Honoring Our Disabled Vets

Last Saturday, October 24th was Disabled American Vets Day here at Laidlaw’s Harley-Davidson. Our local chapter set us up with Harley’s Heroes, who were here with the DAV (Disabled American Vets) mobile service van.

Veterans of all ages and wars were lined up early to have the opportunity to get their benefit issues cleared up, and make sure they were being taken care of. After serving 60 Vets (20 more than the average DAV event), the mobile unit headed out.

Ron Hansel of the local DAV chapter was here BBQ’ing with his family all day, and the burgers were excellent. Thanks to Ron for all his hard work in setting up the event.

Had it not been for some bad weather timing, I’m sure we would have had even more Vets to service. Laidlaw’s was proud to host our Vets and look forward to seeing them again next year.

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To learn more about Harley's Heroes dedicated to supporting our vets;

Check out the history here.

Find out when Harley's Heroes will be near you.

Donations are always appreciated!

Cops For Tots Celebrates 15 Years of Charity

I have been attending the “Cops For Tots” events since I was youth, and I must say the last couple of years have been the best ever. The 2010 LAPD Cops For Tots event was held this past Sunday at the Los Angeles Police Academy.

The 2010 Car Show was second to none.

With what appeared to be at least 500 cars jamming the lower parking lots at the academy, the line was busy early. As a vendor we were asked to be there by 5AM, and there was already a steady line of cars for the show. The registration tent was busy early, and by 8AM it was a packed house. This year’s rendition included some awesome kid’s entertainment free of charge. Kids, and adults alike, were all invited to get their faces painted, carve a Halloween pumpkin, and create their own art.

All of which were completely FREE.

The officers running the show are well organized, everything is conveniently mapped out, and best of all, the event is totally free to attend. Short of buying a cool soda, hot dog, or nachos; there was plenty to keep the family entertained. With so many cool cars, and nostalgic police vehicles to check out, there was no shortage of fun.

Manny, Moe, and Jack from Pep Boys were roaming around, and so were other celebrities that come out to lend their support. The winners were awarded their trophies, and the crowd subsided, but one thing was left clear; The LAPD Cops For Tots event was a resounding success and anyone who missed this years should mark their calendars for next year’s.

As one of the last totally free events in So Cal, Cops For Tots is the whole package for a Sunday of fun with the family.

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More about Cops For Tots!

Over the past fifteen years, the Central Traffic Division of the Los Angeles Police Department has been proud to organize the annual COPS for TOTS Car Show. Since its inception in 1996, the proceeds from this show have benefited the Bone Marrow Transplant Unit of the Los Angeles Children's Hospital. As our show grew larger and our proceeds increased, we expanded the number of children's charities that share in the success of our show. The COPS for TOTS Car Show became a valued tradition for organizers and participants alike. The shows have resulted in very successful days of family fun for a good cause. The first 500 pre-registered vehicles have guaranteed spots. All vehicles must be in place by 9:00 AM to be judged. Over 50 trophies will be awarded! Central Traffic Division would appreciate your participation in this charitable event in any way possible. If you need additional information please contact Officer Robert Cosner at (213) 236-9254 or e-mail us at lapdcops4tots@hotmail.com. Thank you in advance for your support of our efforts to assist the children in the BMT Unit.

Bob Laidlaw 1911 Harley-Drag Race

On October 14th 2010 Bob Laidlaw was challenged to a drag race, his 1911 Harley-Davidson VS a 1911 Pierce Motorbike. Both bikes are single cylinder and belt driven. There was plenty of trash talk going on as the event drew nearer. Bob even put air plane fuel in his bike to give it a little extra spunk. In the end Bob was victorious by a large margin due to some difficulties on the Pierce half way down the track. I think the drivers got more horsepower from peddling these bikes then from their engines. In the end Bob had a top speed of 31 MPH and had a 24 second time. The turn out was great and everyone had a great time.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month at Laidlaws

This month is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and here at Laidlaw's we are supporting this cause most notably with a portion of the proceeds of the sale of Pink Label items going towards Breast Cancer Network of Strength. Though there has been a statistical decline in the incidence of the disease, there is still the 1 in 8 chance one is personally affected or knows someone.

This year my mom decided to tell me about her breast cancer. She was trying to save me the pain of worry without realizing that early detection is one of the keys to recovery of the disease. Fortunately it was still very early, she had a mastectomy, and her biopsy was negative. She is due for her mammogram and hopefully things will go well.

You can help. One of our tech's mother, Sharon Brown, and a friend of the dealership (along with two other teammates) is participating in a 3 day walk. Check out www.the3day.org . From the home page click on "Donate to a participant" on the right side, search for a team, and sponsor "Cheryl's Dream Team". Help them meet their goal. Show your support because you never know when and you might be touched

2010 Ride for Autism

2010 Ride for Autism

Most have heard of the Ride for Autism here in LA, but many have not. This year’s Ride For Autism is scheduled for August 7th, and will once again begin @ Laidlaw’s Harley-Davidson. Grand Marshall Dean McDermott will be on hand to lead an expected 1000 riders on a new route to Original Mike’s in Santa Ana, Ca. With the departure of the Love Ride and California Bike Week, the Ride For Autism is anxious to become one of the largest rides in Southern California. But we need everyone’s help. With so many newly diagnosed cases of Autism spectrum disorders every day, month, and year; now is the time to get involved and help researchers and treatment specialists to meet the ever growing demand. Chances are you know someone or a family that has been affected by Autism. We need your support. So whether you ride or not, Harley-Davidson or Honda,
this summer make plans to be a part of this historic and hopefully record breaking ride.
Last summer saw 625 riders and supporters all participate, this year, the goal is 1000.

For more information please visit www.rideforautism.org

April is check your helmet month.

April is “Check Your Helmet Month” and you need to be aware that anytime your helmet has been dropped or suffered an impact of any kind, it is no longer considered D.O.T approved and should be replaced. Also, if your helmet is three to five years in age, you should also start looking into purchasing a new one. The fibers in the helmet start to break apart over time and even though this is not apparent to the eye, this poses as a major safety risk. Get ready for this riding season and come check out a new helmet!

Here are some tips to finding the perfect helmet.

The Legend of the Gremlin Bell

In searching the internet I found:
“Legend has it that a small bell attached to your motorcycle, close to the ground, catches the Evil Road Spirits. The little gremlins live on your motorcycle causing all kinds of mechanical problems. The cavity of the bell attracts these evil spirits, but the constant ringing drives them insane and they lose their grip and fall to the ground.”

I thought about this when asked/told that I should have one. This led me to the superstitions we as riders have. Mine is that I carry my dad’s dog tags from WWII with me as I ride because since I have a few years back I haven’t had an accident on my bike. I realize it is a superstition, and though my dad’s dogtags have immense personal meaning to me, I know in the end it has nothing to do with my not having an accident. As we get older, we ride differently…in my case more cautiously. And then I’m reminded by my Service Manager Keith that checking my bike before I ride helps limit the possibilities of potential problems. As the sun shines and the weather gets better, Keith suggests that it never hurts to do the following:

1. Verify you have fuel.
2. Check and adjust mirrors if necessary.
3. Check your oil.
4. Check operational control of:
a. Front and rear brakes.
b. Throttle.
c. Clutch and shifter.
5. Check steering operation.
6. Check tire condition and pressures.
7. Check electrical operations of:
a. Headlamp.
b. Tail lamp.
c. Turn signals.
d. Horn.
8. Check for leaks:
a. Fuel.
b. Oil.
c. Brakes.
9. Check belt for wear or damage.
10. Service your bike as necessary.

I still am a bit superstitious, and I will still continue to carry those dogtags, but I do fill just a little bit safer in checking my bike before I ride.

What do you do or better yet, what is your superstition to make you feel a little bit safer?