Road Dirt
By Rob Brooks
Road DirtSep 19, 2020
Chat with Hollywood filmmaker Bryan Carroll
We catch up with noted filmmaker Bryan Carroll, who wrote, directed and produced the fantastic motorcycling documentary, "Why We Ride". We chat about his love of motorcycle riding, his various projects, and what motorcycling means to him.
For more Road Dirt, find us here:
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Meet the Road Dirt Crew: Ken "Hawkeye" Glassman
In this latest episode of our series, "Meet the Road Dirt Crew", we chat with our newest contributor, Ken "Hawkeye" Glassman.
Ken is no newcomer to the world of motorcycle journalism, however. Hawkeye has written for nearly every national moto magazine one can think of, and contributed to several dailies in the greater Chicago area over the decades.
A veteran writer and rider, we hope you enjoy this conversation with Ken as much as we did.
For more of Ken's writings, find him here at Road Dirt:
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Meet the Road Dirt Crew: Mark Zweig
In this episode of "Meet the Road Dirt Crew", we chat with Mark Zweig, monthly columnist who pens our popular "MZ's Moto Memories" series, chronicling his tales of the over 300 motorcycles he's owned in his moto life.
For Mark's writings on Road Dirt, find them here:
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Meet the Road Dirt Crew: Mike Boyd
In this episode of our series, "Meet the Road Dirt Crew", we chat with our "elder statesman" Mike Boyd. Mike is a decorated Vietnam War combat veteran, Purple Heart and Silver Star recipient, and a life-long motorcycle rider.
This is a fascinating conversation with an American icon.
For our story on Mike at Road Dirt with photos and footage, click here:
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Meet The Road Dirt Crew: Neale Bayly
In our continuing series, "Meet The Road Dirt Crew", we chat with world traveler, moto-journalist, and generous philanthropist Neale Bayly about his motorcycling, globe-trotting life.
For more Road Dirt, find us here:
Check out our YouTube channel:
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Meet The Road Dirt Crew: Ryan "Ryhno" Nolan
On this episode, we chat with original Road Dirt crew member Ryan Nolan. We discuss his motorcycle upbringing, his passion for racing, and his upcoming (as of this recording) debut in the MotoAmerica Supersport motorcycle racing class.
For more on Ryan, find him on YouTube here:
For more Road Dirt, find us here:
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#RIDELIFE
Meet The Road Dirt Crew: Phil Gauthier
In our series introducing you to the Road Dirt contributors, we visit with Phil Gauthier, long-time friend of Rob, and co-founder of Road Dirt Motorcycle Media. We discuss his early entrance into motorcycling as a teen, his reentry some years back, and what motorcycle riding means to him.
For more Road Dirt, click here:
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Thank you!
Meet The Road Dirt Crew: Ted Edwards
We're beginning a series on the Road Dirt writers, editors and photographers, chatting with each about the origins of their love of motorcycling. We begin with Editor-at-Large Ted Edwards up in Washington State, one of the original crew members at Road Dirt.
Ted's tale of motorcycling began at a young age, and took some interesting and entertaining turns along the way. We hope you enjoy our chat as much as we did.
Check out all of the Road Dirt crew at our main media site-
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Neale Bayly Rides: Falling, Rising, & Perfect Moments In Ecuador
Road Dirt columnist Neale Bayly recounts a trip high into the mountains of Ecuador, and peace he found in the saddle of a small motorcycle on the dirt and gravel roads.
For his story with photos, click here:
For Neale's Wellspring International Outreach, click here:
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Road Dirt's Top 5 Fave Bikes of 2023
We count down the top five favorite motorcycles that we got the chance to ride in 2023, and throw in a few "honorable mentions" near the end.
Check out our full story with photos and ride footage of each!
https://roaddirt.tv/top-five-fave-bikes-of-2023/
What motorbikes have you enjoyed sampling this year? Any set up permanent residence in your garage?
Share your thoughts in the comments section, ask us any related questions you might have, and of course, like, subscribe, and share!
Eulogy For A Road Brother
Road Dirt's Rob Brooks remembers a dear friend and motorcycle riding buddy, Mike Hinton, after Mike's recent passing. Mike has a great influence in Rob's life, and he shares his fondest memories of his good friend.
For the written story with photos of Mike and Rob from some of their road trips, click here:
Find us on YouTube!
Neale Bayly Rides: In This Moment
Road Dirt columnist Neale Bayly recounts a ride he took through the Arizona high desert, on a BME R1200GS Adventure motorcycle.
For his written story with photos, click here:
Neale Bayly Rides: In This Moment
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Chasing George Wyman, Part 1
Richard Worsham of Janus Motorcycles in Goshen, Indiana embarked on a cross-country odyssey with one of their Halcyon 250 motorbikes, and chronicled his journey. Richard shares part 1 of this multi-episode adventure with Road Dirt here.
For Richard's written account with photos, click here:
For more on Janus Moto, click here:
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The Journey Of A Thousand Miles
Two childhood chums both turn 60, and take an epic road trip together. It's the story of a nearly lifelong friendship, and the miles & memories made together out on the open road.
For the written story with photos and footage, click here:
The Journey of a Thousand Miles
For the YouTube travelogue video, click here:
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Neale Bayly Rides: What Once Was Lost
We share Neale Bayly's story of meeting the great Dale Walksler of the Wheels Through Time Museum in Maggie Valley, NC, and restoring a 1924 JD Harley-Davidson together.
for Neal's story with photos, click here:
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The Immaculate Restoration
We share the story of an amazing but true "barn find"- an original 1969 CB750 Sandcast motorcycle.
The bike would go on to win the most prestigious award in all of American motorcycling- the coveted "Best Of Show" at the annual Quail Motorcycle Gathering.
For the whole story and stunning photos of this gorgeous bike, click the link here:
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A Chat With Neale Bayly in Ukraine 2023
We reach across the globe and have a chat with our friend Neale Bayly over in Ukraine. Neale updates us on his travels in-country, sharing the latest in the ongoing war, the new friends he's made, the human suffering he's witnessed, as well as the fortitude and resolve of the Ukrainian people.
For his latest story on RoadDirt.tv, check it out here:
https://roaddirt.tv/neale-bayly-rides-a-moment-of-weightlessness/
To learn about and support Neale's work abroad, click here:
Neale Bayly Rides: Addiction
Neale Bayly really needs no introduction in the motorcycling world.
He is a world-renown motorcycle writer, photographer, and adventurer, and has been read and viewed in over 100 publications worldwide. I’ve read of his travels and escapades since the 1990s, so it was quite the thrill for me to not only meet Neale, but strike up a friendship with him in the past year. His three-part chronicle, “An Englishman In Ukraine” that we published to RoadDirt.tv last fall set in motion a series of conversations that have led to a monthly feature Neale now writes for Road Dirt, entitled “Neale Bayly Rides“. His is a true #RIDELIFE.
This is is his first of many stories to come. Maybe some of these we can get him to read for us, in his native accent!
For his written story with photos, click here:
https://roaddirt.tv/neale-bayly-rides-addiction/
For Neale's foundation and how you can support his worthy causes, click here:
The Tracks of My Father, Part 2
Road Dirt's Rob Brooks retraces one of the last motorcycle rides he ever took with his late father, riding a new Triumph Street Triple RS down numerous Memory Lanes.
For the story with photos and video footage, check it out here:
The Tracks of My Father, Part 2
For the Part 1 of "Tracks of My Father, check it out here:
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Red Light Blues
We share Road Dirt Editor-At-Large Ted Edwards' recent tale of moto woe, a motorcycle breakdown far from home.
When you've owned the bike as long as Ted has, and accumulated as many miles and memories as he has with it, the feeling is akin to betrayal.
We think many of you will be able to relate. Let us know if you've been there yourself!
Ted's story with photos-
https://roaddirt.tv/red-light-blues/
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Racer Update: Ryan Nolan and Jasmine Nichols
Road Dirt's Ryan Nolan helped crew Jasmine Nichols' Team Panda Racing during the recent MotoAmerica races at Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin. The two racers sat down for a candid conversation about the racing season so far, the legendary track at Road America, and some thoughts on the season still ahead.
For more on the MotoAmerica season, click here:
For more Road Dirt, find us here:
Chat with Richard Worsham, Janus Motorcycles
We spent a few days in Goshen, Indiana with Richard Worsham and the good folks at Janus Motorcycles. Richard founded the company in 2011, and they specialize in building small displacement, vintage-looking single cylinder motorbikes, with modern components. These 100-year old looking motorcycles are built by hand, one at a time, using a 100-year old model of direct customer input, machining most of their own parts, and building relationships with their "Janus Family" customers.
We love their small motorcycles, and we think you will too.
For our full writeup with photos and footage, click here:
Janus Motorcycles: The Past Meets The Present
For more Road Dirt, visit our main "e-magazine" here:
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Interview with Neale Bayly, of Neale Bayly Rides
We spent a weekend riding and chatting with Neale Bayly, noted motorcycle journalist, adventure traveler, philanthropist, and now Road Dirt crew!
Neale has traveled the world on motorbikes, and has contributed to over 100 publications worldwide. But his heart is for children in need, and he has established a foundation, Wellspring International Outreach, that supports children's homes in Peru, Uganda, South Africa, and now a children's hospital in Lviv, Ukraine.
We hope you enjoy this conversation with an Englishman now living in Charlotte, North Carolina! We certainly did, and can say truthfully, it won't be our last.
For more on Neale and his International work, visit Wellspring here:
For Road Dirt's main media site, visit us here:
And our YouTube channel:
Vanessa Ruck: The Girl On A Bike, And A Mission
We chat "across the pond" with England's Vanessa Ruck, an inspiring young woman with a passion for motorcycles and a compelling story of overcoming adversity.
We hope you enjoy this conversation as much as we did!
For her full story with photos, check it out here:
https://roaddirt.tv/vanessa-ruck-the-girl-on-a-bike-and-a-mission/
For Vanessa's media site, check her out here:
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Interview with motorcycle racer Jasmine Nichols
We had the opportunity to talk with MotoAmerica Junior Cup motorcycle racer Jasmine Nichols, of Panda Racing. We discuss her rather late entrance into motorcycle racing, and how she's worked her way up through the ranks to now race at the premier national level.
This is the audio recording of the video interview we had with her, which can be found at the end of our race report on the MotoAmerica opening round at historic Road Atlanta. The audio gets somewhat rough when we move outside by her bike, with ambient paddock and racing sounds in the background.
Check out the video here-
https://roaddirt.tv/burning-bikes-bmw-and-the-beaubier-brothers/
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Three Middleweight Motorcycles- A Roundtable Discussion
We recently had the opportunity to ride and review, across several days, three midsize motorcycles- the 2023 Harley-Davidson Nightster Special, Indian Scout Rogue, and Honda Rebel 1100T. Road Dirt senior editor Rob Brooks was joined by editor-at-large Ted Edwards and guest tester Dave Wensveen, and after riding in numerous settings and conditions, the three of them sat down over coffee to discuss their impressions and observations.
For the written story, click here:
For the video review, visit us here:
Special thanks to Honda Powersports USA, Indian Motorcycle/The Brand Amp, and Harley-Davidson Motor Company.
Shout out to the sponsor of this podcast, Chuck Watwood and the good folks at Law Bike.
Midnight in Metropolis
We share a sort of "Moto Noir" tale penned by our resident veteran motorcycle rider and writer Joshua Placa. We think you'll enjoy this dark story of hard rain, dark and dangerous city streets, and unrequited love, astride a massive beast of a motorcycle.
Let us know what you think in the comments!
For Joshua's story with mood-fitting photos, click here:
https://roaddirt.tv/midnight-in-metropolis/
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Electric Adventure
We had about a month with Zero Motorcycle's DSR/X sport adventure bike, and thoroughly enjoyed it.
Electric is growing on us. Give a listen why.
For our main site article with photos and video footage, click here:
https://roaddirt.tv/electric-adventure/
For Zero Motorcycles, click here:
Helen Upson- A Kiwi Roaming America
A few years ago, I had the privilege to meet and interview one of the most interesting people I've ever met- world motorcycle traveler and proud New Zealander Helen Upson. We caught up with Helen as she was touring the United States on her custom 2009 Yamaha V-Max, and she recounted her decades long love affair with motorcycling, her far and wide travels on two wheels, and some of her other interests and achievements. Helen passed away suddenly in her native New Zealand back in January, so we decided it was time to pay tribute to a truly remarkable human being.
For her story with photos, click here:
https://roaddirt.tv/helen-upson-a-kiwi-roams-america/
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Safety vs. Joy
Motorcycling involves risk. In an age that prioritizes "bubble wrap" safety, bikers stand, or rather ride, counter to the culture.
Here's Editor-at-Large Ted Edwards' take on the "Safety vs. Joy" debate.
For his written story with photos, click here:
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Goodbye, Ron Mass
Former AMA Pro motorcycle racer Ron Mass passed away in January, with too little remembrance and recognition. We felt a short tribute was overdue.
For our online story with photos from Ron's heyday of racing in the 1970s, click here:
https://roaddirt.tv/goodbye-ron-mass/
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Robbie Knievel: His Father's Son
Robbie Knievel, famed motorcycle daredevil jumper and son of the legendary Evel Knievel, passed away in mid-January at 60 years of age. We take a look at Robbie's life and most famous jumps, reflecting on a few of our faves in the process.
For our full story with great photos from Robbie's epic career, click here:
https://roaddirt.tv/robbie-knievel-his-fathers-son/
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Thanks to our sponsor, Law Bike of Georgia!
Riding Into A New Year
Rob shares a special day he spent out riding his Triumph Bonneville on New Year's Day, offering some reflections on 2022 and projections for 2023.
For the story with photos, click here:
https://roaddirt.tv/riding-into-the-new-year/
Special thanks to our sponsors, Chuck Watwood and the good folks at Law Bike:
2022 Road Dirt Reflections
Road Dirt senior editor Rob Brooks reflects on the incredible year that was 2022. From new motorcycles, new adventures, and new relationships the Road Dirt Crew experienced, to returning to old familiar paths and ways like Joshua's and Ted's expansive travels, and even Rob's new old motorcycle (1978 Kawasaki KZ650), 2022 was amazing year. There were some spills, but more thrills, we must admit.
We hope you enjoyed your holiday season, and we look forward to sharing new roads and new stories with you in the coming year.
Join the Road Dirt Community! Like, subscribe, comment and share, this podcast and our other media platforms and pages:
Main website:
YouTube channel:
Facebook, Twitter, Instagram:
@roaddirttv
Spotify playlist:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5TZsbHPCnMHfkCNccCNNtm
See you in 2023!
Christmas Thanksgiving
Editor-at-Large Ted Edwards shares what he's most thankful for over this past year, as we head into the Christmas holiday season.
For Ted's written story with photos, click here:
Much thanks to our holiday podcast sponsors, Little Rider Enterprises! Check out their great children's books here:
To Give Is To Gain
In the Holiday Season, we share an occasion for generosity in the motorcycling community, and reflect on the giving hearts that so many riders possess: bringing Christmas cheer to children and families in need.
For the written story with photos, click here:
For more on the holiday work of the Salvation Army, click here:
Please visit our podcast sponsor!
Check out Cycle World of Athens!
Riding the Yamaha MT-10 SP
Road Dirt photo-journalist Ryan Nolan flies out to Los Angeles to ride the Yamaha MT-10 SP, around town, along the highways, and up in the mountains. Ryan gives his ride impressions, describes some of the unique features of the bike, and his assessment of it as a do-everything, well-rounded naked sportbike.
For Ryan's story with photos and ride footage, click here:
We're thankful for this month's podcast sponsors, Little Rider Enterprises! Check out their fantastic children's books:
In Search of Los Angeles
Editor-at-Large Joshua Placa points the Indian Super Chief Limited into the urban frontier that is Los Angeles, asking the existential question, "What is Los Angeles, really?" With his typical wit and wry sense of humor, Joshua weaves an entertaining tale of city life on a motorcycle, from the congested streets of NYC to the sprawling burbs of LA.
For his story with photos, click here:
Much thanks to Little Rider Enterprises for their holiday podcast sponsorship!
Check out their children's offerings here:
Conversation with the Authors of Mimi and Moto Children's Books
We share the audio portion of a video interview we had with Mark Augustyn and Nancy Gerloff, the authors of the popular "Mimi and Moto: The Motorcycle Monkeys" kids book series. We discuss their own motorcycling backgrounds, the inspirations behind writing this book series, and what they plan to write and publish next.
Looking for some enjoyable Christmas gifts for the younger kids or grands in your life? We think this book series would be a fun way to introduce children to the motorcycling life.
For the video interview with Mark and Nancy, click here:
For more on Mimi and Moto products, click here:
For Road Dirt's main "E-Magazine" site, click here:
Kevin Baxter and the Curve Bike
We share a portion of a conversation we enjoyed with Kevin Baxter of ProTwin Performance and Baxter's Garage. Kevin is a noted custom motorcycle builder, and one of North America's premier high-performance V-Twin engine tuners. We discuss his latest creation, the award-winning Curve Bike, diving into the bike's very personal inspiration, the unique features he built in, and the accolades the bike has received in the custom motorcycle world.
For the full-length video interview with plenty of ride footage, check it out here:
*Be sure to like, subscribe, and share this podcast if you enjoyed it, and check out our main motorcycle website here:
Haunted Highways- Tombstone's Undead
Joshua Placa plunges deeper into the Arizona ghostlands and visits the legendary town of Tombstone, famous for gunfights, gambling and ghosts.
For his written story with photos, click here:
Haunted Highways- Tombstone's Undead
For part 1 of this series, click here:
Haunted Highways- Arizona Ghostlands
Road Dirt Editor-at-Large Joshua Placa chases ghostly tales of the Old West in this first episode of our Halloween series on the podcast!
For the written story with ample photos, click here:
Haunted Highways- Arizona Ghostlands
Give us a like, subscribe and share if you enjoyed this!
Brian Stokes- A Motorcycle Life
We sit down for a chat with Brian Stokes- former AMA Motocross, Supercross, Formula Extreme and Supersport racer, crew chief, team leader, who also has supplied motorcycles to movies and television shows, and now maintains the marketing and media fleet for Triumph North America. Whew! Brian lives the motorcycling life, the #RIDELIFE as we call it, and shares his story with us here.
For the video of our interview, click here:
*Please visit our friends at Little Rider Enterprises for their wonderful children's motorcycling books and merch, Mimi & Moto!
The Moto Mindset
If you’re riding through a rough patch, on a motorcycle ride or in life, the key might be to make up your mind and throttle through. Motorcycle riders are characterized by a “can-do” spirit. We examine how and what we can improve, then we “get back on the horse” and roll out. It all begins in the mind and the will.
We share Rob's personal experience with this from a road trip this summer, and how "The Moto Mindset" helped him overcome adversity and uncertainty.
For more on this story and others, with photos and videos, check out our main e-magazine site:
https://roaddirt.tv/the-moto-mindset/
for the latest on our YouTube channel, click here:
*Please be sure to check out our sponsors, for great children's motorcycling books and toys:
Interview with Josh Hayes
We sit down for a chat with 4x AMA Pro Superbike champion Josh Hayes during the final MotoAmerica motorcycle road racing weekend at Barber Motorsports Park. After a brutal crash in practice that broke his left leg in several places, Josh returned to the track and talked with us about his racing life, his family, his work now as a coach and mentor, and his aspirations in 2023.
For our main moto site, check us out here:
*Thanks to our podcast sponsors, Little Rider Enterprises! For more on their entertaining children's book series, "Mimi & Moto: The Motorcycle Monkeys", visit their website here:
The Old Bike and the Sea
Ted Edwards account of the breathtaking beauty of riding old motorcycles along the Pacific Coast of Oregon and California.
For his written story with plenty of photos, click or copy/paste here:
The Budget Biker: Eat Right, Ride Cheap
On this episode, we share the wit and wisdom of Joshua Placa, veteran biker and moto-journalist, in the first installment of a series he calls, "The Budget Biker". We hope you enjoy this entertaining, maybe even idea-inspiring, tale from the open road.
For the written story with photos, follow this link:
Fighting the Giant: The Life of a Motorcycle Racing Privateer
Road Dirt's Ted Edwards talks with Max Flinders, MotoAmerica road racer competing in the Superbike class. Max and Ted discuss the struggles of being a "privateer" racer, with few sponsors, no crew besides family, and the hardships of going it alone.
Yet for a passionate racer like Max who loves the sport, what keeps him motivated? What keeps him on the road and on the track, pursuing his dream?
We think you'll find inspiration from this enthusiastic young man, and his faithful fans.
Riding The Storm Out
Storms find me, seeking me out like Sidewinder missiles, tracking me down whether I’m out for a day ride or on a multi-day road trip. There’s a cosmic determination to soak me at least once while I’m out two-wheeling, it seems, especially in the summer months. Here’s a few of my "wet tales", in no particular order other than how they come to mind.
By the end, leave one or two of yours in the comments below! Let’s commiserate together.
For the written story with photos, click here:
Wayne Rainey Rides Again
Three time Motorcycle GP World Champion wows the crowd at Goodwood Festival of Speed, by riding his 1992 championship-winning YZR500 motorcycle around the famed racetrack. What makes this so historic?
Give this a listen!
And here's the story with photos and video footage-
https://roaddirt.tv/wayne-rainey-rides-again/