BACKROADS • OCTOBER 2026
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W H AT ’ S I N S I D E MONTHLY COLUMNS 18 Page 2
BACKROADS • OCTOBER 2026
Motorcycles, Travel & Adventure
FREE WHEELIN’ ........................................ 3
WHATCHATHINKIN’ ................................... 4
Publishers
Brian Rathjen • Shira Kamil
Contributors
Mark Byers, Anthony Lisanti, Dr. Seymour O’Life
Office
BACKROADS 160 Cty Rd 521, Newton, NJ 07860
BIG CITY GETAWAY ................................. 10
phone
973.948.4176
GREAT ALL AMERICAN DINER RUN ......... 12
editor@backroadsusa.com
WE’RE OUTTA HERE ................................ 14
online
www.backroadsusa.com
Advertising
973-948-4176
Follow Us
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Post Us
@BackroadsGal
See Us
backroadsmagazine
ON THE MARK........................................... 5 BACKLASH ................................................ 6 INDUSTRY INFOBITES ............................... 7 MYSTERIOUS AMERICA ............................ 8
INSIDE SCOOP ........................................ 16 WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE .................... 32
FEATURES
FALL TRIPS TO CREEPY ASS PLACES ..... 18 HUDSON VALLEY MC TURNS 60 ............. 24 BACKROADS COVER CONTEST ............... 25 AMERICADE 2026 RECAP ........................ 26
PRODUCT REVIEWS
KLIM BADLANDS PRO GEAR ................... 28 Last month’s cover image was supplied by Joel Prince of Ohio’s Windy 9. We apologize for the oversight.
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BACKROADS (ISSN 1087-2088) is published monthly by BACKROADS™, Inc. 2025. All rights reserved. BACKROADS™ may not be reproduced in any manner without specific written consent from the publisher. BACKROADS™ welcomes and encourages submissions (text and photos) and suggestions. Include phone number with submissions. BACKROADS™ will only return material with enclosed sufficient postage. The written articles and opinions printed in BACKROADS™ are not necessarily those of the publisher and should not be considered an endorsement. The Rip & Rides® published are ridden on the sole responsibility of the rider. BACKROADS™ is not responsible for the conditions of the public roadways traversed. Please respect the environment, read your owner’s manual and wear proper protective gear and helmet. Ride within your limits, not over them.
BACKROADS • OCTOBER 2026
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FREE WHEELIN’ FOB…. FOrget OBOw’t It I was talking with journalist John Flores a few years back, right after I purchased a 2020 BMW R 1250 GS. At the time, John was the editor of the BMW Rider’s Association – and a stellar editor at that. The bike was a demo from a shop in North Carolina and a bit of a rarity, as it did not come with all the “non-optional” packages that most BMWs do. No wiring harness for the GPS, cruise control, maybe some other ‘options’ I have forgotten about. But, if so, I really didn’t need them - did I? One thing it did come with was a key. A real, honest-to-goodness, old-fashioned key. When I explained this to John, he was surprised, and we had a good time saying that the salesman, when he handed it to me, said, “Here…aqui.” “He was redundant,” said John. The laugh might be lost in translation. But unlike all the other BMWs you will ride now, and almost every other modern, higher-end bike, there is no key… but the fob. It’s called a key fob because the word “fob” historically meant a small pocket or decorative ornament on a watch chain, and the term evolved to describe the small little micro-processing Bluetooth doohickeys we all seem to carry now. At first, I detested this bit of modern tech being forced upon us, but we all got used to this over time. But there is one thing I have never gotten over. My fear of losing the fob has never left me. I keep a bike’s fob in the same place in my Aerostich jacket whenever I
BRIAN RATHJEN am on the bike. The same with my wallet and phone. It allows me to do my three-point check every time I get on the bike. Phone, wallet, fob – or keys. Check on all three – ready to go. And, yes, I have misplaced keys, wallet, and phone more than twice, and have a tracker on each. ‘Cause I am older and forgetful. What were we talking about? Right, key fobs and the good and bad of them. I like that when off and away from the motorcycle, even just a few feet, most bikes will not do anything but tell you that you do not have the key fob. Thus… the reason for this month’s anecdote. Last October, I was down in Alabama with BMW for the intro of their BMW R 1300 RT. Amazing bike, and full of Starfleet-esque tech. One being the key fob. After a few days with BMW and the Barber Museum, some of us were getting set to “ride away” with the machines. Some west, some north; and me to the northeast, with a more or less planned route, through the Appalachians, Tennessee, Kentucky, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and home. BMW had us staying at the fairly swanky Westin Hotel, and the staff had graciously allowed us to park the R 1300 RTs alongside the front doors, right in front of the wide glass walls with a wide view of said machines. Most of the other press guys had headed out, and there was just me and one other editor packing our bikes up. At one point, I went to turn on the bike, a bike that had just allowed me to open the cases (which it will not do without the fob), and I was told the fob was not being seen. What? Of course it is. It is right here. Ummm. Where is my fob? Continued on Page 31
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BACKROADS • OCTOBER 2026
WHATCHATHINKIN’ A wAlk In the wOOds We recently spent a couple of days on beautiful Moosehead Lake in the northwest section of the state. Most folks think of Maine as waterfront, lobsters and lighthouses, but in the northwest it is lakes, forest and, if you’re lucky, moose. What I found very amusing are the signs warning about potential moose. These range from several miles to a couple hundred feet, with some very specific about when you’ll see this possible moose, like in a mile. I particularly liked the bright yellow signs with the flashing lights, taking to calling them Disco Moose Signs, hoping to see John Travolta astride a moose with a duck tail dressed in a disco suit. One of our days we did take a ride to the coast for the obligatory lobster at Young’s in Belfast, which was absolutely fantastic. Observations on riding in Maine – 25 mph speed limits in all the towns are a kill and there really aren’t any premium twisties to be found. While the coast is pretty and all, the interior of Maine is stunning, less crowded and so very, very green. On our other ‘free’ day, I decided to do just that – be free and sit by the lake to tackle the very large book I had brought. It was perfect. After a while, I headed out to see what else was around this secluded area, comprised of 550 acres. A walk in the woods did not seem like a great idea by myself, so I headed out to see other parts of the compound, finding colonies of various fowl and the loveliness of the lake itself. Quietness and nature are a very cathartic combination. Brian and I then headed to the west as I wanted to make a return visit to Tupper Lake, New York. Twenty years ago, on July 4, 2006, The Wild Center opened its campus with a gathering of more than 5,000 – the largest such
SHIRA KAMIL
gathering in the Adirondacks since the opening ceremonies for the 1980 Winter Olympics. “In the heart of the Adirondacks, The Wild Center has created a popular destination that tells the story of the region’s unique natural environment.” – U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand Now a 115-acre indoor and outdoor natural history center that showcases the ecosystems and wildlife of the Adirondack Park, The Wild Center has several sections –. inside you’ll learn about climate, animals and their habitats, and the indigenous people of the Adirondacks; outdoors you’ll find the Wild Walk, Raquette River Roll, Stickwork and, our favorite, Forest Music. But we had come for a very special purpose - to seek out Trolls. Artist Thomas Dambo, creator of New Jersey’s Big Rusty who resided in Hainesport, has created six Trolls who are visiting The Wild Center until October 31, 2026. As with Big Rusty, these Trolls are built from reclaimed materials and, according to the artist, have come to teach humans to rediscover nature and inspire them to be good stewards of the earth. Each has a unique personality and conveys its own message. Handed a map, we set out for our walk in the woods to discover what these large creatures had to tell us. Our first encounter was with Ronja Redeye, who will greet you at the entrance to the museum, with her quirky smile and chubby cheeks. She is the Speaker Troll, and the smallest of the group, whose ‘words’ are transformed into rhymes, songs and poems. We spent some time with the indoor exhibits before navigating the map Continued on Page 30
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ON THE MARK seven MInutes lAter On the drAgOn I dislike “The Tail of the Dragon.” It isn’t the idea of a road with 318 curves in 11 miles that vexes me: like most motorcyclists, I actively seek roads with curves and vertical undulations. Regrettably, in a lot of places, challenging roads have been neutered so a driving public that is increasingly distracted and unskilled can negotiate them while texting “LOL” about a meme while drinking a half-caff vanilla latte. There’s a story about Paul Bunyan hitching “Babe the Blue Ox” to a road and pulling all the curves out of it, then rolling up the excess road to be used elsewhere. Like a lot of fairy tales, there’s more than a grain of truth to it. Today’s drivers are increasingly bad, not only from increased distractions, but also from a marked decrease in training and driver’s license requirements. A British writer who migrated to the US compared the driving license examination process here to the act of throwing a boot at a wall: “If the boot hits the wall,” he opined, “you pass.” When I was in high school, we had a driver’s education class that lasted an entire semester and included road work in a special car with a brake for the instructor. Those days are gone, replaced by a requirement to hire a driving school (a lot of whom have dubious skills), followed by logging time driving with a parent or other “responsible licensed driver.”
Studies show that young people get most of their driving habits by observing their parents, as kids are a captive audience for 16 years. Unknowingly, the aggressive, tailgating, turn-signal-ignoring, cursing, narcissistic driving behaviors of the parents are being indelibly imprinted on their offspring. Motorcyclists aren’t immune, although the mechanism is different. The MSF class I took “back in the day” was much more stringent than the refreshers I took later and from the ones described by newer riders. The answer on the part of the vehicle industry and governments is more along the lines of “self-driving vehicles” with “safety
MARK BYERS features” than it is trying to instill better skills in the operators thereof. I can’t help but think of the “Johnny Cabs” shown in the movie “Total Recall,” featuring a cartoonish robot as the driver. So, why does this lead to my wariness toward “The Dragon” and roads like it with equally mythical-sounding names? Twisty roads tend to exist in picturesque, rural, mountainous areas that are hungry for tourism dollars; consequently, the local chambers of commerce promote those roads as a means to draw in a driving and riding public with dollars to spend at restaurants and motels and souvenir shops. That leads to the figurative and literal collisions of challenging roads with less-than-skilled vehicle operators. At the base of “The Dragon,” there’s a “Tree of Shame” festooned with motorcycle bodywork left behind by those whose ambition exceeded their skill. One of the photo-sellers has a studio across the street with a “Wall of Shame” that depicts both motorcycles and autos in various states of post-collision disarray, sometimes replete with flames. A group of friends and I rode “The Dragon” on a weekday morning when we judged the risk to be as low as we could reasonably expect. One of our number came close to being in a mishap when a man riding a supermotard bike in the opposite direction crossed the center line and nearly clipped his Continued on Page 31
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BACKROADS • OCTOBER 2026
BACKLASH
Letters to the Editor I’ve been ripping around the country and saw this sticker in St Francis, Kansas, motorcycle museum! Forgetting the whole story, but a doctor riding patients for a life dream, around the world... Rudy Hesse Rudy, That would be Dr. Greg Frazier’s Kawasaki, who has traveled around the world on motorcycle more than anyone; he’s in the Guinness Book of Records.
Chance Meetings Great meeting Shira and “hubby” at Perkins Peak today! Vincent Lucanera Hi Shira, Hi Brian! This is Joe Rosselli, who had the MV Agusta yesterday up on Perkins. It was really a pleasure to meet you. Thanks so much for the issue of Backroads. I read it cover to cover and really enjoyed it! Keep up the good work and hope to see you again soon! Best Regards, Joe Vincent and Joe, Absolutely! It was a pleasure hanging with all of you for a bit. On our ride back we commented to each other just that. Stay in touch and, if you like, send a mailing address and we’ll pop a few magazines in the mail with some sticker swag. Take care and see you on the road! Brian, What a tremendous pleasure meeting you and Shira (at the MotoMarathon). I was blown away by so many humble people and the vast amount of knowledge and experience that you all have. As I had mentioned, I have been sending these magazines to Jon, my buddy in Brazil for years. He grew up in CT, went into church ministry/missions, and he lives among the Yanomami people in the jungle of the Amazon. He is an avid motorcycle rider as well. His XR650 that he keeps in his mother’s barn looks like a max max rendition from an apocalypse. But every issue I have sent him, he reads it cover to cover. Warm regards, Jabez Kong
Hi Brian and Shira, Just to let you know I made the reservations for the Spring Break next year. Wanted to be early because I missed out last year. By the time I made up my mind all rooms were taken. I saw your mail coming in at midnight and jumped on it right away. Have a good holiday weekend. Klaus Klaus, That is terrific. Everyone, take a lesson from Klaus – book early so you don’t miss out! Spring Break 2027 details are on our Backroads Events webpage: backroadsusa.com/backroads-events Hey Editor, Well, Brian, when I read your column, it can hit me in one of two ways. Laugh or just shake my head. The current column (Moto13) is a head shaker. We get it-you’re a SuperBike guy. Indeed, you are. I’ve never been to a live one but certainly do enjoy them from the saggy old sofa. What is the point of this little message? I’m glad you asked. All I am asking to do is search up SDR. Square Deal Riders. Clues as to why? Because SDR currently has one of, if not the, best dirt track in the country. We’re talking Flat Track Racing. No, it might not have the glitz and glam of bikes going 165 mph but still has a loyal following. Website or Facebook if you get the urge to search them up. Mike Williams is the one to talk to. Take a deep breath, channel Jay Springsteen and go for it. Yeah, I know you’ve done the Flat Track thing. Give it another look; you might like what you see. As Ever, Sindee Lou
BACKROADS • OCTOBER 2026
INDUSTRY INFOBITES THIS IS MOTO GUZZI
Moto Guzzi roars into its second century with a visionary project, opening the door to a new experience spanning industry, museum and culture. A place that encapsulates a unique history, one which shapes the future. The new home of Moto Guzzi in Mandello del Lario is inaugurated, designed by American architect Greg Lynn, and ranks among the most ambitious in the recent history of industrial architecture.
It is not merely a new factory, nor simply a museum - rather, it is a place where ingenuity, technology, legend and passion combine, generating new ideas which serve as the foundation for imagining and building the future. In the same place where Moto Guzzi was first founded 105 years ago, tucked between the mountains and the lake, the American designer, who counts the Venice Architecture Biennale Golden Lion among his accolades, has conceived a multifunctional hub where innovation, experimentation and history meet, creating a unique cultural location. A visionary project that paves the way for a completely new experience, blending technology and
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News from the Inside design to create a harmonious, futuristic space. Moto Guzzi’s new home goes far beyond its original purpose of manufacturing the brand’s famous motorcycles and preserving its heritage. It is a place designed for creating, experimenting, enjoying experiences and inspiring emotions. A place where ideas meet and different visions are exchanged, where the love for a historic brand goes hand in hand with a vision of the future, bringing it to life. This one-of-a-kind location, set within a landscape of extraordinary beauty, will be Moto Guzzi’s new home, where the brand will welcome visitors for the next 105 years as many as have passed since 1921, the year the company was founded. The new production facility, designed with an unwavering focus on environmental sustainability and the efficient use of resources, is located within the same industrial site where Moto Guzzi has always manufactured its motorbikes. The red gate on Via Parodi, the entrance for Moto Guzzi’s technicians, workers, engineers and riders since 1921 which has become a place of pilgrimage for motorcyclists from all over the world, will remain in its place as a symbol of continuity, symbolizing the company’s unique history. But beyond this iconic entrance, after nearly five years of work, there is now a state-of-the-art factory, set to serve as a new global benchmark for the motorcycling industry. Continued on Page 29
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BACKROADS • OCTOBER 2026
Hermy’s BMW / Triumph presents Dr. Seymour O’Life’s BIrth OF the lIvIng deAd
MYSTERIOUS AMERICA
The loud jangle of the black rotary phone prised me from my single-malt torpor as only a call on the O’Hotline from Commissioner Rathjen could. Raising the handset, I heard the Commish exclaim: “O’Life! We need spooky words for October, STAT!” I didn’t wait for the ensuing click – the Seymour signal was clearly projected onto the clouds in my mind. Fortunately, I had recently ridden to a place whose story fit the Halloween theme. Before there were zombies, there were “ghouls” who sprang not only from the ground, but from the fertile mind of director George Romero, a Bronx boy film-schooled in Pittsburgh. Romero was a “guerrilla filmmaker” who frequently worked in urban environments, with skeleton casts and crews, without permits, using handheld cameras, and honed his craft making commer-
cials for such Pittsburgh staples as Iron City and Duke beers, US Steel, and Heinz Ketchup. Inspired by 1954’s post-apocalyptic novel I Am Legend, in 1967 Romero began principal photography on Night of the Living Dead. In brief, a brother and sister decide to visit their father’s grave in rural Pennsylvania, but the brother is killed and the young woman flees to a nearby farmhouse where she finds others who are sheltering from reanimated ghouls who are seeking to eat their flesh.
Romero didn’t have to go far from Pittsburgh to find “rural Pennsylvania.” He found both the graveyard and the dilapidated farmhouse he needed in Evans City, less than an hour north. True to his guerrilla style, he used existing graves in the Evans City cemetery: the young woman clings to a short obelisk while her brother is killed over the nearby grave of a couple (the latter is right by the sign for Section C of the cemetery and the obelisk is nearby). The graves are easily accessible from the road in front of the chapel, the only building in town that remains from the original film. Even ol’ Seymour was creeped out enough to be respectful, however. True to his style, Romero and crew didn’t build a set: they simply rented a condemned farmhouse that they could tear down as filming progressed. When needed, Romero used local citizens as extras, keeping the budget low. Over a six-month period, Romero and crew
BACKROADS • OCTOBER 2026
spent just $100 thousand to make the film. Opening October 1, 1968, the film grossed $30 million, making it one of the most profitable of all time. For his part, Night of the Living Dead made Romero the “father of the zombie movie” and led to a string of sequels. The technique of shooting with an unstabilized handheld camera was used on The Blair Witch Project and the book I Am Legend, inspired the recent film of the same name starring Will Smith. Night of the Living Dead is on the Library of Congress’ list of influential films and a copy is held in an equally creepy, ex-doomsday vault outside Culpeper, VA. Romero forgot to copyright the original, so it’s available online. Romero wasn’t done with Evans City: he returned in 1972 to film The Crazies, about a military takeover of a small town to quarantine the citizens after a viral military experiment goes wrong. After the success of “…Living Dead,” the citizens of Evans City really leaned into The Crazies, with residents working as extras and allowing Romero to use major landmarks for scenes. The town loves their movies so much that there are plaques behind the library referring to the films and there is a mural by the entrance to the police station that honors them. Do your own homework looking for the site of the farmhouse as you ride the local twisties. O’Life Out! ,
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BACKROADS • OCTOBER 2026
Warren County Tourism presents
BIG CITY GETAWAY
daytrip ideas to get out of the daily grind
BOrscht Belt MuseuM
90 cAnAl street, ellenvIlle, nY 12428 845-879-3561 • borschtbeltmuseum.org hOurs: tues-sun 10AM-5pM • clOsed MOndAYs “We’re going to the Mountains!” This was the mantra, from the turn of the 20th century to the 1970s, for generations of those living in the New York metropolitan area. So many Jewish families would pack up, whether it be for just the holidays or for the whole summer, and head to the Catskill Mountains – by train or bus and car along The Quickway, now known as Route 17. Less than 100 miles from the grittiness that was the Lower East side of Manhattan was a beautiful, fresh air-filled, clean area of forests, farms and rural towns supporting more than 1,000 hotels, bungalow colonies, summer camps and boarding houses which swelled each summer with those looking to get out of town and into the country, predominantly, Jews of Eastern European descent, thus the nickname of these mountains – the Borscht Belt – after the hearty beet soup born in Eastern Europe. The doors to the Borscht Belt Museum opened in 2023 in the Neo-Georgian building, built in 1928, which was the Home National Bank. For more than half a century this bank helped hundreds of local hoteliers and bungalow colony owners realize their dreams and reward their hard work, which would come to define this resort area. The Museum’s goal is to bring back the memories, sights, sounds and, possibly, smells of the golden age of the Catskills resorts, where so much of iconic American culture was born, including stand-up comedy and comfort food. We took a ride up on June 28. Why do I remember this date? Because it was Mel Brooks’ 100th birthday, and the Museum was celebrating the 2,000-Year-Old Man with a panel talk on the life and legacy of a Borscht Belt icon, complete with birthday cake, stand-up comics and classic songs. Robin Cohen Kauffman, Vice President of the Museum, was kind enough to give us an introduction to the exhibits, as well as share some of her history with the Borscht Belt. This museum had particular meaning for me, as my family spent many a Passover at Grossinger’s, the Concord and, later on, President’s weekend at the Nevele. Passover ‘in the mountains’ meant all-you-can-eat breakfast, lunch and dinner with the family, days in the pool or some other outdoor activity, Simon Sez with Bobby Gold and evenings being entertained by top-notch musicians and comedians. Opening this same weekend was the exhibit Catskills Romance: Love and Desire in the Borscht Belt. While these hotels, bungalows and such were meant as family-friendly gather-
ing spots, there was an underlying flirtatiousness running amok. Above board were the legendary singles weekends, free honeymoons and golden anniversary dinners celebrated on a constant basis. In the early years of the Borscht Belt, many a match were made, will or unwilling, between families by the Yenta or shadchen. Less innocently are the tales of hidden desire, lost innocence and clandestine meetings. Sometimes those dance instructors were teaching more than the tango, and staff members little dalliances were the enduring memories of guests brought home long after the season ended. Recounted by Susan Eisenberg, “The Catskills were a very romantic place. And there were many things I didn’t realize were going on, like married people with the waiters. And my friend’s mother had a thing with the handyman. She divorced her husband and married the handyman.”
BACKROADS • OCTOBER 2026
What happened in the Catskills stayed in the Catskills. Catskills Romance offers an intimate, elegant look at a world where tradition and transgression mingled poolside. With further exploration into the back room treasures, you’ll find a real glimpse into the Borscht Belt’s history, with many displayed items generously donated by members of the community. The collection included recipes, camp souvenirs, vintage branding, entertainment memorabilia and sheet music, as well as replicas of the rooms and bungalow interior you’d expect from these getaways.
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The Borscht Belt Museum is devoted to preserving and honoring this legacy, and if you grew up in this era and have memories, fond or otherwise, of spending time in the Catskills Borscht Belt, then this museum will absolutely touch a chord in your heart strings. Here are two routes, both starting in Port Jervis, NY and ending at High Point State Park in New Jersey, and about the same distance. One brings you through what used to be the center of the Borscht Belt but is now a very Hassidic community, while the other will give you the opportunity to have some of the best pizza you’ll ever have at the Corner Piazza in Eldred, NY (only open weekends and seasonal, so check before you go) – aza breire, but you’ve been warned so don’t kvetch. Bubbaleh, be a mensch and schlep yourself to Ellenville for a geshmak experience, one over which you’ll kvell. Zei Gezunt! , Download Routes Here: Borscht Belt Museum thru Borscht Belt • 106 miles
backroadsmagazine.transfernow.net/dl/BorschtBeltThruBorschtBelt
Borscht Belt Museum with Pizza • 115 miles
backroadsmagazine.transfernow.net/dl/BorschtBeltMuseumWithPizza 1-4V KitzhofInn0126
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BACKROADS • OCTOBER 2026
Wanamakers General Store presents
GREAT ALL AMERICAN DINER RUN BrOOks hOuse OF BAr-B-Q
5560 nY rOute 7, OneOntA, new YOrk 13820 607-432-1782 • brooksbbq.com You gotta love a restaurant with a history. The Brooks House of Bar-B-Q started by Griffin and Frances Brooks back in 1941 as a poultry farm, purchased from Frances’ father, and supplied local stores with dressed and packaged poultry and eggs. In 1951, they started their first catering jobs with the local Rod and Gun Club and the Delaware Cooperative Farm Bureau Extension Service. By the mid-1950s, the Brooks family was catering local barbecues from April till the end of September. They also held barbecues at their farmstead on Saturday nights during the summer. In 1958, the Brooks family began operation of a concession stand at the miniature golf and driving range connected with the Del-Se-Go Drive-In. Griffin and
tasty places to take your bike
Frances shared a dream of someday owning their own restaurant. The concession stand was very successful for two seasons and enabled them to fulfill their dream. They leased land on Route 7, near the present location, and built the first Brooks’ House of Bar-B-Q Restaurant. This restaurant opened on June 10, 1961, with a seating capacity of 80 and approximately 15 staff. A few years later, the family built the present restaurant, featuring the largest indoor charcoal barbecue pit (38 feet in length) in the East! During the peak of the summer season, 100+ people are employed at the restaurant as well as the catering business. Since then, Brooks House of Bar-B-Q, still owned and operated by the Brooks family, has become a local legend, and you would be hard-pressed to find more succulent bar-b-q in this most northern city of the Appalachia, and the Susquehanna River; and the neon sign of a cook chasing a skedaddling chicken with a hatchet harkens back to the old days still.
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On our way to the BMW rally in Vermont late this spring, we stopped by for a well-deserved lunch after an early start that day. Passing through this part of New York, we’d be fools not to make a bit of a side trip to grab a table at Brooks. It was mid-week, and although there were a few other bikes in the large parking lot and a bunch of cars, we were still able to get seated right away, and perusing the menu, we had some hard choices to make. When walking in, we couldn’t help but notice the enticing salad bar – so both Shira and I knew that we’d be bellying up to that. Their lunch and dinner menus are slightly different, with the lunch offering seven different sandwiches from pork or beef buns, turkey BLT, chicken or
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egg salad (which came first?), as well as an amazing grilled cheese with beef brisket or pulled pork. For you wrap lovers, you’ll have seven to choose from, with the black garlic chicken wrap momentarily grabbing my eye. If you are not looking to fill up in the middle of the day, take a look at the half sandwich and salad bar- offering a lot of hand-held choices and a go-round (or two) at that superb salad bar. We were going to keep it simple, but we were starved, so we looked at the dinner menu. We saw the grilled chicken Caesar pass by our table, as well as a couple of Brooks legendary All-American, and bacon cheeseburgers, roll on by as well. All looking mighty tasty, especially with nothing since the previous day. Going to this place hungry is a challenge by itself. Being slightly hangry at this point, and knowing we had miles to go before that happy place that is the Queensbury Hotel’s pulchritudinous indoor pool that evening, we vectored down the middle of the road, ordering a half a BBQ chicken, with their superb baked beans, and an order of the beef brisket, with onion rings along for the ride. While we were waiting for our meals, we did a quick fly-by of the salad bar before heading in with our bombing run. In truth, Brook’s knows their stuff – and the late lunch was simply outstanding in this celebrated restaurant just outside Oneonta. When exploring this part of the Empire State, heading to motocross at Unadilla, or simply traveling through, you can’t go wrong at Brooks House of Bar-B-Q. ,
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BACKROADS • OCTOBER 2026
Wytheville VA Tourism presents
WE’RE OUTTA HERE Athens centrAl hOtel
88 e stAte street, Athens, Oh 45701 740-595-0500 • www.athenscentralhotel.com There are a good number of regions around the world that have a geography, environment, and a rider-friendly feel that draw motorcyclists like bears to honey. The riding Meccas seem to be created just for us, seemingly conspiring to attract us with a superb combination of roads that run from easy and open to extremely technical, and that demand attention. Many times, there are familiar ingredients that make up such places. Mountains, valleys, small rivers and streams, old towns, and a working infrastructure. One such region we featured just a few months back is the City of Athens, Ohio, found along the Hocking River, a 102-mile tributary of the Ohio laying across the Allegheny Plateau; a geographical part of North America that stretches from Kentucky all the way through New York State. Here the hills begin to roll up and into the Appalachian Mountains, and combine this geography with the hundreds of miles of stunning roadways, and you have one of the best motorcycle riding areas in the nation. The town is home to Ohio University – and the Kennedy Museum of Art (housed in a former Lunatic Asylum – which there seem to be a few in this part of America), as well as a fairly thriving downtown area that is packed with great restaurants and, being a college town, many, many bars.
a weekend destination keeping you on the backroads Along East State Street, not far from the campus, and among all the restaurants, you will find a most excellent hotel called the Athens Central. In a world that seems to be full of cloned inns, and highway intersection combinations of mall/fast food/chain motels – the Athens Central was a breath of fresh air. Literally, this was one of the best-smelling places we have been in a long time - like it was designed by the Downy Snuggle Bear. This modern building almost looks out of place in the old Ohioan town. But this nice, shiny, modern look is just the beginning. The Athens Central has 22 rooms – all a little different, but all with amenities that go above and beyond anything you would find off the highway. Think a Euro-luxury hotel, but with a comfortable Ohio feel. First, there was plenty of parking and easy access to the rooms – with the lobby elevators bringing you up to the luxury rooms on the second and third levels. Our room was amazing, with massive floor-to-ceiling windows, heavily tinted to keep the summer sun at bay,
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and an added bit of privacy. These giant windows let in the sunlight and usher in the darkness each day and night. (Warning - they are not one-way. So don’t do a Life of Brian) The bathrooms have glass barn-style doors with simply marvelous water-fall and rain-fall showers, which were most excellent after a long day and big miles on a hot summer’s day. Truly. Can we get these at home? All the rooms and suites had 65” 4K HD TVs, on which were oh-so-good to watch this year’s Home Run Derby. We both looked around at one point and redundantly questioned, “How nice is this place?” The giant King-sized bed was super comfortable, as were the very huggable pillows – so sleep came easily at the Athens Central. A filling buffet breakfast was to be found come morning - bacon, sausage, eggs… yogurts and fruits to be had; and with the famed Windy 9 right at Athens’ doorstep. A riding life is easy here at the Athens Central - you simply eat, ride, and repeat for a few days of spirited backroads exploring of this part of the Buckeye State. ,
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hOMestYle creAMerY
351 MAIn st/rOute 301, cOld sprIng, nY 10516 845-666-7296 • www.facebook.com/homestylecreamery Always on the hunt for a delicious ice creamery to feature, Brian took a look at the route we were taking on an overnight to Ridgefield, CT to see the very funny Brian Regan at the Ridgefield Playhouse. While there were a couple of spots in Cold Spring proper, we opted for one that was directly on our path, that being Route 301, and decided on an early afternoon stop at Homestyle Creamery and Bakery. I believe the real company name may be Homestyle Desserts, which has a long history in the baking business. Originally opened in 1969 in the Village of Buchanan, NY, Rose Sanca started making apple dumplings at a bake shop named Dutch Mill Donuts. Her prowess advanced to cheesecakes, Julie as hired in 1975, and she is now the manager and longest standing employee. 1984 saw a move to Peekskill, New York with a larger building and increased retail bakery business. With 45 years under her belt, Rose retired in 2015, passing the apron to her children Jason and Laura who renovated the Bakery and storefront. A few years later Homestyle expanded to the location we visited on Route 301 and a year later opened the Creamery, making a happy family of sweetness in the village of Cold Spring. It was a perfect day for an ice cream stop (honestly, when is it not) and we sidled up to the curb in front of the Creamery – there is a lot but we missed the entrance so……. Homestyle serves Jane’s Ice Cream, inspired by Brooklyn-bred, Jersey-reared Jane Keller, developed into its deliciousness by sister Amy and husband Robert Guidubaldi, in Kingston, New York in 1985. Over their 40 year churning, they have developed 100 flavors, all of which are super creamy, densely flavorful and wildly creative. To make things difficult, there were 30 flavors on Homestyle’s board this day, in addition to the specialty sundaes, shakes and vegan/gluten free offerings. Because I was sorta blown away by the choices, I’ll give an abbreviated listing to get your juices flowing… German Chocolate Cake, Limoncello, Sour Cherry Sorbet, Cappuccino Kahlua Calypso, Creamsicle and Salty Caramel Pretzel. I did have a taste of the Sour Cherry Sorbet which was totally refreshing, but settled on Lavender and Thai Coconut Peanut. Brian had an upside-down cone/cup of Coffee Cookie and Butter Pecan. I dipped into the Thai Coconut Peanut, loving the smoothness and then – WHAM – the Thai pepper hits the back of your mouth with just the right amount of heat. The Lavender lent its coolness to even out the flavors and I believe this was a marvelous combination. The Coffee Cookie was very tasty as well. To up your ice cream game, incorporate these flavors into one of Homestyle’s Hot Pressed Donuts, baked fresh just next door – a scoop of ice cream pressed between your choice of plain donut, chocolate chip cookie or brownie – like brownie & peanut butter fudge or perhaps a donut stuffed with Holy Cannoli. How’s about an Italian Rainbow Cookie sundae – Rainbow Cookie ice cream sitting on Rainbow cookies topped with whipped cream, raspberry AND chocolate sauce, or a Dubai – Pistachio ice cream, Greek crunchies, hot fudge, whipped cream and pistachios. Want your ice cream drinkable? There’s a Strawberry Dubai Cup – fresh strawberries, Greek crunchies, Kataifi, chocolate ganache and pistachio. After you’ve had your fill of ice cream, take a step next door to Homestyle’s Bakery and be tempted to bring some of their fine cookies, pastries, breads or Danish home. If you’ve got the room and a short ride, their cheesecakes, pies and bountiful assortment of cakes (Amaretto, Cannoli, Lemon Coconut to name a few) would make a fine addition to your night time dessert. The Creamery is open daily at noon and the bakery at 6am, should you be out for an early morning ride. Also, right next door is Tutto Pizza & Pasta so you can have a great ride, stop for lunch and finish with ice cream for dessert. What a great world this is! There are several tables outside (window service only) to sit and enjoy your treats. While you’re in the area of Cold Spring, there are many historic sites to be seen, so enjoy the area and the roads and especially Homestyle Desserts. See you on the ice cream trail! ,
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Now vampires, mummies and the Holy Ghost These are the things that terrify me the most Jimmy Buffett
I
t is amazing how situations, time of year, light or dark - can affect the way we perceive things. A bright May afternoon, walking through deep forest, or an historic cemetery, can certainly change its vibe on a dark October night. We are naturally set to be hyper when it’s dark. People are scared of the dark because our brains and bodies are wired by evolution to feel alert and defensive when we lose our ability to see. The amygdala—the part of the brain that controls fear—triggers a stress response the moment the lights go out, preparing the body for danger before we even start to think rationally. In the past, predators were ready to pounce, but now we have movies and television to warn what’s coming for us. Maybe. But, let’s take a ride around the nation to some of the places that should have you on edge. Let’s take a happy Fall Ride to Some Creepy Ass Places!
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BACKROADS • OCTOBER 2026
Burn Brae Mansion
573 HIGH RD, GLEN SPEY, NY 12737 845-856-3335 • burnbraemansion.com We were introduced to the Burn Brae by our friend Rudy, one of the owners of the Red Wolfe Inn, in Belvidere (greatest steaks in New Jersey). The place belongs to his aunt and uncle, and in addition to being a very historic and interesting place (ask to see the attic), Mike Fraysee was a key figure in American Bicycle racing – without him and his leadership, the sport would be nowhere it is today. The Burn Brae was built in 1908 by Margaret Ross Mackenzie Elkin, and stands as a fascinating relic of history and mystery. It was part of the estate of George Ross Mackenzie, the president of the Singer Sewing Machine Company, and was the final of seven elaborate summer mansions built by Mackenzie’s children in Glen Spey.
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Each room and corridor carries the whispers of a bygone era, offering a glimpse into the lives of those who once called this place home. But there is more...... Woooooohahahahahaha! Whether you visit for an event or an overnight stay, Burn Brae Mansion promises an experience unlike any other. The Mansion’s unexplained phenomena and lingering spirits continue to captivate those who dare to explore its mysteries. We have stayed there, and, swearing on a stack of Backroads.... “things’ happened. What, you wonder? After a lovely evening with Mike and Pat, exploring the most unbelievable attic full of Americana – we called it a night and went to bed, tentatively putting out the lights and hoping we’d wake up in the morning. We did, around 2 am. There was a noise. A light chirping, scratching, maybe? I turned on the lamp and simply said, “Oh boy.” Shira was immediately awake. “What?” She rolled over, took a look, and quickly pulled the covers over her head. “Holy shit - the wall is moving, the wall is moving!” she kept repeating.
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Indeed, it did seem so, for there were hundreds of ladybugs on the wall, and although that is called a loveliness – it freaked us out. Ever the brave one, and not wanting Shira to cower alone, I joined her under the covers, where we stayed till morning. When we awoke, I pulled back the blanket and peeked out around the room. Nothing was there. Nothing at all. Did it really happen? Did we really witness such a monstrous loveliness? We will never know – but that was our experience, just one of hundreds of different and preternatural happenings, at the Burn Brae Mansion, in Glen Spey, New York. Go for it yourself. Spend the night. What could possibly happen?
Brae Loch
5 ALBANY STREET, CAZENOVIA, NY 13035 • 315-655-3431 • www.braelochinn.com Being a New York City bred Scot, from Highland heritage, my grandparents’ home was filled with bonnie wee things and bits and pieces of the “Old Country.” For years I had to repeat to my friends in American what my grandmother had just told them in Scottish. Many summers were spent in Scotland – a second home for me, despite my North Frisian surname. That was so long ago, but I have kept close to my Highland roots whenever I can. When my mother passed, her wishes were to be cremated, and then she half jokingly asked us to carry her ashes on our motorcycle journeys, as she never traveled as much as she had liked. I did, with a small Celtic bottle in my tank bag. But, when we picked up Betty McAuley, she was in a much larger and pretty maroon urn. That day we had planned an overnight to the New York State town of Cazenovia, about 20 miles southeast of Syracuse. The Inn is based and run like the old historic inns of Scotland, and stepping into the Brae Loch was like walking through the wide doors of so many places from my past in ancient Alba.
It is a very inviting place; perhaps the Inn is too inviting, as guests have reported a ghostly girl in a long blue dress offering to show them to their room. Other tales include a man and woman walking through closets and light orbs floating through canopy beds. Indeed, we had been told that there were ghosties, especially in our room, that had a huge painting of Mary Queen of Scots hanging over the mantle. After arriving, we sauntered to the downstairs bar and talked with the bartender. We ordered three drams of fine Oban Scotch… he asked who the third was for. I said my mom – Betty. He glanced at the blue urn between Shira and I perched on the bar. His eyes widened, and then he graciously said hello to her and welcomed her to his bar. Later on, as we went to dinner, I though mom had enough adventure for the night and brought her to our room, placing her dead center below Mary Queen of Scots. Before I left, I asked, in the nicest way, if the local spirits could be kind enough to welcome Betty to their realm, and make her feel warm and loved. I closed the door and went out to dinner, then pool, then some more scotch. When we returned hours later, I took a shower and got into bed. Shira was already out. I glanced up to say good night to Mom, and my heart skipped a beat. She was still on the fireplace mantle, but no longer dead center under the portrait. She was now far to the right, as if she was welcome, but kinda told her place as the new friggin’ gal. Yes, this actually happened. I have no explanation for it, and when we left the next day, I thanked the spirits who called this room home.
No aliens, psychopaths, or MTV hosts Scare me like vampires, mummies and the Holy Ghost Jimmy Buffett
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Island Hotel
373 2ND STREET, CEDAR KEY, FL 32625 • 352-543-5111 • www.islandhotel-cedarkey.com Our experience here was certainly the most dramatic and in your face, Brian. We had spent a couple of weeks two-up on a Honda Gold Wing, riding to Key West on backroads, very little interstate, for FantasyFest – scary all by itself at times. We came back north along the Gulf (just the Gulf works for us), and vectored to the tiny island called Cedar Key. This was a wonderful choice, and the Island Hotel was everything you could imagine when you think old Florida – before the Mouse and Company took over. The inn was built back in 1859 – and has that feel, without being “rustic,” or too dated. It was constructed by Major John Parsons, and made with durable tabby walls (a mix of oyster shells, limestone, and sand) 10 inches thick, supported by massive 12-inch oak beams. The Fort at Saint Augustine is made from the same material – it actually eats cannonballs and bullets. Amazing defensive material. There are reportedly ten spirits here, from Confederate soldiers, to a child who drowned in the cistern, and a “Kissing” ghost – a bordello worker murdered in the ‘30s when the place was a speakeasy. (The Island hotel has a past. Don’t we all?) We stayed in room #29 – what we thought was a good choice, and a chance to experience something we’d find exciting, as this was the former owner Bessie Gibbs’s room. Lore has it that her room acts as a ‘portal’ for other spirits. Little did we know we’d need the Winchester brothers that night. It started simple enough. We settled in, and then went to go explore, with me turning off the light and leaving the door unlocked, as I didn’t feel there would be any concern here.
In the lobby, I realized I had forgotten my wallet, so I went back upstairs to find the door locked tight. Hmmm. What gives? I used my key and opened the now-locked door to find EVERY light in the room and bathroom ablaze. Alllriiiight. My Spidey-Sense went into overdrive. I did not know what to make of this, and I turned off the lights, grabbed my wallet, and began to close the door, which pushed closed from inside. Something began churning deep inside me. I told Shira what had happened. She truly thought I was putting her on. The woman at the desk had perked up and nodded to me to come over. She told me to apologize, and try to make friends. I would do just that when we returned that night, and years later I would try this at the Brae Loch.
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All seemed to go well that night, but in the morning, I made a flippant comment about spirits. Uggg. I went to take a shower, and while soaping up, the lights went out, and I heard a distinctive click. The door had locked with a sliding clasp. From the inside. I was on the inside. Oh, boy. Turning to the lights – the switch was up, but I had to switch it off and then on again to get illumination. Shira heard, then saw, what had happened – a new believer. I apologized once more, opened the door, and we packed quietly and skedaddled. The Island Hotel is the real deal.
Over the years, we have had a few other run-ins with things we could not really explain, but let’s take a look at other inns and places you can visit on two wheels this October. The Shanley Hotel 56 MAIN STREET, NAPANOCH, NY 12458 • 845-417-9927 • thehauntedshanleyhotel.com
This old hotel is considered one of the most haunted in New York – a state that has seen so much paranormal activity and cult activity through the years. According to the excellent New York State guide Haunted History Trail… “Over the years, visitors have reported rocking chairs seen rocking on their own, mysterious clock chimes, cold and hot spots, whistling, footsteps, piano music, voices, the laughing of children - even the aromas of cooking when no food is being prepared. Many have seen shadows and apparitions at the Shanley, and report the feeling of being watched. The Shanley is known for being a paranormal hotel, and was featured on TV shows “Ghost Lab” and “Ghost Hunters.” Refreshments are served during ghost hunts/investigations. Continental breakfast with an overnight stay.” If you make it. Note: one of our favorite restaurants, the Road Kill Grill, is right around the corner and well worth dinner that night.
Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum
50 S RIVER AVENUE, WESTON, WV 26452 304-269-5070 • trans-alleghenylunaticasylum.com Who would have thought a place like this would see so much ink in a motorcycle touring magazine? But we’d be remiss if not to make mention of the Trans-Allegheny. The tour here is so incredibly unsettling. So much so that Shira will not go back inside. A lot of things have happened here. From genuine attempts at helping the mentally ill to the thousands that died here. How could this not be haunted, and more than a little bit creepy? Add to it that this is the largest hand-cut stone building in North America, and only the Kremlin is bigger. That’s worth the look. When in the Mountain State – take the tour and decide for yourself.
The Whaley House
2476 SAN DIEGO AVENUE, SAN DIEGO, CA 92110 • 619-786-1143 • www.whaleyhousesandiego.com We were turned on to the Whaley House in San Diego by Brian Rathjen… Junior. (Yes, there is another one) Our son and daughter-in-law, Ashley, knowing our love for the bizarre and otherworldly, brought us to a restaurant in Old Town, a part of San Diego, and casually mentioned that the house down the street…? The most haunted in the United States. Really? Son, all those years of X-Files and cheap horror movies paid off. The house had a sordid history before construction by Thomas Whaley began in 1856. According to the folks at the Whaley House: “Whaley proclaimed, ‘My new house, when completed, will be the handsomest, most comfortable and convenient place in town or within 150 miles of here.” The two-story Greek Revival house was designed by Thomas Whaley and made from bricks created in Whaley’s very own brickyard on Conde Street. Furnished with mahogany and rosewood furniture, Brussels carpets, and costing more than $10,000 upon completion, the Whaley House was overwhelmingly praised as the first of its kind and finest home in Southern California.”
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The property was infamous amongst the community as the site where horse thief Yankee Jim Robinson was publicly executed. Thomas Whaley was nevertheless unfazed by the location’s grim history and continued to build his dream home. It wasn’t long after the Whaley family moved into the home that sadness and despair were thrust upon them when their young son Thomas, who was only 18 months old, died of scarlet fever inside the house. Baby Thomas, who’d been the first in the family to pass away, had always stayed close by, as reported by many who have visited the home. They could hear tiny footsteps, the sounds of him crying, even giggling when no one was in sight. Thomas, Anna, and several other spirits have also been felt within the home, on the stairwells and on the property. Mists, lights turning on and off by themselves, and crystals in the parlor room’s lamp swinging without any prompt are all signs that the Whaley House still belongs to the many who called it home over the years. This is also most likely the most visited haunted home in America too – as it is hard to miss, especially at night. But we needed proof, and we got it with an EMF Meter. Walking down San Diego Avenue, we got nothing until we approached the Whaley House… then the meter went off the chart… it went “Critical.” It Spinal Tapped! Did we actually come across the pulse of spirits, or did we just pass a power line pole? Well… O’Life once told me his #1 rule… Never let facts, science, or logic get in the way of a great yarn… don’t be a Muggle. See you on the road to Creepy-Ass Places. ,
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BACKROADS • OCTOBER 2026
GO FAST 60TH BIRTHDAY BASH FOR HUDSON VALLEY MOTORCYCLES 60 years is a lifetime. If it were a birthday, it would be one of the few that you really mark, consider, and celebrate, along with maybe 21, 30, and the rest of those really important days. Those big ones that really seem to add up and mean (or hurt) more, even if they have a zero in them. When we heard that Hudson Valley Motorcycles was celebrating its 60th, we were not surprised to hear that the party would be held, not at the shop itself, but a few miles to the north along the majestic Hudson River and at one of the largest Go-Kart Tracks in the nation – HQ Racing, in Peekskill, New York. If you know the Alexander family, you know racing and competition are part of the family DNA. Corey Alexander, grandson of founder Richard Sr., has been tearing up MotoAmerica tracks and hoisting trophies for a few years now. The celebration would be held on the last day of spring, along that set of days that see the most daylight. That would be perfect for us, as Peekskill is around 50 as the crow flies, but not as the backroads run. The journey would be twice that, and with the way the Earth was wobbling this time of year, we’d need that extra bit of daylight, or twilight, to get back home before the creatures of the forest would begin heavily encroaching the pavement. We got an early start and made a long day trip out of it – zigzagging around the Shawangunks and lower Catskills before heading across the river to the Hudson Valley Motorcycles 60th Anniversary Celebration. HQ Racing is the largest multi-level indoor and outdoor go-kart track in the nation – nearly half a mile long, and running both Sodi RSX Electric and
BACKROADS • OCTOBER 2026
BACKROADS’ COVERS CONTEST
A few months ago, we put forth a query, a small quest, perhaps a slight task, for you, our wonderful readers, to take a few moments from your busy lives and look through our sixteen years-worth of online issues and select, what you all thought, were our best and worst. Of the thousands of replies (hey, we could expound but let’s keep it at that) a winner was chosen and the illustrious Backroads Banner was sent forth, to happily now hang in a well-filled garage on Long Island. Here is his acceptance speech: Hey Brian and Shira, Just got my mail a little while ago. What a wonderful surprise that I won the cover contest. I feel like a kid in a candy store. As I said when I submitted my entry, “I hope I win your cover contest prize so I can proudly display the official Backroads flag in my garage”. Also, thanks for the invite to one of your rallies. I should have done it years ago. I’m doing OK and still enjoying riding several times a week at just a couple of months shy of age 85, my rides now are almost always local day rides out east or along some backroads on Long Island. I probably haven’t been off Long Island on a bike in a few years. Once again, thanks so much for the prize! As always, be well and ride safe....your friend, Jerry Gambella
Sodi gas-powered karts, depending on session and skill. This is a serious track. Hudson Valley had taken over the establishment this night and, in addition to be able to have some fast times on HQ’s tracking which rolled along the multi-levels indoors, and then a long lap out of the big building and outdoors besides the Hudson River, they had a hall with food, drinks, a ever growing crowd of dedicated customers (of all ages), friends and family members all coming to celebrate 60 years of Hudson Valley Motorcycles, along with the Alexander family’s dedication to motorcycles and riding in the valley and beyond. There was plenty of food, giveaways, and a beautiful Ducati Panigale on display, too. I don’t think I’d want to tour on this machine, but it would look stellar in our office and would not be the first Ducati to do so. We here at Backroads want to congratulate the Alexander family on 60 years of serving the Hudson Valley and for remaining a true family-based dealership run for and by enthusiasts. We’d also like to congratulate Corey Alexander and his bride, Kailin, on their recent nuptials (Fez too!). The Alexander family keeps on going! ,
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EVENT RECAP
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AMERICADE 2026
Americade held its 43rd annual event in the last week of May, following the Memorial Day holiday. While officially beginning on Wednesday May 27th, registration was open and festivities were underway on the 26th. Billed as the World’s largest multi-brand touring rally, Americade brings together riders from all over the United States and Canada along with various manufacturers demo fleets and vendors. Having attended since 1991, this year would be my 35th consecutive year. And much has changed over that time. Americade attendance is no longer at the peak numbers from the late 1990’s/early 2000’s, but is still well attended. The location and time of year make for a great backdrop to a motorcycle rally even if a bit more intimate. Being in Lake George NY, the weather can be a bit unpredictable. This year Mother Nature cooperated with only a few sprinkles throughout the week and rain putting a damper on activities only late Friday night into Saturday morning. The rest of the time it was cool and breezy which many consider perfect riding weather. Americade kicked off the Rally with the traditional Opening Celebration on Tuesday evening. This year it was held within the confines of Fort William Henry for the first time. Opening remarks including an overview of the schedule, announcements and door prize award winners were all presented. One gentleman who rode from California was the lucky winner of a pair of Sidi boots - pretty cool. The opening ceremony culminated with cannon fire from atop the Fort and some live music.
Wednesday was the first full day of activities with a full slate of seminars, demos, Tour Expo, and a series of guided & unguided tours throughout the region. Tour expo was held in its usual spots along Beach Road and in Gas Light village. Vendors including JP Cycles, Nelson Rigg, Gryphon, Mosko, and Cardo were showing their wares. Cardo in particular had on display production versions of their new Beyond GT and GTS full-faced helmets. The helmets feature fully integrated sound and noise canceling features and some neat safety features such as integrated active brake light and crash detection. A few vendors were offering on-site services such as tire changes, suspension upgrades, audio installation, lighting, pinstriping and other bolt on
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upgrades. It had been decades since I took advantage of the courtesy Yuasa battery check, and thankfully it checked out good as new. The Demo fleet included Aprilia, Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, Moto Guzzi, Harley Davidson, Indian, CF Moto, Can Am and a static display from Kaplan Motors of GasGas and Stark machines. There was no shortage of demand for demo rides. A steady stream of folks took advantage both guided and unguided demos in and round the area. Canada Street was taken over by stunt shows, Ride Like a Pro demonstrations, Motor Officer skills demonstrations and live music. This all took place immediately in front of Shepard Park which is undergoing a major facelift in the wake of a fire that destroyed the Bandstand last year. The park will now feature a small amphitheater with a new covered stage. The work was in progress, and it looks spectacular. One of the featured and most anticipated seminars took place on Thursday evening when Backcountry Discovery Routes (BDR) unveiled their latest BDRX Adirondack loop with a documentary film. The latest BDRX route features a 700 Mile ADV-oriented route through the Adirondack Park that can be done in 4-5 days. BDR immediately made Tracks and Butler maps
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available at Tour Expo on Friday. The route looks awesome and no doubt this will be an extremely popular tour route. The festivities came to a close on Saturday and unfortunately the one rainstorm on Friday into Saturday prompted the cancellation of the fireworks. Oh, well, there’s always next year. The 43rd Americade Rally was success. Was it as large and well attended as in the past? No and it likely never will be. But that is a good thing. It makes attending the Rally more pleasant and easier to take advantage of the seminars, vendors, and demo rides. And let’s not forget the scenic and twisty roads in the largest State Park in the US. I’m looking forward to the 44th and my 36th visit which will take place June 2 – 5, 2027. See you next year. ~ Anthony Lisanti Yes, we’ll see you there, ‘cause that’s when we’re having our Spring Break Rally 2027. We’ll be staying three nights – Thursday, June 3 through Sunday, June 6 - at the beautiful Queensbury Hotel in Glens Falls, NY, just 10 miles south of all the Americade happenings in Lake George. Look for more details on our Backroads’ Events webpage, including a booking link. ~ ed.
HISTORICAL NOTE AND A SITE WORTHY OF A VISIT Our beloved United States is celebrating the 250th year of Independence. It was fitting that this year’s Americade held the opening celebration inside Fort William Henry which played a pivotal role during the French & Indian War as well as the fight for independence during the Revolution. Across the field from Fort William Henry is Battlefield Park. The park is a 35-acre day use area operated and maintained by the NYS DEC. The week prior, on May 22nd, a ceremony was held there that was 250 years in the making. In 2019, construction workers in Lake George unearthed a mass grave while excavating for an apartment building. Work was halted and forensic experts were called to the site. Some 70 truckloads of soil would be unearthed and taken to the New York State Museum in Albany. What they found was remarkable. Experts spent 15 months sifting through the remains of 44 people ranging in age from late teens to mid-twenties with a few identified as being in their forties. The remains of one small child and a woman were discovered as well. Ultimately, it was determined that they all likely perished from Smallpox. Among the remains of bone fragments and teeth were uniform buttons. The buttons were identified as the First Pennsylvania Battalion who were attached to a Continental Army Hospital near the southern portion of Lake George. The soldiers were believed to have been involved in battles near Quebec during the failed invasion of Canada. Historians point to the presence of the field hospital which was established during the smallpox outbreak. It is now believed that some of the remains are those of soldiers attached to the First Pennsylvania Battalion who never made home. On May 22nd, just days before Americade, a solemn procession left Albany with full military escort for a final 60 mile journey where the remains of the 44 souls were transferred and interred in Battlefield Park forever. The procession consisted of four caskets, three draped with Grand Union Flag, one with the 1st Pennsylvania Battalion flag draped over them. They were carried in vintage military vehicles operated by members of the NY-Penn Military Vehicle Collectors Club and were escorted by NY State Police and Patriot Guard Riders. As you can imagine many veterans were part of this procession and ceremony, and many well-wishers lined the route to Lake George. The final resting place for the 44 is on a small plateau overlooking the Lake in a newly created memorial known as “Repose of Fallen.” This is a beautiful final resting place for the Patriots who fought for our freedom so many years ago. It was an honor to stand on this ground just days after the remains of Revolutionary War veterans were transferred and the resting place dedicated, just in time for Memorial Day 2026- the year of our country’s 250th year of Independence.
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PRODUCT REVIEW
BACKROADS • OCTOBER 2026
Klīm Badlands Pro JacKet and Pants
I’m a fan of Klīm: over the years I’ve had several of their jackets and pants, a bunch of gloves, and a couple helmets and all of the gear from the Rigby, Idaho company has been well-designed, comfortable, effective, and protective. In over 50 years of riding on- and off-road, I’ve tried many brands of gear and I honestly think Klīm is the best of the lot. When I got a chance to evaluate the latest version of their Badlands Pro Jacket and Pants, I jumped at it (and into them). The Badlands Pro Jacket and Pants are indeed pro-grade. They are made from a blend of Cordura, Gore-tex, and an abrasion-resistant SuperFabric designed to provide comfort, durability, weather protection, and stain-resistance (important to me for everything from working on the bike to wolfing down a gas-stop chili dog). They also have well-placed Scotchlite reflective material for my nocturnal missions. I wore the combo all day during a very wet stage of a bicycle race and they kept me completely dry - the zipper interface with the pants left no chance for leaks between the garments. You’d think a system so adept at keeping you dry wouldn’t have a plethora of vents, but they do: the Badlands Pro Jacket has 12 vents (2 of which double as pockets), but the zippers seal them admirably. In the heat of all-day New Mexico rides, including a climb up Mount Lemmon, the jacket vents were excellent at moving enough air to keep the heat at bay. The pants also move a lot of air, with six vents, including two on the lower legs – a position frequently neglected on other brands. The other thing that keeps the heat at bay is a large internal pocket for hydration bladders of up to 3 liters! The hose routing allows the mouthpiece to be sealed in a chest pocket to keep it free of dirt, something I really like. Speaking of pockets, the jacket has 13 of them! Inside the left chest and cargo pockets are…more pockets! They’re elastic organizers designed to keep your small stuff from getting lost and they’re perfect for holding earplugs, pocket knives, and other small items. The pants have the same internal organizer in the left leg, one of the two very capacious pockets in them. There is a hidden internal jacket pocket and an external sleeve pocket into which you can put a medical info card available free from Klīm. It’s like wearing a fabric filing cabinet, but once you come up with consistent places to stow your gear, you’ll love it.
Vital to moto gear is impact protection, and the Badlands Pro garments have a lot. I already mentioned the Cordura and the abrasion-resistant SuperFabric, but the jacket and pants also contain Klīm’s Rogue Level 2 ventilated pads made of a material designed to maximize impact protection while minimizing bulk. In addition to the shoulder and elbow pads provided in most gear, the Badlands Pro provides upper chest protection that is vital to your vitals. The incredible back protector may be superior to the one in my track leathers and the included kidney belt provides lumbar support. Not to be outdone, the pants provide hip and knee protection that works without adding bulk. Overall, I think the Badlands Pro combo provides the best protection of any textile gear I’ve worn, with back and chest protection on par with my track gear. And if the Level 2 pads aren’t quite up to your level of “gnar,” they’re upgradeable to Level 1! When I’m traveling, I want comfortable, well-ventilated, highly-protective jackets and pants with breathable waterproof fabric that can do it all. While others are stopping to put on rain suits, I like to simply zip up my vents and keep on going and the Klīm Badlands Pro Jacket and Pants fit that bill perfectly, while being mega-protective and with pockets for everything of which I can possibly dream, including a hydration bladder. Klīm gear tends to bring a premium, but their stuff lasts a loooong time and carries a crash protection guarantee. I can’t possibly enumerate everything about it, so see www.klim.com for the whole enchilada (which won’t stain either). ~ Mark Byers
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IndustrY InFOBItes Continued from Page 7 This manufacturing facility is located at the heart of the original site, transforming it completely whilst preserving a sense of harmony and respect for the brand’s history and original architecture. It features 5,500 square meters of new industrial buildings (making a total of 38,000 square meters of factory space) and 380 square meters of offices. The cutting-edge automated engine assembly lines are not the result of the refurbishment of existing structures: instead, they are part of an entirely new plant, boasting the very latest technologies.
TRIUMPH “ALL IN” DOCUMENTARY
Triumph Motorcycles launches its first documentary series, ALL IN, a four-part program chronicling the brand’s journey onto the global offroad motorsport stage. The first episode of ALL IN is now live on Triumph’s YouTube channel, with the three more episodes releasing in October, November, and December. Featuring interviews with Steve Sargent, Ian Kimber, Rod Lopusnak, Ivan Cervantes and Ricky Carmichael, the first episode details the company’s decision to enter the off-road arena, behind the scenes development of the bikes, the impact of the launch on the industry, and the start of the grueling journey into the most fiercely contested race series. The four-part series showcases Triumph’s ambitious plans to bring an entirely new and highly competitive contender to the Supercross, Motocross, Enduro, and Cross Country championships, documenting the determination and resolve required to transform Triumph’s significant motorsport investment into world class products and credible championship wins. While highlighting Triumph off-road achievements in an incredibly short period of time, ALL IN also shows how it will continue elevating every aspect of its offroad performance and capabilities. Log onto www.triumphmotorcycles.com to watch.
SURRENDER YOUR E-BIKES
The old political saying “as goes California, so goes the nation” should serve as a warning to eMoto dealers. When they outlaw eBikes, only outlaws will ride? In response to more than 100 deaths attributed to eBikes and eMotos in the United States, Orange County, Cal-
ifornia, District Attorney Todd Spitzer has issued formal warning letters to more than 80 retailers reiterating their legal duties selling eBikes/eMotos and the potential criminal and civil penalties they could face if they fail to fulfill those duties. California currently prohibits
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the sale of products or devices that can modify the speed capability of an electric bicycle so that it no longer meets the definition of an electric bicycle. Dealers will be subject to periodic inspections by Orange County District Attorney investigators to ensure they are following the law. Legal or otherwise, the crackdown on eBikes begins with a “Buy Back Safety” campaign to take offenders out of circulation. Modeled after law enforcement gun buyback programs, the Orange County District Attorney’s Office’s E-Bike and E-Moto Buy Back Program will offer gift cards from Target, Walmart, and Dick’s Sporting Goods in exchange for E-Bikes, pocket bikes, E-Scooters and E-Motos. Store bought pocket bikes as well as homemade miniature bikes equipped with electric or gas-powered motors will also be accepted. Funded through asset forfeiture funds, which are monies seized by law enforcement from criminal enterprises, the gift cards will be issued on a first-come, first-served basis. E-vehicles can be surrendered anonymously. Working and non-working vehicles will be accepted, and no questions will be asked, according to the DA’s office. Backroads would like to point out that in 2025: 1,400 people were killed riding bicycles • 100 people died riding horses • 1,800 horses were killed in horse racing. But, let’s stop kids from riding? Why not train them to be better, safer riders who will, we hope, become motorcyclists and swell our depleting ranks?
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whAtchAthInkIn’ to our next meeting, which would be Basse Buller, the Painting Troll, in the Pines Wild Play Area. Basse is inspired by the nature in which he lives, using stones, leaves, sticks and mud for his creations and to spur on humans to follow suit. Walking through The Wild Center’s many paths on a beautiful late summer’s day was time well spent with nature. Even though it was a Saturday and there were many families enjoying the same, it was wonderful to see
BACKROADS • OCTOBER 2026
Continued from Page 4
the children exploring and experiencing these giant creatures. We meandered until we came upon Stickwork – the Hopscotch Creation by artist Patrick Dougherty. Gathering hardwood, mainly young maples by the side of a road which would have been cleared anyway,
Dougherty, with the help of the staff and volunteers at the Wild Center, wove this amazing sculpture which invites you to enter and explore. Sitting beside it is Sofus Lotus, the Listening Troll, who pays great attention to the little things, with his head to the ground to hear every crackle, thud and buzz of nature. From here we took to the heights on the Wild Walk, a trail of bridges to the treetops of the Adirondack forest, with a four-story tree house, full-sized bald eagle’s next and giant spider’s web. Kamma Can, the Treasure Troll, is located down the Raquette River Roll, and is a collector and creator, using the colorfully discarded items which humans no longer see of use. She sees her bangles and baubles hanging around her neck as beautiful objects and doesn’t understand why humans don’t.
We were drawn down the woodland path by the music in the trees and found ourselves at the Forest Music. The four movements of Wooden Canopy by Eric Sturr will bring you through the work of Ibbi Pip, the Birdhouse Troll, and her perpetual loop around the forest, hanging her colorful birdhouses to remind humans that we share the world with other creatures. The combination of wonderful
music, tall trees with the many birdhouses and just the sounds of nature was a cathartic culmination to our visit to the Wild Center. On our way back to the bikes, we stumbled upon the last of the six Trolls – Rosa Sunfinger, the Botanical Troll, with her bright red car full of plants, showing even the most useless items can come back to life. Thomas Dambo’s Save the Humans Troll exhibit will be at the Wild Center through October 31, 2026. I can’t think of a better ride to take than into the Adirondacks during the fall and a visit to cleanse your soul and walk in the woods. ,
BACKROADS • OCTOBER 2026
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Free wheelIn’ Continued from Page 3 A cold chill began to stir in my guts. I started to look around. Not in my pockets. Not on the seat, not the little phone compartment. What the hell… The other moto scribe saw my concern and came over. We both began to search. Then, with a push of the button, the BMW turned on. Odd… but where was the fob? Oleg, our friendly neighborhood BMW Press Maven, came out. Tilted his head, watching us look around. He asked what was wrong. I thought that the worst thing was to tell BMW I had just, errr, misplaced the key fob (the only one available for this machine). But it wasn’t. The worst was 20 minutes later when we had taken all my luggage out of the RT, and dumped my dirty clothes, undies and all on the walkway to the entrance of the Westin, with the big window walls that had a dozen Alabama football fans watching the goings-on, and the obvious panic of the big guy spinning around and around. The really odd thing was that the bike would turn on, and then be unresponsive. Still, no fob had been seen. With the morning burning, the other moto-scribe said he had to go and headed out, wishing me good luck. Suddenly, plans were being made for shipping the bike back to New Jersey and booking a flight for me back home. Oh, Lordy, Lordy. Now the bike would not turn on at all. No fob. No way.
Oleg began to take the side bags off to see if the fob had fallen off the seat, and then he looked up at me, his eyes very wide. We had the same thought at the same time. Oleg’s phone came out as quick as a six-shooter at a gunfight, and he was calling the last journalist who had left some 20 minutes back. The rider had just gotten out of Birmingham, but was told to “please” come back immediately – which he did. It really was not a request. What is the issue… he was thinking as he vectored back to the Westin. Oleg asked him to please check his pockets for fobs. He said sure, but he only had his fob, and why would he have bot… He had a presentiment look on his face as he began to empty his pockets. We could see the sudden stiffening of his shoulders when he felt a second fob in the zipped riding suit. He slowly raised his head, and then held out two different fobs… If I thought I was going to explode with angst… my buddy quickly had the same feeling, and a true look of bewilderment. He looked at me and said he was so sorry that he must have picked up the fob off my seat in the busyness of us packing two RTs right next to each other. I couldn’t care less; I was so relieved and gave him a huge hug, and told him, “Don’t worry. Forget Obow’t It!” It would take me half the day to relax. Oleg took it in stride, and it was just one more ‘Press Intro’ story that would be told for the next few get-togethers; and in a Dragnet way, the name will not be mentioned… this time to simply protect the guilty. But I will say he was not the editor of the BMW Rider Association Magazine. ,
On the MArk Continued from Page 5 handlebar. While I didn’t encounter a real-time hazard, I did have a sobering experience when I browsed the photos taken by the ubiquitous roadside photographers who sell them. I found myself in their time-tagged photos and I looked far from spectacular, so I elected not to buy, but I did find something sobering. I looked at the photos of that turn for several minutes in either direction and found that if I had ridden that turn seven minutes later than I did, I would have been involved in a head-on collision with a cruiser
rider who crossed the centerline trying to negotiate the turn at a higher speed than his skill permitted. I’m not suggesting that we ban people from riding challenging roads, nor am I an advocate of turning every road into a mind-numbingly-straight-andlevel affair commensurate with a slobbering, distracted vehicle operator. I am disheartened at the lack of discretion used by a lot of drivers and motorcyclists while negotiating these chamber-of-commerce-approved venues at speeds that exceed not the limit on the sign, but the limit of the operator’s skills. My suggestion to my fellow riders is to study the times at which the venues are traveled the least and make your ride during those times, allowing margin for error not just for yourself, but for others. It might just be the seven minutes that saves your life. ,
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BACKROADS • OCTOBER 2026
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The Law Office of Paul Gargiulo, P.C. presents
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A column dedicated to your riding survival
the MOnster I believe I sometimes live in fear. Not frozen-in-your-tracks fear, but that presentiment feeling that something can’t be too good, or going to end well in the long run. I used to think that I was at least floating in the glass half full, but occasionally I think I hear the water pouring away. I can not blame age or experience for all this. Age and experience, we hope, make you a more confident man or woman. But lately I have seen things, heard things, experienced things, and undertaken certain tasks that always seem to leave me with a bit of trepidation. I could just blame my baseball team, as I once read that Mets fans live with the constant fear that the Monster is just lurking around the corner ready to pounce, devouring hopes, dreams and joy out of life. The Monster can be many things…like a nasty Adam Wainwright curveball that Beltran watched sail into the mitt for the final strike of the 2006 season. A year later, another Monster came and crushed a seven-game division lead with just 17 games left to play and, again, the postseason is played elsewhere. You get used to Monsters. But baseball is a game. Motorcycle riding is life for some of us. I recently had some clutch issues with one of my bikes. Looking to save money, I went basic and just changed the friction plates, all the while knowing I was poking the Monster from Shelley’s book. Even if he was built, done, or made correctly, he would fail eventually – as the cheap clutch did… but at least I had a good summer in beforehand. Next time I went for a Rekluse Clutch Kit, complete with new steel friction plates, spring, and mounting plate. This time I faced the Monster in the back of my mind that was gnawing at my confidence, and took it to task. Like Bugs’ Red Monster Gossamer. Sometimes you have to face the Monster head-on. Maybe have a talk with it. Like Bugs did while manicuring the Monster’s paw… My, I bet you monsters lead interesting lives. I said to my girlfriend just the other day - Gee, I’ll bet monsters are interesting, I said. The places you must go and the places you must see, my stars! And I’ll bet you meet a lot of interesting people, too. I’m always interested in meeting interesting people. Now let’s dip our patties in the water! This time I was methodical, careful, and I was talking to this new clutch as I went about installing it. Shira asked if I was talking to a clutch. I was. We needed an understanding. I am not a great mechanic, but I would fake it, till I could make it. All went
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together as promised. Still, for the first few days of riding I kept thinking some sort of Clutch-Gobbling Monster was waiting around the next bend. Overconfidence here was not my strong point. But this Monster was banished. But there are far more dire Monsters out there on the backroads. I have often said that deer are the Romulans of the forest. They stand along the road, with a Cloaking Device operational, and then when you come around the turn, they decide to turn off The Cloak and run into your motorcycle. I have heard so many times of riders hitting deer. That has never happened. Deer hit us. Every time.
Another Monster out there is that kid behind the wheel with their face behind the smartphone screen. These distracted drivers just might be the most dangerous Monster motorcyclists face today – Gossamer notwithstanding. This column, Welcome to the Jungle, is about helping us all become better riders. To be better, we need confidence and skill. We need to work on this. Be confident in your machine’s maintenance. Be assured in your situational awareness. Be alert. Be a better rider, and when a Monster does appear – handle him. You got this. ,