In October, I converted my Goldwing to a trike and I am excited about it. Now before you hasten to write me off as a rider, especially the hard-core sport touring two-wheelers on this list, hear me out. I am excited about trikes because my wife Sandy is excited about trikes.

Fourteen years ago when we learned of the impending arrival of our firstborn, Sandy retired from riding. You know the story..."what would happen to the kids if both of us..." Yeah, I know, it's a legitimate concern. But for as much as I enjoy our children, and of course I would never wish it otherwise (most days), it was still a blow to me to lose her as a riding partner. Many of the best rides and discoveries I've made were with her as my co-pilot aboard the back of the Wing. We just have a good time together on the road. I've adjusted to riding solo over the years, but for each trip I take, I know the experience is less than what it might have been with Sandy along for the ride.

Fast forward to earlier this year -- I made a business decision to add trikes to our line up at Open Road. I see a growing number of trikes at every rally I attend and, based on market research, it's a trend I believe will continue over the next decade. We've found many of our trailer customers are either trike owners or considering a trike, so it made sense to gear up to perform trike conversions. Adding to that, we have a great relationship with California Sidecar (CSC) and they make a great trike kit. It was pretty clear that with everything lining up, we should bring trikes to Open Road.

The Wing has been converted from 2-wheeler	To a stylish California Sidecar trike conversion.	But hey! I'm still getting around on two-wheels. The ST is one of my all-time favorite bikes.

In August, Patrick Sanders at CSC hosted a factory tour for members of the Governor's MC Council and, as it fell on a weekend, many council members brought along their spouses. Sandy and I arrived at the tour early and Patrick offered, "Why don't you take a trike out for a spin?" I guess Sandy felt comfortable riding in the country, because she agreed to go out for a test ride. After just a few minutes on the road, she said, "I really like this. It feels so secure." Following the tour, the conversation took a new twist. Sandy said, "You know, I could see myself riding one of those." That, my friends, is a big statement. As the popular expression goes, "this changes everything."

Rest assured, a two-wheeler is still my ride of choice. Yes, I converted the Wing, but the ST-1300 is my main ride. Even so, I am excited about trikes. They're a fun ride in their own way, and a clean trike conversion turns a lot of heads. They're great for people who can't hold up a big bike or just want the security of an added wheel. But as anxious as I am to help people experience the Open Road on three-wheels, I am excited about trikes because my Sandy is excited about trikes. There's a good chance that in the next riding season I'll get my riding partner back. And that's something I'm really looking forward to.

Anecdotes aside, we already have a half-dozen units scheduled for completion through February. If you know someone who's thinking of a CSC trike conversion, and they don't want to wait until Fall 2008 to get one, we have one kit remaining for February. We offer free pick up and delivery within a 500 mile radius, so there's no need to ride the bike through chilly weather to our Sterling, Virginia facility. We have some specials posted at www.openroadoutfitters.com/news, including $50 referral fees and savings up to $400 on trikes, so please pass along the word. Thank you!

2007 was a great year for us. With a full year under our belt, we're preparing to add several new products and services to our line-up for 2008 based on your requests.

Larger campers: We are negotiating to add Time Out pop-up campers to our trailer line-up. Time-Out campers feature significantly more covered space including a queen-size bed, table, and large sitting/dressing area. Popular features include an add-a-room, zip-on awning, and air conditioning port. Yep, air conditioning. Set up is about as easy and quick as our popular Mini-Mate, but if you're looking for roomier accommodations, the Time Out is the ticket. We expect to have a demo unit in by February and inventory shortly thereafter.

Trailers for Big Pets: We've sold a bunch of WAGS Unique Motorcycle Pet Trailers to folks with small to medium size dogs. But what if your pooch is Rexus Maximus? Well, the folks at WAGS went back to the drawing board and developed a new pet trailer that is 8" larger all around, allowing pets up to 200 lbs to travel in comfort. Now practically any breed of dog can travel with along with you in comfort and safety. Look for new pictures to come featuring Barnie the St. Bernard. Prices are still TBD.

Trailers for your power scooter: Also from WAGS, a new trailer based on the same chassis is being developed with a loading ramp. This will be sized to allow you to store a power chair. For those who need mobility assistance off your bike or trike, this will be a great solution. We are anxious to get these in stock and anticipate we'll have them in late spring of '08.

Rampage Power Lift Systems recently announced the impending availability of a trike adaptor kit for their popular truck-mounted loading system. Open Road is in line to get some of the first inventory units.

Rampage also recently announced a $200 price increase. We have two remaining inventory units at the original price of $2,395. When these units are gone, the new price will be $2,595.

When we decided to take on the Escapade line of trailers, I knew it was a popular choice, but never realized just how popular until we started selling out, month after month. The result? We became Escapade's largest dealer last year, delivering over 50 units. 2008 promises to be a good year as well, and we are grateful for your support. If you know a friend who is looking for an Escapade, we've taken delivery of eight units, most in 2007/2008 colors. We also have a couple of paint-ready units that can be matched to any color. If you elect to order an Escapade, January is sold out, but we do have slots remaining for delivery in February. Look for special offers on our website at www.openroadoutfitters.com/news

Have had two tech pieces published in recent months. In September, Wing World ran a piece I wrote about using relays to create a trailer wiring harness. Got much great feedback on that piece. This month the January '08 issue of Motorcycle Consumer News features a broader article on adding electrical gadgets to your bike. It, too, looks great. I'm always amazed how articles and books look after a designer gets them. They typically get a heap of stuff and turn it into a visually interesting piece that makes the author look good. By the way, Lydia (my daughter) would like you to know that's her thumb appearing on page 1 of the MCN article.

Wing World: I've committed to an article for Wing World on trailer hitches for Goldwings. If you have digital pictures of a Goldwing hitch, or pictures taken during your hitch installation, please contact me. I typically install the HitchDoc hitch but would like to have pictures of some other types of hitches.

Rider: Some time this month (or next) I'll finish up a piece for Rider featuring a route through the heart of the Alleghenies. Tentatively titled "Lost and Found," the piece will focus on the rich history of the region tied together by a that would make a return run if your riding the Blue Ridge Parkway this year.

If you're in the mid-Atlantic this winter, come by the Open Road booth at one of these shows and pick up an autographed copy of Motorcycle Journeys, on me. It's our way of saying "Thanks for coming out in the cold."