Harley-Davidson enjoys the female motorcycle attention

Posted by admin on May 6, 2011 No comments

A part of the riding world that has always recognized and promoted women riders is the iconic motorcycle manufacturer, Harley-Davidson.

While many are courting to the fairer sex as the International Female Ride Day approaches, Harley-Davidson is preparing to celebrate its 3rd Annual Women Riders Month this May. started to recognize the increasing number of women who are hitting the open road on two wheels the event has also been used to inspire even more women to get into the saddle of their own motorcycle.

It’s not simply because women look much better on a motorcycle that has the two-wheeled world looking to the gentler gender, women riders represent one of the fastest growing demographics in the sport of motorcycling.

In fact, the Motorcycle Industry Council reports women now account for 23 percent of all U.S. motorcyclists and Harley-Davidson is the number one motorcycle choice among women riders.

Throughout the month of May, Harley-Davidson and their worldwide network of dealers will host a series of events to celebrate women riders, including a special day for women to commemorate the freedom and independence of riding, by hitting the open road on Saturday, May 14.  Local dealerships will also host women-only Garage Parties throughout May and the rest of the riding season.

Harley-Davidson has long had an online resource to help women get into the sport.  the site includes inspirational stories from female riders, a “Roadmap to Riding” that shows you how you can start riding your very own Harley-Davidson in six simple steps, as well as calendars of upcoming women riders events.

Joining the Motor Company to celebrate women riders during Women Riders Month is supermodel and Harley-Davidson enthusiast Marisa Miller.

“Every time I start my motorcycle, my heart starts pumping faster,” said Miller.  “Learning to ride has changed my life.  the challenge of riding has made me stronger and given me a new outlet for my adventurous side.  I’ve met dozens of women riders who share my passion for the open road and I’m honored to help inspire even more women to get started on their riding journeys.”

One more ride: Piaggio MP3 scooter

Posted by admin on May 6, 2011 No comments

Photo: Mike Leung

As my colleagues have openly stated, $9,000 is a lot of money for a scooter is a lot of money. (Read: “Revisiting the Piaggio MP3” and “First impressions: Piaggio MP3.”) After getting on the seat again, I still feel less confident riding it than a motorcycle. plus it is less comfortable, agile, and entertaining than a motorcycle—especially at that price point.

My take: the three wheels are fine when you first start out since the leg length to touch the ground isn’t an issue with the three wheels and locked suspension, allowing the scooter to stand upright on its own. Once you’re on the move and need to come to a stop again, however, the suspension will only lock at about zero mph and it requires you to balance the scooter, or put your feet down to stabilize the bike before you can lock it.

Due to my shorter stature, this was not fun or confidence inspiring. I found riding on local roads more aggravating due to the constant need to shuffle forward to get my feet on the ground. this is all very different than the Can-Am Spyder, which supported itself fully all the time and even had a reverse gear.

This brings me to my next complaint: even if you never had to put your feet down on the ground when stopping and starting, you would still need to be able to put your feet on the ground to push the scooter in reverse. on flat land, this isn’t that big of a deal, since the suspension is locked and you can even walk beside it to push it out of the parking spot. However, on a hill this is a very different situation, and I found it very tiring and frustrating when trying to back it up my pitched driveway and into my garage for the night.

Matcha Chocolat Lotus Selection Chocolate Review

Posted by admin on May 5, 2011 No comments

Another season is upon us, which means another collection of tea-based chocolates from Katie Christoffers’ Matcha Chocolat.

The presentation is exactly the same as previous collections – the box hasn’t changed at all – only the contents have changed. Well… most of the contents, at least.

Masala Chai Milk chocolate ganache infused with Masala Chai enrobed in a dark chocolate dome and topped with crystalised ginger. This chocolate has formed the centrepiece of all Matcha’s collections. Although it’s a great tasting chocolate, with a subtly spiced ganache and a nice piece of crystalised ginger on top, I would have preferred to see something new here, particularly as you get four of these chocolates per box, and three of all the rest.

Genmaicha Dark chocolate enrobed square with milk chocolate ganache infused with Japanese Genmaicha tea. The only non-domed chocolate in the collection, and an interesting one too. The ganache is described as “nutty” and “leafy”, but I picked up more burnt toffee and coffee flavours from it. The soft, smooth dark ganache works well with these more earthy flavours.

Secret Garden Dark chocolate dome with milk chocolat ganache infused with violet scented tea and a layer of violet jelly. I’m quite partial to violet, so the first thing I did with this was to eat the little piece of crystalised violet on the top. Yum. The flavour continues all the way through the chocolate, with the tea just providing a delicate spicy flavour at the end. Not my favourite of the bunch, but still very nice!

April Snow White chocolate ganache with white tea liqueur enrobed in white chocolate. A soft and creamy white ganache with a subtle fruity aroma and flavour. The flavour of the tea comes through right at the end, when the sweet creaminess of the white chocolate has started to fade. another great chocolate, but I’m not entirely sure why a chocolate called “April Snow” is in an autumnal collection!

Keemum Mango Milk chocolate dome with milk chocolate ganache, inflused with mango scented tea and Chinese Keemum tea, topped with dried mango. I didn’t really pick up on any tea flavours at all with this chocolate. just a creamy, mango flavoured ganache. Again, a great chocolate, but not something I’d call spectacular.

Overall, another beautifully made and presented collection. The flavours are subtle, and the ganaches are light and smooth. It’s a quality product made by a skilled chocolatier.

But I still have niggling doubts about tea chocolates in general. it wasn’t the tea I picked up on here, so much as the flavours that have been added. Perhaps I just drink too much PG to truly appreciate them.

Car and a Van But Still!

Posted by admin on May 5, 2011 No comments

Camp is a need for more and sometimes the obligation of the option. since the announcement backpacker camping outdoors is a way that the more adventurous can enjoy the adventure of an ordinary man can rejuvenate. After all, if you think about it, there are many times when we just get so tired of the routine life. wives at home are tired of doing nothing but sitting at home all day, and professionals tired of everything that goes into office with 5 phones ringing, scolding, and scolding to be given, reports are made and appointments are kept , and adds that ‘, homework children and expenses, bills and there you will have the perfect recipe for a nervous breakdown.Breakdown as these can easily be avoided by the camper. In fact, campers can be calculated with a gift from the gods are looking for an adventurous adventures, as well as the common man is suffering from the pressures of life. These vans are sold in the country, second hand or in a camper van sales showroom in the country. These machines, as the name defines, in principle, large vans, which have been modified and equipped with standard amenities of a regular house, in order hiker or just someone who can go a long journey and then go to the park campground and sleep in the bed so comfortable on the bed at home, if not better. some expensive cars travel up to wash clothes washing machines and cook in a microwave oven that catches the early morning, or take tea in the morning. there are a number of campers, who are super Backpackers luxurious and bigger and better in every way than the house itself.

“Author’s say’s” Backpackers thanks to the people who make more adventure and more people looking for hiking, camping-car sales have increased considerably in recent years. Many people also go to showrooms to buy second hand vans old midfielder truck and then renew so they can be used over and over again, like a car and a camper if necessary. this means that the van is converted into a caravan when needed and works as a town car full time, and others.