WASHINGTON — The number of motorcyclist deaths jumped in 2007, accounting for nearly one in eight motor vehicle deaths, government safety officials said on Thursday.

Deaths of people in cars and trucks, on bicycles or on foot dropped by nearly 2,000 last year, pushing the overall death rate to a historic low. But deaths of motorcyclists surged 6.6 percent, to 5,154; 2007 was the 10th straight year of increase.

Experts say the trend is most likely to continue, as high gasoline prices will encourage some travelers to use their bikes more often, getting 50 miles for the $4 gallon of gasoline instead of 20 in their cars.

“We have seen the total motorcycle participation in vehicle miles traveled go up,” said Mary E. Peters, the secretary of transportation and a longtime Harley-Davidson rider.

“We might see more people moving to that mode of transportation,” Ms. Peters said. “We might see that data skew.”

Motorcycle ridership appears to be rising even as the total miles for all vehicles drops.

Total deaths in motor vehicle crashes in 2007 declined to 41,059, a drop of 3.9 percent compared with 2006. Deaths in cars fell 7.8 percent, and in light trucks 2.7 percent. Even alcohol-related deaths fell.

In recent years, the development of safer cars and improved highways has been racing against growing levels of traffic to keep the death rate steady. Last year the total miles traveled declined by about 0.6 percent, and total deaths dropped much more sharply. The number of deaths per 100 million miles of vehicle travel, dropped to 1.37, a historic low.

In 1966, the rate was above 5 per 100 million vehicle miles traveled, and the number of dead was above 50,000.

Deaths on motorcycles hit a low of 2,116 in 1997. Since, they have risen 128 percent. Their share of crash fatalities has jumped to almost 13 percent from 5 percent.

The highway safety authorities say that about 75 percent more motorcycles are registered today than 10 years ago. They suspect each motorcycle is ridden more miles, but the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says it does not have a reliable measurement of use.

And, safety officials say, many of the riders are middle-age or older men who rode when they were young, gave it up as they raised children and have recently gone back to the bike. “They think they still have the same reflexes,” said James Port, the safety agency’s deputy administrator.

Yet ridership has probably become more dangerous mile for mile. One reason is a decline in the number of states requiring the use of helmets. According to the National Transportation Safety Board, in 1975, 47 states required all motorcycle riders to wear helmets, but now only 20 do.

At the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the organization that conducts independent vehicle crash tests, Russ Rader, a spokesman, said motor vehicle deaths would probably continue their decline into this year. “A drop in highway deaths is always the silver lining in a down economy,” Mr. Rader said, with fewer trips to work and discretionary trips.

“We are the only industrialized country in the world where there is an organized effort to weaken or repeal motorcycle helmet laws,” Mr. Rader said. “That definitely is a factor in the increasing deaths.”

At the Motorcycle Safety Foundation, which is financed by the manufacturers, Tim Buche, the president, said a person killed on a motorcycle was 2.5 times more likely to be under the influence of alcohol than a person killed in a car and three times more likely not to have a proper license.

“There’s risks in everything in life, but the risks can be addressed,” Mr. Buche said, by training, licensing, riding sober and wearing protective gear.

source : The New York Times

NORTH SALEM

DRIED roses and a smiling photograph, distortedly reflected in chunks of black plastic motorcycle parts crudely fashioned into a cross, mark the spot where Brian HoSang crashed and died on southbound Interstate-684 two months ago.

Sabrina HoSang, of Pleasantville, hopes the broken pieces of her brother’s 2005 Honda prompt other bikers to slow down. If not, she says, she thinks the new Westchester County police checkpoints singling out motorcyclists will prevent other crashes.

“It’s one step further to making the road a little bit safer,” she said. “Drivers who drive cars can also be dangerous, but if a person driving a car gets into an accident, their chance of surviving is greater than someone on a motorcycle.”

The county police agree and were inspired to begin a motorcycle safety campaign after three fatal crashes on Westchester’s winding parkways last year. The county has already had three motorcycle deaths this year: the 24-year-old HoSang on May 11; Barry Johnson, 42, of New Rochelle, killed on Fifth Avenue and Portman Road on June 6; and Carlos J. Cepeda, 24, of Yonkers, killed on the Bronx River Parkway on June 14.

The police expect serious accidents will keep happening, as ridership rises because of abundant summer sunshine and mounting gas prices.

“A lot of it is fuel prices, and then the more motorcycles people see, the more people want to become a part of it all,” said Bob Simpson, owner of the Smart Rider Motorcycle Safety Program, which offers classes in Poughkeepsie and Suffern.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports the number of registered motorcycles jumped to 6.68 million in 2006 from 3.9 million in 1996, with fatalities climbing from a rate of 55.8 per 100,000 riders to 71.9 per 100,000 riders. In contrast, while the number of registered passenger cars rose to 136.9 million in 2006 from 124.6 million in 1996, the car accident fatality rate dropped from 18.1 per 100,000 occupants to 13.0.

Mr. Simpson’s program teaches riders to avoid crashes by turning properly — 43 percent of fatalities happen on a curve, he said — braking, swerving and making themselves more visible on the road.

“This is one way to prevent problems, to educate yourself rather than just jump on a motorcycle, being taught by a friend or teaching yourself,” Mr. Simpson said, adding that enrollment has doubled this year.

The county police say they hope their parkway checkpoints will motivate more bikers to enroll in such programs, and to ensure they have the proper documentation and equipment.

Of 250 motorcycles stopped on the Hutchinson River, Cross County and Bronx River Parkways on May 25, the police issued 32 summonses and impounded six bikes. Each motorcyclist also got a fact sheet on safety requirements and recommendations, said Sgt. Brian Hess of the county police.

“You can’t make any mistakes on a motorcycle; one mistake can cost you your life,” he said. “In a car, you have built-in safety equipment, like airbags and safety belt. On a motorcycle, the only thing you have is the helmet, and usually it’s too late if it comes to that.”

Sergeant Hess said most riders had no problems with the checkpoints, complaining only that a few irresponsible bikers, especially younger riders who are new to the road, had given all of them a bad name.

Kurt Abisch, 57, founder of the Westchester Beemers Motorcycle Club, whose membership has grown 15 percent to 123 members this year, said he hoped the checkpoints curb reckless riding. But he also said he found it frustrating that his BMW motorcycle, which he uses for commuting and recreation, is perceived as more dangerous than a car.

“We always get harassed and stopped more often than anybody else by the cops,” Mr. Abisch said. Checkpoints “keep away the bad riders with no license, insurance or registration, but I hope they also check the automobile population for the same things.”

Ms. HoSang, who fondly described her younger brother as a daredevil who enjoyed trying stunts on the used bike he bought last summer, said she did not think a checkpoint would have saved his life. The police determined that speed was a factor in his accident, but based on what the friends riding with him described, her family is looking into whether a problem with his front wheel contributed to the crash.

Either way, Ms. HoSang said, her brother’s friends, including the four riding home with him that Sunday afternoon, have taken their own precautions in the wake of Mr. HoSang’s death.

“They all sold their bikes,” she said. “But some people still just take their chances.”

Taken from The New York Times.

Hello everyone.

This weekend was a good one. Blair and me headed west, to the good roads and even better views.

We wanted to go the road to Glencoe as it was apparently very good, so we headed out early doors to get the best of the day.

A quick blast past Loch Earn brought us to Tyndrum and The Green Wellie Stop. Along the lines of the Ace Cafe in London, it's a place that bikers stop/gather/chat etc. Today was pretty quiet so we had a quick cup of tea and then we got on our way.

The weather was holding up and was set to be a decent day by the looks of things. Both B and me were excited about the Glencoe road and when we got on to it, we could see why there was so much hype about it.

The roads were pretty open, some stretching for miles in a straight line. Brilliant for overtaking, not so brilliant for wind...it was WINDY. At one point an articulated lorry went past and it was like a sonic boom on your face. Quite dangerous for bikers.

Anyway, we stopped for a pee (I needed to stop a lot of times today, don't know why...) and took in some of the views. Breath taking. I was suddenly reminded of the Scotland trip and how amazing Scotland really is.

We eventually got to Fort WIlliam, joining the same road we had taken on our way from Fort William to Oban on the trip. It was such a different experience this time because it wasn't raining. The road was really twisty and when we got a chance to get the speed up instead of being behind the millions of caravans we encountered, it was a great road to ride. 

Fort William was warm and sunny, we had some lunch and chatted about this and that, then headed back the way we came. Our arses were starting to numb and again I was reminded of the Scotland trip, and this time the memory wasn't so fond. The GSR certainly leaves a lot to be desired in the seating dept.

Another fag and pee stop, this time back at Loch Earn.

It took us roughly 2 hours to get back to Perth and we were both pretty knackered. It's amazing how much fast road riding takes it out of you. It was a great run though and some superb roads to ride. There was tonnes of bikers all around the places we went today and it was just great to get out and ride a new road.

Anyway,

Hopefully we can get out more often before the winter starts...oh hold on, it already has. :(:(:(

Thanks for looking all,

Cheers

Gordon

So my husband bought a (used) motorcycle yesterday: a 1999 Honda Nighthawk 250. The guy he bought it from is going to deliver it, which is great. It gets at least 5 times better gas mileage than our Jeep Grand Cherokee, which is more than great. I'm kind of nervous; but at the same time it's really very cool.

He also has an appointment on Tuesday to get his second tattoo. The design is still in process; but it will start on his back, wrap up and over his right shoulder, and then come about halfway down his arm. Also very cool.

Benelli Bike Wallpapers

Επειδή από μηχανολογία και χαρακτηριστικά μηχανών δεν έχω ιδέα, απολαύστε τις φωτογραφίες και για περισσότερες πληροφορίες παραθέτω το δελτίο τύπου που εξέδωσε η Honda (στα αγγλικά) για τις νέες CBR1000RR Fireblade και CBR600RR.

CBR600RR

CBR1000RR Fireblade

Το δελτίο τύπου της Honda:
"Honda today announces the first of its exciting motorcycle model line-up for the 2009 model year.

New and updated models include the class-winning and still breathtaking CBR1000RR Fireblade and CBR600RR Supersport machines, both of which will be available with Honda's all-new electronically-controlled Combined ABS as an option.

Meanwhile, in the Off-Road category, the new 2009 CRF450R raises the bar further with an all-new lightweight fuel-injection and ignition system, while the 250cc version, the CRF250R, offers even greater technical refinements and style.

CBR1000RR Fireblade
The 2008 CBR1000RR Fireblade has astonished the media and public alike since its unveiling and launch last year. During 2008 it has won national and international races and magazine awards for its unique mix of power, performance, poise and controllability - qualities the Fireblade has been famous for since it was first launched back in 1992.

For 2009, Honda's engineers were charged with extending the Fireblade's capabilities even further by adding increased safety to an already impressive level of dynamic ability and control - but without losing the Fireblade's razor-sharp edge. Honda has achieved this goal thanks to the addition of its all-new electronically-controlled 'Combined ABS' on the CBR1000R Fireblade C-ABS version. Developing a Combined ABS system capable of matching the performance demands of a bike such as the Fireblade was always going to pose a challenge, but it has been met and exceeded with no loss to the Fireblade's ultimate sporting philosophy and, with a minimal weight penalty.

This marks the first time a Supersport machine has been capable of delivering the highest levels of speed and performance, while also benefiting from the confidence and peace of mind provided by Combined ABS. Tadao Baba - the designer of the original Fireblade used to strive for 'Total Control' for the CBR-RR. This now comes with the enhanced safety feature of Combined ABS, adding up to a new era in sportsbiking.

The compact engine now sports an intense matt black colour, enhanced with a new shape-hugging black engine cover, and features new black brake callipers (standard version only). The Combined ABS version's engine is also black, with new Sherry Topaz Brown Metallic brake callipers.

The C-ABS model also integrates additional bodywork features to neatly cover the ABS system components. The independent front power unit near the engine is housed by a sleek continuation of the front fairing. Similarly at the rear, an attractive, black underseat cowl covers the ECU unit.

The CBR1000RR Fireblade for 2009 comes in the stunning Pearl Sunbeam White HRC Tri-colour, Repsol Race Replica livery, Achilles Black Metallic and Pearl Siren Blue.

CBR600RR
Now in its fourth generation, the 2009 machine builds on the heritage of blistering pace and supreme control set in 2003 by the first CBR600RR. When the all-new CBR600RR was launched in 2007, Honda once again was at the forefront of the 600cc Supersport class - the most intensely fought in motorcycling - with a machine which was the most advanced in the category.

For 2009, the goal for Honda's development team has once again been to enhance a machine capable of fast, intense track riding while also delivering a controllable, easy-going road-riding experience. Adding to this experience is the inclusion of Honda's Combined ABS on the CBR600RR C-ABS version. The highlights of the technical enhancements to the 2009 CBR600RR include:

* Changes to piston, cylinder head and exhaust which lead to improved torque from 8,000-12,000rpm for increased engine flexibility and driveability
* Fairing improvements to enhance stability and reduce wind noise
* Electronically controlled Combined ABS for better braking performance along with increased safety and all-round rider confidence (optional)
* 184kg kerb weight to keep the machine the lightest in its class

To enhance the new performance and mild aesthetic update, a new colour range has been introduced to make the most of these changes, to include a limited-edition Pearl Sunbeam White design with electric blue fairing and front and rear cowling graphics, a Pearl Sunbeam White design with white/red/blue Tricolour, as well as Graphite Black with Bright Lime Green Metallic and Graphite Black with Italian Red.

CRF450R
The amazing CRF450R has impressed in Supercross, Motocross, desert racing, enduro, flat-track and Supermoto - now the updated 2009 model is ready to raise the bar further still. The new-for-2009 CRF450R is slimmer, lighter and more powerful than its predecessor and includes an all-new and lightweight fuel-injection and ignition system, which features a revolutionary fuel-injection indicator with engine stop switch to show the pre-race condition of the fuel-injection system - a first for Honda.

The fuel-injection system also delivers the same engine characteristics at all altitudes thanks to new settings, as well as improved fuel consumption, which allows the fuel tank size to decrease by 1.5 litres. Chassis changes include a fifth generation cast aluminium, rather than two-part forged frame, which gives less weight and increased stiffness, a longer swingarm and wider rear tyre, HRC settings for the suspension, along with a new steering damper - which has been re-valved for more linear damping - and changes to the overall dimensions of the CRF, which allow for better traction out of the corners, improved acceleration and increased ground clearance.

In addition to the performance, there are new plastic body parts, which feature new Honda Racing inspired colours and graphics and thanks to their slim, aggressive styling, this allow the rider to move easily around the bike. Overall the new machine is around 1.8kg lighter than the 2008 machine and has proved its impressive speed and agility in recent track tests. The colour sports Honda's Extreme Red with white number-boards.

CRF250R
Honda's CRF250R is further refined for 2009, with improvements coming directly from its bigger brother - the 450R. To allow its commanding presence to continue in both the Motocross and Supercross arenas, the CRF250R welcomes an even smoother power delivery from its updated and advanced 249cc Unicam engine. The whole engine itself is lighter and more compact and has a newly designed cylinder head for improved power delivery - especially in the low to mid power range.

Gearbox modifications will provide smoother changes with less clutch action needed, while suspension and steering damper settings have been altered as well. Updates to the brake disc covers and the design of the front and rear discs reduce weight further, all contributing to the '09 model being 100g lighter than its predecessor.

The styling is edgy with more compact lines to reduce weight wherever possible along with 'works' style handlebars with longer grips for slip-free operation. To complement the increased performance and styling, in comes a new limited-edition black version with black seat, rims, engine cover and front mudguard. The black shroud also features a unique flame graphic.

Prices and UK availability dates are yet to be finalised for each of the 2009 models, but these four new models will be on display on the Honda stand (1D20 - Hall 1) at the International Motorcycle and Scooter Show at the NEC in Birmingham, from 28 November - 7 December.

For further information about Honda's great range of scooters and motorcycles call 0845 200 800, visit www.honda.co.uk, or visit your local dealer. Honda motorcycle dealers can be located using the 'Dealer Search' facility within the motorcycles area of www.honda.co.uk, where you can also find all the latest news and information, offers, genuine parts and accessories and forthcoming events."

[via autoblog]

The early claim was "out practicing hoop".  Now, the full monty is about to be exposed and the news ain't good.  We had heard that Tommy Abdenour, the Warriors' trainer, was on his way to MS to "investigate", but that turned out to be a rumor.  Then, 2 days later we hear that Mully has been in some sort of secret, friend to friend chat with Monta.  And, today's San Jose Mercury News states "the Warriors know that the guard's ankle injury last month occurred 'outdoors and not while playing basketball'...and 'scared to tell the truth at first'."  A precursor to only one thing...he invalidated his phat contract.  Tagged as a fibber, but likely a forgiveable one.

There's unconditional admiration for this kid in the Big O.  There always will be.  For right now though, could he be connected to a freakish lineup:

1. In March 2002, a San Franscisco Giant and former 2000 All-Star game starter claimed to be cleaning his truck and accidentally slipped off the roof and broke his wrist.  Only to find out later, he was doing wheelies down the middle of the street on his motorcycle after baseball practice.  The guilty bragger and former Cal Bear - yup, Jeff Kent.
2. A community college parking lot in May 2005 becomes the skid zone for an out of control, highly touted footballer from the Miami 'Canes.  He ends up missing his entire rookie with an ACL injury and corresponding 6-week staph infection.  He's a stud now as was his dad - the Kellen Winslows.
3. After a brilliant college hoops career at Duke, he's the 2nd overall pick in the 2002 draft by the Chicago Bulls.  Then, in June 2003, crashes his motorcycle into a lamp post in downtown Chicago.  Severing a leg nerve, broken pelvis, 3 torn knee ligaments including his ACL,  Jay Williams never played in a regular season NBA game and never will.

And, there are other motorcycle crash test dummies like Ben Roethlisbeger (sans helmet), Jerome Mathis, Jamie Henderson, and Steve Howe.

Are there any bets that Monta was whipping around Jackson on a motorcycle when this tidy mis-hap occured?  Was he under the influence?  Monta just doesn't really seem like the motorcycle type, so these could be ill comparisons.  Time will tell all.

Some other guesses.  It's not snowboarding, but maybe some indoor skateboard or motorcross track.  Flag football game at the ole family reunion.  Fell out of the back of pickup truck.  Jumped off his roof into the pool.  Pogo-stick jumping state championship. 

Regardless, fans will accept Monta back with open arms as will the entire team.  No doubt.  But, will he be the same?  He better be.  Will he come back with a vengence, with something to prove?  I hope so.  Will he get Brett Favre syndrome (Vicadin addiction)?  I hope not.  

We hope and pray Monta comes back full strength and leads the Warriors to a season beyond expectations (read = a fight down to the wire for the 8th playoff spot in the Western Conference).

It seemed like the right thing to do as we had cleaned the workshop so that you could reasonably expect to be able to work on something in there. Yesterday I even found the bolt cutters after only a moments searching (instead of several days )and then used them to rescue a friend who had locked something up with a padlock and then rather cunningly lost the key. For future reference using bolt cutters is excellent fun and makes you feel like MacGyver.

Once the bike was in the workshop we had a better look at it.

It's in surprisingly good condition really, I mean almost every bit of plastic or rubber is shot through the but serious metal parts seem to be fine once you get past the rust, but that's all part of the fun of restoring bikes.

It really is mostly dirt, although there are a few more parts that will need replacing than I originally thought.

I'm not sure where to begin, I suppose a good clean to start things off. Of course, you can't rush something like this so perhaps the first step should be have a cup of tea and then think about any future steps. Actually with that amount of forward planning it should probably be a cup of tea and a biscuit.

Yes, that's what this project needs, a tea break.

Altough he's not working full-time at it anymore these days, he still finds time to knock up the odd coffee table, bookshelf, or entertainment unit.

He also built his son a wonderful "Rocking Motorbike" many years ago, and being a motorbike nut, it seemed logical that it would be based on his own motorbike at the time, a 1974 Norton.

Here she is, The Fortom

The Club H.O.G. 25^th celebration started Thursday, August 28^th at Miller Park Stadium (home of the Milwaukee Brewers).  Free for H.O.G. members the day-long celebration was prior to the start of the 105^th Anniversary event.

We departed about 9:30am to get a jump on the day and drove the twenty minutes which came to an abrupt stop on the Interstate near the stadium exit.  Surprise, there's a huge traffic jam! 

Not knowing exactly what or where we were headed...the delay due to poor traffic control wasn't obvious until after we got parked in the stadium lot.  Once parked, we waited in a long line that took approx 35 minutes to get into the refreshments and concert area.  Within an hour it became obvious that it was going to be a "sardine packed" day and the heat/humidity was increasing.  The State Police lined I-94 and started controlling access to the exit having people go around the stadium and come in from an alternative direction.  I've never seen so many motorcycles let alone so many Harley's.  Incredible!

While we were in line we made some new friends and shared stories of the open road.   The camaraderie of standing in line meant we all got to chat with H.O.G. members from around the world.   Many seemed surprised we rode out from the Northwest rather than trailer.

As the day progressed all you could hear was the low drone of exhaust and see a constant stream of motorcycles snaking their way into Miller Park. Wow, the place was packed! I'd be remiss not saying there was excitement building. Space presented some challenges, but people were laughing, hugging, joking, and having an overall good time. We let the DB Bryant Band rock us for a while with their cool sounds.

Our group wanted to experience some more of the culture that Milwaukee had to offer, so we left for awhile to enjoy some authentic Harley dealer activity in one of the historic neighborhoods and we dropped in on Hal's (New Berlin).  We did a drive by of manufacturing plant on Capitol Drive (Wauwatosa) where the powertrain operations are located.

I was told that H.O.G. distributed 250,000 pins and ran out in under four hours.  Wow!

We headed back to the stadium as it was getting time for Kid Rock.  First off we had to sit through introductions of Jim Ziemer (CEO), H.O.G. executives, MDA spoke person (Luke Christie) and Willie G along with his family.  I'm not sure where they all were prior to the speech, but 3 of the 5 people from Harley-Davidson who spoke were nearly DRUNK...their words slurred and barely understandable.  Willie G went off on some motorcycle story about Harley HYPHEN Davidson...reminding everyone that he had the last name in the motor company's name....odd, very odd rant.  His son (Michael) did a nice job of interrupting the word slur rant of Willie G. and tried to make some sense of the family business and his passion for making the best motorcycles in the world.

Back to Kid Rock and man did he rock the crowd.  People lined the entrances excited to see this dude perform. The songs from his new CD (not on iTunes!) are dam good.  "All Summer Long" is terrific, but the live version of "Half Your Age" is one of my favorites.  The crowd was the biggest sea of people I've ever experienced at a concert standing at stage level.  The folks at H.O.G. thought ahead to have the jumbo-tron viewing screens under the beer garden tent and in the food vendor areas. It definitely allowed more people to enjoy the headline act.  Word is that Kid Rock is getting set to roll out his own beer and cigar brand.

All told, I thought it was one great day packed with a whole lot of fun and it was a really cool place to be. Great job H.O.G.!

Interested to know more about our "Ride Home"?  Read the road blogs for: Day 1 HERE, Day 2 HERE, Day 3 HERE, Day 4 HERE and Day 5 HERE.

We woke up to find the roads all wet from a series of thunder showers that blew through the region overnight.  Fortunately we were heading in the opposite direction and the main freeway was dry.

By design our "Welcome Home" day was set up to be a shorter ride with a little over 300 miles to cover.  We were staying at the Holiday Inn Express in Delafield which is about 30 minutes west of Milwaukee.  As a tight knit group that's been riding together for years we spent some time over breakfast debating freeway vs. alternative back roads, but decided that the incentive of seeing the world's largest ball of twine paled in comparison to just getting "home".

There was a change in the air...we started seeing more motorcycles.  After two hours into the ride it was clear we were on to something big as there were now a lot of motorcycles on the road. 

And speaking of roads the Wisconsin DOT has it hands full.  I've never ridden an Interstate that had so many cracks, ruts, seeping oil and holes as I-94.  We came upon several "repaving" sections where WisDOTs oil-mix covered with light sand had me thinking of dirt track days in my youth!  In addition there were a number of areas where they were milling off the top of the two concrete slabs where they mate up. 

I'm not sure what they were trying to accomplish, but it was like an orange peel...open and rough, rather than an apple peel, smooth and tight.  Don't like my fruit analogy?  Then choose your own...bottom line it was over a hundred miles of brittle, bumpy riding.  It wasn't any better the closer we got to Milwaukee and later on we found that the urban roads in and around Milwaukee also had deteriorated or were worse than the Interstate.  They have a major issue as described in this report.

We arrived mid-afternoon and to commemorate our achievement we rinsed the 2,176 miles of bugs off the bikes.  The Holiday Inn had set up a great bike wash area and we took some time over refreshments to reflect on The Ride Home and chat with all the riders who descended on the hotel and made the pilgrimage too.

Next up are the accounts of the action on the ground from the HOG 25^th and 105^th event celebrations...

The Ride Home - Day 4 HERE, Day 3 HERE, Day 2 HERE and Day 1 HERE.

The previous day could be best summarized as bugs, wind and heat!

Hoping for less wind than yesterday's Montana adventure we got up early.  Actually, one of the guys in the posse (and you won't believe this), wakes up minutes prior to the time of the alarm!  As if he has some subconscious alarm clock telling him it's time to go. 

At any rate, we were greeted with even more wind than the previous day which meant full-face helmets to provide some relief from the 30MPH sustained, gusting to 40MPH "breeze."  The weather service issued a wind advisory across the entire NoDak state...like we didn't notice!

US Highway 2 runs east-west through the northern side of NoDak and Interstate 94 runs east-west through the southern side of state. Interstate 29 runs north-south on the eastern edge of the state.  We made a mid-course change in our plans and decided to drop down and take one of only two major roads in North Dakota which runs diagonal (northwest-southeast) through the state -- US Highway 52.

US 52 provides an ever changing mix of agricultural farm and pasture land, native wetlands, and small lakes set on rolling landscape, but the wind was howling and made for wicked motrcycle driving!  Tolerable as long as we headed directly into the gusts, but on US 52 we were often diagonal to the wind direction and it was interesting riding having to compensate.  All day I couldn't help but wonder when are they going to turn North Dakota into one big-ass wind farm...

We picked up Interstate 94 east at Jamestown.  Louis L'Amour, the western novelist, and Darin Erstad, the pro baseball player in the 2002 World Champion Anaheim Angels, are both natives.  In my "fun fact" search of NoDak tidbits I ran across this little video of some dude's cam-cording the NoDak landscape from his pickup truck while driving across I-94...and listening to some kind of Scottish music.  Can you spell F-U-N?!

About an hour later we arrived in Fargo.   Fargo is the largest city in North Dakota and situated on the Red River.  It's the place people most relate to in the Coen Brothers movie starring Oscar-winner Frances McDormand and William H. Macy.

Another 3 hours of wind-whip-lash we were approaching the Twin Cities (St. Paul and Minneapolis).   It's hard to determine which city you are actually in.  There is no visible dividing line; the cities really do blend into one another.  Minneapolis is an all American city, the people are chill, there's no east coast ‘tude, and there's water everywhere...a great vibe.  The best part of the day was that we'd seen the wind drop off significantly and the end of a 500 mile day came to a close.

The Ride Home - Day 3 is HERE, Day 2 is HERE or Day 1 HERE.

Why keep old batteries or things that don't work? What could you use them for? Perhaps it's part of a biking mindset I just don't understand yet, although I must admit I have a few old computer components knocking around that I very much doubt will ever be used again. I'm not sure why I store them. Perhaps because at one point I spent a lot of money on them and so it seems a bit wrong to just throw them away as rubbish.

That's one of the worst things about modern computers, almost by the time you've opened the box they have decreased in value and within two years they are practically museum pieces that are unable to run the latest software. Compared to that even the most modern, cutting-edge sports bikes seem like an excellent investment. It's extremely unlikely that in a couple of years a new system of roads will be developed that your old bike won't be able to go on, or if it will it will only go extremely slowly and be unable to do the best bits.

The workshop is nearly sorted out now, the shelves and things are going to need a bit more work but with a couple more days of cleaning the floor will be completely clear of old scrap and rubbish and it will be possible to start working on bikes. I will need to get a few supplies in before I start, having an old jar of swarfega about is very important and I think I'll invest in a boilersuit. My dad always used to wear one and so being in a slightly grubby boiler suit seems like an essential part of messing around with motorcycles.

I've pitched out some more work too, so hopefully the Daytona fund will get a fresh injection of funds, some of which may or may not be spent on boilersuits.

It has been interesting, to me at least, to find timely and responsive on-line dealers, and those that could give a crap about getting your business. If it isn't obvious, repeat business goes to those who have "earned it."

So, today's post is about some things done, some things coming up soon, some things deferred, and some favorites and annoyances along the way.

Recently Done

• The communication system is installed, tested, and tuned. This system gives me stereo iPod, Zumo GPS directions, and BlueTooth phone connectivity. (I may just choose to turn off the phone ;-) The sales rep at Autocom (http://www.autocomamerica.com/) was extremely helpful, the product arrived on time and as expected. The packaging and installation went smoothly. 
• I have gone on several long-distance trips recently, and have decided the stock BMW seat is a hinderance to long-distance travel (at least for me.) I did not want to buy a after market seat without being able to try it (cost), so I bought the AirHawk air cushion (http://www.therohostore.com/) and have it installed. So far, so good, and it saved me a fair amount of $ from buying an after market seat!

Coming up Real Soon Now

• My new touring bike is due for the 6,000 mile service soon. I scheduled it the week before the trip, and will assume all goes well. Else, I don't have a "Plan B".
• Except for 2 nights lodging in Greenville/Spartanburg sandwiching my BMW training course, I plan to wing-it with respect to daily mileage and lodging. Still, I want to compile a longer list of places that are "must see" for this trip. Any "must see" advice from Smokey Mountain National Park through Gettysburg are most welcome (traveling along Blue Ridge, Skyline, etc.)

Deferred

• I am making this a motel/hotel/B&B lodging trip rather than trying to make it a camping trip. Too much, too soon, in one trip. Camping will happen on a later trip.
• Better senses came to me, and I stopped "farkling" (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Motorcycle_farkle.) Since I am going solo for this ride, the GMRS radio and other non-essential stuff can wait.

The Good and Bad

• Bob' BMW (http://www.bobsbmw.com/) continues to be my favorite for timely shipping and delivery of products for on-line shopping, assuming that they have what you want.
• You can't trust on-line inventory status. I decided I would buy a heated vest liner. I will need it in the fall in New England, and thought I may want to have it on this early fall trip in the Appalachians just in case. Well, every website that I found that was selling the Tourmaster Synergy XL vest with collar showed it out of stock earlier this week. After calling RevZilla, they found a (distributor?) inventory database error and have shipped the vest to me. Kudos to them for their follow-up to gain my confidence and subsequent order. (I wonder if all other on-line retailers have recognized this same error.)
• H I J, as in Hanna, Ike, and Josephine (http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/.) Hanna will not be an issue for my trip. Ike should not be an issue. But who invited Josephine! My plan is to ride, rain or shine. But, a TS, TD or Hurricane could change that.

Here's the rundown of my professors:

Biological Anthropology-He's a short, stocky latin american man who published the textbook we're using. It's sometimes very difficult to understand what he says thus it's very easy to let my mind wander. He gets very uppity when he sees people talking and singles them out and proceeds to ask them to share what they were talking to their neighbor about. I thought I was in college. He let us out half an hour early today which I don't mind. The class seems to be mostly sophomores and juniors which is a little intimidating.

Introduction to Language-A lean south african man with long hair in a ponytail and a motorcycle helmet. Pretty cool guy. Huge lecture so yet again it's easy to drift off into la la land. The textbook is gigantic (700 pages). So far I really like this class. It's about as close to a Psychology class as I get this semester. It's a little involved though. For one of our assignments we have to download a program onto our computers that will run a speech test on people and then there's a whole write up that goes with it. Could be interesting. I have this class with Maor...

Spanish Reading and Composition-Since I placed out of my language requirements, taking this class gives me 8 credits instead of 3 which is very nice. It's half sophomores and half freshmen who are in the same situation as I am. There are about 25 of us in the class which is really nice considering my other lectures are 200 people at the least. The teacher is adorable, she reminds me of Ms. Wiener in a way. The class doesn't seem too strenuous. It mainly consists of reading short stories, watching movies, and writing essays all of which I can handle.

Linguistics Seminar about Curiosity/Questions-This is one of my favorite classes so far. The professor is pretty old and also pretty hard of hearing which makes things fun. He also swears non-stop! The only problem I have is that he's very vague with his assignments. He hasn't given us a syllabus and does not intend to. He told us the other day to start reading the coursepack (without specifying how many pages or anything) so I figured I'd put it off a little bit. Bad, bad, bad idea. Now I'm like 70 pages behind on the reading which is pretty dense. I've got until Tuesday to finish it though so I think I'll be alright. I must say though, there are a few dumb people in this class (bros and japs). For example, this is an e-mail one of the only two guys in the class sent to the professor last night. Don't ask me why the professor then forwarded it to the entire class but I got a nice laugh out of it:

Bro:
Hello Professor Lawler. This is Brian Shilling from your Linguistics
102.003 class. I was just curious about the first paper that
is due on Thursday. I was wondering if the paper should be one
page double spaced? If you could email me back, I would appreciate it.
Thanks,
Brian Shilling

Professor:
I don't care, Brian.

As long as it's no more than one page,
and it does the job, it can be spaced any
way you like.

Cheers,
-j

Principles of Sociology-Another huge lecture (250 people). We get to use these cool remotes though so it feels like I'm participating in a gameshow. Class is engaging and the professor is pretty funny because he tries to be hip and use slang terms. My GSI (graduate student instructor) who leads the discussions is from Taiwan and her English is not so great. It's pretty endearing to read her e-mails. I hope people don't walk all over her because it seems like it's relatively easy to do.

Enough of that. After my first class, I found a cafe inside the library where they had sushi so I got some and it was absolutely delicious. I haven't eaten since and I am very hungry but unfortunately the dining halls close at 8 so I will have to make me some Easy Mac. Maybe that will make me feel like a real college student? After lunch I went to the club fair in the diag and signed up for a bunch of stuff and got lots of free candy/pens/cups/etc/useless things that will clutter up my dorm room. And then I just got back from the Hillel Kosher Meet Market event where freshmen go to meet other Jewish freshmen. There were only a few of us so it was a little awkward at first but I did meet some nice people. There was a guy from Massachusetts (close to the Cape Cod area) who was very nice and lives in my dorm. And then there was an attractive looking guy from Seattle. We all exchanged numbers (goody!).

And now I'm back here. Toiling away. It just never seems to end. I think I've lost any positive study habits that I ever had. I can't focus at all and my mind is constantly wandering. I feel like I haven't made any close friends here and that all of my relationships are superficial and fake. I hate it. I hate eating lunch alone. I hate taking the bus. And most of all I wish people would understand my sarcasm. But they don't.

I was invited to go to Salvation Army by a girl on my floor but I have class at that time. I actually really want to go and I hate turning down the offer. I want to be social but right now it's just taking so much effort and it seems as though it comes more naturally to other people. The problem is that I see nothing wrong with just sitting in my dorm all day studying. In fact, I kind of prefer that sometimes. Having to be around other people is really tiring right now and I don't know how much longer I can keep a smile on my face.

I want my Pilot pens. Now.

I want people to not be rude to me when I get on the crowded bus in the morning to get to class.

I want to be able to talk to people about things besides class.

I want to watch Secret Life.

I want to not have to wear shoes in the shower.