Can you believe Christmas is already here and 2006 is just around the bend? While typing this month's newsletter I keep looking out the window as the snow continues to fall. Since I can't get out and ride, this is the time of year I like to reflect back over the past year and look forward to another great year of providing you the most comprehensive coverage of local and national motorcycle rides, rallies and events.

Just for the hell of it, I decided to go back through our 2005 issues to see how many articles and photos we published in 2005. We are blessed to have such a dedicated team of photojournalists who spend countless hours in the saddle each month covering every charity ride, rally and event we can get to. Because our main focus each month is to get the next issue published, it's easy to loose track of the big picture. Since I read every article and preview every photo we publish, I knew we published a lot of stuff, but even I was shocked at what I uncovered.

For the 2005 riding season, we published almost 300 articles and over 9,000 photos. Damn! No wonder our web master keeps sending me all those nasty-grams about how much server space we're taking up. Plus, as you know, we archive every article and photo we've published over the past two years so you can go back, and with the click of a button, reminisce about your favorite rallies and events and take another look at the photos of you and your riding buddies doing what you do best. Riding and having fun!

If you happen to live in the Kansas City or Birmingham area and haven't had a chance to take our Reader's Choice -- Best of Kansas City 2005 and Reader's Choice -- Best of Birmingham 2005 opinion poll we've extended the voting cutoff to midnight on Monday, December 26, 2005. Results will be announced in our January 2006 issue, so get on the stick and help support your local motorcycle community by voting!

On behalf of the entire Cycle Connections team we wish you a Merry Christmas and a happy New Year!

Also, make sure to check out what else is going on in the Kansas City area and in your neck of the woods!

As you know, we rely on you to let us know what rides, rallies and events are going on in your area, so please make sure to Submit a Rally or Event so we can share this information with your fellow bikers.


On the Cover