Riding Up North

The view from our hotel room

For those of us who live in Michigan, "going Up North" has a particular meaning. It means we're riding up the mitten for the weekend or the week, maybe even to the Upper Peninsula.

Next weekend, Ironman and I have plans to spend a couple of days in Traverse City, on Michigan's pinkie. Known for its annual cherry festival, surrounding wine country and the Traverse City Film Festival started with the blessings of Michael Moore, it's a summertime mecca for Michigan travel.

But for my first weekend ride on Memorial Weekend, we tried something a little closer to home. A ride to the tip of the Thumb -- Port Austin, on Lake Huron. First we rode up to Frankenmuth, a historic German colony famous for homestyle fried chicken dinners, Bronner's Christmas store and touristy kitsch. This weekend there was a "Dog Bowl" going on with doggie tricks and fuzzy friends all over the place. We did a little shopping -- I bought some turquoise beads for a necklace I was making, and a half-price black denim jacket with "jewels" in the shape of an eagle and "Live To Ride" on the back. Then we hit the road toward the northeast.

We never ride on the freeway if we can avoid it, so we drove the county roads through cow pastures, corn and oilfields. We saw a whole lot of bikers on the way and met a few instant friends wherever we stopped. Friendly small towns along the way offered good food and cheap prices.

Port Austin was a nice, quiet spot where we arrived early enough to get a room with a view of the sunset on the water. We stayed at the Lake Visa Resort. Our nextdoor neighbors, who rode in on Harley-Davidsons, told us about a restaurant three blocks away called the Garfield Inn, after President Garfield, who was a frequent guest there. So we had a delicious gourmet meal at the historical inn, which was buzzing with customers, and walked back to our hotel.

Breakfast was at another popular spot, the Lighthouse Café near our motel, where the wheat bread was "homemade" and the servers were super busy. After breakfast, we traveled nine miles further east to Pointe Aux Braques Lighthouse and Lifesaving Station, where we met more new friends from home and toured the grounds and museum. I also picked up a vest pin for my motorcycle jacket and made a donation for the upkeep of the historical site.

Then we took our time driving home, stopping at a friend's along the way to brag about my new bike -- on which I put nearly 350 miles in two days.

Our bluetooth headsets lasted almost the whole way. The batteries, which we hadn't charged overnight, failed us on the last hour of the ride, but by then I knew where I was and didn't need help finding the way.

And here's my kicker. When we pulled in the driveway, one of our bikes went down in the gravel ... but it wasn't mine! I'm sure Ironman wouldn't mind me telling you about it. He says he did it to make me feel better.

Isn't he just a doll?

It's a Gas!

The other day a friend asked, "That's an expensive hobby, isn't it?"

"Not really," I said in all self-deluded honesty. Then I proceeded to spend more than $300 at American Road Shop on a new helmet, oil filter and weekend luggage for my bike.

OK, I have to admit I have spent some green on my new habit. But I had a laugh when I looked at my credit card statement yesterday.

"What's this $4.61 at Convenience Depot in Pinckney?" I said, truly puzzled. I hadn't bought any drinks or snacks ...  in fact I hadn't even stopped at a convenience store. Huh.

Then it hit me. Gasoline. GASOLINE!! For less than 5 dollars! I spend more than that in a visit to Starbucks. Sure enough, a little further down was a charge at Clark for $29.13 where I'd earlier filled up my car. (And I drive a small car with an 11-gallon tank, which gets almost 30 miles to the gallon.)

Hoo-wee. If this isn't an excuse to take a long motorcycle trip on Memorial Day Weekend!
And the weather is expected to be ideal. So I'm gonna do it!

Where are YOU going to ride this weekend? Share your story in the "comments" link below.

Close Encounter with Cop

Lots of reader comments on this story on TheOaklandPress.com.

Man arraigned in police-motorcycle crash in Pontiac; officer upgraded to stable condition

Published: Thursday, May 27, 2010

By DAVE PHILLIPS

Of The Oakland Press

The Detroit man who police say initiated a chase through two cities that ended when a Pontiac police officer crashed in a construction zone has been arraigned.

Tory Dionne McIntosh, 27, was arraigned Thursday in front of Judge Rhonda Gross in 50th District Court. His bond was set at $250,000 cash or surety.

McIntosh is charged with fleeing a police officer, driving with a suspended license causing injury, assaulting, resisting or obstructing a police officer and driving while license suspended, second offense. He is scheduled to appear in court again at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday for a pre-exam conference.

James Stefani — a 14-year veteran of the force —  was critically injured after slamming into the concrete with the right front of his patrol SUV. Stefani was briefly trapped in his vehicle. He was listed in critical condition on Wednesday, with a broken right hand, bruised lungs, stomach bleeding and a right foot injury, but his condition was upgraded to stable on Thursday. He is doing well and resting, Pontiac Police Sgt. Kevin Braddock said Thursday.

_ MORE_

 

Pontiac officer critically injured in crash while pursuing suspect

Published: Wednesday, May 26, 2010

By DAVE PHILLIPS

Of The Oakland Press

A Pontiac officer is in critical condition after being involved in a traffic accident early Wednesday morning. The accident happened in a construction zone on M-59, near Opdyke Road.

A Pontiac Police Department officer is in critical condition after crashing in a construction zone on eastbound M-59 while chasing a fleeing motorcyclist.

Officer James Stefani, a 14-year veteran of the force, suffered bruised lungs, a broken right hand, stomach bleeding and a right foot injury. He crashed his patrol SUV into a four-foot high concrete roadway after following the motorcycle off of the roadway and onto a dirt and gravel patch where the road had been removed for construction between Martin Luther King Boulevard and Opdyke Road.

The chase began around 11:58 p.m. Tuesday, when police heard a radio transmission about a motorcycle fleeing Bloomfield Township police northbound on Woodward Avenue. The motorcycle passed the Pontiac Police Department at Woodward and Pike Street, and two Pontiac police patrol vehicles joined the chase.

—MORE— 

Old Friends at 59 West

Last night we rode up to 59 West on M-59 in Highland Twp. for bike night, sponsored by American Road Shop in Waterford. Unfortunately, I get home kind of late, and Ironman was fiddling with the bikes, so we didn't get up there till after 8. We were both hungry and looking for burgers, but I'm not allowed to ride after dark on my permit, so I was kind of edgy about the time.

We just missed the 50/50 raffle, but what we did find when we walked through the door was my friend Denine, who I haven't seen in two years. In that time, she had gone to rider school and got her motorcycle endorsement ... and it turns out she bought the same bike as me! Same year, same model, even the same color. Well, you know I just don't believe in coincidence ...

And the dragon-painted Harley we'd been admiring outside was her husband Mark's. I had a little technical trouble with my camera, so I didn't get a picture of it, however, she said they'll be back in two weeks for the custom paint contest. I expect we'll be there to vote.

 Mark and Denine at 59 West bike night

Riding into Hell

Finally! A real ride on my own motorcycle.

My goal was go get my license last week and take the ride to Hell, Mich., for the Blessing of the Bikes. The day was going to be warm and sunny, and perfect for a ride. But I had to persuade my crash-shy husband, the licensed rider who had to supervise me on the trip.

Luckily, he has a hard time saying no to me. So on Sunday morning, I made him French toast, and after breakfast we headed out, with me in the lead, him directing me and offering feedback via our two-way Bluetooth headsets. I made a few "heart-stopping" (his words) turns a little wide of the goal, but kept pretty good speed and control on the 20-some mile drive out to Hell Creek Ranch, near Pinckney. I even maneuvered around a crowded gas station and filled my tank.

The rally was jammed, and we arrived just in time for the 11 a.m. blessing. We met a couple of friends there unexpectedly, admired a lot of really cool bikes and bought a few knicknacks from vendors -- including a discounted membership in ABATE, but let's talk more about that later.

There were blessings at noon and 1 p.m., too, and we caught the noon one (see video below). After a couple of hours we'd had enough. We drove off the soggy grass and back up the gravel drive through the chaos of bikes all over the ranch, then headed out M-36 to the Zukey Lake Tavern for lunch. More bikes than cars in the parking lot there, too. Turned out ABC Harley in Farmington also had a rally for Gilda's Club on Sunday.

 After the ride home, I washed the bikes -- mine was covered in mud from the rally and both of them had buggy windshields to clean. I thought that was it for the day, but Ironman decided after his nap we should go out for a Starbucks. So we took another short trip and it was GREAT.

Just to ruin a perfect day, though, damn if I didn't crash 10 feet from my own garage. Not again! I pulled a U-turn on the gravel, up a 2-inch lip on the concrete and just lost my balance. I don't think I hurt the bike at all, but I seriously jammed my already chronic thumb.

Ice, ice, baby.
Can't wait to go again.



"The Rev. Pink" reads a blessing she wrote for this occasion.

Test drive a Triumph

Here's an opportunity you don't get every day. 

Triumph Detroit in Roseville will make Triumph North America's fleet of more than 20 demo motorcycles available to Detroit customers for demo riding free of charge. Riders must be at least 25 years old and possess a valid motorcycle operators' license, riders and passengers must wear a DOT certified motorcycle helmet, shoes, long pants, eye protection, jacket or long-sleeve shirt, and gloves.

WHY: Unlike test driving an automobile, motorcycle dealers do not always offer rides on the motorcycles in their inventory. Because riding a Triumph is one of the best ways a customer can get a meaningful impression of the motorcycles and make an informed decision about their motorcycle purchase, the company encourages licensed riders to take demo rides. Triumph's demo truck, which carries at least one of every model, visits dealers and select national motorcycle events as a service tocustomers who are considering the purchase of a Triumph motorcycle.

WHEN: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm Friday, May 21
10:00 am to 7:00 pm Saturday, May 22
10:00 am to 3:00 pm Sunday, May 23

WHERE: Triumph Detroit, 28000 Groesbeck Hwy., Roseville, MI 48066, 586-447-1340

Tell 'em the Lady Ryder sent ya!

Permission Granted

If I had passed the Michigan road test on Sunday in my motorcycle class, I could have gotten my cycle endorsement right away. All I had to do is pass the state's written test and pay the fee. Since I didn't make it -- yet I felt so much more competent after the class -- I decided it was time to get my temporary permit.

So on Monday I went to the Secretary of State, passed the written test, and was issued a permit to allow me to ride with a licensed motorcyclist for the next six months.

Me, I'm always in a hurry. I had dreams of getting out on the road right away, but sometimes my imagination exceeds my abilities. The moment I got on my Honda Shadow 750, I remembered this is very different from a riding a 125cc bike on a closed course. So instead, my Ironman followed me around the neighborhood on his Kawasaki for about an hour last night. He said I did pretty good ... but need to get my speed up, both on the road and in my turns. I'm still cautious, and after two weekend courses I feel comfortable at 12 to 18 mph. Hardly highway speeds.

Not Quite Deja Vu

I've completed my second try at the basic rider course and ... again, didn't pass. But I did a LOT better this time. I passed the class road test, but failed the Michigan MOST test, the important one that leads to a cycle endorsement. I will keep trying until I pass. One woman I talked with said she took the class four times before passing.

To give some context here, I should note that a legally licensed and experienced rider who was in my class did not pass, either. In fact, he failed the first road test. He looked pretty shocked and disappointed, got on his motorcycle and, I presume, rode home. One of the coaches noted some people with road experience (and bad habits) fail, while others with no experience at all pass. I saw that happen myself.

My first time out, not only was I a scaredy-cat and wobbly on the bike, I was tired, wet and cold in the rain. I knew damn well I could not negotiate the U-turn box, in which the rider must enter at slow speed a space a little wider than two parking spaces and a little deeper than two more, ride up one side of the box, make a U-turn, then a figure 8 and exit the top of the box.

I couldn't do it. Not once. And, to my horror, it was the very first test that cold, miserably wet day. I fell just before starting the test, so I was out.

This time, my teacher said I was like a different person on the bike. The weather was near perfect -- clear and partly cloudy -- and I've had a few more hours of seat time. I was much more comfortable.

Still, I was way wide in the U-turn box. My coach said, "You're shifting your weight, you're looking, but you're not letting the bike lean under you." Yeah, I kept thinking of the pain down below.

So I made a new mantra -- FAITH: Feel it, Allow IT, Hallelujah.
And at test time, I did the U-turn perfectly for the first time. Woo-HOO!

You're allowed up to 15 points in the course test -- points are bad -- and I scored 10. If you don't pass that one, you don't take the Michigan MOST (Motorcycle Operators Safety Test).

Since I hadn't gotten that far before, I wasn't sure what to expect from the MOST test. I knew one maneuver involves a stop with the front tire inside a box. That I did fine. But the tests are timed, and they're a little different from what we had done before. My RiderCoach warned, "From this moment on, we are employees of the state," and he could NOT tell us how to succeed, not even which gear we should be in to do the test properly. "You can ask us questions, but don't be offended if we can't answer."

Hmmm...

Well, yes, by the time we got to that part, we SHOULD have been able to do the test, but I didn't do well. You're allowed up to 12 points on this test. I got 24.

Disappointed, but not crushed. It was a good weekend. I had fun. I want to do it again till I get it right.

Barely made it to class ... !

I wanted to be in Garden City at 5:15 last night, and left Pontiac about an hour before. Google Maps told me it was a 42 minute trip. Sure ... What I DIDN'T count on was construction on Telegraph Road that crept at 2 mph. I made a quick decision to jump on the freeway, and to my horror, entered a way I didn't intend, going west instead of south. And traffic once again was backed up. By now it was almost 5:30. I knew enrollment in the motorcycle safety course at that point was first-come only. For just a second, I thought of giving up. Slow breath, keep trying ...

Somebody up there must've been guiding me, because I think it was actually a faster trip going down I-275. I arrived at about 5:48, just before class was starting. Miracles do occur, and I got in.

This morning, I'll be back on the range...

... and speaking of training ...

Tonight I go for a "retake" on the Basic Rider Course put on by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation. My RiderCoach from the last class (three weeks ago) said he'd get me in -- retakes have priority over walk-ins, as long as I'm there by a certain time, and you know I'll be there with bells on!
I was awfully proud of myself last week when I hadn't fallen since failing my first rider course. But then I did fall again while practicing my U-turns and crushed my record. Still, I did learn something: I actually managed to pick up my 550-pound bike by myself. So, RiderCoach Scott was right. I _CAN_ do it. Wow.

Yesterday, I talked with Danielle, one of the students who was in my group in my first rider class. She didn't pass that weekend, either, but went back the following week and passed it "no problem." She was very encouraging.

I am hopeful I will pass this time, too. Unlike three weeks ago when it rained all weekend, the weather looks great, and I'm going to focus on two things: Keep my head up and HAVE FUN!

Wish me luck!

Amateur seriously injured in crash

Here's a great argument for proper motorcycle training. The Oakland County Sheriff's Office reported today that a young man with no license or temporary permit was seriously injured in traffic on a Harley-Davidson. Anyone with a little training and experience would know not to pop the clutch.

Motorcyclist badly injured in accident on Pine Knob Trail

By SHAUN BYRON
Of The Oakland Press

INDEPENDENCE TWP. — A Clarkston man is in critical condition after losing control of his motorcycle and being struck by a vehicle.
Oakland County Sheriff’s deputies said 20-year-old Nicholas Marshall was stopped about 3:42 p.m. Wednesday at a stop sign on Pine Knob Trail.
...
Deputies said it appears Marshall’s motorcycle was stalling and he popped the clutch, causing it to shoot out into the intersection.

Ride Benefits Charity

Here is an article from The Oakland Press about a charity ride for Rainbow Connection coming up this weekend. I planned to post some better-quality pictures that were sent to me, but the moment before I posted them, our IT guy came to upgrade my computer and something went wrong. Now my computer is dead, and I lost them. Sorry!

Motorcycle ride benefits charity

A motorcycle ride Sunday, May 16, to the Downtown Hoedown sponsored by local CPA firm Doeren Mayhew of Troy promises a great time and also benefits a local charity, The Rainbow Connection, the Michigan charity that grants wishes to Michigan children who suffer from life-threatening illnesses.

_ MORE _ 

 

We Can Work it Out

As you know by now, I've been having some trouble keeping my bike upright. It's embarrassing, but I rationalize that women just don't have the upper-body strength men do. It's a fact. But it doesn't help me master the machine.

At the same time, I've had some acute pain in my wrists and hands since I started. I tried icing, but that didn't really help. I wasn't sure strengthening was the answer, either -- not if you have inflammation. Of course I haven't seen a doctor about it, but I have a history of joint injuries so I relied on what I know to do.

When I started massage school eight years ago, I had severe pain in both of my hands, but eventually I got over that hump and haven't had much trouble since. So I stretch, apply massage and work out with light hand weights daily. That's really helping.

Also, it's possible I'm strangling the grips in a struggle not to drop the bike. So I'm consciously easing up whenever I notice my hands getting tired. And it occurs to me that I can control balance better with by body weight than my hands anyway. Glad to know my wide behind is good for something.

Oakland County Auction

Kirk Hunt, supervisor of Vehicle Fleet for Oakland County, with some of the items that will be sold during Saturday's county auction.  The Oakland Press/TIM THOMPSON

County auctions surplus cars, bikes, more Saturday (with video)

FYI
Oakland County’s Spring Auction will be Saturday, May 8, at the Vehicles Operations Building, 16E, on County Center Drive East on the Oakland County campus at 1200 North Telegraph in Pontiac. Doors open at 8 a.m., vehicle auction at 11 a.m. Bidders must register to bid. Payment must be made in cash, cashier’s check or certified check. Personal checks will be accepted for an amount not to exceed $100 on purchases. call 248-858-1015. You can register at www.oakgov.com/auction.

By CAROL HOPKINS
Of The Oakland Press
People who want to check out a parking lot full of cars and trucks are invited to come out to Pontiac today (Fri May 7) between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. and inspect the rides on display.
The vehicles — and other items — will be sold at Oakland County’s annual Spring Auction of surplus items on Saturday.
The 53 surplus vehicles include Ford Crown Victorias, GMC Sierras, Chevy Impalas and Pontiac Grand Prix from 2003-08. Also on the block is a 1997 Harley-Davidson Softail motorcycle, a 425cc 6-by-6 all-terrain vehicle and a John Deere tractor.

Antilock Mandate?

Off the news wires today:

Institute wants government to require antilock brakes for all new motorcycles


 ARLINGTON, VA (May 6 PRNewswire) -- Based on findings that antilock brakes significantly reduce motorcycle crashes by more than a third, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety is seeking a federal requirement that manufacturers equip all new motorcycles with them.
  

“The best motorcycle crash is one that never happens,” says Institute president Adrian Lund. “Traveling on two wheels instead of four is always riskier, but our new research shows that antilock brake technology can make motorcycle riding a much safer way to get around.”

Stopping a motorcycle is trickier than stopping a car. If the brakes are applied too hard, the wheels can lock and cause an overturn. If the brakes are applied too gently, the rider risks colliding with an obstacle. Antilocks reduce brake pressure when they detect impending lockup, then increase pressure when traction is restored. Brake pressure is evaluated many times per second, so riders may brake fully without fear of locking up. 
  
Antilocks won’t prevent every crash. They won’t help a rider about to be struck from behind, for example. But the new studies released in March indicate that antilocks reduce crashes overall and save lives.

Institute researchers compared the fatal crash experience of antilock-equipped motorcycles against their nonantilock counterparts during 2003-08. The main finding is that motorcycles with antilocks versus without are 37 percent less likely to be in fatal crashes per 10,000 registered vehicle years. A separate analysis by the Highway Loss Data Institute, an affiliate of the Insurance Institute, analyzed insurance claims filed for crash damage to motorcycles. Bike models with antilocks have 22 percent fewer claims for crash damage per insured vehicle year (a vehicle year is 1 vehicle insured for 1 year, 2 insured for 6 months, etc.) than the same models without antilocks.

Rider deaths topped 5,000 in 2008 -- more than in any year since the federal government began collecting fatal crash data in 1975. Although preliminary reports indicate that deaths declined in 2009, the upward trend in recent years comes amid record lows for passenger vehicle occupant deaths, prompting the Institute and HLDI to look harder at measures to stem motorcyclist deaths. For more information go to www.iihs.org  Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

+++++++++++++++++++ 

This video is pretty convincing. What do YOU think?

Test Your Perception

How perceptive are you on the road? Do you notice things that could cause you problems? The Motorcycle Safety Foundation has this fun interactive test -- identify road signs at a glance or scan traffic patterns for hazards. Personally, I need to practice quickly assessing factors on the road (I got only 17 out of 20 on the Collision Traps Test).

Test yourself and see. 

State Safety Promotion

This just in from the Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning. Those of us with a few miles behind us should note the statistics on the average age of people killed in motorcycle crashes.


Ride Safe So You Can Ride Again: Michigan Highway Safety Office Launches New Motorcycle Safety Campaign

Motorcycle riders in southeast Michigan will soon see a first-time safety campaign aimed at preventing single-rider crashes, which account for nearly 45 percent of all serious injury and fatal Michigan motorcycle crashes.
Efforts to encourage passenger vehicle drivers to watch for motorcycle riders are well established.  This campaign, sponsored by the Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning (OHSP), seeks to fill the gap with safety and skill messages designed to prevent crashes, especially those single-vehicle events.
According to a recent study from the Governors Highway Safety Association, motorcycle fatalities declined nationally in 2009, following 11 straight years of dramatic increases.
Working with the Michigan Department of State, three key skills were identified that can be crucial for a motorcyclist to avoid a crash. Internet ads will speak specifically to:

• handling curves
• moving your eyes and head in the direction in which you want to turn
• proper use of the front brake

"Safety relies on many things," said Michael L. Prince, OHSP director.  "This effort is the direct result of a careful study of crash data, focus groups with motorcycle riders and input from motorcycle safety instructors."
Michigan 2006-09 crash data reveal:

• The average age of motorcyclists killed is 43 years.  More than 90 percent are men.
• Almost half of all fatal motorcycle crashes occur in Wayne (18.6 percent), Macomb (6.2 percent), Genesee (5.9 percent), Kent (5.6 percent), Oakland (5.3 percent), Washtenaw (3.4 percent), and Livingston counties (2.8 percent).
• 80.5 percent of crashes occur on secondary roads, 28 percent at intersections and 19.5 percent on freeways.
• 45 percent are single-vehicle crashes. In these events, riders are most often failing to negotiate curves and leaving the road due to speed, improper braking and over-riding their skill level.

In the last decade, motorcycle fatalities have increased largely because of a surge in motorcycle ownership. Many riders are baby boomers who are newly entering or re-entering riding. In recent years, OHSP has helped purchase new motorcycles for state-sponsored training programs and provided funds to update rider coach training.
The campaign will feature federally funded cable TV advertising, billboards, and internet ads.  With limited funding, the campaign will be focused in metro Detroit where the greatest number of motorcycle fatalities occurs.
 
Michigan Motorcycle-Involved Fatalities:

	2009	2008	2007
Statewide	105	127	124
Metro Detroit*	32	36	41

*Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties
The motorcycle video can be viewed at www.youtube.com/ohsp.

Lessons from the Range

Some of the things I learned in my basic rider course are good to remember off the road, too.

For example, while doing quick stop right in front of my coach, I commented that I didn't do it right. RiderCoach Scott told me, "You're too hard on yourself." People have been saying that for years, and here this guy had known me for two days.

"Shake it off," he said, otherwise you just compound your errors. He said it again just before the testing phase. "Shake it off and keep going."

Hmmm ... Good point.

The biggest point he made in class was to look where you want to go, because you go where you're looking. Keep your eyes up and look farther ahead, he kept saying. That sounds like good advice for living.

Of course, if you don't know where you're going, any road can take you there.

Bike Nights Begin!

Stopped in at the American Road Shop in Waterford Township today -- phew, there was a huge backup on M-59 there going west at Pontiac Lake Road, so we kept on going east when we were done. The owner, Barb, mentioned bike nights starting up. So I posted it in my listings, but just wanted to mention it here, because it's every Tuesday night through the end of September at 59 West.

Bike giveaways, prizes, starting at 6 p.m.: 786 West Highland Rd. (M-59)
Highland, MI 48357, (248) 889-3004

You might not notice 59 West if you don't look for it, because it's back off the road a ways. They have food, banquet facilities and billiards.

Bike nights have already started at Boomer's Roadhouse -- east of the Road Shop, at 6650 Highland Road (M-59) in Waterford, next to the Oakland County Airport, 248-666-6080. Prizes, pool, big crowd.