Hot Links

April 6, 2014

By Bob Rosen

Bike EXIF – This blog by Chris Hunter features some of the most creative custom bikes you’ll ever come across.  The blog is updated on a very regular basis and never fails to provide thought provoking (and even controversial) examples of bike builders’ creativity from around the world.

Most often starting life as ordinary street bikes, the bikes featured have morphed into something entirely unique.  You may not look favorably on the current example, but you’ll never fail to be fascinated by the creativity on display.

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March 23, 2014

By Bob Rosen

“Ride to eat and eat to ride” is our motto and Roadfood.com has a seemingly endless collection of destinations.

Indexed by state, each of the hundreds of eateries has their own page with reviews and a few pictures of popular items. The emphasis is definitely not on haute cuisine at these places. As a matter of fact, you better double up on your Lipitor when partaking of some these meals!

The CT restaurants range from perennial favorite’s (Frank Pepe Pizzeria, Abbots Lobster Pound, Dr. Mike’s Ice Cream) to some really obscure selections. There are 138 eateries in CT alone as well as 77 in Massachusetts, 18 in Rhode Island, 17 in Vermont, 11 in New Hampshire and 47 in Maine.

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March 16, 2014

By Bob Rosen

The Federal Highway Administration has put together a list of 150 highways that have been designated either National Scenic Byways or All-American Roads.

The America’s Byways website is searchable by state and each selection provides maps with highlights of interesting and historic destinations along the roadway.

Finding a scenic byway might give you some ideas for a day trip or a ride of longer duration.

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March 8, 2014

By Bob Rosen

Here are two places to check out that are both entertaining and educational. One’s simply a list contained on the website Gear Patrol. It lists:

The 50 Most Iconic Motorcycles of All Time – Any list with this title is bound to cause some controversy. Whether or not you agree with the models chosen, this group of bikes makes for some interesting viewing. Maybe you’ve even owned a few of them. Each selection is accompanied by high quality images and links to further information on the model or brand. Even if your favorite bike is missing from this list, the rest of them will provide you with an excellent reason to while away some screen time.

Another place to visit showcases the motorcycles of a music superstar:

The Piano Man and His Bikes – Billy Joel has been playing with motorcycles even longer than he’s been playing the piano and singing for his supper. A while back he decided to share his collection of over 70 bikes with the general public.  Under the name 20^th Century Cycles, Billy has put his collection on display in a jam-packed Oyster Bay, Long Island storefront. The website will give you a good idea of what’s to be seen.  But the real treat is visiting the bikes in person.  Hours vary – off-season the display is usually open only on weekends.  Best to check before making the trek.  It’s worth the trip!

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Feb. 22, 2014

By Bob Rosen

RKA Motorcycle Luggage – Since starting RKA in 1985, Kathy and Richard (center and right in the above picture) have continuously expanded their offerings of well-made, American-built Cordura luggage to feature an exceptionally diverse collection of products.  Their products application page lists just about every popular brand of motorcycle.  Those in need of highly-functional, quick-mount tank bags, saddlebags, rack bags and more will most likely find just the right product to fill the bill.  Fair prices and personal service are standard on the full range. The company”s based in Windsor, CA, which is north of San Francisco. RKA Motorcycle Luggage plans to attend the Americade rally in Lake George, NY from June 2-7 as the Grand National Antique Motorcycle Club meet in Rhinebeck, NY on June 13 and 14.

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Feb. 9, 2014

By Bob Rosen

Return of the Café Racers – Just in case you’re one of the few out there who have not stumbled upon Australian Geoff Baldwin’s entertaining blog, we present it here for your enjoyment.  Geoff started this running review of unique café racers in 2006 – around the time that these cool bikes were beginning to displace custom cruisers in the limelight of custom bike building.  There’s always something fun and unique to see on Return of the Café Racers.

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Feb. 2, 2014

By Bob Rosen

Dad’s Vintage Ads – With the unlikely name of Dad’s Vintage Ads, you will find this Tennessee based mail-order company to have a veritable treasure trove of old bike info in the form of vintage motorcycle ads and magazines. The site is organized by brand and features a lot of way-cool stuff for old bike aficionados. There are over 650 items for Harley-Davidson alone!  The ad and magazine reproduction images in their listings could keep you busy for hours.  Click and view.

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Jan. 26, 2014

By Bob Rosen

SigAlert – Those familiar with traversing the perpetual snarl of southern California traffic know the term SigAlert.  Named after Lloyd Sigmon, an LA radio executive who invented the system, SigAlerts provide motorists with up to date traffic maps showing delays, accidents, etc.  Many areas of the country, including cities in the northeast, are covered by these online advisories.  If your riding is mostly confined to the great back roads of our region, then you won’t find much need for this.  If, however, your rides take you in to the urban jungle, checking for Sig Alerts could really ease your trip.

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Jan. 12, 2014

By Bob Rosen

America’s Scenic Byways – The Federal Highway Administration has put together a list of 150 highways that have been designated either National Scenic Byways or All-American Roads. The website is searchable by state and each selection provides maps with highlights of interesting and historic destinations along the roadway. Finding a Scenic Byway might give you some ideas for a day trip or ride of longer duration.

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Jan. 5, 2014

By Bob Rosen

“Motorcycle Classics” – is a magazine dedicated to all things vintage. Their website is loaded with interesting restoration stories and hundreds of photographs.  Pay particular attention to the title bar listing different countries of origin.  Clicking on the country of your choice will bring you into a world of bikes specifically from that country.

Of course, you can see even higher resolution images by subscribing to the print magazine. The current January/February 2014 issue even includes a “Destinations” story from Connecticut written by this website’s Bud Wilkinson.

In the meantime, though, enjoy the great variety presented on the website.

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Dec. 29, 2013

By Bob Rosen of RIDE-CT.com

Wrenchmonkees – In just six years, the team at Denmark’s Wrenchmonkees have developed a worldwide reputation for producing some of the most interesting custom café racer’s anywhere, including the Harley-Davidson Sportster pictured above.  Their signature extended length fuel tanks can be seen on Japanese inline fours and just about anything from Europe.  Their website showcases all of the bikes they have built to date and about a half dozen examples that are currently for sale.

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Dec. 22, 2013

By Bob Rosen of RIDE-CT.com

Motorcycle Ergonomics – Ever wonder what it would be like to sit on a particular
model of bike?  How’s the reach to the bars?  How far over will you have to lean?  Will you fit or will it be a torture rack?  This website will give you a great head start on evaluating the fit of your next ride.

The depth of the database of bikes is truly astounding.  Who the hell gathers this information?  No matter, it’s there for your use.  All you have to do is pick a motorcycle brand and model and then input your height and inseam measurement. Give it a try!

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Dec. 15, 2013

By Bob Rosen of RIDE-CT.com

Motorcycle Picture of the Day – Pretty much what the name says.  This site showcases a different bike almost every day.  Most are owner bikes that are sourced from all over the world, and not high-dollar customs.  Visiting this website is an interesting way to see a very wide range of the individual expression of motorcycle art. As with most art, you’ll like some of what you see and some not so much.

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Dec. 7, 2013

By Bob Rosen of RIDE-CT.com

The Vintagent – This is THE blog for lovers of vintage motorcycles.  Paul d’Orleans presents a regular round of special bike histories, auction reviews, and reports from major vintage meets all over the world.

As a consultant to Bonham’s auction house and author of many articles, Paul is fully immersed in the culture of old motorcycles.  The photographs alone are worth a regular stop to see The Vintagent.

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Nov. 30, 2013

By Bob Rosen of RIDE-CT.com

The Oasis of My Soul – Ara Gureghian and his pit bull, Spirit, have been traveling the U.S. for the past seven years. Their sidecar rig has seen many a dusty mile. What sets this blog/website apart from most others that offer motorcycle travel stories are the deeply philosophical musings of Ara as well as his spectacular photography. He openly shares the joys and sorrows of a solitary life spent in contemplation. He also revels in the human connections he makes along the way. Here’s an introductory video:

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Nov. 23, 2013

By Bob Rosen of RIDE-CT.com

Scooter in the Sticks – Here’s a blog by talented writer and photographer Steve Williams, who writes of life aboard his Vespa scooter in and around State College, PA.  Central Pennsylvania offers many opportunities to enjoy rural scenery and life in the small towns that dot the area. Steve presents that scenery in nicely taken photographs and writes of his experiences in those small towns. His writings may very well motivate you to explore his home territory – or buy a scooter.

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Nov. 16, 2013

By Bob Rosen of RIDE-CT.com

Motorcycle Roads.com – This site, founded and edited by Bill Belei (pictured above), has a nice collection of short to medium length rides indexed by state and that “are designed to satisfy all rider road preferences.” Each ride is accompanied by a detailed Google Maps route and some comments about the ride.

As you might expect, some states have more ride routes than others.  In our area, Connecticut only features six rides, but Massachusetts has about two dozen and New York even more than that.  Consider this a handy tool for planning some fun rides.

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Nov. 9, 2013

 

By Bob Rosen of RIDE-CT.com

Motorcycle Engines as Art – Photographer Daniel Peirce has made a career out of his
motorcycle and automotive photography.  In this project, he focused his lens on a series of about 75 classic motorcycle engines.  Everything from Ariel to Zundapp is represented in these stunning images. The beauty of fine castings, exposed oil lines, and fabulous paint is here for all to enjoy.  Prints are available at reasonable prices.