MANIGALE Desktop Wallpapers: Dudes and Ducatis

OK, we've all seen the Hot Chicks on Bikes photos. Sure we have. Lots of 'em. So why on earth would a photographer try to mimic those arguably classy photos with DUDES instead of hotties? Why, indeed...

I give you the MANIGALE Desktop Wallpapers: Dudes and Ducatis. (See if you can spot the differences in these two photos.)

http://motocorsa.com/featured/ducati-1199-panigale-desktop-wallpapers-manigale



You've been warned...

AND THAT'S A WRAP! Make sure you stop over to look at the original seDUCATIve photos at (purely for comparison purposes, of course).

What now? Musings on adding a bike to the stable

With the BMW gone, I am left with one measley bike to ride. Just one. A tiny little 2294 cc minibike known as the Triumph Rocket III.

OK, hyperbole aside, I really am looking to buy another bike...either an addition to or instead of my Rocket. I do enjoy my Triumph and I can ride that anywhere for the immediate and distant future if I don't find another steed.


There are so many motorcyles to consider, so many options. New, used, sport, touring, sport touring, cruiser, American, Japanese.


Holy cow, there are some decisions to make. I know, I know...this is something every one of us riders has done: Researched, selected and bought a bike.


I have narrowed the search to 2 or 3 wheels (as the CanAm Spyder is not out of the question). That's about it so far.


I would like to continue the long distance riding, but I want a bike with "soul" that I can take on a long day ride or to work.


Here are some bikes I'm thinking about, in no particular order:

Harley Ultra Classic (or the Road Glide/Street Glide)

Can Am Spyder

Kawasaki Voyager

Honda Valkyrie

Yamaha FJR1300 (I like this bike)

Kawasaki KLR650 (just something to have "on the side")

Triumph Rocket Standard

(The Goldwing, AKA: HondaMinium, has been left off the list for now.)


Your input and opinions are requested and valued!


The research begins..

SOLD: my 2004 R1150GS

UPDATE 2: SOLD to ADV Rider Matt/Motoree from the big town of West Covina (not to be confused with the much smaller and less interesting "East" Covina. He now has 3 BMW GS's to play with... I've received questions about the accessories and will list them shortly. Whadaya want?

UPDATE: Looks like I sold it to a BMW enthusiast from the OC. He already has a "couple" so why not add a GS to the stable? He's picking it up this weekend. I will be selling some of the accessories (Jesse Bags/mounts, Touratech stuff, Corbin saddle, fuse panel, etc.). Thanks for your input. I ended up selling it (vs. fixing/keeping it) so I can get another bike. Be safe out there, fellas.

Here's the SDAR link: http://dualsport-sd.com/forums/index.php?/topic/13578-selling-my-2004-r1150gs-for-2800/

****************************************************************************

While I would still like to trade my GS for a Sport Touring bike, I am offering my 2004 BMW R1150GS for sale, as-is, for $2800.



It has a clear title, looks great (is not banged up) and runs perfectly; it just needs something in the transmission/gearbox fixed.

Before I buy and install a used/rebuilt tranny, I am offering my bike to someone who wants it at a pretty good price.

More info and photos available if you're interested.

Here is the related ADV Rider thread:

http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=799092

Tips to save on motorcycle insurance: Live to ride, ride to live. But save $$$ while you're at it.

I once insured an old dual sport bike I owned (Yamaha XT600). The cost for liability was only $75 a year. When I added another bike (Yamaha TT600), the cost was… still $75 yearly. Combined. The guy told me that because the “dual bike discount” was actually more than the $75 savings, he just added the second bike at no cost.

While I want more than liability only for my current bikes, I still want a deal. I came upon this article by Stacy Johnson at MSN Money while shopping around for a better deal recently.

7 tips to save on motorcycle insurance:

Live to ride, ride to live. But save a few bucks while you're at it.

When I was a teenager, my parents were dead set against two forms of transportation: convertibles (they could roll over and crush the occupants) and motorcycles (no explanation required).

As you might expect, the result was a lifelong love affair with both. For a large part of the nearly 40 years I've owned bikes -- my current is a 1999 Harley Softail Custom -- I never gave much thought to insurance. I just surrendered my bike business to whatever company was insuring my car. Mistake. Some insurers specialize in motorcycle policies, so shopping companies can reward you with major savings -- as much as 50%.

1. Join the club
Members of motorcycle clubs sometimes get discounted rates. Clubs are also a great way to compare notes with other bikers, get insurance recommendations, and see who's paying what. Examples include Harley Owners Group, BMW Motorcycle Owners of America and the American Motorcyclist Association.

2. Infrequent rider discount
If you ride only on the occasional sunny weekend, ask about discounts for a part-time or occasional driver. You might also ask about lowering the coverage (and cost) if you don't ride in the winter at all. If you have a loan on the bike, however, the lender will require full coverage on it year-round.

3. Drop full coverage
You've got to have liability insurance, which covers damage you do to other people and their property. But if your bike is old and/or not worth much, you might consider dropping comprehensive and collision -- coverage that pays for theft, vandalism, or damage to your bike in the event of an accident that's your fault.
Whether this makes sense depends on how much you're paying for full coverage and how much your bike is worth. Weigh the cost/benefit, then decide. As with the prior tip, however, if there's a lien on the bike, the lender will require full coverage.

4. Choose the right bike
Some bikes cost more to insure than others. For example, sport bikes often sport higher premiums than traditional road bikes. Never replace your bike without first calling your insurance company to see if the new bike will cost more to insure than the old one.

5. Raise your deductible
No matter what kind of insurance you're paying for -- homeowners, renters, health, car, or motorcycle -- the more of a claim you're willing to pay out-of-pocket, the lower the premium. If you're comfortable raising your deductible from $250 to $1,000, you could easily save 10% to 20%. Check what your deductible is now, then call the company and ask how much you'd save by raising it.

6. Ask about discounts *
It will probably come as no surprise that your insurance company isn't going to call and inform you of potential discounts. Call and ask about discounts for anti-theft devices and keeping your bike in a locked garage. Simply say: "What discounts do you offer?" You might be pleasantly surprised to learn you already qualify.

7. Get additional coverage for extras
Regular motorcycle insurance policies don't cover any enhancements you have made to your bike, such as chrome accessories, custom paint, or a sidecar. Look into supplemental coverage for these upgrades.

* BONUS: Add other coverage (additional motorcycles, cars or a house) to obtain the maximum discounts. Take a MSF (or other MC safety course). Conditions, such as “within the past 3 years,” may apply.

It's not you, it's me. Really.

Trouble in paradise? She's gotta go...

"Listen," I told her, "we've been together for a while now..."

"Three years is a while?"

"Well, yes. It's a really long time. I usually don't stay in these kinds of relationships for more than a year. Two years tops."

"Wow."

"I know, I know. Listen, it not you, it's me. I just need....something else."

"I'm not good enough for you?"

"Of course you are! The best! But...I just want something different."

"I can change."

"No, not in the ways I need. C'mon, you know it's no good. I'm moving on. You'll be fine. You'll see."

Anyhow, that's how the conversation with my 2009 Triumph Rocket III Touring went today.

I love her, but I am looking to move to a Sport Touring set-up, at least for a while. Looking to sell or trade it for the right bike. You may see her on eBay, CycleTrader or Craiglist soon.

Anyone have a bike they're looking to swap? What do I want? I dunno, I'm all over the page. A couple bike's I've considered:

BMW K1200GT
Honda ST1300
Yamaha FJR1300
HD Ultra Classic (I told you I was all over the page)
Kawasaki Voyager
GoldWing (yikes!)
Vespa (just kidding!)

What do you have in the garage that you're thinking of swapping?

Here's my big (2294cc) girl:

21st Annual Ride to Work Day: (Monday, June 18, 2012)

A reminder that tomorrow is the 21st Annual Ride to Work Day.



http://www.ridetowork.org/current-events

U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords on Ride to Work Day (2008 message)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0_wmsaXJKp0&feature=player_embedded

Ride your motorcycle or scooter on June 18th to demonstrate:

•The number of motorcyclists to the general public and to politicians.
•That motorcyclists are from all occupations and all walks of life.
•That motorcyclists can reduce traffic and parking congestion in large cities.
•That motorcycles are for transportation as well as recreation.
•That motorcycling is a social good.

Riding your bike to work ANY day is a good idea, and supporting this event is even better. Like by buddy Dave says: "I'm a rider, not a collector."

Clean One Owner: KLR650 for sale (Now THAT is how you ride a dual sport bike!)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4YvYBwBNwhU&feature


Now that's how you use a dual sport bike!


Reminds me of the old Irish adage: Use it Up, Wear it Out, Make it Do, or Do Without.

This is Ryan Grassley (Half Throttle), the guy from Utah who takes his KLR all over the world. His bike takes a beating but keeps running.

The world is full of armchair warriors. People who dream big and dream often, but rarely get the chance to live out their fantasies. Ryan Grassley was one of those people, and then he hit the road.

Grassley, who you might know better as “HalfThrottle,” has made a living by fulfilling his motorcycle fantasies. With his camera and his KLR 650, Grassley has been shooting motorcycle videos for the last four years throughout the Americas. It hasn't brought him fame or fortune yet, but Grassley is one of the few, lucky people, who truly loves going to work every day. 

USA Coast to Coast on a $200 motorcycle

Well, this makes me feel better about the issues I've experienced on my road trips! The way this guy faced adversity -- and found the kindness of strangers along his route -- really made this a remarkable ride. Classic stuff!

http://www.roadrunner.travel/2012/05/30/no-farkle-no-cry/


No Farkle, No Cry

Are you waiting for the stars to align and searching for just the right farkle for a big adventure? Well, you’re probably the exact opposite of Jamie Robinson, who flew into New York City, bought a $200 motorcycle, and then set a course for California…

USA 4 Corners Tour 2012: UPDATE!

OK, all, I am home in San Diego after missing the finish by "that much." See my write-up titled, "Everything was going just fine (until it wasn't)" below.

Ted and I did really well in moving quickly through the first three corners. We were in South Carolina, about 1200 miles from the final corner in Madawaska, Maine, when my BMW had what turned out to be stripped spline issues (tranny/gearbox).

The dealer in Charlotte, NC misdiagnosed it as a clutch problem and wasn't able to quickly fix it completely. So I headed home instead.

I arrived last night and am sorting out the details now.

Here's a SpotWalla link to the route:http://spotwalla.com/tripViewer.php?id=4a5f4fcb863151306

Good news: Ted completed the 4 Corners Tour a few days later and will soon be listed on the official site (http://www.usa4corners.org/).

My wife, who always looks at the bright side of things, reminded me that I intended to ride to Deadhorse/Prudhoe Bay, Alaska solo on this bike. She asked where I would've ended up. Good question: At 6,100 miles, MapQuest showed me traveling from San Diego to Deadhorse to a little south of Salem, Oregon before I would have theoretically encountered a ride-ending mechanical failure. So at least I wouldn't have been stranded on the Haul Road! Salem, Charlotte...ah, I suppose it's really all the same. Way to go, Babe. Thanks for putting it into perpective.

I wanted to let you know that I made it back OK. Thanks for your support!

USA 4 Corners Tour 2012 (attempt): “Everything was going just fine until it wasn’t.”

Here’s a story of planes, bikes and lonely hotel rooms. You’ll agree that it’s no way to spend a long-distance motorcycle tour. I spent more time in a dealer’s waiting room than I did in the Florida Keys. No good.

So, how did I depart in the saddle of a BMW and return via United Airlines? Ah, now that’s a story. Not the one I’d like to be telling, but not too dissimilar from the LAST big bike trip I took. OK, as the song goes, how did I get here?

The USA is a big old place with plenty of interesting places to see; full of fun, interesting people to meet. But I was looking to put a lot of miles on hot asphalt…11,000 miles to be exact. I’d meticulously maintained my bike and had serviced it in preparation for this ride. All necessary items had been addressed and I was ready to roll. Or so I thought…

Everything was going so well the first few days. Ted and I put mile after mile behind us as we made our way through the four corners of this great country.

Then, somewhere in South Carolina on a Saturday afternoon, I detected a faint rattle from deep in the BMW’s belly. Hmmm, I thought, that’s funny. I’ll have to look into that later. “Later” came in about 30 minutes when my bike lost power and I rolled into a tiny little gas station in the middle of Gable.

Those friends and family who’d chosen to follow me via the SPOT GPS messenger must’ve been wondering what I was doing in one place for so long. Dead in the proverbial water.

Well, here’s a rundown of what I accomplished en route a 2nd USA Four Corners Tour adventure. I’ll tell you right now that I did NOT earn a second certificate of achievement and instead went home in shame. Without my BMW. Want the sordid details of a bike ride that could’ve been and almost was? Here ya go:

Day 1: San Diego to Salem, OR

Hours: 17
Miles: 1050

Ted and I departed San Diego at 1 AM sharp. We rolled though the I-5 to the 405 and back to the 5. Not a lot of traffic. Expected more drunks. Construction slowed us twice. Sunup at 5:15. Moved quickly. We missed weekday commuting traffic in Sacramento and witnessed some beautiful Shasta views. Grooved pavement pulling at my tires at 4 in the morning isn’t the best feeling, but hey, it was better than being at work…

We reached the Oregon border at about noon. Getting close to Salem and seeing our exit ahead, I ran out of gas 4 miles before our final stop. No worries: I carried a small fuel bottle and was going again in 4 minutes.
We stayed with fellow motorcycle enthusiasts Eugene & Barbara Anderson in Salem. When we pulled up we saw no less than 4 beautiful HDs in their garage! You can imagine that we did a "little" talking about bikes. Gene recommended Highway 2 in Washington, a route I'd been wanting to try for a couple of years now.

Fun Fact: Thousands riders complete an Iron Butt ride each year; over 2,800 riders completed a SaddleSore 1000 in 2011. How many attempt an IBA ride is unknown.

Day 2: Salem to Spokane (via Blaine)

Hours: 13.5
Miles: 750

Mother’s day. We were up at 6 AM and ate a big breakfast of eggs, bacon, peaches and pancakes. Now THAT is the way to begin a big ride!

We arrived to our second corner of Blaine by 1 PM. We collected a fuel receipt, phone # at Big Al’s Diner and a photo at the post office. Blaine was dead on a Sunday and we were in and out of the town in 25 minutes.

We opted to take Highway 2 east over the Steven’s Pass. It was a bit slower than the interstate, with lots of traffic at first, but opened up to snow, nice mountain views and rivers alongside the road. We moved quickly over the pass, through the cute little town of Leavenworth and onto I-90. We arrived to Spokane by 9:15 PM.

Fun Fact: Leavenworth, WA hosts an annual International Accordion Competition. It’s a cute little German-esque town up in the snowy hills on Highway 2.

Day 3: Spokane to Rapid City, SD

Hours: 16.5
Miles: 872

This was a way long day! We opted to get off the 90 East and take the 212 through an Indian reservation to “save an hour.” I’m wondering if that was a mistake. We ended up getting to our hotel at 11 PM after some scary riding through deer-infested back-country roads.

Day 4: Rapid City to Meadville, MO

Hours: 750
Miles: 12.5

Another long day of mostly slab riding. The 90 East to the 29 South was fairly uneventful but for the horrendous wind; it kept us on our toes – or footpegs, as it were — for over 100 miles.

Fun Fact: Laura Ingalls Wilder lived in De Smet, South Dakota. I used to love those books as a kid.

Day 5: Meadville to Marietta, GA

Hours: 13
Miles: 775

We passed near to the famous arch, right along the big, muddy Mississippi River. No time to stop, as we glanced at the big old monument to…well, I’m unsure exactly what it memorializes.

We crossed into Georgia twice today as the highway twisted and turned. I was informed that the State was glad that “Georgia was on my mind.” Twice.

Shout outs to our wonderful hosts for the evening, Jerry and Kathy – two motorcycle enthusiasts.

FUN FACT: The St. Louis Arch – also known as the Gateway to the West – was built on the west bank of the Mississippi between February 1963 and October 1965. It stands 630 feet high and overlooks miles of Missouri and Illinois landscape.

Day 6: Marietta to Ruskin, FL

Hours: 8
Miles: 500

Ted and I split up right after we crossed into Florida. He headed southeast to stay with his nephew in West Palm Beach and I headed southwest to see my mother-in-law near Tampa. This was an easy day of riding.

Day 7: Ruskin to Key West to West Palm Beach, FL

Hours: 13
Miles: 635

Ted and I met up below Miami, off the Turnpike, and headed south to Key West. Traffic was moderate and the weather was nice. I saw a few Key Deer alongside the road. We arrived to Key West at about 1PM, snapped some photos in front of the post office, rode down to the Southernmost Point (Cuba=90 miles south) for another photo opportunity, grabbed a sandwich and headed right back north by 2PM.

A nod to the service manager at the Chevron station on Truman Street in Key West who identified us as USA 4 Corners riders and slapped us on the back in support.

We hit our first rain of the ride near Miami...and it was a doosie! Only a 10-minute downpour, but IT CAME DOWN! We were dry by the time we reached West Palm Beach.

Fun Fact: The origin of Key West has nothing to do with a “key” or “west.” Instead, it was first called Cayo Hueso (Bone Cay) by the Spanish explorers who described the dried wood on the beach as white bones. Cayo Hueso became Key West.

Shout outs: A nod to the service manager at the Chevron station on Truman Street in Key West who identified us as USA 4 Corners riders and slapped us on the back in support.

Day 8: West Palm Beach to Gable, SC (Florence)

Hours: 9
Miles: 560

Troubles, troubles. We departed West Palm Beach at 5:30 in the dark making great time up the Turnpike ($4.10 for 50+ miles of easy, low-traffic riding).

The I-95 was really moving as we moved north thru Florida and Georgia and into South Carolina. We stopped in Santee, SC for a lunch at Cracker Barrel where I called my old riding partner and good friend Dave who lives in Virginia. Since Ted and I were scheduled to stop in Skippers, VA (just north of the VA-NC border) for the night, Dave was going to stop by and have coffee with me. Just 20 miles or so after leaving Santee, my bike began losing power. I was able to get off the road and exited to a gas station in Gable where my bike just died. It appeared to be a clutch or transmission issue as the motor still ran.

I asked Ted to continue without me as there really was nothing we could do that evening. We prayed together and off he rode en route to VA and then Massachusetts then off to the final corner of Madawaska.

AMA roadside service brought me to Florence, about 15 miles north, where my bike tipped over in the trailer and broke my windshield. Could it get any worse? I contacted some local CMA folks and was happy to see LeRoy from Florence Victory Riders arrived with a trailer. He brought me to his house where I cleaned up and started making calls. It was Saturday afternoon – I doubted I’d get my bike serviced anytime soon! Still, the CMA network was working overtime and told me to relax while they researched the issue. There are two BMW dealers in SC…both hours away. The other closest dealers were in North Carolina: Charlotte and Raleigh. Oh, what to do… The good thing was that I was in a safe, comfortable place being hosted by some fine Christian friends while I waited to see what the future held.

Days 9-11: Florence, SC

Hours: N/A
Miles: Zero

Days 12-14: Charlotte, NC

Hours: 8 (in a BMW dealer’s waiting room)
Miles: Zero

Here’s the whole ugly saga in painstaking detail: The dealer ordered parts on May 22, and, the next day, after 6 hours of labor, informed me that they were stumped as to the issue and would have to order more parts and spend even more time “figgering out what the heck is wrong” with my bike. Hmmm, that’s not what I expected to hear from a BMW dealer.

I briefly considered buying another bike (a beautiful blue BMW R1200GT) and finishing the ride. However, with all of that drama going on, I decided to cut my losses, hire a shipper to deliver my bike to my mechanic in San Diego and hop a flight back home. So off I went to the airport on May 24, a defeated and very disappointed rider. That ended my USA 4 corners Tour, as well as my vacation days.

Shout outs to good friends Bob and Sherri who put me up and showed me the town for two days while the BMW dealer tinkered with my bike.

Now, the question has been posed: Am I gonna do it again? Am I going to buy another bike? Will I sell the bad, bad Beemer? Am I crazy, or what?!" Well, I'll say: Maybe, Maybe, Probably, Likely. (Not in that particular order.)

PREVIOUS (Planning Stages)
OK, the planning phase is over and we're hitting the road in a couple of days. Ted and I plan to depart San Diego around 1:00 AM on May 12 and return in late May.

I now have a SPOT GPS tracking device so here is the link to follow us: http://share.findmespot.com/shared/faces/viewspots.jsp?glId=0GOrQRdjM0Y1M7p9gWdJJU8oP3zJ5ubA1



Feel free to share this link with anyone who'd like to track our daily progress.

We will be moving fairly quickly (an average of 710 miles a day) and plan to complete the entire ride in under 11 days. I will do the ride on my trusty BMW R1150GS this time (instead of my Triumph Rocket III) and Ted will be on his Honda ST1300.

Here's the 4 Corners website: http://www.usa4corners.org

NOTE: We plan to ride 1,040 miles to Salem, Oregon the first day so Ted can earn the distinguished "Iron Butt" title. You can learn more about that ride at: http://www.ironbutt.com/ridecerts/getdocument.cfm?DocID=1

Ted plans to visit friends in Mississippi after we complete the ride and take his time getting back home. I plan to travel back fairly quickly, putting on as many miles as I can safely ride.

See my ride report from my 2010 USA 4 Corners Tour: http://ineverfinishanyth.blogspot.com/2011/06/usa-4-corners-tour-ride-report-may-25.html

We appreciate your prayers and support! Follow us as we ride.

New Corbin Saddle on my 2004 BMW R1150GS

UPDATED REVIEW: After 6,000+ miles in 8 days, I am qualified to rate this particular seat a solid 4/10. I found it uncomfortable after the first 100 - 150 miles of riding and pretty much unbearable after 500 miles. I enjoyed the heated portion quite a bit while going over high mountain passes -- some of them icy or snowy -- but that wasn't enough to make my rear end happy for long-term/high-mileage touring. I considered all types of alternatives to improve the comfort of this seat along the way: a sheepskin cover, an inflatable (AirHawk) cover, wood beads...anything would've been an improvement! I've previously owned a Corbin saddle and was extremely satisfied with it over many, many miles of riding. While that previous seat was "harder" and didn't "give" as much, this particular saddle was soft and too "cushy" and did not appear to be made for long-distance touring. I understand that motorcycle seats require a "wear-in" period, but 6,000 miles should have been sufficient to break in any saddle. I am considering selling or modifying it, but cannot recommend (or use) it as is. I hope this review helps some rider and his/her posterior. PREVIOUS: I'd previously bought a Seat Concepts saddle for my GS. As much as I wanted to like it, it did not have the heated element. I found a Corbin saddle (both front and passenger/rear and backrest) and sold my Seat Concepts saddle to a friend.

I've had Corbin seats on previous bikes and was impressed with the quality and comfort...though their hardness can scare riders at first.

I found a heated Corbin for a resonable price and jumped on it.

I'm liking it so far (6 weeks in) and will do an updated review once I complete the 10,000-mile+ USA 4 Corners ride next month!

NOTE: This purchase has actually nothing to do with the recent story about the man and his BMW and his Corbin seat...I bought mine over a m,onth before this came tyo light!

Calif. Man Sues BMW For Persistent Erection
April 30, 2012 9:36 AM
http://detroit.cbslocal.com/2012/04/30/calif-man-sues-bmw-for-persistent-erection/

BMW North America has probably had to deal with plenty of unusual lawsuits, but one filed last week may be a first — a California man says the seat on his motorcycle has given him an erection he just can’t shake.

Henry Wolf of California is suing BMW America and aftermarket seatmaker Corbin-Pacific claiming his issue began after a four-hour ride on his 1993 BMW motorcycle, with a ridge like seat. Wolf is seeking compensation for lost wages, medical expenses, emotional distress and what he calls “general damage.”

He said he’s had the erection non-stop for 20 months. And it comes with another side effect: The lawsuit says Wolf is “now is unable to engage in sexual activity, which is causing him substantial emotional and mental anguish.”

WWJ Newsradio 950 spoke with Dr. Michael Lutz, at the Michigan Institute of Urology, who said there is no medical data to support the man’s claim. However, “It’s been long-known that compression of the neurovascular supply to the penis — if it’s compressed for a period of time, whether it be on a bicycle seat or some other device — it can actually cause prolonged numbness of the genitalia,” Lutz said.

“Not only in men, but women can also get numbness in that region if they’re compressing those nervous structures to that region of the body,” he said.

BMW Motorcycles of Southeast Michigan in Canton, Mich., checked out the story and noted the man wasn’t riding a standard BMW motorcycle seat. He was on an after-market seat, which start at about $200. People generally buy them to make the ride more comfortable.

“Sometimes people say it’s more comfortable, sometimes people can get a tall seat or a low seat or they’re shorter or taller, they can come heated,” said Theresa at BMW Motorcycles of Southeast Michigan.

Road Companions: Riding with Others or Going it Solo

I've read an awful lot about the subject of Riding With Others. There are strong opinions on either side, neither really incorrect.

I will take this opportunity to briefly spell out the arguments on both sides. And I look forward to hearing your take on the issue.

It's extremely important to choose a good road partner BEFORE the ride...be it your brother, wife, best friend, your best friend's wife, a fellow rider or your trusty dog. Internet groups have increased the number of riders meeting on-line and riding together – often without a face-to-face meeting prior to hitting the road. Something occurs to relationships on the road. Patience is tested, nerves are rattled, alliances are put to the limit, murders are committed and friendships are strained. OK, maybe there are no DOCUMENTED killings, but I assure you, if looks could kill…

Hundreds or thousands of miles from home is no time to discover that your travel companion’s style doesn’t quite agree with yours. He doesn’t like to leave early, she doesn’t want to ride over 65 MPH, and they like to stop every 50 miles to smell the roses or see the sights or eat or what-not. Small foibles in Omaha become huge obstacles in New Jersey.

Many riders decide to ride solo – either to bypass the problems described above, or just because they enjoy the solitude of the road. Downsides may include loneliness, diminished safety, increased cost of lodging and the lack of immediate roadside assistance should an unscheduled stop occur. To some riders, those are risks worth taking to ensure harmony while traveling.

OK, you’ve decided to ride with others (or the decision has been made for you -- at times, riding with a group is inescapable). Here are some points to consider well before getting on the road:

• What route will the group take?
• How fast will we ride and for how long?
• Who will lead, who will trail?
• When will we start the day and when will we stop?
• How many rest stops and how often?
• How will we communicate?
• How will we manage hotel accommodations or camping?
• How will finances be handled or costs shared?
• What actions will we take if there are mechanical difficulties? Will the group continue with the ride or wait with a stranded biker?
• What actions will we take if we are separated?
• Who should we contact in the event of an accident?
• How will we handle changes to the scheduled itinerary?

While this is by no means an all-inclusive list, it definitely begins the thought process on what discussions should take place during the ride planning.

Whether you ride solo, with another motorcycle enthusiast or with 50 other riders, I hope you have a safe, fun and memorable ride.

I'm interested in hearing your opinions and experiences.

Earplugs: The argument for wearing hearing protection

Riding a motorcycle creates a lot of noise, even when wearing a full-face helmet. Depending on the circumstances and a helmet's design, wearing a helmet may actually increase the noise level.

Longtime bike enthusiasts will tell you stories about hearing loss and a very annoying and constant ringing in the ears (tinitus). Studies have shown that "white noise" from the wind and the road can be more harmful than a jet engine. I think that many bikers don't understand the damage that riding without hearing protection will cause.

Wearing earplugs, properly, can greatly reduce the noise level of riding. They can help save your hearing and also reduce some of the stresses of long-distance riding. Remember, once your hearing is lost, it is lost forever.

Wearing earplugs while riding will make your ride much more enjoyable. If you've never worn them -- or only wear them occassionally -- you won't believe how much less stressful it is to ride without wind noise. And earplugs can make a noisy helmet much quieter.

DID YOU KNOW: That even when wearing a full face helmet, the wind noise alone may exceed the OSHA regulations for industrial noise exposure? Based on several research studies, the major contributor to hearing loss in the motorcycle industry is wind noise. Even riding at a speed of 65mph can produce wind noise levels in excess of 103dB. Over time, this noise is loud enough to cause permanent ear damage. Imagine what you are doing to your hearing if you can't even hear the wind over those straight pipes you put on your motorcycle!

Get the facts at: www.freehearingtest.com/hia_motorcyclefacts.shtml

If you don’t currently ride with earplugs, please consider doing so.

This link has everything you need to know about earplugs and motorcycling: www.webbikeworld.com/Earplugs/earplugs.htm

Like Nike says: JUST DO IT!

Please slow down! (EXTREMELY GRAPHIC PHOTOS)

Fellow motorcycle enthusiasts, I am using this series of GRAPHIC posts to hammer home the importance of safe motorcycling. This series of photos from Budapest, Hungary in 2007, shows a rider cut in half by a collision with a pole. If you haven't heard by now, speed kills. Please slow down.

Guadian angels and protective gear can only do so much...the rest is up to YOU. The Snopes link is here: http://www.snopes.com/photos/gruesome/motopole.asp#photo5

Please slow down! (GRAPHIC PHOTOS)

Another grisly reminder that motorcycles are meant to be enjoyed. There are too many good roads too ride and life is much too short. As the photos of a speeding Tulsa motorcyclist who meets the rear end of an 18-wheeler show, speed kills. This incident happened at 2AM on Highway 169 near Tulsa, Oklahoma in April 2007. It's estimated that the motorcyclist was going over 120 MPH.

Here is the Snopes link: http://www.snopes.com/photos/accident/tulsacrash.asp Remember: Helmets normally only protect brains when they're being used.

Please slow down

This older series of photos from a motorcycle-meets-automobile accident in Stockholm, Sweden in 2005 is a grim reminder of what can happen when speed and steel mix. Please slow down, my motorcycle-loving friends; I want to ride with you again.

The Snopes link is here: http://www.snopes.com/photos/accident/seemotorcycle.asp