Picture Of The Month! Needles Overlook Canyonlands, Utah (Click Image for a Larger View)

Every month customers send us killer photos and I see no reason to keep them to myself so what better way to say thanks for sharing than to post them in our Picture of the Month spot..

Our November / December POTM was contributed by Terry South of Dixon, Illinois.. He says of the picture.."Hey Jerry - the bike is my 2013 BMW R1200RT and it was taken September 13th, 2022 at the Needles Overlook on the southeast side of Canyonlands National Park in Utah. It was a beautiful day I spent riding through CNP and took this and many other pics with my iPhone SE. Southern Utah is my favorite place to ride in the USA. The roads are fantastic and the beauty beyond belief! Can’t wait to get back! Thanks."

If you would like to contribute your own"worthy" shot for our newsletter, here's what I'll need. First.. just email me 1 or 2 of your best digital shots. It'll need to be at least 1024x768 in size or larger and preferably A. Of a late model BMW and B. In focus. C. No GS's for Gods sake.

"Sokath, His Eyes Opened" : Reality Smacks Me in the Kisser

A few years ago I went in search of a pristine Honda CBX for my stable. I had owned one back in 1980 and dreamed of owning another ever since. My search was an eye opening experience, my friends and I got it all down on paper...

I would hazard a guess that all of us can look back to our earlier days and remember a certain young lady.... or car... or motorcycle that really rocked our world. Ahh yes.. you remember, don't you? Glory days. But think about this for a second... If you had the chance to go back now.. today and relive a few moments with that young lady or drive that car or ride that motorcycle.. would you want to? Knowing what you know now.. ? Think about it.. would you really? Sure you would.

In 1980 I bought myself a slightly used red 79 Honda CBX. In case you are unaware, this is the bike that turned the 1979 motorcycling world upside down with it's massive 6 cylinder in-line engine sticking out in the wind for all to see and fear. For a few short months it was the most powerful bike on earth both coveted by every go-fast junkie and disdained by the insurance agencies who actually complained so much that in the successive 2 years that it was produced, Japan actually dropped the horsepower. Can you imagine that!! All the magazines were asking.. "Do riders really need 100hp?" The CBX was to motorcycles what Dolly Parton is to breasts. One glance at it and all you could do is stare at the magnificent man-made attributes with wonderlust. Read the full story.....

What Men Really Want for Christmas: Pirates Lair Gift Cards and BJs!

Through the years we've gotten more requests for gift cards than anything else except perhaps naked pictures of Amber. Who are we to deny the masses? This holiday season we are again offering Pirates Lair Gift Cards in a number of denominations to fit your congressionally pummeled budget. From $25 to $300! Our standard sized plastic gift card is sleek, stylish, and professionally made. Whip it out (the card, that is) and you will garner respect and admiration from not only your peers, but also the less fortunate around you.

Like buying underwear or choosing a hooker, buying motorcycle accessories is a very personal thing. Simply guessing what your favorite rider actually needs/wants/desires for his ride is a hit or miss proposition. Rather than putting yourself in the embarrassing situation of getting the wrong thing or worse.. something that he or she hates and has to return... you can't go wrong with one of our waaaay cool Pirates Lair Gift Cards. Ladies.. these are perfect for the holidays, birthdays, weddings, promotions, or just a way of saying.. "Sorry honey..but I didn't realize that the old guitar I sold at last month's yard sale for $40 was a 1965 Fender Stratocaster personally autographed by Jimi Hendrix." Remember.. nothing says.. "I love you" or "I'm sorry" to a man like shiny plastic or I suppose.. an unexpected BJ.. One that doesn't involve begging, cash, or undercover police officers.

Included with every Pirates Lair Gift Card is a single-fold, greeting card style gift card holder with a folded/glued pocket inside for easy gift card insertion and removal. And that's not all! We also include a small matching envelope. Folded size: 4 3/4" x 3 3/8" Actual cost of each card is $5 to cover cost of card, holder, envelope package, and insured shipping inside the US. For instance.. a $25 gift card will cost $30 to your door. Saavy? Foreign orders are welcome. Happy Holidays!

Year End Reflections - Deep Thoughts and Follow-Ups 2022

This Pirate will turn 67 on November 14th and with mighty age comes weighty realizations. I'm facing existential questions or as Hamlet beautifully said ... "what dreams may come when we have shuffled off this mortal coil must give us pause." ... As of late, I've been thinking of retiring and quietly closing down the business in 2-3 years. We'll be at the 25 years in operation mark. A decent run by anyone's standards. Especially for an internet company and what a helluva ride it's been. What makes the decision easier is the fact that recently I got a call from the guy that has been producing the plastic innards of all of our backrests for the last 20 years. He's also retiring in the same time period. Kismet? You betcha. The planets are aligning.

Of course, I'm ambivalent about closing the 'Lair down after all these years and yet, deep within I feel it's almost time. Due in no small part to my age, I'm getting tired of the day to day stress of running a business. Every year seems to get a little harder. The world is changing and virtually none of those changes are motorcycle-friendly.

The sport as a whole is evolving. I personally don't like what I see. Future riders will want electric bikes and this pirate has zero interest in them or accessorizing them. Not that there's anything wrong with that. "Lifestyle" and/or "freedom" won't figure into the equation that we grew up espousing or at least not as prominently. It'll be about transportation. Fuck that.

Nope... the writing on the wall says.."Epstein didn't kill himself"..er.. sorry.. wrong wall.. My wall says.. "You've had a good run, you balding bastage.. You had fun. Met some great people. You made a living doing what you love. You built that! Time to kick back, smoke some weed, hold your wife, and enjoy the last chapter in the book of life.." - I'll keep everyone informed as to specific plans.

Guess that kinda wraps this one up. This will be the last communiqué for 2022. What a fucked up year, but we survived just like we always do. What doesn't kill us makes us stronger, doncha know. I know we don't tell you enough, but Amber and I really appreciate everyone's continued support, advice, encouragement, and occasional naked pics throughout the years. Best wishes to you all for a safe and prosperous 2023...

In spite of what the far left would like us to say, we sincerely hope that you and yours (no matter what bike you ride and/or religion) have a a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Remember if you're gonna drink... leave the bike at home... For our secularist customers... Happy Winter Season.

For the US troops serving all over the world thank you for everything you are doing for us and our country. Godspeed, soldier.

Take care.. ride safe...stay warm.. and watch out for flying reindeer... See you in the New Year.. in my mirrors.