Broken Spoke Campground is the place to stay at the 70th Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.

The same rubber chunking, heart pounding, hair raising event that first graced the County Line during the 2009 Sturgis Rally is kicking off round two in 2010. To top even last year’s amazing event, the Broken Spoke and S&S Cycles will raffle off an S&S motor!

On Thursday, August 12th at 7:30pm, 500 lucky individuals will line up their motorcycles to become part of history and create a one-off burnout that could probably be seen from the far reaches of space. Of course, safety is the number one priority and The Broken Spoke will bring in concrete jersey barriers for contestants to pull up to.

Each and every rider will receive a number and a corresponding certificate for their participation in this one of a kind experience. They will also receive a raffle ticket for their chance to take home that shiny new S&S motor. This is the only way to get your shot at the motorcycle history books and a killer prize from America’s premier horsepower provider, so don’t miss out! Check out the website for full details about the S&S Smokeout.

THE COMPLETE STURGIS 2010 CAMPING EXPERIENCE IS AT THE BROKEN SPOKE CAMPGROUND!

The Broken Spoke Campground is the place to stay at the 70th Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. They have 600 acres at the foothills of beautiful Bear Butte with tent camping spots, private air-conditioned cabins, and oversized RV spots with hook-ups, plus the best facilities and amenities in the Black Hills. Spots are still available and can be reserved now on-line at BrokenSpokeCampground.com or by calling (877) 653-6679 (8-SPOKE-ON-79). The Broken Spoke Campground is located on Highway 79 North, just past Bear Butte State Park in Sturgis, South Dakota. 

Broken Spoke Campground is the place to stay at the 70th Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.

BROKEN SPOKE CAMPGROUND CAMPERS WILL ENJOY:

• FREE Concerts featuring: .38 Special, Dokken, Great White, Eddie Money, Warrant, Gallagher, The Kentucky HeadHunters, Black Stone Cherry, Confederate Railroad, Black Oak Arkansas, Blackfoot*, Houses of the Holy, Dallas Moore, Jasmine Cain, Laura Lynn & Lucas Hoge and many more.
• Clean, Hot, Private Showers
• Fully Equipped General Store
• 600 Acres in the Pristine Foothills of Beautiful Bear Butte
• Oversized RV Spots
• Private Air-Conditioned Cabins with Mini Fridge & Microwave
• FREE World’s Biggest Biker Pool with Hot Tubs, Tiki Bar, Live Music & the Sexiest Barmaids in the Black Hills!
• Food vendors ranging from Pizza Hut to Dirty Willies to Hickory Hollow Smokehouse
• FREE Beer Hour 4-5pm Daily with One Time Purchase of $5 Broken Spoke Mug
• FREE Pool Concerts Daily – Laura Lynn & Lucas Hoge
• Good ‘Ol Days Raceway
• Hill Climb
• Gill Montie’s World Famous Tattoo Mania
• An amazing array of motorcycle related vendors on-site
• Limpnickie Lot
• Baker Burnout Box
• Legends Art Gallery
• Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial Wall – “The Wall That Heals”
• FREE WiFi
• FREE SPOKE 2 SPOKE Shuttle to / from Downtown Spoke & Campground

The Broken Spoke Campground is wall-to-wall entertainment for the entirety of the 70th Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. The 2010 festivities include multiple camping options (tents, RV’s and cabins), the IMBBA Bike Show and Hall of Fame Awards, Easyriders Rodeo, the Michael Lichter & Sugar Bear Ride, the Cycle Source Ride and Chopper Show, the Vietnam Veterans Wall, the Baker Drivetrain Smoke-Down Showdown, the S&S Smokeout, the World’s Biggest Biker Pool with Hot Tubs & Tiki Bar, Legends Art Gallery, Good ‘ol Days Raceway, Hill Climb, America’s Original Extreme Motorcycle Thrill Shows, the Limpnickie Lot – where attendees can interact with the next generation of bike builders, the Lucky Daredevil Thrillshow, Hot Contests with Cash Prizes, Free Spoke to Spoke Shuttle, Live Music Day and Night, and an on-site General Store including all the items campers need!

The Broken Spoke Saloon is the world’s biggest biker bar, with locations across the country. There are two Broken Spoke Saloon locations in Sturgis, SD plus one in Daytona, FL; Myrtle Beach, SC and Laconia, NH (now open year-round). You’re bound to be close to one of them, so stop by during the next rally! The Broken Spoke Saloon in downtown Sturgis, SD is located at 905 Lazelle Street.

Visit: www.brokenspoke.com

Fundraising Contest with Top Motorcycle and Bicycle Designers to Makeover Pee-wee Herman’s Famed Schwinn Ride

As part of “Pee-wee’s Big Sturgis Adventure” at The Legendary Buffalo Chip August 8 & 9, a mix of nationally renowned and local South Dakota motorcycle and bicycle builders are taking part in an “extreme makeover” of Pee-wee Herman’s iconic 1947 Schwinn at the 70th Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.

Pee Wee's bike!

Schwinn has donated TRANSIT 3-Speed Electric bicycles to be redesigned and fabricated especially for Pee-wee. Each participant will have only a few weeks to transform these electric bikes into high-tech, tricked out, ultra cool rides uniquely suited for Pee-wee Herman.

All entries will be presented at The Legendary Buffalo Chip’s Event Center on Sunday, August 8 from 5:30-7:30 pm. Pee-wee will choose his new bicycle, and then autograph all the other entries for a fundraising auction of these unique one-of-a-kind Pee-wee collectibles to benefit The Kids & Chrome Foundation, who supports various Black Hills children’s charities and The Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame. The following day, Pee-wee will inaugurate his “New Ride” as Captain of the Buffalo Chip’s Annual Legends Charity Ride that starts in Deadwood on Monday, August 9 at 3:00pm.

“My old red Schwinn is my best friend, but I’m ready for something new,” said Pee-wee. “I’m so grateful to Schwinn and all the cycle builders for their amazing donations. I’m really proud to be a part of this fundraiser, and can’t wait to be a part of all the fun at Sturgis.”

Fabricators include Steve “Brewdude” Garn of BREW Bikes, LLC. BREW has been building custom bicycle frames since 1987, and 2008 BREW received the Easyrider Old School Builder of the Year Award. Bryan Schimke of TPJ Customs started his custom bike building business in his garage. Bryan builds only handmade bikes with the highest quality parts to withstand the abuse of the real world. Jesse Hansen founded Rushmore Mountain Sports from his love of bikes and people and it soon became everyone’s favorite local bike and outdoor shop located in beautiful downtown Spearfish, South Dakota. Recycled Cycles started out in 1978 selling just used and reconditioned bicycles today they are a full service Schwinn dealer located in Fort Collins Colorado.

Playing host to the largest and most prestigious motorcycle music festival of its kind, the Legendary Buffalo Chip’s 2010 Sturgis Rally Week musical lineup is guaranteed to provide visitors with the ultimate Sturgis experience. To celebrate Sturgis Rally Week’s 70th Anniversary, Sturgis’ premier entertainment venue and motorcycle travel destination has not only rounded up an enormous selection of legendary musical acts but offers its guests an array of accommodations, created to suit any travelers’ needs. The Chip boasts a cozy selection of campgrounds and RV areas as well as travel trailer and cabin rentals.

Also set to perform at the Chip’s infamous outdoor amphitheatre are Bob Dylan, ZZ Top, Kid Rock, Motley Crue, Ozzy Osbourne, The Doobie Brothers, and The Scorpions. Visit www.buffalochip.com to make your reservations for Sturgis Rally Week 2010- you simply can’t miss this!

When is Mountain Dew® more than just the world’s most refreshing and exhilarating soft drink? When it’s also a coupon worth $2 off the 2010 Official Sturgis Buffalo Chip Event shirt, that’s when!

Do the Dew and get $2 off the 2010 Official Sturgis Buffalo Chip Event shirt

In a unique marketing collaboration between Admiral Beverage and the Legendary Buffalo Chip beginning June 21, 1.5 million specially marked cans of the world’s favorite soft drink will be distributed in retail outlets and vending machines in Montana, Wyoming, South Dakota and North Dakota. Each can contains a coupon on its side panel worth $2 off Hot Leathers’ premier Buffalo Chip 2010 Event Shirt available only at the Buffalo Chip Official Logo Store in the campground’s amphitheater.

Hot Leathers, the industry leader in motorcycle apparel and accessories, in conjunction with the Legendary Buffalo Chip has fashioned the renowned Sturgis hot-spot with an officially licensed event shirt to specifically commemorate Sturgis Rally Week 2010.

“We’re ecstatic to be partnering with Mountain Dew®,” said Rod Woodruff, campground owner. “It’s natural that the world’s favorite biker party would collaborate with the world’s favorite soft drink. The Legendary Buffalo Chip is celebrating its 29th year and is a perfect fit for the active, freedom-loving bikers who choose the distinct taste and refreshing formula of Mountain Dew®.”

If you are among the millions of people who have made Mountain Dew® the largest selling soft drink in the world, make sure to bring your Buffalo Chip Mountain Dew can to the Chip and receive $2 off the 2010 Buffalo Chip event shirt. So, do the Dew! You’ll save some dough!

The New England weather is almost always predictable during this week. It either rains cats and dogs (which happened during the first weekend) or it’s oppressively hot and sticky, as it was on the day we went up.

Laconia Bike Week 2010

the main strip

We’ve been going to Laconia for bike week for 20 years, more or less, and I have to say it’s a much different rally today. I remember it being a lot more wild, signs that read “Show us your tits” were every ten feet and people lined the streets on the way to the beach sitting in their lawn chairs with coolers of beer next to them.

These days it’s much more family-friendly. Over the past 10 years if any woman flashed her goodies she might get a ticket from the local authorities. Cops are everywhere. To say it’s been watered down is an understatement. It’s almost so subdued that it can be a bummer.

"Weirs" the beach? har har.

But still, we go mainly for all the motorcycles, great people watching, bad food, good music and to scope out the merchandise!

Here’s a few photos from the day:

stogies & motorcycles=perfect match

a whole lotta bootie shorts

look at that pink bike! It has streamers!

Vampire skull tank

can't you just smell this just by looking at the pic?

local bike builder, Dave Perewitz

a girl after my own heart: great helmet stickers and a Patriots paint scheme

events

H-D blowup

Old School Choppers

veterans tribute motorcycle

Love seeing flags flying on bikes.

Laconia, for me,  is still a fun rally with all the comforts of home sprinkled in. We had a great- but much too-short time there!

Related posts:

• a few photos from Laconia 2009
• Laconia motorycle week 2008
• Video Tuesday: Laconia Bike Week 2007
• Having a blast at bike week-wish you were here!

Celebrities, the nation’s top bike builders and riders looking to ride for charity will converge in Deadwood August 9 to take part in the 3rd annual Legends Ride. The Legends Ride takes riders from Historic Deadwood to the Legendary Buffalo Chip in Sturgis through the Black Hills of South Dakota. Riders’ contributions from the Ride benefit the Children’s Home of the Black Hills and the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum and Hall of Fame. In just two years, the Legends Ride has raised nearly $100,000 for these charities.

The 2010 Legends Ride to Kick off the 70th Annual Sturgis Rally

Special guests confirmed to participate on the 2010 Legends Ride include actor Lorenzo Lamas, reality television star Rupert Boneham, comedic icon Pee-wee Herman (Paul Reubens) and a host of the nation’s top bike builders and industry dignitaries.

“The past couple years have proved that the Legends Ride is the premier charity and celebrity event in motorcycling. We are proud to be part of this worthy cause, and it’s truly amazing to see Rally-goers come forward to be part of this great ride,” said George Milos, Deadwood Chamber of Commerce director. “And now that we’ve established the Ride as a must-do during the Rally, we are only going to see more support.”

The cost of the ride is $150 per person. That tax-deductible fee offers riders the opportunity to join celebrities, world-class bike builders, cigar aficionados and other special guests on a stunning 50-mile ride from historic Deadwood, S.D., to the Legendary Buffalo Chip for the Legends Ride finale, capped by a concert by rockers Buckcherry and legends ZZ Top. A ticket to the concert is included in the registration. Other perks include free parking in Deadwood and the Legendary Buffalo Chip, food and drinks prior to the concert, meet-and-greet opportunities with master builders and celebrities and a special souvenir gift pack. Registration for the 2010 ride is now open, and space is filling quickly as the Legends Ride heads for its third consecutive sellout.

Also in 2010, the Legend’s Ride reception at the Legendary Buffalo Chip will be highlighted by a special live auction featuring “Method,” a one-of-a-kind custom motorcycle built by Discovery Channel bike builder Michael Prugh and the students of Western Dakota Technical Institute in Rapid City, S.D.

The Legends Ride schedule in Deadwood runs from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Silverado-Franklin Historic Hotel and Gaming Complex on Deadwood’s Main Street.  Other Deadwood Legends Ride event locations include the Deadwood Tobacco Company, where riders can enjoy a stogie with tobacconists and avid motorcyclists John and Vaughn Boyd.  The Silverado-Franklin will also showcase the works of top motorcycle
and Black Hill’s artists including Marc Lacourciere, Michael Lichter, David Uhl, Eric Herrmann and Kristi Goodell as part of the Buffalo Chip’s 2010 Essential Artists of the Sturgis Rally. The ride departs Deadwood at 3 p.m. as the convoy heads through the Black Hills and Vanocker Canyon before reaching the Buffalo Chip and a pre-concert reception and auction, which begins at 5 p.m.

This week Hot Leathers simply can’t wait to get to their next 2010 rally stop, the one and only Laconia Motorcycle Week. Celebrating its 87th Anniversary this year, Laconia Motorcycle Week promises a high-octane mix of action, racing, entertainment and events. Synonymous for offering the best selection of motorcycle merchandise in stores, online and on the road, Hot Leathers will not only be setting up shop at the popular rally scheduled for June 12-20, but will also be a presenting sponsor and the official merchandiser of Laconia Motorcycle Week.

Laconia Motorycle Week 2010

One of the foremost motorcycle rallies in the nation, Laconia Motorcycle Week is located in beautiful Weirs Beach, New Hampshire. From its majestic mountain peaks to its gorgeous coastline, New Hampshire offers an array of stunning landscapes as well as a selection of sizzling scenic byways for bikers to experience and enjoy.

This summer’s rally will be Hot Leathers 25th year in attendance at Laconia Bike Week, which boasted nearly 40,000 visitors during last year’s events. Hot Leathers has become a staple at the yearly celebration and is proud to offer patrons the opportunity to purchase quality and price-conscious motorcycle apparel and accessories to commemorate this legendary event. Hot Leathers is proud to showcase its quality products at the Lobster Pound and at several locations up and down Lakeside Avenue.

Notorious for packing up their merchandise and visiting a number of rallies and festivals throughout the nation, Hot Leathers goes to great lengths to ensure that motorcycle enthusiasts from coast to coast have the opportunity to peruse and purchase the ultimate in riding gear at Hot Leathers’ simple one-stop-rally-shop.

Follow Hot Leathers as they comb the nation, outfitting motorcycle enthusiasts with the quality merchandise that they desire and deserve. Check out hotleathers.com to see their full 2010 rally schedule and to peruse their diverse and original merchandise.

The day of the demo ride finally arrived! Honda split us up into three separate groups to ride: morning, mid-afternoon and late afternoon. I ended up being in the middle group, which gave me some time to kill. I missed watching the morning group leave because I was having breakfast, but I did get out there earlier in the morning to photograph the motorcycles before there were lots of people around.

When my group gathered with all our gear in tow, they almost didn’t let me ride. Something about not having a DOT approved helmet, blah blah (they never said I had to have one, but I suppose I should have known better. Please no lectures about riding safety, I’m well aware). One of the ride leaders let me borrow a helmet: a full-faced one, to my chagrin. Talk about sensory deprivation…

photo by Kevin Wing

Anyway it was suggested I take the standard model out first and when we got to the canyon we’d all switch bikes and I’d get to ride the DCT back. Sounded good to me.

And here begins the convergence of a perfect storm of comedy (and a whole lotta stress and frustration) for me: wearing a full-face helmet that I’m not used to, riding a motorcycle that I’m not familiar with (and uncomfortable on because I’m leaning forward and my feet are behind me), in a group of people I’ve never ridden with before on roads that I’ve never driven on…ever.

photo by Kevin Wing

I felt like I was back in my first day of the MSF course, I kept stalling out the damn bike. I ended up lagging way behind the rest of the group at the beginning of the ride. I had a really difficult time with the clutch because the friction point was a lot further out from where I’m used to (and although it’s adjustable we didn’t have enough time ahead to do anything about it).

The entire ride up to the canyon was a struggle for me and I’m sure it made some of the Honda guys doubt my riding abilities. I kind of wished that they had let us take a quick spin around the parking lot before we headed out for the ride so that we could set our expectations. [After all was said and done I was happy to learn that I wasn't the only one that had a bit of difficulty with the manual bike.]

After lots of swearing and finally catching up to the group I tried to focus on the gorgeous scenery and the bike itself. The ride was very smooth and first and second gears last a lot longer than I expected. Honestly, we never ended up going very fast for long enough to really get the bike going. I guess when the group of journalists went out a few days before us, one of the groups was pulled over for speeding. So Honda was very conservative while bringing the consumer groups out.

When we got to the canyon, I jumped on the DCT. Immediately it felt foreign not to be holding in the clutch while waiting for the rest of the group. I think the Honda guys were a little concerned about me because I did struggle initially. But you know how it goes, after a half hour on an unfamiliar bike you finally used to it and become a lot less nervous. And plus, hello automatic motorcycle!

photo by Kevin Wing

Off I went, this time second in line. That’s the silly thing about being on an automatic: you just go. I always thought riding an automatic felt a little like cheating because you’re not doing any work. But in this instance I quite enjoyed it in contrast to my frazzling time on the manual model. I got to enjoy the scenery, I kept up with the front of the group just fine. I didn’t fiddle too much with the controllers. I did toggle it into “S-mode” over “D-mode.” Most everyone who rode the DCT agreed they would almost never ride in D-mode, maybe the only reason to would be if you’re in heavy traffic.

It was interesting for me to see where the motorcycle’s computer decided to change gears versus where I normally would have. And I did notice if I seemed to be traveling in between gears I heard  “click-clack click-clack” while it tried to decide what gear to be in. There were a few spots where the road declined that I would have downshifted sooner than the computer did. And stopping was a little strange. Again, no clutch means no downshifting. You just use the brake to stop. Weird!

photo by Kevin Wing

If the ride had been longer I would have loved to have tested out the paddle switch in manual mode. The ride was only about an hour total, a half hour on each bike. Not nearly enough time to play around with all the features like we would have wanted to. But since this was Honda’s first time doing a consumer demo ride I can understand them being cautious.

I don’t know that I’d give up my street cruiser anytime soon for this one, but I really liked the DCT’s ability to toggle between manual and automatic and am intrigued by the paddle switch. I personally didn’t find the sporty style of it particularly comfy, based on my posture while riding, but the other folks who like this style found it very comfortable.

Everyone had lots of opinions, good and bad, about the VFR after the ride and didn’t hesitate sharing their thoughts. I hope American Honda finds that holding that kind of an event is successful and decide to do it again. If they do then they’ll be more aware of what worked and what didn’t. Oh, and I hope they invite me again, too! It was a great experience.

photo by Kevin Wing

Check out all of my photos from the Honda Consumer Event on my Facebook page!

Go to Honda Powersports for more information on the Honda VFR1200F DCT.

And if you really want to nerd out with other VFR fans, join them at VFRworld.

Related post: Anatomy of the Honda VFR1200F DCT

The Journey

I was dropped off at Boston’s Logan Airport by one half of the Hungry Mouse team: The Angry Chef and their new fluffy addition, Miss Penelope.

Penolope

I arrived with much time to spare before my flight. Had an overpriced yogurt for breakfast. Cracked open a new book and began reading through sleepy eyes (didn’t get much sleep the night before). Then boarded the plane, snapped myself into my seat and waited nervously for the plane to take off. Once in the air I…Zzzzz. Yup, fell asleep on and off for the next five hours while the two guys next to me chatted like ladies at a book club meeting.

Connecting flight was in Phoenix AZ. High temperatures of 103 degrees during the day. Wha…? Whoa. This would be one day I’m glad I’m not staying in Phoenix…

The second flight was only an hour but I seriously couldn’t wait to get both my feet on the ground again.

The Destination

Made it to Santa Barbara airport and first thing that struck me was: all of the mountains and how mild the weather was. Oh, and the airport is pretty small too, but very nice.

Welcome to Santa Barbara

There was a hotel shuttle waiting  to take me to Fess Parker’s Doubletree Resort. It’s a beautiful, sprawling resort on 25 acres of land with all the amenities you could ask for, not to mention a beach right across the street. This is the first time that Honda has ever done something like this aimed at consumers and they’re doing it up right so far.

Fess Parker's DoubleTree Resort

After getting settled in I notice a big Honda trailer and tent set up in the parking lot behind my room so I head out to say hello to all the Honda folks and some of the other lucky contestants here to ride this VFR1200. My first impression: these guys are hardcore fans. They’re talking about all the different generations of the VFR, lots of tech specs, specific gear and helmets and some have encountered each other on different sport-touring message boards.

I start to feel dreadfully out of place. But I’m not discouraged.

Later in the evening comes the meet and greet with the Honda folks. They are all pretty generous and gracious. There’s a pretty extensive and informative presentation with a little history about Honda and the engineering behind the VFR1200 DCT and 1200F. Clearly they are excited about this model, which I’ll go more in depth about in a future post.

presentation slide

The group starts firing out a lot of questions. I felt like I was at a Comic-Con with a bunch of Trekkies firing questions about what episode in the Original Series can you see the U.S.S. Enterprise is seen orbiting a planet from right to left, only these are motorcycle fans. They were getting pretty granular about what they were asking. And the Honda folks were nothing less than delighted.

goodie bags

Honda schwag

We then had a lovely dinner, many drinks and were split up into riding groups for the next day. I will be riding in the second group which will head out in the afternoon. We will get the opportunity to ride both models of the bike while we’re out.

Honda VFR1200F and DCT

Then we’ll find out if this baby is worth the hype!

Stay tuned for an in-depth post about the bike and my ride experience. In the meantime, if you’re on Twitter follow @HondaPowersports!

On her blog Christina announced that she will be hitting the road, with her daughters no less- from June 26 – July 11th, making her way up the coast from San Francisco to Vancouver. The show will include a video projection show of some of the ladies featured in Chicks On Bikes, she’ll talk about her experience in tracking down and photographing those featured in the book and will include images left out of the book and on the editing table. Best of all it’s free and she will sign your copy of the book with her favorite silver Sharpie (I got mine!).

"Chicks on Bikes" West Coast book tour

She is looking to book events all along the way and is taking bookings right now, particularly looking for venues in Seattle and Vancouver. If you think you have a venue that you’d like her to be at you are her ideal contact if you:

• a. love women and at least suspect that women are indeed smarter than men.
• b. Think motorcycles are the perfect vehicle
• c. are fascinated with the frozen moments and million words embodied in great photography.
• d. own a motorcycle related shop
• e. belong to a motorcycle club, great excuse to gather your buds.

If you think you have the perfect place and want Christina there, email her through her site ChicksOnBikes.us or comment on her blog at Christina Shook photography.

Hot Leathers is headed for sun and surf this week at the legendary Panama City Beach Motorcycle Rally. The industry leader in motorcycle apparel, synonymous for offering the best selection of motorcycle merchandise in stores, online and on the road is looking forward to a large presence at the much anticipated event being held April 28-May 2.

Panama City motorcycle rally 2010

A mainstay on the biker rally scene, twice a year thousands of riders descend on Panama City for the Panama City Beach Rally for a long weekend of motorcycle revelry along one of the world’s most beautiful beaches. Hot Leathers is a sponsor at this year’s celebration which promises to be an action-packed five days of motorcycle-centric festivities including parties, rides, vendors and live music. The Panama City Beach Rally also provides the perfect opportunity for Hot Leathers to showcase a number of their superior products. Florida rally-goers will have the chance to browse amongst a significant selection of Hot Leather’s premier merchandise including t-shirts, hats and other products for men, women and children.

In addition, Hot Leathers has designed and produced an array of premier rally apparel and merchandise exclusively for this year’s Panama City Beach Motorcycle Rally. Creating original designs for all of the major bike parties across the nation is a staple of the Hot Leathers Brand. Notorious for packing up their merchandise and visiting a number of rallies and festivals throughout the nation, Hot Leathers goes to great lengths to ensure that motorcycle enthusiasts from coast to coast have the opportunity to peruse and purchase the ultimate in riding gear at Hot Leathers’ simple one-stop-rally-shop.

Hot Leathers has been serving the motorcycle community for over 25 years. As a result, the company’s growing wholesale and printing facilities have earned it a place as one of America’s top 50 volume screen printers. Keep an eye out this summer for the Hot Leathers logo. It’s a brand you can trust with prices you can easily afford.

Follow Hot Leathers as they comb the nation, outfitting motorcycle enthusiasts with the quality merchandise that they desire and deserve. Check out hotleathers.com to see their full 2010 rally schedule and to peruse their diverse and original merchandise.

Sporting polished chrome and miniature American flagswhipping in the frigid reeze, a multitude of seasoned bikers made their way to Daytona Bike Week 2010 to support the “A Walk with Heroes” Veteran Tribute. The tribute, sponsored by the Legendary Buffalo Chip in conjunction with the Plaza Resort & Spa, has been heralded as one of the largest and most successful Veterans Tributes and celebrations in the United States.

R. Lee Ermey speaks at the "A Walk with Heroes" Veteran Tribute

The homage which included a selection of prestigious speakers, top level entertainment and the largest balloon launch in Veteran memorial history was supported and attended by more than 75 Veteran related associations and ten Veteran
motorcycle organizations. Highlights of the tribute included a replica of the Vietnam Wall which was escorted to the Plaza Resort & Spa by Rolling Thunder along with a number of other Veteran related motorcycle groups, a ceremony and evening of entertainment to formally honor Veterans of every branch and a balloon launch to pay tribute to fallen heroes.

Gunnery Sgt. R. Lee Ermey was also on hand as the event’s keynote speaker. A former Marine and award winning actor best known for his performance as the abrasive drill sergeant, Hartman, in the critically acclaimed film, “Full Metal Jacket”, Ermey also stars in his own shows on the Discovery and History channels including “Mail Call” and “Lock N’ Load with R. Lee Ermey”.

A well known and outspoken advocate for the United States Marine Corps, US Armed Forces and Veterans groups, Ermey has also just announced that he will be participating in this year’s salute to Veterans at the Legendary Buffalo Chip during
Sturgis Rally Week 2010. Known as the best party anywhere, the Legendary Buffalo Chip is also synonymous for taking special pride in honoring America’s Veterans. To find out more about the Legendary Buffalo Chip’s tribute to Veterans check out their website at legendarybuffalochip.com.

Related post:
A Walk with Heroes veteran tribute in Daytona

An impressive list of world-class builders, industry elite and media gathered at the Doghouse Bar and Grill on Main Street Daytona to raise funds for Soldiers’ Angels. A volunteer-led non-profit that provides aid and comfort to active servicemen and women of the U.S. military as well as veterans and their families, Soldiers’ Angels go to great lengths to demonstrate care and concern for those who daily fight for our freedom and safety.

Special hosts at this year’s celebration included Major General (retired) USAF, David Scott and Master Sergeant U.S. Army Special Forces, Scott Neil. Bert Baker, of Baker Drivetrain and Bryan Fuller of Fuller Hot Rods were the evening’s emcees, directing the night’s festivities.

A highlight of the evening’s celebration included a presentation of the Special Ops Sidehack built specifically for wounded Special Ops veteran, Romy Camargo. A Special Forces soldier paralyzed by a gunshot wound while serving in Afghanistan, Romy has achieved a number of personal freedoms others take for granted, but one major hurdle remains- once again feeling the wind in his hair from a motorcycle. As a result, Romy’s friend, Special Forces teammate and custom bike builder, Izzy Izquierdo along with three additional Special Forces brothers created a bike/sidecar combination just for Romy. Funds for the bike were raised by the Post 911 Foundation.

Special Ops Sidehack

Romy is presented the Special Ops Sidehack

Preceeding the event, Romy was accompanied by a large assembly of motorcyclists and a police escort from Bruce Rossmeyer’s Harley Davidson Beach Street Daytona store to the Seminole Hard Rock Roadhouse amongst the cheers and applause of thousands of bikers there to offer their support to the war hero.

The smile says it all.

The night’s additional festivities included a live auction with proceeds going to Soldiers’ Angels. A number of renowned builders were also on the scene such as Steve Broyles, Paul Wideman, Izzy Izquierdo, Matt Hotch, Cory Ness, Athena Ransom, Bryan Fuller, Kyle Shorey and Matt Olsen. The night’s revelry was all set amidst artwork in the Seminole Hard Rock Roadhouse by Mike Lichter, Sara Liberte, Paul Cox, Peter Grant, Jeff Cochran and Buck Wild.

left to right: Mandy Rossmeyer, Shelly Rossmeyer-Pepe, Ken Conte, Carrie Repp, Mike Cole, Andy George, Dar Holdsworth, Kyle Shorey, Bryan Fuller, Donny Loos, Steve Broyles, Paul Wideman, Kris Krome, Athena Ransom, Matt Hotch and Rollin Carroll. photo credit: Michael Lichter Photography

Sponsors for this year’s event included the Seminole Hard Rock Roadhouse, Hot Leathers, Bare Knuckle Choppers, R&R Promotions, Bruce Rossmeyer’s Destination Daytona, Spectro Oil, Baker Drivetrain, K&G Cycles, Rise Above Consulting, Limpnickielot.com, Intrepid Powerboats, Keyboard Motorcycle Shipping.com, and Lefty Brothers Cycles.

A good time with a purpose, this year’s Biker Fusion event proved to be a celebration of compassion and philanthropy amongst the motorcycle industry. Seminole Hard Rock Roadhouse’s Biker Fusion has quickly become an industry staple and will continue raising support for our troops for years to come. To learn more about the Seminole Hard Rock Roadhouse visit them online at www.hrroadhouse.com.

Related post:
Seminole Hard Rock Roadhouse Biker Fusion: good times for a purpose

An HD Garage Party attendee learns the proper way to pick up a motorcycle.

We ladies already have the month of May as “Women Riders Month” and now March is “National Garage Party Month,” which encourage thousands of women across the country to learn to ride. These events are for women only, hosted by hundreds of HD dealerships, offering seminars, basic information and hands-on tips (like learning how to pick up a fallen motorcycle). You can also shop for all the gear you’ll need to ride safely and of course, find the right HD for your personal style.

Check out the Harley-Davidson website if you would like to find a Garage Party near you.

Enter the National Garage Party Month Sweepstakes

During March, enter online or attend a Garage Party™ event at participating H-D® dealers for a chance to win a weekend getaway in L.A. with three girlfriends and America’s wellness expert and H-D rider Jillian Michaels.

H-D rider Jillian Michaels

The weekend will feature participation in the H-D Rider’s Edge® New Rider Course, spa treatments and a motivational talk with Jillian on how to live a better, healthier life. Enter the Sweepstakes.

*Rippin-Kitten.com is in no way affiliated with this giveaway. We’re just passing along the message. If you have any questions, please visit H-D’s National Garage Party Month Sweepstakes page.

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Oh yes, it’s Ladies Night and the feeling’s intimidation-free

Two-Wheeled passion seminar successfully reignites enthusiasm for V-Twin Industry

Despite having to make their annual voyage through wintery conditions that nearly shut down the entire East coast, a barrage of V-Twin dealers and exhibitors trekked their way to the 10th Annual V-Twin Expo in Cincinnati the weekend of February 6-8. The industry’s premier trade show, the V-Twin Expo is an opportunity for dealers and manufacturers to strike a deal and ascertain the overall state of the industry from veterans and colleagues. In addition to browsing an impressive array of V-Twin parts and accessories, this year’s expo also featured the “Eternal Combustion-Opportunity in the Wind” seminar.

Sponsored by the Legendary Buffalo Chip and Hot Leathers, this round table gave audience members the chance to converse, listen and learn from an impressive selection of successful and established bike builders and discuss the current climate of the V-Twin industry.

Turn out for the seminar was remarkable as an impressive assortment of industry giants discussed how they have managed to capitalize on their passion within the current climate and how they have successfully turned difficulty into opportunity. The seminar was moderated by celebrated motorcycle photographer, Michael Lichter and the panel consisted of industry notables Kevin Baas, Bryan Fuller, Brian Klock, Gary Mauer, Dave Perewitz, Matt Olsen, Kirk Taylor and Paul Yaffe. An overwhelming sense of passion for the industry permeated the room while journalists, industry insiders, dealers, manufacturers and builders discussed the industry; how it has changed since starting out, how to adapt to these changes and refocus business as well as how to pass this passion down to the next generation of bike builders.

At the conclusion of the seminar celebrity moderator, Michael Lichter also revealed the theme, participants and the logo, designed by Hot Leathers, for the 10th annual Motorcycle as Art exhibit to be displayed at the Legendary Buffalo Chip August 7-13. Titled “Eternal Combustion- 30 in the Wind” this year’s exhibit will focus on the explosion of interest and passion for custom motorcycles seen over the last thirty years. The display will include 30 custom motorcycles from 15 pairs of custom builders and will feature the photography and limited edition prints of the renowned photographer. This internationally renowned and highly anticipated yearly exhibit will be on display at the Lichter Exhibition Hall on the grounds of the Legendary Buffalo Chip August 7-13. An opportunity to peruse, mingle, discuss and learn this year’s V-Twin Expo and highly anticipated “Eternal Combustion-Opportunity in the Wind” seminar was the perfect opportunity for those involved in the V-Twin industry to rekindle their passion for the business and introduce this years Motorcycles as Art exhibition.

Sturgis Buffalo Chip Presents 10th Annual Motorcycles as Art Exhibit: Eternal Combustion- 30 in the Wind

More information on the free Motorcycles as Art 2010 Exhibition, “Eternal Combustion-30 in the Wind” is available at motorcyclesasart.com and buffalochip.com.

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Sturgis Buffalo Chip Announces Motorcycles as Art Exhibit for 2010

Despite the countless motorcycles still in hibernation in garages across the country, the countdown has officially commenced.

Now only over six months out, the Legendary Buffalo Chip has already begun preparations for the 70th Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally 2010. The epicenter and purveyor of the ultimate Sturgis experience; the Legendary Buffalo Chip has once again set out to provide rally-goers an array of entertainment, art, vendors, food, amenities and a myriad of raucous memories.

By bikers and for bikers, The Legendary Buffalo Chip has consistently proven itself as the best party in Sturgis. Synonymous with providing patrons a world-renowned assortment of musical acts, this year’s lineup is sure to deliver. Locked, loaded and ready to grace the Chip’s infamous main amphitheatre stage is rock and roll luminary, ZZ Top. That little ol’ band from Texas is sure to deliver the familiar and intricate riffs that landed them in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and in the hearts of fans the world over. The notoriously bearded blues-rock power trio will be celebrating their 40th Anniversary next year and is looking forward to ringing in this musical achievement with a rowdy crowd of Chipsters.

Another musical powerhouse booked for this year’s festivities is hard-hitting American rock band, Disturbed. Since the band’s inception in 1996 they have sold over 11 million albums worldwide, making them one of the largest grossing rock bands in recent years. They have also released three consecutive studio albums that have debuted at number one on the Billboard 200.

An additional can’t-miss attraction at this year’s Sturgis Rally Week is Michael Lichter’s 10th Annual Motorcycles as Art Exhibit. An internationally renowned exhibition showcasing the works of the most influential master builders and artists in motorcycling, Motorcycles as Art has become the token exhibition of the annual Sturgis Rally. The exhibit curated by legendary motorcycle photographer, Michael Lichter, has been successfully captivating rally-goers for the past decade and has effectively touched on a variety of relevant and significant themes within the motorcycle community.

Last year’s 2009 exhibit entitled “Rebel Rousers- Motorcycle Icons that Inspired Us to Ride” inspired thousands of enthusiasts to come out and witness for themselves an array of revered images and sacred memorabilia central to the biker culture. Quickly becoming the most eagerly anticipated exhibition of its kind, the Motorcycles as Art exhibition provides Sturgis rally-goers with an unforgettable experience.  This year’s theme soon to be announced, is guaranteed to follow in the rich and unforgettable Motorcycles as Art tradition.

The Third Annual Legends Ride has also been confirmed for Sturgis Rally Week 2010. The Legends Ride is your ticket to join celebrities, world-class bike builders and over 500 riders on a stunning, 50-mile ride from historic Deadwood, SD to the Legendary Buffalo Chip. All proceeds from the ride benefit two local Black Hills charities including the Black Hills Children’s Home and the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum and Hall of Fame. Within the past two years, the Legends Ride has quickly become the premier charity-celebrity ride of the motorcycling community and has raised nearly $100,000 for local charities. The ride is scheduled for Monday, August 9 with details still being worked out.

The Legendary Buffalo Chip offers visitors the ultimate Sturgis experience- there’s really no reason to go anywhere else. The countdown has officially begun so visit buffalochip.com now to secure your reservation for Sturgis 2010. Join ZZ Top, Disturbed, Michael Lichter and thousands of rowdy bikers at the Legendary Buffalo Chip for Sturgis Rally Week 2010 and join in the celebration. It’s going to be a wild ride!

What do you do in January when it’s too wet or chilly to ride your motorcycle? How about heading out for a night of motorcycle related literature and photography? Christina Shook and Ed Milich will be touring motorcycle destinations in San Francisco and northern California beginning January 26 2010 to promote their recently released motorcycle books: Milich’s “Wrenched: Man and Machine” and Shook’s “Chicks on Bikes“. Milich recently completed a 10-day West Coast book tour in December of 2009 with Mark Gardiner (Roadracer X, Classic Bike), author of Riding Man. Shook shared the Werkstatt SF tour stop with Gardiner and Milich, and the idea for January’s “Wrenched Words and Chick Pics” Tour was born.

Christina Shook is a San Francisco East Bay based professional photographer. “Chicks On Bikes“, Shook’s first book, compiles her photographs of and writings on female motorcyclists drawn largely from the San Francisco Bay Area’s diverse population of female riders. The book depicts female racers, commuters, cruisers, and mechanics in their natural environments from San Fransicso’s streets to dirt bike trails, to the racetrack. The hard bound “Chicks On Bikes” is 154 pages and is $24.99 from chicksonbike.us.

Chicks on Bikes by Christina Shook

Wrenched: Man and Machine by Ed Milich

Ed Milich is a Los Angeles based writer and contributor to Motorcyclist Magazine, Café Racer Magazine Sports Car Market Magazine, a national roadracing champion (WSMC, AHRMA), proprietor of motorcycle websites Guzzitech.com, Ducpower.com, and Motobastard.com and a professional Mechanical Engineer. “Wrenched, Man and Machine“, the first book from the Los Angeles based Milich, documents his motorcycle racing, wrenching and riding experiences in largely unrhymed free verse. In March of 2009, Milich debuted “Wrenched” at the Daytona International Speedway Bike Week Vintage Races where he punctuated the book release by winning four out of four races. *Wrenched, Man and Machine* is 142 pages and is $15 postpaid at wrenchedbook.com.

If you live in the N. California area I highly recommend you go see these guys and show them your support!

"Chicks Rule" trailer

The tour officially kicked off during the 2009 Toys in the Sun Run with featured guests the Motor Maids, Leslie Kay of Leslie Kay’s Insurance and Jeffrey Phipps of Jeffrey Phipps Custom Saddles. The Chicks Rule & Boys Drool Tour is a traveling display of what is available for women motorcycle riders, from clothing and parts to motorcycles styled with the woman rider in mind. The tour will feature Athena “Chickie” Ransom and her unique hand-crafted custom motorcycles as well as featured special guest appearances by an array of other unique women in the motorcycle industry.

Athena "Chickie" Ransom

Formulated specifically for women, it also gives men an opportunity to see “the other side” of a culture commonly associated with males. Validating the concept that women riders are more than just a “chick on the back” within the motorcycle industry, the tour also provides a forum for ladies to express her likes and dislikes in a setting that is not full of skulls, iron crosses and spikes.

The tour will include 12 national event stops throughout 2010 including the Heavy Hitters, Daytona Bike Week, New Orleans Bike Week, Sturgis Rally, and coming to an end at the 2010 South Florida Bikers Bash and Toys in the Sun Run. Look for the Vagabond set up at rallies near you.

For more info check out: vagabondchoppers.com and chicksruleandboysdrool.com