A Buzz Around Lowe's Motor Speedway

In March I was able to do something pretty darn cool. I was taken around Lowe’s Motor Speedway, in the pace car. Yea, me (!) buzzing around the track in the pace car. How? Well, that’s way cool, too.

We have recently become the official motorcycle parking area of Lowe’s Motor Speedway! How cool is that?! Seriously – when you go to the track for either of the May races or the fall race, we’ll be there. I can’t tell you how happy that makes me!

Ever since I’ve been at Kryptonite (8+ years), I’ve tried to get us involved in NASCAR in some way, shape or form. Why? Because I go to the tracks and I know that there are a lot of Kryptonite locks there already and plenty of opportunities for more to be there. In New Hampshire, people lock their wagons all along the fence, many with Kryptonite cables. At all the tracks there are plenty of reasons in the parking and camping areas for cables and padlocks.

Then there are the golf carts and, of course, the motorcycles. Tons of motorcycles.

When Roby and I went to the speedway last fall with some of our customers we had a great meeting with John down there and continued to have conversations as we came into the new year. One thing led to another and we were good to go by early this year. The motorcycle parking area will be branded Kryptonite and we’ll have a tent there for the race on May 18th. Guess what? Nicole Hoffman (now Roesch, by the way), will be with us, too.

The outside of the motorcycle parking area in the infield (for the teams & crews). Picture a Kryptonite banner right there!

So, all of that brought me down to the Speedway recently. Met with John, scouted out some areas for banners and a tent and such and then he took me for a buzz around the track. Seriously, for a NASCAR fan, it doesn’t get too much better than that, right? Not only that, he then took me over to The Dirt Track and I got to see some of the construction going on for the drag strip, too. I saw some drawings of what that baby is going to look like come fall. Let me just tell you – if you are an NHRA fan, get your tickets to the September opening of the new facility. It is first class all the way. You don’t want to miss it.

More to come on some of the cool things going on at the Speedway when we are down there. I can’t wait!!!

A view from the track!

A Picture....

...is worth a thousand words, right?

Check out the photo with this Boston Globe article, "An April Fools Protest"



Fine print: We do not recommend using our locks this way...but we know people do and this photo just said so much I couldn't help posting it.

Charity rides, walks or runs...it your choice

by Roby Holland, National Sales Manager


With all the talk about spring and the warm weather also comes the endless solicitations (good cause solicitations) for charity rides, runs and walks. There are so many out there you can't do them all.

What are you to do?

Here is my suggestion - look over what you like to do, either bike, run or walk. Look for a cause that draws you in that you might have some kind emotional connection to (like the Cycle for Life)

Once you find the event that is to your liking jump in! A lot of these event have helpful web-sites to get you started with donations and getting your self physically ready for the event.

Giving of ones self is the most gratifying feeling ever, especially when it is for a good cause.

Enjoy, you won't regret it!

Craig's Bobber Project - Part 2

by Craig Glab, Central Regional Manager


I’ve been working on my house so much throughout the cold winter that I haven’t been working on the motorcycle as much as I’d like. I’ve been painting and carpeting the inside of my house this winter.

But here are some updated photos of the Bobber Project. As you can see, I switched the motor and transmission to all ready polished Altima 113” motor and polished 6-speed transmission instead of an 80 cu inch Satin Harley Davidson motor. So now I have more performance in that little bike. I’ll peel the tires off of it. I just sold the other motor.

I just put the rims and tires on this last week. They are from Roland Sands and Metzler white wall tires. I mounted them last Friday after work.

I’m switching out the gas tank because it looks too tiny on that bike. I’m going to get a Sportster tank when I get back from my next 2-week trip. Drill some holes, take it apart and send it off to be painted this time…really.

My goal is to have it done by May.

Easter Weekend Riding

by Eric Anastasia, Eastern Regional Manager



Roby and I had similar thoughts on Easter weekend. I dusted off the bike as well, although I give Roby a bit more credit. He had to pedal his biketo get going, me on the other hand, I just twisted the throttle.

Either way it was great to be on two wheels again- there is nothing like the feeling of the first ride of the season. Not to mention that the air cooled bikes run incredibly in these early spring temperatures.

So now that the bike has been awakened from its winter slumber I have been trying to sneak out everytime I have a chance. Can’t wait for my next ride, but I feel like my mountain bike is feeling a bit neglected so I have to hit some single track next to make it fair.

Davis and Taylor Phinney

Thanks to Bicycle Retailer & Industry News online for pointing me in the direction of this fabulous New York Times article on the Phinney family. Stop and take the 5 minutes it will take to read it..now. I think the NY Times only gives articles for free for a few days. So read it, now.

It's an incredible story.

Wishing Taylor all the best in England (kick some serious butt, kid!)...and Davis all the best next week with his brain surgery. He's a brave man.

Women - The Untapped Market

by Roby Holland, National Sales Manager



Over the last several months I’ve become aware that more and more manufacturers are focusing their attention on women as an untapped market. Dealers – this is a focus by suppliers to generate incremental revenue for you (and them). In the current economy we need to be looking for opportunities to drive business and this segment is one that dealerships can work with their suppliers in targeting.

Some of the articles that I’ve read lately have talked about doing women specific sales, women specific bike nights or educating women on riding. If sales in your stores are slow, my suggestion would be to pick up the phone, call your reps and suppliers and see what type of programs or promotions they have for women that you can tap into. This is a great way for you to capitalize on an emerging segment of your business while limiting your expenses.

Good luck!

How Observant Are You?

by Roby Holland, National Sales Manager




Just received this link for a good friend of mine, check it out.

I don"t know about you but I total missed it. It is a great example of how we focus one task we while we miss the other things that are happening around us.

This is especially important as the weather warms up. There will be more people on bikes and when we are in are cars we need to be aware. I'm as guilty as the next driver with my Blackberry, and have total spaced what is around me when I'm focused on an e-mail or a text message.

So as the weather warms, keep a look out for our friends on bikes!

Safe travels!

Spring in New England

Bashful, Customer Service


We turned the clocks forward

Flower buds are poking up thru the ground

Red Sox opening up baseball season in Japan with a win

Spring is supposedly here - can someone let the weather people know?

Rusty

by Roby Holland, National Sales Manager



Went for a ride Easter Sunday, temp was 45 degrees with the sun shining. Was out for a short ride, roughly 15 miles to get the body ready for Easter Dinner! That's right Easter dinner. It is a big deal at my family's house - ham (the other white meat), sweet potatoes, home made Piccalilli and my wife's honey rolls.

With the feast in mind I set out on my ride down to the beach and back. It wasn't my first ride of the year but it sure felt like it. Every move I made the bike twitched, swayed and swaggered. At one point I even tried to go no-handed and almost crashed. I was rusty - the bike and I were not one, so to speak.

Anyhow I pressed on and enjoyed watching kids look for Easter eggs and people shuffling in to houses for the afternoon celebration, and even saw two crazy people go kayaking in sit on-top kayaks. Never did see those people on my return trip, wonder how it worked for them?

On this ride I decided to go the opposite way around Powder Point then my normal route, which was a north to south loop. At the bend to the north side of the loop I was almost creamed by a Crown Vic, and creamed is putting it nicely. This is a really weird intersection to the Powder Point bridge, where there is no stop sign on either side of the intersection. Thank God the driver was on the ball and saw me coming around the loop and was traveling at a speed where he could stop in time. I waved at him to thank him for the heads up play as I began to hyper-ventilate.

I thought about what had happened and what could have happened. As I said I was rusty! I was not thinking about riding I was thinking about dinner, what a nice day it is and how I'll be spending it with my family, and not being aware of my surroundings, like the drive was.

In short, as you get back out on your bikes, remember we are rusty, so are the drivers out there - be aware, pay attention and ride safe! I feel like a Smokey the Bear commercial, but seriously, be safe.

Red Sox WIN in Japan

The HUGE Red Sox fans in the office (Melissa, Donna and Joe) wanted to make sure you all knew that the defending World Series Champion Boston Red Sox started the new season the way last season ended - with a win.

The Red Sox defeated the Oakland A's today in Tokyo. Score: 6-5.

Great way to start the season. Go Sox!

The Spokesmen #28

Episode #28 of The Spokesmen cycling roundtable podcast is now online. It was great chatting about all things cycling with David and Carlton this morning. Give it a listen and let us know what you think. We love feedback.

Celebrity Choppers/Thug and Streets

If you follow along over on the Plog (the Perewitz blog), you have seen the evolution of their customer's Doug and Pete to Thug and Streets.

Doug and Pete are both Perewitz customers who just love, love, love their motorcycles. Somehow, I'm not exactly sure how....they were dubbed with "biker names" at the Boston Motorcycle Show and Thug and Streets were born (all in good fun!) They went to Daytona with their biker names, hung out down there for a week with the gang and are now each contributing to the Plog. They are becoming celebrities in their own right for goodness sake. Move over Dave and Jody - Thug and Streets are comin' through!

Thought you'd want to see their rides since everyone always wants to catch a glimpse of what celebrities ride. I took these when I was down at the shop last weekend.

Here's Streets' ride - might look black, but that is actually a very cool, deep blue. Gorgeous!

Here's Thug's flamed out ride, done by the King of Flames himself!

With all kidding aside, these are great guys and I always enjoy seeing them at Perewitz events. It's come to my attention recently that Doug Robinson (aka Thug) has a son who has recently been deployed to Afghanistan. Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers.

Happy Easter/Happy Family Day

Whether you are religious or not, or believe this to be a holiday or not, I hope that you see it as a day to spend time with your family and close friends. I'm not overly religious so to me, Easter is about slowing down and taking time to be with family and close friends.

So, what did I do today? Started my day on the treadmill talking with my cousin. I mentioned him last week when I was talking about MS Awareness Week. He's lived with Multiple Sclerosis for 30 years now. It's a terrible disease and he's my inspiration each and every day. We were chatting about what we were doing today - each going to different family members houses for dinner, so we won't see each other. And, we were talking about our latest family venture...hence the treadmill.

After last week's post my cousin and I decided that we would sign up for the MS Walk in our area to be held on April 12. Because of a few nasty things going on with his MS right now, he isn't able to walk the 5 miles so he signed up as a volunteer and fundraiser. He'll drive the pick up car for any participant who can't make the 5 miles (hopefully it won't be me!). I'll be walking, but haven't walked too far this winter - I've done a good job at hibernating and storing food like a bear. So, on the treadmill today and starting a diet tomorrow (bluck). I intend to lose weight this spring while getting in shape to walk the walk (and by the numbers on the scale the diet and exercise will need to go on long after the walk...oy!)

We've recruited others, too. My cousin's two brothers and his sister are going to join us. His sister's fiance. His wife and daughter are going to walk. And, my mother is going to walk with us (and will probably have to wait for all of us to catch up). We have another member or two who will probably join along the way, too. It's quite a team of walking Toccis! Here's my walk page where you can see my cousin and link to our family page and see the whole gang.

We are all serious about this because we are all touched by this disease each day because we are all so close and have watched my cousin's struggles (and triumphs!) throughout the years. For me, I've also got two other people who are near and dear to me who live with this every single day. They each amaze me to no end. They are truly remarkable people.

So, on this day meant for family and friends, our family is bonding together for a common goal and common good for all 400,000 Americans living with this disease (and those who are touched by it through them). I think that's the true spirit of the day anyway no matter what religion.

I wish you all a wonderful day to be with your family, your friends and maybe even your bike.

Happy Family Day!

Happy Spring!!!!!!

Enjoy the first day of spring, everyone!

Dale Earnhardt, Jr's new ride

I was in North Carolina yesterday for a meeting. It wasn't too far from Hendrick Motorsports so I took the opportunity to take a quick run to their complex. I hear they have a "new kid" racing for them and I wanted to get a look at his car up close. (ok, seriously, do you really think I could be that close to HMS and not stop by??)

What do you think? Kinda stands out, doesn't it?

Maybe you've seen it on the track. I think the "new kid" might just turn out ok for the Hendrick bunch. What do you think?

Daytona Bike Week

by Craig Glab, Central Regional Manager


I worked out at the Daytona Speedway at the Broward Motorsports' tent. Eric worked at Daytona Fun Machines and then we’d switch every other day so we each worked both places. I saw less attendees than ever before – maybe even by thousands. It wasn’t like it has been in years past.

The weather was great – it rained only twice – Tuesday it was yucky and Friday it was really terrible. It poured so much water was running through the tent. It was a monsoon all day – it was unreal.

The people that did attend Bike Week looked at product, but there weren’t a lot of spenders. Jennifer from Broward Motorsports mentioned that they weren’t selling anywhere near what they’d done in the past across lines, including helmets. Overall, attendance was really down.

Destination Daytona had a lot of vendors and looked like the place to be all week.

One night I took Eric to three casual spots that more of the locals frequent. I’ve been going to Bike Week since 1986 and have found these places throughout the years. We went to the Lighthouse, a place I call Sharky’s (I don’t really know it’s name, but there is a big shark out front) and the Ocean Deck. The Ocean Deck is a great place for live entertainment – I’m talking about bands now. We listened to bands all one night; that was fun.

We went to Main Street and walked around one night down there, too. The best thing I saw on Main Street, though, was the women serving the beer.

There you have it. That was our trip to Daytona.

Happy St. Patrick's Day

To all of you who are Irish, and those of you who are Irish for a day....have a fun, safe St. Patrick's Day!

Because Boston is about as Irish as you can get away from Ireland itself, Boston.com did a pictorial today on many things Irish including the Southie parade and something I found interesting, "Exports from Ireland." It's not all about the Guinness, people!

Enjoy your day and may the luck of the Irish be with you.

Update: If you want to learn about the history of this day, check out this little quiz. It's not as easy as you'd think! Enjoy.

Lend a Helping Hand - for Free

This week quite a few things have come my way that consistently make me think, "I'm pretty lucky and have a pretty good life." After yesterday's reminders at every turn, I decided to write about a few ways that we can all give back that cost us NOTHING except a few clicks of a mouse - maybe 30 seconds in total (unless you get addicted to one, but we'll get there in a minute). Costs you nothing...and gives you a warm fuzzy....try one or more of these things daily....

The week kicked off with a reminder email that this is MS Awareness Week. There were seven calls to action - one each day. I think I will hit 2, although I tried to hit 3 and am still working on that. One is to tell your friends to visit their site and grow awareness - so, I'm telling you....and ask that you tell people, too, on your blog or by having a conversation with your friends. Sign up for a walk - they are usually 6 miles and so much fun to do if you have friends with you. How do I know? I've done one the last 2 years. Can't walk that far? Volunteer. Or, like I said, just tell your friends and help grow awareness. Why is this important to me? Three fantastic people that I hold very near and dear to my heart are living with this disease - one, my cousin, has lived with it for over 30 years and he's one of the most amazing people I've ever met. And, yes, I'd think that even if we weren't related!

The week continued with a great email from Women's Adventure Magazine. Fabulous publication, by the way, founded by a dynamic woman who happens to live with MS, too. Nasty disease gets around, doesn't it? Anywhoooo....the email newsletter had a link to Free Rice. I was curious so I clicked...and became slightly addicted. It's an educational way to give free grains of rice to the UN World Food Program. There's a word on the screen and you need to choose from the list what it means. For every correct answer, 20 grains of rice will be donated. You can keep playing for as long as you want and it keeps your total. If you get one wrong, nothing is deleted and you get another chance. Go on and try it out...it's slightly addicting...and educational...and good for the world. And Free!

Jody forwarded information to me yesterday about "Paws for a Cause", which is a fundraiser for the Just a Touch Rescue organization here in New England. If you are an animal lover, please check them out. Read the stories and find ways to help. There are many ways to help on their site that are free - you can volunteer your time, adopt a pet (ok, so that will ultimately cost some money, but the love you get back outweighs the cost!), donate an auction item or shop at one of their supporters. When you shop for things that you might normally purchase anyway, the rescue gets a portion of the sale.

And, last, but not least, by any means. Every day, I visit the Animal Rescue Site and click on the big purple "Give it's Free" button. No signing up. No follow up email. Just click and food is given to animal shelters. Seriously, it can't be easier. Just add this to your favorites and visit every day - one click per day, per computer. You can also purchase fun things from the site and by doing so, you give additional food to rescued animals.

While you are feeling so good about your free food for the animals, check out the other sites that are associated with this one where you can click on a button and give towards free mammograms, protect the Rain Forest, give free child healthcare and give free books to children. This is a no-brainer. When you fire up your computer each morning, go to this site and click through the tabs. It will take you all of 30 seconds. Warning, though, you might actually feel good and get a smile on your face by helping so many in such a short amount of time.

So, if you think you have a good life, or are luckier than most, think about doing one or more, or all, of these things. You'll feel good about yourself and be doing good in this world, too. Just my thoughts for a Friday. Have a great weekend, everyone.

Kryptonite in Canada

by Eric Anastasia, Eastern Regional Manager

Here are some pictures that someone sent to me to show what happens to a bike locked up with a Kryptonite Ulock that gets plowed over with the side walk plows in Canada….

The sidewalk gets plowed the bike gets destroyed and the lock is unscathed. Impressive isn’t it.

An Ill Wind Blows......

by Roberta Fahey, Customer Service Supervisor

Guess what I did last weekend?

The Spokesmen Podcast #27

Yesterday morning I was able to join The Spokesmen podcast again! Woo-hoo! It's been awhile because of my schedule and the schedules of the folks on the podcast (life happens, right?!).

Because life happens, there were only three of us, but it wasn't for lack of trying - Tim Grahl had some wacky computer problems, Tim Jackson was on a plane with his knees up near his chest and Carlton had a technology meltdown (not his, but his provider). But, David, Richard and I got up early (ok, not so early for me, but wicked early for Richard on the West Coast) and had some fun together. I always think I sound like a dork, but David and Richard sound fabulous, as always.

Some of the topics on Episode #27:
- Tragic accident this weekend in northern California
- Accident in Tucson with deputy hitting group ride
- Utah cyclists press charges under 3-foot rule
- Dave Zabriskie's Yield to Life
- Alleycat races
- Paris-Nice/ASO/UCI/Astana
- Rock Racing (still looking for gear to go on sale!)
- Donna's little opinion about Tour of Cali
- Our bike/riding tips

We dedicated this show to the late, great Sheldon Brown.

I'm listening to the show right now, but it's not over yet. David says that he added some bloopers to the end...I can only imagine...yikes! I'm sure they are fun (right, David?). Regardless, it was a good show - go on over and listen! Make sure to let us know what you think - either here or over on The Spokesmen site.

Update: Hey, Masiguy...you have to listen to the end...to the bloopers...past the static and giggles...

Jeffery Deaver Novel

I keep meaning to mention this....I was on the flight back from Zurich last week and had a Jeffery Deaver book with me. I've been a Deaver fan for many years, but hadn't read "The Blue Nowhere" before. It's pretty good, although technical since it is about two computer hacks. But, it was a good distraction for the 8-hour flight.

Anyway, I'm reading along and on page 245, I come across this....
"Hooking the old, battered Kryptonite lock through the frame of his cycle,....."

I almost jumped out of my seat! What a great surprise!

The book itself is pretty good, too. Go pick it up today if you like suspense novels.

More iceBike

A picture is worth a thousand words, right? Well, here are a few thousand "words" (and some real ones, too).

The Kryptonite booth at iceBike. Paul, Don and I are joined by Andrew Wagerer, our great product manager at Madison.

Patrick (left) is chatting with his mates about his impending fatherhood. Congrats Patrick! I can't wait to get the fantastic news of Baby J's arrival.

Sim and Chipps hard at work...I think...or maybe it was snack time.

Thanks to Kryptonite's marketing team in the UK, we had some cool swag to give away, including these thermal mugs....

...and bottle openers disguised as key rings, pens and reflective straps. Like the 5 year old that I am, I played with these all week....but I wasn't the only one!

Got to meet Jay Townley for the first time, in person. We'd chatted on the phone years ago, but we'd never caught up in person. He gave quite an informative talk to the dealers each of the three days. Carlton caught him on video. Check it out. How psyched was I to find out that Jay swings by our little blog sometimes? Um...very! Hi Jay!

Here Jay is chatting with Mr. Blue himself, Eric from Park Tool. Eric was at iceBike with his normal posse, Roger and Calvin. It wouldn't be the same without them.

Ok, so after I shot this picture I think Neil may have wanted to toss me off the balcony, but he was giving a detailed, passionate presentation on one of the fastest growing lines at Madison - Ogio. Ok, I'm just guessing at the "fastest growing" bit, but if UK consumers are anything like US consumers, they will be fighting for these bags. Gotta tell you, the laptop case is pretty sweet!

It's always great to catch up with Hank from Finish Line at shows. He had a new recruit with him this year. Dan started in the last year with Hank and seems to be fitting in quite nicely. Welcome to the industry, Dan! (Note: Check out the reflective Kryptonite stickers doing their job on Don's computer there!)

Dominic is Madison's Chief Executive and a great host. He really makes people feel comfortable in his "home". We had a nice dinner on Thursday night which included all the Madison folks (my table mate Susan has been with Madison for 28 years!), the 'movers and shaker' dealers (which included Simon and Lisa/Colin Lewis Cycles!) and the suppliers.

Dinner was good both if you love meat and if you don't. It was a hog roast with all the fixings. And, for us veggies, there were really yummy veggie Kabobs, salad, bread etc.

Continental had a great idea when they sponsored this game, eh? I never saw the table empty once after dinner.

I don't have pictures of the master planner, Will, or our wonderful friend Richard or all of the rest of the reps, which is too bad. They are fantastic partners and I wish you could see them all here. Ok, truth be told, I have a couple of photos, but I actually like these guys so I won't display my bad photography!

Thank you all for a great week and all of the hard work you do for us throughout the year! You all ROCK!

Zurich Airport

Don and I made it home Friday night after a full day of travel (20 hours). I'll write more about iceBike next week (and I have more photos) but right now the airport in Zurich is still on my brain. We spent 5 hours there on Friday afternoon so we pretty much know the terminals we were roaming inside and out.

We shopped a little bit (can you say "Swiss Chocolate?), ate a little bit and people watched. Oh, and admired cars. Yes, in the airport.

My observations? Everything at the airport is in English. All the advertising and directional signs are in English. Interesting.

There aren't many places to eat. That's a major international airport. I would have expected there to be more. Maybe 5 places total and only one may have been a sit down kind of place. The rest were typical airport places - where you walk up to the counter, order and find your own table. Yes, there was a Burger King and no, that's not where we ate. With all the time on our hands we wanted a good sit down place, but in the end found a few places close to each other where we picked up our own food and got a table.

Security is very smart. Know how you have to put liquids into a zipped, clear bag to go through the security check point? They give those bags to you, in case you forgot. How nice is that? Most places will just make you toss your liquid (cream, lotion etc) if it isn't in a baggie. These folks give you the bag so you don't have to toss it. Nice!

And then there were the Formula 1 cars. I'm not kidding. There is an auction going on from February 19 to March 25 of 11 Formula 1 cars and 4 are at the Zurich airport on display. Opening bid? Two hundred thousand Euros - and it doesn't come with an engine. You can follow along with the bidding here. You can see some of the cars below - enjoy.

1998 - Jean Alesi

1993 - JJ Lehto

2001 - Kimi Raikkonen

Back of Kimi's car

IceBike - Day 2 with video

Two days down and one to go of iceBike. Madison really puts on a great event. Dealers and suppliers alike are well taken care of throughout the week. I've just had a look at some of the photos I took, which mostly turned out awful. What's up with that? So...none to share tonight, I'm afraid. I'll run around and picture take tomorrow.

But, here are a few things I've picked up at the show...
- Dealers here like our armoured cable more than I expected. I don't remember much of a fuss about it at all last year. Good deal!
- I'm getting an education on the size of the sidewalks - or lack thereof - in English villages.
- Jet lag is getting to all of us from the US. That should be no surprise.
- Apparently, I sleep through earthquakes. Didn't register with me at all...it was one of the few times I was asleep last night.

And...best of all, I got to see some friends, again, today. Chipps was back for Day 2 and Mike Davis of Bikemagic.com came to visit. And, of course, my fellow Spokesman, Carlton Reid stopped by for a bit of an exclusive....had I known he was going to do a funky video, I would have brushed up on my mambo...or salsa...or whatever I'd need with this fun music. Check it out.



That's it from here today. Didn't sleep much last night so I'm a little pooped. Off to bed. Yes, I know it is only 8:30p - but I'm trying to fend off the cold/flu that has, apparently, ripped through our office, including Don, who is here with me. Yikes!

Flat Over Crest. Don't Cut.

Neil McDaid

After 20 years sometimes the best thing to do is take some time off - walk the dog more, go to more rallies and relax like never before.

Thank you for 2 decades of passion, Neil! Whatever your next adventure, we all wish you the best.

Is the tea on?

iceBike - Day 1

I'm over in the UK this week attending a trade show at Madison, our UK distributor. Don's here with me and we are joining our European Sales Manager, Paul Graveson at the stand/booth. Paul's been with us about 7 months now and you will be learning more about him in the coming weeks.

Madison puts on a fantastic show under the tents at their warehouse. Yesterday was the start of the show with dealers from all over like Barry from Firth Cycles and dealers from Oxford, Bristol and loads of other places. It was also press day where I got to see some of my friends in the UK media like Chipps and some of the guys from Future Publishing. It was great fun for me because this show is less hectic than Eurobike or Interbike so I got to spend some quality time catching up with them. I really enjoy that.

Off to get ready for Day 2 where I'll get to see fellow Spokesman Carlton Reid today! I'm very excited about that. Maybe it will even be sunny again today. Yes, it was sunny yesterday! Really. I'm not kidding.

Happy Birthday Dave!

Dave and Matt Hotch last week in Indy

I'm in the UK this week, but I couldn't forget that today is a special day. Please join me in wishing Dave Perewitz a HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!

Congratulations Nicole & Gregg!

I mentioned a couple of months ago that there would be a few Team Kryptoniters getting married this year...first up...Nicole Hoffman!

Nicole married her long-time boyfriend, Gregg Roesch recently on the beach in Key West. How cool is that? Marriage must agree with her because we saw her last weekend at the powersports show and she was beaming from ear to ear all weekend.

Congrats to Nicole, Gregg and the pooches! We all wish you a lifetime of happiness and laughter.

Foul Mood - Caution Rant Ahead

If you are a reader of this blog, y'all know that I've been at the Dealer Expo this week so I haven't had a chance to follow the build up to the Tour of California. Yesterday I did get in a short post wishing my friend Tyler Hamilton well in his return to US racing. Last night when I went to look at the results I couldn't find him and then I had an email from a friend saying that she saw he was left off the roster. That was curious, but I knew that it was really early in the season for him and maybe he just wasn't ready.

Oh no....after a little reading this morning I find that he was left off the roster because he and two others "were not approved entry because of a possible open doping investigation." Excuse me? Because they might be investigated again. Ok, I've had enough. Finally. I'm done. I love the fact that Cipo is back. I truly love the sport and if Tyler is racing somewhere that I can get to, I'll go and support him 100%, but as for the rest of it, I'm done.

From Michael Ball, team owner of Rock Racing about this whole thing..."This is not a decision governed by the agreement. There is no open investigation. AEG is acting irrationally to the detriment of the sport."

Let me preface all of this with I want clean cycling. Very clean. I have no issues with logical, legal methods to getting cycling clean.

I wrote about this last month when I was appalled at the new regulations at the Tour of California. According to the ToC organizers we do not live in the United States where you are innocent until proven guilty. According to the ToC organizers, they are dictators and decide who should be able to race and who shouldn't. Not the governing bodies of sport, but them. That is just WRONG! Can I make that any more clear? Yes, ok, disclaimer again, I consider Tyler a friend. However, I can make the same argument here for Santiago Botero and Oscar Sevilla who were also banned from this "event" without ever having met them.

This Operation Puerto "investigation" has reared its ugly head conveniently before a major tour more times than I care to count. After the tour is over, it goes away. They have some "evidence", but nothing they have been able to prove for YEARS now people. If it's there, then go after those riders. Please. Do. If it isn't, let's get this gone and move on. YEARS have gone by with this now. When does this one "investigation" end? Or will it loom for Tours for YEARS more to come?

So, they might open the investigation again...and they MIGHT find someone guilty of doping. MAYBE. But, it has been YEARS and the folks they are talking about in Cali haven't been charged with anything. Now, a lot of you say "yet" at the end of that sentance. And, you may very well be right, but the fact of the matter is that WE DO NOT KNOW. So...why shouldn't they race? Seriously.

Yea, ok, go ahead and tell me that Tyler has been banned before and that it "proves" he "probably" had something to do with Operation Puerto. Again, United States here people. Don't forget that. Tyler did his time, just like David Millar. Tyler is cleared to race by the governing body. Tyler is still cleared to race by the governing body. So are Oscar and Santiago. Who is the ToC to say differently? Because they "MIGHT" have "something" to do with a years old investigation? Really? Well, any one of those guys in that field "might" have an infraction at some point in their career - even this year. But nobody knows....just like we don't know if any of those guys kicked out of the ToC, before it even started, will. Their name is on a list. There might be some evidence that is years old, maybe, but not proven. Yet, they can't race. That is WRONG.

And then there is the whole Astana mess with the Tour de France. Yea, that works for me, too...

I'm done. Done. Give me family cycling. Give me riding with my friends. Give me kids cycling. Give me rides for charities. Do not expect me to get behind pro cycling until this ridiculousness ends. Skull and Crossbones for the Rock Racing team? Good deal - get me some of that gear!

Marriott Safety Issue - Indy

Everyone makes mistakes. I get that and I'm usually pretty understanding when a company appears to make a mistake in light of a trying situation. However, when public safety and the safety of the people I know could be at stake, I tend to be less understanding.

We are staying at the Downtown Marriott in Indianapolis while we are attending the Dealer Expo. It's a nice hotel - most of it has just been renovated. However, "nice" doesn't cut it when they aren't looking out for the well being of their guests.

Last night at 2:42am the fire alarm starts to go off. It is a fantastic system. Not only does the alarm sound in each individual room and the hallways, but there is also a voice that directs you to the nearest stairway because something is going on in the hotel (I don't remember the exact words - it was in the middle of the night!). But, my college "training" kicked in (fire alarms at least 2-4 times a month is good training)...pants, shirt, shoes, fleece, key, phone then out the door. I can do it in under 2 minutes even out of practice (thank you Charlesgate!).

When I got out into the rain on the side of the building with the other folks, we walked around to the front of the building just as the fire engines were going past the building. I think they were going around back, which was fine. However, we all walked into the lobby where there wasn't an alarm going off. Huh? No alarm.

Eric's on my floor so he's downstairs with me, but in a few minutes it becomes very apparent that those of us that are in the lobby are the only ones coming. Where's the rest of the Kryptonite team? Nowhere to be found. Why? The alarm isn't going off on their floors! We learned later that it was a false alarm on the 5th floor and that the alarm only sounded on the 4th, 5th and possibly 6th floors. What about the other floors (there are at least 15)??? Clearly, this is an automated system so that when an issue is flagged on one floor the alarm goes off on that floor and the floor above and below only. What is up with that??

And, to top it all off, there was only one person in the lobby working behind the desk. Fine. BUT, there wasn't anyone at the elevators telling people not to go up. I saw two cabs arrive and deliver people to the hotel last night while we were in the lobby and they went straight to the elevator and went up because there wasn't an alarm going off in the lobby, of course. HELLO, what if they were going to get off on the 5th floor? Nothing had been cleared by then.

This was so poorly run by the hotel that it made me fearful for an actual emergency in this hotel. When the rest of the gang heard about this last night, they were all a little shocked that they weren't evacuated, too. After all, had it been a fire on the 5th floor when, exactly, would the 7th and 8th floors be alarmed? When it was too late? And the floors above that? And what about the people returning to the hotel who were allowed to go up in the elevator to a floor with a potential issue?

Maybe the hotel knew from the get-go that this was a false alarm for some reason. MAYBE. However, this would have been a great test for all of their protocols for a time when this might actually be an emergency. I'd suggest they treat the next fire alarm like a real emergency, get everyone out and put in all of their emergency services (including keeping people away from the elevators!).

I'd rather be inconvenienced. like I was last night, and feel safe in a hotel than not feel safe there at all!

Let's Go Racing!

Today is a very big racing day for two reasons...

1. The Tour of California kicks off today! It's been a bumpy ride for pro cycling lately, but it's good to get the season started. Personally, I'm more than psyched. It's a return to racing for my friend Tyler Hamilton. Today's short 2 mile individual time trial could be fantastic for him, although it is a little early in the year for him. I also know the great talent of this guy, though. I can't wait to come back from the show tonight and see the results. Go kick some serious butt, my friend! I'll be cheering all the way from Indy.

2. It's the Daytona 500, of course. I don't think you can live in the US and not know that, if you watch the news at all. It's the 50th anniversary of this great race. We'll be showing it in our booth at Dealer Expo. If you are here, come watch it with Dave and Jody Perewitz and all of the rest of us! I'll be the one with the Jeff Gordon gear on. I think it's time for him to win another. I can't wait.

Go get 'em Tyler and Jeff!

Dealer Expo - Day 1

We're still in Indy for the Dealer Expo show. Day 1 is down and in the books. Sorry I didn't post yesterday or this morning, but it's been pretty hectic.

I didn't tell you yesterday that every time I was in the lobby on Thursday I saw Jason Britton every time I passed through the lobby. Saw him yesterday morning, too. Haven't seen him since. I'll bet he's been swamped at the show. It's fun to see the folks you see on TV all the time here at the show walking around - I've seen Rick Smits, too. He's hard to miss since he's so dang tall! He's here every year.

Since it's late and we just got back from dinner, I'm going to do a little pictorial for you. Enjoy!

Set up continues....

Nicole's new racing bike was waiting for us in the booth on Friday morning!

Soon Nicole, Steve and Shane came to change some decals on the bike and move it around the booth for us. There was no way I was going to move her bike or even have one of our guys do it.

Do you ever notice that when you clean your house or room that it always seems to get worse before it gets better? Same thing applies with setting up a booth. It looks like a wreck while it's being set up. But, don't worry, Don and Roby had a method to their madness.

Craig worked hard setting displays.

The night before every show opens we have a booth meeting. It's a time when we can make sure everyone is in town and on the same page for the next day. Here Don talks about some of the new products to Ross, Craig, Eric, Gustavo, Roby and Tim.

SHOW TIME! DAY 1

Nicole's motorcycle in its rightful place at the corner of the booth where everyone can see it.

Look! The product actually made it to the walls! I told you there was a method to the madness.

Karen and Nicole visit for a bit before the show really gets crankin'

Nicole and Dave must have hand cramps tonight. They signed so many posters today!

Last year Dave introduced us to Matt Hotch who is so nice! It was good to see him back again this year for a visit.

Jody, Nicole and I had a special treat today. We had a civilized lunch for a change. That doesn't happen often at trade shows! We met up with Mary from Dealernews and had a lovely lunch. She enjoyed hearing about the Women's Riding Essentials classes that Jody and Nicole are going to be doing that she sent a photographer over to take some shots of them in the booth.

Tim was the photographer's assistant during the gal's photo shoot. He did a great job...at least I think he did, I haven't seen the photos yet.

Had a nice chat with Ryan at CycleWorld today. He introduced me to Roland Sands and showed me this motorcycle that he customized for the Ride for Kids. They were selling raffle tickets, which they've been doing for awhile now, for a chance to win the motorcycle. All the proceeds go to the Ride for Kids. Yup, I got my tix.

Here's the Perewitz motorcycle we have in the booth. Tim and Eric find a lull in the crowd to check it out themselves. You want to talk draw to your booth? This is it! Crazy amounts of people have been around this motorcycle all day.

Ok, that's it for the pictures for now....off to get some sleep before I need to be up again early tomorrow morning to be to the show by 8ish. More tomorrow night after Jeff Gordon wins the Daytona 500!

Powersports Trade Show - Set Up

Hello from Indianapolis everyone!

We are here for the Dealer Expo powersports trade show. We've been making the trek out here for years and years and I've attended every year but one of the eight years I've been here.

I arrived yesterday to do a lot of little things that need to get done before the rest of the team and our guests arrive. Pick up badges for the team, deliver our guests' badges to the front desks of their hotels, check and confirm all reservations in person, get the packages that I sent to myself at the hotel and go over to the booth to see how it is all going.

I am always fascinated at the amount of work it takes to put up a booth. Now, in Vegas we have a "double decker" booth so I understand that work to make it structurally sound. But, all booths take time and expertise to put them up. Here's a little pictorial of my visit to the show floor yesterday.

I'm staying at the Marriott which connects to the convention center through a walkway over the road. This is fabulous since it is always cold at this show (it is February after all!). My room looks out over the walkway, actually. But, this is the view fromthe walkway yesterday. The flags on the light poles let you know that there is a show going on, if the line of trucks and trailers didn't give that away!

Getting through the show floor on set up days is a challenge. You can see where you want to go for the most part, but you can't get there. Crates and boxes and tools and everything else you can think of is all over the entire footprint of the show floor. Sometimes you have to climb over things to get where you want to go.

Here are some of the crates that our booth ships in and skids of product wrapped in the black there.

More crates...getting emptied to make the walls of the booth....

The walls are up! They were just putting the slat wall up when I left yesterday afternoon. I felt like I was just about to become an obstacle for them as they were about to tear into more crates to put together our reception desk. So, I vacated and came back to deliver badges and check my emails. Remember, the show still goes on back in the office and the rest of the world so you need to keep up with that, too, while you are gone.

When I go back today the slat wall will be up, the reception desk will be done, the shelves in the storage room will be built and the graphics will be up. I'll get more photos as the process goes along.

So...do you think the chain is the only new product we have? Nah....we've got more...here's another sneak peek of some products we'll be showing starting tomorrow (yikes!).

New disc lock -- small, compact, easy breezy to use. It will be out later this year.

No, we haven't started to create foot pegs....well, not exactly...this is a foot peg AND a disc lock. Really. Know how you hate to have a disc lock because you might forget it and try to ride off without taking it off (or maybe you've actually done that???). This little guy will make sure you never do that again. Kind of clever, huh?

Ok, off to do a few things and then head to the show floor to see how the construction is going. Ross and Don will be here soon to set the product walls....then Nicole arrives and her motorcycle, too...then Jody comes with the Perewitz custom motorcycle....then the rest of our team arrives for a booth meeting and before you know it, it will be tomorrow and the doors will open! Yikes, lots to do before then!

Have a great Friday everyone. Hope to see some of you this weekend.

Red Sox!

by Melissa McPherson, Customer Service


Today is the unofficial start of spring here at Kryptonite. It may appear to still be winter with snow on the ground and cold temps but Red Sox training camp kicks off today in Ft Myers Fl.

Our customer service team (Donna, Joe and myself) have been counting down the days for the past 2 weeks.

Usually birds chirping, flowers blooming and sunny skies gives you that warm spring feeling but in our office the sounds of bats hitting balls and Jason Varitek in uniform lets us know spring is right around the corner.

Opening day at Fenway Park for the 2004 & 2007 World Champs is just 7 ½ weeks away….but hey who’s counting?!

Play Ball!

Look what just arrived....

Yes, that's the brand new Dale Earnhardt, Jr./Hendrick Motorsports Chevy Impala. Yes, that's a replica of the car that won on Saturday night in the Bud Shootout. It's so new, in fact, that I'm almost afraid to touch it and smudge the paint because I can smell the new paint on it! Yes, I went online and ordered it Saturday night after the win. This will be a classic one day, but for right now it's comfy sittin' here on my tire.

So my prediction for the big race on Sunday? Junior will be second by a nose....to his Hendrick Motorsports teammate, Jeff Gordon. Of course!

A Legend is Born.....

Powersports dealers, come get a sneak peek....Dealer Expo this weekend....Indianapolis....booth 2019.....

Consumers...stay tuned for more news on this later in the year....