Story Archives of 'motorcycles'

40 Years of Zen and Motorcycle Maintenance

By Abby Goldstein on Monday, September 29, 2008.

More than 40 years ago, author Robert Pirsig and his son Chris set off on an iconic journey – a 17-day motorcycle trip from Minneapolis to San Francisco. The resulting book, Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, became the most widely-sold philosophy book ever. Over 5 million copies have been snapped-up around the world in 27 different languages.

Toronto Star motorcycle and auto editor Mark Richardson celebrated the 40th anniversary of Pirsig’s great American road trip with an adventure of his own: He became a “Pirsig Pilgrim” and retraced the now-famous route on his 1985 Suzuki dirt bike. He covered 2700 miles and met some of the same people Pirsig met. Mark has just released his own chronicle of the journey, Zen and Now: On the Trail of Robert Pirsig and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance. He joins us on Word of Mouth to discuss his trip and Pirsig’s legacy.

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Revved Up, But Not For Harleys

By Virginia Prescott on Tuesday, September 2, 2008.

For motorcyclists, especially Harley fans, the Harley-Davidson Festival in Milwaukee this past weekend was a big draw.

Organizers reported selling more than 120,000 tickets to the Harley riders and guests, who descended on their city to celebrate the company’s 105th birthday. Fans rode in from across North America; and some came from as far away as New Zealand. For four days, the festival hosted comedians, bike stunts, a lot of beer, and rock 'n' roll. Bruce Springsteen played a three-hour set, and other performers included ZZ Top, Foo Fighters, and Kid Rock.

In the middle of all this Harley love, two radio producers and natives of Milwaukee, David Maxon and Paul Hancock, decided to find cyclists who are not big Harley fans. They spoke with members of a unique subculture - Milwaukee riders who prefer vintage Japanese and European motorcycles. They asked them what it's like loving motorcycles that are not Harley Davidson's, even while living in the capitol of hog nation. They produced this piece, “Hardly Davidson,” for Milwaukee Public Radio.

(Photo by Adamos Maximus)

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Bike Week

By Shay Zeller on Thursday, June 15, 2006.

It's Motorcycle week in Laconia, and local businesses and tourism officials have been keeping a close eye on the bottom line, hoping that rainy weather doesn't keep people away. We'll find out how it's been going so far. And we'll talk to the motorcycle man himself: Biker and Donut Shop Owner Phil Englehardt is writing a new series of novels about a lone rider.

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Tuesday's Postcard from Bike Week

By Cheryl Senter on Tuesday, June 13, 2006.

For plenty of participants, Bike Week is nothing short of a Dionysian pilgrimage.

While most participants hope that their road of excess leads to a good time, some bike week denizens have their eyes squarely fixed on the bottom line.

And success means following the time tested formula, "know your customers and meet their needs."

Freelance producer Cheryl Senter talked to some people on both ends of this enduring dynamic.....and sent New Hampshire Public Radio this audio postcard.

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Postcards from Bike Week

By Cheryl Senter on Sunday, June 11, 2006.

Bike week in Laconia started off a little wet this year.

Still that didn’t stop people from coming from near and far to enjoy the week long festivities.

Freelance Producer Cheryl Senter met a few bikers on their way to Laconia.

They were Blaine Dahle and Josh Weinbaum from Hartford, CT, John McCarthy from Lynn, Massachusetts and Dan Hynes from Peabody.

They had all taken a brief pit stop at the State Liquor Store rest stop on I-93 in Hooksett.

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How to Ride a Motorcycle in 20 (very wet) Hours

By Cheryl Senter on Friday, May 26, 2006.

While most of the state was trying to stay dry two weekends ago, ten people were dreaming of warm, sunny days and open roads.

In the driving rain that weekend, those brave individuals spent 14 hours in the Tri-town Ice Arena Parking lot in Hooksett.

They were taking the State's Basic Rider, 20 hour, motorcycle training course.

Freelance Producer Cheryl Senter was also there...and she sent us this postcard.

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Loud Pipes... and the Bikers who Love Them

By Raquel Maria Dillon on Wednesday, July 28, 2004.

The sounds of summer… children splashing in the pool, a gentle breeze in the trees, a drenching thunderstorm… and the roar of a motorcycle. Many people cannot understand the appeal of straddling a roaring engine that rattles windows blocks away. Their complaints have inspired law enforcement officers to crack down on loud motorcycles. But for some Granite Staters, revving up the Harley is essential part of the season. New Hampshire Public Radio's Raquel Maria Dillon has more.

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The Hells Angels Hold a Business Meeting in Laconia

By Mark Bevis on Friday, August 1, 2003.

An international meeting of the Hell's Angels has been gathering in Laconia.

Anywhere from 900 to 1500 representatives from chapters all over the world are expected to attend.

The secret meeting is being held about a mile from Weirs Beach at the Laconia chapter's clubhouse.

But as New Hampshire Public Radio's Mark Bevis reports, the motorcycle gang's gathering may not be what you'd expect.

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We're First in the Nation on Motorcycles too

By Raquel Maria Dillon on Tuesday, June 17, 2003.

The state of New Hampshire is first when it comes to presidential primaries- and motorcycles. According to statistics complied by the Motorcycle Industry Council, New Hampshire has more motorcycles per person than any other state. And that's despite New England's chilly weather.
New Hampshire Public Radio's Raquel Maria Dillon wanted to find out why.

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Women Bikers

By Laura Knoy on Friday, June 6, 2003.

Bike week in Laconia, NH starts on June 7th. We'll find out why more women than ever are taking to the open road on two wheels. Our guest is Sasha Mullins, biker and frequent contributor to bike magazines and owner of the bikerlady.com website.

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