Motorcycle

Maybe you just aren’t content with the calm rides you find in the Lower 48. Whether you’re riding a long mountain highway, or racing through the desert, it just isn’t thrilling enough.

The thrill factor — that’s why some riders set their sights on the last great American wilderness, Alaska. 

But even if you’re an experienced rider, Alaska can be hard to tame. Here’s a few of the biggest hazards you’ll encounter if you dare to venture into the wild, frozen north. 

Winter 

Even if you’ve been a hardcore rider for thirty years, you don’t want to tangle with winters in Alaska. With sub-zero temperatures, keen wind, and tons of snow, sometimes it’s not even safe to venture out in survival vehicles. If you do want to tackle Alaska, do so in the high summer, which offers mild mid-60s for weather and colorful blooms. Even then, locals say it rains a ton. 

Mosquitos 

Alaskans jokingly refer to mosquitos as their state bird, and routinely make jokes about being carried off by flocks of them. Because the mosquitos are so huge and numerous, you’re best off wearing a full-face helmet, even when you stop to take pictures. Insect repellant only helps a little when it comes to these monsters. 

Roads 

While the major highways are in decent condition, the side roads aren’t necessarily that great. If you venture to Alaska, be prepared for bumpy roads with random curves and pot holes. If you can pack a spare, you should — especially because the next motorist might be hundreds of miles away. Also, being comfortable with riding on gravel is a must. 

Gas Stations 

Make sure to pack some fuel for the road, especially if your bike guzzles it. Gas stations are few and far between. What’s more, they often only accept cash or select credit cards, and since you don’t want to be caught with an empty tank, it makes sense to carry cash and fuel. 

Wildlife 

One of Alaska’s biggest draws is its wildlife. Majestic eagles, grizzly bears, and moose all make appearances alongside the road. While they may be cute, and it may be tempting to interact with them, it’s best to keep on riding for your safety and theirs. 

Final Tip

If you’re dying to brave the Alaskan wilderness, consider paying for an experienced tour guide — there are professional motorcycle riders who offer tours by bike. The gorgeous scenery, lonely vistas, and open roads will make it worth it. 

Two Rivers Customs specializes in making old bikes look new, building custom bike frames, and more. If your ride could use a new paintjob or some new accessories, email us at sales@tworiverscustoms.com.

If you’ve rode your motorcycle more than a few hundred miles, it’s probably happened to you: you’re cruising along, minding your own business, when a storm splits the sky. 

Your ride can go from “nice” to “hell” in seconds. 

While it’s probably safest to pull over under an overpass and wait for it to go away, you don’t always have time. If you’re trying to meet up with someone, or if you just want to get home, you’ll want to keep riding. 

Wild weather is dangerous, though. Before you make the decision to plunge into the storm, make sure you have the gear on our checklist. 

1) Full-Face Helmet

That centurion-inspired helmet looks bad-ass, but will it save you from the weather? Without a full-face helmet, rain and wind can hurt your eyes and blur your vision, making it harder to drive. If you don’t have a helmet with a visor, it’s probably best to pull over. 

2) Rain-X 

This life-saving chemical can defog the visor on your full-face helmet, making it easier for you to see everything that’s happening on the road. With clearer vision comes greater safety — you’ll have the reaction time to dodge road debris and slow vehicles. 

3) Rain Suit 

Honestly, this one isn’t just about protecting your body. While a good windproof, waterproof rain suit will keep your core safe and warm, it’s also about protecting your leather. Heavy rains can damage traditional cowhide leather by getting rid of the dye or stretching the fabric. If you’ve invested a lot in your leather jacket, the extra money for a rain suit is a necessity. 

4) Heavy Duty Leather Jacket

Rain suits are nice, but they won’t save you by themselves. Keep your core toasty warm against the rain with a good, thick leather jacket. Even if the rain itself isn’t cold, things are sure to get chilly as you ride along. The cold can dull your response time — not to mention make riding miserable. There’s a reason riders wear heavy duty leather, and so should you. 

5) Gloves 

The same rules apply to your hands. Frozen fingers can make you slower to steer, and in stormy weather, that means danger. Beat the cold and the wet with gloves, so you can get safely home. 

Extra Tips: 

• Relax — It may seem strange, but tensing your body against the storm will wear you out faster, making you more tired and less able to react. 
• Slow Down — It’s tempting to race through the rain, but you’ll arrive alive if you go slower. 
• Be Smart — If visibility is zero even with a good helmet and Rain-X, it’s time to pull into a diner or under an overpass. 

Two Rivers Customs specializes in making old bikes look new, building custom bike frames, and more. If your ride could use a new paintjob or some new accessories, email us at sales@tworiverscustoms.com.

Which One’s Right For You?

There are many kinds of bikes, but two types dominate the market in the U.S. If you’re a red-blooded American rider, chances are you ride a Cruiser or a Chopper. 

But what’s the difference? 

Besides their looks, each kind has benefits and drawbacks. 

Read on to discover which one is right for you — or if you already own one, if your bike fits your style. 

Chopper Info 

Choppers became a popular kind of motorcycle in California during the 1950’s. They were based on the drag-racing motorcycles of the time. For maximum speed, drag racers would “chop” motorcycles, cutting them down their essence. The weight reduction would help them go faster. 

At the peak of drag racing, most “Choppers” were just an engine stuck together with a seat. 

As the style caught on, it evolved to include “ape hanger” handlebars, hardtail frames with no suspension, and a lengthened rake. 

While you might have had to make your own custom Chopper back in the day, most major bike retailers sell them now. They recognize what riders want. After all, Choppers are fast, loud, and flashy, making them many riders’ dream bike. 

A Chopper Might be Right For You If: 

• You’re a more experienced rider
• You want more horsepower
• You ride shorter distances 
• You want a flashy bike that stands out at rides or parades 

Cruiser Info 

If you want an American classic, look no further than the Cruiser. 

This type of bike was popularized by names like Harley-Davidson, Henderson, and Excelsior. 

Boasting plush leather seats, easy shifting, relaxed handlebars, and sometimes built-in cargo, Cruisers are as comfortable as they get. 

Many riders are happy to trade horsepower for ease of use and comfort on the open road. For people craving higher horsepower, stronger brakes, and better suspensions, there are Power Cruisers, too. For a smooth-as-silk ride, Cruisers can’t be beat. 

A Cruiser Might be Right For You If: 

• You go on longer rides 
• You ride with your significant other 
• You need to take things with you 
• You want to ride in comfort 
• You’re a more relaxed rider

Two Rivers Customs specializes in making old bikes look new, building custom bike frames, and more. If your ride could use a new paintjob or some new accessories, email us at sales@tworiverscustoms.com.

You’ve finally done it. You’ve cleared your schedule, gotten time off, checked up on your bike, and plotted your course. Now there’s nothing standing between you and the open road. 

But wait — what should you bring with you? 

With a motorcycle, even with roomy saddlebags, it can be tricky to pack everything you need and want to bring. That’s why we’re providing a list of the absolute musts for any one to two weeklong tour. 

Hopefully we can save you some over-packing — and remind you of stuff you absolutely need to bring with you. 

Your information. 

Deep in a plastic bag, hidden beneath everything else, should be your wallet with your driver’s license, as well as your registration and insurance information. If you get pulled over, you definitely don’t want to be caught without it. Consider hiding some extra emergency cash there was well. Not much, but a $20 never hurts. 

Rain gear.

If the weather turns sour on you, you don’t want to waste precious time waiting underneath an overpass with your hazards on. Pack a sturdy rain suit, a helmet visor if your helmet isn’t full-face, and Rain-X so you can keep on riding. 

Cold weather gear. 

Similarly, if you decide you want to keep riding long after the sun sets, you don’t have to be uncomfortable. Stash an extra hoodie, padded gloves, and a pair of warm socks in there, too. That way, you can fight off the night chill if you’re so inclined. 

Changes of clothes. 

Even if you’re going to ride for two weeks, most experienced riders don’t recommend packing more than one week’s worth of outfits. They can weigh your bike down, and most of the time, you won’t want to change clothes that frequently. On the flip-side, a few extra t-shirts never hurt, and are easy to roll up. 

Snacks. 

You can save money and a couple waistline inches if you don’t pull off every time you want to eat. A few granola bars, some 5-hour energy shots, or other easy-to-eat snacks can save the day when you get hungry. 

Backup. 

You never know what you’re going to encounter on the open road. Be sure to bring a first-aid kit, a small tool kit for minor repairs on your bike, plenty of cash, and duct tape so you’re suited for what life throws at you. 

The Bottom Line 

Packing for a tour doesn’t have to be difficult, but it can be tricky to balance the necessities out with your bike’s weight limit. Just remember — you’d rather have something you don’t need, than need something you don’t have.

TRC is your one-stop shop for all things bikes. Breathe new life into your custom bike, shop the latest accessories, and more! Contact us today.

It’s no secret that the men who serve our country love motorcycles.

You’ll often see riders with patriotic colors on their vests, eagles on their jackets, red-white-and-blue bikes, and serious attitude. Here’s a sampling of national military-based motorcycle clubs with chapters all over the United States. 

POW/MIA Riders 

Chances are you seen this organization’s logo. Depicted in haunting black and white, a soldier stands with his head tilted down in front of a watch tower. POW/MIA stands for “Prisoner of War / Missing in Action,” and the POW/MIA Riders ride to support the full accounting of soldiers who went missing during war. 

The group has active duty, reserve forces, and retired veterans among their ranks, and often hosts rides to remember those who never came home at all. They also offer a support network to veterans. 

American Gold Star Mothers 

Not your average military motorcycle group, the “Gold Star Moms” are motorcycle riders who have lost a son or daughter to military service. Founded in 1928, but with roots stretching back to 1917, when a mother lost her 23-year-old son in the First World War.

The American Gold Star Mothers aren’t just involved in motorcycle rides. They also run marathons and host charity drives. But given their personal sacrifices, they still rate a spot among military-based groups. 

Purple Heart Riders 

The Purple Heart Riders are just what they sound like. Over the course of military service, veterans who have sustained injuries in war zones — while acting with immense bravery — are awarded the Purple Heart. 

The Hearts are rare, but the courage they show is real. The Purple Heart Riders are a close network of motorcycle riders who wear their Purple Heart with pride, and are able to swap stories about what being an injured veteran is like. 

Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association 

The Combat Veterans proclaim that they’re “an association of Combat Veterans from all branches of the United States Armed Forces who ride motorcycles as a hobby.” Their goal? To provide warm meals, clothes, and encouragement to veterans at shelters — or to say “welcome home” to soldiers. 

Their members include soldiers who have served in combat, as well as non-combat soldiers and people who are sincerely dedicated to helping support the U.S.’s veteran population. 

The Bottom Line 

Supporting or joining one of these military motorcycle groups is a great way to support our troops. And, if you meet the criteria, you’ll find a warm family, brotherly camaraderie, and many excuses to ride your motorcycle.

TRC is your one-stop shop for all things bikes. Breathe new life into your custom bike, shop the latest accessories, and more! Contact us today.

Being in a state with a lot of motorcycle riders can have plenty of benefits.

It’s easier to join a club, find rides and rallies, and get involved with your rider community. And sometimes it’s nice to see other riders out on the road. 

If you’re looking for the states with the most motorcycles, look no further. According to a 2016 report, the top 5 states with the most registered motorcycles come from all over the U.S. 

Read on to see if your state made the cut. 

#5) New York

#5 might not be a surprise. With the most crowded city in the United States, it makes sense that the tiny state should house 392,771 registered bikes. The state also offers some incredible city views and scenic routes as well. 

#4) Pennsylvania 

Another chilly state, Pennsylvania still offers great things to riders. With over 393,037 registered bikes, it’s easy to find groups to meet up with, or to link up at events. And the stunning Tioga State Forest byway — a nationally protected forest-side road— snakes along rustic woods, offering some top-tier views. 

#3) Ohio

Why do people ride motorcycles in Ohio? After all, it’s cold. But with over 408,114 motorcycles registered, there has to be a reason. The answer lies in the incredible mountain and forest vistas. Riding along the Triple Nickel during fall, when burning red and glowing orange leaves appear, is an excursion you don’t want to miss.

#2) Florida 

Things are just better for riders in Florida, and the 582,648 registered bikes in Florida seem to agree. Why? Well, a no-helmet law, relaxed atmosphere, and plenty of sunshine certainly help. You’ll get more out of your bike in Florida — after all, 78 degree weather starts in early March. 

#1) California 

California leads the pack. With 842,106 registered motorcycles, sunny California offers plenty of amenities for riders. The state is huge, and the well-maintained highways course through scenic views. Not many other states boast breathtaking cliffs like Yosemite, the cold blue kiss of the Pacific, and tons of national parks.  Couple that with a thriving food and alcohol scene, and California is a rider’s paradise.

Honorable Mention: Texas at #6 

Texas, known for being the land of freedom, has 374,919 registered bikes. That’s still a lot, but not nearly as many as we expected. Since Texas prides itself on personal freedom, we thought motorcycles would be a more popular pick — but 374-thousand riders is nothing to sneeze at. There should still be plenty of riders to meet up with for rides and rallies.

If you’re interested in seeing where your state stacks up, check out this report.

TRC is your go-to shop to make old bikes look new. Grab new gear, give your bike a tune-up, or come inside and shoot the breeze! If you need help with your bike, send us an email at sales@tworiverscustoms.com.

Here are our top picks for your inaugural spring road-trip.

You’re finally shaking off the winter blues. Your bike has been maintained, cleaned, and is raring to go. Maybe you’ve even decided to take a few days off to soak up the warmer weather. 

Now all that’s left to do is decide where to ride, then to hop on your bike and go. 

But choosing where to go is always tricky. You probably want a blend of beautiful scenery and well-maintained roads. 

And because the most gorgeous places in America change depending on what season it is, you’ll want to pick out the perfect spring ride. 

1) US Route One — Georgia to Key West, Florida 

US Route One is a long stretch of easy-to-ride highway. Surrounded by palm trees, rolling hills, lagoons, and eventually the ocean, it’s a great ride that ends in one of America’s best vacation spots. 

Approaching this ride during the spring is smart. Come summer, even speeding down the road on your bike won’t be enough to shake off the blistering heat. But, riding too early in the winter might cramp your style with a ton of snowbird traffic. 

March and April are good months to see this gorgeous, coastal stretch of road from the seat of your bike. 

2) Blue Ridge Parkway — North Carolina and Virginia 

The birds are singing, the flowers are blooming, and this 469 mile ride is ripe for a good ride. As spring rolls along the Great Smoky Mountains and through Virginia, the stunning greenery emerges from the snow. 

While the ride is relatively tame, with a 45 mile per hour speed limit and gentle peaks, you’ll want to ensure that your bike is in good condition for a sprint. The arresting mountain views make the Blue Ridge Parkway a must-see for all serious motorcyclists, and spring is one of the best times to go. 

Tip: Make sure you’re packed for variable temperatures and spring rains. 

3) Black Hills — South Dakota 

Hop on South Dakota Highway 87 and prepare for an awesome ride. While it might not feature the stunning ocean views or the soft greenery of our other routes, South Dakota serves up fierce landscapes through jagged mountains and jaw-dropping sunsets. 

You can also visit Mt. Rushmore during your journey. The national park with the famous presidential heads carved into the side of the mountain face is more exciting on two wheels.

Mostly likely, though, the real winner here will be the unique scrub and brush landscape and the mild weather. Head here towards the end of April to avoid any surprising frigid temperatures. 

4) Tunnel of Trees — Harbor Springs, Michigan

This lesser-known route is perfect for riders itching to scratch some smaller rides off their bucket list. It may be short, but it’s mighty. Enjoy a relatively short cruise down a snaking road underneath a soaring green canopy of hardwoods. 

There are plenty of restaurants and places tucked away on this route to stop as well. It’s perfect for a much more relaxed way to take in the warm spring weather, and if you haven’t had enough when you’re done with your first pass — turn around for another. 

Tip: Go towards the end of April or the beginning of May to avoid any leftover frosty weather. 

Two Rivers Customs specializes in making old bikes look new, building custom bike frames, and more. If your ride could use a new paintjob or some new accessories, email us at sales@tworiverscustoms.com.

One of the best reasons people ride motorcycles is to see the scenery up close.

There’s something special about getting out of your car, feeling the air on your face, and being a part of the world, instead of just letting it pass you by.

That’s why autumn motorcycle tours are so popular. The golds, reds, and greens are amazing even inside a car. 

But when you combine a bike, crisp air, autumn sunlight, and the turning leaves, it’s a piece of heaven. 

Since it’s never too early to start planning your fall getaway, we’re showcasing three of the best autumn color routes around. 

#3: Skyline Drive 

Location: Virginia 

Length: 105 miles 

Skyline Drive starts out about 80 miles west of Washington, DC, then snakes down through Shenandoah national park. Riders love Skyline Drive because it offers heart-stopping views of lush forests and colorful valleys. 

If you go in mid-late September, you’ll want to pull off on the designated spots to snap some pictures. Riders enjoy the grandeur of the mountains, and the occasional appearance from wildlife like deer as well. 

With well-maintained roads, rare mountain air, and an easily-driven distance, it’s many riders’ favorite route. 

#2: Tunnel of Trees 

Location: Harbor Springs, Michigan

Length: 25 miles 

This lesser-known route is perfect for riders itching to scratch some smaller rides off their bucket list. It may be short, but it’s mighty. Enjoy a relatively small cruise down a snaking road underneath a soaring auburn canopy of hardwoods. 

There are plenty of restaurants and places tucked away on this route to stop as well. It’s perfect for a much more relaxed way to take in the autumn colors, and if you haven’t had enough when you’re done with your first pass — turn around for another. 

#1) Blue Ridge Parkway 

Location: From Roanoke, VA to Asheville, NC

Length: 469 miles 

Some people might consider putting both Skyline and Blue Ridge on this list as cheating. The fact is that both rides are meant to be savored differently.

Blue Ride is the longest linear state park in the US. Running through the picturesque Blue Ridge Mountains and down into the Cherokee Indian Reservation of NC, the park boasts woodland kept pristine by park rangers. 

Enjoy a hefty dose of autumn color, as well as visits from animals like deer, raccoon and bear, by taking in all of Blue Ridge. There’s no wonder that it’s one of the most popular state parks of all time. 

TRC is your one-stop shop for custom bikes, the best parts, and cutting-edge gear. Keep more money in your gas tank — stop here first!

Summer’s winding down, and if your bike has gotten two months of good wear and tear out of it, it’s probably time to do some maintenance.

Since you have some time before getting your bike ready for winter, this maintenance doesn’t have to be very in-depth. With a few quick steps, you can keep your bike in top shape.

1) Dust and Wash It 

Riding in the summertime has doubtlessly exposed your bike to a ton of bugs, dirt, and grime. To keep that nasty patina from eating away at your paint, give it a good cleaning. Start by dusting off the rocky, sandier part of the grime with a microfiber towel. Then, using soap formulated for cleaning motorcycles, gently wash, wipe, and rinse. Your bike will end up looking brand new.

2) Check the Oil and Fluids 

Hard riding leads to more intense wear. So, it might be time to change your oil. After doing that, check hat all your other fluids are topped off for a smooth, silky ride — and a bike that lasts much longer.

3) Inspect your Tires 

Have you been going off-road at all? Even if you’re just an urban jungle rider, it’s important to check that your tires haven’t suffered any minor punctures or tear. If they’re balding, you’ll want to replace them ASAP. Lower levels of tread can lead to lack of safety on the road. Finally, consider upgrading your tires if it’s been a while. Sure, you can keep inflating them over and over again, but eventually you’re just going to have to buy new ones.

4) Frame & Suspension

Hitting bumps too hard can damage your bike’s suspension. And riding without much suspension can be hellish. If you’re not sure how to fix or adjust your bike’s suspension, check in with your local bike mechanic and ask them to take a look. Similarly, you’ll want to ensure that your frame is intact and hasn’t suffered any bending.

5) Steering 

Good steering is a crucial part of motorcycle safety. If your steering seems sluggish, don’t put off figuring out why. Doing so puts you at risk when there are situations on the road you have to react to. Talk to a mechanic to find out why your steering seems a little off.

6) Brakes 

Last — but perhaps most important — are your brakes. When you’re driving, it’s important to be able to stop on a dime. If your bikes are squeaking, squawking, or otherwise underperforming, it’s time to get them checked out.  Much better safe than sorry.

TRC is the premiere custom bike shop in the Midwest! Need help bringing your bike to life? Email us at sales@tworiverscustoms.com.

Yep, there’s nothing better than riding your motorcycle. But when your bike’s in the shop, you’re settling down for bed, or the rain hasn’t let up in two weeks, you can still get a glimpse of that great American wilderness.

Road trip books were much more popular in the 40s, 50s, and 60s. They symbolized the new freedom to Americans, as most people were able to afford a bike or a car. As a result, many authors took to the interstates in search of themselves. 

They delved into America and served it up on the written page. 

Those free-wheeling free spirits left behind great American road trip books, which have been a favorite of wanderers and bikers for decades. 

So grab one of these books, get comfy, and take a ride. 

1) Travels with Charley, John Steinbeck 

Sure, John Steinbeck gets some flak. A lot of people claim that most of his adventures in this book are exaggerated or invented. That’s little surprise: Steinbeck also wrote great pieces of fiction like “Of Mice and Men” and “The Grapes of Wrath.” 

Still, even critics can’t deny that Steinbeck’s book has charm. Steinbeck set out into America in the back of his pickup truck. As he wanders the roads and meets eccentric people, he talks to himself and his American Standard Poodle, Charley. 

The result is an eclectic collection of American eccentrics, wide open desert highways, and melancholy. After all, Steinbeck died shortly after the book was published. His son claims that Steinbeck knew he was about to die.

2) On the Road, Jack Kerouac 

On the Road is believed by many people to be the defining book of the “beat” generation. Written on a long cross-country road trip, the book was hailed as one of the best American books ever written.

It’s hard to explain if you haven’t read it. Basically, a group of short stories all gradually combine, meld, and merge into one psychedelic experience. 

The book covers three different road trips, but it’s less of a concrete road trip book — and more of a trip into America’s consciousness. On the Road continues to be popular with highwaymen and bikers alike.

3) Blue Highways, William Least-Heat Moon 

Blue Highways came out after the road trip narrative fad passed in the 50s and 60s. Published in the late 1980s, it remained as a number one New York Times bestseller for over 32 weeks. 

Blue Highways chronicles the 13,000 mile journey of 38-year-old William Least-Heat Moon. William separated from his wife and lost his job as a teacher before embarking on a trip across America.

While on the road, he chronicles conversations with everyone he meets, including a teenage runaway, a monk, syrup makers, saloon owners, and more.

Blue Highways is an insightful, meditative look into America’s back-roads, and a compelling read for everyone who wishes they could run away.

Ready for your own epic road trip? Two Rivers Customs restores vintage bikes, finds the best parts, and gets your ride ship-shape for the road. Contact us today!