One of the Most Beautiful North Carolina Town to Visit!

Indeed, I understand that if you search for Chimney Rock online, you'll discover there are numerous places with that name worldwide, yet only one is located near Bat Cave! That's correct - Bat Cave, North Carolina, and unfortunately it has absolutely no connection to Batman or Robin.

The community would greatly benefit from visitors as they are still recovering from the flooding caused by Hurricane Helene in 2022.  

Located southeast of Asheville, NC, along the scenic US 74 Alternate.  Coming from Asheville once you pass the small town of Fairview, NC you will enjoy 10 twisty miles before entering the quaint town of Bat Cave.  Here you will find the entrance to Chimney Rock Park. Bat Cave gets its name from Bat Cave Mountain, which features a cave filled with numerous bats, quite interesting! This charming town boasts several shops and eateries.

The first time I visited Bat Cave we spent the night in Asheville, NC, ate breakfast before making our way towards Bat Cave and Chimney Rock. US 74 Alternate is a pleasant route. Once we were three miles out of Asheville, traffic was quite light. The ten-mile stretch from Fairview to Bat Cave is truly enjoyable, featuring several tight turns and six hairpin curves about four miles from Fairview. Having ridden the Tail of the Dragon twice the previous day, I found this ten-mile route almost equally exhilarating and far less congested, making it much less stressful and highly enjoyable, although shorter.

The second time I visited Bat Cave I led the group out and back from Almond, NC which allowed for a lot more curvy and scenic roads.   

If you look closely, you can spot some of the curves leading towards Bat Cave

 

 

Less than a mile ahead, you will encounter another set of curves with a slope, which, although not as sharp, have some delightful bends. Along the roadside, the beautiful yet invasive Kudzu climbs up the trees and mountainside unchecked.

Main Street, US 74, in Bat Cave

 

Upon our arrival in Bat Cave, we decided to explore a few shops and search for a place to grab an early lunch before heading to Chimney Rock. The quaint shops were full of character and enjoyable to browse. There were plenty of fellow bikers in town, indicating it’s a popular stop.

Chimney Rock viewed from Bat Cave

 Based on a recommendation from one of the shop owners, we chose to have lunch at the Riverwatch Deli and Grill. As the name suggests, you can relax on the back porch or deck while overlooking the Rocky River. We ordered our deli sandwiches and enjoyed them while gazing at the river and Chimney Rock above. The lunch was satisfactory, but nothing particularly memorable comes to mind; nonetheless, I would gladly dine there again.

We rode up to the park entrance, paid the admission fee, and began our ascent up the mountain. The ride was pleasant and shaded, with numerous pull-offs featuring picnic tables. Upon reaching the parking area, we decided to hike to Hickory Nut Falls, which is a remarkable 485-foot waterfall. We descended a series of steps leading to the actual trail.

Some of the steps guiding from the parking lot to Hickory Nut Trail

The trail spans 0.75 miles in one direction and is easy to navigate while providing ample shade. There are several spots to pause, relax, and take in the views of the surrounding mountains or the Bat Cave below. Near the end of the trail, we crossed a wooden bridge that led us to the base of the falls. It was quite beautiful, and I’m glad we took the time to trek the trail.

Hickory Nut Falls

After returning to the main parking area, we took the elevator up to the gift shop and bridge that leads to the top of Chimney Rock. Chimney Rock towers 315 feet above the base at the parking lot, reaching an elevation of 2,280 feet. Once we arrived at the gift shop and snack bar, we crossed the bridge to stand atop Chimney Rock. From there, we could see all of Hickory Nut Gorge, Lake Lure, Bat Cave, and the surrounding areas.

Lake Lure as viewed from Chimney Rock

We also hiked to the Opera Box (a fantastic place to unwind) and up to view Devils Head, a rock formation resembling what we imagine the devil's profile to look like. It’s an intriguing formation.

Devils Head - reminds me of the Duke Blue Devil logo

We thoroughly enjoyed the scenery. The Chimney Rock Park website claims that one can see up to 75 miles from the peak of Chimney Rock. I can't speak to the exact distance, but it was an incredible day, with amazing sights, and definitely worth the visit.

Chimney Rock as seen from the Opera Box

Chimney Rock and Bat Cave, NC is worthy of visit.  You will enjoy the scenery and the roads as they twist, turn, rise and fall through the North Carolina foothills of the Smoky Mountains.

 

Ride carefully and prayerfully!    

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Awesome gear for every rider!

* I have personally ordered from and/or visited these businesses and based on my experiences I recommend this company.  I have an affiliate relationship with the businesses, which means if you follow this link and purchase, I will receive a small commission and will get to ride more!
 

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"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." - Proverbs 3:5-6 

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Will Future Legislation Restrict Motorcycling?

I try to stay aware of legislation that has impact on the motorcycling community, but of course I don't catch it all.  

I believe we the members of the motorcycling community need to communicate with legislators (local, state and federal), agencies and other power brokers when we see rights and/or opportunities potentially being restricted.  Being proactive is much better than being reactive in these matters.

I have been a long time member of the American Motorcyclists Association(AMA).   AMA is were I get a lot of alerts and updates that impact our biker community.  AMA is a good place to start if you are not already involved.  (I get NO compensation from AMA).  AMA also has a good amount of member benefits and discounts. 

I recently read a post on I Just Want 2 Ride by Warren Massey that caught my attention.  With the author's permission I am sharing his complete post below.  Please take time to read the post and consider ways to communicate with your representatives. 

Protecting Motorcyclist Rights: Guest Post by Save London Motorcycling

Posted: September 10, 2025 in Motorcycle, Motorcycle advocacy, Motorcycle news
Tags: grassroots motorcycle organization, Hackney motorcycle policies, Harley, Harley Davidson, legal challenge for motorcyclists, Motorcycle, motorcycle advocacy, motorcycle blog, motorcycle community, motorcycle commuting, motorcycle freedom, motorcycle parking charges, Motorcycle Ride, motorcycle riding, motorcycle rights, motorcycle safety, motorcycle touring, motorcycling in London, Save London Motorcycling, sport bike, Sportbike, UK motorcycle laws, Vision Zero coalition

[IJustWant2Ride – Start] This post is by the organization Save London Motorcycling. Save London Motorcycling is a grassroots organization dedicated to fighting threats to motorcycling in London, UK.  Don’t think it can’t happen in the US.  I have pointed out, in several posts, attempts to “restrain” motorcycling and do not forget that the Vision Zero coalition is all about zero motorcycles.

Please share this to raise awareness this not just for “Save London Motorcycling” but for all of us. [IjustWant2Ride – End]

****

Why We Fight to Ride Our Motorcycles

Across the UK, riders are under attack. Step by step, rule by rule, life on two wheels is being made harder, and London is on the front line.

Riders see what’s happening, but too often they don’t know how to respond. That’s why we created Save London Motorcycling to organize, to show riders they have power, and to fight back. We don’t charge membership fees; we just spread awareness and ask for whatever time, energy, and passion riders can spare.

Motorcycling is something we love, the freedom, the community, the vitality. Most riders aren’t chasing the old stereotype of the anarchist outlaw. We’re just people who ride because we love it and it makes our lives better.

If you are invisible, you are in danger

As passionate as we can be about bikes when talking to other riders, most of us don’t bring it up unprompted in day-to-day conversation with non-bikers. We’re more interested in riding than talking about riding, and that makes us invisible to many people. They don’t know anyone who looks like their idea of a stereotypical biker, and so they don’t think they know anyone who rides. And as every rider knows, if you’re invisible, you’re in danger.

We all know there’s a small minority of people who think motorbikes are nothing but a nuisance: noisy, dirty, and dangerous. They don’t ride, they don’t understand why we do, and if it were up to them, they’d ban us all tomorrow.

Government Officials Have Agendas

In the UK, much like the USA, it’s local government that makes the rules we feel every day. That means one anti-motorbike councilor, elected with only a few hundred votes, can make life hell for riders across their borough.

If they tried to do this to car drivers they’d be reined in by their more moderate colleagues, car drivers are voters after all! But their colleagues don’t think they know any bikers, they don’t see us, they don’t hear us, and they don’t think we vote.

Hackney has become an extreme example of this, after their own anti-motorcycle activist councilor decided to impose parking charges on motorbikes at the same rate as cars and ban all-day parking to prevent motorbike commuting.

With petitions and protests, presenting the evidence and reasoning the case, we achieved some concessions from the Council. But in the end, they simply stopped listening. The original policy was so draconian, that even after their ‘concessions’ the costs are devastating.

Charges for commuters add up to more than £2,000 a year just to park at work. Resident permits up to £596 annually, and business permits reach £1,560, with further rises already planned. For around 10% of residents, those living in so-called ‘car-free developments’, permits are simply unavailable – motorbikes are banned outright.

By Hackney’s own projections, these rules would cause a 70% drop in motorbike use in the borough. Riders who rely on two wheels for work, family, or affordable travel are being told they’re no longer welcome. Hackney’s own target for reducing car use over the same period is only 30%.

Riders are being deliberately disproportionately targeted, not because of evidence, but because we are seen as a politically soft target.

Standing Up for Motorcyclists

Save London Motorcycling is refusing to let this stand. We have launched a legal challenge in the High Court, arguing that Hackney’s policy is unlawful, disproportionate, and discriminatory. If we win this case, it could have important implications for councils across the UK, setting the precedent that motorcyclists cannot be disproportionately targeted in this way without evidence.

Taking a council to court is not cheap, but thanks to the generosity of over a thousand riders and supporters, we have raised more than £20,000 through crowdfunding, with our target of £25,000 now within reach.

This is why we fight. Campaigning isn’t easy. It’s long evenings in council chambers and endless hours in meetings with decision-makers who would rather be anywhere else than listening to riders. But the support we consistently receive from around London and the UK proves something important: we don’t have to be invisible.

When riders know they can make a difference, they step up. They bring their energy, their stories, their belief that motorcycling makes life better – for themselves, and for the city as a whole. That passion is contagious, and it’s powerful.

Call to Action

Change comes from the small things: an email to a councilor, a repost on social media, a donation to a legal fund. Each of these acts alone might seem small, but together, multiplied across thousands of riders, they become impossible to ignore.

We must harness the sense of community that binds us as riders, the solidarity we feel when we see another biker on the road and turn it into collective action. That is our strength. If we use it, we can protect motorcycling not only for ourselves, but for the generations to come.

Make no mistake: this is a fight for the future of Motorcycling. If we stand together, we can win it.

Links to Save London Motorcycling

Save London Motorcycling – Facebook

Save London Motorcycling – X

Save London Motorcycling – Instagram

Save London Motorcycling – Interweb

 

Ride carefully and prayerfully!    

 Top Five Oz Videos

  

Connect and follow Biker Oz on the following:

        

Ordinary Biker Oz YouTube Channel has video reviews and more

Christian Motorcyclists Association

Come Ride With Us 

Please visit the following great companies:

THE ESSENTIALS FOR MODERATE SELF-IMPROVEMENT

 

Awesome gear for every rider!

* I have personally ordered from and/or visited these businesses and based on my experiences I recommend this company.  I have an affiliate relationship with the businesses, which means if you follow this link and purchase, I will receive a small commission and will get to ride more!
 

Feedback on these businesses is appreciated.  You may comment below.

 

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." - Proverbs 3:5-6 

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LongTerm Indian Pursuit Review

2022 Indian Pursuit at Bishop's Castle near Rye, Colorado

After almost eight years on the Honda VFR and 72,452 miles it was time to change motorcycles.  I remarried in October 2018 and Jennifer enjoys riding, but the passenger comfort was not great for her so we wanted to get something we both could ride for longer rides, day trips and multi-day trips.

I researched numerous touring motorcycles.  I wanted the following:

1. Comfort for both of us
2. Performance i.e. good torque, good speed, smooth power delivery
3. Smooth handling, agile
   
4. Adjustable windsheild
5. Good reputation/reviews and customer service
6. Appropriate seat height - I am 5'6"
7. Not found in every neighborhood
   

I realize some of the criteria is subjective and open to personal likes and preferences so I needed to research and test ride some bikes.   I will spare you the boring details of how the decision was made, but I test rode to bagger motorcycles and landed on the Indian Challenger.  I was going to add the tour pack, passenger floorboards and a few other items.  

February and March, 2022 I was looking at the Challenger I discovered Indian had just released the Pursuit - a full tourer with the foundation being the Challenger.  This piqued my interest so I started asking questions and looking at the Pursuit.

There were no Pursuits in any NE Texas dealership in March of 2022 so I visited the Republic of Texas Indian in McKinney, TX to test ride a Challenger since the Pursuit is a Challenger with the Pursuit touring package.  The Challenger test ride was great.  I really loved the power of the 108 PowerPlus engine, the comfort and the smooth handling, especially for a cruiser-based touring bike.  After 12 years on sport touring motorcycles the handling needed to be top notched.

After communicating with three different Indian dealerships I placed my order and in a little over 2 weeks I picked up the Pursuit!     

March 25, 2022 Picked up the bike and headed to Tyler, TX

Now after 22 months I have over 22,000 miles on the Pursuit. I have ridden it in 13 states (a lot in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado), in rain, 100+ degrees, cold weather, nice weather, big cities, rural areas and various conditions in between.  Famous named roads (Tail of the Dragon, Cherohala Skyway, Talimena Drive, Million Dollar Highway, The Silver Thread, Natchez Trace...), interstates and rural roads have all been part of the journey.  Now it's time to give a honest long-term review of the 2022 Indian Challenger Pursuit.

Running up Rocky Mountian passes was no problem and was a lot of fun!

Here are a few basic specification of the Pursuit- furnished on Indian Website:

108 cu in PowerPlus engine - liquid cooled

122 HP

128 ft-lbs torque

6.0 gallon tank

Seat Height 26.5in

Wet Weight 917

Brembo brakes

Heated grips (a first for me)

7 inch Infotainment screen

I have modified, changed or added the following during this time - not all at once.

Added:

Mesh grill covers for vents and windshield vent (not really sure what to call the cutout on the bottom)

Pathfinders driving lights

Pathfinders Saddlebag running lights

FormTech phone holder

Wind Rider Seat Cover (used late spring to late fall)

Lower Fairing Storage

Changed:

Stock Headlight to Pathfinder Adaptive Headlight

Stock Seat to Indian Heated Touring Seat

First I must say the Pursuit is not the same type of motorcycle as my previous two sport touring bikes (Yamaha FJR 1300 and Honda VFR 1200).  It is longer and heavier so my thoughts and comparison is based on the cruisers I have ridden (Yamaha, Kawasaki, Harley Davidson, Suzuki, Honda and Ducati).

Just a few months of ownership and loving it.

The Pursuit is heavy and I can feel it until it it gets rolling.  The handling and responsiveness of the motor negates the weight.  I know I have to be mindful when stopping and/or parking.  I check for slope, angle, gravel... so that I can safely stop.

The handling stood out most to me.  Curves and switchbacks are fun and exciting.  According to TheAutopain.com the Pursuit lean angle is 31 degrees and the Harley Davidson Road Glide's is 29 degree.  My personal experience is the Pursuit will lean into curves and power through with ease.

 

July 2024 on US 129 aka The Tail of The Dragon

 

The 108 cu in PowerPlus has great torque and pulls up hills and mountains without having to slow down.  Passing others is simple with signal, a look over the shoulder and a twist of the wrist.  The power and speed comes on smoothly and with a grin.  

 

The Indian heated seat allows me to ride comfortably for miles, day after day.  I am very comfortable with the seating and handlebar positions.  The controls for the signals, horn, cruise control and the infotainment system are easily accessible.  The infotainment system is customizable which allows owners to personalize the screens to his/her liking.  

Comfort, performance and styling all in one great package

 

Motorcycles preferences are personal to each rider, but I believe the Indian Pursuit is top of the line in the cruiser based touring category.  I have had miles and miles of great riding and smiles.  If you are looking for a two up touring machine I would highly recommend the Indian Pursuit.

Here is a short video I made about my Pursuit, check it out - Pursuit Review Video. 

 

Connect and follow Biker Oz on the following:

              

 

Please visit the following great companies:

THE ESSENTIALS FOR MODERATE SELF-IMPROVEMENT

 

Awesome gear for every rider!

Christian Motorcyclists Association

Come Ride With Us 

Ordinary Biker Oz YouTube Channel has video reviews and more

* I have personally ordered from and/or visited these businesses and based on my experiences I recommend this company.  I have an affiliate relationship with the businesses, which means if you follow this link and purchase, I will receive a small commission and will get to ride more!
 

Feedback on these businesses is appreciated.  You may comment below.

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The Switch to an Indian Challenger Pursuit

Cruisers to touring motorcycle to sport tourers and back to a touring motorcycle - here we go!

 Ready to ride off the lot with my new Indian Challenger Pursuit

After 12 years on two different sport tourers, the Yamaha FJR 1300 and the Honda VFR 1200, my wife (we married in 2018) and I discussed getting a motorcycle with more comfort for her so that she could enjoy more miles in a day on a ride and/or a multi-day trip.  She enjoyed the VFR, but longer mileage days were tough on her.

The Honda served me well with 72,453 miles in 8 years (2014-2022), including the 8,969 mile Alaskan trip in 2018.  We both enjoyed the Honda VFR, but as we aged the comfort decreased. However, the opportunity to ride was about to increase with my retirement from 36 years of public educations.  My last day was August 31, 2022.  

Awesome vista from Alaska Highway 1 between Tok and Glennallen - Honda VFR

In early 2022 I began researching possible new touring motorcycles: Yamaha Venture (which I had owned in the past), Kawasaki Voyager, BMW K1600, Harley Road Glide and the Indian Challenger were on my initial list for consideration.  The Yamaha FJR has been my favorite motorcycle, but pillion comfort level wasn't where we wanted it so I did not give it much consideration.  We had ridden a friend's Gold Wing while on our annual summer motorcycle tour in 2019 and decided the Gold Wing was not for us for various reasons.  

Test road my friend's Gold Wing to see what we thought about it

During my years of riding the FJR and VFR I became a big fan of the fixed-fairing motorcycle, but I was going to look at other models anyway.  The process took about 2 months with several test rides and a lot of reading.  While researching the Indian Challenger I learned about the newly release Challenger Pursuit - the touring version of the Challenger.

Indian's announcement of the Pursuit on February 22 was great timing for me

I visited several shops, read a lot of reviews, browsed through manufacturers' websites, talked to friends and listened to salesmen as I gathered information.  I narrowed my list and set out to test ride some of the bikes that made it to my short list.  

***  Side note #1 - Without naming the manufacturer or shop, I had two different salesman at two different shops of the same manufacturer were openly critical of two of the other models I was considering.  Their attitudes were arrogant, presumptuous  and off-putting.  One told me, "You don't want that," and one used an expletive when mentioned my other considerations.  Even if I would have chosen that make, I would not have purchased from either one of those salesmen or dealerships.  Salesmen need to be ready to talk about the strengths of the bike they represent not degrade, make fun of or disregard a potential customer's choices and/or preferences.   OK, enough about that. ***

Indian Challenger - photo from Indianmotorcycle.com

The Indian Challenger Pursuit was not in any dealerships at the time, so I test rode a Challenger realizing the Pursuit would be heavier, have a higher center of gravity and more features.    For the test ride the salesman basically said "here is the bike, enjoy."  After a fun, informative and grin inducing test ride the Challenger made an impression.  A few days later Jennifer and I went back to the Republic of Texas Indian Motorcycles so she could check out the Challenger, sit on it and ask questions.  She and I had a good discussion.  When I told her the Challenger Pursuit was leading in my mind she confessed she liked the styling and looks a lot more than any of the others motorcycles I was investigating.  She also like the comfort of the pillion and was ready for the change.  We placed an order with a small deposit.  I had never ordered a vehicle so that was quite exciting.. 

*** Side note #2 - For the test ride at a different manufacturer's dealership, a shop employee had to lead me on the test ride and it was only 2 miles with 3 right turns!  When I returned the salesman asked me what I thought of the bike.  I replied "I have no idea, there wasn't enough time to get a feel for it."  There was no effort made to extend my test ride or even discuss it.  It was then he asked what other bikes I was considering. ***

At the time of the order, March 12th, the expected delivery date was mid to late April.  On Wednesday March 23rd the bike was delivered to the Republic of Texas Indian Motorcycles in McKinney Texas!  I stopped by the shop and started talking to the GM, Jay.  Jay took me to the shop's warehouse area  and there was my bike - still covered and in the "crate!"  I was pumped!  The bike had arrived early.   Jay let me uncover the "crate" and see the Pursuit!  He also let me take home the tarp covering so I could cut out and keep the Indian logo.

My Pursuit!  My first time seeing a motorcycle in the crate

Excited for the early arrival

I was so excited the Pursuit arrived so much earlier than scheduled.  The shop professionally and diligently prepped the bike and I was able to pick it up two days later and ride off the lot before noon on that Friday.

Ready to head to East Texas on the first ride after getting the Pursuit home

The  Arai Nicky Hayden helmet hides a big grin

My first ride was home to show Jennifer and then I headed to east to Longview, Texas for a Christian Motorcyclists Association (CMA) event.  It took me a few miles to get used to some of the differences between sport tourers and cruiser tourers.  Here are a few of the most notable differences:

1) A more relaxed riding position

2) Lower revs before shifting

3) Throttle response lighter than the VFR

4) Weight, especially at lower speeds

The Challenger Pursuit has three ride modes, Standard, Rain and Sport.  Once I switched to Sport mode the throttle response was great.  The other differences began to fade away as I rode more miles.  

Five months later, two weeks of riding in Colorado and 5,000 miles on the bike I am loving the Pursuit!

The Pursuit powered up Rocky Mountain passes without a pause

The bike performed flawlessly in the Colorado Rocky Mountains.  Powering up passes while riding solo and/or 2-up without the slightest concern.  The handling was great on the curvy mountain roads. I rode in the rain, some sleet and even some hail.  Jennifer and I were comfortable and enjoyed ourselves as the miles racked up.

Independence Pass is a great ride

Cottonwood Pass elevation-12,126.  The Pursuit handled the rain, sleet and hail that came down on us

Happy owners

The 7 inch touchscreen infotainment RideCommand system is easy to see, has numerous functions and is very helpful.  Screen displays are customizable with numerous options, which is a nice feature.  It took some time to learn it all, but it works great.  The tour pack and saddlebags are roomy and look good.

I have not monitored fuel usage or tire wear enough to give quality information, but I will provide a more comprehensive review after a lot more miles.  I will also update any mods I may make.

For now I am happy with my purchase and I am looking forward to many more miles of smiles.  If you are in the market for a touring motorcycle I recommend you test ride the Pursuit.

Connect and follow on social media

              

 

Please visit the following great companies:

THE ESSENTIALS FOR MODERATE SELF-IMPROVEMENT

Awesome gear for every rider!

Ordinary Biker Oz YouTube Channel has video reviews and more

* I have personally ordered from and/or visited this business and based on my experiences I recommend this company.  I have an affiliate relationship with this business, which means if you follow this link and purchase, I will receive a small commission and will get to ride more!

# Based on reviews, word of mouth and discussion with others I recommend this company.  I have an affiliate relationship with this business, which means if you follow this link and purchase, I will receive a small commission and will get to ride more!
 

Feedback on these businesses is appreciated.  You may comment below.

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