The Used Bike Emporium is worth a look

If you are near BWI airport and in the market for a used bike, you should stop in at the Used Bike Emporium (www.usedbikeemporium.com). The owner's name is John. He has a showroom that is larger than many new bike dealers. Inventory includes all the major manufacturers. He sells, buys and services all types of street bikes and dirt bikes. My wife and I had a good experience there when we bought a Harley 883 Sportster last year. Over the winter, John serviced my Kawasaki 1500 Nomad, and he told me about several things the dealer has not been servicing properly. What you will get at UBE is personal service. In the motorcycle industry, customer-focused service like that is hard to find.

maryland charity motorcycle rides coming up

Here are a few charity rides coming up in maryland soon.

April 25 - Juvenile Diabetes Poker Run - Prince Frederick, MD - Renegade Classics (301) 855-1999

April 25 - Spring Pig Run - Benefits developmentally disbaled adults - meet at 10 AM, Daniels Restaurant, Elkridge MD

May 2 - Freedom Ride for Dystonia - Laurel, MD - meet at Old Glory Harley Davidson at 9:30 AM (301) 725-1335

May 16 - Lucy Hopkins Memorial Cancer Ride - Laurel, MD - meet at Old Glory Harley Davidson at 10:30 AM

May 23 - Biking in the Boro - Lineboro Volunteer Fire Department - 4224 Main Street, Lineboro, MD - meet at 9:00 AM - (410) 239-4670

2009 Timonium Motorcycle Show

The 2009 motorcycle show in Timonium, MD was on a balmy weekend that saw many bikes coming out for the first time this year. Bikes parked next to mounds of melting snow, with their riders eager to go inside and see all the new bikes, show bikes and riding gear.

The economy is in the tank, but motorcycle enthusiasts always come out to dream about getting a new bike, even if they aren't ready to buy right now.



This show seemed more crowded than in past years. Cars and bikes lined up on York Road, wrapping around to Padonia Road and even backing up on I-83. In years past, we have braved snow, ice and frigid temperatures. This year we got an early taste of Spring.

Not a good day for motorcycles

Race Road before the snowplow, originally uploaded by bikerphoto.

On Jan 17, we had a light snowfall here in central Maryland. I took this shot just at the storm was winding down. I had been at a business luncheon and came out to find the roads very slippery. I was in my AWD Pacifica, but with very worn tires. After stopping by a tire shop to get some new tires, I headed home to grab my camera while the snow was fresh. Shortly after this it warmed up, the snow turned into rain, and the beauty of the fresh snow was gone.

This is pretty, but I would much prefer a sunny day in the 70's, so I could be riding my bike on this road.

collapsed barn

collapsed barn, originally uploaded by bikerphoto.

At Linganore Winery in Mt. Airy MD they have this collapsed barn on the property. Living in the metro area of Baltimore and Washington one forgets that rural America is still nearby. When I go to this area, which is only 40 minutes from the Baltimore Beltway, it is amazing to talk to people who live on these farms and have not been to Baltimore in decades. This area is relatively untouched by urban sprawl, though many from urban areas in PA and MD visit here everyday. If not for the nearby urban centers, wineries such as these would have no business. If not for nearby rural charm, there would be no escape from urban confinement. Yet it amazes me how many people I know who never enjoy these nearby simple pleasures, but instead travel very long distances to find their paradise.