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 1^st 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 1^st 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.

SADDLE-UP & RIDE WITH HOT METAL HARLEY-DAVIDSON

Finally, after a few chilly and cloudy Saturday events inMarch and April, the clouds parted for May and we had a beautiful afternoon forour Saddle-Up and ride BBQ on the 12^th at Hot Metal Harley-Davidson! 

The day started early with free coffee and donuts for ourguests.  The Open House flags went up,the cones came out, and the music started playing at 9AM.  Given the fact that Hot Metal has afirst-come first-serve Saturday in our Service Department, we already had abuilt-in crowd to kick off the day.

The Mon-Valley Hog Chapter kicked off the demo rides at10AM.  Our demo fleet’s line-up consistedof a model from each family, several customer-requested bikes, and for thefirst time we introduced a Tri-Glide to our line-up.  The trike was a favorite among demo riderswho had a fun time knowing that they no longer needed to put their feet downwhen they came to a stop.

At noon a hearty BBQ meal was put out for hundreds to enjoy.  Our lunch was catered and included BBQchicken, baked beans, cheesy potatoes, and hot dogs that were served up by HotMetal’s own Corl Rowe and Ruth Holzer as well as Terry Owens from the HOGChapter.

Inside our guests were treated to 50% of end of season gear,and an offer of a $750 gift card towards Parts, MotorClothes, and Service onall new remaining 2011 model year Harley-Davidsons.  50/50’s were also a big draw for people whopurchased tickets right up until the 2PM drawing.

In honor of Monther’s Day, Curves put together a free registrationtable that consisted of a gift basket and a generous handful of two-month membershippasses to their gym.

On Friday, May 19^th Hot Metal Harley-Davidsonkicked off our first Friday Night event of the summer with the band “Sea ofHeads.”  The band covered everything fromclassic, to alternative to new rock, plus some of their own music.  The lead singer, Rick Ashcraft is a publishedsongwriter from Nashville and the bassist was Hot Metal’s own Master Tech, IanArlia.

To keep up with our events pick up an events list directly fromHot Metal Harley-Davidson or visit our website at www.hotmetalharley.com.  You can also become one of the almost 4,000people that “like” hot metal on our facebook page at www.facebook.com/hotmetalharley. We’ll see you on June 9th for our Anniversary Party, and onJune 15^th for a Movie Night, where we will show “Captain America” onthe big screen outside with free popcorn and munchies!

Hot Metal Harley-Davidson is always the first in the Pittsburgh Market to try out new and creative innovations from the Motor Company.  When Harley-Davidson came out with a program where you can put one of our demo seats on your bike, we jumped at the chance to get these seats in.

The beautiful thing is that you don't have to try out another bike just to see what the seat feels like.   You can now try it out on your own bike, no matter what the year.  This takes the guess work out of "will it help me reach the controls better, will it allow me to be flat footed, will it push me back further, etc."

Please watch this very short video from our Parts Manager, AJ to find out more about the program:

Bike Nights are a beautiful thing!

I have to admit... I was a little nervous about last week's Bike Night at Quaker Steak and Lube off of route 51.  This was the first time we would have our proverbial "dog and pony" show out for the year.  Believe it or not, it takes weeks and in some cases months to prepare for an event that lasts a few short hours once per week weather permitting.

When we got down there to set up last week, there were some bikes scattered here and there.  Set up was quick and flawless, we knew where everything was and where it needed to go, and we brought the perfect mix of people.  By the time we were set up bikes were coming in by the handful.

Once I started playing the music, the crowd started to get into their own rhythm pretty much the same way I remembered it from last year.  This year was a little different.  This is my 5th or 6th year going down there and with each year, I meet new people and learn new stories.

It was almost a homecoming of sorts.  Faces you haven't seen in months all the sudden appear, slap you on the back and give you a hug.  It's a great feeling to be back at the Lube again this year.  Granted, we only had one "official" Bike Night of the season, but I'm looking forward to some fun times down at the Southland.  Hopefully the rain stays away and even more friends come out of hibernation and join us tomorrow night (Weds May 2nd) at Quaker Steak And Lube ~ Rocky

What a busy April... and it's not over YET!!

Hot Metal Harley-Davidson sprung into the month of April with their Spring Opener on Saturday, April 14^th.  The looming clouds in the morning parted way for a day filled with events, food, and fellowship.  The Pennsylvania Motorcycle Safety Program representatives were on hand to pass out new rider manuals, literature on their free courses, as well as the famous yellow diamond stickers for vehicles. 

Lisa Worsing, the Secretary for the Mon Valley Hog Chapter, and former Pennsylvania instructor demonstrated the slow ride technique and the maximum braking technique.  Operations Manager, Rocky Marks showed the stopping difference ABS brakes make on a 2012 Harley-Davidson Ultra Limited.  The shorter stopping distance raised some eyebrows from onlookers during the demonstration and quite possibly may have converted some old-timers to try the new technology.

Parts Manager AJ Haddad gave a demonstration on LED lighting and Harley-Davidson’s BOOM! AUDIO system, while David LeDonne, the MotorClothes Manager talked function, fashion, and safety.

Hot Metal’s 2012 Demo Fleet was on-hand for riders to try out.  Each family of Harley-Davidson was strongly represented in the line-up and reservations weren’t required to take a turn on the Motor Company’s latest models.  Hot Metal believes strongly that any endorsed rider can demo any bike so long as the weather permits, even if it isn’t a demo day.

The guests leisurely enjoyed a catered meal topped off with dessert.  While the tunes of the DJ along with the rumbling of the motorcycles in and out of the parking lot created a long awaited ambiance which was music to many people’s ears.   Those sounds will soon be heard again when Hot Metal Harley-Davidson starts up Bike Nights with Quaker Steak and Lube on Route 51 every Wednesday night through September.

Rider Insurance was in attendance giving free rate quotes and handing out their 2012 swag.  The Mon-Valley HOG Chapter signed up a few new members to go riding with them this summer and held a 50/50 drawing. 

As guests came for regular first-come first-served maintenance, they received a warm welcome as they pulled into the service entrance. “I stopped out for my 1,000 mile service on my 2012 Street Glide to find a Party! Thanks,” said Gregory Bigger.

Hot Metal Harley-Davidson as a full line up of events in May including the Saddle Up and Ride Open house on May 12^th, a Bonfire with local band Sea of Heads on May 18^th, and Demo Rides and Hot Dogs on May 26^th.  All of Hot Metal’s upcoming events can be found at www.hotmetalharley.com or www.facebook.com/hotmetalharley.  

The all new 2012 Softail Slim from Harley-Davidson!

We've had this bike on the showroom floor for several weeks now and it is one beautiful bike!  Styling went out of their way to create a meaty old-school Bobber look.   Take a look at the video and you will see the work that went into this bad a** Softail

THE LADIES GARAGE PARTY IS RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER!

It is finally here, the Hot Metal Harley-Davidson Ladies Garage Party!  We are making the final preparations for tomorrow night's festivities.

One of the biggest reasons we do a Garage Party is to have a girls night out without the guys, and let the ladies take the handlebars on their own.  It's no secret that motorcycling is predominantly a male sport.  However, women ridership is on the rise and Hot Metal Harley-Davidson wants to encourage women to ride in front of or beside their male counterparts.

The night promises to be filled with fun, entertainment, and information.  There will be several stations set-up throughout the dealership that will talk about all of the departments that make up our state-of the art dealership.

We'll talk about the functionality and styling of the MotorClothes, the ability to accessorize and get performance out of your motorcycle, financing options, the ability to service  your own motorcycle, and we'll go over the latest Harley-Davidson Motorcycles themselves.

If you are interested in going, or know of a lady who is, please have them contact Carrie at 412-464-9453 or carrie@hotmetalharley.com !  See you tomorrow night!

SEPTEMBER HAS BEEN A BIG CHARITY MONTH FOR HOT METAL HARLEY-DAVIDSON

Even though summer time is winding down, the charity rides at Hot Metal Harley-Davidson were still going strong well into September. The first two weekends played host to two charity rides that benefited the Ronald McDonald House Charities and the Obediah Cole Foundation for Prostate Cancer Research.

On September 3rd, Hot Metal Harley-Davidson, Y108 Radio and Live Nation teamed up to benefit the Ronald McDonald House Charities with our second ride out to The First Niagra Pavilion to see Toby Keith. Country music artists are generally big supporters of various charitable organizations, much like motorcyclists, so this ride was a perfect fit for everyone involved.
The $35 tickets were sold weeks in advance up to the day before, and included a catered lunch with a different Toby, the owner of Hot Metal Harley at the helm of the grill. Entertainment buy a local country music act, a full police escorted ride with Zeke from Y108 to Burgettstown, and VIP parking at the venue.

Zeke rolled in at 1PM to get the party started and took pictures and uploaded them to the Y108 website right from the party in the parking lot. Once we got our food on, we enjoyed music from the Kieger Band and drew the back stage pass winner.

The Allegheny County Sheriff's Department escort vehicles lead us on a flawless non-stop ride to The First Niagra Pavilion. Motorcycles two by two stretched for over a mile riding through back-country windy roads and small towns along the way. People came out to wave, we beeped our horns and the escorts kept the sirens on the whole way to the front gates for us.
Once we arrived at First Niagra, we had our very own lane into the venue while the other vehicles in line had to wait. They didn't seem to mind 125 motorcycles rumbling into the tailgating areas, and the people partying cheered us on as we pulled into our own corral where the bikes would be safely stored through the entire performance.

The following Saturday, September the 10th was the Man-Up and Ride Poker Run that Hot Metal Harley-Davidson put together for the Obediah Cole Foundation for Prostate Cancer Research. The charity was founded by former Steeler Robin Cole who made it to our HOG meeting the previous Wednesday to encourage riders to come on the ride and get screened for Prostate Cancer.
Robin and I also talked about the event on Hot Metal Harley-Davidson’s weekly radio show, Road Hogs with Rocky Marks on 102.5 WDVE and on Pittsburgh Today Live on KDKA-TV to raise awareness for both the foundation and the ride.

The poker run kicked off at 10AM with Robin and took riders all the way out to Hidden Valley via 51 to 136 to 31 with several stops along the way to pick up their cards. The ride coincided with Hot Metal’s Wide Open house and customers had a chance to get their blood screened on-site thanks to the foundation.

There was a Chinese Auction that included signed Steeler and Pirate memorabilia, including an autographed Harley-Davidson pub table and stools. A $250 gift card to Hot Metal Harley-Davidson was awarded to the best hand and a $100 gift card was given to the worst hand. At 4PM, Robin Cole was again on-hand for the drawings, he signed autographs, and thanked everyone for coming out to support the charity.

Charity is important to Hot Metal Harley-Davidson and we understand that raising money for a cause is just as important as raising awareness. When it comes to prostate cancer, we learned 1 in 6 men are at risk of being diagnosed. Over 230,000 men over the age of 40 are affected every year. This is right in line with the average age of Harley-Davidson riders, and why it makes sense for us to get behind these great causes.

ONCE YOU LEARN HOW TO RIDE A BIKE, YOU NEVER FORGET-Does the same hold true for motorcycles?

My Son Braiden, 8 years old.

As some of you may know, I’ve been on track to lose weight.  As of this blog I’m almost down 70 lbs in just under two very long years.  I’m doing it through proper (or as close to proper as I can get) diet and exercise. 

For exercise, my favorite thing to do was to sit on my exercise bike and watch old C.O.P.S. re-runs. That was good through the winter, spring, and beginning of summer, but I decided that I needed to change things up a little bit.  I was getting bored, and had assumed that my body had gotten used to my hour long routine night after night.

Recently I pulled my bicycle out of the basement, added lights and started riding at night.  My primary goal for this initially was to add to my exercise routine however I've uncovered a secondary goal that is even more important than losing weight:  Getting “back to the basics”.

The saying is “once you learn how to ride a bike, you never forget, right?”  WRONG.  And if you don’t practice the basics, you could be dead wrong.  Seriously.

Go back to the very first time the training wheels came off and remember everything your parents told you. It was scary… Really scary, especially for a 5 year old. 

I’ll never forget my parents talking about the dangers of riding on the street: car doors flying open, cars not seeing you, trying to run you over, pulling out in front of you, gravel on the road, cuts, bruises, and brushes to get the cinders out of your road rash, and this was all discussed BEFORE getting your very first bicycle lesson.  Yet, you still got on.

Fast forward to today.  When you head out on your motorcycle, do you think about any of those lessons we learned through the years?  We’ve all had them.  It may have been your dad, mom, brother, or sister that helped you. For me I will never forget pedaling down the street talking to my dad as he held the back seat only to find his voice got more distant the faster I went.

He let go, but it was at that moment I realized that I knew how to handle two wheels.  I was unstoppable on two wheels.  It was my ticket to freedom.  Anywhere I wanted to go in the neighborhood, as long as I made it home before the streetlights came on.

Sure, I got many bumps, bruises, and scrapes... but with each wound I learned something new.  As motorcyclists, we’re taught to avoid pieces of wood in the middle of the road.  As an 8 year old, I remember piling those pieces of wood up higher so I could jump them.

I guess what I’m getting at is that in order to ride a motorcycle, you need to learn how to ride a bicycle.  In order to ride a bicycle, you need to be prepared for the boxes of bandages from the past and learn from each cut, scrape, or bruise.

Often I get on my motorcycle as if I’m in a trance because it has gotten to be so routine.  I unlock the bike, put on my gloves, helmet, glasses, and back out of the garage.  Put it into first gear and go.  It’s that simple.  Or at least I thought it was that simple until I pulled the bicycle out of the garage for the first time in years.

Talk about a flash flood of memories coming back in an instant.  I had to stop before I pulled out of my garage.  I looked both ways and then looked both ways again.  I got to the same stop sign I ride to with my motorcycle and found myself waiting even longer to pull out onto the main road.

Once I’m on the main road, I’m constantly looking in my mirror, looking at my path in front of me and watching out for car doors.  I find myself anticipating other vehicles movements and preparing myself for all the “what ifs” my parents told me about over 30 years ago.

Never forget the basics.  Take a basic class then take an advanced class.  They are free in Pennsylvania.  Or if you don’t want to wait for a weekend to open up, pull the bicycle out of the garage, and you’ll get that same rush of knowledge we all got decades ago and you will remember it as if it was yesterday. 

I guess the saying should go like this:  Once  you learn how to ride a bike, and as long as you remember the basics, you never will forget how to ride.

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.