Cris Sommer Simmons was the only American woman riding in the Motorcycle Cannonball Endurance Run that wrapped up September 26, 2010 in Santa Monica, Calif. Cris finished 20th overall. She spoke with me by phone three days after her history making ride from her home in Hawaii where she is relaxing after riding her 1915 Harley-Davidson across the country.
First Interview: Cris Sommer Simmons on her Cannonball Run
The coast-to-coast Cannonball Run is now history and one of the two women riding in a field of 45 motorcyclists is the winner in her class of machine. Katrin Boehner, a 41-year-old rider from Germany, won the class of single cylinder, single speed bikes riding her 250cc 1907 J.A.P. motorcycle 3,000 miles over 16 days.
A Woman Rider Wins her Class In the Cannonball Run
When a rider buys a motorcycle, it’s not uncommon for him or her to change out certain components so he or she is comfortable on the new bike. The two most commonly replaced parts are the seat and the handlebars, two of the three places on the bike where the rider comes in contact with it, the third being the foot boards or footpegs. It’s rare for a person to own a completely stock motorcycle.
REVIEW: Helibars Handlebars Help Riders Get the Right Fit
Reinventing itself for the 30th annual nationwide tour, the International Motorcycle Shows is set to take over 12 cities across the country. From New York to California, powersports fans will be treated to a 21st century experience designed to invoke more passion, excitement, sense of belonging and product selection than ever before. And WRN has learned exclusively that once again, an area devoted to specifically to women riders will be part of the 2011 shows.
New Womens Center at Motorcycle Shows This Winter
Cliff Brown is a Motorcycle Safety Foundation instructor who has seen far too many well-meaning men put safety last when choosing a motorcycle for his spouse. In this story, Cliff walks us through the critical steps and tips every husband or male partner should know before introducing his wife to the world of motorcycling.
Reader Story: So You Wanna Buy Your Wife a Bike?
Yamaha is unveiling several new models for 2011 including a new cruiser called the Stryker from its Star Motorcycle line. The chopper-esque Styker is a middleweight cruiser powered by a 1300cc fuel injected liquid cooled V-Twin engine.
New Middleweight Cruiser Part of 2011 Yamahas
Im heading off on another press tour, this one courtesy of the state of Idahos tourism bureau. Ill be testing some of the 2011 Harley-Davidson models Ive not yet gotten seat time on, as well as bringing you a story about the incredible countryside the Tetons and Yellowstone National Park that are literally in my backyard. How fun to be able to do this with 10 of my favorite female moto-journalist friends.
Editors Blog: Touring the Teton Loop
I’m always on the quest for the perfect tire gauge. I need one that sits firmly on the valve stem and gives me an accurate reading the first time. So many of the pen style designs are flimsy and cheap so I wonder if their read out is even accurate. So, I was excited… yes, I get excited over good tire gauges…when I was asked to test the newest digital tire gauge in Roadgear’s offerings
REVIEW: Roadgear Digital Tire Gauge
The green trend has finally sprouted in motorcycling, with one of the more emerald-colored entrants being California-based Zero Motorcycles, a company manufacturing electric motorcycles. Imagine power cords instead of gas pumps and you get the green idea.
MOTORCYCLE REVIEW: Zero Electric Motorcycles
Lockstraps LLC was formed in 2009, shortly after the president of the company, Jeff Cranny, had the misfortune of having motorcycles stolen from his truck. He realized the importance of being able to secure his truck bed cargo from potential thieves. It prompted him to find a dependable device to secure his valuables. Jeff’s idea was to produce a heavy duty tie down with a combination lock.