“Sasha, can you tell us how the work on the rest of the album is coming, is there an anticipated name for the album yet, and anticipated completion date?”

“This album project has been in the works for ten years. No kidding. I have folders filled with songs. I now have enough music for thirty albums. Most folks don’t know that I’m a singer/songwriter, too. The name for the album has not manifested itself. The anticipated completion date is Spring sometime. And this is not going to be a traditional album release either. I’ve got some fun ideas up my leather sleeve.”

“Is there anything you would like to say about “2 Wheels Move the Soul” or “Ridelicious”?”

“”2 Wheels Move the Soul” is just a simple song that is sort of autobiographical. I had the idea for a long time. Then I met this outrageous guitarist/singer Trevor Finlay and his manager put us together for a writing session. I whipped out the concept and he just whipped me right back with his contribution. We were whipping up a creative storm for this tune. Trevor is supremely talented. My dream is to finally get the music video completed! Truly it’s like a short riding film.”

“You authored a book about your riding experiences. Are you finding time to get some riding in?”

“Out of all my years of riding, this year I’ve hardly ridden any miles. Financially this was the toughest year of my life and road trips had to be sacrificed. Every dime, every resource is going into making my dreams come true and surviving. I’m focusing super nova style on my music and art career so that I can get back on the road and enjoy some saddle time. This is the first year that I haven’t embarked upon an awesome journey and I’m feeling anxious about it, believe me.

“I have had a serious of calamitous events that challenge me along the way. The first half of the year I had to take my bike off the road because I couldn’t even afford the insurance or tag renewal. And then my van broke down and it had to be taken off the road. It was just ridiculous and I was hopping around trying to find some work. Crazy. Well, I lived through it for sure. Even wrote a song called “Hang In There” …because I had to.

“Music and motorcycles soothe my soul. I love to share the gift of song. My music and the love of the riding “family” really pulled me through this last year. Amen.”

Thank you Sasha. If the first two singles, “Ridelicious” and “2 Wheels Move the Soul” are any indication, there are going to be some big things ahead for you.

If you haven’t heard “Ridelicious” or “2 Wheels Move the Soul”, you can check them out at http://motoroadeommc.bandcamp.com/track/ridelicious-single.

We will be checking back with Sasha again. This lady has it going on! Thank you Sasha. Amen.

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Female Riders From All Over World Expected at AMA’s Women’s Motorcycle Conference

Seminars, Colorado roads and a host of motorcycle manufacturers draw women bikers to four day event.

The winding roads of Colorado will fill with female riders this week for the 2009 AMA International Women & Motorcycling Conference.

Presented by Harley-Davidson and Buell, the fifth annual conference scheduled for Aug. 19-22 in scenic Keystone, Colo., will celebrate the freedom and fun that women experience when they take to the open road on two wheels. This will be the second time the Motor Company has been the Presenting Sponsor of the conference, which will offer a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for thousands of women riders to come together and enjoy the camaraderie, scenic roads and informational seminars during the conference.

According to the Motorcycle Industry Council, women now account for 12.6 percent of all motorcycle riders, a 29 percent increase since 2003. As a reflection of this trend, the AMA has seen an increase in conference attendance over the years and anticipates that it will double at the 2009 event with more than 2,200 participants.

“Harley-Davidson and Buell are excited to be very involved with this incredibly important — and fun — event to bring together thousands of women riders,” said Leslie Prevish, Women’s Outreach Manager, Harley-Davidson Motor Company.

“The Motor Company has been committed to encouraging women to ride for decades — even marketing the 1920 Sport model as ‘The Woman’s Outdoor Companion,’” Prevish continues, “Being the main sponsor of the AMA conference is another example of how Harley-Davidson continues to promote and support women in the sport of motorcycling.”

“The AMA could not be more pleased to welcome Harley-Davidson and Buell as the presenting sponsors of the fifth AMA International Women & Motorcycling Conference,” said AMA Marketing and Special Events Manager Tigra Tsujikawa. “This highly anticipated event brings the very best of the motorcycling world to women motorcyclists. It’s going to be a first-class conference, and we are excited to align ourselves with the world-class products and people of Harley-Davidson and Buell.”

In addition to a wide range of daily workshops, conference attendees will have the opportunity to demo new bikes, shop for the latest gadgets and gear at the vendor marketplace, and enjoy after-hours social activities. The conference is not restricted to women only — attendees are encouraged to register their spouses, partners, family and friends.

“New and veteran riders alike will benefit from insider tips on a host of subjects at the conference seminars,” says Tsujikawa.

“Topics range from street survival skills, to preparing for long motorcycling trips, to working with a dealer when buying a motorcycle, to maximizing the ‘adventure’ when adventure touring. No matter what your personal background, you’ll find something that will make you a better, more well-rounded rider at the conference, ” Tsujikawa noted.

Current seminar lineup, which is subject to change includes;

Secrets of Veteran Riders: Lessons From the Road

A panel of veteran women riders will educate and inspire riders by sharing what they’ve learned during their travels.

Solo Riding and Touring

The thought of taking a long solo ride does not have to be a daunting one. Solo women riders share their secrets to give those contemplating a similar ride the confidence they need to take to the open road alone.

Preparing for the Ride: Packing/Gear/Apparel

Going on a long ride takes preparation. In this discussion group, experienced riders share their tips on how to prepare, what apparel to wear, packing and loading a bike, and the qualities of a good riding partner.

Dealer Interaction

This seminar explains the ins and outs of interacting with dealers when buying a bike, including how to decipher the sales pitch and negotiate a win-win deal.

Real-World Street Strategies

From metal utility covers and plates on the road to tar snakes, uneven pavement, gravel and angled railroad tracks, it is all-too-common to encounter street dangers while riding. This seminar discusses how to safely manage these and other road obstacles and conditions.

Dual-sport and Adventure Riding

There’s a reason why it’s called “adventure riding.” Join experienced dual-sport and adventure riders as they share their passion for the sport, and discuss how easy it is to get involved.

Accident Scene Management

Knowing what to do in the event of a crash is imperative for every rider. This seminar provides guidance for assessing and treating those who are hurt, as well as how to safely administer care. Crash scene management and the legal aspects of an accident are also covered.

W&M Inspirational Seminars

Any rider can benefit from increased mental stamina and improved riding skills, no matter what her (or his) level of experience. This seminar serves up some great inspirational stories and offers valuable tips for taking your riding to the next level.

Motorcycle Mentoring

New riders can always use a helping hand. What better way to give back to the sport than to mentor a newbie. This seminar shares the joys of mentoring, and how to get started.

Making Your Bike Fit You

There are dozens of aftermarket parts available to make your bike fit your physical and personality preferences. Experts discuss some of the products available, and what you need to know to make an informed purchase.

Ride Like a Pro

Jerry “Motorman” Palladino and Donna Palladino present their well-respected and popular “Ride Like a Pro” skills class that teaches valuable riding techniques.

Survive Institute

All riders need to be cautious when it comes to personal protection. This popular seminar covers self-defense, personal protection and crime prevention.

A host of motorcycle manufacturers will also host seminars and offer demo rides.

“Ducati is very excited to take part in this year’s conference,” said Ducati Press Officer John Paolo Canton, “With the addition of the Monster 696 to our lineup, more women than ever are riding Ducatis. This conference is an important event on our social marketing calendar, and more importantly, we want to offer the opportunity to ride our bikes.

“The Rocky Mountains are the perfect environment to experience the performance of our motorcycles, and we look forward to a great event,” Canton added.

German motorcycle manufacturer BMW Motorrad USA will also provide a demo fleet for attendees to test ride.

“BMW Motorrad USA is ecstatic to be rolling to Keystone for the AMA International Women & Motorcycling Conference,” said Myrrh Davis, event and communications specialist for BMW Motorrad. “The Motorrad team will offer demo rides on new low-seat and low-frame models, along with our standard-height models. We will also arrive with a fist full of quarters and laundry detergent for those playing with us in the dirt at our Dual Sport Demonstration Area. And with inspiring seminar speakers Heather Lewis and Erin Ratay, it will be difficult to say ‘no’ to the thrill of an off-road foray.”

Evening events and an International flavor to the conference will see crowds from around the world enjoying live entertainment, a riding apparel show and a bike show. Liz Jansen, an MCC director and chair of its Women Riders Council, has joined the Conference Advisory Council to actively participate in the event’s planning and preparation.

“We are proud to participate in an event that celebrates women motorcyclists from around the world,” said Jansen. “Hosting the Friday night International Street Party provides an opportunity for women motorcyclists to come together for a full evening of fun, and Canadian riders will have a significant presence there. We are delighted to be coordinating this event by providing Canadian entertainment and speaker content, honoring the contribution of Canadian riders, and acting as liaisons for other international attendees.”

“The AMA is pleased to be able to enhance the international aspects of its conference through this association with the Motorcyclists’ Confederation of Canada,” said Tigra Tsujikawa, marketing and special events manager for the AMA, who noted that women from as far away as Japan and Sweden have already registered.

Canadians in attendance can also reap some additional conference benefits. The MCC is providing a complimentary membership in MCC to all Canadian attendees, and EagleRider, Official Motorcycle Rental Sponsor of the conference, is extending its 15 percent AMA member discount to Canadians.

“Women throughout America will come together and enjoy all the camaraderie, scenic roads and informational seminars that can be packed into a four-day motorcycling get-together,” AMA Marketing and Special Events Manager Tigra Tsujikawa says, “We’re focusing on educating, encouraging, inspiring and mentoring women in the lifestyle and sport of motorcycling, so there’s going to be a lot for everyone to do.”

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The Motor Company will also offer a variety of activities for women throughout the rally between August 1-7, 2009, at Rushmore Plaza Civic Center in Rapid City, including an interactive women’s area featuring motorcycle and product information, seminars and giveaways.

Women who visit the interactive area at the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center will find a wide array of information, from new functional and fashionable gear, to becoming a mentor to new riders, demonstrations on how to pick up a bike, and a scavenger hunt, as well as information for new riders looking to get behind the handlebars of their own motorcycles.

Harley-Davidson will donate $5 to Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) for each woman who completes the scavenger hunt.

Next month one of the country’s most popular motorcycle events takes place in South Dakota, the 69th Sturgis Rally.

Riders from around the world will arrive at Rapid City, S.D. in the first week of August for the what’s widely considered the largest motorcycle event in the United States.

The first rally was held on 14 August 1938, by the “Jackpine Gypsies” motorcycle club, who still own and operate the tracks, hillclimb, and field areas where the rally is centered. The first event was called the “Black Hills Classic” and consisted of a single race with nine participants and a small audience. The founder is generally considered to be Clarence “Pappy” Hoel, who purchased an Indian Motorcycle franchise in Sturgis in 1936 and formed the “Jackpine Gypsies” that same year.

In 1989, founder Pappy Hoel died at age 85. But the rally lived on, with over 600,000 visitors and participants in 2000. In 2002, the city realized the need for a department that would be in charge of organizing and marketing the annual event.

In 2003, the Black Hills Motor Classic officially became the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. 2005 marked the 65th anniversary for this famous bike week with an attendance number of 525,000.

Last year 415,000 people attended the rally.

During Harley-Davidson’s Women’s Day, the Motor Company will offer special seminars focused on teaching women how to customize their motorcycle for fit, function and style; healthy eating tips while out on the road; and best practices for conducting a pre-ride safety check.

Following is a complete schedule of activities planned for Harley-Davidson’s Women’s Day*:

9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Motorcycle Customization & Fit Shop (located in the Parts & Accessories Tent)

10:00 a.m. How to Pick up a Motorcycle

11:00 a.m. Healthy Eating on the Road

11:30 a.m. About the Bikes

12:00 p.m. How to Pick up a Motorcycle

1:00 p.m. T-CLOCS Seminar (pre-ride safety check)

2:00 p.m. How to Pick up a Motorcycle

3:00 p.m. Healthy Eating on the Road

4:00 p.m. How to Pick up a Motorcycle

* All activities to occur in the Women & Riding Tent unless otherwise noted.

“We’re looking forward to Women’s Day at Sturgis,” said Leslie Prevish, Women’s Outreach Manager for Harley-Davidson Motor Company. “These initiatives help showcase our dedication to educating and empowering both current women riders and those who dream of hitting the open road. The events are also great opportunities for women riders to connect and share their inspiration for riding.”

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It started early in the morning. That unmistakable rumble of Harleys running through the canyons of Trabuco. First just a couple, then more. And as the sounds of v-twins echoing off the canyons reached a crescendo, the corner motorcycle row at Cook’s Corner began to quickly fill up.

But something is surely different today. Yeah, yeah, it’s hot. But there is something else, too. Today, we are celebrating Women Who Ride at Cook’s Corner. And a large number of these bikes ridden in here today arrived with a women driving it.

Cook’s Corner once again has done a superb job of hosting a major charity event. There were several charities represented here today, most dealing with cancer research. Vendors, raffles and music added to the entertainment of the day.

The Viet Nam Veteran’s m/c were there for the hoisting of the new flags. One of their own (also a women rider who blew by me on the way in) lead us in the American Anthem. But the rest of the day truly belonged to the Women Who Ride.

I met Serena, Miss June in the Biker Babes for Boobs Calendar. All the proceeds of this calendar will go to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer charity.

Serena told me about her passion for riding. The owner of a 2006 Road King with 60,000 miles on it already, Serena has several Iron Butt awards, and is a regular on the roads to Sturgis.

Carol graces November. The rider of a 2002 Dyna, she too shares a passion for riding.

The women in this calendar don’t just own bikes, they ride them. And they all have a story to tell.

But there were a lot of others there, too. Yolanda told me that she has been riding for 12 years, and loves her Dyna. And Susan explains that riding her 2004 Dyna is the only thing that keeps here sane.

In talking to these women, one central theme kept coming up. These women all have different lives, many have families and careers. But the central theme that I kept finding is their passion for their bikes and the open road. They do love to ride.

Despite the heat, the day was a success. People were brought together to celebrate that part of our sub-culture that until recently has never received a lot of attention. Monies were raised and attention given to some notable charities that deserve all our support.

My hat is off to all these Women Riders today, and to Cook’s Corner for their hospitality and support. See you on the open road.

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On Sunday, July 19th, from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm, Cook’s Corner in Trabuco Canyon, CA will be celebrating Ladies Who Ride. There will be prizes, entertainment, and contests for participants. Gift bages will be given to the first 75 female riders. Come and enjoy the music, raffles, and great food!

Men this is the place to be. The ride starts at Fullerton Harley 10:30 am. Best men and womens tattoo wins $200 worth of new ink, Courtesy of Costa Mesa Ink.

Best women’s bike takes home $500 worth of custom paint and a 5,000 mile service, Courtesy of Danny Martinez Custom Paint and Triple Threat Choppers.

Miss Cook’s Corner will ride away with a $100 Victoria Secret gift certificate and more.

Oh, and ladies, there will be a Mr. Hard body contest, too!

http://cookscorners.com/images/ladieswhoride09-Web.jpg
All are welcome…Any donation accepted. BBQ food donated by El Toro Meats

Hope to see ya all there!
www.cookscorners.com

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