Laughlin isn't the only spring rally we cover in these pages. Damian Ercole, one of our ad execs checks in with this brief report from Americade:

Americade is the awesomest gathering of Gold Wings, trikes, and pet-carrying motorcycle enthusiasts in the universe. Getting to see a dog in a leather vest and goggles ride shotgun on a Harley-PRICELESS!

This happy pup is Tippy. Hard at work here helping the American Cruisers Motorcycle Club raise money for Gilda's Club Capital Region New York (www.gccrny.org). For a donation you could get your picture taken with one of the AMA's cutest members.

Beyond the pups, Americade is one of the world's largest multi-brand touring rallys, taking place every June in Lake George, NY. Plenty of vendors, rides and fleets of demo bikes make it a must visit stop. According to Americade founder Bill Dutcher, attendance was virtually the same as last year-even in a down economy.

Next year's Americade will be June 7-12, 2010. You can get more information at rally's website, www.tourexpo.com.