Star On Steroids
Metric-bike manipulator to the masses Scott Britt may have been lying low lately, but that doesn't mean he hasn't been busy. His Custom Metrix division-a subset of Britt Motorsports, the North Carolina dealership that has also morphed into a custom cruiser builder-has been hard at work bending the metal in the machine shop. Its latest creation defies the onlooker to identify the gorgeously twisted lump of steel as a Yamaha Road Star. For more info, call (888) 428-4428 or see www.brittmotorsports.com.
How Big should a cruiser engine be?
That was the question we asked visitors to www.MotorcycleCruiser.com, more than half of whom said that 1800cc or under was big enough, with another 15 percent ready to stop at 2000cc. Of course, a fifth of voters clicked, "There is no such thing as too big."
To answer our latest poll or check out the most in-depth information on metric cruisers on the Internet visit www.motorcyclecruiser.com.
Getaways
Cold Spring Tavern Just Down The Creek From ParadiseLooking for a taste of the Wild West in California's prime motorcycling country?
Trek up to the Cold Spring Tavern. Located just 10 miles up U.S. Highway 154 from coastal Santa Barbara, its aromatic log walls reek of California lore. In 1886, the Cold Spring Relay Station, as it was known, was a stagecoach stop along the San Marcos Pass. While the mud wagons' horse teams were changed for fresher ponies, passengers rested and had a bite to eat.
But that's ancient history.
On a sunny weekend afternoon, bikes line narrow, twisty Stagecoach Road and overflow the unpaved parking lot. Riders of all ilk, assorted locals and hip tourists listen to the sounds of local blues, bluegrass and rock 'n' roll bands while enjoying a beverage and the scrumptious barbecue outside the 1200-square-foot bar.
Inside the rustic, 1500-square-foot restaurant, you'll find a cozy down-home vibe among the stone fireplace and country-style dcor. There are two rooms nestled among the oak trees with a view of the creek below. Chef Moises Bernau continues Cold Spring's tradition of big- and small-game selections and prides himself on making everything from scratch. Leg of lion was once on the menu, but vocal locals put a stop to that right quick. Huevos rancheros with wild-game chili is a specialty, but a familiar selection of breakfast dishes is also available. Daytime sandwiches include a choice of venison: either a sausage burger or a steak sandwich. Baby-back ribs, pork chops and an array of burgers are also served up at lunchtime. At night, things get interesting. Wild bear tenderloin is on the menu, as is stuffed pheasant breast, sauted medallions of rabbit and more pedestrian dishes such as filet mignon, ribs, pasta and seafood.
Interesting vittles, great atmosphere, awesome roads and the lure of the Wild West make the Cold Spring Tavern a prime day-ride destination from Central or Southern California.
Cold Spring Tavern: 5995 Stagecoach Rd., Santa Barbara, CA 93105, (805) 967-0066. Find it off Highway 154. Take Camino Cielo, make a quick right on Stagecoach Road and enjoy the sweepers until you see it.-Eric Putter
New Lid On The Block
In the U.S. market, your choice of top-rated, top-shelf helmets has been few and far between, but no more. There's a new lid in town.
Fresh out of Grosetto, Italy, comes a premium collection of high-performance street and off-road helmets from Vemar. While Vemar's a new name in the U.S., the Italian manufacturer has been churning out high-end lids since 1981, and is now the largest producer of composite helmets in Europe. It brings 30 years of experience to bear with new designs for the U.S. market (check out the sleek, limited-edition VSR Carbon) now available through an exclusive agreement with Intersport Fashions West.