Verification post

This post has nothing to do with custom Sportster motorcycles, motorcycle maintenance, riding with my CMA brothers and sisters (and eating ice cream!) or any other fun motorcycle topic like making a Kawasaki Concours C10 last for 100,000 miles.  Nope, it's a simple verification post, but if you've read this far, thank you!

A Big Day for the Blogs!

My three blogs will pass 10,000 hits in total today!  Sure, there are some blogs that get that many hits a day, but this is a milestone so I’m going to observe it.  After 6 years of rarely posting, finding a “voice” for my blogs, learning rudimentary search engine optimization (SEO) techniques and even starting to post YouTube videos, these blogs are “real” blogs, not just one or two posts.

I’ve learned the discipline working writers talk about is all too true, and the advice about capturing ideas when you have them.  One of the interesting side projects is that I am also publishing stock analysis articles on Seeking Alpha-which both improves my writing, my stock analysis, and hopefully my investment returns!

I’ll post a belated “Thursday Thought” later today-yep, reminded again on writing discipline!  Have a great day.

BikeBandit "Best of/Worst of the Season" Sale going on NOW!

In what might be a first that I've noticed, BikeBandit is having not on a "Best of" sale, but also having a "Worst of the Season Sale"!  Some of the items are downright scary-the 3-ring binder is pretty expensive-but I haven't bought fancy school supplies in a long time.

So here's the deal:  I'm an affiliate marketer with BikeBandit via Commission Junction, so if you click one of the links on this page, I'll get a commission based on your purchase.  You can take advantage of the BikeBandit sale (and as always, free shipping for orders over $99) whether you want some motorcycle gear, accessories, or motorcycle maintenance tools, parts or supplies.

We both win!  You don't even have to buy me a Ben Spies Bobblehead as a thank you!

Independent shop review: Liberty Cycles, Hinesville GA

My travels recently took me through Hinesville GA.  Right across the street from my hotel was a small Polaris dealership and custom/service motorcycle shop.  So for the first time in too long, I was able to visit a new-to-me indy shop, and this one fit the bill totally.  Original owner, long-time service tech, and blister-pack parts that have likely been on the walls since shortly after the shop opened.

Ken, the owner, was willing to chat, so we discussed a few different topics.  As a Polaris dealer for nearly 20 years, Ken was able to confirm some things I have learned researching Polaris as a company since they have re-introduced Indian Motorcycles.  Since he only sells Polaris quads, not motorcycles or snowmobiles/snowmachines (remember I was in Hinesville GA) he had a different perspective from the dealers I spoke with at the International Motorcycle Show or multi-line dealers in Southern California.  Ken told how he became a Polaris dealer.  Back in Desert Storm when many of the soldiers from the nearby base deployed, his maintenance, repair and customization business nearly collapsed.  A hunter from the nearby area brought his Polaris quad by for repair, and Ken and his service tech at the time noticed the quality of the vehicle and ease of repair compared to other quads.  He contacted Polaris, and over the next few years became a dealer.  Over 20 years, he has built a well-balanced business balancing service and accessory sales with Polaris quad sales.  I didn't get to ride any of the quads, but Liberty Cycles has a good selection of good looking vehicles.  Of not, I want to give them credit for an outstanding deal-if you bring your wheel in and the replacement tire, they will mount and balance the new tire for $20!  If you are anywhere near here, stop by and say "hello".  While I haven't used them, I'd bet you could get some motorcycle maintenance completed in a timely and cost-effective manner.  Hope I can throw some business their way.

Well, that's all for tonight-ride safe!