Motomarathon

Motomarathon Founder John Metzger is featured in this piece of cinematic genius by Wayne Busch of America Rides Maps, our favorite Great Smoky Routemaster. It was a pleasure to meet Wayne and his posse recently for a Motomarathon planning meeting on Ophir Pass.

Motorcycle Sport-Touring Association Changes Hands Motomarathon Moves East DENVER September 15, 2020 The first organized motorcycle sport-touring event format, The Motomarathon, has changed owners. Founder John Metzger has turned over the reins to long-time associate, Routemaster and veteran motor officer John Bossolt. The Motomarathon Association moves from the Colorado Rockies to the New York Adirondacks, and will retain its original format developed over more than 30 y...ears of organized group riding that compresses as many twisty and scenic roads as possible into a four-day motorcycle sport-touring vacation. Motomarathons have been run in virtually every popular riding area in America, from the Rocky Mountains to the California Coastal Ranges and Pacific Northwest, from the Ozarks to the Great Smokies, and from the Great Lakes to New England. Routes are designed by local experts and kept secret until the evening before each day’s ride. Participants complete a series of self-recorded checkpoints, photographing their badge numbers at designated landmarks to validate their completion of the route. These checkpoints are recorded by the Motomarathon Association for event, annual and lifetime standings. After a Coronavirus-induced hiatus, the next event will be held in the New York State Adirondacks region June 1-4, 2021, and a second event later in the 2021 season, further south in the Great Smoky Mountains. The pandemic is forcing a recreational revolution, said Metzger. Crowd-based pastimes have been upended, and long-distance motorcycle sport-touring may be one of the purest forms of individual recreation that can be shared with others, but with virtually zero contact. More than ever, Motomarathon is the best vacation, and no one is better qualified to take over the Association than John Bossolt. Metzger, author of two books on the subject Meditation by Motorcycle and Motorcycling Through Midlife will continue as an advisor. For more information, see Motomarathon on Facebook. Contact: John Bossolt, (973) 951-7606; or, John Metzger, [email protected], 303-641-1062.

Motomarathon and America Rides Maps recently conducted a Business meeting on Ophir Pass in southwestern Colorado. Motomarathon founder John Metzger (right) and Wayne Busch, of America Rides Maps, huddle to discuss next years Great Smoky Motomarathon. Wayne, who Routemastered the 2012 Great Smoky Motomarathon, is riding the Colorado Backcountry Discovery Route with his posse. Wayne is a really good guy who has been instrumental in Motomarathon being what it is today.

Happy Wednesday Crew Tires are a topic that ALWAYS comes up What’s everyone’s favorite tires and why Let’s hear your input and experiences ... Melted tire photo for attention

Save the date!!!! While some people are understandably waiting for things to pass regarding current circumstances, we are planning the next event. June 1-4, 2021. The next Motomarathon will be held in the northeast. Details to follow. We hope everyone is staying safe and look forward to some great riding. Rider taking a nap on his 91 ST, Robert Anderson at the New River Gorge Bridge. John Bossolt Sr. on his Wing with Routemaster Rick Mickles close behind on his beautiful RT somewhere in the Georgia mountains.

With stay-at-home orders and Motomarathon postponed, wild animals begin to reclaim the roads.