Easy Rider Bike Show - Feb 5th. Knoxville, TN

With the exception of today, there have been very few days to squeeze in a Street bike ride for the past several weeks, and those of us jones-ing for a street ride are starting to get a little cabin fever.  No doubt that was taken into account when the date was picked for the Easy Riders Bike Show's Knoxville stop. It's next Saturday, February 5th.
This Show/Tour goes all over the country, so I'm guessing it travels with the same bikes (over 250 they say) with some locals adding to the show. I know for a fact that the invitation has gone out to some of the vintage guys in Knoxville. (guys with vintage bikes, not just old men.....You know what I mean)
Besides the Bike Show they have live music, stunt shows, the Purrfect Angels dancers, and a 5,000 foot Easy Riders Kids Zone!! This I find really interesting, because the best I remember, Easy Rider magazines were sold with a plastic cover to keep kids from looking at them. The first time I found one laying in the parts department at the bike shop I thought, "hmmm..... these aint Honda ads!",  but I digress.... let's assume that the Angels will be on the opposite end of the building from the Kids Zone.
All kidding aside, there should be some fine examples of custom bikes. Even if Custom Bikes aren't your thing, you have to appreciate the the skill that goes into those machines. Plus, it may be better than sitting at home looking at your own parked bike. It's at the Knoxville Convention Center, 10am to 8pm. Tickets are $18 for adults, $10 for Kids 4 -10yrs. For more info www.easyriderevents.com

Jim's Motorcycles - Weekly Vintage Display

Jim's Motorcycle Sales in downtown Johnson City Tenn (1209 W. Main Street), is doing something that I have never heard of before, displaying a different vintage motorcycle each week for the entire year of 2011! That is just unheard of. I was able to catch the owner, Ken Hayes, last week and talk to him a for a bit. Ken and his family have a long history of not only selling bikes, but racing everything from flat track, to enduros, and even roadracing at Daytona and Laconia. His collection is going to be something to see.

The bike on display last week was an immaculate 1971 Kawasaki 500 Triple, that shows 1,059 original miles on the odometer. Besides just showing the bike in the "Classic Corner", Ken has some info about the bike. For this one he had a copy of some of the original literature on the bike,  showing that it made a whopping 60Hp @ 8,000 rpm (still very respectable for 500cc's) and sold new for $995. Ken told me, "It's the BS behind these old bikes that makes them interesting", and I have to agree. It's always fun to hear who bought it, where they found it, and who previously owned it. When I asked if he bought the bike new he said no. "This bike sat in the guys living room for 25 years before I got it", Ken said.
If you are in Johnson City, you need to make a trip by Jim's Motorcycle sales just to see what he's showing. A different bike is put out each Monday.

First Event of the New Year - Ride to Roan Mountain

The first event of the year (at least the first I know of) is coming up January 2nd. The "Ride to the Roan" has been happening the first Sunday in January for 74 years! Hosted by Jim's Motorcycle Sales in Johnson City, the ride leaves out of the shop at 1:00, and everyone proceeds to the top of Roan Mountain (or at least as close as they can get) at their own pace. They have this deal where you guess at the amount of time it will take you to get to the checkpoint, and prizes are given out to the top 5.  On the way back everyone stops back by the shop for Pizza, courtesy of Jim's Motorcycles. I've never been able to make this ride before, but people who have say its a real fun time. If you do make it, send us a picture of you and your bike at the top of the mountain and we'll post it!

Christmas Gift Idea #3 - Electric Riding Gear

It's December 18th. I know you're sweating it now (because I am!) Here is a GREAT idea for those who ride year round. Electric Riding Gear.  If they've never ridden in heated gear before they will love it.  Most people don't realize this, but if you keep your core temperature up, you body is able to pump more blood to your finger tips and tootsies and keep them warmer.  
This is a picture of the Warm and Safe heated jacket liner from FirstGear. They're available in a range of men's and women's sizes and also in 90-watt and 65-watt varieties. They have stretch panels for a better fit, heated collars, ports for heated gloves and industry-standard coaxial connectors.
You can find these, and other heated stuff, IN-STOCK at Dual Sport Touring in Friendsville. You can go to their link from the Cycleblend website, or call Megan direct at 865-995-9505. By the way, they are open 10:00am to 6:00pm Tues through Saturday. Be sure to tell them you heard about them from Cycleblend.

Christmas Gift Idea #2 - Motorcycle Consumer News

10 Days till Christmas!  Have you got anything yet? O.K. Here is another idea. A subscription to Motorcycle Consumer News.  Now I know what you're thinking, "He's / She's got all kinds of motorcycle magazines."  Ahhh,,,, not so fast Grasshopper. This one is different.
#1, you can't get it on the newstands. #2, It has no advertising. It is entirely 100% reader supported. What that means is you get 100% un-biased reporting on bikes and products,since they don't have to worry about ticking off Harleykawasukionda and losing their advertising $. Also, twice a year it gives you a used bike price guide, and a performance guide. They cover cruisers, sportbikes, and everything street oriented. Good Stuff.
Another great point is that it cost more than any other magazine....uhhh wait.. that's not a plus is it. But it is better than just about every other mag out there. I guess there is a price for honesty. Hey, somebody has to make up for the lack of shiny advertising. You can get 1 year for $34. Go to MCNews.com/holiday

Christmas Gift Idea #1 - Vincent in the Barn

OK folks, it's less than three weeks till Christmas and you're still digging for a gift for that rider that has everything. If that rider you feel is worth a gift can read, and happens to be one of those of people who is always looking for a lost treasure, or if they just like to read about people who find it, I'll bet you they will like this book.
The Vincent in the Barn is a collection of short stories about men who have stumbled across, tracked down, or were just simply told of classic motorcycles that had been stored away and forgotten for years. Stories of how guys have found classic old bikes that were lost in barns, basements, and woodsheds around the country. Plus it has lots of cool pictures.
You'll never drive past an old barn again without wondering whats inside. 
You can even order it from the Amazon link on this website.

Off Road Poker Run - December 12th at Loretta Lynns Ranch

 

This is a great event that has been successful for many years. The trail begins and ends in the full service campground, so you can ride a loop, make a stop, and then go again when you're ready. Its a trail ride, not a race. Located near Waverly Tn.

Southern Woods Rider is proud to preset the 7th Annual Holiday Poker Run at Loretta Lynn’s Ranch on Sunday December 12, 2010. All 4-wheel ATV and Dirt Bike riders

Bring a New Toy Donation and Save Five Bucks on the Entry Fee!

Ride Fee $30.00
Ride Fee with New Toy $25.00

All Toys go to Davidson County Metro Police Christmas Charities

Winnings:
Best Hand $100

Second Best Hand Moto Gift worth $75.00
Third Best Hand Moto Gift worth $50.00

 Schedule:
Registration - 7:00 am to 9:00 am MANDATORY Riders Meeting - 9:00 am Poker Run Ends at 2:30 pm Winners Announced at 3:00 pm

 The Trail:
The trail will be clearly marked and you can ride it at your own pace as much as you like during the open trail hours. The trail’s difficulty level will be moderate.

For more detailed information and ride rules please visit www.southernwoodsrider.com