The Season's First Ride

I had a dozen reasons not to get started this season.

 

Every week I thought "this weekend, I'll take the bike out and ride up and down the street, do some turns and get the kinks out." Then it would rain. Then it would snow. Then I got sick. Then I lost my sunglasses and thought won't I be a danger to myself without them?"

Just yesterday I was telling a co-worker that despite the so-called "freedom" of motorcycles, riding is actually more difficult for me than grabbing my stuff and jumping in the car. First, I have to be in good shape health-wise, and make sure the bike's in good shape, too. Then I have to carefully pack my lunch and purse in a travel bag and secure it to the rack. I have to dress for it, too — no skirts or flouncy blouses. Also — here comes the confession — I have to put on makeup before I go, because there's no time to put on my mascara during the many red lights between home and work when I'm on the bike.

 

Then I have to make sure I have the helmet, boots, jacket, gloves, the RIGHT ignition key ... and on top of it, I'll be working late and the responsibility of riding is a tiny measure of extra stress for me. No, I told her, I doubt I'll be riding tomorrow.

 

I knew that I was magnifying all of these impediments in my mind.

But in the morning, a warm breeze blew through my window, and that was the only thing I needed in the Plus Column. I knew I had to ride. And it made all the difference.

I started her up and checked the air in the tires and tested the brake lights and turn signals. Then I took her down the road into a cul-de-sac and made one big, wide turn. A little sloppy, but no danger of dumping. Then I made a real U-turn on the road and went back for a couple of figure-8 turns. This is EASY!

 

Felt good to be back on my bike. It felt natural and I was confident for the first time as I started a season. This is my third season on two wheels, and I think I finally have the hang of it. 

 

Oh, but I still need to fix that one side light that burned out last fall ...

My helmet awaits the ride home tonight.

 

More About Helmets and Motorcycle Injuries

Yesterday The Associated Press moved a story about helmet injuries in the last year since Michigan repealed its mandatory helmet law. "A University of Michigan researcher estimates there would have been 26 fewer deaths and 49 fewer serious injuries in Michigan last year if all riders had worn helmets, as it was previously required under Michigan law," the article states.

And Vince Consiglio of ABATE, bless his heart, once again emphasized that training is more important than helmets.

Of COURSE, training is essential. But you can't always avoid the unexpected, especially in an age of increasing distraction (not just on the road). So yes, get trained, be watchful, anticipate — and wear your protective equipment, for heaven's sake.

Think of it this way: If you die on the road, your troubles are over (although your family's are increased). But what if you suffer a catastrophic head injury and spend the rest of your life needing someone else to wipe your ass? Where's your independence then?

Get ready for the season with spring clearance

Now is a good time to pick up some bargains if you're looking for any equipment for the upcoming season. You might want to check out the spring clearance sale at Motorcycle Superstore.

I'm not a stockholder or anything, but I can recommend Motorcycle Superstore unreservedly. I've found the site to be one of the best places to find good stuff at reasonable prices, the shipping is fast and returns (if you don't like it after all) are painless.

When you go to the women's stuff, you may be surprised at what you find. Dresses, even.

For example, this Fox Racing Women's Fly Away Dress is marked down from $46 to $34.99. (By the way, that's really $35 if you're math challenged. It's a marketing trick I've never understood, but apparently it fools people into thinking the item is a dollar cheaper).

So anyway, you know what you need and want. Check it out for yourself.

Crashes down, motorcycle fatalities up

(MLive file photo)

I've been waiting a year to see what effect the new helmet law had on Michigan's traffic statistics.
Now some numbers are out, and while overall traffic crashes are down, motorcycle fatalities are up 18 percent for 2012.

Also interesting, statistics from the Michigan State Police also show that cell-phone related and deer crashes are down.

2012 Michigan traffic crashes down, traffic deaths up

While Michigan traffic crashes and injuries were down in 2012, fatalities increased 5 percent over 2011 from 889 to 936, according to the Michigan Department of State Police (MSP) Criminal Justice Information Center. The number of traffic crashes fell 4 percent to 273,891 from 284,049 in 2011. Injuries were down 2 percent to 70,519 from 71,796 in 2011.

Increases were noted in motorcyclist fatalities, up 18 percent over 2011, and alcohol- and drug-involved fatalities, up 3 percent to 281 and 6 percent to 135 respectively.

"Michigan's increase in traffic fatalities mirrors what has taken place across the country," said Col. Kriste Kibbey Etue, MSP director. "Despite an increase in traffic deaths last year, the long-term picture indicates this is the fifth year in a row Michigan had fewer than 1,000 traffic deaths. Ten years ago there were nearly 1,300 people who died as a result of traffic crashes in our state."

Despite increases in traffic fatalities and alcohol and drug involvement, teen fatalities declined 14 percent, from 99 in 2011 to 85 in 2012.

The state has experienced significant decreases in traffic crashes over the past decade, from 395,515 in 2002 to 273,891 in 2012. Similarly, alcohol- and/or drug-involved fatalities have dropped from 463 in 2002 to 342 in 2012.

In other areas:

• Cell phone-involved crashes decreased 9 percent, from 821 in 2011 to 748 in 2012. Cell phone-involved fatal crashes increased from six in 2011 to eight in 2012. (Michigan cannot track crashes involving texting specifically.)
• Commercial motor vehicle-involved fatalities increased 10 percent, from 73 in 2011 to 80 in 2012.
• Motorcyclist fatalities increased 18 percent, from 109 in 2011 to 129 in 2012.
• Bicyclist fatalities were down 17 percent, from 24 in 2011 to 20 in 2012.
• Pedestrian fatalities decreased 5 percent, from 140 in 2011 to 133 in 2012.
• The number of crashes involving deer declined 9 percent, from 53,592 in 2011 to 48,918 in 2012.

..........

Unfortunately, helmet use was not broken down in the motorcycle statistics shown here. That's what I really want to know about. Safety advocates don't really like to talk about that, but instead focus on training — I think perhaps it's because so many factors play into it. Sometimes a person "should have died" and survives, or a small crash can kill a person almost inexplicably.

An article on the MLive site addressed some of these issues.

Either way, I still plan to wear my brain bonnet and practice safe riding.

Biker stages a public proposal

What do you think of this? LA police are considering charging this groom-elect with obstructing traffic. A minor inconvenience, methinks.


From Yahoo News:

Police in California say they're mulling over charges against a motorcyclist who orchestrated the shutdown of a freeway outside Los Angeles so he could propose to his girlfriend.
The stunt, captured in a video posted to YouTube, occurred Sunday on the 10 Freeway in West Covina, Calif., 20 miles east of L.A.

The video shows several hundred motorcyclists slow to a stop and then surround a biker who promptly released a plume of pink smoke, removed his helmet and dropped to one knee to propose to his girlfriend, who had been riding on the back of the bike. She appeared to be shocked by the proposal, but she accepted it.

Some bikers pumped their fists and others did wheelies as they rode away ahead of the husband-and-wife to-be, with most exiting the freeway at the next off-ramp. Traffic, which had been backed up in both directions, soon began flowing again.
"Hector 'Tank' Martinez proposed to Paige Hernandez in front of his family and friends," the description on the YouTube video reads. "Big ups to the 710 Bikerz and everyone else who took part in this event."
The California Highway Patrol said on Wednesday it is investigating the incident and that felony charges for impeding traffic could be filed.
"It's dangerous when you do something like that," CHP Sgt. Kurt Stormes told the San Bernardino Sun. "You've got free-flowing traffic. Suddenly traffic comes to a stop and people don't know what happened, and that's when accidents happen."

ABATE Halloween Bash for Motorcycle Awareness

ABATE of MI-Region 20 is hosting a Halloween bash to promote motorcycle awareness and safety.

Admission is $10 per person, at the door, and all proceeds go to ABATE Region 20's Motorcycle Awareness Program. The party runs  from 7 to 11 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 27 at Bancroft Community Hall, 108 E. Warren Street, Bancroft, Mich.

The event is open to all adults — you do not have to be a motorcyclist to attend.
The party includes costume contests, so use your imagination.

“We had some great costumes in 2010 and hope we can see some great ones this party!” said spokeswoman Aileen England. “We will be rockin' out to Halloween tunes, having a great time, meeting new people and more!”

ABATE stands for American Bikers Aiming Toward Education. Its goal is to promote motorcycle awareness as well as motorcyclists’ rights.

“We ask for Region 20 members (or anyone) to bring a dish to pass, if you can, please,” England said. “Only one sign up for a dish — meatballs — so any salads, desserts, etc., could be brought. B.Y.O.B.”

For more information about the party, contact Sassy at 810-919-5078, aileen.m.england@juno.com.

For more motorcycle awareness info, contact Mike at 810-423-8711, www.abatemichregion20.com or see the event page on Facebook for ABATE of MI-Region 20. ABATE of MI-Region 20's Motorcycle Awareness Program taught more than 2,000 students in 2010 and 2011.

“We are in great need of instructors — if you are interested, please contact Mike.”

And just FYI, Michigan ABATE region 12 also is having a Halloween party in Three Rivers. http://www.abateofmichigan.org/ChainofEvents.htm

Ladies Night Out at HD

Although I haven't attended any of these, I get emails inviting me now and then. I'm usually at work till 6:30, so that's one thing. But it sounds fun. If you want to attend, register right away — the event is only two days from now. Brighton Harley-Davidson is at 5942 Whitmore Lake Road, also known as "Old 23," just north of Lee Road and the Loop-de-Loop of Death.

Ignore that note "Click Here to Register ..." Click HERE instead.

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