2008 Americade Times by Christian Dutcher

Americade Times

Features:

Inside

Americade 2008.................................... 4 Balloon Glow......................................... 48 Charity Poker Runs................................ 22 Chris “Teach” McNeil.............................. 58 Comedy Night....................................... 12 Factory Demo Teams Galore................... 42 Field Events.......................................... 24 Food & Fun 3 Course Dinners......................... 16 Boat Cruises................................ 16 Rodeos....................................... 17 Friday Night Spectacular........................ 51 Great Lakes Drill Team........................... 18 Lee Parks Total Control.......................... 18 Lights Lights Lights............................... 49 MiniTour-ing.......................................... 10 Moto-Fashions....................................... 33 Opening Celebration.............................. 6 Scavenger Hunt.................................... 9 Seminars.............................................. 28 Sensational Saturday............................. 56 TourExpo.............................................. 20 Winners’ List......................................... 26

People:

Americaders.......................................... 46 Best of Show........................................ 27 I Can’t Believe It !................................. 55 Our 4,100 Mile Trip to Americade........... 15 International Long Distance Winners...... 34 Making of the Americade DVD................ 45 Photo Contest Winner............................ 48

Stuff:

Accommodations Guide......................... 37 Ameri-Quotes........................................ 30 Americade E-Store................................. 29 General Tourist Information................... 40 Lake George Map.................................. 36 Supporting Our Community.................... 22 The Americade Times is published annually by:

PO Box 2205 Glens Falls, NY 12801 Infoline: 518-798-7888 Faxline: 518-798-0169 Website: www.tourexpo.com E-mail: info@tourexpo.com

Directors: Bill & Gini Dutcher

Media Manager: Debbie Beaudette

Director’s Chair >>>Synthesis<<< Welcome to "your Americade Diary." This issue is filled with over 200 of your photos of Americade 2008. It's the distillation and synthesis of 1000's of your photos and comments; it's your diary ! The “photo credits” section keeps growing each year. If it gets any bigger, it’ll start looking like a page from the NYC telephone book! Thanks to the “digital revolution”, everyone is shooting pictures now, and there’s simply not enough space for all the good shots we received. It was tough to pick the winner of our annual Photo Contest, but we did our best. (see page 48) Thanks also to all of you who offered wonderful comments and feedback via letters, emails and the questionnaires (we read every one). In a world sometimes filled with disconcerting changes, many Americaders have expressed to us that Americade provides them an experience which can be counted on, "like Christmas in June", a guaranteed good time here, meeting and riding with their friends. It's very satisfying to know that Americade has brought so much pleasure to so many people. It puts a smile on our faces here at the Americade office, one which will carry us through to riding season next spring. Enjoy this....synthesis.

Bill

Written comments and suggestions are always welcome. Reproduction of contents without written permission is prohibited. © Americade, Inc. Front Cover: Taken from Father Jogue’s park overlooking Lake George. Photo by Dexter Balyeat. Photo Credits: Paul Bachorz, Ginette Bailey, Dexter Balyeat, John Bibas, Norene Birge, Michelle Brouillard, Robert Cabral, Glenn Carns, Darlene Clagett, Bill Clark, Phil Coons, Pete Cory, John Crawford, Mike D’Antuono, Jim Darling, Tom Desimpel, Al Desrosiers, Frank DiTullio, David Dufresne, Mike Fischer, Mary Foley, Sue Frish, Brittany Garbow, Sharon Hall, Paul Hurst, Bonnie Kikkert, Denis Labelle, Bob LaFord, Lois Lamb, Walter Lender, Ed Loftus, Robert Lovdahl, Leo Lupien, Anna Maftser, Sandy Maida, Tom Martin, Deanna Matheny, Warren Maxim, Paula Morini, Jean Nietupski, Frank Ocello, Monroe Payne, John Perry, Wayne Pierce, Gail Pizzo, Karen Reid, George Robinson, Bert Rougeau, Scott Silverberg, Charlie Simmons, Bill Stermer, Joe Viamonte, Dani Williams, & Charlotte Wilson

Americade Times

Americade delivered again. Another memorable event with an unbelievable assortment of activities to please every rider, old and young. With a fresh blend of new and exciting tours and activities, as well as the classic and regularly popular ones, the needs and dreams of all kinds of riders were fulfilled. For Americade “veterans”, the friendships built throughout the years made this event even more special, which is why tourers keep coming back for more. For Americade “newcomers”, there was a dizzying choice of things to do, even though the Newcomers’ Welcome Meeting attempts to cover all the activities. 2008 was a year where records were broken. More manufacturers provided demo rides than ever. More minitours were offered than ever,

Americade Times

including 5 new ones. More door prizes were drawn than ever, a total of $100,000 for Americade Week. More vendors than ever in the fashion shows. More people than ever attended the seminars. The new Scavenger Hunt was a great addition and an opportunity for riders to visit the area

on their own. You can always count on the amazing scenery that the Lake George region has to offer. With many views of the lake from the winding roads, it’s the perfect setting for this one-of-a-kind event. Thousands gathered at The Great Escape for the Friday Night Spectacular. It offered great

music, great food and amazing fireworks which made that evening explode with excitement. Over $42,000 in door prizes were drawn and presented to dozens of lucky winners. By evening’s end, the dance floor was filled with Americaders having the time of their life. Sensational Saturday felt like The First Day Of Summer, and the BMW BBQ on Prospect Mountain was a huge success. There’s nothing like having a BBQ on a warm sunny day. After a smooth ascent to the top, the large crowd enjoyed the jaw-dropping views of beautiful Lake George way down below. For many, it was “a Kodak moment.” After the annual group picture, the party continued with an afternoon of food, music and fun. The BBQ was finger-lickin’ good, too. The exciting freestyle demonstration by U.S Champion, Chris “Teach” McNeil, was an exciting conclusion for that great afternoon. Most attendees agreed, it was the best and smoothest Americade ever !

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Opening Celebration

On Monday evening, pre-registered Americaders arrived in droves at Roaring Brook Ranch—for Americade’s official opening. The kickoff, sponsored by Rider Magazine, filled the two This chainsaw large rooms to overflowing. sculpture greeted Americaders. Lake George Mayor Bob Blais enthusiastically welcomed the Chocolate crowd and recounted his experience fountains: “for your over 26 years ago when “some guy dippin’ pleasure.” named Bill Dutcher came to him with a crazy idea about bringing Right: thousands of motorcyclists to the AMA President, Village.” Rider’s veteran moto-jourRob Dingman. nalist, Bill Stermer, along with Joe Saluzzo, greeted the crowds and organized the door prizes. Americaders were also treated to a surprise visit from the new President of the AMA, Rob Dingman. Americaders filled their Americade Founder, Bill plates with every conceivDutcher. able form of delectable desOne of many lucky winsert from chocolate éclairs ners modeling her new to a chocolate fountain for dipping the golf-balljacket. sized strawberries. It was sweet! Then the Joe Saluzzo, from Rider Magazine festive atmosphere continued while door prize handing out door prizes. numbers were called out, and lucky winners jumped up to claim their prizes.

Bob Blais, Mayor of Lake George.

Americade Times

Happy Americaders enjoying Opening Celebration. Emcee Bill Stermer.

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That... and waking up to the best view on Lake George.

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Americade Times

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Americade Times

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Scavenger Hunt

One of three stops in Ballston Spa.

The roaring LaChute river in Ticonderoga.

Brand New for 2008, Americade’s Scavenger Hunt was a huge success! Thousands joined the hunt to find the specially marked signs in 10 different towns, getting their Scavenger Hunt card stamped. A lot of attendees found this to be a great Monday activity, before the Opening Celebration, as well as a great way to see new areas outside Lake George. Americaders who got 8 out of 10 stamps, entered a drawing for cash prizes and a $975 Garmin GPS! Those sleuths who got 10 out of 10 stamps Mike Sheehan doubled their chances of winning! from Garmin Ferdy Doreleyers, from ON, waits for the winning ticket to was the big winner, taking home the be pulled. motorcycle-specific Garmin Zumo.

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Americade Times

MiniTour-ing

For those readers who have not taken an Americade Guided MiniTour, they are both legendary and unique. Led by experienced tour leaders (and frequently with a mid and tail rider as well), the participants are treated to CB commentary about the sights, unique stops and photo-opps along the way. Americaders headed out to explore the Adirondack and Green Mountain roads in great numbers, undeterred by the gas price spike last June. The 7 guided minitours lined up at the Beach Road parking lots before rolling out to share the wonderful rides, lunches, and door prizes. This year, because of the record numbers of participants on Wednesday, our staff had to get creative, and found new locations to line up all the 7 guided tours that day. Despite the turnout, the departures went smoothly as usual. This year there were a total of 21 minitours: 7 guided and 4 unguided, and 10 selfguideds. The guided tours included these new or totally revised ones: Beach Party and Stone Bridge was a short 1/2 hour ride to a famous attraction: the largest marble cave entrance in the eastern USA, with a massive stone bridge arching over it. The owner of the property warmly welcomed

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Americaders and pointed out the amazing geological highlights. Then the group headed over to a private resort which had prepared a beach party on the shore of its private lake. The Cruisin’ Champlain Ferry tour took us on a 25 minute ferry ride from VT to NY across the southern end of Lake Champlain, with great views all around and the thrill of watching many, many motorcycles packed onto this modern boat. Lunch was right next door to the ferry dock, at a restaurant with a teriffic view of Lake Champlain and the VT mountains in the background. Southern VT Covered Bridges was the most popular MiniTour this year. In past years this tour has always been popular, but this year it sold out very early. The route was new, containing 5 quaint New England covered bridges along the NY/VT border. Americaders then enjoyed a rib-stretching lunch at a beautifully restored train station. Saratoga Ramblin’ and Gamblin’ took us to the casino south of Lake George for an afternoon of 1-armed bandits. With over 1700 machines, there was one for anyone’s tastes. Speaking of taste, the lunch got rave reviews. Other classic MiniTours which returned because of their enduring appeal were headed up by another sold-out MiniTour: Steel Wheels on the Upper Hudson. It was a trip along the Hudson river on a restored train where we got to see sections of the upper Hudson River which aren’t viewable from any paved road. This year, the train ride started and finished at a dude ranch nestled in the Adirondacks. They had a delicious BBQ lunch waiting for us. The Lake Placid, Whiteface and Bobsled tour gave Americaders the chance to ride a wheeled bobsled down the thrilling Olympic course - after lunch at the Lake Placid Hilton. The first stop on this popular tour was the 8 mile ride up Whiteface Mountain, followed by a lift in their unique elevator to its 4,878 foot summit. The elegant lunch on the Raquette Lake Scenic Boat always gets rave reviews. It glided past the Great Camps of a bygone era as we enjoyed some of the best beef strogonoff to be

found anywhere. It’s a long and scenic ride to this enchanted lake from Lake George Village, but it’s always worth it. The “un-guided with lunch” minitours grew in popularity and in number. This year there were 4. One of the more challenging was Mountain &/or Market, the ride up the scenic (and frighteningly steep) Mount Equinox private toll road. For any passengers not seeking that much of a thrill, they could select the option of shopping in a picturesque VT town, near the steakhouse where lunch was waiting the return of the mountain-riders. Brunch on the Lake included a ride around the perimeter of Lake George, including a stop at one of its oldest and most atmospheric lakeside resorts, for a delicious buffet brunch. It included everything from chicken a la king, to endless pancakes and scrambled eggs, with apple cobbler and crumb cake. Vermont’s High Gaps provided a new route back and forth across the Green Mountains. The option to avoid the short graded dirt section was popular with many of the 2-up bikes. Lunch was at one of Vermont’s most famous Inns and the varied menu even included “wild hog wings” (pork) in addition to the fish & chips, and penne pasta w/marinara sauce. The annual Adirondack Dual-Sport Ramble was an expedition for the growing number of Americaders with a hankerin’ for the jeep trails and dirt roads which lace through the Adirondacks. To provide something for every riding ability, there were route options which even included all-asphalt access to the charming out-ofthe-way Inn for a terrific lunch. Those who preferred the self-guided tours were given a pocket-sized map with colorcoded routes and scenic highlights marked. With so many winding roads and quaint lunch spots scattered around the Adirondacks and adjacent Vermont, there were plenty of opportunities to create a tour of any length and for almost any taste.

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Comedy Night

Americaders clucking like chickens? Spontaneous Elvis impersonations!? Howling like wolves in a crowded room?!? Did somebody spike the punch? Nope. It was Americade’s first ever Comedy Night at Roaring Brook Ranch, sponsored by Yuasa. Americade imported a professional comedian-hypnotist from Toronto Canada, Robert Maxwell, and WOW did he deliver! Nearly 1,000 people packed Roaring Brook Ranch’s dining rooms to watch, and before the show was over, many were weeping with laughter. Taking about a dozen courageous and cooperative volunteers out of the audience, then determining which ones were good subjects and which were not, Maxwell worked his magic on the good subjects via his extraordinary powers of suggestion. Hypnotism is no trick, and can’t force someone to do something against their will, so everyone was safe and relaxed. And with Maxwell’s endless jokes, the crowd was laughing while he gently put the volunteers under “his spell.” Slowly, they assumed new celebrity identities, sang like superstars, and boogied like they were on Dancing with the Stars! Careful not to embarrass the volunteers, Maxwell made them part of the fun, making it a highlight of their, and everybody’s, Americade Week. Beware, Maxwell may be back in 2009, and given that he drew a crowd twice the size which Americade had originally expected, this evening may sell out very quickly…with people laughing til they weep.

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Americade Times

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Our 4,100 Mile Trip To Americade by Jerry & Patricia Borge, Sonora, CA (winners of Americade 2008 domestic Longest Distance Contest) 2005 Honda GoldWing 1800 with Escapade trailer, license plates: “HIS WING” & “HER TRLR” Departing our home in Sonora, CA on May 17, we headed across the Nevada desert and stayed at our favorite motel in Tonopah, a small mining town. From here we rode to Delta, UT for the night and then a great breakfast at Mom’s Café in Salina, arriving the next night in Moab to meet friends from AZ. We hiked in Arches National Park and visited Canyonlands National Park. After saying goodbye to our friends, we continued our journey east toward the Rockies, skirting the occasional rain shower. We watched the weather closely as it was getting colder with altitude, and we weren’t sure with the incoming storms if we would make it over Vail Pass in CO without snow. We got lucky, but had some snowflakes hitting us at the top. Our destination for the night was Fort Morgan on the eastern side of CO. It was quite windy in Denver when we stopped for gas, but a police officer said he hadn’t heard of any severe weather warnings. So we continued on only to find ourselves in a terrible dust storm (with tumbleweeds and debris). We pulled off the highway thinking we should just find a place to stay for the night, but by the time we got to a motel, the dust storm had quit. We decided to continue on to Fort Morgan, but wouldn’t you know it, after only a few miles the sky grew dark with increasing wind and rain. There was something really ugly about the dark clouds in the direction we were headed. As we and some cars pulled off the highway, there was a TV news van and a newsman setting up his camera. He said the tornado warning sirens had gone off in the next two towns and a tornado might be crossing the highway ahead. We were glad we’d decided to take a break. Soon after, the van left and the sky brightened so we continued on, arriving safely at a Best Western in Fort Morgan. We were rewarded with a beautifully decorated room and a good restaurant next door.

It felt so good to be here and as scheduled. After passing through Omaha, we stayed two days in Bolingbrook IL, outside Chicago, enjoying two tours of that big city, by taxi. The “Gangster Tour” was very entertaining, as was the Sears Tower with its great views of the city. We checked out a condo building to see how much they cost and what kind of views they had. Great view from the 35th floor but you could sure hear the wind whistling by the windows. Since playing tourist is a lot of hard work we decided to rest at a B&B at Geneva on the Lake in Ohio. This B&B had a winery and plenty of sitting areas on the Lake, a nice way to relax. In Liverpool, NY a village outside of Syracuse, we stayed at the Ancestors Inn B&B. On one of our three days here, we rode around two of the largest Finger Lakes, a great riding area. After saying good-by to the nice owners, we arrived in Lake George on June 2, having ridden 4170 miles to get to Americade. This was our first time to Americade and not knowing what to expect, we took it slow. We signed up for the Honda Tuesday night Boat Cruise and the Friday Night Spectacular. We also did the Scavenger Hunt, which was a great way to get to know the area. When we signed up for the 2008 Domestic Longest Distance competition we didn’t know what the competition was like. When Fred Rau announced that we won, Jerry gets up and doesn’t even wait for me and goes up to get the award. I had to run after him, calling his name - afterall, I rode behind him every mile! Half way up the aisle, the crowd is clapping and laughing as I try to catch him. Fred asks Jerry if he forgot something. Jerry turns and sees me running up to him. As we grasp hands and continue up to recieve the award the Fred tells Jerry “it’s going to be a long ride home!” We love our trophy, which now sits in a prominent place in our home.

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Fun & Food Boat Cruises Above: Americaders “gettin’ down” aboard the Honda boat. Left: Steamboat Company’s fleet at sunset. Below: Shoreline’s Adirondack ready to sail for the Tour Master Cruise.

Always a favorite for returning Americaders, Lake George’s crystal clear waters and breathtaking scenery awed veterans and newcomers alike. What a great place to shoot photos and make new friends. Folks chose from 14 different two-hour cruises—and whether they served breakfast, lunch, dinner or dessert, each offered delicious, plentiful buffets. Live music often got the feet tappin’ and the boat rockin’. Boat sponsors included Air Rider, BMW, Dunlop, Harley Davidson, Honda, Hummer, Kawasaki, Kuryakyn, Tour Master, and Yamaha. Smiles were everywhere as they handed out some great door prizes. It was over all too soon, and Americaders cleared the decks but took some great memories with them.

3-Course Dinners

There’s always something fun going on at RBR, and the 3Course Dinners are a perfect example. The lively dinner-table conversations generally revolved around great bikes and great rides, but then the delicious food came out! After feasting on the chef’s specialties: Roast Sirloin, Chicken Marsala, or Tortellini Prima Vera, the Ameri-diners had to leave some room for the delectable desserts. Above: Mike Corbin Those door prize-loaded Red congratulates a door Knights sponsored Wednesday’s meal, prize winner. Right: Corbin and Thursday’s sponsor was Corbin sponsored dinner. seat company, with its president, motorcycle legend Mike Corbin presiding. Afterwards, many stayed to enjoy the Chicago-style blues music from the Deja Blue band. What an outstanding way to cap the eveAbove: Red Knights enjoying the evening. Right: Red Knights sponsored dinner. ning!

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RODEOs The Championship Rodeos were the real deal: mouth waterin’ gen-u-ine Texas bar-b-que that had been slow-smoked all day long plus thrills and spills from real cowboys and cowgirls competing in bareback bronco ridin’, steer wrestlin’, bull ridin’ and barrel racin’. It was a winning combination, fer sure. And speakin’ of winning, the rodeo had two great sponsors: Cycle Solutions on Wednesday and BMW on Thursday. They made sure we had lots of happy door prize winners! Americaders know how to party and some just weren’t ready to call it a night at the end of the rodeos. The Longhorn Saloon was the place to see if motorcycle boots could two-step as go-od as cowboy boots! Yesiree, that was some fine dancin’!

Above: Cowgirls’ Breakaway Racing. Right: Cowgirls’ Barrel Racing. Left: The Flag Girl heads the opening parade. Above & Left: Bareback Bronc Riding

Right: Cycle Solutions, Owner/Operator Chris Waddell, awarding one of many lucky winners their door prize.

Below: BMW reps enjoying Gen-u-ine Texas BBQ.

Left: The crowd was entertained by a bit of trick ropin’. Above: Bull Riding at its best !

Americade Times

Great Lakes Drill Team

Word got out, and the place to be on Monday or Tuesday afternoon was Roaring Brook Ranch. Once again, the outstanding motorcycle skills performances going on up there attracted quite a crowd.

First up—the Great Lakes Drill Team. Hailing all the way from Michigan, the team of seven performed as one. With inches or fractions of inches between them, the team performed one amazing formation after the other—all on Gold Wings. They flipped their Wings around like scooters: from side to side, in tight circles, in convoluted patterns, and they made it look all so effortless.

Below: Terry Hammond, Bill Neubeck, Bob Davis Jim Rogers, Bill Rife, Norm Helfer & Chuck Brown

The crowds cheered enthusiastically with appreciation for the precision of their maneuvers. Now we know why they’re called the GREAT Lakes Drill Team! Sponsored by Surfside on the Lake.

Lee Parks Total Control Next on the docket was Lee Parks. Anyone watching his Total Control Demonstration could see why he enjoys a reputation as a skilled and dynamic speaker. Demonstrating techniques from his highly acclaimed Advanced Riding Clinics, Lee and his riders provided clear examples of how your body position and throttle/brake control affect your bike: whether slow parking-lot turns or higher speed advanced corning techniques. The cool part was they weren’t just showing off what they could do, they were sharing techniques on how you could do it, too ! The crowd of onlookers left enlightened and “wowed.” Those thirsting for more could attend his Tuesday evening seminar, get info on his popular riding clinics, or pick up an autographed copy of his best-selling riding skills book, Total Control.

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Americade Times

Starting Tuesday morning, right through closing Saturday afternoon, TourExpo was roaring with business. It took a full day or more just to experience it all. Once Americaders parked their bikes and checked their gear at the Kymco helmet and coat check, their hands were free to get arm loads of new gadgets, accessories, and electronics. From communications to chrome, helmets to handgrips, seats to sidecars, luggage to leather, TourExpo had it all. The goodies were there to touch, try Above: A bird’s eye view of the Expo located on Beach Road.

Above: The crowds started early, looking for new parts & “bling” for their bikes.

Above: It’s your head! And, Overbys Two Wheel Sound had lots of helmets & communication systems to choose from.

Above: Metzeler’s installation crew sent satisfied customers home rolling on new tires.

Left: A couple of Americaders checking their reflections in the huge array of Kuryakyn chrome.

Above: Dunlop’s Free Tire Check was a hoppin’. It was located at the Holiday Inn.

Above: Shopping sure works up an appetite. BBQ, Seafood, Mexican, Greek, German, Italian and more ! The choices were endless at the Food Court.

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Above: The three shuttles, sponsored by Foremost Insurance, were busy carting attendees between the two popular locations.

on, and test. And the professionals were on hand to answer your questions and give advice. The mouth-watering aromas from the foodcourt had Americaders lining up at the food stands. The convenience and variety just couldn’t be beat, and it was only a few steps away from an amazing view of the lake. Once again, TourExpo was the place for all your riding needs, and your wants too ! Americade is very selective about which companies participate at TourExpo. Vendors must meet high standards in quality and customer service. Contact info for vendors can be found online 24/7, so a customer can reach them if any follow up or customer service is needed. Left: Statia from the United States Postal Service, holding up the special Americade post mark that was available throughout Americade week.

Above: The entrance of the Lake George Forum.

Below: Lynn from Rescue Tape, demonstrating her product.

Above: Looks like Fred is tryin’ to sweet talk Garmin.

Right: Terry & Gail from Tour King, talking to a few of the the many customers who stopped by their booth.

Right: John, from Flitz, sharing a laugh with an Americader.

Above: Ciocci & Rollin from Spectro Oil, rackin’ up the sales. Below: Inside the exhibit hall.

Above: Got battery troubles? Yuasa battery to the rescue.

Americade Times

Charity Poker Runs

Photos available for purchase at www.tourexpo.photoreflect.com

Havin’ Fun and Doin’ Good

Starting at 9:30am, hundreds of Americaders departed daily (Wed. - Fri.) from the Double H Hole in the Woods Ranch, on the newly modified poker run route. This new mixture of winding Adirondack back roads included a ride across the historic, and uniquely designed, Bow Bridge (pictured at left.) As always, there were plenty of photo opportunities, and the chance to meet lots of local folks. The next-to last stop was at an assisted-living facility where the residents have formed bonds of friendship with many poker-running Americaders in past years. They put out the coffee pot and often share heart-warming tales of when they too, enjoyed riding motorcycles, back in the good ol’ days. At the end of the run, 6 Americaders won trophies, and 3 won $500 cash awards from one of the major sponsors, Hummer. The top 3 AMA winners also received a TomTom GPS, a Set of Dunlop Tires, and a Xena Motorcycle Security System. The other charity-oriented 2008 poker run sponsors generously providing door prizes included: BMW, Honda, Kawasaki, Kymco, Triumph, Victory and Yamaha.

$upporting our Community

Americade and the Lake George Region have a very positive relationship, partly because of the friend-

ships formed between Americaders and local residents, and partly because of the history of regular donations provided to area charities. We should all be proud of the fact that Americade, and Americaders, have helped raise over $500,000 for charities in the Lake George region, via the Poker Run and many other community relationships.

Some of the charities receiving donations from Americade 2008: Adk. North Country Assoc. Adopt-a-Family ASPCA Bolton Rescue Squad Double “H” Ranch Glens Falls Hospital Hague Vol. Fire & Rescue Squad Lake George Association Lake George Emergency Squad Lake George Arts Project LG High School Scholarship

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Lake George Rotary Lake George Vol. Fire Department MS National Society National Children’s Safety Council North Country Public Radio Noise Polution Clearing House North Queensbury Vol. Fire Dept North Queensbury Rescue Squad PBTFUS Pilot Knob Vol. Firefighters Prospect Child & Family Center

Q’bury Central Fire Department Sloan-Kettering Memorial Stony Creek EMS Thurman EMS Tri-County United Way Warren Cty Sheriff’s Department WGF Emergency Squad Warrensburg EMS Warrensburg Fire Department World Awareness Children’s Museum

Americade Times

Field Events Right: Slow Ride competition, v-e-r-y s-l-o-w-l-y approaching the finish line.

Right: Washers Jr. in full swing.

Above: Golf Ball Balance requires a steady hand.

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Left: Eric, from Twisted Throttle, selects a lucky winner for one of their many door prizes.

It’s all fun and games until…no, seriously, it’s just all fun and games. The Field Events at Roaring Brook drew lots of participants and even more spectators. It’s just fun to watch a bike race where the last one to cross the finish line wins. It takes good coordination with the rider, and a special kind of talent, to balance yourself ever so precariously on the back of a bike as you place golf balls on top of a line of traffic cones. Think you could do better? Sign up next year! Hey, you don’t even need a bike. The “Washers” competition was open to all, young and old. Field Events--lots of skill, lots of laughs, and lots of prizes from Twisted Throttle, the Field Events’ regular sponsor.

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Spend $3595-4399 — GET FREE! A Map & Document Pouch, a Large Storage Pouch, and Rear Deck Storage Pockets (pair) - $102 Value Spend $4400-5199 — GET FREE! All of the Above + Powdercoated Wheel Finish Upgrade - $231 Value Spend $5200 + — GET FREE! All of the Above + Fiberglass Colormatched Bumper - $470 Value

First 50 Orders for Turbo+2, Roadstar, Quantum Sport or Quantum "GL" Receive a free Deluxe Trailer Cover! $99 Value. Upgrade available to Waterproof Cover for $30.00. Illusion paint option does not apply towards qualifying levels. Call, fax, e-mail or write for full details.

423-562-9900 •

Fax: 423-562-9911

• www.bushtec.com • Bushtec@aol.com Americade Times

2008 TROPHY WINNERS PEOPLE

LONG DISTANCE

Domestic (indirect trip): Jerry Borge - CA 4,170 International: Phil Lemin & Jo Fisher - Australia 14,000 Male Solo: Roy Hansen - CO 1,812 Couple: John & Jean Ferris - NV 2,740 Trailer: Ken & Susan LeBlanc - Alberta 2,547 3 Wheeler: Mark Epperson - WA 2,830

OLDEST

Rider: Leo Chlebnikow - NJ 92 years old Passenger: Edward Scull - CT 82 years old Couple: Jim & Iny Leveille - NY 171 combined years Motorcycle: Don “Snapper” Moesch - PA 1948 H-D Panhead

YOUNGEST

HONDA GOLD WING

DECORATIVE LIGHTING

HONDA RUNE

Roy Hayward Jr. - MI ‘06 Honda Gold Wing

HONDA SHADOW

Jerry Miller - SC ‘94 Honda Gold Wing

Mike Browne - FL ‘07 Honda Gold Wing 1800cc Ken Cross - MD ‘04 Honda Rune 1800cc Kathy Clinton - NY ‘07 Honda Shadow Spirit 750cc

HONDA VALKYRIE

Clarence McGarvey - ON ‘01 Honda Valkyrie 1500cc

HONDA VTX

James Williams - NY ‘06 Honda VTX 1300cc

H-D FL

Douglas Van Buren - MI ‘00 H-D FLRCI 1450cc

BIKES

BEST OF SHOW

Mike Browne - FL 2007 Honda Gold Wing 1800cc

MOST CREATIVE

Joe Hudd - FL 2007 Hionda GL 1800cc

EXIBITION CLASS Rich Amatlo - NY ‘06 HD XL 1200cc

26 Americade Times

Open Halogen

Donald Allen - VT ‘98 Honda Gold Wing

HID

Brian Graves - CO ‘01 Honda Gold Wing Ellen MacMaster - NY “Opossum”

H-D VRod & Buell

LOONEY LICENSE PLATES

BMW

FIELD EVENTS

James Hanson - RI ‘03 HD VRSCA 1130cc

Jacques Lawrence - NY ‘03 BMW K1200LT

KAWASAKI

Laurie Esseltine - ON ‘05 Kawasaki Nomad 1600cc

SUZUKI

Charles Faulkner - NY “1NLASV”

SLOW RIDE

Dan Luongo - NY

Golf Ball Balance

Ed Nevin & Steve Henry - NY & ON

Washers

Andrew Herrington - ON ‘02 Suzuki Intruder 1500cc

Steve Henry - ON

YAMAHA

Rachael Luongo - NY

SPORT TOURING

MOST ORIGINAL PARADE OUTFIT Andy Miller - NH “Mr. USA”

Stock Plus

Joe Rogers - NY ‘06 H-D Ultra

STUFFED ANIMALS

PARADE

FUNNIEST INDIVIDUAL PARADE OUTFIT Christa Pszenyczniak-Neale - NY “Old Lady”

FUNCTIONAL LIGHTING

H-D FX

Mike Trostel - PA ‘07 Yamaha Midnight Venture

BEST DRESSED COUPLE Steve & Karen Hirsch - NY

Computer

Judy Plexico - PA ‘04 H-D Dyna Low Rider 1450cc

Rider: Michelle Ambrisco - VT 16 years old

BEST UNIFORMED CLUB Lost Wheels Motorcycle Club - NY

Standard

Elaine Booth - NY ‘96 Honda PC800

TRIUMPH

Gary James - NY ‘02 Triumph America 790cc

TRIUMPH ROCKETS

Dennis Lengel - PA ‘06 Triumph Rocket III 2300cc

0-950cc

Joe Chlebinikow - NJ ‘96 Pacific Coast

951cc+

Manuel Andrade - MA ‘02 Honda VTX 1800

VINTAGE

Larry Thompson - NY ‘74 Honda H2 750cc

TRIKES

Rocky Zagari - NY California Side Car

TRAILERS

Douglas Kellar - NY ‘06 HD Street Glide

Washers Jr.

POKER RUNS AMA

1st: Velma German - NY 2nd: Joan Houde - MA 3rd: Bob Tvaroha Jr. - NY

Non-AMA

1st: Alyssa Schomburg - MA 2nd: Brenda Hull - NY 3rd: Don McChesney II - NY

HUMMER $500.00 CASH WINNERS Debra Bercovici - MA Jason Gregory - NY Linda Walsh - NL

2008 EARLY BIRD WINNER Jeremy Hill - MA Set of Dunlop Tires

LAKE GEORGE ROTARY CLUB Guy Laporte - NH 2008 Honda Gold Wing 1800

Hundreds entered over 50 categories !

Best of Show Mike Brown travelled from Florida on his 2007 Honda Gold Wing to win the Best of Show this year. He's been coming to Americade for 20 years, the last 10 years from FL, the first 10 from Toronto.

Mike says that his winning tricks are all in the details. He does the really greasy cleaning at home before leaving for Americade. "Then I spend about 2 hours at the motel cleaning and prepping."

Over the years he's concocted different mixtures of cleaning products and developed special cleaning tools to get to those hard to reach areas. Once he thinks he's got it perfect, he asks his friends to get down on their hands and knees and look for anything he missed. Mike gives special thanks to Steven Henry from Ontario, whose eagle eyes have often spotted details he's missed.

It's fun, but hard work too. "All the people at the motel have watched me sweat in the parking lot. The funniest was the year it was so hot on the tarmack that I actually burned my bum through my jeans."

He's entered his bikes in many shows, but he says that Americade's is the hardest to win. "If you win here you can be very proud of the accomplishment. I've never met any judges that are better. They know what they're doing, and raise the bar each year. I know they will be rigorous, but fair. I respect them greatly."

Stay where it’s peaceful and quiet...

be only seconds from the action. Nestled in the woods at the southern end of breathtaking Lake George is the Wingate by Wyndham. Enjoy the tranquility of a full-featured hotel.

• 96 extra large guest rooms • •

and suites Easy access from I-87 Indoor and outdoor pools, fitness center and whirlpool

• 24-hour business center • Free expanded hot and cold breakfast buffet

• Meeting and banquet rooms • Free high-speed Internet access

Call 800-965-2203, or log on to WingateLakeGeorge.com for more information or to book your reservations.

Americade Times

Seminars With seminars from Monday through Saturday, there was something for everyone’s interests. (Year after year, Americade offers more seminars than any other motorcycle rally.) The week started off with two Newcomer’s Seminars designed to bring first timers up to speed. (Conclusion: It’s like Disney--you just can’t do it all in one Americade). Newcomers’ Seminar at Roaring Brook Ranch on Monday & Tuesday.

At the 40 different daily seminars, Americaders could learn how to program their GPS, tune their suspension, or trace a wiring problem. They got tips on favorite local roads as well as hints on world travel. They learned advanced cornering techniques, group riding etiquette, first aid know-how, and motorcycle ergonomics.

Nick Hoppner, former editor of Wing World magazine. Paul Kuhn helping an Americader to achieve “seat comfort.”

Fred Rau, Professional Motorcycle Journalist for over 30 years.

Americaders flocked to hear featured speakers Nick Hoppner, long time editor of Wing World magazine; Fred Rau, the entertaining moto journalist; and Lee Parks, founder of the critically acclaimed Total Control Advanced Rider Clinics.

Pete Woodruff, director of Trike Riders International appealed to “trike minded” people, and freelance motojournalist, Bill Stermer shared images and tips from his worldwide travel. The Women’s Roundtable offered lively discussion led by industry notables Sue Slate, Denise Carey, Teri Conrad, Judy Mirro, Diane Ortiz, and Majorie Charney. Lee Parks, describing riding techniques at Tuesday evening’s seminar at Roaring Brook Ranch.

28 Americade Times

Women’s Roundtable featured leading women in the industry.

BAKER BUILT™ AIR WINGS™ "THE ONES THAT REALLY WORK" A MUST for Riding Comfort!

> HAND WINGS™ for the HONDA GL1800 do a Great job of protecting the hands & arms > AIR WINGS™ w/LOWERS™ for the HONDA GL1800 are fully Adjustable & make riding More Comfortable in all weather conditions > LEG WINGS™ provide greater comfort and protection for Legs, Ankles and Feet in both Hot and Cold Weather *TRIKE WINGS™ are now available for the GL1800 TRIKE! > FOOT WINGS™ are Compatible with Most Foot Pegs and Highway boards and Deflect Wind and Rain from Feet and Ankles

Hand Wings™

Air Wings w/Lowers™

Leg Wings™

Pre-assembled for easy installation. Choice of Chrome or Black Hardware. A Variety of Colors to Choose from.

Foot Wings™

A MUST for No Strain Parking!

CRS - CENTER REPLACEMENT STAND

CRS

To Deploy Center Stand while Seated on Cycle > Shift to Reverse & Simply back up with Light pressure on the Foot Lever *Absolutely No Lifting or Back Strain To Resume Riding from Seated Position > Switch from Reverse to First & Ride off *Rear Wheel never Leaves the Ground

(Power Park) *Patent #5,623855 Available for the HONDA GL1800 and GL1500 Choice of: Chrome Plating, Chrome Powder Coat or Black Powder Coat

GREAT CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEA! AIR WINGS™ products are available for most Touring & Cruiser Bikes.

BAKER BUILT™ AIR WINGS™, INC. 11877 Walnut Grove Rd., Ohio City, OH 45874 1-800-451-9464 or 419-965-2646

www.bakerbuilt.com

ff O % 5 2 by Order 8th Dec. 1

The

Email: info@bakerbuilt.com

E-Store

Your Source for Official Americade Gear .

Long Sleeve Tee $23.95 Now $17.96

100% cotton, pre-shrunk, 5.6 oz., rib collar and cuffs, screenprinted left chest and right arm. Available in Navy

Picture Tee $19.95 Now $14.96

100% cotton, seamless collar, double needle stitching. Screen printed left front chest and center back. Available in Blue or Gray

Logo Tee $13.95

Now $10.46 100% cotton, double needle stitching. Americade 2008 Logo screenprinted on left front chest and center back.

Available in Red or White

Limited stock-When they’re gone, they’re gone!

Free Shipping on orders over $49 Orders promptly shipped Order Online: www.tourexpo.com

Tri-Color Sport Shirt $23.95 Now $17.95

100% pre-shrunk 7 oz. cotton. 3 button placket. Embroidered Logo dated or undated. Available in Royal with black checkered pattern.

Short-sleeve Polo $21.95 Now $16.46 50/50 Jersey, two button, ribbed cuffs, hemmed bottom. Logo embroidered, dated or undated. Available in black or red.

We accept : VISA MasterCard Discover

Gift Certiﬁcates available, too ! Good towards E-store merchandise or use it toward ‘09 registration. Express shipping available Phone Orders: 518-798-7888 ext. 202

Americade Times 29

“Look-Listen-Talk-Party-ShopEat-Ride, Americade-Yeh!” Bob Bender, AZ “Warm, friendly people, great riding opportunities, good “I’ve been coming for years. clean fun!” Best rally anywhere.” Kathy & Phil Paulter, VA George Comeau, FL

“Thank you for a great event. We will be back next year!” Owen Bird, ON

“If you haven’t attended Americade, your life is not complete!” Peter N. Diamond, MA

“Americade is the Best!” Thomas Gagne, ME

“I consider Americade the Best! So much to do and see, can’t do it all in one week. My wife loved it!” Ron Reckling, MD

“Americade is bigger, better, and more organized than any other rally.” Glenn Bernhardt, NY

“There is nothing like the camaraderie in this gathering.” Mike & Sue Darraugh, NJ

“You really haven’t been to a true motorcycle rally if you’ve never experienced Americade!” Kevin Fuller, NH

“Very well organized and family oriented.” Art Berdensey, CT

30 Americade Times

“Americade is very family friendly” Keith Christian, PA

“Enjoyed the choice of events and organization and of course the location.” Mike & Ivy Richmond, MI

“Americade is more organized; has more variety of activities; emphasis on the joy of riding.” Patricia Barnes-Goodwyn, VA “Had a great time, very organized.” Arthur L. Poirier Jr., RI

“It is amazing how honest, caring & personable the people that attend Americade are, especially with such an enormous populace.” James & Ann Marie Hand, NY

“If you don’t come to Americade, you’ve missed the best.” Richard & Nancy Bee, OH

“Well organized friendly fun, lots of variety, great giveaways.” Ken & Terri Andrus, MA

“Americade is Huge and well run.” Kevin Jenkins, PE

“Great job. Keep up the good work!” Carl Meschter, NC

“This year is our 21st. Looking forward to another 21 years.” Norman & Jill Decesere, ME “Americade is a ‘feel good’ week.” Lois & Corry Vanderlee, ON

“Americade seriously strives to be an excellent overall experience and exceeds expectations every time.” Carmen & Alice Tirella, NJ

“Look forward every year to Americade. If I go only one place it’s Americade.” Steve M. Pupchyk, CT

Americade Times 31

Adirondack Gateway RV Resort 427 Fortsville Road Gansevoort, NY 12831

(518) 792-0485

Coldbrook Campsites

385 Gurn Springs Road Gansevoort, NY 12831

Enjoy Americade while staying at any one of our

Morgan RV Resorts Amenities Include: Pools, Fishing Ponds, Wi-Fi, laundry Facilities, Modern Restrooms and Shower Facilities, Camp Store, and more!

(518) 584-8038

Lake George Campsites

1053 Route 9 Queensbury, NY 12804

(518) 798-6218

Lake George Suites 3678 Lake Shore Drive Lake George, NY 12845

(518) 668-4622

32 Americade Times

1-866 866--617 617--8464 • www.MorganRVResorts.com Redefining RV travel and camping with first-class resorts that make travelers feel at home. No matter which direction you’re heading on your next road trip or camping vacation, we’ve got the perfect RV Resort for you!

Moto-Fashions at Americade With more prizes than ever, the fashion shows were full of excitement. Thousands of dollars in giveaway prizes, including beautiful leather jackets, riding gear and all types of clothing was won or sometimes literally tossed to the audience. New trends, new looks, an assortment of motorcycle apparel was displayed on Wednesday night by the motorcycle manufacturers, with the participation of BMW, Honda, Kawasaki, Triumph and Victory. There was record-breaking participation from vendors on Thursday night. Arks -N- Barks, Autumn Riders, Brandywine Custom Airbrushing, Cycle Xtras, Dancing Eagle, JER, Paint the Town, and S & S Cycles provided an array of colorful motorcycle clothing which filled the room with oohs and ahhs ! Many thanks to our wonderful volunteers who bring an extra touch of motorcycling personality, which makes these two evenings so much fun.

Left: Diana wearing an ensemble from S&S Cycle. Above: Garrett & Peter modeling vests from Brandywine Custom Airbrushing.

Right: Renee is showing off a jacket from S&S Cycles.

Left: Garrett modeling head to toe BMW.

Right: Debi modeling a jacket from Cycle Xtras.

Above: Garrett & Kathy modeling jackets from Cycle Xtras.

Above: Dea, Kathy & Debi wearing fashions from Paint the Town.

Left: Diana modeling BMW.

Left: Nora on the catwalk in BMW.

Right: Renee wearing BMW.

Right: One of many lucky door prize winners Wednesday night.

Americade Times 33

International Long Distance Winners Phil & Jo’s Marvelous Americade Adventure We asked Phil & Jo from Victoria, Australia about their Americade trip and thought we’d share their reply with you.

What’s it like to travel so far?

Well, the excitement of all the new places and people to see disguised the 14,000 miles and 30 plus hours that we travelled to get to Lake George. Fortunately, our enthusiasm reduced the discomforts of travelling half way around the world. The flight from Australia can be minimized into thinking of it as: dinner, two movies and a big sleep. (for the lucky ones who are able to sleep on a plane)

Why’d you choose to go to Americade for the first stop?

We both love motorcycles and my American friends had mentioned there was some “big bike thing” at Lake George every June. We looked at details on the Americade website, researched a bit of the area, and this quickly became a “MUST DO.” We were glad to see Americade wasn’t “a bourbon and boobs” event. There’s nothing wrong with either of them, but the photos and positive comments on the net, indicated that the event would have likeminded people: those who enjoy riding and who don’t care what you ride, as long as you ride. Also, Jo and I were at a point of changing careers and we had some spare time. I had long-time friends in the USA, so we thought we’d visit them while also following up on some business opportunities for our new business: www. streetcred.net.au. Jo said I wasn’t allowed to go on my own, which guaranteed her a ticket ! 34 Americade Times

Recent events made us think that waiting for a “good time” might not happen, so we just seized the opportunity.

How was Americade?

Amazing. The sheer number of participants at Americade was one of the first things we noticed, the largest event we had been to before had maybe 6000 participants. We’d also never seen so many types of trailers, or a decorative light parade before. Americade puts on some pretty impressive fireworks, too. Many things were impressive, but we were particularly struck by the friendliness of all the Americaders. This started from the great reception we received from the Americade staff at check-in, to the many new friends we made during the event. Motorcycles are a universal language and the people were very similar to home and again, “the ride” was what mattered. The Lake George area was absolutely stunning, so lush and green. In Australia we’ve had 8 yrs of drought so after seeing all the water in the many Adirondack lakes and then a quick trip to Niagara Falls, we realized you folks have cornered all the water !!! Bears were another surprise. Jo has a fascination for them, and our Tupper Lake (NY) hosts were able to provide us with an unexpected “wild experience.” It started at 5am with a knock on our door, and the whisper: “Do you want to see a real bear up in a tree?” (our friends’ dog had treed a bear in their back yard) Bleary eyed, we quickly dressed and raced out toward the tree, only to be greeted with: “Run ! He’s angry and coming down.” So we did a 180 and hightailed

it back to the house. A blurry photo taken whilst we were running away was our only memento !!

What about the rest of your trip? Our travels through the USA were memorable. In North Carolina we rode the Blue Ridge Parkway including the Tail of the Dragon. Fortunately we didn’t add any parts to the “Tree of Shame.” (Pictured at left.) Wonderful riding. Heading west, the green lushness of upper New York State was quite a contrast to the dry, brown western desert around the Grand Canyon. Similarly, the rolling Adirondack Mountains were so different from the flatlands of the West. We loved “The Road Kill Diner” on Route 66. In all, we travelled over 10,000 miles by road in the USA. Interesting Americade People We became buddies with the people staying around us at Roaring Brook Ranch, and we established a small Australian colony flying the “boxing Kangaroo“ from the embassy balcony. Our motel buddies regaled us with their tales of their fascination with Tasmanian Devils. Some of these friends invited us to visit them on our travels and then showed us great hospitality. We will be returning the favors soon because some are now planning to invade us in 2009 ! We look forward to returning the hospitality. One memorable couple was Bill and Gini Dutcher and their son who works at Americade, Christian. We were impressed with their genuine concern for us; wanting us to experience all Americade that had to offer. The family atmosphere extends from them, through all the staff and it must be wonderful to see “their baby” mature and grow.

Motorcycling in Australia versus the USA: One of the major differences we saw in the USA was the limited usage of protective riding equipment. In Oz, helmets are compulsory but in any case, our motorcyclists tend to wear much more protective clothing. In the USA, we saw many different three wheeled variants of motorcycles, some we couldn’t work out whether they were a car or a bike. At Roaring Brook Ranch, we sampled the Spyder and Jo also loved zooming around on the 500cc Piaggo MP3, a great scooter. Driving a car was a bit easier than riding a bike, thanks to the advice from an elderly friend who said: “remember, Mother in the gutter”, but when I was riding a motorcycle, I was at times not sure of which side I should be on ! Our experiences of travelling thousands of miles “on the wrong side of the road” were interesting. I do apologize to a large group of motorcyclists heading along Beach Road near the Lake George cruise boats. I was watching the motorcycles with interest, until Jo reminded me that I was on the wrong side of the road, heading right toward them. Yep, it was me; sorry about that ! We had many translation problems with food menus, but overall we got by. The motorcycles we have in Australia are pretty much the same as in the states. We have comparable “great roads” to some of those we experienced. Oz is land of contrasts like the USA. The Great Dividing Range that runs down the eastern coast provides many magnificent motorcycle roads like those we enjoyed in the Eastern U.S.A. Overall, our Americade Adventure was a lifetime experience, one which we will treasure forever.

Americade Times 35

LAKE GEORGE AREA MAP To Lake Placid

465 Warrensburg Rd Stony Creek, NY 12878 (800) 458-7311

To Montreal

We welcome you to join in the fun & experience the true beauty of the Adirondack Mountains when you travel on the roads to the Best Ranch Resort in Upstate New York.

North River

Exit 26

North Creek

Exit 25 Chestertown Weavertown

Hague

Brant Lake

Rt. 22A

Exit 24

Rt. 9

Johnsburg Rt. 28 Rt. 8

Rt. 7

I-87

Bolton Landing

Exit 23

Warrensburg

Rt. 22

Rt. 9N

Rutland VT

Rt. 4

Rt. 418

Diamond Point

Rt. 9

Exit 22

Stony Creek

LAKE GEORGE

Rt. 22A

Indoor and outdoor swimming pools Jacuzzi Full Bar and Lounge on Premises Tennis Courts Golf Course Volleyball FREE Wireless Internet Horseback Riding (based on availability) Entertainment Much More!!

Ticonderoga

Pottersville

Cleverdale

Lake George Village

HOLIDAY INN REGISTRATION

Rt. 9L

I-87 PROSPECT MTN.

FULL AMERICAN PLAN RATES ARE AVAILABLE ON REQUEST

Rt. 9L

The Forum

Exit 21 ROARING BROOK RANCH

Rt. 9N

Rt. 9

Ft. Ann

Rt. 149

HEADQUARTERS

Hadley

Rt. 4

Beach Rd.

Exit 20

Lake Luzerne

SPECIAL AMERICADE ROOM RATES

Rt. 9 Adirondack

VERMONT

To Indian Lake

NEW YORK

Rt. 9N

Schroon Lake

Queensbury

Corinth

Exit 19

Rt. 254

I-87

Hudson Falls Exit 18

South Glens Falls Rt. 32

Wilton

To Saratoga & Ballston Spa

LAKE GEORGE AREA

Glens Falls

Gansevoort

Above map is not to scale

Mileage from Lake George To: Adirondack (AD) ................. 30 Albany ............................... 61 Ballston Spa (BS) ............... 35 Bolton Landing (BL) ............ 10 Boston ............................ 226 Buffalo ............................. 311 Chestertown (CH) .............. 21 Corinth (CO) ....................... 17 Diamond Point (DP) ............. 4 Glens Falls (GF) ................. 11 Gansevoort (GV) ................ 20 Hadley (HD) ....................... 12 Hague (HG) ........................ 29 Hudson Falls (HF) .............. 14 Indian Lake (IL) .................. 46 Johnsburg(JB) .................... 22

36 Americade Times

Lake Luzerne (LL) .............. 12 Lake Placid (LP) ................. 83 Montreal .......................... 163 New York City .................. 214 North Creek (NC)................ 25 North River (NR) ................. 30 Pottersville (PV) .................. 25 Queensbury (QB) ................. 9 Rutland, VT (RV) ............... 54 Saratoga Springs (SS) ....... 28 Schroon Lake (SL) ............. 33 S. Glens Falls (SG)............. 12 Stony Creek (SC) ............... 18 Ticonderoga (TI) ................. 38 Warrensburg (WB) ................ 6 Weavertown (WT)............... 23

ACCOMMODATIONS GUIDE

65-125

654-6260

38-155

487

Alpine Lodge (The)

251-2451

129-259

623-9390

124-194

Americas Best VALUE/ Choice Inn

800-795-6680

Call

Antigua Resort on Plum Point

668-2556

135-215

Best Western of LG

800-234-0265

Call

* *

Best Western Ticonderoga

585-2378

130-170

Birchwood Cottages

494-5675

150

Blue Lagoon Resort

668-4867

call

Blue Water Manor

800-299-8938

95-189

* *

644-2554

225-375

644-5591

70-115

Boulders Resort

668-5444

100-195

644-3321

96-114

668-5592

Call

Carey’s Lakeside

644-3091

80-120

Chester Inn B&B

494-4148

119-209

Clarion Inn & Suites

793-3196

126-226

Clinton Inn Resort

668-2412

119-139

Colonel Williams Resort

800-334-5727

90-130

Comfort Suites

761-0001

189-269

644-5921

Call

644-2211

105-155

* *

Country Road Lodge B&B

623-2207

102-112

Courtyard Marriott Lake Placid

523-2900

109-149

Cramers Point Motel & Cottages

668-2292

87-141

Dillon Hill Inn & Cabin Rentals

251-2912

125-200

Dunham’s Bay Lodge

656-9242

120-300

* *

* * *

* *

Quiet Hours Posted

* *

94-275

Call

* *

159-199

185-215

668-2422

668-2788

745-0180

668-3161

* *

Country Cottages & Motel

Depe Dene Resort

Country Inn & Suites

Diamond Cove Cottages

Cool-Ledge

Candlelight Cottages LLC

Contessa Resort Motel

* *

Canoe Island Lodge

* *

Boathouse B&B

Bonnie View on Lake George

* *

Alynn’s Butterfly Inn B&B

* *

Parking in sight of room

494-5249

Paved Parking Lot

Alpine Lake RV Resort

Bike Washing Area

Adirondack Pines B & B

Restaurant on Site

Full Breakfast

* *

Laundry

67+

* *

Continental Breakfast

70-100

644-9800

On Lake/Beach

668-5150

Indoor or Outdoor Pool

Jacuzzi / Hot Tub

* *

Adirondack Oasis Adirondack Park Motel

On Trolley Route

Leashed Pets

Internet access

Cable

A/C

Heat

99-165

Refrigerator in Room

129-169

584-3510

Telephone in Room

696-2444

Minimum Stay (# nights)

Adirondack Inn

No. Rooms

Room Fees $(Min. - Max.)

1000 Acres Ranch

MOTELS

Location

Phone # (Area Code 518) unless noted

Please note: BOLD and HIGHLIGHTED indicates these establishments provided volunteer staff room(s). This suggests they are particularly “motorcyclefriendly.” All prices are subject to change. These are paid listings and do not imply endorsement or inspection by Americade. The “savvy traveler” is always advised to seek feedback from other Americaders, or from our Accommodations Message Board at www.tourexpo.com.

* * *

Americade Times 37

ACCOMMODATIONS GUIDE

Emerson House B&B

623-2758

150-175

Flamingo Resort

668-5052

100-285

Fort William Henry Resort Hotel

800-234-0267

call

Garnet Hill Lodge

251-2444

99-145

Georgian Resort (The)

800-525-3436

Call

120

Glen Lodge B&B

800-867-2335

129

Glenmoore Lodge & Cottages

792-5261

92-157

Glens Falls Inn B & B

646-824-8379

160-356

Golden Sands

668-2203

140-175

Goose Pond Inn B&B

251-3434

125

Graycourt Motel

792-0223

80-120

Hague Motel

866-543-6631

110-185

Hampton Inn and Suites LAKE GEORGE

668-4100

109-309

* *

65-75

99-199

112

Holiday Inn Lake George Turf

668-5781

188-309

129

Holiday Inn - Rutland/ Killington

802-775-1911

151

Howard Johnsons Tiki Resort

668-5744

169-249

110

Island View Motel

696-3079

80-160

80-130

125-180

Lake George Escape Efficiencies

800-327-3188

99-245

Lake George RV Park

792-3775

190-250

Lake Haven

800-347-0543

109-169

1 2

Lake Luzerne Motel

696-3012

60-95

Lake Motel

668-2810

70-150

Lamplight Inn B&B

800-262-4668

125-199

Landon Hill B&B

494-2599

126-160

Lodges @ Cresthaven

800-853-1632

Call

Lone Birch Motel

648-5225

65-145

Luzerne Court Motel

696-2734

Call

* *

668-4612

119-159

793-2699

95-145

* * *

* *

* * *

* *

Lyn-Aire Motel

* *

Manor Inn (The)

38 Americade Times

668-3124

792-0418

587-1500

747-0775

* *

Harbor Motel

King Hendrick Motel

Hilton Garden Inn & Suites

Kingsbury Country Inn

Quiet Hours Posted

Parking in sight of room

Paved Parking Lot

Bike Washing Area

Restaurant on Site

Full Breakfast

Continental Breakfast

Laundry

On Lake/Beach

Indoor or Outdoor Pool

Jacuzzi / Hot Tub

On Trolley Route

130275

Leashed Pets

696-3072

Internet access

Cable

Elms Waterfront Cottages (The)

A/C

Heat

112-179

Refrigerator in Room

Minimum Stay (# nights)

800-477-3529

Telephone in Room

No. Rooms

Phone # (Area Code 518) unless noted

Econo Lodge Lake George

MOTELS

Location

Room Fees $ (Min. - Max.)

ACCOMMODATIONS GUIDE

Marine Village Resort

668-5478

145-255

100

McENANEY’S LINCOLN LOG

668-2967

95-170

Medbery Inn & Spa

885-7727

150-300

Mohican Motel

792-0474

105-235

Motel Montreal

668-5439

99-125

Northward Ho! Resort

644-2158

70-130

O’Connor’s Resort Cottages

668-3367

call

Porter’s Cottages

644-3018

115-135

Quarters at Lake George

668-4901

Call

* *

Sagamore

800-358-3585

199-350

335

Saint Charles Motel

584-2050

80-150

Sara Glen Motel

793-4166

Scotty’s Motel

668-2467

100-140

102

Call

Super 8 Lake George Downtown

668-2470

139-199

Surfside on the Lake

668-2442

95-320

156

Thunderbird Motor Inn

668-4824

95-275

Top Hill Motel

584-5232

59-150

Call

100

100-495

Trout House Lodge

800-368-6088

75-409

Tumble Inn B &B

532-7605

95-115

Turf & Spa Motel

800-972-1229

65-75

TWIN BAY VILLAGE

644-9777

55-185

Twin Pines, Inc

800-735-6135

95-175

Twin Pine Lodge

494-4355

125-185

Westchester House B & B

587-7613

140-235

Whispering Pines Cottages

654-2123

100-130

Wingate by Wyndham LG

668-4884

159-279

3/5

Yellow Coach Motel

532-7570

70-140

* * *

* *

* * *

* *

170-230

668-5421

* *

129-249

668-5334

* *

656-9573

668-5711

* * *

Travelodge of LG

* *

Tahoe Resort

Treasure Cove Resort Motel

* *

Takundewide Cottages

668-2584

251-4150

* *

Summit at Gore Mountain (The)

Still Bay Resort

* *

3 4

* *

4 2

125 22

* *

136 50

* *

139 95-110

152-206 120-180

792-1121 668-5348

668-5767 584-0980

GF LG

LG BS

Queensbury Hotel Rockledge on the Lake

* *

Roaring Brook Ranch Roosevelt Inn & Suites

Quiet Hours Posted

Parking in sight of room

Paved Parking Lot

Bike Washing Area

Internet access

Restaurant on Site

Cable

Full Breakfast

Continental Breakfast

A/C

Laundry

Heat

On Lake/Beach

Refrigerator in Room

Indoor or Outdoor Poo

Telephone in Room

59-99

Jacuzzi / Hot Tub

Minimum Stay (# nights)

800-526-9374

On Trolley Route

No. Rooms

Leashed Pets

Room Fees $ (Min. - Max.)

Maple Leaf Motel

Phone # (Area Code 518) unless noted

MOTELS

Location

* *

Americade Times 39

ACCOMMODATIONS GUIDE

38 -54

487

20-35

145

Daggett Lake Campsites

623-2198

30-45

Lake George RV Park

792-3775

49-53

390

Lake George Escape Resort

800-327-3188

32-61

575

Mt. Kenyon Campground

696-2905

25-30

100

Rancho Pines Campground

494-3645

Call

* *

River Road Campground

654-6630

26-36

Riverside Pines Campsites & Cabins

494-2280

22-25

5/8

Schroon River Campground

623-2171

25-45

300

Stewarts Pond Campground

696-2779

25-30

Laundromat

Lake/Pond Stream

Outdoor Pool

Propane Filled

On Trolley Route

* *

Electricity

654-6260 494-7391

Full Hook-up

CO CH

Camp Store

Alpine Lake RV Resort Country Haven Campground

Playground

Bike Washing Area

Leashed Pets

Dump Station

Flush Toilets

Heated Restrooms

Shower Facilities

165

Grills/Fireplace

Tent Sites

30-48

Wood

Minimum Stay (# nights)

668-5226

Recreation Room

No. Sites

Picnic Area

Site Fees $ (Min. - Max.)

Adirondack Camping Village

Phone # (Area Code 518) unless noted

CAMPGROUNDS PARKS

Location

* * *

* *

TIPS: If you haven’t yet reserved a room, try these steps *Call the Chambers of Commerce who advertise here. *Don’t just phone the first few places high up in the alphabet, they tend to get called most often. *Many small hotels don’t open up their reservation system until April, so a call then will often have success and a lower rate. *There are many small towns within a 25 minute ride and they tend to have more available space and lower rates.

JUNE 2009 Mon

Tues

Wed

Thurs

Fri

General Tourist Information:

Sat

Sun

AMERICADE 1st - 6th

Chambers of Commerce: Bolton Landing............................518-644-3831 Fulton County.............................800-676-3858 Granville.....................................518-642-2815 Hague........................................518-543-6353 Lake George...............................800-705-0059 Lake Luzerne..............................518-696-3500 Schroon Lake..............................888-SCHROON Warrensburg...............................518-623-2161 Other: Warren County Tourism...............800-365-1050 Washington County Tourism.........888-203-8622 New York State...........................800-CALL NYS

40 Americade Times

Marine Village Resort 100 Non-Smoking Units and Suites Large Private Beach Row-Paddle Boats

VISIT TORONTO! You’ll Love It!

 Boat Docks Heated Pool Game Room Spacious Grounds Coffee Shop Room Phones Color Cable TV HBO

1 & 2 BEDROOM SUITES WITH FULL KITCHENS STANDARD ROOMS WITH MICROWAVES & FRIDGES OUTDOOR BBQ AREA WIFI/FITNESS ROOM • • • • •

 Come and Enjoy our Restaurant

370 Canada St. Lake George, NY 12845

518-668-5478 1-800-727-7090

Group & Discount Rates! FREE Continental Breakfast Welcome Gifts! Bike Wash Station 40 minute Scenic Drive to Lake George

Best Western Inn & Suites

JAN 2 • 3 • 4 2009

TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE

1 U.S. Route 4 East Rutland, VT

THE NEW 2009

(802) 773-3200

www.bestwestern-rutland.com

Colonel Williams Resort Heated Indoor & Outdoor Pools Phones u Suites u Motel Rooms Breakfast Area u Trolley Service

425,000

Historic Drive, RT. 9 Lake George, NY 12845 1-800-334-5727 www.colonelwilliamsresort.com

CASH & AWARDS FOR THE

98 Americade Times 41

Factory Demo An incredible 17 Demo Teams were at Americade this year! Never before has such an outstanding array of bikes been available in one spot for you to see, touch, and RIDE!

BMW

They came in by the semi-truckload and were rolled out in all their beauteous-ness! Whatever your riding style and preference, it was here: the latest and the greatest in tourers, cruisers, trikes, scooters, and off-road bikes. BMWs, CF Motos, Harley-Davidsons, Hondas, Kawasakis, KTMs, Kymcos, Moto Guzzis, Motor Trikes, Can-Am Spyders, Thoroughbreds, Triumphs, Vectrix and Vespa scooters, Victorys, Yamahas, and even Hummers.

Harley Davidson

KTM

The demo ride line-up at Roaring Brook Ranch started early each

Honda

Kawasaki

Hummer 42 Americade Times

Kymco

Teams Galore! morning. The demo “waves” were rolling out by 9 am, and they went all day long. Each morning, you could hear the excitement in the enthusiastic chatter in line. Americaders recognized that the demos present a unique opportunity to compare a wide variety of vehicles; 2, 3 and 4-wheeled. They’d see ‘em, try ‘em, and sometimes plan to buy ‘em!

Moto Guzzi

And try ‘em they did. Manufacturers allotted ample time for demo rides that went out on the open highway and down the winding secondary roads of the Adirondacks. How many individual dealers will let you do that? What better place to compare your favorites? Questions? Factory reps were right there to answer them.

Spyder

Last year, we had a record–setting 14 demos teams; this year, an incredible 17!

Thoroughbred/Motor Trike

Piaggio Triumph Vectrix

Victory Yamaha Americade Times 43

The premier magazine for motorcycle touring and traveling.

Special Course offered only at

The Motorcycle Safety Foundation’s

All New Experienced Rider Course Suite Facilitated by: The Motorcycle Association of New York State, Inc. A seven hour Range Experience using your own motorcycle to practice techniques of managing traction, stopping quickly, swerving, cornering and cornering on multiple curves. You may bring a passenger with you to participate in the excercises. Come and meet us at booth #38 in the Forum.

THE MORE YOU KNOW, THE BETTER IT GETS!

www.roadrunner.travel

Courses are all day, Tuesday through Friday From 8:00 a.m. through 4:00 p.m. Availability on a ﬁrst come, ﬁrst serve basis. For Information and Applications see our website:

http://www.manys.org Or Call: (212) 579-5543

Special Event Fee: Rider: $50.00

Name

Pre-registration Form

Street City

Zip

Phone Mail Pre-registration Form & Check made payable to:

MANYS

697 Amsterdam Avenue, New York, NY 10025

ATTENTION AMERICADERS To participate in this special package, you must be a registered Full Week or Day Trip Americade participant. Valid motorcycle license and street legal motorcycle required. Cancellation & Refund Policy: Two week cancellation notice in writing needed for refund.

44 Americade Times

Making of the Americade DVD 25-Functional Lighting Competition 26-Light Parade 27-Charity Poker Run 28-TourExpo, Beach-Forum 29-Demos:Victory, Moto Guzzi 30-Bike Show Judging 31-Great Escape 32-Fireworks-TourMaster 33-Saturday Wedding 34-Demos: Triumph, Kymco 35-Parade Line up 36-Dunlop Parade 37-BMW BBQ & Teach McNeil 38-Gold Wing Drawing 39-Volunteers’ Breakfast 40-Recap Americade 2007 Chapters 1-Intro & Ferry Tour 2-Best of Show 3-Light Show 4-Great Escape, Geoff Aaron 5-Dunlop Parade

BEST OF

Americade 2008 - Chapters 1-Introduction 2-Registration 3-RBR/Opening 4-Drill Team 5-Lee Parks 6-Newcomers’ Seminar 7-Covered Bridge Tour 8-Bennington VT 9-Demos:BMW, Kawasaki,M’Trike 10-Honda Boat 11-Hypnotist Maxwell 12-Stone Bridge Tour 13-Three Course Dinner 14-Demos:KTM,Piaggio,Vectrix 15-Fashion Show 16-Fred Rau Seminar 17-Cybercaders 18-Balloon Glow 19-Kuryakyn Boat 20-Demos: Spyder, Honda 21-Steel Wheels tour 22-MSF Course 23-Yamaha, Kawasaki Boats 24-Rodeo-BMW

(and 2007)

A video or DVD of this growing event has been shot every year since 1985. Each year the production company has the challenge of shooting, in all kinds of weather, the dozens of events which comprise “Americade.” Then they have to edit the 30+ hours of footage down to a 1 hour show, logically sequenced and coordinated with Available now at background music and narration - and get www.tourexpo.com it done before snow flies. For the past half dozen years (except for 2007) the principal shooter has been a hilarious guy named John Floyd, from the Boston area. We asked him for a few words about shooting the Americade 2008 DVD. “Throughout the whole Ameri-Week, I’m on the lookout for great shots: funny, beautiful, dramatic and entertaining. Since it’s a documentary, and the weather seldom cooperates, you have to be uhhh, flexible. In this quest for great video many things go right and wrong. Sometimes what we thought were going to be bad shots turn out to be the most interesting. With interviews, you have to ask your questions carefully. If you ask: ‘how was your trip today?’ you’ll probably get the dreaded 1-worder, ‘good.’ Even with a well thought-out question like: “what was the best part of your trip today?” where you’re sure their answer will make a great short subject film, you can still get the dreaded one-worder: ‘Everything.’ Sometimes, just when you think nothing more interesting could be said, and you shut off the camera, here comes a funny story. I wish I could keep the camera rolling all the time, never to miss those special moments we share and make, but we can’t, because it would take a year to edit and it’s already hard enough to catalog and edit the 30+ hours we do shoot. I know we capture enough of those moments to make a great video, and we thank you for making videotaping ‘Americade’ such a joy.” www.tourexpo.com 518-798-7888

Check out Fred Rau Adventure Tours @ www.fredrau.com

John and the Camera Crew from Roadrunner Productions Americade Times 45

Americaders

46 Americade Times

Americade Times 47

Warrensburg

Balloon Glow Glow Balloon

Whatta show! The Wednesday night sky above the grassy pasture at Roaring Brook Ranch was ablaze with color. With their propane burners huffing and puffing like angry dragons, the hot air balloons slowly inflated to life. The tethered balloons glowed in the clear night sky--complete with accompanying synchronized music and moving narrative.

“A FOUR SEASON TOWN IN THE ADIRONDACKS”

Four Seasons: Antiques, B&B’s, Motels, Ranches, Campgrounds, Restaurants, Skiing, Snowmobiling Tree-lined streets, 19th century architecture, a river meandering through town. Spend a day, a week, or a lifetime enjoying our shops and restaurants and our friendly hometown atmosphere,

We’re open year round! 2009 EVENTS July 11 & 12 ~ Arts & Crafts Festival October 3 & 4 ~ World’s Largest Garage Sale December 6 ~ Holiday Craft Fair

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE: 3847 Main Street, Warrensburg, NY 12885 5 miles North of Lake George - I-87, Exit 23

It was the second year for this beautiful show, and balloonist Mike Hernandez and his ballooning friends deserve all our thanks for this scenic treat.

Call or Write for FREE Brochure: (518) 623-2161 or Fax (518) 623-2184 www.warrensburgchamber.com

PHOTO CONTEST WINNER Congratulations Dexter Balyeat ! Dexter shot and submitted the winning photo appearing on our cover. When asked about winning the contest, Dexter said, “Wooo Hooooooo! I’m very proud to win! The combination of Lake George and the Americade Rally lends itself to the opportunity for great photos. I see thousands of people taking photos at this event so it’s very sweet to have the winning entry!” Speaking of thousands, we received literally thousands of photo entries this year, surpassing anything we’ve ever received before. Congratulations to all the photographers whose photos were selected to appear in this year’s Americade Times. A great big THANK YOU also goes out to the hundreds of people who took the time to share their Americade memories with us. Remember there’s always next year and hey, ya never know, your photo could be next year’s cover !

48 Americade Times

~ s t

igh

Lights

~Lig

hts

Functional Lighting Contest

It was the “Battle of the Bulbs” on Wednesday night when the “brightest” Americaders brought their rides up to Roaring Brook Ranch to see if they outshined the competition. They had the opportunity to win prizes from the sponsor, PIAA, in three different categories: Stock Plus, Open Halogen, and Open HID. They were brilliant!

Light Parade Americaders know that Thursday night at Roaring Brook Ranch is the place to be. Anyone with extra cool lighting effects on their bikes is invited to participate. The spirit of Americade was clearly evident with crowds cheering on every participant in the parade. A dazzling array of colors pierced the darkness as the bikes made their way around the grounds. Each was uniquely customized with every shade of the rainbow in sparkling accent lighting, spinning wheels, glowing LEDs, neon underlighting, and flashing strobe lights. It was like Christmas in June!

Decorative Lighting Contest After the parade, many stayed on to have their bikes judged in the Decorative Lighting Contest. This allowed time for all to appreciate the time and effort that went into each project. Judging criteria included creativity, continuity and balance of lighting, visibility and workmanship, and appearance in motion, with winners in both the standard and computer categories. The entries were awesome, and our hats are off to all participants.

Americade Times 49

New for 2009 Mardi Gras Boat Cruise

New Orleans menu and music

Full Moon Boat Cruise new Boat Cruise Menus BowlinG niGht Party Pins, Pizza & Prizes

new Minitours

with suPer-PreMiuM lunChes

surf 'n turf whitewater raftinG or horseBaCk ridinG

nysPd MotorCyCle skills deMo fuel eConoMy Contests For Details: www.tourexpo.com Fact Sheet - mailed end of January

Ticonderoga Inn & Suites The areaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s newest full service Rider Friendly hotel featuring 54 Comfortable Rooms. Pub & Restaurant, Fitness Center, Paved Parking with Free Washing Station & Wipe Down Towels.

Best Western - Harley Davidson Rider Rewards Program. Special Room Rates-No Minimum Stay! 260 Burgoyne Road, Ticonderoga, NY 12883 Toll Free-877-578-BEST (2378) WWW.BestTiconderogaHotel.com 11/3/2008 11:51:13 AM

50 Americade Times

FRIDAY NIGHT SPECTACULAR

“The Best Ever!” That’s what many Americaders called the Friday Night Spectacular, by TourMaster.

Every year, thousands of people look forward to this big event at the Great Escape Park. Why such excitement? Because it’s filled with great food, music, amusement park rides, a high dive show, fireworks and big, big prizes. The first thousand motorcycles parked inside the giant amusement park next to the historic roller coaster, The Comet. And because The Comet and other rides are free to Americaders, screams of delight could be heard around the park. For those of us less brave (or more sane), the delicious hot dinner buffet was the first stop. The dinner is always a hit, and this year’s meal included a selection of beef tips with seasoned rice, baked ziti, chicken cordon bleu, and much more. An assortment of amazing desserts crowned this wonderful meal. Yum! Up on stage, Bobbi Dick and the Sundowners, Americaders’ favorite band, was back by popular demand. They got everyone snapping their fingers, then continued on page 52

Americade Times 51

FRIDAY NIGHT SPECTACULAR turned the stage over to the headline act of the evening: over $40,000 in Door Prizes! Every Americader received a drawing ticket, and the luckiest ones won $10,000 US Bonds, motorcycle trailers, trips or gear.

Winners $10,000.00 U.S. Savings Bond Greg Willard - Glenburn, ME $10,000.00 U.S. Savings Bond Eddie Straub - Mahopac, NY 2008 Quantum GL Grand Touring Package ($7,026.00) from: Bushtec Nicole Giroux - St. Urbain Premier, QC Camper Trailer with options ($4,661.00) from: Time Out Trailers Charlie Gunsch - Highland, NY Copper Canyon Mexico Road Tour ($3,990.00) from: MotoDiscovery Thom Martin - Pascoag, RI Custom Paint Finish ($1,500.00) from: Hog Bling Norman Donk - Savannah, NY Upper Kit including labor ($1,500.00) from: Wing Bling Christine Smith - Thompson, PA His & Hers Integrated Helmet & Headset ($1,300.00) from: J&M Steven Reynolds - London, ON Helmet to Boots Gear ($1,000.00) from: Tour Master Bernard Gardzina - South Grafton, MA Two Night Getaway ($995.00) from: Hilton Lake Placid Resort Carolann Ryan - Cutchogue, NY Five Night B&B Package ($975.00) from: Middlebury Inn Steve Maloney - Dracut, MA Zumo 550 ($965.00) from: Garmin Scott Larkin - Lake Ronkonkoma, NY

52 Americade Times

Tour Master surprised the crowd by also awarding valuable gift certificates to all the contest winners who were present, including; the longest distance international couple (Phil Lemin and Jo Fisher from Australia - 14,000 miles), the oldest rider (Leo Chlebnikow, 92) and passenger (Edward Soull, 82) and the youngest rider (Michelle Ambrisco, 16), just to name a few. You couldn’t call the evening “Spectacular” without fireworks, and once again Americade’s fireworks wowed the crowd. The entire show is computer controlled and synchronized to motorcycle-themed music, ensuring that when the music goes pop, the fireworks go boom, and the crowd goes “wow!” Though the show was “technically” over after the fireworks, the band took the stage again, much to everyone’s delight. The center pavillion turned into a huge dance party as many Americaders stayed to dance, dance, dance. We’ve never seen so many people dancing, so late! What a way to finish the week, surrounded by friends, old and new, with a lot of stories to share. For 2009, make sure you don’t miss the Friday Night Spectacular.

Add yourself to the riders of the road. And the non-conformists of the world. “Its big machine power sold me.” Kevin & Laura Beckett Charlotte, NC

The new KYMCO Xciting 500Ri. Its 500cc DOHC, fuel-injected power and CVT automatic transmission gives you the power to breakaway from the norm. The Xciting 500Ri comes with dual-disc front brakes plus a rear disc for maxi braking power. Our Step-through design makes it easy to jump on and go. Go to MyKymco.com and tell us about your latest getaway.

Choose Your Own Path.

kymcousa.com KYMCO vehicles meet all applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety and EPA standards. Always wear a helmet, eye protection and protective clothing. Avoid excessive speed. Never engage in stunt riding. Never ride under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Take a riding skills course. For the course nearest you, call the Motorcycle Safety Foundation at 1-800-446-9227 ©KYMCO USA 2008

Americade Times 53

Before you head out, head to

the Official Website for the Lake George Area Lodging • Camping • Events • Activities

LakeGeorGearea in New York’s Adirondacks

VisitLakeGeorge.com • 800-365-1050 x153

“Bet’cha we can make you smile!”

54 Americade Times

I CAN’T BELIEVE IT! What's it like to win a new Gold Wing? We asked 2008 winner Guy Laporte. "That Saturday night, my wife, Denise, and I were sitting in the park on Canada Street with our friends David and Cindy Landry from Rochester. My cell phone rang, and I immediately thought it was our friends from New Hampshire calling to find out where we were. "When the voice said I'd won the Gold Wing, my first reaction was “you’ve got to be kidding, this is some kind of joke!” Jed from the Lake George Rotary Club replied that it was not a joke and that I really won the bike. He asked if I'd purchased an orange ticket, and at that moment I knew he wasn’t joking. "He asked if we wanted to go up to Roaring Brook Ranch where the drawing was, to have our picture taken on the bike. So we ran to our bike (2000 Valkyrie) and drove up, still in shock. "I was so overwhelmed. I still can’t believe it. We've never won anything like this before. Our plans were to buy a new Wing this past spring, however, our roof was leaking and we had to replace it. That took all our savings and our dream of a new bike. "We've been going to Americade since 1989. This year I purchased 3 tickets from Lake George Rotary on Monday night, and Denise filled them out. She put my name on two and her name on the other ticket. "This past September, we sold our house in New Hampshire and moved to Tennessee to a new job in a warmer climate with a longer riding season. Now we live further and next year our ride to Americade will be longer - but we can't wait!"

CLARION INN & SUITES Relaxing. Service. Distinctive.

Rutland/Killington 476 US RT 7 SOUTH

802-775-1911

RUTLAND, VT 05701

800-462-4810

www.holidayinn.com/rutlandvt

Enter group code ame for Americade Rates and Availability

WELCOME AMERICADE 2008! Located just 18 miles across the Vermont border at the junction of routes 4 and 7

$99 per room, per night plus tax

Rates are based on availability and do not include tax.

6 pm cancellation policy - NO EARLY DEPARTURE FEES Indoor Heated Pool/Sauna Two Whirlpool Tubs Paved Free Parking Shopping

Bike Washing Station Restaurant/Lounge Laundry/Same day Valet Pets Welcome

● True Suites with a separate Master Bedroom, Jacuzzi Tubs*, Microwaves, Wet Bar, and Flat Screen TVs ● Deluxe Rooms all newly designed and equipped with everything you need to enjoy your stay ● All units fully equipped with Refrigerator, Coffee Maker, Iron & Ironing Board, and Hair Dryer ● Free Wireless Internet in all rooms ● “Biznet” Business Center in Lobby ● Indoor Heated Pool & Whirlpool ● Fitness Center ● Full Service Restaurant & Lounge ● Meeting & Banquet Facility

www.clarionlakegeorge.com to make your reservation! 1454 State Route 9, Lake George, NY 12845 (518) 793-3196 or 1-800-274-7111 • Fax (518) 793-6028 info@clarionlakegeorge.com

Americade Times 55

SENSATIONAL

Hundreds of Americaders gathered for the annual Geico Get Up & Go breakfast at the Lake George High School early in the morning of Sensational Saturday. The reputation of the volunteers from Tri-County United Way for quickly serving mountains of delicious pancakes, eggs, sausages and all the “trimmings”, has gotten around. That took care of the day’s nutritional needs, and then some ! Americade’s traditional Dunlop Parade started lining up on Westbrook Road about 9am, with an array of colorful bikes, trikes, balloons, costumes, and teddy bears. For others, it was time to line up at the nearby Battlefield Park for the parade judging contests. Funniest, most creative, most original parade outfits, and best uniformed club were the categories judged as they lined up in the growing sunshine. Results of all judging are on page 26. At 10am, the Dunlop Parade got under way, down Beach Road and then up and down Canada Street, in front of thousands of spectators enjoying this spectacular event. The rainbow of colors, the John Philip Sousa parade music from 98.5FM coming from hundreds of speakers, the sounds of the endless line of bikes; it was a feast for the senses.

56 Americade Times

SATURDAY WINNERS His & Hers Elite Headsets & Helmets ($1,100.00) from: J&M Corp. - Richard Gaudreau, MA Set of Tires ($450.00) from: Dunlop - Andrew Daigle, ME Set of Tires ($450.00) from: Dunlop - Jason Haynes, NY Rear Tire ($350.00) from: Avon Tires - Eugene Million Sr., ME Rear Tire ($350.00) from: Avon Tires - Erin Peabody, NY Cruiser Pack ($310.00) from: Cruiserworks - John Stroich, MI Removable Eye Cups ($300.00) from: 7Eye by Panoptx - Scott Hurne , CT Motophoria Torison Leather Jacket ($300.00) from: Whitehorse Gear - Gerard Kellman, ON Seat of your Choice ($300.00) from: Corbin - Richard Shertz, PA Set of ME880 Tires ($300.00) from: Metzeler - Betty Hudd, FL Heated Jacket Liner & Controller ($298.00) from: Gerbing’s Heated Clothing - Cynthia Landry, NY

Parking on top of Prospect Mountain went smoother and faster than ever because there was no intricate logo picture being created at the top. This breathtaking view of magnificent Lake George was sensational from the large parking lot, and the party atmosphere made it even better. The people, the food, the show, the band, the beautiful sunny day, and the bonus of BMW’s generosity made it the best “Party on Prospect” in decades. They distributed hundreds and hundreds of high-quality BMW folding chairs to the grateful crowd, an unexpected and extremely-useful souvenir. BMW also hosted the jaw-dropping freestyle riding show of U.S. champion Teach McNeil. (details on page 58) As always, the famous BBQ served rapidly by the Lake George Rotary Club was a hit. It included a choice of delicious teriyaki chicken or marinated ribs. The finger-lickin’ good food and the sounds of the Stony Creek Band made a good combination. The complimentary Ben & Jerry’s ice cream was a hit too, on this unusually warm afternoon. Another new sight on Prospect Mountain was the large “No Zone” semi from the American Trucking Association. Riders were encouraged to sit in it and personally experience the limits of the truck driver’s field of vision. Very enlightening. Wrapping up with over $4500 in door prizes, everyone had a good, no, a great time.

Americade Times 57

Chris ”Teach” McNeil Teachin’ Americade some new tricks... This year, BMW brought the U.S. freestyle champion to the BMW BBQ, and what a show he put on. Amazing control ! Fresh from his win at Stunt Wars 2008 in Florida, Chris “Teach” McNeil was happy to show the enthusiastic crowd of Americaders a dizzying variety of freestyle tricks on his F 800. His nickname comes from the fact that he’s a Latin teacher at a private school; hardly the background which the public expects of a stunter. “I started stunt riding in 2001,” he says. “I had a sport bike and was doing stunts on it, but then I got in touch with a stunt group on the internet and thought: ‘I could do that!’ My progression into the sport was that simple....my goal is to have complete mastery of freestyle competition.” Teach believes that stunt riding is at an exciting stage of development and that it’s only a matter of time before it gets the recognition it deserves. “I have no doubt that the future of the sport lies with the X Games,” says the 31year-old. “This year will be a big year for stunt riding and if we get the TV coverage we deserve, the future is bright.” After his 20 minute applause-filled Americade show, Teach commented that: “performing in this beautiful setting was a treat for me, and I’d love to do it again.” We agree.

58 Americade Times

Designed For Versatility and Performance NEW J&M Ultra-Slim Speaker Design

J&Mâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s New Universal 279-UN Series Helmet Headset Not only can this single helmet headset be installed into most open-face, flip-front or full-coverage style helmets, it can be connected to any factory-installed motorcycle audio system ever built, now and in the foreseeable future, just by interchanging the lower-section hook-up cord.

1-800-358-0881 audio@jmcorp.com

Americade Times 59

Gear-Up For A Great Ride! Discover The Region’s Premier Family-Owned RV Camping and Wilderness Lodging Resort.

Hit The Road Refreshed. Welcome to Lake George RV Park. Rated one of the finest RV resorts in New York State, it offers the heart and soul of the camping experience plus every amenity bikers need. And talk about location — we’re at the Gateway to the Adirondacks, close to the leading family amusements, great shopping and more. Let us help you plan your next Americade. Call 518-792-3775 for a Free Vacation Planning DVD. And visit our web site: www.LakeGeorgeRVPark.com

SOME OF OUR BIKER-FRIENDLY AMENITIES • Paved roads throughout Park • “Big Rig Friendly” Campsites • 390 Pull-thru or Back-in site • 23 Wilderness Lodging Units • WI-FI Internet Service at all sites ($)

• 30 and 50 amps, water, sewer & cable TV at all sites • 2 Outdoor Heated Pools • Indoor Heated Pool • Camper Café • Municipal trolley service to Lake George Village ($)

518-792-3775 • WWW.LAKEGEORGERVPARK.COM • 74 STATE ROUTE 149, L AKE GEORGE, NY 12845-3501

PO Box 2205 Glens Falls, NY 12801-6205