Northwest Cycle Report

Now that most of the runs are over with the exception of Christmas runs and “Polar Bear” runs. It means you will be looking for things to do that involve your passion as a bike owner and rider. I would like to offer you some suggestions to get you through the next few months.

International Motorcycle Show. This years Seattle IMS show will be held December 12^th -14^th, same place same time as last years show. Attending the IMS show afford you the opportunity to talk with manufacturers reps and sit on the latest rides from every maker in the world all in one place.

I was speaking with the coordinator for IMS and he said that numbers are up from last year. We discussed the reason and couldn’t nail it down other than many old riders are now seeking to get back into riding and there are a lot of newbie’s interested in riding and they are coming out to see what is being offered.

Good news! Hog Radio will have a booth and be doing a “Live” show all day Saturday at the Seattle IMS. We will have our booth set up so you can come by say hello and sign up for a chance to win free books published by Motor books International. We will be interviewing manufacturer reps all day long. John Davis publisher of NW Cycle Report will be assisting us, so make it a point to stop by.

Biker Movies. That’s right some of us enjoy kicking back and watching movies on those dark dreary nights and what better time to rent some old and newer bike oriented movies. My wife and I just finished watching Mad Max 1979 the original in the trilogy of Max movies. Mad Max is a straight out Biker movie harkening back to the 60’s bad boy biker flicks. Here are just a few examples:

Electra Glide in Blue. This mid 70’s crime drama/mystery style movie centers on motorcycle cops, specifically a very young Robert Blake as the cycle cop who sets about investigating a mysterious death.

The Billy Jack franchise. As a kid in high school I remember viewing a couple of these at the local drive in movie. In all, there are four movies created featuring Billy Jack, beginning with Born Losers and the later self titled “Billy Jack”movies. Billy Jack makes it his business to butt heads with anyone who is a bully. The movies have some subtle political undertones to them but they offer up plenty of pre Chuck Norris karate kicks to keep you well entertained.

The Wild One. 1953 The Wild One is the Granddaddy of all biker movies. This film is a classic Film Noir style movie It features a young Marlon Brando as a thug MC leader who comes to a small town and begins to harass the locals. It features a very entertaining pre-rap rap scene it the café. This movie in many ways formed the Bad Boy biker image which still remains to this day.

There are probably well over 60 movies that prominently feature bikes as part of their theme. So you will have no problem finding something that fits your fancy.

For those who enjoy Sport Bike Racing there are plenty of Documentaries highlighting the life and times of various Racers, many of which are put out by White Horse Publishing.

Hog Radio. Go to www.hogradio.net and spend some time with us as we chat about and interview some very interesting guests that live, breath and contribute to the world of riding. We are about entertaining, educating and inspiring you the rider. So come on by and take a listen if you haven’t done so. Make us a part of your weekly ritual.

Forums. Biker Forums are places for riders to congregate and chat about you guessed it all things bike related. From American made to Metrics, Cruisers to Sport bikes there is a place for everyone. Forums can be a wealth of information depending on what you are looking for.

Restoration Clubs. There are a number of clubs who specialize in doing just this. These clubs are dedicated to restoring vintage bikes Metrics to American made bikes. For those of you who have dreamed about finding and restoring your first bike these clubs can be a valuable source and support to you.

Motorcycle Museums. There are a number of motorcycle museums located across the US and Canada. I recommend doing a Google search for motorcycle museum and see what comes up. Spending a few hours with your friends or family at one of these museums can be a great way to spend a Saturday or Sunday.

Good Books. As the producer of Hog Radio I get a chance to do a lot of reading or at least skimming of the various books we receive as part of our Author interviews. MBI is a great source of books relating to motorcycles and riding. The library is another good resource. Books, be they pictorial or textual offer readers a chance to share in the adventure and or gain insights into their favorite riders or builders life.

Dealer Events. Many cycle dealers offer monthly events designed to pull you in during off season months. They can be a great place to come by, hang out and grab some free grub and hook up with your riding buddies. There’s nothing like spending a couple hours with fellow enthusiasts shooting the breeze and looking at the latest gear. Don’t forget while you’re there, to pick up some stocking stuffers.

I hope these ideas will give you plenty of indoor activities to keep your passion burning as you wait out the rain, snow and icy roads until you can once again hit the open highways and byways. And for those who ride 365 take it easy out their and ride safe!