This Saturday May 9^th join the staff of Cajun Harley as they celebrate in style with food, sales, shows, and a bike giveaway.

Start off your day with some jambalaya, a pig pickin, and some wings served to you by the local Hooters girls. Shop the sidewalk sale as you digest. Relax and dance to the musical sounds of Lil Buck Senegal and Buckwheat Zydeco who take the stage starting at noon. Then roll the dice to win a 2009 FLSTC. An amazing tattoo artist will be in the house as well as a chainsaw sculptor, please do not confuse the two.

Think you have the baddest bike around? Come show off your baby in Cajun’s bike show. There’s no cost to enter, just fill out the entry sheet on their website.

In fact there’s no cost for any of the fun, just bring yourself and your bike and help Cajun celebrate this major milestone.

For more info visit their website or call 337.289.3030

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By Carrie Strikowski

Today, May 6^th, begins day one of the first annual New Orleans Bike Week, hosted by the Broken Spoke. Really, someone should have thought of this sooner. I mean what an amazing sight it will be to see thousands of bikers descending on the Big Easy, cruising the streets of the quarter, the sounds of motors and pipes echoing off the walls of those historic buildings.

I cannot wait to get there. New Orleans Harley was nice enough to invite Leslie Kay’s to work with them during the event, and Leslie was nice enough to send me. I suspect I am the chosen one because I have family in the area and therefore I am Cajun by proxy. Well, whatever the reason, I am psyched. Good food, good people, lots to see and do. New Orleans here I come.

Leslie Kay’s will be working in conjunction with New Orleans Harley Davidson. The logistics have not quite been worked out yet, but here’s what I do know. New Orleans Harley will have a venue set up at the convention center. They will have some bikes set up there, but if you wanna take one home, you’ll have to venture over to the shop in Metairie or to Hurricane Harley in Harvey.

New Orleans Bike Week runs from May 6^th through May 10^th and the events and show line ups are amazing. The following is just the tip of the iceberg of things to do…

On Thursday night, be sure not to miss Harley Davidson Biker Bash. Hosted at Generations Hall, the event features music by Rockin Dopsie and the proceeds go to benefit Payton’s Play it Forward Foundation. Admission is free, but you can purchase a VIP pass for $50. With the VIP you get to load up on crawfish at the Big Al’s crawfish boil, two drinks, an event tee shirt, and more… You can pick up the VIP pass at New Orleans or Hurricane Harley, or at Big Al’s. There’s also a rumor that Mr. Sean Payton himself might be in attendance, so you know you don’t want to miss that!

On Friday, New Orleans Harley Davidson will be one of the stops on the Cocoa-Cola Plantation Poker Run. The poker run begins at 9am and departs from Basin Street Station. The cost is $20 per bike and the proceeds will benefit The Sunshine Kids (a non profit group dedicated to helping children with cancer.) There are 4 other stops in addition to N.O. HD, those are San Francisco Plantation, Nottoway Plantation, Houmas House, and The Destrehan Plantation. As an added bonus, discounted tours are available to all participants at each plantation. At the end of the run a procession led by the Budweiser Clydesdales will escort the participants back from Basin Street Station to the Broken Spoke. Now you must return to the Broken Spoke by 7:00 pm to play your hand. The winner will be announced at 10:00 pm, and will be taking home a brand new XL883 courtesy of New Orleans and Hurricane Harley Davidson.

On Saturday at 11:00 am check out the Southern Comfort Wetlands Ride. Leaving from Basin Street Station the ride consists of a stop at Hurricane Harley then on to Woodland Plantation for a New Orleans motorcycle party with the Southern Comfort girls. Live music by Louisiana heritage artist, Tab Benoit, some of the best local fare, games, and more will be happening at the plantation. And if that wasn’t enough, Cycle Source will also be throwing a motorcycle rodeo!

Easyriders V-Twin Bike show will be going on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at the Morial Convention Center, Hall C. Builders in attendance will be Paul Yaffe, Shannon Davidson, John Dodson, Tempest Cycles, and many more. Live music will be performed by Magic Red and the Voodoo Tribe. There will also be a tattoo gallery featuring local host artist Annette LaRue, along with 15 other top artists from around the country.

Also running Thursday through Saturday is the Chrome Kitchen. Combining my two favorite things, motorcycles and food. I will totally be there. The Chrome Kitchen will be combining 8 famous chefs and 8 famous motorcycle builders and icons. I’m really not sure how it’s gonna work, but I can tell it’s gonna be a good time. Admission is $20 for the day or $35 for a multi-day pass. There will be demonstrations, book signings, and many surprises!

If you’re still upright and conscious on Sunday, then make your way down to the Broken Spoke Salon at 10 am for the Cycle Source Magazine’s Custom Chopper Show. Admission is free and with 10 different classes, you might just go home with a Best in Show and a prize package!

So, as you can see, New Orleans is the place to be this weekend. If you’re looking for more information visit the official website here where it lists all of the events, sponsors, rides, and more…

I’ll see ya’ll there!

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By Leslie Kay Drury

We meet people along life’s path that inspire us to new heights. Without inspiration we do not seem to grow. I have a truly inspiring force in my life. That she is my Mother in Law is just a bonus. I met my husband’s close knit family 10 years ago. Long before I dated, and subsequently married David. His mother is a quiet lady with a quick wit, an eye for beautiful things, and a spirit all her own. She has been a teacher, a scout master, a church treasurer, and most recently a motorcyclist. Along life’s path Shirley has been given many gifts, and has experienced tragedies too. After the loss of her son Craig in a tragic motorcycle accident and at the age of 60 Shirley took up motorcycling.

Shirley’s first motorcycle was a 1983 450 Honda – Matic. A gift from family friends the Honda was the beginning of big things to come. The 2^nd motorcycle was a 2003 Harley Davidson XL883 Hugger. “I won’t buy a Harley unless it fits” Shirley said. Careful what you wish for. On a trip the little Honda was showing signs of wear. It was getting to be time to think about a new ride. During a visit to a Harley dealership the Sportster was discovered. She sat on the Sportster, and it fit perfectly. Shirley has ridden the Dragon’s Tail in North Carolina not once but twice, toured the Smokey Mountains, California, and been on a ride through the desert in Nevada. She has taken on most of the New England area where she lives. She has attended Bikeweek, and Biketoberfest. Shirley has experienced a great deal in 2 ½ years of riding. Shirley has racked up over 12,000 miles and been places on her bike(s) some of us will never see.

However, this is not enough. Shirley now has a 1993 FXRP. She found the bike on e-bay, and decided to go for it. The FXRP is a beautifully restored piece of nostalgia. We picked it up in Miami, and transformed it to fit Mom. I recently spent the day with my Mother in Law shopping, and enjoying a nice drive in the country. Did I say drive? I meant ride. You can live a lifetime, and not get to go motorcycling with your Mother in Law. Shirley quietly reminds me not to feel sorry for myself, and to appreciate each moment with loved ones. She does so without ever saying a word.

So many people thought the family should put motorcycling behind them. Craig would never have wanted his family to give up the sport they all love so passionately. I am sure my mischievous, fun loving Brother in Law Craig is smiling to himself to know that Mom is on a Harley.

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By Carrie Strikowski

Life was much different for people living in America on May 2nd 1915. Woodrow Wilson was leading the country. Two years earlier, in 1913 Harriet Tubman had passed away, a year before that the Titanic had sunk. Oklahoma had just become a state 8 years prior in 1907. In January of 1915, January 12th to be exact, the United States House of Representatives had rejected a proposal to give women the right to vote. It was in this time that a young 20 year old girl decided to follow her dreams and cross the country on a motorcycle.
Even now the idea of a woman crossing the country on a bike is a huge deal. With all of our modern convinces like cell phones, hotels, GPS, and paved roads, most women would not embark on such a journey. So when Effie Hotchkiss announced to her mother that she intended to cross the country on the back of her 1915 3 speed V-Twin Harley Davidson her mother did only the most logical thing, insisted on coming with her. So started the trip that would become the legendary first cross country trip on a motorcycle completed by a woman, or two women to be exact.
Effie had a love for motorcycles, so when she received a small inheritance from the sale of a family farm she used that money to buy her Harley. Her goal was to take that bike from her home in Brooklyn and ride it across the wilds of America. Through lands still known for cowboys and Indians, and on roads where pavement was considered a luxury. All the way to the San Francisco World’s Fair. Effie’s mother Avis only forbid her to go alone and the solution Avis offered was to ride along with her. So, Effie’s motorcycle was fitted with a side car large enough to accommodate Avis and their luggage.

The trip was 5,000 miles and took Effie and her mother 2 months to complete. They brought along tools and extra parts so when something inevitably failed on the bike they could make the repairs themselves. The two women pushed the machine that carried them across the country to it’s limits and beyond. At one point having run out of inner tubes they cut a blanket down to inner tube length which got them to Santa Fe where they were able to replenish their supplies.
Upon making it to San Francisco, Effie rode to the beach to splash her feet in the Pacific Ocean so she could say that she had touched the waters of both coasts. If all of these accomplishments were not enough. Effie also met her future husband in San Francisco. The chance meeting happened when she accidentally ran over him when he stepped in front of her and her motorcycle. The journey didn’t end in San Francisco though. In August Effie and Avis made the two month trip back to Brooklyn on their motorcycle and side car.
This inspiring story is just the first of many tales of women who have paved the way for all women riders. I hope it also serves as an inspiration to all of us women to “Just Ride” no matter the weather or circumstance on May 1st this year. May 1st is International Female Ride Day. So ladies make these women that came before us proud. Whatever you ride, get on it May 1st and show the world that women riders rule!

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by Carrie Strikowski

2009 is the year of the woman rider at Harley dealerships and events all across the country. From garage parties to all women rides, Harley is reaching out to women riders and letting each of us know it’s time to move up to the front seat.

Daytona 2009 featured quite a few events for women. At the Womens Interactive Experience at the Daytona Beach Ocean Center Harley set up the “Wall of Hope.” There women were encouraged to sign the wall and for each signature Harley Davidson would donate a dollar to the MDA. In complement to the “Wall of Hope” Harley also continued with the second annual Womens Day Ride that took place on March 3rd. There women riders rode together to raise money for the MDA charity. This year the hundreds of riders raised $53,200 for MDA summer camps. You go girls!

May 1st is the third annual International Female Ride Day. Started by Vicki Gray of motoress.com the special day seeks to promote awareness and celebrate women riders of all ages across the globe. Harley has not only jumped on the Female Ride day bandwagon, with major womens riding events on that day in New York and Milwaukee. But they have gone a step farther and declared the entire month of May to be Women Riders Month. They have even set the lofty goal of setting a Guinness world record for the number of women trained to ride in one weekend during the first weekend of May. Furthermore, Harley dealerships across the country and across the globe are being encouraged to not only organize their own rides for May 1st but to also plan garage parties at the dealerships to welcome more women to the joys of riding their own bike.

Harley has dedicated a whole section on their website to the womens riding experience. Check it out here. On these pages you can sign up for the New York or Milwaukee rides, plan your own ride, read stories from other women riders, get more information on learning to ride, and find out more about the history of female riders.

May will be an important month at Leslie Kay’s. As an office full of women (except for the token “lucky” guy) dedicated to insuring our passion and yours. We will be blogging and helping to raise awareness of the beauty and grace that a woman on a bike exemplifies. So guys sorry, but May is our month. Check back often as we highlight the famous and infamous women who have rode into our hearts and inspired us to stomp gracefully, yet powerfully into the male dominated biker world. Women who have shown us; the bitch didn’t fall off… She got her own!

Leslie and I had the privilege of attending the last stop in the IMS expo in Greenville South Carolina. The weather was cold, by Floridian standards, but the hot bikes were enough to keep the chill at bay. Every major manufacturer was in attendance, well except BMW, and they had all of their latest and greatest models out on display.

We arrived early on Friday and scoped out the scene. Harley and Buell had huge vignettes set up with even a stage and lighting. Ducati’s vignette was bold in all red with their most popular models set under lights.Personally, I’m not a huge fan of the sport bikes and cross-overs, but with the way these bikes were displayed I totally could have bought one. Indian was also in attendance with a display on wheels, or as some of us call it a tricked out motor home. KTM was actually right behind us at the show giving us ample time and opportunity to pour over their offerings. Suzuki, Honda, and Yamaha were also in attendance and strategically placed near the center of all the action.
Because we arrived before the crowds we were also able to do a little recon mission over at our competitors set up in the scooter pavilion, yeah I said scooter. So… here we are walking along and what do we see? What appears to be a dead body wrapped in packing blankets at the Geico booth. Now, we can’t say for sure what happened to this guy, but we suspect he keeled over in shock when he got his renewal on his bike insurance and his premium went through the roof. Just a guess though, it could also be the cave man. Freaking neanderthal may have thought it was cheaper to pack and mail himself then to buy a plane ticket.

We were attending as guests of Progressive. Progressive was a major sponsor of the event and chose us out of all the other agents in the south to represent them at Greenville. We were also honored to share a vignette with Sucker Punch Sally’s. Progressive has teamed up with Sucker Punch to raffle off a custom Progressive chopper. I sat on it, so who ever won it…. I SAT ON YOUR BIKE! Nah! SPS had a few of their choppers there on display and they were so cool. They looked to be a little rough on the rear end if you rode them for long distances, but for cruising the strip or for a night out and about they’d work quite nicely.

Leslie met a nice couple from Raleigh, NC that own Turner Trikes &  Repairs. Owned and operated by Jerry and Diana Turner their passion  for trikes started in 1996 when Jerry converted his own 93 Gold Wing to a trike. Since then they have been converting bikes using D.F.T. (Darn Fine Trikes) conversions. Diana has also started a side business doing custom embroidery. They are really good people, down to earth and honest. So if you’re looking to convert that bike to a trike or maybe just need some new patches for your club be sure to check out their website here.

There were also a large assortment of vendors selling anything and everything, even the “ShamWOW” guy was there, I resisted the urge to buy one. Best of all though were all the people from all over the south. Some of the nicest people stopped by to chat and gawk at the Progressive umbrella girls. Some found a great deal on their insurance, many were already loyal Progressive customers. It was an amazing experience to hear their stories and share a moment or two of their lives. Out of everything at the show I think meeting with all them “bikers” was the best. I can wait to see all of you at the next show and learn more about what a great community of people we are.

Make sure to check back at the blog as I will be recounting a wonderful experience Leslie and I had outside of the convention center when we got to meet with two amazing ladies that are leaders in the womens riding arena. Also I’ll be updating you all on the coolest bike, a custom Busa dedicated to the Special Op’s forces and inspired by a touching story of the loss off a friend.

Picture it…. January 1937… The sun is shining down on the hard packed sands just south of Daytona Beach proper. Motorcyclists have lined up for a first of its kind 3.2 miles race that will take them one and a half miles north on Daytona’s sandy beach then bank them through a quarter mile turn dumping them off on to a paved public roadway where they head back south only to face a second banked sand turn completing the track. That day a California man by the name of Ed Kretz completed the Handlebar Derby on his Indian motorcycle and was crowned the first of many champions of the Daytona 200.

He also helped begin what is now one of the most famous motorcycle events in the world Daytona Bike Week. The Daytona 200 has lasted through times of war, that being World War II when it was officially canceled. Though no races took place from 1942 until 1947 people still showed up for an unofficial party called Bike Week.

The “track” for the Daytona 200 has changed a few times. In 1948 the race was forced to move farther south due to development along the beach, the track at that time measured 4.1 miles. In 1961 the race was moved off the beach to the Daytona International Speedway where it has been held ever since.

So, this year as you ride through town or along “the loop” try and take yourself back to those early years and realize you’re not just attending an “event” you are carrying on a tradition, for many a rite of passage, you are making history. Enjoy the ride!

I’ll get into the city’s “new rules” in a minute, but first let me just vent a little on the city of Myrtle Beach. First understand I have a long history with Myrtle Beach. An immediate family member of mine has lived in various areas up and down the Grand Strand for over 25 years. I can remember when Myrtle Beach and it’s surrounding areas were not much more then a few strip malls on 17, that Fair type thing in town with the crappy rides, and a bunch of surfers. I watched Myrtle Beach grow first to a tacky destination for good ole country boys and girls from inland SC and NC to the home of 1,000 golf courses. Personally, being from south Florida and knowing what a real vacation beach is like, I’ve always found Myrtle Beach to be, well, tacky. First it was the zillions of mini golf places, then the millions of “wings” stores. The one with the giant shark, uh come on. Myrtle beach was always something far from hip. The beaches to the north The Outer Banks, Wilmington, and Hatteras. They were laid back beach towns, quaint, and even a little sophisticated in their own sleepy way. Myrtle Beach though was gaudy, kinda like that crazy female relative that everyone has that wears pink knit pants covered with a cherry pattern. Who adorns herself with large lime green plastic bead necklaces, that she wears with her pink knit cherry pants. Yeah… that was Myrtle Beach.

Then I went to my first Bike Week there. How cool it was. Finally Myrtle Beach had something, something with attitude. There was an electricity in the air fueled by youth and those forever young at heart. There was a grit to that town, a dirty wisdom from folk who knew where they were going because of all the places they had been. Myrtle Beach for those few days was more then cheap souvenir shops, ridiculous themed mini golf places, and geezers in plaid pants chewing on golf tee’s. Myrtle Beach was ALIVE!

But now… now they have gone the road of Ft Liquordale; push out the party, succumbing to being just another tired beach town catering to golfers. Here’s the thing though Myrtle Beach. In case you hadn’t noticed your town survives on tourism. There’s no industry there, corporations are not flocking to set up shop next to your Grande ole Opry or your Ripley’s museum. You also have a limited time frame for your tourist season. No one is planning a winter getaway vacation to your town in January, it’s still cold there. Your Spring Rally kicks off your tourist season and those bikers bring in a tremendous amount of revenue to your business owners. I know this because I happen to know a few of those business owners who happen to love it when the bikers role into town . Furthermore, many of those bikers that attend your Spring Rally return later in the season with their families to vacation. I don’t think they will be doing that this year. Bikers are a little funny in that they don’t particularly care to be insulted, and I would imagine you have insulted quite a few.
Take heart though my Biker friends, all is not lost on getting together on the Grand Strand. Venues are being moved outside of the city limits, the vendors with all their wears will find a place to set up. And yes SBB (Suck Bang Blow) is still planning a party at their locations. So as the Spring Rally draws near I will be keeping a watchful eye and open ears on the lowdown on where you need to be.

For starters plan on staying outside Myrtle Beach’s city limits, especially if you plan on trailering in your bikes. The new ordnances state you may only park your trailer or oversize vehicle in approved parking or storage lots. Look for places down south; Surfside, Garden City, Murrells Inlet or even Pawleys Island. Also consider staying a little inland like in Conway. North Myrtle Beach is not inside the city limits of Myrtle Beach, but if you want to head down to any of the above mentioned towns you will either need to take the long way around or ride through the city. If that is the case please know you and your passenger must be wearing a helmet and protective eye wear. Also have your drivers license, registration, and insurance card handy because you will be asked for these documents should you come upon a check point and the city is planning on setting up more traffic check points then last year. Also, at idle your bike may be no louder then 89 decibels, and yeah they will be checking. There is a whole host of new rules that you can read here oh and if you really want to be amused check out the link for the Message from the Mayor and the FAQ’s.

So, even in spite of all the deterrents, as far as the Spring Rally goes I agree with the sentiment “Screw it, Let’s Ride!”

Some of the highlights we are looking forward to seeing…

Getting a sneak peak at Harley Davidson’s latest Dark Custom, the Iron 883. We’re thinking the pictures that are out on the web are not even going to come close to doing this bike justice. Can’t wait to see it first hand!

Getting to meet and greet with two of Kawasaki’s star riders Rickey Gadson and Jason Britton. We just can’t wait to see these two talented guys up close and personal, oh and their cool a** bikes. Not sure which is hotter though the men or the machines…

BMW’s newest concept bike.

The bike voted best looking in the Milan show; that’s right the new Ducati Streetfighter. Sleek and mean looking, yum!

Also looking forward to the Harley Davidson Tri Glide specially customized by Willie G. Davidson. I mean come on, who would want to miss that!

The worlds first cross over bike, the DN-01 by Honda. What an awesome bike, completely different from anything on two wheels. It’s an automatic. REALLY… not sure if that’s going to take something away from the riding experience or take it to a whole new level. But either way, you’d have to admit it’s still pretty cool.

And last but not least the cutesie… The 2009 Vx-1 Vectrix’s Personal Electric Vehicle. If you’re in to going green this would be the little scooter for you. With new graphics, four vibrant colors (including green) and new accessories geared to make the little scooter more accessible for women. This could just be the little cupcake that steals the show.

Of course there will be vendors displaying anything and everything you could ever want to fancy up your bike and it’s rider. From sunglasses and helmets to chrome and pipes everything you could need or want will be laid out for your viewing pleasure, and all under one roof.

So if you’ in the Greenville area, or ready for a road trip, come by and see us. We’ll be there all three days and would love to see the best part of this event, our customers faces!

Tickets for adults are $13 for one day, $20 for 2 days, and $25 for three days. Children between the ages of 6 & 11 are $6, $10, and $10 for a three day pass. Children under 5 are FREE! And a little inside tip if you buy your tickets online (http://www.motorcycleshows.com/motorcycleshows/static/staticHtml.jsp?id=359197) You can save a little on the price of admission.

Black Crème Boot Polish                Harley-davidson.com    $4.50
Harley Bright Chrome Cleaner    Harley-davidson.com     $9.95
Chrome Eagle Tire Valve Caps     jcwhitney.com        $13.99 per pair
Harley Care Starter Kit        Harley-davidson.com    $9.95
Mini Mag Flashlight            Kmart.com            $7.99 to $9.99
Vintage Poster Reproductions    jpcycles.com $8.99 and up
Harley Davidson: Ride CD        Amazon.com            $24.50

Biker Billy Cooks with Fire
Biker Banter and Recipes
Author: Bill Hufnagle        Amazon.com            $8.81
Illuminated Air Pressure Gauge    jpcycles.com            $19.99
Harley Davidson 105th Anniversary
Bulb Ornament            Harley-davidson.com    $10.00