I just want to thank everyone who has taken the time to thank me for doing the videos on the site. It feels great to know that it's helping.
If there is a downside, it's how the video's have spiked our telephone traffic. Not that the actual calls are an issue, it's mainly that there's no way to handle them all, at any given time. Our website gets National attention from our advertisements, and we would need a staff of 20 to even begin grabbing the phone each time it rings. Needless to say, our voice mail gets a workout. I also want to handle many of the questions personally, and many customers want to speak with me about various products.
If you fall into this situation, please know that I return every call the same day. There is one exception, I don't call back East after 5pm Pacific time (8pm Eastern). I have a phobia about calling way to late, and waking someone up...lol.
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Monday, June 16, 2008
Getting back on the track..
I'll admit it, I have a very compulsive personality. When I do something, I just plain do it. The same held true when I decided to start a Helmet Harbor Race Team. It started off slow, but grew into a huge deal and expense. Huge enclosed trailer, truck, 3 race bikes, 4 easy-ups, outdoor coolers, fresh tires twice a weekend, you name it. Not to mention the 4 National race schools I attended to get "just a little faster." When all was said and done, I had a HUGE amount invested in equipment, and each weekend (sometimes 3 a month) were costing me 3k.
I get asked, "What happened?" all the time. I simply say, all involved got mentally tired. What started as fun, turned into stress. We stopped being thrilled to just be on the grid, into "I've got to beat that guy, and that guy, Hell, all of them." If one of us did poor, everyone felt it. Attitudes toward the sport simply changed.
Personally I could see a change. When I started I was in the back. Everyone beat me. Near the end, I felt I had a chance to win. I had bumped to the expert class, and was finishing high. I was actually hanging with guys who were AMA fast. In a nutshell, I got good. The younger guys on our team could feel me breathing down their necks, and because of that, didn't have an issue stuffing me in corners to keep ahead. By the way, this was mutual. In some races our team finished 1, 2, 3 and 4, and from the stands we looked like a freight train going around the track. Our bikes matched, and it was easy to see how well we were doing as a team.
The end came rather simple. Near the beginning of year 4 I put my guys in a room and asked if they wanted to continue. All said that they had enough, and that fast it was over. The trailer was sold, the hauler traded, and the bikes/gear placed in storage. Other than the occasional track day, we never came close to a track.
This brings me back to the present. I've had a break, and the itch is returning. However, this time it's going to much more simple, and would need to be for me to even think about a comeback. No team, just me. I hauled bikes for others for 4 years, I will be getting some payback. No trailer, hauler, just me and my bike.
Why, after a 3 year break? Simple, my attitude has changed, and I'm not all about beating, anyone... I think this time I will focus more on helping younger, and new riders. Put those schools to work and try to pass on a little of what I've been shown. Sure, I can see myself racing a little, but back as a amateur. Good bye white plate, hello yellow. New bike? Maybe, but I don't see it happening anytime soon. My old trusty steed will do just fine for what I have planned.
I was told by a track manager that, "Todd, if you get your times down, I will bump you to expert. You know that right? I don't see you with a yellow plate long." Well, if that holds true, and I'm at that level again, I guess I'll bump. Funny how before bumping up was all I thought about, now it sounds disappointing. The difference this time will be, I won't be pushing myself to make every pass, or out to out-break everyone. If it happens, great. It's going to be about going out, having fun, and having new stories to tell. That simple.
I get asked, "What happened?" all the time. I simply say, all involved got mentally tired. What started as fun, turned into stress. We stopped being thrilled to just be on the grid, into "I've got to beat that guy, and that guy, Hell, all of them." If one of us did poor, everyone felt it. Attitudes toward the sport simply changed.
Personally I could see a change. When I started I was in the back. Everyone beat me. Near the end, I felt I had a chance to win. I had bumped to the expert class, and was finishing high. I was actually hanging with guys who were AMA fast. In a nutshell, I got good. The younger guys on our team could feel me breathing down their necks, and because of that, didn't have an issue stuffing me in corners to keep ahead. By the way, this was mutual. In some races our team finished 1, 2, 3 and 4, and from the stands we looked like a freight train going around the track. Our bikes matched, and it was easy to see how well we were doing as a team.
The end came rather simple. Near the beginning of year 4 I put my guys in a room and asked if they wanted to continue. All said that they had enough, and that fast it was over. The trailer was sold, the hauler traded, and the bikes/gear placed in storage. Other than the occasional track day, we never came close to a track.
This brings me back to the present. I've had a break, and the itch is returning. However, this time it's going to much more simple, and would need to be for me to even think about a comeback. No team, just me. I hauled bikes for others for 4 years, I will be getting some payback. No trailer, hauler, just me and my bike.
Why, after a 3 year break? Simple, my attitude has changed, and I'm not all about beating, anyone... I think this time I will focus more on helping younger, and new riders. Put those schools to work and try to pass on a little of what I've been shown. Sure, I can see myself racing a little, but back as a amateur. Good bye white plate, hello yellow. New bike? Maybe, but I don't see it happening anytime soon. My old trusty steed will do just fine for what I have planned.
I was told by a track manager that, "Todd, if you get your times down, I will bump you to expert. You know that right? I don't see you with a yellow plate long." Well, if that holds true, and I'm at that level again, I guess I'll bump. Funny how before bumping up was all I thought about, now it sounds disappointing. The difference this time will be, I won't be pushing myself to make every pass, or out to out-break everyone. If it happens, great. It's going to be about going out, having fun, and having new stories to tell. That simple.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Live in the South, and still wear a leather jacket?
Owning a store located on the surface of the Sun, we figure out real quick what works in the heat. Leather isn't one of them.
I've heard it a thousand times. "I really want this leather jacket, is it perforated? I don't want to get hot during my rides." I can do nothing short of chuckle out loud. I can't count how many times I've spoke with customers who have visited other stores, have been told that Cordura and leather work great in the summer, as long as they're vented. I lecture every day that you can have 50 vents on either of these jackets, and you'll still cook above 90 degrees. Simply, these two materials should be your last choice.
Leather retains heat. I've gone out on test rides, cooked, and then tossed the jacket on the couch after returning home. 30 minutes later the jacket is still warm to the touch. Leather soaks up and retains heat. It's that simple, and 100 vents or perforation isn't going to fix that.
Cordura is a tight weave cloth, and allows zero air to pass through. Yes, you can add vents, but look at the next Cordura jacket you see. Most of the time the vents are designed to keep out the wet, and use Velcro to make this happen. Often, what vents are there will close by themselves, and now you have zero ventilation. It's like pulling on a trash bag. It's also why most of the winter jackets are made out of Cordura.
Mesh jackets are the only way to go. Many have an inner rain liner that you can remove. Others have both a rain liner and the thermal liner to keep the cold at bay. Here in AZ you simply have a jacket that works year round. I've actually ridden with my mesh jacket, with the liners installed, all the way down to the high 20's. In the summer the whole jacket is a vent.
The one question I get more than any other is, "I've heard that the mesh will melt in a crash if you drag long enough." Look, if you start melting a mesh jacket, that's your last worry. You have greater issues to deal with...LOL Yes, mesh, Cordura, and even leather will grind through if you slid on one spot long enough. The jackets seams are what to focus on. The seam is what will fail first, which if happens, will expose your skin to the concrete. I've seen too many mesh jackets to count after they've been crashed. The mesh is damaged, but didn't cause injury. Simply, they are safe.
In a nutshell, if you ride in the heat you owe it to yourself to purchase a mesh jacket. You'll thank me for it later.
I've heard it a thousand times. "I really want this leather jacket, is it perforated? I don't want to get hot during my rides." I can do nothing short of chuckle out loud. I can't count how many times I've spoke with customers who have visited other stores, have been told that Cordura and leather work great in the summer, as long as they're vented. I lecture every day that you can have 50 vents on either of these jackets, and you'll still cook above 90 degrees. Simply, these two materials should be your last choice.
Leather retains heat. I've gone out on test rides, cooked, and then tossed the jacket on the couch after returning home. 30 minutes later the jacket is still warm to the touch. Leather soaks up and retains heat. It's that simple, and 100 vents or perforation isn't going to fix that.
Cordura is a tight weave cloth, and allows zero air to pass through. Yes, you can add vents, but look at the next Cordura jacket you see. Most of the time the vents are designed to keep out the wet, and use Velcro to make this happen. Often, what vents are there will close by themselves, and now you have zero ventilation. It's like pulling on a trash bag. It's also why most of the winter jackets are made out of Cordura.
Mesh jackets are the only way to go. Many have an inner rain liner that you can remove. Others have both a rain liner and the thermal liner to keep the cold at bay. Here in AZ you simply have a jacket that works year round. I've actually ridden with my mesh jacket, with the liners installed, all the way down to the high 20's. In the summer the whole jacket is a vent.
The one question I get more than any other is, "I've heard that the mesh will melt in a crash if you drag long enough." Look, if you start melting a mesh jacket, that's your last worry. You have greater issues to deal with...LOL Yes, mesh, Cordura, and even leather will grind through if you slid on one spot long enough. The jackets seams are what to focus on. The seam is what will fail first, which if happens, will expose your skin to the concrete. I've seen too many mesh jackets to count after they've been crashed. The mesh is damaged, but didn't cause injury. Simply, they are safe.
In a nutshell, if you ride in the heat you owe it to yourself to purchase a mesh jacket. You'll thank me for it later.
2008, what a mess...
I've been around since the late 1990's, and I've never seen anything like 2008 when it comes to product. Or should I say, lack of product so late in the year. Nothing is more frustrating, and time consuming as try to get product that doesn't exist.
Now why this is happen appears to the great mystery of the century, and not just one company is involved. I've seen it from Bell, all the way down to HJC, AGV, Tourmaster and Cortech. How can a company advertise a 08 product in November of 07 and still not have it in June?
Some say it's the weak dollar. US companies are holding off their purchases hoping the dollar gets stronger, and thus they pay less. Others say it's nothing more than strong demand because of the high gas prices. More people are riding, more product is being sold, and less is available.
Regardless of what's going on, or the excuses behind the issue, it equals a HUGE pain for everyone involved, right down to the customers. All I can hope is that those in charge make some good choices and make things happen. If not, you'll see Dealers like myself start looking harder at product that we can actually sell. If I was a young company looking to break into the market, this looks like a gift. Let's see if they take advantage of it.
Now why this is happen appears to the great mystery of the century, and not just one company is involved. I've seen it from Bell, all the way down to HJC, AGV, Tourmaster and Cortech. How can a company advertise a 08 product in November of 07 and still not have it in June?
Some say it's the weak dollar. US companies are holding off their purchases hoping the dollar gets stronger, and thus they pay less. Others say it's nothing more than strong demand because of the high gas prices. More people are riding, more product is being sold, and less is available.
Regardless of what's going on, or the excuses behind the issue, it equals a HUGE pain for everyone involved, right down to the customers. All I can hope is that those in charge make some good choices and make things happen. If not, you'll see Dealers like myself start looking harder at product that we can actually sell. If I was a young company looking to break into the market, this looks like a gift. Let's see if they take advantage of it.
Friday, March 28, 2008
Aren't we going "GREEN"?
I was down at my local BMW dealership last week picking up some OEM parts, and I got to joking with one of the part managers. One thing led to another, and I made a comment that I was "going green" by riding to work each day, instead of using my truck a few times a week. The part manager overheard my comment and joked, "So you're riding your bicycle?" I of course got the point and replied, "Well, I guess I've gone pond green".
Here in Arizona we have only 10 days of rain a year. Rarely will it freeze, and when it does, the roads seldom become slick. We have little excuse not to ride year round. Sure, it gets hot in the summer, but only the ride home is brutal.
Currently I'm riding a very plush BMW K1200LT. My routine is to head out to the bike, start the engine, hit the radio button, turn on the heated hand grips/seat (winter), and slap on my helmet. I pass by the gas station on the way to work, hit my bike computer button and smile as it indicates 45mpg... Nothing better than seeing that number each morning.
I'm proud to say that we have a strong "grass root" customer base. There are customers who have been shopping with us for over 10 years. They are more than customers, but truly friends. When I suggest a product, I take it to heart. When a product is expensive, I make sure to explain why.
The high price of gas has turned many into everyday commuters like myself. It has also motivated many to update their older gear. Here is the dilemma many face. How can I ride each day to save money, then walk into a store and spend $400 on new gear. Doesn't that scratch out any savings? Here's the math...lol
If you take the $400 and divide it by $3 (price of fuel) it comes out to 133 gallons of gas. If your car/truck gets 20mpg that it comes out to about 7 fill ups, or 2660 miles. A 30 mile commute each day equals about 88 trips, 17 weeks, or about 4 months... In other words if you buy the gear, ride each day, 4 months in you're in the black. Less if you're like me, and your car/truck gets only about 12mpg...
The bottom line? You must have comfortable gear to even get onto a bike day after day. Once you do, the savings can start. You will also have something that will serve you well into the future. You save money in the long run, have a comfortable ride, and everyone wins...
Here in Arizona we have only 10 days of rain a year. Rarely will it freeze, and when it does, the roads seldom become slick. We have little excuse not to ride year round. Sure, it gets hot in the summer, but only the ride home is brutal.
Currently I'm riding a very plush BMW K1200LT. My routine is to head out to the bike, start the engine, hit the radio button, turn on the heated hand grips/seat (winter), and slap on my helmet. I pass by the gas station on the way to work, hit my bike computer button and smile as it indicates 45mpg... Nothing better than seeing that number each morning.
I'm proud to say that we have a strong "grass root" customer base. There are customers who have been shopping with us for over 10 years. They are more than customers, but truly friends. When I suggest a product, I take it to heart. When a product is expensive, I make sure to explain why.
The high price of gas has turned many into everyday commuters like myself. It has also motivated many to update their older gear. Here is the dilemma many face. How can I ride each day to save money, then walk into a store and spend $400 on new gear. Doesn't that scratch out any savings? Here's the math...lol
If you take the $400 and divide it by $3 (price of fuel) it comes out to 133 gallons of gas. If your car/truck gets 20mpg that it comes out to about 7 fill ups, or 2660 miles. A 30 mile commute each day equals about 88 trips, 17 weeks, or about 4 months... In other words if you buy the gear, ride each day, 4 months in you're in the black. Less if you're like me, and your car/truck gets only about 12mpg...
The bottom line? You must have comfortable gear to even get onto a bike day after day. Once you do, the savings can start. You will also have something that will serve you well into the future. You save money in the long run, have a comfortable ride, and everyone wins...
Saturday, March 1, 2008
"Todd, what do you wear?"
As you would suspect, after trying on endless streams of helmets and jackets, customers often ask me "What do you wear?". If you've read through our site, I mention often that I try to Demo almost everything we sell. It only makes sense that the product I keep for my personal use, is what I feel is the creme of the crop.
I'm the first to point out that what I like, might not be what they like. Everyone has a different head shape, body shape and expectations.
I require three main things when I choose a product;
I'm the first to point out that what I like, might not be what they like. Everyone has a different head shape, body shape and expectations.
I require three main things when I choose a product;
- BULLET-PROOF. There is no hidden rule that a jacket can only last 2 years before it starts to have seam issues, or a helmet should start falling apart after 5 years. If I have ANY issues during the demo, it NEVER makes it into our store. Often, it never makes in into our online store, and if it does I point out the issues in the evaluation.
- PRICE. While there are occasions when paying a little extra is well worth it, the product needs to make sense. I tell customers all the time that if there is a $50 difference between two similar products, I better be able to justify it. Many times I can, but often I can't. Also, if a jacket is $200, I should be able to justify the cost. You don't always have to spend a lot to get a lot.
- COMPANY SUPPORT. While there are a TON of manufacturers, not all of them are easy to deal with AFTER the fact. If something breaks, or there is a defect, the manufacturer should be pleasant to work with to resolve the issue. Nothing is worse than jumping through a bunch of hoops just to get an issue resolved. There's not a PERFECT product on the market, and issues can come up, but these issues should not be hard to resolve.
If you were to walk into our store, you would see a wall of Tourmaster, Fieldsheer, and Joe Rocket Jackets and pants. My favorite, Tourmaster. Like I mention above, I personally feel they have the most solid product for the price. I current wear of 07 version of the Cortech (Tourmaster) GX-Air w/Leather. I demo'ed the jacket, and just can't bring myself to wear anything else. It's warm when the weather gets chilly, and does a GREAT job during our harsh summer heat. I also wear the Tourmaster Venture air pant. I also REALLY like Alpinestars products. In many ways, they blow everyone else away. However, they are more expensive. I have over 2 dozen crashes in one of their suits, and without repair I'm still using it. Solid seams, and great materials, equals an outstanding product.
Currently I'm wearing a Shoei X-11, but I have a feeling that I will be moving onto the Shark RSR2. Both helmets are great, but the lack of weight on the Shark is appealing. The problem with switching from the X-11 is that you're spoiled, and often other helmets just don't excite you. I've worn the helmet in the past for the demo, so I know what to expect. Makes things a LOT easier.
If I had one word of advise it would be to ask those that you trust for an honest opinion on product before you buy. As we all know, there are a TON of companies selling product, but there are a few that stand out.
Monday, February 4, 2008
Safety Standards...
I can remember 10 years ago when there were just two (2) helmet safety standards to concern yourself with in the US. DOT and SNELL. Everyone I spoke too had generally the same opinion; DOT was what made a helmet legal to wear on the street, and SNELL was what you looked for to ensure you were protected. Oh how times have changed...
SNELL has taken a beating over the last 2 years. Motorcyclist came out with a article proclaiming SNELL was "too hard" to protect a rider in a "average" motorcycle crash, and DOT topped their list in regard to protection. By the way, ECE 2205 (European Standard) also proved to be superior to SNELL. Since, SNELL has anounced plans to change their standard for 2010, making it very simular to ECE 2205.
Now I've read online those who support SNELL, and see the change as nothing more than a "change". SNELL does this every 5 years, so why should this "change" be any different? I see it very simply. In the past, while the standards changed, prior cerified SNELL helmets could still pass. In a nutshell, SNELL 2000 and even most SNELL 1995 helmets could still meet the SNELL 2005 standard. With this change, according to SNELL itself, only about 20% for the SNELL 2005 helmets will pass the 2010 revision.
Since 2002, when Suomy entered the US market with the DOT, European standard Gunwind model, I've been a supporter. Dealers often used SNELL as a selling point. Typically SNELL helmets were more expensive, which made for larger margins. Slogans such as, "Do you really want to put a cheap helmet on a priceless head?" were also used to motivate buyers to spend more money, and increase profits. DOT took a beating, and was reduced to a joke.
Here are a few facts that many don't know.
Buy a helmet based on what you "require" from it, not by price. If you want a helmet that vents great, has a high end liner, or is super light, then expect to spend more. If you need a helmet that is only above average in these areas, you can find a helmet under $200.00 that will be both safe and comfortable.
SNELL has taken a beating over the last 2 years. Motorcyclist came out with a article proclaiming SNELL was "too hard" to protect a rider in a "average" motorcycle crash, and DOT topped their list in regard to protection. By the way, ECE 2205 (European Standard) also proved to be superior to SNELL. Since, SNELL has anounced plans to change their standard for 2010, making it very simular to ECE 2205.
Now I've read online those who support SNELL, and see the change as nothing more than a "change". SNELL does this every 5 years, so why should this "change" be any different? I see it very simply. In the past, while the standards changed, prior cerified SNELL helmets could still pass. In a nutshell, SNELL 2000 and even most SNELL 1995 helmets could still meet the SNELL 2005 standard. With this change, according to SNELL itself, only about 20% for the SNELL 2005 helmets will pass the 2010 revision.
Since 2002, when Suomy entered the US market with the DOT, European standard Gunwind model, I've been a supporter. Dealers often used SNELL as a selling point. Typically SNELL helmets were more expensive, which made for larger margins. Slogans such as, "Do you really want to put a cheap helmet on a priceless head?" were also used to motivate buyers to spend more money, and increase profits. DOT took a beating, and was reduced to a joke.
Here are a few facts that many don't know.
- Shoei and Arai both make an European standard version, and a SNELL, US version of their models. While I like thinking we as Americans are special, this makes little sense. It drives up manufacturing costs, and those costs get passed onto us.
- While DOT has always been looked down on, it has always been a GREAT (not OK) standard. Nothing is perfect, but for motorcycling it makes sense. Also, did you know that the AMA states, "SNELL M 2005 or DOT FMVSS 218". Notice the "or". It's also recognized around the World as a standard good enough to wear on the race track.
Buy a helmet based on what you "require" from it, not by price. If you want a helmet that vents great, has a high end liner, or is super light, then expect to spend more. If you need a helmet that is only above average in these areas, you can find a helmet under $200.00 that will be both safe and comfortable.
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