September 2006 Newsletter
Yes, I know this month’s newsletter is a bit late…OK, it’s really late, but the past few weeks have been crazy with trying to prepare for the Cycle Connections bike show, which was unfortunately rained out; the Bikers for Babies® RIDE, and numerous other events that have taken up my time, kept me away from my computer and prevented me from composing this newsletter. I promise to do better next month…unless I’m riding or something.

Anyway, do you remember way back when the teacher asked you to write a report on how you spent your summer vacation? I'm not sure they ask that anymore because they're probably afraid of what the answers might be; however, this got me thinking about how quickly the summer has gone and all the local and national rides, rallies and events the Cycle Connections crew has covered this year. I know what we did this summer and I hope you were able to get out and log some time in the saddle as well since our prime riding season will soon be drawing to a close.

With that in mind, make sure to check out the following end-of-the-riding-season events and get out there and ride while you still can!

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Upcoming Featured Events

Kansas City, KS/MO Area:

9/30/2006 - 1st Annual Kruisin for Kids Poker Run Join in the 1st Annual Kruisin for Kids poker run to benefit TLC Children & Families.

9/30/06 - Back Roads Bash No. 3 - Scenic 100-mile ride for MDA. Party from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. at Blue Springs Harley-Davidson with live music; merchandise discounts, free BBQ and much, much more!

9/30/06 - EFECT is the Cause 2006 - 1st Kansas Fall Biker Run - Registration is at 10:30 a.m. and is $10 per person. Ride leaves by Noon and returns by 5 p.m. Free food for registered bikers after the ride!

10/6/06 - 10/8/2006 - Columbia Roctoberfest Rally - Midwest Championship Bike Show & Expo, Custom Car Show, Ride-in Bike Show, Live Music with Molly Hatchet and other great bands, Biker Games, Chili Cook-Off, Extreme Cage Fighting, Leather & Lace Competition and March of Dimes Bikers for Babies Ride.

10/7/06 - Ralph Wayne's 14th Annual Vintage Backyard Nationals - Ralph Wayne's 14th Annual Vintage Backyard Nationals is a free all-day vintage motorcycle blowout. This one-of-a-kind vintage motorcycle event is held on the first Saturday of October each year!

10/7/06 - Ridin' for Reece, It's All Good - Dice Run - Come join us for a dice roll to help Reece Good, who was critically injured by a drive-by shooting on Friday, August 11 while on his return trip from Sturgis.

10/21/06 - 6th Annual Run with the Leaves - Join us for a fun-filled day enjoying the beauty of the Ozarks while participating in a scenic ride and dice roll for charity.

10/21/2006 - Miles for Medals Dice Run - Special Olympics benefit dice run to support local athletes with mental disabilities.

Birmingham, AL Area:
10/7/06 - March of Dimes RIDE 2006 - The March of Dimes RIDE '06 in Leeds, Alabama is headed to the spectacular Barber MotorSports Park. Come join the RIDE that is sweeping the nation!

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Also make sure to check out our Local Rallies & Events page so you don't miss out on all the other great rides, rallies and events we have listed!

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 the Bikers for Babies® 2007 Harley-Davidson Street Bob & Cover Model, Misty.








Features

A Helping Hand - Toto reports on the 3rd Annual Kodiak Run, while Nic covers the Harley-Davidson Employee Riders Association Ride to Camp Courage. Stripe rides with the Greater Kansas City H.O.G. Chapter to Camp Quality and Chuck participates in the Reece Good Benefit Auction & BBQ.




Rides, Rallies & Events Recap - Stripe, J.O. and I rode out to the 14th Annual Little Sturgis Rally in Sturgis, Kentucky just a few weeks before Road Trippin' to Sturgis to cover the big Sturgis rally. Toto reports on the Khrome Cowgirls Studs & Suds Poker Run and down south, Lynn and Leigh attend the Swap Meet at Bessie’s Cycle Barn in Irondale, Alabama.


Readers & Their Rides - Meet James Taylor and His '85 Purple Slammer & Judi Miller and Her ‘03 Big Dog Chopper.

Scenic Rides & Destinations - Ride along with Bob Harvey as he takes us to Canada, With Glowing Hearts and Goldie spends some time Touring the Black Hills - Before the Sturgis Rally.

Writer's Block - Loney & Stephanie Wilcoxson interview master bike builders Aaron Greene & Rick Fairless.





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.

Behind Bars - Loney gives us some tips on country riding.

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 us a line and let us know what's on your mind.


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


Spoke to Spoke - Goldie tells us how to avoid object fixation.

Tech Tips - Dave visits with custom bike painter and airbrush artist Chris Cofield of CC Custom Graphics to find out how to fabricate & install a molded taillight.




Veteran Riders - Chuck tells us how the Patriot Guard Riders celebrate their one-year anniversary.




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


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(in alphabetical order)


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Heart of Dixie Harley-Davidson



IHD Powder Coating



Jack Miller
American Thunder V-Twin



KC Creations



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March of Dimes Ride



Metric Revolution



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Riders Harley-Davidson



River Market Brewing Co.



Sparks America



St. Joe Harley-Davidson



Topeka Harley-Davidson



Thunder Beach Rally



Whiskey Tango



Worth Harley-Davidson North