June 4, 2009

Ride to Work Day...

The 18th Annual Ride to Work Day for motorcyclists is June 15, 2009. Ride your motorcycle or scooter on this day to demonstrate to all roadway users:

• The number of motorcyclists on roadways.
• That motorcyclists are from all occupations and all walks of life.
• That motorcyclists can reduce traffic and parking congestion in large metro areas.
• That motorcycles are used for transportation as well as recreation.
• That motorcycling contributes to the good of society.

It is estimated that the number of commuting motorcyclists will double on Ride to Work Day. If every work day were Ride to Work Day, the estimated reduction of gallons of fuel used would approximate 18,000,000 gallons per year.

Click below to read more on Ride to Work Day

Ride on,

ROAD RUMBLINGS

COPS AT A RALLY AND VEGAS SECRETS REVEALED

Cycle Matters took to the road in May. Did you see us? We attended two State HOG Rallies in May. It's not true that what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas. We were at the Las Vegas State HOG Rally, and we are telling all about it and sharing photos.

• Get the scoop from Vegas
• See the Vegas photos

Cycle Matters also attended the Nebraska State HOG Rally in May. It was a great event, but the question to ask is: Why were the cops there...both days?!

• Read about it now
• See the photo evidence

DO YOU FACEBOOK?

BECOME A FAN OF CYCLE MATTERS

Stay abreast of Cycle Matters travel plans and events by joining our new Facebook group. Click here.

WOMEN RIDERS

WHAT DOES THAT MEAN?

Is it a requirement to be the operator of the motorcycle to be considered a rider? Is the passenger on a motorcycle not considered a rider, too? And, is one seat position more prestigious than another? Is it important to separate women who are operators from women who are passengers? Or are we all sharing a sport we enjoy regardless of our role?

May was Women Riders Month. The focus was, and continues to be, to encourage women to ride motorcycles. Ride your own and encourage others to ride, the advertisements assert; a good marketing plan for motorcycle dealers and manufacturers. But it is important to recognize that some women find satisfaction on the back of a motorcycle. Such is the story of a women who bought a new motorcycle, handed the keys to her husband, and jumped on the back seat.

RAINDROPS KEEP FALLING ON MY HEAD

DEATH AND TAXES, RAIN AND RIDING...INEVITABLE!

Unfortunately, few of us manage to navigate around storm clouds and rain drops forever. When the inevitable happens, some rainsoaked riders worry about their newly washed bikes and the effort it will take to clean them up again. Other wet riders worry about their soaked clothing, hair, and leathers. What should you really be worrying about? And, what does 225 have to do with it? Steven Banks, Manager of BestRest Products, has an answer to those questions in this excellent article. Take a moment to read it.

IT ALL COMES DOWN TO YOU AND THE ROAD

SAFELY MOTORCYCLING HIGHWAYS, STREETS, AND ROADS

In our April newsletter, Maverick shared with you an experience he had on a four-lane divided highway. The driver of an automobile entered the highway via the entrance ramp and immediately moved over two lanes without looking, forcing Maverick to navigate his motorcycle onto the shoulder. The driver was a cop...a very surprised cop when he saw Maverick next to him on the shoulder. Fortunately, Maverick anticipated that potential danger existed in the area and acted accordingly.

Not every situation like Maverick's ends with a good outcome. Why, you might ask, and what can you do to reduce your risks on the road. Start by focusing on the road conditions which change constantly. Don't assume automobiles are watching out for you. They are busy on their cell phones, talking to passengers, and managing children. Stay alert. Watch for lane changes and at intersections. Be on the lookout for wildlife on the road, especially if you are riding early in the morning or at dusk. Night riding presents more hazards. Slow down and allow extra room between vehicles to give yourself time to react.

For additional information on motorcycling highways, streets, and roads, check out this article from the Motorcycle Safety Foundation.

INTRODUCTIONS, PLEASE

WE ARE WAITING TO HEAR FROM YOU!

We thank you for joining the Cycle Matters Member Community; a place where you can find other riders, store (and share with friends) all of your motorcycle events, classifieds, photos and interests. Each month we would like to introduce you to one of our Cycle Matters' members. All of you are bikers, and as everyone knows, bikers love to tell their stories. We hope you will enjoy this feature and perhaps find a new friend.

We want to feature you in our next newsletter. So far, we have heard from Harley-Davidson members. Non-HD riders, are you out there? We want to hear from you, too. Please send us an e-mail at info@cyclematters.com Include your user name, your first and last name, where you live, what bike you ride, how many miles you ride in a year, and a brief paragraph about yourself, including any special interests you might have. Add a photo of yourself, then watch for your bio on our newsletter. It's easy and only takes a few minutes.

PLAN YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE

WE HAVE PLENTY OF OPTIONS FOR YOU

We have hundreds of great events for you to enjoy: LA Bike Shows, State HOG Rallies, Wing Dings, national owner's group events, benefit rides, dealer open houses, toy runs, huge rallies, and more. Invite your friends to ride with you or meet new friends there. We all know bikers are friendly and enjoy comparing experiences and telling stories. You meet the nicest people on the road. Get out there and ride. Maybe you will meet a new friend for life. Help support our motorcycle events.

RIDIN' TO THE RALLIES

15TH ANNUAL REPUBLIC OF TEXAS (ROT) BIKER RALLY - JUNE 11-14, 2009

Looking for a June ride to a big rally? Texas' biggest rally, The 15th Annual Republic of Texas (ROT) Biker Rally might be the rally for you. With an estimated attendance of 40,000 bikers, this rally puts on a big show. This year's events feature: Robbie Knievel's Farewell Tour, Celebrity Builders, Big Texas Chop-off of Champions, Xtreme Fight Championship, Midget Wrestling, Bag Lady Sue, Comedian, ROT Parade, Biker Games by Buda, World Famous Wall of Death, ROT Congress Party, ROT Bars and Vendors, Military Bike Give-away, Ride-in Bike Show, and much more.

NEED EXTRA CASH?

IT'S AS EASY AS CLEANING OUT YOUR GARAGE

Our Classifieds are receiving thousands of visitors. Spring is the time for cleaning, and that probably includes your garage. Why not make some cash on your unused motorcycle items? You know you have them. We all do. Our Classifieds aren't just for motorcycles. On Cycle Matters you can sell parts and accessories, maintenance and repair items, apparel, collectibles and gifts, and transport items. Take a few moments to dust off those items you no longer use, take a photo of each item, and post them on our Classifieds. It is simple, and it's FREE! What do you have to lose?

LEAD; DON'T FOLLOW

MAKE SURE YOUR BUSINESS IS LISTED IN OUR MARKETPLACE BUSINESS DIRECTORY

Cycle Matters has a brand new motorcycle business directory on the Internet featuring dealers, manufacturers, retailers, services, and much more. Local and national advertising packages are available that offer cross-promotion of related content between the directory and other sections of the site. Don't get left behind. We have prices you can afford, even if you are a small business owner. Let us help your business grow. Contact us today.

Interested in more visibility? Maybe a banner ad is more to your liking. Cycle Matters has advertising opportunities available to meet your needs and your budget. Contact us about custom proposals and free ad design.

If you or someone you know is interested in advertising on Cycle Matters, please contact Debby (debby@cyclematters.com or 303-661-0880). We can help you maximize the power of your listing.

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