The Backroads Report December 14th 2024 #348

Published: Sat, 12/14/24

Updated: Sat, 12/14/24

Shira Kamil

Whatchathinkin'

The Cat's in the Bag

Backroads Motorcycle, Travel and Adventure – that pretty much says it all. We take our motorcycles on the backroads while we travel and find adventure. This particular year saw much of this, as we are always on the move to bring you, our wonderful readers, places to go and things to see. So, while Brian and I very much enjoy being on motorcycles, whether ours or test bikes, we have a certain other member of the team who takes great exception to our being away for long periods of time.

Whatchathinkin'

Welcome to the Jungle proudly brought to you by

Law Office of Paul Gargiulo, P.C.

Cycle World's Best of 2024

Motorcycles are better than ever in this modern era, and finding a truly bad motorcycle these days is more uncommon than at any time in motorcycling. With so much good, finding the best takes serious effort. In fact, it takes a year of testing, months of discussion, hours and hours of studying data, and many meetings. This year, as we do every year, we test new models, pit top performers against each other, and work hard to solidify the list of just 10 motorcycles that define the very best of motorcycling. This is Cycle World's Ten Best Bikes 2024.

Cycle World

Backroads Summer Solstice Rally

https://backroadsusa.com/backroads-events

June 19 - 22nd, 2025

You didn't think we'd NOT be doing some special things in celebration our three decades of exploring the backroads of the USA, did ya?!

The format might be a little different but the riding, the venues, and the things we will toss in during the ride will be pure vintage Backroads Motorcycle Magazine!

We promise a most excellent time, and you should book your rooms now... today - we mean now - as they are limited and will go fast.

Stay tuned for more news as it rolls around the twisties at us!

Ride Safe. Ride Smart. Ride the Backroads.

Backroads Summer Solstice Rally

Machineartmoto's

Avant Fender Extender

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c7VUB7t-OE4

We have been huge fans of machineartmoto for years.

Andrew's products are always of the highest quality and exact fit.

But, don't take it from us... let's hear what they say across The Pond.

Check out this video review of their new Avant 1300 GS Front Fender Extension prepared by a UK BMW video review enthusiast, Neil Wildman.

machieartmoto

51st Chilly Chili Run

A New Year's Day Tradition!

There is no better way to start the new year off than by riding for a cause!

Now in its 51st Year the Chilly Chili Run is a neat escorted run through Sussex County New Jersey and is run by the Blue Knights NJIX - one of the most generous and respected motorcycle clubs in the nation.

We hope for an excellent day and turn out, and we hope to see you there!

Chilly Chili Run

2025 BMW R 12 S

A Modern Classic Re-Imagined

The BMW R 90 S debuted in 1973 with 67 horsepower and a top speed of 124 mph and was groundbreaking for including an aerodynamic handlebar fairing. It made a name for itself by successes in events such as the 1976 Isle of Man Production TT and the 200 Miles of Daytona. BMW revives its legacy with the 2025 BMW R 12 S.

BMW R 12 S

Moto Pack

We've all been there -- you’re out for a ride and you stop for gas, coffee, or to enjoy the view. You need to pay or take a picture and off come the gloves. Then it’s feeling around to figure out which pocket your wallet and phone are in. Probably two different ones. By the time you pay, or take that picture, your helmet, jacket, and gloves are thrown over your bike. They all have to go back on before you get back on the road. Wasted time on a perfect riding day. Well, not anymore. The JT's Moto Pack offers you the ease of your essentials at your fingertips.

MotoPack

2025 Ducati Panigale V4 Party!

https://www.hudsonvalleymotorcycles.com/

Join Hudson Valley Motorcycles

December 13-14th

TODAY!

HVMC is pleased to invite you to join the celebration of the arrival of the all new 2025 Ducati Panigale V4. This motorcycle closely mirrors MotoGP models, incorporating technical solutions from a multi-world title-winning team to give riders similar sensations as professional racers.

Friday 3-5PM: Happy Hour at HVMC

2025 Ducati Panigale V4 Viewing
Drinks and Refreshments

Saturday 10AM-3PM: All Day Party

2025 Ducati Panigale V4 Viewing
Coffee 10AM-12PM
Lunch and Drinks 1-2PM

We hope you'll join us!

Hudson Valley Motorcycles
179 N Highland Ave., Ossining, NY 10562V

HVMC Ducati

50 States, 50 Weirdest

Roadside Attractions

Imagine cruising down a highway, the open road stretched out before you. Suddenly, a 55o ft-tall green man dressed in a leafy toga suddenly appears on the horizon. Or perhaps it’s a house shaped like a giant shoe, a massive fiberglass igloo, or 4,000-pound bug. Across the United States, roadsides are sprinkled with attractions that are as odd as they are unforgettable. These weird, quirky and yet notable stops reflect local history, eccentric personalities, and an undeniable sense of creativity. From towering statues to bizarre museums, these are 50 of our favorite roadside attractions in the United States.

It's Weird Out There, Baby!

BMW is doing what?!

https://www.advrider.com/bmw-will-replace-r1200-r1250-driveshafts/

Holy S%#t Moments

(We didn't have to change the header for this from last week)

BMW Will Replace R1200, R1250 Driveshafts - really.

Owners of BMW R1200 and R1250 models are starting to receive letters in the mail informing them of an unusual addition to the maintenance schedule of the K5x series. Driveshafts will now be checked and regreased every 12,000 miles and replaced every 36,000 miles, all at no charge to owners.

For many years, riders of BMW R1200 and R1250 models, including inmates, have complained about premature driveshaft failures. BMW has been investigating and attempting to address this problem for some time.

NOT getting the shaft!

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

Vaast B&B

Adamstown, Pennsylvania

We featured this happy B & B in our October issue, and Adamstown is very cool, and the GREATEST place to go antiquing!

If you are so inclined this Holidaze season - then book a room at the Vaast B&B, and tell them Backroads sent you.

Enjoy the season!

The Vaast B & B

Presents

Song of the Week

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9q2LY-Qz6K0

Clear as the Driven Snow

The Doobie Brothers

Playin' easy somewhere, shade across my mind
Thoughts that pass I cannot catch, I reach for you and find
That I have learned how not to get burned now
Wind in the tree blows, even the sea knows
That I have learned how, think I can see now
Lookin' through dreams is not what it seems
They handed me the bottle and said drink it 'til it's gone
But now that it's half empty I'm not sure I can go on
Thought I had learned how not to get burned now
Wind in the tree blows, even the sea knows
That I have learned how, think I can see now
Lookin' through dreams...

It is little hidden that someone here at Backroads Central

is a HUGE Doobie Brothers fan.

It's approaching winter, and the snow will fly.

This Patrick Simmons' composition is awesome, and hardly heard over the air waves.

Here is a live version of Clear as the Driven Snow.

Enjoy!

Clear as the Driven Snow

Now on the Backroads...

At Dealers & Mailboxes Now...(Really)

December 2024 Edition of Backroads!

WAIT... no it was not!

We apologize for the tardiness of this month's issue to your homes.

We could blame it on the season, holidaze, and all that.

But we won't! On us. That will not happen again.

You should have it by now - if not let us know and we will make that right.

Okay... moving on:

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