Old blue's road: a historian's motorcycle journeys in the American West
Date
2015
Authors
Whiteside, James, author
University Press of Colorado, publisher
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Abstract
In Old Blue's Road, historian James Whiteside shares accounts of his motorcycle adventures across the American West. He details the places he has seen, the people he has met, and the personal musings those encounters prompted on his unique journeys of discovery. In 2005, Whiteside bought a Harley Davidson Heritage Softail, christened it 'Old Blue,' and set off on a series of far-reaching motorcycle adventures. Over six years he traveled more than 15,000 miles. Part travelogue and part historical tour, this book takes the reader along for the ride. Whiteside's travels to the Pacific Northwest, Yellowstone, Dodge City, Santa Fe, Wounded Knee, and many other locales prompt consideration of myriad topics--the ongoing struggle between Indian and mainstream American culture, the meaning of community, the sustainability of the West's hydraulic society, the creation of the national parks system, the Mormon experience in Utah, the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II, and more. Delightfully funny and insightful, Old Blue's Road links the colorful history and vibrant present from Whiteside's unique vantage point, recognizing and reflecting on the processes of change that made the West what it is today. The book will interest the general reader and Western historian alike, leading to new appreciation for the complex ways in which the American West's past and present come together.--Provided by publisher.
Description
Includes bibliographical references and index.
Rights Access
Access is limited to the Adams State University, Colorado State University, Colorado State University Pueblo, Community College of Denver, Fort Lewis College, Metropolitan State University Denver, Regis University, University of Alaska Fairbanks, University of Colorado Boulder, University of Colorado Colorado Springs, University of Colorado Denver, University of Denver, University of Northern Colorado, University of Wyoming, Utah State University and Western Colorado University communities only.
Subject
Whiteside, James, -- 1950- -- Travel -- West (U.S.)
Historians -- Travel -- West (U.S.)
Motorcycling -- West (U.S.)
Historians -- United States -- Biography
Social change -- West (U.S.)
West (U.S.) -- Description and travel
West (U.S.) -- History, Local
West (U.S.) -- Social life and customs
West (U.S.) -- Social conditions