It’s not easy running a business or being self-employed, especially with how things have been changing. Rent is out of control and the cost of things has increased comically. Pittsburgh has lost a few bike shops and dealerships over the past few years, so it’s refreshing to know that the local Kasyan Cycle Worx is still going strong.

Taking the leap into opening your own shop can be intimidating. The pandemic pushed a lot of people in the direction of doing their own thing, but not everyone is cut out for it. Jobs dried up as businesses closed, putting folks in tough financial and emotional situations. Sometimes when your back is against the wall, the only option you have is to roll the dice and rely on your skills and talents to get you by.

The frantic pitter-patter of squirrel paws foraging through the dry fall leaves occupies my very first thought as I awake to my uncommon surroundings. The damp morning dew still holds the calming scent of last night’s campfire. I roll over in the coziness and perceived security of my tent, briefly relishing in the idea of waking with no schedule, no alarm clock, and no Zoom meetings.

There’s a feeling of comfort and trust that comes with developing a good relationship with a local hands-on motorcycle shop. Being able to walk in and talk directly to a crew about what you’re needing done is something you can’t find too often these days. This type of service still exists at places like Roll On Cycle in Oakdale, Pennsylvania.

If you happen to have a copy of issue Number 004, you might connect the dots. Josh Howells had a feature in that issue of his shovelhead chopper that has since been given a facelift. He’s also started a shop on Forbes Avenue with friend Andy Mak called Uptahn Metalworks, where the two have been turning out custom fabrication work, choppers, and more. I asked Josh some questions about the shop, their projects, and the local community.

Without visiting the place and seeing it with your own eyes, there is no way to accurately explain Cycle Warehouse in Butler, Pennsylvania. No matter how over-the-top I make it sound, you will still be blown away by the sea of parts and history throughout the five floors of the 85,000 square foot building. Whatever part you need is probably there somewhere.

For those of us old enough to recall his athletic exceptionalism, Bo Jackson remains the only person to achieve “dual sport” All-Star status in both professional baseball and professional football. We remember his uncanny ability because the idea of dominating multiple and often unrelated skillsets is such an incredible rarity.

As the weekend passes, many of us have to wait another five long work days before festivities reign again. Want an excuse to break the rat race monotony and exercise that moto waiting patiently in the garage? Jergel’s Rhythm Grille Bike Night, one of the region’s long-standing gatherings has your Tuesday night fix.

Jason is the owner and co-founder of Mothership Moto, a repair and maintenance shop located conveniently on Penn Avenue in Pittsburgh. They handle anything from a complicated problem to a simple oil change. He took time out of his busy day to answer some questions and provide some information about the shop.

If you're searching for a nearby biker bar, then you're not thinking big enough. Through the twists and turns of Route 50 in Western Pennsylvania you’ll find a special place that will surely become one of your favorite hangouts. The Bull Pen Rustic Inn provides all of the elements that make a perfect ride destination. 

Depending on the reader, camping can either be an exciting escape into primitive living to cleanse the mind from the hassles of routine life or merely an overrated activity with no reward other than knowing whether or not your mosquito repellent works. Let’s push aside any negative thoughts for a few minutes and focus on the positives. Besides, camping is an American pastime and a lot of fun when combined with a motorcycle ride.