Riding to Capitol Hill

A few weeks ago, we talked about the Kids Just Want to Ride Act of 2011, which was introduced into Congress on January 25 by Representative Denny Rehberg. The act is designed to remedy the ban on kid-sized motorcycles and ATVs that resulted from the passing of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act in 2009.

Both the American Motorcyclists Association (AMA) and the Motorcycle Industry Council (MIC) have been working with state, local and other national groups to help support the act.

“Congress knows that the risk to children comes from banning youth models, not from the lead in metal parts, and there now is a will to solve this problem once and for all,” said Paul Vitrano, MIC’s general counsel. “We urge Congress to stop the ban by either lowering the age range of ‘children’s products’ to age 6 and under or granting a categorical exemption for youth ATVs and motorcycles, as provided in Representative Denny Rehberg’s bill.”

The US House of Representatives Submcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing and Trade held hearings today to review the act. The MIC has worked nonstop to focus Congress’ attention on the unintended ban on youth model ATVs and motorcycles resulting from the CPSIA’s lead content provisions – and the safety risks that the ban presents to youth riders – and submitted a letter for the hearing.

While the House of Representatives reviews the information in front of them, there’s still time for concerned motorcycle enthusiasts to voice their opinion. Visit the "Stop The Ban Now" website where the MIC has posted links that lead you directly to your representative in Congress. The Stop the Ban now website also containes videos from several professional motorcycle riders, including Robbie Maddison.

Stay tuned to our blog for more information as it develops!

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Waiting for the Sun

February is here and the winter doldrums are in full effect – there’s plenty of snow, ice, cold winds and rain – but the sun has been noticeably absent.

So what can you do if you’re tired of cold winter riding?

There’s always the option of taking a trip to some place warm and sunny, but you can’t bring your bike with you. Imagine getting it through security!

Here are a few projects you can do while waiting for the winter winds to finish blowing.

Road trips:

Consider planning a road trip for the spring or early summer. A long cruise filled with side trips and sightseeing is the perfect antidote to the winter blues. Google Maps makes this project easy and interesting – all you need is a place to start and your final destination.

Maintenance

Making sure your bike is in top shape is an almost daily task, but there’s always that one project you never got around to, or just avoided. Reserve some time and go over every inch of your bike – pay special attention to the condition of your wheels. As always, don’t forget the drive train, engine, frame and electrical systems.

Upgrades

Whether you’re a street rider or an off road enthusiast, there’s always a special feeling you get from tweaking your ride. Take a moment to think when you said, “Wow, if only I had that special part on my bike.” No time like the present to purchase and install it! If your Christmas money has been spent, tax refund time isn’t too far in the future.

New Ride

Maybe it’s time to consider purchasing a new motorcycle – there’s nothing like having a brand new bike in your garage as you count down the days to good weather. Plus, there’s always that break in the cold that lets you get out and ride! Pete’s has the latest models for street and dirt, and we also stock a variety of previously owned bikes that fit any budget.

Visit Pete’s!

If cabin fever is getting you down, take a ride to one of our locations and stroll around! We’re always ready to talk motorcycles and riding with our customers!

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