Born To Ride News

Association Welcomes Eight New Member Companies

IRVINE, CA – The Motorcycle Industry Council recently welcomed eight innovative, diverse and well-respected powersports businesses as new member companies. Christini Technologies, Inc.; Duo Web Solutions; Innovative Motorcycle Research (IMR); KLIM USA; Modern Tire Company; Pied Piper Management Company, LLC; Rinehart Racing; and Vroom Network all were approved as new members by the MIC Board of Directors.

“As MIC membership grows, so do the benefits that we are able to provide for all of our partners,” said MIC President Tim Buche. “These eight new member companies will enjoy access to our extensive market research data, our new Business Advisory and Forecast, technical data and regulatory support, and a variety of industry discounts. Their presence, in turn, provides the MIC with strength in additional numbers, untapped resources and fresh avenues for addressing the challenges that the powersports industry faces daily.”

The MIC’s eight newest member companies are:

Christini Technologies, Inc., of Philadelphia, Penn., was founded in 1999 by Steven Christini with the development of the company’s first AWD mountain bike. Christini now has motorcycles in 30 countries. Their patented mechanical All Wheel Drive system delivers power from the motorcycle transmission to the front wheel through a series of chains and shafts.

Duo Web Solutions, based in Elm Grove, Wis., is a leading web and online marketing service provider specializing in the powersports industry. Partnered with 7 Media Group to provide mobile marketing for powersports dealers with a news marketing vehicle, Duo Web Solutions offers email newsletter campaigns, website management, social media services, online reputation management and web analytics.

Innovative Motorcycle Research (IMR) was founded in September 1993 as a motorcycle service and repair shop, and is located in Salem, N.J. Since then, IMR has evolved from service repair into race bike building, race team management and race parts retailer. Now the primary focuses are race tire and race part distribution. The overall objective is to be the leader in trackside service.

KLIM Technical Riding Gear has a U.S. headquarters in Rigby, Ida., and is a global leader in designing, developing and manufacturing the most advanced motor sports apparel for the snowmobile and motorcycle rider. Utilizing the world’s highest technologies in waterproof, breathable, durable and comfortable materials, KLIM builds gear for the most demanding riders. Driven by the continual feedback and input from dedicated test pilots and passionate customers, KLIM strives to improve the customer’s riding experience without compromise.

Modern Tire Company, of Evansville, Ind., is a wholesale distributor of all major brand tires, wheels, tubes, winches, tire tools and accessories. They are a team of highly motivated and experienced sales people dedicated to providing the best tire products at the best prices available in the on- and off-road powersports industry.

Pied Piper Management Company, LLC, of Pacific Grove, Calif., develops and runs sales and marketing programs to maximize the performance of dealer networks. PPMC was founded to help clients apply fresh thinking to their challenges by quantifying, understanding and then influencing the future rather than focusing on the past.

Rinehart Racing, located in Asheville, N.C., has successfully made the transition from a small, locally based racing exhaust shop to one of the premier resources for performance exhaust in the motorsports industry, with customers ranging from motorcycle enthusiasts to NASCAR champions.

Vroom Network is a professional services company out of Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif., specializing in the powersports industry and founded by industry veteran Eric Anderson. Vroom brings 25 years of experience and expertise to branding, e-learning, marketing and business development. Vroom works with start-ups, turn-arounds, investment companies, and retail and wholesale operations. Vroom specializes in team building, social media, industry orientation, importation, sales training, public speaking, internal communication, helmet and technical riding apparel product development, and more.

The Motorcycle Industry Council exists to preserve, protect and promote motorcycling through government relations, communications and media relations, statistics and research, aftermarket programs, development of data communications standards, and activities surrounding technical and regulatory issues. As a not-for-profit, national industry association, the MIC seeks to support motorcyclists by representing manufacturers and distributors of motorcycles, scooters, motorcycle/ATV/ROV parts and accessories, and members of allied trades such as insurance, finance and investment companies, media companies and consultants.

The MIC is headquartered in Irvine, Calif., with a government relations office in metropolitan Washington, D.C. First called the MIC in 1970, the organization has been in operation since 1914. Visit the MIC at www.mic.org.

High-Technology Delivers Crystal-Clear Focus for Men and Women

MILWAUKEE  – Engineered with a new anti-fog technology and the Enhanced Vision System (EVS) from Carl Zeiss Vision, the 2012 line of Performance Eyewear from the Harley-Davidson^® MotorClothes^® line delivers superior optics for all riding conditions. The
patented EVS technology increases visual accuracy in straight-ahead and peripheral vision, providing 20 percent wider field of vision compared to traditional lenses. New anti-fog technology minimizes the moisture condensation on the lenses to nearly eliminate fogging in most weather conditions. Multiple styles of new Performance Eyewear are available for men and women and include prescription, day/night transition and interchangeable lens options.

The new men’s Switchback Performance Eyewear with Removable Arms (P/N 98278-12 VM, starting at $45) features Sola Sunlens lenses produced by Carl Zeiss Vision with new anti-fog coating and EVS technology. It’s available with Smoke Lens or NXT^® transition lenses, both with 100 percent UV protection. The arms are easily removed and can be swapped with the included adjustable strap, while the convertible foam padding can be removed for casual wear.

The new women’s Affinity Performance Eyewear (P/N 98295-12VW, starting at $45) features the patented ForceFlex^™ Technology, providing an unbreakable, bendable frame that flexes for a custom fit and optimal comfort. It comes with Smoke or Day/Night transition lenses with new molded-in anti-fog technology for lifelong wear with superior optics. It filters 100 percent of UV radiation and features a lifetime frame warranty.

The Switchback, Affinity and other new Performance Eyewear are available now at most Harley-Davidson dealerships.

For additional information on Harley-Davidson MotorClothes Apparel and Collectibles, see your local Harley-Davidson dealer or visit harley-davidson.com. To find a dealer near you, call 1.800.LUV.2RIDE in the U.S. or Canada.

AMA Flash Tours Promote Fun Themes, Prizes for Road Riders

PICKERINGTON, Ohio — American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) Grand Tours have long offered motorcyclists a way to participate in great rides and win cool prizes on their own schedules. New for 2012, the AMA is introducing AMA Flash Tours, which put the grand tour concept on hyperdrive, including similarly fun themes but on a much more immediate schedule.

At the start of each AMA Flash Tour, the AMA will announce a theme or challenge designed to get riders on the road to visit interesting destinations. Participants then tackle the challenge and document their effort with a photo emailed to flashtours@americanmotorcyclist.com. (All photos may be shared on the AMA’s Facebook page at Facebook.com/AmericanMotorcyclist, at AmericanMotorcyclist.com or in American Motorcyclist magazine.)

AMA Flash Tours run for approximately two weeks, and a lucky participant from each tour will be selected to win a prize pack from AMA partner organizations or the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame. For example, prizes might include Hall of Fame themed t-shirts, posters or other items.

The inaugural AMA Flash Tour was won by Jim and Shelly Holtman from Quincy, Ill., with a photo of their Harley-Davidson in front of the Classic Diner in Jacksonville, Ill. The tour ran from April 6 through April 19 with a “photo tag” theme. Riders were challenged to replicate the spirit of a scene in a photo provided by the AMA, which was a motorcycle in front of a diner.

“We like to tour, but we don’t really have time to do a whole AMA Grand Tour,” Jim Holtman said. “Most all our free time is spent with helmets on, riding the bike and Shelly loves to take pictures, so this was a natural for us. We had a lot of fun on the road chasing pictures.”

The second AMA Flash Tour is the “Go AMA! Flash Tour.” To participate, simply take a photograph of your bike at three places where “AMA” appears in the name (for example, “AlabAMA,” “Rick’s SkatorAMA,” etc.). A sign with the name of the location must be included in the photograph, as well as the latest copy of your favorite riding publication. Then, email the photo to flashtours@americanmotorcyclist.com, and include your full name and address.

For more information and to see current rider submissions for AMA Flash Tours, see AmericanMotorcyclist.com > Events > AMA Flash Tours or Facebook.com/AmericanMotorcyclist. 

About the American Motorcyclist Association
Since 1924, the AMA has protected the future of motorcycling and promoted the motorcycle lifestyle. AMA members come from all walks of life, and they navigate many different routes on their journey to the same destination: freedom on two wheels. As the world’s largest motorcycling rights organization, the AMA advocates for motorcyclists’ interests in the halls of local, state and federal government, the committees of international governing organizations, and the court of public opinion. Through member clubs, promoters and partners, the AMA sanctions more motorsports competition and motorcycle recreational events than any other organization in the world. AMA members receive money-saving discounts from dozens of well-known suppliers of motorcycle services, gear and apparel, bike rental, transport, hotel stays and more. Through the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame, the AMA honors the heroes and the heritage of motorcycling for future generations. For more information, please visit AmericanMotorcyclist.com.

Classic Design Celebrates 100 Years of Motorcycle Clothing

MILWAUKEE – Brandishing an all-time classic style with the latest technology, the new men’s El Camino II Leather Jacket (P/N 98035-12 VM, starting at $425) from the Harley-Davidson^® MotorClothes^® line celebrates 100 years of Harley-Davidson riding apparel. It’s constructed from midweight vintage cowhide leather and features a zip-out, removable poly-twill vest liner for custom climate control. Two zippered vents on the front and back add rider-controlled airflow. Pockets at the elbows and shoulders accept accessory body armor, while pre-curved sleeves, action back and six available pockets (including an MP3 player pocket) add modern functionality and comfort. Available in S – 5XL and Tall sizes.

 The El Camino II Leather Jacket is available now at most Harley-Davidson dealerships. 

For additional information on Harley-Davidson MotorClothes Apparel and Collectibles, see your local Harley-Davidson dealer or visit harley-davidson.com.

To find a dealer near you, call 1.800.LUV.2RIDE in the U.S. or Canada.

Shinedown Set to Rock the Sturgis Buffalo Chip During Annual Motorcycle Rally

Sturgis Buffalo Chip, South Dakota (April 19, 2012) – The Sturgis Buffalo Chip welcomes chart topping rockers Shinedown to their 2012 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally concert line up on Saturday, August 4, 2012. Shinedown, after having just released their new album Amaryllis, will unleash their heart pumping stage show on the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally crowd at the Legendary Buffalo Chip, the Largest Music Festival in Motorcycling™.  Shinedown joins a spectacular and growing line up of Sturgis concerts during the annual motorcycle rally that includes Journey, Eric Church, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Zac Brown Band, Loverboy, Sugarland, Boston, and many more. Passes are available now for Shinedown and other concerts at the Sturgis Buffalo Chip at www.buffalochip.com.

Shinedown’s lyrics and music have helped make them indisputably one of the fastest-rising rock acts of the past 10 years. Formed in Florida in 2001, Shinedown has sold more then 10 million albums worldwide and is known for their cutting edge, emotional, true American Rock sound. When Shinedown takes over the Sturgis Buffalo Chip main stage on Saturday, Aug 4, 2012, festival and motorcycle rally goers can expect to hear their No. 1 blockbuster, “Save Me,” which dominated Active Rock radio charts for 12 consecutive weeks, as well as other chart topping hits such as “Unity”, “Second Chance”, “If You Only Know”, “I’ll Follow You”, “Devour”, and “Bully”.

“I want people to be shocked,” declares Shinedown frontman Brent Smith. “I never want people to be able to put their thumb on this band. I never want anyone to know what we’re going to do. I want them to think, ‘They did it again. They surprised me.’”

“The Sturgis Buffalo Chip is excited to add Shinedown to our world-class concert lineup this year,” says Rod Woodruff, President of the Sturgis Buffalo Chip. “Shinedown electrifies the stage. Rally and Festival fans will be treated to an unforgettable music experience during the Shinedown show on August 4^th at the Buffalo Chip. We can’t wait.”

The Legendary Buffalo Chip has been offering its guests the authentic Sturgis experience for more than 30 years with its premium camping resort and world-class entertainment. Make reservations now for the 72^nd annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally at the Best Party Anywhere™ at www.buffalochip.com or call (605) 347-9000.

About The Sturgis Buffalo Chip-    

Sturgis Buffalo Chip 2012 will take place August 3 – August 11. In 2012, “Motorcycling’s Largest Music Festival” and the Sturgis rally’s cornerstone event will celebrate its 31st consecutive annual concert series.  Since 1982, the Sturgis Buffalo Chip has provided unforgettable live music experiences for fans from around the world. The Sturgis Buffalo Chip attracts the music industry’s hottest stars, emerging talent and local favorites, and hosts a diverse selection of food and beverage vendors and interactive exhibits.  Set on 560 acres, three miles outside of Sturgis, the Buffalo Chip is a festival experience like no other. More details are available at BuffaloChip.com.

Senator Amy Klobuchar Recognized for Crucial Lead Ban and Recreational Trail Program Efforts

MEDINA, MN – Amy Klobuchar, the senior senator from Minnesota, became the latest recipient of the Motorcycle Industry Council Chairman’s Award today for her invaluable efforts in stopping the ban on youth ATVs and dirt bikes, and for saving the Recreational Trails Program.

For more than two years, the powersports industry was banned from selling youth sized ATVs, motorcycles and snowmobiles, inadvertently swept up in comprehensive legislation known as the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act – a law intended to protect children from harmful lead content in toys.

“When our industry needed a champion, she rose to the occasion, worked with her colleagues, and led the effort to ensure that youth ATVs, motorcycles and snowmobiles were excluded from the law,” said MIC Chairman Larry Little, who is also the vice president and general manager of the motorcycle group for Marketplace Events.

Minnesota manufacturer Polaris, and President and Chief Operating Officer Bennett J. Morgan, hosted the award presentation at the firm’s Medina headquarters, just west of Minneapolis. Both Morgan and Little also recognized Klobuchar for her work on a critical amendment to the transportation reauthorization legislation known as the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act.

“Once again, Senator Klobuchar was there to look out for our interests, and the interests of all trail users,” Little said. “She introduced an amendment to restore the Recreational Trails Program and worked diligently to secure the broad support necessary to ensure that it was accepted by her colleagues.”

The former chief prosecutor of the state’s largest county, Klobuchar was elected in 2006 to become the first woman to represent Minnesota in the U.S. Senate. She is the 41st recipient of the MIC Chairman’s Award, which honors those who have made significant contributions to the world of powersports.

The Motorcycle Industry Council exists to preserve, protect and promote motorcycling through government relations, communications and media relations, statistics and research, business advisories and forecasts, aftermarket programs, development of data communications standards, and activities surrounding technical and regulatory issues. As a not-for-profit, national industry association, the MIC seeks to support motorcyclists by representing manufacturers and distributors of motorcycles, scooters, motorcycle/ATV/ROV parts and accessories, and members of allied trades such as insurance, finance and investment companies, media companies and consultants.

The MIC is headquartered in Irvine, Calif., with a government relations office in metropolitan Washington, D.C. First called the MIC in 1970, the organization has been in operation since 1914. Visit the MIC at www.mic.org.

Stayin Alive, Stayin Alive, the Disco Motorcycle Helmet Solution

by Todd Halterman

Natalie Walsh got us hooked with this one: a motorcycle helmet redesigned and pimped out as a disco ball.

“This disco ball helmet uses real glass, as it is intended as a costume piece, to be paired with a disco backpack, coming soon,” Walsh said.  “If you want it to be functional, acrylic mirror would be safer and lighter weight though not as shiny and reflective.”

Walsh is no neophyte in the design world. She has a whole bunch of very interesting work on her site, and she provides us a little history of the path that led her to make this ultra-magnifico piece of motorcycle helmet art:

In my teenage years I was lucky enough to dabble in a range of mediums, taking classes in stained glass, wood and photography at my high school, and sewing or making jewelry in my free time. I enjoyed sewing so much that I continued on to study Fashion Design at Cornell University. During this time I was able to discover my love of illustration and graphic art while studying abroad in Florence, and I have pursued design and illustration ever since.

Following graduation, I spent four years in New York City working at SelectNY as an art director for beauty and luxury clients such as Calvin Klein, Swarovski, and Sebastian Professional. In need of a change from the big city life, I spent a year and half traveling the world and working as a designer along the way. I have now come full circle, and am back in San Francisco working as a freelance designer.

Now I’d really be interested if she’d focus her laser-like eye for the cool on motorcycles. In a perfect world, Walsh would take on a motorcycle gas tank, and I’m sure the result would be just as out there and excellent as this helmet. She’s got the look…

Disco Ball Helmet

Retrieved April 12, 2012; http://www.motorcycleinsurance.com/stayin-alive-stayin-alive-the-disco-motorcycle-helmet-solution/

Video: Look Inside Honda TT Legends Team

The Honda TT Legends team prepares for an all-important second year of competition in the FIM Endurance World Championship, the North West 200 and the Isle of Man TT. The team will launch its assault on the world’s toughest track and road races aboard the 2012 version of the CBR1000RR Fireblade as Honda celebrates the 20th anniversary of the legendary machine.

Seventeen-times Isle of Man TT winner John McGuinness and road racing ace Cameron Donald will remain with the Honda TT Legends for 2012 and will be joined by British Superstock and road racing star Gary Johnson and 2011 fastest TT newcomer Simon Andrews. All four riders will contest the 2012 Endurance World Championship while McGuinness and Andrews will make up a two-man team for the Isle of Man TT and the Northwest 200.

Retrieved April 12, 2012; from http://www.nationalspeedsportnews.com/motorcycle-racing/other-motorcycle-racing/video-look-inside-honda-tt-legends-team/

A Note from the Executive Director

This week we are installing our next exhibit Expanding Visions and this process is always very exciting to me. I love the way the blank space fills with color and images right before my eyes. And I will tell you, this exhibit has so much to offer. It is a contemporary show and with that comes vibrancy, fun and will give you a lot to talk about. So, I hope you will join me on Friday, April 13th -from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. for the opening reception. Many of the artists will be present allowing you the opportunity to speak with them directly about their works. There will be live music, hors d’oeuvres and beverages. It is a great way to start your weekend here at the FMWA!

Sincerely,

Crystal Recktenwald

April 13 – June 22

Featuring powerful bodies of work by eight exceptional Florida artists selected from FMWA’s First Annual Juried Exhibition (2010). These artists will present both 2-D and 3-D works in a variety of mediums on topics from social views, world events, cultural conventions and personal histories.

Members free / $5 Non-members

An opening reception for the show and the artists will be held on Friday, April 13, 2012 from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. The event will include light fare with cash bar. The event is free for members and $10 for non-members. General public is welcome.

Amy W. Miller (Venice, Florida) fabricates awe-inspiring monumental 3-D works that explore memorialized social conventions that influence our civilization.

Carolina Cleere (Tampa, Florida) uses mixed media settings and photography to create sophisticatedly playful narratives on children and innocence lost.

Julia Owens (Sanford, Florida) creates delicate charcoal and watercolor pieces to document intimate perspectives of everyday temporal objects in contemporary life.

Vivian Spencer (Pensacola, Florida) blends 2-D and 3-D presentations of common objects to help viewers extract memories, which then are tied to the experience at the museum.

Candace Knapp (Brandon, Florida) delights viewers with whimsical installations of masterfully crafted wood sculptures creating an “otherworldly time and place” for playful imaginations.

Barbara Balzer (Tallahassee, Florida) produces figurative ceramic work that represents portraits of irony, allegory, and self-expression as she teases image from idea.

Jo Sinclair (St. Augustine, Florida) works with sculptural weaving, oil pastel, sculptural paper, painting, collage, and assemblage to create “visual poetry” within real environments.

Jean Banas (New Smyrna Beach, Florida) works with line, shape, and color to create vibrant and dynamic abstracts that exude a joy of life, while also communicating a sense of mystery.

Wine-d Down Wednesday!

FMWA invites you to “wine-d” down from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 18th.

Surround yourself with good company, and great art; there’s no better way to unwind during the middle of the hectic workweek.

Complimentary hors d’ouevres will be provided. Regular museum admission of $5 applies, and members always get in FREE.

Upcoming Events

Click here to view the fun – Florida Museum for Women Artists’ Photo Albums

Amaizin’ Grain

Friday, May 4th

10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

University of Florida and Volusia County Extension partner with Florida Agriculture in the Classroom, Inc. to present Florida’s Amaizin’ Grain …CORN at 10 a.m. Friday, May 4. The seminar will include factoids, recipes and nutritional information related to corn. The program is free. Reserve your seat today. Call 386.873.2976

The Artist’s Blog

Wednesday, May 9th

Learn from local blogger, Josh Garrick about how to market yourself as an artist using a blog. This workshop will walk you through blogging basics as well as give you some tips about the most effective ways to promote yourself as an artist and engage your reader to come back for more! Cost is $20 for members / $30 for non-members

Call 386.873.2976 to reserve your seat.

FMWA Incubator  – Start your business in one of the most prestigious locations. Those interested in building an art related business are encouraged to contact the museum.  You will be able to tour the available professional spaces as well as retail gallery space on the ground floor.  Business spaces vary in size and estimated from 100 to 400 square feet.  Acceptable businesses would cover all the traditional visual art forms, but would also include such areas as: web design, animation, video art, custom framing, writing, audio recording, or business consulting.  Tenant members agree to share managing the space for public  accessibility; and providing presentations of their work to the public  when appropriate.

Downtown DeLand’s 4th Friday Art Walk
Friday, April 27, 2012 (6:00pm – 9:00pm)
Merchants, restaurants and art galleries in historic Downtown DeLand, Florida host a monthly art walk each 4th Friday.  Visitors may stroll the boulevard, enjoy dinner at one of DeLand’s fine restaurants and meet other patrons while viewing the artwork of local artists.  Patrons may choose their own route, but we suggest starting at the Florida Museum for Women Artists, which is centrally located.  The 4th Friday Art Walk also coincides with the Artisan Alley 4th Friday event which is hosted by The Nest.  Artisan Alley is located just west of the Florida Museum for Women Artists (Corner of Woodland Blvd. & New York Ave.) and across the street from Chess Park.  The Florida Museum for Women Artist is open 11am to 7pm each Friday.

U.S. Team Eyes FIM Team Speedway Under 21 World Championship

PICKERINGTON, Ohio — A carefully selected team of U.S. riders will take on the world’s best up-and-coming speedway racers on Thursday, April 12, in Rivne, Ukraine, at the first round of the 2012 FIM Team Speedway Under 21 World Championships.

The U.S. riders include Ricky Wells, Yorba Linda, Calif.; Russell Green, Gardena, Calif.; Gino Manzares, Corona, Calif.; Michael Buman, Binghamton, N.Y.; Bryce Starts, Auburn, Calif.; Dylan Black, Hesperia, Calif.; and Brad Pappalardo, Corona, Calif.

“While the sport of speedway is still growing in the United States, this fast-paced spectacle on two-wheels is one of the most popular motorsports overseas,” said AMA Director of Racing Joe Bromley. “The AMA is proud to be represented by this talented group of young riders who will face the world’s toughest competition as they race for American honor.”

After the opener in the Ukraine, the four-round series moves to Great Britain, Germany then Poland. The final will take place on Sept. 12 in Gniezno, Poland.

In 2011, the Russian team won the FIM Team Speedway Under 21 World Championship in its own Trud Stadium of Balakovo, Russia. Team Denmark finished second and Team Ukraine got third. The U.S. team did not qualify for the final in 2011.  

About the American Motorcyclist Association
Since 1924, the AMA has protected the future of motorcycling and promoted the motorcycle lifestyle. AMA members come from all walks of life, and they navigate many different routes on their journey to the same destination: freedom on two wheels. As the world’s largest motorcycling rights organization, the AMA advocates for motorcyclists’ interests in the halls of local, state and federal government, the committees of international governing organizations, and the court of public opinion. Through member clubs, promoters and partners, the AMA sanctions more motorsports competition and motorcycle recreational events than any other organization in the world. AMA members receive money-saving discounts from dozens of well-known suppliers of motorcycle services, gear and apparel, bike rental, transport, hotel stays and more. Through the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame, the AMA honors the heroes and the heritage of motorcycling for future generations. For more information, please visit AmericanMotorcyclist.com.