Motorcycle Mama Weight Loss Plan

I've been really busy riding my motorcycle this year. SO busy, that I have no time left over for exercising.

But I think I've got that covered.

See, I figure I'm burning lots of calories shifting gears, pressing the handlebars on the turns, pulling in the levers and whatnot. It MUST be true, because my bike has NEVER felt lighter than it does right now!

Ironman thinks that's why I'm not dropping my bike this year; I finally strengthened my motorcycle muscles.

How many calories have I burned tearing away from a traffic light? I'm toning calves while shifting ... trimming my tummy as I bank the turns ... I can feel those abs getting flatter with every mile.

Not to mention, I recall that my mom had my dad build for her this "vibrating table" to help her lose weight ... something she read in a women's magazine back in the '60s, I'm betting.

That surely works to jiggle off fat.

But I still haven't dropped those pesky 10 pounds. So last week I downloaded an app for my Droid X to help me keep track of my diet and exercise. It's called My Fitness Pal, and it runs on iPhone, Blackberry and Windows phones, too.

I plugged in my info, my "goals," and other details and Voila!

What a shocker! Who KNEW that an hour on a treadmill burns a mere 180 calories? Cripes. That's like half a Snickers bar. Or that a "single serving" of ice cream is only a HALF-CUP?! WHAT THE ... That's just a tease! When I go for ice cream, I'm eating four or five "servings" at least!

Lucky for me my motorcycle daddy loves me just the way I am.

The Clutch is Key

My first 10,000 miles!

Driving several manual-transmission Fords through the years helped me understand how a motorcycle transmission works. Engage the clutch, the engine no longer transmits its torque to the wheels. Let it out, the vehicle moves forward. Simple, right?

I didn't know when I first started out how important the clutch really is. I thought it was just for changing gears. Lever-in, shift, lever-out.

Luckily, before I started riding much, I read about the "friction zone," where the engine just begins to engage. Still, it took a lot of practice before I really understood it.

We did a lot of training with the clutch in the basic rider course. My hand got so sore and fatigued that it stopped holding on, and at one point the bike shot away from me across the range (luckily, at less than 20 mph).

Still, I wasn't using the clutch on the slow turning moves, as in the U-turn box, and that was a mistake. To get good traction, it's best to keep that clutch in the friction zone, I learned, with controlled, steady power to the rear wheel. That gives you more stability than coasting.

A great practice for how the clutch really works on a bike is the "slow race." I do this whenever I'm in traffic, approaching stopped vehicles. The moment I see the brake lights ahead of me, I pull in the clutch and downshift, then ease the clutch out with my foot on the brake. That way I'm slowing but I have more control over the speed.

I noticed the difference yesterday on a long ride across high-volume traffic areas, riding side-by-side with my Ironman. Not to brag, but I did feel proud that I was gliding into the stopped traffic and lighting or not even putting my feet down, while he shot ahead from behind me and seemed to be slamming on the brakes as if surprised.

Feels good to be in control, finally.

Some real classics

On Sunday, we took a long ride to Cement City, in the Irish Hills of Southern Michigan. We were headed to Town and Country Sports Center, which advertised not only Harley-Davidson, but also Can-Am, Suzuki, Yamaha, Honda and Kawasaki motorcycles. That's my favorite kind of motorcycle dealer — one with variety.

Unfortunately, the majority was given over to the HD brand — particularly in the clothing and accessories — so there wasn't anything I really wanted to buy. But the display of vintage bikes was well worth the trip.

Now I don't know a whole lot about these bikes, but here are some of them.

Very old, very cool HD with sidecar.

Mid-'70s AMF models: AMF either saved or nearly destroyed the Harley-Davidson company, depending on your point of view.

Knucklebuster

'65 Sportster

BSA

A gorgeous Indian. Check out the western-style saddle and seat rail.

The Honda Dream!

Still-pristine 1935 Harley.

Love the flip-up rear fender for quick tire changes.

1967 Shovelhead

HD devoted its production line to military models during WWII, alienating civilian customers and dealers.

This 1975 Suzuki has a rotary engine.

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Look Out!

Yesterday was a gorgeous day, so we went for a long ride — about 180 miles round trip. Two new things occurred.

First, we were on the freeway for about an hour, something till now I have not done for such extended period. And for the first time I wished to have those footboards I was talking about last year. Normally, I ride in suburban traffic with lots of turns and stop lights. My feet and hands are moving pretty regularly. But this time, even with a throttle rocker, my right wrist began to ache, as did my ankles. I had to move my feet and stretch them, and at one point I even flipped on my throttle lock to stretch my right hand.

Not sure what the solution is for that, except to take breaks and avoid freeways whenever possible.

The second thing that happened was when we were almost home. We were turning right on a green light, and I was riding ahead of Ironman. When we take long trips, we use 2-way bluetooth headsets, and as soon as I turned I heard him call out "Look OUT!" My instinct was to lay off the throttle and check my rearview mirror — in which I saw a car and my husband nearly side-by-side behind me. Then he said, "Go! Go!" So I went!

Then I realized he was talking to the driver of the car, who had realized his mistake and stopped. Personally, I would have left the car in the dust, but apparently he had cut off my man accidentally.

What I missed was this other driver had jumped a red light and nearly collided with my guy. He potentially could have rear-ended me, too.

My mistake was in failing to look to my left when I turned — because I had the right of way. But I know better. I should always look around and never assume.

Because it doesn't matter whether I was right if I'm in a hospital or dead.

Something similar happened last week, when a car in front of me was turning left, and signaling so. When he stopped, I positioned myself to his right to pass, and then I heard the squealing of brakes behind me. I just happened to be in a lucky position to avoid that potential collision, as the car behind was angling leftward and I to the right.

Usually, I do keep my eye in the rearview as I ride, but this time it took me by surprise.

Let it be a lesson. Surprises can hurt.

FX and Cycle Gear Run "Sons of Anarchy" Contest

I've never dealt with Cycle Gear, so I can't really vouch from my own experience, but I just received this press release from the company and wanted to share it asap:

BENICIA, Calif. — In anticipation of the Season 4 launch of the hit television series Sons of Anarchy on September 6, 2011, FX and Cycle Gear Inc. have partnered to co-host a contest for the chance to win a Grand Prize $2500 shopping spree at Cycle Gear. Contestants can enter to win at: www.fxnetworks.com/soa.
"Sons of Anarchy is an amazing series and we are very pleased and excited to be partnering with FX in the debut of the new season," said Johnny Lin, Chief Marketing Officer of Cycle Gear Inc. "SOA is game-changing entertainment that everyone -not just motorcyclists- can enjoy."
In addition to the grand prize contest, customers can save 10 percent or more on the entire Street & Steel collection of riding gear now through the month of September.
Cycle Gear will also be hosting a premiere event in its stores nationwide on September 1, featuring a viewing of Sons of Anarchy's Season 3 final episode. After the show each store will draw winners for prizes, including complete seasons of Sons of Anarchy on DVD and a Street & Steel brand Anarchy riding jacket.
Cycle Gear Inc. is the nation's largest retailer of motorcycle accessories and apparel. Since 1974 Cycle Gear's service and selection have delighted enthusiasts nationwide.
FX Networks LLC, produces cutting-edge television entertainment. Its genre-leading original series have changed viewer's expectations for quality television.

Having Video Issues (and a bobber update)

The doomed DroidX video, in 3gpp format.

I was excited to take some more video July 31 of my hubby working on his new-old bike, the '72 Yamaha that he chopped last year and is still trying to work out the kinks on. But before I could post the video I recorded with my handy-dandy Droid X mobile device, to my chagrine, I learned that the format was incompatible.

Putt, putt ... vrrooom!

I tried a conversion, but was less than satisfied with the results. And I ran into issues obtaining Quicktime Pro — which I was assured would do the trick — for my non-Intel Mac computer. I do have an Intel-based Mac at work, but why would I pay for software the company doesn't want and that I can't use at home? Hrrrumph.

My best solution is to go back to using my FlipCam, which has been outdated, but still does the job. That doesn't help me till he takes that Yamaha monster out again.

Anyone with solutions to the conversion issue is welcome to write or comment with your suggestions.

Meanwhile, although I wanted to let you experience the sight and sound of his new-old bike, until I get video that works on the Blogger site, I have to give you these nasty little stills and assure you that yep, it was really running.

The point of the video was to show that while it was running, the battery was not charging, and so far Ironman hasn't worked out the problem. He thinks it's the regulator.

Ironman checks the charge after his ride: "It's dropping."

Check out the New Honda Gold Wing

A little style revamp for a legacy brand.

I love the look of these new Honda Gold Wing cruisers.
Never have ridden on a Gold Wing, but I've long been an admirer.
Looks like the new ones are being influenced by Victory. But I don't mind.

A Victory Vision

Zero Cycles are Here!

Being a non-Harley rider, I'm attracted to motorcycle shops that cater to other brands.

When traveling, if I see a sign on the freeway that speaks of Yamaha, Kawasaki, Honda, Triumph (especially Triumph, since it's kinda rare), I will automatically flip on my mental turn signal and stop in.

So I got excited when I saw a sign at C&C Sports in Brighton enticing me to test ride the new electric Zero Motorcycle.

I've read and heard stories about the Zero, which made me curious. They come in three styles: Dirt, street and dual sport. Superficially, at least, I don't see much difference between the street and dual sport styles.

 

They do look fun. But I don't think they've reached a really practical-use point yet, because the range on them is less than 60 miles. And thus far there aren't many charging stations available to electric vehicles, at least around the Detroit area. I must note, however, that the little village of Milford has installed some charging stations locally.

Because I was between tasks and did not take the time to stop in. Ever notice how anticipation of an event can actually be more fun than the event itself? So I'm savoring the anticipation of stopping in another day when I have time to take up the offer.

C&C is on Facebook.

Anthony at Revzilla is a Great Helmet Salesman

Seems a number of you swear by full-face helmets. And it looks like I have to reconsider them — and plan to spend a little more for a helmet than I have so far.

I followed Steve Clark's link to Revzilla to check out full-face helmets, and was blown away by the options shown in this video. Anthony at Revzilla shows a bunch of features I hadn't considered. It's not just looks and protection, some are designed for tucked-style riding, others are vented for upright riding — which is my style, mostly.

Might want to watch a couple of times to catch all of the details.



I have to admit a full-face helmet looks bad-ass. This Shoei Qwest Goddess style is pretty and feminine — at a cost of $423.

I think I spent only $150 on mine. And I have to admit, the air foil on top of my white Bell can be an issue in high wind; I have to tuck to keep my head in line. And forget about wearing it if I'm on a pillion.

I guess you get what you pay for. And after all, what is your head worth to you?

Anthony has plenty to say about Shoei helmets, too, of course. These are Snell certified, too; something I have only heard about. And it's designed for touring, which is my style.

In this video he talks about the "hyper-miler" commuter in their 30s, 40s and 50s ... Ahem. That's me.



There's a lot more to think about than how it looks. It's nicer to actually try them on — I've never found this type of high-performance helmet at a shop or swap meet. But I love Revzilla; they're good about working with you and offer free, fast shipping.

A Case for a Full-Face Helmet

I have a helmet something like this, but have never worn it for more than a minute.

I have one full-face helmet in my riderwear arsenal, but I'm not comfortable in it. I've never worn a half-helmet, and do not like the wind rushing into my ears, so I probably never will wear one.

I do, however, like a face shield, and have one on both of the helmets I wear. First time I went out with my husband on his bike, we hadn't gone but a few miles before I demanded one. I didn't enjoy the wind blasting me in the face. So our second stop — after ice cream — was the Meijer store, where we bought a snap-on shield.

The helmet I wear most now is a three-quarter style with a retractable shield. I leave the shield up some of the time, especially when I'm going slow and the wind is light. When the breeze turns to a torrent, making my eyeglasses vibrate, as on the highways, the shield comes down.

But one day last week I was riding in a light rain — with shield down — and an unexpected thing happened. I got socked in the cheek by something that hurt.

In the past, I've had large bugs and whatnot hit my helmet with a thump, but this thing went around the shield and bam! Not just an instantaneous sting, but real pain.

When I got off my bike later, I found it sitting on the seat. A teeny but sharp-edged rock no bigger than a centimeter across. After I got home, I looked in the mirror and found it had actually drawn blood.

OK, unusual things happen from time to time, and chance of that happening again are ... what? Probably at least 60/40 ...

But that full-face helmet not only feels claustrophobic, it fogs up and impairs my vision. That has to be more dangerous than random rocks in the face. Doesn't it?

Who'd guess something this small would hurt so much?

No Bike Week in Grand Rapids?

Some of my in-laws live in Grand Rapids, Mich., so when I saw them recently I casually asked if I'd already missed the big bike rally in their downtown. I wrote something about it earlier this year, but then I sort of forgot about it.

What I learned is that I hadn't missed it (it was proposed for July 17-July 24) because apparently it wasn't happening.

It became a contentious issue because of the scope of the plans — a whole week of activities that could potentially close the downtown to normal commerce. The Muskegon Biker Friendly blog posted several months ago that it had been canceled.

The latest news from a reliable source, the Grand Rapids Press (hosted by MLive) is that the organizers decided to delay it till next year, and moving it to the Lake Odessa Speedway.

I-96 Speedway, aka Lake Odessa Speedway, has flat-track racing.