Colorado Rider News

Colorado Powersports

 

 

07/20

What is Independence Day?

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Laurie Montoya, Publisher

Anyone who knows me, knows that I am usually not at a loss for words, but I was literally at a loss for words about what to write about this month.  I have spent the past 2 days trying to write something that was inspirational or educational about the meaning of Independence Day in 2020.  After, much thought, I realized I am not main stream media.  There is already to much about this on social media, and you can hardly turn on the TV without having to endure news breaks or daily briefings.  Friends and family are suffering right now, and many readers are on the front-line fighting this virus or have been financially affected by the shutdowns.

Colorado Rider News is supposed to be fun and informative.  However, it makes it hard to add that content, when almost every ride or event in our monthly schedule is based on COVID-19 or the current state of the protestors and rioters.

We care about this powersports community, the small businesses that we go to for parts, service, food/beverage, our places that we call home which are now completely changed and struggling.  The doors may be open, but it will take months if not years, for recovery from this first shutdown.  

So here are some updates on upcoming events that we all count on each year.

Ride for Life First Responders Poker Run – July 11th is CANCELLED FOR 2020.  This event helps first responders with resources for their mental health and suicide prevention.

Cripple Creek Salute to American Veterans – August 21-23 –  we spoke to Jim Wear of Pro-Promotions and as of the time we went to press, Jim stated that we are still a GO for the August event.  There will be some changes that we will post as we get closer to the ride.  For more updated information please go to www.theveteransrally.org 

Colorado Women’s Ride – August 29th  is CANCELLED – City of Golden informed the organizer that due to COVID, that they would not issue a permit for the 2020 ride.
*******UPDATE –  Organizer  Susan “Bubbles” Risky  is working with Rider Justice and Dirty Dogs Roadhouse to continue to help the community and on the 29th they will host a Day of Rock with suggested donations going to BikerDown Foundation to help injured riders.  

Can  you SEE me Now – Look Twice Ride – September 5th – Normally this ride is held in May during motorcycle awareness month, but due to the shut-down rescheduled this ride for September.  You can pre-register by going to www.bikerdown.org.

6th Annual Hornbuckle Foundation Poker Run – September 12th – This event is put on by the Hornbuckle Foundation and supported by the Sober Souls, MC & Dirty Dogs Roadhouse.  Proceeds from this event will be used to help those suffering from substance use disorder to assist them with sober living and recovery coaching.  For more information and updates please go to www.hornbucklefoundation.org 

We are still unclear what the future will hold for weekly bike nights and other charitable rides.  Colorado Rider News will keep you updated as we get more information.

Lastly, we have updated our Biker Owned Business (B.O.B.)page with some new business that bring more diverse products and businesses to our page.  It has always been my hope that riders would look to our B.O.B. page when you need a service done, keeping those biker dollars within our community.

As always enjoy the ride, let us know what we can do better and BE SAFE OUT THERE

— Laurie Montoya, Publisher
Colorado Rider News
info@coloradoridernews.com 

New Rider: Making All the Right Moves

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Scott O'Sullivan - The O'Sullivan Law Firm, motorcycle accident attorneys
Scott O’Sullivan, Founder of Rider Justice and The O’Sullivan Law Firm

No one needs to tell a biker how dangerous it can be on the road. Every rider can give a laundry list of close encounters without batting an eye and those who haven’t been lucky enough to avoid collisions have battle scars to tell their story.

My goal with Rider Justice, is to always focus on how to keep riders as safe as possible while celebrating the biker lifestyle that brings them joy. As a law firm, of course we are here to help riders that have been injured in an accident, but what if we could do more to be proactive? This question is always top of mind for me and my team.

So, when I met Tamara, someone who wanted to begin riding but hadn’t just yet, I knew I had a golden opportunity to help make sure this person got started on the right foot. Moreover, we developed a plan to document her journey as a way to help other new riders. 

Meet Tamara

I met Tamara a couple years ago as she worked in a restaurant I frequented in my neighborhood, and over time we’ve become friends. It was with great surprise when one day, she announced to me that she wanted to ride a motorcycle. After some very serious conversations filled with my best fatherly advice, she was undaunted and more determined than ever to get on 2-wheels. Knowing the potential dangers that lie ahead, I asked if she would let me guide her journey and she agreed. 

Tamara moved to Colorado from Southern California. You should also know that she has been horseback riding since she was ten years old. Her parents signed her up for riding lessons before sending her to a summer camp that had a horse program. Once she was riding, she was hooked.

That camp was in Buena Vista, Colorado and when she got into high school, Tamara began working at that same camp each summer teaching other kids how to ride. Now, with lots of years riding, and even competing with horses, she’s ready to move on to something new.

Tamara says, comparing riding a horse to what she thinks riding will be like. “It is kind of nice to be able to travel from point A to point B having the wind on you and being out in the open as opposed to riding in a car.”

Motorcycle Endorsement

First things first, Tamara needed to take a riding class. Not only would the class teach her how to ride and best practices, she would have a chance to actually ride a bike that she didn’t have to purchase first. 

Those who know me, know that I have a history of riding, but that I stopped after losing a friend many years ago. It doesn’t change that I miss riding a LOT! So, I took the class with Tamara, just for grins. And man, it was so fun!

We worked with Dave Tolbert who owns Motorcycle Training Academy in Aurora. He pointed out to us that excited new riders often go buy a new bike before knowing how to ride and then end up laying it down or knocking it over by accident and damaging it right away. So, in addition to waiving the DMV test by getting your endorsement in a class, a benefit of taking a class is using someone else’s bike to practice with. Moreover, they have a number of bikes for you to try. 

I’m pleased to report that on March 5, 2020, Tamara and I both passed the Basic Rider Course and got our endorsements!

Gear & The Bike

Knowing that Tamara had her eye on adventure riding as well as street riding, we brought her to work with our friends at Erico Motorsports. There, she worked with Stevie, the apparel specialist who is also a female rider and Nick who showed her all kinds of bikes.

Stevie had lots of great tips for Tamara regarding gear and how to evaluate gear for on- and off-road riding. Tamara left with a great helmet, jacket, and gloves!

Tamara had her eye on a Ducati Scrambler but she also liked the look of some of the Triumphs, too. Nick helped answer all of her questions. In the end, Tamara found the ride she’s been dreaming of: a 2018 Ducati Scrambler Café Racer. 

Follow the Journey

Even though Tamara is off to a great start, we’re not done yet! You can follow her journey by following her on Instagram, by following us on either Facebook or Instagram where we will share updates or go directly to the videos documenting her progress so far at RiderJustice.com/features. We are continually adding new videos showing what she’s up to in her learning process.

If you have suggestions for new riders, I’d love to hear your recommendations. Call or text me at 303.388.5304 or email: Scott@RiderJustice.com.

Gov. Polis orders bars and nightclubs to shutdown again

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Just when you think you can live with the NEW NORMAL for our biker bars and restaurants, things can change faster than you can blink. We have all watched our local biker restaurant bars like Dirty Dogs Roadhouse and others have 2 weeks of profitable business, thereby giving them the revenue to restock depleted supplies and beverages. These establishments have revamped their indoor dining, purchased more tables and chairs to amplify the number of customers they can serve. All their staff are wearing masks, and on most tables you will find bottles of hand sanitizer in the event you need to clean your hands or re-sanitize.

“We have spent more money than we had adhering to the requirements of state and city government to open a few weeks ago and are prepared to seek whatever legal remedies are available to remain open.”

Anonymous bar owner

On Tuesday, June 30th, Gov. Jared Polis again ordered bars and nightclubs to close amid rising coronavirus cases. It appears that Colorado has taken a step back in its reopening. COVID-19 infections have increased for two straight weeks and in particular, the rise is growing among younger Coloradans. Public health officials have attributed that increase, in part, to parties, protests and travel, while the governor also credited the uptick to bars and clubs — where it can be difficult to practice social distancing.

“Whether you personally go to bars or not, just understand that they are important for many people in our state… but there is not a way that we have found for patrons to be a reasonably a safe distance apart.”

The question is what does this mean for our local biker restaurants and bars? I spoke with 2 bar owners in Aurora and Golden who said that if they have to shut down completely again, they possibly will not survive another 30-60 day shutdown. One owner who asked to remain anonymous stated, “we have spent more money than we had adhering to the requirements of state and city government to open a few weeks ago and are prepared to seek whatever legal remedies are available to remain open.” They also stated that they cannot afford a possible lawsuit against the state, but if it is the only way to survive, that they will not go under without a fight.

Colorado Rider News will continue to keep you updated as more information becomes available.

The World’s Strongest Denim Performance Jeans Custom Fit

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We are excited to introduce ARMALITH, the World’s Strongest Denim Performance Jeans in CUSTOM FIT. We know whether you are riding the freeway, the Million Dollar Highway, or the local backroads, getting and keeping your head in the game is essential for personal safety. To do that, you need your riding jeans to fit and be comfortable for you! 

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  • Jeans developed to resist impact and abrasion in a motorcycle fall. 
  • Jeans can be fully armored. 
  • Jeans made-to-fit. 

We believe every rider should get the pair of Performance Hi Abrasion Denim Jeans they will live in on or off the motorcycle. We can provide you with performance denim riding jeans that combine the comfortable fit of your favorite pair of jeans with the safety and technical qualities of leather made from ARMALITH, the World’s Strongest Denim. 

Here is how we do it: 

  • Send us your favorite pair of riding jeans that are comfortable sitting on the bike for longer rides. 
  • Answer a few simple questions. (Do you need a cell phone pocket? Or body armor?) 
  • We will send you a sketch and wait for your sign off and go ahead. 
  • We will make a pattern, sew, and ship your favorite jeans and your new jeans to your door in 2-4 weeks! 

Find us at www.hanmotogear.com  and begin today to create your custom fit performance denim riding jeans.

Diann Barton and Russell Fox “A True Biker Wedding”

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On June 27th, I had the distinct honor and please of attending the biker wedding of Diann and Moonshine. COVID or no COVID, this couple was determined to not let the virus impede on their nuptials.

The ceremony was officiated by Rob, co-owner of Dirty Dogs Roadhouse and Diann and Moonshine were surrounded by all of their biker friends, family and probably a few hundred more that just wanted to wish them well. 

We wanted to share this day with those that might not have been able to attend and to give them forever memories. Diann and Moonshine mean so much to BikerDown, #2Wheels4Meals, Dirty Dogs Roadhouse and the biker community. 

On behalf of the Colorado motorcycle community, we wish you both a life filled with happiness and joy!

Motorcycle Training Schedule

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Motorcycle Training Academy have a massive schedule of motorcycle classes available in Aurora and Colorado Springs. They train riders for everything on 2 or 3 wheels!

Basic RiderCourse

Basic RiderCourses available every week:

  • Monday & Tuesday
  • Wednesday & Thurs
  • Saturday & Sunday

For new riders or returning riders. Successful completion gives you paperwork to get your endorsement and to skip the DMV test. This class is a total of 18 hours including a 3-hour eCourse, 10 hours of riding, 5 hours in the classroom. Who should take this class:

  • The best place for new riders to start once you’ve made the decision to ride.
  • Riders wanting their Colorado motorcycle endorsement. (other States MAY also accept this course)
  • Anyone who has little to no motorcycling experience.
  • Military personnel wanting to fulfill installation requirements.
  • Riders returning to motorcycling after a few years of not riding.
  • Riders seeking motorcycle insurance discounts from many major insurance carriers.

Experienced RiderCourse

The Experienced RiderCourse is offered every Friday.

Who should take this class:

  • Riders who already have basic skills.
  • Riders wanting their Colorado motorcycle endorsement. (other States MAY also accept this course)
  • Recent Basic RiderCourse graduates who want to become more confident on their own motorcycle.
  • Riders with experience who want to enhance their skills on their motorcycle.
  • Riders returning to motorcycling after a brief departure.
  • Military personnel wanting to fulfill installation requirements.
  • Riders seeking motorcycle insurance discounts from many major insurance carriers.

Check out our website for all classes available: MotorcycleTrainingAcademy.com