Northwest Cycle News - Latest Comments

Re: Cease and Desist

Dan Bateman — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 13:24:29 -0000

It's just too bad that life can't peacefully go on. So many of these things are just chest thumping by people. I can see their side but what's the difference in most cases? It's a pain to have to interrupt the flow, isn't it? Maybe the really good news is that you're getting enough attention to make them notice you!

Re: Rider Down - Washington

Shannon — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 03:13:20 -0000

Trevor was my brother... I haven't got photos of him and me on the road posted, but here are a few of mine; likely the catalyst for him to want to ride... :(
http://community.webshots.com/user/plaidbastard

Re: Washington Motorcycle Fatalities Down - WSP Takes Credit

Jason Lewis — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 02:28:15 -0000

The Washington State Patrol is taking credit for something they have nothing to do with. Maybe the Motorcycle Safety Foundation and it's classes could be responsible for the more cautious and responsible riding. Or maybe, just maybe, this year cars are actually looking over their shoulder and not trusting the blind spots in their mirrorsJust because the number of fatalities are down from last year has nothing to do with the way the State Troopers act and treat motorcycle riders. I have been stopped and held multiple times by different state troopers because i resembled a bike that was reported acting aggressively or a group of bikes who were "stunting". I am not saying all motorcycle riders act safe at all times, but I definitely see a change in attitude in all Washington State Patrol Officers when I am on a motorcycle rather than being in my truck. I believe the Troopers have stepped over their boundaries and should remember that not all riders are out on the rode to cause trouble!!!!!

Re: NWCN’s New Look

John Davis — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 18:34:14 -0000

Thanks, Mac. Discussions with Cycle News are on-going. Stay tuned.

Re: NWCN’s New Look

mac — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 18:18:16 -0000

John, most excellent update on your site. Keep up the great work! Don't let the legal guys intimidate you...it's the way of the web these days to keep the little guy down.
-Mac

Re: Cease and Desist

Rob Green — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 01:43:14 -0000

I had the same thing happen a few years back with a Domain name I was using. They were threatening to sue me. I was sub hosting sites under mine and one of my clients was John R. Hickman attorney at law. I too feared the big guy. John told me their position was thin. I told them I would have to move my clients and get their permission and expected the costs to be covered by the company that took issue. That included my fee for doing all the work. When they found out my primary customer was a lawyer they no longer would return my calls. It just went away. My guess is they are bluffing. Search Google for "Cycle News" there are several sites. The two words are very generic specifically the word news.

Re: Cease and Desist

John Davis — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 12:33:35 -0000

The domain name is not for sale.

Re: Cease and Desist

nicholas — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 12:27:57 -0000

How much do you want for the domain name?

Nicholas

Re: Cease and Desist

John Davis — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 10:36:23 -0000

SloRideBob - I like it! It just rolls off the tongue! :)

Re: Cease and Desist

SloRideBob — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 07:44:45 -0000

How about The Great Northwest Motorcycle News and Information Digest or:

TGNWMND.com for short

I betcha thats a combination of letters not thought up by anyone else.

Re: Cease and Desist

John Davis — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 12:19:21 -0000

Clark, thank you for the encouragement. I am not going away and there are definitely options. I have received several excellent suggestions for a new name.

Re: Cease and Desist

Clark — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 12:09:06 -0000

How about NW Motorcycle Digest, or something similar? Cetainly there are options.

Keep up the good work, John.

Re: Cease and Desist

John Davis — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 11:47:19 -0000

Tim, there exists a publication called "Motorcycle News;" so I fear I would run into the same issue. Because I deal in news and other content that is very similar to the major magazines and serve the same audience, albeit regionally, I do have to choose carefully to avoid this issue in the future. The new name needs to not incorporate the name of any existing motorcycle news-related publication. So, "Motorcyclist", "Cycle News", "Motorcycle News", "Rider" are all probably not safe choices to include.

Bob, licensing may be a possibility. I am still waiting for Cycle News to respond to my proposal.

Re: Cease and Desist

Bob Patrick — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 11:36:39 -0000

Another alternative is to see if the "Cycle News" owner will license the use of the phrase in your blog, North West Cycle News. If they want to be nice guys and live in the spirit of biker fraternity, they could easily license the prhase for a niminal fee. $1.00 a year is enough to protect their "Intelletual Property Rights". I agree the other side is reaching deep into the barrel on this one.

SF
BP

Re: Cease and Desist

Tim Watts — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 11:20:52 -0000

Okay, I can see their point. How about Northwest Motorcycle News? Still too close?

Re: Cease and Desist

John Davis — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 10:45:15 -0000

Mike, I appreciate the support. Those with whom I have consulted advise me that Cycle News does indeed have a strong case. They have owned the trademark "Cycle News" in conjunction with newspapers relating to motorcycles, motorcycle activities and races for over 40 years. The commonality of the subject matter and the similarity of the names creates a reasonable possibility of confusion and that is enough for the trademark holder to be obligated to defend their mark.

As one of my readers put it, "How would you feel if someone started a motorcycle site and newsletter called Pacific Northwest Cycle News?" I would not be happy and would likely challenge that publication. Cycle News is doing the same.

Re: Cease and Desist

Mike Werner — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 04:05:29 -0000

I don't think they have a strong case. These are two very common names, plus Cycle is in the English dictionary a bicycle, so they wrong there.

They're trying to scare you into letting go since they know that most people will want to settle, not go to court due to cost. If I were you, I'd have a chat with a lawyer, see what the options are legally.

Alternatively, we (MBI) can make a case out of it, and play it on the internet. Togetehr we represent millions of readers...

Re: A Road Story - Part 1

Rob — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 20:01:45 -0000

I have found that a road trip or two a year be it short or long is very therapeutic. It gives one time to relax and enjoy the open road and all it has to offer. Meet new people and see new places. Anyone who has not done so, I highly recommend it. You and your bike become one and the asphalt beneath becomes your conduit to pure bliss. :-)

Rob
Owner/Editor
www.RobsNet.com

Re: July Events

Bart mann — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 00:12:02 -0000

WIRED ENERGY DRINKS and THE NAPAVINE AMPHITHEATER

Proudly Present

A Benefit For The Down Rider Foundation

Starring

HELL'S BELLES

FOR THOSE ABOUT TO ROCK WE SALUTE YOU!

With Special Guests

OUT OF ORDER

ALL AGES SHOW

Friday July 18, 2008

Gates Blow Open 7 PM

ONSALE NOW

Napavine Amphitheater

207 W.

Washington

Napavine, WA 98565

www. thenapavineamphitheater. com

Tickets: $15.

00 adv , GA plus applicable service fees

Tickets are available through any TicketsWest location.

To charge by telephone, call (800) 325-SEAT or (800) 992-8499

Order online at www. ticketswest. com

Available at all Thorbecks Fitness Locations

SIGHT AND SOUND Centralia, (360) 736-0153

SWEENEY'S ACE HARDWARE Napavine, (360) 266-1112

AAG INSURANCE Chehalis WA 360-748-8855

BLACK PEARL TATOO Centralia WA 360-736-2003

THE MUSIC STAND Tumwater, (360) 528-3944

Portions Of This Events Proceeds Benefit The Down Rider Foundation.

UPDATED- JULY 6, 2008- The Down Rider Foundation additionally announced even more weekend activities timed with the existing benefit and the annual all weekend Napavine Fun Festival, a newly established poker run to be coordinated by ABATE OF LEWIS COUNTY to be held the following morning Saturday July 19 with registration beginning at 9am and first bike out at 10am at the new Restaurant and Lounge "THE KICKSTAND" located minutes from downtown Napavine at Exit 71 on I-5. The Down Rider Foundation poker run will feature a pre designed route throughout several Lewis County communities, lots of games and giveaways and wind-up back at THE KICKSTAND in the afternoon around 3pm where riders and the general public will celebrate the "End Of The Ride Party" the event will feature vendors and displays and the Hot Bod and Bikes calender search. A Live radio remote and a ton of other goodies.
More info and donation information can be found for motorcyclist's by clicking www. downrider. org special thanks go to the Chehalis Inn who promptly offered a discount to visitors and riders, the discount is available by promotion code "downrider" at www. chehalisinn. com or by calling 360-740-5339.

POKER RUN INFO Terry 360-790-0937

July, 2008--(Seattle, WA) The Napavine Amphitheater and WIRED ENERGY DRINKS proudly announced today HELL'S BELLES joins the 2008 summer line up. This Celebration also serves as a benefit for the "Down Rider Foundation" .World-famous and ready to rock, HELL'S BELLES is the premier all-female AC/DC tribute act, blowing all comers away. Playing ALL AC/DC, ALL the time, ALL over the globe, spanning all the pure rock brilliance of AC/DC's career (from "High Voltage" to "Back in Black" and beyond), HELL'S BELLES do justice to the Aussie legends with patented HELL'S BELLES devotion, precision and fury. Endorsed by Angus Young, himself (Blender Magazine, 2003), HELL'S BELLES are the closest one can get without actually moving to Australia and joining AC/DC's road crew.

ABOUT HELL'S BELLES:
HELL'S BELLES formed in 2000, the brainchild of former member, Amy Stozenbach (guitar), alongside former member, Om Johari (vocals). The current 2008 line-up features original member Mandy Reed, rock ready and solid as Cliff Williams (bass guitar), Adrian Conner, dreadlock slinger and wicked player as Angus Young (lead guitar), Lisa Brisbois, sly and subtly intense as Malcolm Young (rhythm guitar), Melodie Zapata, heavy hitter as Phil Rudd (drums), and finally, grabbing both Bon Scott and Brian Johnson by the balls, confident and exuberant, the "New, Hot Belle," Jamie Nova (lead vocals).

The shows HELL'S BELLES have played around the world have already become legendary nights of epic proportions. Sold out, sexed up, and starving for a little dynamite – there's not a HELL'S BELLES audience that hasn't been blown away by the raw power and undeniable appeal these bad ass chicks dish out. From "Live Wire" to "She's Got the Jack," and "Back in Black" to "TNT," it's an all-out rock-n-roll assault that will leave you begging for more.
Who knew that so much fun could rock so hard? We'll see you there with rockhorns! www. hellsbelles. info

ABOUT DOWN RIDER FOUNDATION:
"When Your Down, We'll Help You Up!" The Down Rider Foundation is a non-profit organization formed and driven by members who believe that the camaraderie and fraternity of the motorcycle community compels us to take care of our own, whenever possible, because we recognize that someday the next person who needs help could very well be ourselves.

Re: The Lifestyle Question

John — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 12:06:00 -0000

Yeah see it all the time. Kinda makes you want to laugh. Its amazing how many people do this. But at least its only a couple months a year. They wouldn't dare be out in the wet and cold.

Re: Target Zero?

Konrad Haskins — Sun, 13 Jul 2008 00:14:47 -0000

While two wheel training (which I have done twice in the last 5 years) is easy to find. Washington has dropped the ball on three wheel training. There are not enough classes and the state is to blame. The state limits the number of classes that can be offered.

Re: NWCN’s New Look

John Davis — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 13:28:31 -0000

Thanks for the feedback guys.

Iso, I darkened up the green a bit; hopefully a little easier on the eyes.

Re: NWCN’s New Look

Mike Werner — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 12:21:39 -0000

Nice, very nice. Clean, easy on the eyes.

Re: New Pennsylvania Study Shows Fatality Increase After Helmet Law Repeal

Captain Obvious — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 12:10:35 -0000

Well, if you "choose" to put a million or 2 $ in costs on us,
in hospital / nursing-home costs,
and you "choose" to not pay taxes for the rest of your life,
then I think we should have the right to "choose" to simply not bother offering first-aid,
let alone ambulance or hospital services,
to anyone who isn't helmetted:

The *increase* in costs per non-helmetted rider is significant,
and if you pay that increase in advance ( and show that you have, perhaps a special license-plate ),
then fine,
but if you don't,
the What Give You The Right To Put Those Costs On Us?

Choose, but pay for your choice,
or get off the planet.

Same as other kinds of "choice"s.

Drive drunk?
get locked away. Period.
( should be put to work, to pay for the prison, too. )

No seat belt?
If you get thrown through the windshield ( a friend of mine did it ),
why should we pay for you to have 24h care for the next decades?
( including a breathing-machine, due to the broken neck )

No sympathy for Deliberate Ignorance, aka Won't Know, is "deserved"...

( equally, if someone pretends they "didn't see" the motorcycle they hit,
remove their license for life -- no driving with your brain shut off.
You drive, you're responsible. Across the board. )

Cheers.

Re: NWCN’s New Look

Iso — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 10:18:46 -0000

Like the new look John. Cleaner. The green text on white background is a bit hard on my old eyes.