“Born to be wild – on a rental budget - Globe and Mail” plus 3 more

Born to be wild – on a rental budget - Globe and Mail
BLOTTER: Police reports published Aug. 25 - Lockport Union-Sun
Local business man killed in Alabama ATV accident - NW Florida Daily News
Priscilla M. Lu, Ph.D. to Chair Electric Vehicle Pioneer ZAP Board - Market Wire

Born to be wild – on a rental budget - Globe and Mail

Posted: 27 Aug 2009 12:07 AM PDT

It's been a summer of discontent for motorcycle enthusiasts.

Economic uncertainly has seen many put off buying a new bike and provoked others to put their ride up for sale.

New motorcycle sales were down 22 per cent in June this year from June, 2008, according to the Motorcycle & Moped Industry Council. AutoTrader, the used-vehicle bible, has seen an increase of more than 36 per cent in private ads selling motorcycles so far this year compared with the same period last year.

But two-wheeled adventures need not end, even if an oil-stained spot in the garage is all that remains of your preferred ride, or it's still parked in the glossy brochure beside your bed.

For an hour, a day or longer, there are several places that will rent you your dream bike, or something like it, often with the required gear, expert instruction and the perfect terrain included.

With weather restricting the riding season to six months, the increasing price of insurance and frugality newly in fashion, the following range of rental options make owning two wheels almost obsolete.

For those putting off purchases, renting offers plenty of options to enjoy your dream ride.

Dirt

Trail Tours

Location: Ganaraska Forest, 20 minutes south of Peterborough, Ont., about an hour east of Toronto

Services: Trail riding and instruction for total beginners or experts on dirt bikes and ATVs, including all the necessary riding gear and lunch. No licence required. Riders are grouped by ability and guided through the forest by experienced and patient instructors. Although the staff lead the way, you're in charge. If you want to bomb tight single track, or learn how to tackle a steep sandy hill climb, just tell them and they'll take you there. If you'd rather meander leisurely through the forest enjoying the scenery, they'll make it happen. All ages are welcome, but children should be tall enough to mount a Honda CRF80. Bikes and gear are also available for some organized group rides off-site, such as the annual two-day Calabogie Boogie. The season ends Oct. 31. Trials riding (obstacle course riding) is also available, including indoor winter trials for those who can't get through February without their two-wheeled fix.

Bikes: Honda CRF80F, CRF100F, CRF150 CRF230F, XR250R, CRF250X, CRF450X, plus ATVs. An associated company has niche trail bikes from KTM and Husqvarna and trials bikes from Gas Gas, Sherco and Montesa.

Terrain: Hundreds of kilometres of dirt, rock and sandy trails including forest roads, double track and tight single track in the 11,000-acre Ganaraska Forest. Highlights include a cold, spring-fed creek that's clean enough to drink from. Two small, flat circular tracks are used for learning, practice and obstacle exercises.

Prices: From $225.

Contact: trailtour.com, 1-877-939-5267

Horseshoe Riding Adventures

Location: Horseshoe Valley Resort, about 30 minutes north of Barrie, Ont., and 90 minutes north of Toronto.

Services: You may have seen this outfit at motorcycle shows and races, suiting little tykes up like motocrossers and showing them how to ride knee-high Yamahas. At Horseshoe, they do the same for adults on full-size off-road bikes and ATVs with all the necessary gear, whether you're a complete beginner, somewhat experienced or an expert rider. Instructors tailor the experience to your wishes.

No licence is required, but for those with at least M2 certification, there are road-legal, trail ready dual-sport bikes available.

Ride late into November, until the snow comes, when they switch to snowmobiles.

Bikes: Yamaha PW50, 80; TTR50, 110, 125, 230, 250; XT225, 250; WR250F, 250R, 250X; plus ATVs and snowmobiles.

Terrain: Hundreds of kilometres of double and single track in the Simcoe Forest and beyond, plus a flat oval track for practice and a small motorcross-style track with a few jumps for thrill seekers.

Prices: Half days start at $150, full days at $225, kids can go for as little as 30 minutes for $40.

Contact: cmts.org, 705-835-2790 ext. 1288

Gopher Dunes

Location: Courtland, Ont., 30 minutes south of Woodstock, about two hours west of Toronto.

Services: Most clients bring their own bikes and ATVs to ride the motocross tracks, but Gopher Dunes also has riding gear and a fleet of entry-level bikes and ATVs available by the hour for riders of all ages, whether you're just learning to ride a bike, or want to learn how to one-time the triple jump. No licence required. An instructor will put you through the paces for the first hour, but once you have the hang of it you can roam the property on your own. More advanced instruction for would-be motocrossers is also available.

Bikes: Suzuki DR-Z70, 110, 125, plus ATVs

Terrain: The main motocross track is a sandy, rutted wild ride, home to this year's Motocross Nationals and considered one of the most challenging in the country. For those still getting the hang of it, there's a pee-wee track with less intimidating jumps, and a flatter track for learning. There are also three double-track loop trails in the woods totalling 20-some kilometres, easy enough for beginners, but twisty enough to thrill any rider.

Prices: $30-$45/hour

Contact: www.gopherdunes.com, 519-842-2781

Motopark

Location: Chatsworth, Ont., about 15 minutes south of Owen Sound, two hours north of Toronto

Services: One of the oldest motocross tracks in the country, it mostly attracts people with their own rides. But if you show up with nothing but your wallet, they'll rustle up a bike and some gear and show you the ropes. Best to call ahead to inquire what bikes are available and let them know what gear you'll need and what level of instruction you seek, from just the basics to competition-level coaching. If you show you can handle the bike, they'll let you loose on the grounds. Don't be surprised, however, if the manager's seven-year-old daughter (named Metzeler, after the popular tire) rides circles around you. Camping and motels rooms available onsite.

Bikes: An assortment available, from 65-cc beginner bikes to competition-ready 250 two-strokers.

Terrain: The main motocross track is constantly groomed to keep it in top shape. There are also three smaller tracks, and 26 kilometres of rocky single-track trails that are not for the faint of heart.

Price: $100 for two hours, $275 for a full day

Contact: motoparkracing.com, 519-794-2434

Track

Turn2

Location: Calabogie Motorsports Park, 95 minutes west of Ottawa, five hours northeast of Toronto

Services: The one-piece leather suit, gloves, boots, helmet and a track-prepped sportbike will have you looking like a racer. With the instruction, you can begin to drag a knee through the corners like one. No licence required. Riders are grouped according to skills and speed, with no more than five riders per instructor, among them several former and current racers, including Kawasaki factory rider Alex Welsh and Geneviève Lesieur, one of only two women racing professionally in Canada. Neophytes get started with gearing, braking and turning on Kawasaki 250 street bikes in the parking lot before hitting the track. Experienced riders mount 600-cc bikes to hone racing lines, body position and lean angles on the track. Sometimes leading the group around, sometimes following from behind, the instructor is always on the track with you. Time between track sessions is spent getting feedback on the previous laps, and learning skills to practice the next time out. There are no lap times available, but you can watch your progress on the photos taken trackside and available on CD. Dates remain available until October. Turn2's gear and race-bike fleet are also available to rent without instruction for lapping days and even races.

Bikes: 2009 Suzuki GSX-R1000, GSX-R600 and SV650S; Kawasaki 250R; Aprilia RS125 (two stroke)

Terrain: Five kilometres of flawless asphalt with a mind-boggling 20 turns, few of them straightforward as the elevation rises and falls through a northern Ontario setting worthy of the Group of Seven. With a nod to the wilderness location, track marshals have adopted a warning flag that means "large animal on the track," as bears, deer and coyotes have known to wander into the course.

Price: From $550

Contact: turn2.ca; 613-622-1404

Fast Riding School

Location: Shannonville Motorsport Park, about 21/2 hours east of Toronto

Services: If you already know how to ride, Michel Mercier – three-time Canadian superbike champion – will teach you how to ride faster, and provide the leathers and bikes to do it. The emphasis is on riding the proper racing line, smooth braking and acceleration, and body position. In the first track session, riders learn the fastest line by following the other instructors, all former or current racers, including Andrew Nelson and BMW factory rider Frances Martin. For subsequent sessions, the instructors watch from one of the corners, keeping notes to provide tips and instruction between track times. After completing Level 1, riders can take Level 2, which emphasizes braking right up to the apex of each corner – a skill known as trail braking. You can measure your improvement in the photos available at day's end, or in the lap times recorded by the transponders on each bike. There are women-only days, and days for riders over age 40, with spots available through September. Would-be competitors with their own bikes and leathers can go on to the racing-level class.

Bikes: 2009 Yamaha YZF-R6; 2008 Suzuki GSX-R600 and SV650S; 2009 Kawasaki ZX-6R, Ninja ER-650R and 250R.

Terrain: With only seven turns over a flat 1.8 kilometres, this is a great track for learning the precise racing line, and mastering braking and acceleration points. The racing line here is dictated as much by inconsistencies in the surface as by the curvature of the turns.

Price: About $675.

Contact: fastridingschool.com, 418-422-5500

Street

GTA Exotics

Location: Oakville, Ont.

Services: It's like owning your dream garage, one day at a time. European, Japanese and American bikes of every style are parked between the luxury SUVs and exotic sports cars, ready to ride with the swipe of a credit card. Riders must be at least 21, with an M2 (intermediate) or higher licence. Holders of an M1 (beginners) licence may only rent one of the smaller bikes with proof that they have an appointment to take the Ministry of Ontario's M2 exit test.

Bikes: Honda CRB600RR, VFR800, ST1300, Shadow 750, CRF250X; Yamaha YZF-R6; Kawasaki ZX-6R, Ninja 250R and EX250, Vulcan, Marauder 250; Suzuki GSX-R600, GS500, V-Strom DL650, Boulevard 800; Ducati 1098; Harley-Davidson Electra Glide, Sportster 883, Fat Boy

Terrain: Open a map, point and go (but let them know if you're leaving the province or heading into the states).

Price: From $99/day plus insurance. After Sept. 8, there's an unlimited kilometre special.

Contact: gtaexotics.ca, 416-253-2180

Harley Davidson Rentals

Location: Harley-Davidson dealerships in Toronto, London, Ottawa, Nepean, Ont., Red Deer, Calgary, Vancouver, and Kamloops, B.C.

Services: For those who will only twist the throttle of Milwaukee steel, the bigger Harley dealerships across Canada rent bikes and helmets. Must be 21 or older with a M2 licence or higher, and be able to demonstrate you can handle a 225-kg-plus motorcycle. Bad-ass leathers not included.

Bikes: Varies by location, but usually includes at least one model each from the Sportster, cruiser and touring lineup.

Terrain: As far as the open road will take you, including the United States.

Price: Starting from $200/day plus insurance.

Contact: harley-davidson.com, 905-660-3500

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BLOTTER: Police reports published Aug. 25 - Lockport Union-Sun

Posted: 24 Aug 2009 04:31 PM PDT

Published: August 24, 2009 07:59 pm

BLOTTER: Police reports published Aug. 25

Lockport Union-Sun & Journal

Town of Lockport

SHOPLIFTING: Sheriff's deputies responded to Walmart on South Transit Road on Sunday afternoon for a report of a shoplifter. Store employees said a suspect, described as a white male, about 6-foot-1, with a thin build, short brown hair and only one sneaker, had run from the store. Employees said they saw the man unplug a 19-inch Sansui LCD TV, worth about $178, in the electronics department, then walk out through the automotive department exit. When he was stopped by employees, the man reportedly lifted his shirt to reveal the TV, which he handed over. When employees asked him to come back in the store, he reportedly began to run, elbowing one employee in the face and losing his white Adidas sneaker in the process. The investigation is continuing.

Newfane

DRUGS: Alexander L. Donelson, 19, 350 Hawley St., Lockport, was charged early Monday with unlawful possession of marijuana, failure to keep right and third-degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle after a 1:54 a.m. traffic stop on Lockport-Olcott Road. His passenger, Joshua A. Incardona, 18, 308 East Ave., Lockport, was charged with unlawful possession of alcohol by a person under the age of 21. Donelson was reportedly driving with a suspended license and was placed under arrest. He allegedly told sheriff's deputies there was marijuana under the seat of the car. Deputies reportedly found marijuana, along with five cold bottles of Bud Light beer, which Incardona allegedly said were his. Donelson was held in lieu of $250 bail. Incardona was released on an appearance ticket for Lockport Town Court.

LARCENY: A Hess Road man reported Saturday that overnight, someone stole a 2000 Polaris ATV from a shed on his property. The ATV is worth about $2,000, the report said.

Wheatfield

LARCENY: The owner of Cut and Shop inside the Summit Mall on Williams Road told deputies Monday that over the weekend, someone took $150 in cash from the register drawer. The lock on the gate outside the store had apparently been tampered with, the report said.

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Local business man killed in Alabama ATV accident - NW Florida Daily News

Posted: 26 Aug 2009 12:32 PM PDT

FORT WALTON BEACH — The "closed" sign posted on the door of a business that rarely was is a somber reminder that the owner isn't coming back.

Mark Dillon, 50, was killed in an ATV accident Saturday in Alabama.

"You never know when you say goodbye to someone on Friday afternoon that this could happen," said Susanne Weenick. "You expect them to be there Monday morning."

View Mark Dillon's obituary and sign a virtual guestbook here. »

Weenick's business, Condo Complements, is next door to Dillon's automotive repair shop, Automotive Excellence. Weenick said the two had been business neighbors since the early 90s and Dillon's parking lot was never without cars.

"He was excellent. When no one else could find what was wrong with your car, he was a genius," said Jim Pearce, a longtime customer at the auto shop. "It's a sad situation."

Dillon and one of his best friends Wayne McCabe took off for the Bull Pen outside of Andalusia, Ala. on Saturday. The ATV trail riding business was a place the duo could escape from the "hustle and bustle of work," according to McCabe.

"We have been doing it for a few years," McCabe said. "It's just so exhilarating. We'd get stuck and pull each other out and then go find another waterhole and do it again."

Dillion was pronounced dead at the scene of his accident Saturday about 3 p.m., according to the Covington County Sheriff's Office in Alabama. The ATV overturned and fatally injured Dillon.

"We did everything together," McCabe said, adding he'd known Dillon for about 10 years. "We traveled a lot, went to NASCAR races and 4-wheeling. We went out to Crab Island and camped on Specter Island."

One of McCabe's last memories of Dillon was when his friend pulled him off a sand hill Saturday before his death. The pair already had plans to ride their ATVs together again on Labor Day.

Dillon loved to work on classic cars and "anything that moved," McCabe recalled. So, it's fitting the theme of Dillon's memorial service Friday will be "Joy on Wheels."

Pearson said Dillon's determination to be honest and give all of his customers the best service possible was the reason clients kept coming back. Pearson also relayed that Dillon had personality that matched his best friend, a German shepherd named Buddy.

"If Mark was under a car, Buddy was right under there with him," Pearson said.

Dillon was usually somewhere outside on the weekends and loved the place he called home, although he'd dreamed of traveling the country in his motor home.

"'Just another day in paradise,' was his key phrase," McCabe said. "Paradise was his word."

Visitation will be Friday from noon to 1 p.m. at Emerald Coast Funeral Home on Racetrack Road and a memorial service for Dillon will begin immediately following the visitation.

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Priscilla M. Lu, Ph.D. to Chair Electric Vehicle Pioneer ZAP Board - Market Wire

Posted: 21 Aug 2009 08:42 AM PDT

SOURCE: ZAP

SANTA ROSA, CA--(Marketwire - August 21, 2009) - The board of directors of electric vehicle pioneer ZAP ( OTCBB : ZAAP) unanimously elected Priscilla M. Lu, Ph.D. as Chair of its Board of Directors.

Dr. Lu is a 30-year telecommunications and networking executive and entrepreneur formerly with AT&T Bell Laboratories as well as Founder, Chairman and CEO of interWAVE Communications Ltd., and ViDeOnline Communications Ltd.

"We are delighted to have Dr. Lu leading our Board of Directors," said ZAP CEO Steve Schneider. "With her vision and background, we unanimously agreed her passion, focus and global industry experience in technology companies producing exceptional quality and innovative products are ideally suited for ZAP's Chair position. Eqbal Al Yousuf was pleased to nominate her and shares the same vision and priorities in the significant opportunities ahead for ZAP. He believes in the same principles of focus and building strong fundamentals, thus monetizing the practical experience base the Company has had through its long history in the electric vehicle industry."

Dr. Lu, Ph.D. succeeds Eqbal Al Yousuf, who served as Chairman of ZAP since June of 2008. Mr. Al Yousuf will remain a director on ZAP's board.

"The electric vehicle industry is on a new trajectory invigorated by a sense of urgency and support from both the governments of major nations and the auto industry globally," said Dr. Lu. "This situation is driven by demands for all alternatives to dependency on oil and strong interest from consumers as well as institutions in need of more ecological and economical alternative energy vehicles. With the recent rapid advancement in battery and motor technologies, we are seeing practical and viable designs for electric vehicles offering a wide range of options in performance and capabilities."

"ZAP has a long history in electric vehicles and extensive experience in electric power train conversion and new technology integration, so the company is well positioned to take the lead in providing a competitive, durable and quality product line working in partnership with established auto industry players. As Chairperson of ZAP, I will draw on my expertise in technologies and relationships with global partners and clients in this sector to enhance the Company's product offerings and differentiated value while accelerating its market penetration," she concluded.

Dr. Lu is currently the Managing Partner and Founder of Cathaya Funds, a global private equity fund based in Silicon Valley and China focusing on international business alliances in China. Its Hong Kong-based Better World International, Ltd. invests and develops electric vehicle technologies and electric fast charge smart grid infrastructure networks for power grid companies. ZAP recently announced Better World International's $25 million investment and financing with the company to help accelerate a multi-stage growth strategy on electric power train technologies, with integration of state of the art battery management systems, battery technologies as well as multi-gear motor engines.

Through her involvement with Cathaya Funds, Dr. Lu also is a principal in the foundation of China Broadband Inc., a company heavily invested in interactive broadband, wireless and cable media programming in China. For the five years prior, Dr. Lu was China Advisor to Mayfield Fund, a forty-year-old venture capital firm with over $2.8 billion under management. Dr. Lu helped found GSR Fund for Mayfield, a venture capital fund in China overseeing more that $700 million in investments.

She holds a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science from Northwestern University and B.S. and M.S. degrees in Computer Science and Mathematics (Honors) from the University of Wisconsin and has over 50 patents in the area of telecommunications and networking.

For more news and information on ZAP, visit www.IRGnews.com/coi/ZAAP where you can find the CEO's video, a fact sheet on the company, investor presentation, and more.

About ZAP

ZAP has been a leader in electric transportation since 1994, delivering over one hundred thousand vehicles to consumers in more than seventy-five countries. ZAP manufactures a line of electric vehicles, including electric city-cars and trucks, motorcycles, scooters, and ATVs. ZAP sells some of the only electric city-speed cars, trucks and vans in production today and is developing a freeway capable electric vehicle called the ZAP Alias. For product, dealer and investor information, visit http://www.zapworld.com.

About Better World International, Ltd.

Better World International, Ltd., a BVI company with headquarters in Hong Kong, is focused on investing in developing electric car technologies and service businesses. It is working on joint partnerships in China that can build out the electric power infrastructure grid networks for electric cars, and on opportunities with companies that provide the core technologies to enhance electric power train conversion as well as improving fast charge pumps for recharge stations.

Forward-Looking Statement

This press release contains forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned that such forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, including, without limitation, continued acceptance of the Company's products, increased levels of competition for the Company, new products and technological changes, the Company's dependence upon third-party suppliers, intellectual property rights, and other risks detailed from time to time in the Company's periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.