It couldn’t be a more perfect day for Hot Metal
Harley-Davidson’s 2015 Model Year Open House. The air was filled with the smell of barbeque, the sound of blues, and
the warmth that only a beautiful end-of-summer sunny day in Western
Pennsylvania could provide.
On Saturday, September 20th, Hot Metal
Harley-Davidson ushered in the 2015 models with a huge party! The food was served up by Rowdy Barbeque,
Miller Light was on tap and the Miller Light Girls were sampling beer next to
the Pairadice Paint Tent.
Billy the Kid & The Regulators were playing the blues
outside from 12 Noon ‘till 3PM to a parking lot filled with bikes, people, and
vendors. Inside the latest in fall
riding and casual comfort wear were on display and guests registered for a
chance to win a Hot Metal Cash Card to be given away every hour.
At 1PM the Pleasant Hills Police Department brought their
K-9 unit in for a demonstration on the obedience of a police dog and they even
let Hot Metal’s Rocky Marks take a few bites by the dog in a special padded
suit as if he was on the run from the police.
Hot Metal Harley-Davidson’s summer-long Mileage Contest
wrapped up with Tom Schultz winning the first place $700 Hot Metal Cash Card by
racking up exactly 16,764 miles. The second
and third place finishers received a $500 and $250 Hot Metal Cash Card card
respectively.
For more information on Hot Metal Harley-Davidson’s upcoming
events, you can go to www.hotmetalharley.com
or visit www.facebook.com/hotmetalharley
Friday, October 3, 2014
Friday, September 5, 2014
Hot Metal Harley Raises over $4,000 for Ronald McDonald House Charities with our annual Toby Keith Ride!
Hot Metal Harley-Davidson hosted one of our most anticipated rides of the year to First Niagara Pavilion to see Toby Keith, who is one of country music’s biggest stars. The ride benefitted the Ronald McDonald House Charities by raising over $4,100.
Almost 400 tickets were sold at our dealership in just a few short weeks and hundreds of people showed up for the pre-tailgate party at Hot Metal Harley-Davidson on Saturday, August 9th! The party included live music, free food and refreshments, and a chance to go back stage at the venue.
During the party Hot Metal Owner, Toby O’Brien and General Manager, Lori Flanigan dished out the food while two members of Hillbilly Way played music to a packed parking lot of motorcyclists and country music fans.
At 4:30 the Allegheny Sheriff’s Department started leading nearly 250 bikes out of Hot Metal Harley-Davidson’s parking lot bringing with them a trail of motorcycles! The bikes and their passengers wound their way through the South Hills of Pittsburgh at leisurely, yet non-stop pace.
Sirens wailed and lights flashed while cars were halted as the riders were escorted through busy intersections. The line of motorcycles gliding down the road two-by-two stretched for an impressive mile during the most of the ride according to the police.
Once out of Allegheny County, the Washington County Sheriff swept in front of the pack of motorcycles aided by Cecil, Smith, and Hanover Townships.
The ride lasted about an hour and ended when the parade of motorcycles were escorted into the VIP parking lots ahead of other cars waiting at the gate. The smiles, high fives, and general feeling of excitement were apparent as the riders dismounted their bikes and headed for the gates. They were ready for the show.
“The Ride continues to grow in popularity and this year it has expanded by nearly forty percent over last year. Our partnership with Live Nation and the continued success of all of our major fundraising events enable us to give back to the community and demonstrate our passion for turning wheels for a good cause, said Lori Flanigan.”
Even though this was a fun ride to see an amazing performer, at the end of the day this run was about the kids of the Ronald McDonald House Charities. Hot Metal Harley-Davidson would like to thank everyone who participated and donated to make this ride a huge success.
Almost 400 tickets were sold at our dealership in just a few short weeks and hundreds of people showed up for the pre-tailgate party at Hot Metal Harley-Davidson on Saturday, August 9th! The party included live music, free food and refreshments, and a chance to go back stage at the venue.
During the party Hot Metal Owner, Toby O’Brien and General Manager, Lori Flanigan dished out the food while two members of Hillbilly Way played music to a packed parking lot of motorcyclists and country music fans.
At 4:30 the Allegheny Sheriff’s Department started leading nearly 250 bikes out of Hot Metal Harley-Davidson’s parking lot bringing with them a trail of motorcycles! The bikes and their passengers wound their way through the South Hills of Pittsburgh at leisurely, yet non-stop pace.
Sirens wailed and lights flashed while cars were halted as the riders were escorted through busy intersections. The line of motorcycles gliding down the road two-by-two stretched for an impressive mile during the most of the ride according to the police.
Once out of Allegheny County, the Washington County Sheriff swept in front of the pack of motorcycles aided by Cecil, Smith, and Hanover Townships.
The ride lasted about an hour and ended when the parade of motorcycles were escorted into the VIP parking lots ahead of other cars waiting at the gate. The smiles, high fives, and general feeling of excitement were apparent as the riders dismounted their bikes and headed for the gates. They were ready for the show.
“The Ride continues to grow in popularity and this year it has expanded by nearly forty percent over last year. Our partnership with Live Nation and the continued success of all of our major fundraising events enable us to give back to the community and demonstrate our passion for turning wheels for a good cause, said Lori Flanigan.”
Even though this was a fun ride to see an amazing performer, at the end of the day this run was about the kids of the Ronald McDonald House Charities. Hot Metal Harley-Davidson would like to thank everyone who participated and donated to make this ride a huge success.
Friday, May 2, 2014
Hot Metal Harley-Davidson gives away a 2014 Harley-Davidson Sportster!
By: Rocky Marks
Hot Metal Harley-Davidson gave away a new 2014 XL1200N Sportster Iron during our Spring Opener on April 19th and it was an exciting day, especially for Kathleen Troha! She was the winner of the Sportster as part of our Roll-to-Win contest that started more than 7 weeks before!
Throughout the months of March and April, more than 1,000 people came to the dealership to try and roll the word: H-A-R-L-E-Y with 6 dice. If our guests hit the word, they earned a chance at the bike. If they didn’t roll “HARLEY”, they could come back every day to try their luck until they finally got the letters right. If a bike was purchased in that time frame of the contest, the new bike owner received two chances to win.
Hot Metal Harley-Davidson kicked off another contest during the Opener where riders could register the mileage on their bikes for a chance to win one of three gift cards to the dealership. There is still time to register. Whoever gets the most miles will win a $750 gift card. Second place pulls in a $500 gift card and third place wins a $250 gift card.
In May, Hot Metal Harley-Davidson hosted a functional riding gear and an L.E.D. lighting workshop, held demo rides, and free food on the grill.
Life Savers Animal Rescue, Inc. brought their dogs for adoption by with a monster truck. One of the dogs was rescued, adopted, and renamed “Harley” thanks to the event and everyone who came out to support it.
Hot Metal Harley-Davidson gave away a new 2014 XL1200N Sportster Iron during our Spring Opener on April 19th and it was an exciting day, especially for Kathleen Troha! She was the winner of the Sportster as part of our Roll-to-Win contest that started more than 7 weeks before!
Throughout the months of March and April, more than 1,000 people came to the dealership to try and roll the word: H-A-R-L-E-Y with 6 dice. If our guests hit the word, they earned a chance at the bike. If they didn’t roll “HARLEY”, they could come back every day to try their luck until they finally got the letters right. If a bike was purchased in that time frame of the contest, the new bike owner received two chances to win.
Hot Metal Harley-Davidson kicked off another contest during the Opener where riders could register the mileage on their bikes for a chance to win one of three gift cards to the dealership. There is still time to register. Whoever gets the most miles will win a $750 gift card. Second place pulls in a $500 gift card and third place wins a $250 gift card.
In May, Hot Metal Harley-Davidson hosted a functional riding gear and an L.E.D. lighting workshop, held demo rides, and free food on the grill.
Life Savers Animal Rescue, Inc. brought their dogs for adoption by with a monster truck. One of the dogs was rescued, adopted, and renamed “Harley” thanks to the event and everyone who came out to support it.
Monday, April 7, 2014
Thoughts About Planning A Charity Ride
by Rocky Marks:
Few things are as enjoyable as a ride on your bike with a group of fellow enthusiasts, knowing that your donation went to a good cause! This is the time of year when we start seeing the posters for charity rides pile up on the bulletin boards of dealerships all over the Western Pennsylvania Area.
Over the winter and into early spring, I've had many people come to me to inquire about what it takes to start a charity bike run. My first answer would be "time." These rides don't come together overnight, and the more successful rides are those that have been doing them annually for several years.
There has to be a lot of planning well in advance to make a successful charity ride. People often think that you can start one month out when in fact you should truly be starting more than a year ahead of time to make a successful charity run.
Another thing to consider is "manpower." How much help do you truly have? Help will be needed far in advance of the ride day. Many things to consider including start and location destination the timing the route the distance you want to travel not to mention the price what you want to include T-shirts dinner giveaways and prizes go as well as other factors when planning a ride.
Often people see rides with large numbers of motorcycles. But these rides have been around for quite some time and have been well planned in thought out over the years.
Another question that often comes up Is police escorts. Do police escort motorcycle runs? The answer is sometimes. Often we see many motorcycle rides taking the law into their own hands and blocking for other riders. This is illegal.
Getting a police escort also requires planning in advance, The cause of the ride, and the location of the ride. Please departments often do not like to travel into other jurisdictions. Frankly many police departments are often understaffed as it is and to take a car away from a shift would interfere with the operations of the police department. So it's not that the police do not want to escort, it's that the manpower isn't there to provide an escort for every single ride that happens.
There is a lot to consider when planning a ride. For more info, email rocky@hotmetalharley.com
Few things are as enjoyable as a ride on your bike with a group of fellow enthusiasts, knowing that your donation went to a good cause! This is the time of year when we start seeing the posters for charity rides pile up on the bulletin boards of dealerships all over the Western Pennsylvania Area.
Over the winter and into early spring, I've had many people come to me to inquire about what it takes to start a charity bike run. My first answer would be "time." These rides don't come together overnight, and the more successful rides are those that have been doing them annually for several years.
There has to be a lot of planning well in advance to make a successful charity ride. People often think that you can start one month out when in fact you should truly be starting more than a year ahead of time to make a successful charity run.
Another thing to consider is "manpower." How much help do you truly have? Help will be needed far in advance of the ride day. Many things to consider including start and location destination the timing the route the distance you want to travel not to mention the price what you want to include T-shirts dinner giveaways and prizes go as well as other factors when planning a ride.
Often people see rides with large numbers of motorcycles. But these rides have been around for quite some time and have been well planned in thought out over the years.
Another question that often comes up Is police escorts. Do police escort motorcycle runs? The answer is sometimes. Often we see many motorcycle rides taking the law into their own hands and blocking for other riders. This is illegal.
Getting a police escort also requires planning in advance, The cause of the ride, and the location of the ride. Please departments often do not like to travel into other jurisdictions. Frankly many police departments are often understaffed as it is and to take a car away from a shift would interfere with the operations of the police department. So it's not that the police do not want to escort, it's that the manpower isn't there to provide an escort for every single ride that happens.
There is a lot to consider when planning a ride. For more info, email rocky@hotmetalharley.com
Saturday, March 29, 2014
Watch Your Back!
By: Jerry Smith
Baseball great Satchel Paige once said, "Don't look back. Something might be gaining on you." Good advice, maybe, for a seemingly ageless pitcher, but not so good for motorcyclists, especially when they're stopped at an intersection and don't see the distracted driver bearing down on them from behind. It takes more than a working brake light to prevent being bunted into a busy intersection or squashed like a bug between two bumpers. Here are some tips to help you avoid getting caught in a squeeze play.
As you decelerate for a stoplight, check your mirrors to see if the traffic behind you is slowing down, too. Touch the brakes several times to flash your brake lights. Be extra vigilant if you decide to stop for a fresh yellow light in case the guy behind you decides to run it. And while we don't generally advocate running a yellow, that's your best course of action if it's clear that the car behind you is planning to.
Now that you've stopped, be ready to go again in a heartbeat in case the space you're in seems in imminent danger of being occupied by a speeding car. Position your bike on either side of the greasy center of the lane. Leave the transmission in gear and hold the clutch in. If that's not practical, put your right foot down, leave your left foot on the peg ready to engage first gear, and cover the clutch lever.
Always have an out in case the car in your mirror is becoming alarmingly large, alarmingly quick. If you're turning left and there's a curb or a median to your left and a car in front of you, position your bike on the right side of the lane so you can slip around the car if necessary. But be aware of through traffic coming up behind you that's not slowing down to turn. Stop far enough back from the car ahead to give yourself room to maneuver. If your front tire is inches from a bumper, you won't be able to turn without backing up first. That's a bad place to be.
In addition to bike placement, bike equipment can help tip the odds in your favor. Keep your mirrors clean and adjusted properly, and if all you can see in them is your elbows, swap them out for ones that do what mirrors are supposed to do. Check your brake light and taillights often, invest in some auxiliary brake lights, and add some reflective tape to the back of your bike for night riding. Every little bit helps.
Baseball great Satchel Paige once said, "Don't look back. Something might be gaining on you." Good advice, maybe, for a seemingly ageless pitcher, but not so good for motorcyclists, especially when they're stopped at an intersection and don't see the distracted driver bearing down on them from behind. It takes more than a working brake light to prevent being bunted into a busy intersection or squashed like a bug between two bumpers. Here are some tips to help you avoid getting caught in a squeeze play.
As you decelerate for a stoplight, check your mirrors to see if the traffic behind you is slowing down, too. Touch the brakes several times to flash your brake lights. Be extra vigilant if you decide to stop for a fresh yellow light in case the guy behind you decides to run it. And while we don't generally advocate running a yellow, that's your best course of action if it's clear that the car behind you is planning to.
Now that you've stopped, be ready to go again in a heartbeat in case the space you're in seems in imminent danger of being occupied by a speeding car. Position your bike on either side of the greasy center of the lane. Leave the transmission in gear and hold the clutch in. If that's not practical, put your right foot down, leave your left foot on the peg ready to engage first gear, and cover the clutch lever.
Always have an out in case the car in your mirror is becoming alarmingly large, alarmingly quick. If you're turning left and there's a curb or a median to your left and a car in front of you, position your bike on the right side of the lane so you can slip around the car if necessary. But be aware of through traffic coming up behind you that's not slowing down to turn. Stop far enough back from the car ahead to give yourself room to maneuver. If your front tire is inches from a bumper, you won't be able to turn without backing up first. That's a bad place to be.
In addition to bike placement, bike equipment can help tip the odds in your favor. Keep your mirrors clean and adjusted properly, and if all you can see in them is your elbows, swap them out for ones that do what mirrors are supposed to do. Check your brake light and taillights often, invest in some auxiliary brake lights, and add some reflective tape to the back of your bike for night riding. Every little bit helps.
"Where are you riding to?" vs "What do you do?"
By: Rocky Marks
Back in 1998 I remember taking a sociology class. One of the things we talked about or statuses, hierarchies if you will.
Today status is common forms of jobs where you are in management where you aren't in management and many people judge you based on what it is you do or do not do for a living.
For motorcyclists that's different though, the traditional what do you do for living turns into where are you going or perhaps what do you ride? The what do you ride doesn't necessarily indicate a status is simply a question to get the conversation started between two people that have a common bond on the road.
It's been my experience that most of the time people learn what other people do once they are gathered around a dinner table and start talking about work family and children. After that is still does not change the makeup of the crowd.
I shouldn't say I should say does not take up the dynamic makeup of I should say that it does not change the dynamic makeup of the group
I've been on rides with the unemployed disabled the hourly workers the minimum-wage workers salaried employees middle-management upper management CEOs CFOs and Supreme Court justices. And you know what they are all the same.
They are riders. Whether it is you're around seasonal or just a few times a month they are riders and they enjoy the fellowship on the road the investment they have between their legs and the camaraderie that they share with other riders.
I'd rather not get into the question of what is a real rider. Usually those debates are started by those that are insecure about their own status as a rider.
Back in 1998 I remember taking a sociology class. One of the things we talked about or statuses, hierarchies if you will.
Today status is common forms of jobs where you are in management where you aren't in management and many people judge you based on what it is you do or do not do for a living.
For motorcyclists that's different though, the traditional what do you do for living turns into where are you going or perhaps what do you ride? The what do you ride doesn't necessarily indicate a status is simply a question to get the conversation started between two people that have a common bond on the road.
It's been my experience that most of the time people learn what other people do once they are gathered around a dinner table and start talking about work family and children. After that is still does not change the makeup of the crowd.
I shouldn't say I should say does not take up the dynamic makeup of I should say that it does not change the dynamic makeup of the group
I've been on rides with the unemployed disabled the hourly workers the minimum-wage workers salaried employees middle-management upper management CEOs CFOs and Supreme Court justices. And you know what they are all the same.
They are riders. Whether it is you're around seasonal or just a few times a month they are riders and they enjoy the fellowship on the road the investment they have between their legs and the camaraderie that they share with other riders.
I'd rather not get into the question of what is a real rider. Usually those debates are started by those that are insecure about their own status as a rider.
2014 Schedule of National Bike Runs & Rallies
March 7 - 16: Bike Week 2014,Daytona Beach, FL
The kickoff event of the motorcycling year. Thaw out your bike and ride on down!
March 15: The Daytona 200, Daytona, FL
You don't have to be a racing fan to appreciate the skill on display at the Daytona 200, America's most historic motorcycle race. The kick-off to the 2014 motorcycle road season.
April 2 - 6: Arizona Bike Week, Mesa, AZ
This one gets bigger every year. If the April dates aren't enough for you, there are even Pre-Rally Days from March 28 to April 1.
April 23 - 27: Laughlin River Run, Laughlin, NV
Laughlin is billed as "the largest motorcycle event on the west coast." Help make it even bigger by attending this year.
May 25: Rolling Thunder Ride for Freedom, Washington, DC
This annual ride through our nation's capital is designed to bring attention to POW/MIA issues. 2014 marks the 27th year for the charity event, which raises awareness, funds and pulse rates.
June 2 - 7: Americade, Lake George, NY
The world's biggest all-brand touring rally gathers on the shores of beautiful Lake George.
June 14 - 22: Laconia Motorcycle Week, Laconia, NH
America's oldest motorcycle rally returns for its 91st edition this year, and it promises to be a blowout.
Riders from around the world fantasize about riding Route 66 from Chicago to Santa Monica. Here's a chance to join the 20th annual Rally along the 2,448-mile route.
July 11 - 13: AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days, Lexington, OH
Real vintage bikes from all eras racing around Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, many piloted by vintage motorcycle racers.
August 4 - 10: Sturgis Rally and Races, Sturgis, SD
This year marks the 74th rally.
October 16 - 19: Biketoberfest, Daytona Beach, FL
Close out the riding season with one last warm weather rally. Heading into its 22nd year, Biketoberfest has grown to be a more manageable version of Bike Week, but still plenty fun and exciting.
GREAT Ride to see Kid Rock!
by Rocky Marks
Hot Metal Harley-Davidson had kicked off the summer in Harley-Davidson 110th Anniversary fashion with the 3rd Annual ride to see Toby Keith. Since Kid Rock was part of Harley’s celebration in Milwaukee, what better way to wrap up the summer with one last ride out to First Niagra Pavilion to see the self-proclaimed “American Badass” himself.
Over 500 tickets were sold at the dealership in just a few short weeks and over 400 people showed up for the pre-tailgate party at Hot Metal on Saturday, September 7th! The party included music, free food and refreshments, and a chance to go back stage at the venue.
During the party Hot Metal Owner, Toby O’Brien and General Manager, Lori Flanigan dished out the food while Rocky Marks played music to a crowd overflowing the parking lot with motorcycles, excitement, and anticipation of the hour-long journey to Burgettstown.
At 4:30 the Allegheny Sheriff’s Department started leading the bikes out of Hot Metal’s parking lot bringing with them a trail of over 250 motorcycles! The bikes and their passengers wound their way through the South Hills of Pittsburgh at leisurely, yet non-stop pace.
Sirens wailed and lights flashed while cars halted as the riders were escorted through busy intersections. The line of motorcycles gliding down the road two-by-two stretched for an impressive mile during the most of the ride according to the police.
Once out of Allegheny County, the Washington County Sheriff swept in front of the pack of motorcycles aided by Cecil, Smith, and Hanover Townships. Cecil’s Volunteer Fire Department even placed a truck on the side of the road with it’s ladder stretched out over top the riders as a sign of respect and pride that comes with the gathering of so many free-spirited individuals who share a common love for riding.
The ride lasted about an hour and ended when the parade of motorcycles were escorted into the VIP parking lots. The smiles, high fives, and general feeling of excitement was apparent as the riders dismounted their bikes and headed for the gates. They were ready for the show.
Hot Metal Harley-Davidson is already working with Live Nation and the First Niagra Pavilion on dates for next year’s rides. You can go to hotmetalharley.com or faceboook.com/hotmetalharley to get a complete list of events and details as they become available.
The Buzz on Alcohol and Legal Responsibilities
By Attorney Michael Rosenzweig, Esq.
May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month – a time to discuss injury prevention. Operating a motorcycle requires tremendous concentration and quick reflexes. Since many drivers fail to see motorcycles, a motorcyclist must always be ready to react instantly. Also, deer, dogs, pedestrians, debris on the road, or a pothole can force a rider to stop or swerve suddenly. A motorcyclist relies on training and experience to avoid an accident, but consuming any amount of alcohol affects his or her skills and reflexes. Basically, drinking alcohol could mean the difference between life and death.
Alcohol affects a rider’s ability to see and react well before reaching the legal limit of .08%. In 2010, approximately 4,500 riders died in motorcycle accidents across the United States. Nearly half had consumed some amount of alcohol, and one third had blood concentrations above .08%.
Myth or Fact?
Many motorcyclists assume that beer has less alcohol than a mixed drink or wine. However, the truth is that a 12 oz. can of beer, a 5 oz. glass of wine, and a mixed drink with one shot of liquor all contain about the same amount of alcohol.
Bear in mind that amount of alcohol in your system increases as you consume it more quickly. It takes approximately one hour for a single drink of alcohol to leave your blood system.
There are several factors that determine your BAC:
· The amount of alcohol you consume
· How fast you drink
· Your body weight
· Whether you take medication
· Your gender
· Your physical condition
· The amount of food in your system when you drink alcohol
DUI Legal Issues
Riding after consuming alcohol not only puts your life and the lives of others in jeopardy, but it also can bury you in a legal mess if you cause an accident while intoxicated.
Motorcyclists who are convicted of riding under the influence may face the following, depending on prior offenses:
· Jail time
· Fines
· License suspension
· Community service
· Drug and alcohol treatment and rehabilitation programs
· And other penalties
DUI Liability Issues
What some motorcyclists may not be aware of are the liability issues they may also face as a result of riding under the influence. If you ride drunk and get into an accident, you could be held liable for the injuries that result from the collision – including passenger injuries. You may face insurance issues regarding property damage, and depending on the circumstances, could threaten your financial security if you’re forced to pay for damages out of your own pocket.
You also could face liability issues if you allow a person who has been drinking to ride your motorcycle and they get into an accident, injuring either themselves or others. While you may not have actually caused the accident, you may be held responsible based on negligence to prevent the situation.
The bottom line: Ride sober. If you plan on drinking alcohol, make arrangements to avoid riding afterward. It may be tempting to take the risk, but it’s not worth risking your life, the lives of others, or a mountain of legal problems.
Attorney Michael H. Rosenzweig has over 23 years of experience helping bikers injured in motorcycle accidents. He is a partner and litigation manager at Edgar Snyder & Associates. Visit EdgarSnyder.com for more information on motorcycle accidents and legal tips.
Hot Metal Harley's Bike Show Recap!
“It was a dark and stormy night….” Well actually it was more of a dreary, soggy start to a Saturday when we put up the tents and cones for the 1st Annual Hot Metal Harley-Davidson Bike Show on Saturday, July 14th. That didn’t stop the riders from bringing their scoots to the shop.
In between the raindrops, dozens of show-ready bikes pulled into the parking lot to register to compete in one of ten classes to compete for the top trophy. AJ Haddad, our parts manager organized this bike show and wanted it to be old-school. “The free reign given to me by Toby and Lori allowed us to do it just like it was back in the day, you know what I mean?”
Almost as if it was timed, the rain subsided just as registration had come to a close at 11:30. The microfiber cloths came out and judging began. The legendary Billy Steele was among the judges along with Steve Jurnak and AJ Haddad.
Billy Steele brought out his “Honey Bagger” Harley-Davidson Road Glide that has been featured in numerous publications and shows across the country. The entire bike is made of steel (fairing, lowers, and bags included), and boasts an iPad2 as the control for its mammoth stereo system. In addition to the bagger, Steele brought his Model A Ford, and another custom bike that has a couple of its own trophies. Neither bike was in competition, they were for display only.
The Mon Valley H.O.G. chapter fired up the grill and served over 100 visitors and sold 50/50’s that paid $280 to the winner, while other volunteers manned the vendor booths, beer tent, and tabulated the results. As each bike came in, they were given a ticket for door prizes worth up to $1,200 from Cut Throat Airbrushing. That meant even if you didn’t place you could still win a prize. Once the prizes were handed out, it was time to bring on the trophies.
Here are the 1st place winners by category:
Non-Harley: Al DiVirgilio
Vintage: Greg Wisenauer
V-Rod: Scott Kalikowski
Sportster: Matt Dragovich
Dyna: Bill Schrader
Softail: Dani Jurnak
Softail Custom: Danny Eggerton
Touring: Mickey Costeline
Touring Custom: Denny Eggerton
Best Paint: Rob Farnsworth
Best of Show: Rob Farnsworth
Minutes after the Best of Show was announced, rain drops started to once again fall from the sky ever so lightly. It didn’t seem to bother most, as a great afternoon was had by all who attended the First Annual Hot Metal Harley-Davidson Bike Show.
Jesse James--American Outlaw (a book that I've been reading)
Love him or hate him, Jesse James is a prominent figure in the motorcycle industry as we know it. I want to make it clear that in no way am I "advocating" or "approving of" his actions, including his recent infidelity. That being said, Lets' get into the book because I haven't been able to put it down since I purchased it a few days ago, and I'm more than half way through. The book caught my interest because in 2010 I had an opportunity to sit down with Jesse and talk with him for my radio show.
I'm going to jump the gun a little bit.... a book report without finishing the book? Sure, why not. The epilogue of the book is him shielding his children from the press in the wake of splitting up with Sandra. The press in California is relentless. They stop at nothing to get pictures, including pictures of his innocent kids, which is a shame. They had nothing to do with it.
Once his kids are dropped off at school, Jesse heads into Long Beach to try and lose the paparazzi. Long Beach is a place he knows well. It's where he grew up. Long Beach, California has been made infamous by rappers like Snoop Dog, Dr. Dre, Warren G, and many more.
Jesse's life on Long Beach was far from easy. His parents split at a young age. His dad had a revolving door of step-moms who really didn't care for him. He wasn't exactly the model son or model student. He made his way though school by stealing and joyriding in cars to get around. His dad made him work the swap meet on the weekend, and that is where Jesse got his knack for salesmanship.
Jesse's release was on the football field. He was a large kid, making varsity in 10th grade. And we're not talking 'just' making the team, we're talking starter for offense, defense, and special teams. Football was good for him. It got rid of a lot of his pent up energy.
Besides football his other love was for Harley-Davidson Motorcycles--and customizing them. He even customized automobiles. In fact during one of his disagreements with his dad, he moved in with his girlfriend and her parents while in high-school. Of course he was given the rules of the house and for the most part he obeyed it.
He came home from a legitimate job at a furniture store doing delivery work and found his girlfriend cheating on him. This was a turning point for Jesse. Just when he though he had his head screwed on straight, he got knocked back down again. A friend of his, who was a bad influence stole a whole bunch of camera equipment and didn't have a place to store it, so Jesse agreed to warehouse it and his friend turned on him and Jesse took the wrap because he was underage, and it wouldn't go on his record.
Unfortunately, it cost him several FULL RIDE scholarships to schools all over the country including the University of Pittsburgh. No one wanted to have a thief on their team, and rightfully so.
The book goes on to talk about some more of his legitimate jobs, welding, fabricating and being a body guard. In fact, he toured around the world with Danzing as their personal security. It was when he saw a picture of a 50 year old roadie, that he realized this isn't what he wanted to do for a living.
He went on to work for Performance Machine and Boydd Cottington, the KING of custom and refurbished cars. In his spare time, he made fenders out of his garage and soon found himself making more money on the fenders than working for the Hot Rod Shop.
At that point he decided to move on and start West Coast Choppers... gaining the attention of the Discovery Channel... and the Jesse James as we knew him at the turn of the century was born..
That's where I am in the book, and I"ll stop here. Again, I don't condone most of his actions, however, he is a pop culture icon in the motorcycling industry and I think it's a story that needs to be told. When I finish the book, I will do a "Part 2" blog, but I think we all know where it's going to end.
Jesse James--American Outlaw (Part 2)
Now that I have finished the book, I am happy to report that the book was an overall good read. As I mentioned in a previous blog, the book started out with Jesse taking his kids to school all while trying to shield them from the paparazzi. Which is pretty much where the book ended.
The book came full circle. The most interesting reading though, was at the beginning of the book where Jesse talked about his childhood growing up on Long Beach and the struggles of growing up with an absentee father and a revolving door of step-moms. This is by no means an excuse for his sins later in life, but it certainly contributed to the cause.
Jesse throughout the second half of the book praised Sandra the whole way through. From the moment they met, through their marriage, through their break-up, he had nothing bad to say. He took full credit for all of his mistakes which ultimately landed him in rehab. I should note that he voluntarily went to rehab.
I'm not sure if rehab is the new "Hollywood" thing to do, but it sounded like Jesse made progress during his treatment and made the best of his time there. Personally, I think most celebrities use rehab as a crutch, but I truly believe that Jesse made peace with himself while on the inside.
I do feel bad for Sandra, and his children. No child should be thrust into the spotlight like Jesse's kids, however, he is doing his best to protect them right now. I haven't heard what is next for the infamous motorcycle builder turned television start, but I have a feeling we haven't seen the last of Jesse.
RENTING A LITTLE SUNSHINE…
Ugh, the ‘chance’ for more snow. When will it let up? Well, I guess I shouldn’t be surprised, I mean after all, this is winter in Western Pennsylvania in January. The cold doesn’t really bother me, but you really can’t take chances riding your bike with snow on the ground. Besides getting the salt off all of the chrome is like a race against time to avoid rust and pitting.
What I wouldn’t give for a few days of riding where I didn’t have to study the forecast as if it were a final college exam. I mean really, 3 days of sunshine and salt-free roads—that’s all I’m asking for. Too bad we couldn’t rent the sun from our neighbors to the south. Or maybe we can..
I’m thinking a weekend get-away to Florida to rent a bike would take care of my winter blues. Renting a bike is actually a good idea.
Sometimes when I go out of town and if it’s a tourist destination, I will rent a bike. For me this makes sense as I get to try different models, learn what I like and don’t like, and a two day rental is a fraction of a monthly bike payment. Not only that, I don’t have to clean the bike when I return it, it’s all taken care of.
There are many places you can go to pick out the bike of your choice. In my opinion, the best place to rent a motorcycle is through an authorized dealership of a specific motorcycle manufacturer.
For example, Harley-Davidson has a rental program primarily in dealerships located in the states where you can ride year round. You can rent just about every model Harley-Davidson makes. In most cases, there are only a few requirements to jump in the saddle. You have to have a valid motorcycle license, a major credit card, and you have to wear a helmet which comes with the bike rental—(unless you really want to go through airport security with your own helmet and tell the person with the wand that it’s “just in case.”)
If the brand of motorcycle that you prefer doesn’t have a rental program, there are places that carry all of the big names with locations all over the United States. One of the most reputable rental companies for the motorcycle industry is Eagle Rider Motorcycle Rentals. They carry late model Harley Davidson, Suzuki, Yamaha, BMW, and Honda motorcycles.
To the traditionalist, yes, I know… you’re riding someone else’s bike and it may not be your baby that you have in the sun… but it’s two wheels, the weather is warm, and it’s just you and the open road. In my book, that’s not a bad thing since it will be a few more months until the threat of snow is totally out of the satellite picture.
Here are a few tips on getting the best out of your rental experience:
- Pick a place that you’ve always wanted to visit that doesn’t get a lot of rain. Chances are you’ll enjoy that destination more on two wheels than four.
- Look for a dealership or a rental company that carries the brand of motorcycle that you are used to. Riding a totally different bike in unfamiliar surroundings may take some of the fun out of your trip.
- Go to a website that will allow you to shop for a better price on your airline ticket or one that alerts you via e-mail when a special rate opens up to your destination.
- When making your hotel reservations, chances are you’ll be spending very little time in your room. Go economy.
For about $650, you can have a nice little two-wheeled getaway and leave the snow and salt behind. All it takes is a couple phone calls or clicks of the mouse and you’re on your way to a renting a weekend of fun in the sun.
The writer is Operations Manager at Hot Metal Harley-Davidson located in West Mifflin and Host of “On the Road with Rocky” on 660 AM Thursdays @ 10AM.
FAMILY BONDING ON THE ROAD
The sun was shining, the temperature was 70-something and It was just my dad and I cruising down the road without a care in the world. That was June. It’s now November, the temperature is 30-something and it’s downright gloomy. Even though the weather doesn’t stop me from riding, my riding buddy thinks otherwise. Dad just put his bike away for a long winter’s nap. I’m going to miss tooling around town with him until spring.
Even though we both have a Harley, we are very different in many ways. He’s a blue collar steel worker and I’m not into manual labor at all. He just upgraded to a CD player and I’m on my third iPod. He grew up on Coca-Cola and I’m from the Pepsi Generation. He doesn’t wear a helmet and I have three. You get the point. We are from two different places in time yet we both share something in common. We love to ride our motorcycles.
It has taken our friendship to a new level. Riding a motorcycle is so much more than transportation. It’s recreation. It’s a hobby. It’s therapy.
Dad and I will go out for hours at a time and ‘get lost.’ Sometimes he’ll take me to where he grew up, show me where he used to ride and sometimes we’ll pull off and just talk. I’ve learned so much about my father’s past and he’s learned so much about me because our little day trips.
We make it a point to do a specific run every year. We like to do the Dog Run in Windber PA. We’ve literally watched the run grow from 100 motorcycles to thousands of motorcycles. The run has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars over more than 20 years for my hometown of Windber, PA. It doesn’t matter what else comes up on that particular weekend, we go to the run.
Not only has it brought my dad and I together, my mom tags along too. My wife and in-laws join us along with about a dozen friends that we’ve assembled over the years. It’s a fun weekend where there are no social boundaries. Everyone is equal.
I recently watched a “King of the Hill” episode where Hank and Peggy went out and purchased a Harley to bring them closer together. I had to laugh, because it works. I know this first-hand.
My parents act as if they are dating now that my dad has a bigger bike. He and mom go everywhere together. It’s like they are giddy high-school sweethearts all over again living in 1968. It has done wonders for their relationship. My in-laws recently upgraded their bike and they rode to Washington State and back on what turned out to be a 3-week second honeymoon.
Even though Dad is my riding buddy, my wife is my riding partner. When we can get a babysitter, we give the kids a kiss and hit the road. It allows us to focus on each other without the distraction of kids bickering over toys in the back of the mini-van. My wife and I are physically close on the bike with our bodies pressed up against each other. When she wants to talk to me she has to lean forward and talk into my ear. Her arms are wrapped around me and it feels like a hug that lasts for miles.
I guess my point is to show that a motorcycle is much more than a form of transportation. It has brought me closer to the important people in my life. It has taught me more about my Dad. It brought my parents closer together and it strengthened my marriage and reminded me why my wife is my best friend.
The writer is Operations Manager at Hot Metal Harley-Davidson located in West Mifflin.
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