The event is open to the general public and everyone is encouraged to attend.

When: Saturday April 3rd, 2010
Where: M/C Ride: House of Blues 4640 Highway 17S, North Myrtle Beach, SC -
The Event is at the Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center 109 Bee St. Charleston, SC
Time: M/C Ride leaves promptly at 11:30 am -
The event starts at 2:15pm at the VA Medical Center

For more information contact Kevin at 843-390-1722, click this link, or visit the websites below:

Thank a Service Member.org

House of Blues – Myrtle Beach, SC

Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center

House of Blues – Facebook Page

Fanning the flames were big draws like famed engine builder and American Chopper (Orange County Choppers) regular Joe Malloy from H&L Performance Motors and custom builder Shane Gatto from Gatto Customs.

On Saturday, the long lines and large crowds gathering inside indicated that something big was going on. In fact, Michele Smith the host of Speed Channel’s American Thunder was on hand talking to fans, giving autographs and later in the day, she emceed the two featured fashion shows. Michele’s friendly demeanor and outgoing personality helped set the tone for an awesome event.

In addition, if the atmosphere inside the show wasn’t hot enough, Saturday afternoon also featured a world-class Chili Cook-off with local favorite Stella’s Diner back to defend their 2008 title.

This year’s event featured extended hours and ran for 3 days from January 23rd through 25th, 2009. “Last year’s show was so successful we had to double the size of this year’s show” said show promoter Tom Tarry. There certainly were plenty of vendors and attractions and this year’s show made very efficient use of all of that additional space.

Of course, the increased floor space means visitors will be on their feet longer resulting in increased hunger, thirst and the need to take a break. Accordingly, Tom and his team had the foresight to include a new attraction this year: the “Rumble & Roar Pub”. The authentic bar and restaurant offered wary show goers a place to take a load off while enjoying waitressed service along with good food and great music.

With all types and major brands of motorcycles represented as well as an abundance of exhibitors and attractions, the crowds were able to put aside their mid-winter blues and enjoy a weekend among their Peers.

“They’ll come for the bikes – They’ll stay for the fun” is the Rumble and Roar motto and for 2009 that motto said it all!

To learn more or to view listings of future events visit the Results Group Website.

Related Links:

Shane Gatto Customs
Michele Smith Website
H&L Performance
Speed TV
Rumble and Roar

Motorcycle enthusiasts will be saying goodbye to some long-time events this year and the future of some other big events is still hanging in the balance.

The end of an era

Last month American Honda announced that the 2008 Honda Hoot was the last one. This brings to a close 15 years of what has been arguably one of the most successful motorcycle rallies in history. Honda attributed the move to current economic conditions and said “based on the current economic crunch which may have significant impact on our customers during 2009, American Honda will take this time to seek out new and innovative ways to engage with our customers so that we can continue to ride together”.

Other events having difficulty or announcing cancellations include:

- Tampa Bay Motorcycle Rally. Earlier this year CC Productions issued a release stating that the event was “cancelled due to lack of community support”.

- Lone Star Rally. As of this writing, the organizers of Lone Star Rally in Galveston, Texas are still negotiating with Galveston officials. They have not been able to release even a tentative date for their rally and are threatening to leave if progress is not made.

- Concours d’Elegance. While taking a softer approach in breaking the bad news, the Legend of the Motorcycle has nevertheless cancelled the 2009 “Concours d’Elegance.” The Concours d’Elegance, which takes place the first weekend each May, will be not be held in 2009 but is scheduled to resume in 2010. The decision is attributed to “the effect the world economy has had on many sponsors”. Said co-founder Jared Zaugg: “We’d rather suspend the event than see it done halfway”. The good news is that plans are already underway for May 2010.

- Hollister Independence Day Rally. The event, which was tentatively scheduled for July 10-12, 2009, remains “officially” cancelled. This is the second time in three years city council members cancelled the Rally. The Horse Power Promotions website announcement states; “The city council has decided not to sanction the 2009 Hollister Motorcycle Rally. There will be no motorcycle activity in 2009.”

Lawmakers set their sights on bikers

Other potentially significant news for motorcyclists is pending legislation intended, in part, to limit motorcycle rallies. Back in September of 2008, the Myrtle Beach City Council passed 15 ordinances aimed at motorcycles and motorcycle events (See article). These ordinances include a curfew for underage individuals, administrative processes to address parking issues, new rules for checking into a hotel or motel, and a mandatory citywide helmet law. While these ordinances will not become law unless they are passed in a second reading, the potential is significant and Motorcycle Rally supporters have fired back with lawsuits (see article).

The communities and the many businesses that have relied on these events over the years will no doubt find they must reinvent themselves and will certainly face significant challenges ahead. Far away from these communities, some see the cancellation of these major events as a chance for other competing events to maintain their base or even provide a window of opportunity for smaller regional events to grow as a result. Others, still, view this as a sign of things to come and predict more events to pull back or cancel.

Manufacturers respond to the issues

The painful truth is that in addition to the current economic uncertainty, we are also seeing a convergence of issues, which have bubbled up to the surface at exactly the wrong time.

Issues and concerns such as “loud pipes”, “wheelies and stoppies” being performed on city streets, and resort communities being overwhelmed by non-stop summer-time motorcycling events have caused a backlash.

These seemingly unrelated concerns have created quite a complicated if not volatile situation for the motorcycling industry. Manufacturers, who absolutely recognize that motorcycling has always been based on freedom and the philosophy of “live and let live”, are being forced to divert resources. They find themselves in a position of having to take sides on the issues and to stave off criticism, they run campaigns on issues like “loud pipes” when they would rather be focusing on R&D, sales and marketing.

Motorcycling has been dealt somewhat of a cruel blow

Where high gas prices were recently driving up sales and expectations were high, we now see events being canceled and motorcycle sales plummeting due to economic conditions as well as communities actively pursuing new laws aimed squarely at motorcyclists.

Ultimately, just like riding the bikes they make, the motorcycling industry must keep going forward in order to keep its balance. This industry has seen its share of hard times and with the economy showing no signs of easing up any time soon certainly, more big changes are on the way. However, when the dust finally settles, though focused efforts and diligent planning, motorcycling and motorcycling events can no doubt emerge stronger and better.

Related Links:

Visit the Motorcycle Cruiser Links – 2009 Events Directory

December 22, 2008

Program celebrates 25 years of funding childhood brain tumor research

ASHEVILLE, N.C.—The Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation’s Ride for Kids® program broke all of its previous fundraising records in 2008, bringing in more than $5.2 million during its 25th anniversary year.

“I want to thank every one of our dedicated volunteers, amazing fundraisers and committed partners. It is a testament to their willingness to dig deep and work hard that 2008 was the best year in Ride for Kids® history,” said Kyle Clack, National Director of the Ride for Kids® program. “Many more children and their families will enjoy the holidays together because of their efforts.”

“With the addition of three new ride cities in 2009, we are now even more committed to succeed in our quest to find the cause of and cure for childhood brain tumors,” Clack said.

The best of the best

The Ride for Kids® program has always encouraged participants to bring more than the basic $35 registration fee, but not by reaching into their own pockets. Riders who ask family, friends, neighbors and co-workers for contributions, or who use their employer’s matching gift program, greatly increase the impact of their participation.

Some of the most successful fundraisers are the most creative. Bob Henig, owner of Bob’s BMW in Jessup, Md., has been involved in Ride for Kids® for 14 years. He and his dealership have raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for the PBTF over the years, but in 2008, he set out to raise the bar even higher.

Henig’s “Ultimate Bike Raffle” gave away a new BMW motorcycle, complete riding apparel, and many other extras. Ticket sales and other customer contributions totaled $106,437, giving Bob’s BMW a photo-finish for the top fundraising dealership in the nation. The $87,826 Henig personally raised also earned him the honor of being the country’s top individual fundraiser in 2008.

“When I dreamed up the original concept for the Ultimate Bike Raffle I hoped we might raise $25,000 and grow awareness of the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation’s mission and the Ride for Kids program,” Henig said. “As the raffle progressed, my team and I thought that promoting my $100 T-shirt idea might help us hit $50,000. But even in my wildest dreams—and I do have them—I didn’t imagine that so many people would share the news or want to proudly wear one of these special ROAD CREW T-shirts. So it was amazing to discover that the sales for three tickets with a T-shirt far outnumbered the single ticket sales and that we raised $80,000! It has been quite the experience, and I hope we can beat that effort in 2009.”

Another longtime supporter, Nielsen Enterprises of Lake Villa, Ill., shares the spotlight as the highest-fundraising dealership in the country. Its customers contributed $109,950 in 2008.

“The most motivating word that comes to mind when raising funds for the PBTF is love,” said owner Ted Nielsen. “When riding through areas where people are standing and waving us on, the smiles on the kids’ faces make it all worthwhile. These children deserve our help to give them the best chance to fulfill their lives in a healthy, natural state. The reward is to reach out and share our good fortune of life with others in need.”

The PBTF is honored to announce that both Henig and Nielsen have joined its Board of Directors. Their business expertise will further solidify the influence of the motorcycle community on the foundation’s operations.

Another vital component of the Ride for Kids® is the hard work of motorcycle chapters, clubs and other groups that enthusiastically promote their local events and organize participants. From the Orange County Dualies to Gold Wing Road Riders Association chapters, these groups raised over $907,000 for the PBTF in 2008.

The nation’s top group was Team Tyler, powered by American Collectors Insurance, which brought $64,355 to the Philadelphia Ride for Kids®.

Industry sponsors give generously

The Ride for Kids® program is deeply thankful for the ongoing support of its presenting sponsor since 1991, the Honda Rider’s Club of America, and its parent, the American Honda Motor Company.

We are also grateful to national sponsors such as the Cycle World International Motorcycle Shows, AGV Helmets and Dunlop Tires. In addition, we thank the countless companies and motorcycle dealers across America who help us connect with the motorcycling community.

Motorcyclists make research breakthroughs possible

The Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation has funded more than 50 research institutions around the world, including its own prestigious PBTF Institute programs. One of those institutes is led by Dr. Mitchel S. Berger, a neurosurgeon and researcher at the University of California San Francisco.

“I am convinced more than ever, in this very challenging economy, with less funding coming from the National Institutes of Health, that the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation and its Ride for Kids events are making a significant and highly meaningful impact in the area of brain tumor research,” said Berger.

“So many of our ideas around the country in this field involve high-risk research, and thanks to the efforts of our motorcycle enthusiasts and their support teams, we are making a serious impact into our understanding of the causes of these devastating illnesses and how to better treat them,” Berger concluded.

About the PBTF Ride for Kids®

Since 1984, the national Ride for Kids® program and the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation (PBTF) have promoted childhood brain tumor research and provided family support through free literature about brain tumors, educational newsletters, online conferences and college scholarships. With the help of America’s motorcycling community, the PBTF has become the world’s largest non-governmental source of funding for childhood brain tumor research.

All makes and brands of motorcycles are welcome at the Ride for Kids®. Events will take place in 39 cities in 2009, including new events in Jacksonville, Fla., Indianapolis and Middle Tennessee. More information is available at http://www.rideforkids.org/.

Contact: Mary O. Ratcliffe

800-253-6530 or mratcliffe@rideforkids.org

Brain tumor patient Shawn shows his

excitement during the 2008 South Florida Ride for Kids.

2009 Ride for Kids Calendar
Feb. 8	South Florida
April 5	Northeast Florida
April. 26	Houston, TX
May 3	Los Angeles, CA
May 3	Triangle Area, NC
May 17	Middle Tennessee
May 31	Albuquerque, NM
June 7	Richmond, VA
June 7	Atlanta, GA
June 7	Colorado
June 7	Cleveland, OH
June 14	Southern California
June 14	Indianapolis
July 12	South Bend, IN
July 19	Chicagoland, IL
July 19	Minnesota
July 19	Utica, NY
July 25	Marysville, OH
July 26	Kansas City, KS
August 2	Hudson Valley, NY
August 2	Wisconsin
August 9	Pittsburgh
August 16	New England
August 22	Utah
August 23	Michigan
August 30	Asheville, NC
Sept. 13	Puget Sound, WA
Sept. 13	Birmingham, AL
Sept. 20	St. Louis, MO
Sept. 20	Philadelphia, PA
Sept. 27	Baltimore/Washington
Oct. 4	Las Vegas, NV
Oct. 4	Northern California
Oct. 4	Dallas/Fort Worth, TX
Oct. 11	Phoenix, AZ
Oct. 18	San Diego, CA
Oct. 18	Knoxville, TN
Oct. 25	Louisiana
Nov. 1	Sarasota, FL

Announcing this today, SIC Chief Executive Officer Ahmad Razlan Ahmad Razali said that the circuit would be arranging a signing ceremony with Dorna to officially mark the partnership this Saturday at the circuit.

“Naturally, this is a massive incentive for Malaysia in our efforts to develop motor sports in the country especially in our efforts to develop Malaysian riders to compete in the Grand Prix. The last Malaysian rider to compete in the GP was Shahrol Yuzy Ahmad Zaini in 2002 and I believe it is long overdue for Malaysia to have riders competing in the GP.

“On our part, it would centre on developing further the Malaysian Super Series in unearthing new talents among the locals. We will also support the other bike series especially the Petronas Sprinta Malaysian Cub Prix Championship and the FIM Asian Grand Prix, which compete regularly in Sepang,” he told a press conference at the circuit today.

Malaysia has hosted the series since 1991with SIC taking over the duties previously undertaken by Batu Tiga Circuit in Shah Alam and the Johor Circuit in Pasir Gudang since 1999. The 2008 Polini Malaysian Motorcycle Grand Prix, which would be held this weekend in Sepang, marked the 18th edition of the Malaysian GP.

Visit the Sapang Circuit Website to read full article

courtesy of Sepang Internatinal Circuit

The Weekend kicks off Friday, October 10 with “Evening of Stars and Legends”, a gala reception for the Class of 2008. Saturday, October 11th is the 7th Annual Concours d’Elegance which is one of the nation’s largest by-invitation-only shows of classic and collectible motorcycles.

The Annual Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum Concours d’Elegance is a juried show where only the most compelling original or painstakingly restored vintage motorcycles are invited to participate. Last year, more than 100 exceptional motorcycles spanning all eras and marques vied for trophies and honors.

In addition to competing for the coveted Jim Davis Best in Show Award, top restored and un-restored machines in each of the following classes will be honored:

* American to 1953
* American 1954-1975
* British to 1964
* British 1965-1975
* European to 1964
* European 1965-1975
* Japanese to 1970
* Japanese 1971-1975
* Competition to 1969
* Competition 1970-1975
* Specials & Customs
* Penton Retrospective

Judging begins at 11 a.m. and awards will be presented at 3 p.m.

For more information, contact the Museum at (614) 856-2222 or info@motorcyclemuseum.org.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 28TH

The Harley-Davidson 105th Anniversary will kick-off with CLUB H.O.G.® 25, which celebrates the 25th Anniversary of the Harley Owners Group (H.O.G.), the world’s largest factory-sponsored owners group boasting more than 1 million members around the world.

CLUB H.O.G.® 25 will be hosted on the exterior grounds of Miller Park. Admission is free to H.O.G members and one guest per member. The event will feature the following acts:

In addition to the H.O.G. event and ticketed events outlined below, Harley-Davidson will also offer free musical entertainment that is open to the general public at Main Street at the Lakefront and the Harley-Davidson Museum campus, Thursday through Sunday.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 28TH

The Harley-Davidson 105th Anniversary will keep rolling at the Summerfest Grounds and Roadhouse at the Lakefront on Friday.

Access to the Summerfest Grounds will require a 105th Anniversary Celebration ticket package, which is currently on sale for $60.00 plus $5.00 tax, shipping and handling at www.harley-davidson.com/105th. The ticket package includes a laminated event ticket good for a two-day entry to the Summerfest grounds, a signature 105th folio, a one-time entry to the Discovery World and its special Harley-Davidson exhibit, an event guide, a Signature 105th Anniversary copper wristband, a commemorative key chain, and a 105th Anniversary flag and American flag.

Following is an outline of the bands slated to perform on Friday at the Summerfest Grounds.

The Foo Fighters, along with special guest Three Days Grace, will play Friday evening at the outdoor venue dubbed Roadhouse at the Lakefront, which is located just north of the Milwaukee Art Museum beginning at 7:00 p.m. — gates open at 5 p.m. Tickets for this concert are still available for $27.50, plus shipping and handling charges from Ticketmaster. A Harley-Davidson 105th Anniversary Celebration ticket package is not required to secure tickets for the Foo Fighters and Three Days Grace concert.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 30TH

The music event of the summer will continue to rock on Saturday with more top-name entertainment acts at the Summerfest grounds and the Roadhouse at the Lakefront.

Alejandro Escovedo will open for Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band on Saturday night at the Roadhouse at the Lakefront beginning at 7:00 p.m. Tickets for this concert are still available for those who have purchased a 105th Anniversary Celebration ticket package at www.harley-davidson.com/105th for $40.00, plus $2.50 shipping and handling.

For more information on all the 105th Anniversary events or ticket packages, visit www.harley-davidson.com/105th.

The Reading Public Museum in Reading, Pennsylvania will be opening a new exhibit on October 3, 2008. The exhibition is named “Born to Be Wild: Adventures in the Art of Motorcycle Design” and runs through January 4, 2009.

An opening night reception will be held on Friday, October 3 from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. and a special “Museum Bike Run” will be held on Saturday, October 4, 2008, at 9:00 a.m.

“This exhibition will examine the art and design of the motorcycle through the lens of classic and contemporary cycles. Forty-six motorcycles will be exhibited including two of the most famous of all time: the Captain America chopper and Billy Bike featured in the 1969 film, Easy Rider. They headline a section of the exhibition featuring early choppers of the 1960s and ‘70s.

The latest generation of choppers is represented by cycles designed by some of the most creative contemporary designers in the United States. These cycles includes the iconic, two engine Two Bad 2 designed by the legendary California designer, Arlen Ness.

Part of the exhibition is devoted to classic, historic motorcycles of the first half of the 20th century. Among the highlights is a selection of Indian motorcycles celebrated for their design sophistication and include the 1948 Indian Chief featured in the groundbreaking 1998 Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum exhibition, Art of the Motorcycle. In addition, Reading’s own motorcycle company, the Reading Standard, is featured and includes a rare 1905 model, one of the earliest motorcycles ever manufactured.

The exhibition explores international motorcycle design, featuring British and Italian motorcycles. Contemporary Italian MV Augustas and classic British motorcycles, including a 1954 Vincent Black Shadow and 1957 BSA Gold Star, are exhibited in pristine condition. Harley-Davidson motorcycles also play a prominent role in the show and include historic police motorcycles and a classic 1958 calypso red and white DuoGlide with side car.

An opening night reception will be held on Friday, October 3 from 5:30 – 8:00 p.m. Wear your best biker chic and break out the leather, do-rags, spikes and boots to show your support of this adventurous new exhibit. The reception is sponsored by Hair On The Avenue, and is open to the public. Members free/Non-members $15.

This exhibition is sponsored by Penske Truck Leasing, Yuasa Batteries, Inc. and Friends of the Reading Museum.

A special Museum Bike Run will be held on Saturday,  October 4, 2008, to kick off the exhibition in grand style.

This event begins with registration at 9 a.m. at the Pagoda (celebrating its 100th anniversary this year), followed by a ride along historic Skyline Drive through Reading, with the Museum being the final destination. Special events will continue until 5 p.m., including exhibit tours, detail paint demonstrations, Pig Pit pulled pork and more. Advance registration fee is $25 per rider ($30 day of the event) and includes a commemorative t-shirt (XXL now available), pin and admission to the Museum that day. For a flier on the event, click here (PDF File). For an advance registration form, click here (PDF File).

Born to Be Wild is a trademark of Steppenwolf Productions, Inc. used with permission.

The Reading Public Museum is supported in part by grants from the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts and the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission.”

Photo courtesy of The Reading Public Museum

Article Source: Reading Public Museum

Already consigned for the sale is an extremely rare 1915 Ariel VEE Twin (shown right). This bike, featured in Maureen A. Bull’s publication New Zealand’s Motor Cycle Heritage, represents the height of Edwardian technology and the beginning of New Zealand’s motorcycle history. Another highlight is a classic example of the famous 1963 Harley Davidson Sportser from the first year that renowned designer Willie G. Davidson led the design team. The sale also includes: an exquisite 1974 Ducati GT 750, a 1965 Vespa, 1952 AJS 350, 1969 BSA Bushman, 1967 Yamaha DS6 250, 1980 Yamaha XT500, 2000 Ducati MH900E, 1958 Manx Norton, and an extraordinary 1914 Clyno Vee Twin. Further quality entries are now invited. Click here to see the entire catalogue.

The catalogue is being prepared by Webb’s in conjuction with Ray Pratt, CEO of AMPS. Acting as specialist consultant is Hugh Anderson, four time GP world champion and connoisseur of vintage motorcycles. All entries to the sale will receive expert appraisal. Please contact Webb’s for details of how to participate in the auction or discuss, in confidence, any aspect of buying and selling motorcycles at our auction sales.

Auction Schedule:

Preview:

Viewing Times:

Contact Webb’s for more information

Photo courtesy of Webb’s Auction House

For the first time since 2003, AMA Flat Track Championship Racing was back in Central NY. Thanks to Buddy Ford Productions and his team as well as the AMA crew, the race was an overwhelming success.

The main event victory went to two-time and defending AMA Grand National Twins Champion Ken Coolbeth of Morris, CT. Riding his factory Harley-Davidson XR750 Ken Coolbeth easily won the opener. Bryan Smith of Flushing, MI came in second and Jared Mees of Clio, MI came in third.

Ken Coolbeth, who became the first Flat Track racer to capture both the AMA Grand National Twins and Singles title in the same year, is off to a great start to defending his title and has moved into the top 20 on the all-time AMA Grand National wins list. However, the field is filled with many talented riders including Jake Johnson, Jared Mees, Brandan Bergen, Bryan Smith and Chris Carr, among others, so the rest of the season promises to be exciting.

Buddy Ford is also promoting the upcoming race at the Monticello Raceway in Monticello, NY. The half-mile track will host the Grand National Twins Race on September 6th, 2008.

The Race Must Go On…

With clouds and cool weather one minute, rain and warmth the next, no one knew what to expect for the AMA Grand National Flat Track Race on Saturday May 31st. However, the fans weren’t dissuaded. They turned out by the thousands to see the races and it was worth it!

Every race from the qualifying heats to the main event brought excitement and thrills. Central NY was happy to have AMA Flat Track Racing back and the stands were packed with both die-hard and new fans alike.

While the day was filled with both rain and sunshine – the one-mile track at Vernon proved to be well suited for these conditions; unlike the clay soil the racers are used to, the stone base at Vernon, although dusty when dry, actually helped dry out the track faster after the rains.

Visit AMAProRacing.com to view results for all events.

This year’s event included a stunts exhibition by the “XFR Xclusive Freestyle Riderz”. Billed as some of the best stunters in the northeast, the XFR team put on quite a crowd-pleasing show with awesome burnouts, wheelies, stoppies, and gravity defying maneuvers. Don’t miss a chance to see these guys in action!

The bike shows featured 25 classes and the antique barn was packed with classic and vintage motorcycles including a meticulously restored 66′ Electra Glide (shown below). Also on display, was Tony Mattioli’s famous Drag Bike – the placard listed dozens of ET and MPH records which covered almost 3 decades!

The weekend wrapped up with a fireworks show on Saturday night and even though the weather was somewhat cooler than normal, the skies were clear most of the time and the fairgrounds was packed with motorcyclists from all over.

Click here to visit the AM-JAM Website

The annual event, which is organized by the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 103, has grown significantly from when it was first held to honor WWII and Korean War Veterans. Current events dedicated to all Veterans and Active Duty Military personnel.

Additionally, the event enables people from all over a venue to properly dispose of old and worn-out American flags; at last year’s event, 40,000 to 50,000 flags were burned.

According to their website, the Watchfire comes from the “ancient tradition that following a battle or long march a large fire was started so that those who are missing or lost could rejoin their comrades”… So, in this time honored tradition we use the warmth and peace of the Watchfire to remember those who have gone before us. It is a chance for reflection as a community upon those that made our nation strong through their sacrifices.

41 Second Video:

View Slide Show Below:

Related Link: Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 103