Imagine hopping on a big Harley Davidson motorcycle. As you turn the key, the motorcycle begins to rumble and your adrenaline starts to flow. With the wind on your face and pavement under your feet, you hit the road for an adventure of a lifetime. Before heading out and exploring, You should know a few things about the great all American road trip.

1. You don’t need to own a Harley Davidson motorcycle to embark on a journey across America. There are many companies that allow riders to rent nearly any model of Harley Davidson motorcycle. Most offer travel packages that include hotel accommodations, sightseeing tours, and meals. Riders can rent a motorcycle daily, weekly, or monthly.

2. When traveling on a motorcycle, the first thing you must realize is you will have to pack lightly and include only the basic essentials. Pack a small travel bag for personal items and include travel size bottles of everything needed. Choose items that have multiple uses such as a Leather Man multi tool. Also, anticipate weather changes and make sure your travel suit is complete. Pack very flexible gear. There are motorcycle gloves that can handle the heat as well as the cold. Bring shirts that you can layer so that you can just wear more shirts when it gets cold. When it is warmer, just remove few layers off. Bring a rain suit you can wear over your jacket, and pants. You can also wear leather chaps for added protection.

3. Saddlebags and motorcycle luggage are one of the best options when it comes to storing food, clothing and personal gear. Take clothing that is versatile, easy to care for, and requires little space. Bring along resealable storage bags or plastic grocery bags to store dirty clothes or dispose of any trash.

4. If you will be camping out, you can use the luggage rack or passenger seat to hold camping equipment. Look for lightweight gear and compact equipment that can be tightly folded or rolled up. Cooking equipment should be limited to one pot and eating utensils. And don’t forget a flashlight or lantern.

5. If you’re riding your own motorcycle, take it in for a thorough check-up before heading out on an extended trip. If you’re renting a motorcycle, ask the representative to show you the written maintenance record on the motorcycle before taking it out on the road.

6. Plan where you are going. This is very important. This will help you identify the gears you need to pack and the number of items you need to bring. If it were your first time to check out the place, it would be better to ask someone who knows the place to join you. If you cannot find anyone, make sure that you research about your destination. Not all campgrounds and hotels are welcoming for motorcyclists. This is because there are bikes that tend to be loud. Keep in mind that there are also other campers and guests. Call possible campgrounds and hotels and inquire. You do not want to have a problem with where to spend the night when you are dying to rest.

7. Leave a copy of your route with a friend or family member and keep a map handy so you don’t get lost on the road. Ask yourself, What are the possible problems you will encounter? What are the places you need to check?

Harley Davidson motorcycles are one-of-a-kind bikes, designed for the ultimate driving experience. Isn’t it time you threw your cares to the wind and ventured out for a weekend getaway or a month long hiatus?

Warmer weather and sunny days usually bring with them more outdoor activities as people emerge from their homes after a long, cold winter. Along with those sun worshipers and water sport enthusiasts are those dedicated motorcyclists and their riders who have yearned to feel the rumble of powerful motors and the feel of warm wind swirling all around them as they hit a smooth stretch of roadway. The weather brings out the motorcyclists but it is the road that beckons them to ride.

The United States House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee passed a resolution April 2 supporting the goals of Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month in May. Key messages of Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month encourage riders to get trained and licensed, to always wear protective gear, to never drink and ride, and to ride within their limits. Motorists are also beckoned to be aware of two-wheel traffic and look out for riders (research shows auto drivers are at fault in approximately two thirds of fatal car/motorcycle crashes). The resolution, H. Res. 269, introduced by Reps. Gabrielle Giffords, D-Ariz., and Michael Burgess, R-Texas, is similar to one unanimously passed by the full House last year.

May has long been designated as Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. The messages for all road users are especially timely as motorcyclists nationwide gear up for the upcoming riding season. Although May is “Motorcycle Safety Month“, both car and motorcycle operators share the responsibility to “see and be seen” and use good common sense in operating their vehicles each and every month. Share the road

Here are several tips for drivers to help keep motorcyclists safe on our roadways:
1. Remember the motorcycle is a vehicle with all of the rights and privileges of any other motor vehicle on the roadway. Always allow a motorcyclist the full lane width ,never try to share a lane
2. Always make a visual check for motorcycles by checking mirrors and blind spots before entering or leaving a lane of traffic and at intersections
3. Always signal your intentions before changing lanes or merging with traffic
4. Don’t be fooled by a flashing turn signal on a motorcycle. Motorcycle signals are often not self-canceling and riders sometimes forget to turn them off. Wait to be sure the motorcycle is going to turn before you proceed
5. Allow more following distance, three or four seconds, when behind a motorcycle, so the motorcyclist has enough time to maneuver or stop in an emergency. And don’t tailgate. In dry conditions, motorcycles can stop more quickly than cars.

Motorcyclists can increase their safety by:

The number 1 tip anyone can give to a rider or driver is to BE AWARE. It does not matter if you re in a car or on a bike if you are aware of what is going on around you, you will be better prepared to react quickly if needed.

April is when many motorcyclists begin their riding season. April is also Helmet Safety month, and a good time for every rider to ensure they’re properly protected with a few vital inspections. These 5 tips will help you save your life with your Motorcycle Helmet.

1. Fit is Very Important
   

A helmet must fit properly to be effective, and not all helmets fit the same. A well-fitting open face helmet should rest one inch above your eyebrows and shouldn’t roll forward or sideways on your head. To ensure a comfortable fit that doesn’t squeeze too tightly, wear a helmet for 20 minutes before making a final buying decision.

2. Helmets Do Not Last Forever

Over time, exposure to heat and the aging of adhesives and components will damage a helmet’s protective qualities. That’s why manufacturers and the SNELL Foundation recommend that helmets be replaced every 2 to 4 years, depending on use. Every new helmet comes with a manufactured date sticker that is placed under the comfort liner for a quick reference.

3. Keep it Clean

A clean and well-cared-for helmet will protect better and longer. Use a mild soap to wash the outer shell and internal liners. Never use solvents or chemicals for cleaning as they can destroy protective coatings. Consult the manufacturers recommended care instructions before cleaning.

4. One Drop is All it Takes
   

A helmet is designed for only one impact. Even a small impact may fracture the outer shell or compress the impact-absorbing liner despite no visible damage. If a helmet has been dropped or suffers an impact, it should be replaced immediately. You do not want to test your luck in an accident.

5. You Should Ask Questions?
   

Riders can learn more about helmet fit and care with the help of a helmet dealer. Most Motorcycle Helmet dealers carry a wide range of helmet styles, including half-, three-quarter, full-face and modular designs.

Spring has sprung and riding weather is here, its best to be prepared. Here are a few things you should consider before hitting the highways.

1. Make sure your motorcycle jacket and motorcycle chaps still fit. (Have you gained or lost weight?)

2. Check your boots. (Are the soles wearing thin, Laces in good shape?)

3. Check your gloves. (Do you have both of your gloves?,The weather still gets chilly in the spring.)

4. Make sure your motorcycle helmet is still safe. (Most only last 2 years.)

5. Pack a rain suit. (April showers bring May flowers.)

6. Don’t forget a leather vest, do-rag, and a face mask come in very handy.

Once you go through this list you should be good to go. Now hit the road and feel the wind in your face doing your favorite thing, riding.

Whether you own a motorcycle or just want to look like you do, the clothes you wear can make or break you. The true freedom that comes with riding requires a little preparation besides the bike. Most dealerships also sell riding apparel, but there are less expensive options.

The classic leather motorcycle jacket is the first safety item that comes to mind. It is the trademark black leather jacket that is worn not only for attitude, but to protect the rider from the elements. It is important to get a jacket that fits. Leather sizing is not always the same as regular street clothes sizing. Also remember that leather will stretch a little and mold to your body shape with frequent wearing. This does not mean that you should buy a size smaller as leather only gives in areas that it needs to. If you can’t afford a leather jacket, a leather vest, or denim vest may be a good substitute.

Leather motorcycle chaps are also important for the rugged biker look. Buying leather chaps at the same time as the jacket will help ensure that the color and hide matches if that is important to you. There are several different styles available ranging from basic leather chaps to leather chaps with a snap out liner. There are also some less expensive and lighter weight options like denim chaps. They are great for wearing over shorts in the summer months.

Harley Davidson boots are the must have for all riders. They scream the word “tough” and are available in several styles for both men and women. Women may also choose from the ever popular Harley Davidson sandals, however these are not recommended wear while riding.

Should motorcycle riders wear helmets or not? This is a question that has been left up to the rider to answer in some states. If safety is as important as the clothes you wear a good motorcycle helmet may be just what you are looking for. Several styles are out there from half helmets to full face helmets in wild designs and great colors to match the bike.

Leather gloves are also popular with riders. They are of course made leather but can be other materials too, Motorcycle gloves may be fingerless, full fingers and even Gauntlets look especially cool.

These are the basic pieces of a motorcycle rider’s wardrobe. Other options include t-shirts, jeans, motorcycle rain suit, bandannas, watches and sunglasses. Motorcycle saddlebags are also a good investment for the weekend trips or just to haul extra gear.

There are several articles of clothes available for your special little rider as well. Everything from kids Harley Davidson boots and kids apparel, like leather jackets to kids leather chaps and leather vests. It’s never too early to love to ride.

Motorcycle apparel represent a significant investment. Proper care should be taken to preserve and protect these items, especially if you are a dedicated rider who rides in any weather. Conditioning and cleaning properly will help keep the leather supple and looking good as well as prolonging the life of the the leather.

Over 1,100 bikes showed up to pledge their support for officer Steve Helton on Saturday October 13th. The ride which started at Maryville Harley Davidson and finished at Dick Clark’s theater in Pigeon Forge was an awesome show of respect for officer Helton. The huge turnout show how Sevier County can get behind Steve and his family and let them know that their thoughts and prayers are with them as Steve is recovering. Rocky Top Leather was proud to offer their support for Steve and his family by being a sponsor of the event. We wish him a fast and speedy recovery. For more information on the success of the event and Steve’s progress check out http://www.ride4steve.com

We will be opening a store in the Morgantown mall October 1st, 2007. The mall is located at 9500 Mall Road off of I-79 exit 152. Stop by and see us as we bring our great product selection and prices to your hometown. Wintertime is just around the corner and you’ll need that leather jacket and leather gloves sooner than you think. Get ready for the snow with a pair of Harley Davidson or John Deere boots. You can do all of your Christmas shopping here as we have a full line of accessories that are not available on our website including belts, buckles, purses, wallets, and more.

The Honda Hoot will be in Knoxville, TN June 20-23. More than 16,000 motorcycle riders are expected to be in town to take part in the festivities.
There are plenty of exciting activities for these visitors, including planned rides in Knoxville and surrounding areas, parties, concerts and just about anything to make sure that the visitors have a hootin’ good time.

The planned rides, which will take the bikers to destinations such as Cumberland Gap, are for pre-registered bikers only.
Chilhowee Park, which is known as “Honda Central,” will have its lawn covered with vendor tents. The vendor expo includes booths that sell a variety of items, including leather apparel and anything to improve the appearance or performance of your motorcycle and clothing.
Event goers who want to take a ride on the wild side can ride the latest models of motorcycles at the event’s manufacturer demonstration rides.