Thunder Beach, Myrtle Beach, Wing Ding, BMW MOA, Americade,

The busy season of a motorcycle rally has come and gone.  Despite the economy's echo of "the sky is falling", motorcyclists have continued to get away and take a ride to their favorite rally or show. Since April after Leesburg Bikefest, we've done Thunder Beach in Panama City, Myrtle Beach in South Carolina, Wing Ding in Knoxville, the BMW MOA in Pennsylvania, and driven all the way to Americade in Lake George, NY for the biggest touring rally in the US. Motorcyclists were out in good numbers and getting away from it all even if just for a few days.

While it doesn't look like people are buying new motorcycles, they are enjoying what they have and buying riding gear and accessories to enhance their existing ride.  These shows have been a welcome break from the everyday grind and provide an opportunity for riders to take some scenic rides, fellowship with other riders, check out the latest and greatest in the motorcycle industry, and to shop for just about anything motorcycle.

All these shows had good crowds, smiling faces, and had rider's spending some of their hard earned money on themselves and one of their favorite hobbies.  There was no talk of the economy, politics, or contemplation of the future.  It was just about the riders and the ride.  You can say what you want about motorcyclists but the truth is that they enjoy the moment as much as anybody in the world.  While riding a motorcycle it's about paying attention, it's about leaving everything behind and being in control of the ride.  It's about being in the moment, enjoying your surroundings, discovering what's down the road, and being present for all that is going on with you and your motorcycle.  It's no wonder during down times that the motorcyclist continues to ride.  It's a get away like not other and a mental health break from all that ails you. 

The fall season is coming up and while the show circuit is a little slower, we can be sure that we'll see riders at Fall Thunderbeach, Biketoberfest, and the International Motorcycle Shows.  Rider's who may have put their bikes up for the winter will have a place to go and dream and think about the upcoming riding season for them and their motorcycles.