ims 09

     Good friend Ron Cox and I hit the rode a little late
Saturday morning. We were headed to Chicago and
the 28th Annual Cycle World International Motorcycle
Show. Chicago, really Rosemont, is one of 13 stops
the show will make in 2008-2009.   This year the show
is supported by 11 leading manufacturers and endorsed
by the American Motorcyclist Association and the
Motorcycle Safety Foundation. Showcasing a kizillian
new motorcycles, scooters, ATV's and aftermarket
products, if you're looking for anything related it's sure
to be here.

     This year the IMS introduced an
"Explore Motorcycling Welcome Center" located just
inside the Main Entreance.   Here new and core Riders
could stop in to locate any specific vendor's location,
check on scheduled Action Features, Seminars and
Special Events and help them plan their day. I wasn't
surprised to see Rusty Harmening helping out at the
booth. For those of you who don't know Rusty, she is
a very active motorcyclist activist in the QC area.
She is deeply involved with the Women On Wheels and
is currently the Illionis State Ambassador. She is also a
long term council member of the Bi-State Motorcycle
Awareness Council. This year celebrating its 25th
Anniversary Awareness Parade on May 2nd.
www.awarenessride.com/   www.womenonwheels.org/

    Another new addition to the show was a multimedia
platform.   Located in the center of the hall, it was
dubbed "The Hub". Here attendees could watch
informative seminars showcasing the latest trends,
technology and Bikes.

    There are always soooo many things to see at this
event. A new Scooter Pavilion spotlighted high mileage
transportation options including the Piaggio MP3, three-
wheeler and an all electric Vectrix Scooter.
Vertika Trykes-USA showed what they think a trike
should look like. I must say they are a little different but
I'm sure they'll find a following. Manufacturers from
Aprilia to Suzuki use this show to introduce new models
and give attendees a chance to throw a leg over them.

    I had the opportunity to visit with Tim, a representative
of Moto-Angels. What is it I asked? He explained the
501(c)(3) non-profit organization is made up of
motorcyclist helping motorcyclists. They provide
assistance and support to Riders, communities and
families through their Fallen-Rider Fund and general
Philanthropic Fund.   The Motor-Angels Fallen Rider
Fund was established to provide assistance to families
who have lost a primary caregiver to a motorcycle
related fatality. What an amazing undertaking. To learn
more about how to help, donate or know a family in
need of their services go to www.moto-angels.org
Thanks Tim and your organization for helping Riders in
need!

    It had been a long day when I finally caught up with
friends Steve and Jennifer Rosales, Motorcycle
Friendly Allstate Insurance agents from East Moline,
Illinois.   They were in town for the weekend and we
had hoped to meet up at the show. It was a welcomed
site to see familiar faces in the endless sea of humanity
that this show draws every year. I also want to say Hi
to Gary and Pat Cox. I was really taken back at
running into you guys!

   Ron and I were making our way through the masses
when we came upon the Open Road Radio booth.
They had a "Rim Of Fortune" (so to speak) game going
on and were asking the audience there if anyone knew
the MC club responsible for starting the Sturgis MC
Rally? After they asked a second time I blurted out
Jack Pine Gypsies and won a chance to spin the Rim,
winning what it may stop on. I gave it a spin and the
pointer clicked around to settled on a FREE Beanie
Hat from Hellanbach. "Cool"   Thanks Gina Woods,
Hellanbach and the gang at Open Road Radio-now
streaming live on www.openroadradio.com

   I've managed to get to this show for several years now
and have never been disappointed. It has always been
an exceptional event. If you have never attended the
Cycle World International Motorcycle Show, try to fit it
in next February. You won't want to miss it!

   I want to thank Ron for putting up with me and our
wives for letting us loose.