Dear Alabama Riders,

            I don’t think that we have to worry about the rain deficit anymore.  I can’t remember the last time that it has rained as much as it has here in January. Let’s hope the economy does the same thing and rains a few bucks to pick things up. I feel like the big rallies like Daytona, Myrtle Beach and others are going to be down this year. Let’s face it, everything can’t just keep getting higher and higher; vendor spaces and rooms are astronomical.  Travel is not quite as expensive now but with eating out and all of the other things that you do, it seems like it is a very expensive trip to any of these events. 
            I believe that your smaller events like Bama Bike Fest, Faunsdale, Thunder on the Rock and Milledgeville will do well, as will Thunder Beach.  It is definitely the best bang for your buck. The last couple of years I have had a great time at all the small rallies that I have attended.  Fellowshipping with everyone, as well as the bands and the shows and cooking out seems to be right up my alley. 
            Frank and Connie, the owners of Bama Bike Fest are building a new hotel at their store just two miles from the Bike Fest.  This will make it more convenient for you guys that are just coming down for one day and need a place to stay or the people who are interested in the bikes and just want to come down and check out all of the vendors.  I know that Frank is trying hard to have the hotel open by the March rally.
            Keith and George at Mt. Cheaha Harley have some surprises for coming events that I hope will draw a lot of people for some great fun.  I know that Keith and George always go all out at the dealership to provide us with things to do.  Also, Mae Foster at Foster Harley-Davidson is also planning a pretty big riding season.  We will be working directly with Mae to help promote and support her events as well.  We all need to get out and try to support these people who support us, give us things to do and provide us with places to ride and get together.
            By the way don’t forget February 14th is Valentine’s Day so be sure that you do not forget your sweetheart.  If you forget your sweetheart on Valentine’s Day it’s about guaranteed that you will catch hell the rest of the year.  Besides, it never hurts to do something nice for the ones that you love.  I said before in one of my editorials that the good thing that might come out of this economic crisis is that it will put families back at the supper table together. It will also get us in touch with each other’s lives and what is going on in them.
            I keep praying that somehow a group of these politicians is going to have the guts to say to the rest of them, “don’t you think that this has gone about far enough”.  Stripping us of our rights, borrowing ourselves out of debt and taking God out of our lives is not going to fix anything.  I don’t see why they do not understand.  I guess that it reverts back to that old saying, “You can’t fix stupid”. 

Ride it like you stole it,
Fatdog
256-442-7850; Fatdogg2@aol.com