Author, musician and producer Tracey Cramer-Kelly is thrilled to announce the official release of the music video Cool Rider: A Biker Chick's Story.Tracey's voice is featured in the video (her own re-arrangement of the song from Grease 2) and her appearance as the lead character is her acting debut.

She credits the experience of shooting this video with bringing her back to her lady bikerroots (she has been a rider for over 20 years) and convincing her that it was time to write about the women bikers who have populated her imagination for years.

Thus was born the Cool Rider Project: Tracey's attempt to tell the stories of ordinary biker men and women who are not so ordinary after all.

It's the videos. The songs. The photos. Find out more at http://www.CoolRiderProject.com. And

meet the biker chicks of the Iron Zebra, the fictional bar (and motorcycle club) that was the setting

for this video, and get their stories starting with Gina's in Take Two: A Hollywood Romance with a Twist.

The 2013 Harley-Davidson® Breakout® motorcycle is an urban prowler, a bike ready for a midnight ramble to the roadhouse or a rib joint rendezvous with the crew. Green light? Crack the throttle to deliver a muscular dose of American V-Twin torque and etch the asphalt with a fat rear tire. The Breakout will be long gone, along with its rider’s inhibitions.

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Known for its epic motorcycle and music festival, the Sturgis Buffalo Chip® announced today legendary hard rocker and philanthropist Kid Rock will join its growing line up of 2013 concert artists. Kid Rock joins the 2013 Sturgis Buffalo Chip’s 9 day roster of concert performances that already includes Toby Keith, ZZ Top, Brantley Gilbert, Queensrÿche and Sublime with Rome.  Kid Rock will take the Buffalo Chip’s stage on Monday, Aug. 5th, following the motorcycle rally’s premier charity event, The Legends Ride®. Visit BuffaloChip.com/BANDS for festival information, concert, camping and rally passes.

Kid Rock continues to wow fans in genres ranging from hip-hop to rock and country music. “Born Free”, on Atlantic Records, was his 6th consecutive album to go platinum.  Always musically inspiring, Kid Rock also raised over $400,000 for American charities during his last tour.  Kid Rock is a true American patriot and the Buffalo Chip is pleased to bring his show to the 2013 Sturgis motorcycle rally. 

“Kid Rock is recognized the world over as one of the most electrifying stage performers alive,” says Rod Woodruff of the Sturgis Buffalo Chip.  “He embodies the free spirit of the Chip’s fans and their appreciation for the music, motorcycles and American values.  The fans asked for him and we are very happy to announce that Kid Rock is eager to please them at this year’s rally.”

Campground admission passes for Monday, Aug 5th can be purchased individually or as part of the Legends Ride® package. The charitable contribution made to join the Legends Ride® allows free admission to Kid Rock and other concert performances that immediately follow conclusion of the Legends Ride and reception.  Information and reservations are available at LegendsRIde.com.

The 32nd annual Sturgis Buffalo Chip® motorcycle and music festival takes place August 2-11, 2013 during the annual Sturgis motorcycle rally. All music festival information is available at www.buffalochip.com or (605) 347-9000. 

I recently compiled a list of the Best Cars for Commuters 2013. Even as I was working on that list, I realized that it held a fatal flaw. Many times, the best car for a commuter is no car at all. Commuting via public transportation, on foot or by bicycle can be quicker, cheaper and more reliable than using a car. For commutes that are too long for walking or bicycling, and for areas where public transportation isn’t a practical option (like here in my hometown of Los Angeles), there’s an even better choice: Commuting by motorcycle.

Buying a new motorcycle is substantially less expensive than buying a new car. Entry-level 250 cc new motorcycles start around the $4,000 mark. Freeway capable 500 cc motorcycles can be had for as little as $6,000. Many of the best new commuter bikes start under $10,000, thousands of dollars less than the least expensive car on our Best Cars for Commuters list.

Motorcycle insurance is also a relative bargain. Basic insurance, as required by all US states except Florida, Montana and Washington, is at least 50% less expensive than comparable auto insurance. High performance and custom motorcycles cost more to insure — but those don’t make good commuters, anyway. If you’re an adult with a good driving record and you’re riding a sensible motorcycle, you may be surprised by how little insurance can cost. Many insurance companies also offer discounts to riders who complete a motorcycle safety course, too — and that’s a good idea for all riders, even without the discount.

Fuel economy is another motorcycle strength. Even big bikes can average over 30 miles per gallon, and some smaller commuter bikes even approach 100 mpg. Choose a bike with proven reliability and a decent warranty, and maintenance costs will also be reasonable, especially when compared with the cost of maintaining a car. Performing routine maintenance, like oil and filter changes, is within the reach of most riders, and further reduces the cost of ownership.

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It's all about motorcycles, Daytona Action, Right to Repair legislation, safety issues, Daytona parties, biker profiling, and super bad jokes. Even an Indian tease…

Don't miss it.

International Rider Education Training System Conference to be Held in Days Leading Up to Indianapolis MotoGP

Against the backdrop of the Red Bull Indianapolis GP, a round of the MotoGP World Championship motorcycle races, the Motorcycle Safety Foundation will conduct its Third Annual International Rider Education Training System conference on August 15 and 16. The two prior IRETS events have drawn hundreds of rider education professionals interested in providing motorcyclists, particularly new riders, with the most effective skills and behaviors MSF has incorporated into its RiderCourses.  This affords the safety-training professionals a unique opportunity to participate in a great weekend of racing and motorcycling events. 

IRETS is one of two international motorcycle safety conferences that MSF will host in 2013. IRETS is designed to appeal to those currently using or interested in using MSF internationally.  Plenary and breakout sessions will cover MSF curriculum delivery, quality assurance, and program administration at the state and international level, and provide MSF RiderCoaches and RiderCoach Trainers with knowledge to better bring the MSF curricula to life for their students. 

The ifz/MSF International Motorcycle Safety Conference, scheduled in conjunction with the inaugural American International Motorcycle Expo (AIMExpo) in Orlando, Florida, will focus on the latest research from across the globe.  Practical responses to research will be emphasized in riding exercises and other hands-on demonstrations.

“The IRETS common theme is the use of MSF’s Rider Education and Training System (RETS). The event brings trainer, administrators and other stakeholders together with MSF National Staff to network and share their best practices, tools and techniques,” said MSF Vice President Robert Gladden. “This year, our goal is for IRETS to again create an atmosphere where rider education professionals can strengthen partnerships and foster collaboration among their peers. As always, we celebrate the universal goal of positive student outcomes, of eliminating crashes, fatalities and injuries.”

Slated for August 15 and 16 at the Sheraton Indianapolis at Keystone Crossing, registration for IRETS will open in May. A block of rooms with special pricing has been set aside at the host hotel and covered secure motorcycle parking will be available. IRETS participants will have the opportunity to purchase specially priced packages for the Red Bull Indianapolis GP weekend that include tickets to the race, behind the scenes tours and other great benefits. 

The heart of this year’s IRETS will be sessions offering information on the updated Basic RiderCourse, which now includes an eCourse component. Not only will attendees have access to this much-needed information, they’ll also get details on how program providers can implement the BRC update. Additionally, MSFRiderCourse range activities will be available.

The Motorcycle Safety Foundation® promotes safety through rider training and education, operator licensing tests and public information programs. The MSF works with the federal government, state agencies, the military and others to offer training for all skill levels so riders can enjoy a lifetime of safe, responsible motorcycling. Standards established by the MSF® have been recognized worldwide since 1973.

The MSF is a not-for-profit organization sponsored by BMW, BRP, Harley-Davidson, Honda, Kawasaki, KTM, Piaggio, Suzuki, Triumph, Victory and Yamaha. For safety information or to enroll in the RiderCourse nearest you, visit www.msf-usa.org or call (800) 446-9227.

From design to manufacturing, the man behind Battistinis Custom Cycles, Rikki Battistini, shows you where the inspiration for their designs comes from. Meet Rikki Battistini at the J&P Cycles Destination Daytona SuperStore during Bike Week –  he will be set up on the J&P Cycles lot.

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For all of you novices heading to Daytona for the first time, or you rally veterans who might want to try something new here's IronWorks 1st Daytona Bike Week events list. We can't list them all here but this may help you decide where to go and what to see while you're enjoying the fun in the sun. An if you do visit or attend something you saw here don't forget to tell them you found out about it from IronWorks! BTW you can get a free copy of IronWorks at Carl's Speed Shop at 384 N.Beach St. Daytona Beach. Plus you can see Carl's 43rd Anniversary Bad Dog project which be featured in the May/June issue.

Special events:

March 8 – Special H.O.G. member event 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Mikey Luv's Bar & Grill on Main Street.

March 9 – Indian Motorcycle Engine Reveal at Dirty Harry's Pub, Daytona Beach starting at 9:00pm

March 12 – 7th Annual MDA Women's Ride Registration on Beach Street, Daytona starting at 8 a.m.

March 12 – Victory Bike Night at the Broken Spoke Saloon 7pm-10pm.

March 12 – Twisted Tea Editor's Choice Bike Show at the Broken Spoke Saloon Noon – 6 PM

March 13 – Harley-Davidson Ride-In Custom Bike Show on Beach Street, Daytona. Registration 9 a.m. – noon.

March 13 – Baker Drivetrain Smoke-Down Showdown Daytona Edition starting at 8pm, at the Ironhorse Saloon on N. US Highway 1 in Ormond Beach.

March 14 – Mobil 1 will have Paul Sr., a bike show and a motorcycle dyno shootout starting at 10:30am till 1:30pm.at the Advance Auto at 52 N Yonge St, Ormond Beach

March 14 – Willie's Tropical Tattoo bike show on Younge St in Ormond Beach

March 15 – IMBBA Industry Party, Boot Hill Saloon U.S. Hwy 1, Ormond Beach, Florida.

March 15 AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame 25th Annual Breakfast at the Daytona 500 Club on the infield at Daytona International Speedway.

March 15 – Victory Owner Ride & Reception at the Blue Grotto Lunch 11:00am – 3pm

March 15 – Chop-in Block Ride in Bike Show at the Broken Spoke Saloon 12:00pm-4:30pm

March 15 AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame 25th Annual Breakfast at the Daytona 500 Club on the infield at Daytona International Speedway.

Motorcycle Racing info: www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com

March 9 – Daytona Supercross By Honda

March 14-16 – GEICO Motorcycle AMA Pro Road Racing classes National Guard SuperBike, Motorcycle-Superstore.com Supersport and the Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson Series.

March 14-15 – AMA Pro Flat Track

March 16 – Daytona 200

Week long events:

March 7 16 ThunderMax Team at Bruce Rossmeyer's Destination Daytona in Ormond Beach

March 9 -16 – Harley-Davidson demo rides, motorcycle displays, Traxxas Experience, beverages and free parking at Daytona International Speedway, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

March 9 -16 – Harley-Davidson110th Anniversary display, motorcycles, MotorClothes, H-D1 customization, Women's Area, Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) raffle, H-D Insurance, H-D Visa, Willie G. merchandise, beverages and more. At Riverfront Park on Beach Street, Daytona 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

March 9 -15 – Victory Motorcycles Demo Rides & Sales at Daytona International Speedway 9am-5pm daily.

March 8 -17 – K and G Cycles Thunder Alley at Daytona International Speedway K and G Girls

March 8 -17 – Hot Leathers on Main Street, Daytona International Speedway and the Cabbage Patch.

March 8 -17 – Mustang Motorcycle Products rig at the Daytona International Speedway.

March 8 -17 – S&S Cycles Semi at Riverside Park, corner of Beach and Main St. Daytona 

March 7 – 16 ThunderMax Team at Bruce Rossmeyer's Destination Daytona in Ormond Beach

Many establishments have activities all week including the Broken Spoke: www.BrokenSpoke.com , and the Iron Horse: www.ironhorse-saloon.com.

Additional information on Bike Week in Daytona Beach can be found by downloading the Official Bike Week iPhone App and also on the Official Daytona Bike Week Website at www.officialbikeweek.com . The 2013 Official Bike Week Pocket Guide will be availableat locations in Florida, Alabama, South Carolina and Georgia. This free publication was printed by the Daytona Beach News-Journal for Bike Week.

This is a strange one. The President of Kendon explains why we all need trailers. Of course, he's in the Trailer business, but he has a point or two, and the article features the new Kendon Ride-up trailers. Very cool.

Check it out:

Specifically designed for KewlMetal's Big Wheel 40 Degree Pro Street Kit, this Stretched Headlight Nacelle is stretched 3" through the center for a great custom look and its bolt-on design allows it to easily install.

Delivered in a primer finish that is ready to go directly to paint. Simply test fit, wet sand, hand to your painter, and ride.

For more information and to place an order visit www.kewlmetalstore.com or call 623-298-7181