The LuxMob Info Tags

Wow, Victory motorcycles pulled out an “end-run” attack on us this year. First the much awaited Victory Hammer motorcycle was released. These Victory Hammers were quickly sold. That fat rear tire and dragster cool looks made the Victory Hammer irresistable to the V-Twin cruiser shopper. Ok, while we are still in the afterglow of the Victory Hammer and trying to figure how we are going to go about asking the wife to let us buy one to add to the stable, Victory motorcycle perform the end-run sneak attack on us by announcing the Victory Vegas Jackpot for 2006.

STRAIGHT FROM THE AMERICAN HEARTLAND. THE HEART OF VICTORY.

Victory’s a heart that will speak to your soul. Born and bred in Osceola, Wisconsin, Victory’s Freedom™ 100/6 V-Twin engine with 100 cubic inches, six-speed overdrive transmission, extraordinary quality and remarkable reliability delivers power and torque in spades - and vows to do so for years to come. This fuel-injected, four-valves-per-cylinder, overhead-cam V-Twin is built to move. Fast. And Victory is the only major V-Twin manufacturer to offer a six-speed transmission, standard on most models. So you can cruise comfortably at highway speeds at lower RPMs - all without sacrificing the torque so essential to passing.

Enhancing the freedom engine for 2006 has been a labor of love. And lust. The frame-mounted, counterbalanced, 50 degree V-Twin allows you to feel the horsepower without experiencing unwanted engine vibration. It’s air and oil cooled and features a silent chain-driven oil pump to reduce engine noise. Our engineers have also designed a helical-cut primary drive to reduce engine and gear whine. And that’s just the beginning of this engine to end all engines. Ride one and feel for yourself.

I mean seriosusly, this is too good to be true. in a time when all you see is Harley Davidson motorcycles on the road. Which is boring, everyone owns the same bike. Motorcycling is all about being unique and to be noticed. Hard to do when everyone and their mother owns a Harley. Yawn. This is where Victory comes in. Their Victory Vegas Jackpot slogan says it all.

“IF YOU DONT GET NOTICED ON IT, YOU AINT ON IT!”

The research and marketing team at Victory are showing us that they are serious contenders for the popular V-twin cruiser market. Also with the Victory Hammer and vegas motorcycles being 85% American made, that is something to be proud of. Harley Davidson is approxiamtely 65% American made.

Forget everything you’ve ever thought about factory-produced bikes. The Victory Vegas Jackpot™ is here – the bolder, in-your-face, devil-may-care cousin of the Vegas®. Behold its wicked-fat 250 mm rear tire – custom-designed for maximum handling specifically for Victory by Dunlop®. Its fuel-injected, counterbalanced, torque-laden 100/6 Freedom V-Twin. Its outrageous graphics, super-low 25.7” seat height and color-matched frame shimmering under six layers of clear coat. Behold the Jackpot. Proof positive the New American Motorcycle has arrived and is here to stay. With all the features and beauty of a custom, backed by the quality, performance and unrivaled reliability of Victory – a major new force in American motorcycle manufacturing.

The photo of the 2006 Victory Vegas Jackpot shows how serious you can make this bike. With the custom-order program, you can make this bike totally unique. No more cookie-cutter motorcycles. As the saying goes, “Shared passion, individual style.” Just look at the sweet paint job on the Victory Jackpot. Very nice and unique looking. The headlight bucket design is a break from the norm of the other Victory models like the Kingpin and stock Vegas motorcycle. If you can get past the incredible look of this bike, you now get blown away by the 100 cubic inch 6-speed Freedom V-twin powerhouse.

With the Victory Hammer and Victory Vegas Jackpot models flying off the showroom floors, we are experiencing a new revolution in American-made motorcycles. In speaking with several Victory motorcycle dealers, the majority of Vicotry Vegas and Hammer buyers are current Harley Davidson riders. Harley Davidson had flooded the market and overproduced their anniversary model. This has decreased the resale value of these bikes and pretty much makes them a big snooze. since everyone owns one. Having said this, get down to your local Victory delaer, and get on the list to get the Victory Vegas Jackpot. You will not be disappointed.

Contributing author to Cycle Solutions =>http://www.cyclesolutions.net

When looking to buy a pocket bike (miniature motorcycle) be sure to do your research. You need to find reliable sales professionals, dealers, or Internet connections to make this purchase. There are many ‘knock-offs’ or imitations out there and to purchase them would be a waste of your money and time. The parts for these imitations are not typically found and in the rare event that you can find them they will be extremely costly and are typically not guaranteed.

To assist you in making the best buy, talk to others that have already have a pocket bike such as a trusted friend or co-worker, your local pocket bike league, local dealers, etc. You can use the Internet to assist in you in your research as well. This will allow you a more time efficient method of comparing prices as well as obtaining information for various bikes. You will be able to compare the price of the actual bike as well as any amenities offered, allowing you to see which has the best offer.

Also note that when you buy a pocket bike, the laws vary from state to state and country to country. Speak with your local law enforcement agencies and local pocket bike league so that you understand all local rules, regulations, and laws. You are making an investment and it would be a waste of money as well as your time to lose such an extraordinary machine because you failed to get all the correct information.

Once you have done your research and have decided to make your purchase, make sure of any safety equipment and/or gear you made need. You are making this purchase to have fun and fulfill some dreams, so your safety should be a priority so that you may continue to do so.

And now that you have done everything you need to make your purchase wisely and ensure your laws and safety, go out there and have fun. This is why you why you want to buy your pocket bike to begin with.

You can now buy Pocket Bikes online. To view our complete
and comprehensive selection of Pocket Bikes, visit:
buy-pocket-bikes.partnersinsuccess.net/

…And everyone is a racer. If you doubt that, you’ve obviously never driven in New York City during rush hour. Look closely at the driver of that Japanese luxury car. He’s just as miffed as you the racer is at having to drive fifty-five miles per hour when the speedometer on the car clearly reads one hundred and fifty. Why can’t we drive it at that speed if the car can come close to it. Man, just look at him fiddling with the knobs pretending to be tuning the radio into a station. We racers know what he is really doing is setting the frequency of his imaginary laser beam roadblock remover system. You know the ones; they make little bomb sounds as we pretend we are obliterating our foes on the drive home.

If you really want to annoy him, honk your horn, tailgate him for a few seconds then cut in front of him. When he reaches his boiling point, slam on your brakes and drive slower than you were both going previously. then apply your brakes and drive slower than you were driving before you cut him off. His typical response will be one of anger, an anger borne of the pent-up frustrations of living in a high tech world and being legislated into a low-tech existence. Our driver will invariably stab the gas pedal and swerve out of the lane in an attempt to pass you back. You, in turn, speed up, knowing that his intent is to block pass you at the first opportunity, then brake check you just so you get the message.

And so this high-speed game of “chicken” unfolds on any highway others will graciously move over to let the two road-warriors carry on with the spectacle. I’ve participated in a more than a few such duels myself though lately I choose to be a bystander to other people’s road rage. This emotionally charged ego-tripping could be very dangerous to anyone near the scene.

Society says we should be punished for breaking their law of a maximum velocity of fifty-five miles per hour (in New York at least). Most racers will try to get away with as much as we can, just like on the track and usually have the skills to pull it off. The typical driver lacks all of the needed skills and courage to indulge themselves and so after one or more two hundred dollar speeding tickets, the potential racer’s lust for life is usually squashed flatter than Spongebob in the Arizona desert. They usually go home more frustrated, angrier, and two bills poorer. I’m glad I race motorcycles; I’m glad I have a family of people who know and think and feel exactly as I do… we are fortunate to be real racers.

Drivers aren’t the only ones who are acting crazy either. Anyone who has walked or driven in Manhattan can attest to the fact that the craziest of all humans is not “Checkered Cabbus-Weavus”; that honor belongs to “Pedestrius Al-sue-yerbutt”, the dreaded New York City pedestrian.

No other form of life on the planet is capable of staring into the eyes of the errant tractor-trailer driver and then stepping nonchalantly into the path of his serpentine behemoth. If you’ve never seen eighteen thousand pounds of truck with all the wheels locked up you don’t know what you’re missing. The puff of blue smoke in the distance alerts one to the presence of “Pedestrius Al-su-yerbutt.”

While the truck driver shakes uncontrollably, trying to bring his heartbeat back below the three hundred mark, “Pedestrius Al-su-yerbutt” flashes an ear to ear grin. And why shouldn’t they, they’ve just looked fear and death in the face and walked away unscathed. Others can only look on in amazement; children will point in their direction with wonder and awe. They are momentarily idolized as they relish fifteen seconds worth of their fifteen minutes of fame. They will be on the tongues of everyone who saw their gutsy moves,

“Holy cripes, did you see that?”

I’m glad I race motorcycles; I’m glad I have a family of people who know and think and feel exactly as I do… we are fortunate to be real racers and have our outlet.

Before we forget that this is a moto-cross story, let me get to the heart of the matter. The point is simply how much we as off road riders and racers have to be grateful for. Unlike the road-rager and “Pedestrius Al-sue-yerbutt,” we don’t have to drive our cars at one hundred and twenty miles per hour, nor do we have to tempt fate by stepping in front of speeding trucks just to feel that surge of adrenaline. Thank God we are real racers… I do. We aren’t as unlucky as the folks who live out the two examples of non-racers.

We are the normal; we can take out our frustrations on machines that were designed to be the healers of our pressures and frustrations. We have moto-cross and the woods to keep us sane. How lucky we are indeed. I’m glad I race motorcycles; I’m glad I have a family of people who know and think and feel exactly as I do… I am fortunate to be among real racers. So when next you are privy to witness any of the afore mentioned dramas, you’ll know… people are crazy, and everyone is a racer.

Michael James

*7 years covering professional motocross racing for Cycle News, mxlarge.com, motocross.com, and mxwired.com
*amateur motocross racer
*screenwriter - seeking representation-
*8 year columnist for several motocross papers and magazines

My friend Ann takes her bike wherever she goes, even if
the trip isn’t about biking - like her Christmas trip to
Arizona to visit her parents. We discussed the advantages
and compared some expenses.

In the end, I went to do a little research to find out what
would be the best way to go when traveling by airplane -
ship your bike in the cargo hold of the plane, ship it
ahead of time by UPS, or rent a bike when you arrive at
your destination.

Renting was the clear loser among the three options. For
one thing, it’s not your bike, so it is likely to be
inferior along with not fitting you perfectly like your own
bike does. Also, it’s expensive. You can rent a clunker
for $45 USD a day if you’re in an area where bike rental is
even possible.

If you want a decent bike, though, you’re going to pay at
least $65. So, if you rent and ride once or twice while
you’re there, you’ll have almost broken even with the cost
of shipping your bike. If you ride more than a couple
times, you’re money ahead, once you’ve invested in some kind of
shipping carton.

Shipping your bike in the airplane’s cargo hold is a good
option, and might be the best choice depending on the
circumstances. The advantages of carrying it with you on
the plane include the fact that you will have it with you
at all times. You won’t be without your bike for the 2 to
6 days it takes when shipping by UPS. Also, you can use a
soft bag, which is not recommended for shipping by a
delivery service.

Depending on what kind of packaging you use for the
shipment, disassembly of your bike is minimal. You can get
by with as little as taking off the handlebar and pedals.
The cost is around $40 each way.

The option I like best is shipping via delivery service.
Depending on the from-to locations, the cost is usually
less than carrying the bike on the plane. For example, you
can ship a bike from Miami to Chicago for around $30. The
biggest benefit here is the minimized hassle factor. There
is no waiting in long lines in the airport baggage claim
area, no packing it into the rental car. The bike is
delivered to your door.

You have a tracking number, so you can keep informed about
the when and where of your bike’s current position while
it’s en route. A good shipping carton is necessary, of
course, but for people who travel often it’s worth the
investment.

Here is the run down of options for shipping cartons. You
can get a hard-sided bike suitcase for around $350 USD, and
it will last forever. For these, you have to take off both
of the wheels as well as handlebars, seat, and pedals to
fit the bike into the case.

For around $200, you can get a waterproof bike box that is
very durable and has the advantage of being collapsible
when not in use. I don’t recommend the plain cardboard
rectangular boxes because they are expensive, around $150,
and only last for a handful of trips. Both the waterproof
and cardboard rectangular box come with tie-downs, straps,
and foam chocks. You do have to do some disassembly of the
bike, removing the pedals and handlebar.

There’s one more shipping set-up that is a little less
expensive. For about $80, you can get a triangular
cardboard shipping carton. You don’t have to do any
disassembly, not even the bars because of the triangular
shape. Just use the quick release for the front wheel and
seat, and hold them in place with the tie downs that are
provided.

For details about carrying cases and shipping, go on-line
and enter the term ‘bike shipping’ in any search engine.
You’ll be pleased to find that traveling with your own bike
is affordable and fairly hassle-free. If you haven’t taken
your bike with you on trips already, I assure you that it’s
worth it.

Daniel Lebarge, journalist and cyclist, is a contributing
writer for First Bicycle
, offering valuable free information about cycling and
bicycles. Articles by Daniel are also found at All Boots and Snowboard Max.

The life and career of Lance Armstrong is quite extraordinary. Lance has won the Tour De France, the toughest and most prestigious cyling event for 7 consecutive years 1999 –2005. What makes this record even more remarkable is his well documented recovery from a near fatal attack of cancer. Lance recovered from this painful experience to become, against all expectations the most successful cyclist of his generation.

Lance was brought up by his Mother in Plano, Texas (his father left his mother at an early age). In his early years Lance was a very successful triathalete and would spend many hours training on his bike in the pool and running.However after training with the US Olympic development squad Lance concentrated on cycling. His rise in the amateur ranks appeared effortless, and Lance qualified for the junior world championships in Moscow in 1989. By 1991 he was the U.S. National Amateur Champion and soon after turned professional. In his pre cancer days Lance Armstrong was mainly known as a fearsome one day racer. His crowning moment of triumph came in the 1993 World Championship Race in a rain sodden Helsinki. Lance survived the numerous crashes of the race and hung on to win becoming the first American World Champion. Lance started the 1996 year ranked number 1 cyclist in the World.

However during that year of Lance felt his performance unexpectedly drop for no apparent reason. After many tests Lance was diagnosed with having a form of prostrate cancer and was given a 40% of recovery. After a prolonged and painful process of chemotherapy Lance managed to overcome the cancer and slowly came back to health. Lance wanted to revive his cycling career but perhaps not unexpectedly the top teams were unwilling to take a risk.

However Lance was given a break by the US postal team, which proved to be a remarkably judicious decision. Therefore in 1998 Lance returned to the professional ranks, although he nearly quit after having to drop out of the Paris Nice Stage race in early spring. However Lance merely needed more time and by the start of the 1999 season was starting to show good form again. In fact the cancer meant Lance Armstrong had lost some weight on his upper body. This loss of muscle mass proved to be a blessing in disguise in the sense that Lance was now more competitive in the mountains. This often proved to be the decisive stage in his Tour victories.

Throughout his comeback Lance has been the subject to many accusations about drug taking. To be fair Lance has never failed a drugs test nor has any convincing evidence been produced. Many of this accusations stem from the fact Lance has become Cycling’s first superstar, his career and private life have been subject to enormous scrutiny. Nevertheless it does remain the case that professional cycling has yet to prove it has a clean bill of health and some argue Lance was ill advised to use the controversial trainer, Michele Ferrarri. M.Ferrarri was recently convicted of sporting fraud for advising some clients to use performance enhancing drugs. However since his conviction Lance has dropped M. Ferrarri as a trainer.

Lance Armstrong is the first cyclist to win 6 Tour De France’s beating legendary names such as Miguel Indurain, Jaques Anquetil and Eddy Merckx. Some argue however that Armstrong does not have a complete palmeres, apart from the Tour he has won relatively few races. Also compared to riders such as Merckx Lance races relatively few races, concentrating all his effort on the Tour. However cycling has changed with an influx of riders from new countries, more money e.t.c. It has become much more competitive and much more difficult to be in contention for races all year round. The Tour remains the most lucrative and prestigious event, to win it 7 consecutive times could be one of sport’s greatest achievements let alone cycling’s greatest achievements.

As well as cycling Lance Armstrong is active in promoting his charitable trust The Lance Armstrong Foundation which helps raise money for cancer. The yellow wrist band “Live Strong” have proved remarkably popular starting many similar wristbands.

By: Richard Pettinger editor of http://www.poetseers.org website and keen cyclist

If you want to get into a fun sport that will allow you to get plenty of exercise, get into shape, and offer you challenges that you won’t find elsewhere – all while enjoying an abundance of nature - you might want to start thinking about mountain bikes. Mountain biking is a popular sport that has been around for numerous years, but recently, with the new technology that goes into the manufacturing of today’s mountain bikes, there seems to be a new interest in this sport.

If the sport of mountain biking isn’t something that you know a lot about, you may have the wrong idea about the sport. You’ve seen the mountain bikers on the television sports channels jumping obstacles and racing down dirt trails – and racing is one aspect of mountain biking. However, racing is not required. In fact, most mountain bikers don’t race at all.

Mountain biking for most people can be compared to hiking. The point is to get out, get exercise, and experience nature. Yes, there will be obstacles to maneuver around on them more advanced trails, but many people are just out for the pleasure of riding in nature – just like hikers are out to enjoy the walk and the nature. Some mountain bikers are leisurely riders. Some like the challenges that they face out on the trails – but they aren’t in any hurry. Other’s like both the challenges and the racing! The path you choose is up to you.

With this new light on the sport of mountain biking, you may now be interested in getting involved in this sport. Maybe you want to lose weight. Maybe you just want to get more exercise. Then again, maybe you like the thought of enjoying nature, but you aren’t big on walking, and prefer to ride. No matter what your reasons for your interest are, you will definitely need a mountain bike – finding a place to ride it is the easy part.

As a beginner, you really won’t have any idea what you need in the way of a mountain bike. Therefore, it is in your best interest to buy a very basic, yet sturdy, mountain bike that can be upgraded at a later date. Visit your local bike dealer, and talk to them. Let them know that you are just starting out, and that you want a basic bike that you can upgrade later. If they try to sell you something expensive – more than $500 – walk away and visit a different store.

You might also consider purchasing a used bike from a private individual. Used bikes can be found online, through the printed classifieds, and even through bike dealers. Look around your area – and online – to see what is available.

Before making a purchase, it is always a good idea to talk to other mountain bikers. Ask them what bike they started with, and what they would suggest for you. The best information you will find will come from the people who are already deeply into the sport.

Once you’ve made a purchase, you need to find a place to ride. Are there any state parks or national forests in your area? Are there wooded areas that aren’t fenced off? These are ideal places to ride. However, you should never ride on private property without permission. If you can’t think of any place that might have bike trails, do a little research online. Type in ‘bike trails in Alabama’ or ‘mountain bike trails in Georgia’ or whatever state you live in into the search box of any search engine, and you will find quite a bit of information!

Look for sites that offer reviews of bike trails that you want to visit. These reviews will save you a lot of time, and help you avoid the trails that either aren’t worth your time, or aren’t suited to your skill level. Reading is actually a big part of mountain biking if you are a beginner! You should also consider purchasing a few mountain bikes videos. These videos will help you learn the basics before you set off on a trail!

Mt-bikes.com provides you with information on mountain bike reviews, trek mountain bikes, giant mountain bikes, mountain bike holidays and specialized mountain bikes. In short Mt-bikes.com is your #1 mountain bikes resource! http://www.mt-bikes.com/

The Spaniard rider for the Caisse d’Epargne team: Alejandro Valverde has won La Flèche Wallonne. At the end of the race at Le Mur de Huy, Valverde left behind his compatriot from the Euskaltel-Euskadi team Samuel Sanchez Gonzalez who finished second. Karsten Kroon and his teammate Frank Schleck from the Team CSC finished third and fourth. T- Mobile’s rider Patrik Sinkewitz ended the run in the fifth place.

Two riders left the group early in the cycling race: Frédéric Finot from Française des Jeux and Ag2R’s José Luis Arrieta but around 80 Km to go the pack reached them. Conditions for the race were fine but the hard wind didn’t let some of the riders get ahead from the group.

The next important gap took place when Phonak’s Alexandre Moss and Rabobank’s Oscar Freire gained some distance from the other riders when they were at 63 Km from the end but they got caught by a group of almost 30 competitors on the penultimate climb of the day: Côte de Ahin with 12 km to go.

The circuit consisted of 202 Km from Charleroi to Huy and at the end, riders climb the Mur de Huy. The Flèche Wallonne is traditionally one of the most open of the spring classics, where as 2005 champion Danilo Di Luca says: “you need the power to explode in that grueling final ascent to the finish.”

The group of riders climbs the Huy three times during the race, including the summit finish. While stragglers have time to rejoin the leaders after the first two ascents, it is power what it takes at the end and that’s what Valverde proved when winning the race.

About the Author:
Julie Smith is one of the most recognized copy writers on Sports Betting and currently writes for Instant Action Sports. Feel free to reprint this article in its entirety on your site, make sure to leave all links in place and do not modify any of the content.

With 600 miles of trails, it’s no wonder why Winter Park has gained the title of “Mountain Bike Capital USA”. At the resort alone you will find 50 miles of single-track trails accessible via chair lifts and marked with signs identifying skill level. Once at the top of the lifts you may want to stop into the Sunspot for a quick bite to eat while enjoying the 360-degree views of the surrounding mountains. From there you can choose runs like the Upper Arapahoe, the resort’s downhill race course, or wind down The Long Trail for a 7-mile novice ride.

In the Fraser Valley you can enjoy the trails of the Rocky Mountain wilderness while cradled by spectacular mountain views all around. The trails follow babbling brooks, glide through wildflower meadows and trek up rugged mountains.

All throughout the summer, there are races that are open to public and are available to many different skill levels. A majority of the races either start or end at Winter Park Resort, including the finale… The King of the Rockies.

Repairs, rentals and shops are easy to find, whether you are at the resort, or downtown Winter Park. You can also find a wide variety of restaurants and bars, with food that is just as good as it is diverse.

Music sounds better with a backdrop like the Continental Divide, and you just may find out for yourself, as there are music festivals and concerts happening almost every weekend during the Summer. Events like the Jazz Festival and the Food, Wine & Beer Festival may require advance planning for stays in Winter Park.

It would be impossible to cover all of the mountain bike trails of Winter Park and the Fraser Valley in one short article. However, once you get to here, there are a number of free mountain bike trail guides that can be found at most establishments.

Stay just a five minute walk from the base of Winter Park Resort. Slope View Bed and Breakfast offers views of the Continental Divide, unique amenities and a knowledgeable staff. 970-531-2386

Written by Shane, owner and operator of Slope View Bed and Breakfast in Winter Park, Colorado.