Who doesn’t like to take snapshots of the exciting places we have toured.  But face it, most of us are not pro’s at the photography gig.  Many times while riding I have photographed a unique building, or a lovely landscape I thought would be really awesome to share with a wider audience, only to find out the photo fizzled!  If you understand what I am talking about then here’s a link for you.  12 Photo Tips for motorcyclists.

I am off enjoying the long holiday weekend.  This post was from August of last year, but the information is timeless.  Keep the rubber side down!

Who doesn’t like to take snapshots of the exciting places we have toured.  But face it, most of us are not pro’s at the photography gig.  Many times while riding I have photographed a unique building, or a lovely landscape I thought would be really awesome to share with a wider audience, only to find out the photo fizzled!  If you understand what I am talking about then here’s a link for you.  12 Photo Tips for motorcyclists.

A good Monday to you!  On Friday morning I embarked on my first trip to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.  My initial tour of the 2010 season covered 932 miles and included many amazing sights.  Trips such as this one is the reason I work, and I am certain the same goes for you!  Keep that in mind as you head out today.

I have several good friends on the road this week and I bid them God-speed!

The legend Bessie B. Stringfield.

In the 1940s, “The Motorcycle Queen of Miami” broke down barriers for women and African American motorcyclists at the same time, completing eight solo cross-country tours and serving as a U.S. Army motorcycle dispatch rider.

from Motorcycle Hall of Fame.

I love long term touring and have discovered that proper packing is crucial for a safe and hassle free trip.  The photo below is a perfect example of how not to pack your motorcycle.  A few infractions are…

• Too much mass.
• Relying on bungee cords alone for restraints.
• Center of gravity too high

Seriously people, if you need to carry this much crap on a trip, take the damn car!  Improper packing is not only dangerous to the rider, but to other motorist as well.

How about sharing some of your packing tips?

My plans to take a full day off didn’t turn out as I had envisioned.  Instead I spent the better part of my day convincing a middle aged gentleman he should shell out $9, 347 for the SUV his darling daughter desired.  Once this mission was completed, I was out the door, ready to enjoy the remaining daylight hours on the bike.

Daytime temperatures had risen to the mid-twenties and road conditions were clear on the main thorough fares, with secondary streets requiring much more attention as patches of snow and ice abounded.

My ride was mostly uneventful until the sun beginning to fade and I decided to make one last detour to visit Ferncliff Cemetery.  Ferncliff, is a 20 acre cemetery dotted with historic trees and gently rolling hills.  It lies within the Springfield City limits and is a desirable setting for landscape photos.  The cemetery’s narrowly winding drives however, were mostly shaded and blanketed with snow and ice, navigating them was treacherous, and all a rider wanted to handle and then some.  In fact, while riding down a slight incline, the RT began a slide to my right that didn’t conclude until I ended up off the road and into a snow filled ditch with the ole’ girl on her left side.  Neither of us were injured and with a little coaxing and ingenuity we were soon back on the road.  Here’s a few photos of the day.

See more Pics here.

There is nothing I love more than women and motorcycles.  The photos you will see in the coming weeks have been gathered from various places are meant to be a tribute to them both.