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SPRING 2017 ISSUE 01 / VOL. 02
Sidehacking into HistorySTORY &
Minnesota to New York via Siberia
PHOTOS BY ERIC DAEUBER
Left: Early morning on the dirt roads just south of four-lane Highway 401 in southern Ontario and you wouldn’ t know we weren’ t in Mother Russia. Above: Choosing a county road in Wisconsin labeled with a letter often means traffic-free riding and stunning views.
Many motorcyclists consider freeway speed limits to be a barrier. On a Ural, they’ re more like an accomplishment. But the thrill one feels at 75 mph on three wheels fades fast, and not much of life happens at that speed anyway. So less than a hundred miles of our 2,800-mile round-trip to the Niagara Peninsula took place on four-lane roads. Some of it didn’ t even happen on pavement. Our destination: the Niagara battlefields of the War of 1812 where, two centuries ago, America tried to invade Canada on and off for about two years. It was a confusing conflict but it left its mark on both countries. Americans painted the First House white, started singing“ The Star-Spangled Banner” and were reminded“ Don’ t give up the ship!” Canadians were told to“ Fight on brave York Volunteers,” won a famous battle thanks to Laura Secord and her fictional cow, and remained Canadian in spite of it all.