Sunday Afternoon Diversions - Blue Ridge Parkway Turns 75!

The Blue Ridge Parkway's first pavement was laid on 11 September 1935; it's 469-mile length started at the Cumberland Knob right next to the North Carolina and Virginia border region. Many local events will be held in honor of this milestone including the Blue Ridge Bike Fest, 9 - 11 April 2010, and the Wheels Through Time Museum will hold an exhibit entitled “Motoring the Blue Ridge Parkway." It would be a great ride for your summer trip. For more details, take the link.

http://tinyurl.com/yb3fkm9

More Afternoon Moto News - Triumph Colors, Dallas Chopper Show and the Oak Tree Tavern at VIR

Triumph is introducing some new paint schemes on their 2010 models. The newest color is the very cool Scorched Yellow, which will be available on the Street Triple. It's not the biggest news, but it is nice to know.

http://tinyurl.com/y8w3swm

Viper Motorcycles is now a major sponsor for the Rick Fairless Strokers Dallas Bike Show and Parts Expo in Texas and running in April of this year (no dates provided in the press release). It will be another repli-chopper type show with miles of chrome and very stretched out forms and bars, but you may find it interesting if yo are, in fact, into those sorts of motorcycles. Check out the release after the link.

http://tinyurl.com/yhsx9jk

The Oak Tree Tavern, at Virginia's Virginia International Raceway, will be holding its re-Grand Opening on 29 January 2010. The restaurant and bar has new management and a completely new menu. It will be open as a regular establishment and is family-friendly. If you get near VIR, you now have a historic place to eat your meals and drink your pleasure.

http://tinyurl.com/yhsqgmg

Rather Talented Motocross Family from Virginia - Ryan and Dillon Smith

The brothers Ryan and Dillon are 15 and 12, respectively, and they are very good motocross athletes. Ryan won the 'triple crown' (450 Open C, Schoolboy I, 250C classes) and Dillon managed to become double champion himself in the 85cc (ages 9 - 11) and the Unlimited Mini (9 - 13) classes. Even their father is stunned, and I guess we all are! Have a read...

http://tinyurl.com/y8d6ggm

Virginia International Raceway Announces 2010 Event Dates

About the only events we are interested in are the motorcycle dates, and there are plenty of those on this calendar. Too many to list here, for sure. They have also announced season ticket pricing. So, take the link and check out the schedule for something you may want to attend!

http://tinyurl.com/yh59yo9

Portsmouth Display of 100 Years of Motorcycles

At a second-floor gallery in Portsmouth, Virginia is a collection of motorcycles with an eye towards design. The entire display is contained in the Courthouse Galleries located next to the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame. If you are close, you should see it!

http://tinyurl.com/kse2g3

Direct link to museum: http://tinyurl.com/n23xym

Out of Virginia - VIR Preview from Team Foremost Pegram Racing

This weekend's AMA race at Virginia International Raceway is looking to be worth watching - every minute of it! With Larry Pegram charging to the front of recent races - and with three wins to his credit so far this season - he is the man to watch.

Read a race preview here: http://tinyurl.com/lofcj8

Some History on the Motorcycle in Virginia

In the Olde Town of Portsmouth, there is an interesting museum where the history of the motorcycle is displayed for all to see - all those with US$5 for adults, US$2 for those under 17. The collection is mostly focused on the early 1900's up to the late 1980's. It is well worth the trip if you live in or visit the area!

http://tinyurl.com/kjb3hn