The Backroads Report November 30th 2024 #346

Published: Sat, 11/30/24

Updated: Mon, 12/02/24

Welcome to the Jungle

When Help Can't Help

July 10, 2024 - DEATH VALLEY, Calif. – A motorcyclist died on Saturday after riding through Death Valley National Park when the high was 128 degrees.

A group of motorcyclists riding through the park on Saturday were treated for severe heat illness, two were taken for advanced medical care in Las Vegas, and a third died from heat exposure near Badwater Basin, according to the National Park Service.

Four other riders were treated onsite and released.

According to the NPS, due to the record high of 128 degrees, emergency medical flight helicopters were unable to respond because of the extreme heat. When temperatures exceed 120 degrees Fahrenheit, a medical helicopter cannot access the park. Air expands when it is heated, becoming thinner than cold air.

So, helicopters can’t get the lift needed to fly.

Jungle

Welcome to the Jungle proudly brought to you by

Law Office of Paul Gargiulo, P.C.

AMA Hall of Famer Malcolm Smith (1941 – 2024)

The Loss of a Legend!

The motorcycle world has lost one of its most beloved ambassadors, as the legendary AMA Hall of Famer Malcolm Smith has passed away at the age of 83 from complications of Parkinson's disease. Off-road racer, ISDT gold medalist, shop owner, aftermarket distributor, actor, activist, you name it. If there was any way to promote the sport of motorcycling, Smith has done it.

The American Motorcyclist Association reports that Smith passed away at home in Riverside, Calif., on Nov. 26, with his family at his side.

Malcolm Smith

MotoGP Gets New Look

Crafted by the renowned design agency Pentagram, the new MotoGP logo and branding features an innovative design that captures the sport's spirit, including artwork, motion, typeface, and overall visual and verbal identity. The letter 'M' reflects two bikes at lean. The 'O's represent the bikes' wheels. The letter 't' represents the rider. The 'GP' maintains a strong focus on the circuit. The new brand elements are represented across all of the GP classes.

MotoGP

The Modern Classics Show 2025

https://martinmoto.com/Calendar/Event/1b34fa5a-4047-4176-9857-8725ab57b96a?startTC=1743238800&endTC=1743350400

The Modern Classics Show 2025- The Reunion you've been waiting for. After a five year hiatus your favorite indoor bike show is back and better than ever!
Enjoy a collection of 60s through 90s modern classics. Part motorcycle show, part social event and part pop-up museum, but 100% fun!
The Modern Classics is a motorcycle show not to be missed! From the bikes you grew up with to the rare and exotic, Modern Classics has something for everyone.
Join Martin Moto for this two-day event, March 29th and 30th from 9am-4pm both days.
FREE ADMISSION
Located at Martin Moto: 1037 Unger Ln. Boyertown, PA 19512.
Food trucks, entertainment, and more to come!

Modern Classics

Photographing Nature

Beyond the Limits of Human Perception

Artist Doris Mitsch invites us to revel in the wonders of nature through her dazzling photography: stacked images of starlings in flight, hawks surfing thermal updrafts, bats echolocating through the night sky and more. Revealing the hidden trails created by creatures in flight, her work offers unique insight into the intelligence behind nature's invisible rhythms.

TED Talks

2025 Yamaha MT-07 – First Look

Yamaha announced a new, fourth-generation MT-07, giving it significant updates to the styling and chassis, reducing weight, and debuting new features to its CP2 platform such as selectable ride modes and an optional automatic transmission. As of this writing, the 2025 Yamaha MT-07 has only been confirmed for Europe, but we expect the updates will also make their way to U.S. models.

MT-07

KTM in Trouble?

KTM AG Enters Self-Administration to Restructure Debt

Pierer Mobility AG announced a “pit stop” for KTM AG, filing for insolvency by self-administration proceedings over the motorcycle business that includes KTM, Husqvarna, Gas Gas, and MV Agusta brands.

“Over the past three decades, we have grown to become Europe's largest motorcycle manufacturer. We inspire millions of motorcycle riders around the world with our products,” says Stefan Pierer, chief executive officer of KTM AG. “Now we are taking a pit stop for the future. The KTM brand is my life's work, and I will fight for it.”

Motorcycle.com KTM

Recraft Motorcycle Accessories

Your Source for a Semi-Vintage Machine

If you have an older motorcycle and are having a hard time finding odd parts - like Engine Guards, Luggage Racks or Sliders then take a look at Recraft Motorcycle Accessories.
We were able to source a set of engine guards for a 20 year old Honda 919. The fit & finish was superb, and delivery from Ukraine was remarkably quick - just a few weeks.
We highly recommend them.

Recraft

O'Life's - The WTF Files

Endurance Discovered!

New 3D scans reveal stunning details of Shackleton's doomed Endurance expedition to Antarctica.

The Endurance shipwreck spent 107 years submerged in Antarctic waters before being rediscovered and later scanned in 3D.
The intricate details of the sunken Endurance, the ship lost on Sir Ernest Shackleton's doomed 1914 Antarctic expedition, have been revealed through 3D scans and underwater photographs.

Endurance

What? You Don't Read

Backroads Magazine?

Some of you just get The Backroads Report

but you really need to read the magazine...

All Issues Available Here!

Backroads Magazine Current Edition

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Progressive

Bluebird of Bitterness

The Escape of the Week

Bear Mountain Bridge

100 years Old this Week!

On Thanksgiving Day, November 27, 1924, the Bear Mountain Bridge officially opened to the general public and had the very first cars drive across the span. 100 years later, the day before Thanksgiving, November 27, 2024, the Bear Mountain Bridge officially celebrated her 100th Birthday.

Throughout the past year, the New York State Bridge Authority (NYSBA), local clubs, organizations and museums in Peekskill and Cortlandt have held various events leading up to the bridge’s Centennial. The celebration concludes on Sunday, November 24, 2024 with two historic events.

Bear Mountain Bridge

Presents

Song of the Week

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4KP9PNSUME4

Somewhere Down This Crazy River

Robbie Robertson

Take a picture of this
The fields are empty, abandoned '59 Chevy
Laying in the back seat listening to Little Willie John
Yeah, that's when time stood still
You know, I think I'm gonna go down to Madam X
And let her read my mind
She said, "That voodoo stuff don't do nothing for me"

We always thought this Robbie Robertson tune was sleek, mysterious and a bit sexy too.

Best listened to in the evening after a few adult drinks....

Somewhere Down This Crazy River

Coming to the Backroads...

At a Dealer Near You Soon...

December 2024 Edition of Backroads!

As we turn to the last calendar page and head into that crazy Holidaze season, we'll bring you some great gift ideas for everyone on your list, as well as a touching holiday tale.

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

Backroads