The Backroads Report Januay 18th 2024 #353

Published: Sat, 01/18/25

Updated: Sat, 01/18/25

Mark Byers'

On the Mark

Why Yes, Yes I Am

We’re not supposed to be judgmental. Well, that’s what some folks say, generally after someone pointed out something less-than-optimal with their conduct. It’s hard not to, as nature programmed us to innately evaluate our surroundings for danger. You don’t get to outlive Og if you let him lead you into the saber-toothed tiger den, so if your observations of Og tell you he’s a risky biscuit, then you’d best steer clear of his company. In modern times, if words like “accomplice, abettor, co-defendant, or co-conspirator” come up, chances are your judgment in companions is suspect.

On the Mark

Welcome to the Jungle proudly brought to you by

Law Office of Paul Gargiulo, P.C.

The Answer...

Why is this Issue of The Backroads Report Different From All the Others?

For the last few weeks we have been asking you why this particular week of TBR would be different, and noteworthy.

Well... this is why?

We have been publishing Backroads for 30 years now, and in our minds The Backroads Report, started in 2018, is still a new thing - yet with this week it eclipses the print magazine in issues published.!

Bill Cadwalader had the first correct answer - so congratulations Bill, you've just won a Chrysler Cordoba and you can pick it up at Morty's office.

TBR Archives

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 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

Best Beginner Motorcycle for 2025

After this year’s EICMA motorcycle show, Motorcycliste think it’s safe to say 2025 might be the best year on record for beginner motorcycles. There’s a wave of newfound interest in the small-displacement/beginner-friendly segment, which means new riders have more options than ever whether they’re after a sharp-looking sportbike, classic cruiser, or dirt-friendly dual sport.

Motorcyclist

How the Great Fire of 1910 Changed How the US Fought Wildfires

https://www.history.com/news/great-fire-1910-wildfire-suppression?cmpid=email-hist-inside-history-onequestion-2025-0110-01102025&om_rid=

When a historic fire roared over more than 3 million acres in Montana, Idaho and Washington, the US Forest Service called for suppressing all fires.
The Great Fire of 1910—also known as the “Big Burn” or the “Big Blow Up”—is still the largest single wildfire in American history. More than 3 million acres of forest burned across the states of Montana, Idaho and Washington.

“We’re talking about a gargantuan swath of land,” says Deverell, “just a huge section of the Northern Plains and Mountain West region of the United States.”

History

The Modern Classics Show 2025

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

The Modern Classics Show

March 29 & 30th

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 Lane, Boyertown, PA 19512.
Food trucks, entertainment, and more to come!

Modern Classics

Kershaw Outcome Rainbow Blade

https://kershaw.kaiusa.com/outcome-rainbow.html?_kx=IizjJ1aa4YwoQcDPMrsbpogusIlOrLKsdaiFMTIaKyM.XpKKhU

We are big Kershaw Fans - and have one handy always!

Value and performance come in all colors of the rainbow with the Outcome. Both the blade and handle feature an eye-catching, polished rainbow PVD finish. It opens with snappy assisted opening, and the drop point blade will handle almost any work task. The Outcome locks securely in place with a steel frame lock. Added jimping delivers a secure grip while unlocking the knife. And when you’re on the go, use its reversible deep-carry pocket clip. Make a bold statement with a rainbow folder in your pocket and enjoy the reliability that the Outcome is known for.

Kershaw

Video: It's Bentley vs Bird of Prey

https://www.topgear.com/car-news/video-its-bentley-vs-bird-prey

This comes courtesy of our colleagues at BBC Earth, who’ve pitted a gyrfalcon – the fastest level flying bird in the world – against a Bentley Continental GT.

Alright, it’s not a traditional race. But the open-top sports car is the perfect platform from which to hang the bait that sees our feathered friend reach 58mph.

For reference, that’s faster than an Avtoros Shaman. And a gyrfalcon is significantly easier to park, too…

Top Gear

This Week in Weather History...

On Jan. 15, 1972, 53 years ago, a weather observer in Loma, Montana, measured a morning temperature of 49 degrees. That sounds warm for mid-January, but that's only half the story.The previous morning, the same observer recorded a low of 54 degrees below zero. That 103-degree temperature change is not only America's Highest Temperature Change but it's also a world record, according to weather historian Christopher Burt.

Weather History

MotoVermont Maintenance Workshops

Stay on Top of Your Machine!

Our friends at MotoVermont are holding a number of motorcycle maintenance Workshops . You can check them out at the link. What better time to learn how things work and how to take care of your machine properly

MotoVermont

Space Force Sets New Record

https://www.space.com/space-exploration/missions/us-space-force-broke-its-launch-record-in-2024-with-93-liftoffs?lrh=6c515e9a7440282e8fd88a4e7e49d3939c84ff90bab9a9e68bbf5c9c383152f8

An impressive 93 United States Space Force launches lifted off from Florida's coast in 2024, setting a new Space Force record for the second year in a row.

Space Launch Delta 45 (SLD 45), headquartered at Patrick Space Force Base in Florida, is a unit of the United States Space Force responsible for managing space launch operations on the East Coast, including launches from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station and NASA's Kennedy Space Center.

Space Force

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Progressive

Bluebird of Bitterness

The Escape of the Week

Sweet Ride Ice Cream

Reading, Pennsylvania

In celebration of the 353rd Backroads Report let's all get ice cream.

Sweet Rides is Shira's latest discovery... and you can read all about it in the February edition of Backroads - out in a few weeks!

Sweet Ride

Presents

Song of the Week

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pkdci55adqk

Ghost Chickens in the Sky

Leroy Troy

A chicken farmer went out on one dark and dusty day
And by the coop he rested as he went along his way
When all at once a rotten egg hit him in the eye
It was the sight he dreaded: Ghost Chickens in the Sky

This came from our friend Dan one crisp and cold morning...Too funny!

All eyes to the skies!

Ghost Chickens in the Sky

Coming Your Way...

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