Laconia (New Hampshire) lodging owners normally reap big profits each year, during the nations 3rd largest bike week gathering, by raising their rates and requiring a minimum stay. But not this year. With bike week only days away most are reporting that reservations are way down. Of the 70 local lodging places only 5 are sold out. I wonder why. Hmmm, could it be the $250 nightly room rates?

Looks like our East Coast brothers and sisters are finally getting wise. Or maybe they’ve been hit by the economy and are paying closer attention to budgets. In either case many of them have decided to forego the local establishments in favor of cheaper lodging further away from the event. Source: Boston.com News

Are you the slowest motorcycle rider in town? Do you often have oops moments? Have trouble keeping the shiny side up? Well this may be your lucky day. A new sports TV show called “Underdog” is looking for a rider who desperately needs professional motorcycle training. If you don’t mind looking like a klutz on national TV you might just come away with vastly improved riding skills. Your trainer will be either Keith Code or Freddie Spencer. You’d be hard pressed to find better coaches than either of them and free is a very good price. Contact:

Jason Brewer, Producer
Screaming Flea Productions
5950 6th ave south suite 109
Seattle, Washington 98108
jbrewer@sfpseattle.com

1 Comment | Trackback

Let’s hear it for our local brothers in blue. Sgt. Mark Gaither and motor officer John Vande Brake rode away with the Best Motor Team Award in a recent skills competition in Boise. They triumphed over top motorcycle teams competing at the North American Motor Officers Association International Symposium. Oregon made it a clean sweep as the Portland Police Bureau team came in second, and the Corvallis Police Department team took third.

The NAMOAI promotes training, safety and skills development for motorcycle officers from Oregon, Washington, Idaho, British Columbia and Alberta. From the The Oregonian

Motorcycle Daily is reporting a rumor that the ST1300 is undergoing redesign, possibly for the 2007 model year. More power, less weight and perhaps a built-in gps navigation system. Aren’t rumors fun? Pass it along.

1 Comment | Trackback

On Tuesday a 47 year old Forest Grove rider was killed after hitting a left turning van south of McMinnville. The rider was traveling under the 55mph speed limit, wearing a full face helmet and protective gear. A car in front of the van turned left and the van driver followed apparently without looking for oncoming traffic. Police said the rider had only brief moments to brake before hitting the van. They also said it was likely the van driver would be charged after the case is reviewed by the district attorney. Story and video KATU.com

On Monday a 53 year old Sandy rider was killed on Wash. SR14 near Washougal when he crossed the center line and hit a pickup truck head on. His two companions, one of whom was his wife, had to lay down their bikes to avoid the accident. Neither of them or the pickup driver was seriously injured.

Now for a dumbshit moment to get my mind off tragedy. On March 21 a 35 year old Redmond rider was cited for speeding after being clocked at over 100mph the day after he broke his ankle in a crash on the same motorcycle. He was also cited for driving with a suspended license and three other violations. He faces a minimum $1,100 fine on the speeding violation alone.

A man and his stolen 1970 Yamaha were reunited after 35 years. The bike, stolen in 1971, was identified during processing for shipment overseas when the VIN turned up in a national insurance crime database.

Long Beach police tracked down the original owner who now lives in New England. The bike has less than 10,000 miles on the odometer and the owner said “It’s as if a friend you hadn’t seen for 30 years walked back into your life but hadn’t aged a day.” The bike had been sold on eBay to a Finnish man for $1,700. Neither the seller or buyer is suspected of a crime.

Thirty five years, is that what it takes? Hope my bike isn’t stolen. I won’t be around to benefit from its return.

Shanghai, China – The new economy in China has spawned more than just the “flaunt it if you got it” way of life. The youth of Shanghai have adopted street drag racing (both auto and motorcyle) as well, and in a rather big way. Some participants have taken to the Internet to brag about their exploits. The use of fake license plates foiled traffic cameras so police have started suprise crackdowns late at night when most of the racing occurs. My words of advice to the police: you might as well give up. Like prostitution it’s here to stay—crack down in one area and it moves to another.

Patna, India – They don’t fool around in Patna. You’d best mind your manners if you ever visit. A young man who attempted to steal a motorcyle at the local marketplace was beaten to death by an angry crowd.

In early August, during the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in Sturgis, SD, the role of motorcycles in American culture will be recognized on four “American Motorcycles” stamps featuring digital illustrations of a 1918 Cleveland, a 1940 Indian Four, a 1965 Harley-Davidson Electra-Glide, and a circa 1970 chopper. The Cleveland, Indian and Harley-Davidson stamps are based on motorcycles in existence today. The circa 1970 chopper featured on the stamp was created by stamp artist Steve Buchanan in consultation with professional chopper builders.More information USPS commemorative stamp program

A Pennsylvania rider had the unfortunate experience of being the target of a flying red-tailed hawk. He suffered a fractured clavicle, broken thumb and totalled bike. The hawk did not fair so well: shattered wing and punctured trachea and esophagus. He’ll be up and riding within three months. The hawk faces a long period of recovery and rehab at the Windy Ridge Wildlife Refuge. Source WPXI.com

I expect dogs on neighborhood streets and deer in the country. But large, normally high flying birds? It’s a new threat to me. Just proves we’re not safe from anything.

1 Comment | Trackback

Most adults would no longer have to wear helmets when they hop onto a motorcycle under a bill receiving final approval in the House. The bill would lift the requirement that Missourians 21-years-old and older wear motorcycle helmets. Those under 21 would still be required to wear them. Opponents predict fatalities and severe injuries will increase if the repeal becomes law. Supporters dismiss such dire forecasts and argue that the government has no right to tell an adult he has to wear a helmet. The bill now moves to the Senate.Source MissourieNet.com