January 2007 Newsletter

It’s hard to believe spring is less than two months away, especially when you wake up to frigid temperatures like I did this morning; however, ready or not, the new year is here, so you’d better start making your 2007 travel plans and booking those reservations before you get left in the dust!

When it comes to travel, are you a creature of habit or do you enjoy venturing into unknown territories and trying new things? Or maybe you’re more like me, and prefer to be somewhere in between. I mean, I would never dream of missing our yearly road trip to Sturgis; however, I also find it exciting to check out new rallies and hit to road to places I’ve never been.

I’ve found that new adventures can be a wonderful experience, like my first road trip to Daytona Beach, Florida in 2003 for Biketoberfest. I’ve all but forgotten the freezing temperatures we rode through while leaving KC and arriving back home; however, I’ll never forget the warm ocean breeze while riding along the beach, cruising up the coast through Savannah, Georgia and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, or the thick fog we encountered while making our way through the mountain passes along the Blue Ridge Parkway.

If I’d have never taken a chance on something new, I’d also have never experienced what it’s like to spend Halloween in New Orleans during the Steel Pony Express, or all the great times we’ve had in Fayetteville, Arkansas during Bikes, Blues & BBQ. Sure, I’ve had my share of, “less-than-memorable” adventures as well; however, they are greatly outnumbered by all the unforgettable ones!

So, with that said, I encourage you get out there this year and try something new! One of the best ways to get started is by getting all your riding buddies together and checking out our US Rally & Event Locator Page. Who knows, you might just start a New Year’s tradition!
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Upcoming Featured Events

Kansas City, KS/MO Area:

1/26/07-1/28/07 - MECO Annual Bike Show and ArenaCross at the American Royal Governor's Building next to Kemper Arena in Kansas City, Missouri.

2/16/07-2/18/07 - World of Wheels/All American Motorcycle Show at Hale Arena next to Kemper Arena.

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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 Brian Mather's 2005 Custom Harley-Davidson Night Train & Cover Model, Amy.

Features

A Helping Hand - Sarah Ross covers the 1st Annual Up The Creek Benefit Ride in Montgomery, Alabama and Stripe covers the Bikers for Babies® Thank You Party in Kansas City.

Business Reviews - Dave makes a trip to Gardner, Kansas to visit with Brian Plihal owner of Wiz-Bang Customs.

Rides, Rallies & Events Recap - Lynn and Leigh tell us about Christmas in Dixie, and Stripe attends Gail's Harley-Davidson Fall Fashion Show and 2nd Birthday Party.

Readers & Their Rides - Meet Amy and her '98 Custom Buell Lightning S1.

Writer's Block - Manfive Irish tells us a humorous but informative story in this month’s Writer’s Block article entitled "I Love Lovebugs."

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 - Check out Loney’s first rides, ramblings & resolutions for the new year.

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 provides some useful tips on taking care of your clutch.

Tech Tips - Dave consults with Dyno Mike Wilson of Dyno Mike’s Dynamic Chassis and tells us all about chain tensioner wear on your twin cam engine.

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