Kansas City Shootings
April 12, 2014
Over the past month, approximately 20 shootings have been linked to a highway shooting spree in the Kansas City area. The shootings don’t appear to be targeted, however most have occurred near on and off rams where a shooter would be able to make a quick getaway. Police say that there’s also a possibility that the shooter(s) are on foot.
So far, only three people have received gunshot wounds, none of which were considered life-threatening. Drivers in the area should be careful and report suspicious activity. A $7,000 reward is being offered for any information that may lead to an arrest.
Become a Road Guardian
April 12, 2014
What would you do if you saw your fellow-motorcycle brethren go down in a serious crash? Most of us would do what we can, which mostly entails calling 911 and hoping for the best. However, if you became a Road Guardian, then that feeling of helplessness would be replaced by knowledge and purpose, which just might save a life.
Members of the Road Guardians are trained in First Response education, as well as general motorcycle safety, impaired rider education, apparel education and motorist awareness education. The purpose of the Road Guardians is to reduce injuries and fatalities by preventing accidents in the first place, and learning how to deal with the carnage after they happen.
There are both free and paid memberships available. For more information, visit www.roadguardians.org.
Know Your Limits
April 11, 2014
It’s important for motorcyclists to know what their skill limits are, and to practice pushing their limits in a controlled environment before hitting the road. This article from autoevolution.com stresses the importance of riding within your skill level, and demonstrates the consequences of an over-eager motorcyclist who speeds into a turn, panics, and crashes. See the full story and video here:
http://www.autoevolution.com/news/watch-and-learn-speed-turn-panic-crash-video-78343.html
Motorcycle Security: Protecting Your Ride
April 10, 2014
There are all kinds of thieves in all kinds of neighborhoods. There are professional motorcycle thieves, career criminals looking for a getaway ride, as well as your run-of-the-mill hoodlums in search of a free joy ride. Don’t let your motorcycle fall prey to these bike-poachers. Read these motorcycle security tips and you’re sure to keep those precious wheels safe and sound.
Leave the Title at Home. Don’t store your title on the bike.
Mark your bike. Personalize your bike and then photograph it to make it easier for police to spot in the event of a theft.
Lock it in the Garage. When at home, keep the motorcycle in the garage and lock the door.
Lock the ignition. According to the Motorcycle Safety Foundation, most bike thefts occur when the ignition is shut off, but not locked. So lock your ignition and remove the key.
Lock the forks. Lock the forks or disk brakes with locks that have large, brightly colored tags. (The bright colors will prevent you from forgetting they are there, which could result in an embarrassing situation)
Travel in packs. If riding in a group, motorcycles can be locked together when parked.
Lock to an object. If you’re riding solo, then look for a solid, stationary object that can’t be dismantled such as a rail or light post.
Park in camera’s view. If using a parking lot, parking garage or hotel parking area with security cameras, then locate a camera and park the bike within view.
Get an alarm. This will draw attention to the thieves, and can be triggered if the bike is moved, lifted or flipped. Or, if you’re a cheapskate, you can just get the alarm sticker. Few thieves will take the chance.
Get smart. GPS locators and other hidden devices have been available for some time, and can even be adapted to smartphones, tablets and computers. The latest Scorpio Ride “Core” system can be installed inconspicuously inside the bike and added as an app to your cell phone. The box plugs into the battery and relays information such as location, tire pressure, and even a perimeter check to your phone. In the event of theft, a pin code is made available to share with police so they can track the location.
By using one or all of these security precautions, your motorcycle will be one tough cookie to steal. Never leave that bike out for easy pickin’s and as always, enjoy the ride!
Why Spring is Deadly for Bikers
April 10, 2014
There are several hazards that the spring season brings. For motorcyclists, there are seven, to be precise.
1. Maintenance. Far too many eager riders hop on their bike for the first spring season cruise without performing a proper maintenance check. Remember your T-CLOCS? Tires, Controls, Lights, Oil, Chassis and Stand. Download the Motorcycle Safety Federation’s T-CLOCS inspection checklist to make sure your motorcycle is up for the task.
2. Rusty Skills. Even the most experienced riders need some time to shake off the dust and get back into their motorcycle routines and instincts, and to rebuild the muscle memory that facilitates needed balance and coordination. So, take it easy on your first outing and let your body get used to riding again.
3. Speed. Yes, the first ride of the year is exciting. And, that excitement can unconsciously compel you to roll on the accelerator, hear the engine roar and feel the wind in your hair. However, besides falling victim to a speed trap, this extra acceleration can be dangerous before you’ve gotten back into the swing of things.
4. Drivers. Most drivers haven’t seen a motorcycle on the road all winter. Awareness is especially low in the early spring, leading to more accidents caused by cars turning and changing lanes without double-checking their blind spots.
5. Bikers. That’s right. Other riders can be a danger in the spring season as well. Just like you, they are out of practice and prone to accidents. So, watch out for other motorcyclistst as well.
6. Roads. Rough winters leave roads ridden with potholes, cracks and damage. There is often debris left on the road from floods, and all the road workers and gardeners are hauling gravel, mulch and other materials that can fall on the streets in your route. Hit these hazards on your sport bike, and you’re sure to go down.
7. Weather. Slippery roads are extremely dangerous for motorcycles, and in the spring, rain is as common as wildflowers.
Motorcycle Safety Sweeps
April 10, 2014
Across the country, law enforcement is increasing its presence in an effort tot protect motorists on the road this spring – especially motorcycles. On April 7th, San Bernardino police conducted 125 stops, handed out 115 citations, and impounded 31 vehicles in an effort to increase motorcycle safety. See the full story here:
Just Ride: The Appalachian Mountain Foothills
April 9, 2014
If you’re in Alabama and looking for an excellent day ride, then check out this 94-mile loop that winds through the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. The route includes the Cathedral Caverns (one of the biggest caverns in the world), Monte Sano State Park, Guntersville Lake, and a point of interest from the American Revolution. See the full description here:
http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/1/5995/RGR/Cathedral-Caverns.aspx
Lax Helmet Laws Lead to Higher Fatalities
April 9, 2014
An article in the Tampa Bay Times discusses the consequences of relaxing and repealing motorcycle helmet laws, taking a sharp focus on their own state (Florida), which leads the nation in motorcycle fatalities. See the full story here:
http://www.tampabay.com/news/perspective/motorcyclists-one-fourth-of-fatalities/2173571
It’s in the Bag
April 8, 2014
Whether you’re commuting to work or just joy riding, a good bag can go a long way toward making your motorcycle experience more convenient. Having the right rider bag allows you to bring along all the essentials – cell phone, laptop, food, etc. – without dragging you down. Motorcycle bags are designed to be aerodynamic, ergodynamic, and specially constructed to survive high speed winds. Plus, many come with special compartments and attachments for your riding gear, which are very handy for the helmet and boots.
Whether you’re looking for a backpack, saddle bags, or luggage storage, this helpful buying guide on eBay can point you in the right direction.