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Sep 01

The Gift of an Experience

By General Posts

What can you give someone as a gift who deserves the world? An experience to remember. What kind of experience can you gift someone who loves to ride? You can rent a motorcycle for them in a beautiful place that they’ve never ridden—and plan some awesome routes. Here is a little about my experience with Twisted Road; maybe you’ll find inspiration to give someone the gift of a motorcycle trip (or treat yourself to one!).

A Little Backstory & Our Dilemma

My name is Avory, and I grew up in Michigan; my whole family still lives there. But for me, that cliché thing happened where “the mountains called,” and you know… Colorado got me. For my mom’s birthday this year, I wanted to share the beauty of Colorado’s canyon roads, rivers, and mountains with her. She’s been riding basically her whole life, but she hasn’t ridden outside of a few midwestern states. I figured the best way to do that was to throw motorcycle exploring into the mix.

Then comes our dilemma: for the sake of time and convenience, I didn’t want to have my mom ride her baby, an Indian Chief Classic, all the way from Michigan to Colorado by herself. Renting her a bike was the first thought I had. While there are a few motorcycle rental companies out there, I found that Twisted Road provided the best inventory of motorcycle brands and model choices. Everyone has their preferences, and my mom is loyal to her Indian Motorcycles. Through Twisted Road, I found the only Indian for rent in all of Colorado—and it was perfect for her.

The Reservation & Rental Pickup Experience

Finding the bike on Twisted Road was easy—the website is very user friendly, and for those looking for something specific, the filters come in very handy. I was able to filter by brand to find the Indian Scout, and was very excited to see it available.

When we went to pick it up, the owner, Derek, was really cool (as most everyone I’ve met in the motorcycle community has been!). He did a walk-around and explained the aftermarket parts he’d put on, checked the air pressure in the tires, and let us know to call or text him with any questions. It was a super easy process! Kickstand up and we were on our way.

Our Riding & Adventures in Colorado

We only had 2.5 days of actual riding, but managed to get out to some pretty awesome places. We rode Rist Canyon through Stove Prairie up to The Mishawaka for dinner out on their deck over the water; it’s a must. Sunset above the canyon and Cache la Poudre River is incredibly beautiful. The Poudre Canyon out to Estes Park was also an awesome experience. My mom’s face when she got off of her rented Indian was like a kid on Christmas; it was the best gift I could’ve given her. She said it was the best ride she’s been on in her life.

Overall, it was an incredible experience that we’ll never forget. I think everyone could use some throttle therapy this year. There are so many beautiful places to go see, and doing so by motorcycle makes them all the more enjoyable. Whether you’re able to fly or road-trip, this is your sign that you need to pick a spot on the map and find a bike to ride for when you get there. You won’t regret it.

As mentioned before, the motorcycle community has brought some really amazing people into my life. If you’d like to connect, follow me on Instagram, @_aaaves!

CHECK OUT https://www.twistedroad.com

Aug 27

Register for MOTM

By General Posts

It’s taken 36 years for the Motorcycle Riders Foundation to get to a point that an event agenda can be pulled together in a few months, plus or minus a few days. If you’ve been following these E-blasts, then you may have recognized an undercurrent of the “five W’s” – WHO, WHAT, WHERE, WHEN and WHY, and a constant reminder that the 36th Annual Meeting of the Minds Conference is getting close.

You’ve been given samples of WHO helped start the Meeting of the Minds and the MRF, along with WHAT it was all about, WHERE and WHEN it came from and WHERE it’s heading, along with WHY it’s so important to attend. Here’s the tentative (subject to change) agenda for the 36th Annual Meeting of the Minds Conference. Time’s running out to use this link and register at Meeting of the Minds 2020. Room Reservations:  317-767-4769.

For those of you getting in on Thursday, September 24, join the MRF Board of Directors in a “Meet & Greet” at 7:00 p.m. in the Main Ballroom.

 

With a presentation of the Colors, the General Session opens at 9:00 a.m. Friday, then it’s non-stop with…

  • Opening Remarks – Kirk “Hardtail” Willard
  • MRF Financial Report – Kirk “Hardtail” Willard
  • Legislative Update – Rocky Fox
  • Election Year & Effective Use of CQ – Rocky Fox
  • A series of MRF award presentations by Dave Dwyer & Ryan Hubbard, Michelle Holcomb & Duane Justus.

Then it’s on to more presentations, a few awards and recognition of the future of motorcyclists’ rights…

  • MRFA&E – Deb Butitta
  • MRFA&E Young Activist Awards – Deb Butitta
  • Young Activist Scholarship Winners Panel – Deb Butitta
  • MRF Rep/Reps of the Year Awards – Doc D’Errico
  • Presidents Cup – Kirk “Hardtail” Willard
  • A Primer: How Strategic Planning can help your SMRO – Mark Buckner

Lunch by Bill the Chef; a riding and turning demo by Lane Triplett, then an afternoon of workshops…

  • 2020-21 Legislative Strategy – Kirk “Hardtail” Willard
  • 3R’s MRFA&E – Ron Braaksma & Lane Triplett
  • Media Madness: How to Survive these Wild Times – Brian “Skinny Bob” Clifford
  • Executive Directors Town Hall – Kirk “Hardtail” Willard
  • Kickin’ Ass and Taking Names – Pennsylvania’s 35-year Winning Quest for Freedom of Choice – Charles Umbenhauer
  • Public Relations in a Changing World – Cathy Brush

 

The afternoon winds into dinner by Bill the Chef and moves into an “evening of festivities and a rodeo!” provided by the folks from ABATE of Indiana.

Saturday morning begins with a breakfast by Bill the Chef… In case you’re wondering, for the first time in recent memory, meals are included with your registration packet. Bill the Chef, renowned for his biker pleasing menus, generous proportions and never failing to make a few thousand hungry bikers happy at ABATE of Indiana’s world famous, Bean Blossom Boogie! You’ll have to specifically ask for a PBJ or a county jail bologna sandwich! They aren’t on Bill the Chef’s menu!
Saturday’s General Session opens with Jay Jackson and blasts WFO into…

  • State of the Safety Training Programs – Jay Jackson
  • Ron Sheppard Award – Jay Jackson
  • Strategic Planning for Your SMRO: Writing Your Own Plan – Mark Buckner
  • Political Action Committee? Why the Hell Does a Biker Need One? – Ryan Hubbard
  • MRFPAC Awards – Ryan Hubbard
  • State Reps Meeting – Doc D’Errico
  • With Freedom Comes Responsibility – Dave “Chubby” Charlebois
  • Bridging the gap Clubs/SSMRO – Russell Radke & Paul Landers

All of that before it’s lunch with Bill the Chef! Plus, another Lane Triplett riding demo. After lunch it’s another afternoon filled with more information than you can haul home in two saddlebags!

  • Sustaining Clubs Meeting – Russell Radke
  • Advocacy – Beyond Face to Face – Rocky Fox
  • Kickin’ Ass and Taking Names – Pennsylvania’s 35-year winning quest for freedom of choice – Charles Umbenhauer
  • CQ & Using technology to Win in Washington – Rocky Fox
  • Media Madness: How to Survive these Wild Times – Brian “Skinny Bob” Clifford
  • Public Relations in a Changing World – Cathy Brush

Yeah, there’s a few duplicates, because the presenter and the subject are in such demand there’s only one way to satiate this crowd’s demand – give them the information and tools they need to be more effective at their state legislatures!

Saturday “slows down” just enough for a quick thirst quencher before the banquet starts. It’s an evening filled with a soon-to-be-announced keynote speaker, dinner by Bill the Chef, awards, and a live auction that if history ever repeats itself, this will be one not to miss.

Sunday morning travelers get sent out on the road after a “Blessing of the Bikes” and while everyone else is heading home, the MRF Board hunkers down for a review of The Good, The Bad, The Ugly, of the entire conference and ending it with a commitment to take everything that was learned at the 36th Meeting of the Minds Conference and put it to use on behalf of motorcyclists’ rights.
Aug 26

5-Ball Special Ops vest

By General Posts

$179.70 – $191.67

https://shop.bikernet.com

5-Ball Leathers Biker Leather Vest This is the bells and whistles 5-Ball Racing vest. It has six pockets on
the outside, two gun pockets and our exclusive document or media pocket
inside.

Our (13) pocket Special Ops Racing Vest is the shit for stealing race
secrets and riding in the cold to Bonneville to support the 5-Ball Racing
Team.
Designed for the road with heavy duty gun metal grey zipper front, bound
leather neck trim and strong double needle seam construction. The two
conceal and carry pockets will stow your valuables cameras, phones,
weapons, and racing notes.

EXTERIOR FEATURES:

  • 2 chest Pockets (zip closure)
  • 2 Zip waist pockets
  • 2 waist flap pockets (snap closure) & side snap adjustment.
  • Side Snap adjustments

Biker Leather Vest
INTERIOR FEATURES:

  • 2 Gun pockets with quick snap
  • Storm Flap
  • 2 Zip pockets
  • 2 easy-access coin pockets
  • 100% cotton black/white plaid lining.
  • 1 Media Pocket

SHOP FOR MORE GEAR AND BOOKS AT https://shop.bikernet.com

Aug 25

Born To Ride Reviewed Again

By General Posts

Where to start? Let’s start with saying this is another failed attempt to emulate Easy Rider but with a supposed humorous twist. Two bikers getting ready to head off to Sturgis, but they get side-tracked when one of them tries to save a dude being robbed by a couple punks, or as Keith Ball (as himself) playing a reporter, calls them, “Goons.”

CLICK HERE TO READ THE REVIEW ON BIKERNET

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Aug 22

NH officials remind Laconia Motorcycle Week attendees of COVID-19 safety rules

By General Posts

by Jean Mackin from https://www.wmur.com

In 2020 style, Laconia Motorcycle Week is taking a major detour this year — scaled down with no vendor tents or big scheduled events .

The state will post signs and even do flyovers featuring the rules of the road in New Hampshire.

“We want to remind folks that might be coming from out state to review our travel provisions, our quarantine protocols, and recommendations that we have within the state,” Gov. Chris Sununu said Friday. “Remind them that we do encourage folks to wear masks whenever they cannot social distance. If they are going to be at any large scheduled gathering, there actually is a mask requirement for those over 100.”

State health officials say they’re working with businesses to try to cut down on potential spread.

“In a large event like that, especially if it’s outdoor … and there’s hundreds of people, regardless of whether you’re wearing a mask or not there’s that risk of transmission is there,” said Health and Human Services Commissioner Lori Shibinette.

If someone tests positive, contact tracing could be difficult.

“It would be hard to do full contact tracing if they attended a large events at Bike Week, so I would say that a public notification is likely unless it was a very isolated incident,” Shibinette said.

And if a someone tests positive after leaving the state, New Hampshire officials would be notified.

Aug 10

Former motorcycle cop teaching safety, passion on two wheels

By General Posts

by Peter Mallett from http://www.lookoutnewspaper.com

A former motorcycle cop is encouraging aspiring motorcyclists from the base to get the skills they need before embarking on their journey down the highway.

Bill Laughlin has been an instructor with the Vancouver Island Safety Council (VISC) since his retirement from the Victoria Police Department in 2003, concluding 27 years of service as a police sergeant.

“I have always been a motorcyclist and have been riding since I was 16, so when I was asked by a friend if I would be interested in teaching I knew I would really enjoy it,” says Laughlin.

Each year, he and approximately 20 other ICBC-licensed instructors teach over 400 students how to be safer motorcyclists. Their efforts are focused solely on rider training and education.

“All of our instructors have a passion for motorcycling. We are teaching because we want people to learn, be safe, but also have fun.”

Shortly after joining VISC, Laughlin became its executive director. Today the 66 year old spends most of his days working as an administrator with the end goal to equip novice riders with the necessary skills and knowledge to operate a motorcycle safely.

VISC offers weekday classes at its Western Speedway training centre in Langford; on the weekend training moves to the grounds of Interurban’s Camosun College.

Students train on one of VISC’s 11 well-maintained training bikes, and later in their instruction, 16 street-ready motorcycles as they move towards certification. Helmets are also provided, but other gear such as proper protective clothing is not.

Laughlin says VISC has trained several members of Victoria’s military community in past years and is convinced many of them buy into the philosophy of doing things right, getting the proper training, and learning the fundamentals before taking on any potentially dangerous activity.

You need to get your skills right before the fun part of riding a motorcycle can begin, says Laughlin. “Having fun while on a motorcycle is all about learning how to drive safely and not put yourself in dangerous positions. If you are professionally trained you will have the knowledge and confidence to truly get the most out of riding a motorcycle.”

Their courses are not just for beginners. There are many people who have drifted away from motorcycling over the years but suddenly decide they want two-wheeled transit back in their lives.

“It’s simply not a case of the old cliché: it’s just like riding a bike,” says Laughlin. “Over time the skills of people who haven’t been riding begin to deteriorate, so we highly recommend refresher courses for those looking to get back into riding a motorcycle.”

VISC is a non-profit organization that began its motorcycle training program in 1971. It then saw official sanctioning from the Canada Safety Council in 1974. Today, its novice level training program exceeds Insurance Corporation of British Columbia training course minimums, with its traffic course the most thorough and lengthy of all riding schools in B.C., says Laughlin.

Following a six-week shutdown due to COVID-19 social distancing measures, the VISC motorcycle training program resumed operations on June 1. Due to a backlog of students waiting for instruction during the shutdown, available spaces for August training sessions are almost completely full and its September dates are filling up fast.

Laughlin says VISC is always looking to recruit new instructors, and currently have a recruitment drive underway for paid positions and would greatly value the input of experienced motorcyclists from CFB Esquimalt to assist.

For more information about the VISC, visit their website: http://visafetycouncil.com

Aug 04

Joe’s Stupid Fast Bagger Collection

By General Posts

About the Time Doom and Gloom Hits the Horizon another Market Blossoms
by Bandit with photos by Wrench

The Badlands represents the old west and now bikers, due predominately to the 80-year-old Sturgis Rally, Pappy Hoel and Michael Lichter. More brothers and sisters feel the magic in the hills and want to stay. Plus, for outlaw brothers of the wind, this area still represents freedom, and something untouched, for now.

I discovered a new breed of riders in Boulder Canyon in a large open shop. Hidden between pine trees were five Stupid Fast Harley Baggers, a Ducati Panigale and a tricked out 200 mph Kawasaki cop bike.

A handful of guys with the moxie and the money to ride from Deadwood to Denver at 140 mph plus.

Let me know what you think of his Stupid Fast Fleet.

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Jul 23

State police offer free motorcycle safety course

By General Posts

by Arabella Thornhill from https://potomaclocal.com

Virginia State Police have invited local residents to take part in a free motorcycle self-assessment, “Ride 2 Save Lives,” course this Saturday.

It is a free course that will be held Saturday, July 25 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Morton’s BMW Motorcycles located at 5099 Jefferson Davis Highway in Fredericksburg. Space is limited to 30 people.

According to a press release from Public Relations Director for Virginia State Police Corinne Geller, Richmond Division Motors Unit will be instructing participants on all aspects of rider safety through the use of SIPDE (Scan, Identify, Predict, Decide, Execute). SIPDE is the same training required of all VSP motorcycle operators.

The course provides riders with proper techniques on how to handle hazards, special situations, interstate highways, curve negotiations, and much more, according to Geller.

Social distancing measures will be in place for the safety of those in attendance, according to Geller. Riders must have a valid operator’s license with a class “M” endorsement, appropriate riding attire, a helmet, and eye protection.

The motorcycles must be street legal and helmets must be Department of Transportation approved to participate in this program, according to the press release.

Registration closes Wednesday, July 22. For those interested, registration is available online through the Virginia State Police Facebook page under “events” or at eventbrite.com.

Jul 06

A Citizen’s Guide to Recording the Police

By General Posts

First Amendment Protections for Journalists and Bystanders
By the team at First Amendment Watch

Sixty-one percent of the U.S. population lives in states where federal appeals courts have recognized a First Amendment right to record police officers performing their official duties in public. The U.S. Supreme Court has not ruled on the issue. As a result, legal protections are fully secure only in those jurisdictions where federal circuits have issued a ruling.

However, given the resounding support so far for this First Amendment protection, it seems highly likely that the remaining federal appeal courts would reach the same conclusion if the issue appears on their docket.

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Jul 01

Comoto Family of Brands Raise $100,000 from month-long The Ride is Calling Charity Campaign

By General Posts

from https://finance.yahoo.com

Comoto Family of Brands Raise $100,000 from month-long The Ride is Calling Charity Campaign to collectively benefit National Motorcycle Safety Fund, The Kurt Caselli Foundation and Motorcycle Relief Project

The motorcycle community overwhelmingly showed their support by participating in the 3-day charity ride, making individual gifts, and shopping in-store to benefit the cause–

Comoto Holdings, parent company of leading moto enthusiast brands RevZilla, Cycle Gear, and J&P Cycles, announced they raised $100,000 from the month-long The Ride is Calling Charity campaign to support National Motorcycle Safety Fund, The Kurt Caselli Foundation and Motorcycle Relief Project.

“The Comoto family of brands has been humbled by the outpouring of support for our efforts to raise funds for our non-profit partners,” said Ken Murphy, CEO of Comoto Holdings. “A record-setting weekend of over 3,000 motorcyclists participating to support these causes is proof-positive that the motorcycling community is thriving.”

The campaign raised in total $100,000, meeting its goal. The centerpiece of the month was The Ride is Calling Charity Ride during the weekend of June 19-21, which attracted 3,030 participants. In partnership with the trip planner app Rever, riders tracked their ride with a combined total of 233,607 miles ridden over three days. Comoto donated $1 for every 10 miles ridden, which amounted to $23,360.

“We are really pleased that the motorcycling community came together to ride what equates to 10 times around the world in a single weekend,” said Justin Bradshaw, Co-founder of Rever. “To have Rever’s technology lend a hand in making these generous donations possible is extremely rewarding for us.”

In addition to The Ride is Calling Charity Ride, on Saturday, June 20, 5% of all in-store and curbside pick-up sales across 148 Cycle Gear, J&P Cycles and RevZilla locations nationwide were donated to the fund.

Individuals were able to make donations through the charity ride pages on each of the brand websites. Over 32,000 users landed on the donation pages across all three websites throughout the month of June. On social media, participants used #irodetoday and #therideiscalling to share the stories of their rides across the country.

With a diverse group of riders across Comoto’s retail brands, the campaign partnered with organizations that have three distinct missions. National Motorcycle Safety Fund, the non-profit arm of the Motorcycle Safety Foundation, supports research, rider education and motorcyclist safety. The Kurt Caselli Foundation’s focus is on the safety of riders and racers in off-road motorcycling. Motorcycle Relief Project works with veterans and first responders suffering from PTSD by taking them on structured and professionally-led dual-sport motorcycle adventures.

“We are honored to be able to partner with Comoto to help veterans and first responders who are struggling with PTSD and related issues,” says Tom Larson, president and founder of Motorcycle Relief Project. “RevZilla has been helping out with our program for several years. Then Cycle Gear came on board and now we’re thrilled to be working with J&P Cycles as well. The funding from the Call to Ride event comes at a really important time for us, as our donations have definitely slowed down due to the COVID situation. A huge thank you to Comoto and all the riders who participated in the event and helped raise money. We couldn’t be more grateful for the support!”

About Comoto Holdings

Comoto Holdings is America’s largest and fastest growing omni-channel platform in the powersports aftermarket-products industry; dedicated to advancing the experience of moto enthusiasts across the globe. Comoto’s brands, RevZilla, Cycle Gear, and J&P Cycles, deliver premium products, dedicated expertise, engaging media, and passionate customer support of the rider community, through best-in-class ecommerce and retail experiences.