Archive for the ‘Lead Story’ Category
February 01, 2009
Filed Under (Lead Story) by John Davis
From “Texas” Larry Walker, Government Relations Specialist, Washington Road Riders Association:
January 05, 2009
Filed Under (Lead Story) by Ian King
The beginning of the new legislative session is upon us! Our elected officials are headed back to Olympia, and it’s time for us to remind them about our issues. Black Thursday, motorcycling’s first big day in Olympia, is scheduled for January 22, 2009. This is a great opportunity for us to show our representatives in the State Capitol that motorcyclists WILL stand up and be counted, that we WILL be heard in the halls of government, that we WILL be part of the solution. How do you get involved? First, you need to know who represents you: two members of the House, one of the Senate. If you don’t know who these people are, you can go to http://apps.leg.wa.gov/DistrictFinder/Default.aspx, enter your address, and the website will tell you who they are. The next step: you need to call each of them, identify yourself as a constituent and a motorcyclist, and ask for an appointment. A few fine points:
When should you call? Well, tomorrow would be good. Tomorrow is only ten days from Black Thursday. The legislators may not be in the office yet, but their assistants will be. It’s important to get on their calendars before they fill up. One important thing to remember: these are very busy people. While they will do their best to keep their appointments with you, sometimes Things Happen. If you are asked to wait or are told your appointment can’t be kept, please be gracious. Yes, it sucks. But it’s not malicious – it just happens, when committee chairs call unexpected meetings, the Governor’s office wants to talk to you… And if you can’t make it for some reason, please call and cancel, even if it’s just before your appointment. It’s all about respect. I know I’m asking you to do something pretty special and perhaps a bit hard. For most of us (myself included), it involves taking a day off work. But this is one of the most powerful statements you can make in defense of your right to ride. Imagine a world where highways are built such that we can’t ride on them (some versions of the Intelligent Transportation System propose this). Imagine a world where your choice of motorcycle is limited to one or two models (there are current and proposed pollution control rules that would make it impossible for manufacturers to offer many models or for you to customize your motorcycles – and don’t really impact pollution!). If our elected officials do not see the face of motorcycling – that’s you and me – they can’t and won’t know how to act in our interest. It’s important. I also know that for some people, this is somewhat overwhelming. If you would like either Texas Larry or me to accompany you, please let us know as soon as you have an appointment and we will do our best to do so. I would also appreciate it if others with experience in Olympia would let Larry and me know if you’ll be there, so that perhaps we can pair you up with newcomers if Larry and I are both booked. But we’ll be there all day, and we’d love to help. By the way, if you live in the 43rd District and can be in Olympia for Black Thursday, please let me know right away. Your representative is the House Speaker, Frank Chopp, and we would appreciate your help in obtaining an appointment with him. On the off chance that someone from Spokane (3rd District) will be there, we’d like to meet with Senate Majority Leader Lisa Brown. If you live in a district with a new legislator (as I do), it is even more important he or she meets you. We need to start out the new kids right. Questions? Please email me and/or Texas Larry: president@roadriders.org I look forward to seeing you around the sundial! — Ian Ian King, President
December 31, 2008
Filed Under (Lead Story) by John Davis
May you live in interesting times. As we greet the new year we can expect to continue to feel the effects of the recently-officially-designated economic recession and credit crisis. Motorcycling, largely driven by discretionary spending, is being hit hard. Major manufacturers are looking to cut costs and/or boost sales to keep the cash flowing in 2009. A number of companies are already scaling back and offering incentives to buyers. A few examples:
Major motorcycle events are not immune from cost-cutting:
Given this climate one wonders what will become of other major events in 2009 like Daytona and Sturgis. And what of smaller companies and custom builders? Surely they will feel the pinch as credit remains tight. Perhaps some will be unable to continue operations.
December 23, 2008
Filed Under (Lead Story) by John Davis
2008 has been a pretty decent year for me and for Northwest Cycle Report; the name change notwithstanding. I look forward to riding and writing more in 2009. To all my readers, I wish you a safe and happy holiday season.
December 01, 2008
Filed Under (Lead Story) by John Davis
Join me and my buddies Walt and Steve from Hog Radio at the Cycle World International Motorcycle Show presented by Toyota in Seattle on December 12-14 at the Qwest Field Event Center. This year’s show will feature 19 major manufacturers, including: Aprilia, BMW, Buell, Ducati, Harley-Davidson, Honda, Hyosung, Kawasaki, KTM, Kymco, Moto Guzzi, MV Agusta, Piaggio, Star, Suzuki, Ural, Vespa, Victory and Yamaha. There are also local manufacturers, custom bikes, various vintage clubs and so much more for the whole family to experience. Walt, Steve and I will be on site Saturday to check out the latest bikes and gear and to interview lots of reps and exhibitors at the show. Look for us and stop and say hello.
|
|