The Backroads Report February 17th 2024 #304

Published: Sat, 02/17/24

The Backroads Report

Motorcycle, Travel & Adventure News

From Around The World

Mark Byers'

On the Mark

On Every Sunday

The idea, like a lot of good ones around here, came from Dangerous Dan. He will call me on the phone and say, “Hey Mark! Do you have time for some motorcycle foolishness?” He knows that the answer is going to be “Yes” barring a tornado, earthquake, or some other literally earth-shattering event happening in my home at the time. It was no surprise then that he called me one day and said, “We should have a regular breakfast get-together every Sunday at IHOP or someplace.” It went without saying that the means of transportation to the eating establishment would have just two wheels, barring really poor conditions.

On the Mark

Backroads' Spring Break 2024

https://backroadsusa.com/backroads-events

What? Did You Rally Think We Were Done...

A friend asked for a carrot to get her through the winter...

Well here it is, the Backroads' Spring Break 2024!

This long weekend will start on a Thursday, along the upper Delaware River in Hancock, New York and then meander west to Williamsport, Pennsylvania. This region of the Endless Mountains is a pure joy to ride and explore.

This SB will be a bit different, and we want to see how good you are at navigating and route planning. Any Road Whisperers out there?

The # 1 rule is Nulla Praecepta - have at it!

So, you got the basics... now it's up to you. Create your best route for any given day, and send your GPX files to editor@backroadsusa.com.

These routes will be judged by Mr. Notso Happy, Pepe & Spenser T. Cat, and the top journeys will be posted for all.

Have fun and good luck!

Spring Break

Welcome to the Jungle proudly brought to you by

Law Office of Paul Gargiulo, P.C.

Honda Africa Twin

https://hondanews.com/en-US/powersports/releases/american-honda-announces-advancements-to-africa-twin-platform-for-2024

One More Street! One More Dirt!

American Honda confirmed the return of its flagship Africa Twin adventure model, which receives a list of advancements for the 2024 model year. Each of the two basic configurations—the Africa Twin and Africa Twin Adventure Sports ES—is offered with either a manual transmission or high-tech dual clutch transmission, and both are made even more capable with updates to the suspension, chassis, engine, electronics and styling. Previously announced in other markets, this evolution of the platform allows the two versions to be further differentiated, with the standard version prioritizing off-road prowess, while the Adventure Sports version receives an increased on-road focus.

Honda News

Hickman to Lead Triumph Daytona Effort

13-Time Isle Of Man TT Winner Peter Hickman To Lead Two-Man Triumph Factory Effort In Daytona 200

The Triumph factory-supported PHR Performance Team will head to the USA in March this year to tackle the Daytona 200, with Peter Hickman and Richard Cooper setting their sights on clinching another victory with Triumph’s Street Triple 765 RS.

Hickman’s PHR Performance Team will be preparing two Street Triple 765 RS bikes in the UK, with the official support of Triumph. Now in its 82nd year, the Daytona 200 runs from March 7-9 at Daytona International Speedway, Florida, USA. The race itself gets underway at 1310h local time on Saturday, March 9.

The 2024 event presents an exciting opportunity for Hickman in particular, to compete at the race he’s long been keen to tackle, whilst also serving as a valuable chance for more track time aboard the Triumph machine that he’ll compete on at the Isle of Man TT.

MotoAmerica

A Crash Course for the Motorcyclist

MotoVermont HQ • Milton, VT
April 6, 2024

Will you know how to help your fellow rider immediately following a motorcycle accident? The first 5-30 minutes after a motorcycle crash are critical. Learn how and what you can do to help.
MotoVermont is pleased to host Dr. Lee Morrisette and The Road Guardians of America for this life-saving course. "A Crash Course for the Motorcyclist,” an Accident Scene Management class that teaches bystanders to become the bridge between the time of an incident and the arrival of trained professionals.
This training has been credited with reducing injuries and fatalities not only in motorcycle crashes, but any real-world accident where rescue professionals are some distance away.
Join MotoVermont on April 6th at their new HQ in Milton, VT for this fun and educational class. Coffee, refreshments and a homemade lunch will be served.

Crash Course

Morton's BMW Chili Cook-Off!

https://www.mortonsbmw.com/upcoming_events

Morton's BMW semi-annual Chili Cook-Off

at noon on February 24!

Bring Your Best.

Your Most Flavorful.

Your hottest!

$50 Morton's gift card for the best chili!

Contact Patrick to enter!

Morton's BMW

What in Tarnation Is ‘Tarnation’?

Yosemite Sam —the fiery-haired, fiery-tempered scofflaw—certainly seems like he’d say the word.
There are plenty of ways to convey incredulity and confusion in just a few words. What in the world? What on Earth? and What the heck? all do the trick, as do a couple other less kid-friendly iterations of the expression. But when it comes to sounding like a pistol-toting, Stetson-wearing outlaw, none of those options can compete with "What in Tarnation?'

But what exactly is Tarnation?

Tarnation

What? You Don't Read

Backroads Magazine?

Some of you just get The Backroads Report

but you really need to read the magazine...

Current Issue Available Here!

Backroads Magazine Current Edition

Because I can...

(Yup, only caring about the needs of one here...)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4gcaxNHzr4Y

Top 20 Best Star Trek
The Original Series

Oh when this came across the internet... it was Beam Me Up!
We were all ears (no pun intended).

For those that know us, you might be thinking...
Hmmm, what is Backroads thinking?

(Okay... Brian; Shira puts up with it).
Well, since I am in control of this sub-space newsletter I will tell you... This is brilliant.
There were a few more I might add - maybe they should do the Top 25?
Most notably missing is Tomorrow is Yesterday, the first Star Trek to time travel and the trouble with time paradox - which was sadly omitted. No reason to set Phasers on kill for this.
Maybe.

Enjoy!

Top 20 Star trek TOS

Backroads' Book of Useless Knowledge

https://www.willowcreekpress.com/products/49229

We all need to know "Useless Knowledge" and we here at Backroads are full of it... useless knowledge that is.

Each week we will add a bit more to your brainy brain...

Then onward to Jeopardy!

Today I Learned

The Return of a Classic!

https://storage.googleapis.com/wzukusers/user-33145651/documents/8cd70402cc1c468f8ec585facfbd1f9b/Ramapo%20500%20Flyer%202024.pdf

WHO: Motorcyclists who love to tour and see the sights on the roads less traveled

WHAT: We provide 500 miles of gorgeous scenery and back roads, free camping, swimming pool, fantastic Saturday night dinner at the campground, awards and prizes, Sunday breakfast, starter pins and finisher patches. Garmin GPS route upload service will be available at sign-in for an additional fee.

WHERE: Start from Veterans Memorial Association, 66 Lake Road East, Congers, NY

WHEN: Sign-in 7am to 9am, Saturday July 13th, 2024 - Rain or Shine

HOW: Pre-register NOW for $50 (save $15) – Register day of event for $65 (CASH ONLY)

Ramapo 500

Progressive

Bluebird of Bitterness

Presents

Escape of the Week

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/new-york/montezuma-ny/

Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge
Seneca Falls, New York

The Finger Lakes region was formed when massive glaciers melted more than 10,000 years ago. The edges of the lakes formed marshes, part of which eventually became the Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge. Marshes are a unique ecosystem that support a variety of wildlife species. If you’re looking to get out and enjoy nature, Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge in New York is a great place to do it! You’ll see all sorts of critters and get to enjoy a uniquely beautiful landscape.

Montezuma

Presents

Song of the Week

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p-9ObSUxEfU

Money For Nothing
Luca Stricagnoli

Since we forced you to wade though a Johnny Rocket 'That Rabbit is Dynamite' piece last week, we felt the you needed to hear a really very special guitarist.

We first heard of Luca Stricagnoli from an article in Guitar Player magazine.

This cover of Dire Straits Money for Nothing is amazing, but please look into some of his other covers. If he is not one of the greatest and unique guitarists you have ever heard we will give you twice the money back for The Backroads Report

Luca Stricagnoli

Coming Soon...

The March Edition of Backroads!

España

Come with us as we explore Spain - from Barcelona to Málaga - and every tight twisty in between - with a huge stop to at the final round of MotoGP!

We'll discover the truth about how World War I ended in New Jersey, visit a great and historic hotel in Kentucky, and drop in at a restaurant where the buffalo really do roam.

All this and more in the next issue of Backroads - at shops soon!

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

Backroads