Remembering History & Tradition Will Make Marketing Better!

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April 22, 2009 · Filed Under Biker, General, Harley-Davidson

We’re Riding!

As is with each spring, we motorcyclists are back on the road in droves. While I write to inform the automobile drivers, I want to also remind my exuberant motorcyclists to be watchful for the many road conditions out there.

Gravel - remember that the roads are NOT swept yet and corners, parking lots, shoulders and center strips are still ripe with the stuff.
Ice/Snow – shocking, but there is still places that the ice & snow have not melted or if it has it refreezes when the temperature is right.
Black Ice – as above, black ice is still out there. Watch for low spots, covered roadways and so on.
Unaware drivers – let’s face it…drivers are not yet expecting to see motorcyclists so don’t be surprised that they are not watching for you.
Ash – ash? Yes ASH. It creates a different type of dust cloud for you to ride in so be aware of it’s inherent challenges for you and your machine.

Is there more (animals, kids, terrorism)? Absolutely…but for right now, these are the most prevalent for the returning Alaska rider.

Be safe, have fun & we’ll see you on the road!

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April 20, 2009 · Filed Under General, Road Reports

On The Road Again!

For those who didn’t know/remember I was in my first motorcycle wreck about a year ago. I spent last year in a Wheelchair, a therapeutic pool (that was so soothing), working my way up to a walker, to being able to just walk.

Did I mention that using a walker flat out sucks?

Anyways…the bike was at the shop pretty much through the winter waiting on parts to be repaired so baby didn’t get home till February. So I didn’t have the bike in the garage till I was in good enough shape to sit in the saddle.

So the bike and I have been back together for almost 90 days & I’ve been honestly apprehensive about what would happen when I was able to ride again.

Would I be able to sit on the bike?
Would I be able to handle the bumps?
Would I be able to sit for extended periods on the bike?
Would I freak out with drivers acting stupid?
Would I be able to ride to and past the place where I wrecked?

So yesterday the weather was sunny, the roads were dry and my anticipation was an all time high so I went for it.

I’ll say that donning everything and throwing a leg over the bike was envigorating to say the least. Starting the bike up was easy (once I remembered to turn on the fuel <smacking forehead>) and rolling out of the garage was a snap.

You hear the adage “it’s like riding a bike, you never forget” but yesterday I finally see what they meant. The old habits kicked in and I was off!

I stopped at the local dealership to ask if they wanted to test drive the bike (standard procedure, but since it was ready in February they didn’t get a chance to perform the test ride). The shop manager, Craig, looked me dead in the eye and says “Karl…do you really want to give up riding today? You rode it here, so you tell me.”

After making one adjustment on the bike at the shop (the boot shifter was off slightly), I was back on the road and it was wonderful! All of the MSF training, years of experience and so on kicked in and I was doing very well.

A lunch hour that will stick in my mind for a long time.

So I arrive back at the office and I’m told I look like the Cheshire Cat coming into the office. I do notice that the day is brighter and better for sure.

At this point I am presented with a wooden sign that the guys got for me it simply says “Time spent on a motorcycle is not deducted from ones lifespan” which I couldn’t help but be moved by the gesture. I work wth some really cool guys.

Twice yesterday I went to the corporate office, once I had to go and the other I volunteered. What can I say? I’m willing to make the effort…know what I mean <smile>.

So at the end of the day I take the long way home. I even rode past where the accident occured and no problems.

Tomorrow, I’m grabbing Lynn and heading out!

[Show as slideshow]

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April 17, 2009 · Filed Under Biker, General, Harley-Davidson

The 30th Anniversary “Elvis Harley” Is Coming!

Graceland has quite a few special activities planned for August, when Elvis Presley Enterprises commemorates the 30th anniversary of the death of the undisputed King of Rock-and-Roll.

Bruce Rossmeyer, CEO of 12 Harley-Davidson locations around the country — including the world’s largest dealership in Daytona, Florida, and the all-new Graceland Harley-Davidson is recreating the personalized 1957 Black Harley-Davidson FLH model that Presley once owned.

With only 30 of these motorcycles being customized and individually serial numbered, each motorcycle in the elite Elvis Presley Anniversary Bike Signature Series will capture Presley’s passion for motorcycles. Although designed to replicate the 1957 model that Elvis owned and appearing as a classic custom vintage bike, the motorcycles will feature a 2007 Softail chassis and drive train maintaining all of today’s engineering and safety features.

Rossmeyer has also partnered with renowned Harley-Davidson painter David Uhl and Harley-Davidson sculptor Jeff Decker, who will be creating unique pieces that will be included in the purchase price of each of the Elvis Presley Anniversary Bikes and paired with the corresponding motorcycle. The Elvis Presley Anniversary Bike Signature Series will be unveiled at Graceland in Memphis, Tennessee on April 22nd at the Elvis Rock ‘n’ Roll Ride for Life to benefit the American Diabetes Association.

Bikes 2-24 of Signature Series will be offered for sale through the lottery system at the April 22nd ride in Memphis and are expected to be sold for just under $59,000. In order to purchase one of the Elvis Presley Anniversary Bikes, interested parties must register for the April 22nd Elvis Rock ‘n’ Roll Ride for Life. Those who register for the ride will be chosen out of a lottery and contacted that day to determine their intent to purchase. Participants need not be present for the opportunity to purchase if selected in the lottery. To register for the Elvis Rock ‘n’ Roll Ride for Life benefiting the American Diabetes Association, call 901-682-8232 or 800-DIABETES ext. 3121.

Bikes 25-29 will be available for purchase at a later date. The bike numbered “1″ will be sold for $100,000, with $40,000 of that being donated to the American Diabetes Association. Bike number “30″ will be auctioned off in Memphis on August 15th during Elvis Week, the annual celebration of King’s life and career.

All of the motorcycles will be delivered at the steps of Graceland the morning of August 15, 2007 – the day before the 30th Anniversary of Elvis’s passing. The purchase price includes a two-night stay at the Peabody Hotel in Memphis, a unique Graceland Pre-Delivery Party on the evening of August 14th, and one round-trip ticket from within the continental U.S. (figures) to Memphis for the delivery experience.

Even if you’re not an Elvis fan…you have to admit this is the epitamy of cool.

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April 7, 2009 · Filed Under Harley-Davidson