We hope you’ve recovered from all the Cinco de Mayo rallies and runs because there’s more riding to be had as we head into full on fabulous weather almost everywhere in the country. Grab your motorcycle vest and hop on your hog. Here’s a specially selected round-up of motorcycle events in May 2012.

May 2012 Upcoming Events

What: The Pilgrimage

Where: James Island, South Carolina

When: May 11, 2012

If you live on the East Coast and anywhere near the Carolinas, this could be the day trip for you. Riders meet up at Island Bar & Grill on James Island and make their “pilgrimage” to Myrtle Beach with a number of scenic stops in between. You’ll enjoy free food, cheap beer and a fun time with motorcycle riders of every stripe. The organizers have a Facebook page, so check it out, and give them a thumb’s up for us!

Mother’s Day Weekend Madness

Choosing just one event over Mother’s Day weekend proved too challenging. There are at least 50 events held over a 2-day period, so good luck deciding. Here are two that got our attention.

What: Hogs for Dogs

Where: College Station, Texas

When: May 12, 2012

This event includes a scenic ride, bake sale, live music and silent auction. There’s a $25.00 registration fee to raise funds for Long Way Home Sanctuary, a non-profit organization that maintains a caring, nurturing home life for pets deemed “unadoptable” or who have been diagnosed with a chronic or terminal illness.

So, if riding for a cause speaks to you, this one will go straight to your heart.

What: 4^th Annual Poker Run & Hog Roast (opens to map)

Where: Kennewick, Washington

When: May 12, 2012

This event includes a hog roast, scenic ride, silent auction, 50/50 cash drawing, and, this is a first, goldfish blowing contest. If you go, let us know what the heck that looks like. They’re charging a fee for the ride and/or the roast, so be sure to bring some cash. But, if you play the 50/50, your costs will be covered, and you even may come out ahead, depending on the size of the crowd.

What: Memorial Ride for Fallen Brothers & Sisters

Where: Gray Summit, Missouri

When: May 27, 2012

This is a free ride honoring those riders who no longer ride with their fellow bikers. Enjoy a scenic ride through several counties starting at Roadhouse 100. Kickstands up at 11:30 a.m. The ride ends at Roadhouse 100 where cold drinks and food will be served. The sponsoring group is Action Riders, a non-profit created to raise funds for residents of Franklin County who are in crisis.

May Motorcycle Event Round Up was posted at Leather Bound Blog. | http://blog.leatherboundonline.com

Nothing says “summer” more than planning a motorcycle adventure. Motorcycle trips demand far more planning than the equivalent journey in a car, however. You can’t just hop on your bike; slip on your motorcycle gloves and head on down the highway. For now, we’ll assume that you’re clear on practical considerations like storage capacity and maintenance. So, let’s get to the fun stuff!

From Colorado to California

The farther you travel west, the more open space you’ll enjoy. That’s not to steer you away from planning a road trip through cities in the east or Midwest; it’s just that the natural beauty in Colorado and California seem to go on forever, offering you the best of all worlds.

Take Colorado, for example. You can create four separate tours without ever leaving the state! Enjoy both the canyons and the glitz riding in the Rocky Mountains. Traveling out of Denver, you’ll discover plateaus and valleys as well as 4-star accommodations and culinary wonders.

If ghost towns or old towns are more your style, the 236-mile San Juan Loop has you traveling parts of the “Million Dollar Highway” and on into Aspen made famous for the Gold Rush and the Little Nell Resort.

With the Pacific Ocean on one side and mountains on the other, this stunning Pacific Coast Highway (aka “PCH”) boasts the best that Mother Nature has to offer. Starting in Los Angeles, you’ll ride the winding roads all the way to San Francisco. You’ll enjoy smaller surf towns like Santa Cruz and Santa Barbara as well as celebrity spots like Malibu and Carmel.

Ride the Wild West This Summer

There must be a connection between horses and motorcycles that appeal to the wilder side of people. Some of the best riding, both on a bike and a horse, can be found in Arizona. From the Flats of Apache Junction to more than 8,000 feet above sea level, motorcycling through the “Grand Canyon State” is indeed grand.

Mount Lemon, just outside of Tucson, offers 24 miles of picture-taking heaven along with enough twists, turns and scenic overlooks to excite even the most seasoned rider. Although Arizona is known as desert, this trip through the Tortilla Flats takes you by one of the most beautiful mountain lakes outside of Colorado. Canyon Lake is nestled between the mountains, making this route one of the best rides in the country. No wonder it’s well known to locals as a great place to ride.

Check out TripWiser to plan your summer motorcycle road trip.  Once you get planning underway, head over to Leather Bound Online for all the gear you need for a summer road trips.

Subscribe to the Leather Bound blog RSS feed to get the latest on motorcycle news, trends and the best new gear.

Summer Motorcycle Road Trips was posted at Leather Bound Blog. | http://blog.leatherboundonline.com

We know you love your full on leather and chaps, but there’s a lightness of being when can slip into your warm weather gear like your favorite summer motorcycle jacket and lightweight gloves. Here are a few motorcycle accessories that will help you round out your gear this spring and summer.

Mesh Jackets Keeps You Cool

Nothing’s better than looking cool and keeping cool when you’re wearing a soft clean look of a summer motorcycle jacket. Underarm venting provides all-important air flow and the extra-long leather back allows added comfort for those long summer rallies. For serious summer riding, you’ll want to invest in a light-colored mesh motorcycle racing jacket. Many are made with both built-in and removable armor for added protection but minimal bulk.

Motorcycle Gloves Provide Comfort

Fingerless motorcycle gloves are a good bet for warm weather riding. They keep your hands cool and, with many styles offering gel padding, offer a level of comfort and range of motion that lined leather gloves do not. Look for perforated leather made with premium cowhide or goat leather which offers maximum gripping.

Helmets & Helmet Accessories for Safety & Looks

In our opinion, you can’t have too many motorcycle helmets; they’re a must for safety, but we like variety too!  Different materials and riding styles require you to consider owning a few different helmets, whether you are a daily rider, a Harley Head or a weekender, take your time to find something that suits you.

Helmet accessories are an important feature as well, such as face shields and helmet skirts. Again, your choice in accessory depends on the style of riding you do.

Saddle Bags & Tool Bags for Town & Country

Whether you’re tooling around town or traveling afar, there’s a leather motorcycle bag to suit your need. A tool bag is, as the name implies, perfect for carrying small items while riding. They are just the right size for a water bottle and first aid kit.

A duffel leather bag gives you the ability to carry much more clothing and gear for traveling longer distances. Think of it as a backpack for your bike.

Spring into Warm Weather with New Motorcycle Gear was posted at Leather Bound Blog. | http://blog.leatherboundonline.com

Did you know that Minnetonka moccasins can be purchased on six continents? From their humble beginnings 66 years ago, the Minnetonka Moccasin Company prides itself on being a fourth generation family-owned business. The company established a reputation early on for expert craftsmanship, quality materials and distinctive footwear that could be worn indoors and out.

In 1946, Philip Miller founded the Minnetonka Moccasin Company crafting the classic suede leather moccasin with traditional Native American beading. By the 1960s, the iconic Thunderbird style moccasin was sold in stores across the country. Over the next 50 years, the Minnetonka moccasin has evolved to include footwear for women, children and infants, driving mocs and sandals.

Minnetonka History Lesson

Since the mid-19th century, Minnetonka, Minnesota has evolved from heavily wooded wilderness through extensive farming and thriving industrialization to its present, primarily residential, suburban character. The Dakota and Ojibway Indians were the first people to settle in the area.

They believed the land around Lake Minnetonka (minne meaning water and tonka meaning big) was the legendary home of an extinct race. In fact, the word “Minnetonka” comes from the Dakota Indian mni tanka meaning “great water”.

Movie & Fashion Industry Say “Yes” to Mocs

With the success of the movie, Urban Cowboy, which captured the popularity of Country Music and featured John Travolta after his two smash hits, Grease and Saturday Night Fever, the moccasins made their leap to celebrity status. The Urban Cowboy trend propelled Minnetonka into the fashion arena.

Over the last five years, fringe mocs have become a must-have fashion and celebrity accessory. With an uptick in sightings of celebrities wearing Southwestern garb, we expect this trend to continue as fringe is in style anywhere.

That could explain the popularity of Minnetonka moccasins in nearly 50 countries. Everyone wants not only a piece of Americana, but also fashion history.

History of Minnetonka Moccasins was posted at Leather Bound Blog. | http://blog.leatherboundonline.com

Rallies, runs, festivals and blowouts, provide motorcycle enthusiasts a way to catch “spring fever” as they pull their motorcycle vests out of clothes drawers and closets for the first time in a while. Here’s a specially selected round-up of motorcycle events in April and May 2012.

April 2012 Upcoming Events

What: Leesburg Bike Fest
Where: Leesburg, Florida
When: April 27 – 29, 2012

We wanted to give you plenty of time to plan and gear up for late April. The Leesburg Bike Fest attracts about 200,000, so it’s not for the new rider nor the timid. If you like lake views, then this is the ride for you. Over 15% of Leesburg County is comprised of lakes.

This motorcycle rally is really a festival in the best sense of the word; there’s something for everybody, such as Rat’s Hole Bike Show plus Museum, poker runs, over three dozen bands on eight stages, tattoo contests, the Ms. Bikefest contest and more!

Leesburg is biker friendly with its well-maintained downtown historic Main Street area barricaded off for motorcycle only parking and bikers and attendees.

What: Laughlin River Run
Where: Laughlin, Nevada
When: April 25 – 29, 2012

If water views are not your thing, not to worry because Nevada promises you the opposite experience. At the southern tip of Nevada, open skies and wide roads beckon. This central part of the Southwest attracts attendees from Las Vegas, Phoenix and Southern California. Being close to the Colorado River and situated between two mountain ranges, Laughlin offers a number of scenic rides to enjoy in this desert oasis.

Of course, if you tire of riding, there are a number of casinos to enjoy in Laughlin and the surrounding area.
This 5-day motorcycle rally has come to be known as Laughlin Bike Week showcasing poker runs, celebrating at the Hogs and Heifers Saloon, enjoying the Miss Laughlin River Run contest and shopping vendor booths sporting every kind of motorcycle accessory.

May 2012 Upcoming Events

What: Annual Thunder Beach Spring Rally
Where: Panama City Beach, Florida
When: May 2 – 6, 2012

It’s back to Florida for beaches and babes and this classic spring bike rally.

Headquartered at the Bay Point Marriott in Panama City Beach, this event attracts 80,000 bikers on average and has grown exponentially each year since its inception. The rally includes a bike parade, poker runs, competitive bike shows, bike games, vendors, music, contests and more. The Miss Thunder Beach contest is the hottest ticket in town, so be sure to register early. There is no admission for the rally itself.

Memorial Day Weekend

What: Atlantic Beach Bike Fest
Where: Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
When: May 25 – 28, 2012

No round up would be complete without at least one holiday weekend motorcycle rally. The Atlantic Beach Bike Week, also known as the Black Biker Weekend, encompasses roads from Atlantic Beach to Myrtle Beach. This event is the largest event for black bikers, but if you like bikes, women, and parties, it doesn’t matter what you ride, if you ride, or of what ethnicity you are.

Mix a holiday with hundreds of thousands of “hogs,” and city fathers get a little nervous. Over the years Myrtle Beach has passed some non-motorcycle enthusiast friendly laws in an effort to end Bike Week. That being said, there are still thousands of people listening to live music, attending private and sponsored parties, sunning on the beaches, and just having an all-around good time!

Motorcycle Event Round Up – April & May 2012 was posted at Leather Bound Blog. | http://blog.leatherboundonline.com

No amount of care can revive your motorcycle boots if you wrap them in plastic. Leather needs to breathe, so, if you have more than one pair of boots, be sure to wrap then in fabric to retain their natural look. That being said, we also recommend that you weatherproof your leather motorcycle accessories always.

Weatherproof with Leather Care Products

Because leather is a common accessory associated with motorcycles, the care and nurturing of your leather gear is just as important as you maintaining your bike with regular checkups.

“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” so sayeth Benjamin Franklin. Leave it to old Ben to create an adage that sums up our feelings about leather care. Conditioning and cleaning your leather regularly will extend the quality and luster of your boots or jacket. Taking the time to condition your leather with a blend of mink oil, silicone and lanolin helps make it soft and supple. It also adds a layer of weatherproof protection.

If you’re interested in saving a few steps, Doc Bailey’s spray and wipe clear formula lets you clean, condition, stain proof and waterproof all in one! You want to guard against any type of dampness as leather can dry out and crack once it gets wet.

Leather Care Prep

• Just as with cleaning leather furniture, you want to vacuum or brush any dust or dirt off the surface before wiping with a cloth. This helps minimize scratches that rubbing coarse materials against the leather might create.
• Wipe with a damp cloth. Never soak your leather or dry with electrical heaters or hair dryers. Drying leather too fast can dry it out and prime it for cracking.

Even if you only give your leather two coats a year, you will prolong its life and make it more weather resistant. Leather can have a long life if you properly clean and maintain your motorcycle gear. Isn’t it worth fifteen minutes of your time to save spending money all over again?

Caring for Leather Motorcycle Boots was posted at Leather Bound Blog. | http://blog.leatherboundonline.com

April showers bring May flowers and with it often cool wind, especially when travelling at high speeds. Even with warm spring weather, motorcycle gloves still protect your hands from wind and rain. Keep your hands warm, dry and comfortable with a variety of leather gloves to meet every type of ride.

Wind & Waterproof Proof Leather Gloves

Don’t let the weather stop you from enjoying your motorcycle ride. Wind proof gloves, designed with a gauntlet and padded palm, keep your hands and wrists comfortable and warm. You may feel that gauntlet motorcycle gloves are only necessary to wear during winter months, but, for the rider who wants extra protection, a gauntlet glove is a nice addition to your gear collection.

Waterproof gloves are intended to protect your hands from rain (Surprise!) and can be constructed of premium cowhide, plastic or breathable fabric to allow ventilation. Our preference is quality aniline leather.  The poly-flannel lining adds a layer of warmth, for which you’ll be grateful if you get caught in a surprise spring shower. There’s no worse feeling than icy hands trying to grip motorcycle handles.

Fingerless Motorcycle Gloves

Of course, the main benefit to fingerless motorcycle gloves is that they keep your hands both cool and somewhat protected. They also offer a range of motion that lined leather gloves may not. You can choose from mesh fabric with padded palm or perforated leather made with premium cowhide or goat leather to provide maximum gripping.

Fingerless gloves are great for adding style but do not offer the best protection. For the serious racer, check out the leather and carbon fiber motorcycle glove. It features Kevlar (yes, the bullet proof material) knuckles and gel padding on fingers and palms. This is some serious protection!

Motorcycle Gloves for Every Type of Ride

With any type of motorcycle accessory, like gloves, different types of gloves are needed on different types of days. While we recommend wearing motorcycle gloves year round, it’s smart to choose the type of glove based on your unique needs and the benefits they offer. Ideally, you want your gloves to shield your hands from damage, keep them warm in cool weather and prevent excessive sweating on warm days.

Motorcycle Gloves for Spring Riding was posted at Leather Bound Blog. | http://blog.leatherboundonline.com

Who would know that men’s hats would boast such a long and illustrious history? From the fedora to straw and felt hats, there’s a story to match each style. The black leather fedora has become the men’s leather hat of choice primarily among musicians and actors, but was originally made famous by a woman!

The Fedora Hat Makes Its Debut

On stage in 1882, the world renowned actress, Sarah Bernhardt, performed the part of Princess Fedora in a play that remains unremarkable. What was surprising is that the hat was a hit in the U.S. and Europe. In an odd fashion twist, the fedora became a “must have” for men of that era. Today, we see everyone from computer geeks to rappers sporting a fedora.

Since the hat can be found in leather, felt, wool, wool blend, suede, herringbone and straw, men of every stripe and color can find one that fits their style and attitude.

Porkpie Hats in Music & Movies

Again, the porkpie hat was originally a ladies’ hat that men began to wear in the 1880s. It’s named because of its resemblance to the pork pie dish. (A pork pie is a traditional British meat pie.) From the 1930s on, the porkpie hat became a hit among jazz and blues musicians and fans.

This men’s classic jazz hat typically features smooth black leather with satin lining and 1 7/8 inch brim. If you prefer to go the “Popeye Doyle” route, you can also find porkpie hats in dress weight fur felt. (Gene Hackman played this character in the classic 1971 movie, The French Connection, immortalizing the porkpie hat, according to critics.)

Outback Hats in America

There’s no question that the Indiana Jones movies popularized the outback hat in America. The irony is that this crushable style hat is an extension of the western cowboy hat. Although “cowboys” were originally of Spanish descent, the importation of felt hats to the American West soon made the cowboy hat an iconic fixture.

When Harrison Ford followed in the footsteps of giants like John Wayne and Clint Eastwood, he had no idea that he would become the hero of the Australian Outback and his hat, by extension, came to symbolize rugged individualism and wide open spaces. The outback hat may even trump the cowboy hat in many corners of the world.

A History of Iconic Men’s Hats was posted at Leather Bound Blog. | http://blog.leatherboundonline.com

While the origin of Minnetonka Moccasins goes back to the era when the Minnetonkan tribe wore them to hunt, the shoes have evolved to become a staple in many individuals’ wardrobes, especially those who live in climates known for inclement weather. A major advantage of the sheepskin is its ability to soak up water; the prime benefit of the moccasin-style boot is that it also keeps you warm.

Men’s Minnetonka Moccasin Sheepskin Boots

Combine a Minnetonka Moccasin’s ability to absorb water with the natural insulation of sheepskin and you have footwear that will withstand even the coldest wettest winters. Sheepskin lets your feet breathe adding another layer of comfort to outdoor activities. Made with a lightweight rubber sole stitched to the sheepskin boot, the outsole provides both traction and durability.

Choose from a tall or short men’s Minnetonka Moccasin “pug” boot or a genuine sheepskin ankle boot to match your indoor and outdoor lifestyle.

Women’s Sheepskin Moccasin Fringe Boots

Golden tan or black suede, either way you’ll be comfortable in these light weight sheepskin moccasins. Soft and cozy, these lined “mocs” are ankle high providing flexibility and versatility in their styling. Wear these Minnetonka Moccasins with jeans or dress slacks, inside or out, the braided trim and flower stud detailed fringe cuff make a fashion statement all their own.

Infant Minnetonka Sheepskin Booties

Start a “happy feet” tradition with these adorable genuine sheepskin booties! Tailored for tiny feet, in tan or pink suede, you’ll keep your baby’s feet warm even when you’re dashing into the grocery store in freezing weather. What could be cozier than a pair of infant Minnetonka moccasin booties?

An American Original

Since 1946, Minnetonka Moccasins have been a staple of American style. As post-war Americans took to the highways to explore the country’s natural beauty and new found freedom, they stumbled upon resorts and souvenir shops carrying traditional handmade goods. In the process, many rediscovered America’s original footwear in Minnetonka Moccasins.

Isn’t it time you did too?

Nothing Says “Happy Feet” Like Minnetonka Moccasins was posted at Leather Bound Blog. | http://blog.leatherboundonline.com

Motorcycle saddlebags were designed originally to be part of the motorcycle touring bike, which is a bike built for long-distance and provides a comfortable and safe riding experience. Today, saddlebags generally refer to any leather or nylon bag that’s mounted on the rear of your motorcycle, just above the wheel, regardless of the type of bike you ride.

Leather Bound Online offers an array of motorcycle accessories, but we want to focus on saddlebags that enhance the touring experience.

All about Saddlebags

Although saddlebags have traditionally been made of 100% leather, these days most of the saddlebags we sell at Leather Bound Online are made from Polyvinyl chloride (PVC).  PVC is used is place of leather because, like leather it is pliable, durable, dye-able, attractive and dirt-resistant, but is also waterproof.  That means no worries about what you are carrying or about the bag during a sudden downpour.

The term saddlebag is used to refer to a variety of sizes and styles.   Saddle bags and luggage designed for motorcycles make travelling a breeze, whether you are taking a day trip or several week motorcycle tour you can find a bag which fits your needs.

Leather Saddlebag Choices

The idea behind leather saddlebags is that they provide a compact place to store stuff. Whether it’s a days’ worth of water to accompany you on a long ride or a place to keep a first aid kit handy, most serious riders can’t get away without using some type of saddlebag.

Motorcycle Tool Bag – This type of bag is generally smaller then touring saddlebags. As the name suggests, it’s a place to store your less bulky gear. This style can be mounted on the back as well as the front of your bike.  Store necessities, like your cell phone and wallet, as well as those handy tools which every bikers should carry in case of a breakdown.

Motorcycle Travel Bag – This type of bag allows for ample storage and sports side pockets for smaller items. As the name suggests, it’s similar to a duffel bag you might carry on to an airplane. It’s kind of like a backpack for your bike.

Touring Bag/Luggage Set – This is the granddaddy of all saddlebags. This type of bag is a two-piece luggage set with zip-off side pockets for easy access. Its dimensions of 15.5X13X10 suggest you’ll be going for a long ride with this gear mounted in back.

Whether you decide to use saddlebags mounted on the rear or front of your bike, they’re the simplest and most affordable way to carry gear when traveling on a motorcycle.

Let Saddlebags Enhance Your Touring Experience was posted at Leather Bound Blog. | http://blog.leatherboundonline.com