Hot Leathers is proud to be at this renowned bike festival, and this long weekend is sure to be an amazing experience for bikers from all over the U.S. You’ll also find a full slate of entertainment, including an impressive array of bikes, poker runs for charity, and bands, including Seven Mary Three and Firehouse. Take in an authentic slice American history with The American Motor Drome Co.’s Wall of Death. And visit great spots like the Rat Hole’s Bar.

Fest hours are 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday thru Sunday. Admission to events and entry fees for participation in competitions vary. Motorcycles only on the downtown streets during the event, and Park N’ Ride services will be available.

In addition Hot Leathers is ready to roll into the Regency Casino in Laughlin. With five days packed full of events and activities April 25-29, 2012, you can be sure that Hot Leathers will have all the gear you need. Come see and historic US Route 66 and cruise the hills from Kingman to Oatman, AZ or cool off in the Colorado River.

Hot Leathers’ impressive selection of merchandise will be showcased at Leesburg and Laughlin so bikers can find great merchandise and ride in style everywhere they go. So if you’re planning on heading to Florida for all the festivities, or Laughlin make sure to keep an eye out for the distinctive and sizzling styles of Hot Leathers one-of-a-kind merchandise.

Hot Leathers is proud to be the official merchandiser for this renowned bike festival, and this long weekend is sure to be an amazing experience for bikers from all over the U.S. You’ll also find a full slate of entertainment, including an impressive array of bikes, rides (including an inaugural poker run on Saturday), and bands playing throughout the weekend. Come see Copper Mike, Mike Cole of Gravesend Cycles. Take in an authentic slice American history with The American Motor Drome Co.’s Wall of Death. And visit with the Full Throttle Saloon folks.

Fest hours are 1 to 9 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Weekend passes are just $15, kids 12 and under are $5.

Hot Leathers’ impressive selection of merchandise will be showcased at a number of featured locations throughout the week so bikers can find great merchandise and ride in style everywhere they go. Wherever you find yourself during Blue Ridge Bike Fest, a Hot Leathers location is sure to be nearby. So if you’re planning on heading to Roanoke for all the festivities, make sure to keep an eye out for the distinctive and sizzling styles of Hot Leathers one-of-a-kind merchandise.

Riders who don’t want to miss anything during the Rally should pick up their copy of the Laconia Rally News at Rally Headquarters (RHQ) at the Weirs Beach Waterslide. The Rally News is the ultimate tool to plan your week of fun. RHQ is also the place to pick up official souvenirs and get the latest news, schedule changes, and other important information. Highlights from the schedule of events for the week include:

Daily Gypsy Tours leaving from RHQ showcase the great rides and unmatched scenery of New Hampshire. Riders can kick-off the week with the Annual Peter Makris Memorial Ride on Saturday June 9th, or join any of the various poker runs and charity rides throughout the week. The Ride to the Sky up Mount Washington will once again be open only to motorcycles on Monday and Thursday of Rally.

The AMA Sanctioned Hill Climb will be held at its brand-new location in Canaan and enthusiasts can enjoy the scenic ride to the climb from the Gypsy Tour that morning. Visitors will also want to plan time to take in the bike shows, swap meets, blessings and street action on Lakeside Avenue. The 89th Loudon Classic at the New Hampshire Motor Speedway brings all the racing excitement you can handle, including Super Bike and Short Track races, to end the rally with a bang!

“We look forward to showing our visitors a great time, and showcasing the amazing beauty and great people of New Hampshire,” said Jennifer Anderson, Director of Laconia Motorcycle Week. “We’d like to thank our title sponsor, Progressive Motorcycle Insurance, along with the State of New Hampshire, our corporate sponsors and the patrons that make this Rally possible every year.”

For a complete schedule of the week’s events, visit http://www.laconiamcweek.com/Schedule/. For complete lodging and camping options, visit http://www.laconiamcweek.com/Lodging-and-Camping/. While you’re visiting the Official Progressive Laconia Motorcycle Week website, be sure to sign-up for the free e-newsletter to learn about new information and special deals!

Funds contributed last week bring the total raised during the event’s five-year run to more than $75,000. Conte and Repp expressed gratitude to the event venue, the Doghouse Bar and Grill on Main Street in Daytona, as well as the long list of event sponsors.

“The support we’ve gotten from individuals and the industry as a whole has been amazing,” said Ken Conte, event organizer and owner of Rise Above Consulting. “To be able to bring industry notables, leading companies, and regular riders together in this way, to benefit a great cause, is very gratifying.”

“Once again, the way the community and the industry rally together to benefit those who’ve served our country is just awesome,” said Carrie Repp, event organizer and owner of R&R Promotions. “Our hosts, Dave Perewitz, Paul Yaffe and Steve Broyles did a great job, and we are so honored to have so many people come out to help veterans, those actively serving, and their families.”

Highlights included an appearance by Victory Motorcycles special guest Sergeant Major Harold G. Overstreet, USMC retired, the 12th Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps (1991-1995), as well as a live auction of a variety of products from sponsors and supporters.

Fusion supporters also witnessed the unveiling of a custom Victory Motorcycles ride designed for legendary Marine and Drill Instructor R. Lee Ermey, a.k.a. “The Gunny.” Gunny’s new ride was custom designed and painted by the Victory Industrial Design staff. Polaris Motorcycles built this bike for him to ride in Daytona and at future military support rides.

Biker Fusion has quickly become an industry staple and event organizers hope to continue raising funds for our troops for many years to come. Event sponsors for the 5th Annual Biker Fusion Party include: The Doghouse Bar and Grill; Kandgcycles.com; Spectro Oil; Rise Above Consulting; R&R Promotions; Hot Leathers; Ride Wright Wheels; San Diego Harley-Davidson; Panama City Beach Motorcycle Week;  Precision Billet and Victory Motorcycles. An auction and raffle items featured products from Ace Café North America; Choppers Inc.; Danny Gray Seats; Michael Lichter Photography; Hardcore Watch Company by Steve Soffa; Covingtons Customs; Wolfgang Publishing; Arlen Ness;  Buck Lovell Photography; Paul Yaffe; Stevenson’s Cycle; Deadwood Tobacco; Fab Kevin Steel Chopper Parts; Indian Larry Motorcycles; Fred Kodlin;David Uhl; Sara Liberte.

Journey, one of rock’s greatest superstar bands, is known for their stunningly powerful music they have unleashed for over 30 years. Journey is expected to perform hits from their latest album, Eclipse as well as blast out classics like “Wheel In the Sky”, “Winds of March”, “Anyway You Want It” and “Don’t Stop Believing” on the main stage of the Sturgis Buffalo Chip on August 6, 2012 during the Sturgis rally.

Journey’s Greatest Hits album is certified 15 times Platinum, bringing it into the elite club of Diamond-certified album holders. Journey has earned 19 Top 40 singles and 25 Gold and Platinum albums since the group’s formation in 1973.

First known as the Golden Gate Rhythm Section, the band later changed their name to Journey with the help of a local FM radio station contest to come up with a better name. The rest is Rock N Roll history.

2011 marked the 30th anniversary of Journey’s classic anthem “Don’t Stop Believin’.” The song is the top-selling digital catalog song in history, with sales of more than 4.4 million in the U.S. “Don’t Stop Believin’” has reached a new class of young fans to become a huge anthem for a whole new generation.

The full week’s schedule includes:
Tuesday, March 13, 11:00 a.m.
David Uhl, Cris Sommer-Simmons & Pat Simmons sign Cris’s new book and David’s giclee print. Meet Gloria Tramontin Struck, David’s new “Woman of Harley Davidson”. Special appearances by Laura Klock and Jodi Perewitz.

Wednesday, March 14, 2:00-3:30 p.m.
Cris Sommer-Simmons & Gloria Struck at the Uhl Patio, Beach Street H-D.

Wednesday, March 14, 6:00-9:00 p.m.
Meet the Great Women of Motorcycles, Cris Sommer-Simmons, Gloria Struck, Laura Klock & Jodi Perewitz at Uhl Patio, Beach Street H-D.

Thursday, March 15, noon-2:00 p.m. and 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Cris Sommer-Simmons & Gloria Struck at the Uhl Gallery – Destination Daytona

Friday, March 16, 2:00-4:00 p.m.
Cris Sommer-Simmons & Gloria Struck at the Uhl Gallery – Destination Daytona

David Uhl painted “Leading Ladies” last year, but waited to release it until Cris had completed her Cannonball book. The idea for his portrait of her came from the Motorcycle Cannonball Run 2010, where Cris was the only American woman to participate. Her 20th place finish paid tribute to her idol and the namesake of her 1915 Harley-Davidson, Effie Hotchkiss, who became the first woman to ride cross country in 1915. Sought after by various museums and collectors, David felt that this original oil painting rightfully belonged in the possession of Cris and her husband Pat.

“As an artist who spends his hours combing through the rich history of motorcycling, it seemed this was a race made especially for me,” David notes. “And Cris shares a very special passion with me – a love for the romance of the history of women on motorcycles, which inspired her to create a beautiful book on the subject. This abundance of inspiration stirred me to create Leading Ladies.”

An exclusive edition of canvas giclee Leading Ladies prints is now available. Each is hand-numbered and signed by artist David Uhl, Cris Sommer-Simmons and her husband Pat Simmons (of Doobie Brothers fame). Further personalization of your print and photo opportunities will be available at a series of events during Daytona Bike Week 2012.

Only 103 canvas prints will be available to the public 89 prints – (the year Cris met Pat and the number on her 1915 H-D), plus 9 Artist Proofs and 5 House Copies. Image size is approximately 30 x 20 and the opening price will be held at $1,550 unframed (framing extra) through the end of Bike Week (March 18th) or until the edition sells out. Those interested can call303-913-4840 to take advantage of a pre-show special price of $1,395 while the edition lasts. Those who order prints by March 18th also receive a signed edition of Cris’s new book, “The American Motorcycle Girl’s Cannonball Diary” which features Leading Ladies as the cover art.

Uhl has also released his 2012 Daytona Commemorative piece, “Above the Law,” the eighth in a series. Prints are available through the end of this year’s rally (March 18). Edition numbers will be assigned as orders are taken and matching numbers are available for those collecting the entire Daytona series. Shipping is included with the purchase price within the continental US. Print comes framed with certificate of authenticity.

Check out Uhl Studios’ fine art at Destination Daytona and Uhl Works apparel at Beach Street Harley-Davidson. You can visit Uhl Studios online at www.uhlstudios.com or Uhl Works at www.uhlworks.com.

The Toby Keith Foundation has been helping children with cancer since 2006. They’ve taken their mission even further by launching a new project called OK Kids Korral. OK Kids Korral will be a home-away-from-home for children undergoing treatment for cancer. “There are few prospects more devastating than finding out that your child has been diagnosed with cancer, said foundation director Juliet Nees-Bright. Imagine hearing that and then realizing that your best treatment facility is hours from your home.” OK Kids Korral will help alleviate some of the financial, physical and emotion toll put on families as they travel to and from treatment.
Toby Keith received his a one-of-a-kind motorcycle, built by Dar & his team, to help in their fundraising efforts.

Since then, the bike took 6th place in the World Championships of Custom Bike Building in its class and is on display at OKC Thunder Cycles.

Tickets will be sold for $10 each and one person will ride away with the only Toby Keith Foundation motorcycle that exists. People may enter online at www.tobykeithfoundation.org and inside the lobby of OKC Thunder Cycles on Memorial Road. Chances will also be sold during Thunder Run from March 31 – April 2, 2012.

Via Press Release

This year’s event features a presentation of a custom Victory Motorcycles to legendary Marine and Drill Instructor R. Lee Ermey, a.k.a. “Gunny.” Victory will reveal a custom motorcycle designed and painted by the Victory Industrial Design staff that “Gunny” can ride on all his upcoming rides. The fundraiser will once again benefit Soldiers’ Angels, a volunteer-led non-profit that provides aid and comfort to active servicemen and women of the U.S. military as well as veterans and their families. Rally TV will provide red-carpet video coverage of the event.

“We’re overwhelmed and humbled by the response we’ve gotten from the motorcycle industry. We’re grateful to our myriad in-kind sponsors, and to Victory Motorcycles and San Diego Harley-Davidson stepping up as new sponsors. The donations for our auction and raffle are a great demonstration of the generosity of this community and the spirit of Daytona Bike Week,” says Ken Conte, event organizer and owner of Rise Above Consulting. “People enjoy the event because it gives motorcycle enthusiasts the opportunity to rub elbows with an impressive list of world-class, A-List builders, industry leaders and celebrities, while raising money for an outstanding cause.”

The general public can attend this VIP event by making a $25 donation at the door, and those planning to come are encouraged to RSVP at http://www.facebook.com/events/238503579576295/. This year’s fundraising event includes a live auction featuring Precision Billet products, entertainment, and a number of great bikes from an impressive line-up of builders, moto-journalists and industry notables.

“Last year’s hosts Dave Perewitz and Paul Yaffe return, joined by Steve Broyles for this year’s benefit,” says Carrie Repp, event organizer and owner of R&R Promotions. “They did a fantastic job firing up the crowd and getting people to look within and donate, and this year they are all donating something handcrafted for the auction. It’s amazing for us to see the overwhelming support we receive each and every year, and it has been an honor to plan and organize an event that benefits such a worthwhile cause.”

Biker Fusion has quickly become an industry and Daytona Bike Week staple, and organizers hope to continue raising funds for our troops for years to come. Event sponsors for the 5th Annual Biker Fusion include: The Doghouse Bar and Grill; Kandgcycles.com; Spectro Oil; Rise Above Consulting; R&R Promotions; Hot Leathers; Ride Wright Wheels; San Diego Harley-Davidson; Panama City Beach Motorcycle Week;  Precision Billet and Victory Motorcycles . This year’s auction and raffle features products from Choppers Inc.; Danny Gray Seats; Michael Lichter Photography; Hardcore Watch Company by Steve Soffa; Covingtons Customs; Wolfgang Publishing; Arlen Ness;  Buck Lovell Photography; Deadwood Tobacco; Fab Kevin Steel Chopper Parts; Chopdocs Choppers; Indian Larry Motorcycles; Fred Kodlin; David Uhl; and Sara Liberte. The event starts at 7:00 p.m. and is open to the general public for a $25 donation at the door, with 100% of the proceeds benefiting Soldiers’ Angels.

Thorogood helped celebrate the Chip’s 30th anniversary by performing all of his hits, including “Bad to the Bone”, “I Drink Alone” and instant classics from his latest album 2120 Michigan Avenue. “George is one of rock ‘n rolls greatest live performers. Put him in front of thousands of roaring motorcycles, tens of thousands of his biggest fans, add a few cold beers and, well, it’s just the best party anywhere”, explains executive producer Rod Woodruff, also the Sturgis Buffalo Chip’s President and CEO.

Other shows will feature concerts by Gregg Allman, Jeff Bridges and Stevie Nicks, and John Fogerty, acts who joined the 2011 concert lineup that included Def Leppard, Toby Keith, Poison, Alice Cooper and dozens more. The Buffalo Chip’s annual music festival has already announced The Zac Brown Band, Boston and Sugarland as part of its 2012 musical lineup. More information is available at www.buffalochip.com or at 605.347.9000.

THE LEGENDARY STURGIS BUFFALO CHIP 2012 will take place August 3 – August 11. In 2012, “Motorcycling’s Largest Music Festival” and the Sturgis Rally’s cornerstone event will celebrate its 31st consecutive annual concert series. Since 1982, the Sturgis Buffalo Chip has provided unforgettable live music experiences for fans from around the world. The Sturgis Buffalo Chip attracts dozens of bands, including the music industry’s hottest stars, emerging talent and local favorites and hosts a diverse selection of food and beverage vendors, marketplaces and interactive exhibits set on 560 acres three miles outside of Sturgis, creating a festival experience like no other. The 9-day concert series lineups and more details are available at BuffaloChip.com and 605.347.9000

Persons selected to participate will get to star in a professional photo shoot with a Hot Leathers Staff Photographer on Wednesday, March 14, 2012. The winners will also be featured nationally in a variety of Hot Leathers media including their popular annual catalog, on their website and in other promotional materials. Models will also be able to keep a couple of Hot Leathers tees they’ve modeled during the shoot.  Specifics on location/time of the photo shoot and what to bring will be discussed when winners are selected. You do not have to be a professional model in order to apply, just be photogenic and enthusiastic.

Here are some of the requirements needed to be a Hot Leathers model during Daytona Beach Bike Week:

• We’re looking for fun, energetic Men & Women Bikers that are comfortable in front of a camera;
• Must be attending Daytona Beach Bike Week and be available between 12 noon and 2:00 PM on Wednesday, March 14, 2012;
• Must be 18 or older;
• Having your motorcycle at the rally is helpful, but not required.

To apply for this fun modeling opportunity:

• Please send several photos including headshots and full body shots (you do not have to be wearing Hot Leathers apparel) to photos@hotleathers.com — Important: In the subject line, please type “Model Search”;
• Include your name, address, cell phone number, email and please tell us a little bit about yourself;
• If selected, you will be contacted by Hot Leathers via email

Via Press Release