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April is Motorcycle Helmet Safety Month

It is time to check you motorcycle helmet!

At least once a year you should check your helmet to make sure everything is right and correct. As the month of April is Motorcycle Helmet Safety month, now is a good time to do the checks.

What are the things you need to check? Here are the minimum things you need to look for:

1) Is the shell all in one piece? No cracks or splits?

2) Are the straps and connectors in good shape, no adverse wear or tear?

3) The internal padding is connected and stays in place?

4) Remove the padding and check the foam. Is it dented or have cracks?

5) While looking at the foam, most companies place a sticker printed with the helmet’s birthday. Is it over 5 years old?

6) Does the rest of the internals look in good operating condition?

7) Check the visor for damage that might obscure your vision can you see clearly?

8) Are the screws or other visor attachments tight?

9) Make sure that insects/creatures are not living in your helmet, see the photos below!

Checklist item 5 is the 5-year rule. Most manufactures recommend that after 5 years you replace your helmet. While the cynical among us will cite the “more money” theory of why they want it replaced ,there is evidence that the foam lining (the part that does most of the work in a crash) does deteriorate over time. It is your head, so it is your decision to replace or not if everything looks good.

That little red spot on the inside of the helmet below… is a Black Widow Spider!

9 Tips for Attending a Motorcycle Race

Posted: April 4, 2024 in Uncategorized
Tags: Harley, Harley Davidson, king of baggers, motoamerica, motoamerica fan walk, Motorcycle, motorcycle blog, motorcycle race attendence, Motorcycle racing, Motorcycle Ride, motorcycle riding, motorcycle safety, motorcycle touring, motorcycles, news, racing, sport bike, Sportbike, Sports, superbike racing, tips for attending a motorcycle race

The motorcycle racing season is underway! World Superbike, MotoGP, and here in the USA MotoAmerica and King of the Baggers. If you have never been to a race this year might be the year you go to your first.

Below are some commonsense tips to make sure you have a good time:

Plan ahead: Check the race schedule and plan your trip accordingly. Make sure you have all the necessary tickets, passes, and documents.
Dress appropriately: Wear comfortable clothes and shoes that are suitable for the weather. Don’t forget to bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses.
Stay hydrated: Bring plenty of water and other non-alcoholic beverages to stay hydrated throughout the day.
Bring earplugs: Motorcycle races can be loud, so it’s a good idea to bring earplugs to protect your hearing.
Pack snacks: Bring some snacks and food to keep your energy levels up during the race. BUT, the track makes it money on their consessions please help them out.
Get there early: Arrive early to find a good spot to watch the race and avoid traffic. Most tracks park the motorcycles in a motorcycle only area so watch for signs/directions.
Be respectful: Be respectful of other fans, the riders, and the track. Follow the rules and regulations of the event.
Take photos: Capture the excitement of the race by taking photos and videos. But remember to be mindful of other fans and not to obstruct their view.
Enjoy the experience: Finally, relax and enjoy the experience. Motorcycle races are thrilling events that offer a unique opportunity to witness the skill and bravery of the riders. MotoAmerica has a fan walk of pit road at most races. This will give you an opportunity to meet the racers and see the bikes.

I hope you find this helpful! Let me know if you have any other questions.

Motorcycle TV: Steve McQueen Desert Racer

Posted: April 1, 2024 in custom motorcycle, Motorcycle, Motorcycle racing, Motorcycle TV
Tags: desert motorcycle racing, Harley, Harley Davidson, international 6-day enduro, Metisse motorcycle, Motorcycle, motorcycle blog, motorcycle documentry, Motorcycle Ride, motorcycle riding, motorcycle safety, motorcycle touring, motorcycle TV, motorcycles, news, racing, sport bike, Sportbike, steve mcqueen, steve mcqueen motorcycle racer, triumph motorcycles

I ran across this hour-long motorcycle documentary on Amazon Prime and, of course, I had to watch it.

I knew the actor Steve McQueen was into motorcycles and motorcycle racing, but I did not realize he was REALLY into motorcycles and motorcycle racing! This TV show documents what he and his friends did to get motorcycles into movies and how they raced at the top levels.

A few the things I discovered while watching:

Steve McQueen and friends were the first American team to race in the International 6-Day Enduro

McQueen and friends were drivers of making Metisse Racing Motorcycles famous.

McQueen spent hours changing customer tires at his friend’s bike shop, to prepare for the 6-Day Enduro

The documentary is narrated by motorcycle enthusiast Charle Boorman, famous for the “Long Way” films, and contains a lot of historical film clips and photos from that time. Steve McQueen Desert Racer was released in 2015.

I enjoyed the show, my wife even watched much of it, and I think you might as well. Check it out on the next rainy day!

Ride On, Ride Saff

Motorcycle Recall March 2024: BMW X3, Kawasaki, LiveWire, Triumph

Posted: March 29, 2024 in Motorcycle, Motorcycle news, motorcycle recall, motorcycle safety
Tags: BMW K1600 recall, bmw motorcycle recall, BMW R 1250 recall, BMW R1300 GS recall, Harley, Harley Davidson, kawasaki motorcycle recall, Kawasaki ninja recall, Livewire del mar recall, livewire motorcycle recall, March 2024 motorcycle recall, Motorcycle, motorcycle blog, Motorcycle Ride, motorcycle riding, motorcycle safety, motorcycle touring, sport bike, triumph speed triple recall

Be aware that this motorcycle recall list is for the United States for the last 30 days, there is no way I could cover the entire world. But in the world of global manufacturing, if a motorcycle is being recalled in one country there is a good chance it is under recall in others. So, safety first.

Also, (DISCLAIMER) this should not be considered a definitive list, check for yourself if you have any questions.

If you are US based, use the NHTSA website http://www.safercar.gov. Enter your VIN number to see if your motorcycle is affected by the recall.

If you are based outside the USA, use the appropriate website to locate recalls that may impact you.

*****

NHTSA Campaign Number: 24E029000

Manufacturer BMW of North America, LLC

Components EQUIPMENT

Summary BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain BMW motorcycle dealer accessory side cases, designed to fit R1300 GS motorcycles, with part number: 77 41 9 444 361/362. The side case latch hooks may not snap properly into the lock, which can result in the case lid opening, and possibly detaching from the motorcycle.

Remedy Dealers will repair the locking mechanism and hinges of the side cases, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed May 13, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

*****

NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V221000

Manufacturer Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A.

Components ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Summary Kawasaki Motor Corp., U.S.A. (KMC) is recalling certain 2023-2024 ZX400S and ZX400P (2023 Ninja ZX-4RR KRT Edition, 2024 Ninja ZX-4R, and 4RR) motorcycles. The spark plugs may have been damaged during the vehicle manufacturing process, which can result in unstable idling, hesitation, and engine stalling.

Remedy Dealers will replace all four spark plugs, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a schedule for recall notification. Owners may contact KMC customer service at 1-866-802-9381. KMC’s number for this recall is MC27-04.

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NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V216000

Manufacturer LIVEWIRE EV, LLC

Components SUSPENSION

Summary LiveWire EV, LLC (LiveWire) is recalling certain 2024 S2DM (S2 Del Mar) motorcycles. The rear axle and lower shock joint nuts may not have been properly tightened.

Remedy Dealers will inspect, tighten any loose nuts and replace damaged components as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 26, 2024. Owners may contact LiveWire customer service at 1-855-387-4337. LiveWire’s number for this recall is 1002.

*****

NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V177000

Manufacturer Triumph Motorcycles America, Ltd.

Components ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Summary Triumph Motorcycles America, Ltd. (Triumph) is recalling certain 2022-2024 Speed Triple RS, and Speed Triple RR motorcycles. The engine may overheat and cause the fan motor to fail, resulting in a coolant leak.

Remedy Dealers will replace the original engine software calibration with a new version, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 26, 2024. Owners may contact Triumph customer service at 1-678-854-2010. Triumph’s number for this recall is SRAN 62

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NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V165000

Manufacturer BMW of North America, LLC

Components SUSPENSION

Summary BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2024 R 1250RT, K 1600GT, K 1600GTL, and K 1600B motorcycles. The front spring strut may contain an incorrectly manufactured proportional valve that can loosen, and result in strut failure and a loss of stability.

Remedy Dealers will inspect the strut production dates and replace the front spring struts as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed April 22, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

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NHTSA Campaign Number: 24E020000

Manufacturer BMW of North America, LLC

Components EQUIPMENT

Summary BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain BMW Motorcycle Dealer Accessory Top cases, designed for R 1300 GS motorcycles, and with part number 77 43 9 443 542. The dealer accessory top case locking flap may not function correctly, which can result in the top case detaching from the motorcycle.

Remedy Dealers will repair the locking mechanism of the top case and provide an insert for the rider’s manual regarding the locking mechanism, free of charge. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

*****

Ride On, Ride Safe

*****

Spring Motorcycle Riding Prep: A checklist for getting your bike ready for riding.

Posted: March 27, 2024 in Motorcycle, Motorcycle advocacy, Motorcycle Rides, motorcycle safety
Tags: BMW, evaluate and replace motorcycle gear, getting your motorcycle ready for riding sason, Harley, Harley Davidson, inspect your motorcycle for riding, lifestyle, Motorcycle, motorcycle blog, Motorcycle Ride, motorcycle riding, motorcycle safety, motorcycle touring, motorcycles, news, practice motorcycle panic stops, Prepare your motorcycle for riding, prepare your motorcycle for spring riding, sport bike, Sportbike, t-clocs

Spring is here, and your motorcycle is beckoning you to hit the open road.

Before you embark on your two-wheeled adventures, take a moment to prepare your bike for the riding season. While the T-CLOCS (Tires, Controls, Lights, Oil, Chassis, and Stands) inspection is essential, let’s delve into some often-overlooked recommendations:

Check Your Gear:
- Retrieve your riding gear from storage. It might have been sitting in your saddlebag for months.
- Clean your gear thoroughly. Run it through the wash or clean it by hand.
- Apply water repellent or waterproofing for added protection.
Inspect Your Helmet:
- Your helmet deserves special attention. Start by cleaning the exterior. Those bugs from 2023 should be easy to remove by now.
- Remove and clean the interior padding following the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Don’t forget to check every nook and cranny for any unwelcome guests—SPIDERS (not the Can-Am species).
Evaluate and Replace Gear:
- Take a close look at your riding gear. Are your helmet and gloves still in good condition?
- Remember, you are responsible for your own safety. If something isn’t right, repair or replace it promptly.
Give Your Motorcycle a “Colonoscopy”:
- If you didn’t adequately prepare your bike for winter, it’s time to peek up your tailpipe. Make sure nothing is living in your exhust.
- Inspect all areas for leaks and ensure everything is in ship shape.
Give your bike a rub down: Happy ending optional!
- Give it a good wipe down to clean off the dust and debris that adhered to your bike over winter.
- Now is a good time to give your motorcycle a waxing to help preserve the paint.
Restock your saddlebags or backpack:
- If you pack a first aid kit replace what you used last year or what is now expired.
- Sunscreen and ChapStick…might want to swap them out for new.
- That candy bar you had for an emergency snack, go ahead, and eat it now and put a new one in its place.
Review the owner’s manual:
- Get yourself reacquainted with the bike.
Check your insurance:
- Did you stop or reduce your insurance on the motorcycle over the winter? Give a quick call to your agent to get your insurance up to date.
Remind yourself about PANIC STOPS:
- Find an unused bit of road or parking lot, get up to speed and BREAK HARD! Get that feeling about what you and your motorcycle will do when you must make a sudden stop.
- Ride with a passenger? Then run this exercise with them on the bike as well. It is best to know how it feels in a controlled environment before you really need to do it. OH, check your breaks before you do this to make sure they are good to go.

This is not an all-inclusive checklist or recommendations, I am sure each of you can add more items, but it can get you started for the new riding season. Remember, a well-prepped motorcycle, and rider, ensures both safety and enjoyment during the riding season.

Ride on, ride safe

🏍️

Motorcycle News: Moto Guzzi and Suzuki

Posted: March 18, 2024 in Motorcycle, Motorcycle advocacy, Motorcycle news, Motorcycle Rides, motorcycle touring, Rally
Tags: Harley, Harley Davidson, Honda, Kawasaki, moto guzzi experience usa, moto guzzi motorcycles, Motorcycle, motorcycle blog, motorcycle news moto guzzi and suzuki, Motorcycle Ride, motorcycle riding, motorcycle safety, motorcycle touring, motorcycles, sport bike, Sportbike, Suzuki, suzuki motorcycle, Suzuki motorcycle demo tour

Motorcycle News – What you need to know… 2024 Moto Guzzi Experience USA

Moto Guzzi has announced the 2024 Moto Guzzi Experience in the United States. The Moto Guzzi Experience is not only about stunning scenery but also about rewarding riding.

“Participants will tackle some of the country’s most challenging and bucket-list-worthy roads and highways, offering a true test of skill and adrenaline. experiencing the thrill of riding our latest Moto Guzzi models on some of the most iconic routes in this beautiful country.”

Rocky Mountains, June 5-9, 2024 (3-day Ride)
Pacific Northwest, July 15-21, 2024 (5-day Ride)
Yellowstone, July 31 – August 5, 2024 (4-Day Ride)
Smoky Mountains, September 11-16, 2024 (4-Day Ride)

If you are interested in participating check out the details at the MOTO GUZZI EXPERIENCE website

My Take –UPSHIFT – While some folks don’t care for vendor driven events, I do. You often get to see their new products and often get to take them on demo rides. I don’t own a Moto Guzzi if I did I would try to attend one or more of the events.

What you need to know… Suzuki 2024 National Demo Tour

Suzuki has kicked off its 2024 Demo Tour. Their tour will give you a chance to try out a large part of their fleet of motorcycles. The tour began during Daytona Bike Week.

Here is a listing of the motorcycles you could try out:

GSX-8R sport bike
GSX-8S
V-STROM 800DE and 800 adventure tourers
V-STROM 1050DE and 1050 adventure tourers
Hayabusa sport bike
Hayabusa 25th Anniversary Edition
GSX-R1000R, GSX-R750, GSX-R600 sport bikes
GSX-S1000GT+ high-performance sport-tourers
GSX-S1000
DR-Z400S and DR-Z400SM supermoto
DR-650S dual-sport
M109R power cruisers and more.

Go to the SUZUKI EVENTS CALENDAR to see when and where the demo fleet is headed.

My Take – Upshift – I still want to take the Katana out for a spin, but it is not on the list.

Ride on, Ride Safe

Motorcycle News: GoPro and Daytona Motorcycle Racing

Posted: March 6, 2024 in Motorcycle advocacy, Motorcycle news, Motorcycle racing
Tags: Daytona 200, forcite motorcycle helmet, gopro, gopro camera, Harley, Harley Davidson, king of baggers, King of the baggers, Motorcycle, motorcycle bagger racing, motorcycle blog, motorcycle helmet, Motorcycle Ride, motorcycle riding, motorcycle safety, motorcycle touring, motorcycles on the high bank, racing, smart motorcycle helmet, sport bike, Sportbike, super hooligans

What you need to know… This year’s Daytona 200 looks like it will be spectacular!

The MotoAmerica Mission Daytona 200 has 68 riders representing 5 manufacturers attempting to qualify for the big race. They are riding:

Yamaha, Kawasaki, Suzuki, Ducati and Triumph

The Roland Sands Mission Super Hooligans have 35 riders on 10 different motorcycles.

Indian FTR BMW R9

Harley Pan-American KTM 890 Duke

Yamaha MT-9 Suzuki SV1000

Ducati Monster Harley Davidson XR1200

Ducati Hypermotard Enegica Eva (ELECTRIC BIKE)

The Mission King of Baggers will have two races

16 riders on Harley and Indian baggers on the HIGH BANK

How to watch the races? Check out MotoAmeria’s watch page. You can check the schedule for the entire event here.

My Take – BIG UPSHIFT – I can’t wait to see the racing this year. The field is deep in all the divisions, so I expect tight racing across the board.

What you need to know… Go Pro is buying a motorcycle helmet company.

GoPro, a go to for motorcyclists, is acquiring the “smart” helmet company Forcite.

What does Forcite helmets have to offer:

Harman Kardon speakers

Visor displays that projects traffic, road hazards, police and turn by turn directions.

Camera built into the chin bar, with super-wide 1080p support.

My Take – Upshift – We can expect GoPro branded helmets soon. Having the camera built into the helmet should be a safety plus.

What are your thoughts?

Ride on, Ride Safe

Motorcycle Recall February 2024: LiveWire, Honda, Triumph, Dainese Helmets, CFMOTO, Suzuki, Indian

Posted: March 1, 2024 in Motorcycle, Motorcycle advocacy, motorcycle recall
Tags: Cfmoto motorcycle, Cfmoto recall, Dainese, Dainese helmet recall, Harley, Harley Davidson, Honda, Honda cbr recall, Honda Goldwing recall, honda motorcycle recall, Indian challenger recall, indian motorcycle recall, Indian pursuit, livewire recall, Motorcycle, motorcycle blog, Motorcycle Ride, motorcycle riding, motorcycle safety, motorcycle touring, motorcycles, news, sport bike, Suzuki, Suzuki gsx recall, suzuki motorcycle, suzuki motorcycle recall, Triumph, triumph motorcycle, Triumph motorcycle recall, Triumph tiger recall, Triumph Trident recall

Be aware that this motorcycle recall list is for the United States for the last 30 days, or so, there is no way I could cover the entire world. But in the world of global manufacturing, if a motorcycle is being recalled in one country there is a good chance it is under recall in others. So, safety first.

Also, (DISCLAIMER) this should not be considered a definitive list, check for yourself if you have any questions.

If you are US based, use the NHTSA website http://www.safercar.gov. Enter your VIN number to see if your motorcycle is affected by the recall.

If you are based outside the USA, use the appropriate website to locate recalls that may impact you.

*****

NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V149000

Manufacturer LIVEWIRE EV, LLC

Components ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Summary LIVEWIRE EV, LLC (LiveWire) is recalling certain 2024 S2DM (S2 Del Mar) motorcycles. The Vehicle Supervisory Control (VSC) software may initiate and cause a powertrain shutdown as a result of internal software voltage thresholds being exceeded.

Remedy LiveWire will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed March 5, 2024. Owners may contact LiveWire customer service at 1-855-387-4337. LiveWire’s number for this recall is 1001.

*****

NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V113000

Manufacturer Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)

Components FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

Summary Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2020 GL1800 (Goldwing), CBR600RR, and 2018-2019 CBR1000RR motorcycles. The fuel pump impellers may have been improperly molded, which can cause them to deform and result in fuel pump failure.

Remedy Dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pump module as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed April 8, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-866-784-1870. Honda’s numbers for this recall are KP8, KP9, KQ0, and KQ1.

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NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V109000

Manufacturer Triumph Motorcycles America, Ltd.

Components STRUCTURE

Summary Triumph Motorcycles America, Ltd. (Triumph) is recalling certain 2023 Trident 660 and Tiger Sport 660 motorcycles. Due to incorrectly machined threads, the front fork caps may strip and detach from the fork outer tube.

Remedy Dealers will replace the fork caps, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed February 28, 2024. Owners may contact Triumph customer service at 1-678-854-2010. Triumph’s number for this recall is SRAN 617.

*****

NHTSA Campaign Number: 24E014000

Manufacturer Dainese S.p.A.

Components EQUIPMENT

Summary Dainese S.p.A. (Dainese) is recalling certain AGV Tourmodular helmets. The micrometric buckle may fail to automatically engage, allowing the chin strap to remain loose.

Remedy Dainese will apply lubricant to the buckles, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed April 12, 2024. Owners may contact Dainese customer service at 1-855-327-5639.

*****

NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V108000

Manufacturer CFMOTO POWERSPORTS, INC.

Components STRUCTURE

Potential Number of Units Affected 1,700

Summary

CFMOTO POWERSPORTS, INC. (CFMOTO) is recalling certain 2023 450SS motorcycles. The telematics box (T-box) may fall onto the front steering forks, which can cause a loss of steering control.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the T-Box holder, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed in February 2024. Owners may contact CFMOTO customer service at 1-763-398-2690. CFMOTO’s number for this recall is SAF-2024-01.

*****

NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V081000

Manufacturer Suzuki Motor USA, LLC

Components POWER TRAIN

Summary Suzuki Motor USA, LLC (Suzuki) is recalling certain 2024 GSX-8R motorcycles. The drive chain may detach due to missing rivets, which can result in a loss of power to the rear wheels.

Remedy Dealers will inspect and repair the drive chain with a replacement joint and replace sprockets as necessary, free of charge. All affected motorcycles are within the manufacturer’s direct control and therefore no owner notification letters will be sent. Owners may contact Suzuki customer service at (714) 572-1490. Suzuki’s number for this recall is 3A02.

*****

NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V069000

Manufacturer Indian Motorcycle Company

Components EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Summary Indian Motorcycle Company (Indian) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Challenger, Challenger Dark Horse, Challenger Limited, 2022 Challenger Dark Horse Icon, Challenger Elite, FTR 1200, FTR 1200 Rally, FTR 1200 S, FTR 1200 R Carbon, Pursuit Dark Horse, Challenger JD Limited Edition, Pursuit Limited Icon, Pursuit Dark Horse Premium, Pursuit Limited, Pursuit Limited Premium, 2019-2020 FTR 1200 S, FTR 1200, and 2020 FTR 1200 Rally motorcycles. The brake lights may illuminate unexpectedly and without brake application from the rider. As such, these motorcycles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, “Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment.”

Remedy Dealers will update the ABS module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed February 14, 2024. Owners may contact Indian customer service at 1-877-204-3697. Indian’s number for this recall is I-24-03.

*****

Ride On, Ride Safe

Motorcycle Riding Around Front Royal: Thrill and Chill Ride

Posted: February 21, 2024 in Motorcycle, Motorcycle advocacy, Motorcycle Rides, motorcycle touring
Tags: front royal virginia, Harley, Harley Davidson, Laury virginia, Motorcycle, motorcycle blog, motorcycle high crash area, Motorcycle Ride, motorcycle ride in virgina, motorcycle rides in front royal virginia, motorcycle rides near skyline drive, motorcycle riding, motorcycle safety, motorcycle skyline drive, motorcycle touring, motorcycle touring blog, motorcycle touring in virginia, shenandoah national park, shenandoah river, Skyline Drive, sport bike, Sportbike

Front Royal, Virginia is the northern terminus of Skyline Drive, one of the premier byways of America. Ten thousand or more motorcyclists pass through Front Royal on their way to or from Skyline Drive each year.

What those motorcyclists don’t know is that the riding around Front Royal is amazing! If you are riding to or from Skyline Drive, you owe it to yourself to stop to visit Front Royal and ride our local roads.

Look for my other documented ride in the Front Royal area here.

Mountain Passes and Valley Riding

This “Thrill and Chill” ride gets its name from the Thrills of riding two mountain passes and the Chill of cruising through parts of the Shenandoah Valley.

Heading south out of town you will be cruising through local farmland, vineyards, and quaint small towns. During this part of the ride, you will have spectacular views of the steep, rugged tree-lined mountains to your west. If you are lucky, you will get glimpses of Skyline Drive high above you.

Before long you will see that same mountain in front of you growing larger and taller with each mile. The twists and turns on this pass are as good as any twisty road in America. For those that enjoy mountain riding here is a chance to drag your pegs and experience the fun of flipping your motorcycle through turns. But be careful, this is a high crash area and there is a sign at the bottom pointing out that fact.

Passing under Skyline Drive and down the other side puts you back in the valley and just a chill cruise to Luray, Virginia. Continuing south you will pass through more verdant farmland and more charming small-town America until you reach Elkton and turn east back towards the looming mountain.

As with the first mountain pass this is a mountain riding lovers heaven. Miles of climbing with tight right and left corners and a long-twisted descent will put a big smile on anyone’s face.

Before long you will be heading north again via the valley roads until you make it back to Front Royal again. This is a 3-hour(ish) ride covering 145 miles.