The Backroads Report June 15th 2024 #320

Published: Sat, 06/15/24

Updated: Sat, 06/15/24

The Backroads Report

Motorcycle, Travel & Adventure News

From Around The World

Mark Byers'

On the Mark

Liftoff

Somewhere West of Cleveland, on the Great Monotony known as the Ohio Turnpike, nature called. She didn’t just call: she commanded me with Shakespearian urgency, “Get thee to a crappery - go!” And that is how, in a nameless I-90 service area, I came to appreciate the nature of space travel.

I dodged the usual collection of minivans and parked. Then, I did “The Dance of the Fully-Geared Motorcyclist Desperate to Get to the John.” Up went the visor, off came the sunglasses, off came the helmet, out came the earplugs, and off…dammit…off…grrrrr…OFF came one sweaty, too-tight glove and then off…dammit!...off…FINALLY!...OFF came the other. Zippers flew open like an Erica Jong novel as I tried to move with both speed and dignity on the way to relief.

On the Mark

Welcome to the Jungle proudly brought to you by

Law Office of Paul Gargiulo, P.C.

Bikes to Return to Bonneville

2024 AMA Land Speed Grand Championship

Bonneville Salt Flats

Aug. 24-29

Event to celebrate its 20th anniversary after 2022 and 2023 cancellations

After inclement weather forced the cancellation of the AMA Land Speed Grand Championship in 2022 and 2023, the event is set to make its triumphant return to the Bonneville Salt Flats on Aug. 24-29.

Despite the forced two-year hiatus, enthusiasm is high for the event’s return as the AMA Land Speed Grand Championship celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2024. With an emphasis on straight-line speed, the AMA Land Speed Grand Championship is undoubtedly the fastest form of motorcycle racing in the world.

Bonneville

Practical Motorcycling

A Look at Ride to Work Day

Creating Moto-Utopia… Or At Least Trying

Tuesday past was Ride To Work Day—a non-official special day of the year (you won’t find it on calendars) where motorcyclists are encouraged to take their bikes to work. This event is promoted by the Ride To Work non-profit foundation, but I’d like to ask: Why aren’t federal and local governments doing the same, and creating motorcycle-friendly policies? It would only make sense. Shifting the commuting population to motorcycling would solve problems.

ADV Rider

Backroads Summer Squeeze 2024

https://backroadsusa.com/backroads-events

Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday

August 26 -29th

We don't think you have much to fear about Lucky 13!

After a year off the 13th Backroads' Summer Squeeze Rally will head back to Southern Vermont, and we have rooms blocked at both the Gray Ghost Inn and the Kitzhof Inn - both just down the road from each other on Route 100, in West Dover, Vermont.

This rally "squeezes" in some great riding during a part of the week that sees the roads of Vermont far more open and free of traffic.

It is simply great riding and so much more fun!

There will be a couple of very neat routes, and maybe a bit of fun & games along with them, along with some evening porch guitar time.

Book today, as our room block is limited and they will go fast!

Summer Squeeze Rally

Why is it called Phillips Screwdriver?

Have you ever wondered why certain tools are named the way they are? Take the Phillips screwdriver, for instance. It's a common tool found in almost every toolbox, but have you ever questioned why it's called a "Phillips" screwdriver? In this article, we'll delve into the intriguing history and design of the Phillips screwdriver, shedding light on its origins and why it has become a staple in the world of fastening tools. Join us on this fascinating journey through the evolution of the Phillips screwdriver, and discover the story behind its name and design.

Phillips

Museum of What?

https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/strange-museum-stories-bob-eckstein?mc_cid=0115024935&mc_eid=568804ebbf

Ten of the Weirdest, Wildest Museums

Museums are reflections of everything we’ve created and accomplished up until now on this planet. These are really giant selfies. While researching museums, I heard literally hundreds of stories from museum lovers, museum curators, and tourists. Here are my top 10 weirdest and most fascinating museum stories.

Atlas Obscura

Best Quickdraw Moments!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sFkpOwsu33E

You ever think about going for your iron?
Maybe you shouldn't.
Here is a "quick" compilation of some greatest quickdraw shots ever made.
Ready... set....ouch!

Quick Draw

Repsol Leaving MotoGP

MotoGP, the end of an era: Repsol would withdraw from Honda sponsorship after 2024...
If the rumor is confirmed, it would be the end of an era for Honda MotoGP and Repsol. Thus, the Spanish oil giant would not renew its historic sponsorship after 2024, thereby concluding one of the most emblematic partnerships in motorcycle sport. Since 1995, Repsol has adorned the fairings of Honda NSR500s, marking its entry into the premier class with legends such as Mick Doohan and Alex Criville. To date, this collaboration has culminated with 15 championship titles, 183 victories and 455 podiums.

Paddock GP

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

Lane Splitting:

So Exactly Where Is It And Isn't It Legal?
Your run-down on what's up with lane splitting and filtering.

Lane splitting, lane sharing, lane filtering, shoulder surfing... there are as many laws as there are possible maneuvers and keeping track of everything can be a bit dizzying. Especially since the laws greatly vary from state to state. Worry not, we’re here to (try and) keep up on them and let you know where you can do what. We updated the map with the latest information about that so let's have a closer look.

Lane Splitting

Motomarathon 2024!

What is a Motomarathon?

Motomarathon is a great ride! It’s about riding as many twisties and scenic roads as possible, over four full days. Routes are kept secret until the night before each event. Through a series of self-recorded checkpoints, riders verify completion at the end of each day’s ride.

These are going to be awesome riding events!

One from the Shawnee, PA region in June and the other to the north in Rutland, VT this September.

See you on the road!

MotoMarathon

Progressive

Bluebird of Bitterness

Presents

Escape of the Week

Palacio De Sal
Bolivia

A Hotel Made From... Salt

To achieve something great you need two things: a crazy idea and courage. Don Juan Quesada Valda was the man - a pioneer in the field of organized tourism in southern Bolivia - who decided in 1998, rather like asking for something simple, that he wanted a hotel... made of salt.

Thanks to this unusual dream and its thousand experiments, a place sui generis was born. The main leitmotiv of this place has been, until today, to recreate an alternate reality where everything connects with the beauty of things.

Palacio De Sal

Presents

Song of the Week

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fj6XELmaE5Y

What a Shame About Me

Steely Dan

Becker & Fagen never seem to walk away from the grittier sides of life.

For the next few weeks we will touch on some of their more "Interesting" songs & lyrics...

One of the key aspects of “What a Shame About Me” is the singers inner struggle to come to terms with his own flaws and failures. The lyrics explore a sense of self-awareness and the painful realization of missed opportunities. The chorus, with its repetition of the phrase “What a shame about me,” expresses a deep regret that permeates the entire song.

On the bright side... this is the happier of these songs.

It's gonna get darker kids...

What a Shame About Me