Let’s see, what’s been going on with old Crusty these days? Hhmm lots of things have been happening. Some good, some great, some shitty. I guess that’s just how life is these days. Overall my life is pretty damn good. Even if business continues to be a challenge, having a GREAT personal life (and a very sexy woman) to draw strength from, helps a man get through just about anything.
Business in the motorcycle industry was better this Summer then the year before, however this Fall it dropped off dramatically. My industry reps have told me that it was the case with everyone in my area. I think New England is still suffering badly and it will be some time before the local economy starts to improve.
I know of several shops that have closed up around me. You might think I would be happy to have less competition, however it is not a good thing to have fewer choices for consumers. That is why it is so important to do as much business with your local shops and not give your money to those giant mail order houses. Those operations are very much hurting the local Mom & Pop motorcycle shops that have been the backbone of the industry for generations.
The future Mrs Crusty has convinced me to take a much needed vacation. Something that I have not done in a long time is take a vacation. Maybe it’s just hard letting go control or maybe I’m just not used to allowing myself to have fun. When I have had to maintain control when all around me seems to be in a state of craziness, I just never seem to let my guard down. Even when business is bad, you can’t let this downturn eat yourself alive. What good is saving every penny, if the life your left to enjoy is empty?
My rides this Fall have been GREAT! Fall is the BEST time of the year around here for riding. Most of the panzi ass posers have put their bikes away. I can ride and not be bothered as much by them. The only problem with Fall riding is the season goes by SO fast! We turn the clocks back an hour this weekend. I HATE that...why don’t they just leave the damn time alone! I mean seriously....what good does it really do?
Crusty
6 comments:
Fall is the best time to ride no matter where you live. I took ten nights off at the beginning of October and had the best vacation ever. This was also the longest one I'd ever had as well. Once again I must agree with you Crusty.
Lead on Brother,
Ronman
Crusty:
I agree with you about supporting your local dealer. That's where I buy my parts.
I also agree with you assessment of DST. It does no good for me either. I would rather have light at the end of the day, instead of in the morning. It would be more useful.
Go ahead and take a break. you need to recharge your batteries sometime
bob
bobskoot: wet coast scootin
"...having a GREAT personal life (and a very sexy woman) to draw strength from, helps a man get through just about anything."
Oh surrre, go on 'n brag about it all ya want...while us poor pitiful single slobs sit at home all by our lonesome, wishin' that we too could have a GREAT personal life just like that guy they call Crusty the Biker does.
And here I've been thinkin' all along that you were just as miserable as *I* am....and that yer misery loved my company.
Oh well, there goes THAT idea :-( dammit!
Crusty,
I'm glad you're surviving on all fronts and even prospering on one or two. I just hope you don't get too happy and go all soft on us. We'll have to rename you Squishy instead of Crusty if that happens.
Some local dealers I know are doing ok, getting by, because they are focused on every possible/probable new or different way to tweak, run, cajole, and build their businesses. The guys who are trying to do what they always did are dieing. Survival of the fittest. I'd bet on you as survivor and winner.
Doug
Amen to the fall riding. Had a great run last Sunday and looking forward to getting out again this coming weekend. I have yet to use my heated grips.
I also hate to see the little guy close up. My local indie who's been doing my wrenching for the last two years just closed up and I was sad to see it. Thankfully I have other alternatives. I refuse to take my bike to the dealer and pay guys who should know what they're doing but don't over-inflated labor rates.
Crusty you are so right about the rather fair weather riders. On days near or below freezing, I see no other bike. This past weekend we had temps in the low 70sF and the street were filled with 'em. I went from feeling abandoned weeks ago, to feeling overwhelmed by the crowd.
Your future Mrs. Crusty sounds like a wise and needed soulmate! Even you, need a vacation now and again!
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