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August 28, 2010 · Filed Under Biker

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Rider Etiquette

While we had the wettest summer on record, I hope you all got out & rode this season (even a little bit). Riding in ‘liquid sunshine’ will still bring a smile to your face!

As the riding season wraps up, I wanted to take the time to talk to members who sometimes get forgotten regarding our rides: Passengers.

Most of us who ride ‘two up’ sometimes forget the honor bestowed on us. As riders, we willingly choose to take the risk of riding a motorcycle (as well as accepting all the risks involved). However, when you ride with a passenger, your passenger has also entrusted you with their life as well. They are demonstrating to you that they know you are responsible enough that they are also willing to accept the additional risk of placing their life in your hands on your motorcycle.

So this posting’s tips will be for the passengers – how you can help make the ride more enjoyable for both of you.

Before you attempt to mount the motorcycle, make sure that the passenger footpegs are down. (They fold up when not in use, and it is easy for the rider to forget to put them down for you.) If you don’t know where the footpegs are, have the rider point them out to you.
Also, beware of the hot exhaust pipes. Make sure you know where they are, and don’t let your leg or any part of your body touch them as you mount or dismount the motorcycle. They can give you a severe burn right through the heaviest pants.
It is customary to get on or off the motorcycle from the left side. Always wait for the rider to tell you it’s okay to mount or dismount. If you start to clamber on (or off) when the rider does not expect it, the sudden motion of the motorcycle will be disconcerting. You could even pull the motorcycle over!
Once you are on the motorcycle, plant your feet on the passenger footpegs and keep them there! You absolutely do not want to bring your foot into contact with the rear wheel, drive chain or belt, or the hot muffler. Never attempt to help the rider hold the bike upright when it is stopped. Keep your feet safe by keeping them on the foot pegs at all times.
Taking over the responsibility of hand signals. Many times signals can’t always be seen if the passenger is blocking the rider from the riders behind them. Taking over the hand signals not only guarantees a better view for the riders behind you; it also ensures the rider keeps their hands on the bars for better stability on the ride.
Motorcycles turn by leaning (banking like an airplane), not by steering like a car. So don’t be alarmed when the motorcycle leans over to go around a corner. To position yourself perfectly for a turn, just look over the rider’s shoulder in the direction of the turn. If the motorcycle is turning right, look over the rider’s right shoulder; if it is turning left, look over the rider’s left shoulder. You don’t have to do anything else; looking naturally over the rider’s inside shoulder will automatically put your weight right where it belongs in a turn. Keep your body in line with the rider’s body to prevent the motorcycle from leaning more than the rider intends. (When going straight, it doesn’t matter which shoulder you look over.) Never lean out of a turn; you could cause an accident that way.
When the rider puts on the brakes, it causes a forward weight transfer. If the rider is forced to break hard, as in an emergency, this forward weight transfer is very apparent; you will be forced against the rider, and you will start to slide forward on the seat. Don’t panic. Try to keep back, away from the rider. Resist sliding forward by pressing your feet against the footpegs; use your thigh muscles to control your position on the seat.
While you’re enjoying the view, remember you have a height advantage over your rider and may see something before he/she does. You can be an active participant in the ride by staying alert and being prepared. Help the rider look for potential danger, and be prepared to hang on and hold yourself back if you anticipate a need for sudden braking. Likewise, if the rider is forced to swerve the motorcycle to avoid a hazard in the road, you need to be prepared for the sudden lean and change of direction. While this may seem like “back seat driving” your vantage point may make the difference in keeping the bike ‘rubber side down’ on the road.
If you’re unsure, then DON’T. Being a passenger on a motorcycle is definitely different than being a passenger in a vehicle. Even if you ride yourself, you are NOT a rider when sitting on the back of the motorcycle. If there is a situation where you are unsure what to do, then remain calm and maintain your riding posture. Many times it’s the best thing you can do as it gives the rider one less thing to worry about in a tense situation.

Have fun together & we’ll see you on the road!

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August 27, 2010 · Filed Under Biker, General, Motorcycle Safety

Be An Extra In Our Next ABATE Commercial!

ATTENTION BIKERS!

We’re looking for “extras” for the next ABATE commercial. This will be a classroom scene shot from 1p-5p Tuesday.

The location is 4700 Elmore Road (Formerly South Bragaw) in the Municipal Permit office building!

If interested contact Steve Stripling at 907-223-6360 or uncsteve.

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August 13, 2010 · Filed Under General

http://www.leray.us/nukem/2010/08/10/what-i-will-miss-about-ted-stevens/910

My Post Regarding The Passing of Senator Ted Stevens

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August 10, 2010 · Filed Under General

The Biker’s Code

This was sent to me from a friend….
—————————————————–

The Biker’s Code
by Author Unknown

It used to be that all bikers shared a common bond, an unspoken code of ethics and behavior that transcended words and was built on actions. There was never a bible written on this Biker’s Code and there was no need for such. But the times are a-changin’ and there seems to be a lot of new riders out there.

These days the riders you see blastin’ down the road are just as likely to be clad in shorts and sneakers as jeans and engineer boots. And the roughest, toughest-looking biker you pull up next to could be your doctor or lawyer and may be wearin’ a Rolex watch under his leathers. There’s nothing wrong with that, so long as these new riders learn the Code just as we old-timers did. Being a biker used to be about using your creativity to take a basket case old hawg and using only grit and ingenuity, turning it into a one-of-a-kind eye dazzler, then risking your life on the asphalt on a bike you made yourself out of pride. Bikers wore leather and grease because they knew cagers would just as soon run them down as look at them, so they had to be intimidating.

We were a breed unto ourselves with no union, no support group, and in many cases, no family (they threw us out). We had to make it in the world of our own, against all rules, against mainstream society, and against all odds.

We survived and prospered because of the Biker Code and we never took shit from anybody. As an old scooter bro once said, “It’s every tramp’s job to school the young. How else are they gonna know a Panhead from a bed pan?” With that in mind, we bring you a primer on the basic two-wheeled Code. Take heed, brothers and sisters, for our Code is a hallowed one filled with honor and loyalty, the likes of which have not been since the days of knighthood:

Don’t take any shit. Be kind to women, children and animals, but don’t take any bullshit. This is an essential part of being a biker. It has to do with respect and honor. Anyone can be a quick-tempered fool. Be cool, stand tall and backup what you say with action.

Never lie, cheat or steal. Another way of saying this is to always tell the truth. Bikers are always the greasy bad guys in the movies, but every real biker knows that his word is his bond. Your word is all you have in life that is truly yours. Guard it carefully and be something noble, for you are a true knight of the road.

Don’t snitch. If you see a wrong, fight it yourself, if you are about anything. You’ll take care of problems yourself and never feel the need to snitch someone off. Snitches are the lowest life forms on earth, right up there with biker thieves.

Don’t Whine. Absolutely no one likes or respects a whiner. Another way to say this is hold your mud. Still another way to think of it is, “Don’t sweat the small stuff” Most of life’s little inconveniences work themselves out whether you whine or not. Keep your chin up, dammit! You’re a biker, not some lowly snail..

Never say die and never give up. Whether it’s in a fight, a debate, or a business deal, no matter how bad it gets, a biker never gives up.

Help others. When a brother or sister is broken down by the side of the road, always stop and help them. Even moral support, if that is all you can give, is better than riding on by. Remember life is about the journey, the ride, not getting there. You already are there. And don’t just help bikers, show the world that we are better than our image portrays us. Courtesy costs you nothing and gives you everything.

Stick to your guns. Do what you say you’ll do, be there when you say you will. This is called integrity. This also goes back to standing for something. Like the song says, “You’ve got to stand for something or you’ll fall for anything.”

Life is not a drill. Yeah, this ain’t no dress rehearsal. This is life — go out and take big bites of it. You’ve got no time to lose and bikers don’t stand around waiting for the party to come to them. You only go around once. Tomorrow you could be road kill, thanks to a chain smoker asleep at the wheel of his Caddy. Live life now, make the most of each moment.

All right, now let’s review.

You are a biker, a modern-day knight of the road.
Protect the weak, walk tall and stand proud.
Your word is your bond.
Stick to your guns.
Don’t take any shit.
Life is not a drill.

Now go forth and ride. When in doubt, ride. That’s what we do…ride. If you want to ride around in a Day-Glo Hawaiian shirt and sandals, go for it, but if you intend to look like a idiot, at least don’t act like an idiot.

These commandments are just a few of the broad strokes, there is a lot more to being a biker than buying a bike. If you just buy a bike, you are a motorcyclist. Being a biker is a way of life, a proud way of life we hold in high regard with a burning passion for the open highway.

What say you?

Download the file I received of the code here: The Biker’s Code

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July 12, 2010 · Filed Under Biker

Come Out To Christmas In July w/ABATE!

Visit http://www.abateofalaska.com & click on the poster to view!

Well Christmas in July is upon us once again! ABATE need’s donations (money, toys, coloring books, small hand held electronic games, etc for ages newborn to 19). If you want to help out, let either Laura Goggins or Jan Plummer know.

The ages of the children will be unavailable until closer to the run, so any kind of donation is welcome and appreciated.

Also, ABATE will need door prizes – so if anyone has anything they want to donate, again contact either Laura & Jan.

Also, we’re having a cook out after the run, so if anyone is willing to provide a dish as well that would also be appreciated.

We’ll probably be sorting toys again the night before the run (23rd) and getting the sleigh built, so I’m sure there would be plenty of opportunities for someone to come and volunteer. Again, just let Laura & Jan know & they’ll fill you in on the details.

Thanks & we look forward to seeing you on the run!

NOTE: For those unfamiliar with the Christmas in July event is – it’s a “toy run” that ABATE & all the biker community do in July to bring toys to children in local area hospitals. While we ride our bikes (including Santa), we welcome automobiles for this community event. The runs goes to the 3 major hospitals in Anchorage & the Salvation Army home near Mulcahey Stadium to see kids that are either sick or that are having a hard time and Santa gives them presents (UNWRAPPED)! After we’re done we have a cookout, courtesy of the VietNam Vets M/C.

Here are my pictures from the event: http://www.flickr.com/photos/karlleray/sets/72157621828890725/

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