By Bud Wilkinson of RIDE-CT.com Yes, the Great Recession caused motorcycle manufacturers to cut back on bringing out new models for 2010, but next year looks to be better for riders looking for some entirely new rides. Ducati’s Diavel sport cruiser is one bike that loads of motorcyclists are certainly looking forward …

Bud Wilkinson of RIDE-CT.com Unions at many large manufacturers, including Harkey-Davidson, have been yielding on two-tier wage scales demanded by companies. One union leader calls it “a surrender for labor.” “The New York Times” has the story here.

By Bud Wilkinson of RIDE-Ct.com Connecticut is in the crosshairs, along with 30 other states, as the National Transportation Safety Board mounts another effort to make wearing a helmet when riding mandatory across the United States. Currently, only 20 states and the District of Columbia have universal helmet laws. At a press conference …

Longtime print and broadcast journalist Bud Wilkinson is a native of Harwinton, CT. He is a graduate of Vermont Academy in Saxtons Rivers, VT and Ohio Wesleyan University in Delaware, OH where he earned a B.A. in journalism. Early in his career he was a reporter and TV/Radio Writer for “The Columbus …

Bob Rosen spent seven years as general manager of Cliff’s Cycle Revolution, a BMW-Ducati-Indian dealer in Brookfield, CT, and now owns Practical Business Solutions. He consults dealers as a start-up expert and sales accelerator. His column is devoted to bridging the gap between customers and dealers. Since beginning his riding history …

New England and eastern New York have loads of  museums and other businesses devoted to motorcycles and riders. Here’s a partial list of the attractions and shops:

It may be the same wind for all riders, but there is such a thing as brand and model loyalty and like-minded riders sometimes like to stick together. Here are some motorcycle clubs and forums devoted to specific brands and models:

SOUTHFIELD, MA – If delicious pastry attracts you, The Southfield Store on Route 272 will certainly hit the spot. With a counter covered with confections, it’s impossible to eat

There are hundreds of motorcycle dealers in New England and New York. Here’s a list of where to find a bike in your state:

COLD SPRING, NY – Built in 1884 as a passenger and freight terminal, the motorcycle-friendly Cold Spring Depot was an active station until 1954 and has been an eatery since 1972. In-between it was a car dealership and repair shop. If you dine outdoors on the patio, you can expect to …

(Update: Big W’s closed its doors on May 16, 2021.) WINGDALE, NY – The next time you feel like “pigging out” while out on a ride, check out Big W’s Roadside Bar-B-Q, 1475 Route 22. The restaurant’s proprietor and namesake Warren Norstein has been in the ribs business since 2003. Back …

POMFRET, CT – Opened in 1989 as a small eatery with a simple food menu and ice cream, “The Bean” has been expanding ever since. The menu is extensive – from eggs benedict for breakfast to

FALLS VILLAGE, CT – This is the “official hangout” of RIDE-CT.com / Ride-NewEngland.com. Owners Greg and Annie Bidou gave up the corporate life and commuting daily to New York City by  train in 2001 and opened the cafe in 2002. They now serve up English banger platters, sweet potato waffles and …

New York native and Waterbury-area resident Steve Smith is a nationally-certified Motorcycle Safety Foundation rider coach and an instructor with the Connecticut Rider Education Program. He has two decades of motorcycle safety experience and during that time has provided training to thousands of beginner and experienced riders. Smith is a graduate of …

How to contact RIDE-CT & Ride-NewEngland: