Picture Of The Month! Blue Skies In The Heartland! (Click Image for a Larger View)

Every month customers send us killer photos and I see no reason to keep them to myself so what better way to say thanks for sharing than to post them in this Picture of the Month spot..

Our Oct/Nov POTM was contributed by Robert Neustifter of Green Bay, WI . He says of the shot... "This photo was taken by my brother-in-law, Tim Riedel on August 11th. We had decided to take a long route back to Green Bay from the Kettle Moraine area just north of Milwaukee. The setting for the bike was by pure chance. I had just pulled over after seeing nothing but blue smoke in my mirror, while traveling through space at a speed that would have required some explanation. The roadside inspection revealed that one of the bolts on the timing cover was missing and oil had spewed everywhere. Bridgette was recently given her 60K service by my local dealer and the "tech" had apparently not torqued all the bolts to spec (three more were found loose during a closer inspection the following day). While I road to the closest hardware store for a replacement, on Tim's CBR600RR, he must have gotten a little bored, or just wanted to have evidence that stuff happens - even to BMW's. His Samsung S II phone captured the scenery and mishap quite nicely. Aside from the 90 minute delay, the day and ride were very enjoyable. Mid eighty's, light breeze, and more good road surfaces than bad (winter plays hell on the roads up here). "

If you would like to contribute your own"worthy" shot for our newsletter, here's what I'll need. First.. just email me 1 or 2 of your best digital shots. It'll need to be at least 1024x768 in size or larger and preferably A. Of a BMW K1200S, K1300S, K1200RS, K1200R, R Sport, S1000RR, K1600GT, GTL, or any model year K1200GT or K1300GT and B. In focus.

My Colorado Adventure... Another Pirates Lair Ride Report!

I just got back from one of the most enjoyable motorcycle trips I've taken in  years.. Thought I'd share some thoughts and pics of my most excellent Colorado adventure.

A couple of months ago, I was sitting at my desk thinking "I need a vacation and soon or I'm gonna end up in a clock tower with a rifle" when I got an email from Doug..aka Loggiebone inviting me to join a small group of riders who were gonna meet in Ouray (pronounced your-ray) Colorado on Aug 18th.  It's been stressful here at the 'Lair over the last 24 months. My usual positive attitude has been beaten down by endless 14 hour work days trying to keep this ship afloat in this bad economy and the omnipresent fact that if there isn't  a regime change in November.. all I've worked for for the last 14 years will disappear faster than Philip Michael Thomas' career after Miami Vice.  The timing of Doug's communique was perfect. Coincidentally...one of Amber's high school girl friends, Tabatha was due to for a visit at around the same time so with me out of town they could go do their  "girl" things together without me feeling like a third wheel.  Tabatha is a sweetie who  er.. pitches for the other team.. but Amber swears they're just friends.... Click here for the continuation of the story.....

2012 I-BMW.com Sierra Goldrush Rally: California Dreamin! (Sponsored by www.I-BMW.com )

The 5th annual west coast I-BMW Sierra Goldrush Rally was another tire-shredding success. So far, all reports say a good time was had by all! Can you ask for more than that?! I received this from a buddy of mine who attended.. "You should' a been there! The weather was perfect. The folks were totally happening. The pre-rally and rally were laid-back and relaxing. The places where we stayed were nice and the prostitutes were noticeably better looking this year." Well.. I added the last one myself, but you get the point..

Having attended the SGR the first year, I can wholeheartedly say that California roads do not disappoint.They have some of the best roads in the country. Scenic vistas, mountain lakes, gigantic trees, hobbits, wizards, "almost" legalized pot, and the wonderful smells of riding at high altitude.. The Sonora Pass alone is worth the price of admission. Amazing. If I was within 500 miles I'd have not missed it. If you missed it you should be kicking yourself in the cajones (not an easy thing to do.)

Thx to the effervescent Charlie W.. aka Kneedragger (over at I-BMW.com) for stepping up to the plate yet again and making the event a continued success. thanks again, Charlie! You da man! I've posted rally pics in the Pirates Lair Photo Gallery. Look for the album cleverly titled.. the Sierra Gold Rush Rally 2012 Enjoy.

The Future of Pirates Lair! The Pirate Manifesto for Those Living In A Dream World

If you've been reading these cheesy newsletters through the years you are painfully aware by now that over the last 3 or so years my politi-speak has become more and more prevalent ... my opinions dystopian. Some readers seem to love my Washington bashing... Some not so much. I've gotten a lot of new subscribers because of it.. Lost some, too.  A few comedians even demanded their money back.  I understand and I feel your pain. For the most part,  most of us agree that a motorcycle related newsletter shouldn't have politics injected into it unless there is a damn good reason. The problem is easy to diagnose. No need for a high paid shrink or psychic hotline. My anger at the Obama administration for putting this business (that I built, btw) on the brink of ruin has bled over into every aspect of my life.. conversations... dreams.. emails... and yes.. even newsletters. With that said... I'd like to apologize. I'm sick of it too.

For the record, this may be the last newsletter with the full tilt political lean so feel free to revel in it and continue unabashedly on.. or trash it  right now and read no further.  You see.. after the upcoming presidential elections, there will be no need to talk politics.  As of  the night of November 6th.. the die will have been cast. If Obama wins a second term.. we'll most likely be out of business within 6 months unless Amber can pull a financial miracle out of her hooha.. If Romney can overcome a biased press and a mislead public and pull it out.. Pirates Lair will survive and probably be back on top within a year or two.  It's that simple.. As black and white (no pun intended) as that.  For the first time in my life.. my destiny depends on the voters in the USA... and that scares the s#@* out of me.

Product Review: Wick It Helmet Liner!

My prerequisites for riding are always... full leathers, gloves, helmet, ear plugs, radar detector, AmEx card, a Mt Dew (in my backpack), and a good helmet liner. I hate the thought of sliding a helmet over my naked head. Yikes!..All that sweat, oils, and nastiness just aching to befoul your $600 helmet's interior. It makes me cringe. To counter the nastiness, a simple, inexpensive liner will keep your helmet looking and smelling brand new for as long as you own it! I've been wearing liners for years and consider myself an expert on them. I've tried at least half a dozen brands trying to find one that I can't do without. Most do the job.. Some were comfortable. Some too tight..Some moved around on the head when you try to put the helmet on.. Some fell apart after a few dozen uses. Some looked like a Jewish Yamaka and we all know it's hard to look cool a Yamaka.

Recently I met up with the people who run 2UpTouring while at a gathering at Deals Gap. I bought one of their Wick It Helmet liners and have loved it ever since. The Wick It is constructed of some comfortable stretch fit material that feels like silk. It gives a comfortable no slip fit that wicks away moisture without removing the essential oils that keep your hair looking neat and natural. As I have little hair left (dammit to hell), I can't confirm that claim, but it sounds reasonable. The Wick It covers most of your head, ears included.

What I really like about the Wick It helmet liner that sets it apart from all other liners is...the unique "Vee" shaped tail which makes it easy to identify the front and back of the helmet liner, making it chimp easy to put it on. Also.. the Wick It's design moves all seams away from the forehead and other pressure points to ensure that A. you don't end up with the dreaded "seam headache" common with many helmet liners or B. you don't remove the liner and look like Frankenstein. It's the little things in life, my friends. The stretchy material fits snugly yet comfortably and does not shift and slip as you put your helmet on. Small details like this make a big difference to the helmet liner aficionado like myself. Bottom line.. the Wick It helmet liner is not only supremely comfortable, but is so easy to use you won't leave home without it. I certainly don't.

Lastly... I can NOT say enough about how much I love this little $15 accessory and I made the company owners well aware of my high praise, but also added that IMHO they need to change their advertising photo a bit..WTF?! I think that's co-owner Jim Jankowski's head in the advertising shot and he does a helluva good imitation of Lon Cheney or a serial mugger. I suggested that they need to get some young, hot, sexy model for the next photo shoot and have been told they are gonna do exactly that. Perhaps the co-owner, Anna Hood might model for it. She's a babe. Just sayin. ;-)

3. I found this at www.Motorcyclenews.com... BMW S1000RR HP4 first ride: "Is it a huge leap over the standard S1000RR?"

4. Here's an interesting YouTube video from Motorcycle.com... 2013 BMW S1000RR HP4 Review

5. Need a replacement BMW Rondel but don't want to pay your local extorionist...er.. dealer's exorbitant listed price?? Here's an alternative... Authentic Carbon Fiber Replacement BMW Roundel from SVC Concepts. Price is under $25US..

6. Looking for some reasonably priced brake pads for your BMW? You might want to check out SBS StreetExcel Sintered Metal Brake Pads from www.Motorcycle-Superstore.com SBS pads (sold through Parts Unlimited) feature asbestos-free brakes using patented Unified Composite Technology (UCT) . I checked and the BMW K1200S Front pads were $44 a pack. Much cheaper than OEM pads. Just sayin'. In this economy.. every penny saved helps.

7. Looks like MRA is listening to it's tall K1300s / K1200S customers.. They have just added a new windshield for taller riders to their menu. The X-creen Adjustable Motorcycle Touring Screen. Let me know if interested...They should be available now..

3. On Sept 17th, 150 years ago, the bloodiest battle in all of US history was fought... The Battle of Antietam near Sharpsburg, Maryland. More than 23,000 combatants from the North and South were reported dead, wounded or missing after 12 hours of carnage. I can't even imagine how horrible it must have been.. Coincidentally.. I just finished a story for my daughter and grand kids where this battle is mentioned... While my latest story is not related in any way to motorcycling, but rather it's about a family heirloom.. I still thought I'd share.. So without further adieu... my latest story... The Bible: A Painfully True Story.. or Why I Hate Beagles .. Opinions welcome...

4. Look forward to seeing everyone at the annual I-BMW Deals Gap Rally in a few days..(rally info below). ...and don't forget... Pirates Lair will be offering your choice of either Pirates Lair Plundering hats, Pirates Lair tees, or $25 gift cards to anyone who achieves a "velocity award" while in transit to or from or at the rally itself.. If we don't reward bad behavior... who else will?? Arrrrrrg.

5. Looking for a sweet looking aftermarket gas cap for your BMW K1300S or K1300R?? Sure you are. New to the menu is the SSR K1300S Billet Aluminum Gas Cap American-made billet aluminum. Finally a keyless race-style gas cap kit (includes base & cap) for the mighty BMW K1300S at the right price... Sleek, attractive, and functional. This is a direct replacement for your factory fuel filler cap and includes stainless steel fasteners and o-rings. In case you are curious... No.. the quality of SSR caps is NOT as good as the Oberon version hence the price difference, although they look identical. The Oberon version will NOT fit the new BMW K1300S, BTW. Chimp easy install. Fits every model year K1300S & K1300R including the new HP.

6. We just got a shipment of LONG SLEEVE Pirates Lair Plundering tees just in time for the fall riding season. Whether wanting to look stylish at your divorce proceedings or just stylin in the board room.. we have a tee for you.. Be the envy of your work place or AA meeting!! Pirates' Lair tees make great birthday, graduation, parole, Christmas, Hanukah, or Father's Day gifts. The XLarge tees also make wonderful sleepwear for your rug rats or that special person in your life. Also good for covering up back hair and/or aging tattoos. Guaranteed to get you laid more often.*
* Does not work on married or ugly customers.

The 13th Annual I-BMW Deals Gap Rally: October 4-7th, 2012

Where: Fontana Village Resort
Nearest town: Robbinsville, NC
When: October 4th-7th, 2011 [Thur-Sunday]
Reservations: Direct 800.849.2258

Geezz. Have we been doing this for 13 years? I've had wives that didn't last that long. 20 lodge rooms w/ 2 queen beds/ns: $85+tax - 6 2br cabins with 1 queen and 2 twin beds/kitchen/ns: $120+tax When calling, specify room or cabin. Lodge rooms are in the Garden units with parking outside the door. Cabins will be either the Laurel or Hemlock cabins. Reservations for blocked out rooms will end 45 days prior. Saavy? Be sure to mention i-bmw group when booking.

...and don't forget... Pirates Lair will be offering your choice of either Pirates Lair Plundering hats, Pirates Lair tees, or $25 gift cards to anyone who achieves a "velocity award" while in transit to or from or at the rally itself.. If we don't reward bad behavior... who else will?? Arrrrrrg.

NOTE: I-bmw.com is not an official sponsor of any posted events. Event participation is the sole responsibility of the attendee. Motorcycle riding is potentially dangerous and can result in personal injury or death or lots of velocity awards.. You and you alone are responsible for your own safety. Ride within your own ability. It's called.. "personal responsibility."

The 1st Annual I-BMW Rocky Mountain Rally: July 14 through July 17, 2013

Where: Quality Inn of Gunnison
Nearest town: Gunnison, Colorado
When: July 14 through July 17, 2013
Reservations: 970-641-1237

Our base of operations will be the Quality Inn of Gunnison, which is located at 400 E. Tomichi Ave (also known as U.S. 50) in Gunnison. They are currently taking reservations for a block of rooms that are reserved for us. I encourage you to make you reservations early (like now), and to mention that you are with the BMW Motorcycle Group in order to get the rate of $95 plus tax per night (down from their advertised $119 + tax). Most of the rooms have two queen-sized beds, but there are also some available with one king or one queen. A hot breakfast is included.

Cancellation Policy: If you call as late as the day before (24 hours) you are supposed to arrive, they will not charge your card. Also, in case of a family emergency or hospitalization, you could call the day you're due to arrive and they would also not charge your card. And I also confirmed with them that if you make the reservation and tell them that you want to arrive earlier or stay later than the Sunday to Wednesday time frame, they will give you the $95 rate for all the days that you are there.

NOTE: I-bmw.com is not an official sponsor of any posted events. Event participation is the sole responsibility of the attendee. Motorcycle riding is potentially dangerous and can result in personal injury or death or lots of velocity awards.. You and you alone are responsible for your own safety. Ride within your own ability. It's called.. "personal responsibility."

The 6th Annual I-BMW Sierra Goldrush Rally: Sept 6th-10th, 2013

Where: Creekside Lodge
Where: Markleeville 14820 State Route 89, Markleeville, CA
When: Friday, September 6th… check out date is estimated to be Tuesday, September 10th
Reservations: Jeannie at the Creekside Lodge, 530 694-2229

In 2013, we will return to the Riverside Inn in Downieville for the pre-rally. We will check in at the Riverside Inn on Tuesday, September 3rd, and check out on Friday, September 6th for our ride to Markleeville. I have reserved the entire Riverside Inn, save for one room, for our group. Please call Mike or Nancy at 888-883-5100 or 530-289-1000 for your individual reservation, and you MUST identify yourself as part of the I-BMW group!!

Accommodations for the 2013 SGR event in Markleeville will be, once again, at the Creekside Lodge, and I have reserved the entire lodge for our group. Our check in date will be Friday, September 6th… check out date is estimated to be Tuesday, September 10th, but that can be determined individually when your reservation is made. Please call Jeannie at the Creekside Lodge, 530 694-2229, and once again, you MUST identify yourself as a member of the I-BMW group.

...and don't forget... Pirates Lair will be offering your choice of either Pirates Lair Plundering hats, Pirates Lair tees, or $25 gift cards to anyone who achieves a "velocity award" while in transit to or from or at the rally itself.. If we don't reward bad behavior... who else will?? Arrrrrrg.