MetroPulse Stories: Letters to the Editor

Radio Talk

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 14:36:00 -0000

Yuri Zuev: It is obvious that one radio station cannot satisfy all the listeners with various demands and tastes. But one can do better that WUOT. [“No Static At All?” by Chris Barrett, Oct. 22, 2009] I have nothing against classical music, but not all day long every day. Classical music lovers have no one else to turn to? What about people who want to hear news and analysis, meaningful conversations worth listening to?

Helping to Find a Cure

Fri, 17 Jul 2009 17:29:00 -0000

Recently Handlebars ran a full-page ad for our charity fund-raiser, Ridin’ To Cure Diabetes. I wanted to thank you for your support in helping make the ride a HUGE success. We had 102 bikes participate, over 200 riders, and raised over $8,000 that was donated to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. I also wanted to thank our sponsors Smoky Mountain Dragon Chapter, ALCOA Inc., Metal Craft, and FairFax Development. The members of Smoky Mountain Dragon Chapter and the Ladies of Harley all volunteered countless hours for this event. Special thanks to Smoky Mountain Harley-Davidson, Scott Maddux, and Special Events Coordinator Aaron Snukals.

Steve’s Right

Fri, 17 Jul 2009 17:28:00 -0000

I have to say that I do understand Steve Dupree’s column [“Liars!” Rubber Side Down, April 2009] and am outraged at Eric Ohlgren’s comment [“Accidents Happen to All Vehicles,” Backfires, June 2009]. What I got out of Steve’s commentary is the fact that when a driver of a car, or other four-wheel vehicle, is involved in an accident or close call with a motorcycle, they invariably say, “I didn’t see him.” Granted, the roads, highway, and byways are dangerous. What Steve said, and I agree with, is do not say “I didn’t see him,” because you did.

Why Not?

Fri, 17 Jul 2009 17:27:00 -0000

I left Chicago Saturday for a one-day instructor class (Sunday) down in Champaign, Ill. by Lee Parks. I told my kids I’d be back Monday. I packed for two nights. Monday I got on my bike, thought to myself, “Hey, I’m already three hours south of Chicago” and instead of taking my day-ride back home, I kept going south.

Taking the Scenic Routes

Fri, 17 Jul 2009 17:25:00 -0000

First of all, I would like to thank Fred Sahms and Russ Townsend for their “Backroads and Byways” articles in the Handlebars newspaper. I always look forward to seeing what trip they have in store for me. I am tearing them out and collecting them for my riding group’s future rides. Thank you for doing the “leg work” and for putting these nice rides down on paper for us. I appreciate the fact you include approximate length of trip, mileage, points of interest, and recommended eating establishments.

Accidents Happen to All Vehicles

Wed, 27 May 2009 15:22:00 -0000

I’ve never understood the “Kill a biker, go to jail” thing and I defiantly didn’t get Steve Dupree’s column, “Liars!” [Rubber Side Down, April 2009]. What are people like Dupree trying to say? That because I’m large enough to be seen that you shouldn’t hit me? That’s crazy. Using that logic, then surely cars would be large enough to be seen, too, and we’d never have any traffic accidents at all because everyone is large enough to be seen... that is, until a mistake is made.

Staying Balanced

Wed, 27 May 2009 14:25:00 -0000

Kudos on the new Handlebars format! The articles are informative, interesting, and very balanced. Thanks also for the ride routes. I’ve taken an old friend who may be in his last summer of riding on a couple of them. He’s been thrilled with the experience, much better than the “parade route” of 30 miles another friend takes him on. Keep up the good work. It’s light years better.

Short But Sweet!

Fri, 24 Apr 2009 20:20:00 -0000

Thanks for the new approach in Handlebars; keep up the good work. --Ed French, Triumph rider

No Apologies

Fri, 24 Apr 2009 20:09:00 -0000

A bit of background might be in order. I have been riding off and on since 1991, on bikes as diverse as a Honda Rebel, Harley Ironhead Sportster, and a Honda CBX and in between, too. I ride all year long and took my Sportster on a road trip to Springfield, Mass. in 1992; my current bike, whatever it may be, is not a weekend toy. It is what gets me around. Put me down as another vote in favor of the New Format.

An Old Rider “Rambles”

Fri, 24 Apr 2009 20:00:00 -0000

I enjoy the new format of Handlebars. There is more to motorcycling than going to biker bars every night of the week. Been around motorcycles and riding since 1962. Have rode or owned about all makes and sizes of bikes. Early bikes you had to carry a tool box with you—things broke and stuff fell off.

People, Not Labels

Fri, 24 Apr 2009 19:43:00 -0000

After reading the second edition of Handlebars, I had to respond. I liked the first edition of Handlebars and I am enjoying the second edition very much. I think Handlebars is doing a great job and appreciate all of your efforts. The question: Either you like it or you don’t. If you don’t, just move on and spend your energy on something that you do like. I don’t like labels, I like people. I’m always willing to learn something new and am willing to share with others. I enjoy riding and not criticizing. I have been riding since 1962, current mount a V-Twin metric cruiser.

What's All the Fuss About?

Mon, 23 Mar 2009 20:41:00 -0000

Until I picked up the March issue of Handlebars I didn’t know there was a controversy over the mag. If I understand correctly, there are people out there who actually believe that the world revolves around Harley-Davidson. I’ll admit that I’d like to own a Harley, there are a lot of riders who ride Asian bikes that would like to also (whether they’ll admit it or not).

"Is the 555 club accepting new members?"

Mon, 23 Mar 2009 20:38:00 -0000

Just wanted to drop you a line and say that the new format for Handlebars is great. With any new venture there is bound to be positive and negative reaction. I have been riding motorcycles for 30 years, Harley’s for 25 of those years. On that note, I envied all the members of the 555 club and would have loved to have been a part of their little excursion.

"Remember All of Us Motorcyle Riders"

Mon, 23 Mar 2009 20:20:00 -0000

In your March 2009 issue there was a letter stating that the writer would like the main focus of Handlebars to be on the V-twin market. I have to disagree, because I am sure that you realize there are more than V-twin riders that read your publication. I hope you will continue the good work and remember all of us motorcycle riders and not just a select few.

WOW!

Mon, 23 Mar 2009 20:19:00 -0000

I just picked up my copy of Handlebars from Colboch Harley-Davidson here in Morristown, sat down, and read all the comments that readers have voiced in—complaints and kudos about the mag. Okay, I have to say I do miss the glossy cover, so it’s now changed to what it is. BFD! When you look in the upper left-hand corner on the front cover magazine, it says what? FREE! No one twists anyone’s arm and/or forces anyone to pick it up and read it: We do that by choice.

The new format is great!

Mon, 23 Mar 2009 20:17:00 -0000

I had stopped even looking at this rag, until I saw the 555 on the front. That caught my eye! “Vintage Honda’s on the cover?! This is something is different!”

"What a Change"

Mon, 23 Mar 2009 20:15:00 -0000

What a change, and a good one, at that. No more endless pages of leering Bike Night drunks, for starters. Some really good story content, for a change. I am pleased and I hope that the new format finds success.

"Huge Improvement"

Thu, 12 Mar 2009 20:47:00 -0000

The new Handlebars is a HUGE improvement over the old. I actually read it cover to cover and enjoyed it all. The new columnists are good—maybe too good for the biker crowd but a revelation to the MOTORCYCLISTS out there. I read about the 555 gang in the monthlies but learned far more about them and their trip in the Handlebars article. Congratulations to all for a job well done.

"Thumbs up"

Thu, 12 Mar 2009 20:47:00 -0000

Just wanted to give you guys a thumbs up for the new Handlebars. Great job! There appears to be a good mix of articles and information on the local riding scene. I know Russ, Fred, Ben and Phil personally and they are all very knowledgeable and stand up guys. I hope this version of the magazine is more profitable than the last one. Again, THANK YOU!

"Not just a periodical photo album"

Thu, 12 Mar 2009 20:46:00 -0000

I like the new format. I’m sure you’ll get plenty of feedback saying otherwise, but I thought I’d chime in and give you a positive response. It looks much more professional and interesting and not just a periodical photo album of bike nights at the local watering hole. Thanks! I look forward to the next issue.