Looking for a ride this weekend? On Saturday the local chapter of Star Touring and Riding will meet for their monthly breakfast meeting. The meeting will be followed by a ride to Monroe to support the Monroe chapter by participating in a Poker Run. Breakfast is at 8:30 at Bob’s Burger and Brews in Burlington.

On Sunday Skagit Powersports is presenting the Assfire 400 (formerly Das Bavarian Kruse). This day-long ride will follow the Cascade Loop and includes a stop in Leavenworth for lunch. Registration begins at 9 am at Skagit Powersports.

It’s been an interesting week. On Monday I received a letter from the legal counsel for Cycle News magazine. The letter explained that Cycle News is a registered trademark and that the owners of the mark feel that my use of the phrase “Cycle News” on my primary web site infringed upon their trademark. Therefore, I was to cease and desist use of the phrase or face legal action.

On Tuesday I contacted Cycle News‘ legal counsel and we discussed possible courses of action. In short, they have a strong case and the resources to win it. I have neither. I have submitted a proposal for a “ramp down” period during which I will rename my site and migrate all of the content to a new domain. I am waiting for a response from Cycle News.

The attorney from Cycle News was very reasonable and indicated that her client had no interest in causing me to lose readers and there were no issues with the content of my site. As a trademark holder, Cycle News is obligated to defend their mark lest it be weakened. While I did not think that I was infringing their trademark, using two common words that accurately describe what I do, trademark law doesn’t see it that way and essentially obligates Cycle News to defend their mark.

Stay tuned.

Sunday night, July 20, at 9:00 pm I will be interviewed on HogRadio. HogRadio is a one-hour weekly radio show emphasizing customs, V-Twins and Harley-Davidsons. Hosted by Walt Fletcher and produced by Steve Johann, HogRadio is heard every Sunday night at 9 pm on TriRockRadio.

Previous guests include Craig Vetter, Genevieve Schmitt, Jay Ridley, and Dave Nichols. You can download previous shows at HogRadio.

I hope that you will check it out.