Women's Riding Essentials In San Fran

Nicole Roesch and I met in San Francisco last week to do a Kryptonite sponsored Women's Riding Essential Class. San Fran is definitely different than the east coast! People, clothing, weather, everything! I had never been to San Fran so it was cool to see Northern Cal. A great city and great people!

We took a cab to Scuderia West where we had a fun evening. The dealership was very unique in a sense that it was an older building but every space seemed to have a useful purpose. They sold Aprilla, Victory, KTM, and some used bikes. The staff couldn't have been nicer.

Once the class got started we learned that there is a ton of women riders in California! I guess with gas at $5 a gallon in CA you look for alternative modes of transportation. There is a large scooter population too, many business women ride scooters to work not just because of gas but parking. There is very few places to park in San Fran. As in most major city's parking is tough to come by.

We went over lots of basics on riding, proper gear, safety and protection for your bike. I have a bright pink Icon jacket which I think is wicked cool and everywhere I go other girls think it's really cool except San Fran! The girls liked the jacket but wanted to know if it came in black! Which it does!

I guess they aren't into bright color's in the Bay Area. I suppose a Perewitz custom would stick out! Nicole and I both learned a lot from the women of Scuderia as I hope they learned from us! It was another great Kryptonite Women's Riding Essential Class!

Barb's Women's Riding Essential Class

Last Thursday Nicole and I did our second Women's Riding Essential Class at Barb's Harley Davidson in Philly. It was another great night. We had about 30 women who came to listen, share their stories, and make new friends.

Nicole and I went over the basic and then got into some interesting topics and discussions with the ladies. Some of the ladies told funny stories about how they got started riding motorcycles. One particular lady got a bike just because she saw another women riding and she thought it looked really cool!

Barb's employees were great too. They joined in the conversation with their tales and also some recommendation on what Harley's would fit women. Harley makes lots of models in different sizes and styles that would be good for women. Barb's has a large group of women in her HOG chapter that have been riding for a long time. It was good that they shared their experience with the new riders and encouraged them to join their Saturday and Sunday rides.

We had some great prizes including some stuff from Barb's and of course some of the best security for your bike, a Kryptonite locks. The ladies all left with smiles, new knowledge and even a prize.

July 10th we will be in San Francisco at Scuderia for another Women's Riding Essentials.

I have some pictures from the event that I will post tomorrow (I forgot my camera at home).

Perewitz/Kryptonite Women's Riding Essentials

Last Thursday night we had a Women's Riding Essential class. Nicole Roesch and I had a great discussion with several local ladies, after an introduction from Donna. Everyone seemed to join in and share experiences, tips, and stories. There was a great camaraderie from all of us.

There was all different skill levels at the class. Some of the girls were veteran riders, some new, and some with just an interest! Krptonite sponsored the event giving each lady a rotor lock to protect their two wheeled machines. We had sandwiches, salad, and snacks for all the girls.

Nicole and I bring a different side of the motorcycle industry to the table. I was fascinated with what she had to say about racing and her career. We definitely clicked. We do share a passion for motorcycles and had almost the same safety and riding tips! I brought out my bright colored Icon jacket to show the ladies a good protective jacket that is cool at the same time! Nicole also gave some riding gear tips and stated that if you feel funny, you will get used to it and then feel naked without it!

We are planing another women's event in August. We were thinking of having an ice cream party! What woman doesn't love ice cream, especial on a hot summer day!

Kryptonite and Lowe's Motor Speedway

By: Donna Tocci

If any of you are going to Lowe's Motor Speedway for the Coca Cola 600 tomorrow, feel free to ride your motorcycles. There's a huge motorcycle parking area there where you don't have to park among the cars! Just look for the Kryptonite banners along the fencing outside the track (where the front stretch would be). You won't be able to miss it!






While you are at the track, there are a lot of nice ladies who are handing out free Official Fan Guides. Pick one up - it will give you the lay of the land and all the info you need to know for a fun day at the track. Here's one of the ads you'll see....recognize the motorcycles in that shot??





Wherever you are this long weekend, I hope you are not only spending some time riding and relaxing with friends and family, but also remembering the true meaning of this holiday.





Safe riding everyone! And go Hendrick Motor Sports - let's get a win this weekend!

Kryptonite Outlet!

Unbreakable Bonds

Have you been looking for a Justice League Padlock? An M-18? A Chopper Chain? Can't find 'em anywhere? Well, look no further! We've just opened the Kryptonite Outlet! C'mon in and be one of our first customers.

What will you find there? Overstocks and discontinued items. Maybe an additional treat or two as we go along. But, there are limited quantities so if there is something there you want, I'd snatch it up now. Because when some of them are gone...they are gone for good. Also, the inventory there will change frequently so check back often...you never know what you might find there. C'mon in...we're always open!

A Saturday Afternoon

By: Donna Tocci

Just thought I’d check in with a quick post today. Two Saturdays ago I buzzed down to Perewitz Cycle Fab. Unfortunately, Dave wasn’t there; he was off with Kory and Jeff to Cleveland. But, this time of year I don’t really expect to see Dave on a weekend in Bridgewater. If I do, I’m pleasantly surprised.

I did get my warm, wonderful welcome from Zipp and “the boys”, Cheech and Louie. When they settled a little bit, Cheech was in my arms getting some snuggle time while Louie and Zipp cozied up to each other.

It was a nice afternoon of visiting with Jody, Susan, Dee and even Billy and Uncle Danny. Both of the guys brought food – gotta love them. Not sure I should have had so many fries, but I can’t resist. Thanks, Billy!

As many of you know, the Perewitz family is one of the most generous, giving families around. They gladly give of their time and resources to several causes. The last two years Jody, Susan, Zizi, Leah, Tara, Dee and the kids, dogs and I have walked the MS Walk in Hyannis. While we were munching, Jody and I talked about doing it again this year but were bummed when we realized that the Hyannis walk isn’t happening this year and the Easton walk is on a date that Jody is going to be out of town! Grrrrr….

When I got home and told my cousin this (he’s lived with this disease for 30 years), we decided to have our family continue the tradition started by Jody. Our family is going to walk in the Easton walk with the hopes that both families can walk together next year. So the 9 members of Team Tocci are fundraising and training (now I feel every single fry I ate that day tenfold!). Wish us luck!

Oh, and….while I was hanging out with everyone I even got to see the celebrity bikes. You know and love them as Thug and Streets, well now here are their bikes, all shiny and waiting for spring riding after their journey to Daytona. Check ‘em out. I’ve posted a couple of other pictures over on the Kryptonite blog, too.



Happy Spring everyone! Watch out more and more on the roads for motorcycles (and walkers!).

Links for body of article:
Team Tocci page
http://main.nationalmssociety.org/site/TR/Walk/MAMWalkEvents?team_id=118194&pg=team&fr_id=8690

fundraising
http://main.nationalmssociety.org/site/TR/Walk/MAMWalkEvents?pg=personal&fr_id=8690&fr_id=8690&px=2059339

Check ‘em out
http://unbreakable-bonds.blogspot.com/2008/03/celebrity-choppersthug-and-streets.html

MS Awareness Week

This week is MS Awareness Week. This is a charity that we contribute to often. There are several things that you can do to help this aweful disease. In the United States today, there are approximately 400,000 people with multiple sclerosis (MS)—with 200 more people diagnosed every week.
One of the things you can do to help is sign up for a walk in your area. Usually, my cousins, Zizi, Donna, my mom, and the kids, and dogs do a walk but I am sad to say that I will not be able to do the walk this year. But I will still make a donation! You can do the same if you can't do a walk either.
Below is a little info about MS. Please take a few minutes and see what you can do to help make the world free of MS!

Multiple sclerosis (or MS) is a chronic, often disabling disease that attacks the central nervous system (CNS), which is made up of the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves. Symptoms may be mild, such as numbness in the limbs, or severe, such as paralysis or loss of vision. The progress, severity, and specific symptoms of MS are unpredictable and vary from one person to another. Today, new treatments and advances in research are giving new hope to people affected by the disease.
While the cause (etiology) of MS is still not known, scientists believe that a combination of several factors may be involved. Studies are ongoing in the areas of immunology (the science of the body’s immune system), epidemiology (that looks at patterns of disease in the population), and genetics in an effort to answer this important question. Understanding what causes MS will be an important step toward finding more effective ways to treat it and—ultimately—cure it, or even prevent it from occurring in the first place.

My Body Guard Zipp!

By: Donna Tocci

So, Jody’s totally called out her “writers” as slackers – and she has every reason to. We all said we’d pitch in and then…well, one thing leads to another – right gang? At least that’s what happened on this end. That and I haven’t been down at the shop lately.

But, I was there a couple of weeks ago to drop off shirts for the powersports show in Indy. It was a very rare evening when neither Jody nor Dave were kicking around the shop. I got to hang out with Susan a little bit…and the doggies, of course. Susan and I were having a nice chat in her office (which has an echo in it, but we’ll get to that another time) and the dogs were all around. Sebago was in the middle of the floor munching on what looked like a pig’s ear, Zipp was running back and forth from Susan to me.

Louie and Cheech decided that they’d had enough of each other and started to go at it. They often do and most people would think they are about to kill each other, but you get used to it and know that this behavior is just them playing rough with each other. I wasn’t paying any attention to it until I felt something at the bottom of my leg. I looked down and Zipp had his two front paws around my leg. I thought he was going to do something that boy dogs do…but no, he grabbed me, turned his head and growled at Cheech and Louie. Apparently he thought they were getting a little close with their fighting and he didn’t like it. How cute is that?! I guess all those treats that I bring have made an impact on Zipp-a-roo! Ok, I don’t bring as many as Joe Pro does – I’m not even in the same league as Joe with Zipp, but I think he kind of likes me. Again, how cute is that?? I was flattered. I know, I’m a dork, but I was…Zipp’s my special little buddy now.

Does that have anything to do with motorcycles? Not a thing. But it does have to do with things that happen at the shop…”Life at Perewitz” isn’t just about motorcycles – it’s family, friends and dogs, of course!

Team Kryptonite!

Kryptonite Creates Riding Essentials Class for Women

Kryptonite is launching a women's only riding essentials class taught by Team Kryptonite members Jody Perewitz and Nicole Hoffman. The two women will visit select shops sharing their extensive experience and knowledge with women riders who may be just starting out. Both women have years of experience riding and racing or building motorcycles. The series of classes will kick off in June at Perewitz Cycle Fabrications in Bridgewater, Massachusetts.

“Kryptonite knows from both published reports and our own experiences on the road, that more women are riding motorcycles than ever before,” said Karen Rizzo, Director of Marketing. “We also understand that these women may be new to riding and have questions or need some advice that they might not want to ask of the guys. We have a solution for that with our accomplished women riders, Jody and Nicole, who will share their expertise, tips and general information with these women.”
Both Jody and Nicole will lead the 1-2 hour class. They will talk about their backgrounds and educate the attendees about safety, simple maintenance, riding gear, resources available and security tips. The participants will be treated to snacks, raffle prizes and receive a certificate at the completion of the event.


“This isn’t about just creating a pink product and hoping women buy it,” continued Rizzo. “We are offering women the chance to walk into a dealer for the first time and really learn about riding from women with invaluable experience.”

Jody joins Team Kryptonite after her father, legendary custom motorcycle builder Dave Perewitz joined the team two years to in an exclusive representation deal. “After working with the Perewitz family for several years, Kryptonite is making our relationship with Jody official by adding her to our growing Team Kryptonite,” Rizzo said. “Our partnership with Jody will help us bring the message of security to an ever expanding audience that we may not have been successful at targeting before – the woman motorcycle rider. We all look forward to having a long relationship with Jody.”

Jody took to the family business like a fish to water and has had a hand in building numerous motorcycles, most notably her own 1963 Harley Davidson Panhead. Since she started riding she’s ridden everything from the small 50cc bikes to motorcycles with a suicide shift and everything in between.

Nicole is a member of Team Rightsforbikers.com and competes in the SunTrust MOTO-ST series, a national road racing endurance series. Hoffman, who has raced for the past seven years, won the National CCS Ultra Lightweight Superbike Championship in 2004. She was part of the 2006 winning team in the Inaugural 8 Hours at Daytona and has placed second in the ASRA Team Challenge. Nicole has a great amount of knowledge about safety, handling and resources available to women riders.

Kryptonite, innovator of the bicycle U-lock, has offices in Canton, Massachusetts. The company is makes high-quality cables, chains, U-locks and flexible security systems for the bicycle, powersport, snowsport, locksmith and hardware markets.

The first women's riding essentials class will take place at Perewitz Cycle Fabrications in June. For more information, visit KryptoniteLock.com. To read Jody's blog, click here.

Cool things!

I am going to write about the Paint book later today but something was brought to my attention that I thought was very cool.
Check out Kryptonite's blog today! I was amazed at what Donna found to be the most popular subject!
So I did the same thing as Donna and investigated our blog. I will save the results for another day! ha keeps you coming back for more!
I will give you some of the path visitors came from that were interesting, Budapest, Rapid City, Key Biscayne FL, Aruba, Parma, OH, just to name a few of the odd places. How cool is that, that I know where and when someone is looking at our blog... kind of scary!
It turns out Jeff is a popular subject on our blog. The posts, 55 Monster and Jeff Knievel got the most hits! See guys people do like your funny antics!

Different Plog Post

By: Donna Tocci
www.unbreakable-bonds.blogspot.com

When Jody asked me to write for the Plog, I was flattered…and then panicked. Seriously, what could I contribute to all of you who know so much more about motorcycles than I ever will. But then I started to think…that might just be why Jody asked me to write here every once in awhile. Because I wouldn’t focus on motorcycles all the time. Ah-ha….

I’d focus more on what I’d observe every time I’m down at the Perewitz shop or out and about with them. At one time it seemed like I was there every week and I observed a lot – 50s races in the parking lot, dog stunts (that Zipp-a-roo can jump and spin better than anything!) and met celebrities. I’m not there all the time anymore because life gets in the way sometimes, but when I am you can be sure that I’ll check in here and tell y’all who can’t get to the shop what I see during my visits. Or, who I meet.

So, who was the first celeb that I met there? I’ll tell you the story…..They were shooting last year’s Biker Build Off episodes and one of their popular Bike Nights was being held during the middle of the shooting week. I showed up early to get the Kryptonite tent unloaded and went to see what was going on around back. There was a group of people and I assumed it was all film crew until the a guy who looked very familiar walked by me, heading into the shop…but…nah…Dave would have told me, right? So, I paid no attention until a couple of minutes later Dave sees me out of the corner of his eye, welcomes me with a big hug and asks nonchalantly, “Did you meet Jeremy?” So, it was him! Of course he meant NASCAR driver Jeremy Mayfield. I’m a huge NASCAR fan so I didn’t think that my eyesight was failing me, I just didn’t expect to see him in Bridgewater. But, then I learned that Dave was building him a bike…of course, makes sense now!

Here’s a fun photo from that day…Kings of the Hill.



This week I’ll be down at the Perewitz shop twice (yeah!) so I’ll be sure to check in and let you know what’s going on there, especially with my buddies Zipp, Cheech and Little Louie…and of course Dave, Susan, Jody and the rest of the crew.