Bud Wilkinson

Bud Wilkinson is editor and publisher of RIDE-CT. He writes the "My Ride" classic car column for Hearst Connecticut Media Group's newspapers in CT and for the company's CT Insider website and YouTube channel. The weekly feature began in 2016 in the "Republican-American" newspaper in Waterbury, CT. He also wrote the "RIDE-CT" motorcycle column in that newspaper from 2005 until 2025 when motorcycles were folded into My Ride. A graduate of Vermont Academy prep school, he holds a B.A. degree journalism from Ohio Wesleyan University. He is the recipient of a Scripps Howard Foundation National Journalism Award in 1992 and a 1991-92 regional Emmy Award for commentary. He currently rides a 1987 BMW R80RT and a 1996 BMW R850R.

New Contract For Harley-Davidson Workers In Wisconsin

MILWAUKEE – Union workers at Harley-Davidson factories in Wisconsin have approved a new contract offered by the company that includes a 14 percent wage increase over five years. According to a story by Rick Barrett in the “Journal Sentinel” newspaper, the deal also includes “a signing bonus, no changes to …

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“Courant” Throws Book At Bemer Before Judge Rules

HARTFORD – How long motorcycle dealer Bruce J. Bemer will be sentenced to prison for his involvement with a sex ring won’t be known until June when a judge sentences him, but the “Hartford Courant” newspaper stridently threw the book at him in an online editorial posted Thursday. “He deserves …

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Destinations: Museum Of Firefighting

HUDSON, NY – It began with four pieces of apparatus in 1925 and has grown into an impressive, multi-gallery repository filled with approximately 60 retired firefighting vehicles. Not only does the FASNY Museum of Firefighting amaze visitors, it also prompts staffers to reflect on the past. “I can only imagine what …

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CSP Reminds Drivers To Watch For Motorcycles

MIDDLETOWN, CT – With the arrival of spring, the Connecticut State Police are reminding drivers to watch for motorcycles as well as  providing advice for motorcyclists for a safer riding season. In a recent “Tips from Troopers Tuesday” posting on social media, the CSP offered six tips for drivers, beginning …

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Harley-Davidson Workers To Vote On New Contract

MILWAUKEE – Harley-Davidson workers at factories in Wisconsin are expected to vote on a new contract Monday. The existing seven-year contract, which was ratified in 2010 and went into effect in 2012, was scheduled to expire today but was extended for one day. Union employees spent time last week outside …

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It’s The Small Things That Need To Be Appreciated

HARWINTON, CT – Life is full of negativity, annoyances and sometimes outrage. There are keyboard terrorists on social media posting insults (from both ends of the political spectrum), neighbors who leave their outside lights on all night and allow them to rudely shine in nearby windows, and, in summertime, the incessant …

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Demo Rides: When And Where To Try New Bikes

Every riding season the manufacturers load up big rigs with new bikes, visit dealers around the country and allow potential customers to take test rides.  The OEMs are now starting to reveal itineraries for 2019. Here’s what RIDE-CT & RIDE-NewEngland knows so far about demo opportunities in the northeast. This …

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“Hartford Courant” Persists In Helmet Law Support

HARTFORD – For years, the “Hartford Courant” has been pushing for the passage of a universal helmet law in Connecticut, and this year is no different.  Despite the fact a helmet provision was inexplicably removed from H.B. 7140 last week before the bill was voted out of the Transportation Committee, …

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Eats: Bash Bish For Barbeque

(Editor’s note: THIS EATERY HAS CLOSED) SHEFFIELD, MA – Its name comes from the nearby Bash Bish Falls. It has been open for nearly four years, but RIDE-CT & RIDE-NewEngland only heard about Bash Bish Brew & ‘Que recently when a friend discovered it, came away raving about its combo …

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