Last month I had one of the best riding experiences of my life. If you look at the map you can see the 4 states we road through. The theme of the event and words most spoken were “Let’s Take the Road less Traveled.” Like the book, the roads we choose highlighted individualism and nonconformity.
The group I rode with is known as the SPYC riders and consist of well-traveled yachtsmen, former jet pilots, and very successful businessmen and entrepreneurs. Many in our group own beautiful homes in the mountains where we slept. I was one of the youngest in the group at 64 and didn’t know what to expect.
The day before we started our journey, we all got together for a practice session. We all met at one of the nicest rest areas I have ever seen in Waynesville North Carolina. One of the members and a former 747 pilot was showing me his saddle bags. He said “The left side has nitroglycerin; the right side has Smith and Wesson. And this device around my neck is a satellite tracking device to locate me if I fly off my bike.” Apparently, there is no cell service in many areas of the mountains. I chuckled and off we went.
I noticed the two bikes ahead of me were setting off sparks around every turn and not the least bit concerned. I was glad I rode my sport bike. Both riders were in their late 70’s. One guy told me he didn’t start riding until he was 72. He bought an Indian for sentimental reasons since his grandfather had one when he was a little boy. We did
A Biker Helping Bikers
LET’S AVOID EVER HAVING TO SAY
“I WISH I KNEW BACK THEN WHAT I KNOW NOW”
have one member run off the road going too hot in corner. Fortunately, he had an adventure bike and rode back on the road. He owns many toys and believes “the idea is to die young as late as possible” and was generous enough to treat us all to farewell dinner at his country club. Out of all the routes we took the most famous was the dragon.
The “Tail of the Dragon” is a famous and challenging stretch of road known for its numerous sharp turns and scenic views. Here’s some detailed information about it:
Overview
• Location: The Tail of the Dragon, also known as Deals Gap, is situated on the border of North Carolina and Tennessee in the United States.
• Route: This stretch is part of U.S. Route 129.
• Length: Approximately 11 miles (18 km).
• Turns: The road is renowned for having 318 curves within those 11 miles, making it a favorite among motorcyclists and sports car enthusiasts.
• Scenic Views: The road winds through the Great Smoky Mountains, providing picturesque views of forests, hills, and wildlife.
• Popularity: Due to its difficulty and beauty, the Tail of the Dragon attracts driving enthusiasts from all over the world. It’s particularly popular among motorcyclists and sports car drivers who seek a thrilling driving experience.
• Escape from Routine: Curvy roads
provide a break from the monotony of daily commuting and offer a refreshing change of pace.
• Mindfulness: The focus required to ride safely through curves can be a form of mindfulness, helping riders clear their minds and relax.
• Timing: Visit during weekdays or off-peak seasons to avoid heavy traffic and enjoy a smoother drive.
The Tail of the Dragon is a unique and exhilarating destination for those seeking an adventurous driving experience amidst stunning natural scenery.
As you can imagine these gentlemen are enjoying their retirement! The next trip they take is happening this month to the Rockies and then Sturgis.
It’s never too late to start planning for retirement. Time goes by fast! Remember there is not a one size fits all or paint by the number’s solution. All our situations are unique. You don’t need more money; you just need a better plan. After having the privilege to serve tens of thousands of people over the years I can attest to the statement “That money won’t make you happy! But riding a motorcycle will! “ My passion is to help bikers in life changing ways. Hence the reason I created www.BikerHelpingbikers.com
Could this mark the “beginning of Summer?” I dunno. The calendar tells me that it’s only Spring. But wait a minute. April showers bring May flowers, right? This all happened on Saturday, May 4. In Canton GA.
And it rained during set-up in the morning. I was told that the rain got rid of the “riff-raff”. People from GA and surrounding states showed up and set up (some even sold out). All day long, buyers and sellers had a GREAT TIME!
This all came about with lots of hard work and planning from the dynamic three: Jeff, Kraut, and Moondogg. If you don’t know them....you should! They are from Hartman T/F Cycles and Speed Standard, both located in Canton, GA. If you’re ever in a bind, and don’t know where to go for a fix, these are the guys who can do it. And do it right. American-made machines only, of course.
When any event in the N. GA area concerning hot rod cars and American-made motorcycles takes place, you’ll be sure to find Gene Eidson (retired) from Blue Ribbon Cycles in Smyrna, GA. He’s always got “that” smile on his face! Good things to sell (even police sirens!) and a head full of knowledge.
Let’s not forget John Landstrom, Blue Moon Cycles, Norcross, GA. He made the scene, with a nice display of bikes, and “stuff” for sale. He’s always friendly and a great guy to talk “motorcycles” with. That man has a cycle-encyclopedia for brains.
Tyler Newsome had a nice display along with his ‘59 Pan that he bought back in December with a blown engine. Well, SUPRISE, he has it up and runnin’ down the road now. It all has to do with the “Newsome” touch. Whattaguy!
I could go on and on. But I won’t. Just take a look at the pictures, drool, and make plans to be at the next big event put on by these guys. Jeff, Kraut, and Moondogg. They know how to party!
— JP Brady
WORDS PHOTOS BY JP BRADY
“ I could go on and on. But I won’t. Just take a look at the pictures, drool, and make plans to be at the next big event... ”
Photo Daniel Gallant | Model Oksana
Crystal HD Bike Night Florida Cracker Bar 2nd Thursday Every Month | Lowman Law
Photo Daniel Gallant | Model Oksana
RIDE APPALACHIA
Backroads of Appalachia: Bringing it All Together for a Region
In last month’s article, we introduced you to the origin story of our first two Southeastern Kentucky “Viper” themed trail routes, which are an absolute must-ride for anyone visiting our region. This month, in part 2 of this series, we’ll share the rest of our organization’s story and how our nonprofit mission evolved to help an entire region recover from years of economic downturn.
THE LOSS OF THE COAL INDUSTRY
When the coal industry left our region, it didn’t leave much behind for the people of Central Appalachia. For many generations, coal mining had been their livelihood. The impact of this loss was felt across the entire “Coal Belt,” from Pennsylvania to North Carolina. With no industry to replace this loss, many once-thriving areas were left with nothing but memories and remnants of their coal mining lineage. For over 25 years, many small towns have struggled, with main street businesses now boarded up and closed. This loss made the states we serve some of the poorest in the U.S., and they remain so to this day.
THE HIDDEN GEM LEFT BEHIND BY COAL: OUR ROADS!
What the coal industry left behind is precisely what makes our region and our riding experiences second to none: our roads! Most of the backroads and rural routes here were originally built to reach the coal and the remote communities that mined it. Unlike other areas in the U.S., these roads were often built to go over the mountains rather than around them. Some, like the Dingess Tunnel in West Virginia, were even built to go through them, often dug by hand many years ago. Yes, you can ride through these tunnels, but they are just one of many great features to experience on your ride.
Now, you might wonder what makes these roads so special. Do they really offer “The Best Riding in the U.S.! Period!”? How can we make those claims? Is it all just hype? As a fellow rider, I can assure you it’s absolutely the truth. We have ridden just about everywhere you can go, including some other countries. Still not convinced? Let’s delve into what makes these roads and their
surroundings so incredible to ride and see if we can change your mind.
THE STORY OF THE DRAGONSLAYER HWY 160
Among the many DRAGON-themed trails in the motorcycle world, the Dragonslayer HWY 160 was created to “slay them” all. This route goes over Kentucky’s highest mountain and was founded in 2018 in the historic town of Lynch, Kentucky, by BOA Executive Director Erik Hubbard, with support from the local community. The mission was and still is to bring economic development to Lynch and the surrounding areas through motorsports tourism and events.
THE HISTORIC TOWN OF LYNCH, KENTUCKY
Before we SLAY this dragon, let’s explore the incredible history of Lynch, which enhances this overall experience. Located in Harlan County and home to the Portal 31 Coal Mine Tour, Lynch was once the largest coal camp in the world, with the Portal 31 Coal Mine being the largest coal-producing mine globally. Built by Italian stonemasons brought in by the U.S. Steel in the early 1900s, Lynch once had a population of over 10,000 people from 38 different countries living and working there. Today, this historic town sadly has only about 600 residents, many of whom are descendants of those original miners.
What makes Lynch so special? The entire town and all its buildings still stand, allowing visitors to experience how people lived and worked by touring the Portal 31 Coal Mine. Lynch, Kentucky, is a magical place and truly the heart of Kentucky’s coal mining history and is absolutely a must-visit on its own. Now that we’ve covered a little history, let’s talk about one of the most badass rides you can take here and certainly one of the most beautiful.
FROM SLAYING DRAGONS IN LYNCH TO HELPING AN ENTIRE REGION
After the popularity of the Dragonslayer HWY 160 began to grow, Backroads of Appalachia, the organization, began to take shape. A Board of Directors was formed in 2019, creating the 501-C3 nonprofit you see today! The Dragonslayer HWY 160 Welcome Center was opened in Lynch in 2020 in a small makeshift bank teller’s booth to offer visitors some sweet Dragonslayer HWY 160 merchandise and, of course, the history of this amazing town. Unfortunately, at the same time, Covid-19 came to Kentucky but ended up being a blessing in disguise for the Dragonslayer HWY 160 as there is no better way to practice social distancing than on a motorcycle or in a sports car!
As the word began to get out and the motorsports world began to respond, things were made even better on the Slayer in 2021 by adding brand new pavement! When you combine that with over 200 curves and a 55 MPH limit, you have yourself one of the best rides you will find anywhere! Period! Sure, there are other popular routes out there, and we love them all, but this is the highest peak in Kentucky, and if you are not riding mountains, then you’re not riding. Black Mountain also happens to be home to many black bears, which can often be seen while riding or driving this beast of a route, and the overlooks will blow your mind! We ride it here locally all the time, and it never gets old to us or anyone else, with many riders returning each year to take on the mountain and visit us at The Dragonslayer HWY 160 Welcome Center. You can see this when you sign our “BOA Wall of Fame” there, which includes signatures from riders and drivers from all over the world, many of whom are repeat visitors. There are also many other routes
surrounding the Dragonslayer HWY 160 designed to showcase this amazing area to ride, such as the Slingshot, Little Shepherd Trail, The Backbreaker, Coal Train 421, and many more!
BACKROADS OF APPALACHIA: CREATING A REGIONAL MISSION FROM HUMBLE BEGINNINGS
As our organization began to grow, so did our motorsports community and supporters. The original mission to help Lynch and the surrounding areas began to take shape as riders and drivers started to discover what we already knew: there is nothing like our roads, our scenery, and our people! Economic development through motorsports tourism was working on the trails BOA had created on the east side of the state while other established routes such as Copperhead Trail KY and the Rattlesnake 192 were gaining momentum and traffic west. As these trails were created by their respective counties, it was obvious that everything should be brought together into a regional mission that would not only bring needed economy to the small towns and their small businesses on Main Street Appalachia but would also showcase our region in a way that had never been done before, with our focus being motorsports tourism and events. After all, this is truly the “Last Unexplored Frontier on the East Coast” and a motorsports lover’s dream come true.
The Whitley County Motorcycle Group joined Backroads of Appalachia, bringing the east and west parts of Southeastern Kentucky together into a full-blown motorsports initiative uniting all riders under one regional mission! Shortly thereafter, our Backroads of Appalachia mobile application was created thanks to a generous grant from the USDA, and many other great trails were developed to help specifically designed to reach even more towns and communities while also showcasing our “Uniquely Appalachian” points of interest. Currently, there are 50+ trail routes in our app covering over 5,000 miles and crossing four Central Appalachia states across the old Coal Belt, all GPS-enabled and requiring no cell phone signal!
There are so many things we have left out as we simply do not have the space here and this is obviously a very condensed version of our story. You can find out more about our unique organization by visiting our BOA Mobile Trailer at the Thunderdome at the 84th Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally or visit our website at www.backroadsofappalachia.org/about. You can also visit us on Facebook as well as join our all volunteer WCMG Public Group! Do not forget to give our pages a like and follow us! We also recommend you download our Backroads of Appalachia Mobile Application to find all our events and start your Appalachian Adventure Today! Everything we do is created by our local community and improved by you the Rider and your input! When you ride here you are riding the absolute best that our Region has to offer while also helping each town you stop in! Let’s Review and see if we have answered the question we had early in this article. Is it the “Best Riding in the U.S.! Period!”? Come and find out for yourself by visiting us this season right here on the Backroads of Appalachia! You will be glad you did!
LET’S RIDE APPALACHIA!
—Jay Fryman (FryDaddy) Founder, Whitley County Motorcycle Group Backroads of Appalachia Journalism Team
WELCOME TO AUGUST
“ I have had many great experiences on my trips there. ”
Welcome to August. As any biker and rider knows, it’s the month for the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. Many riders and non riders make the pilgrimage to this event every year. Been there many times myself and I urge those who have never attended to do it at least once just for the experience of not only being there but the journey there and back. I have had many great experiences on my trips there.
Make sure if going, pack accordingly for the trip. It gets both hot and cold around the Bad Lands. Also be prepared for rain, just in case.
Give yourself enough time for the trip there and back as there is a ton of things to see and do out there on the road.
A lot of people attend including clubs so remember your manners and riders protocol as well as keeping your ego and faculties
in check. I’d love to see everyone make it home with good health and great stories.
Now with the PSA out of the way, a question to the masses. What on gods green earth and oily highway is going on in this country. It appears the wack jobs on social media and other forums have lost their minds. Increase by immigrants in disrespecting our country and flag. Inability in being able to think with a level head and worse of all people celebrating and boasting about the attempted murder of an ex president. Disagreeing with or not liking what someone stands for is not a good enough reason to attempt to take someone’s life. And I’ll add that while in the process of the attempt, innocent people were killed and injured. Then the real idiots came out and wished the shooter was a better shot.
If this, in their eyes, is an acceptable practice, someone who didn’t like them may
put the bullseye on their chest. How do you think they would feel about that. If you don’t like a candidate, don’t vote for them. Plain and simple. Fix the voting process. No ID and citizenship, no vote. Easy. If votes exceed registered voters, don’t count them.
Fix the justice system. Prosecute organizations that promote and send out fake news. If you’re a government employee or politician and you’re having to answer to the people for things you’ve done or not done and refuse to cooperate. Fire them from the job they hold then decide if their offense is prosecutable. This is not rocket science people. Stand up and speak up.
I guess that’s the rant of the day.
Enjoy your rides and stay safety conscious. No one will keep you safer than you can.
-Nefarious James American Patriot
Leave behind the superficial selfie culture of today and take a photographic journey with Jim Flash Miteff, back to his 1960 s America; a time when people were real, emotions were raw, and life was lived on the edge. Prepare for a wild ride down the highway of history and into the rowdy and radical world of Bikers the legendary men, machines and myths of Miteff s generation. Not your typical “girl next door”, Beverly Roberts, the daughter of Outlaw biker Jim “Flash 1%er” Miteff, was riding on motorcycles before she could walk. When Beverly was as young as eight years old, while helping develop the pictures her father took of the Outlaws Motorcycle Club, she dreamed one day these photos would be shared with the world. Now, more than 40 years later she has published a handpicked selection of her father’s photographs.
“Courage is almost a contradiction in terms. It means a strong desire to live taking the form of readiness to die.”
-Gilbert K. Chesterton
Portraits of American Bikers: Life in the 1960s is the first in the series of three books that make up the collection. Portraits of American Bikers: Inside Looking Out (the second book in the series) will be released in April of 2010. All three books in the Outlaws MC series are published by Flash Productions, LLC. The Outlaws Motorcycle Club began in McCook, Illinois USA in 1935 and is currently one of the largest motorcycle clubs in the world with chapters all over the United States, Canada, Europe, Australia and Asia. A retired stockbroker, Beverly owns the publishing company named after her late father. “It is my hope that in a sea of misinformation about bikers and their way of life, my father’s images will offer a glimpse of truth for those who seek it.”
THE MACHINES
“A Motorcycle is a bicycle with a pandemonium attachment, and is designed for the special use of mechanical geniuses, daredevils and lunatics.”
-George
Fitch, Atlanta Constitution, 1916
THE MYTHS
“Myth is the hidden part of every story., the buried part, the region that is still unexplored because there are as yet no words to enable us to get there. Myth is nourished by silence as well as by words.””
-Italo Calvino
TUEDAYS LIVE ON FACEBOOK 9pm-10pm and OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL
FRYING YOUR EGGS ON THE SIDEWALK
Welcome to August my BTR friends. Now is when life slows down and we savor the sweetness of summer and the dreamy haze of heat. It’s that time of year to soak up the sunshine and let your soul be filled with warmth and love.
For me, it’s the second to last hot and panting month standing between my crop and pumpkin seed season.
August is also when we celebrate the birth of the Internet. That wonderfully dreaded thing that has y’all, my avid readers, tied to me and each other since I only squawk, pose for pictures and had to learn how to navigate a keyboard.
Mike breaks in, “Yes, my typing pterodactyl. I don’t know what you would do without the Internet. No more chicken breast shots, no more avian dating sites and definitely no more parrotporn.com. If you had to revert back to pen and paper, your chicken scratch could only be read by a chosen few and would be known as Spyke-toglyphics!
Now, I know you’re super cool because of all your fans but really, sweetness of summer? Haze of heat? Soak up the sunshine? Soul be filled with warmth?
Has the heat made you cuckoo for Cocoa Puffs, my funky colored chicken? It’s so hot I could fry your eggs on the sidewalk, a real torcher out there, a barn burner during the day and a sauna during the night. I really think the haze and heat from the sun has made chicken noodle soup of your fowl soul and birdbrain!”
I squawk, “it is hotter than the devil’s armpits. That makes now a perfect time to hit the water instead of the asphalt. By the way, if H2O is water, then what is H2O4?”
Mike screams, “It’s for us to get the Jet Skis out of the garage and get into it!”
I squabble, “dude now you’re catching my drift and I didn’t have to waterboard you. We can pick up a cold cut Italian sub and drinks on the way down to the boat ramp. I may not have webbed feet but I sure love hanging on your shoulder and going for a ride in the cooler Gulf breeze.”
Mike replies, “Well, you’re not chicken soup yet. That’s a great idea. We both could use our nails in the sand and a cold one in my hand when we reach Beer Can Island just outside of Tampa Bay. I cackle, “dude, all this talking about eggs, soup and a cold cut
Italian sub has got me really hungry. We should make a preliminary run on the bike through the drive-thru for french fries like we did on national Drive-Thru Day.
“AUGUST IS ALSO WHEN WE CELEBRATE THE BIRTH OF THE INTERNET.”
You need to get out there and wash the Sahara dust off the scoot. Then get my talons perched on the backrest and your knees perched under the keys firing up the Fat Bird 3 and getting its wheels rolling down the road to my favorite fast food joint, Chick-fil-A, before loading up the Jet Skis and hitting the water.”.
RONNIE and EMILY’S RONNIE and EMILY’S
In Loving Memory of Nancy Ray
CHRISTIAN MOTORCYCLISTS ASSOCIATION
What’s your reason to ride? Most bikers have a purpose or cause they support. There are some organized bikers who provide support for abused children, or lobby to promote motorcycling laws and rules. If you are a military veteran, police officer, firefighter and other first responder, there’s a group for you too! And of course, there are groups who gather for the love of their motorcycle brand like Harley, BMW, Honda and others. While some might ride in the name of fellowship and brotherhood, or are from a particular region, town, or neighborhood, most of these groups participate in a variety of charities like toy runs, fundraisers for hospitals and homes, and escort of veterans or victims. Whatever the reason, we enjoy having a purpose in our love of riding. So, what is the reason you ride?
The Christian Motorcyclists Association (CMA) is a group of Christians who have a love for motorcycles and Christ. For us, our cause is to raise money each year for what we call “Run For the Son”(RFS). “Run for the Son” is the Christian Motorcyclists Association’s investment into world-wide evangelism. Over the past 36 years RFS has played an important role in 37 million salvations in 194 countries around the globe. Over those 36 years, CMA, through RFS, has been able to raise funds for biker evangelism in the United States and around the world. With a vision for changing the world, one heart at a time, we are reaching out to the motorcycling community around the world with the love and life-changing power of Jesus Christ. One of
the many verses in the Bible that relates to this cause is Romans 10:14-15 “But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them? And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? That is why the Scriptures say, “How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news!” This is good news of Jesus Christ and the true heartbeat behind CMA. The funds from RFS support several ministries that help tell that good news. These include the story of Jesus through the Jesus Film Project, gifting Bibles to the persecuted, and transportation for pastors who are missionaries in foreign countries, namely in the form of motorcycles.
Teach’s Takeaway,
- We all are passionate about something and are willing to ride in support of it.
- A cause that touches others is important to the community.
- When Jesus is our reason, we can be messengers and bring the good news
Who would have guessed that loving to ride could help someone? Motorcyclists can be some of the most generous giving people. Be passionate and truly affect the community around you. To learn more about our ministry and donate to the RFS fund, follow the link: cmausa.org/Donate/Donate#Runfortheson
Fellow Soldier in Christ, Wayne (Teach) Masiker
Christian Motorcyclists Association wayne.masiker@att.net
ZARINA MEET
PHOTOS BY DANIEL GALLANT
My name is Zarina Omarova, and I’m from Pinellas Park, Florida, originally from Kazakhstan. I’ve lived in Florida for about six years. My hobbies include art, photography, and modeling, and I dream of having my photos featured in exhibitions and magazines. While I admire the beauty and freedom of motorcycles, I prefer observing them and posing next to them rather than riding.
