Wow, what an incredible, busy and fast start to 2008. We had the usual shows to get things started. The World of Wheels was earlier than usual, and The International Motorcycle Show was just behind it. Then the Great American Motorcycle Show got February going and was blessed with some of the best weather the show had ever experienced. All those shows and the legislation issues we’ve been involved with made for the busiest off-season we’ve had in six years.
            The attendance at the shows was strong, which was a positive sign for the state of the industry. At the Great American Motorcycle Show, the dealers were selling bikes but jewelry and leather vendors’ sales were off when compared to the last few years. Discussions among the dealers indicated that most were upbeat about the economy. Others felt that motorcycle sales would be fair as more people chose bikes as a mode of transportation instead of purchasing them for a hobby. On the other hand, most also felt that add-on sales of parts, apparel and other items would be down until the election.
            Unanimously the dealers, vendors and spectators alike felt the government’s “economic stimulus” plan wasn’t a band-aid on a wound but more like a gauze pad placed on your arm after giving blood. In other words, they felt the plan will have little to no effect whatsoever on the country as a whole. I wholeheartedly agree.
            In my humble opinion, I think the only way to stimulate the economy is to get fuel prices down. Instead of borrowing $150 billion, why not just cut the taxes tacked on every gallon of gas? Within 30 days I believe consumer confidence would return and we’d see real movement in the economy. I’m curious about what you think; email me with your thoughts on the economy, and your ideas to fix it, at randy@gafullothrottle.com.
            Georgia HB950 was revised in committee with acceptable language and at press time was advancing through the Rules Committee. Your phone calls and letters were heard and the legislators responded. Several other bills have been introduced that affect us and we need you be as active on them as you were on HB950. There is more on HB950 and the others in the Cruise-ade to the Capitol article.    
            We need you to join ABATE, American Bikers Active Toward Education. This is our State’s motorcycle rights organization that has paid lobbyists at the Capitol working for our concerns. THEY ARE NOT JUST ABOUT A HELMET BILL. They are about ALL bills and issues that affect our ability to ride our motorcycles. Did you know that the parking decks at Atlantic Station do not allow motorcycles? Why? We don’t know and so far no one there will tell us. This is just another example of the types of things ABATE can assist with. Check out their monthly column and go to www.abatega.org to join.
            Like ABATE, as a free magazine, we can’t do our job to advocate for the motorcycle community without the support of the advertisers. Be sure to let them know you saw their ad in Full Throttle and if they aren’t in here, encourage them to advertise with us and to carry the magazine in their stores. I take great personal pride in working for you through this publication and I know our staff beams with pride in their responsibility to the motorcycle community. It is more then a job for all us, because we really believe in what we do by supporting you, the charities you support and the businesses you frequent.
            Any time you see any of us on the roads, be sure to say “Hello”. We always enjoy meeting you.

Ride safe,