News Article Sept 24, 2002 (b)

Rideamotorcycle.com is the newest motorcycle Internet web site, one that takes a totally fresh approach to catering to the street-oriented two-wheeled enthusiast. Rideamotorcycle.com is focused on 3 groups; the established street motorcycle rider, new motorcyclists, or those who do not currently ride motorcycles but are curious about learning to do so. Rideamotorcycle.com LLC Editor at Large: Bill Heald News Editor: Evan Williams Webmaster: Mark Lesselyoung Publisher: Dean Adams Viva La Rat Bike! The Luster is Gone, But the Bikes Live On By Evan Williams One must admit that rat bikes are some of the most interesting machines out there. What's a "rat bike", you say? Our definition is that a rat bike is a motorcycle used as transportation more than recreation and that cosmetics often take a back seat to practicality.

Anywhere you go, you can find rat bikes, but they seem to flourish in big cities where parking is scarce. San Francisco is a great rat bike town, as is London. In Spain, there's a rat bike everywhere you look. There is also a large group of rat bike faithful in Germany.

They are made, not bought. A rat bike can come from any manufacturer. Brand doesn't matter.

Often rat bikes prove the old adage that "necessity is the mother of invention". It's not unusual to see parts from one manufacturer on another's bike, or a milk crate attached, or a paint job consisting mainly of stickers or cheap spray paint. Keeping them running and useful is the goal -- even if it means using tractor parts!

While the Harley set likes as much chrome as possible and sport riders find esteem in race parts, rat bikers often relish in never washing their bikes.