Twisted Road member Matthew E. is an avid rider who still owns his first motorcycle, a 1972 Honda CB500. Read about his favorite rides and start planning your next trip.
How long have you been riding, which bikes have you owned, and how did you become interested in riding?
I have very fond memories of riding mini-bikes and dirt bikes as a child and also really enjoyed tinkering w small engines. Once I graduated from college I bought my first street bike from my buddy, Ed, for $350. It was 1972 Honda CB500, that I still own and thought was old when I got it in 1988. From there I had a Yamaha Maxim, a Honda Shadow Phantom and now I own a 2020 Triumph Bonneville T120 that I think is an amazing bike! It is the first brand new bike I ever bought.
What moto trips have you taken (long or short)? Where did you go, stay and explore? Tell us some highlights.
After college, my buddy Ed and I took some 1-2 week trips with tents and camping gear, which was a blast. We went all over New Hampshire, Maine, Vermont, Nova Scotia and the Blue Ridge Parkway. All of these trips were incredible because we never had a schedule, reservations or a specific plan We were young and free. Nova Scotia was more beautiful than I imagined and had fantastic roads. Most recently I toured some of the PCH and the mountains and canyons around Los Angeles. I was blown away by the beauty and the biker culture that exists there. The Angeles Crest Highway is a must for all riders!
What hobbies do you enjoy when you're not riding?
Sports, baking, exercise, working outdoors around the house and wrenching, of course. I have occasionally fixed up and flip bikes or sold them for parts too.
What do you enjoy about being part of the Twisted Road community?
Its great to know that there are other passionate bikers out there that share my love of 2-wheeled vehicles.
What are your favorite biker friendly places around your hometown?
Sadly, there are not really any. I wish there was and would love to create one. If anyone in NJ is interested, please let me know.
What are your favorite rides near your hometown?
Roads in New Jersey are very underrated. Every biker here knows Hawks Nest and High Point, which are really nice, but most of north and western NJ is really beautiful and good riding.
What location is on your moto trip bucket list?
More of the PCH, Utah, tons of the US that I have not experienced, so thank goodness for Twisted Road.
