Looking Back

This past year has been one of thrills and chills economically. The cycle industry saw a huge downturn in sales with the exception of scooters which were very prevalent at this years Seattle International Motorcycle Show. Interestingly enough it was the introduction of the Honda C100 Super Cub to America back in 1958 that kick started motorcycle sales within a very stagnant motorcycle market. Quite possibly the interest in scooters by non-enthusiasts will do the same for the current stagnant American motorcycle market and within the next few years we will see a huge demand for mid to large sized bikes by theses current scooter purchasers. For a great historical overview of the Honda Motorcycle Company we will be interviewing Aaron Frank, author of Honda Motorcycles on Hog Radio in the next month.

Speaking of Hog Radio we just celebrated one year of podcasting this past November. It’s hard to believe Walt and I have been doing this for a year but we have. As part of the show, I took advantage while on a summer vacation to Southern Cal to visit a number of legends within the biking world. You can read the whole story in my previous columns (here, here and here). I have included some pictures of these legends.

Steve and Walt at SIMS.

Another big event for Hog Radio was spending Saturday December 13th doing an all day live show from the floor of the Seattle International Motorcycle Show. Joining Walt and I at our booth was my son Nathaniel, friend Alan Boyd and John Davis, editor and publisher of Northwest Cycle Report. Thanks guys, I couldn’t have done it without your help. We had a great day interviewing various reps, vendors and individuals who were exhibiting at the show. You can listen to all 4 hours worth of interviews at hogradio.net. I’ve included some pictures of the event.

Talk about December, I don’t have to tell anyone that we’ve had the longest stretch of snow in the Puget Sound region I can ever remember. Of all things it began on the weekend of the IMS and has continued through today. Suffice it to say we had a WHITE CHRISTMAS.

Speaking of snow now is a great time to start planning your summer rides/trips. There are so many great roads to explore here in the Northwest and BC/Washington State region. One idea is a trip up to see where the Winter Olympics will be held. This can make for a great 1 day ride or you can make it a 2 day depending on what you plan to see and do. Make sure to come down through the Frazer River gorge area, stop in at Hope and read all about the filming of the first Rambo movie which was filmed there and have your picture taken with your head on Rambo’s body at the Visitor center!

A quick nice off road trek is to head up to Chuckanut Mountain while meandering along Chuckanut Drive. The forest service road is just above Larabee State Park and it takes you to the top of Chuckanut Mountain where after parking you can walk to the top and view all the San Juan Islands and then you can climb to the ridge and view almost every mountain peak from Baker to Hood. I remember doing this on my 78 Yamaha 650 while my buddy rode his KZ1000 we made it almost to the top before we had to park the bikes and hoof it up the last leg of the dirt road. It was near sunset and boy was it a spectacular view.

As a last thought I would love to know what percentage of you who read this column belong to an organized riding club or don’t. I’d like your feedback on the pluses and minuses if any of belonging or not belonging. Please respond in the feedback section. If you wish you can mention the group/club and what type of Motorcycle you ride.

Feel free to contact me at www.hogradio.net (Use the Contact form) and let me know what personalities or topics you would like us to cover on Hog Radio. Thanks.

Ride safe and have a happy and productive New Year!

Steve Johann - Producer/Co-Host of Hog Radio www.hogradio.net