Riding on a motorcycle has several advantages over traveling in an automobile Here’s 10 things you never have to worry about when riding on a motorcycle.
1. Fuel Prices.
2. Taking your mother in-law along.
3. Locking your keys inside.
4. Replacing wiper blades.
5. Buckling up.
6. Hearing the children say; “He’s touching me!”
7. Cleaning out the ashtray.
8. Slamming your fingers in the door.
9. Over packing for a trip.
10. Finding a place to park.
11. Taking your mother in-law along…………….. Wait, I just said that!
4:45 a.m. My wake up call for this Sunday morning. Some hot coffee, a quick shower, and I am heading out the door. In 2 hours KTRSD will be track side at the largest celebration of vintage motorcycles on the continent; AMA’s Vintage Motorcycle Days! A dark, and chilly morning, greets me as I walk to the garage and fire up the bike. I will be heading North to Mid-Ohio Sports Car Race Track, one of the most challenging courses in the country with it’s 2.4 mile, 15 turn ribbon of asphalt.
By the time I arrive at the track, the paddock area is already buzzing with activity, as the teams are preparing their vintage contraptions to race, on what will be a very hot Sunday in July.
I spent much of the morning trying to get my bearings, and familiarizing myself with the day’s schedule; 13 races, swap meet, demo rides, and a seminar lead by Clement Salvadori. All of this plus a bike show, fill the agenda, some editing was certainly in order.
As the day progressed, the racing schedule backed up, due to the fact there was a significant oil spill on the course, and the track crew was having a difficult time cleaning it up. (I didn’t even realize there was a Harley in that last race!) Kidding! Here’s a few tid-bits from the day…
1. Clement Salvadori is a better writer than a speaker.
2. $6.00 for a soda and wienie.
3. Fuel $10 per gallon in London.
4. Triumph was king today.
5. Vintage bikes are cool, but very unreliable.
6. Over 60,000 in attendance on Sunday.
By mid-afternoon the sun was baking the track and the participants, sunscreen and water, were the priorities of the day. Here’s a sample…
OK, “caught with my pants down” is simply a figure of speech, but I did get caught in an afternoon thunder storm. After work I decided to take a little ride before meeting a few people for dinner. I jumped on I-70 heading West, riding into an ever darkening sky. Within minutes, a few drops began, then a deluge.
Springfield’s weather had been hot and humid today and quite honestly, the rain felt refreshing. I always carry my rain-suit, but decided to leave it the bag, and simply enjoy the ride.
It is finally here! Everything old will be new again, at least for the next three days at the AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days! The gates opened today at 7 a.m. at the beautiful Mid Ohio Race Track in Lexington, Ohio. Sponsors of the vintage days are anticipating crowds of 40,000, or more during the events 3 day run. This year the Marque of the year is Triumph. Each day will be packed full of races, swap meets, demo rides, and seminars. Well known motorcycle writer, Clement Salvadori, will be in attendance delivering a three part series entitled “Nostalgia”.
KTRSD will be track side on Sunday from 7 a.m.- 6 p.m. Hope to see you there!
Attempting to keep up with the Joneses is never a good idea, especially if the Joneses are riding sport bikes!
All of us have encountered riding with more skilled, more experienced, and flat out better riders than ourselves. And from time to time, all of us have faced the pressure of riding at a faster pace than we deemed comfortable, to simply keep up with the pack, or to avoid the appearance that we can’t cut it.
I am convinced this pressure, whether exerted by the pack, or self inflicted, has been the sole source of many motorcycle mishaps. Face it, none of us desire to look inept in front of a group of our buddies. So what can be done?
First the long term…
1. Face reality! Someone will always ride better than you! So what?
2. Practice! Get alone in an out of the way area, and learn your limits, learn your bikes limits.
3. Learn! Take a safety class with qualified instructors. Or find a good rider and ask for some help.
4. Limit group riding! Don’t put yourself in situations where you feel that peer pressure.
Short term… “Before the ride!”
1. Discuss! Most ride leaders are sensitive to less skilled riders and should take that into consideration.
2. Designate! Select a place to meet after the ride. Takes some pressure off.
3. Self talk! Remember it’s not a race, this is supposed to be fun!
4. Monitor your gut! Ride within your limits.
I believe all riders should continually strive to be more skilled, and more educated cyclist’s. Yet each of us have to know, and ride within, our current riding limits. Keeping up with the Joneses is never a good idea, especially if their riding sport bikes!
One of the things I enjoy doing after a 10 hour day, is to have a beer and read the paper. So Tuesday night I stopped by one of my favorite establishments to do just that. While reading USA Today, and sipping on a tall Killian’s, I caught a small newsflash from South Carolina’s AAA.
The article stated motorcycle deaths are up 40% in South Carolina in the past 5 years, and this trend is expected to increase as more people are purchasing bikes as a way to escape rising fuel prices. Agency head, David Parsons said there were 87 motorcycle related fatalities in 2003, and 122 deaths in 2007. He went on to say that although motorcycles make up only 4% of registered vehicles in his state, they involve 11% of the traffic fatalities.
Clark County Fairgrounds was last night’s destination of choice, as District 11, held round 12 of their motocross racing schedule. Brilliant weather welcomed riders from the southern section of Ohio, as they competed in Monday’s motocross event. The dirt was flying, and the racing action was non-stop, as riders attempted to navigate a short, but well rutted track. Michelle and I, had a great time watching these high spirited motorcycle races. Of course, what is the fair without a little fair food? So a stroll through the midway seemed in order as we sought out our favorite… Elephant Ears, to be exact!
“Moto Movie Night” was simply awesome! Saturday evening KTRSD rode to Columbus, for a night of food, games, stunt riders, and 2 great flicks, “The World’s Fastest Indian“, and “Easy Rider“! The weather was absolutely perfect, and the venue was well suited for such a party. We arrived at A.D. Farrow Co. Harley Davidson around 7:15 p.m. and immediately could see a great deal of forethought had gone into this event. There were activities for the children as well as the adults; games, hot air balloon rides, great food, and an exciting group of stunt riders.
A 25′ screen was set up near the lake and all the movie goers place their blankets, and chairs, out on the well manicured lawn. While waiting for the movie to start, my wife even enticed me to play a game of corn hole! It was actually fun. There are plans in the works to do this again and I will certainly keep you informed!
