March 2007 Newsletter

I hope everyone had a safe and enjoyable St. Patrick’s Day, and did you know that Tuesday, March 20 marks the first day of spring? This is always an exciting time for those of us who aren’t blessed with year-round riding. I didn’t winterize my bike this past winter because there were enough nice days between the ice and snow to get out and ride. Sure, I prefer riding in warm weather, but when you live here in the Midwest, you take what you can get.

Thanks to you, our readership has grown beyond our wildest imagination. We are currently averaging more than 70,000 readers per month, resulting in more than 3,275,000 hits and 331,000 page views each month! We also did some year-end research into our global reader demographics and found that Cycle Connections is currently being read in more than 100 countries. According to our year-end stats, 80.18% of our readers live in the United States, with the remaining 19.82 % residing outside the U.S. I also found it very interesting that outside the United States, the top 10 countries with the most readers are as follows:

United Kingdom	3.34%
Canada	2.25%
Germany	1.53%
France	0.96%
Netherlands	0.93%
Australia	0.83%
Sweden	0.79%
China	0.71%
Mexico	0.45%
Italy	0.39%
Other	8.47%

A few years ago, shortly after publishing our first issue, several people asked why we decided to publish an online motorcycle magazine rather than a print publication. Although I am rarely asked that question today, my explanation hasn’t changed. In this day and age of technology, and with the ever-increasing popularity of the Internet and high-speed connectivity, we felt the only true way for us to provide our readers with the most current, accurate, and detailed information on motorcycle rides, rallies and events is via the Internet. Therefore, we don’t plan to start killing trees anytime soon. OK, enough stats for one newsletter, so let’s get to the good stuff!

We’ve also been very busy updating our Local Rallies & Events page and US Rally & Event Locator page to help keep you informed on all the local and national rides, rallies, and events that are coming up, and, as you know, we rely on you to let us know about all the events going on in your area, so please Submit a Rally or Event so we can share it with your fellow riders.

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On the Cover

Cover Page - - On this month's cover we feature Bill Wallace Jr.'s 2002 Custom Kawasaki Mean Streak & Cover Model, Lindsey.

Features

A Helping Hand - Loney & Stephanie attend a benefit for Bridget Harvey, while in Birmingham, Alabama, Leigh & Lynn participate in a ride for Allie.

Business Reviews - Check out our reviews on several local motorcycle related businesses.

Rides, Rallies & Events Recap - Lynn & Leigh cover the 36th Annual O’Reilly World of Wheels in Birmingham, Alabama and Toto kicks up her heels at the Khrome Cowgirls 3rd Year Birthday Bash. Loney covers this year’s MECO Bike Show/ArenaCross in Kansas City, Missouri, while Stripe interviews the show’s stunt riders.

Readers & Their Rides - This month we featured Ragan Jenkins and her ’02 Harley-Davidson Low Rider.

Writer's Block - Manfive Irish tells us about his bike, which he affectionately nicknamed Dinah.

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 step-by-step instructions on installing a Full Sac exhaust system.

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 passes along some great tips from Carol Youorski, a.k.a. Skert, on how to pick up your fallen bike.

Tech Tips - Dave tells us how to bring your bike out of hibernation.

Veteran Riders - The Patriot Guard Riders honor PFC Johnathon Miles Millican in Locust Fork, Alabama.

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