Need to Downsize

Do you realize that a motorcycle is not designed to hold everything you can fit in a car. Of course there are saddlebags, but that is not enough. Put the trunk on the back. It holds more. Maybe we all try to carry around too much. But now, I can go grocery shopping with L on the bike. LOL. I even saw a lady that carries individually wrapped sliced cheese in her trunk so when she gets hungry she has a snack. (I think in her particular case it is to compensate for too much to drink, not that I think cheese can absorb much alcohol).

Well, the riding season is upon us. Not that there is an off-season. We tend to ride all year in this climate. I know some in the northern areas who only have a short riding season. Can't quite picture a Harley on ice!
This is my favorite time to ride. The weather is not yet August hot, not so rainy and unpredictable. There are many fundraisers for people in need and every biker I know gives freely and generously.
The causes are genuine like BACA (Bikers Against Child Abuse), Ride for the Rose (breast cancer), just to name a couple. I am proud to be able to ride with these wonderful people.
One of the most enjoyable is to wake up, pick a direction and start riding. There are not too many days when I am not riding somewhere. Larry and I enjoy just getting out and away.
Its kind of a de-stresser! LOL
Anyway, we will ride safely, watching out for those that don't watch for us. Happy summer fun to everyone riding.
Ride Like Hell, Safely!

MOTORCYCLE SAFETY AWARENESS MONTH

May is MOTORCYCLE SAFETY AWARENESS month. I hope each and every driver, whether in a cage (auto) or on two wheels, will take it upon themselves to help spread the word. Every motorcyclist has the same right as any other vehicle on the road. Also the same responsibilities to be a safe driver. Check out this site:

http://www.nsc.org/weekly_articles/motorcycle_safety_awareness_month.aspx

So many injuries and deaths occur from the same explanation of "I never even saw it". Learning to share the road is a must. With the economy downslide, there has been a dramatic increase in the sale of motorcycles, in order to conserve fuel and dollars.

Some are novice riders, not having a tremendous amount, if any, experience in riding. Others, although having many years in riding, have gotten lax and/or careless in maneuvering their motorcycles thru traffic. There are some risk takers, just like in cars, that just have to get one more car length ahead of another driver, therefore they are as hazardous as an automobile driver who carelessly weaves in and out of traffic.

Irresponsible motorcyclists are much at fault. The stunt-riders barrelling down the freeway, popping wheelies, sitting side saddle and doing other things that place themselves as well as others in imminent danger. Going at extreme speeds in traffic. These persons should be called in on immediately to a 911 operator, with as much of a description and location as possible. There are places to go for that kind of riding.

Cage drivers need to be aware and practice sharing the road with two wheel vehicles. Riding behind a motorcycle, acknowledge the fact it will take you a longer stretch to stop that the motorcycle as you carry more weight. Following to close is extremely dangerous for a biker. When turning or pulling into an intersection or out of a drive, check again for a single headlight. It is not a bug light, it is the headlight of a motorcycle. Allow them the same courtesies, that you would allow an 18 wheeler heading your way.

There are photos online, admittedly mostly with the motorcycle driver receiving the brunt end of an accident, but sometimes the bike will enter the 4 wheel vehicle maiming or killing the occupants. It is not like a bug hitting your windshield but a 1200+ pound metal object hurling at you. Please, go on line and look for more information regarding motorcycle safety and awareness and let's all learn to "SHARE THE ROAD".

I do not want to bury any more brothers and sisters who ride in the wind.

Wind n Feathers

The feel of the wind blowing through your hair must be similar to the ruffling of the wing of an eagle.
It is a dark, clear night as you fly through the air, riding on the back of a motorcycle. A lot of people would think it wouldn't be as much fun riding behind someone. Comparing to the person holding the handlebars, the rider can let go.
Not only in the physical sense of not holding on to the driver, but letting go of of all the mindbogging pieces of logic filtering through the pulses of the brain. Closing out everything but the feel and sound of the wind as it passes by and through your soul. Almost as a cleansing of the spirit.
Shutting your eyes, holding your arms out, relaxing the tension. It is like the graceful soaring of an eagle gliding on air currents high in the air. Such freedom, no wonder such a spectacular symbol stands for the courage of American people.