The Cycle World International Motorcycle Show takes place this weekend at Qwest Field. This is one of the premier motorcycle shows in the country and it’s right in our backyard. Unfortunately I will not be there. My son is participating in a basketball tournament this weekend, so that’s where I will be. Priorities.

If you are going how about sending me some photos and impressions of the show? It’ll be the next best thing to being there. Email me at john@motoskagit.com

I was expecting something between Real World and Jackass. Instead, I was very pleasantly surprised.

Looking more appropriate for SPEED or ESPN than MTV, The Kentucky Kid is a surprisingly unembellished 2-hour look at former MotoGP world champion Nicky Hayden. The show began with the start of his MotoGP championship season and his collision with teammate Dani Pedrosa. Following Hayden through his championship-winning season you see him and his family, including racing brothers Roger and Tommy, at home and on the track.

Hayden comes off as down-to-earth and resolute in his career. His litany of injuries and the collection of metal hardware holding his bones together are counterbalanced by the fire in his eyes and determination to win. One might expect to see the handsome young racer surrounded by a coterie of beautiful women, especially on MTV. However, it seems that Hayden spends most of his off-track time alone or at home with family. Hayden describes his life living in a motorhome while on the MotoGP circuit and takes us shopping in Jerez to stock up on supplies. (His language-challenged effort to locate hair conditioner in a Jerez market was amusing.)

The Kentucky Kid follows Hayden into the 2007 season and his frustrating defense of the title. Struggling with a new motorcycle and tires that just don’t seem to hang onto the asphalt, Hayden crashes in LeMans, ending any hope of a title defense.

The movie was informative and entertaining. Hayden never comes off as arrogant or anything more than a self-effacing, small-town guy with a passion and gift for going fast on two wheels. I’m sure MTV will air the movie again. When they do, don’t miss it.

Art Friedman has detailed a dozen motorcycling myths over at Motorcycle Cruiser:

1. Other Drivers Don’t Care About Motorcyclists
2. Loud Pipes Save Lives
3. Motorcycle Helmets Break Necks
4. Helmets Block Your Ability to See or Hear Danger
5. A Helmet Won’t Help in Most Crashes
6. A Helmet Will Leave You Brain Damaged in an Crash When You Would Have Simply Died
7. A Skilled Rider Should Be Able to Handle Almost Any Situation
8. If You Are Going to Crash, Lay It Down
9. One Beer Won’t Hurt
10. It’s Better to Stay in Your Lane than Split Lanes
11. I’m Safer on the Street than on an Interstate
12. A Skilled Rider Can Stop Better with Conventional Brakes than with Anti-Lock Brakes

Good stuff. What other “myths” have you heard about motorcycling?