as the sun sets on Main Street in the small Western North Carolina town of Mars Hill. Music begins to fill the air as you open the big double doors of the old 1947 cinema house and follow the stairs down to a whimsical eatery, brewery and makeshift community center. Scott Spruill, who operates Mars Theatre Brewing Co., … [Read more...] about Reviving a classic movie house: food, music and charm fill Mars Theatre Brewing
Thunderbolts and Lightning: Venerable Airhead still conjures pure magic
As I swung through an area of particularly nice farm country on my 1982 BMW R100 RS, I found myself sitting by the side of the road, simply soaking in the beauty all around. A massive sea of yellow flowers filled the scene in every direction, in rolling waves. The hardwoods are almost in full leaf now in the piedmont of North Carolina, and the bright green of spring makes … [Read more...] about Thunderbolts and Lightning: Venerable Airhead still conjures pure magic
Stops for beer, wine or spirits
Ah, those glorious summer days filled with long rides through the Blue Ridge Mountains. The warm weather, blue skies and yet-to-be discovered roadside stops always enhance the riding experience for many motorcyclists. The questions always arise: Where are we going to stop for lunch? Want to grab a beer? The Southern Appalachian Mountains feature plenty of ale houses, taprooms, … [Read more...] about Stops for beer, wine or spirits
From Russia with love — for motorcycling
Ekaterina Goncharuk arrives at her local bike night on a gleaming Moto Guzzi V7 Racer. Removing her helmet reveals a silky head of straight, raven hair and piercing dark eyes. Then you hear the accent in her soft-spoken voice. It’s as if a Russian villainess from a James Bond movie just rolled up to join the boys for wing night. Kat, as she prefers to be called, now makes her … [Read more...] about From Russia with love — for motorcycling