Well, it's been nearly four months since we started this little experiment. I'm tempted to ramble on and on about how exciting our launch has been, how many interesting people we've met, and how this process is everything and nothing like I anticipated. All of these things are true, but we'll get to that in time. Instead, I'll start by saying thank you to everyone who has contributed content, advice, and support. SMR has really stoked my love of the ride and truly expanded my thinking about what there's left to see, where to go, and why all of this is important. In San Diego, it's really easy to think that we've got it all right here...perfect weather, incredible roads, diverse terrain, nothing here really sucks. So when we created SMR we were intrigued to learn about other rides...rides that you love...rides not here. What I wasn't expecting was how diverse "not here" really is. My list of things I must experience is now a mile long and its all your doing. Your ride contributions...your images...your videos with your hair-metal soundtracks...for all of it...I'm extremely thankful and energized for what's to come.

So, obviously, I've learned to embrace the napster revolution where what's mine is your's and your's is cool. But I've also heard the voices of dissent. I've read the blogs from people who think we should "protect" our riding places. "We shouldn't flood our best roads with squids who will turn a perfect ride into the next highway patrol outpost." I've even been told by very passionate people that they will "never share GPS tracks with people they don't know." While, I'm a firm a believer in "to each their own," I'm happy to be on the side of free exchange. At SMR we're driven to promote rides as openly and as usefully as we can and to share the experiences of everyone willing to share them with us. Sound fun? We think so, and to this end, we've got a number of new developments underway, ranging from site enhancements to new utilities to new supporting content. We'll also soon be launching our "Editor's Choice" awards campaign. Beyond our monthly selection of featured rides, we'll be acknowledging a select number of contributions that truly captivate us and hopefully will inspire your next adventure. We hope you enjoy our picks, and if we happen to choose your ride, you'll be handsomely rewarded with SMR swag and prizes from our sponsors! We're not talking Hollywood swag or anything, but something modest to give back, say thanks, and help our friends promote useful motorcycling products that we trust. Stay tuned. We're just getting started...

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