Live on the EDGE!

Rider's Edge that is :) Have you heard about our Rider's Edge New Rider Course? It's a Harley-Davidson sponsored course that allows you to get your motorcycle endorsement in just 4 days! The class is awesome, trust me. I took it in 2008, but we'll get to that. Let me first tell you a little bit about how the class works.

It's a four day class but it feels much faster than that. The first two days are spent in the classroom (at our dealership) just learning about the bikes, the dealership, and the safety guidelines to riding in general. You will have 2 certified instructors to walk you through every step of the way. The classes run from 6-9pm to ensure that even if you work, you still have time to get to the class. Then the real fun begins.

On Saturday you spend the day RIDING! You start by walking the bike (a 492cc Buell Blast) and move all the way into 3rd gear by the end of the day. Your instructors teach you tips and tricks having to do with safety to ensure you're well prepared for your riding test the next day. On Sunday you'll spend the majority of the morning learning more manuevers and practicing everything you have learned in the past three days. Then, after you are well prepared, you will take your riding test. With all the one on one training you've received, it's not too tough - I passed! And at the end of all this fun, you'll all come back together on Monday night for a pizza party at the dealership and to receive your endorsement...yeah!!

So here's the deal. I took the course back in 2008 without ever having driven a stick shift car. If you asked me what a clutch was, I would have looked at you like you had 4 eyes. But, I felt 100% comfortable from the very beginning. Any pre-class jitters I may have had completely disappeared and I became a riding machine. Every bit of the course made me feel better and better about my abilities. I made some awesome friends along the way and had the experience of a lifetime. And now I have my endorsement! Here's me in all my glory right after passing the class...




Now that you know all about what the class has to offer, you need to be a part of it. Contact Deb Fishley, she's our Rider's Edge Program Coordinator and will be happy to tell you about our registration specials and class availability. Her contact information is: 330-364-6519 or deb.fishley@adventurehd.com. Or you can just swing by the dealership for more information. Here's our Rider's Edge website to give you a better idea of what to expect:
http://www.adventureharley.com/riding-classes.

Ladies, get off the back of the bike! Guys, get yourself endorsed! Contact Deb today. I'm so glad I did.

Nicki :)

What We're Up To...

Just because I know you were all wondering :) I did a quick zoom around the dealership and grabbed some photos to keep you up-to-date on the happenings of Adventure. First and foremost, it APRIL! Which means it's almost MAY! Which means it's almost SUMMER! Trust me, I share your excitement. And because that special season is just around the corner, every department in our dealership is gearing up for riding season. We've got some awesome events coming up and some even better specials! Here's a quick update from each department:

Bike Sales
Still rockin' it out! There's not very much time left on our 1.99% financing offer. So if you were thinking about making the move before...stop thinking about it! Come talk to one of our friendly (but not pushy) sales associates and get on that bike you've been drooling over. And don't forget, you can demo any bike, any day, any time. No questions asked.
Motorclothes
Margie informs me that the Summer apparel is coming in by the truckloads! We're working on getting it all displayed, but if you're ready to skip out on the rest of this Winter weather junk and get yourself a nice tank and capris - you know where to find us. We also just got this great shipment of kids apparel, our biggest selection ever! Now you can get your kids started off on the right foot...

Parts
In my last blog I told you all about our new H-D1 Factory Customization Station that we had just launched. Since then we are swamped with inquiries about how to build your own motcycle and we are LOVING IT! Trust me, this is one thing you don't want to miss. Take a minute and talk to one of our Parts Associates about everything the station has to offer! It doesn't just look cool, the content is pretty awesome:

Service
Now that you're all thinking about Spring/Summer, isn't it time to get your bike ready? Our Service Writers are working hard to get everyone in and out quickly so now is the time to schedule your oil change or Spring Maintenance. Don't wait because the minute that sun comes out, you're gonna want to be ready to hit the road. Ask about our monthly specials!
Elsewhere
IT'S RENTALS SEASON!! Check out our great Spring specials on our website at http://www.adventureharley.com/. Test ride a bike for a whole weekend with no strings attached, or just have some fun. And don't forget, we've always got hot coffee with all the fixin's.

Ok, so if I haven't given you enough reason to visit us yet, make sure you stay current with our upcoming events. Follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/adventurehd (over 16,000 followers!) or check out our website for updates. Now I'm excited just from writing all this. We hope to see you VERY soon and remember, ride safe!

:) Nicki

Adventure HD Is One of the First to Debut Exclusive H-D1® Factory Customization Station!

In February, 2011 Adventure Harley-Davidson in Dover, OH became one of the pioneers for the newest innovation in Harley-Davidson® Motorcycles with a brand new H-D1® factory customization station. As the newest element of Harley-Davidson® customization, H-D1® factory customization lets you create your very own custom motorcycle straight from the factory, selecting different wheels, seats, handlebars, paint and engine finishes altering the motorcycle for their personal fit, function and style.

Harley-Davidson launched a brand new 1200 Custom Sportster® for this customization process. The 1200 Custom is Sportster® to the core has a new look, offering a compelling combination of bold styling, nimble handling and the irresistible beat of American V-Twin performance. It features new wheels, a pull-back handlebar, a reshaped LED tail lamp, wide front end and chunk 16-inch tire for a proud stance that’s strong and contemporary.

The exciting new look of the 1200 Custom is just a starting point for this Sportster® model, because with the the H-D1® factory customization (available at Adventure), you can now also custom order the 1200 Custom in more than 2,600 combinations from the comfort of your home with the bike builder on www.harley-davidson.com or directly at Adventure Harley-Davidson.

You have the ability to view the bike you are creating as different options are selected on www.harley-davidson.com. A printed description of your bike can be reviewed at Adventure Harley-Davidson with one of our H-D1® trained experts where accessories can be installed to further customize the motorcycle before it is ordered. You can expect to be riding your new bike in as little as four weeks from the time an order is placed with Adventure Harley-Davidson.

These are just the newest elements of H-D1, Harley-Davidson’s comprehensive offering of customization tools, which also includes Genuine Motor Parts and Genuine Motor Accessory catalogs, the Genuine Motor Accessories Custom Seat and Custom Paint programs, the Chrome Consultant and Fit Shop advisors at Adventure Harley-Davidson , and more.

This new Factory Customization Station is taking Harley-Davidson® to a whole new level. This is truly the future of the brand and Adventure Harley-Davidson is honored to be one of the first to feature it. For more information on everything H-D1® has to offer, please call 330-364-6519 and asked to speak to one of our experts. You could be riding the custom bike of your dreams in no time at all!

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