Motorcycle Events in Maryland

Consider this blog post a public service announcement of sorts--at least for those who are in need of a monthly overdose of all things motorcycle.

And need I remind you, if you don’t have a motorcycle yet, and would like to show one off, Pete’s Cycle can take care of that. But if you do have a cycle, stop on in to check out the latest GPS devices, machines and riding clothing.

Here’s the best of the best in terms of local events:

What: AMA Arenacross - Baltimore

When: Friday, January 10, 2014  -  Sunday, January 12, 2014

About: This is Arenacross!—need I say more.

Where: 1st Mariner Arena, Baltimore, MD.

More Info: http://www.cyclefish.com/event/13965/

What: Timonium Motorcycle Show

When: Friday, February 7, 2014  -  Sunday, February 9, 2014

About: Every foreign and domestic motorcycle manufacturer available in USA on display. 100's of exhibits covering everything in motorcycling...Huge Custom and Antique Bike Show... Entertainment and Celebrities...New Swap Meet Building dedicated to Garage Built Cafe Racers, Choppers, Drag Bikes & Motorcycle Art. After Party and a Whole Lot More...

Where: Maryland State Fairgrounds - Timonium, Maryland

More Info: http://cycleshow.net/

*** discount tickets are available at all 3 Pete's cycle locations

What: Bikes to the Beach - 4th Annual Rally

When: Thursday, April 24, 2014  -  Sunday, April 27, 2014

About: Look for all types of new exciting biker events for the Spring Rally in Ocean City Maryland! From bull riding, bike shows, custom builders, awesome vendors, great food and lots of drink specials! Great time of the year to come to the beach and get the Spring season revved up! Hope to see you there!

Where: Ocean City, Md.

More Info: http://www.oceancitybikestothebeach.com/

What: Monster Energy AMA Supercross

When: Saturday, April 26, 2014

About: AN FIM World Championship

Where: Metlife Stadium-East Ruthorford, NJ

More Info:

http://mobile.supercrossonline.com/Events/2014/04/26/East_Rutherford,_NJ/

***discount tickets are available at the Pete’s Cycle Baltimore Location

What: 9th Annual Ride for Life Motorcycle & Spring Music Festival

When: May 10, 2014               

About: The ride begins at Hereford VFC, 510 Monkton Road in Monkton. Registration begins at 10:00 am and motorcycles go out at 11:30 am. The ride fee is $20.00 for the rider and $10.00 for a passenger. The fee includes a patch, rocker and a pin. All bikes are welcome. The 55 mile country ride will go through northern Baltimore County. The ride ends with food, vendors, silent auction, 50/50 raffle and live music. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to create a memorial garden. For more information call (410) 908-3784.

Where: Ride begins at  510 Monkton Road in Monkton, Md.

More Info: http://www.thehopeandpeacefoundation.com/

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Going for a Group Ride?

Going out for a group ride? Interested in doing so but haven't yet for some reason? Now is as good of a time as any. Sure, it’s easy—just find a place to meet and go riding. But before you do, keep a few things in mind to keep yourself safe, and keep your bike from needing a new paint job.

Hold a pre-ride meeting. During this meeting—which will most likely be a parking lot or your friend’s driveway—discuss hand signals, when to stop and the desired route. Assign a lead and sweep rider (these should be the most experienced riders). The sweep rider should have a cell phone handy in case of emergencies. Some universal cycling signals can found here.

Stagger your riding formation. Staggering your formation will keep your group visible to trucks and other vehicles while also providing the front/back and side-to-side flexibility—the swerve—required for riding. However, with sharp turns on one lane roads switch to single file formation. At intersections and lights, tighten up the formation, as this will ensure everyone gets through the light.

Keep the group to a manageable size. According to the Motorcycle Safety Foundation, the ideal size is around five to seven riders. If you have got more than that, split up into smaller sub groups, each with a lead and sweep rider.

Focus. Focusing on the bike in front of you is an easy habit to fall into when group riding. But it is a bad habit. When making turns, focus rather on the turn and the road ahead, as this will give you more time to react, since you’ll see something before you simply emulate the rider in front of you.

Keep your least experienced rider in mind. This isn’t just common courtesy, but an integral part of keeping everyone safe, whether it is around turns, top speeds or navigating through tight traffic. Ideally, your leader should go the speed that the least experienced rider is comfortable with. But sometimes this is not the case. If you find yourself wanting to go a bit slower, drop back and signal the sweep rider that you are doing so. And be sure you know the meet-up place to catch up with the group down the road.

And one last thing. Pete's Cycles carries the complete line of Scala Rider communication systems. The Scala systems are intercom headsets designed for motorcyclists, and have received top awards for their efficiency, durability, and comfort. Come on in and grab a set.

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The 1000 Horsepower Castrol Rocket-Soon to be the World's Fastest Motorcycle?

Yup, you read that title correctly: the World’s Fastest Motorcycle!! Well, not quite yet for the Castrol Rocket, but it looks like the 400 mpg glass ceiling for motorcycle speed records is going to be broken.

Officially the brain child of Matt Markstaller’s Hot Rod Conspiracy, with some help by Carpenter Racing Engines, the 1000 horsepower Castrol Rocket was designed for one purpose—beating the existing 376 mph record, set in 2010 by Rocky Robinson. The Castrol Rocket did visit Bonneville last August, but serious attempts at a speed record were thwarted by not not-so-good weather conditions and some tuning issues.

With so much of the focus these days going to the world’s fastest computer, or world’s fastest cell phone processor, it’s good to see people valuing what could be called the original “arms race”—the fastest thing on two wheels. And yet today’s motorcycles have perhaps more in common with rockets and airplanes than, for example, an original Curtiss V-8, which set the land speed record in 1907 at a “whopping” 136 mpg. Click here to learn more about the Castrol Rocket.

While here at Pete’s Cycle we cannot promise you’ll break any land records with our machines, we can promise that whether you are traveling by road, dirt or water, we can get you that adrenaline buzz you need to start out the new year. That is a guarantee we can stand behind. Make 2014 the year for Speed.

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Come see the New Suzuki KingQuad 400 Lineup

We can pretty much thank Suzuki for the 4-wheeled ATV. It truly was the “First on 4 Wheels,” as the saying goes. The year was 1983 when Suzuki first introduced the now classic LT-125, a modest machine by today's standards, but groundbreaking for its time. Prior to that, it was a 3-wheeled world. Thirty years later, they are still a top competitor. Their new Suzuki KingQuad 400 lineup, available at all Pete's Cycle locations, exhibits just what has kept Suzuki in the business for so long.

Whether you are taking it for a joyride through the hills, on a short hunting trip or hauling the logs in your backyard, this machine has a sporty edge combined with the muscle to complete the difficult jobs. The KingQuad 400 lineup also comes equipped with a new digital speedometer, a fuel-injected 376cc four-stroke, and industrial strength front and rear carrying racks will allow you to carry just about anything, for as long as you need to. And those are just a few of its new features.

At Pete's, we're proud to carry the top Suzuki ATVs. Come on in to any one of three Pete’s Cycle locations—Baltimore, Bel Air, Severna Park--or visit our home page by clicking here.

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Consider a Snow Blower for the 2013 Winter Season!

According to predictions, Maryland is set to have a frigid winter and a heavy helping of snow. And it’s important to start preparing for what lies ahead. For starters, leave the snow shovel hanging in the garage and let the latest model Honda Snow blower do all the work. For instance, the HS724TA Track Drive comes with easy start technology, 24” clearing width, and the ability to move upwards of 50 tons of snow per hour!

Whether or not you need to clear your driveway or your parking lots, there is always a machine to match your needs. Prices range from $699 to  $3,000. Click here to see the full range of options.

At Pete’s we can also outfit just about any ATV or side by side with a variety of all-purpose snow plows, and we can guarantee your back will thank you for it! Prices start at $497.

 Be sure your machine runs perfectly in Spring! Come on in to any one of three Pete’s Cycle locations—Baltimore, Bel Air, Severna Park—and we would be happy to keep you up-to-date with all the right information and prepared in keeping you and your cycles safe through the winter. Or visit our home page by clicking here.

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Winterizing a Motorcycle

Winter is coming fast! And it’s time to start thinking about how to store your machine over the snowy season. Remember that an engine’s biggest enemy is moisture on its inside. In other words—corrosion. Especially vulnerable are the piston rings, cylinder walls, and valve seats.

Click here for some great advice and steps you need to take to winterize your machine. Anyone can do it. And, believe me, it’s worth it. Be sure your machine runs perfectly in Spring!

Before you begin, you’ll need a few items, such as cleaning cloths, spark plug wrench, a trickle battery charger, four or five quarts of high quality oil, new oil filter, oil can, and so on. Definitely make a trip to any one of three Pete’s Cycle locations—Baltimore, Bel Air, Severna Park—and we would be happy to keep you up-to-date with all the right information and prepared in keeping you and your cycles safe through the winter. Or visit our home page by clicking here.

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Fall is a Great Time to go Off Road Riding

It doesn’t matter whether you prefer your tires to spit up mud or dirt, Fall brings with it the best riding weather mother nature has to offer. With the off road area’s offering better views as the leaves are blown to the ground, and the crisp air beckoning us to take the trails less traveled, it is the time of year that motorcycles and atv’s are designed for.

Be sure to  visit the link below for some info on great trail riding spots in our area. And don't forget to stop in at Pete's for all your off road riding needs from boots to jackets to goggles and gloves!

Here's a link with a few places to hit the dirt in Maryland. http://www.enduro.4t.com/riding.htm

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