June 2009 Newsletter

June 2009 Newsletter

June 1, 2009

Touring Depot Newsletter June 2009

It's June and time to head out on the road. Before you go take the time to put some important numbers into your cell phone.
Paramedics are asking that everyone add at least one additional entry to their cell phone contacts list. Please add an "ICE" entry. ICE stands for In Case of Emergency. This number should dial the person in your family that can respond to medical decisions if you are injured or incapcitated.
If you are in an accident, paramedics know to check your phone for your emergency contact information. Imagine taking a look and trying to figure out who to call out of the twenty or more numbers on your phone. By adding a contact entry that's designated as an emergency contact number (ICE), you can make their job much easier and possibly save your own life.
So program an ICE entry on your cell phone today, as a matter of fact, pull it out right now as you're reading this article. If you have more than one person the paramedics can contact in case of an emergency, you can add additional ICE numbers to your list. Your primary contact should be listed under ICE, then you can add the other contacts under ICE1, ICE2, ICE3, etc.

The other important number you need to add is for your motorcycle insurance company and/or roadside assistance service provider. If you are in an accident, or your bike breaks down on the road, it's nice to have the number ready to dial. It can be very frustrating searching for a card with a number on it to call when you're in the dark,in the rain,or upset about your bike. Take a minute to look it up and program it into your phone today and be prepared.

June 15th is the International Motorcycle & Scooter Ride To Work Day. Ride your motorcycle or scooter on this day to demonstrate:
The number of motorcyclists to the general public and to politicians.
That motorcyclists are from all occupations and all walks of life.
That motorcyclists can reduce traffic and parking congestion in large cities.
That motorcycles are for transportation as well as recreation.
That motorcycling is a social good.
For more information on this annual event, go to www.ridetowork.org

PLANNING:
I have been busy updating my list of motorcycle friendly campgrounds and lodging, including cabin rentals in the Smoky mountains. If you are planning a roadtrip, check my list and make a plan to stay at one of these great places. Go to www.touringdepot.com/links scroll down to motorcycle camping and lodging and I have it broken down by state. I also have listings for Canada.
There is a new motorcycle only campground that just opened May 8th 2009! Bulldogz Campground,is located 4 miles north of Atkins, Arkansas,take exit 94 on I-40.Bulldogz Campground is dedicated to providing a camping area for motorcyclists looking for a pleasant and enjoyable stay. Owned by a British biker whose heart is as big as your tent. They are just a two hour ride to Hot Springs or Eureka Springs,and an hour's ride to Little Rock or Fort Smith. Onsite facilities include grass camping,portable restrooms,scenic views,designed for the motorcyclist in mind.Friday and Saturday nights, barbecue on site, call for details. Contact them at (479) 692-9562

In our Touring By State section I have added information for Florida. I'll be working on South Carolina next. Please e-mail me with any additions you feel should be mentioned for any of the states I have listed. leah@touringdepot.com

PRODUCTS: AMA Ride Guide to America Volume 2: More favorite Motorcycle Tours in the USA comes out August 15, 2009. From the corkscrew roads of California to the scenic mountain notches of New England, this second AMA Ride Guide to America from the American Motorcyclist Association reveals more enticing backroads that motorcyclists everywhere dream about. With topographic road maps and point-to-point route outlines for more than 40 different trips nationwide, riders can explore rocky shorelines, breathtaking canyonlands, majestic mountain peaks, and everything in between. A must-have travel book for riders who long to take two wheels to the best of America's open roads. Pre-order your copy now. http://www.touringdepot.com/books.html

I have updated the motorcycle camping section with some new products from Amazon. Check your camping gear to see what you're needing to replace, before you hit the road.

My suppliers are expecting new shipments in June, so I'll be updating my stock of Jackets and Chaps soon.

EVENTS: With lots of events taking place all over the country, there is bound to be something close to attend.
Americade is happening in New York June 1-6.
Chickahominy Bike Classic in Virginia June 5-6
Waking The Dragon in Tennessee June 5-6
Ride The Mountain at Big Bear Lake, CA June 6
Street Vibrations Spring Fever Classic Rally in Nevada June 5-7
Ohio Bike Week June 5-14
Rot Biker Rally in Austin, TX June 11-14
Lynchburg MC Rally in Tennessee June 12-14
Milledgeville Summer Thunder Rally in Georgia June 12-14
Hells Canyon MC Rally in Oregon June 12-15
Laconia Bike week is June 13-21 in New Hampture
Sturgis on the River Rally in Davenport, Iowa is June 17-20
June Bug Boogie takes place in Tennessee June 18-21
Timberline MC Ralley in West Virginia June 18-21
Hayfork-N-You happens in northern California June 19-21
Rumble to the Summit in Fresno, CA June 19-20
Johnstown Thunder in the Valley in PA June 25-28
Harley Rendezvous Classic Pattersonville, NY June 26-28

You can find out more about these biker events at http://www.touringdepot.com/page/page/5410352.htm

For a huge listing of bike nights and events in your area check out http://www.motorcyclemonster.com/

Until Next Month,
Ride Safe
Leah & Ronald Lind