It’s time again for TWIR – The Week in Review … for the week of June 21-27. TWIR is a compilation of national and regional news items that don’t warrant or receive a full post during the week for whatever reason, but are nonetheless worth sharing. Here goes: EICMA Canceled …

THOMASTON, CT – The popular riding trails behind the Thomaston Dam, which have been closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, will reopen to off-road motorcyclists on July 6. However, there will be restrictions: Parking will be limited to 30 vehicles in designated areas.Tail-gating and group activities will not be allowed.A …

OXFORD, CT – A pleasant word of warning about visiting the ice cream stand at Rich Farm. The portions are huge. First-timers need to beware of that before ordering a double scoop!  And be forewarned, too, about the flavors.  Rich Farm has some exclusive flavors that are creative both in …

MILWAUKEE – In a move that the company calls “normal business,” Harley-Davidson today announced that 140 jobs will be cut at its U.S. plants as a result of reduced production in these abnormal times. The layoffs will affect 90 production workers at its factory in York, PA and 50 more …

(Update: Jack Loughrey passed away at his home on Wednesday, July 8, surrounded by his family.) SUFFIELD, CT – Seated on a 2014 Ural Gear-Up, Debbie Howard gently used her fingertips to brush the thin hair atop Jack Loughrey’s head as he sat quietly in the adjacent sidecar. “It’s all …

ITASCA, IL – Fatality rates for motorists are rising in the U.S. even as miles driven plummeted during the COVID-19 pandemic. And, as yesterday’s story about the impact of speeding on roadway deaths suggested, the rise may largely be due to drivers ignoring posted speed limits. The National Safety Council …

If it seems like a lot of folks in New England like to speed that’s because they do, and their haste can quantified in the high number of speeding-related fatalities. The top state in the nation with speeding-relating fatalities? New Hampshire, with Rhode Island in fourth place and Vermont in …

I grew up loving baseball. Played catch with my dad nearly every summer evening. Played Little League. First base. Worshipped the New York Yankees. Hated the Boston Red Sox.  Vividly remember my first trip to Yankee Stadium, a visit that got locked into family lore. My dad had regaled me …

MINNEAPOLIS – Heated seats to keep the bum toasty in chilly weather have been around for a while, but a seat designed to cool your can when the temperatures rise? Up until now an ice pack under the rump was probably the only rash solution, but Indian today announced an …

A majority of readers voting in RIDE-CT & RIDE-New England’s latest poll oppose companies, such as motorcycle manufacturers, taking public positions on high-profile issues. Results of the non-scientific poll showed 51 percent of voters saying “No way” to corporations being political in this manner. The poll was conducted between June …