The Backroads Report May 31st 2025 #371

Published: Sat, 05/31/25

Updated: Sat, 05/31/25

Backroads' Crew

Who Are We?

Who We Are....

Welcome back to The Backroads' Report. Many of you have been getting this Saturday morning email for years, but we realize that there have been a boodle of new subscribers who have no real idea who we are, or even that there is an actual magazine. Paper. Ink. Binding. All that!

So we thought we'd let those folks know a bit more about what we're doing here.

We will always have some actual Backroads' content, along with the best that others in the industry are offering. They'll be some humor, some insight and ...always Rock & Roll!

So we are glad you are here. Pour a cup of coffee, settle in and enjoy

The Backroads' Report.

Please note - there will be a test. O.K., that's a lie.

Who We Are

Welcome to the Jungle proudly brought to you by

Law Office of Paul Gargiulo, P.C.

Modern Motorcycle Rider Assistance Technology

How Rider Assistance Technology is Reshaping

Safety for Today's Motorcyclists

The game is changing in motorcycle safety technology. Radar systems providing collision alerts and adaptive cruise control aren’t just for cars anymore. They have arrived for two-wheel rides and are appearing with increasing regularity.

Motorcycle Power Sports News

Backroads Summer Solstice Rally

Weeks Away....

https://backroadsusa.com/backroads-events

June 19 - 22nd, 2025

We promise a most excellent time. If you haven't already booked your rooms, well, we told you….

We have an option for a group dinner at the Blackburn Inn on Saturday, June 21. It would be buffet-style @ $60/per person with a cash bar.

If interested - WE NEED TO KNOW NOW and HAVE PAYMENT BY THURSDAY, JUNE 5. Please email directly to editor@backroadsusa.com if you'd like to join (no pressure at all). Payment by Venmo, Zelle or PayPal accepted.

More information in the June issue and suggested (remember that word) routes are available on our Event website.

Ride Safe. Ride Smart. Ride the Backroads.

Backroads Summer Solstice Rally

Quick Test for Brain Injury

MotoAmerica First To Use Rapid Blood Test For Concussion Evaluation

Head and brain injuries are one of the most severe and long-lasting forms of injuries one can get, and they usually aren't quick to diagnose. MotoAmerica is pioneering rapid concussion detection at its events by being the first professional sports organization to use Abbott's groundbreaking blood test to assess riders with suspected concussions in 15 minutes.

Motorcycle.com

Could a Manhole Cover Be the

Fastest Object Ever?

https://www.envirodesignproducts.com/blogs/news/did-a-manhole-cover-really-make-it-to-space-in-1957

Did a Manhole Cover Get to Space First?

Most people are familiar with the world’s first artificial satellite, Sputnik—highly publicized in October 1957 as being the first man-made object launched into space. In spite of this, a long-standing urban myth argues that Earth’s introduction to sending objects into space occurred earlier that same year—by a manhole cover.

The manhole covers that the public is accustomed to are the kind put over city sewer drains to protect civilians from the dangers of falling into shafts or utility vaults. However, nearly seven decades ago, a specialized manhole cover was created with the purpose not of keeping something from getting in but keeping something out.

It’s hard to imagine how a simple manhole cover, without proper equipment, could possibly end up in space. But in the 1950s, a fateful nuclear experiment gone partially wrong suggests that the seemingly impossible event could have actually been true.

BOOM!

Motor School With Quinn Redeker

Rediscovering the Joy!

I fully appreciate that my role within the space of these two pages of Motor School is to provide you with riding concepts, training exercises, and things to think about to help make you a better, safer rider. I get that. But today I thought I’d start with a question, and then together we can unpack some ideas and see if any of this stuff sticks. Sound good? Here goes.

Why do you ride a motorcycle?

Now before you roll your eyes and stuff me into your sock drawer with the March 1983 issue of Popular Mechanics you’re saving because of an article you forgot about long ago, just think about the question.

RIDER

2025 Kawasaki Ninja 1100SX SE

Messing with a good thing is often the fastest route to a let down, so Kawasaki didn’t mess too much with the 2025 Ninja 1100SX and SX SE. There are updates, notably an increase in displacement but a reduction in peak horsepower. However the midrange has been beefed up with a higher peak torque number. That’s it.

Cycle World

Red Knights Battalion 6 Run

Saturday June 7th

Moroney's Harley-Davidson

To Benefit Arthur C. Luv Children's Burn Camp

A truly great event for a very serious cause - to help young burn victims heal and move on.
This ride will benefit the Arthur C. Luv Children's Burn Camp.
Although we have always felt our firefighters are brave amazing... at the Arthur C. Luv Children's Burn Camp the Kids are the real Superheroes!

The Arthur C. Luf Children’s Burn Camp is a safe, natural outdoor environment for kids ages 8 to 17 from around the world who have survived life-altering burn injuries.

We urge you to read about this camp on their site:
https://www.ctburnsfoundation.org/childrens-burn-camp/

Red Knights

Ride for the River

On Saturday July 12, 2025 Raritan Headwaters Association (RHA) is holding its 22nd Annual Ride for the River – a 60-mile Motorcycle Poker Run Ride that takes in portions of the 470 square mile headwaters region. The Ride for the River is a fixture among motorcycle enthusiasts who have an appreciation for the beauty of our area. All proceeds benefit Raritan Headwaters Association.

Ride for the River

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

https://www.imtbike.com/tours/pyrenees-northern-spain/pyrenees-coast-to-coast/?utm_source=Ads-Backroads&utm_medium=NL&utm_campaign=ads-2025

Ride to Work Day

Tuesday, June 10th

Show the world that motorcycles and scooters are great for everyday transportation! On Ride to Work Day, ride your motorcycle or scooter to commute, shop/run errands, or simply to enjoy the experience.

Ride to Work Day

The Escape of the Week

InHouse Restaurant

606 County Road 519, Blairstown, NJ

This is one of our favorite restaurants, located on one of our favorite roads in New Jersey. Great location, and even more exciting food.

Their menu is amazing, and expect to be truly fed. Great portions, and wonderful staff.

Take a seat on the deck and enjoy your day on the road!

InHouse

BethelWoods Center for the Arts

Presents

Song of the Week

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGy9uomagO4

Turning Japanese

The Vapors

We received a semi-request from our buddy Charlie...

It worked for us this week and note, if you play these opening chords of this tune in a hotel in Honshu...you will get "The Eye."

Ooops!

Turning Japanese

Now at Shops...

The Road So Far...

This issue tells the backstory to the #1 riding magazine in the nation.

From its humble beginnings as a local club newsletter to what it became and what it will become.

We'll also head to Vegas for the Mecum auction, and have a stellar run of our monthly columns.

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

Backroads

Final Thoughts

Notice something in looking at the "Park Visual Approach" chart for LaGuardia Airport's runway 31 (the approach that takes planes past Citi Field). Notice anything special about the multiple named waypoints south and southeast of "STADIUM"....?

LFGM!

Final Thoughts