The Backroads Report April 29th 2023 #264

Published: Sat, 04/29/23

The Backroads Report

Motorcycle, Travel & Adventure News

From Around The World

Brian Rathjen's

Free Wheelin'

Good Soil

I recently read a piece by guitar guru Jonathon Boyd who asked…

“Do you know why pros are able to learn so quickly and make playing guitar look so easy?”

When I ask most players this question, they assume it has something to do with "natural talent". But that couldn't be further from the truth.

Just read any of their stories and you'll see that professional and upcoming musicians are constantly in an environment around other musicians — almost forcing them to grow.

Whether that's getting tips from better players backstage, hearing the secrets of an old pro at a club, or even being shown exactly what to do during a jam session.

Just like a plant in the right soil… a player in this type of environment can grow so fast that his guitar-playing skills shoot through the roof.

Where it looks, to outsiders, as if it happened by magic, then they all call it ‘natural talent’.”

As a guitar player and a motorcycle rider who is constantly trying to get a bit better, these words made me stop and think. Do both of my guilty pleasures and passions work the same way? It did not take me long to conclude they do.

Free Wheelin'

2023 Ducati Multistrada V4 Rally

https://www.cycleworld.com/motorcycle-reviews/ducati-multistrada-v4-rally-first-ride-review-2023/?utm_source=Cycle+World+MC&utm_campaign=c52ba00c35-CW_EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_042323&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_3a16588fbb-c52ba00c35-453224685

Sizing up the adventure-bike crown...

A question is asked every couple of years or so. More precisely, it’s asked whenever KTM, Ducati, Triumph, or Honda throw the kitchen sink at their flagship adventure bike and bring it, revised and reinvented, to market bristling with new technology and global intent. “Could this, finally, be the bike that knocks the BMW 1250 GS Adventure off its perch?”

Cycle World

The History of Passport Photos

https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/passport-photos-history-development-regulation-mugshots

People have always hated how they look in them

Face the camera directly. Wear the clothes you normally wear—no hats, no headphones, no glasses. (If you can’t take off your glasses, you’ll need a doctor’s note. If your religion necessitates some kind of head covering, you’ll need a signed statement.) Eyes open. Neutral facial expression or, perhaps, a so-called “natural” smile. And—click!

Passports

Progressive

BMWMOA

Joe's Steak Shop Cruise Night

Phillipsburg, New Jersey

Joe's Steak Shop was established in 1938 by Joseph Attinello, and is one of the oldest family-run businesses on Phillipsburg's South Main Street. It's one of Town's greatest traditions now run by Joe Attinello and his daughter Jody representing three generations of continuous operation serving the community our famous cheesesteaks with their Award-Winning Sauce.

Joe's Steak Shop rocks every Tuesday night during the Summer with their Classic Car & Motorcycle Cruise Night!

See you there!

Joe's Steak Shop

Weird West Virginia

5 Conspiracy Theories In West Virginia That Will Make You Question Everything

Whether you believe in them or not, conspiracy theories are fun to read and hear about. I’m sure you’ve heard a lot of conspiracy theories, but are you familiar with these 5 from West Virginia?

Weird WV

Backroads' Grand Tour!

https://backroadsusa.com/backroads-events

It's Time for Conversation Street...

As Richard Hammond might say on The Grand Tour…

“Let us downshift a gear or two, find a spot, and put the kickstands down on Conversation Street.”

Let's talk about a serious journey.

August 9th through 18 - We will be having one of the biggest Backroads Road rallies ever... over 2,500 miles.

Our Grand Tour! A Grand Finale Rally!

Well, at least for as "Monster Road Tour" like this one...

Fourteen days … Eight States… Eight Hotels… Three Free Days in three separate and awesome motorcycle riding regions! A Major League Baseball Game at THE Great American Ball Park and then a couple of optional days at the races with MotoAmerica!

All the details can be found on the link...

IF YOU ARE COMING AND WANT TO ATTEND THE BASEBALL GAME IN CINCINNATI YOU HAVE TO LET US KNOW NOW!

Grand Tour

Skylands Stadium

Saturday May,6th

The spring festival features more than 20 food trucks, upwards of 100 craft beers, music, games, sports on the big screen, shopping, and more.

20+ Food Trucks; 100+ Craft Beers; Live Music & Performances; Carnival Games & Bounces; Axe Throwing & more. It all happens right on the field!

This is a rain or shine event. Guests 21+ receive a wristband to participate in the beer sampling.

If you're riding please be an adult at this event...

Skylands

D.C. Dirt Camp

DC Dirt Camp is a Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) sponsored and American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) chartered Dirt Bike and Adventure Bike Training School in Northern Virginia. They introduce both new and seasoned riders to the dirt, and will increase your skills so that you can properly and safely enjoy dirt biking or Adventure riding!

D.C. Dirt Camp

Bluebird of Bitterness

This Saturday!

That's Today....

https://www.njfamily.com/events/rock-roll-steampunk-fair/

Rock & Roll Steam Punk Festival!

Join us in Washington, New Jersey today for a great little festival. Rock & Roll, Steam Punk Heaven...

Plus Washington Cycle Works is right around the corner...

Steam Punk festival

Greatest Superhero Landings

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PWY_maSDzPw

You Have to Stick the Three Point!

Keeping with the theme from Bluebird of Bitterness we'd thought we bring you the top ten superhero landings. We hope you stick it too!

Super Landings

Song of the Week

Martin Sexton

Gypsy Woman

I was a fool I was so much younger then
The night she took me by surprise
I should have known all the trouble that I'd be in
But then she hooked me with those eyes…

Let's revisit Martin Sexton. Here is a live track of Gypsy Woman... Wonderful Spanish influence and such a great song - however he plays it.

Gypsy Woman

Arriving This Week...

The May edition of Backroads is a special one...

Destination: Sullivan County.

Just north of NYC, in the foothills of the Catskills - Sullivan County is a superb place to ride, explore and enjoy your bike to the fullest.

This issue is chock full of places to go and things to do.

Spring is here - get goin'!

Ride far, Ride smart...Ride the Backroads!!

Backroads

Nolan Helmets presents:

The Escape of the Week

PA Getaways!

From the Allegheny National Forest to the Poconos, from Pittsburgh to Philadelphia, the Keystone State has a wide variety of places to choose from for a staycation. If you find yourself in need of a weekend getaway, check out these best places to stay in Pennsylvania. With each one, you’re guaranteed to rest, relax, and make some memories.

PA Getaways