The Route 66 Interpretive Center, one of several interesting stops on this Route 66 motorcycle ride, uses audio-visual exhibits to immerse visitors in the history of the Mother Road. The building was built in 1937 and served as an armory until 1971. Photos by the author and Steve Skinner.
U.S. Route 66 was established in 1926 and was billed as the shortest, fastest, and most scenic all-weather route connecting Chicago, St. Louis, and Los Angeles. Dubbed the “Mother Road” by John Steinbeck in his novel The Grapes of Wrath, Route 66 was used in the 1930s by migrants fleeing the Dust Bowl in search of a better life out West. During World War II, it facilitated the movement of troops and equipment. And during the post-war economic boom of the 1950s and 1960s, Route 66 became indelibly linked to the Great American Road Trip.
My home state of Oklahoma boasts about 400 miles of the historic highway – the most of any of the eight states touched by Route 66. The Mother Road played a central role in my budding love affair with riding. In 1977, at the age of 14, I rode a 100cc 2-stroke Kawasaki along one of the best stretches of Route 66 in the state – the 100 miles between Oklahoma City and Tulsa. The 200-mile round trip was my first long motorcycle journey. It took me all day and cost about $2 in gas, and my long-suffering parents had no idea what I was up to.
Forty-six years after that formative adventure, I retraced my route, only this time I allowed time to take in the roadside attractions and small-town charms that make Route 66 such an iconic piece of Americana. Once again, I felt right at home on the Mother Road.
Not far from my home, I hopped on Route 66 at its junction with Interstate 35 in Edmond. I headed east through wooded terrain and past sprawling Arcadia Lake before stopping at the Arcadia Round Barn. Listed in the National Register of Historic Places, it was built in 1898 by a local farmer who thought its round design would make it tornado-proof. Science may not support that belief, but the Round Barn has survived in the middle of Tornado Alley for 126 years. It’s now a museum, gift shop, and live music venue.
The Arcadia Round Barn, built in 1898, was designed to be tornado-proof and still stands in the heart of Tornado Alley.
Continuing east, the countryside along this stretch is a mix of woods, farmland, and grazing pasture. Although not the transcontinental artery it once was, Route 66 remains important to the communities it passes through. The tarmac is mostly in great shape, and the occasional sweeping turns are enough to get you off the center of your tires.
In Wellston, I stopped at The Butcher BBQ Stand, one of the best barbecue restaurants around. The award-winning flavors were developed during eight years on the competitive barbecue circuit, including more than 400 1st-place finishes. One of my riding buddies calls this barbecue “meat candy,” and he’s not wrong. Thirty minutes before The Butcher opened, the line was already out the door.
The Butcher BBQ Stand offers award-winning smoked meats on Route 66 near Wellston.
Just a few miles down the road in Warwick is the Seaba Station Motorcycle Museum, which was originally a Route 66 service station named after the proprietor back in the 1920s. The building was purchased in 2007 by Jerry Reis, and he opened the museum in 2010. It’s not only a great place to see a bunch of classic motorcycles, but it also has great Route 66 swag.
Seaba Station in Warwick has an impressive collection of vintage bikes and memorabilia as well as a great gift shop for some Mother Road swag.
I next headed east-northeast toward the town of Chandler, where roadside attractions include the Route 66 Interpretive Center and Route 66 Bowl, a bowling alley with dozens of authentic vintage oil company signs lining the parking lot.
Route 66 Bowl in Chandler with its collection of authentic oil company signs is one of the many Mother Road landmarks to visit on this ride.
Another 14 miles up the road, we stopped for lunch in Stroud at the Rock Cafe, another Route 66 institution. Opened in 1939, it’s named after the local sandstone used in its construction, and over the years it has been a trusted stop for long-haul truckers, a high school watering hole, and even a makeshift Greyhound bus station for soldiers shipping out during World War II. Pixar executives made stops at the cafe when developing the hit movie Cars and based the character “Sally Carrera” on proprietor Dawn Welch. The burger I had there was outstanding – and it was cooked on “Betsy,” the original 1939 grill.
The iconic Rock Cafe in Stroud gets its name from the sandstone used for its construction in 1939. The delicious food served up there is still cooked on the restaurant’s original 85-year-old grill, “Betsy.”
The final stop on my Mother Road reunion tour was Buck Atom’s Cosmic Curios on Route 66 in Tulsa to see “Muffler Man” Buck Atom, Space Cowboy. Few authentic Muffler Men – giant statues used by businesses for eye-catching advertising – remain. Buck Atom was created using a mold from a salvaged 1960s Muffler Man cowboy. Christened in 2019, Buck is 20 feet tall, and he now holds a silver rocket instead of a muffler. He stands guard over a gift shop at the site of an old Route 66 gas station in the heart of Tulsa. The new, old-time Muffler Man fits right in on the Mother Road.
A reimagined Muffler Man stands tall at Buck Atom’s Cosmic Curios in Tulsa.
Headed back to my home in Oklahoma City with daylight fading fast, I hopped on the interstate to make time – the very interstate that marked the end of Route 66’s prominence in Oklahoma, bypassing many of the communities stitched together by the Mother Road. True, the ride home was faster, but it was far less interesting. Just like during my first highway riding adventure back in 1977, I’m more at home on the Mother Road.
Tim DeGiusti lives and works in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Tim returned to motorcycling in 2012 after a long break, and since has ridden throughout Oklahoma and 38 other states (and counting).
It’s back to where it all began; the 2024 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship heads to Donington Park, where the first WorldSBK race fired into life some 36 years ago. Records will be set straight this weekend too, with Championship leader Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) seeking a second consecutive triple, whilst plenty of other riders are keen to make their own mark.
300 – Alex Lowes (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) needs three starts to become the sixth rider in WorldSBK history with 300 starts.
20×200 – The Superpole Race will make Michael Ruben Rinaldi (Team Motocorsa Racing) the 20th rider with at least 200 race starts in WorldSBK.
100 – It’s becoming a hard one for Spain: at Donington, Spain has the third chance to reach 100 wins; they have 98. They’re 5th in the all-time list behind the UK (307), USA (119), Australia (118), Italy (109).
99 – Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) needs two podiums to reach 100; Chaz Davies has 99.
95 – The countdown for Bautista has started: he has 95 podiums for Ducati, with the record just five away: Carl Fogarty at 100.
59 – Ducati have built up 59 podium finishes in Donington. Kawasaki are second-best with 54.
50 – Jonathan Rea (Pata Prometeon Yamaha) needs two races to set the record of WorldSBK starts 50 races higher than his closest challenger (427 to Troy Corser’s 377).
24 – British riders have won 24 races at Donington Park: in 2018, Michael van der Mark stopped a record sequence of 11 wins by British riders at Donington. It was also a first win for the Netherlands.
18 – Rea set the record of Donington podium finishes last year with 18 from Tom Sykes who has 17.
10 – 2024 marks the 10th anniversary of Ducati’s last Superpole in Donington (2014, Davide Giugliano). Despite this drought, they won’t be reached soon as their pole tally here is 15; Kawasaki is next at 10.
9 – 27 different winners at Donington: the most successful is Tom Sykes at nine, followed by Fogarty, Rea and Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) at six.
9-6 – WorldSBK arrives in the track in which BMW scored its first win in the hands of Marco Melandri, back in 2012. 12 years on and Razgatlioglu has the first chance to equal Melandri for BMW wins, nine, the highest value for the German manufacturer.
4 – ‘El Turco’ is running a streak of four wins for the first time in his career. With a win in Race 1, he will move to the top-14 streaks; with a full sweep, he will enter the top-10, as the 8th spot is occupied by a string of 7 run by Doug Polen in 1991.
1 – Donington Park was the stage of the first career win of four-time World Champion Carl Fogarty, back in 1992, Race 2, as well as his last win in the UK, with the #1 in Race 1 of Donington Park, 1999. It’s also the host of the first ever WorldSBK race from 1988, won by Davide Tardozzi.
1 – BMW recorded their first WorldSBK win at Donington Park in 2012, Race 1, that was also a 1-2 with Marco Melandri winning and Leon Haslam as runner-up.
DONINGTON PARK IS UNMISSABLE: watch the battles unfold in 2024 with the WorldSBK VideoPass!
The FIM Supersport World Championship heads into its fifth round of the season and two names are standing out in the table ahead of the Prosecco DOC UK Round at Donington Park. At Misano, Adrian Huertas (Aruba.it Racing WorldSSP Team) was the rider to beat thanks to his impressive double while rival Yari Montella (Barni Spark Racing Team) could only follow him at the flag, taking a pair of second place finishes on home soil. With their battle raging on, what drama will the UK have in store?
HUERTAS LEADS THE CHAMPIONSHIP: four victories in eight races
Huertas’ start to the season wasn’t perfect, winning Race 1 in Barcelona but also retiring from two races. However, everything changed at Assen and, since then, he has scored three wins and a second place in four races. He has never been on the podium in the UK in WorldSSP, but his switch to Ducati has suited him well so far. Montella is 11 points behind the Spaniard in the classification and has two wins and two other podiums this year. However, at Misano, he had to settle for two second places although he was the only rider who could go with Huertas; even a problem with the #99’s visor couldn’t prevent Huertas from winning. Stefano Manzi (Pata Prometeon Ten Kate Racing) took a podium last time out and sits third, 22 points behind the leader. Marcel Schroetter (MV Agusta Reparto Corse) was sixth at Misano but heads into Donington on the back of a solid Moto2™ return at Assen and Sachesnring.
THE CHASING GROUP: 24 points between fifth and ninth
Valentin Debise (Evan Bros. WorldSSP Yamaha Team) is fifth with 58 points and heads to Donington on the back of a stunning Misano rostrum in Race 2, his second of the year, and will no doubt want to continue that run. However, he will have to fend off Federico Caricasulo (Motozoo ME AIR Racing) who is just six points behind. In his first weekend with his new team, Jorge Navarro (Orelac Racing VerdNatura) achieved his best result of the year with two fifth places and will be hoping to continue that run. Bahattin Sofuoglu (MV Agusta Reparto Corse) is eighth and comes from two non-scores in Italy, while Glenn van Straalen (Pata Yamaha Ten Kate Racing) is just a point behind, and Lucas Mahias (GMT94 Yamaha) rounds out the top ten.
THE FIGHT IS ON: Edwards hoping to extend WorldSSP Challenge advantage
Tom Edwards (D34G Racing WorldSSP Team) has shown flashes of brilliance in WorldSSP and that’s led him to top spot in the WorldSSP Challenge field with 19 points, leading Simone Corsi (Renzi Corse) by nine points. Will the Australian and the Italian be dicing it out for WorldSSP Challenge honours, or will Luke Power (Motozoo ME AIR Racing) get in the mix?
LOCAL RIDERS AND WILDCARDS: home heroes looking for success
John McPhee (WRP-RT Motorsport by SKM-Triumph) is the highest-placed British rider in the standings with 25 points to his name but will be hoping to end a run of three races without a point. Tom Booth-Amos (PTR Triumph) is 18th and heads into his home round on the back of his best result of 2024 with tenth. The third Brit on the grid is wildcard TJ Toms (R&R Racing) who is set for his WorldSSP debut on the Yamaha R6. Eugene James McManus (ROKiT Haslam Racing) returns on the Panigale V2, after competing in the Catalunya Round in March. Elsewhere, Simon Jespersen and the Vince64 Racing Team by Puccetti will not be at the UK Round.
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The 2024 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship is heading to Donington Park, the home round for Jonathan Rea (Pata Prometeon Yamaha), who will be hoping to kickstart his campaign in style. After a tricky start to life in blue, the six-time Champion sat down at Misano to discuss the season so far, whether there have been any regrets about leaving Kawasaki and the progress he’s made at Yamaha since jumping on the R1 for the first time.
LEAVING GREEN FOR BLUE: “I can see the light, but I’m nowhere near there yet”
Rea left the Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK squad after nine seasons and six unprecedented World Championships, helping the Northern Irishman become statistically the greatest of all time in WorldSBK. After difficult seasons in 2022 and 2023, Rea left Kawasaki to pursue a new challenge with the Pata Prometeon Yamaha team, but success hasn’t been forthcoming so far. While KRT added two wins thanks to Alex Lowes in Australia, Rea is yet to step on the rostrum for Yamaha.
Discussing whether there were any regrets about his move, Rea categorically ruled them out: “Of course, I don’t regret any decision coming to Yamaha. I think I came for a different challenge in my career, and I’ve certainly found that. We say in English, ‘you’re always looking for the light at the end of the tunnel’ in difficult moments. I can see the light, but I’m nowhere near there yet. I know we’re going to find that way. As a racer, you want it tomorrow. Maturity has told me let’s ride this way and it’s going to come.”
2024 SO FAR: “Definitely not the dream I expected…”
This season has provided moments of brilliance for Rea, including a stunning pole in the wet at Assen, but he’ll be hoping these don’t turn into a flash in the pan. No podiums so far, just 31 points from 12 races and sitting 14th in the Championship standings so far is not how anyone would’ve envisaged Rea’s journey in blue beginning. During the interview, the 37-year-old reviewed his season so far, covering the highs and lows of 2024.
Reviewing the first part of the season, Rea said: “2024 definitely hasn’t been the dream I expected. Joining a new team, the opportunity was there to do well but, unfortunately, Phillip Island started the year horribly with a huge crash in the test and finished the weekend with another huge crash. That sucked a lot of energy. I was quite injured. I didn’t speak too much but it was my leg and shoulder. I just took some time to recover from that physically and mentally. Coming from a solid first test on the Yamaha R1, where I’d been fast and felt confident and good, in Australia I was a shadow of that. I wouldn’t say I was broken, but I was really frustrated. All the positive things we’d worked towards in the winter had been destroyed in one weekend.
“Throughout Barcelona, it was about rebuilding my confidence in the bike and the team and working in a positive direction. From the first race of the year, we’ve been making progress in a positive way. It would’ve been horrible if I started out with a race win and the season went the opposite way! The trend of the Championship is a positive one. We’re making slower progress than we want. Assen was a good weekend for me. It was the first time I rode the R1 in the wet. I didn’t feel great in the morning in the wet, but in Superpole, I committed to going out and doing laps. Step by step, I was fast. In the end, when the chequered flag fell, I was fastest. Pole position was a nice reward for me and all the team, to have a little lift in the project; it’s been tough, but I came here to try to win races and compete for podiums. There’s no points for Superpole, but it was nice just to give that little bit of a boost to everybody. What’s more important is to be stronger throughout the races.”
THE GOAL AT YAMAHA: “My dream is to win a race… step by step, we’re getting closer”
Although it’s been a difficult year so far, Rea was keen to outline what he feels is possible on the Yamaha R1 package, which was a race-winning bike last season and has been on the podium this year through teammate Andrea Locatelli and Remy Gardner (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team). It hasn’t quite clicked for Rea yet, but the Ulsterman is hopeful that it will soon as he goes in search of podiums and victories for the Japanese manufacturer.
Rea added: “My dream is to win a race. I feel quite far from that right now, but step by step we’re getting closer. I need to understand my bike riding on the limit. I love the bike, right from the first moment I rode it, I loved everything. At race speed, there’s a few areas of my confidence and trust in electronics, some things that aren’t falling into place right now. The Championship’s so strong right now that when everything isn’t completely lined up to ride on that level, I have no feeling; no real confidence to do that. I know what I need to do, but it’s just working with my crew to do that. I have to adjust my style, but I think, now, I need to keep my way and try to make this bike fit my style well. When the rider doesn’t 100% feel or have confidence, it’s really hard to make the difference. Once I’ve managed that, I’m sure I’ll be able to be there, competing with, at the very least, the other Yamaha riders. I think we have a really good base to fight with the top guys when everything’s together. The good thing is I feel there’s a lot of room to improve. I’m looking forward to unharnessing all the potential.”
Vermont’s unmaintained Class IV roads offer access to truly off-the-beaten-path scenery and long-forgotten historic sites as well as enchanting along this Vermont motorcycle ride. Photos by Susan Dragoo.
It’s all scenic. It’s all charming. And it’s all green … except when it’s not, and then it’s even better.
A few days into a trip to the lush forests of northeastern Vermont, we were reminded of Sedona, Arizona. The connection between these two dramatically different climes may at first seem nebulous, but Vermont’s consistent beauty called to mind the time we visited an outdoors outfitter in Sedona and asked, “Which are the most scenic trails?” The jaded clerk responded with a sigh, “All of them. They’re all scenic.” His tone let us know there was nothing to be gained by pressing him for further details. We would have to make our own choices from the seemingly infinite good ones available.
Burke Mountain’s ski lift sits idle in the summer, when the resort is popular with mountain bikers riding the nearby Kingdom Trails Network.
Likewise, trying to narrow down the best scenery in Vermont is a fool’s errand. It would be difficult to make a bad choice. Our adventure riding journey to the state’s Northeast Kingdom took us into what may be some of Vermont’s most remote territory, lending itself beautifully to the pursuit of riding motorcycles down dark, green, tree‑canopied lanes and over roads the likes of which Paul Revere might have traveled in colonial days.
Willoughby Gap is Burke Mountain’s most iconic view.
These are Vermont’s northeastern highlands, dubbed the Northeast Kingdom in the 1940s by a former Vermont governor in recognition of the area’s distinct culture and geography. The region lies within the southernmost range of the cold boreal forest of spruce and fir, birch and aspen, which stretches to the Arctic. It’s a place of long winters and short growing seasons where ponds, lakes, and villages nestle in valleys and twisting roads follow clear streams between small granite hills and mountains. Adventure in Vermont, like the New England states themselves, comes in tight and tidy packages, so the remoteness here can be surprising to the traveler accustomed to the vast, open American West.
Remnants of a 1930s Civilian Conservation Corps camp at the summit of Burke Mountain.
It was mid‑September, on the cusp of the imminent explosion of fall colors for which this place is famous. Still, there was plenty of sensory stimulation. Besides the inexplicable feeling of navigating these woods in a late summer shower, leaves were beginning to carpet the trail like gold doubloons cast forth from some cosmic seeder. Pungent scents of cut evergreens, vegetation at the end of its cycle, and earth, freshly disturbed by our tires and dampened by the rain, filled our heads with aromas fit for expensive candles sold in artisan shops. Days that started with fog and mist and ended with afternoon showers added mystique and urgency to move along yet held us in the moment, hoping it would never stop.
Riding in the Northeast Kingdom is an experience of lush, green forests and nearly infinite backroads.
Eric Milano, owner of MotoVermont (see sidebar below), led our group of a dozen riders from all walks of life. Most were successful in business and seeking another way to enjoy the outdoors. Sailors, skydivers, scuba divers, and racecar drivers, they were here to learn the nuances of adventure riding versus railing through the woods with their hair on fire, replaying the antics of their younger selves.
An adventure bike is the perfect vehicle for enjoying it, and MotoVermont organizes great tours to get the most out the area.
Our business, D.A.R.T. (Dragoo Adventure Rider Training), is often invited on such tours to coach guests not only on the finer points of riding well over difficult terrain but also the philosophy of leaving behind a legacy of responsibility as we explore on adventure motorcycles, a term that can apply to most any off‑road‑capable two‑wheeled machine with enough legs to make it between fuel stops.
Descending a rocky ledge lends the perfect opportunity for a little fun.
A high priority for adventure riders is respecting landowners and other trail users, helping to ensure trails stay open. There is more than enough joy in smelling the roses (and other flora) while tackling technical trails with natural obstacles. Adventure riders see no need to run loud pipes, ride at breakneck speeds, or travel off trail, risking damage to adjacent lands and hard‑earned relationships.
Respectful behavior on roads and trails helps to ensure continued access.
Our first day together was dedicated to enhancing rider skills, and the second was spent applying them over some of Vermont’s most remote backroads. Many are Class IV roads, barely maintained byways kept open mostly by locals who traverse their craggy, narrow tunnels on snow machines during winter and by motorcycle the rest of the year.
The mountains of the Northeast Kingdom offer some of the area’s most iconic scenery.
Our troupe traveled west out of Burke Mountain Resort, stopping off at Cafe Lotti in East Burke before turning north and entering the woods and our first Class IV challenge. Cafe Lotti is a homegrown hangout set in a typical aging Vermont building which has no doubt fueled generations of local folk and travelers alike with a belly full of breakfast and a hot cup of craft coffee or tea. It is the perfect meeting spot for adventure seekers of all types, from mountain bikers to adventure riders to cross‑country and downhill skiers.
Whether crossing a burbling stream or stopping for Pure Vermont Maple Syrup, there’s plenty to see along the trail.
We left town westbound and turned north into the woods, winding our way past drop lines – pieces of tubing strung between taps in a forest of maple trees like webs from a giant prehistoric and overactive arachnid. Eric stopped at the entrance to a steep, rocky uphill and explained the best options for a successful path of travel. Rain had turned the rocks into slippery entrapments like greased turtle shells, ranging from tiny spotted tortoises to 6‑foot sea turtles.
Most riders made the climb without incident, but one or two forgot their training and sat down or, worse, dragged their feet, losing control and learning the hard way why adventure riders stand up. Steering, suspension, and sight are all improved by standing tall and proud, and this mild lesson was a graphic illustration of just how important it is to do so in the rough.
Vermont’s deepest lake, glacial Lake Willoughby, boasts distinctive fjord-like rock formations and is a popular summer attraction.
The onset of rough terrain was the portal to this enchanted Northeast Kingdom, a region mentioned in Patricia Schultz’s book 1000 Places to See Before You Die, which boasts that when the foliage flames in autumn, this may well be the most beautiful place in America. Indeed, it should not be missed. A few years back, we made the trip by motorcycle during the peak of fall color, and years ago, Bill traversed Vermont by bicycle on his way across the northern tier of the United States, a solo journey that permanently pinned this place to his psyche and keeps us coming back.
Our rugged upward trail eventually turned down, and the trail from the top was no disappointment. Sketchy ruts through mudholes, strategically dispersed to reward good judgment in not rushing, kept us on our toes. Most of these roads shed water well and remained rideable, but caution was of the essence. The road continued to undulate throughout the 100‑plus‑mile clockwise loop that would eventually take us back to our starting point.
Roadside stands along the way offer a variety of goodies, including fresh eggs.
But first, a stop at Devaney Farmstand near the intersection of Hudson Road and Town Highway 29 outside West Charleston, Vermont. The clouds opened and rain came down in full force as we dismounted and climbed a stairway, ducking into a loft room where lunch had been laid out for us by Bob and Sharyl Devaney. Calzones, fresh corn on the cob, and apple pie awaited. We gobbled down the fare as rain drummed on the roof. Maple syrup, candles, fresh jams, and pies of all kinds added their fragrance to the shop, and antiques and other local trinkets were neatly displayed for anyone wanting a souvenir.
Our timing was perfect. The sun began to peek through the clouds as we said our thank‑yous and goodbyes to the Devaneys and fired up our machines. A short ride on twisty pavement led us back to the reason we were here: more Class IV roads. After skirting the fjord‑like Lake Willoughby, a glacial lake dotted with vacation cabins and summer camps, Eric turned right onto a barely noticeable two‑track trail that climbed steadily toward the mountain top.
It wouldn’t be a trip to Vermont without a covered bridge. The state has 104 historic covered bridges, and many of them are still in use today.
Eventually we descended again and crossed an old bridge leading onto a magnificent, fast gravel road following a river through the canyon. Although tempted to open up the throttle, good judgment kept our horses in check, and we ran at a brisk but reasonable pace. Riding right is critical here, as some turns are blind and, as remote as these roads are, we still saw other users. Respectfully, we would hold up five fingers to oncoming traffic if there were five or more riders behind us, then four, three, two, one, and the sweep rider held up a closed fist to indicate he was the last one. Trail etiquette is critical to maintain good relationships with the locals who hold the power to shut us out. We happily demonstrated good stewardship and appreciation for the privilege of exploring their home turf.
Riders take a break at Devaney Farms after a filling and delicious lunch.
We hit pavement just as the rain began again and made our way the last few miles to the resort. Parking under the canopy, we shed our outer gear and immediately began to relive all that had happened in a short couple of days. New friendships had been made and lessons learned. Everyone left with a quiver full of new skills and a renewed appreciation for our freedom to ride, perhaps not by lantern light warning the colonists of the British invasion, but with our own versions of enthusiasm as we explored the Enchanted Kingdom.
MotoVermont specializes in adventure motorcycle tours, training, rentals, and retail sales. Tours range from day rides in Vermont to week-long adventures farther afield, including New Mexico, Arizona, North Carolina, and other locations. Training events are typically 1-2 days in length with a focus on balance, mastery of bike controls, preparedness, and courtesy. Rental options include the Yamaha Ténéré 700, Kawasaki KLX 300, and Yamaha XT250.
MotoVermont founder and operator Eric Milano is a Backcountry Discovery Routes ambassador and a member of the development team for the NEBDR route. He spends much of his time developing tours and organizing events for adventure motorcyclists. MotoVermont has a retail store in Milton, Vermont, or you can meet them at one of the many rallies and events they attend throughout the Northeast. For more information, visit the MotoVermont website.
SIDEBAR: Burke Mountain Resort
Burke Mountain Resort offers a comfortable stay with great views of Burke Mountain or Willoughby Gap from every suite. Located three miles from the Kingdom Trails Welcome Center, the resort has 116 suites ranging from studios to three-bedroom suites.
Guests can enjoy pub food, craft beers, and cocktails at The View Pub on the second floor, with large windows looking out to Willoughby Gap. Edmund’s Coffee Shop, located in a cozy timber-framed room with stone fireplaces, serves breakfast and coffee. The resort also includes on-site retail shopping opportunities at Bear Essentials and Vertical Drop Retail, with products ranging from basic groceries to home décor and outdoor gear. Other amenities include a heated pool and hot tub, a family arcade, and a fitness center. For more information, visit the Burke Mountain Resort website.
Bill and Susan Dragoo own and operate Dragoo Adventure Rider Training (D.A.R.T.) in Norman, Oklahoma, and are widely published writers, especially in the field of adventure travel. Learn more at BillDragoo.com and SusanDragoo.com.
Carole Nash ambassador Jonathan Rea isn’t just a six-time WorldSBK champion, he’s a passionate motorcyclist who loves everything with two wheels and an engin… Source: Jonathan Rea On Facebook
The 2024 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship continues at Donington Park with the Prosecco DOC UK Round, while it’s also the second round of the WorldWCR. That Championship starts the weekend action at 09:40 Local Time (UTC+1) on Friday with Free Practice, before WorldSBK Free Practice 1 at 10:20. An hour later, WorldSSP Free Practice starts. In the afternoon, WorldWCR Superpole is at 14:10 and WorldSSP Superpole at 16:00, with WorldSBK Free Practice 2 at 15:00. On Saturday, WorldSBK FP3 is at 09:00 before WorldWCR and WorldSSP Warm Up sessions at 09:30 and 09:50. WorldSBK Tissot Superpole is at 11:00 before racing action starts, with WorldWCR Race 1 at 12:20, WorldSBK Race 1 at 15:00 and WorldSSP Race 1 at 15:15. On Sunday, Warm Up sessions start the day at 09:00 before WorldSBK Tissot Superpole Race at 11:00, WorldWCR Race 2 at 12:20, WorldSBK Race 2 at 14:00 and WorldSSP Race 2 at 15:15.
It’s coming home – that’s the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship, not football; although the latter could join WorldSBK on Sunday and there will be a few in the paddock hoping for a double celebration. World Superbike hits Donington Park, the circuit where it all started back in 1988, this weekend for Round 5 of an enthralling 2024 campaign with the Prosecco DOC UK Round. Grab your cuppas, enjoy a beautiful Sunday roast, and hope the British summer is in full swing for what’s set to be an epic visit to the United Kingdom.
THE FORM RIDER AT HIS FAVOURITE TRACK: will Razgatlioglu reign again?
Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) heads into Donington in form, with four wins on the bounce and six in the first 12 races of 2024. The historic venue is one of a few that he calls his favourite, and the stats show why: 14 races, six wins, five P2s and only three races outside the top two. He comes into the round with a slight injury – bruising to his leg – from a training accident, and it remains to be seen how that’ll impact ‘El Turco’. It’s also a track that’s suited BMW in recent years, with teammate Michael van der Mark on the podium there in 2021, Tom Sykes with two rostrums in the same year and Scott Redding (Bonovo Action BMW) taking a third-place finish in 2022 when racing for the ROKiT BMW outfit. Elsewhere, Garrett Gerloff (Bonovo Action BMW) claimed a podium finish when at Yamaha back in 2021 with second in Race 2, so could this be the round where the Bonovo BMW team bounce back?
RED CELEBRATIONS? Bulega and Bautista aim for return to winning ways
Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) has endured a difficult start to 2024 with only two wins in 12 races; last year, he won 11 of the first 12 races. However, the #1 has generally made progress throughout each weekend and he’ll take confidence from the fact he won two races at Donington last season, despite it being a track the Bologna manufacturer had struggled at before. For teammate Nicolo Bulega, it’s his first time at Donington on World Superbike machinery but he did the double in the UK last year in WorldSSP and has three podiums in four races. Perhaps this is the circuit where the Italian manufacturer can really kickstart their season, although history suggests it could be difficult.
HOME HEROES AIMING HIGH: Rea to fight for podiums, Lowes twins in contention?
2024 has been nothing short of a disaster for Jonathan Rea (Pata Prometeon Yamaha) so far but there have been promising signs. Pole at Assen, gains in testing and moving forward in races all show signs of what could happen and what better place for it to all come together than Donington Park? Five wins and 18 podiums on home soil, at a track Yamaha have gone well at in the past, mean the #65 will be hoping for a strong result. Alex Lowes (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) has been a standout performer this season with consistency the name of his game and that could prove crucial this year. No wins at Donington for the #22 have come so far, but he’s only been outside the top six twice at his home circuit since 2014. Twin brother Sam Lowes (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) will be hoping he can impress at his local track too with his first appearance in WorldSBK in the UK, although he did take a WorldSSP win in 2012 at Donington. Elsewhere, Bradley Ray (Yamaha Motoxracing WorldSBK Team) and Tarran Mackenzie (PETRONAS MIE Racing Honda) will be hoping for strong results on home soil, both having won there in British Superbikes.
SHOCKS ON THE CARDS? Lots of steps forward at Misano and in testing…
Almost exactly a year ago, Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team) claimed his first WorldSBK rostrum and last time out, he completed a heroic comeback to take P6 on Sunday at Misano. A podium might be one step too far as he’s still recovering but it’s something ‘Petrux’ will be aiming for. Donington has often proved tricky for Andrea Locatelli (Pata Prometeon Yamaha) with the Italian yet to score a podium; his best is P4, but will that change this year? Misano seemed to be a step forward for Iker Lecuona (Team HRC) with three top-ten finishes, his and Honda’s best weekend of the season so far and will be looking to continue that in the UK along with teammate Xavi Vierge. For Axel Bassani (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK), it’s a first weekend at Donington on the ZX-10RR but he seemed to make progress over recent rounds and tests, so he’ll be hoping he’s close to teammate Alex Lowes throughout the weekend. Andrea Iannone (Team GoEleven) has experience of Donington from the 125cc World Championship with his only points finish there coming in 2007 with 15th although he did crash out of the lead of the same race a year later, handing victory to 15-year-old Scott Redding. Tito Rabat (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing) has showed good pace in testing; will it be the same this weekend?
LOOKING TO MOVE UP THE ORDER AT DONINGTON: hoping to turn their UK fortunes around
Remy Gardner (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) heads into Donington on the back of a MotoGP™ return as he stood in for Alex Rins at the German Grand Prix, putting in a respectable performance on the Yamaha M1 machine. Both Gardner and teammate Dominique Aegerter struggled to make the top ten here last year but will be aiming to break that barrier this year. Michael Ruben Rinaldi (Team Motocorsa Racing) had a run of top-ten results at Donington between 2021 and 2022 but a difficult start to the year means this could be tricky to replicate. Adam Norrodin (PETRONAS MIE Racing Honda) and Philipp Oettl (GMT94 Yamaha) will be looking to impress after tricky starts to their campaigns.
The 2025 BMW R 1300 GS Adventure receives significant upgrades.
For 2024, the BMW R 1300 GS was massively updated, including a new and more powerful Boxer engine, a new sheet-metal main frame, a new cast-aluminum subframe, a next-gen suspension system, and more. For 2025, the BMW R 1300 GS Adventure is added to the lineup, with a few changes that make it even more capable of long-haul touring and adventure riding.
The 2025 R 1300 GS Adventure benefits from the upgrades made to the base GS, including the 1,300cc Boxer engine that produces a claimed 145 hp at 7,750 rpm and 110 lb-ft of torque at 6,500 rpm. The new engine is also lighter in weight than the previous 1,254cc engine by 9 lb, while the whole powertrain weighs 14 lb less.
Another upgrade to the GS and GSA is the laser-welded sheet-metal main frame and cast-aluminum subframe, which is said to be lighter, stiffer, narrower, and more tightly bonded to the main frame. The Telelever and Paralever suspension systems have been replaced with the next-gen EVO Telelever and Paralever systems. Both bikes also receive significant styling updates, including a replacement of the signature asymmetrical headlight with a centralized X-shaped headlight. For a more comprehensive overview of the BMW R 1300 GS upgrades, read our First Ride review here.
The BMW R 1300 GSA departs from the GS in a few key aspects meant to make it more capable for longer adventures. Most noticeable is the massive 7.9-gallon fuel tank, which holds nearly three gallons more than the tank on the GS. This large tank has rubberized trays on either side, where tools and items can be placed when stopped.
The GSA also gets longer suspension travel than the GS, from 7.5 inches front and 7.9 inches rear to 8.3 inches front and 8.7 inches rear, the same travel length found on the previous R 1250 GS Adventure. The seat height is a tall 34.3-35.0 inches, which can be reduced to 33.1-33.9 inches when stopped if equipped with the optional Adaptive Vehicle Height Control. The wheels on the GSA are spoked compared to the GS’s cast wheels, and the GSA has a wet weight of 593 lb compared to the GS’s 523 lb.
The BMW R 1300 GS Adventure also includes a few extras that do not come standard on the GS. Where the GS comes with a short Sport windscreen, the GSA has a standard large windscreen with two large transparent wind deflectors. Riders can also choose to purchase the optional electric windscreen adjustment. The GSA also includes an engine guard and a centerstand as standard, adding more adventure-ready attitude to the beefier GSA.
Electronics on the GSA include a 6.5-inch TFT with connectivity, Full Integral ABS Pro, Dynamic Brake Control, Dynamic Cruise Control, Dynamic Engine Brake Control, Dynamic Traction Control, Hill Start Assist, a keyless ignition, three riding modes, heated grips, full LED lighting, a USB-C charging port, a 12-volt power socket, and Intelligent Emergency Call.
One exciting option for the GSA is the Automated Shift Assistant, in which two electromechanical actuators automate the clutch and gearshift of the 6-speed transmission, eliminating the need to use the hand clutch lever at all.
Other optional technology includes Ride Modes Pro with three additional riding modes, Electronic Dynamic Suspension Adjustment, Adaptive Vehicle Height Control, Headlight Pro with an adaptive headlight, and Riding Assistant with Active Cruise Control, Front Collison Warning, and Lane Change Warning.
The GSA is designed to be modified, and BMW offers many accessories for this model. Riders will notice three fastening elements on the upper tank paneling that are prepared to mount the optional 12-liter tankbag with a waterproof inner bag. A range of aluminum side and top cases are available, as well as items to enhance passenger comfort, wind protection, heated seats, and more.
2025 BMW R 1300 GS Adventure with optional equipment
GSA owners can also choose options packages to equip. The Premium Package includes Ride Modes Pro, sport brakes, Riding Assistant, Shift Assistant Pro or Automated Shift Assistant, Headlight Pro, GPS prep, chrome plated headers, electrically adjustable windscreen, aluminum side case mounts, and aluminum top case mount. The Enduro Package Pro includes handlebar risers, short enduro hand levers, height-adjustable GS Vario rider footrests, hand protectors, and front turn signal relocation stalks.
2025 BMW R 1300 GS Adventure
The 2025 BMW R 1300 GS Adventure base model will be available in solid Racing Red. The Style Triple Black version, with large aluminum radiator cowls with holders for bags, comfort seats with seat heating, a luggage holder, and a high windshield with large wind defectors, comes in a black color scheme.
2025 BMW R 1300 GS Adventure Style Triple Black
The Style GS Trophy version comes in Racing Blue and Racing Red and includes a smaller Sport windscreen and sport grab handles for the passenger, large radiator cowls with mounts for bags, and aluminum tank trays.
2025 BMW R 1300 GS Adventure Style GS Trophy
The Option 719 Karakorum comes in Aurelius Green with gold accents and includes small aluminum radiator cowls, a protective grille on the auxiliary headlights, heated rider and passenger comfort seats, a luggage rack, and a small Sport windscreen.
2025 BMW R 1300 GS Adventure Option 719 Karakorum
The 2025 BMW R 1300 GS Adventure will be available in the last quarter of 2024, and pricing will be announced closer to the market launch.
It was billed as a new era ahead of the season and we’re getting it with interest; the 2024 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship has been absolutely off the wall and there’s still a whole lot of room for a whole lot more stories. We take a look at some of the biggest stories of the year so far after just four rounds, to see where we’re at as we head for the halfway point.
TOPRAK AND BMW’S SUCCESS: mesmerising achievements after four rounds
One thing that’s clear is that Toprak Razgatlioglu’s (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) gamble to join BMW has been one that has paid enormous dividends. Six wins from 12 races, including the last four, he’s leading the Championship by 21 points over rookie Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati). What has been a surprise to many is that Toprak’s success comes so early on in the journey with BMW and at tracks he and the manufacturer had never previously won – Barcelona and Assen are tracks neither had won at, whilst Misano welcomed the manufacturer’s first ever triple despite never winning there before. Toprak’s proving his worth and making the difference and with the successive tracks coming up, he’s in the driving seat of the World Championship.
STRUGGLING MORE THAN BEFORE: Bautista competitive but not in control
He came into the preseason injured following a testing crash at the end of last year and with the new weight rules, hasn’t quite struck a sweet spot with his Ducati Panigale V4 R – we’re talking about Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati). The reigning double World Champion has struggled at times in 2024, particularly in Superpole, where his best effort came at Misano but was still only fifth. Besides that, he’s been a third row starter at best. In the racing however, he’s been able to pull through but hasn’t looked convincingly like he’ll dominate like he did at the start of 2023. Barcelona’s Race 2 and Assen’s Superpole Race are all that he can celebrate in terms of wins so far, with him not even his beloved leaving Phillip Island as a winner. His future hangs in the balance: does he stay? Does he leave? He’s focused on returning to winning for the timebeing.
FEELING BLUE: Rea’s switch to Yamaha has been far from a dream
When it was announced that Jonathan Rea (Pata Prometeon Yamaha) would leave Kawasaki after nine seasons in pursuit of a seventh World Championship but with Yamaha, everyone instantly got excited and optimistic. However, so far, it couldn’t have been further from what he had wished for and what we expected. A solitary pole position at Assen is about the highlight of the season for the #65, whilst he was fifth in the Superpole Race at Assen, albeit by his own admissions in a “conditions” weekend. Six races to just score points and so far, no threat of a podium, Donington Park will hope to offer a reprieve for the 37-year-old. Although, podiums are in his words, ‘out of the question’ right now and instead, just finishing races and challenging for the top ten are his targets, as of Sunday afternoon at Misano. Other Yamahas suchas teammate Andrea Locatelli and Remy Gardner (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) have been on the rostrum and are having good seasons, so the potential is there for Rea too.
BULEGA IMPRESSIVE: the best WorldSSP graduate we’ve ever seen?
Coming up from WorldSSP as Champion, Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) is punching above what was perhaps expected of him. The #11 has been something of a revelation, winning his first-ever WorldSBK race – which was a flag-to-flag nonetheless and his only win so far – and going on to lead the Championship and take six further podiums. However, they’ve all been in P2 and when he’s not been there, he’s been outside the top four more often than not, hence why he’s trailing Toprak in the standings, albeit a solid Misano weekend saw him comfortably the fastest Ducati. An improvement consistency and notching up a couple more wins will help Bulega, who’s already made a step in opening lap aggression to keep himself in contention early on from Misano.
MARKED IMPROVEMENTS FOR ALEX LOWES: consistent and podiums put him P4
It was a majestic start to the season for Alex Lowes (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) as he took a double win at Phillip Island, something of a solid foundation to build from. Now the team leader within KRT and working with new crew chief Pere Riba, Lowes managed to put the bike in the top five in Barcelona – a circuit it has historically struggled at – whilst podiums have come at both Assen and Misano since. Kawasaki’s upgrades have helped but along with working with Riba, being the team’s captain and all the experience and understanding of the ZX-10RR have all worked together to put Lowes fourth in the standings, just 31 points behind Bautista in P3 and 55 from Razgatlioglu who leads.
OTHER STORIES: Iannone strength, BMW overall rise and Honda struggles and a surprise winner
A myriad of other stories include Andrea Iannone’s (Team GoEleven) rather seamless return to World Championship action, having had a podium in his first-ever race at Phillip Island and another in Barcelona. However, Assen and Misano were more challenging for the #29 even if he was able to fight for the podium in the former and make amends at the latter. BMW’s overall uptick in form has been echoed by Michael van der Mark (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team), with the Dutchman having taken nine top ten finishes and a best of fourth in Race 2 in Barcelona.
It’s been a tricky season so far for Honda as Xavi Vierge (Team HRC) and teammate Iker Lecuona struggled to make an impact early on, the latter being injured. However, since the Cremona test in May, there’s been an improvement and at Misano, Lecuona was in the top ten in every race. A second strong test came at Cremona whereas team boss Jose Escamez claimed ‘little by little, we’re getting there’ after a Barcelona test. Now review of the opening third is complete without a mention to Nicholas Spinelli either, who was in the right place at the right time but crucially, on the right tyre to take a historic WorldSBK win at Assen, the first for Marco Barnabo’s Barni outfit.
DONINGTON PARK IS UNMISSABLE: watch the battles unfold in 2024 with the WorldSBK VideoPass!
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