Well, it's only 5:30 am here and it has already been an interesting day!
I have been reading and sifting through the news feeds like I always do - the feeds are great and would automate my job a bit and take some work off my plate but then we'd end up with mountain bike news mixed in with our motorcycle news!
Any hooo...
I came across a couple of very interesting tid bits...
It appears that manufacturers are picking their trade shows to attend VERY carefully.
Spending money is NOT high on the agenda in Europe anyway.
I find it interesting how Honda's employee woes in India seem to be plaguing them and that they seem to be opting out of a lot of trade shows.
Even Harley and Yamaha have opted out of some!
Harley will not be at the UK's show in Birmingham that opens today and again, neither will Honda.
Manufacturers are figuring it out that DEMO rides are a great way to get people on their bikes.
To quote David Neely "Some makers find that it’s more productive in real sales terms to send a lorry carrying a full demo fleet to different dealers around the country than being at the international shows. They also argue that the cost of taking part in the big shows is becoming prohibitive"
Well, the story here in Canada is not much better right now. Show organizers are having a heck of a time selling out their shows. No one wants to spend the kind of money that the shows cost. By the time the average exhibitor pays $12 - 1300 for a 10 x 10 booth, pays for parking, meals, fuel and hotels - one show can cost in excess of $2,500 to attend and that does not include costs for extra staff or closing down their store for the event...
It is hugely, wildly expensive to go to the shows! Some shows are doing well though
The show in Sidney Australia has 22% less spectators but the quality of those who attended - and by that I mean their interest level..was up according to the exhibitors.
Show season here in Canada is kicking off with the Toronto MMIC show on the 11th of December. I along with many others are intrigued by what the outcome will be.
Petrified on some levels but definitely intrigued.
I read an article on a gal named Olga Kevelos who passed away at age 85.
She was considered by many to be the Lady Motorcyclists of the UK!
"In 1949 Olga Kevelos went on to win the first of her two gold medals, riding a 500cc Norton in the International Six-Day Trials in Wales. She was to ride with varying degrees of success in every Scottish six-day trial until she finally retired from the sport in 1970, and in every International Six-Day Trial until 1966. During that time, she won the backing of almost every major British motorcycle manufacturer, and the Italian and Czech manufacturers Parilla and Jawa/CZ respectively"
Godspeed Olga - I may never have met you but I find your story to be so inspiring!
In more local news, I ask you all to say some prayers for a few of my friends.
I have been reading and sifting through the news feeds like I always do - the feeds are great and would automate my job a bit and take some work off my plate but then we'd end up with mountain bike news mixed in with our motorcycle news!
Any hooo...
I came across a couple of very interesting tid bits...
It appears that manufacturers are picking their trade shows to attend VERY carefully.
Spending money is NOT high on the agenda in Europe anyway.
I find it interesting how Honda's employee woes in India seem to be plaguing them and that they seem to be opting out of a lot of trade shows.
Even Harley and Yamaha have opted out of some!
Harley will not be at the UK's show in Birmingham that opens today and again, neither will Honda.
Manufacturers are figuring it out that DEMO rides are a great way to get people on their bikes.
To quote David Neely "Some makers find that it’s more productive in real sales terms to send a lorry carrying a full demo fleet to different dealers around the country than being at the international shows. They also argue that the cost of taking part in the big shows is becoming prohibitive"
Well, the story here in Canada is not much better right now. Show organizers are having a heck of a time selling out their shows. No one wants to spend the kind of money that the shows cost. By the time the average exhibitor pays $12 - 1300 for a 10 x 10 booth, pays for parking, meals, fuel and hotels - one show can cost in excess of $2,500 to attend and that does not include costs for extra staff or closing down their store for the event...
It is hugely, wildly expensive to go to the shows! Some shows are doing well though
The show in Sidney Australia has 22% less spectators but the quality of those who attended - and by that I mean their interest level..was up according to the exhibitors.
Show season here in Canada is kicking off with the Toronto MMIC show on the 11th of December. I along with many others are intrigued by what the outcome will be.
Petrified on some levels but definitely intrigued.
I read an article on a gal named Olga Kevelos who passed away at age 85.
She was considered by many to be the Lady Motorcyclists of the UK!
"In 1949 Olga Kevelos went on to win the first of her two gold medals, riding a 500cc Norton in the International Six-Day Trials in Wales. She was to ride with varying degrees of success in every Scottish six-day trial until she finally retired from the sport in 1970, and in every International Six-Day Trial until 1966. During that time, she won the backing of almost every major British motorcycle manufacturer, and the Italian and Czech manufacturers Parilla and Jawa/CZ respectively"
Godspeed Olga - I may never have met you but I find your story to be so inspiring!
In more local news, I ask you all to say some prayers for a few of my friends.
Ray Sproulle from Lloydminster is married to his life long sweetheart - today they celebrate 33 years of marriage. It was discovered last week during an emergency bypass that Ray's wife has lung cancer...please say a few prayers for them.
My friend Susan Sneekes has also just been diagnosed with cancer and a group of friends are trying to raise enough money to send her and her hubby to Daytona for the Nascar season opener - Susan is a HUGE NASCAR Nut. I do not have much, but I am going to figure out something to supply as an auction item or whatever...Here is the link to the Facebook Group doing the fund raising. http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/group.php?gid=198833593752&ref=mf
I of all people know how rough it is out there. I am asking you to help out however you can...help Susan live a lifelong dream...pray for Ray's wife and Please - just be grateful for this moment, this day and the people you love and cherish because this moment is all we truly have.
I love you all and hope you have a wonderful and fulfilling day!
Belt Drive Betty
National VP - A.I.M. Can
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