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Motorcycle Fatalities on the Rise

2229688259_db30250935_m1.jpgOne 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. 

Keep The Rubber Side Down!

Posted by rick on Jul 23rd 2008 | Filed in Articles, Statistics | Comments (2)

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Motocross and Elephant Ears

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!
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Posted by rick on Jul 22nd 2008 | Filed in Local stories | Comments (4)

Keep The Rubber Side Down At the Movies

“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!

You need to a flashplayer enabled browser to view this YouTube videohttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qxclzaa4Sco

Posted by rick on Jul 20th 2008 | Filed in Local stories, Videos | Comments (4)

Have A Great Weekend!

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The bike is fueled and the weather is scorching, so I will be burning up some asphalt this weekend!   Have a fantastic weekend!

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Posted by rick on Jul 19th 2008 | Filed in Uncategorized | Comments (0)

“Easy Rider” Reminder.

movie_details21.jpg Just a reminder that this evening is movie night at A.D. Farrow Co. Harley  Davidson.  The weather should be perfect!  See you there.

Posted by rick on Jul 19th 2008 | Filed in Local stories | Comments (0)

Bike Pic of the Week 1974 Moto Guzzi

Not long ago while visiting one of my favorite BMW stores in Columbus, a couple rode in on this  1974 Moto Guzzi.  They were an older, yet engaging couple, and certainly dressed the part as they toured on this beauty.  They purchased this bike in 1978 and it is only one of the many motorcycles they enjoy owning. 

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Posted by rick on Jul 17th 2008 | Filed in Photos | Comments (3)

Ask the Motorcycle Safety Foundation

Recently the MSF was asked…  “When riding two up, who should be responsible for the hand signals, the operator or the co-rider?”

MSF response… 

 ”Only the operator should make the hand signals.”  “It is the operator’s responsibility!” 

Reasons

  1.   “A passenger cannot always anticipate what the operator will do that would require a hand signal.”
  2.   “If the operator had to tell  the passenger to to give a particular signal, valuable time could be lost or the operator could lose attention to riding.”
    groupsignal1.gif Check out more signals here!

Posted by rick on Jul 16th 2008 | Filed in becoming a better rider | Comments (1)

World’s Fastest Indian & Easy Rider

Saturday Night is movie night at A.D. Farrow Harley Davidson, Americas oldest Harley Davidson store. Columbus Biker, co-sponsor of the event, asked for our cooperation in promoting this special night, and we are more than happy to help!   Below are the details, if you want to ride up with me, drop me a line at rickslark@yahoo.com.  I am really anticipating a night of great fun!  See you there!

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Posted by rick on Jul 15th 2008 | Filed in Local stories | Comments (4)

4 Tips for Riding in the Wind

Destination: The Motor City!  Sunday morning I awakened to brilliant blue skies as a  night of furious winds, heavy down pours, and havoc, came to an end.  My wife and I left Springfield, heading North on Rt. 68, past gently rolling meadows, and fields of freshly mown hay.  We soon entered Amish country and bid a warm greeting to a young family, making their way to worship. In Findlay, we took I-75 North to our intended city.

We enjoyed our ride to the state where all the woman look like yeti, just kidding! 

On our way home, we stopped in Toledo, for had a delightful, riverfront dinning experience, at Cousino’s Navy Bistro, if you are ever in the area, I highly recommend it.
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After a delicious dinner, a stroll along the river, and a very good cigar, it was time to return home.  We jumped on I-75, and headed South.  The slight westerly winds I had noticed earlier in the day, were continuing to pick up velocity, and within five miles had become much more than just a nuisance, they were beginning to affect the bikes handling, and buffet my head like a pinball.  Although these certainly weren’t the strongest winds I have encountered, they were enough to get, and keep my full attention.  So today I decided to list my 4 tips for riding in the wind.  Hope they help! 

Here’s a list of 4 tips for riding in the wind…

1.  Relax!  it is very natural to tense your shoulders and increase your grip on the handlebars.  The best remedy is to relax your upper body!

2.  Anticipate!  Often barriers such as trees, buildings, trucks, and RVs, block the gust of wind.  Be alert of upcoming scenery changes that will allow the wind to hit you full on. 

3.  Watch your spacing!  Try to keep some room around you in case you need to avoid debris or you are blown into another lane.

4.  Stop and Wait it out!  This is a worst case scenario, but one you might need to take if conditions warrant it.  “Getting there later is better than not getting there at all.”

I realize this is not an exhaustive list.  What tips could you add?

Posted by rick on Jul 14th 2008 | Filed in Out Of State Rides, becoming a better rider | Comments (10)

Rambling Links

27952_27310446.jpgOn Sunday, while riding to Detroit, my wife told me I was wasting gas.  Maybe she was right, check out US News and World Reports article; “5 Gasoline Wasting Mistakes Most Drivers Make.”

Posted by rick on Jul 14th 2008 | Filed in Articles | Comments (0)

Ronnie Renner Sets Record

You need to a flashplayer enabled browser to view this YouTube videohttp://youtube.com/watch?v=VvBENs9_ukc

Posted by rick on Jul 12th 2008 | Filed in Videos | Comments (2)

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