FRESH FROM THE DEALER SHOW...

Ok, some of our management team just got back from the dealer show and they have our dealerships PUMPED UP! Let me first explain to you what the dealer show is. Every 6 months, Harley hosts a national show for dealers and select staff to all come together for the "what's going on at Harley" update. The show has everything from lectures from Harley's CEO and head executives, to merchandise for the upcoming seasons, the latest and greatest marketing campaigns, and of course this is where the newest Harley-Davidson models are officially launched.

This year along with our owners, the General Managers from both dealerships (Adventure and Mad River), the Motorclothes/Operations Managers from both dealerships, our CFO, and Marketing Manager attended the show. They stayed VERY busy with the product purchasing for 2011-2012, individual classes, and checking out all the new products and campaigns. But don't worry, they managed to find time for a little fun too. Here's the whole group (minus the wonderful photographer, Franscene, one of our owners)

Here are Margie & Jess after a LONG day of selecting what products to purchase to keep you (our customers) happy throughout the year!

And our Mad River ladies Jess and Jolene having fun with the wall art...

The coolest part of this year's show? The official launch of the H-D1™ customization station. For those of you who don't already know what this is... read carefully because this may be the coolest thing that Harley-Davidson has EVER OFFERED and Adventure is one of the first to have it up and running in our dealership:

http://www.harley-davidson.com/en_US/Content/Pages/H-D1_Customization/h-d1_customization.html?locale=en_US&bmLocale=en_US

Overall, this was an amazing trip (of course the Orlando weather didn't hurt) and everyone learned new and exciting ideas for every department to bring back to our dealerships and give us a head start on a kickstart to season.

:) Nicki (you didn't think you could get rid of me that easily did you!?)

We're BAAAAACK!

Did you think we forgot about you!? No worries, we've just been going through a few changes around here and we're excited to tell you about them! So first, my sincere apologies for leaving you hanging for the past 3 months. We're going to get back on a regular blogging schedule. Season is just around the corner and it's important to keep you updated on what's going on! So add our URL back to your favorites and let's get rolling.

Well here's what I can tell you. I probably won't be the one doing much of the blogging anymore. Don't worry...for good reason! I have accepted a new position within the company and am now the Human Resources Manager. Of course, that means we also have a new Marketing Manager. Let me introduce you to Erika!

(I stole this photo from her Facebook page, taken at the International Motorcycle Show this past weekend. She fits right in!)

Erika has an extensive background in art and graphic design and has an amazing marketing mind. She is a wonderful addition to our team and has done an amazing job in her first month in charge of our marketing plan. So...that being said, I will still be the one talking to you on our Facebook page the majority of the time, but Erika's voice will be heard much more often through our blogs/videos/marketing efforts. If you get a chance to visit our dealership, take a minute to welcome Erika to the team. We are excited to have her, and you all will be too!

So thank you for forgiving me for the lengthy break, but as I said, we're back and ready to roll into season! FORGET THE ICE, BRING ON THE WARM WEATHER!

:) Nicki

How to FIT your helmet...

When riding, among your most essential riding gear is your helmet, and without a proper fit, your helmet can be more of a hindrance than a help. If it’s too tight, it will create pressure on your on your temples and all around your head, causing a headache and an extremely uncomfortable ride. If it’s too big, it’s not only going to create a hazard for you, but you will likely have air between the helmet and your head causing the helmet to feel like a parachute which will give you sever neck pain and a choking sensation.

First, you must decide which style of helmet you prefer. Harley manufactures helmets in three basic styles: full-face, modular, ¾, and half. Each style has particular advantages and benefits.

- For instance, the full-face helmet is the warmest of the four types of helmets, and is naturally going to offer the most comprehensive protection to your entire head, face, and chin. In addition to a flip-up face shield, full-face helmets will typically offer more features such as venting and the necessary compartments for CB and intercom devices.

- ¾ helmets are the next type of helmet produced by Harley. They will often offer many of the same features such as CB and intercom device compartments, but the coverage does not extend to the chin area for riders who prefer not to feel restricted at the bottom of their faces. The anti-fog face shield on Harley’s ¾ helmet lifts, and riders can choose whether they wear protective eyewear in addition to the face shield.

- Modular helmets combine the benefits of full-face and ¾ helmets. Modular helmets offer full-face coverage but has a chin/face modular, which flips up for ease in taking the helmet on and off.

- The final type of helmet is the least restrictive—the half helmet. Although it is the least restrictive, all Harley helmets are DOT approved. Lightweight and cool, Harley helmets come in a variety of styles and colors and can be matched with a variety of accessories such as face shields, CB and intercom components, and even quick-release chin straps.

After you have determined which style of helmet is ideal for you, you should measure your head. Using a standard tape measure, start about an inch above your eyebrows and measure the circumference of your head. This measurement should be compared to the helmet size chart found on each helmet page on our website: http://www.adventureharley.com/Content/uploads/634148698593423E17.pdf

Step three is try on the helmet, being sure to adjust the chin strap so that it fits snugly under the chin and there is no space between the brow line and the lining of the helmet. At this point roll and shake the helmet. The helmet should not be able to move forward or to sideways on your head. Your skin should be moving with the helmet. However, be sure that it is not causing discomfort, because this will lead to headaches and discomfort during riding.

You should also try on your helmet with your eyewear to be sure that your eyewear and helmet in conjunction will not cause any uncomfortable pressure points.

Finally, since all helmets are non-refundable, it is important to know that the helmet that you choose will be comfortable for a long time. Wear the helmet that you are choosing for several minutes in the store to ensure that you will be comfortable while you are riding. You can take advantage of this time to check your range of vision by looking left, right, up and down to ensure that no part of the helmet is obstructing your vision.

If you follow these steps:
1. Choose your style
2. Measure
3. Try it on
4. Wear it
you will be much more likely to choose a helmet that fits you well and keeps you safe and comfortable.

For more information or a personal fitting by one of our trained MotorClothes associates, stop into Adventure Harley-Davidson, just a short ride away off of I-77, Exit 81. Adventure Harley-Davidson. Your Adventure starts here.

We Helped Paint Tusc Pink!

Yes we did! As part of Union Hospital's "Paint Tusc Pink" Initiative, we hosted a Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours to kick off the event! The whole idea of Paint Tusc Pink is creating a community involvement to the breast cancer awareness month (in celebration of October, of course).

During the event, we played casino games, had wonderful food catered by Dantes Pizza & Pasta House, drew for door prizes, let people ride the motorcycle simulator and most importantly... sold nearly 200 custom event t-shirts with 1/2 the $$ going to Susan G Komen for the Cure! Needless to say it was a great event, an awesome turnout, and a wonderful cause. Here are a few snapshots from the evening...

And the design of the custom shirt (thanks to the lovely and talented Ms. Cathy Straub)...

This was an exceptionally fun event. And definitely one that left us feeling great about helping. Let's all celebrate Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Paint America Pink!

:) Nicki

It's Fall!

Or it will be in a few hours anyway. Summer has come and gone once again and we're headed straight into the season of leaves, acorns, pumpkins, and football (O-H!). But more importantly, if you live in our neck of the woods, we're headed into the most beautiful riding scenery of the year. While I personally am partial to the scorching rays of sun and 95 degree days, I would venture to say I'm part of the minority.

Here is what most riders look forward to:

Tell me this road is not asking for a motorcycle to venture onto it.

Or how about this:

This is what the fall riding season is all about.

So, as you can see my friends, I am heavily outvoted when it comes to the adoration of Fall/Autumn/whatever else you want to call the 3rd half of the year. Most people love it. And I'm sure you can see why. Doesn't this just get you excited about riding in this weather?

I'll leave you with one more just because they're so nice to look at:

Enjoy the weather but most importantly, ride safe!

:) Nicki

Tattoos, Tricks, and Teddy Bears...This weekend is our biggest yet!

I've been hyping up this weekend for the past 5 months. I can't believe it's finally here! As promised, this will in fact be our biggest weekend of the year. I have no doubt in my mind.

Saturday, September 18th 9am-5pm
FALL OPEN HOUSE
...And one like you've never seen before. The Flat Out Freestyle stunt team is back for the 3rd year in a row to show off their tricks, flips, and fashionable twists off the huge ramps that have made them famous.

We are hosting a highly requested live used bike auction beginning at 12pm with one of our local auctioneers doing the calling.

We'll have Jessica Haney from MyMuseum back and ready to create some art on your body as she does on the spot tattoos on a first come, first serve basis. If you're not from this area, you may not know what a big deal this is. Jessica is not only one of the most talented artists in a tri-state area (we may be biased), but she also has about a year waiting list that you will be jumping if you come to this event.

Electric Mud, one of the most followed bands in our area, will be bringing their musical talents to our parking lot for your listening entertainment throughout the day.

Mahlon Troyer, our coveted pinstriper will be making an appearance and taking appointments to decorate your much loved motorcycles.

Keeping you in Stitches will stake out in our Motorclothes department ready to sew your new patches on for FREE.

And to top it all off...we will have a Kids Tent in case you want to bring the family!

Oh, and of course there will be food and ice cream. When have you ever known us to have an event without food and ice cream?!

Sunday, September 19th 8am-12pm
15th ANNUAL TEDDY BEAR RUN TO AKRON CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL
I know what you're thinking. 15 years!? That must be an awesome ride. You're right...it is. This is our largest group ride with over 1,000 bikes almost every single year. You'll come to the dealership between 8-11am to register. Registration is $5 and a new teddy bear or $15. We will line up the bikes according to entry time. Everyone will hang out, shop, and enjoy the dealership for a few hours while we wait for everyone to arrive.

At 11am, there will be a small presentation for the chosen "caravan kid" that is or was a patient of Akron Children's Hospital. We'll give out door prizes and announce the winner of the CUSTOMIZED MOTORCYCLE that has been raffled for the past few months. We'll then give the explanation of the route and everyone will leave at 12pm sharp for a police escorted ride to Akron Children's Hospital!

I hope you don't have plans for this weekend because we've made the plans for you! See you all on Saturday and Sunday as you help this weekend in September will go down in history as Adventure Harley-Davidson's biggest weekend ever!

Ride Safe. :) Nicki

Live to Ride, Ride to Eat!

Enjoy that crafty title? This is a fun motto adopted by our H.O.G. chapter before I came here. They always tell new members "we love to ride, but man do we love to eat!" What a fun way to welcome new members :) So...the point of this post is, I don't think this is limited to our H.O.G. chapter. Our dealership is notorious for our food.

If you haven't noticed, we do a lot of events at our dealership. We do rides, music, door prizes, kids stuff...you name it, we've done it. But every event seems to have one common denominator: food. We always have popcorn on Saturdays. We always have lunch on Saturdays. We always feed our H.O.G. chapter for their meetings. We always have food vendors for events. We always have appetizers for ladies nights. I'm telling you - when I'm event planning, I am ALWAYS ordering food! This, of course, benefits our customers. We're not trying to make you plump or anything, but you have to admit that after a long ride, nothing is better than a fresh cookout or ice cream.

I don't think I need to ramble any more. Let's leave it at this: If you're a person who loves to ride and loves to eat, Adventure is somewhere you need to be. Live to ride, and ride to Eat!

:) Enjoy.
Nicki