The Aprilia Adventure Heads Cross-Country

The Aprilia Adventure Heads Cross-Country 

Aprilia USA adds five additional dates to its popular new consumer ride experience

 NEW YORK, NY – April 3, 2009 – Following the successful launch and fast sell-out of the Aprilia Adventure ride experience during this year’s Daytona Bike Week, Aprilia USA has added five additional dates to the program.  Enthusiasts will now be able to reserve a full hour of seat time to evaluate and enjoy the latest Aprilia motorcycles on the best regional roads.  Participants even take home some special mementos of the experience.  The Aprilia Adventure is available at:

• AMA Superbike Weekend at Road Atlanta, Braselton, GA, April 3-5
• AMA Superbike Weekend at Road America, Elkhart Lake, WI, June 5-7
• AMA Daytona SportBike Weekend at Laguna Seca Speedway, Monterey, CA, July 3-5
• AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days at Mid Ohio Sportscar Course, Lexington, OH, July 24-26
• AMA Superbike Weekend at Virginia International Raceway, Alton, VA, August 14-16.

For riders who want to experience the adrenaline rush of Aprilia motorcycles, the Aprilia Adventure is the antidote to the traditional short demo ride.  Instead of a few minutes riding through traffic, enthusiasts have plenty of time to fully appreciate the real capabilities of the bikes.  Along the way, participants also enjoy hospitality, refreshments and an Aprilia gift bag.  The Aprilia Adventure is open to licensed riders with proper riding gear for $20.00 per person. 

“The Aprilia Adventure Daytona ride sold out by 9:30 a.m. each day – in fact, we had riders lined up with their lawn chairs as early as 7 a.m. just to get a jump on the line,” said Rick Panettieri, brand manager, Aprilia USA.  “We think there’s strong demand from serious motorcyclists to do more than just kick the tires or take a few turns – and we’re looking forward to offering that opportunity at more events this year.”

Each hour-long Aprilia Adventure ride is customized to take advantage of the best local and regional riding routes.  Along the way, riders sample and swap new 2009 models such as the all-new Aprilia Dorsoduro 750 as well as long-time favorites, such as the award-winning Tuono and RSV 1000 R.  Registration for the ride is exclusively on-site at each event.  For the latest information on Aprilia products and events, visit www.apriliausa.com.

About Aprilia and Piaggio Group Americas

Aprilia world headquarters are in Noale (Venice, Italy).  Founded in 1962, the company designs and manufactures motorcycles in Noale, with production facilities in Scorzè.  With 38 motorcycling world championship titles (32 road and 6 off-road) under its belt, Aprilia is the only European manufacturer to have a complete on- and off-road model portfolio, ranging from sporty scooters, innovative off-road bikes and tough adventure tourers to award-winning super sport bikes.  For information on Aprilia’s complete U.S. model line, visit the company’s website at www.apriliausa.com.

 In December 2004 Aprilia became part of the Piaggio Group, Europe’s leading manufacturer of two wheelers and one of the world’s most recognized and respected names in motorcycle and scooter production.

Cool off with the classics this summer at the AMA’s Motorcycle Hall of Fame

Cool off with the classics this summer at the AMA’s Motorcycle Hall of Fame
Museum

PICKERINGTON, OH – Two-wheel enthusiasts are invited to the American
Motorcyclist Association’s (AMA) Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum this summer
for the 4th annual Japanese Motorcycle Saturday on June 6, 2009, and the 4th
annual British & European Motorcycle Saturday on August 22, 2009.  Located
on the AMA campus in Pickerington, Ohio, just a few miles east of Columbus,
the Museum is the country’s premier showcase of motorcycling heritage and
history. 

Both events are expected to attract hundreds of riders, and will feature
un-judged bike shows and seminars from collectors and experts.  The 4th
annual Japanese Motorcycle Saturday on June 6 will showcase a wide variety
of motorcycles representing decades of metric design and engineering
ingenuity.  From sportbikes to café racers to tourers, every bike style is
welcome.  Enthusiasts can ride in on a classic Japanese bike or simply stop
by to admire the vintage machines.  Last year a 1983 Honda CB1100R and an
early 1980s Yamaha RZ500 two-stroke were highlights of the event.

Later in the summer, the Museum will host the 4th annual British & European
Motorcycle Saturday on August 22.  Plenty of Ducatis, Triumphs, Nortons,
BMWs, Aprilias, Moto Guzzis and other marques that are sure to impress will
be on display for the event.  The spotlight at British & European Motorcycle
Saturday was stolen last year by the Ducati Riders of Ohio Club, with over
20 members riding in for the event – one on Ducati’s finest, the
Desmosedici.  This year’s showcase promises to feature equally compelling
classics.

Admission for each Classic Motorcycle Saturday event is only $10 and
includes access to all museum exhibits, including “MotoStars: Celebrities +
Motorcycles,” an installation spotlighting a number of the world’s most
well-known enthusiasts, and “Awesome-Ness,” chronicling the career of the
legendary Arlen Ness.

Additional details about Classic Motorcycle Saturdays can be found at
http://www.motorcyclemuseum.org or by calling (614)856-2222.

About the AMA’s Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum

The AMA’s Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum tells the exciting stories and
preserves the history of American motorcycling. Visitors to the Museum will
find award-winning exhibits rotating through three major exhibition halls.
Each exhibit immerses guests in the stories of American motorcycling by
capturing the thrill of the open road, the excitement of racing or the
inspiration of memorable personalities. The Museum is also home to the AMA’s
Motorcycle Hall of Fame, honoring the distinguished men and women who have
played a vital role in shaping the sport and business of motorcycling,
thanks to their competitive spirit, passion, vision and entrepreneurship.
Located just east of Columbus, on the campus of the American Motorcyclist
Association in Pickerington, Ohio, the non-profit Museum is open seven days
a week, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and closed on Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas and
New Year’s Day. For more information call (614) 856 – 2222 or visit
http://www.motorcyclemuseum.org.

Annual AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum Breakfast at Daytona Bike Week to

Annual AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum Breakfast at Daytona Bike Week to
Feature Renowned Racers Scott Parker and Jay Springsteen

Famed Tuner Bill Werner to Lead Program

PICKERINGTON, OHIO – Racing legends Scott Parker and Jay Springsteen will be
the guests of honor at the 21st Annual Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum
“Friendraising” Breakfast on Friday, March 6, in Daytona Beach, Florida. The
flat track champions will share stories with celebrated Harley-Davidson
tuner Bill Werner, whose skills helped Parker and Springsteen to a number of
their AMA Grand National Championships.

The Museum breakfast, a Daytona Bike Week tradition, allows attendees to mix
and mingle with motorcycling’s biggest names, as well as receive rare inside
look at their lives and careers. The event is open the public and tickets
are $49 per person. All proceeds support the non-profit Motorcycle Hall of
Fame Museum and its mission of telling the exciting stories and preserving
the history of American motorcycling.

The talents and accomplishments of Parker, Springsteen, and Werner have led
each to be inducted into the AMA’s Motorcycle Hall of Fame. Parker, inducted
in 2003, is considered one of the great motorcycle racers in the history of
AMA racing. During his career, Parker was a nine-time AMA Grand National
Champion and set an all-time record with his 94 Grand National Championship
race wins, including 55 AMA National Mile wins and 35 AMA Half-Mile wins.
Parker is also a three-time winner of the AMA Pro Athlete of the Year award.
Like Parker, Springsteen is considered one of the best in AMA racing
history. Inducted into the AMA’s Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 2003,
Springsteen is a three-time AMA Grand National Champion with over 40
National Championship flat track race wins. 

At the 2009 Museum breakfast, Parker and Springsteen will look back at their
astonishing careers through a discussion led by Bill Werner. Werner, one of
the most successful tuners in AMA Grand National racing history, was
inducted into the AMA’s Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 2000. He offers a unique
perspective on the careers of Parker and Springsteen, as he turned the
wrenches for both.

To join Scott Parker, Jay Springsteen, and Bill Werner at the 21st Annual
Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum “Friendraising” Breakfast, immediate
reservations are recommended. The breakfast will be held at the Hilton
Daytona Beach Oceanfront Resort in Daytona Beach, Florida, on Friday, March
6, 2009. Registration will begin at 8:00 a.m. with breakfast served at 8:30
a.m. Parker, Werner, and Springsteen will host an autograph session
following the conclusion of the breakfast. Admission is $49 per person.
Sponsorships are also available, and all proceeds benefit the Motorcycle
Hall of Fame Museum. To make reservations or learn about event sponsorship
opportunities, contact the Museum at (614) 856-2222 or visit
http://www.motorcyclemuseum.org.

About the AMA’s Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum

The AMA’s Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum tells the exciting stories and
preserves the history of American motorcycling. Visitors to the Museum will
find award-winning exhibits rotating through three major exhibition halls.
Each exhibit immerses guests in the stories of American motorcycling by
capturing the thrill of the open road, the excitement of racing or the
inspiration of memorable personalities. The Museum is also home to the AMA’s
Motorcycle Hall of Fame, honoring the distinguished men and women who have
played a vital role in shaping the sport and business of motorcycling,
thanks to their competitive spirit, passion, vision and entrepreneurship.
Located just east of Columbus, on the campus of the American Motorcyclist
Association in Pickerington, Ohio, the non-profit Museum is open seven days
a week, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and closed on Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas and
New Year’s Day. For more information call (614) 856 – 2222 or visit
http://www.motorcyclemuseum.org.

AMA’s Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum Opens 2009 with Events Celebrating

AMA’s Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum Opens 2009 with Events Celebrating
Classic Motorcycles

PICKERINGTON, OHIO – The AMA’s Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum invites fans
of vintage machines to rev up for two notable events. The International CBX
Owner’s Association (ICOA) will pay a special visit the Museum on Saturday,
January 24, 2009. Two weeks later, on Saturday, February 7, the Museum will
host the Penton Owner’s Group (POG) for the 8th Annual Penton Day. All
riders are welcome at both events.

The ICOA event on January 24 begins at 9:30 a.m., with a tour of the
Museum’s colorful exhibits, including “MotoStars: Celebrities + Motorcycles”
and “Awesome-Ness,” an installation chronicling the career of legendary
customizer Arlen Ness. The day will continue with a technical session and
presentation by special guest racer Geoff Smale.
Smale is known for a number of racing accomplishments, including becoming
series champion of the British Earlystocks “1300 production” class in 2000
astride a CBX with unmodified displacement. Smale also one of twelve racers
to lap at over 100 mph in a sidecar outfit, both as driver as well as
passenger, during the Isle of Man TT races. The ICOA’s visit to the Museum
will be held in conjunction with the club’s winter tech rally held in
Columbus, Ohio, on January 24 and 25. The ICOA invites all enthusiasts to
join them at the Museum on January 24. The event is free, but regular Museum
admission rates apply. Riders can log on to http://www.motorcyclemuseum.org for
additional information.

Penton enthusiasts are welcome to bring their machines to display at the
Museum on February 7, when the Penton Owner’s Group holds the 8th Annual
Penton Day. Sign in begins at 9 a.m., with the group’s annual business
meeting starting at 10 a.m. The topic of this year’s event will be the 50th
anniversary of Motorcycle Hall of Famer John Penton’s record-setting
transcontinental run on a BMW, and John will be on hand to share his
memories.  Penton’s son, Motorcycle Hall of Famer and AMA Motorcycle Hall of
Fame
Museum board member Jack Penton, will also be at the Museum to serve as a
host of the annual Penton Day events. Riders interested in joining the
festivities can log on to http://www.motorcyclemuseum.org for additional
information. Membership in the POG is not required and lunch will be
provided.

About the AMA’s Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum

The AMA’s Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum tells the exciting stories and
preserves the history of American motorcycling. Visitors to the Museum will
find award-winning exhibits rotating through three major exhibition halls.
Each exhibit immerses guests in the stories of American motorcycling by
capturing the thrill of the open road, the excitement of racing or the
inspiration of memorable personalities. The Museum is also home to the
Motorcycle Hall of Fame, honoring the distinguished men and women who have
played a vital role in shaping the sport and business of motorcycling,
thanks to their competitive spirit, passion, vision and entrepreneurship.
Located just east of Columbus, on the campus of the American Motorcyclist
Association in Pickerington, Ohio, the non-profit Museum is open seven days
a week, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and closed on Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas and
New Year’s Day. For more information call (614) 856 – 2222 or visit
http://www.motorcyclemuseum.org.

Cafe Racer Magazine Hits the Streets

Café Racer Revs Up Motorcycle Media Category

New small-format, quarterly magazine showcases culture and lifestyle of
high-performance ‘naked’ bike enthusiasts

July 28, 2008 – Pittsburgh, PA – Cafe Racer, a new quarterly magazine that
focuses exclusively on the machines, history, culture and lifestyle of
high-performance European ‘naked’ motorcycles debuted at the July 25-27,2008
AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days at Mid-Ohio Sportscar Course in Lexington, Ohio.
The event, the world’s largest gathering of classic motorcycle enthusiasts,
honors the iconic British bike brand Triumph this year – an idea backdrop
for the launch of a magazine that celebrates café racers, the “stripped and
quick” street bikes that dominated the British motorcycle scene in the
1950s.

The hip-pocket size 6″ x 9″ format magazine is the first-ever publication
devoted the Vincents, Nortons, BSAs, Triumphs and other legendary
motorcycles that combined with the era’s British black leather, Brylcreem®
and rock-n-roll to create one of the most adrenaline-charged youth movements
ever.  Each issue of Café Racer will also explore the world of modern
performance naked bikes, from wild, custom-built streetfighters to the
latest factory nakeds and retro machines.  It’s that culture and lifestyle
that fuels a worldwide cult for the naked bike enthusiast, whether classic,
ultra-modern or somewhere in between.

Magazine founder and editor Mike Seate is an expert on the cult of the cafe
racer, also serving as host of the upcoming Chet Burks/Speed Channel
high-definition documentary, “Cafe Society,” to be broadcast in the fall of
2008.  Seate has authored over a dozen motorcycling books including “Two
Wheels on Two Reels” and “Choppers.” He is an award-winning columnist for
the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review and a contributing editor for Motorcyclist
magazine. 

Café Racer’s debut issue features a Vincent Specials Round-Up, including
test-rides of Hailwood Motorcycle Restoration’s Egli-Vincent and Norvin; A
Rocker’s Tale: road histories from veterans who lived and rode in the ton-up
era;  Rocker Films Review; Spotted Bikes from around the world; Cafe Racers:
a regular feature about people who make motorcycling worthwhile; a column on
the history of transport cafes by Ace Café London’s Linda Wilsmore and
useful tech information, two-wheeled travel features, black leather news and
more.

In addition to the magazine, http://www.caferacermag.com is a one-stop destination
for the latest news about fast, naked motorcycles, both classic and modern.
Following the introduction at AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days, Cafe Racer
magazine will host additional launches at the Rockerbox festival at
Milwaukee’s Fuel Cafe on August, 9 and at London’s Ace Cafe, during the
annual Ace Cafe Reunion, on September 13.  For complete subscriber and
advertising information, visit the web site right now.

Motostars Celebrities and Motorcycles Exhibit

CHARITY AUCTION KICK-STARTS “MOTOSTARS: CELEBRITIES + MOTORCYCLES” EXHIBIT GRAND OPENING

 

PICKERINGTON, OHIO – To celebrate the new  “MotoStars: Celebrities + Motorcycles” exhibit, the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum  is offering enthusiasts the opportunity to take a piece of exhibit-themed memorabilia home – and support a good cause.   The Museum will host a gala charity auction, featuring items donated by notable athletes, musicians, actors, artists, bike builders and industry leaders, on Friday, June 27, 2008.  Actor and enthusiast Perry King will serve as master of ceremonies for the event.  The auction, part of the “MotoStars: Celebrities + Motorcycles” grand opening weekend, will be held at the Museum in Pickerington, Ohio.  For those who cannot make the trip to bid live on June 27, the auction will be open online May 21 – June 25, 2008, at http://www.motorcyclemuseum.cmarket.com.

 

Proceeds from the auction will benefit charities hand-selected by riders donating items, as well as the non-profit Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum.  One item sure to draw a number of bids is a “Joe Motocross” Snoopy statue. The statue, which stands five feet tall, was created to honor legendary “Peanuts” creator Charles M. Schulz, who introduced millions of people to the sport of motocross in the book and movie, “You’re a Good Sport, Charlie Brown.”  Donated by Ken and Ruth Chambers, who owned Jim & Jim’s, a motorcycle shop in Santa Rosa, California, for 40 years, and are longtime friends of the Schulz family, proceeds from the auction of the statue will benefit the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation (PBTF) and the organization’s national Ride for Kids® program.

 

The PBTF will also receive proceeds from the auction of a 2006 Honda VTX1300 ridden by actor Francesco Quinn in the Quentin Tarantino-produced biker movie “Hell Ride.”  Quinn, the son of legendary actor Anthony Quinn, launched his career in “Platoon” (1986) and has since starred in numerous movies, including “The Tonto Woman,” which was nominated for a Best Live Action Short Film Academy Award® this year.  Quinn will personally autograph the Honda for the winning bidder. 

Vespa Invites You to Get Smart About Your Ride

Vespa(R) Invites Consumers to Get Smart About Their Ride

Vespa and SUBWAY(R) restaurants team up for fuel-efficient, fresh
summer fun
with “Get Smart”-based Instant Win sweepstakes, free food and helmet
offers

NEW YORK, May 20, 2008 – Vespa, the world’s most iconic scooter brand,
is
joining forces this summer with SUBWAY(R) restaurants and secret agents
Maxwell Smart and Agent 99 from the action comedy “Get Smart” to fight
the
forces of evil – traffic congestion, fuel consumption, global warming
and
boring transportation.  Supporting a cameo appearance by a silver Vespa
LX
150 scooter in the upcoming Warner Bros. Pictures release will be a
national
promotional campaign and placement within a SUBWAY(R)-branded
promotional
online Instant Win Game and Sweepstakes with a chance to win one of 10
Vespa
scooters, as well as two exclusive offers to enjoy free food and gear.
The
multi-tiered promotion ties-in with the June 20 launch of “Get Smart,”
starring Steve Carell, Anne Hathaway, Dwayne Johnson and Alan Arkin.

While Maxwell Smart (Carell) and his savvy partner Agent 99 (Hathaway)
pursue the evil forces of KAOS, consumers can ensure that they’re not
starting their own mission on an empty stomach or without the right
protection.  Secret agents in search of fresh fare and the ideal
getaway
ride can receive a free $5 SUBWAY(R) card with a test drive or product
demonstration at all Vespa dealers.  Participants in SUBWAY(R)
restaurant’s
Get Smart Eat Fresh Instant Win Game and Sweepstakes will receive a
message
to take advantage of a special offer to receive a free Vespa Soft-Touch
helmet, a $300-value, with the purchase of a new Vespa scooter. The
online,
print and in-store promotions run June 2 through August 10, 2008 at all
Vespa dealers and more than 21,500 SUBWAY(R) restaurants in the U.S.

“The Vespa brand is synonymous with smart, spirited transportation,”
says
Paolo Timoni, President and CEO of Piaggio Group Americas, Inc.  “Vespa
riders already know that scooters are a fresh way to tackle today’s
fuel and
congestion issues, and we’re pleased that this promotion gives us the
opportunity to help even more consumers uncover the facts about
Vespanomics.”

THE STARS KEEP COMING: JIMMIE JOHNSON FOUNDATION TRIBUTE MOTORCYCLE MAKES A PIT STOP AT THE MOTORCYCLE HALL OF FAME MUSEUM

THE STARS KEEP COMING: JIMMIE JOHNSON FOUNDATION TRIBUTE MOTORCYCLE MAKES A PIT STOP AT THE MOTORCYCLE HALL OF FAME MUSEUM

 

The new “MotoStars: Celebrities + Motorcycles” exhibit at the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum opens June 28, 2008, spotlighting over 100 of the country’s most passionate celebrity moto enthusiasts, their motorcycles and personal memorabilia.   Among them is Jimmie Johnson, the two-time reigning NASCAR Sprint Cup Champion, whose Jimmie Johnson Foundation (JJF) has green flagged the inclusion of a special 2008 Star Motorcycles Warrior, customized by 2Xtreem Motorcycle TV and sponsored by Sunoco (www.racegas.com).  The motorcycle, which was built as a tribute to the Jimmie Johnson Foundation, will be showcased in the exhibit until August 15, 2008.

 

Following its pit stop at the Museum, the motorcycle will be auctioned off at the Jimmie Johnson Foundation Annual Golf Tournament in San Diego on August 26, 2008. Proceeds from the auction will benefit the San Diego Habitat for Humanity. Visit http://www.jimmiejohnsonfoundation.org to learn more about the JJF and the organization’s events

 

Two and four-wheeled devotees can tune in to 2Xtreem Motorcycle TV during May to watch the show’s crew build the custom JJF tribute motorcycle.  Johnson even stops by 2Xtreem to take the machine for a test ride. Airdates and show times can be found at http://www.2Xtreem.com.  Enthusiasts should also plan a visit to the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum in Pickerington, Ohio, for a chance to admire the JJF tribute motorcycle in person, as well as motorcycles and memorabilia from other well-known athletes, musician, actors, artists, builders and industry leaders.  The ribbon-cutting for “MotoStars: Celebrities + Motorcycles” is Saturday, June 28.   Visit http://www.motorcyclemuseum.org for more information and information on how to join in on opening weekend festivities.

THE MOTORCYCLE HALL OF FAME MUSEUM ANNOUNCES ADDITIONAL CONTRIBUTORS FOR “MOTOSTARS: CELEBRITIES + MOTORCYCLES” EXHIBIT

March 27, 2008

THE MOTORCYCLE HALL OF FAME MUSEUM ANNOUNCES ADDITIONAL CONTRIBUTORS FOR “MOTOSTARS: CELEBRITIES + MOTORCYCLES” EXHIBIT

Athletes, musicians, actors, artists and builders support expansive installation

PICKERINGTON, OHIO –  The Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum, the country’s premier showcase of motorcycling heritage and history, has revealed the names of more than 25 significant personalities and groups to be featured in the upcoming “MotoStars: Celebrities + Motorcycles” exhibit.  The exhibit will spotlight the world’s most recognizable enthusiasts and present priceless machines, exclusive memorabilia and tales from celebrities’ favorite two-wheel adventures. Featured MotoStars, Motorcycle Hall of Famers, industry leaders and enthusiasts will gather on the grounds of the Museum in Pickerington, Ohio, June 27-28, 2008, for the exhibit’s grand opening and the “MotoStars: Celebrities + Motorcycles” Ribbon-Cutting Weekend.

Prominent personalities from a variety of industries have offered motorcycles and ephemera to the exhibit.  Notable athletes include Jeff Lacy, super middleweight boxing star, and Wally Dallenbach, Sr., champion race car driver and founder of the Colorado 500, a charity dirt bike ride now in its thirty-third year.  Barrett Brooks, Super Bowl-winning Pittsburgh Steelers tackle, will lend his Sara Liberte-built custom bike, as well as personal memorabilia.

The music industry is also well-represented in “MotoStars: Celebrities + Motorcycles.”  Queensryche guitarist Mike Stone’s Buell motorcycle and Erik Buell-designed guitar will be featured alongside custom motorcycles built for Def Leppard drummer Ric Allen and Blink182 drummer Travis Barker.  Additionally, a leading Buddy Holly collector will provide rare ephemera from the rock n’ roll legend.

Hollywood’s longtime romance with motorcycling is chronicled in the exhibit.  Chad McQueen honors his legendary father, the late actor Steve McQueen, as “MotoStars: Celebrities + Motorcycles” presents memorabilia, photos and McQueen’s competition motorcycle from the International Six Day Trials.  Actor and motorcyclist Francesco Quinn will lend the motorcycle he rode in the new Quentin Tarantino and Larry Bishop film “Hell Ride,” in addition to offering an intimate glimpse into the two-wheel passions of his father, legendary actor Anthony Quinn.  Dan Haggerty, known worldwide as star of the television series “Grizzly Adams,” will also participate in the exhibit.  A Hollywood stuntman, biker movie actor and bike builder for celebrities like Ann-Margret, Haggerty helped create the chopper featured in the most famous motorcycle movie of all time, “Easy Rider.”  The iconic motorcycle television series “Then Came Bronson,” starring Michael Parks, will be represented through a custom Harley-Davidson.  Additionally, Perry King, star of over 50 films and television movies and spokesperson for Los Angeles Olive Crest, an organization providing Homes and Services for Abused Children, provides a motorcycle from his stable.  “MotoStars: Celebrities + Motorcycles” will also display a rarely seen custom motorcycle built for the flamboyant Oscar-winning star of screen and song, Cher. 

Finally, through the eyes of respected stunt people, the exhibit offers a rare look behind the scenes at Hollywood’s portrayal of motorcycling.  Stuntman Gary Davis, whose skills lit up the screen in everything from “Viva Knievel” to “Terminator 2,” and stuntwoman Debbie Evans, who dazzled viewers in “Terminator 2,” “The Matrix Reloaded” and the Brad Pitt – Angelina Jolie thriller “Mr. & Mrs. Smith,” both contribute high-flying insights.

“MotoStars: Celebrities + Motorcycles” exhibit curator David Morris is dedicated to relating the diverse nature of motorcycling aficionados.  The breadth of motorcycling’s cultural impact is portrayed by renowned artists, such as Charles Schulz and David Hockney.  Schulz’ son Craig, a competitive motocross racer, will lend the exhibit a full size statue of Snoopy as “Joe Motocross.”  Craig will also provide artwork drawn by his father inspired by Craig’s racing adventures.  David Hockney, one of the twentieth century’s most important exponents of the Pop Art movement, will partner with Dr. Charles Falco, co-curator of the Guggenheim Museum’s seminal “Art of the Motorcycle” exhibit, to present a unique view of the motorcycle experience.  “MotoStars: Celebrities + Motorcycles” is also privileged to have the participation of Thomas Krens, Director of the Solomon R Guggenheim Foundation.

Custom motorcycle builders, now recognized as artists in their own right, are also highlighted in “MotoStars: Celebrities + Motorcycles.”  Ed “Big Daddy” Roth pioneered the new wave with his outrageous and visionary creations.  Son Darryl opens the family vault to bring “Big Daddy’s” art and legendary trike to the exhibit.  He is joined by “Big Daddy” contemporary Carl Morrow, a legendary builder whose past clients include the King of Malaysia.  The art of Von Dutch, Hollywood motorcycle cult figure, is also represented courtesy of a prominent collector.  Contemporary creators showcased include Cyril Huze, a member of the International Master Builders Association Hall of Fame, and Sara Liberte.  Liberte, represented through the bike she created for Barrett Brooks, will lend insights into the world of customization from the perspective of a female builder.  As a writer and photographer, Liberte is uniquely positioned to share her story.   Her latest project is garage-girls.com.

Celebrities from a variety of industries have been instrumental in the success of charity motorcycle rides.  “MotoStars: Celebrities + Motorcycles” will present the story of the country’s most well-known charity rides.  These include “The Love Ride,” the largest charity motorcycle ride in America, “The Ride for Kids,” “The Buffalo Chip at Sturgis” and the “Camp Boggy Creek’s Ride for Children.”

“We are thrilled by the personalities and groups who have offered to support ‘MotoStars’ and look forward to announcing further exhibit contributors in the coming months,” says Mark Mederski, executive director of the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum.  “The Museum is committed to making ‘MotoStars’ as diverse and comprehensive as possible, and the industry leaders already contributing are making this goal a reality.  We are eager to share the stories of these prominent motorcyclists and show visitors the strength and passion of the motorcycling community.”

“MotoStars: Celebrities + Motorcycles” is the latest in a series of award-winning exhibits at the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum.  For an online tour of current Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum exhibits and a schedule of upcoming events and special activities, please visit http://www.motorcyclemuseum.org.

In Writing: “MotoStars: Celebrities + Motorcycles,” The Book

The Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum will release “MotoStars: Celebrities + Motorcycles,” The Book, in conjunction with the exhibit.  The coffee-table volume will complement the exhibit, presenting a comprehensive examination of the relationship between celebrities and motorcycling.  In addition to exploring celebrities’ fascination with motorcycle culture, the book will delve into the impact of celebrity culture on the motorcycle industry.  More details about the book, “MotoStars: Celebrities + Motorcycles,” are available at http://www.motorcyclemuseum.org.

Play a Starring Role: How to Contribute

Following the exhibit’s installation at the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum, a national tour of “MotoStars: Celebrities + Motorcycles” is planned.  Manufacturers, builders, collectors or individuals interested in lending appropriate bikes or ephemera in support of “MotoStars: Celebrities + Motorcycles” are invited to contact exhibit curator David Morris at damorris@motorcyclemuseum.org or (386) 852-9898.

Nationwide Insurance agent – and expert racer – Pete Boccarossa offers safety tips for riders

March 19, 2008

Nationwide Insurance agent – and expert racer – Pete Boccarossa offers safety tips for riders

Track-proven skills translate into smart everyday riding

Columbus, Ohio – Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company is dedicated to keeping riders safe during the busy spring and summer travel season.  In addition to educating drivers about motorcycle awareness, Nationwide has teamed with Pete Boccarossa, an insurance agent with over 25 years of Superbike racing experience, to remind motorcyclists about racing techniques that can give everyday riders a real safety edge.

“I apply much of what I learned on the track to stay safe on the street,” says Boccarossa, owner of Boccarossa Insurance in Connecticut.  As a rider with almost 30 years of experience, both on and off the race track, Boccarossa knows first-hand which techniques can spell the difference between winning – and losing.  “Safety is always first, whether you’re racing or just riding for fun,” he says.

Boccarossa offers these race-proven tips for staying out of harm’s way:

• Focus on braking performance. Remember that 70 percent of your stopping power is located in the front of the bike. Many riders rely too much on only the front or rear brake, a practice that can result in loss of control or excessive stopping distances – a real hazard in an emergency. Use a combination of both brakes for maximum control and fast stops.

• Avoid target fixation. Look ahead in your riding field. When racing, a rider who is turning must be planning his or her next move by mid-corner. Motorcyclists in traffic must also “think” ahead.

• Stay alert in groups. If you are riding in a group be careful not to mimic the moves of the rider ahead of you. Accidents can occur when the leader of a group of riders makes a mistake and others follow.

• Keep your input smooth. In racing, as in all riding, the motorcyclist with the smoothest input will have the most rewarding experience. Motorcycles are generally very responsive to subtle input to the controls.

• Consider the road conditions. Tire pressure, suspension setting and rider positioning can all be influenced by changing road conditions – which is why bike set-up is a crucial component of a winning racing strategy. Before you head out on the road, take your time in considering how to best prepare for current conditions.

Even the most cautious enthusiasts should make sure their vehicles are covered in case of a collision.  Nationwide’s motorcycle and powersports insurance policies cover theft, collision, vandalism and damage caused by uninsured or underinsured drivers.  To learn more about motorcycle insurance or powersports insurance or to find an agent, visit http://www.nationwide.com.

About Nationwide

Nationwide, based in Columbus, Ohio, is one of the largest diversified insurance and financial services organizations in the world, with more than $160 billion in assets.  Nationwide ranks #104 on the Fortune 500 list.  The company provides a full range of insurance and financial services, including auto, motorcycle, boat, homeowners, life, commercial insurance, administrative services, annuities, mortgages, mutual funds, pensions, long-term savings plans and health and productivity services. For more information, visit http://www.nationwide.com.