May 2009 Newsletter

May 2009 Newsletter

May 1, 2009

TOURING DEPOT NEWSLETTER MAY 2009

The arrival of May brings summer to the forefront of everyone’s mind. It also brings tons of Rallies, Runs,and Biker Events. We're in riding season now and the fun begins! With pleasant temperatures to lure you outdoors, there is no excuse for not getting out and going for a ride; to see the country, practice and improve your skills, and meet new people. This is also a great time to take a motorcycle rider course to learn new skills or freshen up your skills and safety strateges. Ron has just completed his MSF rider coach certification and now teaches at Suncoast Safety Council in Clearwater, FL. If you're in the Tampa Bay area you can get information on classes at http://www.safety.org/motorcycle-safety-training-courses.php
For other places in the country, check out classes through the Motorcycle Safety Foundation website for a class near you. http://www.msf-usa.org/ We encourage everyone to take a class and become a safe and skilled rider.

PLANNING: I have added a new article about the Enchanted Circle in northern New Mexico. Ron and I discovered this fun ride on our way to Colorado in 2007. It's a wonderful ride filled with mountains and valleys, connecting the towns of Taos, Angel Fire, Eagle Nest, Red River and Questa. Red River hosts a motorcycle rally every Memorial Day weekend. It's a beautiful area and worth adding to your ride list next time you're in the southwest. Check out the article at http://www.touringdepot.com/rides_tours.html

I have added the state of Virginia to my Touring By State section. While I'm not totally done adding to it, I feel I have gathered enough information to share with you. My goal is to help you plan where to ride, great places to stay and what to see on your tour. I welcome your comments on the message board or by e-mail (leah@touringdepot.com) on your thoughts and experiences on the states I have posted so far. Tell me about your great roads to ride, places to stay, attractions to see, and more. I'm happy to add your input, to my information, for others to enjoy.

PRODUCTS: I have added a new section to the Mens & Womens Apperal Categories called Hot Weather Gear. Here you will find some great products from Amazon to keep you cool this summer. I have added moisture wicking shirts and underware by Under Armour and Coolmax, mesh motorcycle jackets by Harley,and cooling headware. The one thing I recommend everyone should have is an evaporative cooling vest. These really work well. You get it wet and wear it under your mesh jacket to keep cool. This one from Amazon is just 39.99 and that's a bargin. I bought one while out on the road last summer and paid $65, so pick one up to keep in your saddlebag this summer. You'll be glad to have it when the temperature rises above 80 and you feel like you're riding in an oven with a hot hairdryer blowing on your face.

EVENTS: There are lots of events this month all over the country. One of the big ones is Myrtle Beach Bike Week May 6-17th in South Carolina. May 14th is busy with the start of the Branson, Missouri Rock Ride and Remember; Aspen Cash Rally in New Mexico, and the Hawg Holler in Tennessee. Memorial Weekend brings the beginning of Summer with Thunder on the Rock in Tennessee, Red River Rally in New Mexico and the All Harley Memorial Day Blowout in Gulfport, Mississippi.
Ending out the month there is The Rally On The River in North Carolina and the Vancouver Island Custom Motorcycle Show in Victoria B.C. All of these events and more are listed on our calendar http://www.touringdepot.com/page/page/5410352/2009-5.htm Check them and out and take a peak at what's coming up for the month of June. New Yorks Americade touring rally is coming up the first week of June and Laconia is not far behind.

So make your plans, get your gear together and ride safe!

Leah & Ronald Lind