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Recent E-Mail |
Subject: Many Thanks From: Mike Traynor To: Lynn Reynolds
Dear Lynn and Leigh, Best wishes, Mike Traynor - President
**************************************** We like checking out your articles and pics. Keep up the good work. We're from B"ham area as well... so maybe we'll see you when the weather warms a bit. Ride safe - Jay & Kat www.strange-trip.com
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Dear Lynn and Leigh,
Sincerely,
**************************************** Thank you for your opinion. You’re on target. Actions speak louder than words ever will. We all are responsible for our actions and words, regardless of what ever excuses or position in life we attain. The higher we climb in life so to speak corresponds to our responsibility of that position. To me it seems all too often today we are willing to excuse celebrity. When we find our selves in a position of regard we need to honor that and become an example that is positive. This is not to say in legal terms such a person should be judged more or less harshly, but as you noted Gerry Morelock has paid the ultimate price. Billy Lane should stand up right and take what his actions have earned him good or bad. Thank you for speaking from a position of honor. Honor is doing what is right, when nobody is looking or may be aware. Brian Cox
On a side note, this morning as I was wiping the tears from my eyes from being filled with such a since of pride in my dad and his faith, my best friend of 25 years called me. You see, her younger sister had a baby boy two weeks ago. He was born with a bad heart. The doctors preformed surgery on his tiny heart and the end result was a two day old baby on 100% life support. The doctors had to put him on a medicine that would relax his heart. This medicine he could only take for a very short time before it starts to affect the brain in a negative way, leaving no hope for survival. They put him on the top of a waiting list for a new heart. This was great, only he has one week to find an exact match or they would have to 'let him go.' The doctors said it would be like winning the lottery, or even greater. Family and friends prayed for the baby boy, knowing he had seven days, like little Dominic won the lottery this morning at 2 a.m. God has a plan, we never know what it is but today I’m honored to be there for two of them.
Thank you again,
Mike, Dave Baxter (Stripe) and I bought identical motorcycles the summer of 1969 and have been friends long before that. This past weekend I ran into Dave at the Rooks County Fair in Stockton. He was there to see the races and to get pictures of the vintage races held there celebrating 100 years of motorcycle racing at the fair. Dave told me he had entered an action photo in the open class photography division at the fair (with some stiff local competition, I might add). I checked out his photo and it is remarkable. Three flat-track riders side by side from a perfect angle. A 'one in a million' shot and Dave had gotten it. I went back in last night to discover that Dave had won a purple grand champion ribbon for his photo! Knowing Dave is much too modest to blow his own horn I wanted to share this news with you. By the way, congratulations on your magazine! Dave told me to check it out and I'm glad I did. Chuck Look
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Dear Stephanie,
Thanks again,
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Dear Mr. Wilcoxson, I wanted to include another side to this story. The lack of responsibility by the State of Florida to fix its highway inadequacies. Apparently, the State of Florida cannot be held liable due to'Sovereign Immunity.' The best way to describe sovereign immunity is to attach a letter written by Dean Ruland's son, Ken Ruland, shortly after his father's untimely death at Bike Week this year. It raises a lot of questions and I really hope it prompts more people to sit up and take action, even if just a 5 minute letter, to bring more attention to this unfortunate set of circumstances. All of which could have been prevented. To give Ken credit, he is an Investigator with the New York State Police and has 18 years experience in various forms of law enforcement. He has worked closely with the Florida Highway Patrol, Florida State Transportation and many others in recreating the accident scene, all of which has determined that the intersection at which Dean Ruland lost his life was due to a poorly designed highway that could have been improved by simply adding a traffic light. This culpability has not been recognized by the State of Florida and the intersection remains as it has for years, unsafe. Despite numerous accidents at this intersection and being labeled as hazardous by the Florida Highway Patrol, nothing is done. Sovereign Immunity. Let's hope more readers become informed as I was recently and do something about it. The only way to make change occur is to fight and be heard. Who can fight better than a bunch of informed bikers and their loved ones?
Thank you for your time and insight into this matter.
**************************************** Would like to express a heart felt thanks to The Kansas American Legion Riders and to everyone who has let us come in and have an opportunity to do our part in keeping lunatics like the Phelps family from hurting families on what will probably be one of the toughest days of their lives, and rubbing in the dirt the sacrifice of people who they are not even worthy to be on the same planet with. The truth that our soldiers have bought with their blood the right to protest also applies to the fact that it has bought for us the right to protest what has to be one of the lowest acts of inhumanity I have ever witnessed in this United States. Thank you all, your actions will certainly bring peace in time of sorrow, and rest to fallen patriots. God Bless, Shawn and Sherry Pierce, CMA
**************************************** Oh my gosh, Goldie. Not only did this article bring tears to me eyes, but it gave me huge goosebumps! You have a true talent for writing. Thank you so much for actually capturing the true meaning of Triality and their purpose, and for doing such a great job helping us get the word out there. You are awesome! Paula
**************************************** Dear Editor, It is my highest hopes you will publish this letter. It is not often in today’s society that a business owner provides honesty, creativity, kindness and a superior product. When I find myself in those rare situations, I feel they should be commended and the word spread. I just experienced this with Scott Morse at Morse Racing Products in Colorado Springs, Colorado. I am a 33 year-old female who owns a Harley-Davidson. I have ridden motorcycles for 16 years. I am sad to report that it is a challenge, even in today’s society to find male-dominated businesses that treat women with the same respect as men. Scott of Morse Racing Products, Inc. gracefully and tactfully guided me through the creative process of custom painting my motorcycle. When I went to Scott’s office to discuss with him about potentially painting my Harley-Davidson Deuce, I brought examples of the color I wanted, a necklace and some seashells. Scott did not laugh at my “feminine” items, he simply said, “Oh, I believe I have some paint swatches in that exact color.” When he asked me what type of design I wanted on my Harley-Davidson, I told him I didn’t know, but I liked curves, circles and peace signs. Again, he did not laugh. He did tell me that was the first time he had heard that request, thought for a moment, and then respectfully told me that we could easily incorporate some curvy designs.
In the end, I have a light yellow bike with red patterns. It’s not “girly” or “feminine.” It is a bike that both men and women Harley-Davidson owners would appreciate.
Best Regards,
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Stripe - Great article on the NFTRA races at Lakeside. A super job on the interviews and the pictures just topped it off. Your work is just what our organization needs to help us grow. The more positive recognition the better.
Thanks again,
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Nice job on the FORR article. Got into what we are about without too
much detail that would distract the reader.
Gordon Becton
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Hi Gordon,
Thanks! We're more than happy to do everything we can do to help promote your FORR.
Mike Schweder
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I have just finished your article on group riding. I found that your thoughts are in line with mine, especially in reference to the speed dynamics of the group. Too many people fail to see the short side of riding just at the speed limits. This makes for a very uncomfortable ride towards the back half of any group. The sweep rider and the other tail enders half have to jockey the throttle to stay in formation. Many times cars and truck drivers run up the tailpipes of those riders. Your group congest traffic and adds greatly to the danger of all motorists. And they are never doing the speed limit. As a retired 30 year state trooper, I know from experience and coffee shop chat session that we would rather see traffic (all) travel 5 over rather than 5 under the speed limit. Traffic has a flow of it's own. John Goodcitizen going right on 55 mph or 50 mph is just a wreck that hasn't happened YET!!
Plus, the idea of breaking into small groups, just makes more good sense. It is far easier for several smaller groups to get through stop lights, bad intersections, smaller towns, etc. than for one large group. And what is the fun of you and 55 other bikers doing the double nickel anyhow? I don't ride a motorcycle to drag ass around town or down the road and from your article neither to you.
The idea that, well, you know, that some folks just can't ride on interstates and four lanes, because they aren't comfortable or they are scared... Well, Hello!!! You ain't scared of dogs, rabbits and cows, or old ladies backing out of driveways on a hillcrest? Duh... Dude, you need to sell your bike! Quickly, too!
Thanks for your article. There are a number of officers in my motorcycle club who can use the info contained in this article.
Mike M.
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Hi Mike,
Thanks for your feedback and additional comments. It does sound like we share a lot of the same thoughts when it comes to group riding. Also, great point about it being much easier and safer for smaller groups to get through stop lights, bad intersections and smaller towns. This is a topic that is of great interest to me and many of our readers, so I posted your e-mail response so all of our readers can enjoy it.
Thanks again, and ride safe!
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Great tribute to Dave! Thanks for remembering a great biker.
GG
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Hi,
Thanks,
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Hi Kevin,
Here is the link that will put you back on the journey again!
Bart
Ride free
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Hi - one of my angels “googled” my name and came across your website
on our group.
I work at the Pentagon, - I put this group together after the Pentagon
Foundation contacted me about helping to raise money for the soldiers
at Walter Reed. We've been fund-raising for them since Feb 04. In
fact, this Sunday, we've been invited to visit the 5th flr at Walter Reed where the most seriously injured soldiers are. After that, we're heading over to the Fisher house to throw a big Christmas party for the soldiers & their families there. We got a wish list from them and figured we'd hit
local dept. stores to see who would donate. Hecht's told us look no
further, they're filling the entire list - we pick up the gifts this Friday ;-)
If you want more info on us - check out our website at www.usangels2005.com.
Thanks,
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Chuck,
Just finished your article on Spokane or Bust and couldn't stop grinning. We live in California near Lake Tahoe and our summer ride this year was to Glenwood Springs, Colorado. We rode many of the Moab/Aspen/Lake View roads you described so well.
About 3 weeks after that ride I went solo up to Sandpoint, Id just northeast of Spokane for a relative's wedding. On my return trip I detoured east through Glacier National Park and then south down
through Missoula and Grangeville. Your story made me feel like I was
riding the two trips all over again. Thanks for the 'repeat.' Sitting here 'in the snow' at the computer it was a pleasant distraction, as you apparently know.
Don Yegge
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Thanks for the story and the outstanding photos (Great Work)!
John Witt
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The compliment is appreciated. This one was for the vets and those
who still serve. THANK YOU!
Stripe
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Hi,
I just read your article on Supercharging your Motorcycle. Good article!
I got into Forced Induction system a few years ago, and really enjoy the challenge. I currently have a '96 Ducati Monster with a IHI-Turbo. Before the turbocharger bike I had a Ducati SuperSport with a Nitrous system.
Thanks for the information on superchargers!
Your Friend,
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Okay if you haven't already guessed it Women enjoy reading this to and as for always seeing all these pretty women all over the place. How about some good looking MEN all over the place. There are more and more women out there who enjoy motorcycles and some good reading material along with some hansome men so come guys show us what you got.
K
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Hi K,
Thanks for your suggestion. Back in July, we merged a section in our magazine called, 'For Diva Eyes Only' with 'Readers & Their Rides.' We did this because we weren't having a lot of luck recruiting the type of guys our female readers were wanting to see. We do have a lot of women riders who read our magazine, so if we have enough interest, and can get some 'Diva Quality' guys to submit photos of themselves on their bikes, we'll consider adding that section back to our magazine. Hopefully your e-mail will encourage the guys to; as you put it, 'show us what you got!'
Thanks again,
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Stripe,
I just wanted to drop a line and say thank you for taking pics of my '51 pan/shovel. They turned out great and hey, you didn't do such a bad job on the pic of me as well, which I know is very hard to do.
I sent the link to all my brothers that were in our camp and some who weren't. Great site and super pictures, nice interview with Tony too.
I hope to see you out on the road Lord knows where again someday.
Stay safe and keep up the good work and best wishes.
Thanks again.
Sincerely,
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Hi John,
It's great to hear from you, especially such kind words. I'm glad
you liked the article and hope you will keep checking out our
magazine. The September issue will be packed with Sturgis stories
that will hopefully be of interest to readers everywhere.
I plan to get to Oklahoma as often as I can and look forward to
seeing you on some future ride. You did a great job putting your
scoot together, and I look forward to seeing it and you our there in
the wind.
Best wishes,
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I don't have one single suggestion for you as I don't think I could come close to doing what you are doing with 'CC.' It's awesome, you're awesome for doing it and by God, don't you ever even think of stopping. I'm not at a point right now with my business where I can get away on a lot of rides but I will be by this time next year and I want to ride in every damn one of them!!! In the meantime it's fun to read about them and sort of imagine the ride in my mind. That'll almost be enough to keep me going until I can get back out there on a regular basis. I say almost because it will take the occasional short trips out and about my neck of the woods on my Softail to fill in any gaps that remain.
See ya out there soon.
DJ
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Question : G'day,
My name is Eddie O'Hara and I live in Australia. I've only just discovered Cycle Connections - Online Motorcycle Magazine, and think it is a wonderful concept, for the magazine to be online. I think the style and layout of the magazine is excellent!
I've written a motorcycle poem titled A Motorcycle Dream, and I was wondering if maybe readers would enjoy a read of the poem.
Best regards,
A Motorcycle Dream
Some time ago I had a dream
Well, dreaming away, as I snoozed in bed
And the chrome-work shimmered on wide handlebars
Now, in that dream there was a salesgirl
The salesgirl's name was Eliza Lee,
Eliza Lee, I soon realized, liked to ride them motorbikes
And as we sped down the mountain through the snow and sleet
Eliza and I swung with that scene
And the chrome-work shimmered on wide handlebars
Well, I can tell you it came as a big surprise
Hey, dreams are hard to fathom, even if you’re wise,
At breakfast I told her of what I’d dreamed
E.C.O'Hara©2001
Eddie O'Hara
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Outstanding article and your last paragraph about the returning warriors on this war on terrorism were simply fantastic. You are a true patriot.
Thanks for supporting our veterans
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Question : Did you know that there was 2 Bike Shows at World of
Wheels event? And if so, why not cover it too. The awards are better and more money paid.
Jim
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Jim,
Yes, we were aware there were two bike shows at World of Wheels; however, our photojournalist’s assignment for that particular show was to cover the All American Bike show portion of the event.
For next year’s event, we will have two photojournalists there so we can cover both bike shows.
Thanks for your question.
Mike Schweder
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I had never heard of an on online motorcycle magazine before reading your publication. How neat! I love it! How and why did you decide to go with an online magazine vs. a printed one?
Thanks,
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Lisa,
I'm glad you're enjoying our magazine.
To answer your question, a couple years ago, before we started our magazine, we surveyed hundreds of motorcycle enthusiasts, to find out what they wanted most out of a motorcycle magazine. After compiling their responses, most people wanted current, accurate, and detailed information, available when they need it. Because most printed magazines are published monthly, bimonthly, or even quarterly, we felt it was impossible to provide this level of service using printed media.
Therefore, to address the needs of our readers and to stand out from the pack, we decided to use an online motorcycle magazine format. We have found the real power of our magazine is the ability to reach an unlimited number of readers for a fraction of the cost. It's also much less expensive to publish an online magazine, so we can give our advertisers a much greater value for a fraction of the cost of printed media. We are also able to publish and update information and photos on the fly, so as soon as we know about a new bike night, motorcycle club, rally, event, or business in your area, so do you!
Mike Schweder
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Question: I need all the info I can get on setting up and doing a charity ride. Any help you can provide will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
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Antone,
You didn't mention if you wanted to coordinate a charity ride for an existing charitable organization or for another cause; however, here are a few things you may want to consider when planning this type of event:
1) Contact the organization you are interested in helping and work with them to form a ride committee.
2) Select a date for your ride that doesn't conflict with holidays and other motorcycle related events.
3) Determine the type of ride you want, such as a poker run or dice roll.
4) Plan the route for your ride with emphasis on the start and end points. Most biker friendly businesses are happy to assist. Depending on the length of your ride, you may want to include a large gas station as a stop about half way through your route. I also recommend ending the ride at a location with plenty of parking and where food and drink is available.
5) Depending on the expected turnout for your ride, you may need to contact local law enforcement to assist with traffic and request a police escort.
6) Recruit volunteers to help at the event and to staff the various stops along your route where riders will draw cards or roll dice.
7) Design and print t-shirts, pins, and flyers for your ride.
8) Have volunteers distribute flyers to local motorcycle related businesses, while at the same time soliciting donations for goods and services you can use for prizes and giveaways.
9) Have Cycle Connections list your event for free in our online magazine for maximum exposure within the local motorcycle community.
10) Pray for great weather and enjoy!
Mike Schweder
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Thanks Mike,
Here are a couple more photos of some real classics from the 2004 Pukekohe Classic Motorcycle Race. There are lots of Harleys here in NZ but also tons of British and more obscure European bikes as well.
I'm an old Harley rider but I do appreciate a clean Triumph Bonneville or a Norton Commando. I thought when I moved to England years back that I'd pick up a cheap old Triumph there but all the good old Brit bikes had been shipped to Europe and the US. Sometimes the grass isn't always greener.
Thanks for passing the info on to Lynn, it will be nice to say 'HI' after all this time.
Cheers;
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Harold,
Thanks a bunch for the kudos and for the info/photos. I'll add your info and photos to a future article, which I'm sure our readers will really enjoy!
How funny that you recognized Lynn from the BBBQ photos. What a small world! Susan is a good friend of mine, and I copied her on my reply so you guys will have each other's e-mail address. I'm sure she can tell you how to contact Lynn.
Thanks again, and I look forward to hearing more about your adventures in New Zealand!
Mike Schweder
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Mike,
As an old biker from the Midwest, now living in New Zealand, I have been reading your work at Cycle Connections over the Internet. While viewing your article on the 4th Annual Bikes, Blues & BBQ rally, I was amazed to see the name of an old friend & colleague, Lynn Brunkow, sister to the lovely Susan Fleming of Blue Eye MO.
I worked with Lynn Fleming back before she met Dennis in Harrison, AR and introduced her to SCUBA. That was 25 years ago and I had lost track of the Fleming clan when I moved to London years ago. I'd love to get back in touch with Lynn if you have any way of passing her or Susan my email address.
New Zealand is a hotbed of bike activity, probably because we have such a beautiful and varied countryside here to ride in. I recently attended the Classic Motorcycle Races in Pukekohe, where I live, and have attached a couple of photos. Not as wild as some of the rallies in the US but you see some interesting bikes.
Keep up the good work and ride safe.
Harold
PS: My son still rides my original '73 Sporty to runs in AR and OK when he isn't painting or rebuilding bikes in Meeker, Oklahoma.
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Your article is just wonderful on Sybaris!
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