Keep It Moving, With Fast Pass

http://www.petescycle.com/service.asp


So you’re confroneted with the age old challenge – do you give up a few precious hours on the weekend to service the bike yourself, or take it to a garage and wait forever for a mechanic, who might not work on a lot of bikes, to take care of your baby?

There’s another option: Pete’s FAST PASS.

The FAST Pass is a service that will have you in by morning and out the same day, and focuses on the critical, high-use parts on any street bike.

Services include
• Tire changes
• Chain adjustment
• Battery test and/or replacement
• Light fall-over items (levers, mirrors, turn signals, etc.)
• Brake pads
• Installation of OEM materials (not to exceed 2 hours)
o Windshield installations
o Services models 2001 year or later
o 1st services and service intervals requiring 3 hours or less time

The FAST PASS service was created to help bikers get their rides back out on the open road, but at the same time, making sure all of the critical areas had been addressed.

Don’t waste your time trying to take care of everything on the bike yourself, summer isn’t that long!

Call the professionals at Pete’s Cycle and see if your bike qualifies for FAST PASS – you’ll be in and out and back on the road.

Contact Pete’s at one of our three locations:
• Baltimore 410-663-8556
• Bel Air 410-879-3586
• Severna Park 410-647-5880

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How to Ride Responsibly

It’s a well known fact that sportsmen who call the outdoors their playground are seen as more responsible for their actions.

Surfers are all concerned about the cleanliness of the water, hunters talk about making sure the woodlands are preserved, even golfers take an interest in keeping the environment clean so their favorite courses remain pristine!

Dirt bikers and ATV enthusiasts are no different – although sometimes we get a black eye because the actions of a few tend to be associated with all of us – kind of like a few rotten apples spoiling the entire barrel.

Riding responsibly doesn’t really take a great deal of extra effort, in fact most of the recommendations by groups like Tread Lightly are formed around the basics of smart riding – a few of them are below:

• Travel only in areas open to all-terrain vehicle (ATV) use.
• Minimize wheel spin. On switchbacks, avoid roosting around the apex of the turn when climbing or brake-sliding during descent, both of which gouge the trail. Drive over, not around obstacles to avoid widening the trail.
• Slow down when sight lines are poor. Cross streams only at designated fording points, where the trail crosses the stream.
• Comply with all signs and respect barriers.
• Buddy up with two or three riders, reducing vulnerability if you have an accident or breakdown. Designate meeting areas in case of separation.
• When winching, always inspect your equipment, use the right winch for the situation, find a good secure anchor and never winch with less than five wraps of wire rope around the drum.
• When using a tree as an anchor, use a wide tree strap to avoid damaging the trunk of the tree.
• Listening to headphones or ear buds can make it difficult to hear and communicate with other recreationists. In some areas it is illegal to operate ATVs with both ears covered.
• Don’t mix riding with alcohol or drugs.

Riding with care when you’re on public, or private, land is the mark of a concerned and experienced motorcyclist. By showing the rest of the general public that we’re as aware of nature and the environment as other outdoor sportsmen, we’ll gain the respect and admiration that we deserve.

As always, if you’re looking for more advice about riding, or finding new people to ride with, visit any of our stores!

• Baltimore 410-663-8556
• Bel Air 410-879-3586
• Severna Park 410-647-5880

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Can-Am I Am!

The beauty of the motorcycle market is there is something for everyone – whether it’s a sleek, screaming street bike or a muddy ATV that churns up the trails – no matter what you want, Pete’s can help you out.

In an effort to make sure our customers get what they want, we’re happy to carry the popular line of Can-Am three-wheel motorcycles. You might have seen the commercials on television, or seen a picture on our Facebook page, but you can’t truly appreciate these beauties until you see them in person.

And then climb aboard one for a test ride. After that, you’ll be sold!

We carry two different models of the Can-Am: the RT Roadster and the RS Roadster. The RT is designed for the rider who wants to go out on the open highway and travel for miles in comfort and style.

Offering the same size engine and manual transmission, the RS Roadster has the heart of a racer and the body of an athlete. Stylized lines combined with 106 horsepower engine will have you racing down the roads and turning heads.

Pete’s Cycles stocks both models of the Can-Am and even if you’ve never climbed aboard a motorcycle in your life, you’ll feel right at home. The bikes feature easy to learn manual transmissions and their three-wheel design means you won’t have to worry about losing your balance.

The requirements for getting a license to drive a Can-Am in Maryland are the same as qualifying for your motorcycle license, but once you’ve taken the course you’ll be ready to cruise the back roads and beltways.

The creators of the Can-Am are the same people who brought the Sea Doo and Ski Doo, along with other legendary watercraft, to the world. Founded by J.A. Bombardier in 1942, the company’s dedication to quality craftsmanship, expert design and execution, and a dedication to fun are all found in the Can-Am.

Join the ranks of Can-Am riders, who are finding that these easy to handle, and fun to ride machines are perfect for the morning commute or a long weekend vacation. You’ll certainly be happier when you realize that your visits to the gas station are much farther between than when you were driving a car or SUV.

For more information about the Can-Am and its many benefits, contact Pete’s at one of our three locations:
• Baltimore 410-663-8556
• Bel Air 410-879-3586
• Severna Park 410-647-5880

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Fourth of July – A Day to Ride and Remember

The Fourth of July weekend is coming, and while we’re all looking forward to getting out on our bikes and riding, we wanted to reflect on what the Fourth of July means.

In 1776, when our Founding Fathers signed the Declaration of Independence, they were probably very happy – for about a minute – and then they realized they had thrown down the gauntlet and invited one of the most powerful nations on Earth to a brawl.

The next few years would be full of turmoil, violence and death, but in the end a ragtag group of men and women who valued independence more than their lives did the impossible – they beat the British army and navy and won their freedom.

Over the next century, America would tear itself apart in a civil war that resulted in millions dead, millions more wounded and lives and the country shattered almost beyond repair.

Again, our nation moved forward and swelled its ranks as immigrants from all over the world flooded her shores. While the reception they received wasn’t always the warmest, they stuck around and helped build the nation.

Prosperity would be followed by economic times that again threatened to destroy America, but the resilience of her people kept the country alive and prosperity returned.

Two world wars would follow, and America would find herself as the world’s strongest and soundest nation. Internal strife would visit her again and again, but always in the end the nation stood strong.

From the moment we declared our independence until this very day, Americans have known that to keep something that precious alive and strong, it would require sacrifice, work and the ability to remember what our forefathers had committed themselves to almost three hundred years ago.

So this Fourth of July, before you climb onto your bike, or hit the beach or sit back and watch fireworks, remember what it is to be an American – and the sacrifices that this nation made to get where we are today.

That spirit has carried the United States of America through her darkest days, and will continue to do so well into the future.

Happy Fourth of July, from Pete’s Cycles.

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Join the Club!

Sometimes you want to go out an ride, or talk about riding motorcycles, or talk about fixing motorcycles or just talk motorcycles, and you don’t have anyone around. Maybe your spouse is tired of the subject, and the dog can’t be found, what do you do?

You can join the Pete’s Cycle Rider’s Club of Baltimore!

Pete’s Cycle sponsors this motorcycling riding club which is sanctioned by the Honda Riders Club of America, but don’t think because you ride a different bike you won’t be welcome – we invite riders of all brands and types of bikes to join.

The riding club is comprised of people who love to go out and ride motorcycles – and talk about them when they’re not riding. It’s an excellent way to gain knowledge about motorcycles, and make new friends who are interested in the same thing you are.

The membership cover all ages and experience levels – from the newbie who just bought her first bike to the veteran who’s seen his fair share of miles on the open road. Riding with the club members gives you the chance to experience new places to ride, and expand your world.

The club meets every second Thursday of the month at Pete’s Cycle on 7511 Belair Road in Baltimore – and there’s a special club ride the first Sunday of each month. You don’t need an invitation to join, just show up and we’ll be happy to include you.

You can get club updates in two separate places – by calling 410-288-7550 or visiting our website online.

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Work & Play With A Utility Vehicle

If you’re a fan of motorcycles, you’re used to getting on your bike or ATV and going out to enjoy yourself. There’s nothing better than hitting the open road or a woodsy trail to forget about the stress of work.

Pete’s Cycles has another way for you to play, and in some cases work, and still enjoy the freedom and fun of a motorcycle. They’re called utility vehicles and are available from the leading names in the motorcycle business, like Kawasaki, Yamaha and Suzuki.

Each of these vehicles is designed for the rugged demands of outdoor work and play – and they also function as excellent sources of transportation if you’re an avid hunter or fishermen transporting supplies and gear over a long distance.

Kawasaki’s offerings are tough, dependable and ready for anything you can throw at them. Divided into two classes, the first is known as the RUV and is perfect for someone who wants to have fun while they work. The Utility line, affectionately known as The Mule, are brawnier and sport a beefier design and ability to move heavy loads – along with up to four people.

The Polaris lineup is one of the deepest on the market, and includes models such as the Ranger for riders who need a workhorse to the Ranger RZR, a vehicle built for speed and fun. There’s also an entry for the youth market, and includes a parent-adjustable speed limiter and many other safety features. Limited Editions, in a variety of builds and colors, are also available for the dedicated enthusiast.

While Suzuki has only one utility vehicle, you can expect the same dedication to quality and craftsmanship in the Q.U.V. An advanced suspension system soaks up the bumps while pickup truck styling make it easy on the eyes – along with four wheel drive.

As anyone would suspect, the Yamaha contribution to this class of vehicles, the Rhino, combines the beauty of excellent engineering with the muscle of Yamaha’s engine and transmission. The Rhino is built for two and has adjustable piggyback shocks.

Working doesn’t have to be all about work – you can always inject some play so that the day goes by faster – and when you’re using any of these vehicles you’ll be taking advantage of industry knowledge and experience to make the job easier.

Find our more information about utility vehicles at any of our locations.

• Baltimore 410-663-8556
• Bel Air 410-879-3586
• Severna Park 410-647-5880

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Our 6th Annual Mason-Dixon Motorcycle Run – June 5!

Pete’s Cycle is sponsoring its 6th Annual Mason Dixon Motorcycle Ride on Sunday, June 5 that will feature a brand new route and new roads.

We’re teaming up with Pete’s Baltimore RAT Pack and heading through scenic Maryland and southern Pennsylvania for a day of riding for a great cause, Camp Sunrise.

Here’s the deal, grab your street bike – we don’t care if it’s a Honda, Kawasaki, Triumph, Harley or Indian – and head on over to our Pete’s Cycle location on 7511 Belair Road. Registration begins at 8 and we ride at 9!

The run takes us through northern Maryland and then through some of the Civil War sites such as:
• Gettysburg
• Antietam
• South mountain Battlefield
• Harpers Ferry
• Monocacy Battlefield

The cost for registration is $10 per bike and there’s no additional cost for passengers. Before we ride, we’ll hold a raffle for all participants, with some very cool prizes.

Half of the proceeds we raise will go to benefitting Camp Sunrise. Pete’s is a supporter of Camp Sunrise throughout the year, and we hold events like this to raise money, and awareness, for this cause.

In addition to seeing some of the most beautiful scenery in the area, your participation will help out kids who are already struggling with some very serious health problems.

We hope to see you out there – if you have any questions you can call 410-663-8556 or email BaltimoreRAT@aol.com.

See you on Sunday!

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