The Backroads Report February 15th 2025 #357

Published: Sat, 02/15/25

Updated: Sat, 02/15/25

Mark Byers'

On The Mark

The Language of the Street

I see things differently. Regular readers are undoubtedly thinking, “No feces!” In this case, however, it has less to do with my twisted mind and world view and more to do with my life experiences. In high school and college, I worked summers in a Civil Engineering firm as an assistant to a group of engineers and surveyors. Most of it was outdoors and on roads and construction sites, where I was exposed to the special language of that world. It is a written language, a set of runes largely inscribed in colored spray paint on the tablets of asphalt and concrete under our feet…or tires.

On the Mark

Welcome to the Jungle proudly brought to you by

Law Office of Paul Gargiulo, P.C.

Cameron’s Top Picks From the Mecum

https://www.cycleworld.com/blogs/ask-kevin/kevin-cameron-top-picks-from-mecum-las-vegas-auction/

Kevin Cameron Looks at the Best of the Las Vegas Mecum Auction

Each year Mecum Auctions rolls into Sin City with an amazing array of machines both old and not-s0-old. Cycle World's Kevin Cameron take a look at what was being offered this time around.

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 of our three decades 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 ARE ALMOST GONE.

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

Ride Safe. Ride Smart. Ride the Backroads.

Backroads Summer Solstice Rally

Pennies in Heaven

https://www.history.com/news/10-things-you-didnt-know-about-the-penny?cmpid=email-hist-inside-history-2025-0210-02102025&om_rid=

10 Surprising Facts About the Penny

Is the U.S. penny worth keeping? Explore facts and history behind America's the one-cent coin

The penny was one of the first coins the U.S. Mint made after its establishment in 1792. The original version of the coin was larger and made of pure copper. Today the penny is 0.75 inches in diameter, 0.0598 inches thick and made up of 97.5 percent zinc and plated with copper.

The coin has also been downsized in value. The U.S. Mint reported in 2024 that it cost 3.07 cents to produce each penny and that producing the coin has cost more than its face value for 19 years. In 1989, legislation was introduced to ditch the penny and round cash transactions to the nearest nickel.
But before we all get rid of our Penny Passports here are ten facts about the U.S. Penny...

Pennies in Heaven

Great Moments from CHIPs

https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=697363564410232

Last week we watched a newscast where a boater had a medical incident and his boat was throttled up and (thankfully) running in circles. Local Florida sheriffs eventual got onto the boat and saved the day.
It reminded me of an old CHIPS episode....Ponch & Jon save the day.
Some people should not ride motorcycles…

CHIPs

The Great Backyard Bird Count

This Weekend!

Spend time in your favorite places watching birds—then tell us about them! In as little as 15 minutes notice the birds around you. Identify them, count them, and submit your counts to help scientists better understand and protect birds around the world. If you already use eBird or Merlin, your submissions over the 4 days count toward GBBC.

Great Bird Count

Great Cars... Great Food...Great Time!

Mac & Motors

Macaroni & Cheese Festival

Sunday February 23rd

AACA Musuem

Hershey, PA

“Mac” your calendar and get ready for our annual macaroni and cheese festival. It’s the “cheesiest” event of the year! Join us on Sunday, February 23rd, at noon for a family-friendly event that supports the museum’s mission and helps us choose the area’s ultimate comfort food.

Backroads will be there and we hope you are too!

AACA Museum

Great Meteor Procession 112 years ago

https://earthsky.org/space/this-date-in-science-great-meteor-procession-of-february-9-1913/?mc_cid=802c97200c&mc_eid=f880efcf2a

February 9, 1913: the Great Meteor Procession

An odd and still-unexplained parade of meteors on this date dazzled viewers in Canada, the northeastern United States and ships in the Atlantic all the way down to Brazil. The origin of the event called the Great Meteor Procession of 1913, after more than a century, is still unknown.

Great Meteor Processsion

The Modern Classics Returns!

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

The Modern Classics Show 2025
March 29 & 30th • 9am - 4pm

Martin Motors • Boyertown, PA

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 60's through the 90's 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

Bluebird of Bitterness

$https://ad.doubleclick.net/ddm/trackclk/N4492.3492528BACKROADS/B25215450.384955996;dc_trk_aid=549863339;dc_trk_cid=186346052;dc_lat=;dc_rdid=;tag_for_child_directed_treatment=;tfua=;gdpr=${GDPR};gdpr_consent=${GDPR_CONSENT_755};ltd=;dc_tdv=1$

Progressive

Product of the Week

https://www.nelsonrigg.com/nr-250-traveler-lite-detail

Nelson-Rigg Traveler Lite Trunk / Rack Bag

$169.95

Made with Industry leading UltraMax® fabric
Maximum UV protection against fading
Universal fitment on trunks & luggage racks
Fits inside all Harley Davidson Tour Trunks
100% Waterproof rain cover included
Quick release straps securely mount to trunk rack
Also mounts to backrest/sissy bar and racks
Rigid construction with mesh pocket under lid
Lined interior easily holds a full-face helmet
Lockable zippers to help secure contents
Reflective piping for enhanced visibility
Carry handles for transporting off the bike
Dimensions: 18” L x 12” W x 10” H - Holds 35 Liters

Nelson-Rigg

The Escape of the Week

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/experiences/new-york/opus-40-ny?lctg=663c991d5f118c05c7af27d6&y=6c515e9a7440282e8fd88a4e7e49d3939c84ff90bab9a9e68bbf5c9c383152f8&z=d64e74d43f13e74ec3ee19f33959d4a804a12707

Opus 40 • Saugerties, New York

Visiting a park in New York can be a real treat. Seeing some sculptures in New York is also a rewarding adventure. How about combining both? Opus 40 in Saugerties does just that. This abandoned quarry was reinvented as a sculpture garden in New York and you can visit it!

Now sitting on over 70 acres of soil, the property where this sculpture park in New York exists was originally purchased with just over six acres of land back in 1938 by Harvey Fite. Wondering, "Where is Opus 40?" You'll find it in the charming small town of Saugerties.

Opus 40

Presents

Song of the Week

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R1W7ZCttn9E

Everything You Did

Steely Dan

What, another dark song about infidelity and family strife from Becker & Fagen? Why not?

But in 'Everything You Did' - there is a line that fits with this week's Final Thoughts. Backroads Sticker set for the first correct answer to editor@backroadsusa.com.

Good luck!

Everything You Did

Now at Shops...

The February Edition of Backroads!

Let's all ride through this winter together, shall we?

This issue is chock-full of places to go, and things to do and a great cover story about one woman discovering the adventures of solo riding and a bit about herself and the good people in this world.

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

Backroads