1. I recently read a news article that is still eating at me (to be discussed below)
2. I have not made a post in a long time. I have been busy.
3. There are a lot of things going on in this country that can’t continually be overlooked.
4. This post is about dignity, dying , veterans and a motorcycle organization of honor.

Recently I stumbled across an post entitled Obama Tells Patriot Guard Get Lost. Yes, it is kind of an old article, April of this year, but not old enough to raise a valid concern over it. First off, the title of the post is a little misleading as no one apparently no for sure who called off the Patriot Guard Riders from being allowed. One thing was for sure the families of the 29 miners killed in a West Virginia mine accident asked for and welcomed the riders. Evidently so did the Governor of the state. So to set the scene a little better, on April 5, 2010 there was a huge coal mine disaster that took the lives of 29 miners. A memorial was planed for late April and the families of the miners asked the Patriot Guard Riders to attend and escort with honor their loved ones. Somewhere along the line a message was sent that the Patriot Guard were to “stand down” for this mission as Obama and Bidden were to attend. Again, no one has come forward with who actually issued the order, but I am sure it was relayed through the secret service.

Whoever made the decision is under a huge misconception on what this group of people stand for and exactly what it is that they do. They certainly would not have posed any type of a security risk for Obama, if anything security would have been tighter. They are a nationwide organization many of which are law enforcement officers and veterans. What possible threat could they have posed. Did they see them as a motorcycle gang, just because they ride motorcycles? Was there some sort of paranoia fear that some rival gang might ride in and have a big shootout? By far, the Patriot Riders are not a gang, they are motorcycle riders period. It is the mode of transportation that they choose and I speak from experience when I say that they add a great deal of honor and dignity to a funeral procession and memorial. My brother died on the streets a homeless vet in July of 2005. I asked the Sanford Chapter of Rolling Thunder if they would give my brother Lonny one last ride before I scattered his ashes in the water at the Veterans Memorial Park in Titusville. My brother loved and respected the grounds of this park and spent a lot of time there. On the day of his last ride along with Rolling Thunder there were also members of the Patriot Guard riders. I have the deepest respect for what they did that day and how they honored my Brother. I have some pictures of that day that I would like to share with you, this is what the Patriot Guard is

These people took the time out of their life to honor my brother and asked for nothing in return

over 30 motorcycles lined up for the memorial service

A short service was given before I set my brother free

 This is what the Patriot Guard Riders mean for me. They brought honor and dignity to the last ride and memorial service for my brother Lonny Odom. For the families of the 29 miners to be denied the same honor and respect was wrong. Whoever made the decision not to allow these people their rights were very wrong. My heart goes out to the 29 men who lost their lives and the loved ones they left behind. Now I share with you a documentary on the Patriot Guard Riders, who they are and what they stand for. How could these men and women have been considered a threat?

Click here to view the embedded video.

So now those who did not know may be a little wiser as to not only the Patriot Guard Riders and groups like Rolling Thunder, but the entire biker community in general. Respect is always given were respect is due. One more video of a funeral escorted by the Patriot Guard below. This video brings chills to me, just to see the endless line of motorcycles following in honor of a fallen military hero that has paid the ultimate sacrifice. 

Click here to view the embedded video.

Thanks again to those who came out to honor my brother, this post has been a long time coming. You don’t have to support the war folks, but always support our troops!

Dedicated to my dearly loved brother Marvin Lonny Odom

Technorati Tags: motorcycles, patriot guard riders, rolling thunder, funerals, veterans, west virginia, mining disaster, politics, security, honor

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I am putting together more motorcycle event movies, so if there are any bands reading this that might want to have their music used in them. Drop me a line : )

Technorati Tags: music, youtube, video, bike week

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MILWAUKEE, May 22 /PRNewswire/ — Miller Brewing Company will donate 10 cents to the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) for every Miller Lite bottle cap collected now through Sept. 1, 2008, as part of the brand’s “Better. Bolder. Summer” promotion. Miller Lite, the “ultimate light beer,” is the official beer sponsor of this summer’s Harley-Davidson 105th anniversary celebration.

Legal-drinking-age consumers can donate their Miller Lite bottle caps in several ways, including at collection points located in participating retailers across the country; just look for the “Miller Lite Bottle Caps for MDA” boxes beginning in early June. Ultimately, these bottle caps will be shipped to Milwaukee for the August 28-31 celebration of Harley-Davidson’s 105th anniversary. Miller will make a donation up to $100,000 to MDA based on the number of Miller Lite caps collected.

“We are proud and honored to be teaming up with our favorite neighbor once again as we celebrate Harley-Davidson’s 105th anniversary with them,” said Antonio Maldonado, Miller Lite’s vice president of marketing. “Enjoying the only light beer brewed to deliver the perfect combination of taste and refreshment is usually reason enough to choose Miller Lite. This summer, beer drinkers can feel even better about drinking ‘the ultimate light beer,’ knowing that they’re helping raise money for a great cause in MDA.”

– Consumers also can mail bottle caps to Miller Brewing Company,
Attention “Miller Lite Bottle Caps for MDA,” 3939 W. Highland Blvd.,
P.O. Box 482, Milwaukee, WI 53201-0482.

– Additionally, any Harley-Davidson riders coming to Milwaukee for the
105th anniversary celebration are encouraged to bring their Miller Lite
bottle caps with them and deposit the caps into the giant Miller Lite
bottle.

Miller Lite bottle caps collected around the country will be sent to Milwaukee to be counted and deposited into the giant Miller Lite bottle. In addition to raising money via the “Miller Lite Bottle Caps for MDA” effort, the brewer is helping raise money for MDA in other ways this summer:

– For every 18-pack of Miller Lite bottles or cans sold at 7-Eleven
stores across the country, Miller will donate 25 cents, up to an
additional $100,000. Consumers can learn more about the ways that
7-Eleven will be partnering with Miller Lite and MDA at displays in
their local stores.

– At participating retailers across the country — bars, restaurants,
grocery stores, liquor stores and so on — consumers can join the fight
against muscular dystrophy by purchasing a motorcycle mobile for $1,
with all proceeds going directly to MDA.

– Consumers also can contribute to MDA via BetterBolderSummer.com.

MDA is a voluntary health organization working to defeat more than 40 diseases through programs of worldwide research, comprehensive services, and far-reaching professional and public health education. The ALS Division of MDA is the world leader in the search for a treatment and cure for Lou Gehrig’s disease with its aggressive research program. MDA also offers the most comprehensive range of services of any voluntary health agency in the nation.

About Miller

As one of America’s oldest brewers, Miller Brewing Company continues the commitment of founder Frederick J. Miller to brew “confoundedly good beers” with “uncompromising quality.” Through more than 150 years of innovation and brewing excellence, Miller has built a broad portfolio of award-winning beers that capture approximately 18 percent of U.S. beer sales. An unprecedented four-time gold award winner at the World Beer Cup, Miller Lite is the great tasting, less filling beer that established the American light beer category in 1975. Miller’s latest innovation is Miller Chill, a chelada-style beer brewed with lime and salt to provide a unique twist on refreshment. The company also brews Miller Genuine Draft, Miller High Life, Foster’s, Milwaukee’s Best Light, Olde English 800, Mickey’s Malt Liquor, Icehouse and Sharp’s, a non-alcohol brew. Miller imports Peroni Nastro Azzurro, Pilsner Urquell and Tyskie and offers the Sparks line of caffeinated alcohol beverages, as well as regional craft brews from the Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Company and the Blitz-Weinhard Brewing Company. Miller is a wholly owned subsidiary of SABMiller plc, one of the world’s leading brewers with a global footprint spread across six continents. For more information, visit http://www.millerbrewing.com/.

Source: Miller Brewing Company

Technorati Tags: beer, Harley-Davidson, MDA, Milwaukee, Miller Beer, muscular dystrophy

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 Yep, today I share with you a video of our friend The Naked Cowboy that most of the movie was filmed in Daytona Beach during Biketoberfest. The song is funny and the video shows many of the hot spots on Main Street in Daytona Beach.

Recently the Naked Cowboy filed suit against Mars the makers of M & Ms candy for using the candy in commercials with his likeness. I wish Robert Burck all the luck with the suit as to me it appears obvious that the company clearly used his icon in the commercial without his permission.

Any way, enjoy the video and don’t forget to book your hotel rooms early for Biketoberfest. They are going fast this year.

Biketoberfest is not as far away as you think!

Technorati Tags: biketoberfest, video, you tube, florida, daytona beach, motorcycles, naked cowboy

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Leesburg Bikefest 2008 your best bet for Florida fun in the sun. Today is the final day of the 12th annual Florida motorcycle event, but there are still big things happening today in Leesburg.

The Rats Hole Custom Bike show winds down the three day event with the “metric madness” contest held today and there are still plenty of concerts, motorcycle demos and stunt shows scheduled for this afternoon. If you did not make it out to Leesburg this year, make plans to visit next year when the Bikefest will be held April 24-26 2009. The Rat’s Hole bike show holds what is known as the largest 3 day show in the country each year in Leesburg, Florida.

We were present to see the custom motorcycle show and of course the famous ratmate contest. Ten beautiful women on stage competing for the title of miss ratmate is always a big crowd pleaser.

 The motorcycle show was huge as always, but this Vietnam Veterans Tribute Bike was one of my favorites. The detail and use of actual military gear showed the great amount of planning that went into building this bike.

Guilty Customs had a booth set up that proudly displayed one of their bikes as a former Leesburg Bikefest Rats Hole winner. The downtown area remained crowded from just after 9 am until after 11 pm with music, food and fun. There is always plenty to do and see and with four stages set up, the free concerts never stop.

Even with the current gas price on the rise, it did not seem to have any effect on the amount of visitors to this annual Florida motorcycle event. Downtown and Main Street was filled with the sound of motorcycles and music, while the smell of food vendors made me want to try all the grilled sandwiches available. Leesburg allows their biker guests to walk the streets of the fest with beer and other alcoholic beverages, which adds to the welcomed atmosphere there. I had a frozen rum runner that was filled way above the rim and priced reasonably at only 6 bucks.

While walking around the area, I ran into an interesting display of custom motorcycles built by Logic Motor Company. Now, you may not recognize this brand name right off, but maybe this next picture will tell you more.

Yea, it is that Insurance company that has a reptile in their commercials, Geico Powersports custom motorcycles are built by another face you will recognize from the Geico motorcycle insurance ads.

 Busy man, but I got a quick opportunity to meet Rick “Big Rick” Hoffman, motorcycle builder and company spokesman for GEICO Motorcycle Insurance. Cindi and I had a great time in Leesburg and I strongly suggest that you make it out for this event next year.

Technorati Tags: motorcycle news, events, Leesburg, Florida, Bike Shows, custom motorcycles, biker event

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CHARLOTTE, N.C., March 26 /PRNewswire/ — Riders, start your engines! The Chick-fil-A Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America has announced the route for its 14th annual motorcycle ride, to take place July 13 – 20, 2008. NASCAR driver and Charity Ride founder Kyle Petty will lead a field of more than 250 riders as they wind their way from the Midwest to the Deep South in an effort to raise awareness of and funds for Victory Junction Gang Camp and other children’s charities.

Riders will depart from Traverse City, Mich., on July 13, making overnight stops in Elkhart Lake, Wis.; Lombard, Ill.; Lexington, Ky.; White Sulfur Springs, W.Va.; Charlotte, N.C.; and Peachtree City, Ga., before reaching Savannah, Ga., their final destination, on July 19.

Since the Charity Ride’s inception in 1995, 5,700 participants have logged more than 7.2 million cumulative motorcycle miles and donated more than $10.5 million to Victory Junction Gang Camp and other charities that support chronically ill children. Petty and his wife, Pattie, founded the Victory Junction Gang Camp in Randleman, N.C., in 2004. The year-round camp serves children, ages 7 to 15, with a variety of health issues that would typically prevent them from attending camp. The camp operates solely on the donations of corporations, organizations and individuals. The Pettys recently announced the opening of a second Victory Junction Gang Camp in Wyandotte County, Kan.

“Pattie and I are constantly amazed and inspired by the dedication of our riders, sponsors and fans,” said Petty. “These companies and individuals are truly committed to bettering the lives of deserving children and their families. We’re looking forward to another great event — and more incredible results!”

Chick-fil-A President and Chief Operating Officer Dan Cathy will join Petty on the Charity Ride. This year marks Chick-fil-A’s fifth year as the event’s title sponsor, and the company has extended its sponsorship agreement through 2009.

“We at Chick-fil-A are grateful for the opportunity to once again be the title sponsor of the Kyle Petty Charity Ride,” Cathy said. “Chick-fil-A is proud to be associated with such a worthy cause and is eagerly anticipating another exciting Ride.”

Riders will make a pit stop at Victory Junction Gang Camp in Randleman on July 17 during a camp session designed for children with physical disabilities. As a result of the 2007 Charity Ride’s efforts, 80 children will attend this five-day session free of charge.
Fans and spectators along the Charity Ride route can support Victory Junction Gang Camp through the Charity Ride’s “Small Change. Big Impact.” program. In 2007, donations from the “Small Change. Big Impact.” program alone totaled more than $64,000.
Additional sponsors of the 2008 Chick-fil-A Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America include Coca-Cola, Pilot Travel Centers LLC, Wells Fargo, Manheim, Racing Electronics, Dodge Motorsports, Wincraft Racing and FLUIDYNE Racing Products.

About The Kyle Petty Charity Ride
Led by NASCAR driver Kyle Petty, The Chick-fil-A Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America raises awareness of and funds for Victory Junction Gang Camp and other charities supporting chronically ill children. The Charity Ride is one of the most successful and popular charity events in NASCAR. Now in its 14th year, the Charity Ride has donated more than $10.5 million to children’s charities, with 5,700 participants logging more than 7.2 million cumulative motorcycle miles. In 2008, NASCAR celebrities, ride sponsors and motorcycle enthusiasts will travel from Traverse City, Mich. to Savannah, Ga. from July 13-20. www.kylepettycharityride.com

About Victory Junction Gang Camp
The Victory Junction Gang Camp is a not-for-profit organization founded by NASCAR driver Kyle Petty and his wife, Pattie, in honor of their son Adam. Located on 84 acres in Randleman, N.C., the camp opened its doors in 2004 to enrich the lives of children with chronic or life-threatening illnesses by creating camping experiences that are memorable, exciting, fun, empowering, physically safe and medically sound. The Pettys recently announced the opening of a second Victory Junction Gang Camp in Wyandotte County, Kan. www.victoryjunction.org

About Chick-fil-A, Inc.
Celebrating its 41st year in business, Atlanta-based Chick-fil-A, Inc., is the nation’s second-largest quick-service chicken restaurant chain (based on sales), with nearly 1,300 restaurants in 37 states and Washington D.C. In 2007, Chick-fil-A produced record sales of $2.6 billion — a 16 percent overall increase and an 8.47 percent same-store sales gain that helped extend the chain’s streak of consecutive sales gains to 40 years.
Credited with inventing the boneless breast of chicken sandwich and first introducing the chicken nugget concept, Chick-fil-A serves nutritious and freshly prepared food products in mall locations, stand-alone restaurants, drive-thru-only restaurants, Chick-fil-A Dwarf House(R) and Truett’s Grill(R) full-service restaurants, and through licensed outlets in college campuses, hospitals, airports, businesses and industrial sites. www.chick-fil-a.com or www.truettcathy.com

Source: The Kyle Petty Charity Ride

Technorati Tags: motorcycle news, charity ride, kyle petty

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If you took a stroll down the Daytona Beach boardwalk, the once ever popular bike week attraction, you may have noticed this huge block of etched and polished granite. The north side of the monument stone tells of the days over 70 years ago and 9 miles south when the first Daytona 200 motorcycle race was held on the hardened sands of Ormond Beach. In 1937 the running of the first Daytona 200 took place on a 4.2 mile beach and road track and was the start of bike week. Three time race winner Dick Klamfoth wanted to preserve the memory of the original motorcycle race and rider and so the idea of the Daytona 200 monument began. Today, the Daytona 200 has moved to the International Speedway and bike week attracts over a half million visitors during the first week in March of each year.

The south side of the monument has the names and faces of the first 12 men that won race on the sand and road course before the yearly event was moved to the track in 1961. Back when the race first began, most of the bike week attendees were the ones running the race that now attracts motorcycles and visitors in the hundred of thousands. Dick began the plans and development of the monument over six years ago and presented it to the city of Daytona Beach. The monument is still under development and you can get involved! Engraved granite plaques and paver bricks are available for purchase at the official monument site. Visit the Daytona 200 monument site here to learn more and get involved.

Technorati Tags: daytona 200, motorcycle racing, Daytona Beach, Florida, boardwalk, beach, race, bike week, motorcycles, monuments

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The custom motorcycle that this young man was riding looked pretty new and it seemed that the transmission plug had vibrated enough to work its way out. I introduced myself and he responded that his name was Tony. I was quick to notice that he had a great deal of respect as he spoke using the word “sir”. I wanted to tell him to leave off the sir, but I sensed there was a reason for it. Tony was in trouble and had no way of getting help, so I offered to attempt to find a Harley Davidson transmission plug or at least a close resemblance to get him back on the road. We also would need to find some transmission oil for the machine as it was all drained from the case. I knew this was going to be tough late on a Sunday afternoon during bike week, but we headed out to try.

I found a auto parts store reasonably close, but they had no idea what I might be able to use for a Harley. I guessed at the size and grabbed a couple of bolts that I thought might work and then asked if there was any type of a motorcycle shop nearby. The guy told me that Carl’s Speed Shop was up the road about 2 miles, so I gave them a call to see if they were open and had the parts we would need.

Luckily, I was able to get someone in parts and they said that they had the part and the oil. We headed on up Nova Road in Holly Hill to Carl’s Speed Shop though it was right at closing time for the motorcycle shop. When we arrived, I found the guy I had spoke with outside at one of the vendor tents and we went back inside to get the parts. When he held up the bolt I knew it was definitely not what I was looking for. This drain plug was way too small. I had measured the opening to the case and found it was about one half inch.  He asked one of the mechanics to help and though he was busy, he made his way over to the parts bin to find an assortment of drain plugs. We were able to find the correct drain plug, purchase some transmission oil and get back to Tony just before dark.

When I returned, Tony was glad to see that I had brought back the exact part needed to get his bike back on the road. As he put the drain plug back in and filled the case we talked. I learned that Tony was active Army and was in fact a Captain! He was only home on leave and his parents had surprised him by booking a hotel room in Daytona Beach for Bike Week. After filling the case with oil, we found that one quart was not enough to bring the level up to the stick. He was not real sure as to the Harley specifications for the transmission either. I remembered seeing a fairly large crowd of motorcycles just up the road at a Dunkin Doughnuts, so we followed him up to the restaurant. While I was inside asking if they had WIFI to check on the transmission specs, one of the men asked me what I needed Internet for. I explained the problem and as luck would have it, he had extra transmission oil on him. This was great being as Carl’s Speed Shop had already closed and chances of finding another motorcycle shop or Harley dealer open were real thin. He had enough oil to properly fill Captain Tony’s transmission up and we got him back on the way to having a good time at Bike Week. Thanks for the help!

I followed Capt. Tony back to his hotel and it made me feel good to have helped him out. He called a few days later to thank me again.

Technorati Tags: bike week, Daytona Beach, Florida, motorcycles

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It is always sad to see some of the tragic articles that come across the news wire. But it really gets to me to see a person I knew leave us. I just read the news about tattoo artist Tony Plante on Karen’s Tattoos Blog, but reading the actual news story that was published in The Salem News, it looks like the accident happened last week. Tony evidently lost control of his motorcycle and died due to injuries from the accident.

I met Tony during Biketoberfest back in 2003 at the Cabbage Patch bar where he would usually have his tattoo studio set up. He was a real friendly person and we always said hello and talked for a while during each event every year. Tony told me that he had a house here in Florida, but still operated his tattoo studios up in Massachusetts. According to the news stories, he had recently got engaged to his girlfriend of six years. Tony was only 49 and had lost his leg to a motorcycle accident, but he loved to ride.

Rest In Peace My Friend

Technorati Tags: tattoo, tony plante, motorcycle news

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Daytona Bike Week Live has been set up and I am tweaking the site for mobile content and blogging. You can send me a note at my G mail account bikermobile@gmail.com and I will set you up as a contributor. Once you are set up, you will be able to send pictures directly to the blog using your cell phone. The web site address for the Bike Week live blog is www.daytonabikeweeklive.com and will be mainly for mobile photo blogging using cell phones and mobile devices.

Bike Week Blog is open, but still being constructed for multi users. This mobile blog will be set up for live blogging from Bike Week from your lap top or other mobile devices. I plan on having more content and news on this site while Daytona Bike Week Live will be mainly for pictures. Those of you who would like to participate and become a contributor on the Bike Week Blog can send me a note or reply to this post and I will set you up with an account. The web address for this site is www.bikeweekblog.com .

I will keep everyone updated on these two sites and look forward to sharing the experience of bike week live with everyone!

If you have not already made your bike week hotel reservations, it is not too late. You can still get some great deals here.

Technorati Tags: bike week, motorcycle news, blog, blogging, mobile, cell phones, photo blogs, travel, daytona beach, florida

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 I will be adding pictures that I have taken over the years from different motorcycle events as well as some exclusive builder galleries. Check back often for updates or subscribe to get notice of updates.

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MILWAUKEE, Jan. 14 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Harley-Davidson female enthusiasts are encouraged to enter for a chance to win a spot on the Harley-Davidson Women’s Day Ride, held March 4, 2008, and join Karen Davidson, great-granddaughter of one of the Company’s founders, as well as the six Get Down to Daytona contest winners on the last leg of their ride into Daytona.

To enter, women riders should go to http://www.harley-davidson.com/womensride by Jan. 23 and fill out a short entry form. There is no purchase necessary, but women are encouraged to raise money for the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) Summer Camps (a small donation of $25 or more is greatly appreciated). Women riders must ride a Harley-Davidson or Buell motorcycle and must be in Daytona on the morning of March 4.

On Jan. 25, 80 women will be randomly chosen to participate in the ride. Each rider will receive a 2008 MDA Pin, a special flag with MDA and H-D logo for their bike, and be entered in a special MDA drawing for a Harley-Davidson women’s jacket. The top three fundraisers will also receive a special gift.

Daytona Bike Week Women’s Activities

Tuesday, March 4, is Harley-Davidson Women’s Day at the Ocean Center. The Women’s Day Ride will arrive at the Ocean Center at approximately 10 a.m. Upon arrival, Karen Davidson will introduce the six winners of the Get Down to Daytona contest. Interactive seminars will be given throughout the day on how to pick up a motorcycle, customization and MotorClothes. More details will be announced in the next few weeks.

At the Daytona International Speedway Wednesday, March 5, from 4:30 p.m. – 6 p.m., there will be women-only demo rides on select 2008 Harley-Davidson and Buell motorcycles. Demos are free, but riders will need to bring a helmet (full-face helmet and long pants for Buell demos) and a valid motorcycle license. Each woman who takes a demo ride during that time will be automatically entered into a drawing for a women’s helmet. Men who come along with the women who participate in this special demo time will have
the opportunity to attend a customization seminar and Q&A session with a Harley-Davidson factory technician.

All week at the Ocean Center, March 2-8 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., women can visit the Harley-Davidson Interactive Women’s Area featuring giveaways and prizes, motorcycle information, and a historical and informational women’s display.

About the Get Down to Daytona Contest

The six winners in the Harley-Davidson Get Down to Daytona contest were announced Dec. 12, 2007, and were chosen from more than 200 women who submitted videos about their motorcycle mentor. Each winner will receive an expense paid road trip for two from Atlanta to Daytona Bike Week ’08 alongside Karen Davidson, great-granddaughter of one of the Company’s founders, as well as a three nights stay in Daytona.

The six winners are: Carol Dicicco from Chalfont, Pa.; Tonya Lamia from Rockford, Ill.; Kimberly Ryon from Harford, Pa.; Shelli Strand from Birch Run, Mich.; Jennifer Thorne from Mt. Pleasant, Pa.; and Teresa Weston from Hermitage, Tenn.

For more information and to watch the six winners’ videos, visit http://www.harley-davidson.com/womensride. Check back later this month for full profiles on each woman, as well as in March for coverage from their anxiously awaited trip to Daytona Bike Week ’08.

About Harley-Davidson

Harley-Davidson, Inc. is the parent company for the group of companies doing business as Harley-Davidson Motor Company, Buell Motorcycle Company and Harley-Davidson Financial Services, Inc. Harley-Davidson Motor Company, the only major U.S.-based motorcycle manufacturer, produces heavyweight motorcycles and offers a complete line of motorcycle parts, accessories, apparel, and general merchandise. Buell Motorcycle Company produces sport motorcycles in addition to motorcycle parts, accessories and apparel. Harley-Davidson
Financial Services, Inc. provides wholesale and retail financing and insurance programs to Harley-Davidson dealers and customers.

First Call Analyst:

FCMN Contact: noverly@webershandwick.com

Source: Harley-Davidson, Inc.

CONTACT: Leslie Prevish of Harley-Davidson, Inc., +1-414-343-7272,

leslie.prevish@harley-davidson.com

Web site: http://www.harley-davidson.com/womensride

Technorati Tags: harley-davidson, bike week, motorcycles, motorcycle news, events

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Larry Wood, veteran miniature car designer and leader of Mattel Inc.’s Toy Car Division and Jesse James, television celebrity and owner of West Coast Choppers, are among the leading automotive and consumer designers who will share their insights throughout the daylong event.

Wood has been designing Hot Wheels for nearly all of the collectibles’ 40 years of production. Following a brief stint with Ford Motor Company designing real cars, Wood joined the toymaker in 1969 as a one-man operation. Today, Wood is among more than 30 Hot Wheels designers who have collectively developed as many as 100 unique cars in one year. Mattel produces five million Hot Wheels each week.

Hot Wheels celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2008 with a special series of 1:64-scale model cars designed by six automotive industry manufacturers, including Dodge, Chevrolet, Ford, Honda, Lotus and Mitsubishi (as reported in the Dec. 24, 2007 issue of AutoWeek). Accompanied by Hot Wheel’s own vehicle, the collection is set to hit stores in the spring.

James catapulted to national fame through the Discovery Channel’s “Monster Garage” as the leader of televised teams of experts who built “monster machines.” The hour-long program showcased the groups’ adventures in transforming stock vehicles into other types of vehicles or machinery. Some of the more memorable projects included transformation of the Chrysler PT Cruiser into a wood chipper, a Lincoln Continental into an open road racer and a Ford Model A into a rat rod, just to name a few.

As owner of West Coast Choppers, a Long Beach, California, custom motorcycle fabrication shop he founded in 1992, James developed a following with the special-order motorcycles – ranging in price from $60,000 to $150,000 – he painstakingly tailors for each buyer.

  Rounding out the AutoWeek Design Forum speaker roster are:

    – Paul Kolada, founder and principal, Priority Designs, an industrial

       design consulting firm

    – Aaron Pizzuti, design manager, Chrysler LLC, (Dodge Durango and

       Jeep(R) Hurricane)

    – Troy Trepanier, president, Rad Rides by Troy, an automotive

       customization enterprise

    – Franz von Holzhausen, director of design, Mazda North American

       Operations, (Pontiac Solstice and Saturn Sky)

    – Carl Zipfel, director of exterior design, HUMMER, General Motors,

       (HUMMER HX concept)

The Design Forum agenda also includes guided tours of the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) and presentation of the AutoWeek Editors’ Choice Awards.

Advance registration for the daylong program, which includes continental breakfast, lunch, NAIAS tour, reception and dinner program, is $275. Advance tickets for the full day or dinner program only are $225 and $175 each, respectively. Deadline for online registration is Friday, January 11. Limited on-site registration will be available during the Design Forum at $325 for the full day and $225 for dinner-only attendance.

Visit AutoWeek.com/dforum for additional information and to register online. Information is also available by contacting Kathy Sovoda at 313-446- 6041 or ksovoda@crain.com.

Johnson Controls is the host sponsor of the 2008 AutoWeek Design Forum. The event is also sponsored by Dassault Systemes, in association with the NAIAS.

AutoWeek is the only weekly automotive-enthusiast magazine in North America providing its passionate readers with up-to-date information like no other automotive news source. With nearly 50 years of unbiased editorial, it delivers the latest on vehicle reviews, motorsports, events and trends, personalities, auto show coverage and more.

AutoWeek.com delivers breaking news, vehicle specs, photo galleries and podcasts to viewers faster than any other source. With its online community, visitors have the opportunity to post their own reviews and register to win unique trips as well as receive the latest, tailored e-mail alerts and blogs to fuel their automotive lifestyle proving why first means everything.

Source: AutoWeek

Technorati Tags: jesse james, west coast choppers, automotive news, custom, motorcycles, celebrity, autoweek

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Back several years ago, Bruce Rossmeyer, owner of the local Daytona Harley-Davidson dealership decided to leave his present location on Beach Street in Daytona Beach and build a motorcycle mega-complex to be called Destination Daytona. This complex would not only be home to the world’s largest Harley motorcycle showroom, it would also anchor dozens of shops, restaurants, hotel and a condominium.

Construction of Destination Daytona fell behind and the opening day kept being moved forward in hopes of opening the doors during Bike Week or Biketoberfest. Here I am standing in front of the new dealership while still under construction.

The plans were clear as we toured the inside of the construction site near the escalator that goes up to the second floor showroom. Since this picture was taken, literally thousands of visitors have rode this escalator.

Today, Destination Daytona draws thousands of motorcycle enthusiast through the doors during the major events. The complex is still growing with new extensions and businesses being added on all the while.

Of course these photographs were taken just after the opening of Destination Daytona. Taking the time to get a picture like above during a motorcycle event would be nearly impossible.

J & P Cycles recently opened a brand new store at Destination Daytona in Ormond Beach and held a grand opening during Biketoberfest. The new J & P cycles store buzzed with visitors checking out the displays inside and out.

Arlen Ness Motorcycles moved their location from Beach Street to inside the Destination Daytona complex as well. Arlen Ness has made several guest appearances like when he cruised in during Bike Week last year. Corbin just opened the doors of their new store only a few minutes from this area. Add to all this the popular Ormond Beach biker hang outs like The Iron Horse, Broken Spoke, Battlegrounds and Boot Hill Saloon! The north side of the Daytona, Volusia County area has taken over what used to be concentrated to the Main Street and Beach Street park. Biketoberfest and Bike Week has expanded, but the new north area seems to have rapidly gained in popularity.

Now I believe that Main Street downtown Daytona Beach will always attract a certain amount of visitors and traffic. After all, it is still the place to see and be seen until the north side comes up with some sort of a strip that bikers can cruise and visitors can shop and grab some food and drink. But to me and many of the Main Street vendors, the crowd is thinning every year.

As I have mentioned a few times before though, I always stop by the Krystal Hamburger to grab a sack of burgers. We caught this limousine pulling through to get some food before heading back out on International Speedway Drive. I was glad to see that it was only the driver getting some hamburgers, or we may have been held up for hours!

One of the other main attractions during Biketoberfest and Bike Week will always be the world famous women’s coleslaw wrestling at the Cabbage Patch Bar in Samsula, Florida. The weather played a little bit of a factor again this year with partly cloudy skies and threats of thunder storms, but the clouds cleared and the coleslaw wrestling went on as scheduled.

This golf cart had a live streaming web cam mounted on it. There were 3 live web cameras set up at the cabbage patch during Biketoberfest so that the entire event could be watched at home on your computer. I talked with the man that was running this operation and found out some very interesting statistics on what it takes to handle a set up like this.

Some 385 feet of CAT 5 cable had to be run out from this RV that was parked in the lot next door camping area. The RV was used to power the unit as well as provide an office for the computers that served the live video feed.

Here you can see the trailer behind the RV that holds the cable when rolled in and the satellite dish for communications to the main live video server to the internet. If you missed the opportunity to view these feeds, I hope that they will be available next year so that you can check them out. You can see that a lot of work goes into setting up the live Biketoberfest web cams. All this was made possible by SVCLIVE web casting productions. This may all sound a little geek to you, but now you can see what it takes to bring live video from a motorcycle event to your home computer or laptop.

I will close this year’s thoughts about Biketoberfest with a few pictures that we took of interesting body decorations, Ink and Tattoo. Cindi snapped this picture of a motorcycle passenger who spent plenty of time with a tattoo artist decorating her body.

I saw this girl and her boyfriend walking around at the cabbage patch bar and asked her to pose for a shot of her very colorful ink work.

I think she had a tattoo.

I have heard many say that they prefer Biketoberfest over Bike Week because of the lessor amount of people. This year the even pretty much held true for that. The only real problem is the heavy traffic and small amount of parking available on the the north side, but I am sure they are working on a solution for that. Still, your best bet is to arrive early and plan ahead where you want to go. My apologies to all those who looked for us to be out on the loop this year, as we did not shoot out there. Sunday was our only open day and the weather said it was time to head home.

Technorati Tags: biketoberfest, daytona beach, destination daytona, florida, motorcycle events, motorcycle news, ormond beach, volusia county

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