Lucky Ducks! You never know what you will see when out on the bike. Check this out…

In this edition of “Gadgets and Gear” I review the TourMaster Response SC Riding Boots.

By early afternoon I had completed my list of Sunday responsibilities and decided to take a ride.  Although 8 to 12 ” of snow remains on the ground, the city streets and county roads were clear and dry, and since it has been ten days since my arse has had any saddle time I was anxious to get started.

As I geared up, first putting on my riding pants, then my jacket, I felt like Jeremy Renner’s character; Staff Sargent William James, in the movie the Hurt Locker.  James, works as a member of the the Explosive Ordinance Disposal squad and needs the assistance of  two other soldiers when putting on the heavy protective suit worn when removing bombs in war torn Baghdad.  I can relate!  It seems the closer we get to nice riding weather, the more cumbersome my gear becomes.

I headed to the garage and the RT roared with anticipation, much like my Malamute when he realizes its time for his walk.  The sound of that old boxer engine coming to life put a huge smile across my face. I rolled down the driveway and at that moment, I was the happiest man alive!

I admit there are times I don’t wear all my gear.  I know better, but sometimes if I am running a quick errand or taking a short trip, I just don’t. Big mistake!  This video features a friend and fellow motorcycle blogger, Bill Dwyer, (Atlas Rider), from the Phoenix area.   Bill, is a longtime rider and ATGATT advocate.  After working on his Ninja this weekend, Bill, decided to take it on a test run around parking lot of his apartment complex.  Well, I will let him tell you what happened next…

When you love motorcycles, but the calendar only shows February, you are most likely jonesing for a two wheeled fix.  So you can image my excitement when I realized the 34 World Championship of ICE Racing would make a stop at Hobart Arena in Troy, Ohio, just 30 minutes from my home.

As many of our readers are aware, I have become very acquainted with riding a motorcycle on ice, but believe me, these ICE riders showed me how it was done.  Gary Densford, and his son Brent, of International Championship Events (I.C.E.) gave KTRSD unlimited arena access, but we chose to spend much of our time in the pit area talking with the riders and learning more about their motorcycles.  We found them to be a great bunch of men and women who are competitive,  addicted to motorcycles, and have an unquenchable need for speed.

A long line of fans arrived early at the arena, braving the wind and bitter temperatures which had plunged into the mid teens.  The gates opened at 6:30 p.m. and the stream of people from all walks of life, quickly filled the 3500 seats of Hobart Arena anticipating a night of fast paced racing excitement, and I am certain they got their money’s worth.

The evening begins with the lights going out save one blinding spot light sharply focused on the pit entrance to the ice.  As the music gets louder the crowds enthusiasm rises to a fever pitch as the announcer introduces each of the riders participating in this nights competition.  The riders are from every corner of our country and range in age from eighteen to fifty- eight. The racing schedule consists of eight heats of motorcycle racing, an LCQ race, followed by the main event.  As well as quad racing.  It is a full night of motorcycle excitement.

THE BIKES

The bikes are state of the art made by all the major manufactures we are all familiar with.  They are lightweight and incorporate a modern, extremely powerful, 4-valve head, 4-stroke single cylinder engine.  All the machines are matched by horsepower and weight to create and maintain parity with the race teams.

These motorcycles are equipped with only a rear brake, a kill switch for riders safety, and incorporate Silver Rocket .160 studs on the tires.  Aside from a few minor modifications the bikes are mostly stock.  Here’s a list of the bikes used…

• ATK - 450
• HONDA - CRF450R
• HUSQVARNA - TC450
• KAWASAKI - KX450F
• KTM - 450SX
• SUZUKI - RM-Z450
• YAMAHA - YZ450F

The power of these motorcycles is evident from the start, and with great riders on the throttle, it is full out racing till the checkered flag.  The action is fast, loud, and competitive.  If you ever get the opportunity  to attend an ICE sponsored race do so.  It is a fantastic way to be close to the sights, sounds, and smell, of motorcycles  in the dead of winter!

Some desire to ride, some desire to ride well. Here’s a video that has been around a while, but inspires me to become a better rider. Hope it will do the same for you.

BMW Motorrad shocks the motorcycle world with the announcement of a new inline 6 called the “Concept 6″.

Ran across this slow motion video of bullets impacting various targets. Pretty amazing! Thought you may enjoy it.