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

Use the links in the right of this page (above) or click here: 2010 Events

Nitrogen is already abundant in the air we breathe (about 78%) with Oxygen making up most of the rest (about 21%). However, there are several other components including Argon (1%) and Carbon Dioxide (.03%) and trace amounts (measured in parts per million) of others including Neon, Methane, Helium, Sulfur Dioxide, Nitrous Oxide, Ozone, and Xenon.

Nitrogen reduces permeation

Oxygen permeates through the rubber walls of tires 3-4 times faster than Nitrogen. The water vapor contained in air migrates through the tire wall at a rate of up to 250 times faster than Nitrogen resulting in pressure losses that can be up to 1 pound or more per month. Over time these losses add up and can cause handling and steering difficulty and can lead to premature wear and catastrophic tire failure – which can result in injury or death. In fact, it’s reported that the number one reason for tire blowouts is underinflated tires.

As a side note: Regular visual checks of tires for cracks and other damage is a terrific practice. However, using visual checks to evaluate pressure is a dangerous and worthless practice. Motorcycle tires can be up to 50% underinflated and still appear to be normal. The only proper way to check for proper pressure is to use a quality gauge.

Nitrogen provides a safer alternative and improves fuel economy.

The average vehicle will see a 4% mile per gallon improvement when inflated with Nitrogen and Nitrogen extends tire life by helping to maintain proper tire pressure thus insuring optimum tire wear. While Nitrogen will help maintain proper tire pressure, you still need to check your tires on a regular basis.

78% Nitrogen (which is already in the air in your tires) – is not enough.

Actually, the important part is getting the moisture and Oxygen out. The air in your tires is full of moisture, which along with oxygen can accelerate the damaging effects of corrosion and oxidation. Because Nitrogen is inert and dry, it helps prevent oxidation of rubber, rims, TPMS sensors and valve stems.

Switching to Nitrogen is easier and cheaper than you might think.

Many dealers will fill your tires with Nitrogen for free (including free refills) if you buy the tires from them. Otherwise the cost can range from $3 to $20 depending on location.

Related Link  GetNitrogen.org

Photo courtesy of BruceRossMeyer.com

Renown Harley Dealer Bruce Rossmeyer died in a motorcycling accident in Wyoming on July 30, 2009. He and a group of friends were enroute to Sturgis, South Dakota to attend the annual rally. According to reports, Rossmeyer collided with a truck that was pulling a camping trailer as it turned left while Rossmeyer was attempting to pass.

Rossmeyer is survived by his wife, Sandy, five children and nine grandchildren. Visit http://www.brucerossmeyer.com for more details.

New Promotion Lets Riders Test Ride New Motorcycles at Local Dealerships

MILWAUKEE (April 3, 2009) – Harley-Davidson and its dealers are giving riders a unique opportunity to demo the motorcycle of their dreams with the new Super Ride promotion. Harley-Davidson is working with its U.S. dealer network to enable customers to ride any 2009 motorcycle between April 1 and June 30. Customers can then provide a written evaluation of the ride and post it online to qualify for rewards.

“Riding a Harley-Davidson motorcycle is a unique and powerful experience,” said Bill Davidson, Harley-Davidson Vice President, Core Customer Marketing. “We want to give every rider the chance to experience the genuine feel of riding a Harley, the freedom of the open road and everything that goes with it.”

The Super Ride promotion is only valid at participating Harley-Davidson dealers and riders must present a valid motorcycle license, among other requirements.

For additional information on Super Ride, visit a participating Harley-Davidson dealer or go to www.harley-davidson.com/superride.

Harley-Davidson Motor Company, the only major U.S.-based motorcycle manufacturer, produces heavyweight motorcycles and a complete line of motorcycle parts, accessories and general merchandise. For more information, visit Harley-Davidson’s web site at www.harley-davidson.com.

The Motorcycle Association Of New York State (MANYS) previously ran the program from 1998 to December of 2008. The current program was started in 1997, when the New York State Legislature established the Motorcycle Safety Fund to finance a statewide motorcycle operator and instructor training program. Over the last 5 years nearly 70,000 motorcyclists have received training.

Visit the NYS DMV Website or the  Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) Website

Related Link: NYS Audit Report 2007-R-3

The Missouri Senate recently approved legislation that, if signed into law, could allow people 21 and over to ride motorcycles without helmets. Current state law requires motorcyclists to wear helmets. The proposed change, SB27, would be in effect until August of 2014. Read the entire Senate Bill.

Related Link: WV DOT Dept. of Motor Vehicles

The 24/7 Motorcycle Network also publishes comprehensive Internet based motorcycling sites such as MotorcycleCruiserLinks.com™, MotorcycleDOT.com™, and MotorcycleBookmarks.com™.

Visit the Trike Chat site.

The new law prevents the sale of all products for children ages 12 and under that contains lead over specified limits. The new law will hurt all ages of riders of some widely popular motorcycles, motocross and mini-bikes because they now won’t be able to get new equipment or repair the machines they have.

The new law, which is widely recognized as being well intentioned, is now being criticized as being too far reaching and lacking common sense. For example, according to Paul Vitrano, executive vice president and general counsel, Specialty Vehicle Institute of America (SVIA) – “Some ATV and motorcycle parts unavoidably contain small quantities of lead,” … “Lead in these components is necessary, either for safety, as in the case of facilitating the machining of tire valves, critical to assuring tire air retention, or for functionality, such as the lead in battery terminals, which is needed to conduct electricity.”

On January 28th, 2009 the Motorcycle Industry Council (MIC), a not-for-profit industry association representing about 300 motorcycle and scooter manufacturers and distributors, requested immediate relief from the new law.

In the petition, the MIC stated “through this petition, MIC joins some of its member companies in seeking emergency relief, in the form of a temporary final rule, granting a temporary exclusion from the lead limits for certain lead-containing materials…” The MIC is hoping to gain some time to allow the industry to review the feedback and impacts of the new law.

Read the contents of the Motorcycle Industry Council (MIC) Petition. (PDF)

Read the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) – General Council’s Response. (PDF)

Contact Information for the CPSC:

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
4330 East West Highway
Bethesda, MD 20814

Headquarters
General Information: (301) 504-7923 M-F 8:00 am – 4:30 pm ET
Fax: (301) 504-0124 and (301) 504-0025
E-mail: Contact Form

Related Links:

Motorcycle Industry Council Letter to the CPSC.

CPSC response to the Motorcycle Industry Council.

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