The Backroads Report March 1st 2025 #359

Published: Sat, 03/01/25

Updated: Sat, 03/01/25

Brian Rathjen's

Free Wheelin'

The Family

Over the years, Shira and I have met, and ridden with, hundreds of riders. Some have become great, and long lasting, friends; others are like ships that pass in the night.

It’s all good, and there are some riding friends I have not seen in a dozen years but when we do see each other we pick up right where we left off.

I have some riding companions that have said many times that we, the riders that always seem to show up at our Backroads Rallies, are “The family they choose.”

The Family.

I get that, and we here at Backroads do feel blessed by the riders that have become friends, and some quasi-family.

The Family…

Free Wheelin'

Welcome to the Jungle proudly brought to you by

Law Office of Paul Gargiulo, P.C.

2025 Ducati XDiavel V4 – First Look

As expected from Ducati’s ominous teaser released last week along with the title of its latest 2025 World Première: “Feet Forward. Head Turning,” it’s no real surprise that Ducati has now pulled the cover off its latest genre-bending V4-powered two-wheeler, the 2025 Ducati XDiavel V4. For a while, we weren’t sure whether Ducati had plans of nixing the feet-forward power cruiser from its lineup or not. Of course, the natural progression of the XDiavel would be swapping in the company’s V4 Granturismo engine given the sans X model, but there is plenty more to it than just an engine swap. Let’s dive into the murky waters of the XDiavel V4.

Motorcycle.com

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

Ben-Hur Lives!

https://www.thedrive.com/news/38365/motorcycle-chariot-racing-was-a-real-sport-and-every-bit-as-glorious-as-it-sounds

Motorcycle Chariot Racing Was a Real Sport and Every Bit as Glorious as it Sounds...
In the name of great Caesar's ghost!

One of the most popular sports in the ancient Olympic Games was chariot racing. Two-wheeled carriages were drawn by horses and raced around a stadium called a hippodrome, making oval-shaped laps like some sort of Byzantine-era NASCAR. In the early 1900s, chariot racing was all but forgotten outside of hardcover books, but all that changed when some madmen strapped motorcycles to the front of chariots and revived the overlooked sport.

Motorcycle Chariot Racing

There's a Row-de-dow Goin' On!

10 Funny Vintage Slang Words People Should Start Using Again...

In 1909, a British writer recorded thousands of Victorian slang words to make sure they were never forgotten. Now it's your turn to use them.

They'll make you a Gigglemug!

Vintage Slang

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 Moto • 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

KTM Courtroom Deal

https://www.advrider.com/ktm-ag-gets-a-lifeline/

KTM AG Company Gets a Lifeline!

KTM AG, the corporate structure that controls KTM, Husqvarna and GasGas, has been given a lifeline. After a much-publicized showdown in Austrian bankruptcy court today, KTM AG must start repayment of its creditors in part, with the potential for full repayment in the long term.

This step was legally binding before KTM AG could move forward with production under its restructuring plan (KTM AG’s parent company had its own day in court last week).

ADV Rider

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

GreaseNinja

We have a few friends that have jumped from shaft-driven bikes to chain.

For you new members of the Chain Gang (Katey) - the GreaseNinja will make your chain maintenance soooo much easier.

We love this product...

GreaseNinja

https://www.imtbike.com/tours/pyrenees-northern-spain/

The Escape of the Week

https://www.bethelwoodscenter.org/camping/pavilion-camping

Glamping at Bethel Woods • Bethel, New York

Located at the site of the fame 1969 Woodstock Festival - and our sorely-missed friend Sam's farm - the "glamping" here is truly remarkable.

Especially if there is a concert!

They offer a number of camping options - for concerts - or just to have a great base-camp in the Catskills. They offer accommodations from primitive tents to very nice cabins - and a visit to the museum is a must as well. Rock on!

Bethel Woods

Bethel Woods Center for the Arts

Presents

Song of the Week

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mrudT410TAI

Killing Me Softly

Roberta Flack

Hard to find someone from the New York area who did not sing this song to themselves, along with thousands of others listening to WABC Radio. But Roberta Flack did not write this...

The song tells the story of a woman who feels deeply moved and exposed by a singer's performance. In this case singer Lori Lieberman who was so moved by a performance from Don McLean... probably was not American Pie - but more likely Vincent or Empty Chairs.

Roberta Flack

Riding on the Backroads Towards You!...

The March Edition of Backroads...now at Shops!

There is a warm light at the end of this chilly tunnel.

Here comes our March edition of Backroads - with one very cool cover indeed. In this issue we visit the Barber Museum, come across the birthplace of Elvis, search out ancient Native Mounds, and run along the Mississippi in search of the Blues.

All this and more in Backroads' March 2025!

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

Backroads