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Easyriders Announces New Retail Licensed Dealer Program; First New Unit Opens Feb. 14, 2000

7 February 2000

Easyriders Announces New Retail Licensed Dealer Program; First New Unit Opens Feb. 14, 2000

    AGOURA HILLS, Calif--Feb. 7, 2000--Easyriders Licensing (AMEX:EZR) today announced the launch of their new Retail Licensed Dealer Program that now allows existing motorcycle shops nationwide to use the Easyriders trademarked logo on their storefronts.
    All former Easyriders franchise stores are in the process of converting to the new program, and four new licensees have just signed on to participate. All licensees are required to make a minimum annual product purchase of Easyriders Roadware apparel and accessories as terms of the new agreement.
    "We're very excited about this latest development," explained Gaylon Smith, Executive Vice President, Easyriders Licensing Inc. "We have been working with our franchisees for several months to design a program that is truly a win/win for all."
    "It represents a much larger business opportunity for the company while enhancing the profitability of our license operation. In particular, it will allow us to expand the Easyriders brand beyond its established client base to the broader motorcycle retail market."
    The new Easyriders Retail Licensed Dealers program, which replaces the current Franchise program, will give retail outlets defined territories of operations. Stores are planned to open this spring in Springfield, MO; Richmond, VA; Sioux Falls, SD and Quincy, IL.
    Another new Licensed Dealer, Benji Meeks, is tentatively scheduled to open Feb. 14, 2000 in Valdosta, GA, just weeks before the start of Daytona Bike Week. Meeks currently has a four-store agreement that includes his store in Valdosta as well as three Florida locations in Jacksonville, Tallahassee and Pensacola. Easyriders of Valdosta will be located at exit six on I-75 in Valdosta, a popular route for Daytona attendees and will feature live entertainment, Bar-B-Que and plans to open an outdoor tiki bar within a few months.
    "We're in a great location and I have high hopes for this store when we open in the next few weeks," said Meeks. "Georgia is already home to two of the most successful Easyriders shops in the country and we're 150 miles from the closest motorcycle dealer. Hopefully we'll draw the Daytona crowds coming from the mid-west since we're on their way and I want them to make sure our store gives everyone a reason to keep coming back."

    About Easyriders Inc.

    Easyriders is a publicly traded, diversified company with publishing, retail, restaurant and entertainment interests dedicated to serving the independent, free-spirited motorcycling and related lifestyles market.
    Easyriders currently publishes more than a dozen popular motorcycle, special-interest and lifestyle magazines, with a total worldwide readership of more than 6 million. The company also owns, operates and licenses Easyriders retail stores throughout the United States, and owns, operates and franchises the El Paso Bar-B-Que restaurant chain.