Etc.
etc.
LAST CHANCE FOR 3 FLAGS
Time’s a wastin’ for all you border-happy tourers, as the January 17 deadline for the 23rd-annual Three Flags Classic is quickly approaching. The 2000-mile street ride starts in Mexico, is routed up the west coast of the U.S. and ends in Canada. All of this horizon-chasing takes place September 4-7; however, a random drawing for the journey’s 300 open spots is held January 31. A check to cover the $190 entry fee will enter you in the lottery. For details, contact Max Marker, P.O. Box 616, Cardiff-by-the-Sea, CA 92007; 805/269-5982.
MUSEUM GOES HOMELESS
The National Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame is looking for a new home. Opened in 1990 in a rented building in Sturgis, South Dakota, the museum is now in search of a suitable location nearby on which to build a permanent facility. It’s estimated that $1.5 million will be needed to buy the land and construct a 10,000-squarefoot building to house the collection’s 100 motorcycles. Taxdeductible contributions can be sent to the museum at 2438 S. Junction Ave., PO. Box 602, Sturgis, SD 57785; 605/347-4875.
DUCATI THROWS ITSELF A PARTY
It seems there’s lots to celebrate at Ducati these days. Following the Texas Pacific Group’s financial bail-out of the ailing Italian company in 1996, production has risen to a record 27,000 units, and there are now 714 full-time employees, 164 more than a year ago. To salute all this newfound fortune, Ducati officials are hosting a threeday festival in Italy this coming June 13-15. On the agenda are roadraces, sea-front tours, special guests, concerts, factory openhouses and parades through Bologna, Ducati’s hometown. Sounds like fun. For more information, contact your local Ducati dealership.
BOXER COPS
What would Ponch and Jon think?! BMW just beat out Kawasaki and Harley-Davidson for the prestigious California Highway Patrol fleet contract. The first of the CHiP’s 150 R110ORT black-and-whites were delivered in November.
RENT A HOG, SEE AMERICA
Billed as the world’s largest bikerental company specializing in Harley-Davidsons, EagleRider offers a choice of nine model types, everything from Sportster 883s to Electra Glide tourers. Standard fees range from $75 to $135 per day, liability insurance, helmet, saddlebags and locks included. Rental offices are located in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago and Orlando; for reservations or info, call 800/501-8687.
HAVE A HOOTIN’ GOOD TIME
If you’re already planning this summer’s motorcycle vacation, consider the fifth-annual Honda Hoot in Asheville, North Carolina. That’s close to the Blue Ridge Parkway and smack-dab in the middle of some of America’s best riding country. Street parties and picnics are part of the June 23-27 festivities, as are multibrand demo rides and self-guided tours, including Cycle World's opening-day welcome ride. Owners of all brands are welcome; to find out more, dial up the Hoot Hotline at 800/347-1289. Y’all come!
IN IT FOR THE LONG RUN
If you’ve recently purchased a Ducati ST2, Honda CBR1100XX or Yamaha YZF600R, we need your comments for our long-term tests. Please include year, make and model, price paid, modifications made, favorite features and any problems incurred. Send your typewritten (or at least neatly printed) submissions to Long-Term Update, Cycle World, 1499 Monrovia Ave., Newport Beach, CA 92663, or fax 714/631-0651.
