Whatchathinkin'

Triumph Daytona

Learning Leaning: 

How to overcome our instincts and increase lean angle

Mark Barnes, PhD

We've all hit the invisible wall, that intersection of mounting fear and deepening lean angle beyond which we cannot go.

Like a sci-fi forcefield, it blocks us from moving into an area that we know, intellectually, is ours for the taking. We see others maneuvering there with ease, yet something within us refuses to obey our commands to enter, no matter how vehement or gentle our internal voice. What's going on?

Common Tread

The Science Behind James Bond Revealed In Blockbuster Museum Of Science And Industry Exhibit

“007 Science: Inventing the World of James Bond,” featuring gadgets, tech, Jaws’ teeth and a fleet of Bond vehicles, opens Thursday and runs through October. 

Bond, James Bond

     
A very peculiar piece of footage from the Philippines shows the moment when a motorcyclist believes that a ghost manifested in the middle of a road and then vanished after it was seemingly struck by the bike. The eerie incident, which was captured by way of a helmet camera, reportedly unfolded early Saturday morning as Karl Dagus and a companion were cruising along a national highway that passes through the city of Cagayan de Oro. Their ride took a chilling turn when a person suddenly appeared in the otherwise desolate road and, as the motorcycle approached, moved in front of the bike rather than avoid it. 

A Ghost Rider?

       
Save the Date!

The Second Annual Cars & Guitars

July 20, 2024

120 County Road 521

Hampton Township, NJ

Right in Backroads' Neighborhood... 

(If they had "neighborhoods" up here?)

Last year's inaugural event was a winner on every front and this years it'll be even better.

This is a classic old-school event - the way towns used to do things.

Bring your car, truck or motorcycle and be part of it.

Food.

Rock & Roll.

Fun for everybody!

Cars & Guitars

You either suck, or you don't... 

Keep your garage looking spiffy with one of these wet/dry vacs. We tested six of them, including a Shop-Vac, to find the best for you.

The trusty wet/dry vacuum is a cornerstone of garage cleanliness. Commonly called "shop vacs" after the popular Shop-Vac brand, these handy large-capacity vacuums can suck up both dry and wet messes, from oil-soaked kitty litter to wood shavings. They're perfect for construction, woodworking, and general filth cleansing. But like anything, there are a slew of varieties. Which one do you get?

With this test, we aim to answer that question. We've called in a wide range of wet/dry vacuums to evaluate which ones perform better in various situations.

Shop Vacs

Backroads Magazine Current Edition

Motomarathon is a great bunch of days on the road. It's about riding as many twisties and scenic roads as possible, over four full days. Routes are kept secret until the night before each event. Through a series of self-recorded checkpoints, riders verify completion at the end of each day's ride. This year there will be Two MotoMarathons in the northeast.

See you there!
 

MotoMarathon

 They Did VFX the ’90s Way and That's Why It Won an Oscar!

It only took 70 years, but Godzilla has finally gone home with the gold. Godzilla Minus One made history at the 96th Academy Awards, securing the Academy Award for Best Visual Effects, a first-time win for the Godzilla franchise. 

We saw this movie late last year and were blown away by how good it really was. Serious monster flick, with just enough Japanese goofiness.

Good for Godzilla! He is on a different level in this film!

 Minus One isn’t just a great movie, but a prime showcase of director Takashi Yamazaki’s strong artistic vision and proof that Godzilla’s ability to change with the times is unparalleled among film characters.

Get some popcorn and fire this bad boy up.

Godzilla!

What? Did You Rally Think We Were Done...

A friend asked for a carrot to get her through the winter...

Well here it is, the Backroads' Spring Break 2024!

This long weekend will start on a Thursday, along the upper Delaware River in Hancock, New York and then meander west to Williamsport, Pennsylvania. This region of the Endless Mountains is a pure joy to ride and explore.

This SB will be a bit different, and we want to see how good you are at navigating and route planning. Any Road Whisperers out there?

The # 1 rule is Nulla Praecepta - have at it!

So, you got the basics... now it's up to you. Create your best route for any given day, and send your GPX files to [email protected].

These routes will be judged by Mr. Notso Happy, Pepe & Spenser T. Cat, and the top journeys will be posted for all.

Have fun and good luck!
 

Spring Break 2024

Sold as a pair, a quick “set and click” latches them into place and simple “pull and lift” removes them from the motorcycle rack.  These quick release plates have a universal designed allowing installation of a wide range of soft saddlebags, including the popular Rigg Gear 100% waterproof Hurricane Saddlebags (SE-4050) and Sierra Saddlebags (SE-3050).  These luggage plates dramatically reduce the installation and removal time of most soft-saddlebags onto pannier racks from minutes to mere seconds.

Nelson Rigg Plates

                             It's Almost Baseball Season!

 Could you be a Zany mascot for a MLB farm system team?
Standing out in the Minor Leagues requires talent, commitment and persistence. If you've got none of those things, a ridiculous costume might do.

The world of the Minors is filled with all kinds of characters -- from prospects making pro debuts to rehabbing Major League veterans -- but perhaps none do as much to shape that world, in all of its wackiness, than mascots. Their energy sets the tone at the ballpark, they fill the time between half innings with laughs and, in many cases, they form the very identity of the hometown franchise.

With that in mind, here's one unforgettable Minor League mascot from every Major League organization.

Zany Mascots

Ramapo 500

Progressive

Bluebird of Bitterness

The Elias Cole

Sussex, New Jersey

Nancy and griddle-master Roland, have a true northwest Jersey gem along the north end of Route 23, just below High Point State Park.

A classic old-school eatery - they serve up superb breakfasts, hearty lunches and have some SERIOUS pie too!

Make it a point to bring your friends...all are welcome.

but, take note - Cash only - We told you they were old school!

 

The Elias Cole

Shipping Out to Boston

Dropkick Murphys

In honor of Saint Patricks Day we thought we'd hear a great band , doing a sorta, kinda , maybe Irish-style tune...

If you have never heard the Dropkick Murphys you are in for a treat!
 

Shipping Out to Boston