April 2006 Newsletter

With temperatures already into the upper 80s here in the Midwest, it looks like we've skipped spring and jumped straight into summer! With unseasonably warm riding weather, everyone's heading out of town for a nice scenic cruise or meeting up with friends at their favorite bike night hangout.

Unfortunately, this time of year is also bad for accidents. We've lost way too many great brothers and sisters over the past few years, so please pay attention while you're out there, ride defensively, and if you're going to have a couple of drinks and climb on your bike, please drink responsibly.

Upcoming Events

If you're going to be in Kansas City on Saturday, April 29, make sure to stop by our booth at the Easriders®/V-Twin® Invitational Bike Show for a chance to win some free Cycle Connections swag and have your photo taken with the lovely Cycle Connections girls!

We'll also have our booth set up at Reno's Yamaha Aprilia on Saturday, May 20, for their GRAND RE-OPENING where we'll be giving away more great Cycle Connections stuff and you'll get another chance to meet the Cycle Connections girls!

I'd love to go on and on, but it's already that time of the year where there are just too many great rides, rallies and events to list them all here, so make sure to check out our Local Rallies & Events page so you don't miss out!

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

Cover Page - On this month's cover we feature Amanda Macy and Her ‘05 Harley-Davidson Pro Mod Drag Bike.

Features

A Helping Hand - Chuck covers the 9th Annual Cabin Fever Bash in Kansas City, Missouri and also reminds us about the 2nd Annual Spike’s Breast Cancer Run coming up on Saturday, May 6, 2006.

Band Reviews - Tommy Pittard gives us the lowdown on JB Walker and the Cheap Whiskey Band.

Bike Club Reviews - Dave Ramsey visits with Big Pete, chairman of the Northern Chapter of the Illinois Confederation of Clubs (ILCOC).

Business Reviews - Loney interviews “Dyno” Mike Wilson to find out more about his new company, Dyno Mike's Dynamic Chassis and Dave Miller takes us behind the scenes at IHD Powder Coating so you can see for yourself how professional powder coating was meant to be done! Want to customize your bagger by adding a fat tire and other custom accessories? If so, check out Nic's review on Fat Baggers Incorporated.

Rides, Rallies & Events Recap - Stripe reports on the Great American Motorcycle Show in Kansas City, while down south in Georgia, Tommy covers the 19th Annual Run to the Sun East in Savannah and the Great American Motorcycle Show in Atlanta. Lynn attends Media Day at Steve Johnson Racing in Irondale, Alabama while Little Toto and the Khrome Cowgirls snake their way through the streets of North Kansas City to give us the scoop on the 22nd Annual Snake Saturday Parade. Loney and Stephanie hold no punches as they get a close-up view of Adrenaline Extreme Combat.

Readers & Their Rides - Dave introduces us to Matt Canning and his '04 Yamaha FZ6.

Writer's Block - Stripe gives us an update on Marek Michel's South American Adventure and Mike Lousha, our Texas connection tells us about The Bike.

Departments

Ask the Jackass - No such thing as a stupid question? Wrong! If there's something on your pea-sized brain and you don't know whom to turn to for advice, just ask the Jackass.

Biker Humor - Our weekly publication of jokes and cartoons are sure to bring a smile to your face. We encourage you to submit jokes and cartoons, and each month, we'll draw a name out of the helmet for a free Cycle Connections cozie!

Cool Bikes & Hot Babes - Check out our photo collection of cool bikes & hot babes! New photos are added each day. This is a members only page, so sign up now for your FREE online subscription and check them out today!

E-mail to the Editor - We've received lots of great feedback and information from our readers that we want to share. Drop me a line and let me know what's on your mind.

In Memory Of - Please stop by and pay tribute to Ryan Consolver and our other fallen brothers and sisters.

Spoke to Spoke - Goldie asks several of our women readers why they ride and gets back some very interesting answers!

Tech Tips - Dave gives us the skinny on motorcycle exhaust systems.

Help Wanted

Now Hiring – Do you love motorcycles, money, and want to work your own hours? Are you friendly, outgoing and motivated? If so, we have the perfect opportunity for you! We are expanding quickly and are seeking models, marketing specialists, and photojournalists who would like to join the Cycle Connections team.

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We strive to make Cycle Connections Online Motorcycle Magazine your number one source for motorcycle-related information, so please drop us a line and let us know how we're doing. We are here to serve you and the local motorcycle community, so please let us know what you like, what you don't like and what you'd like to see added. Plus, if you know of any motorcycle related businesses, rallies, events, or organizations in your area that we don't currently have listed, let us know so we can add them! All comments and suggestions are appreciated and will be answered.

Mike Schweder
Editor-in-Chief
Cycle Connections Online Motorcycle Magazine