Tag Archives: Motorcycle Ride

Thank You, Independence Riders

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Thank you to the more than 100 individuals who joined us Aug. 30 for the second annual Latham Freedom of Independence Ride! If only we could ride our bikes every Monday and call it “work”!The ride kicked off at Jack Trice Stadium, where Iowa State University Head Football Coach Paul Rhoads gave a rally speech and ISU’s mascot, Cy, roamed the crowd taking photos. (I must admit, he didn’t have to try too hard to get me to pose with him.) After a tailgate lunch in Tent Row, there was a shot-gun start for all riders.The Independence Ride included stops at three showcase plots, where riders learned about technologies including LibertyLink® corn and soybean products, Agrisure® Viptera 3111, and the Genuity® family of traits including Genuity SmartStaxTM corn hybrids and Genuity Roundup Ready 2 Yield® Soybeans. The fourth stop was a tour of the new Fareway Distribution Center where riders saw how new technology has increased the speed and efficiency at which the Boone-based grocer gets its products from the warehouse shelves to the delivery trucks.

At the end of the ride, everyone was treated to a a delicious hog roast at the Boone Country Fairgrounds. Cool prizes like customized motorcycle helmets donated by Agrisure and a Harley-Davidson grill donated by Zylstra H-D were awarded to some lucky riders. Following dinner, world record-holding motorcyclist Bubba Blackwell and his protégé, Chris Rayburn, fired up the crowd with some heart-stopping stunts. (Really, my heart nearly did stop when Rayburn sat on his handlebars and stood on his bike seat while popping a wheelie – we’ll share some video later this week). By the way, taking a picture with two motorcycle daredevils is as close as I’ll ever get to performing a stunt myself!

Thanks again to the many individuals who joined us last Monday on the 2nd Annual Latham Freedom of Independence Ride around central Iowa! We were reminded yet again of what great company we’re in when we’re surrounded by our customers, dealers and associates! We’re already planning next year’s ride, so check our blog and Facebook to be among the first to know when new details become available!

Thanks again, Independence Riders! We hope you’ll join us next year, too!

Calling all Fat Boys

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We’re looking for a few Fat Boys and Knuckleheads…

Softails, Dynas, Sportsters and Gold Wings are welcome, too. Regardless of what make or model you prefer to ride, you’re welcome at the 2nd Annual Latham Freedom of Independence Ride. One lucky participant will win this Harley Freedom Ride helmet.

This landmark event will begin in Ames, Iowa, on Monday, Aug. 30. Pre-registration is required, so sign up today at http://www.lathamseeds.com/intro-freedom-ride.cfm. More information is available on our Website. Also be sure to check out our new radio spots, which begin airing today on 1040 WHO Radio.

Latham Freedom of Independence Ride

Latham Field Day 2010

2010 Motorcycle Diaries, Part II

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“The experience starts here” is written on the doors of Silver Eagle Harley, and “the experience” is what differentiates the Rider’s Edge® New Rider Course from other courses offered.

One of my favorite parts of this course was time spent journaling in my Rider’s Edge Roadbook—which is probably no surprise given that writing is one of my passions. But, I truly believe this interactive activity added to each student’s overall course experience. We were asked to reflect on our thoughts and goals and to “chart the course of your learning as well as celebrate your accomplishments.”

A few of my reflections during the second night of class, after touring each department in the dealership, include: Dealers support the sport of motorcycling by ensuring a rider is properly outfitted and is riding a bike that fits the person. Take some test rides. Don’t succumb to peer pressure; each person will offer his/her own opinion of what bike you should ride. Buy what feels best to you. There is a misconception that a Sportster is the best bike for a beginner. I had my photo taken on a blue Softail Rocker because I loved the color, but I know that color alone is not reason enough to buy one.

The Roadbook also includes a place to write down milestones, and I was determined that “passing the driving test with flying colors” was going in mine on Sunday! Other milestones to note include:

  • Rode around my neighborhood
  • Rode outside my neighborhood
  • Picked a mentor or riding guide
  • 1st solo ride
  • 1st group ride
  • Subscribed to an online motorcycling community
  • Took and Experienced RiderCourseTM
  • Took a vacation on a motorcycle

Each of these events includes a blank next to it to write in the date when you have met this milestone. While my Roadbook is full of blanks now, I’m hopeful a few dates entered by this time next year.

My 12-Month Goals include:

  1. Buy my own bike;
  2. Take a Skilled Rider Course; and
  3. Ride in the 2011 Latham Freedom of Independence Ride.

Before I can look too far ahead to the 2011 Independence Ride, I need to turn my attention to the 2010 ride on Aug. 30. One of the first details I need to tend to is getting riders registered!

The 2010 Latham Freedom of IndependenceTM Ride offers a great chance to “experience” the Latham® Hi-Tech Seeds difference. Riders will have a first-hand opportunity to see the exciting new traits and technologies available in our new product lineup. There will be four seed technology showcases along the 100-mile route from Ames to Boone. Where else can you ride our motorcycle on a Monday and call it work? Click here for more information on the Freedom Ride. Pre-registration is required, so sign up today at http://www.lathamseeds.com/2010-freedom-form.cfm.