This past weekend, Red Rock Harley-Davidson held an grand opening / open house, and what a treat it was!

There were lots of bike (both new and used) on display, and tons of accessories, motorclothes, and all sorts of H-D "stuff" for the afficionados. 

The dealership is looking REALLY great -- lots of display area; bright, wide open; just a pleasure to browse around. 

If you haven't been out to Red Rock lately, take a trip and see what they have to offer.  It's a great way to wile away some time.

Until next time -- keep the dirty side down.

Biker Deb

Event is All the Buzz as Excitement Builds for Clubs and Solo Riders -

Last year's introduction of FEMALE RIDE DAY in Canada was such a success that this year it has gone international. FEMALE RIDE DAY is a synchronized day, worldwide, where women motorcycle riders demonstrate their enjoyment of motorcycle riding. The event takes place annually on the first Friday of May, spotlighting women who ride and celebrating the many numbers who do. This is a day devoted to women of all ages and all experience levels to highlight their passion for and pleasure in - alone or together - the activity of motorcycle riding.

"On FEMALE RIDE DAY, all we ask of women is to be on a motorcycle and just ride!" says Vicki Gray, campaign founder. "It is not an organized ride, not a charity or fundraiser. Its sole focus is on women riders. Of course women are free to decide how they spend the day and some clubs and rider groups have indeed incorporated a charity or an organized ride. This is the beauty of the day, the freedom to enjoy it as you wish no matter what type or style of motorcycle - cruiser, sport, touring, scooter, off road or ATV. Women are encouraged to simply join in, take part in the camaraderie internationally and just ride," she adds.

International FEMALE RIDE DAY, made its début last year as a national event, with the intention to go global on its next occurrence. This year it will be celebrated internationally, which was not a difficult step to make, as last year women throughout North America and areas of Europe enthusiastically took part. As each year goes by, there is no doubt that FEMALE RIDE DAY will continue to catch on and be enjoyed by more and more women, as country after country joins in.

In 2007, participants were invited to send in their photographs capturing a moment during their FEMALE RIDE DAY experience and be featured on the website. Additionally by forwarding the photo to MOTORESS, they received mementos and souvenirs in return. Participants will be offered the same opportunity in 2008. According to Vicki, the buzz within online social communities already demonstrates soaring participation this year and she hopes to have enough souvenirs' for everyone. Some of the club rides and meet-ups planned for May 2nd have decided to produce their own souvenir of the day - a t-shirt or a Female Ride Day badge.

MOTORESS is an international brand with a strong online presence. The purpose is to "connect women with motorcycling" and assist women to achieve the most they can out of the activity of motorcycling. Whether just starting out or experienced, MOTORESS's feminine and competent representation provides a community where female riders can flourish, progress and, most of all, have fun in the lifestyle of motorcycling.

MOTORESS founder Vicki Gray is a motorcycle racer and instructor for both street and track, devotedly promoting the rewards and enjoyment of motorcycling since 1983. Originally, from Ontario, she got hooked on motorcycling when taking the rider training course in Nova Scotia, motivated by the need for an outlet away from her demanding career at Revlon International. Since then, she has taught motorcycle riding to thousands of beginners, trained police in the Caribbean (Netherlands Antilles), raced throughout Europe, co-instructed with MotoGP racer Katja Poensgen, partnered events with famed TT Circuit Assen, and co-hosted a television program for the Discovery Channel.

Last year's FEMALE RIDE DAY was supported by BMW, BUELL, DUCATI NORTH AMERICA, HARLEY-DAVIDSON, HONDA, HYOSUNG, KAWASAKI, KYMCO, SUZUKI, YAMAHA, ARAI, INSIDE MOTORCYCLES, MCC, MOTORCYCLE MOJO, OFTR, RTI and WOMENS CUP CHALLENGE-- 2008 looks to receive the same strength of industry leader support.

For more information and interviews, please contact:

Dani Stern
DS Publicity Group/Public Relations
Tel: (416) 368-1985, Fax: (416) 368-2009
E-mail: dani@dspublicitygroup.com

- - - - - - -

Sounds GREAT, ladies!  Let's all try and get out there on May 2nd (Brrr, it will be cold here on PEI!0 and JUST RIDE!

Until next time!

Biker Deb

Word just in from the PEI branch of the Southern Cruisers Riding Club (Chapter 292) that they are planning on holding a rally on PEI this summer. First Officer Mike Littlewood says "We are planning a rally this summer for all Southern Cruisers chapters, and any other riders wanting to attend. We have announced the last week end in July as the dates, (July 26-27) and a campsite in Oyster Bed that is willing to have us. We have had a good response form our chapters in Ontario."

Southern Cruisers Riding Club is a free, family-oriented Motorcycle Riding Club that uses the Web to communicate, and focuses on the enjoyment and fellowship of riding motorcycles, while doing so safely.

For more information on the SCRC or the rally, contact Littlewood at <littlewood@eastlink.ca>

Until next time, keep the dirty side down ....

Biker Deb

Allan Peters, Cymbria Lions Club bike run Chairman, has been organizing very successful poker runs for the last few years. This year should be no exception! Allan writes, "I just wanted to give you a heads up on the run I'm planning this June for the food banks. The date is June 28^th; rain date the 29^th.

This run is a poker run for food, so in order to get your cards, you will have to purchase at least $5.00 worth of food at each stop, in addition to the $5.00 registration fee.

There will be three registered stops for the cards: Sobeys in Montague, the Sobeys in Charlottetown (across from Canadian Tire), and the Sobeys in Summerside. At each location, people will collect the food and register your card pick. Total cost for the run – registration fee, plus 3 lots of food, will be $20 per person.

It is not a group ride: participants can go at what ever time they choose, as long as they are back at the Cymbria Lions Club at 4:30 pm for BBQ and prize presentations.

With these three stops and your entrance fee the cost for the run is the same as other years $20.00 . If you wish, you may purchase an extra card at Gallant’s Ultramar in Rustico. All food and money gathered will be distributed between the 6 food banks here on the Island."

This sounds like a *wonderful* idea, Allan .... can’t wait to take part! So mark your calendars, folks, and do some long-range planning for a great run that will help out the Island food banks, too.

Until next time, keep the dirty side down.

Biker Deb

If the Christmas deadline is bearing down on you like a bobtail semi on a Vespa scooter, and you *still* haven't found the perfect gift for the biker in your life, here's collection of three great books that will keep them turning pages long after the tinsel and trimmings have been put back in the boxes:

"Long Way Down" chronicles actors Ewan McGregor and Charlie Boorman's trek from John O'Groats to Cape Town in Africa.  Aboard their BMW's, these guys did a 15,000 mile journey through the continent, facing many challenges.  Published by Sphere publishing, the softcover saga sells for $30.

"Riding With Rilke", is written by Ted Bishop, a motorcyclist and professor.  Bishop tours North America on his Ducati Monster ... until an accident smacks him into the ditch and breaks his back.  The journey Bishop takes during his recovery is nigh nearly as interesting as the one he took before the crash.  By Penguin books, this read is a modest $22 in softcover.

And last, but certainly not least, pick up "Untamed Spirit - Around the World on a Motorcycle" by Doris Maron.  At age 53, Maron sold virtually all her belongings except her 750 Honda Magna, and set out on a solo journey around the world on August 4, 2001.  Filled with sparkling descriptions of myriad locals, and ample black and white photos, "Untamed Spirit" is a relation of a woman's journey of self, as well as a physical journey.  Published by D-M Maron Consulting Ltd., the book is $20 and available at a number of Coles bookstores, or it can be ordered online at http://www.untamedspirit.net/bookorder.html

Give someone you love a book for Christmas!
Until next time .... keep the dirty side down.

Biker Deb

Finally!  After days, and days, (and day!) of rain, we finally get some sun and warm weather.  Extremely warm, in fact!  The kind of days when riding a motorcycle is the most perfect way to cool off.

Some "hot" things happening at Orwell Corner this weekend.  Got a note from Tom LeClair, manager of Orwell, about a URGAT (Ural) gathering.  Take it away, Tom!

"On Saturday July 28 between 2 and 4 pm, Orwell Corner will be hosting the participants attending the first annual PEI URGAT (Ural Gathering). Organizers are expecting Ural owners from across the Maritimes, and as part of their visit to Orwell Corner their sidecar rigs will be parked in the Village school yard and open to inspection by site visitors."
 
"Anyone arriving on a motorcycle will be given free admission by simply showing your helmet to our Admission Clerk; however, only Urals will be allowed into the Village -- all other brands will be required to use the parking lot. You can leave your helmets with the clerk and collect them on your way out. For more information call 651-8515 or e-mail orwellcorner@isn.net."

Sounds like a way-cool way to spend a hot day!  Why not head on down?

Until next time, keep the dirty side down!

BIker Deb

Hey, all you motorcycle riders of the female persuasion!  The Women Riders Council (a committee of the Motorcyclists Confederation of Canada) has just released / uploaded their second survey, and invites your comments.  Let them know what concerns YOU, as a female rider.  Safety?  Training? Or ... ?

The information you share will be invaluable in determining where best for the WRC to concentrate their efforts, in an attempt to make motorcycling better for women.  So, tool on over to the survey, found at: http://www.zoomerang.com/survey-start.zgi?p=WEB226JXJD8CT6

Until next time, keep the dirty side down!

Biker Deb