<a href="http://www.hogbiker.com/2009/06/06/memorial-day-pictures/407" rel="bookmark">Memorial Day Pictures

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June 6, 2009 · Filed Under Biker, Clubs

Vote For Your Favorite AK Cycles Girl

I have had the honor & pleasure of photographing several women for the AK Cycles Calendar they plan on creating.

This week we have the first four:

Amanda – http://akcycles.com/contest-picts-amanda/
Karen – http://akcycles.com/contest-pics-karen/
Rickie – http://akcycles.com/contest-pics-rickie/
Stacey – http://akcycles.com/contest-pics-stacey/

Whomever you choose will be then part of a calendar shoot in various locations around Alaska (with AK Cyles custom bike, of course).

So…if you haven’t already done so, vote! http://akcycles.com/vote/

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June 6, 2009 · Filed Under General, Website

Celebrating Memorial Day

Was again part of the annual VNV M/C’s memorial day run at the Alaska Veterans Memorial at Beyer’s Lake.

The Day was great, the ceremony stellar and the reuniting with friends the best.

More pictures forthcoming…in the menatime enjoy my Memorial Day writeup on my regular blog: http://www.leray.us/nukem/2009/05/25/on-this-memorial-dayon-this-memorial-day/721

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May 25, 2009 · Filed Under Biker, General, Road Reports

Be Part of History!

Harley-Davidson is doing something cool with the 2010 Motorcycle Catalog. The cover of the new catalog is going to be a photo mosaic of images of the people who ride our motorcycles and make up the Harley-Davidson family. Anyone around the world is open to pick a favorite photo with their bike or of a riding experience (rallies, events, etc.) and upload it to the mosaic through the Harley-Davidson website.

All the details and instructions on how to submit are listed here: http://www.harley-davidson-mosaic.com

Their goal is to collect at least 10,000 photos by Friday, May 15th. Once a photo is submitted, we’ll send out an email to confirm its receipt. From there you’ll be able to review and locate your photo in the mosaic.

I’m looking forward to seeing you on the cover with me!

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May 11, 2009 · Filed Under Harley-Davidson

May is Motorcycle Awareness Month!

I wanted to make a post as May is Motorcycle Awareness Month.

Some simple statistics:

Motorcyclists are much more vulnerable than passenger vehicle drivers in the event of a crash.
Research shows that approximately 80 percent of motorcycle crashes injure or kill a motorcycle rider, while only 20 percent of passenger car crashes injure or kill a motor vehicle driver or passenger

As a “motorcycle enthusiast” I have a vested interest in every vehicle driver being aware of those of us who ride on two wheels. I have found that, for the most part, people keep a polite distance between their bumper and my rear. This gives us both a “space cushion” in case something were to happen and I end up on the pavement like I did last year.
As a motorcyclist, with minimal metal protections like a car, I am always appreciative of the gesture.

The situation that concerns me more than the vehicle behind me is where a car in the oncoming lane is attempting to turn left across the lane I am traveling on. Statistics have shown time and again that this scenario is one of the most dangerous to motorcyclists. It is easy for the driver of a car to become distracted (cell phone, adjusting radio, talking to passengers, ad nauseam) and never “see” that motorcycle traveling in the lane they are about to cross is there. The most common comment from vehicle drivers involved in an accident with a motorcyclist is “I never saw them.”

Those of us who take the various riding courses available are taught techniques to improve our visibility. Techniques such as wearing bright colored clothing and helmets (not every motorcyclist is a “black on black” – black leather chaps & vest – rider), shifting our lane position from time to time so that you can see us in different mirrors which reminds you that we’re back there, having strobe headlights/taillights, and other tricks.

The most powerful tool out there for motorcyclists is just a general overall awareness by automobile drivers. In other words if the thought “is there a motorcycle there?” crosses your mind as you lane change, merge or cross a lane of traffic then you are doing the absolute most you can to help keep we motorcyclists safe.

For all of you willing to do this, on behalf of motorcyclists everywhere, our sincerest thanks.

I’d also like to share several important tips for drivers to help keep motorcyclists safe on our roadways

Remember: a motorcycle is a vehicle with all of the rights and privileges of any other motor vehicle on the roadway. Always allow a motorcyclist the full lane width—never try to share a lane;
Always make a visual check for motorcycles by checking mirrors and blind spots before entering or leaving a lane of traffic and at intersections;
Always signal your intentions before changing lanes or merging with traffic;
Don’t be fooled by a flashing turn signal on a motorcycle – motorcycle signals are often not self-canceling and riders sometimes forget to turn them off. Wait to be sure the motorcycle is going to turn before you proceed;
Remember that road conditions that are minor annoyances to other vehicles pose major hazards to motorcyclists;
Allow more following distance, three or four seconds, when following a motorcycle, so the motorcyclist has enough time to maneuver or stop in an emergency. And don’t tailgate. In dry conditions, motorcycles can stop more quickly than cars
Motorcyclists have responsibilities, too, by following the rules of the roadway, being alert to other drivers, as well as wearing DOT-compliant helmets and protective gear.
All too often after a crash, the drivers of other vehicles involved say they never saw the motorcyclist and were unable to respond in time. This is no excuse. Too many crashes are occurring and too many lives are being lost

Of course, no one has forced anyone, myself included, to ride on two wheels. I am aware that I choose a mode of transportation that puts me in a more vulnerable position than the person who rides solely in a car.

That choice is not your problem.

However I want you to know how much I (and other motorcyclists) appreciate those of you who care enough to put effort in to being aware that we motorcyclists are out there on the road with you.

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May 4, 2009 · Filed Under Biker, General

Pepper Took My Whip From Me!

But for a very good reason. For those who don’t remember, in 2007 my buddy Pepper made a getback biker whip for me (http://www.hogbiker.com/2007/04/03/have-my-own-getback-biker-whip/53).

I’ve had that whip on my bike all that time…whind, rain, snow (yep…been caught in snow while riding), you name it. That whip has been a steady friend.

Even when I had my wrech last year, the whip survived and was able to be placed back on the brake handle as always.

So…last night, Lynn and I are riding home from dance class and low and behold we pass Pepper! We do a U turn and catch up with him.

After a few hugs and some spirited chatting, the next thing I know Pepper grabs the whip off the bike and in his normal blusterous voice (he’s a very LOUD dude) he says “this thing need an over haul!” and it’s in his tour pack.

At the time I really didn’t think much of it. The guy who made the whip wants to re-dye and re-braid it so it looks like new…cool!

However since it’s been gone, it’s like I’m missing an old friend.

I know it will be back on the brake handle soon, but I just never knew how much I really liked the thing till now.

I can’t wait till I have it back.

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May 1, 2009 · Filed Under Biker, General