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Book Review

Motorcycle Adventures In The Southern Appalachians

Asheville, NC, The Blue Ridge Parkway, NC High Country

Written by Hawk Hagebak

Reviewed by John Weakly

This is the second book by Hawk in a series about riding adventures in Western North Carolina. Hawk's first book covers North Georgia, Western NC and East TN. In keeping with Hawk's excellent writing style, his second book is easy and interesting reading. This is a must have book for adventurous folks traveling Western NC.

Each ride that Hawk features, includes quality black and white photos that fit right into the material. Typically each ride follows a similar style/format. He starts with a "Getting to the start" paragraph that sets the stage for where the ride begins. This is followed by a "Ride overview", "Ride alternatives", "Road conditions", "Points of interest", "Restaurants", "Detailed directions" to the tenth of a mile, a detailed map of the ride and availability of the all important Gas stations along the way.

Hawk describes interesting facts about people and places along the route. There are references to places to stay, eat, shop and points of interest usually complete with address and/or phone number. The 176 page book is well worth the small cost. It is obvious Hawk has done his homework and loves to ride.

You must go to the publishers web site "Milestone Press" at www.milestonepress.com and review a sample of the book and its table of contents. You can purchase the book online through the web site. I've personally talked with the publishers, notably Mary Ellen Hammond & Jim Parham. They are really good folks and will treat you right. They can be reached through their web site, by snail mail to Milestone Press, PO Box 158, Almond, NC 28702 or call them at 828 488-6601. Milestone also publishes guides for Mountain Bikes, Road Bikes, Whitewater and Adventure.

The following press release from Milestone Press explains more about Hawk's newest book.

Almond, NC - Milestone Press announces publication of Motorcycle Adventures in the Southern Appalachians: Asheville NC, The Blue Ridge Parkway, NC High Country by Hawk Hagebak. The new 176-page guide lists 26 motorcycle rides, ranging from 16 to 144 miles in length, for motorcycling in the Southern Appalachians.

The author takes motorcyclists from the cultural delights of Asheville, NC to the top of Mount Mitchell, highest peak east of the Mississippi, and from the tourist lights of Gatlinburg through the vast natural beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. One ride passes through Backbone Rock, the world's shortest tunnel near Damascus, VA, and another takes in the view from mile-high Grandfather Mountain in North Carolina's famous High Country. Tight turns and tiny towns of winding country backroads contrast with the sweeping curves and awesome views of the world-famous Blue Ridge Parkway. Along the way, the guide provides choice bits of historical information, tips on where to eat, stay and relax, and ride alternatives to shorten or lengthen each ride in the book.

The new guide makes a perfect companion to Hagebak's first guide, Motorcycle Adventures in the Southern Appalachians: North Georgia, Western North Carolina, East Tennessee, which covers a different portion of the Southern mountains. Hagebak is a former coast guard navigator and metro-Atlanta motorcycle policeman who has logged motorcycle tours in 48 states.

Motorcycle Adventures in the Southern Appalachians: Asheville NC, The Blue Ridge Parkway, NC High Country is available at selected bookstores, outfitters and motorcycle shops and will retail for $14.95. It is also available directly from the publisher, Milestone Press. Call 828 488-6601, write Milestone Press, PO Box 158, Almond, NC 28702 or shop online at www.milestonepress.com .