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Back Roads of Appalachia

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In the Appalachian town of Harlan, Kentucky, “the great outdoors” is an understatement. Harlan, located in the heart of the Appalachian mountains, a former coal town that has transitioned away from fossil fuels and into a must-see outdoor and motorsports tourist destination. While Harlan has plenty to explore, we believe its best-kept secret is Highway 160, locally referred to as “The Dragon Slayer 160.” The Dragon Slayer 160 offers breathtaking views with more than 226 curves in 20 miles and some truly incredible overlooks as you ride over the top of Kentucky’s Highest Mountain. Once you’re done slaying the dragon in Lynch, ride or drive down to the city of Harlan and experience some good ole’ Appalachian hospitality and history at the Harlan County Beer Company, a local motorsports favorite! Located a short stroll down the street from the beer company, Sassy Trash is the most unique shop in all of Appalachia. They are your one-stop shop for everything unusual- whether you’re looking for rustic door knobs or fine china- they’ve probably got it. If pickin’ isn’t your thing, consider driving up Pine Mountain and visiting one of the most scenic and culturally-rich places in the world. The Pine Mountain Settlement School started in 1913 as a boarding school and has now transitioned into an outdoor environmental education institute that also offers lodging, authentic Appalachian dining, and guided hiking tours in the heart of the Appalachian mountains. When you’re ready to hit the hay, consider staying at the Harlan County Campground Cabins in Putney, where you can kick back and relax under the stars. If you prefer a more unique experience, the Benham Schoolhouse Inn, located right off the “Dragon Slayer 160,” is a former school that has been transitioned into a boutique hotel. Into off-road adventures? Check out the Black Mountain off-road park, where you can experience breathtaking views from the highest and fastest zipline in Kentucky and ride your ATV or Dirtbike through over 200 miles of trails on more than 7,000 acres in the heart of Appalachia. Don’t have an ATV or Dirtbike but still want to experience Black Mountain? Don’t worry- they offer ATV-guided tours through the park as well. While Harlan is no longer the bustling coal town it once was, they proudly honor their past. Experience what it was like to be a miner in the Portal 31 underground mine tour, where you can ride through the mine that won World War II and learn about the area’s rich history along your ride. Ready for your final destination in Harlan County? Because we’ve saved the best for last, Kingdom Come State Park is Kentucky’s highest park in elevation. The park offers stunning views overlooking the Cumberland Plateau and of Black Mountain.

So if you’re looking for a place straight out of the history books and the Kentucky coal town often mentioned in many bluegrass and country music songs, That town is Harlan, Kentucky, a one of a kind experience for any motorsports enthusiast! Let’s Ride Appalachia!

—The Backroads of Appalachia Journalism Staff

FRANK GIRROD

CHOPPERTOWN ‘LIVE’ 2022 IS OFFICIALLY IN THE RECORD BOOKS

We can’t thank everyone enough, but we can try! First off. There were the builders. Without you, this screamin’ chopper show wouldn’t exist. This event is ‘for you’ and in large part ‘by you.’ Born To Ride is grateful to those who came from Georgia, North and South Carolina, as well as from one end of the state of Florida to the other. You are helping put this event on the map as a ‘must see’ yearly event. Next we have to thank the wives, girlfriends, and families of those builders. We know it takes a lot of hard work and sacrifice to make this yearly trek. Those guys couldn’t do what they do without you, which is why this will always be a family-friendly event. We want to give a shout out to North Carolina’s Chillbunnys and the Chillbillys for adding another great layer to this custom bike cake. A big thanks to Roosterz Rod Shop for always keeping the party interesting - just short of getting us kicked out of our building. We also want to thank Orlando Street Vans. We had some great vans represented at the show, and hopefully next time we can make this as much about you, and the van community as the choppers. Thanks to Dave Knoderer of Letter Fly Art for painting us up some great bowling pin giveaways for the tops bike builds. Then our friends who helped with raffle giveaways such as Mondo from Denver’s Choppers, Paughco Motorcycle Parts, and Metalsport Wheels. Thanks to Vee Rubber Tires for making it possible for us to hand out five sets of tires and a very special thank you to James Irwin and Healthinsurance65.com See James ad in this issue. He is a certified senior advisor, one of only 3500 in America. Find out about his movie , the Baby Boomer Dilemma. “a country that creates veterans should be prepared to care for the “ James Irwin.

Even our awesome DJ Robert Norton gave away a couple of great retro-style bar stools to a lucky participant. One of the highlights of the show was when one of our builders, ‘Yogi’ of Yogi’s Garage, fabbed up and gave away an awesome custom ‘one off’ oil tank that any chopper owner would love to show off. In spite of several hurdles, this year’s event was an overwhelming success. We’re already working on new ideas and look forward to an even better Choppertown Live next year! Hope to see you there. Thank you, from the Born To Ride family.

BRIAN BUTTERA

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