Have you noticed as you drive into our complex - the bulbs and flowers are coming to life? The cherry trees are preparing to burst into bloom and you know what that means. Summer is coming! There are still six weeks of great skiing at The Pass but the snow is melting. Traffic has been brisk on the showroom floor checking out the beautiful bikes and all that goes with the Harley lifestyle. I am ready to put the TV remote in a drawer and get on the Fat Boy and forget about cholesterol, debates and email. What a winter is has been; I am ready for good riding weather how about you? Now this can mean different things to you and me. Cold weather? Good to go – just have your neck warmer for sure. Windy weather? Good to go – be sure to have a firm grip on your handlebars. Rainy weather - personally - well, I do have rain gear and I am a good sport so – suit up and watch those puddles! You can tell I am getting spring fever. I will admit to going for a putt down in Palm Springs a few weeks ago - up and over to see the Desert in bloom. Gorgeous down there this time of year with all the cacti blooming; Joshua Tree National Park is awesome this time of year. It is a good preparation for the spring riding in the Northwest; avoiding all that sand that has gathered on the roadways. (Is Cacti really a word?)

Do you find yourself explaining to curious friends why you ride a Harley? I seem to be caught up in this dialog a lot these days. I am not sure one can ever really explain the feeling of that deep breath and then the exhale and then…this is what it is all about! That feeling never gets old and never fails to happen. You all know what I mean and if you don’t, a good place to start would be to contact Eastside’s HOG chapter and get acquainted. They would love to convince you that riding either solo or in a group is the thrill of a lifetime; doesn’t even take that much gas…I think I covered that in a previous column!!

Spring Breaks will soon be over, the grandkids will be back in school and we will be on our way for the 2008 season of adventure. I wonder what this year will bring - for sure I hope to share it with you. I hear Darla has reprised the famous Eastside Chili Cook Off so come with your chili or appetite or both. This is a great way to get a free lunch and prove those naysayers wrong about there never being a free lunch. Speaking of free lunches, we are looking forward to another year of testing our neighbor’s barbecues in the complex. They love my customers and I know you love their hamburgers and dogs. There is always something going on in our parking lot. (James - this does NOT apply to you.) Please check out our website www.eastsideharley.com and see what is on our Calendar of Events. The kids are planning some good times with enough daylight left over to get in a test ride or two. Check with the Sales Department and see what is available to take for a spin. OK – “spin” may not be the best word, but you know what I mean. Everyone at the store is ready for a great year and their enthusiasm is catching. We have a few new hires and all of the core group are a year older and wiser (wonder who is adding to their family?) And to Richard – if you are reading this – watch out for Armadillos!! We are still looking for an Evo Espresso person but until we are successful, there is free coffee!

Thanks for visiting and…..ride safe!