by Buzz Kanter - Publisher/Editor-in-Chief
I wouldn’t try to guess how many times in the 30 years I’ve been riding motorcycles that I’ve used one to transport myself to a place far away from all the problems and pressures of the everyday world.
I’ve not found a better way to escape the day-to-day frustrations than to pull on some riding gear and head for the back roads on my Harley. Once on the road, it might take a few miles, but eventually I know the stress peels away as I focus on the ride. Understanding what most of us are facing in this tough economic climate, we can all look forward to when our biggest decision is if we should stop for gas or food. With that in mind, it’s never too soon to start planning on a weekend or longer getaway, perhaps with a riding buddy or three. And a motorcycle road trip can be a lot cheaper and more fun than most other kinds of vacations.
I’m hearing from some riders that they won’t be able to make it to their favorite national events this year. Dollars are tight, they can’t get off work, and other reasons. But that doesn’t have to mean no overnight riding trips. How about trying some other events a bit closer to home? Obviously, I can’t list them all here, but here are a few of the motorcycle events that caught my interest (and dozens more are listed in the calendar section of
www.AIMag.com).
Starting this month and running through October, there’s the action at the Maxton Mile. I went to these land-speed record races for the first time last fall, and had a blast. I recommend checking this out as a racer, race supporter, or spectator. The 2009 events will be held April 4-5, May 16-17, June 27-28, September 19-20, and October 24-25. For more information visit
www.ECTA-LSR.com.
For vintage motorcycle enthusiasts like me, there are plenty of events spread across the country that are worth a ride. The first event (which I am planning on attending myself) is the wonderful Ride Into History in St. Augustine, Florida, on May 15-17 (
www.RidingIntoHistory.org). Then there are the many outstanding Antique Motorcycle Club of America meets and road runs. Too many too list, but there is one in Oley, Pennsylvania, on April 24-26; Rhinebeck, New York, June 12-14; St. Paul, Minnesota, June 12-14; Belfast, Maine, June 16-19; Dixon, California, June 19-20; Grand Ronde, Oregon, July 23-25; Wauseon, Ohio, July 17-19; Davenport, Iowa, September 3-6; Jefferson, Pennsylvania, October 2-3, and Death Valley, California, October 5-7 (
www.AntiqueMotorcycle.org).
HOG members have lots of options, with at least one rally in each state and the granddaddy of them all, the national rally in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, June 26-27. For all of you living and riding in America’s heartland, mark June 27-28 down for J&P Cycles’ 30th anniversary bash in Anamosa, Iowa, an event I very much enjoyed last year, and am
planning on riding to again this year.
Know about a great biker-friendly event? Share it with us and all our readers by posting it on our free calendar at
www.AIMag.com.
Win A New Big Dog Motorcycle & More
In celebration of our 20th anniversary, we’re throwing a
year-long party and giving the presents to our readers. Lots of great giveaways, including a new Big Dog Wolf, new S&S 113" engine, and so much more. It’s easy to enter the drawing, with a list of prizes and all the details you need on page 170 in this issue, or online at
www.AIMag.com.
Baggers & Bobbers Magazine
Do you own or want to build a bagger or bobber motorcycle? We have good news. In addition to our regular monthly issue of American Iron Magazine, we publish a couple of special newsstand-only issues every year. Our next one, called
American Iron Magazine’s Baggers & Bobbers, goes on sale April 21, 2009, everywhere that sells the regular American Iron Magazine. This issue will feature some really great customs, do-it-yourself tech, and many of the latest products. As you can tell by the name, it will be focused only on baggers and bobbers. If you can’t find this one at your favorite newsstand, go to
www.GreaseRag.com to buy yours (if we haven’t already sold out).
Ride safe, ride smart, have fun.
May 2009 - Who Cares? Let’s Ride 
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